Sunlight was just starting to peek through the clouds when Montparnasse stepped outside. Running his fingers through his ebony hair, he let out a breath. He had a throbbing headache and was in a horrible mood. The events of the previous evening came to his mind once more. God, he would never live that down. But later, when the inn grew silent with the night, he had felt as though all other things that had happened before then were meaningless. Eponine, her fitful sleeping. This was the only night he had paid any mind. And if she wasn't thinking of that damn Pontmercy boy. That boy, Marius. He just like the rest of the rich in the city, cruel to lead on poor Eponine with thoughts of love. Not that Montparnasse himself knew anything of love; it wasn't important to him. But whenever he decreed his standings on the matter, he couldn't help but think of Eponine. Certainly, he felt a love for her in the means of friendship. He was quite sure the feeling was mutual. Who did Eponine idolize when she was younger? Who entertained her when the days grew dull? Who did she cry to when she felt as though her heart were breaking? Whose arms did find she solace in?
With each mental question Montparnasse grew more angry. And who but little Gavroche came to make matters worse.
"'scuse me, messieur...Eh, wha'? It's only you. Back t' make another game of me, are ya?" The child glared up at Montparnasse through his masses of hair.
"Go find someone else to bother. Hand to God, I'll break your little ribs if you don't clear out."
"A poor li'l child like meself? 'ave ya no 'eart? Or is tha' Thenardier girl breakin' it for ya?"
Gavroche laughed maliciously and began walking along the gutter, putting his arms out to balance.
"I don't love anyone. I'm a gamin like you."
"Not like me. I'm an upstandin' memeber of society. Plus, I don't gotta live by no rules." With that, Gavroche hopped back into the street and pulled his cap further over his eyes, strolling about in search of food. Montparnasse had been utterly shocked by the gamin's comment. But he wasn't going to let a child have the upper hand; he had at least replied before being swarmed by a flurry of questions. The child was far too clever for his own good. Muttering, Montparnasse trudged back to the inn and prepared for another dose of humilation.
Outside the inn, Montparnasse was surprised to see Eponine, who he assumed was waiting for him. Her expression was a mix between confusion and anger, most likely annoyed that he had snuck out without greeting her that morning. Bit of payback, for her ignoring him ever since she met that Marius.
"Wha's wrong, 'Parnasse? Tell th' truth."
"I just need some time to think." He massaged his pounding temples; the fresh air had done nothing for his head. Eponine didn't appear satisfied with the answer, but did not pry further. For a moment they stood in silence before Eponine spoke.
"Can't we go inside? I'm so cold out 'ere."
"Give me your hand," Montparnasse demanded. Eponine withdrew her arm from her thin coat, reaching out her hand to Montparnasse who took it in his own. The girl's hand was frigid against Montparnasse's own warm skin. He cupped Eponine's hand in his own for a moment before the girl suddenly drew her arm back.
"Come here." Eponine warily drew near to her friend on his command, frightened a bit by his tone. She found herself being pulled in by her friend, instantly feeling heat course through her body. Montparnasse pressed Eponine against himself, feeling her hips dig into his own. He felt the girl shudder and cough quietly. Eponine soon became aware of her closeness to Montparnasse, and so broke away. She backed off and quickly entered the inn, leaving Montparnasse in the cold. The chill of her skin had stayed on him; his heat lingered on her. But the two whisked the moment away from memory. It was for the best. And so Montparnasse slipped through the door of the inn, once more reminding himself about the pointlessness of love.