how did this happen. . ?

09 - broken tables

Friday.

It was supposed to be the easy glide into the weekend. Instead, you wanted nothing more than to skip it entirely.

Because today, you were stuck working with Trent.

Jeff had already stopped by the gas station earlier, running over what he called a plan. To you, it wasn't a plan at all, just him telling you not to get in his way when he killed Trent.

Needless to say, your nerves were shredded.

Tim noticed. Of course he did.

"You've been shaking for six minutes straight. You sick again?"

Class had ended almost an hour ago, yet Tim was still sprawled on your dorm couch. Some random video was playing on the TV, but neither of you was watching it. You didn't mind. You liked having him there. Even when he disappeared from class for a week at a time, he always came back like nothing happened. You never questioned it. If he was safe, you were happy.

"I don't even know if I'm allowed to talk about it," you admitted, chewing your lip. Then, after a moment, "Jeff, the guy who came by? He's supposed to kill my coworker tonight."

Tim let out a low laugh, amused at how casually you said it. If you'd told anyone else, they'd be dialing 911. Luckily, Tim wasn't anyone else.

"You'll be fine," he said, ruffling your hair. The simple touch steadied your nerves more than you wanted to admit.

~ ~ ~

Jeff had settled onto the couch, relaxing before the night's kill, when the front door slammed open. Masky stormed in, fury radiating off him.

"What the hell is wrong with you?"

Before Jeff could reply, Masky grabbed his jacket and slammed him onto the coffee table. Wood splintered beneath the impact, the crack echoing through the halls.

The noise drew the others—Jack, Hoodie, Sally, and Toby—who crowded the doorway just as Jeff shoved himself upright.

"You dick—!" His words cut off as Masky's fist crashed into his jaw. Blood sprayed. Jeff staggered, then lunged back, knocking Masky into the rubble.

"Why are you dragging Y/N into your business?" Masky growled.

Jeff's laugh was sharp and cruel. "That's what's got you twisted? You mad I'm talking to your girlfriend?" He dodged as Masky lunged again. "Maybe I'll kill both her and her coworker tonight."

Sally screamed, tears in her eyes. Masky drove Jeff to the ground, fists flying.

"I've wanted to carve her up since the moment I saw her," Jeff taunted between blows. "She'd look so damn good scared and bloody—" He flipped their positions, pinning Masky down, his grin feral. "Maybe I play with her first—"

"That's enough." Jack and Toby hauled Jeff off, shoving him back. Jack's voice was like a growl of thunder. "You kill Y/N, you answer to Slender. She's Sally's friend and was granted protection."

Masky glanced at the little girl, her face blotchy with tears, and his jaw clenched beneath the mask.

Jeff scoffed, brushing past. "Relax. I was just messing with you. Not gonna kill the bitch." His footsteps pounded up the stairs until a door slammed shut.

Jack turned back. "Masky, BEN's already going out with him tonight. You're going too. Make sure she doesn't get caught in it."

Masky said nothing. He just grabbed his mask, shoved it on, and left.