[ It's already striking enough that Inigo wants to know more about the life he left behind in the past, but for him to say he wants to know everything about him? Roland is once again, left speechless. If his eyes shift around, breaking eye contact and making himself look small, it's only because he's so unused to it. It's so unnatural for him to do it, for his lips to speak the words his heart aches or hides.

But despite this, he knows Inigo is correct. And was this not the same advice he gave Inigo once upon a time too? He remains silent, still reserved as Inigo finishes speaking, but his words fail him only because he's not sure what to react to it. Especially when he's been called out like that - not the first time in his life did someone tell him he keeps to himself too much. ]

'It could be good. For us both.' [ It hurts, though; this is what Roland thinks, deep down. Won't say it out loud, not yet. It hurts to talk about things he'd rather write down, lock and key firmly in place. Shut out. The work is more important than his story. A story that already ended, and here he was trying to get back on both feet, to save what he can, to be the best that he can.

But he's not alone, now. He's building a life for himself here, too. However temporary. ]

I'll do my best. [ It's the most he can offer. But he'll smile back too, small and quiet as it is. Inigo wasn't just anyone anymore, either. Surpassing even the barriers he put up to protect everyone else around him in Evermore. ] Will is...Will's been through a lot. [ He swallows thickly. He'll work his way up to it. The missile aside... ] And I know you've been through a lot, too. So I guess we really do need to help each other out when it comes to this.

[ This, this between them. Connecting, sharing. ]

I'll always listen, pup. I'll treasure whatever you share with me. That...that was my promise to you. I won't forget that, either.

[ Roland takes a leap of faith, breathing in deeply. ] So, you ever going to tell me your dad's name? Heh.