Happy October 🎃

Day 14: Eertín

Eertín Poelert looked into the full-length mirror awkwardly. Behind him, stood Lennert van IJzer, his best friend.

"Oh, stop moping, you look perfect, Eertín~!" Lennert cheered, fixing his best friend's face paint.

"Lennert, I look dumb. Shouldn't I wear different clothes?"

"What do you think zombies wear? Fancy suits and ties? Unless you're a fancy person when you die," Lennert hummed, painting some fake scars on his face.

"Well, I guess you're right, but, still..." He muttered. "What are you even supposed to be?"

"My true self," Lennert rolled his eyes. He had fake blood all over his clothes and body, as well as a painting of another eye on his forehead. He licked his lipstick-stained lips, picking at his painted nails. "You know, like. Because I'm crazy!" Lennert laughed.

"You're not crazy, you're just..." Eertín tried to think of a synonym for crazy. "...Exotic."

"Is that what you think of me? Well, you're so sweet, Eertín," Lennert puckered his lips. "Now sit still, I'm almost done."

"I've been sitting still," Eertín sighs.

"Rub this on your face and hands," Lennert stands up, handing him a small jar of what looked like coloured face powder. "It's like, fake dirt."

"Okay," Eertín murmured, following his direction. "Where are we going again?" He tried not to get the suspicious powder in his eyeball, which luckily worked out in his favour.

"Oh, just some event. You know. Official stuff."

"Am I going to be on the internet again?"

"Eertín, ever since we've become best friends and band mates, you've been on the internet."

"Oh," he frowned.

"Many people find you attractive, if that's what you're worried about. Aren't you excited for the party? There'll be junk food~!"

Eertín nods. He liked junk food, at parties, at least.

"You like costumes, too... Just think of all the inspiration you'll get!" Lennert had a suspiciously smug look on his face.

"What is it?" Eertín raised an eyebrow. He knew that look. "What are you not telling me?"

"What? Oh! Nothing! You'll love it, I'm sure!"

At the party, Lennert dragged Eertín up the ridiculously long stretch of stairs leading to the front door. It was held at some creepy, rented mansion. How original! When they neared the top, Lennert shoved his best friend in front, encouraging him to be the one to knock. Eertín, swallowing his anxiety, knocked on the door. He was greeted by a jumpscare... AKA the door opening swiftly and him being screamed a welcome.

"Gah!" He jumped, making Lennert laugh out loud obnoxiously. "Lennert!" he scolded. "That isn't... funny!" He frowned.

The person stepped aside, and the duo walked into the mansion. They were greeted by many other famous people, as Lennert was the most famous. Eertín awkwardly followed like a lost puppy.

"Eertín, let's dance, you and I!" Lennert cheered, pulling him to the dance floor, even though he was drooling over the sight of the catering tables already.

Eertín yelped as he was pulled and watched as Lennert and the other partygoers danced around him. He put up his hands awkwardly. "..."

"Is that really all you've got, Eertín? They're playing the Monster Mash! Come on, do better than that, I know you can dance!"

Eertín grumbled and tried to sway himself. He really did know how to dance; he just didn't have the spirit anymore. Lennert had drained the life he had out of him. He was manipulative, a brat, and quite rude to Eertín, masking it as advice or saying that he was overreacting. Eertín, having lost all of his friends in the process, gave into Lennert's manipulation, as he was really all he had left.

Lennert always believed he was right. He truly liked Eertín as his best friend, yet he also thrived off of reaction. Eertín wasn't the only one who had been ridiculed and tormented by Lennert, but he was definitely the only one Lennert actually wanted to keep close.

After their dancing, Lennert pulled Eertín aside, somewhere private.

"Have I upset you? Did I do something wrong? You know I'd never mean to hurt you," he frowned, though it seemed forced.

"No, Lennert! Well, actually, uh... The other day-"

"Whatever it was, I didn't mean it. Okay?" he smiles. "I know what will cheer you up!"

Eertín gawks as he tries to explain what was wrong again. Lennert ignores it and drags him over to the catering tables. The food was pretty and fall-themed, as well as some Halloween-themed cookies and cakes and drinks.

"Food!" Lennert cheers. "Look, they've got some of your favourites."

Eertín cracks a small smile, nodding. "Yeah... I... I guess they do."

"Come on now, let's eat and have a nice Halloween."