Masked Singer (UK) Short Stories

Blackmail

*Viper and Squirrel catch up on the drama from the tour that they had heard from*

Viper: Whoa... He slapped him?

Squirrel: Yeah, he was really upset about what he did.

Viper: I can imagine... And with a huge paw like that, Robin's really lucky he didn't lose an eye.

Squirrel: Very. I've heard from Robin that he's a little worried about Badger. Apparently he's been acting... odd, like he's become "deranged".

Viper: Deranged? But Badger's got to be the most level-headed mask in the studio. You don't suppose, maybe... Could it have something to do with last night?

Squirrel: What do you mean?

Viper: Listen, I'm not gonna say I was snooping around, but I saw you talking with Hare. Does Badger have any idea about this guy that's been VERY close with you?

Squirrel: Oh... Oh, I did introduce them over the call- Wait, do you think that he...? No, I can't imagine that's what it is.

Viper: You need to start being careful about who you hang around with, Squirrel. I need you to promise me that-

Squirrel: Hare showed romantic interest in me... He told me about it at the Sing-Along.

*Viper's eyes widen*

Squirrel: But I told him I was with Badger and I wasn't interested in trying anything.

*Viper takes a step back*

Viper: You didn't... I-I mean, good. You're loyal, so that's good. Listen, I have to go. I'll catch up with you later, Okay?

*Viper runs off*

Squirrel: But... There he goes again. What's up with him?

*Viper slows down when he knows Squirrel is out of sight. He checks his phone for messages, seeing one from Badger*

Badger: *in text* Why is he there?! What does he want?!

*Viper sighs and texts back*

Viper: *in text* Don't get mad, but I think he knows now that you're her boyfriend and he may have enough information about you.

Badger: *in text* Ok, now I have to get home. Just keep an eye out.

Viper: *in text* NO! Don't come back, that's just what they want from you. I promise I'll protect Squirrel until you get back. Just stay on the tour. Trust me.

Badger: *in text* Fine. but if something happens to her on your watch, I'm going to kill you.

Viper: *in text* You have my word, she's as good as safe.

*Viper puts his phone back into his jacket pocket and sits down, face in hands*

Viper: Man, what am I gonna do?

*Viper looks up and sees Hare talking to a few people, leaving them laughing along with him. Viper scrunches up his snout and stands up*

Viper: First things first, the rat.

*Hare parts from the group of people as Viper starts to walk up to him*

Viper: Ahem.

Hare: Oh, Viper! And to what do I owe the pleasure?

*Viper puts on a fake smile*

Viper: Hare. I have to say... Maybe I was wrong about you. You seem to have everyone's best interests in mind.

Hare: Well I must say, Viper. It's nice to see you finally coming around. Though I suppose our friends wouldn't have seen it that way, what with you being threatened by my presence here AND in the gang.