Replaying SH3; Harry gets all the feels and won't shush.

[walkingalonelymile]

My biggest regret... is only that I couldn't protect her better.

Heather never should have had to endure those horrors. [This is said with conviction and a clenched fist; the anger of a father who's fought time and again to protect those he loves. A father who would take all that pain and suffering as is own if it meant his daughter would be spared.

...but after a moment, Harry's shoulders slack and he sighs, smiling quietly.]

But look what a strong, independent young woman she's become. I couldn't be more proud of her.

Please, Mun. If we ever get the opportunity, just let me see her again. I miss her so much.

Comments

[lettertomyfutureself]

-And sometimes, wishes come true.-

... Hey, dad.

akljdhsk <3

[walkingalonelymile]

Heather!

[Overcome with joy and relief, Harry is just going to go right over and pull Heather into a big hug. Of course, it's not long before he goes right back into his worrywart ways.]

Are you alright? Has this place been treating you well?

[lettertomyfutureself]

-Ooof. That's a hell of a hug, Harry. But, eh... they deserve it.-

Just got out of a game, Dad. Kind of looking around, seeing what's out there right now.

[walkingalonelymile]

So long as your mun is taking good care of you and puts you somewhere nice.

[Define 'nice', Harry.]

Some of these "games" just sound terrible. Putting us in an asylum for fun? Getting thrown in an apocalyptic world? War? [He shakes his head, disapproving.]

[lettertomyfutureself]

Well... something about conflict being the essence of good storytelling, I'm sure, but really, I don't think there's much out there that could be worse than that town.

Only awesome and tragic daddies now

[rocksoliddad]

... It sounds like she went through quite the ordeal.

[His eyes are gentle and his tone soft, which is probably for the best as the man is an eight foot tall WALL of muscle.]

Aw, heck yes! /brofist!

[walkingalonelymile]

[Whoa, no kidding. This is one big guy. Harry definitely wouldn't want to be on his bad side.]

She's... been through a great deal, yes. I'd hoped to keep her from it, but I suppose I always knew the day would come when she would have to know where she came from.

He's just... gonna hold out like, two of his knuckles. Man be HUGE.

[rocksoliddad]

I see. The past... always catches up with us in the end, doesn't it?

[He sits down, kicking up a small dust-cloud as he does so. Part of it from the ground, part of it from himself. His clothes look more like salvaged scraps than anything factory-made or form-fitted, and a fine layer of sand almost seems to follow him.]

LOL Cutest mental image, right there. Wouldn't want Harry flying through a wall.

[walkingalonelymile]

[Harry can't help but observe and study the other man for a moment, curious. Where is he from? What's his story? He nods silently in response to the question.]

Had a hard life too, have you?

That WOULD be a very abrupt and awkward end to the thread yes.

[rocksoliddad]

Quite. And I'm not the only one, where I come from. People fight for fuel, for food and just for shelter, the strong take what they can from the weak. I used to be the same, until I was shown a... better way.

[sandwormie]

That's... [Luke likes to think he's gotten over his never-knew-my-father woes now that he's thirteen, but no.]

...It's sad.

[walkingalonelymile]

[The smile he gives Luke is tired, but Harry determinedly keeps his sadness out of it.]

As much as I want to shield my daughter from it, we all have to fight and suffer sometimes. It's how we learn and grow.

[sandwormie]

Yeah... yeah. My aunt's had to deal with that. She didn't think I should've learned to shoot when I did, but they knew I was going to go out anyway, so... Might as well, right?

[weaponmadeperfect]

[might be misty eyed wishing her own dad felt that way...]

[walkingalonelymile]

[Harry's a bit startled by her almost!tears, his eyes wide. Even if he doesn't know her, his caring dad-reflexes can't help but kick in.]

What's wrong? Are you okay?

[weaponmadeperfect]

Yeah fine. Sorry, just dirt in my eye or something.

[Sorry Harry!]