HARPER
"Precisely my dear," he jests in turn, smirking down at her. "I'll have to tattoo 'do not resuscitate' on my chest to keep your hands off me." And then he coughs softly, cheeks a tad pink at the unintended implication there. Though he's distracted by the idea that Phoebe is the be all end all of the medical care here, and quirks a brow her way. He doesn't want to bring his own world's rules and advancements here, but that's kinda...concerning. "Don't get drunk on your power or I'll have to start a rebellion," he teases instead. It's a concern that doesn't need to be brought up now, if ever. Some things he'll just have to get used to here.
He shrugs his unburdened shoulder, a wry smile on his lips. "It gets better with time and self-reflection." He is certainly in a far better and more well-rounded place now than a few years ago. When he had been young and full of hurt, fueled by his trauma and the desire to make a difference. If she had seen him then, she wouldn't recognize him, even knowing him so briefly.
Blue eyes widen and turn to her in shared excitement. Nobody had understood exactly what circus life meant, and hearing that she has seen the performers, experienced such a dazzling night, is like coming home to memories someone else finally shares. "That was me!" he assures, joy suffusing every syllable. "I was tumbling and flipping before I could properly walk, I can see why your parents would be nervous to have you start later. But maybe I can teach you a few tricks someday? Satisfy your younger self." His smile is bright and eager, praying she says yes. Oliver's suggestions of training with Deimos had spoken to the part of him that had trained young heroes and vigilantes for years. But this? It means so much more to be able to share this part of his life with someone, with anyone.
It's comforting to know that it's not so bad as it had appeared, and the stiffness of his spine relaxes. Though he worries for Oliver - hadn't seen personally any crossing of lines or rudeness - he hopes that Phoebe is correct. He can't help his slight pessimism. Both because he's not a man of faith, and because he has seen far too much pain and cruelty from regular humans. Gods only seem like a step above that to him. Harper is pulled from his thoughts by her teasing, and he gives a sharp, flustered laugh. "I'm really just doing this to myself aren't I?" For a flirt he's not very good at having the tables turned, too used to riding on his own unintentionally endearing sincerity.
He shrugs his unburdened shoulder, a wry smile on his lips. "It gets better with time and self-reflection." He is certainly in a far better and more well-rounded place now than a few years ago. When he had been young and full of hurt, fueled by his trauma and the desire to make a difference. If she had seen him then, she wouldn't recognize him, even knowing him so briefly.
Blue eyes widen and turn to her in shared excitement. Nobody had understood exactly what circus life meant, and hearing that she has seen the performers, experienced such a dazzling night, is like coming home to memories someone else finally shares. "That was me!" he assures, joy suffusing every syllable. "I was tumbling and flipping before I could properly walk, I can see why your parents would be nervous to have you start later. But maybe I can teach you a few tricks someday? Satisfy your younger self." His smile is bright and eager, praying she says yes. Oliver's suggestions of training with Deimos had spoken to the part of him that had trained young heroes and vigilantes for years. But this? It means so much more to be able to share this part of his life with someone, with anyone.
It's comforting to know that it's not so bad as it had appeared, and the stiffness of his spine relaxes. Though he worries for Oliver - hadn't seen personally any crossing of lines or rudeness - he hopes that Phoebe is correct. He can't help his slight pessimism. Both because he's not a man of faith, and because he has seen far too much pain and cruelty from regular humans. Gods only seem like a step above that to him. Harper is pulled from his thoughts by her teasing, and he gives a sharp, flustered laugh. "I'm really just doing this to myself aren't I?" For a flirt he's not very good at having the tables turned, too used to riding on his own unintentionally endearing sincerity.
some things take insane bravery
but after that, you'll be free
but after that, you'll be free
