Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

October 2013

His cat, Angel, had been meowing in his ear from the last five minutes, but he was trying to feign sleep for as long as possible. Eventually, the meowing started to grow on his nerves. Enjolras opened one eye to see the smoky face surrounded by white fur and blue eyes of his Himalayan cat, looking at him like she would murder him if she didn't get fed soon.

"I love you, girl, but you sure know how to drive your Daddy nuts." Enjolras scratched under her chin. "It's only"—he looked at his phone that was sitting on the bedside table—"6:10." He sighed. 

His alarm was going to go off in five minutes, so he might as well get up. Right as he was crawling out from under the covers, there was a knock on the door.

"Come in!"

"Good morning, Julien. I trust you slept well." The housekeeper, Mary, came in with his freshly cleaned school uniform and Angel's breakfast. Angel was fed twice a day. Once in the morning and once at night per the vet's orders. 

Mary had been the housekeeper for the Enjolras family since Enjolras was two-years-old. She was a kind lady in her 60's, and one of Enjolras's favorite people that worked for his parents. Mary had also given him Angel as his 13th birthday present. 

At first Enjolras's parents had been reluctant to allow him to keep her since she was a shedding cat. But after Enjolras swore to brush her every day, they allowed him to keep her.

"Thank you, Mary." Enjolras set Angel down on the floor right as Mary set the bowl of food down. "I slept fine. Didn't get to bed until late because I was working on homework."

Enjolras walked into the bathroom that was connected to his bedroom to do his business while Mary set his uniform out. When his cat finished, Mary bent down to get the bowl and walked toward the door as Enjolras came out of his bathroom.

"Breakfast will be ready in about a half hour." Mary turned back to him. "Oh, and don't forget that it is your first day of work after school today." Then, she closed the door. Enjolras smiled at the reminder of work.

Enjolras had refused to become like his parents, who had never worked for the money that they had. In order to do that, Enjolras had decided to get a job when he started his sophomore year of high school. So, after school that day, it was his first day of work at Lamarque's Wonder Emporium of Books and he couldn't wait to start. Lamarque was a family friend, and he had given him the job on sight when he had come in for the interview. 

He started his morning routine, which consisted of him washing his face, brushing his teeth, and running a quick comb through his golden ringlets. Then, he started to get dressed for the day.

Enjolras attended school at John F. Montgomery School. It was a 9-12 private high school that required their male/male-identifying students to wear tan khaki pants, a white button up shirt with a red and navy striped tie and a navy colored jacket with the school's logo on the left side of the chest. For the female/female-identifying students, everything was the same except that they wore a knee length red and navy striped skirt. Both groups had to wear navy socks and Doc Martens. Enjolras had tried more than once to revolt against the school uniform, but that usually ended with him in detention, with his friends being the only ones to join him.

Once he was dressed, Enjolras sighed as he leaned down to pet Angel, who was now lying on her cat tree. She didn't react, so he left her to her lounging. He went to his closet to grab a pair of jeans and a t-shirt, placing them in a drawstring bag in the design of the French flag. They would be the clothes he wore to work. Enjolras walked to his desk to place his textbooks and homework in his messenger bag before leaving his room to get some breakfast.

Enjolras walked into the kitchen, setting his bags down with Angel following after him. Mary had a plate of French toast and bacon waiting for him, along with a glass of orange juice. When he finished eating, he quickly did his breakfast dishes, grabbed his thermos of hot coffee, gave some more love to Angel, and then left the penthouse apartment to make his ride on time.

***

Across the city, in another penthouse apartment, the housekeeper, Ella, was trying to get Nicolas Grantaire up.

"Nic! You have five minutes to wake up until you are late for school!" Ella opened the bedroom door with a slam. Grantaire groaned before removing the covers from his head. "I better see you downstairs in three minutes or else I'm chasing you to school with a broom."

"Good morning to you, too," Grantaire muttered, running his hands through his curls and over his eyes. Ella's smile was tight when she closed the door.

Grantaire stood up to start getting ready for the day. He beat Ella's three minute threat by being downstairs in a minute and a half. She gave him a look that he had decided to call her: "you're-going-to-give-me-grey-hair-before-I'm-forty" look.

"Where are my parents?" Grantaire asked as he filled his travel mug with coffee.

"Your mom left," Ella said. "She headed down to the shelter to help them with the morning breakfast rush. Your dad is in his office working on how to beat Alphonse and Marguerite Enjolras in this year's Christmas charity drive."

"It's 7:30 in the morning. In October. A little early to worry about that, don't you think?" Grantaire asked.

Ella held up her hands in surrender. "Take it up with him, kid. I've washed my hands of the whole Grantaire vs. Enjolras thing."

"When is it going to end? Who cares anymore?" Grantaire sighed.

"Apparently he does." Ella gestured her head in the direction of the office.

"All I know is that I want no part in it. None." Grantaire grabbed his bag again. He kissed Ella on the cheek and left the apartment.

The rivalry between his family and the Enjolras family went back for as long as Grantaire could remember. From what he understood, it had started in the 1920s when his great-grandparents had apparently stolen land from François Enjolras and his wife, erupting in an all-out war between the families. It was a real-life Montague vs. Capulet, but without all the violence and death. The rivalry mostly flared up when it came to parties, raising money for charity, and other things. Grantaire wanted absolutely no part in any of it. The rivalry was between his parents and Alphonse and Marguerite. Not him.

Instead, Grantaire turned his attention to his music, art, dancing, soccer, work at Lamarque's Wonder Emporium of Books, and waiting anxiously for the release of City of Heavenly Fire, the final installment of Cassandra Clare's The Mortal Instruments (TMI) series. The book wasn't out until May 27th, 2014, but he was itching to get his hands on it to find out what happens to Jace, Clary, Alec, Magnus, Simon, and Isabelle. Grantaire planned on re-reading the series in January in order to have them all fresh in his mind for City of Heavenly Fire. But before that there was the release of The Shadowhunter's Codex at the end of October. He already had his tickets to the signing.

His friends didn't understand his love for these books and constantly teased him about it, but he didn't care. His friends could say whatever they wanted about them, and he would still love them as much as he did the moment he cracked the first book open.

He had been a fan of the books since January 2012. His parents had given him the first four Mortal Instruments books as a Christmas present, but at the time he had no interest in reading them. Until one day in January when school had been cancelled due to a snowstorm, he had picked up City of Bones on a whim, and finished it in a day because he had been unable to put it down. Then, he had devoured the next three.

After finishing City of Fallen Angels, Grantaire had done research on Cassandra Clare and her books to discover that there was also a prequel series called The Infernal Devices (TID). He had gone to the closest bookstore to buy them immediately after. After reading both series, he was hooked.

Once he had finished, Grantaire had done more research and found out that the fifth book in The Mortal Instruments series, City of Lost Souls, was scheduled to be published on May 8th, 2012, and with his mother's permission, he had pre-ordered it. Then, he had gone to the signing for City of Lost Souls, where he had met Cassandra Clare for the first time.

Now, his collection of Shadowhunter books that were signed by Cassie consisted of all five Mortal Instruments books (City of Bones, City of Ashes, City of Glass, City of Fallen Angels, and City of Lost Souls) and all three Infernal Devices books (Clockwork Angel, Clockwork Prince, and Clockwork Princess). He couldn't wait to add signed copies of the Codex and City of Heavenly Fire to that collection when they came out.

There was also The Bane Chronicles, a series of novellas detailing the life of the High Warlock of Brooklyn, Magnus Bane, that were being released individually in e-book form, and would be published in a print edition next year. Grantaire loved them because Magnus was his favorite character in the series and he loved learning more about his life. It sucked having to read them in e-book form, though, because he preferred physical books, but he lived with it in order to read more from his favorite author.

But as Grantaire entered the gates of the John F. Montgomery School, he put all that out of his mind as he walked up to the table that his friends were sitting at in the courtyard. He fist bumped Bahorel, Éponine, and Bossuet. Then, he did his secret handshake with Jehan and Joly and hugged Musichetta.

He had been friends with Joly and Bossuet since pre-school; Jehan since fourth grade; Musichetta since sixth grade; Bahorel and Éponine since seventh grade. He loved all of his friends dearly. He could not live without his friends. The only thing Grantaire didn't love very much was their need to party and bend the rules because they were all considered Manhattan's elite.

"So, what are we doing tonight?" Bahorel asked.

Grantaire looked at his friend. "Um...you guys can do whatever you want to. I have to work.

Éponine groaned. "You always have to work."

"Yeah because I like my job," Grantaire replied.

"Fine," his friends all said.

And then, Bahorel noticed the group across the courtyard.

The friends of Julien Enjolras, the son of Alphonse and Marguerite.

Grantaire had always done his best to be civil with Enjolras, but their friend groups hated each other as much as their parents did, so there tended to be trash talking between the groups even when Enjolras and/or Grantaire tried to keep the peace between them.

As he glanced at Enjolras, he could admit that the 15-year-old was attractive. He had golden curls, a structured jawline, and a pointed nose. He was also lean, but very tall. From seeing photos, Grantaire knew that he had sky blue eyes. Enjolras definitely had looks that made boys and girls fawn over him. Not that Grantaire cared. Honestly.

Grantaire turned back to his friends and saw Bahorel open his mouth to yell something to antagonize them causing Grantaire to roll his eyes.

"Just leave them alone," Grantaire hissed.

Then, he stood up to walk into the school, moments before the bell rang. His friends followed after him.

***

Across the way, Enjolras was sitting at his usual table in the courtyard. He pulled City of Fallen Angels from his bag to read while he waited for his friends. Enjolras was in the middle of his end of the year re-read of his favorite book series of all-time. He was more than halfway through City of Fallen Angels already, and he couldn't wait to move on to Clockwork Prince.

His love for the books had started in September 2011, when he had started his last year of middle school. Enjolras had been lonely during that time due to all of his friends going to different middle schools than him. He had been bullied by a few kids in his class, too. As a way to cheer him up, his grandmother, Adeline, had taken him to a bookstore and told him to pick any book.

Enjolras had spent a good hour trying to find the perfect book. Then, he came across a book with a cover of a half naked man on it with the title City of Bones. He had no idea what it was about, but he had been drawn to the cover. He picked up the book, walked to his grandmother, saying, "This one." His grandmother hadn't questioned it, only led him to the checkout desk to buy him the book. Once they got home, Enjolras had started reading it immediately and devoured it within hours. Then, he went to find Adeline to gush about the book for hours.

The next morning, Adeline had told him that the book was part of a series and that the next three books had already been released as had another book that was part of a prequel series. She promised him that that day after school, they would go to the bookstore and pick up the rest.

After reading the rest of the books, it was safe to say that Enjolras was hooked. Adeline pre-ordered Clockwork Prince for him which was published that December and had bought him tickets to Cassandra Clare's book signing, so that he could meet her. And the more books that were released, the more Enjolras fell in love with them.

It was with the help of the books that Enjolras came to terms with the fact that he was gay when he was a freshman in high school. Enjolras been struggling to accept that he was gay when he first started to realize that he liked boys more than girls. But then, he remembered that Alec Lightwood, his favorite character, was just like him. Gay.

From the moment that he had picked up the books, Enjolras had felt a sort of kinship with Alec, but he didn't understand why. Then, it all made sense once he realized his sexuality. As he read about Alec's journey with his sexuality, it had helped Enjolras in knowing that he wasn't alone. That there were other people out there in the world like him. And now, he accepted himself and he was happy to be who he was. The only thing that sucked about it was his parents.

He had come out to his parents, accidentally, in the summer when they asked him why he wasn't dating anyone. Needless to say, they weren't as accepting as he thought they'd be. They pretty much said that they didn't care as long as Enjolras wasn't flaunting it by dating anyone. Adeline had been furious with her son and his wife when she first found out how they treated Enjolras when he came out to them. She had hugged him while he cried before going into their office and ripping into them. Suffice to say, it didn't do any good, but Enjolras didn't care. He had always loved his grandma more than his own parents anyway. But now, he'd be spending less time at home due to his job and he couldn't be more excited.

Enjolras was still reading when Combeferre approached the table.

Combeferre had been one of his best friends since they were toddlers. He had read The Shadowhunter Chronicles too, and while he had enjoyed them, it wasn't to the same extent as Enjolras. His best friend much preferred reading classical books.

Enjolras put the book away after Combeferre sat down. Then, after Combeferre arrived at the table, the rest of his friends, Courfeyrac, Feuilly, Cosette, and Marius, sat down too. 

Courfeyrac was his other best friend since they were toddlers; Marius was dragged into the group by Courfeyrac when they were fourth graders; he had known Cosette his whole life as her adoptive father, Jean Valjean, was a family friend and one of the history teachers at John F. Montgomery; Feuilly was a senior and had joined their friend group when he had to help Enjolras in woodshop class (a class that all freshmen were required to take). Needless to say, Feuilly has been his first crush and first kiss, but it had never amounted to anything more than that due to Feuilly being ace/aro. He had told him that well he was flattered by Enjolras's feelings, he explained why he wasn't interested and hoped they could remain friends. And while his crush on Feuilly had gone away, his admiration for Feuilly was still strong. How could it not be when Feuilly was resilient and never let anything get him down?

"Hey, Enj," Courfeyrac greeted.

"Hey." Enjolras took a sip of his coffee.

"You start your job today, right?" Combeferre asked.

Enjolras nodded with a smile. "Yep. I'm so excited. I can't wait to be surrounded by all the books."

Just then, they heard a ruckus from across the courtyard. Enjolras and his friends looked up and saw that it was Nicolas Grantaire and his group of friends. Enjolras turned back to face his friends. Not having any interest in starting something between them. Hell, he hated the rivalry between his own parents and Grantaire's. It made no sense to him. Okay, so someone stole some land. Big deal. It happened over 90 years ago, it was time to get over it. Enjolras just left his parents to deal with it. Grantaire had never done anything to him, and vice versa, so he treated him like they were civilized people.

It didn't hurt that he thought that Grantaire was one of the most handsome men that he knew. He had dark curls that hung over his green eyes. His skin was tan — something that came from his family being from southern France. He was short, but skinny and had some muscles, due to years of playing soccer in the fall and lacrosse in the spring. He also had some stubble and a slightly crooked nose. Some people probably would think that he was just average, but not to Enjolras. To him, Grantaire was gorgeous. Not that Enjolras would ever admit to thinking that.

However, their friend groups were a different story. They couldn't stop themselves from antagonizing each other, so there tended to be heckling and arguments between the groups every other day. For his group, he and Combeferre (he didn't care for or understand the feud between the families anymore than Enjolras did) tried to stop their friends and keep the peace, and Grantaire attempted to do the same with his own. Enjolras saw Bahorel open his mouth to say something, but then Grantaire stopped him, and just seconds later the first warning bell rang.

The warning bell was to warn students to start heading to their lockers to get their books since they only had five minutes to get to their classes once the bell rang. Enjolras stood up and headed for his locker to put his bags in. Then, he headed off to his biology class.

***

Arriving at Lamarque's bookstore, Enjolras opened the door and the bell above the door went off.

Where the bookstore looked small on the outside, it was actually quite large. It had sections upon sections of books with a staircase leading up to a second level. Next door was a small café that served coffee, tea, and baked goods. The café was connected to the bookstore by sliding doors, but also had an entrance to the street. The café had its own staff of workers separated from the bookshop, but it was still owned by Lamarque.

Lamarque had been operating the bookstore for over 30 years. He was 65, and Enjolras held him in a very high regard. Lamarque was everything that Enjolras aspired to be for so many reasons that he couldn't even name them all. It didn't hurt that Lamarque was also his godfather.

Lamarque was going over inventory sheets at the register when Enjolras walked in. He looked up when he heard the bell.

"Ahh, Jules. Right on time," Lamarque said.

Enjolras greeted him and eager to get started asked, "Where can I set my bags?"

Lamarque gestured behind the counter. "The lockers for personal belongings are right behind here. The only ones that aren't available are 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 16, 19, 21, 22, and 32. If you want a lock, you'll have to get one."

Enjolras walked behind the counter to choose his locker as 18, setting his belongings inside.

"The information for you to clock in with is right next to the register." Lamarque showed him how to clock in with his employee ID and password.

Lamarque started showing him what he was doing with the inventory sheets when the door opened again. The bell rang, catching Enjolras's attention and he looked up to see Nicolas Grantaire walk in the door. Lamarque looked up too.

"Hey, Nic," Lamarque said.

"Hey," Grantaire said, not being able to keep his eyes off of Enjolras. "And Julien."

"Hi," Enjolras said quietly.

Lamarque noticed the awkward greeting. He looked between the two. "Um, is your families' history going to cause problems with both of you working here?"

"No," Enjolras said.

"Nope," Grantaire agreed.

"Alright, good, because more often than not, you two will be working the same shift, especially once soccer season is done, so play nice," Lamarque said. "In the meantime, Nic, come clock in. I'm going to continue training Jules in."

"Yes, sir." Grantaire walked behind the counter to clock in.

But Enjolras was standing in the way, so when he turned to move, he bumped into Grantaire. They both stepped to the left, then to the right, awkwardly. Then, stepped to the left again. Until finally, Grantaire stepped to the right and Enjolras stepped to the left.

Lamarque watched the exchange, a small smirk playing on his face and thought, This is going to be interesting.

"Jules," Lamarque said, "come with me."

The first two days of work for Enjolras would be training for him. Training in inventory, stocking shelves, the register, and taking care of online orders. Currently, Lamarque was training him on how to take inventory. His inventory training lasted until his lunch break, then Lamarque trained him on how to work the register while Grantaire took to filling online orders.

Time seemed to fly by and before Enjolras knew it, it was closing time. Lamarque closed the register with Enjolras watching closely. Grantaire observing for security's sake.

One other person had to watch while the other counted the money to make sure nothing was stolen. Then, once the first counter counted it up, the observer had to, too, and sign off on the sheet of paper with the amount they each had gotten. Lamarque always recounted the money when he got in the next morning, just to make sure. Once it was all counted up, Lamarque went to his office to lock up that days' earnings. In the meantime, Grantaire collected his belongings from his locker as Enjolras clocked out. 

"Um...Grantaire, can I talk to you for a minute?" Enjolras asked.

"Sure. What's up?" Grantaire asked.

"I know that we agreed earlier that we can remain civil, but I just wanted to make sure you have no issues with my working here," Enjolras explained.

"Why would I have an issue?" Grantaire asked. "As far as I'm concerned, the feud between our families is between my parents and yours, not us, so I have no interest in starting anything with you."

"Okay. That's good to hear because I feel the same way about the feud," Enjolras said. Grantaire moved to clock out, then he walked around the counter to wait for Lamarque to finish. Enjolras scratched behind his head nervously. He cleared his throat. "Um...and I thought that while we are at work we should treat each other like any other coworkers would. Friendly conversation, but we know that neither of us really care. You get what I'm saying?"

"Yes, I do, and I agree. So, does that mean that I get to call you Jules?" Grantaire asked, teasingly.

"Only if I'm able to call you Nic? Only at the workplace, obviously."

"Obviously, but yes, you can call me Nic."

"And you can call me Jules."

They smiled at each other before Enjolras broke it, saying, "Well, I better get home. I'll see you tomorrow, Nic."

"See you later, Jules," Grantaire said.

Lamarque came out the back, so Enjolras called, "Goodnight, Lamarque!"

"Goodnight, Jules!" Lamarque called back.

***

Enjolras walked into the kitchen. Mary was in the middle of doing the dinner dishes. He kissed her on the cheek. He had greeted Adeline the same way after he walked in the front door. He ran his bags up to his bedroom before coming to the kitchen for his dinner.

"Hey, Jules." Mary smiled. "You have a plate in the microwave."

"Thanks." Enjolras headed for the microwave to heat up his dinner. "Where are my parents?"

Mary turned to look at him. "They went out for drinks with Combeferre's parents after dinner to talk business."

"Of course, they did," Enjolras said, pouring himself a glass of water. He took the plate out from the microwave. He saw that dinner was meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, and glazed carrots.

"Then, there's banana cream pie in the fridge for dessert," Mary said as Enjolras sat down to eat. "So, how was the first day of work?"

Enjolras shrugged. "Didn't do much other than be trained in."

Mary finished wiping her hands. She turned to face him as she started to dry off the pots and pans that didn't go in the dishwasher. "Of course. How was Lamarque? Did you know any of your coworkers?"

Enjolras set down his fork, taking a sip of his water. "Lamarque is good. As the owner, he's the one who is training me in. And while I'm sure Lamarque has many employees, I only met one." Mary waited for him to elaborate. "It's Nicolas Grantaire."

Mary's face turned tight as she nodded. "That must have been awkward."

"It was alright. I mean, neither of us want any part in the feud and we tend to avoid each other at school, and if we have to interact there, we remain civil, so I think we can do the same thing at work."

"Good," Adeline said as she walked in the kitchen. "I've only met Nicolas at a few functions before and he's always been kind to me. Sure, I've heard that he can be a bit of a…" she trailed off as she tried to find the right word. "Pardon the language, an asshole, but for the most part, he seems like a good boy."

"And hey, for all you know, you two could become friends and bring the families together," Mary said.

Enjolras looked at her, exasperated. "Yeah, like that's going to happen."

"Why do you say that?" Mary said. Adeline looked like she agreed with Mary.

"Because we have nothing in common. Other than the fact that we come from two families that hate each other for the dumbest reason ever." The sarcasm in Enjolras's voice was obvious.

"You never know. Stranger things have happened," Adeline replied.

Enjolras rolled his eyes, but his smile was filled with fondness as he stood up. "If you say so." He set the plate back in the sink while Mary got him a piece of pie. "I'm going to take the pie upstairs."

Mary handed him the plate of dessert and he headed upstairs. Once he left the room, Mary and Adeline gave each other knowing expressions.

When he got up to his room, he discovered that Angel was already in the room, laying on her cat tree. He scratched her under her chin, then went to sit down at his desk with his pie to do his homework.

***

Over the course of the next week, Enjolras finished his job training and now, Lamarque trusted Grantaire and Enjolras enough to leave them in charge once both had arrived for their shifts. He and Grantaire got along by only interacting when it was necessary and using pleasantries. Of course, that was helped by the fact that for the time being Grantaire only worked on Wednesdays and Saturdays due to his soccer schedule. But when they did work together they did whatever they could to not make it an awkward experience for those who came into Lamarque's store. Thankfully, there hadn't been any issues during school between their friends groups, so that allowed them to be able to work with relative peace between them.

In other news, Enjolras had finished City of Fallen Angels, and was currently on Clockwork Prince. He also had his tickets to Cassie's signing for the Codex, courtesy of Adeline. She had said that it was his birthday present from her. Enjolras's parents didn't understand his love for the series, so they had rolled their eyes when Adeline had given him the tickets.

Enjolras just wished that he could find someone that loved the books as much as he did. He only had his grandma to talk about them with, but that wasn't nearly as much fun because she hadn't read them. Right now, though, Enjolras wasn't going to worry about that. Instead, he was going to enjoy his dinner break as he read.

He warmed up his Tupperware container of leftover lasagna that Mary had packed for him and grabbed his copy of the book. He went to sit down at one of the chairs in the reading corner of the store, all with the timer set for 30 minutes. As he ate, he opened the book and started reading.

While Enjolras was on break, Grantaire was the only one running the store. Not that it was that big of a deal. No one had come into the store for over an hour. They had mostly been restocking and taking inventory that day. But Grantaire was anxiously awaiting his own break time because he could hear his food calling his name, but he had graciously allowed Enjolras to take his break first.

Speaking of Enjolras, working with him wasn't half as bad as he thought it would be and that made him happy. It wasn't awkward between them which wasn't just good for them, but also for the customers that they have while working. It was also nice to see a different side of Enjolras.

For years, Grantaire had believed that the teenager was cold and distant, but had been proven wrong. He was actually kind, caring, and had a warm heart that was hidden by the need to be aloof because of his family.

Grantaire sat behind the counter, going through the inventory, so that Lamarque could put in another order of books. He looked up as he thought about what other books he knew that they were short on. He tapped his pen against the counter as his eyes scanned over the store. They found Enjolras reading Clockwork Prince in the little reading nook that Lamarque created before skipping over him. But then, they zoomed back when Grantaire's brain processed what book it was that his coworker was reading.

What the fuck? Grantaire thought. 

There was no way that Enjolras was a fan of those books. Just no way. Urban fantasy with half-angel, half-human demon hunters did not sound like something that was up his alley. There was just no way. Granted, he could be reading the books for the first time, but he soon crossed that possibility out when he noticed how worn and loved the book was.

He needed to investigate this.

Now.

He set his pen down and walked out from behind the counter, over to where Enjolras was sitting. 

Enjolras brought his water to his mouth when he felt a shadow over him. He looked up at Grantaire. "Can I help you?"

"No. I just...you're a fan of the Shadowhunter books?" Grantaire asked. He had thought that he had asked the question kindly, but based on the dark look that formed in Enjolras's eyes, he figured he was wrong.

Enjolras bookmarked the page and closed the book, and yep, there was Jem Carstairs. Right on the cover with his cane and silver hair. "Yes, I am. Do you have a problem with it?"

Grantaire quickly shook his head. "No. Absolutely not. I just...I've never met another fan that lived in such close proximity to me before. I mean, I have at signings, but not one that I actually know personally."

"Wait? Are you saying that you're a fan?" Enjolras asked.

Grantaire took a seat next to him. "Calling me 'a fan' is putting it mildly. I'm a fucking super fan. Have been since January 2012."

"Really." Enjolras set the book on the table. "I've been one since September 2011. My grandmother bought me City of Bones. I read it in a day, then we went out to buy the next three, as well as Clockwork Angel. I also have the first three Mortal Instruments books and all of Infernal Devices signed by Cassie. I'm waiting to get the last three Mortal Instruments books signed until Heavenly Fire is released. This is my favorite book series of all time."

"Mine too," Grantaire said. "Of course, how I discovered them is different, but similar at the same time. My parents gave me the first four books of Mortal Instruments for Christmas in 2011, but I didn't read them until a snow day in January. When I picked up City of Bones, I couldn't put it down. I devoured the rest including Clockwork Angel and Clockwork Prince in a matter of days. I have all of them signed too." He took a second to continue processing this information. "I'm sorry, but I just can't believe this."

"I can't either. I've always wanted to meet someone that loves these books as much as I do, but not at a signing. I'm just having a hard time believing that it's you, the son of my family's sworn enemy."

Grantaire smiled. "I can't either, but at the same time, I'm finding myself pleased that it's you."

"Why?"

Grantaire shrugged. "It gives us something to talk about to keep the peace."

Enjolras nodded in agreement. "So, what's your favorite book in both series?"

"For TMI, City of Lost Souls. For TID, Clockwork Prince," Grantaire answered. "Yours?"

"Right now for TMI, it's City of Glass, but I have a sneaky suspicion that it will change to City of Heavenly Fire when it's released. For the longest time I thought my favorite in TID was Clockwork Princess, but every time I re-read Clockwork Prince, it just breaks me, so that's my favorite, too. Characters? Mine's Alec for TMI, and Jem for TID."

"Um...Magnus all the way around," Grantaire said. "Although, I do genuinely love most of the characters in each series. Did you see the movie?"

Enjolras nodded. "Yes, but where I thought that they got the aesthetic of the books correct, I wasn't happy with the way that they screwed up the storyline. Like the change of having Hodge plant the idea of Jace and Clary being siblings in Valentine's head when Valentine had already planned to tell them that or not having Valentine get the Mortal Cup. What the fuck was that? Also, why did everyone and their mother want the Mortal Cup? The werewolves, warlocks, and vampires can't get anything out of it, so why would they want it? It just made no sense to me. However, Lily Collins and Jamie Campbell Bower were the perfect Clary and Jace. I just loved them so much."

"Yeah, those were my thoughts too. I'm very curious how they'll do a second movie with all the changes they made," Grantaire replied. "Have you read The Bane Chronicles?"

"Of course," Enjolras said, "but as much as I adore Magnus, I think I prefer Cassie's novels to her novellas. But I do like them."

Grantaire nodded. "Yeah, I can see that. So far, my favorite is The Midnight Heir."

"I haven't chosen a favorite, yet," Enjolras said.

For the next 10 minutes of Enjolras's break and the whole of Grantaire's break, the two of them discussed their favorite book series, the twists, the opinions on which of the two series was better (Grantaire argued that TID was superior, and while Enjolras agreed to a certain extent, he couldn't help the sentimental tie that he had to TMI), the love triangle in TID, the characters, the plot, and everything in between. The conversation continued through the rest of their shifts, and as they started to close the store.

"Are you going to go to the signing for the Codex?" Grantaire asked as he grabbed his stuff from his locker after they closed down the register.

Enjolras nodded as he put on his jacket. "Of course. My grandma got me tickets for my 16th birthday a few days ago. She was the only one who understood my obsession up until now."

"Well, I'm glad to be of service." Grantaire smiled.

Enjolras returned the smile. He checked the time. He had five minutes to reach his bus. "Oh, shit. Can you lock up without me? I'm going to miss my bus, if I don't leave now."

"Yeah, go. See you tomorrow, Jules," Grantaire said.

"Goodnight, Nic." And Enjolras was gone, sprinting toward the bus stop to make his bus.

Enjolras made his bus just in time. The bus driver, who was a kind and generous elderly man in his mid-60's smiled, as he got on, saying, "When I didn't see you at the stop, I decided to wait an extra few minutes to see if you would make an appearance. I'm glad I did."

"Thank you, so much. I was in the middle of a fascinating conversation, or at least fascinating for me, with a coworker and wasn't watching the time. Sorry," Enjolras apologized, taking a seat.

"It's alright. I'm just glad that you got on safe and sound." The bus driver closed the door and they were off to the next stop.

***

Once Enjolras got home, he greeted Mary and Adeline and hearing his parents arguing in their office, he went straight upstairs. He set his drawstring bag on his bed while placing his messenger bag on his desk. Then, he ran up to the bathroom, then he changed into his pajamas.

A few years ago, Enjolras's bedroom had been renovated to fit his dream bedroom. He spent most of his time in the room when he was home, and it had everything that he needed. When you first walked in, the first thing you saw was the small three step staircase that led up to his closet, drawers, and his own private bathroom. There was a mini refrigerator and microwave up there too, just in case the need ever arose. Then, at the farthest end of the room was another small three step staircase. The French windows overlooked the skyline of the city and had dark curtains hanging over them to block out the sun. There was also a set of French doors that led out to a small balcony that also held the fire escape. On the right side of the windows and French doors was Enjolras's desk. 

In between the two staircases there was a 32 inch flat screen TV with a small entertainment center that held the DVD player and his small collection of DVD's. In the opposite corner was Angel's cat tree. Next to the entertainment center were two five shelf bookcases. Across from the entertainment center was his suede sectional couch. In front of the couch sat a coffee table. Behind the couch there was his queen bed with red sheets and a comforter with a bedside table on both sides. Enjolras loved his bedroom so much, and it was exactly the way he wanted it to look.

When he had changed into his pajamas, Enjolras went to sit down at his desk to work on his homework. 

About 10 minutes later, there was a knock on his bedroom door. Enjolras looked up from his assigned reading, saying, "Come in."

It was Mary coming in with a tray of that night's dinner. "You disappeared so quickly, I wasn't able to say anything. How was work?"

Enjolras shrugged. "It was alright." He took a forkful of beef stir fry into his mouth. When he swallowed his food, he turned to Mary, who was giving Angel some chin scratches. "Apparently, there is something that Nicolas and I do have in common."

Mary raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Really? And that is?"

Enjolras gestured to his bookshelf. "The Shadowhunter books."

Mary's eyes went wide. "I didn't see that coming."

"Neither did I." He took a drink of water. "But don't get too excited. Just because we have something in common, it doesn't mean we're going to be best friends."

"Of course not," Mary said.

"And while you can say something to my grandma, please don't say anything to my parents. I really like my job. I don't need them demanding that I quit just because I'm working with the son of their rival. I'd be grounded and sent to Timbuktu."

Mary mimed zipping her lips. "You won't hear a peep out of me." She stood up from the couch to kiss the top of his curls. "I guess I'll leave you to do your homework. Enjoy your dinner. Just bring it downstairs when you're done."

Enjolras nodded, turning back to his reading and dinner.

***

Over the course of the next few weeks, Enjolras started to form a real friendship with Grantaire. They really only talked about their love for the books and trying to avoid personal details for the time being, but it was nice to be able to talk to each other about something and not work in dead silence all the time.

It was a silent agreement between them that their budding friendship needed to stay a secret. The only ones who knew were Adeline, Mary, and Lamarque. The first two found out by Enjolras's telling them and the later had found out when he had walked in on their discussion of what species was the best Downworlder. Adeline and Mary had tried to pry details out of him, but he refused to give them any. He did notice them share a look once, but he didn't try to read into it. When Lamarque had heard their discussion, he too had smiled to himself. He had seen the potential bond that could form between them on Enjolras's first day of work. He just hoped that he was right.

"I can't remember for sure, but you're going to the signing for the Codex tomorrow, right?" Grantaire asked as he helped Enjolras restock shelves.

"I am. Are you?" Enjolras questioned.

"I sure am. I'm skipping school to go. The housekeeper of my family, Ella, is going to call the school, saying that I have a personal matter to deal with." Grantaire chuckled.

Enjolras joined in. "Adeline pulled a few strings to get me out of school. My parents were furious, but I've been pissing my parents off for as long as I can remember, so nothing new there."

"I'm sorry, Jules," Grantaire said.

Enjolras shrugged. "It's fine. I have Adeline and Mary, the housekeeper, there, so it's not that big of a deal."

"I take it your parents are absent then?" Grantaire inquired.

Enjolras glanced at him. "Do you really want to talk about this?"

Grantaire shrugged. "Why not? We're basically best friends at this point, we might as well share our family stories."

"I can't tell if you were being sarcastic or sincere," Enjolras teased.

"It was both," Grantaire replied.

Enjolras laughed. "Okay." He grabbed another pile of books to restock. "Umm...well I was mostly raised by Adeline. Once my mother and father were old enough to take over the family business, Adeline stepped down and took a backseat on family matters until my mother got pregnant with me. It was clear that my mother wasn't going to be a hands-on type of mother, so Adeline stepped in. I think my parents hold a grudge against her for that.

"And as I've grown up, I made it my mission to rebel against my parents, especially now that I'm a teenager. I've rejected the family business and the feud with your family. I want nothing to do with either. I got a job. I've read books they would rather I not read. Staged protests for the uniforms at school. Then, of course, the biggest one is the fact that I'm gay." Enjolras stopped right there, and looked away from Grantaire. He hadn't meant to come out to him, it just sort of happened. After he was able to cool his blushing, he looked back over at Grantaire, who was looking at him with concerned eyes. "Um...my being gay isn't a problem for you, is it?"

"Only if you don't have a problem with me being bisexual," Grantaire assured.

"I don't," Enjolras said. He ignored the way his palms started to sweat and he felt warmth grow in his heart. He also pushed away the reminder that they mirrored Alec and Magnus. Alec was his favorite character and was gay like him. Magnus was Grantaire's favorite and was also bisexual.

"So, I take it they have an issue with it?" Grantaire asked.

"Oh, yeah," Enjolras said. "When I came out, they basically said that they were cool with it as long as I didn't date anyone. My parents don't like anyone that is not white, cis, straight, etc. They are the definition of what is wrong with this country. Thankfully, my grandmother is a lot more laidback. She didn't care as long as I was happy." Enjolras turned to look at Grantaire. "My being gay is part of the reason why Alec is my favorite character. I had always felt different in regards to who I was attracted to, but I had never seen anyone else like me until Alec. I just had a deep connection with him."

"I understand that. I always knew that I was bi, so I never had to deal with coming to terms with it. I just always knew," Grantaire commented.

Enjolras ignored yet another parallel between the two characters and them. His insecurity — sometimes internalized homophobia when he was coming to terms with his sexuality — to becoming comfortable with it and not being afraid of was similar to Alec's experience. Grantaire had never felt insecure in his sexuality, just like Magnus.

"While my family looks tight-knit in public, it's me and my grandma vs. my parents behind closed doors. It's always been that way, and I don't foresee it changing anytime soon."

"How often are they home?"

"They're always home. They just live their lives in their office. Plotting to do whatever is needed to stay on top."

"I see."

Enjolras nodded. "So, what about yours?"

"Huh? I never agreed to tell you," Grantaire teased.

"Come on. Tit for tat. I told you mine, you tell me yours," Enjolras said.

Grantaire sighed. "Mine's a little different than yours. When they had me, my father wanted my mother to take a step back, so that she could be a mother. But I still wouldn't call my father absent. I still saw him a good few hours of the day and he always made time for me, I just spent more time with my mother. It's only been in recent years that it's changed. I'm not nearly as close to them as I used to be. The last time I can distinctly remember them telling me that they loved me was around my 12th birthday. I still receive presents around Christmas and my birthday, but I mostly only receive attention from them when I've acted out. Well, I can't really say for sure if they really care all that much about the rivalry anymore, I know that they spend a lot of time preoccupied with their charities and trying to help people in need. Which is something that I can't really fault them for, but it's like they care more about saving people than they do about their own son."

"You don't think people should try to save the world?"

"I didn't say that. I admire their work, I do, I just…" he trailed off. "I just don't think it will do any good. I mean, no matter how much you try to help those people, you can't take care of everyone. There will still be people who are hungry, living in poverty, and homelessness. Do I agree that a bit of kindness goes a long way? Sure, but I think that until the government or someone else can come up with a long-term solution for those people, nothing will ever change for them."

"I guess I can see that, but I also think that it's possible to really help them. Even if it's just a little bit. Like you said, a little bit of kindness does go a long way. I do agree, however, that someone has to come up with a long-term solution. I hope to be the one to come up with that solution."

Grantaire furrowed an eyebrow. "Ambitious, are you?"

"Very much so. I want to change the world some day, just like your parents, but I would do it in a way where I made sure that I had time for the people that I cared about."

"Well, I wish you luck, and I guess that if anyone can do it, it's you."

Enjolras turned beet red before turning the conversation back to Grantaire's parents. "If this is too personal, you don't have to answer, but do they have an issue with you being bisexual?"

"Um...well, that's slightly complicated because while they know, they don't really know," Grantaire said. Enjolras looked confused, so he elaborated. "When I came out, they were preoccupied. I had told them that I needed to talk to them, but as I talked they didn't really listen. So, when I said the words, 'I'm bisexual', they didn't really hear them and I'm not sure they registered. My mom just looked up at me and said, "'That's great, honey. But now, do you mind? We have to finish going through these papers.' Then, they shooed me away. Granted, I probably could have picked a better time, but I thought that they would spare their son five minutes. That was wishful thinking, apparently." He shrugged.

"When was this?"

"Beginning of last year."

"I'm sorry, Nic."

Grantaire shrugged again. "It is what it is. I guess it's safe to say we both come from sucky, or somewhat sucky, in my case, families."

"Couldn't have said it better myself," Enjolras said.

They laughed for a few more minutes before getting back to their restocking of the shelves.

***

Enjolras was counting up the money while Grantaire stood by like he had to in order to make sure that nothing was stolen. After it was all counted up and they had clocked out, Grantaire offered to walk the cash register drawer to Lamarque's office. Enjolras was getting his red pea coat and bags out of his locker when he came back out.

"So, I guess I'll see you at the signing, but from far away since neither of us work tomorrow."

"Yes, you will," Enjolras replied. "I would like to be able to at least talk to you at the signing and see what you thought of it, but we both know that if we are caught within five feet of each other, the whole of New York City will have a field day, not to mention our parents won't just have a cow, they'll have the whole farmhouse."

Grantaire chuckled at the use of the obscene idiom. "Um...maybe we could talk about it through text."

"I'd like that," Enjolras said, pulling out his iPhone 5 and handing it to Grantaire to put in his number.

They quickly exchanged numbers. Enjolras was labeled in Grantaire's phone as "Apollo" and Grantaire in Enjolras's as "R". Once their numbers were exchanged, they walked to the door. Grantaire put the key in the door while Enjolras shut the lights off. They both walked out, and Grantaire closed the door, locking it.

Grantaire turned to Enjolras, with a smile before saying, "I know I won't be able to talk to you, but...um...I'll do my best to send like a small wave or something tomorrow."

"I will, too."

"Goodnight, Jules."

"Goodnight, Nic."

Grantaire turned around, walking off in the direction that he needed too. Enjolras did the same.

When Grantaire was a certain distance away, he turned back to glance at the retreating blond curls. After Grantaire turned back around to be facing the street, Enjolras turned around to glance at Grantaire's retreating figure. He sighed before turning back to face the street. His hands fell in the pockets of his jacket as he made his way home.

***

The next evening after getting home from the signing, Enjolras was sitting on his bed, going through the book, Angel in his lap when his phone buzzed.

It was Grantaire.

R (7:02 P.M.): Have you looked through it? What do you think?

Enjolras (7:04 P.M.): It's what I expected it would be. I like that it's essentially the book Tessa reads in Clockwork Angel. It pisses me off, though, that when they talk about the Portal, Magnus isn't even mentioned. Without Magnus, Henry never would have been able to create it. Other than that, it's alright. I love the little comments from Jace, Clary, and Simon in the margins.

R (7:04 P.M.): Oh, yeah. That pissed me off, too. The comments are my favorite part, too. 😂

R (7:04 P.M.): What did Cassie sign in yours?

Enjolras (7:05 P.M.): She just wrote, "To Julien, Cassandra Clare". Just her standard which I'm totally cool with.

Grantaire sent back a whole slew of laughing emojis. It caused Enjolras to smile. But then another text was coming in from Grantaire.

R (7:07 P.M.): She basically wrote the same thing in mine except to "To Nic", not Julien.

Enjolras chuckled silently as he wrote his reply.

Enjolras (7:07 P.M.): Well, I figured that. 😂

Enjolras (7:07 P.M.): I've been meaning to ask since we haven't talked about it. What are your theories for CoHF?

R (7:10 P.M): Well, I'm fully expecting Sebastian to meet his end, which despite him being a favorite character of mine, I'm not upset about because that dude needs to die. I'm really rooting for Team Good to come out on top. I have high hopes in Cassie that they will. But my biggest hope is that Alec and Magnus get back together. Their breakup at the end of CoLS broke me. I have never cried more reading a book than what I did when I read that. I'm not ashamed to admit that. They're my OTP of OTPs.

Enjolras (7:13 P.M.): Same to all of that. The breakup broke me too. I also understand why it happened, though. Alec shouldn't have tried to take Magnus's immortality away from him and should have trusted him. But Magnus could have been more open about his past. I can see both their sides, but it still breaks my heart. If there's anything that I hope to see in future books, it's to see development on Alec's insecurity regarding this subject.

R (7:13 P.M.): I hope for that, too.

R (7:13 P.M.): Anyway, back to the theories. I'm not sure on who will all die cause you never know with Cassie. But I'm almost certain that no one is safe.

Enjolras (7:14 P.M.): As long as she leaves Team Good alone, I don't care who she murders. 😂

They continued texting about the Shadowhunter novels until Grantaire changed the topic to asking how his day was other than seeing his favorite author.

Enjolras (7:38 P.M.): My day was good. I woke up to the sight of my cat in my face because that's her way of saying, "Feed me breakfast". Then, once Her Highness was fed, I went downstairs where my grandmother was waiting to take me out to lunch before we headed to the bookstore for the signing. That's been our tradition ever since I went to the signing for CP. My grandmother has never read the books, but she's always been my biggest supporter in my love for them. Then, we went to the signing. After the signing, we went out to have dinner at our favorite restaurant and didn't get home until about an hour ago. It was pretty much a grandmother/grandson day.

R (7:39 P.M.): Wait? You have a cat?

Enjolras (7:40 P.M.): Yes. She's a Himalayan and her name is Angel. Why do you sound surprised that I have a cat?

R (7:40 P.M.): Because you seem more of a dog person than a cat person.

Enjolras (7:40 P.M.): Nope. I'm a cat person. I treat Angel like she's my child because she is.

R (7:41 P.M.): That's adorable.

R (7:41 P.M.): You are clearly very close with your grandmother.

Enjolras (7:41 P.M.): I am. Other than Combeferre and Courfeyrac, my grandmother is my best friend.

R (7:42 P.M.): You're lucky. All my grandparents are dead.

Enjolras (7:46 P.M.): I'm sorry. If it makes you feel better, Adeline is the last living grandparent I have. I never knew my grandfather (Adeline and said grandfather are my father's parents) since he died before I was born. Hence, why my father had to take over the family business so soon. Then, I knew both of my mother's parents, but they moved back to Paris about two years ago, and died within two days of each other six months ago. They wanted to live out the rest of their years where they were both raised, fell in love, and had children.

R (7:47 P.M.): Nice. I love how both of us have this whole circle of friends from French families. Do you speak French?

Enjolras (7:48 P.M.): Yes. It was the only language that my grandfather (mom's dad) could speak, mostly because that was all his parents could speak too. My grandmother (mom) could speak some English, but it was much easier to speak to them in French.

R (7:48 P.M.): What about Adeline?

Enjolras (7:51 P.M.): She can speak it, too. But she's also fully fluent in English. Adeline's family moved from Paris when she was a child. She was 19 when she met my grandfather (who was 25 — let's remember that this was in the '20s-'30s), and she soon married into the Enjolras family. A family that was filled with fluent French and English speakers.

R (7:52 P.M.): Nice little Enjolras family history lesson, thank you for that.

Enjolras (7:52 P.M.): Thanks. What about you?

R (7:53 P.M.): There's not much to say. It's basically the same story as yours. Father's grandparents moved here from France in the 1910s. They ended up being rivals of a certain family. A feud that my mother married into in 1984.

Enjolras (7:54 P.M.): And your mother's family?

R (7:54 P.M.): Basically the same story. All of my family is fluent in both English and French.

Enjolras (7:55 P.M.): My goal is to one day read the Shadowhunter books in French, but I need to find them first. I'm not having very much luck with that.

R (7:55 P.M.): Oh, that's amazing. I have never thought of doing that. Now, you've given me ideas.

Enjolras (7:56 P.M.): Sorry?

R (7:57 P.M.): Don't be. I'm just teasing.

R (7:58 P.M.): How do you feel about a little friendly game of 20 questions?

Enjolras (7:59 P.M.): Sounds good to me. Any rules?

R (8:00 P.M.): Just two. No asking the same question, and no asking questions about the Shadowhunter novels. This is about getting to know each other.

Enjolras (8:01 P.M.): All right. You go first.

For the next few hours, the two of them played a game of 20 questions through text messages. The questions that were asked had to do with their favorite things (movies, music, TV shows), where did they see themselves in five years, what was their chosen career, where or if they wanted to go to college (when the time came), and so many other questions.

Both of them were so deep in their conversation that neither noticed that it was after 1 A.M. until Enjolras looked at his clock and swore, but he didn't want this to end. He could talk to Grantaire for hours because the conversation was always insightful and it felt like he had known him for years, but he needed sleep.

Enjolras (1:04 A.M.): Um...I hate to cut this short, but it's...um past 1 A.M.

R (1:04 A.M.): Is it?! 😱

Enjolras (1:05 A.M.): Yeah, it is. And I need sleep.

R (1:06 A.M.): Okay. We'll pick this up tomorrow. I'll see you at school (I'll try to wave hi), but I'll definitely talk to you at work. Goodnight, Jules.

Enjolras (1:06 A.M.): Goodnight, Nic.

Enjolras locked his phone, plugged it in, and set it down on his lamp table. He got ready for bed and brushed his teeth. He placed the book with the rest of his Shadowhunter collection. Then, he crawled under the covers. His mind still spinning from his conversation with Grantaire as he turned off the light. Angel climbed up on the bed to lay next to him.

When Enjolras fell asleep that night, he dreamed of dark curls and playful green eyes.

***

November 2013

Over the course of the next month, Enjolras and Grantaire grew closer than either one had expected. A day never went by without them talking, whether that be at work, through text message, or both. It was nice that since the soccer season was wrapping up, they got more time to work together, at least until the lacrosse season started in the spring. They enjoyed their conversations, and they felt like they didn't have to be someone that they weren't when they were with each other.

Enjolras was working on dusting the shelves as he explained to Grantaire a little bit of his issues with mental health. "Over the years, I've struggled with anxiety and insecurity, especially in middle school when all my friends went to a different school than I did, so I felt lonely during that time. It didn't help that I was bullied during that same time, and that's actually why my grandma bought me City of Bones in the first place. She wanted to cheer me up and that's what worked. Then, when my friends and I started attending Montgomery, I went through a phase of where I thought they weren't really my friends, which I knew wasn't true, but it's what my brain tricked me to believe for the first few months of 9th grade. My anxiety still affects me, but it's not nearly as crippling as it was during those few months."

"Were your parents all that supportive?" Enjolras gave him an unimpressed look. "I take that as a no. I'm sorry to hear that, Jules. I really am."

"It's fine," Enjolras assured him. "What about you? Any mental health issues you want to share because this is an open space with no judgment?"

Grantaire let out a small laugh. He was busy with cleaning up the nook area by washing the tables and chairs. "I was diagnosed with depression when I was in 7th grade. It was actually my parents that saw the signs first and they wanted me to get tested and treatment. And it was because of that that I started participating in sports like soccer and lacrosse. It was something that allowed me to feel good about myself and boosted my mood. Music and art has done the same thing. It's because of that that I'm afraid of telling my parents that I don't want to take over the family business. I'd rather pursue music or dabble in other things until I find my fit."

"For music, do you want to write your own songs or sing covers?"

"I want to write my own songs, and I've already created a few. I find that I can be better with words if they're said in a pretty way."

"Would you ever create a song for me?" Enjolras asked shyly. He was very careful not to look over at Grantaire, so that he didn't see the rose color that appeared on his cheeks. 

The corners of Grantaire's mouth turned up, then said, teasingly, "I might. We'll just have to see how long I want to be your friend." Enjolras scoffed, but then he laughed, as he threw the rag he was using at his friend. "I'm kidding." He threw the rag back at his friend, so he could continue his cleaning.

"But getting back to what you said about the family business, I think you should just go ahead and tell them. I mean, you've really only told me a little about your relationship with your parents, how you were close, then you weren't, but maybe they'd be more understanding than you think? It's worth a try."

"I probably will. I just kind of want to catch them at a time when they're not preoccupied like I did when I came out."

"Yeah, I fully get that," Enjolras said as he dusted another shield. "I also understand the pressures of taking over the family business because my father is adamant about me following in his footsteps by going to Dartmouth and all those kinds of things. But I've always been interested in going to college outside of the United States. It's just something that I've always wanted to do, and specifically in England, but I don't know where, yet."

"Like you told me, if you want it, I say go for it."

"Yeah, I know. But I don't think that my parents would be nearly as understanding as yours might."

Grantaire weighed that before agreeing with him. "Like I've said like 20 times already, family sucks."

Enjolras joined in his laughter. They worked their tasks in silence for a few moments until Enjolras brought up the next topic.

"So, tell me about your friends, and I mean all of them."

"Well, I've known Joly and Bossuet since pre-school. The three of us being friends wasn't a shock to our parents because all of our parents are close friends too. Joly loves helping people and he dreams of becoming a doctor. He's very much a hypochondriac, though. He's wary of everything, even if it's a simple sneeze. It's nowhere near as bad as it was when we kids, but it can get bad during the winter months. I just love him so much. Bossuet is incredibly lovable too, but he also is one of the unluckiest people that I know. So, for his birthday last year, I gave him a black rope bracelet with a four leaf clover charm that he wears all the time. I'm glad that he's on the soccer team with me, too. It makes the long bus rides to away games a lot more fun.

"Then, Jehan, I met in fourth grade and within five minutes we knew that we'd be friends forever. Jehan is just the fucking sweetest, but you have to watch out because he isn't afraid to call you out if you're rude to his friends or just being an asshole in general. Musichetta, I've known since sixth grade. She's the greatest woman I've ever met and she keeps my entire friend group sane. Without her, we'd be lost. And I wouldn't be at all surprised if one day, she ends up with Joly or Bossuet or maybe even both because let me tell you the way the three of them look at each other, it's fucking ridiculous. Finally, I met Bahorel and Éponine in seventh grade. Éponine is the one you can just tell anything to and she'll tell you whether you're being an idiot or not, but she'll always have your back. She's probably the strongest person I know after the shit her parents have put her and her siblings through. I'm sure you've heard of the drama that's happened in the Thénardier family. Her older sister, Azelma, is working to get Ép and their brother, Gavroche, emancipated. Finally, Bahorel tries to be scary and all tough, but he's really just a giant teddy bear. He only gets to be scary if you've pissed him off and trust me, you don't want to feel that wrath. All my friends are the greatest, and I don't know where I'd be without them. And what about you?"

"Um...I'm similar in regards to your friendship with Joly and Bossuet. I've known Combeferre and Courfeyrac since we were toddlers. It's always kind of been like I'm the leader, which I hate being described as, but can't think of a better way to describe it. Then, 'Ferre keeps us grounded and Courf is the glue. Like I love those two with all my heart and I know that I wouldn't be half of what I am without them. Then, Marius joined the group by way of Courf when we were in fourth grade. He tends to be quiet when around 'Ferre because I think he's intimidated by him, which I totally understand because I think if I didn't know 'Ferre the way I do, I'd be intimated too. But Marius is a fine man, I really don't have any issues with him. Of course, I've known Cosette a long time too since Valjean is a family friend. She's like my little sister and I'm very close with her too. I'm so glad to have her in my life. Then, Feuilly, I've only known since last year, but I greatly admire him and he's wonderful."

"Feuilly is a senior, right?"

"Yep. It'll be sad to lose him this year, but that's just what happens."

"Has he figured out if he'll go to college and where?"

"Not yet. He's looking at NYU, but he hopes to get in on some kind of scholarship."

Grantaire noticed the smile on Enjolras's face as he talked about his friends and because of it, his own small smile appeared. It caused a need to know the answer to his next question.

"So, any crushes or romantic relationships or anything?"

Enjolras froze at the question, taking a second to process it, then he said, "Um...no. I did have a crush on Feuilly last year, but I've gotten over that. Other than that, no one has really caught my eye." Until now, a part of his brain said, but he pushed it away. "What about you?"

"I had a boyfriend at the beginning of the year and I liked him, but that was it. We broke up in June. Like you, no one has really caught my attention, either." But there might be someone, his brain supplied, but Grantaire did his best to ignore it.

***

December 2013

A few weeks later they got out for holiday break giving them more work hours and more time to spend together and their friendship to grow.

But as the days went on, Grantaire started to feel something grow in his belly. Something warm whenever he was around Enjolras. Something that made him nervous when Enjolras smiled at him. Something that when he saw him walk into school, his heart started to beat faster. Something that when he received a text from him, his heart leapt. Something that when they were working and if Enjolras just grazed his hand gently, Grantaire would start sweating. Something that caused him to not be able to stop thinking about the blond haired, blue eyed man, and was the cause for every sleepless night that he had lately. The reason for why there were multiple drawings in his sketchbook that resembled Enjolras, but Grantaire told himself that they weren't, as well as why every song that he tried to write, always had him waxing poetry about golden curls, ocean blue eyes, or a smile so dazzling that it made Grantaire's heart melt.

Grantaire had a sneaking suspicion what these feelings were and what was happening, but he didn't want to say it. He knew that he was attracted to the man, but going a step further to actually naming his feelings was too much for him.

But that night as he sat at his desk, on his computer, frantically searching for French editions of The Mortal Instruments to give to Enjolras as a very late birthday and Christmas presents, there was no reason to deny it any longer. He knew exactly why he was doing it.

He was falling in love with the son of his family's rival, and it was something that he refused to be ashamed of. Love was love. No matter race, gender, sexuality, or in this case, family.

Of course, he had no idea if Enjolras felt anything for him. It was clear that Enjolras enjoyed spending time with him and considered him a friend, but how deep those feelings of friendship went he didn't know.

So, in order to protect his heart, Grantaire wasn't going to say anything. He just couldn't do that to himself. But one thing was for sure, he would follow Enjolras anywhere. Despite being only 15, that was something that he knew without any doubt in his mind.

Now that he had admitted his feelings to himself, it made it a little harder to work with the blond because all he wanted to do was back the blond into a bookshelf and kiss him senseless.

Grantaire watched from the counter as Enjolras helped a customer find a book in the adult fantasy section. The way Enjolras talked about, not just the Shadowhunter books, but any book made Grantaire's heart flutter. His face lit up as he described what it felt like being pulled into the world inside the book. You could tell that Enjolras treated books like they were his friends, and it made Grantaire love him more.

He was so distracted by watching Enjolras that he didn't notice a customer had walked up to the counter to check out until they snapped their fingers in front of his face to get his attention.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I was lost in thought," Grantaire apologized. He took the book that the woman had set on the counter. "Just this for you today?"

Two minutes later, Grantaire was handing the customer a small drawstring bag with her book, a bookmark, and two coupons, one for 15% off their next purchase and the second was for a free cookie with any drink purchased in the café. Grantaire threw in the café coupon as another apology for his lack of attention when the customer first walked up. The customer left just as Lamarque was walking in. Grantaire's attention was immediately taken by his boss. Lamarque had envelopes in his hand.

Oh, right. Pay day. I completely forgot, Grantaire thought.

Lamarque walked to the counter, looking through the small stack of envelopes for Grantaire's. "Here you go. Put it towards something nice."

Grantaire smiled. "Thanks. I know just what I am using this for."

"And what is that, if you don't mind me asking?" Lamarque asked.

"Umm...it's a surprise for someone special." Grantaire blushed bright red.

"Does this special someone have blond curls and blue eyes?" Lamarque questioned.

Grantaire froze. He made a quick glance towards Enjolras to make sure he hadn't heard. Thankfully, Enjolras was still helping the same customer that he had been helping for the last 15 minutes. He looked back at Lamarque. "How did you know?"

Lamarque snorted. "I've spent enough time with both of you since he started working here to watch the friendship between you two grow. Plus, I could see the potential of a bond between you two his first day here. It was no surprise to me when I saw that you started looking at him differently."

"Do you think he knows?" Grantaire asked.

Lamarque shrugged. "He might, but I don't know." Grantaire sighed. "Just know that I fully support it, if you do decide to pursue something with him, because I think you two are a good match. Plus, maybe it will bring the goddamn, annoying as hell, rivalry between your families to an end."

Grantaire chuckled softly. "Maybe."

Lamarque smiled. "Well, I'm going to leave Julien's here and put the rest in the mailboxes. I'll be in my office after that, in case you need me."

Grantaire nodded. Lamarque quickly put the checks away, leaving Enjolras's on the counter, then disappeared back to his office. When Enjolras came with his customer, who had a stack of five books, Grantaire moved away from the register to allow Enjolras be the one to ring them up. After the customer left, Enjolras turned to look at Grantaire, who was watching him with a small smile on his face.

"What?" Enjolras asked.

"Nothing." Grantaire walked to the counter. He handed him the envelope. "Your check, monsieur."

"Thank you." Enjolras took the check from him, but Grantaire stayed staring at him. "Okay, what is wrong? Do I have something in my teeth?"

"No. Nothing's wrong," Grantaire assured, but Enjolras still looked like he didn't believe him.

From there, they went back to work.

***

January 2014

Christmas came and went, and they were back in school after holiday break. Grantaire had now found City of Bones and City of Ashes in French. They were bought and had been shipped. He was waiting on word for City of Glass from the seller. But he was having trouble finding City of Fallen Angels and City of Lost Souls. He hoped to find the other two soon. Grantaire's last resort was to fly to France himself and search all over the bookstore for them. He would find Enjolras his French editions of these novels, even if it took him until the end of time.

To Grantaire's knowledge Enjolras had yet to catch on to his feelings which made him both sad and happy. He didn't know what he would if Enjolras found out and rejected him. The blond was like no one he had ever met before and what he felt for him was a feeling that he never wanted to go away. He would keep his feelings for Enjolras a secret forever, if it meant keeping him in his life.

But little did Grantaire know that Enjolras was fully aware of Grantaire's feelings for he had seen the way that he looked at him, and it absolutely terrified him, especially when his own feelings for Grantaire had changed.

The dark curly haired, green eyed man had totally captured his heart, and Enjolras was starting to fall in love with him.

Grantaire made him feel safe and happy. He listened to him. Debated with him about their ideas for how the world should be. Honestly, just talking to him was the best part of his day. No, scratch that. Just seeing him was the best part of his day.

It just hurt knowing that if anything ever happened between them, no one would ever accept it simply because of what their names were. His parents would be livid if they ever found out that it was Nicolas Grantaire that he was falling in love with. Of course, there was also the added factor of them never accepting his sexuality. Granted, he had lived under the disapproval of his parents for years, so if he was honest he didn't really care what they thought. The one reaction that he was worried about was Adeline. Sure, she knew that they were friends, but that was entirely different than being in love with him. He had absolutely no idea what she would think. His gut told him that she would be shocked at first, but then came around. His friends were also another group that he had absolutely no idea what their reactions would be and he didn't even try to guess.

He tried not to overthink it, though, because Grantaire understood him in a way that no one ever did before. They had more in common than what Enjolras had originally thought. They both had the same reading tastes. Their family situations were similar. They both hated the rivalry between their families. And that was just the tip of the iceberg for things that they had in common.

As he filled online orders, Enjolras found himself watching Grantaire as he helped a customer find a book that she wanted, but when he got closer, Enjolras discovered that Grantaire wasn't speaking English, or even French. He was speaking Spanish.

He told me that he only spoke English and French, Enjolras thought.

Enjolras listened to the conversation a little while longer, unable to understand a word that was being said, but it still intrigued him. He had always thought that Spanish was a beautiful language. Even more beautiful than French, but that could also be because it was Grantaire speaking it.

Grantaire finished up with the customer, guiding her back to the register. He glanced up at Enjolras, smiling. As he rang up the women, Grantaire continued to speak to her in Spanish.

After the women left, Enjolras approached the counter. "I didn't know you could speak Spanish."

"Yeah," Grantaire said. "Mostly because of my mom. My mom's family was from Spain, then they moved to France. When my great-grandmother met my great-grandfather in France, who was a full-blooded Frenchman, they moved to the U.S. They learned each other's language as a surprise. Both of them could speak English, but it was easier to speak to them in either French of Spanish, so my grandmother grew up knowing French, English, and Spanish, mostly talking to her parents in French or Spanish, same with my mother. When my mother met my dad, another full-blooded Frenchman, they made sure that I knew all three languages, so…"

"I see," Enjolras said. "I take it the woman only spoke Spanish."

Grantaire nodded. "She spoke some English, but I could tell it was easier for her to hold a conversation in Spanish."

"Will you say something in Spanish for me?"

"Está vida es mía, pero este corazón es suyo. Está sonrisa es mía, pero la razón eres tú," Grantaire said, looking Enjolras in the eye. (This life is mine, but this heart is yours. This smile is mine, but the reason is you.)

"What does that mean?"

Grantaire glanced at Enjolras, then back at the register and casually lied. Lying about what he said was easier than admitting to the blond man that he had feelings for him. "I just repeated the background of my family in Spanish, so you had heard it already."

"Oh, okay," Enjolras said, but he couldn't shake the feeling that Grantaire was lying through his teeth. "Well, thank you for indulging me."

"Anytime."

Enjolras turned away to go look through the shelves to see if any of them needed restocking. Grantaire stared after him, willing his heartbeat to slow at the thought of almost being caught in his feelings.

***

When Enjolras got home that night, though, he was not in a very pleasant mood. That was obvious when he slammed the door shut, getting the attention of Adeline and Mary, and scaring Angel enough that she scurried under a piece of furniture. Enjolras didn't even stop to say hello to his grandmother or the housekeeper, and went straight for his bedroom. Angel followed after him. Mary and Adeline stared after him before glancing at each other. Adeline followed Mary into the kitchen to get a try of food for him, knowing that she was the only one that could talk to Enjolras when he was in this state.

Enjolras walked to the couch that was in the middle of his bedroom, setting his bags on it before flopping onto his bed and groaned into the pillow. Angel had gone to her cat tree.

Enjolras was still face down in the pillows when there was a knock on the door. He rolled over and said, in an annoyed voice, "What?"

Adeline opened the door with a tray in her hand. She walked into the room, and set the tray on his desk before coming to sit on the bed. "What happened?"

"Nothing," Enjolras said coldly.

Adeline looked at her grandson with disbelief evident in her eyes. "It's me, Jules. Talk to me."

I can't. I can't and that's the problem, Enjolras thought. He glanced at his grandma, who was waiting patiently for him to talk to her. But he didn't say anything.

"What's going on?" Adeline asked.

What's going on is that I'm falling in love with Nicolas Grantaire, and I have no one to talk to about it with. Except the man himself, Enjolras thought.

"It's just teenage stuff," Enjolras lied.

"I don't believe you. Is it Nicolas? Did he say something? You haven't come home this upset since before you started to form a friendship with him,"

It's Nicolas Grantaire all right, but not because of that, Enjolras thought.

"I...just don't know how to talk about it. I don't want you getting upset with me." Enjolras felt tears start to prick.

"Upset with you?" Adeline questioned. "If it's about Nicolas and your friendship with him, I would never be upset unless he did something to hurt you."

"That's good to know, but right now, I'm not ready to talk. Maybe soon."

"Okay. Just know that I'm here, if you ever do decide that you do want to talk," Adeline said. "Mary made chicken quesadillas, so eat."

"Thanks," Enjolras said.

Adeline stood up, walking out of the bedroom. Enjolras watched her leave before getting the tray of food. He quickly ate before doing his homework. He needed something that would distract him from the thoughts of Grantaire that swirled in his mind, but of course when he laid down to sleep that night his dreams were once again plagued by the sight of a boy with dark hair and beautiful jade eyes causing his sleep to be restless.

***

For a week, their interactions felt like they were stinted and short, like for some reason unknown to the other, they didn't know how to act around each other. It almost felt like they were back in the beginning of working together. Lamarque witnessed the awkwardness happen, but decided that he wouldn't interfere unless he felt it was absolutely necessary.

That is until January 27th, Enjolras was taking his break and working on homework while he ate. It was a slow day again, so Grantaire was scrolling through Twitter on his phone when he saw it and couldn't believe that he missed it.

He immediately ran out from behind the counter to the table where Enjolras was sitting, yelling, "Jules, did you see it?"

"See what?" Enjolras asked, looking up as Grantaire sat down.

"They released the cover of City of Heavenly Fire, and I somehow missed it. Did you see it?" Grantaire held out his phone for Enjolras to see.

Enjolras took the phone to look at the cover. It featured Clary in a white dress with a dagger in her hand with her back facing the camera with her fire red hair all around her. Then, Sebastian was in black shadow with black wings and a sword peeking out from his back and he was facing the camera. They were standing in what looked to be a wasteland desert. At the bottom was the title and author name in fire going in all different directions.

"I hadn't seen it either, but I absolutely love it. I don't know how I didn't see it. Although I have been a bit busy lately. Makes me even more excited for the book." Enjolras handed the phone back.

"Cassie also confirmed in an interview that six people will die. We already concluded that Sebastian is probably one, but who else do you think it will?" Grantaire asked.

"I still don't know, but now that she's given a count, I'm terrified," Enjolras said.

Grantaire chuckled as he put his phone back in his pocket. He glanced at the homework that Enjolras was doing. It was history.

"I have a test tomorrow, so I need to study," Enjolras replied, looking down at his textbook and notebook.

"Want me to help you study?" Grantaire asked.

Enjolras glanced at him before handing him the study guide that the teacher had given the class that contained a list of the vocabulary definitions and anything else that they should know. Enjolras had already filled it out, but he found that he usually did better on tests if he studied his notes for everything that wasn't the vocab.

"Just ask about the vocab. I have a system for the rest," Enjolras said.

"Okay." Grantaire took the study guide and started to ask Enjolras questions.

For the rest of Enjolras's break, and through Grantaire's since they weren't busy, Grantaire helped Enjolras study. After a while, Grantaire finished going through the vocabulary and handed the study guide back to him.

"Well, I think you're ready for your rest. Which teacher is it?" Grantaire asked.

"Valjean," Enjolras replied.

Valjean was a kind and caring teacher to his students, and was pretty laid back. If you didn't understand something, he worked with you privately until you understood it. Valjean was also someone that if you were having a problem you could go to him with anything, it didn't matter if it was academic or personal, and he would do his best to help.

"Ah, nice." Grantaire smiled.

"Don't you have him for anything?" Enjolras asked.

"Yes," Grantaire answered, "but my schedule is the complete opposite of yours. Where you have him for the fourth period, I don't have him until eighth. The joys of having such a large class."

Silence fell around them for a while, neither of them really knowing how to continue the conversation. Enjolras began packing up his textbooks, but something was bothering him about how he and Grantaire had been acting around each other for the last few days, so he decided to talk to Grantaire about it.

"Nic?" he said right at the same time that Grantaire said, "Jules?"

They both laughed before Enjolras allowed Grantaire to go first, but he couldn't find the right words that he needed to say, so instead he thought, Oh, fuck it!

Grantaire leaned forward without a second thought to press his lips against Enjolras's. It took Enjolras by surprise for a second until he realized what was happening. He felt Grantaire start to pull away, so Enjolras hastily started to kiss him back. His hand tangled in Grantaire's dark curls as he felt his friend cup his face. 

The kiss started out as a soft press of lips against each other, but as it grew in fervor, it grew harder. Grantaire's tongue swiped across Enjolras's bottom lip, and Enjolras gave him entry, allowing their tongues to meet and explore each other's mouths. Enjolras kissed like he did everything else, with a fiery passion and determination, and it made Grantaire want to get drunk on his kisses.

For Enjolras, kissing Grantaire was better than he could have imagined, and he had imagined it quite a bit since he had realized his feelings. Grantaire clearly had experience in kissing, making Enjolras excited to continue learning his mouth  — wait, he couldn't continue doing this. Kissing Grantaire was something that he could never do again, no matter how badly he wanted to.

That realization brought Enjolras back to his senses. He roughly pulled away from Grantaire. He pointedly avoided looking at him as he stumbled over an apology. "I'm...I'm sorry. I'm sorry."

"I'm not," Grantaire replied.

Enjolras chanced a look at him, only to see a smile on Grantaire's face. His lips swollen and red, a bright blush dusting his cheeks. Enjolras had to look away again because that was too much.

"It can't happen again," Enjolras said.

"Why not?" Grantaire asked.

Enjolras grabbed his bag and said, "It just can't."

He quickly walked away from the table quickly, so that Grantaire couldn't see the way that his own heart broke and eyes filled with tears at those three little words. Grantaire stared after him, but didn't say anything, knowing that the main reason why Enjolras pulled away was because of what their last names were.

For the rest of their shifts, Enjolras avoided him like he was the plague. When he did have to be near him, he avoided eye contact, but he would blush all the way to his ears.

***

When it came time to close up the store and the money was counted up, Enjolras ran out of the store as quickly as his feet could carry him. Grantaire stared after him, confused and heartbroken. Enjolras could feel wetness on his cheeks as he ran down the street towards his bus stop.

Enjolras didn't even stop to grab food or say "hi" to anybody when he arrived home. He locked himself in his room to finish studying for the test. There was knocking at the door, but he ignored it. Enjolras didn't want to talk. He wasn't ready to talk to anyone, despite wanting to desperately talk to Adeline, but his fear of her reaction kept getting in the way.

At that moment, he just wanted to finish studying, take a shower, and go to bed. The knocking had stopped within 20 minutes of him being home, so he went to unlock his door before crawling into bed. He laid there, petting Angel for a few minutes before she moved to the foot of the bed, where she usually laid at night.

Enjolras did his best to push the kiss from his memory, but it wasn't working as he stared up at the ceiling. He brought his fingers up to his mouth and touched his lips. He couldn't stop thinking about the way Grantaire's lips moved against his. His lips had been soft and smooth as they pressed against his in desperate and charged movements. The kiss had already been euphoric for Enjolras, but when he had opened his mouth and Grantaire had snuck his tongue inside and their tongues had touched, Enjolras had felt like he was ascending into heaven.

Kissing Grantaire was exactly what he had thought it would be. Glorious and beautiful all at the same time. It made Enjolras want more. But he could never have more. They could never be together. It was an impossible hope.

Enjolras was brought out of his thoughts by the sound of his phone buzzing. He grabbed it from the nightstand to open the text. The words that he read made his heart sing and twist at the same time.

R (11:46 P.M.): I'm not sorry.

Enjolras pressed the lock button on his phone without even closing out the message. He set his phone back down on the nightstand, pulling the covers over his head as tears started.

***

A day later, the awkward tension between them was palpable. Grantaire wanted to talk to Enjolras about what had happened, but Enjolras wasn't giving him the time of day. He was still avoiding him.

Enjolras's friends and family, mostly Adeline and Mary, had started to pick up that something was wrong. Both of whom had a strong suspicion about who was the cause of his mood, but Enjolras just continued to tell them that everything was fine.

"I can't talk to you about it."

"Why not?"

Enjolras refused to look at her. "Because I'm scared."

"Scared of what, Jules?"

"What you will think of me after you hear it? What your reaction will be?"

"Sweetheart, I love you. There's nothing that you could ever tell me that would ever change that." Adeline sat down on the bed, taking her grandson's face in her hands. "You can tell me anything, you know that."

"I know, but I...what I've done is something that some people will deem unforgivable."

"What you've done?" Adeline questioned. "Jules, you aren't in any trouble are you?"

"No, it's nothing like that." Enjolras started to play with one of the threads on the comforter on his bed. "I've fallen in love, Grandma."

Adeline smiled, squeezing his hand. "What's so bad about that?"

"It's not. It's who I've fallen in love with." He closed his eyes, so that he didn't have to see her face when realization dawned on her.

Adeline's eyes went wide and she dropped his hands. "Nicolas. You've fallen in love with Nicolas."

A tear slipped from his eye, but he didn't say anything only nodded. Adeline continued to gape at him. She and Mary had seen it coming since the two 16-year-olds had become friends, but to have it confirmed so soon was a shock. It broke her heart when she noticed that her grandson refused to look at her and even more so, when she realized that he had been terrified of telling her out of fear of her reaction. She reached for his hands and squeezed them.

"Jules, honey, look at me." Enjolras's eyes were wet and rimmed with red when he finally looked at her. She wiped a tear away before hugging him tightly and just letting him cry for as long as he needed to. When he finally stopped, he stayed in her arms as she spoke up, "Sweetheart, I'm going to be completely honest with you, Mary and I saw it coming from the moment you mentioned that you two were becoming friends. Sure, it's a little bit of shock because I wasn't expecting it this soon, but I'm happy for you. I've already told you what I thought of the young man."

"I know, Grandma, but what about the rivalry? My parents. They'll never accept that he's the man I love. They've never accepted anything about me. And my friends would never understand it either."

She combed his curls out with her fingers. "Now, I think you should give your friends a little bit more credit. They might surprise you. As for your parents, they need to realize the more that they push you, they'll eventually lose you."

"I just know that a relationship with him would never work and it breaks my heart because I want to be with him, but I can't."

"You'll find a way. I'm sure of it," Adeline said. "And you don't have to worry about me or Mary saying anything to your parents. Your secret is safe with us. And if a relationship does happen, we'll do everything to make sure it lasts."

Enjolras hugged her again, whispering to her his thanks.

"I'll have you tell me how it happened at a later date, but right now I want you to get some sleep, you're clearly tuckered out. I promise that everything will work out in the end between you and Nicolas." She kissed his forehead as she tucked him in.

"How can you be so sure?"

"Because I know you. You go after the things you want, even if it's an uphill battle." That caused Enjolras to smile which is what Adeline was going for. "Goodnight, Jules." Adeline turned out the light, walking to the door.

"Goodnight, Grandma," he replied.

As he settled down and tried to sleep, Enjolras decided that he would talk to Grantaire about the kiss and what it meant for their friendship now at work the next day.

But talking to him about it proved difficult because anytime that Enjolras approached Grantaire, one of them was pulled away to help a customer. They both finally got a break, but the moment that Enjolras was going to open his mouth to start speaking, the bell rang and he saw Bahorel, Éponine, and Jehan walk into the store. He closed his mouth and went to go busy himself with the bookshelves to not cause any issues.

Bahorel walked up to Grantaire. "Dude, why don't you bail and come out with us?"

"Because as I've said many times, I enjoy my job and I want my own money. I don't want to rely on my parents," Grantaire said. "And I can't leave my coworker."

"Oh, please," Éponine said, "just go to Lamarque's office and tell him you're not feeling well. He'll call in someone else. Just please come out with us. We haven't seen you in forever because you're always working."

"Because I like working," Grantaire insisted.

"Oh, yeah, sure." Éponine snorted. "Working with the asshole son of the Enjolras family is totally something that you can enjoy while working."

Grantaire had to bite his tongue from saying something he'd later regret. Instead, he said, with finality in his voice. "Guys, I really can't go. You know that."

Bahorel and Éponine held their hands up in surrender. Bahorel looked around for Jehan.

"Where's Jehan?" Bahorel asked.

"Probably looking at the poetry," Éponine replied.

The three of them chuckled, and none were surprised when Jehan came out from the poetry section with a stack of books under his arm. He walked to the counter to have Grantaire check him out.

As Grantaire checked Jehan out, all he could hear from his friends were jokes about how painful and annoying it must be to work with Julien Enjolras. It took everything in him to keep his tongue bit, so that he didn't say anything that would give away his feelings for the blond man. Every once in a while, he would see Enjolras appear from his hiding spot in the science fiction section, but he refused to make eye contact with him.

Once his friends left the store, Enjolras came out from his hiding spot. He walked to the computer to continue filling out online orders that he was working on.

"Jules, about the things that they said—" Grantaire started.

"Nope. It's fine. I have tough skin and it's nothing that I haven't heard before. It just reiterated what I already knew and proved that what my grandmother told me last night was wrong." Enjolras still refused to look at him

"And what is that?"

Enjolras rolled his eyes. "That everything would work out between us, but I think it's just gotten clearer that it won't. That kiss never should have happened."

"You don't believe that. I know you don't," Grantaire said.

"Yes, I do." Enjolras finally looked at him. "Because it will never work. Your friends' comments are proof of that."

"Well, I don't care," Grantaire replied. "What I do with my life is none of my friends' business."

"And what about your parents?" Enjolras asked. He watched as Grantaire's eyes shifted to the counter and his face grew sad. "Yeah, that's what I thought."

Enjolras finished looking up the next order he had to fill. He grabbed a box before going to grab the books for the order. But as he walked by Grantaire, his elbow was caught by him.

"I don't care about what my parents think. I haven't since I was 12," Grantaire said. Then he let go of Enjolras. "But clearly you care what your parents say despite the fact that they don't even accept that you're gay, so why the fuck does their opinion matter?"

Enjolras turned to glare at him. "I don't give a shit about what my parents say. You just don't get it." He turned to go find the books.

"Then, explain it to me. Make me understand. Don't just walk away from me!" Grantaire exclaimed.

"No one would ever accept it! Our parents! Our friends! Society! The only people who would are Lamarque, my grandmother, and my housekeeper! You can't tell me that wouldn't be devastating to you. Being with someone that you care about, but everyone is telling you something different!" Enjolras screamed.

"I wouldn't care what they would say as long as I was able to be with you!"

Enjolras frowned. "But could you handle keeping it secret? Living a lie? Sneaking around? Making sure you have a story straight, so that no one catches on to the lies? Not being able to hold that person's hand in public? Could you handle that? I know I couldn't."

"If keeping it a secret meant that I could be with you, I wouldn't care! I want to be with you! I care about you! Not what other people would say."

"I can't do it. I won't," Enjolras whispered, turning back to finish what he started.

"So what do we do? Just forget about it! Forget about our feelings for each other. Forget about that kiss. Because I can't do that, Julien!"

"Well, you're going to have to try because as much as I want to be with you too, I've already begun to accept that I'll never have you. It's impossible!"

"It's not impossible," Grantaire's voice cracked.

"Yes, Nicolas, it is, and in time you'll see that," Enjolras's voice broke, desperate to keep the tears that threatened to fall back.

Enjolras once again set off to finish his task. Grantaire didn't say another word as he watched Enjolras get back to work. 

For the rest of their shift, neither of them said anything. Both of them brewing in disappointment, anger, heartbreak, and sadness.

Neither of them realized that Lamarque heard the whole thing from his office.

***

After their argument they barely talked to each other, if they did, it was usually about work and not much else. It was something that both hated, but neither knew how to fix it. Not wanting to see two people who cared about each other grow to resent each other, Lamarque felt a need to try and bridge the gap between them.

That Friday, while they were working, Enjolras was working the register while Grantaire was helping customers and restocking shelves. But it was once again a slow day, so Enjolras was reading Clockwork Princess during his free time. Lamarque walked up to the register counter with Enjolras's paycheck in his hand.

"Here you go, Jules," Lamarque said.

"Thanks." Enjolras took the envelope and put it in his locker. He glanced at Grantaire, who was restocking shelves in the children's book section.

"So, what happened the other day?" Lamarque questioned.

Enjolras quickly turned back to his book and mumbled, "Nothing."

"Jules, I heard the entire thing," Lamarque said.

"Then, why are you asking me what happened if you heard every word?"

"Because I wanted to hear it from my godson, so what happened?"

"A few days ago, we kissed, and well, I pulled away and told him that it could never happen again. So, the other day, his friends were here and there were saying things and I told him that it was just a taste of what other people would say and we can never be together because of it. I...I just worry we'd never be able to make it work, not while we have to keep it a secret."

"Jules, that doesn't matter. The only thing that does is your feelings for each other. If you care about him, hell maybe you even love him, why should anything else matter? You'd find a way to make it work."

Enjolras turned toward his book to glance down at it. Lamarque sighed before getting an idea.

"Let me tell you a story," Lamarque said. "When I was 18, I fell in love with a boy, too. At the time, I knew that I would never love anyone as much as I loved him. I thought that our parents would accept us, but I should have known better. It was in the '80s, smack dab in the middle of the AIDs crisis. Our parents were terrified of us. My parents soon came around, but his parents carted him off to a correctional facility, and I never saw him again. He died after contracting AIDs while in the facility. I was devastated. Other than my wife, he's the only other person that I've ever truly loved."

"I'm so sorry."

"I've made peace with the pain, but it's still hard to talk about," Lamarque said. "I think the part that makes it hurt the most is that we wanted to run away together, but instead of doing what we wanted, I convinced him to tell our parents, which resulted in the death of the boy I loved. The point is we let someone else's prejudice get in the way of what we wanted. You may be wondering what this has to do with you and Nic, but my point is that love is love, Julien. Regardless of race, gender, and specifically in your case, family. If no one will accept that you love him, Jules, that's their problem, not yours."

"But keeping it a secret?" Enjolras asked.

"Yeah, that's going to be hard, but it's a small price to pay to just call him yours, isn't it?" Lamarque questioned. "What I'm trying to say, Jules, is that if you let others, especially your parents, dictate your life, you'll never be happy." Enjolras looked at him, but didn't say anything. "Just think about it."

Enjolras nodded. Lamarque squeezed his shoulder before walking away to give Grantaire his check. Enjolras watched Grantaire smile as he had a short conversation with Lamarque. He felt his own smile appear at the sight of Grantaire's, but when he glanced over at him, Enjolras quickly turned back to his book. Grantaire's face fell when he saw Enjolras look away from him.

After Lamarque finished putting the checks in the lockers, he decided to take his leave, leaving the bookstore in the capable hands of his two employees. As it neared closing time, the place became even more quiet and it was harder for them to ignore that the other existed.

Eventually, Grantaire just shook his head and walked behind the counter. "So...how was your day?"

"It was all right," Enjolras replied from where he was going over that day's inventory list.

"That's good. Where are you in Clockwork Princess?" Grantaire's fingers caressed the hardcover edge of the book.

"Gideon and Gabriel just came clean to Charlotte about what the Consul wanted them to do," Enjolras answered.

"Oh, that's nice," Grantaire said. "I'm still in the beginning of Lost Souls. Clary just stole the faerie rings from the library of the Institute and saw Jace and Sebastian."

Enjolras only nodded in response, and the silence fell between them again. He glanced up at Grantaire when he wasn't looking. "Are you going to ask it or not?"

"Ask what?" Grantaire had now taken to opening up Enjolras's book and using his finger to flip through the pages.

"The question that you've been biting back since Lamarque left." Enjolras turned to look at him.

Grantaire sighed, then asked, "So, what did you two talk about?"

Enjolras hesitated for a second before saying, "You."

"Me?"

"Yes, about what happened the other day. The argument."

"Jules…" Grantaire lifted his hand to place it over Enjolras's on the counter. Enjolras looked down at it, but didn't pull away. Feeling brave, Grantaire leaned into his space. "I meant what I said. I'd be able to handle keeping it a secret, if it meant being with you."

Enjolras met his eyes. He turned his hand to lace their fingers together. Their hands stayed like that as Enjolras thought of what to say next. Grantaire ran his thumb over the back of Enjolras's hand, sending a warm, fuzzy feeling through Enjolras's chest.

"It would never work." Enjolras started to play with Grantaire's fingers.

"We can make it work. I believe in giving this a chance," Grantaire said. He leaned more into his space, cupping Enjolras's face with one hand and brushed his thumb over his cheek. "Jules, does this feel wrong?" Enjolras shook his head. "What about this?" Grantaire wrapped his arm around Enjolras's waist, pressing it against the small of his back, letting his fingers run across his spine. They looked each other in the eye. "Or finally this?" Grantaire leaned forward to press his lips to Enjolras's softly. A kiss that Enjolras didn't hesitate to return. It only lasted a minute before Grantaire pulled away and pressed their foreheads together. "Everything feels right when I'm with you."

"Nic..." Enjolras started. "I want nothing more than to say yes."

"Then say it."

"No." A tear rolled down his cheek. "We can't do this. No matter how much both of us want to. We have to forget. We have to just be friends. Please, Nicolas."

Grantaire felt a piece of his heart chip away listening to the pain and heartbreak in Enjolras's voice. He agreed with a small nod of his head. "But if this is the only time that I'm ever going to be able to hold you like this, I'm going to make the most of it. Can I kiss you?"

Enjolras cupped his face to bring his mouth back down to his. Grantaire wrapped his other arm around Enjolras, pulling him closer. 

The kiss lasted for what felt like forever. Their lips not wanting to leave the other because they knew the moment they pulled away, they'd never get it again. But soon they needed to come back up for air. Both of their faces were red with swollen lips. Grantaire brought his hand up to Enjolras's face and his fingers ran through the curls. He could see tears in Enjolras's eyes, and feel them burn in his own. He brought their foreheads together.

"I want to say it, but I know that it will only break our hearts more—"

"Say it, please. And I'll say it back," Enjolras said. "I want to hear you say it. Even if it's just once."

Grantaire looked Enjolras in the eye and grabbed his hand to place it over his heart. "I love you. I'm only 16, but I know that my heart will always be yours."

Enjolras felt another tear fall from his eye. Grantaire wiped it away. "I love you, too, Nicolas Grantaire. And I'll never be sorry."

"Neither will I." Grantaire pressed their lips together again in a quick kiss. "We have to finish closing the store."

"I know," Enjolras said, not wanting to pull himself away from Grantaire, but knew that he had to.

When it came time to lock the door and shut the lights off, Grantaire had to fight the urge to pull Enjolras back in his arms to kiss him one more time. He couldn't, though, no matter how much he may want to. Once the door was locked, they turned to each other.

"So, I guess, I'll say goodnight," Enjolras said.

"Goodnight, Jules."

"Goodnight."

Enjolras took a step back before turning around to head to his bus stop. His heart breaking, tears threatening to fall with every step he took away from the man that he loved.

Grantaire's own tears fell as he watched Enjolras leave. He turned to walk to his home. Arriving home, he went straight to his bedroom, seeing a couple packages lying on his bed. He opened them up to discover they were the French editions of City of Glass and City of Fallen Angels that he had bought for Enjolras as a Christmas present. He held the books in hand, but as he looked at them, it caused him to break down in tears because of his shattered heart.

He forced himself to move the books to his bookshelf to wrap for Enjolras later, and then he got ready for bed. Grantaire reached for his sketchbook, but no ideas came to him. It didn't help that it was filled with sketches of Enjolras, either. He couldn't even bring himself to pick up Lost Souls because all it did was serve as a reminder of Enjolras.

Instead, he reached for his guitar and manuscript paper as an idea for a song came to his mind. A song that he titled: "Rewrite the Stars: For Jules". He strummed a few notes on the guitar, singing the words that came to mind.

🎵You know I want you. It's not a secret I try to hide. I know you want me. So don't keep saying our hands are tied...🎵

Grantaire didn't finish the song until late into the night knowing that the first draft of the song was the only draft that was needed to convey the depth of his feelings for Enjolras. Once it was finished, Grantaire finally found himself able to sleep.

***

Enjolras arrived home and escaped immediately up to his bedroom. Adeline heard the sound of his crying from where she was reading her book on the couch. She set her book down and headed up after him. Opening his door, she saw him sitting on the floor next to his bed, face buried in his arms. Adeline frowned and her heart broke even more for him. She tiptoed into the room, closing the door quietly. Without saying a word, she sat down next to him and took him into her arms. Running her fingers through his hair, she just let him cry.

***

February 2014

In the weeks that followed, January became February.

They did their best to return to the way things were before they fell in love, but it was easier said than done. They still talked every day about their families and the things they had in common. But now, there was an added longing in their voices. Their touches were filled with yearning.

Valentine's Day that year put them both in extremely sour moods, especially as Enjolras was forced to watch Combeferre and Courfeyrac, as well as Cosette and Marius, give each other presents and enjoy each other's company. As he had wanted to the entire day was feign illness in order to stay at home, but if he did that he wouldn't be able to see Grantaire at work and he needed to be able to see him, if only for a little while.

Grantaire's friends had been able to convince him to come out with them to a Valentine's Day party. It was a party where someone had spiked the punch and because of his sadness, Grantaire had drank too much and had sex with a male student in the bathroom stall of the club, only to then go home with the boy to his dorm room. On Saturday morning when he woke with a massive hangover, Grantaire had felt a massive wave of guilt wash over him and the only thought in his mind was, I betrayed the man that I love. He snuck out of the dorm room and back to his home. He got some water and food, a shower, and a change of clothes before heading to work with no idea how he was going to face Enjolras.

Walking into the store, the first thing that Grantaire noticed was that Enjolras was at the register, ringing up some books for a young male customer.

Enjolras placed the books in a drawstring blue velvet bag, asked the man if he wanted his receipt and handed the book to him, saying in his customer service voice, "Thank you for shopping with us. We hope to see you again at Lamarque's Wonder Emporium of Books."

The young man winked at Enjolras, with a flirtatious smile, and slid a sticky note across the table. Enjolras felt his skin crawl as he realized that it was the man's number, and then his eye caught Grantaire and he felt his heart sink to his stomach. His smile was friendly as he took the number to appease the man. The man then left without another word. Enjolras glanced down at the sticky nose before throwing it in the trash behind the counter.

Grantaire felt the hand that had been squeezing his heart when he saw the man give Enjolras the note release and he sighed in relief. But then as Enjolras's sky blue eyes and his charming smile turned on him, the relief was quickly replaced with bone-crushing guilt. He came around the counter to place his bag, jacket, and beanie in his locker and to clock in.

"So, how was your Valentine's Day?" he asked.

Enjolras shrugged. "It was alright. Adeline convinced me to play some board and card games with her, then we ordered in and watched the first Lord of the Rings movie. She made it her mission last night to distract me." The reason for why he needed to be distracted went unspoken between them. "How was yours?"

"Um...it was alright. My friends and I went to a party."

"Oh. How was that?"

Grantaire shrugged. "It was fun, I guess. But...um...there's something that I have to tell you."

Enjolras stopped counting the stack of books that was sitting next to him to give Grantaire his attention. "Okay. What's going on?"

Grantaire bit his lip and started to play with the sleeve of his sweatshirt. Avoiding Enjolras's gaze. "I might have gotten drunk and um...I slept with someone." He brought his eyes to Enjolras's eyes. His friend turned his head before he could see his reaction. Hearing his confession, Enjolras felt a hand plunge itself into his chest, grip his heart tightly, and rip it out and crush it. "Jules, I'm sorry. It didn't mean anything."

"You don't have to apologize." Enjolras's eyes met his. Grantaire couldn't read his expression, it was completely blank and his eyes were unfeeling. "I told you to forget me, so you can do whatever you want."

"Jules..."

"I said it was fine. I'm going to check the stock on this book. We're running low on copies on the shelf." Enjolras walked to the back of the store.

Once in the back, he hid himself behind a shelf and let himself have a little cry for a minute or two. Then, he wiped any sign of his tears away and composed himself. They agreed to forget each other. Nicolas can do whatever he wants or be with whoever he wants. I have no claim on him, Enjolras thought as he searched for the book that he came back for. But that doesn't make it hurt any less. Not when you haven't been doing very well in the forgetting him department, a voice that sounded suspiciously like Adeline said in the back of his mind, but he ignored it and returned to doing his job.

***

A few days after Valentine's Day, Enjolras was walking the school hallway when he passed a few of Grantaire's friends standing by Musichetta's locker on his way to his English class. He didn't mean to overhear their conversation, but it couldn't be helped that he heard Grantaire's name.

"Nic's going out on a date with the dude that he hooked up with on Valentine's Day tomorrow night," Bossuet said to the group.

"Good. He's been a major ass lately. He could use some more action," Éponine commented.

Jehan's attention peaked from his book to his friends. "I thought Nic didn't get the guy's number."

"From what I understood, apparently the guy slipped it into his pocket while they were making out in the bathroom," Bossuet explained.

Hearing enough, Enjolras hurried his pace up to get to his English classroom. It wasn't that he wasn't expecting Grantaire to move on, he was, but it still felt like a thousand tiny daggers were being buried in his heart and twisted until they reached the hilt. Of course, hearing it secondhand didn't help either.

He desperately held the tears back throughout his entire English class. Not looking forward to work after school that day, at all.

***

Enjolras entered the store that day through the café. He had picked himself up a few peanut butter cookies to put in his ice cream when he got home as he had a good cry. Grantaire was washing down the counter as Enjolras clocked in, but he did his best to ignore him.

"Hey, Jules. How was your day?" Enjolras simply shrugged as he got right to work in picking up a rag to start dusting the shelves. Grantaire waited patiently for him to say more, but when he didn't, Grantaire spoke again. "My day was fine. I have a lot of homework to do when I get home. Not looking forward to that, but hopefully it'll be easy." Enjolras didn't react at all. "Okay, what's going on with you?"

"Nothing."

Grantaire rolled his eyes. "Oh, please. You haven't ignored me like this since we started working together, and I would like to think I know what's bothering you by now."

Enjolras closed his eyes and counted to ten. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"About what?"

"You know what?" Enjolras let go of the rag and turned to his friend, but it was clear his friend didn't have a clue what he was talking about. "Your date, Nic."

"You heard?"

"Kind of hard not to when your friends are standing in the middle of the hallway talking about it."

"Jules, I'm sorry. I was going to tell you when you got here," Grantaire said. "I just...I'm sorry, I don't know what else to say." Enjolras stayed silent for a few moments. Grantaire looked up at him through his lashes. "Say something, please?"

"What do you want me to say?"

"I don't know. How do you feel about it?"

"Trust me, you don't want to know how I'm feeling."

"Yes, I do."

Enjolras crossed his arms, trying to keep himself together. "Fine. How could you? How could you forget that easily? That quickly?"

"You think that forgetting you is easy?" Grantaire asked. "I see you every fucking day! You are all that I fucking think about!"

"Then, why?"

"Because I have to! If there's any hope in forgetting you, I have to go on this date! I can't spend every fucking day pining after the one person that I can't have, no matter how much I may want to."

"And how do you think I feel?! Do you think forgetting about you is any easier?!" Enjolras exclaimed. "I feel the shards of my broken heart every single fucking time I breathe. I can't seem to go a day without crying over you!"

"Then give us a fucking chance!" Grantaire screamed. "Put us out of our fucking misery!"

Enjolras yelled in frustration before grabbing Grantaire's face and mashing their mouths together. The kiss was rough, hard, and nothing but teeth. Grantaire's hand pulled on Enjolras's hair with Enjolras cupping his face with one hand and pulling him closer with the other. Their lips smacking and moving against each other in such a way that was sure to leave them bruised.

Neither one registered that their feet were moving until Enjolras's back hit the shelves and he winced slightly as the corners of the books dug into his shoulder blades, but he didn't pull away. Grantaire pulled at his curls again, swallowing the moan the action received.

Needing to breathe, Enjolras pulled away. His eyes met Grantaire's for a split second before his friend's mouth attached itself to his neck and he started kissing, licking, and sucking hard enough to leave a mark. Enjolras moved his head to side to give Grantaire better access.

"Nic..."

Grantaire moved his mouth to the corner of Enjolras's ear. "Please, Jules. I can't do this anymore. I don't want to go on that date, I only want to be with you." He pressed tiny kisses across his jaw, bringing his mouth back to Enjolras's. "I love you. I love you, so much."

"I love you, too."

"Then, please, give in to this. Go after what you want. Claim me as yours, even if only in secret. We'll make it work. I don't have any fucking clue how, but we will. All you have to do is say 'yes.'"

Enjolras pulled away, looking into Grantaire's green eyes that were filled with frustration, anger, pleading, sadness, hurt, love, and desire all at once. He loved his eyes. They were a color of green that he had never seen before, but they haunted his dreams and his every waking moment. His hand slid up from his waist and rested over his heart. Feeling it beat rapidly under his hand. His eyes met Grantaire's again and this time he could read what they were saying, "My heart is yours and it always will be. Just say yes, I'm begging you."

He closed his eyes. Quickly went through a list of pros and cons in his head, but even though that list was filled with more cons than pros, he couldn't deny his heart's deepest desire. He wanted Grantaire. Just then he heard his grandmother's words playing back in his mind.

Because I know you. You go after the things you want, even if it's an uphill battle.

His grandmother was absolutely right. He did go after the things he wanted, and right now, more than anything, he wanted Grantaire and he was going to have him, even if it was going to be difficult and painful.

He opened his eyes, cupped Grantaire's face and brought their mouths back together. This time it was a soft kiss. Just simple presses of their lips, but against his mouth, he whispered one tiny word, but it was the most important word he had ever said in his life.

"Yes."

Grantaire pulled him back in for another kiss, but the smile on his face was too wide that a kiss was almost impossible. Enjolras brought his arms around his neck and rested their foreheads together, a bright smile on his face.

"Don't go on the date, please—"

"I won't."

"—I don't know what I was thinking by trying to forget you. I'm just so scared that we won't be able to make it work."

"I know you're scared, I am too, but we have to give it a try. We'll never know unless we do."

"Okay, I trust you. Let's give it a try." Grantaire cupped his face and kissed him again. Then, something that he said a few seconds ago, registered in Enjolras's brain. "You said you're not going on the date, right?"

"Nope. I'll cancel the date, I promise. You're the only one I want, Jules."

Enjolras didn't say anything, just smiled brightly and gave him another light kiss before they agreed to go back to work.

***

After closing the store down for the night and shutting the lights, Enjolras left the building with Grantaire following him. He shut the door and locked it. Then he wrapped his arms around Enjolras's waist, pulling him closer. The streetlights illuminated Enjolras's hair and it gave him a beautiful halo.

"You're so beautiful." Grantaire caressed Enjolras's cheekbone.

Enjolras flushed. "Does this mean I'm your boyfriend now?"

"I would hope so."

"Then, you're my boyfriend." Enjolras kissed him, licking his lips when they pulled away, and closed his eyes. "My boyfriend, I like the sound of that."

"Me too. I'm your boyfriend, albeit secret boyfriend, but boyfriend nonetheless."

They shared another kiss before parting and heading in their separate directions.

***

Opening the door of his bedroom, Grantaire set his bag down at the foot of the bed. He pulled out his phone to send a text to cancel his date tomorrow. He opened his bag and pulled his homework out for the night, but as he searched for his assignment, he had forgotten that he had placed the song that he had written for Enjolras inside. He smiled as he read through the lyrics. An idea forming in his head, Grantaire reached for his phone, ignoring the text he had received from his would-be date, and went straight for Enjolras's number.

Grantaire (9:37 P.M.): Do you remember when you asked me to write a song for you?

My Secret Love 💞 (9:37 P.M.): Yes. What about it? 😜

Grantaire (9:38 P.M.): I might've done it. 🙈

My Secret Love 💞 (9:39 P.M.): Really?!

My Secret Love 💞 (9:39 P.M.): If I call you, will you perform it for me?

Grantaire (9:40 P.M.): I would, but I have a better idea.

My Secret Love 💞 (9:40 P.M.): ?

Grantaire (9:41 P.M.): You know the school talent show next Friday?

My Secret Love 💞 (9:41 P.M.): Yeah.

Grantaire (9:41 P.M.): What would you say if I told you I thought about performing it there? I want to declare my love for you to the world. I swear, I won't reveal who it was written for.

My Secret Love 💞 (9:42 P.M.): 😭😭 It would mean so much to me.

Grantaire (9:42 P.M.): Thank you! I'll sign up when I get to school tomorrow morning.

Grantaire (9:42 P.M.): Just fair warning, I wrote it when I thought I would never be with you, so keep that in mind when you hear it.

My Secret Love 💞 (9:43 P.M.): I will. I can't wait to hear it. But now, I have homework to do.

Grantaire (9:43 P.M.): Me too. I'll text you when I'm done. I love you! 😍

My Secret Love 💞 (9:44 P.M.): I love you, too.

Grantaire smiled and locked his phone. He opened his planner to remind himself what homework he had to do. Grantaire grabbed the book they were reading in English and sat back to read the chapter they were assigned.

***

And the talent show came quickly after Grantaire signed up. Every year the school scheduled a talent show in the middle of the semester in order for them to have a break from academia. Most of the students showed up for that reason, and Enjolras had assured him that he would be in the audience.

It hadn't been a surprise to anyone in the school that he was on the lineup for they all knew that he loved music and performing. First up was a dance act by two freshmen girls from their dance class. Then, it was a boy from the sophomore class who sang a song that Grantaire had never heard of on his guitar. The third was another girl in the junior class who did a little tap dance number. And finally, it was his turn. From his spot in the wings, he could see Enjolras sitting in the fifth row in the center section between Combeferre and Courfeyrac. His friends were in the very last row with some of them probably not paying that much attention.

The piano was brought out as Grantaire stepped onto the stage, and the auditorium erupted into applause. His eyes found Enjolras's, who discreetly mouthed, "Break a leg." Grantaire sat down and placed the music on the piano. The title and who it was written for staring him right in the face.

"So...um...I wrote this song, and um...I wrote it for the people who feel like their love is forbidden," Grantaire said into the microphone. He made a quick glance towards Enjolras, whose expression he couldn't read.

Enjolras shifted in his seat, his heart pounding, but trying not to react anymore than that. If he reacted in any way, it would give his feelings for Grantaire away, something he couldn't have. So, he was left with no other choice, but to remain stoic as Grantaire's baritone voice started to fill the auditorium.

Grantaire played the first note to make sure he was on the right pitch before he opened his mouth and words came out.

🎵You know I want you. It's not a secret I try to hide. I know you want me. So don't keep saying our hands are tied. You claim it's not in the cards, but fate is pulling you miles away, and out of reach from me. But you're here in my heart, so who can stop me if I decide that you're my destiny?🎵

Grantaire's fingers moved across the piano as he sang the lyrics. His eyes followed the sheet music, but once he reached the chorus, his eyes searched for Enjolras.

🎵What if we rewrite the stars? Say you were made to be mine. Nothing could keep us apart. You'd be the one I was meant to find. It's up to you, and it's up to me. No one can say what we get to be. Why don't we rewrite the stars? Maybe the world could be ours tonight🎵

The second verse and chorus was written as if it was Enjolras listing the reasons for why it was impossible for them to be together. Grantaire's eyes went back to the sheet music. He finally reached the bridge, turning his eyes back to Enjolras to sing.

🎵All I want is to fly with you. All I want is fall with you. So just give me all of you. It's not impossible. Say that's possible. How do we rewrite the stars? Say you were made to be mine. Nothing can keep us apart 'cause you are the one I was meant to find. It's up to you, and it's up to me. No one can say what we get to be. Why don't we rewrite the stars? Changing the world to be ours🎵

Grantaire finished out the song. He took his hands off the piano as the audience erupted into a thunderous applause. Grantaire didn't dare look in Enjolras's direction one final time, instead he stood up and bowed. He walked off the stage, feeling nervous about what Enjolras's reaction would be to the song.

After Grantaire finished the song, all Enjolras wanted to do was run out of the auditorium, find him, and kiss him senseless, but he knew that if he did that, it would give away who the song was written for. So, Enjolras forced himself to hold off on leaving the auditorium for three more acts before he excused himself and left the room.

No one was in the halls because they were all in the auditorium, but Enjolras wasn't 100% sure where Grantaire would be. But he didn't need to search for Grantaire because Grantaire found him. Their eyes met, and Enjolras grabbed Grantaire's hand, pulling him through a door and into an empty stairwell.

"So, what did you think? Did you—" Grantaire was cut off by lips crashing onto his.

It took Grantaire's brain a second to catch up to what was happening, but once it did, Grantaire's lips started to move against Enjolras's with just as much heat and pressure as Enjolras was pressing against his. Grantaire's arms wrapped around his torso. Enjolras could feel his hands splayed against his back as the desperation and want in their kisses grew.

Grantaire held out a hand as he backed Enjolras up against the wall, lifting him up like he weighed nothing. Enjolras's legs wrapped around his waist. Their mouths never left each other, neither did their tongues, and they swallowed up each other's moans. Grantaire pulled his mouth from Enjolras's as he kissed down his jaw and neck. Enjolras's eyes slipped closed as Grantaire kissed and nipped at his neck. His hands stayed in the inky curls, guiding his head. Grantaire couldn't help himself. He opened his mouth to suck another mark over the one that was starting to fade. As his teeth scrapped the alabaster skin, Grantaire heard Enjolras let out a sharp moan. His tongue swept over it when he pulled away.

A swell of pride grew in his chest knowing that Enjolras would have to continue wearing something to cover up the marks. He would never tire of seeing his love's neck marked up in love bites that signified that he was he and only his.

With that thought, Grantaire's mouth returned to Enjolras's. The desperation had lessened a little, and the kisses were filled with a sweetness that made both of their hearts hurt. But eventually, they pulled away for air, breathing heavily. Keeping Enjolras braced against the wall, Grantaire wrapped his arms around his torso. Enjolras's fingers played with the curls at the nape of his neck.

Grantaire smiled as he pressed a soft kiss to Enjolras's lips. "So, I take it that you liked it?"

"I loved it. Almost as much as I love you," Enjolras replied. He played with the collar of Grantaire's shirt, then asked, shyly, "Do you think that I could get a copy of the music?"

"Absolutely. I'll make a copy after school and give it to you at work." Grantaire kissed him again. "I love you."

Enjolras was just about to kiss him again, but he heard a locker slam. Grantaire immediately set him down and they straightened their clothes, but when Enjolras started to leave, Grantaire pulled him back to him for a quick kiss, then he let Enjolras leave their hiding place.

As he walked to his locker, Enjolras pulled his shirt over the mark that Grantaire left on his neck. He went to his locker to grab his scarf to cover it up. Grantaire passed him a few minutes later, and they shared a secret smile as the hallway filled with students. Enjolras grabbed his books to head to his final class of the day. Combeferre and Courfeyrac fell into step next to him.

Courfeyrac looked at him confused. "What is up with you and that fucking scarf? I feel like I haven't seen you without it on all week."

"I've been cold," Enjolras lied.

Combeferre and Courfeyrac glanced at each other, telling Enjolras that they didn't believe him. Instead of saying anything though, he just continued walking, ignoring any questions they might have.

***

When they arrived at work after school, they silently agreed to keep away from each other until they put in a good hour's worth of work. But when Enjolras removed the scaf, Grantaire had to suppress his smile when he saw the love bite on Enjolras's neck.

After 45 minutes of no one coming into the store, Grantaire figured that he had waited long enough to get his hands on Enjolras again. He walked behind the counter and wrapped his arms around Enjolras's waist to kiss his neck.

"You drive me crazy," Enjolras commented.

Grantaire didn't say anything. He just kept pressing chaste kisses across Enjolras's neck. But then he remembered what was in his bag, he pulled away from Enjolras, who whimpered slightly. "Do you like the feeling of me kissing your neck that much?"

Enjolras turned to him, pulling him closer to him by his belt loops after he finished grabbing what he needed. "Mmhmm. I think you've found one of my weak spots, especially when you kiss that spot under my ear. You know the one?"

"You bet I do," Grantaire teased. He moved his hand across Enjolras's waist. His pinky finger purposely brushed across a spot of skin where Enjolras's shirt had risen. Just that small, simple touch had caused Enjolras's skin to feel warm and his stomach tightened in knots.

He was reminded of the fact that Grantaire was the experienced one in their relationship, and they would eventually have to have a conversation about sex and where it fit into their relationship, but he decided to push that thought as far back in his brain as possible for the time being. His mind was preoccupied with those thoughts that he didn't hear what his boyfriend was saying until Grantaire grabbed his attention with a small kiss.

"Sorry."

"Your mind was a thousand miles away. What are you thinking about?"

"Nothing important. At least, not right now anyway."

"Okay, but I'm holding you to that. If you want to talk about it later, I'm here." Grantaire placed his hand under Enjolras's chin, giving him a quick peck. Enjolras simply nodded when he pulled away. He smiled at his boyfriend. "Here." He held up a few sheets of paper that were being held together using a paper clip. "It's your copy."

Enjolras took the paper from him, reading the title: "Rewrite the Stars: For Jules". He grinned widely. "Thank you. I love you."

"I know."

They kissed for a third time before Enjolras pulled away. "As much as I would love to keep kissing you, we need to get back to work."

Grantaire kissed him chastely before he walked out from behind the counter to go back to restocking shelves, while Enjolras continued to fill any online orders they had.

Neither one noticed Lamarque watching the entire stage from his office door. He hadn't meant to see the moment, but it was kind of hard when he had opened the door to see them kissing against the counter. They had told him a week ago that they had decided to give in to their feelings and try to make a relationship work, and since then Lamarque had been wracking his brain trying to come up with a way to help them.

Then, it hit him. He was going to give them a place where they could be together without worrying about being caught by prying eyes, and he had just the place. He just now had to find the right moment to give his godson and his boyfriend his gift.

***

When Enjolras got home that night, the scarf back around his neck, and a smile on his face. He greeted Adeline and Mary with kisses on their cheeks. But his happy mood was dampened when he saw that his parents were out of their office.

"Julien," the cold and authoritarian voice of his father said.

Enjolras turned to look at his father, his smile fading. His hands went to the scarf, making sure that it was still in place. He said, "Yes, Father."

"I hope you have not forgotten what is coming up in a few months," Alphonse said.

"The masquerade ball." As if I could forget. There are flyers and posters up all over the damned city despite it not being for another three months, Enjolras thought.

The Annual Charity Masquerade Ball was held the first weekend in June like clockwork. This year's theme was Midnight in the Woods with a color scheme of blues and purples.

It was a charity event because the money that was raised from the tickets was always given to a charity, usually a charity with abhorrent values. His parents had been hosting it for as long as he could remember and it was always his least favorite night of the year. It was pretentious and all it did was give New York socialites a chance to brag about their money.

Every year, Enjolras dreaded getting dressed up and putting on the mask, but this year he might be able to enjoy it. As long as Grantaire agreed to get a mask and sneak in. It would be their first public event without people knowing who they were. He made a mental note to talk to Grantaire about it. The Grantaire's were obviously never invited due to the fucking rivalry.

Enjolras was pulled out of his thoughts by his mother asking the question he always dreaded. "Have you asked a nice girl, yet?"

He fought to stop the roll of his eyes. "No. I haven't. Because again, Mother, I'm gay."

Enjolras watched as his mother flinched and the anger flared in his father's eyes at the word.

"But we have an agreement that you don't flaunt that little inconvenience," Alphonse said.

"Inconvenience?!" Enjolras cried. "It's what I am, and I never agreed to such an arrangement. You decided it for yourselves that I had to suppress who I am, so I don't ruin your fragile reputation."

"Oh, Julien, don't go into hysterics," Marguerite said.

Enjolras rolled his eyes. "It's not hysterical, if it's true."

"Enough!" Alphonse roared. "You are going to ask a woman to the ball. You are going to act like there is nothing disgusting about you, and you will keep your mouth shut. That is final!"

Enjolras glared at his parents, eyes filled with hatred, all while trying to keep the bubble of laughter that threatened to burst out of him inside. He just found it hilarious that right under his parent's noses, he had fallen in love with Nicolas Grantaire, and he currently had a scarf on that hid not just one, but two love bites he had received from his boyfriend.

"Fine. It's your way or the highway, right? God forbid anyone ever tries to show that you might be wrong." Enjolras turned to go upstairs. Angel followed obediently after him.

"Julien!" Alphonse called after him, but Enjolras ignored him.

Enjolras walked into his room, threw his bag on the couch, and walked up the steps to the bathroom. He took the scarf off as he walked. He stared at himself in the mirror. The marks stood out brightly against his alabaster skin. Enjolras brought a hand up to run his fingers gently over his skin and smiled. As he stared at them, the only thing he knew was that he ached for Grantaire to do it again.

A knock on the door pulled him out his thoughts. He frantically placed the scarf back on, calling. "Just a second!" Enjolras ran down the stairs, opened his backpack, sat down on the couch, and took out his book. "Come in."

It was Adeline.

Enjolras breathed a sigh of relief. He closed the book again and removed his scarf as she came in, shut the door, and sat down next to him.

"So, I heard."

"I figured as much."

"Jules, I wish there was something more that I could do to stop them from acting this way. I thought I had raised your father to be more accepting, but I guess not," Adeline said.

"It's the same conversation every time, Grandma. And it's never going to change. Never," Enjolras said. "They've already laid my entire life out for me. Find a pretty girl to marry. Go to Dartmouth. Then, when I'm ready, I take over the family business. But I don't want to do any of that. I want my own life. My own choices."

Adeline took Enjolras's hands. "Jules, I'm on your side. I always have been."

"I know." Enjolras squeezed her hand.

"Now, as for the real question. How's Nic?" Adeline asked knowing it would make his cheeks turn pink.

"He's good. Wonderful actually." Enjolras reached into his bag and pulled out his copy of the song. "This is the song that he wrote me." He handed her the sheet music.

Adeline took it and started to read the lyrics. When she finished reading, she handed the music back to him. "That's beautiful, Jules."

Enjolras's smile was blinding with happiness. "I know. I'm so happy that he's mine."

"I can tell," she teased. "I just...can you please explain to me why you put yourself and him through those pointless weeks of pain?"

"I don't know because I'm an idiot. Because I thought it was the right thing to do at the time. I was scared of what I felt for him. What he felt for me. That we'd never work out, so it was easier to not even try, but hearing his confessions of sleeping with someone and that he was going to go out on a date with said someone and the realization hit that forgetting meant moving on, I just couldn't do it, so I gave in and decided to try it."

"I'm just glad that you did decide to give it a chance."

"Me too. I just hope that I can convince him to sneak in the masquerade ball. Maybe having him there will make that night a little less miserable."

"Well, I'm sure you will. And you have three months to do it, so..." she shrugged. "Now, changing the subject, Mary made pork loin and season asparagus for dinner. I can bring you up a plate if you're hungry?"

"That would be great, thanks," Enjolras replied.

Adeline stood up, kissed his forehead, and left the room. A few minutes later, Adeline came back up with a tray of pork loin, seasoned asparagus, and a small bowl of Caesar salad with chocolate cake for dessert. Then, she left his room again, saying goodnight and reminding him to bring the tray down to the kitchen when he was done.

Enjolras took the tray to his desk, so he could eat and work on homework. As he worked, his phone buzzed. Enjolras glanced at it and saw that it was a text from Grantaire. He smiled as he read it.

Love 💚 (9:24 P.M.): I miss you. 😢

Enjolras (9:24 P.M.): I miss you, too. 😘

Love 💚 (9:25 P.M.): FaceTime?

Enjolras (9:25 P.M.): Give me 10 minutes to finish this assignment that's due on Monday.

Love 💚 (9:26 P.M. You're such an overachiever. There's no way you are real. But I love that about you. In the meantime, I'll just be sitting here twirling my fingers.

Enjolras rolled his eyes, affectionately. He put the phone down in order for him to work on homework, doing his best not to get distracted. But he only lasted five of the 10 minutes that they had agreed to before he caved. He put his homework away, grabbed his phone, and went to lay on the bed. As he got situated, he called Grantaire.

"You caved," Grantaire teased when he picked up.

"What can I say I missed you," Enjolras said, "and I just needed to stop thinking for a while, and you help with that."

"Did something happen?" Grantaire asked, concern evident on his face.

"Just my parents being assholes like always," Enjolras said.

"What happened?" Grantaire asked.

"I don't want to burden you with my problems.

"Jules, it's me. You can tell me anything. Us being together now doesn't change that."

"Fine," Enjolras said. "When I got home, my parents got on my case about the dumb masquerade ball, and how when I'm at it, I can't be flaunting the fact that I'm gay."

"Baby, I'm sorry," Grantaire said, using the pet name for the first time.

"It's fine. I just...I hate this," Enjolras said. Not even paying attention to what his boyfriend had just called him.

"I know. I wish there was something that I could do to help."

"Well, just talking to you right now is helping." Enjolras smiled.

Grantaire smiled back. "I'm glad to hear that."

Enjolras curled up around his pillows as he talked to his boyfriend for hours. Eventually, they had talked so long that Enjolras had to plug his phone in, so that it didn't die. Soon after that, though, his eyes started drooping and he couldn't keep the conversation going because he was growing sleepy.

"Baby…" Grantaire whispered.

"Hmm." Enjolras opened his eyes, giving his boyfriend a sleepy smile. "I like it when you call me that."

"Then I'll keep doing it," Grantaire said. "But you're starting to fall asleep on me, so I'm going to let you go in order to let you sleep."

Enjolras yawned. "I love you."

"I love you, too." Grantaire made a kiss noise in the speaker. When Enjolras returned it, they hung up.

Enjolras got off the bed to get his pajamas on and brush his teeth. Then, he read a chapter in his book. He checked his phone one more time only to see that he had another text from Grantaire.

Love 💚 ( 11:55 P.M.) Goodnight, baby. I love you. Sweet dreams. 💝

Enjolras (12:09 A.M.) I love you, too. Goodnight, my love. 😘💋

***

On the next Thursday, Lamarque decided that it was time to give them his present. He walked into the store about an hour and a half into their shift, locked the door, and placed a sign on it that said: "All current employees will be back in 15 minutes." He walked to Enjolras, who was working the register.

"Um...Jules, where's Nic?" Lamarque asked.

"He's in the back, grabbing books that need to be restocked. Why?" Enjolras questioned.

"I need both of you to come with me," Lamarque said.

Enjolras didn't say anything as he called Grantaire back to the front.

It took Grantaire two minutes to return to the front. He looked at Enjolras, then Lamarque, then back to the Enjolras and said, "What's going on?"

Enjolras shrugged. "I don't know. He just said that he needed us."

Grantaire looked at Lamarque again. Lamarque didn't say anything, just gestured for them to follow him.

Enjolras stood still for a second, asking, "What about the store?"

"I put a sign up that said we'd be back in 15 and locked the door. It'll be fine. Just come on," Lamarque said, patience wearing then because of his anxiousness to give them his gift.

Grantaire held out his hand for Enjolras. They laced their fingers together as he followed Lamarque through the backdoors and into a hallway that led up to the apartment complex above the store.

"So, as you guys know, I don't just own the bookstore and the café, I also own the five apartments above it. One was my own apartment before I got married, and sometimes I still use it. One has an elderly woman and her grandson who helps her out living in it. The other three are vacant," Lamarque started to ascend the stairs.

"Yes, but why are you telling us this?" Grantaire asked.

"Patience, my young friend," Lamarque said.

They finally made it to the landing of the apartments. Lamarque led them to the one at the end of the hallway.

"The reason that I reminded you of these apartments is because I wanted to give you two a place where you could be together without the prying eyes of parents and friends. I already informed Adeline that I was doing this and she loved the idea. So, Jules and Nic, welcome to your humble abode." Lamarque opened the door and stepped to the side to allow the couple to have a look.

Both of them stood in the doorway, looking inside the studio apartment. Enjolras was the first one to take a step inside. There was a living room area already furnished with a large leather couch and small entertainment center with a TV. Then, next to the living room area was the queen sized bed that had a dark blue comforter. On the other side of the room was the kitchen and a small half bathroom.

Enjolras looked at Grantaire, who was looking at Lamarque. His boyfriend said, "You're serious? This is ours."

"Yes," Lamarque assured. "Rent free. I just figured that you should be able to have a place with no interruptions. No disapproving eyes. You can show your affection for each other without having to pull away when someone walks in. No secret meetings. No disappearing behind bookshelves to make out."

Enjolras blushed bright red when he was reminded that he and Grantaire had done that during their shift on Saturday when the store had been dead. Grantaire smirked at him. They continued to look at the room in awe before Lamarque excused himself to leave them alone for a few minutes. Grantaire gravitated toward Enjolras, wrapping his arms around his waist and kissed him.

"Can you believe that he did this?" Enjolras asked when he pulled away.

"No, but I'm grateful that he did," Grantaire said with a smile. "Because now, I can do this." Grantaire kissed Enjolras with an intensity that had been absent in their previous kisses since their stairwell kiss on Friday after Grantaire performed. It caused a hot, foreign feeling to arise in Enjolras's chest. It lasted for a few minutes before he pulled away. "And not feel like I'm going to see it pop up in a tabloid or online." Enjolras had to fight the annoyed expression that threatened to appear on his face at the mention of the tabloids. "But you are worth every lie that I need to tell. It's only been about a week and a few days, but I know that for a fact."

Enjolras didn't say anything, only returned to kissing his boyfriend. "We can spend more time up here, making it feel like ours tomorrow since it's our day off. Right now, we need to get back to work."

Grantaire shook his head, but took his hand and led him out the door to go back to the store.

Lamarque had already opened the store again and took the sign off the door. He turned to them when he heard them come back down. He saw Enjolras open his mouth, but he held his hand up. "Don't say anything. Just seeing the smiles on both your faces is enough for me to know I did the right thing in giving that place to you. I already placed a key to the apartment in both of your lockers." He patted them both on the shoulder as he walked to his office to do some paperwork.

***

Later that night, after Lamarque left the store, Enjolras was dusting shelves while Grantaire handled the front. Since no one was in the store, Grantaire didn't think anyone would miss him and went to search for his boyfriend. Grantaire found him in the children's book section. He came up behind him and wrapped his arms around his waist to kiss down his neck knowing how much Enjolras loved it. He felt Enjolras shiver against him.

"That feels nice."

"I have an idea for our first date now that we have that place," Grantaire said, continuing to kiss his neck.

"What's the idea?" Enjolras asked.

"Well, I could cook us a nice meal. Then, we can spend the rest of the night watching movies, talking, or anything that you fancy doing." Grantaire stopped kissing his neck and just held Enjolras close to him.

"I like the sound of that. When would this wonderful first date take place?"

"How does Saturday night sound to you?"

"Saturday night sounds perfect."

Enjolras turned in his arms and kissed him. The kiss lasted only seconds because Grantaire pulled away to go back to his own work.

***

On Saturday night, Enjolras had Adeline's help in sneaking out of the penthouse in order to get over to the apartment. He hadn't worked with Grantaire that day since he had Friday and Saturday off, so the last time that he had been able to hold Grantaire close was on Thursday night. He hadn't been able to make it to the apartment on Friday to help Grantaire make it their own due to his parents insisting he go out to dinner with them, Combeferre, and Combeferre's parents. Thankfully, texting and FaceTime had made up for some of it, but not much. He ached to hold and kiss his boyfriend again.

He had brought some of his homework along with him because he wasn't sure if Grantaire would have their meal cooked before he got there or not. Enjolras walked into the apartment and immediately smelled the delicious aroma coming from the kitchen. He set down his duffle and messenger bag and went to investigate what it was that his boyfriend was cooking for them.

"That smells good," Enjolras said.

Grantaire turned and smiled. "I thought I heard you come in." He greeted Enjolras with a kiss. "I'm making chicken fajitas from my grandmother's recipe. It's almost ready. I have about 20 minutes of cooking left."

"Great. I'll work on some homework while you finish," Enjolras said. Grantaire didn't say anything, only nodded.

Enjolras grabbed his bag from where he left it and went to sit on the bed. It was soft and comfortable, and he immediately sank into it. He loved it. Enjolras took his assignment out of his bag and started working on it. Enjolras lost himself in his homework that he was only pulled out of his trance when he felt Grantaire's lips on his neck.

Enjolras closed his eyes. "I thought you were finishing the cooking."

"I'm just waiting for the rice to finish cooking in the microwave," Grantaire said against his neck.

"You shouldn't be distracting me because I need to get this done," Enjolras said.

"Work on it tomorrow," Grantaire said.

Enjolras rolled his eyes, giving into Grantaire as he returned to kissing his neck. Feeling Grantaire's teeth scrape against his neck sent goosebumps across his skin. He pushed his homework away, he turned around so that he could kiss Grantaire. He found himself being lowered to the bed as they continued to kiss. Grantaire pressed himself as close to Enjolras as he could. Enjolras brought his hands through his curls with a moan escaping from his mouth to Grantaire's.

Grantaire smiled against his mouth at the sound. He started to kiss down Enjolras's jaw and neck. Enjolras could feel his shirt start to ride up as Grantaire's hand explored his stomach. His pants were starting to grow tighter. He could feel that Grantaire was in a similar position.

Grantaire's hand explored Enjolras's body, and soon found its way to the belt buckle of his boyfriend's jeans. Immediately, though, Grantaire felt Enjolras freeze and press a hand against his chest, pushing him away.

Grantaire moved away from him, sitting up on his knees. "Babe, you okay?"

Enjolras was breathing heavily as he pushed himself up into a sitting position. His lips were swollen and his curls mussed. "I was into it. I was, I swear."

"Okay." Grantaire bit his lip. "I'm sensing a but, though."

Enjolras's face flushed a deep red. "I've never...um...I've never been intimate with anyone...like that...before."

The only thing Grantaire said was, "I see."

"I love you, Nic, but I'm just not ready for that yet," Enjolras assured him. "I'm sorry."

Grantaire's eyes immediately snapped to his. "What are you sorry for?"

"You're experienced in this type of thing, Nic. I'm not. I've only ever engaged in kisses and make out sessions," Enjolras said.

Grantaire reached for Enjolras's hand. "Okay, firstly, I'm not that experienced. I've only had two active sexual partners. My boyfriend I had last year and the guy from Valentine's Day." Enjolras flinched at the reminder of that guy. "And those encounters were mostly blowjobs and hand jobs. Secondly, yes, I like sex and of course, I want you. I mean, have you seen you? Who wouldn't want you?" Enjolras blushed, slightly embarrassed. "But, I'm not going to force it on you, and if you honestly think I would, you don't know me at all. It's something that I want you to be absolutely sure that you want. So, thirdly, we will take this as slow as you want, okay?" Enjolras nodded his head, but Grantaire could still see the insecurity in his eyes and knew it would be a continued conversation. He brought Enjolras's hands up to his mouth to kiss them. "I love you."

Enjolras's smile was small. "I love you, too."

"Okay." Grantaire ran his thumb over his cheekbone. "Our dinner should be ready now." He stood up from the bed, held out his hand for Enjolras to take, and walked them into the kitchen. "I only made classic chicken fajitas. Onions, peppers, chicken, beans, and of course, a tortilla. With sour cream and/or guacamole. Then, you can choose Mexican rice or regular rice or both. I don't care. Go crazy." He finished serving the food and turned off all the appliances.

Enjolras grabbed a plate and started dishing himself some food. Then, when he was finished, he got his water bottle from his bag and sat down on the couch to eat. Grantaire joined him five minutes later. He sat down and pressed play on the movie that Enjolras hadn't realized was waiting for them.

He looked at Grantaire. "What are we watching?"

"Take a guess?"

Enjolras glanced down at the coffee table, only to see the case sitting there. "City of Bones?"

"You cheated," Grantaire teased.

"It's not like I wouldn't have known within the first seconds of the movie since you see the title card right at the beginning," Enjolras said.

Grantaire shook his head, affectionately, at his boyfriend before settling in next to Enjolras, so that they could eat and watch the movie.

Once they were finished, Enjolras placed their plates on the coffee table before cuddling up to Grantaire by wrapping his arms around his waist and resting his head on his chest, curling his feet underneath him. Grantaire wrapped his arm around his shoulders, pulling him closer to him. Then, he took one of Enjolras's hands in his, placing their joined hands on his lap. The movie got to the point where Clary, Jace, Isabelle, and Alec head to Dorothea's to retrieve the Mortal Cup.

"I always get angry over how much they changed from the book," Enjolras commented.

"Oh, I know. I just ignore the changes and try to enjoy the move," Grantaire said.

Enjolras smiled, but didn't say anything more to enjoy the rest of the movie. When the movie ended, Grantaire stood up to take it out of the DVD player.

"I actually got this as a Christmas present. I was going to buy it when I was at the store with my family's housekeeper, Ella, but she stopped me by telling me that I couldn't. I knew then what my Christmas present from her was." Grantaire took the plates into the kitchen.

"I quickly stopped at the store to purchase it before work the day it was released. I couldn't wait." Enjolras flushed.

"It really means so much to me that the thing that brought us together were these books," Grantaire said. "So, I have something for you. It was actually meant to be a late birthday/Christmas present, but it took a while to find them all, so…" Grantaire went to grab the present from the closet.

He brought the gift bag back to Enjolras and handed it to him. Enjolras took the tissue paper out before reaching for the present. Grantaire had been cruel in his wrapping. He had put them in a gift bag with tissue paper, but he wrapped each book in a box individually. Enjolras looked at him, incredulously when he pulled out the first one.

"You'll know what they are the moment you open it, so I wanted to make it slightly difficult to get them out," Grantaire said.

Enjolras quickly opened the first present. He gasped softly when he saw what it was. The French edition of City of Lost Souls. He looked back up at Grantaire. "You didn't?"

"I did." Grantaire shrugged. "You said you wanted to read them in French. It took me a while to find them, but there you go. I hope you like it."

Enjolras quickly finished unwrapping all of them before placing them in order on the coffee table. He grabbed Grantaire's hand, pulling him back on the couch to kiss Grantaire.

"I take that as a yes," Grantaire said when they pulled away.

"What do you think?" Enjolras smiled at him. His fingers still in Grantaire's hair. Grantaire gave him another quick peck.

"I have a question. Is there more in that backpack than homework?"

"Like what?"

"Like overnight clothes." He saw the look on Enjolras's face. "I'm not asking you for sex. I want to sleep in the same bed as you, but I want to do just that. Sleep."

Enjolras's face turned red again. "I kind of hoped you would ask because yes it does."

"Good." Grantaire kissed him. "You go get ready for bed. I'll put the food away."

Enjolras did just that. He only had plaid red pajama pants and an old t-shirt. Then, he ran his fingers through his curls quickly. Enjolras cleaned his face before brushing his teeth. Once his nightly routine was done, he walked out and placed his bag on the couch. Enjolras crawled onto the bed.

"Bathroom's yours, love."

Once Grantaire was finished putting the leftover dishes away, he went to change and do his own nightly routine. While he did that, he asked Enjolras a question. "So, how was Adeline going to cover for you tonight?"

"She was going to tell my parents that I wasn't feeling good and not to bother me. Not that they would actually come check to make sure I was okay, anyway."

Grantaire finished his routine and left the bathroom. He was dressed in basketball shorts and an old band t-shirt. He walked over to the bed, crawling in.

"What did you tell your parents?"

"Nothing. They are in Chicago for the weekend," Grantaire said. "Who's taking care of Angel?"

"Mary and Adeline. I trust that they will take good care of her. Of course, the more we do this, I might start bringing her with me."

"Good. I've been anxious to meet that cat since you first told me about her. I love that your phone background is a picture of you cuddling with her."

Enjolras blushed bright red. "Well, she is my favorite non-human. It will be weird sleeping tonight and not feeling her weight at the foot of my bed. Or waking in the morning to her purring in my face as she begs for breakfast. More often than not she's my alarm in the morning. Always five to 10 minutes before my actual alarm is supposed to go off."

Grantaire started to laugh. "I can just imagine the grumpy look on your face when you're woken up by an adorable kitten."

"Yeah, it's not fun," Enjolras said.

They started to kiss again for a few moments until Enjolras pulled away, his expression serious.

"What's wrong?" Grantaire asked.

"Nothing's wrong. I just have a question I need to ask you," Enjolras said.

Grantaire waited expectantly for the question. "Okay. What's the question?"

"Well, you know how my parents' Masquerade Ball is in June, right?" Enjolras asked. Grantaire nodded. Enjolras reached for Grantaire's hand. "Okay, do you think it would be possible for you to get a mask and sneak in?"

"What?" Grantaire asked. His voice was light like he wanted to laugh at the question.

"If you come, it could be our first public appearance because with the mask no one would know that it's us," Enjolras said.

"I know. But your parents have already commanded that you bring a girl to that godforsaken ball. Don't you think they would get suspicious if they caught their son dancing with another man?" Grantaire asked.

"Not if I change my mask, so they don't recognize that it's me," Enjolras countered.

Grantaire did finally chuckle at that. "You'd still be recognized because of your hair, babe."

Enjolras rolled his eyes in a huff. "Okay. Fine. It's not that big of a deal. Just forget I asked."

Enjolras laid down on the bed, rolling away from Grantaire, refusing to look at him. Grantaire sighed. None of that came out right, and now he had gone and made Enjolras upset. Of course, he wanted to go to the ball, but he also felt like it was a risk. A risk he didn't know if he was willing to take when they had just agreed to try to be together less than a week and a half ago. 

Grantaire glanced over at Enjolras, but his boyfriend moved away from his touch. "Babe, I'm sorry." Still no reaction out of Enjolras. "Jules, I'm sorry, but what were you expecting me to say?"

Enjolras, still not looking at him, said, "That you would at least try."

"Babe, I want to go. Believe me, I do. But it just feels like an unnecessary risk, especially when we've only been together for a week."

Enjolras finally rolled back over. "I know, but I just thought that it would be nice to actually be seen in public with you. We'd have masks on. I figured that you'd jump at that chance, too."

Grantaire reached for his hand and kissed the back. "I know. I'll think about it, okay. That's all I can give you right now."

"That's all I ask."

***

June 2014

Three and a half months had been full of secret meetings, phone calls, video calls, text messages, and Saturdays spent at the apartment.

Despite them only being together for nearly four months, it felt like they had known each other forever, and in their heart of hearts, they knew that their love was forever — neither cared that they were only 16. The secrecy of their relationship, however, was hard as they had expected it would be, especially with the deep yearning to be able to be seen in public together that they both felt.

Enjolras adored Grantaire and he loved being his boyfriend, but he hated that it was only in secret. Anybody could flirt with Grantaire, and while he did put a stop to it if it happened, Enjolras could lay no claim on him and vice versa. He knew that Grantaire hated the secrecy just as much as he did. He would be eternally grateful that it all just melted away when they were in the apartment together, and Enjolras wouldn't trade that for anything.

The day of the Masquerade Ball finally arrived. The event was held annually in the ballroom of the Lotte New York Palace Hotel. Enjolras's parents always arrived extra early to make sure that everything was in order — decorations, food, DJ, security — and nothing out of place. They also double checked the list to make sure there were no signs of any Grantaire's on it.

Enjolras had arrived with Adeline about an hour and a half before the ball started. For his suit, he had decided on a black suit with a white shirt and a midnight blue tie. His first mask that he would wear for when his parents opened the ball and for about an hour after it started was black with the design of waves in different shades of blue with glitter around the eyes. The second mask, the one he had sent a picture of to Grantaire in case he was able to sneak in, was black made from a cloth-like material and had indigo thread that had been sewn in different swirls and shapes. 

Having put his foot down by refusing to invite anyone, his parents were pushing that he at least dance with a few of the girls. Enjolras rolled his eyes, but figured that the best way to keep his parents off his back that night was to appease them. So, he decided that he'd share a dance with Cosette and maybe a few of his cousins that made it to the ball, but that was it.

Enjolras finished getting ready and was making his way down to the ballroom. He checked his phone, but there was still no word from Grantaire about whether he was going to be there or not.

Enjolras noticed that guests had begun to arrive, so he quickly put on his mask and walked into the ballroom. He didn't do much as he watched his parents stand at the door and greet every single guest. Enjolras saw Adeline make her way around the room, mingling with the other guests. He looked around the room at the decorations and people and remembered quite clearly what it was about this night that he hated so much. It was fucking pretentious that it made Enjolras want to hurl.

He was forced to stand next to his parents and they officially opened the ball. Enjolras had to fight every nerve in his body to not scream when they made a joke about how happy they were that the people there were their closest friends and how thankful they were for them. It was all so painfully fake. After his father finished his speech, the ball officially started. Enjolras quickly got away from his parents as the music started playing loud enough that he almost couldn't hear himself think. 

He scanned the room, desperately searching for any sign of dark curls that closely resembled Grantaire's. But no one that looked like his boyfriend popped out at him. Enjolras continued to scan the room as he picked up a glass of punch. Then, he found himself sitting at the table that Adeline was sitting at. He could feel his grandmother's gaze on him.

"Alright, my boy," Adeline said, "I know you hate this party and you're anxious to see if your boyfriend will make an appearance, but you could at least pretend like you are enjoying yourself."

Enjolras sighed. He set down his punch cup. "I know, but it's hard when this night is fucking pretentious and I have no idea if he will even show up."

She reached over to squeeze his hand, smiling. "Have faith. I know you told me that he thought it was an unnecessary risk, but he might surprise you."

Enjolras didn't say anything. "Umm...Grandma, how do you feel about the rivalry, honestly? Do you ever feel like it's grown tiring and ridiculous?"

She cleared her throat, took a sip of her punch, and said, "Of course...I think that it's time to let bygones be bygones. It's been going on for over 90 years. The families need to just give it a rest, especially when their sons are in love."

"Have you tried to convince my father to just let it go?" Enjolras asked.

"Yes, but you have to remember that your father doesn't listen to a word I say, even though I'm the family matriarch," Adeline replied. "If he listened to me, do you really think that I would have allowed them to force you to keep your sexual orientation a secret?"

Enjolras shook his head. "No. Of course, not." He didn't say anything for a while. His eyes found the violet tablecloth. "I just wish that they would just listen, even if only for a moment, to what those around them are saying."

"I know, sweetheart," she leaned across the table again to squeeze his hand.

"I'm going to go get a refill on my punch and keep looking for him." Enjolras stood up from the table.

He walked to the punch table, glancing at his watch to see how much longer he had until he had to switch his masks. Even though Enjolras continued to glance around for his boyfriend, he was beginning to feel like it was pointless. After all, Grantaire had told him that he was unsure about coming, so he had no idea what Grantaire's mask looked like if he did get one. Of course, for all he knew, Grantaire was in that room, waiting for him to slip the different mask on.

***

Grantaire snuck his suit out of his home by putting it in his car when nobody was home. If he came downstairs dressed in it, he would be asked questions he couldn't answer. After Enjolras had first asked him, he had stayed on his maybe and they hadn't talked about it since that night. Until a few days ago, Grantaire had opened his locker to find an invitation with a note from Enjolras.

My sweet Nicolas,

I know what you said about attending the ball, but if you do decide that your maybe is a yes, here's an invitation for you. I can't think of anyone, other than you, that I want to spend this horrible night with.

I love you with all my heart. 💝

With hugs and kisses,

Your Julien

P.S. If you do decide to come, please don't tell me. Let me be surprised and hopeful.

P.P.S. I enclosed a picture of the mask that I'll be wearing, so you can come and find me. 😉

After that, Grantaire's maybe had turned into a definite yes. He hadn't told Enjolras that he was going to come since that had been his wish.

Grantaire's suit was just a simple black suit with a white shirt and black tie. He hadn't wanted to buy dress shows, so he just stayed with his green Converse. His mask was a simple black half mask.

He got to the hotel where the event was. Thankfully, all he had to do was flash his invitation and he was let in. No one stopped to ask his name. 

Grantaire stepped into the ballroom. He looked around at the decorations. The room was lit up in blues and purples to match the theme. Cutouts of trees that were just branches surrounded the room. From the ceiling hung silver stars and a half moon in the middle of the room above the dance floor. Next to the dance floor, stood a platform that held the DJ and his equipment. Then, around the room were round tables that had purple or blue tablecloths with tealight candles and blue and purple marble gems in the center. There was also a snack table.

Now that he was inside, his plan was to stand in the shadows until he saw someone with the mask that Enjolras had given him a picture of.

***

Enjolras had hidden his second mask behind one of the decorations of the room. He slipped his first mask off and slipped on the second. He stepped out from behind the tree and went to stand near the snack table to wait for Grantaire.

Hopefully, if Grantaire showed up, it would be the first masquerade ball that would be fun for Enjolras. He had a little game planned for his boyfriend. A little scavenger hunt, so to speak.

A scavenger hunt that would end with Enjolras telling Grantaire that he was ready to give himself to him completely.

Ever since their first date, they had agreed to test the waters of what Enjolras was comfortable with when they made out until he felt ready to take the next step. Grantaire could kiss down his neck. His hand could explore the skin under his shirt. Then, there was once where they had removed their shirts and kissed every inch of each other's chests. But that was as far as they had gone. Their hands had always stayed above their waists.

But the more they tested the waters, the more  Enjolras started to crave. The desire for Grantaire's hands to be everywhere at once on his body grew. It had gotten to the point where he was so sexually frustrated that he would regularly get off to the thought of his boyfriend in the shower. He wanted Grantaire, desperately, and tonight, he hoped that he would get him. He had made a detour to the apartment before coming to the hotel in order to stock it up with lube and condoms just in case. He made the conscious decision, though, to push thoughts of sex out of his mind as he waited for Grantaire.

Enjolras didn't dare move around the room, knowing it would make it harder for Grantaire to find him.

***

Grantaire moved out of his hiding spot to walk around the room. Searching for a black mask with indigo design. He walked near the snack table and spotted it. He made a silent shout of excitement before walking toward his boyfriend.

He walked up behind Enjolras, snaking his arms around his waist. Moving his mouth down to his ear to whisper, "You looked stunning, baby."

***

Enjolras didn't even jump when the arms came around his waist. Instead, he sank into them and grinned.

"You look stunning, baby," Grantaire whispered.

"You really think so?" Enjolras questioned.

Grantaire's lips dragged across Enjolras's neck. A small whimper escaped his boyfriend's mouth. "Oh, yes. You dressed in a suit like this does things to my heart and other parts of me."

Enjolras flushed at that. He felt satisfied in knowing that Grantaire wanted him just as bad as he did. He turned in Grantaire's arms unable to handle the movement of his mouth against his neck. Enjolras wanted those lips on his and smashed their mouths together, not caring who was looking. They kissed for what felt like hours, careful to not disturb each other's masks.

"I'm so glad you decided to come," Enjolras whispered against his mouth.

"I am too," Grantaire replied. "I didn't decide to come until I found the invitation in my locker."

Enjolras kissed his boyfriend again. "God, I love you so much." He felt Grantaire smile.

"So, now that I'm here, what do you plan to do with me?"

Enjolras pulled away, but stayed in Grantaire's arms. Grantaire could see heat in his eyes. "That's for me to know and for you to find out."

"Oh, I like this game." Grantaire pulled Enjolras back in for a kiss.

"We are going to play a little scavenger hunt game. As I waited for you, I hid a few clues around the room and hotel. You've got to find all of them," Enjolras explained the rules. He pulled Grantaire's arms from around his waist.

"But I just found you," Grantaire protested.

Enjolras placed a finger on his lips. "No, no, no. None of that. Or else, you won't get your prize. And I think you'll very much like your prize," Enjolras said in a seductive voice that went straight to Grantaire's cock. Enjolras walked around Grantaire, wrapped his arms around him, and whispered in his ear, "Here's the first clue, my darling."

Enjolras handed him an envelope, but when Grantaire turned around, his boyfriend had vanished from sight. Grantaire sighed as he opened the envelope.

I am so ecstatic that you decided to come, my love. But before we have a night of fun, you must find all five clues. Hurry up because I'll be waiting! 😉

Clue #1: As I waited for you, my love, I had to walk around the room. Search the snack table, you may find clue #2!

Grantaire placed the envelope inside his jacket pocket. He walked to the snack table to search for the clue. He found it, sticking to the tree behind the snack guy. He walked around the table to grab the white envelope with "Love" written across it.

Clue #2: Congratulations, you found me! Now, leave the room and search for clue #3 in the lobby. I may be in an obscure place, so look far and wide.

Grantaire pocketed that clue too as he made his way outside the ballroom, heading for the lobby. He searched for the clue, but it wasn't in any of the obvious places. Then, he looked on the railing of the stairs, and ah-ha!, there was the clue. Hiding in the railing of the landing. He walked up the stairs and pulled the clue from its hiding spot.

Clue #3: This may be a little tricky. Clue #4 is hidden in a place where no one, but you will find it. Go to floor number eight and search the wall decorations. P.S. I'm sorry these aren't more romantic, but just know that I love you with all my heart.

Grantaire quickly found an elevator that would take him up to the 8th floor. 

Reaching the 8th floor, he looked behind the wall decorations as instructed, but true to Enjolras's word, it was hard to find. He searched and searched until he finally found it. Hidden in a painting that was full of colors. He only noticed the clue because of the writing that said, "My Nic".

Clue #4: You're getting warmer, my love. You'll find the fifth and final clue sitting on a table covered in rose petals. Hint: go back down to the first floor.

Grantaire smiled, pocketing that clue too. He got back on the elevator and went down to the first floor. He started to search for tables until he found the one he was looking for. It was covered in pink, white, and red rose petals.

Clue #5: You've found all the clues, my sweet Nic, but now you have to come find me to receive your prize. Follow the trail of rose petals, I promise I'll be waiting at the end. 😊😉

Grantaire walked around the table and found the trail of petals. He followed the petals down halls upon halls until he saw Enjolras waiting at the end of one. Grantaire grinned when he saw his boyfriend, his mask off.

When he got to him, he pulled Enjolras into his arms. "I've found you."

"Yes, you did. And here's what your prize is." Enjolras pulled out one more envelope and handed it to him.

My heart beats only for you. As yours does for me. But tonight when our bodies become one, our hearts will too.

I love you,

Your Julien

Grantaire finished reading the message and looked up at Enjolras. There was hesitation in his eyes knowing what the message was asking of him.

"Jules, are you sure?" Grantaire asked.

Enjolras pulled Grantaire to him. "I've never been more sure of anything in my whole life."

Grantaire sighed. He looked into Enjolras's hopeful blue eyes. "Babe, I know what you are asking of me."

"Then, why aren't you agreeing and kissing me?"

Grantaire pulled out of his arms. "Because I need you to be absolutely, positively, 100% sure that you want this. That you want me ."

"I am, Nic. I want to give myself to you. Only you."

Grantaire ran a hand through his curls. "Okay. But after we do this, Jules, you are mine and only mine. No one else's."

"You beautiful fool, don't you understand that I only want to be yours. You are mine and I am yours. I don't care if we are only 16," Enjolras admitted. "Now that that's been settled. Nicolas Grantaire, will you please make love to me?"

"I thought you'd never ask." Grantaire grinned. He pulled Enjolras to him and crashed their mouths together.

He backed Enjolras up against the wall, holding his hand out against the wall to soften the blow a little. Enjolras pushed his mask off of his head as he deepened the kiss and his fingers tangled themselves in Grantaire's curls.

Grantaire pressed himself against Enjolras. He needed as much physical contact between them as possible. He was desperate for it. Grantaire pulled his mouth away to kiss down Enjolras's jaw and neck. Enjolras moaned as he felt Grantaire's teeth scrape against his skin.

Grantaire pushed his leg in between Enjolras's. Another moan was released from Enjolras. He could feel his erection pressed against Enjolras's thigh while his lover's was pressed up against his own. Enjolras felt Grantaire's hand run down his body toward his leg. Grantaire wrapped his hand around one of Enjolras's thighs and pulled it up around his waist. The movement caused a third sharp moan to escape Enjolras's mouth.

"God, baby, I want you. I want you so fucking bad." Grantaire pressed kisses up Enjolras's jaw.

"I know, but we need to get to the apartment first," Enjolras whispered to his lover. "We need to be able to control ourselves long enough to get there."

Grantaire pulled away from Enjolras, placed their masks back over their faces. "Gotta make sure no one discovers us."

Enjolras laughed as he reached for Grantaire's hand. "Come on, you." Enjolras pulled him from their hiding spot and led him in the direction of the lobby. After all, it wasn't like he would be missed.

It took them about an hour after Enjolras made his request to make it to the apartment for they kept stopping to make out in alleyways and against walls and lampposts. They had taken off their masks the moment they were far enough away from the hotel. Once they made it to the apartment, Grantaire pressed Enjolras up against the door to continue kissing him as he searched his back pocket for the key. He unlocked the door and pushed Enjolras in the room, closing the door with his foot.

Enjolras's back hit the wall as Grantaire continued to attack his mouth with kisses. A minute later, Enjolras placed a hand on his chest and gently pushed him away.

"What?"

"Nothing. I…" he trailed off.

"You what? Come on, baby, tell me."

Enjolras didn't look at Grantaire for a few moments until he caught his breath and reached for his hands. "I don't want this to be just about us having sex."

"I know. It's not going to be."

"Okay, good." Enjolras turned his gaze down, sheepishly, then looked back at Grantaire. "Turn around."

Grantaire turned around and looked at the bed. It was covered in rose petals and unlit candles were spread out around the room. He turned back to Enjolras. "You definitely planned this."

Enjolras couldn't keep the smile off of his face. He pulled Grantaire back to him. "I did."

Grantaire pressed a light kiss to Enjolras's mouth. His hands found Enjolras's tie. He got it off and placed his hands under the suit jacket, pushing it down his arms. Grantaire pulled away, his face was bright and flushed. Enjolras kicked off his shoes and socks before telling Grantaire to take off his tie and suit jacket while he lit the candles.

Once all the candles were lit, Enjolras moved to the bed where Grantaire was standing. His boyfriend looked up at him, noticing the nervous look on his face.

"Hey, look at me. It's just me." Grantaire cupped his face. Enjolras took a deep breath. "You ready?"

"Yes. I want to do this," Enjolras replied.

Grantaire crawled onto the bed. He gestured for Enjolras to join him. They kneeled on the bed, looking at each other. Grantaire broke the hesitation by gently bringing his mouth to Enjolras's. From there the world seemed to slow down and it was just him and Enjolras.

Enjolras's fingers got tangled in Grantaire's curls as he pulled him closer. "I love you," he whispered against his mouth.

From his love's curls, his finger moved down to Grantaire's dress shirt. He started to undo the buttons one at time, his mouth still locked with his boyfriend's. When the buttons were loose, he pushed the shirt down Grantaire's arms and threw it to the floor. They pulled away from each other for Enjolras to inspect his chest and run his fingers over it.

"You're so beautiful." Enjolras kissed Grantaire's neck.

Enjolras's own shirt joined Grantaire's on the floor a few seconds later. "Not nearly as beautiful as you, my love." 

He kissed Enjolras again, pulling him down onto the bed. It felt like hours until they came back up for air. Grantaire stared at Enjolras, combing his fingers through his hair. Enjolras reached for his free hand and laced their fingers together.

"You have literal hearts in your eyes."

"Only because I'm so in love with you."

Enjolras leaned forward to kiss him again and this time, there was no holding back their passion for each other. He crawled over Grantaire, so that he was straddling him. He kissed Grantaire, hungrily. As he cupped his boyfriend's face, he could feel Grantaire's calloused, but warm fingers resting on his skin trying to pull him closer. An electric sensation went through Enjolras when he felt Grantaire's teeth bite down on his bottom lip. Grantaire pulled his lip into his mouth, allowing his tongue to seek entrance into Enjolras's mouth. Enjolras groaned into his mouth when their tongues met.

Overwhelmed with want and desire, Enjolras pulled away, whispering, "Please, Nicolas. Please."

Grantaire wrapped his arms around Enjolras's waist, flipping them. He sat up, feeling Enjolras's cock through his dress pants. He placed his hand on his love's stomach, then started to cover it in kisses. Unable to get enough of the soft and smooth skin, the kisses continued as he made his way upward. 

He wanted Enjolras more than he had ever wanted anybody in his entire life. He loved him. He was so thankful that Enjolras was allowing him to find the places that made him shiver. It was a surreal thought to him that he was the only one who would ever see Enjolras like this. The thought made his pants tighten even more.

His mouth continued its movements, kissing and leaving marks all over his boyfriend's chest. Grantaire felt Enjolras's hands tangle in his curls.

"God, Nicolas. Please," Enjolras groaned.

"I will, my love. I promise." Grantaire slithered up Enjolras's body in order to reach his neck. He kissed the jaw before he started to suck to leave a mark. When he pulled away, he sat up again. "There. That should do it."

"Do what?" Enjolras asked.

"Make sure you know exactly who it is that you belong to," Grantaire whispered before kissing him again. He could feel Enjolras smile against his lips. Grantaire pulled away and moved to sit in between Enjolras's legs. 

Enjolras watched his movements in anticipation. He had wanted this for so long, and now he was finally getting it. Hearing Grantaire say that he belonged to him had sent waves of electricity up and down his spine. He could feel tingles all the way down to his toes and fingers and his heart hammered in his chest. The nerves in his stomach were starting to grow because he wanted this to not just be good for him, but Grantaire too.

Enjolras leaned forward to watch as Grantaire's fingers undid the buckle of his pants. Then, proceed to pull the zipper down. Grantaire's green eyes found him as his hands moved to the waistband of his pants, asking him for permission. Enjolras gave it without a hint of hesitation. Grantaire tried to remove the pants in a sexy way. Something he succeeded in doing for the right leg, but the left leg, he fumbled causing Enjolras to start giggling.

"Have I mentioned you have a beautiful laugh?" Grantaire asked, throwing the pants to the floor.

"No, but thank you," Enjolras said.

Grantaire started to kiss up his calves and thighs, but as he moved, he felt Enjolras start to shake. He paused his movements to come face to face with Enjolras.

"Are you alright? Baby, you're trembling." Grantaire cupped his face. He peppered feather-light kisses all over his face.

"I'm fine. I'm just nervous. And excited," Enjolras assured.

"I'll make this good, don't worry," Grantaire replied, kissing his cheek.

Enjolras closed his eyes, took a few deep breaths. Then, he told Grantaire to continue after opening his eyes.

"Since you planned this, did you also get everything that we'll need?" Grantaire asked.

Enjolras opened the drawer of the bedside table to grab the lube and a condom, handing them to Grantaire. Hands shaking and filled with hesitation, Enjolras undid the buckle of Grantaire's pants. Understanding what his boyfriend wanted, Grantaire got off the bed to take them off. Then, he crawled back in between Enjolras's legs. 

He brought his lips to the area above the waistband of his boyfriend's briefs. Grantaire heard Enjolras groan above him as he shivered again. His fingers ghosted over the skin above the briefs before pulling them down. Grantaire sat up on his knees to finish pulling them off. Once Enjolras was completely bare to him, Grantaire ran his hands over his legs.

"You're magnificent." Grantaire's right hand rested on his thigh. He noticed that Enjolras's face was bright red.

As he had removed every piece of clothing from Enjolras, it felt like he was unwrapping something precious, and in a way, he was. Enjolras had never done this before and Grantaire wanted to do whatever he could to make it good for him.

"Baby, if you want to back out of doing this, this is your last chance," Grantaire said.

Enjolras sat up, reaching for Grantaire's hand. "I don't want to. I told you at the hotel. I want to do this."

"Okay." Grantaire reached for the bottle of lube. He placed a hand on Enjolras's shoulder. "Lie back.

Enjolras did as he was asked. Grantaire uncapped the bottle, squeezing some lube on his fingers. He nudged Enjolras's legs open and slowly moved his pointer finger to his entrance. Grantaire watched Enjolras's face as he started to push the finger inside. He heard Enjolras hiss, so he immediately started to soothe and calm his boyfriend.

"You good?" Grantaire asked. 

Enjolras reached for his free hand, squeezing it to tell him that he was okay. Grantaire squeezed back before taking a deep breath.

Grantaire moved the finger around the tight muscle, keeping his eyes on Enjolras's reactions. His heart swelled when he saw Enjolras's mouth form an 'O' and small sighs echo in the room.

Enjolras had never felt something so wonderful as Grantaire opened him up. His nails scratched against the sheets. He was blinded by the pleasure and need that he didn't notice when Grantaire pulled out the one finger, but he did notice when he pushed two fingers in and started to scissor. He let out a cry of Grantaire's name with his head thrown back, back arched, and feet bracing against the bed.

Grantaire moved his fingers until they were massaging Enjolras's prostate every few movements. He could feel that Enjolras was shaking again. Not long after, he pushed three fingers inside him.

"God, Nic! Please!"

"I know, love, I know. Just a few more moments. I need to make sure that you're ready."

He abided by that promise because soon he was pulling out his fingers and removing his own boxers. He grabbed the condom, covered himself in lube, and lined himself with Enjolras's entrance. He looked at Enjolras, who was waiting in anticipation.

"You ready?"

"Just do it."

Grantaire slowly inched closer to his entrance before pushing the tip in. He watched Enjolras squeeze his eyes shut. He kissed Enjolras in order to swallow the groans and hisses as he pushed more of his cock into Enjolras. He paused his movements when he was fully sheathed inside of Enjolras. Enjolras felt the muscle stretch and it was painful, but it felt good at the same time.

"Am I hurting you?"

Enjolras bit his lip, locking eyes with Grantaire. "No. It's just weird. But it's a good weird."

"Wrap your legs around my waist, love. It might help with the discomfort." Grantaire felt Enjolras do just that. "Am I okay to move?"

Enjolras nodded. "Just start slow."

"Of course." Grantaire gave him a small kiss.

He slowly started to move his hips, a moan escaped Enjolras's mouth as he pulled out a little and pushed back in.

Enjolras didn't know where to place his hands, so he just placed them on Grantaire's biceps. He watched Grantaire's face as he moved. He had never felt anything like this, and there was no doubt in his mind that what he was feeling was love. Pure, unadulterated love.

"I love you," Enjolras said.

Grantaire captured his lips in kiss. He started to move a little bit more. Enjolras moaned into his mouth. He pulled away from the kiss, grasping at the air until he found one of Grantaire's hands. Grantaire placed their hands next to Enjolras's head on the pillow, attaching his mouth to the side of his neck.

Enjolras was breathing heavily as sighs and moans continued to escape. God, he loved this. But what they were doing now wasn't enough for him. He wanted — no, he needed more.

"I need more, Nic. Please. More." Enjolras sighed.

Grantaire's thrusts were smooth, but shallow. He tried to get his pace to something that wasn't too slow, but not too fast either. He didn't want to go too fast and hurt Enjolras.

"This is perfect. Just stay like this, please?" Enjolras asked of his lover.

That's exactly what Grantaire did. He stayed at his pace as he kissed Enjolras and explored his body with his hands. Enjolras let go of his hand to cup his face, bringing his mouth down to his. Grantaire pulled away from the kiss, giving him a loving grin. Enjolras combed his hand through Grantaire's sweaty curls before tucking one of the curls behind his ear. His boyfriend leaned forward to rub their noses against each other.

Enjolras could feel heat start to pool in his stomach. He grabbed Grantaire's hand and brought it down to his cock. Grantaire started to stroke his cock in time with his thrusts.

"You feel so good, Nic." Enjolras moaned.

Grantaire kissed Enjolras one more time before he made his boyfriend see stars. His thrusts and strokes became faster, so that they would reach their releases within moments of each other. And he got his wish because right at the same time, both of them were crying each other's name as he released into the condom and Enjolras came all over their chests and his hand. Both were breathing heavily, and the candles caused the sweat on their skin to glisten.

"How was that, my darling?" Grantaire ran his thumb over Enjolras's cheekbone.

"Absolutely perfect," Enjolras replied, kissing him again.

Grantaire pulled out of Enjolras, who whimpered at the feeling. He disposed of the condom and rolled to lay next to Enjolras. Enjolras stared at Grantaire. Unable to look away, fearing he'd miss something beautiful on the other's man's face.

"Now, it's you who has heart eyes."

"I'm not sorry." Enjolras started to run his fingers through the sweaty curls of the other man.

"What?" Seeing the glum look on his face, he placed his hand over Enjolras's, pausing his movements.

"I never imagined that I would have this," Enjolras replied. "I'm so deeply, truly, irrevocably, unapologetically in love with you."

Grantaire leaned across him to kiss him. "I love you, too, Julien Enjolras."

Enjolras started to laugh. A confused look appeared on Grantaire's face. "I'm an Enjolras, you're a Grantaire."

"Yes, we have established that fact. What about it?" Grantaire asked.

"Our families are rivals, but I love you and you love me. We just had sex. If our parents found us here, they'd skin us alive," Enjolras replied.

Grantaire joined in his laughter. "Well, no matter what they say, it's never going to change how we feel."

Enjolras was silent for a few moments before he brought their lips together again, rolling on top of Grantaire. "No, it won't."

"Good." Grantaire sat up, wrapping his arms around Enjolras's waist. "Now, how do you feel about me ravishing you once again."

Enjolras only kissed him in reply before he found himself on his back once again as Grantaire started to kiss every inch of available skin. He just closed his eyes to enjoy the feeling of his lover's lips caress his skin.