Okay. New chapter! I hope you all enjoy.

And again: Please review! I haven't got a review in forever! (And I'm kind of sad about that...)

Anyways. Conversations are not really my strength so I hope you like it anyways. This chapter will be the starting point for lots of other chapters where Éponine and Enjolras... well... spoilers ;)

Chapter 11

Let's talk.

He still heard those words echoing in his mind. They had walked to the riverbank together and sat down on a bench. There was nothing but silence all the time.

Enjolras wanted to know what she wanted to talk about. What would be so urgent that it could not wait until the next day at the cafe? He didn't know why he followed her in the first place. There was something in her voice... and the determined expression on her face that made her not question it. At least not aloud.

There was still so much he wanted to ask her about her people. This might just be his moment to do so. But first she would have to start. He had an idea what it might be she wanted to talk about. He hoped he was wrong.

The silence. It was awkward. He was nobody who easily interacted with people. Maybe it was his fault. Maybe he should just tell her what he... Why did this have to be so hard?

"I am sorry."

"What?"

Éponine's thoughts were interrupted by the revolutionary. Why did he apologize? Funny how most of their interactions started with him apologizing.

"I shouldn't have been using you in my speech. I'm sure you noticed. I didn't mean to be disrespectful or hurt you in any way. I am sorry if I did." He was staring at his hands on his thighs like a little boy who was caught stealing some candy. He always seemed much older – more mature – than a man his age should. She heard the others talk about that. The students. But right now he looked so young, there was nothing left of the man he was in his speech. All confidence gone. Insecurity and youth on display.

She smiled.

Enjolras looked at her from the corner of his eyes. He was uncomfortable and needed to see her reaction.

Apparently Éponine was smiling. It was a strange and rare thing to see. He only knew angry or sad or hurt Éponine. This was completely new. And it became her.

"That's not why I wanted to talk to you. You did not offend me. At all. No need to apologize."

Funny how frustrated he looked now he didn't know what all this was about. Éponine would have liked to tease him for a while. Frustrate him even more. Play a little. But there was no time for that now. She needed to discuss a serious matter with him. Better not make him angry.

"Remember what I said about the revolution? How it will fail?"

"Yes. Of course. And everything you told me about why that is. Why?"

"Well... I am not saying I was wrong. But I might know how to change that. To give you the possibility of succeeding."

Éponine looked at him – pleased to see the enthusiasm gleaming in his eyes. He would listen.

"After all those big speeches and great books you read I have expected you to be someone who would like to see his name written in one of them. A history book full of heroes. But you showed to really care. You do, don't you?", Éponine looked at him for a response.

"Yes. Of course I do." Anger flashed over his face for only a tiny second. Barely to be seen in the dim light of night. But his voice showed as as clear as day.

"I thought so. And since it is your wish to free the country and since it may save the lives of people I care about I will help."

"How so? You cannot fight. You might teach me about your people if you wish to help."

How funny that this was just the favor he wanted to ask from her.

"No."

What? How else could she help him? He didn't know what to say. And she seemed to like it. The amusement was written all over her face. And he didn't know how to respond. Furious. He was furious.

"It's funny how easy it is to disturb or anger you. I will help you. Don't think I won't fight. I will. But that was not what I meant. I cannot teach you how to speak with my kind. But I can show you. I can show you their lives. I can help you live it for a while. See what they see. Feel what they feel. And suffer how they suffer. Your speech this night was good. Great even. I wonder what you might speak of after you have not just seen but lived like the poor."

There was nothing. No objection to it. It was brilliant. The idea. He was astonished. Not only did he for the first time realize how sophisticated she was despite her appearance. This was also the best way to get closer to those he fought for.

"Thank you." Enjolras said. And the man of marble took her hand and squeezed it as to show his gratitude. It was not customary. It happened instinctively.

And he felt a warm feeling spreading from his fingers throughout his body.

Gratitude, he thought.

Well?

I know it's a short chapter. Sorry for that. But I need to sleep now. Work tomorrow.

Review and tell me what you think!