That Night Changed Us (Pucca Fanfiction, Tobe x Garu)

Swift on his feet, Garu had spent a long time rushing. Speeding down streets and slipping through crowds, he just needed to lose Pucca in a crowd and he'd be in the clear. He never thought his number one fan, his stalker, his rival in love would be so obsessive towards him. Often times, he didn't let it bother him, but other times he wishes he could do things in his own way without being chased. It was embarrassing to him, but he couldn't shake her. As Garu proceeded, he noticed the outskirts of the village nearing closer and closer. Garu ran until he couldn't hear Pucca's footsteps following his, and when he was far enough, he realized he had made it to a forest-covered park just outside of Sooga. He quietly sat for a moment to catch his breath and gazed up to a dark sky, sprinkled with stars and constellations. While he did this, he allowed his mind to wonder. He was alone now, as far as he knew, and was able to train in the open space without distraction. Sure, he thought, as he drew his katana and started to practice with it. Running up trees and doing flips first, he then seethed his weapon and practiced his form without it, nailing the timing and positions. This continued for about ten minutes until he finally sat down to rest under the tree. If Garu was honest, he couldn't understand why Pucca was the way she was with him. He had never met another person so stuck to him in his life, not even his nemesis Tobe who had been physically stuck to him once. Even though Pucca and Garu were their own people with nothing holding them together, it felt as if Pucca had nested in his hair and he couldn't get her out. Everywhere he went, she was there too. Wanted to eat alone? She was there. Felt like training with Abyo, his best friend? She was around. Garu sighed as he leaned back onto the tree, listening to the chirps of crickets around him until one of them was a familiar giggle. Pucca stood next to Garu as he turned to be greeted with a kiss. Then another, and another. Garu squirmed free from her grasp and booked it through the forest and back into Sooga. Like last time, he had kept going until she was out of sight, sound, and mind. When Garu had lost her again, he noticed his stomach grumbling and decided to eat. He was hungry and it was making him feel irritable. Luckily for him, the Goh Rong was close by, so he could go in and eat a bowl of noodles without being bothered... Hopefully. Garu stepped into the restaurant and was immediately met with the smell of fresh foods, and the sounds of people chatting. Everyone inside seemed to be enjoying their meals, and most of them were eating the famous noodles. Goh Rong had been notorious for serving some of the best food in Sooga, and maybe even the world. What made it special was the chef's dedication to fresh ingredients and healthy food. Garu smiled to himself as he noticed Pucca wasn't here yet, so he took a seat and opened a menu to see their options. Rice stir-fry, dumplings, and the house special: Noodles. It seemed that Garu had been staring at the food on the menu longer than he thought, and as he broke his gaze from the several cuisine options, he noticed Tobe was sitting across from him at the same table with his own menu. Garu hadn't said a word in hopes not to draw attention, but glanced around the restaurant to see that all other tables were preoccupied by other people. Both of them had received their food from Dada, who was surprised to see them not fighting, but didn't mention it to them either. Their silent agreement seemed to work. No one batted an eye. Garu had finished his food sooner than Tobe and had left the Goh Rong, feeling satisfied with what he had eaten. Since not many people were out at this hour, he took a stroll across the village where he saw couples walking under the moonlight. Garu still found it odd that Tobe had so calmly agreed not to say anything about his own enemy sitting across the table from him, but he was also grateful that Tobe hadn't ruined his meal. After a while, Garu decided to start walking home. He decided on taking a different path to avoid bumping into Pucca again, as he was tired from all the cat and mouse. That night, Garu learned there was a route from where he was to his house that required wading through forests. No matter, he thought, because at least he could steer clear of Pucca. In the dark, Garu noticed the beauty of the area around him, with the trees swaying with the wind, and the animals getting ready to settle down. The crickets chirping were like a white noise, and with every step, fireflies made their presence known. The light of the village could be seen in he gaps of trees. There was another distant noise that Garu thought was a sniffle. Curious, he went to follow the sound. The noise seemed to come from an old building that Garu couldn't fully make out in the dark. The air around it left a trickling chill, and smelled like damp, almost moldy wood. Standing nearer, Garu could sense that what he had been following was crying, and was concerned that someone was trapped inside or needed help. He noticed a gap between the two doors, so he peered inside where a figure was somewhat visible. Garu gently pushed the door open further to widen the space, and the moonlight revealed the figure as Tobe. Garu realized that the building seemed familiar, because it was where Tobe lived. He had seen this house many times before, but it was one of very rare times he would actually be inside of it.