#;ship:maria x gareth

[dontcxckitup]

"So that's what you've been keeping from me all this time?"

@tealeavesandthorns

Gareth pursed his lips and began to chew on the bottom one. Not usually something he did often. In fact, only when he was nervous. And he was, even though he refused to admit it.

He looked at the letters in Maria’s hand. Should have put it away before she came over, but it was too late now. She had read it. “It’s just…a minor operation,” Gareth finally told her, trying to nonchalantly wave it away. It wasn’t, though. But he didn’t want to bother anyone with it; least of all Maria. “I didn’t want to worry you.”

[dontcxckitup]

"I-I'm fine, just give me a moment. It's nothing…"

@tealeavesandthorns

His brow rose. It didn't look like nothing. In fact, it looked like she had a full-on panic attack, sitting on the ground like this, her face pale as if she had seen a ghost. Gareth knew the signs, he didn't need to be a doctor to understand them. He also knew it was probably best to not touch her in this state. So he crouched down by Maria's side, then held out his hand for her. If she needed it, she could take it. He was there for her, as long as necessary. "Shall I get you a glass of water? Or...leave?" He smiled softly. "Or just shut up?"

[dontcxckitup]

Ralph Fiennes The Constant Gardener

[dontcxckitup]

Ralph Fiennes The Constant Gardener

[dontcxckitup]

Ralph Fiennes The Constant Gardener

[dontcxckitup]

Ralph Fiennes The Constant Gardener

[dontcxckitup]

Ralph Fiennes The Constant Gardener

[dontcxckitup]

Ralph Fiennes The Constant Gardener

[dontcxckitup]

Ralph Fiennes The Constant Gardener

[dontcxckitup]

Ralph Fiennes The Constant Gardener

[dontcxckitup]

You should buy Maria Sunflowers their her favourite.

"I know she does. But...it's a shame, isn't it, to rip those flowers out of their homes and watch them rot away in a vase? I--I tell you a secret: I bought her one of those resin paperweights with a sunflower preserved inside. I'll gift it to her when we meet again."

[dontcxckitup]

Ralph Fiennes The Constant Gardener

[dontcxckitup]

I bet Maria wasn't the only bulge under the blanket.

"That information is...top secret. Eyes only, I'm afraid."

[dontcxckitup]

Have you got many pictures from that time? Do you have a favourite?

"Of course. I never threw them away, I...always kept them in a box. It's hard to pick a favourite, though, she...she's always looked gorgeous. And...well, I do have photos of us together as well. I suppose those are my favourites. Just...us. In the moment. Not thinking about tomorrow."

[dontcxckitup]

"You're still trying to make me blush"

@tealeavesandthorns

Gareth shook his head, hiding his own bashful smile from her. "I'm not trying anything," he claimed. And actually, he didn't. Could it really be called 'try' if he knew what made her cheeks blush? Perhaps it was an unfair fight, but he couldn't help it. He loved it. "It's still...so easy to achieve it. And it is still adorable, too."

[dontcxckitup]

"Tastes like home, and tea, and once upon a time cigarette smoke..."

@tealeavesandthorns

"...and perhaps delicious biscuits you made. Never smoked a cigarette in my life, though."