𝓐𝓶𝓪𝓽𝓸𝓻𝓲 | Eyeless Jack X reader

Chapter IX

We go deeper and deeper into the dark, gloomy woods. The air is thick and unpleasant, it invokes in me feelings of hopelessness, depression, oppression, fear...

I try to breathe the air in, but it's like my body is rejecting it. I don't like it here.

"So, how close are we?"
I ask as I follow Jack into god knows where

"Not far, hold on a little longer, I know it's a little unpleasant."
He responds, continuing further ahead.

"I've never felt anything like this. Why's that?"
I yearn for an answer.

"It's the operator influence. It's what keeps anyone from just wandering in here and finding stuff they shouldn't."

"An operator influence?"
When he answers one question at least three more spawn in its place. Why is he always so cryptic?

He sighs, I doubt he's in a mood for my questions.
"Look, I'll explain. Let's just get inside."

I don't respond. What if I'm an idiot? What if I'm walking right into a trap? What if he saved me twice just so he could kill me himself? Why does he keep friends like that and why am I so trusting? I start to get a headache from all of this, I just want to go and lay on a bed somewhere and sleep, a good, restful sleep. Where I don't have to worry about Jeeper-Creepers knocking down my door, popping my tires and filling up my water supply with blood.

Fortunately for me, we make it to a cabin. It's not big, but it's not small either. It looks like a nice, up-kept family home. There are toys in the yard and a swing-set on the side of the house.

Jack opens the door and we go in- i wonder why it's unlocked in the first place.
The Inside is furnished like an ordinary home. There is a flat screen tv in the living room, a huge couch, and 3 cozy armchairs. The table is dusty and a little cluttered, but nothing compared to the kitchen- there are old clothes scattered everywhere, on the counters, on the table, on the floor, in the sink even!
There is a fireplace, some coal and ashes still inside. The old rug in front of it is badly burned, so whoever lit the fireplace was a huge imbecile who almost burned the place down. Just great.
The stairs are beautiful, they lead to a platform with railing and I see some doors on there. Whoever resided here had really good taste and money.

"It's a nice place, it could use a little... cleaning. But soon it'll be liveable."
I say. Looking around the place

"No one should bother you here. I mean, I'll stay a while, but it should work for a few nights."

"Oh god, I can't even begin to imagine the state of the bathroom..."
I say as I examine the clothes in the kitchen.

"Ah, it's worse than you think."
Jack laughs a little. This is something I didn't really think was possible, but I just smile politely. Despite everything, I don't know if I trust him fully. I want to, I feel like I'm obliged to, considering that he's saved me from a brutal and lonely death twice. But he's the one who has friends like that, he's the creepy man who lurks in the dark woods alone wearing a mask. He's like them, im sure of it. But why has he helped me? Why does he go out of his way to save me time and time again? I get it the first time, but twice in a row? Something is not right here and I plan to get to the bottom of it.

I start to clean up the place a little bit. Jack went out to get us some food, so I enjoy the quiet. But I'm also scared. Scared that someone else will find me here. I can't even defend myself, these people have super strength or whatever. I mean, no ordinary person can just walk it off after being hit directly in the stomach with a heavy metal crowbar.

I manage to put the place in better shape. I even light the fireplace with an old box of matches.
I start to dig around the place, to find a clue on who used to live here, but I can't find anything. No pictures or personal belongings, no devices or photo albums. It's as if this place was purged entirely of the people who resided there, but why?

I'm in the upstairs master bedroom when I hear the sound of a door opening and closing. I'm on edge, but I know it's Jack so I don't worry too much.

I go downstairs and I see him putting some stuff away. He got me some basic groceries like vegetables, bread, dairy products and two water bottles, 1ml each.

"I think the groceries should last you at least a few days, I'll bring you some more water tomorrow. I wouldn't drink from the tap if I were you."
He warns me as he continues to place the food in the fridge.

"Thank you but, where did you even get all of that?"
I ask, genuinely curious. But he just shrugs, as if it was as easy as picking up a rock from the side walk.

"You can make something for yourself, I've fixed the fuse box."
He says as he gets ready to leave.

"You can stay and have dinner with me. You saved my life twice, you found me safe place to stay and got me food. This is the least I could do."
I say, genuinely wanting to thank him in some way, show my gratitude and pay back the good deed.

"I already ate."
He says, suddenly switching back to his emotionless tone and demeanour.

"Please, Jack. At least wait and take some for later."
I say, really hoping he accepts.

"I thought I told you already- I. Ate. I don't like to repeat myself, do not make this a habit."
He says, in a very aggressive tone.

Out of instinct i shift a little backwards. I simply nod and go to the kitchen to cook myself some grilled cheese. What's his problem? But I try not to take it too personal, as he's had a long day, we both did. I can make it up to him in some other way in the future, the opportunity will surely come with time.

After I'm done preparing with my meal I go to the living room, sit down on the couch and turn on the TV for something to keep me entertained, only to find out that something is seriously wrong with it. All I see is a dark static screen with some strange whispers in the background. I get really creeped out and turn it off almost immediately. Then the realisation hits me: I'm all alone in these creepy woods with serial killers and demons running around. I'm in a house, a very tacky house might I add. I may as well have gone outside in the middle of a field and started screaming and waving my hands. "Come get me! I'm right here!"
I miss the feeling of protection that comes with Jacks presence, even though he's probably an evil psychopath. I can't come up with a logical explanation as to why he would do all of this for me. Is he that pissed at his friends? I don't know, and honestly the less I know the better. The sooner the situation cools down and I'm no longer everyone's target I'm getting out of this town and I'm NEVER setting foot in here again.