More than Obligation

When Marius returned to the garret, his face was a little cleaner, as if he'd managed to find some water on his way up. Wordlessly, he sat down in the chair closer to Cosette's bedside.

Cosette delicately cleared her throat "How are you?"

"I'm fine," Marius said wearily, not sounding the least bit startled. "But what about you?"

Cosette gestured to the bandage. "I'm sorry if I'm being such trouble."

He turned to look at her. "Don't be sorry. It's my fault actually for letting you, Eponine, and Montparnasse head into danger."

"But you have been fighting too!" she pointed out as she tried to lean in closer to look at him better. "You don't know how afraid I have been, just not knowing where or how you are."

Marius lips quivered into a quizzical smile. "I should apologize for that too then, Cosette."

"Marius---" Cosette began before she realized that their hands had met. She blushed as she lightly brushed her fingers over his. "If you hadn't been there, I might have died."

Marius looked down, as if he'd been chastised. "I was doing what was needed at that moment. But you, Cosette...even when you do not have to, you worry about me. What would I do without you?"

"What you were doing before we met?" Cosette said lightly.

"That was hardly anything worth noting," Marius said, daring to look her in the eye again.

Cosette giggled, suddenly finding it difficult to look Marius in the face. "Marius, you do remember the first time we met, I was trying to rob your house? And I robbed you again, in that cabriolet two years ago."

"Now, you've taken more than just that," Marius said. His cheeks, once pallid, were now rosy from being flustered. He swallowed hard as he looked at her again. "I'm sorry if I'm being too forward."

"Don't be."

Before Marius could reply, a scratching sound came from the ceiling. "Now what in the world is that?" Cosette wondered.

Marius went to the window. "It's probably just the concierge's cat," he remarked. However, unexpectedly, a red cloth dangled momentarily in front of the window before it was hoisted up again.

"Oh no, you are not using this house in your barricade! Get off my roof!" the concierge screamed from the yard.

"We're only leaving less space for the Bourbons, madame!" a high, spirited voice replied from above.

Both Marius and Cosette almost started. "Gavroche! Get down from there!" Marius called as he opened the window and leaned out, looking upwards.

"Directly," Gavroche replied impishly. Marius stepped back to let Gavroche climb in the window. The gamin was in his usual filthy state, but his knees were scraped slightly from climbing. He had a loose tooth in his mouth, which he now and then jiggled with his tongue.

Marius sighed as he handed a clean cloth to Gavroche. "You'd better clean those wounds up."

Gavroche didn't heed him, but he glanced from Marius to Cosette. "Some hiding place you chose, citoyenne," he grinned at Cosette.

"Gavroche, go home. Don't run to the barricades." Cosette begged.

"My musket is in the yard,"

"Don't!"

Marius fished in his pocket for a five-franc piece. "Give this to your sisters. Right away."

Gavroche pocketed the coin and jauntily went to the door. "Presently then. Good day to you both!" he said, almost slamming the garret door.

Marius and Cosette exchanged despairing looks. "I'd better see that he does not any mischief. And get Combeferre or Joly to come here to see to your leg," Marius said.

Cosette looked at him concernedly "You're tired. Will you be able to manage? I'd go if I could, Marius."

"I know you would. But for now, rest. I'll be back soon," Marius said, lightly kissing her hand before putting on his torn coat and leaving the garret. Cosette smiled to herself and shut her eyes as she heard the door of Gorbeau House open and close.

"I'm sure I'll dream well now..." she realized before she drifted off into an easy sleep.