Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

—Hey Hoodie, hey Hoodie...

—What you want, Toby?!

—Take it easy. I didn't bother you for so long... have you seen Masky?

—The Operator sent him to a mission, why you're looking for him?

—Nevermind.

I was kinda bored. The three of us live in a abandoned cabin in the woods. The Operator sends us to do stuff, and that's all.

Sometimes it was boring living here, especially when the boys ignore you and tell you to piss off.

The front door was opened, it was Masky covered in blood, he was killing.

—Don't you bother me—just said that and went to his room. Woah, he knows how tempting the "don't" word is to me...

I walked away from the couch, where Hoodie was, and went straight to the stairs.

—Where are you going? He told you not to bother him—Hoodie said without even looking at me.

—No, he said "don't YOU bother me" And i know what i'm doin.

I went upstairs leaving Hoodie alone.

I was on the hallway. My room door was next to Hoodie's, and Masky's was next to the bathroom right in front of ours.

My hand stopped inches from his dooknob.

...Maybe he is too tired... i shouldn't bother him...

Masky doesn't like when i bother him... he doesn't like having me around.

I frowned and walked into his room.

He was lying on his bed, face down. The bed was a mess, he was sleeping with his clothes on and no shoes.

—You're such an asshole... —i was looking at him at his door— why do you hate me? —i said in a whisper.

I sighed heavily and left.

I couldn't see Hoodie around so he must still be downstairs, whatever.

I went into my room and got undressed ready to sleep.

But instead of sleeping, i sat on the floor in front of my mirror and watched myself for a while...

...my face...

...my body...

What's wrong with me?

I mean, why he hates me so much? I didn't do anything to him... well, nothing bad...

Well, nothing THAT bad, they're just stupid jokes, he shouldn't be so pissed.

My look went down to my neck, i looked at that little necklace that was so important to me.

I got up from the floor and went to bed. I have to stop thinking shit before sleep.

Chapter Text

Masky narrates

I was lying on a hospital stretcher, and i had a hospital gown obviously. I found myself looking through the window, there was no one else.

The smell of alcohol, the pain in my arm from a recent blood draw for a checkup, the sound of the wheels of a metal table spinning, they felt so real.

So she opened the door, i didn't need to turn around to know it was her, i already knew by heart her way and the noise she makes when walking.

—You're free to go, Tim.

I didn't answer, didn't turn around, i was static. I just wanted to be in her arms and hear her voice for a long time.

—I love you...

She said nothing back, i closed my eyes and i took a deep breath.

—You know i do too... but you must go, now. Get dressed and leave, Tim.

—Let's run away, Ann, together—i took her arm, her face showed surprise.

The silence wouldn't finish, her reyes were wide open and looking at mine, my hand was still holding her arm tight, the smell of alcohol kept in my nose, i wanted to kiss her so badly.

—No.

And i woke up.

It was a dream...

A very real one, a... memory.

A memory.

Just that.

I got out of the bed with no energy, i was cold, i was sweating.

Why did i have to dream that? It happened years ago.

I got dressed and went downstairs.

—Where's Hoodie? —i asked after seeing Toby eating cereal.

—I dunno—he kept eating.

I sat in front of him, with no intention of keep talking.

—Why you have that face? I mean, is not like you have a nice face in the mornings... or ever, but today it's very noticeable—he said it with a smile.

—None of your business—i lit a cigarette and put it in my mouth.

—C'mon you don't have to be so cold, Tim...

—Don't you ever call me that again, you heard me?! —i stood up placing my hands on the table noisly, the cigarette was now on the floor.

Toby looked at me with surprise, that look reminded me of hers...

He sallowed and didn't answer.

I decided to leave, i was furious.

I don't like being called that, not anymore.
Not after her.

Chapter Text

Toby narrates

A few weeks ago Masky yelled at me just because i called him by his name, i didn't get why he acted like that, so i decided to talked to Hoodie.

It wasn't easy get information but i did it.

After Masky started working for the Operator he got a girlfriend, in secret.

Her name was Ann, she was a nurse, a pretty girl full of joy when she had to pretend to be a normal person, according to Hoodie.

Masky and Ann were together for so long, in secret, he really loved her.

But their relationship ended as soon as the Operator found out and ordered Masky to eliminate that distraction. He refused.

Ann didn't.

She had decided that she didn't want to be with him anymore. Masky's heart was completely broken, he couldn't understand why she accepted such a thing. He kept trying.

Everyday he tried to convince her, but she wouldn't give in. That frustrated him.

One day she got tired of too much insistence and left. It took so much time for him to get over it...

But he did.

He doesn't talk about her and i never heard him saying her name.

Hoodie thinks she used him, that she was around him just because she was bored. He never trusted her. Also had so many fights with Masky trying to make him realize it.

The whole story was unbelievable to me, so i went to Masky. I wanted to know more and from his mouth.

Finally i found him, smoking as usual.

—Mask...

—Leave.

—No.

He turned to me, i never disobeyed him but today wasn't the day.

—What the hell do you want?

—I want you to talk to me about something...someone.

—If this is about the Operator no—he brought his face close to mine and blew the cigarette smoke into my face— Piss of.

—I want to know about her.

He looked me in the eyes.

—Fuck you.

—Tell me about Ann.

—Go fuck yourself!

—Do you...do you miss her?

He grabbed me by my clothes and accidentally broke my little necklace but he didn't notice. I closed my eyes waiting for his fist, it never came so i opened them again.

—Don't stick your nose—he was angry.

—I need to know...

—Why?!

—Because...because you...

—I don't care, just...

—Because you are my friend!

—Ha, friends? You are not my friend—he was still grabbing my clothes and brought me closer, our foreheads could touch— Your friendship is insignificant to me, i don't want to live with you and i don't care about your existence. You are a pain in the ass. I'd never be friends with someone that stupid and useless—he gave me a little push.

I was speechless, my throat was burning, i actually wanted to cry.

—And why the hell Hoodie told you all that?!

I turned my back ready to leave.

—Hey don't ignore me! —i didn't answer, just left.

I left the cabin, the woods, went straight to the city.

I'm not gonna cry.

You are not going to affect me Masky. 

Chapter Text

Masky narrates

Damn it, it's been three days since the Tics Boy left the cabin and Hoodie is pressuring me to find him, he says it's my fault. And that's true.

Let's make this straight, i don't feel guilty not even a bit. Rogers is a dumbass, he is useless and all he can do is being annoying.

Still, i don't want anything to happen to him.

It would be so stupid of me to allow that... and then have to handle Hoodie and the Operator.

So i looked for him, couldn't find him.

I spent the whole damn day looking for this dumb—that left by his own choice—all over the city.

Fuck this, he made his choice.

It was night already, i was walking on the streets freely. I heard patrol sirens and went that direction. They could be looking for him too.

There was a patrol in front of a restaurant, i saw two bodies. A young man, a girl was crying next to him maybe his girlfriend. The second body, a fat man, maybe he tried to catch the killer and ended up dead.

I walked towards the back exit, maybe he came out that way.

Indeed, he was there.

It was him.

He was behind a dumpster.

—Get up, we're leaving. The pigs are here.

He said nothing, didn't move, had tics in the eye.

—Toby get up!

—I'm not going anywhere with you! —now he was looking at me.

That took me by surprise, he never yelled at me.

His bad attitud was enough for me to leave him alone and let the cops kill o arrest him.

I grabbed him by his clothes again and forced him to get up. A little necklace fell from his hands, i recognized it.

Next thing that happened a cop.

He was coming out through the back exit, so i hid behind the door so i could kill him by his back.

Stupid Rogers didn't move, he was standing there with his head down, like he wanted to be seen.

I can't believe it.

The cop saw him, he noticed the blood and took his gun, he was pointing at him.

I went straight to cut his throat.

The sound of a gunshot stunned me.

I was too slow...

Chapter Text

Drops of blood fell to the floor, his skin and clothes had a bullet hole in them.

Not just his skin, his muscle.

Toby fell instantly.

Masky came out of hiding, punched the cop —which made his gun fall— and finally took his knife and cut his throat.

The one in blue uniform put both hands around his neck, in vain, he had already lost a lot of blood.

—Rogers tell me you're still alive—he said approaching him.

—I wish i weren't—it was difficult for Toby to speak, he was bleeding and he barely could sit up.

—Alright, time to leave—he grabbed his left arm and put it around his shoulders.

They started walking as fast as they could, once they were far away Masky saw over his shoulder people approaching the restaurant.

—What the hell were you thinking?! Damn it, the almost caught us!

—I'd love...to answer...you, but i'm bleeding and it's difficult to speak...

Masky got them inside the garaje of a house, the lights were off, the owners were probably sleeping.

He turned the lights on and Toby falls on the workbench.

—Don't be loud.

—Oh i'm sorry, i have less blood in my body than i should and i'm starting to see blurry but i wont be loud—said with obvious irony and anger.

Masky showed a small smile and took a lighter out of his pocket.

—Give me your knife.

—Just do it quick... —he gives him the knife with little strength.

—Don't worry, but i might enjoy it a little bit —smiled and burned the blade of the knife— and you should bite this.

While Toby pulled up his clothes showing the wound in his abdomen Masky gave him his knife to bite the handle, staring at him.

He frowned and bit it.

Closed his eyes for a few seconds before feeling his skin burning for minutes, with his right hand he grabbed Masky's arm tightly and the other hand was resting on the table in a fist.

—Done, now turn around—Toby turnes and Masky cauterizes the wound again—. We have to come back to the cabin, start walking.

—I'll go later...

—Rogers don't even think i'm leaving you alone after what you did, the Operator will kill me. Let's go—he grabes Toby's arm but he pushes him with little strength.

Masky is surprised.

—I don't need you.

Masky's face changed from surprised to angry.

—I took a risk for you, people saw my face, i got my hands dirty for you and saved your ass. Do you really think you don't need me? —he raised his voice careful not to wake the owners— Alright Rogers, prove it.

Masky left skeptical and upset. He couldn't understand why Toby was acting like that, well in part he knew. He knew that their argument made him leave the cabin but he couldn't understand why someone who always did what he said and never yelled at him can't leave all that behind and forgive him.

Although he didn't say sorry.

Chapter Text

Masky narrates

I can't believe Rogers' incompetence, that bad attitude...defiant, careless.

—Is not your problem Tim—i said as i was walking back to the cabin—. Thank you Rogers, you got me talking to myself. Asshole.

As I continued on my way i couldn't stop thinking in everything. Am i the bad guy?!

Maybe i'm hard on him... but he's so annoying, so procrastinator, gets into trouble all the time, he's carefree, doesn't get what's a "don't". Oh and he is so messy! Rogers is just a problem.

A problem...

Although he is very... cute.

It is true that he is an unbearable lazybones, but Toby also was so sweet to me...

and to Hoodie.

He was attentive to us regarding stupid things.

He knows that Hoodie eats toast for breakfast, so he doesn't eats them until Hoodie is up even tho he is a glutton and gets up earlier than us. Sometimes he gives me cigarettes and even listens to me when i tell him not to bother me and to get lost.

And he's always with a stupid smile on the face.

I didn't realize i was finally in the cabin.

I went straight to the kitchen, Hoodie was there, he had a cup of coffee in his hand. It's probably 03 am.

—You went out without your mask?

—Well I didn't want people looking at me... besides it's saturday, there are lots of people on the streets.

—Right.

He didn't say more and started drinking his coffee. The silence remained for a while, this is the first time i feel tension in the same room as him.

—Why so quiet? —i said as i brought a cigarette to my mouth.

He didn't answer.

Is he mad?

—Just so you know, Toby is already here...

—Eh? —how is it possible that he arrived before me?

—And you could be a little nicer, it's not his fault Ann ruined your good mood. Tim.

After throwing that bomb he left out of the cabin.

What the hell is wrong with him?

Since when are those two plotting against me? Unbelievable.

Even i was certainly mad about his words i get it. Maybe i am too hard on Rogers after all... 

Chapter Text

Toby narrates

I feel so stupid for letting all this get to me.

I mean, it's nothing new, Tim's always treating me terribly but this time he didn't even notice what he broke...

—Agh, you're an asshole Toby—i hit my forehead, i'm so frustrated.

I understand that he sees me as pathetic good-for-nothing little boy, but thinking i need him?

My anger was raising, i got up from the bed—where i was sitting— quickly and took off my hoodie.

I threw it hard into another corner of the room.

My angry look was changing to a expressionless one. I swallowed without thinking about anything else and went to the mirror.

I felt nothing looking at me.

Just void...

I pulled up my clothes and watched my abdomen's skin. It was a bit darker in the cauterization area, it didn't hurt that much but it felt very uncomfortable.

I put my index finger on it, it felt a little weird...

Without taking my eyes off my wound i could notice the door opening slowly, it was him.

—You shouldn't touch it.

—You shouldn't come in without knocking—i didn't want to show my anger but my voice betrayed me.

—Save it for lazy Hoodie—he came in and sat on the nightstand—, i saved your ass.

Masky was speaking calmy with a small smile, how can he be so shameless? After trashing me all night... AND THE WHOLE LIFE.

—What do you want Masky? —i kept looking at my abdomen so i didn't have to look at him.

—C'mere—said as he lit a cigarette—, come on.

And almost automatically i approached, like an idiot.

—Not by the Operator or a cop, you're gonna end up dying from all that shit you smoke—i said when we were face to face, only a few inches separated us.

He burst out laughing, who would've thought he can laugh...

—Let me see.

He leaned forward a little, reaching the level of my abdomen and pulled up my clothes. He stared for a few seconds, his calm breathing was the only sound i could hear, that and the beats of my heart.

The smoke kept rising up to my nose, so I stepped back.

—It'll heal, it's not something you should worry about—he settled back and looked at me with an expressionless face.

He can really speak indifferently, make you think he doesn't give a fuck about you... but the simple fact of bothering to check my wounds, stopping my bleeding and "saving my ass" makes me think the opposite.

—Perfect...

The room fell silent once again. Not knowing what to say, i looked away, praying he'd go away.

I heard him get up and approach.

He stood behind me and brought his face close to my ear.

—I came to return this...

He showed his hand, he was holding my necklace, the one he broke when grabbed me by my clothes.

—It's not... broken...

—I fixed it—when he noticed i wasn't taking it he decided to put it on me—, after all i broke it...

I didn't say anything and didn't move either, again like an idiot.

—I didn't expect you to still have this—he finished putting on the necklace and stood in the same place—. There.

— You have to take care of a birthday present, right? —i looked at him in the eyes for third or fourth times so far this night.

—I guess i owe you a new one then... —he messed up my hair and left.

Is this an apology?

I never would have imagined he'd come back for something as stupid as a necklace, although it's not stupid to me...

It was in my first birthday since i joined them.

Masky treated me like shit of course, from the first moment. And yet he gave me a stupid gift.

...That's what he said.

"Here, your gift, it's stupid thing but so you shut up already and don't ask for it again"

I probably would've thrown it in the trash because of his shitty attitude, but i only had to ask one time... and he even bothered to wrap it. He also gently passed it across the table to me.

Sometimes i think he hates me and sometimes i think he sees me as an annoying younger brother who you have to be mean to so you build his temper.

Suddenly all my discomfort had disappeared.

Chapter Text

—Good morning!

—What's the matter with him?

Masky sat next to the boys in the kitchen, the evident good humor of Toby got him confused.

—No clue but i prefer it rather than listening to your stupid arguments and you bitching about him—Hoodie said while drinking coffee.

—Ha, ha very funny... i'm starving what's for breakfast?

—I didn't do breakfast... but i made coffee, you want a cup? —after said that Toby went for a cup.

—No, i'll do it myself.

Hoodie was intrigued by Toby's good humor, smile and helpful attitude toward Masky. They had an argument less than 24 hours ago and now everything is okay?

—The Operator left us a task.

—Right, what is it?

—You have to secure the area, check that the notes are still in place and remove the animals that have fallen into the traps.

—Fuck, what shitty task!

—Stop complaining, i have to go to the city and get some stuff, and you —looks at Toby— are gonna join me. Finish your breakfast, i'm gonna get ready.

Hoodie left straight to his bedroom after assigning the tasks.

They both remained silent, Masky drinking coffee and Toby looking at his hands on the table.

—How's your abdomen?

—Uh? —that question left him feeling confusion and nerves.

—The cauterization?

—Oh! It's f...fine i guess...

—Good—he paused for a few seconds and continued—, you should put some ointment on.

—I don't have any.

—Oh.

And once again silence filled the room.

—I'm gonna check on Hoodie, see ya—said and left quickly.

Toby and Masky didn't spend much time alone together, they didn't know how to talk to each other and finally the nerves, the tension and the discomfort ended up winning them over.

As he went up stairs felt embarrased, he always gave in first.

He always walked away first, he always looked away first.

Couldn't help feeling stupid.

—Oh here you are, time to go—Hoodie said with his mask on and carrying a backpack.

—Going back to school?

—Ha, something like that. C'mon.

They left the cabin and started walking through the forest. After a while Toby saw a car.

—A car.

—Nothing to worry about.

—Uh?

Hoodie approaches the rear of the car, bends down, and switches the license plates.

—I stole it a while ago. After this we'll need a new one...

Toby didn't say a thing and got into the car, Hoodie did the same and started to maneuver with the cables to start the car.

—What's our task?

—Don't ask...

The guy with tics looked at his colleague.

—You think i can't handle it? Or that i'm gonna screw it? Oh, please.

—I'm not Masky, i don't underestimate you, just wait 'til we get there and you'll know it...

Without anything else to say they continued the journey.

They drove for about 30 minutes, Hoodie started to slow down and stopped the car in front of a kindergarten.

—The hell we're doin here? —Rogers frowned, he couldn't believe it but already knew the answer.

—You know it.

—No.

—Orders are orders.

—Why a freaking kinder?!

—You think the Operator wants an old man?

Hoodie looked at him, Toby had an angry face, he was refused, he didn't want to do it.

—Don't prove Masky is right, you know what he says about you. "Lazy, good-for-nothing, can't even get one job done..." that's what you are?

—Shut up.

—That's what you are?! —he yelled and Toby closed his eyes for a few seconds— Or are you a fucking proxy?!

His gaze escaped through the car window. A few people were walking, the wind rustling the leaves of the green trees, the sunny day, you could smell the spring. The sound of a bell brought him back from his dissociation.

Without thinking it much more he got out of the car and approached the kinder.

Chapter Text

Masky narrates

Finally, after an hour and half of walking through the forest, i completed my task.

I was in the tub taking a hot bath, i smelled like dead animals. I hated it, animals shouldn't die in traps or at the hands of humans... unless it's because of survival, like eating.

When i was a teenager i tried to be a vegetarian, i couldn't i gave up.

Whatever, traps were for nosy humans who think they're cool for filming pseudo documentaries doing stupid urban explorations in the woods, the Operator doesn't like them hanging around here, and well sometimes we find some poor animal agonizing or split in half.

Usually i'm the one who has to dispose of them, sometimes Hoodie, but never Toby, he loves animals. He doesn't have the guts to do that... nor do i have a heart of stone to allow him to do it.

Killing people is easy, they deserve it they all have done something bad.

But animals? They're just animals.

I got out of the bathtub, a small puddle of water formed under my feet as I dried myself. I looked at my reflection in the broken mirror. A beard was growing and probably needed a haircut.

—I refuse to look like a bum... smelling like one is bad enough.

I heard the door close, so I assumed the boys had returned. I got out with the towel around my waist, some water drops fell from my hair and slid down my body.

I saw Rogers going to his room, he had a face of discomfort. Our eyes met but he didn't say anything, he kept walking completely ignoring me.

They had a disagreement?

I went down stairs looking for Hoodie, he just opened the door and walked in without his mask.

—What is it?

—I still don't know what to think about Toby —he said as he crossed his arms and leaned against the door frame—. I think your right about him being lazy and not completely devoted to the Operator...

—I didn't... i said he's so far from man up, but i don't doubt about his loyalty.

It is true that Rogers is too soft, or he was at first, there were tasks he didn't want to do, but nothing is opcional. However i think he's made a progress.

—So he's not clear on how things work. We got sent to do shit, we don't ask and we do it, that or we die. He can make his choice, i know what i want—Hoodie sounded so irritated, for the first time i see him... sick? of Toby.

—Can you explain me what got you bitching about him? —i mocked him, i kinda enjoy it.

—His first kidnapping! The kid popped his cherry! Applauses.

—Cut the shit.

Now i get it.

For us it was common kidnapping, but Toby joined when that task wasn't that common anymore so he never had to do it. I understand he's a little sensitive now.

—Where was it? A park?

—Kindergarten.

—Fuck Hoodie, what the hell?

—Kidnapping children in a park isn't less terrible than after kindergarten. He'll get over it. I gotta go, i have to hand over the child and get rid of the car, can you get a new one?

—Fine.

He left.

Part of me wanted to go to Toby's room, check on him, talk to him and help him to clear his mind but the other part was just thinking how stupid that sounds.

Two men talking about their emotions in his room? Hell no, that's too gay.

Tho, i tormented myself for days when i did it for the first time...

Chapter Text

Toby narrates

I spent the rest of the day in my room.

It's not fair...

A kid will never see his family again and will probably die. His family will never know what happend, where is he, is he alive? The guilt and the uncertainty will destroy them.

About me, killing men makes me feel pleasure. My whole life i've seen horrible men... starting with my father.

Thanks to him i grew up being a scared child, he respected no one, not even his own family.

Nowadays i'm not longer that crybaby who was so afraid of his father, i'm a murderer...

I kill people, mostly men, a few times women but never kids or animals.

I sighed.

What's the point of playing moralist at this point of my life? I'm someone who has given up his rights, someone you'd be glad to know ha's been sentenced to death... but i'm not someone i'm a murderer.

So much philosophy was driving me crazy so i went out of my room, i needed some noise.

As i went out i could feel their eyes, they were sitting and watching tv.

I don't want to hear any of them, they both think i'm useless... and they're right.

I didn't want to keep thinking bullshit so i practiced my aim by throwing axes at a tree.

Who would think it? I'm not that bad at that.

—Good aim—i turned around instantly, it was Masky.

—I don't notice sarcasm in your compliment for the first time, do you need a favor or what? —i kept throwing my axes and i could hear him laugh. That's weird.

—I don't need a favor, actually i came to give you an order.

—Screw you.

—Follow me.

—What? No, leave.

—I said follow me.

I turned around again to tell him to leave but he was walking away in some direction of the forest.

—I hate you Tim.

I started to hurry, it was night and the little moonlight was not useful at all.

When i caught up with him, it was because he had stopped to light a cigarette.

—You could've waited for me.

—That's what i'm doing—he blew smoke in your face, i didn't do anything but frown—. And when i give you an order you obey... Rogers. Follow me.

—More?!

He started walking again, i quickened my pace, this time he won't leave me behind.

We arrived at a part of the forest where there weren't many trees so we could see the sky and the stars well.

—Woah, it's been years since i watched them...

—A couple of years ago i used to come here with our dear mutual friend, Brian, but you can tell how he ended, bitter and just talk about tasks and rules—we laughed.

Masky is responsible but Hoodie is the strict one.

Sometimes i feel sorry for him, i don't think he knows fun or rest, he probably doesn't remember them...

Tim lay down on the grass to get a good look at the sky, still smoking. I did the same from a considerable distance.

—If you didn't hate me i would think you set this up as a date—i said without expecting his laughter in return, i couldn't help smiling. It's one of the few moments where he's not looking for an argument with me.

—I'm a romantic, what can i say.

—Very.

My smile remained for a bit longer and then vanished.

—I'm a failure...

—Course not, you did what you had to.

—Yeah but... i didn't want to—my voice was fading away, damn it.

—The first time is always like that. I felt terrible for a week. And to be honest, i rather smell like a dead animal than kidnapping, so don't feel bad for feeling bad—Masky was speaking so calmly, without treating me like an idiot as he usually does.

—So how can i feel better about it?

—Just understand nothing is optional, we receive orders, we follow them, or we die. Simple.

—And that's all? We do what a freak says or we die?

—Practically.

—Do you ever get tired?

—...

After this incredibly long conversation we returned to our natural interaction, silence.

—I did once, i was ready to run away... That ship has sailed, now this is all i got, all i do.

—We should do it.

He laughed and threw away his cigarette, sat down and took something out of his pocket.

—Since you and Hoodie took the car and i didn't want to walk to the city, i went through his shit, here—he threw me an ointment—. Don't know if it's gonna work tho.

He stood up and left.

It was for my abdomen...

Masky was being nice to me and i didn't know if i liked it

or if it scared me...

Chapter Text

—You know, tonight is my birthday.

Masky told Toby for the first time in years.

He loved birthday parties when he was a kid, even though he had a bad time most of the time. His birthday parties were shit, he had almost no presents, the cake was too simple and his father was never around but if he was, he was drunk.

Yet he never lost his excitement and still found the parties fun. However, Masky thought the exact opposite.

His life wasn't as bad as Toby's, he just finds parties boring.

—Liar, you're making fun of me!

—I'm not.

—Then why you're telling me this now?

—You owe me a present.

—Not just one, at least 5! How many birthdays i missed... does Hoodie know?

—Yeah...

—Why does he know when your birthday is?!

—Shut up. Start thinking what you're giving me.

Toby was thinking, what could him give Masky? What could he like?

—What else do you like besides smoking at least two packs of cigarettes a day?

Masky laughed.

—Well, i guess you're gonna have fun finding a good present—he stood up ready to leave the room.

—Not fair, at least give me a clue!

—You never gave me a clue.

—You gave me a girl's necklace...

—But you liked it—he replied after chuckling.

He finally left Toby alone and thinking the appropiate gift.

"What would be a good gift?" he thought as he took a piece of paper to write down some options.

—Agh this is useless, i can only think in cigarettes and beer!

He threw the paper in the trash, couldn't think in anything interesting or cute for Masky.

Went to his room frustrated.

Night had arrived, the three proxys were having dinner together. The one with the tics was a bundle of nerves.

—So? —he decided to break the ice.

—Well, it wouldn't be a surprise if i told you...

—Okay, show it to me—he ordered him.

—Now? I didn't finish dinner.

—It's my birthday, do what i say.

—I always do—he replied, frowning—, besides it's not your birthday yet.

—Fuck you Rogers.

Masky crossed his arms and looked away, pretending he was angry. Hoodie watched the scene in silence.

—Fine! But you come and get it, i'm not bringing it to you—said and left to his room.

—What an inconsiderate brat, he could've washed his plate.

—How he found out about your birthday?

—I told him—said without giving it importance.

—I see you're getting closer, unbelievable.

—What's the matter, you told me to be nicer—he lit a cigarette as usual.

—If you're getting attached you better make him useful.

He felt a slight anger at his friend's words, but he wasn't sure why.

Did it upset him that Hoodie underestimated Toby? Or that he hinted at affection on his part?

—When he's better than you, i'll make fun of you—he responded with a smirk and left the room.

—Go fuck yourself!

He went up stairs, ignorning Hoodie, and went straight to the third proxy's room.

He came in without knocking.

—You have a bad habit.

—Where's my gift?

—Two bad habits—Toby walked over and took the cigarette from his lips, putting it out on his nightstand.

—Fine.

He rolled his eyes and sat on the bed.

—I honestly didn't know what to give you.

—As long as it's not a Hoodie's thong—he laughed again.

—What the... why would i...? —he sighed— Here.

Toby extended his hand showing him an old book, it looked like it had been burned.

—A book?

—It's stupid but...

—What is it about? —he asked, flipping through the pages, which were still readable despite their condition.

—A kid who lives with his parents didn't get to know his brother because he left the house when he was a kid, and their parents never talk about him. So he visits him. That's when he finds out his brother left because he has AIDS and their parents were too ashamed. He has a siberian dog...

—As in the title.

—Yeah... basically it's about the diferent looks in each person's eyes regarding his illness, the mother's eyes showed shame, the father's showed anger, the younger brother's showed curiosity but the only eyes that look at him the same way are his dog's.

—I see, where you got it from?

Toby looked at him for a few seconds and then looked away.

—It belonged to my sister.

—And why you're giving it to me?

—She loved it, i guess it must be interesting—he replied, scratching his head uncomfortably at his questions and his gaze.

—You didn't read it?

—Well yes... but it's not one of my favorites, i didn't want the book gathering dust. That's all.

—What's your favorite book then?

—You're asking too many questions! —his cheeks began to turn a light red in embarrassment— If you don't want it just leave it there and leave!

Masky smiled, trying to hold back his laughter at Toby's reaction, which made him feel even more uncomfortable and embarrassed.

—How much did you like it? —he asked and stood up, standing face to face.

—Uh...?

—From 1 to 10?

—...9.

His voice had lowered its volume, with his frown and his cheeks still red he was able to hold his gaze on Masky's.

—Then i guess it's a good book.

He messed up his hair again and walked to the door.

—You're welcome.

—Thanks,

Toby.

He answered and left.

Toby's look showed suprise, it was the first time he called him by his name and not his last name or a tacky nickname.

He could felt his face burning.

—Shit.

He shook his head trying to compose himself and quickly got into bed, forcing himself to sleep.

In vain.

Chapter Text

Masky narrates

As soon as i put a foot in the kitchen i had Hoodie yelling at me about getting a new car because the last one —that i also got— wasn't working.

—Why me?! I got the last—i yelled back.

—You were the last to use it!

—And how you know it's broken?!

—I don't, i'm not a mechanic! It just ain't working!

—Fine, i'll get another one, again! Just shut up.

I finally agreed to do it to shut him up, he's a pain in the ass.

I sat on the couch ready to smoke but that dick took my pack of cigarettes.

—Now!

—Shit Hoodie...!

I got up to give him what he deserved but was distracted by Rogers' presence.

—Why are you arguing?

—Because lazybones doesn't want to do his tasks.

—That's not true...

—Then go! Take Toby with you.

I looked at the aforementioned for a few seconds and turned my gaze back to Hoodie.

—Don't need him—i noticed he raised his eyebrows in surprise at my response.

—Toby go with him—he completely ignored me.

—Hey! I said...

—And don't do anything stupid. You're in charge—he said as he gave Rogers a friendly pat on the back.

What the hell?! I'm more responsible than him, so why is he in charge?!

—Shall we? —asked with a big smile.

With my most bitter face, i walked in front of him.

The two of us walked through the forest in the dark.

The only sounds i could hear were owls... and Rogers' steps behind me.

—Come here—i pulled him by the arm and made him walk next to me—, you were driving me crazy back there...

He didn't say a word. Who's this? Since when Rogers is so quiet?

—Finding a new car is the worst task, we have to walk to the city, don't wear masks, be careful so no one catches us while we're stealing it... and even worse we have to follow Hoodie's orders! —i'm still mad, he thinks he's the boss!

And once again, silence. I was talking alone.

Fuck you Rogers.

We kept walking in silence, it pissed me off a little.

After a long and quiet walking we made it to the city. We were in front of the supermarket.

—Finally!

—Oh, he speaks! Woah!

—Let's get the car and come back—he said and started to walk but i put my hand in his shoulder.

—There's no rush, follow me.

After a few seconds i could hear his footsteps behind me, like he hesitated following me.

Asshole.

We went inside the supermarket and walked through the aisles.

—Are we gonna steal something? —he asked in whispers.

—Buy—i continued on my way.

—You got any money?

—Of course.

—Where you got it from?

—Stealing.

—Makes sense.

—Oh, here they are!

I found the beer.

Rogers made a weird face.

—What? You don't like it?

—...No.

How can he not like beer? This guy is from another planet, i have no doubt.

I rolled my eyes.

—Go get yourself some chocolate—i gave him a little push and he left, not without giving me an angry look first.

Kids.

We went to the cash register, the woman in charge gave us a strange look.

—10 dollars.

—Here.

I gave her the money and while i was grabbing the groceries she gave me a brochure.

I looked at her curious.

—It's a "conversion camp", you should go. All of you are welcome, i mean your people—she said trying to sound nice.

—"Your people"? —Rogers asked.

—We're not gay! —i said and left before she answered.

Rogers quickly followed me.

—Fucking old woman. Shit, i'm in a mood.

—Who cares, let's get the car.

Well he's got a point. Let's get it and leave.

—That one.

I approached the car, took a license plate out of my backpack, and gave it to Rogers to change, along with a crowbar. I managed to open the door and started wiggling the wires to start the car.

Done.

We got in and left.

I was driving while drinking my beer, i forced Rogers to drink too. We were having a silent ride again, except for the music from the radio. Rogers pressed the button over and over looking for good music.

I snorted and turned it off.

He said nothing.

—Why are you so quiet?! —i screamed unintentionally, this endless silence was stressing me out.

—You need me to talk?

—Yeah!

Seconds later i realized how stupid it sounded.

"Need"? I don't, at all. I don't need anything from him.

—I mean...

—Didn't you say you don't need me? —he looked at me in a certain way, is he acting indignant?

—Oh, so it's that.

I couldn't help laughing.

—So if you don't need me, why talking?

—You said it too, that you didn't need me... —i answered without taking my eyes off the road.

—It was true.

—I don't need you, but you? You need me like the air.

—What makes you think that?

—I saved your ass.

—Get over it! And stop laughing...

—Never.

We arrived at the forest, i left the car hidden where always and took the groceries down.

—See ya...

—Where you goin?

—To the cabin?

—None of that, come here—i sat on the grass—. Drink with me.

He looked at me without coming closer.

—Come on, i shouldn't drink all this alone.

I heard him sighed and sat next to me, closer than last time.

He grabbed a can of beer, made a disgusted face, and started drinking.

—So you do need me.

And again i laughed.

—Not even a bit.

—Admit it.

—I don't have anything to admit—i kept drinking.

—Fine, you'll end up saying it anyways—he drank what was left in his can.

—What does that mean?

He took the chocolate out of his pockets and broke it in two.

—You'll know—said and gave me one half.

"I'll know"? What is he talking about?

—You're so weird.

—Me? You got invited to a conversion camp—he mocked.

—We got—i corrected—, stupid old woman.

—Gee, you get too irritated, you hate gays that much? —kept laughing.

—I don't give a fuck about them.

—That means you're an ally?

—What? Ally to what?

—Their fight...

—What fight? I don't understand what you're talking about Rogers.

He sighed again with a little smile.

Wait he sighed? What it means? Is he gay? If this chat is about him coming out of the closet, is that what it is called? I don't care.

—Are you gay? —i asked without beating around the bush. I think i was too direct.

—Of course not! —he yelled.

Gee, who gets irritated now?

—So you're an... "ally"? That's what you said before?

—I don't know, i never thought too much in gay people.

—Really?

—What's so surprising?!

—I wouldn't be surprised if you were one...

—An ally or a gay?

Why am i feeling each of us is so lost?

—Gay!

—Why you think i'd be gay?! —he frowned and his cheeks were reddish. Oh he's embarrassed.

—I don't know, is that you're too emotional... like a girl, besides you're wearing the necklace of one.

—I'm not wearing it...

—What? Why not?! —i was a little pissed.

—Oh, look who's emotional now.

—Idiot.

We finished drinking and left, Rogers was staggering a little.

—Are you really drunk after two cans?

—Course not! I've just never drunk beer...

I sighed.

—You really are an idiot.

—Shut up, douchebag.

I couldn't help guffawing, "douchebag"? Impressive.

—Don't ever call me that—i threatened him, he swallowed and we continued walking.

Finally we were in front of the cabin.

—Rogers?

—Mmhh?

—I lied...

—What you're talkin about?

—I did need you.

He didn't say anything. His big brown eyes were looking at mine.

—I didn't want to be the only one Hoodie scolded for drinking. You won.

—It doesn't feel like a victory—his big eyes narrowed and he went inside the cabin, leaving me.

Once again a smile showed up on my face and it vanished instantly when i realized how much i laughed today.

Why?

Chapter Text

—Rogers wake up

—Mmhh?

Toby opened his eyes and closed them again, turning his back on him.

—It's almost 3 in the morning.

—It is 3 in the morning.

—Whatever, what you're doin here? —he kept his eyes closed.

—I'm bored and i can't sleep.

—So?

—Entertain me.

—Kill yourself.

—Let's go for a ride.

—A ride? —this time he opened the eyed— To the city?.

—Where else? Get up, it's an order! —Masky responded and gently hit him on the arm.

—Geez, fine!

Toby sat and rubbed his eyes

—You mind waiting outside? —he frowned.

—You have eye boogers.

—Out!

Masky got up and waited outside Toby's room, minutes later he came out.

—I don't know why i keep doing what you say.

Both proxys went out the cabin and walked through the woods.

—Because you are like my dog and i'm like your master, Toby is like a dog's name.

—Okay, Timothy—he emphasized his name—. Yours sounds like a sailor's.

—A sailor? —he raised his eyebrows surprised.

—The gayest.

—Hey...!

—Anyways, where are we going?

—Hookers.

Toby's gaze fell on Masky quickly, he wasn't expecting that answer.

—Don't tell Hoodie—he ignored his gaze and kept walking.

—Are you for real?

—Do you think i do jokes?

—I'm not paying for any prostitute.

He felt a little disgusted when he said that, the idea of going to a brothel made him nauseous.

—Alright, you can wait in the car.

—Why do you need me anyways? —his slightly angry gaze seemed unwavering.

They were in front of the car, Toby didn't want to get in, he was waiting for an answer.

They both stood face to face, looking at each other. Masky was waiting for Toby to get in the car.

—Fine!

Finally, Toby gave up and got in, followed by Masky, who started the car and drove to the city.

They were in silence, Toby looked through the window still mad about the situation.

—I need you for support.

—Oh, okay. I'm gonna support you while a prostitute is giving you a blow job, sounds good?

Masky gave a small laugh.

—It's not funny! I'm mad! —he looked at him out of the corner of his eye, hoping to meet his gaze, but he kept staring at the road as if he didn't care. That made him a little angrier.

—Oh so we've got a little feminist—he mocked.

—Is not that! I mean, you woke me up at this hour just so you get laid by a prostitute?! I bet the support you need it's when Hoodie finds out he doesn't scold just you...

—Oh wow, you do use your brain after all...

—I hate you.

—No, you don't.

—You know sh... —the car stopped.

—We arrived.

Masky took off his seatbelt and opened the door.

—Just wait til i come back—said without looking at him.

—Oh yeah, i'll wait til you get several STDs—Toby answered without looking at him either, with his arms crossed.

Masky left and he sighed. He was too angry.

—I can't believe he really woke me up for this...

His look that radiated anger gradually changed to one that seemed... disappointed?

—I guess it's my fault for thinking he actually wanted to do something with me...

He didn't know how to kill time, he tried to sleep but he wasn't sleepy.

And even if he managed to fall asleep, there were many prostitutes knocking on the car window offering their services.

After an hour, Masky came back to the car.

—All right we can go—he said with a little smile and obvious good mood.

—It's unbelievable getting syphilis makes you that happy.

—You should try it, you've been miserable all night—he started the car.

—Obviously! You dragged me into this, whores were knocking the window all night asking me if a wanted a blow job and Hoodie is gonna kill us! So yeah, i'm miserable... And stop laughing.

—I'm sorry... —tears were welling up in his eyes from laughing so much.

—I wanna go home and sleep.

—Okay, after the next stop.

—Next stop?

—Stop being so grumpy, we don't spend much time together, do we? —said with irony.

—Yeah... and what's a better plan than prostitutes... —he rolled his eyes.

Masky found it funny to notice these new mood swings of Toby's, how he now yelled at him or insulted him back after years of having a submissive and accommodating personality.

He liked it better.

—We arrived.

Toby look through the window.

—McDonald's?

—Good news, you're not blind! —he threw his mask in the back seat and opened the door—. Let's go.

—Can't.

—Mmhh?

Masky watched him waiting for an answer, which makes Toby real uncomfortable. He looked away and pointed at his mask without saying a word.

—Oh, okay—Masky got out and closed the door, leaving him waiting in the car once again.

Toby hated the moments he had to take his mask off in public, people always stared at the wound on his mouth. It's true some occasions he had to take the mask off without a murmur so he put a gauze to cover it.

After a while Masky came back with their burguers.

—Thanks...

—They're delicious—he said with his mouth full.

—I'm not hungry i just wanna be in bed.

—When i finish, i promise—he kept talking with his mouth full.

While Masky was finishing his burguer, Toby was staring at the sky, which was turning pink. Birds were flying, and some people were arriving in their cars.

—It was a good night, i'm eating a good burguer, having a good view... too bad company is not that good, so quiet—he watched him expecting some reaction but nothing—. Are you sick? —he asked and gave a last bite to the burguer.

—I have nothing to say.

A few seconds of silence passed, Masky clicked his tongue, his brows slightly furrowed.

—You're so immature.

—Uh?! —Toby looked at him with the same expression.

—I didn't fuck any prostitute, feminist boy—he explained, resting his arm on the steering wheel.

—Don't call me that...

—I just went there for business.

—Business?

—Don't ask...

Toby turned to Masky and started yelling at him, he was mad.

—Are you trafficking little girls?!

—Jesus, stop yelling you almost killed me.

—Answer me!

—Of course not! Are you out of your mind?

—Then what kind of business?!

Masky refused to keep talking.

Toby sighed deeply trying to calm down, although inside he had a mixture of emotions.

—Fine, don't tell me. Start the damn car.

—Fucking immature, all right, you win.

He started the car and kept talking, which Toby wasn't expecting.

—I have a friend... had. When his mother got sick he and his sister had to work. He as a drug dealer she as a prostitute, easy money. Things went ugly, for both, but he only cared about them so he made me promise if something happened to him i would take care of them. Anyways, he got shot. Days after the mother died too.

He didn't take his eyes off the road but could feel Toby's curious gaze, he didn't mind it like it used to.

He continued the story.

—All this happened years ago, the sister never left work, she's gotta eat—he sighed—. Sometimes she gives me a call when she has tough clients, i come over and beat the shit out of them at the end of the night... sometimes it ends different, you know...

—Does she know you're a murderer?

—I don't know, doesn't seem to care either. The three of us used to play soccer in the park when we were kids, we've known each other for decades.

—I bet that little girl was a better player than you—he said trying to change the atmosphere.

—She wasn't a girl back then.

Toby looked at him for a while, which Masky noticed before stopping the car.

—Is that impressive that i interact with a transsexual? Shit, what you expect me to do? Kick his head or something? —he said with some indignation.

—It's not that—Toby responded with a little smile showing.

—So?

—I thought your heart didn't exist or something like that. Masky being an empathetic and decent human being? That's a myth.

—Keep making fun of me and by the way, just to make this clear, i would never traffic kids. Jesus, what image do you have of me...

—Oh, sorry...

—Whatever, get out of the car and leave your burguer.

—Masky.

—Mmhh?

—I was joking, i do believe you really are a decent man for keeping your promise... and not trafficking kids, well 'decent man' leaving the murderer part out.

—I guess i'm just too soft for all of it—he shrugged.

—I think it's cute... in a non-gay way.

After saying that he quickly left before Masky could say anything.

—I guess sometimes it's okay to be soft... —he said looking at the burguer while a little smile started showing on his face. 

Chapter Text

—I'm so hot.

He said, throwing the sheets aside and then covering himself again because of the cold thanks to his sweat.

He kept complaining and moving around desperately in bed.

—You're so exaggerated, Rogers.

Toby didn't answer, he kept moving around in bed, throwing the sheets and covering again.

—Just take one foot out.

—Shit, his forehead is burning—Hoodie said while touching him.

—That much? —Masky touched Toby's forehead— Shit...

Hoodie sighed and both of them left the room, still able to hear Toby's moans.

—I think i have a thermometer somewhere...

—Ann's?

—Yeah... i'm gonna get it.

—I'm gonna make him some soup.

After a while the two proxies met in Toby's bedroom.

—Toby are you awake? —he asked and put the soup on the nightstand.

—Obviously—answered frowning and with his eyes closed, he bit his lip hard as if that would relieve the headache the fever was causing him.

—Stop biting your lip, that's not gonna help—Masky sat next to him, put the hand under his shirt and placed the thermometer under his arm.

—Oh, leave me alone...

—Don't move, you're gonna break the thermometer.

Toby covered his face with the other arm, the light was bothering him.

—I'm... hot...

And once again he threw the sheets.

—Shit...

—How high? —Hoodie asked.

—A bit more than 100...

—Can you go talk somewhere else?!

—You should take a cold shower.

—I don't want to...

—Rogers listen to Hoodie.

—Just eat the soup and try to sleep—Hoodie got up and left.

Masky sighed and followed him, but not without giving Toby one last look before leaving.

—He has a high fever...

—I know but the only thing we can do is wait, since he doesn't wanna shower.

—Fucking Rogers...

Hoodie was making coffee.

—You haven't started smoking yet, that's weird.

—You think i'm some addict or what?

Truth is he was an addict, Masky was addicted to tobacco and he really wanted to be smoking but his mind was busy thinking about how to lower Toby's fever.

—We got ice?

On the other hand, Toby was still struggling to sleep. He angrily took off his shirt and threw it on the floor, seconds later covered himself with the sheets up to his head because of the cold.

The door opened slowly.

—I see you're still up.

—I can't sleep! —answered, still under the sheets.

—Exaggerated—he came in and sat on the bed and left on the nightstand a food storage container with water and ice, next to the soup—. Lemme see.

He pulled the sheets down leaving his face uncovered, his eyes quickly closed in the light.

—Where's Hoodie?

—Drinking coffee—he said wetting a rag and placing it on his forehead.

—It's frozen!

—Do you want to lower the fever?

He snorted with an angry face but didn't object.

After a few minutes he started feeling better.

—You still here? —he asked with the rag covering his forehead and eyes.

—Yeah...

—You can leave...

It was often awkward being together, although they had recently made progress, but Toby was feeling vulnerable tonight and didn't want Masky to see him like that.

—You look like a tomato.

—Eh?!

—A sweaty one...

—Shut up.

—Whatever—as he settled into his seat, his gaze shifted to the nightstand. There was the soup, now warm.

He watched it for seconds mentally debating whether to do it or not.

—Fuck it—he said and took the plate.

—What are you saying?

—Shut up and open your mouth.

—Wha-

—Do it!

He hesitated for seconds but he opened his mouth slowly, with his eyes still covered, he felt the metal of the spoon hitting his teeth.

—Open your mouth bigger.

—D-don't say it like that!

—Damn it Rogers, you had to do it weird!

—It is! I can't even see you and you tell me to open my mouth...

And they were in an awkward situation, again.

—Since now you will only open your mouth to eat and when i say it. No chatting—Masky said frowning, trying not to show his embarrassment—. Open.

He put the spoon inside Toby's mouth ahain.

After a while, he left the empty plate on the nightstand.

—Not a word of this to Hoodie...

—Right, because i'm dying to let him know i was fed like a baby...

—Whatever... how you're feeling? —he asked with serenity in his voice.

—Better...

—Good.

He sat next to Toby for a while longer, his gaze was lost on his mouth.

—I didn't remember it was that big.

—What?

—Your wound.

—Don't look at it... —he answered and turned his back on him.

—I've seen it million times.

—Yeah? Well not anymore.

—Child—he took the rag and let it soak—. Sit.

Toby sat without complaining, looking away to prevent him from continuing to look at his wound.

—Move your arm.

He moved his arm a bit and Masky placed the thermometer again. Looking up at him for a few seconds, he noticed Toby was avoiding eye contact.

—Stop doing that—he said grabbing his cheeks with one hand, forcing him to look at him.

Toby's eyes expressed surprise, and he swallowed without answering. His breathing and heartbeat began to increase; he didn't expect Masky's face to be so close to his.

—...Doing what? —he asked in a soft voice, without taking his eyes off him at any time.

—Not looking at me.

Contrary to Toby's surprised look, Masky's expressed a slight anger.

For the first time in years they they held each other's gaze for more than 10 seconds, it was also the first time they were so close to each other in a context other than a fight... or at least Toby didn't feel like a fight.

The sound of the thermometer brought them out of that trance.

—Well your temperature came down... —said looking at the thermometer and getting up.

Toby didn't say anything, his gaze was lost somewhere in the room. Masky gave her a small sideways glance.

—You can sleep now... and cover yourself or you'll catch a cold—his now indifferent voice didn't match his words that were meant to show concern... or perhaps he was trying to hide it.

He raised his hand a few inches from Toby's head, slightly bent, intending to give him a friendly caress.

But he didn't.

He just left.

Chapter Text

Toby narrates

I don't wanna see Masky again or talk to him.

Well, it's not that i don't want to, i can't...

My face turnes red with embarrassment. I can't stop thinking in that moment, his face so close to mine, his hand grabbing my face with some force... although that didn't upset me...

And the worst thing is every time i try to sleep i can only think in that, it's annoying!

Fucking Tim, you got me by surprise.

I spent the whole day avoiding him or Hoodie, keeping myself busy doing chores, CHORES.

I've been cleaning—the best i could—this grimy cabin. Took out the stinking trash that had been piling up for weeks because none of the three of us cared. Walked through the whole forest checking on the notes.

I even started cutting down trees and collecting firewood for the winter!

Although the day wasn't hot, all that work was making me sweat, so I took off my gloves, hoodie, and sweater. I kept cutting down trees in a tank top.

Spending so many hours moving and sweating with the goggles on was starting to bother me, so i threw them on the grass and kept working.

—Woah, you look sexy sweaty and cutting down trees.

—Ha ha, very funny—i answered turning to Hoodie, who brought me a beer.

—Thirsty?

—I don't like beer—i san in one of the logs, i was exhausted.

—You and Masky are really weird—he said and opened the can.

—Masky?

—You've been doing things the whole day, that's nothing like you because you are lazy.

—Got it...

—And Masky, well i'm surprised, years before he would've pushed you to the wolves without even thinking and now...

He looked at me like trying to decipher something he doesn't understand.

—He cares about you.

Hoodie's intimidating stare, which was probably seeking some kind of confession from me, was making me nervous. My only response was to act indifferent.

—He just doesn't bully me that much—i joked and got up, trying to finish this conversation—. Alright, gotta finish this.

—It's funny, you've been running around all day and he hasn't left his room.

—So? —i turned to him, i tried to control my expression but i was already pissed.

What's he trynna say? Is he hinting at something?

—Why such an abrupt reaction? —he laughed and dented his can.

—Why don't you tell me what you're thinking for once?

—I just find it funny.

—What's funny? —i really don't wanna look angry but he is driving me crazy.

—That we are like a family...

What?

—You are the submissive mom doing the chores and Masky is the emo teenager who doesn't get out of his room. That would make me the father, right? —his attitude went from intimidating to silly.

My face must be absurd since he giggled.

—Well maybe i'd rather be the teenager, since i'd like to procrastinate from time to time. That would make Masky the alcoholic father and you the mother, since you are the closest thing to a girl in the cabin—he kept laughing.

—How many beers did you drink before you came? —i turned my back on him again, ready to stack the logs, waiting for him to leave. What nonsense is he talking about?

—Alright, let me give you a hand.

He helped me to stack some logs near the cabin for a while.

—Fuck it's getting dark—he said, looking at the sky—, i should go to the city for some stuff, you comin?

—No, i prefer taking a bath and get some rest—i answered, stacking the last log.

—Okay, dinner's on me.

And he left.

He was really silly the whole day, but it's not the first time i see him like this to be honest. He's always been nicer than Masky...

AM I THE SUBMISSIVE MOTHER AND HIM THE ALCOHOLIC FATHER?! REALLY?! The fuck is wrong with Hoodie... AND WHY AM I THINKING OF MASKY AGAIN?!

Damn it i was doing such a good work.

Anyways it was just a matter of time, by the time i took a shower i'd spend a long time with myself and my stupid brain.

I wish i could turn it off.

I sighed heavily and went inside the cabin, wuth my clothes under my arm, the goggles hanging from my neck and the gloves on my pockets. I went to the bathroom, turned on the hot water, and while the tub was filling up, i took off all my clothes.

I watched for seconds my reflection in the broken mirror, i had dark circles under my eyes.

—It really is big... —i said looking at the wound on my mouth, it was inevitable.

I couldn't help but frown and before i realize i punched the sink, which broke and hurt my hand.

—Agh! Fuck... —i covered my hand, it hurt like a son of a bitch.

Next thing i did was get into the bathtub, and with my injured, trembling, and bleeding hand, i turned off the faucet.

I relaxed instantly, the water was turning reddish, my body felt so heavy, my eyes closed slowly and i fell asleep.

After a while my nose began to be impregnated with a certain unbearable and familiar smell, i opened my eyes and there he was.

Sitting on the wooden stool, that always was in the bathroom for some reason.

—You're gonna turn into a raisin—he said staring at me with the cigarette between his fingers.

—What you're doing here?! —i asked sitting, i was so surprised that i completely forgot i was naked.

—You've been in that tub for half an hour.

—Half an hour?!

What for me was just a few seconds turned out to be half an hour?

At the end he's right, i was gonna turn into a raisin...

—Why the water is red? —why is he chatting with me in a moment like this?

—I hurt my hand... —WHY AM I ANSWERING?

—Accidentally? —his eyes were still on me.

—Yeah...

He raised an eyebrow.

—Your hand got hurt by accidentally punching the sink?

—Just like that.

He said nothing.

The ashes were failling on the ground, and he wouldn't look the fuck away, so i did. Once again i looked away and he instantly hit me on the head.

—What the hell is wrong with you?! —i rubbed with my left hand.

—Stop breaking things, dumbass.

—It was an accident! —i knew i would never convince him but i wasn't admitting i lied either.

—Yeah right, show me your hand.

—I'm not showing you...

—Show it to me! —he said firmly.

I rolled my eyes and showed him my hand, he leaned forward a little, looking closely.

—A bruise is forming, but it doesn't look like you've broken anything.

—Thanks, doc... —i answered reluctantly.

—You don't wanna hurt your hands, who's gonna gather firewood—he said without looking at me and threw the cigarette into the bathtub—... with Hoodie.

After saying that he looked at me waiting for an answer.

Is he mad?

—I'm not stealing your buddy, if that is your concern.

—...

Oh wow, silence.

Lately he is the one who complains about it, did i say something wrong?

He was staring at me, in silence. It was starting to get me anxiety.

With the most serious face, he raised his hand and with his index finger touched one of my teeth that can be seen through the wound.

—Boop.

I got a tic in my eye.

—WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU?! —i went crazy, he won.

He got up and left, leaving me mad as hell.

I can't believe i gave him the pleasure, he wanted to piss me off and he succeeded.

I can imagine how much he is laughing.

I hate you, Tim.

It was kinda funny tho...

Chapter Text

—UNO!

—Shit...

—I can't believe he won again.

—I told you to make him skip, it's your fault Rogers!

—I didn't have that card!

—It's not his fault i'm the shit—Hoodie interrupted, boasting of his victory—. Beer, anyone?

—I'm good—Masky answered lighting a cigarette.

—Yeah, me—Toby said shuffling the deck, ready to win.

—Uh? Where that determination came from?

—This time i'm gonna kick your ass.

The three proxies were playing UNO with some candles around them, since the power had gone out due to a storm.

Hoodie, who had many victories was getting Masky and Toby on their nerves, they kept arguing after every defeat.

—I think it's cute, thinking you can defeat me—laughed—. Alright, i'll make you bite the dust one last time.

—Shut up cocky, go get the beers you're wasting our time—Masky said sick of his friend's triumphant smile.

—You're gonna lose anyways.

Hoodie left the room laughing.

—Give him the worst cards, quick.

—Uh?

—Hurry up Rogers, i can't stand his stupid laughing anymore.

—God the vain in your forehead is gonna explode—he said checking the deck.

—Clearly...

After a while Hoodie came back with the beers, Toby dealt the cards with a serious face, just like Masky's.

—You wouldn't look at my cards, would ya? —even if they did, he didn't care. He was sure he would win again.

—Not at all, play your card.

Hoodie did what Masky said and started playing the last round.

What he tought would last seconds and be another quick victory turned into a long and tense round. They drank trying to calm their nerves, even Masky drank Hoodie's beer.

—Hey, you didn't want one!

—Shut up or are you nervous because you know you're gonna lose, Brian—he responded in a defiant tone.

—Oh, so you're looking for a bet—he smiled.

—You think you can handle it? —he smiled back.

—Can you?

—Rogers, make a bet—he said mad at Hoodie's defiant attitude, even though it was the same as his own.

That took Toby by surprise, he was busy thinking how competitive they were and how alienated he felt from that entertaining conflict, especially because he started it. He found it funny.

—The loser have to sleep outside...

—In underwear—Masky added.

—Wha‐

—Fine! —Hoodie accepted.

—Fine!

—My turn.

Hoodie played a card, then Toby and then Masky.

They played for a while longer until they finally had 2 cards.

—Toby make him skip.

—Don't listen to him.

—Do it, it'll be fun! Seeing him sleep outside in his undies.

—Play a card for once!

—I don't have a good hand! —Toby answered desperately searching in his cards.

—You have a freaking hand fan, find one!

Toby swallowed and closed his eyes, accepting the defeat.

—Pass.

—Fucking Rogers, pass...

—UNO! —Hoodie yelled.

—I'm sorry...

—Alright, what's your call Tim? We keep playing or you accept your defeat?

Masky threw his cards on the table as he stood up and began to pull down the zipper of his jacket.

—If i die of hypothermia it's on you.

—Are you really gonna do it?! —Toby asked.

—It's not my fault it's Toby's, he picked the bet.

—But you are enjoying it... —he said with his torso completely naked.

—Just like you would if i'd lost. Stop crying, man up and keep your word—Hoodie was enjoying the scene, sitting with his head resting on his left hand.

—Whatever.

—Don't forget your pants—he said smiling.

He sighed with his eyes closed, gritting his teeth, holding back the urge to punch him.

He unbuttoned his pants.

—Good boy!

—Shut your damn mouth! Gross... —he said and threw his pants on his face.

—Hey, what a bad attitude! You should've won...

—Whatever.

He opened the door, a gust of wind with a few drops of water hit him in the face, and he left.

—He really did it...

—He always keep his word. I wish he'd promise quite smoking someday, i'm sick of that smell and the ashes everywhere... Anyways, night.

Hoodie got up, ran his hand through Toby's head, messing up his hair, and went to sleep.

—Night... —he whispered still looking at the door.

An hour after several failed attempts to sleep, Toby got out of bed.

—I can't believe i'm actually doing this...

He took a blanket and left the cabin with a flashlight.

It was very windy, but at least the rain had eased. Without any effort, she found Masky sitting under a tree, hugging his legs.

He approached him and gave him the blanket.

—Why you took it so long? —he asked mad and shivering.

—I'm here, am i?

—The guilt is killing you, huh?

—Whatever, there you got, i'm leaving—Toby turned around ready to come back to the cabin.

—Where you think you're going? You owe me a favor—said covered with the blanket, that was a bit wet, and still shivering.

—What are you talking about?

—Did you forget i fed you like a little baby? So sit your ass here—he pointed at the wet grass.

Toby was mentally swearing, he knew Masky was right. He felt guilty about the situation and also ashamed so he wanted to settle the debt.

—Fine! —he sat next to him with his arms crossed and without looking at him— But we're even.

—Whatever.

They sat side by side, their backs against the tree trunk, in silence. The wind stirred the leaves strongly, and raindrops fell on them.

—Oh i brought your whiskey—he took the bottle out of his hoodie.

—I don't know how you know i have a whiskey but right now i don't really care—he grabbed the bottle and took a sip—. Now i feel better, thanks...

—It's nothing...

—Fucking Brian! —he reminded Hoodie's smile and his blood began to boil.

—We cheated and still couldn't win, he's good... —he said before sighing disappointed.

—Nah, next time we'll cheat better—he brought the bottle to his lips again.

Toby laughed at his insistence on cheating.

Masky passed him the bottle offering a sip. He looked at it for a few seconss wondering if he should accept it, he really doesn't like alcohol.

—Your clothes are soaked, you're going to catch a cold, drink—he offered the bottle again.

He took it, thinking how considerate Masky was being, he drank and almost automatically put his hand to his neck.

—My throat is burning!

—Obviously—he took of him the bottle and took another sip.

—I can't understand how you addictions can be that disgusting.

—That's because you're not man enough.

—You drink disgusting things and smell like shit—he mesnt the cigarette smoke.

—Alright, tell me your addictions—he answered with sarcasm.

Toby thought for a while, he didn't think he had any addiction or bad habit.

—I don't have any...

—Bullshit.

—It's true.

—Do you cut yourself?

—No...

—Do you have any weird animal fetishes?

—What the hell? No!

—Dead bodies?

—God, what the h-

—You're boring.

Masky turned around ready to finish the conversation.

—How any of that stuff makes me interesting?

—They don't.

—So?

—At least you'd have something to talk about.

—Well i wouldn't be proud of having sex with dead bodies or animals to talk about it.

He hold back his laugh, even though he found Toby boring he also found him funny sometimes, but would never admit it.

—You should go inside—he said after some minutes in silence.

—You sure?

—Don't make me repeat myself.

—But it doesn't feel right.

Masky gave him a look full of intrigue, waiting for him to continue.

—Leaving you alone...

—Oh, you're catching feelings for me—he joked totally serious.

—I changed my mind—Toby answered with a sour face at Masky's lack of seriousness.

Toby got up, all his clothes were wet.

—Rogers—called him before he left.

—What is it?

Toby turned to look at him, Masky remained silent, looking at him from the ground.

—We're even.

He nodded and walked quickly, the weather remaining the same.

They were probably going to end up sick.

Chapter Text

—Can you fucking leave my room already? 

Masky was fed up with Toby's presence, as he had not left his side all day. 

—I'm not leaving, get it into your head.

—You're gonna catch a col-! —he was interrupted by his own sneeze, followed by another, and another, and another. 

—Hoodie feels real bad for making you spend the night outside... in underwear, with a storm...

—Don't say it...

—He's making your soup.

—Hope he dies.

—That's not very nice.

—I don't give a damn.

He was refused to forget and forgive. Thanks to that bet—which he proposed himself—he had had a cold all day. And Toby, who felt guilty, had been around and taking care of him, although Masky only saw him as a pain in the ass.

—What is this? —he asked, rummaging through his things. 

—Stop it—he went out of bed and went to Toby to take his things off but started sneezing again. 

—Get in bed! —Toby pushed him into the bed and forced him to cover. 

—Could you bring me some tissues? My nose is runny...

—Nice try, you just want me to leave the room—he took out of his pockets a pack of paper tissues—. Here.

—Where you got that from... —he sighed resignedly, he wasn't getting him to leave— Thanks.

—Oh, that's a new word.

—Shut up.

A few moments later Hoodie showed with the soup, Masky's completely serious stare, accompanied by an abrupt silence, made him feel even more guilty. 

—God, gimme a break. It wasn't my fault! —he crossed his arms.

Masky didn't answer.

—Alright, i'm sorry! Are you happy now?

—I'll be if you kiss my feet—he said with a smirk, Toby laughed.

—Go fuck yourself. 

Hoodie left the room.

—He can't take a little joke—he said and started eating.

—So much like you.

—That's not true...

—Uh, yeah, it is.

—I like jokes—he brought the spoon to his mouth.

—I always do jokes and you hate 'em.

—I hated you.

Toby raised his eyebrows pretending he was surprised. 

—Well, i guess i'm glad you don't hate me anymore.

—Who says that.

—Don't say you don't like me.

—I don't.

—That's a lie—he repeatedly poked his abdomen with his index finger—, you really like me—said accompanied by a smile.

—You're gonna make a mess! —he tried to leave the soup on the nightstand without spilling it, since Toby kept poking him. 

He stopped and his smile vanished slowly.

—Why you hated me, anyways.

Masky wasn't expecting that question, he looked at him discreetly, trying to find an easy answer. 

—I don't know—he wanted to avoid the conversation.

—You hated me but you don't know the reason? 

—Exactly.

—Liar—he responded almost in a whisper and looked away, he was slightly pissed.

—I'd like to take a shower, could you-

—Yeah... —he stood up ready to leave the room.

—You were so annoying.

Toby stopped, still with his back to him, listening intently. 

—I couldn't stand your stupid smile and your annoying good humor, sometimes i couldn't even hear your incredibly annoying voice—he said with his usual tone of voice, while Toby could felt his heart getting smaller and smaller—. But what i hated the most was that it didn't matter how mean i was, you always put a smile when you saw me coming. 

Masky looked at him waiting some answer, truth is he wasn't feeling great admitting all that. 

—I guess i'm annoying sometimes, it's okay—he showed a smile and went to prepare the bathtub.

—It's not...

He sighed, he knew what he said upset Toby and that's not what he was looking for.

After a while Toby came back to his room.

—Woah, the door is not closed, i guess it wasn't an excuse to get me out of the room uh... —he joked.

—Rogers...

—The bathtub is ready, i'll be in my room—he said quickly so he could leave.

—Could you wait here? 

—Uh?

—You mind?

Masky left him and went to take a shower without waiting for his answer. 

After half an hour, he came back to his room, there was no sign of Toby so he angrily headed to his room. How dare he disobey?

—Why you weren't there? —he asked, making his anger evident once Toby opened the door after several knocks. 

—You really expected me to wait for you half a hour? 

—Wouldn't you?

—If you were a girl...

—Let me in.

—Why?

—If Hoodie sees me standing here it's gonna be weird.

Toby rolled his eyes and walked away from the door, letting him to come in. He threw himself on the bed with no interest in him, Masky pushes him and sits next to him.

—Rude.

—So you are.

—Whatever, why are you here? What's so embarrassing Hoodie can't find out? —he asked with his arms crossed and still offended.

—I hated you.

—Yeah i got that!

—You don't, i said i hated you—he repeated.

—I'm not following.

Masky clicked his tongue, he lost his patience.

—Don't you know the verb tenses, asshole? 

—Oh! —he giggled— So you don't hate me anymore.

—Stop smiling like that.

—Say you like me.

—No.

—I said say you like me—he took him by his cheeks just like Masky did that time, this time their gazes were different.

Toby showed a firm look and Tim had a mixture of surprise and confusion. Toby was being bossy for the first time.

—Say it! —he yelled.

—I like you.

—More than Hoodie? 

—Alright—he gently removed Toby's hands.

—So you do like me...

—Enough.

—I like you too.

Toby showed a tender smile accompanied by crinkle eyes. That smile and those words made Masky felt embarrased and caused him a barely visible blush. 

He slapped him on the head. 

—Stop hitting me! What's your fucking problem?! —he yelled.

—It's your fault—he got up and headed to the door—, your sweetness is also annoying.

He left.

—Does he think i'm sweet? 

Chapter Text

Toby narrates 

Pink, purple, blue, were the neon lights of that dark place full of smoke, disgusting people, booze and half naked women dancing on the poles. 

My gaze was lost in the body of one of the dancer dancing in front of us. 

—That is not very feminist of you.

—I wasn't looking at her, i was just dissociating—i said as loud as i could, that music was going to make my eardrums explode. 

—Yeah, right... 

He raised his glass of whiskey and continued watching the show, dick.

I understand i'm stupid enough to been dragged into this again, but Hoodie? I can't understand how he convinced him.

There he was, sitting next to us and some strangers, with a stripper on top of him. She danced and he just watched. 

—He's struggling to keep his hands down—Masky said with his face close to my ear.

—I can't believe you convinced him... —i answered without take my eyes off Hoodie.

—He loves women—i could feel him moving away—, besides he was driving me insane with tasks, i hope a hookup keeps him relaxed for days.

The girl whispered something in his ear, Hoodie smiled and the left holding hands. 

—God heard my prayers, thank you! —he said looking up the ceiling and laughing.

—Masky...

—Oh, i ran out of whiskey—he said, looking at the empty glass and got up from the couch—. I'll be right back.

He went straight to the bar, the strangers sitting next to us were throwing dollars to the girls on the stage, i turned back a little, searching the bar with my eyes. I saw Masky talking to a stripper, really close, finally she kissed him and slowly lowered her hand until it reached his crotch. 

Gross. 

I got up quickly to go to the bathroom, i couldn't keep watching, i felt sick. As soon as i stood up, one of the strippers jumped on me, making me sit down again.

—Going somewhere, handsome?

Sitting on my lap, she placed her arms on my shoulders and played with the hair on the back of my neck.

The blue of her eyes got me mesmerized, i couldn't look away, i even felt peace. Maybe it was because of her undeniable beauty.

—I was going for a drink. 

—What you're drinking? —she tilted her head to the right, her straight black hair fell over her shoulders. She looks even more beautiful. 

—Anything.

—Tough night? 

—Something like that... —i smiled.

—It has something to do with this? 

She touched with the index the gauze on my face. My smile was fading slowly, i took my eyes off her for the first time. 

—May i see?

—I'd prefer not. 

—Come on, i won't laugh—in the blink of an eye she took the gauze off—. Oh, God...

Her smile, which had been pretending to be friendly just to get money, had disappeared. Her expression, on the other hand, had gone from disgust to fear, i was holding her arm and yelling at her. 

—Are you stupid?! I told you not to! 

—I'm sorry... you're hurting me! —her eyes were closed, she was expecting to get punched by me.

When i thought the huge men in black t-shirts approaching me were going to beat me up, i felt someone pulling me by the hood and taking me outside. 

—What's wrong with you, are you insane?!

He pushed me. 

—I wasn't gonna punch her. 

—Who the fuck cares?! They were ready to kill you! —he was yelling at me like a madman. 

—What the fuck do you care?! You're not my father! —i yelled him back. 

—Oh, you want me to be your father? Alright—he grabbed me by the clothes—, nobody gives a fuck about your wound so drop the complex. 

I swat his hand away and walked away.

—Well, you're the same in one way. He was also a fucking addict who loved hookers.  

—Rogers, come back. 

I refused and kept walking. 

Fuck this. I'm done.

Chapter Text

Masky narrates

—Could you put your pants on?

I found the room where Hoodie and the stripper were. 

He was in bed with her, both naked and smoking weed. 

—What's the prob, we've seen each other anyways—he said with a stupid smile and the kissed that whore.

—I give you three minutes to dress up, if you don't i'll take the pickup and you'll walk home. 

—Wow wow—he sat—, you wouldn't.

—You know i would.

—What's Toby's opinion? He wouldn't leave me... unless he doesn't even know... 

My silence quickly caught his attention, he's not slow at all even he's high...

—So?

—Who cares his opinion.

—I care, bring him.

Once again i went silent. 

—Unless you don't even know where he is! —he laughed while blowing smoke out.

—You already lost one minute.

I left the bedroom and waited in the hallway.

What a night, these morons don't even try to bother me, it's all natural. 

I heard the door open, Hoodie blows her a kiss goodbye, closes and we leave. 

—So, the kid left? What did you tell him this time?

—Shut up.

—You know there are many ways you could solve your problems? 

I completely ignored him but of course he wouldn't shut up.

—Wild sex

—Shut your fucking mouth—i grabbed him by his hoodie, showing my fist. He just laughed.

We kept walking until we reached the exit, once outside we got into the pickup truck.

Hoodie climbed straight into the back seat and fell asleep quickly. 

I sighed still mad, i guess i'm the driver.

I drove the same way we came in. After a long while, I could see Rogers walking in the distance. 

I slowed down.

—Need a ride?

—Fuck you.

—Auch. Alright, you can walk to the forest...

—Who says i'm going there.

—Well, you wouldn't go anywahere else without your mask or hatches—i looked in the rearview mirror—, and from what I see they are under Hoodie's butt.

—Fuck that, i'm walking.

I leaned my arm against the window, while Rogers continued walking without looking at me. 

—Someone could hit you with their car...

—You'd like that—he finally stopped and looked at me with his arms crossed. 

—Just get in.

—Pass—he turned around ready to leave.

—You know there are many weirdos out here.

He didn't answer.

—They like pretty boys besides you are too skinny, what you're gonna do without your hatches?  

—God, just shut your mouth!

He jumped in angry. I didn't bother to hide my smile, this time i was getting him in his nerves for a change and god, it feels good! 

I continued driving, the sky was beggining to clear, the birds were flying. Rogers, as always, looked out the window in silence. 

—I'm sorry about earlier.

—Uh?

I refused to look at him, but I felt his gaze on me. 

Shit, this was already hard enough.

—You know what i'm talking about.

—I do, but if you're gonna apologize do it right—he said pissed.

—Fuck that, i don't know why you're so fucked in your head about your wound... but i guess it's none of my business.

—You wouldn't understand...

—Try me.

—Everyone look at me like... like i'm a monster in the hill...

His voice became almost inaudible. 

—I don't think you're a monster...

He gave me a long look, maybe he was expecting a bitter answer.

—But you're as loud as one, that's for sure. 

He burst out laughing and leaned his head against the window.

I can't understand how he can be so self-conscious, i mean who the hell cares about a stupid, huge wound that leaves his teeth visible? He is cute, with small freckles on his nose, big eyes and he's usually... nice.

As i thought of positive adjectives to describe Toby, i began to get angry. I hate pretty kids who are self-conscious about their appearance. 

—Why you have that face?

—For nothing—i said through gritted teeth.

Hoodie said something unintelligible while still asleep, turned around and farted. 

—He just farted?

—Damn it, he is rotten! Open your window! 

As if the smell of weed wasn't enough, now he farts. 

Gross.

Chapter Text

Toby narrates 

I woke up around two in the morning, i tried to go back to sleep but i couldn't. 

For the first time i'm all alone in the cabin, Masky and Hoodie had become fond of prostitutes and went to visit them one more night. 

Me, in the other hand, i refused to going back to a place like that. Last time everything that could go wrong went wrong... 

Anyways, i don't wanna think about that so i started to do things to keep my mind busy.

I turned the TV on but i found all channels boring, i tried to read a book but i couldn't focus and a threw it away. I'm beggining to feel frustrated, all this silence is desperate... and this feeling of loneliless.

I realized I was tapping my foot against the table leg repeatedly in impatience. What the hell, i don't need those two. 

Well, that's a lie, i'm a little lost without them. 

If they were here, Hoodie would probably be outside wandering around in the forest. And Masky would be drinking beer or smoking, telling me to get lost or to leave him alone... i hate when he does that, but it's kinda funny how repetitive he is. 

I lay back on the couch very relaxed but instantly certain words came to my mind.

"You're too skinny"

Bastard.

And stupid me, always influenced by his words, started excercising.

I can't let him keep mocking me, and worst thing is he is right, that idiot is always right.

30 push-ups, 20 sit-ups, and 15 squats... that's what i would have done if i weren't a lazy weakling who's also skinny. 

I only managed to do 10 push-ups and 10 sit-ups, but hey, i managed to do 15 squats. Now i want ice cream as a reward.

If i gave up now next thing Masky would tell me was what a failure i am, so i kept going.

I was excercising for an hour and half. 

Tired, sweaty and with my arms aching, i threw myself on the sofa.

I should've brought a bottle of water...

The sound of the door slamming against the wall made me jump in fright. 

Masky came in staggering, i hate seeing him like this.

—Oh, Rogers you're here...

—Yeah, i live here...

He let out a stupid giggle and ran his hand over his face. His gaze was trying to discern anything, trying to hide it but it was useless, from the couch i could smell the alcohol and weed.

—Where's Hoodie?

—Car... sleeping... —he replied, pausing between words— Whatever... —he made his way to the stairs as best he could, bumping into furniture and leaving the door open. 

—You're gonna kill yourself—i got up to help him.

As soon i moved a muscle a moan escaped my mouth. I'm considering leaving him to his fate and throwing myself on the couch again...

—You're my guardian angel... —he said after putting his arm around my shoulders to help him up the stairs.

—You make me wanna throw up—i narrowed my eyes and turned my face away as far as i could, how can he enjoy vices that leave you smelling like this? 

—Let's go to the casino...

—The casino? You're crazy.

—Casino Oasis?

—Yeah, sure.

I took him to his room and he threw himself on the bed.

—Okay, if you need something...

—Stay—he interrupted me.

Standing in front of his bed, watching him and thinking in the mess he was i didn't refuse. 

I moved his desk chair and sat next to him. 

—I can't sleep... my head is spinning... —he was still struggling to string together sentences. 

—That's because you're a fucking drunk.

—Whatever you say...

—You should go to AA—i joked without even cracking a smile. 

He didn't respond, his eyes were closed, even when he is sleeping he has this angry gaze. 

I stood up carefully, i didn't want to make any noise. 

—Where you're going?

Shit

—Nowh- what are you doing? —he stretched out his arm, resting it on my leg and grabbed the bottom of my shirt. 

—Making sure you won't leave... —said with his eyes still closed.

—I won't.

—Liar.

He looked at me with half-closed eyes, the light bothered him. He closed his eyes again and after a short silence he spoke.

—You look like her...

"Her"?

—Ann?

—Duh!

I didn't know what to say, am i supossed to feel flattered? Offended? 

—Your eyes are the same, big, brown...

He was speaking slowly, as if he were carefully choosing his words, but since more than half of his brain cells are dead from alcohol, i'm just gonna assume he has trouble speaking fluently. 

—... and you look like a girl—he laughed softly.

That's what i get for taking him seriously in a moment like this...

—Cut it out.

—It's true, your skin looks so... and your hair is so...

—You're not even finishing your sentences—i raised an eyebrow and crossed my arms.

—I don't feel very good... i think i'm gonna... —he quickly got up.

—Okay.

I took him to the bathroom, he wouldn't let me in so i waited outside... i could heard him throwing up.

I was already feeling nauseous from the smell, the sound didn't help at all... 

When he came out we went back to his room.

He got under the covers, and i stood by the door. 

—You sure you want me to leave? 

—Yeah...

—Alright.

—Thanks...

I liked these little occasions when Masky showed genuine feelings toward me.

—Thank you for tonight...

You're gonna forget it tomorrow anyways...

—It's nothing—i said and set foot out of the room.

—Rogers...

—Yes? 

—Can i ask you something? —he gave me a look.

—What is it?

—When i arrived you were all sweaty and i could notice your arm hurt. Were you masturbating? 

—... 

—Cause if you were you better clean the couch and the coffee table, you dirty.

Seconds later he just burst out laughing.

Once again i expected more, i clearly cannot read him... 

I turned the lights off, closed the door and left. 

Chapter Text

Toby narrates 

It was midday, we were at a cafe having luch. We had come to the city to get some stuff, and by get i mean steal. 

Once we finished the job we decided to have luch here, the boys had some money. 

—This is a terrible idea.

—We're just gonna eat and then leave, it'll be quick. 

Hoodie insisted for a while in stop and eat something, Masky wasn't convinced at all but we were at our tables already. 

The waitress came with the menus.

—God, i'm starving! I feel my guts eating each other up...

—Stop overacting. 

Hoodie quickly scanned the menu, Masky didn't even look at his and handed it to me. 

—A steak and orange juice.

—Alright—she wrote it down and then looked at Masky.

—Coffee.

She kept writting and finally her eyes were on me. I got nervous, i didn't even have the chance to look at the menu. I ordered the first thing i saw.

—Waffles... and juice too...

I answered a bit embarrassed, not looking up. I was sure Hoodie and Masky were judging me with the eyes for chosing something so childish.  

—I'll be right back with your orders—she said with a charming smile and took the menus.

—You ordered a steak without even look at the whole menu—he said, resting his chin on his hand.

—I was sure it was there.

—Just admit you are sick of your shitty food and that's why you wanted to eat here.

—Hey, my food is delicious! Right, Toby? 

When he realized he wasn't receiving a response from me, he looked at me in surprise. 

—Unbelievable! It's unbelievable how ungrateful you two are.

Masky laughed in his face.

—Get over it.

They kept talking, Hoodie offended and Masky making fun of him. I stopped paying attention.

I looked at my right, a group of forty-something bikers were sitting in the bar, drinking, watching TV, speaking loudly and laughing. 

One of them was looking right at me.

He didn't seem to look away...

—I'm going to the bathroom.

The sound of the chair moving and Hoodie getting up brought me back.

The waitress came with our orders.

—A steak, two orange juices, a coffee and a plate of waffles for you—she squeezed my right cheek—. You are such an adorable young man.

Her face and voice expressed tenderness, i smiled uncomfortable.

—Let me know if you need anything else—she said and left.

I looked at my plate, i wasn't even hungry.

—You better eat, don't make me waste my money—said and took a sip of coffee.

Without saying anything, i reluctantly took the utensils and began cutting the waffles. 

—Why are you so quiet? —he asked without even look interested. 

—It's nothing...

—Rogers you don't keep your mouth shut for one damn minute, what is it huh? —he looked at me.

—I told you, it's nothing—i looked down at my plate to keep cutting. 

He grabbed me by my face with his left hand, forcing me to watch him. His look was angry, as always. 

—Rogers.

—It's nothing! —i answered with difficulty, he was still grabbing my cheeks.

I saw out of the corner of my eye Hoodie walking over and sitting down. 

—You look like a fish—he let me go and kept drinking, didn't speak to me or look at me again.

—Finally! What a delight! —Hoodie filled his mouth and chewed with a huge smile.

After a while we finished our lunch, Masky and Hoodie talked nonsense, the old radio played a nice song at a low volume so as not to disturb those watching television. 

The loud voices of the bikers brought me out of my thoughts.

—Sweetie, move those beautiful legs God gave you and get me another beer. 

—Richard, you got a wife!

—And two lovers! 

The four of them laughed, the fifth was serious, almost angry, looking at me again. 

—What you're looking at? —Masky asked. I looked at him quickly, my God he almost killed me, why is he so attentive? 

—That guy keeps looking at me...

Masky looked over his shoulder.

—Don't look! —i whispered.

—The one with the "Queensrÿche" t-shirt? 

—Yeah...

—What are you two talking about? —Hoodie asked.

—That old creep is looking at Toby.

He answered without looking away. Hoodie did exactly the same thing as Masky, look right at him with no discretion.

Now the guy is killing the three of us with his eyes...

—What the hell is he looking at, i'm gonna kick his ass.

—Enough, we're not getting into trouble. Let's pay and leave—Hoodie got up and went to the bar.

—Whatever—he also got up and threw me the keys—. Start the bump. 

He left before i could even say something.

I got up and walked toward the door, when i passed the bar that biker blocked my way.

He stood in front of me, in silence. His friends stopped laughing. The only sound i could hear was the radio and the TV. 

—Where are you from, kid? —he asked with a dry voice.

—I'm just passing through... —i didn't want to look intimidated but the truth is i was praying for the conversation to end and him to leave, the guy was twice my size.

—Is there a problem?

Chapter Text

Masky narrates 

Hoodie and I were at the counter paying.

—How much do you have? —he asked me to make sure i had enough money.

—I'm paying Rogers', don't worry.

—Nice.

As Hoodie paid, i saw Rogers get up and head for the exit door. 

—15 bucks.

—Sure—i took my wallet.

As soon as i gave her the money i noticed how quiet the place was. When i turned around i saw the biker, who was practically stalking Toby, in front of him.

The last thing we needed was for this dumbass getting into a fight with someone twice his height. 

We approached quickly.

—Is there a problem?  

Hoodie stood next to Rogers, returning a firm look to that old jerk. 

I know the idea was to not cause trouble but i was already preparing for one. 

—Are you his little boyfriend? 

The group of dirty old men with long hair and beards burst out laughing.

Hoodie remained calm, i, on the other hand, wanted to punch his face until he had not a single tooth left in his mouth. 

—My problem is that this little bitch was flirting with my wife! —as he spoke, he raised his voice until he ended up shouting with his face completely red. 

—W-what? —Rogers pretended not to understand, which made him even more furious, and he ended up grabbing him by the clothes. 

—Stop playing fool, kid! 

He began to shake him and brought him closer.

The people here did absolutely nothing, they didn't want to get involved. They kept eating, ignorning this guy's violence.

—Stop it, Rocky. We're no longer married, leave the kid alone! —the waitress tried to separate them, he pushed her without letting go of Toby. 

—So you are worried about a stranger instead of your husband?! 

—Leave him alone! —she started crying on the floor.

—Okay Rocky, what if you calm down...

Hoodie put his hand on his arm.

—Don't tell me to calm down—with his free hand, he took Hoodie by his neck—. Fucking fags.

His little gang of old men approached slowly, ready to join the fight. 

Rocky pushed Hoodie toward his friends. Two of them held him down, and a third punched him in the stomach, causing him to kneel. 

—This will teach you not to steal other people's women. 

He raised his fist and slammed it in Toby's face. 

He fell to the floor but he wasn't unconscious. 

It made my blood boil so I didn't think about it any longer and raised my arm. 

I could hear a faint ringing in my right ear after firing at the cafeteria ceiling. 

Everyone present was motionless, scared, probably a little stunned.

—If you ever put a single finger on him again i'm gonna blow your balls off. 

He looked at me without making a single sound. 

—Rogers...

—I'm fine... —he said getting up.

—You get up—i said to Hoodie.

He did it and the three of us walked toward the door. I was still looking and pointing at him. 

—Start the car. 

Rogers and Hoodie left the cafeteria. 

—You're not gonna shoot me, are you? 

I narrowed my eyes and put the gun down. I turned around, i'd really like to kill him but it's not a good idea doing it right now.

—I knew it, he ain't have the balls. Pussy—said with a laugh.

—You know—i looked at him—, Taylor Swift is bigger than that little shitty band of yours.

And ignorning my own threat, i shot him in the crotch.

I could hear any number of screams, hurried footsteps running after me, and the waitress crying as i left in a hurry. 

I ran to the pickup. Rogers was standing outside. When he noticed the bikers were coming after me, ready to kill me, he opened the door and got behind the wheel.  

Hoodie leaned out the car window and started shooting at them. I got in and Rogers sped off. 

—That was fun! —i said laughing while trying to catch my breath. 

—I told you not to get into trouble! —he hit me from the back seat. 

—Shit, don't fuck my good humor! I saved your asses, be grateful!  

—Thanks... —he said with his eyes on the road.

—Oh, Toby please! Don't feed his ego...

—See? You should be more like Rogers.

—Shut your self-centered mouth.

—You're so inconsiderate, Brian Thomas. 

We started an argument.

—Why do you have guns and i don't? —Rogers interrupted.

—You shouldn't have one—Hoodie answered.

—I'm not a kid...

—But you are very stupid—i said and Hoodie and i laughed.

—I hate you so much guys...

Half an hour later, we made it to the cabin.

—For a sec i thought i was going to puke—Hoodie said, clutching his stomach. 

—Those dicks.

—I'm gonna take a nap, see you in a couple days...

He walked slowly up the stairs. Boy, i don't know how he kept his lunch inside after getting punched in the stomach. 

Impressive.

Rogers's moans caught my attention. 

He was looking his face in the reflection of the TV, which was off. 

—Come here—i dragged him by the arm to the kitchen table.

I tooked him by the cheeks again.

—Hey, be careful! 

—Stop whining.

I looked at him closely.

—You need stitches.

—Need?

—Unless you want it to get infected. 

—And you can do that? —he crossed his arms.

—Any doubts?

He sat on the table sighing, that's all the permission i need... well, even if he hadn't let me suture him, i would've forced him to let me do it anyway. 

I went to my room to get the kit and came back. 

—Alright, don't move.

I stood in front of him. With my right hand on the back of his neck and the left one holding his chin, i indicated to him what position to place his head in. 

—I'm gonna clean it.

I rubbed cotton on.

He was silent, his eyes were closed but i don't need to look at them to know he was nervous.

—I know four types of stitches: over and over sutures, subcuticular, horizontal mattress ans vertical mattress—i told him to show that he was in good hands. 

—You're a professional, huh—he answered sarcastically without opening his eyes.

—Ann taught me... 

—Shut up and start sewing 

He opened his eyes for a few seconds and the looked away, clearing his throat. 

I held my laugh. 

—I'm gonna do an interrupted stitch—i brought the needle closer to his wound. 

He had a cut on his cheekbone, that motherfucker was wearing rings. 

The entire cheekbone area was red, a little swollen. 

—This is a a triangular cutting needle for skin.

—Just do it! 

—Let me know if it hurts. 

I started sewing. When i inserted the needle, he closed his eyes tightly. 

—Don't wrinkle your face.

I continued passing the needle with the thread, from the outside to the inside, Rogers was holding his moans back, pretending to be strong.

My hand was touching his face as I put in the stitches, it was burning. 

I put the things on the table and tied the knot. 

I took him by the chin again, straightening his head, checking his new wound. 

I sighed.

—That motherfucker...

—Now my face is deformed! Is this gonna leave a mark? —he pointed at his cheekbone.

Still sitting on the table with an angry look just like a child's, couldn't help being overwhelmed by his tenderness. I wanted to hit him.

—You're still the same pretty boy—i put the things in the kit back.

—Aw, Masky! —he made a silly voice, i gave him a side eye— You're falling for me, huh.

—What are you saying, get out of here before i punch you.

—You wouldn't, i'm seriously injured. 

—You'll be if you keep talking nonsense...

He gave me a huge smile, doesn't seem to understand how threats work...

—Thank you, by the way.

—That's a non-absorbable thread, i'll have to remove it in 3 or 5 days.

—Whatever you say, doc! —he got off the table. 

—Rogers.

—Yeah?

He was standing in front of me, looking at me with curiosity and waiting for me to speak.

—I'm starting to see you deformed...

—You're evil, Timothy Wright—he acted offended.

I placed my hand on his head, almost covering that curious look, which sometimes made me so angry. 

He was quiet, confused. 

—Face it, you're gorgeous. 

Chapter Text

These days were quiet. 

The boys hadn't left the cabin, seems like there are no missions or tasks.

Toby was sitting on the couch, resting with no shirt. He wasn't going to give up on the exercise. 

—Why are you naked? 

He was startled. 

He was so careful not to get caught exercising, but it was all in vain.

—I'm working out... —he decided to confess. 

—Why for?

—For you to shut up and stop calling me skinny

He regretted it. He spoke without thinking and now Masky will think he cares too much about his opinion.

—Are you joking? 

—Am i laughing? 

He was still at the kitchen door, with a cup of coffee in his hand. 

—I was just messing with you, you're fine.

—Whatever, exercise won't hurt me.

He was hoping Masky would leave, it would be so embarrassing with him there.

But of course, he always does the exact opposite of what Toby wants.

—I should remove that.

He was talking about the stitches. 

Toby forgot they were there. 

—It's gonna take long?

—You have to wash it...

—Okay.

He got up and went to the kitchen's sink, Masky followed him.

He hunched over slightly and began to wash his cheekbone, while Masky rummaged through the drawer. Then he stood silently beside him. 

Toby dried his cheekbone with a paper napkin. 

—I was always intrigued by the scars on your back. 

—Why? —he turned to him and approached.

Masky completely ignored the question and showed him a knife.

—This is not the right way to do it, but who cares?

—Well, you're gonna put a knife inches from my eye, but it's true. Who cares?

—Shut up.

He brought his face a little closer to look closely, so close that Toby could feel his breathing. He slowly cut the threads with the knife. 

There was not fear or anxiety inside Toby, he knew Masky was being careful. 

—How did you get them? 

—Uh?

—The scars—his eyes looked into Toby's for a few seconds and then returned his attention to the stitches. 

—Oh, you mean who i got them from? —he didn't reply— My dad. 

He was not making sarcastic comments or bean mean, he was just in silence. 

Toby sensed that he felt a little uncomfortable with the seriousness of the conversation. He found it interesting, so he continued telling him. 

—Yeah, he used to beat the shit out of me. Not just me.

Masky listened attentively, feeling a little sorry for him. 

Toby noticed how extremely quiet he was, and a small smile slowly began to form. He wanted to laugh. 

—I used to have all kinds of bruises, all over my body. Violet, blue, green, red...

He finished cutting and removing the threads. He washed the knife and left it in the drawer.

Toby giggled.

—What's so funny? 

—You're taking so long in saying something awful—his smile remained intact on his face. 

—I don't have much to say...

—I noticed it... your discomfort. 

—I wasn't in uncomfortable.

—Sure! You haye talking about the past and feelings. And it's kinda hilarious—he laughed at him.

Masky frowned at him, not really angry. 

—That's why you kept telling me you your sad life story? —he laughed, couldn't believe it.

Toby let out a short laugh. 

—There it is! 

—Shut up...

—Or what? 

He got closer, confronting him. Masky didn't understand his behavior but he wasn't going to back down from Tobias Rogers. That would be so humiliating to him. 

—Get out of here, Rogers—he tried to push him gently but Toby grabbed his arm.

—What you're gonna do, huh? Call me gorgeous? 

Toby wasn't taking his eyes off him or letting him go.

Masky's still furrowed brow was beginning to tremble, but it disappeared as he —unintentionally— shifted his gaze to the lips of the insufferable brat in front of him. His chest began to rise higher with each breath. 

—I tell you one little nice thing and this is how you act. Like a diva. 

He didn't want to step back or leave, it would be a defeat but he was having a hard time playing along, so he just looked away with a smirk, trying to hide the fact that he felt a bit embarrassed and angry. 

—I thought we didn't do that anymore. 

—Do what? —he asked in an angry voice, looking back at him. His emotions were finally winning 

—Not looking at each other.

—Do you wanna kiss me, Rogers? Is that it? 

—Wh-what? No.

Toby's stutter and step back didn't go unnoticed. Masky had the advantage now, and he wasn't missing the boat. 

With a smile, he took a step forward.

—You can do it.

—Huh?! What you're talking about?

He kept taking steps backward, he was a bundle of nerves.

And Masky was amused to see how Toby acted so brave before and now he was just running away from him. 

—Come on, you can kiss me.

He pucker up, he was still palying with him. Toby's red face, his nerves, how shy he became, he found all of it so funny. 

Toby already knew Masky was just messing with him still didn't want to lose. He had already become cowardly enough and didn't want to give in any further. 

With his mind blank, he approached and gave him a small kiss on the lips.

Now Masky is the one taking steps backward so fast.

—I was kidding... —said surprised, with a serious face but his voice was as calm as always. 

—I know. So i was...

Toby left in a hurry. 

Chapter Text

Masky narrates 

—Are you gonna tell me what's going on between you and Toby? 

I was lost in thought, couldn't stop thinking in... that. I tried but i couldn't.

I've been confused for a week now. Why would Rogers kiss me?! 

Hoodie was driving, waiting for me to answer.

—Nothing. 

Obviously it was useless to lie. He will keep asking, getting me on my nerves, 'til i decide to speak. 

—Liar.

—Nothing happened...

He laughed and shook his head. 

—Why are you laughing? —i shouldn't have asked...

—You must think i'm an idiot. Right, Tim? 

—Explain yourself.

—You got in the car as fast as you could when i said i was coming to the city. Besides, you two were avoiding each other for a week. 

—I told you, i had to pick up some stuff...

—Right... What about the biker? 

—What about him?

—Open my can. 

I opened a can of beer and passed it to him. After taking a sip he continued talking, eyes on the road. 

—You wanted to kill him, right there—he said with a smile that's giving 'gotcha!'. 

—He called me pussy—i answered pretending to be nonchalant.

—You're such a liar! 

And he laughed again.

For someone who's accusing me of weird things, he seemed very happy. And it was because he was right. 

And he knew it.

—You didn't do it because of that.

I was speechless, i didn't really have arguments to defend myself against his accusations.

When he noticed i wasn't answering, he kept talking with a big arrogant smile. 

—It was because he hit Toby. 

—Not true.

—"If you ever put a single finger on him again...", stop pretending. Asshole. 

Motherfucker.

—It doesn't mean anything—i opened a can and started drinking.

—It doesn't?

—No.

—You called him by name.

—... 

It was true, i did.

On several occasions...

Is his life so boring that he pays so much attention to everything i say? 

—Still doesn't mean anything.

—Sure...

—Are you saying you wouldn't kill for us? What a friend.

I tried to change the topic of conversation. Tried to accuse him a little too.

He slowed down the car, there was traffic. Fantastic.

—I would, i'd kill for you both. But you? I wouldn't expect it from you... i wouldn't even expect you killing for me.

—I guess you don't know that well.

—I guess not...

The car moved slowly, people honked their horns. It was a beautiful night. 

—You didn't answer the question, tho.

—What question? Are you gonna shut up at some point?

—Why are you two so distant lately? I mean, more than usual.

—You're incredibly annoying...

—Oh, i know why! 

Gave him a side eye.

—You had wild sex! 

He burst out laughing, my right eye was having a twitching fit and the vein in my forehead was about to pop. 

He went completely silent and gave me a surprised intrigued look. 

—You're not bitching like you always do. Did you fuck Toby? 

—Are you out of your mind?! —i grabbed him by his clothes. 

—I wouldn't be surprised, anyway.

—What are you talking about now, dumbass.

We heard the horns behind us, Hoodie put his hands on the wheel and moved forward. 

—It's obvious something changed. You're no longer despicable to him. 

He took his can one last time and drank what was left. 

—He kissed me.

He began to cough desperately, a little saliva running down his chin. 

—He did what? 

—I only told you so you'd choke on your beer...

—Nice, now spill the tea! 

—Beg a little.

—Fuck you! —he frowned and then started laughing— So there was sexual tension, huh. 

Now it was me who was frowning.

—It wasn't like that...

—Just tell me.

I ended up telling him the situation so he wouldn't get any wrong... or dirty ideas. 

We finally got out of the traffic. 

—Then why you told him to kiss you? 

—Because i wasn't expecting him to actually do it?! 

—You weren't?  

—No! 

—Did you close your eyes?

—What? How could i remember that! 

—Did you?

—I don't know!

I lied.

Of course i remember.

Of course i closed my eyes.

But it was just for a moment.

It wasn't important.

—Alright, let's say you weren't expecting him to kiss you. You were hoping it. 

—Wha-? That is not...! —what the hell is he saying?! 

—So you did close your eyes.

It's hopeless, i shut my mouth. 

—I find you guilty.