Monsters start at coffee

To the bad place.

- Don't think I forgot what you made with me, though. - Tom closed the door shut.

He slammed the door shut with more force than intended, making him look way angrier than he really is. Controlling his newfound strength was tough since he constantly used more than was necessary. The first thing he did when entering his room was lay in bed, just the comfort he needed right now.

Today was... one of the better days he's had since he became this monster. It's been shitty. Everything hurts all the time. Not to mention the ever-present buzz in the background. Tom stares at the ceiling, his mind and body tired, dozing off within minutes.

Not too long after that, the sound of the front door opening woke The hybrid from his slumber. It rang so loud, but he knew it actually wasn't - sound tends to get amplified in the worst of times.

- Hey Tord! We're back home - the voice was Matt's and he seemed to carry a ton of plastic bags. - We ended up going shopping for clothes too.

Tord hummed.

- Where's Tom? We bought him an Asdf shirt since he ripped his other one. Thought it could cheer him up a bit? - Edd's heavy footsteps were heard - How did you and he go?

- He's sleeping - he's definitely not sleeping. - Uhm we...

- Don't tell me you have fought again? - Edd's disappointed tone showed up.

- We haven't. At least not technically - Tord's voice was thick with accent (Tom noticed it happens when the other's nervous) - He's got a mad fear of needles. It's real bad, you should've seen him.

Matt was the only one that knew his fear. And now everyone knows he's a weak coward who can't stand getting injections. Just great. If his parents hadn't done that, he wouldn't have this stupid phobia. The ginger confessed to them he did know and Edd was just confused as to why Tom hadn't told him. It's not like it's something he loves about himself. He doesn't go around telling everyone everything. How does Edd even know his shirt's ripped? Tom didn't disclose that. The trio chats about their day and the hybrid tunes out their voices. Until they mention a "monster" paired with a "cure". That's of his interest.

- Don't call him a monster, it feels dehumanizing. - Tord quietly mumbled. At least he kind of cared about Tom. - I inspected the blood samples, which seem like cancerigenous cells.

Tord talked so calmly it made him wanna throw up. This man gave him cancer? Cancer. Shit. Tom's face, the only one in his room, curled with emotions he couldn't decipher. He thought he could die, but now it's certain. Maybe it's fate. Maybe he was always supposed to die like this. Maybe it's been decided when he was only a child. At least it can stop the suffering. Tom doesn't believe in hell or heaven, but if it existed, he'd surely go to the bad place. He could try bringing Tord down with him - but perhaps this would be the cause of his journey to hell.

Tom always convinced himself that he was ready to embrace death, but that doesn't seem to be true right now. The shivering down his spine only increases while he listens.

- TOM'S GONNA DIE? - Matt literally yelled, Edd interrupting his fit before he could continue.

- Shh... Don't wake him up! I'm sure Tord has something to help..?

- I've got nothing right now. Just some tranquilizer that can get him down quickly. But-

This was the last straw. Tom's mind rushed and he felt panic surface in his body. His breathing became uneven. Tears welled into his hollow eyes, the wet feeling like fire on his skin. He wished he could pretend everything was normal - even before the incident. People always stared into his eyes every time he went out, it was exhausting. Tom cried. Was he even Tom at this point? How could he know it hasn't taken control and is pretending to be himself? Changing into a sitting position, the hybrid let it out the quietest he could. The others couldn't see him crying. Again. One time was more than enough.