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[ Tidus isn't expecting this reaction. Nothing close to this, not even scratching by it, and so it comes as a surprise. He doesn't have a second to think of where it went wrong, what more he said than the words that Inigo repeats. And-- he didn't mean it like that. Surely Inigo knew he didn't mean it like that? But then he's stepping closer to him, and Tidus doesn't take a step back when he does-

but he does flinch when the hand comes for him, yanks him in, leaving Tidus in wide-eyed disbelief. Stunned, lost; not knowing what to say, his hands held at his sides. ]

I... [ Slowly, pathetically- ] I'm sorry, Inigo...

[ What else was there for him to say? To express? It didn't matter what he meant or thought, and more how upset Inigo was, the tears trailing down his cheeks. He came all this way to cheer him up, and here he was, doing the utter and complete opposite.

Tidus doesn't move back or away. He stands in place, just a pitiful look on his face. ]

[ It would have been a lot easier if Tidus had shouted back at him. Or even if Tidus had made some dumb joke that dismissed everything Inigo said. Getting hurt even after his own outpouring of hurt would be one thing to deal with.

But this look on Tidus's face is too much to bear. It's as if Inigo didn't realise just how much he was throwing all of his worries out there. Everything that he's been cropping up for ages, ever since the first time he had his heart broken when he watched Yuki walk away, not even turning back at him one last time. Maybe this was going to happen at some point or another though. It was an inevitable. Inigo couldn't expect to be able to keep that hurt to him forever.

Except now it came out in the worst possible way.

Inigo's expression shifts to shocked as what he's done slowly dawns upon him, and his grip on Tidus's hoodie gets lighter, though he still doesn't fully let go at first. Instinct dictates he should try to laugh it off. Play it down.

But he can't. Tidus looks so much like a kicked puppy. He can't. ]

No, I'm... I'm sorry.

[ He finally lets go. ]

I shouldn't have raised my voice at you. It's not.. It's not like any of this is your fault.

[ Tidus shakes his head, but it takes a moment for him to speak. There's something he wants to say than to leave it there, to simply brush it away, move on like they could. That inspired feeling from Inigo--he never wanted that, and truthfully, he's reminded that sometimes...he just does this to the guy, without meaning to. Because they're different, 'cause he doesn't take seriously the things Inigo does. ]

I know it's a gamble, getting close to people here. They can just disappear--people who mean a lot to you. I hope they're going home to good places, but... I'd miss them too. I'd miss you especially, Inigo. [ And he looks up at him, though he wasn't particularly avoiding Inigo's eye. Just looking elsewhere as he speaks. ]

I guess I'm the one worrying too much. I know if it was me, I... well. [ He tips his head, pulls a mirthless smile. ] It would be hard to lose a dad twice.

[ That time, he does avoid Inigo's eye. Lets it linger on the tiled flooring in a quiet second or so. Lifts it back up with a quiet sigh. ]

...I told you, before--there was a reason why I didn't want to get with Yuna, right? Back when I told you about Spira and Sin.

[ A conversation he didn't want to have at the time. Asked Inigo to drop it. ]

[ There are so many things he could say. That it's unfair of Tidus to say something like I'd miss you especially when Inigo is already feeling so emotionally vulnerable. Or that it'd be hard for him to lose a dad twice too, but that it feels like if he's already carrying along the pain of Yuki's loss still to the best of his ability, he can bear more on top of that.

But before he can say anything, there's that last thing. And Inigo remembers. They had a handful of conversations like that, right? Much earlier on. When Tidus would talk about something from back home, and Inigo would try to dig a little depeer before being stopped. ]

.. yes. [ So he dips his head into a slight nod. Recognition in his eyes, but the earlier vulnerability leaves a hint of worry. ] Do you.. Are you sure you want to talk about it?

[ He doesn't want to force Tidus just because he feels sorry for what was basically just Inigo upsetting himself, mostly. ]

It's fine. [ It's Inigo--and he doesn't have to reveal the entire story. Just the parts that are relevant, and it isn't as if he hasn't shared some of it already. A small smile given to Inigo, a pause before Tidus can start. ]

I, the thing is... I'm not really from Spira like Yuna. Zanarkand...it's different from the rest of Spira, so...

[ He stops. Needs a second to figure how to continue. ]

...I won't see her again, if either of us leave the train. I can't go back there. [ His hands flex at his sides, head tipping guiltily. ] She told me, she was looking for a way to reach me. It's been two years... and you know, I didn't want her to. I didn't want her to...cling on, when she could be moving on. Find a new guy. I don't remember any of those two years... I got picked up before I left her.

[ He laughs like it's funny. Truthfully, it's just an easier way to frame it. Like it's just time stuff, and nothing else. Being from different times, not being there with her in two years, or ever again. ]

...but I just made a bigger mess of things, saying we shouldn't get together. To be honest, I was scared. I didn't wanna hurt her again. I really hate hurting her.

[ He speaks it softly, vulnerable. A sort of reflection on his voice as he carries on. Admits- ]

I guess I'm being a hypocrite, telling you to be careful. Sometimes...you just need to go for it, right? Live without regrets. Cherish each other, no matter what.

[ He settles his wandering gaze on Inigo then, a more sincere smile pulled on his face. Gentle, soft. ]

No matter what happens, you won't be alone.

[ And he feels the need--or desire--to say that, despite all else. ]

[ Inigo listens. And watches. He watches all those expressions move across Tidus's face. The small smile, the laugh that he isn't so sure is actually filled with humor, the vulnerability in his eyes, the soft smile.

It's a lot to take in. Here Inigo was assuming that, at the very least, if either Tidus or Yuna would disappear from this place, they would meet up again back home sooner or later. That what they had was a lot less risky than what Inigo attempted to have here on the train before. But it seems like even having been in contact before arriving on this place isn't enough to guarantee you a happily ever after back home, huh..?

Inigo can feel his heart sinking into his shoes. He just feels so bad for Tidus. They obviously like each other, so.. why do things have to be so unfair?

He sucks in a breath, and the next moment he leans forward, wrapping his arms around the other guy to pull him into a hug. It's tight, and warm, and there's almost an odd protective edge to it. Inigo knows that maybe this isn't the right thing to do, since hugs are so much more his thing than Tidus's, but it's the best way of comforting someone that he can think of. ]

No.. you're doing your best, Tidus. Even when you're worried, or scared, you still do your best. Even though you know you won't see Yuna again sooner or later.. You're still doing your best.

[ Maybe it's dumb. Now here he is, hugging Tidus, saying all these nice things about him, while he was still raising his voice a few moments ago. Inigo can even feel tears sting in the corners of his eyes, and he can't figure out if they're remainders of his own upset feelings from a few moments ago or if they're new tears out of sympathy for the fate of Tidus's love, doomed to be apart even though it's so obvious how much he likes Yuna.

Then again, the two of them are always like this, aren't they? Always pushing and pulling, always tugging and trying to figure each other out. Trying something out, getting upset, making up.. But in the end, when it comes down to it, they care for each other. They always will care at the right moments, and Inigo knows that, no matter how many times he whines at Tidus or throws an upset fit at the other. ]

And it's really brave of you to put her first and look out for her in your own way, even though it can't be easy.

[ The hug is warm, it's comforting, and Tidus isn't fussed by it in the slightest. It's the way Inigo likes to express himself, and it isn't bizarre, this kind of consolation. He even puts his own hands on Inigo's back, head slightly tilting into his shoulder. Better this than any of the alternatives. Better than to be told, You don't understand.

But then, he wouldn't exactly blame Inigo in that scenario either. Tidus--he struggled with his relationship with his father, not exactly wanting him back, but missing him anyway. Inigo... he wants a father now, is willing to make Roland that old man.

He still isn't sure, but he wants to be there for his friend most of all. ]

Hey, she's more brave than me. She has to put up with some stupid ideas I get. [ Not that she hasn't had funny ideas either...! But he's been the bigger moron, as of late. ]

But I'm saying this because-- I'm not trying to be down on you, you know? I don't want you to think bad about yourself. You're doing your best too, Inigo. I know that. We all are.

[ And something he hadn't plan to say, but maybe more relevant, his mouth pressing into the side of Inigo's shoulder before he lifts it up, sighing. Glad he doesn't really have to look at him for this, and his arms even holding Inigo a little tighter, so he can't exactly break away and think about facing him-- ]

I lost my dad a second time before coming here. I saw him... one last time. And it hurt more than I was willing to admit. [ ... ] And Roland...

He's a really good man.

[ Someone easy to grow close to. Someone dangerous for Inigo to bond so deeply to.

It'll hurt. ]

[ I don't want you to think bad about yourself, Tidus says, and Inigo's first instinctive thought is that it's way too late for that.

That thought is too pathetic though. Too self-indulgent in the worst way possible, and of course he doesn't voice it, instead leaning against Tidus. His hold tightening the tiniest bit when Tidus continue speaking. When he talks about having lost his father a second time. Inigo doesn't bother to question the why or the how, not wanting to dredge up painful memories for Tidus.

Instead he just keeps on holding him, mumbling, like it's meant for no one's ears but theirs: ]

I'm so sorry, Tidus.. You've endured so much.

[ He knows it isn't the main point here. That Tidus probably doesn't want to make it all about himself, but this is just how Inigo works. It's so much easier to address things about someone else, to try and comfort them, than it is to think about his own issues.

But not addressing those at all when Tidus is clearly trying also wouldn't be right, so he continues. ]

But this is.. too late. It's not like I can change the way I feel about him. Just like how I can't change the way I already care for you so much as my friend. [ It doesn't matter if Roland is his father, or Tidus just his friend - when Inigo thinks about it, he doesn't think that the loss of either would actually be all that much lighter than the other. What does a word mean when Inigo's dumb, over the top feelings run this deep for everyone? ]

I just.. [ Now he too is glad that Tidus can't look at his face. ] All my life.. I've just seen people die. I kept losing almost everyone I cared about.. and even when I go home, I'll be all alone again soon after.

[ When he'll have to vanish into the night, off to some other place or just to nowhere, to leave the spot free for the new Inigo.

His head lowers, mumbling into Tidus's shoulder. ]

I just don't want to be alone while I'm here. [ So he latches onto everyone deeply instead, caring way too much. ]

[ There isn't a lot he can do, is there.

Even now, maybe, there was some part of him trying to push. To say that this was going to be a problem, him and Roland playing family, but trying to frame it in the gentlest of ways without making it so negative as to put Inigo on the defensive. To put him in the wrong.

But there's nothing else Tidus can do. There's nothing more he can say. He wants to ask after Inigo's sister, but now doesn't seem the right time. Instead, he wishes he could give some kind of better comfort to Inigo, some lasting comfort that wasn't just hugs or meaningless words.

Except, he doesn't know what that is. This was just the way the world was sometimes. A lot of the times. ]

Inigo...

[ Tidus presses his fingers gently into Inigo's back. ]

Sorry.

[ It was all he had to give. ]

[ As they grow quiet for a moment after Tidus's last 'sorry', Inigo still lingers in the hug. Quietly. Without replying to it. He's just trying to soak up the last hint of comfort from it.

And maybe emotionally preparing and steeling himself, trying to pull his mind back from where it was a moment ago. Maybe he's spilled a little too much here to Tidus, huh, between his upset outburst earlier and his dumb rambling now. He was just trying to apologize for something he felt guilty about, how did they end up here?

When Inigo pulls away from the hug, he's smiling. Like there's not a single worry on his mind. As if everything that got them up to this moment never happened.

Is he aware this is probably going to look dumb? Like too much of a moodswing? Sure, but he can't impose anymore than he already has, so this feels like the best thing to do right now. ]

Hey, why are you saying sorry to me? You've had such a rough time too, with everything with your father, and then that whole thing with Yuna.. [ He's keeping it vague on purpose, despite Tidus having told him at least more details than that - but he doesn't want to drag them back down into heavy talk.

Inigo reaches out, grabbing Tidus's shoulder and squeezing it briefly before pulling his hand back again. ]

You must have a lot on your mind. If you ever think there's anything I can do at all to help regarding your situation with Yuna, just let me know. Or if you need to talk about anything else! I'm here.

[ Tidus knows what that smiles mean, that it's probably the only direction their conversation can go. Or the way to end it, whether or not with the same level of cheer that Inigo gives it. He smiles back nevertheless, smaller, though it does grow a little more. ]

I know, Inigo. You're a good friend. Me and Yuna--we're gonna be okay. We talked about it. We're gonna make the best of our time together.

[ He rubs the back of his head. ]

And I think we talked a lot already just now. [ ... ] But if you ever wanna talk about your father too, or your family, you can too. I know I joked about your sister and the dancing before... [ Eheh. ] But I like getting to know about you. You should tell me more sometime.

[ Inigo's glad to see that smile. He really doesn't know how to deal with Tidus when he gets more quiet. Because no matter how much he whines about Tidus's teasing, or his jokes, there's a part of Inigo that actually enjoys the banter. Just. Not in the moment.

But Tidus being sad, or in pain.. that's harder. Especially when Inigo can't just somehow solve it. Can't magically make things better. So he clings onto that smile, onto those words. We're gonna make the best of our time together. ]

.. Alright. I believe in you two. You obviously like her so much, so.. that means something. [ That will have existed, will have meant something, even when Tidus and Yuna will have to say goodbye. ]

As for me..

[ His voice trails off, and he pulls his hand through his hair in that way he sometimes does when he gets nervous. ]

There's a lot of things I'm not great at talking about. To anyone. But.. I could tell you sometime. [ He's already told Tidus more than he's told anyone, after all. Even though there's still some major details missing. ] If you really want to know. I just don't want things to change between us.

Why would they change? [ It's more disbelief than a question, an unconvincing possibility. ] I don't think there's anything you could share that'd change our friendship. You're you! I trust you.

[ If Inigo liked the return of some of Tidus's enthusiasm before, it even quicker comes back in that assertion, none of it forced. Inigo is Inigo, so Tidus is doubtful he's going to learn anything about the guy that'd get him to think differently. He folds his arms. ]

It'll be fine!

You better not take that back, you got it?

[ His tone is a little lighter as he says it, slightly more joking. Because Inigo doesn't want to be the one to drag down the mood now, and.. well, it's hard to not at least smile a little in the face of such unwavering belief radiating off Tidus. It's nice, knowing someone has that much faith in their friendship - especially when said friendship is so important to Inigo. ]

If I turn out to be some sort of evil swamp monster, I still expect you to be my friend!

You're doing bad on the evil part then! [ He gives Inigo a friendly slap on the arm. Swamp monster? ehhh whatever!! ]

C'mon, how 'bout we get out of here and doing something fun? Unless you really like cleaning all on your own.

[ He heaves a dramatic sigh, slowly managing to fall back into the usual antics. ]

It's called winning your trust so I can strike when you least expect it! [ Geez, Tidus! It's as if you've never heard of an evil plan before! ]

But.. sure, let's go do that. I could use an actual distraction.

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