Mark pulled Aidanīs bag onto the table next to the laptop. He slowly rifled through it, unpacking it. Books went onto a pile behind the laptop, together with Aidanīs notebooks and sketch books. Aidan had two pencil cases in the bag, one for pencils and pens and the other for his brushes and other drawing tools.
With a smile, Mark used the chronivac again. Both pencil cases shrunk into bone-like shapes, becoming simple chew toys for Aidan. The now empty bag itself was turned into a tennis ball to play fetch with Aidan.
It was about half an hour since Mark had given Aidan his new name when he spoke up again, disrupting Aidanīs reading. Hey Aidan, from now on you wonīt go to your classes anymore, because you wonīt be able to write or paint anymore. Instead, you will walk around outside and enjoy some fresh air. You will also gain a strong desire to play. You will chase after balls, sticks or frisbees if they are thrown for you. And you will chew on your new toys, but never damage or swallow them. Mark again grinned evilly at Aidan, raising one of the chew bones in the air.
Aidan, irritated at first for being interrupted yet again, turned pale in horror. No Mas
Mark, please, donīt take my art from me. You know how much it means to me. And Iīm no dog, so stop making me act like one. Where did you even get that toy?
Mark waved the toy a bit, and laughed when he noticed how eagerly Aidanīs eyes followed it. Donīt whine for your losses. This toy you mean? It was your pencil case filled with the useless brushes and such. Do you want it, Starny? Mark laughed even more at that.
Aidanīs protest died on his tongue as he forgot Markīs new change to his life. He still loved art, even if it was hard making it without being able to hold any tools. Aidan only nodded to the last question, and when Mark tossed the bone, Aidan jumped up to catch it. After landing with the toy in his mouth Aidan relaxed on the carpet again, chewing on the bone while returning to his book. He wanted to get out and play, but he also wanted to finish the book now.
Mark watched laughing as Aidan caught the toy midair, before resuming to read while chewing on it. He even was wagging his ass like a dog would his tail. Is the book that interesting? Or do you want to play outside with me some, Aidan? he asked after calming down.
Aidan hummed before answering: I do want to play, but I also want to finish that book, it isnīt much left anyway.
Then how about we go out for an hour and afterwards you finish the book? How does that sound? Mark asked smiling.
Aidan thought about it shortly before raising up. Sounds great, mast
Mark. Letīs go now.
Mark laughed at Aidanīs eagerness to play and stood as well. He also was satisfied that the mask worked, slowly penetrating Aidanīs mind, showing by the two slip-ups already. Okay, then letīs get going. I hear some barking in the park, maybe someone to speak with while we play.
Soon, Mark was tossing either the tennis ball or the chew bone around for Aidan, who happily chased after it every time, barking due to Markīs triggers for the whole time. Mark understood Aidanīs happiness in the barks, and it was as much fun for him as it was for Aidan.
It was nearly two hours later that Mark went home, and Aidan returned to his flat, got some food for himself before collapsing on his bedroom carpet, asleep before he even connected completely.