Chapter 5 A Sense of Deja Vu Mixed With Ulterior Motives

Jeff's gaze was fixated on the floor of the shower as the cold wet droplet hit his body. Jeff's thoughts were somewhere and although he shouldn't waste water, the killer couldn't help but let his inner self drift away. His gaze shifted to his left arm, a few scars still left.

He caressed them with his thumb. "Hmm." Jeff sighed before stepping out of the shower and drying himself with a towel. He needed to distract himself with something.

"Today we will only be training." Jack said, kneeling down at the TV. "I don't know if you guys still want to come or not." Despite the static, Ben's thoughtful hum could be heard.

"I'll ask them if they want to come, I'll take this opportunity to do some stuff so I won't come." Ben said. Jack thanked him before the TV was back to normal. He stood up stretching, going over what he should do today in his head. Though, maybe it's a good idea that Jeff doesn't come today. Liu's reason for being here is precisely because he is planning to kill him and watching someone train to kill you might be traumatic.

Other than that, the only ones training in the hospital are Smiley, him and Liu. Johnny, Jason and LJ had gone to the training grounds near Hobo's hostel. Kagekao… now that he thinks about it, where has Kagekao been this whole time? He hasn't seen him since the last meeting.

"Jeff is coming." Ben said, the static returning. Jack sighed, he shouldn't have jinxed it. Nevertheless, Liu is training in the backyard. They could go train on the rooftop, they'll just have to get the key from his office. His thoughts were interrupted when Jeff started to crawl out of the TV and with his long black hair he looked like Samara. Jeff stood up and dusted himself off.

"What?"

Jack shrugged. "Nothing." He noticed Jeff was only wearing a black turtleneck sweater, some sweatpants and white tennis. "It's rare to see you in anything that isn't your white hoodie."

Jeff felt a little weird and put a hand on his nape as he glanced away. "Do I look weird?" Jack stared at Jeff and although he didn't have eyes, Jeff felt as if he was being checked out. The sweater didn't look too bad on Jeff, he could see how built Jeff was. He wasn't as muscular as he thought he would be, but he was still fit. "W-What are you doing?" Jeff asked, tensing up as Jack had gotten closer to him and was feeling his arm. 

"Do you lift weights?"

"No."

"Thought so." Jack said. "But you still do some workout, right?"

"Y-Yeah?"

"Are you flexible?"

"Um…" Jeff's senses were very alert. Jack's hand was on his shoulder before moving to his back. Jeff wanted to speak, but the words were stuck on his throat. Jeff despised being touched, his friends barely could even put their arms around his shoulders until recently. His body felt weird and Jack's hand was now on his hip. The places Jack had touched were starting to feel warm and Jeff frowned in confusion. 

"You haven't answered my question." Jack said, letting go of Jeff and stepping back after feeling Jeff's body like it was nothing. Jeff was staring at Jack, his ears red and hot. What the fuck was that?

"Um, I-I think so?"

"Can you do a split?" Jack asked, crossing his arms. 

Jeff mimicked his movements, but only because he felt ashamed. Though he wouldn't admit that out loud. God no. The Jeffrey Woods feeling ashamed? Embarrassed? That was a weakness and Jeff was not going to be vulnerable in front of anyone. "Yeah."

Jack smirked. Jeff felt a weird sensation on his chest. "Good." 

Jeff gulped. "W-Why?"

"Didn't Ben tell you? We will be training for the fight against Slender."

"Oh, yeah… that."

Jack raised an eyebrow at him. "What did you think I meant?"

"Nothing."

"Hmm." Jack didn't really believe him, but decided not to press the issue any further. "Okay then, let's go."

"S-Sure." Jeff followed Jack quietly, still thinking what the fuck that was before. Was Jack someone to touch others so easily? But more importantly, why did his body react that way? Like it's been a while he was touched that way, but last time someone touched him that way or at least tried was Slender and… that's something he rather forget.

Meanwhile, when Jack and Jeff had left the room. Ben, who was still there inside the TV, was still wide eyed at the scene that just displayed in front of him. He was at a loss of words before a big grin made its way to his lips. "I need to tell this to Helen." He said before rushing back to the killers' apartment.

They had stopped by Jack's office to pick up the key that leads to the rooftop. "Why can't we just train at the back of the hospital?"

"Your brother is training there."

Silence.

Jack glanced around his shoulders. Jeff had that blank expression again. Jack continued to look for the key. "What about the others?" 

"In a training ground near Hobo's hostel."

Jeff hummed. "Smiley is there too?"

"No, he's in one of the operating rooms and it's best if we don't go there at all." Jack said. Once he found the key, they had to walk up the stairs to the rooftop since the elevator wasn't working. Jeff was cursing under his breath as he was already three floors up, but the stairs didn't seem to be ending.

Though, despite that, Jeff let out a short laugh as he remembered an idiotic joke from a distant web comic he's seen when he was younger. "I told you about the stairs." He murmured. 

"You okay?" Jack asked, seeing Jeff complain but then laugh like the Joker-wannabe he is. The only thing left was for Jeff to dye his hair green and say: we live in a society. 

"Yeah, can we take a rest?"

Jack leaned against the wall. "Sure." Jeff sighed before sitting on the stairs. Lazing around since his incognito may not have been the best option. "Aside from Slender making your life hell, why else would you take revenge against him like this?" Jack asked, hoping his curiosity didn't show on his face.

Jeff hummed in thought. "Well, there are a lot of reasons and they all just boil down to him making my life difficult."

"Won't you tell me those reasons?"

Jeff glanced up at Jack. "What about you? Will you tell me why you are doing this?" Jack stayed silent. Jeff snickered as he glanced back at his feet. "Thought so." 

"He…" Jack stared up at the ceiling, drawing Jeff's attention back. "Is keeping someone dear to me captive."

Jeff felt something ugly settle on his chest. "Oh, I didn't realize you were taken." Jack shrugged. "Held captive, huh?" Jeff frowned. Sure Slender was an inhuman psychopath, but somehow, it didn't really make sense for Slender to keep someone's lover like that. "I wonder what you did to make Slender that mad at you."

"Beats me."

"Nothing comes to mind?"

Jack hummed. "It's not like that."

"Then?"

Jack glanced down at Jeff. "I rather leave it at that." That wall again. Jeff sighed before standing back up again. "You still haven't told me your reasons."

"Why should I?"

"I told you mine, it's only fair."

Jeff huffed in annoyance before humming in thought. "Well, one of the reasons I'm doing this is because… he hurt Ben." He said, his voice unintentionally grew softer at the end. Tensed, he glanced at Jack, hoping he didn't notice it. Jack had a neutral expression before turning his back to Jeff and keep walking.

"You really care for your friends, huh?"

Jeff felt his cheeks warm. "I-It's not like that! I just owe Ben a lot and it's not fair that Slender hurt him like that." He tried to explain. Though Jack didn't really believe him, Jack chuckled at Jeff trying to justify himself by saying how he does not have a soft spot for his friends. It was cute to tease the killer, but remembering that soft and hurt look on Jeff made Jack feel annoyed somehow. 

Am I? No, no, my feelings for them will not be swayed so easily. Jack thought with a frown. 

"No way!" Helen exclaimed with wide eyes as Ben was telling him a (exaggerated) re-telling of what he had seen when he dropped Jeff off. Ben was a giggling fit as he looked at his friend in mischief.

"It's the truth!"

Helen shook his head. "Bullshit."

"I swear bro, trust me." Ben said, putting emphasis on the word me. Helen stared at his friend, before sighing and shaking his head once again.

"You think they'll fuck?"

Ben burst out laughing. "Nah man, you know Jeff's still… scared, even if he doesn't admit it."

"So a blowjob then."

"Maybe, maybe or a handjob." Ben said. 

"Damn, I should have gone, that way we could have cockblocked Jeff to annoy him." Helen said, knitting his eyebrows together as he deeply regrets not going. Ben nods in agreement.

"I mean, we still got time."

Helen smirked. "Alright."

"We will be the best cockblocking duo the world has ever seen." Ben said, smirking back at his friend. They heard a bark as Smile Dog strode over to them. Ben chuckled. "You can come with us too, Smile."

"You know Brian, the only reason I'm still here is because of you." Tim said. Brian couldn't see his face, but that didn't stop for his face to feel warm despite the cold air howling around them. For once, Brian was thankful to be wearing a mask. 

The proxy stayed quiet, but the silence was still comfortable between them. Brian watched Tim's back as he sat on the cliff, not afraid to fall down like Brian secretly was. His hands were shaking inside his hoodie pockets and although the scene felt intimate as it was, Brian still wished he was brave.

"Me too." He thought. But those words never left his mouth.

"Ah, you woke up." Tim said with a smile as he got out of his room at the same time Brian did. Brian widened his eyes in surprise, then feeling shy all of a sudden. "Are you going to the kitchen too? Let's go together." Tim said, walking ahead. Brian felt his cheeks warm up and quietly followed Tim. Curse that stupid memory for showing up in his dreams now of all times.

"Toby is still sleeping?" Brian said, regretting it. His warm face was back to normal as Tim chuckled softly and was telling Brian something, he wasn't paying attention. He was probably saying how he was cute sleeping or some corny shit like that. 

"But, well, we really deserved a rest after working like that these days right?"

"Right."

"Oh, that reminds me." Tim stopped and turned around to face his friend. He smirked up at his friend. "Now you have time to meet up with that special friend of yours."

Brian widened his eyes, feeling a throbbing pain in his chest. "I already told you that he wasn't my friend." Brian sighed in annoyance as he went past Tim and walked inside the kitchen.

"That's why I said special! Come on, Brian," Tim quickly put himself in front of Brian, a mischievous grin on his face. "You don't have to hide it from me, I won't tell Slender."

Stop. Brian thought. "I know you won't, but you're still wrong."

Tim sighed. "Dude, we're friends are we not? You don't have to be embarrassed about it."

Brian felt like crying now. Friend, huh?  Brian sighed again. "Anyway, are you going to make something or just grab a snack."

"Alright, alright, I won't press you for it anymore." Tim said, raising both of his hands. He stared at his friend as Brian took out the milk. Something obviously was up with Brian, but his friend refused to tell him what. They've been together many years and although he had the opportunity to escape before, he  couldn't leave his friend behind so he stayed. If Brian was suffering, Tim wanted to be there for his friend just like he was for him. 

"Hey," Tim called out to him softly before putting a hand on Brian's arm. The action startled Brian, who had settled the milk on the counter and was going to grab a bowl. Brian felt his pulse quickened and was looking at Tim with a panicked expression. "You know you can tell me everything, right? I'll be here for you like you are for me."

Brian was speechless and he wasn't sure if it was out of anger, sadness or genuine surprise. "I…"

"Baby." Toby's voice made Brian tense up. Tim glanced behind  his friend, a warm and wide smile painted his face. Tim let go of his friend and opened his arms as Toby walked up to him and hugged him, burying his face on Tim's neck. Tim laughed.

"Are you hungry, darling?"

Toby nodded.

"What do you want to eat?"

"Hamburgers."

Tim chuckled before kissing the top of his boyfriend's head. "Okay, whatever my baby boy says." Toby whined as Tim broke the hug. "Wait for me in the living room, okay?" He said, cupping Toby's left side of his face and pecking his lips.

"Okay." Toby said. As Tim was taking out the ingredients, Toby and Brian stared at each other before Toby walked out of the kitchen. Brian had lost his appetite. 

When Brian walked out of the kitchen, his eyes met with Toby's again. Toby was sitting on the couch, not saying anything but just staring at Brian. Though Toby was doing his usual ticks. "I w-w-won."

"I know." Brian glared at Toby. He closed his eyes and started to walk towards the door. "You don't have to rub it on my fucking face." He said, glancing at Toby over his shoulders before leaving the mansion. 

"Hey there! May I talk to you for a second?" Viktor said, stopping a stranger from wherever it was he needed to be. The stranger widened his eyes before narrowing them and spoke a language Viktor didn't understand at all. Ah, a tourist. "My apologies, have a nice vacation." 

The tourist rolled his eyes before walking away. Viktor sighed, the investigation was a little slow. No wonder the local police were always in such a bad mood, though that didn't justify the bad actions some of them had done due to stress. "Hey cap, can you please come back? I need to show you something." Alfred said through the walkie talkie attached to Viktor's belt. 

Viktor glanced at the woods as he picked it up. "Is it important?" He asked. As he waited for Alfred to answer, he thought something moved. But when he blinked, everything looked fine.

"It's in regards to Jeffrey Woods… some of the information is gone."

Viktor blinked and glanced at his walkie talkie. "Gone?"

"...yes."

Viktor narrowed his eyes. "I'm coming."

Jeff's profile is well kept in the police records. No one other than the police has access to them, so how did some of that information get out? Viktor stopped dead on his tracks. Someone either must have broken in or someone from within the police gave that information. Viktor thought. There were a lot of questions, but the one bothering him the most is: where is that information now?

Jack felt a shiver run down his spine. A sudden sense of danger settled on his stomach. They almost reached the rooftop, but Jack had stopped. "What's wrong?" Jeff asked, raising an eyebrow as he noticed Jack had stopped.

Jack glanced back at Jeff before glancing back at the top of the stairs. The door was already visible. "Nothing, we're close."

So it's true. Kagekao thought as he walked through Slender's forest. That unit is sniffing around here. Luckily for Kagekao, he had drunk that "juice" Zalgo gives to every non-human. A special potion that allows them to look normal in the eyes of other civilians. Not that it mattered, Kagekao was only going to one place and that was to where Brian was most likely to be.

He arrived at a small cabin near a wooden bridge. There was no need to knock. Kagekao has been in and out of this cabin since the moment he met Brian. 

He opened the door and the smell of wine hit his nose. Kagekao tensed up, Brian hated the beverage. Which meant that someone else had found this place, found his wine and was drunk somewhere in the cabin.

Grabbing a knife,  Kagekao walked slowly to the bedroom and almost slammed it open. Kagekao widened his eyes as he lowered the knife. "Brian!?" Said proxy was laying on the bed, eyes closed with a bottle of wine tightly pressed on his chest. The smell of wine intensifying as it still had liquid inside and was spilling due to the position Brian was in. Kagekao rushed to him and took the bottle away from Brian's grasp, making the proxy groan in protest as he slowly opened his eyes. 

"Kagekao…"

"Stand up, your shoulder is drenched in wine." Kagekao said, setting the knife away and using his free hand to pull Brian by his arm. He set the bottle on the nightstand table and sighed. "It was such a good wine too." He mumbled in japanese. Brain sat up, blinking. He isn't sure how much time has passed, seeing as the sun was setting and he had woken up in the afternoon, it was enough time. "Come on, the sheets are stained too."

Brian glanced at his right shoulder, his orange t-shirt was covered in red on that part and it felt a little sticky. He liked that shirt. "Brian." Kagekao called one last time, his tone strict yet soft. The proxy blinked again and stared up at Kagekao, the japanese killer stared into his dear proxy's bloodshot eyes. Ah, something must have happened with Tim. Kagekao clenched his jaw and glanced away with a frown. "So, um, why don't you wash up and I'll-"

"Lick it."

Kagekao froze. 

He glanced back at Brian with shock. Had he heard correctly? Brian was staring at him with half-lidded eyes, his cheeks and tip of his ears red. Kagekao gulped. "B-Brian?" The taller man grabbed Kagekao by the arm and pulled him closer. The japanese killer let out a "Wait!" before stumbling and instinctively used his hands to support himself once they landed on the bed. Kagekao felt his face heat up as he stared down at Brian, one hand had landed on the spot next to the proxy's face while the other near his waist.

Kagekao felt his whole body tense as Brian wrapped his arms around his neck. "Comfort me, you asshole." Had Kagekao died? Was this what Heaven looked like? While Kagekao.exe has stopped working,  Brian leaned in to the killer's neck and started to leave small and short kisses, unsure of how to act or what to do as most of the time it was the japanese killer who would take the lead.

"W-Wait, Brian." Kagekao hissed, feeling his heat spread. Brian ignored him, deciding to peck Kagekao's jawline. The japanese demon suppressed a sigh as he found Brian's shy and unsure assertiveness cute as fuck. Kagekao's hand that was near Brian's waist was now sliding underneath Brian's shirt, feeling Brian shudder at his touch since his hands were always cold. Something is up with him. Kagekao thought. You know he never initiates stuff, don't be fooled! Kagekao stopped his movements and sighed. 

"Brian." He called, once again. This time, he pushed Brian back to the bed and slowly stood up. "What happened?"

Brian was staring at Kagekao with a blank expression before glancing away with a hurt expression. Kagekao felt as though someone had slapped him. "Is it necessary for something to happen if I want to do this stuff?"

"No, it's not that. In fact, I would love it if you did it more often."

"Then what's the problem!?" Brian cried out as he sat up, again. "Only you can do it, is that it?"

"No!"

"Then what!?"

Kagekao looked with a serious expression at Brian's eyes. Despite them being a brown color, Kagekao could see how blue they were deep inside. Always holding in that pain and suffering Brian refuses to let go. Kagekao narrowed his eyes with a frown. He really fucking hated Tim. "You're not doing it because you like me."

Brian widened his eyes, the action suddenly making his eyesight become blurry. Kagekao was used to it, it's not like they are lovers. They are not lovers, but they were… that's right, what exactly are they? Not even friends with benefits would have this strange bond. Ha, it still hurts as much as those times this shit happens. 

They were both silent. The mood ruined.

Brian let out a dry laugh before resting his forehead on his right hand, tears already falling down his eyes. "You already knew that." His voice cracked. Kagekao grimaced at the confirmation. Brian felt a wave of regret hit him as he watched Kagekao walk to where the bottle of wine was and took a sip, not turning around to face the proxy.

"Yeah, I know." Kagekao said dryly. Brian felt more tears fall down as he let out a shaky sigh and bury his face on his hands. "I know you will never have feelings for me, it will always be Tim."

Brian was silent. 

"I know it's too late to ask after all these years, but just what exactly am I to you?"

Silence.

Kagekao gripped the bottle before finishing it. "I see." He started to walk out of the room, ruffling Brian's hair one last time as he passed and gently closed the door on his way out. Feeling heavy, Kagekao dragged himself out of the cabin. Once he was out, he gritted his teeth and threw the bottle of wine at a tree with all his strength. The bottle breaking upon contact. Kagekao didn't feel like going back to the hospital, putting on his mask, he disappeared through the woods.

When Brian had run out of the warm cabin it was too late. The only thing waiting for him was snow and the bitter winter air. "Fuck." He croaked, falling to his knees and cursing himself. 

He was a complete fucking mess. 

Dr. Smiley remembers a lot of things. By age, he is the oldest and by default the wisest. However, he didn't have that charisma and approachable presence that Jack has. Which is why after Jack had run away from Slender, Smiley didn't hesitate on giving him the title of the Head of the House. Even though it was an abandoned hospital. 

Everyone pays a consequence and for Jack, it was his memory and if Smiley guessed correctly, if Jeff is found out he will pay with his eyes. It was kind of ironic, their situation. It would be a lot easier for Smiley to spill everything, though he knows at the beginning neither of them will believe it.

That wouldn't be an issue had he not experienced first hand what happens. Just like the first couple of nights Jack stayed here. Zalgo already theorizes that it's not only a punishment but also a curse. "What the fuck is this, a fairytail?" Smiley sighed. He sat up from the operation table, covered from head to toe with blood. He glanced at his right hand palm before licking some of the blood. "If he were here… what would he have done."

Dr. Smiley remembers a lot of things. Though, sometimes he wished he didn't. If anything, he is a little jealous of Jack. His memories of that person were stolen and that was something Smiley wished happened to him. At least then, he could forget the pain that stupid blue doctor left on him.

"I need a drink." Smiley sighed as he stood up and walked out of the operation room covered in blood. His red eyes met with a tip toeing Ben, Helen and… "Smile Dog?" The sneaking trio stopped dead on their tracks and turned towards Smiley with wide eyes.

"Doc! We can explain."

Dr. Smiley blinked. "Nevermind, I'm not in the mood." He sighed. Just as he passed them, he glanced at the elf with a smirk. "Liu is at the back of the hospital if you are interested." 

Ben tensed up before laughing nervously. "No thanks."

"Suit yourself then." Smiley said with a shrug. He managed to get to the showers and at last, proceeded to get rid of the blood. His mind trying to come up with a way to help his friend.

Dr. Pain was cleaning the attic when he stumbled upon a cardboard box full of his stuff that he had forgotten to take out. He set the broom aside and kneeled down to open it, the nostalgia hitting him as soon as he did. Going through a few old books, some photos and another box, his eyes settled on a small snow globe. Inside was the figure of a crystal deer looking up, a butterfly sat on its nose.

He carefully took it in his hands and shook it.

Pain narrowed his eyes as the memories of living with an old friend projected themselves on the globe. He missed that hospital. Despite both of them doing this line of work, it was warm. They would always share each other's theories, personal stories and enjoy the company overall. 

Losing a lover might hurt, but have you ever lost a friend whom you shared almost everything with? It´s a horrible feeling, like you lost a precious family member and the activities you used to do together with that person will never be the same without them. The songs, the jokes and even certain places will lose their color once that person leaves.

Pain sighed and put the snow globe back in the box. "I'm sorry, Smiley… but I won't change my mind." He closed the box and went back to cleaning. Sally's peeking green eyes looked silently at Pain with knitted eyebrows before she walked down the stairs, changing her mind about asking Pain for allowance.

Liu walked up to the wooden dummy and grabbed his knife out of the head. He has been practicing since the others left and frankly, he felt his whole body burn. Liu needed to take a break, but just one last time, he aimed for the dummy's head before throwing his knife and hitting the exact same spot as before. Once again, he walked over to the dummy to get his knife before going inside.

 Just as he was going up the stairs, he heard distant voices. For a second, Liu thought the others might be back. However, as he got near the source, he recognized those voices. "Where could they have gone?" Helen asked, patting Smile Dog as he barked. Ben shrugged, humming in thought.

"Well, if Liu is in the back and we are already on the third floor, then the rooftop?"

Helen hummed. Liu couldn't see them, since he was leaning against the wall near the stairs. Smile Dog? Shit. Liu thought, glancing down at the stairs. He knows my scent. He thought. Sure enough, Smile Dog started to sniff the air, a familiar scent that Jeff has told Smile is "friendly" and "must protect".

"Do you think Jack likes Jeff?"

"I mean, there's some chemistry there, right? I've never seen Jeff be so…" Ben tried to look for the word, snapping his fingers as Helen waited for him to finish. 

"Flirty?"

"Hmm, not really? Like, they do flirt, but…" Ben said, clicking his tongue in frustration. Helen let go of Smile Dog, his attention focused on Ben trying to define how Jeff is around Jack.

"Smitten?"

"No."

Smile Dog shakes his tail, sniffing for Liu's scent one last time as confirmation before going over to where he was. Liu, forgetting about Smile Dog, was now focused on what Ben was saying. Jack liking his brother? The mere thought of that made Liu disgusted.

"Enamoured? In Love? Happy?"

"No! So…"

Off guard. Liu thought. That asshole lets his guard down in front of Jack. He thought, sighing mentally as he recalls the moments Jeff has come here. The only ones whom Jeff allows to be near him are his friends, surprisingly Liu and now Jack. Though, something about their interactions made Liu frown. 

"He's what, Ben!?"

"Relaxed?" Ben said, finally giving up on what exactly he was going for.

Liu felt a presence next to him and with wide eyes, he glanced to his right and saw Smile Dog sitting on top of the stairs, looking up at him. Liu tensed up and stared at the dog nervously. "Hey buddy." He whispered. Smile Dog barked, making Liu even more alert. Thankfully, Ben and Helen were distracted enough to realize Smile Dog was right there with Liu.

"Well, that is true." Helen said. "Jeff always puts a distance between himself and someone he is meeting for the first time."

"Yet, with Jack despite not knowing him like us, he is even allowing Jack to touch him."

Helen nodded. "Anyway, let's cockblock Jeff." He said, a mischievous glint on his blue eyes. Ben smirked and nodded. "Smile Dog? What are you doing there bud?" Helen asked, an eyebrow raised once he realized Smile Dog was sitting near the staircase. Smile Dog glanced at them before back at the stairs where Liu was hidden.

He barked before getting up and ran back to Helen and Ben. "To the rooftop we go!" Ben shouted, fist bumping the air with a wide grin. The three of them continued on their journey upstairs. Once they were finally gone, Liu sighed in relief and walked towards his room. He grabbed some clothes, a towel and headed for the bathrooms.

On his way, he encountered a fully bathed and clothed Smiley. "Going out?" He asked, noticing how Smiley was dressed like he was going to a nightclub. Smiley chuckled.

"Something like that."

"Have fun." Liu said, uninterested but still polite. Smiley nodded and waved him goodbye. Liu shook his head and finally made it to the showers. Once the water was hitting his skin, Liu let his mind wander off. 

Liu yelped as Ben pulled him up to his feet and tried to get him to dance. Ben laughed and looked up at Liu with those warm brown eyes of his, full of life despite his current status. Liu felt his ears hot, but tried to look annoyed as Ben danced while Liu just stood still with his arms crossed.

Ben chuckled and leaned a little closer to Liu, despite being close in height, Liu raised his chin a little to appear taller. "Come on, green mario, dance with me~" Ben teased, giggling at his own joke and leaned away as he continued to dance.

Liu couldn't help but feel the heat from his ears spread to his cheeks. Ah, he really was weak against him. Against his laugh and his eyes that in certain angles, make it look as if they were a golden color. Fuck Liu thought. He really…

Liu groaned as he rested his forehead against the wall of the bathroom. "I swear I'll kill Jeff." He mumbled in annoyance as he recalls the recent events. His face relaxed after a few seconds. "I won't give up."

🔪

Johnny was supposed to be training with the others, well with LJ and Jason. Along the way, somehow Candy and his sister joined after bumping into them. Perhaps because they all have that circus vibe, Johnny felt a little left out and opted to train on his own with a few of Jason's own wooden puppets he brought for this.

Eventually, he wasn't in the mood for anything and decided to head back to the hospital first. It always ended up like this when they encountered the clown siblings or whatever  they were, Johnny didn't really care. It's not like he hated Candy or anything, the few moments it's just them and his sister they are fun people to be around with.

But that group was already formed before Johnny arrived at the hospital where everyone was staying. Jason and LJ were already living there for who knows how long and were already friends. Jason and Johnny clicked because they were similar in what they do, but only Johnny considered Jason his best friend. If Jason had to say who his best friend is, he would most likely say Candy or LJ.

It's no one's fault, Johnny knows. They don't do it on purpose, but he still can't help but feel like he was a stranger in the group. They were already four, making it five feels disruptive. At least for him.

Then, his mind drifted to Helen. 

He found the painter a pain in the ass, not only was he a pretentious jerk who looked down on him, but he also stole his victims and the first time he tried to be good with him, the asshole rejected him. Johnny scoffed at the mere thought of him, but then he remembers how he acted around that Nathan guy and his curiosity suddenly piques. 

It was a side that was new to Johnny and seeing his rival act in a way that wasn't spiteful or mockery made Johnny wonder what other sides there are. How was Helen's expression when he was happy? Or sad? Or any other emotion that wasn't indifference or hate, really. As he walked, he noticed a couple passing by.

How was Helen when he was in love? 

Johnny halted. "What the fuck am I thinking?" He sighed, shaking his head as if to erase the thought out of his mind. But it was too late, that door had opened. His mind started to make up scenarios where Helen was flustered, shy, clingy and even affectionate. Imagine, a normal stoic and unexpressive killer artist becomes all smiles and bubbly when he's in love. Talking about his paintings nonstop in excitement or get all shy and flustered when someone complimented him,

Of course, all of those scenarios were unreal and unrealistic. But Johnny himself started to feel his cheeks hot once he started to imagine a clingy Helen who —under normal and realistic circumstances— would never look his way and start to whine and ask for cuddles. 

Johnny saw a light pole. 

Johnny proceeded to bang his head on said pole.

Sadie walked back to her apartment after working at her daytime job, her human illusion almost wearing off. "Huh? Kagekao?" Sadie called out once she realized her japanese friend was sitting outside her door. The mask showed a sad frown that reminded her of Hoodie's own and a freshly bought bottle of wine rested on his right hand. 

Sadie sighed. "Come on, let's get you inside." She said, opening the door to her apartment as the illusion wore off completely. She helped her friend stand up and took him inside. She let Kagekao wander around her apartment before settling in the living room and put the bottle of wine in the coffee table with two cups. Sadie sat down next to him, her eyebrows knitted. "Everything okay?"

Kagekao stayed silent for a moment. He took off his mask, setting it on top of the table before he poured himself a glass. "Is it possible to hate someone so much?" He gritted, frowning as he took the glass of wine to his lips. 

"Ah, Brian, right?"

Kagekao finished his glass in one gulp. "No, you know I love him."

Sadie chuckled. "Yeah, I meant that it's related to him, right?" Kagekao nodded. "Well, I still don't know what is going exactly, but I'm more surprised that after all this time your feelings never changed."

Kagekao poured himself and Sadie wine. Sadie thanked him before grabbing her glass and taking a sip, unlike the japanese demon who was clearly refraining from just drinking straight up from the bottle. Kagekao just shrugged at her statement. "I won't forget."

"Forget what?" Kagekao shook his head. Sadie sighed. "Alright." she said, taking another sip of her glass while Kagekao filled his cup again. She watched her friend drink, then get lost in thought for a while before filling his cup again. "Why do you like Brian so much? Out of all the proxies, Brian is the least popular."

Kagekao smirked and knitted his eyebrows together. "Why indeed?" His expression became grim and Sadie shook her head as she quietly finished her glass. It pained her to see her friend suffer and more so with the person he loves, but if he wasn't willing to share the details, how could she help? All Sadie could do was let Kagekao cry (internally) in her apartment, drink to forget for a few hours and let him crash the night.

Sadie finished her glass and set it on the coffee table. "You know, I may be clueless in this, but I think Brian likes you a little."

Kagekao glanced over at his friend, raising an eyebrow. "Really now?"

Sadie smiled. "Mhm."

"How can you know that?"

"Because, if he didn't feel at least a tiny bit of attraction towards you, why would he keep coming back to you?"

Kagekao blinked. "I don't follow."

Sadie sighed. "What I'm saying is that Brian wouldn't keep going to see you if he didn't feel something for you."

Kagekao snickered. "I don't think so, he probably kept coming back because I was a good distraction." He said bitterly. Frowning as he remembered what had happened that afternoon. Sadie pouted. This is why I need the full context. Sadie thought.

"Maybe, but I don't think a fuck buddy would give a genuine gift like Brian did."

Kagekao stiffened. He glanced at his friend with wide eyes. "How did you know?"

Sadie laughed. "Well, let's just say that I happened to see him buying it." Kagekao stayed quiet, avoiding looking at his friend as he felt his face a little hot. Sadie chuckled. Still, Kagekao wasn't sure how Brian really felt. In the end, even if he sways Brian a little, Brian will still choose Tim no matter what. Kagekao sighed, setting his unfinished glass down.

"That might be so, but I've been trying for five years, I don't think I would ever be more than… whatever we have."

Sadie nodded, trying to figure out the context without demanding it when her friend wasn't ready to give it. "Then, make him regret it." Kagekao looked back at his friend. Sadie smiled. "Make him regret not choosing you."

Kagekao hummed in thought before a smirk formed in his lips. "You know, that doesn't sound like a bad idea."

This was a bad idea. Jeff shouldn't have come, in fact it would have been better if he stayed at home and lazed around with Smile Dog. Maybe even play Mario Kart with Helen and Ben. Yet here he was, doing a pyramid pose for twenty seconds. Once they had arrived at the rooftop, Jack had left Jeff doing stretches for the past four minutes while he cleaned the area a little bit.

Every once in a while, Jack would tell Jeff how much has passed before he had to change position. Jeff's face was thankful his long hair hid his red face, but for a while now he has felt a stare on his back and seeing as the only people on the rooftop where him and Jack, Jeff felt a little… he frowned. What the fuck? Jeff thought. Why is this happening to me? Embarrassment was putting it lightly, Jeff felt humiliated having to stretch in the open like this with Jack watching.

"I'm going to kill you after we're done." Jeff groaned. Jack hummed, his stare not leaving Jeff's movements. "And stop staring you fucking pervert!"

Jack chuckled as he resumed cleaning the area. "Time's up, do a high lunge to your right side!" He shouted. Jeff sighed and changed positions, though he hated it since his back was facing Jack. He wanted this torture to end.

"Why exactly am I doing this?"

"Well there are a lot of good reasons why, but it's mostly to avoid muscle strains."

"Hm."

Jack glanced back at Jeff. His gaze wandering to a certain part of Jeff's body, though deep down Jack shouldn't look. His fingers twitched and Jack unconsciously gulped. He tried to pried his eyes away, but whenever he blinked, he would just go back to staring at Jeff's ass. "Elbows on the floor." He commanded. 

Jeff felt that burning stare again and gulped as he put his elbows on the floor, feeling even his hands a little warm despite the cold winter. I need an excuse to leave. Jeff thought. 

Jack blinked and shook his head. "Low lunge." He said.

Jeff relaxed a little once he didn't feel Jack's stare on him and leaned back up, positioning himself. "After the stretches, what are we doing?"

"We'll try practicing hand to hand combat."

"Oh."

"Hamstring stretch."

Jeff changed his position. "Do you fight when killing?"

"No, I'm always sneaking and retrieving organs."

"Right, I forgot you're a cannibal."

Jack chuckled. "You shouldn't forget that, you know?" He said, though the last part sounded more suggestive than he initially thought. Jeff felt his face go warm again and didn't say anything, which Jack was thankful for. "Sit down stretch."

After what seemed like a long awkward silence, Jeff spoke. "It's not like I'm delicious or anything." Jeff laughed nervously. "Right?" Jeff regretted the moment he said that because Jack's gaze was back on him along with a long pause.

"Right." Jack said, though he sounded hesitant. "Do the pigeon pose last and we can start." 

Jeff was not ready to start. As he changed into the last pose, he could feel the air around them become tense. Can someone remind me again why I said that? Jeff thought. Because you are an idiot Jeff, duh. He sighed as he finished stretching and hesitantly stood up. 

"Do you know how to fight?"

Jeff stared at Jack. "Um, I'm good with a knife?"

"That's not what I meant, have you ever had to fight someone? Like maybe a police officer cornered you, how did you escape?"

Jeff crossed his arms, staring at the bright orange sky in thought. "Uh, I have never been cornered?" He said, though it came out more like a question.

Jack blinked and looked at Jeff with surprise. "So you've never fought anyone? Not even another killer?"

Jeff hummed as he tried to remember if he ever was in a lame position like that. Nothing. "Nope."

Jack huffed. "I find that hard to believe! Even I had to learn how to fight since others will come at me for no reason and you, who is the most hated in this city, never once got in a fight?"

Jeff shrugged. "I guess."

Jack sighed. "Let's do the basics then."

"Wait, you're going to teach me how to fight?"

"Who else? It's just you and me here."

Jeff took a deep breath to calm his nerves down. "Sure."

"First, I'll teach you how to block and control a punch." Jack said, taking a step forward. Jeff, by instinct, took one back. Jack blinked. "You know we'll have to be close, right?" 

"Yeah?"

Silence.

"Great, so then." Jack walked closer to Jeff and the killer slowly started to back away. Jack stopped with a sigh. "If you don't want to train-"

"I do!"

"Well then, stop running from me!" Jeff stood still, this time Jack managed to get close. "Alright, so when you see me attack, I want you to slip and parry my attack with your front hand." Jack said, raising his fist. Jeff nodded and paid close attention to Jack's fist. As Jack threw a punch, Jeff felt paralized from inside. His body, however, slipped and parried Jack's fist. Though, before he or Jack could react, Jeff controlled the movement of both hands and redirected the attack. He put pressure on the neck, controlled Jack's arm and locked his elbow.

They both stayed in shocked silence. Slowly, Jeff let go of Jack and stared at his hands in disbelief. "I thought you said you didn't know how to fight?"

Jeff glanced at Jack, the cannibal seeing that Jeff was just as surprised as he was. "I honestly don't know how."

Jack blinked before frowning. "Then?"

"I… I don't know." Jeff let his arms down and stared at the floor with a confused frowned. "How did I do that?"

Jack glanced at the darkening sky in deep thought. Somehow, it feels nostalgic. Jack thought. Both of them glanced at each other at the same time. Icy blue eyes staring right back at two empty sockets. 

Jack gulped.

Jeff felt his fingers twitch and gulped as well. What the fuck was happening? All of a sudden the atmosphere felt as tense as when Jeff was doing stretches and since when was Jack so close? Jeff swore he was at a safe distance and now he was back to invading his personal space.

Jeff stared up at Jack, trying to find an answer on his facial expressions to what the cannibal was thinking. None of them spoke, their gazes heavily focused on the other. Jack cupped one of Jeff's cheeks, caressing the scar with narrowed eyes. Jeff felt his ears warm. Jack's thumb brushed over the small part that still had muscle tissue, which was at the corner of Jeff's lips.

"Interesting." Jack said. Jeff felt a shiver down his spine as he could almost feel Jack's breath against his face. Jeff widened his eyes. Wait, what?

"Hey Jeff! We came to train too~" Ben shouted as he bursted out the door of the rooftop. Jeff jumped and pushed Jack away, almost tripping. Ben looked at them both with an amused smile. As Helen catched up to Ben, he noticed Jack was glaring at his own hand before putting his thumb on his lips and licking it.

What the fuck? Helen thought. No one other than the painter must have noticed that since Ben was already walking over to the killer saying how they changed their mind and wanted to join the training. Smile Dog trotting over to his owner.

"You don't mind if we join, right Jack?" Ben asked, a teasing smirk on his face. Jack blinked and glanced at Ben as he lowered his hand. 

Jack shrugged. "Not really, the more the merrier." He smiled, but Helen noticed it was forced. For a moment there, Helen felt as if he had intruded in a couple's intimate moment. 

"Is it really the first time?" Helen let out a startled yelp as Liu stood beside him, the younger Woods leaned against the doorway with crossed arms.

"What do you mean by that?" Helen asked.

"L-Liu!?" Ben yelped as he grabbed Jeff by his arm. Liu glared at his brother and Jeff only glanced away with a blank stare.

"Are you training here too?" Jack asked. Liu shook his head.

"I just took a shower, so I'm out."

"That's so, have the others returned?"

"Other than Johnny? No, but Smiley went out."

"Oh? That's rare." Jack said. Liu shrugged and bid his farewell. Jack stared at Helen. "Are you going to train too?"

Helen shook his head. "No, I just came here to annoy Jeff."

"Hey!"

"I'll wait for them in the cafeteria."

"If you feel bored, go annoy Johnny~" Ben teased as Helen flipped him over as he left. Ben let go of Jeff and gave them both a wide grin. "So, shall we start?"

Diane and Loui came back from camping in the forest, in their hands a lot of photo evidence of some strange people that walked through a bridge, but when they themselves crossed it, there was nothing worth their time on the other side. 

Once they got inside the station and into the spare office they were using, the couple noticed Viktor, Alfred and Oliver going through a lot of boxes with folders looking for something. "Uh, what is going on?" Diane asked, knocking on the open door to catch their attention. The three men raised their gaze and Viktor smiled when he saw them.

"Ah, my favorite couple is back~ Did you two have fun camping?" 

"Eh, so-so." Loui said. "We did however bring interesting photos." He grinned as he raised the envelope where the photos were stacked. 

"Does this mean we can take a break?" Alfred asked, his eyes pleading to their leader.

Viktor sighed. "Sure." 

"Thank fucking god." Oliver mumbled as he stood up to stretch. 

"So, what is going on?" Diane raised an eyebrow at her captain as Loui set the envelope on a table and sat down to open it.

"Some information on Jeffrey Woods is missing."

"What!?"

"Yeah, we already told the chief, but we are still searching just in case." Oliver said, his mismatched eyes focused on the photos. 

"Fuck, how did it got leaked?"

"If it got leaked." Alfred intervened. 

Diane rolled her eyes. "Whatever."

"Well, we are not sure yet, but I think someone from within the police gave out that information."

"How do you know?"

"The camera footage for the night it went missing was erased." Viktor said, folding his arms and tapping his left arm. "Those who were on night duty had solid alibis when we interrogated them."

Diane hummed in thought. "Do you think one of those monsters did it? Like the creature we keep in the warehouse?"

"If it was, then it must have been a smart one." Viktor said. "Though I have a feeling this was done by a human."

"Hey, this guy." Oliver said, pointing to a guy with dark brown hair and sideburns. "He was on the missing people foyers in the city."

Viktor and Diane glanced at each other before walking over to see the photo. "Are you sure about this, Oli?" Viktor asked, picking the photo up. 

Oliver nodded. "Yup, I think his name was Timothy? But I couldn't see his last name because that part of the foyer was torn out." He said, staring at his boss. Viktor knew he wasn't lying and Oliver's photographic memory was always reliable.

Viktor set the photo down. "Alfred, find the list of missing men with the name Timothy." 

"On it."

"Do you think it would lead us somewhere?"

Viktor sighed before giving his team a smile. "It's worth trying, but I highly doubt we could 'clean' this city like the higher ups expect us to do."

"If only we had someone who somehow knows about the monsters that we could communicate with." Alfred sighed.

Oliver rolled his eyes. "That would be a miracle."

Viktor chuckled. "Let's just try to hold on until the end of the month, if anything fails, we can just bring back our monster to headquarters." If he stays alive until then. Viktor thought.

Smiley walked inside Offender's Tavern. Everyone turned their eyes to him. Offender himself almost dropped the glasses of shot in his hands when he saw the demon doctor. "Please carry on people, I do not want to ruin the night." Smiley said. Everyone went back to chattering and drinking.

Smiley walked over to the bar stool where Offender was and set his elbows down with a wide grin. "So, may I have a Blue Moon?"

Offender stiffened. "Are you sure? He may not want to talk."

"I'll make him talk." 

Offender sighed. "Go ahead then." 

"Thank you~" Smiley said with a wink as he walked towards the backdoor next to the bar stool. The music and chattering muffling. Smiley stared down at the basement hatch door. He bent down to knock three times before opening the door and walked down the stairs.

"It's been a long time~" Smiley said, a smirk forming on his lips. The hooded man raised his eyes to meet Smiley's and sighed in annoyance.

"Look who finally decided to pay me a visit."

Smiley chuckled. "My bad, I was busy."

"Busy doing what? All you do is kill and then be depressed."

Smiley forced a smile. "Well, it's not like you have a job, do you?" The man stayed quiet before clicking his tongue. 

"What do you want?"

"Make a contract with me." 

The man stared at Smiley surprised. "A demon seeking a human for a contract, didn't know it was Opposite Day."

"Please honey, shut the fuck up! Your edginess is giving me cringe." Smiley groaned. The man stood up and glared at Smiley. The demon doctor only rolled his eyes. "Anyway, make a contract with me."

"Why should I?"

"Because this time I can give you the authority you need and in return, you'll help me with something."

"And that something is?" 

"Can't tell you."

The man snickered. "So you want me to-"

"Stop repeating everything I say, just answer yes or no." 

The man took a deep breath, trying his best to remain calm. "And if I say no?"

"You will regret it for the rest of your life." Smiley said, smirking at him. 

The man walked closer to Smiley, only stopping a few meters away. He really had no choice and his time was running out. "Fine." The man said, extending a hand to Smiley. "We have a deal."

Smiley widened his grin and shook the man's hand. "Pleasure doing business with you~"

Jeff was more than glad to come back to his room. It was past midnight and Jeff had to go back to his apartment to sleep. Ben just kept teasing Jeff all the way home. Jeff was laying down on his bed, too tired to change or shower. He could do all that shit tomorrow, for now he just wanted to relax.

"Hold on Smile, I need to ask Mr. Widemouth if you can sleep here!" Helen said from the other side of the door, a bark answered his cries. Jeff chuckled and for a few seconds of staring into nothing, Jeff remembered Jack's stare as he worked out.

Jeff frowned. "What the fuck?" He said. The killer wasn't sure why he was remembering such a thing or why Jack was… so intent on looking at him. He was staring at my ass, wasn't he? He thought. Of course he was staring at my ass, have you seen it? 

The room was quiet.

Hey, remember when Jack touched you today? And it was twice~ Jeff groaned as he cursed his brain for making him remember something so… disgusting? No, it didn't feel disgusting. Not like the few times Slender would try to touch him. Jeff shuddered with a frown at the thought of that. "Besides, he has someone and I'm not gay." Jeff voiced out loud. But he stared at your ass despite that and touched you. His mind reminded.

Jeff huffed in annoyance. "Whatever." 

The room was back to being silent, the only sounds that were heard was Helen talking to Mr. Widemouth on the phone and Smile Dog barking next to him. 

Jack was in his office, thinking deeply about what had happened today. Today, Jack confirmed something he has been trying to escape from for a while now. Alright, he'll admit it. He was attracted to Jeff. Which was going to be a big problem considering he was "taken". 

He didn't foresee this problem arising when he initially made the alliance, but here he was. Recalling his actions today, which were not innocent or without meaning at all. Even Jack was surprised by this. He had purposely touched Jeff, the first and second time. He knew staring at Jeff was wrong, but he did it anyway.

"Maybe I'm just horny." Jack mumbled, feeling a rush of heat invade his cheeks. "It's been a long while since I last had sex anyway." He said. Though, all Jack was doing was come up with excuses and justifications that technically he wasn't cheating when he hasn't laid his hands on Jeff. But his unconcious would poke at him by thinking: not yet anyway. 

Jack sighed as he pinched the bridge of his nose and closed his eyes with a frown. He was not going to go there. He wasn't, but… 

The image of making a mess out of Jeff was too appealing. 

Fingers caressing pale skin as Jeff trembles due to his cold touch, gasping and panting as he stares up at him with need. 

Jack liked to think Jeff was a virgin. 

Pushing Jeff on all fours on the bed, watching Jeff go red from the humiliation. Jack would first lick Jeff's asscheeks before nibbling, making Jeff tense up a little. Playing with the idea of having the decision of whether he could eat Jeff or not. Teasing him all over his body as Jeff would whine and moan, shoving his plump ass against Jack's erection.

Jack licked his lips.

It was almost morbid how Jack could perfectly imagine Jeff's body covered in bite marks, blood and hickies. 

Jack put a shaky hand on his growing erection and started to gently palm it before rubbing it. He bit back a grunt as he continued his fantasy. A hot and sweaty Jeff spreads his ass for Jack, head on the bed as he shamelessly begs Jack to put it in already and Jack likes that. He liked having the boasting and prideful killer become a crying mess underneath him in bed. And since Jeff was a virgin, he was having the satisfaction of taking Jeff's first. Not only that, but getting ahead of himself and proudly claiming that no one else will make the killer moan like he does.

"Nngh." Jack unzipped his pants and hissed as he took out his erect cock. He bit down a grunt as he slowly started to stroke his shaft from the base to the tip, his hips thrusting at his own touch. Damn, it really has been that long. 

Jack could give Jeff what he wanted, but he preferred to tease the killer. Enjoy his little whines and curses between moans and sighs of pleasure, begging Jack even more to please, please, shove his dick inside him. 

Jack panted and moaned as his strokes started to grow faster and a bit desperate. Fuck, he was enjoy this forbidden fantasy a little too much.

Jack bit down on Jeff's left shoulder as he thrusted deep inside Jeff. The killer had let out a cry of pain and pleasure, panting as he got used to Jack's dick while the cannibal licked the freshly drawn blood. "M-Move!" Jeff whined. Jack smirked and pulled out up to his tip before thrusting again. Jeff mewled as he tried to move to the rhythm of Jack's thrusts.

"Haah, J-Jack." Jeff panted before letting out a loud moan as Jack started to pump his cock along with his thrust. At this point, Jeff couldn't ever form a sentence. Jack felt Jeff tightening around him, he was close.

"J-Jack… I'm…" Jeff tried to said, but Jack could already tell and-"Jack~"

Jack was in a daze, his hand covered in his cum. Then, it hit him. He widened his eyes and guilt started to settle on his guts. What the fuck was he doing? He shouldn't be feeling this way. "How am I going to face him now?" He groaned. He took out a toilet paper from one of his drawers (not the first time doing it here) and cleaned his cum covered hand. After taking his shower and sleeping it off, he needed to talk to Smiley.