[ Oh, right...someone forgot about the getting stuck in the closet part. And that it took hours? Kinda want to say something about that.....
But let's let it go, for now. It's been a hectic enough night. ]
Too easy a solution, huh. [ Well, there goes that idea. It at least puts a damper on it. ] We can still give it a go, but... well, we'll see what works.
[ It's frustrating, but that's the problem with all of this, already stated. And he wishes he had something else or more to suggest or give.
But all he feels is a low anxiety bugging at him about the night. Is everything really going to be okay...? ]
[ He smiles at her, a tug to one side of his mouth, playing with her fingers held in his hand. ]
...I can stay over for the night. --To be honest, [ and maybe he should be, letting go of his breath, ] I feel weird, walking the way back. I've been seeing things all night, and every time I'm out there, I keep thinking I'm gonna end up at the school.
[ But he knows what she might start to think, so the smile he gives her is more sheepish this time over. ] I didn't know how bad it was 'til I left the apartment.
... I really should have gone out to meet you halfway.
[ Her exhalation is a little gusty; she hasn't experienced wanting to go to the university at all, beyond her own intentions, decided well before all of this had happened. But it's no surprise Robby would be trying to wrestle it off. ]
But yeah, I think I'd feel better if you stayed. [ For both their sakes; she doesn't clarify that, but he probably knows. Her fingers tap against his, lightly. ] Even if it won't be the most fun sleepover you've ever had, probably.
He'd looked at her so understandingly, back when she'd told him about her mother and grandmother, and she wonders if this is why. The situation isn't exactly the same, but...
She can picture it all too well, Robby waiting patiently for his mom to return and that maybe taking longer than it should have.
She squeezes his hand, once, lightly. ]
Speaking from experience, anyone who's got you caring about them is extremely lucky.
[ There's an urge to dismiss her sympathy, or to cover up the weight that lingers in what he's shared, to make it not as bad as it sounds (was). His mom is better these days, it doesn't matter; anything to not be seen or pitied much, even if he used to lived with a frustration in those days.
But, he should get better about that. Scoff lightly, look away sheepishly, but still with that look on his face. ]
Thanks. [ ... ] I'm just glad she isn't here. But I think that goes for anyone not stuck here.
[ He's not really into the hoping for more trapped friends, personally. ]
Thank you. [ Yes, he knows that they're dating, and maybe he doesn't need to say that as sincerely as he does--but he's going to, anyway. Drawing away from her in a small way, just to give her room, to move his limbs back to himself.
He has to remind himself that this is the right thing to do, especially as he stands up, looking over at the doorway out with the knowledge of--if he went out there right now, would he end up at the haunted house?
And wouldn't that be a good thing?
...it might've distracted him from the fact he wanted to come and collect the spare blanket with her than just make Tsuruno do all the work........... ]
[ Yeah, how dare he make his girlfriend carry this Extremely Heavy blanket and Even Heavier Fluffy Pillow, how negligent of him. Which is what she lugs back after a minute, after moving away from him (reluctantly). She, at least, isn't experiencing that kind of impulse but she can only worry about him, about leaving him potentially alone to deal with it, but at least Tsuruno tries to be swift about it.
And maybe he's still standing there (and ideally he isn't getting closer to the front door) when she returns, arms full with acquired sleeping materials. ]
... Okay, I think--are you a one or two pillow kinda sleeper?
[ Her magical girl arms are in overwork this night. Robby is failing feminism.
But he is still standing there, not having moved, but he has a hand over his eyes, held there more in the way that someone might do when suffering a headache or dizziness than pressed too closely. Not noticing she's returned until she speaks--and his head shoots up, a confused look on his face. ]
Tsuruno looks him over, very clearly concerned and not bothering to try to hide it. What's the point in fooling someone who's just as worse off as she is, if not more?
So instead, she offers him the blanket. ]
This might sound a little weird, but is it okay if I stay out here with you until you fall asleep?
[ tsuruno, why can't you just ignore every signal that he's not doing well right now. :(
Even if Robby knows he wasn't hiding it well, he still manages to look ashamed when she makes her request: biting on his lower lip and clearly struggling with wanting to accept it. He's taken the blanket from her, standing there a for a moment until he does set it down onto the sofa, though he's slow to move--he hasn't answered her yet.
Ugh. ]
I don't want you losing sleep 'cause of me. [ He knows, he knows how she is, and yet--maybe they both have their habits. The blanket may be on the sofa, but he's still holding a part of it, fiddling it as he admits: ]
[ One hand closes over his, warm, a detriment to fiddling. As always, she's warm. ]
I wouldn't be able to sleep until I knew you were asleep, anyway. [ Honesty for honesty. Robby's always concerned for her, always thoughtful, but this isn't a one-sided sentiment. ]
We're here for each other, right? You're staying here with me and I want to stay with you for now. That'd make me feel better, too.
[ It's hard for Robby to argue, especially when the argument he has left is silly in the face of Tsuruno's concern, her warmth. His concede comes when he looks at her, pinching his lips into the vague shape of a smile. ]
...okay. [ Okay. ] I...hope your chair isn't uncomfortable.
[ As we said, it's a silly concern....but also valid!! But if this is where he needs to be a good boy a sit down, he can--just, let him give her a peck on her cheek before he does.
The floor's plenty comfy, actually! I used to make a blanket nest when I started out living here because it felt too weird to use the bed.
[ And Tsuruno says it brightly, reassuring. This she can do. This, she's used to, and when Robby kisses her cheek, she squeezes his hand and only lets go to plop down on the floor with her back propped against the couch. ]
we're sorry, Tsuruno, but Robby can't help his laugh. It's small, light and soft, accompanied by a very warm smile after the fact. He's brought his legs up and tucked them under the cover, though he's still resting on an elbow. ]
That's a special kind of thoughtful. I'd have taken the bed.
[ It's not said in an insulting way, at least.......... ]
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strongroots) wrote2023-07-11 06:52 pm
https://giphy.com/clips/studiosoriginals-CvF6vRAf7QUgCvQ9KK
[ right??? That'd be like, breaking the rules? ]
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But when I said I got stuck in the closet earlier, I mean it felt like something shoved me and then I couldn't get the door open for...
... Well, probably hours. I wonder if that's also part of it. Maybe they also make doors shut so you have to open them?
[ No, you're just being Haunted.
She's also kind of grimacing, because why is it when she tries to explain things lately, it just sounds insane-- ]
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But let's let it go, for now. It's been a hectic enough night. ]
Too easy a solution, huh. [ Well, there goes that idea. It at least puts a damper on it. ] We can still give it a go, but... well, we'll see what works.
[ It's frustrating, but that's the problem with all of this, already stated. And he wishes he had something else or more to suggest or give.
But all he feels is a low anxiety bugging at him about the night. Is everything really going to be okay...? ]
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[ With one of her sheepish smiles, more out of habit than anything. ]
Thanks for coming, though. You're the best thing that's happened to me all night.
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...I can stay over for the night. --To be honest, [ and maybe he should be, letting go of his breath, ] I feel weird, walking the way back. I've been seeing things all night, and every time I'm out there, I keep thinking I'm gonna end up at the school.
[ But he knows what she might start to think, so the smile he gives her is more sheepish this time over. ] I didn't know how bad it was 'til I left the apartment.
[ whoops? ]
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[ Her exhalation is a little gusty; she hasn't experienced wanting to go to the university at all, beyond her own intentions, decided well before all of this had happened. But it's no surprise Robby would be trying to wrestle it off. ]
But yeah, I think I'd feel better if you stayed. [ For both their sakes; she doesn't clarify that, but he probably knows. Her fingers tap against his, lightly. ] Even if it won't be the most fun sleepover you've ever had, probably.
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Knowing you're here will make it okay. I'm okay with sleeping on a couch. [ So that's not a problem. ] I used to do it a lot.
[ Which either sounds weird, or okay. Robby doesn't look any different admitting to it. ]
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Did you like it better than your bed, or....?
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My...mom used to stay out late a lot. Not all the time, [ just most of the time, ] but -- I liked to catch her if she came home.
[ It's awkward, but he gives a tiny shrug. ]
I ended up sleeping sometimes on the couch waiting for her.
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He'd looked at her so understandingly, back when she'd told him about her mother and grandmother, and she wonders if this is why. The situation isn't exactly the same, but...
She can picture it all too well, Robby waiting patiently for his mom to return and that maybe taking longer than it should have.
She squeezes his hand, once, lightly. ]
Speaking from experience, anyone who's got you caring about them is extremely lucky.
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But, he should get better about that. Scoff lightly, look away sheepishly, but still with that look on his face. ]
Thanks. [ ... ] I'm just glad she isn't here. But I think that goes for anyone not stuck here.
[ He's not really into the hoping for more trapped friends, personally. ]
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[ Better not to even think about it, in her opinion. ]
But when you're ready to sleep, I'll bring some blankets out and you can let me know if you need anything. Okay?
[ First sleepover with Robby and they're both too stressed to enjoy it. What a tragedy. ]
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[ He rubs her shoulder. ]
You wanna get going?
[ Need that little reassuring nudge to get to sleep yourself, Tsuruno? It's hardly early into the night, anyway... ]
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But at the same time, she has to acknowledge he's going to need to rest too and Tsuruno exhales quietly. Right. Don't be selfish. ]
Let's get you set up, then.
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He has to remind himself that this is the right thing to do, especially as he stands up, looking over at the doorway out with the knowledge of--if he went out there right now, would he end up at the haunted house?
And wouldn't that be a good thing?
...it might've distracted him from the fact he wanted to come and collect the spare blanket with her than just make Tsuruno do all the work........... ]
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And maybe he's still standing there (and ideally he isn't getting closer to the front door) when she returns, arms full with acquired sleeping materials. ]
... Okay, I think--are you a one or two pillow kinda sleeper?
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But he is still standing there, not having moved, but he has a hand over his eyes, held there more in the way that someone might do when suffering a headache or dizziness than pressed too closely. Not noticing she's returned until she speaks--and his head shoots up, a confused look on his face. ]
Uh--yeah, sure.
[ That's not what she asked, Robby. ]
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[ Oh, boy.
Tsuruno looks him over, very clearly concerned and not bothering to try to hide it. What's the point in fooling someone who's just as worse off as she is, if not more?
So instead, she offers him the blanket. ]
This might sound a little weird, but is it okay if I stay out here with you until you fall asleep?
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Even if Robby knows he wasn't hiding it well, he still manages to look ashamed when she makes her request: biting on his lower lip and clearly struggling with wanting to accept it. He's taken the blanket from her, standing there a for a moment until he does set it down onto the sofa, though he's slow to move--he hasn't answered her yet.
Ugh. ]
I don't want you losing sleep 'cause of me. [ He knows, he knows how she is, and yet--maybe they both have their habits. The blanket may be on the sofa, but he's still holding a part of it, fiddling it as he admits: ]
I'm just feeling bad about tonight.
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[ One hand closes over his, warm, a detriment to fiddling. As always, she's warm. ]
I wouldn't be able to sleep until I knew you were asleep, anyway. [ Honesty for honesty. Robby's always concerned for her, always thoughtful, but this isn't a one-sided sentiment. ]
We're here for each other, right? You're staying here with me and I want to stay with you for now. That'd make me feel better, too.
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...okay. [ Okay. ] I...hope your chair isn't uncomfortable.
[ As we said, it's a silly concern....but also valid!! But if this is where he needs to be a good boy a sit down, he can--just, let him give her a peck on her cheek before he does.
He wants to do that. ]
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[ And Tsuruno says it brightly, reassuring. This she can do. This, she's used to, and when Robby kisses her cheek, she squeezes his hand and only lets go to plop down on the floor with her back propped against the couch. ]
It's almost kinda nostalgic now.
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Why was the bed weird?
[ Also, why pick the floor over the seat, Tsuruno!!! ]
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[ she mumbles this a little, aware it sounds ridiculous. But also shh the floor is comfy. ]
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we're sorry, Tsuruno, but Robby can't help his laugh. It's small, light and soft, accompanied by a very warm smile after the fact. He's brought his legs up and tucked them under the cover, though he's still resting on an elbow. ]
That's a special kind of thoughtful. I'd have taken the bed.
[ It's not said in an insulting way, at least.......... ]
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