from OCTAVINELLE
- Warning: Yes, this is still a yandere thing. You have been warned. Gender-neutral reader.
- Characters: Floyd Leech, Jade Leech, Azul Ashengrotto
- Summary: (Continuation, after this “we just got a letter, wonder where it’s from”) You have barred them from entering the safety of Ramshackle Dorm, but they are determined to make their words reach you. Which is why the letters begin arriving at your doorstep.
- Note: This time it did not take me a year to update! Huzzah!
Scarabia | Octavinelle | Savanaclaw
The last letters you received really unsettled you.
The two were vastly different from each other. One made you question each and every move you ever made in the past and the decisions you would make in the future. The second was an invitation you would have to turn down. While you're certain that particular sender would never trick you purposefully, the others could and would use it as a trap if they knew you were there.
Now you were contemplating asking the staff for more assistance if you had to venture outside. While you hate to bother them when they were busy enough as it was, you feared going alone anywhere now. For tonight, you would remain within the safety of Ramshackle and avoid any nightly excursions for the time being. That meant ignoring the invitation you were extended. At least you weren't entirely alone. Grim was always with you.
Speak of the little devil. It seems like first thing this morning, he had decided to dig through the fresh wave of letters that had arrived. “Hey, you know how you said we can’t go to the cafeteria because those weirdos got nothin’ better to do but follow you?” Using his sharpened claws, Grim tore into an envelope that held a coupon for a particular on-campus lounge. There was only one person in the entire student body who would use coupons for free meals at his own lounge as a way to tempt you into opening the letter. In a way, it worked, as the feline snatched up the carefully printed coupons and at the same time a letter fluttered to your feet.
“Absolutely not.” You answered, earning a quick grumble from Grim until you reminded him, “We have plenty of food and gifts that everyone sent. You know I won’t touch it, so it’s pretty much all yours.” You didn’t need to tell him twice, because he immediately went to dig around the pile for something edible again which left you with the message that came with the coupon.
The letter was folded neatly in thirds but the sheet was tinged tan, reminding you of rolled parchment that formed contracts. Thankfully, there was no dotted line where you were expected to sign away your soul. The contents were composed of smooth cursive penmanship, the loops and lines like waves on the water that became choppy the longer it went on.
A quick glance confirmed that it did not begin with requirements or collaterals or legally binding statements. Just formalities spiraling into begging and reverting abruptly back to formalities. Droplets stained the surface of the parchment, just barely visible as they had long since dried. Were those tears…??
To my dear player,
I must offer the most sincerest of apologies for all my transgressions!
When I should have welcomed you with open arms as I once had, the malfunction of your vessel had rendered me into a rather… shall we say, unsightly, state. As embarrassing as it is to admit, I must confess this much if I am to gain your favor once more. And in that state I now realize that the anguish of the mere possibility of your absence being permanent had blinded me to your very real presence.
Well, this is my heartfelt attempt to amend my egregious mistake! You are welcome to visit the Mostro Lounge at any time you like. These doors shall always be open for you! Through rain or shine, should you want for something then I will be here to offer it to you. You needn’t concern yourself over closing hours, for I will still serve you even if you arrive in the dead of night.
Yes, I too realize that a coupon for a free meal could not begin to make up for the mistakes that were made. I know you believe so too, given how you have yet to respond to my previous letters or anyone else’s. It’s only a small part of the whole that I could offer you. Given the debts that are owed to me, I have the power to fulfill whatever you desire, my pearl. Perhaps you would want these letters from the others to stop altogether, or maybe you desire something simpler like walking out in the day without having to worry about unwanted company. Have I piqued your interest?
I’m not just offering a free meal. What I am offering is a chance to have peace returned to you once more. The coupon is an invitation, if you will. I’ve heard you receive an abundance of those from those pathetic and desperate for your return. This is not like that. I know you would not accept those sorts of invitations, and you know me well enough to estimate that this is more of a business-sort of venture. Consider it, won’t you? Come by the Mostro Lounge at whatever time best suits you, I will be here ready to welcome you with open arms as I should have, and we can talk business.
I’m certain something can be devised and agreed upon, a deal highly beneficial to both parties involved. Normally, I would not offer such a valuable proposition to most but you are not just anybody. My generosity is boundless, but my fondness for you is far greater than that. You are much more than merely my most valued client, which is why I dearly hope you accept my proposal. Even if it’s just to make use of the coupon, or you wish to berate me for my stupidity, I would still welcome you.
I will always welcome you.
Everything has been prepared for your arrival at a moment’s notice. Please, allow me to make up for everything. I’m begging you.
I’ll do anything. I can give you more than free meals and a peace of mind. I can make everything go away, everyone bothering you will be gone! If you want a sense of normalcy, I’ll see to it that no one else approaches you! If you want protection, you needn’t even ask, I will protect you! Anything, just name it and consider it yours! Just don’t leave me. I need you. Don’t leave me alone. Please––
I hate this! I hate your absence. I can’t take it anymore. I need you here. Every time I try to see you, someone else gets in the way! Someone who doesn’t deserve you! Without you I feel broken, pathetic, desperate, everything I can’t stand being reminded of. You made me feel like I was worth something. Each smile from you used to make me feel like a million madol. Do you know how hard I worked just for a few spare seconds of your attention on me? When I thought you were gone for good, it felt like I was drowning. It feels like I’m drowning. You’re the only one who could help me so––
It brings me great relief just to know you are safe and well in Ramshackle Dorm. Know that a deal I offer between us doesn’t necessarily require a complex written agreement. For you, I can pen something in plain-language.
For now, I will eagerly await your response. Octavinelle is always an option to consider should you need to escape the confines of the old dormitory. Should you take up my offer, I will keep a spare room prepared for you and Grim free of charge. There is much to talk about, so many things to explain and tell, so I implore you to keep an open mind. You won’t regret it, I guarantee it.
Just one word, and I will be there to extend my benevolence to you, my dear.
Readily at your service,
Azul Ashengrotto
A rip like the tearing of paper echoed in the quiet. As you look over your shoulder, you spot Grim with an envelope in hand. The envelope had been ripped open, and its contents were scattered all over the floor in little pieces.
"Grim!" It just seemed like an unnecessary mess had been made.
Immediately Grim frowned, dropping the envelope like he was caught with a jar of cookies. "It wasn't me! I just opened it! Whatever letter was inside came like that!"
The envelope was rumpled and creased with the opening torn. While you're certain Grim had at least opened it, the other details may not have been caused by his paws. Especially the mess of contents inside, more pieces fluttered out as you took it and turned it upside down.
The letter was more like a jigsaw puzzle, with the torn pieces scattered across the floor. Some parts were far too ruined, like extra pieces from an earlier draft that wasn't even meant to be there in the first place. Those pieces were practically shredded like confetti. What was left and legible revealed the careless scrawl of a message.
Heeyyy, Player,
You still scared of me?
Is that why you've been shutting out everyone like they don't exist? Probably. It's probably why you'll ignore this letter. It's annoying, and I hate it, but as much as I would want to force you to listen, I don't know if I'd actually do that to you. Maybe. I dunno. Probably not, especially if you start crying or screaming. I want to have fun with you like I used to, not traumatize you for a second time.
What am I supposed to do now with you cooped up in Ramshackle all day? Everyone is so irritating. Some are stupid enough to actually think you would accept us back if we grovel and apologize and it makes me want to beat some sense into them. As if some lame 'SORRY' can make everything okay again.
I'll say sorry if you tell me that's what you want to hear, but that won't change the fact that I'm not really sorry about everything that happened. I'm sorry it was you, that's about all I'll apologize for. Because really if it was an imposter and I got my hands on them, I totally would've done all those things I said I would. ALL of them. Not even Azul or Jade would have been able to stop me. Nah, I think Jade would have joined me. It was like our way of getting back at them for taking you away from us and from me. Oh, but I'll say I'm sorry for scaring you if that makes you feel better. That's something I do mean!
Everyone's been insufferable. Azul kept going on and on about trying to put on a positive front, but it sounded like he was five seconds away from either yelling at us or crying about you again. So, most of the stuff you've gotten from me has gone under his radar. It pisses me off when someone tries to tell me how I should interact with you. I still wish I could tell you all this in person. It'd be faster that way and so I make sure you hear everything I say. Azul probably keeps telling me that stuff because he knows I would chase you just so you listen. He's probably as pissed off as Jade and I are about everything but he's still a crybaby deep down...
I'm not mad at you, just so you know. I'm mad at everyone else. I'm mad at the whole world for putting us in this situation. Yeah, I met you, but it was all wrong. It wasn't supposed to go like that. The day I actually met you face to face was supposed to be fun, you were supposed to laugh and have a blast with me. We'd hang out with Jade and poke fun at Azul. But that didn't happen. I'm mad that I can't even see you anymore. You're literally here, and I can't be with you.
Everyone else is trying to get your attention–
So why is it bad when I try to do it too? That's not fair.
The guys at Diasomnia get to guard your place and chase everyone away, the two in Ignihyde are acting all secretive, and those fancy Pomefiore people are trying to make themselves more shiny and pretty in case they see you. That's not even mentioning Otter's sad attempt at another party which is obviously gonna be a bust.
Everyone gets all mad when I try to see you. How is that bad? You should see them, you know. They wanna protect you so bad, as if they weren't also the reason why you're hiding all the time now. At least I'm not delusional enough to believe that you're not hiding from me too.
You know the only reason I haven't tried to beat up everyone is cause I know that'd probably make you more mad at me, right? I know Jade has thought about it too, especially when he stares a little too long at people we know for sure hurt you. The other reason we don't do it? Because we know the others probably feel the same. They probably want to beat us up too for how we chased you and everything. I don't blame them. The only thing stopping anyone from going after someone else is the thought of what you might think of it. It's crazy tense. I probably would've thought it was fun before, but not so much now.
Although if someone does try to make a move like that, I won't mind. Nah, actually, I hope they do it. That'll get you upset at them and then you can see I'm not that bad. My bet's on Urchin or Crocodile acting out first.
Hey, hey, I hope you actually look at my letter next time. I was thinking about ripping this one up and throwing it away too, but next time, I'll definitely write and keep the letter in one piece to be the first one to tell you if someone starts fighting. And! I can even stop it if you want. Stop the fighting, I mean. It's not like it would be hard. Or even if you want someone punished for what happened, I can grab them for you. Even if it's me. I don't mind. I just want to see you again...
I'll keep an eye out. Okay, that's it.
Byeeee
Floyd Leech
They came in a pair, the Leeches. The paper you had used to organize the shredded letter on, happened to be from the other Leech.
The envelope was blue like the deep dark oceans at night. Its secrets under the surface were concealed by thin gray string tied with stems of what looked like an herb and a flower. At least it smelled nice, but you didn’t know exactly what it was.
The letter was very unlike the previous one, as this one was wholly intact. The penmanship is tidy, not too over the top nor too muddled. It’s simple, and that’s what makes you uneasy. All the written letters before had any urgency clear as day by the lines or it was composed so flawless that you knew the writer was hiding something. With this one, you couldn’t quite tell at a single glance.
Greetings Player,
I hope this message finds you well.
I offer my most sincere apologies for everything that transpired. You must think me a foolish vicious sadist. Well, that is an accusation I’m in no place to deny after the events you bore witness to. It pains me to consider what you must think of me, but said pain is not as strong as the ache I feel in my chest when my thoughts dwell too long on how miserable you must feel all alone. At the very least, I know you have Grim as good company. I’m a tad jealous.
Do not be alarmed by this attempt at contact. I only wish to soothe your woes and serve you to the best of my abilities. That has always been my wish, although I have proven to be rather lacking. Apologies. Perhaps, I can be of assistance in other ways. I know of many intriguing happenings, if you would care to hear them?
It would be an honor to see you and tell you all that I know. This sort of information is invaluable, truly. As a gesture of goodwill, I will brief you on the happenings in my own dorm. I need not explain what Floyd is doing, as my brother wears his heart on his sleeve and is not one to beat about the bush. The dorm leader, however… Well, you are likely now privy to his true feelings as Floyd discreetly switched one of Azul’s first drafted letters from the trash for the perfected one he meant to send. As you can imagine, Azul felt particularly mortified when he discovered the letter was not able to be retrieved once sent. He’s in quite the state.
The same could be said by most of those you are familiar with. They are in a state. This is not a fact you need reminder of. The repetitive attempts by many of them, peers from every single other dorm, I find to be not only in poor taste but particularly grating. It is not just impossible to ignore, but it would be irresponsible to not warn you. There is much more to be said about them but as much as I wish to share, I simply don’t have enough ink to write about the details in length. What a shame. The secrets I have learned are far better shared in-person, I assure you. If you require more intel, that can easily be arranged.
As I imagine Azul has invited you already to Octavinelle, I personally feel that it would be far more convenient for yourself should I drop by Ramshackle Dorm for a visit. However, I am not so presumptuous to invite myself to your abode and safehaven for a cup of tea. It is still an option should you desire company that is not just Grim and the resident ghosts haunting the halls of the estate you call home. It must get dreadfully boring. That is something I can amend, should you permit it.
Admittedly, I have been quite lonely without your company.
These days without your warmth have been rather dreary. I find myself longing for your presence, but the mere mention of you does nothing but fuel these thoughts.
It’s very troubling. The only sort of reprieve that would ease my suffering must be from you. And yet, I can’t imagine that you would entertain the mere notion. Once I told you how I would regard someone who had betrayed me. You likely view this entire situation as something like a betrayal. In that moment I failed to recognize you, I betrayed you.
You would not wish the same suffering upon me that I would upon a backstabber. No, you are far too kind for that. Such a forgiving trait is one I normally think to be extremely unpleasant––forgiving may be the wrong word. You aren’t going to forgive me right away, if ever. I know I wouldn’t. I would inflict far more suffering onto anyone who crossed me. Nevertheless, despite knowing this, I still want to serve you. I wish to invite you on a hiking escapade so you might experience a change of pace, share with you the wonders of land that I have come to learn of, and teach you of this world you have found yourself in. These are valid offers that will stand and should be considered by you.
In a way, it feels like you are inflicting more suffering upon me with your continued silence. While I find some attempts by the others to be loathsome, I do understand their desire to be seen by you in some shape or form.
I would rather stand before you and accept a torrent of unmitigated verbal abuse from your own lips than not be by you at all. Even the concept of being binded and drowned beneath the waves or electrically shocked sounds far more bearable than having to endure this continuously. Every moment like this is far worse than any sort of torture my imagination could conjure. Which is why I bid you to reconsider. My offer still stands, I still wish to assist you in any way possible.
I look forward to your response.
Awaiting your command,
Jade Leech
