Chapter 3: Why by 98 degrees

"She looked shattered, so utterly forlorn and that was all I could do not to take her in my arms and kiss the tears."

- x -

IN A NEAR BY CAFE

For a long time, Eponine and Courfeyrac sat in silence, both hesitant to say anything. Courfeyrac stared intently into the fire.

"What happened?" he asked finally.

Eponine looked at the floor. "Well, that man – what was his name again? Jodelet? – He wanted to have a little fun with me and offered me a drink. I refused, so he grabbed me and kissed me. I pushed him away and ran."

She cast a quick, sideways look at Courfeyrac. The boy's jaw was set taut. His hands were clenched into fists, the knuckles white. Eponine couldn't help but feel a little surprised.

Courfeyrac stood suddenly. "I'm going to get us something to drink" He disappeared into the counter, returning a few minutes later with two cups of cappuccino.

Eponine took the offered cup gratefully, relishing the warmth of it. She drank the coffee in silence, glancing around the room at the floor, the ceiling, anywhere but at Courfeyrac. She could feel the boy's eyes on her, and she shifted uneasily in her seat.

"Is there something wrong?" she asked quietly, searching Courfeyrac's face for an answer.

"What? No." He averted his gaze. "I was justâ€you have a lovely smile -do you know that? And it's complimented beautifully by your milk foam moustache!"

Even though he spoke in a teasing tone, Eponine could still feel her cheeks turning red. She quickly raised a hand and brushed away the cream.

"Let me help you," Courfeyrac whispered.

He cupped Eponine's face in his hands and gently brushed a thumb over her upper lip, lingering there for a moment. Then, much to Eponine's surprise, he leaned forward, giving her a short, soft kiss on the lips. He pulled back, and she found herself drowning in his blue gaze. Stunned, Eponine could only stare dumbly at Courfeyrac.

"I'm sorry, Eponine. I wasn't thinking clearly" he whispered, slightly embarrassed.

"Never mind. Thank you for the lovely talk...I appreciate it... I better go."

And with that, she stood up and head for the door. Save me, she thought desperately.

"Wait," Courfeyrac called. "Why don't you stay here for the night?"

She looked at him and smiled. "Are you good at guessing games?"

Courfeyrac looked at her curiously. "I don't think so. Why?"

She walked back to him. "You are stopping me from going home. Well, yes I have a place to stay but I don't have much of a home to go to. You get the difference, don't you?"

Courfeyrac nodded. "You can sleep in Marius' old room."

"Are you sure it isn't too much? I mean, first you told me how to stand up for myself. Then you saved me from François Jodelet and then"

Courfeyrac raised a hand to silence her. "I insist." He gave her a warm smile. With that, he and Eponine left the café and went to Courfeyrac's flat. He led her to Marius' old room. "Go on. I'll be in the other room. Just tell me if you need anything." He smiled and left the room.

"Courfeyrac?" Eponine called after him.

"Yes?"

"Thank you. Good night."

"Good night, Eponine."

- x-

There Cait! I changed the scene to a café†Good idea, it was better. Rachael said that he shouldn't have done that, considering Eponine was a dirty street rat. Courfey could have any girl in town. Eponine is a good child of France, even if she's poor you know! During her first days with Les Amis, she HAD a bath in Courfey's house and †alright! He knew she was a thief but he couldn't care less! I wrote it the first story! Read it if you don't believe me! Anyway, next chapters coming soon; don't pressure me! I have a lot in my hands†- Rissa. 