Author's notes: This is a story in which Cosette never existed… and Marius loved someone else…
The poem and title belong to Michelle. Kudos to her for allowing me to use them.
Speak To Me
My dear friend 'Ponine... so lonely and pensive.
Why won't she speak to me of what's troubling her?
I see her walk the streets in the darkness,
With eyes as misty as the Seine after the rain.
***********
Marius followed the young woman as she walked slowly down the streets, staring at the river, which shimmered in the moonlight. She was silent, and made no complaint when a passing carriage splattered her with muck from the streets. She just walked on, seemingly unaware of the filth on her dress and of her stalker. When she stopped to peer over the edge of a bridge, Marius hurried to catch up with her.
"Hello." He said softly, coming up to lean on the railing next to her.
She wasn't surprised. Instead, she looked up at him and smiled. He smiled back, and took her hand in his own. It was clammy and cold. He absently rubbed it with his own as he stared out at the river beneath them.
"Is something bothering you?" he asked.
"It's just that… I'm all alone." She spoke so softly he could barely hear her reply.
*************
My dear friend 'Ponine, speak to me.
Don't be so much on your own,
The streets wouldn't be full of strangers,
If only you'd speak to me.
*****************
He took her other hand in his own, surprising her. He hoped he was doing the right thing, acting on the heart's counsel alone.
*****************
Eponine, why live alone when I am here by your side?
Eponine, why do you speak to yourself
If I am here to comfort you?
Speak to me, 'Ponine.
****************
" 'Ponine, you don't have to be alone." He said softly, pulling her close. Her eyes widened, and she leaned forward as he bent down. Their lips met. It was a soft, gentle kiss, but it spoke volumes. When they pulled back, Marius noticed that she was shivering. He pulled her close to him, wrapping her in his coat to protect her from the cold. She smiled, and snuggled up to him.
"I guess I'm not so alone." She whispered.
He smiled, and held her closer as they started to make their way home.
**************
Unnoticed, in the darkness, a shadowy figure watched the two. As soon as they were out of sight, he hurried away. Thenardier would not be happy.