Chapter Text
Tanned arms slammed onto the table pointing condescendingly towards the Gravedigger, vieny hands clutching a uno card to his chest. "You see that! The ancient bastard is gonna steal my win. C'mon you sure cheating isnt allowed?" Best Son glanced at the Homeowner for affirmation. Instead he set sight on the man slumped over the table. All the activity was getting to him. Banging on the triggered it, the memories. If not that the gun slung onto his back was enough of a reminder. Weight of peoples lives he had carried with him. They all needed the distraction this morning.
"Quiet down, boy." Voice heaving, his eyes glared towards nowhere, head loosely hanging downwards. Best Sons eyes darted away, smart.
"Cant be banging on the table like that, kid. You know loud noises can sound like.. gunshots."
His voice shook, various memories recalled at the forefront of his mind like some makeshift film. He propped his head upwards with effort. Just enough to see the boys nod turn into a grimace, everything turned into a reminder these days. A reminder of what went on beyond these walls. "Cant go one day thinkin about those bastards. Ain't that right." Bearded Guy courteously sympathized. He knew that man had baggage, too. They all respected the moment allowing a mournful silence to fall, no one spoke but the grating buzz of the house lights kept them on edge. "I get it."
the lumbering voice of his was quiet. Hand slipping a red uno card into the pile. "Red two." Beady eyes looked up from his single card. Scowling the Gravedigger huffed out a, "damn it!"
Best Son erupted in laughter as the Grave Digger was forced to pull several cards. Even the Homeowner had to suppress a sliver of a chuckle.
"Cant blame me, its just gamblers luck." The Bearded Man let out a bellowing chuckle, pulling out his chair with a grinding screech.
The table all collectively winced as the larger man turned towards the fridge. "You seemed like a beer guy, every alcoholic I seen got this kinda stack. Want a cold one?"
Any alcoholic mention would peak his attention. Attentively he twisted his torso just enough to see the Bearded man, arm hanging on the edge of his seat. "You talking about me?" The man responded by looking at the Homeowner with a dead pan expression. "Ah I get it, beer just on the house," he pauses. "course im talking about you." He smiled nervously. his eyebrows furrowed in shame and internally he kicked himself. "Ah! Yeah.. Sure, sure, ill take you up on it." Itd be a damn good distraction. He imagined the burning distraction of the piss quality beer sliding down his throat. carried away from an unwanted sobriety and what came with it.The current moment would do good with a loose tounge.
The Bearded man slid an ice cold beer infront of him.Water collected beautifully around the cans surface at the tempature difference.
A bead of water left behind a tempting trail that glistened in the kitchen light. He swept up the can with greedy hands, exhaling sharply at the cold sting.
He didnt mind Best watching him curiously. In just a second a small hiss of the carbonated drink filled the silence. The Bearded man too opened his, sliding in his seat. "You know, I never could never handle beer. Never took well on my stomach, or my kidneys heh." The Gravedigger had interrupted. Finally the boy was taken from inaction sliding a yellow 2 into the pile. Lazily the Homeowner threw a yellow 8 in the pile. "Uno," he mumbled. Silently he was surprised, he held a red 5 between his thumb. "Kidneys you say there old man?" The Bearded man spoke again, taking one look at the the Gravedigger. "I think your right about that paps." The Gravedigger held the same offended look. He held the same child like petty the testosterone ridden kid had towards the Homeowner.
"Is that supposed to mean something?" Subtly the Bearded man tilted his nose upwards, slyly he slid a yellow 4 into the pile. "Guess you'll have to figure that out."
The Homeowners eyes flickered between the two in interest, it was his first time seeing his guests argue. Apparently it was that kids first time too from the look of it.
The old man tch'ed created distance from himself and the table. "Vague comments ain't enough to scare a grave keeper. Just image what the ghosts whisper to me at night." Everyone at the table quieted. "Uhm.. Hey, dude. You okay?" The wrinkled face turned to look at him. "What?" That gave everyone their answer, Best Son rushed into action by slapping a red 4 into the pile. The uno cards sat messily strewn about the table, it was a disaster none of them really minded. the Homeowner was thrown into action by his oppurtunity. Messily he threw the red 5. It flopped uselessly on the table and it made him the winner. The table was quick to quiet in the silence of their loss. "Whats any fun in that!" The preteen boy cried out and flailed his arms. Cards went flying scattered across the air.
"Oops.." the Homeowner did nothing but take a large swallow of his beer. Belching while he eyed the boy unimpressively. "Im.. Im so sorry! That was a.. Stupid stupid impulsive mistake.
"Im just tired of losing, this isnt the only time." The room entered an uneasy silence the boy was quick to try and fix. "H- Hey know something fun we could do?" Best Son wore a nervous smile, the Homeowner nodded curtly in agitation.
He wasnt happy, but he understood. "What kid?" The preteens mouth curled into a devious smile. Lips stretching in a way that screamed mischievous. "What do you think of prank calling?" Secretly the Homeowner was already agreed to the proposition, lifting the beer to take a large swig. "Prank calling huh? Ready to let the kid take charge he glanced at everyone in the room. Giving him an intense stare the Bearded Man spoke "Sounds alright doesnt it? A good laugh couldnt hurt after all this time." as Pulling out the he nodded. "You're taking the lead, boy." The kids face brightened as the Homeowner was planning to crush it.
He turned towards the door, face twisting to see The preteen in the corner of his eye. "Before we start though, you're gonna have to clean up the mess you made."
Quickly he turned to face the piles of cards. They cards seemed endless. Hiding in corners scattered across the table and floor, he glanced at the Homeowner one last time with a pitiful frown.
"Oh, okay.."
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Painted in the sky was an entanglement of colors, the sky was dimming casting a shadow on everyone present in the approaching night. Claustrophobia made him feel suffocated. Being crowded by everyone made him feel bigger. Finally the voice on the telephone clicked off, the sound was like his haven. He was already having enough of tonights fiasco. Best Son was bent over himself, a hand that was clutched to his chest reached to slide down the wall. "I guess I didnt really know what young boys had fun with these days." Grave digger comments. The Bearded man found nodded in agreement. Taking one glance at the upcoming night finally he understood his exhaustion.
"Enough." His voice resonated strongly among them. "I go to bed now or ill risk not being awake on time. Personally, im not in the mood to figure out whether walking zombies are possible."
He grunted with finality, a series of relieved moans left the adults. Naturally the preteen made a final complaint. Eventually even he had to agree, and they all filed out of the small space.
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At night it was only his memories there to accompany him. Darkness was the only thing to consume his thoughts, literally and figuratively. At one point it had been comforting to be alone. Now being alone means interacting with his own mind, his mind was a unpleasant place now more than ever. He had responsibility as the Homeowner, and it came with a metaphorical weight of his gun. Waking up to dead bodies was never pleasant. It notified him of his carelessness, and it always ended in blood. After killing someone it was impossible to get rid of the brutal images. People were dying everywhere, a series of a imploded skull of visitors prominent in his mind. The images all but welcomed themselves in his mind
Flesh was blown apart in mangled pieces, a permanent reminder etched like a revered statue in memory. It was like a monument of guilt he'd never forget of the lives the Homeowner ended.
The whole world was out of his hands and he was helpless. He couldnt even protect his guests from dying. In his darkest moments all the Homeowner could control was his tears.
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"Are you alone?" This bastard again. He pointed the shot gun towards the door finger hovering over the trigger. Everything about the Pale Man set him on edge. Adrenaline simmered in his blood whenever it was near, any moment it could burst into quick winded action. "No." He ground out the answer in a low threatening growl. In comparison it was like a kittens, he couldve easily been blown to smithereens by the Pale Man. he was being spared on purpose. The smile from the visitor fell, this was routine now. He couldn't expect anything more or less. "Its your lucky day I can hear whispering inside. But who knows where they'll be in a few days." The words had always sent a thrill down him.
He didnt care to watch the visitor leave, he was sure itd be gone. It was apart of their routine. He knew what happened why his people went missing, because of creatures like them.
He spent his nights lingering in the hallway. It was natural when people came by asking for shelter. Time eased by when a meek knock echoed from his door.
Had he been in another room it'd be just another unintelligible noise. He maneuvered towards the door pressing his eye against the peep hole. What stood out was the thick layers, scarf hanging around a delicate pale neck, oily hair shone in moonlight. A subtle layer of grease seemed to cling to this man. "Who are you?" He had always talked with a scathing gaurdedness. "A- Are you worried I- im a visitor? Im not. I c- can prove it. Please, p- please just give me t- the time." There was a distinct shudder in his voice. Leaning away just enough from the peephole he considered the man, Coat Guy became a speck to him framed by only a peephole.
Instead he immersed himself in thought. A fiery intrigue ran deep into his chest, tying itself to the man on his doorstep. The suggested secrets was undoubtedly alluring.
"How can you be cold wrapping yourself in layers like that?" Arms seemed to tighten around. Coat guy seemed to hold the coat tightly around himself in a protective fashion.
A visible tremor cradled the man's body. It didn't seemed to have an end. "Its a- always been this way. Ive always felt s- so cold. Im a- afraid it'll always be t- this way. Ive never g- got it checked out. I always t- thought wrapping myself in layers helps. It never does." Teeth silently chattered hidden under thin lips. The Homeowner had all that he needed to know, hesitantly he reached out to grasp the knob. The man was certainly weird, but he wasn't lying. It was stupid. But what was in Coat Guy he saw in himself, steadily the swung the door on its hinges. Seeing the peering face of the man made him gain confidence. He exposed the hallway politely stepping to the side. With little time Coat guy shuffled inside.
Warily scanning his surroundings mumbling, "i- it feels c- claustrophobic in here." The Homeowner cocked his head at the blunt words. "Beggers cant be choosers."
Coat guy stared at him from under his eyelashes. "Y- you're right." They were interrupted by rapid knocking. The Homeowners attention was drawn from Coatguy to the bellowing sound, repositioning himself to the door. Meanwhile the man took the oppurtunity to scuttle off. "Hi there!" A smooth masculine voice crooned from the other side. "I desperately need somewhere to stay, mind if I crash here?" Immediately he took notice to the mans beaming smile, the Homeowner frowned. It was odd seeing a man smile witnessing what he has. "Why do you seem so cheerful?" He commented suspiciously, his voice drawling longer than it should.
Instead of taking offense the man seem to antsily bounce on his heels, "just look at your home, you got other people inside dont'cha?
It reminds me, we're still here for eachother even in the darkest times. Isn't that beautiful? I just wanna bring a little light to that darkness."
It was like the Homeowner was exposed to the sun, wincing at the cheery philosophy of the man. Despite it he couldnt find anything suspicious in in the man. Opening the door for the man he allowed in his last guest for the night. By Closing the door he eliminated any moonlight, leaving the whole house in darkness
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First thing in the morning the Homeowner had Cheerful Guys back pressed against the couch. His fingers pressed against the eyeballs delicate flesh. peeling them open for easy access. There was a lot of responsibility in knowing he could kill a person. "Seems like youre alright. Dont mean to get touchy. I.. I dont wanna make anymore mistakes." He took a few steps back creating distance between them. He brushed his hands off on his sweater idly. "Dont sweat it, you've done enough for me already. I been out on the streets long enough, I get it heh. People had interesting stories out there, always did make my day."
the Homeowner was doing nearly the same. Everyday passed where he felt increasingly unlike himself, he surpassed anything he thought himself capable of just by talking to another person.
Everyone had their own perspective to share. Out on the streets laid many flavors of the grim reality they all experienced.
He currently was talking to one. Coat guy on the other hand sat curled into himself clutching his head. "I understand." He responded simply. This was more interaction he'd gotten in ages, it was a whole new world for him. For once in his life the Homeowner felt close to fulfilled. Worst of all it could be taken away just as fast as it started. Hes seen too many lives ended, he couldnt handle more. There was a permanent presence of the iron scent the Homeowner remembered so well. Or maybe the temperature would settle. What would he do then? It was a simple answer, the Homeowner would control what he could.
Turning the other way he whispered his last words. "I.. I need to go, sorry." His body slowly gained traction. Making his way towards the door, he left behind a confused Cheerful Guy.
Rushing forward he clambered to leave the room. In clumsy emotion fueled movements he had one goal etched in front of his mind, he needed to see the Bearded Man.
Words coming out of himself meant nothing anymore. If he couldnt help himself he'd do anything that would. He scurried down the hallway, a distinct strong scent of stale paint. Approaching the kitchen door he swung it open, immediately he caught the imme attention of the sharp man. "Nearly surprised me before I saw you. You dont be swinging them doors open like that since we been here. Anything wrong?" With long strides the Homeowner grabbed the chair. He pulled it back just enough to fall into the wooden seat. "What I really need is a peace of mind." His voice whined roughly, voice straining.
"Your the most trust-worthy here. You'd tell me if there was anyone you suspected right?"
Looking The Homeowner in the eye the Bearded man quietly sipped at a beer. His breath quivered as he waited idly. "Your gonna have to check those newbies. That Coat Guy? Strange fella."
He commented, alcohol swayed in the Bearded man's hands in a bored fashion. "That Gravedigger though? The man's weird, has been for a while now.
They say visitors come from the ground.
Hes well acquainted with the voices of the dead. Everything lines up."
Nodding slowly he picked himself up from the table feeling his shoulder blades flex against the gun on his back, he wasn't risking it. The Homeowner would trust a familiar man's word. He's trust it over a radio or TV station any day. ".. Thank you. Id rather have that old man dead than worry about the rest of you." His tone sat in a low ambigious pitch. It was undiscerable to him or the Bearded Man. This was a choice he already made. Nothing was more loud than a paranoid mind that risked it's life just to let another person in. The Bearded Man nodded in approval. "Wise choice. Ye' cant tell whos a visitor, they'll have one sign or none at all and they may as well be a damn human!" The words echoed in his ears. He turned on his heels with a blank face.
With resounding thumps in his chest as he drifted towards the door. Rhythmic pounding heightened each served as his internal clock. Each step dragged slowly in time, moving in slow motion.
Only until he entered the hallway did he lift the shot gun from his back. He prowled the house the gun trembled faintly in his hands.
He focused on the task on hand. In an attempt to sneak into the living room, the gun alerted everyone else. He failed instead having the eyes of many gawking at him."What are you planning on doing with that?" it was the Gravedigger who spoke first. Ironically he look the least scared. He left the question in the air, noting the beady eyes of Coat Guy following him. Still, the scrawny man cowered. Lifting the gun towards the Gravedigger a flicker of recognition entered them. "Wait-" The shot blasted with impulse. Everyone hurried to cover their ears, wincing in pain. His breath quickened. So many memories came crashing to the forefront of his mind.
He choked on his spit, eyeing how his guests stared at him in terror.
He almost felt like a monster like on the same level as the visitors. The sight of gore and the imploded skull of the Gravedigger would effect everyone around him just the same.
Hurrying out of the living room he needed to grab the cleaning supplies. Blood had soaked into his sweater, it must've smeared crimson underneath. The scent of iron rust followed him everywhere. Numbly he didnt mourn the life he just took, pushing off thinking about it. It was easier to mourn his bloodied couch than another human. His hands twitched faintly, idly wiping the blood off his cheek.
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"I need to test you." He stood firmly wet hair clinging to his forehead. The Homeowner took initiative to erase any evidence on his person, yet the scent of gunpowder and of the evidence iron floated passively in the air. It was something necessary when you needed to survive. "O- Okay." The mans head bobbed. It was his first time being so close to Coat Guy. Shallow breaths left Coat Guys thin lips, each breath sounding like it took effort. He pursed his lips approaching the trembling man. He was huddled away on the couch. The Homeowner Reached towards the mans eye, his hand peeled it wide open.
Settiing a hand on Coat guys delicate neck, he set hist humb on the chin. This allowed him to encourage Coat Guy to look up
The eye glistened reflecting his peering face, the eyes cornea reflected moisture and nothing else but an abnormally shaped pupils. No irritation.
It gave room for explanation, "Any reason you have narrow pupils?" The Homeowner questioned. His hand trailing down to Coat Guys neck. He gavethe meat of Coat Guys shoulder a squeeze. "I- I.. Deformation maybe. I always t- thought eyes w- were a sign of m- my suffering. The gaping hole of c-coldness. Its H- hard to f- focus.. when so c- cold.." He could hear the faint murmer of Coat Guys teeth chattering. The mans eyes were glazed over. Pitifully the man slumped over himself, It looked like he was trying to preserve as much energy as possible. It convinced the Homeowner enough, for now. He didnt want to kill two people today. One was already enough to ignite a dizzying nausea for the day, and likely it would follow him into his memories for the rest of his life.
"Yeah.. Okay. You're good." He pulled away from Coat Guy. A hand slid off the shoulder. The hand went to work, tiredly rubbing the skin covering his eyes.
Groaning softly he recognized a familair ache in his bones. "I need to go to bed. I need my rest before night approaches."
Coat guy lifted head, his breaths convulsing with the construction of his throat. The Homeowner made the movement to turn. "W- wait." The voice sounded like a weak plea more than a demand. Yet out of politeness he paused, giving Coat guy his time. "Can I- I take a walk o- once night h- hits?" He quirked his eyebrow, his foreheads wrinkling in a natural puzzlement. "Why would you want to do that? You could die out there." Their listeners had looked confused too, they all stared at Coat guy warily. "O- outside is warm. The sun w- warms the sky e- even at night. H- helps the aching cold t- that consumes m- me. It- It helps me feel normal, just for a m- moment."
Giving him one last worried look before he nodded. "If you say so. Just be careful out there? Dont die."
Coat Guy lifted himself carrying himself in his own arms. "I- I dont care a- about dying."
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Fresh air had been swathed in byproduct of the sun. The muggy air warmed his skin. Around him were buildings alive in their overgrowth. What had a history of housing humans lit on fire by its own residents, gulfs of flames devoured the walls. It exposed the maw of the house. Exposing the aged furniture inside. A sharp scent of charcoal stagnated in the air. It was only him and this desolate city. If he was welcome anywhere, it would be a space that existed in liminality. Something that felt as empty as himself.
Deep within the city laid a story Coat guy could only speculate on. Nothing asked to be left in its ruin,
He never once asked to have to have a black hole in his stomach. His vulnerability was a gateway to death, it was always his fault, for his selfish desire of needing humans.
People always ended up in the results of his ruin. It was comforting knowing he was alone, that his feelings of guilt could be reflected in the decaying overgrown state of the city. Maybe when he died he could be apart of it. It was an easier way of living. His life's remains creating suitable soil for a flowers growth. One thing was clear, he wanted to die. Was begging for shelter like a dog who bites the hand feeding him really living? Everywhere Coat Guy went destruction followed.
The motion of walking had caused him to enter a meditative state. He tilted his head upwards, bathed in moonlight.
What peaked from the clouds was the sharp edges of a crescent moon.
A warning silently fired off in his brain. His eyes flitted across empy skies. He couldve swore there was nothing but him and the accompanying skies. But he got a peculiar feeling of being on stage. Compulsively he pulled the sleeve of his jacket. For something so inhumane, he knew the instinct of something watching him. "H- Hello?" His voice ricocheted off the building in a booming echo. Standing on edge, his head whipped around to scan the area like a meerkat. Nothing but rows of faulty streetlights and darkness greeted him. Buildings surrounded Coat Guy at all sides. It made it more than easy to hide. "You're alone."
The voice bounced off the night. If Coat Guy were anyone else, he migh'tve felt the trickle of fear. Whatever this was, surely it could kill him.
Peculiarly enough he had always accepted the idea of death, therefore he wasn't scared. Making no rush to scan his environment he pointed at himself. "M- me?" Faintly he could here the barest murmer of what sounded like a snicker. "Yes, you." He shrugged, hands crawling around himself in a hug. His hair tickled his face when he tilted it in befuddlement. "Yes im a- alone, I dont see a- anyone around me." As if Coat Guy had to double check he strained his eyes, inspecting the enviroment. "S- see, nobody but m- me. Well, a- and you." In a whirl of white motion appeared the pale visitor.
"Correct, but suppose you dont know I've been watching you this entire time my kin." Clutching his sleeves tight against his palms his breath pausing.
"O- Oh." He sat with the realization dumbly. "So I h- haven't been alone, h-huh?"
Looking at the pale visitor with a hesitant smile. Coat Guy hadn't realized how vulnerable he looked then. "Not for a long time."
Momentarily he let his sight slip away from the Pale Man. He sat with the festering anxiety for the answer to his next words. "So why are you here?" In sweeping strides it became noticeable the height of the Pale Man. Now standing tall infront of him, the difference in power couldnt be clearer. It was it who led this interaction, not him. "Well isnt that the question of the century?" Murmering the words in one breath, Coat guys breath hitched. The Pale Visitor was lowering itself to his level. "Im here for you."
It jerked backwards leaving Coat Guy shocked. Folding the lanky arms behind its skeletal body. Adjusting its body to stand tall above him and he watched carefully.
Finally the Pale Man made its decision to start to moving. Helpless to being sized up he stood with a steel exterior. Roving around him like a abrasive dog ready to nip at his legs, unwillingly put right in the spotlight of whatever it was planning. "You're all alone, arent you? House to house you go, and rejected everytime you leave. Even with people around you, you dont fit in. Isn't that right?" His chattering teeth halted when he clenched his jaw tight. "N- No. Well, yes. H- How do you know a-any of t- this?" Pacing in its large circling corral naturally The Pale Man exited his sight. Even if Coat Guy wanted to watch it would require a full turn.
It was exactly what ended in him being startled. Hands had clamped down into his shoulders. A shrill whispering breath had made cemented its presence.
"It takes one to know one. Must be hard to accepted what you are." Its voice crooned. Spindly fingers ran across hrhe top of his shoulders settling on his neck.
"You dont have to be. Not anymore, I have big plans for you. Its your choice to listen, but listen carefully."
Even when he craned his neck he was unable to see the Pale Man. "I- I have no r- reason to trust y- you." Finally it glanced downwards, the painful grin etched in its face in a grim permanence. "You don't. This is your choice after all." It confirmed. "But believe me, my kin. There is many of us like you and me in existence. I accept you, we'd accept you, and beings just like you. Accept it, and you're under our protection. You walk with us, or against us." It let the threat linger. He swallowed down the offer with reluctance. In all truth Coat Guy had nothing.
Every hope had been crushed, it wasn't like anything couldnt be taken away. "W- What says this w- won't just be taken a- away from me like e- everything else has?"
If it was possible the Pale Mans eyes crinkled at the edge. Its eyes stares far off at anywhere but him with a vacant lazy eye.
"Good question. We visitors dont kill eachother. What has to be done to humans, Its apart the cycle of life now. how could humans expect us not to protect ourselves?" The words held limitless weight of possibilities. Maybe he wouldnt be considered a murderer, he couldnt be a murderer, not in their eyes. "Just think about it. You won't be alone anymore. You arent the only one questioning their status as human." Letting the words hang in the air it had a deep purr in its voice. Hands kneaded his shoulders.
"Letten me sweeten the deal. Must be rough with all those doubts clouding your head. I'll garuntee one thing for you, My Kin."
A hand slid from his shoulders creating the barest distance from he and it. It stood in his vicinity and finally he faced something he was too scared to face a long time ago.
"What i- is that?" The words were like confirmation to the Pale Man. Eyes centered themselves on Coat Guy. Everything about it kindled a disturbance in him, especially that gaping smile. He didnt know anything about visitors, and it made him nervous. "Do one thing for me, will you? I need everyone in the Homeowners house dead. Leave one alive and accuse them. You're going to have to convince the Homeowner to leave the house and come here." Cocking it's head it assessed him. Staring at nothing but the vague outline of pavement beneath him, he pulled at his sleeve to scratch himself. The torn fingernails made aroused a stinging pain.
"I- I dont wanna k- kill. Not a- anymore. How would I- I even convince him t- to do that?" The Pale Visitor nodded thoughtfully at his words.
"Create urgency. Act like the visitor would kill him specifically. And then the Homeowner will be yours."
Coat Guys brows furrowed in confusion. Shrugging his hand off his arm, he scratched idly at his neck. "What do you mean by that?"
Nothing meant anything to him anymore. Why shoulder the Homeowner matter? "Ah, it is confusing yes? You'll be like a mentor. It'll be you and him. You wont eed to worry about your lack of company. Both you and him will be assigned to one another. You'll get accustomed to your new world together." What new world? He knew nothing but the existence that seemed to stretch into a frozen artic in all ways. No one but himself and the buried cold deep in his skin. There still lay an ache for people he was missing. Could this fix something like him? No matter, the offer tasted so sweet in the illusion.
"W- What world?"
In its lanky form Coat Guy could see the edges of its eyes crinkle. "Too much information for now, My Kin. To have any access to our world, you do what must be done. Drag the human here."
His gaze flitted to the concrete. Countless thoughts were chipping away at him. A sense of urgency made him want to turn backwards and never look back. Whether he did anything or not the Pale Man would. Would he snitch? He couldn't, that would end in exactly what Coat feared. A pattern that only kept going was he got kicked out after witnessing what he actually was. Were any of them really living? He'd just enacting what they all knew would happen. Their deaths. In comparison to his life now, finally being accepted and he would have someone else? He wouldnt have to fear being alone anymore.
Its all he woukd ever want. "O- Okay."
And his decision was made.
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"Fuck, what do you think youre doing?" The Fema agent roughly shoved him to the side while invading his home. The agent didnt acknowledge his protests. He followed the agent into his home barking out several complaints, who did they think they are? They didnt get any right to his home. He watched in horror when they enter the living room. The door slammed the heavy click signaling to him that it was closed. Apprehensively he lingered at the door nervously picking dirt under his nails, he could hear the shouting protests opposite of the room wincing.
Once against the Homeowner was reminded nothing here was permanent.
They exited the living room with the Bearded Man and Best Son in tow. Why his best people!
Crying out in desperation he moved along with the Fema Agent. "Why them? Please, none of this makes sense." The concealed face of the Agent made any emotion undetectable. Instead left to wallow with so many unanswered questions. Fema never was a reliable source for information, instead he could make guesses by people passing by the information. The Bearded Man clutched Best Son tightly, whispering comforts. He looked at the Homeowner sadly. A pang of dread shriveled any concious thought. A choked out sob left his throat in a gravely gasp "damn it!"
Temptation to pull a gun on the Fema Agent hit him in waves. Undoubtedly they would go looking for a missing subject.
They cared about their workers enough to send search squads out when they did. Why wouldnt they go looking if the one here died? And that was that.
He watched the Fema Agent leave the house. In passing the Homeowner watched his world crumble upon him and he couldnt do a thing. Every sense of his dulled in the rush of overwhelming agony. Those were the same people he has gotten so accustomed too. That maybe as much as he rejected others.. Maybe finally he he could feel like he knew somebody. In what felt like slow motion his knees hit the floor. Curling upon himself he heaved and sobbed like no tomorrow. And he was right, the Homeowner wasn't garunteed a tomorrow.He stares at the door in gaping despair for what felt like hours. Ticking of a clock that felt like a reminder of an impending death.
Finally what interrupted the accumulating numbness was a disruptive knock.
Whoever sat outside the door made damn sure they were heard.
Miserably he raised himself like a zombie. His limbs unusually limp as he approached the door. He was uncaring about his swollen eyes. Happily he could leave any person in the dark. They could speculate well enough, they were all in this damned position after all. Like routine he pressed himself to the peep hole, it was muscle memory at this point. "May I come in? Took shelter down the road.. But they kicked me out." That was weird. Surely the man didnt get kicked our for no reason. "Why?"
Scoffing the Tall Guy snipped. "Didn't like my attitude I guess. Dont try too, life.. Life can just be awful you know?"
After everything thats happened he could do nothing but agree.
Hesitantly knowing the Home Owner needed people he opened the door. "Thank you man, trust doesnt amount to a hill of beans these days." He knew that was right. A shudder that ran deeply rooted in his memories ran down him. Strolling right inside the Tall Guy didnt care to comment on any hint of his tears. He was thankful. During the passing time he bounced on his heels. Waiting right next to the door made him feel better, the quicker this was over with the better. Exhaustion licked at his concious washing away at his concious thought. Wouldn't it be better to go to sleep?
It wouldn't, there was people who needed him. He clung to what little clear headedness he had. Swaying as the alluring haziness tempted him.
And finally the knock he waited for.
Quiet and meek an unobtrusive. It was easy on his tired ears. Leaning towards the peep hole exposed the cause.
Rather innocently it was a man sitting in a wheelchair, his legs had stopped at the thighs. "Long time no see, how's life? He was put on edge, he didnt know who this was. Speckles of hairs on his arm raised in unsettled agreement. "I dont know you, who are you?" The stranger tsk'ed hands settled on the wheelchair. "Oh, youre not my buddy.. How long have you lived here?" He didnt want a part of of this strangers intrusiveness. About ready to tell the stranger to get off his property. Fi herst distanced from the door, it still pained him denying people shelter. He didnt want to watch the stranger leave.
"Get off the property, now."
Normally he wouldve stopped to think just a little, but now it felt impossible. His people were the only thing distracting him. And they were gone, taken away just like that. The ones he knew most in something so pain stakingly temporary ripped away. No, he wouldnt think logically. He needed to protect what little he already has, that was that..
____________________
Nausea blinded his senses even as the Homeowner was still waking up. The scent of death assaulted his nose. Feebly his body was being thrown around like a rag doll. He had no choice but to be thrust into consciousness. "W- Wake up! You need to w- wake up or we'll d- die!" Stirred up by the noise he threw his eye lids open gasping. "W- What? What do you mean?" Time wasn't wasted as Coat Guy crawled onto the bed. His hands were taken into the palms of much colder ones. Gently he was encouraged forward. With heaving urgency Coat Guy gasped, "p- please, t- that Tall G- Guy? I uhm. Was u- using the bathroom, when I- I got back everyone was d- dead. H- he's gonna kill us, we n- need to leave."
Slapping a confused hand onto his face he rubbed his eyes tiredly. "I'm.. Im confused."
Coat Guy nodded in sympathy as he took lead in dragging him off the bed. The Homeowner stumbled clumsily. He was being led to the door. "T- thats fine. Please.. T- trust me. I saw that m- man murder cheerful guy. Im l- lucky im not dead. He'll k- kill us if I dont leave. I s- swear." Coat Guys teeth chattered, it was what the Homeowner knew him for. Quietly he swallowed an onslaught of saliva. An urge erupted to cry at the mention of death. He failed again.
He stayed subservient as he was lead out of the house, sniffling as his world was enveloped in dark.
Choking on saliva he let out a silent sob in frustration. He would lose everything at this rate. There wasn't one good thing the Homeowner didnt fail to keep.
In a half hearted attempt he tried to start conversation. "Where.. Where are we going?" He hiccuped hand still holding Coat Guys, the warmth of his palm transferred to the other man's. "I- I'm not sure myself. Anywhere b- but there." Gently Coat Guy squeezed his hand. The moon sat beautifully tucked at the top of the sky. It gave him the impression of the vague outlines of buildings. When artificial light was out of the picture, the sky was beautiful. Finally in an abrupt movement Coat Guy halted, making impact with the back of the man he too had to heel.
"Why did we stop?" He inquired in a stringy voice, rough from supressing his violent sobs.
Wind blew in their hair and he was greeted by silence. He got an impending feeling something was going to happen. But after everything, the Homeowner couldnt bring himself to care. Maybe whatever it was, he deserved it.
"Restrain him."
In a flurry of movement Coat Guy had swung backwards in a lunge. An arm wrapped itself around his mouth. Before his limbs could follow he tried to flee escapimg the brute force. With the same force hands darted to take his wrists in hand, bluntly thrown to the floor like a carcass. Coat Guys elbow rested in the grass besides him. Limbs intertwined almost intimately, if not for another presence. The Pale Man eerily crawled onto his vision. It appeared like a blank void warped by shadow. "Lead him to a tree, will you?" Time seemed to pause as they seemed to have some unsaid communication.
Suddenly an arm had unhooked from his neck and he was being dragged.
The cotron sweater was rolled up by the friction, grass tickling his bare back. He kicked out snarling, "what the fuck did you do? What are you going to do to me?"
A bead of sweat dropped from his eyebrow, his sweater wasn't the most appropriate in the weather. "I'm s- sorry," Coat Guy murmered and he he collapsed onto his knees. His sweater fell back onto his stomach. His wrists were collected again, this time by a much larger hand. "What is that?" A foreboding shadow much larger than himself yanked him upwards with force. Muscles in his jaw unhinged as he let out a strained animalistic whine. Pain tore through his arm causing his vision to throb harshly. He gasped,
Hearing each crinkle of a leaf, and a desert bare breeze.
And the resounding sting pounding when shoved into the solid bark of a tree. Helplessly sagging against the tree the Honeowner watched as his vision blur.
He was watching his vision shift, his sight working against him. Carefully he attempted to grasp what visual and sensational cues he had. Arms were supporting him, but they felt too thin to be human. "What a- are you d- doing?" Coat Guy spoke for him. Dots in his vision began collecting into a whole image. He could see the slightest change in position of the shadow, likely what the Homeowner assumed was The Pale Mans head. "You know how everytime you get kicked out you feel dejected? Well, its the same we feel when The Homeowner kills our Kin. He needs to be punished, somehow." Hips snapped against his and he let out a humiliated keen.
"What! Thats what you're planning?" More than before he was reminded of his wrists grinding together. Held forcibly against his will by a power stronger than him.
A growl erupted from him as he bucked, it was no use. "I s- see.." How could Coat guy just stand by watching them?
What was the logic in hearing out a visitor! That thing was insane! Warily the Homeowner looked at the only thing he could see, the moon.
The air whistled as The Pale Man swooped down before he could process it. Teeth clamped down onto his shoulder. Pain enveloped his shoulder, he could feel the teeth buried in his skin. Lips tickled the flesh. That wasn't the only thing that tickled his shoulders. The Homeowner could almost swear he felt the scuttle of bugs on his shoulder. Suddenly there felt like thousands of bugs crawling onto him. They all herded into one straight line, slipping down onto his shoulder.
"W- what is that? Is.. Is that bugs? Fuck.. Fuck please no! S.. Stop.." His voice rasped out in a pleading manner.
It was no use. Legs tickled against his neck in the dark, traveling further up his neck. It was only until one reached his ear til he realized the intention. He was going to be infected.
"Please!" His body thrashed, throwing his shoulders against the bark of a tree. The entrance of his ear tickled bugs making their way inside. "Anything but this.." He sobbed. Egged on by his struggle the Pale Man thrust forward, groaning pleasantly. There was no escape for the Homeowner. His own body was being invaded and imprinted on by a foreign force. Never had he been violated in such a way, effects would be permanant, not only on his mind, but now his body. And now im the canal of his ear, overflowing in his ear? Now his body was inescapable. In estatic joy the Pale Man embraced him. Humping the Homeowner in slow thrusts.
"Now.. Heh, now you can't be a pest anymore. Y- You cant just kill us off like pests anymore, you are the pest."
A roaring laugh that sounding more like a squall of a vulture erupted from the Pale Man. In vain his struggles failed and he sat in numb distance from the scene.
Life was becoming increasingly more unnatural. Body rocking into the tree while his legs were spread by the visitors, eagerly pressing onto him in primal triumph. Distantly the Homeowner had grown aware of Coat Guy watching them. Then he couldn't concern himself with wide enraptured eyes. For once in Coat Guys life, the chatter in his teeth paused in his fixation.