HARPER
At least she doesn't push the issue, and the appreciative look he spares is the only response he can safely muster. Though he intends to befriend them someday, he's at least glad they can trust in him to protect them even if they have no found their ways deeper into his heart.
For now, the only person he really has in this strange new place is Phoebe. He doesn't regret moving with her - what more did he really have in the Grounds? - but the loneliness can seek crippling at times. Lonely even though they live in the same place, share the same work hours. It makes no sense and yet he feels it, aching and yawning like a sentient thing curled inside his chest. At least her embrace chases it away for now, leaving him more numb than actively hurting. It helps level his voice when he speaks again, softer instead of hoarse and gasping. "I know you are. Thank you, Phoebe." Arms press down a little firmer against her own in some form of an appreciative squeeze. "I just...it's going to take time. Mort's child has been helping me, but I know I've been distant." Sighing, one hand falls away to rise and scrub over his face, wincing at the slight stubble he can feel there that is normally always carefully shaved away. "Enough about me. What have I missed in your life?" Gently shrugging his shoulders, not wanting to necessarily shoo her away but aware he's still a little sweaty and wanting to see her face as they speak. It's a weak question at best, performative, but at heart there's a kernel of sincerity.
For now, the only person he really has in this strange new place is Phoebe. He doesn't regret moving with her - what more did he really have in the Grounds? - but the loneliness can seek crippling at times. Lonely even though they live in the same place, share the same work hours. It makes no sense and yet he feels it, aching and yawning like a sentient thing curled inside his chest. At least her embrace chases it away for now, leaving him more numb than actively hurting. It helps level his voice when he speaks again, softer instead of hoarse and gasping. "I know you are. Thank you, Phoebe." Arms press down a little firmer against her own in some form of an appreciative squeeze. "I just...it's going to take time. Mort's child has been helping me, but I know I've been distant." Sighing, one hand falls away to rise and scrub over his face, wincing at the slight stubble he can feel there that is normally always carefully shaved away. "Enough about me. What have I missed in your life?" Gently shrugging his shoulders, not wanting to necessarily shoo her away but aware he's still a little sweaty and wanting to see her face as they speak. It's a weak question at best, performative, but at heart there's a kernel of sincerity.
let your faith be bigger than your fear
BASE INSPIRED BY ODD <3
