I'm fish-brain-go-brrrr, or you can call me fish. I ingest too much coffee for my own good and am a cat lover.
I have a lot of anime/manga/game series that I love and will go down fighting for them.
I cosplay on occassion and Im currently getting out of art slump and trying to get back into my love for drawing.
I'm open to talking about anything Fandom related, whether it's cute fluffy shenanigans or it's absolute filthy nsfw.
It's been a real hot minute since I've really used tumblr, since 2016 I think, so I apologize before hand if I say/post anything that doesn't get tagged properly.
Tldr: life went sideways, but the outcome is something that should have happened quite a while ago, and honestly I feel like this is one of the best things that's ever happened to me- i feel like I can breathe again and i can just do my own thing and just be happy.
With that being said- I made 3 drawings- and I am super proud of them. Granted I know I mainly post about twisted wonderland, but these are NOT twst themed. A bit of backstory- and please bear with me- I finally watched hazbin hotel a few weeks ago. I binged that shit- and i know that there are mixed reviews of it, but i honestly thought it was good. Am I gonna go crazy and cosplay it? No. But it gave me some comfort and took my mind off of what was happening earlier this month.
I know everyone has their own thoughts and opinions in regards to what's canon and what's not, and that's fine. Im just vibing and drawing what I like. So without further putzing around- the drawings will be under the cut as they are a little suggestive- but then again almost everything ive posted has kinda been suggestive anyways.
[[EDIT: rethinking the cosplay idea- ive been low key working on a list of EVERY cosplay I want to do. I wanna be an asshole dad now.]]
So, I wanted to try something completely different in terms of poses and I was inspired by someone's drawing of Raiden from Metal Gear: Rising and it immediately went- that'd be fucking perfect.
So I present to yall Sebek Zigvolt. I hope it came out ok, however the glitter in his lightning wasn't properly captured on camera.
yandere!kalim al-asim x (gender neutral) reader
cw: yandere, unhealthy behaviors/relationship, kidnapping/captivity, obsession, delusion, non-consensual hypnosis
note - what is love if not the oversized sweater you drown in? what is the blinding sun if not convenient cover for its shadow? // HAPPIEST OF BIRTHDAYS TO THE DEAR AND BELOVED @fish-brain-go-brrrr !!!!!! wishing you a day full of wonderful things!!! you are so amazing!!!
In your dreams, the sun is a singular eye shining through the darkness shrouding your soul.
It peeks into the cracks you’ve patched up, melting away the mortar holding everything together. As if your body is nothing more than a hollow dollhouse, that eye pokes itself through the window between your ribs and searches for something.
In your dreams, there is always darkness—ever-present, never fading. And then there is the eye. Citrine like the sun, dripping in shreds of runny yolk. You hold your breath and sink in it: a sweetness so gooey it chokes your throat and rots your teeth through to the gums. No matter how many times you retch, hands close around your shoulders, pat your back, promise it’s fine.
Stifling like summer humidity, a sun that is always burning impossibly bright. So much so that you never see the shadows just beyond it.
There is always darkness in your dreams until, inevitably, someone comes to pull the cloth from your eyes.
This time, when the blindfold falls away, you find yourself looking into garnet eyes. Concern shimmers across Kalim’s face, widening his pupils in a way that’s almost preternatural.
“K-Kalim…?” You try to stand, but gravity pushes you down and you stumble into his open arms. “Oh—sorry! Uh… What happened?”
“I’m not sure…” He frowns and scratches the back of his neck awkwardly. “If I had to guess…” Taking stock of the room, its simple, sterile furnishings remind you of displays in home decor stores. Or a hospital arranged in waiting for a patient. Kalim gives a cheery laugh. “It’s probably another kidnapping! Don’t worry, (Name). Jamil’ll be here soon to get us out.”
There’s a beat of silence, divorced from your own staggered heartbeat. He can’t be serious. You can understand Kalim being in jeopardy. He always is, being son to an uber-rich family. But you’re no one. You’re not even from this world! Why would they target you as well? Your net worth is nonexistent, much like your identity and every other legal aspect normally attached to a person from Twisted Wonderland.
“There’s…no way, right?” you ask, peering around in search of a hidden camera or a few students failing to muffle their laughter at a mean-spirited prank.
Having realized you’ve been standing so close, with Kalim practically clinging to you, you take a step back. You feel fine, if not slightly groggy, but otherwise there doesn’t appear to be a scratch on you. It’s the same for Kalim, who wanders to the bare mattress a few paces away.
“At least we’ve got a bed!” He smiles. “If we’re gonna be here a while, might as well get comfortable.”
How can he be so nonchalant about this? Isn’t he scared?
“We should look for a way out.” You cross over towards the door and try the handle. Unsurprisingly, it doesn’t budge. There aren’t any windows either. Frowning, you cast your gaze to the ceiling. “There has to be something we can do.”
“Really? Usually I wait it out. Shouldn’t be much longer!”
“But—” You stumble over the words, tongue heavy and numb. “W-What if… Don’t you think there could be a situation where Jamil…doesn’t come to rescue you?”
Kalim tilts his head to and fro, considering the hypothetical. “Mm, I guess it is a scary thought. But I trust Jamil! I know he’ll find us.” And then he chuckles nervously. “I’m sorry you had to get caught up in this… But once we’re out of here, I’ll throw a big party at Scarabia! You’ll be the guest of honor and everything! It’ll be a blast!”
If we get out of here…
“Uh, yeah, sure…” You look around the room again, picking out pieces of furniture to ground yourself. A colorful shag rug, a tea table, two chairs, a bed without sheets. “Do you have any idea where we are?”
“No clue!”
“Huh…”
You walk the perimeter of the room, pressing on the walls as you go. Nothing gives. No loose tiles. No hidden compartments or panels popping out to reveal a way out. You’re trapped.
It has to be someone meticulous, right? Kalim and I aren’t hurt anywhere. We’re not even restrained. Someone’s taking care to ensure we don’t get injured. Maybe we’re just being held for ransom. Still scary, but at least it’s not worse.
You take another lap around the room.
What am I thinking? This is bad! This is really bad!
Cupping your hands around your mouth, you turn towards the door and yell: “Hey! Hello! Can anyone hear me? Help! You’ve gotta help us!”
Kalim lowers to sit on the bed, idly kicking his feet to and fro. Though he’s quietly passive, there’s a storm brewing on his face. It’s the most lonesome you’ve ever seen him look.
When no one heeds your cries, you take to pounding on the door, your shouts becoming increasingly louder. Maybe it’s possible to kick it down? You wind your leg back and ram your sole against the surface. Surely, if there’s anyone within a close enough radius, they’ll hear the wild thumping and come running. At least, that’s your goal. You’ll take anyone at this point. Hell, even slimy Azul and his terrible twosome. Anyone’s better than this—than confinement in an unknown place, at the mercy of an unknown person.
“Do you have your magic pen?” You glance over your shoulder at Kalim. “Maybe it’s possible to force the door open with magic?”
“I really think we should just stay put…” he says, picking at the mattress.
You’re so used to upbeat, smiling Kalim that this version of him—reserved and uncharacteristically silent—stuns you.
“But…” You turn around fully. “Aren’t you scared? You’re allowed to feel that way, you know. It doesn’t matter how many times you’ve been kidnapped or poisoned. That stuff is scary no matter how often it happens!”
He tries a smile and fails. “Aww, I appreciate it. Thanks, (Name).”
“We’ve gotta get out of here. We have to! And we can’t wait around for someone to help us. What if they don’t come?”
He nods his agreement but doesn’t make any attempt to move off the bed. “Don’t you believe in Jamil?”
“Of course I do. But we can’t always rely on him—or anyone, for that matter—to save us when things get rough.”
Kalim watches you check beneath the chairs and table. “Are you scared?”
“I mean, yeah! I don’t know where we are or how long we’ve been here or who’s taken us. They’ll come for you because you’re important, but if it had just been me—” You stop yourself abruptly. “If we can find a way out sooner, that’ll increase our chances of survival.”
“You don’t think you’re important?”
“What?”
“What you just said.” Kalim frowns. “You said…”
“Oh. Well, yeah. It’s obvious, isn’t it?”
“I don’t think so. You’re just as special.”
“Maybe. But not nearly enough that someone would risk everything for me.”
“I would,” he murmurs, glancing sidelong at the door.
“But that doesn’t really matter,” you continue, peeling the rug back to search for a secret. “The sooner we can find a way out, the quicker we can get back to school and whoever kidnapped us—they’ll be dealt with.”
“Mhm!” He perks up, flashing his thumbs at you. “I believe in us!”
“We’ll make it out. Definitely.”
Somehow you manage to make those words sound confident despite the horror eating you alive.
After circling the room once more and turning up empty, you shuffle over to the door again. This time, you press your ear against it and strain to listen for any movement on the other side.
A room as plain as this… Where could we be? In someone’s house?
“Hear anything?”
“Nothing yet, no…”
“That’s okay! I’m sure something—there’s gotta be something…!”
You heave a woeful breath. “We could be in the middle of nowhere and no one will ever know…”
He gasps. “Don’t say that! On the bright side, we’re not in any immediate danger. No one’s watching us, right? I couldn’t see any cameras or anything. And this room doesn’t seem to have any traps or other dangers. We’re totally fine!” He gives a relieved laugh, though it falls flat when you don’t mirror his misplaced optimism.
Pulling away from the door, you rest your palm upon it. “You don’t have to be the life of the party all the time. It’s gotta be exhausting being so happy.”
Kalim doesn’t say anything.
“Sorry. What am I saying? I’m just super stressed. Nothing’s making sense and neither am I… I just—I’m sure you have your reasons. Sorry. I’ll shut up now.”
You feel along the door, brows furrowed in concentration. You’re not sure how long you spend analyzing this very normal door in this painfully normal room, but it must have been a significant amount of time because you forget all about Kalim sitting on the bed.
“Damn it!” you hiss, curling your hands into fists. “We’re never getting out of here… It could be hours or minutes and still… F-Fuck. We’re trapped. We’re seriously trapped.” Tears well in your eyes. You can’t panic. Not right here. You need to stay calm. For your sake. For Kalim’s. You need to think logically. There has to be a reason for all of this. There has to be a reason you’re not chained up or worse. Whoever’s taken the two of you must possess some foresight—at least enough to not want either of you to get hurt. Not yet, anyway.
You don’t hear him approach.
“I’m sorry.”
His arms wrap around you from behind, startling you from your skin.
“Huh—oh! K-Kalim?” You blink your tears away.
“This is why I really didn’t want to do this…”
“What’re you talking about? I don’t—”
“You’re always so sweet, (Name). You know that?” He squeezes tighter now, his head against your back. “You’re so kind to everyone, always, no matter what. I didn’t want to scare you. Really! I just…” He sighs, cheerful layers pulled back to reveal something you’ve never quite seen before. “But I couldn’t think of another way. At least, not a way that puts you right here with me.” He forces out a boyish chuckle. “I guess that makes me kinda selfish, huh?”
You freeze, taking in everything he says. It has the format of a confession. What emotion is twined throughout, you can’t begin to theorize. You don’t want to.
“W-What…?”
“Even if you can’t forgive me, I just want to do my best to make you happy. I promise I will. So…please don’t cry. I’ll make it better—you’ll see!”
You can hear the smile in his voice, happiness desperately clawing through delusion. His hands snake up to cradle your face, holding you still as the door creaks open. You can’t look away. You can’t even scream.
How can you when the person on the other side is so familiar?
Kalim holds your eyes open while they make contact with the devious greys of a snake.
The world falls away then. A voice whispers in your ear.
“It’s going to be okay, (Name). I’ll look after you, so don’t cry.”
AaaaaAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH OH MY GOODNESS!!!! I LOVE IT MERA!!!! THANK YOU!! Oh how much i love my sunshine child!!! You made him absolutely perfect in this and im just all over the place right now. Thank you again so much, this is one of my favorites! 💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜
you have the kind of style i'd usually find on like. 2016 deviantart. and i say this with the utmost affection
Hi there!
Oh gosh- thank you. I have to admit my style changed a lot, but I see what you're saying. I grew up on dA. Like I remember being on it for ages at my dads house when i was younger, just looking at pictures and saving the ones I liked so I could look at them whenever I went back to my moms cause I didn't have internet there. :)
surprising no one, except me. I got orange cat?!?!
Thank you @ysmtttty for sharing this! Tagging some people to do this too. @chunkypossum @areyoudreaminof @g00seg1rl @whisperingmidnights @queercontrarian @thelov3lybookworm @jon-snows-man-bun @olenvasynyt and anyone else who wants to do this
yandere!jade leech x (gender neutral) reader x yandere!floyd leech
cw: yandere, unhealthy behaviors/relationship, stalking, fear/paranoia, kidnapping
note - will you open it? // a birthday gift for the lovely and amazing @fish-brain-go-brrrr!!!!!!! may your special day be filled with eels, tako, and boundless happiness. (´▽`ʃƪ)♡ thank you for being a wonderful friend!! have the best birthday and enjoy this little gift hehe!!!! 🎉
Knock, knock.
The door opens to reveal your friend since forever: Azul Ashengrotto.
And, more importantly, his Alaskan Malamute, who bounds over in quick clicks to greet you. You laugh as she all but pushes past Azul’s legs in an effort to reach your outstretched arms.
“Well, excuse you!” Azul laughs. She slobbers all over your face in her form of affectionate greeting before pulling away to sniff curiously at your suitcase. “Someone’s excited to see you.”
“I haven’t even gotten through the door,” you remark in between giggles.
“Okay, Pepper, that’s enough.” Azul clicks his tongue and she parts from you (not before delivering one final lick to your cheek. He smiles and pats her affectionately. “Good girl.”
Despite Pepper’s impressive size, she’s nothing but a softie. A gentle giant, some would describe her. You remember when she was just a puppy, small enough to be cradled in Azul’s arms like a human baby. How she’s grown!
“If you’d come this way, you can put your stuff down.” Azul shuffles aside to allow you to step fully into the foyer of his smartly-furnished home. “I’m sure you’re already familiar with everything, but it won’t hurt to reiterate.”
“Please do. It’s been a while since I’ve been at your place. Doesn’t seem like anything’s changed, though.”
He hums and shuts the door behind you. It locks smoothly. You trail after Azul, wheeling your suitcase down the hall and into the sitting room. Pepper bounds after the both of you and makes herself comfortable on a fluffy dog bed.
“Pepper’s feeding schedule hasn’t changed. Although I did switch to a different brand of dry food. This one is much better. Vet’s orders and all that. And every month I have a chef come in to prepare her a special, nutritionally balanced meal with only the freshest ingredients.”
“Wow! Isn’t she spoiled?” you tease in an exaggerated baby voice.
“I take care of my things,” he replies simply, shrugging your playful remark off, “and Pepper deserves only the finest.”
“I’m sure she appreciates it.”
As if having realized she’s the subject of conversation, Pepper barks.
Azul leads you through the house into the kitchen. It looks different from the last time you saw it and you realize he must have had it redone. Every appliance is brand-new, winking back at you when you peek into each gleaming surface.
Sleek, you think, admiring the wall oven.
“Pepper gets one cup of dry food twice every day. Once in the morning and once at night. On Fridays, I give her a can of wet food as a treat. She can have that whenever you think is best. I usually do it around late morning, early afternoon.”
“Dry food twice each day. Wet food Friday. Got it.”
He opens a small door to a cupboard packed neatly with cans and containers. “This is where I keep her food. This bigger door is for human food. The wonderful pantry.” He knocks on it playfully.
Knock, knock.
You attempt a poor joke. “So it’s not just all dog food?”
“I have to feed myself,” he says, dramatically aghast. “I’m not a dog.”
“You sure about that?”
Azul barks out a chuckle. His mouth quirks up in an amused half-grin. “I’m sorry to disappoint. If it makes you feel any better, I’ve stocked this one full of everything indicated in the preferences you sent me.”
“So that’s why you asked me for that list! I just thought you wanted food recs.”
“That, too. You have unique tastes.”
“Microwave and canned meals are always there for me in my darkest hours.”
He hums. “Well, I’ve made sure to get each of your human favorites, so you needn’t feen for those too much.”
There’s a razored edge to his remark that makes you shrivel inside. As if your appetite is cheap in some way, more like a dog’s than a person’s.
But this is his house and it’s his money. You wouldn’t put it past him to factor in the pay cut for unnecessary sass. So you simply bare your teeth in a smile and take the punch, whether it was intended for you or not. Sometimes you forget he’s supposed to be your friend.
“You’re welcome to use the kitchen. The whole house is your oyster, really,” he continues, guiding you towards the back door. It’s then when you notice the little black camera positioned in the corner of the room, its red eye peering soundlessly back at you. You wonder if that’s a new addition—the dog cameras. You can’t remember if they were there the last summer you were here. “Pepper has a tendency to stay out longer than she needs to after she’s done her business. She’ll come to the door once she’s had her fill, so there’s no need to fret. Although I’m sure she’ll listen to you. She’s quite obvious in her favoritism…”
You laugh but not because it’s funny. Because it’ll hopefully land you within his good graces, which is patently absurd if he’s meant to be your friend. You’re not even sure you can call these favors friendship when they’re transactional. If anything, you’re friendlier with Pepper than you are with Azul.
Am I really closer with a dog than a human? you think as he opens the door for you to view the fenced-in yard. You watch Azul gesture, his lips moving with his words. Actually, maybe Azul’s the dog.
Doubtful, but that doesn’t make the imagery any less comedic.
“I’ll be back next Monday. If you need anything or have any questions, you have my number. Oh, but just in case I’ve written the schedule for you and pasted it on the fridge should you forget.”
“I’ll be fine. It’s nothing I haven’t done before.”
At that, he smiles sincerely. “Thank you. I really do appreciate this, considering everything was such short notice.”
He chuckles. “I suppose that’s more than enough of a bonus. Speaking of which, how much would you like to be paid?”
“However much you’d like to give me,” you blurt and immediately regret it.
“I researched the average pay for dog-sitters, but there were just so many conflicting opinions and variables. So what do you think would be best? Please don’t sell yourself short on account of my asking. I’m always willing to give you more for your services.”
Taking a pause, you contemplate his words. If you factor in the grocery trip he made on your behalf and his letting you stay for the week alongside the tasks you’ll be completing for Pepper…
You open your mouth to suggest four-hundred madol, but he beats you to it—and with a completely different amount.
“Does three-hundred suffice?”
“Sure. No, yes. Yeah, that works.” You smile, but you aren’t very pleased.
“Wonderful! If you ever find yourself thinking you might need more, please do tell me. I want to make sure you’re paid accordingly. Good work deserves equally good acknowledgement, wouldn’t you agree?”
You nod. If you know anything about Azul, it’s that he’s always willing to work with you when it comes to finances. He’s a businessman, so of course he’d know how to flawlessly navigate these types of situations. And having built himself a career and life on hard work, he has the confidence to throw numbers around and see which one sticks.
Briefly, as you follow him to the front door, you try to imagine yourself in his shoes—a businessperson who dresses smart every day, who never has to worry about money, who doesn’t have to be silently amazed by shiny appliances and refurbished kitchens.
And then you wonder if Azul is in the market for a spouse, but that idea is swiftly stamped out when you realize how silly it sounds.
He props his suitcase against the wall and bends down to welcome Pepper, who can easily match his height, into his arms. She licks at his face, sniffing the cologne spritzed on his suit, and he doesn’t seem to fuss over the hair.
“I’ll see you in a week. Be good to (Name) while I’m gone.”
Upon hearing your name, she whips her head up to look at you.
“She’s always good no matter what,” you vouch, reaching to scratch behind her ears. Her tail wags wildly. “The best girl.”
“I’m glad.” Azul pulls away. He plucks a lint roller from the side pouch in his backpack and casually brushes down his front. “I trust you’ll be fine in my absence? Do feel free to sleep wherever—whether on the sofa or in the guest bedroom upstairs. The sheets were just washed and the room is clean. Mine is as well, but I suppose it may be awkward to offer it.” He coughs into his fist. “Regardless, whichever space you find most comfortable, consider it yours for the duration of your stay.”
“Thank you for everything, Azul.” You hold the door for him as he drags his suitcase over the threshold, his backpack hanging from one shoulder. “Have a safe flight.”
Pepper joins you at the door to watch. You wave to him while he lifts his belongings into the trunk of his car, and then within mere minutes he’s pulling away and driving out of sight.
“And that’s that,” you announce, ducking back inside with Pepper. You shut the door and lock it. Surveying the sitting room, your hands situated on your hips, you wonder what you should do now. She peers up at you, just as expectant.
The first thing you decide to do is peruse the pantry and the fridge. All of your favorites are arranged within. It’s actually too much, you realize, now unable to settle on a single option for dinner.
So instead you swipe the money Azul’s left for you on the counter—in case of emergencies, the note reads—and decide that this predicament is dire enough for pizza.
Knock, knock.
You pop up from the sofa and trot over to open the front door. Pepper gets there before you, barking loudly at the person on the other side. Gently, you shush her and peek out through the small crack to greet the driver. They smile and hand over your food. Rushing through the process, you give them the amount owed.
The door shuts and locks with a click.
“You’re babysitting for the same rich guy? You’d think he’d give you a raise or something since you do it so often,” Ace mutters into the phone.
“Yeah, well, it’s only a week.”
“Still a week’s worth of work. Why do you even feel bad? Ask for more. He said he’d give it to you, didn’t he?”
“I dunno… I mean, we already agreed on an amount and I don’t wanna seem like a greedy asshole—”
“(Name), he’s rich. They’re all greedy assholes. If he has the money to spoil his dog with monthly fancy feasts,” he says, putting on a posh accent, “then he has the money to pay you what you deserve. If you want, I could always say something. J-Just because you’re too chicken and all, I mean! Sometimes you need superstar Ace to step in. No need to thank me. I know I’m great.”
Propping your feet on the armrest at the end of the loveseat, you roll your eyes at the ceiling. “Whatever would I do without you?”
“Case in point! So you should totally ask him for more. Wring him out like a money rag.”
“We’ll see… He did buy a bunch of food for me and he’s letting me stay. He even left money for emergencies.”
“You used it, right?”
“Of course I did! I’m not stupid.”
Ace laughs. “So you’re alone then?”
“The dog’s here, too. You wanna say hi?” You tap your phone. “Okay, you’re on speaker. Pepper, you wanna meet my friend?”
“What’s up, Pepper!”
She lifts her head from where she’s resting on her cushion, her ears raised curiously. Her only response is a soft huff.
“She says hi.”
“You sure you’re not putting words in her mouth?”
“Surprised you couldn’t understand her, you dog.”
“Hey!”
Grinning, you pick at a loose string on your sweater. Azul’s house is always so cold. “But, yes, it’s just the dog and me. Why?”
Ace is quiet for an uncharacteristic beat. Eventually, he clears his throat. “Dunno. Just figured you might want some company. I could come over.”
You understand the implication coyly woven into his words. “I’d say yeah—”
“Really?!”
“But he’s got cameras. For the dog, I think.”
“So just cover them up?”
“Wow, great suggestion. How long did it take you to think of that one, brainiac?”
“I’m just saying… He’s away on a business thing, right? How much time is he gonna have to watch the cameras?”
“If he’s neurotic enough, he’ll find time.”
“He shouldn’t be if he trusts you to look after the house.”
“He also trusts how easy it’ll be to connect the dots if something goes missing from his house.”
“It’s not criminal to have a guest over! Geez. You make it sound so illegal…”
“Tough luck. If you really wanna hang out, we can just get lunch next time I’m—”
Knock, knock.
You sit up slightly on the sofa, brows furrowed. Is someone at the door? At this hour? You’re certain Azul isn’t expecting anyone, and the mail isn’t due to come until tomorrow morning. You glance at Pepper. Her eyes are closed, but her ears are raised, listening.
“Hey, Ace?”
“Yeah? What’s up?”
“Hold that thought. I think someone’s at the door.”
You manage to catch the very end of Ace’s don’t-get-murdered warning just before you set your phone down. Azul’s door has a panel of frosted glass, so even if you wanted to discern the person’s features on the other end you’d have to open it for confirmation. All you can go off of are shadows.
Unlocking the door, you pull it open and poke your head outside. The crisp air hits you like a slap.
No one’s there.
You check around in case someone dropped something off, but there’s nothing in sight. Nothing on the stoop. No mail to collect.
Did someone have the wrong house? you think, trying to picture the scenario in your mind. Or maybe some dumb kids are pranking me.
Now irritated, you shut the door in a huff.
It’s summer. Don’t they have anything better to do?
Maybe it’s precisely because it’s summer that they don’t.
You choose to brush this annoyance aside in favor of picking up your phone to return to the conversation.
“Sorry about that. I’m back.”
“Everything good?”
“Yeah. No, yeah. All good here. Just some kids thinking they’re funny.”
“Yeaaah, no surprises there.”
“You’d think they’d stay away. Azul’s probably got enough money to sue them for disturbing the peace or some other stuffy nonsense and win.”
“They’re kids. They’re not gonna know any better.”
“Says the public menace.”
“I’m not that bad! Cut me some slack. I’ll have you know, I’ve matured significantly since my school days and I am very much a changed man.”
“Yeah, oookay.”
“I’m serious!”
“Sure, Mr. Mature. Anyway, it’s late. I should let Pepper out and get to bed.”
“You sure you don’t want me to sing you to sleep?” he teases.
“I actually value my sense of hearing, so no. Thanks, though.”
Before he can retort, you bid him sweet dreams and hang up. Gazing at the camera positioned in the corner, you rise to your feet.
The cameras are definitely new.
“Pepper, sweetheart, you wanna go outside?”
She seems to have understood that last part, for she scrambles out of her bed and pads over to the back door with a swaying tail. You open the door for her, and she rushes past you in a blur of fur.
Good. She’ll get one last run and bathroom break in before bed and hopefully we’ll be fine until morning.
Like a wine stain on a white shirt, your eyes are drawn to the camera once more. You can understand having cameras outside the property, but inside the house feels…unusual. But then you’ve never had a dog of your own and you’ve always lived in apartments on the highest floor, so maybe this is what most dog owners do when they need to monitor an overactive animal.
Maybe they’re those cameras that you can speak through! If that’s the case, then I can totally see him talking to Pepper or scolding her if she’s up to no good. Okay, that makes a little more sense now.
Another reason hits you, and you feel foolish for not realizing it first: For safety and security’s sake, too. Of course.
Your phone buzzes then and you pull it from your pocket to read the message. Ace has sent you something stupid on Magicam, no doubt. You’re about to open it and confirm when—
Knock, knock.
An admonishment on the tip of your tongue, you storm through the hall towards the front door. You throw it open this time, and like before you find empty space.
“Not funny,” you seethe, stepping out into the cold night to peer through the neat hedges and flower bushes. Surely those kids are hiding somewhere… “It’s late. Go home already!”
You don’t receive a reply. For a moment, you wait in anticipation. Wherever they’re hiding, they’ll have to get up and retreat eventually. It’s oddly quiet. You strain to listen for any giggles or whispers.
Nothing but suffocating silence.
And then Pepper barks, and you nearly jump out of your skin. You shut the door slowly, watching the outside slim down until eventually all you see is your warped reflection in the frosted glass.
Weird…
Again, Pepper barks.
“I’m coming! Wait just a moment, Pepper!”
You lock the door and scurry to let her in.
Come tomorrow, those kids won’t be able to hide in the daylight, you tell yourself as you brush your teeth. And when I catch them, I’ll make sure to give them a talk on why it’s not nice to bother other people, especially at night when it’s dark out. It’s just unsafe for kids to be out late anyway!
When you settle into bed, you realize the house is perfectly still and silent. Pepper is snoozing comfortably on Azul’s bed. You never realized it, but Azul’s house seems bigger at night. More rooms. More space. Lots of shadows. A creak every now and then as everything settles. It’s in between sleep that you begin to wonder if you locked the door.
It’s fine. I’ve got Pepper to keep me safe.
Comforted with this knowledge, you fall asleep.
Knock, knock.
There is a knock at your door.
You jerk awake and, rather clumsily, feel around in the bed for your phone. It flashes the time back at you. The rest of the world comes trickling in through dull, still-sleepy senses. You finally register Pepper’s bark, which is beginning to sound more like an alarm with how relentless it is.
“Shit. It’s already afternoon?” And then you sit up. “Shit! It’s already afternoon!”
You rush down the stairs, apologizing profusely to Pepper with each step. She’s waiting for you at the very bottom, pacing in circles and barking at you.
“I know, I know! I’m sorry. I completely slept in. You must have to go really bad.”
She races you to the door and you yank it open in your haste, heaving a relieved breath when she bursts outside. You lean against the doorframe for support and bask in the sunshine that spills in.
The weather’s beautiful today. I can’t believe they were saying it might rain.
While Pepper runs laps outside, you busy yourself with filling Pepper’s bowls with the recommended amount of dry food and then fresh water. Her shadow appears against the door a few minutes later and so you let her in.
“Just in time,” you praise, watching as she trots eagerly over to her bowl.
With that out of the way, you begin preparing a very late breakfast for yourself. You can’t remember when the dishes from before were cleaned. Did you do them last night before bed?
“Doesn’t really matter,” you murmur, slicing fruit for a salad. “One less thing I have to do. Thank you, (Name) from the past.”
You skim through the notes Azul’s pasted to the bulletin board. Instructions for Pepper’s feeding schedule, reminders, times and dates. But then there are also things he’s left for himself. A calendar with important events marked. Various notes for miscellaneous things: Bring suit in for cleaning. Meet with dietician at the end of the month. Celebrate colleague’s birthday. These tiny slivers of his life remind you that Azul is a busy person like you. When you look at the stars he’s doodled around dates of particular importance, you feel yourself smiling. He’s not such an intimidating figure when you look at him through his calendar.
A text from Ace coaxes you out of your thoughts: u still on for tonight?
Tonight? But then you remember. Oh, fuck! Deuce’s birthday! I forgot we planned the surprise for today.
hell yeah!!! is your enthusiastic reply.
Later, while you’re getting ready for the evening, you think you hear someone knocking. But the running water drowns out all sounds from downstairs. If Pepper isn’t barking, it’s likely nothing.
You leave the house somewhat frazzled, hoping to shake off the strange suspicion that something isn’t right.
The biggest surprise, aside from jumping out to shock Deuce when he walked into the restaurant on account of thinking it a date—yes, you and Ace catfished him for this very cruel, irreverent birthday joke—is perhaps the text you receive from Azul.
Is it raining? Did Pepper track mud in the house?
You read it three more times and then you peek outside the window. It’s been raining ever since you arrived. So much for perfect weather… But Pepper couldn’t have gotten into any mud because the ground was dry earlier today.
No?? you write back, confusion bubbling in your chest. I haven’t sent her out since this morning when it was sunny. It’s raining now, but she hasn’t been out at all.
Horrified, you begin to wonder if you somehow spilled something during breakfast. Or did Pepper have an accident in the house? Did she get into something? A million questions headline your thoughts, overwhelming in their intensity. Thankfully, it’s Ace and Deuce who bring you back to the present.
“Ace told me you’re doing that house-sitting gig for that guy again.”
“Oh, yeah! I am. Dog-sitting, too.” You stuff your phone away.
Best not to think about it.
“Didja catch those kids?”
Deuce looks between you and Ace, a brow raised. “What kids?”
“You totally missed it! I guess some kids were knocking on (Name)’s door all night long.”
“They’re still doing it. I think…”
“No way!”
“Sooner or later, it becomes less annoying and more like harassment.” Deuce cringes. “And you haven’t caught them yet?”
“No. Or… Well, I thought I heard some knocking this morning. But I was still asleep and the dog was barking.”
“This guy has cameras, doesn’t he?” Ace looks to you for confirmation.
“Yeah, but it’s not like I have access to them.”
“Maybe that’ll drive whoever’s bothering you away. If they see the cameras, they’ll realize they’re being recorded and hopefully leave you alone.”
“Hopefully.”
“I offered to come over.”
“It’s not that serious.”
Ace and Deuce share a look of doubt.
“Really! It’s not, guys. All they’re doing is knocking on the door. Irritating as hell? Yes. But it’s all harmless. They’re outside. I’m inside. Plus, I’ve got Azul’s dog. She’s huge.”
“Just…keep yourself safe. Call one of us if you need to. We’ll come over,” Deuce says, poking around at the food on his plate.
“I will. Thank you. But let’s not worry about any of that. It’s your birthday! It’s supposed to be all about you.”
Somehow the unsettling atmosphere ebbs away, replaced with the joyous delusions of short-lived celebration.
You return to Azul’s house to find muddy pawprints on the floor. It takes you thirty minutes to scrub the floors clean, and for the entire time you’re racking your brain trying to understand how this happened. Was there mud in the backyard that you just weren’t aware of? Or did Pepper truly go outside when it was raining? Did you leave the door unlocked?
Surely Azul must have seen what happened on the cameras.
Something isn’t adding up. You spend your entire shower constructing the scene and its many possibilities, but none of them make a lick of sense.
It’s just you and Pepper, right?
As you toss and turn in bed, struggling to relax under a duvet that feels too itchy and hot, you think you hear someone knocking on the door.
Or maybe it’s the window. Maybe it’s right below you, tapping at the ceiling, pacing around in the kitchen, reaching to pet Pepper.
Maybe you’re just dreaming.
Azul calls you on the seventh day to check in. You consider telling him about the knocking, the dishes, that rainy day when Pepper tracked in mud, but you can’t seem to form the words without sounding utterly insane. So you smile and lie.
“No issues here. Pepper’s been wonderful.”
Azul hums, pleased. “Aah, I miss her something fierce. Oh, can you tell her I said that?”
You repeat his words to Pepper. “I dunno… I think she’s starting to like me more than you.”
“Well, isn’t that a problem? How else will she get her fix of you once you’re gone?”
“I’ll be back next time you need me.” And then you hesitate. “You…will need me again, right?”
“Of course. I always need you, (Name).”
There’s an awkward pause on his end. He clears his throat, but you don’t add anything to break the tension.
“Um, right. Yeah… Enjoy the rest of your business trip. I hope all is well with…that.”
“It is, yes. Thank you.”
“Then I won’t keep you.”
You end the call before he can say anything else. Pepper, who had been resting beside you on the sofa, tilts her head at you.
“Don’t tell him I said this,” you whisper, “but your owner is really bad at words sometimes.”
She leans in and licks your cheek.
Someone knocks on the door and lies in wait. You watch with bated breath, repeating the same phrase over and over: “Don’t open the door. Don’t open the door. Don’t open the door.”
Knock, knock.
She reaches for the knob.
“No… Come on. Don’t do it. It’s so clearly a trap!” You almost don’t want to watch. You know she’s as good as dead as soon as she opens the door, for the killer will descend and drag her back inside her own house.
Knock, knock.
She’s already opened the door. As expected, the killer pounces like the Grim Reaper and she shrieks like a banshee.
Knock, knock.
Knock, knock.
Knock, knock, knock.
Remote in hand, you lower the volume and focus on the silence that creeps in shortly after. You wait for a creak or another knock—a disturbance of some sort.
Slowly, you turn to glance at the door and then at the windows nearby with the curtains drawn. As quietly as you can manage, you set the remote down and slither off of the sofa. Pepper doesn’t seem bothered by the sounds, but you can tell she’s listening, her body tense.
No one’s out there. It’s nothing.
You peel the curtains back ever so slightly and peek out at the darkness. There’s no one on the stoop. No one at the window. No one.
So then where was the knocking coming from? Was it really just the movie?
Or… No, certainly not. You refuse to entertain that thought.
But, if not the movie and not from outside, where else could the sound be coming from? Where else if not from within these very walls?
You shut the curtains and return to the sofa. Horror is swapped for a cheesy rom-com. You need the laughter and the cringe and every fluffy thing in between to calm the electricity in your nerves.
And it works. You fall asleep by the third rom-com, listening to cheesy one-liners and bad jokes with terribly written punchlines.
Knock, knock.
And then a noisy clatter.
You’re shaken from your slumber in a daze. You’re not sure what time it is or where you even are, and it takes a moment for clarity to filter in through the grogginess. You’re wrapped up in blankets on the bed in the guest room in Azul’s house and there’s someone standing at the foot of the bed, watching you in the gloom, and—
Wait.
How did you get to bed? Most importantly, what’s that blinking back at you? It can’t be Pepper. Pepper doesn’t have two-toned eyes. Pepper can’t stand on two legs. You squint through the shadows to pick out the shape of them, and your blood freezes when you realize it’s a person.
A person. A person.
Someone’s inside the house and they’re looking right at you.
Do they know I’m awake? you think, your thoughts racing wildly. You lie there, rigid as a board and stiff as a corpse, and hope that they can’t tell. Calm down. Relax. Pepper will scare them off.
But then you notice she hasn’t barked a single time since you opened your eyes. Is she sleeping?
Terror pierces your heart. Did this person hurt her? Is she—
Don’t think about that.
Your eyes slide over towards the doorway, and you just about scream when you see another figure. The breath sticks in your throat. You know it’s another person because the way they lean so casually against the doorframe suggests a certain nonchalance with this situation. A nonchalance that can only belong to a person.
“Knock, knock. Aww. Did we wake you up?” It’s a man’s whispery drawl that combs through the room, raking through your scalp with sharp fingers, prodding at your ears like a hornet. “You looked so peaceful, too. Sorry about that.”
You’re not sure what you should do. Should you even try to run or escape when you’re already so cornered? Is there enough time to call for help? Will Pepper hear you if you shout? Should you play dead or feign sleep? What should you do?
What can you do?
You glance at the other figure. Unlike the other one, who sways and fidgets like he’s caught in a perpetual, invisible breeze, this person is perfectly, eerily still. Almost like a doll.
But then the man in the doorway laughs. “Layin’ it on thick there, ain’tcha? They’re already shakin’ like a leaf. No need to overdo it.”
A razored smile cuts through the gloom. Your eyesight adjusts enough to catch sight of a J-shaped strand of hair and the glint of an earring.
“No need to look so scared,” he continues, but you can’t pry your eyes from the other’s smile. It’s a smile of grotesque pleasure—one that feasts on fear so palpable it might as well be a three-course meal for him. “We’re not gonna hurt you.”
Then will you do something much worse? you want to ask, but all you can do is blink.
“Just gonna take you somewhere nice and cozy. Nothin’ scary about that. Ain’t that right, Jade?”
“Indeed, Floyd.” A voice as smooth and soft as melted caramel. Maybe it would’ve been soothing in a different situation.
Before you can scream or lunge out of bed, arms are reaching out to restrain you. A hand slaps over your mouth. Fingers curl into your arms. A sickly sweet rag is stuffed against your nose.
Your feet kick against the wall, a steady knock-knock-knocking like a heartbeat, until your muscles still and the fight is drained from you. Unconsciousness blankets your body and mind within minutes.
There is nothing more unnerving than returning to an empty house, especially when it was once filled with human presence. No one knows anything, but they could’ve if there was evidence. Incriminating footage is no good.
Azul certainly thinks so while he dons his finest suit and practices a few expressions in the mirror. Pepper watches him from where she lays curled on his bed.
“A hero must look exceptional when he rescues his dearest one. Most of all, he must be innocent and trustworthy. Wouldn’t you say so, Pepper?”
At that, she can only offer a halfhearted whimper. He smiles.
AaaaAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH AKFBEKDNFBDKBDDKEJDBKSHDBR MERA!!!! MERA!!! THIS WAS SO DELICOUS!!! YOU HAVE MADE YET ANOTHER FEAST!!!!!! I ENJOYED EVERY BIT OF IT AND OOOOOOOOOMG IM SCREAMING!!!!!
I LOVE IT I LOVE IT I LOVE IT I LOVE IT!!!!! IT GIVES ME HORROR VIBES AND THE PERFECT AMOUNT AN YANDERE AND IM JUST OVER THE MOON WITH IT AND AND AND AND ITS PERFECT!!!!!!
I LOVE DARLING GETTING FREAKED OUT FROM THE TWINS' SNEAKING IN AND DOING THINGS!!! I LOVE JADE BEING CREEPY AND STARING AT DARLING FROM THE FOOT OF THE BED!!! I LOVE FLOYD BEING SO NONCHALANT ABOUT IT!!!! AND DEAREST TAKO BEING THE SAVIOR AT THE END EVEN THO IT WAS HIS PLAN TO BEGIN WITH- MY HEART!!!!!
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS WONDERFUL BIRTHDAY GIFT!!! IT HAS BEEN ONE OF THE BEST BIRTHDAY GIFTS IVE EVER GOTTEN!!! YOU HAVE MADE MY BIRTHDAY!!! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!
( ≧ᗜ≦) aaaaa thank you for the tag, re-l!!!! your picrew is so pretty~ 💖 there were so many cute outfits on this picrew!! it was difficult to choose just one to put here out of the many i made hehe. orz
i love ouran so much. i rewatched it again two months ago and it still hasn't left my mind, so now i've been listening to the soundtrack on repeat while at work. <3 the vibes are truly immaculate.
(no pressure) tagging: @99-nct, @heyyy11, @yandere-romanticaa, and @fish-brain-go-brrrr !!
— 𝜗𝜚 thank u @cosmiiwrites nd @queenofmistresses for the tags, my lovies <3 i love u both
favorite color? pink!! i love pink!! you know the colour of hello kitty’s bow? pink!! my melo? pink!! my socks rn? pink!! did i mention my favourite colour is pink?
last song? someday - from the zombies soundtrack (banger)
currently reading? i finished the hurricane wars by thea guanzon a few days ago so im using this as an excuse to tell you to read it n i loved it so much but im currently starting (only a chapter in) a feather so black by lyra selene
currently watching? i don’t think i am watching anything… i last watched the zombies movies though… (im not obsessed you are)
currently craving? NOODS ugh i could demolish some noodles rn
coffee or tea? yes.
@nebulacrumbs @blooming-crimson-flower @hellsgreatestslut @lilsleepybear1029 @ustulia tag you’re it <3
Oh! I got confused for a hot second- but thank you for the tag, @merakiui !
Favourite color? purple! Especially darker purples!
Last song? ラブカ? 【リーチ兄弟】 (rabu ga leech brother version)
Currently reading? If we're talking manga- I'm reading several right now, but I'm currently invested in a light novel series called The Strange Adventures of a Broke Mercenary.
Currently watching? Erm..... anime- a variety of them and people reacting to the yugioh banlist....
Currently craving? I'm craving crepes
Coffee or Tea? Coffee- always coffee- to an unhealthy amount.
I'm not sure who to tag- and I'm sorry if it's sudden but @miss-moray-mirage , @rosedere
Time for fish. The fishiest of fishes that I love so much and I can obviously show I have an unhealthy love for.
This has got to be one of the most labor-intensive pieces that I've done. I think this has a total of about 30 layers and let me tell yall- I love them but im glad I'm done.
I present two versions of the same picture! One regular and one yandere-ish. I hope yall enjoy!!
