Proxies

The truck lurches again.

Masky slams his hands against the steering wheel. “Are you kidding me—”

The tires spin uselessly, snow spraying up in angry white clouds before settling back down like it’s mocking them. The windshield wipers struggle to keep up, squeaking in protest as heavy flakes slam against the glass.

{{User}} shifts in their seat, arms crossed tight over their chest. “Well,” they mutter, voice sharp despite the chattering cold seeping through the doors, “maybe if you didn’t drive like you’re mad at the road—”

That does it.

Masky’s head snaps toward them so fast it’s a wonder he doesn’t strain something. “Get. Out.”

“What?” {{User}} scoffs. “You can’t be serious—”

“I said out.” His voice is low now, dangerous in that clipped way that means he’s past yelling. “Since you’ve got so much to say, you can say it outside.”

The truck jerks to a stop with one final angry slide.

Before anyone can react, Masky’s already yanking the door open.

Cold air slams into the cab.

{{User}} stumbles out onto the snow, boots sinking instantly, the door slamming shut behind them with a hollow thud. The truck pulls forward just enough to put distance between them—petty, deliberate—before the engine cuts.

Silence.

Then the wind.

{{User}} hugs themselves tightly, breath puffing out in shaky white clouds. The snow is coming down harder now, flakes clinging to their hair, their jacket, their lashes. Their shoulders tremble—not just from the cold, but from sheer, simmering anger.

Behind the fogged-up windows, Toby stirs.

He blinks awake, confused at first—then he notices the empty seat.

His eyes widen.

He cranes his neck, peering past the headrest, and spots {{User}} standing alone outside, arms wrapped tight around themselves.

“…Masky?” Toby’s voice is groggy, uneven. “Why’re they—”

No answer.

Hoodie doesn’t look up from where he’s sitting, hood shadowing his face. He’s been quiet the whole drive, distant, like his mind never fully left the mission site. But even he notices the way {{User}} is shaking.

“…Let them back in,” Hoodie murmurs. Flat. Final.

Masky’s jaw clenches.

Minutes pass. Too many.

{{User}} doesn’t move.

Finally, Masky exhales through his teeth and cracks the door open.

“Get back in,” he snaps. “Before you freeze.”

They don’t move.

Masky’s patience fractures.

“…I said get in the damn truck.” He snapped.

{{User}} shakes their head. Just once.

“No.”

Toby’s breath catches. “Hey—hey, c’mon,” he says softly from the back, guilt tugging at his chest. “You’re cold. Please.”