[Action] {Locked to Espio, possibly Marco}

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[Tobias had made absolute sure to restrain Breaker by his bed tonight, not wanting the dog to pounce on his roommate in a murderous rage the moment Espio walked in. He'd been... different since waking up, and somehow, Tobias felt almost afraid of this "new" Espio now. Whatever had happened, it had affected the other, and he felt himself slowly slipping away.

Which is why he was waiting patiently, just fidgeting with a pencil and glancing at the door to see if the chameleon had returned yet.]

Comments

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Hey.

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[Tobias doesn't even give that.]

Can I talk to you? Please?

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...not even a "hi"?

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Please.

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What about?

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You've been acting weird since you woke up from the coma. What's going on?

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Nothing's going on. I'm fine.

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[Indeed, it is. Tobias' voice is visibly close to cracking now, and he sounds pleading.]

Please, Espio. Tell me something.

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No!

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It's not anything you need to know about!

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[Tobias seems taken aback by the yell, and just watches Espio for a moment, biting his lip.

He looks like he wants to say something.... but doesn't manage to get it out in time. Instead, he simply slumps into the chair, burying his face in his hands and beginning to sob.]

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O-oi!

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What's the fuss over?! Hey!

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I'm crying because I don't know what happened!

[He actually slaps away the hand, turning a look on Espio that's a mix of angry, despairing, and just plain agonized.]

You're my closest friend, Espio! But every time I tried to ask you about something or talked to you, you acted like you hated me!

[He chokes again, shaking his head.]

You're one of the few people who mean everything to me, but you're gone. I kept trying to keep it from slipping away, because my friends are all I have! But every time I tried, you just yelled or acted like I was someone you hated! You're not the only one who's been hurting these past few days, Espio!

But since you can't even trust me enough to say anything, I just... I shouldn't have even tried...

[And he buries his face in his hands and begins to sob again.]

[turnip-rage.livejournal.com]

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What happened to me shouldn't matter! Why should I shove all my problems on you - on anyone?! They're my problems!

Sure, I'm upset about something, but I'll get over it - just have patience, all right?!

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[Tobias just shakes his head. He can't even form the words he wants to say, just continues to cry. There's a pained whine from Breaker, the dog clearly wanting nothing more than to be at his master's side.]

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Got nothing else to say? Fine. I'm going to bed.

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[And what happens next probably won't help. The sobbing stops, and Tobias goes over, but stops out of reach. His voice is weak and shaky, and it's clear it's taking all his willpower to force the words out.]

I understand wanting to keep everything to yourself. I do. But I.. I can't...

You guys are all I have, Espio... and you've been treating me like one of your worst enemies. You've hurt me worse than anything ever has, and I... I just...

[Crack. He makes a choked noise.]

It doesn't matter what you say... you don't want me around, and that's clear. Maybe... maybe once you get over it we can figure something out, but right now, I... I can't stand seeing you hate me.

[And Tobias simply turns and walks out of the room.]

[turnip-rage.livejournal.com]

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Come back.

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[Tobias does hear it, however -- you don't live like him and not get good hearing. He bites his lip, ignoring the sharp copper taste it brings about. Everything in him is screaming to keep walking, to go out the door, but he can't. Even after what he said, Espio's too important to him. He just can't ignore that.

So he just leans against the door frame, shoulders shaking.]

Why?

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I don't want to be on my own.

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[Another bite, and more metallic taste. He looks out at the hallway, and for a long while, there's silence.

Then footsteps, and the door shuts, with silence settling back into the room, until Tobias -- now simply leaning heavily against the door -- speaks.]

Okay. I won't go anywhere.

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....

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[Tobias slides down the wall, putting his back to it and burying his face in his legs.]

It hurts.

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I just didn't want you worrying too much about me. That's all.

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So that's why you were acting like you wanted nothing to do with me?

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I guess you're the one I thought it'd affect the most.