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[adregem]

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.

[blitzcheer]

[ 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.

[adregem]

[ 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.

[blitzcheer]

[ 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. ]