open: don't let the wine go to your brains

[untamedantinous]

It shouldn’t be this hard to prepare for a meeting. He’s done it countless times before. However, this time, it somehow is difficult. He’s never really had to set things up at times like this; and he knows as well as anyone else that he is not the best at social niceties. Granted, this meeting is in a much more well-appointed cafe than any he had ever been accustomed to holding space in in Paris. At least they have the benefit of a larger space. Consequently, Enjolras has spent much of the day of the eighth of Menestheus preparing, a little uncertain of how to plan a social gathering that is not immediately centered around planning a revolution. He is trying his best, at least.

Most of the tables and chairs have been pushed a bit more to the center of the room; the couch is arranged off to the opposite side. There are even various pillows scattered about, should anyone choose to sit on the floor. Arranged on a few of the larger tables and the counter there is a modest spread of food: of course, some of Laertes and Galahad’s pastries; but Enjolras has also procured what amounts to a few charcuterie platters: sliced sausages and meats, a selection of (mostly French) cheese, and various sliced loaves of bread and crackers are laid out for perusal, and spreads to go along with them. In an effort to provide multiple options of entertainment, Grantaire has set up a table somewhat near the food, with an assortment of wines and liqueurs. Off to one side, there are a few pots of brewed coffee, cream, sugar, and whatever else anyone might like to add to their beverage of choice. If anyone is drawn to the liquor cabinet, they will find three cups filled with various pieces of paper sitting atop it.

Enjolras himself is lingering on the couch with a glass of wine and some bread. He’s not sure how many people were even informed about this gathering, though he had done his best to advertise. If no one arrives then perhaps he will try again another time; but at least a few in attendance other than himself and Grantaire would certainly be welcome.

Comments

[temnota]

Aleksander nodded, conceding the point. "I've never had the opportunity thus far but I wouldn't be opposed if it ever became necessary. It surely can't be any worse then teaching students."

[sagramore]

"Good, it's decided," and this time he does kiss Aleksander on the cheek -- it doesn't matter, he's not ashamed to be seen affectionate with Aleksander and Aleksander probably isn't ashamed either.

[peaklordshen]

"Well, wait," says Shen Yuan, pivoting because Grantaire actually does have a point. "Okay. So if bread and noodles are the same, then falafel should be discounted, because it only has one name."

[futaille]

"I am not enough of an expert in falafel to say with any certainty, but it does seem as if it's a strangely dissimilar matchup. Comparing cabbages and carrots."

[peaklordshen]

Shen Yuan wrinkles his nose. "No, no, comparing cabbages and carrots is reasonable. They're both vegetables."

[futaille]

He blinks. "Oh! Oh, no, it's just a phrase¹. Of course you can actually compare vegetables, but I was being figurative."

¹Did I look up French equivalents to comparing apples and oranges? Yes. Yes I did.

[temnota]

Once, Aleksander would have shied away from such displays of affection. Now, he smiled fondly and returned the kiss. "I wonder now if I should consider establishing a dance school for dogs as well."

[sagramore]

"I'm in!"

[wickedwit]

Claudius is two steps away from telling Grantaire I love you, and he can't even articulate to himself why that would be a bad idea. He just has the vague, instinctive sense that they're not there yet, without the slightest idea of what would bring them there. Perhaps it would be a fitting subject for philosophical debate. Perhaps not. "I'll let you catch up with your other admirers," he says instead. "Bourbon is best shared, I believe."

[wickedwit]

"Now there's an excellent idea," Claudius says with cheer, cocking his head to notice another little accent shift and smiling at the subtlety of it. "It behooves our side to practice before the day of the wager. And Grantaire is here, so he'll know where to find the drawing pool."

[wickedwit]

"I do feel I understand thee better, when thou art in thy element," Claudius says fondly. "First when thou wert with thy other half -- or third, an thou prefer'st -- and now here, at this forum for discussion. Thou art more like to listen than to argue, unless thou art drawn into argument. When Grantaire draws thee, the argument could be never-ending. But thou art not a man to call a meeting so thou can'st expound on thy own opinions, or push thy own agenda. Rather, thou wilt trust thy fellows to be self-sufficient, to speak their own minds, and form their own conclusions. I see why thy friends show thee such loyalty. They all repay the trust thou hast given them."

[futaille]

He grins. "A bottle of bourbon is indeed best shared. A whole House of Bourbon is, apparently, best overthrown, so it's probably best that there is just the one of me."

[wickedwit]

"Thou ridiculous sophist," Claudius says by way of farewell. By now, sophist has become his pet name for Grantaire.

[temnota]

"You and Szarka will be the principle dancers," Aleksander grinned. "Kade does sewing work, does he not? I'll have to commission him for costumes."

[sagramore]

"She'll be beautiful. I'll see if he can make her a little diadem for her brow."

[untamedantinous]

"My amis are certainly capable of speaking their own minds, yes. You saw a little when Courfeyrac and Combeferre were here; but all together it is even more chaotic. Imagine all of that, but with 5 others. But yes, I am -- generally one to keep quiet, unless I feel it is otherwise necessary."

[vineleaves]

"I will admit, dear Claudius," Haitian Creole now, "I'm not entirely certain it's fair to consider me on your side in this. I very much want to see the end result should you lose." He switches to English. "I'll do my best to root for you, but in the interests of full disclosure, I also kind of want you to put on that performance you mentioned."

[temnota]

"She will be the fairest princess in all of the land," Aleksander declared. "Not that she isn't, already."

[sagramore]

"No, no, but once she's crowned it will be another matter." He glances towards Enjolras, with a grin. "We'll just keep it to ourselves lest she be overthrown."

[temnota]

It took Aleksander a moment then he remembered Enjolras's opinion on monarchy and laughed. "Of course. We have to give her time to grow into her role, pave the way so all will know and love her."

[sagramore]

"Right, once she has the hearts of the people there'll be no one who can move against her."

[temnota]

"She'll be such a wise and benevolent ruler," Aleksander said, putting a hand to his heart dramatically. "It shall be a golden age."

[sagramore]

"A time of plenty and peace."

[temnota]

Though Aleksander knew they were only being ridiculous, he couldn't help the note of sadness in his voice.
"That is all I ever wanted."

[sagramore]

Sagramore's face falls, and he reaches for Aleksander's hands. "My heart--"