my favorite flavor of true exr understanding is that enjolras is a genuinely very empathetic person who feels a lot of feelings and gets very close to the people around him, he just also has the ability to shut most of it down when needed. he literally cries in the book. he is feeling so many things at all times, and most of it is passion and empathy. im not saying that hes necessarily in touch with his emotions or good at expressing them, but he certainly doesnt shy away from them. he loves his friends, his people, and his country. grantaire however is the master deflector 5000. hes the guy who dodges compliments like the plague and drags down the whole function by talking about how worthless he is. he can be honest with his emotions, but not earnest. he compliments enjolras constantly and talks about his admiration and loyalty to him, but if he thought anything would actually come of it hed just stop. he can talk shit all he wants but as soon as enjolras talks back he clams up and starts fawning. he insults his friends because anything else is too genuine. hes like writhing around on the floor BEGGING to be seen and validated but as soon as anyone actually does it makes him uncomfortable. its so beautiful. autism guy and cringeman united in literary fiction 5ever and into eternity
