Author's Note: I can't decide if this is going to be a one-shot or series of short chapters. So I may expand on this later. Let me know what you think I should do!

Disclaimer: I do not own anything related to Les Mis.

Before the Barricades Arise

Chapter 1

Every day, I leave early in the morning and go try to make money in any way that I can. I deliver letters, offer to shine people's shoes, I try and sell things that I have made, but usually I resort to pick-pocketing so that my father may not beat me tonight. I don't like doing these jobs, but I suppose I understand, we are desperate for money just like everyone else is these days. So each evening, my brother Gavroche and I are expected to return home with a pouch of sous.

I wander the streets of Paris in the freezing cold and blowing snow, attempting to gather what I can when I see him, Marius Pontmercy. There he is goofing around with Joly and Grantaire and Enjolras, talking about the revolution no doubt. I've liked him for many years now, but I know he'll never notice me. His grandfather is among the wealthiest men in town so naturally, Marius could never be seen associating with me, the scum of the streets. However, maybe if I ask, he will be kind enough to give me a few sous. We are friends after all, we went to school together and I see him around town all the time.

"Hey there, monsieur." I call out to Marius.

He looks around and finds that it was me who called him.

"'Ponine!" he replies "How are you doing?"

"I'm doing alright." I answer.

"What's wrong? You seem a little out of it." Marius asks me.

"Nothing, it's just…" I trail off. I can't bring myself to ask him for money. He needs it just as badly as I do.

"Just what? What do you need 'Ponine?" he pressed.

"Okay, I was wondering, if you had a couple of sous to spare? It's been really hard for my family for the last little while and I know your grandpa's rich." I confessed.

"Of course!" he exclaimed as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a couple sous and handed them to me. "I know it's not much but it's all I have with me right now."

I look at the pile of coins, it's more than I expected.

"I can't take all of this." I say as I put some back in his hand.

But he takes my hand and closes my fingers around what he has given me.

"It's fine, just take it." Marius insists.

"Thank you, Monsieur." I look up at him smiling and he returns the gesture. He is so genuinely sweet and kind.

"If you ever need anything 'Ponine, please don't hesitate to ask." He tells me.

I nod, but he is no longer paying attention.

Across the street, a beautiful girl with long, curly, blond hair and her father step out of a carriage.

I recognize that it is Cosette. Her and her father have been living in the outskirts of Paris for a few months now. I wonder what has brought them to this part of the city?

I notice Marius is ogling Cosette and is trying to get her attention. I just roll my eyes and walk away.

I bite my lip to keep from crying. I know I will never be good enough for Marius and he will never like me in that way, but if he asked, I'd be his.

Questions? Comments? Concerns? Suggestions?

Please Read and Review! :)