[open] i make a penny, the train makes a dime

[blitzcheer]

Who: Tidus & You! (Open!)
Where: Kitchen car, around, where pets can be petted (or bite him)
When: Grasshopper 16 onwards (can include a few days before)
What: Tidus has a 'bet' that's less of a bet now and more 'see what doing chores consistently does for your points', but also just generally around the train too!
Warnings: should be nothing!

1. aid // for purple team CR:

Tidus has an objective, first coming from a bet of 'who can get the most points!' to 'okay, but do you get anything out of doing chores than the sense of self-satisfaction of helping out the community (pffft, boriiing)'? That's what Tidus wants to do, and suuure, he really has no reason to think that chores gives you anything when he hasn't...been the best at them, but.

That's not stopping his little inner nag from wanting him to find out, and what better way to run experiments with a friendly face? Perhaps an unsuspecting one, when he comes to a Purple-clothed team and starts, with a bright and familiar face on him.

"Heyyy. You free?"

2. cleaning:

( a. kitchen ) Or maybe he's already recruited your character, they were already there to do chores, or they just happen to be in the kitchen at the time, which great! Tidus is easy with conversation, piping up with a "Hey!" to anyone that comes into the kitchen, and for those he's already with, ask, "You meet anyone interesting on the platform?", "You order anything in?", "So, what'd you think about that last mission?"

Despite this, he is trying to do as much he can think of to do: Put the plates and cutlery through the dishwashers, set them aside to be put away again; mopping the floor (and even saying to those he's partnered with beforehand, 'I'll do the floor', like it's his personal mission). And he's fine with clearing up some of the trays and bowls by hand in the sink, but he's...rather awkward about it. Minding how deep his left hand goes in, his SCA still strapped around his wrist, and doing what he can to make sure it doesn't hit the water. And maybe even looking around and seeing if there's anything he can put around it. Can he tuck kitchen roll around it...? ...he does try...

( b. bathrooms ) lol no he won't and YOU CAN'T MAKE HIM.

3. around

Otherwise, Tidus can be found around normally on the train. He's often trying out the sports in the gynasium, from badminton, tennis, to volleyball, and if your character happens to like to join there too, he won't be afraid to ask, "Hey, mind if I join in?"; he's on the lookout to see who's into sports, or who might be checking out the room with interest.

He also takes part in the training gym, whether in one of the group sessions or taking time in it setting up obstacles with the balancing beams, ropes, and so forth. The floor is lava and you need to run across the beams, jumping onto the climbing set and swing across the next lot! He's a monkey with too much energy. Or maybe your character is already up to something in there?

Tidus does know how to do chill however. Find him in the cinema car watching what's already playing or some dumb comedy, or even in the music car to see what tunes are available for his SCA. There's a also a chance of finding him on the upper quiet car floor, the doors closed and...he's sitting cross-legged on the floor between the couches, his eyes closed and head slightly hanging. What. Knock on the door, or leave him be?

Also, maybe he'll be checking out a random pet wandering around. Heyy there little guuuyy how friendly are you? Insert your pal [here].

( ooc: Tidus will easily approach others so if you want to set up a thread where he'd need to be the one to say hi, go for it! above is some areas where he'd be to do such or even for your character to do it first. o7 )

Comments

[blitzcheer]

Tidus doesn't look up at Inigo, too consumed by the work before him, and the not so stellar news that Roland gives hen he talks about how appetising the rations apparently aren't. His face drops along with his head as he looks at what he's got--a bunch of junk essentially?

Ugghhhhhhh. Great...!

To say he had a real answer for Roland's question before Inigo spoke up would be a lie, but Tidus's brow still knits, head tilting in Inigo's direction, but not turning his way completely. His eyes are on the small...thing now with him, checking what he has. "I can't put this all in my room. It's gonna... ugh, well. These can stay in here? Let's see what else I got. The train gave me a bunch of glass jars instead of food containers."

Which he'll find next, giving a "'scuse me!" to the higgledy before sliding over the rations to get to some boxes. He opens it, taking out one of the jars so Roland can see it.

Please help him organise, Roland....he hasn't got a clue what he's doing.....

[adregem]

The higgledy makes another high-pitched squeal as Tidus nudges it to the side. Bambosh decides that this Was Not Nice to do so he teleports to the other youth in the room, settling on Inigo's shoulder instead. It stares at him, soft Hiig! Piiigle?'s audible next to his ear. But Roland doesn't even mind it, already used to the nature of higgledies moving the way they want, so instead he takes a deep breath and starts rolling up his sleeves. Tidus!!

"Okay, it's time we put a system to this." Took him long enough to break. "Tidus. Go through all the things, all of them, and find the ones that you bought for other people. Gifts, trinkets, things that aren't for the train. Put them in your Arms Band so you free up your hands." Roland crosses his arms against his chest, facing the two with a practiced ease. "Inigo. Those books you're holding count, so give them to Tidus. Then come over here and all three of us can sort through this pile by Consumables versus Non-Consumables. We can figure out where they all go after that."

He nods to them like they were just in a mission briefing. In a way, they kind of were? "Sounds like a plan?"

[flatteries]

Don't mind Inigo over here in the background, you two. He's just letting out a - relatively soft, thank god - startled noise as there's suddenly a... a something on his shoulder. He stares at it with wide eyes for a moment before deciding it's actually kind of weirdly cute? Inigo slowly reaches out a hand, gently giving it some small pats on its cheek.

At least he snaps right back to attention once he hears his name, moving over towards the other two. He does put the books over next to Tidus, but then questioningly holds up the moulds as if to ask what about this one? Is this a gift? Is this for your giiiirlfriend, Tidus?

Thankfully he's at least not asking that out loud, instead nodding at what Roland says.

"Sure." He glances over at the absolute pile of everything.. "How much food did you get, Tidus? Were you hungry while ordering?"

[blitzcheer]

The stress of staring at everything--just a few boxes, but still! boxes!--dusts off some as Roland becomes large and in charge. Not all of it, and admittedly it doesn't help when the reminder of the Arms Band only get a quizzical look shot over to Roland. "Wait, how am I supposed to do that?!"

Don't start telling Inigo to shove things back at him when he only just got rid of it! But Tidus looks over his shoulder to the wave of the moulds, which Tidus answers by taking them and the books, an unimpressed narrow of his eyes that's less embarrassed and more huffy. And the mention of the food is just making him all the more depressed again...!

"They're for missions, for people who aren't gonna be around villages," he explains a little impatiently, putting aside the books and the moulds where nothing else is. He places the single jar back away and searches for somewhere to move it, but when he's surrounded by boxes down here...

"Can someone else move this one? Where should I even put it? Is all this gonna be any good for missions?"

Ugghh, did he waste even more points? He's getting the urge to just go and sulk in his room...

[adregem]

The higgledy determines that Inigo's shoulder will be a good place to rest, so there it sits nicely, its headpiece bobbing in time with the flare of its head. Roland keeps his gaze trained at Tidus for a moment, before he speaks again, cutting through the young man's impending sulking. His voice is leveled nicely, seeing the task at hand as no large feat considering there were three bodies ready to be put to use.

"Calm down." He unfolds his crossed arms while gently sliding the box in question a little ways to the left, giving Tidus some room to move his feet. "It's just overwhelming now because it all came at once. But that's why we're here, right? To help you." He nods to Inigo's direction, a small smile forming on his face. It's not unlikely that Roland actually enjoys putting order into chaos. "And don't worry. Everything you ordered is useful. The food may not all taste the best, but it's designed to give you the nutrition you need on a mission."

Roland flashes Tidus the Arms Band he was wearing on his right bicep. "Take yours out and wear it on your dominant hand. You can wear it wherever you want to, around the arm, wrist. It'll adjust." He begins to motion the next instructions, with his palm upturned. "Take the mold or the book in your hand, and think really hard about storing them somewhere safe. Somewhere only you can find. Then - " Roland closes his fist tightly, even though it was only a demonstration.

"The Arms Band will fill in the blanks and store it inside of itself. Don't think about it too much. Just feel it. You're good at feelings, right Tidus?" He phrases that like a small challenge, to get him a little bit more excited about the task. "If you can't do it, I'll ask Inigo to try." He raises his eyebrow at the other youth in the room, to add emphasis. Regardless, using the Arms Band will have the user feel a nice, warm sensation, as if a weight is floating in and out of their mental space. It's unnatural at first, but not unpleasant.

[flatteries]

Inigo stays quiet as he listens to Roland explain the whole deal with his magical-weapon-appearing-bracelet to Tidus. He at least has the good sense to not interrupt the explanation, especially since what would come out of Inigo's mouth would just be very likely to be either dumb or ridiculous and completely derail the whole conversation.. And this explanation seems to actually be important, especially as Tidus is getting more and more overwhelmed by the burden of everything he ordered.

.. not to mention that to Inigo Roland has something so naturally commanding about him that it just makes him quiet. This is exactly the kind of thing Inigo needs in life. He sucks at leading, but he's great at listening when he has to. And when someone eagerly takes charge - like Roland now - he just lets him.

He is however busy mouthing something at the higgledy. (He's definitely mouthing 'I'm not so sure about that' once Roland says Tidus is good at feelings, but it'd be hard to catch unless you're an expert lipreader.) He only speaks up again at the last thing Roland says, looking back at the other two.

"You shouldn't say that." The part about asking him to try.. "You'll make him think it's a challenge."

And please, Inigo is so not ready for that! He came here to help!

[blitzcheer]

Tidus darts his gaze aside where the books and the moulds sit, aware by the calm level of Roland's tone that he's being stupid about this, getting in a fuss over nothing; overthinking things, stressing himself out. But it's that fuss over nothing that makes him question--after following Roland's instructions regarding the Arms Band as it's given, settled onto his right wrist, luckily his only free wrist; the offer for Inigo to take over, whether he means using the band or everything else--that errs him close to wondering what exactly he was doing here, doing any of this. Who does he think he is?

And he hates that--that reaction, and the way Inigo's remark encourages it, or at least with the ears he's listening to everything. It's stupider than getting overworked over boxes, so Tidus breathes out, picks up the brown paper concealing the pink candy moulds. Pushes down the embarrassment, focuses on what Roland told him. Somewhere safe--

He's fighting the nagging in his head, but with a few seconds his hand squeezes in--and the is parcel gone, washing over him that warmth. Eyes open that had closed at some point, and Tidus looks at his hand, then around, somewhere close to his right. Something there, or so it feels, but--not.

Nevertheless, a small smile creeps across his lips, eyes down on his empty palm. Before Tidus remembers Roland and Inigo there in the room, only Roland in the space where he can look up, regret catching his eye before taking it back, picking up the books.

"No problem, nothing to worry about!" No big deal, no big deal, feel free to not pay any close attention to him, the dumb awkward expression he wears that doesn't match the confidence he's throwing out and covering up with. There's a pause before each one goes, a puzzled reaction Tidus can't help expressing when the items disappear each time. Then slowly, he drags another two boxes to where he's kneeling, flipping open the lids.

"Right." Right. Just take it easy. "These need to be changed into potions--" he puts a hand over what looks like drink cans, "--and these are ethers. The ethers can stay down here. I want these with the consumables?"

That he'll look back up to Roland for, hoping he didn't misremember. But also, please don't be making any weird faces, man....

[adregem]

It's moments like this that give Roland a certain perspective on things. As Inigo mumbles to the higgledy, as Tidus begrudgingly moves about, gaze low and tension palpable, the only thing the president is reminded of is that they were still so young. On one hand, both of them could burn the sky with the brightness of a solar flare, lighting up the world with boundless energy. But on the other hand, and just as strongly, they could cast shadows as large as continents, days turning dim without rhyme or reason. Regardless, he looks upon them with an ever-growing fondness, and a pulsating desire to see them grow up even more than they already have.

Well, world-savers or not...They are still teenagers. And far be it for someone like Roland to make anyone feel shame or embarrassment, no, never on his watch. If an innocent gesture and a playful attempt at friendly competition backfires on him, Roland merely shrugs and tries a different approach. The world won't stop turning just because things were ordered in excess. Roland is inherently paternal to begin with, and this shows now more than ever when Tidus meets his eye again, a certain insecurity sparkling beneath bravado. The same goes with Inigo's own uncertainty, one he's noticed from the boy since the first mission. No faces are made, no voices are raised, and nothing really changes in his calm demeanor except that he is smiling a little bit more now, because he'll latch onto any teachable moment he can get when it comes to the small things.

"There we go. Just like you've been using it all your life." He affirms Tidus, as each sentimental gift disappears into his new hammerspace. "As expected. You're a natural." And nothing about his statement holds pretense; Roland is always genuine. The work starts picking up speed, so he gestures for Inigo to come in closer and be a part of the pleasant mess. He kneels down and starts assessing everything in his pile with a strange sort of expertise.

"So, when you've got a lot on your plate, just like what we have right now," he starts off, easygoing and light. His hands move about, opening and reopening boxes to double-check. "Don't let the pressure get to you. Slow it down, and don't think of anything else but what's in front of you." He doesn't look at Tidus or Inigo, but both will know these words are for them. "You're definitely on the right track with the potions and ethers, so they'll go on this pile -" which he gestures to on the right. "Things that will be consumed in one sitting are Consumables. Let's count the jars too, because they'll store food meant for one meal per day. Everything else that can be reused, or are more utilitarian in more ways than one, are on the left pile. Non-consumable, technically. Right?"

He nods to them, slowing his own work down so they can start checking for the items on their own pace. When Roland speaks again, it's deeper, words said in a unique brand of affection that only they can make out. "This is really good work you've done here. I'm happy that this train has reliable guys like you two looking out for everyone. Caring enough to do this, even though no one asked. Thank you. I'll continue to do my part to support you."

And if that isn't the most charming smile he's ever flashed since his time on this train...Maybe they're just seeing things?

[flatteries]

There's something about the awkwardness about Tidus that makes Inigo instantly feel guilty. Was what he said just a little bit too harsh? He didn't think it was that bad as he was saying it, but he can't help but turn the words over in his head now, worried. For as much as he might poke some fun at Tidus, it's not like he actually wants to hurt the other, or even really make him awkward.

He just watches Roland move over to Tidus' side, standing there awkwardly a slight distance away from them until he's moved over. He knows better than to open his mouth and make things worse - if not for this one - and so instead focuses on busying himself trying to help them. Shoving boxes around so Roland can reach them more easily and assess what's in them, moving them further around so Tidus can make some items disappear in that strange thing.

Inigo climbs up and over boxes with little difficulty to reach everything, ending up sitting on a few piled up suitcases that were most likely already in the luggage carriage by the time Roland says those last words that seem to carry extra weight. And of course they hit Inigo's heart - something about the weird, weird paternal quality hanging over Roland always does - even as he tries to swallow down most of his reaction in case it'll just make things Weird with Tidus present.

So Inigo does what he does best in order to deal with positive talk, especially in the face of Roland's overwhelming smile - downplay everything.

"I think your compliments are slightly misaimed," he says, his gaze darting towards Tidus and lingering on him for a moment before he looks back at Roland with a smile. "I mean, I've only been shoving some boxes around. And not even very many at that. Tidus deserves all the credit here. He is the one who thought of ordering things and actually went through on it, right?"

At least it's not just him shoving it onto Tidus so he doesn't have to deal with the weight of the words himself. Inigo does genuinely mean this. It's just an objective fact that all this is Tidus' doing, after all.

"I really admire that he's always so proactive about helping others out." Yes, he's being indirect and saying 'he' rather than 'you' to try and minimize this turning too Awkward, okay.

[blitzcheer]

The words of praise--You're a natural--are too obvious in their goal, reminding him of something an adult would say to a kid. Tidus puts that reaction aside, tries to not let it burrow in and bother him; when he's already been kneeling here, huffing, dragging the two of them into his mess and then being the one to get frustrated. He's the one who didn't prepare here. What would Auron say or think about it?

Just like a kid.

He'd make his feelings clear with little action, no words, or the same 'Calm down' that Roland had ordered before, harsher and to the point in its meaning. For the moment Tidus thinks of that man--full of secrets, a wall always, complex and aggravating all at once--and he misses him, but it makes his mind ease in its buzzing along with Roland's directions, too. Like he'd ever want that guy to think a few boxes got the best of him. Like he'd want him to ever hear about this. To just know he needed a pep talk.

Ugh, that guy always knew how to get under his skin.

And between all the compliments, that guy in his mind and a job not finished, Tidus takes in a breath, ignores the deep heat on his face that never colours well anyway on his skin. Taking into account everything as it's been ordered, where, what they have. Jars, potions, ethers, food, energy drinks--

He pats his hands on his upper legs with a clap.

"Okay, okay, let's not get embarrassin' before we're even done with the job, yeah you two?" Now now, let's get sappy! But for it being dismissive, there's a goal in that tone; an objective, a more positive positioning. Tidus turns to Roland first, firm at sticking to the job. "How about you count the jars and potions since that's your hobby? And Inigo," turning to him, "--you look at the food and pick something. I want you to try one later."

The ominous grin spreads across his face as that business tone turns dangerous. Dangerous? No, no...just adventurous!

Tidus regards Roland again. "If there's a different kind of ration we can get that's better...Roland, have you got your notebook?"

[adregem]

All that happens around him does not go unnoticed, well-practiced at the art of observation even when he's up close and personal with the subjects at hand. And for all his strategic acumen, for all that Evan has entrusted to him with helping build the kingdom of his dreams and acting as the consul if anything should happen to the king, Roland is suddenly hit with a dawning realization despite his decades of experience: he has still so much to learn about this stuff. His mind's eye wanders to the taboo, a part of his psyche hidden from waking hours. He can't help it. Black hair and pale skin, eventually turning into a man he hopes to mentor, to love fully - Could I handle it?

He exhales audibly but it is a quick breath, before his amusement erupts into full blown laughter, a chuckle that's turned into a chesty sort of chortle, low and good. Not too loud, just enough to show he's enjoying? Himself? Being around them - he doesn't quite throw his head back, nor does the grin that accompanies it reach the crease in his eyes, but it's clear, like the crisp autumn air making leaves dance in its wake.

Teens, huh? I guess it's training.

"Inigo," he says, as his right hand drifts down to his pocket to retrieve a newer looking journal, pen already nestled between the middle spread. "I admire Tidus's generosity too, but being a good friend to someone deserves just as much praise as taking initiative to order supplies." He meets his gaze, solid and strong is Roland's trademark sparkle. "So yes, I think you do deserve some credit too."

As for the man himself, he didn't need to be told twice. Roland stands a bit straighter and he's immediately shifted into his default; his pen is flying across the blank note, one column, two columns drawn in quick succession. He's looking at Tidus too, from where he stands, smile still proud and genuine. A brand of tenderness that they bring out of him, easily, he finds. The jab at his auditing is well noted, but he won't say much of it right now, especially when that's the talent he was brought in for.

"Orders duly received, captain." Good job, Tidus. "If you can handle one category and Inigo the other, then just sound off in alternates, I'll handle the bookkeeping and give you a final tally of everything. Let's get to it, boys."

[flatteries]

It's not too much of a surprise to have Tidus brush off all attempts at sappiness. But before Inigo can do as much as even just sigh about it, Tidus is already continuing, making Inigo's jaw drop once he arrives at the part about the food.

"First I help you, then I compliment you, and now you're just ordering me around?!" He sounds indignant, but in the same way a small child sounds indignant - you can safely assume they'll have forgotten all about it in a few moments, no matter how much they're whining about it right now.

Especially since, despite the whining, Inigo isn't saying no.

He snaps to attention though when he hears Roland say his name as well. And whereas he can just let out his instinctive reaction to what Tidus says, here that isn't the case at all. Because the moment Roland says those words, Inigo can feel at least five counterarguments fly through his head right away. He still didn't do much, he just showed up, really. Anyone would have done what he's doing right now, it's nothing special. If anything, Tidus is the better friend for healing Inigo's friend even when he was already so tired - because Inigo dragged him along like the thoughtless idiot he is. Showing up now is the least he can do in return.

But voicing any of that in the face of the way Roland smiles and looks at him like that feels impossible. So Inigo pushes it down the way he does everything, instead going quiet as the other two converse. Sure, maybe he should still be paying attention since Roland is including him in this too, but Inigo has decides to deal with his insecurity by just doing the thing he was told to do first - try some of the food.

Which means he's hopping off the suitcases he was sitting on, moving over to the freeze-dried rations. Opening one of the packets, Inigo just scoops a bite right out and shoves it into his mouth. Just like that.

Oh sweet Naga, that was a mistake.

[blitzcheer]

Tidus meets the laugh, no matter how short or fond it is, with a determination bordering on indignation to face Roland head on (or is that close to a pout? You decide). Kneeling prepared fight for an argument that doesn't actually come, could be said to never have been hinted at with the light weight of the man's chuckle. But you should always be prepared for fightback--just as Inigo gives it to Tidus.

"You bet I am!" And Tidus lacks no fondness in that exaggerated command. It even helps him, to not take himself so seriously; be serious enough to go through with everything, but not to the point of becoming a confused mess. But he's not so cold not to add to Roland's reassurance, pushing it aside for himself, but nevertheless thankful for the both of them, really. Adding then, with that genuine touch not present just a moment before: "Hey, I appreciate you being here too. Why'd you think I asked you along? --You were just around," he whips his head back to Roland to note, before any ideas of what Tidus thinks about him are formed from what was just said to Inigo.

Maybe he can be a little cold to an old man. As a treat.

Tidus doesn't think much about it though, when Inigo comes into his line of sight. The storage jars are closer to him, so he scoots himself to deal with that, flicking a finger as he counts down the line. It's only by chance that he looks up when Inigo draws closer to the rations box, having the idea to say, "Hey, you should sort them by meat and not mea--"

And that's all he gets out when Inigo proceeds to eat the thing right there.

[blitzcheer]

Like literally just going to stare at him without a word here.

[adregem]

The banter continues to amuse Roland, and he doesn't hide it, not with the mirth growing brighter in the sparkle of his eye, or with the fact that Tidus's jab at him was bordering on ridiculous that it could have tickled him enough to roll his eyes or quirk an eyebrow up at him, cheeky in all ways. Nevermind that his initial response was just about there, sitting at the tip of his tongue - Glad to know I'm always just around whenever you need me to help you with the paperwork!. Right as Roland settles into the groove, pen flying over the page, eyes scanning what's being counted, what's being put aside, he is too slow to stop Inigo, gentle Inigo who suddenly puts freeze-dried goods straight into his mouth, a scoop too generous that Roland actually winces at the sight.

But it all happens so fast for him that his reflexes are quick to react even though his mouth couldn't say the words to follow - "Wait...! Don't...!" He knows what'll happen next, anyway. Inigo will most likely feel dryness the intensity of a desert flood into his mouth, his throat. He opened the pack of the curry rice meal Tidus alluded to earlier, and depending on the mix, Roland will expect a spiciness, a heady aroma flooding his nostrils like paprika and turmeric being smoked right into Inigo's face. He wouldn't get a stomachache at the very least, but Inigo's throat is his concern; he took in too much for a small mistake like this to have been anything but pleasant.

He abandons his task, his notebook is shoved into the depths of his pocket, and he's there by Inigo's side, hand on his back with gentle patting motions using cupped fingers. The other is immediately reaching out for Tidus, gesturing to something with an open palm. He's calm but there is a sense of urgency present. "Tidus, please get water. Or any drink you have on hand. Any drinkable liquid, any at all." He turns back to Inigo. The higgledy that was all but forgotten at this point in their conversation has moved to a crate nearby, watching it unfold with empty eyes.

"Are you okay? Spit it out if you feel like it's choking you. Or try and swallow the powder down, little by little. Don't rush it."

The inward sigh is so heavy, the urge to rub at his face is stronger than he's ever felt on this train. Never assume, Roland. This is what you get for assuming. They all come from different worlds, you daft idiot.

[flatteries]

Tidus's encouraging words aren't totally lost. Sure, Inigo keeps heading towards the food all the same, but if anything, the words actually strengthen him in his resolve to do so. The thought that Tidus appreciates him being there (it's a wild, wild thought to Inigo that anyone would) makes him feel even more like he ought to do at least this thing for the other.

Even though he's starting to severely regret it now he's choking on.. on whatever this is! Surely it can't actually be food, right? It feels like he's got a mouthful of sawdust! What kind of next level torture device is this?

Inigo doesn't notice Tidus giving him a stare. He hardly even realises what Roland is saying to him, although the fact the other is suddenly closer does register with Inigo enough for him to dismissively lift one hand and wave off the concern, no matter how legitimate it is.

"Bw--it's-- bwhine!"

'It's fine', he probably means to say, but it's hard when his mouth is so full and it won't go down and by Naga, it feels like it'll be a miracle if he survives this.

He holds a hand in front of his mouth, determined to somehow swallow this - what kind of wuss would he be if he couldn't even eat the food Tidus wanted him to try? - but keeps waving his hand, as if to say Tidus and Roland should just go back to organizing all this stuff. It's fine! This is fine. He'll be fine.

[blitzcheer]

Sometimes, some of us react slow. That isn't Roland, but it sure is Tidus--not really sure what was going through his head in the time before Inigo sputtered and choke. Maybe disbelief, but also some weird curious wonder if Inigo was going to actually do that, right here, right now, and not in the kitchen like he think...he said?

And he does. And then Roland's ordering him around, and Tidus blinks and becomes more aware to the actual choking part of what's happening in front of him, clambering to his feet--"S-sure!"--, his knees aching from being bent on the hard floor. Luckily, he only needs to go over to where the energy drinks sit, pulling off the cap to a sizz; twisting back around to where he knows Inigo is, saying along the way- "Inigo, hereeeeRREHHHHH-"

Except he doesn't think about the boxes between him and his destination, catching the corner of the jars he'd been counting just moments ago and being kicked forward. What happens is a series of events worse than Inigo sticking freeze-dried food directly in his mouth, and not just Tidus showering out the energy drink with a swing of his arm.

--because the rest of him gets thrown with it, straight into Inigo, knocking the two of them into a bigger mess than what they began with. The drink dropped, continuing to spill somewhere near their (or Inigo's, really) heads.

Good job.

[adregem]

What is happening right now!?

Even Roland's mind can't keep up the events unfolding in the luggage car. The higgledy waddling about, watching them somewhere nearby, must be having the time of its life, humanfolk going crazy with antics Roland's not even sure is anyone's fault at this point. Inigo didn't know, it was an honest mistake, and Tidus was probably reacting to his friend almost choking on a dehydrated meal. What was a guy to do, really?

"W-Whoa! Agh!"

Nothing. Nothing, but fall into a heaping pile, his hair and his shirt drenched in something that smelled vaguely of citrus and sugar. He topples over with Inigo to his side, Tidus to his front, both teens flanking him in such a way that he feels the brunt of both of their weights. To no insult does he notice that they are way heavier than he expected. Always take into account firm muscle mass, after all; both were fighters, sculpted by a lives distant from Roland's own. Maybe. Imagine that, his subconscious goes; Mr. President, the Chief Consul himself, falling like a fool on the floor, trying his best to catch himself while shielding the other youth who still had powder in his mouth. But if he had to be a fool, at the very least he was a fool for friends...

So, in true paternal fashion, he attempts to untangle himself from the mass of limbs, pushing aside boxes, parcels, some of which he hopes they didn't flatten because certainly, these couldn't all belong to Tidus...! Ignoring it all - even the disgusting feeling in his hair which he was going to have to fix later before he can even begin to think straight again - he reaches for the half-empty container in Tidus's hand. He shakes it, confirming there was still liquid inside; as soon as he hears that distinct swish, Roland is quick to move it to Inigo's lips, firmly encouraging him to drink it, now. He expects whatever's lodged in his mouth and throat to expand, rice and curry flavors unfortunately mixing in with the taste of the drink - nothing could be done about that. What's important is the food grows soft and mashable enough to swallow safely, to chew better.

There is urgency unlike any other. All this is done without much of a word from him, but his face...speaks volumes. Tidus knows this face well, but it's dialed up a notch. Two notches. Maybe ten.

[flatteries]

Inigo doesn't even know what's happening. Everything that's going on in his mouth is far, far too overwhelming to be able to pay any attention whatsoever to Roland and Tidus. His mouth feels so dry, yet at the same time there's something so weirdly hot, like his mouth has turned into a burning desert. It gets harder and harder to breathe with each moment Inigo passes trying to chow the substance down, but he's still determined to do it. He can't just spit it out right in front of Roland and Tidus.

But then there's.. there's something wet, and Inigo has no idea why. And then there's suddenly Tidus, and Inigo has no idea why. Then there's even Roland, and Inigo gets more and more confused as he lies there on the ground as part of the pile, still feeling like he's choking.

The only thing that properly registers is that there's something in front of his mouth all of a sudden, pressing against his lips, and as Inigo opens his eyes - now with tears formed in the corners - he can see Roland hovering over him.

.. with that look on his face that threatens to break Inigo's heart. Did he do something wrong? Clearly something about this food or him eating it is wrong, since he doubts this is what Tidus wanted him to experience, but-- he didn't know! He's sorry!

Not that he can verbalize any of those sentiments with his mouth full and Tidus's weight pressing down on him. Inigo just opens his mouth the best he can to let the energy drink enter it, and the combination of it with the dried food in his mouth is horrid.

But at least it makes the food softer, and though it's a struggle to get it down with the way it expands, turning his cheeks into a hamster's, Inigo manages to get it down after a few agonizing moments.

But that just took the last of his energy. He's not getting up. He's just going to lie here on the floor, not even caring that Tidus is on top of him or that he's soaked in energy drink.

This is fine. Just leave him here. He's done for. Is he dead? It sure feels like it.

[blitzcheer]

How did this happen to them?

There's a sticky mess already clinging to his forearm, one body under him and who even knows what just happened to Roland--something stupid, which is comforting to know that he's joined in with their ridiculous circumstance. Not that Tidus feels comforted; he feels depressed, dumb and miserable, hoping he can ignore all this and fade out of existence. Is this a bad dream? That would make sense. He'll just do this all over.

Oh, you know what: maybe it's that Voidsickness thing. Yeah, he's voidsick. See you once the fever dream is over, guys.









alright, no, that's not the end of the tag. Because unfortunately, the reality of events happening around him reveal to Tidus that he can't just dismiss this--plus, his nose jamming into Inigo's chest isn't all that comfortable, his head twisting to a blurry, untelling sight. But one more conscious than a dream.

If he ends up knocking Roland's arm in the middle of his nectar giving to Inigo, his bad, but he manages to lean back easy onto his back, body flopping some in the action. Seeing Inigo down and Roland helping to give Inigo bulging cheeks, and yep. He knows that face the old man is making.

Tidus is pretty sure that's the face he's making right now too, as he joins in on this mutual silence.

He doesn't even care.

[adregem]

With both of them down for the count, the chaos settling into a strange sort of silence, Roland is the only one sitting up, letting his arms dangle weakly by his side. It's almost like a checklist in his head as he scopes the mess they've created, thankful that at the very least they hadn't spilled anything on the packages of other passengers.

He slowly cranes his head to look at Inigo, who is finally in the clear, seeing his mouth chew, swallow, and his airways ready to intake air instead of concentrated spices and dried rice. His sigh is audible, but it's one of relief. Then, Tidus captures his attention, the forlorn disposition rolling off of him in palpable waves. This...probably wasn't he was expecting when he called them to help him with his supplies, and perhaps this was the youngest he's ever seemed to Roland, when he's usually a different voice of reason; wise beyond his years. At the very least, he was safe.

As for himself...his hands reach up to touch his bangs, the top of his hair and some of the strands in a usually well-kept ponytail. Eyes grow wide, cringe growing stronger when his fingertips can't even comb through his hair anymore, the sticky substance gluing them together. That was fast?! From afar, it almost looks comical the way the usually serious man is acting now, so offended for the state of his pristine hair!

But as his expression falls into total acceptance, almost near serenity, all he can say is:

"So...that's one ration and drink down for the audit."

[flatteries]

For a moment Inigo can't do much more than just lie there and try to regain any energy or actual air in his lungs. Even now he still has the aftertaste of the food inside of his mouth, and it just.. doesn't taste good. At all. Especially when mixed with the weird energy drink flavour. He's going to rinse his mouth with water for at least 10 minutes after all of this.

But 'after all of this' is the keyword here. Because Inigo can't find himself to care much about the awful taste in his mouth or the stickiness he can feel on his skin when he's not the only one present here. As reality slowly comes back to him, he glances sideways to notice Roland there, hands in his hair, looking almost uncharacteristically flabberghasted by.. something, that's for sure. Inigo's brain hasn't fully kicked in enough yet to realise what's going on with the man.

As his gaze turns away to look for Tidus, he can hear those words coming from Roland. They feel heavy, like a huge brick of guilt just dropped straight into Inigo's stomach. With the kind of older, more mature energy that Roland always radiates, it feels hard to look at him further. If Inigo might even see a hint of disappointment on the other's face, he wouldn't be able to hold back his tears.

So he doesn't look at Roland. As he realises it's too hard to see Tidus from where he's lying on the ground, Inigo slowly moves to sit up. He crawls over to Tidus's side before sitting down on his butt next to him, every inch of his facial expression very much like a guilty puppy.

After all, Roland's words to make him realise he has to at least say something to Tidus here.

"Tidus.. I'm sorry that I wasted some of your food and drinks." This is his fault, after all. Even though Inigo had no idea what he was causing, he did cause it. "I promised I'd do my best to help you, but I just made things worse, didn't I."

[blitzcheer]

Tidus sitting on his butt before long, staring up at a luggage car roof no fun, and because someone forgot the word butt existed two days ago. It's a better way to watch everything with a odd peculiar detachment. There was something else going on in this dinky tin can just a few minutes before the disaster, but Tidus couldn't tell you what.

Also, what's with those faces Roland is making? Weird.

But then Inigo is finally up too, shuffling over towards him, maybe on hands and knees before he turns around, and Tidus accepts his place beside him without a first or second glance. Not until the pouting apology that comes with the wounded look he'd crawled out with gets voiced--and even then, it's a flit in his direction, and then an arm going around the guy's shoulders.

"You nearly choked yourself, yeah. Why'd you eat so much?" There's a question there, but it's not accusing; just baffled, most of all. Before it dips, and he nudges Inigo in his arm.

"We've only got one of you, you know. We can't restock you if you choke." And does he need to keep going? No, but- "Hey, Roland! Is your hair falling out?"

There's a convincing note of alarm, maybe even matching in his facial expression if Roland should over, before a grin breaks onto his face. Heh heh!

[adregem]

He had a lot to say, but it all comes flying out of his head when he hears Tidus's joke. Though sadly, it doesn't register as one, not right away. His eyes grow wide and he stares down at his hands, before immediately looking at Tidus with narrow eyes and a frown on his face.

"Hey." He crosses his arms. "That's not funny." Though he remains leveled and calm, as his usual tone would go, a truly observant individual may notice how his body language is bothered and disrupted. It's not even what just happened that throws him off his usual grace, no. It's something else, but what could it be...?

He wipes his hands down on his pants and smooths down stiff bangs once more time before standing up, and turning back to the two boys sitting on the floor, Inigo looking like the picture of guilt and Tidus doing his best to bounce back from the accident. Roland just smiles at them, the lightness from before returning full force. Ah, things happen, and he realizes the blame lies with him alone. What did he expect, again? That everyone would know what things from his world - his two worlds - are? He shakes his head, offering both of his hands to them to lift them back up on their feet.

"I'll change up the game plan a bit, captain. If that's okay with you?" he starts off. "Everything I asked you to order? I'll take note of it. I need to share instructions on how they work, how they're supposed to be used. I'm sorry, Inigo. Tidus. Heh. Don't worry, that's not gonna happen again. I'll teach you."

A hard lesson to learn for Roland today, but it's helping him get more and more accustomed to the diversity of the Voidtrecker at the very least. Now he knows to leave notes, if they were storing it away for missions.

[flatteries]

Inigo's facial expression stays fairly soft as there's suddenly Tidus's arm across his shoulders, but it does from softly sad and guilty to softly happy the very moment Tidus says those words. "We've only got one of you, you know." It's such a small thing, and Inigo feels like it's maybe kind of dumb to react to it so strongly, but it's like a warmth spreads from his toes all the way up to the tip of his head at those words.

And with the arm Tidus draped across his shoulder, it's so easy to just cuddle into the hold a little. And so he does, briefly letting his head drop sideways to rest on Tidus's shoulder, contently snuggled up against him while the other called out to Roland.

He does glance over to look at Roland while the other two talk, and while Inigo may not necessarily always be observant, he's seen Roland enough by now to tell something feels a little different about that reaction. It's hard to place what is different, but it's enough to make Inigo frown slightly, just enough to ask: "Are you sure you're alright, Roland?"

He takes the hand offered to him to stand up, luckily (or unluckily!) freeing Tidus from the cuddles. Though he does turn back towards the other after hearing Roland's words, dropping the volume of his tone a little as if that might keep Roland from hearing it despite the other standing literally right next to them.

"I wasn't supposed to eat it that way, huh.."

Look, it's just a lot easier to commiserate about that with Tidus, considering he's also just a fellow young idiot teen.