{se} a friend like me

HARPER

Though they had been kindly towards each other before Maeve's disappearance, their conversation after his drunken escapade had paved the way for more intentional reforging of their friendship. In light of that, Harper had brought a basket of ingredients along for the ride on the skyboat with Jude with the proposal that they make it together already well-rehearsed on his tongue. Considering Edmund had become an Ancient, Harper would not be missing out on this season's celebrations and ceremonies the way he had in Flowerbirth. Any information and firsthand experience he could glean would pave the way to better understanding his adopted son.

Jude sticks by his side only long enough to unlock the door and scamper inside, saying hello in his normal quiet tones to his mother before excusing himself to gods knew where. Harper ruffles his hair as he goes past and back out the door, earning a tiny laugh that warms his heart and has him smiling after his son's retreating back, lovesick.

It takes a moment to shake himself out of it before he closes the door behind him and sets the basket on the table. "Hey! So I was thinking we could make lunch together for Dygra's ceremony? I got this great recipe from one of my students I'm dying to try." Smiling at her in a way he hopes is encouraging, he drums his fingers on the basket to expel the slight nervous energy that refuses to dissipate.

some things take insane bravery
but after that, you'll be free