1 WEEK LATER

~Your P.O.V~

It was strange. You had never really felt lonely before. Alone yes, but you were alright with that, you were also alright with not talking to anyone for a while. But after having Laughing Jack around, you were starting to question it.

Which was strange, because he had been trying to kill you.

Although, after that incident, he had helped you. He helped you heal, and he had been giving you candies. You weren't sure what his goal was the night you cleaned his wounds, but you knew something had changed.

As you had spoken too him, even though you really didn't want to, it had felt... Normal-ish. It felt good to talk to someone about why you left, even though it wasn't important.

But then he disappeared, as if he was erased from time. You had wondered where he went off to that day, and your questions had been answered the next. Officer Della had knocked on your door, telling you how another child had been murdered. Boy, that conversation was a relief.

~Flashback~

"What now?" You asked, opening the front door.

Officer Della stood there, holding his fist up as if to knock again, "(Y/N). I was just here to inform you that another child had been murdered, and this time it was clearly not found in your house."

"Obviously." You stated, crossing your arms, "And?"

"Well... Looking at the time it had happened, and our cameras on your house, we have no other option then to cross you off our suspect list." He rubbed the back of his head sheepishly, "Which means... We're back to square one... I'm sorry for doubting you (Y/N)."

"Well it's about time.." You said, "But look, just forget it ever happened okay?"

"Wait, I'm not finished. You mentioned a monstrous clown yes? I didn't believe you at first but... Now it's our only lead."

"Oh..." You bit your lip, "Want to... Run the 'monstrous clown' past me again...? I uh...Don't remember much..."

"And why don't you remember?" He raised a brow, stepping forward.

"Because... I was sleep deprived and... Talking about my nightmares... What I was dreaming about..."

He stopped, staring at you. A moment of awkward silence passed, your heart was beating in your ears. Finally he sighed and shook his head.

"Okay well... Thank you for your time... We'll take the cameras down immediately, and you'll be able to go about your day."

"Thank you." You closed the door, before leaning against it and sighing.

Why did you defend Laughing Jack? Why did you lie to the only person that would have been able to help you? That probably would have believed you?

Groaning, you pressed your palms to your eyes. God this was getting messy. But at least you could go shopping now.

~Back to Present~

It had been a week, and the silence was starting to drive you mad. The TV was like white noise whenever you watched it, not taking anything in. You had been feeding on the candy LJ had left behind, thankful to have a lot in your cupboard.

But now you were out, and you were going to have to walk to the candy shop, see George again, and probably talk about the psycho murderer that is slaughtering the children. And you won't mention how you know him. You won't mention how he tried to kill you and you looked after his wounds.

You won't mention a single thing about him.

Your head started to feel airy and you sighed, turning the TV off and getting everything ready to walk to the shops. Finally, you were walking down the street, your hands in your pockets and your head down.

-Where was Laughing Jack now..?- You thought to yourself, -Why did he have to just... Leave..?-

Sighing, you stopped outside the antique looking candy shop, staring up at it's aging wooden sign. The fogged glass showed George sitting behind the counter, his head stuck in a newspaper. The little bell above the door ringed and he looked up as you walked in, a smile spreading over his face.

"(Y/N)! It's been so long! How have you been? Where have you been? What candy can I get you today?" He stood, shuffling over to you, grabbing a box for your candy.

"Hi George." You smiled and waved, "I uh... I just got caught up with something, that's all."

You gave a nervous smile as he raised a brow, "Got caught up with something eh? You aren't in any of those gangs are you? I'd have to slap you myself."

"No no just..." You sighed, "It's a long story, but trust me sir, it's not gangs or drugs or any of that?"

"Good." He handed you the box with a smile, "I'm glad you're here. I was worried that killer might have got you heh? He's been at it again you know... Three this week."

"Really? Wow..." You took the box, your smile fading, "Do you... Know where?"

"The other side of town, whoever it is seems content in staying in that area. And good riddance, away from me and my shop. The kids don't have to be scared about coming here anymore."

"Yeah.." You sighed, going through the shop and choosing your preferred sweets.

"And hey, what a coincidence, that day we were first talking about the killer, a child was murdered down the street... The kids were too afraid to come to my candy shop for about a week... I guess seeing the police asking me if I knew anything put ideas in their minds." He sighed, rubbing his head, before smiling,

"But anyway, everything seems back to normal, especially now that you're here! Uh... (Y/N)?"

You had stopped, staring down at the container of sweets in your hand. Your mind was wandering, where was Laughing Jack? Was he trying to avoid you? What did you say to upset him so bad? And... Why did it hurt?

"Hey (Y/N), are you alright..?" You jumped as the older man's hands closed around your own, giving you a concerned look.

"Oh uh... Y-Yeah I'm fine George... Just running low on sugar I guess.." You offered him a smile and he sighed, shaking his head.

"Well you better have something quick. Here, take this lollipop, it should make you feel better. You like black liquorice yes?" He held up a stripped lollipop, the white and black lines swirling together. Holding back a sigh and offering the man a smile, you took it.

"Yeah.. I suppose I do..."

"Great! And look, since you've been having such a hard time, the candy is on the house okay? No if's, buts or coconuts young lady, go and have a nice day." He smiled, patting you on the shoulder.

"Thanks George..." You smiled, "I'll be back soon yeah?"

"Of course, I'll be here."

You nodded and walked out of the shop, looking down at your full box of treats. And glancing at the lollipop, you let out a sigh.

"Where are you Laughing Jack..." You mumbled, sticking the sweet in your mouth and walking down the street. That's when you started to hear a strange tic, and about three pairs of hands clasped around your body and pulled you back into an ally.

You yelled, dropping your plastic box and turning to punch one of the people that did it. Your fist connected with a covered jaw, sending one of the people that had grabbed you back a few steps. The other two hands were quick to restrain you, one swearing under his breath.

"This had better be her this time Toby, if we bring the wrong girl again, Slender will rip us to shreds." You struggled as the male you punched stood. His head twitched to the side and he glanced back at you, his chocolate brown hair sticking out from under his hood.

"I-I... I heard h-he-r say La-Laughing-g Jack'ss nam-name..." He stuttered, walking back to you.

"Great, then we have the right one. Let's go." The first voice stated.

You growled and struggled more, "I'm not going anywhere! Let me go!"

The man in front of you chuckled, his shoulders twitching as he covered your nose and mouth with a cloth, "G-Goo to sl-sle-ep..."

You tried holding your breath, you really did. But the necessity to breath was too strong, you took a large gasp into the cloth, the instant smell of chemicals making your head spin.

"That's Jeff's line and you know it." You heard the first guy say as you slowly passed out.

"Sh-Shut it T-Timothy..."