One And The Same (Toby X Reader) (Astro Boy 2009)

A Risky Gambit

With a tuck here and there, Toby's master disguise was complete. You stood in pure speculation as he took a step back, admiring his own handiwork.

"Toby, why did you tuck my pillows underneath my comforter?"

"It's a disguise. You know, in case someone were to come in and check on you." He said. The tips of your brows fused together as an ecstatic smile placed itself onto his face. "This is so exciting-! I've only ever seen people do this in the movies. I hope this works!"

"And what if it doesn't?" Toby paused. He then charged towards the door, taking your hand along the way.

"We'll be long gone by then." You spared a worried glance towards Toby's craft. Honestly, it was just two pillows hidden beneath your comforter, but it did settle well for a disguise. A lofty smile played at your lips. You then felt a tight squeeze on your hand and turned around, only to be met with Toby's face of concern. "How're you feeling? The walk to Metro City could take us a while."

You felt your face flush and coughed into your cloak. You could not tell if the heat in your cheeks was from your high running fever, or the fact that Toby had treated you with nothing but kindness and concern — a behaviour you certainly weren't used to receiving. Nonetheless, you swallowed your feelings and gave a simple nod.

"I'll be fine. We should get going before the others find us."

Carefully closing the door behind him, the two of you crept through the circus grounds with Toby taking the lead. He tipped his head around the corner, glancing left and right, before darting forwards. You lagged behind him, incredibly out of breath. Once you reached the stage area, Toby came to a screaming halt, causing you to run into his back nose first.

"Higher, higher...." Peeking around the corner, it looked like the other members were repairing the damages to the stage caused by the rampant chain with Ruby taking the lead. Jack seemed miserable as he and Sora lifted the injured podium into place, ready for another circus member to glue everything back together.

With everyone distracted with the repairs, you and Toby had no problem making your escape. With Toby's hand tightly on yours, you hid yourselves amongst the ambient crowd and began your trek towards the outskirts of the city.

"T-Toby, maybe we should *pant* turn back. I don't want you getting into trouble! I feel fine now-" you then entered a coughing fit. With Toby's guidance, you deviated from the crowd and entered a narrow alleyway. You took this moment graciously to catch your breath, before Toby faced towards you. You were taken back by his forwardness when he grabbed you by the shoulders, his look stern.

"You shouldn't take your health lightly. I don't care what the others say, I'm getting you to a doctor!"

"But-"

"Remember when you found me in the rain about a month ago? If you hadn't found me then, I-," Toby took a deep breath, "I'd probably would have died that night. I owe my life to you, Y/n. And I'd hate it if something were to happen to you." You stood still, hanging onto every word Toby was saying. Then with a tight squeeze of your hand, Toby pulled you closer. "Now, it's my turn to save you."

You and Toby stood in complete silence as the sound of the townspeople echoed around you. Your eyes steadily widened whilst Toby's face had gone completely red. You then bursted into a fit of laughter as Toby shied away from you, hiding his face shamefully from you.

"Ugh... I feel like such a loser right now."

"N-No! I loved it!" You said and smiled at him. "Alright, you win. I won't fight against this any longer. But," you let out a small cough and wheezed. "I don't think I'll make it to Metro City on foot."