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Open until October 29

He wakes up.

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He felt disoriented, did he fell asleep? A rather blurry memory resurface in his mind that somehow, he is sure that he was sitting before, leaning on the wall and waiting for help to arrive. But the feel of the gravity on his back pulling him down suggests that he’s actually lying on the floor now.

The candle is still lit, flickering in the darkness, he picks it up and gathering all his strength, pushes himself to stand up.

After that happened, he'd rather just walk and take a look around the room than to sit idly by.

He examines some of the things placed here, they seem normal...well, they look normal. But he learned that just because the mind perceive it as nothing doesn't mean it really is. Raising the candle to shine light he looks at the walls and then notices that something---what is that?

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A click.

It echoed in the room and the first few rays of light chased away the darkness. He looks away for a moment, the brightness hurting his eyes as he blinks several times, letting them adjust to the now (somewhat) illuminated room. Granted, it’s not enough to actually point out what various things are being stored in here (just like the brightness of a candlelight--except no flickering) but at least he can see the stairs now.

Footsteps can be heard and he assumed that whoever it is had decided to go down, he was about to warn them when he heard the mutterings and as it got louder he realizes that it's none other than Lady Henrietta. And to his surprise (and some amusement) she had been talking--complaining to him this whole time.

“...And do not play games with me, Sir Jones. I explicitly told you to rescue my priceless heirloom and report back immediately but it has been hours and here I am, only to find that you, yourself has been locked! Why, if not for my astute observation and generous concern, I would not look for you at all! In fact, if not for my priceless heirloom in your possession, I would not even entertain such thought!"

He looks at her, about to ask when she cuts him off, “And yes, I have opened the door for you. No thank-you necessary.”

That’s not really what he wanted to ask (nor even say--well, he might say thanks--when they're not here inside the basement) about, and instead of his usual reactions of ‘oh no madame, I would never think of such ill thoughts about you!’ and throw praises here and there, he just gave her a sheepish smile, apologizing quickly.

Even though he just slept awhile ago, he feels that it seemed to have taken all of his energy instead.

The lady finally quieted down and taking a look at him before eyeing the rest of the room, her hand went up to her face, covering her scowl. She is only on the third step of the stairs when she turns her back and makes her return to the outside world.

“Stop standing there like a turkey and move, monsieur. Augh, so much dusts, this mansion will be the death of me, mark my words.”

He followed her, now numb to her words and his surroundings. There were several thoughts running around in his mind: first, how long has he been here? Second, how did he even get trapped in the basement in the first place? It's like some cruel joke played by the gods to trapped him in a room while being trapped in this mansion.

Third, is that awful, awful dream he had just now. Just flashes and fragments of what he can remember but the feeling of dread never left him. Was it really a dream? It has to be. They aren't here, are they? Still, that got to his nerves than all of his dreams combined and it scares him how it seemed so real.

...Real huh?

It was so sudden, that he didn’t really had the time to react or even just take a moment to see that there was something wrong back then. He can’t remember it clearly, but it was a jumble of images that turned into his family. They kept saying he abandoned them, of doing the same thing as that man.

Just like their father.

Just like that man.

The fact that it’s even about that annoys him in ways he couldn’t imagine. It’s annoying, vexing, frustrating! Just remembering anything about that man make his blood boil and he can’t help but scowl. He hates him with a burning passion, hated him for what he did, for what he did to Mother. He can go die in an alley somewhere begging for forgiveness and he still wouldn’t forgive him. Over his own rotting corpse. No father, no husband, no man in his right mind would abandon his family just like that.

He adjusts his hat as usual, it's a habit that started long ago and probably one that will continue for as long as he lives. He remembers how his father hated wearing hats, said that it feels strange, too stuffy, etc. so he started wearing one. It serves as one of the few things that differentiates him with the man for he loathes how he oh-so much resembles the bastard. Of course, it can't be helped, he was born with his blood after all. But how is he supposed to just embrace that fact? How, when sometimes, Mother would have this pained look on her face whenever she looks at him? That as time pass by he seems to grow up resembling him more and more? It’s agonizing, just by existing, just by his appearance, he can do nothing but only serve as a reminder to a broken past of their mother, of their family. Just by seeing him, he only brings pain to her.

He's glad that his siblings seem to take after their mother more. But at the same time, he can't help but feel envious.

He tried to change himself, he really did. From his mannerisms to the way he speaks, he did everything what that man didn’t. He worked twice as hard and approaches everyone looking more open and friendly (even so far as looking like a fool), he also smiled and laughed more than that man could ever do in his life. He tried. He really, really tried.

But there will always be something about him that would make him hear the words, “You’re just like your father.” A quirk, something in his words, or even just a coincidental glance, anything and it would trigger. And with that little remark, everything crumbles, he feels like all he did is for nothing.

He doesn’t want to end up like his ‘father’. He doesn’t want to grow up to be like him, to abandon his wife and children. To let this hatred get passed down and consumed his family. He fears that everything he did, in the end, it would mean nothing. He would still leave his family behind, he would still end up becoming the man that he hated. His father’s blood on his veins would just be too strong and he will not be Auden Jones but just another Harold.

He would be just like his father.

“You humans are so irritating.”

He snapped back to reality--Whoa, when did they got out of the basement!?

“Ah! Goodness, Lady Henrietta! You surprised me!” Taking a few steps away from the door (and her, because she once said that she likes--no, demands that he must be a few feet away), he gulps a large amount of fresh (not basement air) air and exhales--quite exhaustively. He smiles at Henrietta, slightly bowing for a bit as he says, “Alas, I am in your debt, madame! For if it is not for your superb hearing, I might have quite possibly be lost forever in the sea of darkness--”

“While I appreciate(notreally) the wordy but tasteless compliment, I have more important matters to discuss with you, sir.” She raises an eyebrow, clearly she doesn’t like him at all. Oh woe is him.

“But first,” She lays out her hand, as if emphasizing he owe her something--oh, right.

He reaches for the fan on his back and hands it over to her. She raises an eyebrow at him before slowly taking the fan and inspecting it for any hidden damages. She then used her handkerchief to wipe whatever dirt (he can see nothing really) on it and once that’s done, she gives a nod as she says, “You have done well. Let this fan be a reminder of your good deed to the house of Chastain.”

“Now, you shall escort me to the library. Off we go.”

Motioning for him to follow her, the two start walking towards the more-brighter hallway of the mansion. They fall into silence as they traverse the hallway, each to their own mind.

After that endeavor, he didn’t really feel like he can focus on the lady’s shenanigans, is it too late for him to object?--No, is refusing even something he do? Something that the old, not-trapped Auden do? Is that something his father do? His gut feeling tells him it’s not and he's being ridiculous. But he has been trapped for so long that he isn’t sure if he’s reverting back to the person he was before his father left.

And the earlier thoughts and images comes rushing back to his mind again, echoing all around like bees forever buzzing.

Just like his father, just like his father, just like his father, just like his father, just like his father, just like his father, just like his father, just like his father, just like his father, just like his father, just like his father, just like his father, just like his father, just like his father, just like his father, just like his father, just like his father, just like his father, just like his father, just like his father, just like his father, just like his father, just like his father, just like his father, just like his father, just like his father, just like his father, just like his father, just like his father, just like his father--

What was the point of doing this anymore? If he’s going to be like that man in the end? What is the worth of trying to avoid the inevitable? He already left his family behind, surely they must already think that he abandoned them? He’s been gone for so long that he’s either presumed dead or ran away from his responsibilities as the eldest.

And the fact that the last time he talked with Mitch, it was an argument as well. Would he think that his brother abandoned him? Because of that?

From his family’s perspective it can only look like ‘Auden’ wasn’t able to handle everything and ran away, abandoned them.

Just like his father.

Just like his father.

“You are annoyingly quiet. Do you expect me to babble by myself as entertainment?”

He looks at her, he didn’t know how to answer that with all these overwhelming thoughts keep invading his mind.

Instead, “Madame, you seem to be a wise young lady for your age…”

“Of course I am. Your point?”

“What must be done if you cannot avoid becoming someone you hate?”

Now she’s the one who looks at him, as if he just asked a stupid question. She tilts her head, silent for several seconds before answering,

“If it is unavoidable, I don’t see the point of doing anything. What else can be done?” Her trademark expression (a raised eyebrow, half-lidded eyes and overall neutral face) showing before she scoffs as she continues walking. She shakes her head as if in disappointment and adds, “Hmph, to be so weak that you cannot even changed the course of your fate. This is why you live as commoners and die as commoners.”

He really should take offense to that last part (in which on this day--whatever day this is-- he learned that this lady probably will probably not make a good choice to seek advice with) but he thinks that kind of emotion doesn't need a second run (even if that only happened in a dream/nightmare).

He just let out a humorless laugh, letting the silence take over once again.

Her answer didn’t really seem to help, maybe if he tries to dissect what she said he’ll probably find something. Maybe. One more thing to mull over when he’s alone, he guess.

But if that were to be the case, if everything does turn out to be nothing more than avoiding the inevitable. If everything he’s doing is pointless, then…

Would it really matter if he tries to go back home?

Wouldn’t it be better for him to just… stay here?

After all, should he ask of such a thing the Milady would probably allow it. The Milady is kind, and surely her brother wouldn’t mind. He can work as a servant here, he wouldn’t mind that himself. He doesn't need any payment (for there will be no more purpose for that, no more family to receive such things) at all. And despite some occasional disputes, everyone seem to be getting along well. Although this place has its own weird shenanigans happening now and then, he’ll get used to it. Just like those haunted houses from stories and rumors.

Besides, he’s not even sure if there’s a way for them to get out of this mansion. If he stops hoping for something so vague and unsure, wouldn’t that be easier? Wouldn't it be better to just stop hoping and grasping at straws? Isn’t that right?

Wouldn’t it be easier?

Wouldn’t it be easier?

Wouldn’t it be… easier…?
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His hands curled into fists, the pain and dread seem much worse now than before.

No, no matter what excuse he throws at himself, it wouldn’t be easier, it will never be easier. For he would forever carry this pain, forever wondering about them, forever apologizing for being a terrible son and brother. For abandoning them and giving up on trying to return home.

For becoming the one he hated the most.

Amidst the thoughts and memories running through his mind, there is a familiar song playing in the back of his mind, he can't remember where he heard it (or why it was even playing). It took a while but he finally remembers it.

He starts whistling, and registers a second later that he’s doing so. He fully remembers this random tune now. It has no meaning, no words, not even from a song but just something that he and his friends came up with back when they were children. They played it when they grew tired of hearing the noise of the factory or to just passed the time, one would whistle and the others would follow.

It’s been a long time and he didn’t think he would actually remember it all.

But he found that as he continues to do so, the thoughts continues to retreat as well. With each memory he recalls so is the disappearance of another piece of that nightmare. The dread replace with nostalgia and the stinging pain of longing for home made him realize that there is a difference between him and his father.

He can’t just give up now.

Not right now of all times.

He’ll try again. Again and again.

----

The song went on for a few more minutes before it slowly starts to die down. He’s not one hundred percent okay but at least he’s starting to feel a bit better now---

“Frankly when I said that you are annoyingly quiet, I did not mean for you to just start whistling.”

And the tune finally ended (abruptly) with him shamelessly yelping, surprised at the sudden voice--no, no, not sudden--the voice has been with him all this time! Poor Lady Henrietta, her existence has been forgotten again (thrice, mind you) and with her fan now reunited to her unblemished hands, she wastes no time doing her trademark ‘I-am-so-vexed-at-this-moment-but-I-will-hide-it-because-frowning- makes-a-lady-ugly’

Goodness! How does he keep losing awareness of his surroundings?!

And he calls himself a gentleman!? How disgraceful! Shame on yourself, Auden!

Deciding that, 'yes it is time to end this brooding time already, joe.' He gets back on his usual character.

“Oh! Do forgive me for my thoughtless behavior, madame! I didn’t intend to be so rude!” Cue nervous laughter here because wow, he feels like he’s back at his servant job with those corrupt--er, co...ntroversi...al(?????????????) bosses (??????????????????????????????)

Except they’re in the form of a lady.

A very yellow-as-the-sun yet cold, cold lady.

Said lady still didn’t start walking, just criticizing him with her permanent eye-brow raised expression. He's expecting another round of scolding/complain/rant/etc from her when she just turns her back and said, “Hmm, if it is a part of your culture as a commoner then I cannot forbid such actions, and even if I can, we are not in my household so I hold no authoritative power to this place.”

“Therefore, you may continue, monsieur.”

She starts walking again, heading for the stairs that leads to the upper floor.

He blinks, bewildered before he finally, finally laughs a bit.

What was that? That's not what he was expecting at all!

He catches up to her, maintaining the rule of ‘few-feet-away’ distance as he thinks that maybe, Lady Henrietta isn’t so cold after all!

“You have my gratitude, madame.”

“But of course, after all, I am not the owner of this mansion yet.”

He nods before he registered the last word.
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Wait, what--

NOTES

and now you know why he wears a hat all the time lol
joe x hat otp 10/10 top anime otp of the 20th century //no

but on that note:
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANDD FINIIIIIIIIIIIIIISHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

HASHTAG RIP PACING BOI HOW TO EVEN DO THAT ANYMORE
This is suppose to be longer but I just realized that sai's 10k limit and im too pressed for time to do part123-style etc so rip me
I WILL USE THE EXCUSE "IT'S A DREAM SO THE PACING IS RIP" YOLO

So, first thing first:

His ‘fear’ doesn’t really make sense at all. (or maybe it does and I just don’t know anymore)

There are tons that say “i don’t want to grow up to be like him/her/them/etc” and usually, that’s coming from a feeling of dislike/hate/otherrelevantfeelingshere

What happened to him was, his dislike of growing up and becoming just like the man he hated so much also evolved into his greatest fear. Even just by pointing out “hey you speak like ur old man” and he would change the way he speak as soon as he possibly can. He avoids and denies anything about his father like it’s the plague itself. It turned into something irrational that he’s kinda aware that it’s going too far but can’t really stop it because. Yep. how to stop.

Q: What made him to have a fear like that?
A: Childhood
In summary, when everything is still rainbows:
1:“Wow u take after ur father”
2:“Wowie ur just like ur dad”
3:“Boi ur gonna do great things just like ur ol’ man”
Conclusion: I’m probably gonna be just like my dad! Wow!

Then the fire nation attacked,
Repeat the above but put it in a negative tone (#3 would be sarcasm lol)
Conclusion: Boi, I don’t want to be like dad but dang it i’ll probably end up like him, shimatta

TL;DR = it’s complicated dat even kara doesn’t know how to explain or understand
I think the most precise explanation for this is the lit above where he addressed it in his head lol idk anymore

Notes:
The beginning: After hen convinced him, he went down to the basement, found the fan, looks around but is too dark then boom, door closes.
>Hen didn’t come with him because she said she is highly allergic to dust. Joe believed her.
>Hen actually followed the joe to see if he would get locked in the basement. She didn't see how coz by the time she arrived he was already banging on the door asking for anyone but she just pretended she wasn't there lol.
>When it was taking too long for him to get out, she left to have some snacks and then the part at the lit where she appears is the time she just got back from her snack time lol
>what joe was gonna ask her before she cut him off was, “Er, Madame, what about your allergy..?????”

Final note: Now, they are acquaintances. (But hen still treats him like a servant lol)

AHHHHHHHHHHHH IM DONE NOW FOR OTHER THINGS TO DESU FOR
There are probably errors here lol but YOLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
I AM SO DONE WITH THE BASEMENT SEASON 99 HAHAHHA BOI 10/10 will get trapped for the prize again but not for the dream coz i fear spiders. imagine that.
>>> lol i knew it there is one so rip late edit how to read many words pls
p.s. im not sure but if i still have a blue ribbon, can i use that-- ///slapps for terrible memory

Open until October 29

Description

Open until October 29

He wakes up.

----

He felt disoriented, did he fell asleep? A rather blurry memory resurface in his mind that somehow, he is sure that he was sitting before, leaning on the wall and waiting for help to arrive. But the feel of the gravity on his back pulling him down suggests that he’s actually lying on the floor now.

The candle is still lit, flickering in the darkness, he picks it up and gathering all his strength, pushes himself to stand up.

After that happened, he'd rather just walk and take a look around the room than to sit idly by.

He examines some of the things placed here, they seem normal...well, they look normal. But he learned that just because the mind perceive it as nothing doesn't mean it really is. Raising the candle to shine light he looks at the walls and then notices that something---what is that?

----

A click.

It echoed in the room and the first few rays of light chased away the darkness. He looks away for a moment, the brightness hurting his eyes as he blinks several times, letting them adjust to the now (somewhat) illuminated room. Granted, it’s not enough to actually point out what various things are being stored in here (just like the brightness of a candlelight--except no flickering) but at least he can see the stairs now.

Footsteps can be heard and he assumed that whoever it is had decided to go down, he was about to warn them when he heard the mutterings and as it got louder he realizes that it's none other than Lady Henrietta. And to his surprise (and some amusement) she had been talking--complaining to him this whole time.

“...And do not play games with me, Sir Jones. I explicitly told you to rescue my priceless heirloom and report back immediately but it has been hours and here I am, only to find that you, yourself has been locked! Why, if not for my astute observation and generous concern, I would not look for you at all! In fact, if not for my priceless heirloom in your possession, I would not even entertain such thought!"

He looks at her, about to ask when she cuts him off, “And yes, I have opened the door for you. No thank-you necessary.”

That’s not really what he wanted to ask (nor even say--well, he might say thanks--when they're not here inside the basement) about, and instead of his usual reactions of ‘oh no madame, I would never think of such ill thoughts about you!’ and throw praises here and there, he just gave her a sheepish smile, apologizing quickly.

Even though he just slept awhile ago, he feels that it seemed to have taken all of his energy instead.

The lady finally quieted down and taking a look at him before eyeing the rest of the room, her hand went up to her face, covering her scowl. She is only on the third step of the stairs when she turns her back and makes her return to the outside world.

“Stop standing there like a turkey and move, monsieur. Augh, so much dusts, this mansion will be the death of me, mark my words.”

He followed her, now numb to her words and his surroundings. There were several thoughts running around in his mind: first, how long has he been here? Second, how did he even get trapped in the basement in the first place? It's like some cruel joke played by the gods to trapped him in a room while being trapped in this mansion.

Third, is that awful, awful dream he had just now. Just flashes and fragments of what he can remember but the feeling of dread never left him. Was it really a dream? It has to be. They aren't here, are they? Still, that got to his nerves than all of his dreams combined and it scares him how it seemed so real.

...Real huh?

It was so sudden, that he didn’t really had the time to react or even just take a moment to see that there was something wrong back then. He can’t remember it clearly, but it was a jumble of images that turned into his family. They kept saying he abandoned them, of doing the same thing as that man.

Just like their father.

Just like that man.

The fact that it’s even about that annoys him in ways he couldn’t imagine. It’s annoying, vexing, frustrating! Just remembering anything about that man make his blood boil and he can’t help but scowl. He hates him with a burning passion, hated him for what he did, for what he did to Mother. He can go die in an alley somewhere begging for forgiveness and he still wouldn’t forgive him. Over his own rotting corpse. No father, no husband, no man in his right mind would abandon his family just like that.

He adjusts his hat as usual, it's a habit that started long ago and probably one that will continue for as long as he lives. He remembers how his father hated wearing hats, said that it feels strange, too stuffy, etc. so he started wearing one. It serves as one of the few things that differentiates him with the man for he loathes how he oh-so much resembles the bastard. Of course, it can't be helped, he was born with his blood after all. But how is he supposed to just embrace that fact? How, when sometimes, Mother would have this pained look on her face whenever she looks at him? That as time pass by he seems to grow up resembling him more and more? It’s agonizing, just by existing, just by his appearance, he can do nothing but only serve as a reminder to a broken past of their mother, of their family. Just by seeing him, he only brings pain to her.

He's glad that his siblings seem to take after their mother more. But at the same time, he can't help but feel envious.

He tried to change himself, he really did. From his mannerisms to the way he speaks, he did everything what that man didn’t. He worked twice as hard and approaches everyone looking more open and friendly (even so far as looking like a fool), he also smiled and laughed more than that man could ever do in his life. He tried. He really, really tried.

But there will always be something about him that would make him hear the words, “You’re just like your father.” A quirk, something in his words, or even just a coincidental glance, anything and it would trigger. And with that little remark, everything crumbles, he feels like all he did is for nothing.

He doesn’t want to end up like his ‘father’. He doesn’t want to grow up to be like him, to abandon his wife and children. To let this hatred get passed down and consumed his family. He fears that everything he did, in the end, it would mean nothing. He would still leave his family behind, he would still end up becoming the man that he hated. His father’s blood on his veins would just be too strong and he will not be Auden Jones but just another Harold.

He would be just like his father.

“You humans are so irritating.”

He snapped back to reality--Whoa, when did they got out of the basement!?

“Ah! Goodness, Lady Henrietta! You surprised me!” Taking a few steps away from the door (and her, because she once said that she likes--no, demands that he must be a few feet away), he gulps a large amount of fresh (not basement air) air and exhales--quite exhaustively. He smiles at Henrietta, slightly bowing for a bit as he says, “Alas, I am in your debt, madame! For if it is not for your superb hearing, I might have quite possibly be lost forever in the sea of darkness--”

“While I appreciate(notreally) the wordy but tasteless compliment, I have more important matters to discuss with you, sir.” She raises an eyebrow, clearly she doesn’t like him at all. Oh woe is him.

“But first,” She lays out her hand, as if emphasizing he owe her something--oh, right.

He reaches for the fan on his back and hands it over to her. She raises an eyebrow at him before slowly taking the fan and inspecting it for any hidden damages. She then used her handkerchief to wipe whatever dirt (he can see nothing really) on it and once that’s done, she gives a nod as she says, “You have done well. Let this fan be a reminder of your good deed to the house of Chastain.”

“Now, you shall escort me to the library. Off we go.”

Motioning for him to follow her, the two start walking towards the more-brighter hallway of the mansion. They fall into silence as they traverse the hallway, each to their own mind.

After that endeavor, he didn’t really feel like he can focus on the lady’s shenanigans, is it too late for him to object?--No, is refusing even something he do? Something that the old, not-trapped Auden do? Is that something his father do? His gut feeling tells him it’s not and he's being ridiculous. But he has been trapped for so long that he isn’t sure if he’s reverting back to the person he was before his father left.

And the earlier thoughts and images comes rushing back to his mind again, echoing all around like bees forever buzzing.

Just like his father, just like his father, just like his father, just like his father, just like his father, just like his father, just like his father, just like his father, just like his father, just like his father, just like his father, just like his father, just like his father, just like his father, just like his father, just like his father, just like his father, just like his father, just like his father, just like his father, just like his father, just like his father, just like his father, just like his father, just like his father, just like his father, just like his father, just like his father, just like his father, just like his father--

What was the point of doing this anymore? If he’s going to be like that man in the end? What is the worth of trying to avoid the inevitable? He already left his family behind, surely they must already think that he abandoned them? He’s been gone for so long that he’s either presumed dead or ran away from his responsibilities as the eldest.

And the fact that the last time he talked with Mitch, it was an argument as well. Would he think that his brother abandoned him? Because of that?

From his family’s perspective it can only look like ‘Auden’ wasn’t able to handle everything and ran away, abandoned them.

Just like his father.

Just like his father.

“You are annoyingly quiet. Do you expect me to babble by myself as entertainment?”

He looks at her, he didn’t know how to answer that with all these overwhelming thoughts keep invading his mind.

Instead, “Madame, you seem to be a wise young lady for your age…”

“Of course I am. Your point?”

“What must be done if you cannot avoid becoming someone you hate?”

Now she’s the one who looks at him, as if he just asked a stupid question. She tilts her head, silent for several seconds before answering,

“If it is unavoidable, I don’t see the point of doing anything. What else can be done?” Her trademark expression (a raised eyebrow, half-lidded eyes and overall neutral face) showing before she scoffs as she continues walking. She shakes her head as if in disappointment and adds, “Hmph, to be so weak that you cannot even changed the course of your fate. This is why you live as commoners and die as commoners.”

He really should take offense to that last part (in which on this day--whatever day this is-- he learned that this lady probably will probably not make a good choice to seek advice with) but he thinks that kind of emotion doesn't need a second run (even if that only happened in a dream/nightmare).

He just let out a humorless laugh, letting the silence take over once again.

Her answer didn’t really seem to help, maybe if he tries to dissect what she said he’ll probably find something. Maybe. One more thing to mull over when he’s alone, he guess.

But if that were to be the case, if everything does turn out to be nothing more than avoiding the inevitable. If everything he’s doing is pointless, then…

Would it really matter if he tries to go back home?

Wouldn’t it be better for him to just… stay here?

After all, should he ask of such a thing the Milady would probably allow it. The Milady is kind, and surely her brother wouldn’t mind. He can work as a servant here, he wouldn’t mind that himself. He doesn't need any payment (for there will be no more purpose for that, no more family to receive such things) at all. And despite some occasional disputes, everyone seem to be getting along well. Although this place has its own weird shenanigans happening now and then, he’ll get used to it. Just like those haunted houses from stories and rumors.

Besides, he’s not even sure if there’s a way for them to get out of this mansion. If he stops hoping for something so vague and unsure, wouldn’t that be easier? Wouldn't it be better to just stop hoping and grasping at straws? Isn’t that right?

Wouldn’t it be easier?

Wouldn’t it be easier?

Wouldn’t it be… easier…?
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His hands curled into fists, the pain and dread seem much worse now than before.

No, no matter what excuse he throws at himself, it wouldn’t be easier, it will never be easier. For he would forever carry this pain, forever wondering about them, forever apologizing for being a terrible son and brother. For abandoning them and giving up on trying to return home.

For becoming the one he hated the most.

Amidst the thoughts and memories running through his mind, there is a familiar song playing in the back of his mind, he can't remember where he heard it (or why it was even playing). It took a while but he finally remembers it.

He starts whistling, and registers a second later that he’s doing so. He fully remembers this random tune now. It has no meaning, no words, not even from a song but just something that he and his friends came up with back when they were children. They played it when they grew tired of hearing the noise of the factory or to just passed the time, one would whistle and the others would follow.

It’s been a long time and he didn’t think he would actually remember it all.

But he found that as he continues to do so, the thoughts continues to retreat as well. With each memory he recalls so is the disappearance of another piece of that nightmare. The dread replace with nostalgia and the stinging pain of longing for home made him realize that there is a difference between him and his father.

He can’t just give up now.

Not right now of all times.

He’ll try again. Again and again.

----

The song went on for a few more minutes before it slowly starts to die down. He’s not one hundred percent okay but at least he’s starting to feel a bit better now---

“Frankly when I said that you are annoyingly quiet, I did not mean for you to just start whistling.”

And the tune finally ended (abruptly) with him shamelessly yelping, surprised at the sudden voice--no, no, not sudden--the voice has been with him all this time! Poor Lady Henrietta, her existence has been forgotten again (thrice, mind you) and with her fan now reunited to her unblemished hands, she wastes no time doing her trademark ‘I-am-so-vexed-at-this-moment-but-I-will-hide-it-because-frowning- makes-a-lady-ugly’

Goodness! How does he keep losing awareness of his surroundings?!

And he calls himself a gentleman!? How disgraceful! Shame on yourself, Auden!

Deciding that, 'yes it is time to end this brooding time already, joe.' He gets back on his usual character.

“Oh! Do forgive me for my thoughtless behavior, madame! I didn’t intend to be so rude!” Cue nervous laughter here because wow, he feels like he’s back at his servant job with those corrupt--er, co...ntroversi...al(?????????????) bosses (??????????????????????????????)

Except they’re in the form of a lady.

A very yellow-as-the-sun yet cold, cold lady.

Said lady still didn’t start walking, just criticizing him with her permanent eye-brow raised expression. He's expecting another round of scolding/complain/rant/etc from her when she just turns her back and said, “Hmm, if it is a part of your culture as a commoner then I cannot forbid such actions, and even if I can, we are not in my household so I hold no authoritative power to this place.”

“Therefore, you may continue, monsieur.”

She starts walking again, heading for the stairs that leads to the upper floor.

He blinks, bewildered before he finally, finally laughs a bit.

What was that? That's not what he was expecting at all!

He catches up to her, maintaining the rule of ‘few-feet-away’ distance as he thinks that maybe, Lady Henrietta isn’t so cold after all!

“You have my gratitude, madame.”

“But of course, after all, I am not the owner of this mansion yet.”

He nods before he registered the last word.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Wait, what--

NOTES

and now you know why he wears a hat all the time lol
joe x hat otp 10/10 top anime otp of the 20th century //no

but on that note:
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANDD FINIIIIIIIIIIIIIISHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

HASHTAG RIP PACING BOI HOW TO EVEN DO THAT ANYMORE
This is suppose to be longer but I just realized that sai's 10k limit and im too pressed for time to do part123-style etc so rip me
I WILL USE THE EXCUSE "IT'S A DREAM SO THE PACING IS RIP" YOLO

So, first thing first:

His ‘fear’ doesn’t really make sense at all. (or maybe it does and I just don’t know anymore)

There are tons that say “i don’t want to grow up to be like him/her/them/etc” and usually, that’s coming from a feeling of dislike/hate/otherrelevantfeelingshere

What happened to him was, his dislike of growing up and becoming just like the man he hated so much also evolved into his greatest fear. Even just by pointing out “hey you speak like ur old man” and he would change the way he speak as soon as he possibly can. He avoids and denies anything about his father like it’s the plague itself. It turned into something irrational that he’s kinda aware that it’s going too far but can’t really stop it because. Yep. how to stop.

Q: What made him to have a fear like that?
A: Childhood
In summary, when everything is still rainbows:
1:“Wow u take after ur father”
2:“Wowie ur just like ur dad”
3:“Boi ur gonna do great things just like ur ol’ man”
Conclusion: I’m probably gonna be just like my dad! Wow!

Then the fire nation attacked,
Repeat the above but put it in a negative tone (#3 would be sarcasm lol)
Conclusion: Boi, I don’t want to be like dad but dang it i’ll probably end up like him, shimatta

TL;DR = it’s complicated dat even kara doesn’t know how to explain or understand
I think the most precise explanation for this is the lit above where he addressed it in his head lol idk anymore

Notes:
The beginning: After hen convinced him, he went down to the basement, found the fan, looks around but is too dark then boom, door closes.
>Hen didn’t come with him because she said she is highly allergic to dust. Joe believed her.
>Hen actually followed the joe to see if he would get locked in the basement. She didn't see how coz by the time she arrived he was already banging on the door asking for anyone but she just pretended she wasn't there lol.
>When it was taking too long for him to get out, she left to have some snacks and then the part at the lit where she appears is the time she just got back from her snack time lol
>what joe was gonna ask her before she cut him off was, “Er, Madame, what about your allergy..?????”

Final note: Now, they are acquaintances. (But hen still treats him like a servant lol)

AHHHHHHHHHHHH IM DONE NOW FOR OTHER THINGS TO DESU FOR
There are probably errors here lol but YOLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
I AM SO DONE WITH THE BASEMENT SEASON 99 HAHAHHA BOI 10/10 will get trapped for the prize again but not for the dream coz i fear spiders. imagine that.
>>> lol i knew it there is one so rip late edit how to read many words pls
p.s. im not sure but if i still have a blue ribbon, can i use that-- ///slapps for terrible memory

Open until October 29