I'm not going to teach your boyfriend how to dance with you.
Enjolras and Combeferre were in a relationship.
Well, that is what it seemed like to Grantaire, he had been noting evident to support his claim since he had the suspicion months ago. So far, what he had seen confirmed his revelation, his proof:
1. They have conversations with their eyes, no speech involved – this could be because they have been best friends since they were young children and therefore had gotten used to each other's mannerisms and quirks that they could communicate through looks and expressions. However, Grantaire had witnessed the very same thing with Marius and Cosette and they too, could hold discussions with their eyes (which was sweet, but unnerving at the same time) though, they had known each other for a year and a half.
2. They had private conversations not even Coufeyrac knew about – which was a major point because Coufeyrac had also been best friends with them since they were young children, though, more often than not Coufeyrac was involved.
3. Enjolras listened to Combeferre's advice – granted, everyone listened to Combeferre's advice, but Enjolras tended to ignore any advice if it was not from the bespectacled student.
4. Neither of them showed any interest in dating anyone – maybe a result of them secretly being together, though it was more likely they were both busy with the Les Amis, their student-run club where they tried to change the world.
5. He had heard groaning from Enjolras' room when he had hurt his shoulder and then Combeferre and Enjolras had walked out of it ten minutes later. Neither looked dishevelled, but that meant nothing.
Grantaire only really had the five bits of proof to go on and they were weak points – apart from the latter, though it probably had a platonic explanation - but he clung to them and awaited for them to become true. This all flashed through his mind as he tried to be quiet as he snuck into the back room of the Cafe Musain. Because he was not Bossuet, lucky things did happen for him and one was happening now and saw all his friends (bar Éponine) crowded around the front table in the room (which was Enjolras and Combeferre's usual spot). The meeting had not started and thus his friends and comrades were chatting amongst one another, until someone took charge, he took this as cover as he slunk to his seat in the back, right next to Éponine who smiled sadly when she saw him.
"What's wrong 'Ponine?" Grantaire asked as he slipped into his seat beside her.
Éponine sniffed, but made the smile on her face bigger and therefore faker, "Nothing, I'm fine 'Taire."
"You sure?" Grantaire prodded, "Need a hug, I'm awesome at them."
"I'm sure and no, I don't need a hug."
"You don't look sure." Grantaire replied, concern contorting his features into a worried expression.
"Grantaire, I'm fine." Éponine pressed her lips together.
"Really?" he raised his eyebrows.
"Really, now shut up!" Éponine snapped. Her brown doe eyes were watering rapidly and were starting to go red, a sign she may start crying which is how he knew it was a touchy subject and that he should drop it – Éponine rarely cried, her tough upbringing had not allowed for break downs or weakness, so when she did cry, it was serious.
"Fine, but I'm…" He started, but she cut him off.
"Here if I need you." She finished with an eyeroll, "I know."
"Just reminding you." He smiled and bumped her shoulder with his own.
"It's engrained in my brain, I don't need reminders." She bumped his shoulder back, there was a pause before she added quietly, "But, thank you."
Grantaire simply smiled at her, their eyes met and they locked gazes before Éponine rolled her eyes and Grantaire moved his to look at the rabble at the front of the room. As per usual, it was the same motley crew that normally assembled.
Marius looked very pink, though he was laughing and had an arm around Cosette's waist, Cosette herself looked radiant as she showed her hand to Coufeyrac and Jehan, a small stone sparkled under the light. Musichetta, Joly and Bossuet were talking to Marius, Feuilly and Bahorel talking to each other. Then Grantaire's eyes found their fearless leader, his tall blonde form was stood off to the side of the group, he had a smile on his face, but a tension to his eyes that implied he thought they could do better with their time. His right hand man, Combeferre, was stood next to him, muttering quietly.
Grantaire felt his heart lurch when Enjolras' gaze moved from their friends crowded in the middle to him. He shot the brunette a small, hesitant smile before returning to his conversation to Combeferre, their heads bent close together. Grantaire felt a wave of jealousy wash over him, which intensified when Combeferre leaned closer to Enjolras, from the angle Grantaire was looking it looked like Combeferre was kissing Enjolras' neck. He mentally added it to his proof.
He pressed his lips together and after forcing his eyes away, he turned back to his best friend.
"So, why's everyone crowding Cosette and Marius?" Grantaire asked.
Éponine made a small sob-like sound, "They got engaged."
"Oh, 'Ponine…." Grantaire exhaled, he threw his arm around his best friend, she looked as if she would fall apart at any moment, "I'm so sorry."
Éponine turned into Grantaire's embrace, burying her face in his green hoodie whilst he stroked her hair and back. "I should be happy for them, but I can't be… Cosette is my friend and I knew they were in love, but I didn't know how in love until now. I thought by the time they got engaged I'd be over him, but I'm not. I'm not over him and it just hurts, you know?"
Grantaire hummed in response and hugged her closer. "I can imagine."
"Oh yes, of course you don't know." She replied, she pulled back then, her eyes a little bleary, "Enjolras would never get in a relationship with someone who wasn't his beloved revolution, never mind get engaged to them."
"I guess so." Grantaire forced himself to nod as his mind thought, isn't it obvious about Enjolras and Combeferre? The shared looks, hushed conversations, the touches and glances, the way they understood each other so well and never fought – they were perfect for each other. He pushed that away as he focused on his best friend.
"It just sucks." Éponine sighed, her eyes focused on Marius.
"I know." Grantaire agreed, his gaze had found Enjolras again, Combeferre was now pulling on Enjolras' red jacket sleeve, pulling him to the front of the room. "Wanna make fun of romantic films, eat ice-cream and drink later?"
"I'd love to." Éponine replied, eyes still trained on Marius.
"If you're really bad then we can do make-overs and even crack out the Lana Del Ray and Taylor Swift albums." Grantaire answered, making his voice go high-pitched in an imitation of a teenage girl.
"No make-overs, but I think we'll need the depressing music."
Enjolras was at the front of the room now, he sent Combeferre a dazzling smile before he turned and addressed the room, the excited chatted coming to a stop as he spoke and everyone found their seats. Grantaire sighed to himself and muttered under his breath, if Éponine heard, she did not react: "I think we do, Ép, I think we do."
It was later that evening when Grantaire was waiting for Éponine to gather her bag so they could go laugh at the clichéd romantic-comedies and drown themselves in alcohol and ice-cream, when Enjolras approached the back table where they sat. He was biting his bottom lip –Grantaire thought it should be illegal for him to do that because he looked too sexy – and fiddling with the sleeve of his red jacket, he looked almost nervous, which was impossible because their fearless leader never felt anxious,
"Grantaire, may I have a word?" Enjolras asked, almost hesitantly.
"Is it because I was late? I had to talk to my art professor about my project…" Grantaire started.
"No, it's not." Enjolras cut him off, he glanced at Éponine, "Ép, do you mind if I talk to Grantaire alone?"
"I don't mind." Éponine eyes widened and she smiled, "I'll be over there when you're ready to mock films, 'Taire."
Grantaire tried to supress the abandonment he felt. "Alright."
She winked at them both before brushing past them and going over to chat to Combeferre.
Grantaire swallowed and nodded, then it was just him and Enjolras. The blonde attempted a small smile, though it looked like a grimace and it stung, Grantaire knew the optimist did not like him, but to have it so plainly communicated to him. He smiled back, a proper smile and leaned against the table.
"You wanted to talk?" Grantaire raised an eyebrow.
"I did." Enjolras nodded, though he did not look certain which was another first.
"Talk then." Grantaire told him sharply.
"Well, I'm sure Éponine told you of Marius and Cosette's engagement…" Enjolras started, "How is she about it? I know how she feels towards Marius."
"How do yo-" Grantaire started only to be cut off by Enjolras again.
"She told me." Grantaire was silent for a moment, stunned that Eponine had opened up to Enjolras. Then Enjolras added by way of explanation, "It was back in high school. I assume she still feels the same way for him, how is she?"
"She's heartbroken, of course. Hence why we're going to be drinking, mocking romance films and probably listening to Lana Del Ray all night." Grantaire replied.
"That's good. Well, I mean it's horrible she's feeling miserable, but it's good you're there for her." Enjolras nodded, a small smiled climbing on his face, "I'm glad she has you to look after her. You're a good friend to her and she needs all the love and support she can get, so thank you."
"Thanks?" Grantaire was taken aback by the compliment, Enjolras just nodded and they stood silently, just looking at each other. "I presume that's not the only reason you wanted to talk to me?"
"No." Enjolras' blushed slightly, which was another first which also looked damn sexy on him, "It was regarding Cosette and Marius' wedding, there will be dancing, yes?"
"Usually that's what happens, yes."
"Well, Combeferre and I were talking," Enjolras said, Grantaire clenched his teeth together, "And, neither of us can dance with any skill, so we were going to take a class or something after convincing some of the others to join us, but then 'Ferre reminded me that you dance and…"
"And?" Grantaire asked.
"And, we wondered if you would maybe teach me-us how to dance." Enjolras finished, his blush deepening at his mistake, "How to dance that is."
Grantaire felt like he had been sucker-punched in the stomach, "You want me to teach you and Combeferre how to dance?"
"Yes." Enjolras nodded, he was biting his bottom lip again and Grantaire looked away as he forced back tears, "I'll pay you, like we would a normal class."
"Why me?" Grantaire asked, a bit of anger leaking into his answer.
"Because, I know you'll do a good job. Plus I could ask some of the others, it could be fun and I think we need a bit of fun." Enjolras admitted, "Everything has been so serious lately."
"It would also be a disaster." Grantaire said.
"How so?" Enjolras asked and that was when Grantaire realised the optimist had no idea how he felt towards him.
"It just would be." teach your crush how to dance with his boyfriend, why would he not jump at that chance?
"I don't understand."
"I'm not going to do it Enjolras." Grantaire exclaimed.
"Why?"
"Because of self-preservation, there would be too much collateral damage if it went ahead and I can't handle it." Grantaire replied.
"Self-preservation? Collateral damage?" Enjolras, "It's just teaching some of us how to dance, I don't understand."
"I don't expect you too, just understand I'm not going to do it." Grantaire turned to leave.
Enjolras moved forward and caught Grantaire's arm, pulling the cynic around to face him. This move however meant they were much closer than before and it made them both blush. "Please, Grantaire."
Grantaire's green eyes met Enjolras' beautiful blue ones that were full of hope and something else, Grantaire could not place, it was something like fear, but what Enjolras feared he did not know. Grantaire knew he own eyes were probably full of pain, he knew Enjolras did not know how he felt about him, but it still hurt that he was so painfully oblivious and was flaunting his relationship in front of Grantaire. Grantaire pressed his lips together and he jerked his arm out Enjolras' searing grip.
"I'm not going to teach your boyfriend how to dance with you." Grantaire spat as he turned and stormed out of the Musain, leaving a shocked Combeferre, a stunned Éponine and a staring Enjolras in his wake.
"What the hell was that?" Éponine shouted down the street to her best friend after bursting breathlessly out of the cafe doors. She had been frozen for a moment, but had leaped when it had sunk in, during that time Grantaire had stormed down half of the street.
Grantaire just stopped and Éponine ran to him, as she drew nearer she saw his anger had given way to melancholy and saw his dropping shoulders were shaking, his head bowed as he shook. She place a hand gently on his shoulder blade and turned him around, even though she could not see his face through his thick, inky curls, she knew he was crying.
"Oh, Taire…" She crooned, she pulled him into her arms, much like he had done for her earlier and rubbed her hands up and down his back in a comforting motion, his arms wrapped around her waist and he buried his face in her neck, bending down more to do so because of the height difference. She rested her head on his shoulders and then let her tears flow too.
They stood like that for a while, their arms wrapped around each other as they cried. Until their tears dried for a while and they pulled back, eyes puffy and red. They looked at each other and then burst out laughing at how ridiculous they looked, though they still had a sad air surrounding him.
"We definitely need the ice-cream." Grantaire sniffed as they started walking again.
"Agreed." Éponine nodded, "My siblings are sleeping out at friends, but I vote going to yours, it's closer."
Grantaire nodded, "Okay. Jehan out at Couf's and I've got ice-cream and chick-flicks in."
"Awesome. You need to tell me, what happened." Éponine nudged his ribs with her elbow.
"We should focus on yo-" Grantaire was cut off.
"I'm sad now, but I know I'll get over him. Besides, he was never going to love me, even if he hadn't met Cosette and I like him enough to wish him happiness with whomever, even if that person isn't me. Plus, talking with Combeferre made me realise that I deserve better than Marius and he's actually kind of a wimp." Éponine answered. "However, you clearly have things going on with our fearless leader."
"Can we wait until I have a huge tub of ice-cream before we continue this?" Grantaire asked.
"Fine." Éponine agreed, then she smiled slightly, a smile that reminded Grantaire of a mischievous child, "Race ya."
And, with that she took off sprinting to Grantaire's apartment, the resident of said apartment cursed and then charged after her.
"So, you have your ice-cream, spill the beans." Éponine said as she sat crossed legged on Grantaire's comfy sofa, a tub of ice-cream in her hands. She had borrowed a t-shirt and pyjama bottoms from Grantaire in place of her pyjamas since the sleepover was unexpected, but necessary.
"Ép… do I have to?" Grantaire sighed, he was wearing his own pyjamas and had his own tub of ice-cream as he threw a blanket on them both. Lana Del Ray was casually drowning away in the background.
"Yes." Éponine rolled her eyes, "You need to get it off your chest and Aphrodite knows how many times you've heard me go on about Marius. Now it's your turn."
Grantaire watched her for a few moments before sighing, "Fine. But, you can't laugh at the first part."
"I won't." Éponine promised, she ate a big scoop of ice-cream.
Grantaire sighed again, shoved a spoonful of ice-cream in his mouth, he ate it and then started, "Right, so the other month I noticed how Enjolras and 'Ferre are really close, like really close."
"They've been best friends since as long as I can remember." Éponine agreed, she had been to school with them when they were children.
"Yeah, well, my stupid brain came up with this theory about how perfect they would be for each other and what if they were actually dating, but decided not to tell anyone – which is something they would totally do." Grantaire said, "I even have proof to support this claim and it's built up to the point where it's not just a theory and I actually believe it."
Éponine nodded, to her credit she did not mock him, but regarded him seriously, "What proof do you have?"
"Well, they have conversations with their eyes and no speech is involved and I get this could be because they're best friends and they've know each other for so long, but other people do it who have met like two years ago and they're in love, plus we do it and our relationship is purely platonic."
"That it is." Éponine agreed and toasted the statement with her ice-cream tub.
"Then there is the whole secret conversations not even Couf knows about, I asked him about it too and he agreed. Though, I get Couf doesn't need to know everything, but it's weird them having secrets without involving him, it would be like Bossuet and Joly having a secret they wouldn't tell Musichetta, it's wrong."
Éponine nodded and ate more ice-cream.
"The only advice Enjolras really considers is 'Ferre's and I know everyone does because he's like the voice of reason and shit, but Enjolras never takes anyone else's' advice, like ever. He takes suggestions, but not advice. Then the whole not interested in dating thing is a perfect alibi for their secret relationship and if it's questioned they can say it's so they can focus on the revolution or something. Then we have the time I was studying with Couf and Jehan and I went to the bathroom and heard groaning from Enjolras' room and then Combeferre and Enjolras came out of the room together. Which was awkward and embarrassing.
"And, earlier at the meeting Combeferre kissed Enjolras' freaking angelic neck! I mean come on! Right there in front of everyone!"
"I didn't see." Éponine told him, her eyebrows were furrowed and her almost black eyes filled with confusion.
"You were glaring at the happy couple and everyone else was fussing over them, so I doubt anyone else saw. Which I realised makes it sound like I made it up, but I swear that's what I saw." Grantaire replied, his green eyes watering.
Éponine nodded and her expression turned sympathetic. She knew how he was feeling and she knew what he needed to hear, "I believe you."
"Thank you." Grantaire smiled at her, though the tears leaking from his eyes ruined it. He ate some more ice-cream.
"Do you want to carry on?" She asked.
He nodded and began again, "So, I was feeling bad for you due to he-who-shall-not-be-named and his fiancé, because my dear Éponine, you are a beautiful person and deserve so much better than him and I knew how bad you were, and still are, hurting and I just wanted to be there for you. But I had just seen 'Ferre kissing our fearless leader's neck and it was horrible, it hurt so badly and I realised this is what you had been going through and I didn't know how retched it felt until I experienced it. I tried to hide it for your sake and my own, but it pretty much solidified my theory, and then Enjolras asked to talk to me, I was freaking out to say the least." Grantaire's tears were falling quickly now.
"And I left you with him, Gods, I'm a horrible friend." Éponine scrunched up her face, "I'm so sorry 'Taire, I had no idea."
"It's fine, you have your own things going on to worry about, let alone worrying about me." He replied, "So our conversation started okay, he seemed nervous, which was strange. He asked how you were by the way, he seemed to know about how you felt about Marius, which I want to know more about."
Éponine nodded, "I'll tell you later."
Grantaire carried on, "And, he asked if there would be dancing at the wedding and I was like 'it's a wedding, that's what normally happens' and he was like 'well I can't dance and neither can my boyfriend Combeferre' – though he didn't actually say 'my boyfriend' – and then he was like 'Combeferre remembered you danced and we' he actually said 'we' for crying out loud, "would like you to teach us how to dance'. He blabbed on a bit about it being fun and getting others to do it too.
"I said it would be a disaster and went on about protecting myself meaning from the heartbreak of teaching my crush to dance with his boyfriend, but he didn't understand and kept questioning it, like he does. So I got mad and refused and tried to leave and then he grabbed my arm and made me face him and we were so close and he looked so hopeful and slightly scared and he smelt so damn good and then he asked again and all the hurt exploded and I snapped at him about his boyfriend and stormed out. Then you burst out and you know the rest." Grantaire replied hopelessly, tears falling freely.
"'Taire…" Éponine sighed.
"I can't shake the idea of them being together and I can't bear it, I'm so sorry you went through this." Grantaire sniffled as his tears fell, he was crying for his pain and the pain Éponine had carried for so long.
"It's okay 'Taire." She moved closer and wrapped an arm around his broad shoulders. "I'm sure there is a completely platonic and reasonable explanation behind all the evidence you've found. But I understand what you mean, at school, we always joked they would be prom King and Queen, we had more jokes about them being married and that Couf was really their son. But they always rolled their eyes and said it wasn't so."
Grantaire shot her a weak smile, "How did he know about you and Marius?"
Éponine pressed her lips together into a nostalgic smile, "There was this career-inspiring day that my school, Marius's all-boy school and this other all-girls school attended, I had been paired up with Enjolras because the teachers banned him from going with either Couf or 'Ferre 'cause they always got into trouble if they went with him. "
"I can imagine." Grantaire smiled sadly, thinking of a young rebellious Enjolras trying to start revolutions.
"So we were walking around, mocking it all, when I bumped into Marius and pretty much fell in love with him there and then, we started talking to him, he and Enjy argued, but I settled it by pulling Enjolras away. When he settled down he apologised that I had to take him away from Marius because it was clear I liked Marius and I couldn't deny it, he had seen me go from tough, not caring about shit to complete clichéd soft girly girl.
"He didn't judge me or make me explain, but I threatened to disembowel him if he told anyone, he said he wouldn't and then we went back round the fair thing, he opened up to me after that and told me about his crush, it was his first and he told me about it before he told 'Ferre or Couf - and it wasn't on either of them may I add. Over the years, we just went to each other to talk to each other, he told me of his crush, a different one, the old one faded into friendship, and I told him about Marius. It was a good deal."
"But, he was always so harsh to Marius when he droned on about Cosette." Grantaire frowned.
Éponine blushed, "That may have been due to my influence and he and Marius rarely see eye to eye. We've taken to referring him as Napoleon-lover."
"He and I don't see eye to eye." Grantaire pointed out.
"You're different." Éponine answered, "And anyway, you never went on and on about what his hair looks like in the sunshine to him, or how his laugh sounds, or how his smell is so complex and simple it can only be defined as his essence."
"True. I can't believe he actually said all that." Grantaire sighed, eating another spoonful of his melting ice-cream.
"You should tell Enjolras how you feel." Éponine said after a few minutes of silent ice-cream munching.
"Yeah, not going to happen." Grantaire replied, never lifting his eyes from his ice cream. "Besides he's got Combeferre."
"But does he?" Éponine asked, she knew the answer, he did not, "I think they're just best friends."
"Explain the kissing thing then." Grantaire challenged, he set his ice-cream tub on the side table and got out of the blanket pile, he went to the stacks of DVD's he had, he began looking for a film to watch.
"'Ferre was probably just whispering to him about something. It was loud and they probably couldn't hear each other properly."
"The moaning in his room?" He raised an eyebrow.
"You said it was a few weeks ago, Enjolras' hurt his shoulder then right? Probably just a massage." Éponine answered, "You know how it feels when you get a knot in your shoulder and make me or Jehan get it out."
"The secrets?" He prodded.
"Everyone has secrets." She answered.
"But not involving Couf?" Grantaire scrunched up his eyes as he picked a film and shuffled on his knees to the DVD player. He turned to face her.
"If it's what I think it's about, Couf is the last person to tell, you know how over the top he can be. I know the secrets Enjolras has trusted me with, he would never tell Couf, I doubt he even told 'Ferre." Éponine sighed. "Look, I've told you what I think, the best thing you can do is ask Enjolras and at least that way you'll know."
Grantaire nodded, turning to the DVD played, he put DVD in, "How can I do it subtly?"
"I don't think you can." Éponine replied, "At least if you ask you'll know."
"But what if they are?"
"Then you can start to get over him and we'll be in the same boat, once again."
Grantaire picked up the remote and then retreated back to the warmth of the blankets and his best friend, "But what if they aren't?"
"Then you can go back to pining pathetically, waiting until he finds his Cosette and marries them or you can woman up and tell him how you feel." Éponine replied, "I know which option I wish I had taken."
"But if he doesn't like me back?"
"You try to get over him, or you woo the pants off him." Éponine answered, just as the music of the film started.
They fell into silence as they settled down to mock the weak plotlines, the clichés scenes, and the obvious plot twists. They imitated scenes, acting overly dramatic and using ridiculous accents as they critiqued the two hour long film.
It was only later, when the films had ended, they had eaten their ice-cream, sang along to Lana Del Ray, surprisingly not drunk a drop of alcohol and they were falling asleep on the sofa, did Éponine realise Grantaire never asked what to do if Enjolras did like him back, she hit what she thought to be Grantaire's arm – it was hard to tell in the darkness and the mess of tangled limbs.
"What 'Ponine?" Grantaire grumbled, moving his head to look at her.
"You never asked what you should do if Enjolras liked you." She yawned, snuggling into the comfy sofa, her eyes closed and she rested her head on Grantaire.
Grantaire took a long time to reply and he thought she was asleep when he finally answered: "Because that's what I'm most afraid of."
"Enjolras? If you don't get to this door in thirty Goddam seconds, I'm coming in whether you're naked or not." A muffled voice called, pulling the blonde out of his dream. He frowned and looked at the clock, late morning, he never slept that late. He remembered not sleeping till late in the morning, too hurt to sleep, he remembered the reason why he was hurt and winced.
"You've got twenty seconds!" The voice yelled again, it sound too high pitched to be Combeferre or Coufeyrac. He ran a hand through his hair and got out of bed, stumbling across the room to the door, which he pulled open to reveal a short, curvy figure with long, black, hair and almost as dark eyes which were narrowed into a glare.
"Éponine." Enjolras sighed.
Her harsh expression dropped as she took in his appearance, "You look like shit."
"Good morning to you too." He grumbled. "Are 'Ferre or Couf here?"
"No, Couf went out to lunch with Jehan and Combeferre didn't tell me where he was going when he let me in." Éponine replied.
"Thank God, I can't deal with them fussing over me." Enjolras answered, pushing past Éponine to get coffee. "You want some coffee?"
"I want to talk to you, but coffee is appreciated." She responded, she had followed him into the kitchen and had settled to sit on the counter next to the sink. Enjolras did not bat an eyelid at her choice of seat and set two cups out as he messed with the coffee machine.
"How are you coping with the Napoleon-lover's engagement?" Enjolras asked, not wanting to use Marius' name in case it upset her, plus the nickname always seemed to amuse her. Or maybe that was the way Enjolras growled it.
"I'm still sad about it, but I'll be okay." She answered, "How are you and your crush doing?"
"I'm sure he told you everything last night." Enjolras replied dejectedly.
"He thinks you and Combeferre are dating."
"I gathered from the whole 'I'm not going to teach your boyfriend how to dance with you' bit, but thanks for clarifying though." He snapped.
"Whoa, you got up on the wrong side of the bed."
Enjolras sighed, turning around to face her. "I'm sorry for snapping, I didn't sleep well I was worrying about how much Grantaire must hate me now, I messed it up, Ép, like I always do when I'm around him. I just wanted him to teach me how to dance so I could use it as an excuse to get closer to him, but then I had to bring Combeferre into it and everyone else and you saw what happened. Why does he think Combeferre and I are dating?"
"You have eye conversations, secrets, something about only listening to his advice, oh! A few weeks ago you were moaning in your room and you and 'Ferre came out and Grantaire saw or something."
"I remember!" Enjolras flushed bright red, "It was when I had hurt my shoulder, Combeferre gave it a massage to get the knots out. We weren't doing anything like that!"
"That's what I thought." Éponine nodded, Enjolras turned and poured coffee into the two mugs, he handed on to Éponine who took it thankfully.
"He said something about Combeferre kissing your neck last night, when everyone was crowding Napoleon-lover and Little Miss Sunshine."
"He didn't kiss me, it was hard to hear so he had to move closer." Enjolras frowned, "There's nothing going on with Combeferre anyway, he has a crush on a girl, he's straight."
"I thought so, but you have to admit, if people saw you then they would assume you were a couple."
"I guess, but that's because we've been friends since we were three."
"Which is what I said to him." Éponine smiled.
Enjolras took a gulp of coffee and sighed as he felt himself relax, then he pulled a face, "Ew, as if I'd ever like 'Ferre like that, he's not my type."
"And your type is?"
Enjolras felt himself blush as he said instantly, "Grantaire."
"You sicken me." Éponine made a gaging face. "But it's cute, come here."
"I'm not cute." Enjolras scowled, but he moved over to Éponine.
She attempted to tame his hair, "You've got sleep in the corner of your eye and yes you are, you're adorable."
He rubbed it away, "Why am I bothered about how I look? And no, I'm not adorable."
"Oh believe me, you should care about how you look." Éponine said, as she flattered his wild curls. "Gods, your hair is possibly worse to deal with then 'Taire's."
"Hey, I like his hair." Enjolras frowned.
Éponine smiled, "You also like his face."
"I do, we've been over this, I just like him all of him." Enjolras replied.
Éponine paused for a moment, smiling mischievously "You sound like Napoleon-lover."
"I do not," And then he added, "And, if I did, at least I don't spout nonsense like," Enjolras changed his voice then in perfect imitation of Marius, "about how his voice sounds like music or he makes me want to sing every time I see him or how his hotness rivals the sun or that his face is as handsome as a Disney prince."
"Nicely adapted." A deep voice spoke from behind Enjolras. Éponine was trying to hold back her laughter
"Thanks." Enjolras said with a glance behind him and carried on, unaware, "The way he dances could challenge faeries or that I'm going to stalk him down until he loves me or…. Wait…" Enjolras spun around, his face paling as he realised who it was who had spoken, "Shit."
The artist stood there in the doorway, he gave Enjolras a small and awkward wave. He had his hands in the pockets of his paint stained jeans, a big green hoodie adorned his frame as did a white V-neck t-shirt. His curly hair was half-contained by a green beanie, and from under the inky curls, his green eyes were staring at Enjolras.
Enjolras who had horrendous bedhead, Enjolras who was a red t-shirt and blue boxers with the superman logo on in various places, Enjolras who, according to Éponine, looked like shit, Enjolras who probably had bags under his red, bloodshot eyes.
"I'll leave you two boys alone then." Éponine chuckled to herself as she slipped off the counter, sidled past Enjolras and then crossed the kitchen to squeeze past Grantaire to her escape. They briefly heard he take out and her phone and say, "So, Couf, you owe me for that bet on our fearless leader and beloved cynic…" before she slammed the door shut behind her.
They stood in silence, both not sure what to do.
Enjolras gulped, better to rip the plaster off then peel it slowly, his face filling with colour, "H-how much of that did you hear?"
Grantaire turned his head to the side a little as he mocked thought, "I'd say….um, well, about… all of it."
Enjolras nodded, he stretched his fingers out, but kept his hands at his side, "Right… so I guess I can't deny any of it."
"You could try." Grantaire pointed out because he always had to point out the opposing view, "But I wouldn't believe it."
Enjolras nodded, "No, I didn't mean that. I don't want to deny any of it, I want you to know how I feel and if you don't return my feelings that's fine, I'm not going to give them up right away so I'll just pine from a distance, but I promise I won't try anything, especially if it makes you uncomfortable-"
"Enjolras, stop." Grantaire cut him off, he took a step into the kitchen, "It doesn't make me uncomfortable because… because I've been crazy about you since about half an hour after I met you."
Enjolras stood still and blinked before his lips turned up involuntarily, "Really?"
Grantaire smiled then too, "Really."
Enjolras' smile faded, "But last night… I'm sorry for messing up and accidentally making you think I was dating Combeferre."
"I'm sorry for assuming you and Combeferre were together and for storming out last night, instead of listening."
"Combeferre and I are most certainly not a couple, just to clarify, the thought actually makes me feel slightly nauseous." Enjolras told him.
"Good." Grantaire smiled, "Well, not like good, but good for me."
"Good for you indeed." Enjolras nodded and took a step closer to Grantaire, "So, where do we go from here?
"Well, as it seems we both like each other…" Grantaire took a step closer, so there was only a little space between them, a few more steps until they met.
"And we've established I'm not in a relationship." Enjolras took a step closer.
"Nor am I." Grantaire smiled taking another step. They were a step away from each other.
"May I kiss you?" Enjolras said, taking a half step forward.
"You may." Grantaire nodded, he took his half-step and suddenly they were toe to toe.
"This feels so surreal." Enjolras grinned, he reached a hand up to cup Grantaire's cheek as they stared into each other's eyes. He moved forward, biting his bottom lip whilst smiling in an incredibly cute way, his nose touched Grantaire's and their foreheads rested against each other. Grantaire smiled back and felt his face heat up.
"You're telling me." Grantaire replied breathlessly, it felt like a dream, too good to be true.
"I'm going to kiss you now." Enjolras told him.
"About time." Grantaire winked, Enjolras blushed slightly and turned his head, he closed the few centimetres between them as their lips touched, it did not take long for the kiss to deepen, as they explored each other's mouths.
Their hands moved, Enjolras' ended up in Grantaire's unruly hair and Grantaire's were wrapped around Enjolras' waist, pulling the blonde ever closer. Their tongues tangoed as they kissed and pulled back only when they needed air.
They grinned stupidly at each other.
"Do you want breakfast?" Enjolras asked, then added with a glance at the clock, "Or more appropriately lunch? The café down the road is really good.
"It sounds grand." Grantaire grinned.
"Alright, let me get showered and dressed really quickly and we can go." Enjolras smiled.
"Can I join you in the shower?" Grantaire smirked.
Enjolras laughed, "Not on the first date, 'Taire."
"I'll sketch then." Grantaire said, moving to sit on the same counter Éponine had sat on earlier.
"See you in a bit." Enjolras smiled, he moved over to Grantaire, giving him a kiss on the cheek before departing for his shower.
Grantaire sat in a daze for a moment watching after Enjolras, he grinned as he pulled out his phone. He sent a text to Éponine telling him of her thanks and explaining what had happened- she wanted details after all – a number of ridiculously long text messages later, Enjolras returned to the kitchen, showered and dressed and looking as stunning as ever.
The blonde started chuckling to himself slightly.
Grantaire frowned slightly though his smile was still on his face. "What is it?"
"It's just kind of funny that you thought I was dating 'Ferre." Enjolras laughed, kissing Grantaire on the cheek, "Especially because he has a huge crush on 'Ponine."
"Really?" Grantaire asked, his eyes wide with the revelation.
"Yeah, do you think there's any chance between them?" Enjolras wondered aloud.
"Maybe not quite at the minute, with Éponine hurting still from Marius, but I think she'll get there, she's always admired him and how 'he keeps his shit together so well', which is a direct quote, by the way." Grantaire replied. "I think he'd be good for her."
Enjolras hummed, "I hope they get there, we need to encourage him to comfort her broken heart."
"Let's discuss over lunch." Grantaire smiled, he entwined his hand with Enjolras and kissed him lightly on the lips.
"Or we could stay here…" Enjolras grinned, his eyes drifting to his bedroom.
"Not on the first date, Enjolras." Grantaire exclaimed in imitation of Enjolras' earlier statement.
Enjolras just laughed and pulled Grantaire along next to him. They were still grinning like lunatics and they loved it.
It was a few weeks later after the whole group had gone out for the night to celebrate Marius and Cosette's engagement, even Éponine had gone as part of her 'Get Over Marius' scheme, she had spent the time away from the newly engaged couple and mainly with her other friends.
Music was pounding loudly, lights were flashing as people gyrated on the dancefloor. Grantaire smiled as he saw Coufeyrac pulling Jehan onto the dance floor, both slightly flushed, but grinning, Combeferre was stood with Éponine who was in a drinking competition with Bahorel, Bossuet and Musichetta, Joly was flapping around and making sure they drank water between each shot. Feuilly was chatting to a pretty girl, Cosette and Marius were kissing in the middle of the dancing people and Enjolras, Enjolras was by Grantaire's side, watching their friends too.
Grantaire chugged the rest of his beer, before setting the empty glass down on the table, next to Enjolras' – the blonde had let himself go and had drunk two beers, which was why he was smiling so warmly and trying to hold the cynics hand every time he could. This time Enjolras grabbed Grantaire's hand and pulled him up, Grantaire's face contorted in question, Enjolras merely smiled
"So you said you wouldn't teach my boyfriend how to dance with me," Enjolras said, thinking back to the words Grantaire had said that night, "But, I think you'll have to teach your boyfriend how to dance with you. I've heard he's not very good."
"I've heard that too." Grantaire grinned, "Well, there's a perfectly good dance floor, do you see him around?"
"No, but I can take his place, then pass on what I learn." Enjolras laughed.
Grantaire mocked thought, "Alright, I think I can work with that, you're about similar heights."
The brunette pulled the blonde along to the dancefloor. As if by chance, the DJ played a slow song and Grantaire took it as a prompt to teach Enjolras to slow dance. They stood face to face, Grantaire moved Enjolras' hand to his shoulder whilst he held the other just to the side of them and he made sure Enjolras form was perfect before placing his hand on Enjolras waist.
"Eventually you're going to be leading since you're taller," Grantaire explained, "But for now you'll have to be led by yours truly."
Enjolras simply nodded as Grantaire slotted their feet into position and gently start swaying them to the beat of the music, he lead with both his hands and feet, gently telling Enjolras what he was doing, they moved around the dance floor together.
Enjolras barely heard a word Grantaire said, but made none-committal noises where it seemed appropriate, to make it seem like he was listening. He, instead, was content watching Grantaire's face. The way his mouth curled around the words he said, the way his inky black curls fell over his face as he looked down to draw attention to their feet, but mostly he was captivated by the sparkle in Grantaire's green eyes, they were filled with confidence, happiness and love. Enjolras was sure that if he had not already been infatuated with Grantaire, the look alone in the cynic's eyes would have made him fall head over heels.
Grantaire looked up then, pausing in his explanation as he saw Enjolras expression, which could only be described as dreamy. His eyes were filled with affection as he watched Grantaire with such a scrutiny it made Grantaire blush, his blonde hair caught the club lights that made it seem to be different colours at once. He had not even noticed Grantaire had stopped speaking which made Grantaire smile.
Grantaire took the chance to drop Enjolras' hand, in favour of wrapping it around the blonde's waist to pull him closer. Enjolras was stunned back to reality and he moved his hands from Grantaire's shoulder and side to curl them around the back of the cynic's neck, Grantaire moved his head to rest on Enjolras' shoulder, the blonde hummed contentedly and nuzzled his head against Grantaire's hair, inhaling the smoke, paint and apple smell.
Grantaire pulled back after a minute, his nose bumped against Enjolras as they moved. Enjolras took the moment to bring their lips together, Grantaire gasping which allowed Enjolras to explore his mouth. Their tongues fought for dominance as they kissed, neither willing to give in due to their stubborn natures. They pulled back when the bothersome need for oxygen got too much and then they just danced, nose to nose for a bit. Both too absorbed in each other to notice their friends snapping pictures on their phones and swapping money for their bets.
When the songs changed to something more upbeat and faster, they slipped off the dance floor, they did not get far before Coufeyrac and Cosette stood side by side, their arms crossed and stern expressions on their faces, Marius stood behind Cosette trying to tug her away and Jehan was behind Coufeyrac with an equally stern expression.
"So it seems you've both forgotten to mention a single important detail." Coufeyrac said
"Well, not so single," Cosette raised an eyebrow, "Apparently."
Both Enjolras and Grantaire blushed. Enjolras glanced at the cynic and took his hand in his own. Jehan saw and beamed.
"We can explain…" Grantaire replied.
"Right you will." Coufeyrac answered as he turned on heel and moved to a table with Jehan, Cosette gestured for the pair to go and she soon followed, because you did not go against Cosette, when she was mad she was five feet of unstoppable terror.
"So…" Cosette announced as she sat next to Coufeyrac – Jehan was on his other side and Marius was hovering around behind Cosette – opposite the couple who were holding hands tightly. Combeferre and Éponine migrated over from where they had been talking.
"Tell us everything." Coufeyrac started.
"And no one gets hurt." Cosette added whilst she innocently wrapped an elegant finger in one of her long, golden curls.
Grantaire fought the urge to visibly gulp as he began to articulate the story, but Enjolras beat him to it, "The whole story or the condensed version?"
"Whole story." Coufeyrac scoffed, "Who do you take us for?"
"Wait, I'm going to get Musichetta and Bahorel, they'll love this, plus 'Rel owes me money." Éponine declared as she rushed off.
"So you're official?" Combeferre asked, his hazel eyes sparkling with interest behind his glasses.
Grantaire and Enjolras shared a look and they smiled, Grantaire turned to Combeferre, "It looks like it."
"We've not really discussed it, we've been busy..." Enjolras trailed off with a devious smiled. Marius flushed bright red and hurried off, Cosette audibly went 'awwh', Coufeyrac, Jehan and Combeferre laughed.
"How long?" Cosette asked.
"Two weeks." Grantaire replied instantly and Cosette cooed some more.
Éponine returned with a grinning Musichetta and a hurt looking Bahorel.
"'Taire, you didn't tell me!" Bahorel bellowed, the offense clear in his voice.
"We didn't tell anyone." Grantaire replied.
"I'm hurt, does our boxing and drinking partnership mean nothing now?"
Grantaire rolled his eyes.
"Story time!" Coufeyrac demanded, reminding the others of a belligerent child. Jehan pressed a kiss to his cheek and moved onto his lap when Musichetta elbowed him over so she could sit down. Bahorel stood behind her, with a sad face, Combeferre stood with Éponine who was smiling behind Cosette, who was sat like an interrogator, and Coufeyrac who was biting his lips in excitement.
Enjolras and Grantaire both took a deep breath before launching into the story together, explaining what they thought at each point. Éponine butted in with bits Grantaire and Enjolras glossed over, the others interjected with questions every so often and they demanded Enjolras do his Marius impression, which he did – Cosette almost cried with laughter at how accurate it was. The others were clearly happy for the new lovers as their harsh expressions were softened into smiles.
After a good hour and a half of interrogation, drinks and death threats about if the one broke the other's heart– Combeferre, Coufeyrac on Enjolras' side, Jehan and Bahorel on Grantaire's with Éponine, Musichetta and Cosette on both sides – they called Bossuet, Joly, Feuilly and Marius over to swap money for bets, they finally dispersed from the club.
Grantaire and Enjolras went back to Enjolras, Combeferre and Coufeyrac's apartment – Coufeyrac went to Jehan's and Combeferre went to stay with Éponine, everyone gave them looks, but they both assured everyone that nothing like that would happen, and knowing Combeferre's gentlemanly qualities, nothing would. They talked about their ragtag group of friends before falling asleep curled up together in Enjolras' bed.
Over the next year they became almost inseparable, though they still argued at meetings (the arguments lacked venom and generally were just debates now), it was clear they were both very happy and all their friends were supportive. They were so in love it was no surprise when a year later at Marius and Cosette's wedding, it was not Coufeyrac or Musichetta that caught the bouquet – not that they did not put up good fights for it – it happened to be Enjolras the flowers fell to.
The blonde had looked at his boyfriend with his face red, Grantaire had simply gotten down to one knee, much to everyone else's delight and pulled out a ring and asked four words. It was safe to say Marius and Cosette were not the only ones celebrating that night.
This is a little oneshot that's been lodged in my brain ever since I discovered the song 'I'm Not Going To Teach Your Boyfriend How To Dance With You' by the band Black Kids, I thought it fit them perfectly.
Anyway, what do you think? Feedback is very valuable.