IC INBOX

[maskintape]

It's Tim. I guess I'm busy, so... Leave a message.

Comments

text; day 002 evening

[genreblindness]

I just saw Alex.

[maskintape]

[ Tim's pleasantly surprised to hear from Jay for precisely 0.5 seconds. IT'S A NEW RECORD ]

what?
he's here too? Of course he's here too
are you safe

DAY 003, text, regardless of how the 001 thread ends, couple hours after the shot;

[croi]

You were right.

[For the record.]

[maskintape]

boy I'll say
to be fair this isn't exactly what I was expecting?
so I figure I only get half points for predicting this, if we're keeping count

 

 

I was right next to a chair and everything when they got me man these guys aren't scared of SHIT

text - @claytonator - backdated to morning 15 because I'm slow as hell

[dr_unconscious]

[There's a picture attached of Clayton's hand, which is more importantly holding a bottle of very familiar pills. They are probably familiar because they have Tim's name on them.]

Tim,

Came across a pharmacy yesterday night and I found these. Didn't come with a prescription, so I can't check if they're precisely the right kind, but this has got to be better than nothing.

I'm heading back outside today. Do you know where you are, roughly?

- Clayton

[maskintape]

WHOA

uh I'm going to be at the school by the end of the day
gotta stock up on food again. so
god I can't believe you found some. I'm getting close to running out
thanks
idek what to say man this means a lot

[ The fact that they have his name on them is a little unnerving, but. Not too much. UNLESS HE FINDS OUT THEY CAME FROM BEYOND A SEALED LOCKED DOOR BECAUSE THAT'S CREEPY AS SHIT ]

Day 032 @gcityknights

[ployboy]

[This is all Dr. hotstud's fault, honest.]

Re: dying and coming back. Obviously not something to strive for but something I have a question about. Up for it?

[Okay, so it's not really Day 32 so much than some time between eleven and why are you even still awake, Drake but that's what the text is for. Out of consideration.]

[maskintape]

[ FRET NOT. This particular Tim is also a Tim of the night. Or something. Meaning he's still awake, if a little puzzled over getting a text from an ID he doesn't recognise. ]

are you serious rn, that's like my favorite topic of conversation ever. why wouldn't I be up for it

I mean sure, ask away
can't promise I'll answer but

It's been so long. 35, text;

[croi]

[Because who knows how many rooms Tim has right now for a private conversation?]

we walked in a giant circle like a bunch of idiots
how was your day?

welcome back my child; text;

[maskintape]

oh mine was just peachy
you ever spent the day herding around a bunch of kids so you can unlock a hospital that's probably a portal to hell or something
and then crammed yourself into a pharmacy overnight with the entire group while you silently pray for death?
because let me tell you man this is the greatest experience of my goddamn LIFE I am so thrilled with all the choices that brought me here. to think you missed it with all your pointless circling
for shame

@jiaxú | Day 36 evening

[loopofunhappiness]

Yes, I'm here. I don't recognize your username, though. Who is this?

[maskintape]

[ What the fuck. What the fuck whAT THE FUCKIE FUCKLE FUCKETY FUCK. WHAT THE FUCK. You know how sometimes people do things without any kind of expectation that they'll work? That had been Tim idly trying to message variations of "@jiaxu."

So.

What the fuck.

Where should he even start? He'd usually consult with Jay about this sort of thing, but since Jay is currently in a state of being absolutely fucking batshit insane... ]

yeah you don't know me
this is Tim
I got brought here against my will. a bunch of other people too
I found paperwork with your name on it at the hospital so figured I'd see if you were out there. and since you ARE
like
idek the only other residents we've found here were dead so
not even sure what to ask other than what the HELL is going on with this place

day 036, evening - text - @claytonator

[dr_unconscious]

Tim,

Just checking in to see how you and the group are doing. The network has been strange today. I hope things are a little more predictable in the tunnels.

Enoch, Dio and I are still nearby, so please let us know if you need any help.

- Clayton

[maskintape]

not with the group rn
stuck in the hospital
Jay's sick

[ He doesn't mean for his vagueness to come off as REALLY ALARMING, but, uh, ]

text; @newangle

[baymaxing]

you wanted some cigarettes, right? we found some. not that the group will let me carry them myself because minor or whatever but. if we manage to meet up at some point and you want to trade. i dunno if any of the others want them, so.

[maskintape]

[ Oh. Oh dear.

Tim is not generally responding to messages right now. He's been ignoring them from Jay all day, since this morning he kind of ran away from the hospital group and hid in the tunnels so he can be a sad lonely hermit with fantastic sideburns for the rest of his life.

But

But cigarettes, tho. ]

k man
noted
thanks for letting me know yeah? kind of busy right now

[ being a FUCKING LOSER BABY ]

but I'll defs have to take you up on that at some point

WAIT I LIED ONE MORE TIME just make this whatever day works for you idk what's going on

[coleader]

[ So, they haven't exactly talked since the whole murder confessions thing; Clarke hasn't been feeling particularly social these days, now that Bellamy's here and she can't remember how friendship works anymore, but she figures she might as well make sure everyone she knows is still alive. ]

Hey.

DAY 39 WORKS FOR ME NERD

[maskintape]

[ Tim is painfully aware that they haven't spoken since That One Night Nobody Talks About. At first he'd figured it was best to give her time to deal with confessing something so heavy, then he got caught up in other things, then all the stuff with the sickness...

He's on the run at the moment, hiding and generally not responding to messages. This one gets a pass, though. ]

hey
been a while
how're you doing, I've been meaning to check in
things got complicated down here lol
sorry

Day 043 (before Ed death); afternoon; audio; private

[armoured]

[After this conversation, Al is making sure his filters are all on private before contacting the man with the saddest facial hair.]

Tim? Hey, it's Alphonse, I think I might have met a friend of yours.

audio; permaprivate!

[maskintape]

[ Oh. Well. HERE WE FUCKING GO. Deep breaths, Timothy. ]

ToTheArk, right? Brian?

If he said anything creepy, he - don't. Don't judge him too bad.

[ BRIAN DEFENSE SQUAD, MOBILISE ]

@Enoch, text, morning 45

[warriorscribe]

Hello, Tim. I'm going to explore the tunnels with two others, and Clayton told me you and Jay had already been exploring there.

[Very politely avoiding...everything that had happened down here before. He doesn't want to make him jumpy.]

What have you found already, may I ask? We can search more efficiently this way.

@Enoch, text, morning 45

[maskintape]

I hope you like crappy maps because that sure is a hell of a crappy map I got for you
three ways out of the hospital
we haven't touched the south exit so
idk
I found a retirement home in the west bit but was rly sick at the time. flu
so I didn't search it. at all
honestly don't remember much
I think there was another tunnel that way too but don't quote me on that

we're heading out the east exit today anyway
watch out tho man running from monsters here gets tricky
(and don't come east to meet up w/us I'm still full of mucus and pain k)

[ hahahah HE ISN'T RUNNING OUT OF PILLS OR ANYTHING HAHAHAHaaa ]

Day 48, after lockdown; @totheark, text

[0thingsonmymind]

ihave
i T

u get a tim, the coin has spoken

[maskintape]

yyyyyyyeah that's great
not sure what you have
not your marbles that's for sure
but I guess you're happy about it so good for you
I think

Day 049; night; @LELRIC; audio; private

[armoured]

[It's been a few days since he's properly spoken to Tim, not really since Ed died, and there are things he's been wanting to say to him.

He finally has a few moments when they've stopped that night. Angel and Rhys are attaching a tablet to Dumpy, and the others are either watching or sorting out supplies, so he has some precious privacy.]

Tim, we need to talk.

[He sounds serious, but at least not angry as his first inclination had been.]

audio; private

[maskintape]

If this is gonna be a lecture, just - [COUGH COUGH COUGH] - can it.

[ Such grumpage. Tim does pull himself up on it a second later, at least? ]

Sorry, just - tough couple of days. Kinda tired. What's up.

Day 50, text, @totheark

[0thingsonmymind]

*He doesn't know which Tim is going to get this, so he'll address things that both of them would care about.*

@claytonator is not hurt

*He includes a headshot of Clayton so she can see how fine he is. He totally looks 100% fine and okay...except for looking so disheveled and out of it. And the necktie tied around his head that kinda looks like there's dried blood on it. But surely its nothing to worry about.*

but he still LIES

text;

[maskintape]

[ Fucking hell. ]

ok first
gotta dispute the whole "not hurt" thing there buddy
kind of getting the impression the stylish bandana is covering up some head trauma what with the goddamn BLOOD and all
what the hell have you done

[ He's not expecting to get answers to that, he's just venting steam. But - ]

you know people are going to hunt you down right
this isn't rosswood you can't lose people so easily
and these people are NOT going to be happy when they find you
idk what he's lying to you about but maybe just
let him go
make a break for it
they'll probs call off the chase after that

Day 050, text; @hotstud_xxx

[rubikscomplex]

[ House has no idea why he can't get the thought of Tim being freaked out about his meds out of his head, but he puts it down to being in the pharmacy the other night and now in the hospital. ]

hey, kid
didn't find your meds in the pharmacy
but i've got a pack of cigs if it'll calm you the hell down
i'll leave them at the entrance to the hospital if you're around to swing by
hope you've got a lighter
or that you really like chewing through filters

[ There. All right. Things feel slightly better. He can get on with his day. ]

[maskintape]

[ lol what.

No, really. What. ]

lmao k
don't think I'll be taking you up on that offer there pal
since 1) I found some meds
2) kind of hauling ass north to get to an old friend of mine rn
3) I'm like 90% sure that if I fall for this shit you'll be hiding in the snow ready to snipe my ass with a blowdart and take me in for dissection
not happening
nice try tho A+

day 057, late night - text - @claytonator

[dr_unconscious]

I don't really expect you to read this all the way through, if at all. Or maybe you will. I don't know--I've been making a lot of assumptions lately and none of them have done me any good. Let's just say I'm writing this for my own peace of mind and leave it at that.

I think it goes without saying that I haven't been entirely truthful with you. Saying that I didn't mean anyone any harm in it isn't a good enough excuse, I know, but I mean it when I say it. I'm a doctor, Tim. I take my job very seriously. A lot of the time that means I'm put in a position where I have to help people who probably don't deserve to be helped. I've treated murderers before. It's been my experience that they feel pain, grief, and regret just like all of my other patients. I get close to them, just like the others; sometimes they tell me things they probably shouldn't, whether to help treat them or out of shock or desperation, I don't know, I don't question them. I help them and I keep their secrets safe--not just because it's my job, but because I care about their safety, and because I want to give them that chance to heal.

It's a dangerous position to be in. Sometimes...I don't handle it with the caution that I should.

I've been thinking a lot about if I should tell you what Alex and I discussed. It's been a little bit since he died, we both know that there's a chance he could come back. He's confided in me and I owe him that trust, as his doctor. But I thought about it more, and I think the problem is that I've been approaching everyone here as my patients first. It's kind of easy to fall into that mindset in a place like this, I guess. What I should have done was worked with you as my friend. It's no wonder you don't see me that way anymore, if the feeling wasn't as mutual as I told myself it was...and I doubt I'll be able to make it up to you now, after screwing up so badly. But that doesn't mean I don't owe you the truth.

That's enough rambling. Yeah, I helped Alex. Based on what Brian confronted me with when I first woke up tied up in the bathroom, I'm pretty sure that's not what he came after me for; the details of the first day or so are a little hazy, so I'm not sure what inspired me to tell him what else was going on. It's not really important how it happened and I don't blame him for what he did.

I helped him first unintentionally. You remember when the monsters--I guess we're supposed to call them "anomalies" now?--first started showing up, and they swarmed where people with beacons were staying? It was getting late, the shack I was in was surrounded, and someone messaged me asking if anyone was inside. I didn't recognize the username, he gave me his name after I was able to get him inside and I didn't recognize that, either. He stayed the night and was quiet, but amicable. He seemed thankful for the help and hospitality. Maybe he was just acting out of necessity, I don't know. People will do interesting things when they think their lives are in danger.

I couldn't see him as a killer, but I believed you when you told me he was. We'd shared enough already that I didn't want to think you were lying. I was still worried for him. You told me yourself that you and Jay didn't think he deserved to be hurt, but that didn't speak for the other guy. I knew he would find out what was going on the next time he came back and I was afraid what would happen, so I warned Alex. I told him to stay close to me and keep me updated on his movements so I could keep him away from other people. He said he had a similar problem to yours--some fragment of the tall guy attached to him that he wanted to get rid of. I told him about my powers and that I could start coaching him to block it out, until they came back. I never told him where you or Jay were, or where Brian was, or what you guys were up to. He just wanted my help. Genuinely or not...I can't turn that down. I just wanted to keep you all safe.

...I'm afraid I won't even be able to do that now, with how badly I've handled this whole mess. I'm not going to tell anyone else what happened, I'll still tell people that this is all my fault so they stay off your trail, but I understand completely that you don't want me involved anymore. God, but it hurts though. I guess that's the point, and Lord knows I deserve it. I wish there was more I could do but I don't deserve the second chance.

I don't know what else to say. I'm sorry. I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry. I've messed up. I'm in so much pain from this that I can't sleep anymore. I can't even show you how much it hurts because it'll wake up the rest of the house and they'll ask what's wrong. I'm miserable and it's probably not even a tenth of how miserable you are after all of this. I'm so sorry.










...God, and this probably just woke you up on top of everything else. Par for the course, I guess.

[maskintape]

wow
well
grats on taking the biggest and most self-pitying dump that's ever landed in my inbox

[ Honestly? Tim isn't sure where to go with this. He can't help but think of what happened between himself and Jay before he died - that awful raw-edged guilt and sense of loss. Lying and fucking up badly enough to end a friendship does hurt, and he doesn't doubt that Clayton is suffering.

Part of him (the part that told Jay to run to safety and leave him in the tunnel; the part that cried himself hoarse after learning Brian was under that hood; the part that will one day try appealing to Alex one last time before ending it all) wants to forgive. The rest of him just hurts. He's being emotionally manipulated again, isn't he? Clayton knows exactly what buttons to press. Tim categorised and labelled them for him, for fuck's sake. ]

you know what keeps people safe, big guy? not keeping secrets
p sure you said something like that to ME once to get me to spill
see you can cry about poor alex all you want
you're right. I didn't want him dead either
which is why I've spent like the last goddamn MONTH in the tunnels
made sure I was heavily medicated every time I had to head out for food
the one time I couldn't do that?
I sent alex a message telling him to stay clear of the tunnel entrance for a few days at least
because I'm not a psycho. I'm not a murderer

[ but he is. he is. he is ]

and I don't fucking appreciate being treated like one
you say you were just worried about the masked guy but
so what if he knew where alex was? so FUCKING what
he doesn't stay in control for long
not long enough to make his way to god knows where. even if he understood directions
you hid this shit from ME
do you know how it feels to be treated like a dangerous animal? because I do
I've known since second grade
and here that just doesn't happen any more
sure half the population thinks I'm a mess that can't take care of myself
and there's dr hotstud
but people don't treat me like some ticking timebomb who's gonna go off and start tearing people open any second
or I thought they didn't. shows what I know. so

tl;dr eat my entire ass

Day 073, Morning, Audio, @LELRIC

[armoured]

[Al has been off the radar for a few days, maybe longer than he should have been, but he has been dealing with loss and grief and possible opportunities to do the right thing. He should have contacted his friends before now, especially with every new threat presenting itself, but better late than never.

His voice is in and out of audible limits, the sound of crunching snow overpowering it sometimes.]

Tim, are you okay? A lot of people have been-- [Hallucinating. Going missing.] --I was worried. [Because, you know, hallucinating is your thing, bro.]

text;

[maskintape]

a lot of people have been what
losing senses? glitching out? going nuts and ~*~*seeing the future*~*~?
no prizes for guessing which one I got lmao
but yeah I'm good everything is fine
what about you
not like you to be so quiet

[ Immediately deflecting from potential questions about what he saw during hallucinationfest? OFC. CLASSIC TIM ]

Day 75 (morning) - text; @standardissue

[deus_ex_phs]

Made it to the entrance to the ice tunnels last night. I've left behind my part of the bargain.

[The text message cuts to a brief video clip, showing a small bundle in a gloved hand. It looks about the size of maybe five cigarettes, bound together with tissue and tape, and there's a note taped on outside with a message asking people not to take it if they aren't @TW. The camera view pans to show the entire kitchen, then focuses on a specific cabinet. Kunsel opens the cabinet door, letting the camera catch exactly which dark and obscure corner he tucks the little bundle into before he closes the door and turns the camera off.]

[maskintape]

sweet
appreciate it man
you want me to drop off the bleach in the same place when I get back or is there a different place you'd prefer
I'm cool with w/e so

Day 77, @totheark, text

[0thingsonmymind]

iam
back

*He doesn't really understand why, but it's a good thing so he won't question it. He has too many other things to question. Some people need to know, though. Mostly Masky, but it was good if the other Tim knew too. And Jay, who he's just going to assume Tim will tell and not bother messaging on his own.
But, yeah, he's back. Horray?*

[maskintape]

[ Hoooooly fuck. The relief leaves Tim a little light-headed. And also vaguely guilty that it's him getting this and not Other Dude McMaskington. GREAT, MORE SHIT TO FEEL GUILTY OVER, SUPER ]

jfc about time
keeping people waiting for so long
rude, man

(that was a joke)
glad you're back
are you ok
you're not blind or idk
you haven't lost your legs or w/e right
you know how death is here

day 078, afternoon - text - @claytonator

[dr_unconscious]

Brian's alive. Ginger found him on the eastern side of town, less than a day's walk from the convenience store that restocks food. It looks like he's doing well--talking, even, which is a little unusual. I'm not sure if that's a good thing but it's definitely different.

Sorry if this is abrupt. I just thought you would like to know if you didn't already.

[maskintape]

yeah
I know
sure certain aspects of friendship seem to be completely goddamn alien to you but letting people know you're ok after something like that is something even BRIAN can grasp
so

 

wait you mean he's talking out loud
w/his voice

Night 80; @totheark; text

[0thingsonmymind]

*There's a short, and heavily distorted, video of what appears to be Alex. Only Alex is much taller than he used to be, appears to be bleeding (well, maybe its blood. Sometimes its red but sometimes its black) from the throat, and parts of him regularly cycle between 'mostly normal', 'static', 'horribly disfigured' and then back to static, etc.
There's also some jet black dude with wings and a sword through his chest that is also distorted and disfigured in the shot sometimes, but he's not important.
Besides the video there's no context or message. Enjoy.*

[maskintape]

[ Awesome. Awesome. Like Tim hasn't seen enough of Alex and his hella throat wound in his nightmares. Super. ]

thanks for that man
exactly what I wanted to see tonight
what with the thing and jessica chilling outside I was just thinking that this place wasn't fucking with my head enough today
tell alex from me that he can eat my entire ass

 

also lmao he brought his dog??

Night 86; @gardenGnostic; text

[eclecticbassist]

[ After a bit of detective work, Jade is pretty sure this is the right person. And by detective work, I mean noticing the name on the prescription bottle has the same initials as a certain username. A quick glance through the network supports this theory. ]

hello!
i do not think we have met, but ive been traveling with brian for the past week or so
he is a friend of yours right?
we went to the pharmacy today and i think he found something prescribed to you
is he picking them up for you or something?
i would just ask him, but i dont want him to think i am accusing him of being a thief

[ L M A O ]

1/2

[maskintape]

 

 

 

 

[ awesome. ]

Morning 87; @gardenGnostic; text (RISE AND SHINE HERE'S SOME BULLSHIT)

[eclecticbassist]

[ So... there was an attempt. Jade has a bad feeling about Tim's reaction, but she has to try. ]

hello again!
i talked to brian
ummm
i still am, actually
he says he will give some medication back but....
well......
see for yourself :S

[ She's already cringing. ]

[maskintape]

lmao he can go fuck himself
uh sorry for the language
ftr
al was heading for the pharmacy
and was going to bring me my pills
and then he got killed
and hasn't come back
with that and the weather and the GODDAMN SEIZURES it's been p hard to make my way back to the tunnels. shockingly
does he know you're contacting me
if he does
just mention that every time I have a seizure Jay is hiding my tablet
he'll understand what I mean

and thanks
for trying, I mean? this isn't your problem so

Morning 87 (during convo with Jade!), @totheark; text

[0thingsonmymind]

stop LYING

[maskintape]

I'm NOT lying, asshole
what bit am I allegedly lying about
let's do this
jsyk thieves don't get to take the moral high ground

@Mnemosyne; voice; day 91, night; here have some horribleness takeout delivered hot

[bookofnope]

[Tablet issues or not, Beckett has questions he needs answered. The knowledge that he might have just made a concious choice to let Brian go is haunting. And he has only one place to go with it.]

Tim. Have you heard anything from Brian tonight? I think he might have been hurt. Or killed. Not a great surprise, I'm sure. He's your friend, after all - that does tend to happen to them, doesn't it?

finally gets to this a million years later THANKS VICODINGATE

[maskintape]

[ WHOA. W H O A. Yeah okay Beckett is a prickly motherfucker, but whoa. ]

lmao ok first of all fuck you buddy
like things around here aren't shitty enough without your input
brian's been tattling I guess
looks like I'll have to push him out a window again if he's still kicking
maybe this time it'll stick
anyway nah
he's not talking to me atm
ark stuff, tim is a liar, etc etc
the usual
thx for helping w/that btw
real nice of you to take a guy by the hand and pull him away from his own humanity like that
teach him your ways
let him know that finding a bunch of ephemeral bullshit nobody cares about defs takes precedence over his own happiness or sense of self
but w/e you'd know all about trying to discard all that
right thomas
wink wink