The Whole "Being Dead" Thing

G-U-I-D-E

Rays from the afternoon sun that had managed to avoid New York's tall buildings lit up the main room. Men with briefcases and women in suits busily walked past, bearing her nothing in mind. Everyone was moving along with the pace of the city.

Lydia, however, sat in the corner of the large office, her leg bouncing rapidly up and down as sweat gathered on her forehead.

She practiced what she was going to say in her head silently hoping she wouldn't mess up. It's been so long since she's interviewed for a job. She had always worked as a freelance photographer just taking up any work opportunities offered her way.

You're losing yourself, Lydia, come one concentrate. You can do this; you can do this.

Lydia flinched as a soft hand suddenly tapped her shoulder. A woman stood in front of her with a visibly worried expression.

"Sorry I didn't mean to scare you" she let out a small laugh "Mr. Ross will see you in a few minutes, I noticed you looked a little tense, so I brought you some water, hope you don't mind."

Still a little shocked by the new presence Lydia stared at this woman, who she had recognized as the receptionist. She looked to be in her early 30's and wore a white dress shirt with a gray blazer and matching pants, she looked to be slightly taller than Lydia and she had on light make-up that greatly complimented her dark skin.

In other words, she was pretty. Really pretty.

Snapping out of her trance Lydia flushed in embarrassment taking the cup of water. "Oh, I don't mind, thank you honestly I really needed this. I've just been so nervous about this interview." She said, taking a sip from her water. "It's stressful, I haven't had an interview in so long and... well I recently moved so I'm still a bit...on edge. Sorry, you probably have work to do I shouldn't keep you from it", she chuckled, taking another sip.

"Oh, no, no I don't mind really!" she sat beside her, "My name's Yvonne, Yvonne Hampton, and believe me I know how you feel. Just take a deep breath, you got this."

"Wow, um, thank you. That's really nice to hear, I'm Lydia Deetz", Lydia smiled.

"Well, a cute name for a cute face."

Lydia felt her face flush as Yvonne jokingly winked. "Well, you better start heading over. Can't be late for your interview after all."

"R-right", she mumbled, forcing herself up.

"It was nice meeting you Lydia, I'm sure you'll do great", Yvonne punched the air as she gave Lydia a great smile.

Lydia felt her chest warm up as she watched the display, "Thank you, again" she chuckled, "I actually kinda feel ready for this."

"Knock 'em dead."

With a final wave, they parted ways from what wouldn't be their last encounter. As Lydia made her way down a long hallway she attempted to call y/n one last time.

"Wha- straight to voicemail. That's the third time today what could she be doing?"

As Lydia greeted Mr. Ross in his office, she pushed back the feeling of unease that had begun to infiltrate her mind.

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You opened your eyes as they adjusted to the light, the hair on your skin stood as you felt the temperature drop, your body involuntarily shivered. Beetlejuice expectantly turned towards you with wide eyes.

You stood in a long, dizzying, black and white hallway with hundreds of doors lining the walls. You could hear noises coming from the doors and what sounded like voices. And it smelled, quite literally, like death.

"Well, Spi what do you think?"

"I mean... is this it? Some creepy hallway with doors, that's disappointing", you feigned disinterest.

Beetlejuice looked absolutely offended as if you had just insulted his entire existence. You couldn't help but notice how the tips of his green hair had turned red for a few seconds before returning to their original color.

Woah that's weird.

"No this isn't it", he said obviously annoyed, " I had to take us through the back entrance, can't have anyone spotting a breather down here."

You gasped obnoxiously, "A breather! I... wait what is that?"

Beetlejuice rolled his eyes exasperatedly.

"Ugh, It's what we call living people, you know people who are still breathing. It's pretty self-explanatory, kid."

"Okay first don't call me kid, and second how was I supposed to know I don't know your weird slang."

Just then Beetlejuice covered your mouth with his hand as he pushed you into a nearby corner. You started to thrash around to resist him until he signaled you to be quiet. Two figures exited out of one of the many doors with loud chattering. They walked away with their backs turned towards the two of you in deep conversation over what seemed to be some sort of important ghostly business. As their voices faded away you and Beetlejuice stood pressed against one another making sure the coast was clear.

In your close proximity, you couldn't help but start noticing small details about him. His face was covered in green stubble and his suit, although it looked as though it was dirty, was actually pretty well maintained. His skin was paler than the average human and his hand felt cold and tingly. As you looked into his eyes you noticed that they looked green at first glance but they had tints of brown in them as well. You saw his breath hitch as your eyes continued to roam his face but you bared it nothing in mind. As Beetlejuice removed his hand from your face you looked up to notice his hair was changing colors again only this time it looked more pink than red from before.

"Beej..."

In an instant Beetlejuice jumped back a yard from you, his hair now almost entirely pink. As the realization of what just happened dawned on you heat made its way towards your face before you mentally started to calm yourself. Your attention was again refocused on Beetlejuice or specifically his hair.

"Your hair", you said, unable to peel your eyes away.

"W-what about it?" He sheepishly ran a hand through it which only entranced you more as the color graced his fingers.

"It's pink. Why is it pink?" You looked upon Beetlejuice's flustered state and bright pink hair with a soft smile as you silently chuckled.

"O-oh that, it's normal it, um", his voice dropped down to a mumble, "It changes based on how I feel."

You couldn't believe it. At this point, you could no longer hold back your laughter. Beetlejuice stood there awkwardly patting his sides before he took a deep breath and turned to glare at you but you could tell there was no malintent in it. As you both finally calmed down you smiled fondly at one another.

"So if your hair changes color based on your emotions what does pink mean?"

"That's none of your business." He smirked as he walked past you.

"I bet it means embarrassment or is it the equivalent to blushing?" You questioned excitingly at this newfound knowledge.

"Whatever it doesn't matter. Let's just get this show on the road".

As Beetlejuice turned around his hair changed back to its signature green color but now it was covered by a large grey hat with the word "guide" on its front in large letters. It was slightly torn and worn out but that didn't stop him from wearing it. He reached into the inside of his coat and pulled out a microphone as he looked back at you with a cheshire grin. His flustered state was now completely gone and replaced by an air of what could only be described as a carny when they present a new attraction to their fair.

"Ladies and gentlemen", he said in a booming announcer's voice, "please keep all hands and feet inside the vehicle at all times during our tour. I will be your guide to the other side on this magical trip through the Netherworld. You may laugh, you may cry but pray to god slash satan you sure as hell don't die!"

You laughed at his antics as he dramatically bowed and reached out his hand for you. Playing along you curtsied before taking it, a spark of excitement resonated within you. Hand in hand your "guide" led you through the dizzying hallway and towards your awaiting adventure.