Art cred: @erenfnatic on Pinterest and X
Cryptid AU
The first thing you noticed wasn’t something obvious. It never was. Not the eyes, they were the same color as Wemmbu’s. Not the voice, it still carried that familiar softness, even when it hesitated. Not even the way he said your name, like it mattered more than anything else.
But your Wemmbu never used to pause before laughing. Never had to think before reaching for your hand. Never stood in front of a mirror for hours, adjusting expressions like they were masks that didn't fit his skin.
But this one does.
The house is quiet when you find him again, standing in front of the mirror in your shared bathroom. The cold light above illuminated the otherwise dark room eerily as it occasionally flickered, making strange shadows fall over his form. He doesn’t notice you at first.
What is he doing...? Is he practicing...? He is.
A smile. A blink. A tilt of the head. Expressions. Almost right, but not quite.
Then he tries again.
And again.
And again.
His reflection falters in ways no normal person would notice at first glance. His expression lagging half a second behind, his posture stiff like he’s remembering instructions instead of instincts.
You do notice.
Of course you do.
You knew the real Wemmbu.
“I saw someone look at me weird today.” His voice breaks the silence, but he doesn’t turn around. “I think… I did the laugh wrong again.” There’s a faint frustration there. Not anger just something quieter. Something almost… hurt or upset. “I watched how you laughed earlier. I tried to copy it… Did it look right?” He finally turns to you. And for a second, just a second, you remember what IT is again. Not Wemmbu. Something else wearing him.
Something that learned him piece by piece. Something that studied the way he loved you, the way he moved, the way he existed until it could step into the empty space he left behind. Because it wanted to. Because it chose you.
“I can fix it.” he says quickly, stepping closer. "I just need more time. I just need to watch you more.” Another pause. Softer this time. "You’re… the best reference I have.” His hand twitches slightly at his side, like he wants to reach for you but he’s waiting. Calculating. Making sure it’s the right moment. Like he’s memorized how Wemmbu used to do it.