A/N: What if Cosette just told her father she met Marius?
She first saw the man in the streets. She was on her usual walk with her father after mass. Mass ended at 9 but it wasn't until 11 they were home because they would walk and give money to the poor.
She was giving a franc to a small boy when she saw him. He had been talking to some girl when their eyes had met. Cosette felt a slight flutter, as no man her age had ever looked at her with utter awe. But too soon her father said, "Come along Cosette." He was saying in his rushed voice and they sped off.
Cosette was not struck with love but she was feeling as if she wanted to know this man before. His lovely curls and his freckled face burned into her memory, she would never forget him. She would love to speak to him but when her father told her hey had to leave they left swifter then she could comprehend. Over the years she would just follow his instruction without thought. But now it was truly a shame. But she knew even if they hadn't rushed off her father would not have permitted her to speak to a random stranger.
That night after a small dispute she went into the back garden. In Paris private back gardens were rare but their current home did. It was overgrown but in early summer everything was fresh and green. When she had an argument with her father she would either retire to her room or go to the garden for some fresh air. The arguments never lasted long and her father would always apologize over a cup of tea. But now she just wanted space.
She was wearing her nightgown and robe, which her father thought improper, but in this moment she didn't care. She knew this was reckless but she was only going to be out for a moment and the garden was next to an empty alley.
She sat down on an old stone bench and contemplated. Perhaps it was wrong to question papa. After all he usually know what is best.
Suddenly she heard a small rustle. She stood up and heard a voice.
"Please mademoiselle, I do not mean to frighten you," the voice said. It was soft and warm. She felt she would know this voice if she saw it. Soon the speaker was fully over the low wall and she saw him. It was the man from the street.
"Monsieur," she said softly.
"I saw you earlier and I thought I had died and went to heaven," he said.
"Oh?" she asked.
"Yes. Oh god for shame I do not even know your name. Dear mademoiselle, won't you say?" he asked.
"Cosette," she knew this was risky. She had never given her name out before.
"Cosette. Such a lovely name," he said dreamily.
"Forgive me but what is your name?" she asked shyly.
"Oh, god! How foolish of me. I go to boarding school that teaches manners and here I am forgetting something so simple," he said blushing, "Marius. Marius Pontmercy."
"it is a pleasure to meet you sir," Cosette said. She had never talk to anyone besides her father. She was basing everything she said from books she had read.