As the knocks grew impatient, Harper couldn't help the pang of annoyance she felt. Couldn't she be left alone after this rough day? Was it not enough she had to prepare a meal for so many monsters, get stabbed in the side by a crazed smiling man, then finally be patched up by a narcissistic, red-eyed doctor? It just never ended, she guessed.

Cringing, she stood from the bed, her lips a thin line as she approached the door. Her caution being melted away from her agitation, she didn't give things much thought as she yanked the door open. Luck was apparently on her side, seeing it was the white-masked man she had met yesterday—Masky. That look of strong disfavor has yet to leave his harsh blue eyes, his hidden lips more than likely set in a scowl.

Within his gloved grip, he cradled what appeared to be a small stack of clothes. Their colors varied, although mostly all were darker. Harper could see that it was simply a bleak mixture of t-shirts and pants, more than likely snatched up first opportunity. She wasn't going to complain, considering her blood stained shirt was beginning to stick to her skin.

"Boss wanted me to drop these off," he gruffly murmured, his arms shoving the items forward. Pursing her lips, Harper nodded as she took the clothes from his hands. She noticed his icy eyes look her over, pausing on her side. A dull chuckle radiated through him, his mask rising as he smirked. "Rough first day, newbie?" he sneered, crossing his arms.

Scowling, she only gave a curt nod in reply. His eyes sparkled in return. "Figured so. Boss wanted to see you as well—see if you survived more or less. I'm surprised. Didn't think you'd last a day," he taunted, leaning forward, far too close for comfort.

Harper's jaw clenched as she backed away. "Can't I meet with him in the morning? I'm exhausted," she muttered, still feeling the ache in her side. Even the Doctor's medicine couldn't make all the pain go away. She was just thankful it wasn't that raging fire still.

Masky's eyes crinkled at the edges as he smiled, its wickedness shining through his mask. "You go ahead and wait until morning, girlie. Fine with me. I'll sit back with some popcorn and watch how well that works out for you," he snickered, his harsh laughs echoing against his mask.

Her teeth ground together as her fists tightened. "I think I have reason enough," she spat, her eyes flashing down to her side and bandaged hand.

The man just snorted. "It doesn't matter if you can't walk. If he wants you to see him, then you better find some way to do so. He's your boss now, remember? You do as he says. Your payment is the number of days you stay alive, and death is the same thing as being fired."

Harper could see the pure joy he was getting out of her misery. Even still, she could see a distinct difference between Masky and the others she has met. He was a normal human—just like her. That brought her some comfort, at least. He was a human and he was surviving here... shouldn't that mean she could, too? His yellow jacket shuffled as he shifted his wait, a bored sigh falling from his lips.

"Fine," she growled, setting down her clothes before starting forward. Stopping in front of him, she watched his chest shake as he silently laughed.

Twisting, Masky started off down the hall, not waiting to keep pace with her. She bit her lip, noting that was a common trait of the men who have led her throughout the mansion. If she didn't keep up, then it was her problem alone. She supposed that was to be expected among killers—why should they have manners or decency?

Focusing on the blood red rug, she forced her aching feet forward to keep up with Masky. He wound the halls, his stance casual. He didn't appear worried about meeting any of the other inhabitants, not to mention he knew his way around like the back of his hand. What would it take for her to reach that, she wondered. Not to mention how long it would take, or if she could even manage such.

"How long have you worked for Slenderman?" she asked, her voice a quiet whisper as they rounded the halls. Just because he was at ease with the mansion didn't mean that she was.

"A while," he murmured in reply, obviously uninterested in conversation or revealing a thing to her. Harper could only sigh, shaking her head.

Finally, he paused outside a door, his blue eyes snapping back to her. Snorting softly, he turned, knocking loudly on the wooden door. Harper's stomach curled as she heard Slender's deep voice call for them to enter. Masky pushed open the door, while she hesitantly followed behind him.

Her eyes peered around at the office, more than impressed as she took a cautious step inside. The walls were lined with bookshelves that were each filled to the brim. A couch sat positioned in front of his mahogany desk, its black leather simply shining. Not one thing appeared out of place, from the perfectly centered rug to the flawlessly stacked papers that sat on the desk.

Swallowing roughly, Harper finally managed to look up and meet the gaze of Slenderman—at least where she thought it to be. He was currently leaning back in his chair behind the desk, his fingers folded in front of him. More at ease than when she had seen him in the woods, his coat was slung against the back of his chair, his tie loosely hanging. Even that didn't soothe her tense shoulders, the faceless man sending chills down her spine. He killed her friends.

As if reading her mind, his cheekbones rose, a bass rumble of a chuckle vibrating his chest. "I see you survived," he mused as one arm stretched forward, his long fingers signaling for her to sit down.

Complying, she robotically walked forward, carefully sitting down on the couch. The leather uncomfortably squeaked as she shifted, biting her lip as his unnervingly hidden gaze appraised her. His head shifted up, focusing on Masky who still stood by the door.

"You may go," he ordered, Masky immediately twisting and shutting the door behind him.

Swallowing roughly, she twisted her ankles, trying to calm her speeding heart. The room was seeming to shrink in on her, it becoming hard to breathe. She wondered how anyone could manage to stay within his company for long?

"You don't seem to have many words. Is the mansion not to your liking?" he chuckled wickedly. The amused edge was back in his velvet tone, one she remembered from the day before.

Harper's eyes pricked as she once again met his gaze, having to heavily think through her words before speaking them aloud. "Your mansion is lovely. Its inhabitants, however, are not," she managed to force through her clenched teeth.

Her hatred for the man swelled within her heart as he joyfully laughed, the sound echoing within the room. "I warned you they wouldn't be, did I not? Seeing your bandaged hand and bloodstained side, it appears you were not welcomed."

Scowling, she looked away, aching to run back to her room. Sleep was calling her name, hoping to escape this madness for at least a moment. But, even then she wouldn't, if a certain clown appeared.

"The breakfast this morning was perfect, just as I had hoped. It was nice not having to act as a servant in my own home," he continued, changing the subject. "You have started your work to my expectations. It would be best that you continue to do so," he added, leaning back in his chair. "As time goes on, more things shall be added on to your list of things to do. Before then, you should grow used to the mansion—and its inhabitants to the best of your ability," he chuckled hatefully.

"Can I not have one of your proxies to accompany me?" she spat, the words tumbling from her mouth before she could stop them. "I have nearly been killed on more than one occasion this day. It would be nice to focus on my work instead of crazed men trying to kill me at every turn," she hissed.

"Once again, I warned you that you wouldn't last. Now you see I wasn't joking." Leaning up, his voice grew in volume, all humor gone. "I will not order a proxy to accompany you. If it weren't for my word, they would have been rid of you already—you should be thankful of that alone. In fact, you should be groveling at my feet after all I have done. Would you have preferred to have the same fate as your young friends?" he growled, all hint of velvet missing.

Harper flinched as his words struck her sharply. "No."

"Wrong response. I am your boss now, as you are aware, and you will treat me as such. Not as an equal, nor as an acquaintance." His voice grew even darker as her stomach churned.

"No, sir," she corrected herself. Her voice was even smaller than before, the words like acid on her tongue.

"Better." His barely visible smirk was taunting, daring her to speak out of place again. "It would be wise that you learn your place here. Masky!" he called.

The proxy shoved his way inside the door within a second, Harper jolting within her seat. Had he been waiting outside that entire time?

"Escort the maid back to her room. You are then dismissed for the night," he murmured, pulling forward one of the papers on his desk, along with a pen.

Harper wondered what kind of paperwork the Slenderman would be doing. Standing, she figured it would probably be best left unknown. Without looking back, she rushed out the door, feeling instant relief after she exited from the room.

"Not go as well as you had hoped?" Masky sneered, leading her down the halls.

Shrugging, Harper let out a clipped laugh. "Better. I didn't expect anything nice with the Slenderman."

She was shocked to hear a strangled laugh come from the masked man, that he quickly tried to cover with a cough.

Both were silent the rest of the time they wound the halls, until Masky finally paused. Nodding his head, he continued on his way as Harper finally entered her bedroom. Locking her door, she nearly fled to the bed, exhausted on her feet. Falling down onto the sheets, she was asleep in minutes.

The clown never made an appearance.

xxx

Sweat gleamed on the back of Harper's neck as she sped around the kitchen, preparing all of the meals for the monsters of this mansion. It was truly miserable, having to be certain all the meals were correct, the right things cooking at once, not burning anything... Truthfully, she had no idea how one woman was expected to maintain all of this. Still, it was not impossible.

The morning had been rough, sleepily forgetting her aching side. Furiously she had grabbed for her pills, once again forgetting her wounded hand. It seemed like nothing would go right, not even ten minutes into the new day. After frustratedly sorting through her new clothes, carefully showering and fearfully making her way to the kitchen, she was now trying to finish her job.

Her eyes were frequently flickering to the door of the kitchen, wondering if the smiling man would pay her another visit. Ice remained wedged into her veins as his raspy voice growled within her mind. Never did she want to see Jeff the Killer again. It did little to soothe her, knowing he was under the same roof. He always would be—it was certain she would come across his path again. It was unavoidable, impossible.

Sighing, she nudged open the door to the dining room, preparing to set up the plates for each of the monsters. Looking at the directions on her note, it was like putting the pieces to a puzzle together. Back and forth she trailed from the kitchen to the table, figuring out where each should go. Only, when she returned with the final plate, she saw she wasn't alone.

In fact, there were three new beings in the room.

The filled plate within her grip nearly clattered to the floor as her hands began to shake. Her hazel eyes appeared wild as she gazed at each of the new beings, the two who had been talking now silent.

One was a man wearing entirely green. In fact, he looked familiar—like a character from an old video game. His ears were pointed like an elf's, his green tunic and hat enhancing the likeness. Only, his eyes were pitch black, his pupils a striking red. His smirk slowly fell as he noticed her, anger sparking within those already demonic eyes. Blood began to trickle down his cheeks.

To his side stood a masked man, his shocked blue eyes set on her. Besides his mask, he looked rather normal, almost like Masky in a way. His hair was a deep onyx—completely opposite from the elf's dirty blonde. His mask was simply white, blank besides the sloppy red smile that appeared to be painted on. His blue jacket had an odd pin, which was a smiley face as well.

Lastly was the lone man who currently stood in the corner. His stance was tense, prepared to spring, and Harper recognized him. She saw him before, walking with the Doctor in the hall. His navy mask was intimidating, black liquid oozing from his empty eye sockets. Her heart dropped when she noticed the scalpel slide into his hand from up his sleeve.

"Well, sweet cheeks, who might you be?" the elf growled, blood from his eyes beginning to dribble onto the floor.

Harper's face had now lost all its color, fear engulfing her completely. There was three of them. She couldn't run. Couldn't try to fight them all off. She had to think of something different if she wanted to survive the next hour.

"I'm Harper," she breathed. "The new maid." The repetitive words were beginning to aggravate her, but she had to see how they would respond. Liu and Jack reacted positively, although Jeff did not. Who knew what these three would do.

"New maid?" the blue-eyed man snorted. "Slender must have found a new pet," he chuckled, shaking his head.

Sucking in a deep breath, Harper didn't try to deny it. If they accepted that, then she would gladly be called a pet. The elf man took a step forward, squinting at her.

"You a new proxy? You aren't like us," he snorted, although distrust still filled his glare.

Without a second thought, she agreed. "Yes, I'm a new proxy here," she hastily replied, eager for them to accept her. It was what she needed. The tiny fib would save her for now, but still made her stomach churn. What if they found out it was a lie later on?

The elf laughed. "Slender needs to ease up on the proxies. He has enough of them, if you ask me. Guess the bastard is just tired of cleaning and cooking," he snickered, lightening up a bit. "I'm Ben. This here is Bloody Painter, and that guy over there is Eyeless Jack," he smirked, crossing his arms.

"It's nice to meet you," Harper whispered, carefully sitting down the plate of food at the last spot. Her eyes hesitantly flickered to the other two.

The Bloody Painter now seemed uninterested, yet he nodded her way. He almost looked disappointed, which caused her mouth to dry. And Eyeless Jack... his hidden glare sent shivers down her spine. He hasn't spoken a word, but that awful gaze has not moved from her as she walked. His tense form hadn't loosened like the others.

"So do you out and kill like Masky, Hoodie and Toby? Or are you just the maid?" The Bloody Painter asked, pulling out his chair at the table and sitting.

Swallowing, she wondered how she should reply. Would they be angry if she didn't kill? One lie was enough, however. "I am just the maid," she whispered, cracking a forced grin. Who was Toby? So many questions, yet all she wanted was to get out of here. "I need to go clean up the kitchen now. Have a nice breakfast," she nodded, trying to brighten her smile before calmly walking to the door. Inside, she had wanted to run as Ben's smirk dropped due to her previous answer.

Once inside the safety of the kitchen, she finally pulled a gust of air into her lungs. She had survived meeting three more of the mansion's monsters... perhaps she could do this. She could make it here—and she now had the proxy addition if it was needed. Fear still clung to her as she wondered what would happen once they found out it was all a lie.

Her thoughts were knocked away when a tight grip clamped on her shoulder. She was spun around to face the man with the navy mask—the one who hadn't said a word. She froze as she felt the tip of his scalpel pressed against her stomach in warning.

"You're not a proxy, are you?" his deep voice hissed, tears pricking in her eyes. He had her backed against the counter, no where to run. One move and another weapon would be shoved through her, which was the last thing she needed. She heard his raspy chuckle as he shook his head. "You might have fooled those two imbeciles. But you are a plain human, aren't you?"

His hidden gaze was harsh as it locked with hers, refusing her to look away. "I t-told you I am the maid," she stuttered, not answering his question.

He tightened his grip on her shoulder, a low growl building in the back of his throat. He was almost like... an animal, the way that growl rumbled. "Humans aren't allowed within these walls, little girl. If you aren't deemed a proxy, you aren't under Slender's protection. Therefore," he chuckled, his scalpel drawing blood, "you're an easy harvest."

Silence lingered within the walls as Harper gazed at him, confusion now mingling with the fear in her eyes. "A... what?"

He didn't respond. Instead, his hand tightly grabbed hold of her arm before he began to drag her from the room. Storming down the halls, Harper tugged furiously at her arm, stumbling along as he pulled. His fingers were like a vice, unwavering as she yanked. Tears miserably trickled down her cheeks as her eyes sought out someone—anyone—that could possibly help. But not a soul passed by as Eyeless Jack drug her along, finally pausing outside a door as he opened it.

The stench of decay slammed against her face like a brick wall. The flickering lights above appeared to be on their last limb, giving the grotesque hospital room an even eerier appearance. As he pulled her inside, she noticed the likeness to the Doctor's room—although a significant difference. His had been neat, orderly, clean. Eyeless Jack's, however, belonged to a horror film.

The white paper on his stiff hospital bed was coated with layers of dried blood. The cuffs at the sides were once a brown leather—now peeling with what appeared to be decaying flesh clinging to the edges. His last victim tried to rip themselves free...

Tears welled in her eyes as he threw her down on the brick-like bed, her stomach dropped as he locked one of her wrists in the disgusting cuff. Beginning to thrash, she tried with all her might to rip away, to run. She would rather face Jeff one hundred times than to meet this grizzly end. Seeing the rusted medical tools that laid on the tables side made her fight even harder, furious yells crashing through her lips.

"Quiet!" he ordered, his growl growing in volume. It was close to a vicious snarl, Harper's face a sickly white.

She felt every drop of hope dash away as he finally locked her down to the table, her tears blurring her vision. Still, she made out what appeared to be an old refrigerator that sat in the corner. The white was stained and scratched, the handle lathered in dry blood. It was no secret what laid inside. She remembered the breakfasts she had to make—the one that unnerved her more than any other. The raw organs. Harvest.

"Help me!" she screeched, tears rolling down her cheeks as she sobbed. She was about to be dissected like a frog, each of her organs ripped out of her as she watched.

The cannibal laughed harshly beneath his breath, shaking his head. "Scream all you like. The walls are soundproof—not to mention not a single killer here would be willing to help you if they heard," he chuckled.

Lifting his mask, she watched as he licked his lips, his sharpened teeth causing her shaking to worsen. His skin was a gross shade of grey, the black liquid that trickled from his eye sockets smeared against his lips.

"I-I'm supposed to be here," she cried, finally allowing herself to break down, all the suffering from the past three days crumbling at once. "Just leave me alone!"

"You aren't supposed to be here, girl," Eyeless Jack hissed, his grin now a thick scowl. "This place is one for killers—not for the likes of you," he rasped, venom dripping from his words.

His scalpel shined as he twisted it between his fingers, his smirk slowly returning. "Now. Where shall we begi-"

A harsh knock on his door interrupted him, before it opened.

"Jack could I possibly borrow-" The voice fell silent as the blood-red eyes met with Harper's.

Her heart fled even faster, that small pinch of hope returning as she gazed at the Doctor. Recalling his previous clipped, unfriendly attitude, she was unsure whether or not he would help her. But he wasn't an enemy. There was a chance.

His brows furrowed, his usually dull eyes flickering with annoyance. "Why do you have the maid tied up?" he sighed, looking back to the cannibal.

Jack frowned, appearing confused due to the Doctor's question. Pulling his mask the rest of the way off, he snorted. "She's a human, Smiley. That shouldn't even be a question," he snapped back, crossing his arms. "Now what do you need?"

The red flickered back to Harper as she mentally begged him not to go. Not to ignore her and let the monster finish what he had almost started.

"So are Slender's proxies," he snorted in return, to her relief.

Stepping forward, his crimson eyes stayed locked on her, his hospital mask hiding the rest of his expression from view. Right as he touched one of the cuffs, however, Jack growled.

"You should know not to mess with my meals," he snapped, furious. "You care less than any of us over a human life. Just tell me what you need and leave!" Jack snarled like a rabid beast.

Bored, the Doctor's cold eyes glared at Jack, avoiding Harper's begging glance. "You are not going to waste my work," he scoffed, pulling up her shirt to expose the finely stitched wound. "Not to mention you seem to be well stocked on food already. Speaking of that, isn't it time for breakfast? Your meal the maid prepared is getting cold," he growled, the red of his eyes darkening. They were nearly black as he cocked his head to the side, daring Jack to challenge him again.

The cannibal's growl grew in volume, yet he didn't stop the Doctor as he released her from the cuffs. Nearly tumbling from the stained hospital bed, Harper had to restrain from hugging on to the red-eyed man who saved her from being gutted. Although she wanted to, she knew that he wouldn't appreciate it at all. In fact, he already looked humiliated having to help her.

Nodding towards Jack, he exited the room, Harper hot on his heels. Right as the door shut, the words pushed through her lips.

"Thank you, Doctor-"

"Don't you dare finish that sentence," he snarled, fire in those red eyes. "It infuriates me enough having to piss off Eyeless Jack to help you. I don't need your appreciation on top of it. Did you not listen to me yesterday?" he spat.

Glaring, Harper brushed her hand over her eyes to rid them of the tears. "Of course I listened. What was I supposed to do when the cannibal cornered me with a scalpel slammed against my stomach?" she seethed, tired of the constant castigation and threats. "I tried telling him I was a maid. I even went as far as saying I was a proxy, yet he didn't believe me like the elf man and Bloody Painter did."

The Doctor let out a harsh huff of air that echoed against his mask. "Ben Drowned and the Bloody Painter must have not cared enough to truly think over your words. The few proxies the Slenderman has are just as brutal as the rest of us. You couldn't fight off a fly," he scoffed, shaking his head. "You had better hope they don't figure out your lie, which they surely will," he sighed, glaring pointedly at the wall.

"It's obvious I'm not going to make it here, Doctor," she laughed humorlessly. "It was by simple luck you wandered in today. Otherwise all my organs would currently be missing."

His eyes narrowed. Then, he took her arm, starting off in fast pace down the hall. His grip was less harsh than Jack's, but Harper still had to run to catch up with him. If she slowed any more, the man would probably just drag her.

"Where are we going?" she tiredly asked, ready just to hide away in her room for the rest of the day. All of her will had crumbled, leaving her feeling like an empty pit. This was a waste of time.

"To talk to the Slenderman," he curtly bit back, twisting through the halls.

A choked laugh managed to fall through her lips as she shook her head. "That's a waste of time. I talked to him last night." Staring at him oddly, she wondered why he was even bothering to help. Jack had said he cared less than anyone about human lives.

He didn't respond, finally pausing outside the familiar office door. Knocking harshly, his eyes boiled as he waited for Slender's voice.

"Enter," the deep velvet spoke, the Doctor entering within a second.

Unlike last night, Slender was standing to the side of his desk, his jacket on and his tie straight. The amused edge was back in his features as he watched the Doctor tug in the maid. Crossing his arms, he let out a quiet chuckle.

"Is the girl giving you trouble, Doctor Smiley?" he asked, his cheekbones lifted as he smirked.

"The others within the mansion are the ones with a problem," he snapped, releasing Harper's arm. "I am just the one who has to fix what they start. Tell me, why is it you can not give her protection while she works here? It would make her life, along with mine, easier."

Slender's brows rose as the Doctor's demanding words rang within the room. Harper flinched, not daring to meet the Slenderman's gaze.

"I believe she could have answered that question. And, Doctor Smiley, her issues do not have to be yours if you do not wish for them to be," he chuckled as the Doctor glared.

"This is ridiculous," the Doctor spat, shaking his head. "You want a maid, yet how is she supposed to work when nearly everyone is dying to kill her? You must be eager to prepare everyone's meals again if you care so little for her life," he cockily laughed, Harper's eyes snapping to him. That was a smart way to go about it.

Anger now radiated off of the Slenderman, his brows smashing together. "It is obvious I do not. Why do you?"

"I don't," the Doctor immediately replied, shaking his head. Harper's heart fell in disappointment, his words stinging. "I just find the entire thing to be ignorant. I thought more of you," he boldly added. Looking hardly, Harper managed to see the thin outline of his hidden smirk.

The lights in the room flickered, Harper taking a step closer to the Doctor as Slender's tentacles quivered with his rage.

"If you claimed her as a proxy, then I am sure that I would have less work to handle, and more work would get done," the Doctor continued, unintimidated.

Harper stared at him in awe, wondering how he spoke to the angered Slenderman without a hint of fear. She wondered if it was because he was the Doctor here—if he was needed to the point where his life couldn't be touched.

"That I refuse," Slenderman growled. "If you are so concerned, then make her yours instead. I need no more, and that is known."

The Doctor's red eyes widened, his smirk fading. "I haven't the need for one."

"Then it will remain your problem," Slender spat.

The crimson in the Doctor's eyes faded to pitch black. Harper could see the rage building within the black, and knew if this argument continued, it would more than likely end with her death. Tugging lightly on the Doctor's sleeve, she nodded to the door. His scowl was dark as he pulled his arm away, stalking out the door without a word. Harper followed, relieved to leave that awful room once again.

She knew that the Doctor couldn't possibly believe it is his obligation to aid her every day. Was it the fact that he thought it was what she expected? That she would run to him every time something went wrong? The realization was like a slap to the face. He wasn't concerned for her... just having to deal with her. Still, if that were the fact, then he could have simply got what he needed from Jack and left earlier.

The man was like a complex puzzle, unable for her to figure out. It would be best not to question it. Her eyes watched as he stiffly leaned against the wall, the red slowly trickling back into his eyes.

"Why aren't you at breakfast?" she wondered, needing to break the lasting silence. It was one of her many questions, it at least a simple one to fill the quiet. He didn't go yesterday, either.

"I don't eat," he stiffly replied, not meeting her gaze.

"At all?"

"No."

Shifting where she stood, Harper sucked in a deep breath. "Doctor, you don't have to concern yourself with this. I wont come running to you whenever I need help," she murmured.

His eyes flickered to her once before he shook his head. Shrugging off the wall, he turned down the hall without a word.

He knew it was a lie.

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