adregem | 000 - voidtreckerexpress Universal Contact Post

[ He hasn't seen Yuna all morning yet.

Which isn't like her. She wasn't there to knock on his door, no answer when he knocked on hers; not there at breakfast either, and he even got her some food, just in case the fish and rice got eaten up before she finally showed up.

But she hasn't, and--well, good thing about that Arms to put that away in, right? And the microwave to heat it up!

Tidus itching to go and check up on her again, try her room, but he decides to wait in the standard coach for a certain old guy to make his appearance. They'd agree to meet, make a few orders from a list they had--for their latte plans, and for others. Roland likes lists, so of course he was the designated list man.

With an eye on either end of the car, he stops looking once he spots Roland, throwing him a smile bordering on a smirk--a regular expression these days for the older guy. ]

Three hundred! [ That's a 'hi' on these days. ] Want me to buy first?

[ Roland had already checked his points at the terminal near his cabin, of course. Just a little over 120. It wasn't what he hoped for - he really did try his best to get in as much as he could chores-wise, but he's starting to think that it's all for naught. Well, regardless. He doesn't look a gift horse in the mouth, so he takes whatever arbitrary points he's been assigned this time around and gets ready to meet up with Tidus at the standard cars. Hair tied, purple shirt and robe to top it off - a lightweight pale one, with black carp stitched elegantly on the delicate fabric. Spider Seamstress had allowed him to keep his choices, in exchange for drinks.

And so off he goes and it takes him all of a few minutes with his gait purposeful and strides eager to get plans in motion. He shakes his head upon hearing Tidus call out his points - always more than expected, but he's no longer surprised. Whatever it was Tidus was doing right, he wanted him to keep going, to help more people. ]

What, couldn't reach the gold standard of five hundred points this time around? Heh. [ He offers Tidus a pat on the back, amiable and warm, before he brings out a notebook with lists as promised. The ICP is already up and raring for them both, a faint glow illuminating the screen. ] Yeah, go ahead. 126 for me. [ He clicks his tongue against his teeth, but is otherwise jovial about it. ] I've got half a mind of asking this train to give team leaders a darned credit system so we can loan out points and pay them off later, but I feel like that's just asking to be duped.

[ Man, it made no sense no matter how often Tidus heard it. The difference in points--he pities the guy for that amount (it's not low, but Rol's been working hard! Doesn't he deserved something higher?), turning to the terminal and slipping his ticket in. ]

The train won't do it! It won't put up potions or anything else on the shop, why'd it make our buying easier?

[ He taps over to the large option first--always large. They'd get more for their point. ]

I'll get Phoenix Downs first, we don't have any. Then another Arms.

[ Can't get too many of those. ]

[ He respects Tidus's privacy even though he's told Roland exactly what he's getting. The consul looks away as the ticket is slotted in place, leaning his shoulder against the wall, resting one leg behind the other. ] You got that right. Just another thing this train hasn't taken into account...

[ Roland trails off, a slightly distant look in his eyes but it passes after a brief moment. It's nothing. ]

Phoenix Downs? [ He pulls out his ticket from his robe's pocket and studies it, readies it for his turn. ] I've got to play it a bit more economical on my end with the points I've got this round. Sorry but no Arms Band purchase on my end today. [ He actually sounds pretty frustrated at that. ] But that's only because healing items are my priority. Those elixirs you gave me before - I'll get those first.

[ Roland's hands rotate his ticket round and round; the equivalent of fidgeting without looking like you are. ]

Sure, but don't worry 'bout the Arms - I asked Taiki and Saku if they can get some, so that's two...three, I think? Now you'll be getting two from me.

[ As the order for the Phoenix Downs goes in, and Tidus goes for the Arms next. His typing speed is decent enough, so there isn't much waiting around for him to get through the orders. ]

I'll get some of the X-Potions. [ He'd told Light and Roland about them--easier to get full heals, at least to the body. ] I don't want us wasting all our elixirs quick. They're great, but they're rare. What if, like, the train can't get us any?

Surprised it did last time. [ Wild, really. ]

Hm. That's true. I'm not gonna be the guy to test how far the train's good will extends, either. [ Roland watches Tidus's fingers type, faster than he does at least. ] The four leafed soreaway plant is equally rare, but the train managed to get a hold of a pot. Meanwhile, we had to go to the very depths of the ocean just to find one.

[ He looks around, noticing the crowd start to congregate in other cars of the train as the Voidtrecker truly begins to thrum with life. Roland looks nonchalant, a perfect picture of someone waiting their turn for the ICP, before he clears his throat as casually as possible. ]

Anything you need to make a sweet latte? I'm in the mood for a cup, myself. I can buy the ingredients. Whatever it is you're missing. [ He offers Tidus a discreet side glance, arms crossed again against his chest. ]

[ To Tidus's credit, he doesn't even look at Roland when he says it. ...but that's because inwardly he's caught in this alert of it being mentioned. Roland mentioned latte! So this is how they're doing it- ]

Uh- [ uhh ] Should we get a book on making it? You know... if we're gonna be making them. [ And maybe he should have brought this up for discussion before, but here they are now, Tidus turning his head to look at Roland. ]

Other than that... we wanted to get the, uh- [ ...crap how do you discuss anything about what they actually need like that?! ] Your thing, that we both have. ...cameras?

[ Is it okay to say that word if he does in the instance he turns to look back at the terminal.

Tidus hopes!!! ]

[ Roland bites the inside of his cheek to keep himself from smirking too much. It really feels like an undercover mission, which he'll never admit to being fun, but heck. It was. He pushes himself gently off of the wall and shifts so he's facing the ICP next to Tidus. ]

That's right. We need to record that we made lattes, after all. It's our first time brewing it from scratch.

[ He ponders on some more items for their little project, finger under his chin. ] Maybe some...cups, too. We need somewhere to put the lattes in. [ He's talking quite obviously now, even though the crowds that pass by the standard car don't really thin out the way he'd like. But they're not paying them any mind, and other ICP's can be used all throughout.

'Get it, Tidus?' ]

[ NO.

If he thinks about it, maybe he does, but now this is sounding so dumb and stupid and how is this supposed to work!? But he's already said about cameras, so- ]

Sure! Lemme just get...the stuff to record our memories! [ Yeah, there we go, let him jut put that in now. Tapping over to the smaller item selection, he puts into each.

memoris

memory spheres

The orders go through. Tidus raps a finger on the side of the keyboard section, glancing back over to Roland; waiting for the person passing through to gain some distance. ]

You wanna put in the cups?

[ Wow Roland needs to teach him how to talk Spy.

He nods regardless, ready to type in his orders for their pet project. ]

When you're done. Is there anything else you're getting aside from stuff for lattes, and supplies?

[ Ah- ]

Actually, I need to get Romeo some art supplies. You met him? [ Tidus wonders if he's seen the pair together, if he introduced them... ] Little kid, well-behaved. Too well-behaved. Helped me with chores but wanted to do everything.

[ So he'll start putting in the order for them. ]

But he's a good kid. Like seven...or ten? Around that.

Wow. No, but maybe I should meet him. [ He smirks at Tidus. ] Does he clean bathrooms? Mop floors? Good kid, indeed. Heh.

[ Roland's jest only hides how he regards Tidus highly enough that he can get this comfortable. Even now, as he asks, Tidus is still buying for others and never for himself. ]

He doesn't even complain about it! He told me off 'cause I didn't want to-- [ ugh! he's not getting into the bathroom debacle, Roland might figure out he actually got dragged into it! (as if it wasn't already obvious) ]

He's Blue Team. We can watch a movie with him sometime. He's got this favourite series about a mystery-solving girl that transforms into a--magic girl? [ Does that even make sense? He waves a free hand while finishing up the orders. ] It's goofy, but it's fun. He's the guy who got the popcorn machine for the movie car!

[ And...there we go! Order in. Tidus takes out his ticket, turning and taking a step aside. ] Here, you go now. We'll see how many points we got after.

[ He just chuckles. Tidus and chores are always going to be amusing for him, if only because that's where their competition for points began. As he takes his turn for the ICP and slots in his ticket, he works to type - much slower than Tidus but he's gotten better! - and speak at the same time. ]

Sounds like another good plan. I've been frequenting the cinema car, myself. Ninja Mime was a hit, and Cassie was definitely right. The fourth one was the weakest in the series.

[ When did Roland have time to do a movie marathon, you might ask? Well, a president has his secrets. Especially when they were silver screen nerds. His typing amounts to megalixirs, a digital camera, and stationary to start. ]

Hold on, one last thing before I forget. [ He gets about five bottles of Purple fizz, dispensed immediately. ] I owe Spider for giving me robes for free from Jema'grethy. Pretty stylish, right? [ Look at this guy flex his fashion! ]

[ He gives a teasing oooooooo. ]

That's Spider for you! She's got some good designs. Me and Yuna wore some too. [ And that has the ending high note of young love spending quality time together. ]

I still have a few things I wanna buy. I got some points... [ Ah! ] Something for Inigo. He needs more hobbies. Or maybe Taiki. He's the same too.

[ It may sound mean, but there's nothing judging by Tidus's tone--it's just a fact, and he wants to help them out. ]

[ Roland smiles. He remembers what it's like to be in love, so he doesn't joke around or anything this time. He just chuckles and removes his ticket from the slot, giving Tidus space to move back into position. ] I hope I get to meet her soon. It's pretty baffling to me that we're all stuck using the same spaces, but there are still passengers I've yet to meet and talk to.

[ He resumes his position with arms crossed, back leaning against the wall as Tidus continues his purchases. Though Roland hums in approval, with the mention of the two boys. ] Heh. Want everyone to have their own version of blitzball, eh Tidus? What if I just ask Inigo and Taiki to help me count carrots, as you say? Could be quite a learning experience, you know.

[ At least this time it's obvious he's actually joking. ]

Hah hah, [ he monotones, moving to stand by the terminal and to see what he's got left points-wise. Not that much after the feathers, potions and arms bands... yikes, Romeo better enjoy all the art supplies!

But then, he really can't be mad. Goes quick though, considering he got more than Roland. ]

I want to get them real hobbies. [ But saying that, he huffs a laugh as he remembers- ] Me and Taiki bought Inigo a cooking book. He got big and loud about becoming a master baker, don't remember why, so now we're making him follow through on it!

[ A book would work though, wouldn't it? Tidus taps the side of the terminal, thinking. If all of Taiki's books came in, then he'll be busy reading for a while. ]

He likes...flowers. [ So maybe something to do with that? He selects the option, staring at the screen in thought a little longer. ] Sheesh, you'd think I'd be able to buy seeds for less than 25 points.

...He does, indeed. Look at what he made for me back on the island. [ He accesses his Arms Band and in his hand appears a delicate flower bracelet in perfect condition, without wilt or rot, preserved well in the hammerspace. Roland holds it up on his palm for Tidus to study. He's treating it gently, afraid to break it. ] I made him something similar, but doesn't look like flower chains are up in my list of talents.

[ It disappears back into its designated space in his Arms Band after a few moments. ]

I think he'd be good at baking, too. He's got an eye for detail, which is important when you're cooking at an exact science.

[ Roland crosses his arms, leisurely and easy. ] Hm. Seeds might be difficult considering most flowers need the sun to survive. We're not exactly getting that on the train. Unless you get specific about it - [ He tilts his head up. ] Something like, 'flower seeds that can blossom while traveling in the void.'

[ Geez, only Roland would speak about science on the subject of flowers. What a guy. ]

The gardens and that are set up for it though, right? I mean, they've got things growing now. [ 'least, plant life is growing on the train. But Tidus hums, still facing the screen. ] Well, I don't have the points for seeds anyway, so...

[ Muttering that, Tidus leans forward and begins to type a quick short title before tapping the submit button, the order being processed and coming up with the standard Ready at the next Platform' message. ]

There. [ There. Tidus nods to himself. ] The guy can't say I don't get him anything. Though, I'm hoping the shields I got are actually shields. Or the cool ones I liked.

Sure. But I guess I like to play it too cautious given the train's track record. Plus, the gardens are too exposed to the void for my liking. It's not a place I'd like anyone to frequent, if they can help it. [ It's a matter of looking away or looking down, but can you blame him for being slightly protective of them? ]

What did you end up getting? What shields? [ A pause. ] You all type quite fast.

[ That sure sounds like a level of worrying Tidus can't understand. Being exposed to the void?? Hasn't hurt anything yet, so Tidus easily shrugs it off. ]

Hah! Typing's easy for me! Though you don't need to really type back home. [ Well, anyway- ] I got him a book on flowers. I don't have the money for seeds or anything. And the shield's a, uh... I used to have one, back in Spira! They're fancy.

[ Does he really need to face Roland and make a gesture around his wrist to give a loose idea of the size of it? No, but he does anyway. It's not a big shield, by the indication of his finger. ]

I tried seeing if it'd go through on the shop one day, and it did-- so I put in a second order. I don't know if it'll be any good, [ admittedly... that's where Tidus doesn't trust the train, ] but I figure it has to be a shield.

A shield, huh? [ That does make him wonder. The train never lets them get anything offensive, not even a Swiss knife for goodness sake. ] Let's hope the train doesn't get funny with us and we can actually give it to Inigo to use in a fight.

[ Roland smirks. ] Did you just type in 'a book about flowers'?

Noo, [ --man, should he've? well, too late now, ] just 'growing flowers'! He picked some flowers back there on the planet. Maybe he can make you another one of those bracelets.

[ A nod to Inigo's gift to Roland if the old man still has it out, and while there's some jest to the remark, it's not so strong. And it has Tidus thinking too, remembering what he and Inigo spoke about in the kitchen. It puts a damper some on his easygoing mode, but he doesn't let it reflect so easily in his body-language, his tone of voice as he turns from the terminal. ]

I hope you know what you're doing, by the way. You and Inigo, being like family? [ He keeps his expression neutral, unrigid. Just one concerned friend to -- a good guy. ]

Inigo-- he's got a big heart. The kind that bruises easy. I don't want to see him getting hurt. But also... I'm worried about you too, Rol.

[ He knows this is going to abrupt, and he hasn't quite said or express what he wants to. But it's a start, a gentle approach. ]

[ He chuckles, but the mood does indeed shift to something a bit more serious. Roland looks somewhat confused at first, brows furrowing and head tilted a bit to the side as he listens to Tidus go on about Inigo, and being like -

- ah. ]

[ 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.

Edited 2020-09-07 18:36 (UTC)

000 - voidtreckerexpress Universal Contact Post

horeshoe 1

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FIVE DAYS LATE.....destroy me :(

ditched for new fave teen

put your SCA back on and do chores with him again teen #1 :(

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