[ Well, you did, is what Howl wants to say, a bitter and insensitive jab that would speak more to his denial than to anything Dextera really did. But as soon as he thinks it, his attitude softens. They both hurt each other — and of course they did, considering what was happening, the circumstances they found themselves in on that day. Thankfully, the moment of bitterness is gone before Howl spits out out the cruel and impulsive words. Perhaps he's too shaken by their new horrible circumstances and lingering discomfort of facing his Dextera... or perhaps he really did manage to reach him, so some degree.
The outstretched hand. Dextera is... trying to touch him. The only people whom Howl has permitted to touch him since Godsblood are the handful of allies he's ferried to the Sanctifier so far. He hasn't wanted anyone to touch him after his body changed, no longer able to expel the entirety of his own magic. Who would want to? And now, again defying reason and expectation, Dextera is reaching out. It's... is bizarre the right word...?
Howl turns his head to face Dextera fully now. He watches his fingertips brush through the long outer layer of feathers on his chest, still expecting him to pull away in fear or disgust. He should be afraid of him, to want to withdraw and protect himself. It's what any logical person would do, so why...? ]
...I'M THE ONE WHO HURT YOU. I...
I WISH WE DIDN'T HAVE TO DO THIS. [ he murmurs. guarded, confused. it's the truth, but Howl himself feels a bit mystified that he's saying it aloud, and to an enemy no kess. ] BUT THERE'S NO HOPE. THERE'S NOTHING. I WISH YOU UNDERSTOOD.
no subject
The outstretched hand. Dextera is... trying to touch him. The only people whom Howl has permitted to touch him since Godsblood are the handful of allies he's ferried to the Sanctifier so far. He hasn't wanted anyone to touch him after his body changed, no longer able to expel the entirety of his own magic. Who would want to? And now, again defying reason and expectation, Dextera is reaching out. It's... is bizarre the right word...?
Howl turns his head to face Dextera fully now. He watches his fingertips brush through the long outer layer of feathers on his chest, still expecting him to pull away in fear or disgust. He should be afraid of him, to want to withdraw and protect himself. It's what any logical person would do, so why...? ]
...I'M THE ONE WHO HURT YOU. I...
I WISH WE DIDN'T HAVE TO DO THIS. [ he murmurs. guarded, confused. it's the truth, but Howl himself feels a bit mystified that he's saying it aloud, and to an enemy no kess. ] BUT THERE'S NO HOPE. THERE'S NOTHING. I WISH YOU UNDERSTOOD.