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Video - Kazoo 1

[ On the day of platform, after all is said and done and passengers both new and old have filed into the Voidtrecker Express, a certain man restored to his usual youthful face is seen on screen, from the comfort of the Library car. Clad in clothes that are distinctly different from the train's usual uniform, eagle-eyed passengers may find a particular floral lapel pin attached to the turnover collar of his top as the only indicator of where he's been grouped. ]

To my fellow Voidtrecker passengers, a very fine Kazoo day to you all.

[ These month names will never stop sounding ridiculous to him, but with a face so serious, it sort of works in commanding attention anyway. ]

I've begun this broadcast with two express purposes: first, I would like to ask for your time as we launch an official census of the current Purple team roster. [ He crosses his arms over his chest. Though he is speaking in general, it seems he's adept at talking to cameras such that he could be addressing you in particular. ] Just now counting the passenger list from the ICP, we are once again seeing an incredible number of talented individuals who all have something unique to offer, not just for this team, but for everyone onboard.

[ His fist curls in a determined gesture. ] To this end, interested members can now fill out a quick survey such that we can determine who is good at, or comfortable doing, particular tasks on and off missions. Purple is populated by plenty of diverse folks, the most of the train's teams, and we should be putting everyone where they are most needed. It could be as simple as offering your favorite hobby as a service, or something more unexpected like your secret ability to bench-press three cows while jumping as high as the moon. Heh. [ Ah, so he has a sense of humor. However corny or dry. Back to business. ]

You may find these surveys in stacks by the Library car, with a tray for our collection later on. [ Said stack of paper is in his hands already to show, and it's definitely a tall one. ] Rest assured that you are protected by the team leads if you would like to keep certain things private, or known only to a select few. Share only what you deem important. Alternatively, you can find me anytime and hand it in yourself so we can talk face-to-face.

[ He drops the stack gently and faces the camera one more time. His smile widens by a fraction. ] As for the second purpose...[ His hand rests against his chest and he briefly closes his eyes. ] I would like to formally introduce myself. My name is Roland Crane, and Purple or not, I am happily at everyone's service.

[ Roland nods determined before he ends his announcement. ]

( ooc: ) open to [ action ] tags if characters happen to be in the library. check out the ooc community for the survey in question!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ The thing about these little higgledies is that they're noisy as heck. And so even before they hit him in the back of his head, gently at least, not enough to recoil, he hears them coming. But it's a strange feeling of knowing you're going to get pelted but not really doing enough to stop it from hitting you. All he does to address it at first, is to look around the otherwise semi-empty library. Did Rannygazoo come out? Was Bambosh messing around? He doesn't always keep track of them, so it could happen.

But then he continues getting hit in the head. Twice now, and when he looks around for a third time, he finally realizes the higgledies vary in color. Blue at first, then bright yellow. Each flopping about and laughing and jumping that it can't be anything but - ]

[ - Roland sighs, but he's smiling all the same. Hushed whispers inaudible from where he stands, but unmistakable without a doubt. So he calls out without looking back, knowing he'll be heard by Twin Teens (patent pending) waiting in the shadows. ]

I'm keeping every single one of them if you two are just going to use them as catapult bait.

You tell them that! C'mon guys, come back here!

[ With yips and yays, the higgledies upright themselves and try to find a way back from where they were chucked, if rather slow on their tiny legs, and not really having the best sense of direction (they're very easy to catch, if Roland wants to bother to).

And at the time of Tidus's call, another blue higgledy was squealing while being thrown into the air. Knocking Roland on the head? Landing on a table? Only time will tell. This war is not yet over!! ]

What?

[ Roland truly is getting the best of both teen worlds over here. On the one hand there's Tidus, who just keeps going - perhaps even more spurred on than anything else by being told that he can't do something.

And then there's Inigo, who just lets out that high-pitched word, sounding half-startled and half-offended. Speaking from behind the bookcase as if they're having a totally normal conversation where their view isn't blocked entirely. ]

You wouldn't! [ Then, a little softer as it's aimed at Tidus rather than the old man getting pelted, but still plenty audible even from a distance: ] He wouldn't, right?

I make good on my promises, you know that!

[ Roland chuckles after a blue higgledy does indeed, bounce against his head, this time with a little more force behind the throw, causing it to plop into a pile of papers he had already stored away for safekeeping. It makes him go, 'hey!' but there's nothing to be done when the higgledy helper is already on the go. Running around, playing tag with another yellow higgledy that's lingering by his feet. The rest of them who don't return to the twin teens behind the bookshelf begin to make the space next to Roland's cubicle their playground, as higgledies often do when left to their own devices.

Though, just to ensure he does do what he said he would in this higgledy war that assaults him from behind, Roland gently takes two higgledies sitting nicely next to each other by the partition of his desk and places them in the pocket of his pants. They seem happy to be there, heads sticking out and bobbing to invisible rhythms. ] Got two. My pockets can fill in more.

[ Not much of a threat. ] Plus, you're forgetting I've got backup of my own! [ He doesn't need to turn around to look cool for this. He closes his eyes and crosses his arms, before a finger snaps...

...and nothing happens around him except for higgledies being higgledies, and continuous pelting perhaps, now messing up his hair from behind. Roland makes a face to himself, looking around, but apart from the ones that rest in his pant pockets, Rannygazoo and Bambosh are nowhere to be found despite his summon. ]

Wait, what? Where did they - ?

[ In perfect harmony, the two burst forth from nothingness, a sparkle of light to signify their coming, but they manifest on the opposite side of the battlefield. The fire higgledy is suddenly on Inigo's head, while the white one with a crown begins to dance on top of Tidus's shoulder before his tiny, stick-like arm extends as if asking an army to charge. Ten smaller ones come out of hiding, ready to be commanded by both teenagers. Bambosh does the same tactic, eight in succession marching circles around Inigo's feet.

Roland realizes what happened early on, his view obscured from the books and shelves, but knowing precisely where his so-called backup ran off to. He frowns, making another face. ]

Traitors. All of you.

[ And since he's defenseless, maybe looking around for a makeshift shield will do for the moment...?! ]

They'll be fiiine- [ Is that probably least convincing whispering back to Inigo that he's heard plenty of times before. But Roland's threat aren't worth indulging in too much, and instead Tidus whistles between two fingers, enticing the (happily) distracted higgledies to turn with interest and glee.

...by hopping about on their stubby stub stubs for legs in place, squeaking and making their own noises; no sense of urgency to be found in them (probably because of the next higgledy firing overhead they bounce extra more in joy for. ...but, probably not).

But this plan of having the little creatures return as renewed ammo isn't going so well when they're not doing their side of the agreement: of returning after being tossed. Which might have something to do with the bookcase, an unusual addition from the regular trials from when Tidus does this (nicely, of course - sometimes even in water!). Yet Tidus doesn't have to start making any adjustments about what to do next, apparently - when a pair have some plans of their own in making their spectacular appearance.

What a wonderful turn of events. And maybe there's something in particular about knowing that Roland has been betrayed entirely that makes him bold, or the brave company on his shoulder, that he doesn't have to think twice to pat Inigo on the arm and to signal him to go around the other side of the bookcase, while Tidus gets up to turn the side closest to him.

Rannygazoo large and in charge on his soldier, their hench-higgledy at his feet. Tidus's smug grin board and wide, with a scattering of other higgledy all around them, squeaking and joyous. Even the two in Roland's pockets continuing their groovy dance. ]

You're outnumbered, Roland. [ Said, with the total cool voice of any blockbuster confrontation. Tidus's hands are even on his sides. Cool pose, cool everything.

Even his finger pointing, as he directs it straight at Roland. ]

It's higgledy time.

[ And that's the signal, for Rannygazoo to cry out, raising his tiny weapon up, and for the other higgledy to storm the floor over to Roland, to start scrambling and jumping all over him.

he just wanted people to fill in his survey ]

[ For a moment Inigo is surprised by the sudden presence on his head. But it's not the first time Bambosh has found his way up there, so after the initial surprise which only lasts about a second, Inigo just accepts the fire higgledy's choice of seating.

He's easily distracted anyway by Tidus's signal, making Inigo slowly move over to the other side of the bookcase they're hiding behind, the fire higgledies Bambosh made appear giggling and jumping around his feet. In the meantime he can hear Tidus already jumping out and commanding his own higgledies-- which makes Inigo move a little faster in turn. Usually he may have been a bit more hesitant about sending this absolute higgle-overload after Roland, but there is not only the usual teen bad influence in play, but now Bambosh too, who is absolutely all for this chaos.

Which means the fire higgledies are easily sent after the rest, also starting to jump Roland, to try and scale the man like a mountain. One maybe even climbing under Roland's clothes, intending to find some tickling spots. You think Inigo forgot the hot springs incident?! Fool, you just taught him new techniques!

The light higgledies, however, are sent on a different mission. They start climbing the table Roland was working at. Perhaps the older guy is too distracted by the higgle-chaos, but if he's very attentive, he may start to notice them trying to carry off his papers or notebook or whatever other materials he was using..

And Inigo didn't even have to say a word and betray his intentions! Thanks, telepathic link with Jumblie. Really helpful at moments like these. ]

[ THIS UTTER LACK OF ORIGINALITY, THESE ARE STRAIGHT OUT OF THE PAGES OF HIS OWN MOVIE MAKING BOOK - !!!

But he loves it either way. The unnecessary drama, the flair and the shock value of pretending to be caught unawares with his assailant forcing him to back up against the table, as if that would do anything to protect him from the incoming assault. Roland play-acts as smoothly as he can, jumping straight on this Twin Teen skit and clicking his tongue against his teeth. The higgledies in his pocket react thusly, playing hide and seek between the two of them with heads popping in and out of sight.

He isn't so distracted by this charade that he doesn't ask himself where the other Twin Teen is, currently... ]

You do realize you'll all pay for this, don't you? [ He spurts out an empty yet heftily acted threat, a narrowed gaze shot to Rannygazoo who immediately ignores the strength of his link to the man who hid him from Nightmarish danger. Truly, a higgledy revolution of the times. Though one could argue that Ranny was only acting according to Roland's own deepest desires: to have fun where he can, in silly little scenarios like this. When all is peaceful. When he can return to nicer times.

Immediately, a wave of colorful higgledies do as they are told, cutting him off and forcing unnatural sounds that betray the type of persona he had just ended the feed with. They're all over him too, almost too much, overwhelmed that he falls back down on his seat with the backs of his knees hitting the edge. Roland makes noise in the library - a travesty which he is keenly aware of, apologizing sadly in between a marked struggle of near boisterous laughter that's being tempered by his final vestige of control and discipline. ]

S-Stop, wait! Haha!

[ There's Inigo. That's where the other went, and his gaze finally glimpses the marching army of light higgledy helpers carrying all of his things, including the stacks of surveys and the books he had laid out for the day wherever their teenage delinquent owner commands them to go. All the while, Roland sits helpless, trying his best not to hurt or push the higgledies aside with wide arches of waving arms or hands dipping into or under the hem of his shirt to stop them from making nests in there. Too ticklish even in his state of duress that it's starting to hurt his stomach.

Enjoying this debacle, Twin Teens?! They better make it last. Roland will make do on his promise. ]

C-Come back here - ahaha no, don't go in there! - come back here with that! Gah, haha, are you listening to me? Hey! [ Someone hushes him from the distance. Roland attempts to look sheepish. He dares them to come over here and stop this madness themselves; one person versus over a dozen sprites doing whatever they wanted! Or whatever their masters wanted, hm! ]

[ Chaos has won.

If the pair - or, the group at this rate; the higgledies can't be excluded now! - were supposed to help Roland be presentable this fine train day, he's had another thing coming -- and received it, aptly. Any proper library procedures ignored for the current fiasco taking place of tiny little nature beings clambering up a full grown man to overtake him completely, all in the name of having a good time.

Some topple and fall with Roland having to do much, the perch of his seat as much an obstacle as it is an aid for them. Some are happy to squeak and giggle around his inherited throne. But yes, thank you for asking, Tidus is having a blast; having hardly moved from his spot when he doesn't need to. Arms still folded, having a good view of Inigo's own version of mischief. ]

Can't handle a few higgledies, Rol? [ He coos cheerily. ] And you're trying to wrangle together a team. Sheesh! No wonder you need all the help you can get.

[ heh heh heh heh. ]

[ Alas, and so the mighty have fallen. To a bunch of mischievous higgledy helpers. The boys better hope that the creatures never turn on them like this one day, considering how utterly they're reducing Roland to a wreck over here, especially with how serious he was trying to be today! (But then again - maybe that's exactly why he needed the break, having a moment to just let loose even in the middle of all of this.)

For a moment Inigo is totally left out of their back and forth exchange, since his little light higgledy helpers have arrived at his feet with the requested stolen goods, which means Inigo has to bend down for a moment and give their cute little higgledy helper heads small kisses for being such good little helpers!

But he glances up again from where he's squatting at the sound of Tidus's mischievous laughter, his head popping out from the side of the bookcase a bit more to glance in Tidus's direction too, rather than just the poor old man at their mercy. ]

Well, that's why we're here to back you up.

[ Is this truly 'backing' Roland 'up', Inigo. ]

Besides, how would you even pay us back, huh? [ CAN YOU TOP THIS, ROLAND? CAN YOU? ]

[ If chaos did not win when it came to the Twin Teens, Roland would definitely think something was wrong in the void. But there was only so much tickling and invasion he can take in one void day, so he tries to bargain now, laughs turning into chuckles but his hands start working hard to try and pluck individual higgledies out of him....

.....Weird. ]

Don't push it, pup. I have my ways and you know it. Those higgledy kisses won't save you! [ Roland shakes his head amusedly. One higgledy, two higgledies, how did this one even get that far down - ] But if this is your combined effort to answer the census in support, I'm glad for the assist. Even at the cost of my utter dignity. I've made so much noise, the head librarian is going to ban me for life.

[ Both teens are flashed a look that isn't quite reprimanding, but obviously a joke in response. What head librarian? At the frequency of his visits in this train car, it may as well be Roland himself. Finally, the higgledies take pity on him and start filing out of their target's clothes, no more tickles to be had, residual laughs drained from him totally. The ones that do remain use him as a make-shift higgledy foot stool, standing and sitting where there are planes and dips, but that's par the course.

Roland dusts himself free of that debacle and assumes a confident calm that comes naturally to the chief consul. Arms against his chest, the two higgledies in his pocket still there for some strange reason. ]

Err. I assume one of you now has all the surveys?

[ On account of them being stolen!! This travesty!! Or not. ]

[ It's not weird Roland, it's called giving birth. It's a beautiful thing. Look at the higgledy children you're making.

Anyway. The fun and games must always come to an end, and Tidus is satisfied; not knowing right then what Inigo is doing, but if he were to see the other guy giving the creatures kisses? Typical -- guy should run a kiddy daycare. But Tidus isn't left to himself, as he drops himself onto the floor cross-legged, higgledies of every colour deciding to surround him as a place for them to play their own little games. Clambering over his legs, doing their tiny celebratory dances. ]

I dunno, we didn't plan nothing. [ That isn't the response Roland wants to 'where are the surveys', and not so lightly, but hey, they can't be that far. Tidus sparing a glance over which way, and isn't that some papers on the floor over there?? Eh. ]

You'll get them back. [ There we go. ] So, how're you feeling about it? Think you got enough people up to helping out?

[ Inigo's face goes bright red the moment he hears the words higgledy kisses. Daaaaaaaaad, not in front of Tidus?! Please?! Don't call him out for enjoying sharing some affection with his emotional support higgledies! It's a small miracle he doesn't tumble over from his squatting position and end up right on the floor on his butt. There's some great balancing going on here.

And while he is the person with the answer to Roland's question, he's not the first to answer. Mostly since Inigo isn't sure if he should. As much as Inigo can go along with this mischief, he's definitely not the ringleader here.

Hence why, a moment after Tidus says that last part about having enough people, Inigo peers out from behind the bookcase again. ]

.. Wait, are we done now?

[ IS THE MISCHIEF OVER? Is this some new mischief level? Is Tidus playing 4D chess? Inigo has no clue.

Meanwhile the light higgledies are happily passing the surveys back and forth in front of Inigo, with Bambosh cheering them on from his seat on Inigo's head. ]

Maybe. I just announced it. We'll see the turnout in a while.

[ When will the higgledies ever take Roland's side, didn't he father them into train existence!!! At the very least this small army of sprites are brightening up the library car. Whoever could see them, or not, will feel a collection of positive emotions. A breath of fresh air in an otherwise dreary train.

But no, it's not what Tidus says but what he doesn't say. And Inigo's reaction to it makes the point even more pertinent. Roland quirks an eyebrow up at them both, growing slightly suspicious. ]

You're done now, with what exactly?

[ HMMMMMMMMMMMM? ]

All right. The jig is up. What are you two up to?

We don't have to be done.

[ Doesn't matter where what Roland says fits into this, it can be right after. Is Tidus going to deny the thirst for more chaos? Gibbers's higgledies are making their way over to where Inigo and the bigger crowd of higgledies are gathered with Inigo, to join in the passing around of paper. They also want to just pass these things without any ultimate destination too!! ]

We can be up to whatever we want to! Buuuut, [ buuuuut, ] there is that one thing... right, Inigo? That? Do you think now's the time?

[ Is Tidus speaking discreetly on purpose? Ignoring Roland's presence, right in front of his salad?

why would you even ask ]

Well, I guess there is no better time than now..

[ Of course this is on purpose. Even Inigo can tell that, and that's saying a lot, considering how sometimes he lags behind a little - or more than just a little - on catching these cues.

But this one? He's got it in the pocket. He even knows exactly what Tidus means when he says that, and Inigo smiles while watching the higgledies have a field day with something as simple as paper to play with.

.. though maybe letting Gibbs's mini-mes play with paper isn't the best idea. Don't want to get wet spots all over these surveys!

So instead Inigo summons something from his Arms Band - it's hard to tell what, from where he's sitting - and gives it to the higgledies, whispering instructions to the tiny water creatures. ]

Behold! Today we present to you.. a great gift!

[ And with that, the higgledies finish carrying over something, stopping at Roland's feet. It's.. a case? Except it's really hard to tell what may be in it while just looking at the outside.

But if the man takes it and opens it - he'll find an earpiercing gun inside.

Inigo justs sits and watches with a grin, so excited for Roland's reaction. ]

[ Please be careful with those papers, somebody worked very hard to write drafts and print them, put a Fragile sticker on the stack okay -

But this Twin Teen attack would be nothing without their typical grand reveal. A great gift. Not even the cutest of movements from the water higgledies will deter Roland's suspicious expression, his gaze unwavering as the case is offered to him with a bump against his calves.

He bends on his knees to take it before standing up again, opening it and...

...the gun is so small that it looks like a toy. What is it? It's...? Ah. This is where the true chaos begins. Roland realizes what it's for, then immediately, he shifts his stare between the two. Or at least, for Inigo's case, where he thinks he might be, partially obscured still. Back and forth he darts between them - Tidus, Inigo, Inigo, Tidus, Tidus, Inigo, Tidus, Inigo, Inigo Tidus -

He crosses his arms afterwards, understanding totally what this whole shenanigan was for. But there's something about his reaction that might tip one of them off; maybe in his nonchalance, or in that he's so unshocked about receiving an earpiercing gun that this can't be all it. ]

Hm. You two could have just said so, you know. Anyway, I can't promise I'll be any good but if it hurts, just raise your right hand I guess.

[ ?????????????? ]

Okay. Line up, then. Who's first? And which ear? Do you both have the same ear without a piercing...?

[ Roland readies the gun but it seems he's lost in translation. For he is utterly convinced the earpiercing gun is not a gift to himself, but something given to him to help the Twin Teens themselves get their other ear pierced.

Because that's only natural, right.

Right???? ]

[ Tidus is sitting, watching, uncaring still about any papers getting damp spots on them from fun-loving higgledies, their 'hopeful' personalities to the point of believing it'll be okay. Bambosh's juniors or Jumblie's may want to get them from the water beings, distract them with their own offer of fun!!!

But as for Tidus, he's observing. This is the treat he's been waiting for, the one highlight to his day that's otherwise been a great heaping of fuck you, train. But he's not here for that, but the reserved expression that Roland wears. Continues to wear even he opens the case.

Ah.

Aha. It clicks, and it tickles Tidus, the way Roland goes on. Oh, he thinks this is for them. He looks over to Inigo, hoping to catch his eye or that their silent communication (of one braincell link) will work here to let the other guy know: Don't tell him, man. Let him figure it out. He'll get it, just look and wait at him long enough!

He may be asking for a lot, but otherwise, Tidus isn't asking for anything -- verbally anyway, turning back to Roland in silence.

But only verbally. His smirk and eyes on the older man absolutely telling, as long as Roland can understand Tidus's language. ]

[ Inigo is so baffled at this whole thing unfolding before him. He imagined that surely Roland would catch on to the idea they bought the gun with in the first place - and yet.. apparently he doesn't. At all. Because Inigo knows the older guy's tone well at this point. Knows when he's being serious, and when he isn't.

(Or so he likes to think, anyway, even when in practice it's not often that clear-cut.)

But in this case he knows Roland is 100% serious with what he's saying. That he doesn't even think of potential other uses for that ear piercing gun other than to use it on their youthful ears.

Inigo - with clear surprise in his eyes at how far this is sailing over Roland's head - is about to speak up and explain it, but then his gaze crosses Tidus's.

And in a rare, rare moment of teen solidarity, he seems to entirely understand what the other means.

So he doesn't speak up. Inigo just stays silent too. In fact, he even moves so he's actually within Roland's line of sight, just so the man can feel the gazes of two teenagers staring at him. Though compared to Tidus's smirk, Inigo's own look seems more like one of curiosity, of anticipation. ]

...

...

...

What?

[ You think he's going to back down from this staring match??? From this Twin Teen attack??? With their powers combined??? Roland looks back and forth at them again, the contrast of expressions too comedic for it to be serious. And yet it is! Tidus grinning like a cat, and Inigo staring at him with big puppy dog eyes, expecting him to catch up.

Yes, eventually Roland does gather the true meaning of this gift and his face drops. The perfect contrast to what's being sent his way. His voice comes in drier than the desert, a shake of his head that swivels his ponytail carefully from behind him. ]

Nu uh. No way. No.

[ See that? That's him laying down the law. ]

That was a one-time thing.

[ ...

...

...

They're still...?! ]

I-It's not my fault it healed over!

Good thing it did, I was worried your ear was gonna fall off. Now we have an actual piercing gun and everything with it!

[ Since that day has long and gone, Tidus can admit without shame how absolutely ill-equipped he was in every sense of the word for piercing anybody's ears! But don't worry, he's delighted by Roland's reaction plenty too, standing up off from the ground, the few higgledies around him giving him room. ]

So? Pick a stud. And an ear! Get one on the same side as us!

[ 'Pick an ear but pick the right one', basically. ]

[ Look at this brazen admission over here. Inigo's face immediately turns into sheer panic. It's a hilarious contrast with the higgledies next to him still having the time of their lives passing these surveys back and forth, even as Inigo is slowly getting up on his feet as well. ]

W-What do you mean, fall off?!

[ EXCUSE YOU, TIDUS? BRO? You can't just convince him that piercing his dad's ears is safe and then go back on it like this! Inigo looks like he's about to have an aneurysm over something that already happened! ]

W-What..!?

[ The higgledies in his pocket squeak just as he exclaims out loud. Thanks for the comedy routine, you two. ]

Then there'd be no point in picking which side of an ear, and - hey!

[ He crosses his arms over his chest tighter this time, making a face at both of them, even at Inigo taking such a thing seriously, literally. ]

You can't be serious! [ What about his style?! His curated look?! His conviction!!! Roland is just going to slowly, very slowly

back up, one step at a time.... ]

Yeah, fall off. Tidus, my ear is going to fall completely off. Pup, pup you have to save me!

[ Time to act. For his life. But then again, with the combined power of these two on the same side, it's never anything Roland can predict. If both of them come at him, he knows his fate. He knows his destiny. ]

[ He's about the easily brush off Inigo's worried exclaim, happy as a pea, looking like the total menace he's being as he seems ready to make his ~~pounce~~ approach on Roland.

Except-

'Pup, pup you have to save me!'

The expression drops as the realisation hits him quick, that Inigo's going to believe him. Roland can enjoy one desperate moment where Tidus realises that he might just have a second guy in the form of his bro betraying him. ]

Don't believe him, it was a joke! [ Before Tidus looks Inigo's way, to try and fix this mess. What else will help? Oh, he's got a feeling...! ]

Roland even knows it! Can you believe it? Your own pops lying to you! He's a jerk!

[ Listen to Tidus stand up for you, Inigo! He won't ever let you down!

...wait this won't make Inigo cry, will it... ]

[ So much happens so suddenly.

And Inigo, as gullible as he is, and so very willing to believe both of the people in his presence right now, is rapidly being swung in two entirely different directions. He glances between Tidus and Roland, his eyes wide, as if he's not too sure who to believe in this Battle Of The Wills.

Until Tidus reaches the end of what he's saying, anyway.

Something that was perhaps said with slightly too little thought of it, considering its inevitable conclusion. Inigo completely stops moving, and all of a sudden he looks heartbroken. ]

R-Roland.. is lying to me..?

[ Look what that very idea does with him. There are some light higgledies desperately starting to climb up his legs, as if they're trying to keep this breakdown at bay, but it's already too late. The very thought of Roland lying to him has broken Inigo, and he looks like Roland just drove right over his favourite puppy. ]

Really? That's mature.

[ He directs this to Tidus immediately after he retorts, a wry look in his face that doesn't come as something new whenever they get into shenanigans like this. But it's when Inigo believes Tidus -

- no, believes Roland's actual fib, that his facade falls, and his sarcastic expression drops, inch by inch. The arms he's crossed over his chest also fall with it, and he doesn't know if he should approach Inigo now and clarify the idea of having fun or if he should force Tidus to apologize instead for escalating it this far. ]

W-Wait, hold on now...!

Edited 2021-03-26 13:43 (UTC)

No, Inigo...Pup, it's a joke! It's...! We were just - !

[ What now, dearest President of the United States? Where is your charisma? Where is your nerve? The pup is ready to burst tears like a dam that's been dismantled. And this isn't his first run; he knows it's going to be difficult to stop this as soon as it begins. Roland tries to take a step forward, his hands attempting to reach out to mitigate the damage he unwillingly caused...but would that work too? When Inigo is so distraught?

Why can't he get away with these things!!! It was a harmless joke!!

He turns deftly towards Tidus with a changed look, a sharpness in his eye, a slight shake of his head.

This was unfair, the higgledies weren't even helping him. Weren't they supposed to be connected to his heart?! Why is Bambosh watching on top of Inigo's head again; why is Rannygazoo gone?! ]

Gah!

[ He does the only thing left for someone in his position, consequences be damned. ]

Edited 2021-03-26 13:44 (UTC)

[ The earpiercing gun in his grip is thrust towards Tidus as Roland takes a seat again, the desk where higgledies have now made their nest. Faster than anything he's ever done in his life, the movements like he's on a battlefield, the ear that matches both teenagers is exposed, hair pushed aside with the other hand, his head angled in a twist so it would be impossible to see the complete breadth of his face now. ]

Just the top part, got it? I don't want the lobe itself!

[ The white flag has been waved. They have won. Please don't cry Inigo, please don't cry please don't cry -

- Although... ]

[ Roland turns sharply back at either of them, this time serious. ]

It wasn't a lie when I said it kind of felt funny when you pulled the needle and twisted it around though. [ A beat. Is Roland slightly flushed? ] And I want to see the stud first! I told you it has to be classy! Otherwise I'm letting this close on its own.

[ In Tidus's defence, he didn't go in guns blazing knowing that there was ammo in the chambers. Or, not any ammo that would cause any hefty damage. He thought it picked up the water guns instead of the real things, and basically, sometimes his mouth has a mind of its own. He wanted to set Inigo onto Roland, not set Inigo off.

And even once the words came out, there was a nagging in Tidus's gut that this could go some place bad. Haven't they been in this situation before? Which, as Inigo's face twists into the one of anguish that it does--

oh.

Right. ]

[ The look thrown back at Roland's disapproval - a cock of the head, brows raised, the So? implied at his assumed maturity levels - deteriorates into something more apprehensive as he sees where this is going to go. The two former enemies connect in their worry for Inigo's current state. Roland works fast, but Tidus joins in on the end. We were just-! ]

Fooling! Fooling around! [ Guh! ] Did Roland sound serious at all?!

[ Come on bro!! But here comes Roland still on the go, as he parks his butt down on the chair after shoving the piercing kit back at him, Tidus guffawing and standing with it held to his stomach, not knowing what to do, what is he supposed to do with this?!

There's too much of an anxious air here, Tidus feels put on the spot!! ]

Buy your own studs if you don't like them! What are you expecting, they're all the same! [ The same simple bulb of silver or gold and different sizes, depending on preference. Tidus opens up the kit box, setting it on the table as he takes out the instructions to try and read through them. ]

Twisting them is what you do, once you pierce them! You need to twist them around once a while.

[ Look at these two flipping like leaves at the very sight of Inigo's tears. If only the boy was aware of how powerful those are - although it's most likely better to not put that power into his hands.

Instead he just gives the other two a kind of baffled look, like he isn't entirely sure why the scene in front of him is shifting so rapidly. As if he doesn't know that this is entirely his indirect doing.

He opens his mouth to say something, but Roland and Tidus are already firing off words at each other again, and so instead Inigo slowly steps over towards them in silence. All the way until he's at Roland's side, his hands pressing down on one of the man's hands. ]

You don't have to if you don't want to, you know, father..

[ Sorry, Tidus. Inigo's heart is weak. He even glances over at the other teen with a desperate 'right, right?' puppy-worthy look in his eyes. ]

We can always just keep it around in case my or Tidus's hole closes!

[ Admittedly, that does get Roland to quiet immediately. The hands over his own, once holding the piercing gun now empty. At least they were able to stop Inigo from crying, which would have really run them amok. But the offer to withdraw the piercing is met with an sense of silence indeed. It's not everyday Roland's drawn to think deeply about something as mundane and nonsensical as let's give him a piercing!

He looks at their joined hands before he turns his neck, catching Tidus fiddle with the instructions, the small plastic bag that came with the set containing the studs of silver and gold. Three pieces each, of varying sizes, one bigger than the other at all times. He supposes it's meant to be in one ear, like a cascading design.

He looks up at the ceiling last, thoughts come to life in their own way. Why was he hesitating? Was it his penchant for grooming? For his particular sense of style that he stays meticulous about regardless of time or place? Void be damned? Or was it because of something much simpler? A fear that in doing so, he's basically changing himself physically, reflecting his time in the void, on this train, with people he's come to care deeply about...

Ah, that was reason enough to make the change, wasn't it? So if all else fails, if worse comes to worst, would the piercing stay with him the way he hopes his higgledy friends will stay with them if he were ever to leave?

Roland closes his eyes for only a brief second before he turns to them both, Inigo first by proximity, then Tidus, holding the gun and case. The chief consul nods determinately. ]

No, I want to do it. You can keep the gun of course, but I'll do it today. Sorry for the hullaballoo. [ He lets go of one of his hands, frees it from Inigo's hold, and points softly at the pack with a small gold stud. ] That one's my pick. Goes best with my hair and skin, I think. Unless the experts have something to say about that? Heh.

[ Of which the two are sitting/standing close to him. Though he kids for the last part, none of his other words mean to joke about. He means it. ]

[ Don't throw him looks, Inigo! You're playing with his heart!!!

But the scene does distract Tidus, whether it can be called one. Inigo reassuring Roland, but most of the work comes from Roland himself, the way he eyes around and then back at the gear. He holds the small leaflet open in his hand, could glimpse the too-many-words to find even where the basic of instructions are, but what's the point until they have Roland more on their side?

Tidus could argue, would - if maybe on another day, though; maybe his heart would be soft. Ugh, it'd be a waste though, buying this for nothing...

But Roland relents. Eases even, by some inner peace he finds in himself. Better than the day they did this when he was older (well, outside), and Tidus can only be glad. Hey, the guy must be realising he's fussing over nothing, huh? ]

It's your pick! Buy yourself some nicer ones later. [ Yeah, see? Always time for some nicer earrings (or earring). ] Just think of it like another way of dressing up! You got any sports team with a good logo?

[ Because nothing says classy like wearing a sports earring. ]

[ The way Roland gives in to the whole thing does look very genuine, doesn't it. There's nothing fussy about it. Instead it's like a sudden calm comes over the guy as he speaks up again, like he's suddenly at peace with it all.

Which makes Inigo, in turn, sure that the other is really up for it. So there's no more puppy looks, or any attempts to try and be absolutely sure that this is what Roland wants. Instead the puppy behaviour slows down a little, replaced by a smile that lingers around his lips. ]

No, father, you should get flower earrings! [ Look at these twin teens trying to both influence him with their own interests.. Be wise here, mister president! Think about what you're about to say! ] They'd match the other things we gave you!

[ The tug of war between their contrasting styles is amusing enough to draw a small, airy laugh, distracting him from his choice for but a moment. ]

Wow. What a coin toss. But Inigo brings a strong argument to the table. It would go with everything else. Heh. [ Roland's fingers reach for the lapel, a spot of color to draw the eye in despite his usual monochromatic garb. He might prefer florals a bit more too, if only for his penchant for keeping things in theme with his sense of fashion.

That, and he's never been so invested in sports that logos stood out to him. For some reason however, he doesn't have the heart to tell Tidus that. ]

[ His shoulder rises some, and with it comes a change of decision: silver might be better. Yes, he was not a man of gold. He never was. It's always been silver; like the moon, like the light that guides. He points to that instead, his finger now wagging at it with a sense of eagerness that was not there before. ]

Ah. That one, the smallest one. Yeah. Let's go with that. Final answer.

[ He clears his throat and adjusts himself on his seat. Higgledies around him pause as if reacting to his thrum in energy, the ones in his pockets looking up and giggling in tiny, rhythmic sounds. ]

So? Let's get this show on the road.

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