I love you. You're the best father and/or brother anyone could ever wish for. I know I always joked about being a sad orphan, but I was the luckiest because I had you. I wouldn't trade it for anything.
I'll say it in person, too. But you can keep this text to look at when I'm being a brat.
The day you landed on our doorstep is only beaten out by the day we signed that paperwork that made me your guardian. I want you to know how proud I am of you, and that I'm always going to be proud of you and the person you became. I can't take too much credit for it, but maybe just a little.
No matter what happens from here, Maelle, just remember that nothing can stop you but you, and I'll always be looking after you. In one way or another.
You're twice the person I am, Maelle, and unfortunately, I'm not taking criticism on that. It's a parent's dream to be able to let their kids go and know that they're ready to face whatever comes next and that's how I feel.
I'm here, and I'll be here. That you can trust in. Even if you can't see me, Maelle, I'm with you.
[What was that about being braced for impact, Gustave?
Not terribly long after that last message, she finds him. It's not terribly hard to spot that mess of brown hair. Maelle doesn't bother slowing down her speed as she makes contact, arms wrapping around him in a hug certainly not influenced by any emotions brought to the surface during their exchange.]
[It's still so novel to be able to hug him. She didn't exactly take it for granted before, well aware of what it felt like to not connect with her foster families and how different it felt to have a bond, but there's no way she could have been prepared for the hole left in her heart without Gustave. Even if it would always end up that way, somehow.]
Haven't really been in the mood to run off lately.
No? [ He ruffles her hair and just smiles at her. There's no protecting her, not really, from him maybe having to go away again someday, but Gustave has always known their time was limited. What he focuses on, what he can change, is spending as much time with her now, and hoping that those good memories can help her through the times that are hard. ] If you do get in the mood to, give me a head start at least and I can try to keep up.
[Maelle loosens her hold just enough to look up at him, even if that means resting her chin on his chest. It's childish, she thinks, to be so clingy--but she also doesn't care. She's fortunate to have this opportunity to be childish and clingy and she'll never take it for granted.]
I'll consider it. I'd much rather go camping with you.
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You know, important things like that... we have a way of sharing them, even without knowing it.
But if you want to say it a little louder, I'm not going to argue.
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I'll say it in person, too. But you can keep this text to look at when I'm being a brat.
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I love you too, Maelle.
The day you landed on our doorstep is only beaten out by the day we signed that paperwork that made me your guardian. I want you to know how proud I am of you, and that I'm always going to be proud of you and the person you became. I can't take too much credit for it, but maybe just a little.
No matter what happens from here, Maelle, just remember that nothing can stop you but you, and I'll always be looking after you. In one way or another.
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I don't ever want to feel what it's like to not have you with me ever again. And I don't ever want to have so much left unsaid between us.
So
even if you know
Brace yourself, I guess
[Oh no, why is the text blurry.]
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I'm here, and I'll be here. That you can trust in. Even if you can't see me, Maelle, I'm with you.
Consider me braced for impact then.
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Not terribly long after that last message, she finds him. It's not terribly hard to spot that mess of brown hair. Maelle doesn't bother slowing down her speed as she makes contact, arms wrapping around him in a hug certainly not influenced by any emotions brought to the surface during their exchange.]
Found you.
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You did.
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You still move pretty quick for an old man, sometimes.
[... she's quicker, though.]
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I'll try to dig out the compliment in that. [ Gustave laughs softly. ] You can still run circles around me though.
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[It's still so novel to be able to hug him. She didn't exactly take it for granted before, well aware of what it felt like to not connect with her foster families and how different it felt to have a bond, but there's no way she could have been prepared for the hole left in her heart without Gustave. Even if it would always end up that way, somehow.]
Haven't really been in the mood to run off lately.
[She doesn't like leaving his side.]
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I'll consider it. I'd much rather go camping with you.
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It sounds like we'll have to make another trip out then. Where do you want to go this time? I think I picked the last one.
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[She offers with a smile, and though she does let him go, she keeps his arm as she stands at his side.]
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[ Gustave smiles over at her as they walk. ] I saw a spot that would work the last time I was there. We can set up a fire, I could bake something.
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[She makes a face. Not her favorite thing, but it's only fair she helps.]
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