Once again they entered into their carriage and once again Eponine sat with Enjolras' hand linked with hers, Gavroche's head resting in her lap, her free hand stroking his hair as he drifted off. She looked across at Joly and Ferre and grinned, noticing that they were both looking at her hand in Enjolras'. As soon as the carriage began its journey Gavroche succumbed to the gentle rock cause by the wheels. Eponine watched him and wished she was capable of drifting off as fast as he could. The ability to let herself fall into the deepest sense of vulnerability. Her past made it nearly impossible, with the insecure circumstances and threats of violence lurking. After realizing the path her thoughts were taking, she quickly looked up and met Enjolras' blue gaze. It was a sight she would never grow tired of. She had butterflies in her stomach, from her contact with Enjolras, his gaze, and the idea that they were on their way to tell their closest friends that they were together, a situation none of them ever expected Enjolras to be in, herself included. Her heart swelled as she thought back on the events that brought them to this point. She beamed as she thought about how lucky she was to have him, both as a friend and her significant other. She even realized that him being her significant other made so much sense, considering he was her best friend. They had grown so close that it seemed a natural progression. She was glad they would all know, but the center of attention was something she had never strived to be, so going into a situation like that made her nervous but she was beyond grateful that Enjolras would be by her side. He gave her a strength she never knew she could have. He was her rock and brought out the best in her. Finally, it was this carriage ride where their social skills blossomed.
"Eponine, are you feeling well?" Joly asked, noticing how distant she seemed. She startled out of her trance-like state and smiled. She found she had been staring up into Enjolras' eyes the whole time and her face reddened.
"Oui, thinking is all." She said. Enjolras used his free hand to push a strand of her hair back behind her ear and lingered on her cheek. He knew the look in her eyes. It was one he had seen on her face many times before, back before their barricade went up. The one that was ever present whenever she thought about Marius. She had been daydreaming. This time however, he knew it was about himself.
"Would you like to share?" he asked in a knowing voice. A smug smile stretched across his beautiful face, lighting up his features causing him to look boyish, and oh so handsome. Her heart fluttered in her chest.
"Helping Enjolras helped me realize I want to help people. It was necessity at the time but I enjoyed helping him get better. I've been in horrible situations where caretakers such as Joly and Combeferre would have been extremely appreciated. I want to be that person to someone. I want to help people recover from horrible events they find themselves in. I know I would have much to learn but taking the necessary time is worth it if I could help people." Joly and Ferre smiled at her words and Enjolras' heart swelled at the fact that he had helped inspire her. He also thought back to her earlier words, "the one who inspires my heart" she had said. He let that sink in then leaned down to whisper in her ear.
"You already are that person" he said as his breath tickled her neck. She involuntarily shivered, and placed a loving kiss on his cheek. Combeferre was the first to recover from the spectacle.
"We would be honored to help you Eponine, but you are a natural. You have instincts that can't be taught." He said with a grin.
"Even so, I couldn't have performed the medical procedures without the help of the two of you."
"And that will be one of our proudest moments." Joly added. Enjolras knew that caretaking was a perfect fit for Eponine. She was so selfless, always putting others' needs above her own. He knew her past, and knew how often she had put her well being in the line of a drunken rage or violence to spare her siblings the cruelty of their corrupt family. Eponine grinned and began to chuckle which woke the sleeping Gavroche up. He sat up and rubbed his eyes looking around the carriage to gain sense of where he was.
"Keep it down would'da. I'ma tryin ta sleep." He said as he laid back down. The friends held back their laughter at the scene the boy had made. As the wrap up of planning and rearranging schedules occurred, Eponine found her head bobbing so she leaned her head up against Enjolras' shoulder. He wrapped an arm around her and she tucked herself into his side. He ran a hand through her hair and let his cheek rest on top of her head. Combeferre took note of this and knew that the boys would have a very strong reaction to this news. It was a big change, but one that was welcomed. Once Enjolras knew Eponine had drifted off he looked at his two friends across the way. He noticed their grins and knew what they were thinking.
"Go ahead and say it" he said. Joly cocked his head and wore an expression of confusion. Combeferre simply grinned.
"Say what?" Combeferre countered.
"How the marble man has cracked" Enjolras knew they had already said it at least once behind his back, but he knew it was all in good fun. "When did teasing become acceptable?" he thought as he looked at the girl who had changed so much. But that didn't stop him from enjoying the evident embarrassment and guilt on the boy's faces. With that the occupants in the carriage relaxed, knowing they still had ways to go before they arrived at the house.
The carriage ride passed quickly for the occupants, once most of them dozed off. There had been so much going on, between stress, and work and heavy emotions that a gentle nap in a swaying carriage became ideal. Gavroche was first, followed by Eponine then the boys, but Enjolras remained awake, taking in the sight. His friends, and companions and fellow freedom fighters were alive and well with him. And there was nothing he would ever thank God more for, except Eponine. He was so grateful to have her in his life. Even when they first met, it was a welcomed change. Most women his parents had introduced him to had all been the same. Snobbish and frail. Eponine was humble and strong, not even realizing how incredible she was. He kissed the top of her head again as they pulled up to the house. He had plans for the day that he was anxious to get to, ones that involved Eponine and the friends. He thought of how surprised they would all be and hopefully how happy Eponine would be. He stroked her cheek to wake her up and she looked up at him. Her tired eyes never looked so beautiful before.
The boys in the house were unaware of their visitors arrival. They didn't even know that they had visitors. The boys had spent their days in M. Gillenormand's house recovering from the barricade. The soldiers had been ruthless, but remained faithful to their job, and they all knew that. None of them expected to survive, and it wasn't until their bodies were all lined up next to each other that Gavroche's friend had returned, the man that had arrived at the barricade as a soldier and had proven himself by pointing out and shooting at the "enemy marksmen." He returned, and saved them all, the how and why was still unknown to them. He had been a miracle, but they couldn't help but wonder what had happened to Eponine and Enjolras. They were missing right from the very beginning, and they hoped that the worst hadn't happened. Their visit a few days back had proved that they were together and alright, helped by Combeferre and Joly who had been quiet about the whole thing on both sides. It was a true surprise to see them walk through the door alive and well. Many of them, since that night had believed that there was something going on between Eponine and Enjolras, but didn't want to voice it with their leader in the room for fear of his intense reaction. Now though, they were in for another set of surprises.
Grantaire sat on one of the many ornate couches scattered throughout the room. He had his signature bottle in hand but the swigs become less and less frequent. He couldn't put his finger on it, but knew that their chance survival would have had to have been a factor. He was still thinking about the barricade. He had hoped he had proved that he could believe in something so strongly that he would be willing to die. He hoped that in their last moments, as they had believed them to be, Enjolras would see just how much he really cared about the cause and his friends. He practically told him that he didn't want to live in a world that didn't include him. He took a swig at the thought of Enjolras, realizing that he could be the reason he drank so much. He respected the man, thought of him as a brother, but said man in question never really gave him the time of day. Enjolras had been busy, and he knew that, and was always interrupted whenever he went to speak to him, thats just how things were. Their "deaths" became one of the most important moments in his life. He finally had a moment with Enjolras where they were undeniably together, even as the Guard shot them. He could hear M. Gillenormand's voice in the hall and wondered why he found himself near the boys. He usually only came around when there was something important, such as meals, but now they found themselves between meals. So when the man stepped into the room followed by Joly, Combeferre and Gavroche, he became excited. He stood up to greet his friends, even though between their first visit they had seen each other quite a lot. He paused when he saw Eponine and Enjolras walk in together, hands linked and smiles on their faces. The bottle he held slipped through his fingers, so he effectively "Put that bottle down". He had never seen either of his friends so happy, but it was a shock to his system. It was Enjolras, "the marble lover of liberty" who "didn't even know women existed." He was a man who never had an interest in them, so the fact that he was with Eponine, holding her hand and smiling at her looking so in love, he knew something drastic had occurred. He thought back to his drunken conversation he had had with Enjolras during that first visit, how he was a changed man. Grantaire didn't understand what Enjolras had been speaking about until this moment. Instead of greeting them he rushed to clean up the glass and wine that had caused them to look his way. He didn't want the attention so he rushed out of the room to carry out his self-assigned duty of clean up. Enjolras saw the brief pain on his friends face, but didn't understand what it could have been caused by.
Eponine watched as Gavroche's hair was ruffled by the boys he visited with. Joly found himself sat with Bousset and engaged in a significant conversation. Combeferre was going around, checking several wounds on his way, helping his mostly recovered friends. They were such a close knit group, and she thanked God that she had found them. They had brought true joy and safety into her life, and she felt accepted. She was a part of this group, not just on the outskirts. She was a welcomed and integral part of them as they were to her. And being the boys they were, they all noticed how she was holding Enjolras' hand, and how happy they were together. She knew the questions weren't far so she squeezed his hand and looked up at him, letting him know she wanted to get it over with. He nodded to her and cleared his throat. The room, which had been full of conversation, quieted down immediately. It was practically a routine by now; Enjolras' leadership was so powerful over them all, but he remained a faithful and admired friend. The boys all looked up, waiting to hear the news Enjolras was bound to deliver. The only difference, which caused confusion and knowing looks, was the fact that Eponine stood by his side, hands linked and eyes equally bright. The boys had actually talked a lot about Eponine and Enjolras, many of them taking bets on the type of relationship they were in.
"I know this visit is a surprise to you, it was unannounced, but we planned for it to be. Eponine and I, together, have an announcement. As you all know, we both survived the barricade, similar to the rest of you, but what you didn't know is that Eponine was the one who rescued me." Small gasps sounded throughout the room. Enjolras continued on, unfazed. "She helped me get away from the barricade, removed the bullets endangering my life, and nursed me back to health. Of course Combeferre and Joly helped as well and for that I will always be grateful, but through all the time I was injured and on bedrest, Eponine stayed by my side. She put her needs aside to help me recover, she had a wound of her own, after all we did believe she was the first to fall. Through all that time I knew that I had feelings for her, feelings that developed before the barricade went up, and I was devastated when she fell .Through the time with her, I realized I was in love with her. A big change, I know; the Marble Man who had Patria as his mistress now being in love with a truly amazing woman. I know that there is bound to be teasing and snickering, but I can forgive it. I will forgive it, for I know it is all done in good fun, and it is your way to show you care. Eponine has helped me realize vital things in my life, and has changed me. I love her more than I have ever loved anyone or anything, and by some miracle, she feels the same about me. I am so lucky to have you all in my life, to have survived, but the most important thing to have ever happened to me is Eponine, which is why" he paused as he reached into his coat pocket "Eponine Thenardier" he sunk down onto one knee. Her breath caught, along with the room's. As silent as it was before, it was now significantly quieter. "You are the most important person to me. I love you more than I ever knew I could have. I never want to be apart from you. I want you to be with me always. Would you please do me the astounding honor of becoming my wife?" Tears rolled out of both Enjolras and Eponine's eyes. Tears of unconditional joy and love. Eponine's iridescent smile stretched across her face, lighting up Enjolras' as well. She nodded her head causing Enjolras to stand.
"What was that?" he whispered in her ear. She again shivered.
"Yes" she giggled, her laugh tickling his face. He slipped the ring onto her finger, and Eponine started. His plan had worked. It was a fairytale moment, one she only ever dreamed of. Her life was becoming a whirlwind of true happiness and love. She wiped her eyes, along with his and leaned in to kiss him. The room erupted into cheers and applause. Grantaire, having finished cleaning up the mess he made before this speech, joined in half-heartedly with his friends. He was happy for them, but he didn't understand just how Enjolras went from a fierce man swearing off women to engaged. He had to wonder what could have happened between the two "Since before the barricade went up?" They had been very close, he remembered, and no one ever really asked the two about it. Distractions were too strong, between upcoming Revolution, to saying goodbye to people left in their lives just in case. Things had really turned upside down for the friends, but if Enjolras was happy, and Eponine, one of Grantaire's closest friends and consultants, was happy, he could be happy for them with the rest of the friends. So, to prove himself, he became the first to approach the couple. He took hold of Eponine's hand and congratulated the two.
"Thank you Grantaire" Enjolras said, with a knowing look. "Eponine, would you give Grantaire and I a moment?" She looked between the two men, knowing that they had many things to discuss, especially after the things the two of them had told her in confidentiality. She walked up to Gavroche and hugged him from behind. Just having her baby brother whole in her arms and well meant the world to her. Lately everything had been making her emotional lately. There were just so many incredible things occurring that her tears became common.
Enjolras and Grantaire sat on the same couch Grantaire had occupied earlier in the day. Enjolras, donning his familiar red coat, turned toward his friend and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"I wanted to thank you Grantaire."
"You already have" Grantaire said, confusion obviously the dominant emotion.
"No, for everything. I realize now that you were probably the smartest one out of all of us. I believed you were cryptic and lazy and uncaring. You were the one who knew that the outcome wouldn't be our ideal situation and after what you did with the Guard. I'm glad I wasn't there alone. To have you sacrifice yourself just to be by my side- I don't know how I will ever repay you or how I will ever apologize enough."
"Enjolras, there is no way you would ever have to repay me, or even apologize. You were right, I was cryptic and lazy and totally unworthy of such an amazing group to call friends. I will never be able to tell you all how important you all are but I hoped I had proved that I cared. Dying next to you was my pleasure" he finished with a laugh. Enjolras smiled as well, knowing what he meant. He was glad Grantaire was still here, and he wouldn't have his friend any other way. He had seen the incident with the bottle.
"I assume you put that bottle down"
"You saw that then?" Grantaire asked with a reddening face. Enjolras laughed.
"Yes I saw that. What was it about, may I ask?"
"Well, I was surprised is all. I saw you and Eponine walk in hand in hand. I never expected that, you always seemed to hold yourself away from women, but I could see how happy you two were, are. Eponine is an amazing girl, never met another like her, and as strange as it is, the two of you were meant for each other, not a doubt in my mind. It will just take time for me to wrap my head around the fact that "Ol' Virgin Lips" got engaged before the rest of us. It truly is a shock." he added with a laugh. Enjolras clapped him on the shoulder with a grin. He forgave the teasing, just as he said he would.
"Well Grantaire, thank you my friend."
"Just so you know, Eponine is very special to me. She was there for me through a lot. I know how incredible she is, and I'm happy the two of you found each other." Grantaire got up and walked off, knowing that he had achieved what he had hoped for. He walked up to Eponine and hugged her. He kissed her cheek and once again told her how happy he was for her.
"I hope you know just how much you've changed that man." Grantaire said once he stepped back. Eponine smiled at him, and felt herself blush. "Honestly, he's all the better for it, but I see he's still radical in his clothing choices. That red must stand out wherever the two of you go." he joked.
"Yes it does, but I like it. Its him, very much so, and its the man I fell in love with all that time ago." She said, just as said man walked up and wrapped his arms around her from behind. It was at this moment that all the boys came up and pulled them all into conversations about futures and careers. It quickly turned into a night filled with laughter and good times, ones that friends such as these should have found themselves in more often. Cossette sat next to Eponine and linked arms with her so she sat with Eponine on one side of her and Marius on the other. Cossette too had become a very integral part of the group. The two girls giggled about current events and even began speaking about wedding plans with each other. Marius had proposed to Cossette before the boys were found and brought to his home, so now there were two weddings the friends could be looking forward to. The laughter continued on well into the night, just the way it should have been, most of it a result of a joke directed towards Enjolras, but he didn't mind. All he could think of was how blessed his life had been and how, even though he still believed in the advancement of the people, but he knew they would find a way. He just didn't want it to be so violent, wanting to spare his friends as much as possible. He had decided that the best way to help in the advancement of the people was to teach them, and offer affordable education. For the moment though, he entertained himself by looking at his joyous fiancee by his side and watching his friends enjoy themselves. Life really had changed, all for the better and couldn't wait to see what other things lay ahead. That night, Eponine and Enjolras stayed at the house, along with Joly, Combeferre and Gavroche. Eponine, similar to her position in the carriage, tucked herself into Enjolras' side and let Gavroche rest across her lap. Her two boys with her she fell asleep the way Gavroche did, comfortably and instantly. Before falling asleep though, she pulled herself up enough to whisper into Enjolras' ear.
*"I've been searching for you since I heard my first fairy tale."* she said. He knew what she meant by that, and leaned down to kiss her goodnight. Gavroche stayed completely oblivious to the whole thing, but he too had fallen asleep feeling extremely happy, something he hadn't felt in a very long time.
M. Gillenormand walked into the room, well after they had all fallen asleep and took in the sight. Many of the friends found themselves asleep on the floor, leaning up against a couch. Joly and Courfeyrac were the two who climbed onto couches. Marius' grandfather smiled to himself. He never had realized just how morally and fundamentally good his grandson's friends were. He was glad that he had decided to provide them safety and a home. It made him think back to when he was young, surrounded by fellow Revolutionists. That's why he had originally been so against his grandson becoming a part of the group. He knew the inevitable outcome, the bloodshed and loss. He feared he would lose his grandson to such violence just as he had lost his comrades and even his son-in-law. He shivered knowing how close they all had actually come, but was glad that they were fighting. He too could see just how badly France needed change, and he strongly believed that these men were destined to be the men to do it.
Part of this is dedicated to ShinighStar who gave me the idea for Grantaire'a reaction with the bottle. So thank you so much for that I thought it was genius. Also a huge thanks to all you readers! I love you guys!