Akin Differences

Chapter Three: Like a Hermit Coming Out of its Shell

After that night, when the two made their friendship official, they took the time to hang out with one another that wasn't in the medical bay. To say it didn't freak some people out would be an understatement. Toby would randomly greet the cannibal through the hall, and Jack would usually answer. Admittedly, it was usually in the form of gestures like a head nod or offhanded hand wave.

Even so, it was more than the pasta's expected. The small gestures were obvious to anyone who actually paid attention. So mostly the proxies, but no matter, it was still something to gawk at.

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The first time anyone really witnessed the new friendship blossoming was during the afternoon when it was Toby and Sally's playtime. The two clearly had a sort of brother-sister kinship with one another. Toby loved Sally, and Sally loved Toby. It was part of the reason why Toby was the little ghost girl's main caretaker. The two were often found side by side, playing or helping with tasks.

Today was Sally's weekly tea party, and Toby was supposed to meet up so the two could proceed with the festivities. However, before the proxy made his way to the little girl's room, he made one impulse pit stop.

The proxy stopped in front of one of the mansion's old, rickety doors and knocked on it three times. He bopped his head to a random song he made up in his mind as he wanted for the occupier of said room. He could hear the quiet footsteps making their way, and the knob jiggled slightly as the door revealed the one and only eyeless Jack. The subtle confusion wasn't hard to recognize as Jack tilted his head at Toby's sudden appearance.

"Jack-O-lantern! Hi," Toby chuckled at his own stupid nickname for the cannibal, his nose twitching rapidly. Jack could only huff in a false sense of annoyance, slightly amused at the proxy's antics, and waited for the other to continue. "I know it's s-super out-ta t-t-the blue, buuuuuut, I want-ted to know ifff you would like to join me for a t-tea party this f-fine aft-ternoon." Toby bowed playfully. He looked up at Jack, who thought for a second before shrugging and stepping out of his room, closing the door with a soft click. Toby took this as a yes and clapped his hands together, turning around to lead the way to Sally's room.

"Wonderful. I'm sure little S-s-ssally is going to love having a new f-friend. Usually, ssshe drags Ben, Jane, or Clocky along, but Jane and Clockwork are out, and Ben outright ref-fuses." Toby recapped as he led the way. Jack followed quietly, starting to feel a little unsure about his decision. He didn't really know Sally like that since he usually kept to himself. The two rarely crossed paths, as it was. Ann was the one to usually take care of the small child if she got hurt. He wasn't sure what kind of impression she would get of him, and he was a little timid about finding out. It was kind of funny for him to think that way since he did kill and eat people; however, the fear was warranted since Slender would have his head if he did anything to make Sally see him in a negative light.

Toby, somehow sensing his internal turmoil, gave him a reassuring smile and patted his shoulder. "Worry not-t, dear Jack-Jack. Sssally will love you. She pretty much lovvves anyone who is willing t-to play with her. Don't be f-fooled by her innocent lit-tle s-smile though; even ssshe has a s-slight kill count." Toby warned. If that wasn't threatening, Jack wasn't sure what was. It's hard to think that someone as young as Sally had her fair share of murder, but for some reason, that wasn't as surprising as it should be.

Toby stopped at a much nicer door than his own, adorned with stickers of all kinds and a hanging plate with the name "Sally" written in cursive. The proxy knocked three times, just as he did when he came to Jack; however, instead of waiting for a response, he walked right in, making himself known in the process.

"Toby!" Sally cheered happily as she got up from her little circle table and hugged the proxy.

"Hi, Sssally V-vally." Toby hugged back. "Guessss who I brought?" He asked with the same amount of excitement as Sally had when she saw the other. Looking behind Toby to see this mysterious person, Sally squinted her eye, eyeing the half-demon up and down to find any type of recognition for him.