To Break (Masky X OC)

Chapter Four

Timothy Wright never wanted this to happen. He never wanted a soulmate. The four-leaf clover tattooed onto his wrist had been a haunting reminder that someone out there would suffer because of him. And he'd be powerless to stop it. Tim never wanted anyone to be hurt. But, He made him do it. Masky was created to be a protector to Tim, but He manipulated and took control over Masky. That's what He did. He didn't care who He hurt to get what He wanted. He never left Tim alone, stalking the man since childhood. Tim hated Him with a passion, yet like Alex and so many others, he was powerless to stop anything that happened because of Him. Masky hated Him even more than Tim.

A small mercy permitted Tim to find himself in a rural town near his old haunting grounds known as Rosswood Park. He hoped to have a break from everything so he could find the strength to keep going and fighting. But even the strongest warriors got tired of fighting. Tim was stupid enough to believe he'd actually find solace in the small town. He should have known Brian would have figured out where he would go.

And then there was the topic of Tim finding his soulmate. She was an innocent bystander Brian was dragging into their business. From what Tim could gather, she was one of the kindest people in town, always up to helping someone. This only fueled his guilt. Brian would only drag her into His business to either get her killed or worse. He would want her to join them. Both Tim and Masky knew Brian hoped for the first option.

The next few days were Hell on earth for Tim. Between avoiding both Brian and Caoimhe while stressing about their future, Tim was spreading himself thin. Logically, he knew he should have run the minute he met his soulmate. But, a small part of him wanted to get to know her. Wanted to pretend everything was fine and dandy.

Tim found himself reminiscing over the old days, looking down at his forearm at the faded red tattoo of a frowny face. Brian was Tim's first real friend. A platonic soulbond was almost immediately created. Part of Tim wished the platonic soul bond worked with Jay, but there was too much distrust there for it to fully form. Brian had been there through everything. He and Brian were an unstoppable duo. They always stuck together, through thick and thin, sorrow and joy, grief and anger. That is...until the accident.

"Sir, are you okay?" Tim's head jerked to the side, glaring at a man with dark hair and blue eyes. "The way you've been glaring at your coffee, one would think it killed your family." He chuckled and ran a hand through his hair. "I'm Darren Bryne. You are?"

Tim hesitated, staring at Darren, looking for any red flags. Seemingly finding none, Tim extended his hand and shook hands with Darren. "Tim," he introduced himself, not bothering to give more information than he had to. "New here, too?"

Darren shrugged, hands placed into his jacket pockets. "You could say that. I'm just passin' through. You looked like you needed someone to talk to." He sat down across from Tim, the cafe bustling with life. Darren wore a black shirt, pants, leather jacket and boots.

Tim narrowed his eyes and sipped his coffee. "Right," he drawled, annoyed. "I'm fine. I don't need anyone to talk to. So, respectfully, please leave me alone." 'Before I hurt you, too.'

Darren chuckled and raised his hands in mock surrender. "Whatever ya say, boss. Just wanted to lend a helping hand before it all goes to shit." He got up and gave Tim a cold smile. Leaning down, he whispered into Tim's ear, "Be prepared, Wright. Things always get worse before they get better. Good luck."

Tim glared daggers at Darren as he walked away. Brian must have sent him, but then, why did he warn Tim? If it was Brian, he would have made sure to hit Tim when he wasn't looking. He finished his coffee, left the money, and stormed out of the cafe. Subconsciously rubbing his wrist, Tim looked out into the woods. He took a deep breath. There was no use waiting any longer. Masky was done running.

Tim could feel Masky take control, fear pooling in his gut. He prayed to whoever was listening that the corruption wouldn't signal to Him. But, if He really wanted Masky back, He'd make it happen. Resistance was futile. Masky trekked through the woods, tracking Hoody's near nonexistent trail. He cursed Hoody for being able to stealthily move around due to being in the woods for years.

While Hoody was lithe and agile, Masky was more of a tank. His burly body kept him from truly being able to sneak around, but he managed just fine. Stealth simply just took more focus and training. Crouching, Masky looked over broken branches and brush that had small clothing fibers on them. Faded yellow fibers matched Hoody's clothing.

Hoody had to be close. He knew Masky would come back eventually. He had to have known Masky would want to end it as quickly as possible. A fight was inevitable. Masky did his best to stay relatively close to the town while searching for Hoody. The sun would be setting soon, so he didn't have much time. Hours spent searching with no sign of Hoody. No messages had been left or anything. It was as if Hoody was never there. No one was waiting for Masky.

'Shit!' Hoody wasn't there because Brian was with Caoimhe. He knew Masky would get impatient and search the woods for him. And both Masky and Tim fell for it. Masky roared in anger and punched the nearest tree. Brian was still one step ahead of him.

—

"Woah," Brian breathed, eyes wide as he gazed at the beautiful flower beds surrounding Caoimhe's home. "You did this in just a few months?" he asked, squatting down to gently pick one of the flowers.

"Damn straight she did!" Collin exclaimed, slinging an arm around Caoimhe's shoulders and patting her back. "It's an impressive feat and damn near award winning!" Caoimhe flushed with embarrassment and she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

"Collin, stop embarrassing the poor girl," Hayley grinned, whistling as she inspected the gardens. "But he is right, Keevs. You quite literally transformed this place. I remember when it was a run-down little cabin in the woods no one thought twice about it other than for scary stories."

Caoimhe pushed Collin away and shrugged. "It wasn't that hard. Especially with your help. So, umm, Brian, are you into plants and gardening, too?" She looked over at Brian. He smiled at her.

"Well, not really," he admitted. "It's more along the lines of flowers. I nearly died to some so, I guess, call it a morbid interest." He put the rose into his hoodie pocket and stretched his arms above his head, biting back a yawn. "I think I've taken up too much of your time already, Caoimhe. Do you mind if I head out before it gets too much darker?"

"Yeah, no problem. Just stay on the road and you won't get lost," Caoimhe instructed. "Thank you for coming."

"Thank you for inviting me," Brian beamed, hugging her and waving goodbye to Collin and Hayley. As he turned, a cruel smile appeared on his face. He held the rose in his pocket, not caring if the thorns pricked him. Once back in town, Brian tracked down where Tim was staying, broke into his hotel room, and left the rose on his bed with a note and a picture of Caoimhe with him that Collin had taken earlier that day.

Your move, Tim. What will it be?

----

Hey guys!

I hope you all enjoyed this chapter! Remember that comments and votes are greatly appreciated! I love hearing from all of you!

Have a wonderful day!

~Kat