Tachenda (JTHM x Reader part II)

IV

Todd came back only a few minutes after our conversation, idly chewing on some cheap candy as if there was nothing wrong with the world. Truth is I think he was terrified, but it was something that was normal to him these days. He has experience with crazy goths breaking into his house. Jimmy crashed on the sofa that night— not like I really had a choice in the matter. He was like that, not letting anyone get a word in, but I wasn't murdered in my sleep so that's at least something. I say that I slept, but I don't think I did actually. I hate that motherfucker, thinking he can just saunter back into my life like he didn't kidnap me for like a month?! If he was so concerned about this cultish bullshit then why didn't he dig up the grave himself?! God, I hope he burns in hell soon.

I'm not sure what time it was when I finally decided to get out of bed, but rays of light shone through the window at least bright enough to see the dust dancing in the air. The quick absence of covers was alarming when I realised just how cold it was without them, my skin being littered with goosebumps, however, if I didn't get myself up now then I'm sure I would never have. I have a quick glance towards the mirror as I walked by it, though it wasn't enough to get a full picture in my head. Only the anamorphic blobs of colour that could have any sort of ghoul or demon within them if someone let their mind wander that far. It's funny how brains work that way.

Jimmy was still asleep on the sofa, his coat lazily draped over his body while he curled up against himself. He was still lanky, his limbs clumsily weaving together, though he wasn't as skinny as he was a few years ago. Not that he was skeletal in the first place- he was much better than Johnny in that regard, but now he looked like he had grown into himself. I suppose with his once idol gone there was no reason to keep living the way he was.

I shook my head, distracting myself away from those thoughts as I headed towards the kitchen. My stomach silently growled at me, and I complied by opening the fridge and scanning its contents. Nothing... ah, no, there's eggs. Maybe I'll make pancakes. It didn't take long to create the batter, and it took even less time to cook them. I'm no pancake-flipping genius, but I gotta say that I do flip a good pancake. As I sat the stack of pancakes on the table and sat down, the smell of them must've wafted through the apartment as it wasn't long before I heard general shifting. Jimmy came through first, rubbing the bridge of his nose while shaking off a yawn. He sat down silently, quite obviously fidgeting with his hands under the table. It wasn't until I gestured my head towards them that he finally decided to dig in. I'd rather he die, but you know, I don't wanna hear him complaining. It shuts him up. Todd came through next, holding Shmee close to his chest. Beans must still be sleeping. When he sat he began to glance from the stuffed bear to Jimmy, nodding along as if someone was talking to him. His face soured after a moment or so before he placed Shmee on his lap and began to eat.

Things continued like this for most of the morning. Nobody spoke much, or at least when they did they were ignored. It was me. I was ignoring Jimmy. It wasn't until he asked when we would be leaving to see the grave that I gave any thought towards it. I was silent for a moment, thinking to myself, before I actually said anything.

"You promise that once we go to this grave or whatever you'll stay the hell away from me?" I questioned him, an eyebrow raised. His eyes widened slightly and he nodded for a second, clearing his throat before speaking.

"Oh yeah, uh, totally. Y'see, I just thought you oughta know about this shit. These are some crafty bastards, yknow?!" He put his hands up for emphasis. "I mean, I wouldn't be surprised if they did human sacrifices! Though, we've all been there, right?!" He snickered at his comment, though when he saw my blank face he shut up for a second. "All I mean is that we gotta check it out, and THEN we can bail.."

"Mhmm? Yeah, whatever. But I swear to god I WILL stab you if you don't leave." I deadpanned him and he gulped. "Well, hmm, Todd can't come with us. I'm not gonna have that kid re-traumatised on my watch. Uh, maybe I can-" I held my chin in thought before glancing over to Todd. He was sitting on the sofa, watching some action show, seemingly lost in it all. Or he was just listening to Shmee. "Hey, Todd!" I shouted over, and he turned to me in confusion. "How would you feel about having a sleepover at Pepito tonight, huh?"