An Endearing Annoyance - Enjoltaire

One-shot

"God, he's insufferable!" Enjolras slammed his books down on the table, startling Combeferre out of his dozing.

"Who? Grantaire?"

"Who else? All he does is sit there in the corner of the cafe, skeptical and annoyed by everything I say! Did you see him at today's meeting?" Enjolras led a small group that protested against unfair laws and called for change. Grantaire seemingly wanted nothing to do with the meetings, but he always showed up last minute, poking fun and grinning at the blond leader during breaks.

"Calm down, Enjolras. He isn't causing trouble and believe me, he isn't annoyed by your meetings." Enjolras pursed his lips, unconvinced. "I'll talk to him, maybe he'll listen to me for once. He isn't all bad, trust me."

"Okay..." Enjolras reluctantly agreed, relaxing his stance into a less defensive one. "I just feel like he's mocking mine. Here we are trying to rally, and he sits there, rolling his eyes and drinking wine."

"I think you're overthinking it. Wait till tomorrow. Just get a good night's rest, alright?" Combeferre pushed the blond away gently, yawning as he watched Enjolras walk up the stairs to bed.

***

The next night the meeting was in full swing, with loud cheers as Enjolras orated. Grantaire had shown up, but instead of his customary greeting of winking at Enjolras, he sat down at his usual table, a frown on his face. It seemed as though he was in deep thought, but Enjolras almost felt like the brunet was brushing him off. It angered him for some reason. Still, he'd started the meeting, and now there was no stopping it.

When Enjolras felt it was time for a break he paused, letting the others grab drinks and talk amongst themselves during their ten minutes. While it was still loud, Enjolras could've sworn he heard a sigh. Usually in its place was a teasing comment, but that was replaced by one of the most depressing sounds he'd ever heard. He turned to look at Grantaire, who had no bottle and seemed sober. And upset. This was a first. Why Enjolras worried about that, he didn't know, but he walked towards the man, picking up a bottle for him on the way.

"Grantaire?" He called out to the brunet, who met his gaze with dulled eyes.

"What's up, Apollo?" Grantaire propped up his head on a hand, chin against the heel of his palm.
"You're unusually sober and dejected tonight. Something you need to tell me?"

Grantaire snorted, the rough sound turning into another sigh. "You think I'm pathetic, don't you?"

Where did this come from? "No? Why would you think that?"

"Combeferre told me what happened last night. You were mad at me."

"I was just a little aggravated, that's all." Enjolras suddenly felt awkward, but that feeling was soon replaced with anger. Why should he justify anything he said about Grantaire? "I don't understand why you're always distracting me during meetings, though." These words came out with a bitter tone that surprised both of them.

"Distracting?"

"Yes!" Enjolras snapped. "Always winking and teasing and mocking me when I start talking. It's distracting, like you want me to fail and make a fool of myself."

"Enjolras, listen. I didn't mean to-"

"It's bad enough you come here, but then you open your mouth with a stupid comment, and I mess up. You upset and fluster me, and I hate you for it!" Enjolras knew he'd gone too far with that phrase, but it felt good saying it.

"Say it again." The look on Grantaire's face was stormy, his grey eyes bright as he held Enjolras' gaze.

"I..." Enjolras hesitated. "I think I hate you."