FIC : not for the first time
[Title:] Not for the First Time
[Setting:] AU. Modern day.
[Character(s):] Mireille
[Summary:] Truly, she has no regrets.
[Author's Notes:] Inspired by the prompt, "you tell me just to go forward".
It is an aspect of herself that she is acutely aware of, isn’t it? Undeniably, it belongs to the past, in any practical sense, but such an acknowledgement doesn’t make her diminish it to merely an adolescent experience; something so closely related to the process of maturing that it must decrease as one grows older. As she has learned, it is no less present now than it was when she was fifteen, although the contexts in which it emerges are noticeably limited. To situations mostly outside of herself, outside the spheres that she treasures most. Perhaps -- Likely for that very reason.
In the same manner, she knows that he is the sole subject, with no romantic notions attached to his involvement. He simply found his way into her life while it was most evident and thus, held the greatest significance. If not him, it is not unimaginable that it would have been the accomplishment of someone else. And if not, she would have accepted it as her given reality, wouldn’t she? A framework within which she would have worked and lived. Unceremoniously, familiar with its implications as she was, then. Is, still.
Jean Louis has brought this development with him, naturally, as he's always done and continues to do - asking her and the nation both to focus on forward motion. She endorses the principle, because it has proven its worth already. Its effectiveness. In extension, she admires him for insisting on it so unrelentingly. Has taught herself to do the same, because the foundation may be his, but the adherence theirs collectively. The maintenance hers alone.
In this regard, she refuses to harbour any regrets.