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[ Is Inigo ever okay?

The answer is no, he's never okay. But at least when it comes to the potato right now-- ]

I'm fine. [ It's not the potato that's killing him.

It's his gay disaster self.

For a moment - because let's face it, it's never more than a moment with these two - they're quiet, just the sound of their cutlery filling the air as they eat for a moment. Until Inigo speaks up again. ]

.. I think confidence suits you ever more.

Oh no. [ Is this an actual compliment? Trying to hand him over a compliment like he more deserves it? Don't mind if Tidus is wary at times - it comes from a place of concern, suspicious of Inigo selling himself short, or putting praise towards those he thinks deserve it more than him.

Because that's the problem: he certainly can't have it. So get a nudge, bro- ] You're wearing the confidence today. You've earned it, right? And now you get to enjoy good food-- the steak's good, [ you know, just an FYI from the guy who's finished swallowing up his bite. ]

Even more reason to get to enjoy your not-birthday hangout with Taiki when we get back. Anything you want for it?

[ Asked with a lilt, a tease, Tidus leaning into Inigo, if just for a few seconds. What do you want, biiirthday boooy? ]

I am enjoying good food! [ In fact, Inigo will even demonstrate that, quickly lifting the steak a little with his fork, and then attempting to just bite a piece off it, because Inigo is the most uncultured person to have ever existed, apparently.

(It doesn't go so well, given that it's a steak, but he has a moment anyway while Tidus is busy teasing him about being the upcoming birthday boy.)

He manages to swallow right after Tidus voices the question, giving him the ideal opportunity to answer. ]

And I actually have an idea for that, you know! [ This, too, he actually manages to say confidently! He has an idea for a present! For something he actually wants and is capable of asking for, for once in his life!

Though the confidence quickly starts to fade when he realises that he's unsure whether saying this out loud is a good idea or not.

Hence why there's a bit of an awkward pause with Inigo idly poking at his steak before he continues. ]

I.. um, I was just thinking.. We could probably get some.. stuff here.. [ Is he being incredibly vague enough yet? Maybe the way he's starting to blush is a hint. ] O-Only if you want to, though!

[ To be fair to Inigo, Tidus chewed a bite out of his steak that way first. It's cool bro, we're both animals here.

But unfortunately for Inigo, him being vague isn't anything unusual. Especially when he wants to prove himself - prove that he is a confident boy, that has ideas and that they're good, ....without actually having to put a name of a thing or idea forward.

But it's okay, this time. Because for once, Tidus is here to be a 100% encouraging, not about to point out what he's doing. ] 'Course I want to! What're you thinking though? Some...extra activities? Games we can play?

[ Aha. ] I saw this one earlier: Dungeon Master. Cheesy title, [ he knows, ] but it looked intense, and the session can go on for hours. And we can get other people in on the action too!

[ Bro. Wouldn't it be fun!? Look at how eager Tidus looks!! ]

[ The miscommunication is almost tragic here. Though Inigo, after a moment of thought, seems to realise what Tidus is doing here. That the other is trying to subtly meet him in the middle, but it's a middle where Tidus is imagining Inigo's other end to be looking dramatically different from what it actually is. ]

Ah-- No, I...

[ His voice trails off. Would it be weird to say it now, after Tidus assumed he just wanted some fun stuff to do with the guys for the 'birthday' party?

But as he thinks, he keeps coming across what Tidus told him earlier. Confidence suits him. Confidence suits him. Confidence suits him, so--

Inigo puts his fork down, shoving it into the lunchbox, and leans a little closer towards Tidus. Trying so hard to swallow his nervous, flustered feelings and instead look more confident about what he's saying. ]

No, I meant stuff for something we can do with just the two of us afterwards. Like earlier this month.

[ NAGA, GOD, HE'S SO NERVOUS. If this ends up backfiring on him he's just going to run outside and let one of the monsters eviscerate him, he swears to Naga-- ]

You know what I mean, right? Wouldn't you like that?

[ There is the downside of this plan that Tidus remembers; or rather, going with something as intense as a game called Dungeon Master when this hang-out also involved Taiki. Would he like a spooky game like that? No way. But he was looking at the lighter themed ones too, and he isn't sure where Inigo is going when he doesn't finish. Saying, too- ]

Well, there was one...

[ Time to join in the half-finished thought session. Wasn't there a game where you got to see animals? Take care of them? He wants to add it to the suggest, at least for Taiki's benefit, nevermind the apprehensions that Inigo might be having here about technology when it could be a good thing.

Tidus doesn't even notice how Inigo's moved to sit until he starts to speak, blinking at the sight once biting off his potato from his fork. And--

oh.

Oh.

That's a second thing not to realise: to comprehend what exactly Inigo is talking about so casually. But fortunate for the other guy and not getting a repeat of what just happened, there's only one place where the two of us, like earlier this month takes Tidus. The shift in his expression subtle, but quiet, modest; a crease at the ends of his lips that makes him look almost shy. Not helped by the lower note he speaks with. ]

Ofhh, uh... [ --wait, let him swallow this potato he forgot he had in this mouth. ] --If you wanna look for one of those kind of shops...

[ Going into a sex shop......even on a different world, it's embarrassing! But if Inigo's okay with it, can he be so dumb about it?! So he tries to swallow down his own apprehensions, before: ]

When do you wanna go? Tomorrow?

Yeah! Let's go there together tomorrow.

[ No one has any idea just how much effort is being used here to not outwardly die as much as he's inwardly dying when he's saying that. Instead Inigo just smiles. Casual, confident, like this is absolutely nothing to him. He can talk about this easily. He's a confident guy! He can be the confident guy Tidus wants!! If all of his acting back home paid off for anything, it's for this single moment right here. ]

We have to use this chance while we've got it, right? Who's to say if there will even be anything like that in the next world we visit. [ And Inigo kind of feels like screaming at the idea of trying to buy it from the train shop. The last thing he needs is for the train to be aware of what they're doing, okay.

He reaches out with one hand, putting it on Tidus's thigh. ]

And I can't imagine any birthday present I'd rather get than us being able to actually do it together back on the train. [ H-HAHAAAA...

IT'S COOL. THIS IS FINE. BREATHE, INIGO, BREATHE!! ]

[ oh shit oh fuck this is far too sexy

And even that's simplifying the array of emotions Inigo is slamming him with right now. Where is this Inigo coming from, speaking so casually about these things, when Tidus wants to start making screaming-adjacent sounds and never stop? But they're having a discussion here, being serious about it, and so Tidus is doing his best to swallow down his nerves that are growing by the dozen, filling up the space that he might've had left for food.

Especially when Inigo puts a hand on his thigh like that, saying what it does. The birthday present that he wants...

Thoughts should be here, but his mind is blank. Some agreement, approval; but there's no words his mouth knows to speak, only that knowledge that Inigo wants to be with him, sexually. And so the better first response that comes to Tidus is when he leans into their already small distance, pressing his lips onto Inigo's and letting them sit there, losing his fork inside its container so he can put a hand to the side of his face.

He lingers, giving himself those few seconds before he pulls away, finally- ]

Okay. [ Okay. ] If that's what you want, then...we can buy whatever you like. [ Whatever....t-toys...

But: ] We're still having a party, [ he reminds as a warning, light, before giving Inigo another quick peck. ]

[ There's only so long Inigo can pull off the confident guy act.

Especially in the face of this. This totally unexpected kiss, initiated by Tidus. And not even just one small kiss, no. The other lingers, and then there's fingers against the skin of Inigo's cheek, and even after the other pulls away, there's yet another kiss.

Briefly Inigo feels like he's going to pass out. And while he's hoping it's not visible on his face, it very much is visible. His eyes wide, staring, mouth hanging open after Tidus pulls away.

Tidus kissed him first. Tidus kissed him first. Tidus kissed him first and is also totally agreeing to Inigo's idea about what they should do later--

Inigo moves to cling to Tidus, arms around the other's shoulders, almost managing to knock both of their meals off their laps with the sheer force of his movement. But he's not thinking about the food.

That's impossible when his heart feels entirely filled by the other. ]

I'm so happy you came along with us on the mission.

[ Since even though Tidus being with purple - or near purple - has been more common lately, it's still not something that happens each time. And this time-- ]

You've made it so much better so far.

[ Tidus can't read that face. That initial face, stunned, but why? Unsure what caused it, and was it him? Have they never kissed like this? Did he imagine it? Led by the kind of kisses he likes and he's taken some step too far.

But then there's arms going around him, and Tidus might be the one more baffled here, the one left stunned by the emotion that seems to pour out. The lunchboxes clatter onto the floor, but Tidus doesn't even look at them as he sits there, unsure what to do about the guy with him, on him. A hand uselessly hanging out until he rests it at the space between Inigo's side and back.

'Are you okay?' is the question he wants to ask, but he doesn't want to give off the wrong impression - if it would be wrong. So Tidus decides for something safer, a soft laugh as he pats Inigo's side. ]

You that happy about getting a birthday party? [ Or about the afterparty sex? --ughhh no we're not joking or thinking about that!! ] No getting cold feet on the day! You hear?

[ Because surely, this can't be about the mission really. ]

[ Inigo lets out a sound that sounds half-amused and half-exasperated, because.. really? Inigo says that, and Tidus just thinks it's about the party? Surely he's got party on the brain.

He slowly pulls back again. ]

Yes, I am excited for the party.

[ His tone carries the same note. Kind of exasperated, but in a fond sort of way. ]

But what I was trying to say just now is that I'm just happy you're here with me. I don't know what I would've done when that Risen showed up if you hadn't been there. Or back on the platform. Or just.. having nice little moments like this now.

[ Even if they involve sex talk. ]

It's just.. weirdly nice. It gives me a bit less pressure about this whole mission.

[ bro, are you making fun of him!! like an exasperated parent!! please, his feelings are very sensitive!! ]

Well - maybe you should come with me more on missions! [ He says it like it's the obvious solution, though too delightfully cheerful to be entirely sincere, or like it might be followed. Has Inigo ever team hopped except the time they met? And only because Inigo couldn't swim.

But that's not really what Tidus wants to say, letting his head tilt towards the couch, though it doesn't quite get to rest on it. But he's comfortable anyway. (Food?? What food) ]

I don't think it's that different from when we hang out though, you know? You have my back, I have yours. Always. And even if we can't do much investigating like the train wanted us to, we can get stuff for people. See if they can mess around do something with it. Free clothes, and all that?

[ Eheh. ] We deserve an easy mission!

[ Filled with criminal activity. ]

[ Filled with criminal activity and total nonsense.

And sex shops. ]

Well, it's true that things usually feel a bit more high stakes than this. [ Like the constant fighting in Erda, or the meteorite they were immediately confronted with on Nion. Not that there isn't some bad stuff going on here, but it's not like it seems like it's threatening to kill the entire city.

So it does feel a bit more like hanging out than it usually does during these missions. ]

.. and, you know..

[ He looks away for a moment, but then glances back at Tidus, a small smile on his face. He leans his head over onto Tidus's shoulder, in that sort of way where it's hard to tell if he's teasing or if this is just one of those dumb affectionate Inigo things. ]

Maybe I will come with you on a mission next time. Be careful what you wish for.

[ The position might mean that Tidus can't really properly look at Inigo, but with a challenge like that, does he need to? Tidus scoffing in a way that says said challenge is accepted, playfully bold. ]

Is that meant to scare me? You should be thinking if you can handle it! [ ohhh yeahhh, Inigo!!! ] Hanging out with everyone in Red? Or getting to be with all the kids on Blue Team?

[ As kids make up a majority of Blue Team.

but shut up he likes the kids ]

Are you trying to tell me the kids are that intimidating?

[ Please! He may not know them very well, but he's seen them. He hung around with Romeo that time they were putting together the Madnug. Inigo knows that they're a bunch of the cutest softest kids around. ]

I'm pretty sure I can handle how sweet and adorable they are. [ Just wait until Inigo proceeds to get pushed around by a bunch of kids. ] I almost have to wonder if you like going with them so much since you can handle them, but can't handle me.

[ Because he's just THAT COOL. You know it's true, Tidus! Inigo is too hot to handle!! ]

[ Spoken like a fool who has not had kids look at them with beady big eyes. F o o l.

But for all the terrifying truths that Tidus could be spilling about the younger ones of Blue Team, those last words sure are a Tidus bait if he ever heard any. He angles his head to try and get as best a view of the guy on his shoulder, speaking bold. ]

Oh yeah? How so? I'd say I handle you pretty well.

[ You think he can't handle you buddy?? ]

[ Inigo moves his head back up.

Just so Tidus can see his expression. Just so Tidus can see the challenge in it. Because yes, this is very much Tidus bait. It's intentional bait, even. ]

I think I've yet to see an example of you handling me.

[ Nevermind the fact that Inigo was literally just now thanking Tidus for making things easier for him. It's all going out of the window for a moment, just for this piece of bait. ]

Haven't you! [ The bait, the bait has been taken--

and that's not the only thing being taken as Inigo will feel a touch at his sides, a tugging-- no, that's Tidus grabbing and pulling him with all the exaggerated grunting that should go with any bro-lifting, a ] Tiiime to handle you! [ sing-songed for good measure.

And where can Tidus really take Inigo, except maybe lift him off his butt, moving himself back on the couch and end up dangling him over him from there? MAYBE HE CAN RAISE HIM TO THE POINT OF GETTING INIGO'S CHEST IN HIS FACE!

again: what food ]

[ SWEET NAGA, HE IS BEING MANHANDLED. IT'S HAPPENING, OH NO, IT'S HAPPENING, ALL OF HIS DREAMS ARE COMING TRUE.

Even though it's happening in a joking way. He knows it's a joking way. It's visible off everything. Tidus's voice, the tone in his voice, it's all one big joke. Even though Inigo may enjoy being picked up and moved around like this by Tidus more than he'd admit to.

But Inigo sees another chance in all of it. It helps that Tidus is sitting down, and it makes Inigo have the chance to wriggle himself out of the other's grasp just enough to move down slightly--

And end up sitting right on Tidus's lap. Facing him.

Perfect. ]

Oh no, what a compromising position we've found ourselves in.

[ Heh. HEH.

Inigo has the biggest shiteating grin on his face as he says it. ]

[ Is this flirting.

Tidus's hands keep to Inigo's sides, if lowering close to his waist, their faces close and bold. Where this is heading being anyone's guess, if you're a guy like Tidus. But Inigo knows exactly where he's taking this, and there's no doubt with everything Inigo is at this moment; a shiteating grin being met by a daring look, Tidus locking his hold at those sides, his own gaze straight on. ]

Huh. Bet you've been wanting to get here for a while. [ Heh. ] You sure you're gonna be able to wait 'til your birthday?

[ Punk? Can you keep yourself away? Though the mood for Tidus is still pointed towards dumb than arousing. Like there's a backdown to be won here.

And Inigo's gonna be the one to lose. ]

[ There definitely is something dumb in the air here. After all, if there wasn't, both of them would most likely already be reduced to awkward messes at this point.

But the joking tone keeps this all light, keeps Inigo from freaking out that he is finally in the spot where - yes, okay, Tidus is right - he's been wanting to be for a while now. ]

Of course I can wait. [ N-Not that he isn't excited already!! But he's not going to admit that now, since this feels like it's heading dangerously close towards a game of gay chicken, and Inigo can't admit to the full gay he feels inside. ]

But nothing is wrong with getting a preview by sitting here, right?

[ There is definitely a competition here, one that Tidus isn't used to, but he isn't going to let that have him lose. Humming thoughtfully (or pretending to), and does he dare? ]

I think you got a view just like this one before. [ If you know what he means, a giddiness fluttering in Tidus. Referring to previous sexual encounters? Scandalous!! ] You were moving a lot more then too...

[ Don't mind his sly, low voice, and just give him a reaction, buddy!! He's waiting!! ]

[ There's a moment where Inigo is thinking. He's probably trying to think of when he's sat on Tidus's lap before..

.. but then, inevitably, his thoughts drift off to the actual scandalous event from before. And it's one thing to be confident about it when he's the one bringing it up, when he has time to prepare himself.

But when he suddenly recalls the way he was getting himself off on Tidus's hand? It's not such smooth sailing.

Maybe Tidus is going to win today after all, since Inigo's face is slowly starting to grow red. ]

B-But you liked that! [ He sputters.

A last attempt. ]

[ Inigo got to where Tidus wanted him to go eventually. Maybe he wasn't on his lap then, but he was close enough to it, hovering over him and only being propped up by that one hand on his chest. ]

What's wrong, Inigo? [ But what matters right now is the present, Inigo losing his cool and Tidus gaining more of it, the hands rested on Inigo's sides sloooowly slide down past his thighs, coming close for his fingers to get a touch of a butt.

His face coming in closer to Inigo's - now who's wearing the shiteating grin here? ]

You can't handle this?

[ (honestly, the grin is so wide because he's chuckling some, feeling absolutely goofy) ]

[ NO, HE CAN'T.

That's what he knows the answer is, but it's not what he wants to say here. Even though the touch of Tidus's hand is definitely shifting this from something joking to something a bit more arousing to Inigo, and he's really trying to hold back having that sort of reaction. It'd make things so awkward, for one, and so he bites his tongue.

Come on, Inigo. Be strong. Think of something incredibly unsexy. You can do it. ]

D.. Do you have any idea how often I've been close to you, huh? [ Often initiated by Inigo himself! Like.. right now, actually.

Oh no, he put himself into this trap. ]

If I couldn't handle that by now, there'd be something wrong with me!

[ And yet his facial expression definitely looks a little nervous.

And he may be shifting nervously on Tidus's lap juust a little. ]

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