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Chapter Text

A tender ache pulsed throughout the whole of her body. Another freezing morning wasn’t something she wanted to come to terms with but spending one more hour in bed felt nauseating. She sat up only to be met with the flaring red lights of her alarm clock flashing 4:23 AM. Annoyance flecked across her face but soon settled into her curious side. This seemed to become a nightly ritual, since the beginning of last week she’s been waking up at odd hours of the night, sometimes she’d fall asleep only to be awoken again, most of the time she just decided not to. 

There was a perpetual exhaustion that seemed to linger with her regardless of how many hours of the day she slept away, it didn’t matter anyway. 

With a deep sigh she got up and was met with the cold oak floor caressing her bare feet. It was hard to tell whether she was hungry or not, breakfast was barely a thought to her on a daily but she didn’t want any eggs to go to waste. The soothing silence of her apartment reminded her it hadn’t been very long since she was finally living on her own, cutting off any past ties to her old home and the people along with it. Most saw it as a punishment in a way, a life of solitude as she sheltered off to a tiny town in the middle of nowhere. 

She never viewed it like that. Unlike most she loved to be by herself, loneliness just wasn’t something she was familiar with. Of course the idea of whether or not this was normal behavior has brushed past her a few times in thought, but all she did was shrug her shoulders at that. 

Satisfied with her decent attempt at cooking eggs she sat down to quickly eat. A day to day for her would seem boring to most as she usually stayed indoors, but that boredom was beginning to effect herself as well. Before it could fully set in motion she was suddenly motivated to start looking for jobs. Now every time someone asked if she was working it wouldn’t be a lie. This also means that working at your local retail store starts early in the morning. 

But that wouldn’t be for awhile… 

Arriving to work was a treacherous feat. Bundled up to the brim she hastily made her way towards the cute shop on the corner, biting her bottom lip so her teeth wouldn’t clack against the cold. A bell rung as she slammed the door open a little too hard, anyone already there silently understood her rush as she made her way to the back.

Already in uniform she returned, clocked in and ready to work. At least she was getting paid for this. Being a cashier was nothing exciting but the harsh weather was sure to turn any potential consumers away.

“Hey! You’re here!". Of course, co-workers could never be avoided. She turned around to politely greet Kate(?), she squints. No, Kitty. Wow. She turned around to politely greet Kitty, a spunky brat with teal dyed hair who seems to have taken a liking to the brand new employee. 

“Hey Kitty. What’s up?” She cleared her throat for a second, this was the first time she’s spoken all day. 

“Okay so, like, I know you’re new and everything right? So I also know for a fact that you don’t have any friends and also I know for a fact that you’re not dating anyone. No one wants to date a cashier.” Where was she going with this?

“Anyway, anyway, anyway. I want to invite you to come with me and some of my friends to have a bonfire with us out in the woods. It’s kindaaa sorta a tradition around here,” Kitty’s gummy grin flashed her smiley piercing, funnily enough. 

She chuckled at the thought but soon remembered what Kitty had just asked her. Going out with people wasn’t something she was against… usually. But in this weather? Kitty began to pout as she noticed her face involuntarily being pulled in a grimace. 

“Listen I know it sounds nuts but you’ll be around a fire remember? I promise you totally won’t freeze to death, plus I like you a super lot, you’re weirdly quiet but when you finally start to speak you’re hilarious!” They hadn't known each other that long. Was anything she said ever that funny? Jesting aside it was clear Kitty was just trying to butter her up. Not that she was against it. 

But really thinking about it, it’s not like she had anything better to do. It definitely seemed like the better option instead of going straight home. 

“Alright, could be fun,” she could already predict a few outcomes of this event, the most likely to happen being that she doesn’t speak to anyone the entire time, which is the most preferable. Anything else would hopefully be more entertaining though. 
Kitty squealed and shot out for a side hug. “It’s gonna be soooo much fun, just wait and see,” she nodded as her eye twitched. The ache pulsed. 

The rest of the day moved without her and not long after finally clocking out was she ambushed by Kitty, wrist stolen and dragged along as they made their way into the woods. 

The wintered forest seized any heat her body was trying to keep close as they made their way deeper into the thicket of things. Kitty’s small talk slowed into nothing for a change, giving her a moment to observe her surroundings.

Ignoring the biting chill it was truly a beautiful sight. Pine trees suffocated densely underneath snow sparkled with the stars, the pillowy feeling of stepping on the ground was satisfying and she could hear a rushing river nearby. It could be described as a winter wonderland.
Yet, despite all of that, there was an almost eerie feeling to it all. Part of that excited her, of course instinct told her to be careful. 

Kitty suddenly gasped and summoned up the strength to run full speed. She could barely keep up until they stopped and warmth erupted. They made it to the bonfire.

It was a lively bunch. She recognized few faces from the town as people were roasting marshmallows or building rough looking snowmen. Kitty looked towards her with bright eyes, the giant fire only illuminating her glee. 
“See!? Isn’t this totally cool? Plenty of people from the town love the winter bonfire, it signifies a good new year to come,” Kitty nodded, proud of being apart of her town’s traditions. 

“It’s cool. But why are we all the way out in the woods? It just feels a little…”

“Creepy?”

She half shrugged in agreeance. She wasn’t really phased by stuff like this, in fact she enjoyed horrors and thrills plenty. It was just that feeling. Something inside of her felt twisted up. She looked around hoping to spot a pair of eyes on her but no one looked her way.

“Don’t worry, I totally get why you’d feel like that. When I was a young babe I thought it was super weird too. Like, why would I want my parents to go out into the scary woods all alone? Just for some bonfire?” Kitty loved to talk with her hands, she could probably listen to her storytelling all day. 

“But then! When I was finally old enough to come with I understood everything.”

She nodded along. “Which was what?” 

Kitty gave her signature grin. “It’s the perfect time for you to find out now huh?” 

Whatever that means. Like clockwork she was soon abandoned as Kitty caught up with her real friends, only looking back once to give a wink and then she was gone. So she wasn’t invited to hang out, maybe there really was something Kitty wanted her to figure out… or make some friends. 

Strange.

A condensed breath escaped her as she sighed. She took this opportunity to explore some. It was a fairly large, cleared out area for people to stand, dance or play around in freely. There were even a few stands around, some sold hot chocolate while others, clothed goods like mittens or earmuffs. 
The community favorite was the large bonfire which sat right in the middle of it all. It’s impressive flames were regularly stoked as people sat or stood around it to keep warm in all its glory. 

None of it truly caught her eye. The urge to leave caressed her mind for a second until she spotted something, or someone, staring at her right through the bonfire. 

That ache she’s felt throughout the entire day suddenly spasmed. Feeling breathless for a moment her knees buckled as she grasped at her chest. What the hell? With a shuddering gasp she looked back up only to spot the same orange glow that lit up the surroundings. Nobody was looking at her, no one even seemed to notice her on the ground.

She stood up quickly, trying to ignore her wet legs. Something was wrong. 

Before she could even begin to process what had happened a loud jingle bell rang forth. Everyone soon quieted down as even whispers were shushed. 
She looked towards the perpetrator of the noise and came to the realization that this was one face she could remember. Mayor Valerie Beaumont, a loved local of course.

“I’d like to thank everyone who has attended our yearly bonfire. I know the weather this year has been relentless to its harsh extremities but the fire is here to keep us warm and pumped up for the new year.” She exclaims while some begin to cheer.

She clears her throat. “Now, as per tradition, we’ve hand selected a very special citizen to keep this good luck going. Mary, come on over.” People shuffle to the side as they let a young woman pass, her excitement was palpable. 
Everyone seemed to be waiting in anticipation for something, a feeling of dread began to speckle in her mind. Her palms started to itch.

“Mary,” Valerie turns to face the woman, making sure to give her undivided attention. “I’d like to thank you personally. You’ve been a fantastic member of this community, born and raised here, you’ve done nothing but work hard and sacrifice your comfort just to help us. So… with that being said, I think you’re more than worthy to step into the bonfire.” 

What? 

Mary screams with joy as tears rush down her face, she tightly hugs the mayor while Valerie gives her an awkward pat.

A crooked smile is the last thing anyone sees before she’s promptly shoved into the fiery heart of it all. Dread washes over her as that used to be sound of joy turns into crackling pain. She can see the shadow of her inside of it as she lays on her hands and knees seemingly accepting her fate. Screaming soon turns into timid moans as the fire melts through her and ash is consumed. Everyone is utterly transfixed, even she herself. 

After what feels like an eternity of watching someone burn alive, a few people step forward to dump buckets of water over the giant flames, finally killing it.
Darkness consumes the woods. She’s frozen still. What did she just witness?

She flinches as a hand gently squeezes her shoulder. For a second she thinks it’s Kitty.

“Enjoy the show?” Someone whispers into her ear. She’s breathless again. 

Chapter Text

She shut the door behind her, her body buzzing with questions and things she couldn’t properly name. Mary’s screeching form was fresh on her mind but so was the whispered inquiry from earlier. Whoever it was slipped away before she had a chance to answer. It didn’t sound like Kitty.
She rolled her shoulder over her ear, trying to rub away the discomfort.

Thankfully she was able to get away in the dark, the journey through the woods was made all the more paranoia inducing on the way back home. Should she even bother going in tomorrow? Work shouldn’t be on her mind right now.

Through mental exhaustion she willed her way to the bathroom for a quick shower, hoping to scrub away the memories of the bonfire. Instead all that bloomed was things unanswered.

Why did Kitty invite her? Did she think this was normal? Was the entire town brainwashed or was this some gigantic cult? Who could she trust?

How can she leave?

It was horrific no doubt, but the way that woman almost leaped into the fire herself seemed scarier. She was waiting for this to happen.
She stepped out of the tub dripping wet, not even bothering to dry nor clothe herself, instead she relished in the cool air that swarmed her.

The thought of leaving all the windows in her room open so that she could freeze in her sleep was definitely… a thought. She shook it away knowing she’d probably just wake up in the middle of the night again.

It was irritating but she’s glad she’s even tired. Most people would probably stay up reliving those memories, but all she could think about was her warm blankets wrapped around her shivering, naked body.

For a moment all seems well. That foggy feeling of dreaming coddles her.

She’s back at the bonfire, people throw themselves into the fire one by one. Shrieks ring out as she stands and stares, captured by the beauty of their intoxicated expressions as the flames lick away at their flesh. It’s enthralling.

A disembodied hand squeezes her shoulder, whispering threats into her ears like a chant. None of it phases her. The hand shoves her into the snow and as she looks up something takes form.

A man. A disturbed man. It’s hard to make out any distinct features but one thing that stands out is a deep gash across his face. A sudden burst from the bonfire lights his entire frame as it seems like he’s about to reach for her.

Her heart spikes as eyelids burst open. She looked around wildly trying to calm her beating chest. The feeling of paranoia increased tenfold as she scrambled to turn on the lamp.
It was fine, she’s fine.

Huddled in a corner of her bed with blankets tightly draped around her, she took deep breaths. Just a dream, no man was out to get her, everyone in this town is crazy except for her. That was her mantra.

It wasn’t until the sun almost blinded her that she felt safe again. As quick as she could she got dressed, vowing to never go to sleep fully naked again. There are some wild things at play.

She chewed her nails wondering if she should go out at all after last night. There was no one in this absurdly small town that she trusted or even knew that she could talk to about this. Trying to report any crime would be a fruitless cause, it’s not like she wanted to get that involved anyway.

Still it gnawed at her. What the fuck? With a huff she realized she had no other choice.
Along her trek through the frosty air there was a moment where she could have sworn she saw something strange across the street. It saw her too. She started to jog.

“Kitty?” She coughed out trying to catch her breath. Someone perked up and it was no other. In a flash Kitty was right on top of her with a smug smirk pulling at her face.

“What did I tell you? You loved it right? Right? Wasn’t that just the coolest? I mean, like, I didn’t know Mary all that well but she was so freaking awesome. I mean honestly, I don’t know if I would be as excited as her but oh my gosh, it was just fantastic,” she bounced up and down as customers just ignored the two.

“Fantastic?? Are you being serious? I mean,” she looked around suddenly worried. She took Kitty’s arm as she led them to a staff only room.

“What the fuck was that? That woman was pushed into the fire, she died. That- this is normal? That’s not normal,” she shook her head in utter disbelief. She had a feeling that no matter what Kitty would or wouldn’t admit to that this was insane.

She slapped a hand over Kitty’s mouth before she had the chance to speak. “I don’t feel like I have to explain the concept of morality to you, but sacrificing people is really not great,” she almost laughed feeling delirious.

Gently her hand was removed and her suddenly serious co-worker started to speak. “I don’t really know what’s so funny. I wanted to show you something special, special about this town, about who we are as a community. This has been going on for forever,” her eyebrows creased in concern, for a second she thought she saw a flash of fear in Kitty’s eyes.

“Mary is exactly where she wanted to be. She agreed to everything beforehand, she’s witnessed the bonfire before, she knew that she would burn and she was more than happy. You saw it. Don’t pretend you couldn’t see it.”

Consent to being killed? Was there such a thing? But Kitty was right. A flash of Mary’s demented smile was proof enough.

“But why? Why the bonfire? Why all the way out in the woods? Is there something everyone worships or…?” Kitty chewed her lip as she stared deeply into her eyes.

“Nobody is allowed to speak of him.”

“Who?”

“The Tall Man.”

Her body was suddenly wracked with goosebumps. It seemed Kitty was experiencing the same treatment as she led out an audible gasp. The normally bubbly girl was unusually unlike herself, it seems the fear couldn’t be hidden anymore.
Her teal hair bounced as she left the room suddenly remembering she was on the clock or afraid of answering anymore questions.

Well, at least she tried. It seemed like she was severely underreacting to the situation at hand but what could you do when everything seemed like it’s been flipped upside down.

The Tall Man… so there was something they were worshipping? It wasn’t an entity she’s ever heard of before, despite that it seemed to have an extremely intimidating presence. Even something she was affected by.

Snow was gently guided by the wind to land on her form as she began to wander aimlessly. A part of her wanted to dig deeper into this, the more rational part urged her to leave this town by any means necessary.

She watched her feet as it crunched against iced pavement. Another, quieter part, just wanted to forget what she ever saw. To pretend that this town was normal, to go about her daily life as if nothing had ever happened because whether she liked it or not she knew that she was entangled into this conspiracy now.

She didn’t mope for long as a body suddenly slammed into her shoulder, involuntarily spinning her to face the culprit.

“Watch ou-” Any semblance of anger melted away with a quickness. Her jaw hung limp as she got a good look of someone who shouldn’t exist.

“It’s ru-rude to stare y’know?”
A jittery voice had spoken although he looked more amused than anything. Standing before her was the man of dreams, literally. He sported a more winter friendly attire but his wounded face was out in the open for all to see.

He had deep, delicate brown eyes and his hair could definitely use a trim. Yet it aimed well if he was going for a cute boyish look.

She ignored his words and continued to dissect him with her eyes. She had completely forgotten about any “ache” from before, but it pulsed in a steady rhythm this time. It seemed more controlled.

“Who are you?” Was all she could mutter.

He laughed more out of shock. “Who am I? Who are you? I’ve nev-never seen you aroun-around town before,” he clicked his tongue with a curious stare of his own.
He wasn’t fooling anybody though. It’s like he wanted to get caught.

“You were the one at the bonfire last night. You grabbed my shoulder and asked me something. And then when I think I have a moment of peace you suddenly show up in my dreams,” her hands flew up in disbelief, his expression mirrored the same.

“And then I meet you here, in real life. You’re real, how are you real?” What does any of it mean. The more she admits to the crazier she sounds.

They’re both still for a second. She put her hands down suddenly wishing to have never said anything at all.

A gloved hand suddenly shot out, his hand. His wound expanded as a wide smile took over his face. She didn’t have a choice to properly greet him as he took her hand into her own, giving a wild handshake.

“I’m Toby. I just want to say that I think you’re absolutely perfect.”

Chapter Text

It was hard to tell how long the pair had been walking together. Neither said a word after this man- no, Toby. After Toby informally announced himself.

She tried walking away from the interaction all together but he just followed her right along. She didn’t tell him to stop but she refused to speak to him.
The more she dug the deeper her grave would be.

Toby didn’t seemed phased by this in the slightest. In fact he didn’t mind ogling her as they traveled down the dreary sidewalk. No one else had passed them, it felt like they were the only two alive.

She tried to plan a means of escape, maybe she could make a dash for it or huddle inside a local shop. She looked to her left and was a little surprised to see Toby with a frown. Seems like he’s grown bored of the silent treatment.

“You never to-told me your name.” That made her stop. Toby almost stumbled.
It didn’t take much for her to cave so she told him her name, in the same breath she asked, “How am I “perfect”?”.

That comment struck her odd when he admitted it. They’ve known each other for less than an hour yet he was already confessing to something so… intimate. She definitely didn’t feel perfect or act perfect. He must have a strange definition of it.

It seems she asked the right question because he suddenly perked up. “That’s just one of the things I absolutely lo-love about you. So curious, it’s cu-cute.” Her brows creased as she suddenly began walking again, faster this time.

Toby acted like he knew her. That was very concerning. Maybe he did. Maybe she was his stalker who was going to murder her after he followed her home tonight.
Wouldn’t that be a treat.

His furious stuttering pulled her out of her head while he was trying to explain himself. “I me-ant it’s ju-just what I noticed. At the bon-bonfire remember? I noti-noticed you walking around… and stuff.” His suddenly meek behavior made it seem like he’d been caught trying to steal candy.

“There is something…” she chewed her lip, never looking back as she kept a steady pace, “very wrong with you. I don’t know who you are, I don’t know why I dreamt of you but it hurts.” A slow thump, thump, thump could be felt. It rang across her body.

She slows down some. Then turns around.

“Toby, what do you want from me?”

It felt like something was forcefully pushing them together. Trying to mash them as one and she couldn’t tell you why.

His expression was the polar opposite of hers. She expected denial or maybe anger but all she saw was utter admiration. That made her mouth twitch.

He took a step forward and then another until their chests almost touched. She didn’t move away.
“I want- what I want is some-something I’ve never had,” he whispered this last part.

“I think you can give it to me.” Her head thumped. Her heart thumped.

A sudden rush of wind hit them both. It was a moment of relief, she didn’t notice her body beginning to overheat.

“Who’s the Tall Man?” She suddenly blurted out. Toby jumped back clearly shocked about her out of the blue question.

He shook his head. “Tha-that’s not something- I don’t know,” his mouth straightened into a line as he denied anything.

A smirk was drawn across her face, she felt her confidence coming back. “Oh I know you know something. Seems like whoever is fine with burning people alive knows who the Tall Man is,” she twisted her hand around for emphasis.
A small part of her was happy to get back at Toby too, it seems like he wasn’t the only one who could get under someone’s skin.

He just grimaced as he tried to change the subject. “Sto-stop saying that name. I barely even go to that stu-stupid bonfire, I ju-just knew that you would be the-ere.” It seemed like part of that was true, a concerning amount of true. Holy stalker alert.

“Are you completely obsessed with me or something?”

“Even more now that I know your name.”

“You didn’t know my name before?” Confusion, revulsion and whatever other negative emotion she could muster were plastered onto her face.

Toby’s brain seemed to go haywire as he tried to explain his actions in a barely comprehensible sentence but she long checked out before she could make sense of any of it.

Mysterious town cult and now her own stalker. Hm. Maybe this was rock bottom? Of course this wasn’t her fault but what could you do in a situation like this?

…

You make the best of it.

“Yeah that’s great,” she finally spoke up waving off his excuses, “do you wanna go on a date?”

Chapter Text

Maybe the idea was out of impulse or a tiny speck of interest had fluttered in but now Toby was gripping onto her arm like a lifeline, excitement shooting off of him.
“A da-date? Like right now?”

She merely shrugged. “Well yeah. I was thinking we could go to a museum or something since it’s too cold to do anything else.” It’d give her an excuse to explore more of the town as well.

He nodded without resistance seemingly already having a location in mind. The lack of questions brought her some relief though it only made her own curiosity burn a bit brighter.
She grabbed the hand that was sunk into her arm and gently encased it between her own fingers as they began to walk. Toby just grinned as he babbled about a museum she’d “to-totally love”.

It was an art museum. The gallery held a buffet of different paintings alongside plenty of sculptures and even written works. They stuck together like glue looking through the mass of artwork that mostly seemed to have been painted by the town locals. She couldn’t look away.

“See. I knew you’d like it,” Toby’s ego boosted as he was constantly studying her expressions between pieces.
She scoffed, a little embarrassed of being caught but not denying it. As they shuffled in deeper a particular painting caught her eye.

She slid out of Toby’s grip to inspect it more closely.
It depicted a flayed hare on its back, limbs being pulled apart by thread as dark tentacles protrude from its slit open belly. The artist is unknown.

She took a few steps back as a soft nausea slowly fell onto her. She looked towards Toby who hadn’t said a word, he was observing it too.
“I can’t say this is a favorite but it sure knows how to make my skin crawl,” he muttered, finally looking back towards her with an odd smile.

She takes a deep breath to steady herself with no grin of her own.
“Enjoying our date?”

“Mo-more than you know.”

“Great. I hope this satisfies whatever fantasies you’ve had,” she turns to leave before being stopped.
“You’re ju-just gonna go? I tho-thought we were having fun,” Toby chuckled nervously.

She gave him an incredulous look although a short giggle couldn’t help but slip. “I’m not very fond of people keeping secrets from me. Especially from people who know a little too much about me when I know nothing about them.”

It felt insane to ever humor him with a date, nobody would have been surprised if she ended up dead. She wasn’t worried about that right now, there were too many things to ask but she knew she was limited.

“How long have you known about me?”

“Um, awhile.”

“But you didn’t know my name?”

“I wa-wanted to f-find out on my own.”

“So you planned on bumping into me?”

“You co-could say that,” he was being vague. Of course.

She shook her head. Everything felt so confusing, this strange town and this forced connection. Her turbulent sleep schedule didn’t help the fact that it felt like her own body was turning against her.
Aches or thumps, the nausea was just barely starting to recede.

She squatted down, forehead pressed to knees as her arms wrapped around her legs. Her new life barely began before it was inevitably squashed. It wasn’t fair.

She held her breath to distract herself from the sudden tightness of her throat. No strength could be found to just get up and walk away. So instead she swallowed back any fears or frustrations and looked back up only to find… no one.

That jolted her to stand up. She looked around but Toby was nowhere in sight. How strange. At least it saved her the awkwardness of being attended on a walk back home. Hopefully he didn’t already know where she lived.

Still, a part of her did want to see him again. This couldn’t be good.

She looked toward the painting one last time before making her way out.

The cold hit her like a freight train but she moved forward. Shuffling through the snow, thousands of thoughts tried to cram inside her head. The perpetual feeling of accepting this as home was beginning to feel like a new reality.

It didn’t feel like she’d be forced to do anything, it’s not like anyone has ever spoken of it. Hell, it’s like it didn’t even exist. It basically doesn’t since this was only a yearly thing. Maybe she’d feel better in spring.

A grumbled whine vibrated her mouth. She felt pathetic. Then her thoughts turned to Toby and it was downhill from there.
It felt like she was allowing this to happen to her, common sense clashed with new desire. He wasn’t awful to be around but then again he was still practically a stranger.

He was one.

Sunken into her bed she stared up hoping the popcorn ceiling would shift itself into an answer. Nothing came of it except a quiet realization. She didn’t know what she wanted.

Town or no town. Boy or no boy. It all felt the same to her. Maybe what she truly needed was to never wake up again. She prayed she didn’t as her lids eventually fell and she slowly drifted off.

Chapter Text

It was a nothing town with a bunch of nobodies. Which made sense, a small community like this was easier to maintain and observe. Toby didn’t care much for the details, all he was assigned to do was watch over the bonfire.

That was his duty this year. The many territories that existed within the Tall Man’s grasp were something his dutiful proxies had the pleasure of monitoring whenever he saw fit. This particular town had been under his control for awhile now, their winter ritual was something done decades ago that only the Tall Man had decided to revive in recent years.

Toby was allowed to break off from his usual routine to settle into a dull schedule. He tried his best to steer clear from the public eye, squatting in abandoned buildings or breaking into homes for some fast food. He had money though he needed to budget carefully if he was going to survive the month.

Another morning where the sun couldn’t stand a chance, smothered between grey clouds as its heat was blocked out. Toby was beginning to grow restless. It was nice to be able to relax every once in awhile but this wasn’t exactly a vacation.

He wiggled out of a dirty sleeping bag and slid down the slide he’d been resting in. The park was almost always devoid of people so it’d been more convenient to sleep there so he could use the public restrooms.
His morning routine was simple. Grab his duffle bag from a tree he’d stash it in, shuffle into some clean clothes, pop a couple antipsychotics and hope that someone had a hefty breakfast today.

The thought annoyed him. It feels like it’s been forever since he had a proper meal and the bonfire wasn’t for another 2 weeks. He checked his pocket and found a strong $50 in place. Maybe today he’d treat himself.

Truly, it was impossible to keep his presence under wraps forever. This was the eventual outcome whenever he had to stay in these places. Out of boredom, hunger or what most would call carelessness, he was a force to witness.
He never hid his face either, discovering less people seemed to approach him with a visible mangled scar exposing his teeth. Whenever he caught people staring he’d just laugh and give them a huge grin, satisfied with their creeped out glares or embarrassed “I got caught” looks.

A tiny diner was something he settled on, its cozy atmosphere offered plenty of warmth, inside and out. A waitress sat him down in his own booth shooting him a strange glance he pretended not to notice as he looked over the menu. Orange juice and a big plate of waffles sounded like heaven.

Flopping down the menu he hummed to himself as he observed lingering patrons. Taking up the lunch counters space was mostly old men digging into their sausages and eggs while a young couple in a booth was trying to get their fussy toddler to calm down. He could see the chefs in the back, steam wisping around sweat ridden faces as orders piled up.
The same waitress from earlier was chatting it up with a young guy, her face crinkled in joy as she tried to keep her giggles down so she wouldn’t be caught slacking. Everyone here almost made the town feel normal.

It was fun to try and guess who’d be at the bonfire and whether or not someone even knew of it. Before Toby could play his little game the sound of wind whistling could be heard, he leaned on his side to see who was coming in.

His heart faltered for a moment.

What appeared to be a young woman stepped in, her body covered in heavy winter outerwear to protect herself from the unforgivable weather. He stared intently as she was led to her own booth. Right in front of him.
She softly thanked the waitress as she scoured the menu for her next meal. The back of her head was the only thing he could see but even with this awkward proximity he could sense something about her.

She suddenly whipped her head around but his reflexes were quicker, flipping the menu back up so she couldn’t see his face. She kept looking around but never found what she was looking for. Shuffling in her seat she kept to herself.

He’d have to be careful.

After they both finished their respective meals Toby began to follow the young woman around. Stalking? He wouldn’t call it that. It’s not like he knew much about her anyway. It’s just that he noticed she didn’t seem to have any friends, not that she appeared to care. She didn’t act like a town local either, wandering around like she was visiting or maybe just moved here.
People didn’t pay her any mind as she passed by which made him wonder if he was actually following a ghost this entire time.

He barely realized that night was beginning to settle until they made their way to an apartment complex. Toby had to stop himself now, he could be careless but he wasn’t stupid. If this was going to become a habit he couldn’t waltz in like he lived there… besides he wanted to keep it a surprise. Maybe one day she’ll let him in herself.

The dark rapidly transformed back into day. Snow had piled onto his sleeping form as he was curled up near a dumpster. The apartment’s dumpster.
He could barely feel his numbed body as he stood up right on queue. He could see her walking down the sidewalk as he began to follow, immune to the painful freezing of wind hitting wet clothes.

So she had a job. A plain old cashier. Nothing wrong with that. For whatever reason he was feeling a little bold or maybe the cold had given him brain damage without realizing but he stepped inside.
Pretending to be interested in any of this shabby clothing, just not his style, he looked at her beautifully bored expression. She didn’t seem to have noticed him walk in.

He kept staring until an uncomfortably aware feeling settled over him, he gently traced over his open wound.

“Go-gotta cover this.”

He spotted plenty of striped scarves on a display table and quickly wrapped up his face. Feeling more confident he decided now was the time to go through with his plan. Clearing his throat he made his way over to the lovely lady.

“Hi!”

Her expression shifted from bored to a plastic smile.

“Hello, sir.”

Oh, her voice was so pleasant. She was even more wonderful up close. A faint trace of something sweet hit his nose as he observed all her features. A strange fluttering could be felt in his stomach, he suddenly felt thankful that the scarf was there to cover up his widening grin.
He quickly noticed her brows creasing in confusion but before he could saying anything she already spoke up.

“Are you going to buy that?” She points.
Hopefully she wouldn’t be able to see his face flushing with embarrassment either.

“Uh, y-y-yes. Sorry,” though she could definitely hear it in his stutter. He swiftly handed her a $10 bill before making a mad dash out the shop. He ripped off the scarf to take deep gulps of air, thankful that his face could finally cool down.

What the hell was that? He mentally pummeled himself for being so nervous. He hasn’t felt something like that in a long time. He was able to smile regardless, this only confirmed to him that she was special.

A few soft giggles quickly morphed into a short, ugly cackle. This was so exciting.
His hand grazed over his gash again, still smiling he understood that he couldn’t just simply ask her out. He wasn’t going to be here for that long anyway.

He was going to need help.

Chapter Text

4 days had passed since their little outing together. She hadn’t left her apartment since. Laid up in bed the passing worry of her job floated around along with the sickly feeling of her limbs as she’s barely moved.
She understood she was being immature, multiple parts of herself screaming that she’d needed to face her problems… eventually.

Snuggling further into her sheets she traced the outlines of her palm. She wondered which ones lead to her future in life and death. It was hard to tell as her vision was getting blurry. She blinked rapidly, it wasn’t going away.

She tried to sit up suddenly feeling queasy. Her body groaned in disdain as she got up and rushed to the bathroom. Thick bile bursts from her mouth as it splashed into toilet water. She heaved, trying to relax her body as an aftershock of vomit escaped as she puked in the dark.

She stood up trying to take deep breaths. As she went to turn on the bathroom light, hoping to wash away the vile taste of barf, she froze. Reflecting from the mirror was her face covered in what appeared to be black sludge.
Turning back to look at the toilet she slowly peeked inside and saw the same thing. Dark viscous guck was floating around, tiny bubbles erupting over its surface.

She flushed it without thinking and went to scrub her face raw.

“What the fuck?”

She rinsed off everything as best she could, deep cleaning under her finger nails and scraping her tongue until the brush was dyed black. Throughout the whole ordeal she kept thinking to herself what could have possibly caused that. Going to the hospital seemed like the feasible option but how would she be able to explain the other symptoms?

Other symptoms?

A sudden ringing felt like it was blasting into both her eardrums. She dropped to the floor clutching her head like it might pop. Blood was quick to trickle from her nose as she gasped for mercy but as quickly as the pain came it ceased. Agonizing groans were her only possible form of communication as she huddled into a fetal position.

Everything went quiet for a moment. She didn’t know how to process what had just happened. And then it came.
A soft chant inside her mind, an easy thing to remember and focus on. It grew bold and started to incant faster. Dozens and dozens of the same name started to become a visual, she could see it so clearly until it finally rose from her lips.

“Toby.”

She got up, quick to dress.

“Toby.”

The wind was relentless as it attempted to impale her with its chill but she was persistent. She trekked towards the woods, oblivious to how dark it was getting.

“Toby.”

She fell in deeper, an uncontrollable urge gnawed at her legs to move faster.

“Toby.”

Pushing past dense foliage she finally made it back. A large circle of soot and burned wood sat in the middle of the ground. This was where the bonfire was held. Why are she here?
Whatever had possessed her earlier seemed to shrink and her eyes could only dart around before spotting a humanoid shape in the shadows.

“You f-f-finally came,” he stepped out. It was Toby. The name she’d been singing to herself all the way here was standing right in front of her.

It was hard to explain what she was feeling at the moment except the twisting pit of dread that dug into her stomach, which was more than clear.

She stared at him, bug eyed and out of breath. It was only a second before she had the courage to speak up.

“You’re doing something aren’t you? To me.” It was, had to be. The aches, thumps, the dream, her destroyed sleeping habits and now black gunk and early onset tinnitus. Her own mind blaring his name over and over and over and…

She took a step back unsure of her next actions. He took a step forward in return with a look of complete glee.

“I ca-can’t take all the cre-edit,” he tilted his head side to side unphased by her worry as she shook her head in disbelief.

“Wha-”

“But the “wh-who” doesn’t matter. What matters is that yo-you want this, j-u-ust as much as me,” he took a couple more steps. Suddenly he shot out and pulled her into a tight bear hug. She screamed in surprise trying to pull away from his grip but he was too strong as he wrapped around her tightly, arms unable to budge.

“Oh God. I don’t- I couldn’t seriously give you what you want,” her mind flashed to their first meeting and his very cryptic words. It felt pointless to try and reason with him but she was beginning to get desperate.

Her words were in sync with her body which tried in vain to wiggle away from his grasp, he was unyielding.
“Toby, please, there’s someone out there way better than me. Prettier, funnier, someone you actually know. You don’t know me.”

“Bu-but I want to. I keep thi-thinking back to our date and how you-you just fell onto the floor like that. It ma-ade me feel terrible but it also helped me real-realize something…”

It took her a moment to ask, “What?”

“That you’re pathetic.”

A violent shudder ran across her body as she stopped writhing. A small buzzing noise began to play blocking out everything besides Toby’s voice.

“But I can sa-save you. We can fix each o-o-other. Just let me he-elp you ma-make that decision.” It wasn’t long before the buzzing only grew louder, until a warmth was spilling from both her ears and her eyes had rolled into the back of her head.

She went limp in his arms, not another word spoken as she passed out.

Toby sighed with a grim satisfaction. He gently laid her in the snow, looking over her unusually peaceful expression.

“I can’t wait to see this every night,” he whispered to himself. With that, he hauled her unconscious form onto his back as they both made their way into the deepest pits of the forest.