Montparnasse lay in his bed, staring up at the rotting wood of the ceiling. Despite the numerous drinks he'd consumed, he still couldn't sleep. He shuddered; never again. Sliding out of bed, he crept out into the hallway, trying to avoid the floor creaking. Glancing about, he carefully made his way into the Thenardier's room. He knew Monsiuer Thenardier and his wife would be sleeping soundly enough so he could go unnoticed. Eponine tossed in her own bed, clearly restless. Montparnasse slowly approached and put his hand on her shoulder. The girl jolted up and sucked in a breath, shaking and whimpering.
"Shh, 'Ponine, it's only me."
At the sound of a friendly voice, Eponine calmed, closing her eyes and regaining her breathing. Montparnasse sat on the bed next to her, draping his arm across her shoulder.
"What's gotchya up, 'Parnasse?"
"Can't sleep."
"Me neither. I'm worried 'bout Marius. Wha' if 'e gets shot 'r somethin', 'Parnasse? I..." Her voice drifted off, tears beginning to well up in her eyes.
Montparnasse furrowed his brow. "You've gotta stop thinkin' about that boy. He shouldn't be taking sleep from you."
"But I love 'im. So much, 'Parnasse. But 'e don't see that."
"Then stop trying to make him happy."
"I can't, I just can't. I'd die without 'im." Eponine began sobbing, burrowing her face in Montparnasse's chest. Her friend wrapped his arms around her, trying to comfort her. Once Eponine had quelled her weeping, she rested her chin on Montparnasse's shoulder, sniffing and coughing. She felt herself being pulled in closer, being warmed by Montparnasse's embrace. Nuzzling her head into his neck, she muttered a "Thank you." Montparnasse shivvered as Eponine's lips brushed against his neck, sending a jolt all across his body.
"You're welcome," he whispered back, running his fingers through Eponine's hair. They sat there for a moment, savoring each other's company as friends. Just friends.