Three days passed with no progress on Enjolras' condition. He'd gone through surgery fine - flatlining only once. Grantaire had felt his own soul fluctuate, then once more when Enjolras proved to be okay.
By day five, Enjolras was moved out of the ICU. He was given a room all to himself, partially, Grantaire thought, for the privacy, and partially because of all the cards, flowers, and stuffed animals that were being carted in. At all times, there was at least one security guard stationed outside the room to prevent unwanted people from entering.
Oh, how the media swarmed. They ate up the story of the peaceful student protesters who had been shot at, the daring leader who was in critical condition after taking a bullet right through the chest. Enjolras became the star of the local and national newspapers, his pretty face pasted nearly everywhere. In fact, there was almost no coverage about the actual shooter - or the girl who had died, or the five others mildly injured by gunfire.
On day eight, Enjolras awoke and the very moment that his blue eyes fluttered open, Grantaire knew something was wrong. Usually Enjolras would have looked past Grantaire or through him, never properly seeing the other man. But, with all the pillows that had been propping Enjolras' head up, the man had clear sight of Grantaire.
"Where am I?" Enjolras asked, trying to look around. His eyes turned bitter at the sight of all the brightly colored gifts. "What happened?"
Grantaire approached the bed, sitting towards Enjolras' feet. He couldn't help but think that maybe, just maybe... No, what was Grantaire thinking?
"Can you hear me?" Enjolras asked, his voice cool.
"You're talking to me?" Grantaire asked.
"Of course. Who else would I be talking to?"
"And you can see me?" Grantaire stood up excitedly, his image fading some before replanting itself.
"Are you a nurse here?"
"No."
"I'd suggest leaving, then."
"But you can see me."
"What are you playing at?"
"I'm just surprised, that's all. My name is Grantaire."
"Enjolras."
"It's lovely to finally meet you."
"Finally?"
"I attend your rallies, and a few meetings."
"Ah."