Roland Crane (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
adregem) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
voidtreckerexpress2020-11-03 02:01 am
adregem) wrote in voidtreckerexpress2020-11-03 02:01 am
the voidtrecker cafe is now open? ☕ a november catch-all!
Who: Roland Crane x OTA!
Where: Various places, specifically/primarily: the Kitchen and the Gym.
When: Spanning most of early Imagination, from Imagination 1-12 (pre-mission weeks).
What: Join the train's resident president as he explores various degrees of hobby-making, training, and whatever else comes between work and sleep.
Warnings: Self-indulgent Barista!Roland as the primary prompt. No apologies given!!!
01 - good to the last drop?
It's your sense of smell that's engaged first. Walk upstairs unto the second floor of the Kitchen, and it's impossible to miss. Its wafting aroma may even reach below the floor, enticing you to come up out of curiosity. For those who come from Earth in particular, it's a smell that feels fond and nostalgic, invoking busy work days and people-watching by busy tables.
Almost true to the designated name of the month, there is an invitation to be swept away by the roast of coffee beans stirring the imagination. The air around here is unbelievably fragrant, almost sweet. And the amateur roast master for as long as supplies last is a dutiful figure - Roland Crane, in a simple polo shirt and an apron tied to his waist, standing behind the steel counter with an open crate of supplies from his recent purchase at the store. The communal coffee maker is there too, but his spread is more meticulous this time around. Two bags of coffee beans labeled 'hazelnut creme' and 'dark arabica' to one side, with batches already ground up. The portable grinder is small, but it matches the moka pot for espresso. Hot water already reaching the boil, with bottles lined up like they're ready for service: a couple of syrup selections, bottles of milk, cream, sugar, then finally the hero of the month: honey in various containers.
He's reading a book from the counter, head tilted down, but don't let that stop you from approaching. He's got something brewing, in more ways than one. In fact, as soon as he notices you, he'll offer a small smile, abandoning the task of reading altogether as he goes for his tools. Cups and mugs within reach, but he'll pretend to write something on them with his pen. An inside joke that may or may not connect, but he commits to the immersion anyway:
"Hey, welcome back. Don't worry, I remember you. And what you ordered last time. Heh."
Kick back. Relax. Have a cuppa of honey and coffee and let Roland the barista hear your tales of woe. Or joy? Whatever you're willing to share. He'll listen. He's got the experience, trust him.
(The tip jar to the very end of his work station is absolutely fake.)
02 - a moving target.
[ At the Gym, some time before mission information goes up and Roland heads straight into his usual business mode, you will find him with his pistol. But for those who have seen him in action already, there's something decidedly different this time around. The gun in his hand, although already more futuristic and magical in its design, is looking more spruced up. An extra barrel that makes it bulky, and the muzzle shaped odd. There's something there that was not there before.
And the only time you will see this for yourself is when he takes a deep breath...and aims at the makeshift targets from a distance. They're staggered, purposely left in random formations. When Roland shoots, his left hand holding the trigger, the usual sound of a gun firing filling the car...Until it stops and suddenly a grappling hook comes out instead. A weird combination, but it fires just as fast as the bullets and there's a struggle to reach the farthest dummy.
Unfortunately, it doesn't quite catch. And so Roland retracts it back, the fiber cable making a sharp whizzing sound as it returns to the gun. ]
[ He sighs. ] This is going to take some getting used to before I even think about making new moves.
[ Approach him here, for training, and he'll be a happy partner. ] Say, got something small I can use to try and grab with my new toy, here? I promise I won't break it. [ Roland nods, jokingly but also, how could he lie to you with such an earnest face? ]
03 - Wildcard!
[ For anything else you may want to do! Am on Discord < Titallenial#7701 > for plotting ideas. Am always open, and will follow your lead! ]
Where: Various places, specifically/primarily: the Kitchen and the Gym.
When: Spanning most of early Imagination, from Imagination 1-12 (pre-mission weeks).
What: Join the train's resident president as he explores various degrees of hobby-making, training, and whatever else comes between work and sleep.
Warnings: Self-indulgent Barista!Roland as the primary prompt. No apologies given!!!
01 - good to the last drop?
It's your sense of smell that's engaged first. Walk upstairs unto the second floor of the Kitchen, and it's impossible to miss. Its wafting aroma may even reach below the floor, enticing you to come up out of curiosity. For those who come from Earth in particular, it's a smell that feels fond and nostalgic, invoking busy work days and people-watching by busy tables.
Almost true to the designated name of the month, there is an invitation to be swept away by the roast of coffee beans stirring the imagination. The air around here is unbelievably fragrant, almost sweet. And the amateur roast master for as long as supplies last is a dutiful figure - Roland Crane, in a simple polo shirt and an apron tied to his waist, standing behind the steel counter with an open crate of supplies from his recent purchase at the store. The communal coffee maker is there too, but his spread is more meticulous this time around. Two bags of coffee beans labeled 'hazelnut creme' and 'dark arabica' to one side, with batches already ground up. The portable grinder is small, but it matches the moka pot for espresso. Hot water already reaching the boil, with bottles lined up like they're ready for service: a couple of syrup selections, bottles of milk, cream, sugar, then finally the hero of the month: honey in various containers.
He's reading a book from the counter, head tilted down, but don't let that stop you from approaching. He's got something brewing, in more ways than one. In fact, as soon as he notices you, he'll offer a small smile, abandoning the task of reading altogether as he goes for his tools. Cups and mugs within reach, but he'll pretend to write something on them with his pen. An inside joke that may or may not connect, but he commits to the immersion anyway:
"Hey, welcome back. Don't worry, I remember you. And what you ordered last time. Heh."
Kick back. Relax. Have a cuppa of honey and coffee and let Roland the barista hear your tales of woe. Or joy? Whatever you're willing to share. He'll listen. He's got the experience, trust him.
(The tip jar to the very end of his work station is absolutely fake.)
02 - a moving target.
[ At the Gym, some time before mission information goes up and Roland heads straight into his usual business mode, you will find him with his pistol. But for those who have seen him in action already, there's something decidedly different this time around. The gun in his hand, although already more futuristic and magical in its design, is looking more spruced up. An extra barrel that makes it bulky, and the muzzle shaped odd. There's something there that was not there before.
And the only time you will see this for yourself is when he takes a deep breath...and aims at the makeshift targets from a distance. They're staggered, purposely left in random formations. When Roland shoots, his left hand holding the trigger, the usual sound of a gun firing filling the car...Until it stops and suddenly a grappling hook comes out instead. A weird combination, but it fires just as fast as the bullets and there's a struggle to reach the farthest dummy.
Unfortunately, it doesn't quite catch. And so Roland retracts it back, the fiber cable making a sharp whizzing sound as it returns to the gun. ]
[ He sighs. ] This is going to take some getting used to before I even think about making new moves.
[ Approach him here, for training, and he'll be a happy partner. ] Say, got something small I can use to try and grab with my new toy, here? I promise I won't break it. [ Roland nods, jokingly but also, how could he lie to you with such an earnest face? ]
03 - Wildcard!
[ For anything else you may want to do! Am on Discord < Titallenial#7701 > for plotting ideas. Am always open, and will follow your lead! ]
no subject
Inigo looks like Roland is trying to speak to him in some language he's never heard of before. Ylisse is not exactly a land filled with cafes, not even before it turned into a complete wasteland. Though judging by the way Roland is talking about it, Inigo thinks it must be like some sort of modern tavern, maybe..?
Maybe it's better to focus on the part of this he does understand. Before his brain breaks. And Roland seems so happy with all of this that Inigo will gladly talk about it with him! If it's something Roland likes, he wants to know all about it.
"Just a bit." Though it's been a while. And while he's sure the answer implies as much, he's sure to clarify: "We didn't have it back in Ylisse. But it's what I'm smelling right now, isn't it?"
It's hard to miss it with it hanging in the air all over the kitchen.
no subject
Thankfully, context clues are everything! The problem with his imagining of Ylisse is that he's been comparing it to Evermore this whole time. But even the places in the second world had cafe's, with Broadleaf literally littered with restaurants and coffee shops for their tired, overworking engineers. It seems he has to dial it down even more, and imagine that Ylisse really was set back in time before any sort of modern amenities existed. That was fine too - in fact, it helped in the immersion he was going for today.
Hey, blame Tidus for this. He's been pushing Roland to discover hobbies, and he decided on this. Something familiar, not too crazy, and something he actually likes. Coffee was a good partner for when you had to write laws and edicts while burning the midnight oil.
Roland's smile is still in place as he leans like he's taking an order. "The cafe's where I'm from are just buildings where you can order drinks like coffee and tea, sometimes with some pastries too. When you get your food and drink, it's time to enjoy the atmosphere. Sit there and do whatever you want. Meet a friend, talk to a stranger. You can even work in peace, or just watch people come and go." That's not too alien of a concept, right? Had he known that was where Inigo's mind went - taverns, the perfect example - Roland would have agreed wholeheartedly.
"Dunno if we'll ever land on a world with a cafe, but why don't we give you that experience today?" Here we go! If he can pretend to betray his king and be a spy, he can do this no problem. Roland clears his throat and with his best friendly, public-speaking, people-pleasing voice, he takes the pen from the apron's pocket and grabs a mug - pretend writing again.
"So, you're Inigo right? You ordered a...sweet milky coffee the last time you were here. Do you want it again?"
no subject
Granted, that may be selling Roland short just a little bit, but the thought can't help but cross Inigo's mind all the same as he thinks about -- well, about this whole situation. Not that it really matters though. As new as this whole cafe concept is to Inigo, it's very clear that Roland thoroughly enjoys it. He's seen the man in good spirits before, but this is a whole new level of it, Inigo thinks.
And if Roland likes something that much.. well, then who would Inigo be if he didn't indulge the other in it? If this is something that can make Roland smile, then obviously he's all for it.
"Uh.."
.. even though his participation may be a little clumsy. It's hard when you're trying to form a mental picture of the situation you're playing out at the same time as you're playing it out! But he's doing his best!
"Yes!" He smiles, trying to get a bit more into it. Looking like a happy customer rather than some unintentional weird confused tourist. "I loved the way you made it last time. Wouldn't think about changing my.. order." (?? Is that the right word for it?)
Okay, so maybe it isn't entirely perfect yet, but he's getting there. Improvisation, baby.
no subject
Roland doesn't really write on the mug though, but commits to the motion of it anyway. Tucks the pen back in his pocket and makes a move to create this so-called order that Inigo's never actually had. But that's what's enjoyable about the whole thing, and if Inigo is only doing this to indulge him, he'll take it for however long the illusion is cast. Besides, they're doing quite well so far, and this is testing just how well Roland can freestyle coffee, never mind that the recipe book from Evermore was giving him a cheat code.
So he sets the mug down and starts prepping, though most of his work is already done in advance. Speaks as his hands fly about between the moka pot that's got a fresh batch already boiling, and reaching for the milk, some spices he took from the Stores, and the honey. "I'll do my best to deliver the same blend you enjoyed last time." Which really just means, he's improvising, having already mastered the Frothy Coffee from Floyd's Cafe, now making something with more spices - something that looks familiar to the original but lacks the overt sweetness. The honey just adding a gentle touch to it, swirled at the bottom then sprinkled with the cinnamon and the nutmeg powders.
He's almost done with it when he decides to engage in typical barista banter - not that Inigo would know this is the usual fare for it, but he's committed! "So, what's new with you?" Roland chats, before he leans forward and whispers, "This is just small talk that they like to ask customers while they wait."
no subject
But he's snapped right out of those thoughts when Roland speaks up. Thankfully with explanation, or Inigo wouldn't be sure what part of The Modern Cafe Experience this was supposed to be. But okay, Roland is explaining it to him. He can work with this.
"Oh!" He smiles, brushing a hand through his hair. "Nothing much. I just.."
His voice trails off as he realises he now has to think of what people from these weird modern worlds would say in this situation. Not like he can talk about some bear he caught!
"I.. just did laundry! In my modern laundry machine."
It sounds like just about the goofiest thing, and yet somehow Inigo's smile seems to add some charm to it all the same.. Isn't he great, Roland. He could easily blend in in your world, look at him! He's so subtle.
keywords
"Is that right? Did you separate your whites?" A little laundry joke never hurt anybody!
As this goes on, Roland carefully slides the said drink to Inigo in a clear mug. It's warmed up now, definitely drinkable, and he'll find that the only new flavor he might need to get used to is the bitterness of the coffee. An espresso was no joke, but at the same time, the beans Roland used by way of aroma ensured it wasn't acidic to the point of burning a hole in your stomach. The hazelnut creme beans gives off a sweetness that's nutty, chocolatey, and he hopes it compliments well with the amber honey.
Blend in, indeed. It's a good image to picture, something that turns his expression fond if it ever came to conversation. For now, he'll watch in anticipation for Inigo's fated reaction to his first cup...! Breaking character just for it!
"Don't pretend to like it if you don't, okay pup? Be honest! I want to get better."
no subject
And then Roland just decides to take the entire problem away from him by serving up the coffee. Thanks, dad. Great timing. What a save. Inigo will gladly drink this to avoid the awkwardness of not knowing how to do modern banter.
"Come on, you're saying that as if there's anything you're bad at!" Oh, the faith a child has in a parent.. (Although that usually applies to kids who are younger than Inigo is right now, huh.)
But it's true. He does have full faith in this cup of coffee. So he picks it up, raising it to his lips, drinking a sip, and--
He immediately makes A Face. Because Inigo was expecting it to be a whole lot sweeter than it actually is, having forgotten the original bitterness of coffee. But that's not really on Roland as much as it's on Inigo's dumb assumption, and so he quickly tries to pull his sour face back into a smile.
"Wait, hold on! That one didn't count!"
He quickly takes another sip, gladly risking the burn just to make his father happy. This time he's at least able to taste beyond the bitterness now he's expecting it, and instead his expression turns half-surprised, half-thoughtful. ".. oh, there's so many flavours in here."
no subject
Don't worry, Inigo. Roland's going back to the pot - literally, adjusting the brew so it's less intense. He's so used to pitch black coffee without a single hint of cream or sugar in it that he can't help but make the same thing even when the recipe clearly states to go easy on it. (Or maybe, he just isn't learned enough yet to know how to dilute. Well...Aremicanos are part-coffee part-hot water, right?)
He's moving lightly, though. It's enjoyable for Roland to be corrected on these things because it helps him learn through experience. When Inigo eventually does comment on the nature of the recipe, he hums in thought, lips skewed to one side as he stills himself to survey the open recipe book, one hand leaning against the edge of the counter while the other rests on his hip. A tap of his fingers to signal thought.
"...Okay, hand me that cup again and let me try adding more milk." He looks up and might seem a bit more confident now than he was before. "Of all the flavors you had, which one did you like the most? And which one do you think I should dial back on?"
no subject
(Then again, Inigo may be severely overestimating just how upset Roland would be at the idea of his coffee not being immediately right.)
The protest waterfall dies down though when Roland speaks up again, and Inigo hands him the cup with the look of a guilty puppy caught in the act. Sulky. Pouty.
"Um, I like the sweetness.. And something like nuts? I didn't expect it, but it tasted nice." There's a small pause, and perhaps even the slight shuffling of feet, before Inigo adds: "B-But you should make it the way you want though, you must know a lot more about coffe than I do!"
no subject
Plus, it helps that Roland is already quite used to Inigo's state of total fluster, not wanting to disappoint Roland with his reaction. Heh. He'll keep it to himself how little offense he's taken with Inigo, if at all, during the entire duration of their knowing one another. That's why when the puppy act pulls up, he just reaches over with a clean hand to lightly touch Inigo's chin or cheek - whatever reaches. His smile reaching up to the corners of his eyes as he returns to the task of fixing the coffee.
Sweetness...so he doesn't touch it, doesn't add more honey. But the milk and nuts, he could add more of the nuts to it, borrowed from the Stores and then more cinnamon to emphasize the flavor. Roland trains his eyes on the concoction and takes a teaspoon to taste before serving it up to him; he brightens significantly. Not his taste, but the bitterness of the espresso won't overwhelm Inigo anymore. This is handed promptly back to his son, with a bit more confidence now.
"Heh. That's not the spirit of customer service! I have to listen to what the customer likes, not what I do." He's not one to wink, but his smile turns into a grin. A tilt to his head at a fake, empty jar with a word in bolded text pasted on the glass. "Besides, if I don't adjust the drinks, how will I ever get tips?"
no subject
But as he's halfway through the sip (and noticably lacking the initial reaction towards the bitterness that he had just a few moments ago!), Inigo suddenly stops, looking like he's nearly choking on the coffee.
At least it's not due to the taste. No, it's right at Roland's last words.
What are tips. WHAT ARE TIPS. WHAT ARE TIPS AND HOW DOES HE GIVE ROLAND ANY, oh Naga.
He wipes his mouth, nervously staring between Roland and the fake tips jar.
"Ah.. W-well, sir who I have only ever met before while he was serving me coffee!" Nailed it. The smoothest of roleplays. "I am.. afraid.. that I may not have taken my tip with me when I went out today to grab some coffee!"
WHAT TIP. THE TIP OF WHAT. This is a crisis.
no subject
The stammer coming from Inigo is makes him think - who would have expected Roland's grand control of character would break because of this? Though he if were to rethink that statement, of course it's Inigo's absolute honesty and earnest nature that would make Roland realize he can't keep this up for long! But still, it's a lot of fun, though he doesn't mean to do it at Inigo's expense...One more context clue before he calls it quits and talks properly?
Roland's smile doesn't let up until the very last minute, when the upturned line of his mouth droops in faux sadness. His arm makes for the tip jar from the far end of the counter, and he looks into with a soft sigh. Empty!
"Hey, that's okay. Sometimes we only have just enough to buy ourselves one cup, you know?" Roland could sound convincing, but he's making this a teachable moment. It's that overacted pout and that glance from beneath his bangs that give him away. Plus, that sly emphasis on words. "Hm...I guess I won't be able to afford anything extra myself, after my shift is over."
Hint, get! Tips? Afford...? Roland knows Inigo's got this!
no subject
So okay, he gets it. Tips are like.. what he gets paid? For his coffee? On top of the cost of the actual cup? It's rather mysterious, but Inigo would feel bad for not participating in the habits of Roland's culture, even if it's during this pretend exchange.
"Is that so.." He stares at the empty tip jaw for a moment, like he's thinking, sipping a bit more of his coffee.
It's really nice this time around, he thinks. But that makes him feel even more like he should be tipping here!
"Well.. I-- I don't have any money to offer you." Did he get it right? This is about money, is it. Weird modern money. Why can't people just still use gold. "But.. if you want, I could offer you my eternal friendship?"
Inigo smiles. So genuinely. Like he just really thinks this is what would fly in a modern world - an open offer of friendship. The best tip of all.
no subject
He takes out a shortbread cookie in a plastic wrap and offers it to him as a pairing for the coffee. He smiles back at him too, knowing that even as the moment passes, he's just glad to have Inigo play along no matter how out of his comfort zone he obviously was. "And I'll drink to that tip any day, pup. Thanks." He takes his own coffee mug sitting pretty by the side of moka pot, half-empty, and raises it to him to clink.
He sips at the dark brew but his eyes remain on Inigo's reaction. "So, how's this one taste? Better? It's gotta be worth your eternal friendship, after all."
no subject
But the smile on Roland's face and the warmth in his words seems genuine enough, and so Inigo relaxes, smiles over the rim of his own cup.
He sips before nodding a bit.
"It is good! But.. you know, the last one wasn't bad either. It's me, I'm still trying to get used to the taste of this." Especially since they didn't have anything that came even close to resembling coffee in Ylisse. It's a whole new world, and then that bitter taste can be pretty intense. "I think people used to coffee would have loved it! It seems you're really discovering some talents on the train here."
Look at Inigo's new barista dad! He's a natural.
no subject
He'll have to wait and see.
For now, he takes his own cup - black as night inside the cup, definitely the complete opposite of milky and full of honey - and walks away from behind the counter. Roland takes the spot next to Inigo and drinks from there. No one would mind if the barista took a five minute break, now would they?
"So, Ylisse had coffee too eh?" Roland starts up, taking a sip. The casualness of this, speaking to Inigo as if they weren't stuck on a void train in goodness knows where. It makes the pretending a little bit more real to him; gives him permission to dream that one day it could happen in a better world. A healed world. Alas.
He's careful not to bring Inigo too far into talks of his world torn by apocalypse, but Roland can't help the curiosity either. "I wonder what else our worlds have in common? Maybe we can recreate some of them here. A little taste of the familiar to tide the days over." Perhaps avenues in which they can make nicer memories, too.
no subject
And of course the moment he's joined by the other man's presence, Inigo is already leaning to rest against Roland's side and shoulder, still sipping slightly from the mug as he hums.
"Ah.. No, I only had it here for the first time. Our selection of drinks back home was much more limited." Even before.. you know. "It was mostly just water, milk.. some juices from some fruits, and then alcoholic drinks like beer, wine and mead."
Though Inigo, too, wants to be careful with this line of conversation. He doesn't want to stumble into anything sad either. Maybe it's better to slightly turn this focus back around?
"But.. what you said earlier. Do you think this is something you would enjoy doing in the future?"
If he ever wasn't president anymore. Didn't Roland say something about them having limited terms.. It's still hard for Inigo to wrap his mind around.
no subject
Roland will give Inigo this much: he's getting so much better at deflection.
"Hm. Maybe. I haven't really given it any serious thought." Whether he's referring to being a coffee shop owner, or just retiring in general, is up in the air. He swirls the dark liquid around, eyes focused on the light's reflection against the coffee. A slight tilt of his head against Inigo's, moving there like a magnet drawn to the polar end.
"Truth be told, I don't know if I ever considered doing something I enjoyed as a retirement plan. I'll need to keep working as a regular citizen of the nation, after all." Roland sips, his words coming out comfortably knowing Inigo is listening, and that he trusts him with his innermost thoughts. "Can't stop saving up money after I step down from the presidency."
Such an adult answer, but he has his reasons.
no subject
But he's trying to give it some serious thought anyway while they're this close, while Roland is being so open about it all in the first place.
The mug between his hands warms said hands a little as he thinks. It's nice. It feels like spending time with family.
"Are you saying you're just going to keep working your entire life?" That's what it sounds like to him, even if it won't be working as the president anymore. And while Inigo kind of was planning on doing the same - fighting for his life day in and out until his inevitable end on the battlefield would follow - he's enough of a hypocrite that he wouldn't wish that on anyone else. ".. But when are you going to enjoy life then, father?"
no subject
Roland shares the sentiment. This was just a talk between family, and Inigo is nothing if not trustworthy even of Roland's deepest thoughts. Not all of them, of course, but he cherry picks what he can. Some things he'll always keep to himself, to protect them.
He reaches over his work station, careful not to knock over any of the bottles of syrup, and takes a pack of shortbread biscuits. Tears into its plastic and immediately halves it by the middle, offering Inigo the other piece.
"Son, I...I enjoy what I do. I love my job." He adds, a tone or two more earnest than he intends. But it's something Roland thinks must be said out loud, given how many times the Twin Teens and others have asked him to take a break. Not that their intentions were not warranted. "I love being a public servant. I'd do anything for my nation, for my people. Even if I'm not president anymore, that's not going to change for me. At most, I'll just get a bit more time to myself." The cookie is dipped into the black coffee, the irony not lost on him that he speaks as if his world has not been destroyed by weapons of war. Regardless, he will feel the same way no matter the outcome.
"...It feels amazing, doesn't it?" Roland glances close, meets Inigo's eye with a small smile on his face as if lost in memory. "After you help someone in need. The feeling you get when you know you were able to do something for them, small as it might be." The bite he takes into his shortbread biscuit is slow and deliberate. He's sharing so much of his personal motivations to Inigo that by all means Roland should otherwise be uncomfortable already. But it's a testament to how much he's shared with him that it isn't the case at all. He chews thoughtfully, content with the fact that Inigo is somehow of the same mind. That service to others comes like breathing to both; asphyxiated with the thought of not putting someone else before them.
no subject
He thoughtfully takes a bite of the biscuit, slowly chewing it. It feels like Roland is being so candid here, telling him these personal things without really twisting anything or holding anything back about this topic in particular, and so Inigo feels like he needs to really consider it too, be just as candid in return. To keep up the trust shared between the two of them.
Besides, it's kind of nice to talk about it this way. As if, when they go back, Roland will be able to live that life he's envisioning for himself. Like there will be a world waiting for him to take his place once more, just like Inigo promised he'd try to make sure of. It's the way he wants his father to be able to think, rather than feeling like he might never return to anything more than a wasteland.
"I mean.. as long as that makes you happy, then that's fine." He means it, smiling a little. That's the goal in the end, after all, isn't it? "I just want you to be happy. And if working accomplishes that, then.. well, that's great. As long as you don't completely overwork yourself."
.. But then again, if fate is kind enough to let him get Naga's help to revive Roland's world, if fate is kind enough to let him go and live there as well, build up a new life for himself at his father's side.. then that is something Inigo can at least make sure of. Keeping an eye on him.
no subject
...Roland's been playing plenty of pretend, recently. An indulgence he's not had time nor the chance to dive into in years. What if he keeps going? What if he continues to dive deep, with Inigo in hand? They deserve to lose themselves in it; the dream of better days to come. Inigo, most of all.
He breaks the silence with a thoughtful hum. The biscuit in his hand breaks apart in the coffee, but he pays it no mind. When he speaks, he's aware of what he's about to say. The danger of it, the idea that he might be staking a claim to something he has no control over. But it doesn't matter.
"What if you and I started something together?" Roland says, holding his cup as if he is about to take a sip, meeting Inigo's eye with a light side glance. "A charity. Or an organization. Once you get acquainted with things, of course...Technology and all that stuff." He drinks, but the taste isn't bitter enough to distract. "We could make a place where kids get fresh starts. A place to belong. You're already so good with people."
It sounds vaguely like a promise. What was Roland doing? Was this not the same scenario which made Yuki's departure all the more painful for him? Unkept words left to rot in the back of Inigo's heart, never to be fulfilled? He doesn't know what strikes him then, but Roland tries to chuckle it off, shakes his head and sets the mug down a little more carefully than he should have. Too quiet, as if in apology.
"I'm being silly. I'm sorry...I didn't mean to..."
It's a half-hearted sentiment. Roland can already see it, if he closes his eyes long enough. Inigo would be fantastic at welcoming them, kids of all ages, of all walks of life. So much love in his heart to share; so gentle in all things he does without losing the fire that makes him so worthy to rule should he want that too. But this kind of dreaming can hurt him, so Roland retracts. Just in case.
no subject
Inigo shakes his head. Having finished his own cookie, he uses his now freed up hand to gently put it on top of Roland's. Like trying to gently pull the older guy's attention, make him look at him.
Because Inigo gets what's going on here. He knows exactly why Roland suddenly stops, hesitates, apologizes. It's so obvious from what they discussed only a few days ago now. Inigo's heartbreak. The future he had envisioned then falling to pieces. He still recalls it now, the things he fantasized about back then - going to college together with Yuki, something he had absolutely no idea about other than what Yuki told him, but felt stoked about all the same. Waking up in bed with the other, seeing Yuki's face first thing while opening his eyes. Seeing all the sights Yuki had talked about.
Roland is trying to prevent it, isn't he? Trying to keep Inigo from hurting more. Trying to prevent unfulfilled promises from piling up.
But.. what's the alternative? Just never hoping for anything? Never making connections, just so it won't hurt when they're broken? Inigo couldn't live that way. His heart is much too big to not feel for other people, and he'd be miserable by himself anyway.
Maybe he should take a risk here, even if it may hurt in the long run.
"Please.. talk about that. I want to hear it. I like hearing about it." He smiles. It's not too wide, which makes it look like he isn't faking it. But it's warm, kind - even hopeful. Because he dares to hope. Wants to hope, even under their current circumstances. "I want to think about a future like that. With you, father."
He wants to at least think about being able to be happy. A future spent together with a father by his side. With a little brother. An unknown world, but one Inigo is willing to learn about. An opportunity to find a new place for himself somewhere, but not having to do it by himself. Isn't that all Inigo ever wanted? Maybe he's just desperately latching onto any chance he gets to have that, but.. is that so wrong? Is it wrong to want to find happiness where he can get it?
"Besides, I.. I like the sound of that idea. I mean, it's exactly what I've struggled with for so long." What he's still struggling with a little bit, but less so as the idea of this future becomes more and more concrete in his mind's eye. "Not feeling like I belonged anywhere. If I could help other kids from not having to feel that, if I could make them smile.. Then I'd be so glad."
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The sentiment is what makes it easy for Roland to say what he does. The smile on his lips plays easy, though his gaze is far away and distant. Fingers that graze against Inigo's grow slightly firmer, holding on. "It'd be a foundation for children. We'd give them a place to grow up safe, where they get the education they deserve. With plenty of room to explore, discover what they're good at, who they are. And - And Inigo, you could teach."
It's so vivid, even when he closes his eyes.
"I'm sure they'd all be drawn to you anyway. You're so cheerful. You could tend to the gardens and teach them what all the different flowers meant. Or if you wanted, run the dance classes. They'd love it." It would take their mind off of the real world, still too harsh even in an idealized version of it. Roland chuckles breathily. "You could do whatever you wanted. Be whoever you want to be."
He strokes the rim of the coffee cup with two fingers, the veil of illusion lifting l. But the mood it leaves behind is precious and lovely, so he keeps quiet. Roland lets it settle in the corners of his mind. An Inigo free of it all; free to be anyone, free to laugh and smile without hiding pain. Inigo, who can finally rest, who can finally belong. By their side. Was that selfish?
Roland lifts the cup to his lips, and sips.
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"Well, I'm.. not sure yet who that is yet. The person I want to be."
Isn't it similar to what he talked about before with Tidus? The other telling him he could just start anew, do anything he wants, be anything he wants. An overwhelming possibility.
(Briefly Inigo wonders if Tidus may would like to come along too-- especially if the other is going to be separated from Yuna either way even once he'd go home. But then again, maybe Tidus would rather go back to try and find some way to get her back to her. Inigo wouldn't blame him, and quickly pushes the thought aside for now.)
"B-Besides! I'm not too good of a dancer at all, father, I certainly don't think I should be running any dance classes!" Inigo figures Roland must be imagining that sort of thing because of the knowledge about his mother being a dancer and all - so he certainly must not let the other guy catch on to the full extent of his hobby, it's too embarrassing! "But.. um, the idea of it all is fun."
He smiles at Roland, genuinely meaning it.
"Do you think Will may want to learn some things too?" Listen, he's definitely already going to make the biggest spot possible for the boy to fit into this idea of the future too.
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