Stay (A TBZJL Fanfic)

NINE

"I need help," I whispered to myself. Thoughts rolled in, louder than the thunder, and I put my head in my hands to keep from sobbing. "I'm just...so tired of this. I shouldn't even be here, Tobi. I shouldn't...I can't do this."

I went to stand up and go God knows where, but he grabbed my hand before I climbed off the couch.

"Stay," He said softly.

I tensed at the word, my eyes going to the tattoo on my wrist. I shook it off.

"No," I yanked my hand away, but didn't move. I stayed put. "No. I've pulled you guys out of your rhythm, and made your lives living hell. It's time I left."

"Have you seen us? We don't have a rhythm. Never did, never will. It's how we live, and you'll be surprised at how freeing it is if you just stay."

"Stop saying that," Tears spilled out of my eyes. "You're smart. You know it means something to me. Stop saying that and thinking I'll tell you, because I won't. I never will. It's too—"

The lights in the kitchen went out from the next boom of thunder, and I instinctively grabbed Tobi's hand.

"I don't expect you to tell me," He stated. "I just hope that you can find it in yourself to try and change. If not for me, or for Ethan, or for the guys, then for you."

"For me?" I questioned. "No. I don't deserve anything. Not even from myself. I deserve to be alone for the rest of my life."

He took a deep breath in and drew shapes on the back of my hand with his thumb. The simple gesture was calming. "No one deserves to be alone. Tell you what. Tomorrow's Sunday. Come to church with me and my family."

I widened my eyes. "No, I can't—"

"Come on," He squeezed my hand. "As...well, I hope we can be friends. I want to show you just how important you are."

I bit my lip. "I guess it wouldn't hurt to get out for my birthday."

He looked over at me. "It's your birthday? Why didn't Ethan tell us?"

"Ethan doesn't know," I shrugged. "Look, with the whole church thing...I'm not sure I'd fit in there—"

"You'd fit in fine," He assured me. "If you don't want to, I won't force you. Friends don't do that unless it's necessary."

I leaned on his shoulder. "Friends? I don't think you know what you're getting into by being my friend."

He chuckled lightly. "That's the fun part."

*****

(Tobi POV)

As soon as she fell asleep on the couch, I rushed upstairs and straight to Vik's room. I knocked and heard a muffled "come in" so I opened the door. I stepped inside, trying to turn on his lights but remembering that the power was out.

"Vik," I whispered.

"What time is it?" He asked into his pillow. "What do you need?"

"I figured out how to get Casey to like us," I stated. "Today's her birthday and we're going to throw her a surprise party."

He sighed and sat up. "How is it going to be a surprise if she refuses to leave the house? Should we call Freya or something?"

"No," I smirked. "I convinced her to come meet my family tomorrow. At church."

It was obvious from the day we'd met that she noticed the chain around my neck. Everyone was aware of my religion, but she hadn't ever thought to ask about it.

"You're pulling my leg," Vik yawned. "She'd never agree to that."

"Well, she did," I chuckled, but looked down at my feet. My plan was riding on the fact that she didn't change her mind. "So, I keep her busy for a few hours, and you guys set up the biggest party we've ever had here."

"And why didn't you bother Ethan about this?" Vik asked me.

I sighed. The truth was, Ethan hadn't known it was her birthday. Though I knew he'd have to find out eventually, I didn't want him to hear it from me. He'd be devastated that he didn't know.

"He didn't know about her birthday. He'd be devastated...unless you can think of a way to break the news to him?'

"Just tell him, he'll be fine," He stated.

"Hey, I have the hard part of keeping Casey occupied today. I think you should tell him."

"Okay, okay," He sighed. "Just let me sleep for a few more hours. Or forever."

I chuckled. "Sorry. I should get some rest, too."

I was still sore from what happened at the restaurant. It wasn't at all like me to lash out like that, but he asked for it. When she'd rushed off to the bathroom, I watched him follow her, and I knew he was bad news. It confirmed my theory when I took a sip of her drink. How had she not noticed? She was practically an alcoholic.

I wasn't sure why I threw the first punch, but when she shouted at me to stop I didn't listen. I should've, but I didn't.

It was weird how angry it made me to see that guy do that to her. I'd only met her less than a week before.

Next thing I knew, Harry, Simon, and Vik took her out of the building and Ethan grabbed my arms, pulling me away from the guy. I hadn't even known she left.

JJ held the waiter, but he didn't seem nearly as keen on continuing our fight as I was. He needed to be taught a lesson.

"Tobi, Tobi, what the hell?" Josh stood in front of me with his hands on my shoulders, trying to get me to stop struggling against Ethan.

"You apologize to her right now," I spat at the guy, but Josh shook his head.

"Vik took her home, Tobi, let's just go," Ethan stated. "Just drop it. He'll lose his job for spiking the drink and we can move on."

Why wasn't he more upset? He was her best friend, so why didn't he care? Why didn't he lash out like I did?

The world may never know.

It's cringe, but allow it haha. It gets good and more fast-paced soon, by the way, so yeah! Feel free to comment or vote :)