Enjolras finished school and three weeks later, his own father died. He hadn't seen his father since he decided to direct his attentions towards stirring up a revolution. His father had all but disowned him, ashamed that his bright and promising son had chosen to waste away his talent and brains on such a ridiculous cause. And yet, he had bequeathed Enjolras their entire estate. The young man inherited a mansion the size of a palace to live in and take care of. It was perfect timing too, he gruesomely thought to himself. Here he was trying to make all the right connections in order to improve his standing and rank and now his father had left him an enormous property, one of the most beautiful in all of France. And all of his father's colleagues and friends would be attending the funeral. All Enjolras had to do was put on a good face, make small talk, impress the nobility, and convince them that he had mended his ways and wanted to be included into their circle. He would take his place among the greats, ironically fulfilling the dream his father had for him all along.

"I'll finally make you proud, father." Enjolras said to himself sardonically, fixing his black tie as he looked in the mirror. He was thinking long term now. Once he had enough power to make and execute laws, he would be able to change France for the better. "Just don't lose focus." He reminded himself. He'd seen what power had done to the best of his father's friends...

I'd gladly move

The earth for you

To prove my love, dear

And its worth for you

If that isn't love, it will have to do

Until the real thing comes along.

A week after the funeral, which went as expected, Enjolras heard of Valjean's passing. It had been a little more than a year since he saw the kind old man, but the death hurt just as much as his father's had. He resolved to leave his town and travel back to the place that held so many memories for him, both good and bad. As he walked the familiar cobblestone streets, he could almost hear the songs he and his friends used to sing, echoing all around him. He could still see the spot outside of the cafe that would forever be stained with their blood.

"Do not worry, my friends. We shall get our revolution. I am making sure of it. Your deaths will not have been for naught." He whispered to the skies. With heavy steps, he finally reached Valjean's home.

A servant opened the door when he knocked and he asked to see Cosette. He found her in Valjean's room, back to him, cleaning out and packing her father's things into a chest.

"I'm sorry for your loss." He said. Cosette turned to look at him, quietly sniffling, eyes full of tears. She said nothing, only nodded, lips pressed together to keep from trembling. His heart broke at the sight of her sorrow. "Let me marry you." He blurted out, Valjean's promise coming to the forefront of his mind. Cosette stared at him as if he'd lost his mind. He never was very tactful. She scoffed, believing he was joking or making fun of her.

"I don't want your pity."

"But you need it." He stated and she continued to stare at him with furrowed brows. "Your father wanted me to wed you once he passed, it was his wish for you."

"My father never told me-"

Enjolras handed her a letter. She took it skeptically and opened it.

My darling, dear Cosette.

Marry the man. I've left you enough to make your life quite comfortable, my gift to you. But you will not fare well on your own with such a fortune. You need the protection that only a marriage can bring. I trust Enjolras will do his best to provide that for you. He's got a good heart, my love. There are worse choices out there for you. Trust my judgment, I only want what is best for you. I'm sorry to have left you so early in your life. I pray that you move past this tragedy and continue living your beautiful life. Don't let your shine dim nor let your song fade. You have been the light of my life. Know that I shall forever love you.

Sincerely,

Your loving father

Cosette's tears spilled down her face as she finished reading. Enjolras watched helplessly, not knowing a thing about how to comfort another human being.

"I can never love again like I loved Marius." She told him, voice dark, almost a whisper. It sounded like a promise.

"I wasn't asking you to marry me for love. Marry me for security, for protection."

She sized him up with bleak, wet eyes and finally nodded.

"Alright."