Chapter Text
Jeff had just put out his cigarette and started walking back to the manor when he was roughly shoved into a tree—his face slammed into the tree causing Jeff to let out a pained noise.
“What the fuck!?” Jeff yelled, struggling under the strong grip holding him against the tree.
Out of nowhere, he was whipped around and confronted by Hoodie. Bewildered, Jeff stammered a mix of words before being yanked off the tree and violently thrown back against it, knocking the breath from his lungs.
“What the hell do you think you're doing?” Hoodie spat, tightening his grip on Jeff.
“What the fuck are you on about!?” Jeff coughed, still struggling against Hoodie.
“Masky.” Hoodie growled. “What are you doing with him?”
Jeff gave him a confused look, giving up on trying to escape and leaning back against the tree.
“I’m not doing anything,” Jeff complained. “We were just talking.”
Hoodie stared silently at him, but Jeff continued before he could say anything.
“Now get the hell off me!” He shouted, pushing against Hoodie again.
Hoodie gripped Jeff harder as he leaned in close.
“Stay the fuck away from him.
Jeff stopped and stared at him before barking out a laugh.
“You’ve got to be kidding me.” He laughed dryly.
Hoodie clenched his fist. “Watch your mouth.” He spat, raising his fist.
Jeff grinned at him.
“You seriously mad? Not used to Masky finally having a life outside you?” Jeff spoke, voice dripping with venom. “Or are you jealous that he might like me better?
Suddenly a fist collided with Jeff’s face knocking him to the ground. Jeff coughed harshly as blood started to drip from nose.
“The Fuck?!?” He yelled only to be cut off by Hoodie grabbing his shirt and yanking him back to his feet. Hoodie rammed him back against the tree causing his head to hit the tree hard.
“Shut up.” He snarled, bringing them nose to nose. “If you so much as lay a finger on him, I’ll bash your fucking skull in.”
Jeff grumbled back, his head in too much pain to form a sentence. He leaned his head against the tree, glaring at Hoodie.
“Your fucking crazy.” Jeff finally coughed out. “We’re just friends, Jackass!”
Hoodie stayed silent as he pushed him harder against the tree.
“Where’d he go?”
“He just left to find you,” Jeff argued. “Asshole.”
Hoodie froze, finally dropping Jeff and letting him fall off the tree.
“He did?”
“Yeah! Can’t believe why but he just left for the manor.” Jeff snapped back, glaring at the frowning mask. “Mentioned finding you or something.”
Hoodie huffed in response before turning and quickly heading back towards the manor, leaving Jeff clutching his bleeding nose by the tree.
“Fuck you too.” Jeff mumbled to himself, wiping the blood off his face as he watched Hoodie disappear from view.
Masky strolled down the hallway, looking for Hoodie. He had already searched their room and the house’s main areas, but Hoodie was still missing. Most house members were already out for the night, and those who remained were gathered in the living room. He quietly observed the people in the room before letting out a sigh and reluctantly heading toward Toby, who was chatting with Clockwork.
“Toby,” Masky announced calmly, interrupting the conversation. “you’ve seen Hoodie?”
Toby paused, looking at Masky for a moment. “No.” He replied. “Not since early.”
“Any idea where he went?”
“Nope.” Toby answered, popping the P.
Masky gave a stiff nod before turning away. He wandered around a bit more, and just as he gave up the front door opened.
Just as Hoodie stepped inside and wiped his shoes on the rug, Masky appeared in front of him arms crossed. Even with his mask, Hoodie could feel his steely glare blaring down on him. He stood up straight and tilted his head, signaling his confusion.
Masky huffed, “Where were you?”
“Went on a walk.” Hoodie replied smoothly, trying to step past him.
Even if he didn't believe him, Masky dropped it as he followed Hoodie to the kitchen. Hoodie went straight for the fridge, swinging it open as he searched through its contents. Finally, he pulled out a beer and swung it closed, walking past Masky again. Masky sighed and trailed after him. Hoodie walked to their room, leaving the door open for Masky as he shut it behind him. Masky watched him plop onto their bed, cracking the beer open.
“I need to talk to you.” Masky tried to say but Hoodie ignored him as he tore off his mask tossing it aside. He brought the beer to his lips, taking a big swig, not sparing Masky a glance, who huffed annoyed, setting his own mask aside.
“Hoodie” He tried again but was ignored as Hoodie took another swig of the beer instead.
“Brian!” Tim snapped angrily. “Don't fucking ignore me.”
Finally, Brian looked at him, beer barely an inch from his lips.
“He speaks.” He replied shortly, taking a slower drink from the beer.
“The hell does that mean?” Tim shrieked, stomping over where Brian sat comfortably on their bed.
“It means you’ve been practically ignoring me all week.” He yelled back, setting the beer down as he stood up to meet Tim head-on.
“I haven't been ignoring you.” Tim argued, hitting Brian’s chest lightly.
“Yeah, you have!” He argued back, unfazed by the hand hitting his chest.
“No, I haven't!”
“When was the last time we had a full conversation?”
Tim stopped, hand resting against Brian’s chest as he searched his mind. It could have been that long ago…had it?
“And before you say anything. Passing comments doesn't count.” Brian added, watching Tim struggle, desperately thinking over the past week.
“I...I don’t know.” he finally relented. Slowly he looked up, meeting Brian’s eyes.
“I’ve just been busy.” He explained in defense. “I hadn’t realized..”
Brian’s gaze softened, “I know.”
Tim sighed, “I’m sorry.”
“Its fine.” Brian replied, deciding that the stuff with Jeff could be discussed later. Taking a step closer, He closed the distance between them as he wrapped his arms around Tim who gladly accepted the embrace letting his face be smushed into Brian’s chest, his arms hanging loosely at his sides. They stayed like that for a while until Brian spoke again.
“What was it that you needed to talk to me about?” He asked softly, keeping his hold of Tim loose but firm.
“Doesn't matter.” Tim mumbled back. Voice muffled with his head in Brian’s chest, but slowly he wrapped his arms around Brian’s torso. “Let’s just stay like this for a bit.”
Brian chuckled, gently dragging his hands to the back of Tim’s thighs and squeezing. Tim got the message and let Brain pick him up. His legs wrapped around Brian’s waist and his arms around his shoulders, as he adjusted his head into the nook of Brian’s neck.
Brian slowly sat back on the bed and leaned his back against the headboard of their bed. Tim settled in his lap, and closed his eyes. Brian held Tim close, trying to keep his thoughts from drifting. Jeff crossed his mind again causing him to tighten his hold on Tim. Shooing Jeff from his mind, Brian focused on the person in his lap who was beginning to drift off. He smiled softly and leaned his head back, letting his own eyes fall closed.
At least for now, in this moment he had Tim safely in his arms away from everything else, and away from him.