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[ Inigo knows there's no avoiding this anymore at this point. So he lets himself drop from the bunk now, landing on both feet, and sucks in a deep breath. Okay. Gather your courage, boy. You can do this. ]

Books?

[ He steps right over towards Tidus, reaching out to put his hand against the other guy's forehead. In that totally overly dramatic concerned kind of way that no one could take seriously. ]

Are you going to read books, Tidus? Are you sure you didn't wake up sick? [ Let's just focus on bro teasing to avoid thinking about the d a n c e o u t f i t. ]

Please, [ Tidus meets Inigo's exaggerated tone with his own, batting the hand away as he should. ] I got the ones with all the words for another guy. The ones I wanna read have pictures.

[ Said with no shame of joining in on the jab at himself, smile widening at the end there before he turns for the door and opening out into the hallway. No one else is around yet, but they'll likely go from the platform into to luggage.

But Tidus knows Inigo isn't a big fan of the platform, so let's avoid that - his mind isn't just on fancy outfits, in actuality. ]

So, you gonna try it on in the dressing car? [ where a giant spider lady lives ] How we doing this?

[ Inigo is just innocently trailing after Tidus as they're starting to head in the right direction to pick up their stuff when he hears that suggestion.

And the only thought that goes through his mind is absolutely not, absolutely not. ]

Nowhere where people can pass through. [ PLEASE.

Even with most people probably going out to either the platform or the luggage car on a day like this, Inigo doesn't want to risk it. He just. Doesn't. ]

How about back in our cabin? Unless S'reee is going to linger there. Or maybe the shower.. [ Maybe that's the only true place with privacy on this godforgotten train. ]

Are you gonna come out if you do it in the shower? I'm not going in there. [ Not just to see his bro in his outfit! ] Do it in our cabin and I'll stand outside the door if you're that worried 'bout S'reee floating in.

[ There, easy solution. ]

But you know we still need to get to the music car from there, don't you? [ Well, instead of just horrifying Inigo with this point- ] You can wrap up in a blanket. That work?

[ Just walk to the music carriage in a blanket burrito, nbd. ]

[ OH, I'M SORRY BRO, THE SHOWER IS WHERE YOU DRAW THE LINE?

But fine. He trusts Tidus to actually alert him if someone would approach their cabin, rather than just pranking him when it comes to something so important.. So Inigo can accept this solution.

But the next part? ]

What? Wait. [ Inigo pauses for a moment. Only in speech though, he's still walking. But it's clear something in his mind is still buffering. A belated realisation. ] You want to see me dance in it too?!

[ That's a whole lot of mountains to conquer today. ]

That's not-- We can't do that! Everyone is going to ask questions!

[ Tidus looks back when Inigo tells him to wait, thinking he should stop, but no - he's still walking!, so he better keep walking too. why are these sleeper cars so lonnnng. ]

We'll just brush them off! If anyone asks or look our way, we'll go, 'We don't have time!' and rush off before they can stop us! Who's gonna bother following us?

[ Wow, look, Tidus doesn't even need to think hard for a solution. He's a genius!!

An speaking of his genius: ] I can even hold onto the blanket and throw it over you if anyone shows up! And then you can drop down and curl up into a sea slug under it.

[ This is clearly the issue Inigo is speaking about and Tidus is addressing. ]

[ There's only one way to sum up the way Inigo currently feels about this Tidus Plan: ]

I'm going to die.

[ No doubt about it. This is the day he officially dies on the train. Just put a heart behind his name right now, let's get it over with. There's no way Inigo isn't going to get a heart attack from sheer mortification at some point today.

He doesn't even say anything else. Inigo just keeps walking. Apparently this is all the feedback Tidus needs. ]

You're not gonna die.

[ A thrilling counter-argument. But at least quietly for his bro, he is wondering a few things. Does Webs know an invisibility spell? Does Nita? Or what if he asked Sakura for candies like that? Ah, but then he wouldn't be able to watch Inigo dance... and would it matter if Inigo could still see people himself?

...maybe he can ask about the candies anyway. ]

One dance. One! Just to break into it! Wouldn't it be a disservice to the outfit if you wore it, and that's it? Not on my watch! You're a dancer. You deserve to dance dressed like one!

[ Tidus will fight anyone who disagrees with him!! Even Inigo's own brain!!

Isn't this the exact energy one wants on the walk to picking up said outfit. ]

[ Maybe this would, in fact, be much easier if Inigo's brain was replaced by just Tidus up there.

But alas. Inigo has to deal with his own brain for now, which means he also has to deal with all the mortification of the thought of dancing. In that outfit. And even worse, the idea of people potentially being able to see him in it. He's not even sure what outfit specifically the train gave him, but if it's anything like his mother's..

He's still definitely going to die. ]

I don't-- I can't let anyone see me in it though! [ His tone is so pleading. As if Inigo doesn't have the ability to just give up on all of this. To just go back to his cabin. It's not like Tidus can force him.

But it's as if Inigo doesn't want to walk away from his bro's enthusiasm, especially not when it's there for his sake. ]

Seriously, Tidus. I-- I'll dance in it, but I can't walk through the train in it. I feel like crying at the very thought! [ Enough so to be honestly admitting to it now. ]

[ Is this time to put on the brakes on their walking? Seems like it, with Tidus's arms folding for comfort, a small tilt of his head that his lips match. ]

How do we get you to the music car without changing then? You okay with getting undressed in the music car? [ A beat. ] You don't have to dance today...

[ So he starts to say, but then... isn't that defeating the purpose of putting the outfit on in the first place?! ]

Okay. How about we do everything later? Do the dancing later, when everyone's heading to bed? [ He unfolds his arms, lifting his hands. ] --I won't even watch. I'll guard the stairs for you, and you can have some alone time in it!

[ Inigo comes to a halt as well the moment he notices Tidus is no longer walking. He turns to actually look at the other, though something about Inigo's gaze is obviously shy and hesitant. ]

I don't..

[ The same start, and he stops again too, similar to a moment ago. Maybe they're just the default words his brains jump to before stopping himself.

But this time he does end up finishing the sentence a moment later. ]

I don't mind.. you watching me as much. [ His cheeks burn as he says it, but he means it. He wants to get used to it more, at least to Tidus watching him. If he can get used to one person watching, maybe he'll one day be confident enough to let others see him too, all at once.

And if he won't dare to do it in front of Tidus of all people, then would he dare to do it in front of anyone? ]

B-But yes, maybe it's better to save that part for later. [ So no one else will see. ] I can just try it on for now.

[ Because he does at least want to commit to that right now. Especially when he's already worked himself up. It'd suck if that would have been for no reason at all. ]

You can have the first dance by yourself though, you know? [ He's smiling, not trying to push too much, but explaining as his right hand makes a rolling gesture- ]

I want to see you and how you look, but this is about you - it always has been. So if you want to get a feel for it... break into the new look you, the outfit and the music, you should go for it! [ Yeah!! ] You don't need to share the first dance with me.

[ His hands go on his sides, smile widening. ]

I can wait for Inigo's big performance!

[ There's so much he could say to that.

But at least some of it is going to make this conversation go into an entirely different awkward direction, so Inigo decides against it. Instead he shakes his head after opening and closing his mouth without actually saying anything. ]

Well, let's just go get the outfit for now. [ And then try it on. ] We can see about the rest later.

[ .. there's a brief pause, and he looks over their shoulders before Inigo starts walking on again. ]

I really want to get that thing before anyone else goes to grab their things and starts asking awkward questions!

[ This is all awkward, difficult for Inigo, and Tidus knows. Sometimes it's best to let his friend have some time to think things through, and then make a decision. It might still be hard for him, but it usually makes things a little easier. At least, Tidus thinks so.

So he's ready to speak, to get moving himself as Inigo puts the subject aside. But Inigo gets there first, so Inigo's the one leading now. Don't mind him, go on, Tidus will be right behind you through that door, buddy! ]

Inigoooo, what'cha buy? [ And is he voicing the awkward question? Why yes he is. You're welcome. ] Tell them you're looking for my things. No problem there.

[ Oh, oh- ] Think I'd look any good in a dancer's outfit?

[ Heheh! ]

[ Inigo is halfway to a protest, at least mentally - 'Do you really think I could convincingly lie in this state?!' - when he's completely thrown off track by the other thing Tidus says.

Seriously. Did he seriously just have to say that?! What is Inigo even supposed to answer to that of all things, as if he hasn't been admiring Tidus's body before. UGH. This morning, he swears to Naga--

He's already so tired of it that he just lets the truth slip out. Whatever. ]

You say that as if you don't look good in everything by default.

[ Deal with it, Tidus!! No homo! (Maybe a little homo.)

Inigo isn't even pausing or anything while saying it. Just continuing to walk over here!! ]

[ Oh????

Oh.

If there was any verbal response Tidus was meant to have to that, it's not coming to him any time quickly. Inigo thinks he looks good?? Really?? And Tidus looks at himself as they're walking, brushes back his hair; not typically a guy unconcerned about his looks on the train, but never really getting that same confirmation as he used to about his appearance as he used to long, long ago... ]

Thanks.

[ It may come surprisingly sincere when it finally does, and he's picking up his pace a little, to come and match Inigo's stride. ]

You know, I got some new clothes. [ Y-you know...he's just saying...!! ] And you don't have to worry about how you're gonna look -- you're a good-lookin' guy too, you know? You'd have any guy or girl fawning over you if they saw you all done up! You've got a great face!

[ bro bro bro you're good-looking too bro! ]

[ He sucks in a breath of air, a small, but wry smile on his face as he glances sideways over at the other. ]

You don't have to repay my compliments, you know. [ Because that's clearly what Tidus is doing here, right? Just being nice to him since Inigo said he looks good in everything! No way Tidus would think that for real. Or fawn over his looks like Tidus is saying, ever. ] I was just telling the truth, anyway. Objectively.

[ At least, it's pretty objective to Inigo. He can't see how anyone could not find Tidus handsome. Somewhere between his face, the tan skin and the jock body.. ]

People must've told you that all the time back home.

But they had a reason to say it.

[ Because he was a blitz star, and who doesn't love those? And it isn't self-deprecating the way he thinks, with the truth maybe being closer to just liking to hear it at all, if he were to be more honest. But what reason did Inigo have to say it other than because he thought so? He was a friend complimenting another, and not because he fancied his skills as a sports guy. ]

And-- I'm not saying it just to be nice! [ But he's not about to disregard that either, urging in his protest. He wants to get in front and face Inigo, but he has a better means under the circumstances, the door to the last sleeper carriage between them, the stop necessary to push the button to open the entryway. He goes for it first, body turning to Inigo as his arm stays outstretched for the switch, the door sliding into the wall panelling. ]

You're hot. You gotta believe me! I'm saying it because it's true!

[ Inigo stops.

Mostly since Tidus forced himself in his way there, sure, but even if the other hadn't.. Inigo probably still would have stopped. Because he totally freezes up at those words. Those simple words that break straight through any walls of selfdepreciation he just tried to build up.

You're hot.

You're hot.

Did Tidus just really say that? To him?! Suddenly Inigo wonders if he's still dreaming, because he definitely has had at least one dream where Tidus said those exact words to him. Words Inigo was sure the other would never say out loud for real. But he feels pretty awake right now.

He stands there, waiting, maybe figuring the dream will end. But it doesn't. They're still standing there, without Inigo waking up. ]

You.. [ He hesitates, searching for words he can't find. His throat feels dry. It's so dumb, because this isn't even a confession or anything close to it, it's just a compliment, and yet Inigo can feel himself getting more and more worked up. Is it because he was already so on edge to begin with this morning? ] C-Come on, Tidus. You.. You can't just say that.

[ His cheeks involuntarily start to colour, and Inigo awkwardly reaches up to rub the back of his head. ]

You don't even like guys! How could you tell?

[ Oh no - is he gonna cry?

Because that's a real worry as Inigo stands there silent, Tidus attempting to make faces through the silence following his reassurance as a means of furthering it. Come on, duuude, come onnnn, you can believe meeeee!

But-- but finally he's speaking, and Tidus is in rapt attention. Figuring by now that Inigo will just want to drop the subject, and therefore, Tidus will have to find another way of convincing him (he can ask other people their opinion, right? What if he asked Kitty? Nita?? Uh, who's around their age group--), except that's not the direction Inigo goes in at all. ]

Huh? [ His arm drops, at least some of the way, hand waving in that manner his hands sometimes do when he needs a prop in conversation. ] Well I have eyes... you can tell if someone looks good or not.

[ It's a rather straightforward, simple response. Isn't that just basic?? But now he's the one rubbing the back of his neck for a moment, words sticking to him. 'You don't even like guys'...

Well... ]

Anyway-- [ No, that's not really the point here. ] I've seen what you look like, y'know? Back at the springs? I say what I mean: You're a good-looking guy. I could take you 'round Zanarkand and you'd get numbers easy! Invites to hook up!

[ Because 'getting numbers' won't mean anything to Inigo alone. ]

You just need to work on this. [ He taps his head - his own head. ] Get confident! You're a great guy inside 'n' out -- you just won't let yourself see it!

[ Can you though, Tidus? Who was harping on Inigo for not being able to see the upsides to boobs before, huh?

(And then there's the whole extra messy layer of why exactly it bothers Inigo so much that Tidus would say that despite not liking guys - but of course he's not going to get into that. Now. Or ever, maybe. It's doomed, anyway. And dumb.)

Maybe it's that last thought that feels like it's pulling him further down into the swamp, making it easier for negative thoughts to rise. ]

Do you think I haven't been around Ylisse in the past? [ Since there wasn't exactly much flirting to do in their doomed future. But in the months he had to travel around by himself in the past, before he was able to meet up with the rest.. ] I actively flirted with so many girls, Tidus.

[ OUT OF NERVOUS HABIT, but. You know!! Still!! ]

And you know what? Every single one of them rejected me. I've been slapped, robbed, thrown out of taverns. Do you think that happens to actually attractive guys?

... ... ... Tough crowd.

[ It's not that Tidus doesn't feel bad. Actually, the problem is that he does feel bad, that that all sounds - terrible, and oh boy, how does any of that even happen? No wonder Inigo's so depressed about his looks. But there's something puzzling in this, whatever slither of doubt that attempts to exist snuffed out by the very obviously bigger problem here. ]

Okay, so... how do you get thrown out for flirting? [ Does this even have anything to do with flirting...? ] Did something...happen? What did you-- what got said?

[ Wait, maybe this is a good question: ] How do you flirt in Ylisse?

[ Is there something about Ylisse flirting that's the problem here??? ]

I.. don't know. The same as anywhere else?

[ Or so Inigo assumes?! He's never asked about this, but then again, whenever he flirted with girls here on the train, they gave him very similar reactions to the ones back home, so Inigo assumed that the whole flirting game was just some sort of universal constant.

But he still sounds a little unsure as he says it. ]

That time I got throw out, I was talking with a girl who worked at the tavern about her cooking skills, and then I called her smoking hot-- you know, as a fun little wordplay joke! [ He sounds so genuinely innocent as he says it too, like Inigo doesn't realise his problem may be coming on a little too hard, since it's not like he actually means the flirting in the first place.

Please, he wouldn't recognize a hot girl if one was dancing naked right in front of him.

Inigo brushes a hand through his hair. ] .. But I suppose she didn't quite appreciate it as much.

...A little too strong? Poor timing?

[ It sounds like something funny to say as a joke in Tidus's head, but did Inigo say it like that? It's not an event they can really dissect now, when it's been months since then. But oh, geez.

This is making him recall another time, isn't it. ]

Is this like how you flirted with Cassie? Maaybe the problem is... your technique. Your delivery? [ He's lowered his arm down by now, folding them instead with a quizzical jut of his lower lip. ]

It's got nothing to do with your looks, that's for sure.

[ Ah.

That time.

It's more than a little awkward just to think back on it, but at least Inigo is honest enough to nod and admit that his poor, poor attempt to flirt with Cassie is exactly like the kind of stuff he does back home as well. And he does recall Tidus trying to lecture him about it back then as well-- though that sure got out of hand real quick. ]

Are you sure? I just.. thought everyone said it that way. [ It's not like he's trying to flirt in some special way! ] Then again, Gerome could say absolutely nothing and girls still fall all over him. At that point it gets hard to believe that there isn't something wrong with you, you know.

[ Like his looks. Or maybe his personality.

Or just. You know. Both. ]

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