Toby got up and ran in the direction that Gryphon went. I followed him, and when I caught up he was on his knees, crying. I put my hands on his shoulder and sat next to him. He held up his leash and sat down, hugging his knees to his chest.
"It's okay, he couldn't have gone far. We'll find him," I assured him.
He wiped his eyes, but a few tears fell down his cheek. I sighed and leaned against him, wrapping him in a hug.
"Don't cry, 'cause then I'll cry, and we'll be a couple of weirdos crying in the park over a leash," I said.
He sniffled and stood up. I got up and hugged him. We broke apart and held hands, walking in the direction we last saw Gryphon. We still couldn't find him, so we headed home to make fliers. We pasted a photo of him onto it and described him. We put what was on his dog tags, where to return him, and how to contact us.
"Why don't we make a video too? Fans are swarming all over the place, and I'm sure they would do anything to find him," I suggested.
He nodded and turned on his webcam. "Hello once again audience. I have some terrible news. My lovable dog Gryphon, as you all know him, has gone missing. I last saw him at the nearby park, and I haven't seen him since. If you guys see him, just call me. I just miss hi-" he choked up and wiped his eyes.
"Why don't you go get some coffee, it'll help," I said gently.
He nodded and got up. I adjusted the camera and sighed.
"He's been a wreck ever since Gryphon ran away. If you guys see him, contact us. We're putting up fliers everywhere, so just try. Please, I don't think he's ever been so stressed. If you won't do it for him, do it for me. Thanks for trying. Love you guys," I said.
I shut off the webcam and waited for Toby. He came back with coffee and sat down, running his hand through his hair.
"I wonder if you'll be bald from doing that too much?" I asked, trying to change the subject.
He gave a weak smile, but he must've noticed it wasn't working because he dropped it. I sighed and held him. Poor Toby, he's never been like this. Well, not that I've seen. I leaned back and kissed him on the cheek. I finished my coffee and put the mug up. I walked him to his room and told him to get dressed. I went back to my own apartment and changed into a tank top and some sleep shorts. I walked back over in my Pikachu slippers. I walked into his room and laid down in bed with him.
"I'm staying with you tonight. You need some good rest, and we'll look again in the morning," I said.
I flicked off the light and drifted off to sleep with Toby beside me.
*--*--*--*--*--*--*--*--*--*--*--*--*--*--*--*
I woke up and groggily looked around. Toby was sitting up.
"Sorry if I woke you up, I just couldn't sleep," he said.
"It's fine," I assured him, looking at the clock.
Holy shit it was early! It was 4:39 in the morning. I sighed and got up.
"Well, since we're up we might as well stay up and look for Gryphon. We can put up those fliers too," I said.
I shuffled into the kitchen and started a pot of coffee. I walked over to my apartment and got changed into an Eor jacket, my Jacilic shirt, and some dark jeans with rips on the thighs. I put on my knee-high sneakers. I walked back over and poured myself some coffee. Toby had already drank his and was waiting by the door.
I downed my coffee as quick as I could and walked out with him. We put up fliers with duct tape on every pole and wall we passed. When we got the park we split the stack in half and we each had a roll of duct tape. I was taping one to a tree when I did the stupidest thing ever. I didn't want to put down the fliers in case they were ruined, so I taped it on one handed. I taped right over my own hand. Great, I had my hand taped to a tree.
I set down the fliers and tried to pry it off of my hand. I couldn't get it. I took out my phone and called Toby.
"Hello?" he answered.
"Hey, um, I'm in a situation here. I'm stuck to a tree," I said.
"Wait, you're stuck to a what?" he said.
"I'm. Stuck. To. A tree," I repeated.
I could hear him laugh.
"Okay, I'll be right there," he said.
I told him where I was and waited. A blonde woman walked by, but she stopped when she saw me. I recognized her instantly. It was Lucy. That bitch.
"Well, well, well. What do we have here? The only person who stood between me and my little Toby. Here, let me help you," she said.
She forcibly grabbed my other wrist and quickly taped it to my forehead. I tried to rip it off but it hurt too much. She quickly wrapped duct tape around my waist to where I was taped to the tree there too. She took my leg and stretched it to where my foot was by my head. Luckily, I was flexible. I kicked her several times, but she kept going.
"You know, this is a good look for you," she said.
"Well, at least I'm not a slutty whore," I retorted.
She slapped me and walked away. I waited a few more minutes and Toby finally showed up.
"What took you so long?" I asked.
"Sorry, I was all the way on the other side of the park," he said. "What happened?"
"Lucy the slut stopped by for a visit," I snapped.
He started to pry the tape off of me. I suddenly felt so stupid.
"Oh my gosh, I feel like such an idiot. Now I remember, I had left my pocket knife in these jeans last time I wore them. Quick, my front left pocket," I said.
He reached in my pocket and pulled out my pocket knife. He pulled out his phone and snapped a picture.
"For good memories," he explained.
I rolled my eyes and waited as he started to cut the tape. First he did my legs, then he moved on to my waist.
"Can I?" he asked, gesturing to the hand taped to my head.
I nodded and exhaled as he cut it loose.
"Oops, I nicked you," he apologized.
"It's alright," I said.
I took the knife and cut my other hand free. I put my hand to my forehead and pulled it away. It was bleeding alright, but not very badly. We walked back to my apartment and got me a band-aid.
"Need me to kiss it to make it better?" he teased.
I stuck out my bottom lip and nodded. He kissed my forehead and smiled. There was a knock on my door. I got up and opened it. Isabell was standing there with Gryphon in her arms.
"I found him by my house. You're lucky I live by the park," she said.
Toby ran over and scooped him up, hugging him to his chest.
"How can I ever repay you?" he asked, looking at her.
"Can I make a gaming video with you and Jacie?" she asked hopefully.
I nodded and gave her a date and time.
"Thanks again," I said, waving goodbye.
She turned and left and I shut the door. Toby couldn't stop smiling. There was another knock on my door. I opened it up and gasped. My father was standing in the doorway.
"Dad, what are you doing here?" I managed.
He stepped in and looked around, his gaze settling on Toby.
"I thought I could drop by. So tell me, since when did you settle down?" he asked, eyeing Toby.
Damnit Dad.
