Valjean stayed well behind the man in front of him, not really wanting to draw attention to himself, but also wanting to keep his promise that he would return to Javert once Marius was safe. He very much wanted to prove that the Inspector was wrong about him. Valjean carefully watched Javert, trying to figure out what on earth he was doing so close to the edge. He appeared to be having some sort of strong inner battle with himself, shoulders hunched, fists clenched at his sides. Suddenly, Javert stood extremely straight, and unclenched his hands with some effort. Valjean heard him draw in a ragged sounding breath before the man looked around slowly. He had an odd expression on his face, and Valjean was having hard time reading it.
It wasn't anger. That was obvious, and an expression Valjean knew very well. It wasn't annoyance either. In fact, the Inspector looked a little sad, but there was something more there.
No…how could Javert be…was Javert afraid?
It was such an alien expression on the face of his tormentor. Even when he had been captured by the students at the barricade, Javert had only looked exhausted and resigned. What was he afraid of?
Valjean edged forward quietly, wanting to break the silence and distract Javert. But before he could say anything, Javert spoke very quietly. Valjean barely heard the hoarse whisper.
"There is no way to go on."
Alarmed, Valjean moved closer, and to his horror, Javert stepped closer to the edge and leaned forward.
If he took one more step, he would fall….
Valjean leapt forward and wrapped his arms around Javert's waist, yanking him away from the ledge and causing them both to fall over backwards. Valjean quickly rolled them both several times away from the edge. When he stopped, Javert was lying on top of him, disoriented.