[ None of this is unexpected. The exclamation, the determination - the hope, the need to believe - that Inigo wears so well. Tidus is slow to follow his change of direction above him, but he looks at him with a heaviness in his heart.
It's not that he doesn't want to find a way, to hope it too himself, but -
I know you want to live. ]
I...don't know how to start looking. [ It's not a denial, nor a refusal, but a truth that's been holding him back. Unsure if this weight in his gut is shame or a pre-emptive measure to stop him from getting his hopes up. Is that enough reason to never start?
But it's there anyway. A blockade. He should have more to say about preserving his own life, but he's kept it so well tucked to himself as an inevitability, he doesn't want to discourage Inigo either. ]
People dreamed to keep me alive. I don't know what you do to keep me going without someone else.
Me neither. [ At least he's quick to admit that much. After all, this isn't something Inigo can pull out his usual dumb bluffing over. It's too important. It's about Tidus's very existence.
But exactly because it's about that, Inigo doesn't want to give up so easily, shaking his head. ]
But we could do a lot of things. We could look up random words that might help with it, see if the train knows any books related to it. We could ask around with people who are good with magic, or other related stuff.. We can even keep an eye out for anything in the worlds we visit!
[ Inigo doesn't know if any of it will help. But he's willing to try absolutely everything. This is something he has to have hope for, so much so that he's practically radiating it now, as he's moving to instead sit on his knees on the bed. ]
I mean.. it's not over until it's over, right? [ It's meant to give hope, that last 'right?', but at the same time Inigo sounds like he desperately wants that confirmation too. Because he can't bear the thought of Tidus living some temporary life here, not knowing when it might be over and he'll fade away. ]
[ It's weak -- at least, weaker in comparison to the resolve in front of him, the guy searching for the other to be onboard. And Tidus is, despite the difference, despite the uncertainty that holds onto him. But he knows a guy like Inigo needs more than a weak agreement, rubbing at his face, sucking in a breath that's loud on the way out. ]
I know - you're right, [ he confirms, reassures. ] It's just hard to think about, you know? I don't...want to get too excited. [ Is maybe more honest, far more realistic than his optimism usually goes for. ]
But we can look into it. See what's...out there.
[ Even if he should be more enthused for his own life, but it's been a long couple of days, here. ]
At least it's not the droop of discouragement. After all, Tidus is reassuring him, and Inigo is listening to the other well enough to be able to pick up on that - that Tidus does want to try.
But that he also has his own reasons to not quite sound the same way about it as Inigo does. And that's what makes his shoulders droop.
It's sympathy. ]
Yes, I.. I get it. You wouldn't want to get your hopes up too much. [ Especially since - like Tidus says - they still don't have a definite starting point. There's a big possibility that Tidus will never be able to find some way to live, to be more than a dream.
Even though Inigo wants to shove that possibility aside as hard as he can.
He flops down on the bed again, but this time a lot closer to Tidus - practically scooted right up to the other's side, helped by their new double bed. ]
But still.. I want to believe there's some chance out there. Somewhere. We just have to find it. [ And then the question is more if they can find it, rather than whether it exists at all.
He prefers the former question. ]
And I'll do anything I can for that. I mean, I.. I really don't want you to disappear.
[ Please mind the small pile of chocolate chunks, Inigo. Tidus rests his head back comfortably to the pillow as Inigo comes back to rest with him, a calm about him, despite the contradiction of emotion he can sense lingering behind some peak. But it's far away not to bother him, at least not prompted now to; eyes lingering on Inigo for a moment before it goes to the space between them, a small smile playing on his face.
He's a good friend. Really. ]
...I never wanted to tell you, 'cause I was afraid of making you sad. I didn't want to ruin your day like that. [ Ha- even though he knew Inigo would have always wanted to know, that he promised him.
Still. ]
Funny, huh? [ His eyes flicker on Inigo, just for a second. ] Being a dream? I don't even get any cool powers from it.
[ He's going to have an entirely brown back when he gets up later.
Inigo smiles back at Tidus, though it's similar small, considering the sheer weight of the topic hanging over them, the thought of it still settling into Inigo's heart even now. ]
.. yeah. Imagine if you could.. fire dream beams.
[ Look, that's just what all magic seems like to him, okay. You fire something magical. That's clearly how dream powers would work.
He releases a breath, rolling onto his back. ]
Thank you though. For.. um, thinking of me. [ Even though Tidus is the one who mostly has to live with something this heavy. Even though it can't have been easy for him, he was still thinking about Inigo, about how hard it'd be on him to know. ] It's not that it doesn't make me sad right now..
[ Or rather, Inigo can imagine him really having been much more worried and sad about this under other circumstances. But maybe it's everything about the previous mission. How they did manage to pull Tidus back out of that illusion of having disappeared, how close he and Tidus had been that entire mission.
.. Even how it ended, he thinks, as a hand travels back over the healed section of his stomach.
It's made him feel close enough to Tidus to have faith. To want to try to see this positively. ]
But.. I want to believe we'll find a way as long as we're both here. We can't have your entire existence relying on a dumb train.
[ Tidus appreciates the attempt to follow the joke, a chuckle hummed in his throat that tugs at his lips. He puts a hand over the sweets that haven't been squished by Inigo and sends them away back into his arms band, no appetite in him for them. Real food from the kitchen might be an idea (if there was any), but he might be compelled to get up for any later. It's comfortable still to be laying here with Inigo, though--
though he catches where his hand moves towards his lower stomach, and guilt stabs him (the irony). Tidus looks away, shuts his eyes, and whatever Inigo's saying gets half-lost in the guilt left over. ]
I... yeah, [ he breathes. And despite what feels right, wrong, he opens his eyes, grabs that hand by Inigo's stomach and squeezes it tight in both of his. ]
Inigo, I...
[ I'm sorry, I'm sorry. But this isn't a place he should go into again, spilling out apologies and tears until his throat grows raw; they've already been there, with and without words spoken. And yet his throat tinges, his eyes blinker a little wetter.
Without letting go of their joint hands, he rolls back over onto his side, so he can look at Tidus. Leaning his face closer, he places a gentle kiss on the other's cheek. If Tidus looks over at him, he'll find nothing but a smile on Inigo's face. ]
I'm really excited for my birthday party.
[ Nothing about it sounds like a lie, though he is being very positive on purpose here. He can tell what was coming, what kind of thoughts must be circling around in Tidus's head when he takes on that tone.
And that's why Inigo deems it his duty right now to try and chase them away as much as he can. If not just by being overly sappy. ]
It's going to be my first one in forever. And you're going to be there. What's not to love about it then, hm?
[ He pokes at the side of Tidus's face, his nose poking gently against the other's cheek until he can get that head to turn in his direction. The moment he does, Inigo gently moves his forehead until it rests right against Tidus's, the big smile still on his face. ]
You better have gotten Taiki a really cute gift. Or is the party a gift?
[ (He may also be suddenly realising he totally forgot to grab Taiki a present because he couldn't find anything in that world that he thought suited Taiki-- UGH, INIGO, FILE THAT AWAY FOR LATER. DON'T FORGET, YOU FOOL.) ]
[ Whenever Tidus thought about the time he finally told Inigo the truth, it was always devastating. The look that would fall onto Inigo's face, the sound of his voice. And he wasn't completely off, but now that it's here - though it's come about with guilt and the pain of a deeper, more real hurt -, maybe he was always wrong. He thought Inigo would react in a way that wasn't fair. Pictured him less composed, more likely to sink into despair with another cruel notch to reality.
But as Inigo goes along with his request, no fuss beyond the touches of gentleness that are so him, Tidus does lift his head, eyes scrunched some from the close proximity, but - but because he might cry for an entirely different reason. This appreciation that's close to joy. An appreciation that's thankful.
Tidus doesn't cry, but he does pinch his lips tight, press his forehead against Inigo's and continue to hold his hand tightly. ]
I'm getting him a gift, [ he says on a high note, but it lowers as he continues. ] I was thinking... I could get him a book or two on animals. He really likes them. Maybe his own...camera?
I think it sounds good. [ He says, without hesitation. ] He could even use that for lots of different things. If we can't take him along with us on a mission again, he could take photos of things he'd like to share with us. That way we're still a little bit together.
[ And that thought is nice. Because it does bother Inigo that they often can't be with their close friend during these missions, just due to the sheer nature of those missions and due to the sheer nature of Taiki. And he knows Tidus probably feels the same about it, especially with how protective and fond they are of him. ]
.. maybe he could even show lord Gyousou, if he could somehow bring it home with him.
[ Inigo knows Taiki would appreciate it. He smiles and squeezes Tidus's hand. ]
See, you're so good at thinking of creative gifts! I was just thinking of getting him a big animal plush or something. Kind of like my wyvern. [ But something a little less scary. ]
[ Memories to share with Lord Gyousou. Maybe if he got a memoris for Taiki then, it'd be easy to use, and Tidus could show him how to operate it.
Tidus considers the idea, chewing on it some more. But as Inigo goes on, he hums, a small laugh despite- ] Hey, don't put your idea down. That's good too. Do you know what animal?
[ Hmm. ] Something he can sleep with?
[ If it's going to be that big, he might have to either way. But Tidus doesn't want to give ideas - he wants to hear what Inigo's thinking about. ]
[ He nods, the gesture probably more something Tidus can feel while they're this close than something he can see. ]
He seems pretty happy whenever he cuddles with me or with the both of us. And I know it's not the same with a plush, but.. [ His voice trails off in a 'you know' sort of way. Inigo has cuddled with his plush before. There's no shame in it. ]
Figuring out the animal is the harder part. It'd be kind of nice to pick some animal they have a lot of in Tai and that looks pretty cute at the same time, but I'm not sure what that'd be.
[ Really, it's rather nice being this close. An intimacy that he might not really deserve, but their foreheads pressed close is nice, even if- ]
Ahh? An animal... [ His thinking brain has his brow furrowing, and then eyes closing. ] There was one I know... I saw Taiki drawing it once. It had four legs... uh. It was an animal he and Gyousou owned? I think...
[ When even was that? The first time Taiki told him about the 12 Kingdoms of his world? He's doing his best to think back, making small sounds. ]
Ah... hm...
[ It's not going very well. ]
You want me to ask? I bet he won't have any idea - I'll just say I--! ... ... I was curious!
[ Mister 'I was curious'? Then again, maybe Inigo has no right to say it, because he himself is about as subtle as a brick to the face.
But he does figure that Taiki might not catch on. The guy is not really the type to look for ulterior motives, right..? ]
But I'd be grateful if you could ask. [ He adds a moment later, a small smile on his face. ] I just want to make sure he has a great party.
[ NO TIME TO LECTURE INIGO THOUGH ABOUT HOW IT SHOULD BE A GREAT PARTY FOR HIM TOO THOUGH. NUH-UH. Because Inigo is moving on shiftly, trying to grab Tidus's other hand into his hold too, even if it'd mean he has to move a little for it. ]
Right now, though.. I mostly just want to take care of you.
[ Inigo doesn't have to reach far to grab the hand, both near each other, and both already close to Inigo. Tidus will have a better excuse to give at the time when he sees Taiki, he's sure, but then Inigo is turning the conversation back onto him, so he'll leave that subject alone for now.
Grumbling in a hum, his head shifting against its resting spot on the pillow. ]
I don't need taking care of. [ b-baka. ] ...but you need a really great birthday gift too.
[ A beat, and Tidus wiggles their joined hands a bit. ]
[ Now who is turning the conversation away from themselves, huh!!
Though Inigo supposes that just being this close to Tidus and holding his hands is already taking care of him in a way, so he's not going to throw some stink over it. Especially when Tidus's question leaves the door very widely open to sap. ]
You've already given me so much.
[ Material stuff, sure, but Inigo is thinking more of the near- or entirely immaterial. Their shared room that Inigo wanted so much. The ability to kiss Tidus or hold his hands all the time.
Stuff he never imagined he'd have at some point.
And it's nice to be able to remind Tidus of the good stuff he's done for Inigo, rather than the bad stuff about himself - his fate back home - or the bad thing he's done to Inigo. ]
A present. [ Inigo is sapping, and Tidus isn't going unaffected, but he can get that out firmly, eyes closed, embarrassment tickling his cheeks, hands clasped tightly. ] For your birthday. Yours and Taiki's.
[ Is he being serious? Not entirely, but it's good to grapple onto, a soft chuckle leaving his lips. ] You've gotta give me a clue! What did guys where you're from give each other? Do you want another stuffed toy? Hmm, or a really nice outfit...
[ He peeks open an eye, twisting his head a bit to look up at Inigo. ]
You can ask for anything, [ he whispers playfully. ] It's your birthday.
The last time I celebrated my birthday, I was ten. [ So Inigo feels like he can't really reference past birthday presents. Even his friends hadn't been much older than him back then, when he had celebrated their birthdays.. ] I like to think my tastes have changed at least a little since then.
[ Says the guy who loves his oversized plush wyvern. ]
And it's so hard to think of material things! There's more stuff I'd like to do. Like spend time with my friends. [ But that's already happening at the party. ] And I'd like to swim again, but.. you know.
[ That's an eternal problem as long as the train denies them that pool carriage. ]
I already have my dance outfit too, and I'm too nervous to wear that in public anyway.
[ You shouldn't be, he wants to say, held back by knowing where that goes for Inigo, and then by the thought of where his hands had brushed by before, at his stomach. There wouldn't be a scar, shouldn't be, but Tidus swallows with the knowledge, another step back towards misery he knows he can't take. ]
Well - you're a handsome guy. You'd be alright.
[ So he settles on that, softly spoken, this nonsensical conversation derailed slightly by the emotion in his throat that didn't entirely lower back into his stomach. He takes a breath, not having lost his smile. Not about to let that mistake stop him. ]
That's okay, I already know what I'm getting you anyway. So you better be ready to feel like you're ten years old again!
[ Handsome guy, Tidus says, and Inigo can instantly feel the heat rising to his cheeks. He doesn't let it take over, no matter how flustered a compliment like that makes him feel - because he doesn't miss the emotion in the words either.
An emotion he knows he can't allow to take over the other guy at the moment, and so Inigo just makes sure to brightly laugh, hoping the sound may chase away at least some of the misery. ]
Really? What are you going to do, wear party hats?
[ He may or may not have seen a picture of that in a magazine, okay. Probably the ferrets one. It's not like it's an ancient medieval tradition, after all. ]
Should I buy a random outfit then? See if I can dress up all nice for our party?
[ Pft- ] You dare? [ That gets Tidus to flicker his gaze back onto the guy. ] You could get anything, you know.
[ There's no telling with those outfits. There had to be some real ugly ones though, by the way he's remembering them. But for once, the idea seems fun - even if he doesn't want to ruin Inigo's very real birthday. ]
[ Aha- ] Well... Maybe I'll just have to wear something ugly with you!
[ And if the random outfits are always ugly (as declared by Tidus's bias and mistrust for the train at whole): ]
I'll buy one too! Are we gonna buy 'em now? Or should it be a surprise on the day?
[ That's a thought to lighten the mood. Doing something dumb and goofy as simple as risking the train's clothing shop - Tidus's never been as tempted to go for it as he has now. ]
[ Even though that means they might be living on the edge, given the train's.. creative ideas on fashion. Inigo is pretty sure some of the things it hands out can't ever have been fashionable in any world, surely. Even with his lack of modern knowledge. ]
I guess we should have Taiki get one too then, right? [ Since he's the other birthday boy! ] But.. if his is ugly, we'll seriously have to do something about it.
[ It's one thing for Inigo or Tidus to have to suffer with something ugly, but Taiki is too precious for that.
Deal. [ Deal to the arrangement, and deal to Protecting Taiki. ] You think we should buy him an outfit from home just in case then? A back-up outfit. And an extra gift to him!
[ Because is there such a thing as too many presents for their best soft pal? It can't be that difficult to buy clothing from a random kingdom...! ]
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blitzcheer) wrote2020-04-28 11:07 am
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It's not that he doesn't want to find a way, to hope it too himself, but -
I know you want to live. ]
I...don't know how to start looking. [ It's not a denial, nor a refusal, but a truth that's been holding him back. Unsure if this weight in his gut is shame or a pre-emptive measure to stop him from getting his hopes up. Is that enough reason to never start?
But it's there anyway. A blockade. He should have more to say about preserving his own life, but he's kept it so well tucked to himself as an inevitability, he doesn't want to discourage Inigo either. ]
People dreamed to keep me alive. I don't know what you do to keep me going without someone else.
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But exactly because it's about that, Inigo doesn't want to give up so easily, shaking his head. ]
But we could do a lot of things. We could look up random words that might help with it, see if the train knows any books related to it. We could ask around with people who are good with magic, or other related stuff.. We can even keep an eye out for anything in the worlds we visit!
[ Inigo doesn't know if any of it will help. But he's willing to try absolutely everything. This is something he has to have hope for, so much so that he's practically radiating it now, as he's moving to instead sit on his knees on the bed. ]
I mean.. it's not over until it's over, right? [ It's meant to give hope, that last 'right?', but at the same time Inigo sounds like he desperately wants that confirmation too. Because he can't bear the thought of Tidus living some temporary life here, not knowing when it might be over and he'll fade away. ]
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[ It's weak -- at least, weaker in comparison to the resolve in front of him, the guy searching for the other to be onboard. And Tidus is, despite the difference, despite the uncertainty that holds onto him. But he knows a guy like Inigo needs more than a weak agreement, rubbing at his face, sucking in a breath that's loud on the way out. ]
I know - you're right, [ he confirms, reassures. ] It's just hard to think about, you know? I don't...want to get too excited. [ Is maybe more honest, far more realistic than his optimism usually goes for. ]
But we can look into it. See what's...out there.
[ Even if he should be more enthused for his own life, but it's been a long couple of days, here. ]
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At least it's not the droop of discouragement. After all, Tidus is reassuring him, and Inigo is listening to the other well enough to be able to pick up on that - that Tidus does want to try.
But that he also has his own reasons to not quite sound the same way about it as Inigo does. And that's what makes his shoulders droop.
It's sympathy. ]
Yes, I.. I get it. You wouldn't want to get your hopes up too much. [ Especially since - like Tidus says - they still don't have a definite starting point. There's a big possibility that Tidus will never be able to find some way to live, to be more than a dream.
Even though Inigo wants to shove that possibility aside as hard as he can.
He flops down on the bed again, but this time a lot closer to Tidus - practically scooted right up to the other's side, helped by their new double bed. ]
But still.. I want to believe there's some chance out there. Somewhere. We just have to find it. [ And then the question is more if they can find it, rather than whether it exists at all.
He prefers the former question. ]
And I'll do anything I can for that. I mean, I.. I really don't want you to disappear.
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He's a good friend. Really. ]
...I never wanted to tell you, 'cause I was afraid of making you sad. I didn't want to ruin your day like that. [ Ha- even though he knew Inigo would have always wanted to know, that he promised him.
Still. ]
Funny, huh? [ His eyes flicker on Inigo, just for a second. ] Being a dream? I don't even get any cool powers from it.
[ What a waste. ]
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Inigo smiles back at Tidus, though it's similar small, considering the sheer weight of the topic hanging over them, the thought of it still settling into Inigo's heart even now. ]
.. yeah. Imagine if you could.. fire dream beams.
[ Look, that's just what all magic seems like to him, okay. You fire something magical. That's clearly how dream powers would work.
He releases a breath, rolling onto his back. ]
Thank you though. For.. um, thinking of me. [ Even though Tidus is the one who mostly has to live with something this heavy. Even though it can't have been easy for him, he was still thinking about Inigo, about how hard it'd be on him to know. ] It's not that it doesn't make me sad right now..
[ Or rather, Inigo can imagine him really having been much more worried and sad about this under other circumstances. But maybe it's everything about the previous mission. How they did manage to pull Tidus back out of that illusion of having disappeared, how close he and Tidus had been that entire mission.
.. Even how it ended, he thinks, as a hand travels back over the healed section of his stomach.
It's made him feel close enough to Tidus to have faith. To want to try to see this positively. ]
But.. I want to believe we'll find a way as long as we're both here. We can't have your entire existence relying on a dumb train.
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that haven't been squished by Inigoand sends them away back into his arms band, no appetite in him for them. Real food from the kitchen might be an idea (if there was any), but he might be compelled to get up for any later. It's comfortable still to be laying here with Inigo, though--though he catches where his hand moves towards his lower stomach, and guilt stabs him (the irony). Tidus looks away, shuts his eyes, and whatever Inigo's saying gets half-lost in the guilt left over. ]
I... yeah, [ he breathes. And despite what feels right, wrong, he opens his eyes, grabs that hand by Inigo's stomach and squeezes it tight in both of his. ]
Inigo, I...
[ I'm sorry, I'm sorry. But this isn't a place he should go into again, spilling out apologies and tears until his throat grows raw; they've already been there, with and without words spoken. And yet his throat tinges, his eyes blinker a little wetter.
Calm it, he tells himself. Breathing, one, two, three. One, two, three. ]
Are you still looking forward to your birthday? [ ah ] We need to go through the stuff we got later. I wanna save one of those pens for Rol.
[ He asks, talks, grabbing for any subject out of the air. Something positive, something good. ]
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Without letting go of their joint hands, he rolls back over onto his side, so he can look at Tidus. Leaning his face closer, he places a gentle kiss on the other's cheek. If Tidus looks over at him, he'll find nothing but a smile on Inigo's face. ]
I'm really excited for my birthday party.
[ Nothing about it sounds like a lie, though he is being very positive on purpose here. He can tell what was coming, what kind of thoughts must be circling around in Tidus's head when he takes on that tone.
And that's why Inigo deems it his duty right now to try and chase them away as much as he can. If not just by being overly sappy. ]
It's going to be my first one in forever. And you're going to be there. What's not to love about it then, hm?
[ He pokes at the side of Tidus's face, his nose poking gently against the other's cheek until he can get that head to turn in his direction. The moment he does, Inigo gently moves his forehead until it rests right against Tidus's, the big smile still on his face. ]
You better have gotten Taiki a really cute gift. Or is the party a gift?
[ (He may also be suddenly realising he totally forgot to grab Taiki a present because he couldn't find anything in that world that he thought suited Taiki-- UGH, INIGO, FILE THAT AWAY FOR LATER. DON'T FORGET, YOU FOOL.) ]
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But as Inigo goes along with his request, no fuss beyond the touches of gentleness that are so him, Tidus does lift his head, eyes scrunched some from the close proximity, but - but because he might cry for an entirely different reason. This appreciation that's close to joy. An appreciation that's thankful.
Tidus doesn't cry, but he does pinch his lips tight, press his forehead against Inigo's and continue to hold his hand tightly. ]
I'm getting him a gift, [ he says on a high note, but it lowers as he continues. ] I was thinking... I could get him a book or two on animals. He really likes them. Maybe his own...camera?
[ They rarely saw animals, but even so. ]
What do you think?
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[ And that thought is nice. Because it does bother Inigo that they often can't be with their close friend during these missions, just due to the sheer nature of those missions and due to the sheer nature of Taiki. And he knows Tidus probably feels the same about it, especially with how protective and fond they are of him. ]
.. maybe he could even show lord Gyousou, if he could somehow bring it home with him.
[ Inigo knows Taiki would appreciate it. He smiles and squeezes Tidus's hand. ]
See, you're so good at thinking of creative gifts! I was just thinking of getting him a big animal plush or something. Kind of like my wyvern. [ But something a little less scary. ]
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Tidus considers the idea, chewing on it some more. But as Inigo goes on, he hums, a small laugh despite- ] Hey, don't put your idea down. That's good too. Do you know what animal?
[ Hmm. ] Something he can sleep with?
[ If it's going to be that big, he might have to either way. But Tidus doesn't want to give ideas - he wants to hear what Inigo's thinking about. ]
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He seems pretty happy whenever he cuddles with me or with the both of us. And I know it's not the same with a plush, but.. [ His voice trails off in a 'you know' sort of way. Inigo has cuddled with his plush before. There's no shame in it. ]
Figuring out the animal is the harder part. It'd be kind of nice to pick some animal they have a lot of in Tai and that looks pretty cute at the same time, but I'm not sure what that'd be.
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Ahh? An animal... [ His thinking brain has his brow furrowing, and then eyes closing. ] There was one I know... I saw Taiki drawing it once. It had four legs... uh. It was an animal he and Gyousou owned? I think...
[ When even was that? The first time Taiki told him about the 12 Kingdoms of his world? He's doing his best to think back, making small sounds. ]
Ah... hm...
[ It's not going very well. ]
You want me to ask? I bet he won't have any idea - I'll just say I--! ... ... I was curious!
[ GOOD EXCUSE. ]
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[ Mister 'I was curious'? Then again, maybe Inigo has no right to say it, because he himself is about as subtle as a brick to the face.
But he does figure that Taiki might not catch on. The guy is not really the type to look for ulterior motives, right..? ]
But I'd be grateful if you could ask. [ He adds a moment later, a small smile on his face. ] I just want to make sure he has a great party.
[ NO TIME TO LECTURE INIGO THOUGH ABOUT HOW IT SHOULD BE A GREAT PARTY FOR HIM TOO THOUGH. NUH-UH. Because Inigo is moving on shiftly, trying to grab Tidus's other hand into his hold too, even if it'd mean he has to move a little for it. ]
Right now, though.. I mostly just want to take care of you.
[ This is not meant sexually, okay.
For once. ]
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Grumbling in a hum, his head shifting against its resting spot on the pillow. ]
I don't need taking care of. [ b-baka. ] ...but you need a really great birthday gift too.
[ A beat, and Tidus wiggles their joined hands a bit. ]
Got a request?
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Though Inigo supposes that just being this close to Tidus and holding his hands is already taking care of him in a way, so he's not going to throw some stink over it. Especially when Tidus's question leaves the door very widely open to sap. ]
You've already given me so much.
[ Material stuff, sure, but Inigo is thinking more of the near- or entirely immaterial. Their shared room that Inigo wanted so much. The ability to kiss Tidus or hold his hands all the time.
Stuff he never imagined he'd have at some point.
And it's nice to be able to remind Tidus of the good stuff he's done for Inigo, rather than the bad stuff about himself - his fate back home - or the bad thing he's done to Inigo. ]
What's there still left for me to ask for?
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[ Is he being serious? Not entirely, but it's good to grapple onto, a soft chuckle leaving his lips. ] You've gotta give me a clue! What did guys where you're from give each other? Do you want another stuffed toy? Hmm, or a really nice outfit...
[ He peeks open an eye, twisting his head a bit to look up at Inigo. ]
You can ask for anything, [ he whispers playfully. ] It's your birthday.
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The last time I celebrated my birthday, I was ten. [ So Inigo feels like he can't really reference past birthday presents. Even his friends hadn't been much older than him back then, when he had celebrated their birthdays.. ] I like to think my tastes have changed at least a little since then.
[ Says the guy who loves his oversized plush wyvern. ]
And it's so hard to think of material things! There's more stuff I'd like to do. Like spend time with my friends. [ But that's already happening at the party. ] And I'd like to swim again, but.. you know.
[ That's an eternal problem as long as the train denies them that pool carriage. ]
I already have my dance outfit too, and I'm too nervous to wear that in public anyway.
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Well - you're a handsome guy. You'd be alright.
[ So he settles on that, softly spoken, this nonsensical conversation derailed slightly by the emotion in his throat that didn't entirely lower back into his stomach. He takes a breath, not having lost his smile. Not about to let that mistake stop him. ]
That's okay, I already know what I'm getting you anyway. So you better be ready to feel like you're ten years old again!
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An emotion he knows he can't allow to take over the other guy at the moment, and so Inigo just makes sure to brightly laugh, hoping the sound may chase away at least some of the misery. ]
Really? What are you going to do, wear party hats?
[ He may or may not have seen a picture of that in a magazine, okay. Probably the ferrets one. It's not like it's an ancient medieval tradition, after all. ]
Should I buy a random outfit then? See if I can dress up all nice for our party?
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[ There's no telling with those outfits. There had to be some real ugly ones though, by the way he's remembering them. But for once, the idea seems fun - even if he doesn't want to ruin Inigo's very real birthday. ]
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[ Inigo's voice trails off for a second as he seems to be trying to think of a good solution to this problem. ]
.. if I get something super ugly, I guess you'll just have to wear it instead of me. I'm the birthday boy, after all! [ Hehe! ]
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[ And if the random outfits are always ugly (as declared by Tidus's bias and mistrust for the train at whole): ]
I'll buy one too! Are we gonna buy 'em now? Or should it be a surprise on the day?
[ That's a thought to lighten the mood. Doing something dumb and goofy as simple as risking the train's clothing shop - Tidus's never been as tempted to go for it as he has now. ]
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[ Even though that means they might be living on the edge, given the train's.. creative ideas on fashion. Inigo is pretty sure some of the things it hands out can't ever have been fashionable in any world, surely. Even with his lack of modern knowledge. ]
I guess we should have Taiki get one too then, right? [ Since he's the other birthday boy! ] But.. if his is ugly, we'll seriously have to do something about it.
[ It's one thing for Inigo or Tidus to have to suffer with something ugly, but Taiki is too precious for that.
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[ Because is there such a thing as too many presents for their best soft pal? It can't be that difficult to buy clothing from a random kingdom...! ]
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