Happy barricade day! Obviously, I don't own any of these characters, but I do believe my friend to be Enjolras reincarnated…
I can hear the clock on a nearby church tolling the hour of one in the morning. One o'clock and I'm still sitting in this dimly lit café, working on a speech that will never be truly heard.
I am so tired of them praising me. They are so loyal to me and would follow me anywhere, but they know not why. It is not I they should idolize; it is my dream for France's future. I cannot understand why they do not grasp the magnitude of my words…
I hear a dull thud from the corner of the café and immediately look up. In his drunken stupor, Grantaire has fallen from his chair and is now lying on the floor.
If anyone were to ask, I would deny it, but this is the reason I have stayed so late tonight, as I have done for years. I cannot bear to think of this man sleeping all night alone on the hard wooden floor of this damned café. Of course he is an irritating cynic and a useless drunkard, but I would not allow anyone to remain in such a condition.
I stand and approach him cautiously, knowing full well that nothing can wake him from his unconscious state. Crouching by his side, I lay a hand on his shoulder, which, to my great surprise and dismay, causes Grantaire's bloodshot eyes to open halfway and stare up at me blearily.
Damn. Apparently tonight he merely collapsed from lack of balance. If he remembers this tomorrow morning, my existence as a marble statue will have cracked and crumbled away. I will no longer be able to maintain my uncaring façade.
Alright, I do care! I care about the stupid wastrel…perhaps much more than I should. I have no choice but to scold him; he behaves so foolishly, so beneath his abilities. But I still care for him. Though he publicly scorns my cause, I believe he understands it, which is more than I can say for the rest of my "followers." He is a good man, deep, down, if only he would let himself be.
And so I stay here every night, keeping silent watch over him and pretending that I am not even aware of his presence. Perhaps he suspected once or twice that I am the reason he always wakes up in his own bed, but these theories have been utterly swept away by my outward cruelty.
Unfortunately, I have to go eat dinner now, so this is going to have to be a two-parter. But, happy barricade day anyways. See you tomorrow.
Emilie Rose