Old Songs- Sammy x Jack

Susie Campbell

Jack's POV
An ink machine. Jack wasn't quiet sure what an ink machine did, but it was being installed as soon as possible. He didn't like ink on it's own already, but putting it in a "machine" somehow made it worse. Jack's eyes scanned the rest of the bulletin board posted outside the main stage. It was covered in band schedules, an announcement about some new angel character, and posters displaying the plastered, manic smile of Bendy himself. Jack felt he was often imitating that strained smile himself lately. The music department had been in crunch mode for a good week now, and the rare sleep Jack got was barely enough to rest him. That breathless moment on the rooftop with Sammy felt like a million years away. Still, he knew the value of a little positivity. He did his best to stay upbeat for everyone at the studio. God knows they needed it.

Out of the blue, interrupting the anxious stream of thoughts in Jack's mind, two hands placed themselves over his eyes. Jack startled, and through the darkness, a teasing voice said, "Guess who?"

Jack laughed. "Hmm... considering I'm a lot better at recognizing voices than you give me credit for, I'm gonna have to go with Sammy!"

"Ding ding ding! We have a winner!" Sammy laughed and took a step back. Jack turned to see a very clean, well-rested Sammy starting back at him. The life had returned to Sammy's ice-cold eyes, and he was in a clean, crisp, white shirt.

"Look who finally took my advice!"

"Yeah, figured it was about time I- how did you put it? 'Stop mopping around and get some goddamn sleep'?" Humor sparkled in Sammy's eyes.

" I was right though, wasn't I?" The two shared a good hearted laugh, chasing away Jack's anxiety. Talking with Sammy, just like old times, had a way of making everything else seem irrelevant.

The friends walked into the main stage room. Lola, the newly hired pianist, stood over the piano attempting to tune the stubborn instrument. Her face was scrunched in concentration, occasionally wiping her grease-stained hands on her trousers. Her violinist friend, Misha, sat on the stage tipping back a bottle of clear liquid. Knowing Misha, it definitely wasn't water. Drinking wasn't technically allowed in the building, but Misha had pulled her weight and more when it came to the Music Department. Also, everyone was a little afraid to contradict her. Lola perked her head up at the sound of the door creaking open and gave Jack and Sammy an exhausted smile. Jack tipped his hat to her and walked with Sammy to the conductor stand.

Before they could begin reviewing their notes for the newest episode, a rapid clatter of heels tapped it's way towards them. Jack looked up to see a very perky, blonde woman making her was across the room from the recording booth. Based on her chipper smile and bright eyes, she hadn't worked at the studio for long. Her dainty summer dress swished behind her in a quick, flowing motion. She stopped just beside Sammy, folding her hands in front of her. Sammy turned, blank faced.

"Mr. Lawrence, right? I'm Susie Campbell, the voice of Alice Angel!" She held her hand out, folded down. Completely unaware he was ment to kiss it, Sammy shook it with a small smile.

"Pleasure to meet you, Miss. Campbell."

Her smile faltered slightly, and Jack heard the familiar sounds of Misha and Lola snickering behind him. Jack had to stuff down and amused smile. Susie blinked rapidly, regaining her composure. Her bright and, quite frankly, flirtatious smile returned. "I must say Mr. Lawrence, your work has always fascinated me. I'm embarrassed to admit, but I'm a little starstruck."

Jack raised an eyebrow. He didn't know why this girl was trying to suck up to Sammy, but he really hoped Sammy wouldn't take this very obvious bait. True enough, Sammy was entirely oblivious and plowed over her next statement.

"Well, then you should a huge thank you to this guy!" Sammy nudged Jack foward with a clap on the back. "I wouldn't stop to sleep, much less write music without Jacky here!" Jack really didn't want to talk to this over enthusiastic blonde, but he did his best to display a friendly smile and stick out his hand.

"He gives me too much credit. Jack Fain, pleasure's all mine!" Susie recoiled slightly, almost disgusted. She made no move to shake his hand.

"Yes, yes, I'm sure. Anyway, I look forward to working with you Mr. Lawrence," she said, placing a hand on Sammy's arm.

Oh, hell no. Jack was just about to drag this Marilyn Monroe wannabe out of the building before she threw herself onto Sammy when a voice grunted from behind him.

"Miss. Campbell." All three of them whirled around to see the intense, dark, brown eyes of Norman. Jack was relieved at his impeccable timing, but also continuously baffled by Norman's ability to sneak up on people and read a situation. "I hope you haven't been bothering these two fine gentlemen." He voice was low and warning.

Susie jerked her hand back."C-certainly not, Mr...."

"Polk," Norman responded, his voice unwavering.

" Yes, Polk, of course," Susie said with a shaky chuckle. "H-how did you know my name?"

"Mr. Drew sent me to give you a tour of the studio, seeing as this is your first day on site. Right this way." Norman strode out of the main stage, leaving no room for argument. Susie followed hurriedly. The room fell into shocked silence for a moment. This silence was promptly broken by the hysterical laughter coming from Misha and Lola.

"Looks like Sammy boy has himself a little girlfriend!" Misha cracked loudly, making Lola clutch her side.

"Oh please, she was just a fan," Sammy quipped back. Jack stared at him, dumbfounded. He really was that oblivious to her advances.

Lola popped in with one of her usual wisecracks. "I don't know what you're on, but she was practically kissing your a-"

"Lola!" Sammy's face was red, but he was barely able to hold back his own laughter. Right, it was just one big joke. But as Jack looked back at the door the beautiful Susie Campbell had passed through a few moments ago, it didn't feel like a joke at all. He knew he should be happy for his friend; Sammy hadn't so much as looked at a girl during the almost 5 years of their friendship. But something about this whole thing rubbed Jack the wrong way. All he knew was that this girl would have to pretty fantastic to ever deserve his best friend.

Right. Just my friend.

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Right, so I'm sorry this chapter took forever. I totally wasn't paying attention to this story and I came back and was like, " Oh shit people are reading this." So I dragged this chapter from whatever is left of my brain. I have no idea where this story is going, but I do know it's going to be the ride of my fuckin life. See ya next time 👈