The next few weeks, the boys grew immeasurable closer. Not only did they spend every possible waking hour with one another, talking, laughing or working; but they also slept chastely beside each other in one or the other's bed nearly every night. Both boys took pleasure in holding the other close and breathing in his scent, and drifting off bathed in the other's steadily radiating warmth.
Occasionally, they would kiss gently, more often on the cheeks, forehead, or eyelids than on the mouth. Henri loved to press his lips to his friend's lovely white neck and give an affectionate nuzzle on a sleepy morning. Julien sometimes had trouble reining in his affection in public. So passionate a soul was he that he sometimes felt compelled to kiss Henri. When he made a particularly clever observation or joke, for example; or when Julien caught him fiddling with his spectacles, poring over a textbook or an essay, his heart clenched within his breast, and he felt an overwhelming desire to display his affection. Julien had to keep a firm grasp on his emotions to avoid any awkward situations.
Professor Cheverny, to his immense satisfaction and pride, noticed this increasing intimacy. Sometimes, when it was just the three of them in a room discussing the latest issue from class or, more often, the latest uncensored text he had given them, the boys would feel comfortable enough to hold hands. Likely, it was unconscious most of the time, the Professor thought objectively. Those two simply had to touch.
The final months of the school year passed in a flurry of tests, essays, and assignments. Somehow, though, Julien always found time to read up on politics and start a lively common-room debate. Henri became increasingly involved in Julien's political efforts, and they would often sit and discuss the flaws of the monarchy. He no longer felt guilty participating in these seditious tirades. On the contrary, he felt it was his duty as a loyal Frenchman to make his country the best that it could be.
One balmy May night, about a week after Professor Cheverny had given them some American and French Revolutionary documents to study, the boys sat up in the common room talking.
"Henri, I simply can't get over what Monsieur Jefferson wrote in the American Declaration. It is our duty, Henri, to reform this government of ours. A government that leaves its people to rot in the streets while its monarchs live in luxury! And Robespierre thought so too! He rebelled against the monarchy in favor of a Republic! A beautiful, fair republic, where every man had his rights!"
"But Julien… I – well – don't you remember what Monsieur Cheverny said in class? Robespierre was responsible for the Reign of Terror. Julien, rivers of blood ran in the streets of Paris! Blood of innocent Frenchmen!"
"They were far from innocent!" Julien snapped passionately. "Don't you understand, Henri? They were greedy tyrants who betrayed their country!"
"But Julien, not all of them were so! Robespierre – he did not care whether one was innocent or not. He killed men if there was even a shadow of a doubt as to their loyalty! Often without trial!"
"Henri! I cannot believe I am hearing you say this. Robespierre was a hero who saved France from a tyrannical ruler! We must do the same! We cannot allow France to continue on in its present state of misery. We have to fight!"
"And what then?! Say we do win this fight, what then? Become like Robespierre?! Julien, there is a reason that the Republic failed. In defeating a tyrant, Robespierre became a tyrant himself!"
Julien's nostrils flared with fury, and livid spots of color appeared high on his cheeks. "Henri, what that man did was completely justifiable for the liberty of France! The end justifies the means!"
Henri stared back with smoldering determination. "No. There is always another way. Blood need not ever be spilt. I would not let one drop of your precious blood be spilt, no matter what the cause may be."
"Henri…" Julien murmured, gaze softening at his friend's display of concern. He reached out to touch Henri's arm, but it was wrenched away.
Henri glared over his shoulder, then turned and muttered darkly, "And look where all that blood has left us. Struggling once again beneath a tyrannical reign." Henri whipped around then, and Julien could see tears welling up in his eyes. "I'll not let yours nor anyone else's blood go to such a waste!" Then he turned and rushed away, yelling pitifully, "I'm going to bed!"
"Henri!" Julien called after him as he stormed out of the room. The blonde-haired boy considered chasing after him, but thought it better to leave his friend alone. He sat brooding for half an hour before heading to bed himself. They did not speak, and Julien did not join Henri in his bed that night.
The next morning, there was a palpable tension between them. The boys dressed silently in their room, awkwardly aware of each other's presence. But neither spoke a word. Finally, just as Henri was about to go down to breakfast, Julien broke his silence. "Henri, wait."
Henri stopped where he stood, but did not turn to face Julien. He continued. "Henri, you mustn't be upset with me about last night. I spoke my true feelings, I will not deny, but my political views are worthless in comparison to how dearly I value your friendship. Please, forgive me. I was so caught up in my own opinions that I forgot to listen to yours. And your opinion is something I distinctly value, ami. In fact, nothing I preach could ever come to fruition without you. I need you to be always by my side, through better or worse. And, who knows? You might end up saving me from some awful fate I have not the foresight to avoid. Yes, knowing my own short-sightedness when it comes to these matters, I have no doubt that you will rescue me from some irreparable blunder. I need you Henri. Come back to me."
Henri, who had turned during this genuinely apologetic speech, was truly touched that Julien would be willing to put aside his politics, something so dear to him that it quite defined his nature, for his friendship. And, to be perfectly honest, Henri hated to fight, and wished the conflict to be finished. He would leave his concerns to the side until he had need to call upon them again. For now, he said, "Of course, cheri. I am sorry too. Shall we put this behind us?"
Practically glowing with relief, Julien nodded. "D'accord," he said simply, and together they descended the stairs.