( he laughs softly, a huff of a sound, tilting his chin downward. maelle had always been quick to do something new, embracing change with ease, but the arrival onto the continent had shaken her up more than he had ever seen her; her arrival here—he's sorry that he didn't get to be around just as she's arrived, to be at her side. )

I think you'd be unwilling to do so.

( and that much is his own earnest teasing thrown back at her.

her fingers feel so small in his hand, so gustave deliberately holds tighter onto her hand, brow cinching a touch. )

...I've rented a room nearby. ( well, put it down for more of his debt. ) I'd like you to stay with me for now, Maelle. Until we figure this place out.

( he adds, in case she finds reason to refute him— )

I won't keep you from going out. Just — I want to talk to you about something. It's important, I promise.