However , Serge 's persistent altruism slowly wins Gilbert over , and the two flee to Paris as lovers .
Initially antagonistic and even violent towards Serge , Gilbert rejects the other boy 's early attempts to befriend him .
Serge 's persistent altruism slowly wins Gilbert over , and the two flee to Paris as lovers .
Initially antagonistic and even violent towards Serge , Gilbert rejects the other boy 's early attempts to befriend him .