Chapter Text
"You're late on rent."
Cyan eyes stared up owleshly at the intimidating dark ashen skinned man. He watched as his landlord crossed his arms, which were bared for anyone to see. It's a sight so rare since he always wore a black trench coat and looked well put. Today, the heat must have beat him enough to lose it as he only wore his dark grey waistcoat, and his red dress shirt seemed to have two popped open buttons with sleeves folded up to his elbows. Top hat and monocle forever glued on him. On one hand, his landlord seems to hold a rolled up pile of paper, and wow, does he have some long dark nails.
"Uh.." he tried his best to swallow the fear that he gets every time he is close to his landlord before trying to speak again.
Just act cool.
"O-Oh, really?"
That one pearly black eye of his (is he blind on the other eye he wonders) glares down at him even harder if that was possible. "Mmhmm."
Hand fiddling with the door knob Flug tries to look anywhere, but at him.
"I-I can have the m-money for you t-tomor-,"
"Flug, it was due since last week."
Flug winced at the matter of fact tone used. God, he was really screwing this up, and he couldn't even look the man in the eye without stammering.
He admits he really fucked up. He was supposed to be the responsible one out of the two of them, and he should have been able to place money aside for emergencies such as this.
His landlord was not a man you wanted to trifle with. In fact, it was best to never even breathe his way if you could help it. When Flug was 20 and moved from Mexico to the U.S. he looked for someplace he could call home that was closest to his university. He felt so lucky to have found an apartment complex by the name of 'Hatsville Apartments', which was not only a walking distance from his classes but was gated, had a community pool, and a laundromat!! All of it affordable! He would be an idiot not to take it.
"Well, Mr.Flug?" his landlord started as he leaned forward, trying to level with Flug. "I am a very busy-" he places his hand on the door ledge as he was only inches from a cowering flustered Flug who tried his very best to not make any sudden movement unless he provoked the taller man. "-and impatient man." he cocked his head to the side as he was only inches away from Flug. Flug could see the mirth in that eye as the man was enjoying watching him squirm. "How are you going to pay me?" it came out sounding like a purr to him, but he deduced it as his ears being muffled by how he could hear his own heart drumming in them.
Looking away once more as he tried to take a step back, Flug tried to clear his throat as he got his wits back to response.
"L-look, I-I am truly s-sorry about this, Mr.Blackhat, sir. If you can just give us till tomorrow, we will have what is missing, and I-I can drop it at your office." he let out a breath he didn't know he was holding in as he finally tried to look at his landlord.
Blackhat just stared at him with an indescribable look in his eye until he straightened up and placed his hands on his hips. Without a word, BlackHat let himself in as if he owned the place...which he did.
Turning around to glare at the idiot still holding the door open, he barked out for him to close the door and come sit down.
If this was anyone else coming into his apartment and demanding him around, Flug would have introduced his foot to their ass out the door, but because this was his very intimidating literal owner of the apartment guy he could only stutter out a 'R-right away sir!'
Black Hat sat down in the middle of the two seat sofa. He threw the stack of paper he had been holding onto on top of the coffee table that held Flugs research papers and empty cups of coffee, which some scattered on the floor. Flug let out a groan at the mess.
If it wasn't Demencia trying to get him to go out drinking with her, it was always someone else ruining his studying time. Honestly, he should really rethink this science major of his.
"How much are you missing." it didn't even sound like a question but more of a demand to Flug.
Grabbing a pillow and placing it on the floor, he sat in front of Blackhat with the coffee table in between them. He almost could have sworn that he saw his lips twitched upward for a second as he sat down. "Uhh, w-we are only missing about a couple 100. W-Which shouldn't be a problem as my roommate is already on it and should be coming home any time tonight to pay you!"
Flug would never let this down! Not on himself nor on Demencia. Flug came to the U.S. to get away from his strict religious parents, in the hopes to start anew. He came with a sufficient amount of money and even constructed a budgeting planning for himself that should have been soundproof. Everything should have been smooth sailing for him if it wasn't for his horrible accident a couple of months back, in which he was hospitalized and, in the process, needed help moving around for a while.
Demencia was his crazy,loud, and obnoxious neighbor who took pity on him (her words)and started hanging around more and more until she herself decided to completely move in. Now she was his crazy, loud, and obnoxious roommate who is also his best friend (he will take that confession to his grave).
Through medication, physical therapy sessions, and also paying some stuff for Demencia, Flugs' funds seem to deplete drastically. He could now even consider himself as a broke ass college student who worked a full-time job and was a full-time student. They were doing just fine(albeit tired) for a bit until his boss started to cut his hours so much that Demencia seemed to catch on picking extra shifts in the bar. He will try to make it up to her by cooking for them both.
Blackhat raised an eyebrow as he looked around suspiciously. " You're saying your girlfriend isn't around?"
"S-shes, not my girlfriend. We are just friends!" he squeaked out.
Blackhat mumbled something to himself and seemed to relax more as he leaned back and stretched his arms to the sides of the couch. " Then Mr.Flug, you have been living in my apartments for over 2 years, and I have never had an issue with you. On the contrary, you have helped me out when it came to the security of my establishment."
Flug silently nodded, wondering why this sounded like he was being evaluated by his boss. It was months back prior to his accident that he had mustered up the courage to go and place an order for maintenance on his ac when he heard Blackhat cursing someone in the phone from outside his office door. It was something to do with better security in need and how he would cause bodily harm to everyone if it happens again. He recalls how he knocked on the door and started a conversation about stronger security programs he could help upgrade the place for him. That was one of the very few times that he saw that scolding face lit up into a grin. A very maniacal grin thrown at Flug as Blackhat placed an arm around his shoulders and squeezed him as he promised that he would make sure to get his ac fixed for free. Back then, Flug wasn't aware how he was tricked into creating an incredible surveillance program for his landlord and expecting something for free, mainly when that was his job as a landlord to get it fixed. He felt duped. The moment the realization hit him on it, he was ready to fight him for more until he was reminded that Blackhat could very much annihilate him with just one glare. He liked living, thank you very much. Besides, Flug got his Ac fixed the first thing next morning, so all is good!
Blackhat cocked his head to the side, his monocle reflecting the living room light giving him an eerie look. "Now, do you remember the rules and terms of the contract that you signed when you moved in here?"
"Y-yes."
Of course he does. He made sure to read it thoroughly before signing. The terms and conditions stated the usual specifics and requirements for the tenants as well and things that are to be expected to be done while living here. One of the big rules and disclaimers was that 'RENT PAYMENT MUST BE HANDLED AT THE FIRST DAY OF THE MONTH WITHOUT FAIL. FAILURE TO ACHIEVE THE REQUIREMENT WILL BE AN AUTOMATIC BOOT OUT OF THE HATSVILLE APARTMENTS
Lo and behold, Blackhat pointed to the same exact paragraph on the contract that he had laid down in front of his tenant. Highlighted and bolded, so their won't be an issue in missing it. Flug could only shake a bit as he stared at the print.
All he could do was pray that a miracle came in to help him out.
"I, however, have decided to give you this final chance to bring the money to me before I call the police to pick you up." Flug looked up at that.
This was it. This was that miracle!
As he was about to stutter out a thank you, he yelped as Blackhat leaned forward and grabbed onto his scarred cheek and yanked him closer. Holding him with an unreadable look, he used the other arm to balance himself on the coffee table as he kept getting even closer.
Cyan eyes widened, seeing how they were mere inches from each other's face. He could feel his landlord's hot breath on him as he gave him a good view of his very sharp looking teeth.
"Now, do not disappoint me, Mr.Flug, or else I will come haunting you down."
Dread filled him as he let a shiver run down his spine.
He had mixed feelings about the circumstance at hand right now. As it could be taken in many different ways.
He gulped down a scream before speaking.
"W-whatever you s-say sir!"
Blackhat hummed in approval and patted his cheek before standing up. Flug watched as Blackhat stood up and fixed his dress shirt. That unreadable look never leaves his face as he just stares at the quivering boy on the floor.
" I will be expecting you to be handing in the money at my office before midnight. Any later and I will not hesitate to slam the door on you."
Flug looked away, understanding enough that everything now landed on Demencia getting home soon enough instead of running around as she always did...
God, they were screwed
Blackhat closed the door behind him, leaving a whirlwind of emotions inside Flug as he felt himself slowly deplete down into an anxiety attack.
+++++++++++++±+++++++++++++++++++++++++
Walking towards his golf cart, Blackhat couldn't help himself and let out a small chuckle. He just enjoyed playing with his prey, watching them squirm and scream as he squished all the living essence out of them with his two hands. He keeps getting drunk on all the fear they let out every time he was around. It was thrilling. Mr.Flug just so happens to be his ultimate favorite prey ever since he moved in.
It's too bad that he will be kicked out soon enough if he didn't bring him the rent money. As much as Blackhat loves having him around to tease, he was not going to bend for him.
As Blackhat drove off to do his next order of business, he heard the sound of his phone ringing in his pockets. With a groan, he answers.
"What."
"Sir, we have retrieved the traitor. We've already disposed of all Intel he was about to sell."
A wide grin formed on Blackhats' face. "Excellent."
"We will be taking him to the warehouse -"
"No, bring him to me. I will deal with that fool myself."
Hanging up, Blackhat drove like a maniac to his own separate building far from the other apartment complexes. He will have to finish before Mr.Flug shows up with his money (if he ever did), but until then, he will enjoy the company that he was to receive.
Oh yes, Blackhat enjoyed playing with his prey and making them bleed until they pleaded for death.
His list of things to do forgotten to be done tomorrow.
+++++++++++++!+++++++++++++++++++++++
Flug: DEMENCIA SOS SOS!!!
Flug: Bh came by the apartment looking for his money! Now he is giving us till midnight to go drop it, so pls tell me you were able to get enough!!
Dem:😍❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️BLACKY SHOWED UP!!! OMG WHAT HE SAY DID HE ASK ABOJT ME 😚
Flug: Actually he was glad you weren't even here, but that's beside the point Dem we need to pay the rent by tonight.
Dem: :,( aw blacky must be shy lol 😆
Flug: Focus woman!! Rent $$ Now!
Dem: 😒 augh ye ye I got it plus more 🤑🤑🤑
Dem: We got a big hot shot here who is loaded as hell and I threw all the stops on him that he left me loaded in tips! 😆 I'm rich baby!!
Flug: Great! Now when are you getting home so I can pay the rent?
Dem: mmmm might be a while this hotshot wants to take me out but don't sweat it we have the money now 😏
Flug: Demencia!!!
Flug: woman we will be homeless by the end of tonight if we don't pay!
Dem: RELAX FLUGBUG
Dem: Bsides I'm already out! this guy is gonna take me out to dinner and I can head out right after we got time !
Flug wanted to tear his hair out. Why is it that she always did this at the worst times? Looking at the clock on his phone, he realized they had about 6 hours before midnight hit.
Flug let out a sigh, trying to calm his nerves a bit. They had time before the ultimate countdown to his doom.
Everything is fine they could work with this. Looking back down at the messages, he typed a response.
Flug: OK, just please!! Get home with the money and we can go pay the damn rent. The man scares me enough that I don't want to be left alone with him 😔.
Dem: aww fluggy!😘 chill out man I'll be home soon enough and we can go together 😉
Dem: I'll even hold ur hand lol
Flug: Wash your hands first. I know you aren't just gonna eat dinner with this guy only.
Dem: 😏😏😏
Flug: gross.
Letting out another sigh, he sat back on the couch and stared at the ceiling fan as he thought of ways to keep himself calm. Everything will be fine. Demencia will be done with this guy with time to spare, and they will be able to pay and not be kicked out.
Yeah, they were out of the red zone. All will resolve itself before midnight.
Everything will be fine.
±++++++++++±+++++++++++++++++++
It was 11:05 p.m., and everything was NOT fine
Demencia had not shown up yet, and she has not messaged him back at all on her whereabouts.
"Come on, Demencia, you had ONE JOB!!" He shouted at his phone as he tried calling her for the tenth time.
Finally, for what felt like an eternity, the phone is answered. Giggling is heard on the other side of the call.
"Hello!"
"Demencia, do you know WHAT TIME IT IS?!!" He exclaimed hotly. He could hear the moving of fabric on the other line.
"Psh chill out, dad! I am staying over, so don't wait up."
Eyes widened in disbelief, and Flug checks the phone to make sure he is calling the correct phone before he explodes on her. "WE ARE SUPPOSE TO PAY FOR THE MOTHERFUCKING RENT!!"
Their was silence on the other side and then a small whoops uttered out from her. He smacked his forehead at the audacity but immediately regretted it the moment the scar on his forehead started to ache.
Giving a small cuss to the ever growing stress, he tried to calm down before he started to hyperventilate.
He needs it to stay level-headed. He wasn't going to break down right now. Not now.
"How far are you from the apartments, Dem?"
"I'm around Prescott St and Leonard Dr ... I think."
Looking at the time again-11:11 pm(God, he makes an immediate wish to make it)- he calculates that he should be able to make it as long as theirs no traffic.
Grunting to the phone as he grabs his shoes and jogs his way to where his keys and wallet are at, he goes towards the door.
" Be outside and ready with the money. Dem, I'll be over soon." He doesn't even let her confirm with him as he ends the call with a huff as he jogs to the parking lot for his small car. Too focused on accelerating out of the place, he misses the sight of two burly men in black in the distance, handling a man in a sac.
+++++++++++++++++++++
He wants to believe that his little mindless wish on some dumb numbers might have been the reason for his safe arrival to the corner of Prescot St. He took out his phone and thanked the gods of numerology as he had Demencia on speed dial.
11:24pm
Demencia waved at him from a distance, wearing only a light blue cotton dress shirt three times her size. "Here, Flug, look I-Im so sorry about this I didn't think that -"
He waved at her as he shook his head to dismiss her as he sped out of the neighborhood into a busy street. He didn't have time to hear her apologies. He didn't have time to even scold her for her forgetfulness and how irresponsible she truly is. No, Flug will give her one heck of a stern talking once he dealt with the bigger evil between them. Once this was all done, he was going to get home and enjoy a nice soothing bath and eat Demencias slice of cake that he had been saving her. Screw her. She was staying over the night with her new conquest, and for all he knew, this guy might have already fed her a variety of richer and finer things.
Yeah, he was so gonna eat that damn piece cheesecake.
11:42pm
He gave a silent prayer in his mother's language as he punched in the code to get inside the gates. The gates opened so painstakingly slow that he almost rammed them through. Flug couldn't help the jitters that he felt as he parked in an undesignated spot in front of the office. Getting out of the car,he stared at the looming building in front of him.The office itself stood tall enough to also be Blackhats designated home. Where his apartment buildings were a shade of beige, in contrast his home er..office was completely black all around. No one went around unless necessary at the specific hours he placed in a billboard on the side of the lawn with a smaller board that read "No solicitors or parking!" Did he forget to mention that the place was in the shape of a tophat?
He made the small jog to the door and tried to catch his breath before giving 3 firm knocks.
"I need to excersice more often," he wheezed out to himself.
He waited a couple of seconds, wondering what was taking Blackhat so long to answer. Balancing himself from one foot to another, he checked the closed curtain window and could slightly see a hint of light coming out from the edge. Feeling bolder, he knocked once more louder. Flug checked his phone as soon as the door opened at the same time.
11:47pm
"Mr.Blackhat I- o-oh..uh hi?"
In front of him stood a tall, burly man with a scar running down his chin dressed in black. The men looked down at him with a cold look as he used his stature as to not let him see inside.
"What do you want?"
"I-I'm here to s-see Mr.Blackhat-"
"His busy. Come back in the morning, kid." the man stated coldly as he stepped back to close the door.
"Wha-H-hey wait No!" In pure desperation,Flug found the strength to push the door with the burly man out of the way and slide himself inside with little trouble. He can once again count himself grateful to the numerology gods for getting him this far as of yet.
"YOU BRAT GET THE FUCK OUT!!"
Dodging the man trying to get him he stammered out a quick apology.
"I-Im s-so sorry b-but I need to give the payment to Mr.Blackhat before h-he gets the cops to kick me out!"
"Do it later, you dumb brat!"
"I am not a brat!"
"The fuck I hear about the cops!?" a new voice said coming down the stairs on the side looking as if they just woke up from a nap. "Who the fuck are you kid?" he barked out.
Flug felt his shoulder get grabbed while he was distracted with the other man and was faced with the angry face of the first bulky man. He kept raising his voice as he tried to get out of the man's grasp, who kept pushing him away closer to the front door.
"W-W-WAIT WAIT WAIT I NE-NEED TO SEE BLACKHAT BEFORE ITS TOO LATE HE TOLD ME TO BE HERE BEFORE MIDNIGHT!!PLE-EASE WAAIT-"
"What is the meaning of this!?"
Suddenly, as the front door was opening, a rather annoyed voice boomed from the other side of the room. Flug turned as he recognized the voice to be of Blackhat.
He gawk at the sight as the older man walked out of a room under the strairs that Flug always assumed it to be a coat closet.
The light inside seem to show an expansion of a room with white walls splatter with red hues to be left to the the imagination as something seemed to be swaying from the ceiling as well in dark hues. If Flug had to guess it looked like a man hanging from his feet. By the way he seemed to give out short painful wheezes the man was still breathing. His stomach dropped as his attention was taken away from the hanging man to stare at his very furious looking landlord as he slammed the base of the wooden bloodied bat he was holding down to get his attention.
"I ask again, Mr.Flug. What do you think you are doing here at this time?"