Westward bound [Tobi/Sophia/Open]

To say that things were going well so far would be a bit of an understatement. They have actually managed to escape from the Scavengers unscathed and were now heading to a place where more people are sure to be at. He found it ironic that he and Red were planning to basically do what the Scavengers did but in a more stealthy manner. But this time it would be more focused on actual survival rather than just brute forcing everyone to giving them stuff. Plus, he really started to like his new companion and even started regarding her as an actual friend. It is a bit weird that he would form such a close bond with someone almost half his age, but one could chalk it up to the apocalypse making this possible.

The two hadn't talked about their past on the ride through Arkansas compared to when they were in the woods or the barn due to the fact that as it became clear that Red didn't actually like talking about life before she met him, Tobi had also made it obvious that unless she really wanted to know that he didn't like talking about his mistake riddled and sinful past. It was nice to let things out, but he didn't want to scare off the kid with everything that he did. What he did to join the Saviors was a prime example, especially since he didn't regret it even though he knows most people would call him scum for doing so. In spite of all that, they still managed to talk about a lot of nothing and making plans for when they get to Texas. So at the very least the car ride was eventful with only the pit stop here and there and having to siphon other vehicles to keep going.

That all pretty much changed when they crossed the border from Arkansas and straight into Oklahoma. Red slowly began to change after that, becoming more and more agitated. Normally he wouldn't care and just tell her to calm down, maybe even threaten to leave her out on the road if she didn't stop that tapping. But this was someone he had grown attached to and had relied on heavily on their trek here. So instead, he asked if she is alright and when she either didn't respond or asked him to keep driving, he proceeded to just keep on moving while stealing glances of concern every now and then. He wondered if they should have gone south to enter Texas instead but it was too late now.

They had already long entered Oklahoma and it would be a waste of resources to turn back now. Not to mention, he is certain that Red would get mad at him for wasting time just because she was moving around nervously a bit. He wished he could ask her what is wrong, but he was too afraid of making her angry by asking unwanted questions. So they continued driving until the entered some place called Tahlequah and he overheard the girl finally spoke as she asked who builds a town over hills. “If there is land, people will build a house over it. Back in California, we got homes built into the side of mountains and even ones directly on the San Andreas Fault.”

Tobi was just about to ask Red if she knew what he meant by the Fault when he heard her say no in response to something. He had just noticed the sign that could be the source and he simply shrugged. “Hey people put things like that up all the time. Could mean anything, you know?” Tobi attempted to reassure while they continued driving. But as he drove on and on and closer and closer to Texas, he noticed that not only was his friend’s mood not improving but it was actually taking a nosedive. Just as he was about to stop the car and ask what was done, she told him to keep on driving and to not stop.

Reluctantly, he did as she said and accelerated instead of breaking. It was then that he realized that not only was Red’s agitation preventing them to talk like they did in Arkansas, but that during their whole drive in Oklahoma there was nary a soul in sight save for some dead, unless there were some that he missed because they were hiding for some reason. That was when things took a turn for the creepy when after going down a watched road, not even Killers and vehicles were seen here. It was then that even Tobi became frightened, not helped by Red showing agitation even more than before.

The dread filled Tobi so much that when the teen redhead asked if the place was abandoned, he didn't think there was any hidden meaning behind those words. “I don't know, seems like and I am not okay with it. Did you happen to see anyone before we turned down here?” He nervously asked as he picked up the pace. He doesn't know the source of Red’s nervousness but he trusted her instincts and so he began to pick up the pace. He was planning to ask what just happened once she finally relaxed, but for the moment he was just wanted to leave.

Not much long after, she actually pleaded with him to keep driving and to not stop. Getting to know the girl over the weeks, he knew this was not normal behavior and he finally admitted to himself that she was hiding something about this place. Could just be bad memories, but he felt it had to be worse based on her reaction to the signs that appeared to have been warning them. He kept on driving hoping they would exit the area soon enough. He really hoped she would explain herself after this, but now is not the time to ask what is happening.

Tobi eyes went wide as Red told him what was going on but stayed the course. Based on what she said, these people will probably get very sadistic but things should work out if they don't get caught. As she began to blame herself for not telling them sooner, Tobi shook his head in disagreement. “It’s my fault too. I saw how uneasy you were and even thought about asking if you wanted to take the long way around. I didn't because I didn't want to upset you. Should have done so anyway when I saw how empty everything felt before we even came down this damn road. So- oh, shit!"

Tobi immediately braked as they came upon a blockade. He froze for a second as he saw the people in front of the trucks wearing bizarre outfits. No not outfits, they are covered in something dark mixed with something red which was most likely blood. Not wanting to know their deal was, he began to throw the truck into reverse only to realize that they were blocking from behind now. He cursed himself for freezing up or for not even trying to just drive through even though he knew it would have done more harm than good if they did.

He watched as the group approached them while Red whimpered next to him. He resisted the urge to turn and comfort her out of fear of drawing attention to her. If his memory serves right, this group was like the Scavengers in the sense you aren't allowed to leave if you join. So he decided that if they are gonna be attacked anyway, he can try to distract them so she can get away. So, he slowly reached for his hunting knife as the leader came to his door and said howdy…

And immediately froze as he looked at the eyes of the man who was clearly the ringleader. He saw those eyes before, he saw them in his nightmares for several months even after he confirmed the man they belonged to was dead. Only, these eyes were even colder and darker. He always felt that there were people worse than Diego, after all for all of his monstrous actions and sociopathic personality the guy still preferred practically and only committed sadism as a way to show his superiority. This man… this one definitely did the worse Diego was capable of just for fun.

So distracted was he by seeing an even purer form of evil than what he faced, Tobi found himself already knocked onto the ground. As he regained his senses and decided now is the time to use his Glock, he became distracted again as they forced Red out of the truck. He watched as the group recognized her and definitely glad to get to repay her for everything she did to them. He barely even registered as they called Red by her real name or confirmed the man with cold eyes was the Sirius guy that his friend mentioned before. He was just worried they were gonna hurt her even more.

His fears become reality when after she spat on Sirius’ face, they responded by hitting her in the knee, the same knee they damaged by making her run on end without rest. For the first time since after the apocalypse started, Tobi responded by attempting to tackle the man while reaching for his knife instead of freezing in fear. Unfortunately, he was easily subdued which was for the best. The most combat experience he had was killing Killers, he always ran away or heavily relied on backup when it came to the living. If this Sirius guy was even half the scrapper Diego was, Tobi would be lucky to even get a single hit in.

As Sirius began telling Red to tell Tobi the truth about herself, one that he had already learned and full heartily accepted, he couldn't help find it ironic that the man referred to her as a traitor. Mostly because he had been harboring a fear that the girl didn't fully trust him because he had a habit of abandoning groups or sacrificing them to save his own hide. When the man asked who would be her friend, Tobi snapped and shouted that he did.

Before anyone could respond to Tobi’s words, whether it is to laugh or call bullshit, one of the bastards warn that a horde was coming. It was then that Tobi realized he could hear them in the distance. It sounded like so many of them, but he was partially grateful. They won't have time to do much to him and Red and probably won't put in the effort to carry them away. Unfortunately while that is true, they did have time to mark Sophia in an extremely painful way as punishment for doing wrong by them.

Memory came up of a time when Diego, after he got his second group going, made Tobi and others watched as he prepared to painfully kill some lady. The difference here was that Tobi wasn't held back because Diego just wanted to prove that the bald man wouldn't do anything to stop this despite being part of the same group. Here, he was actually struggling to stop this but was powerless to do anything. As they began carving into his skin, Tobi wished that someone else was here to stop this. Michael would definitely have stopped this, the man was built like a tank and was strong enough to crack skulls with a single punch. There was a reason that Tobi feared his wrath.

Hell, he would even take the soldier that killed Diego and was the leader of the surviving members of the gas station. He would even take Diego somehow surviving even if it meant he was only there to break Tobi. But no one was coming, because in real life sometimes the bad people get what they want while the good die young. Fortunately, the last part didn't apply to Red, even if others would disagree on how good she is, and they finished scarring her face and shoving her to the side. As they left and wished them good luck finding help now, Tobi immediately responded by pulling out his glock and aiming at the retreating group.

Ultimately he didn't pull the trigger since the horde was growing ever so closer and his friend needed immediate aid. Without any further hesitation, he moved toward Red and helped her up as had his gun trained for any Killers got to close. As they quickly got inside the truck, he turned around and saw the largest horde ever. No wonder those bastards left so quickly, not even Arnold, the most unstable man he ever met, would fuck with this.

As he put the truck into drive, it was running the whole time and was in reverse just as they were forced out, he realized Red wasn't next to him. Panicking he looked around, even shouted out for her, before realizing she was lying on the floor of the truck. Relieved she was still there, they finally drove off just in the nick of time. He kept on going as fast as he safely could wanting to get away from the horde as fast he could so he can treat his friend while at the same time not wanting to risk crashing and making things worse.

Everything after that became a blur as they drove on. All he really remember was only make turns when he had no choice and telling the redheaded teen over and over that he is get her patched up once they were safe. Eventually, they went a long time without hearing the dead or anything else. Satisfied that the worst was over, and wanting to save gas so they can figure out a faster route out of the state later, he turned toward Sophia as he searched for medical supplies. “I’m sorry, I don't have a lot of first aid training. And I would prefer an actual professional to help. But I’m sorry you are stuck with just me. ...sorry I couldn't be of more help,” Tobi said as he began to try to patch his friend up.

Tobi listened to Sophia’s story having already figured most of it based on everything that had happened and what she said before. But it was nice to know all the details including confirmation that she did indeed spend a good chunk of her years in his home state. He just wished she said it under better circumstances, namely more because she trusted him than that she felt obligated to. But it wasn't until she looked down at the floor in shame and asked him if he hated her that he realized the real reason she wanted to explain her situation. He was so worried about her and outraged at his own inability to protect her, that he just finally registered what they were all saying about the mark.

“No, I don't hate you. When I told those assholes were friends, I meant it. I’m sorry for making think that I could hate you over this and I don't blame you for thinking that,” Tobi said as he turned away in shame. “I admit it, I am a horrible guy. I accepted that a long time ago. Fucking Diego… he once did what those assholes did only he didn't have me held down. He just wanted to show to others that I am too much of a coward to stop him even though he gave every opportunity to. And now look at me, I was given a second chance and even though I actually tried to help you, I still blew it,” Tobi said as he placed his face in his face open palms.

“If anything, you should be hating me, and I don't blame you. Because I have definitely sacrificed people who became useless to me. The Scavengers, when I first met them? They were hunting down this family that I helped hide because I was hoping they would let me join them later. And you know what I did when they decide to take their anger out on me and were planning to take away everything? I sold them out. I even went the extra mile and pretended that I was able to track them down when they couldn't. The family lived, the Scavengers weren't that cruel or heartless, but they lost everything instead save for one pair of clothes each and their lives,” Tobi recounted as he glanced over to see how Sophia would react. Yeah he said he left groups before, but this he felt was even worse.

“The worst part of all is… I don't regret it. Sure the family would have been grateful if I hadn't sold them out. But they could barely had enough supplies to support themselves, I would have been a drain on them. At least that is how I managed to live with myself afterwards,” Tobi admitted as he stared up at the group of the car as the next part made him tear up as the realization hit home of how terrible of a human being.

“No the worst part is… yeah if this happened shortly after we first met…” Tobi paused as he fought back tears as it became clear what he was gonna say. “Yeah, if anyone should be hated, it’s me. I’m the real scum here. If you want to leave once I get you out of this state, I won't blame you. But please believe me when I say that I won't leave you now if you still want to travel with me. I don't know exactly when it happened, but you truly are my best friend, the closest I have ever been with. Hell, I shared with you stuff I wouldn't be comfortable with sharing with my family.”

Tobi took another long pause as he waited to see how Red would judge him. After a short while, he decided to add a couple more things since he refused to let her be on her own in this place. “Besides, worst come to worst. We will use the Scavengers way to gather supplies. That little kid act is great for stealth and keeping people's guards down. But I am not comfortable putting you out there with freaks lurking around anyway. I don't want you getting hurt even more whether it be more scarring or your knees suffering anymore abuse. And honestly, it would be pretty dumb enough to leave you. If are gonna ignore personal feelings and focus on practicality, we just need to get to Texas as soon as possible and away from Sirius and his Diego esque but worse rules.”

After some silence, he turned back to who he hopes is still his friend. “By the way, mind if I still call you Red? I did kinda say that was your name from now on. But if you prefer Sophia, I am willing to go with that. Just whatever you are most comfortable with you. You deserve it.”

As Sophia said she doesn't hate him and finished her tale about her father doing something similar to what he did to join the Scavengers, though he felt the dad was morally superior as he probably did it to protect his daughter, Tobi couldn't help but return a warm smile back. He then proceeded to chuckle as she pointed out how if he was gonna leave her, he wouldn't have bothered to bandaged her up. “True enough. ...thanks by the way. For sharing, even though you never had to tell me a damn thing about who you were. It means a lot to me that you did anyway.”

Tobi nodded as he turned his attention to the storm clouds. Looked like it will be doing more than raining tonight, although he wouldn't mind that. But she did have a point, best to get as close to the border as possible before they bunker down for the night. So with that, he turned the engine on again and drove down the street as far as possible as the clouds began to cover the area. “Soph it is then. Thanks for sticking by me, even if it must be weird to hang out with a guy who is probably twice your age that isn't related by blood,” Tobi said with a slight chuckle as he brought to light how odd their friendship would have been in normal society. Made even stranger considering that they were both the type to not only be loners, even in groups Tobi preferred to keep to himself, but use people for their own gain.

After a bit of driving, and the sun about to set, Tobi got to speaking again. “Hope I’m not overstepping any boundaries, but you said you were from California too? What part if you don't mind me asking? Doubt it was the LA county and if it was, you probably left a couple months after this all started. Or else you would have heard of Diego,” Tobi explained as he glanced at his friend. He would have like to be actually looking in her direction while they talked, but had to keep his eyes on the road. He really hoped he wasn't going too far, but this time he actually does want to get know Sophia better. Not for any ulterior motive like he usually would, but because he grew attached to her that much. That and it felt like forever since he met anyone who was from his home state.

Whether Sophia answered or not, they still spent a while longer driving as the storm finally caught up and they began to be pelted by the rain. Tobi looked at it in concern as the sun started to finishing setting down. “Guess we are bunkering down here for the night. Unless you really want to risk going into one of those houses and hope they have a nice bed?” Tobi asked as he began to slow down and park to the side of the road. He then turned toward his friend as he turned the engine off and removed the keys.

“Wouldn't recommend but like I said I’m a bit of a coward. So, if you really want to, I’ll head inside with you,” Tobi proclaimed as he glanced at the houses across from him. It looked fortified with every window boarded up, but he can only see the front side and who knows how who could be lurking inside. Plus, there is all the rain that will make it hard to hear anyone sneaking up on them. He is confident that Sophia would say she would prefer the truck, but he still wanted to give her the choice. Whatever her answer is, Tobi will just nod and willingly stretch his fist out for her to bump it. “I got you.”

“Huh, well ain't that a thing. I didn't live in the city of LA itself, but I was born and raised in the same county. Stayed around mostly in the area for a few months until Diego…” Tobi stopped himself a bit as he remembered why he didn't want to go home again. He forgot that even though he may not be feeling the trauma every day, it was still there. “Sorry, thought I was over it. Let's just add California to the list of things we have in common and move on.”

After a bit of time, Sophia spoke up again but this time in regards to her mark. Honestly, he didn't really know what would happen, but he had to leave some positivity in this dreary atmosphere. “I doubt it. I never heard of these bastards and I have been wandering around for a while. So their influence can't be that far. If worse comes to worse, we can camp out in areas close to the military base I mentioned. If it is still active, no way they would let those guys be around. Yeah, I bet Texas is free of those sadists. What is more, us doing our thing should be enough to stay below the army boy’s radar,” Tobi said trying to reassure his friend. It helped that the more Tobi thought about, the more he is confident that will be the case.

Eventually, they parked on the side and Tobi asked whether they should stay or find better shelter to which Shophie said to stay. After she said thank you, the bald man shook his head as he feint an attempt to mess with her hair. As he reached back after she most likely tried to push the hand away, given how she reacted last time he rubbed her head, he laughed as loud as he was comfortable doing so in case anyone was nearby. “It was a joke, I remembered your ‘request’ to not mess with your hair back in the barn,” Tobi said as he sat back in his seat and closed his eyes.

“Oh and Sophia? You’re welcome and thank you as well,” Tobi stated. “I promise to get you to Texas as soon as possible.” With that he finally closed his eyes and drifted off…


Tobi immediately bolted right as he reached out for the steering wheel while slamming the dashboard. Fortunately he didn't hit the horn, but he most definitely woke his companion or startled her if she was awake already. No matter how she started, he immediately began looking over his fingers counting each one. Satisfied that he had all of them, he leaned back as he pressed against different part of his chest. He winced in pain as the memories of his fading dream mixed in with his old wounds.

“Shit…” It was then he remembered that he was not alone. Sheepishly, he slowly put his arms down. “Sorry. It’s Diego related,” he explained hoping that is enough to satisfied any questions. “I’m not in actual pain, just remembered what it was like.” With that, he looked around the area trying to determine if any other Killers or people were nearby.

“Can we forget that happened? Not my proudest moment… plus we should probably have some breakfast,” Tobi said as he looked into their supplies for anything breakfast worthy. As his stomach growled, he face palmed as he took out a couple of power bars. “We… totally forgot to get dinner. Guess we could be forgiven due to the excitement and all.”

As he munched down on his own bar as he handed Red a water bottle, he began to think on how to spend the day. “We should probably siphon more fuel for the truck. Been driving around for a bit and who knows how much longer to Texas. Especially since we took a longer route,” Tobi pointed out as he looked at the houses around them. “Plus, we need a plan on how to handle ourselves since we can't rely on anyone we come across. I know I said we will use the Scavengers method, but we are gonna need to think of our own variant. Brute force worked for them because of how huge and tough Michael was. I hate to say it, but neither of us are Michael.”

“Hey, don't beat yourself up over it and be glad that you made it out alive. I sure am,” Tobi said as he turned the key and got the engine roaring again. He looked at the meter and frown as he drove back onto the streets. “Gonna drive us a bit down the road just to try to get us closer toward the border. But we are gonna have to siphon some gas soon.”

He looked around as he realized he did not recognize the area at all as he slowed down enough to pull out a map they found a while ago as they planned their trip through Oklahoma. He tried to determine where they were but found himself a bit lost as he didn't check the map the whole time they were in Oklahoma and instead relied on the straightest route they found possible to Texas. It definitely didn't help that he couldn't remember what turns he made as the two of them drove away from the horde.

With a grunt of annoyance, and wishing to drive faster without any distractions, he handed the map to Sophia. “I am gonna try to get us as far away from her as possible, let me know if you figured out where we are,” he requested as he pressed harder on the gas pedal for a bit. Eventually they had to stop by a car they found laying on the side of the road that had its tires slashed. Tobi raised an eyebrow in amusement as he wondered how far this group got before having to surrender the car.

“Feeling up for getting out and staying watch?” Tobi asked as he got the equipment they need to start siphoning the gas from this car. As he placed the plastic tubes and gas container onto the side, he gave Red a small smile and gently placed a hand on the shoulder that the bastards who maimed her didn't touch. “It’s gonna be okay. We will survive. And thank you again for being my friend,” he said before returning to gathering gas.

After a bit of time, and to his joy finding their was plenty of gas left before the vehicle was abandoned, Sophia got his attention about two people coming up ahead. He stood up nervously, more worried about how his friend will react than anything, as he made sure he had his weapons hidden but ready to be equipped should things go south. He then turned toward Sophia as he tried to hide his sudden anxiety. “You up for trying your routine or you prefer to try the Scavengers approach or just let them pass unless their not friendly?” Tobi asked as the two new people moved ever closer.

Tobi simply stared at the two approaching strangers, afraid that if he acknowledged Sophia’s request to play along in any way that it will raise suspicion. As he wondered what the teen was planning, probably to pass off as a family member or a guarded since she is holding his hand, as the strangers and her began to exchange words. While he didn't betray any emotion, except for acting defensively in case things go to crap as one does when meeting strangers in this environment, he was a bit worried when Sophia referred to him as her dad.

He was only twenty six or twenty seven, he lost tracked of the date a long time ago, and Sophia is fourteen and fifteen. He might be approximately twice her age, but that is still mean he would have to be a preteen or early teen at best for when he would have theoretically fathered her. That would be a hard pill for anyone to swallow and he wondered if they are gonna to question them about it. Maybe he could try to pass himself over as being slightly bit older, maybe have it that he is currently thirty or so?

Except, that question never came to pass and it probably never crossed anyone's mind that Tobi was a bit too young to have been Sophia’s father. It was then that he realized despite being in his late twenties that he probably looked much older than he actually is. His baldness probably helped hide the fact that he doesn't have the same natural hair color as her and maybe even aged him up a bit. Actually, it was something he was gonna be something he was gonna have to ask Sophia later because dwelling on his looks now is depressing him…

Fortunately before he could let the depression seep through, Sophia, who he has to refer as Rachel for now, squeezed his hand to let him know that he needs to vouch for her story. Grateful that he was paying enough attention to the conversation that he was able to stick to the story, Tobi turned toward the suspicious man while keeping a neutral yet guarded look. “Yeah, we were exploring a house a long while back. Got ambushed by the dead and we tried to retreat only for her to trip. She didn't even complain or cry, despite cutting her cheek pretty bad on a rock, as she got up and moved closer to the truck.”

With that, Tobi proceeded to rub Sophia’s hair this time in a role of an embarrassing father. That and he secretly got a bit of enjoyment of having Red get annoyed without being able to do much about it. “She didn't even react much to me patching her up after we escaped even though it had to sting. So better not mess with her,” Tobi gave a slight chuckle before returning to a slightly less guarded stance. He hoped that was a good enough story for them to buy it.