[closed to Tobias/backdated to the night of the Sweethearts Dance]

[espio]

[Espio doesn't feel like going to the dance. It's not like he's skipping out on Valentines' whatever or anything, he did the whole "date" thing yesterday, and he's never been a fan of the dances.

That, and he's feeling a little bit... unsettled, right now.

Clearly, lying on his back in his new dorm room and staring at the ceiling is the answer. Clearly.

He really should at least tell Toby that he didn't want to go. He frowned - he hoped he wouldn't be too disappointed.]

Comments

[corruptedsouls]

[Tobias pokes his head into Espio's room, Pikachu having chittered at him that the "annoying purple thing" was upset about something. He's dressed... fairly casually, in his PJs.]

Espio? What's wrong?

[espio]

Hm?

[Espio sits up for a moment, stares, then tosses himself back onto the bed.]

Geez, Toby! I think you just blinded me!

[At least that meant he wasn't even thinking about the dance. Right?]

[corruptedsouls]

Huh? What did I do?

[Unless you think Toby believes pajamas are appropriate dance attire...]

[espio]

[YOU NEVER KNOW.]

Could you have got pajamas that were any more psychedelic?

[corruptedsouls]

I like them.

[He moves over to sit on the edge of the bed.]

[espio]

Sensory overload...

[TOO MANY COLOURS, TOBY, GEEZ. ...says the lizard who's currently changing his pattern to match, just for the challenge.]

Take it you forgot there's a dance tonight.

[corruptedsouls]

No, I didn't forget. But it's for couples and you don't like dances.

[He notices the pattern changing, watching curiously.]

[espio]

Hmm...

[Espio looks vaguely pleased that Toby remembers that, even though the last dance was kind of okayish (even if Espio was technically supposed to be flying the Garden at the time).]

So. What did you want?

[It sounds... kinda snappy. Sorry, Toby, Espio was in the middle of being introspective before you appeared.]

[corruptedsouls]

Pikachu said you were upset. What's wrong?

[espio]

I'm not upset. [Waves a hand dismissively.] So you can go away now.

[corruptedsouls]

No.

[Yes, Espio, Tobias just told you no.]

Even if you aren't upset, something's not right and I want to help.

[espio]

[...glare, Toby. Because you know what? That... kinda made it worse.]

It's nothing.

[corruptedsouls]

[Glare? Should have actually listened and left? ...No, he knows Espio can get snippy over little things. That's one the reasons he had to get stronger, not just to protect others, but in this case too...

So he puts on a determined face and shakes his head.]

It isn't. Even if it's small, you don't get mad at me unless something's wrong. And you promised you'd try to tell me when things were bothering you, right?

[espio]

[Espio continues to glare for a moment, then huffs and jumps off his bed and stalks over to the doorway. For a moment, it looks like he's leaving, but then he turns back.]

Put some proper clothes on.

Let's take a walk.

[corruptedsouls]

Okay.

[It doesn't take him too long to put on a shirt, pants, and his shoes -- huh, those are new. When did he get them? -- and meet Espio by the door.]

[espio]

[With many people at the dance, it's pretty quiet this time of night. It's a bit on the cold side, but not to the level Espio can't handle it.

Speaking of quiet, though... even though Espio's dragged Toby out, he's gone kinda quiet himself.]

[corruptedsouls]

[Tobias is walking alongside him, Pikachu left back in the dorm so it really is just the two of them. He's content with this for now, letting Espio work out whatever he wants to say.]

[espio]

[They manage to get to the front gate before Espio finally speaks up.]

You're...

[Lengthy pause. He can't quite find the words...]

You're really growing up fast. I haven't exactly thought of you as a little kid, but... you changed. A lot. In a really small space of time.

It's good...

[But the way he trails off implies there's a but.]

[corruptedsouls]

[And Tobias notices it.]

But?

[espio]

This may be the stupidest thing I've ever said... but...

[Another long pause. CAN YOU TELL HOW HARD IT IS FOR HIM TO ADMIT THIS.]

You're making me feel like a little kid. Like I need to catch up.

[corruptedsouls]

[He can, but Tobias is clearly caught off guard by this. He blinks a little, looking confused and baffled.]

[corruptedsouls]

[Then, after a moment, he gets on his knees and pulls Espio into a hug.]

Espio... the reason I could get stronger is because of you. I really love you, and I knew that I got too upset when something was bothering you and you'd snap at me. So I wanted to be strong enough that it wouldn't bother me and we could talk normally.

I really need you, Espio. I love Mom and Dad too, but I couldn't do anything like this without you. I've always wanted to be as strong as you, so that's why I kept going too...

[espio]

Mmrr...

[Whatever that noise was supposed to be isn't entirely clear. It's probably because he's being sulky, and now Toby's pulled him into a hug he's just... um, staying still. Leaning in, but not actually returning it.

He really appreciates that, though, Toby, and he closes his eyes.]

I just get the feeling you won't need me around for much longer.

It's stupid, I know, but...

Having you around, having someone close to me, that I can support, it... I dunno how to put it... kinda keeps me on the ground, I guess. I was going crazy when you were gone... and... I...

[Oh, fuck it. He bloody well returns that stupid hug, refusing to say "I need you around just as much, you know."]

[corruptedsouls]

I'm always going to need you, Espio. No matter what. Even if I don't need you to protect me from everything, it doesn't mean I don't want you to try and I don't need you around.

[Huuuugs! Tobias loves hugs.]

It's because I know you're supporting me that I can do what I need to do. ...the reason I went out on that mission was because I knew you'd be here when I came back and I knew I could trust you to support me if I really needed you. It's why I'm trying so hard to be strong, so I can support you back with anything you need.

I don't wanna go anywhere and I won't if I have anything to say about it.

[His grip loosens a bit so he can pull back and look at Espio.]

...and... I have a really strong say in it now.

[espio]

[Wah, why so adorable?! Espio still looks kind of, um... pouty Grell would never let him live it down if she could see his face right now, but it's making him feel a little better. It's not getting rid of that niggling feeling, but that's irrationality for you, but...]

Huh?