A/N: Another day at the cottage. Twenty-four hours without television and in the calming hands of mother nature can seem like a very long time. For some reason this chapter gave me some trouble, but I'm happy with the outcome and I hope you enjoy it too. As always constructive criticism and reviews welcome :-)
DISCLAIMER: I don't own the characters from Les Miserables, but I do like to take them out for a spin once in a while to play. I've played with timelines from both the story by the marvellous Victor Hugo, and the actual accounts of the Occupy movement. Be kind, it's about reader enjoyment after all. Thanks for reading!
Songs listened to:
'Blackbird' by The Beatles
Chapter 36
Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these broken wings and learn to fly
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to arise
Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these sunken eyes and learn to see
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to be free
Blackbird fly, blackbird fly
Into the light of the dark black night
Blackbird fly, blackbird fly
Into the light of the dark black night
Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these broken wings and learn to fly
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to arise
You were only waiting for this moment to arise
You were only waiting for this moment to arise
- 'Blackbird' by The Beatles
Chapter 36
Both Eponine and Enjolras slept long and soundly, the mountain air working its wonders on both of them. When she finally roused, Eponine found herself hugging a pillow. Well, you're a poor substitute for Enj but you are cuddly.
She padded out to the living room, putting another log on the dying fire, before deciding to have a shower. Afterwards she found a deep maroon polo neck and some skinny black jeans which she paired with her own worn, black boots. She left her damp hair out loose, to dry naturally.
After making herself a bowl of cereal and coffee she went to the deck outside and sat, watching the sun rise. Sitting alone in the loveliness of the morning scenery, she suddenly had flashes of Montparnasse threatening her at The Musain, Grantaire's weight on her as she fell, her breakdown at the hospital and the darker moments in the alley. The images came relentlessly, broken and ragged as in a dream, but cutting into her psyche like a knife.
She felt a wetness on her cheeks and found she was crying. She let the tears come. For more than ten minutes she sat alone, quietly sobbing as the rising sun beamed down on her. When finally her tears were exhausted, she wiped her face with the back of her hand. Her outpouring had left her mildly exhausted, and yet there was also a strangely cathartic lifting in her heart. Life goes on.
Catching a glimpse of her face in the window of the French and seeing the evidence of her tears, she went to her ensuite, applying a light makeup and a little blush, giving herself a reassuring half-smile in the mirror. I'm alive, and that's a beautiful thing, she thought remembering the words Enjolras had spoken.
When Enjolras woke from his own sleep, he showered and dressed quickly. He found Eponine lying on her stomach on the living room rug in front of the fire. She had a large map of the resort and its surroundings spread out before her, and she had circled several points of interest.
"Morning", he said startling her.
She jumped to her feet, surprising him by stepping in for a warm hug. "Morning", she replied. They stood for a moment, luxuriating in the closeness, before she took a step back.
"Would you be keen for some adventure today?" she asked, wide-eyed. "Do you know people staying in the cottages get free access to the horse-riding and the heated indoor spa?"
He was looking at her with his deep blue eyes questioningly.
"What?"
"Nothing. You seem different today", he replied.
"I'm fine. I just…I just want to get out there. I don't want to waste the day, that's all", she said.
"Ok", he nodded.
"Ok? That's it? No writing for Valjean today? No robust argument?" she said to him cheekily.
"Hmm. Very funny", he said smirking at her. "Today, Mademoiselle I acquiesce to your wishes. Today. Tonight we talk about New York. Deal?"
She pursed her lips. "Deal. Now hurry up and eat breakfast".
Enjolras and Eponine were at the stables. Before leaving the cottage, Enjolras had called ahead to the main house to see if they were indeed able to ride the horses. After an affirmation they'd made their way down where a groom had discussed their riding levels and allocated a guide for the ride.
Enjolras was allocated a former racehorse named Roulette while Eponine was given an older, more reliable horse called Duchess. Their guide, Toby, was ahead of them on the track as they wound around the path down into the surrounding valley. It was a beautiful autumn morning; there was a light chill in the air but the warmth of the autumn sun helped to balance it out. A sweet scent of the moist morning dew permeated the air on the forest trail, clearing their heads and sharpening their senses.
Eponine was being jostled by the movement of the horse. Despite Toby's instruction she just hadn't quite gotten the hang of horse-riding just yet. Enjolras, on the other hand was a natural. He adjusted to the gait of his horse easily. Today he looked like a throwback to revolutionaries of olden times, his posture and golden hair giving off images of retro bourgeoisie. She could tell he wanted to let the horse loose, but was awaiting the go-ahead by Toby once they got down the mountain trail. His horse mirrored its rider and was fairly chomping at the bit to stretch its legs, pulling its head slightly in the bridle.
When they got down on the flat of the valley, Enjolras brought his horse around to trot beside her as she walked Duchess.
"Another thing your father had you take lessons for?" she asked him.
"My mother, actually. But this is one thing they forced me into that I actually enjoyed. Lean back a little in the saddle and keep your back straight, Eponine. That's it. Relax and the horse will relax with you. Are you enjoying it?" he asked.
"I am", she smiled. "Even though I'm a bit hopeless. It's a little scary but fun too – does that make sense?"
"It does. A horse is a powerful animal".
"How long has it been since you've ridden?" she asked.
"A long time now, maybe ten years. It's like riding a bike – you never really forget". Enjolras pulled the reins a little firmer as he spoke. Roulette wanted to gallop. He could feel the animal's muscles straining underneath his legs. He looked to Toby who was mindful of his two charges. Toby nodded to Enjolras.
"Do you mind if I take him for a run?" he said. "Toby will look after you".
"Go" she laughed. "I don't know who wants to run more – the horse or you".
He surprised her by giving her a wide, wild grin, and then let the reins go. He moved his outside leg and squeezed gently, indicated to Roulette that it was alright to canter. They went ahead of Toby and Eponine, transitioning from the easy canter to an all-out gallop, the horse taking long loping strides as they ran out onto the green flat of the valley.
"Would you look at him go", Eponine said.
"He's a beautiful horse, he was a champion", replied Toby, pulling up alongside her. "Your gait is much better now Eponine".
"I wasn't talking about the horse", she said shyly.
"Oh", he laughed in response to her honesty. "May I ask how long have the two of you been married?"
"Married? No, no we're not married", she said, blushing an showing her ringless hand. "We're just…together". Enjolras was at the lower end of the valley now, circling the horse around in their direction before putting Roulette into a steady gallop.
"I didn't mean to presume" explained Toby. "My apologies, you just seem so connected".
"Don't be silly, it's fine". Do you think I might try and trot now?" she asked.
"Sure. Sit deep in the saddle and keep contact with your legs. Point your heels down", he said. "Good. That's great Eponine. Let yourself rise out of the saddle a little bit – that way you won't be so uncomfortable".
Eponine suddenly found she was in time with Duchess, and moved ahead of Toby a little. She was exhilarated by the power of the horse juxtaposed with Duchess' sweet nature. She concentrated on what Toby had told her, trotting up to meet with Enjolras, who was breathing heavy and flushed. A light sweat was upon his brow.
"I've never seen you look so…unrestrained", she said. In response he flicked a raised eyebrow in her direction. Is he flirting with me?
"He's a beautiful horse", he said. "You look like you got the hang of it 'Ponine".
"It only took me the entire hour to do it".
"Well we still have to get back to the home stables, so you have some more time" advised Toby. "But the horses will basically get there themselves. Just make sure you keep Duchess to a trot Eponine. Once these guys smell home, some of them try and bolt".
They reached the stables twenty minutes later, Eponine sliding off Duchess carefully. Her legs were wobbly and uncoordinated as she touched the ground, and instinctively she knew that she would be stiff and sorry in a few hours.
Enjolras looked over to her as he dismounted from Roulette. His own legs were a little ginger as well.
"That spa sounds pretty good right about now, yes?"
After eating a light lunch together at the cottage, they went through the clothing racks in the house trying to find bathing costumes. After despairing of ever locating them, they came upon the suits in the cupboard of the main bathroom- board shorts for him and a classic black one-piece for her. They both showered quickly before putting their swimmers on underneath their warmer clothing.
The spa was located in a small A-frame building beside the hotel, perched on the corner overlooking the lake. The lights were dim inside, and several candles were burning already, but the windows were large, creating a feeling of the outdoors being inside. They had the place to themselves.
Eponine exhaled loudly as she sank into the warm bubbles. "Oh God, that feels good. My butt is killing me".
"Horse-riding has a way of doing that. I'm feeling a bit sore myself. It was a good ride though".
They both luxuriated in the massaging sensation of the bubbles for a few moments, letting the firmness of the water jets kneed their aching muscles. Eponine closed her eyes, mindful of not sinking too far into the water lest her stitches get wet.
"Eponine?"
"Hmm?"
"Will you have dinner with me tonight?"
She opened her eyes a little to find Enjolras staring at her intently. "Who else would I be having dinner with?"
"Not at the cottage. We could go to the main house. They have a formal dining room."
"Formal? What's gotten in to you?"
"Nothing. We've never done that. And I'd like to. It's my treat. 'Ferre's parents won't be footing the bill".
"You're buttering me up to discuss the return to New York?"
"No, but we do need to talk about it". He was started to look mildly annoyed. Eponine realised she was in danger of spoiling an almost perfect day.
"I'm sorry. I'd love to have dinner with you. I have no idea what I'm going to wear though…"
"I spotted a little black dress on the rack when we were looking for the swimsuits", he said, edging closer to her.
"Oh really? 'Ferre was pretty ambitious with his clothing choices, then". She laughed at the thought.
"I'd put that one down more to Jameson's good taste than Combeferre's actually". He reached out his hand underwater, rubbing it against her knee, before parting them so he could place himself between them.
Realising he was going to kiss her, Eponine unexpectedly became nervous. She closed her eyes as she felt his lips touch hers. It wasn't a gentle, tentative kiss either. This kiss tasted of missing her, and needing her. As he pulled her tighter, he could feel her needing him right back. She moaned softly as his tongue massaged hers, pulling him closer, her hand behind his neck.
It was only when they heard someone feign a cough behind them did they part. Another couple had entered the A-frame, obviously looking for some privacy as well. Eponine scooted quickly to the other side of the spa from Enjolras, making her exit at the steps. Enjolras gave himself a moment – his enthusiasm for the kiss would have been immediately apparent otherwise.
"We were…just leaving", Eponine said, bashfully smiling at the couple. She wrapped one of the provided robes around her and gathered up her clothes. Enjolras, on the other side of the spa did the same though with an obvious air of defiance. Damn them.
Eponine was understandably exhausted by the first part of their day, and on returning to the cottage, she'd changed into her pyjamas and jumped into her bed for a nap. Lying in her bed, she started to drift off, contemplating their kiss in the spa as sleep took her over. In a way she felt like they were starting anew, only with a sage knowledge of each other. They had both changed so immeasurably since their relationship had begun. She wasn't the same person. She was at once more fragile and stronger at the same time. And she knew Enjolras had changed as well. When they were alone, his fire tempered slightly revealing his softer underbelly. As she closed her eyes in sleep, she wondered how the return to New York would affect their relationship.
Enjolras had retreated to the living room, taking up residence on the couch by the fire. He had fallen into a sound sleep almost immediately as well, but not without first replaying in his mind their encounter in the spa.
Seven p.m.
By the time Eponine awoke, twilight had already come and gone and darkness had settled across the mountain. She could hear Enjolras in the shower across the hall, getting ready for dinner, and decided to retreat into her ensuite and get ready as well.
Once she had showered she went to the rack of clothing, searching for the black dress Enjolras had seen earlier. She picked it out immediately amongst the dark clothing. She gasped. Herve Leger. The dress was a classic off- the-shoulder, bandage dress. Well, I guess the bandage part suits me to a T. She put the dress on eschewing a bra as she didn't have the right kind, but thankful for the seamless underwear she was wearing. I'm not game enough to wear it by itself, she thought. She decided on a jacket that looked like it was meant for Enjolras and pushed up the sleeves to her elbows. The dress was almost to the knees and she was grateful for the length. Having no jewellery with her, she put up her hair in a messy bun, allowing tendrils to fall, partially covering her earlobes. She found a black pair of pumps on the bottom rack that were slightly too big, but that fit her perfectly when she put some toilet paper in the toes.
Her cheeks were flushed from the day so she only applied some mascara, a clear gloss and some eyebrow pencil from the makeup kit in the bathroom. "I'll have to do", she said to the reflection in the mirror. But admittedly she felt good, even if her outfit wasn't perfect.
When she stepped out into the living she found Enjolras on the lounge by the fire waiting for her. He looked handsome and dapper in tailored black pants and a fitted V-neck sweater in dark grey that looked expensive and highlighted his physique.
"Hungry?" he asked, taking her in as he stood up, offering her his arm.
"Starving".
The maîtres'd showed them to their table. They were in a secluded corner of the formal dining room by the window, which overlooked a large portion of the majestic Shawangunk Ridge. The lights around the lake had been turned on creating a picturesque scene below them.
The room was warm, and as Eponine looked around she could see that other women had taken off their coats and jackets. Taking a deep breath she removed her own, placing it on the back of her chair as the maîtres'd seated them.
She could feel Enjolras' eyes on her as she went to sit down. And he was not the only man in the room to notice the way she looked in the dress.
"Remind me to send my regards to Jameson for the clothing choices", he said.
She blushed under his gaze. "I'd better not eat too much; nothing else is going to fit inside this dress".
"Order at will. The dress will be fine, it fits you perfectly". He said as he picked up the menu.
"These prices are sky-high!" she said, taking his lead and perusing the menu. Again, she felt her blood rise in response to his compliment.
"My credit card and trust fund are taking care of it tonight. When we get back we can return to pasta, tuna and soup. Tonight we can make an exception – it's just one night".
He signalled to her to order as the waiter approached their table.
"Are you ready to order?"
She looked over to Enjolras, who nodded his head. "I'll have the pan-seared scallops for entrée, and the roasted tenderloin with pork belly for the main please".
"And for the gentleman?"
"The tuna tartare for entrée, and the coq-au-vin for my main."
"And can I offer the accompanying wine for each meal?"
Enjolras and Eponine exchanged a glance. "Thank you, yes", replied Enjolras.
"It's not like you to drink", she said to him across the table as the waiter departed. "I think the only time I've seen you have a wine is when we had Les Amis to my - I mean our apartment for dinner, and one other time at The Musain".
"It blurs my focus. I don't like to be out of control".
"But tonight?"
"Tonight is about enjoying ourselves and vibrant discussion. Even I can let go for a moment".
She thought on that as the drinks waiter brought over their wine.
"Napa Valley Riesling for the lady, and a lovely New Zealand pinot noir for the gentleman", he said, putting their drinks on the table with a flourish.
"You must be excited about seeing Valjean again and discussing the movement with him?" she asked Enjolras. She straightened the shoulders of the dress as she spoke. The bareness of her skin there and at her neck made her feel more than a little self-conscious.
Enjolras sat back deeper in to his sit and regarded her as he pondered the question. "I wouldn't say excited but I am anxious to get underway again. We've got momentum and Occupy is gaining supporters all over the world, not just the United States. We need to capitalize on it and push forward", he explained. "Eponine, do stop fussing", he said as she went to adjust the shoulders again. "Truly, you look lovely tonight". Again she found herself under his intense gaze.
"Shall we have a toast? To New York. And to…getting on with it".
He raised his glass to meet hers, "To New York and getting on with it then", he said as the glasses tinkled together.
After a delicious meal, Eponine excused herself to the bathroom while Enjolras paid the bill and found them a seat in the cocktail lounge. He watched her as she walked away, again taking in her rhythmic gait in the dress as she made her way across to the powder room. "She's very beautiful, your wife", said the barman.
"Hm? Oh." Enjolras said, realising the barman was talking to him. "Could I have two brandy's, a carafe of water and two glasses to that table over there?" He studiously ignored both comments. My wife? Curiously the thought caused no outrage in him.
"Of course, sir".
He signalled to her on her return and she joined him in the secluded booth.
"I've decided to go to psych counselling, Enj. Even just being here for two days I feel so much better. Think how well I could be if I addressed all these demons in my head once and for all?" Eponine was relaxed, the brandy had warmed up her blood and her cheeks were rosy with it.
"You should do whatever you feel you need to, in order to get better", replied Enjolras, taking a small sip of the brandy. "Are you going to wait to approach Valjean with your proposal?"
"No. I'm ready. My other issues are just that. Mine. The homeless cannot wait for me; it will still take time to get it off the ground, even if Valjean does approve the grant immediately".
"Agreed. Do you need my assistance in approaching him".
"I can do this on my own. It's important I do this on my own. We're not joined at the hip, Enj".
He bristled at her tone. "Of course". She noticed the hardening of his features, the familiar retreat into formidable territory.
"Is it so wrong I need something for myself?" she questioned. "I'm sorry if I offended you but surely you must understand of all people. This, us is so special to me, but I don't want to be an adjunct – an afterthought to everything that has to do with Les Amis. The sidekick to the great Enjolras. I want to get well. I want to have a life and a purpose of my own".
From across the table, his blue eyes blazed at her and she saw him coming back to her. "I want you to have a life with purpose too. I was merely offering my support".
"Thank you. I do appreciate it". She reached out her hand to his as she spoke and he grasped it, massaging her fingers. The atmosphere noticeably eased and they were both relieved.
"'Ponine, when CNN interview me, they will ask about you. I cannot get around it. I have thought about it long and hard. How is it you wish me to answer about the shooting at Zuccotti and the attack at your apartment?"
"I think you should answer how we agreed. You should say the matter is under investigation by the NYPD and as such you aren't at liberty to discuss it".
"Ok, but we should be prepared for some attention. And there is another thing; they might ask what I was doing there, the nature of our relationship".
"What do you mean?"
He brought a hand to his mouth, touching his lips. "I mean do I divulge the nature of our relationship? Is that something you're comfortable with? Les Amis have some ardent fans who might get even more…excited if I had a – a…girlfriend?"
"Am I your girlfriend?" The word seemed to have no depth in relation to them or their shared experiences.
"Well…for want of a better word. I'm not seeing anyone else and I don't have any intention to. And we are living together".
"Do you want to call me your girlfriend", she pushed.
"Eponine, it's not like you to fish for compliments. My feelings for you haven't changed. The term girlfriend doesn't seem adequate, but it satisfies society's endless need to put a tag on something".
"You can call me your girlfriend", she said softly as he pulled her hand to him, kissing her fingers gently.
After the sojourn to the cocktail lounge they decided to head back to the cottage. The hour was getting late and the day had been long, though in the best possible way. The exhilarating mountain air combined with the physical activity of the horse-riding and the spa, had laid waste to any tension in their bones.
Enjolras started the fire on their return and they both changed quickly into their sleepwear. The tension between them was palpable as they said their goodnights and each was disappointed the other had not made a further move – even though they were both exhausted beyond complaint.
Their doors were left open across the hallway as mutual invitations, but they drifted off to sleep as no approaching footsteps were heard on either side.
Eponine woke restlessly in the middle of the night. Her sheets were a mess; even the under sheet was in disarray. She lay in the dark for a moment before reaching over and turning on the lamp. Nothing. Enjolras must have forgotten to change the globe. Jumping out of bed, wearing only her pyjama top and underpants, without thinking she went across the hall, quietly pushing open his door. He wasn't there.
Making her way to the kitchen she was startled to find Enjolras there, standing by the open door of the fridge, shirtless and in his pyjama pants, holding a carton of milk. He hadn't yet noticed her presence and she used the moment to take in the glorious view of his naked upper body.
"Are you alright? Did you need something?" he said interrupting her thoughts, his eyes taking in her apparel, or rather lack of it.
Walking over to him, she looked up at him sleepily before taking a step closer and planting a soft kiss on his chest. She ran her hand delicately over his bare muscles, before running her mouth lightly over his nipple causing a shiver to run through him. He put the carton down on the bench. Tilting her face to him, he searched her eyes before brushing his lips against hers. He ran his hands down both her arms before settling on her hips. He was in no hurry, deepening the kiss at leisure, feeling her take a step closer, moving into his embrace.
There were no words between them. Not now. She leaned her head back gently, giving him access and let him know that it was alright, that she trusted him.
Needing no urging he bent down to kiss the left side of her jaw, careful to avoid the stitches and traced kisses down her neck.
"I want you back in my bed", he whispered low in her ear, kissing the lobe, making her moan.
"And what will you do to me there?", she dared to ask him.
"Everything".