A/N: I hope you enjoy this new chapter. Really these first chapters are a bit out of context of the war yet, but it's necessary and along the fanfic, the war will assume a more important role in the development of the history. But not now. And if there is something you want to comment, feel free to do so. ;)
It had been a few weeks since those two worlds collided again. During these last few nights, Éponine always talked with Grantaire after her shows and even struck up a friendship with some of his friends as Jehan Prouvaire, Marius and Combeferre. But at any mention of Enjolras, her face changed. Each time that both glances accidentally crossed, Éponine made sure to hide a smile and turn it into some sort of grimace. And Enjolras in turn reciprocated with a sullen expression. That night, the situation seemed to be not so different in the beginning. Éponine was in her small room as always, facing the mirror simulating some sort of rehearsal. It usually make her well and in a way give a sense of importance. Grantaire this time decided to enter and sit beside her.
- Glad you let me stay here. Sometimes I get tired of those serious conversations. - And both shared a laugh.
- Honestly I don't know how you stand to live with Enjolras. - Said Éponine, and only by saying that name already left her with a smirk, as she stirred her hair.
- Don't say it. He is a great person. - which did Éponine cast a look of surprise to Grantaire.
- You sure what you're saying? Only if it's with you, for me he always turns a cocky. And ruin everything.
- Is that he is... Well, how can I say... Not much good with feelings, and especially women.
- And what can I do? Not my fault.
- Of course not. Jehan has advised him several times... To better understand yourself, and allow yourself to show his other side. Less serious, you know?
Éponine breath and added:
- Well, better change the subject, this is already giving me indigestion. And you better go there to front, that it's about time!
- Oui madame!
Clap! Clap! Clap! Bravo!
Merci!
Upon leaving the stage, as always Éponine followed to the bar and, to her delight there she was again with long blond hair, eyes curious and cheerful at the same time, her friend and longtime sister, Cosette. Éponine ran to hug her, with a huge smile.
- Ma belle*¹! You're crazy! - Said while the two were embraced.
- I was really missing your voice, as always. - And returned with one of her sweet smiles.
- Missing my voice?
- Of course not only, ma soeur*²! You too. But if I could come see you every day.
- Excuse-moi? - Grantaire, who was with Jehan and Marius beside him, interrupted the conversation of the two - you were amazing today!
- Your voice wanders in this environment, and it's like a breath of strength and joy in my ears. - Completed Jehan, who went to hug her too.
- Calm down! - Said, disguising a slightly red in her face. - I don't deserve all this. Actually I just like singing. That's why I do it.
Meanwhile, at the back table, as always more focused on their work was Enjolras, Combeferre and Courfeyrac. And the latter, a few times liked to go out to enjoy a little the place and the band too. Every night he, Grantaire and Jehan went out to talk with Éponine, others Amis had to support an angry Enjolras who minutely complained about the irresponsibility of his companions. This time he was even more angry because, strangely, Marius went along with them. The displeasure of Enjolras somehow doubled.
- What's happening, Enjolras? - Asked Combeferre, who noticed his friend writing a few words, and after then observe Jehan, Marius and Grantaire in his front.
- It's impossible to concentrate here.
Combeferre returned to the paper, that he was reviewing, and once again heard the grumbling friend.
- Don't know why they come if they don't help. - His eyes not retreated from that group talking, smiling and laughing.
- Calm, Enjolras. We don't even have much news to pass along today. We can both help you. - Answered Courfeyrac.
- I think his problem is another. - With the comment Combeferre, the two friends laughed.
- What? You doing this kind of comment, Combeferre?
- What kind of comment? - Despite the question, he and Courfeyrac were still trying to hold back the laughter.
Enjolras shook his head in disapproval, but when he returned his gaze to the group, noted that Grantaire dragged Éponine into the middle of the place and Jehan did it with another girl, he came to heard was called Cosette. He decided to continue watching as the band began to play Cheek to Cheek. Indeed, Marius was just singing, without going dancing with others. But hardly mattered to him stand there watching them, as long as the new girl would notice his interest.
Éponine was dancing more awkward with Grantaire. He put her closer, hug, then did some kind of grace that made her smile. Meanwhile, Jehan was more skilled, taking Cosette and turning several times, which made her laugh and mainly brought many smiles to Marius too. Sometimes when Jehan was back Marius and Cosette in front of him, their eyes crossed, and she gave him some shy smiles.
Enjolras was also watching the moment of the four friends, without even realizing his moment of distraction. This time, he didn't complain, or even uttered grunts. Just became intrigued with the moment of joy among all there, seeing them smile and giving little squeals at every step, that feeling of enjoy every second in the dance was something he had rarely seen. While Combeferre and Courfeyrac and continued to do his chores, Enjolras continued to observe the group dance. Then, after looking for a certain time, Grantaire in one of his clumsy turns did Éponine, who was smiling, stand in front of the Enjolras, which inevitably made the two eyes intersect. Her smile instinctively made him smile too. When the two realized what they had just done, quickly returned to their habitual expressions. She quickly looked away, so as Enjolras. But Éponine in her mind still was trying to process the fact that the man strangely had given her a smile. And in fact, he was impressed how that a few weeks ago he had seen her so sad and now was watching her so happy and thought it was something very contradictory. But of one thing he was sure: that place really make her happy, even if for a few hours. Then found it strange to be thinking about that girl. About something that happened between them weeks ago. As soon as the song was ending, thought he actually should apologize to her. Concluded that maybe this way he took her off his head. Perhaps it was the weight of his guilt, by the way he treated her the last time they talked.
Time passed, and Enjolras realized that he could not talk normally to Éponine to apologize and decided it would be easier to take some sips of wine to feel less awkward and solve their problems to finish that chapter. Decided to wait Combeferre and Courfeyrac to finish their review, which happened about an hour later. When they leaved, Enjolras privately asked a wine. At that moment, nor Éponine, nor his friends could not even watch it, since everyone has already had too much to drink and were engrossed in conversation. He thought to himself, just this time. A cup, two cups, three cups. Maybe too much. After that he just stayed, waiting for the opportunity. It was necessary, he repeated to himself.
It was after two in the morning and a few left over. Even Jehan had left the place a few minutes earlier. When Éponine, Grantaire, Marius and Cosette crossed with Enjolras near the exit all were surprised.
- Still here? - Grantaire asked, blinking his eyes several times, not sure if they were effects of the drink.
- Yes. Éponine, we need to talk. - His eyes stared at her seriously.
- No, we don't need.
- Go on, give a chance. Believe me, this is a big step for him. - Marius nudged and whispered to Éponine.
She took a deep breath and nodded. The other three were about to leave when she turned and shouted to Grantaire, making him look back.
- Keep an eye on them. - And pointed to Marius and Cosette.
- Don't worry, dear. I will. - And smiled, turning your way.
When finally they were alone, she took a deep breath, and they both stared.
- And then?
- I want to apologize to you. For all that has happened between us in recent weeks.
Éponine rolled eyes, gave a chuckle and made her way out of the Cabaret Musain, leaving Enjolras standing alone. By continuing their way down the street, Enjolras soon appeared behind following her.
Éponine stared at him not knowing what to say. But they were so close one to the other that she could feel the smell of drink near the lips of Enjolras.
- Do you drunk? - She stared in disbelief at what was happening.
- Yes, some sips of wine, but don't get me wrong... It was… Necessary to me. To, you know, create courage. But, I'm sorry. I don't know why I'm here almost on my knees for you. Tell me only if you forgive me or not. If we can only live civilly. I was rude, I know, and if you don't want to forgive me, I'll understand.
Those last words finally showed a bit of weakness on his part. His gaze, almost without defenses, somehow warmed Éponine, and made her realize that Grantaire was right. She came closer to him, their eyes staring each other while Éponine, slowly, approached her arms in Enjolras shoulders, until they reach in a hug. When she finally embraced him, he didn't know what to do. Instinctively one arm touched the back of Éponine, and remained so for a time that both could not define. He had never been hugged like that by a woman who was not from his family. The tender embrace captured him, though he stayed quiet the whole time. Before ending the hug, she whispered in his ear:
- Okay, Enjolras. White flag. You're forgiven. - And stepped back to look at him again.
- Merci, Éponine. I... Needed to hear that. - Took a deep breath and looked away, unsure what to say next.
- Thank Grantaire too. He knows you perhaps more than you do.
- What? - Enjolras stared blankly what she had said.
- Nothing, nothing. Bonsoir, Enjolras. - Smiled at him as he was away.
- Bonsoir, Éponine. - Enjolras replied, letting a slight smile escape his face.
He turned to go, but after a few steps he stopped.
- Enjolras?
- Oui. - Returned his gaze to Éponine again.
- Can we at least try to be friends?
- Sure.
Éponine nodded and didn't answer anything. Also, it was no longer necessary. Both went their way.
¹ - My dear.
² - My sister.