From one proxy to another proxy [Ticcimask]

Chap. 11: The Eyes of the Siberian Dog

-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.