dredge really has no issue nor minds/takes offense to someone he knows calling him a freak or comparing him to an animal (he's the one who actually compares himself to an animal in the first place) unless it is in a malicious manner of course but if you try to make those same comments or comparisons and he doesnt know you, youre probably either going to get the shit punched out of you (possibly literally) or going missing it depends on how merciful he feels at the given moment
y/n: WHAT DID YOU DO
canon!dredge: i broke their legs and arms
canon!dredge: they were bothering you for months was...i not supposed to do something like that.
y/n: NO?!
canon!dredge, giving you a look: ...so you're gonna have to write down what i should and should not do sometimes so i can remember
y/n: .....HHHHHHH?????
The home of these characters are accepted but have a system.
Royce evaluates them. Doodle of Dredge joining the home. Messy proto story
"...So, you're a zombie?" Royce held her clipboard. Dregde looked around a bit. "I- th-"
"Wh- I- I guess? I don't fucking know, I just woke up and a fucking talking black cat was there?!" (Ani). Royce cleared her throat and lowered her clipboard, furrowing her brow.
"Are you oka-"
"No...I just woke up like this, REALLY-" Dredge scrambled a bit, falling over and scooting into a corner. Royce sighed. "...Well at least you remembered how you died."
Dredge scrambled back and looked at his new clawflas, making a shrill sound. Royce knelt next to him and gripped his hand.
"Shut up. I woke up, and I was attacked because...b-because I look like this. I got mad and-"
"Stop there, it's fine." Royce stroked his head a bit.
"I get it, everyone here went through what you are." Royce kneeled in front of him. "It gets better, especially now that you're here, specifically." She cleared her throat a bit and patted his back, guiding him to the rest of the home, sitting him down on a couch. He curled into himself.
Royce pulled up a floating screen for a moment, and closed it. She wrote something down.
"You're not magic, you can't learn any magic."
Dredge kinda shrugged. "..I don't want to?"
She muttered a bit; Eventually making an inquisitive noise.
"You have some odd things going on. For one, you're..."
Royce flipped some notes on her board. "Venomous."
Dredge blinked. "I....I'm venomous."
Royce mumbled a confirmation of that before going back to her clipboard. She coughed a bit and leaned back, sighing.
"Okay, I can't keep doing this right now,"
"..I don't feel safe and I feel weird can you at least sleep on whatever with me or something." Dredge squirmed.
"...Uh..wow alright, sure."
Royce flopped onto a couch and patted the space behind her, Dredge immediately curling up beside her. ...Why does he help her fall asleep.
you: why d'ya drink dredges venom or booze this often
royce: ....
kin: HEY Royce we're gonna see what happens when we blow Dredge up with firecrackers
dredge:
royce: ....
you: oh
Canon!Dredge/Reader - Dredge chases you down in a 'game' (Consensual, Suggestive)
You brought up the idea of Dredge chasing you as if he was after you after you a bit ago, and he seemed to brush it off. But you knew by now his little tells that he was into it, and that was part of it. ...He could tell you picked up on that. So he was going to...just...wouldn't tell you when. The little shit.
After a day of errands, you opened up your apartment to all the lights off. Walking in, you almost spoke up but remembered that conversation and wondered if he was either not home, or if this was a game. You hung your keys up but froze at the sound of clacking claws from another room and low, gritty growling.
Game, then.
It's insanely easy for him to track you down in such a confined area, so you knew he was playing it up, lumbering about in...what, your bedroom, at the moment, allowing you to move to the kitchen, then your living room. Another growl rumbled out.
"Know you're home. Where are you."
You KNEW that he knew where you were already; He was just playing along. He was audibly sniffing around, probably without his mask on. Hearing his claws dig into the carpet and him skulk into another room, you shuffled softly into another position behind a loveseat.
"Rrrgh..."
That little snarl made your stomach do a bit of a flip, and your face went warm. Oof. Peeking out from the side of the chair, you saw glowing red eyes scanning the kitchen, purple claws flexing. It took a lot to not just jerk back behind the seat, as it'd get his attention.
Your heart was in your throat. This was all just a game, and it was exciting. A rattling growl left his throat as he lurched around the kitchen, then back to where he came from. Fairly certain he already knew where you were, it made you smirk at how much he was committing to this.
"Know you're here.."
A huff left him as he darted elsewhere. More snarling from around your apartment made your insides...do things...it was unfair how those sounds affected you.
He probably knew where you were exactly just from scent alone, especially right now, with how worked up this was making you. No...he definitely did. So he was just messing with you at this point, the fucker- Another rattling growl came from the hall. Your legs hugged together; but you scooted to the hall, slipping into the closet and stifling a giggle as you heard him pretend to search for you in the kitchen.
Loud, thudding footsteps came close to the closet you were in, making your heart race even more. He was right outside. Then they...wait- He walked off? Dredge had to know you were in there- Why didn't...
Peeking out of the closet, you looked around. He wasn't there? You scooted out, kneeling, brow furrowed. He had you right- OH-
Dredge pounced on you from behind, turning you onto your back with his claws planted on your hands. His mask was off, showing a sharp, crooked grin as he leaned down so his face was inches from yours. He pressed himself onto you, and your face got redder as he let his prehensile tongue loll out, dragging itself across his teeth before he leaned down and licked at your neck. The look in his eyes was wicked.
dredgetenna - it gets kinda gay in a platonic way (part 1)
Tenna's screen flickered back on as he woke up, turning his head to see his brand new employee already awake, and staring at the ceiling with a blank expression. His arm was trapped under the TV man's head, and he wondered if Dredge was capable of getting the 'pins and needles' sensation at all.
“How long have you been awake? Or...not pretending to sleep?”
Dredge glanced over slowly and gave a small shrug. “Unclear.”
Sitting up, Tenna rubbed the side of his head. Did he really just spend the night on the couch cuddled up to someone he just met simply because he was that touch starved? Sure, it was this guy's job to comfort him and all, but it had only been...what...a fraction of a day before he literally dragged this guy into his home and had him hold him as he slept. Ugh, stop thinking about it. Stop thinking about that.
With a sluggish mumble, Dredge rolled over and planted his face in the couch before lifting it back up again and arching his back, arms out, stretching like some sort of animal. A yawn came from behind his mask. What was even behind that thing? Actually...
“Alright. So, if you are going to be working for me, and you are now, you're going to have to not wear that thing around me. Not all the time. It's like you're hiding something.”
Dredge made a questioning sound in response, not actual words. Seriously...?
“THAT.” Tenna gestured to his face. A claw tapped his mask, and an exasperated response was given in return. What else could he be talking about??
“I mean...yeah, masks are for hiding- I mean- ...You serious?”
Tenna's arms folded as he stood up, tapping his foot. It felt a bit mean after he saw Dredge look at the floor with what was clearly an uncomfortable, nervous expression, trying to look literally everywhere that was not up at his new boss as he thought about it. He sighed, his claws coming up to hook the masks bands before Tenna held up a hand.
“Wait- Sorry. Just...tell me first, why do you wear it.”
The tension in Dredge seemed to go away, at least a little bit.
“It's my teeth. Also, I don't have a nose.”
“So w-”
“No, I used to. I do not anymore. Now it's just a cavity where it used to be, since it rotted off. People tend to stare at that, and I really cannot handle being stared at for it for too long, it's incredibly annoying. Also, my teeth stick out, and apparently it's unnerving.”
He's concerned about being unnerving? Or just being stared at? Tenna crouched down to be at Dredge's level, curious now. He reached up to undo one of the straps of the mask, surprised that the zombie man didn't try to stop him. The mask fell to the side and, indeed, there was just a nasal cavity where a nose used to be. His teeth were sharp, and some of them different sizes as they stuck out in a very slight overbite. ...He was cute, in an ugly way. Like a fucked up little dog you can't help but find adorable even though they are messed all the way up.
“...Alright, then.” Tenna cleared his throat and put Dredge's mask back on, getting up. He noticed the off look in Dredge's eyes as he looked to the side before he stood as well, cracking his back. Tenna fought back a smile as he randomly pictured carrying this man around in a bag like some sort of purse dog.
“You're staring at me.”
“Oh- No, just thinking. Let's get to the studio. And stay where I can find you.”
= = = = =
“Dredge! You stayed, eh?” Ramb looked up at the dead man, who looked over lazily and gave a weird gesture.
“Mm. I work here now.”
So soon? He just got here. Ramb reached down and grabbed a few things to make something for him. He seemed nice enough to Ramb, a little passive, but if the stare he got the first time he saw Dredge meant anything, this guy wasn't harmless.
“And your job is....?”
Dredge did not respond. He simply stood there, staring ahead. ..Yeah, Ramb forgot he was weird, but not...that weird. He snapped his fingers and waved. Nothing. With a loud sigh, he went from behind his bar and smacked the back of one of Dredge's hands. That seemed to jumpstart him, making him scoot back.
“...Sorry, did I...zone?”
“Ya did, mate.”
Blinking a few times, Dredge rubbed his head before letting out a soft apology. Ramb rolled his eyes softly with a smirk before returning to his bar. Taking out a glass, he poured a drink and slid it over to Dredge.
“W'this.”
“Lil' something to take the edge off, I suppose.”
Dredge tilted his head at the glass, then looked up. “If it's technically like...alcohol, I don't drink.”
Huh. Ramb held up his hands and took it back, giving it to a shadowguy. That's a little new. Most people who work for Tenna did. Hell, even Tenna drank. With a small smile, Ramb pushed a glass of something else up to the dead man. Dredge nodded in thanks, but motioned for a straw. The straw went under his mask as he drank. ...It looked silly.
Dredge wandered off eventually, not too far, just sort of...watching Elnina play a game on a TV. Elnina took notice as he sat next to the couch, on the floor. Who...and what, is that. He looked weird, and gave off an even weirder vibe. Why did he just sit there like that.
“And...you are?”
“Dredge.”
“...What are you doing?”
“Watchin'.”
Okay, short answers only then. Elnina looked around, noticing Ramb giving her a small 'it's ok' nod, before going back to her racing game. She was doing well, beating the Pippin next to her with a serene look on her face- Despite the fact that a weird guy was sitting next to her. On the floor. Dredge looked up at her, making her tense. She didn't meet his eyes, trying to focus on the game, but he made it a bit difficult. What the Hell.
“You're real good at this game, miss.”
Oh, he was nice! Creepy...but nice! And he called her 'miss'! That's polite. Hopefully.
“Oh- thanks! I've played it a lot with my boyfriend. I always win.”
“I can tell you do. I don't know your boyfriend, though. Just got here.”
Elnina put her controller down and immediately went on a long spiel about Lanino, making Dredge fold his hands up to his chest (raptor hands), with his eyes widened a bit. He blinked a few times, looking around, but didn't stop her. He smiled awkwardly behind his mask as she stopped, picking up the controller again.
Dredge thought to himself: (WHAT was that). That came out of nowhere and he was very hard to startle, but that genuinely took him off guard and left him looking confused. The pippin playing with her looked over at him and gave him a shrug. He looked at her questioningly and they just nodded. Okay, so...he wasn't the only weird one here, then.
The stage doors slammed open, Tenna letting out a small groan. He looked around the room, seeing Dredge looking absolutely confused and slightly scared next to Elnina, which...told him he just endured her whole thing about Lanino out of nowhere. Almost made him want to laugh before he walked over, snapping his fingers.
“Dredge, over to me.”
Dredge lifted himself up, looking over, then giving a few questioning glances and gestures at Elnina like he was asking “is she always like that” before walking over to Tenna. He gave a short nod, fighting back a snicker.
“Whats up?”
Tenna put his hand on his back, leading him out of the green room to outside the stage doors. Then he let out a large sigh and lifted the undead man up in his hands, without getting a sound this time. ….Seriously, why does he seem to not care about being yanked around? Is he used to it? Or does he just not mind? ...Ugh, don't let the reason be that he likes it.
“I need you in a game. You can do that, right?”
“Yessir.”
With a nod, Tenna shoved him on stage, the crowd kinda going quiet. Er.... Dredge looked around, then to Tenna, before going to his station and waving to the crowd. Both him and Tenna knew he was hating this. Tenna winced inwardly, wondering how well he would do considering this. Introducing him with his usual stage self, Tenna half expected Dredge to enter his name as something off, but... It just popped up as “DRG”.Eh...Kinda read as “drug” but close enough!
The game went perfectly, to Tenna's surprise. Dredge hit his marks, got most of the answers right (probably by mistake but still), and excelled at the physical challenges. He did especially well with drumming in the music game. He did NOT seem like a performer at all, but...damn. He could perform. Did he drum before or something?
The show ended. Tenna stood there, Dredge shuffling up to him and flexing his claws absently.
“You...”
Dredge looked up.
“You're- How did you- Perform like that, when you're- Your hands are huge, how did you even drum that well?”
Looking down at his hands, he mumbled softly and returned his gaze back up to his boss. His shoulders gave a somewhat confused shrug. “I...don't really know. For you, I guess?”
Tenna stood there. 'For you'. …. 'For you'. ….For him. Tenna gawked at the floor. This felt a little...too familiar. Dredge was looking up at him, and his eyelids squinted. He was smiling (probably). What was this dead man's damned deal. He's been here for what, two days, and he already has Tenna grasping onto him for attention. Sure, it was his job and all, but WHY was he doing it? And why did it feel so nice?
With a slow inhale, Tenna picked him up and walked back to his office where he nearly tossed Dredge onto the floor but set him down instead, finding himself leaning back against his door and sliding down just like the first day they both met. It was dark, the only source of illumination being his screen.
“What do you get out of this. You already made it apparent that you do not care about earning points.”
Dredge tilted his head, and it nearly set his boss off. Tenna's jaw grit, but before he could say anything, the dead man held up a hand. His face looked...sad, again. Deeply. A small exhale left him as he placed himself next to the bigger man.
“I know what it's like, alright. To have someone, or in...your case, a lot of people, that really love you. Pay attention to you. Then...it all goes away.”
Tenna's face went blank. What is he even talking about? His face was dark, and he kept staring at his own feet. The sadness that radiated off of him was strong, though. Was he going to explain...whatever he “got” was?
“I was human once.”
Ah, he was talking about that then. Probably.
“I had..someone. Special. I have no clue who they are now because of what happened, but. I mean I had someone.”
Tenna's chest ached a bit. He knew that kind of pain. Thinking about that little mailman who up and disappeared on him, he lowered his head, nodding. This was too familiar, but he let him keep going.
“What uh...happened, with them?”
Dredge's claws dug into the floor. Clearly a sore spot. His eyes were shut, but he opened them back up in a solemn expression, staring up at Tenna's screen. He looked...pained. Confused?
“...They murdered me. Beat me to death.” He motioned to his head. Beat in the head, then.
Oh fuck. If he had eyes, Tenna would have widened them. So that's what happened to him. That answes that. Well shit, that's much worse than just being abandoned, this little fuck was straight up killed. Tenna stammered, picking at his pant legs. This was extremely awkward, learning his comfort employee was a murder victim. NOT something he could have ever prepared for.
“I...I'm sorry.”
Dredge shrugged, hugging his own legs. Part of Tenna kind of wished he never learned about this. Didn't get curious about what happened to this guy. But another part felt different; His guts twisting. Dredge trusted him enough, maybe...to tell him about that. This is not something light, it was clearly a guarded fact that he was just told. Oh- Dredge is still talking- Stop getting in your head, Tenna.
“I got a lot of issues 'cause of it. But. I can't relate to you exactly, obviously, but I know how it feels to get dumped like you're nothing. I woke back up feeling like nothing.”
Tenna swallowed. He picked Dredge up, putting him in his lap and wrapped his arms around him. He smelled like dirt, tobacco and wet leaves again. Was this just a natural smell for him or something? His antennae drooped. Murdered...by a loved one. Poor little freak.
“Why did...they do that to you?”
Dredge shrugged again, eyes staring off. It began to line up a bit, how he zoned out all the time...lil guy had some damage done to his brain. Tenna's screen went red a bit. This little fucker has been nothing but nice to him despite getting screamed at, and some asshole had the gall to kill him? He grit his teeth- ...Was he really feeling protective- ..Yeah. He was. Yeah he was! He hugged Dredge a little tighter.
“...You don't need to do this, Mr. Tenna. I'm here for you, not the other way arou-”
“SHUT UP. Shut up.” Tenna petted Dredge's back, smiling. A small warm feeling bloomed in his belly as he saw Dredge sigh and nod, leaning against him. The undead man mumbled, crossing his arms under his head. Comforting another felt...pretty nice. Sure, they didn't really share the same way of being abandoned, Dredge being murdered, Tenna just being ignored, but...
“I'm fine.”
“You are not fine.”
Dredge looked at the floor, sighing. The TV Headed man looked down, wincing again. Shit.
“I am. Really.”
No you are NOT. Tenna growled. His teeth grit. NO. No.
Tenna let out a sigh, hugging him close. He got up and marched himself over to his car, tossing Dredge into the passengers seat again before driving them both to his house. He sniffled. Dredge swallowed. Arriving at his house, Tenna yanked Dredge out and carried him inside, shoving him onto the couch. His eyes seemed more sunken than they were
“Listen to me, you little fuck,” Tenna pointed at Dredge. “I...I need you. I need you. You've been there for me, and you've been here for me more than anyone in a long time.”
Tenna swallowed nothing. Dredge sat up. Fuck it. Dredge got Tenna's hope up. And it felt like...him, again, but Dredge couldn't book it...like he did. Could he? Would he? ...Would he? A gloved hand pet the dead mans cowlick. Dredge leaned into it. ...Cute. Cute?!
“Would...you watch me?”
Dredge blinked a few times.
“Of course, Mr. Tenna.”
Tenna let out a small sound, hugging Dredge close. He mumbled. Shit. “Again.”
“I'd watch you, sir.”
Tenna grit his jaw, breathing. His foot wagged. Tears dripped down his screen. A sob left his throat. Dredge looked up at him, brow creased.
“Mr. Tenna...?”
A wail left Tenna's screen as he clutched Dredge tight, sobbing into the fabric of his coat. Dredge held him close. He held the TV to him, claws clenching him him close as he cried out about not being plugged in or watched for years. Dredge rested his chin on top of Tenna's screen, wincing. Tenna's cries got softer as he finished his rant, sniffling. Dredge had heard it before on the first day, but clearly still cared to listen again.
Dredge leaned is head onto the TV man. Tenna wiped his screen, placing a hand on the clawed one that placed itself on his chest. Leaning back, he looked at his eyes. ...He.. He really seemed to mean it. God damn it- Tenna's staticky tears rolled off of his screen and onto Dredge's shoulder. He twitched, but got over it quickly. Tenna sniffled, then cleared his throat.
“You- ...You're... good at this. Being my...confidant,” A pause left him.“And you still barely even know me.”
With a small sigh leaving him, Dredge nodded. “I know I don't really know you yet. It's been nice being around you, though.”
Seriously? How? A good portion of his time around Tenna had been him screaming about his life, yanking him around like a doll, or- ...Tenna shook it off, deciding to just accept the fact that this guy liked having him around, even if he was being a complete mess. Someone liked having him around them again, and hopefully this time it'd actually last. His hopes weren't up too much, since...
A sudden loud growl from Tenna's stomach made them both perk up.
“Mr. Tenna. Have you eaten at all today?”
“I-...Well, got a bit distracted-”
Dredge's eyes narrowed in a disapproving look, and it actually made Tenna give a sheepish look, shrinking in size as he rubbed his arm. Asking where the kitchen was, Tenna pointed in the direction and Dredge let out a huff before lumbering off. Alright...add 'taking care of him' to his contract then, if that annoyed stare was anything real. The dead man did not look happy that he forgot to eat. That's probably going to be a whole thing. He did forget to take care of himself a lot, especially eating.
“Here.”
“AH- How are you so quiet on your feet, they're HUGE- Oh-”
Tenna stared down as Dredge handed him a sandwich, probably just thrown together from what he could find in his fridge. He let out a soft 'thanks' before taking it, wondering just how good a dead guy can make food. Dredge hefted himself beside him as he took a bite, his antennae flicking. ...This...was pretty good, actually. He ate in silence, feeling a bit awkward since Dredge was dead (lol) silent as well.
“...Thanks.”
Dredge let out a soft sound of affirmation, patting his arm. “No problem, big guy.”
He sort of started to like it when this guy called him things like 'boss man' or 'big guy'. It was growing on him. Tenna missed terms of affection deep down. Affection, right...? This was affection. He looked down at his employee, drumming his fingers. No, don't.
“It- ...It's late. I should go to bed. You...uh..do whatever you do for rest, too.”
“Yessir.”
Tenna stood up, stiff. Then waited. Unsure what he was waiting for- Yes, he was. He bowed his head, hands clutched together and tucked up under his head. Dredge slid off the couch, patting his leg to get his attetnion.
“Y'want me to come to-”
“YES, DAMN IT.”
Yanking him up, Tenna booked it to his room and tossed the dead man onto his bed. Fuck. This felt way too familiar to something else, but he just wanted to be held. He held up a hand as he grabbed his Pjs, heading into the bathroom to change before coming back. Dredge's eyes squinted, in that 'smile' way.
“...Why're you smiling?”
“Your pajamas.”
“What...??”
He looked down, 'brow' furrowing. He was in red sweatpants with gold TVs patterned on them, a white t-shirt with his logo on it. What's to smile about that?
“They're cute.”
Cute- ...Tenna's screen flicked pink. Cute... He coughed a little, then pulled back the covers and yanked Dredge over to him, curling up around him. This was the first time he had anyone in his bed for a long time. For any reason. ...Hm.
“So...why do you have no issue with me grabbing you, picking you up, and manhandling you?”
“Eh?” Dredge shrugged. “I dunno. Guess I just don't mind.”
“You're not weirdly into it, are you?”
“...No- What? What does that even mean?”
Well that's a relief. It'd be a bit freaky if he enjoyed that. Tenna sighed, accidentally taking in how his little dead guy smelled again. He eased his body, giving an inhale and hoping Dredge didn't notice. He smells like the woods...in a good way. A comforting way.
“You're smelling me.”
Shit. He noticed. Tenna froze. Er...
“You...you smell nice. You smell comforting. Woodsy. Okay.” Tenna blushed again, embarrassed that he got caught. Then again, he probably knew all along (he did). Dredge stroked his arm, letting out a small chuckle.
“S'fine. I get it.”
Two parts of Tenna were torn up again. He shouldn't be getting this attached to this guy, but he was. Would it be that bad to get attached again? Yeah, last time was...a disaster, but. Dredge had no ties to anything or anyone else. He spoke without really thinking about it, first.
“Dredge.”
“Mhm?”
“Do you...actually like me?”
Dredge propped himself up on his elbows, squinting down at the TV man that rested next to him. His antennae were drooping, his screen was black.
“Of course I like you. I wouldn't be here if I didn't.”
“Why?”
The shakiness of Tenna's voice when he asked that question made Dredge's chest tighten up inside. Shit. This guy really, really needed a lot of company, friendship....affection. Clearly hasn't gotten the last two in a while. He tapped his claws on the TV's metallic arm.
“Well...Like I said before, I understand where you come from, in a way. Plus...I just think you're fun, I guess. You got real flair. A good personality, too, in my opinioOOF-”
Tenna yanked Dredge into a hug and whined, his large hands clutching the zombies back. That was what he needed to hear. Someone who understands, someone who actually sees through his anger and sadness. And he's barely been around. A sniffle left the screen tucked against the dead man's shoulder, and Dredge rubbed his arm. He rested his chin on top of the CRT.
“It's okay, big guy. I got ya.”
“Tell me you won't go.”
The arms around Dregde got tighter. Tenna felt a bit pathetic, latching on to this guy, but fuck, he was HERE. At least he was here. He's been here for...not long, but he was here.
“I won't. Not going anywhere.”
“PROMISE.”
“I promise, boss.”
“You BETTER mean that- Or-...Or...”
“I mean it. I'm very hard to get rid of. Seriously.”
With a short nod, Tenna let out a small laugh at his comment, then a sob. Dredge let out a small sigh as he stroked his boss' back, feeling torn up about how this guy felt so alone for so long. It didn't seem fair; Aside from his temper and breakdowns, he was a nice man. Deserved more than being forgotten. He'd tell him sometime.
“...Get some sleep, big guy.”
Tenna swallowed, clutching his employee to his chest. He fell asleep to Dredge telling him he was okay. He was okay... He's okay. His screen shut off, feeling large claws rub his back.
You held your arms to your chest. Everything that could have possibly gone wrong today...just. Somehow did. It was incredible how some days just-
With a small cough, you walked up the stairs to the small apartment you shared with your roomie, Dredge. He was mostly quiet. You did your thing, he did his. The zombie man didn't seem to show much interest in...almost anything, really. At times, you wondered if he gave half a shit about you at all, only to surprise you with something sweet or thoughtful the next second. He was confusing. But. Nice to be around.
When you got home from a long day, something fresh and neat was presented to you to eat. Always something you loved. He made it very clear to you that one of his priorities was you getting properly fed on day one even though he barely made any eye contact, muttering most of his words and appearing to be extremely avoidant. That was just...him, though. Aloof. Distant. ....Nervous, maybe. A weird one. But a good weird one?
Unlocking the door you wiped your eyes. Your face was still a bit red from the pressure of the day, there was no way to hide it. Even if you could, he had this...weird ability to know regardless. It smelled pleasant the minute you stepped foot into your place. Of course, he made you something. Sighing out, you shut the door behind you with your back. Only the kitchen light was on, but he was very clearly here recently.
"...Dredge...?"
No answer. Maybe he just made you something to eat and went out..? No. He doesn't go out. That grumpy jerk makes it obvious. Chuckling a bit to yourself, you shuffled into the kitchen to see a small piece of paper with with "FOOD IN OVEN" scrabbled onto it with purple ink. Where....is he. Hm.
Taking a breath, you went to check the oven. Dredge had made you a comfort food, and kept it in there on "warm" so it wasn't cold when you got home. A smile crept on your f-
"Why do you smell like that?"
"SHITTING- FUCKING- CHRIST- DREDGE- OH MY GOD." You put a hand on your chest and wheezed. He blinked slowly before lumbering over. He stared at you blandly. Brows slightly furrowed.
"DO NOT sneak up on me like that!" You panted. This dude had huge legs that look like he could stomp without trying, but somehow is ANNOYINGLY stealthy on his feet. "I HAVE TOLD YOU SO MANY TIMES to NOT do that, SERIOUSLY."
Dredge blinked again, both eyes separately (ok you kinda like it when he blinks like a frog though he looks very silly), tilting his head a bit.
"...I didn't...What? I was just cleaning in the other room." He even put a bucket of dirtied water to his side, making a confused gesture. Before you could respond, he raised a hand, and pointed.
"Why do you smell like that."
"...Like what?"
"Like you've been crying."
Shit. Okay. Having a...weird zombie mutant....thing....roommate is- Okay HE is generally- He's extremely protective. It took months of living together...with the UNDEAD WEIRDO YA DIDN'T ASK TO LIVE WITH you were paired with bc of your budget, sure...for him to obviously like you. How....how can he smell tears-?!
And he does. He cares. Aaaaaand he is staring a hole into your goddamned face right now but that's just because he looks like that- UM- SAY SOMETHING! His mask isn't on COMMENT ON THAT no-
"It- I just-" Your throat tightened. His face hardened a bit. Sort of. Maybe. Uhh. Bastard is a hard read. Barely blinks. He most likely assumed someone hurt you. Which. Someone kinda did. Your eyes welled up, and his face softened. Almost instantly. A small grumble left his chest as he walked over to you, arms open with a silent question.
Lip trembling, you collapsed into the undead man's arms, your nails in his sides as he put his chin on your head, slowly lowering you both to the floor. He cuts you off with a grunt as you begin to apologize. He purrs...in his gritty way, with his chest, and asks you about your day.
Going on about your day, you notice his back spiked up a bit and his claws flex, his face twitching so often to remain neutral as opposed to turning into a snarl. He was pissed. You could very obviously tell he was sniffing around your person to find the scents of people that had been around you, too.... He was putting scents together... Well. Someone is getting... Hurt. Ok, hurt might be putting it lightly. He isn't happy.
For a good long while, you sat like that. It was...pleasant. Dredge grunted and poked you a bit, though. You let out a yelp. He rolled his eyes, and you made a face at him for doing so. You heard him growl. Putting your hand on his cheek you turned him to face you. He could smell the people on you and COULD-
"Not worth it, not worth it," you mumbled....he did not seem sold on that. But he shrugged. Growled out "if you say so". A clawed hand stroked your head as you dozed off, and a rough voice mumbled something....affectionate. You peeked an eye open as it was uttered to catch something someone didn't want you hearing.
Gripping onto the undead mans shirt you smiled. He nestled his chin on your head. He purred into your ear. You sighed, rubbing his arm, but muttered.
"Love you too...and seriously, Dredge...you don't have to hurt anyo-"
