The lights of the carnival were blinding, the bright colors a mockery of the macabre situation Christy was in.
It was strange, like this ghoul was seeking a girlfriend, not prey.
"Cmon, you'll love this!" He dragged her to another ride, which she was prepared to dutifully ride, but she paused.
"It's so cool!" Losing herself, she jumped for joy, leaping on to the ride.
She was brought back to her situation when Jack got on with her, putting his arm around her and inhaling. "You smell…strangely delicious."
"I…get that a lot." Christy admitted awkwardly.
"Don't worry." Jack smiled. "I wanna finish our date and make love to you before I devour you."
"Is that supposed to make me feel better?!"
Jack blinked at her. "Yes." Was all he said.
Christy looked up at the Ferris Wheel. The fireworks were about to start, and suddenly a wicked plan sprang into her head.
She pointed at it. "If I'm to die, I want to ride that."
Jack seemed surprised. "Why are you so accepting of your death? The others screamed." Was he actually pouting?
"I don't fear death." Christy knew she couldn't die. She had survived natural disasters, who the hell did this bitch think he was?!
Unperturbed, Jack led her to the Ferris Wheel. "I'm going to kill you when we reach the top."
Christy looked straight into his eyes. "Bring it on, bitch."
She got on the ride, grinning, and saluted at Haise, who was standing in line clearly listening. He made a face at her.
Clearly he understood the plan and did not like it one bit. Yeah, she was counting on that. But she was sure of Haise. He wouldn't let her die.
Not that she was worried. Cuz she wasn't.
Of course Jack wasn't about to wait. In the little car, her smell was overwhelming. He lunged at her the moment they were clear of onlookers.
At that moment, Haise kicked his way into the car. He made another face at her, as he quickly trussed up the inexperienced ghoul.
"Was all of that nonsense really necessary?" Haise challenged. "You didn't have to challenge him."
"What so I was supposed to act scared?" Christy raised her eyebrows and gave him a mock damsel face. "Oh Haise I'm so scared please help me!"
There was a loud bang and the two of them whirled, ready to fight, but it was just the fireworks.
Christy moved to Haise's side to watch the lights in the sky. Whether bidden or out of some bizzare habit, Haise's hand found Christy's.
They stood there in the little car, watching the fireworks, until the Quinx got the ride running again and got them down, booking Jack.
But in that silence, hands clasped, wisps of memories danced across Haise's mind, every skittering out of reach.