Chapter Text
Lumière, September 2023
Tap, click click, tap tap, press.
Gustave exhaled softly before gathering a fistful of curls into a lazy top knot while everything else hung down around his throat. A gentle synth began to pour in and throughout the headphones sitting atop his shoulders causing the rubber of Gustave's heel to click in time with the tiles he stood on.
Groceries, right. Dishes, also on his list. It was, as helpfully advertised by his darling sister: organized chaos with a touch a life in every corner. She loved him and he knew that by her tone and enveloping hugs alone. However, the: "Wow Gustave! Your house looks really lived in." comments felt more like a jab at this point than anything else, as if Emma were searching for something kind to hide the honesty. He'd roll his eyes, change the topic and they'd laugh over a bowl of vanilla ice cream. This is how their occasional weekend-off was spent.
Gustave grabbed his keys and opened the door to catch the sun already resting along the horizon of his quiet little neighborhood. It painted a wild picture of pinks and oranges across the sky, clouds pouring in from the west suggesting he'd be due for rain later in the evening. Early Autumn— when the trees had barely held onto their leaves but the temperature was comfortable enough not to notice. He allowed the air in his chest to unknot, taking just one moment to listen to the birds or cars in the far distance, breathe in the earth around him before slipping the headset onto his head properly and taking off.
Pastries first, flowers afterwards. Gustave glanced at his watch while walking and realized in a sudden gasp: the moment of serenity he had allowed himself a minute ago had distracted him from a carefully curated schedule. He rounded the corner quickly whilst not looking and immediately swerved out of the way to avoid a collision. Gustave couldn't think, couldn't remember what words tumbled past his lips besides a frantic apology in passing. His hands grazed over soft material- flannel? --something easy on his fingers. He carefully steadied the both of them before apologizing again with a smile and rushing down the rest of the block. The individual who had been equally startled collected themselves and took a second to adjust the sunglasses sitting at the crown of his head. He watched Gustave disappear around another corner in the distance. A gentle snort tinged with amusement found him, followed by a sigh not too long after. He shook his head and continued on his way in the opposite direction.
The sweet smell of pastries and unmistakable rich strike of coffee instantly greeted his senses the moment Gustave pushed through the door. He ducked his head politely while removing his headphones, holding the door open for the couple tied at the hip who were already on their way out. Pleasantries were exchanged briefly and upon turning back around, Gustave was met with Alan's crossed arms. Alan didn't waste a second to glance at the clock sitting to the right of them then back over at Gustave with eyes as sharp as a knife.
"Okay, I know what you're going to say- but, hey Soph said she had good news to share and you know better than anyone she prefers the sweets made here, it's her favorite treat." Gustave started.
Alan raised an eyebrow and huffed softly, returning to his place behind the counter.
They were exactly 2 minutes from closing for the day.
"—And if I wanted a dozen bouquets before your shop closed, would you want that?"
Gustave opened his mouth to answer, suffocating optimism woven into his cheeks already as the words began to form. Alan cut him off,
"Don't. You like your job too much to be honest with me."
They both shared a look and eventually broke into easy smiles. This is what being friends for years earned them. Lucien appeared from the back, coat on and bag slung over his shoulder.
"Gustave! Isn't it Sophie's return home today?"
They had been writing back and forth about this for weeks. After 7 months, Sophie was finally coming home. He had the time written down, the bouquet already preserved, everything was as it should be. Gustave gave a slightly tired smile and nodded to his friend.
"More than half a year is a long wait, fleuriste. Make sure you two do something else besides talk about how soil is made."
Gustave's smile soured into a grimace, looking at Alan's far-too-pleased grin as his barista friend leaned over the counter, "That was ONE time, Alan." Gustave scrunched his nose in defense and a moment later noticed how empty the display case appeared.
Lucien's eyes followed Gustave's and he gave him an apologetic wince, "—I'm afraid we're fresh out of madeleines if that's what you're after." He hadn't heard the conversation prior but knew this dance well enough to assume. Lucien paused, humming briefly while pondering out loud, "However, if you brought her in tomorrow for breakfast, I could most certainly have something fresh for you both."
Gustave's natural glow returned to his face as soon as it had gone and he nodded, "Deal." He looked over at Alan, "And in return I'll bring you a dozen bouquets."
Alan rolled his eyes but a fond smile found him soon after, "And come in earlier."
They chatted for a few more minutes before Gustave saw the time again, thankful for Alan's playful persistence, he bid them a quick farewell before slipping out the door. Next was flowers, red roses as was Sophie's favorite. One quick bus ride later and he was already turning the corner, seeing the silhouette of his dearest twin sister pacing back and forth underneath the worn welcome sign of Caressées par le Soleil. Whatever had been on her mind dissipated the second she saw Gustave. He offered a hug and they collided before he was fully in the door.
A laugh choked out of his lungs, holding her tight against him before the two parted and she smiled before shoving him gently, causing another laugh.
"Long week—?" He snorted, following her to the counter. She shook her head with a knowing smile, reaching down low to hand him an envelope.
"You're lucky I love you, and even luckier we are related." Emma answered without much else explanation. Gustave eyed the paper before taking it quick due to her insistence. They shared a glance before he peered over the address form seeing his name clearly printed. He had seen a few emails forwarded to him this morning by Emma but hadn't had the time to check, suddenly her shove made a little sense.One more glance, less patient than the last and Gustave carried on.
"Dear Monsieur Jonquille," He looked at Emma with a look that suggested 'this is far too formal to be considered good news' before continuing, "We are pleased to inform you that starting tomorrow all three of your previous students Adrien, Alexandre, and Guillaume will be in attendance..—" His voice gained a fervor that was hard to hide, "at 8am sharp on Friday, September 15th for orientation. Please be.. a humble host and welcome them as you always have—" His mind had gone fuzzy, "Sincerely, the.. the Help of Lumière.."
He slowly lowered the paper and looked over at Emma who had appeared to be holding in all of her excitement up until this point. A smile broke out across both their faces and they embraced again.
Finally. The Help of Lumière responsible for organizing apprenticeships to young orphaned children had finally accepted Gustave and Emma's application to host three boys. It was only this time last year that she had been stuck in a stuffy office all day with equally stuffy people. As much as her head ached, one glance out the window had refilled her spirit and made the day breathable again. Gustave could be seen outside in the facilities semi-impressive garden. All three boys buzzing around him with vibrant energy, Gustave answering each and every eager question. Sciel had come by soon after to rescue him but by the end of their visit he wasn't sure who was more excited about this potential advancement— him or them.
He pulled away from his sister and looked back at the letter in his hands, confirming it over again. She watched him for a moment before slipping into the back briefly and returning with a delightful array of red roses. The very same ones Gustave had arranged just this morning and stowed in careful preservation. Gustave looked up and something unreadable crossed his face seeing the bursts of red in Emma's hands, however the moment was gone before she could ask.
They shared one more hug that could've lasted much longer had time allowed before he pulled away and headed for the door,
"Gustave!—" Emma fetched a jacket from the coat rack, quickly laying it over his shoulders, "Rain. Forecast looks a bit unpredictable." Gustave glanced up at the sky from where he was still in the doorway, noting the dark clouds rolling in as the sun continued to set.
"Thank you Em." He kissed her cheek, the words having much more sentiment to them than just handing him a jacket. Upon his departure, a sudden cold wind brushed against his face. He glanced down at the flower box hugging the windowsill. Gustave smiled a little to himself before checking the time again and heading down the sidewalk towards the train station with roses delicately pressed to his chest.
~ ✿ ~
The rain started a lot sooner than he had originally predicted, coming down in huffs of mist at first then shifting into a manageable drizzle. Gustave used the upper half of his jacket to shield not only his curls but the carefully crafted bouquet. There weren't many other people waiting at the station by the time he arrived and once he had found a comfortable place to stand— he immediately rediscovered the familiar rhythm of bouncing back and forth on each heel. 7 months, since he had last seen Sophie. It had become familiar, almost expected in the way they didn't see much of each other for long periods of time. Long distance dating in all of its aching glory. It made seeing her that much more cherished but, even still.
His thoughts subsided as the train pulled in, wavering guests to step back though the nerves swirling in his stomach only pulled Gustave's interest closer. His eyes scanned each window having no luck in spotting Sophie's tastefully arranged brown bob. Gustave's hands clutched tighter around his own jacket, knuckles almost nearing a white until the train stopped and passengers begun to pour out. He stepped out of the way, half glancing at families being united again— a father scooping their child into enveloping arms and embracing what he assumed was their wife, Gustave's lips twitched and he forced himself to look away. He was ripped back into reality a second time as a large group of passengers drifted by and left Sophie stepping off onto the platform carefully with her bag. She had always traveled so lightly. "Plume" Sciel had called her once, by how easy it was for Sophie to just get up and go.
She shared a few words with the gentleman standing outside and looked up, immediately finding Gustave's eyes. They held for a moment and slowly but surely she approached with a slowly growing smile. Her pace paused just a foot away, the two of them huddling under the station's small awning.
"Gustave."
Her voice had a playful tinge to it. Like a bowstring ready to snap, but at the same time equally measured. It was as if she had been actively holding herself from lunging into his arms. Gustave had found his smile soon after and mirrored her expression,
"Soph." He greeted, bowing his head in sincerity. Like the gentleman he had always tried to be.
Gustave fell into step with her, offering the bouquet quietly and easing the jacket off of his shoulders for her while she accepted the roses. Both of them ignored how forced their smiles felt, the gesture itself and the acceptance that followed. Conversation came out in bundles of excitement, Gustave interrupting Sophie, Sophie apologizing followed by long stretches of slightly awkward silence. Nothing but the rain around them to fill the gaps. Gustave took a moment to replace his glasses on the inside of his shirt, figuring a terribly impaired sight was worse than a manageable blurry one.
"—There are tulips now, the rooftop garden. I remember you mentioned wanting to see them." Gustave mentioned quietly with a smile, Sophie meeting his gaze and smiling back before he continued, "I uh, this weekend is the flower festival. Maybe we could, if you're available of course."
He could hear the caution of his own voice in his ears, this was Sophie. Why was he speaking like they were strangers?
Sophie stopped walking, her eyes looming over the flowers in her hands. Gustave looked back, also stopping. The twist in his stomach doubling into a knot as he noticed her expression falter.
"Gustave, I.."
The warmth from a moment ago had slowly vanished, replaced by her own careful tone,
"I got accepted into the highest position, the interview I-" Her eyes were anywhere else but Gustave's and he already knew why. 7 months away studying, an unknowable amount more to come. "They- I'll be gone again for much longer…"
Gustave watched her expression twist, figuring this had been on her mind the entire train ride and it was only a matter of time before the conversation showed itself. She visibly braced for anger.
He could see tears forming in the corners of her dew kissed eyes, Gustave was quick,
"S-Sophie," He had a tight smile, forced, "That- that's wonderful!" As happy as he was, he could hear the much too eager enthusiasm in his own voice. Months of pretending that they could do long distance, that they'd see each other often and have a family, that they would—
He kept going, "I- I could, we could see each other in the spring, Emma could watch the shop- I'll take time off so you don't have to make the trip."
Lies, every single word.
Sophie tilted her head with a sad smile that had stretched across her lips, "Do you, truly believe that?"
Gustave had opened his mouth to answer quick, possibly too quick. Eager to defend what had already been fading for the last year, but no words came out and his lips slowly shut. Sophie bowed her head and walked back to meet him toe to toe. They stood underneath another awning, avoiding the rain that continued to brush inwards. It took a moment but she finally looked up at Gustave to see he was also avoiding eye contact and that's when she cracked. Tears mixed with rain began to spill down her rosy cheeks, her breath caught forcing Gustave's eyes to finally look up.
"I.. I'm sorry, I-" She started, clutching the flowers tighter, "But you, Gustave you.."
He hesitated for a moment but settled his hands on her shoulders to ground her while he began to cry as well, watching this person so precious to him apologize for her success.
"Gustave you've made such a wonderful life for yourself and I, I can't be here to watch you do it. I'm sorry I-" She hiccuped, reaching forward to hold onto him which then turned into a desperate hug. He rested his chin on top of her head, in a way that shielded her from the rain continuing to come down. It took a few minutes but eventually Sophie pulled away and wiped her cheeks with the back of her hand, much sooner than Gustave could offer. She sniffled and looked up at him, reaching over to take his hand upon permission.
"You deserve to be cherished every single day, Gustave.. to be listened to and.." She laughed a little, "Watered." The joke landed almost immediately and bubbled a pained laugh out of him, right, florist joke. He placed his own hand over hers and they looked over one another before pulling away completely. Sophie glanced down at the flowers in her arms then back up at Gustave as he breathed a knowing smile despite the words not finding his tongue immediately. She quietly passed them back along with his jacket and let their gaze hold another moment or two. Gustave's jaw felt locked in place as he tried to rationalize how he felt, he smiled and took a breath before speaking,
"G- Good luck, you know. I know you'll.." He smiled more genuinely, easily. Of course he would love her, cheer for her, celebrate her in her absence. As she would always do the same, "You'll be as wonderful and smart as you always have been, Soph."
The smile that came reached her eyes and she managed a single nod. Gustave's mind worked, words getting tangled again in his head, his chivalry acting first. Sophie was already one step ahead of him.
"You don't have to walk me home, Gustave." She touched his arm gently, "Please. We'll stay in touch."
"Sophie-"
"Gustave.." She smiled again, a little more forced than she meant, "It's okay."
Truth be told he felt his own chest sitting on what felt like fabric already fraying at the seams, the thought of walking her home now as he always had for a while would only tear further into him. Being given permission to simply let go and in his own time: accept what was now done. He managed a slow nod and mirrored her nervous smile.
New, this was new.
They stood there for another moment and a laugh came up while his eyes wandered over the flowers sitting in his arms once again, "You're sure it wasn't the flower choice, then?"
She laughed too, a natural glow in the sputter of rain, "No. It wasn't the flowers, Gustave." They both shared a gentle chuckle. He nodded and took a step back, not until Sophie spoke up again,
"I," Hesitation worked its way into the way her body language spoke, but she looked at him, really looked at him so her words reached, "I'll always care about you, Gustave."
Gustave nodded, letting a few raindrops drip off his curls and down his face before answering her, "And I you."
Her eyes lingered on him for just another moment longer, lips trembling in a way that suggested she had so many more things to say. Apologies, shortcomings, blaming herself, all of it cast aside because they both knew that this had been coming for a long time. As painful as it was, their efforts had been stretched thin, and underneath it all: this was inevitable. She turned before the words could find her, but Gustave had seen the way Sophie's lips cracked. The moment was gone before he could comment but it was there all the same. She excused herself with a gentle tip of her head and left Gustave alone under the bus stop's small awning. Once the figure of her was finally gone, his legs finally gave out and all of his weight hit the bench in a sudden thump.
New. This was new.
He stared down at his shoes, rain dripping off the front of his hair and nose. His pocket suddenly buzzed to life, peeling his attention away in a slow movement. Gustave dragged his thumb over the screen and saw a few messages from his sister.
Em: Don't stay out too late, we've got orientation later in the week and I know your apprentices like to show up early. Ass-kissers, just like their teacher.
His phone buzzed again.
Em: Ice cream this weekend? My treat.
His eyebrows worked into a furrow while his lips stretched into something resembling a smile and a few tears escaped down his cheeks. Of course, Emma's timing was something he could only compare to as being a superpower. Her words, though perhaps not intended, made him feel safe and he felt his chest loosen. Gustave looked over her messages again and thumbed out a reply before pocketing the device.
Gus: Of course. :)
He took a second for himself before finally standing, replacing his glasses and allowing his lungs a chance to breathe. His legs eventually carried him in the direction of home, behind him sat the ghost of a life he once had, a bundle of flowers lying delicately against the back of a bus stop's bench.
~ ✿ ~
Gustave walked quietly with his hands in his pockets, jacket hanging over his shoulders while the rain shifted once again into a much more forgiving mist that made the streets glow under each lamp. Gustave walked without much purpose, his steps weren't as calculated as before. His mind felt empty. Replaying what he had said, what Sophie had said, over and over until it buzzed into something resembling numbness. A sigh bellowed from his lungs, the knot in his chest loosening a touch as he crossed the street over to where the floral shop sat. It felt like a second home to him, really first if he truly took the time to add up how many hours he was here VS in his actual apartment. The plants that curled around the welcome sign looked relatively pleased with the rain that had come through, it made him smile a little and he ran his finger over the vines.
"Watered. That's what I deserve, right?" He smiled absently as his knuckles brushed over chipped paint and damp metal. He shook his head, anything to dissuade the clouds in his head. His eyes wandered over the sign, down to the large windows and landed on the small makeshift hut lying under the window's flower box. Gustave knelt down slowly and extended a hand as cautious as he always had towards the dark entrance. He waited a few seconds before tutting softly, "You haven't run off, have you?" Despite the storm swirling in his head and heart, Gustave smiled at his own words, "Emma would be happy to hear that.."
Regardless of what his dear sister thought, a small pink nose emerged out of its hut all the same and sniffed at Gustave's hand before fully pressing its head into his open palm. A young calico as small as a flower pot gave a gentle mew, turning her head further and allowing Gustave's fingers to move from one ear to the other. Gustave smiled more genuinely, humming as she crawled out further and started walking eager circles around him while brushing against his arm and knee. His smile faltered a little noticing how wet her fur had become and upon closer inspection, the makeshift hut he had promised Emma would be enough certainly wasn't holding up to any realtor's standards. The roof was breaking through and the bowl he had placed down had completely drowned out any remaining food. His eyebrows knitted a touch, thinking over his sister's warning for all of 3 seconds before scooping the calico up and helping her into the gap of his sweater.
"Come on," He smiled, "Let's get you home."
The young cat, frazzled for a moment soon recognized Gustave's scent as something comforting and settled into him immediately. Her heartbeat slowed as she allowed her eyes to relax once Gustave had stood up and held her closer. With a goal now in mind, his stride felt much more controlled as he continued past the floral shop towards the only pet store just on the other side of town. One peek into the window confirmed his unsure suspicions on his way here that with the sun now far under the horizon— they were ultimately closed. He peered down at the small creature sitting against his stomach and was met with large green eyes that almost mirrored his. Tomorrow, this could wait.
The bus ride home was much more interesting, as there was a strict "NO PET" rule in place which had Gustave giving the driver a nervous grin when they locked eyes upon his arrival. The man eyed the odd lump of his buttoned sweater for a few seconds before letting him on anyways. Maybe it was the fact Gustave had been dripping so much it caused him to shiver that the man simply took pity on him, or perhaps in actuality: he didn't care. Gustave fished his keys out of his pocket once he was in front of his door, unlocking it with one hand and cradling the cat in the other. The weight of the day practically ripped Gustave's body to the ground. His back gently slid down the length of the door, Gustave's head tipping back in plain exhaustion. The small cat allowed herself a yawn, stretching briefly and tucking herself into his lap. His own eyes had shut by this point while his sweater had been draped over her body.
His tired mind wandered only briefly.
Food, he needed cat food. The sun had already disappeared well under the horizon by this point, completely negating any further trip this evening. Bed, his bed. The position he was in right now would scream at him tomorrow if he didn't move and yet, it didn't take long for sleep to find him anyways and settle deep within his bones. His head slowly melted into the wall beside him, body following through. His glasses eventually traveled off the bridge of his nose in sleep while the small calico in his lap continued to purr along contently to the gentle rhythm of raindrops tracing the window opposite of the door.