Harper
I see what lies heavy on your heart
He can fall apart as much as he needs, because they may be of similar height but Harper is strong enough to hold the young man's weight, be it literal or metaphorical. As he reaches for Harper, he'll find the man easy to return back to his former place, unwilling to stray. It's clear the boy - a boy no longer, not really, but always to Harper - has far more to tell than what he says, but Harper does not pry for more.
Though the only alternative is providing his own state of being, which is far from positive. The man sighs softly, clearly hesitating. Edmund is like his own son and Harper would never put the burdens of adulthood on a soul he sees as his own child, but the Ancient is old enough to know more of the man Harper is beyond parenthood and protection. "It's been difficult, since you left. Not because of you," he is careful to explain, not wanting Edmund to blame himself, "but...well. Jude has been very reserved, and your mother absent more often than not, and Jude's mother equally so. It hasn't been easy." But Harper smiles still, even if there are small notes of strain in the corners. "But Jude will be ecstatic now that you're home. Have you already seen him?"
Though the only alternative is providing his own state of being, which is far from positive. The man sighs softly, clearly hesitating. Edmund is like his own son and Harper would never put the burdens of adulthood on a soul he sees as his own child, but the Ancient is old enough to know more of the man Harper is beyond parenthood and protection. "It's been difficult, since you left. Not because of you," he is careful to explain, not wanting Edmund to blame himself, "but...well. Jude has been very reserved, and your mother absent more often than not, and Jude's mother equally so. It hasn't been easy." But Harper smiles still, even if there are small notes of strain in the corners. "But Jude will be ecstatic now that you're home. Have you already seen him?"
and the strength you still keep inside
