A thoughtless mind was ideal for a good night's rest. To be senseless as if you were without the very existence that allowed you to go comatose. Senseless beating in your chest. Numbness in your bones. It was euphoria you were not present for. And it was ideal. It was how Tobe had intended on riding out this situation. Maybe it was a pain in his head. Or perhaps something that startled him. For he found himself coming to in dull silence. It mustn't have been long. For the sun was not present and his bedside candle still had a glow. The wax had dripped down the edges, marking the table with its remains. Tobe found himself watching its gentle flicker; as if it was waiting out its death. He sat up with a light groan. He still wasn't quite sure what woke him up. According to the clock it had only been a few hours. 2:14am. So late in the night and early in the morning. It was a time meant for rest. But by the looks of it, Tobe wasn't the only restless soul in the house. Not only a mild light from his bedside, but one that creeped around the doorway as well. It was barely noticeable. It may have been nothing. However it was better to feed your paranoia over pushing it to the side. Tobe took a deep breath and stood. He almost stumbled at the surprise that overcame him when his feet took so well to the ground. He felt... Great. To be able to walk without fear was a blessing at this point. Considering Tobe hadn't known how well he'd be able to walk after this was said and done. Garu had done the job right.
Tobe creeped to the door, slowly peering down the hall. His muscles went more lax once he found that he did indeed see a light from around the corner. The room was the one closest to the living room; just a few feet away. Tobe swallowed lightly and carefully slipped his feet across. He peered around once more to find something he was somewhat expecting; just not hoping for. Garu sat in peace, staring into what appeared to be a wood burning stove. They worked well to heat a home. He sipped lightly on a mug, keeping even more quiet than usual. More quiet than mute. It was the type of silence that left you lost on what to do. What to say. Tobe tapped his fingers together, opening his mouth to speak a couple times before finding the task too difficult to attempt. Perhaps it was best to start with the only thing that was on his mind. Tobe swallowed and knocked on the door frame lightly. Garu jolted slightly at the sudden noise before looking over his shoulder. Meeting eye contact with him was a bit more nerve-wracking than Tobe had expected. So much so, that he seemed to have drawn a blank. A blank in mind and expression for what felt to be far too long.
"Ah... um... You're... You're awake... Seems a bit... Ya'know... Odd considering you should be more tired than I am. I'd ask you what's on your mind but... Heh..."
Garu glanced at Tobe from head to toe before turning around once more. Tobe rubbed the back of his head anxiously and made his way in, soon coming up to sit beside Garu; who paid him no heed. Tobe crossed his legs and tapped his thumbs. He stared at the small fiery furnace; which glowed with a gentle fade. The edges blazed like some kind of neon crimson. It didn't take long for him to make a second attempt.
"So, uh... All that stuff... Y-You learned how to do... It was... It was useful. I mean, I can move again. Without so much pain. So... Th... Thank you for that."
Tobe glanced over slightly, seeing if there had been any hint of a reaction to his words. Alas, there was none. Rather expected really. Tobe hated being in the wrong while also being aware of it. Ignorance was bliss. But it was far too obvious that his words before were unjust. He didn't want to believe that was the reason Garu had been so despondent. But what other reason was there? The whole night was strictly focused on Tobe's wellbeing. And in an unsightly turn, Garu seemed to be the one under the pressure now. And it wasn't anyone else's fault but the bumbling menace who put him there. Tobe sighed quietly.
"Is this it? There's nothing more here? No reason for me to go on?"
He frowned as he looked over once more. Strangely enough, Garu seemed to actually look back. Only for a short moment however before going back to a state of stubbornness. The message was obvious to catch on to. Tobe just didn't wish to face such a reality. There wasn't much more of an option however.
"Garu... I'm... Sorry I got angry. You've been right this whole time and my... Childlike demeanors prevented me from treating the situation for what it was. You were just helping me. I'm sorry."
Words like this felt misplaced coming from Tobe's voice. To recognize what he was saying as genuine seemed so cliché. So... Not real. Like a setup. However there was no better way to put it. Seems like this was the only nice thing he'd done during the whole situation anyhow. His humble appearance must have been noticeable. For Garu not only looked in his direction; but also smiled at his words. It was a subtle smile. But a smile nonetheless. Tobe avoided eye contact but found himself looking back once in awhile. His face got slightly flushed as he cleared his throat.
"D-Don't just assume this makes things all warm and welcoming between us! I just thought I should recognize my mistakes and fix them! And because it's only fair for you to receive an apology. It doesn't change things or make things okay! You know this whole situation could have been avoided if I would have just stayed indoors instead of going out in the treacherous weather to go and get-"
Tobe cut himself short in utter surprise at this whole new dilemma brought forth to him. Garu was finally asleep... Right on his lap that is. It didn't take long for the night to catch up to Garu once his conscious was cleared. And apparently Tobe's words weren't important enough to be heard. Garu began to doze as he set his mug down. It wasn't long before the simple task of holding himself up was becoming increasingly difficult. He yawned before letting himself fall over into the comfort of Tobe's lap. Tobe held his breath for a moment, analyzing the situation. He let out a sigh before hesitantly stroking Garu's hair. I guess his lack of sleep really had been Tobe's fault. It was as if you could sense the weight being lifted off of Garu's shoulders as he now rested peacefully. It wasn't that big of a deal. Just a bit odd to deal with. Tobe continued to stroke, running his fingers gently through the side of Garu's tight-stranded hair. It was soft.
The night progressed on silently as Tobe now slept on his back with Garu rested at his legs. The heater continued to glow as the snow outside began to ease. and the quiet ends of the home were no longer ridden with tension and shivering. It was comforting for the first time. Comforting on a night of bizarre encounters.
And what an odd night it was.