Hey guys, sorry it's been so long since I updated. These next to chapters are fairly short, so I'm posting them both at once again so you guys don't have to wait as long. This chapter features the first appearance of Gavroche, which I'm really excited to see what you guys think. My Gavroche is based on an equal mixture of the book and movie Gavroche, inspired by a few different show versions and how they portrayed him. Basically, think of him as The Les Mis Artful Dodger. ;)

Hope you guys enjoy the chapters, and don't forget to review!

- Raven

Éponine woke to the angry shouts of her father downstairs. She squinted at the light pouring in through the window, and groaned as she sat up. Placing a hand to her head, she looked around the room for a moment, and was startled at the sight of Montparnasse sleeping in the bed next to her. Quickly, she jumped out of the bed, and pressed herself against the far wall, staring fearfully at the figure.

She closed her eyes and tried to remember, then decided she didn't want to remember and opened them again. She slipped on her dress, and her hat, which had now dried, and left as quickly as she could.

Downstairs, the shouting grew louder, and she could see the gang assembled. Claqesous and her father stood on opposite sides of a table, screaming at each other. Éponine rolled her eyes. Papa still hadn't forgiven Claqesous for spoiling a raid that happened weeks ago. Claqesous said something, and Thenardier lunged for him, knocking the table over, and sending them both crashing to the floor.

Éponine slid in between Brujon and Babet, who were leaning against the wall and placing bets. "Five sous Claqesous gets beat." Brujon smirked.

"You drunk?" Babet challenged. "Thenardier doesn't stand a chance."

"I'll bet on Claqesous." Éponine said, her eyes sparkling, while her mouth remained a tight line, trying to hide her smirk. Both men glared down at her.

"Yeah? And whose money you bettin' 'Ponine?" Brujon sneered.

"Yours," Éponine answered, allowing a flicker of a smile to cross her face. The men laughed with her, then turned to watch the fight. Montparnasse staggered downstairs, and sidled up next to Éponine, shoving Brujon aside.

Claqesous was struggling underneath Thenardier, who pummeled him mercilessly. It looked as though he had the upper hand, but Éponine knew Claqesous wouldn't give in so soon. Sure enough, Claqesous tucked his knees up to his chest and kicked out, sending Thenardier flying. He landed on his back with a thump, knocking the air out of him.

Both men scrambled onto their feet, glaring daggers at each other while the rest of the gang laughed. Claqesous smirked, offering Thenardier his hand to shake. Thenardier spat, cursing as he turned away.

"I believe you owe me money, Brujon." Éponine said, smiling broadly. He cursed, but handed her the coins. The gang departed, led by her father, and once sure they were gone, Éponine slipped out and ran down the street, finally free.

She went to the bakery and bought a loaf of bread, holding it close and savoring its warmth. She ran down the streets into the open clearing. In front of her loomed the elephant. Gavroche's elephant, she called it. Climbing up into the elephant's stomach, she weaved her way through the obstacles until finally-"Gavroche?"

"'Ponine, is that you?" A small face peered at her from the shadows, framed by dirty blond curls.

Éponine held out the loaf. "I brought breakfast."

Gavroche gave a triumphant laugh, darting forward and snatching the loaf from her hands. He bit into the still warm bread, and sighed. "Hey, half of that is mine." Éponine snatched back the remains of the loaf and finished it off.

Gavroche rocked back onto his heels, crouching against the wall. He stared at her pointedly, and Éponine rolled her eyes at him. "I'm fine, 'Vroche, really," she said, correctly interpreting his glare. He nodded, clearly not believing her. Éponine laughed, ruffling his hair.

"I have to go," She said, a hint of sadness in her voice. "You'll be ok?" She asked her brother.

He puffed himself up indignantly. "Of course!"

"Stay away from Papa and the others." She warned, glaring at him as she dropped through the hole in the bottom of the elephant. "I mean it, 'Vroche."

"Yeah, yeah." Gavroche waved her away with a grin, watching her disappear into the crowd. He sighed, frowning at the spot she had been in. "You too," he whispered, before shaking his head and jumping up.

"Come on, boys!" He yelled, popping up out of the elephant's head. His 'brood' of street urchins scampered out of their hiding places, and together, they dashed into the streets.