Really? [ Inigo looks surprised, his eyes widening slightly. His head rising up from the water a bit more, so his shoulders are visible again. ]
No, he only told me that his hair had turned white from stress. Not being able to have long hair if you want to be taken seriously just seems odd to me.. There were plenty of men with hair longer than mine back in Ylisse.
[ Maybe it wasn't quite the standard, or default, but at the very least having Roland's ponytail wouldn't be seen as odd at all. ]
.. he seemed so fond of his hair too. [ That's just.. sad. Him having to sacrifice that longer hair in order to be able to chase his dreams. ]
[ 'He only told me that his hair had turned white from stress.' That gets the raise of an eyebrow from Tidus, but he's listening as Inigo goes on, doesn't go in to interrupt him. There's fancy sounds coming from the speakers of when Tidus decided to goof around with the ambience - if rushing water can be considered fancy. ]
I don't get it either. They had guys with long hair back in Spira too. [ Not to speak of his own old man. But he touches the side of his own hair, admits after considering it: ] I was thinking of seeing how my hair'd look long. Got nothing I need to dress up for.
[ At least, for the ends that can do with trimmed. But otherwise, why not? He's never really had it long before. ]
Anyhow, he's the leader of his own country. Who cares what your hair looks like when there's other stuff to be worrying about?
[ Inigo definitely agrees with that last sentiment. He doesn't think the people cared at all what his own father's hair looked like back home, after all..
But rather than replying to that part, he stays quiet for a moment. The pee-inducing background sounds that Tidus put on fill up the momentary silence. ]
I like the way your hair is now, though it's most likely just because I'm used to it. [ After all, he's never seen Tidus with anything different, other than it maybe being a bit shorter at first, or the colour being more even.. But never anything as drastically different as him having long hair. It's hard to imagine.
Still-- ]
But.. I told you before. You're really good-looking, Tidus. I'm sure you'd look incredibly handsome with long hair too. [ It's not just Inigo goofing around. He sounds very serious about it, though it's paired with a smile on his face, and him rising from the water even a bit more, as if to show his investment in this conversation. ] So if you want to try seeing how it looks, you should.
You in a good mood today? [ Sure, Inigo has said those things, but even in his usual earnest tone, Tidus leans his elbow along the side of the pool, hand dangling off the side; his own face pictured with a humoured grin. ] Okay. And what do you think I would look good in?
[ There's just a slight grin in response to that initial question. Maybe he is? Which may be strange, considering the whole situation going on around them on the train. People transforming like this is pretty concerning, but it's hard to think of that much right now. When it's just him and Tidus here, having the whole spa carriage to themselves. It's usually so busy here that Inigo doesn't even bother going, especially not with how much letting other people see his scars and skin bothers him.
But right now? This here, right now, is pretty nice.
Nice enough that Inigo doesn't insta-fluster at this talk. ]
Yes! I'm being serious, do you really not believe you'd look good in anything at all? [ Time for Inigo to be the supportive bro for once, even if Tidus doesn't really need it the way Inigo does. But he'll do it anyway. ] Your new outfits are all really nice too, they look good on you. I like the one with the jacket.
Which jacket? You can borrow it if that's what you're trying to say. [ No, he knows that isn't it, but if Inigo likes the jacket too, why not? He might as well put it out there. ] I can help you buy a few things. All you got was one dance outfit last time, didn't you? You deserve some good clothes too.
[ Is he going to turn this around and make this about Inigo? Absolutely. Tidus does as he pleases. ]
A jacket, some gym clothes... [ Hmm. He's looking Inigo over, which doesn't require much movement. But as he's sitting and looking at him now... ]
You know, I don't know what'd suit you. Your kinda style, you know? [ You know, you know? ] You should get anything that you like the look of.
I have some clothes still from last time..! [ He protests.
Even though he's aware it probably won't get very far with Tidus. Once Tidus has an idea, he's going to go through with it. Especially since he doesn't approve of Inigo's fun hat--
Besides, there's more important matters.
Not even to avoid having to talk about himself here. No, he's genuinely interested enough to bring it up again, even though the Tidus train of thought already seems to have moved on. ]
But..
[ A meaningful pause. Even the look in his eyes is a little softer for some reason. ]
.. Can I really borrow it? [ Wearing Tidus's jacket!!!! Inigo can't help it. The very thought of it is making him stupidly excited. ]
[ What's with that look? The way Inigo asks. Tidus likes it, though it makes him curious, a little bit confused -- but maybe it means that Inigo's actually into the idea, even if he needs to go through his protests about never spending anything for himself, first. Still, they might actually be getting to the agreeing part quicker that usual here.
How about that. ]
Sure, try it on. See how you like it. [ Wear it and then see if he wants to buy his own, right? Tidus can go along with that. ] Anything else you wanna try? I didn't really go for 'fancy'...
[ That is, anything special, his hands lifting some out of the water with the shake of his head. ]
No. Just that much is fine. [ Because Inigo's intention behind it definitely isn't trying it on to see how it looks on him. It has much more to do with the sentimental value behind it. Wearing something he knows Tidus has worn-- it makes him feel kind of fluttery on the inside.
.. but that's weird, right? It's probably weird. It makes Inigo grow quiet for a moment, letting the background music fill up the empty space in their conversation. ]
Hey, Tidus, um..
[ His voice trails off again, but Inigo scrapes all of his courage together to speak on instead of letting himself retreat into his shyness, his gaze traveling over to the other. ]
I know it's probably odd to bring this up out of nowhere, and it's not like I haven't said it before, but.. thanks for always being so nice and encouraging about everything. It just-- It means so much to do me that it feels like I should say it more regularly.
[ His brows lightly lift when he hears his name, quiet as he listens, curious from the get-go. And what he hears makes his expression visibly soften, the smile he wears widen.
It takes a moment, but Tidus moves closer to the space that Inigo occupies; water rippling as his body comes beside his, as he bumps his arm deliberately into his. ]
Well, if you should say it more, then maybe I should too. [ Because, after all: ] You're the same. You're a good guy, a good pal - I'm not doing anything you don't do too. I just wanna see you be happy - happy with yourself. It's all good to make others happy, but you're your own guy too.
[ He tilts his head, eyes following to fall on Inigo. He shows a side of teeth in his grin. ]
And that dance outfit looks amazing on you! I should make you buy a load more!
A load? [ Inigo parrots, but rather than protesting, he just lets out a laugh. ]
I don't think there even are that many dance outfits!
[ .. okay, so maybe it's a bit of a protest after all. Inigo moves sideways, lightly bumping his arm against Tidus's in return. ]
I'm trying to be happier with myself. [ Even though.. phew, boy, is that ever a work in progress. It's hard when your sense of self worth has only been crumbling away rather than building up over the years and years and years. ] I mean.. I'm dancing here on the train now, sometimes. That's crazy. And I only feel mildly embarrassed afterwards!
[ ... ]
Well, maybe a bit more than mildly. [ BUT STILL. The point is there, okay! It's all thanks to Tidus's help! ] Anyway-- the point is that you've got to be happy too!
[ Mildly. He'd bump at Inigo again just for that, but Tidus resists, at least swinging him a unimpressed but joking stare, a smirk under it. He's far from unimpressed, really - his pal's come a long way, and in shorter time than the guy thinks.
A hum vibrates from Tidus's throat though, as he leaves that behind - focuses on Inigo's so-called point. ]
I am happy! [ If he thinks about it even, letting his shoulders sink a little lower into the water... ] I know things are weird right now, but...I'm okay, you know? I'm alright! All I want to do is have a good time, and spend it with good friends. Chilling here in a tiny pool-- it'd be a lot better if it were bigger, [ if he was going to have one complaint!, ] but...
[ He lets his eyes close for a moment, tipping back his head. The pee noises ambience going in the background. ]
[ Inigo stares over at Tidus. Watching the other like that. His head tilted back slightly, his eyes closed. There's a lot of the usual mix of emotions as he watches the other's side profile like this. The usual thoughts about how handsome Tidus is, how being near or in the water always seems to bring it out even more. But mixed in with a feeling of contentment. Of just being happy when the other is happy.
If only things could always be like this. The two of them just sitting here, 'chilling', as Tidus calls it. Without having to feel bad, without having to worry.
(Does Inigo's chest feel lighter than it has during days prior? He doesn't know, can't actively notice.)
After a moment of silently staring, Inigo takes advantage of the fact that the two of them are so close right now and that there's some prime free real estate next to him, moving his head to let it rest on Tidus's shoulder - thankfully being right above the water level.
[ His face turns the small amount it needs to look at the sight Tidus knows he's going to find, without knocking his cheek into the head resting on him. And if he leans his own, he finds easy the top side of Inigo's to rest against. A small bubbling laugh creeping up his throat, but not really leaving, vibrating in there. ]
Hmmm...
[ It's a thoughtful agreement. There might be room for improvement here, though Tidus doesn't miss the opportunity to really his head against Inigo's. Enjoying this contact, as small as it is.
But it really is too small, isn't it? ]
Here- what about this?
[ His hand slides out from the water, arm with it, its movement slow with the weight on his shoulder Tidus doesn't want to rudely knock off. But if they disturb things just a bit, he can lift and extend his hand all the way to the other side of Inigo's shoulders, tug the two of them closer in; give Inigo the space above his chest and near to his collar bone for him to lean on, and to really get the both of them in there. ]
Isn't this better? Might be nicer in a bed. [ Or chair. Or basically, not water. But then again- ] Don't mind huddling up in a pool, do you?
[ Inigo repeats the word once he's settled in - allowing their positions to be disturbed only because he knows the ones about to come ought to be even better with Tidus's arm moving behind him like that.
And so, the moment that space is offered up to Inigo, he takes it. The way he moves in is almost like a snuggle, really, rubbing his head against Tidus a little as he tries to get as comfortable as possible. ]
You know who you're talking to, right? [ Inigo, the king of physical affection. With people around whom he isn't why about it, anyway. ] As if I'd ever mind huddling up anywhere.
[ He would huddle with people 24/7 if he could, please!!
But then again.. Tidus isn't just a person. It's not as if he could just be swapped with anyone else on the train in this moment. No, Inigo knows well by now that there's a particular reason why his heart is starting to beat faster now the two of them are so close. And it has everything to do with the fact that it's Tidus.
It's something he's usually been hesitant on speaking of. There were just too many worries holding him back. And while even now saying everything is too hard, feels too strange to do out of nowhere, something about his head and chest feels a little lighter.
Like maybe he can at least say a bit more than usually. Even if it's admitted a tad more quietly. ]
.. And I like doing this the best with you, anyway.
[ He hugs, sure - he hugs with Taiki, and he'll hug any of his friends. But does Inigo ever cosy up to other people as often as he seems to get with him? Not that he can pin this particular cuddle-up onto Inigo, but he's sure that out of anyone on the train by now, he's the one to get into this positions most of all with Inigo.
Tidus sighs, a little dramatically, humour on his voice. ]
And I was thinking I could find you a cute boyfriend to keep you happy. Like maybe... that guy whose hair you did up that one time? What do you think of him? Or the guy who helped with the bear?
[ Oh god, Inigo so was not prepared for these suggestions of all things. It's easy to blame it on the temperature of the water, but he can feel his face heating up already.. ]
I-- I hardly even know that guy! [ Other than that he seems to have some sort of weird deep respect or fear for bears.
Amazingly, somehow the panic doesn't get him to scoot away from Tidus again. Instead he's just panicking against the other right now. ] And.. And, I mean, Sizhui is cute and really handsome, but--
[ But what?
(Isn't it just that there's already a different guy who's dug his way into Inigo's heart?) ]
I mean.. I'm not that desperate.. [ Sure, whatever you tell yourself, Inigo.
He turns his head a little, practically burying it against Tidus's chest and shoulder now. Maybe to hide his blush. ]
Doesn't everyone think about kissing someone sometimes..? [ L-Like your best bro? H-haha. ]
At least he didn't pick bad with Sizhui, and maybe Ryo was just thrown in there 'cause he could, but the reaction gets the smallest tug of a smile out of Tidus. Sorry bro, he can't help it. Tidus rests his cheek on that bed of hair, dry and damp in places despite the humidity about them, the strands that tickle his nose.
'Doesn't everyone think about kissing someone sometimes..?' ]
I think about it. [ Actually - even more than kissing, with his arm already around someone now, the light tug he gives to Inigo's shoulders, as if pulling him in, ] --I think about getting to hug and be close to someone again, sometime.
[ As something? Maybe nothing more than a temporary relationship, or some mutual agreement kind of deal. A fact he's fine with - a fact he always has been, deep down.
But for whatever sincerity there is to that tone, his other arm comes out from the water, dripping as he slings it around to hug tighter the body he's got trapped. A brighter, more playfully resigned voice put on. ]
[ Under other circumstances that line may have gotten to Inigo's so easily activated insecurities. Pricking at them, making him worry.
But not today. Today he just keeps resting against Tidus, only feeling better when that other arm joins Tidus's initial arm around him. It's nice, being held. It's something Inigo has known for a long time, and for a while now hasn't shyed away from asking people for on this train. It feels even nicer here, with the hot water, the steam in the air. It makes everything feel even warmer, more comfortable. Like he's in a haze.
In good way, though. ]
Sorry that you have to make do with me. [ That atmosphere is exactly what keeps anything genuinely self-depreciating from slipping into those words. It keeps it just a light joke, a breath that almost sounds like a laugh following it as Inigo snuggles moves a little more into the hold.
The breath melts into a pause, words forming on Inigo's lips that are met with a moment of hesitation before they start to spill out. ]
.. what if you had the chance? To.. To be close to someone again. Even if it'd just be for a few moments.
[ Hugging is nice. The touch, the physical side of it; feeling your arms full with another body, holding them close. He should be like Inigo about this, without shame. It's a thought that keep Tidus's arms where they are longer than they might have otherwise.
He did just say about making do with Inigo, didn't he? Though those words that follow from the other guy put Tidus on alert for the potential self-doubt in those words (if not tone), escaping him before he can nudge or remind Inigo with a unyielding protest.
He'll come for you another time, possible self-doubt!!
For now, it's easy to let his eyes drift closed, the warmth a blanket about them. Listening to Inigo, his question curious. ]
Just a few moments? ...a few moments isn't fun. [ Well... ] Would it be with someone that I like?
[ Is he overthinking this. These things are important! ]
But Inigo doesn't fully mind, even though he may have had a bit more of a concrete destination in mind when he said those words a few moments ago.
It's hard to mind anything here while he's surrounded by warmth and arms, really. ]
Well. [ He instead just says, clearly woefully unprepared for this question in return. ] Sure. I mean.. It'd be a little weird to do that with someone you dislike, right?
[ Even if maybe it's not the kind of 'like' Tidus meant. ]
[ It's a doubtful non-answer. He knows what Inigo means, and he knows what he means, but if there's an explanation necessary or worth it is a thought easily put aside, so - actually, probably not. Instead, Tidus thinks on Inigo's question, his sincere answer.
What if you had the chance?
It keeps him quiet for a good moment, until- ]
...I would. [ He's had Inigo be honest with him plenty, so he can't really back out - not after the things he's teased Inigo over. He brought it up with him once before, didn't he? Back late at night that time, when the Soldat guy showed up... ]
Long as it's with a friend or someone I trusted. I mean - we don't have to be super close, but just anyone... mmmm, nah, [ he voices on a hesitant note.
Shy, if you squint.
Tidus adjusts his arms, as if there's a way to get re-comfortable. ]
Not that there aren't still some nerves. Some worries. What if Tidus meant absolutely any friend but him? What if he was only talking about girls?
He could screw up everything here.
But he could also miss a perfect chance.
Inigo doesn't move out of the hold, but he moves his head back just far enough that he actually looks at Tidus as he says it. It feels more instinctive to hide, but he knows he can't - not when he's saying this. ]
What if I was asking? [ He tries to keep his voice steady as he says it. And he mostly manages. The first four words go perfectly, but it's midway through that 'asking' that his voice cracks a little from sheer nerves.
Then again, it's not the worst his nerves could possibly be. Because then it'd be like all other times - then he would never have been this bold in the first place.
But today, it's like there's something pushing him to at least try. Or maybe it's more that there's a bit less holding him back than usually. ]
Tidus isn't expecting a real answer. There was a joke in asking, his own mind wondering about the people he might've if they were interested, would have if the timing was right, but figuring the subject one of those that all lonely people think about. The one about not being alone, having someone to hold or be intimate with; a mutual comfort from time to time.
So he isn't bothered by the wait, being more troubled by the that pulls away from under his resting cheek. But then, when Inigo does reply and ask--
What if I was asking?
--Tidus looks back at the face, the eyes waiting and watching on his. Confusion and shock meeting him, only turning more puzzled, more questioning as it registers. His lips moving without asking what they want to; the hold of his arms loosening as he becomes more attentive to this subject between them than the physical, but not pulling away.
Are you serious?
For real?
You mean--
Really?
But the struggling gaze under his answers him, and the beating of his heart quickens with the realisation. Fingers press into the bare skin of Inigo's shoulder. If this wasn't a heat pool they were in, the fever to his face would be noticeable, surely. Tidus feels the rush himself, like tingles and pinpricks to his skin.
What if I was asking?
What if he was asking?
The request for permission sits on Tidus's lips, another dying thought; when all he needs is to look at Inigo's, and--
What if he did ask?
It's easier to lean in and let his lips brush tentatively against his, to see that Inigo won't draw back. That he doesn't draw back himself, regret the decision.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
blitzcheer) wrote2020-04-28 11:07 am
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[ Older, more aligned with his real age. Tidus stops his goofing off with his legs, settling better against the edge of the pool. ]
Doesn't he look wrong, without the ponytail? I think that's it. [ There's just...no hair! ]
He told me he had to get rid of it to get taken seriously. Can you believe it?
[ Why would anyone judge a guy for his hair being long? Roland's world is weird. ]
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No, he only told me that his hair had turned white from stress. Not being able to have long hair if you want to be taken seriously just seems odd to me.. There were plenty of men with hair longer than mine back in Ylisse.
[ Maybe it wasn't quite the standard, or default, but at the very least having Roland's ponytail wouldn't be seen as odd at all. ]
.. he seemed so fond of his hair too. [ That's just.. sad. Him having to sacrifice that longer hair in order to be able to chase his dreams. ]
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I don't get it either. They had guys with long hair back in Spira too. [ Not to speak of his own old man. But he touches the side of his own hair, admits after considering it: ] I was thinking of seeing how my hair'd look long. Got nothing I need to dress up for.
[ At least, for the ends that can do with trimmed. But otherwise, why not? He's never really had it long before. ]
Anyhow, he's the leader of his own country. Who cares what your hair looks like when there's other stuff to be worrying about?
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But rather than replying to that part, he stays quiet for a moment. The
pee-inducingbackground sounds that Tidus put on fill up the momentary silence. ]I like the way your hair is now, though it's most likely just because I'm used to it. [ After all, he's never seen Tidus with anything different, other than it maybe being a bit shorter at first, or the colour being more even.. But never anything as drastically different as him having long hair. It's hard to imagine.
Still-- ]
But.. I told you before. You're really good-looking, Tidus. I'm sure you'd look incredibly handsome with long hair too. [ It's not just Inigo goofing around. He sounds very serious about it, though it's paired with a smile on his face, and him rising from the water even a bit more, as if to show his investment in this conversation. ] So if you want to try seeing how it looks, you should.
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You in a good mood today? [ Sure, Inigo has said those things, but even in his usual earnest tone, Tidus leans his elbow along the side of the pool, hand dangling off the side; his own face pictured with a humoured grin. ] Okay. And what do you think I would look good in?
Anything at all?
[ let's do this, bro. ]
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But right now? This here, right now, is pretty nice.
Nice enough that Inigo doesn't insta-fluster at this talk. ]
Yes! I'm being serious, do you really not believe you'd look good in anything at all? [ Time for Inigo to be the supportive bro for once, even if Tidus doesn't really need it the way Inigo does. But he'll do it anyway. ] Your new outfits are all really nice too, they look good on you. I like the one with the jacket.
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Which jacket? You can borrow it if that's what you're trying to say. [ No, he knows that isn't it, but if Inigo likes the jacket too, why not? He might as well put it out there. ] I can help you buy a few things. All you got was one dance outfit last time, didn't you? You deserve some good clothes too.
[ Is he going to turn this around and make this about Inigo? Absolutely. Tidus does as he pleases. ]
A jacket, some gym clothes... [ Hmm. He's looking Inigo over, which doesn't require much movement. But as he's sitting and looking at him now... ]
You know, I don't know what'd suit you. Your kinda style, you know? [ You know, you know? ] You should get anything that you like the look of.
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Even though he's aware it probably won't get very far with Tidus. Once Tidus has an idea, he's going to go through with it. Especially since he doesn't approve of Inigo's fun hat--
Besides, there's more important matters.
Not even to avoid having to talk about himself here. No, he's genuinely interested enough to bring it up again, even though the Tidus train of thought already seems to have moved on. ]
But..
[ A meaningful pause. Even the look in his eyes is a little softer for some reason. ]
.. Can I really borrow it? [ Wearing Tidus's jacket!!!! Inigo can't help it. The very thought of it is making him stupidly excited. ]
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[ What's with that look? The way Inigo asks. Tidus likes it, though it makes him curious, a little bit confused -- but maybe it means that Inigo's actually into the idea, even if he needs to go through his protests about never spending anything for himself, first. Still, they might actually be getting to the agreeing part quicker that usual here.
How about that. ]
Sure, try it on. See how you like it. [ Wear it and then see if he wants to buy his own, right? Tidus can go along with that. ] Anything else you wanna try? I didn't really go for 'fancy'...
[ That is, anything special, his hands lifting some out of the water with the shake of his head. ]
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No. Just that much is fine. [ Because Inigo's intention behind it definitely isn't trying it on to see how it looks on him. It has much more to do with the sentimental value behind it. Wearing something he knows Tidus has worn-- it makes him feel kind of fluttery on the inside.
.. but that's weird, right? It's probably weird. It makes Inigo grow quiet for a moment, letting the background music fill up the empty space in their conversation. ]
Hey, Tidus, um..
[ His voice trails off again, but Inigo scrapes all of his courage together to speak on instead of letting himself retreat into his shyness, his gaze traveling over to the other. ]
I know it's probably odd to bring this up out of nowhere, and it's not like I haven't said it before, but.. thanks for always being so nice and encouraging about everything. It just-- It means so much to do me that it feels like I should say it more regularly.
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It takes a moment, but Tidus moves closer to the space that Inigo occupies; water rippling as his body comes beside his, as he bumps his arm deliberately into his. ]
Well, if you should say it more, then maybe I should too. [ Because, after all: ] You're the same. You're a good guy, a good pal - I'm not doing anything you don't do too. I just wanna see you be happy - happy with yourself. It's all good to make others happy, but you're your own guy too.
[ He tilts his head, eyes following to fall on Inigo. He shows a side of teeth in his grin. ]
And that dance outfit looks amazing on you! I should make you buy a load more!
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I don't think there even are that many dance outfits!
[ .. okay, so maybe it's a bit of a protest after all. Inigo moves sideways, lightly bumping his arm against Tidus's in return. ]
I'm trying to be happier with myself. [ Even though.. phew, boy, is that ever a work in progress. It's hard when your sense of self worth has only been crumbling away rather than building up over the years and years and years. ] I mean.. I'm dancing here on the train now, sometimes. That's crazy. And I only feel mildly embarrassed afterwards!
[ ... ]
Well, maybe a bit more than mildly. [ BUT STILL. The point is there, okay! It's all thanks to Tidus's help! ] Anyway-- the point is that you've got to be happy too!
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A hum vibrates from Tidus's throat though, as he leaves that behind - focuses on Inigo's so-called point. ]
I am happy! [ If he thinks about it even, letting his shoulders sink a little lower into the water... ] I know things are weird right now, but...I'm okay, you know? I'm alright! All I want to do is have a good time, and spend it with good friends. Chilling here in a tiny pool-- it'd be a lot better if it were bigger, [ if he was going to have one complaint!, ] but...
[ He lets his eyes close for a moment, tipping back his head. The
pee noisesambience going in the background. ]...Yeah. This is good.
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If only things could always be like this. The two of them just sitting here, 'chilling', as Tidus calls it. Without having to feel bad, without having to worry.
(Does Inigo's chest feel lighter than it has during days prior? He doesn't know, can't actively notice.)
After a moment of silently staring, Inigo takes advantage of the fact that the two of them are so close right now and that there's some prime free real estate next to him, moving his head to let it rest on Tidus's shoulder - thankfully being right above the water level.
He releases a breath. ]
This is better.
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Hmmm...
[ It's a thoughtful agreement. There might be room for improvement here, though Tidus doesn't miss the opportunity to really his head against Inigo's. Enjoying this contact, as small as it is.
But it really is too small, isn't it? ]
Here- what about this?
[ His hand slides out from the water, arm with it, its movement slow with the weight on his shoulder Tidus doesn't want to rudely knock off. But if they disturb things just a bit, he can lift and extend his hand all the way to the other side of Inigo's shoulders, tug the two of them closer in; give Inigo the space above his chest and near to his collar bone for him to lean on, and to really get the both of them in there. ]
Isn't this better? Might be nicer in a bed. [ Or chair. Or basically, not water. But then again- ] Don't mind huddling up in a pool, do you?
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[ Inigo repeats the word once he's settled in - allowing their positions to be disturbed only because he knows the ones about to come ought to be even better with Tidus's arm moving behind him like that.
And so, the moment that space is offered up to Inigo, he takes it. The way he moves in is almost like a snuggle, really, rubbing his head against Tidus a little as he tries to get as comfortable as possible. ]
You know who you're talking to, right? [ Inigo, the king of physical affection. With people around whom he isn't why about it, anyway. ] As if I'd ever mind huddling up anywhere.
[ He would huddle with people 24/7 if he could, please!!
But then again.. Tidus isn't just a person. It's not as if he could just be swapped with anyone else on the train in this moment. No, Inigo knows well by now that there's a particular reason why his heart is starting to beat faster now the two of them are so close. And it has everything to do with the fact that it's Tidus.
It's something he's usually been hesitant on speaking of. There were just too many worries holding him back. And while even now saying everything is too hard, feels too strange to do out of nowhere, something about his head and chest feels a little lighter.
Like maybe he can at least say a bit more than usually. Even if it's admitted a tad more quietly. ]
.. And I like doing this the best with you, anyway.
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[ He hugs, sure - he hugs with Taiki, and he'll hug any of his friends. But does Inigo ever cosy up to other people as often as he seems to get with him? Not that he can pin this particular cuddle-up onto Inigo, but he's sure that out of anyone on the train by now, he's the one to get into this positions most of all with Inigo.
Tidus sighs, a little dramatically, humour on his voice. ]
And I was thinking I could find you a cute boyfriend to keep you happy. Like maybe... that guy whose hair you did up that one time? What do you think of him? Or the guy who helped with the bear?
[ Nudge nudge. Huh huh? ]
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I-- I hardly even know that guy! [ Other than that he seems to have some sort of weird deep respect or fear for bears.
Amazingly, somehow the panic doesn't get him to scoot away from Tidus again. Instead he's just panicking against the other right now. ] And.. And, I mean, Sizhui is cute and really handsome, but--
[ But what?
(Isn't it just that there's already a different guy who's dug his way into Inigo's heart?) ]
I mean.. I'm not that desperate.. [ Sure, whatever you tell yourself, Inigo.
He turns his head a little, practically burying it against Tidus's chest and shoulder now. Maybe to hide his blush. ]
Doesn't everyone think about kissing someone sometimes..? [ L-Like your best bro? H-haha. ]
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At least he didn't pick bad with Sizhui, and maybe Ryo was just thrown in there 'cause he could, but the reaction gets the smallest tug of a smile out of Tidus. Sorry bro, he can't help it. Tidus rests his cheek on that bed of hair, dry and damp in places despite the humidity about them, the strands that tickle his nose.
'Doesn't everyone think about kissing someone sometimes..?' ]
I think about it. [ Actually - even more than kissing, with his arm already around someone now, the light tug he gives to Inigo's shoulders, as if pulling him in, ] --I think about getting to hug and be close to someone again, sometime.
[ As something? Maybe nothing more than a temporary relationship, or some mutual agreement kind of deal. A fact he's fine with - a fact he always has been, deep down.
But for whatever sincerity there is to that tone, his other arm comes out from the water, dripping as he slings it around to hug tighter the body he's got trapped. A brighter, more playfully resigned voice put on. ]
I guess I'll just hug you for now-! [ Siigh! ]
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But not today. Today he just keeps resting against Tidus, only feeling better when that other arm joins Tidus's initial arm around him. It's nice, being held. It's something Inigo has known for a long time, and for a while now hasn't shyed away from asking people for on this train. It feels even nicer here, with the hot water, the steam in the air. It makes everything feel even warmer, more comfortable. Like he's in a haze.
In good way, though. ]
Sorry that you have to make do with me. [ That atmosphere is exactly what keeps anything genuinely self-depreciating from slipping into those words. It keeps it just a light joke, a breath that almost sounds like a laugh following it as Inigo
snugglesmoves a little more into the hold.The breath melts into a pause, words forming on Inigo's lips that are met with a moment of hesitation before they start to spill out. ]
.. what if you had the chance? To.. To be close to someone again. Even if it'd just be for a few moments.
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He did just say about making do with Inigo, didn't he? Though those words that follow from the other guy put Tidus on alert for the potential self-doubt in those words (if not tone), escaping him before he can nudge or remind Inigo with a unyielding protest.
He'll come for you another time, possible self-doubt!!
For now, it's easy to let his eyes drift closed, the warmth a blanket about them. Listening to Inigo, his question curious. ]
Just a few moments? ...a few moments isn't fun. [ Well... ] Would it be with someone that I like?
[ Is he overthinking this. These things are important! ]
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But Inigo doesn't fully mind, even though he may have had a bit more of a concrete destination in mind when he said those words a few moments ago.
It's hard to mind anything here while he's surrounded by warmth and arms, really. ]
Well. [ He instead just says, clearly woefully unprepared for this question in return. ] Sure. I mean.. It'd be a little weird to do that with someone you dislike, right?
[ Even if maybe it's not the kind of 'like' Tidus meant. ]
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[ It's a doubtful non-answer. He knows what Inigo means, and he knows what he means, but if there's an explanation necessary or worth it is a thought easily put aside, so - actually, probably not. Instead, Tidus thinks on Inigo's question, his sincere answer.
What if you had the chance?
It keeps him quiet for a good moment, until- ]
...I would. [ He's had Inigo be honest with him plenty, so he can't really back out - not after the things he's teased Inigo over. He brought it up with him once before, didn't he? Back late at night that time, when the Soldat guy showed up... ]
Long as it's with a friend or someone I trusted. I mean - we don't have to be super close, but just anyone... mmmm, nah, [ he voices on a hesitant note.
Shy, if you squint.
Tidus adjusts his arms, as if there's a way to get re-comfortable. ]
Why? Someone ask?
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So you're saying he's got a chance.
Not that there aren't still some nerves. Some worries. What if Tidus meant absolutely any friend but him? What if he was only talking about girls?
He could screw up everything here.
But he could also miss a perfect chance.
Inigo doesn't move out of the hold, but he moves his head back just far enough that he actually looks at Tidus as he says it. It feels more instinctive to hide, but he knows he can't - not when he's saying this. ]
What if I was asking? [ He tries to keep his voice steady as he says it. And he mostly manages. The first four words go perfectly, but it's midway through that 'asking' that his voice cracks a little from sheer nerves.
Then again, it's not the worst his nerves could possibly be. Because then it'd be like all other times - then he would never have been this bold in the first place.
But today, it's like there's something pushing him to at least try. Or maybe it's more that there's a bit less holding him back than usually. ]
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Tidus isn't expecting a real answer. There was a joke in asking, his own mind wondering about the people he might've if they were interested, would have if the timing was right, but figuring the subject one of those that all lonely people think about. The one about not being alone, having someone to hold or be intimate with; a mutual comfort from time to time.
So he isn't bothered by the wait, being more troubled by the that pulls away from under his resting cheek. But then, when Inigo does reply and ask--
What if I was asking?
--Tidus looks back at the face, the eyes waiting and watching on his. Confusion and shock meeting him, only turning more puzzled, more questioning as it registers. His lips moving without asking what they want to; the hold of his arms loosening as he becomes more attentive to this subject between them than the physical, but not pulling away.
Are you serious?
For real?
You mean--
Really?
But the struggling gaze under his answers him, and the beating of his heart quickens with the realisation. Fingers press into the bare skin of Inigo's shoulder. If this wasn't a heat pool they were in, the fever to his face would be noticeable, surely. Tidus feels the rush himself, like tingles and pinpricks to his skin.
What if I was asking?
What if he was asking?
The request for permission sits on Tidus's lips, another dying thought; when all he needs is to look at Inigo's, and--
What if he did ask?
It's easier to lean in and let his lips brush tentatively against his, to see that Inigo won't draw back. That he doesn't draw back himself, regret the decision.
But he doesn't.
Instead, he presses in closer. ]
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