Tale of a Slenderman Proxy_Shadowed Night

Ⓧ Chapter 18 Ⓧ

Jeff kept his eyes ahead and if he could narrow them, he would. Not having eyelids and not being able to narrow those lids meant it should be a little more difficult for poor Jeff to make out shapes better through the dark woods; albeit, Jeff has become accustomed to such a hindrance that his eyes have become quick to dilate and they've even just improved overall to spotting things better in dim settings. Even with his capabilities, they served a little less than useless due to the fact that these woods were unusually murky. "Man, fuck these woods." Jeff growls to himself. Stepping softly through numerous clusters of trees, Jeff continues to gaze ahead with his eyes searching intently.

A soft chuckle startles Jeff and he jumps slightly, his body halting in place. "That doesn't sound very sanitary... One might get a splinter." Jeff glances down to see the voice coming from the girl in his arms. A glint sparks his pale blue irides and he lets out a sigh of relief. Night flashes a small smile up to Jeff, her eyes looking heavy and exhausted. "Well, if not the woods, then what? Something has to get fucked." Jeff grins and begins walking again, returning his eyes to the trees. Night's mouth falls open and she feels her face heating up. Perhaps that's a little suggestive? Did he mean it that way?? No, no, wait. I'm overthinking things. He's just messing around. Making light of the situation. Her thoughts bounce around and before she can think she blurts, "N-not here!" Night leaves her mouth agape, trying to rack her brain. Wait, what the hell did I just say??? Night smacks her hands onto her face and could feel a fire setting under her skin. "No, no, no. Jeff, not what I meant. I-I'm stupid. I didn't mean... I don't want to... not that there's anything wrong with you. You're delightful in your own way and it's not like I don't find you attractive... Wait! No, no, I'm not helping myself..." Night keeps her face covered and she could feel her heart thumping roughly against her chest as if it was ready to burst out.

Jeff smiles and shakes his head. "It's okay. You're flustered and just said something without thinking. I'm not holding it against you anyway. And I was joking, too." He lets out a low laugh. Despite Jeff's clarification of the matter and understanding of Night's abrupt, unplanned words, Night kept her hands firmly pressed into her face. Idiot, idiot, idiot... Wait, did I accidentally flirt? Do I have a significant other? I'm not accidentally cheating, am I?? Night gasps and drops her hands from her face. "Do I have a boyfriend or girlfriend or something?" She stares up at Jeff, her teeth clenches together in anticipation of an answer. Jeff purses his lips a bit to go into his thoughts. Something...? Maybe? Masky and her had something going on I think... Jeff lets out a sigh and keeps his eyes glued ahead of him. "Nope." He answers. A sudden squeezing of his heart catches him off guard and he grimaces a bit. What? Am I feeling guilty? Jeff takes in a deep breath to try and qualm the feeling.

These actions by Jeff don't go unnoticed and Night gazes up at him with concern. "Are you okay...? Do you want to stop and take a break? I don't know how long you've been walking while I've been out, but if it's been a while, I really don't mind stopping for a bit." Night's suggestion went unanswered and she looked down at her lap and furrowed her brow. Should I say it again? Maybe I should demand he stops. Maybe he's tired out but being too prideful. She shakes her head a bit and opens her mouth, ready to speak. Before she could get even a sound out, Jeff begins to speak. "Hey, do you hear that?" Night cocks her head a bit and listens closely through the silence to try and figure out what Jeff was talking about. Sure enough, there was a sound. "Rushing water?" Night queries, a puzzled look befalling her face. Jeff makes a 'mhm' sound and picks up his pace, turning a little bit diagonally to the left. "We'll rest where the water is. Hopefully get a drink too." Night feels herself gulping at Jeff's decision. Obviously, she suggested they rest, for Jeff's sake, though... A river or stream in a pitch-black forest didn't sound very relaxing. This is for Jeff's sake, though. Night submits to her better – or maybe not better – judgement and keeps her mouth shut.