voidtreckerooc | Test Drive Meme 013

Entry tags:

!tdm

Test Drive Meme 013

Welcome to our Test Drive Meme! Here is the place to see how your character might fit the setting, grab some samples and start having fun!

1. Post with your character. I’ve written out some prompts but feel free to make up your own, you have a whole train to play with!

2. Assume they have been around long enough for threads to jump right into the action!

3. Have much fun!

Happy testing!

Training Gym

Fight club have finally gotten a gym to train in. Train carriages make strange gyms, long narrow spaces. But this has mats, balance beams, climbing apparatus. Pads and training dummies for punching. It also has large blocks that look a little like what you might find in a children's play centre but can be used to make obstacle courses or provide cover in training exercises.

Set up a course, practice fighting or try and learn how to throw a punch! There are plenty who will help, people who take training super seriously and let's face it, people who want to ambush others from behind oversized foam blocks.

Games

For those for whom fighting is not an idea of fun, or those wanting more relaxation, the games carriage has a whole collection of different games. Board games, card games, dice games. There are many games about trains but they aren't the only type.

There are low tables in the carriage to set a game up on and plenty of beanbags and cushions to sit on. Grab a game, grab a friend or a complete stranger and get playing!

Water Maze

The latest mission has taken the voidtreckers to an underwater maze. They have been given wet suits, helmets and breathing apparatus- lightweight boxes that strap to their back, connect to their helmet and filter air from the water. A powerful and dangerous artifact has been stolen and the race is on to get it back before it is used for ill.

Team One

Plenty of monsters and foes have been sent to try and retrieve the item. Giant crabs, strange eels. Even people with fish tails and the ability to breathe underwater. All are dangerous foes and fighting underwater is difficult.

But team one are the vanguard, keeping the monster levels low to allow team two to push on through the maze.

Team Two

Hopefully team one will deal with the monsters, but the odd one might sneak through. Team two's main job is to solve the maze, because the thief is in the centre in order to perform his ritual.

It's a race against time, the maze is made of coral and walls of seaweed that are impossible to cut through. Solving it requires a quick mind and some determined swimming.

Team Three

For those not wishing to brave the water, or those whose skills lie more in helping others. The island where the artefact was stolen from needs help. The temple was ransacked and some of the islanders were injured. Help them fix their homes, put the temple back to rights, tend to the injured.

Cleaning the temple is a big job, but hopefully by the time the artefact has been retrieved it will be able to be restored to it's rightful place.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

"Does it look that way?"

Granted, he's been here for a while. He still discovers something new practically daily, but there are a lot of things that are familiar to him now, but that must still be completely new to Gerome. So it'd make sense if it would seem that way.

Maybe he's actually even slightly glad if it does. It's the kind of impression he wants to pass onto others, after all. That everything is easy for him. That he never seems to worry, so there's no need for anyone else to worry about him either. Even though all of that is nothing more than a big fat lie. After all, it was only recently when their ability to communicate in the same language started malfunctioning that Inigo once again realised how different he was from everyone else here. How alone he was, hiding all the hurt he couldn't explain to anyone else.

It's tempting to confide in Gerome. Back home he had good reasons to hide his hurt from the other, considering they were all stuck in the same crappy circumstances. All of them were hurting, so it didn't feel fair to complain and only add to the problems. It was easier to smile, to remove himself from the sum of people who needed to be looked after. But this place is different. They're on an entirely different level than the other people here, and Gerome would understand that better than anyone, considering what they have been through together.

But at the same time, it's kind of terrifying. He's sure he's cultivated a certain image of himself to his friends now. What would they think of him for not turning out to be as carefree as they assumed?

Inigo is quiet for a moment as he overthinks it all, making sure to keep a small smile on his face all the same and idly pressing down on one of the hippo's heads.

"I suppose I just got used to it. I've already been here for months now. If you have no choice but to adjust, it naturally happens down the line." He then glances up, gaze meeting the other's-- well, mask. "But that's a good thing for you, isn't it? It means that I can help you adjust to all the new things here. You don't have to do it by yourself."

The beauty of his mask was that he could see people, but they couldn't see him. So, Gerome was looking forward, not facing Inigo... but his eyes were on the other. Watching him carefully.

There was a long silence between Inigo's first words and his last and Gerome said nothing. He just waited. And it was only once the other started to speak that Gerome realised what was wrong in what he was seeing. The words and tone didn't match the expression. It didn't match Inigo's eyes.

Inigo was lying to him.

He did it often, but sometimes he was better at it and Gerome had a hard time picking up on it. The key here was the last of bravado. There was no laughter, no enthusiasm and waving of limbs and silliness to distract him from what was going on in Inigo's eyes. He remained sat where he was, quiet. It was... disturbing, somehow. Unnatural. Un-Inigo-like.

Gerome reached out and dropped a hand over Inigo's to stop him from playing with the coloured creature and making that snapping sound.

"I'm not sure you can help me." He said calmly. "Until you help yourself."

Just that sudden touch may have been enough under normal circumstances to snap Inigo out of his touch. Because while he himself may be a very, very clingy and touchy person with other people, he knows that Gerome isn't the same way. He doesn't just touch someone else for no reason. So of course even the slightest touch coming from the other - like the hand on top of his own to draw his attention - immediately gets him to look up at Gerome.

But then there's those words. Of all things to say, he just had to flip over the conversation's topic towards Inigo. Which is honestly the last thing he wants here. He was trying so hard to tuck everything away only a moment ago, why does Gerome have to try to uncover it all the same now?

Inigo definitely looks at the other with surprise in his eyes, though he wills the emotion off his face a moment later - but a moment too late.

".. What do you mean?"

He knows damn well what Gerome means. But with his stomach turning, that's all he can think of what to say.

Gerome hadn't really meant anything by the touch, all he'd wanted was to stop that incessant noise. And yet... he didn't immediately pull his hand away. Because the look on Inigo's face stopped him. He hadn't been quick enough to hide it at all.

"I think you know..."

Honestly, Gerome was just flailing in the darkness and hoping he would hit something that made sense to him. Inigo was being difficult. He was hiding something. And while he had done the same thing back home, he had to wonder if somehow he had been doing it more here... He seemed more hedgy than ever.

Inigo definitely feels like Gerome is more onto him than he really is. But maybe that's a good thing in this case. Because if he knew how much the other was still in the dark, Inigo surely would make much more of an attempt to still shove everything under the rug. As things are right now, he doesn't feel like he could get away with that without Gerome knowing. And that might make him lose Gerome's trust - and he'd hate that. No matter how much they interact on a surface level, Gerome would have his back if he really needed it, right? He doesn't want to lose that.

But there's still a whole lot of things he doesn't want to tell the other. Maybe it's hypocritical, wanting trust without daring to give it in return.. but he just really doesn't want to tell Gerome about his dumb failed crush, for one. Or his awful dream.

Maybe it's easier to admit to something that does genuinely bother him, but feels maybe slightly more okay to share with his longtime friend. Even though he still hates showing weakness.

"It's just.. been odd. Being here by myself." More like rough, but he's trying. He really is. The look in Inigo's eyes makes him seem genuine, at least, even as he struggles to think about what to say. "Which probably sounds ridiculous. We have been seperated before back in our world, so it's not even as if it's been my first time being without you or Lucina or any of the others."

Him admitting to the fact that it might be ridiculous does reveal a bit of the underlying fear - that Gerome will think him weak. Or will still see him as that little boy that hid behind him when they were much younger. Inigo doesn't want to be that anymore. He knows he can't afford to be.

Why was it bothering him so much? Inigo was the master of half-truths, hiding behind that smile of his. Gerome hated it.

But he kept his own expression neutral, until Inigo has spoken.

"Why is that ridiculous?" He had to ask. "... This... is not home." Even though they had been separated when they had travelled to the past, they had at least known that somewhere out there, people were waiting. Inigo did not have that same reassurance. Nor did he have the comfort of the familiar. His surroundings were completely alien.

No, Gerome didn't think Inigo weak for missing them. It was logical.

"... This place is too different... It is...." He thought about it for a moment, not quite sure how to finish that sentence satisfactorily. "... confusing."

Even though he feels glad that at least Gerome doesn't seem to think he's being too dramatic about this, Inigo knows the real answer as to why it's ridiculous. It's since the strangeness of this place isn't even the main problem. He just sucks at being alone. But he can't tell Gerome that even back home when they were separated he felt miserable. That he cried himself to sleep so many times. That's not the person he wants Gerome to see him as.

Besides, going along with this would at least be a half-truth. The strangeness of this place didn't make being alone a whole lot easier.

So he nods. ".. Yes." Confusing is a good word for it. Since it doesn't just encompass the strange modern things, but also the strange events that happen here. "Sometimes things get more complicated here as well. A little while before you arrived there was an incident where-- well, it seems that some sort of system or magic here translates all the various languages we speak instantly so we can all understand each other. But that broke down, so I was no longer able to communicate with anyone."

He does allow his smile to drop a bit at that.

"It made matters so much more confusing." And lonely. Which had been the worse problem.

Confusing and complicated. Gerome just didn't understand anything. As soon as he learned one thing ten others would appear for his consideration. It was maddening. But it would be the norm for a long time to come, he imagined.

But this wasn't about him right now. This was Inigo. Something was going on behind his eyes that Gerome could not quite identify and it was bothering him very much.

His eyebrows rose then. "... We are... being translated?" That... explained a question he had not known he should have been asking. Just how had all these strange people from strange worlds and places known his language? Or how had he understood theirs? Magic he could understand much easier than technology. So he nodded. "... I can see how that would be difficult. But you have never had trouble making your feelings known, Inigo." Sometimes the teens feelings would shine like a beckon in the night, it could be... overwhelming. Gerome didn't always know how to deal with that. He would walk away rather than try. But even now, without Inigo having to say words, it was clear that he was feeling... unhappy? Yes, Gerome thought that was it.

There's another nod at Gerome's question. Inigo figures the other is smart enough to probably already be putting the pieces together in his mind, but still..

"As far as I'm aware, we two are the only people from Ylisse here. And whatever other languages the people here speak.. well, they aren't anywhere close to ours." He hadn't been able to pick anything at all up from it, anyway.

But rather than saying anything else about it, it's the last words that Gerome say that capture most of his attention. Never having had trouble with that, huh.. He supposes in a way that it's true - after all, he shows a lot more of his emotions than Gerome. But since a lot of them are also just a cover up for emotions he'd rather not show, he honestly doesn't know if he's all that better.

And he isn't too sure which layer of emotions Gerome means right now, especially if he's caught onto the fact that there's something unhappy about Inigo right now. So while he's still a little unsure of what to say, he just asks: "Do you think so?" Maybe digging for a few more details from Gerome might make it easier to know what to say here. What to keep hidden en what not.

He was sure if there were any others from Ylisse about, Inigo would know. And he could imagine how strange it would be to be surrounded by people speaking strange languages. He often felt that way when around people in general.

Gerome slowly removed the hand that had been covered Inigo's and pulled it in so that he could cross his arms over his chest. "Of course." He replied, as if it was ridiculous of Inigo to even question it. "You might hide a lot. But when you express yourself, it is very open." Too open. Inigo was very physically expressive, more than most people he knew.

That might just be the best way to describe Inigo. Sure, he prefers it when people just.. don't notice that he's hiding a crapton of things, but he's aware that that sort of thing gets harder the better someone knows you.

And he's known Gerome for a long time now. From even before his outward personality shifted so radically. If anyone would know just how much he tries to hide things, it'd be him, huh.

He sucks in a breath. Inigo tries to hide most of his nerves, but they show in how he immediately goes back to playing with the little plastic hippo without realising it.

"Would you.. prefer for me not to?"

It's an odd thought. Inigo never thought he'd open up more, even to his friends. He was hiding everything for their sakes, after all. So they wouldn't have to worry about him. So there'd be one less person to fuss over in the middle of their difficult situation.

But they're not in that situation anymore. Right now it's just the two of them in a place unlike anything they've ever seen before. Sure, he doesn't like the idea of burdening Gerome with his problems on top of all the confusion Gerome must already be dealing with..

But somehow he feels like if the other wanted it, then he could try relying on him a little bit more.

"Not to hide things, I mean."

The answer was immediate, and yet Gerome bit his tongue to keep it inside. Because yes, he would prefer it if Inigo didn't hide things. Or if he was going to, at least have the decency to be better at it so he didn't know that Inigo was hiding something. But if he said that, Gerome knew he would be nothing less than a hypocrite. Why else did he wear a mask than to hide from people? To keep his emotions from showing, to protect him from others. Maybe he would argue that it was to confuse his enemies so they never knew what he was thinking, but he knew the real reason for his mask.

So he sighed and turned his gaze to that ridiculously bright coloured creature that wasn't a wyvern, and watched for a few seconds while Inigo made it snap a few times. This time when Gerome reached out it was to cover the head of the beast. If he did that, Inigo couldn't make it snap.

"... That is your choice, Inigo. When you are ready to come out of hiding... I will listen. But I will not be responsible for making that happen against your wishes." No, he would not force Inigo to come out of hiding. He wanted, if anything, for him to want to speak. Not because Gerome wanted it.

Maybe it was because it was just the two of them? Maybe it was because this strange world he found himself in made him feel so confused and uncomfortable. But it was making him say and do things he might not have back home. Because now... all there was was Inigo. None of the others. No distractions. No enemy to fight. Just the two of them...

So maybe... if Inigo could be open... maybe Gerome should think about doing the same?

Out of sheer idle habit, Inigo reaches over to try and press down the head again - except that means that this time he's instead poking Gerome's hand. Granted, that's something Inigo might do to try and draw the other's attention or tease him under regular circumstances, but under these more serious and vulnerable ones, it makes a slight blush appear on his cheeks as he quickly pulls his hand back rather than letting it linger.

At least that surprise gets him to quickly speak up, completely snapping out of his thoughts for the moment.

"It's not against my wishes."

He thinks. It's hard. He's never had to think about all of this in this way. He's never been in any circumstances like the ones here on the train. And while he's gotten used to the circumstances by now - mostly, anyway - Gerome being here brings in an entirely new and unexpected factor. It throws everything off just slightly enough for Inigo to try to see everything in a new light.

"I.. would like to. Be more open, that is." He hates thinking of it as hiding, so he won't use that wording, but he means pretty much the same thing. "I just.."

His words trail off, and he briefly bites his lower lip as he thinks.

Wouldn't wanting to be more open mean being open now as well? Being honest about what's kept him from doing so so far?

"I am afraid of burdening you. You know the kind of pressure we had on our shoulders back home. And while we may not have to deal with Grima or any war while we're here.. It's still rough. Even moreso for you, since you haven't even had the time to get used to any of this yet." How could he throw his own problems on top of all of that? Surely Gerome had enough to deal with already without also having to deal with a whole slew of dumb, dumb emotional problems that Inigo has. It feels too unfair to just throw those onto Gerome's plate too.

Inigo might have pulled his hand back as if burned, but Gerome kept his hand where it was, and his expression deliberately neutral. He keeps quiet, just waiting for the other to come to his own conclusions.

Almost... Gerome feels bad. He didn't realise he was putting Inigo on the spot like this. It wasn't even that big a deal. At least, it wouldn't have been, if Inigo hadn't seemed like he was trying so hard to keep things hidden that it was almost comical. And strangely hurtful.

Normally it wouldn't have bothered Gerome in the slightest. He would have been able to put distance between them and it would have been put out of his mind the further away from Inigo he could get. There was no chance of that here though. So Inigo's deceptions were right there, in front of his face, every time they spoke. It was like the other tried to say something, he would start and then think better of it and change the subject. And slowly but surely it had started to bother Gerome.

Slowly, Gerome leaned forward. "What does any of that... have to do... with hiding things?" He asked, a single brow raised questioningly. "... I have no doubts these things you insist on keeping to yourself are not even of any great importance. But you have kept them to yourself for so long they seem that way." And didn't that just go double for himself? Though in all fairness, Gerome tended to avoid anything that could be an issue. He was also fairly certain that Inigo knew all of his own hidden thoughts already, as much as he would like to have kept them to himself, having grown up with the man it had been hard to do consistently. However there was, for Inigo at least, several months between them now. And Inigo was back to believing he should keep everything contained. It was ridiculous. People like him should not do that. It only made them unhappy...

"It's because the things I am hiding aren't secrets." Because Gerome is right. Most of them aren't of great importance - not to the world as a whole, anyway. They're not even things Inigo is really ashamed of, necessarily. It's not like he isn't telling the other things because he'd be mortified or ashamed of Gerome found out about them. He's a lot worse at hiding embarrassing things, after all.

"It's since everything I hide are all the things that make me miserable."

His throat feels dry as he says it. But he's telling the truth. That's why he's said he's afraid of burdening Gerome. Because there are so many things that weigh down on him so heavily, and there's no way he could be of any use to anyone if he would always look as miserable as he feels. At least with smiles and dumb idiocy he can cheer people up. Or at least not further drag others down in his misery.

Inigo actually looks up, eyes meeting Gerome's mask. He can feel his eyes start to water, but it's like he can't stop talking. Now he's admitted the first thing, it's like the dam has burst.

"Gerome, there was this guy here. I.. I liked him. I really, really liked him. Not like the way I usually talk about girls." Since Inigo himself knows that's fake most of the time. "I was serious about it. We were dating, and I loved him, but he.."

He chokes up as the tears finally start to spill from his eyes, rolling down his cheeks.

"Suddenly he.. he just walked away from me. Without giving any reason or explanation. After that he started avoiding me, and then right before you appeared on that platform, he left the train." At this point his brain is probably aware he should stop talking, and yet he somehow can't. It's like his mouth has been completely detached from his brain. "I have cried myself to sleep most days since then because it hurts so much, and because I truly feel like the biggest fool alive for thinking that anyone would be able to genuinely love me..!"

Well, Gerome, you wanted the truth. It just apparently comes with you now having a sobbing boy on your hands.

There had been no way that Gerome could have asked. Inigo needed to come to this on his own. He needed to open up on his own. And once he had, all Gerome could do was stare.

... He hadn't meant to cause Inigo to cry. For a moment he wondered if he could get away with walking out and informing one of Inigo's other friends to come and deal with the fall out. He'd done his part. Did he really have to deal with this as well? He shifted a little, seeming uncomfortable... He'd heard this already. That small man had explained this in much similar terms without all the tears.

But it was that last line that caused Gerome to stop being so ridiculous and take notice.

It was what caused him to stand up abruptly.

"Idiot." Did he sound harsh? He didn't really mean to be, but he was suddenly very angry. "Idiot..." He said it again as he reached out, grabbed the front of Inigo's shirt and yanked him up to his feet. "... You are such an idiot." And a third time... just before he yanked his childhood friend into his arms and a near crushing hug. Gerome was... maybe not the best for hugs. He felt he was awkward, he felt he was doing it wrong, but he wrapped his arms around Ingio as best he could because he knew that these were the kinds of things that Inigo seemed to respond to most.

"... You are a fool." He hissed into the others ear, sounding pretty damn annoyed now. "... And that man is lucky he left." Because if he could get his hands on him... Gerome couldn't remember ever being as angry for someone else as he was now. How dare this Yuki hurt Inigo? How dare he make him love him only to walk away from him, avoid and leave him? "... You are a fool to believe you do not deserve to... to be loved. If anyone does. It is people like you." It wasn't the easiest of things for him to say, and yes he still sounded angry, but somehow the anger helped him to say this things.

Inigo was so caught up in his confession that he had absolutely no expectations of what Gerome's reaction may be. He didn't even think about it. Which was probably for the better, considering he never would have been able to pour all of that out if he had been occupied with worrying about how Gerome may react to all of it.

So when Gerome does react, it's a total surprise. Inigo hardly knows what's going on when that word first leaves his friend's mouth, and then Gerome is suddenly over at his side, and then he's pulling him up and-- oh Naga. Inigo has absolutely no idea anymore what's going on, other than the worry he may somehow have angered Gerome slowly starting to creep up on him. He can only stare at the other with wide, tear-filled eyes as he's pulled up to his feet.

But rather than Gerome yelling at him, or punching him, or doing anything of the sort.. Gerome pulls him into a hug.

It stills Inigo for a moment in surprise. And confusion. He didn't expect to get a hug from Gerome of all things at a moment like this. But somehow it feels so comforting. Despite the other's anger - because it doesn't fully seem like it's aimed at him with how tight the hug is.

And especially not.. with those last words. Did Gerome really just say that?

"Gerome.." The other's name instinctively leaves Inigo's lips. It's the only thing he can say right now. What else can he say? He's never felt like he deserved it. And now Gerome of all people, the guy who never says anything sappy, who has trouble with letting the most basic of emotions show.. he's telling him he does deserve it.

Of course Inigo just keeps crying at that. But this time he moves his arms up to cling to Gerome just as tightly as the other is holding him. This isn't something he ever wanted to do with Gerome. Or anyone. He just wanted to always pretend to be okay. But it's happening now all the same - rather than hiding it like back when they left the platform, this time he is very openly crying in Gerome's arms.

"Oh, Gerome..!" His voice shakes as he cries. This feels so much like when they were much younger. Inigo can't recall the last time he's ever felt like that before Gerome popped up here again. "You have absolutely no idea how glad I am that you're here.."

This is what that small man had wanted, wasn't it? Trusting him to 'get it out of Inigo'. Was this the way he was supposed to do it? Gerome had no idea but it was the way things had happened and now he was there he was left just a little confused how it happened.

Oh yes, he knew he had been the one to yank Inigo up and hold him like this, that part was on him entirely. But it had only seemed to make the teen cry even more and that was not what he'd expected. Not that he knew what to expect at all. This was brand new territory for him. And the second hug he and Inigo had shared since his arrival. Gerome wasn't sure why or what that meant, it was something he would have to consider at a later date. His first task was to deal with the weeping man in his arms.

A little awkwardly he gave Inigo's back a pat in what he hoped was a gentle way, he didn't want to hurt him.

"... I know." Gerome had turned his head away and... it took him a second to realise that might not have been the correct thing to say. He wasn't sure what to say. His anger at the one who had hurt Inigo was fading a little and now he was feeling more than a little unsure of himself. "... I am... glad you aren't alone here now." Better? He thought it was better. Hoped it was.

It's definitely better. Even though it may be awkwardly said, Inigo knows that even awkward efforts like this take a lot out of Gerome. He's not the type to talk about feelings at all, after all. What he's afraid of, what he's glad for.. Gerome never mentions anything like that.

And sure, this one may just be meant to pacify him, but even that is Gerome making some effort for his sake, so Inigo appreciates it all the same.

He can't quite stop the tears that are rolling down his cheeks, but as he pulls his head back (but doesn't move out of the hug otherwise) to look at the other, Inigo is smiling even through the tears.

"I'm sorry. I am well aware it must be strange to be here with just me." Surely it would have suited Gerome more to be stuck here with any of the more serious types of their group. Maybe if he had been here with Lucina. There's no way Lucina would have been crying against him like a snottering baby. "But I.. I am sort of glad that it's you. Especially now."

Sure, they haven't been close in years upon years. They seem like polar opposites to anyone who would see them together. And it's really annoying just how shut off Gerome tries to be most of the time. But at the same time Inigo can't help but feel that having Gerome here out of everyone else - aside from his big sister, perhaps - feels the most comfortable. Maybe it's due to the way they interacted when they were much younger, but Gerome just has that special comforting effect on him even when all of his attempts are extremely awkward.

Unsure if he was supposed to let Inigo or not, Gerome just kept his arms around him until Inigo actually pulled away. When he lifted his head though... he couldn't deny it hurt a little to see. He'd never really liked to see Inigo cry, though he tried hard to push that feeling aside once they were older. Inigo had been able to look after himself then, hadn't needed him nearly as much as when they had been younger.

So to be needed now, even in a small way... made a part of Gerome feel... something. Good? He wasn't sure. But he knew it was a risk to feel anything. Connecting with others was always a risk. They always...

Gerome blinked. The word he'd been thinking made him feel a little sick inside.

Isn't that why Inigo was crying on his shoulder. People left... People always left. Always died. Always...

But Inigo had always been around. Always been a fixture in his life. It would be so strange to have not have him there, now he was thinking about it. Even when they travelled to the past he'd known that somewhere out there Inigo was, waiting for him, waiting for them all to find each other again.

Gerome was very still and very quiet, without realising he'd done it, his arms had tightened around Inigo, almost clutching the other man to him in case he suddenly disappeared as well.

The silence isn't unexpected. Honestly, Inigo was already surprised Gerome already said as much as he did so far - especially things that are relatively super sappy by Gerome standards.

But the silence makes it really, really hard to not notice the way those arms tighten around him slightly. Though Inigo isn't sure why it's happening. Maybe Gerome is worried because Inigo is still crying even now and doesn't know what to do about it other than that? It's not like Gerome has seen him cry often ever since they grew older, after all.

.. well, he hasn't seem him cry over actual serious things, anyway. Can you really count that time he cried because girls are more into Gerome than him...

Although the way those arms tighten around him does make him think of something. He's unsure if it'd be pushing his luck here, but Inigo feels that if he doesn't ask it right now, he'll never have a good moment to do so.

".. Gerome?" He waits a moment, like he's trying to make sure he has the other's attention first. "Erm.. Do you think I could ask for a hug like this.. sometimes? I swear I won't abuse it! It's just.. you know, this feels nice.."

It really does. Usually Inigo feels like crap after confessing something so dumb and personal, but somehow he doesn't feel as heavy now. And there's no way that isn't entirely the influence of having Gerome hug him.

"And I promise to be more open with you in return. Even if you might think me a crybaby."

Gerome hadn't been looking at Inigo, his head was turned, he was lost in his own thoughts. Until Inigo spoke again. Before he could think to open his mouth and speak, he could feel heat warming his cheeks.

Was Inigo serious? Surely not?

He turned his head to face the other man and saw in his eyes that yes, yes Inigo was very serious. That earnest expression of his was hard to deny. And yet Gerome wasn't entirely sure how to respond. If he said no, it would surely upset Inigo further. If he said yes... it would open him up to more of this. More of Inigo being close... of working his way under his guard and...

Gerome swallowed hard and looked away again.

"... You... are a fool." He muttered grumpily. "... But not a crybaby."

"..." He was quiet for a handful of seconds.

"... Sometimes. Only.... only sometimes..." Gerome gave in. He weighed his options and this was the only option he knew he could safely get away with. And if it helped Inigo as much as he said... Surely that was not a bad thing?

That response makes Inigo's eyes just light up.

It doesn't matter that Gerome made sure to repeat that it's meant to only be sometimes. That doesn't matter at all. The only thing that matters is that Gerome is agreeing with it to begin with. Inigo knows that can't be simple, since Gerome is exactly the opposite of him when it comes to hugs.. it's what made it so surprising that the other had embraced him just now out of the blue to begin with!

The surprise and joy that simple agreement bring Inigo make him squeeze the other. "Oh, thank you..!"

And he won't abuse it! Really. Honestly. He doesn't want to make Gerome uncomfortable, after all, despite how tempting it can be at times to tease the other. But Inigo is planning on being good about it.

"I bet one hug from you at time is enough for me to not feel sad anymore." He grins happily at the other. "I mean.. look at me, I already feel a whole lot better right now!" Which he's making sound like it's slightly more of a simple matter than it really is.. Inigo himself is well aware just how long his crappy moods can last, after all. Gerome's hugs really do have a huge effect on him, apparently. He just had no idea since it's been so long since he's had one.

When Gerome looked back at Inigo he could see that, yes, he did seem to have cheered some. Even if his cheeks were still wet and his eyes red... He didn't like that look. The tears. It didn't suit Inigo at all.

"... I'm... glad." He replied stiffly, not really sure how else to answer. Gerome was glad. He really was. That Inigo was feeling better and could smile so happily now was a very good thing. Though he had trouble believing that his hugs were the cure for that. He felt like the other was mocking him somehow, but there was none of that in Inigo's expression so Gerome was more than a little confused.

"If they help... ... When you're... sad..." Gerome hated this. Why was it so hard to say these things? It came so easily to Inigo but... near impossible to himself.

"They do," he admits. Though admitting as much does seem to make Inigo just a tad flustered too. Openly admitting to his weaknesses without first being driven into a corner over it is new for him, after all. But he wants to make sure Gerome knows how much these hugs are appreciated if he's actually letting Inigo have some. Just so he knows it's not for nothing. ".. surprisingly? I mean-- not that your hugs are bad, not at all! But it's just.. I..."

His voice trails off, and he bows his head, unable to say this and meet Gerome's gaze - even hidden behind a mask, he still knows it's there! - at the same time.

"I just.. thought I could do it by myself. Being strong."

Not that he necessarily wanted to. Inigo enjoys company. He hates being alone. But not relying on others felt like it was better - not for his sake, but for everyone else's.

"But I suppose I needed you more than I thought."

Test Drive Meme 013

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