Despite how directly Enjolras speaks, Grantaire still feels as though he is the one exception. Redemption, alongside nearly everything else, is always just out of reach, close enough that his fingertips may brush it, but he can never grasp it. He tries, earnestly. Every time he’s begged to be put to use in regards to the revolution, he’s meant it. He wants to be accepted by Enjolras and to help his friends, but he always falls short and gives up before the job is through.

“I bring no perspective,” he points out. “I bring no experiences and I bring no fuel for your fire. I do not believe in your revolution. This monarchy—I do not disdain it as you do. It means little to me. Any other government would mean just as little.”

It’s not particularly wise to speak so openly about such things in the face of the leader of the revolution, but Grantaire’s lack of passion is no secret. There’s little reason not to speak frankly, though there’s no anger in his words. That same soft, longing expression doesn’t shift from his face.

“I don’t wish to douse your flames. I wish to be of use. I don’t need to believe in your revolution to do that, do I?”