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[ 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)

[ Tidus doesn't push, show impatience. He's waiting without expressing it, allowing Roland his time--not sure if he'll be jokingly dismissed, which wouldn't bug him too much.

But it doesn't come--Roland understands, whether or not it assuages Tidus's concerns. But at the same time, he said, in some manner of way, that he wouldn't get too in-between this thing with Inigo and Roland. To Inigo. He can't tell either of them what to do, and he can only be there, in whatever way possible.

So he's careful in how he speaks, even if what he says is... ]

It doesn't make you infallible. You're away from family too. [ But that's as far as he's willing to go, lifting his hands in a submitting gesture. Letting the issue of such a relationship go unspoken, or implied as subtly as Tidus may ever be. ]

It's up to you two. I'm worried more about Inigo in the long run. I want him to be happy, but...

[ He looks away, and when he can't find the exact words, lifts his hands again as he shrugs, sighing. How can he say, I think he has some issues to work through and not make it sound so bad? ]

Just... look out for him. Okay?

Let's just say my situation isn't as simple as being away from family, Tidus. But I hear you.

[ Roland doesn't have the heart to tell Tidus the truth. Doesn't have the heart to share with him that sending bottles to William was a gamble, a selfish act on his part to try and reconnect with a son he's not sure is still waiting for him. Even in his determination - his belief.

What else can he do now, faced with this candidness from Tidus? It's clear that he cares - so much that he couldn't help but warn Roland in the here and now. It strikes a chord, sharp and clear. Tidus was a good person, and nothing he could do would make Roland think otherwise. So this is all that he expresses, strangely warm, strangely inviting despite how Tidus speaks in his undertones, unable to really vocalize what he wants to say. ]

Inigo's got a once in a lifetime friend in you, you know that? It's more than luck or chance that you two found each other on this strange little journey we're on. I'm glad. Goodness knows how much that kid cares about you, too. [ And he understands the apprehension. Leaving, coming, going. Making a mark in someone's life, then suddenly having no choice if you can stay or not. It hurts. Roland knows that pain well. More than anyone, he'd argue. But he takes it serenely.

If he had to count how many times he's had to do this song and dance about caring for someone then having to be taken away from them in the end, Roland wouldn't be able to function at all.

He crosses the very short distance between them, and a hand makes its way to firmly grasp at Tidus's shoulder. It doesn't linger, but he squeezes once, in reassurance, as he stands by his side. ]

Okay. And for the record? I'm not afraid to look out him, or you either. [ His smile falls; Roland looks determined. Serious and true. ] You can count on me, alright? I've got your back.

[ Bizarre to hear the guy call someone his age a kid, and sure, all adults are like that, but it's no less weird. Just as weird to be talked about the positives of friendships in the unlikeliest of circumstances--in being so far away from home.

Like he didn't know it already. Not that Tidus is sure he's ever really gotten into his life beyond blitzball. Regardless, Tidus pulls a face when Roland comes over and touches him, or more so tugs his mouth askew, and waves a hand up in a dismissive gesture while not quite meeting his eye. ]

I don't need your dad act on me. I'm not talking about any that kinda looking out for! I mean... you know, 'cause he gets...

--ugh, nevermind. [ Tidus shakes his head, and moves as if taking a step forward--to get out of this space between the terminal and the carriage door. Room, please!! ] I gotta go see Yuna. We can meet up for a drink later, once the newbies start coming in.

[ He could have said what was really on his mind - which was simply, I'm not pulling a dad act on you, it's pulling an I'm-a-friend act - but the opportunity was so easy, so he takes it like a well-placed chess move when the window is his for the taking.

When Tidus moves away, Roland makes an incredibly amused, heavily acted expression as his hand reaches to ruffle Tidus's hair. ]

Aw, I was looking forward to calling you 'champ,' or 'sport.' Maybe...'buddy?' [ See that? He's trying to ruffle hair, even now! He's chuckling pretty loudly too. But Roland's aware that even in the thick of their jests, Tidus doesn't have to think twice about calling him for aid. Roland would come. He has his sword. ]

[ Eventually, as this play act breaks, Roland just shakes his head and for once, allows Tidus to walk away first, with a wave of his hand to signal him off wherever direction he would take. ]

Sounds like a plan. I'll hold you to it, as long as you're buying. Heh.

[ That gets a 'bah, ge'off' as Tidus whacks his hand back at the encroaching limb, walking a small amount away from Roland before pausing, a quick look over his shoulder. ]

You wish!

[ To the drink, or the nicknames? Who can know. Either way, Tidus continues to walk off--to look for Yuna, his ticket shoved with his hands into his hoodie pockets. ]

000 - voidtreckerexpress Universal Contact Post

ditched for new fave teen

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

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