[ He doesn't let up on the embrace, or the comforting rubs to help soothe him a bit more. Appearances aside, Inigo was really just a kid. A child at heart, filled with more affection than he knows what to do with. Roland's never too far behind, drawn to those who exhibit such innocence because he's most inclined to want to protect them from harm. From the corruption that plagues the waking world. He'll never be able to though, not completely, but at least for a time, for a single moment, Roland could play the part fate has assigned to him in every lifetime he's had to live. ]

[ He chuckles affectionately. ] I know that. Doesn't mean you shouldn't cry it all out anyway. [ An irony, considering Roland himself would refuse it if he was faced with the same circumstance. He lets Inigo continue to cry against his shoulder for a couple more minutes, not wanting to rush what to say either. He tightens his hold around him, finally finding his voice, fond and heavy. ]

...I don't want anything. [ Just let me protect you. He swallows thickly, and adds another thing, just as sentimental as the first. ]

Except maybe, I want you to try. Try fighting it. Even if you don't win, that's okay. Keep fighting with all of your heart until one day, you do win. Okay? [ Roland knows Inigo understands. The voices. The ones telling him he'll never be enough, that he's weak, that he's everything Reno says is true. ] It's not going to be easy, but you're not alone. And what could pull down Olivia's son, anyway? Heh. Nothing, that's what.