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Girls are pretty when they cry, glittery vulnerable eyes, and expressions similar to that of a sad puppy, cheeks shining from the glow of their lamp hitting their rosy tear struck face.
Toby Rogers, was not pretty when he cried.
His face scrunched up, snot running down his mouth, cheeks redder than the blood that he was covered in, he would sob and croak, struggling to breathe properly. He sounded like he was dying.
Yet no matter how gross and repulsive he looked, Jeff always seemed to be drawn to him while he was in this state of despair, maybe it was pity? Maybe it was because he was his friend? Maybe it’s because he cared? No.
No that’s silly, Toby isn’t a friend, Toby is simply, and always will be a mere coworker. Just another person employed and bound to Slenderman with their life. Just like everyone else in this god-forsaken mansion. He doesn’t care about him. Why should he?
Toby hadn’t done anything for him, he shouldn’t care, but he did. And that’s why he stopped zoning out once he heard Toby’s sobs, that’s why he got up and led himself to the boy’s room. And that’s where he was stood right now, in front of his door.
Jeff hesitated for a moment before knocking twice on the hardwood door “Toby?”. He didn’t get an answer, he decided to let himself in and the sight he saw was surely… Something. Toby was sprawled out on the floor, partially leaning up against his bed, the bloody bandages that usually adorned his hands and forearms were scattered across the floor as if they had been ripped off in a hurry. His forearms were bleeding and looked as if they had been sliced, and then ripped up by hand, Toby had also visibly disfigured hands, more so than usual. His face was scrunched up in visible distress, not from being in pain but he seemed scared, showered in despair.
Jeff just stood for a second, he didn’t know what to do, he wasn’t a professional at this sort of stuff! What do you do in a situation like this? He had never had anyone there for him when he was in distress! Jeff walked up to the miserable-looking boy and crouched down to his level, sitting himself down on the carpet that was wet by his blood and tears, he took his hand in his. “Hey, You’re okay now dude. It’s okay, I’m here” Jeff reassured not only Toby but also himself. Toby seemed to finally acknowledge that Jeff was in the room with him. He looked up at Jeff’s disfigured face filled with worry and let out another sob. Jeff let go of his hand and took the boy into his arm, and held him there like he wished someone would have done for him when he had his episodes. He pitied Toby, he didn’t want him to feel alone as he did. He held onto him tight, and Toby clung onto him like he was scared Jeff would disappear if he let go. “Shhh… I’m here, don’t worry…” Jeff cooed, “Let’s get you cleaned up okay?” He released his tight grip on Toby, taking his hand in his again, and dragging them both up onto their feet, Toby still hadn’t spoken but he was finally calming down, only sniffling a little bit. He held on to Jeff’s arm tightly, not wanting him to leave him even for a second. Jeff dragged him to the nearest bathroom and sat him down on the bathtub ledge and turned around to pick up the first aid kit. “You really need to stop making such a mess…” he opened the first aid kit and began pulling out alcohol and several bandages “We can’t have you staining all the carpets with your blood.” he continued, sounding ruder than he had intended. “...Sorry, didn’t me- didn’t mean to…” Toby sniffled, his usual cheery attitude gone for obvious reasons. “It’s no big deal dude! Don’t worry, I don’t care about the bloody carpet, I care about you. And I just don’t want you fucking bleeding out or some shit…” he went over to Toby and grabbed his arm as gently as he could, “You don’t have to grab me like I’m your little hurt baby, I cant feel it y’know?” Toby teased him. Jeff’s eyebrow furrowed “I know that! I just, don’t want to make it worse or anything! Jeez, can’t I just help without getting complaints?” he hissed out, “Oh uh, haha s-sorry…” Toby lowered his head and looked at Jeff bandaging up his arms. Jeff sighed “Look I’m sorry for sounding mad. I’m not mad, I just want you to be okay because I care about you. I don’t give a flying fuck if you can’t feel it, I want you to be okay.” he finished wrapping up his arms. They were both silent. Toby stood up and took his hand. “Thank you. I uh I appreciate it, I uh. I care about yo-you too dude.” he stuttered out, awkwardly patting the other boy’s hand. Jeff smiled and looked at Toby “Thank you.” he stated, Toby looked confused “What did I d-do for you to than-thank me?”
“You trusted me to help you. You trusted me to not hurt you” Jeff smiled at him, and took him into his arms. Toby accepted the embrace with his entire body and soul.
Toby and Jeff aren’t just coworkers. Toby and Jeff are friends.