[For Combeferre]

[abaisse_chef]

The times when Enjolras had the desire, the patience and the humility to work with the laptop that had appeared in his room nearly a year ago were few, but this was one of them. He was seated at his desk, brow furrowed in concentration as he applied what he'd learnt in previous trials: how to use the touchpad and click, that the little pictures

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[butcivilization]

Combeferre could not quite hide a grin when he saw his friend peering with obviously increasing frustration at the little computer screen. Even he, whose patience usually stretched much further than Enjolras', had found some things about the little device maddening. Looking over his shoulder to see what the trouble was, he nodded thoughtfully when he recognized the program. "It makes pictures," he explained helpfully. "Drawings, sort of. I fear any true artist would find it entirely counterintuitive."

[abaisse_chef]

"Pah!" Enjolras declared in disgust, awkwardly moving to the 'file' menu where he'd learned 'close' was usually located. "Useless. And I can't even remove it." Which was vexing in and of itself. If it had been paper, it would have been crumpled up and disposed of the moment its uselessness was identified. As it was, it would just sit there, taking up room on the screen with its little picture and name.

[butcivilization]

Combeferre did his best to hide his smile in a sympathetic grimace. "Here, I've figured out a thing or two about these things. Let me see if I can help. May I?" When Enjolras showed no objection, he turned the computer towards himself slightly and began searching for the - what was it called? - 'recycle bin.' "Thom discovered how to do this the other day. Now, if only I could remember..." He bit his lip thoughtfully. Thom was the reason he had come to find Enjolras today, as it happened. He had come to a decision, one his best friend deserved to know - no, one he wanted his best friend to know. But how to begin?

His stomach turned and he took a breath. "There is something I have been meaning to tell you..." Combeferre tried to keep his expression calmer than he felt, his concentration still on the little computer screen.

[abaisse_chef]

Enjolras had been focused on the screen, leaning over so he could watch just what his friend was doing and therefore repeat it. At Combeferre's words, however, he pulled back, his attention moving to Combeferre's face, one eyebrow raised. "Yes? What is it?"