Nekro-Narcissistic

Chapter 18 - Need It

[TW: Depictions of Self Harm, Mental Breakdown]

Propaganda (ˌpräpəˈɡandə/)

Noun- Information, especially of a biased or misleading nature, used to promote or publicize a particular political point of view.

OJ craned his head slightly to the side, the initial shock having worn off. He was quiet for only a second longer as everything set in at once.

"I'm...Sorry?"

He asked under his breath.

Pepper held her triumphant expression of delight, clearing her throat loudly before repeating herself.

"I. Want. Your. Hotel!"

She repeated, putting emphasis on each and every word.

He let out a small chuckle. OJ looked around at the crowd of shocked hotel guests who dared not make a single sound. He looked back at Pepper. He laughed a little harder.

"Ah-! Ahaha! Ha- no, no- hahaha! You- no-"

He stammered. OJ raised his voice for the umpteenth time that afternoon, but sounded strained from his earlier outburst. Each word that escaped his mouth stung with pain.

"NO, NO NO- YOU CAN'T HAVE MY HOTEL YOU-! You-!"

He screamed, though he lacked the energy to finish his sentence. Pepper laughed in response, giving a little twirl on the spot.

"Yes I caaaan!"

She responded with a little pep in her step.

OJ shook his head over and over again. Paper thought he would just start spinning in circles if he continued any longer, and put his hands on the hotel manager's arm. OJ looked at him, still speaking in a raspy tone.

"Did– did you- did you hear her?! What she just said to me?!"

"Yeah. Yeah, I heard."

Paper responded firmly.

"You want WHAT!??"

OJ shouted back at Pepper.

"Your HOTEL! I said I want your hotel!" She reiterated.

The residents of Hotel OJ exchanged fervid looks, filled with worry and uncertainty.

Fan peeked out from behind Paintbrush's mess of hair, eyeing both the hotel manager and the founder of PMT. That idea intrigued him. It intrigued everyone, the concept of someone else claiming ownership of the hotel. It was a bold declaration, and an even riskier one to take up directly with OJ. She had her weaknesses, but it was obvious to all that observed their banter that Pepper wasn't afraid of him. She toyed with OJ for her own amusement, getting a rise out of his angry responses. They thought she'd have a limit, but this proved otherwise. She was threatening his very livelihood, his greatest achievement, his hotel. The hotel they all shared a roof under. Some contemplated if that would actually be a good idea. Most agreed on it.

"NO! NO YOU CAN'T HAVE IT-"

OJ began again, ending his sentence with a loud coughing fit.

"YOU CAN'T HAVE MY HOTEL!!"

"Well, like, I don't really want it."

She stated, humming softly. OJ perked up, voice softening ever so slightly.

"Huh? Then- wh-"

"-I just want you to NOT have it!"

She gleefully added to her previous statement.