A Franc or Two - Les Misérables [IN EDITING]

Try to Smile - Chapter 49

After the interaction with Courfeyrac... Well, ironically, things became more awkward than they had been before.

The two of you hardly had any words to exchange once Rosamonde had gone away. You honestly felt bad for her.

Part of you was happy that she left. Of course, there was the fact that you and Courfeyrac had the chance of things being as they once were, but it also had to do with respect for Rosamonde. She was true to herself and knew what was best for her- which, in this case, was not marrying a man who was in love with someone else. It was an admirable quality...

However, the other part made your heart writhe with guilt.

She didn't deserve what had happened... And though you knew that it could spare her from heartbreak further on, the blow was probably unparalleled at that point. She somehow managed to handle it exceptionally well.

While you were still shaken by the intensity of the moment, Courfeyrac was sick because of it- and after a moment of deep breathing, he massaged the bridge of his nose and let out a long sigh.

"I'll see you the next meeting, Mademoiselle," he said. "Have a good night."

He waited a few seconds before heading up the stairs, down which more people began to file out, and you were soon greeted by Grantaire.

He bashfully glanced down at you.

"Oh— I have something to give to you," he said, his lips parting into the ghost of a smile. Forced smiles seemed to be everyone's expression for the night. "I brought it in case you'd be here."

"Really?" you asked. "You brought me something?"

"Well... I mean, yeah," Grantaire said, pausing for a moment to recall if he had worded things correctly. Though he wasn't as drunk as he usually was, the alcohol still took the slightest but f a toll on his brain. "Did I say that wrong?"

"No, Grantaire," you chuckled. "I just... I didn't expect anything. That's really kind of you."

"I know," he joked with a hint of a chuckle. The poor man was struggling so hard to be happy. "I think Madame H is holding onto it. I'll go ask really quick."

He jogged off to find Madame Houcheloup, who was now lost in the now abundant crowd, and you were quick to decide to meet up with Enjolras now— just so he could know where you were.

He was still waiting on the sofa.

The moment you came through the door, his gaze pricked up again, and he stood up.

"Are you ready to leave, [Y/N]?" he asked, his arms wrapping around you once you were close enough. He leaned down to press a kiss against your cheek. "I'm exhausted."

"Almost," you said, leaning into him. You gently ran your fingertips up and down his back. "Grantaire has something to give with me— but as soon as I get it, we can go, alright?"

He simply nodded, resting his head on your shoulder for a few moments before letting out a soft sigh.

"Alright," he mimicked, his grip remaining the same. "Might I come with you?"

"Certainly..."

Sure enough, the both of you found yourselves making your way downstairs— and Grantaire was waiting for you right at the bottom...

And in his hands was his notebook.

He frowned slightly when he saw Enjolras following behind you, but he was quick to hide that by glancing to the floor, shuffling backward to give you room to go down the stairs.