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"Nnn--"

For half a second, or even less, Tidus is about to answer honestly. No, it's not that -- because what does Roland's age have to do with pancake batter or anything? What can he even make it about that? ...

"--He's got performance issues. In the kitchen," he explains, playing off noise as nothing more than that. A sympathetic tone in place, his hand hanging off Inigo's shoulder flapping some as he speaks. "It's not his fault - he just gets flustered when the heats on!"

A deliberate pause. "What, you didn't know?"

".. Performance issues?"

Apparently there's a lot going right over his head here, because Inigo looks so confused by every single word that comes out of his friend's mouth right now.

"Wait, Roland? I mean, I don't think I've seen him cook.." Usually he'd question this sort of thing more, but Inigo is willing to admit that he has no idea about any of this. And Tidus does seem like he knows what he's talking about - though that may just be the other's natural confidence playing up.

Inigo tilts his head a little, seeming to consider it.

"So he gets nervous in the kitchen?" Is that what he's supposed to take away from this? He thinks for another moment, but then seems to realise something, gaze snapping towards Tidus. "Hey-- When did you find out?!"

"He wanted me to show him how to cook rice. He was having a problem with it sticking and gooping up." That's easy enough to answer, since it's the truth. Not that any of this isn't the truth, but-!

"He puts on a strong face in front of you-" since Tidus does know he's been in the kitchen with Roland before; at least with the bread making and that surprise dinner, right? "-but he can't hide it from me. I've got experience. You see the signs- that a guy's having issues... trying to rush," he dips his vice, "so his cooking comes out premature."

Man is Roland going to kill him, but Tidus is going there and he's loving it. (Actually, Inigo will probably kill him. But hey--same death either way.)

"You can't fumble around in a kitchen." But it's not enough to just sigh about it, is it? He needs to make this into more than just a conversation between them. "Maybe you can ask him about it? If he's having any trouble, you know- if he's maybe trying too hard."

Maybe he needs to soften up? Stop himself from making a mess? What else can he throw in here-

"Tell him it's alright to slow down, take it easy. All guys go through it - in the kitchen. S'got nothing to do with how old he is."

...

This is so weird. Is it really - like he thought - because he's never seen Roland cooking by himself? Baking with Senku was just about following Senku's instructions, and them cooking together also involved them having instructions.. and he doesn't remember Roland seeming to particularly struggle with them...

Tidus is just flipping Inigo's world upside down over here. And that's making Inigo consider all of this so seriously that he doesn't consider even for a moment that Tidus may be jossing him or trying to set something up here. It just sounds like he's being presented with a serious problem his father is having.

"Should I?"

Inigo sounds so serious too. Like all of this is going at least five miles directly over his head, no matter how much effort Tidus is putting into his innuendo.

"B-But.. I mean, what if he was trying to hide it from me? I wouldn't want to make him feel bad by pointing it out. Don't you think your help with it may be enough?"

"What's the harm having more than one guy letting him know everything's cool?" Tidus shakes Inigo's shoulders in reassurance with that arm around them. It's a good idea, bro! "Plus, he thinks I'm teasing him half the time. But he's really got nothin' to worry about!"

Please let this go somewhere. Who knows if it will? And it wouldn't be the end of the world if it didn't... but it'd be sure a shame to waste this golden opportunity of getting Roland back. All because he couldn't flip a pancake out a frying pan first go. He can do actual flips all day compared to that guy!

He starts to walk, to get them moving again, hopefully. Look, they're not much farther from the dressing car now!

"Plus you and him have a thing, don't you? You've got a different relationship. You're nicer." ... "Well, you know. In a you way. I'm not mean. You just have a way with words that's different from me."

"I am nicer."

Did you think he was going to pass up on that opportunity, Tidus? He may be gullible, judging by how far he's going along with this plan already, considering it rather than just ignoring it from the start.. but Inigo is not just going to ignore the ball when Tidus is putting it right in front of the goal. To put it in Tidus terms.

Besides, look, he isn't calling the other guy old or a fossil every five minutes, so it's just objective reality!

"But I guess that does mean it's more likely that he'd think you're teasing him, even when you'd try to help him.." Inigo scratches his cheek with the arm that isn't on Tidus's side while they're walking side by side like this, thinking. "You're really sure he wouldn't feel embarrassed by it though? That's what I'm worried about! You know Roland has his own sort of pride."

Wow. Just call him a jackass straight on next time, bro?? Stabbing him in the gut here with this cruelty.

Not that Tidus can't disagree, but he can chew on his half-hearted grumpy protest not strong enough to be given words. He isn't really sulking over it though, just, come on! Come on!!

Regardless, he's got a plan to put into play here, so he can't get distracted in this unfair, unfair portrayal that his best train buddy's put on him here.

"Sure, at first - but everyone's embarrassed when they're called out. But it's not that bad - it's embarrassing 'cause you're worried what people will think. And then it turns out it wasn't a big deal in the first place." A beat, and he teases, "Just like you get."

Heheh.

Inigo squints. Giving Tidus a bit of A Look here.

"And you wonder why I'm the nicer one." Not that Inigo sounds genuinely upset. This is pretty light teasing, and it's a habit that Inigo himself is very, very much aware of, so he can deal with it, aside from this slight grumbled protest.

His face goes back to normal a moment later though. It is true that Roland tends to overthink things too..

"I'm just trying to think if there's a more subtle way to go about it! So he doesn't even have to get embarrassed in the first place. Maybe if I'd ask him to make some food for me sometime, and then see how he reacts.."

A long sigh.

"Sometimes Inigo, you just need to go straight for it. He's a President, a leader! Do you really think being forward's going to hurt the guy? It's not like this is about anything drastic. It's about food! You don't need some elaborate plan to talk to a guy about his cooking."

Please, Inigo!! Don't get into those overthinking ways and totally ruin the chance for him to have a laugh.

"Just go up to him and tell him straight he can get help performing. There's even meds for it."

All kinds of meds!

.........

"There's medication for that?"

Did you really expect any other response? Did you, Tidus. Because when Inigo is really, really putting that single braincell to use over here, that's all he can come up with to say in response.

"--uh." Uh.

"... In the future there is."

Crap, he's got to be careful about how carried away he gets! But Inigo's gonna believe him, right? Let's just nudge Inigo again and- "C'mon, let's stop messin' and get to the kitchens already! We'll worry about Roland later!"

Like at the kitchens, and when and if he isn't already there before them, somehow. (Like them mucking around about changed rooms and the sort.)

Before Inigo can even reply to that, he's already being nudged.

"Alright, alright, fine, let's go!"

(He does believe Tidus, though. It seems like a strange idea to have medication for being nervous in the kitchen about cooking, but.. well, the future is a strange place.

And it's not like Tidus would just go and lie to him, right?)

So rather than questioning any of it, Inigo quickly starts following the other over to the kitchens, peering in to see if the other is there once they arrive.

".. Roland?" He's definitely using his name rather than 'father' on purpose. Not because of Tidus's presence, but because it'd be really awkward if someone other than Roland was right there.

"Hm?"

Looks like someone's already calling for him, and he's only one coffee in! And it's definitely coming from a familiar face, too. Roland is indeed at the kitchen, a mug in one hand, the rim raised to his lips. He waves at Inigo even before he finishes sipping. Tidus files in after.

"Hey there. Good morning." He sighs contentedly, mug back on the counter where his elbows rest comfortably. "You guys are just in time. Still lots of breakfast left."

Roland smiles and takes another sip.

"What is this? Are you on kitchen duty? You our kitchen leader?"

Is there a reason for Tidus to take Roland's very ordinary remark and to find some amusing offence to it? No, but also - really, Roland? Is he on guard in case people come in and try to take more breakfast? Is this a Team Lead thing?!

Either way, Tidus is letting himself waltz in to see what's been made, what prep there is, what's going on. Please don't tell him they spent so much time bickering about rooms that most of the cooking's already been done!

Well, it seems like it's definitely just Roland there. Which means that Roland will truly get the full teen duality experience here. First Tidus rolling in with the teen rebellion, and then there's Inigo running over to him to hug him - lightly, though, he doesn't want to spill Roland's coffee by accident! - with a smile. "Father!"

Though Inigo is also quick to glance around once he's let go of Roland as well. He hasn't forgotten the topic Tidus started about on their way here, after all..

Which is why he ends up innocently turning towards Roland, asking: "Were you already done cooking?"

Like an expert multitasker at twin teen duality, Roland embraces Inigo with one arm over him briefly while answering Tidus with his usual dryness.

"No, I just wake up early." So he knows what's going on in the dining and kitchen cars, okay! Don't mess with his routine! He takes another long gulp of his coffee, emptying its contents with ease.

"No. I didn't cook today. But I heard the honeyed eggs are exceptionally tasty." Which is a blessing for you dear train goers, with Roland just helping where he can and not actually flexing his cooking imagination for the time being. "Why? You two adding a few more dishes to choose from? That's great."

Ugh, look at the two of them. Tidus doesn't bother resisting the roll of his eyes as he goes to poke around where his nose may lead him. The smell of honey sweet, but it's not until '--the honeyed eggs' that the scent of them suddenly become more appetising. Eggs?? There any still around?

"We need any more? I'll cook if I have to - You just stand there like a life guard and be pretty. I don't think the train's ready for your secret pancake recipe."

Roland and Inigo can do whatever it is they do when they get all weird and sappy. Tidus wants to see if there's any more of these eggs in the kitchen...!

Inigo is still busy enjoying his Daily Morning Dad Hug over here, but when he hears the other teen speak, he removes his arms from Roland so he can turn and look in Tidus's direction. Wait, bro, why are you going to cook? Weren't they going to have a conversation with Roland about cooking and him not having to be afraid of it?! Did Tidus just instantly get distracted by the idea of food? The food fiend. Go figure.

"What's wrong, Tidus?" Usually that statement wouldn't be very weird.

But Inigo is using a Tone. Such a Tone. He probably figures he's being subtle, but he's not being subtle in the slightest with the hint-hint-nudge-nudge quality to his voice right now.

"Shouldn't we let Roland cook?" How else is their favourite old man going to get over his nervousness, bro!!

Tidus pauses, if not immediately turning and looking back with The Tone. But it does seem to have his attention plenty enough to tip his head and wonder what it is Inigo has to say, and -- oh. Oh? Is that what they're going for here?

Now Tidus will turn back, making it apparent he's eyeing Roland. His bottom lip sticking out, a thoughtful dip to his brow...

"You think so? Right now?" A beat. "You up for it?"

He could be mistaken as looking at Roland when he says that, when his eyes settle longer on Inigo. You ready to support your train daddy??

His arm falls back as soon as Inigo lets go, elbow on the counter. When it comes to twin teens, they always seem to have a particular look shared between them that a more perceptive eye won't be able to ignore. Such is Roland's current state catching on to the tone Inigo throws Tidus. His eyebrow lifts in an arch, suspicious without having to say a word.

Regardless of where that gaze lands Tidus, Roland isn't going to let it pass!

"Up for what?" Looks like they're planning something again.

You bet he's ready! He was born ready for this! Inigo smiles back at Tidus, as if that's all the answer the other needs.

Besides, there's clearly nothing suspicious about this plan. Not to Inigo, anyway, who has been thoroughly convinced by Tidus that there are nothing but good intentions behind this plan in the first place. It's all for Roland's wellbeing! To make him more comfortable!

Inigo turns to look at Roland this time - still with the same smile, without any malice or cheekiness behind it. Just genuine happiness.

"I know we cooked together last time, father, but.. could you maybe make something for me by yourself this time?" Look at those eyes. Those shining, big puppy eyes looking up at you, Roland. Can you be suspicious of those? Can you resist them? "Pleaaaaaase?"

"Yeah." Yeah, make something. Tidus is standing here, the image of innocence - or, alright, just your regular ol' Tidus. Smile on his face, a slightly crooked brow, looking over at the pair and with a hand resting on his side. Only lifting his brows with a slight tilt of the head should Roland linger on him any.

"Why not? How about the Crane family special?" Aha! After all- "Isn't Inigo family now?"

Tidus might've considered for a second offering himself up to be fed, but considering how Roland makes pancakes actually taste? Pass.

"Well, that's definitely not suspicious."

What else can he say when both of them were flanking him, asking him to cook out of nowhere? Not even that cute little plea from One Pup is convincing him to just jump into this, when it's immediately followed up with Tidus's jab at something he shared with him in these very kitchens once upon a time. As usual, context is king, and Roland is the jester with very little idea of what actually is going on. All he knows is that memory of him sharing his special - putrid - pancake recipe from his past led to some very interesting shenanigans of their own making.

He doesn't budge though, not yet. Instead, he stands to full length and crosses his arms. Doesn't quite know who to look at right now, maybe he'll shift to both, since if he lingers on either, he's not sure what look they'll be throwing at him next.

"So...you want me to make you pancakes?" He'll assume Tidus already shared what that secret family special was, and he's not denying anything here! "Is there some sort of celebratory occasion I'm missing?"

Edited 2021-01-01 19:43 (UTC)

UGH, TIDUS. You're ruining the mood! Look, now he's been all cute for nothing, because Roland is still calling it suspicious. Inigo is pretty sure the other wouldn't have done that if it had just been him asking.

.. or maybe Roland is just trying to make excuses? It's a reason that only dawns upon him a moment later, but Inigo thinks it's possible. This is exactly the kind of behaviour he uses when he's nervously trying to weasel himself out of something, after all!

"Father.. Is there something you have to tell me? Or.. er, us?" It feels awkward to leave Tidus out, okay, regardless of whether or not Roland may confess to this more easily without the other teen there. "Is there any reason you wouldn't want to do that for us?" Inigo's tone is kind of coaxing, but in a weirdly encouraging kind of way. Come on, Roland. You can tell him. Your son is here for you.

Is it Tidus's fault if Roland is just always suspicious of everything Tidus does or say?! The trust in this friendship. pah!!!

Not that Tidus knows the best way to approach this, himself. He was having plenty of fun throwing all those innuendos and one-sided jokes Inigo's way, but now that they've confronted the man that's the presidential butt of them - well, who knows how this'll go?

Tidus can't imagine it'll hurt at the very least - why should it? - throwing a half-amused smile at Roland. Clearly, for the way he's acting.

"You're not getting shy on us, are you Rol?" Tidus joins in. "What's so bad about a friendly fun activity in the morning?"

A deliberate pause, and on goes flips the light switch.

"Ohhh... you afraid of someone walking in on you?"

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