A Scripta

After stepping into the apartment, Masonry slipped the bolt into its housing with a loud click that seemed to echo everywhere. "Shhh!" he whispered at the door.

It was over with Artie, he knew that now, and, to tell the truth, it didn't hurt. Like Fyre said, "He's not interested in her anymore."

No, I'm interested in guys. He smiled and chuckled to himself.

Jack responded with humor, Good, you've accepted it if you can make fun of it.

He sighed. Yeah, I suppose so. He walked along the hard wood floor to the common area and put on the small light over the sink. He went toward the bathroom, which was more toward Frosty's side of the apartment.

There seemed to be an invisible line, where the air grew colder. He nodded to himself; he didn't trust that jewel. He, like E, didn't trust magic as far as he could throw it. But Vagz's mace, he thought with a sudden surge of pride - okay, maybe magic's not so bad.

He put a hand on the doorknob of the bathroom, it was a little cold. Then he heard a whimper.

"Frosty?" He stopped, his hand on the door, listening. Then he remembered Frosty saying he was having nightmares about Carnie Illusionists.

He began speaking in Japanese, and Jack translated: "No, bro, get away. Get away from me... I'll burn you, I'll burn you both..." It drifted off into a groan.

He's screaming in his dream, Jack said.

Mase closed his eyes. Should I?

The groan stopped, slipping into a gentle snore. He realized he was standing nearer the Japanese screen that he had put up for him, creating a makeshift room in the studio.

He didn't. I wish I could, I mean, just to let him know I care, I mean... good Lord.

Jack chuckled warmly. Nate, it's all right to comfort anyone with a hug or a touch. You know how it feels.

He sighed. Yeah, I do. But he said it bothers him. And his frostbite...

Don't worry about that, Jack said firmly. You should tell him not to worry about that.

But it bothers him a little. I'll leave him be. Masonry opened the door to the bathroom with a sigh.