[But if he had felt anything, Hope wouldn't know it just yet—his attention's immediately caught by that bright flash of light. At first he'd thought it to come from himself, for an instant, but then he realizes it had flared up from the other man somehow. A fraction of a second for him to catch it before it's gone.]
What was—
[The brand on his wrist seems to throb with an uncomfortable warmth, and that's when he directs his gaze toward the marking. It shines a faint golden hue, pulsing brighter. The colour it normally glows when magic's involved— but it's supposed to be the sort that comes from him. He's not hurt in the slightest, but Hope draws it to his chest, cradling that wrist in his other hand.
There's a brief flash of panic, brief like that glowing sigil. What if a reaction is just the shock he needs to make it advance further? He's not sure if he can last another impact like that. Hope can feel his stomach lurch, and his fingers tense like a vice around his own wrist. Obscuring the entire thing - though the illumination can still be seen, faintly, subtly lighting his pale skin.]
I really don't think this is a good idea. [His voice is even, but there's a sharp, wavering intake of breath.]
[action] It's okay!
What was—
[The brand on his wrist seems to throb with an uncomfortable warmth, and that's when he directs his gaze toward the marking. It shines a faint golden hue, pulsing brighter. The colour it normally glows when magic's involved— but it's supposed to be the sort that comes from him. He's not hurt in the slightest, but Hope draws it to his chest, cradling that wrist in his other hand.
There's a brief flash of panic, brief like that glowing sigil. What if a reaction is just the shock he needs to make it advance further? He's not sure if he can last another impact like that. Hope can feel his stomach lurch, and his fingers tense like a vice around his own wrist. Obscuring the entire thing - though the illumination can still be seen, faintly, subtly lighting his pale skin.]
I really don't think this is a good idea. [His voice is even, but there's a sharp, wavering intake of breath.]