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[ Inigo was getting far too perceptive of Roland's little ticks that would have otherwise passed anyone else's attention. The thought makes him smile fondly. Regardless of the weight on his heart after what he had witnessed, it felt good to be seen, to be acknowledged somehow. But then comes the hard part, what he wanted to spare him from.

Spare him his tears. Roland, don't you dare. He could lie. He could tell him something else. Hope he could convince Inigo of this truth, instead of the whole picture. He had to. He silently prays that if Inigo ever knew of what really happened...that he could forgive Roland for trying to protect him from a greater pain. ]

...I guess I am, pup.

[ Roland doesn't halt the work with the bottles, one of his notebooks already out, balanced against one knee propped up as he other free hand moves things around. He slows down, though. Significantly. Maybe he should start with something he's confident Inigo will pick up on. That would have to do for now. ]

I'm going to be helping sort out whatever it is Tidus helped you purchase, for now. If it's something he bought for someone else, or if it's something he bought for the train, let me know. Okay? I'll arrange it for him. Maybe he might make fun of me for auditing them later, but a part of me thinks he'll appreciate it in the end, heh. [ Roland's chuckle holds none of its usual mirth. In fact, he's talking as if something had happened that he was now commanding responsibility. And he gets into it before Inigo gets worried, fast. No more pussyfooting around it. Tidus and Inigo were too close. Inigo deserved a bit of the truth. Whatever he could stomach. ]

...Yuna left the train, today. Walked right out of the platform, along with everybody else. [ The leveled tone in Roland's voice is impressively distant. He stops there. He knows he doesn't have to explain further. But he's ready to take whatever reaction Inigo will give him. He's ready for all of it, if only to remind him that his roles don't change regardless of how it hurts, how it feels to watch someone you care about fade away. ]

Edited 2020-09-06 15:52 (UTC)

[ Inigo can already feel it hanging in the air a little. Not that he can guess what exactly is wrong, but when Roland starts talking about taking care of Tidus's things with that kind of tone, even more serious than when he's gotten serious before, Inigo knows there's something wrong with Tidus. Something wrong enough to even upset Roland.

He just sits there, still - attentively listening, though with obvious worry in his eyes as he waits for Roland to get to the point.

And then he gets to it. Yuna left the train today. Instantly Inigo gets it. Roland doesn't have to say a word more. Of course Inigo of all people would understand it, when he's gone through virtually the same thing. It's been a month, and Inigo still remembers watching Yuki walk away, not even glancing back at him once. It still hurts exactly the same way, even now. And whereas normally he would have banked on the fact that at least, unlike him, Tidus would be able to see Yuna when he'd go home, Inigo now knows that isn't the case either. Not after what Tidus told him literally just the other day. I won't see her again, if either of us leave the train.

It makes sense as the whole truth in his mind. Tidus must have been hurting so much. And Tidus doesn't hurt often. There was that moment on top of the vulcano, and sometimes Tidus looks like a kicked puppy when things go real awkward between them, but Tidus smiles more often than he cries. Maybe it was one of the first times Roland saw Tidus that hurt. It makes sense why it'd throw Roland off so much, without Inigo even having to consider the possibility of more having happened. ]

Alright. [ He at first answers. His tone is oddly even, almost flat, but then Inigo sucks in a breath and already stands up on both feet, moving over to look over all the packages. ] I'll see what's here with Tidus's name on it. There should be a few more with my name on it too that I hadn't spotted yet too, anyway--

[ Thank Naga that he has that to busy himself with for a few moments. It makes for a good excuse to turn his face away from Roland, to try and figure out his heart. There's the faint, but painful reminder of how all this mirrors his own situation last month, but more than anything, there's the pain for Tidus's sake gushing forward. How badly must he be hurting right now? Should Inigo just go find him? But if Roland is here rather than at Tidus's side, maybe the other doesn't want to be near others right now?

Is he hurting? Is he crying? Is he somewhere all by himself? Tidus..

Inigo steels himself, forcing down the worry that practically explodes within him, forcing down the pain alongside it. After having to cope with seeing Tidus in pain, Roland shouldn't have to deal with yet another worried, emotional teenager. Inigo can be strong until he can see Tidus later. He has to be. He's forced himself to be cheery so many times, what's one time more on top of that?

He turns back to Roland, putting a package with Inigo's name on it next to the bag of potions. If Roland opens it, he'll find a bunch of FortiGro Plus.

By that time there's a warm smile on his face. With how close they act - both physically and emotionally - it may be possible for Roland to see something else faintly along its edges, but it's pretty damn impressively acted. ]

I'm sorry, Roland. It must have been difficult to see him so hurt. [ Inigo reaches out, putting a warm hand on top of the older guy's hand that lies against Roland's notebook. ] But I know you did well in being there for him.

[ Because Inigo can't believe that Roland would see Tidus in pain and walk away. He's sure he did something for the other. ]

I know it's got to be really tough for him, but.. it'll be alright! We will all be there for him. I'll look for him later to see if he needs some more company! [ He laughs. ] Though I'm sure people are lining up already. He's a real popular guy!

[ It's a lot to take in.

Seeing the FortiGro cans, reminded of who used to rely on them; reminded that he didn't do enough. It was Lightning who pushed him down, forced him to wear his SCA again so he could become whole. What did Roland do? He shouted at him, too frozen to react. Too confused. What did he do? Get his SCA? Not enough. And Roland didn't know. He had no clue that Tidus existed differently from the rest of them. When he checks the ICP every day, his heart stops for a moment until he sees that his name on the roster is free from a heart next to it. Then, Roland breathes. Reminds himself that he really did all he could do. All of them did. Lightning, Zidane.

But now, Tidus has retreated. Not a word from him. Roland doesn't even know where he goes, hasn't seen him since. Not that he was actively avoiding him, but he wasn't looking either. Roland was apprehensive for his own reasons. Still waiting for the right time when Tidus could speak to him, whatever he was willing to share some of that pain.

When Inigo touches his hand, flashes him that dazzling smile...Roland just stares, unblinkingly. Inigo was good too. He knew how to keep it in, but unlike Roland who uses impassiveness and logic to remain sound even in panic, Inigo smiles. He smiles widely, he tries to be cheerful. Isn't that infinitely harder? He is reminded of Tidus's own gifts for Inigo - which were already sitting neatly in a nice pile, next to Roland's feet. But before he can give it to him...He couldn't just stay silent, watching Inigo move like nothing was wrong. They were best friends, after all. Inigo probably knows, more than anyone, what Yuna's loss means to Tidus.

But he wouldn't ever say more than that. He couldn't. ]

Give him a bit more space, Inigo. I think he needs time to be alone, more than anything. But let's be ready when he comes around, okay? [ Roland swallows thickly and tries to return to the task. But the air has changed. The mood has dropped. And they were both running on the same wavelength; anxious, afraid. His hand stills in its task, and he pauses to think. ]

...Hey. [ Roland finally says, under his breath. Audible enough to hopefully stop Inigo for a brief moment. He keeps his gaze locked on the boy, even if he chooses not to stop, looking at parcels which Roland has mostly gathered near him anyway. ] Can you come here for a second?

[ He remembers that back on the vulcano, Inigo offers his physical affection whenever Roland needed it. Today, he recalls the very same vow, and returns it. Hugs seem to be Inigo's way of comfort, and so Roland provides.

As soon as Inigo walks close enough to Roland, he doesn't hesitate. He stands swiftly, book dropping on the floor, and hugs him firmly. Arms tight around his torso, squeezing just enough for comfort. ]

I'm worried about him too. You don't have to hide it from me.

[ He closes his eyes, as if willing the last few hours away. ]

I...I'm not an expert at giving hugs like you, but I hope this suffices.

[ Inigo really hates those words. I think he needs time alone, more than anything. If not just for the fact that he's pretty sure that Roland is right in that assessment. If not just because he saw Tidus's reaction, unlike Inigo. Or maybe just because Inigo trusts anyone's judgement more than his own. So Tidus probably really does need time alone, but that's.. rough. Not that Inigo won't try to keep himself to it, try to give the other space, but he can already feel the worry coursing through his veins right now. He's going to worry the whole time.

And he knows Roland will too. It's in the air, it's somewhere in Roland's face. It's almost odd, the atmosphere suddenly being so bad because of an issue that is technically not either of theirs - but it's just a testament as to how important Tidus is to them, isn't it? Just the thought of him being in pain is enough to reduce them to this.

Inigo nods, and he's fully ready to throw himself back into looking over all these packages, but then Roland calls out to him. And despite all instincts telling him to busy himself to try and keep his emotions in check, Inigo can't just ignore a request coming from Roland of all people.

So he does come back over.

And then he's suddenly drawn into that tight hug. ]

Roland.. [ Inigo just softly says, almost with a hint of surprise, like he didn't see the hug coming. But now it's here, and Inigo can feel his emotions swelling. It's just-- just something about all of this. His worry about Tidus and the other's unknown state, the pain Inigo can only imagine he must be feeling. His worry about the man in front of him right now, holding him, so obviously worried, thrown off his usual state. The natural comfort Inigo finds in hugs, and his instinct to bury himself in them, hide from the world.

He can feel that familiar tightness in his throat, the warning that tears are about to come. But Inigo thinks of Roland's face and the way it looked just now before the hug, back when Inigo could still properly see the other's face before being pressed so tightly against him. He thinks of them standing on top of that vulcano, and how Roland looked so lost, so hurt. How Roland forced it down the moment he realised Inigo needed his help.

Don't cry, he tells himself. Whatever you do, don't cry right now, idiot. Who is that going to help?

Roland says he doesn't have to hide it, but Inigo knows he can't show it right now. Roland needs help. Tidus needs help, though Inigo isn't quite sure how to start on that while giving the other space. Inigo himself can wait. So he does all he knows how to do, what he's done so many times while heading off into battle - he sucks in a breath, and kills off his heart. Time for Inigo the Invincible. ]

Thank you. That's so sweet of you. [ His voice doesn't shake. Instead he smiles, leaning into the hug, wrapping his arms around the other man in turn. ] It's a great hug, you're certainly not doing any worse than me in this department!

[ He doesn't move out of the hug, but pulls back his head just enough so he can show to Roland - if the other bothers to open his eyes, anyway, though it's audible in his voice too - that he's smiling widely. ]

It's alright though. Of course I'm worried about Tidus. But I suppose you're right, and all we can do is give him space and make sure he knows we are here the moment he needs us. [ Inigo shakes his head. ] But that leaves you, Roland! You're obviously affected by what you have witnessed.

[ Does Inigo realise his unfortunate wording there? Of course not. He has no idea, after all. ]

Is there anything I can do to help you right now? I can count all of this by myself if I have to, you know. It's no problem at all!

[ He stays quiet, only opening his eyes when Inigo gives him some space to pull back. The hold he has against Inigo's body slackens somewhat, if only because he feels his arms lose strength, like he's drained of energy. More than the pain in Tidus's voice as he calls out for Yuna, Roland remembers that there's still so much he doesn't know. Watching him fade hurt most of all, and he was processing those feelings even now, wondering what else he could have done to help the boy who's done nothing but help him since they first met.

From the books to the chores...Telling him to relax, catching him by the beach.

Roland breathes deeply. His body remains tense, but there's nothing else that would have given indication that he was lost in thought, if not for that look in his eye that gleams with sadness. If only Inigo really knew...

But he couldn't. He would never. Not from Roland's own mouth. ]

The counting helps, if you can believe that. [ He manages to remark, pulling away from the embrace now. He turns his back to Inigo and moves back to the pile sitting on the floor, neat and oddly organized. ] It'd be the best joke to throw Tidus's way if he knew I was counting for him, wouldn't you say?

[ He bends down carefully and unearths two items in particular before giving Inigo his full attention again. ] Here, help me out with this instead. Why don't you go ahead and open those?

[ Roland offers them, wrapped up nicely in parcel and twine. Tidus's name was written on each. ]

...He got them for you, as gifts.

[ Inigo will find a Crimson shield from Tidus's world, just hefty enough to be lifted in one hand. In the other parcel, something more personal to Inigo: a book that only he would appreciate.

Roland doesn't watch his reactions, this time. He returns to the packages he hasn't yet counted, though really, he wasn't doing much except placing a finger under his chin and staring, pretending to audit. ]

[ He's so focused on keeping up his smile on trying to pay close attention to Roland - if not just to see what he can glimpse from the tiny mannerisms, trying to see what's up with Roland's mood as much as possible - that suddenly getting those items held out to him catches Inigo off guard. He stares at the parcels with big eyes before taking them into his own hands. For a moment he stands there like that, not quite sure what to do with them.

An uncertainty that isn't helped by the fact that Roland goes back to staring at the other packages. If Inigo was any more aware, he might have been able to tell the other was purposefully giving him some space. But of course Inigo doesn't realise. There's way too much going through his head to think much about it.

So instead he busies himself with actually opening the packages to see the items inside. First the shield, then the book. He stares at both, but the latter especially holds his gaze for a few moments.

Tidus remembered. That moment on the island, when Inigo had confessed he liked flowers. And then the shield - meant to help him fight, surely. Tidus got him these. He thought of him. He wanted to do something for Inigo in his own way, despite - or maybe because - the way they constantly went back between bickering and comforting each other.

Inigo is trying so hard not to cry as he keeps staring at the items. But it's a losing battle. Tidus was looking out for him, trying to help him. And what can Inigo do in return, now Tidus must be hurting so badly? No matter how much Tidus said he and Yuna were going to make the best of it, Inigo can only think of how much it must be tearing the other apart to be seperated. And all he can do is.. what? Stay away from him? Give him space? It doesn't feel like helping at all. What can he do?

He raises the shield higher, making sure it's angled between him and Roland. Like he's trying to just take a closer look at it.

But it's just an attempt to try and make sure Roland won't have to see, won't have to know. Won't have to worry about Inigo as he can't quite stop the tears from slipping out this time as the worry about someone he's grown so close to so rapidly spills over. He makes sure the tears are as silent as possible. ]

[ Roland doesn't have to hear it. He doesn't have to see it. He knows Inigo is crying, but he also doesn't wish to intrude in that moment that he needs to let it out. He's been doing it himself, in the only way he knows how: anchoring to the reality, the here and now. What work needed to be done? Tidus's supplies. His goods that required auditing, so that when he was ready to reemerge, he wouldn't have to bother with the basic things. Roland would have had it covered well.

The president inhales deeply and tries to get back into the work, bending to resume whatever was left of the pile. Part of him has already forgotten where he stopped, and the other part of him is too hyperfocused on reading Inigo's actions for him to actually settle into the load.

Eventually, Roland lets out an inaudible sigh and decides to just focus on what actually matters right now: helping Inigo. ]

Pup...[ He starts off, glancing to the side even though all he can really see is the shield covering his face. ] How can I help? Tell me what you need.

It's okay.

[ The reply is almost instantaneous. Like Inigo's brain doesn't even have to consider Roland's question before firing off the default reply to it. To his credit, he manages to make it very much not sound like he's completely crying, but his voice still sounds a little rough in a way he can't quite hide, that the shield can't quite cover.

Inigo moves up a hand to quickly wipe at his eyes before he lowers the shield, making sure that the only evidence remaining of his tears are his eyes being redder than usually. The only thing he can do now is hope that not more will slip out while he talks to Roland. Save them for later. ]

I mean.. Geez, if you have so much helpfulness in you, you should aim it at yourself! [ It's no scolding, nor sulking. Inigo says it with a smile on his face, despite the way his eyes look, despite how tight his chest feels even now. ] You seem like you could really use some help right now, you know? While I'm-- I'm fine, just.. a little surprised by Tidus's gifts, that's all!

[ He's totally not wrecking himself with guilt and worry over the other, what are you talking about. ]

[ There it is again; that default, that facade. Roland doesn't know what to make of it, other than he recognizes it to the point of being unnerved, inherently. A move he pulls out more often than not. Wipe the feelings away, let it wash over you, but never show it. He doesn't let up his stare, even as Inigo wipes his eyes.

The best he can do for him now was to avoid prodding the issue, and to let him be as he wished. This wasn't easy for either of them, but in Roland's acknowledgment of Inigo's coping mechanism for his pain, he understands that it isn't something you can force away from someone either. ]

He cares about you. His friends. All of this stuff - [ Roland looks back at the pile, if only to gesture at it with one sweeping motion. ] - and not a single thing for himself. Still. They're mostly supplies for the train, and what I think might be gifts to other passengers.

[ Tidus disappearing might have something to do with that. But he can't linger on that shadow. He would be engrossed by it, enveloped so deeply until he found an answer. ]

Don't worry about me. I'm okay. [ He nods, in affirmation. His stoicism returns, full force. ] Nothing a bit of counting can't fix, as Tidus would make fun of me for. Heh. [ It's a halfhearted attempt at humor, but it would do for now. ]

Edited 2020-09-14 16:22 (UTC)

[ Is Roland really okay, though? Inigo hasn't often seen Roland thrown off balance like this. He really can only think of the time on the island. Hell, even back when Roland's leg was bleeding, he looked like he was doing better than he is right now.

But what good is calling Roland out on it when Inigo is obviously trying to deal with it in the very same way? Shoving everything down. Hoping it will go away as long as you don't acknowledge it, don't burden others with it.

His gaze falls on the pile of packages, spotting a smaller one with his name on it.

He grabs it before holding it out to Roland. ]

This.. is Tidus's too. Or.. well.. [ His voice awkwardly trails off as he tries to steel himself enough to be able to talk without bursting out into tears all over again. ] It's from both of us. Tidus and I. He had the idea, and I used my points, and... um. It's from us. To you.

[ If Roland opens it, he'll find a book about his country's version of football. ]

I-- I know that if Tidus were here right now, he'd say something like "enjoy it, old man," so.. um, enjoy it. Old man. [ He should probably at least make his voice a little more spirited while trying to imitate Tidus, but it feels so hard with his current mood hanging heavily over him. ]

[ The last thing he expected was something for him, so Roland looks a little surprised when Inigo hands him too. It's a little heavy, but he can tell from the shape that it couldn't be anything but a book, right? Roland stares at it for a good few seconds before gesturing to it, lifting it slightly into the air. ]

This is for me? [ He says it incredulously, like Roland is inclined to believe it right away. ]

...

[ Roland's hands move deliberately slow as he unwraps the cheap looking paper cover one little inch at a time, He keeps his gaze trained on it, focused on the motion until he sees the cover of the book - exactly what Inigo said it was. A book on the history of football, and basics on how to play the game at any age. The very same football he had taught Tidus how to pay, Tidus the star, the pro, the quarterback in another life. He remains quiet, the air thick with emotion even in his stillness as Roland opens the book, flicks through the pages and skims the opening chapters. It was a surprisingly accurate, well-thought out reference. Something Roland would enjoy reading as a hobby.

A hobby. It was Tidus's idea. ]

I...

[ It was too much.

He stares at the book in his hands without a word. There are none for him to say. When he does, it's to thank Inigo for using his points to buy it, but Roland falls right back into a heavy silence. The book is being gripped tightly, with two hands. ]

[ Inigo's first thought is oh no, he broke Roland.

But he gets the reaction. Roland is probably feeling the very same thing Inigo felt as well when he was handed the shield and the book a moment earlier. And while Inigo's initial gut feeling is to try and comfort Roland - or anyone who looks that lost at any given moment, really - he's not so sure it's the right thing to do now.

He's not sure what the right thing to do at all is. ]

R--Roland, I'm sorry, should I.. have waited and given you it later..?

[ But 'later' when? When Tidus will be okay again? But who's to say when that will be - Inigo feels like he himself isn't quite over Yuki yet, and it's been a month. And he was rejected to begin with, unlike Tidus and Yuna, who were still very much in love. How long would it even take to mend that much hurt in a heart? ]

I mean.. I think he would have wanted you to be happy with it.. [ Inigo carefully starts - tries. His facial expression is looking very awkward though, like he can't even try to cover up the feeling with his usual act. ]

[ Roland remains unmoving, though his fingers start to flip through more of the pages, his eyes darting from left to right as he skims everything with precision. It was more of a means to distract himself from showing Inigo any cracks, but it looks convincing enough to seem as if Roland was just quite invested in the sport, or the book, or both.

He shakes his head when Inigo apologizes. Tellingly, Roland chooses not to store the book away in his Arms Band. Instead, he tucks it against his arm before he looks up at the other. ]

Don't apologize. You didn't do anything wrong. [ Shoot. Did he mean to say that? The same words he told Tidus as he was holding him down by the ankles, the teenager thrashing about trying to resist help - ] I just didn't think he'd go out of his way to ask you to help him purchase this. Or that I'd see the day where the guy who once got five hundred points to his name now needs a friend to spot him for a gift. Heh. [ He deflects how he really feels like a pro, using that slight smirk and jab to lighten the mood that he may have unexpectedly set. Even if it doesn't quite do the job, he walks over and touches Inigo's shoulder with a gentle shake, as if to convince him it was okay.

It really was. For now. ]

Thank you, okay? I mean it. I'll tell Tidus that myself when I see him next. I'm happy with it. I really am. [ He nods back to the pile they had left behind. Both were understatements he'd rather not dwell on; being happy about receiving it, and telling Tidus things the next time he sees him. ] You wanna go back to counting your purchases, pup?

[ He sucks in a breath. There are so many things he could tell Roland right now. That Tidus had mostly asked him to buy it since Inigo wanted to make up the time he asked Tidus to heal Gerome when Tidus had already been tired to him - and that he knows Tidus didn't really need anything in return, but probably asked for this to both do something thoughtful for Roland and let Inigo feel less guilty over what had happened at the same time.

But talking about Tidus feels hard when Inigo is so worried about the other. When he hasn't even seen him since Yuna disappeared earlier today. So he doesn't. ]

.. Yes, of course.

[ Despite the way Roland manages to hide his own mood like a true Repressing Professional, the awkward atmosphere doesn't fully seem to clear. Maybe Inigo's thoughts are too much of a clustered mess right now for him to act as fully bright as he usually would. Instead he just nods, half-seriously, half-awkwardly. ]

I'll stay here with you until we've sorted out his things as well. So you won't have to do it alone.

[ Roland nods and works closely with Inigo. There is a point in their silence that he finally keeps the football book in his Arms Band for later keeping in his bunker, or maybe in the library to add to the shelf. His notebook dutifully takes down the whole amount of potions - some named with silly little labels, some just out of this world. It passes like clockwork, seconds ticking by, seconds turning into minutes as they numb themselves to a pain of seeing someone they care about shirk away, alone, not wanting to see -

- as the task closes up, Roland hands the fully audited pile to Inigo, organized meticulously as the Chief Consul would be known for. But not without a whisper thrown his way, quiet yet full of emotion. ]

You're not alone, either. Okay? [ Even if Roland himself is trying to forget himself. ]

[ He takes what he's handed. Inigo kind of expects them to be done with that. To maybe say a slight goodbye and then go their individual ways. Maybe Inigo will go make sure that Tidus isn't sadly hanging around somewhere by himself and actually does want company or something.

But then Roland says something unexpected. No matter how quiet it is, Inigo's ears pick up on it, his head snapping up with attention.

He clutches the pile a little closer to himself. ]

Of course. I.. I know that.

[ Despite the slight stumble in words there, it doesn't sound fake. Or like he's covering anything up. Even though it's a little quiet too, it sounds like Inigo fully believes it. ]

You're here with me, after all. And so is Gerome, and Taiki, and.. well, Tidus too, of course, even if he'll need some time. I'm not alone at all.

[ ~~Until Shit Happens and that whole idea is utterly shattered while on the mission later.~~ ]

[ He nods, and though there is an urge to rest his hand over Inigo's shoulder, another attempt to reassure him of the truth, he can't seem to do it at the moment. Roland feels vestiges of pain, phantom pain, enter his body. He refuses to admit he's exhausted, but he knows that he is. There's a lot brewing about in his own head, and he's aware that it's ready to tip over at any time. Not just with Tidus, but with the things he's learned, the nightmares resurfacing.

But those were corners of darkness reserved only for him. So he finishes up his count, writes the final few lines of the audit, and dog-ears the page. He motions for the cluster of potions and bottles, where some are left behind in the bag they came in from the train shop. ]

Here. I'll put it in my Arms Band for now. We can keep them with the rest of the potion's supply later. [ Maybe another thing to show Tidus? Another update on their growing project of making sure the train was well-equipped with mission supplies? Who knows. But he's ready to take to the task, in more ways than one. It's the least he can do. ]

[ Inigo quietly waits - almost patiently, obediently, though maybe just a tad moreso than usually with this weird, weird atmosphere still hanging in the air - just watching Roland go at it until the other speaks up again.

That's what finally makes him nod. ]

Yes. Thank you for helping me out. [ Because Inigo sure wouldn't have known what to do with all of these without Tidus otherwise.. He's not going to keep a potion labeled death anywhere in his room, okay. (Even though it may come in handy in very embarrassing situations.) ]

.. Is there anything more I can do for you..?

[ Since Roland sure did help him out here, but it feels like he hasn't done anything for the other yet in return. And that doesn't feel right, so Inigo has to offer, at the very least. ]

[ He turns back to Inigo and just shakes his head gently, smile not quite reaching his eyes. There's a tiredness there, just brewing beneath the surface. Roland's hand reaches to the top of Inigo's head and he ruffles his hair affectionately. ]

I should be asking you that, heh. But I'm okay. Really. Let me know when you need the potions. I'll keep them safe for you.

[ And so he does, the bunch disappearing in his Arms Band with practiced ease. There wasn't much else to do in the luggage car apart from this, at least not while Inigo was around and he had to sort through all of Tidus's belongings...Not when he might ask what really happened, and Roland was determined to hide that from Inigo more than anything else. ]

What else did you want to do today, pup? I can walk you there. [ At the very least, here Roland is genuine, his smile reaching his eyes. There is a fondness there, even in a small gesture. ]

Me?

[ He seems surprised to have the question flipped around on him like that all of a sudden, though Inigo does try to think what he genuinely was planning on doing today before it all got thrown off like this.

.. Ah. He probably was planning on hanging around with Tidus after grabbing their stuff here, huh. But he guesses that's not going to fly anymore now.. And while Inigo does want to check up on the other, he can't say that in front of Roland when Roland is the one telling him to give Tidus space in the first place. ]

I.. I guess I should drop my things off at my room first. [ He can't lug that shield around all over the train. At the very least he's got to leave it with his sword. ] I mean-- if you really don't mind, you can walk me over there.

[ He'd like that. Roland's company. But when the other seems so weirdly tired, Inigo doesn't want to force him to do even more. He's fine with being put on the backburner in favour of more important things. ]

[ If Roland ever found out how much Inigo hesitated to ask for his company, he'd have a field day just trying to get him to relax.

Roland promised.

He shakes his head and starts to move, keeping close and giving enough space for Inigo to lead the way. He remembers that his cabin comes before Roland's, when he walked him to his own quarters after the medbay incident. ]

It's no trouble at all. Come on. [ And as always, an arm is offered not before long, one to drape around the other's shoulder, encouraging, pushing him forward one step at a time. ]

[ SOME OF US HAD FATHERS WHO WERE WAY TOO BUSY FOR US AND ARE STILL TRYING TO COPE WITH THAT, ROLAND. ~~You know, like your own kid!~~

Thankfully Inigo keeps it in though. He's keeping in a lot right now - worries that are starting to buzz through his head, picking at his brain. He tries to focus on his breath to calm himself down, focus on the hand on his shoulder, as gentle and encouraging as ever.

And just walking. One step after another.

He's quiet for a few moments as they walk, but then Inigo speaks up. ]

.. What are you going to do after this, Roland?

[ ~~WOW THIS ATTACK ON OUR INBOX!!!~~ ]

Hm?

[ Well, he didn't expect Inigo to ask him that. But he finds they're starting to predict Roland more and more, nowadays. ]

...Probably check if any chores need doing. The usual. [ Roland offers a small smile, shrugging once. That's the only thing left to do, right?

Not to mention, he was going to go straight back to the luggage car, when the coast was more clear. He was going to audit Tidus's goods no matter what. It's the only thing he can do for him, right now. ]

[ It's a very typical answer for Roland.

But Inigo isn't too sure how to feel about it. Not with the odd looks he's been spotting in Roland's eyes. Today, for sure, but even very occasionally, ever since they left the island.

There's another quiet moment, but then he looks at Roland again. ]

Make sure to show up for dinner.

[ "Don't overwork," in other words. ]

If you don't show up, I'm going to cry. Right in front of everyone. And I'm going to tell them it's all your fault for not coming to eat with me. [ NO, HE WON'T.. Or, well. He might cry. But in private. And without blaming Roland at all. But he figures it might just work as a good enough incentive to get him to show up for sure. ]

[ Wait wait wait. No, okay hold on a second here. Was Inigo actually threatening him? With his tears? To which Roland responds very easily to? He doesn't panic overtly, but he does seem a bit taken aback that he would stoop to such a tactic. Did he know what it does to him?

This sly kid. ]

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adregem - 2020-09-30 17:04 (UTC) - Expand

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flatteries - 2020-09-30 21:32 (UTC) - Expand

000 - voidtreckerexpress Universal Contact Post

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KJGKLJDF I'M SO TL;DR KICK ME OFF YOUR POST

YEAH RIGHT >:( get back here!!!

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wow just realised that this tag would have been 100% different if it had been an ic week later

8') timey wimey RP magic GO

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