[for Combeferre] Somewhere beyond the barricade...

[abaisse_chef]

Enjolras had spent the day alone, mostly thinking. It had been a difficult week for him, and the reminder of what had happened in Paris, so soon after his failed council run, had led him to a rather dark place. In Paris he had been a failed revolutionary; here he was a failed politician. Was failure all he would accomplish? He felt lost here,

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[butcivilization]

Combeferre had spent most of the day with Thom, but finally, as night began to fall he sought solitude. Dear Thom had been so kind all day, so open and willing to listen to his stories and his uncertain rambling, and now happy to allow him his time alone to contemplate all he had lost, and all he had gained.

When he saw Enjolras sitting on the beach, he had to smile a little. For a moment, in the peace and silence of the evening, on this day of remembrance, it was as if nothing had changed between them. Combeferre sat beside his friend and was silent for a long moment. "I hoped I would find you here," he finally said quietly.

[abaisse_chef]

Enjolras heard Combeferre join him, but he did not look over until his friend spoke. "Why is that?" he asked, just as quietly. There was nothing hostile or challenging in his tone, but neither was it particularly welcoming. In short, he sounded as he usually did, despite his low mood.

[butcivilization]

A small smile curved at Combeferre's lips that made his expression strangely difficult to leave. His emotions were too mixed to allow a single one to settle on his face. "Why here, or why did I hope to find you?"

[abaisse_chef]

"I meant why did you hope to find me, but I suppose I know the answer already." Enjolras turned away again, looking out at the water with a thoughtful expression.