Her smirk widened.

"I think we're onto something. It needs more, but I'll think on it after dinner."

It wouldn't take much longer to reach the tree house. Shock could already smell the ghoul-lash as she made her way down the rope ladder. It wasn't her favorite meal, but Barrel usually added extra eyeballs, so she couldn't really complain as she slid in through the window and down into the lair.

Lock might have taken over the casino as a sound stage, but one thing Oogie had in his living chambers just beyond it was a proper kitchen, which Barrel kept well-stocked and maintained. The small living area next to it had since been converted into a dining room, enough to seat up to six. It was extremely rare, but sometimes Carmilla and Lillith joined them after practice, or they had one of the other Halloween Town kids their age over.

Barrel was already on a third helping by the time they got up.

"Hey, just in time!" he said, as he pointed to the kitchen. "The cauldron's still about halfway full."

"Not that hungry tonight?" Shock asked, with a distinct look to Barrel's gut.

"I was [i]trying[/i] to save some for you, but if you're not hungry..."

Shock rolled her eyes and headed for the kitchen. Barrel slurped down the rest of his meal and let out a long, loud burp.

"That hit the spot," he said with a grin. "I'm off."

Shock returned with a bowl.

"Where are [i]you[/i] going?"

"To the Witch's Shop," Barrel replied. "They should be restocked on spider legs. Plus, I think they remodeled recently. Can't find anything."

Shock smiled as she picked up on her younger brother's hint.

"And it'd be such a [i]shame[/i] if something got misplaced--"

"--Only to be found months later--" Barrel continued.

"--By an unsuspecting patron," Shock finished.

She took her favorite spot at the table.

"Have fun."

"You know I will."

Barrel then turned to Carver.

"Don't tell Lock, but I like what you played better." He grinned. "Just thought you should know before he decides he likes it better and pretends it was all his idea."