So I had this time-warping (Alicia's bday is before Verso's here) idea and I had to give in
@cathianemelian I know you know about it but I *must* tag you here
Time became meaningless and the most important thing in Gustaveâs life for past week. From overhearing Alicia saying that Versoâs birthday will be soon to sleepless nights in his workshop, trying to avoid any sort of questions about what heâs 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 â how long has Verso been playing piano? Since childhood? From the way he played it seemed itâs like breathing to the human. He shouldâve asked next timeâŠ
Merde, it may be a while until next time.
Gustave already decided itâll be for the best if he leaves it with the note, praying it wonât end up like with the ring. He had to be silent and unnoticed or heâll hear from Alan. It was stupid enough of him to go into the Manor despite Alan clearly forbidding him from doing so.
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 heâs here?
The engineer tried his best not to go further into his fears but he couldnât 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 didnât 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 couldnât 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 didnât 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. Heâll move it in front of them once Versoâs asleep along with the note.
âWhat was that?â was the sentence that made Gustaveâs blood freeze. He couldnât 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.
âHeyâ Verso started, noticing how his friend is unable to form a sentence. âItâs okayâ his hand went up but not too close to the borrower. A smile formed on his face when he noticed a slight blush on Gustaveâs face. âHave I caught you red-handed?â he chuckled.
Then he gasped. âYouâve got a new arm!â he whispered loudly.
Gustave looked at the prosthetic. âYeahâ his mind more clear when the topic changed to something he could actually talk about. âMe and my apprentices made itâ then Gustave sighed. âBut thatâs not why I am hereâ he jumped behind the books and pulled the package and the note in front of them.
âWhatâs thaâŠâ Versoâs voice caught in yet another gasp as he unraveled the strings when Gustave motioned to it. âJoyeux anniversaire, mon amiâŠ?â his smile was now accompanied by shocked look. âYou⊠you didnât have toâ he really wanted to hug the borrower now.
âI absolutely had to. When I heard itâs soon I couldnât stop thinking about making something for youâ Gustave stood straight with the wide smile, Versoâs reaction making him more proud than ever.
âAnd this⊠itâs beautiful!â Verso examined the brooch. âIâll make sure to wear it for my next concert!â
âI was afraid itâd be too small, but it seems perfect now that I look at itâ Gustave cocked his head to make sure heâs right. Size difference didnât help in creating this, the only reference was his memory and he was not convinced it was serving him right.
âNo, it is perfect, donât worry. Merciâ he whispered as he carefully inched closer to the engineer. âCare to let me thank you in an appropriate way?â
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.
âSureâ he agreed, knowing Verso wonât hurt him.
What he felt after was few of his fingers curling around him in an improvised hug.
âOne more time, merci beaucoup, mon amiâ he whispered.
This one moment was worth all the trouble that was going to come after.
