The Night Itself Part 2
1024 Words
For a moment, it dawned on Garu that Tobe needed help, and there was every chance he could turn around and leave. Even if they were enemies, however, it felt wrong of Garu to leave him there sobbing. Tobe didn't seem to notice Garu's entering, so Garu took slow steps towards him, being careful not to do anything that could disturb Tobe, whilst also trying to assist.
The situational awkwardness set in, and Garu carefully settled next to Tobe. He noticed a shape on the floor that pointed out light shining into the room, and sure enough, there was a broken hole in the wall. Looking over to Tobe, Garu noticed some mild bruising on his face, presumably from the impact. Tobe had started to regain his composure as he noticed Garu was right near him, immediately jumping up defensively and pointing his weapon to his nemesis.
"Wh- How did you get in here?!" Tobe barked, an aggressive tone in his voice.
Garu stood with similar posture to Tobe, using his own sword to redirect the other away from his face. He showed no anger toward Tobe, but sternly deflected the conflict that would take place if he didn't. Tobe remained quiet for a moment, as he wasn't in the mood to deal with the world at the time; He wanted more than anything to be left alone. He grumbled under his frustration as he dropped the sword, to show Garu he wouldn't fight. Garu seethed his own weapon and motioned for Tobe to sit with him.
"I'm not sitting with you." Tobe was adamant. "Why are you here anyway if not to fight?"
Garu didn't answer and patiently waited while Tobe decided to stand. There was an uncomfortable pause before Tobe gave in and reluctantly parked himself next to Garu.
"Fine. What do you want? Why are you here?"
Garu sat and didn't respond, other than glancing toward Tobe. He knew Tobe would likely answer himself, while he sat to listen.
"Nothing to say, Garu? Hmph. You and Pucca are one and the same." Tobe scoffed, rolling his eyes.
As if it was just remembered, Garu pointed to the hole in the wall. Tobe glanced behind him to see it as well.
"She... Saw me at the Goh Rong sitting where you sat, and she got the wrong idea."
Garu let out an irritated sigh before he could catch himself. It felt like every time something could be blown way out of proportion, it would be, and usually this was Pucca's doing. Whenever something posed as an obstacle to Pucca, it would end with things being broken or people getting hurt. Everyone saw her as a hero, who had an innocent crush on Garu, but those on the victimized end knew more than anyone else could ever.
As Garu continued to listen, he realized he shared much more in common with Tobe than he was ready to believe. While Tobe rambled, he found Garu's sense of intent to be confusing. Why was he just sitting there, listening to every word being said? Was it going to be used against him? Garu thought a lot about Tobe's experiences with Pucca and how they matched his own, whilst differing them at the same time. By now, he definitely understood and heavily related to a part of his rival he wouldn't have otherwise, and it was obvious they both had troubles with Pucca that no one else ever spoke of.
Tobe started to bring his ramble to a hum. "I've never understood people like you or Pucca. Why and how do people still love you? Why does everything go right for you and wrong for me?"
Garu had no way to honestly answer it, so he shrugged. Tobe rolled his eyes, as he started to make factless claims, reflecting his own idea of Garu's life with Pucca. Garu used these rants as a moment to gain further perspective, and tried not to take anything to heart. After all, there was no way of knowing.
Tobe realized Garu hadn't left. "Why... Are you still here?"
Garu shrugged.
"Hm, well..." Tobe never thought he'd say this to his own nemesis. "Thank you. I... It makes me feel... Respected." The situation's sensitivity returned as Tobe recounted that he had ranted to his own enemy. "We shall... Never speak of this again."
Garu had agreed as Tobe took in the time it was. It was late, and he should sleep. Garu knew he should sleep as well, but didn't want Pucca to find him. He was mortified with the idea of spending all night being chased around trying to go home, so he waddled over to a corner of the room and sat down. He watched as Tobe pulled his mask off and untied his headband, revealing his face where it was more evident he had been crying. Tobe noticed Garu sitting in the corner and sighed.
"What are you doing?"
Garu made a shushing face as he continued to meditate in the spot he claimed.
Tobe pondered. "Is... Is this because you're... Hiding?"
Garu nodded.
"From... Oh..." The pieces came together and Tobe understood.
Once he finished meditating, Garu snuggled into the corner more appropriately, by moving himself as close to the wall as he could in hopes not to take up space. Tobe felt no emotional bearing to Garu sleeping on the cold, concrete floor, but he did realize that his rival had come all this way to help him. If he slept on the floor against his will in favor of Tobe, it would give Garu something to use next time they fought. Tobe fought his own thought for a moment before sighing. Without a word, he plonked himself next to the silent ninja and started to ease himself on the hard floor, laying on his back trying to get used to it for the night. He peeked over to see a surprised Garu next to him.
"Don't. Say. Anything." Tobe had uttered before Garu could properly react.
There was a silence as Garu got himself ready to sleep, broken by a quiet "goodnight, Garu" beside him.
- Writer
