If you'd caught me before comin' to this place, and especially before lettin' you all quite literally into my heart, I think I might have done the same.
But now more than ever I realize how precious these things can be. Seems silly to let it slip by.
[Marianne falls quiet for a few moments, letting his words sink in. He's right, of course, and braver about his feelings than she is. But that's because he's had time to put that work in, whereas she still feels like she's just getting started.
So you can say that about me but not believe it about yourself? I get it, it's harder to see when it's starin' you right in the face. You been through a lot, too, you know, and you've come out on the other end stronger for it. There's a lot to admire about that.
[Marianne starts to protest, but she stops herself. He's right; it's much easier for someone who isn't her to see her best qualities. Juzo's not the first to point as much out to her.]
Thank you, Juzo. And... um, sorry for doubting that I'm worth it.
[Baby steps into ~confidence~.]
Speaking of what I've been through, I've been meaning to ask. The memories we share with Tetsuro, while we were in the palace. Do you remember them at all?
[ The people who have made the harrowing journey through Juzo's heart know better than anyone what he's been through, how much he hated himself for it. He and Marianne have that in common, and it's a heartbreaking thing.
But there's strength in that too, in helping each other to move forward.
He reaches to curl his arms around her, but pauses partway. ]
But... well, maybe this is too sappy, but I believe that your heart is big enough for as many people as you'd like. I don't mind the fact that you and Sholmes are together, truly.
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♥
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But now more than ever I realize how precious these things can be. Seems silly to let it slip by.
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She finally manages to look back up at his face.]
Can I just ask one question? Why me?
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Why not you?
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Thank you, Juzo. And... um, sorry for doubting that I'm worth it.
[Baby steps into ~confidence~.]
Speaking of what I've been through, I've been meaning to ask. The memories we share with Tetsuro, while we were in the palace. Do you remember them at all?
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[ Juzo still has his hangups, about romance especially. Now, though, he at least realizes that he gains nothing by not trying. ]
Oh... yeah, I do. D'you know what it is that he saw?
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I do. It's when I finally faced the curse I believed my family had.
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It is. I spent most of my life afraid that I was one.
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I know the feelin'.
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You aren't one, though. And neither am I.
[She leans into him a little.]
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But there's strength in that too, in helping each other to move forward.
He reaches to curl his arms around her, but pauses partway. ]
May I-?
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Please.
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Guess I should warn you that I got no idea what I'm doin'.
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That's okay. I don't, either.
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[ Sholmes sure doesn't either, but they seem to be moving along just fine. He takes some solace in that. ]
Not gonna be a problem, is it? My relationship with Herlock?
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No, it won't be. You deserve every happiness, and he makes you happy. I'd be terribly selfish to try and deny you that.
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But... well, maybe this is too sappy, but I believe that your heart is big enough for as many people as you'd like. I don't mind the fact that you and Sholmes are together, truly.
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Thank you, Marianne.
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[Goddess, she couldn't wipe the smile off her own face if she wanted to at this point. Not that she wants to.]
If it's all right... I'd like to just stay like this for a little while.