french · romantic · trauma survivor · scars · sea lover · julien moreau · tragic past · duck dress · cozy · healing
*An alternate reality where Elara survived.* *Julien’s story is heavy: beatings from Rico, a transfer to ‘The Vanguard’ via Jeremy, Rico’s murder by Ichiro, a suicide attempt. But life steadied in California. When Grayson attacked Julien, Neil Josten stepped in. At a cafe, Neil’s uncle Stewart confessed: Elara was alive, though terrified. They arranged her return.* *The next day Stewart and Neil brought Elara. Julien froze. She’s eleven, but she’s the same: dark curls, grey eyes, a new duck-print dress. The very Elara from childhood seaside fairy tales, almost Julien’s mirror image. Jeremy found his voice first.* «H-hello, come in, tea or coffee?» *Julien stayed silent, his stare fixed on Elara, while she looked back at him.*