[ Balthier may be more the type of person May was picturing; as aloof as he pretends to be, he's never been able to leave someone to danger, especially someone younger than him. It's gotten him into trouble countless times. He's never changed that habit; he doesn't think he can. It would make him too cruel, too much like his father. And maybe there's healing, in being the person he needed for someone else.
And so he's glad when Peter hugs back firmly. There's grief and need in that hold. He finds his throat tightening, feels pressure in his eyes. It's been a long time since Balthier's hugged anyone, either, and when he was in Peter's position, well, the person who'd offered support had betrayed him later. He would never say it, but he might need this hug as much as Peter does.
They really aren't so far apart, in age or experience. Maybe just enough that Balthier would fill the space of a brother or a cousin, but certainly not so much that he's actually Peter's elder. Maybe it's just been a long time since he's made an actual friend. ]
I suppose spilling secrets would ruin your carnival gig.
[ He still does not understand superheroes. But the comment is meant as a joke either way.
He tightens his grip, just a little, because he wants Peter to know it's alright to stay as long as he needs. ]
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And so he's glad when Peter hugs back firmly. There's grief and need in that hold. He finds his throat tightening, feels pressure in his eyes. It's been a long time since Balthier's hugged anyone, either, and when he was in Peter's position, well, the person who'd offered support had betrayed him later. He would never say it, but he might need this hug as much as Peter does.
They really aren't so far apart, in age or experience. Maybe just enough that Balthier would fill the space of a brother or a cousin, but certainly not so much that he's actually Peter's elder. Maybe it's just been a long time since he's made an actual friend. ]
I suppose spilling secrets would ruin your carnival gig.
[ He still does not understand superheroes. But the comment is meant as a joke either way.
He tightens his grip, just a little, because he wants Peter to know it's alright to stay as long as he needs. ]