tushanshu | Verse 03 -- Video

[It is not a happy Jean Prouvaire who greets the world today.

Those who don't know Jehan might be able to tell that something's off. He almost looks sick, but not quite, and his clothes are in disarray. Those who do know Jehan?

They can tell right away that something is terribly wrong with the Romantic poet. He hasn't been out of his house in a few days--he hasn't left his house much at all since a few days before the snow day, actually, but in the last few days he's been a total recluse--and hasn't been seen on the network since Courfeyrac's last post. He's not looking at the feed like he normally does, his hands seem to be shaking a little, and he just seems off. Sleep has clearly been eluding the poet, too.

It takes a few minutes before he speaks. When he does, his voice is lacking his usual emotion. Still gentle, Jehan could never be anything but, but it's a bit flat]

I...I was wondering if someone...

[He bites his lip before trying again]

A-a flute. Does anyone know where I might--

[Another pause, this one longer. Jehan closes his eyes and shakes his head, reaching up to turn the feed off]

No, never mind.

[Just before he cuts the feed, the sounds of him starting to cry can be heard]

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...if you must.

["Please."]

It did not bother me.

[Slight lies, but he's used to Grantaire]

As you say.

[He can hear a lie, but he will not argue.]

Is there anything I can do, beyond pondering the nature of the world?

I must and I shall. [And without a second word, he's switching off his console and grabbing his coat for the short walk between their apartments. Upon his arrival, he hesitates a bit. Normally he would push in the door and walk in, but -- perhaps Jehan would like a moment to compose himself.]

Petit?

N-no, I am fine for now. Thank you however, Alcuin.

I hope that I will be able to hear you play your flute, when you have found one.

[It takes a moment, but Jehan eventually makes it to the door.

It's worse than Combeferre likely thought. There are things scattered everywhere--bottles, cups, plates, his boots, the clothing he arrived in--and signs that Jehan had been trying to carve something on the wood of his tree before giving up.

He also looks worse in person]

H-hello.

[When Dorian shuts the door behind Jehan, he is certain not to let it make any loud sound.] I did years of rationing worse than this. Trust me, this isn't a concern for me.

[He guides Jehan to the sitting room where an instrument quite like a piano takes a place just off of centre. Dorian frowns briefly. The carpet has been moving things behind his back again. He's going to have to start leaving it at Toby's suite during the days or something. But the expression passes quickly, and he ushers Jehan over to a sofa.]

But you might need it for something later. I will be fine.

[He lets Dorian lead him, shaking just a little as he sits down]

Is that the piano?

[He barely gives the things a second glance, intent on Jehan for the most part. Everything else is just background noise, at the moment.]

Hello. I think perhaps you should sit down.

[Jehan nods, unable to look Combeferre in the eye. He retreats to what's become his favorite window seat, even though the curtains are drawn and there's not light coming from them. It's comforting.

He sits down and curls up on himself a little. He's an idiot]

It is indeed. [Dorian notices but doesn't press. Instead, he flips open the lid of the piano and plays a scale. It sounds right, but it looks wrong; Dorian has to skip a key to get it right.] What do you think?

It sounds lovely.

[He didn't even notice the skipped key]

I didn't think they had them here.

[He follows, and settles down nearby, placing a careful hand on Jehan's knee.]

Please, Jehan. Talk to me. What troubles you?

Oh, I do not mind at all. There is nothing else I need so desperately that I would not give away to someone who does, now that Cosette is here.

[And his expression turns a bit dreamy at that. But wait, Marius, don't be distracted. Focus. You're a big boy you can do it...!]

Are you certain you will be fine?

[Oh Marius]

I...no, but I will manage.

[Jehan starts to say that nothing's wrong, really, but it's a lot harder to deny it when Combeferre is right there. He takes a shaky breath and his voice is weak]

I...I do not know.

[As he speaks, he gets more frantic]

Everything and nothing and all things in between. Everywhere I turn there is something new to startle me, or a memory of the barricade, or someone who is looking for a-a scapegoat, it seems. Hidden things, terrifying truths and sad ones and--

[He cuts himself off with a gasp]

If they didn't, I probably would've ended up making a plea for a skilled craftsman to build me one. [He plays the scale backwards, lingers and plays the opening notes of a Nocturne—then stops and moves back over to Jehan's side, to sit there and take his hand.] Name your pleasure and I'll make it yours. The night belongs to you.

Edited (WAIT I LIKE THIS PERFORMANCE BETTER) 2013-03-23 07:51 (UTC)

I see. Ah... [Derp derp what is social awkwardness.] I realize that we have not spoken much, but if there is anything I can do, then please don't hesitate to ask.

[Jehan grips Dorian's hand tightly]

Just...I do not know, Dorian. I simply needed to get out of my apartment and...I wanted to see you.

I won't. Hesitate, I mean. I...thank you, Pontmercy.

[A slight smile.] Well, here I am, for your viewing pleasure. The gallery is open all night and you can stay with the picture as long as you like. [There is no need for Jehan to be informed of the other little joke in that. Dorian strokes his thumb over Jehan's skin, tactile reassurance.]

Oh, no, I didn't meant to imply--

[He shakes his head. Dorian was joking. He knows that.]

Surely you will have to sleep soon?

Ah, not exactly. [Dorian breathes a laugh.] I've become a little nocturnal these days, so we're at about midday for me. I won't sleep until dawn.

You are no scapegoat, I assure you. [He moves that hand now, to Jehan's shoulder, giving it a gentle clasp.]

I do know what you mean, however. This place is -- difficult to get used to; so many new and different things. I -- [There's a slight pause.] I see the barricades as well. Most often in my dreams, but -- every so often, I...drift, I suppose, is the word I am looking for.

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Verse 03 -- Video

voice;

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voice > action?

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voice; HIS *VOICE LMAO. that was meant to be voice i am marius irl wow

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