HARPER
Her mirth is unmistakable, and coated in devious tones that make him grin despite the hue rising in his cheeks. It's a playful game, the one they play. Harper doesn't mind the teasing and innuendos, accustomed to such meaningless flirtations even though he spent years being the instigator instead of the proverbial victim. But as her head tilts back against his shoulder, as she speaks, his own smile dies a little bit. It's still lighthearted, but there's too much earnest sincerity to each word, and he gently parts from her back to spin her around and face her. This isn't something to be spoken over a shoulder.
Blue eyes are heartfelt and guileless as they fall upon Phoebe's. "It was never to convince you to leave with me, or to leave at all," he corrects gently, squeezing her arms just a tad before his hands drop away, feeling like this conversation takes precedence for the moment over her training. "And I never wanted you to regret it. I just wanted to be there for you, to be supportive when so few people did so for you. You needed a friend, and I wanted to be that person." Sunjata had his own entourage of people at the wedding to comment on his choices, but Phoebe's friends had been suspiciously quiet. Or wholly absent. "I'd never want to plague you with that either. I'll always be here to support you, no strings attached." Here he smiles softly, hoping now she will understand. Phoebe has so few people willing to be that impartial, steadying presence. Harper is not only used to being that person, he's happy to lend his strength and advice to her in her times of need.
Blue eyes are heartfelt and guileless as they fall upon Phoebe's. "It was never to convince you to leave with me, or to leave at all," he corrects gently, squeezing her arms just a tad before his hands drop away, feeling like this conversation takes precedence for the moment over her training. "And I never wanted you to regret it. I just wanted to be there for you, to be supportive when so few people did so for you. You needed a friend, and I wanted to be that person." Sunjata had his own entourage of people at the wedding to comment on his choices, but Phoebe's friends had been suspiciously quiet. Or wholly absent. "I'd never want to plague you with that either. I'll always be here to support you, no strings attached." Here he smiles softly, hoping now she will understand. Phoebe has so few people willing to be that impartial, steadying presence. Harper is not only used to being that person, he's happy to lend his strength and advice to her in her times of need.
can you protect me from what i want?
the love i let in, it left me so lost
the love i let in, it left me so lost
