HARPER
The shuffling in the branches overhead is admittedly ignored. So long as it’s not some giant cat (or giant chicken) looking for their next Harper-shaped meal, he’s content to leave the wildlife well enough alone if they’re willing to do the same. Even when the little creature joins the imaginary crowd in his head, his eyes are half-closed, feeling the wind tugging at his curls as his body falls into the motions like it hasn’t been a few years since he last stepped off the landing of a trapeze tower.
The swing returns in a long arc, and with a pull of his arms he crests over the bar to hang from his knees, arms already outstretched for a partner that isn’t there. His heart cracks in his chest, as it always does, but then there’s a voice cheering inside his head that snaps his blue eyes open in surprise. There’s little time to think as the swing arcs, but there’s a happy furry body on the branch across from him, and Harper gleefully plucks it from its perch to cuddle to his chest at the longest reach of the vines. “Care to join me?” And his smile is bright and boyish, all ghosts forgotten. It may not be the partner he remembered, but he is not alone now. The question may be delayed considering how he has already plucked them from the security of their branch, but his bright-hearted glee is undeniable.
All thoughts of propriety and personal space are thrown to the wind (if he ever had them at all). Whoever it is is clearly Attuned if he could hear them, but his grip is strong and sure as he swings back, keeping the momentum with a pump of his calves as he carries the Attuned in his arms, flying freely.
The swing returns in a long arc, and with a pull of his arms he crests over the bar to hang from his knees, arms already outstretched for a partner that isn’t there. His heart cracks in his chest, as it always does, but then there’s a voice cheering inside his head that snaps his blue eyes open in surprise. There’s little time to think as the swing arcs, but there’s a happy furry body on the branch across from him, and Harper gleefully plucks it from its perch to cuddle to his chest at the longest reach of the vines. “Care to join me?” And his smile is bright and boyish, all ghosts forgotten. It may not be the partner he remembered, but he is not alone now. The question may be delayed considering how he has already plucked them from the security of their branch, but his bright-hearted glee is undeniable.
All thoughts of propriety and personal space are thrown to the wind (if he ever had them at all). Whoever it is is clearly Attuned if he could hear them, but his grip is strong and sure as he swings back, keeping the momentum with a pump of his calves as he carries the Attuned in his arms, flying freely.
some things take insane bravery
but after that, you'll be free
but after that, you'll be free
