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[ 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. ]

[ He catches himself before he sputters. God forbid! ]

I- yeah, I'll show up! I will, don't worry. I'll see you for dinner, okay? [ PLEASE DON'T CRY, SON. ] I'll save us a table!

[ Look, Inigo may not dabble in this slyness very often, but when it's for a good goal.. After all, making sure Roland eats and actually takes care of himself is a good thing! And if a few tears are necessary to make that happen, Inigo will gladly throw those onto the battlefield.

It's still a little surprising to see just how well they work though, and how quickly, but he manages to carefully hide the surprise behind the expression he's already wearing.

Which is a smile. He ought to put at least a bit more energy into forcing one of those on his face despite the circumstances now he's lured Roland into his little dinner trap. ]

Great!

[ No tears here. As long as you keep your promise, dad.. ]

Ah, and my room is right up ahead here too. So.. I'll see you then!

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8') timey wimey RP magic GO

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