#Tobias on the other hand sees a lynx actively brandishing its claws to rip his face off & he's like Great. How can I get more of that

[yeonban]

The muses who don't think they deserve love.

@effigist asked: "I can't believe you're still sticking around." ash 4 tobias

❛ Oh? Your opinion of me was that bad? What, thought I wanted to torment you too and figured I'd eventually move on to someone else when the novelty of you wore off? ❜ Although framed as an inquiry (quite on the nose with its contents no less, but intentionally so in order to prove he understands where the gang leader is coming from), the question posed is merely rhetorical and the answer to it should be obvious to anyone with a working brain. It would have been more of a surprise had Ash, forever stuck in a violent cycle of misfortunate abuse as he's come to learn during their time together, not viewed the new mafioso's intrusion into his life as a threat, a bomb intended to blow up after its timer had ran out or tossed onto the next unfortunate victim before it could finish its countdown in Ash's life, as all the others had presumably done.

Yet they have met many a moons ago and the time since has steadily passed from one day, to one week, to one month and then to several, and still Tobias' presence in the blonde's entourage remains a constant without so much as leaving a single clue about what his so-called "real" motive for sticking around might be. It's no wonder, then, that his attempts to create and preserve a friendly relationship between them are stared at with increasing suspicion despite his existence being allowed and sometimes even sought when Tobias least expects it. Perhaps he should have been clearer about his reason from the beginning, but he frankly doesn't believe Ash would have taken a stranger's words for granted at the time, considering how as far as he can tell, the other teen is facing difficulties in taking his words as the complete truth even now. It's hard to blame him for it, though, when their interactions remind Tobias of his very own self from a few years past, from back when he'd first been thrown into a fancy cage under the guise of an orphanage with what he'd viewed as enemies, only to untimely realize they were meant to be allies.

If Ash now finds himself in a similar position in regards to him as the perceived enemy or ally, there is little the older teen can do to alleviate his worries beyond offering honesty when asked, and maintaining consistency when possible. After all, aggressively pushing the idea that he has no ulterior motive into Ash's face would only lead to more wariness, and backing away to offer him too much space would only act as evidence that, as Ash had originally guessed, he'd always intended to leave. Which, he wouldn't be entirely wrong about, but Tobias has since grown to find the rush from Ash's daily life to be invigorating rather than alienating, and his personality amusing rather than irking. If that's so, then why should he ever abandon the free entertainment he's found himself enjoying, when it's something so rare to come across in the wild? ❛ Well then, what do you make of it now, Ash? Do you want me to pack my bags and leave you alone once and for all? ❜

So instead of pursuing either of the standardized approaches, Tobias simply glances over at the blonde and grins in no different a manner than he typically does. Though he might be in a dissimilar role to that of Shorter's... that guy has managed to win Ash's trust over despite being a fellow underground leader, hasn't he? Which means a chance, however slim, exists for him to eventually receive the same trust as well. Being subjected to a chase for it is merely an added bonus, not a downside that should dissuade him from pursuing his goal (even though he can bet that's exactly what the other had intended for it to be. Sucks to be Ash, he supposes.)

Essentially, what good is there in receiving something without putting in the work for it, and experiencing a fleeting distraction which will soon fade back into the vexing boredom that's so deeply engraved into Tobias' soul? Why should he care to receive something fast, if it'll only end up diminishing its value in his eyes? The more fun alternative is the one that keeps him engaged for the longest, regardless of how dicey the road to his objective might be on it. ❛ 'Cause if so, you should probably start coming up with ideas to make that wish a reality. I don't plan on leaving your side unless you really force my hand, so you've got your work cut out for you. ❜

What has been said until now would likely only prolong the time until Ash's next internal query into his motives, and therefore what Tobias believes he should do is continue by explaining his reasoning, though not bluntly enough to make Ash overthink it and worsen the situation in another aspect, and subsequently keep steadfast to his words by shaping them into actions. Easy enough in theory, but he's certain there will be surprises along the way nonetheless. Ash has had plenty of those in store for him, and it's doubtful he's already ran out of them this early on. ❛ I quite like you, you know? I doubt you've gotten this into your thick skull yet, but you have a natural knack for making me laugh. Don't you think I'd be downright stupid to leave you to the wolves after realizing that? I might be heartless, but even I can grow fond of people who make my life less bleak. That's why you should hurry up and resign yourself to this oh so miserable fate of seeing my face every day. You'll waste your time and arrive at this same conclusion all over again if you don't, but suit yourself if you prefer making things harder on yourself. ❜

The mafioso raises a hand to obnoxiously ruffle Ash's hair as though physically helping the "news" reach the brain working underneath, and he wonders if he should say anything else or simply allow what's been said to get assimilated while taking the heat off of Ash and putting it onto a separate topic for a while. If this open discussion isn't enough... well, patience is the key to success. He's learned that lesson far more times than he can count, so what's adding it once more to his repertoire. ❛ But speaking of sticking around, I was about to go make use of that library card again and borrow a book or two to read over the weekend. Care to join me and hang out some more? Or was this the nicest way you could think of saying you've had enough of me for today? ❜