voidtreckerexpress | A New Platform [Intro Post November]

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A New Platform [Intro Post November]

On the Train

The morning after the Halloween party passengers are once again woken by a familiar voice.

"Good morning passengers, it is day one of the month of Imagination. Points have been updated on the system and new stock is available."

They have indeed and everyone can spend the morning shopping. Those who have been on the train a while will be expecting the second announcement that comes a few hours later.

"Shortly arriving into a designated void platform. Exit from void in ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one." A lurch and a jolt and they are soon surrounded by the fog that means they are at a platform. But through the fog comes sunshine, causing patches where the light shines down to warm the concrete. Looking up passengers will not be able to see the sun through the fog, or much of the sky at all.

As usual the first to leave the train notice nothing as they walk silently, rucksacks on their backs, towards the barriers. Bryn Pendragon, Bucky Barnes, Colden Rollins, Elena, Fai D Flourite, Jiang Yanli, Juliette d'Aubigniy, Misa, Peter Parker, Samata Mahto, Satou Kuroneko, The Doctor, Tohru Mutou, Zuko, 10 Vigilant Gaze Purges The Horizon. They all walk silently and do not look back as they disappear through the barriers and into the fog beyond.

But on the platform itself there are new faces. Wearing hoodies in all four colours in various states of confusion.

For New Passengers

At first all they can see is steam. Billowing around them as they come to their senses. The second thing they will notice is the thick fog, penetrated by beams of light. As their eyes adjust they will see they are on a platform, behind them are a set of barriers and in front of them is a single track.

They are standing, in clothes that are not their own, styles they might not even recognise. They are carrying a rucksack on their back. For a moment it seems to just be them, alone in the white haze but then the steam begins to fade and they realise they aren’t alone.

The platform is not large and it holds five figures all facing the tracks, all dressed in cargo trousers and hoodies. Both left and right the tracks disappear into the mist. Then there is a roaring sound and out of the fog arrives a train. Jet black with gold writing on the side. The Voidtrecker Express. There is a hiss as the doors slide open and out into the gloom step a selection of people. Some are human, some are less so. Most are wearing the same hoodie in one of the four colours, red, orange, blue and purple though some are sporting different clothes in a variety of styles.

The Train

The doors hiss open. Those from the train may encourage those on the platform to board. It’s not like there is anywhere else to go and even if there was, you feel a pull. A need to board, a feeling that staying on the platform would not be a good thing. If that is not enough, there are plenty of people on the platform now, to encourage them onto the train.

Each ICP shows the same message and next to the screens there are stacks of leaflets written by those on the train, with further information. The store rooms have been restocked and Honey is the newest ingredient, jars of honey stock the shelves and the ICP's in the kitchen have recipe ideas for the month.

A new carriage has been added, those that go to investigate will find a small but function-able spa, complete with a small hot tub and even a steam room. It is a relaxing room with sun lamps and relaxing music or nature sounds available through the ICP. There are a couple of massage tables, with a course for how to give massages for those eager to learn.

New passengers will find their tickets allow them into their cabins. They may need to negotiate for beds, especially if they want a top bunk!

Room is tight but there are storage cubbies at the head of each bed, beds fold up and the bottom bunks double as benches for the small table. There is storage under those benches and you will hopefully find a pillow for your bed if it has not been nabbed by a roommate, there are also spare blankets for if it gets cold.

Departure

A second horn sounds to encourage any stragglers braving the snow and the doors slide shut. Veteran passengers know what will happen next, they may wish to brief their new companions.

The train sets off, the fog obscuring the view as it picks up speed.

"Welcome aboard, passengers of the Voidtrecker Express." A female-coded artificial sounding voice echoes throughout the train. "Please take the time to read the passenger information displayed on the Information and Communication points and familiarise yourself with the layout and emergency exits."

The train begins to tilt, leaving the ground and rising up into the fog filled sky.

"Entrance into Voidspace imminent. New passengers are advised to remain seated. Entry into Voidspace in ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one."

A shudder, a jolt, a lurch to the left. A flash of light, colourful and blinding. As quick as it happens it is done. The train seems to steady. The fog from the windows is gone now, replaced with a kaleidoscope of ever changing colours.

Welcome to the Void!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Did you mean, Tidus making a dumb sound and then nudging Inigo with his shoulder remarking that it's sweet? Absolutely, that's what Inigo gets!

"Ugh, what, really? Great." Sighing! "I'll ask Spiders for you, if it's that bad. Maybe she can let us have some of her plain stuff, then we can..." he waves a hand in a brushing motion. "Soak it in some of Eight's dye? Maybe that'll do it. Make it a colour we want."

He hasn't even gotten to explain that the barber set was asked for, to help his cool cred...! But alas.

"Y'want me to find some food we can eat easy in the cinema car and we sit in there and watch some fun movies? Dance or...whatever, you can pick. We can drag Taiki into it too."

How much company can Inigo brain today?

There's no cool cred here, Tidus. Inigo knows you're fond of that guy, it's way too obvious despite the way you act around older people! So he'll gladly take that shoulder nudge for having been able to actually say it out loud.

"It's fine, I can probably sew some of it together and try to make it a quilk kind of dress. The patterns are cute, at least." All flowery. Just the way Inigo likes it, and - judging by those flowers on Jumblie - probably what his higgledy would like too. "I just wish the train wasn't so.. odd about the way it chooses to fulfill these orders."

Especially since they're spending a finite resource on the orders to begin with.

But he dismisses it with the wave of a hand. Maybe it's better to not overthink it right now. Or overthink anything at all while his brain feels like sad mush.

".. a movie would be alright right now, I guess. Anything simple's fine." Because Inigo knows he sure won't be able to pay too much attention to the movie itself anyway. "Or.."

He starts, but stops soon enough, his voice trailing off. He lets out a breath, and realising it sounds shakier than he'd like it to be, nervously pulls a hand through his hair. "I don't know. Sorry. I hate feeling this off every two weeks." Like clockwork.

There's not really anything they can do to make this situation better. Not-- not in a moment like this. They both know what they're trying to avoid, more obvious in them than they know how to hide. But does Tidus want to try that hard? Instead of being honest with Inigo, when he already is now.

He takes Inigo's hand, pushing fingers to weave into his. Shaking his head with a light dismissing hum.

"I want to find a way to make it better." This, everything they're going through- "But... we'll keep losing people. We can't change that."

A beat. "I wonder if there's anything we can do...?"

Inigo squeezes that hand the moment it's holding his own.

Maybe a little harder than intended. But he can't help it. Ever since he started being more open about these sorts of things, it feels natural to seek comfort in Tidus. For one since Tidus understands, maybe even better than anyone else on this entire train. But also just.. because it's Tidus. Because they're so close. It feels safe.

"I don't know," he says, his voice a little softer now. "I tried telling the train about how awful it is for us when people leave so suddenly. I tried asking it to at least show us that the people we care about are safe and sound back in their own worlds. But.." He shakes his head, swallowing. "Nothing. Either it doesn't care, or it can't do anything about it all either."

And honestly, Inigo doesn't really care which it is. It doesn't change anything about the outcome. About this constant pain, about the uncertainty.

"I don't want either of us to be next."

Especially not Tidus, who isn't going back to Yuna, isn't going back to blitzball. Sure, being here on the train isn't ideal either, but he's seen Tidus smile and grin happily so many times. Will he be able to still do that when he gets back home? It didn't really sound like it. Then please, just don't let this chance be taken away from him so easily.

The squeeze doesn't bother Tidus. Maybe it'd be more surprising if the hold was weaker, or concerning. Just another show of how little they can really offer one another in these times, or offer as an answer. Inigo says, 'I don't want either of us to be next', and Tidus wants to promise they won't be.

He squeezes Inigo's hand back instead, thinking-- I don't want to lose you either.

"I'm scared too," he admits. Eyes down on the floor between them and the mini-fridge, this whole stupid small distraction from a bigger problem. A consideration in his mind, but he has to think; but slowly, feeling it wasn't worth keeping a secret from Inigo-

"I'm trying...to find a way." He starts at a normal volume, but lowers it, looking now at Inigo. "To get in contact with someone. Outside the train. But- I need you to keep it a secret. Okay?"

Out of all things Inigo could think of Tidus saying, it wasn't this. And honestly, he mostly was thinking of the things Tidus probably couldn't say. Because this situation.. It's so much bigger than them. You have very little control over most things in life, Inigo is sharply aware of that, but this situation truly does take everything out of their hands. They could be gone tomorrow, and they'd never even know.

So the sudden admission startles Inigo out of his sad thoughts just a tiny bit, just enough for him to silently glance over at Tidus, thinking before he speaks up.

His tone is just as soft.

"Of course." He doesn't hesitate on that. Inigo is a blabbermouth because his mouth runs faster than his brain, sure, but if someone entrusts him a secret, he will make an active effort to take it to the grave. "Can I.. Can I ask questions?"

It's an almost stupidly cautious question, but Inigo can't help it. If Tidus is saying it's a secret, he doesn't want to pry more than Tidus is alright with. It's the way they're strangely considerate of each other when it counts.

"It's fine if you don't want to answer, or can't, but.. are you trying to get in touch with someone specific?"

It's not an odd thought to him. After all, Inigo tries seeing if he can reach Naga every time they're dumped on a world to perform a mission. Even though he's tried and failed so many times at this point.

Tidus nods at Inigo's caution, waits as Inigo continues to speak. He has an idea of what Inigo's thinking about, and realises here he'll have to describe what a radio is... but hopefully he'll manage it. Trusting Inigo's word--and he hopes as well, that Inigo will be behind the plan too.

"I've been trying to leave messages to the ministry, on the platforms, and planets - Roland's been helping too," he admits, since there's already been times when he hasn't been able to go onto the platform. But he has for those letters, despite the reluctance he's otherwise displayed. Just towards the end, while everyone starts to get on.

"But I got something now, called a radio. Y'know how the SCAs, they let us talk to each other 'cross a distance? It's like that - it's a machine that can pick out signals, that other people are sending. And we're gonna try and send one out too. Get someone to find our signal.

"Senku's agreed to help us," he adds with a pause. "I asked him at the party."

He's quiet for a moment, considering all this. Taking in the idea of what a radio is according to Tidus's explanation. Thinking about the ministry - he's not too sure how to feel about them, everything considered, but it's true that they don't really have any other point of contact out here. And if there is some other point of contact, surely they would pick up on a signal too if it was just sent out into the void, right? If he's getting this idea of a radio right.

So he slowly nods, thinking he understands. Or as well as he can, anyway.

"That's a good idea. If anyone can take care of that sort of thing, it's Senku." That guy seems to be able to make just about anything under the oddest circumstances.. ".. you're being careful though, right? I mean.."

There's probably no real danger about it. Who'd punish them for a plan like that, the train itself? It hardly even seems to bother to ever respond to them in the first place, so that's doubtful. But with Inigo being the worrywart that he deep down is, amplified by his not-too-great mood today, he can't help but feel just the tiniest bit antsy.

"I don't want anything to happen to you."

There's danger involved. More danger than Tidus wants to voice: what signal they may end up finding, what contacting the ministry might result in. How there's no saying what'll happen, one way or another. Whether or not that's Roland's overly cautious attitude getting to him or just the reality of it Tidus understands, but-

But. He smiles at Inigo, mouth tight, squeezes their hands with fingers weaved. Nods at him with a determination that's true and honest.

"You know me--nothing takes me down easy. I'll be fine." He lifts his voice to declare that, then dips it as- "I know there has to be a way. Something we can do. And we're gonna find it. We won't give up 'til we do."

"Alright, milord Invincible." It's said slightly dryly, but at the same time lacks the usual kind of punch and energy that Inigo would throw into it under normal circumstances. On a day where his mind isn't as weighed down as it is today, where they can joke around a bit more normally, rather than Inigo struggling to keep it up, yet not wanting to fully give it up at the same time. "I mean it. I know you're taking this seriously."

That genuine determination about Tidus says as much, and Inigo does know that no matter the amount of jokes Tidus fires off, he's more than capable of being serious about the important matters.

"But still.. make sure to call me whenever you're in trouble. I'll do anything I can to help." Even if it means dealing with the train, or the void ministry, or-- whatever. He's fighting a huge world-ending dragon back home. This is nothing. "I'd offer to help more with it in general, but I'm fairly sure you have things covered between Roland and Senku."

Roland is responsible and good at thinking things through, after all. And Senku is smart on a whole different level, capable of doing just about anything. And even Tidus-- he's brave, almost to a fault. He usually has good ideas. It's not like any of them would need Inigo for anything in comparison. He knows that. But he still wants to make sure Tidus knows that he's there for him if he ever needs it. That's what friends are for.

"I will," he promises, if following it with a huff of humour off his mouth, "but you know, even a guy like me--I'm just sitting around hoping Senku and Roland know what they're doing. Spending points."

It was about as good as Tidus had to offer, but he didn't mind the fact. Other than wishing...

"I wish there was more we could do. But so far, everything we've tried doing to the train hasn't worked. And I don't know what else we're gonna achieve unless we go for the tech route. And I'm as lost there as you there." He gives Inigo a friendly bump, shoulder to shoulder.

"We just have to hope for the best." He nods to Inigo. "But let's keep doing whatever we do on missions, and keep Senku supplied. And everyone on the train safe."

Inigo releases a breath, then shakes his head.

"Don't sell yourself short. You're the one always starting these things." Which is something that deserves credit as well. Even if there are other people to help carry it to fruition. The plan still probably wouldn't exist at all if Tidus hadn't thought of it, right? Inigo leans over to gently tap a finger against the side of Tidus's head. "There's a lot going on in here."

And this time he means it as a compliment, rather than some joking half-insult.

(Maybe it's a little hypocritical, not letting Tidus put himself down when that's all Inigo does in his own mind all day - but he just genuinely thinks this about Tidus, so how can he not say it at a moment like this?)

"I'm sure it'll at least lead somewhere. Even if it may not solve this whole situation, it will probably do something good." Hopefully. But it sounds like they're putting so much effort into it, and that has to pay off somehow, right?

.. Inigo leans back a little again, gaze dropping to the mini-fridge, then to the floor. "And yes, I'll just.. keep going. I guess."

Even though his heart feels so heavy again now. Like yet another weight has been thrown onto his soul, threatening to drag him down into the dirt. But isn't it exactly like what he did back home, all those years? Just think about getting through the day. Just keep breathing in and out.

Tidus's gaze flickers somewhere downward, a small mirth that doesn't quite voice itself. He's the one with bright ideas, huh? Though it doesn't really feel like it--and what would the others say about him being, being the idea guy? Really, it was always hard thinking all the time in those days before they reached the ruins of Zanarkand. But, they did it; despite the impossible, they saved Yuna.

So when Tidus hears the the lack of energy present in Inigo, the way his own gaze drops with his voice, Tidus tugs Inigo's hand in his towards him, to get his attention.

"You're not doing it alone," he assures and reminds him. Eyes on his, certainty in him. No one is stuck on this ride alone. "I need you too. We said we'd face this together. Be there for each other. --It's a lot of work being friends with me, y'know?"

And he smiles at the end there, can't help himself; to try and bring some cheer to this, to lighten it up a little. But it doesn't make the rest of his message any less true. The message he wants to get across.

"But you're not gonna give up. Right?"

"Of course not."

It doesn't come with a lot of energy, or even with determination, since Inigo can't really muster any of that right now. But it does at least come quickly, the words leaving Inigo's mouth as soon as Tidus asks that question, eyes rising to meet Tidus's gaze when his hand is tugged.

It's hard. And it hurts. It keeps hurting. But why give up at this point? There's not even a real way to give up in the first place while they're all stuck on this train, and even if there was, it's not like he's all alone. (Yet.) So he has a reason to keep going.

"I'm not-- I'm not going anywhere." He can't help but think of the time when Tidus avoided everyone, stuck in his room, how helpless it made Inigo feel. He doesn't want to make anyone else feel that way if he can help it, so he doesn't want to withdraw. "I'm here if you need me, you know? Even.. even now."

Because Inigo would drop all of his sadness in an instant (or at the very least try to shove it as far to the back of his mind as possible) to help Tidus out, even if it was with something small or dumb.

He swallows. His mouth feels dry.

"It's just a lot right now. Bucky's gone, and he.. he was the first person who cared about me here. I was so lonely before that."

Is there a way to make this any better? For Inigo, at least, some way he could help him better than the sympathy in his chest. Tidus nods, quiet as he lets Inigo speak. How much more can Inigo take of days like these? Will he be the same, one day?

"What was he like?" He asks, curious; wondering if just talking might help, even if in the end, it might lead to tears. But what's so wrong about that? "I never got to know him... even though he was so important to you."

And what a shame. But that happened often, as cramped as the train cars were. Someone was there, always around -- and then they weren't.

It's no surprise to him that Tidus never got to know him well. That's just how Bucky was, right? Reluctant to use the ICPs, kind of withdrawn - friendly, but mostly once you actually got to know him. The type who keeps to himself most of the time.

"Um," he starts, looking uncertain. But not hesitant about the idea of talking about this, really, more just about where to start. Considering how much he's been hanging out with Tidus at one point until now, it feels weird to think of the time before that. It feels so different. So long ago.

"He looked kind of scary, or grumpy, but he was super sweet. He always spoiled me and teased me, saying he saw me as a little brother." His gaze drops from Tidus's face towards their joint hands. "We bonded because.. because he had been fighting for a long time too. And just like me, he didn't want to, but had no choice. Even though he had entirely different ideas for his life."

So it had been so easy to get attached to him. Someone who naturally understood him, his situation, despite the differences in the kind of battles they fought. The mentality was the same.

"I think he--" Inigo stops, almost choking. Somehow this feels even harder to talk about.

Because it's so familiar. "He.. got together with someone here on the train. Right before he disappeared."

"Dyme." It's a name that comes after a pause, once the punch to his gut comes; remembering how happy the guitarist had been asking for suggestions for dating on the train, to doing things together with Bucky. He remembers- but he already knew too, when he'd found Kitty freaking out about Bucky in the train already, before their arrival.

He'd remembered then. But it hits him again, to listen to Inigo bring it up; to know how all of this was affecting him too. But the understanding they can both share, suffer in. To lose someone loved like that.

"He's good guy," Tidus offers, for whatever it means. "Dyme. He seems fun. He'll...I'm sure he'll need company too. I..."

Is it wrong? The thought comes, though he wants to dismiss it. Is it wrong to let yourself get that close to someone? But how can you help it? It's just natural, to get close to others. To make bonds, no matter what they become from there. Friends, or like family. Lovers.

Tidus waves their hands a little, looking down at them, sighing.

"I really hope we can put a stop to this soon," he speaks, close to a whisper. All he can give.

Dyme. A name to put to the description Bucky had given. Inigo doesn't think he's spoken much with him, if ever at all, but maybe he'll have to keep an eye out sometime. At the very least see if he's not alone, if he's getting the comfort he needs..

But his thoughts trail off. This whole topic is just.. a lot. In general. Not even just because it reminds him of Yuki, or all the friends he lost. No, it's because that specific feature of this train feeds so much on Inigo's biggest fears.

".. me too," he manages to force out.

Inigo looks at their hands too, but it doesn't feel like enough comfort. Not in this situation, when everything feels so overwhelming. As it tends to do every single day the train stops at a platform lately.

He lets go, but it's just so he can move closer. Scooting over until he's right in front of Tidus. Wrapping his arms around him, leaning against him with enough weight that it almost threatens to topple them right over. Sucking in a shakey breath.

"I don't.. I don't want this to stop yet though." Not the whole train thing. No, it's a more specific 'this' in this case, confirmed by the vulnerability in Inigo's voice as he continues. "I don't want to have to miss you too."

It's not unprecedented a move--a hug, Inigo moving into an embrace. Inigo meets no resistance as he brings his arms around him, and Tidus even leans his head against Inigo's, a hand resting onto his back. As one usually does.

Especially with what comes with it, that desire. 'I don't want to have to miss you too.' Because it'll come, one day. No matter what happens, no matter what freedom they have to come and go. The people with lives who were once dead, he hopes they get to continue living. But him... with just the train as a lifeline...

"Remember me," he starts, a whisper that hurries. "I know you don't want to think about this, but- promise me. No matter what happens, I'll... I'll always remember this. I'll always be thankful for the time I got to know you and everyone else. So if you remember me... just once in a while...

Nothing could make me happier."

Edited 2020-11-07 20:16 (UTC)

".. what?"

It's such a quiet word. And so vulnerable in the way it's being said. It goes beyond just being confused - it almost sounds a little hurt, or even scared.

Because there's something so odd about what Tidus is saying now. It makes Inigo's brain scramble, trying to figure out what the reason is for Tidus speaking that way. Why he wants to be remembered so badly. Is it because of his situation back home? Because he's going to be seperated from everything he knew before? Inigo wonders if he should just say that Tidus doesn't have to worry, that Inigo will beg Naga to help come find Tidus if he wants it, but then again-- he can't guarantee it. What if he'd just upset him by not being able to live up to that promise? Should he just do it as a surprise, if they both do end up back home at some point?

They're hurried, near-panicked thoughts, but Inigo suddenly realises in the middle of all of it that he doesn't have time for them. Not when Tidus's request seems so hurried. He can't let it linger without answer, no matter how many questions Inigo has.

"Of course--" He starts, just as hurried. Inigo pulls back a little, just enough so he can look straight into Tidus's eyes, but his arms still hold on to the other tightly.

"Of course I'm going to remember you. I'm never, never going to forget you. You're.. You're so important to me."

There's so much emotion into it. Which is normal by Inigo standards, but really, even by Inigo standards there may be a Bit Much in here. His eyes are even starting to get hazey with unshed tears.

"No matter what happens, or no matter how this ends.. You're always going to be with me. Don't even worry about it for a moment."

Eye to eye, Tidus isn't sure at first how he should be looking, displaying him. An awkward tiny smile on his lips too caught in the moment to hold any mirth. Though it grows a little, more and more, sweetened by Inigo's reassurances. He laughs, just as softly pleasant, as gently sweet; letting his head hang after a nod before having it rise.

"I know! I know you wouldn't... but it's scary to think about, isn't it? Not that I do, I just-- guess I got stuck in the moment," he confesses. He wants to lift his own arms to put them on Inigo's shoulders, but all he can do with their positions is put them on his elbows.

"Sorry. Hey, it's alright! Whatever happens, I'll never forget about you either. That's a promise. So you don't need to cry over that. Wanna rub your face on my hoodie?"

He slips that last one in quickly, teasing, a joke to distract from the mood, if that's even possible now. Or to lessen it, whatever he can attempt. He's gotta do better, when things get this depressing...

"I'm not crying." It's not full on pouty, since Inigo isn't really upset. He's emotional, yes, but not even necessarily in a bad way. Not in a way that's as bad as he's been for most of today, anyway. "I'm.. I'm just feeling a lot."

Inigo sniffs. He's just overwhelmed. There are a lot of emotions going on now. But rather than mostly thinking about how much he misses Bucky - and Gerome, and Yuki, and so many others - or about how he might have to miss Tidus in the future, all he can think about right now for the most part is just the sheer affection he feels for the guy in front of him right now, especially as it's already started to spill out at Tidus's request earlier.

He leans forward, burying his face into Tidus's shoulder, and yes, therefore into his hoodie. But it's not to wipe off his tears, okay! He-- He's not crying!

"I just don't want you to even imagine I might one day forget you! There's no way, I just.. I just love you so much, okay? And I know you're going to say something dumb like 'stop being so sappy' or 'you say these things way too easily', but I can't help it, alright."

.. okay, maybe now he's a bit pouty.

"It's my first time having a friend like you, and that's really important to me. And I want you to know that."

"I get it, pal." It's affectionate, accompanied by a patting on the back, Tidus trying to ride that delicate line by being sincere, but not going too low into the mood around them. There's no need to go back there, even if Inigo wants some more time to hug and whine. That's fine. They can have some more time doing that.

"But now what am I supposed to say? You really took every word out of my mouth!" Eheh. "...but, I've always liked that about you. You can say those things easy. Not about me being the first of a kind for you-- c'mon, what about Taiki? You were always getting me in trouble with him!"

It's not a serious complaint, not delivered as such. But he can still remember the looks Taiki gave him -- as long ago as they feel, too.

At least hugging and whining is better than crying all by himself - which often was the original plan Inigo had in these sorts of situations. He's not crying right now. Sure, maybe he's not in the best of moods still, but.. he's managing. It somehow feels a bit easier to deal with in the company of someone else, especially with this much physical contact.

Though something about what Tidus says makes his thoughts stop.

"Huh? Well.. Taiki is important to me too, of course." He lingers against Tidus's shoulder for another moment, but then raises his head.

"But, it's.."

He pauses.

Wait, isn't this weird?

"I mean--! I don't feel less about him? Really! Taiki is super important to me, but it feels.. different?" It doesn't sound like Inigo being dodgey, which is what usually happens when he starts talking like this. No, he actually sounds more confused? Like he's stumbled upon something even he hadn't realised yet, and he's not quite sure what's going on with it. "I don't know, I.. guess I have a different kind of friendship with him?"

Is that it? What other explanation can he think of for it?

"That's not weird, is it..?"

"Noo," Tidus starts slowly, playfully-- but even as he answers, he's confused himself. Curious. He hadn't meant anything serious by it, and the idea of having different friendships between different people isn't a strange concept to him. But is it entirely new to Inigo?

"All friendships aren't the same. But..." but... "Actually-" started with a pause "-I used to think you had a crush on the guy."

Which. He doesn't think so much now, and it's probably scoff-worthy to imagine he ever thought. Maybe? Hey, it wasn't that weird to think. But listen to Inigo now! He's not even making Taiki his super duper special friend.

"Guess I got that wrong?"

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