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[ 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. ]

Some girls love the mysterious, silent type. [ By the sounds of it, Tidus isn't perturbed by Inigo's contrasting resignation. And he knows this might be a touchy point, but he's going to make it, giving Inigo a light tap on the shoulder. Voice lowering smooth and meaningful. ]

And I know things got funny at the end, but didn't you get engaged? Had a boyfriend? [ A beat passes, and he pats Inigo on both shoulders. ] Look, what you need is a win. And I'd be willing to take you out to the town and show you what people are missing, but the train doesn't help that. [ If only they could leave for a night out-! ]

But we're going to do something to help you with this funk. First - that dance outfit.

[ It is a touchy point. But maybe a little less touchy by now. If anything still hurts, it's more the way that it ended than the fact that it ended, so it's mostly that mention of things getting funny at the end - they sure did - that makes Inigo's gaze drop.

But he doesn't allow himself to wallow in it. Not this once.

So he speaks up again, raising his gaze. ]

Right.

[ The dance outfit. Just think about that right now. There's a movement of his arm, his hand on Tidus's shoulder for a brief moment before dropping down, briefly grazing the side of the other's arm. Like a quick way of saying 'thanks', because the way Tidus tries to uplift him never goes unnoticed by Inigo, regardless of how succesful its results are. ]

.. Though it's going to be kind of hard for me to grab that with you blocking the way. [ It's said casually, like an attempt at returning to something a little lighter. ]

[ He sounds a small 'oh?', playful in its delivery, then steps aside with his arms gesturing towards the open doorway like a butler giving way for the good sir to go first, head bowing for the act.

Please, Princes of Ylisse first. It's just the dressing car to get through until the luggage, where the outfit will hopefully be waiting.

Tidus will keep quiet for now - it's time for him to be on his best behaviour! ]

[ Maybe them being quiet is the only possible way for these boys to ever actually make their way over to the luggage carriage.

And indeed, it seems to work. Inigo walks ahead - with a definite kind of "oh, you" smile thrown Tidus's way as he passes the other - and they easily make it through the dressing carriage until they arrive at luggage.

There seem to be.. quite a lot of packages here. Seems like everyone has had quite the shopping spree between the last platform and this one, huh. ]

I think we're going to have to work together to find anything in here. [ To conquer this ORDERED GOODS PILE. ] If you start on that side, I'll start here. Did you just order those books, or are we looking for more? I'm pretty sure I just got that sword and the dancing outfit.

[ When isn't the luggage carriage a chaotic mess? Usually Tidus's chaotic mess, and he's already got his eyes peeled for his own name on the different parcels and boxes sitting around, even before Inigo's suggestion. But he gives a quick 'sure!' to it anyway, attentive enough to see where Inigo's directing him to go, and being a good ~~boy~~ pal. ]

I got- three books? But two of 'em should a bundle. [ Should be. ] They better be. I paid 25 points for both of the sets! But the other's just a single book. You can have a look if you find that one.

[ And if Inigo really wants to read a book. ]

A sword shouldn't be hard to find. [ Just a long, narrow vertical box. ...if it's in a box. ] Hey, uh, I should have a bag too, probably. I got some clothes too.

[ Will it be in a bag? Probably. (Actually, it's going to be a suitcase.) But he's really looking for that sword now, certain it's going to be the easiest to spot. ]

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