[ His fingers catch her chin between his thumb and forefinger, holding her still. ]

If I can’t say it, you’re not allowed to, either. You’re so much more than you know, Hilda. It’s a travesty that you don’t seem to know that. [ Which baffles him a little, actually. He knows this isn’t an act like he would suspect of so many playing at it, but he can feel it emanating from her and he hated that she felt she wasn’t enough.

He’s still not sure asking what he’s about to is a good idea. This could backfire horribly, just as so many of his other attempts have lately. But he can’t back out of it again without making her feel bad so he takes a deep breath and braces himself for her reaction. ]

I want you to talk to Claude. Like this. A genuine conversation, nothing but honesty between you. I know it’s not the same, but I think it’s important you both try. [ He slides his thumb against her jaw, his dark eyes searching her face, a shadow of sadness lurking there. ] You’re important to me, too. Both of you are. And it’s killing me that you both are still so hurt. I think you’re both aching from missing the other, but that’s not going to change if you two keep pretending the other one doesn’t exist.