Hey! Guess who's finally back!? Marching band is now finished, college apps almost done and school is getting a bit easier, but only a bit, but then being who I am I decided to add more to my plate now that one thing is done.
Like I've mention this fic is only a few more chapters (I've been writing it for over 10 months now, it's about time don't you think?!) I already have the end planned out and the rest of the fic. But not to worry, I am in the mist of updating Memories and actually working on Serendipity.
Thank you to Joly (Guest) for the link and words of encouragement and for everyone else!
BTW I have about 5 vlogs up if any of you are interested in those (one features me in Enjolras' vest!)
Thanks again, happy reading and PLEASE REVIEW! (trust me you will want to review this chapter either way!) I was up until 4:40 am writing this! PRETTY PLEASE REVIEW!
No could have seen this coming. Everything seemed to have been going perfect when this happened. This went to show just how far secrets and hiding can go and just how much damage it could cause. Now two brothers were left with broken hearts and a broken friendship. And to think, things started off so well beforehand.
"Make sure you take him out before you go to school." Eponine called out to her brother as she laced up her boots and wrapped a green scarf around her neck. Normally she would take Gavroche's dog out before she left but this particular morning she was running late as it was and she really didn't have the time to walk him herself.
"Don't worry Ponine I will." Gavroche replied with a mouth full of cereal in his mouth
Eponine let out a small chuckle and kissed her brother floppy hair as she passed him on her way out the door, "Alright then Gav, I'm off then."
"Why isn't Azelma up yet? Don't you two go to the same school?"
Eponine snatched an apple off the counter and stuffed it into her bag, "Because Azelma isn't in Student Government and she doesn't have to help keep everyone in line. You know how the boys can get."
"Don't I ever, they are lucky to have someone whip them in shape."
"You know it!" Eponine exclaimed with a wink as she walked out the door, "Love you Gav!"
She shut the door and walked off her front porch but before she could step off onto the sidewalk leading to her driveway she noticed something very odd. There on the handrailing of the porch was a king-size Reese's Peanut Butter Cup pack sitting there all alone. Eponine hesitantly walked over to the candy, looking over her shoulder every few seconds to see if anyone was going to pop out and claim the peanut butter cups as their gift to her, but no one did. She brushed her fingers over the smooth orange wrapping before picking it up and studying it quizzically. Anyone who knew Eponine knew her favorite candy was Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, as a kid she would constantly trade her licorice and M&M's on halloween to end up will a pillow sack full or orange wrappers covering chocolate. Even as she grew older her fondness for them never faded; whether it was the rich chocolate or the creamy peanut butter that caused her mouth to water at the sight of them she did not know, but all that mattered was that they were delicious and she loved them. As she held the candy in her hand she noticed the back felt different than the wrapper she was used to. Out of curiosity Eponine flipped the bar over to see the back covered in light olive green paper, if that wasn't enough to confuse her there was also a large "O" written clearly and neatly on the paper. Whoever did this obviously took their time as there were no creased on the back and the worked seemed perfect to a 't'. Curiosity and confusion hit Eponine like a ton of bricks as she had no idea why anyone would just leave a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup on her porch railing at 6 am but she was quickly pulled out of it as her phone dinged, indicating she was running late and needed to get to Student Government quickly. Shoving away all question Eponine simply stuffed the candy in her bag and raced down the street in an attempt to make it to cafe in time for the meeting. The early spring beauties, like the dew layered grass and daisies or rising butterflies, were absent from Eponine's vision as she kept her sights focused on the cafe as she dashed down the damp sidewalk. Normally Mr. Myriel would have woken her up but with all the students coming in earlier than usual that day he had to get started on all the drinks and treats sooner, however since this year was also the year Eponine happened to be a junior the girl would stay up until all hours of the night studying and doing homework, not letting herself stop until she was completely done and satisfied with her work- her stubborn nature had more than once use and she was learning how to tune in that skill to her advantage, or disadvantage as others would claim- and Mr. Myriel wanted her to get as much rest as possible. Even though a small part of Eponine felt uneasy about being looked after so much- she had gotten so used to taking care of herself and her siblings in the previous years that it seemed like second nature, anything else seemed odd and out of place, as if she was in a story other than her own- but if she were to be completely honest, the fact that she was being cared for a bit did provide a comforting feeling.
The moment Eponine opened the door to the cafe and stepped in she could see things were in utter chaos. The dance committee was fussing over prom which was only a couple weeks away, though why they were fussing Eponine would never understand. The prom was held at the same location it was every year and the decorations they used were always the same as well, the only thing that ever changed was what the committee claimed the theme was. Luckily the students got a voice in the theme as they were given the opportunity to vote at the same time prom king and queen nominations were occurring, with good reason too. About two years ago someone, though Eponine could swear it was Galina, suggested the theme for the winter dance to be Snowy Semi-formal. The moment that theme was out in the open everyone in the committee at that time thought it was an absolutely adorable theme and automatically set it. Posters were set out, announcements were made and advertising was spread; apparently none of the girls in the committee could see how unappealing that theme was to the rest of the student body, but they learned their lesson when less than half of the number of kids who came to homecoming came to the winter dance. Ever since then the committee made sure to include the students voice and select a successful theme.
Quickly finding her friend Eponine scurried over to them and automatically got to work. Combeferre had her on poster duty at one point while Bahorel asked for her help in moving supplies in another. When she wasn't there she was with the dance committee making sure they were functioning, or running around running errand between the different committees. In all that time Eponine never really saw her boyfriend, a fact she did not realize until after the meeting was done and she was walking to school. She had been running from group to group and from room to room yet she could not recall laying her eyes on him for even a moment the whole morning, which was odd since his messy hair and bright red sweatshirt usually got her attention right away. She didn't spend too much time on that thought, simply assuming he was busy as well and she would see him later that day.
Her feet carried her to the locker but she froze as soon as she noticed what was on it. Much like her porch this morning there was a king-size Reese's Peanut Butter Cup taped onto her locker. Out of instinct Eponine looked around her surroundings but found no one in sight; tentatively she pried the candy bar off of her locker, catching the sight of green paper on the back of the wrapper. When paying closer attention she saw that there was a "R" written on the paper. The bell rang then and Eponine stuffed the candy bar back into her bag to accompany the other one and ran off to class. She attempted to push all thoughts of the creepy, yet delicious, peanut butter cups out of her mind but that proved to be hard when she entered her AP Government class she cringed as she saw yet another identical candy bar on her desk, this time the paper on the back as yellow with a question mark written on it. She gulped as she inspected the bar but when she saw her friends come in she threw it into her bag next to the other two. The boys greeted her warmly and Enjolras gave her a quick nod before turning his full attention to the lesson. For the next hour Eponine tried to do the same.
She continued focusing all her attention to her classes as the day went on to keep the thoughts of the Reese's out of her mind. While she appreciated the candy, and the thought, the fact that these were given to her anonymously was creeping her out- not to mention the letters on the back of them. She was able to get through the rest of the day without once letting the thought reach her head but all that was thrown out the window when she saw that yet another peanut butter cup set was placed on her locker, this time with a "M" written on the back. Having enough of this Eponine yet out a yelp and banged her head on her locker. She hated feeling like people were watching her and these candy bars kept reinforcing that feeling all. She knew it was probably on of the guys playing a trick on her but she still couldn't shake away the uncomfortable feelings within her.
"Woah…. are you alright?"
Eponine stiffened and looked around, spooked, before setting her eyes on Enjolras who looked at her with a raised eyebrow and tilted lip. Never had she been so happy to see him, maybe he could help her shake off that creepy feeling she had been getting since going to her locker earlier that morning.
She sighed deeply and gently closed her locker before turning to him to explain, "I've been getting these…. little gifts all day today and it's getting to me! I mean honestly who leaves candy on a person's locker? Porch? Desk!? And then they all have these symbols on them! I don't know whether to be flattered or scared! I think someone is trying to send me a message, I just wish I knew what."
Enjolras chuckled heartily at her.
"It's not funny!" Eponine snapped with a glare, her bottom lip sticking out and her arms crossing over her chest as if she was a young child.
"I know, amusing is the word I would use." He teased as he reached into his backpack, "Would your little gifts perchance look like this?" He asked as she handed her a small bar.
Eponine took the offering cautiously with narrow eyes, as she inspected it she saw it was a large orange "P" drawn onto light lavender paper that was attached to the back of a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup. Her jaw drop as realization came to her. Automatically she ruffled through her bag and pulled out the other four candy bars she had received that day and turned them all so they were facing the same direction, with the letter up. Now the message was made obvious to her and she couldn't help but stare at the candy with complete awe.
"I wanted to give you the 'P' myself," stated Enjolras, his voice a little hesitant as he handed her the last peanut butter cup, "because you're my 'Ponine."
Eponine raised her eyes to meet his, they were clear and strong while his face showed hints of a smirk playing on his lips. "How...Why…."
Enjolras cut her off, knowing exactly what she was trying to ask, "Jehan helped, we figured even if you said no you would still have the candy."
In reality Jehan more than helped. If it wasn't for Jehan the thought of actually asking Eponine to prom would have completely slipped his mind.
"What do you mean you haven't asked her to prom?!" exclaimed Jehan one day during their shared math class, AP Calc BC, why they decided to do that dance neither knew.
"I didn't think I had to." Enjolras stated as he copied the notes on the board into his notebook.
"How could you possibly think that?! It's your senior prom and she is your girlfriend! You need to ask her! There is no way you are missing this dance!"
Something about the look in Jehan's eyes made Enjolras positive that attending prom was a non-negotiable deal, there weren't many times Jehan got overly passionate about things in the way Enjolras did but when it did happen everyone knew not to get in his way.
"But isn't it implied that we are going together. We are together after all."
"All the more reason to ask her!" Jehan exclaimed loudly, earning the attraction of practically everyone in the room.
Enjolras cringed and gestured at his friend to calm down, "Keep your voice down will you!?"
"Look all I am saying is that being together opens the door to ask Eponine in a very cute and romantic way! Only couples get to do that!"
"We aren't romantic people go with the flow and help each other out. We are affectionate at times but we never saw the need to be...romantic."
Jehan rolled his eyes at patted his clueless friend's back, "She may not ask for romance Enjolras, and she may not expect it but believe me when I say that almost every girl wants some romantic gesture, and being asked to prom is the prime time for that."
"How do you know all this Jehan?"
"I grew up with four sisters Enjolras, believe me I think I am a slight expert."
Enjolras nodded as he turned his attention back to his textbook, "You just keep on believing that."
"Come on Enjolras what have you got to lose. You know I am right."
As much as Enjolras wanted to deny it Jehan had a point. While Enjolras was reluctant to do some grand gesture, it wasn't from apathy but more from confusion and not knowing what to do. He remembered how about a year ago someone asked out his date to prom by grabbing the microphone during a pep assembly and asking her in front of the whole school while offering her a rose. While most girls oohed and awed over what they deemed was a cute way of asking Eponine chuckled and offered a small smile.
"Poor girl." She muttered under her breathe, just loud enough for Enjolras, Marius, and Bahorel to hear.
"What makes you say that?" asked Bahorel
"She can't say no."
"Should she?"
"I don't know." Eponine shrugged, "But for all we know she could think the guy is an annoying jerk, he could very well be a nice guy who she likes too but that's beside the point."
"What is the point?" asked Marius
"She should at least be given the option of saying yes or no, I mean she has to say yes now or risk being labeled as a bitch."
Enjolras nodded at her comment, "I never saw it that way, it an excellent point."
"Don't get me wrong," added Eponine, "I am all for cute gestures, but I prefer when they are private and sentimental; some are just a little over the top. If you ask me you should be asked in a way that pertains to you. It may be super cheesy but hey as long as some thought was put into it I'm all good."
Bahorel chuckled, "You seem to forget you are not the one being asked."
Eponine rolled her eyes, "Don't remind me."
The problem that arose for Enjolras was finding creative way to ask Eponine out to prom. He knew simply asking her would be effective but he honestly wanted to have some fun with it as well.
"Enjolras I don't know what to say!" She exclaimed in awe.
"Well I hope you say yes! Believe it or not this actually took some thought. Courfeyrac and Jehan originally suggested I get you a snack that started with each letter of prom."
"What do you mean?"
"Oh you know," explained Enjolras, "Pringles for the P, Reese's for the R, followed Oreo's and possibly M&M's. But I thought you would appreciate getting candy that you would actually enjoy. I mean I know about your sweet tooth for these."
Eponine smiled widely at him, her front teeth shining, "You know me so well Enj."
Enjolras smiled back at her, particularly happy that she didn't laugh at him after finding out about the candy bars. He was not a romantic by nature, he had his moments but they were rare and few. Most things he had done which Eponine, Jehan, and Combeferre deemed cute and sweet were done by accident or out of instinct, the only time he actually planned something was his first date with Eponine but even then romance wasn't the first thing on his mind. The only thing he cared about then was enjoying the night with the girl he cared about, and reassuring her she didn't make a bad decision when choosing to date him. Just being themselves came so easily to them- after knowing each other for so long and being friend before dating there was really no reason for them to hide who they were or censor themselves, they already knew each other inside and out, both the bad and good parts- and being with her was easy, he never over thought things or stressed himself out, they both seemed content with the relationship they had. However Jehan did have a point, it didn't hurt to pamper your significant other everyone once in awhile and show you cared.
"So what's your answer?" He asked, tension rolling on his tongue
Eponine cocked an eyebrow at him, "My answer?"
"Will you go to prom with me? Remember I gave you Reese's bars!"
Eponine chuckled, "Well what do you think?"
"She said yes?" Combeferre asked cautiously. It had been about a day and a half since Enjolras asked Eponine to prom yet he had not told anyone of the results. Her answer seemed to be a secret kept between them, more out of habit than anything else. Though after over 36 hours of their friend pounding at them, it was time for the word to get out.
"Of course she said yes!" Enjolras teased, "What possible reason could she have to say no?"
"She lost interest in you?" mocked Courfeyrac
"It was a rhetorical question Courf."
The curly hair boy smirked, "I know but it's fun to ruin the fun."
"Sadist….." Enjolras coughed under his breath causing Courfeyrac to stick his tongue out at him. From the corner of his eye he spotted a skinny figure clad in a brown cap and separated himself from the small cluster of boys.
Ever since the moment Eponine agreed to go to prom with him, a thought had been dashing through Enjolras mind, running into every crease of his brain and bouncing off the wall of his skull as it trying to fight and break it's way out, it seemed this idea would not be silence until he acted upon it, or at least attempted. By nature Enjolras was a very passionate man, never letting what was important to him slip away before attacking it. He could be assertive at times and he had a drive and desire to reach every single one of his ideas. He could tell when some of his ideas were bad, he could tell when it needed to be let go. However this time the idea would not simply fade away and disappear, it continued growing every minute it was in his head until his drive reached a point where he could not handle it anymore. He knew what he had to do.
With his head held high Enjolras approached Eponine with his head held high and his intentions in check. While they had only been together for a small amount of time, he felt closer to her and possessed stronger feelings for her than he had ever had for anyone. After all they had been through together and everything they learned about each other he knew their relationship was at a serious point- going to prom together only served to prove that point. With that in mind Enjolras decided it was time he took a step further, a step with Eponine that really showed just how much he cared for her. What he wanted to let her know couldn't be told by words, only action could do that. He wanted to show her just how seriously he took their relationship, he just wasn't sure how she would take it.
He was two steps away from Eponine when he took a deep breath and placed his hand on her shoulder her. She automatically turned around and smiled up at him, raising an eyebrow when she noticed how tense he was. Enjolras was not one to freeze in front of people easily, in fact this was one of the first times she had seen him in such a state.
Gathering up all his courage Enjolras finally revealed what had been eating away at him.
"I want you to meet my parents."
Enjolras: Eponine!
Me: *roll eyes and flip through book* what?
Enjolras: there is someone here who claims to know you
Nina: For the last time, no, I am not a spy, neither was I one, and nor will I ever be. Now let go of me! *pushes Courfeyrac off* Eponine, you gotta help me out here. I thought you said they were intelligent?
Me: they are... Just book smart
Nina: please tell these idiots that you know me.
Courfeyrac: do you know this boy?
Nina: you really aren't that smart are you? *removes cap and coat* crazy long blonde curly hair says I'm a girl. Sorry, but I adopted the trademark Eponine look.
Me: *set book down and tap my cap* many of us have
Courfeyrac: do you know her?!
Me: yes courf I do. She's another guest! I thought you'd b used to them by now
Nina: so, now that's all cleared up, do you all finally trust me?
Enjolras: not really
Nina: well we all know your gay enjy.
Me: wait what?!
Combeferre: oh boy...
Enjolras: what makes you think that!?
Nina: *tries to look innocent* well, you've never really shown interest in girls so... *winks*
Enjolras: I have!
Me: and here we go again...
Combeferre: yep. It's always so much fun
Nina: am I missing something here? Or is it me being blonde?
Me: *glance at enjolras* no it's not you being a blonde
Combeferre: more like enjolras being stubborn
Me: as stubborn as he is, it's fairly easy to trick him
Enjolras: no it's not!
Me: *smirk* yes it is
Nina: you thought I was a boy, of course it is. *looks at Combeferre with puppy dog eyes* spill.
Enjolras: Don't you dare!
Combeferre: I wasn't going to!
Me: *roll eyes*
Grantaire: This is entertaining...
Nina: *links arms with Combeferre* please?
Enjolras: No.
Nina: Well that's a shame. I'm just going to have to go to the National guard and tell then all of your little plans then. *goes to walk away*
Me: Oh no you don't! *grab your arm* We do not involve ourselves with the guard under any circumstances!
Courfeyrac: I thought she wasn't a spy
Nina: I'm not. But I could be... Anyways, you going to tell me about this girl you like them enjy or am I going over the top? Your choice.
Me: Neither!
Combeferre: We are not letting you go over there!
Nina: bring it on
