Chapter Text
On the surface, one would hardly be able to tell this about Enjolras, being as collected as he appeared the majority of the time, but he was a major procrastinator.
Which inevitably led to him blindly stumbling into his kitchen without his glasses one Wednesday morning, cracking his hip bone on the breakfast table just as the coffee maker went off, spilling fresh, aromatic, steaming coffee onto the countertop with a hiss.
Oh, that’s right. He’d forgotten a cup.
Shit.
This all started with Enjolras pulling an all-nighter to finish a simple essay for his Criminal Justice class that he should have, by all accounts, had ample time to finish, if not for this incorrigible habit of his. One thing leading to another, he slept through all five alarms, waking up to this wonderful surprise fiasco.
Enjolras silently cursed his extraordinary ability to get everything done at the last minute.
Then his elbow bumped right into the burning coffee spill and Enjolras uttered another string of curses, not silent this time.
Fifteen minutes later, he was out the door with clothes, laptop, and wow that was fifteen minutes of his life he’d never get back.
He shot a quick text to Combeferre before sprinting halfway across campus for his morning class, doing his best to not attract stares as he slid into his seat. He received only a disapproving look from Prof. Lamarque, which, as far as Enjolras was concerned, was disaster avoided once again.
He had most definitely not learned his lesson.
* * *
Enjolras didn’t get a chance to check his phone again until after the hour-long lecture, at which time his stomach was already uttering some very loud protests in impolite terms.
(Wednesday Morning)
(8:53) Proofread my speech for the rally on Friday?
(8:53) Attachment: 1 file(9:19) is that honestly the best you could do? and thomas paine? really? isn’t he a tad outdated?
What the hell was that supposed to mean?
Enjolras clicked on the link and proceeded to gape at the screen. Large chunks of text were crossed-through or highlighted. There were comments, too. They were right to the point and brutal and—Enjolras realized with a jolt—definitely not Combeferre’s. He was willing to admit that whoever had done this had put in a lot of effort. Not a single sentence of his remained untouched.
He was able to overcome the initial shock within just a few seconds, which in his defense, was a pretty impressive feat in itself. Surprise quickly turned into irritation, however.
(12:25) You could have just told me I had the wrong number. You didn’t have to go and deface my entire speech.
(12:28) don’t tell me i went through all that effort without even getting a simple “thank you” in return. i didn’t even charge you for reading through that painfully ostentatious tirade
(12:29) You didn’t have to respond if all you wanted to do was insult me.
(12:30) no one’s forcing you to respond either
(12:30) i think you’re just salty cuz you don’t wanna admit that my comments improved your speech. by a lot.
(12:31) I fail to see how your unenthused and overly sarcastic comments help reinforce my arguments.
(12:31) they don’t “reinforce” your arguments because they point out the inherent flaws in your reasoning. if you want more specific examples, refer above to your entire paper
(12:32) And why exactly are you so convinced that our cause is futile?
(12:33) because no offense, but from what i know, you are all just a bunch of broke college students. no one’s gonna take you seriously, especially if it’s about politics
(12:34) I’ll admit, there will always be people who scoff upon younger generations and their attempts at a better tomorrow. Just because you yourself are disinclined to fight back does not speak for everyone else. We each need to be the change we want to see, no matter how insignificant the results may seem.
(12:34) emphasis on insignificant
(12:35) Look, you have your opinions, but that does not mean that our cause is worthless. I am grateful you took the time out of your day to read my speech, and I only hope you can profit from it.
(12:37) sure thing apollo. you’ll be first to know when i sell your sweet words on the black market
(12:38) That’s not my name.
(12:38) never said it was
(12:39) Don’t call me that then.
(12:39) anything you say apollo
(12:40) Fine. Be that way.
(12:41) like having the last word, don’t you?
(12:47) alright, point taken
Wednesday Afternoon
(2:36) For your information, I was in class. Which I had to hurry to, seeing as you took up most of my lunch break.
(2:55) again, no one forced you to talk to me
Wednesday Evening
(6:52) You should consider coming to our meeting tomorrow. It’s at Café Musain, 7:30 pm. I think you’ll find it insightful.
(7:08) we’ll see
Thursday Morning
“Who are you texting?”
Enjolras scowled down at his coffee. “No one.”
That only seemed to encourage Courfeyrac, who was trying to surreptitiously peek over Enjolras’s shoulder. “In that case, I’ll have no choice but to assume that you paid for a one night stand last night but your ravishing good looks and formidable virility left them begging for more.”
That earned him an eye roll and a cuff to the back of the head. “Come on, Enj, you can’t keep something like this from us!”
“He can, actually,” said Combeferre as he walked into the kitchen. Enjolras was pretty sure he’d never been more grateful for his best friend in his entire life.
Courf grumbled something that sounded a lot like “traitor,” even as he greeted his boyfriend with a chaste kiss that quickly turned a lot less innocent.
“Really? Right in front of my coffee?”
“Sorry,” grinned Courfeyrac, in a tone that was very much not sorry. “I have to go to work anyway. But it’s like I keep telling you, Enj, you really, really need to get laid.”
This time he danced out of Enjolras’s reach, appearing completely unfazed by the death glare he was receiving. “Later, suckers!” echoed in the hall as the door slammed shut after him.
Enjolras let out a sigh. He loved Courf to death, but one of these days, love might not be the cause of his friend’s demise.
“He means well.”
Enjolras stared at Combeferre, who was stirring his coffee with much more concentration than was necessary. “I know that. Just like I know that you want to say something right now.” When Combeferre still didn’t respond, he heaved another sigh. “Whatever you’re going to say, might as well get it out now. It can’t be much worse than anything I’ve already heard.”
Combeferre frowned. “You know I’d never force you to tell me anything you’re uncomfortable sharing. It is, however, quite obvious there’s something on your mind.”
Enjolras pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration. “It’s this guy.”
“I’m afraid you’re going to need to be more specific,” Combeferre replied drily.
“I met him when I texted the wrong number—I was meaning to text you, actually, to help me proofread my speech—but by the time I realized my mistake, he had already gone through and edited everything, with everything not even being an exaggeration.”
“And that is a bad thing?”
“Yes! Well, no, it wouldn’t be a bad thing except he believes society is incapable of change. He quite literally, said, ‘I think it’s cute how valiantly you’re fighting for a lost cause.’”
“Why don’t you try inviting him to our meetings?”
“I have tried. He doesn’t seem interested.”
“Whatever you think is best, then. I will say that you’re not the type to give up easily.”
“I just don’t understand him. How can anyone care as little as he does?” Enjolras stopped himself before he could go on another rant. He took a deep breath. “I suppose we should at least give him the benefit of the doubt. Who knows? There’s still a chance he’ll show up to the meeting tonight.”
Thursday Night
(10:20) We got off to a bad start. I would like a chance to start over, if that’s alright with you.
(10:22) My name is Enjolras. I’m currently a political science major at the University of Corinthe and co-founder of Les Amis de l’ABC, an activist organization. We hope to make an impact on the world and provide a voice to minorities, which is also part of the reason I intend to pursue a career in politics.
(10:22) I would like to learn more about you as well. What are some of your hobbies and interests?
(11:01) whoa at least let me buy you dinner first
(11:02) why the sudden urge to know me?
(11:07) I told you, I want to redeem my behavior from earlier.
(11:08) are you sure this isn’t another attempt to get me to go to one of your meetings?
(11:09) I assure you that is not my intention, although I could hardly be opposed if you were to attend. Even if you did miss today’s meeting.
(11:09) wow i’m flattered
(11:09) don’t worry your pretty head about it. all is forgiven
(11:13) You never answered my question.
(11:14) sorry apollo, but my life isn’t nearly as interesting as yours
(11:15) Humor me.
(11:15) well since you asked so nicely…
(11:16) i’m an art major
(11:18) That’s it?
(11:18) i’m sorry my field of study isn’t good enough for the esteemed future politician
(11:19) That’s not what I meant, and I’m sorry if I offended you. I was only asking you to elaborate.
(11:26) i play guitar. and i box sometimes
(11:27) Oh, that sounds interesting. I used to play the piano when I was younger.
(11:28) nice.
(11:49) goodnight apollo
(11:50) Goodnight.