Coincidentally, they shared a favorite color. After all, how could Toby not love blue? He had it on his mind constantly, often daydreaming of the vast blue of the ocean and what dwelled within it. It was a soothing, serene color for him, one that brought to mind dreams, mystery, the sheer grace of nature. “I remember,” he stated warmly. “I like the blue ones too.” Toby wasn’t the greatest cook in the world, not by any means, but surely he could manage to make something his friend could enjoy. If she didn’t get to treat herself to a nice meal very often, he would just have to do it for her! They’d have to talk about what she might like to eat later… “I’ll make sure to bring something over when I visit,” he offered. “And maybe we could make something together.”Â
Though at times he could be easily flustered, it was easy to relax again with Karina. It had been a long time since he felt so comfortable with someone, so fully accepted and appreciated. That wasn’t to say he felt alienated by others, not exactly, but there was something special about someone he’d been friends with for so long, despite the fact that they’d been separated for a while. She was still the Karina he remembered–and adored. “I might have gotten a little taller. I never really kept track of it.” He chuckled lightly, finding her pout endearing. She wasn’t a large girl; he most likely wouldn’t have an issue carrying her again. He remembered when he’d done it before. She seemed to love it, to find the different view so amusing. Her happiness rubbed off on him.
Again shyness crept into him, but it was overwhelmed by the warmth he felt for his friend. Or was that just the warmth in his cheeks? The silence left him ever aware of the feeling of her hand in his, this closeness so unusual to him lately, and yet he craved more of it. Since moving out from his childhood home, he hadn’t really had any friends aside from his cat. It had been strange and new, being out on his own, and having Karina by him again was pleasantly nostalgic, a part of his old life coming back to him. At her response, he felt his cheeks heat further, but he smiled nonetheless. It was good to be wanted.
Maybe if this had been his first time seeing this, Toby might have been startled as Karina started to fade. And there was still a sliver of worry pricking his chest–but he knew she’d be okay. And she had him and Topaz to watch over her. It occurred to him that it could be dangerous for her to fall asleep alone and in public; there were some bad people out there… But he tried to shake this thought off. Topaz wouldn’t let anything happen. “It’s okay,” he murmured gently, as if speaking loudly might disturb her, despite the fact that she was going to sleep regardless of his tone. “Topaz and I will keep you company. ♪”Â
Karina put her head against his shoulder and her hand on his arm. He sighed contently, enjoying the closeness and savoring the trust his friend was putting in him. It felt good to be trusted, and he wouldn’t betray that trust. He’d sit here as long as it took. He let his gaze flicker up towards the moon, then to the dog sitting by them. With his free hand, he reached out to pet his head. “Good boy,” he praised softly. He closed his eyes and leaned his head back. Goddess, it was good to see her again.
Right. They always had shared a favorite colour as well. It was funny when she thought about it. They’d always had so much in common. She felt like perhaps she had taken it all for granted back then, until he had graduated ahead of her. “Really?” there was a hint of surprise in her voice when he mentioned them making something together. She was used to being brushed aside and told to let someone else do it. Then again, her mother always had been controlling like that. Maybe if she had someone with her, it wouldn’t turn out as bad. “Do you think you might be able to teach me? We could catch the fish together... (And then cook it right away...)” The idea was eye opening, something she had never considered, but the look on her face absolutely gave her away. She was enamored with the idea. It sounded like a perfect way to spend a day off, truth be told. She didn’t get up to much normally and just hung around the apartment on her own - but now she was really looking forward to it.Â
Things will be a lot more interesting now...!
It was strange to think that not much had changed since they had last seen each other, and she found herself relieved when she realized it. He might have been a bit taller, a bit older, but he was still the same Toby. His warmth seemed to permeate her skin and flow through her body - something she hadn’t even realized was missing. The two of them were very much alike without even realizing it, Karina also spending most of her time alone since moving out.Â
Even after figuring out what was going on with her body, thanks to Topaz, she didn’t feel her usual sense of panic or urgency. There was just something so comforting about being with Toby. She felt safe and secure. Perhaps that was why, when she finally gave in to sleep, there was no nightmares this time. Not like when she had fallen asleep next to Jamie at the Harvest festival weeks prior to this. Instead, she snuggled against his arm and sighed softly, looking quite relaxed, despite knowing she was in a public park at night.Â
“Toby....?” she mumbled against him, “(Thank you....)”
Even the yellow lab seemed unconcerned, his tail wagging as he scooted closer to Toby, whilst still in reach of Karina - lest he be needed. He let out a contented grumble, leaning his body against Toby’s legs.Â
Thankfully, Karina would only be only be out for about fifteen minutes before consciousness started to return. She was always a bit groggy at first as she got her barings about her, but she blinked up at him in surprise for a second before memory flooded back in and she raised a hand to rub her eyes.Â
“Ah - !” Glancing up at the sky, she sighed in relief. At least it wasn’t morning or anything yet. “I didn’t sleep for too long, did I? (If we missed the last boat, I can pay for a hotel or something....)”Â
When was the last boat anyway? She hadn’t thought to check that out, come to think of it.Â
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