Alone at last… Enjolras turned, slowly. He had been aware of Grantaire's eyes on his back, and he finally decided that facing him would be the less awkward position. He examined his companion. The blanket was pulled up to his chin, the empty soup bowl placed off to the side. The only visible part of him was shaggy brown hair, curling gently over wide, unruly eyebrows, medium blue eyes half hidden by thick, dark lashes, a wide, strong nose, full lips, mighty and rough chin. Those eyes were fixed on him, clamoring for answers.

For the first time, Enjolras couldn't meet those eyes. When scorning Grantaire, or shaming him, or anything but this, he had no trouble meeting them, or anyone's. Grantaire licked his lips, a strange habit of his when nervous. Enjolras looked up, then down again, then up, at least five times. Finally, staring at the path worn in the carpet by years of pacing, he spoke. He tried to keep his voice as flat and empty as always, but some anger, fear, and concern leaked in.

"Where were you?"

Grantaire flinched, disappearing further under the blanket, evidently expecting a harsh reprimand.

Enjolras sighed. All his years of cruelty and humiliation had caught up at last. Earning this hurt being's trust would be difficult, even with the amount of adoration. "I-I'm sorry."

Grantaire had never heard his idol apologize. To anyone, let alone him. He frowned, slightly. He still felt extremely light headed; perhaps he had imagined it?

"I'm sorry." Enjolras repeated, more firmly.

"For what? For having me here?" The harsh retort escaped, unbidden. The large, pained eyes filled with tears, bringing out subtle tones in the blue.

Enjolras shook his head, blonde ponytail swinging until it rested on his shoulder. "No, not for that. Never. You know what."

Grantaire thought back to that night, weeks ago. The roles were reversed, and he didn't like it. It wasn't meant to be this way. But, he part was cast, he had to continue the play. "Tell me." Much gentler than Enjolras had spoken those same words. Enjolras had wanted to hear the answer; Grantaire needed to.

"I—for—" Enjolras paused, swallowed, straightened his cravat and shoulders, and shook himself lightly. "For treating you so harshly. For kissing you, for driving you from me."

Grantaire closed his eyes, spilling the tears down his rough cheeks. He needed this, but he couldn't handle it. He extracted a hand from the covers, raised it, and beckoned Enjolras closer. Without thinking, Enjolras obeyed. Grantaire placed the hand on Enjolras' arm, pulling him closer. Still, as if someone else controlled his body, Enjolras bent. Raising his head slightly, Grantaire whispered, as if ashamed by what he had to say, "Never be sorry for the kiss."

Enjolras gasped, drawing away.

Another tear fell down Grantaire's face, and a rough sob escaped his throat. He turned away, showing Enjolras a length of his back.

Enjolras gently rolled him back, staring down at that rough, obstinate face. He smiled, filling his already angelic features with godlike radiance. "No, mon cher, I don't." With that, he leaned down again, watching astonishment, awe, and love cross Grantaire's countenance. He bent further, until their lips touched. Grantaire's were so rough from these weeks of neglect, but still soft and warm. Enjolras felt the other man gasp, falling limp. Slowly, gently, Enjolras slid his arms under Grantaire, lifting him to himself, feeling Grantaire melt into him. He kissed more deeply, pressing lightly with his tongue. Hastily, Grantaire opened his mouth slightly, forcing Enjolras to work his tongue in, working, tasting. Grantaire sighed softly. Opening his eyes, Enjolras realized the other had fallen asleep. Smiling benevolently, Enjolras pulled back carefully, releasing his charge. He gently pulled the covers higher, smoothed Grantaire's hair on the pillow. Still smiling, he knelt by the side of the bed, watching his dark love sleep. Feeling more at peace than he had in years, Enjolras allowed himself to also claim sleep.

(next chapter will be called Unbending…this is mostly for me, but anyway…)