From one proxy to another proxy [Ticcimask]

Chap. 25: Stuck in the Middle (With You)

—Problem with the car?

The blonde woman approached the two proxies who were with a rather old mechanic and his children.

—Looks like... —Masky answered.

—It's a good thing my boys were there. You're lucky.

—We appreciate it.

Hoodie had sent Masky and Toby to buy some things in a specific and rather distant town.

Truth is he was sick of them and their drama.

It was a long road trip on a sunny day. Instead of sitting on the passanger seat, Toby lay down in the back seat pretending to want to sleep. 

Masky didn't say anything.

He drove listening to "shitty music" for a couple hours until the car stopped.

After a while of swearing, checking the engine and trying to find the issue—and failing—, he got in the car and slammed the door aggressively. He rubbed his temple in frustration. 

Toby sat looking at him with a serious, almost angry, look.

—So?

—Shut up.

Masky was struggling to contain his anger and Toby's voice wouldn't help at all.

Seconds after he opened his mouth again.

—I'm pissing myself.

—I'm not your mother Rogers, just go.

—Go where? We're in the middle of nowhere! 

—Just pee on the side of the car! Nobody cares.

He resigned himself angrily. 

—Whatever—he opened the door and got out—. You better not spy.

—What th-

He closed the door before he could finish.

After a long while, they were inside the car, roasting. They had both gotten rid of most of their clothes.

—I think i'm going to die of dehydration... —Toby said, sitting now on the passanger seat.

—Shut up—Masky answered suddenly.

—You always tell me to shut up, you shut up.

—Shut!

Toby sighed and made no more noise, Masky listened intently and then turned to see a hook and chain tow truck approaching. He quickly got out of the car. 

The strangers stopped when they noticed that Masky and Toby were having car trouble. Masky spoke briefly with them, when he mentioned their destination, the strangers agreed to give them a ride since they lived there. 

—Today's not the day, Rogers.

And that's how they ended up in a town in the middle of nowhere. 

—It's on the house—the same blonde woman had led the way to the bar and served them two glasses of beer. 

—You're the owner?

—That's right.

—Grace Walker?

Her nice smile vanished.

—Who wants to know? 

—I'm Tim, Brian Thomas sent me for...

—Brian?! —she showed a smile again— You know Brian? 

—For centuries, unfortunately...

Masky and Grace had a chat while drinking and smiling.