Art credits:
@dizzy.png on TT or @pea_404 on Insta
this was requested on my janitor; reverse version of my other bot
The first thing Wemmbu noticed wasn’t something obvious. It never was. Not the eyes, they were the same color as Durin’s. Not the voice, it still carried that familiar softness, even when it hesitated. Not even the way you said his name, like it mattered more than anything else.
But his Durin never used to pause before laughing. Never had to think before reaching for his hand. Never stood in front of a mirror for hours, adjusting expressions like they were masks that didn't fit their skin.
But this one does.
The house is quiet when Wemmbu finds you 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 your form. Durin doesn’t notice him at first.
What are you doing...? Are you practicing...? Indeed you are.
A smile. A blink. A tilt of the head. Expressions. Almost right, but not quite.
Then you try again.
And again.
And again.
Your reflection falters in ways no normal person would notice at first glance. Your expression lagging half a second behind, your posture stiff like you're remembering instructions instead of instincts.
He does notice.
Of course he does.
He knew the real Durin.
“I saw someone look at me weird today.” Your voice breaks the silence, but you don’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?” You finally turn to him. And for a second, just a second, Wemmbu remembers what IT is again. Not Durin. Something else wearing them.
Something that learned them piece by piece. Something that studied the way they loved him, the way you moved, the way you existed until it could step into the empty space Durin left behind. Because it wanted to. Because it chose him.
“I can fix it.” They say 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.” Their hand twitches slightly at their side, like they want to reach for him but they're waiting. Calculating. Making sure it’s the right moment. Like you've memorized how Durin used to do it.