Early January

[jaimemieux]

The snow still stands in high drifts when Combeferre makes his way through it towards home. The city has done its best to clear what paths they can, but lazy merchants and forgotten corners have left enough icy patches upon the pavement that one must walk with careful step. Combeferre should be weary from his days of making do in the stranded hotel - deep down he is - and he should be cold from the slushing snow - he must be, if he stops to think about - but neither tiredness nor weather trouble him today. In plenty of ways, his week with Sybil has not been what he planned for, but in the way that mattered most, it had been precisely right.

Leaving Sybil at her own apartment, he walks through snowdrifts to his building with a light and cheerful step despite what should be a miserable trek. When he arrives, he is glad to see his flat alight. Prouvaire will need to know that he has returned - and should be told his other news as well.

“Jehan? I’ve made it back."

Comments

[petit_poete]

It was genuine dismay on his friend's behalf combined with vague amusement, although perhaps he expressed it a little dramatically.

The thought of a romantic proposal being foiled was probably far more heartbreaking to him than it was to his friend, though. "And I imagine Sybil was not terribly put off by the lack of romance in the end?" He gave his friend a crooked smile, because of course she'd said yes. She would have to be mad not to say yes.

[jaimemieux]

“No, not in the least.” Henri chuckles at his friend’s dramatics; there is something comforting in knowing that Jehan will respond with appropriate finesse to his story. “She is a very understanding woman. I am lucky to have her.” He blushes as he thinks on the years that will follow, leaving them just as lucky. Sybil is kind, and clever, and beautiful; Henri knows for a fact that he is not the first man to fall under her unintended spell, but somehow, he is the one she chose.

What a miraculous thing love is.

“But I would appreciate your help with the wedding,” he says with a tiny grin, “to ensure that no equally embarrassing mistakes are made then."

[petit_poete]

"Oh, but of course! It will be an honor and a pleasure to help in any way I can," Jehan replied eagerly, beaming with delight at his friend's good news. Truly, they were such a lovely couple, and he couldn't be happier.

[jaimemieux]

“As a matter of fact…” Henri has not thought about the wedding’s specifics much, but on one point he is certain, and Prouvaire’s noble enthusiasm only solidifies his decision. “I would very much like you to stand by my side at the wedding. If you would be amenable.” He grins softly.

[petit_poete]

If Jehan's smile grew much larger, it would threaten to split his face in half. "Dieu, of course I would be amenable," he answered, chuckling. "Nothing would please me more."

[jaimemieux]

Jehan’s joy is so bright that Henri much duck his head in order not to blind himself with it. “Very good.” Softly, he adds, “I never expected this, and am glad I have such friends to see me to it.”