One of Them

Prologue

Hey! Thanks for checking out the story! Currently, it's being rewritten since the full release of the game has been out and there's more story. However, "One of Them" is an AU story revolving around Uncle Jack's downward spiral from not being able to take Joy anymore, but instead of doing it alone he meets Arthur in the Parade. There, Arthur helps Jack out with his withdrawals and newfound depression.

Jack's sitting in his dressing room, running his fingers through his hair as he lets out shaky sobs. They're not working. The pills aren't working and he doesn't know why. They worked yesterday, and the day before that. So why not now? Why not on the day he was doing a live show?

Wiping away his tears, Jack takes in a deep breath, trying to calm himself. He rubs his hands together, looking at himself in the mirror. They're staring at him. They're all staring at him, the different colored irises judging him.

"You'll be okay," he whispers to himself, trying to avoid their gaze. "Just go out there and act happy! They'll be too high on Joy to notice."

He sits there, convincing himself that it'll be okay as he applies some makeup, masking the redness around his eyes. They're still a bit puffy from him sobbing and rubbing them, but it'll go down. And hopefully enough before anyone starts asking questions.

A knock on his door makes him jump more than usual. Turning around in his chair, he clears his throat and straightens himself up.

"C-come in!" he calls. The door knob twists and turns before a woman pokes her head through, her wide eyes greeting him, along with her red lips in a wide smile.

"We're airing in three minutes, Mr. Worthing!" she tells him, "Remember to pop a Joy beforehand!"

"Ah, of course! Thanks for telling me," He forces a smile her way, watching her leave, pushing the door shut behind her. He sighs, taking off his happy mask to rub his face. He takes one more look in the mirror, realizing he looks horrible.

"Well, what do you think?" he grumbles, talking to the eyes that stare at him. Of course, they don't answer. "I guess this is the best I'll look for now."

Putting his mask back on, he wishes himself a good luck as he grabs both his scrip and fan letters. He walks out of his dressing room, giving the woman who had given him the three minute warning a smile and wave. Of course, she seems to be flustered at his friendly greeting, and he was sure if the mask was off, he would've seen her blushing. He sits in his chair, looking through the script. The show for now is Wakey Wakey, and he clears his throat and mentally prepares himself for the little song jingle he had prepared all those years ago.

"What do you think Germany is like?" He falters, eyes darting around, looking at everyone who's in the studio with him. The PA, the janitor sweeping the floor, even one of the ladies eyeing him with nothing but pure amazement in her eyes.

"Margaret..." His voice is soft as he whispers her name, the wonder on her face as she had looked up at her father, a new doll in hand. His little girl.

"Sorry, sir?" Dammit, he heard him. Jack just shakes his head, smiling at the cameraman.

"I said "marvelous"!" he replies, chuckling softly. "How everything is set up. It's simply splendid!"

"Oh! Thank you, sir!" Jack mentally kicks himself. He can't have them realizing he's off Joy. They'd lose their minds. No. Best to just continue his facade and sob in the corner of his room when he gets home.