#cider writes

It wasn’t the biggest argument Gustave had with Alan but it was one of those that actually made Gustave storm out of the hideout. The look on his face – cold anger, even worse than the inferno of the fury, prevented everyone from following him. He needed a bit of time to cool down and maybe compose himself. For the sake of Maelle and his apprentices if no one else.

- Humans ARE danger, Gustave! Don’t you remember what happened last time? – he growled.

- If you’d only stop seeing black and white you’d have found sense in that – he spoke coldly.

Of course Gustave haven’t forgotten the horrors they went through because of humans, but…

He couldn’t get himself to forget about his angel. He tried. And tried.

But the fascination drew him in. He kept nearing in, circling around so he could at least see him, even if Gustave didn’t get seen by Verso in exchange.

For the better, he lied to his feeelings. He wondered how long that lie could last.

He sat down and exhaled heavily, considering his options. The branch, the top of the tree where no one could bother him and he could take some time to think and note. Aside from the birds and squirrels which were peaceful and at the times didn’t seem to notice his presence among the leaves at all. He took it to his advantage, just sliding in between the still green leaves with his notebook. In the moments like this he appreciated his size – he could hide in a place like this and not be spotted for hours by anything or anyone. That was peaceful and cozy, even if falling was more hazardous than for humans. With that in his mind he began his trek to the top of the tree, it was much easier having a prosthetic from his apprentices. He could not thank them enough for that, his heart practically melted when they all sprinted in with their invention. Not only did it work, it also looked awesome, a pure work of art. He was proud, grateful and amazed. And in exchange his apprentices were over the moon when they saw his face. In this very moment there was no unhappy soul in the New Lumière.

But now, he was alone with no one to comfort him. And he needed to be alone.

But did he want to?

When he was halfway through climbing he heard it. A piano. The usual afternoon routine for Verso. Gustave stopped for a moment to drink the new tones in. This song was much sadder than his usual repertoire and it puzzled the borrower. Did something happen? Or was it just new tunes being tested?

Gustave was unsure and at this point a bit worried. Verso’s songs usually carried at least a spark of joy and happiness, this song was stripped from all of this. Like the music ached with him. As for why, the borrower couldn’t say.

But he could find out.

It didn’t even take a detour, the tree branches reached the windowsill gently. Gustave jumped down, landing on the table in the room. Seeing it from outside was quite different than actually being there. It was large even for humans, as for that he was sure, few missions showed them differently sized rooms, the largest being the atelier of Renoir and Aline. The walls sported the same pattern as almost everywhere, there was a mirror on the table and a few rogue sheet pages with half-written songs, ink still drying on the pages. The mirror worried him because if he were to hide behind anything in here he’d still be seen. But still feeling anger from the argument with Alan he waved it off.

He has seen me and nothing bad happened, it’ll be fine.

It seemed almost like he began not so long ago and was in the middle of composing. His posture suggested great focus and undoubtedly anger too.

What happened, Verso?

He stood there, his journal in hand, but instead of taking an action he kept looking at the human. Should he help? If so, how? What happens next? Didn’t he overcalculate this man’s kindness? Won’t he try and trap hi…

Stop, he thought to himself. He was ready to trust this man, but the old borrower rules decided to resurface just now. What if?

No. There has to be a way to make a difference.

The music changed from sad to angry, Verso almost hitting the keys instead of his usual gentleness. This scared Gustave. If the situation was this bad then he himself could be in danger.

Do I save you or do I save myself?

Before he could react, Verso repeated one part few times and stood up. Gustave swallowed nervously, looking at the loose and empty sheets awaiting new notes to be written on them.

As if he couldn’t be more correct, Verso turned around to grab the pen and the sheets. At this point Gustave just stood there, frozen. At the sight of the borrower his eyes softened. When he noticed the pure fear in Gustave's eyes his body language switched. He raised his arms and lowered himself so he wasn’t that intimidating.

- Hey. It’s alright – human whispered softly – I’m not… look, I’m not mad at you, if anything.

The tone of his voice carried his words true but Gustave was still terrified. The last time he saw him up close was in a safe setting, Verso was asleep and now it was a whole new situation. Gustave was practically defensless right now and instinctively started backing away while keeping eye contact. The sharp silver eyes followed his movements, filling the borrower with deeply imprinted fear.

The fear he was fed since his childhood. The fear of the gigantic creatures capable of crushing them on a whim or an accident.

But this human had a chance to do whatever he pleases and yet he chose to save me.

Gustave shook his head as if he wanted the fear to go away. It didn’t melt entirely but it began to give him his control over it back. Logical fear of someone way bigger than himself was still there, it was just managed.

- I know. It’s just… we’re actually taught to fear your kind on sight. And you seemed angry just a couple of minutes ago.

- I was. I’m sorry I scared you. But it doesn’t matter now. You… - he squinted to see him better – You’ve got new arm! – his eyes widened almost immediately.

- Yes. My apprentices made it for me – he reached it out so Verso could see it better.

Verso was unsure how or if he even should initiate physical contact. When Gustave was unconscious it was actually easier, although he was afraid he’ll do him more harm than help. It wasn’t particularly too hard to break a bone of someone the size of his hand so he kept being as gentle as possible, praying the tiny man will survive both Monoco’s bite and his first aid.

Thank goodness his prayers were answered.

Gustave noticed the uneasy look on his face combined with about the same body language and at first reluctantly stepped forward and laid his metallic arm on one of Verso’s fingertips. Borrower’s hearbeat almost skyrocketed upon realisation what he just did. His face must’ve showed that.

- It’s okay. You’re okay – human smiled lightly – I’m not going to hurt you – his voice was soft, quiet and reassuring.

Borrower looked up at him. His smile was indeed genuine and showed nothing but kindness. Not noticing when, he smiled back and his other hand also rested on the same fingertip.

- I know. I know – Gustave took a deep breath.

- Speaking of knowing – Verso added – what’s your name?

- Gustave. I’d ask you the same but…

- You already know mine – he chuckled – I wonder how that did happen – he thought he’ll be able to resist it but with his free hand’s finger he ruffled Gustave’s hair gently.

- Well… walls have ears – Gustave laughed, fixing his curls back in the place.

- And windowsills, tree branches… am I being spied on?

- You? Only by me, I’m afraid – Gustave stepped back and tilted his head.

- Now I do have to keep my appearance in check all the time.

- For me? – borrower knew he shouldn’t go that route but Verso started it. He couldn’t help it.

- Maybe… - Verso blushed.

- There you are! – a familiar voice cut the conversation short.

Gustave immediately paled upon hearing it.

- Maelle! – he practically jumped to her – What are you doing here?

- You stormed out and went missing, you were not in your usual spot… so I went on and tried to find you before trouble does. Although it seems you managed to find trouble yourself – she looked at Verso with a cold, unreadable face.

Verso didn’t catch it right away, but upon looking closer he froze.

That tiny girl looked just like Alicia.

Freckles, hair colour, face shape… it was just like her.

Giving up his dignity he kneeled in front of the table.

- Maelle, is it…? – he looked her in the eyes, reaching his hand gently. Even the eye colour matched his.

- Look, we’ve noticed. I look just like your sister. Can we get past it? – she snapped and gave him a sharp, angered look while dodging human’s hand.

Verso was still stunned but managed. He took his hand back, much to Gustave's disappointment.

- Y-yes – he stuttered and took a deep breath, trying to avoid staring at the girl in front of him.

- I should’ve told you. There’s more of us than just little old me – if not for the shock Verso’d chuckle upon hearing ‘little’ but now his ears didn’t even register the joke – But that’s all I can tell you with trust you won’t do us harm.

- Not in the world – his right hand landed on his chest. – Is there a way to help you, though?