From one proxy to another proxy [Ticcimask]

Chap. 22: The Summit of My Desires

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 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 playing 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.