childishness

Clinging to the ruin of your broken home, too lost and hurting to carry your load
You know we all need someone to hold

Ironically, it's the one answer Harper had never considered. That maybe they simply consider relationships and being in one to mean different things. Harper had already known that she was more open-minded and flexible than himself given her history with polyamory and open relationships, but he'd never once considered that this might be the crux of the issue. It's clear that he takes it to heart as he stares down at this water glass. "Maybe you're right. Maybe that's all it really comes down to." He has no way of knowing for sure, but it's the best answer he's gotten so far. Not that his own head counts much as a varied census.

In some ways he's glad to be distracted by her complaints - which make him huff a small laugh - because it doesn't let him linger on the idea of hurting Jude, which makes him feel sick. "He's the one who found Maeve, and then Sohalia began leading. It's been a hard season for him, so I don't think he did it intentionally." Not that he'll shelter Jude from his mother's wrath if he continues to court her patience, but he can at least stick up for the young man in the moment.

Taking her hand fully for a brief moment, he squeezes gently. "Thank you, Phoebe. Really. I'm sorry to bring all this to you so suddenly." Shaking his head he chuckles sardonically. "You didn't even get a chance to say why you did ask me here." Maybe, by mentioning it now, he can guide them back to the origin of their meeting.