Again, thank you my lovely reviewers! And, to answer the question, I update so quickly because I have so much free time and so many ideas. Thank you, thank you. am so shocked by all the reviews I have received! Thank you!

-Ophelia

Enjolras was driving Eponine to her brother's school.

All that she could think about was the sudden realization of the feelings she had for him. Eponine couldn't stand sitting close to him because her heart was on fire, just about to burst. She did her best to keep a conversation with him, "Hey, I have to get a job soon, do you know where I could get one?" she asked.

He took a small turn into a neighborhood, "I used to work with my dad at his garage but you don't want to go there, ever." Enjolras shook his head but still focused on the road, "Now I work at a restaurant," he mumbled.

"Where?"

He gave a small shrug, "The café downtown, the one in the book shop," Enjolras parked in front of the elementary school, "We need an extra hand, I can recommend you,"

Eponine looked at him with wide eyes, "Wait-you're serious?"

He nodded and faced her, "It actually isn't that bad," Enjolras chuckled.

Before she could stop herself, the question came out anyway, "Why are you so nice?" Eponine bit her tongue to go on any further.

Enjolras tilted his head, "What do you mean?"

"I mean-you have been nothing but kind to me from the day I met you," She crossed her arms, "is there something you want in return?"

He raised a brow, "Why would I want anything back?"

"Because no one has ever been this nice to me,"

His eyes almost reflected her grief, "Well, Eponine, I want nothing in return," he told her gently, "nothing,"

It was quiet but not an awkward kind of quiet that she thought it would be. They just stared into each other's eyes, almost finishing their conversation through eye contact. But when she thought the moment was over, she stepped out of his car to get Gavroche. Not being able to stop herself, she looked back at Enjolras. And in return she earned a smile and a nod. The grin felt as if it had reached to her ears and she continued smiling that even when she got inside the school.

Gavroche was sitting on a bench playing with his thumbs while he waited. She ran up to him and gave him a big hug, "Hey, kiddo, how was your day?"

He frowned he pulled at the hug, "Your face...it's...worse," he quickly added, "the bruise, I mean,"

Eponine didn't want to worry him. Instead she laughed and allowed him to climb on her back, "It's alright, 'Roche. I'm tough, remember?"

"Are we walking home?"

"Nope, Enjolras is giving us a ride,"

Gavroche gasped, "He's not mad about you leaving during the movie?"

She shook her head with a giggle, "I thought he was but he understands,"

"You told him?!"

Shoot, she technically did tell him through her sob today. If Gavroche found that she did, he'd surely tell others as well. Even though Eponine hated it, she had to lie, "No, I had to lie to him, 'Roche," She got nervous over the fact that she lied to Gavroche about most everything. What if Enjolras brought it up?

"Oh, but are we going to tell him?"

They were a few feet from the car, "No, Gavroche, so don't talk about it, okay?"

He sighed and climbed in the back seat, "Hey bud," Enjolras greeted him with a smile, "how about we watch a movie. Any movie, your pick,"

"Zorro!"

Enjolras chuckled, "You got it," he started the car.

Eponine watched him carefully, hoping he wouldn't make any sign of concern or anything that could lead him talking about their home life.

"I have something for you back there," Enjolras hit the brake at the red light, "look in the pouch on the back of Eponine's seat,"

There was a moment of silence before Gavroche screamed, "NO WAY!"

Eponine quickly turned around to see what it is Enjolras gave him. It was a piece of black fabric...what was so great about that? But she watched him tie it around his head with excitement. Turns out, it was a mask but no ordinary mask. It was similar to Zorro's mask from the movie.

"And remember," Enjolras was focused on the road, "that's what Zorro wore in times of fear and danger. Whenever you feel you're in danger or you're scared, the mask will make you stronger,"

Throughout the entire movie, Gavroche wore the mask and even quoted some of the lines that he remembered. Eponine found herself giving Enjolras friendly nudges throughout the movie to point out the things Gavroche was doing. Eventually, she was leaning on him and he didn't even move or object against the action. All he did was move his arm out of the way so that she wasn't uncomfortable.

Being at the proximity she was, Eponine was going crazy. The position was so comfortable and yet her mind was spinning at the same time. It felt...right, being so close to him. This morning had proved that theory when she had her breakdown. She almost yearned for that embrace again. Eponine wanted his arms around her. She wanted to be closer. She wanted more. These thoughts couldn't be put aside, they raced her mind until her face was flushed red.

"I love that part!" Gavroche shouted.

But it seemed Eponine was in her own world. She even forgot the movie was still playing.

"Psst, Eponine," Enjorlas whispered to the dazed girl resting on his shoulder.

"Hmm?"

"When are you free for an interview at the café?"

The last thing she wanted to discuss was the fact she had to work to keep her family under a roof, "Any day is fine,"

"How about Friday?" he asked quietly.

"Friday's nice," she wanted to close her eyes and snuggle closer.

"And-uh-maybe you want to stop and get something to eat afterward? I'll buy,"

Her heart was racing but she tried to remain calm, "I would love to-but I don't know about 'Roche, I can't leave him alone again."

He paused, "You're right,"

Chance ruined. She was asked out to dinner with Enjolras but knew in her heart she couldn't let her brother get hurt because of her. It was too close last time, "I'm sorry," She mumbled, feeling defeated.

"How about babysitting? I have a friend, Courfeyrac, he loves kids!...wait, that sounds wrong..."

They shared a chuckle, "No, I can't leave him with people I don't know,"

"No, no, really. I've told him all about Gavroche and I think they'll get along just fine,"

"I don't know..."

"I'll make sure you meet him and everything before we go," he whispered.

"Okay fine...but I can't pay-"

Enjolras shook his head, "Don't worry about it, I don't think he'll count it as a job. Just set the two in front of a television and they'll be occupied for a few hours, deal?"

She blushed, "Deal,"

She rested her head on his shoulder more comfortably and a bit closer, "I thought you said you had an Uncle that lives here too," Gavroche said, his eyes still glued to the television.

"I do," Enjolras replied, "but he works long hours, he gets home around eleven or even twelve."

"My Dad does too,"

"Dad gets home at ten," Eponine corrected.

"Still, it's late to me,"

Eponine didn't want to argue. She was too transfixed in the boy she was leaning on. The boy who seemed to change everything for the better. The boy who she was going out with on Friday. Seeing that there was at least another hour left in the movie, she closed her eyes and smiled when she felt his arm limply rest around her. The last thing she ever wanted to do was move out of his warm embrace. It was, after all, her source of warmth and protection. She felt safe with him.

Enjolras had to of known about the feelings by now. No 'friend' just lays on his shoulder and gets cuddled with in return...or do they? She hasn't had much experience with friends but what she did know was that she didn't want to be just friends with Enjolras. No, what she felt for him could go on to so much more, she thought at least.

"So, Friday is okay?" Enjolras asked looking down at Eponine.

Keeping her eyes closed, she gave a small grin, "Friday is perfect,"

Sorry for the short chapter but don't worry, readers, I have lots in store. Plus it's New Year's Eve! Have a great New Year!

-Ophelia