My Dearest Éponine,
Oh dear God above, I remember this evening. It was one of the worst I've ever experienced.
I couldn't believe what I was seeing when I found you. I didn't know who it was at first, just that I could see a shadow kicking something. Then I heard you whimper, and knew exactly who you both were.
Usually I'd have been afraid to hurt somebody, but not that night. Nobody who treats my beautiful 'Ponine like that is going to get away with monsieur pacifist. I didn't care what happened to your father, I just wanted him to stop.
And thank the Lord he did, for I was seconds away from punching the bastard square in the face. I don't know why you were worrying about me - you were the one being abused! It terrified me to see you so scared, so weak. It was something I was completely unused to, the mere sight of you in such a state was enough to break my heart.
In a sick, twisted sense I'm almost glad that you couldn't walk - not because I wanted you to be in pain, but because it gave me an excuse to keep you close, stay with you all evening. Carrying you through the streets was a very bittersweet experience - I was terrified for you, hoping with all the hope in the world that you were okay, and yet not minding the close proximity between us.
If I was worried before, I was distraught to see you weep. I just didn't know what to do, you were always so tough, so guarded, never letting yourself cry in front of me. I wasn't sure what else to do except hug you, which I'm glad I did. It comforted me as much as you, something about having you there, knowing you we're safe, knowing you were going to be alright was such a relief. I don't know what I would have done if you had been hurt any more.
I'm glad there was no teasing when we got to the Musain - if someone had started jeering and wolf-whistling, I wouldn't care who they were, they would have been kicked in a very painful place. I'm not sure why, as I'm not a naturally violent person, but something about you in that state combined with the anger I felt at your father sparked something. I felt like I'd actually done something to make a difference, to you anyway.
The relief I felt upon seeing Joly was almost as great as the relief when I realised you were safe. I can guess why him touching your legs was such a concerning moment for you, although I didn't know at the time. I presume it was a problem directly linked to your fathers gang and their disgusting, wandering hands. If I had a gun, I swear I would have killed each one of them, regardless of the aftermath. I just felt so protective of you, I would have done anything, and still would, no matter the circumstances or results.
Although you didn't write it, you got your wish, I seem to remember - I awoke to hear you crying, clearly after a bad nightmare. I rushed through to see you shaking, muffled sobs escaping into the pillow. Of course I wasn't going to leave you, so I slipped in next to you, pulling you close once more as you wept into my chest.
I didn't leave you. You fell asleep in my arms that night, no more bad dreams coming. It wasn't long until I slipped off myself, comforted by the peaceful breathing of you next to me.
All my deepest affections,
Marius