you have survived every moment of your life
even the ones you swore you wouldn't
Harper gives a lopsided grin, eyes brighter than before. Perhaps because of genuine amusement, or perhaps from years of training himself to compartmentalize and swallow down grief and agony. "You've got me there." She moves closer, and he tilts himself so that his body language is inviting, letting her do so. Though his dark brows rise in interest at her knowledge of the meaning behind his name. Something every young modern child has looked up for themselves at least once, but that he'd mostly forgotten.
"I don't have the hands for music, but divinity is an honorable goal. I wouldn't mind that." Wistful smile concealing memories of Safrin and Ludo alike. Always feeling loved and cared for in those moments at their sides. It's why he does not seem bothered when she mentions spirits, and gives a weak laugh as a thumb lifts to wipe away dampness that chills beneath the wind from remaining on his cheeks. "I'd be more flattered to be haunted than scared. That someone or something would spend their time after life wanting to be around me." Instead of going...wherever. To Mort, for those here. And Harper can't hide the traces of yearning on his face, imagining how peaceful Mort's love might feel. That he might escape this calamity in his heart for a moment. A moment of weakness, surely, but Harper yearns for that brief respite all the same. "Though as you said, they aren't exactly human souls." That same tar rising up to drag him downward. Reminding him that Tova's soul will never be able to hang about his shoulders even if she had wanted to. Not here. Not ever. The agony is so swift that his eyes break away from Delphia's, trying to get a grip on the grief that wells within.
"I don't have the hands for music, but divinity is an honorable goal. I wouldn't mind that." Wistful smile concealing memories of Safrin and Ludo alike. Always feeling loved and cared for in those moments at their sides. It's why he does not seem bothered when she mentions spirits, and gives a weak laugh as a thumb lifts to wipe away dampness that chills beneath the wind from remaining on his cheeks. "I'd be more flattered to be haunted than scared. That someone or something would spend their time after life wanting to be around me." Instead of going...wherever. To Mort, for those here. And Harper can't hide the traces of yearning on his face, imagining how peaceful Mort's love might feel. That he might escape this calamity in his heart for a moment. A moment of weakness, surely, but Harper yearns for that brief respite all the same. "Though as you said, they aren't exactly human souls." That same tar rising up to drag him downward. Reminding him that Tova's soul will never be able to hang about his shoulders even if she had wanted to. Not here. Not ever. The agony is so swift that his eyes break away from Delphia's, trying to get a grip on the grief that wells within.
this time is no different
you will last
