Hey everyone. Thanks for the reviews last chapter, I know it wasnt the best but it was fluffy. Your reviews did make me feel a little better. I'm still not happy, things actually got worse (I cried earlier and I NEVER cry... but i'll spare you the details) but I've had two large frozen strawberry lemonades and a medium sprite from McDonalds in the past few hours so I am on a sugar high with an itch to write
Pleas keep reviewing, i love the support :D
The bell rang signaling the beginning of fourth period and Eponine found herself walking briskly to the auditorium. While she had more reason to be at the cafeteria during lunch now she still loved spending time in the auditorium, whether it be playing the piano and singing or talking with Erik, it was just something that she enjoyed. As she entered the large empty room she felt very uneasy. The room was darker than usual and as she neared the piano she noticed Erik sitting up in the alcove by the stage.
"Hello Erik!" She called up, giving him a friendly wave. He flickered his gaze over to her for a moment before turning back to stare at shadows on the wall. Eponine felt confused by his actions and took a seat at the piano bench. "Is everything alright?"
"Peachy" he replied in a monotone voice, not even bothering to look at her.
Eponine pursed her lips, "Did I do something to offend you?"
Erik didn't reply right away, instead choosing to sigh and glance over at her for a moment again, "No Eponine you didn't do anything….I'm just not in the mood for talking." He sneered before getting up from his seat and began moving out of sight.
"Are you sure?" she called
"Yes!" he barked, "I am positive. Now if you would please leave me to my thoughts." Without another thought Erik strode out of sight into the blackness of the room.
"Erik if something is wrong you can tell me!" She tried calling out, unsure if he would hear her
"Why don't you just go back to your perfect boyfriend and talk to him." He muttered too softly for her to hear.
Eponine stared at the empty chair where Erik just sat in confusion. Her stomach dropped at his disappearance, she knew something was wrong with him and she had the feeling that it was all her fault.
Enjolras sat at the lunch tables with the Amis, his full attention on the textbook in front of him. He was in the middle of taking notes on the June Rebellion when his pen was swiped from out of his grasp. He automatically pivoted in his seat and found Courfeyrac and Grantaire standing beside him, the former playing with the pen in his fingers.
Enjolras pinched the bridge of his nose and let out a deep sigh. "Can I help you with something?"
"Yes actually there is," answered Grantaire, "we have a question and we want an answer."
"What exactly is your question?"
At this point all of the guys stopped their previous conversation and turned their attention to Enjolras. Their eyes showed seriousness and Enjolras was getting an odd feeling from them.
"Well it's really more of a demand." Began Courfeyrac nervously, he paused and them looked at Grantaire as if not knowing what to say next.
Combeferre sighed and took the lead, "They are apprehensive about you and Eponine." He explained
Enjolras cocked an eyebrow at them, "What do you mean?"
"What we mean," began Grantaire anxiously, "Is that it's been almost four days since you and Eponine got together but you guys hardly act like a couple should at this point."
"I still don't understand what you mean."
Courfeyrac moaned and took a seat next to Enjolras, "Dude you two are a newly formed couple. Normally at this point you guys would be all lovey dovey and inseparable to the point of being annoying! Instead I see you hold hands like once and that was during AP Gov! I mean look, this is one of the only class periods you guys share and she's not even here! Come one even Grantaire is having a cuter relationship with a Thenardier."
"Lovey-dovey?" Enjolras asked
Courfeyrac slammed his palm to his face, "That's what you got out of that?"
Enjolras sighed and rolled his eyes, "Look I know you're concerned but Eponine and I just aren't lovey-dovey people. We aren't like Pontmercy and Cosette, we aren't disgustingly cute."
"Hey!" yelped Marius
Enjolras shrugged his shoulders, "Sorry mon ami but its true." He turned back to his other friends, "We don't need to go flaunting the fact that we are together every moment of everyday."
"Have you at least asked her out on a real date?" asked Joly, "Please tell me that you at least did that."
Enjolras resisted the urge to roll his eyes again, "Not that it's any of your business but for your information I have indeed asked her out."
All of the boys lit up at that moment and Courfeyrac practically jumped out of his seat with joy. "Now we are getting somewhere!"
They all got excited over the new found information and went to chat idly about, making this the perfect time for Enjolras to turn back to his book, however he found that his mind kept wandering back to the afternoon the day before.
Eponine had been sitting in a bench outside the café by some trees, Enjolras finally had a free afternoon and the two of them had decided to continue the tutoring session –partly because they both wanted her to get a good grade but mainly because it was their alone time together- and the weather had been so nice out that they decided to move the lessons outside. As he neared her he couldn't help but admire the sight in front of him, from the breeze that made her hair dance slightly to the pen cap that was stuck in between her teeth as she concentrated on the work in front of her. Enjolras felt a smile tugging at his lips as he took a seat next to her and began digging through his backpack for books and other things he needed.
"Little kids are so adorable," she began as she looked off into the distance to stare at some children playing in the park, "You know I always thought childhood should be about swings."
Enjolras looked at her oddly, this was certainly an odd way to start up conversation but he went with it anyway. "What do you mean?"
"I mean the feeling you get when you are on a swing as a child. You know the push pull feeling and thinking 'how high can I go?' 'If I kick my legs harder will I go faster?' 'Can I spin any faster?'"
"How high can I get before being scared to jump off?" He added
"Yeah," she exclaimed, "I used to love swings; they were my favorite part of the park when I was little. I remember my parents pushing me before I could push myself off and looking down at Azelma and Gavroche and feeling like I was flying over them."
"What happened?"
Her smiled faded a bit, "We stopped going."
Enjolras felt a bit guilty about her sudden mood change and gulped before continuing, "So what do we need to focus on today?"
She shook her head as if to shake away the uneasy feeling, "I was thinking Physics, I have an exam Friday remember?"
"Oh right….sorry."
She shrugged it off, "Not a big deal, just make it up by helping me on centripetal force."
"Will do Ms. Thenardier,"
They began their session normally at first with her listening intently as he made her understand the content of the lesson, but a little while into the lesson Enjolras found his arm moving on his own accord until it was wrapped around her waist with his hand firmly placed on her hip. Eponine in turn scooted closer to him and placed her free hand lightly on his knee. No words were exchanged about their positions they simply continued on in the comfortable presence of each other. However thoughts soon began filling Enjolras head and after about 20 minutes he couldn't take it anymore.
He cleared his throat, "Ep?"
"Yes?" She answered, her big chocolate doe eyes looking up at him as she plopped her elbows on the table and rested her head on her hands.
"Are you busy this Friday night?"
"Not that I am aware of."
He nodded, "Well then now you are. Does 6pm work for you?"
She scrunched her nose at him, "Did you just ask me out on a date?"
"Yes I believe I just did." He responded playfully
She smiled up at him and kissed his cheek, "Then 6pm is perfect."
Enjolras knew there were other, more romantic, way to ask a girl out on a first date but he thought that it being Eponine he was asking out, the direct way was the best way.
He was still looking at the same page in his textbook when Grantaire brought him out of his inner musings.
"So what exactly are you guys going to do on your first date?"
"That's me to know and you to not." Enjolras replied sternly
"Oh come on Enjy," whined Courfeyrac, "Please tell us!"
"Yea," added Feuilly, "What does the marble man have in store for the rose?"
"The rose?" he inquired
"It's the nickname we have Eponine," explained Jehan, "but please Enjolras tell us! Is it something romantic? Are you going to sweep her off her feet?"
Enjolras chuckled, "I'm not telling you guys anything and before you go pestering Eponine she doesn't know anything either- I want it to be a surprise. I am keeping all of you in the dark."
Jehan crossed his arms over his chest and pouted, "No fair."
Eponine stared at herself in her bathroom mirror as she desperately tried to do something with her uncooperative hair; to say she was anxious about tonight would have been an understatement. For the first time in her life Eponine had gone through her entire closet to try to come up with the perfect outfit, and Enjolras was no help as all he told her was to dress comfortably. In the end she had decided to throw on a pair of skinny jeans paired with a dark blue sweater thrown over a long red tank top and her favorite books for a sense of security. Sure she and Enjolras have hung out alone together before, some of those times being worthy of being classified as dates and she knew better than to be nervous but this time it was her first real date with Enjolras and she couldn't help the butterflies from fluttering in her stomach. At the sound of the doorbell Eponine finally decided on throwing her hair in a loose long-hanging side pony before turning to run out the door only to be stopped by Azelma in the doorway.
"You going off on your first date with Enjy?" she asked with a suggestive eyebrow raise
"Yes as a matter of fact I am," she replied cheekily
Azelma's smile grew wide and she threw her arms around her big sister, "Oh go off and have fun! I am so happy for you 'Ponine! Just be safe and don't be home too late."
Eponine giggled, "Since when did you turn into a mother?"
"Since it was high time you stopped acting like one and had a little fun in your life."
Eponine smiled and gave her sister another hug before stepping out in the hallway, "Thank you Azelma I love you. I'll be home by midnight the latest."
"Love you too!" she called out after her.
Eponine took a deep breath and opened the door to see Enjolras standing there with a single thorn-less lavender rose in his hand.
"For you," he stated as she handed her the rose, their fingers brushing together as he did so –his lingering much longer than necessary.
"You're enchanted by me?" She asked as she delicately petted the rose with her fingers.
He smiled at her and led her out to his car, "Yes I am."
"I'm surprised you know the meaning of different roses." She commented as she grasped his free hand with hers.
"I'm just full of surprises." He teased
Meanwhile at Courfeyrac's house all the guys were pacing around his living room with Enjolras and Eponine on their minds.
"I'm really curious to see what he has in store for her." Said Feuilly from his spot on the couch
"I'm just nervous he is going to screw it up." Stress Jehan, "I mean this is Enjolras we are talking about here! He isn't the most romantic guy and Eponine is the kind of girl who loved romance."
"Knowing him he will probably take her to a history museum." Commented Combeferre gravely
"Oh no…." whined Courfeyrac, "He's going to be dead meat before he even steps out of the car if he is doing that!"
"Who's going to be dead meat?" asked Gavroche as he came into the room and sat down next to Grantaire.
"Enjolras," explained Grantaire, "he will be dead if he takes Eponine to a museum on their first date."
Gavroche's eyes widened to the size of saucers, "Wait Eponine and Enjolras are dating now?!"
"Well they are just going on their first date today." Clarified Combeferre, "But they already had their first kiss last week at the dance."
"I miss everything!" exclaimed Gavroche as he proceeded to sulk on the couch with his arms crossed over his chest.
Combeferre laughed and Grantaire ruffled the little boy's hair.
Gavroche glared at them all, "I don't really like being out of the loop you guys. And what's more I don't like the feeling of Eponine potentially going on the worst date ever."
At that moment Courfeyrac stopped his pacing and a light bulb went off in his head. "You guys I have an idea, but be warned it requires maximum stealth."
XXXXXX
The moon shined brightly in the sky and it's light reflected off Eponine's hair as she apprehensively stepped out of the car and looked up to see where Enjolras had brought her, or more specifically what he had brought her to. Of all places he could have taken her on their first date this was certainly not what she had in mind. Enjolras glanced over at her and noticed the apprehension in her eyes. He reached out and grasped her hand to squeeze it in reassurance.
"Come on you will love this." He assured
She bit her lip, "I hope you are right."
They walked on but stopped when Enjolras thought he heard rustling and voices nearby. Eponine clung onto his arm and they brushed it off as a squirrel or the wind.
A short while later Eponine was cautiously stepping onto the uneven pathway high above the ground while her arms clung desperately to the strong harness attached to her. She took another step but her foot began to slide and she unwillingly let out a yelp of fear out of instinct. Enjolras turned his head to look back at her with playfulness in his eyes.
"You alright?" He called
She nodded fretfully "Never better…" She responded as she kept moving forward. "Off all places to take me he chose this." She mumbled to herself under her breath, "He could have taken me to the movies, to a nice dinner, a flipping museum for crying out loud but no he decided to take me to a freaking ropes course! I am so lucky I decided to wear pants…"
Her feet finally landed on the platform at the end of the rope path and she automatically flung her arms around the steel pole going through the middle of in. Her breathes were low and deep at that point and she looked pale. In an instant Enjolras was at her side.
"You look like you're having fun." He teased
She glared up at him, "Oh yeah tons….." She straightened up and let go of the pole so she could face him, "This is definitely one of the most…original dates I have ever been on."
"Yeah I can tell." He chuckled
"Well forgive me for being a little apprehensive, I've never been on a rope course before. Being a hundred feet off the ground with nothing but a harness to catch you is a little nerve wrecking."
Enjolras gave her a small smile and squeezed her shoulder affectionately, "I know but once you get to the top it's worth it."
Eponine looked up at his face to ask what he meant but before she could he already left to do another rope obstacle. Eponine took a deep breath and forced down the uneasy feelings she was getting before going onto another rope path as well, this once looking a lot easier than the last one she was on. She kept going through the other paths, being wary of the ones that looked much too difficult and dangerous for her, while glancing up at Enjolras every few minutes to check his progress. She found that he was doing the courses she found to difficult and every time he caught her looking at him he would simple smirked down at her and give her a wink. Eponine kept going through the obstacles, seeing that with everyone she did everything became easier and easier. She finally got to one that resembled a net and decided to go for it and attempt it. She got about half-way through when she stopped and looked out at the sight before her, it was breathtaking. The sun was just beginning to set behind the tall oak trees and the breeze make the leaves dance in the air, the people below her mingled and went about their daily business completely oblivious to the girls staring down at them from above. From the corner of her eye she also spotted some familiar figures lurking nearby but she pushed that thought aside. Eponine gripped tighter to the ropes at her side and let out a big smile, she felt on top of the world.
"Having fun down there?" Enjolras asked from a course slightly above her.
She nodded, "I'm queen of the world Enjy!"
Mission accomplished he thought.
After the rope course they gathered their thing and set out to find something to eat, but not before Eponine stopped Enjolras in front of a fountain and asked to take pictures. They both sat on the edge of the fountain and Eponine wrapped one hand around Enjolras while the other held up the camera and he in turn draped his arm around her shoulders. They had taken a few pictures like that when Enjolras decided to plop a kiss on Eponine's cheek just in time for the camera to capture it and her shocked expression that accompanied it. When they finished they looked through the photos and laughed at some while smiling over others. Then they finally reached a little Italian restaurant about a block from where they had been and decided to eat at one of the outside tables. They ordered a large meat ravioli and breadsticks to share along with their usual drink. After the waiter had taken their order Enjolras got up to use the bathroom, leaving Eponine alone at the table. When she was sure he was out of ear and eye sight she turned her chair to face a group of bushes and trees nearby her table.
"You guys know you are the worst spies ever right?" she called out
The reply to her comment was a series of 'oh man', 'she caught us dude', and 'I told you this was a bad idea' as a small group of teenage boys and one kid stepped out from their hiding spots. Eponine tried to hold back a laugh as she took in what they were wearing, most of them had dressed in all black from head to toe with beanies hiding their hair, some went as fair as painting black streaks on their cheeks, and Bahorel had taken the liberty of wearing camouflage, dark blue camouflage.
Courfeyrac glared at her and took his beanie off, "How did you figure us out?"
She let out a dry laugh, "You forget that I am the queen of spying and stealth, plus your extensive noises and ruckus don't help either." She teased, "And for future reference, the next time you are doing to spy on someone don't dress like spies to that extend."
"What are you talking about?" demanded Gavroche as he puffed out his chest
"Gav you are wearing your ninja costume from Halloween last year." She stated humorlessly causing the little boy to deflate a bit and a snicker to come from Courfeyrac, "Like you are one to talk Courf, you're wearing a cat suit!"
"And I suppose you know how to dress like a spy?" Challenged Feuilly
"Try dark brown or gray in the future, it's less attention getting and it blends in more, and for goodness sakes don't paint your faces!"
The boys all looked down in slight shame while Eponine gave them an 'I-told-you-so' face.
"So a rope course…" said Joly sheepishly, "That's original."
She nodded, "My thoughts exactly, but it actually turned out to be a lot of fun." From the corner of her eye she spotted the top of Enjolras' head, "Now I suggest you guys make yourself scarce before Aiden sees you and flips out."
"Good call…" mumbled Bahorel. Within a minute all of the guys left and were out of sight but not before Courfeyrac gave Eponine one final wink and a thumbs up.
Enjolras took his seat across from Eponine and their food was served in no time after that. They ate dinner comfortably and kept discussion very light. By the time they were finished the sky was black and stars twinkled brightly in comparison with the streetlamps that were just starting to turn out. Before heading back to his car Enjolras suggested a walk through the park to which Eponine happily agreed. As they walked clung onto his side and nestled her head on his shoulder, taking in his warm inviting musk.
"You know I used walk alone at night a lot." She commented off-handily
He raised an eyebrow at her, "Really now?"
"Yeah," she replied simply, "There was this big area of grass right behind my house with a river going right through it, it led to the heart of the city. I used to go there when everyone else was sleeping; it was nice to have that time to myself to thing and dream. Living inside my head was nice at that point."
He looked at her with concern, "You've been through a lot of shit in your life haven't you?"
"Yes," she shrugged, "but I've gone through some nice things too. Besides what doesn't kill you makes you stronger right?"
He nodded and tightened his arm around her. She closed her eyes and let Enjolras and her feet guide her through the park, perfectly content in listening in to the sounds of the crickets and mumble of voices in the distance. When Enjolras suddenly stopped Eponine immediately looked up at him in confusion.
"Why did you-"
She was silenced by him turning her around to face his destination. There about 15 feet away from them was an empty swing set just begging to be used. Eponine looked back at Enjolras with a sparkle in her eye and a large smile on her lips. Enjolras caught her eyes and gave her an affectionate smile.
"I figured you deserve to have the feeling of flying again."
With that he took her hand and lead her to the swing but instead of taking the one next to her he stood behind her and the second she was settled in he started turning the swing around until it was twisted as tight as it could go and then he gave it a firm shove so that she was spinning around in a circle. She giggled in delight and gripped tightly onto the chains holding the swing up, her hair flying right behind her. Once the swing stopped spinning she expected him to take the one next to her but he surprised her yet again by pushing her forward. She smiled back at him and kicked her legs up and back down to gain momentum and once she was back down he pushed her again, causing her to go up even higher. She finally reached a point where she could see past the trees and at that moment she closed her eyes and pretended she was flying over the world. The fall back down was slow and captured her imagination in wonder. She stopped moving her legs and soon her swing were becoming less high and less quick. She felt Enjolras wrap his arm around her torso so slow her down and bring her to him; he placed his chin on her shoulder and buried his face in her dark thick hair. They stayed like that for a while, both completely content with how they were and neither wanting to break the moment. Eventually Enjolras lips found their way to Eponine's neck and she gently pulled her hair away to allow them better access. His lips felt cool on her neck and the feeling sent shivers down her spine. He slowing made his way up her neck and across her jaw and Eponine turned in the swing to allow him to capture her lips. He kissed her softly at first but it deepened almost automatically causing a slight moan to escape from her lips. He cradled her cheek with his hand and pressed her face close to his. His tongue snaked its way out and lightly traced her bottom lip causing her to smile against his mouth, his tongue then scrapped against her teeth. Eponine let out a small chuckle and tried to keep her lips from pursing together.
He reluctantly broke apart from her, "Is there something wrong?"
She giggled again and shook her head, "No it just that…for a moment I was all like 'whoa Enjolras' tongue is in my mouth!'"
He let out a dry chuckle, "Ha-ha, and that is funny how?"
"It's not funny it's just that…well it's us you know. It's me and you. I mean we've been friends for so long and now it's just struck me that we are together. It's a weird feeling."
He nodded stoically, "I see."
"Oh Enjy don't be like that, I'm sorry if I offended you I didn't mean to." She said as she took his hand in hers, "I really like you Aiden, I have for a while I just never realized it. Tonight has been the most amazing night ever and to make it even better I got to spend it with you. I'm sorry if I say or do stupid things but please don't let that ruin our evening." She pleaded.
Enjolras looked down at her again and his eyes softened at the sight of her pleading ones. Leave it to Eponine to crack the marble and make him go soft. Damn you 'Ponine.
He gently placed a finger under her chin and brought her lips to meet his once more.
Enjolras: You know I wonder if we can ever get people in here who aren't completely crazy..
Courfeyrac: You are lucky Eponine T Daae is asleep right now.
Enjolras: *hears ruffling from the barricade* Did you hear that?
Courfeyrac: Someone else is coming in!
Enjolras: Who?
Thespian24601: I'm a non-crazy fangirl, and I'm infiltrating the barricade!
Enjolras: Are you kidding me? I swear we are getting more traffic than the city square. Where is Eponine?
*Gavroche pops in and points to where I am sleeping, curled up on a haybale. Enjolras jolts over and nudges me awake. I groggily get up with my hair in a mess and hay stuck in my hair.*
Grantaire: Woah you look-
Me: *glaring* Don't you dare finish that sentence! *turn attention to Enjolras* Is there a reason why you woke me up?!
Enjolras: Another one of your friends is here...
Me: Oh goodie! I was wondering when Thespian would get here
Enjolras: ahh! This is a barricade why r there so many girls here?
Me: *glaring at him* Do u have a problem with us girls?
Enjolras: Um...
Me: *grabs rifle* choose ur next words carefully...
Thespian: *Loads Riffle* One sexist word and I will shoot you.
Grantaire: I thought she WASN'T crazy...
Me: Grantaire i cant emphasize this enough, think before you speak! And then just for safety just don't speak!
Thespian:(To Grantaire) I'm not crazy, just a feminist.
(To Enjolras): And I'm here to hang out with Courfeyrac and blow people up!
Me: Easy girl, I'm just as much a feminist as u are but we don't need to blow anything up... *whispering*Courfeyrac go make her happy. Don't need anyone blowing up the barricade, that didn't end well last time
Thespian: (To Eponine) I'm not going to blow anything up... chillax
Enjolras: What?
Me: chillax, it's a slang term Enjy. It means calm down and relax
Enjolras: I will never understand u people
Me: you don't need to understand us, you just need to accept us
Thespian: Hallelujah sista!
Courfeyrac: Um, hello? What happened to chilling with me?
Me: Whoops! Completely forgot
Courfeyrac: *sarcastically* thanks I love you too...
Me: aww thank you! But unfortunately i have my eye on another. Why don't you and Thespian here go and have a heart to heart, talk about prom, tell some jokes at Enjy's expense...
Thespian: Yeah, Courfeyrac, let's go. Have you ever noticed how the vein in Enjy's head looks like it's about to explode whenever Eponine steals his vest?
Enjolras: *trembling with anger and vain popping out of his forehead* That's not from her stealing my vest, it's from her gracing my barricade with her irritating presence!
Me: *hands in surrender* Hey it's not my fault you have no patience as a short temper
Enjolras: Ahhhh! *mumbling to himself* never choke a women, never choke a women...
Thespian: *Trying to stop hysterically laughing* God Enjy, you should try meditation and yoga
Enjy: *Vein exploding* STOP CALLING ME ENJY
Me: *rolling in the floor laughing hysterically* Hahahahahahaha
Joly: You know I'm not so sure you 2 being here is very good for his health
Me:*wipe tear from eye* oh calm down I've been here months and he seems just fine
Joly: *glancing over at Enjolras red and trembling on a haystack with a twitching eye* Define fine...
Enjolras: You know I am about two seconds away from kicking you out and giving you to the people who want to kill you!
Me: The Amis wouldn't let you, plus u like me too much!
Courfeyrac: Enjy, stop threatening the girls, Thespian could still kill you
Enjolras: What has everyone gone to their side?! This why I didn't want them!
Me: We make the barricade more fun and u know it!
Thespian: Also, who wants to kill us? I mean, besides you?
Enjolras; oh you know Meponine shippers, extreme e/r shippers, people who haven't forgotten chapter 31...
Combferre: They're getting ready to attack!
Me; crap not again...
Enjolras: *sighing* come on let's get you somewhere safe
Me: *raising eyebow* for someone who hates me so much u sure r protective
Enjolras: Do you want me to leave you here?
Me: l'll b quiet...
Courfeyrac: Thespian, you need to go too.
Thespian: Oh hell no! I'm staying here!
Me: if she is staying then ill stay!
Enjolras; no both of you to the cafe closet now!
Me; but but
Enjolras: NOW
Thespian: *Picking up Riffle* You need more troops, since Grantaire's passed out...again.
Courfeyrac: Please, just go.
Me: *Grabbing ur wrist* come on let's go, wouldn't want a new scar with prom right around the corner, plus it give them a sense of peace *whispering* plus u and I can hatch a new annoy Enjy plan
Gavroche: I want in! *shouting to amis* I'm going to hide with them
Thespian: Fine. *shooting death glare at Enjolras* this is not over.