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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[Courfeyrac's is the only person he responds to right away (unless Enjolras or Combeferre want to come over). He can't be seen like this, he can't cause them more trouble.]

N-no! Please, Courfeyrac, I'm...

[He trails off. He can't have Courfeyrac come over. He just can't. Not now.]

[His brow furrows.]

Jehan...

[He frowns, worry clearly written in his features.]

I don't want you to have to be alone right now. But I will not force you to let me in.

[Why does he have the best friends? What did he do to deserve these men? How did he repay them for their friendship?]

N-no, I swear I am fine.

[He's lying. You can hear his voice crack a little]

If you need a moment, I can wait.

[Even though he looks like he wants to bolt over there right this minute. He adds in a much lower voice, fumbling and switching the feed over to private.]

But I don't believe that you're fine and I want to help in any way possible.

I do not want to cause any more grief, Courfeyrac. I did not mean to let everyone see that, I don't know what I was thinking.

It is not grief you are causing, Jehan. Whether you meant us to see it or not.

[His face softens a bit and he smiles a little, encouragingly.]

I only want to tidy up for you, my friend.

But I am, Courfeyrac. Now I've worried everyone. I never meant to.

[His voice cracks again]

We worry because we love you.

[His voice is gentle, but still insistent. He doesn't want to push, but he wants Jehan to understand this.]

And we would worry regardless.

[The only response Courfeyrac gets is a crying Jehan before it cuts out.

Sometime later, he responds again]

...if you would still like to visit, I would not mind, right now.

[That response has him pacing his room, arms folded, for the majority of the time apart. It's when he hears the device again that he rushes over to it. He still manages a faint smile.]

Only if you're certain... I'm on my way.

I-I am. I promised I would...

I'll see you in a few moments.

[He cuts off the feed and makes his way to Jehan's immediately. There was no pause to gather his things, he had already been fully outfitted and ready to leave at a moments notice since Jehan had cut their conversation off earlier.

A knock preceded his voice, quiet and light.]

Jehan?

Come in.

[Jehan is attempting to straighten up a bit, but he's not doing a very good job of it. His apartment is still a disaster and he still looks pretty awful. Better, but still awful]

[He enters his friend's home, carefully masking any reaction on his face. He knew it was going to be bad, he could tell that much from the brief video earlier. He removes his coat to hang it up and tidy up the area by the door first, glancing over at Jehan as he does so.]

How are you feeling now, mon frere?

I...I have been better.

[Jehan stops tidying when Courfeyrac comes in. He watches a bit helplessly]

Combeferre just left--I told him I could not handle two of you at the same time, right now.

[Had it been anyone else, or any other situation, he would have mentioned the phrasing of that last sentence. As it were, the thought left his mind as soon as it entered. Done with that area of the room, he turned completely to Jehan with a small, warm smile.]

I am at your disposal, Jehan. Whatever you need, I will be more than happy to oblige.

[Jehan glances down when Courfeyrac turns to him. As with Combeferre, Jehan can't meet his eyes]

Just...I need company, I think. I'm not sure.

[He nods his head slowly before scoping out another part of the room to turn his attention to.]

I just so happen to be excellent company.

[And of the mind that a tidy home or appearance works wonders on a mood. Passing Jehan as he makes his way to his next part of the room to clean, Courfeyrac lightly presses a hand to his shoulder.]

We do not need to talk if you do not want to. I'm certain Combeferre has already taken care of that.

He has. However, I...

[Courfeyrac should be told. They all should be told, but he doesn't know how to tell them]

...there is something you should know, Courfeyrac.

Edited 2013-03-24 17:03 (UTC)

[Cleaning can wait. He turns completely to Jehan, frowning a little.]

You know that you can tell me anything, Jehan.

But you will not want to hear this.

[He takes a shaky breath.]

I've been lying to everyone, but I can't keep it up any longer. I wasn't taken from the barricade. They...they captured and shot me when I was found trying to sabotage their supplies. Combeferre assures me that knowing this will not change how everyone thinks of me, but...you do not hate me for lying, do you?

[It's a silly thing to lie about, really, but for some reason this is huge for Jehan. He doesn't get it]

Jehan...

[He's frowning, but it's not from being upset with him. Unable to really find the words he wants to say, Courfeyrac pulls him into a tight hug.]

You are brave... I could not hate you for hiding this. None of us could, mon free. I assure you.

[Jehan returns the hug, holding Courfeyrac close. He feels awful for needing so much reassurance but...he needs it]

Everything has been happening so fast I believe I...forgot that.

Verse 03 -- Video

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