Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Rob sighed as he looked at his computer screen, he was desperately trying to finish his article but it seemed like today was just not his day. He had everything he needed, sources, images and the ok from his boss. Turning his head to the window, he asked himself how he could let his life get so mundane. After all he had to endure in his life he wasn't sure if he really wanted to work here anymore but it was the only reason he was still alive since it put bread on the table and provided him with a bed.

He watched as the people outside went about their lives, a woman pushing a carrier with her baby across the street on a red light, a guy selling hot dogs at a corner and some busses passing by on occasion.

"Oh for christ's sake! Are you daydreaming again, Whitcom?"

He jumped in his chair, almost spilling his coffee all over the keyboard. When did his boss come in? He must have been way above the clouds to not notice. Feeling his face getting red he tried to think of an excuse to the question that was about to follow.

"Didn't i ask you to have the report finished by today? Listen if you continue to be so unreliable i will have to replace you with someone more competent. A reporter that doesn't report is of no use to me. Understood?"

"Y-yyes, loud and clear. I will have it finished soon i just need to proof read and check my sources. It is almost done i promise." He stammered

"Good, i want to see it on my desk by 12. And deliver this time" And with that said, his boss was gone again.

Rob took a deep breath and a sip of coffee. Bullying was a real problem at this place and even made him consider suicide in the past. Now he had regular appointments with his therapist. One day he would show those bastards that he was normal, that he was able to get into a relationship like anyone else but so far every attempt to find a love interest had failed so far which further added to his low self esteem.

With a sigh, he got up from his desk to freshen up a little. He felt pretty lucky to have gotten an office for himself because there was just one co worker that he got along with. Maybe that was the reason for even getting it in the first place.He knew he was at risk everytime he left his safe room as some of these assholes literally waited nearby on purpose to verbally assault him but a bladder doesn't just magically relieve itself.

Of course as soon as he entered the hallway the chaos started.

"Well look who's here - It's the local loser. Back from writing your trash of an article i see. Hopefully with sources this time?"

Fuck. Anyone but this guy. Rob picked up his pace until the source of the voice was almost out of sight.

"Yeah run like you always do, pussy. That's what you do best after all."

He continued his pace to get out of hearing range as fast as possible.

"I don't even know why he even wastes time with a loser like you!"

One day, he would be confident enough to stand up to this guy but not today. Not today. Moments later he was in the bathroom gripping the sink as hard as he could. His finger tips started to go white as he increased his grip. This couldn't go on much longer, he just couldn't do it any longer. A little cold water to his face wouldn't be able to save him either.

Staring into the mirror, he pondered what the damn reason was that it was so difficult for him to find friends, or a girlfriend for that matter. His sex life was so blatantly nonexistant that the entire office complex mocked him because of it, and it was really starting to get to him. If only his superior could give him a chance to write something big, but he keeps insisting that you have to "earn" it. He was a loser and there was little he could do against that except endure it. He had always been this way, an outsider in kindergarden, a nerd in middle school, getting picked into the basketball team last in high school. An episode was closing in, he could feel it but he tried to put on a brave face, he was about to walk down the hallway of doom and he could not let them show how much he was hurt.

"Hey, there you are. Heard the commotion in the hall and figured that dickhead was camping your office again. You good?" Asked the well to familiar voice of Brendan, the only co worker in the entire building that he dared to call his friend.

The only good thing to ever happen to him. When he started working in this place, he immediately stood out as a weird introvert and attracted bullies like a magnet but HE noticed and made it his task to help him. It was the little things that mattered at first, Brendan getting him coffee or breakfast in the morning occasionally to get him into a better mood or having a conversation with him. It had later expanded to going to the movies or a football game sometimes. For short, he was brilliant, they weren't exactly the best friends but close enough to stabilise him and help him throughout the work day.

"Uhh, helloo? Earth to Rob? I'm standing right next to you you know, talk to me." He could see Brendan wave his hands at him as he said this trying to snap him out of his thoughts.

He turned his head to look at him. "How did you find me?"

"Well, this is a small office building and your office and the restrooms are the only areas where you feel save so i figured i would find you here. Plus, everyone has to pee eventually. Not that the bathroom would be MY first choice if i were you. I would probably just quit already and go look for a better place but hey, you do you."

"I need this, it means something to me, plus it puts food on the table. I'm not even sure if i am confident enough to go somewhere else now. There might not be a nice guy like you there."

Brendan's eyes narrowed in confusion. "Now that just doesn't make any sense, does it? Do you think i am the only decent human being on this dirt ball? And not everybody here is a dick, most of the women are tolerable."

Probably not, Rob thought and continued staring into the mirror. This was the time where everyone desperately tried to finish their assignments early to flatter the boss into a raise but Rob had given up on finishing it today. He turned his head as he saw motion, confused at first but he then realised what it was.

"Figured you would like to go see the match, might do you good too. It's already paid for, got those from a friend whose date chickened out at the last second. So? Sounds good?"

He already knows my answer and yet he still keeps asking, Rob wondered if he even deserved a decent human being like him. As good as the friendship was for him though, there was something that he was still unsure about. He had never questioned his sexuality so far and he was pretty sure to be a straight dude but recently, things changed. He enjoyed hanging out with Brendan a lot more lately and maybe there was more to this than just simple friendship. He shook his head.

"No? That's odd, you're normally fire and flame when it comes to watching soccer. I'm not buying that you know?"

"No, i mean yes. I mean no that wasn't a no i was just thinking about uhh office stuff. Of course i want to, watching in person is even better"

"Great, so we still got some time to kill before this but my friend got us the best seats in the whole stadium, the view will be awesome you'll see. Anyway, break's over so i better ball before Mr. Busybody comes in here in person to drag me back to the computer." He started walking to the bathroom exit, door opened about halfway, he turned around again.

"Oh uhm, the printer is out of paper. Just thought i would let you know."

Later that day...

Rob was in a very bad mood on the way home and his mood got even worse when he had to wait for a bus that just didn't arrive.

"Walking it is i guess" He murmured to himself thinking about the relaxing bath waiting for him at home. His mood was decreasing rapidly as he thought about his crappy work day, he just knew that he was about to lose his job mainly because his boss was a total asshole and so were his colleagues - well most of them at least. At least he had Brendan to make the hellish 10 hours somewhat bearable but he wasn't exactly in an office closeby so not a real help next time these jerks decided it was time to harass some nerd again.

About halfway home he stumbled over some stupid rocks by the river and faceplanted right into the grass which did not help the mood and he was about to shout at one of the curious citizens nearby, when he saw something, right in the corner of his eye. What was that? He completely forgot that he just publically humiliated himself and went closer to investigate the source of the mysterious shimmer that caught his eye. Looking everywhere he didn't see anything that might be the source of it until suddenly it happened again. There it was, a green light that showed up for just a second. Gotcha. Must be some jewelry that some lady lost. Eager to find out he approached the approximate location, some rocks potruding out of the shallow river water.

It was just a mask. Just an ordinary , plain wooden mask, he thought. Made out of just as ordinary wood although there was a light green color painted on the wood. It had a metal part bolted to it representing the nose and also had eye sockets that were sunk in and gave it a neutral expression in combo with the mouth. Interestingly enough there were no straps whatsoever to secure the mask to his face, must be a decorative mask only. Perhaps an old one stolen from some kind of museum or theater? But he was no expert in drama, just a shitty journalist so there was no way to tell. Still there was some kind of energy radiating of this thing, he was no psychic but he could feel it, perhaps he was turning crazy already. Wanting to get a closer look at it he brought the mask closer to his face and noticed that it felt warmer for some reason. As the mask travelled closer he felt the energy getting stronger and the slight warmth radiating from it. Before he could examine it any more thoroughly, a car alarm put him out of his trance. Looking around to see the cause of it he saw that a car had accidenrally bumped into another vehicle parked on the road and now windows were opened in a chain reaction to find the culprit of the noise. Time to get home, he thought to himself. What an odd find but at least it distracted him from the hell he was in. Satisfied of his find he placed it in his backpack and resumed his way home.

----------

Arriving at his appartment after a good 20 minute walk, he jerked his keys in the lock and finally entered his safe space letting out a big sigh. It was always a relief to be at this time of day. After dropping his backpack, he changed out of the brown stained clothes. Shouldn't have taken the route through that stupid park anyway but at least he got something out of it. He threw the mask on his bed, too lazy to find a proper place for it now and turned on his laptop to relieve some stress from earlier. He barely had the time to open his favorite porn website when something caught his eye again. He let out a frustrated sigh, his pants were almost undone. What was that, the mask? He was sure that the shimmer he had seen earlier was some kind of gem on a ring or something else. He picked up the mask to investigate it properly this time. Either he was losing it or the thing was electrical.

"You're a really weird mask, huh" He muttered out loud and precisely at that moment he saw the weird lights play along the wooden surface of the mask directly in front of him.

"The fuck?" It actually gave him quite the scare, enough to have to pick the mysterious object up again.

He brought the object into the bathroom which had way better lighting, to take a good look at it. Turning on the light he gazed at his depressed, lonely self for a little bit before snapping out of it. He stared at the inside of the mask waiting for another light show but it never came. It almost felt like the damn thing was taunting him now that he was staring directly at it. He felt a strange urge to get closer to it and brought it closer to his face. Just like earlier, it felt slightly warmer the closer it got but this time something else happened.

SCHHLUUUPP

Suddenly, the inside of the mask stretched out to latch to his face. Rob let out a surprised yelp and pulled at it and luckily it let go after a while. His heart was pumping and he was full of adrenaline now. Had he just hallucinated or had that thing just tried to eat him? This was not a normal thing for masks to do, was it? He pondered if the coffee he consumed earlier had gone bad and caused him to hallucinate. Snap out of it, it's just an ordinary mask and you're a crazy caffeinated loser, he thought. To prove himself right, he brought the mask closer again, as the mask got closer his heart started pounding in anticipation of what it might do if it was a flesh eating cursed object or something. Adrenaline was pumping through his veins as it got closer to his face, slowly but surely. It felt warmer again for some reason and...

SSSUUUUUCK

The mask leapt from his hands, attaching to his face with such a force that it knocked his head back. He barely had time to react other than to gasp in shock as it began to envelop his head. He stared at himself in the mirror and watched in horror as the mask turned into a rubbery consistence and expanded into multiple tentacles that stretched around his head, it wiggled around on his head to firmly secure itself on its new wearer. His arms shot to the sides of his head to catch the tentacles and stop them from consuming him but it was no use as the tentacles just wiggled out of his grasp and contnued their advance. Pancking, he grabbed at the thing and pulled as hard as he could but when it just started to become loose his body spasmed and the mask slammed back on his face. He moaned in pain as the rubber completely enveloped his head and started to shrink to fit his head better. It grew hot and fused to his skin until he couldn't tell where the mask ended, his entire head a green unrecognizable shape. He gripped the sink with his hands as his body started changing, his waist shrinking with several audible cracking noises. Suddenly, his yoga pants slid off along with his underwear, being far too large in size to fit. He could feel a tingling sensation on both of his legs and watched as the hair was sucked into them, the same process also beginning on his arms and his private area, his feet also changed size and his toe nails painted themselves in green in front of his very eyes. Another jolt of pain got his attention as his chest deflated sounding like a balloon letting out air, without a warning, his nipples started tingling and he was resisting a strange urge to touch them. He watched in horror as his breasts began to push outwards,growing in size massively and pushing against the sweater that now struggled to hold them. Resisting the urge to grope and play around with them he noticed that his butt had also started inflating and swelling, weirdly enough the sensation didn't feel entirely bad and he felt his hand autonomously reach out for them when a sudden sucking sensation snapped him out of it. His private parts started disappearing inside his body until they were gone completely and replaced with another organ. He now had female reproductive organs.

What was happening to him?

He was stopped in his thoughts as he noticed what felt like the worst migraine of his life, he held his green head in his hands in pain as he felt his mind change, the green rubber tight on his head having connected to his nerves, as he felt every slightest touch. His thoughts weren't his own anymore, or were they? Looking into the mirror, he noticed that both his eyes and his finger nails were bright green now and it appeared to him like something else was looking back at him. Then he heard a high pitched voice echo inside his head that wasn't his own as he slowly lost control over his body and something, or someone started taking over.

Easyy, time to rest my dear it is time for this girl to go out and have some fun. Don't worry babe i will treat us to some pleasurable times...

The new consciousness looked into the mirror to observe her new body, her face looked gorgeous encased in the green texture that was now her face, her cheekbones having become more prominent, more feminine. But the change wasn't complete yet as one last puzzle piece snapped into place. Long, ebony black hair started pulling through her bald green head flowing over her shoulders and framing her green head. Her clothes started reforming, dressing her beautifully shaped body and donning a red tank top and a skirt with pitch black fashion leather boots

She tilted her head as she admired her new appearance and then slid a hand into her underwear that had formed, rubbing her new clit and moaning in pleasure. Her breasts were next as her hands flew to her bra and groped them.

"God, i am sooo sexy. Much better than this other form. But who am i? I am not Rob for sure but still part of him. Well, i'll figure it out. Finally i have a new wearer again, life in that muddy river was soo disgusting."

She strolled over to the laptop that was still open and nearing standby mode. Hovering with the mousepad she saw what her other half had in mind and she decided to put a stop to his plans. She closed the laptop, he wouldn't be needing to jerk off to this any longer.

"Enough of this, there will be time for that later. Now what are we going to do to make you feel better? Oh, i know, It's time to go out, I ain't gonna hang in this place like a loser. You will feel much better you will see and maybe there's a little surprise waiting for you..."

She snickered and sped out of the bathroom in a blur of colours to enjoy the nightlife...

TO BE CONTINUED?

Chapter Text

A green blur whizzed though the city, looking for a way to let off some steam, not wishing to spend her precious time in that boring nerd cave of his. Locals looked around trying to identifiy the source of the noice and blur in wonder but she was too fast to leave them enough time to think. Speeding through the metropole with hundreds of bars, night clubs and luxurious restaurants, she searched street for street passing red lights but found nothing to her dismay until she heard a noise while passing a small alley. It sounded like someone in distress, a frightened voice exuding fear.

„Please don't!“ It begged. It sounded like a female was being threatened by a group of males, possibly armed. She wasn't in the mood to do superhero stuff right now but this woman needed help.

She sighed and changed direction towards the alley, listening in for more noises. Those jerks most likely had a gun aimed right at her, this was the United States after all.

„I'm not saying it again, hand over your bag. Now.“ A coarse voice growled, probably coming from a chain smoker. She really wanted to show these guys so she slowed down and snuck up on them until she was right behind their backs.

„That's enough warnings now, we will count to three and then you're a dead person. One, two, thr-“

„Didn't anybody ever tell you to pick on someone your own size buddy?“

The man turned around, he wore a ski mask to conceal his face and black leathery clothes like those in the biker gangs.

Surprised by the feminine voice he turned around, he probably didn't expect a women to approach an armed guy, classic. She would show this man not to mess with women.

„What the hell are you supposed to be. Cutie, the costume party is probably happening somewhere else.“

„Aww aren't you a funny little guy, you think this is my costume? No i assure you, this" She gestured to her face "beauty is very much real."

She brought a hand to her face and slightly stretched the green skin of her face, releasing it. It perfectly snapped back into place

„Now, i would suggest you stop harrassing this lady and go to a bar, get drunk and start a brawl or like a good little man. Whatever makes you go to bed at night like a good kid. Or you can stay and see what happens“

The man didn't seem to like being ordered around like an idiot, he aimed his colt at her while the other two's eyes stayed on the woman who was cowering in fear.

„Are you threatening me, you freak? I have a gun aimed at your heart, are you crazy? Do you have a death wish?" The man didn't know what to make of the confidency in this green headed figurine, unsure wether to taunt her or take her seriously.

The other men looked behind their back from time to time to see what was going on, they obviously wished to get this robbery over with as quickly as possible before any cops arrived.

The robber boss had enough now „Leave and go your way, i will pretend that you were never here and that i saw your face, my boys will leave you alone.“

„Funny i was gonna say the same thing to you. Did you read my mind? Anyway, playtime's over i've become annoyed of this“ She exclaimed and took a step closer to the men.

„Shoot that bitch boss, it's just a woman what can she do to you?“ Robber B shouted.

„Idiots, what did i tell you? No casualties. We can't have the pigs investigate and mess this up.“

The masked figure stepped even closer now almost close enough for hims comfort.

The robber boss figured that this woman was crazy enough to attempt to disarm him without the help of the police.

He pulled the trigger and the bullet launched right into the woman's chest. She didn't flinch at all. Robber boss jumped because as soon as the usually lethal projectile hit her chest, it bounced back like someone using a slingshot, and shot right into the wall behind him.

„What the fuck. How are you not bleeding?“

„The better question is, why are you not running? You're only gonna exhaust yourself using that stupid toy. By the way what's that smell?

She lifted her head and sniffed the air like a dog. Of course it smelt sightly like gunpowder after the shots that were fired.

„Is that gunpowder? I'm highly allergic to that oh uhh i think im gonna have to sn-sn-snee“

ACHOO

A strong gust of wind was unleashed which flung the robber against the wall with force and also sprayed him with green snot from that vigilante's nose which briefly enlargened during the sneeze like in a cartoon.

The poor man seemed to be glued to the wall by the nasty green substance like it was super glue. He tried to free himself but to no avail.

Bringing her hands to her face, she gasped in faked shock. " Oh gosh i'm sooo sorry i didn't mean to, my nose is reallly sensitive. Don't worry that stuff washes off easily, i swearsies!" She gave him a thumbs up. That's how she liked her thugs. Tied up neatly.

„Let me out of here you cun't. Let me down and fight me one on one. Mmmpf!“

She decided not to waste any more time playing and just gagged the man. She turned around to his henchmen who were shivering and by the looks of it close to pissing themselves.

„I will give you 3 seconds to book it or else you're going to get veerry close and personal with your boss. On-“

The younger men already started running as soon as she had opened her mouth to count.

Impressive, this might be a new world record, she thought. They better not dare touch any woman around here again now with her being here. It wouldn't end well for them. Now with the danger gone, she turned her attention to the cowering woman who was checking her head to toe as if she wasn't sure what to make of her savior but still interested. The Mask walked closer and reached out a hand.

„Get up sweetie, a girl like you shouldn't be having to deal with shit like this.“

The woman blushed slightly but took the Mask's hand to get back to her feet. She seemed to be a little shy so she just stared at the masked vigilante thinking of the right words to say.

„T-thank you. If you weren't i would have lost all my belongings just now. Are you a superhero?“

The mask brushed her hair aside and giggled. Actually she wasn't sure if she could pass as a super hero. Rob surely wasn't very heroic, his few friends could count on him if they were in trouble but everything inside him basically screamed to run the other way when he even heard an unexpected noise in his office complex.

„I am not completely sure who i am yet but i am going to find out. And you? Are you okay? What leads a lady this sexy here at this time?“

„I was just going out to run some late night errands and was going to use this alley as a shortcut but these bastards were already waiting for me. Thank you for saving me, that encounter almost made my heart stop, i think i need to go get some rest.“

The Mask moved her hand up to her chin like she was thinking then grinning at the intimidated woman.

„How about we let off some steam elsewhere. I heard of a good place where we can have a good time... It will take your mind off of things“

The Mask reached her hand out, waiting for her response, feeling the curiosity from the woman in front of her and reacting to it. She was a really beautiful woman with her auburn hair and smooth skin, she was probably in a relationship already but she didn't care if that was the case. She wanted to spend time with her either way.

Hesitant at first, curiosity got the better of the woman and she took the hand offered to her wanting to take her minds off of things.

The Mask gave her a wide and charming smile, she knew it was hard to say no to this.

„Ohh baby i'm so glad you are coming, i'm getting really lonely and we'll have a fun time together! Let me show you how to have some fun. This will be your night girl!“

She giggled happily and sped away with her freight in tow, heading straight to a night club that the Mask had seen on her way and that Rob had tried to enter one time when he had been confident enough to approach the bouncer. Obviously he didn't get in pathetic looking as he was but SHE would open a window to completely new opportunities for him. There wasn't anything that she couldn't do. It was time turn the night into day.

Arriving the the predestinated night club, the Mask slowed down. She took out a hand mirror and checked her hair which had been messed up by her superhuman speed. She straightened the ebony black mess and resumed like nothing was wrong.

The pair was greeted by the loud boom of the bass heavy music that was playing inside the club.

„Are you ready?“ She asked her date and striked a pose for everyone around to see, several men already starting to look her way, her ass to be precise. She was sexy and she knew it.

„I'm not so sure about this. I normally don't do this.“ She answered a little cheepishly, her face turning red.

The Mask smiled at her encouragingly „There is nothing to worry about dear, just let go and have fun, the rest will come naturally.“ A change went through the Mask as her clothes started morphing and changing, covering her body in a sexy black dress and shoes that were better fit for dancing.

She started pulling her lover towards the entrance slightly and after a while she gave in and followed albeit still a little reluctant because of the many people inside. Surprisingly, the bouncer let them both pass without a fuss, probably sensing not to mess with the green headed women and they were soon inside heading towards the dance floor while colorful lights flashed around and music vibrated the air.

„It's time to p-a-r-t-, y? Because we GOTTA With that, she entered the dance floor, all eyes set on her, pulling the woman that she didn't even know the name of, with her. She was aware of all the eyes staring at her gorgeous body and made sure to give everyone a show to remember.

The Mask danced very erotically, shaking her well formed ass and seductively playing a finger a long her breasts from time to time, while her date did some shy, unnoticable movements as if not to draw attention to herself. She didn't want to admit it but it was obvious that she had set eyes on her savior but she was probably a little out of her league with all the confidence potruding from her. Shaking to the rythm of the music, she motivated her date to do the same slowly but surely until her dance looked somewhat carefree and she actually started smiling. There were a few men looking at the Mask's seductive dance, hypnotised by the way she made sure to accentuate all her body parts, some of them looked like they were thinking of approaching her but some were soon distracted by their dates.

Then she saw a familiar face in the corner of her eye and noticed that it was her other half's friend and possible love interest. Rob adored the man and it showed as she could feel him below the surface reacting to Brendan dancing with a girl that might be his girlfriend. She could feel a brief jolt of emotions breaking the mental barrier that broke them apart. Admittedly Brendan was a pretty hot young man but she had other plans in mind for herself.

Sorry Rob but he is not my type. But don't worry i will get you laid in no time...

After a while of dancing, she pulled over to the bar because her date looked like she needed a break. She looked exhausted and likely wasn't used to dancing a lot introverted as she was. The Mask pulled out some money out of thin air and slammed it on the counter

„Anything that the lady wants, a Cosmopilitan for me please. “ She winked at the bartender, using her irresistible charme, who raised his eyebrows at this but seemed to enjoy it as he started working on their drinks with fast proficient movements as he added all the ingredients.

A little while later the Mask was taking a sip out of her drink knowing that there was no way to get drunk with the way her metabolism worked but enjoying the taste nevertheless. The girl had decided for a Mojito after a short wait and kept giving her looks as if this was the moment where she would be poisoned.

„Aww, sweetie who hurt you this much that you can't trust me? Relax and enjoy your drink no one is going to hurt you, not with me here.“ She said soothingly and finally her opposite took a small sip out of her drink.

„Much better, now may i ask your name? I forgot to ask.“

„I-iim Amy. Amelia actually but please just call me Amy. I'm sorry but going out isn't something i usually do.“

She took one more sip from her Mojito and the Mask smiled at this happy to see Amy getting more and more carefree. She would teach her how to live life to the fullest. Something was eating away at her, something had happened in her past that made her this frightened of socialisation but she would help her get through it. She could be anything she wanted after all and a therapist was included, if she wanted that is.

„Amy, that is such a cute name. I would tell you my name but i don't think i have one yet, just call me Mask as that is the easiest one i can come up with for now. Would you mind telling me a litte about you Amy? I would love to hear what has been plageuing your mind.“

Amy looked at the floor in shame, not quite ready to open up. She didn't need to say any further, The Mask got the message albeit a little disappointed.

„Okay i am sorry if i pressured you into something you did not want. Here, let me tell you about me first to make it easier. My name is The Mask as you already know as we've spent the evening together. You probably want to know if i am wearing a costume and let me tell you, this“

She pointed at her green face.

„Is very much part of me. I literally am the Mask, if you tried to take it off you would find that you couldn't. I am perfection, some would call me a goddess and while you could say that i come close to that, i don't go around dictating how people have to life and to worship me. The worshipping part comes naturally.“ She smiled and as if to prove her point a man approached the bar counter having gotten the guts to do so. Men were not her type at all so it was an easy thing to decide to wave him off.

„Hey beauty would you care for a dance, maybe disappear in one of the rooms in the back for a while?“ He said indicating that he was looking for a good fuck.

„Sorry big guy but i'm not interested and i can also see your girlfriend over there filing in the divorce so uhmm, she kinda looks pissed.“

The stranger looked around nervously and his girlfriend musta been in the bathroom for a while which is why he had been attempting to cheat on her. She hated guys like him and resisted the urge to kick him in his private parts but he was already scurrying away to explain the situation to his unlucky lover no doubt cooking up a lie.

She took another sip out of her glass and encouraged Amy to do the same. She took a very small and careful sip and looked at the confident woman in front of her, thinking of a way to get the words out that were floating around in her head.

„Y-you are really beautiful. You truly are, i have never seen beauty like this. Never ever.“ Amy finally stammered and started blushing at her own words as if she regret opening her mouth.

„Awww honey that is so sweet of you. I can feel that i am enticing you, i tend to have that effect on a lot of people. I can also feel that you are in love with me.“

She absentmindly played with her body running a hand through her hair looking absolutely stunning.

„Do you want me?“

Amy couldn't get the sentence out this time, it was just a simple yes and yet her brain didn't want to comply. But the Mask figured and downed the rest of her Cosmopilitan in one big gulp. Amy hadn't even touched her drink much but that wouldn't matter now. She took Amy's hand into hers and looked at her encouragingly. Sheepish eyes looked back at her but the Mask could sense that Amy wanted to go somewhere private mainly because the bar was slowly starting to fill up and she felt increasingly uneasy about so many men around. So when the Mask pulled on her hand very lightly, to leave the decision to Amy, she gave in and followed. In no time they were speeding towards Rob's apartment.

Inside, Amy looked around at the furniture that didn't make it look like a female lived here but she didn't really care, after all humans were different from each other. The Mask slipped out of her shoes and entered the bedroom that was stuffed with Rob's collections. He called it his nerd cave but it would be serving another purpose than reading comics tonight...

Cutting right to the chase, she placed herself on her or rather Rob's large bed inviting Amy to join her under the covers. Amy who had been busy observing a She Ra figurine blushed again and just stood there, frozen in place and time.

„Aww it breaks my heart to see you like this, there's absolutely nothing to be afraid of cutie. It is time that you get to see the good side of life and get over your insecurities. What happened in your past should stop haunting you.“

She got up from her spot on the bed and walked towards Amy to help her over this decision, that she knew she had already made, but was too afraid to overcome fears anchored deeply in her mind. Together they would overcome her constant state of anxiety and have some fun. Pushing Amy to the bed, she finally got the courage to lay down.

The Mask reached out and awarded Amy by kissing her passionately, gripping her shoulders softly. Amy was slowly starting to regain her senses, warming up to the fact that she was about to spend the night with a greenheaded but sexy woman. After the wonderful night they just had, she still wasn't sure wether or not this was a good idea but looking at the Mask blew away all the fear fogging her mind and she put her hands to the side of the Masks well formed body to explore it by touch. The Mask took one finger and ran it across her nipples seductively inviting her partner to do more than just touch.

For the rest of the night, moaning and giggling could be heard from the room...

Chapter Text

Rob awoke with a groan and covered in sweat from what could probably be described as the most vivid dream ever and turned around in his bed. His memories from said dream were foggy and he had trouble sorting them. He dreamt that he put on the strange mask that he had found earlier on the day home and it changed him... he became a woman and went to town. He had found another woman in distress and saved her from a few thugs. Did he really stop a bullet with his skin and glue one of the robbers to the wall?

Had that really happened? He couldn't tell for sure and the migraine that he now noticed he had certainly didn't help with that. There was no way the dream could ever be real, he was too introverted to actually go out and especially ask somebody out. And in that dream he had SEX with the unlucky woman that was getting robbed. Rob wasn't exactly a ladies magnet so the source of the dream was most likely just his brain giving into his deepest desires. He sighed and turned to the other side yet again, this migraine was killing him. Maybe it was for the best to work from home for today? He normally didn't do this but it would spare him from having to deal with his fanclub for today at least, plus his migraine was killing him. Working from home seemed like the best option right now and his boss didn't give a damn anyway. All he cared about was beating the local competition so that his newspaper article could come out on top of the food chain.

He lifted himself to an upright position and made his way to the bathroom, he had some aspirine in his medical cabinet and he intended to use it.

….. ….. ….. …..

Strange, he could've sworn that he had felt something. Not sure what exactly, it was something inexplicable but he was so sure that something felt off.

He froze, pausing for a second until resuming. Downing a glass of water together with some aspirine, he found himself staring at the mirror. He really wished the dream to be real, this other life he had in it felt surreal for sure but so enjoyable. From what he could remember he had a fun time and was basically soaking with confidence. Having real issues connecting to the outside world, the dream showed him what could have been although it was odd that he changed into a woman. He shook his head and decided to take a shower to relax.

A few minutes later after preparing the clothes he would wear for the day, he turned on the faucet and a stream of pleasantly warm water erupted from the shower head. He took some shampoo and massaged it into his short brown hair. Positioning himself under the warm stream to rinse it off, he heard it again, or so he thought. He turned the faucet and looked around but the only odd thing he could notice was his confused face staring back at him in the bathroom mirror. He wasn't even sure if he had even heard something, it was more like a feeling. Oh well it was completely normal for him to have mental breakdowns and maybe there was one right around the corner, he thought and continued showering. After drying and dressing in the fresh set of clothes he went back to his nerd cave drawn by a mysterious force.

…O...V...R....H...R...E...

There it was again, it felt like something or someone was trying to communicate but it sounded muffled and had a ring to it. His migraine was getting worse until he approached the bed following his instincts that had never failed him so far. It was a mess because he had just woken up but there on the sheets lay a familiar object, the mask he found earlier. Had he seriously taken that thing to bed with him? He grabbed it and felt a slight jolt of electricity upon doing so. Right when he made contact with the object, it felt like a barrier lifting as something in his headspace changed.

Ohh thank god finally. I have been trying to get through for ages now, sounded a voice deep inside his head.

Rob flinched and looked around nervously.

„Wwwhat, who's there? What do you want?“ He wasn't very brave and definitely not a fighter. If this was a robber trying to steal his pricey comic collection he would just give him everything.

Relaxxx honey it's just me the voice smirked.

„Wwho are you? Where are you? How did you get inside my apartment?“ Rob was still on edge, expecting an armed woman to jump him any second now but nothing happened other than his heart pounding.

Awww isn't that obvious? I am you! And i am obviously in your head dummy, or do you think you're having a conversation with a lifeless object right now?

Rob looked at the mask still in his right hand. Could it be...

Memories flashed right before his eyes and it was like the fog in his mind lifted. The dream where he became this beautiful being couldn't have possibly been real, there is no way. He had put on the mask and it transformed him, giving him a feminine body, he went out, saved a victim and went on to party with her. He could even remember the pleasurable time he had with her right here in his bed until he accompanied her to her home because she was too afraid to go alone, given recent events it was only understandable. The only issue is that this was just a dream, it couldn't be real, it felt real alright but he wasn't in control. He had been aware of his surroundings and senses, remembering every smell or sound but when he put on the mask someone took over entirely and acted on his own accord.

It is real, you found me, put me on and we had some sexy time just like I promised. Did I promise too much or what?

Even if something else had been controlling his body in that dream, he had really enjoyed the experience, being too socially awkward to approach any woman. Amelia was among the most beautiful women he had ever seen but he still wasn't completely sure about his sexual desires. Brendan had been in the night club aswell and chances were he was beginning to form feelings for him.

Hmmm someone's hornyyy. There's more where that came from now that we're together.

He could hear a giggle in the back of his head and narrowed his eyes downwards confused by what was happening.

“What the fuck, this isn't normal for masks to do is it? How did you do this to me and how do you know what I am feeling?” Rob was very confused and obviously some explaining was necessary.

Well as I already told you, I am you, literally. I am the part of your persona that has been hidden deep inside your mind for ages, the confident part acting on your desires and we compliment each other. When you put on the mask, It allows me to come to the fore. I am a magical being, I can pretty much do whatever I want and cast magic that people could only dream of.

“So if this is actually real, If i did put you on and you changed me. Let's act like i'm not turning insane,let's say this isn't some mental episode and im not gonna wake up chained to a hospital bed. Why did I become a woman?

I was created from your deepest desires and since you're pretty much a loser in your normal state and I am not, this form was created on behalf of your hidden sexual and general desires. Maybe it is because you never got laid or had trouble asking women out. But with me this won't be an issue anymore, I will help get your life back on track. How are you even still somewhat mentally stable rotting away in your so called “nerd cave”? We will need to work on that sweetie.

He had gone to the bathroom mirror to stare at it, since the voice was only in his head it didn't change a lot other than that he saw his mouth move after he was done speaking, which was freaky. – Well if what this being said was true then he was having a conversation with himself right now.

"Wait, who says that I will keep you? Why would I keep a magical artefact that takes control of you and forces you to act against your will?”

Well buddy first I should remind you once again that I. Am. You. I don't force you to do anything that you wouldn't normally want to do. I am your alter ego that surfaces whenever you wear the mask. About the taking control part, well it happens automatically. We may be part of each other but still somewhat separate entities. But let us be real, even if you could have control, you probably wouldn't know what to do with this beauty.

He could only hear her thoughts but an image floated around in his mind of the Mask striking a seductive pose and smiling.

Great, did that mean he was stuck with this thing now?

He was still staring into the mirror awkwardly, if anyone could see him right now he would surely be worried because talking to yourself wasn't a thing that sane people normally did.

No not really, we are slowly starting to bond, growing closer to each other and each time you wear the mask this bond will most likely grow even closer but as I said, we're still separate entities that can think and act on their own. We are one being but separate at the same time, capiche? Now prettyy please put me on so we can pay Amelia a visit and check up on her?

Rob had a buttload of work on his hands and didn't have any courage at all to face her... after what happened. If this even really happened, maybe this was a very long acid trip he was having.

He still couldn't see anything, just hear some voice in his head as if someone had crammed a walky talky in his head but this entity could read his thoughts so he shook his head not sure about everything.

An image floated around in his head with the gorgeous Mask putting on a pouty face.

Awww come on, you're working from home today, remember? Plus, I can get that work done in no time. You have lived a far too mundane life, it is time to relieve some stress now don't ya think? I think we both know that it is only a matter of time until you'll put the mask on again, so why not just get it over with?

That got Rob thinking. He had actually enjoyed the whole experience, there were so many emotions, he had been confident and of course just thinking about what the mask transformed him into made him horny although he would never be able to openly admit it. His alter ego could read his thoughts though since she was him.

He put on the finishing touches on the latest report that was long overdue to mail it to his boss immediately, he could not risk any more heat that would get him fi-

Oh good, another reason for you to wear me. Your boss deserves a good kick up his ass. I can do it for you if you want...

As much as he would love getting a better treatment from his boss it just didn't seem right to abuse that kind of power. He read too many comics to know that.

But yet there was a desire deep inside drawing him to the mask, he could not stop thinking about the previous night and kept throwing looks over to the showcase, that was actually just a cheap shelf where the mask was currently resting. It felt like he was drawn to it like a moth to the light and he wanted to be HER again, be perfect and sexy. But he had to focus on work now or otherwise he wouldn't have a job to put food on the table and feed his comic addiction soon.

With some struggle he managed to send the report that was long overdue to his boss with his new alter ego giving overenthusiastic comments in his head on what he could do better.

“You know this is my life, I was born in this body and I am the one writing this report, Now could you shut up just for a second? I need to get used to having a voice in my head. Maybe I should tell my therapist about this.”

Oh shush, you know neither your therapist nor any pills in the world will help you get better, ever. But I will, with me you have everything you need to revamp your life. And I am still part of you so I wanna hear none of this “I was here first” nonsense oki? I have been there the entire time, just suppressed, and let me tell ya watching you do your nerd stuff was sooo tedious. He could practically feel her acting bored and faking a yawn, holding her hand in front of her mouth.

Rob got up from his desk and stared at the mask on his selfmade display case, it sat right on the top where it was easily visible like a price. A price indeed, this object was truly magical and Rob feared what harm it could do in the wrong hands. He wondered how it had ended up in that murky river after all. Before he could ask, the familiar voice came up.

Welllll that I actually don't remember too much but I guess my previous wearer couldn't take the power anymore. Who knows maybe he or she was a really bad boy? I actually don't remember because I am connected to your ID and not to the previous wearers. My memory starts the moment you put me on.

Rob, still staring at the mask from time to time nodded now even more confused and still getting used to the situation.

The mask gave off a faint glow again as if to dare him to put it on, she had been trying to convince him for so long and it was going on his nerves. So he decided to ignore it and get back to his bed to maybe go read a book to have something to do. He did have several other reports to work on and mails to answer but he needed a little break so a few minutes of relaxation wouldn't hurt, or would they?

Grabbing a new fantasy book he had bought, he positioned himself in a comfortable position in his bed. He had a couch and a whole variety of places to read but he always chose his bed. The nerd cave was just unbeatable.

He was about 10 pages in when

BOO. Oh, scared ya there.

“Is there any way to silence you?” He sighed and looked up expecting to see her but of course there was no one except the artifact itself.

Nopee you're stuck with me now and I am bored. We had a beautiful night, a night to remember. A major milestone reached for you and now you want to go back to being a loser? His alter ego asked incredulously.

He decided to just keep reading but deep inside both of them knew how badly he wanted this. He just decided to prevent himself to become too addicted and also feared that he would eventually become her entirely if he didn't stop.

Nononono that's not how it works, as I told you we are slowly starting to connect. That is partly why you can hear my thoughts now but I will never completely take over. Only when you wear me I guess. Ohh what's that, there's dragons in this story? I love dragons, plus you could use one to put a fire under your butt

Deciding not to comment on the internal monologue, he yawned and turned the page, already starting to get dizzy after half an hour as he always used to.

He was soon sound asleep, having collapsed over the book and saw images flashing in his mind, from the previous night he spent with Amelia and flashes of what he presumed was the future, the Mask having fun in the outside world doing what she did best – being immaculate. He immediately felt arousal forming in his light sleep until a noises from outside woke him, a guy blasting his car horns.

Startled, he jerked to a straight position, accidentally moving the shelf with the lifeless mask on it with his elbow which shook violently until losing balance. He looked up to identify the source of the shaking and saw it heading downwards right towards the bed and his face.

SPLAT

Urghh, NOO I didn't wan- Urgh.” He cried out as the mask did its work and quickly started spreading its tentacles around his head, once again swallowing his hair and melting into a rubbery consistence in the process. Rob tried to pry it off of him but the mask overpowered him and stuck to his face like glue. He groaned as it jerked his face this way and that while the vine like tendrils continued their advance with nearly unstoppable force. He gave up after a while, actually wanting to change deep inside. The Mask was finished encasing his head in the green gelatinous material and began shrinking to fit his head just like the previous time. He could feel it grow warmer while it was shrinking and growing tighter and tighter until it didn't feel like a mask anymore and it was completely connected to the nerves in his face.

He couldn't see it but his eyes had changed to her green colouring, he could feel the mask affecting his body forcing it into the preferred shape. His jeans slid off of him a little bit as his body proportions changed rapidly giving him a more feminine look and revealing his underwear in the process. His hoodie was suddenly much too large for a man his size but that didn't last long as her breasts made their way into the spare cavity that his deflating body had left, he moaned and managed to resist the urge to play with them as the same changes happened to his ass, Rob feeling them begin to swell until the jeans felt really tight on his skin. The hair on both his legs, arms, chest completely sucked inwards until his skin felt completely smooth to the touch. His manhood left him together with his hair as it began retracting into his body, forming her female organs. He held his green face in his head as his headspace began flooding with thoughts from his alter ego and he groaned one last time as 'She' took over with a grin. Since there was no mirror nearby she strode into the bathroom to watch the last few changes with her own eyes. Green eyes looked back at her and she could feel Rob watch the rest of the transformation in arousal, not in the driver seat anymore but still present.

She watched happily as ebony black hair grew from her bald head perfectly encasing her green head. Finishing touches were made by the unseen power radiating from the mask as her clothes changed, covering her breasts in a red stylish bra and forming a black leather jacket from green mist covering her body for a few seconds, accompanied by white trousers and a pair of short, sandy coloured boots not as large in size as last time but still incredibly good looking.

“Now that's more like it, too bad you had bit of an accident there but good for me. I am going to do what you are incapable of doing, just relax and enjoy the ride hun.” She snickered and tossed her curly black hair over her shoulders, winking into the mirror with her lime green eyes knowing Rob was watching it all underneath.

The Mask observed her immaculate cheekbones and smooth skin in the reflection, she really could not understand why Rob had been so desperate not to wear her as she could not see any downsides. He wanted to cope with his old and also the current situation and needed some time to himself, sure. But he knew she was a true gift and decided to throw it away. She considered taking the mask off again but sensing his arousal under the surface she changed her mind deciding to help him.

“Going back to boredom is off the table , in my opinion, you need someone to guide you and luckily I am here now.”

With that said she turned into a green whirlwind and headed to the door to check up on Amelia and perhaps save some people along the way.

Chapter Text

Hey, are you going to talk to me now? You've been sulking for the past 3 days. Rob looked up for a second, confused by the sudden voice and then went right back to writing his report. It was an article on the mysterious new vigilante roaming about the city and how she is saving many peoples lives while living the live herself, having been seen at various night clubs.

It was 10:22 AM and Rob was just about to finish writing it up when his other half decided to chime in again. She had been pretty silent for the past hour because he pleaded with her to let him work. Things were a little heated ever since he last transformed back, he was basically mad at himself for going out against his will but at the same time he knew he had wanted it so bad. Still, he hadn't made the choice to put the Mask on himself and she took advantage of getting control. Now he was sulking like a toddler and refusing to talk to the voice in his head. But while he was hellbent on ignoring her, she wasn't quite ready to give up yet.

Look, ya know i can read your mind. Just hear me out will ya? I'm sorry i took your body for a ride but you know just as well as me that you wanted every bit of this. You just needed a happy accident like this.

Rob didn't react much on the physical part, just started typing even more furiously.

Okay you're determined to give me the cold shoulder, huh? Well boo hoo you can continue pouting all you want but i know for sure that you will put me on again because i felt that you had a great time that night. I could feel the phantom boner when we got to the fun part...

He was typing even louder now as if hoping to tune the voice out but at the same time he knew his other side was right. I mean of course she was, she was the part of him that didn't shy away from doing stuff he normally wouldn't have the guts to do. Like fighting thugs or confronting a love interest, she just did whatever her desires asked for and since it was his inner desires she acted upon, he couldn't deny that he thoroughly enjoyed spending the night with Amy. Saving people about to get mugged by some street gangs felt satisfying and greatly helped let off some steam but spending time with her was the greatest experience ever even if it hadn't been him in control of the body.

See, you like when i am in charge and let us be honest you would never even be able to look at her let alone have sex with anyone and rubbing a quick one doesn't count Came the smirking voice from The Mask.

He sighed and gave up, she could literally do this all day until he was asleep and he had to admit that he wasn't as mad at her as he made it seem.

„Alright you won. Now let me finish this in silence so i can mail it. My boss is already watching me like a hawk to humiliate me again and i don't want to give him a reason to just because i spent my time talking to the voice in my head.“

Now it felt like the tables had turned and she was the one sulking. She had obviously hoped he would let her out again after 3 days of being confined to within his mind. And the desire to do that was growing stronger with any day that passed yet Rob needed some time to just be himself.

He made his way to the kitchen to get himself another cup of coffee, since The Mask wouldn't even fully shut up at night, robbing him of a good night's sleep by acting like a cat wanting to go outside every hour.

Carefully moving down the hallway while trying to avoid any troublemakers at the same time. He let out a huge sigh as he saw that the floor was devoid of anyone who could cause any commotion and he approached the coffee machine safe and sound.

„Looks like someone is as wasted as i am today, eh?“ No need to turn around to know that it was Brendan's eyes drilling right into Robs head.

Rob was fiddling with the machine, filling up the water tank and switching out the dirty filters.

„Yeah, a lot on my mind these days so i urgently need some caffeine. But the day's been going pretty great so far. At least i haven't seen Zack yet.“

He pressed the button sending the machine roaring, it was a really old one but the boss was miser and not interested in spending any money for the benefit of his employees. The best boss one could ask for.

„That manchild? You're in luck, he has taken today off and is busy being an ass god knows where, probably the bar. By the way, you still up for that match? Wouldn't want you to chicken out at the last second and waste the best seats ever.“

Say yes. SAY YES. He's handsome even though he's not my type. Perhaps i could keep dating Amy while you give Brendan a good FU-

Rob could feel the excitement, he never got invited to do literally anything but of course Brendan being the hero he is had noticed. If it wasn't for their slowly growing friendship Rob would have turned insane by now.

He nodded a little too vigorously but it got the point across, he was happy to watch the match.

„Sure, who doesn't love a good game and honestly this might be the first time watching soccer with a friend since high school.“

Yes! Finally. Progress my dear, now just kindly step into any closet and get it over with.

It took Rob all his willpower to ignore The Mask throwing in her two cents in the back of his head.

Brendan smiled slightly having figured as much. He poured himself a mug of coffee and Rob decided to do the same.

„Great, to hear. Was counting on not having to go alone you know. Well, the game is planned for next week i can give you a ride to the stadium and back if you want since you don't have a car.“

He took a sip out of his cup then made a face and emptied the container of a sugar pack into it. It was amusing to see that Brendan liked putting sugar in everything, it was very fitting sweet as he was.

I am more into Amy but i admit that he is kinda cute so could you have sex already? You could put me on, so i can do it for you...

Robs face reddened a little, it was actually embarrassing that he didn't have a driver license but so far he hadn't needed one. The bus and train traffic wasn't the best it could be but for sure enough to go places. And some of the extra cash he had over at the end of the month went to new comics or figures.

„That'd be great actually if it is not an issue of course. I can pay for the gasoline if you want, i do-“ He began to stammer but the offer was instantly shot down.

Brendan shook his head „It's fine don't worry about it. It's not like its a long way there. I'll manage.“

There was that damned smile again. It triggered a wide array of feelings inside Rob everytime. A while ago he didn't have any love interest whatsoever and now suddenly there's two, he wasn't sure how to feel about that but at least half of that was due to him finding the mythical object that had already turned his life upside down. But he would have to sort these confusing feelings later. He still had a report to mail.

Screw your boss, your sex life is a priority. Ask him if he's gay! And if he wants to fu-

„Uhh i really have to go send an mail, gotta reach the deadline this time around or someone will flip.“

With an all too knowing face, his so to say friend nodded.

„Well see you at lunch maybe? I know you prefer to eat in your office but with Zack gone, kitchen's not so bad, really.“

With that he strolled out of the room to return to his office that he actually shared with another worker.

Picking up his cup which was still full he found himself back at his desk. The Mask obviously disappointed that she didn't got her way sent her disapproval. But he was in charge now and he was too afraid to do what she could do with ease.

Honey, this is why you have to wear me more often. See how you get nothing accomplished? I got you laid on the first day out and there's plenty more... You know what you gotta do.

Rob checked back into his report and began to proof read.

„Here's the thing, we may be sharing one body and complement each other but i still need to live my life sometime and when i had the date it was actually you doing that.“

He checked the headline one last time. It read „The Masked Vigilante's out and about. But what good does she bring us?“ His boss had insisted to also write about the negative aspects on his alter egos appearance so he had no choice than to comply.

I swear when i'm out again i will give your superior the ass kicking he deserves. I don't see him running around saving people, and compared to him i look sexy as hell doing it.He couldn't see her physically but he felt his alter ego striking poses again in their shared mind like a model on a photoshooting.

Rob couldn't help but chuckle at this, truth be told she was indeed sexy. He loaded the report file into the mail and hit send, hopeful that no one would be knocking at his office about it. But his boss was the type to come hollering if there was even just a space too much.

Speak of the devil and it shall appear didn't apply to many situations but to Rob it happened nearly everyday. He heard someone barge right into his workspace and didn't have to look to know who it was as he could hear a husky voice loud enough to give him a temporary hearing loss.

„God fucking damn it Lewis, we talked about this!“

He slammed a bunch of papers on his desk with a loud bang and looked very pissed. About to fire you pissed.

God what does that chubby want now?

„I... i don't understand Mr. Hopkins, i thought this is what you wanted?“ Rob looked up to keep eye contact and was met with instant regret.

„I told you to keep focus on how the Mask damages our city's image with her vigilantism and not write a superhero story. We're a professional newspaper not one of your damn comics!“ His face was starting to change to red just like a tomato. A big tomato at that.

„Read the headline for a start.“ He pointed to the bundle of files and read:

„The Mask: Chicago's Local Protector?“ He must have forgotten to change the draft that he had written in a little moment of rebellion.

Rob couldn't see how that was his first issue, she literally saved someone from being robbed three days ago when he had last worn it. He was sure that there were many crimes happening day in and out that he couldn't stop but he still needed to come to terms with how much happened recently.

Can't see what's wrong with it, i am just the best. Gorgeous, strong bursting with self-confidence. Worrysome that you decide not to wear me all the time, if you ask me. It giggled in his mind.

Mr. Dickface was still waiting for an answer in the meantime and his face had pay decrease written all over it.

„She is saving a lot of people so i th-“

„She swallowed bullets and spit them back at the robber. Not to mention she glued robbers to a wall with some nasty substance that took hours to dissolve. She is hindering police investigations and taking things into her own hands. Not to mention her powers are a threat to us.“

Oh, thaaat robbery. Not sure what happened there, maybe i am allergic to bullets. And i think i am allergic to you so there's more snot coming your way... The Mask chatted like the man could actually hear her.

Typical of his boss to only see the negative aspects of everything. He strangely reminded Rob of JJJ from Spider-Man comics just not as fanatic. The day he called his alter ego a menace would come sooner or later he thought.

„There are shootings every year with many deaths but i don't see how police are a threat. But i will change it right away“ He stammered frantically looking for the document file to make changes. His boss didn't take kindly to having to wait.

„Yes you will. Because we can't print this ass kissery. Change all the parts where you praise the Mask for no apparent reason. If you want to praise her then open up a blog, understood?“

HEY. Ass kissery? THAT'S ENOUGH. Put me on, i want to have a word with him and you seem to be to intimidated. Come ooon dear hurryyy. PUT ME ON.

Yyes Mr. Hopkins, i will have it sent right away.“

Honey, you gotta stop stuttering. Kick his ass. Or at least let me do it for ya. A lot had happened in his mind the past few days, except hearing a voice that is. He wanted to transorm into her again, he just struggled with his new identity and perhaps sexuality and it was hard to come to terms with it.

The door closed very audibly and he was awoken from his thoughts. He sighed and checked his phone, it was the lunch break which would last for 45 minutes. He could go get a tea or something to calm his nerves. He disiked these kinds of confrontations for obvious reasons. Deciding for a smoothie, he went on a short walk to his favorite store until...

„Is your hearing impaired, dude? You owe us. Pay up or pay with your life. Your brain man.“

„I don't got any! Listen, i am getting paid soon. I will pay it back but i have a family to feed!“

He was walking through a small alley that was the fastest way to the smoothie shop and recognized a voice. It was the voice of one of the two thugs that his alter ego had stopped three days ago. One of them had been caught but the two got away.

„Fuck your family, we gave you a loan and you passed the dead line. We gave you many chances but this time it is you who will pass.“ A second and also familliar voice sounded

A gun clicked as if a bullet was chambered.

He should have known they wouldn't stop mugging, since the voices came from a sharp corner he had to pass he flattened against the wall and listened, paranoid that someone could find him.

Hey. Hey Rob. HEEY. I can help, you know it. Put me on before they put too many holes in this guy.

He looked at his bag which hid the magical artifact. Pumped with adrenaline and wanting to run away but that wouldn't do the victim any good.

Listen pal, there's no time to argue. This person will die and i can do what you can't. Save his life like i saved yours. Let me out honey, his lifes on the line.

Rob was hesitant. Who said he would actually get the body back after giving her the wheel? But he didn't see any other option and he was itching to wear it again. He snuck to a mobile toilet box since it's the only place nearby that would help hide the vivid transformation to take place.

Inside, he brought the mask to his face, putting it on his own accord this time and starting to accept his alter ego into his life.

SCHLOOP!

Like previous times, the mask jumped out of his hands at the last inches and clamped hard on his face, he groaned as the transformation began and his body changed to feminine proportions. It happened way faster this time, like the object knew that a life was in danger. Her features shoved aside Robs lousy manhood in no time and control was turned to his alter ego in just a matter of seconds this time.

All people walking nearby would be able to hear was groaning and rumbling inside the toilet. They would probably think a couple was doing it inside a mobile toilet and be grossed out but that didn't matter.

The Mask stormed out of the toilet. Her green face frowned as she looked back at the toilet.

„Not the entrance i had in mind but i am finally out again. Wish i could treat ourselves to some fun times but first things first dear.“ She sped to the corner where she heard the voices.

„I will give him 10 seconds until he is full of bullets.“

„Wait, we should offer him to work off his debt first. If he gets our money through other means then i say we're even. What do ya think, Axel?“

The Mask sped into the small dead end to face the threat. Apparently this city had a mafia problem and her other personas boss thought she was the threat. She rolled her eyes at that mentally.

„Well well well. If it isn't my little friends again. Ready for round two already?"

„Oh shit it's the guacamole chick again. Let's kill her for good this time.“

Both aimed their guns.

The Mask crossed her arms. „Boys, are you cereal? This didn't work last time what makes you think it will this time.“

„I'll admit lady, last time was weird as hell but it won't repeat this time. Let me put you down for good“

The older of the two was extremely on edge and didn't seem like he was not in the mood for much talking. But the younger one observed the strange woman in front of his view.

„Hey yo chick. Where's the nachos to go with that guacamole, huh?“

The Mask hated to be compared with a literal snack so she decided just to solve the situation as soon as possible.

„You really should watch your mouth because when i am angry i am more like a spicy salsa rather than guacamole my dear.“

„This sex toy is supposed to threaten us? Let's just blow a hole in her head, Axel.“

„Agreed, the faster we get some money, the faster we can get him out.“

„SEX TOY? I will give you sex toy!“ And so she stepped forward.

She was met with bullets instantly but she dodged them effortlessly by bouncing up and down like a rubber ball also bouncing from left to right using the surrounding walls. Seeing the rubber ball bouncing towards them, the robbers tried to run towards the victim to use as a shield but she was faster, disarming the younger thug.

„SHIT.“ He shouted.

„This looks fun but i am afraid you're to young to use this, sweetie. Wouldn't wanna poke an eye out. Or any other hole for that matter.“ She stepped closer until she was just inches apart from the older robber.

She aimed and pulled without a warning. A flag popped out of the gun with BANG written on it in cartoon letters.

„Just kidding hueeheue. It's not actually a real one.“ What had been a real handgun before was a water pistol now, bright green with a yellow trigger.

She pulled out an inflatable bat and whacked the Axel guy with it who just flew into the thrash bin nearby as if it had been a real bat. The lid closed on him with a bang.

„Home Run!“ The Mask cheered and went on to the other thug standing there with a knife from his pockets in his hands.

„Uh oh that's not something you should play with.“

„SCREW YOU. We're not going back to jail. You can't mak-.“

The Mask turned into a green tornado and spun around him rapidly to tie him up with fairy lights from her endless pockets. When she was done he looked like a christmas tree, a bald one but still better than nothing. You can never celebrate christmas too early, she thought to herself feeling Rob's reluctant amusement beneath the surface.

„There, looking nice and cozy. Honey this suits you. Have you thought about working as a christmas tree? You're a natural!“ She giggled and wound the leftover part of the lights up a street lantern, pulling him up.

„Wait. You can't leave me up here. You're a hero right?“ He begged, smelling his impending demise.

The Mask put on a shocked expression. „Ohhh you're right darling i completely forgot.“ She pulled out a piece of colorful paper and a absurdly large pen and began scribbling so fast that her fingers blurred and the paper would have burned for sure.

She blew the note towards the lantern post and made sure to make an extra one for Axel in the bin. They read „I am trash. Pick me up.“ and „Put on the naughty list indefintively“ respectively.

Then she put a sturdy toy lock on the garbage container with kiss marks on it as a reminder who took the liberty to trap these troublemakers.

Satisfied with her work, she turned to the victim.

„That's it my dear, you're save. Now if you'll excuse me, forget that you ever saw me i really gotta change out of this dress. Ouch does it hurt my boobs.“

She sped away so fast that she didn't even have time to hear his reaction. But her wearers break was almost over and she knew her time was up for now.

Chapter Text

The Mask lay on the roof of a skyscraper with a leg angled, looking up into the sky. She had a stylish (In her opinion) leathery top on that mixed green and yellow tones together and reminded somewhat of the 80s with its flashy coloring, a lime green pair of spandex pants filled her curves beautifully and she had a fitting pair of elegant boots. She really liked this outfit, it screamed vigilante and green suited her as it fit to the rubbery texture on her face. The sun was shining down on her as dusk approached. It has been a long and stressful day today and Rob surprisingly decided it was time to don the mask and let off some steam which was fine by her since all she had been able to do all day was make funny remarks and complain to Rob about how much of a tyranny his place of work was.

Now she was relaxing on one of the highest buildings in the city, not too far from Rob's workplace basking in and enjoying the sun. While taking in all those sun rays, she was also listening in to the environment at the same time to know when and where crimes were happening, a cartoonish silly looking, oversized radio stationed right next to her. It had been fairly silent, several small felonies came through so far but too small to bother ruining the make up. No, what she was waiting for the big fish, armed robberies, arson. She wanted to show everyone that she wasn't a „danger to society“ as Mr. Hopkins put it. Her alter ego's boss needed a good ass kicking and she would be more than happy to hand it to him but she could feel Rob's disapproval shimmering through the surface and sighed.

You could use some ass kicking too, ya know. But that would be like kicking myself. She sighed.

Suddenly, a noise distracted her from her daydreams, it came from the radio and sounded all too familiar.

„We have a 10-80 going on at Main Street, heading towards highway. Requesting backup immediately.“

„Roger that, dispatching an unit to your location ASAP“ Came the answer.

The Mask jerked her head to the oversized radio that jumped around and vibrated its speakers in an exaggerated way. She sighed, the sun was just starting to feel nice, but this was a big one that could cause a lot of mayhem. She got to her feet and dusted off her outfit before speeding down the set of stairs of the building, passing a lot of confused inhabitants that were on the way up or down. Causing a lot of honking and noise on the streets, pavement and everywhere else she zipped past, she soon arrived at the crime scene.

Since The Mask slightly miscalculated her route, she actually ran right into the speeding car and upon realising this, her eyes and tongue popped out as she screamed. She was immune to all damage of course due to her magic but the others were not.

After dodging approaching cars, elderly and shoving pigeons out of her face, she turned around to give chase.

The police officer trying to stop the rogues stared out of the window with a unbelieving expression upon seeing The Mask running next to him, running just fast enough to keep up with the car for a few seconds, her legs only visible as a two separate sets of whirlwinds moving against the clock as she ran. She saluted to the officer with a big grin.

„Don't worry babe, i got this. You can relax and uhh, get a coffee?“ She winked at the confusing officers as she passed them.

She ran faster and left the gawking officer behind, hoping he would not get in her way and have to get saved. These stupid humans had that tendency, even the saviors themselves.

She ran after the vehicle, that must've been going like 60 miles per hour in a 25 zone. To her, that was ridiculously slow, she felt slowed down by the snail pace. Stopping it by sheer force would be too easy but that is not what Rob wanted, it would put people around at risk bla bla. She could feel Rob's anxiety bubbling to the surface but pushed it aside.

When she was right next to them, a quick glance inside revealed that these specimen were likely not the sharpest tools in the shed. A bald brute guy plastered in tattoos and a skinnier person with a track jacket.

„Hey gentsss. I must kindly ask you to slow down a little. That'd be greatttt. Can we do that?“

No reaction.

„Okay, whoever gets out of the car first can kiss me on the cheek but only one. Even if i don't want to, you're gross as hell. Come on, I know you wanna.“

Still no reaction, she gritted her teeth. Ladies hate when you ignore them so The Mask was understandably frustrated, at this rate they would probably speed right through a shopping mall or something.

She pulled out a green megaphone and turned it on with a loud screech to be sure the imbeciles were actually listening this time.

„HEY YOU THERE, YES YOU CRIMINAL SCUM. IF YOU DON'T SLOW DOWN LIKE RIGHT NOW I WILL USE MY STILETTOS ON YOUR BALLS. IT WILL HURT. A LOT.“

The red car only seemed to pick up on speed. That's it, enough of this mockery. Her face, usually bright green had some red in it and steam emitted from her ears like a boiling tea pot.

Reaching deep inside her spandex pockets, she pulled out a long rope which she tied into a lasso. Perfect, just what she needed. Who needs spikes when you can be a cowgirl?

She aimed at the vehicle, which turned out to be a little harder than at a horse since it was so big. Woops, she accidentally ripped off the wing mirror on the left side. But it wasn't like they were paying attention to their surroundings anyway.

After accidentally decapitating a fire hydrant she finally landed a hit on the bumper but at around the same time, before she could try to slow the wannabe racers down their car brushed a parked car on the side of the road where the driver had just opened the door. The door was sent flying, leaving behind a very confused civilian who would have to call his insurance now. She saw the separated door flying through the air towards her and jumped instinctively to stop it. Having no hand free because of the rope, she landed on top of it with her feet and oh boy was this a mistake.

"Ohhh sugar, looks like i'm in for a ride." She exclaimed as the separated car door started sliding down the street after the runaway car, creating sparks as it did so while the Mask steered away from obstacles in the way. It didn't take long for them to pass a crossing and she tried to dodge pedestrians like in a video game.

„Oh dear, this is not what i had in mind. WATCH OUT GRANNIE, sensitive cargo coming through!”

She miscalculated a little and ended up in the opposite lane and a pickup truck was heading right her way. Shit. She jumped, flicked the car door upwards which flew up and somehow managed to land back on it after passing the truck. Proudly, she pulled out the megaphone to announce her success.

”Heyy boyss I believe I just did an a noflip! Ain't that impressive? Now can you pretty please just stop, you're messing up my hair. I spent ages styling it. Well actually... Just stop will ya?”

But as an answer, one of the thugs just aimed a pistol out of the window and started shooting her way. Unbelievable, she thought, so they were ignoring her the entire time. She couldn't stand being ignored, she was sexy, a goddess in flesh. People should god damn listen when she speaks!

Her face started going from lime green to pepper red and steam erupted from both of her ears and nose holes. Enough is enough, this car is going down.

She pulled an inflatable out of her far too small pockets and threw it in front of the car where it inflated into its maximum size and a giant rubber ducky. The car full of thugs didn't have any time left to react and hit it with full speed, luckily for them the material caught the vehicle but the green faced vigilante found out that she slightly miscalculated the physics because she kept going.

”Hnaaaaaargh I didn't think this through, watch out there pigeon. Comin' in hot!” She screamed to the unlucky bird as the remaining force made her fly towards the car, slamming her right into the giant ducky.

”Whew, well that was an experience. Not one I would like to repeat. Now to our troublemakers...” She fixed her hair using superspeed which blurred her hands and then strolled to the car which had all air bags deployed.

”Looks like everyone is out cold. Sorry boys, no kiss for ya then. Only bars and not chocolate ones either.”

She sped around the car, leaving comically large signs pointing at the vehicle so the police could find it. Of course they would find it anyway but she wanted to rub it in that she stopped them. She didn't believe that it would make her wearers boss change his mind about her but perhaps one day he would say something nice. She finished her job with some chains which she used to keep the runaways inside the car. She hoped Rob would actually give him a lession that he wouldn't forget but underneath she could feel Rob react to her thoughts and sighed.

It is hopeless with you hun but have it your way.She rolled her eyes and saw the police approaching. Not wanting a lecture on vigilantism, she blew a kiss which floated towards the police car and exploded into tiny hearts, then fled the scene leaving only dust where her body had been.

The Mask was satisfied with her work and now it was time to claim her reward. Rob had kept her from any sexual activity lately by refusing to fear the mask, he had been too focused on work and she needed some time for herself away from the vigilante role. So she decided there was some catching up to do, even if Rob had put on the mask so she could go crimefighting. But just fighting crimes wasn't gonna cut it, she was the part of his desires that he wouldn't fulfill without her help and boy, did this man need some help.

She was on her way to pay Amelia a visit and see how she was doing when she heard several fire trucks not too far away, she thought about ignoring it at first but sensing Rob's emotions surface and affect her, she groaned and changed direction.

UGHHH, fine. But you owe me for this and I will remind you of that. Maybe we should discuss mask times. A beauty like deserves some more freedom.

It was indeed a fire. A pretty big one too, 2 fire trucks had arrived to the apartment block to put a stop to it, albeit unsuccesful, paramedics were nearby and trying to resuscitate a poor woman who spent too much time in the smoke.

”Ohh boy, that is a hot fire. Not as hot as me though.” Hearing the cries of people stuck in the building, she ran not trying to think about how the fire and smoke would completely ruin her look and located a man in distress who was stuck under a collapsed part of the building.

“Help, please I can't move!”

”I got this babe, you just relax.” She replied to the wounded man, acting like he had an option to move in the first place with all that weight on his body. She lifted up the wood and rocks so he could crawl out, then she threw the man over her shoulders like a sack of potatos.

"Buckle up, i'm saving everyone at once, it's gonna be a ride!"

The next person she found was a woman in a dead end which was blocked off by flames and thick smoke, she pulled a small hose out of her pockets and turned it on, extinguishing the flames and accidentally splashing the woman in the process.

”Woops, sorry lady didn't mean to ruin your make up. Hold on tight!"She shouldered the woman right on top of the man who let out a groan. She hoped they were married.

”Ohh sugar, that's unfortunate but on the bright side, it beats being burnt to a crisp, right. RIGHT? All she got as a response was more groaning. Great, they were getting along really well.

Next was another woman who already passed out and which the Mask almost tripped on. She decided to carry her on her other shoulder to spare the man the extra weight and embarrassment.

”Big fan of beauty sleeps, but this ain't it girl. That was all of them, she was protected by the powers of the mask but the same couldn't be said about the victims so she got the hell out of there.

She laid them down in front of the paramedics and before any of them could even squeak attached the fire hose of a truck to her mouth. Her face swelled like a green balloon or even a water melon as her mouth filled with liquid. Then she turned her attention towards the burning building and started spraying water all over the place with double the efficiency a the firefighters. Left were just some smoldering debris. Satisfied, she bowed to her audience which was clapping frantically.

“You rock, Greenie!”

”Thank you, thank you sooo much. You're the best audience one could wish for, I love you all!” She bowed and basked in the glory and caught an imaginaty flower bouquet until a voice snapped her out of it.

“Hey, Mask. Care for an interview, please?” It was Zack, Rob's colleague who apparently went out for a little field trip to write articles. Feeling the urge to give the guy his just desserts, she realised it was time to go before she did anything his boss could use to paint her in a bad light.

”Ohhh ehhh ya guys it's been fun. But duty calls, see ya on the flipside guys and gals!

With that, she was on her way again and this time hopefully nothing would stand in her way to have a fun time. Amelia lived in a run down apartment complex that looked like a new paint job was long overdue from the outside but that didn't bother her, she only saw the facade for a few seconds anyway before she came busting into the door in her whirlwind form.

Without any hesitation at all, she sped right up to her door and knocked. Nobody opened. She knocked again, a little louder this time. Maybe she was just asleep? The Mask knew it was a little rude to show up unannounced but Amy had not given her the address for nothing, right? When she was about to leave and considered going home, someone opened the door but it was not Amelia. A man looked out of the gap between door and frame with a stern expression.

“What do you want?”

”Ohh hiya, I was just hoping to see Amy. She said she lives here? Spoke the Mask and put on a big smile even though this man smelled like trouble to her already.

She would be proven right soon.

“What do you want from her. And why is your face green, I think you forgot to remove your avocado peeling there.” Noticing his husky voice, he was likely to be a chainsmoker. This spelled trouble and now she could only guess why Amelia behaved the way she had been.

”Yeeahh no this is my real face. Don't you watch TV? Anyway, she there or what? Sorry sweetie but I don't got all day.”

“She can't come out right now, she's sick with the flu. Come back later.” He was on his way to close the door again but the Mask sensing something was wrong with her magical touch, put a stop to it with her hand.

”I won't get sick if you're concerned, can I at least see her, hun?”

The man's expression changed to an even more stern one, which she didn't think was even possible. “Look, I don't mean to disappoint you darling, but she needs rest and I won't allow anyone to disturb it.”

Allow. That might be a sign. Or maybe not but the Mask wasn't a normal ordinary human. She knew something was wrong. But sensing Rob's disapproval bubbling up to the surface, reacting to her intentions, she was stopped in her tracks as she didn't want to upset her wearer or he might not let her out for a longer period of time.

”Okay then, I will bring some chicken soup at least. Wish her a speedy recovery for me, that'd be greattt yea?”

After he shut the door, she decided to gain access to the apartment. Perhaps she could sneak in through a window? Her apartment was located on the third floor but she would find a solution for that.

From a garden, she calculated the balcony that was llikely hers. She pulled out a rope with a plushie hook at the tip and threw it up the balcony.

”Let's hook her up shall we! Oh, score!” She pulled on the rope to make sure it was secure, then pulled out the rest of the rope which appeared to be longer than expected.

”Oh shoot, you could go bungee jumping with this. Not that I would. Uhhh thats enough rope now. Uhhhh I said enough?” She begged while still pulling out rope of her seemingly endless pockets. She shrugged and just decided to climb.

She tied to rope around her waist and spun around by 180 degrees which made her ascend the rope like a human jojo and wrapped the sturdy material around her in the process. Now she was on the balcony but looked like a failed escape artist. Great.

”Good part is i'm up, bad part is errrrr. I'm in a tight spot.”

She made the rope disappear and noticed that the balcony door just so happened to be open. Lucky her. Knowing that this was breaking and entering, she decided that Amelia's wellbeing warranted invading her privacy and sped to her room to not disturb the sleeping chainsmoker on the couch. The entire apartment reeked of cigarettes and alcohol, yuck.

Finding her room was easy enough, it was the only place that didn't stink like pest, it actually smelled pleasantly like flowers. She vanished inside and there she was. Sleeping in her bed curled up in a fetal position. This broke the Mask, as she could feel how unsafe Amy felt here.

”Ohh dear what is going on here.” She whispered and crept closer.

She didn't look sick at all, rather insecure the way she slept. But she actually wasn't sleeping, she was only pretending and hearing something in her room made her turn around.

“Wwait, pleas- Mask? What? How did you get in here?”

”Awww honey I decided to check up on you. It has been some time but saving town kept me busy. What is going on here?”

“Nothing, its all good I am just resting...” She muttered but The Mask wasn't buying any of it. The alcohol and cigarettes made sure of that and then she spot something on her arm as she moved. A bruise.

She grabbed her arm gently to examine it, it wasnt very big but definitely noticable.

”Who hurt you? Was it HIM?”

Amy's face got red and she looked to the door, afraid. “Nnno no I tripped and fell it's all good.”

”Doesn't look like its all good to me. Honey, you can talk to me, I can help. In fact I put out a fire in an entire apartment block today I can handle domestic violence. Just say the word and I will kick his ass out of this place.”

“No, nothing is wrong. Rr-really. He is been good to me. I am just tired.”

Like on command, she heard HIS voice holler from the living room where she knew he had last been, since she had zipped right past him.

Amy's eyes opened wide and she panicked “Qqquick, get out. He can't see you, he dislikes you.”

”HE dislikes ME? Well, I don't really like him either and I ain't afraid of him. Bring it on.”

With a wide grin, she opened her mouth wide, comically wide ”I'm heeereee. Would you care to come get me a nice and hot tea for my flu, honey?”

As if stung by a tarantula, the guy jerked upwards from his seat and reached the door in record time, he didn't even wait one second before bursting into the door.

“What? Who let this bitch in? I certainly didn't. Listen Amelia, I expressed myself pretty clearly, didn't I? This is my apartment and we go by my rules. I decide who even puts a toe in here.” He looked pissed to say the least, about to hit someone later pissed. The Mask knew she had to step in. She had seen enough.

”Listen 'ere pal, this might be your apartment but I am pretty sure you don't own her. She can do what she wants and she decided to meet a friend.”

“No she did not, at least not in my house. Get your fucking green vomit face out of my place. And you and I will have a chat.” He said, putting an emphasis on “chat”.

The Mask just stood there like a statue. Motionless.

“Are you deaf AND retarded? I said LEAVE.” He made a fist. He wouldn't dare, would he?

Of course he would. He took the 3 or 4 steps that were needed to cross the tiny room and went for a punch. He hit her alright but she didn't feel anything. He cried out as he had obviously hurt his hand, maybe even broken it.

”AWW BRUTE. Now you have outdone yourself. Welp, one hand less I guess.”

She was just done talking when he went for another swing, this time she sidestepped and threw him on the ground like a martial arts fighter. He groaned as his body hit the ground.

The Mask made sure he was looking her into the eyes ”Look, this is how it is gonna go from now on, you will treat this lady like she deserves to be treated. With respect. If you can't do that, then you don't deserve her, or any woman at that. Got it all or want it on paper? I am giving you a chance here, so work with me.”

But the man was so filled with rage that he was not in the mood to listen, he tried to get up but she pushed him down with her little finger.

”Sigh. They never listen. Amy, pack your stuff and let's go.”

Amy just stood there, face as white as a vampire's.

“She's my fiancee you stupid bitch. Of course she isn't going anywhere!”

The Mask had expected this of course but she would not let her stay in danger any longer. ”Amy, he might be your boyfriend but what good did he ever bring into your life?! You deserve someone who truly loves you, not treats you like a puppet. Come on sweetie.” She looked into her eyes deeply and encouraged her to make a choice.

“You fucking WHORE, You-” She caught the healthy hand of the delinquent and held it to his chest. Slowly, she looked back “Bbut what about him?”

The Mask threw the man who had been cursing nonstop a glare. ”I will make sure he never lays hand on anyone ever again, hun. Don't worry about him.”

“You don't understand, he wwill find me and then he w-” She stammered but was stopped by The Mask.

”Shhh Amy, relax. I am not an ordinary woman you known, he knows this and I swear to hunt him down if he even looks at you. Is there anywhere you can go?”

She would have invited her to her place but Rob wouldn't be very pleased. Plus, his place was too nerdy. Another plus, they had a secret to keep.

Slowly, Amy nodded “Yyes, my dad lives nearby in our old place. He still kept my room.”

The Mask smiled ”Excellent. I will take you there. Being honest, this isn't at all how I hoped my visit would go. I was hoping for something else... But your safety goes first. Buckle up gurl!”

She zipped around the room to gather important belongings and let them disappear into their endless pockets, she even shoved an entire bag into her outfit. In no time, she was done and zipped away with Amy in record time.

”Soo your old man. Kindly point me to him, will ya honey?”

It was hard to talk while it was so windy but she had super hearing and they soon found themselves in front of a nice looking, small house. Now this was promising. She could feel Rob bursting through underneath and she stumbled a little while Amy had taken a step forward, not sure what to say to her father. She wasn't ready to take the mask off again but it felt like her time was over for now. But Rob would have to wait until she knew Amy was safe and sound.

”Looks like a 5 star hotel compared to the trash your “boyfriend” calls an apartment. Go give that door a nice big knock, will ya?”

Amy remained hesitant and just stood there, lost in her thoughts.

The Mask zipped right to the door, grabbed the knocker which turned into a representation of The Mask and blew a kiss towards her.

When she knocked, a noise sounding like it was straight out of a cartoon appared to echo through the entire house which got to be confusing for the (probably) old man.

He seemed like a very caring man when he opened and instantly recognised his daughter.

“Amy, I haven't seen you in a while. How are things?” His eyes spelled concern as he saw all her baggage and his daughter frozen like a statue on his porch.

”Sorry for chiming in. Hi, i'm The Mask you may know me from TV as the beautiful, superheroine. Amy wanted to ask if she could stay with you for a while. There have been... issues.”She put up the most adorable and biggest puppy eyes possible.

“Issues? Is there something wrong? You told me everything was fine on the phone.”

Amy finally regained her strength to utter a small sentence “I wasn't completely honest with you...”

“Come in honey, let us talk and then we can get you settled in your old room. It's still like you left it. Thank you err...” He looked at the green headed figure not sure what to say to her.

”Just Mask will do. No biggie mister, just had to step in to... ehh I think I will let her do the explaining, hero duty calls and bad boys need punching. Are you okay from here on, sweetie?” She looked at Amy for confirmation who nodded slowly.

“Yes thank you...”

”Aww anytime sweetheart. Don't worry, I haven't brought ya here to dump you. I will come by later when I fulfilled my quota of stupid alcoholics and brain dead thugs. T'was an honor to meet you, gramps!”

Before she could see how the man would react to this, she zipped away leaving only a cloud behind where she stood, she had no time for more hero duty as Rob was shining through from her mind and demanded control back. She knew she didn't have to hand the wheel back to him but she also didn't want to imprison him in her mind, like she wouldn't want to be confined to his aswell.

She speeded right back to his nerd cave, unknowing to her, someone was watching in a car nearby.

“Boss, i've got eyes on the target.” "Good. Bring it to me"

Chapter Text

Rob was excited, perhaps a little overexcited. His heart was pounding because today was the day he would finally go to watch the football game together with Brendan. Luckily, both of them had been able to take the day off even though Mr. Hopkins gave him the stare of stares before finally approving with a grunt. Maybe that was the “You didn't earn it but get out of my face” look but Rob didn't care as long as long as he could finally go get out of his man cave. The Mask wasn't completely satisfied as she preferred Amy and so she kept bugging him in their shared mind but he was unusually good at ignoring it today. He had given her almost a complete day out and he was proud of getting Amy out of that situation but this was still his life, his body, well sort of at least. He wasn't going to wear the mask 24/7 just to satisfy his other half and since he had just taken it off, the urge to wear it wasn't very strong.

Right now, he was currently staring into the mirror awkwardly trying to check his look and pondering if it was acceptable to go out like this.

I wouldn't dare wear that shirt tucked in if I were you. Don't try to make yourself look more like a nerd than you already are. But hey, you do you hun.

He ignored the voice of his alter ego, which was getting easier and easier by day. It would be needed if he was to act natural in the stadium. Even though he wasn't planning on wearing it, he brought the artifact just in case there was anything huge going on. This was supposed to be his day but still he wouldn't want to put any people in danger due to selfishness.

And an even better fact about you taking me with ya, you can put me on if it's going bad and I can soften him up for you. C'mon you know you wanna. She whispered in his head in a charming voice and he could practically feel her wink.

If his predecessor had thrown the magical object into the river because the voices in his head were driving him or her crazy, he could now understand. Rob decided to change his look to a more casual one, choosing a pair of light blue jeans, red shirt with a bear logo on it and his usual pair of shoes. It was a pretty warm day so he ditched the jacket. He had plenty of clothing with cartoon or comic characters on them but maybe today wasn't the day to show everyone your nerd side?

His phone lit up and read Hey, on my way. Traffic might be a bit rough today, just thought i'd let you know. PS: Don't forget the merch.

Excited, Rob picked up the phone a little too hastily and dropped it in the process ”Fuck. Can't be this clumsy at the game.

Fuck indeed. Why are you going to the game when you can just go to the nearest bedroom? Chimed in the voice of the Mask.

Just ignore her, she doesn't exist today. He thought to himself while typing a response I can't wait. I'm bringing my Chicaco Bears shirt.

Ohh honey, you can't escape the sexy that easily. I will remind you of that the whole, boring as hell game that you men call “fun”.

Rob sighed Sorry, I don't want to ignore you but can't you just shut up today? I really can't embarrass myself talking to you in front of Brendan. And it's not like I can mess anything up on your end. Please?

Look, being crammed into this mind ain't fun, it's really tight in here and girls just wanna have fun. The feminine voice giggled Ugh, fine. I will try not to make a peep but in exchange for letting me out, sayyy tonight?

He looked at the Mask sticking out of his bag and sighed internally, well he didn't know what it felt like to be stuck in a mind and only be able to use your voice. But at the same time, he didn't want her to take over his life too much.

Uh oh, someone hasn't listened to the teacher. That ain't happening. We are two distinct personalities as far as I'm concerned but I can't take over completely because I am part of your entire being. Duh. Besides, I am the part of you that desperately tries to stick out and not be so 08/15 so I don't wanna be stuck as a guy. I like my package. He could see the Mask blowing a kiss at him.

He checked his look one last time and thought over every decision he had made this morning, after coming to a final decision that the Mask was no help with, he began walking up and down the living room in suspense. Waiting for the inevitable door bell or phone message, his introverted self wasn't all that great at dealing with stress.

Seconds turned to minutes but roughly 22 minutes later he got a message stating Found a parking spot. Let's get rolling.

Wow. You really counted every single minute, didn't ya? Remarkable.

Rob bolted out the bedroom door, dropping his backpack and stubbing his toe on the way out which made him curse internally.

Looks like we need to wash someone's mouth out with soap, huh? You could put the mask on, I will walk you down the stairs so you don't fall, then take it off again. Pinkie promise? his alter ego made the cutest puppy eyes at him in their shared mind but he was keen on ignoring her for the most part today.

As he arrived at the parking lot, he immediately spotted Brendan's red Honda Accord on a parking spot marked for visitors. Brendan was casually leaning an arm out of the open window when Rob approached the vehicle, trying not to make a fool of himself. Luckily, he managed to get into the car in one piece.

“Hey there. Been enjoying your free time I hope?”

Rob tried a smile “Totally. Any break from old Hopkins is a relaxing day.”

Brendan started reversing out of the parking spot after Rob finished fighting with the seat belt.

“I bet. Guy gives you an unnecessarily hard time. That guy even gets on my nerves and he doesn't have anything against me. But I think you will be pleased to hear that Zach got scolded for a mess up too recently.”

“At least some justice.” Rob mumbled while they passed various streets, some of which he remembered speeding through as his alter ego.

The Honda maneuvered through Chicaco's jungle of streets of honking cars.

He was unsure what to say, was this a date or just two guys hanging out?

Rob and Brendan sitting on a tree. K-I-S-S-I EN GEE.

“Nice shirt by the way. Didn't take you for a big Chicaco Bears fan, more like He-Man to be honest.” Commented Brendan with a quick glance to his side.

Rob scratched his head nervously “Yeah I think I like comics far more but when I watch football, I prefer the Falcons.”

“Ooh. They've been losing big this season but they usually rank decently.”

The stadium soon came into sight and Brendan found a parking spot after a while of looping, turns out many people were excited for this game and it wasn't even a semifinal.

“Big crowd today, might need earmuffs.” Brendan said jokingly “American Football isn't just physically brutal.”

Rob chuckled and tried not to make it sound too weird “To be honest if I was on the field, there wouldn't be anything left of me in the end.”

“Let's see if there will be something left of your eardrums. Hope the big crowd isn't too overwhelming for you though, I know you don't typically go here.”

Awww he really cares for you, that is so sweet. Just tell him you changed your mind... You could also go to his place.

Ignoring the voice was really difficult but if he didn't want to scare Brendan away talking to himself, he had to get his shit together at least for a couple hours.

Come on, I just wanna help. And trust me you need some help or otherwise you won't get laid until you're in nerd heaven...

They passed a merch shop on their way to their seats which sold various bear themed merch.

“You want claws to go with the shirt?” Asked Brendan with a sheepish grin.

He wanted the claws. A while later they sat down at long last. There was more than enough space next to his seat which he was grateful for.

The game began at the snap in which the guest team The Cardinals carried the ball while trying not to get their bones broken one by one. Brendan and Rob were obviously rooting for the Bears and so apparently was most of the stadium because there wasn't a lot of cheering whenever the Cardinals were on the move. Cardinals had the ball but not for long because they were tackled from all sides.

The near silence turned into an earpiercing collection of screams and cheers.

Ugh. Men are so weird for liking this buuuut I can see one upside of being together in one place like that... she said and giggled cheekishly. So far, he did really well at ignoring her.

The Bears did well to evade the incoming Cardinals until an unfortunate fumble lost them the ball. Not for long though because the Bears really seemed to want to win today.

“Damn, the Bears are hungry for some bird today.” Brendan said as they watched a brutal mass of players trying to get off of each other.

“The Bears are notorious for being brutal. Sucks to be a Cardinal.” Rob answered sure that at least one of them had to have suffered a light concussion from that struggle.

Then the first touchdown happened when a player literally powered through the field like the freaking Hulk and rammed a poor Cardinal aside.

The crowd was cheering so loud that it was hard to hear anything at all.

EXCUSE ME. WHAT DOES A LADY NEED TO DO TO GET SOME QUIET IN HERE? COME ON ROB, YOU COULD BE AT A SIMILIAR LOUD PLACE RIGHT NOW. LIKE THE CLUB. SOUNDS GOOD?

It was so loud that he even had a hard time to hear the Mask and she was inside his head. He joined the other fans and lifted his merchandise claws into the air. Bears had 6 points now and just a few bruises so far.

HELLO? ROB?

Something happened then, he felt like something was breaking through in his mind and suddenly he saw the figure of the Mask appear in the crowd in front of him waving and jumping like a cheerleader.

What the hell? Was he going mad or something?

HEY HUN. DID YA MISS ME? SO, CAN WE LEAVE AND DO SOMETHING FUN NOW? She screamed against the tumult

What is happening. Why can I see you now?

Good question, dear. Guess It was too loud to be heard so I made sure you would notice me another way.

He blinked and she was gone again, like she had never been there.

“Woah, looks like the Bears might actually be bringing the trophy home this year, look at 'em go!” Brandon yelled excitedly.

Woopsy, looks like I haven't quite gotten the hang of it yet... Aww.

Haven't I asked you to be quiet for today? I really can't mess this up and i don't need more magical distractions to convince Brendan i'm a weirdo..

Sorry, I really tried Robby boy but I can't. Being stuck in your head is sooo boring. She made a dramatic sigh. But I get it, I will shush. For now. Hey Rob my darling?

What?

Loverboy next to you is trying to get through to you.

She was right, Brendan had been talking to him for seconds now.

Great, that is exactly why I asked you to for silence. Now he must think I am not interested!

Oops. Buut to be fair, he wouldn't be too far off. Maybe one day you could introduce us properly...

"You good? Thought I lost you there man.” Brendan said amusedly.

“Yyeah sorry the noise was a little too much. As epic as that touchdown was, I guess I gotta get used to this.” He wasn't sure what to tell him but had a feeling that telling him he heard a feminine voice of an artifact that transformed him into a female deity being wasn't a good conversation opener.

“I get it, i'm here far more often than you I guess. Just tell me when its too much.”

Tell him. Tell him. TELL HIM. Oh, sorry it's really hard you know.

It looked like the Bears were actually going to win when it was time for the first quarter break. A neighbouring fan who had the phone pulled out got his attention.

“Dude, there's Mafia on Ashland Ave. That's where I live.

“What is the freaking mafia doing there, there is nothing big on that road, bro.”

“No, I swear, look!”

Rob had been listening in on these excited exclaims and so did the Mask.

There we go, now we're talking. So you know the deal. Time to mask and give these guys a good ass kicking. Rob. Oohhhh Robbieee boyyy? Earth to nerd? I'll make it a quickie, promise! She made a heroic pose in his mind.

He sighed, great. He had hoped to avoid something like this but people might be in danger. And he was a hero, well rather she was.

“I gotta go use the bathroom...” He stood up looking for a nod from his friend.

Brendan looked at him with a aghast expression “Oh, but you're gonna miss the next snap. Bears are kicking it this game.”

Rob put on an apologetic face “Sorry, I think it's the popcorn. It is messing with my stomach."

“Oh, alright then you better go. But hurry, you won't wanna miss when they win.”

Rob nodded and stumbled to the exit with the mask hidden under his shirt, colliding into every possible fan on his way and uttering a “Sorry” here and there.

The Mask glowed with energy as he brought it to his face and it jumped the rest of the distance to meet its wearer like something straight out of an Alien movie. Rob groaned as it slithered around on his head and warped his body to the preferred shape, faster than usual. He grew breasts rapidly and he watched all his hair suck inwards until it was gone and left was smooth skin. Meanwhile the green mass grew tighter and tighter until it was completely fused to his head and there was no taking it off. It pulsated as its magic transformed him and his body started taking female properties.

The artifact sped up the rest of the transformation, pulling the body of its wearer into a green tornado that jumped around the bathroom and let off green sparks. When the spinning stopped, Rob was not himself anymore and the Mask had taken charge. She was wearing her usual vigilante outfit which was a abstract fashion jacket mixed of yellow and green paired with tight lime green pants and boots. She smiled into the mirror and gave Rob a wink.

”Finallyyy, was starting to get depressed in there. Sport. Who would wanna sit around for over an hour watching that? Now to catch some baddies, shall we?” she giggled and zipped out of the stadium, blowing wind into confused faces she passed.

Thanks to her superhuman speed, it didn't take too long to arrive at Ashland Avenue. These guys were an entirely different caliber than the simple muggers and drug addicts. The guy seeming to be the boss sported a black business suit. They had apparently taken a jewelier store hostage with automatic rifles.

“If you just stay on the ground, you will walk out of here with no problems. If you decide to do something dumb however...

“Boss, I think she's not coming...”

“I don't pay you to think. And she will come. She won't be able to resist.” Answered the huskier, deeper voice of the boss.

Waiting for someone? Must be for me! Thought the Mask and approached the building. The Mask sped right into the building with no hesitation and presented herself like a model.

"Hiya. Dunno who you're looking for but that doesn't matter because i'm here now."

The man in the suit grinned “You're actually exactly who i've been looking for...” He said while some gangsters pointed their guns at her. She shoved Rob's anxiety aside and reminded him once again that she was bullet proof.

”Uhh, okay. That's not really the candlelight dinner I was hoping for. And there is people watching.”

“That suits me just fine, I don't want a fucking date, I want a chat. And these people are here to ensure that I get what I want."

”Well, don't care, didn't ask. If we're gonna do anything it will be stacking you guys up on a nice pile for the police to collect.”

“I wouldn't make a move, if I wanted to preserve their lifes.”

The Mask sighed and rolled her eyes, I guess she was playing his stupid power trip game then.

”Ugh. Fine I will bite. What do you want and don't say my neverending love because i've heard that one a lot and it's getting old. Well okay it will never get old to hear how immaculate you are.” She posed and set her body proportions in scene.

Let's keep it simple. That mask you're wearing. Hand it over.” He waved at her face.

”Ohhh okay. Which one would that be? Did you know that we all wear masks?She gave him a broad goofy, cartoonish smile along with that quote.

“I don't have time for this, hand it over. It is mine anyway.”

Okidokey then sweetheart. She placed her hands in front of her green face and pulled, instead of the actual mask coming of, it was a perfect copy of her face looking like plastic. She threw it to him. ”There ya go. Got hundreds of 'em anyway.”

"I am not a man of patience, so we will have to do things the hard way I see. Get her.”

Everyone opened fire at her and bullets hit her from all side, she normally would have dodged them but didn't want to put the hostages in danger by zipping across the room.

“What the hell? How did she not feel that?” One of the gunners exclaimed incredulously.

“She invincible or sumthing?” Asked another guy.

”No no, you guys got me good, check it out!” The Mask lifted her arms and showed several holes in her outfit. Green slime leaked out of the holes and a green stream hit the closest thug in the face, he stumbled back and tried to wipe it off to regain his eye sight. “Eww what is this bullshit?”

She fell to the ground dramatically and played dead making a variety of gagging sounds. Two show lights aimed at her.

”Ohh, how did it end like this. I will miss you, ohhh it's getting dark, so dark. Tell Johnny to let old Howler out at least every 5 minutes a day his bladder isn't what it used to, tell my auntie I won't be coming home for christmas, and tell Margaret that i put itch powder on her wig. She deserved it. It is ending, I can feel my life force leaving me, I am getting Cough Cough weak. Oh, I bid thee adieu, cruel world. Cough cough. She dropped her head and stuck out her tongue. A heart monitor flatlined somewhere, invisible to the eye.

Some of the thugs were actually moved to tears and got closer to sob.

“She's just playing, now get me what I want. Stop being fools!” The big man yelled and gestured at the lifeless greenheaded woman at the ground.

As they got closer to retrieve the mask, she got to her feet and dusted off her outfit. IT'S A MIRACLE. I LIVE. I'm back and better than ever babes!

Everyone went back to open fire and someone even shot a tranquilizer dart at her. She turned it into a cartoonishly big syringe and changed to a nurse outfit.

Patient is ready for his physical, we just need a little blood test. C'mere big boy. She aimed the syringe at one of them who screamed and ran the other way. Yikes, must have a trembling fear of needles.

”It doesn't hurt, you'll get a candy. You like candy don't ya? Come here, young man. The doctor will see you NOW!”

The Mask pulled out a slingshot and started shooting candy at him, one knocked him right out when she scored a bullseye.

”Oh myy sweetie, if you're this afraid already just wait until ya older and the Doctor has to put his finger up your bu-” She began but was distracted by even more gunfire.

”Oh well, I guess playtime's over boys. Everyone hold tight, no screaming please, had plenty of that today. Gotta protect those sensitive ears, yeah?”

She zipped to the closest thug and took his gun, it transformed into a balloon rifle.

”Now pretty boy go play with your new toy and let me talk to the big man.” She gently patted him on the head and left the confused thug behind.

Now that she had dealt with everyone and turned, she mysteriously found the man to be missing.

”Now now, it's not nice to leave a lady like that. But I guess that means there's a next time."

She zipped around the jewelry store and tied everyone together, then she left her signature kiss marks.

”Aaaand DONE. Now everyone, if you'd head to the emergency exits please which are to your left, right and pretty much here and there and everywhere with all the broken windows.” She momentarily switched to a stewardess outfit while pointing in all possible directions with lightning speed making her arms blurry.

The hostages slowly rose and clapped, someone even hugged her outright.

She bowed and smiled at every hostage until it got awkward.”Thank you, thank you. You've been great errr hostages. Now, if you'll excuse me, I gotta bail. Love ya all!”

It was time to get back to the boring game which was now long into its second quarter. As fast as she could, not only because she felt Rob's inner urge to get back and apologize, she zipped back to the stadium and a little reluctantly, pulled the mask from her face which slowly caused her body to warp back to Rob's. Tendrils stuck to her head as if the mask begged to stay on his face just a little longer but then they snapped back to the wooden form of the mask and it was him again.

He hurried back to the seat as fast as he could and hoped Brendan wasn't fed up with him.

“Dude, where were you? You missed an amazing interception and a nasty safety. Let's just say a few Cardinals are off to the hospital now.”

While he didn't look mad on the outside, he seemed to be curious.

“I'm so so sorry, my stomach wasn't really in on the popcorn at this place. Maybe it's an allergy too.”

Brendan didn't quite look convinced but seemed to accept the answer, while he filled Rob in on what he had missed. The Mask was content, she had gotten her wish and been released and she managed to be calmer for the rest of the game, only making some cheeky remarks or comments here and there. Still, Rob pondered what the deal with that guy was who had claimed ownership of the mask.

Chapter Text

Rob was on cloud nine, he had been excited for the football game for weeks now and he finally got it, not even being threatened by a mob boss could ruin his good mood and neither could the voice in his head. And on top of that, the Chicaco Bears were winning left and right even if it cost the Cardinals a few bones.

One thing was still bugging him though, why did that mob boss want the mask so badly?

Meh, who knows. Probably some power hungry testosterone filled guy who doesn't think it's enough to be rich. Why be rich if you can be rich and powerful. Ya get the gist of it.

„You know, i have never really thought about your past. Where you came from. All i know is finding you in the river a few weeks ago.“

He heard his alter ego sighed in his head Look, i dunno how often i gotta tell ya, but i really only know what you know. But it doesn't matter, i'm with you now and will hopefully be for a long time. You really need me ya know.

„I don't need you, i've been doing fine without you.“

... He heard cricket noises in his head.

After a while he gave in „Fine, it was a good thing that i found you that day. But i would have managed if i hadn't.“

Sigh, well let me show your imbecile noggin' what it won't see. Open the door for me, will ya?

He felt a slight migraine for a second and felt a second consciousness push forward until he saw the Mask materialse out of thin air in his office, from where he was currently writing a report. Or trying to, but there was only so much he could get done when he was lost in thoughts. At least his boss had decided to give an interview and bask in attention today.

The Mask was wearing a a yellow business blouse and pants, completed by green high heels. Her black curly locks framed her face beautifully. He tried not to stare but even with the blouse covering up her beautyful body, you could see the two bumps that were her breasts, protruding from it. He shook his head and looked somewhere else, blushing a little. Did this count as staring at himself?

Eyes up here, Robbie boy, i know i am gorgeous but your attention is needed elsewhere... for now. She pulled a massive pointer stick and white board out of her neverending pockets, she set up the board and drew on it rapidly.

A little here, some more hereee and doneee. Now, admire my immaculate drawing skills.

The whiteboard was full of stick figures and Rob almost let a laugh slip. It was exactly how he would draw himself.

Now She pointed her stick at the first drawing which showed a sad stick figure with This is you, a lonely, nerdy loser. Don't look at me like that, you know its the truth hun. Spends most of time in, what do you call it? „Nerd cave“?, a self loathing and very depressed young man. What must be going on in the mind of such an individual? No need to tell me, sweetie, i know. But then... Abrakadabra! She points at the next segment which showed stick Rob holding up a mask You find a mysterious mask that has the power to change everything. It takes your deepest desires and wishes and makes them reality and in this case it means She points at the third one which shows a perfect sketch of the Mask winking at him I come into existence. I am beautiful, i am charismatic. Simply said, i am everything you want to be which apparently means you want to be a woman too. Whenever you wear me, you get all you've ever wanted. And someone with an artifact like that wouldn't just throw all that away. Which brings me to the conclusion that yes, Rob, you very much need me. Without me you'd be stuck in your nerd cave like a freakin' vampire and live a sad life. Alrighty now with that realtalk out of the way, can you wrap up whatever gossip story it is, you're writing and get to it? She pointed towards his bag, where the artifact was currently residing.

„No. I really need to finish this, i am this close to being sacked and you almost had a full day out not too long ago.“

The Mask's jaw dropped all the way to the ground like a gelatineous mass as she stared at him incredulously. Then she shook her head and her facial expressions turned back to normal.

All that work i just did presenting the facts to you, FOR NOTHING.

She did an overdramatic ladylike fake faint and shook her head, returning to her normal self.

What does a pretty woman gotta do to get some me time? Wasn't it cruel enough to do all that boy stuff yesterday?

„No. I think it is best we lay low for now. I'm not hellbent on encountering that mafia boss again so soon.“

Aww Robbie boy, after all this time you had me you're still anxious. Well, at least you're not afraid of your own shadow anymore so that's a plus. But come on, the point of my presentation was: You have in your hands the power to do everything you want and you choose to do nothing? Sigh, what am i gonna do with you.

„Nothing? I need to do some work anyway and honestly i need some time for myself. Unless there is a major crime going on, i am not putting on the mask.

The Mask made a pouty face Such unjustice. Such cruelty. FINE, but you're not locking me in completely. One day i hope you will know how it feels to be stuck in a room with all walls closing in on you. She mimed being surrounded by walls and when the „walls“ edged closer she flattened until she was thin as paper.

He shook his head at her antiques and just resumed typing. With a loud plop, she returned to her normal form but Rob was eager to finish this now so she would have to sulk

With a little bit of silence, Rob finally got some words flowing and found some misspelling that he had made while he was lost in thoughts. His alter ego could be really demanding at times.

It's a good thing to be demanding with a case like you, you really need some fire up yer butt. Soo, kindly put me on so i can make the fire, pretty pleeeaasee? She blew a kiss at him, which he only paid a quick glance and then went back to typing.

„Still no.“

After that his other apparently gave up for a while and Rob thought she was going to stay silent for the remainder of the office hours. Then he saw movement out of his window. It was The Mask slowly and gracefully floating down with an umbrella, wearing a similiar dress as Mary Poppins.

„SERIOUSLY?“

There's the whole world at your feet, Rob. Let me show you.

He blinked at Mask Poppins floating down a few times and then snapped out of it.

Despite all the distractions, he was finally done and finally hit CNTRL + S for the last time. Time for a coffee, he thought and checked the hallway for noise. Zack, that bigheaded moron could be lurking right outside, he often did just to tell him how bad of a writer he was. The hallway seemed clear so he decided to go for it.

Just to run into someone right away and send documents flying. The woman tried to grab a few of them before they landed.

„Oh, i'm so sorry. I have always been clumsy. Here, let me help you.“ Rob mumbled and sank to the floor to clean up the mess.

„No worries, i should have looked around more and not be reading on the go.“ The woman smiled at him.

Ohh i sense an opportunity... Try and get to know her...

He ignored the voice in his head momentarily and picked up a few fallen papers and folders.

„I do that all the time, bad habit but it's the office curse. Have we met?“

She shook her head „No, i am new actually. Today is my first day. Not a great first impression, i know. But i promise i will try to break the office curse.“

Rob. Hey Rob. Try and get her number. And then maaybe get her home... It could get interesting at home, especially near the bedr-

„No!... Uhh i mean it's no issue, if you think you're clumsy then you should see me. Boss is already hard on my heels.“

Her face sombered „Oh yeah, Mr. Whatshisname? I tried to be nice around him but he seems like a real narcicist. Whatever, i need this job to pay the bills.“

„So do we all.“ Sighed Rob. He was finished picking up now and handed the belongings back to the grateful owner.

„Thank you so much... err... I completely forgot to ask your name.“

„It's Robert but most people just call me Rob. Nice to meet you!“ He offered her a hand, shaking a little.

„Call me Abby, i don't like Abigail that much. You seem like one of the nicest blokes around here. Except that guy Brendan.“ She shook his hand.

Oooohh first contact. You know the drill, go to an empty room and fu-

„Uhh, thanks, i appreciate the compliment. Brendan is the best, but not everybody here is a douchebag. Stay away from Zack though, he is a real pain. He probably thinks every woman who doesn't instantly fall in love with him is crazy.“

Abby rolled her eyes „Oh lord have mercy and help me get through my first day.“ She made a praying motion, looking at the ceiling.

„Well, i better get going. Better not get fired on my first day. I need to scan these, do you know the way to the scanner?“

Rob pointed into the direction „It's straight ahead and to the right. Can't miss it, it'll be the loud room.“

„Thanks. Hope to see you again sometime. See you around then.“ She scurried along the hallway into the pointed direction while Rob continued on his quest for a coffee.

Zack was standing in the middle of the room with some colleagues, laughing and slurping alot of the brown stuff, Rob barely had a second to duck away but he was spotted regardless.

„Oi. Here he is, Chicaco Today's shittiest reporter.“

Okokok don't worry, don't get a heart attack and faint like last time you baby. Now go in there and get your morning juice and then leave. Orrrr put me on and let me deal with him. You know it would be satisfying and i would get some time outside your shell. Two birds, one stone and all that. Came his feminine internal monologue.

With great willpower, he managed to get to the coffee machine and pressed a few buttons, acting like he hadn't heard anything.

„Aww, look at him trying to ignore me. Well, i heard something interesting you won't wanna miss buddy. Boss is thinking of a bit of a budget cut, and guess what it means.“

He patiently waited for the humming machine to fill his mug all the way up while continueing to ignore Zack. The other guys weren't like him, yet they didn't do or say anything against his behaviour and if they did, Mr. Hopkins wouldn't give a single damn.

Zack had gotten a little closer, so close that he could hear him breathing.

„I heard that some unfortunate fella will get a few bucks less to pay rent soon. Now, guess who he will choose. I think he has already made his choice.“

Ok thats it, no one talks to you... uhh i mean me like that. LET ME OUT SO I CAN KICK HIS BUTTCHEEKS.He threw a glance at his shoulder bag from which he could see the green shine from the mask, tempting him. But he was resisting, he wasn't that kind of person or at least trying to be. But there is only so much bullying that you can take.

„You're probably wondering how i know that its you. Well, i don't but trust me with a little bit of encouragement from my side, it will be you.“ He sounded pleased with himself.

Rob grabbed the mug as soon as it was ready and just quietly hurried back to his office room, but deep inside, he was yearning to put on the mask so she could teach him some work etiquettes.

Do it hun, i know you want to. Some guys need a foot up their arse and he is one of 'em.

He dared to glance back for a second and saw and heard the figure of the Mask blowing a raspberry at Zack and showing him the bird, that was all she could do in her etheral form.

He let out a big sigh as soon as he was safe and had a big gulp of energy juice. The warm liquid did help calm down and think about what had just went down.

Oh no, we ain't done here Robbie boy. Let me handle this, he is going to get your asshole of a boss to reduce your income. IT'S MASK TIME BABY.

„Zack has always been an ass, i'm sure he didn't mean it like that and only said it to make me panic.“

But you don't believe that, dontcha? She was right, he didn't. It wouldn't have been the first time Mr. Hopkins had done this. But it was more likely for him to get fired before that happened. He took a few breaths to calm down the nerves. He thought about how since the Mask was part of him, she was probably going through the same things as him, even if in a different way.

Bingo. 100 points for the nerd. Loud cheering was heard and the Mask materialised in the office in a celebratory red dress and made confetti appear everywhere. With that out of the way, i really wanna show your boss. And with me i mean you too.

He shook his head „No, as much as i want him to change, it has to be done in another way.“

Sigh. I am starting to think you're a lost cause. But that would mean i am a lost cause. O'well i will keep at it, maybe there is hope for you yet.

His mood had increased a little due to the coffee and made the remainder of his work day a little easier. It was a true blessing that the interview kept Mr. Hopkins this busy, the last thing he needed now was him barging in.

A message popped up on his screen.

Hey. Heard Zack is being his usual self today and wanted to check in on you. Everything good? PS: Game was a blast. Down for another round?

He spilled the rest of his coffee in his haste to type a reply. What should he say?

DUH. Tell him that you love him and want to spend some private time together. Has your time with me taught you nothing? Come on, i believe in ya.

Yes, it wasn't too bad. Really enjoyed watching the game, maybe we can do that again?

Why the questionmark? And maybe? Here, let me help you, sweetie.

She appeared on the screen looking like a cartoon character and blew hearts at the chat window which then blushed like it was a living thing with cheeks.

The art of seduction. You see, it is easy. She giggled and waltzed right off the screen but not before winking at him.

Sure, i'm up for it. But maybe we should switch from popcorn to chips for your stomache's sake. By the way, have you met Abby? Symphathetic woman, she's new to this place. Sadly, i'm packed with IT work lately so could you do the honors and show her around sometime?

He was really nervous, as always when around Brendan but managed to keep it together and not make more typos than usual.

Sure, i will ask her tomorrow maybe.

Thanks, would do it myself but i need to do maintenance on the servers this week. Ugh. Well, see you around then.

The rest of his day went relatively normal and rather boring but with the help of his alter ego which kept him entertained it wasn't too bad. He soon found himself at home, looking at the Mask on his bed.

„Look, i am sorry for how i kept you locked up today and after this day, i am sure you would like to stretch your legs too. So i give in, since i don't have any plans for this afternoon it's all yours.“

Awww Robbie boy, i don't know what to say. That is so sweet of you, i knew you wouldn't leave me hanging. I will make sure to make it enjoyable for you too honey.

He picked up the mask and slowly brought it closer to his face, like he had done so many times now. He really had tried to be adamant but knew he wanted this deep inside.

„One thing, no revenging for today's happenings. Let it out on criminals, go look for Amy but thats it.“ The mask got closer and closer as he let some seconds pass to listen for the answer.

Suree thing hun, but i am sure a quick visit wouldn't hurt... I could get him to apologize to you as early as tomorrow...

„Wwait, NO. DonHMPPFMH!“ He didn't get to finishing the sentence as the mask slapped onto his face and began to work its magic. It heated up and changed its consistence into something less dense as tendrils went around the side of his head and the mask swallowed Rob's head in its embrace. It shuddered and squirmed on his head for a few seconds until it began to shrink, sealing his head inside until it was skintight.

He didn't have time to change out of his work clothes so when his body physique started rapidly changing and his chests expanded, it sent a few buttons flying before he could react. He felt his hair disappear and so did his private parts until his body looked more like the Mask's form, his muscles had slimmed down and his arms, legs and chest were smaller while the fat had relocated in his butt. Driven by a sudden urge, he got rid of his shoes and watched his feet crack and change into a different form and nails, including the ones on his hand paint themselves green in front of his very eyes. Unknown to him, that was now also the colour of his eyes.

He groaned and held his green head in his hands as his mindspace changed and she took control, changing his expression to a smile. The mask yanked his body into a bright green twister with sparks emerging which bounced around the room while she thought of an outfit to wear, accidentally knocking over a few figurines. When it finished, the Mask smiled happily and felt the ebony black hair emerge from her still bald head.

She was donning a red dress with black stilettos this time, complimented by lipstick and eyeliner. Crimefighting wasn't on her agenda today, unless she just so happened to come across one or hear of something big going down. She grinned as she posed, but feeling Rob's worries tucked away in the back of her mind she sighed.

“No need to be a scaredy cat sweetie, i was just kidding. I haven't spent Amy a visit in a long while and she surely must be lonely... Its time for a check up. You relax and enjoy the ride.“

She strode to the fallen figurine which was a He-Man one.

“Woops, sorry mister but He-Man is yesterday, make room for She-Mask. Let's get to it!“

She zipped out of the room, leaving only dust clouds where her body had been, forming her outlines. This afternoon, Amy would get the surprise of her life...

The van parked on the other side of Rob's apartment went unnoticed to her. Someone with binoculars was spotting the complex.

"Boss, we found the apartment room which has what you are looking for. What shall we do?"

"Wait until the user gets back. Then bring it to me. Don't let anyone see you."

Chapter Text

True to her word, she didn't let it all out on his do no good colleagues, as much as they were being jerks for no good reason other than to be a jerk, she didn't want to misuse Rob's trust like that. She was part of his identity, the part that did things he wouldn't ever but still. Maybe it was better to just go through with it and just endure a few weeks of being stuck in his mind space.

She sighed unhappily but focussed back on her time outside of his mind which could get really full and littered with all his thoughts floating around in there.

She put on a french maid outfit, used the door bell and waited patiently. It had been a while since she saved Amy from that brute. And she was really curious how she fared. Of course there were also many many other reasons...

It took a little while until the man who was her father opened the door. He was stunned for a little bit seeing the green headed french maid giving him an overly polite smile but then he seemed to remember.

„Oh, hello there. You were the woman who got my daughter out of that place. The superhero that is going around town and tries to... err help?“

"Yyyuuup, that's me big boy. I am sorry to be interupting but i was hoping to be able to check up on Amy if i may. Been a while and i would like to see if she is doing any better?"

„Oh, she is doing much better thanks to you. She is undergoing therapy now and we are in talk with the police to get a restraining order going. Had i know it was this bad, she never told me anything remotely negative about their relationship. Maybe i should have taken the silence as a sign.“

"Aww, don't be too harsh on yourself Mister, we can't all have superpowers. Luckily, i was there to get her outta there. Now, where is she if i may be so direct?"

„She is sleeping right now i believe, maybe the door bell woke her up but-“

"Gggreat! I will wait for her to wake up then."

„Uhh, i would prefer if she got into contact with you and you'd-“

"GRRRREEAT. I will put myself right to work then. Place looks reall dusty, but not with me. Dust begone!"

She zipped past the confused old man who barely had time to blink and began to dust off everything in a cartoonish fashion. A little dust got into her nouse and now she had to sne- snee- sneez-

"ACHOO. Woops sorry Mister, that washes off, swearsies! It's not acidic at all!" She said as she looked at the green snot on the freshly dusted off globe. Then she looked at all the dust in the air and shook her head.

She sucked in hard, inhaling all the dust in the atmosphere like one of the strongest vacuume cleaners.

"Annnnd doneeee. Absolutely spotless. Not a single of these pesky critters left." She smiled, content with her work and changed to a chefs outfit. A red one with a black apron, why she didn't completely know but she had to kill the time until Amy came downstairs some way.

„Excuse me, Miss. I didn't-“

"Eat today? Well, don't worry sweetie. I gotcha covered." She giggled and sped to the man, grabbing him and seating him at the table with a huge oversized napkin on his lap. Then she rushed into the kitchen making a ton of clanging noises which couldn't be any louder.

"Ohh, exquisite if you ask me. You're gonna love this Mister. Get ready for The Mask Catering Inc, a culinary travel your taste buds will thank you for.“

She ran into the kitchen with lightning speed and began her work, making as much noise as inhumanly possible.

A few seconds later a few plates came flying through the kitchen door frames and landed in front of the absolutely perplexed man who tried to make sense of the Mask's magic and how to get her out of his house.

It was a delicious looking key lime pie. The icing on it was green as limes except the kiss marks that were pink.

„Miss, i really need to-“

She sped to the man and spun his seat turning him into a blur for a second, when it stopped he was wearing a bib matching the green tone of the cake.

"Eat? Yess indeed you do good sir. Enjoy while it's hot honey, wait is cake supposed to be hot? No, i don't think it is."

The poor old man was confused and didn't know what to make of the Mask's chaotical personality.

"Well, what are ya waiting for? Don't tell me you have diabetes?" The Mask frowned.

„Uhh, look it is n-“

"Oh well, maybe i can catch your interest with the main meal which is..." She sniffed the air, her nose enlargening "SMOKING?!"

She rushed into the kitchen and made a bunch of clampering noises and talking to herself.

"Oh gosh this is looking more crispy than is good for Grandpa's teeth... Bummer."

A window was opened and more crashing noises were heard, a cat yelled in shock and barely managed to dodge a smoldering piece of coal coming its way.

"Oh, this looks good, a little crunchy maybe? Oh well, gramps won't say no to a little excercising, rite? A voice giggled from the kitchen not meaning anything good for the poor man."

Meanwhile Amy's dad was taking in all the noises and impressions and wondered if he had taken his meds today or had fallen asleep. To make it even worse, the cake formed a cartoonish mouth and started speaking.

„Just grab that fork and gobble me right up, will ya?“

Eating a talking cake wasn't on the man's agenda and he sort of jumped back a little. Getting even more confused would be impossible.

The key lime pie made a sad face and pouted. The Mask came back from the kitchen.

“Aaand there we go with the main dish. I gotta say, i really outdid myself this time.“ She put up a fake smile, hoping he wouldn't notice the blackest, smoldering piece of coal in front of him. Maybe his eyes weren't like they used to?

„Uhhhh...“

She started sweating and biting on her nails anxiously but in a fake manner.

„This doesn't look safe to eat... But i don't want to eat anything. I actually want you to lea-“

“SIGH. Fine, i am sooo sorry. I messed up the main dish. But i will make it good as new, promise!“

She took the big piece of coal and swallowed it hole, then she burped up a cloud of black smoke.

“A little spicy but not as bad as i thought.“

„Look ma`a m, i really appreciate you checking by but Amy is sleeping right now. She had it rough in the past weeks from what she told me and she needs a little time to herself. I have to thank you for getting her out of that situation but i need to ask you to leave now.“

„Dad, what is all the fuzz abo- MASK?“ Amy stood in the door frame still rubbing sleep out of her eyes. She looked a lot better than a few weeks back when she had saved her from that toxic relationship.

„Ohh honey you're awake.“ Her dad looked infinitively relieved to see her and hopefully get his chance of a quiet afternoon now.

„Ehh someone came to check in on you... Greenface was it?“

“GREENFACE? Why does everyone make up stupid names for my green head?“

„Sorry, i've seen you on tv but nobody knows what to call you. “

“But Greenface? What do you think this is, avocado peeling?“ Ranted the Mask.

„You can just call her the Mask.“ Chimed in Amy, still a little sleepy but somewhat excited at the sight of the vigilante.

„Why is my dad wearing a bib, is that key lime pie?“

The pie jumped up and down excitedly „Finally someone who recognises good cuisine. Get that fork ready and dig right in. It's on the houseee!“

„Uh, no thanks i am not hungry errr, Mr. Cake.“ She retorted but not really confused about it talking, being used to the magic of the Mask now.

The cake started sobbing and then melted into a puddle on the plate.

“Ammmyyyyy, let's not talk about unnecessary topics any longer and get straight to the point. I've been meaning to check up on you for a while but there were some barriers. Crimefighting, dates, nerdy obstacles. All that. Whaddaya say we go stir up Chicago a little?“ She made the widest smile possible that would basically guarantee that nobody'd say no.

„Ii-i am not sure. What if HE is somewhere out there? I don't know what i will do if-“

“Honey. I am a superhero that can bend reality, i think i can deal with that delinquient. He wouldn't even dare look at you funny. Don't let your fear ruin your life.“

„I'm ss-sorry. It's just a little overwhelming, and you can't always be there to keep him repelled. I just don't know if i have it in me to face danger head on and alone.“

“That's one thing i can't really help you with, you just have to get your strength up and face your fear. But don't worry, sweetie we will help you rack up some confidence.“ She offered a hand.

“Let's start on getting you some fresh air from time to time, yah?“

„Hey! I have a job, i get plenty of air.“ Amy protested.

“But then you go home and spend your afternoons eating frozen foods and watching tv. I am talking out there, all the fun you can have in the world presented to you on a silver plate. Just say yes, i know you want to.“

„Sure, i could use some company.“

“Awww, i see progress on you alreadyy. Let's get loud babyy.“

„Wait, where will you be going?“

“No worries Mister, i will get her home safe and sound, can't promise it won't get wild though...

He didn't really look convinced but Amy was old enough to make her own decisions.

„It's okay dad, we will just grab a bite to eat.“ As if that was believable with what had just unfolded but the man just sighed and hoped he would get his daughter back in one piece.

„Alright honey, i am actually glad you seem to have found a... friend. But just promise me to stay out of trouble, okay?“

“Promsies! Be home no minute later than whenever. Now, grab my hand and let's get rolling.“

Still a tiny bit unsure, she took the hand offered to her.

“Sssomebody sstop us! Chicago, ya better brace yourself!“

The pair zipped out of the room, leaving a very confused man behind still wearing a bib.

The morning after...

Rob awoke with a groan the following morning, the Mask had spent the entire night partying with Amy. He wasn't completely sure if his alter ego saw a real relationship in Amy or just genuinely wanted to help her but he was glad he gave in to the Mask because Amy was in pretty rough shape and needed the company.

He remembered most of what had happened, they spent time in a night club and worked on their dancing skills, Amy showed how much progress she had made by actually being somewhat carefree and then had a few drinks which Amy tried very hard to refuse.

His memories were blurry, like from a distant dream so he could not remember everything piece by piece.

Come on, admit it. You enjoyed it just as much as me. >The all too familiar voice giggled in his mind.

„I enjoyed when you kicked that jerk in the crown jewels for sure. But did you really have to dance with every single person on the dance floor? What was Amy there for?“

HEY. I danced with her too but she has a lot to learn before she can p-a-r-t like me. Theres a lot of work to be done until her energy levels are even remotely close and she doesn't hide in a corner anymore. Same goes for you, Robbie boy.

He rolled his eyes at her remark as he dragged himself into the bathroom to brush his teeth. Used to all the chaos in his life now, he wasn't surprised to see the Mask smiling back at him in the mirror until she faded a bit later.

In fact he could see his female alter ego pretty much anywhere now, in mirrors, on the bus making faces.

„Why do you even show up everywhere now?“ Rob asked as he got dressed.

We are bonding, just like i told you. Our connection grows stronger and you start to open up to me more.

„And there is nothing i can do about it? I'm not sure if i want to see you everywhere. It could get distracting in the wrong moment.“

Nopee you're stuck with me now, hun. I suppose you could block me but don't ask me, the mask's magic is impossible to grasp. Buttt why wouldn't you wanna see me? Don't you like what you see? Images flashed in his mind of her doing poses in a photoshooting studio.

„I just don't want to look more like a weirdo than i already do.“

Not possible, at least at your current state. But with me, that is subject to change...

He resumed his daily routine while talking to the magical being sharing his body and found himself on his way to his office a short while later. He didn't even jump at seeing the Mask appear anymore which ment no longer getting stares which was a plus.

He usually took the stairs to the office building to sneak into office and avoid having to deal with certain people before he even arrived.

This time it luckily wasn't Zack who lurked to make his remarks, Brendan was waiting right by his door.

„Heyy, long time no see. How are you faring?“

Rob felt a little anxiety bubbling up, the game was the last time he had actual contact with Brendan if the chat messages didn't count.

His alter ego played smooching noises in his mind and giggled when it made Rob blush a little.

„Great actually. I haven't gotten around to show Abby around yet but maybe i can do that today.“

„Yeah, would be great. Before someone else does.“ He put an emphasis on ´Someone´ and Rob could already guess who that someone might be. It would be a worrying sight seeing Zack trying his usual thing on Abby.

That poor gal would be quitting faster than light speed. Gosh that jerk needs some stilettos up his a- She started but got cut off as her attention was drawn elsewhere.

„I will spare her that fate. He did enough damage on me already.“

Brendan seemed satisfied with that answer and switched topic.

„Soo, have you heard?“

„Yeah.“

„Bit depressing, isn't it.“

He wouldn't, would he?

„Yeah... Wait what?“ He asked confusedly because he was just blindly parroting

„Our oh so great boss wrote on the black board that he is gonna be docking pay of some employees in order to save costs needed elsewhere in the company. I take it you haven't read it yet but well the black board is where all employees are right now so i get it.“

SLIMY BASTARD

„Oh. OH.“ So Zack wasn't kidding when he said that.

„I thought he was just being a jerk but it makes sense that i would be one of them. Mr. Hopkins is really not happy with my reports.“

Let me give him a gentle reminder on how to treat your employees.

Brendan raised his hands „Relax, maybe its not as bad as it sounds. But it is worrying that he specified that its only SOME employees.“

Rob opened the door to his office and saw what he feared. An envelope on his keyboard.

He didn't even need to open it up to know its content, he opened it anyway hoping that maybe it was just a PSA.

OPEN IT.

But unfortunately it wasn't too great news. The letter read:

Dear Mr. Whitlock,

Due to increasing costs drawing from the company's available funds, Chicago Today has made the executive decision to momentarily dock the pay of a selected roster of employees by 5% until the financial strain has stabilised. Please note that this decision was made to help the company through these times and remove the necessity to take other actions. We thank you in advance for understanding.

Yours sincerely,

Reginald Hopkins,
Chief Executive Officer

OK THAT'S IT. Mask out, Mask on. HOW DARE HE? Fumed the Mask

Rob just threw the letter on his desk in frustration. Just great, his pay already wasn't that great and now he would have even less to pay bills?

And buy comics. Don't forget that. I wasn't kidding by the way, let me handle it.

He shook his head, still in disbelief. Was this even legal?

In a catatonic state, he went to work turning on his computer and logging into the workspace. He wasn't feeling too well and the Mask was fuming too. He was close to slapping on the artifact and letting her deal with the situation, if not for him then for every employee in this place. But he decided not to, remembering all the superhero comics he had read.

Some heroes know how to stand up for themselves. What about that bat guy?

He decided to distract himself and calm his nerves by stopping by Abby's office and giving her a tour just like he had promised. He was shaking internally but it also wasn't the end of the world and the „temporarily“ sparked hope.

At least this office complex was blessed with a lot of spare rooms which ment most workers had an office to themselves or shared one with a colleague. Rob's office was the smallest and only had room for one which is why he had gotten it.

„Come in!“ Yelled Abby to which Rob entered a little nervously.

„Hey, its me. You might remember me from a few days back. I wanted to know if someone has shown you around already?“

She shook her head „No, but place isn't too terribly big so i guess nobody thought i needed showing around. But if you were going to ask to do so i'd be glad to. I still haven't found Mr. Hopkins office. Well, one of the places i'm not keen on going near anyway.“

From Rob's perspective, that was only too understandable. Abby joined him and he started showing her the most important places.

„Let's start with the fire exit, safety first and all that. If this place ever burns, this is where you can get out. Other people will probably try and take the elevator because they don't think listening to rules is important.“

„Yeah, this place has some charming individuals i've noticed.“

He walked a few steps along the hallways until he found the machine room.

„You probably already know this one since it contains the holy printer but yeah. I should show you the storage room before someone manages to blame you for the printer being out of paper.“

She nodded with an all knowing look like she knew the office stereotypes by heart.

Luckily, it was the room almost right next door.

„Ahh this was locked last time i checked and i heard some interesting noises from there soo...“

See Rob, if random office workers can enjoy their time at work, so can you. I believe in you sweetie!

„Ehh yeah that happens sometimes. Let's not go into detail and hope they keep locking the door.“

They resumed their path and the hallway ended in a bigger hall where the unluckier employees shared a workspace, mainly doing callcenter type work.

„A room you probably also know is the kitchen. I don't think i even need to show you this one since the coffee machine is here.“ He didn't add anything because everyone here was unable to function without the brown morning juice.

„Actually, i haven't been here so far. Always brought my own actually. And i had lunch in my office. Begged my colleague not to tell. Is coffee here any good?“

Rob shrugged „It gets the job done, keeps you awake.“

She made a face. Apparently that didn't sound like very aromatic coffee.

„Then i'd rather stick to coffee from my favourite shop. If that spares me some moments from Zack, that is a huge plus.“

You go girl. Screw that guy.

„Okay, here we have the office complex which is where the calls are taken and so on. I had an office here at first but moved first chance i got.“

„Can't hold it against you. I can see a lot of unhappy faces. How did you get it?“

„It was really small. I jokingly call it broom closet. So i guess people were happy to let the nerd move far away from them.“

„Hey, don't be so harsh. You deserve some space for yourself. Being exposed to people like Zack doesn't do any good.“

He nodded and pointed to a room in the corner.

„That over there is the server room, lot of expensive machinery and data in there and nobody is allowed in except IT and professionals. I almost walked in there on my first day and he almost had a heart attack.“

„Noted, can't make any guarantees though especially when i forget my coffee.“

Rob chuckled silently „Okay, that's pretty much it. Except of course Mr. Hopkins office.“

Abby did a fake shudder but reluctantly followed Rob who was a little careful not to attract any unwanted attention. Luckily Zack was out of sight for now.

They walked until the hallway ended and approached a lonely door at the end from which a loud phone conversation was audible.

„So, is that it?“

„Yeah, but no one ever goes there unless summoned which i am glad for. But if he wants something he will come to you, trust me.“

She did a curtsy „Thanks for showing me around, now i know which area to avoid.“

„You're welcome. You can ask me anytime if you need help but i am not outside my office much. I prefer to avoid the danger zone whenever i can.“

P-U-S-S-Y

„Don't worry, i understand. But you shouldn't let things get to you too much. Well, i better go back i need to send some mails.“

They went separate ways and Rob resumed to sneaking around the hallway now without Abbies protection and he heard commotion near his office.

„You haven't done my office yet and skipped countless others! Who employed you?“ A worker asked incredulously.

Apparently, some cleaning service was doing the windows today and his office was next.

„We will get to you soon enough, please there is no need to shout.“ One cleaning worker appeased the man.

He decided it wasn't worth making too much of a fuzz and walked away grumbling. The workers passed Rob on his way back to his office talking excitedly.

„Dunno why we have to do this, people here give me the urge to punch something.“

„Relax, we're halfway done. Got what we came here for, did we not?“

The rest he didn't hear and he wasn't actively listening too. A little later, he found himself back at his desk and typing up an email when he noticed something odd. The window in his office wasn't cleaned at all, he could still see the stains from weeks of collecting on the panel.

Next thing he noticed was his bag. It was wide open. He checked to see if anything was missing and looked for his personal belongings. His purse was stil there, bank card, ID and a 10 dollar note included. But then he saw it.

The mask. Where was the mask? He didn't see it shine anywhere and checked the entire bag. When he couldn't feel it with his fingers, he emptied the content on the floor. There were all kinds of items but no magical artifact, it was missing.

WHAT?

Rob didn't exactly understand either.

Chapter Text

Rob cursed loudly. Maybe a little too loud than he had wanted but not because of the letter. He'd gone through all his belongings three times but there was no sight of the mask. But he was sure that he had taken it with him, like he did everyday. He even emptied the entire bag on the ground and cursed even louder at the prospect of having to pick it all up again, still no mask. Where could it be? Maybe he left it at home after all? No, couldn't be he had it on him all the time in case an emergency required his... her attention.

So where was it then? His thoughts were racing as he played back previous events of the morning. He had gotten ready for work like everytime, brushed his teeth, combed his hair and the usual routine. He took the bus to work like usual, he checked for the mask at home so pretty sure he'd taken it with him. Maybe it did drop out of the bag on the bus? Rob didn't want to know what would happen if a random person found it and put it on, especiallly if it was a psychopath or a child...

He looked around, then there was the window cleaning company that cleaned the windows every month or twice. The logo on their jackets didn't seem too familiar to him so it must be a new company. But that wasn't the issue, the issue was that his windows were still a mess. Stains from days could still be seen on the glass so Rob jumped to a conclusion. It must have been them. What was it that they were talking about?

Got what we came here for.

Not good, not good at all.

Even worse than not great. RUN AFTER THEM.

Rob actually flinched this time and it never happened when she spoke to him in his mind.

„You're still here? The Mask was stolen so why can i still hear you?“

Jumping jesus for the millionth time, i'm connected to you not the mask. Well, i am kind of connected to the mask too. Now go look for me, THIS IS A DESASTER. I'VE BEEN KIDNAPPED.

„I know. I KNOW. But i don't know where they went. What am i supposed to do? I don't have any powers, i'm just scrawny, nerdy me. Can't you sense yourself?“

He heard a deep sigh in his head.

No, would you know where your phone is without having another phone to make it ring? I don't know. What i know is that we need to get moving. I already know who ordered these goons. That mob boss from a few days agon seemed the type to do this. Do you wanna know what will happen if he wears the mask? He will be someone to fear.

He shuddered at the thought of an evil gunslinger with the mask's powers. How was he supposed to get it back now? He grabbed his bag. Maybe he could think of an excuse but whatever he did, he needed to get that mask back, not only to prevent a bloodbath, he could also feel real anxiety because of its absense already.

Less panicking, more moving. You think i want that bastard to abuse my err his powers for evil? Get to your senses already. I could already be halfway to evil guy by now.

Get to my senses. Right. He hastily picked up his stuff and went out of the office.

And there was Zack meeting him halfway on the floor at what might be the worst timing ever.

„Hey Robbie boyy.“ He trilled excited to drag Rob through the mud. „Have you heard the wonderful news yet? You know how they say you get what you deserve?“

UGH. Not now when i can't even help you either. Tell him to make like bees and buzz. And ROBBIE BOY? That's not your nickname to use!

„I don't have time for your usual hostility. Tell me the news later but i don't think you deserve anything except a diet.“ He skimmed past the confused man before he could react.

Oooohh i liked that one. You didn't even need me for that. That sparks hope for you, me. Whatever.

Speeding up his pace, he tried to get to the staircase as soon as possible but ran right into Brendan next.

„Oh, hey i haven't seen you since this morning. Listen, there is something i picked up listening to talks and i just want to say that if you want to talk then i'm there.“

„I'm fine.“

„Don't let this get to you, we- wait what?“ He asked incredulously

„I said i'm fine. I can handle it somehow.“

„You're fine with your pay being docked?“

„Yeah.“

That confused Brendan but the mask was far more important to Rob now than some dollars less in his account. He could worry about that as soon as the danger of a supervillain running around Chicago was eliminated.

„Okay, i'm not buying. Just know that you can hit me up anytime if you need help. We can try and get something done about it too.“

„Sure.“

„Alright. Now's not the time, got it. Have you seen the window cleaner crew yet? Should've stopped by the IT by now.“

„They left. I thought they were done.“

Brendan growled „Our window looks terrible. Time to give them my two cents. I remember their number.“

That got Rob's attention „You got their number? Can you give it to me?“

„Don't say they left your office out too.“

„You can still see the spot where the bird hit the glass.“

„Poor thing. But at least he recovered.“

He started scribbling on a note which he then handed to Rob.

„Thanks. By the way, are you free in the near future by any chance?“ He tried carefully.

Normally i'd be jumping for joy for you making this important step but haven't you forgotten about something? MASK. GET IT.

Jeez, his alter ego was really on edge right now.

Sorry dear. I don't do well in stress situations and being in your nerd brain doesn't make it better.

„Absolutely, we'll make it work. Anything in mind?“

„Not yet but the game was fun and i would love to go to another.“

Brendan nodded and grinned „No popcorn this time though, can't have you redecorate my car.“

„No popcorn. Nachos maybe or a hot dog.“ He swore.

„Well, catch you later, i better call these idiots. Maybe the more calls they get the faster they'll be back to finish their task.“ Shaking his head, Brendan kept on walking along the hallway to the IT department.
As soon as he was out of the building, he pulled out his phone and started entering the number. It rang twice until someone picked up. An older woman by the sound of it.

„Dream Clean Inc., Sandra speaking. How may i help you?“

„Hey this is Robert Whitcom from Chicaco Today. I'm calling because of your cleaning crew. They left the cleaning job unfinished and i wanted to file a complaint.“

„Chicaco Today. Let me check.“ He could hear her typing through the phone.

„Odd, there is nothing scheduled for today. The next scheduled day would be the wednesday in two weeks. Are you sure it was our company?“

„Yes, there were two workers here today.“

„Weird, there is no such entry here. But there are two uniforms missing. Have you checked if anything was stolen? Whoever those people were, they were not from us.“

„I haven't checked yet but now i will inform my colleagues. Thank you.“

„You're welcome. Is there anything else i can help you with?“

„No, that will be all. We will call the police, should anything be missing. Hell, my boss will probably call them anyway for trespassing. Have a nice day.“

„You have a nice day too.“ A click and then a beep at the other end. Great, what now? Think. These guys stole two uniforms, slipped into his office and then took the mask. But how would they know it was with him? Maybe his laptop at home could help provide some answers.

Probably stalked me around town and then watched you at home like a creep. If only you had the mask right now, i would love to give them a piece of my mind.

His mind showed the Mask with two people having their underwear pulled all the way up. If i ever get back on your face, i will give them wedgies so terrible they'll smell it for days.

Rob was tense the entire ride home and when he finally got home he was greeted with a mess. His entire apartment had been turned upside down. Nothing was where it belonged, papers shoved back into drawers without care. Seeing the mess didn't exactly help with his mood.

He knew his apartment very well and everything in it so something stuck out in the mess in front of him. So he picked it up and saw that it was a business card. It read:

„Darius Tilton, Chief Executive Officer, Waste Management Co.“.

Ooooh it's a lead! You've read enough comics to know what to do now.

The Mask appeared on the desk in a business suit and shades, cracking her knuckles, then typing on the keyboard furiously.

„Is this what you think hackers look like?“ He shook his head and sat down where she had been, making her fade into his body.

Will ya hurry? Time's a wasting. Sigh, it's hopeless i should get used to my new life in here.

„I don't see you trying to help. You're a magical being, help for christs sake.“ He groaned, rubbing his head.

Well, if i was a mafia boss i'd want to be in an abandoned, dusty and nasty building that nobody cares about. And one that will totally mess up my look.

„That doesn't give me a lot of options as a human.“ He entered the name of the cleaning company. „Looks like Dream Clean isn't too far from Chicaco Today which is probably why they clean our building. And then there's this Waste Management company also in reach “

Look, there's a warehouse not too far from it. Would be fairly easy to steal some uniforms, a van and hiding it in there. Worth a shot i guess?

„You know how many warehouses i would have to go through just to find an object the size of a hand? Maybe i can find out which one is connected to this Darius Tilton, he seems to be the mafia boss that you faced.“

Smart move, this „company“ of his doesn't seem legit. Prob a money laundering site. I mean, seriously. Did the man you saw look like he is running a waste management company? Nuh uh, that suit is a little too clean.

„Hmm.“

Whaddaya waiting for? Its worth a shot.

„IF i go there, and that is a big if because there would be armed bad guys and im not bulletproof without you, then how would i even do this?“

Haven't you ever seen any spy movies? Sneak into it, grab the mask and then do it like bees and buzz! Optional: Wear me and i will take care of things. Now hurry, i can't stand to be in the grasp of that evil druglord.

Encouraged by his alter ego and the urge to wear the mask again that was now slowly getting stronger by the hour, Rob realised this was a jump into cold water. There was no way around. So...

„Can't imagine i'm actually doing this.“ Rob muttered to himself as he cautiously approached the warehouse in question.

Didn't look all too special but how was he supposed to know how Mafia hideouts were supposed to look like?

Luckily, if Darius and his goons were here he at least couldn't see any of them yet.

Careful Agent R, there could be surveillance everywhere. DUCK!

His alter ego snuck from wall to wall like an agent in those over the top action movies. He was so far away though that he would probably pass as a pedestrian, a shaking pedestrian but a pedestrian nontheless.

„You can do this, you can do this...“ He tried to cheer himself up but most of his muscles were tense and prepared to run the other direction should things go south.

Robbie boy, get your shit together. Do you want it back? This is it, there ain't no other way. She gave him a slap that he didn't actually physically feel, her being in his head and all. But it helped.

He ducked along the walls and peeked around the corner to check the building. Now that he was this close, he could see why it was an ideal hideout. Most buildings nearby seemed to look really worn down. Then he saw someone with a bulged vest, no doubt hiding a gun. Looking left and right, he continued on until he was out of sight. Now he knew this was the right place.

Over there, big air vent right over that thrash container. Climb up there.

She peaked through the blind spot of the wall like she was the one in danger here.

No one can see or hear you because you're IN MY HEAD. Remember?

Shush, don't ruin all the fun will ya? Besides i am your other half and you're very vulnerable right now so we're being careful together. Okay, camera panned the other way. Go go go! And before he could even mutter an answer on how stupid this was, she darted over to the container and took cover, peaking to Rob. This was stupid.

Are ya coming or what? Robbie boy, don't make me come back and hold an emotional build up speech. Bbuuut i have one prepared...

This is stupid. He could get killed. And yet he wanted the mask back, he had it for so long that it was practically part of him now and he felt uncomplete without it. He needed it back.

Atta boy. Now, all we need to do is climb up the- NOT NOW DUMBASS. Cam's watching. Jeez, don't you watch any movies?

Actually i watch a lo-

Other than your nerd stuff i mean.

He shut his mouth and decided to just focus on getting inside the building. This was stupid.

Like in slow motion, the surveillance cam panned the other way and he was in the blind spot.

Let's go, follow my ass. Err i mean, lead!

She jumped up the container and climbed into the already open air vent. This place was really in disrepair and probably barely functional.

Ya coming or what?

With a silent sigh, he climbed on the container like the clumsy nerd he was. But just in time for the camera, he found himself in the air vent duct that was big but still claustrophobia inducing. First thing he noticed, because it was hard to miss was the Mask's arse sticking in his face, covered in the black business suit that she choose to wear for this.

We're in.

I know we're in, now could you move your baggage out of the way?

Ohh Robbie boy, don't tell me you don't like what you see. Welp, get ready evil mafia boss. Here comes G.I MASK!

Seriously? G.I Ma-

GET MOVING AGENT R. FOLLOW THE BUTT.

She started crawling and wile Rob knew he could go right through her since she wasn't real, he felt like it would be rude to and stayed behind. Besides, she could be his eyes and ears without alarming anybody.

And enjoy the view too. Not complaining, i know it's a nice view because how couldn't this sweet ass be? Oh, a crossroad. Whaddaya say Agent R, left or right?

Ehhh... Right? I don't know, you're the magical hallucination in my head.

I say right cuz i am always right!

Following the right vent for a few seconds and around the corner showed that she in fact wasn't always right.

Why did you stop? Didn't you say time is crucial?

Ehh we might have a problem on our hands. Its a deadend.

So much to always being right, huh?

EVEN MAGICAL BEAUTIES MAKE MISTAKES OKIE?

They waited in silence for a bit.

Soo, what now?

Actually kinda enjoying the fan here. What do you think happens now, idiot. Time to back up.

He began to crawl backwards and her three digits came closer dangerously fast. Rob coulda sworn he heard a truck reversing somewhere in his brain too.

Crashing into Rob's head forced her to stop as she heard Rob's gasp in their shared mind.

Stop dreaming and get moving already, nerd!

Did you really have to shove your butt into my head? He groaned and jerked his head back .

It wouldn't have ended up in my ass if you had MOVED. Talk about pain in the butt.

You're the voice in my head, WHO'S THE PAIN IN THE BUTT NOW?

LESS COMPLAINING, MORE CRAWLING AGENT R.

Rob sighed and resumed crawling, ignoring the claustrophobic feeling of being stuck inside a dusty ventilation shaft. It took quite a bit of reversing until they were back at the crossing.

Let's go left this time.

He took the left shaft, what could possibly go wrong?

Another dead end, thats what.

Guess only one shaft left now. Third time's the charm. Enjoying the view back there? She wiggled with her butt.

No not really. I hate tight spaces. Let's just hurry already before i completely lose my mind.

Well? GET TO IT THEN, STOP LOOKING AT MY ASS AWKWARDLY. Not that i don't enjoy it but Operation: Mask is still underway and any second we waste in here is one more that that power hungry jerk can use to stir up chaos.

SORRY, I NEEDED A BREATHER.

OKAY, BREATHE THEN IT'S ONLY CHICAGO THAT'LL GO UP IN FLAMES IF WE'RE TOO LATE. Besides, i don't want that lunatic to wear it. I prefer you as my one and only wearer.

After he took a few calming breaths and some painful backtracking they found themselves in the middle shaft that finally seemed promising to get them somewhere.

Now this is looking good. Looks like we're nearing the end of our adVENTure. Eh?

Rob was getting too anxious in the vent to react to any kind of joke and just focussed on his breathing and following the lady in the sexy outfit leading the way. He didn't like the way the vent creaked under his body at all.

Agent, this is it. There's our first chance at an exit. You'll have to unscrew the plate so we, err you can fit through.

Uhhhhh...

He heard a sigh inside his head.

You forgot to bring tools, didn't ya.

HOW WAS I SUPPOSED TO KNOW I NEEDED TO BRING THEM?

JEEZ DON'T YOU WATCH ANY MOVIES? WHAT AN AMATEUR MO- Wait i can hear something.

She was right, there was faint talking in the distance, not coming from the grid next to them that was screwed shut.

Let's try and get closer, but be quiet.

They still can't hear me since i am all in your head, YOU BE QUIET! WHAT'S WITH ALL THE SHOUTING? SORRY. NOT KNOWING WHERE THE MASK IS STRESSES ME OUT. I don't know what will happen to our bond when you don't wear the mask for a long time. Will i disappear into nothingness? It's a scary thought. And what's your excuse for screaming at yourself?

I'M NERVOUS OKAY? IT AIN'T ERRYDAY YOU INFILTRATE A SECRET MAFIA ORGANISATION TO RETRIEVE A MAGICAL ARTIFACT AT THE RISK OF DEATH.

There was silence for a while. Then.

Fair enough. But if you die, i die too in a way, so that goes for the both of us, dear.

They followed the voices carefully until they were close enough to eavesdrop on whoever was conversing with who.

„Boss finally got what he was looking for. Glad his mood swings are coming to an end now.“

„Yeah, i remember all the times he had a tantrum. This place is full of bullet holes now, what will we say if there is an inspection?“

„What we always say i guess. What is that thing boss was after anyway? Something that brings money i assume?“

„Pff. Boss's got money on ends. Could enjoy the quiet life on a yacht if he wanted. Maybe it has sentimental value, what do i know.“

„Don't tell me he's a crybaby when nobodys looking.“

„Don't let him hear that or you will end up like the last guy."

„I'm just saying, i am not sure if whatever he wanted to steal from that skinny, defenseless nerd was worth it.“

I'm not that defenseless. I had martial arts class for a week!

They do have a point ya know. But we're working on that, hun.

The voices were getting more distant and harder to hear, so he left the patrol and continued his advance through the faintly lit shaft which was making all sorts of noises.

Status update: Team MASK is on the move, my equipment hurts and the dust is ruining my outfit but no other changes so far. Mask over.

Equipment? Meaning your air balloons?

Affirmative. Over.

Ok sooo why are we doing this? You don't even have a walkie.

It is part of the mission, and you forgot to say over. Over.

Sigh. Let's just find a way to get out of this shaft. I think the lack of air is making me trip.

He was still looking at the illusional body of his female alter ego from behind but he could feel her giving him the look in their shared mind.

FINE. OVER.

Understood, loud and clear Agent R. Resuming advance. Over.

This was stupid. And dumb. Not to forget stupid.

It was a little bit of crawling later when it happened, the shaft had been feeling really unsafe earlier but now it felt like all the bullet holes in it hurt the entire structure. While the Mask was only in his head, he was not. He was a pretty skinny guy but even his weight was too much for the not OSHA compliant vents.

„What is that noise?“

„Probably just rats. Pete probably threw his leftovers up there again. Annoying little critters they are.“

„It doesn't sound like rats, dumbass. If it is, it must be the fattest rodent in the entire world.“

„Well with all the rotten food that ends up in there, thats no wonder. Maybe its a marten too. One chewed right through the brake cable a while back. “

He stopped at a part of the vent that was in such a bad shape that it was actually shaking with his movements. One second he was listening to the voices that had heard him.

Then he crashed right onto them. The entire section of the vent that had been mounted to the wall came crashing down with him. For a split second, the hallucination of the mask stayed in the air, then she looked down and fell with him leaving her screaming face behind for a second until it followed suit.

He must have landed right ontop of one of the guys because he heard a cry and then slipped across the floor with an obnoxious sound. It threw him out of the vent and he tumbled right in front of one of Darius' henchmen.

„Now look who we have here. That is not a rat alright...“

Uh oh.

UH OH INDEED, DUMBASS.

His senses were in overdrive and he panicked, but before he could run the goon took his feet and kicked him right in the head. All went black. This was stupid.

Chapter Text

Hurts. It hurts. And he usually had good dreams that didn't hurt. But is this a dream? It wasn't for a while that Rob finally came to his senses and to his dismay, realised the awful situation he found himself in. And he remembered that he did a stupid thing.

„Wake wakey dollarstore clerk.“

Opening his eyes, he allowed the dizzyness to fade slowly and adjust to the terrible lightning in the room he was in. He had been bound by the arms and legs.

About time you wake up. That blow to the head was a bad one, even i got a headache now. But on the good news, you found me, i mean the mask! Bad news... ehh we are in a deadend.

Two men stood right in front of him, one of which probably the goon who knocked him out before but he couldn't tell right now as his head hurt like hell. He saw his alter ego tied up right next to him which didn't make any sense but he decided not to comment on it. But she did.

We got compromised by the enemy. Only makes sense that they got me too, yeah?

But you're in my he- Forget it. Sigh.

LET ME GO. I WILL NEVER TELL YOU WHERE IT IS YOU BAFOONS!

WHERE WHAT IS? WHAT ARE YOU ON ABOUT THEY WEREN'T EVEN ASKING ANYTHING.

But they will soon. Remember our training, Robbie boy. Never give in. And if caught, give your captors some feminine persuasion.

He saw her kicking some guys in the nuts and it flashed to her flirting with them and blowing kisses.

Both works. Usually. Nobody can resist me.

But what was he supposed to do, he couldn't even itch his nose if he wanted to with the rope in the way.

„Is that freak daydreaming?“

„Probably dreaming himself into his fantasy land. Hey, freak, snap out of it or i will slap you out of it.“

He received a slap to the face that brought him back to reality. And the reality was that he had been tied up really good and sat on a chair in a dimly lit room. There were two armed men in front of him and thus he was staring down into the nozzles of two handguns.

„That's it. Yo, Frank whereabouts is the boss?“

„How am i supposed to know. It ain't like he tells anyone where he is.“

„Well, call him?“

„You know how much he hates that.“

„Fuck's sake Frank just do it. He will hate it even more not knowing we have a spy in our SECRET location.“

Reluctantly, the skinnier goon pulled out a walkie. Uh oh.

„Boss, got something you should see in the grand hall.“

He gave his co-goon a look „I hope this was worth it.“

„It was, he hates people snooping around like pest.“

They looked at their still unconscious mate who was still under the ventilation shaft.

„Www what are you going to do with me?“ Stammered Rob who suddenly found the strength to speak.

What do you think. DUH.

„Hah, look at him pissing himself.“ Smirked one of the goons.

„I can see in his eyes that he's the skittish type. What do you think we want with you? It is you who broke into our place after all. Besides, we already got what we wanted.“

The Mask.

Yeah i can see that. And i don't like it!

„Dunno whats so special about this mask but i guess it will help finance our operations just fine.“

If only he knew how powerful this artifact was. Rob was glad he didn't though.

With a loud clang, the electric gate to the warehouse opened and gave way to a fancy black Chevrolet which rolled into the interior. Who stepped out of the car was no one other than Darius Tilton sporting a black business suit with white stripes and just as white tie. His golden locks streamed out from below the white fedora, circled by a black cloth band.

His look ment business and the smirk on his face spelled doom.

„Look who we got here. Thought you could just waltz right in and take my mask back, huh? Not a chance. After all this time and trouble it took me to get it, i will not be giving it away again.“

Rob was shivering and getting goosebumps all over his body, powerless without the mask, all he could do is shake all over, tied up as he was.

„What's wrong. Cat got your tongue? Well, at least you're not whining. I hate that.“

OOOOH if i was out and about i would tie your tongue into a knot so i don't have to hear your annoying ass voice ever again. Said the hallucinated alter ego and struggled against its illusional bounds that she insisted on keeping her tied up.

„This mask opens infinitively new possibilities. Its power is tremendous as you must have undoubtedly noticed by now. I figured you were aa smart man. Until you did this.“

Power? What was the boss thinking about? Financial power? Must be. Nevertheless his goons were a little confused over his obsession with the mask and threw each other looks.

„Plppease, give it back. Yyou don't want to do this, who knows what will happen if you put it on.“

His smirk got even wider and sinister „But isn't that part of the fun? And why would i wanna give away so much power right on the palm of my hand? I would be stupid to. Everyone wants something in the world, lonely guys want to be loved and respected, weaklings want power, poor people money and so the list goes on. Do you think you're different? I too want something. No, i'm afraid the mask will accompany me a while longer.“

„Put it on? Boss, i don't understand i thought we are selling this thing for lotsa money.“

„Sell it? Are you out of your mind, Frank? Why would we sell the most powerful object on earth? I wouldn't sell it for any amount in the world and so would most other people.“

„Soo is this a sentimental thing like for a upcoming mask ball?“

Darius gave a scornful snort at their stupidity but it was better to leave his men in the unknown... yet. If they knew about the powers this artifact holded, they'd use it to gain an advantage no doubt.

Wait, that might be it. They don't know about the mask. Tell them, make them fight for it. Rob? Robbie boy? ROB, WOULD YOU STOP SHIVERING FOR A SECOND AND OPEN THAT HATCH ALREADY.

He thought about this for a bit, but maybe his alter ego was right if they fought for the object it could help distract them and he might be able to escape and get to the mask somehow, whereever it was. Probably in his car, Rob always had the mask on him and so would a powerhungry mob boss.

„So you will use its powers to make yourself richer, stronger. Give yourself everything you want... And what will your henchmen get? Nothing? That doesn't seem fair to me.“

That surely got Frank and Skinny Pete thinking, he could basically see their brains rattling to figure out what it was about this mask that could drastically change their lifes without selling it. It was just an ordinary mask made out of wood after all, probably fit for a museum at best.

„Boss, what is he talking about?“

Darius waved them off „Nothing, there is no real power to this thing that was just a metaphor.“

„What's a metaphor? Ah forget it, you said power, i clearly heard it. You said that it can get you everything you want and that its not for selling. Didn't you hear that too Frank?“

„Loud and clear Skinny Pete. But i am not sure what to make of it. Maybe it really was just a metaphore.“

„But what if it wasn't.“

Okay that got them thinking, go on. Sow distrust.. Gangbang. MAFIA FIGHT!

„It wasn't a metaphore, this mask can be worn and has magical properties. It gives its wearer magical superpowers that everyone dream of in their sleep. Wear it if you believe me, then you'll see.“

„SHUT UP. And you: Make yourself useful and take care of that rat.“

The goons hesitated for a second, then turned around and closed in on Rob. Apparently he had to sow even more distrust.

„So, you're happy just be mindless goons for the rest of your life? With this mask, you could be giving orders to your very own henchmen. But if you want to live like stupid slaves... So be it.“

Come on, please be good fish and just bite. I want out of this man's grasp already.

The goons stopped in their tracks „We ain't stupid boy. You're trying to trick us. It ain't working because we're not stupid.“

„Yo, wouldn't it be stupid not to use this power if it existed?“

„Are you stupid? Magic ain't real man.“

„I saw someone move things with his mind. I saw it with my own eyes!“

The smarter goon sighed, losing hope in his collegue „That was a MAGIC SHOW, imbecile! Now knock it off.“

„Since you're apparently incapable of getting things done, i will have to do it.“

Darius pulled out an all too familiar wooden object. Rob knew what was going to happen next but he couldn't do anything.

We tried to gamble and lost. T'was nice having you as my wearer Robbie boy. his alter ego sounded really depressed as she was forced to watch things unfold in front of their eyes.

All he could do was watch as the power hungry mob boss brought the mask closer to his face. As soon as he put it on, it wrapped around his skull and released a purple smoke that enveloped the man in a slowly descending spiral. Ominous noises echoes around the hall and lightning sparked from within the smoke cloud as the man was changed by the mask's magic. The scared henchmen staggered back by the sight of their bosses transformation.

„I told you magic was real!“

When the cloud thinned, it revealed Darius, now in his masked form which was an intimidating sight. He still had his blond locks, but his face was encased in the green rubber of the mask and his eyes glowed in a deep purple just like his suit. He had a fancy looking cane, not because he had trouble walking but as a sign of wealth was Rob's guess. His muscle size had increased quite a lot and showed veins on the skin's surface. Even in this form, he had the typical smirk that Darius seemed to do when he was content.

“Ohh what an electrifying feel. Is this what you felt everytime you put it on? I can understand your obsession with it now, with this artifact no one will dare to cross my path.“ Darius uttered in his now husky voice and looked at himself in the rear mirror of his fancy Chevrolet.

„Bb Boss? Are you feeling good?“ Skinny Pete looked shaken by the sudden transformation going on in front of his eyes.

“Never been better. Now, to you Robert Whitcom.“

He turned around and closed in the distance left that separated him from Rob.

With him still on it, Masked Darius lifted up his chair with ease, collaring him.

I will show you what true power you can achieve with this godly artifact. I am not going to waste it like you did to.

He threw him across the room which ended in an ungraceful land on the floor, breaking the underside of the chair and spraining his ankle. He hit his head pretty badly but he'd survive. If only he had the power of the mask now. But there it was, on his face. His head was swirling, he must have caught the floor a little too hard but he would have to manage.

„See, nobody can stop me. Now it's time to show our rivals that it is us who comes out ontop of the food chain.“

A bullet hit him right in the chest, Then another. And another. Something had finally clicked for the henchmen and they had decided that they wanted a slice of that cake. It was a stupid move but the idea of getting the power to do everything you want is a good motivation to be stupid.

„Sorry boss, but i kinda want that mask.“

„No, you don't. It's mine don't you even think about it! If anyone's gonna be on top of the food chain, it'll be me.“

It wasn't long until their mags were all empty which left the dumbfounded men shocked. To Rob, it was obvious but seeing Darius unharmed frightened the men.

„I know your intelligence is lacking, so i won't take it personally. But i have no need for you anymore. There is hundreds more that can take your place.“

He opened his mouth and spat all the bullets back at the goons in rapid succession, his mouth turning into a pipe form, they tried very hard to dodge and jumped. Several bullets hit them in the chest, they didn't get back up after the landing.

All the noise drew more of Darius' men into the warehouse and Rob couldn't blame them for being confused at the sight of a greenheaded blonde man standing in the middle of the room.

„I promised you true power, and now i can show you the fruits of our efforts. These two tried to doublecross me, now the only cross they're going to get is the one on their graves.“

A few of them took in the air loudly, visibly scared.

“But the same doesn't have to happen to you, pledge your loyalty to me. Together we will control all of Chicago at last.“

Even with his sprained ankle, Rob decided that he should make a run for it. He could not let this man loose on the entirety of Chicago and even if he didn't care, he needed the mask. It was more than just a fetish to him, he had grown close to his alter ego. And he couldn't feel whole without her now, it felt like something had been ripped out of his body.

“That is the choice i am offering you. Leave the room as my boys, or leave don't leave it at all.“

She gave him comfort like no one else could, with the power of the mask he could make Chicaco a safer place.

So he decided, realising how stupid this was having experienced that the mask was pretty much unstoppable, he made a run for it while Darius was still ranting away to his goons. Gritting his teeth, he approached the masked man, knewing that he could die right here.

Jumping at the masked Darius with all the force left in his legs, he dug into the edges of his face and started pulling with all his might. Darius seemed surprised at this but recovered fast and kicked him away. This was it, i am going to crack like an egg, Rob thought. But he noticed that there was an object flying through the air.

„GRAB IT! DON'T JUST STAND AROUND, GET MY MASK.“

He actually managed to get it off of him, but now it was flying through the air like a frisbee, he couldn't allow him to get him back, he'd kill him for sure.

And sure enough, a second later Darius brought out a black Sig Sauer and aimed the nozzle towards him. The rest of his goons did the same but were hesitant.

Like a dog trying to catch a frisbee, he sprinted through the hall ignoring the sting in his ankle and jumped into the air. He thought it would fly right past him at first and moved his head to greet the artifact with his face.

It landed on his face with a SPLAT, almost as if the artifact was satisfied to be reunited with his favorite host it wasted no time in latching onto his face and sending out tendrils that wriggled around on his head, the mask changed from its wooden into its rubbery state and began to swallow his head, wanting his head to be encased in its gelatineous mass once again.

„SHOOT HIM YOU IMBECILES. SHOOT.“

Rob groaned as the mask grew tighter and tighter and sped up the transformation, sensing the danger its wearer was in. This time, the mask felt even more tight on his face than usual, almost like it never wanted to be separated from its host again.

Bullets started flying, making the wall and the floor spark but the mask slowly gaining control started dodging them to wrap up the transformation.

His body started changing shape to become his female alter ego, fingernails grew long and painted themselves green, muscles slimmed down as the fat was sucked out of them. The mask caused his breasts to swell to a size that his business shirt couldn't fit, which sent several buttons flying.

„Yo, did he just get breasts?“ Asked a goon.

„Wtf is happening.“

„JUST SHOOT.“ Shouted the absolutely mad Darius.

The mask slowly altered its wearer's body to become the form that it was supposed to be and flooded his mindspace with the thoughts of his alter ego which was slowly taking the driver seat and already excited about dealing with all those armed men in the room, especially the person that took her from Rob. Rob was now crammed into the corner of his mind with her being in control but focused his thoughts on what he wanted her to do, fearing that her time with Darius might have done harm: No killing, no killing, no killing.

She smirked and yanked his body into a green sparky twister that sent wirlwhinds around the warehouse and caused goons to shield themselves from small flying debris.

Don't worry Rob, just relax and let me handle this. Now where was i... Right. What to wear... Maybe this? No. Or that? Too boring. Ranted his alter ego as the twister zoomed around the hall.

When it finally came to a stop, it revealed the gorgeous form of She Mask with her ebony black hair, clothed in a green trenchcoat slightly rivalling Darius outfit. Her green eyes rested on Darius and his gang that were still shooting at her. They bounced off her body, doing absolutely nothing.

„Did you see that, Al he just turned into a fucking woman.“

„I saw it alright, what the hell is even going on. Is he a trans?“

“OoOoh it feels so good to be back. Now to the fun part. Darius, me boy. You separated me from Rob. You took me to do pretty evil stuff, what a bad boy. Bad boys must be punished.

She took in all the bullets and bounced them back like a trampoline, making sure they only landed near and not wounding anyone.

“Now now that ain't a proper way to greet a lady, boys. How about we put the toys away?

Darius approached, intending to rip the mask of her face just like Rob had but she sensed this and zipped away.

He let out a growl and ran after her.

“Oh, how fun, we're playing tag. But you forget to be a gentleman. Ladies first, no?“

She sped to his henchmen which had almost emptied their ammo reserves by now and ran right through the crowd like a wrecking ball. A sound of falling bowling pins played from a source never to be found.

“Wow, looks like i got a hole in one! Or was it strike? Who cares, sport is for stinky hairy men.“ She snickered, looking at her work, goons were on the ground groaning.

„Get up. GET UP. WHOEVER GETS ME MY MASK BACK GETS A SMALL FORTUNE.“

She sped away again, avoiding his hands reached out for her face.

“Nuh uh, mister i can't allow you to ruin my make up already. I just put it on. Speaking of make up... she pulled out a comically large brush and sped around the armed men.

“Some color here, a few more details there... OHH, i have outdone myself. What a masterpiece.“ She motioned a chef's kiss and looked at her handywork.

She looked at a group of clowns and pantomimes who were now looking for their missing guns. Replaced by balloons and imaginary guns in case of the mimes.

“Now this is much better, isn't it?“

„The hell did the freak do to us, look at me!“

„Shut the fuck up, Vic. I look like a clown!“

„You ARE a clown.“

The two started attacking each other, rough housing until the mask separated them like siblings having a fight.

“Kids, play nice will ya? I don't want to have to put you into the play pen.“
„He called me a clown!“

„It really suits you that's why.“ They continued throwing punches while in She Masks grasp. Sensing an approach from Darius again, she quickly fenced them up with a cartoonish fence.

“There, work on that energy of yours.“

She jumped back just in time to avoid him and he stumbled into the spot where she had been a second ago.

“Swing and a miss sir. Errr hehehe i will be right back, i have to attend to naughty clowns and mimes.“ She said, seeing the unarmed mass of criminals moving towards her.

She zipped through them, leaving only a green blurry trail of her behind. When she was done, everyone was tied up neatly with a report card attached.

“If christmas came early for the cops, this is what it'd look like. Make sure you read up your report cards and show them to your parents my darlings. Vic you get a D for hurting a clown's feelings. DON'T GIVE ME THAT LOOK, mister!“

Now there was only one troublemaker left and it was a big fish, the police would be overjoyed to get him handed on a silver plate.

„No. NO. This is my mask. HOW DARE YOU TAKE IT FROM ME. YOU WILL REGRET THAT!“

“Pfft, you talk too much and wear all that fancy clothing but without all the power you are nothing. Let's see how you fare without it Mr. Fancypants. It's makeover time!“

She twisted him around before he could adjust to her presence and make a move, stripping him off all his clothes with exeption of his underwear which had become a pair of diapers. Fitting to his diapers a baby hat and pacifier complemented his look.

“This is how it truly looks like inside that shell of yours. Fitting. Oh wait, i forgot something.“

She added a bib.

“Donneeee! Actually...“

The Mask ran to the car. “Let's take this bad boy out for a spin, shall we?“

And she spun the fancy Chevrolet which turned into... a fisher price toy car.

“Nooow i'm done. Would the baby like to go for a rideee?“

Baby Darius made a depressed face, that looked like he was about to cry like a real baby.

He sank to the floor in frustration and his shoulders sunk.

“Aww what a tired little man. It's time for your nap i see. Don't worry, i know just the place for a looong nap.“

With a kick to the head, she knocked the mansized baby out cold.

She pulled out her oversized green phone and called the police.

„CPD, how can we help?“

“Yeaah, so i just so happened to stumble into a place for Waste Management and i managed the waste there for you. Come take a look, i'll send ya the adress.“ she hung up before the officers could ask any questions and transmitted the location. Satisfied with how it all played out and having her wearer back, she wanted to speed away when she remembered something.

“Ohh yea right, cannot wake the baby. Little one needs his naptime.“ She snuck off but the cartoon power didn't let her take a single step without making any weird noise. Suddenly an elephant was trumpeting, a honking noise could be heard and many other noises echoed around the hall.

“Sigh. Just my luck, sorry dear but keep on sleeping. Something tells me justice will be taking custody for you.“

With a last look around the place, she zipped away in a blur, out of that drug cave which would soon be discovered by the police. She didn't know what to do with her time now that she was attached to Rob's face again but she had an idea...

Chapter Text

The Mask zipped around the town, now on superhero duty after their dangerous encounter with mafia overlord Darius, who luckily hadn't managed to keep the mask for his evil plans. The situation looked a little dicey with Rob having guns aimed at him from all directions, but She Mask was glad that it went well in the end and that she was back with her favorite wearer. She liked being attached to Rob's face, he was her favorite host as he only wanted to do god with the mask's power.

But he allowed her the occasional shenanigans too and even if she would want to stay in control forever if she could, this was a symbiotic relationship and neither of them could exist without the other.

She was jumping roof to roof while having these thoughts and felt a little part of Rob bubble through for a second, his persona being in the part of his mind where she normally was.

I love you too, hun. Now shush, there is work to do.

She continued jumping around in her half green, half yellow outfit that has become a trademark for her vigilante persona as she heard an all too familiar voice.

So she duck behind a chimney and listened to a pair that were apparently speaking to each other on a fire escape ladder.

„So, ya got the money pal? It'd be a shame if we had to overthink our little agreement.“

The voice was husky, it oughta be from a man who smoke a pack of cigs a day.

„Yes, of course i got it. 5000 as agreed. The rest will follow.“

She sharpened her ears, this voice really did sound familiar but from where? Then she realised.

Ohh, its Hopkins or how Rob calls him „Mr. Busbody“. Hey robby boy, your boss seems to be in some kind of shady business, lets eavesdrop!

She listened closer and her ear enlargened comically and unnecessarily.

„That'll please the boss greatly. But i didn't expect you to get the cash this fast.“

She heard an arrogant huff „Pff, took it from my employees i did. Not paying out of my own pocket. We have an agreement then?“

„We certainly do. That green vigilante won't be bugging you any longer, we got all the weapons in the world to rid the world of her.“

„Good, i can't stand looking at her smug grin any damn longer. I don't care how you do it, just get her out of my city.“

„Chicago will be free soner as you know it, just keep your end of the deal.“

The voices began to faint as the men descended down the ladder. He just ordered a hit on her! How rude, how despicable. She steamed and smoke came out of her ears as she made the sound of a boiling tea kettle.

While she promised Rob not to teach him a lesson for being a dick, now he stepped the line, how could someone want to kill a woman this immaculate? She looked at herself in a hand mirror that came out of her infinite pocket. Green, flawless skin, ebony black hair that framed her face beautifully. Green eyes. She got it all.

And all that saving she did, why would that be a bad thing? She grinned as she had a little idea of payback without hurting him. She wouldn't break the promise in fear of being locked away in a drawer as soon as she transformed back but a little fun wouldn't hurt.

She waited until he finished descending down the ladder and walked down the now empty alley.

Then she jumped down and gracefully landed right behind him without making a sound.

Then she grabbed his underwear and pulled it over his head. “Wedgey! And a well deserved too. See ya, dear!“ She snickered and speeded away before he could mutter any other reaction than surprised grunts.

That'd serve him well, you can't escape the mask. Of course he had just ordered some goon to get rid of her but she didn't let that worry her too much. The power of the mask protected her and as long as it was attached to Rob, it protected him too. Mr. Busybody didn't have the slightest clue that Rob was She Mask anyway and it was for the best to stay that way.

Lost in these thoughts, she ran through Chicago but she really needed some relief now and deep inside her, she could feel that Rob needed it too.

Awww Robbbb does that mean you are worried about me? That's so sweeeet but as you know i'm untouchable, well depending on the situation... I wouldn't mind a touch at the right sp- Well what i mean is, worry about yourself. Now, where was i?

Time to go clubbing. All that vigilante work was great and all, but it was starting to get late and she wanted to make the most of her time out until it was time to hand the wheel back to her alter ego.

But what's partying at the best club worth without some company?
And a while later she found herself at the door, banging on it like a madman err girl.

When the old man opened he wasn't confused in the slightest as if he had already gotten used to the new madness in his life.

„Amelia is upstairs. Just promise me one thing: Whatever you do please keep her safe, yes?“

She gave him a big grin “You got it, mister. I will bring her back safe and sound, we'll just have sum fun, go dining and mayyybee do the occasional base jump ya know.

„Wwait – base jump i don't thi-“ He started with a pale expression but she zipped past him before he could finish.

“You worry too much good sir, i will bring her back to you in one piece. Ohhh Ameeliaaaaa!“

A green and yellow blur was the only thing that could be seen of her on her way upstairs. He shrugged and went back to watching tv.

She broke through the door without knocking and posed.

„Mask, i was thinking of you just now. How have you been?“

“Fantastic dear, well there have been some hiccups but let's not worry about that. Worrying is for losers like... well. Losers!“ She giggled.

“Et tu, Amelia? Life must be a little boring in that tight room of yours. Why not use it for something more fun?“

She looked to her desk, that she just jumped upwards from „Well, i am having fun, i'm drawing.“

She Mask came closer to inspect her work “Awww Amelia Sweetheart you're drawing me. But it could be a lot better if you had me to pose for you...

„A good artist can draw from memory just fine. Bbut you can pose if you want. I will start over.“

“Yaaayy, lets get this started, you'll get to look at my beauty even when i'm miles away!“

She Mask struck a pose “Now draw me like one of your french girls.“

She conjured a lime sofa and positioned herself.

„Seriously?“ Amelia exclaimed incredulously
“Less thinking, more drawing dear Amy. Time is precious.“

Amelia took her brush and started brushing, first working on the silhouette of She Mask's body. Her having the worst patience a magical being could have, was unable to sit still for long of course.

„Okay, now stay still, i already got your curves down.“

With skilled brushes, a painting started to form.

„Could you stop scratching your … you know what?“

“Sorreeh, butt's got dem itches. Could you help with that?“

„Looks like you are taking care of it just fine.“

The painting was starting to come along really well now, just some more deta-

„R-really?“

The Mask had struck a different pose that made Amelia blush.

“Don't say you don't like what you see...“

„Well, i do but the painting's not done sooo... If you'd please?“

The greenheaded heroine sighed “Fineee.“

Amelia continued drawing and while you could already tell who this was supposed to be, she wasn't pleased with the result yet. She wanted to challenge herself and get every detail right.

The green that was needed so much, looked really vivid, like she could reach out and touch her. And she would probably feel the texture of her clothes.

The painting winked at her and almost made her mess up the painting. Then she threw a surprised look “Sorry. Didn't mean to startle ya. But hey, i didn't move. Technically at least!“

„Stop that please Mask, i need to get the details right. You want to look perfect, right?“

“I don't need to, already do. Ohh you me an the painting. Is it done yet?“

„Almost, just some finishing touches...“ She finally put the brush down. „There. I think i did pretty well. Being introverted means i have a lot of time to myself.“

She came over like an overexcited toddler but made a disappointed face when she saw the painting.

“Am i really this fat? Not talking about my booty and rack by the way those are F L A W L E S S.“ She wondered while looking down and inspecting her body.

„No, this is how you look. A-and to be honest you are gorgeous.“

She Mask smiled “I know sweetie but the fact that you said it makes it even better, i'm so proud of you that was a big step for you.“

She put a finger to her chin “Noww, where were we? Oh, right. Let's do something fun. She spun into a whirlwind and you could see colors flashing inside. She Mask thought about the perfect outfit to wear for the occasion. She smiled inside the twister, finally some fun after being stuck in that stinky, dusty warehouse and inside that nerdy mind.

When the twister stopped, she donned a beautiful red top with a long skirt made of black painted leather that emphasized her ebony black locks. Her feet were in gold high heels that complemented the whole outfit. She looked at her fingernails and grinned, anticipating the answer to her next question.

“Noow, how do i look. And remember, there is only one correct answer.“

„You look beautiful. But what about me, i don't think i have something to wear. At least nothing that will fit to the club, last time i went with my normal clothes.“

She Mask smiled and came closer “You just leave that to me, gorgeous.“ And before she could open her mouth to express concerns She Mask had already travelled the distance to her wardrobe.

“Noww, lets see. Not this. EWW, where did you get that? With each sentence, she threw one piece of clothing on a largening pile. Of course Amy was the one who'd have to clean all that up in the end. Nooo, not this either. Better, but it doesn't pack the right punch. Ohhh, now this could work..“

The clothes landed on Amy before she could catch them.

“Try these on, don't give me that worried look. Trust me, this ain't my first rodeo.“

Still sceptic, Amy disappeared inside the bathroom and inspected what the mask gave her. When she was done, she went back and She Mask squealed excitedly.

“I KNEW IT. Perfect, AAA rating. Look at youu babe, give me a spin will ya?“

She looked at Amelia's body in full, she donned an olive green dress that went to her knees, white high heels. The outfit showed more skin than Amelia was used too so she felt uncomfortable but couldn't deny that she liked it, she bought this dress after all.

„Tthanks but i'm not used to showing my legs like this.“ She blushed.

“Aww trust me, you have legs like you never skipped leg day. Just some finishing touches, where do you keep your jewelry? Wait, allow me.“

Like she had herself, she spun Amy into a 180 degree circle that lasted a few seconds, when she was done her nails had been painted white, a golden necklace rested around her neck with a stylish ring on it.

“And. We. Are. Readyyyy. At long last, no time to lose, i know just the place. Not the place we were at the last time that one was meh. I will show you an even better one. Hold tight!“

With Amy in her clutches, she accelerated to inhuman speeds and rushed out of the house, her father only threw a look over her shoulder and then focused back on the game, hoping she wouldn't get too crazy.

„Maaask, not so ff-faast what if we hit something. Uaaahh!“

“That car better brace itself then, this girl's on fire. Don't worry Amelia mon deur. I do this all the time, went perfectly fine so far. Well, there was that one time where i aimed too high and ended up in Japan.“

„Ho- uhaah watch out. How?“

„I was a silly baka i guess. Hold on, we're almost there. And close your mouth, trust me on that one.“

The sensation stopped and they looked into the face of one muscle packed bouncer who looked bored. His eyes widened when he saw her.

„Miss Mask? Haven't seen you in a while. Coming to club?“

“Hell to the yeah, darling.“

„And this is your partner, yes?

“Bingo, you letting us in now?“

„Of course, whenever you like. Least i can do after you saved my job.“

The bouncer stepped out of the way and waved them inside.

“My pleasure. Say hi to the kids, yeah? Afterlife, brace yourself, here comes the boom.“

Amelia was astonished of how flashy the place was and so full of life, it was at least double the size as the last place they had been at and crowded to the max, hadn't she learned from her past experiences, she woulda gotten a heart attack. As it was, she just audibly gasped as she followed the Mask into the main part of the club.

“That music, so out of taste. I can't believe people dance to this junk. Looks like i will have to work my magic before the fun can begin.“

„Hey, that's my set.“ The DJ was upset but that was about to change „And it is my microphone too, hey lady this is the wrong place and time to do a marriage proposal.“

“Heyyy club, ya remember me? It's The Mask, and i am about to turn that frown upside down. DJ Mask will treat you to a musical adventure that'll fry your synapses. On the house!“ She flipped switches and turned the vinyls, then her magic powers imbued the set and it acted on its own.

It took a few seconds, but then the crowd cheered and started to dance even more energetically as the DJ looked baffled. „Who needs a DJ when you have superpowers, amirite. I need a drink“

She Mask pulled Amy into the cheering crowd which was nervous yet excited.

“You know the drill, shake it like you mean it girl.“

And so she did, she focussed on the Mask and blurred the people around her and for the first time in her life escaped from her social disorder for at least a short while. She Mask was moving like a deity, shaking her body in the rythm of the song perfectly and well aware she was drawing all the attention as usual. They danced song after song after song, the Mask had energy for eternities. She could even drink whatever she wanted, no hangovers guaranteed. If there wasn't her pesky alter ego, Rob she would probably get to do this every night.

But it was their shared body and he wasn't ready for this part, just yet. She would get Brendan and him there eventually... He was a little lamb that needed some guidance but with time and her help, he would make a complete turn around.

„Whew, I'm kinda worn out. Can we take a break?“

“Absolutely hun, you broke the dance floor tonite. Let's go for some drinks, eh?“ She gave her that irresistible smile again.
„Yeah, that sounds great my throat is dry as fiber.“

They strode over to the bar, “A Red Snapper for me and a Martini for the lady.“

„Coming right up, Mask.“

Amy stared at her „How does everyone here know you?“

She Mask gave her a smug grin “Execuse mee? Who doesn't know me would be the question. A girl like me comes around. With time, they'll know you too.“

„Nn-no i don't think i want that, you can keep all the attention.“ She took a shot from her drink and The Mask did the same, smiling.

“Can't say no to that, but it would do you good to come out of your shell. So, how do you find this place?“

Amy looked around, this club had a way higher budget and amenities like the previous one. But being honest, she preferred the other one for how small and calmer it was.

„It looks opulent, but last place is more suited for me. But the looks, i could enjoy the ambience in here forever.“

She Mask had already emptied her Red Snapper and ordered another.

Amy took another sip, staring at the light projectors.

„You could enjoy a whole lot more than just the ambience, Amy. You feel me?“

Amelia was almost done with her martini „That would be... I..“

“Hey honey, no need to be shy. I'm not a stranger anymore. And its not like you're in the spotlight, i could arrange that though... Nah, i couldn't do that to you.“ She giggled but encouraged Amy to go on who looked into her lime green eyes a little sheepishly.

„I... i llove you.“ She blurted out, then blushed.

She Mask smiled „I know, let's go somewhere private, yes?“

„To do what?“

„Voulez vous coucher avec moi, ce soir?“

Amy was stunned but took the offered hand, the crowed cheered as if they had been waiting for this and cheered them on.
“Ladies and gents, t'was a pleasure. See ya!“

„MASK, I LOVE YOU TOO.“ Shouted a tipsy man.

„I love her even more. Get in the queue!“ Another one replied and it looked like a fight was about to break out.

“Men. Pff, come Amy let's get somewhere quiet.

She led the shy woman into a private room that could be rented for... special occasions which had a red sheeted bed.

She Mask posed on the bed “Come join me.“

Amy slowly but surely made her way over to her and laid next to the greenheaded woman. She smiled, a shy smile but at also a honest one.

“How did you like the evening so far, my love?“

Amy chuckled nervously „With you, i doubt there is any place that i couldn't have the time of my life at. Even a book club would be enjoyable.“

“That is true, i just have that magical touch. Literally. But none of it was needed to do all this.“ She touched Amy on the leg and her fingers made her way up until she was at her hip. Plenty more where that came from, even i need a relief from being a vigilante and you need a getaway too.

She gently touched her own rack “Try it. Just let go and stop being tense.

Amy returned the favor and touched She Mask at her hip, she followed her advice to let go and something else took over that had been hidden beneath her shy persona. She got closer, still slow but not as frozen as before and got closer to...

Their lips touched and it felt like heaven on earth “Mmhm who knew you had all this locked behind that wall of yours. Amy, my beautiful Amy. She Mask leaned in for a kiss this time while she groped Amy's body around the hip.

They had a wonderful time at the club, when it was finally time to leave, clock showed it was about 3 AM. She Mask had taken Amy to bed before leaving to her, or to be more accurate Rob's apartment. She could feel that it was time to take off the mask now.

Sighing, she put her hands towards her face, wishing she could stay longer but Rob needed to work the next day. Slowly, she put her hands to her sides, where the green mass of the mask collided with her human skin and began to pull. The Mask began to stretch like rubber, but it wouldn't come off no matter how hard she pulled. Biting her lips, she pulled harder, maybe she was weak from her partying. The gelatineous mass snapped back on her face and it was no use.

“Come on, i didn't mean that wish literally. Ugh.“She exclaimed as she looked at herself in the mirror and tried it again, her green face stretched like taffy but the strands snapped back into place like it was holding on for dear life. She chuckled nervously.

“Ohh Robbie boy, we're kind of in a predicament here...“

Chapter Text

It was an ordinary morning in Chicago, absolutely nothing OUT of the ordinary was taking place. Absolutely nothing. Rob, the normal or well sub normal office worker was sitting in his office and rapidly typing words into the ever so hungry machine. Boring, this was boring but his boss didn't want to read even just one more word about the masked vigilante so Rob decided to comply and write about smog pollution instead.

"Oh, what a lovely day it is, i'm just sitting here on my normal butt typing this normal article. Mr. Hopkins just can't get mad at this one, i even cited valid sources this time." He said in a cheery voice.

Humming to his favorite tunes, he continued perfecting the article and putting on some finishing touches, of course he couldn't forget his sources. Rob loved writing so much, he loved his job, even if his pay just got cut! And he loved the very town he lived in, there was just so much beauty to see if you disgarded the many pigeons that liked shitting on him or rats. So much crime to stop too, there was never a night where you didn't need to fear for your life or hide in your man cave like a pathetic los- He shook his head. Best not to get to carried away. When he was satisfied, he hit send so his boss Mr. Hopkins could proofread. He wanted control over what was printed and insisted on reading everything himself.

With that done, he decided to get a nice hot cup of energy in the kitchen. The journey, that would normally have been worrying to him seemed easy now, just one foot after the other. He left his office and waltzed straight to the kitchen, leaving co workers dumbfounded by his newfound self confidence. Not even his nemesis made a remark even if he couldn't resist a glare.

He pushed the button that was the key to free energy and watched the brown juice fill the cup all the way up. Coffee in hand, he actually went and sat down at the public table right next to his colleagues. He just so happened to sit down right next to Abby, who was surprised to see him.

„Rob, you here? Wasn't expecting that too be honest.“

„Yup, thought i'd go for a coffee to keep the system going. Whaddaya having?“

She looked at her cup „Black coffee. Just not a fan of milk.“

„I would rather have any coffee without milk, even green.“ Rob said and had his first sip.

„Green? What would that flavor be, pistachio? Not something i would like but hey, even that sounds more interesting than milk.“

„That flavor would be nuts. Get it, because its a... Oh forget it dear. How are things going today?“

Abby frowned at the odd behavior Rob was displaying but decided to put it off as a coffeine overdose.

„Hopins hasn't paid me a visit yet, so i gotta be doing something right... For him. But the column i'm writing is actually going very well, i might even get an interview going but that is still being decided. You?“

Rob smiled, a little too wide „Ohhh Abbyy i'm so great, just finished with my article and Mr. Busybody can't even be mad because it's such a great read. Did you know that Smog can cause Asthma? I think this one might be my best one yet. Don't gasp too hard when you read it hehe.“

After realising his wording, he took a longer than usual gulp from his coffee and tried not to look suspicious.

„... No, in fact i did not know. Is there a lot of fog here? Can't be like in China where you can actually see it and people have to wear masks, right?“

„Masks“ He giggled „Oh they love their masks, don't they. I do too, especially THE Mask.“

She looked at him weirdly giggling like a little girl „THE Mask? You mean the woman walking around looking like an avocado on steroids? I mean, she kinda does good here and there so i can't say i hate her. But she's too wild and unhinged if you ask me.“

Rob put on a disappointed look „Soo, you don't think that she is heroic? Aaaand mayyybe, by any chance gorgeous?“

Her face lit up as a thought hit her „Ohh i get it now, you have something going for her, huh?“ She couldn't resist a grin „Okay, you win she is kinda striking. Wish my hair was this kind of black and i have to admit that i would love to try her skin care routine but i could do without her zooming everywhere and causing two problems for one solution.“

„Excuse me?! When did i, ehhh i mean she ever cause any problems?“

Abby looked at him incredulously „Haven't you seen that one time when she caused a small flood trying to extinguish the fire at that factory? The storm drains worked overtime to get rid of all that.“

„Buuut in her defense the fire was extinguished... “ Rob added.

„You always find ways to see the good in her, don't you? But i suppose you're right.“

Abby looked at the clock „Oh, looks like my break is nearing its end. It's been fun chatting but i better get back to my desk. He has been in his office all day but i'm not taking any chances.“

With that, she got up and left after a little wave.

Rob let out a little sigh, why did everyone hate her so much? She tried her best to save people after all and wasn't she just perfect?
He felt a sudden surge of claustrophobia, like all the walls were closing in and changed his mind of getting back to his office. He needed out of here and fast.

Storming out of the building, he even managed to ignore Derek and his usual goons lurking for him, leaving irritated looks on their faces.

Rob hurried into a small alley where he was alone. Close to bursting he let it all out.

It's too much, i don't know how he does it!

He placed his hands at the side of his face and pulled. His skin stretched in an unnatural way and left strands like taffy as it pulled away from his head and with a loud plop another face came to view.

Finally, it was getting stinky under there, eww. No offence Robby boy.

With the Rob mask now off, her natural features returned to her body like they too couldn't wait any longer, her breasts inflated with a plop and pressed against the suit and tie combo that she had been forced to wear all day. A few buttons broke and were hurled away never to be seen again as the suit wasn't made for such body proportions. Her ebony coloured curls emerged from the Rob mask and framed her green face. She played with a strand of hair, reliefed to be herself again.

Whoops, he won't be happy about that. But i can't take it anymore, how does he do it? Being a sorry excuse of a human being is just the worst.

She could feel Rob inside her bubbling up, tucked away in his mindspace, like he was complaining about being called a loser.

Hey, it's the truth. It's already bad enough that i have to be you at your oh so fun work thing just so you can pay the bills. Not my fault i can't take the mask off... Or maybe it is, i don't know. HEY, i don't know, okay? The mask's magic is unpredictable calm down.

She looked at herself and the wasted suit, then she made an 180 degree turn, blurring herself to a grey streak that turned more colorful as she turned. When she was finished, she donned her usual vigilante outfit, a yellow and green coat, green pants and black boots.

Much better, phew the suit was tight but in the wrong way. She exclaimed Now, to get some me time, Mr. Busybody surely won't mind, he's been in his office all day. Probably counting the cash he made, reducing his employees pays or something. Her pupils changed to dollar signs for a second and a cash register could be heard. She shook her head, making the dollar eyes disappear.

Now let's see what i can do to get away from that terrible office where people WORK, i can't believe how he keeps doing it. See ya later!

She ran away so fast that she left a visible outline of where her body had been and then sped the streets having fun in mind.

Oh, reallly sorry ma'am didn't see you there, ohh i ruined your look let me help you there. Her hands blurred trying to fix the mess on the confused woman's face. But now it was even more messy.

Oh... uhh is your mouth supposed to be on your forehead? Let's try that again, don't panic lady i got this!

Another cloud formed as the Mask's manicured hands worked on getting it right.

There ya go, everything's where it's supposed to be. Now where was i? Oh, right. See ya and remember to get that mole checked out, doesn't look healthy... She said way to cheerful after just having turned a face into a living puzzle and then ran off before the dumbfounded woman could even say anything.

„This vigilante will be the death of us“ Murmured a nearby man and shook his head.

„Or the saviour.“ Argued his wife a second later.

„One thing doesn't exclude the other.“ Sighed the man as the pair kept walking past the still confused woman which checked her face to see if everything was where it belonged.

Of course she had couldn't have heard that, she was already gone with the wind. Running down street after street, she didn't focus on small crimes this time. There was a reason why she couldn't take the mask off and she thought it might be Rob's urge to become a real superhero and she was going to put her theory to the test.

If it worked, she should be able to take the mask off and give control back to her wearer again, not that she would want that she loved the control she had for the moment. But that wasn't how this gig worked, they were sharing their body and if she broke that trust she couldn't blame Rob if he threw her away out of fear of losing himself.

A phone rang and she had to stop to check for the noise. Where did it come from?

Uurgh those pesky and noisy paperweights. Where are you, damn thing?

She put a hand in her left pocket and pulled. She pulled out a large ringing clock.

Noisy but not it.

She threw the clock away and it screamed before succumbing to its fate. Next was a big inflatable floatie.

Oohh there's my dolphin. I knew it had to be somewhere. Welcome back! She stuffed the ridiculously large inflatable back in and searched her other pocket, a pink and fluffy pair of plastic handcuffs appeared. Her green face got a faint hint of red as she blushed a little. Uuuhh that's reserved for later... hehehe. Keep walking mister, you ain't seen nothing yet! She shouted at a man giving her "the look". The man just shrugged and passed her.

Finally, she managed to snatch the ringing phone which stopped ringing as soon as it was in her hand. Sooo typical, she thought. But then it beeped and a message popped up. It was from Brendan, her host's love interest.

Hey, Rob. I saw you storm off earlier. Is everything alright?

Ugh. Brendan was soo not her type, but since she had to play the part as long as she was in control, she typed a response.

Suree everything's easy peasy lemon squeezy. Just taking some time off to go get some additional sources for my article. Yep, that article about smog . Smog bad. Back in office soon, miss ya!. - R

Was that too much? Nah, it's gonna be fine, she thought and continued on her search.

As she was patrolling the streets and processing these thoughts, she heard countless opportunities to prove her worth but most of these were simple robberies and... a cat stuck on a tree. Classic.

But then, her fine ears twitched and received a particular sound, a police officer shouting through a megaphone.

„The building is surrounded by police officers, come out and we will negotiate for a milder sentencing.“

That's more like it! Lovely voice too, that man should be singing in a choir as baritone. Changing to the direction of the noise, she almost ran over a woman and her dog.

Oopsy daisy, sorry my hairy friend and the other hairy thing walking you, but action calls. Where crime is near, the Mask shall appear! She giggled happily that she found a worthy opportunity to put her powers to the test and hopefully satisfy her wearer's urge to become something worthy.

She approached the crime scene and decided to make an entrance by jumping down from a roof, scaring the officers to death.

Don't worry dear, the Mask is here!

„Jesus fucking christ, everyone but not you!“ Moaned one of the officers, they had guns pointed at the bank building.

She frowned Not the greeting a lady deserves but okay i get it tensions are high. Don't worry i totally got this. So, what do we have here? Is the building refusing to comply?

„Leave this to us, Mask, you will only make it worse. We got it covered.“

The Mask pouted, she would NOT make it worse. How dare he even say that?

Well, if you're not gonna tell me then i will take a looksie myself. She shrugged, then put up a big smile and pulled out a grapling hook of her far too small pocked.

„Nn- No please we really appreciate the help but please leave it to us. There is a bomb in there, you'll get everyone blown up!“

A booomb? Ohh now you got my attention...

„Shut up Johnson, you are making it worse.“ complained another officer with a chief badge on his uniform.

No take backsies, i'm going in. I will take care of that ticking noise for ya! She took a shot with the grapling hook and missed, the hook falling down on her head with a loud cartoon sound. A large comical bump appeared on her head and strange bird chirping could be heard.

Oof, that's gonna leave a mark. Well, lets try that again shall we?

She finally hooked the hook to the railing on the roof and pulled. Satisfied she pressed the button to reel her in.
Ooooh too fast, TOO FAST. WAYYY TO FAAAST. The Mask exclaimed as she reeled in with lightning speed, flying over the roof.

She knew everyone was watching her in the sky so she performed some tricks for everyone to see and gracefully landed on the roof.

Phew, that didn't go as planned. Now to find that bomb...

Luckily the door to the roof was unlocked and the reason was standing right in front of her, two of the bank robbers were taking a smoke break but with their jaws wide open due to her sudden appearance their cigarettes fell to the ground.

Ohh hehehe... Hey boys. Lovely time for an evening stroll isn't it? Do you love roof crashing as much as i do?

They were quick to pull guns on her and she sighed.

What's up with everyone thinking that these will work on me? Seriously guys, do you not watch the news?

„Mask, you're not invited to the party. Just leave an-“

Aand you won't shoot. That supposed to scare me? Well, i better make it quick, that ticking is already driving me up the roof. LITERALLY.

She approached the men, her body turning to rubber and easily evading the bullets by stretching her body in unnatural ways.

A few moments later and she had two thugs wrapped up nicely in front of her. A light bulb appeared on her head.

I know just what to do with you. Buckle up boys you're going bungie jumping.

She carried the bundle to the edge and just dropped them without a warning but since she had the rope connected to her hook, they were stopped inches before the ground.

To my men in blue, xoxo the Mask! She shouted down to the officers and tied the rope to the railing so the officers could collect their gift.

„She's totally crazy!“ Shouted one of the thugs.“

You have the right to remain silent, make good use of it, sweetie! The Mask blew him a kiss which flew down to him and then blew a raspberry at him covering his face in spit.

With her attention back to the wide open door, she snuck in like 007 and felt Rob's emotions coming to the fore with a small anxiety surge.

Don't worry, i got this covered. She patted her shoulder to calm her wearer down so his emotional state wouldn't distract he from her mission and went into the bank.

Chapter Text

She sauntered into the bank, first planning to just stroll in and stop the bad guys right away. But she had second thoughts and instead snuck towards the source of the ticking. She ended up in the main room, where all the hostages had been gathered up and held at bay. She sat down right next to a panicking man with a face as pale as snow.

„Mmm-Mask?“, he exclaimed incredulously as the Mask sat down next to him silently without making any move to stop the robbery, he looked more confused than scared now.

She grinned and put a finger to her lips “Shhh, i'm a hostage now.“

„But haven't you come to he-“

„Ey, what's the commotion about did i allow you to chat? Can't remember that i did so shut it“, shouted the rude seems to be leader of the group without looking. His eyes were on the vault which they were trying to open.

„I'm only going to ask you one more time before we have to blow it open. What is the code? We can stop the countdown within seconds if you just give it to us.“

„Iii-im telling you i don't know. I'm just a low rank bank clerk. I exchange paper money to coins. I don't have any codes or access to anything!“, shouted the man that was held up next to the giant steel door.

„Then you are of no use to us. Sit down tight and enjoy the fireworks“, ordered a robber and pointed towards the hostages with his handgun.

The confused man was at a loss for words before he found them „Llady aren't you going to try...“

“Shush, i'm in my role... Wait, i'm missing something..." She tied herself up with a rope that she pulled out of her endless pocket. Unfortunately she slightly miscalulated and spun herself around until she looked like she was cocooned. The noise alerted a nearby thug.

„So what's going on here, can't hostages follow instructions these days?“

He stared at the mess before him before it clicked „Hey, green chick how did you get in here? Look guys, its the vigilante but she is too stupid to do her job“

Angered she tried to keep her cool. Too stupid?

“You better take that back, hun.“

„Or what, you're going to tie yourself up even more?“ He poked at here with his leg.

Just watch, i'll be free righ- wow thats a seriously tight knot. Ughh. Well, looks like you got yourself a high value hostage hehe“ She giggled sheepishly as she tugged on the rope. Making a comedic entrance hadn't gone as planned.

„And who will want a useless vigilante that only causes trouble?“

„Just leave her here, maybe we can get a nice little bonus for her after we're done. Someone's gotta pay well for the woman that put his goons in jail.“

EXCUSE ME??! I'M STILL RIGHT HERE YOU ASSWIT", she fumed and decided to become an escape artist. Like she was playing twister, she carefully unwound all her limbs which looked a little odd but thanks to her ability to elongate she was free in no time. Not before she looked like a strange, deformed green mess though.

“Almost there guys. Wait, that's not where my leg goes. Aaand tadaaa! I should try taking donations, dontcha think?“

She was met with guns pointed at her face. Rolling her eyes, she took them away.

“Boys, you really thought this would work?“ She worked on the guns with lightning speed until it looked like a perfect artwork.

„Get rid of her, bomb's blowing in 3. Shoot her or do whatever. But do it!“

“Ohhh this is the moment where we fight, right? What's that one hero in the comics say? With great booty comes great responsibility? Must be it.“

She rushed around, dodging the bullet of one guy who had taken a shot and ran up the floor from where she came, climbing on the edge of the railing with an idea that was from the same comic. She hadn't read them but since Rob had and they also shared memories with the body, she knew what her wearer knew.

„Shut this bitch up, i don't care how. Whats the timer say?“

„2 minutes boss.“

“Then i guess it is time to properly introduce myself. I'm Spewwderwoman! Why the eww? I hate spiders. Burn them all, eight legged abominations they are. Ontop of that they leave webs everywhere, they get in your hair and mess up your look. Where was i? Oh, yes. Spewderwoman to the rescue!" She shot at the chandelier with a harpoon and swung like the hero from the comic, passing the hostages by a few inches.

“Coming in like a wrecking ball. Heads up, my hostage frens. Uh i mean down, DOWN.“

She swung through the air but instead of the planned dropkick, she hit one of the goons with her breasts, knocking him out cold and stuffing his face between her rack.

“Hey! Some girls take money for that. Out, OUT. Bad bank robber guy." She tied him up on a pillar and then made quick work of the other gunmen, saving the boss for last.

He was really busy emptying all his clips into her, but of course it didn't do any good. Why didn't that message catch on? She was getting tired of the guns.

With a simple touch to the temple, she put the boss to sleep.

“Aww look at him sleeping. I hope he enjoys his gifts when he wakes up. He'll wish he was an escape artist as good as me. But you can't find my talent anywhere else in the world. Now to the bomb...“

She pulled out a serving bell in a greenish metal, placed the bomb in it and closed it just in time as the bomb detonated.

“Aaand that's not the dinner bell, unfortunately. But there's a good steakhouse around the corner if anyone's hungry.“

„Thank you mask, can you untie us please?“

“Stopping the thugs and an explosive ain't enough for you? Hostages are so demanding these days but fineeee.“

It was just a few seconds of zipping to cut their ties.

“But now if you'll excuse me, i really gotta go, our friends in blue aren't too fond of me so you go talk to them, yeah? Greet them from me, especially Officer Drew he's the best. Maybe taking his donut obsession a little too far though. XOXO!“

Gone with the wind, she was jumping over the rooftops long before any of the hostages could even properly processed this mess. But this time around, The Mask was actually happy with her work. She hadn't checked for a while, but Rob was still stuck in their mindspace since she had last tried to take off the mask.

She had now been in control for an entire day, masquerading as her wearer and while she enjoyed being in control, she realised how much they needed each other and why she hadn't been able to take the mask off.

She landed on a roof, slid down the rain drain into a back alley and let out a big sigh, maybe her biggest sigh yet and it echoed in her mind. She knew Rob was aware of almost everything that she did when she was out.

“FINEEE. I danced around it too long so i'm just gonna say it. Look... okay how do i... where do i start. OK. OK OK OKKK. I'm sorry. We need each other, not only do i need a wearer to have a body and personality but you need me too. Seriously, you're a loser and almost a lost cause. HEY, I SAID ALMOST. But there's no denying that we're both one side of the coin and i shouldn't have wished to be in control forever as that would permanently lock away a half, not gonna say the better half so forget it. But... i am sorry.“

When she was finished, she felt like a ton of weight falling off of her and the green mass that was her head puckered for a few seconds. It felt like the mask had clamped down hard on the face to stay transformed until now.

That's a good sigh, she thought to herself. Time to give the body back. And with that she dug into the divide between mask and human skin and pulled. This time it came off, stretching at first but letting go more easily as usual as her body slowly changed back to her human form. Her godly features slowly replaced by the boring, mundane look of Robs. She handed the reigns back to her host as he removed the rest of what part of the mask was still attached with a sigh.

He hadn't been able to do anything other than watch his other move his body around for a day, he was so disoriented that he fell to his knees before getting used to his motor functions again. A sound got his attention. It originated from a woman watching him. Fuck.

It was Amy, the woman that the Mask had saved from her abusive boyfriend. Had she seen him transform back? He slowly got up from the ground and pondered what to say.

Let me talk to her. You would probably mess up anyway.

He surely wasn't gonna do that after being locked inside his mind for that long. Screw his alter ego, she has had her fun for now. As he thought this, he could practically feel her pout. But if she wasn't going to talk to her, he did. He needed to find out if she saw but judging by her expression she surely did.

„Oh hey, i didn't see you there. Sorry, i think my legs gave in just now but i'm okay. Are you... uhh okay?“

See, you're making it awkward. Just let me out again, i know you've been stuck as me for the day but she's clearly seen the transformation. Its time for the „talk“.

He could see the Mask materialize out of thin air, point to the mask and then give him a thumbs up with a big grin.

„Yyes but umm what just happened?“

„I think i overdid it with the caffeine for today, that's all.“

She looked like she was about to run away any second now but also really wanted to ask something.

„Uhh, is there anything i can help you with? I really gotta go home.“

„No, i just needed to go through this alley. I'm going home too.“

Jesus christ Robbie boy, just ask her if she's seen you transform from a woman into a man, it's a perfectly normal thing to ask.

He sighed internally, here goes nothing.

„How much have you seen?“

She paused, thinking on the answer that might potentially make her look insane. Rob decided to help her a little.

„Have you seen the Mask here just now?“, he tried to nudge her into the direction this conversation was slowly going to go.

„Yyes, which is why i stopped. We are... we spent some time together. But then i lost sight of her and saw you. Maybe my eyes tricked me.“

„You've seen her become me.“ He mused.

„Yes. I must be going crazy, i see things everywhere and i am a little paranoid. Maybe it has been you all along and my eyes are playing tricks on me. But it looked like she was taking her disguise off and...“

She didn't finish her sentence understandably so. This was freaky on all accords and you didn't see someone change gender everyday.

The cat's outta the bag, JUST SAY IT.

„I am her. I am The Mask.“