[It all happens quickly, and Maelle finds herself scooped up in Gustave's arms, held against him in a tight hug, the wind knocked out of her in surprise.
She finds herself barely holding it together, hand clenching against his chest, grabbing onto a fistful of his expedition uniform. Despite her bravado just moments ago, it's suddenly hard to keep up a brave face when it's just the two of them, now that he can actually feel his warmth against her. Any doubts she might've had are washed away, and she can only accept this, accept him as real.
I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry, Gustave. But the words don't come out, the immense weight of her guilt crushing her as it plays repeatedly in her head, a broken record, eating her up from the inside. If only she hadn't teased him, if only she hadn't urged him to take an extra moment on that cliffs that day. It hurts even more, knowing that he wouldn't fault her for what happened to him, in spite of anything she says.
Because this is Gustave. Gustave, who took her in with his sister when she had lost all hope of ever finding people she would every consider family. Gustave, who wants to help people wherever he can, to leave the world better than he found it. Gustave, who is kind and good... and miraculously alive.
Maelle's eyes well up with tears, threatening to spill and stain her cheeks. She buries her face into his chest, slowly reaching around him to return his embrace. A choked sob escapes her, voice muffled.]
big spoilers start here :'c
She finds herself barely holding it together, hand clenching against his chest, grabbing onto a fistful of his expedition uniform. Despite her bravado just moments ago, it's suddenly hard to keep up a brave face when it's just the two of them, now that he can actually feel his warmth against her. Any doubts she might've had are washed away, and she can only accept this, accept him as real.
I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry, Gustave. But the words don't come out, the immense weight of her guilt crushing her as it plays repeatedly in her head, a broken record, eating her up from the inside. If only she hadn't teased him, if only she hadn't urged him to take an extra moment on that cliffs that day. It hurts even more, knowing that he wouldn't fault her for what happened to him, in spite of anything she says.
Because this is Gustave. Gustave, who took her in with his sister when she had lost all hope of ever finding people she would every consider family. Gustave, who wants to help people wherever he can, to leave the world better than he found it. Gustave, who is kind and good... and miraculously alive.
Maelle's eyes well up with tears, threatening to spill and stain her cheeks. She buries her face into his chest, slowly reaching around him to return his embrace. A choked sob escapes her, voice muffled.]
You're really here.