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.

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.]

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.

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.]

[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.

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?

[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?

[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.]

[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!]

[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.

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.