From one proxy to another proxy [Ticcimask]

Chap. 8: Better Angels

—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.