A/N: Well…life happens and it's been awhile. Many thanks to those who have stuck it out for the whole story. It feels so weird to be finishing it up…but alas everything must end, right? R&R for the last time if you are so moved. Thanks and ever thanks.

Chapter 8

"Enjolras…" Grantaire breathed out quietly.

The blonde apparition smiled suddenly, and it was as if poor Grantaire's heart had exploded – he could hardly breathe and just barely maintained his balance.

"Walk with me."

And he did.

As Grantaire walked, he looked at this man – this face he had adored for so long. He hadn't noticed, but Enjolras – like all the others – was wearing all white. His golden hair stuck out like a halo and Grantaire was struck suddenly with images of Jesus and the saints.

Gradually, they ascended a lush green hill. At the top was a never-ending expanse of green and sky and air and earth and life.

Then the tall man spoke again. "It…um…it doesn't normally work this way, you know," he informed Grantaire, and for the first time the golden voice seemed unsure.

"What do you mean? What doesn't?"

"Getting to Beyond. Whomever set up the concept – and let me know if you see them, I would certainly like a word – apparently overlooked one great flaw."

"And what might that be?" Grantaire pressed, not quite so eager to know but rather eager to hear that voice.

"That in order to reach Beyond, one must be a good person. However, one must believe they are deserving. You are an enigma…you shouldn't exist."

"What do you mean?" Grantaire asked slowly. "Surely loads of people die before they're ready and they haven't yet decided that they're worthy but that doesn't mean they aren't. Maybe they would've been ready later but they died then. It can't work that way."

Enjolras looked down for a long time. He began to speak, still looking at his bare feet in the lush green grass. "That's just it. Whether or not they are conscious of it, each person has a destiny – a time they are supposed to die. Their soul is aware of it on a deeper level – while they may not want to go, they know they are ready and they are allowed Beyond according to their readiness based upon this destiny. But you…"

"Me? What did I do?"

"Grantaire, I have seen your destiny. And it was not to die with me."

He staggered back a touch, as if he had been struck with a slight physical blow. "W-what?"

"You were never meant to awaken. You were supposed to sleep right through the rest of the battle."

"I….what?"

"That's right. You aren't supposed to be here because you aren't supposed to be dead. That's why they didn't know what to do with you – it wasn't your time so deep down you didn't think you belonged here. And you were right – but not because you weren't worthy, but rather because you were supposed to still be – alive." His voice broke on the final word. "You had so much left to learn about yourself."

There was a long silence. "Why am I, then?"

Enjolras still refused to look up. "Because you changed your destiny."

Grantaire finally understood. "No, Enjolras. You did."

He looked up wildly. "No! It can't be my fault….all the others…not you, too…" he trailed off in pure agony.

Grantaire chuckled a little. "No, Enjolras. If my destiny was to sleep through the battle and survive as the useless drunkard with nothing to believe in, then you saved me from myself. And I would die a thousand deaths with you rather than go back to being that person."

Enjolras stopped. "You mean…"

"My destiny only changed because it intertwined with yours. I would stay Between with all the demons of my own creation for the rest of eternity if freedom meant life without you," Grantaire whispered.

Enjolras looked at him, expressionless. His clear blue eyes were difficult to read, but tears glistened within them. "Grantaire, I…I never knew…you never said…I never said…"

The great master of words was, for once, speechless.

Enjolras paused for a long moment. "Well, I suppose…since it is up to me…I mean, Beyond is a paradise of each man's personal creation…well I mean I understand if it's not what you want…they can send you back to earth if you'd like it…but you could always…"

"Stay here with you? Why wouldn't I want that?" Grantaire asked incredulously.

"Well I mean…you'd technically be living in my paradise and forfeiting your own…" he explained warily.

Grantaire laughed, then – a hearty, musical sound like he hadn't laughed in years.

"What…what's so funny?" Enjolras asked nervously.

"Oh Enjolras…you are my paradise."

And with that, Enjolras broke into a grin. "The others will be here as well. All will be happy. Are you sure this is what you want?"

Grantaire smiled. "Positive."

Their eyes locked and an electricity shot up Grantaire's body. Enjolras gently caressed his cheek. "One more question," Enjolras began, leaning in slowly.

"Mm?"

"Do you permit it?"

The responding kiss was a resounding yes.

~fin~