The Beetle Bride (ON HOLD)

Chapter Twelve; The Three D Words

**A/N**
Well hey guys, I hope you're all enjoying the holiday season? That being the main reason for my lateness in updating (sorry) but hopefully this long, roller-coaster of a chapter will make up for it. There's lots of feels going on, and temperatures rising all round...Anyhoo, thank you all for commenting and reading, your feedback and encouragement is always greatly appreciated. Hope you enjoy ;)

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"On second thoughts, maybe this wasn't such a good idea."
Charles Deetz lamented, feeling all at once unquestionably guilty for having sent the unwitting Brett off like a lamb to the slaughter.

"Do you think?
Delia snapped.
"If anything happens to that boy, I can kiss my place on the arts committee goodbye, and I'm going to hold you personally responsible!"

Slowly, Brett approached, and upon seeing him, Lydia's laughter rapidly dissolved. Her stomach dropped and her face fell, gaining Beetlejuice's immediate attention.

"Hey Lydia, everything okay?"
He asked, shooting a quick glance at the ghoulish stranger before looking at her quizzically.

"Why wouldn't it be?"
Beetlejuice responded, regarding the boy in the same manner one might when bothered by a troublesome fly. And to emphasise the fact, he waved a grimy hand towards him as if to shoo him away.

Brett made a face, and choosing to ignore his rudeness, persisted.
"Lydia?"

"Yeah, like he said. We're fine. All good. Everything's good here."
She rambled, shuffling her feet nervously, silently willing him to go away.

Yet he didn't move. Instead he stood silently, his eyes honed in on her face. Scrutinising it, for what exactly, she could not determine. But she could sense Beetlejuice's agitation rapidly growing.

"See, she's fine. Mighty fine. Are 'ya happy now? Or do you want it in writing?"
Beetlejuice retorted curtly. This kid was annoying, like a bug that wouldn't go away. And not even a beetle at that, at least they served a purpose. Although he decided in that instant, he'd take great relish in chewing him up and spitting him out.

Raising his hands in mock defence, Brett laughed nervously.
"Hey dude, I was just asking. No need to freak out or anything."

"Hey dude, I gotta be honest with ya....you're startin' to piss me off. So beat it."
Holding up a hand in front of Brett's face, he froze the boy in time, rendering him a motionless, immobile statue.
"And as for freakin' out...fortunately for you you've caught me on a good day."
With a simple flick of the wrist, a green light shimmered over his figure, before promptly disappearing.

"Brett?"
Lydia cried, and grabbing Beetlejuice by the arm, she tugged on it in desperation.
"Where have you sent him? You need to bring him back, bring him back now!"

His ashen brow forging into a deep scowl at her words, Beetlejuice's eyes grew large.
"Brett? That...was Brett?"
And with a twirl of his hand, Brett miraculously reappeared. Looking somewhat dazed and confused.

"So, you're the little turd blossom I've been hearing about?"

Clamping a shaky hand to her mouth, Lydia could collectedly feel the blood pressure rise in the room. Hers, Brett's and Beetlejuice's, if that was even possible.