Already accustomed to Inigo's affection, Roland is only taken aback for a quick moment, more surprised at Jumblie joining the hug pile. He wraps his arms loosely around the younger, and immediately, he already attempts to comfort. Hands on his back, patting, rubbing circles. Used to it, but not willing to allow Inigo any part in carrying the weight of his burden. That was for no one else but Roland.
It's why he feels as if he owes Inigo's father - his real one - an apology. Surely, this was the reality the king wanted to prevent his beloved heirs from ever experiencing. It's why he threw down his life to protect them, and Roland knows that for a fact. Inigo's father was both man and king, and in his sacrifice for the halidom, he was also throwing himself into the pit in the hopes his children would live to see another day.
The only unfortunate reality that came about it was that Inigo and his sister and all his friends continued to suffer despite the loss. It is a thought that moves Roland to coil his arms just a little firmer around Inigo, as if trying to do his part in saving him too. But at the idea of saving - what was his boy saying? That he could ask Naga on his behalf?
Roland's smile grows ever so gentle, the paternal instinct in him blossoming madly.
"..."
You want to save me? My world? Heh.
Thank you, Inigo.
How could he look away from the face of such honesty? Such authentic kindness? What if Naga worked like the genies in his fairy tales back home, where one wish was counted against your last three? What if Inigo was on some sort of contract, privy only to him and his royal line that carries the Brand? Roland can't even bring himself to ask for the details in fear that he may gave Inigo the wrong impression; that he was actually willing to borrow Inigo's final chance at living a beautiful future after the pain of the past.
But this was who Inigo was, wasn't it? I just want to make people happy. The flowers in Roland's hair; the bracelets in the field. The peace that washed over Roland when Inigo watched over him as he slept, though brief. He'd rather suffer his dark destiny than watch someone he cared about go down the same path. It brings Roland's hands to brush the hair away from his face, his head shake in small motions in disbelief that such a person could consider him worthy of it.
"How about," he starts quietly, uncharacteristically soft. "You ask Naga about your halidom first? If you're going to have to bargain for her aid, then I'd rather you do it for yourself." The tuft of hair between his fingers is abandoned if only so he can rest the weight of his hand on the crown of Inigo's head, emotion heavy behind open eyes.
"I know I might return to death and despair too, but I'm not planning on allowing my world to disappear without a fighting chance. Don't worry. I'll give it everything I've got, too. In the second world. In the void. Wherever the waves take me next."
He's sure too, that Inigo won't accept that for what it is. But Roland can't hide or pretend either. Inigo deserves to know who he is, all of him.
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It's why he feels as if he owes Inigo's father - his real one - an apology. Surely, this was the reality the king wanted to prevent his beloved heirs from ever experiencing. It's why he threw down his life to protect them, and Roland knows that for a fact. Inigo's father was both man and king, and in his sacrifice for the halidom, he was also throwing himself into the pit in the hopes his children would live to see another day.
The only unfortunate reality that came about it was that Inigo and his sister and all his friends continued to suffer despite the loss. It is a thought that moves Roland to coil his arms just a little firmer around Inigo, as if trying to do his part in saving him too. But at the idea of saving - what was his boy saying? That he could ask Naga on his behalf?
Roland's smile grows ever so gentle, the paternal instinct in him blossoming madly.
"..."
You want to save me? My world? Heh.
Thank you, Inigo.
How could he look away from the face of such honesty? Such authentic kindness? What if Naga worked like the genies in his fairy tales back home, where one wish was counted against your last three? What if Inigo was on some sort of contract, privy only to him and his royal line that carries the Brand? Roland can't even bring himself to ask for the details in fear that he may gave Inigo the wrong impression; that he was actually willing to borrow Inigo's final chance at living a beautiful future after the pain of the past.
But this was who Inigo was, wasn't it? I just want to make people happy. The flowers in Roland's hair; the bracelets in the field. The peace that washed over Roland when Inigo watched over him as he slept, though brief. He'd rather suffer his dark destiny than watch someone he cared about go down the same path. It brings Roland's hands to brush the hair away from his face, his head shake in small motions in disbelief that such a person could consider him worthy of it.
"How about," he starts quietly, uncharacteristically soft. "You ask Naga about your halidom first? If you're going to have to bargain for her aid, then I'd rather you do it for yourself." The tuft of hair between his fingers is abandoned if only so he can rest the weight of his hand on the crown of Inigo's head, emotion heavy behind open eyes.
"I know I might return to death and despair too, but I'm not planning on allowing my world to disappear without a fighting chance. Don't worry. I'll give it everything I've got, too. In the second world. In the void. Wherever the waves take me next."
He's sure too, that Inigo won't accept that for what it is. But Roland can't hide or pretend either. Inigo deserves to know who he is, all of him.