Notes: I am using their names as first names just because I couldn't come up with anything I felt fit well enough. This is also turning out to be much longer than expected. So yay? Anyway, if there's anything any of you want to see in this, let me know, and I'll include it if it works. Thanks for reading!
Grantaire's weekend passes in a fog of weed and booze. He doesn't go to the bar again, instead opting to have people over to his and Marius' apartment the night following his encounter with Enjolras. Had he any way of contacting his Apollo, Grantaire would have invited him as well. Debating with him had been the highlight of Grantaire's week, but not even Marius knew how to get a hold of him, which made Grantaire a little sad, though he'd never admit it.
Come Monday, Grantaire is nursing a terrible hangover caused by his weekend of excess. He has an appointment with the head of the Classics department who just so happens to be the wife of Professor Valjean. He's dreading it because he's not at all prepared and he's sure that she'll mention his presence in her husband's class and quite possibly his run in with Enjolras. Nonetheless, Grantaire is chugging water and sitting outside her classroom, waiting for her to finish her current meeting.
Finally, the door opens and out steps a young blond girl, who smiles at Grantaire on her way by. Grantaire smiles back, just to be polite and then heads inside of the small office. He nods at his professor as he sits down across from her. Fantine Valjean smiles at him and saying, "Hello, Grantaire."
"Hi," he says as he sets down his things. They exchange pleasantries but then it's time to get down to business. His head pounds and his eyes blur but getting a meeting with Fantine is hard, so Grantaire is just going to have to suffer through it. "I was wondering if I could run my essay idea by you," he says.
"Oh?" She says, smiling at him. "I'm definitely looking forward to this."
Grantaire nods and flips to some of his notes. "As you likely know, I'm taking your husband's Great Political Questions class and I feel like it's going to be fascinating," he says smoothly. He knows that the only reason he's going to be interested in it at all is because of Enjolras' presence there. He honestly couldn't care any less about the subject matter. He just knows that he's knowledgeable about it and that he devours these books like they're a life sustaining force, filling him with for a time when it seems like nothing else will. He sees why they matter and why they're still studied and he knows how to act like he cares, he just doesn't.
"Oh yes, Jean had mentioned that to me. He said that you and another student went head to head in the very first class," she laughs. "I can't say I'm surprised."
Grantaire grins because he's certainly not surprised either, since he's done that in pretty much every single one of his classes since he'd started post-secondary school. This one had just been particularly good because Enjolras was so passionate, even when absolutely wrong. What can he say? It's a curse. "Anyway, I am finding myself to be quite interested in the way that classical texts have shaped modern politics. I plan to start with ancient Greece and work my way up through Just War Theory and enlightenment and anti-enlightenment thinkers..." He shakes his head a little in order to clear it, but that just causes it to ache more. He winces at the nausea that rises in his stomach and hopes that Fantine won't notice.
Fantine's eyebrows rise and she looks at him straight on. "That's quite the thing to tackle. Perhaps you should think about focusing more on a few works instead of so many. You need to narrow your topic," she suggests, "But it is a good idea and I look forward to reading it."
Grantaire nods, agrees to maybe cut down the subject matter a little before they speak further on the matter. He makes another appointment with her and then bids her farewell. Soon, he heads out to find himself some more water and perhaps some painkillers. He would head to the pub for a beer because he knows that the best way to take care of a hangover is to drink more, but he has class in ten minutes and doubts he'd actually have time for it. He slides into his seat just before his class starts and is shocked when he sees that Enjolras is beside him. Enjolras hadn't been in this class the week before but here he is, sitting with his back straight against his chair and his things neatly organized in front of him. Grantaire glances over at him and Enjolras looks back and grins widely when he sees that it's Grantaire. Grantaire has no idea what he's done to deserve such a look from Enjolras but he returns it and resolves to argue with him more, if this is the result.
He really shouldn't be as surprised by Enjolras' presence as he is, it is Social Justice which is yet another class that Grantaire had decided to take in order to improve his average. While Grantaire had decided to take this class in order to play the devil's advocate and debate with people who thought that they knew everything but were actually quite clueless, he knows that Enjolras is here because he truly believes that complete equality and social justice is something that's possible to achieve. At least now Grantaire knows that he'll be up against someone competent, someone who has actually read the texts. He feels a lightness in his chest at the realization that perhaps this class may be exactly like the other. He's just about to say something to the blond when Enjolras stands up and walks over to their Professor.
Grantaire watches as they exchange words because somehow his Apollo looks even better this week than the week before. He's still wearing that fitted red jacket but dark jeans underneath this time instead of khakis. His hair is still perfect, curling against his ears in the most delightful way but somehow, he seems to be exuding even more confidence this time. Grantaire's chest tightens when Enjolras' eyes meet his and his cock actually twitches because of the look they exchange. He has no idea how he's going to be able to handle being in the same class at Enjolras more than once a week now, not if his dick is going to be an asshole and get hard every time the blond looks at him. How in hell is he supposed pay attention with Enjolras sitting beside him, being so goddamned passionate and attractive? He'd think that the gods were cursing him, if he believed in them.
Fortunately, he's pulled from his thoughts when their professor begins to speak. If she can actually manage to pull his thoughts away from Enjolras for a moment, it bodes well for his grades. "Hello class," she says, "This is one of your colleagues and he'd like to make an announcement before we get underway." She turns to Enjolras and says, "So, I'll let you introduce yourself," and then steps back, slightly.
Enjolras smiles at the class and Grantaire feels his heart flutter, breaking his concentration once more. Grantaire longs for that smile to be just for him, just like the one Enjolras had given him before class, and the weak one he'd flashed Grantaire at the bar. Their eyes meet again and Grantaire could swear that Enjolras' smile widens, if only slightly. Immediately, Grantaire is enraptured with the man that stands almost directly in front of him, drowning in his presence with no thought to even hope for rescue. .
"As many of you already know, my name is Enjolras. I've recently been working on the Pride on Campus committee and I'm happy to tell you that we finally have an event planned. Next Friday night, we're going to have a pub night. There will be a five dollar cover charge but all of the proceeds are going to go to Pride on Campus, so really, it'll be worth it. That way, we can have more events like this in the future. Doors open at ten, bring your friends whether they're queer or just supportive. I can't wait to see everyone," he states and with every single word, Grantaire's eyes widen further. He'd begun to think he'd imagined that almost-kiss that fucking Marius had interrupted but it seems that he may not have, after all.
Even if he hadn't dreamed it, Grantaire hadn't thought that maybe Enjolras had been serious about it, that maybe his Apollo is gay too. At the time, that had been too much to hope. But now, here he is, standing in front of the classroom, basically admitting his sexual preference to everyone there. It's only now that Grantaire allows himself to hope. Perhaps those smiles mean something, after all. The thought makes Grantaire warm inside. He can just imagine it now, passionate arguing about politics and philosophy and then equally passionate fucking afterward. He imagines that they can't keep their hands off of each other, that they continue to debate even in the throes of passion. Grantaire feels his face warm before he attempts to push the thoughts aside. Now is not the time to be entertaining these scenarios.
As he sits back down, Enjolras catches Grantaire's eye again. "Can I talk to you at break?" he asks. All Grantaire can do is nod. He doesn't think he'll ever be able to refuse Enjolras anything and the thought is absolutely freeing. Grantaire doesn't think he's ever felt so strongly for something in his life.
Finally, the class starts and Grantaire can pull his thoughts away from his gorgeous neighbour and focus. All he has to do is refuse to look to his left and he can almost forget that Enjolras is beside him. That is, until Enjolras' thigh brushes against Grantaire's and his mind is gone off again, into the place where he's allowed to run his fingers over those dark blue jeans under their shared desk. Fortunately, this happens directly before they're permitted a fifteen minute break.
Enjolras slides his chair closer to Grantaire's and his sun god possesses all of his attention once more. Grantaire has no idea what this is about but he hopes that Enjolras wants to revisit their exchange from Friday night, this time in one of their beds without any clothing present.
"I was wondering if you want to help, for Pride night," Enjolras says quietly.
Grantaire raises an eyebrow, "what makes you think I'd have any interest in doing something like that?" he asks. It's not that he doesn't have any interest. He'd gladly help organize a Pride night if only to stare at Enjolras' ass from the base of a ladder, but he doesn't care about promoting it or even going, aside from the fact that it's easier to find bed partners at things like that.
"Oh, I just thought that you..."
Grantaire gets it. He almost laughs at the way Enjolras' face falls. "I am, definitely. Gay, that is," he admits. "I'm just not fond of labels, or organized clubs. I mostly just go to this type of shit for the booze and the possibility of getting laid."
"Oh..." Enjolras replies. He bites the bottom of his lip and Grantaire's breath catches in his throat. He wishes he were the one biting on that moist, pink patch of skin. His own mouth waters at the thought. "Well if you change your mind..."
That decides Grantaire. "What the hell," he says, "I'll do it." He wishes he could say that he has no idea why he's agreeing to this but he does. It's because Enjolras asked him and he's absolutely consumed by him despite being aware that being too close to the sun will inevitably result in being burned. Grantaire doesn't care. He'd never been one for self-preservation.
As soon as the words leave his mouth, Grantaire is faced with an absolutely beautiful vision. Enjolras completely lights up and starts chattering on excitedly about all the things that need to be done and all the things Grantaire can help with. He does this for most of the break and even Grantaire feels himself beginning to want to do these things, if only to see Enjolras look this excited all of the time. Grantaire doesn't even want to think about what he'd do to have this look etched permanently on Enjolras' handsome face.
"And you should give me your phone number and your e-mail," Enjolras finishes.
Grantaire smirks and raises an eyebrow, "Oh yeah?" he teases. "Whyever for? Do you want to ask me out on a date, dear Apollo?"
"What did you call me?" Enjolras asks with a frown and Grantaire laughs. "Whatever, and no, it's so that we can discuss your tasks before Friday," he says. His tone is dismissive but the look on his face contemplative when Grantaire mentions them going on a date. Grantaire's heart positively soars.
Since class is just about to start, instead of audibly answering, Grantaire snatches Enjolras' notebook and scribbles his name, number and e-mail address down. Beside his name he writes, 'for a good time' and draws a heart. He watches as Enjolras rolls his eyes upon its return and can't seem to keep his grin at bay for the rest of the class.
He tries to catch Enjolras after their lesson but the blond begs off, saying that he has another class to get to and quickly disappears down the hall. Although Grantaire would have liked to spend more time with him but accepts his departure since now Enjolras has many ways to get a hold of him. He stops by the liquor store on the way and buys a bottle or two of wine so that he can enjoy himself while reading iAntigone/i. He figures he might as well get into the Greek mindset while he does his homework; this has always seemed to help him in the past.
He's just poured his first glass and settled down into the comfiest chair that he and Marius own when his phone dings from across the room. Grantaire curses wildly and imaginatively at having to get up from his chair. He's sure that it's Marius. His roommate has a knack for interrupting Grantaire at the worst possible moments. Like that time when he was getting a blowjob in the shower from Courfeyrac, or that time when he was in a beer chugging contest and had ended up losing because Marius had burst in and caused Grantaire to spit his mouthful all over his opponent and himself. Most recently, Marius, ifucking/i Marius, had interrupted when Enjolras had been about to kiss Grantaire. He thinks that in comparison to all of the other times Marius has managed to ruin something for Grantaire that one is the worst. Now Grantaire will never know if his sun god would have followed through. All he can do is hope that he gets another chance to find out.
When he finally gets to his phone after almost tripping over the stool and falling into the wall in order to avoid the stool, Grantaire sees that it's not Marius after all. He doesn't recognize the number and briefly considers abandoning his phone in favour for wine and classic literature until he remembers who he'd given his number to earlier that day and then he scrambles to access the message. He'd been right, it is Enjolras, asking him to make an advert for the Pride night. Somehow, Enjolras had learned that Grantaire is artistic, particularly with photoshop and wishes to purloin his skills. Grantaire doesn't know whether or not he should blame Combeferre for this, or thank him, since he's the only one who has ever seen Grantaire's work out of all of his friends and he knows that it must have been him that told Enjolras even though Grantaire hadn't even known that Combeferre and Enjolras knew each other.
Before he answers, Grantaire adds Enjolras into his phone under 'Apollo' and considers his response. He's sure that he'll do it, eventually, but he doesn't want to tell that to the blond straight out. He decides on a reply, iI'll do it. How about we meet and discuss the particularities/i
Enjolras answers quickly, agreeing and suggesting a cafe near his apartment. It's a bit of a walk for Grantaire so he asks that they meet in a half an hour and then sets about getting ready once Enjolras agrees with the plan. He considers quickly draining his glass of wine but decides against it. He knows that he can order a shot of Bailey's in his coffee once he gets to the shop if he wants to, which is something he already wants.
Grantaire grabs his ipod and his wallet and heads out after locking the door behind himself. When he arrives at the shop, he sees Enjolras sitting in a corner and holding a ceramic mug in his hands. Of course Enjolras wouldn't be using something disposable. It seems like if there's a cause to stand for, Enjolras is the first to sign up. Grantaire purposely orders his coffee (of course with the Bailey's) in a paper to-go cup and then saunters over to where his handsome new friend is sitting.
Grantaire grins when Enjolras scowls at his cup. "Hello, Apollo," he says.
Enjolras' gives him a confused look but otherwise doesn't mention Grantaire's nickname for him. This makes Grantaire grin, since it seems like he's going to get away without explaining it for a bit longer.
"So you wanted to discuss the flyer?" Enjolras prompts.
Grantaire nods and drinks from his spiked coffee. "What I'm mostly wondering is why you would pick me, of all people," he replies.
Enjolras looks perplexed for a moment, like he doesn't understand where the question has come from at all. He bites his lip and Grantaire's breath catches. "You're gay," he states.
"Yes," Grantaire nods. "So?"
"And you have the skills to help. Don't you want to bring more awareness to campus?" he asks. "Don't you want us to be able to be out and safe? That's what Friday is about, having a safe place for us to be. Isn't that something that you want too?"
Grantaire most certainly notices how Enjolras had said 'us' right before he snorts and shakes his head. "I couldn't give two shits about the level of acceptance on campus. The only reason why I even go to pride nights is that it's easier to hook up because it mostly eliminates the guess work involved in finding a willing partner."
"Grantaire, be serious," Enjolras snaps. "Homosexuality is something that's been persecuted harshly over the years and it's only been recently that it's becoming more accepted. How can you not want to speak out for your friends? Don't you want to make things better? We don't have to sneak around anymore, we don't have to fear for our lives for acting on our love. We can be free, and love whoever we want to. How can you not want to promote that?"
"We are very different people," Grantaire says simply. He takes another drink from his cup, liking the harsh taste of the alcohol on his tongue.
"I'm starting to see that," Enjolras intones. His face is blank, the hope and passion wiped from it completely. All Grantaire wants is to see it come back so he leans forward, cups his hand around Enjolras' and smiles at him, this time without any form of mockery.
"This isn't something I'd normally do," he says honestly. "But this once, I will, for you." He lets go of Enjolras' hands at this point, not because he wants to but because he thinks that holding onto them longer will make it awkward. He reaches for his coffee cup instead.
"You don't make any sense," Enjolras accuses but his face has lost some of its hardness and Grantaire feels like he may be able to coax a smile from those perfect lips.
"Does me making sense matter?" Grantaire asks, just to be contrary. "I'm going to do what you want me to."
Enjolras smiles and shakes his head. "I guess not," he replies, "as long as it gets done."
Grantaire grins at him and pats his shoulder, saying, "exactly."
The blond breathes out and shakes his head, "do you have to be this difficult all of the time?"
Grantaire's smile widens and he tilts his head to the side. "Do you have to be so serious?" he teases, "I mean, I'm really good at having fun, I can teach you too, if you want."
Enjolras scrubs a hand through his golden hair, upsetting the curls and causing them to frizz slightly. Grantaire finds that he likes this look even more, now that his hair is a little messier, Enjolras looks almost 's even more attracted to the blond now. "There are some things that aren't jokes," Enjolras says finally and not even Grantaire feels the need to argue with him about it.
"What do you want on the flyer?" he asks instead, before sliding against the back of his chair.
At this, Enjolras brightens and starts describing the things they could do with it. Grantaire actually takes notes of what Enjolras wants it to say and nods along. Finally, it seems like they've discussed all of the points needed and it's time for each of them to go. As they head to the door and say their goodbyes, Enjolras clasps his hand, pats his arm, and smiles at him. Grantaire promises to deliver the advert by the next morning and returns the smile wholeheartedly.
On his way home, he takes out his phone and selects Apollo on his list of contacts. He quickly types out, iLife, liberty and the pursuit of property vs happiness, discuss/i and grins when the red light flashes almost immediately.
Enjolras' reply almost makes him laugh because it's so optimistic and hopeful that Grantaire almost doesn't want to reply with what he really thinks. iOne doesn't need property in order to achieve happiness/i.
Grantaire stops and lights a cigarette before replying, iof course you would say that but think about this, with money and property, you don't have to work four jobs to make ends meet and you have the leisure to actually enjoy yourself and reflect on the deep questions of the world. Having leisure is what brings happiness, and property helps along the way/i. He inhales deeply on his cigarette and continues on his way home. His phone beeps again but this time it's Marius informing him that he's at Courfeyrac's for a party and that the host is looking for him. Another time, Grantaire would absolutely be tempted. Courfeyrac has a talented mouth and soft lips and he always seems to want Grantaire in his bed but this time Grantaire has something other than sex or even alcohol to fill the void. His phone goes off again and this time it's Enjolras. Grantaire doesn't even bother replying to Marius before reading the reply.
iI can see some truth in your argument but with it you imply that people without property can't achieve happiness and I refuse to accept that. While I can agree that the pursuit of property may bring happiness to some, it serves only to bring grief to others which brings me to my original statement that one does not need property in order to achieve happiness/i. His reply makes Grantaire smile and almost makes him write back ican we make out now?/i but he doesn't. Instead he moves on to a different subject and they text back and forth for a while yet.
Once he gets home, Grantaire rescues his wine and heads to his bedroom. There, he pulls out the notes that he'd made while meeting with his Apollo and begins working. All the while, he and Enjolras continue to debate though they don't spend enough time on any single subject before moving on with the next argument. That evening, Grantaire feels far more satisfied than he has in a long time and he finds that he almost forgets about the wine in lieu of intelligent conversation with Enjolras.