[Early Access] Shut-in Reader in a Haunted Home (Patreon)

content: gender neutral reader, monster inhabitant who unwillingly signed up to take care of your anxious ass

Everyone warned you that the new place you eyed for purchase was cursed. The realtor hadn't even dared to accompany you for the viewing - he described everything through a video call. I'm not paid enough to step foot into that hellhole, he once told you. The message was loud and clear: whatever haunted those halls was real enough to keep people away.

Oh, you should've listened. The neighbors gazed at the flickering lights with ever-growing pity. A day after moving in, you vanished without a trace, probably lost within the deep bowels of the monstrous home. They could see shadows peering from behind the heavy curtains, yet they knew that any hope was lost.

Unbeknownst to them, however, everything went according to your plans. A haunted place meant you'd be left alone. No curious knocks from the next-door inhabitants, no surprise visits from acquaintances, no persistent attempts to sell you the latest product. At last, you thought, you were at peace. You could be a proper shut-in.

You turn to face the pale ghoul, his crooked limbs resting against the doorframe as he scans your form.

"Shouldn't you answer that," he ponders in a deep, croaked whisper. In the background, your phone buzzes and rings for the second time.

"No, no, I don't do phone calls," you explain. "Gives me anxiety."

"Everyone thinks I murdered you, or something," he whines. "You could at least tell them you're fine."

You shrug and accept the cup of tea he's made you. Let them, you mumble, waving your hand with indifference. One less trouble.

You're an exceptionally pathetic human. Then again, he hasn't had anyone living with him in decades. He most certainly won't complain about finally having a companion, especially one who never leaves his side. He drops himself next to you with a childish snicker.