[locked to Toby] [Backdated].

[espio]

[It took a little while before Espio dared to knock on Toby's door after his discussion with Grell, and not much had been said that night - Espio had only wanted to sit with Toby, scared that asking questions or trying to make him put his worries into words might make him run off again. He still didn't understand why Toby had bolted, but...

At that point, he needed the reassurance of having him there.

He hadn't intended to fall asleep in Toby's room, but when he was woken by the morning announcement it had taken a moment for him to realise where he was.]

Um...?

Comments

[corruptedsouls]

Good morning, Espio.

[Tobias is still sitting where he was when the chameleon fell asleep, rubbing his eyes a little and yawning.]

[espio]

...morning.

[Blinks a little, then looks down.]

I didn't mean to fall asleep. Sorry.

[corruptedsouls]

It's okay. I liked having you here.

[espio]

[That gets a smile out of him. It's the first time in a while.]

Even though that's hardly the best position to sleep in?

[Rubs the back of his neck with an uncomfortable grimace.]

[corruptedsouls]

[He nods a little, then looks down at his legs.]

...Um... I'm sorry, Espio...

[espio]

[Espio turns his attention to Tobias properly, looking straight at him - he doesn't say anything, though. He just waits, expecting him to continue. That, and well... he doesn't know what to say yet.]

[corruptedsouls]

I've... been really confused myself a lot.

[Understatement of the year, that. But he tries to continue.]

I've been afraid of... being replaced too. Of not being able to do what everyone wants me to, and... of not really being a part of the family. I never wanted to forget you or Mom or Dad... I just wanted, for a little while, to be able to just... not think or understand so I wouldn't be scared.

[He pulls the ring out of his shirt, twirling it between his fingers.]

I... still don't really understand... people. I don't feel... comfortable around people here. It feels like there's too much to... understand and to try to fit in with around here, and... when Dad's other family came... everything sort of... just fell on top of me.

[More hesitation.]

I... I don't think... I'm all better yet. I still feel hurt and I still want to just... go back to living in caves and everything. But... I'm trying to understand and help myself. And... I'm sorry.

[espio]

Heh.

[Slight smile, and leans back a little. Apology accepted, it looks like.]

You're not the only one feeling out of place with Marco's family here - I am, too. To be honest, out of all of us, I think Grell's the only one of us who's doesn't seem shaken.

Just. Well. I...

Don't scare me like that!! You're not replaceable!

[corruptedsouls]

I'm sorry.

[Tobias looks properly chastised, just looking down and kicking his legs a little.]

I... I can't explain it, though... but I didn't mean... to hurt you like that.

[espio]

Well. Logic told me you didn't mean it that way. Emotions are something else entirely... it really did sound like you wished we'd never met.

You already apologised. That's enough. We can put that part of it aside, now.

["That part" meaning the issue between the two. The fact Tobias was still confused, worried and scared, however...]

I don't know if I can do much to help, but I'll be here when you need me. I think time is what's needed... for everyone.

[corruptedsouls]

Thanks, Espio. [He smiles a little, if weakly.] I think... I have to figure it out, though. But I think I'll be okay.

[espio]

You'll get there eventually.

[A nod.]

So...?

You're definitely not gonna run away from me anymore?

[Said half jokingly.]

[corruptedsouls]

I'll try. But... even if I do, I'm going to come back. I promise.

[espio]

[That would have to be enough. And at the very least, knowing he'd come back would save Espio from having to be fished out of the sea.]

So then, I won't worry...

[He relaxes, smiling.]

...I've been missing you. You weren't even gone.

[corruptedsouls]

[He can't say the same, because... well, he's been a bit too busy with his own stuff to "miss" anyone. But even so...]

I'll try to... do a little better.

[espio]

Thank you.

Much as I love you as you are, even when you do freak out and scare me half to death? To try and do things a little better is a good thing.