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[flatteries]

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[adregem]

Waking up? A dream? No, no Roland refuses that kind of talk, even in its symbolism. They've both worked too hard for it, wished and wanted beyond what their hearts could take. Now, the fight has been won and they could live together in peace. He lifts his head up from where it rests against Inigo's hands, a slight shake to dispel the idea. His words come hushed and hurried, but full of sentiment.

"It's not the end, though. Is it, Inigo?" He manages to smile up at him, eventually sitting back to form, shoulders straightened and chest out. The hands on him; no, he won't let go yet. "This is all just the beginning. Right? For you, for me, for Will." Eyes drift close, briefly, before deep browns catch the Brand that still marks Inigo's one pupil. "You're home at last. Let's make the most of it..." Then, Roland laughs, hearty like he won't usually do on regular days when at work or even in play. Opting silence or soft chuckles under his breath, today he's happy enough to chortle, glancing at their forgotten bowls.

"Even if we're starting out with cold cereal for dinner. Again. Anyway. There's always tomorrow."

And then next. And the next. And the next.

[flatteries]

Maybe in this quiet, emotional moment, their hearts are on the same wavelength.

Because Roland doesn't say those words out loud, but it's as if Inigo can hear them too, echoing in his own heart. Tomorrow, and the next day, and the next, and the next.

Future days that used to sprawl out in front of him, caked in dark red dried up blood, in dead bodies risen once more, in darkness and clouds and hidden pain. Days that felt endless, ones where he couldn't tell one day from the next, because it was all the same battle, it was all the same pain blending together.

Days that have now changed, dyed in the gold of the sun that has now finally slipped away past the horizon, instead leaving the sky a shade of dark satin, the stars like little pinpricks overhead. Days soaked in the big eyes Will has whenever he calls him big bro, in Roland's warm smile when he calls him 'son'.

"Yeah. You have a long time to practice until it's something better." They have a long time to practice living this way. To practice being happy. To relive the smiles they had to abandon such a long time ago.

Roland's warm hands linger on his, and Inigo can only think of one thing right now.

"I guess.. it's getting kind of dark already, so can we go cuddle in bed before we sleep?" Going to sleep right away would be a waste, after all, now they're able to fill Roland's bed up with two people, rather than Inigo going to sleep by himself.

[adregem]

Who would Inigo be if not for the boy who couldn't survive without constant touches, hugs and cuddles? Just because Grima was gone and the world was rid of warfare didn't mean that changed too. Roland is immediately tickled pink, rising from his seat while pulling Inigo up by the hand.

"Why did I have a feeling you were gonna say that? Heh." Because Inigo, at this point in their relationship, was predictable? Because Roland knows how to read him bit by bit, similar in ways he didn't think possible for two souls who just so happened to meet in a void, far far away from Earth? No, it's because he's already intuitively certain of what makes Inigo happy. The little things he hopes he can learn about Will one day too. He squeezes their joined hands one last time before he lets go, promptly returning to the abandoned phone and lending it to Inigo. Meanwhile, he takes the bowls cradled against his arm, walking to the sink.

"Why don't you send your brother a text? We'll catch up with him tomorrow? And that we hope he's enjoying himself now that he's in better company?" Clinking of glass and ceramic fill the kitchen; running water following close behind. He won't wash the dishes thoroughly tonight, but he'll rinse them briefly before they retreat upstairs. "I'm just about ready to cuddle and get settled in myself."

[flatteries]

His predictability being pointed out to him like that colours Inigo's cheeks a little, and the moment the phone is handed to him once more, he cradled it to his chest, like it's something important. Something precious.

(And really, isn't everything Roland is getting just for him in this world like that?)

There's a soft 'okay' in response to what the older guy says, though Inigo doesn't follow him just yet. Instead he pulls the phone back to look at the screen.

Not that he sends a text right away. No, first he raises the phone, carefully imitating what he saw before to be able to snap a quick photo - of Roland at work in the kitchen, that is. It's happening behind his back, so Inigo figures he may be able to get away with it without his father noticing.

It's that photo that he sends over to Will, and then adds in text:

Father's punishment for the cereal. I hope it's little-brother-approved. Have fun with the others, make sure to let them all know how cool your big brother is! We will call you again tomorrow, alright?

Inigo smiles down at the message before sending it over to Will, putting the phone back into his pocket. With his hands free, he wanders back over to the kitchen, latching onto Roland's back by wrapping his arms around the guy's waist.

Hey, at least it leaves Roland's hands free to keep rinsing the dishes.

"I think you're getting quite used to cuddling as well, father."

[adregem]

Certainly, it wasn't the click of a camera phone that garners Roland's attention. He's not heavy into the task of washing dishes right now anyway, just content watching warm, running water wash off the bits and flecks that have since stuck to the sides of the bowl. It's not even the sharp ping of a text message that comes through as soon as Inigo sends the message out, and the phone is tucked back into his pockets; William's response a mix of emoji's and words in all-caps, demanding more pictures of Roland's domestic servitude as punishment for his crimes. 'DADDY DOES REALLY GOOD LAUNDRY =D THAT SHOULD BE NEXT'

No, none of these things get him to jerk his head up and attempt to turn around. It's the arms that wrap around his midsection that do it, too affectionate even for someone who has spent so much time cuddling Inigo to sleep on a train with mattresses too cramped for two people. The blush that creeps across his skin from his nape all the way to his ears are because he doesn't know how to react to such a gesture of love, or how to even hug Inigo back when all he can touch are his forearms for support.

How did he truly get so lucky to be allowed these small acts of mercy? After all is said and done and he is still the king who let his world die the first time around? Now, now both his sons are happy to be with him, and the one who saved him, the one he owes it all to, is hugging him like this.

Roland can only tilt his chin down and smile while his face is obscured by their position. The running water stops as soon as his hand turns the faucet off, drips from the spout the only sound to be heard against the fond silence lingering between them. Maybe - just maybe - Roland does deserve to rest with his boys. Lay his arms down, make the most out of the days. How one embrace does this to him, he doesn't want to know, doesn't know what to make out of. But it's nice and he expresses it justly, grasping Inigo's hands with his own in a makeshift embrace without turning at all to face him.

"No thanks to you, heh. You've made me a master cuddler. Or so I'd like to think. You'll still need to be the judge, pup."

He knows there will be a time when they have to move back up to the master bedroom to sleep, but even in front of a kitchen sink with dishes half-clean, he doesn't want to budge for a single minute. Though -

"Sorry. My hands are still wet."

- he says that much too, in response to the hands that try to reciprocate the sentiment Inigo offers.

[flatteries]

To be fair, Inigo probably has absolutely zero idea just how many feelings he is inspiring within Roland with this gesture. These sort of things just come natural to Inigo, after all. There's never much thought behind all of his touches or hugs or cuddles, because it all comes from the same source in his heart. The warmth that wants to seek out others, wrap himself around them and never let go.

But that simple reason is why he enjoys this too. Just clinging to Roland while Roland can still keep on doing the dishes. Letting them both have that affection even during a moment like this.

Even Roland's latter statement just draws out a quiet laugh from him. "I think I can survive some water on my hands."

If that's the worst threat this world has to offer, in comparison to the days he spent fighting..

"You can keep on cleaning the dishes though, you know." It's why Inigo went for the backhug in the first place! If he'd cling to Roland's arm instead, the other would only have one arm and hand to use for cleaning the dishes, which would probably end up disasterously, if the cooking from just now was any indication.

But he has no problem just clinging to Roland while the other works. After all: "I'm not going anywhere."

Free backhugs while working. Is this not the ideal way to work, Roland. Should he come with you to all your meetings.

[adregem]

It's an affection that leaves him no room to argue. Roland's shoulders tremble as his chest heaves a soft laugh, and he decides why not? He'll wash the dishes now, not because they're so urgent he can't leave it for another day, but because it gives him an excuse to stay locked in place, Inigo's arms still firmly rooted where they are around his waist. Perhaps other fathers might think such a gesture is too much for Inigo's age, already a full grown adult by any regular, modern standards...but he knows this kid's heart is purer than any. And in a way, they both grew up with a lack of physical love from both father and son. So what was this except making up for all the lost time? The only downside was that this could have easily turned into a group hug if Will was home. The first few nights of adjusting to his new big brother ultimately ended up in small bouts of tentative touches; Will holding his brother's hand, asking him to lead him to bed. Will slowly getting used to Inigo's cuddling and carrying. It warms the heart to even return to such fond memories, made only weeks before.

The sound of running water fills the kitchen space once more. The hug from behind is accepted wholeheartedly, with Roland's leaned back slightly. "You better not. You're the one spoiling me now, pup. I often wonder how you never get tired of hugging...but that's a rhetoric question, isn't it?"

With only two bowls, the task of washing dishes isn't exactly an arduous one. Even without rushing, Roland sets the last of the spoons and bowls on the drying rack, waddling his feet to grab a tea towel hanging against the wall-mounted rod by the stove. He's really doing his best to make sure Inigo doesn't let go.

"I wonder if we can keep this up till the stairs."

[flatteries]

A laugh bubbles up from his throat. "I think we may have to be a little more careful than that."

Look, it's not as if Roland is ancient or anything, but he's certainly a lot older than anyone Inigo is used to. And being older means you're a bit more fragile, right? The last thing Inigo wants to do is make the whole country worried just because the president happened to break a leg in a mysterious accident..

(Said mysterious accident being him trying to let his son hug him all the way up the stairs, of course, but they can't let the media know that!)

Still, Inigo seems to enjoy the hug for a few moments more as Roland moves throughout the kitchen, only releasing him the moment the other seems done here, ready to move on to their final cuddling location.

"And is it really that weird to never get tired of hugging?"

Inigo knows it's probably a little odd, especially considering no one around him ever seems to be quite as huggy as he is by nature. But it feels so natural to him, to a point where he never even has to think about giving physical affection, especially here with his new family.

"Doesn't anyone like the feeling of having someone close to them?"

[adregem]

He only lingers by the kitchen and hallway to make sure everything is in place. Lights are switched off - save the environment! - chairs are tucked back into the table, cereal and milk returned to their proper places in the cabinet and fridge respectively. The only light Roland leaves on is from the lamp in the living room, casting a cozy warmth into the rest of the house's interior. For once, as Roland looks back on the nest he's created for his new family, revived as is the rest of the world, the President finally feels like he's come home.

Roland checks the locks on the door, double-bolted and secured from the outside with a code activated for the night, before he walks towards the staircase, a hand already finding its way to the smooth banister. His other, is free for him to hold Inigo's hand even if Roland knows Inigo doesn't need it to come upstairs. So what if he feels sentimental over these things? Old men often do.

"Of course most folks like it, pup. But you can't count out people who've gotten so used to not having anyone around that all the affection starts feeling like it's a whole new world." Says the guy who is precisely as he describes to him; how long has it been since he's gotten any sort of love like this at all? It's only now that Roland is rediscovering how healing a good hug can be, especially from someone with mutual affection. Will better be ready for a brand new dad, honestly.

"In fact, before I met you on the train, I can count in one hand how many cuddles I've had or received in the past how many years." Sad to admit, sure. Sad to hear out of his own mouth, yeah. But they're here now, making up for it. He has no shame in admitting his loneliness, however repressed. Perhaps Inigo is the same in his own regard, living day to day in a battlefield for his life, no time to linger in the arms of another whoever they might be.

[flatteries]

It's something Inigo very well understands. Though the difference may be that he's longed for it so much, all that time. After his mother died, and before he found himself on the train, and even then not until he finally felt like he was able to be himself around people - he always surpressed it. Even around his friends, around his sister. Being physically affectionate didn't fit in a world as cruel as his own, and the mask he put on of the invincible, ever-smiling soldier meant that he couldn't seek comfort in others. Couldn't allow himself to.

But he wanted it. Maybe it's why he's been extra cuddly all this time - like he's trying to make up for the lost years.

Like right now. Inigo is waddling after Roland like a duckling bonded to its parent, even when Roland isn't holding his hand as he moves around the room to check everything and make sure everything is turned off. And once the hand is offered to him, he takes it gladly, still following behind Roland.

And he takes in the thing Roland is telling him. Quietly, at first. Maybe since he's contemplating what to say to it. There's a sad side to it, after all, but-- that's not what Inigo wants to focus on here.

Which is why, once he does speak up, his tone takes on a lighter, joking quality as they start moving together.

"Clearly I have to go complain to all your bodyguards and cabinet ministers for not hugging or cuddling you often enough all these years."

Can you imagine it, all those men being physically affectionate with Roland? It's kind of a hilarious mental image to Inigo.

[adregem]

The hilarity is taken as intended. Roland fights back a chortle, shaking his head as they ascend the steps. His house isn't so large that they're needing such a long staircase either, already up on the second floor after a flight and a half. The lights of the hallway are activated through motion-sensor, and that would be a story for another time given how Inigo reacted the first time he walked through these corridors to find his bedroom. Oh, how he screamed...Will thought he was being attacked, and Roland almost fell face first at the fear of his children in peril.

"I'm sure you'll give them an earful, son." Though really, it's a lot to imagine. Secret Service agents clamoring to wrap their arms around him for hugs? And with Roland knowing precisely who they all are, every single face matched to a name after years and years of service; he shakes his head and lets out a quiet chuckle anyway. "What will you do if they say no? Shall we scold them too, for not fulfilling their duties to the president?"

Though if one were to ask him, he has no need to search for cuddles and hugs from grown men when he comes home to two very warm hugs already. From his children who he loves very much. Who cherishes more than anything. He is left wanting for nothing, and he no longer thinks he doesn't deserve it.

He leads them to the master bedroom where the lights are no longer automated, but instead of switches, Roland has installed dials to control the brightness manually. Something about getting headaches with the wattage regardless of the bulb, and how he works late nights hunched over his desk. Apart from the attic, his other personal study area is connected by a long, wooden sliding door next to the closet of his bedroom, but for now they have no need to explore it yet. He lets Inigo fiddle with the light while he lets his hand go to open the light in the bathroom, then running out to the other end, darting towards the door they just entered.

"Get cozy, pup! I'll be right back! I'll grab an extra blanket and - " He peers over the wall before leaving. "Do you need me to go grab some clothes in your room? Do you, err, mind? I don't want to invade your privacy." Plus his toothbrush too.

[flatteries]

"Privacy?" Inigo repeats the word, standing there while he's still fiddling with the light dial a little. Not just because it's fun - okay, maybe partially because it's fun, sue him - but also since he's trying to find the precise right kind of mood lighting that won't be too much for Roland or jostly the other entirely too awake once more while they're still very much busy settling in for bed.

Then he laughs. "Come on, what privacy do I need? This is your-- our house!" A slight slip of the tongue. Not even because Inigo necessarily thinks of things that way - no, he's truly settling in to a point where he's starting to become more familiar with the layout of the house, with where to find most things and how to work all these weird modern devices. But it hasn't been that long yet, in the grand scheme of things.

So it's just enough to make his cheeks flush a bit, but it doesn't make him completely clam up in shyness.

"My pyajamas should be on my bed."

Thankfully it's one of those modern concepts the train prepared him for before he was thrown into a much bigger modern world. Besides, it did feel easier to get Will to put on his pyjamas and go to bed when Inigo did the same, all the while laughing and talking about how they matched.

And while it's not necessary today, with Will at camp, Inigo does still want to very much get comfortable during this cuddle session before bed with his dad.

Inigo smiles. "I'll wait here!"

[adregem]

Roland chides him with a simple shake of his head and a lopsided smile before leaving the room and taking a quick trip to the adjoined bedroom a few steps down the hallway. Maybe Inigo really did just skip the rebellious teen phase where any normal guy his age wouldn't dare to have their parent look through their things. Much less enter their bedroom. But what did Roland expect; between Inigo's penchant for sharing affection and comfort where he can find it, to the times they've cuddled side by side on the train, spaces much cramped than the luxury of their current living quarters. A queen-sized bed waiting for them, with all the room to wiggle around and fall asleep into.

He should count his lucky stars, since Roland is quite certain William wouldn't be as laid back about this in a couple of years...

He doesn't take long, but it's still enough time to give Inigo a good moment or two to roam around Roland's own bedroom. For someone who appreciates the finer things in life, it's surprisingly bare in its furnishings, with the bed frames taking up most of the attention. The desk that lays on each side is empty, except for a book marked with a piece of paper that rests on the mahogany surface, and a half-full glass of water. The other side of the bed is also noticeably deeper, the mattress sinking with Inigo's weight far easier than the firmer right side where once there was somebody else sharing in his bedspace. Now, no longer. But all is as it should be, and Roland has healed in scars even before Inigo entered his life.

Roland jogs back inside the bedroom with his arms full of items. A set of pajamas laid out on his bed as he had pointed out, with the words Brother Bear printed on the front. Never mind that the bear imagery is way too appropriate for Inigo; that was just by luck of the draw. Then the prophesized warm blankets, knit and perfect for the cold. He also took the liberty of borrowing a bigger pillow for him, and a cup with a toothbrush that was inside his bathroom. He has transformed into a thorough father! Maybe.

"Ah, pup? Could you - ?"

[flatteries]

By the time Roland arrives at the room - with his arms stuffed full of various things - Inigo is indeed already sitting on the bed. Still on the edge of it though, as if he doesn't want to properly lay his body down on the matress until he's doing so together with the other guy. The idea of sleeping here in Roland's room isn't so foreign when everything in this world is still so new to Inigo. Between all the time spent cuddling with his new little brother and just generally being very busy exploring this wild new world, Inigo hasn't even spent enough time in his room to really think of that as the default.

Instead every bed where he lies down to cuddle a member of the Crane family feels more like his place to him than anything else.

Roland's request, though, gets him to smile at the other. Inigo immediately gets up, moving across the room towards Roland with a slight spring in his step.

"Why did you even take this much with you?" It's a rethorical question more than anything. Inigo knows the answer by heart. It's since Roland is too kind, too natural of a carer. Always wanting to be overprepared, to shower too much generosity on others. But Inigo has to mention it out loud so he can laugh at it a little as he takes the blankets from Roland, at least, since it's the majority of the other guy's load.

They're dumped rather unceremoniously onto the bed for now by Inigo, but it's mostly since he has something else to do before dealing with those. He returns to Roland to grab the set of pyjamas, pulling off his shirt without really giving it much of a second thought so he can change into them. He's long passed the period where he was ashamed of Roland seeing his skin, let alone the many scars spread all across his torso.

[adregem]

He's about to jog into his own closet to change, but he pauses as the toothbrush in the cup bounces lamely on the duvet. Roland shakes his head amusedly and leans over his hip for it, while Inigo changes casually into sleepwear. Admittedly, able to glance at the time from the wall clock, it was probably too early to sleep at fifteen minutes past eight in the evening. They spent more time chatting than he realized. Yet it didn't seem to matter so much as soon as he glimpses Inigo putting on his pajama pants from the bathroom mirror, leaned back on the mattress with a grin on his face. It was everything else that made such a mundane thing so special; the fact that Inigo is so comfortable around him now, after so long. That the scars on Inigo's body are just that - scars, no more signs of the past than the worlds they've left behind for home. And while this might not be the first night they've fallen asleep together, he isn't one to take for granted how nice it is to wake up on the same space with the warmth of a family that has finally healed.

He's not going to waste any more time.

In a similar fashion, Roland discards his own top, buttons popping with deft fingers. Behind the door of his bathroom is the dad version of the same set: Papa Bear printed in the same font on the shirt. Topping it off with a fluffy robe, he ties it by the waist and creaks the door to call out to Inigo.

"Pup, teeth."

When Inigo enters, he will find Roland messing with his hair, running his hands through a much shorter cut. Humming as he seems to focus on the emerging grays streaking the sides.

"...Should I dye my hair back to black?"

[flatteries]

Thank Naga for Roland helping Inigo remember that (dental) hygiene is a very new but important topic for him ever since having left Ylisse.. If it wasn't for the fact that he'd be reminded to actually brush his teeth, he'd just totally end up forgetting.

But despite the fact that it doesn't come natural to him, it's not like Inigo whines about having to do it at all. Instead he just obediently moves over into the bathroom when Roland calls out for him, a smile on his face.

Especially as he hears that question.

"What's wrong, papa bear?" That joke is only half as funny when Will isn't around - because the best part of it is being able to call him baby bear and squeezing him into a tight hug, of course - but it manages to amuse Inigo all the same as he voices the words out loud. "You don't like the way it looks right now?"

Considering how little Inigo has had to deal with or even see the greying of hairs before now, it's not like he knows a lot of the problems and doubts that surround it for older people. Hence why he says it pretty casually as he grabs his toothbrush.

[adregem]

He makes some room for Inigo while still looking at the mirror. Dental health is a must in this household! Gotta flash everyone a killer, mega-watt smile after all!

He's also not going to hide the wider smile he sports after hearing Inigo call him that monicker, because Roland is definitely not the type of person to feel sentimental about a funny nickname. H-He's not! Don't mistake that expression for anything but!

"It's not so much as me not liking it, but..." Roland trails off, hearing the running water hit the sink and deciding it might be enough grooming for now, reaching for his own toothbrush on the opposite corner. "I don't know. Maybe I'm overthinking it." An understatement for the ages, whereas both guys seem to overthink things easily. The unspoken truth of the matter is that Roland wants to continue looking good, not just for his sons but for the rest of the world when he inevitably steps down from the head honcho's seat.

Then again, the salt and pepper look on older men seems to be a fad that isn't going away any time soon.

...

"You can dye your hair too, you know." He manages to say through the spittle and foam of toothpaste in his mouth. Vigorous brushing of teeth to accompany the difficulty of speaking, but he manages to do it as gracefully as one might expect. "Want to try one day?"

[flatteries]

"Well.."

The suggestion clearly seems to leave Inigo looking a little unsure. Not totally upset or anything, but maybe the look on his face is best summed up by the word hesitant. After all, his hair colour may just be the one thing tying him back to his own world. And while he's left that world behind, since the past would head into a new future, it still feels a little like totally leaving behind his father and his mother. The ones from his own future, who died so long ago. Like totally leaving behind his sister, still somewhere out there in the multiverse.

"Maybe something temporary?" He ends up saying with a small smile, having managed to squeeze most of the awkward out of it before it ends up on his face, though not necessarily all of it.

He's put toothpaste on his toothbrush by now, sticking it into his mouth and starting to brush his teeth and talk at the same time - like a true genius.

"Bwut I dunno bwhat colour suits we."

[adregem]

"Well that's easy." Roland offers before he gargles and spits out mouthwash into the basin. Think he can't understand that gibberish as Inigo brushes??? False! He is a master interpreter at all things Son! (Now, at least.) "Pink."

Whether or not he says this because he knows who Inigo's biological mother is or if he truly means it in a stylish way, having a keen eye for these things on his own, will forever be a mystery. Perhaps, it could even be both! But the fears Inigo has are assuaged either way, right as he reaches for floss.

"Anyway, whatever you decision, you don't have to worry about dye being permanent at all. Every hair dye is temporary. Give it time and your original hair color will start to show by the roots until it grows out completely."

Which is why if he ever decides to go black again, he's gonna have to keep doing it over and over. But the more he stares at himself in the mirror, some thoughts drifting here and there to how the other was doing, if they were settling in well to a new world...he tries not to let his stern brow show too much. He finishes brushing his teeth first and waits for Inigo while leaning his lower back against the countertop. Arms crossed over his chest, in idle watching.

"I've just been thinking about what else you can do while you get acquainted with this world. Apart from your usual hobbies, of course." And speaking of usual hobbies, the idea comes so suddenly that he jolts from his position, his hand making a fist as if determined to make it come true already. "Hey! What about landscaping the backyard so you and Will can garden? I'm sure he'd appreciate growing flowers and things with you."

[flatteries]

.. pink. That kind of is the perfect suggestion, isn't it. Inigo seems to like it too, just judging by the look in his eyes and the way he shifts when he hears it. He is kind of curious what it'd look like, himself with pink hair - it's hard to imagine, even when he looks at himself in the mirror like he's doing right now.

He can't help but wonder if it's the same for Roland. If it's hard for him to imagine this older appearance with his more youthful hair colour.

But Inigo already knows. Regardless of anything else, he'll support his father's ideas in anything. Like the next one that comes up.

Inigo finishes brushing up, spitting out the remaining toothpaste into the sink before he speaks more gibberish.

"That'd be fun. And it'd be good for Will too, right?" Of course that's where Inigo's thoughts go first. As much as Roland is constantly looking out for his sons, Inigo in turn can't help but look out for his little brother as well. "It's a way he can still be outside more often, even after camp's finished."

Even if the other may have healed completely, Inigo still feels like the boy has probably got years of outside time to catch up on.

[adregem]

"Ahhh, well. I think I've got one other thing lined up for you boys that'll get you under the sun."

If Roland had planned the conversation to go in this direction, it's completely up to the unpredictable nature of the president's mental trajectory. But for all accounts, the progression is par the course of Roland never quite being explicit about something. Leaving the statement open-ended is deliberate too; saving it for when they're in bed with the only lights coming from their bedside tables. It'd be a good way to close the day, he thinks, the timing lining up just right. He stands straight again and takes Inigo by the hand after he finishes his routine, closing the bathroom door and leading them to the soft, queen-sized mattress. Roland lays by the spot that's not as dipped into the springs, firmer against his back, leaving Inigo on the side where Roland would normally sleep alone.

Blankets are thrown over, lights dimmed, and soon they reconvene in a cuddle between father and son that they've grown so accustomed to, it's almost like slotting two pieces against fitted spaces. His arm is around Inigo's shoulders, but despite Inigo's attempts to cuddle well and true, Roland seems to be reaching for something from beneath the bed. Only the sound of ruffling can be heard from his side.

"It's not quite a bedtime story, but I hope it can excite you all the same. Here. Why don't you read this, pup?"

When Roland emerges, he hands Inigo a brown folder. He says nothing else and watches for his reactions instead. What Inigo will find nestled inside may just take him back to their crazy adventures, millions of void spaces away. For printed in big, black, bold letters is the cover page of a project named after William and Inigo for a charity dedicated to children. Orphans, those in foster care, those who were abandoned...The very same charity Roland had spoke of to Inigo when they were playing coffee shop so many moons ago.

The one he is giving to his two boys, to inspire others of similar hearts in finding their true passions in life. Never again to be without a home or place to belong to. Roland wonders if Inigo remembers, but something tells him he has nothing to worry about.

[flatteries]

Inigo honestly doesn't see it coming. He's more than glad just like this. Being dragged along to bed, settling in there. A bed that feels different than his own, but not in a bad way. Especially not with that familiar body right next to him. Even now aged, some things just don't change - something about the warmth of Roland's body next to his own, so close together, is the same now as it has always been.

If he'd close his eyes right now, he could almost imagine like it's like the old days. Like they're right there on the train. The only thing that keeps the illusion from being perfect is the fact that the bed underneath him right now is by far too comfortable to be a bunk.

Besides, he's snapped out of the thought quickly by the sudden ruffling sound, and then being handed something.

At first he doesn't realise what it is. Squinting in the dim light, Inigo looks at the folder. He opens it, trying to be careful about it and not accidentally drop it all over the bed..

Ah.

The look on Inigo's face as he stares up at it should tell Roland enough. He remembers exactly what this is, no matter how long ago the conversation has been by now.

"You.. remembered."

Maybe it shouldn't be surprising. Roland has never let him down on any promise he's ever made him. He's always been weirdly thoughtful, remembering even small things and turning them into bigger gestures.

And yet, somehow, the man can still catch him off guard at moments like these.

"You're-- Are we really doing this?" Inigo doesn't sound like he's rejecting the idea at all. No, it just sounds like he's surprised. This is a big thing to suddenly turn into reality, even if it's not just for Inigo's sake.

[adregem]

"Yeah. If you're still up for it. And of course I remembered. I told you. I'm not the kind of guy who forgets."

No statement bears more weight than this. Roland could be many things. He has been the worst type of father; he is trying to be better still. Worlds away, behind a mirror out of his reach, there is another man who bears his younger face and they share destinies whether or not he wants it. He is many things and none of them all at once, but the one promise he will stake his life not to break is the one where he vows to remember. Every chapter, every moment, every milestone. Every failure, every regret.

That day on the train when they sipped coffee together and laughed, he realized there was more than just a simple future of getting by waiting for Inigo. Roland wasted no time getting to work, drafting plans on paper, committing every word and schema to memory. His notebook filling up to the very final page until he had to buy another one just to keep the work going; yes, he knew what he had to do when the opportunity presented itself. And even when they were separated for a time before Inigo found a way to bring things back, Naga's blessings to thank for their inevitable reunion, Roland still remembered. The promises he made to him, the vow to open the doors of the world to a boy that felt so out of place after sacrificing so much to save the past.

Here, he hopes, Inigo can belong the way he's always wanted. The way he's never given himself permission to.

Roland leans to the side, touching shoulders, shuffling the pages to show Inigo draft sketches of every building of the compound he had already arranged. There were rough drafts of kitchens, living quarters...but also dance studios with mirrors from wall to wall, and libraries with high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows. There is a community garden by the first floor, and a gymnasium to the other side. It's bare, not even conceptual drawings of what it could be, but that's by design. He wants his sons to be involved. He wants their imaginations to dictate how this charity would be run, how it would look to the kids they would invite to live. He wants them to turn it into a home, a real one, the way they did his own.

After he finishes showing Inigo the sketches, he skips pages to the final sheet of paper where Roland's signature is printed in black ink. At the bottom is surprisingly, William's scribbled name, and then a blank space with Inigo's Earth-given name.

"All that's left is for you to sign off on it, and both of you will be the primary proprietors. You get creative control of it all. You can make your dreams come true." He clears his throat quietly, pulling back only slightly, searching Inigo's profile for any signs of approval. "I...I hope the drawings are okay. Granted, they're rough drafts for now. I wanted you two to figure out how each room would look, especially the dance studio. Do you need more details? I can arrange that later."

[flatteries]

Inigo stares at it all silently. Every single drawing, every outline, as rough at it may still be. But they're still enough to imagine what it may be like, a place like that filled with people. It all feels like so much - it had already felt like so much back when Roland presented the idea to him for the first time, but it's something else to see it slowly becoming more concrete. And then there's Will's name already on it - Inigo can only imagine how the other may approach this, with overwhelming enthusiasm, not even knowing where to start. It's like he can hear the kid's voice in his head already.

It's only when he hears that last thing Roland says, the stammer in his voice, that Inigo turns his attention and imagination away from the pictures and back towards Roland, turning his head a little so he can better see the older man, a small smile on his face.

"You always do that, father!" It doesn't sound accusing - well, not in any serious way, anyway. It sounds light instead, amused. Like seeing the well-known habit of a loved one. "You always do these huge great things, and then you suddenly start wondering if it's all okay. As if you aren't doing something great."

And sure, Inigo is probably the person who's the least allowed to call Roland out on this, since Inigo is even more uncertain of his own plans at least 99% of the time. But he's the one present here right now, so he has to be the one to do it.

"I mean, setting up even all of this.. It can't have been easy." There has been actual effort put into this already. And all that on top of how busy Roland already is from day to day. "Though I'm sure the end result will be worth it."

Even if Inigo can't save all of the kids he's failed so much in the past, maybe he can at least slowly start to make up for it with this.

[adregem]

"Do I, now?" Roland laughs under his breath, sheepish in the slight profile he shows as him while his gaze drops to his lap now blanketed with layers of warm fleece and wool. If he moved his leg a little bit more to the side, he'd be knocking heels with Inigo, which he does by accident as he adjusts in his seat. None of it bothers him at all, more pleased that the surprise is well-received.

"I wouldn't say this is 'great' just yet, but it can be." He adds, intertwining one of their hands again, bouncing it once in affection. "With you on board, it'll only be a matter of time." And even if Inigo is already used to things like this, hearing words of praise from Roland left and right, it doesn't make the habit of showing Inigo how much he supports him any less meaningful.

"I'll admit the work has yet to really begin, but...it's a group effort. Don't worry about it. I have fun doing things for you guys. Really."

He lets Inigo study the blueprints for a bit longer, but when he is ready to take them back, they're easily tucked away back in the folders from under his bed. The rest of this project could wait till the morning, or however long they needed. Not for the first time does Roland realize they really did have the chance to savor each day as it came and went. Tonight was no longer for surprise projects and paperwork; not anymore.

Tonight, Roland is no longer alone. Without prompting from Inigo, he is already wrapping his arms around him, getting ready to cuddle for bed.

"That's enough of that for now. Come on. Bed time, pup. Get cozy."