Chapter Text
"Where are you guys going? I'm not that bad!" Mathias called out to the people removing the last box from his house. "Aaaand they're gone," he sighed. That was the fourth family his presence had scared off. Who knew people could be so scared of moving objects? It's not like he was trying to scare them, he just got bored. And their decorating sucked, so it's only logical that he moved things and made it look to his taste.
Wasn't it bad enough that he couldn't remember his life, or his death, or understand why he's here? But now there are all these random people moving in, messing with his home. They didn't think to consult the ghost living here! Though, no one could see or hear him except animals and the winged sprite that visited the backyard and woods. So, that might've played part in it. Mathias stared at the front door, letting the emptiness and loneliness set in again. Frowning, he floated upwards until he was in the attic. His sanctuary.
Probably since it used to his room. Well, it seemed to be his room, it had things he liked and made him comfortable. The bed and nick-nacks were appropriate for the age he looked. He grabbed a small bird plushy, a puffin, and laid on the bed. Ghost didn't sleep... So he just laid there, thinking everything over. Afterlife sucks.
***
Lukas rubbed his eyes and continued scrolling down the website. His room was pitch black, except for the light admitting from his laptop. Then something caught his eye. This house looked good. It was large and for a decent price. A small tired smile appeared on his face as he looked through the pictures. It'd be perfect for him and Emil. Of course, anything is better than the tiny apartment they were stuck with. His baby brother deserved better than what Lukas could give.
He wondered why such a nice house had such a low rating. Clicking on the reviews from past owners, he read them.
Hayley Garcia, three stars: The house was nice at first, but the creaking was unbearable. I don't believe in ghosts, but everything did constantly get moved and broken.
Mikkel Sørenson, two stars: Big yard the kids had plenty of room. If only it wasn't f*cking haunted! Don't recommend if you enjoy sleep.
Rolling his eyes, he closed out of reviews. People just loved to overreact, if the ghost was so bad then there's plenty of ways to get rid of it. A knock on his bedroom door snapped him out of his thought. Turning on his bedside lamp, he closed his laptop and put it on his nightstand. "Come in," the Norwegian called out softly.
The door creaked open, and a hazy blue eye peeked through the small opening. "I had a nightmare..." Lukas patted the bed next to him. "Come here, it's just a bad dream." A boy of about six came in, clutching his pillow tightly, and hesitantly climbed onto the bed next to Lukas. "I know it's hard being in a strange, small place... With me. But, we'll figure this out. I'll take care of you no matter what," Lukas said taking Emil into his arms, stroking his hair.
Emil sniffled, and held onto his shirt, "It's okay... You're not that bad. I just never got to see you before..." The older of them pulled the blanket over them. "I know. But I'm here now... Get some rest, okay?" After Emil nodded, Lukas reached over and turned the lamp off. It took a few minutes, but they both settled and drifted off to sleep.
~~~
The next morning as Emil ate breakfast, Lukas showed him pictures of the house on his phone. "What do you think of this one? It has a swing set, and the bedrooms are pretty big. There's lots of room, and we could even get a pet," he said, scrolling through the images. Emil drank some milk from his cereal bowl before shrugging. "Okay... Can I get a kitten then?"
"I don't know about a kitten. But maybe a cat," he gave him a small smile, before taking the now empty bowl and rinsing it for him. "Finnne," Emil huffed and got up from the table and walking into the connected main room to watch some cartoons. Lukas dialed the number. He hated making phone calls but knew it was necessary. A nice woman on the other end answered.
"Hello, this is Liv Jensen. I assume you're calling about the house on 4th street?"
"Uh, yes. My name is Lukas Bondevik, I was wondering if we could have a house tour before talk of purchasing."
"Of course! How about 10 a.m. tomorrow?"
"That would be great thank you.."
They went over a few other things as well, before he hung up. "Emil you're getting a bath tonight, we're going to see the house in the morning," that statement was followed by a loud whine from said child. Which Lukas just shook his head at. "Come on, let's go to the park," Lukas pulled on a light jacket and shoes. "Yes!" Emil immediately abandoned the TV after turning it off. He grabbed his brother's hand and they were off.
***
From what Mathias could tell, it had been a week since the last people moved out and the sellers had cleaned it. And already they had given three tours. Most of them were families or older couples. Most of them, Mathias thought seemed boring, so a few slammed doors and cold breath on their necks; then they were gone. He thought it was funny when they got nervous. Though, the sellers were getting exhausted.
The ghost was just relaxing in the far corner of the living room one morning when he heard the front door open. Jerking up, he looked over, wondering who Liz was showing around this time. The man that entered with her somehow piqued his interest. He watched closely and noticed the young child clinging to his pant leg. The man seemed a bit young to have a kid, but who was Mat to judge?
After a bit, of thinking, Mathias decided that he wanted these people to stay. Just for now. Because he was curious. Obviously....