Toby's Pov

I hit the alarm that had been going off for way too long that morning, irritated by the sound. I'd been up for all hours of the night again and had been waiting for everyone else to wake up. So far, no luck. I groaned and sleepily rubbed my eyes, realizing I'd have to get up some time so I might as well get up now. As my feet touched the floor I felt the thing that everyone else described as 'cold'. But thanks to my broken nervous system, I feel nothing.

Physical at least, I wish it worked for mental feelings too. Or maybe just a switch that I could turn on and off as I please, things to forget, things to remember, turn off my feelings. Maybe if I could do that I wouldn't have fallen for him. Or maybe somehow he'd still make me fall in love with him. I walked over to the window and pulled it open. It was 6 am and way too bright to be morning, considering that everything was so dark. All thanks to him.

I closed the window and headed downstairs, finally retreating from my cold, empty room. Once I got downstairs I saw just what I expected to see, nothing and nobody. I hated the silence but I chose to ignore it and groggily made my way to the kitchen. The moment I opened the door, I saw him. He was making coffee and looking down at his file, like usual. Before I could retreat he looked up at me with those dark black eyes. I swallowed hard and opened my mouth to say hello but what came out was almost a whimper.

"H-Hey, Masky," I choked out, wanting to punch myself for even talking to him.

He only nodded and murmured, "Good morning Toby."

He had acknowledged me, sure, but something deep inside hurt me, having him respond so coldly. That's all I have to expect from him I guess. I sat down at the table and watched the masked man make his coffee. He looked the same but he was different, the way he acted, the way he spoke, to me especially! Did I do something to him? Was he mad at me? If so, what for? My head started to hurt from the thoughts swirling like a storm in my head. Luckily my thoughts were interrupted by a coffee mug hitting the table and Masky sitting on the opposite end of me. He wasn't avoiding me, he'd still sit next to me, but why was he acting so out of character?! I was so confused!

Flashback to a few days ago (end of the last chapter)

Toby's Pov
I woke up from a lack of warmth and lack of comfort. I sleepily opened my eyes and looked around the room, it was bright so it must have been morning. I smiled, remembering the occurrences that happened the night before. I looked around the room for my masked partner but he was nowhere to be found. My smile faded, why had he left? Was there something wrong? Did he have another episode? Thoughts swirled in my brain, none of them good. They all stopped when Masky opened the door, his mask was off and I felt my face heat up as he came closer. I just wanted to pull him close and hug him for hours. I wanted to share the warmth he had like I did last night! I wanted that again! 

I stretched my arms out to embrace the masked man but he didn't come any closer. He only stood there, looking through his files. My arms fell to my sides once again. Maybe I'd interrupted him while he was working? Then why did he come into my room? Maybe he wants to take a break and cuddle or check up on me? My eyes widened, I mentally smacked myself for thinking that! What the hell is wrong with me? I looked back up at Masky and my stomach began to twist, it felt funny and not the good kind.

"Toby," Masky finally said.

"Y-Yes, Masky?" I stuttered, resisting the urge to punch myself.

"The Operator wants us to train together, starting today. So as of today, if we go on jobs for the Operator, we go together. And Hoodie of course." He said this with an unusual tone, not the way Masky usually talks to me.

He usually seems nervous but not now. I wonder why that is.

"Come down for breakfast soon, we start training at 8. Welcome to the team, Toby." He said monotonously. I didn't like this new Masky, maybe this was how he acted during work? He checked off something on his clipboard and looked up again.

"Now that that's done, I'll take my leave." He said, turning around and reaching for the door handle.

"W-wait! Why d-did you l-leave so early t-this morning?" I stuttered, Masky gave me an odd look but then he seemed to understand what I meant and a look of fear took over him.

Now I was starting to get scared, what happened? He only turned around, pulled his mask over his face, and walked out the door, not saying a word. I reached my hand out as a silent plea for him to stay, but he left anyway. Every since then, Masky and I have been distant and I'm awkward around him. Every time I see him my body feels uncomfortable, I feel my stomach turning inside out and I don't know why maybe I really am sick.

"Toby," Masky said loudly, getting my attention.

I blinked at the masked male before I realized I'd been staring at my hands and even starting to pick at the tape again.

"Y-Yes? Sorry!" I apologized almost immediately.

"Did you hear what I just said?" He asked, startling me with his rather harsh tone.

"N-no! I d-didn't, I'm sor-," I was cut off by a hand coming in contact with the back of my head.

It didn't hurt but I still remembered the feeling it left from the many times my father struck me. Slowly I turned around to see Hoodie. The hooded male starred down at me with his red sown on eyes and stitched up frown.

"Pay attention," hoodie snapped, "we're going on our first job and you need to know the plan." I swallowed and nodded, looking back to Masky.

"Thank you, Hoodie but there was no need to hit him. I had it under control." He said firmly to the hooded male. Hoodie only scoffed and let out a sarcastic chuckle.

"Whatever, just get what you need and let's go. I want to be back in 3 days max, any more than that and you better believe I'll be putting your asses under the bus! Then you'll have slender to deal with, and I'm not sure he'll allow you to be late after last time." Hoodie huffed, walking out of the kitchen.

I shivered and Masky must've noticed. He chuckled lightly under his mask making me smile.

"Alright, I'll explain the plan to you when we get to the checkpoint. Slender made sure that no humans were nearby so we shouldn't be bothered when we're there."

I nodded and I could've sworn I'd seen a hint of a smile on his face but it was gone before I could make sure.

"We've got everything packed, just grab your hatchets, goggles, and mouth guard and we'll be good to go. Meet us outside and try to be quick, Hoodie won't wait." Masky said, getting up from his seat at the kitchen table.

I watched him walk out of the kitchen and soon enough the front door shut. I got up too once I was sure neither of them was still inside and ran up to my room to get my gear. I tried to be as quiet as I could as I went up to the creaky old stairs and down the old wooden hallway, careful not to wake anyone up. I got to my room and quietly opened the door, grabbing my hatchets hanging from the footboard of my bed and my goggles and mouth guard from the bedside table.

I had everything and slowly made my way out of my room, shutting the door. I turned around to see Ben creeping out of his room and quietly into Jeff's. I watched as he turned and shut himself inside but before he did he caught my eye and at first he looked shocked. But shock turned to a smirk as he raised his finger to his lips and shushed me silently before shutting the door and locking it.

I stood still for what felt like an eternity before snapping out of it and walking down the hallway, down the flight of stairs, and finally, out the front door where Hoodie and Masky were waiting for me. Hoodie looked at me and groaned loudly.

"Bout time you came out here! We were about to just leave you behind and let you find your own way there! Sheesh!" Hoodie complained impatiently, already starting to walk away from the safety of the mansion. Masky waved me over and followed behind the hooded male. I sighed, taking one last look at the mansion before following Masky and Hoodie. This is going to be a long trip.

Hey guys! Sorry it took so long for me to get this out! But I reached the deadline as promised! Hopefully it's good because I can't really tell anyone honestly 😅 Make sure to let me know in the comments and vote! It'd be really appreciated! See you in the next chapter guys! I'll give you a hint! Next chapter is twisted with one hell of a major turn! See you then!