Moments of Change
Disclaimer: I don't own any of this.
Here we go, a nice long chapter with hopefully some drama for you all. Thank you for the reviews! Please enjoy.
Sharing a room with someone let you pick up on hidden habits, Cosette had decided. After living with Eponine and Musichetta for years, she knew too many things about her best friends; rooming with Enjolras, however, made for a few nice surprises.
For one thing, when he woke up in the morning, he didn't get up at first. He lounged in bed and read a book as the cool early morning air drifted in through the half open terrace door.
Cosette has seen this every morning and, on their third day on the island, she herself was starting the same habit. She didn't read but instead she looked out the glass door as the sun rose over the horizon and the sound of the waves slipped around the room. Enjolras was up and gone at this point, going for another run around the island. It was quiet and peaceful.
Or it was until Eponine burst through the door and jumped onto her bed. "Morning!" she said, already dressed in shorts and a top. Her feet were bare and she was grinning as she pulled her brown hair back into a ponytail.
Cosette, still slouching in bed, replied, "I didn't know you got up this early Eponine; I didn't even think you knew this time of day existed."
Eponine rolled her eyes, sitting down on the bed and hugging the spare pillow as she talked. "The reason I am up so early is because I want to go swimming at Turtle Cove; it's this beautiful place on the other side of the island that Pierre recommended last night at dinner. It has a waterfall and a small beach; it sounds amazing. And since you suggested that Marius and I spend more time together, we are going to walk there this morning and spend the afternoon swimming."
Cosette sighed, propping herself up by her elbow. "That actually sounds amazing; a real island get-away spot."
Eponine nodded, smiling slightly. "I know and it's not just for romance with my boyfriend. You know the stories I used to tell Gavroche when we were little and things were bad in the house?"
Cosette nodded. She had heard this memory before; she could picture little Eponine holding her brother's hand as they hid from their parents, Eponine spinning wild tales about far off places, warriors and queens.
"Well, the one I used to love was the island story I made up for him; the one about how we would run away to a beach somewhere and swim every day. Turtle Cove sounds exactly like my story."
Cosette took her friend's hand, patting it warmly. Eponine was a keen swimmer and the day she had planned sounded perfect. The way she spoke about it, so excited and bubbly, made Cosette see how important it was to her. "Well, have a great time; I'm sure the rest of us will find something to do here."
Eponine bounced off the bed, saying, "Wish me luck and I will see you this afternoon."
Before Cosette could reply, there was a knock at the door and a moment later, Marius stuck his head in. "Hey," he said, "We better get a move on...or just stay here?"
Eponine sent Cosette an exasperated look. "Marius hates to walk," she said, "So he's being a bit whiney about the whole thing."
Marius opened the door more, leaning on the handle slightly. "I am just saying that we could drive over; there are taxis here."
Eponine walked towards the door, pushing him out of it and turning back to Cosette. "I'll talk to you later," she said, rolling her eyes in the direction of her moping boyfriend.
Cosette sent her a smile just as Eponine shut the door.
Marius was defiantly not a walking person. They had barely left the hotel when he started to complain about it. He even started to point out every taxi that passed by.
Finally Eponine grabbed his hand in hers, giving him a tiered smile. "Marius, please. This is supposed to be a nice thing for you and me to do by ourselves."
They were walking along the side of the road, palm trees overhead and people walking past them.
Marius sighed, putting his free hand in his pocket. "I understand Eponine but isn't this holiday supposed to be something for all of us as a group? We spend plenty of time together back home."
Eponine bit her lip; did he really think that? Sure, they usually spent their days together but one or all of Les Amis was with them. When was the last time they had spent real, alone time together?
The two of them walked a little further, until the heat became too much and they sat outside a small cafe on a bench. Marius dug into his bag, pulling out some fruit to snack on. As he tossed Eponine a plum, Marius happily bit into an apple. Eponine however, glanced between him and the plum.
"Marius...you do know that I hate plums right? I mean, I've told you before that I don't eat them."
Marius stilled for a moment and then replied, "Oh yes, of course Eponine. Sorry about that; here." He took the plum from her hand and put it back in the bag before handing her an orange. She gave him a smile but Eponine felt that now familiar feeling of disappointment again.
She had told Marius before how much she hated that fruit; in fact, one of their late night conversations fuelled by a sugar high had been all about their favourite things. As they ate in silence Eponine couldn't help but wonder what else her boyfriend had forgotten about her. So, she crossed one tanned leg over the other as she asked, "What would think about getting a cat when we get back to Paris? I was thinking that it would be nice for us."
She hated cats; she remembered telling him that too.
To her annoyance however, Marius just looked really excited and nodded his head. "That sounds like a great idea actually. I love cats."
Eponine gave him a tight smile, mumbling, "Yes, well, let's give ourselves time to think about it."
How on earth did he think she would ever really want a cat? She shuddered every time she saw one. They ate in silence, watching people pass in and out of the cafe. They finished, throwing the cores into the bin beside the bench.
Marius glanced into the cafe window, catching sight of the cool drinks stacked inside. "Do you want a drink?" he asked her, "Those ones certainly look taster than the water we've got."
Eponine glanced back at the cafe, folding her arms. "That would be great," she said, "Get me my favourite flavour will you?"
Marius nodded, striding into the shop. Eponine didn't turn around; she kept her head down and picked at her nails, something she hadn't done in a while. Finally Marius came out of the cafe and handed Eponine a strawberry flavoured drink. She held the bottle in her hand and couldn't help but let out a low bitter laugh.
Of course, it was strawberry, not apple. He had forgotten something else.
Marius took a gulp of his own drink, giving her a weird look. "What's wrong?"
Eponine turned to him, holding out the drink. "This isn't my favourite flavour," she said but this only drew an eye roll from Marius.
"Seriously Eponine, it's not that big of a deal. What is with you today? You are acting really strange."
Eponine bit her lip, trying to keep herself from snapping. She was acting strange; getting favourite flavours and fruits right wasn't that big of a deal. She knew it was petty and silly but in that moment it was important to her. This wasn't the first time Marius had forgotten things and it certainly wasn't the first time Eponine had to put away her hurt feelings because of it. Maybe it was the fact that they were on a beautiful island with gorgeous weather; Eponine just wanted to feel like Marius was paying some attention to her. She was worth that attention...right? Doubt started to nag away at Eponine and she wrapped her arms around herself.
"Actually Marius," she muttered, "I'm not feeling so great. Maybe we better just head back to the hotel."
Marius frowned slightly, brushing a hand down her arm. "Really? Do you think you've been out in the heat too long?"
Eponine just nodded and stood up. The two of them walked back to the hotel in a stroll, Eponine doing everything to keep a straight face.
When they got back to the lobby, Marius caught sight of Feuilly and Courfeyrac, who were running into town. "I'll just see what they're up to," he said, kissing her cheek and hurrying off.
Eponine barely nodded and dragged her feet towards the elevator. However, she heard someone call her name. She turned to see Marcus, a pile of papers in one hand and a stack of envelopes in the others as he tried to walk around the check out desk. Eponine hurried over to him, reaching out to take some of the papers from him.
Instead, Marcus exclaimed, "Oh never mind those Eponine; there was a mix up with mail that I have to sort. But there is a letter for your friend Joly on the top of the pile. Since I cannot find him, would you mind taking it for him?"
Eponine spotted the letter and plucked it off the pile. "Of course Marcus, thank you. And good luck with all that."
Marcus grinned and hurried off through one of the many doors. Eponine shook her head, a small smile working its way onto her face.
"Pierre certainly does push that boy to the limit."
Eponine looked at the front desk to see a grinning woman standing there, dressed in a brightly patterned dress. Eponine smiled at her politely and the woman reached out to shake her hand. "My name is Beth; I'm Pierre's wife. He said that you are the special guests this week."
Eponine nodded, shaking her warm hand. "Nice to meet you. You are right about Marcus; Pierre certainly does give him a lot of work."
Beth laughed and checked to see if Marcus really was gone out the door. "Well don't tell him this but Pierre is certain that Marcus could run this place one day when he finally retires. He wants that boy to reach his full potential...and to stop ringing the bell like a maniac."
"I see! Well, Pierre has really been wonderful; how long has he worked here?"
Beth sighed, thinking for a moment. "Um, he started a week after we were married so...about fifty years."
Eponine's eyebrows flew upwards. "You have been married for fifty years? That's amazing. My friends are celebrating their fifth wedding anniversary."
Beth sighed happily, placing a hand to her chest. "I heard; how wonderful! It really is something to celebrate. My husband is always so busy with this place but, even after fifty years, he still brings me out to dinner in the same restaurant that we met on our anniversary."
Now that was the type of romance Eponine had in mind. She wasn't looking for all of Marius' attention, just some of it. Was that really too much to ask?
Beth smiled softly, leaning towards her slightly. "You know, that softy still remembers what I was wearing the night we met. He's an old romantic."
Eponine giggled and Beth waved at someone over her shoulder. "I'm sorry but I've just seen my card playing partner; we are going to play a few games in the lounge."
Eponine moved towards the elevator, saying, "No problem; I hope you win a few hands."
Beth grinned at her as she called, "It's not winning I have a problem with dear; it's finding a worthy opponent."
Eponine laughed, hugging the letter to her chest as Beth walked off. She was a character just like her husband, Eponine thought as the elevator doors slide open and she stepped inside. It was only when they shut again did Eponine think that maybe she was suppose to wait for Marius.
But she did not have the energy to care in that moment and when the doors opened on her floor, she quickly made her way to the room.
Eponine and Marius had not been the only two to pair off that morning. The group had gone their own different ways after breakfast; Musichetta and Joly going on a small boat trip around the island by themselves. It had put them in an excellent mood and when they arrived back at the hotel in the afternoon, Joly wanted to show everyone the stunning pictures he had captured on his camera. He had just put them all onto his laptop when everyone trickled back into the suite for a late lunch.
Before running to change, Musichetta had orders various fruits, meats and bread up to the room-she loved the discount the owner gave them. Cosette and the boys quickly dung into the food; Marius nearly made his sandwich bigger than his head.
Cosette was about to go and see if Eponine was hungry when she appeared, her face flushed and her eyes slightly red. Cosette frowned at this but Eponine just started making lunch with the others.
Out of the corner of her eye, Cosette swore she saw Enjolras give Eponine the same worried frown but when she looked at him fully, he seemed busy with his own lunch.
Joly glanced up from his laptop, where it sat on the kitchen island where the group was gathered around. He leaned forward to look at the tomatoes that Grantaire was chopping up. "You might as well finished those; Chetta won't want any," he said, tapping a few buttons on the laptop.
Grantiare stilled before asking, "Are you sure? I don't want to face her wrath when she discovers she has no tomatoes."
Joly laughed but replied, "Don't worry, you're safe. Chetta is allergic to them. Plus, she hates the taste."
Courfeyrac, with a mouthful of chicken, frowned. "What? Does that mean she doesn't like ketchup either?"
Feuilly clasped a hand to his chest and quipped, "Oh the horror!"
Joly didn't even look up from the screen as his smiled. "Nah, she likes mayonnaise better; sorry Courfeyrac."
Cosette had been laughing with the rest of them but when she turned to Eponine to ask her to pass the salt, Cosette paused. Eponine was staring into space, her red rimmed eyes starting the tear up. Before Cosette could say anything, Eponine muttered that she wasn't hungry and sped off to her room.
Cosette was quick to follow her and caught the bedroom door before Eponine could close it. Eponine seemed to know that Cosette was behind her but she gave no reaction. Instead, she just walked into her room, wrapping her arms around herself.
After glancing back to check that no one had paid attention to their quick exit, Cosette closed the door behind her. She padded towards her friend, trying to calm her own worries about her.
"Eponine?" she murmured, "Ep, are you ok?"
Eponine seemed to clutch her arms around herself tighter before turning around to show a tearful face and devastated eyes. "No; I am so stupid!" she blurted out, her hands flying to her mouth to stop any sobs.
Cosette hurried over to her and grabbed her in a tight hug. "Oh Ep, talk to me. I'm sure whatever it is, we can sort through it."
She pulled back, her hands on her friend's arms to comfort her. "Tell what is wrong," she nearly begged.
Eponine took a shuddered breath before pushing her wayward hair from her face. "I told you that Marius and I came back early because I was feeling unwell but that wasn't true. We stopped for lunch on the road and I realised that he had forgotten all these things about me; my favourite fruit, my favourite flavour, even how much I dislike cats. And-and I just couldn't take it! He is supposed to know those silly little things about me, isn't he?"
Cosette couldn't even respond, her mouth opening and closing before Eponine continued through her tears-something Cosette had not seen in years.
"I just-I didn't want to go to such a beautiful place with him right then so we came back. And I was trying to put it behind me, just like all the other times but...but now, with Joly remembering those things about Chetta, it all surfaced again."
Eponine sniffed and ruthlessly rubbed a hand across her face to dry her tears. She stared at Cosette, on the brink of sobbing again. "What's wrong with me?" she asked quietly. "I've been with him for five years and he doesn't care to remember these small little things about me? Are they not important to him? Am I not important to him?"
Cosette nearly felt physically ill from Eponine's words. The last time she had heard them was years ago and when Eponine's self esteem was in shatters. Cosette hugged Eponine again, as if the tighter she hugged her, the less the pain would be.
"There is nothing wrong with you," she insisted, "Marius is just oblivious. I am sure he doesn't mean to hurt your feelings but this is his fault, not yours. You did nothing wrong Eponine."
Eponine took a shuddered breath and pulled away from Cosette, trying to properly dry her eyes. Finally, she sniffed and said, "I can't believe this is all happening when we are here; on such a beautiful island celebrating a beautiful event."
Cosette patted her hand, replying, "By the sounds of it, this has been building for a while. I can't blame for being frustrated."
Eponine sent her a small smile and laughed bitterly. "You were right about Marius being oblivious anyway; he had no idea how upset I am with him."
"Well then, I think you should stay in my room tonight. We can tell Marius that it's a girl's night and then, when you've calmed down, you two can have an honest talk."
Eponine frowned slightly before asking, "What about Enjolras?"
Cosette bit her lip after realising this before she brightened up. "I'm sure he wouldn't mind sleeping on the couch for one night. I doubt he will want to listen to you, me and Chetta talk for hours."
Enjolras leaned against the railing of the terrace, listening to the waves roll in from the ocean. The sun had set hours ago and the lights were lit down in the courtyard and along the terrace itself. Everyone had just come up from dinner in the dining room and Enjolras could feel the tension easily.
Something had happened between Eponine and Marius; something other than Eponine's obvious lie about feeling ill and not going to Turtle Cove. Which was strange considering it was probably her dream place. A beach with water to swim in and a waterfall sounded like those stories Gavroche said she used to tell him. And she loved the water as well. So why would she chose to not go?
Enjolras balanced his glass of water on the flat railing, glancing back to the living room, where everyone was setting up a movie. He had to go inside soon but he wanted a few more minutes out in the open air. He knew that once he went inside, he would have to try and ignore Eponine being upset and Marius being his usual up-in-the-clouds-self.
Enjolras pinched the bridge of his nose slightly as he sighed. He was getting exhausted of all this secrecy; it was frustrating him.
Before he could think another thought, he heard footsteps behind him. Turning, he saw Eponine walking out onto the terrace, arms folded. She seemed in a daze but she sent him a half smile as she strolled over to stand beside him. He smiled back at her and took a drink of his water.
"What movie did they pick?" he asked, gesturing behind him.
Eponine shrugged, replying, "I think some action flick. Courfeyrac got outnumbered."
Enjolras grinned fully now and he said, "Well if Jean was here then we would all be watching some romantic comedy."
For the first time that day, Eponine smiled widely. "He would love this place you know; I still don't believe his excuse for not coming on this trip. I think he's planning something."
Enjolras nodded, placing the glass back on the railing. "Well, I am sure that girlfriend of his will keep him in line somehow; she is the logical one in the partnership-mostly."
Eponine giggled this time, which did nothing but make Enjolras try to bite back a bigger smile. The giggle faded however and Enjolras watched as Eponine seemed to drift off to an unhappy place. He tried to keep his mouth shut; he tried to just ignore it. But he couldn't.
"Are you alright?" he finally blurted out, "You've been...out of it all day."
Eponine frowned at him and unfolded her arms, only to start picking at her nails. "I'm fine," she said, with an edge in her voice.
Enjolras took in a slow breath before continuing, "You're messing with your nails; you only do that when you are really upset about something."
Eponine blinked at him, glancing between her hands and him curling her fingers into fists. "Since when have you noticed that? In fact, since when do you notice anything about me that doesn't irritate you?"
Enjolras was the one in shock now; he thought they were trying to be friends. "I know more about you than you think and there are many things about you that do not annoy me!"
Enjolras felt himself freeze at his admission. This situation was really getting to him if he was starting to blurt statements like that out.
Eponine, meanwhile, seemed disbelieving and scoffed at his words. Enjolras figured that it was not him exactly she was angry at but he was certainly an easy target.
"Really?" Eponine finally said, "There are actually parts of my personality that you might like? Seems hard to believe after the last five years."
Enjolras gave her an exasperated look before replying. "Oh you know that we had a bad first impression on each other! And I am not surprised that any friendship afterwards suffered because of it. But you need to get rid of this idea that I despise every part of you all the time."
Eponine folded her arms again, facing him. "Oh please! I know that you don't like me; I know that you think I am some street urchin who wormed her way into your precious group."
Enjolras felt as if someone had just poured a bucket of ice on him. Suddenly, seeing the uncertainty and upset in her eyes, he knew where all this was coming from. She did not think he thought these things; Eponine thought these things about herself. But, he was sure that she had gotten rid of these thoughts years ago; was whatever happened with her and Marius the thing that had brought them all back?
This made Enjolras get angry again and in that moment, he didn't care for watching what he said. He leaned forward, pointing at her slightly. Eponine frowned at this but he continued.
"You, are the furthest thing from a street urchin. Who you are, is the girl who defended a little boy when you were barely an adult yourself. You are the woman who defied a criminal legacy and made history in the legal courts. You earned every single cent to buy your business and you still look after your brother after all this time. You are funny and brave and stubborn to a fault but you deserve every happy moment that has ever come your way. You deserve so much more. You honestly want to know what I think of you Eponine?"
She couldn't speak; she was frozen, staring at him with wide eyes.
Enjolras swallowed. "I think you may be one of the most stunning people on the face of this planet."
With that, he grabbed his glass from the railing and stalked inside, leaving Eponine standing there in shock. She took in a breath, as if she had just swum underwater for a mile. No one had ever said anything like to her before and it had come from Enjolras of all people. And yet, as she stood there on the terrace, she couldn't help but feel a warm sensation blossom in her chest. If that was the emotion everyone else said Enjolras had-and if that was what he really thought of her- then she was starting to see exactly why people liked him so much.
Eponine turned to look into the living room, only to see everyone except Enjolras sitting around the television and waiting for the movie. Cosette caught her eye and told her to come inside. Eponine did as she asked almost automatically. She sat down beside her friend, and as the movie began to play, she whispered, "Where's Enjolras?"
Cosette nodded towards the hallway and replied, "He said he had a headache."
Eponine nodded, pausing for a few moments. "Could you hear us outside?" she asked Cosette.
The blonde girl frowned but shook her head. "Did you two have another argument?"
Eponine just shook her head and sat back on the couch. She didn't even notice the movie playing; instead she looked across the coffee table at Marius. He hadn't thought she was acting strange; he certainly didn't know that she did pick at her nails.
But Enjolras did; in fact, Enjolras thought a lot of good things about her. And she had spent the last five years treating him like he was her enemy. Was that why he fought with her? He thought that she disliked him and he was only defending himself? There were so many questions; ones that before this trip, she hadn't even thought to ask.
But, as Eponine felt that admiration from Enjolras' words come back to her, she knew that it was time to start finding answers.
Cosette, meanwhile, gave Eponine a glance during the movie. Her friend seemed happier, the worries from earlier gone. Whatever had happened on that terrace had certainly lightened her mood.
Combeferre generally tried to get to bed before Grantaire; the other man had a habit of talking loudly before he drifted off to sleep. So if Combeferre didn't want to be awake half the night, he went to sleep-or pretended to- before his roommate.
Everyone had gone to their own rooms after the movie, the girls having a sleepover in Cosette's room. Combeferre knew Enjolras was on the couch but he also knew that Grantaire was staying up to watch the sequel to the earlier movie. So, when Enjolras knocked on his door, Combeferre just assumed it was to complain about Grantaire.
But, once he got a look at Enjolras' drawn face and worried expression, he figured it was something more serious. "Hey," he said, as he let Enjolras in, "You look like the weight of the world is on your shoulders."
Enjolras didn't say anything at first; he just sat down on the bench at the end of the bed. Combeferre walked over to the armchair, dragging it over to face his friend. Enjolras' hair was sticking up at odd angles, like he had run his hand through it too many times. He was wringing his hands together and his leaned forwards, elbows on his knees. Combeferre had never seen him like this, not even when he had his law school finals.
Enjolras licked his lips and finally met his friend's gaze. "I-I've been keeping something from all of you...for a very long time. I shouldn't...I shouldn't be telling you this because it could ruin everything but, but I can't stay silent anymore."
Combeferre was seriously worried now; for Enjolras to be this tense, something must really be wrong. But his friend looked like he was about to bolt out the door. "Look," Combeferre said, "I'm sensing that you're worried that this...news might hurt people in the group? But Enjolras, I know you. You would never hurt any of us without over thinking it a million times; not really. So if you feel like you have to tell me then, I know it must be a lot of pressure for even you."
Enjolras nodded, pressing his hands together before speaking. "Five years ago, at Joly and Chetta's wedding, I saw Eponine and Cosette before Marius did. Well, honestly, all I saw was Eponine. She smiled at me and...and I was so overwhelmed by her that I just turned around. I blurted out to you and Marius that they must be Chetta's friends and then Marius..."
"Marius took Eponine out to dance," Combeferre finished.
Enjolras nodded, licking his dry lips again. "The thing is, Eponine and I, we got off on the wrong foot and then, we started to avoid each other. She and Marius started dating and then I didn't know what to do because she was everywhere and it was killing me and making me happy all at the same time. So I just-just started to fight with her and she continued to hate me and now, its five years later and everything is a mess!"
Combeferre had managed to keep up with his friend's ramblings but clearly wasn't getting the big picture. "Ok," he said, carefully, "So what you are saying is that you don't hate Eponine. You just didn't know how handle the bad impression you made on her?"
Enjolras nearly laughed at his friend, clearly still clueless. "Combeferre," he sighed, "I do not hate Eponine. I haven't hated her since the moment I laid eyes on her five years ago and I actually don't think it's possible for me to hate her."
Combeferre stared at him and Enjolras could see his brain finally catching up with what he was saying. "Oh my..."
Enjolras nearly laughed again, bitterly. "Combeferre, I am in love with Eponine."
Combeferre sat in shock for a moment, not able to speak.
"What?!"
Enjolras let out a sigh of relief, even if his friend was freaking out.
"You-you l-love? Love?! Wh-how? What?"
Combeferre sat back in the chair, his arms limp at his sides. He stared at Enjolras, seeing that his friend was not joking, lying or delusional. Enjolras did not use the word "love", especially for a girlfriend. But he said he loved Eponine. The same girl who he had fought with for five years. Combeferre gave Enjolras the once over again, taking in his weary appearance. The blonde man just sat on the bench waiting for Combeferre to speak again.
"Are you sure?" he asked and Enjolras nodded. "I would not tell you if I was not certain that it was love. I love her."
He said like a rock had been taken off his chest; full of relief and utter joy.
Combeferre looked at him in disbelief. He had never seen Enjolras like this before; there was a spark in his eyes, a certain smile on his face.
"You-you really do love her..." he said lowly and Enjolras nodded.
Suddenly Combeferre found himself catching up with the rest of the story. "That's why you fought with her so much. You were pushing her away."
Enjolras replied, "Yes, I couldn't handle being friends with her when I had such strong feelings. Then those feelings grew and grew. Before I knew it, Marius and she were together and everyone thought we hated one another."
"For five years," Combeferre muttered, "You've been watching the woman you love fall for another man for five years."
"It's exhausting me Combeferre," Enjolras said, standing up and walking towards the terrace door.
Combeferre stood up too and looked at him. Enjolras let out a shuddered breath, before adding, "I can't do it anymore. Being here with her and watching Marius treat her less then she deserves...today I told her that I thought she was amazing. I told her some of the real things I love about her but I-I couldn't tell her the real truth."
Enjolras turned back around and swallowed. "This could ruin everything between the group."
Combeferre startled and placed his hands in front of Enjolras, as if to stop his fast thoughts. "Hold on, look, we are a tight group of friends yes, but one thing we are very aware of is that Eponine makes her own choices in life. We can all see that her and Marius aren't exactly on steady ground right now-."
"Yes, but that doesn't mean I can just move in and ask her out!" Enjolras argued.
"It would be a betrayal to Marius." Combeferre nodded but continued anyway. "Maybe but once Eponine and Marius break up, he has no say in her love life. She can date who she wants to; she isn't his property."
Combeferre stilled and was silent for moment before he said, "Wait, I just found out that you are in love with your friend's girlfriend-who we all thought you hated- how am I onto setting you two up this fast?"
Enjolras couldn't help but snort at his friend's confusion. "I know, it's crazy," he said, as he ran a hand over his face, "It doesn't make any sense."
"Actually," Combeferre said, staring into space for a moment, "When I think about...you and Eponine...you two do kind of...work. Weird."
"I know that too," Enjolras said, sitting back down on the bench. "I just have no idea what to do about this situation. Marius and Eponine aren't working out, that much is clear from the tension. But I can't just ask her out and the thought of having any part in their break up makes me feel so guilty. And yet...being with her in a good moment makes me ecstatic."
Combeferre sighed heavily and sat down on the armchair again. "There is only one thing you can do; wait and see what happens. They might break up all on their own. In the meantime, it might be a good idea to show Eponine the real you, the one I know you've been hiding from her all this time. At least then, you can somehow get rid of the pressure you've been under. Get rid of the "hate" between the two of you and you'll feel better."
Enjolras frowned, muttering, "Are you sure that's a good idea?"
His friend shrugged. "Marius is my friend too Enjolras, but Eponine deserves someone to really love her. And by the looks of it, you might be just what she needs."
The two men sat in silence for a moment, Enjolras trying to sort through his conflicting feelings and Combeferre trying to figure out how this whole situation got this far.
After a moment, Combeferre asked, "Five years? Really?"
Enjolras nodded shyly and Combeferre nodded with him.
"And how do you expect me to look Eponine in the eye after this?"
"Welcome to my world."
