A Franc or Two - Les Misérables [IN EDITING]

A Dance to Remember - Chapter 29

The next morning was a breeze. You felt like nothing in the world could be more perfect. The moment you woke up, after you had changed into the dress (that Enjolras had quite graciously bought you), you found yourself staring in the mirror a little longer than usual.

Something about the night before made you feel beautiful.

Enjolras was off running errands the next morning, but that didn't stop you from returning to Le Café without a care in the world- and everyone took notice.

"[Y/N]!" Grantaire exclaimed, holding a glass of water in his hand (you later discovered that you had inspired him to give up drinking... for now, at least). He looked you up an down for a moment, perhaps trying to see if you had changed anything about yourself, and he just blinked up at you after a moment. "You look... really happy."

"Oh, thank you, Grantaire! It'$ just a really good day," you said with a smile. You were quick to sit down at his table, and it was quickly evident that your euphoria had rubbed off on it.

"Well, it really is, now that you're here," he chuckled. He took a sip of his water and, as if he suddenly remembered something, practically choked on it before setting the glass back down. He wiped his chin. "Oh! That's right!"

You were a little confused as he reached under the table, but the moment he came back up, you noticed that he was holding that same book in which he drew your picture.

"I had this in case you were coming," he said with a chuckle. "I mean, you're probably the only person who will ever think that my art is good, but-"

"Oh, quiet, Grantaire," you said with a smile. "I'm sure hundreds of other people will think so, too."

"Sure," he said quickly, rolling his eyes as he quickly changed the subject. Well... sort of unintentionally, that is. He froze in place, stood up, and began to pat himself down. "Oh, hell. You have to remind me to draw you later... I don't think I have a quill on me."

"That's alright," you smiled. "I mean, isn't your memory practically impeccable, anyway? You were able to draw me after I went to lunch with you... and even though it wasn't my most flattering expression, it was quite beautiful."

Grantaire smiled.

"Oh, you're just being polite," he said, though seeming to accept your compliment (even if just a little). "But... really. Thank you."

"Of course."

Grantaire smiled over at you, and after he took another sip of his water, an idea crossed your mind.

"Grantaire- can you give me another piano lesson?" you asked, leaning in slightly as a smile played on your lips. "I've been thinking about it for quite some time, actually. It was really quite fun."

"Isn't it?" Grantaire asked with a chuckle, running a hand through his hair. He turned around in his seat. His chair creaked from how quickly he did this, and after a moment of craning his neck, he turned back to you.

"Well... There's someone at the piano already," he said. "But once he leaves, then certainly."

As if the timing had been perfect, an upbeat, jolly tune began to echo throughout Le Café.

Your smile wilted. However, it wasn't purely because you were disappointed- it was because that song reminded you an awful lot of a time that you thoroughly enjoyed.

"Oh... that's... a little unfortunate, I might say."

Grantaire, seeming to immediately take note of your sudden disappointment, pushed away from the table and stood up.