Sailor Pollux's Links
After a childhood mistake and his guilt complex, Marlo keeps up with a weekly ritual of having flowers sent to her out of habit and comfort. While never close, he likes her company and holds her highly in regard especially given her ability to chastise his brother. There has never been romantic feelings for her, though on some level he loves her the way one loves a dear friend- no matter how distance or how long apart, he feels he can trust her, and from a man who trusts so rarely, he cherishes her company and her kindness.
Father to Hope, Marlo wants to be a part of her life and raise her better than his father raised him. She is his little princess and he may have killed his father in order to keep her safe. Now, he dotes on her nearly daily, wanting to both make up for lost time, and to ensure she gets a life, and a future without suffering or fear. He'd do anything to protect her.
This little girl utterly adores her Papà. Raised by his father until she was almost 3 years old, some of her earliest memories are confusing, but her Papà was always there, oozing familiarity and making her feel safe.
Half sister and legally his niece once removed, Marlo is exceptionally fond of Giulia, despite how he often might act. He worries about her brash behavior, but can't stay mad at her for very long. Ultimately, he really wants only for her to grow up safe and happy.
Giulia's feelings on her bruncle (brother? uncle?) are very straightforward: He's mean, just like her brousin (brother? cousin? Family trees, man.) However, Giulia knows he would beat up absolutely anyone who actually tried to hurt her, and even if he's a giant meanie, he does it because he cares. And he was definitely raised that way. So he gets a pass, unless he's just been a Stinky Stinkerson.
It's complicated. Marlo knows very well that she and he have their issues, but they are working them out. His lover for her is deep, and he is often afraid of how much. He strives to be a man 'worthy' of her time and love, and seeks to better himself for her sake and the sake of their daughter. He hopes to one day help heal the hurt he caused her at the very least, and dreams of one day being confident enough to ask to marry her.
It is incredibly complicated. After so many years of their relationship being unarguably unhealthy, and so many mistakes being made, and unhealthy coping mechanisms being used, and... well. Jada LOVES him, that is never in doubt, but she is constantly second-guessing that she loves him enough, or in the right way... and is afraid to rock the boat and risk hurting a good man.