#minuscule

Time became meaningless and the most important thing in Gustave’s life for past week. From overhearing Alicia saying that Verso’s birthday will be soon to sleepless nights in his workshop, trying to avoid any sort of questions about what he’s doing. He slip a lie or two and shut himself up in hopes no one else dares to ask again. Putain, he was not even sure he could tell Maelle that and girl already looked at him suspiciously, and even if it was adorned with a knowing smirk he was more than stressed.

It was a miracle no grey hair showed up yet.

He decided to go with a piano-shaped brooch, the only thing he could do with the resources they already had before moving in here. It would be quite big faux pas if it was something they borrowed from the Dessendres. It took a lot of work and Gustave at some point doubted it will be even big enough, but the knowledge Verso will appreciate gesture, no matter how small or big filled his heart with warmth.

Metal was obeying his will, taking a form of the instrument Verso favored. Gustave caught himself wondering – how long has Verso been playing piano? Since childhood? From the way he played it seemed it’s like breathing to the human. He should’ve asked next time…

Merde, it may be a while until next time.

Gustave already decided it’ll be for the best if he leaves it with the note, praying it won’t end up like with the ring. He had to be silent and unnoticed or he’ll hear from Alan. It was stupid enough of him to go into the Manor despite Alan clearly forbidding him from doing so.

Bordel de merde, they won’t notice one evening, he growled in his thoughts, shaping the brooch with a bit more strenght than necessary. He wanted peace between both races, what was wrong with that? And Emma, she should’ve listened to his reasons. But at the same time he knew his twin was right – they needed time for that. For generations the rules were simple: hide in the dark, fear humans, run if noticed. But him, his apprentices, all the children in the New Lumiére deserved to live freely, not having to fear the outside world. With precautions, yes, but with the sun and wind present more than once in a blue moon.

They deserve a future, he thought, covering the brooch

*

Gustave expected many things, but Verso not being present in his room made his heart go up his throat.

If not here, then where?, Gustave panicked. Was he spotted? Does Verso know he’s here?

The engineer tried his best not to go further into his fears but he couldn’t help but wonder.

He decided to hide on one of the bookshelves, right behind the tallest book he could find, and then he considered his options. One was to leave the gift on the shelf and disappear, which would be quick if Verso didn’t come into his room in the next ten minutes or wait until the human goes to bed and falls asleep.

Waiting could mean more trouble from his people and he couldn’t risk that much.

Okay, unpacking, leaving the note and then disappearing. I can do it, the last words more of an encouragement than a solid statement.

He took a bit of paper and began writing.

Joyeux anniversaire, mon ami.

So invested in the handwriting to suit the special occasion he didn’t notice footsteps echoing on the corridor. Only the doors creaking finally made him snap back into reality.

Putain.

Too late.

Second plan it is, right?

With the most delicate moves he could go with he moved the package with the brooch closer to the empty space between books. He’ll move it in front of them once Verso’s asleep along with the note.

„What was that?” was the sentence that made Gustave’s blood freeze. He couldn’t be that loud!

Then again, he tried befriending him, no?

With a deep sigh of defeat he stepped from behind the books, knowing thath Verso is already standing there. A sheepish smile formed on his face right when he looked into the steely eyes.

For a few seconds he forgot how to start a conversation, every word now escaping his mind whenever he thought about opening his mouth.

„Hey” Verso started, noticing how his friend is unable to form a sentence. „It’s okay” his hand went up but not too close to the borrower. A smile formed on his face when he noticed a slight blush on Gustave’s face. „Have I caught you red-handed?” he chuckled.

Then he gasped. „You’ve got a new arm!” he whispered loudly.

Gustave looked at the prosthetic. „Yeah” his mind more clear when the topic changed to something he could actually talk about. „Me and my apprentices made it” then Gustave sighed. „But that’s not why I am here” he jumped behind the books and pulled the package and the note in front of them.

„What’s tha…” Verso’s voice caught in yet another gasp as he unraveled the strings when Gustave motioned to it. „Joyeux anniversaire, mon ami…?” his smile was now accompanied by shocked look. „You… you didn’t have to” he really wanted to hug the borrower now.

„I absolutely had to. When I heard it’s soon I couldn’t stop thinking about making something for you” Gustave stood straight with the wide smile, Verso’s reaction making him more proud than ever.

„And this… it’s beautiful!” Verso examined the brooch. „I’ll make sure to wear it for my next concert!”

„I was afraid it’d be too small, but it seems perfect now that I look at it” Gustave cocked his head to make sure he’s right. Size difference didn’t help in creating this, the only reference was his memory and he was not convinced it was serving him right.

„No, it is perfect, don’t worry. Merci” he whispered as he carefully inched closer to the engineer. „Care to let me thank you in an appropriate way?”

Gustave used all of his courage to make the fears go away, them being still very present in his mindset, just dormant most of the time.

„Sure” he agreed, knowing Verso won’t hurt him.

What he felt after was few of his fingers curling around him in an improvised hug.

„One more time, merci beaucoup, mon ami” he whispered.