Verse 03 -- Video

[poeticverses]

[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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[poeticverses]

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.

[lecentre]

[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.

[poeticverses]

[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.

[lecentre]

[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.

[poeticverses]

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.

[lecentre]

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

You know that you can tell me anything, Jehan.

[poeticverses]

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]

[lecentre]

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.

[poeticverses]

[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.