HARPER
For a moment there is stillness, and Harper does nothing to try and fight her grip as she searches his gaze. Her own melts away, something sad and touched in the beautiful etchings of icewater in her irises. Already he knows that she is a proud, private woman. Does not force upon her any questions, does not call out her sorrow. Some things are meant to be secret, revealed only when he has earned that level of trust with her. All he does is stare back in turn, content to remain in her grip and gaze, still smiling warmly all the while. Safe, soft. A place for her to burrow deep and find peace if she so wishes.
He thinks maybe she would be inclined to do so, with the way she leans into him, trusting him to keep them both upright. Unafraid to enter his space, though he wonders if that's because she knows how much stronger she is than him. Or is it something more? Can she sense that he would never fight her, would not even think to harm her even if he were capable of breaking her hold? That he came here because he was concerned for her and nothing more? There is no expectation on his end. Of course he is at least partially aware of the intimacy of their hold on each other, but he lets her take it at her own pace. Lets her lead for him to follow, and when she rises on her toes he holds very still. Until her soft lips are on his, and he exhales perhaps a little shakily. His own eyes close, and though he longs to cradle her face in his hands, to run them through her hair, he doesn't attempt to break free of her grip. Instead he tilts his head, leaning down to make it easier on her as he kisses her back. Gentle, chaste, full of warmth and acceptance that he prays translates across the motion.
He thinks maybe she would be inclined to do so, with the way she leans into him, trusting him to keep them both upright. Unafraid to enter his space, though he wonders if that's because she knows how much stronger she is than him. Or is it something more? Can she sense that he would never fight her, would not even think to harm her even if he were capable of breaking her hold? That he came here because he was concerned for her and nothing more? There is no expectation on his end. Of course he is at least partially aware of the intimacy of their hold on each other, but he lets her take it at her own pace. Lets her lead for him to follow, and when she rises on her toes he holds very still. Until her soft lips are on his, and he exhales perhaps a little shakily. His own eyes close, and though he longs to cradle her face in his hands, to run them through her hair, he doesn't attempt to break free of her grip. Instead he tilts his head, leaning down to make it easier on her as he kisses her back. Gentle, chaste, full of warmth and acceptance that he prays translates across the motion.
this is your ocean, an ocean of night
BASE INSPIRED BY ODD <3
