and the only solution was to stand and fight
my body was bruised and i was set alight
With all hands at work, the memorial comes together swiftly, and soon Harper is standing back to take in the entirety of it. It is a bittersweet success, the fact that there was an event to have prompted the creation of this at all a shadow that hangs over him. Oppressive and unforgettable. But even in the darkest days of grief, at least there is this. Companionship, unprompted aid, hope. Harper has seen entire cities razed and raided, has lost so many himself over the years. At least this is familiar. The reconstruction, the need to continue on. Humans are as resilient a species as bedrock and diamonds. Always limping forward on the smallest thread of optimism.
As Bastien closes out the work, offering the stars, Harper moves forward quietly and writes in the names of the three boys he had already become so fond of living with Phoebe. Lost far too soon, long before they became the men they were supposed to be. Before he ever got the chance to know them in their entirety. Their names are scrawled in a hand that shakes, but with a focus to every letter to try and give this one last meaningful tribute, unburdened by his emotions. Rhett. Jax. Cormac. With a sharp inhale he hangs each one tenderly. A little clustered trio, hanging side by side where they belong.
Turning away he moves towards Bastien and - if the man would accommodate - would place a gentle hand upon his shoulder. "Thank you for doing this." And so saying would quietly take his leave.
As Bastien closes out the work, offering the stars, Harper moves forward quietly and writes in the names of the three boys he had already become so fond of living with Phoebe. Lost far too soon, long before they became the men they were supposed to be. Before he ever got the chance to know them in their entirety. Their names are scrawled in a hand that shakes, but with a focus to every letter to try and give this one last meaningful tribute, unburdened by his emotions. Rhett. Jax. Cormac. With a sharp inhale he hangs each one tenderly. A little clustered trio, hanging side by side where they belong.
Turning away he moves towards Bastien and - if the man would accommodate - would place a gentle hand upon his shoulder. "Thank you for doing this." And so saying would quietly take his leave.
but you came over me like some holy rite
and though I was burning, you're the only light
HARPER
