A Franc or Two - Les Misérables [IN EDITING]

Lovely - Chapter 18

You were unbelievably happy by the end of the night. Grantaire even let you keep the drawing of yourself— and even though it wasn't the most flattering face of yours, you certainly appreciated it.

You had almost forgotten about your return to work.

"You seem pensive, [Y/N]," Grantaire said with a wink and a smile, resting his chin on his fist. He was clearly mimicking the same tone you had used when he was debating whether or not you were in love with Courfeyrac.

You practically jumped in your seat.

"Well, shit— you look like you just got shot at," Grantaire said. His amusement was quick to snowball into concern. "You alright?"

"Yeah, sorry," you said quickly, sitting up and flashing him a smile. "I'm alright."

Grantaire rolled his eyes.

"Oh, that's bull," he said, his eyebrows furrowing. He leaned over the table to speak with you in a more hushed tone, balancing on his elbows and probably using plenty of upper body strength. "I know when someone's mind is full. Mine's full all the time... what's wrong?"

For a man who was so talkative, he really seemed to know how to read people.

You began to blush.

Profusely.

Did you know why? Of course not. But looking at Grantaire, you could tell that he genuinely cared a lot— which was still something you were getting used to.

"It's... well, it's a little embarrassing," you said, trying to think of some sort of excuse.

Grantaire laughed a little.

"Please. It's not like I'm going to judge you or anything," he snickered. "Do you even know me?"

You gave a chuckle... a nervous one, of course, but a chuckle nonetheless.

"Well... Whether you know me or not I know I don't like people pressing into my personal matters, so I won't push you to tell me," he said. He pushed out from the table. "I'll see you around yeah?"

You nodded.

"Yeah, for sure," you said— this time, offering a genuine smile. Grantaire gave a slight wave as he headed to the coat rack, picking up his coat and smiling back at you.

"And don't get frostbite again," Grantaire said as he slipped his coat back on, chuckling a little as he glanced back at you. "Or— if you do— let me know so I don't think you died or anything."

"I will," you chuckled. "See you, Grantaire."

He waved to you again before opening up the door, letting some cold air in before he walked out.

You let out a long sigh...

Your warm thoughts that you shared with Grantaire were stifled by those of worry for the future, and what Timeo would do to you.

While he didn't bother you when Courfeyrac was there, this was the first time you would be returning to work completely unaccompanied— and, while you would never admit it at this point, you were going back because it was the one place you could live. An extra franc or two definitely didn't hurt either, but it was the one place in the world that you could have to yourself— even if it was for just a moment.

Snow began to flutter beside you. Thanks to the fact that it had rained earlier, it wasn't sticking to the ground (which had practically frozen over by this point), it was just absolutely disgusting out— and you realized that this was the way you would be spending Christmas.