[ He sees Peter's gaze go to that disposable cup he's held onto. Balthier does not touch crew members' things without permission; a hard and fast rule of piracy and respect. He suspects now it's some talisman for home, for these friends Peter has lost apparently very recently. He knows in reality that he is not that much older than Peter, but in this moment it may as well be a hundred years. How long has it been since the first time he lost people in a way he couldn't go back? 7 years? 8?
Peter's observation pulls him back. He shakes his head, but he's smiling. Either he's been a mess since he arrived, dropping his usual careful defense, or Peter's astute. Maybe both. Maybe without Fran he's reaching out for community. But he's alright with Peter thinking that. Glad, even, because Peter sounds like he needs a friend, or a mentor.
Balthier would never admit it, but Peter's comparison that they are both poor at keeping their identities secret is apt. ]
I thank you for your discretion.
[ But he watches Peter's reaction to the question, takes in the discomfort in his affirmative response. Balthier's heart goes out to the boy. He rises silently and goes to give Peter a firm hug, the kind that reaches where words don't. There are things he'd like to say -- you're alright, you're a good person, you're always welcome here -- but they feel trite and impersonal. He hopes the gesture is affirming, at least. ]
aww peter bb
Peter's observation pulls him back. He shakes his head, but he's smiling. Either he's been a mess since he arrived, dropping his usual careful defense, or Peter's astute. Maybe both. Maybe without Fran he's reaching out for community. But he's alright with Peter thinking that. Glad, even, because Peter sounds like he needs a friend, or a mentor.
Balthier would never admit it, but Peter's comparison that they are both poor at keeping their identities secret is apt. ]
I thank you for your discretion.
[ But he watches Peter's reaction to the question, takes in the discomfort in his affirmative response. Balthier's heart goes out to the boy. He rises silently and goes to give Peter a firm hug, the kind that reaches where words don't. There are things he'd like to say -- you're alright, you're a good person, you're always welcome here -- but they feel trite and impersonal. He hopes the gesture is affirming, at least. ]