It's a natural feeling at this point too. Holding them close as they cry, watching the pain roll in, powerless to stop it. Roland can't promise any of them anything. He won't even deign to. They're all at the mercy of the journey, for the good and the bad that comes with it. In meeting new friends, creating family out of connections; and in losing them, too.
Roland keeps his gaze focused on the barriers that separate the lost voidtreckers and those who remain on the platform, even as Inigo cries into his chest and Roland's own arms reciprocate the firm embrace, hands already rubbing circles against Inigo's back. Roland gives them the silence and respect they deserve, even if he's never met some of those who have disembarked for good. Gerome, though. Poor Gerome...And even worse, his poor, poor pup, who Roland can't even protect. Not from this.
'I wish I could make it stop. I wish I had the power to do that for all of you. Inigo...Tidus...' Finally, at the thought, Roland narrows his eyes in quiet affection and draws Inigo in closer, much closer to comfort and heal as best he can. And while he is unable to answer Inigo directly, he supplements it with something else.
His mouth close to Inigo's ear, he doesn't have to raise his voice or even lower it to a hushed whisper. Roland just asks him, heavy with care and concern, "Do you want to go inside the train? Should we get off the platform, pup? Let's go. What do you want to do?"
He asks this, even if instinctively, Roland is already trying to maneuver their bodies such that Inigo won't have to see the end of the platform anymore. Witnesses to their display, totally ignored.
no subject
Roland keeps his gaze focused on the barriers that separate the lost voidtreckers and those who remain on the platform, even as Inigo cries into his chest and Roland's own arms reciprocate the firm embrace, hands already rubbing circles against Inigo's back. Roland gives them the silence and respect they deserve, even if he's never met some of those who have disembarked for good. Gerome, though. Poor Gerome...And even worse, his poor, poor pup, who Roland can't even protect. Not from this.
'I wish I could make it stop. I wish I had the power to do that for all of you. Inigo...Tidus...' Finally, at the thought, Roland narrows his eyes in quiet affection and draws Inigo in closer, much closer to comfort and heal as best he can. And while he is unable to answer Inigo directly, he supplements it with something else.
His mouth close to Inigo's ear, he doesn't have to raise his voice or even lower it to a hushed whisper. Roland just asks him, heavy with care and concern, "Do you want to go inside the train? Should we get off the platform, pup? Let's go. What do you want to do?"
He asks this, even if instinctively, Roland is already trying to maneuver their bodies such that Inigo won't have to see the end of the platform anymore. Witnesses to their display, totally ignored.