kernow | ➳ i am a ghost, just a mirage

[ Grantaire looked fixedly at Alexandre as he spoke, transfixed and rapt. He was eloquent and commanding as ever, although as always only to those who bothered to pay attention to him. There was a small smile as he eyed the pair of men in front of him as they responded to their... new names. New missions, new rallies, but the atmosphere was similar. He missed the supply of wine the Musain offered, though, sucking dully on the Camelbak from his messenger bag as the chatter resumed after the leader's speech.

He stretches out of the uncomfortable little chair and approaches the shiny and new Enjolras afterward, one hand on his chest clutching the strap across his body. Before speaking he takes a look around the room appreciatively. ]

I have to admit, you've got a bigger group than I expected.

[Enjolras almost doesn't register the young man sidling up to him, too busy basking in his post-speech high.

(Courfeyrac previously told him he needs to get laid more, if the "borderline orgasmic" face he makes each time is any indication of his state of life. Enjolras utilized his eloquent use of speech to tell him exactly where to shove that sentiment.)]

It's a little larger than usual this week, but we had a booth at the university societies fair a couple weeks ago that I think drummed up some support. There's always a little fall-off after those fairs, but I think we'll retain a little more this time with the new election rolling around. [He says it so earnestly, genuinely unaware of any ulterior motivations.] What do you think so far?

I think you're inspiring.

[ He says, oddly, without a trace of sarcasm. Grantaire almost sighs, feeling his breath catch like a lovestruck teenager and hating it. ]

I've heard about those projects and you'll need a lot more momentum still, though, if you want them to get much farther than a hearing that falls on deaf - literally deaf, have you seen how old those representatives are getting - ears. The law students you have need help with their discourse and getting their facts aligned in a way that's logical and persuasive, or they'll be steamrolled. They're going against accomplished graduates in the real world and they need to act like it. This isn't Legally Blonde, unfortunately, and the lack of commitment is showing. If they were as determined as you I would have more faith, but as it stands I'm not very convinced.

[ Ah, there, that's more like it, R. ]

[You've short-circuited the Enjolras, please try again later.

There's a slightly pink dusting to the tips of his ears and nose, not enough to consider a full blush but clearly an embarrassed joy at the compliment.]

Well, it's really the mission itself that's inspiri--

[Aaaaand it's gone. Enjolras is trying to follow the actionable parts of the critique in between the are you serious? and I'm pretty sure I should be offended by this moments.

He's not bristling. He's not. He's just...prickling with positive responses to criticism, that's all.]

Why do you think there's a lack of commitment here? I've been working with them for weeks, I think they're pretty solid. Yes, they're not graduated but they're all in the upper percentiles on their classes, they're no slouches.

[ R snickers at the red tinge and hides it with a throat clear and scratches his nose. ]

Slouches, no, but inexperienced. They know what they're talking about but they don't act like it. Confidence is everything and they don't look the part. Booksmarts are only half the battle when it comes to politics, and reading a book report won't get anyone listening, especially people who "know" they've more authority than a student group.

[ He does give E the benefit of air quotes - See? He's on your side. ]

And how exactly are university students supposed to get that experience and confidence? We're trying to give them that with this assignment and make it mutually beneficial to both cause and advocate, that's part of the point.

[He says it as a question, really he does. It's perfectly normal to sound that aggressive and defensive about inquiries.

Absentmindedly, in the midst of the "definitely not annoyed, just spirited" debate, Enjolras thinks he likes his curls. Hates his snicker, but the curls are-- No, focus, he's being a jerk about activism, dammit.]

You're totally right, they need the practice. I just don't want their hopes raised too high. Make sure to prepare them as best you can - realistically.

[ R gives a horribly mournful sort of smile. Haven't they had enough of that? He has. ]

On the upside, I think that's also a good learning experience as it were.

I am: by encouraging them.

[Again, definitely not defensive. He can see Courfeyrac looking over out of the corner of his eye, a little concerned; he smooths out his face as best he can to avoid the 'what did I tell you about aggressively concerning newcomers who try to offer new view points you don't agree with' lecture again.]

What exactly do you want out of this group? You must have had a reason for attending tonight. Is there a specific cause you're interested in, something you want to see done in the community or on campus? You mentioned before that you believed in our cause, but you never specified.

[See? Definitely being welcoming. Take that Courf.]

What do I want? Hmm.

[ Always the question, wasn't it? He taps his jaw pensively. ]

Opposing mindsets can be refreshing, don't you think? It can't hurt to listen to something different.

[ He smirks and his eyes flick to E's neck to jaw and back to his face. ] Also, you invited me to come.

Of course, they're very beneficial.

[They're shit and he hates it.]

But that doesn't answer my question.

[He can't make out Remi's motivations or pattern of thinking, to his ever-lasting frustration, but he can figure out when he's deflecting.]

The question of what I want?

[ He's being coy, and also doesn't know how to answer that. It's a win-win. ]

Yes. What do you want from attending these meetings? Is there something you want to do coming here?

[He's resisting the urge to grab one of the flyers Feuilly had so helpfully printed out earlier and stuffing it down Remi's throat.

And Combeferre keeps accusing him of not controlling his temper. Ha.]

[ Remi can’t scare him off so soon with the bomb of “you. always you.” and all the supernatural bullshit that came with an answer like that. ]

Something different. I’ve never been part of something like this before. [ True. ] The invitation seemed interesting enough. And I can’t say I’ve been disappointed. [ Also true. Evasive truths were still not lying. ]

Edited 2018-05-27 22:30 (UTC)

[He runs his fingers over his lips, bracing his thumb under his chin as he continues to grip his jaw.

Fuck it. Courfeyrac can yell at him for scaring away prospective members later.]

You're very frustrating, has anyone ever told you that? You never answer questions point-blank. Are you pre-law or something?

[ R laughs harder than he can recall doing in sometime. Can you miss someone that you haven’t really met before? ]

Law? No, but that’s an interesting thought. Literature studies, actually.

[Enjolras feels like there's a joke - possibly at his expense - that he just hasn't been clued into, and it just makes his frown all the more petulant.]

Is there something wrong with Law? [Asks the Pol-Sci students prepping to argue his way through existence.]

...Literature. Huh. I guess that makes sense?

[There's something itching at the back at his mind, a ready explanation for why that makes sense, but he can't seem to quite get at it.]

At least, from the two seconds we've spoken it fits. You seem keen on word choice.

Well, Alex, we can speak again, if you'd like.

[ He knows Enjolras isn't going to offer, if past memories serve. He had much more important things to do. ]

Before the next meeting, I mean. ...If I'm invited back.

[Weird request, but if he wants to come back, well...it may just keep Courf off his back.]

Of course you're invited back, everyone's welcome. Would an hour beforehand suffice for trading points? I can bring my notes on next week's focal points if you'd like to discuss those.

[ R opens his mouth to clarify his intention, but he's not sure his pride could handle it. Let alone Enjolras'. ]

Perfect, next week then. Would you like to meet here? ... Or maybe in a coffee shop or the park across the street?

[ A last ditch effort to make him realize he's looking for something a bit personal? While salvaging dignity? Ah, not that Remi has much of that. ]

A cafe would be great: I have some early morning classes that day and I could use something to pick me up beforehand.

[So practical. So not getting R's meaning.]

Do you know the one down the street from here, on the corner? I forget the name, but it's got a good amount of seating and fairly cheap prices.

Perfect. The one that uses the knock-off mermaid logo that definitely has no relation to Starbucks.

[ Grinning.] So, next Tuesday, then? Unless you miss me. I can give you my number just in case.

[He guesses it would be practical to get contact info, if for whatever neither can end up making it....or if he really does intend to become a permanent fixture in the group.]

Next Tuesday. And that sounds fine, I can give you my number as well.

[He holds his hand out expectantly for a phone, his own phone in the other.]

[ Grantaire grins and puts an iPhone that hasn't had cases manufactured for it in a... couple of generations into the blond man's hand as he trades for the smartphone Enjolras holds out.

He types in his number under the contact "R" - because he's unrepentantly proud of that how many years later. ]

Let me know if you ever let yourself have a break from social justice; you could use more numbers in your phone.

[He takes the phone back, staring at the small black 'R' on the screen for longer than necessary. He feels like he's close to understanding something, but just like that it's gone again.]

If I need a break...right. [His eyes flick back up to Remi, far more curious.] I'll see you next week, Remi.

➳ i am a ghost, just a mirage

ah, but therein lies the heart of an E mun

i just noticed you commented on the crowd size i'm an idiot

wat? ouo

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unintentional sex puns what unintentional sex puns

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hurr durr imma revolutionary

oh my GOD, KID

cha cha real smooth

sliiiiide to the left

sliiiiide to the right

criss cross!

everybody clap your hands!