The Thought of Being Happy: Chapter 4

A/N: Woo, a lot of feels are thrown around in this one. You have no idea how sorry I am for taking so long to update this story. I was just stuck for a while on where to go in the chapter. It's a bit short, I hope you don't mind. I promise you that I won't take as long next time. Well, I hope you enjoy chapter 4, tell me what you think!

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                                          More Like Jackass

“Dude…are you sure about this?” BEN asked as he looked down at the needle in his palms. He shook it, causing the contents to shake.

Jeff shuddered besides him, there wasn’t much that could shake the cold-blooded killer into fright, but this was definitely one of the exceptions.

Jack nodded his head enthusiastically, grinning so widely that it seemed almost physically impossible for his mouth to stretch the way it did, which unnerved BEN even further.

He was shaking, arms trembling at his sides in excitement as he tried to contain himself. His cheeks hurt, but he didn’t care. He was too engulfed in his master plan to care about anything at this point.

“Of course I’m sure! That’s why I came to you in the first place!” he latched onto the cyber proxy’s shoulders, gripping them painfully as he shook him frantically.

“Alri-ight! Alri-ight! Alri-ight! I ge-et i-it! Ple-ease sto-op sha-aking me-e!” BEN pushed the other away in frustration and handed him the needle.

Jack grabbed it in his sweaty palms, making sure not to drop it as he trembled with anticipation.

“You’re sure it’ll get me sick, right?” he pressed.

BEN nodded grimly, “Those are intestinal parasites, there’s no doubt you’ll get sick. But, just a few words of precaution, those little fuckers are DANGEROUS, you really think you can handle them? There’s other ways to get Hoody’s attention you know.” He warned.

“But this is the best way! I can get through some measly stomach pain, it’ll all be worth it in the end! You’ll see!” Jack insisted.

BEN stared at him sternly, “It’s NOT just stomach pain. You’ll be reduced to a delusional lump on a bed. I don’t think that Hoody can put up with that kind of crap for long, no matter how important you think you are to him.”

“Well he puts up with Masky’s crap all the time!” Jack stomped his foot forcefully on the ground as he yelled, as if he were a six year old throwing a tantrum.

BEN sighed, he didn’t feel like arguing with Jack this late at night, “You know what? Fine. I don’t care anymore. Go hurt yourself. I don’t care. Just don’t say I didn’t warn you.” he motioned for Jeff to follow him as he stomped out of the room.

Jeff looked back, shaking his head in disapproval, “Think about this dude. Think about it.”
And with that he was left alone.

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Hoody woke up the next day, slightly tired, and still tucked neatly in Masky’s arms where had fallen asleep. He didn’t feel like getting up, his current position was quite comfortable. Instead he snuggled deeper into Masky’s chest, smiling beneath his cloth as he sighed contently.

He stayed put for a while, reluctant to make even the slightest movement in fear of waking his partner. But alas, he knew couldn’t lay there forever. (As much as he wanted to)
He tried to make as little noise as possible as he shuffled out of Masky’s limp arms.
Before leaving the room, he took a moment to look down at his partner. He admired his features. It wasn’t very often when he saw him without his mask on, but he looked very pleasant without it.

After a while of blissful silence, Hoody finally decided that it was high time he made the both of them breakfast.

He silently tiptoed towards kitchen, naturally fleeting down the spiral of steps on his way there.

He wanted to prepare something simple, he wasn't particularly hungry this morning. But Masky certainly must be, he’s always ravishingly hungry in the mornings.

Hoody thought it best if he made Masky something large to make up for the morning before, it must have been awful to walk around with a fever. He still felt bad about making Masky go through all of that trouble.

He got right to work preparing his masked partners meal.

After a few clanging of pans and shuffling of plates, he had created a decent meal for his partner.

Hoody headed back upstairs, excited and a tad nervous about what his partner's reaction would be.

To his delight, Masky had just woken up.

“Good morning, Masky.” Hoody tried to keep the pure happiness from his voice as he swallowed, “I have already prepared breakfast for you, if you do not mind.” he grinned even wider when he handed him the tray.

"Uh...thank you...it...looks awesome Hoody..." Masky barely had any time to think, at the first sight of the meal, his stomach began to rumble.

Hoody sat on the opposite side from him, smiling warmly as he watched his partner devour the food.

“So…how was your slumber, Masky?” Hoody asked, eager to start a conversation.

Masky took a moment to gulp and lick his lips before he sighed, “Best I’ve had in a while, don’t know why, I just felt…comfortable. How about you?”

Hoody inwardly cheered at his success. He had made Masky feel calm and secure! He was suddenly glad he had gotten up before him, he couldn’t even imagine what Masky's reaction would be if he knew the reason he had been so comfortable, it would just weird him out. Masky was like that, he wasn’t big on physical contact.

“I felt the same way as well, it was extremely enjoyable.” he replied.

“Oh, well, awesome.” Masky smiled before yawning. He stretched out his legs and reached upwards until he heard a satisfying pop emanate from his spine. He fell down with a silent grunt before returning his gaze to his partner, who was staring hungrily at him from the end of the bed.

Hoody blushed and averted his gaze, turning to face the wall instead.

“So, what do we have to do today?” Masky asked.

Hoody smiled casually, “First, we must finish marking the trees. After that, I will have to finish editing some videos, then we will have the whole day to ourse–”

Before he had a chance to finish, an abrupt knock on the door interrupted him.

Who could it be this early in the morning? The knocks got more frantic with each second they were ignored.

Masky bolted up from his comfortable spot on his bed, creeping carefully behind Hoody as they inched towards the door cautiously.

Hoody gingerly pushed it open and peeked outside.

He gasped.

Jack was leaning against the frame, looking utterly rundown and helpless as he clutched his stomach desperately and panted. His normally greyish skin was now a sickly pale white color, his brown hair was crumpled and wet, and he reeked of vomit and sweat.

He looked about ready to speak, but his words were lost as he fell onto the floor, shaking and quivering in his damp jacket.

“Jack!” Hoody was horrified. He knelt down and grabbed his friend by the shoulders, lifting his head up in his arms and combing his fingers through his soggy hair.

He looked back at Masky, who has now equally as stunned, “We-we must help him! He is burning up!”

Masky swallowed and nodded, he looked even worse than him when he was sick.

Jack tried looking up at Hoody, but craning his neck proved to be impossibly painful, which restricted him from doing so. Hoody tried holding him down as gently as he could.

“Please, do not try to move, just stay calm.” He cooed softly. Jack gave a weak little smile as he tried to still his quavering body.

“H-Hoody…it’s so cold…”

He shook his head, “Jack, you have a fever, we must get you into bed.”

Jack clutched onto him tightly, latching onto him for dear life as if he were a leach and Hoody was his host.

Hoody gently smoothed his hair before carefully lifting him up by the arms, Masky tried to help by grabbing his legs.

Although half-conscious and feverish, Jack could still see through blurred vision that HE was touching him.

Using all of his force, he swung his legs back and kicked out, his left foot landing square on Masky’s chest as he mentally smirked, pinning his ears on the audible thump that rang out once he made contact.

Masky’s breath caught as he flew back, colliding with the wall behind him and falling onto the ground in a coughing fit.

Jack simulated a gasp as he wheezed out a dramatic, “I-I’m so, so sorry…”

Hoody barely had time to contemplate what had just happened, he could only stand there and blink, overcome by shock and surprise.

He reacted quickly to this however, “Hold on Masky! I have to get Jack into the room first, just stay there and do not move, I will be there in a moment!”

Masky did what he was told and stayed put.

Jack continued panting out his false apologies as Hoody dragged him onto his bed, again raking his fingers through his hair as a final attempt to calm him down.

“Shh, it is okay, Jack. Just be quiet, you are sick. Let me take care of you, you will feel better in no time, I promise.” He reassured.

Jack nodded weakly before clutching his stomach in agony. He tried desperately to choke back his cries as another wave of intense pain racked his being.
“F-fuck…” he hissed between gritted teeth.

Hoody rushed out of room and knelt down to where his wheezing partner fell. He placed his gloved hand on Masky’s chest, noticing his partner distress, he began rubbing to relieve the pressure.

Masky breathed out a sigh of content as he did so, closing his eyes and laying back.
“Are you okay, Masky?” Hoody asked.

Masky’s eyes shot open, “Yeah, I guess…can you believe that guy?” he almost yelled.
Hoody tilted his head, “W-What do you mean?”

“He did that on purpose! Didn’t you see?” Masky yelled in a high-pitched tone, he couldn’t believe Hoody hadn’t noticed!

"W-What do you mean?" Hoody stepped back.

"He saw me helping, so he kicked me! How the hell do you miss something like that?

Hoody put on a tough exterior, obviously offended, “Masky! Jack is hurt! He apologized profusely, and is in great need of assistance!” he argued.

"Look, if he's going to act like that, and if you're going to defend him, then I don't want him in my room." Masky growled.

Hoody stepped back, shocked, "W-What?" he gasped.

"I don't want him in my room." Masky repeated firmly.

"But...Masky, he doesn't have a roommate...there is no one who can care for him...you know what happens to unfit proxies...right? I cannot allow for that to happen to him..."

"I don't care. I want him out. I barely know the guy, so he's technically an intruder." Masky pointed out, no clear expression on his face.

"I-I know him! He is not a threat to me!"

"Yeah, he's not a threat to you. I don't know him like you do. Therefore making him a threat." Masky bit back.

"He is not a threat! I swear to you!" Hoody tried.

"Oh, is that why he kicked me?"

“He said that he was sorry!”

“He didn’t mean it!"

Hoody suddenly felt cornered. He didn't know what else to say...

He wanted Masky to always be happy, to feel safe and protected, but letting Jack stay in their room made him feel uncomfortable and threatened.

But he couldn't just leave Jack all alone in this condition either, he might not make it through the night if his fever continued to rise!

Hoody felt cornered. He had a slight tendency to over think these kind of situations to the point he would end up crying, like when he ran away from Masky when he thought about how he would never truly love him.

Jack was his best friend, he had been and remained loyal to him ever since they first met, he was the only other proxy in the building that he actually hung out with and had meaningful conversations with.

But Masky was the absolute love of his life, they had been partners for as long as he could remember, they had shared so many moments together, and even though they weren't all good, he still cherished them.

He fell to his knees in a heap, "Masky, please! Do you not understand that Jack is in need of our assistance? He is not well, he's said he was sorry, what is so hard to understand about that? Please, do this one thing for me! He is my best friend, I cannot see him in this condition, I need to do something to ease his pain! You saw him yourself, there is no doubt that he is suffering greatly! I beg of you, Masky, please!"

The masked proxy was shocked. Seeing Hoody crumble so easily was frightening. He had never seen him look so desperate...

Jack was his only friend when he was Tim...he talked to him, listened to him, and hung out with him constantly. Hoody would surely feel guilty if something were to happen to him...

He considered for a moment, then groaned, "Fine. You can do whatever you want, just...just tell him to be more careful, that's all I ask."

Hoody gasped happily before scurrying to his feet, he jumped up joyfully and wrapped his arms around the others neck in an embrace. Masky sighed and placed one arm around Hoody, pulling him a bit closer to him. This felt strange to him, hugging Hoody back, but at the same time it felt pleasant. It was nice to  hold someone like this.

Hoody broke the hug and placed his hand on Masky's shoulder, squeezing softly before returning to Jack’s aid.

“It is alright, Jack. I will take good care of you. You will be better in no time, I promise.” He tried his best to smile.

Masky walked over to one of the shelves and grabbed a book out of random.

He hated to admit it, but while Hoody was preoccupied with Jack, he had nothing to do. He usually only spent time with his partner, and while he was more open than him and talked with more proxy's, they usually had their own things to do with their own friends, so he was utterly useless until Hoody could hang out with him again.

Jack inhaled, “I’m sorry I caused a fight, I-I really didn’t mean to kick him…”

“No…I-It is alright…Masky already said he forgave you, right Masky?" he glared at his partner who slouched slightly under his gaze.

“So, is there anything you require? Where does it hurt? Perhaps I can be of assistance?” Hoody pressed, eager to help his friend in any way that he could.

Jack’s face lit up, he hadn't exactly expected to get this far, “U-Um…It kind of hurts everywhere…a-a lot…mostly my spine, and my shoulders and…stuff”

Masky rolled his eyes as he snorted.

Hoody stared at him for a moment, eyes flashing beneath his cloth momentarily before he turned his attention back to Jack, "Do they feel stiff in any way?" he asked.

Jack paused for a second, then nodded his head, “Mhm. I-I’d say that my neck hurts the most…b-but I don’t know…” he trailed off.

Masky turned away to face the wall again, flipping to the next page in the oh-so-interesting book he was holding.

Hoody shrugged, he propped Jack up and positioned himself behind him on the mattress, “This may be painful in the beginning, but do not worry, it will feel much better after a while.”
Jack nodded numbly.

He winced in agony as he felt the hooded proxy’s fingers dig into his neck like pincers, rubbing hard as he worked along his collarbone. He jabbed at his shoulders, hands working like knives against his bones.

Again and again this repeated itself. Jack bit his lower lip to keep from crying out as the pace increased.

“H-Hoody…it…it hurts…” he gulped, “a lot…p-p-please sto – ah!” Jack gasped as he felt the sharp pain intensify. He grabbed Hoody's knees and squeezed, sucking in air between his teeth as he closed his eyes tight.

He gasped and whimpered against Hoody's body, leaning forward as his aching muscles adjusted to the harsh touches.

Masky tried his best not to look over his shoulder. He shuffled in place, biting his lip as he tried his best not to show his discomfort.

"H-Hoody..." Jack wined.

The proxy behind him showed almost no mercy, ruthlessly pinching and rubbing his neck in viscous circles.

Suddenly, a newer sensation pooled around him, one that was much more pleasant than the first. He let his head rest against Hoody’s shoulder as he continued, silenced thoroughly by the instant bliss that clouded his mind.

After things got quiet, Masky urged himself to turn around.

His eyes widened  as the scene in front of him unfolded.

Jack lay there quietly, leaning his head against his partners shoulder as he tenderly massaged his collarbones. Hoody stopped for a moment, he yanked off his gloves and tossed them to the side before returning to his previous position behind Jack.

A cold indifference shot through Masky like a bullet, it pooled through him in seconds. He didn't understand what this sudden feeling was, all he knew was that he didn't like it.

He averted his gaze after he realized that he had been staring for far longer than he had should have, his heart was thumping a mile a minute as he tried to contain his anger - frustration - confusion - whatever this new alien feeling was.

Jack's eyes fluttered open to look towards the fuming proxy's direction. His mouth suddenly curled into a twisted smile. He did his best to repress a chuckle. Masky was obviously jelous. Perhaps there was more to this plan than he had initially thought. He could use this little twist to his advantage...

"Hey, Hoods?"

"Mhm?"

"You know how they say that kisses make everything better?"

Masky's eyes flashed towards them.

Hoody paused for a moment, then nodded softly, "I believe so, why? Would you like me to try?" Hoody offered kindly, seeing nothing at all wrong with helping him this way.
Jack nodded happily, "Yeah, if that's alright with you that is." he smiled.

Hoody lifted up his cloth so that his mouth was exposed, "Where would you like me to begin?"

Jack swallowed a little bit, his courage began to drain, "Uh...my neck still sort of hurts..."

Hoody grinned, "Then we can start there."

Hoody pressed his thumb to the side of his neck.

"No, not there." Jack frowned.

Hoody moved to the other side.

"Nope. Not there either."

Hoody then moved to the back.

Jack winced and hissed, "Ah! Right there!"

Hoody apologized before rubbing the spot softly, he then leaned in close and pressed his lips against the tender skin. A sudden surge of excitement ran through Jack like electricity. He melted instantly.

He breathed a shaky sigh of relief as Hoody disconnected.

"What other aches require my attention?" the hooded proxy asked, still blissfully unaware of his partner's distress.

Jack blushed bright red at the way Hoody worded the question. He was always so formal, but that was just another thing he admired about him.

"Uh...m-my uh...forehead hurts, I uh, have a huge headache..." Jack mumbled.

Hoody slowly turned his head towards him and leaned down again, gripping the sides of his face gently before pressing his lips against his temples.

Another jolt of excitement.

Jack cursed at his involuntary shudder, and tried to cover it up with a cough. He locked his knees together and tugged at the edge of his jacket until he was able to get it to cover his knees. He didn't know how Hoody would react to his current...situation.

Hoody tilted his head at Jack's sudden movement, but said nothing about it. He grinned and placed his hand on Jack's back and began to pet him in circles.

Jack leaned forward, gasping at the pleasure inducing touch. He struggled to keep his foot still, but failed miserably.

Hoody giggled behind him and pinched the back of his neck playfully. This only made Jack shudder again.

"Mm! H-Hoody," Jack swallowed, "please, don't do that..." he panted.

Masky lifted his eye brow in a questioning manner as he stared on.

Hoody retracted his hands at once, alarmed, "I'm sorry...did I do something that hurt you?"

Jack shrunk a bit at the sound of Hoody's apologetic tone. The problem wasn't that it was painful, on the contrary, it felt better than scratching a mosquito bite. He just didn't want to lose what little control he had left. The way Hoody's hands and lips felt on his body was undeniably good, bue he had to be patient. One slip up, and his whole plan would be ruined.

He bit his lip, "No, not really...it's just that...m-my neck is still sort of s-sore...that's all."

"Oh, I apologize, I will attempt to be more careful." Hoody ensured.

"Y-Yeah...thanks."

The hooded proxy leaned over once again and placed a kiss where he had pinched him as he moved to rub his shoulders.

Jack gasped a little and let himself lean back, at this rate he wouldn't be able to take much more. What had he gotten himself into?...