[ That's what makes Roland snap out of it. Timely as it is, he finally uncoils, that dangerous energy that surrounds him deflating like a balloon. He turns to face Inigo, his face a picture of confusion. ]
What did you just say? [ He slips his arm out of Inigo's grasp so he can cross his arms at him, not out of anger or anything; Roland is genuinely floored to hear that come out of his lips. That Reno was only validating how Inigo felt about himself? That he was spineless, deserved no friends, no love? It was throwing Roland completely off. ] No. None of that is true. [ Roland almost sounds like he's talking himself out of believing that because it's still so left-field for him. That's certainly not how he sees him. His forehead begins to crease in thought. ]
Inigo...[ He shakes his head again, hands restless as they find sanctuary leaning against his hip. ] I'm so sorry. I didn't know... [ ...that it was much deeper than bullying. That he had self-esteem issues this deep. It sinks in now. Not that it's an uncommon feeling of teens of his age, he had his own too. For a long time. But it hits differently knowing it's someone like Inigo, who puts himself so strong, so considerate of others. To hide this behind a smile...The same one he shows him every day... ]
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[ That's what makes Roland snap out of it. Timely as it is, he finally uncoils, that dangerous energy that surrounds him deflating like a balloon. He turns to face Inigo, his face a picture of confusion. ]
What did you just say? [ He slips his arm out of Inigo's grasp so he can cross his arms at him, not out of anger or anything; Roland is genuinely floored to hear that come out of his lips. That Reno was only validating how Inigo felt about himself? That he was spineless, deserved no friends, no love? It was throwing Roland completely off. ] No. None of that is true. [ Roland almost sounds like he's talking himself out of believing that because it's still so left-field for him. That's certainly not how he sees him. His forehead begins to crease in thought. ]
Inigo...[ He shakes his head again, hands restless as they find sanctuary leaning against his hip. ] I'm so sorry. I didn't know... [ ...that it was much deeper than bullying. That he had self-esteem issues this deep. It sinks in now. Not that it's an uncommon feeling of teens of his age, he had his own too. For a long time. But it hits differently knowing it's someone like Inigo, who puts himself so strong, so considerate of others. To hide this behind a smile...The same one he shows him every day... ]