supplication and other mouthfuls

HARPER

Harper can't help the flush that takes over his features, suddenly embarrassed by his own teasing being reflected back upon him in such a sincere manner. "Oh no I - thank you that's very kind but -" he sputters, feeling out of his depth. Even with the emotional distance the man is clearly employing, Loren is as kind as everyone else Harper has so far encountered. And every time it takes him by surprise, unused to such selflessness from anyone but himself. As if to further his flustered state, the man offers to heal him, and Harper can't help but automatically reach for his nape in a betrayal of his injuries. The shoulder had healed decently in a sling, but Fiat Lux...he had shielded as many people bodily as he could in the first wave, and it had torn up his back something fierce. "I wouldn't be foolish enough to say no. Thank you, it's quite a gesture to me." He feels the same way as he did when Jigano had healed him, indebted almost. Healing was the greatest gift in his world, where magic was so scarce and usually offensively inclined.

Harper comes to his feet, uncertain and a little surprised by the immediate offer but willing to follow when the man beckons. "I don't want to be unappreciative, or nosey after everything that has happened but...are you alright, Loren?" He tries to swallow his tongue, but it's Harper's way to be gentle, considerate, concerned. To want to heal with his friendship and his support. Both of which he is lacking, here. Unable to span the distance to this man who is an effective stranger still, but wanting to try all the same.

and I was thrashing on the line
somewhere between desperate and divine

BASE INSPIRED BY ODD <3