Let Me In || Ticci Toby x Reader

Extra - Axe Throwing

A large oak tree stands a few meters away, taunting me with its clean, unmarked bark. A small hatchet is buried in the snow beside it. Another larger axe rests in front of the tree, also buried in the snow. I have another hatchet in my hands. The weight of it pulls my arm down despite being rather light. I have been throwing axes and hatchets at this tree for hours now. Yet not one has struck the tree.

Toby stands to the side, observing me. When he offered to let me use his hatchets, I thought it would be a nice bonding exercise for the two of us. We spend some time together and get some exercise in. But this whole ordeal is frustrating me beyond belief. Most of my afternoon has been spent throwing axes and missing the tree. Even if I take a few minutes to correct my stance and take aim. Now, the dark sky creeps in as the evening draws closer. The only thing I want is to hit the tree. I am getting desperate.

I feel bad for Toby. He has been watching me get more and more frustrated this whole time. He shouts encouragement and tries to give advice. I really like being around Toby, but constantly messing up in front of him makes me feel worse. And I can tell he can see me starting to give up. It is embarrassing to fail at something seemingly simple for so long.

I wield the hatchet above my head with one hand, holding my other arm out to point at my target. Staring at the tree trunk, I try to imagine the hatchet blade splitting into the wood.

"Here, let me help." Toby's boots crunch against the white powder covering the ground as he walks toward me. I expect him to stop near me, close enough so he doesn't have to strain his voice. Yet he continues until he is right beside me, close enough so that I can see his breath transform into a small cloud. He reaches around to steady my arm pointing towards the tree, another reaches to help me grip the hatchet properly. I had not noticed how shaky I was getting. "As you throw, maybe yell. Like a war cry. It helps to give some power. And try to stand like this."

Toby shuffles his feet so they are staggered. I copy, and Toby moves in closer. His mouth is right by my ear. A tingle runs down my spine as I become acutely aware of how close he is to me. My cheeks start to warm.

"Now, make sure you really follow through with this hand." He pats the hand raised over my head. "And take a step forward as you throw. I'll do it with you, on three. One... two... three..."

One the three, I step forward as I throw the hatchet, following his instructions as I follow through with my arm. I give a small grunt, forcing a bit more power into my swing. The hatchet spins through the air. With a loud 'thunk' it hits the tree. It is a few inches off the ground and off-center, but I finally hit the tree.

"I did it!" I throw my hands in the air, turning to Toby. He has a large smile on his face, eyes crinkling with glee. I watch as he reaches out to grab my waist and lift me off the ground.

"That was awesome! I knew you could do it!" He cheers. I feel a flutter in my chest. Toby is proud of me. This is such a small accomplishment, yet having him so happy for me makes me feel so much better.

"Let's do this again tomorrow." My hands fly to cover my mouth, stopping me from saying anything further. After this afternoon, I imagine Toby probably doesn't want to spend this much time trying again and again to hit the tree. I am sure he is busy with other tasks he has going on. I do not want to be selfish and distract him for my own personal goals. "Sorry, you don't have to join me."

"I'll be your cheerleader anytime you want." Toby smiles at me, reaching out to take my hand. "Come on, let's get you warmed up and rested for tomorrow."