[Maelle reaches a hand up to take the handkerchief. Even this is familiar, and her eyes linger on it, recalling all the times he'd used it to dry her tears. It's almost enough to make them fall anew, but she sucks in a breath, wiping at her smeared tears and dabbing at her wet nose. She's quiet as she does so, and for several heartbeats after. She can't believe there was a last time she sparred with him, laughed with him, or saw his smile. Their time together was stolen.]
--you were the best thing in my life. [The words blurt out before she's ready to say them, a tremble in her voice. Once the dam is open, she can't stop, pained expression on her face. This hurts. She waited too long.] That I love you and I was so happy with you and Emma. You're my father and my brother and I'm so grateful for that. You know, don't you? Please. Please, tell me you know.
[Maelle was plenty affectionate, tactile and sweet with Gustave and Emma, but she was also young. The words didn't come easily, and so often it was easier to hide what vulnerability she could. And she thinks Gustave knew--there wouldn't be such warmth in his eyes when he looked at her if he didn't, she reasons. Maybe it didn't need to be said.
But he deserved to hear it from her more than he did. That, she can never fix.]
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Date: 2025-05-09 02:29 am (UTC)--you were the best thing in my life. [The words blurt out before she's ready to say them, a tremble in her voice. Once the dam is open, she can't stop, pained expression on her face. This hurts. She waited too long.] That I love you and I was so happy with you and Emma. You're my father and my brother and I'm so grateful for that. You know, don't you? Please. Please, tell me you know.
[Maelle was plenty affectionate, tactile and sweet with Gustave and Emma, but she was also young. The words didn't come easily, and so often it was easier to hide what vulnerability she could. And she thinks Gustave knew--there wouldn't be such warmth in his eyes when he looked at her if he didn't, she reasons. Maybe it didn't need to be said.
But he deserved to hear it from her more than he did. That, she can never fix.]