The summer holidays were fast approaching, and Julien had had something in mind.
"Henri?" he began one evening at supper. "I have been thinking."
Henri turned and looked at his friend. He nearly always liked Julien's ideas. "What is it?" he asked.
"Would you like to spend the summer with me in Provence?" Julien asked nervously. Quickly, he qualified his enquiry. "I mean, it wouldn't have to be all of the summer, for I am sure you would like to go home and see your family, but I –"
Henri's face broke out into a wide grin. "Julien, I'd love to. I cannot wait to meet your family. I shall write my papa, and you shall write yours, and it will all be settled!"
Julien laughed in relief and excitement. "Good, for I do not think I would last another summer without you." Julien immediately flushed and cast his eyes downward, realizing how plainly he had just displayed his true heart. Henri gently touched his arm, giving him a tender glance that told Julien he need not be embarrassed. With this simple gesture, Henri had effectively said, "I feel the same way."
The boys diligently organized a month-long stay at the Enjolras' home. Sooner than either of them could believe, they were in a carriage on their way to the beautiful vineyard chateau. They talked and laughed the whole way, even as their carriage jostled them over ruts in the road. Yes, even when they had to get out in order to push the coach out of the mud, they were in good spirits. They were together, and that was all that mattered.
After all too long on the road, the Enjolras estate was finally in sight. Henri stared around him at the beauty of Julien's home. The lush gardens under the summer sun, the horses in their pasture, and the great white house just down the lane – For the first time, Henri was slightly embarrassed about his social status. Henri's family may have been upper-middle class, as his father was a successful doctor, but his wealth was nothing to this. The Enjolrases were part of the aristocracy. He decided he would not make Julien uncomfortable by mentioning it, however, and instead exclaimed over the house's beauty.
"Julien, it is wonderful!" Henri truly thought it was.
Julien was nearly bubbling with excitement. "Oh, Henri, just wait until I show you around! We shall have such fun! I am so happy you are here with me." He gave Henri a tender smile and, unable to contain himself, a quick kiss on the cheek before they came to a complete stop at the front doors. Henri grinned, pleased, but did not have time to kiss Julien in return before the doors to the carriage were opened, and they were walking towards the grand house. All of the prominent servants had come up to greet them at the doors and to take their things inside.
A young footman presented himself to Henri, saying, "Excuse me sir, but I will be taking care of you during your stay. May I show you to your rooms?"
Henri, abashed at being so tended to, did not quite know how to respond, but Julien swooped in and saved the day. "There will be no need for that Remi, thank you. I would like to show Monsieur Combeferre around the house myself."
The footman bowed politely, saying, "As you wish, Sir," and went to help with the trunks.
Julien beckoned Henri after him, and led him up the stairs and down a long corridor. "Here are my rooms," he said, gesturing to the right as they reached the end of the hall. "Yours are just across."
Julien opened the door and led Henri into a small but elegantly furnished sitting room with a fireplace. This room led into a the bedroom, similarly furnished. "I hope you like it, and that it is comfortable for you," Julien said with a host's sense of modesty.
"Of course, thank you." Both were silent for a moment, awkwardly formal, knowing that others were nearby. Henri, deciding to soften air, pulled Julien to him and hugged him tightly before releasing him with a kiss to his flushed cheek. The boys shared a brief grin, but then they were interrupted by a flurry of activity as their trunks were brought in and unpacked.
"Henri, it is nearly time to dine," said Julien. "Dress, and whoever finishes first will come and get the other, and then I will lead you down to the dining hall. My parents are, I am sure, eager to meet you."
Henri nodded and they did just that. Henri finished dressing before Julien and came out into the hall, knocking gently on his friend's door. Julien opened the door bare-chested, with two shirts draped over his arm and beckoned Henri in. Henri could not help but flick his eyes over Julien's leanly muscled torso, which tapered attractively to a boyish waist at his hips. His dear Julien really was a wonderful specimen. "Henri, which should I wear? I like this one's ruff better with this waistcoat, but the other is better for warm weather," he said, holding each shirt up in turn.
"Wear the one most comfortable. You'll look wonderful in either." Henri smiled quietly and continued. "You always look wonderful."
Julien flicked off the compliment lightly with a small hand gesture and laughed. "You think me handsome, Henri, cheri?"
Henri answered in earnest. "Of course I do. I love everything about you."
Julien's eyes shone at such a display of affection and he crossed to Henri. He gently brushed his fingers against his dearest friend's neck and cupped his cheek. "Henri, my dear," Julien whispered, "You are the loveliest creature ever to exist. I love every bit of you, too."
Gently, Julien pressed his mouth against Henri's. It was not often that they kissed like this, on the lips, and it was normally gentle and slow when they did. Today was no exception. The boys moved their lips tenderly against one another's. Somehow, though, Henri felt like it wasn't enough. Maybe it had been seeing Julien half-bare, or maybe it was how happy he was to be here with him, but Henri was suddenly overwhelmed with the urge to be closer to Julien. Closer than close. Wrapping his arms around the small of Julien's still bare back, Henri pulled the blonde's hips to his. He then reached one hand up and tangled his fingers in Julien's golden curls and pressed ever closer. Henri's spectacles momentarily got in the way, but he promptly removed them and stuck them in his breast pocket, chuckling gently. Julien chuckled with him. Then he drew Julien's still smiling face back into a kiss once more. After a moment, Henri made up his mind. Experimentally, he took Julien's lower lip between his own lips and sucked gently.
Julien gasped and his eyes fluttered open. Henri, concerned he had done something wrong, began to pull away. "Non, non, Henri," Julien whispered quickly, pulling Henri back into the kiss. To Henri's distinct pleasure, Julien attempted to do the same thing to his own bottom lip. Obviously he had done something right. And, indeed, the brunette liked this newfound intimacy in their kissing. Emboldened, Henri licked lightly at Julien's mouth, and Julien gave a soft sigh and leaned in closer. Feeling it was somehow the right thing to do in response to Henri's lapping, Julien opened his mouth. Henri did not miss the invitation, but was still unsure. Tentatively, he pressed his open mouth to Julien's. When their tongues met, a thrill went down both boys' spines. Growing more comfortable by the second, the two kissed more passionately than they had ever before, exploring one another's mouths enthusiastically. When they broke for air, they heaved in gasping breaths before plunging back into their newfound pleasure. Henri absolutely adored the approving hums and throaty little groans he elicited when he kissed Julien this way. Julien absolutely adored the way Henri flushed from neck to forehead, his freckles even cuter when smattering rosy cheeks.
Presently, however, there was a knock at the door, and the boys flew apart. "Monsieur Enjolras, sir. Dinner will be served in 10 minutes," a footman called through the door.
"Ah, oui, un moment," replied Julien, flustered, as he quickly threw on his light summer shirt. At first he fumbled with his buttons, still shaky with the heady pleasure of kissing Henri, but after a few deep and steadying breaths, he managed to button his shirt calmly. He then finished dressing, tucking in his shirt, and buttoning his waistcoat and dinner jacket.
Henri flopped onto the bed and put his spectacles back on. He watched Julien dress, not lustfully, but lovingly. He smiled happily as he gazed at his dearest. It was a wonderful thing to know you loved someone, and he loved you in return. When Julien had finished dressing, he turned to Henri, catching his gaze. They shared a joyful look. A look that spoke of love, laughter, and promises yet unsworn. "Shall we go down, then?" asked Julien.
"Yes, I think we shall."