the one who is just there

HARPER

"In some ways I'm glad they're so similar to us in small ways like that. We certainly aren't one-dimensional either." He recalls Safrin and Ludo both. Very different interactions, but just as fickle and individual as any person he has met. "Though you'll forgive me if I wait a little longer to meet Frey in particular," he grins, chuckling as they move out of the kitchen. Harper will need to build up his confidence to meet someone as forward as Frey.

"Are you categorizing them then?" Azure eyes sparkle with teasing amusement, unbothered by the idea even if he doubts she's being so clinical about something like recording his types of smiles. One of which stretches in a Cheshire grin as she gasps and twirls around beneath his watery onslaught. Only bothering to minimally attempt to dodge as she swiftly retaliates, laughter shuddering through his chest.

As she sits, condensing herself into her own little space, Harper has no such reservations. Tea safely stored, he falls sideways against her, intending to either squish her against the arm of the couch or - if she resists appropriately - to fall into her lap. "You clearly need cuddling lessons. Come here princess," he teases as he makes exaggerated fishy kissy faces and cooing noises at her, dropping all his 'fat' deadweight on Phoebe.

lord don't let me break this, let me hold you lightly
give me arms to pray with instead of ones that hold too tightly