Toby's P.O.V:
My eyes snapped open and I began to whimper, shivering under the thin blanket and clutching it to my chest, tears were streaming down my face. I remember now. I remember everything. The car crash... Lyra... Mom... Dad. He doens't even deserve to be called that. He wasn't a father to me, and he never could be. Fathers' don't drink... They don't gamble, they don't do drugs... They don't hurt their families. There was a harsh knock at the door and Masky strode in. I blushed and looked down, not wanting him to see me in this state. I was embarrassed. Ashamed.
"Get up." I didn't move. "I SAID GET UP DAMMIT!" He growled, kicking the frame of the bed, which made it creak, and I fell out onto my face. I think it would've hurt... "Hurry up. Breakfast in 5." His voice was clear of emotion, blank. Some part of me hoped I was still dreaming. I couldn't possibly have someone hate me on the second day here, right? Well, Jeff does... I waited until he left before I sat up, wiping my cheeks with my cold hands and pushing myself off the wood floor. My room consisted of a wardrobe, a bed and a desk with a chair. I pulled on the same crumpled, creased clothes that I wore yesterday and slipped on my belt. It was too big for me and I had to put it on a really tight setting to make it fit. My hatchets came easily attached and I patted them fondly. It's my security. Reluctantly, but cautiously, I made my way downstairs and into the dining room. Masky and Hoodie were sat next to each other, locked in conversation about god knows what, and Slenderman stood at the head of the table.
"Ah. Good morning Toby, child." I gave him a curt nod in response, and, with a twitch, I sat down as far as I could away from all of them. Staring at the plate of food in front of me, but not touching it. "Eat something, child." I shook my head.
"I-I'm not hungry." I admitted, though my stomach said differently and growled, wishing to be fed. Slender tutted,
"You will need it." I pushed the plate away. "Fair enough." I looked away, not wishing to hold his gaze. The room felt like it was shrinking, making me feel enclosed and panicked, yet it was growing, making me feel small and weak. That's what everyone was saying. I wanted to prove them wrong. Everyone who wronged me, I'd slam my hatchet into their fucking forehead.
"Go on. Go to attack me, but drop the hatchets." Masky said confidently. I did as he asked and went to attack me, he immediately pulled a knife and I retracted. "Rule one - Never let go of your weapons." I rolled my eyes.
"You told me to."
"I'm the enemy dipshit." He growled, "Try again." He stepped back and I picked up my weapons again. "Go." I charged towards him, taking a swing. He dodged it easily and grabbed my arm, twisting it behind my back and making me drop the miniature axe. He chuckled roughly in my ear, shaking his head. "Nope. Back to start." We did this several more times, until I managed to kick him off his feet, he was lying on his back, my hatchet raised to his arm when I grabbed my stomach. It felt... Tingly. Black clouded the edges of my vision and I fell to the floor, letting out a groan. My eyes fluttered shut and I could faintly hear voices way above me.
"Toby?"
"I knew he was weak."
"Silence!"
"You should pick him up..."
"WHY ME?!"
"MASKY!"
"Why ME?!"
"Masky this is a direct order! You are to take him back to his room and stay with him until he gains consciousness!"
"Oh for.... Fiiiiiiiiiiiine!"
I felt myself being lifted up, a warm body pressed against mine and my head hung limply against their arm. "Next time. When the boss tells you to do something. You do it. Got it, new kid?" They muttered sharply under their breath, opening a door. I was placed on my bed and covers were loosely pulled over me.
