[ He supposes it would have come up, given how close the two of them were. Inigo wasn't the type to hide that either. Neither was Roland, if he was prompted. But it's that look in Tidus's expression that catches him off guard, somewhat. Protective, but it seems to extend both ways. He can understand that more than anyone.
And Inigo did admit his father died early, that his mother took care of him when he left...
He only hums after Tidus speaks. He's taking his time to answer, not for anything other than he's just letting it settle in. ]
I know that. [ He says this gently, under his breath. ] Whenever he cries, whenever he asks for a hug, I know that comes from somewhere. Inigo is still a kid, in a lot of ways.
[ His hand makes a fist, determined. Roland can read between the lines. He understands how he could possibly hurt Inigo, especially after the boy bared his heart out to him on Jema'grethy. Father died trying to protect everyone. If I lost you like that too, what would I do? ]
A lot of things on this train are out of our control. But the things I can hold on to, I will. [ He raises his head, meets Tidus's gaze. ] If I ever hurt him deliberately, then you have my full permission to knock some sense into me. But apart from that, I intend to keep my promise. I'll stay by his side, as long as he needs me. Until I'm no longer allowed here.
[ He loosens up. Roland offers a kind smile, one last thing. ] Thanks for worrying about me, too. But I'll be okay. Thankfully, when you reach a certain age, you deal with things as they come and go with a bit more perspective. Or something to that extent.
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And Inigo did admit his father died early, that his mother took care of him when he left...
He only hums after Tidus speaks. He's taking his time to answer, not for anything other than he's just letting it settle in. ]
I know that. [ He says this gently, under his breath. ] Whenever he cries, whenever he asks for a hug, I know that comes from somewhere. Inigo is still a kid, in a lot of ways.
[ His hand makes a fist, determined. Roland can read between the lines. He understands how he could possibly hurt Inigo, especially after the boy bared his heart out to him on Jema'grethy. Father died trying to protect everyone. If I lost you like that too, what would I do? ]
A lot of things on this train are out of our control. But the things I can hold on to, I will. [ He raises his head, meets Tidus's gaze. ] If I ever hurt him deliberately, then you have my full permission to knock some sense into me. But apart from that, I intend to keep my promise. I'll stay by his side, as long as he needs me. Until I'm no longer allowed here.
[ He loosens up. Roland offers a kind smile, one last thing. ] Thanks for worrying about me, too. But I'll be okay. Thankfully, when you reach a certain age, you deal with things as they come and go with a bit more perspective. Or something to that extent.