mysteries | i haven't posted in my musebox for so long the layout just broke

Don't just give up on the floor!

[ Why is Inigo the literal baby here when Tidus is in the group.

It's dark, but there is light thanks to their SCAs, one of which turns and catches Inigo in the eyes when Tidus turns his beam on him. An accident, at least the 'in the eyes' part, but maybe if someone hadn't flopped on the floor this wouldn't have happened!!!

and no he doesn't think to apologise, but he does turn the light away, turning his attention as a result back to the rest of the cabin. ]

It smells mouldy in here... [ But in wandering some more, Tidus spots the bed in the corner--and more important, the forgotten few blankets folded at the end. Tidus picks one up, daring to give it a whiff to the result of a scrunched up nose. ]

--Catch!

[ And then throwing it at Inigo('s head), as you do. ]

Don't give up, Inigo. [Taiki's voice is kinder than Tidus' but there is a hint of fear there. He knows too well how dangerous cold can be. Tai is a bitterly cold kingdom, survival relies on knowing how to not freeze.

Which is why he has gone to the fire, opening his rucksack.] I'll make a fire... You should wrap yourselves up, it will take a little while to warm the room...

[ Inigo totally is the baby here. It's evidenced by the fact that he lets out a squeal when the light suddenly shines into his eyes, even though it's only momentary. He even falls over from his sitting position to end up lying on the floor. Like he's dramatically slain by the light. It burns in this darkness!

It also means the blanket ends up unceremoniously falling over him like a shroud.

Thankfully Inigo is very much not dead, which means he's sitting up again after a moment, pulling the blanket off him so his head is freed once more. He glances between Tidus looking at the blankets and Taiki sitting at the not-quite-yet-fire before wrapping the blanket around himself. Usually he'd insist he's fine without and that someone else should get them, but there do seem to be enough blankets to share.. He can always just throw his own over Tidus or Taiki later if they seem particularly cold. ]

If one of us is going to wrap themselves up, we need to all do it. [ Aka no keeping yourself out of this, Taiki! ] .. Even if these things are smelly.

[ And boy, they are. ]

[ Hey, Tidus was being kind too! He told Inigo not to give up!! We all work in mysterious ways...

There is something like a light Tidus has found on the bedside table to fiddle with, a fussy feat when he has to give up one hand to aim with SCA at it, using the other to turn it around to find anything like a switch to get it going. It might be useless to care about though with Taiki at the fire, and Tidus turns around, grinning as Inigo suffers the odour of his gift. But not for that reason. ]

Better than no blankets! Last time I got stuck in the cold was after a giant fiend chased me into a wrecked temple. I was wet, everything in it was wet... I thought I was gonna die freezing and hungry in there... alone...

[ His voice drops with the mood of his situation. ]

--But I didn't! [ And then perks right back up. ] And we've got Taiki's seeds, right Taiki? You need a flame to help get that going? Inigo-- [ Aside, he's heading to where Inigo's decided to drop himself, gesturing with his head. ] Come on, let's get closer.

[ Tidus isn't going to sit yet, not without Taiki. He may have something already to start a flame, but he's going to see first, wait. ]

That sounds terrible Tidus... [He doesn't want to think about him freezing to death alone. It's a terrible thought and for a moment he just stares at him with an expression of worry, even if it happened long ago and Tidus clearly didn't die. He nodded at the question though, he does need something to light this fire with.] Yes please.

The blankets seemed a good idea, even if they did smell, he smiled at Inigo and made his way over once he had built the fire.]

[ Ugh, getting up sounds like such a chore now. It's not even that Inigo is naturally lazy, but getting here through that snowstorm has made him cold enough that now his body finally has had a chance to sit, he wants to keep sitting. Moving is effort. Does he really have to do it?

He's half-tempted to start whining about it, but it's really hard to do so after Tidus just casually slipping in that - indeed terrible, thanks, Taiki - story. Inigo may be a big baby, but he's at least not going to genuinely downplay other people's problems in favour of his own dumb ones.

So he does slowly rise to his feet, the blanket still wrapped around him as he walks closer towards the other two. Not that he doesn't look like a reluctant toddler as he does so, but. Look. He's trying? ]

This is exactly why it was a good idea for us to not let you cross that snowstorm by yourself.

[ Don't get him wrong, Inigo also thinks that story is pretty terrible. As someone who has so often thought he'd die all alone and been close to doing just that, he Gets It.

But he also gets underplaying it like hell, so if Tidus wants to do just that, he'll gladly go along with it. Oh, that Tidus, can't take him anywhere without him dying alone! ]

Ah, it's fine, [ Tidus easily dismisses the uneasiness and concern of Taiki's response, meeting it with a smile, wide and sincere. He was here now, and it was so long ago--so much had happened since it--that he didn't feel the anxiety and loneliness he had then. The guy he was then and now, even--they weren't the same.

But there's no room for sappy when you've got a guy like Inigo with you, apparently!! ]

Wasn't that just because you would've missed me too much? [ He says it once the fire is going, bringing his hands to his knees and lifting himself up, a smile curled with far more sass than the one Taiki gives him. Tidus walks on over to him, Inigo becoming a target for pinpointing where to sit as he takes to one side of him, knocking knees as he slips on down. ]

And who else is gonna warm you up if we don't?

[ Huuuuh? ]

[The fire was going now and so Taiki moved over as well. He is pretty frozen himself and he settles the other side of Inigo, leaning into him. He doesn't have much heat to share but he will try his best to warm the other up regardless.]

It's a good job we were with you, Tidus. [His voice held fondness for the two bickering, he knows now that they are never actually serious and this is just how they show they care.]

We would never have found this place without you.

[ Even though he's not mentioning it out loud, Inigo is super glad to be at the middle of this cuddle sandwich. That's exactly how he likes it - if anything, he almost feels slightly privileged to be, here he was assuming Taiki would end up in the middle with his natural softness and cuteness..

It's why he moves the blanket to wrap it around Taiki too when the other sits down next to him, drawing the other a little closer once he feels just how cold Taiki is. Inigo may not be the biggest guy around, but he can still neatly fit Taiki into his side with an arm around him.

He folds open the other end of the blanket too, although rather than similarly trying to wrap it around Tidus as well, he holds it open and gives the other a bit of A Look. It's hard to tell the emotion in it - it seems to be somehow sceptical (hard) and hesitant (soft) at once, like Inigo is really worried about Tidus having a No Homo Bro moment here but doesn't want to look worried at the same time. And is half-failing at it. You want some blanket cuddles too, bro? Please, dude. Homie. Pal. He's desperate for it. ]

I guess I should feel honored if our fearless leader would grace us with his warmth.

[ Taiki may be on the other side of Inigo, but it doesn't stop his natural softness from reaching Tidus by his sincerity, always just a touch too genuine even when it doesn't need to be. It pinches his cheeks some, a need to brush it aside with a low but sheepish 'nahh'.

Inigo inspires an entirely different reaction. Naturally.

Though first comes the expression turned his way, the open invitation of the raised blanket easier to read than a face half-lit by the flames flickering with new life. Tidus meets with a knotted brow, puzzled with a question for an answer, but he's not going to wait for one. Inigo isn't the only cold one, and Tidus takes the blanket from Inigo's hand into his own, to pull it over himself.

(What was Inigo trying to do, put his arm over Tidus's shoulder too??? as if!)

But his remark touches on sarcasm, though Tidus knows it doesn't mean anything at heart. So Tidus just tuts, holding the blanket in place by the hand of his arm on Inigo's side. ]

Don't pout 'cause Taiki complimented me. You're important too -- right Taiki?

[ It's like a cheat. Get Taiki to say something nice about Inigo, and he'll get like that, and Tidus wins automatically. Or something. ]

Of course. [Inigo's arm is welcome and he huddles into his side, hoping he isn't making Inigo cold, he feels like there is coldness radiating out of him, making the air around him cold.

It makes him feel slightly guilty, because he is not used to such cold really, yet the people of Tai live like this every winter. But Tidus and Inigo's words distract him enough to smile up at Inigo.]

We have you to thank for being here as well, it was your idea to try and find shelter in the first place.

[ There's very little Inigo minds about Taiki's presence at his side. If the other is cold, at least, Inigo sure isn't showing any signs of discomfort. After all, Inigo would honestly take freezing to death over being all alone, so Taiki huddling against him is just a nice feeling. Inigo does move his hand up and down Taiki's arm on the other side though, like he's making sure to warm the other up.

And Tidus' reaction, just grabbing the blanket out of his hand like that is.. well, it's very expected. Inigo knows that Tidus isn't the type who'd enjoy huddling against him the way Taiki is doing. And logically he knows it has nothing to do with him, that it's just who Tidus is, but there are so many insecurities lurking at the back of his mind all the time that they just love pouncing on these little moments. Telling him that see, of course he doesn't want you to touch him, he probably thinks you're just some freak--

Inigo tries to shove the thoughts as far to the back of his mind as he can. He glances from Tidus towards Taiki as the other two speak. But there's none of Inigo's usually blushy reaction. He does smile - in a way that's pretty over the top, actually - but it seems like he can't quite make it reach his eyes. ]

Well, of course you have to thank me! [ Thank Naga he at least manages to make his tone the usual dumbass fake bravado. ] What would you two do without me, huh? Freezing outside in the cold, that's what!

Edited 2020-07-27 12:07 (UTC)

Your mouth sure works for a guy who was complainin' about freezing.

[ Just saying, just saying! Like that factors into anything at all, but it feels like it should. For Tidus though, he's enjoying what he does have, the blanket enough to cover over the three of them,the fire that's starting to go. He even shuffles in some without any thought of what Inigo might be thinking, and more to get more of the blanket around him, to close in that gap between himself and Inigo.

He even thinks to slide and rest his arm between him and Inigo on the inner side of the other's leg, a hand coming near to his knee--when he realises what he's doing, and moves it to rest, elbow and all, awkwardly in his own lap.

ahem. ]

You feeling warmer, Taiki?

[Taiki is very happy huddled into Inigo's side, the other is cold as well but hopefully they will warm each other up. It's much better to be together in a time like this.

He doesn't even notice the awkwardness happening the other side of Inigo, he's just glad they aren't bickering. He nods into Inigo's shoulder.] Yes. Are you two? I can make the fire higher, if you want...

[ No, they aren't bickering, but there sure is something else going on.

And while Tidus is at least decent enough at hiding the awkward right now, other than the way his arm suddenly moves like that, Inigo.. isn't. As usually. His cheeks start to light up in a way that has absolutely nothing to do with whether or not he's warm right now. Although he's little concerned at the way Tidus pulled that arm back so quickly.

It makes his hold on Taiki on the other side a bit tighter, like the way the other leans into him is an anchor to keep himself from falling down any negative thought spiral. Taiki kind of has that effect on him. Like the way a kid would have a stuffed animal to comfort them. ]

I'm fine. [ Does that say anything anymore when Inigo is the one saying it.. ] You're so soft, Taiki. This is much better already.

[ At least that's not a lie. He loves being this close to others, after all.

And maybe he just.. needs to get over himself a little. Maybe he needs to be bold for once.

So without saying anything and with the gesture completely hidden by the blankets, he moves his free hand on Tidus' side until it's on top of Tidus' hand.

The only indication of it is the way his cheeks are still a little red. And perhaps his uncharacteristic quiet. ]

[ What does it mean?

He knows he shouldn't think that any time Inigo touches him, but he's never been able to help it. Knows that's just how Inigo is, the same way that Taiki takes his hand out of comfort and support than anything else. And his hands are easier to accept, but for as equally he cares about both of them the same, they're different, and his feelings towards both skew differently despite what little sense it makes.

What does it mean? It doesn't mean anything different from Taiki's gestures. But then, taking his hand after he moved his--no, he's dumb. ]

Y-yeah, [ he agrees after Inigo, a voice catching on his breath before settling, his gaze turned out to the colder side of the cabin. He doesn't move or take his hand away. ] I'm fine.

[ But he'll need to do something to stay fine, to not feel like an embarrassment. The silence creeps with the seconds, loud with a volume more nagging than any sound. Quick, what's a distracting tale- ]

So-- I ever tell you two 'bout the time I had to climb a snowy mountain? I was travelling with Yuna and the rest of her guardians. And we had this guy following us who wouldn't leave us alone even after he was dead!

[ He's getting into Story Mode. Please feel free to remind him to tell the less violent version of this tale. ]

[He is okay with being held tighter and he leans into Inigo's side, tilting his head slightly to look at Tidus as he began speaking.]

After he was dead?

[To his credit, he tries to sound interested rather than horrified. There's still a note of deep sadness in his voice, even if he does his best to hide it.

Stories that start with dead people are always sad.]

[ The fact that Tidus doesn't pull his hand away is met with such a smile on Inigo's end. But it's not triumphant or gloating in any way - no, Inigo just seems very genuinely surprised and pleased at the same time by this development. He was half expecting Tidus to just jump up and run away or something, so this is great. He'll even be good and stay quiet about his handsiness under the blankets when Tidus starts on his story.

.. Though it's hard to miss that edge to Taiki's tone when he speaks up. And Inigo wouldn't be Inigo if he didn't try to act goofy to try and get rid of that edge of sadness. ]

He probably means like a ghost! [ He shoots a smile at Taiki, briefly leaning his head against the other's for a moment before pulling back and putting on a ~tone~ for the next part: ] A scaaaaary ghoost!

[ He'd wiggly his fingers for dramatic effect if he wasn't so content holding Taiki with one hand and Tidus' hand with the other. Those hands are staying where they are now! ]

[ Oh, Tidus catches that tone as well, and it's good that he can focus on that than the hand in his. Story time is always a great distraction! ]

It's not like your ghosts or whatever they're supposed to be, see-through and all white? He was an Unsent, looked real and alive except--he wasn't.

[ Duh, 'cause he was dead. ]

The scariest thing about him was how nuts he was. Wanted to destroy the whole of Spira. [ Said casually, but more for the reason of looking over to Taiki and nodding. ] So you shouldn't feel bad for the guy. He did a lot of bad stuff, hurt people--and wanted to hurt everyone.

We beat him up and got rid of him, for the time being. After that... [ ...ah, he didn't really think about where he was taking this story time at all, did he? Because after that were the fayth, discovering what he really was--what would happen to him at the end of his journey if they succeeded. ]

...I don't remember a lot more about it than that. [ It's sorta true, yet for the diversion it's meant to be, still his tone dips. ] Yuna was coming to the end of her pilgrimage, so... it was a strange time. I had a lot I was thinking about. What I would do.

[ To save Yuna. About himself. But Yuna was easier to think about then, though he couldn't truly bury the truth as he knew it. It was always clinging to him, a rapid heartbeat. An anxiety. ]

I'm sorry... [He sounds it. Both for the fact that someone had tried to destroy Tidus' land but also for the fact that... He does feel bad for the guy. He always will. Even if he was a terrible person Taiki didn't like hearing of people being hurt and killed.

He just watched Tidus, tilting his head from where he was sat at the other side of Inigo.] You don't remember?

[He sounds worried and he reaches out around Inigo to touch Tidus' arm.]

[ Inigo leans back just a tad to give Taiki some more room to reach for Tidus when he notices the other reaching out - though he's not removing his hand from Tidus', suck it, bro!

Granted, the reason for that is mostly since Inigo can tell what Tidus is doing here. He maybe stupid sometimes, but he's not a total idiot. Maybe it's since Inigo always covers up so much himself, but it enables him to be able to tell that Tidus is doing the exact same thing here. Tidus does remember. Or at the very least there is something he does know that he isn't telling them right now.

Inigo isn't sure if now is the right time to press him on it. Maybe Tidus is hiding something out of consideration for Taiki, with how sensitive the other can be.. And Inigo wouldn't want to ruin that. Nor does he want to ruin their nice proximity for now.

So he just stays quiet for the moment, gaze shifting over to Tidus, letting the other decide whether he wants to continue avoiding saying what he doesn't want to say or not at what Taiki is saying. ]

[ bro!!

The touch catches Tidus off-guard, not expecting it, making him turn into Taiki's worried expression in the dancing of the flames. He blinks at it before huffing sheepishly, head and gaze tilting away. ]

You know... when you've got so much in your head, you don't think about the lil' things in your journey! You just think about the destination. The end! [ And he looks back over at Taiki, up at Inigo and then back across. ] Have you ever had that? A big decision you had to make, and you knew the answer maybe, but--it'd change everything. There'd be no going back.

[ Does he even know what he's saying, or is he latching onto the first thing that comes to mind and rolling with it, just so the conversation is moving, farther away from himself? It's better if they're talking about each other, after all.

(Stupid snow. Stupid Seymour. There was no great story there at all.) ]

[Taiki spends far too much time agonising over every detail, replaying mistakes and worrying that he's done the wrong thing, said something he shouldn't or made the wrong decision. But he understands. Because sometimes the end result has to matter and you just had to... do everything it took to achieve that.

He nodded.] Yes. I understand. [He is about to ask, what the decision was. Why had Tidus been so fixated on a goal that he had ignored all else.

But then he realises that Tidus is trying to change the subject and he doesn't. He doesn't want to force Tidus to talk about anything he doesn't want to.]

[ Tidus is being so unsubtle here, it's almost as if he's Inigo or something.

But it's obvious that Taiki - as ever - is way too polite to press further on what Tidus is saying, or to ask him what's really up. And Inigo still feels a bit too rude to do so too when Tidus seems so obviously conflicted about it.

So he's quiet, listening to Tidus ramble and Taiki reply as he glances between the two, trying to focus on the now slowly growing warmth of their presence at his hands. ]

When my friends and I went back into the past to save the world, we knew we wouldn't be able to return to our future. [ He then slowly says. Inigo's voice is weird - casual, yet detached, like he's telling a fairytale about some fictional people rather than about himself.

But he figures that maybe if he throws something up for grabs first, Tidus and Taiki might feel slightly less wary about talking about themselves and their own problems. It's not like Inigo wants to keep his deal secret as much as he just doesn't want to seem as pathetic and pitiable as he feels. So maybe if he just presents it as something casual, or something he doesn't care nearly as much about as he really does, it'll be okay.

It's why he doesn't look directly at either of them, but instead into the flames. ]

And we knew there wasn't a place for us in the past either. Our parents already had us. Or-- well, not "us", but new baby versions of us. We'd just be superfluous doubles. But we went anyway, even though there was no going back.

[ The past?

It's the first Tidus thinks he's heard Inigo speak about that. He travels--world hops, that Tidus knows, but did he ever talk about going through time? His own time? Tidus trains his gaze onto Inigo, surprised, but surprised by more than just that singular info, but by all of it. ]

What... happened to you? [ Doubles? Why would there be doubles? Wait-- ] Did you disappear?

[ His mind jumps to it--does it make sense?--but he can't let go to the thought. Is that what happened? Why? And how? ]

press F for jelle's musebox

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