Under The Mask

Chapter two: "Thank you"

"Cross?" Cross turned around to face 'King Nightmare' the most feared person in the school. Not even the teachers dared to anger him or his group. What would he of all people want from Cross?

They were in the hallway after school, classes have been finished for the day and the corridors were rather empty. Though, it was Friday after all, guess everyone was just eager to leave.

Cross tilted his head to the side a little, indicating the taller to go on. He rarely spoke. Not a single sound. The entire school thought he was mute; expect Nightmare. He had spoken to him in school a few days ago, when he quite literally bumped into the scariest and most powerful person in the school.. crying.

At the time he didn't care if he was going to get in trouble with Nightmare. Someone needed help and Cross was damn well going to give it. Even if it was the school's 'King'.

Cross was pulled back into the present when Nightmare started talking. "I guess I never thanked you for helping me that day, so... thank you." Nightmare was rubbing the back of his neck while saying this and everting his gaze. And if you'd pay more attention, you'd see the smallest amount of embarrassed teal blush.

Cross' eyes widened slightly. He never expected Nightmare of all people to act this way. He kind of slowly nodded his head once while closing his eyes; almost respectfully with a small half smile on his face. Something else that was also rare for him. Cross' expression shifted back to its resting -almost emotionless- face and tilted his head once more, this time towards the door that was behind him, leading to the outside of the huge school building; as if asking permission to leave.

He was going to go turn around and leave when Nightmare called his name for a second time, "Oh, and Cross?" The smaller of the two looked in Nightmare direction and found him giving that death stare that could freeze even the school principal in place.

" N e v e r M e n t i o n T h i s T o A n y o n e . D o y o u u n d e r s t a n d ? "

Cross wasn't fazed. He held one of his hands up to his face and trailed it across his lips in a zipping motion before silently excusing himself and walked out the large pair of metal doors.

~

Nightmare stayed back, an confused and surprised look on his face. He had watched the entire school flinch and tremble under that glare. And Cross just- didn't react at all?? Now that Nightmare looked back; Cross' expression always had nothing behind it. As if someone pulled his ability to feel emotion right out of his brain.

He didn't have time to think about it now. Dream was already spamming his phone with worried messages asking if he's ok. He pulled out his phone from his pocket, fingers brushing the soft dark purple silicone case with a black crescent moon design on it, Nightmare messaged his young twin that he was fine and headed the opposite way Cross had gone, to the front of the school.

~

As soon as the doors closed behind Cross' back. He sprinted. He sprinted like he's life depended on it.

It might as well have.

He turned the corner, his younger brother Chara was there -near the door where the middle schooler's would exit- tapping his foot rapidly, looking beyond scared.

"Chara!" Said boy looked up and started running to catch up with his older brother, both of them running at insane speeds. Having to talk louder to hear each other over the wind that flew by them.

"What took you so long?!"

"I got held back! Why didn't you just leave without me?!"

"..." Chara had nothing to say, only looking at the ground away from Cross.

"... Let's just try to get there quickly, ok?"

Chara nodded and the two brothers continued running back hom- to their house.

None of them said a word after that to preserve their breath. Only the contents of their backpacks jangling and their shoes hitting against the concrete.
~
They were panting heavily by the time they reached their house's porch.

Chara pulled out his phone which had surprisingly not fallen with all the running and started checking the time. "We made it on time." He said, voice slightly dry, showing his brother the phone. Cross sighed in relief and reached for the golden-bronze doorknob which had gone a darker shade because of how much it was used. Chara was leaning on the railings at the end of both sides of the porch with his back, still catching his breath. "Remember what your supposed to do?" Chara looked down in guilt at the reminder and nodded slowly.

" 'If dad is in a bad mood, then drop everything and hide upstairs.' "