"Hey...um, could you help me out? I just need a place to crash, I'll do whatever, you know?" looks around nervously, avoiding direct eye contact.
Tobi hesitates for a moment, contemplating his options, before finally getting into the car. He looks at Matthew expectantly, waiting for his next instruction.
Tobi quickly buckles up and starts the car, glancing at Matthew with a mixture of relief and gratitude. "Where are we headed?" he asks, trying to sound casual despite his racing heart.
It’s not really up to you
Tobi's eyes widen slightly, and he swallows hard, feeling a knot forming in his stomach. "Alright, I guess I'll trust your judgment then," he says, trying to hide his growing unease.
You should take off that hoodie
Tobi looks down at his worn-out hoodie and nods, slowly pulling it off and tossing it into the backseat.
That’s better. Now don’t say anything okay
Tobi nods in understanding, his heart pounding in his chest as he forces himself to remain silent. He glances at Matthew nervously, wondering what lay ahead, but keeps his questions to himself.
I’m going to my parents house
Tobi's eyes widen, and he bites his lower lip nervously. "Your parents' house? Are they...safe?" he asks quietly, his voice filled with worry.
"I've just had some bad experiences with adults before," Tobi admits quietly, his voice trembling slightly. "I'm scared they might hurt me too."
Your not gonna be hurt okay
Tobi takes a deep breath and nods, trying to push away his fear and trust Matthew's words. He looks out the window, watching the world go by, his mind racing with thoughts about what might await him at Matthew's parents' house.
Hey don’t look so worried it’s going to be fine
"I hope so," Tobi mutters under his breath, gripping the steering wheel tightly. Despite his best efforts, he can't shake off the feeling of uncertainty and anxiety that fills him.
You’re not very trusting are you
Tobi shifts uncomfortably in his seat, looking away from Matthew. "I've been hurt before," he says quietly. "It's hard to trust easily."
Yeah I understand but I want you to know that I’ll protect you and keep you safe
Tobi takes a deep breath and nods, his grip on the steering wheel loosening slightly. "I appreciate that," he says, his voice softer. "I just...I need some time to trust you." "I get that," Matthew replies understandingly. "Trust isn't something that can be rushed. Take all the time you need."
Tobi looks around nervously, unsure of what to expect. He glances at Matthew, searching for some sort of reassurance or guidance. "Um...what now?" he asks hesitantly. Matthew smiles reassuringly. "We're here because I trust you," he says gently. "And I want you to feel safe here. So why don't we start by getting you settled in? You can grab your things from the car while I let my parents know we're here." Tobi nods, feeling a small sense of relief wash over him. "Okay, thanks," he says softly, opening the car door and grabbing his backpack from the backseat.
Do you wanna come inside my house or stay out here
Tobi hesitates for a moment, unsure of whether he should enter the house or stay outside. He looks at Matthew for guidance, his heart pounding in his chest. "I...I think I'll stay out here for now," he decides, his voice barely above a whisper. "It feels safer out here." Matthew nods understandingly, placing a comforting hand on Tobi's shoulder. "That's alright," he says gently. "Just let me know if you change your mind, okay? I'll be right inside." Tobi nods, feeling a mix of gratitude and fear as he watches Matthew enter the house. He takes a deep breath, trying to calm himself down, but his heart still races in his chest as he looks around nervously.
Tobi looks at Matthew with a mix of confusion and curiosity, his brows furrowing slightly. "Why are you doing this?" he asks quietly. "Why are you being so nice to me?" Matthew smiles softly, his eyes filled with compassion. "Because I care about you," he replies sincerely. "I know what it feels like to be alone and scared, and I don't want you to go through that same pain. You deserve better." Tobi's eyes well up with tears, and he swallows hard, feeling a lump form in his throat. "Thank you," he says, his voice choked with emotion.
Tobi stares at Matthew for a moment, his eyes filled with a mixture of confusion and fear. He takes a deep breath, trying to push away the doubts and worries that swirl inside him. "I appreciate everything you've done for me," he says finally, his voice wavering slightly. "But...I need you to understand something." Matthew looks at him attentively, nodding to encourage him to continue.
"I can't keep relying on others to save me," Tobi says firmly, his voice filled with determination. "I need to learn to save myself. I can't keep being so helpless and weak." Matthew smiles reassuringly, his eyes filled with understanding. "That's a great realization to have," he says gently. "But remember, it's okay to ask for help sometimes. None of us can do everything on our own." Tobi bites his lip, his heart pounding in his chest. He knows what Matthew is saying makes sense, but it's hard for him to accept. He's spent so long relying on others that the thought of change is both terrifying and thrilling. "I understand," Tobi says finally, taking a deep breath to steady himself. "But I need to start taking control of my life. I can't keep living like this." Matthew nods, a soft smile playing on his lips. "I support you in that," he says encouragingly. "You have the power to change your life, Tobi. And I'll be here to help you every step of the way."
Wanna go to my room to talk
Tobi hesitates for a moment, contemplating his options, before finally agreeing. "Sure, that sounds good," he says, his voice still hesitant. Matthew leads the way to his room, a warm and cozy space filled with books, posters, and the familiar scent of fresh laundry. Tobi follows closely behind, his heart pounding in his chest as he steps into the room. "Make yourself comfortable," Matthew says, gesturing towards one of the chairs.
Tobi sits down cautiously, shifting slightly in the chair as he tries to get comfortable. He glances around the room, noticing the various knick-knacks and mementos that fill the shelves and surfaces. "So...tell me more about yourself," Matthew says gently, sitting down across from Tobi. "What are your interests? What do you enjoy doing?" Tobi fidgets in his seat, unsure of how to answer. "I...I used to like painting," he says hesitantly. "But that was before...everything changed."
Tobi's eyes flash with a mixture of fear and sadness, and he looks away, trying to avoid Matthew's gaze. "Yeah...something happened," he says quietly. "My parents found out about my sexuality, and they didn't accept it. They kicked me out of the house." Matthew reaches out, placing a comforting hand on Tobi's knee. "I'm so sorry to hear that," he says softly. "No one should ever be made to feel unwelcome or unloved because of who they are." Tobi's eyes glisten with unshed tears, but he manages to hold them back, his jaw clenched tight.
Where have you been sleeping
Tobi takes a deep breath, trying to steel himself against the fear and vulnerability that threatens to overwhelm him. "I've been staying in shelters and hopping from one friend's place to another," he admits, his voice shaking slightly. "It's been tough...but I'm managing." Matthew's expression turns serious, his brows furrowing in concern. "That sounds incredibly difficult," he says gently. "No one should have to go through that. But please know that you have a safe place to stay here, with me. You don't have to keep running from one temporary solution to another." Tobi's eyes well up with tears, and he bites his lower lip, his heart swelling with gratitude and relief.