#🧸 ––– ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* 001. IC.

[kindsnob]

——— " Uh-- Help? Someone? "

He climbed a tree. Now he's sitting atop a sturdy branch near the middle. Yes, he thought it'd be fun to climb; he's good at climbing. No, he can't get back down.

[kindsnob]

He grinned a little wider at her response, pleased and excited. Neither of them had friends, did they? Well, maybe that could change! Ted was new to this too. Had no idea how to even start with playing with someone other than his brother-- even then, that wasn't always fun 'cause he always had to let Felix win. But he wasn't about to disappoint her, thinking of something they could do together.

——— " Hmm... " Ted tilted his head for a moment. There weren't a lot of games he knew honestly, but he could think out loud and see what she wanted to do.

——— " I guess we could play catch or something, but I think we'd need a ball for that... Maybe not Monstermon 'cause I didn't bring enough cards with me... What else is there...? " He eagerly tried recalling some stuff he'd seen his classmates play, " Oh, maybe something like-- Hide and seek? Or pretend? Leapfrog? Scavenger hunt race? I dunno-- I like climbing stuff, maybe we could make up a game with that? "

"I've never had friends before.. we... move a lot..." she never had time to make friends and she still worried it was dangerous to get close to her.

When he asked to play, she perked up a bit. "Y-yeah.. I'd like that a lot. What should we play?" She smiled softly hoping she knew about whatever game he chose. She never had playmates before aside from her toy Iggy and Dr. Sung.

[mattslolita]

teddy bear - m. & c. sturniolo ( 001. )

in which ... after the haunting and fatality of the ghostface killers who made you their final girl, they come back for you.

( ghostface!matt x black!fem!reader x ghostface!chris )

warnings ; death , gore , stalker behavior , possessive behavior , eventual smut , ghostface!matt , stalker!matt , possessive!chris , ghostface!chris , angst , blood & knives , final girl!reader

"𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒅𝒊𝒅 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒔𝒐 𝒗𝒊𝒐𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒕?"

( ^ this playlist is for the wattpad version of this fic ! if you are interested in reading it, my wattpad is : faerieribs )

⋆ ˚｡⋆୨🧸🔪୧⋆ ˚｡⋆⋆ ˚｡⋆୨🧸🔪୧⋆ ˚｡⋆⋆ ˚｡⋆୨🧸🔪୧⋆ ˚｡⋆⋆ ˚｡⋆୨🧸🔪୧⋆ ˚｡⋆

it was as if she was foreign, an alien even — y/n felt aliented to those around her now. it was like as if a switch caused everyone to look at her differently, or rather not at all. she felt like some kind of monster among the normality of everyone.

the only people who y/n did not feel like a stranger to were nicolas and nathan — of course, unfortunately they'd been dragged into what's happened to her even though it was the last thing she expected or wanted to happen.

she was still surprised that marylou even still wanted the girl within vicinity of the remainder of her family — those being nicolas, her husband jimmy, and her oldest son justin who had moved away a while ago. nevertheless, she still treated the girl like the daughter she never had. and y/n felt guilty, because two of her sons were no longer with her due to what she blamed herself for.

but how was y/n supposed to know the horror of what matthew and christopher were capable of?

she inhales deeply as she accidentally squeezes nick's arm too tightly when they arrive at somerville high school — he gives her a reassuring expression, squeezing her hand that was in his.

"i doubt anyone's gonna give you a hard time," nate says to y/n, shrugging his shoulders, "we can always ditch first too, if-"

"nate, you just want an excuse not to go to class," y/n laughs dryly, causing the boy to roll his eyes playfully. sure it wasn't the best laugh she could muster, but nate still liked the sound.

"we're right here with you," nick reminds y/n, as they walk towards the front of the school. "if they stare, i'll stare right the fuck back."

"thank you," y/n says quietly.

there's already students milling around the school, most people just waiting for classes to start. they're scattered about the area, gossiping and talking aimlessly. but y/n could already sense it before it happened — as if on cue, heads turned when the three of them begin to slowly make their way towards the front entrance.

people stare. 

y/n wants to hide out under a rock, because she can't take the looks of either pity or disgust she received. she swallowed thickly as she tried to ignore the people icing her out, but y/n could feel her hands become clammy as she walked on. she felt like a zombie walking amongst the living.

"i can't believe she came back," someone whispers, staring the girl down, "and how are they still friends with her?"

nick's head is quick snap towards the girl's direction, and he gives her a cold glare that causes her to zip her lips as the three continue to walk inside of the school grounds. thankfully enough, not many people seemed to be occupying the lockers which bianca was assigned to, so the three of them hurriedly made their way towards it.

"i swear i was seconds away from punching that junior's nose," nate said, shaking his head as he looked at y/n, "this is gonna get old really fuckin' fast."

"i don't think i'll ever get used to it," y/n says bitterly, opening her locker. she took out her books needed for her first four classes, then she shoved her bag into it. "guys i don't think we ever went over our schedules."

"oh fuck, i forgot about that," nick says, reaching for his paper inside of his bag, "here's mine."

nate fishes his own out of his backpack, then the three of them hold theirs up to each other — great. y/n only shares her third period with nate, then her fifth and sixth with nick. she frowns at her elective on her paper : she was a cheerleader. last year, y/n would see matt and chris at practice whilst she and her squad went over new routines or even old ones, and she remembered when they would chat when they took breaks. a gulp rode down her throat as tears almost prick her eyes at the memory, but she forces it to the back of her mind.

the inside lockers start to fill up, and y/n could feel multiple eyes on her as they're passing by her. it's almost time for the bell to rang, but y/n wishes that she could just hide in the bathroom for the rest of her senior year — no need in sitting in seven classes a day filled with people who would inevitably never look at her the same way.

she would never stop blaming herself for what happened on october thirty first of last year.

the bell rang, and y/n knew it was time to face reality unfortunately — nate gives her an apologetic smile as he shoves his schedule back in backpack.

"remember to text me y/n/n, i'll be down," nate reminds her, and she chuckles lightly as he gives her shoulder a reassuring squeeze, "i'll see you guys later."

nick turns to y/n, his gaze concerned as he looks over her. "you're gonna be okay? you sure you don't want me to switch any of my classes?"

"absolutely not, nick," y/n says sternly, "if you switch anything it'll probably fuck up photography and i'm not risking it."

"bitch i'm like the only person in it," nick reminds her, causing her to grin and let out a small giggle. "but if you say so."

"i promise i'll be fine," y/n tells her best friend with a nod of confirmation, "i don't need to be babysat."

"you know i'm not trying to do that," nick said with raised eyebrows, "i just wanna make sure people don't make you uncomfortable."

"they'll do it regardless," y/n laughs bitterly, "i'll text you if i need you, okay?"

"you better," nick says, giving her a pointed look before pulling her into a quick hug, "love you, see you later."

"love you too," y/n tells him, and he gives her one last smile before he walks in the opposite direction.

she inhales a deep breath as she starts walking in the direction of her first class of the day — nobody's giving her a break. she receives so many looks and she has the urge to just tell everyone to fuck themselves, because they didn't know the half of it. the permanent image burned into her psyche forever, they didn't have even an inkling of a fucking clue.

the universe must've completely had it out for her, because her first class was trigonometry — oddly enough, she usually loved math. it was one of her strongest subjects. but then memories of helping chris with anything math related plagued her mind, and she accidentally remembered a day in specific and it made her want to throw up when she remembered the exact date.

a few students had already sat down in their seats, and as soon as y/n walked in everyone's eyes shot up towards her. she tries to ignore the lingering stare from a junior who has a sneer on his face as she sits in the spot closest to the window, not bothering to look around her.

instead, she looks outside towards the corridor with her hand under her chin, surveying the small huddle of a few students as they sit along the brick wall. it reminds her of her old group, and how they used to spend their free period enjoying each other's company.

a tear almost threatens to escape y/n's eyes until the loud ring of the final bell snaps her back into reality — when she turns around, she sees the three seats on either sides of her are all unoccupied, as if everyone has chose to purposely avoid her. very few people give her a pitiful expression, but it does nothing to help the blossoming feeling of dread that lingers in her chest as she slumps down in her seat.

the teacher, mr. christensen quickly hushes the chatter coming from the students, whilst y/n remains quiet and instead looks towards the man with a dull expression painting her features. "good morning class, i'm mr. christensen. i taught p.e. last year so some of you might remember me. i see a few new faces though, so welcome to trigonometry."

y/n remembers mr. christensen and the welcoming speech he gave last year, so she allows herself to tune out of it as she stares ahead blankly. unfortunately for her, her mind wanders back to the memory of how things were.

before halloween of last year. 

she longed for things to go back to how they were before, but she knew that would never be possible. all she could do was blame herself continuously for allowing herself to be fooled into thinking they could be innocent.

the dark, crimson blood that stained their faces as sadistic smiles painted the once innocent expressions...

but were they ever really innocent in the first place?

ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ 

at the end of trig, mr. christensen had pulled y/n to the side to talk to her about the resources the school provides as far as counselors are concerned. of course she didn't want to be rude, so she just smiled meekly and thanked the man, but her honest opinion? no amount of counseling could help y/n help to forget all that's happened to her.

she texted nate to meet her in the hallway at her lockers before they got to their third period, which was spanish II — they both took it together last year, and both were grateful since they pretty much helped each other out.

as y/n walks down the hallway towards her locker, it seems like people are staring at her now more than ever. she inhales deeply as she continues, looking ahead of her to spot her locker. she does, but there's a small crowd gathered around it when she gets even closer.

when they see y/n getting closer as she approaches them, they disperse quickly. when y/n finally reaches her locker, she lets out a small gasp at blood red, capitalized letters that are spray painted in graffiti on her grey locker,

FINAL GIRL.

her eyebrows furrow before she hangs her head in defeat — in hindsight, there was a chance that whoever put this was probably right; it was almost as if she was kept alive to retell the story, to live it down for the rest of her life.

"who the fuck did it?" nate's voice booms angrily as he reaches y/n, looking around at the people as y/n is reluctant to tear her eyes away from her locker. "you alright, y/n/n?"

"i'm fine," y/n answers dryly, her voice barely above a whisper as her throat runs dry. she nods her head, but still cannot tear her eyes away from the letters that stare so boldly at her.

"i'm gonna ask again, who the fuck wrote this?" nate asks people who still continue to watch.

he receives a few 'no's', but not an answer he's satisfied with yet, until a sophomore steps up towards the two shakily, looking back and forth in between y/n and nate. "um, i saw it when i went to the bathroom during second period. i didn't see who wrote it. i'm sorry that they did."

y/n turns to the sophomore girl, giving her a genuine small smile as she nods to her. "thank you for telling me."

"of course," the girl says, this time her voice is softer and more prominent. y/n searches her face for any type of sarcasm, but she finds nothing but a pure sweetness within her. 

"somebody did this while everybody was in class, then," nate concludes, turning to face y/n, "should we tell the principal about this? you know he said if anyone bothered you or-"

"actually nate, it's okay," y/n tells him, looking at him as she lets out a sigh. "if we're being honest, people are gonna say shit no matter what. so i don't really care about this."

"are you sure?" nate asks her once more, his expression laced with concern. y/n hated it.

"i swear i am," y/n tells him again, "now can we get to class? you know how ms. murphy gets when anyone's late to her class."

"remember in the first quarter last year when i was late that one time and she made me do two puzzles with spanish adverbs?" nate recalled, and for the first time that day, she lets out a real giggle at the memory.

"we were up till almost eleven that night because you bribed me with money," y/n snorts, as the two begin to walk down the hallway. "you're gonna have to start figuring this shit out on your own, nate."

"yeah yeah kid, i know," nate says, shaking his head.

kid.

the nickname rang in her head, taking her way back to the night everything changed.

( lilly's corner 💌 )

this was supposed to posted AFTER i hit 2k on here, but i already hit 2k on wattpad and i'm impatient so ☺☺☺☺☺ shoutout to my angel @mattluvr u were one of the first to see😝

the way i just basically changed out y/n & the oc's name for the wattpad version...ANYWAY ! hope y'all enjoy this fic ! lots of love to you, muah. 💌

[kindsnob]

"how're you always so stubbornly persistent?" (@routinestripes :3c)

——— " ...Persistent? " Ted echoed, the gears in his mind coming to a halt at that one question.

He rubbed the back of his neck. Opened his mouth and closed it again. He was stalling for time; he knew this. And then he let out a chuckle, but it was an awkward, hesitant sound that he didn't know what to do with. He was stubborn, in a way, he couldn't deny that. But hearing that coming from Ozzy... was way too nice for what Theodore Huxley deserved. It just didn't make sense to him.

——— " Um, well, I wouldn't call it that... " He trailed off, searching for the right words, " I guess it's more like-- Not being good at knowing when to quit, even when I should. "

Ted shrugged helplessly, plastering on a smile that looked more self-deprecating than happy. " I dunno why I'm like this. I just... can't stop trying, I guess. That's not really answering anything, though, is it? I'm sorry... I probably sound super pathetic. "

[kindsnob]

——— " I can't help feeling like I'm in impending danger... More than usual. "

[kindsnob]

Ted gave a short awkward laugh himself at Jonathan's friendly remark, though most of the awkwardness simply came from not knowing how to react to someone so... kind. They didn't seem like someone who'd, like, kidnap him or anything, so Ted wasn't particularly worried. As unusual as Jon's appearance was, Ted didn't really mind either. None of his internal alarms were going off. That was a good sign, wasn't it?

Truth be told, he was a lot hungrier than he just implied-- he just didn't want this person to go out of his way to spend anything on some random kid like Ted. He wasn't worth that. But Jon was offering, so-- And... not going to a restaurant was reasonable. Maybe it'd be fine to accept a treat, even a little?

——— " Oh, I wouldn't really want to eat at a restaurant anyway... Too stuffy. " And expensive, going by the ones he knew from experience, which was the last thing he wanted to burden a stranger with.

He shifted back and forth on his feet as he mumbled out a response, " Um... Well, first off, thanks. I'm not picky, really. I guess I'm okay with anything? Maybe, uh... burgers? I-If that's okay! " He really didn't want to overstep, " I don't... I don't really get to eat fast food often. My dad doesn't like me eating 'plebeian food'. I think it's tasty though. If you're okay with that. "

After a brief pause, Ted looked around, unsure of where exactly the two of them could go anyway, " I, um... I don't really know if there's a place nearby... I'm kinda bad with directions... S-Sorry... "

@kindsnob cont of x

Huh. Kids' got a litttle bit of trusting problems, huh? Sure, Jonathan made themselves sparse and initiated talking with the kid. But Jonathan wouldn't figure that Ted would come along WITH them. Not like Jonathan had any intentions to HURT Ted. Still, it beat walking along this fancy ass neighborhood looking like they stuck out like a sore thumb. Even if their wool had nice fabrics to it and his long coat rested comfortably against their shoulder.

The doe is amused by the stammering and fidgeting of Ted. Kid shouldn't have to worry about being hungry. If he's famished, then who is Jonathan to leave a kid behind? For all Jon knew, this kid didn't get to eat the stuff he wanted. Jonathan hummed lightly in thought. "Hey. hey.. don't sweat, kid. I ain' gonna bitecha." Jonathan laughs to himself in amusement. "Whatcha feelin' for, hm? Just not gonna take you to a whole restaurant or anything."

Should he take the easy way to the fast food joint or should he take the long way around? He's not TOO keen on revealing his 'specialty' so early. Although Jonathan didn't strike anyone as a normal person when he's got animal ears and antlers for show.

[kindsnob]

"Trade?" It's a question, not a command or anything else, but they have 2 different flavors of juicebox. And Chara was wondering with Teddy would like to trade flavors.

@pri-rp (i migrated in the hiatus)

——— " Huh--? "

It took Ted a second or two until he realized what Chara was asking. Trade? He looked down at their juiceboxes. Hey, that was a business-y thing! Surely Felix can't get mad at him for this. Not that Ted would mind this time anyway. It was with Chara, so it was worth it. He didn't really care about which flavour he got to drink anyway; he wasn't picky and they were all good in their own ways.

He nodded and gave a shy smile, holding out his own juicebox.

——— " Oh. Sure. " His voice was gentle but bright, a bit of a rare emotion shining through, " I'm cool with that. Thanks for... um, well, just-- Thanks. "

[kindsnob]

(Foster Huxley Chara moment?)

“Guess I never had someone like you.”

@pri-rp

avril lavigne : let go album … sentence starters | Accepting!

That was-- Really nice to hear, actually. Ted smiled warmly, his eyes crinkling with something both shy and fond.

——— " Aww... Well, thank you. " Ted tried not to take it badly. As touching as it was, it almost didn't feel deserved.

But it was Chara, so of course that kind of thing was meant in a nice way, right--? Of course it was. He was trying to have more faith in that sort of thing, at least a little. Progress.

——— " I've... never had someone like you either. " He returned, giving a small nudge with his elbow, " I'm glad, though. Glad we have each other. You're the best, you know that? "

[kindsnob]

“There’s nothin’ else better to do, anyway.”

avril lavigne : let go album … sentence starters | Accepting!

The stranger had a point, really. Well, his dad always told him not to really talk to strangers, or anyone in general, not unless Felix said it was okay since obviously Felix was better than Ted in every way and a lot smarter and better at business than he could ever dream to be. Not that he wanted to be. --But sitting all by himself on this curbside really sucked. This antler guy seemed friendly enough anyway. Maybe they could do something fun. It beat being alone, for sure. Not like Fe or their dad would ever find out; they'd have to pay enough attention first.

Sure, Felix said that the limo would come back for Ted later, and Felix just really needed to get dropped off at home first, by himself, 'cause father insisted so ( Ted was pretty sure that was a lie, but it's not like he could argue ). So Ted got kicked out and watched the driver make off with his brother. Who knows how long ago that was? He couldn't really tell the time. But considering the sun was wayyyyy lower in the sky than it was when he first sat down, Ted figured it must've been a really long time.

——— " Okay. " Ted said simply, giving a tiny smile and a subsequent nod in agreement. " I think you're right about that. "

He stood up from where he sat, dusting off his pants. Huxleys had to look 'presentable' after all, whatever that was supposed to mean to a kid. Ted fidgeted with his hands, but didn't seem particularly bothered enough to bolt at the slightest hint of provocation. Which was a rare state of relaxation, by his standards.

——— " So, um... Where exactly are we going? " He asked, " I mean... I'm kinda hungry, so... Well-- Not to be a bother. I'm not saying we should just-- Well, it's your choice, really, so, uh... Don't mind me, sorry, that was kind of dumb of me. To say that out of nowhere. Sorry. "

[kindsnob]

Ted was still very much more than unsettled, but he slowly nodded. Explain? What was there to explain? He wasn't sure what he could even say to satisfy Nugget and get him to put that scary shovel away, so he couldn't really think of much else than doing what he always did-- Being honest.

——— " Well, " Ted started off, anxiously fidgeting with his sleeve.

It was a wonder he didn't proceed to run out of breath, " I climbed a tree 'cause I thought it'd be fun, and it kind of was, but not really because I got stuck up there and couldn't figure out how to get down, and I didn't know that someone was already in the tree or else I wouldn't have climbed it, 'cause Felix doesn't really like it when I talk to people when it's not about business because I'm usually just going to embarrass myself and the family name, but I really wanted help getting down, but the brown-haired kid didn't want to help me, so I was just kind of stuck there, and it was kind of boring trying to wait for someone else to come help so I guess we talked a bit, but that's mostly all that really happened... "

Ted looked up with a hesitant shrug, " I don't... I don't know if they and I are friends or anything, you know? At least, definitely not like you're clearly friends with them. I'm not really... good at making friends. I mean, I think my parents wouldn't care, but Fe would blow a gasket if I tried anyway, so, yeah... That's not something that'll happen, so I don't think you have to worry? "

Thread moved from Here @kindsnob

Ted takes a good step back, his hackles raising at the sight of Nugget with that shovel. So intimidating... He doesn't even have any idea what Nugget is talking about anyway?? ���—— " S-Steal...? What do you mean? I'd never do that! " Ted stammered. 'Shaggy Alpha'...? Who even... Oh. Was that the quiet older kid in the tree that one time? Ted shook his head, raising up his hands. ——— " I think there's a misunderstanding... I just-- talked to them a bit? You can still be friends with them; just 'cause I met them doesn't mean it changes anything with you, right...? "

"Nugget will make sure nothing does." Nugget says with ominous confidence. He does stop slapping that shovel head against his hand though, staring at Teddy with that walleyed glare. "Nugget supposes he can be merciful though. Wimpy Rich Kid has done nothing wrong to Nugget. Nugget gives a chance to explain. One chance."

[kindsnob]

Nugget approaches with a shovel in hand, using it as a walking stick, but as he stops, he starts to smack the head against his hand. This was definitely a threat. "Nugget hears you are trying to steak Shaggy Alpha. Nugget doesn't appreciate that."

Ted takes a good step back, his hackles raising at the sight of Nugget with that shovel. So intimidating... He doesn't even have any idea what Nugget is talking about anyway??

——— " S-Steal...? What do you mean? I'd never do that! " Ted stammered.

'Shaggy Alpha'...? Who even... Oh. Was that the quiet older kid in the tree that one time? Ted shook his head, raising up his hands.

——— " I think there's a misunderstanding... I just-- talked to them a bit? You can still be friends with them; just 'cause I met them doesn't mean it changes anything with you, right...? "

[kindsnob]

——— " Have you ever had a dream that you, um, you had, your, you-- you could, you'll do, you-- you wants, you, you could do so, you-- you'll do, you could-- you, you want, you want them to do you so much you could do anything? you rang? "

[kindsnob]

@routinestripes | continued from [here]!

Ted sounded confused at his question, like he wasn't expecting it, and honestly, Ozzy wasn't expecting it either. It just.. came out.

Ted's constant perseverance eluded Ozzy. The way he kept attempting to please his brother and no matter how many times he was put down, he, like he just said, never knew when to quit. Meanwhile, the second Ozzy's friends left, the painful fact that they'd never come back, eating away at him, all he could do was whine and complain and sulk. In a strange, indirect way, he envied Ted for his determination. How he keeps going despite all the obstacles. He doesn't know how he does it. All Ozzy could do was just feel.. miserable.

He'd never say all this out loud. But today was just a particularly bad day for him and when he glanced over at Ted, he was wondering just how, how he does it. Now.. yeah, he's already regretting his impromptu question.

Ozzy just stared with an indifferent expression as Ted kept fumbling over, crossing his arms. " Yeah, you do sound super pathetic. " He sighed. He glanced away in another direction away from Ted, mumbling softly to himself, " Yet somehow you can still keep going. "

Ted winced. Ozzy hadn't even said anything yet but the look he was giving him was enough in Ted's mind to know-- he really screwed up, didn't he...? Figures. Can't even have a conversation right. No wonder Felix doesn't let him talk most of the time.

But the sting of Ozzy agreeing that he was pathetic didn't faze him; it was what he said next. Not just the words themselves, but something in the way he said them... Something clicked.

——— " Oh... Wait. " Ted's words came even quieter than usual, his expression softening. " This isn't about me, is it? "

Not that he ever thought anything was all about him, but the way Ozzy seemed almost... envious? Hm. He knew Ozzy had been feeling bad, considering his friends just... weren't here. Having something nice taken away like that must've felt awful. Ted swallowed, trying to find his voice again. Now wasn't the time to wallow or make things about himself, he needed to do something for Ozzy.

——— " I think... I think you're going to be okay. " Ted said, soft but resolute, like he really believed it. " I mean. Look at me-- When am I ever okay? But it's, well, still okay to feel that way. Sometimes things keep happening whether you want them to or not, and sometimes all you can do is not drown in it. To just... survive it. "

He paused, glancing at Ozzy with a tentative smile, " But that's the thing; those waves pass. I don't think it's about whether I can keep going or not. It's just... something that happens anyway. "

[kindsnob]

Ozzy flinched and turned back at Ted, staring daggers into him as soon as he said all of that. He felt infuriated that he suddenly tried to butt into his business like that, and even more so that, judging by what he said, he was spot on with his deductions.

..But-- No! How the hell does he know how it feels? He barely has any friends here, the only person he talks to is his own brother and he constantly berates him. How does he know the feeling of having your only friends suddenly be whisked away to another school? How is he going to be okay? How can he get though this? How could he survive? And why is Ted saying all of that, as if he knew exactly how it feels? It pissed him off.

"You--!"

..

Ozzy halted whatever hostility he was about to spout out, and looked away from him again, letting out a small sigh. No.. It's not worth it. He's just trying to be nice, he's just being Ted. Ozzy pinched the bridge of his nose in annoyance. He doesn't need to keep getting so irrationally defensive like this. He was still irritated by his dumb poet words but.. Honestly? He was too tired to be mad today.

" Whatever, William Shakespeare. " He huffed, rolling his eyes.

Oh. He screwed up again, didn't he? Did he misread what was going on...? Surely that was it. Maybe. It had to be. He really thought he could try to help Ozzy not feel so alone like Ted often did, but... Well, of course Ted couldn't even do that right. Ozzy looked so angry for a moment that Ted had to bite back the automatic urge to apologize, 'cause his brother's name would be on the tip of his tongue in those moments. A reflex. That would just make things even more embarrassing and sad for Ted.

But what really confused him was how quickly Ozzy let go of that anger just as well. Ted blinked. Just... dismissal? A sigh, some sarcasm-- That was it?

——— " Um-- Thanks...? Sorry? " Ted's brain was short circuiting.

He wasn't entirely sure what to say now, or why he was saying what he was saying. Maybe thanking him for not yelling; maybe apologizing for upsetting him.

Ted blinked out of his stupor, fidgeting with his sleeves as he glanced down at the ground.

——— " ...Why did you bother talking to me, then? "

[kindsnob]

Ted simply watches for a bit, practically mesmerized seeing them work. " Wow! A bird whistle... That's so cool. " He smiled a little wider. He didn't mind that they weren't really looking at him or talking to him as much; they were doing something super important, after all. Totally understandable to focus all that concentration on carving.

Tilting his head, Ted couldn't help but blurt out what he thought. " I think making it sing would be really cute! So I guess you could make the mouthpiece somewhere on the bottom? " Then as if his anxiety caught up to him, he faltered, " --I mean, um, only if you want to do that. You don't have to. You're the one making it and all. Sorry... "

"Carving. can't decide between bird or whistle so doing both." said without looking away from the project. It is a thicker stick. "'spose the beak would be the mouthpiece? or maybe the tail or feet so it's singing..." it's almost as if just talking to themself, despite the topic having started with Teddy asking. They didn't even look up as they spoke, just working away with an intense focus.. presumably. the eyes are hard to see through all that hair.

[kindsnob]

Oh. Ted blinked. He wasn't expecting them to come closer-- not that it was a bad thing! He just, sort of assumed they were the distant type? Considering how terse their words, maybe they kind of are, but he didn't mind either way. Company is still company, and that's more than he can say for what he usually gets in his day to day life!

——— " Nice to meet you, Kris! " Ted tried for a smile, tinged with that ever-present worry it was. His gaze drifted down to what the teenager was holding, and... Oh.

——— " Ah-- Sorry for staring! I didn't mean to. " He mumbled a quick apology first before ultimately getting curious more than scared, " What are you... doing to that stick? Are you, like, peeling it like a carrot? The cooks at my house do that; sometimes they let me watch and they're super nice! "

they'll answer that one. "Kris." and. they're emoving. climbign down to be on a branch next to Ted. and they jsut sit there. leaning on the trunk, but closer the knife and stick are much more visible. and then, resituated, with one leg just dangling off the branch, they start just. cutting the stick, gaze on it.