[Marianne isn't even close to sure what's going through Hubert's mind--she's not sure what's on his mind. She never really can be, but that's always been fine; they're both quiet people in their own right, but...even now, she worries that she can't help him. That she's only going to bring him bad luck again, even now, and--

His hug manages to get her out of her own quickly spiraling thoughts, and she's...shocked, really. She's not sure how to respond, making a small, surprised noise--he's...pleased enough to hug her. He's never done that before. Is this something he really needs, then...?

Marianne isn't sure. She's never been good at hugs anyway, but...well, she'll return the gesture, perhaps just as stiff. She doesn't want to let go of him, she just...]

I-It's...okay. It's okay. I'm, um, sorry that I said something like that so suddenly. But I...I just wanted you to know that.

[There's a lot she wants him to know. There's a lot she wants for them, for this kind man who's done nothing but be kind to her and give her hope that maybe, a wonderful future is possible...

...]

I...I...

[Marianne's voice is a whisper as she buries herself in him, speaking those damning words that have been on the tip of her tongue all night.]

I love you.

[...Oh no, oh no, she needs to salvage this before he runs--]

I-I just...don't want you to...be controlled. By that. By...by your circumstances. L-Like you said about my...my crest.