A Pause

Stay

Tory was tired. She was exhausted. But she couldn't sleep. Scrolling through youtube on her phone, she sighed and leaned back. She needed to get some sleep. Usually when she couldn't sleep Robby would hum or comfort her.

Robby.

It was nearly 12. He would be back by now. Or nearly. She was currently in the lobby, checking to see if the Miyagi-Do's would walk in. Where she had been waiting the past few hours. The lobby attendant had asked her if she needed anything and she would always reply " I'm fine. Just waiting for someone."

Her luck finally changed.

" No Superman would win." Demetri said, as they walked in.

" Superman over Batman? Why do you think it's the fortress of solitude?" Miguel replied.

" No one beats Flash." Eli said.

" You guys are ridiculous." Robby said, suppressing a grin. They all started to laugh.

" Um what about the girl superheroes?" Devon asked. They were on their way to the elevators.

" Nah, their ok. But not strong or good enough." Kenny said.

Devon turned to Miguel.

" Uh... well... you see..." he said with a smirk. " Boys over girls for this kind of thing."

" You jerk." Sam said, hitting his arm slightly. Miguel grinned and Sam joined in on the laughter. The elevator beeped and they all stepped in. Everyone except Robby. He had caught sight of Tory. Sitting in the corner. Not looking too great. 

" I need to check something." He said. Before anyone could protest, he stepped out right before the door closed.

" Tory?" He asked, approaching her. " It's late. Why are you up?"

" I can't sleep." She said in a small voice. " I...it's just..."

" Do you want me to stay with you?" He asked. He was hoping she would ask, but he didn't want to push it.

Tory just nodded. He offered his hand and she took it.They silently made their way to her room, acknowledging each other while ignoring each other the same. 

Ding.

The doors opened and Tory stepped out. She walked to her room, opening the door before stepping in. Robby followed, not complaining. 

This time he really had to take in the room. It had changed since he was last there. Her clothes and personal items were in her suitcase, bathroom things still in their, and shoes by the door. So what had changed? The whole demeanor. It was messy, but organized. The places she kept her items were clumped together. Her bed looked slept in while also keeping up with the messy theme. 

" Tory. How do you feel?" Robby asked, staring at her items and things. He turned to look at her, her face attempting to hide pain. " You ok?" He asked, taking her hand in his. 

" I need..." She shook her head, " Forget that. Just... please don't leave until I'm asleep?" She almost begged. Robby's heart broke. She asked in a pained voice, and he knew she wasn't one to ask for many favors. She always acted strong, even if others weren't around. 

" Of course. I can stay longer if you need."  He offered, feeling bad for the girl standing in front of him. 

" It's fine. You can leave if you need to, but just wait till I'm asleep. Ok?" She asked, like a little girl afraid of the dark, begging her parents to stay and keep the monsters out. 

" Whatever you need." He replied. She smiled a little, but not enough to keep out the pain. It took up most of her face. 

" I'm gonna get ready. I've been training all day." 

" Ok. I'll be here." Robby replied. She nodded, and stood there for a second as if she thought he was lying. He nodded at her, and she went into the bathroom to get ready for bed.

Robby sat down on her bed, keeping his eyes on the door. He didn't want to waste any time spent with her. A few minutes later, she got in the shower. Robby could hear the water. It took all his effort not to be with her. He needed to give her space. Give her time. 

He was counting the minutes when his phone started ringing. It was Miguel.

" Hello?" 

" Where are you?"

" With Tory. She... needs me right now."

" You're clothes are on right?"

" Miguel!" Robby could hear him laughing on the other end. 

" I'm kidding. Just wanted to know. Stop by in the morning. We're gonna train. And we still need to know Chozen's punishment."

Robby laughed silently to himself. He couldn't hear the water anymore. It was silent. " Ok, call you in the morning." He said.

" Yeah, ok. Have a good night." Miguel replied. He was laughing.

" Asshole."

" Love you too!" And he hung up. 

Robby stayed there for a few minutes before Tory came out, wearing sweatpants and an old shirt. She moved the sheets and settled into the bed. She didn't have to say anything for Robby to acknowledge how she felt with him. They were both tired and they both loved each other. They just needed the confidence to say it. 

She lay down, facing Robby. Just his presence was already calming her. All of her worries about the days ahead, or fears were fading. It was either because she felt safe with Robby or from the lack of sleep. Her eyelids slowly started to droop. She slowly fell asleep, still facing Robby. He was looking at her, a smile on his face. He had missed her. He missed seeing her at peace. He could tell she hadn't been coping well with everything going on. 

Watching her was what seemed like the best thing to do. To stay. Keep her safe from those who wished her harm. He didn't know when, but he also fell asleep. 

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Note: Two chapters in one day!!!!! Honestly not liking these parts... but it gets interesting soon. Trust me ;-)