He he you guys are too much, really I'm blushing! This chapter we meet two new characters that you will only know if you've read the brick! No worries if you haven't, you can just google them. Warning: Adult themes in this chapter, read at your own risk.

Disclaimer: Do I own les mis? Please, I'm in high school. *eye roll*

The first thing Eponine was aware of was the smell; it smelled so nice, like the flowers that grew in the fields she played in with Azelma as a child, her little sister hardly able to keep up. Eponine would run ahead, losing Azelma behind her in the tall grass until she couldn't be seen. She would return when she heard Azelma crying for her, complaining about the heat and asking to be led home. Eponine would lead her back, running ahead, her long dark tresses tangling in the wind and her eyes laughing in a way they never did now. She would dance in the wind, but never too far that Azelma couldn't see her, and start crying again. Eponine was scared to open her eyes, afraid she would find herself on the cold floor of the inn, shattering her lovely memory like glass. The grass felt so soft under her fingers, and the sun enveloped her in its warmth. She didn't feel the slightest bit cold. But as her senses sharpened as she gained consciousness, the feeling didn't disperse, she felt warm, and her fingers touched soft material underneath her. Eponine opened her eyes, revealing a simple but well-furnished room. Books lined the shelves on the wall, hundreds of books it seemed. Eponine couldn't recall ever seeing so many books in her life. She felt the absence of the rough material of her skirt and looked down, shocked to see the lack of clothing on her body. Her shoulder throbbed painfully, and the events of the previous night (was it the previous night? Eponine had no idea how long she had been asleep) came flooding back to her. Eponine shut her eyes and involuntarily whimpered at the memory. She had thought her punishment was over when her father had taken out his knife, he usually stops after he uses it. But then he had left, leaving 'Parnasse and the others to have their way with her body. Eponine didn't know how long it had lasted, but it felt like an eternity. They had never all touched her, one after another, with 'Parnasse coming back for more, at one time before. And it had hurt! 'Ponine squeezed her eyes shut again as her abdomen gave a painful throb. It had hurt almost as bad as the first time. Her father was short, and wasn't able to pay everyone that month. So instead, he had led Eponine to the trees, and told her to wait, and not leave until "he" was done. She didn't know who "he" meant, but she didn't ask. Then 'Parnasse had appeared, he seemed like a ghost; he had crept up so quietly, and she had tried to run, but he was faster; and she had tried to fight, but he was stronger. She was thirteen that night. Eponine was startled by the door opening; she yanked the sheet over her scarcely decent body as a portly woman entered the room carrying a tray of food.

"Oh, dear you're awake," She said, smiling kindly, "I'm Yvonne, it's lovely to meet you." Eponine didn't reply, just stared warily at the woman, rather taken aback by such kindness.

"Mother, don't scare the poor girl," A young girl slipped into the room. She could only be Yvonne's daughter; she had the same kind blue eyes and smile as she addressed Eponine,

"I'm sure you're confused," She said, "We'll explain everything." She took the tray from her mother's hands and set it down on the table beside the bed.

"Gavroche, Azelma!" She called, "Your sister is awake! I'm Annette, by the way," She said, holding out her hand for Eponine to shake.

"I'm Eponine," she replied.

"Ponine!" Azelma and Gavroche cried as they ran into the room. Eponine stared at them, they looked very different, they had obviously taken a bath and someone had given them new clothes to wear, Azelma was actually wearing a dress! Azelma caught her staring and winked, twirling for her,

"It's nice, isn't it? Don't worry, there's one for you," She said, smoothing her hands over the light green fabric, "It's Annette's old one, but it's still the nicest dress I've ever worn!"

"Oy look at me!" Gavroche said, never to be left out, "Yvonne got me some new trousers, a shirt, and a new jacket! It's much warmer than my other one!"

"I see you still have the same hat," Eponine said, nodding to the tattered cap adorning her brother's head.

"O course!" Gavroche said, "I ain't gettin' rid o my hat!" Gavroche grinned, giving his sister a swift kiss to the cheek, "I'm glad yer awake now."

"How long was I asleep?" Eponine asked. Her voice sounded hoarse, she had screamed her throat raw.

"All day," Azelma said, sitting down on the side of the bed, "Me an' Gavroche woke up hours ago, and we found Yvonne makin' us some food, then we got to take real baths! Oh, Eponine, they smell so nice, and they feel so wonderful!" Eponine smiled.

"Where are we?" Eponine said.

"Calm down you two," Yvonne said, "Explain to your poor sister what happened, the poor thing must be so confused!"

"Well last night you wouldn't wake up, so I went to find Gavroche," Azelma said, "And he took me Monsieur Enjolras, who brought you back here to his flat. Joly fixed you up, and Enjolras let me an' Gavroche sleep here!"

"I'm the landlord's wife," Yvonne said, "Enjolras asked me to keep an eye on you until he returns from his classes, and Annette offered to lend you a dress, because your clothes were cut up."

"But I couldn't just give you one," Annette picked up the story, "So I gave Azelma one as well."

"Thank you," Eponine said to Annette, "You didn't have to do that."

"Think nothing of it," Annette said, "It's just a dress, and you need it more than I"

"Now you children need some fattening up!" Yvonne said, handing the Thenadiers platters of food, "Now eat!"

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My, what a difference a good night sleep in a warm place makes! And how lovely a proper jacket and full belly feel! Gavroche ran through the streets with a new energy. He was happy to have his sisters back, he was feeling lonely all by himself all the time, and he didn't get to see them as much as he liked. He planned on going back to the flat, he wanted to stay there as long as he could, but he couldn't stay cooped up inside with a bunch of girls all day. He neared the statue, slowing down as he reached the bottom where he climbs in, nearly tripping over two small rag - clad figures.

"Oy!" Gavroche exclaimed, "You two still hagin' abou'?" He asked the two little boys. Honestly they were small; the older boy couldn't have been more than seven.

"We were waitin' for you!" The older one said, "We're hungry you see, we hoped you could give us somethin' to eat!" Well Yvonne did say there was plenty to eat.

"Alright," Gavroche said, "Come with me!" Hopefully 'Zelma would't mind.

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"Are you mad?" Azelma asked, smacking her brother upside the head, "what are you thinking, bringin' in two more mouths to feed?"

"Oy, don hit me!" Gavroche said, ducking under Azelma's arm, I just thought we could give em' some food!" The younger boy began to cry, and Azelma directed her attention to them,

"Oh, come on then," She said, leading them to Eponine's room, "I'm sure Yvonne will not mind sparing you some food."

"Who's this?" Yvonne smiled kindly at the little boys.

"Some little street urchins Gavroche brought back," Azelma said, "They're hungry."

"Well I'd bet they are," Yvonne said, standing up, "You dears look half starved, wait here; I'll go get you some food.

"What are your names?" Eponine asked them as they sat on the edge of the bed.

"I'm Pierre," The older boy said, "And this is Nicolas."

"Maman," Nicolas said, snuggling up to Eponine's side.

"Forgive him," Pierre said, "ever since we were separated from Magnon he believes any girl with his dark hair is his mother."

"Magnon?" Eponine asked, "I recognize that name," Eponine looked down at Nicolas, he did have the same color hair as her and Gavroche, but his eyes were lighter, almost like-

"Oh my!" Eponine exclaimed, "I believe you are our brothers!"

"What?" Pierre asked, "No, we don't have any siblings."

"Wait, she's right," Azelma said, "I remember papa giving you two to Magnon, look at us, we all look alike!" It was true, Pierre had Azelma's lighter hair and Eponine's eyes, and in the boys' young, round faces it could very clearly be seen that they closely resembled Gavroche.

"But it's impossible!" Pierre said, "Why did Magnon never tell us?"

"You were too young to remember," Eponine said, "You must be about seven, making you," Eponine tickled Nicolas with her good hand, "four, am I correct?"

"Yes, Maman!" Nicolas said.

"Not Maman, sœur," Eponine said, "I'm your big sister."

"My, you all seem to be getting along," Yvonne said, entering the room with food for the young boys, "We must see about getting you some new clothes."

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As Enjolras returned home from his classes with a sour - faced Grantaire, he was not expecting to find his flat so crowded. He swore there were two more children than before, how large was the Thenardier family anyway?

"Hello Enjy!" Annette called from where she was sitting with a little boy on her lap, playing some sort of horsey game.

"Hello Annette," Enjolras replied, "Who are all these people?" Annette lifted the child from her lap, biding him go play with Gavroche and yet another young boy.

"They are the Thenadier's little brothers," She replied, "They haven't seen them in almost four years, and Gavroche just happened to find them! Isn't that wonderful!?"

"Oh yes, just peachy," Grantaire said, stumbling to the couch, "How long do they plan on staying in my flat?"

"Jus til 'Ponine's well," Gavroche said, "then we'll leave."

"How is she doing?" Enjolras asked Annette quietly.

"She's alright," Annette answered, "quieter than her siblings, but I believe that's a good thing." Laughing slightly, Enjolras left Annette and Grantaire in the living room, poor Grantaire having been swamped by the dark haired little boy demanding he be read a book. Enjolras entered the bedroom to find the girls admiring Azelma's new dress.

"Monsieur Enjolras!" Eponine exclaimed when she saw him, tugging the sheets over her bust so suddenly that Azelma went flying to the ground, "How lovely to see you!" She didn't seem too embarrassed; she's far too feisty to blush.

"Azelma, could I speak to Eponine alone for a moment?" Enjolras asked.

"Sure," Azelma said, leaving them alone.

"Please tell me you don't have any more little siblings," Enjolras said, "I don't know how many more I can handle." Eponine laughed, a laugh that didn't fully reach her eyes.

"No," Eponine said, "That's it. We'll leave, if you want us too."

"What do you plan on doing if you leave?" Enjolras asked her. Eponine sighed,

"I don't know, Gavroche and Azelma can take care of themselves, but Nicolas and Pierre can't, and I won't abandon them."

"What if you stayed here," Enjolras offered, "Grantaire has been looking for his own flat anyway, so you can have his room."

"Why are you being so kind?" Eponine asked.

"Because you deserve better than what you've been dealt, and if I plan to help the poor, I may as well begin with you. You will be safe here, you all will." Enjolras said. His eyes flickered to her bruises; the glance wasn't lost on Eponine.

"You know, don't you?" She said quietly.

"Yes, Joly told me," Enjolras said, "Don't worry, I won't let them do it again." Eponine offered him a sad smile, almost pitying, really.

"How do you expect to stop them Monsieur?" Eponine asked, "Hide me? They'll find me; defend me? They'll kill you. Just don't tell Marius, please." Enjolras looked at her, this sad, emaciated, broken young woman. There was something extraordinary about her, not because she was pretty, or even desirable in the slightest, but she had rendered him, a passionate, confidant speaker, completely speechless.

To clarify, there are no romantic feelings between them, yet. They've only known each other for a little while, I feel like other fanfics move so quickly, and take 'Ponine and Enjy out of character, I'm trying my best not to do that. Enjolras doesn't care for her romantically; he's just a really good guy. But stay tuned my dearies.

I'll be going away for a few days, I may write on the plane (?) or complete the next chapter before I leave, it depends on my muse, and it's been pretty good thus far! But the next update may be a little while, since then I'm back to school.