Javert visited Madeleine's house often. He wasn't quite sure how it started or how it became such a normal thing to spend nights at the mayor's house, but soon he found himself falling asleep in the arms of the other man every night; enveloped in a comfortable warmth and a kiss placed atop his head before they drifted off to sleep. It was odd having someone treat him so kindly, and that one person being a man who reminded the inspector vaguely of a convict that had been with him in Toulon when he was a mere guard. He tried not to dwell on such topics so often, but it always swam to the front of his mind now and then.
Even though that thought lingered in the back of his mind, he still found himself being treated lovingly by Monsieur Madeleine.
Tonight, the two men walk home in the rain; Madeleine holding an umbrella over their heads and stooping over to accommodate Javert's height. It's a bit comical seeing such a tall man leaning down to cover both himself and a more stocky man that goes up to his cheekbones. Though, at the same time, it's oddly adorable, in a way. And it certainly doesn't help the rumors drifting around town of the two sharing a bed together.
When they reach Monsieur Madeleine's home, the mayor folds up the umbrella when they're under the protection of the wooden roof above them on the porch, unlocking his front door and ushering Javert inside before stepping in himself; closing the door behind him. When the inspector takes off his coat and hangs it on the coat rack along with Madeleine's which follows a few seconds after, these movements seem oddly mechanical after the many times he's done it. They slip off their muddy boots so they don't make tracks into the house (which upsets Madeleine's landlady like no tomorrow, and ends up scolding them like their children), making their way into the living room for the time being. It's when the mayor is about to go get supplies to light the fire when he sees Javert shivering.
"Javert, come. Let us return to bed, though it's a bit early. You look absolutely exhausted, and you're shivering." He places a hand on Javert's shoulder, and the man knows not to flinch, now. He's still getting used to Madeleine's soft, kind touches and words. Still getting used to the affection being put upon him, for it is the only loving touch he has received in his lifetime.
Javert's only response is a curt nod.
Madeleine leads Javert off to the bedroom with his hand resting on the man's back, closing the door behind them when they arrive. They change swiftly into their sleeping clothes before they pull back the covers of the bed and settle down (Javert has to borrow an outfit from the other male—for he has not stopped at his home since the morning).
And again, the inspector finds himself being cradled in the other's arms. Madeleine's hugging him from behind and holding his hand loosely; his thumb stroking the skin of the back of Javert's hand. Even now, in this intimate moment, the mayor keeps his wrists and neck covered, almost wrapped to prevent others from seeing through down to the skin. Javert has to hold back the urge to roll up those sleeves and pull down that collar just to see what the man is hiding, if it'll reveal who he really was if he was hiding behind a mask or a false name.
But he doesn't move, just squeezes the other's hand slightly and closes his eyes, doing his best to try and drift off to sleep and not fill his mind with useless worries.
The last thing he hears and feels is a kiss against his hair and "Good night, Javert," being whispered to him in a quiet, kind voice.