Early that morning, just as the sun was beginning to truly show and people were starting to crowd the street, Jean was already up on his feet getting ready.
Ready to put his worries at ease again for a day. Given, Javert kept to his word.
"Javert." Jean called softly, giving a push to the man's shoulder.
The former lawman muttered something he didn't quiet understand and shoved his hand away.
"Oh my dearest, it's time to get up and start the day." Jean spoke low, leaning in close. He smiled, placing a kiss to the others cheek.
"Not yet. Come back to bed or just let me sleep longer.." Javert complained.
Jean gave a slight growl. "Alright. If that approach doesn't work..." He trailed off, walking over to where the window of the room was at. Within a quick flash, the cover was slung open, allowing the sun's rays to pour in.
"Why you!" Javert exclaimed, glaring his way.
"Don't start fussing at me now. You said you'd take me to the hospital last night, so get up." He ordered.
Javert sat up, giving a yawn as he stretched. "That's before you kept me awake all night. The plan was to knock you out, not me."
Jean turned back to face him, smirking. "Don't tell me you can't handle a night's loss of sleep. I've been dealing with it for years."
"Actually, this is the first time I've ever felt truly at rest." Javert replied, getting up.
Jean quickly directed his stare to the floor. "I... I'm glad for that." He stuttered, fighting his desire to watch the other as he began getting dressed.
"There's no need to be shy about watching me." Javert nearly chuckled under his breath as he pulled his trousers up.
Jean opened his mouth to speak, yet he couldn't think of what to say exactly.
Javert made his way over to the mayor. "We know one another from head to toe now, there's no need to be ashamed." He smiled, placing a kiss to his lover's lips.
Jean returned the smile. "Thank you."
"You're welcome. Now, we need to stop playing around like two young mademoiselles and finish getting ready." Javert replied, taking a step back. Of course, if he had it his way he would stay here all day with Jean, further discovering new things about each other.
"Right. Um, about that. I have something to announce." Jean spoke as he began to button up his shirt.
"What would that be?" Javert asked.
"If Marius is awake... And has the okay to leave, he is to come with us." Jean answered.
"To come with us? You mean to stay here, in the same house as us?" Javert questioned nervously.
"Yes, of course. He'll need a place to stay." The mayor replied.
"Is that such a good idea? Cosette and him, I thought they took interest in one another. Do you really want the boy your daughter fancies under the same roof with her?"
Jean gave a low laugh. "Javert, I'm sure the last thing he'll want to do is to steal a girl's innocence. He's been through a war and he'll probably be in quite a bit of pain still." He made his way back to the bed, to put his shoes on. "Besides, could I really hold that against them? When I myself have slept with and fallen for someone I could never marry."
Javert gave him a glare. "Your mind is too open."
"That's not the only thing that's too open." Jean chuckled, earning himself a sigh. "What's it worrying you for?"
"He wanted to kill me! He sent you to kill me! He'll try to do it again, I just know it. I don't trust him." Javert answered defensively, scowling at the other.
"I'll talk to him. We'll straighten that out and it will be fine." Jean assured.
(Javert :) "I trust in your word... I just hope its truth."
Jean smiled, slipping on the second shoe. "It is. Regardless, Marius is sweet. He wouldn't hurt a fly. He was only provoked by his friends. The blonde - Enjolras, is who attacked you and sent me to kill you. Not Marius..."
"Of course he was." Javert sarcastically muttered as he finished dressing.
"You'll see." Jean retorted, making his way to the door of his room. He grabbed his coat and scarf from their rack, adding the final touches to his outfit.
"We'll have to walk today. Or you can take my horse and I'll walk." Javert spoke as they made their way out of the building.
"No thank you on the latter. I 'am not too keen on riding horses alone." Jean replied.
"Oh, right. I'm sorry for what happened that day. If I knew the horse would've slipped, I wouldn't have cut the corner like I done." Javert frowned, running his hands through the man's hair as they stepped out the door.
Jean gave a huff, pushing the others hand away. "Don't Javert. Not while we're in public view."
The lawman listened, letting his hand drop.
"It was nothing... The horse just merely bruised me up a bit. I was lucky the bone didn't break, so the nurse said when Cosette finally got me to go." Jean added.
"I'm starting to see that Cosette has a knack for getting what she wants done." Javert stated.
"Yes, she's a powerful woman. I have no doubt her future will be bright." Jean smiled lightly to himself.
(Javert :) "She's had a good father to raise her right."
(Jean :) "Well, I don't like to brag but I was a hell of a lot better than that crazy aunt of hers."
Javert laughed. "Look at you, coming out of your shell with your words. Getting use to the vulgarity are we?"
Jean blushed light, shrugging his shoulders. "I suppose I 'am. I need to stop. It's neither professional nor fitting for me."
"I like it. It's a bit rebellious for you." Javert smirked. "I love a rebellious man."
Jean gave a low gasp and a shove to him. "Shh!" He hissed. "You're being awfully brave out."
"You better be thankful we are in public, or you'd get it for shoving me." Javert retorted with playfulness in his voice.
Jean was just about to reply, until the smell of the bakeries and the few restaurants in the town caught his attention.
"Maybe, I shouldn't have rushed us out..." He mumbled, his stomach giving a growl.
"Mmhm, now you say that." The lawman taunted. "Do you want to stop and eat first?"
"No. I'm curious to see how Marius is doing and how Cosette is holding up." Jean answered.
"Well, that makes one of us..." Jean trailed off, letting his gaze drop to the street.
He wasn't looking forward to this at all and in fact regretting even offering.
The things one does for love.
Javert gave a deep sigh, standing in front of the hospital door. "How about I just stay out here and wait?" He asked, with a nervous grin.
"No, you're going in. Cosette will be glad to see you again. Besides, you're a strong man. Marius would be nothing compared to you, certainly not at this moment." Jean answered firmly.
"God, what did I get myself into?" Javert grumbled to himself, making his way inside with the other.
His steps were slow behind Jean as they made their way down the rows of beds.
"Cosette?" Jean called softly as he made his way towards where she would be.
Once he reached the area, he spotted Cosette firstly, still sitting next to the bed, awake.
She turned her gaze to Jean, mildly surprised. "You're here, quiet early as well." She stated the obvious.
"Yes, I wanted to see how you and Marius were doing." Jean answered, turning his attention over to the bed.
"Me? I'm doing just splendid!" Marius answered. To Jean's surprise, he was wide awake, sitting and chowing down whatever the nurse had brung him, as if he hadn't ate a meal his entire life.
The mayor breathed a sigh of relief, before giving a smile. "That's good."
"Still in a quiet a bit of pain though." Marius shrugged.
"The nurse said he's making a fast recovery already." Cosette added.
"I expected nothing more from him. He's a wondrous man." Jean replied, before looking to the side of him. "Get over here." He hissed.
Javert gave a shake of his head.
"Do you have another guest with you?" Cosette asked curiously.
"I do." Jean answered. "Excuse me a minute." He added, making his way to where his lover stood.
"Come on." He ordered, taking hold of the man's wrist.
"No, stop!" Javert growled low. However, he was dragged along regardless.
"Javert?" Cosette nearly rose from her seat.
Marius took a glance, then another just to make sure he was seeing the right person. "YOU!" He yelled suddenly, pointing the fork at Javert.
"It's not what you think" Jean started.
"What is he still doing alive!? You were supposed to get rid of him, we trusted you!" Marius roared, a glare locked on Jean.
"It is not in me to kill another." Jean smiled innocently.
"That was your job! You betrayed us!" The younger attempted to sit up further, only to grimace and growl in hurt from the quick movement.
"Marius, calm down!" Cosette commanded, standing.
Marius ignored her, throwing the fork directly at Javert. "You should be dead!"
Javert dodged the silverware, glaring back at him. "Watch it boy."
"I at least thought we took him down. That's one thing I was proud of. But you failed us..." Marius sighed.
"Us? Kid, there is no more us! They're dead. Every one of them. You're the last. Their own efforts went in vain." Javert blurted out.
"Javert!" Jean growled.
Marius's eyes widened. "A-all of them? It can't be..." He glanced between the two men.
"I'm afraid it is." Jean answered, looking down. "I'm sorry."
Marius gave a shake of his head. "It's alright. That was their destiny and they met it with bravery."
"Will you be alright?" Cosette asked with worry.
Marius took a deep breath, wiping his eyes once. "Yes. It was what they wanted." He turned back to Cosette. "Besides, I have lived another day. Another day I will spend with you."
The woman gave a soft smile.
"Well, regardless, you have a family now with us." Jean put in. "You are welcome to live with me for as long as you'd like."
"Is he going to be there?" Marius asked, turning his attention back to Javert.
Jean stared over at the man. "Yes, of course."
"Why? What is this traitor to you?" Marius asked.
"A friend. He is no traitor. He had the perfect chance to take my life, and yours. He did not. He let me pass. He is the reason Cosette is here. The reason she stayed with you the night." Jean responded.
"A friend?" Marius laughed. "He doesn't look like the friend type."
Jean gave a simple smile. "Never judge a book by its cover my dear boy; you'll miss out on the exciting adventures that are to be told inside." He happily stated, nudging Javert's hand with his. He couldn't refuse.
"Give him a chance?" asked Cosette.
"How long has he even known this Javert?" Marius asked. "Did they just meet yesterday? Do you base your friendship on him sparing you because you had nearly a dead man with you?"
"I have known him for years." Javert replied.
"I still do not trust you." Marius retorted before reaching for the cup of water on the night stand.
"That's alright, because I do not trust you either." Javert shot back.
"Okay, well we will have plenty of time to trust one another now." Jean spoke. "You will come to love Javert in time, as he will you. Think of him like, an uncle to you."
The words earned strange looks from both Marius and Javert. Thankfully Marius already had the mouth full of water swallowed.
(Marius :) "Yeah, I don't mean to be rude Miseur but that's not happening."
Jean took a deep breath. "I feel like I'm being targeted here. I'm only trying to get the both of you to see eye to eye."
"His opinion does not matter to me." Javert replied.
"That's grand to know, yours doesn't to me either." Marius smarted off.
"Would the both of you hush up already?" Cosette asked. "If you don't like each other, that's fine. But Marius, where else have you to go? You honestly have no choice but to take my father up on his offer. You and Javert can stay out of each other's way, as simple as that." She turned to her father. "As for you papa, I'm not wishing to speak out of term but, whatever comes between them is their drama. Do not worry yourself with their tension."
Jean smiled lightly, giving a nod. "You have come a long way..." He muttered.
"Just before you came the nurse said he could leave whenever he wants. He'll be alright on his own." Cosette finished.
"Do you accept my offer?" Jean questioned the man.
Marius huffed. "I suppose I do. Cosette is right. I have no were to go. I once spent my days with Enjolras and Eponine... Following them but now, there is no one to follow." He let his voice drop to a whisper.
For a brief moment, Jean felt like consulting him. The boy was brave. He knew this; he knew how Marius was hiding. Hiding the mourning for the loss of those he put his faith and love in before Cosette came along.
Jean understood. He could relate. He could offer advice, kind and helpful words. But he dared not.
He didn't understand why, it was unlike him to not consult a person who was hurt in his presence. But yet, the boy had to stand on his own feet did he not?. Resolve his own demons, like Jean himself had done.
"It is time to make your own path in this world. You are no child following in another's footsteps." Javert spoke. Not the best choice of advice but it would do.
Marius clenched his teeth. If Javert knew what was good for him, he would back off.
"Speaks the man that follows the wrong doings of the law. You are the reason they are dead. You were let free, and helped the law." Marius retorted.
"I no longer follow the law. I didn't that day, I don't now." Javert replied.
"Yet, you come here in uniform." Marius pointed out.
(Javert :) "I have nothing different to wear for the day. I 'am sure you know where I stand there."
Marius was sure to speak, until he was cut off by Jean. "That is not of any worry."
The young man pushed his words and thoughts along with the plate aside. "Alright, I'm ready." He stated, climbing out of the bed.
Cosette stood from her seat, going to assist him.
Jean took a step forward, about to assist the young man. However, Javert took hold of his arm pulling him back and giving a shake of his head. "Let Cosette help him."
Jean gave a sigh. "I only want to be of use..." He muttered.
"Your job is done. You saved the boy, now let's not worry. He is Cosette's to deal with for the rest." Javert replied low
"Javert,"
"They need this, it will bond them. It will teach them to rely on one another and to trust." Javert interrupted.
"I suppose so..." Jean paused. "I do wish you wouldn't cut me off so much though. I know what I 'am doing, and what they are."
(Javert :) "I'm sorry. I didn't realize I was stepping out of line."
"I have grown used to it." Jean smarted off before Cosette and Marius made their way past them.
Before Javert could give his reply, Jean was off following the two.
Javert sighed low, following behind the mayor.
"If you wouldn't mind, I would like for Cosette and I to revisit the cafe, just the two of us." Marius suggested suddenly as they were making their way down the street.
"Uh, are you sure you're able? You just got out of the hospital. Are you certain you won't need any of our assistance?" Jean asked.
Marius smiled lightly. "I'm sure. I can handle myself now." He answered, turning back to Cosette, holding his arm out. "Shall we my dear?"
The woman nodded, taking his arm in hers. "We shall."
"Leave them be Jean." Javert could just sense his urge to go along.
"I'm worried. What if he-"
"Enough with the if's. Did we not clear that last night?" Javert asked, nearly smirking.
Jean blushed lightly. "We did but he is like a son to me. I just feel as if it's my duty to protect the both of them."
"Your duty right now is to get something to eat." Javert replied softly, wrapping an arm around the man casually. "I can't have you fainting on me and ending up the hospital too." He smiled softly.
"Very well then." Jean replied, feeling as if he was about to faint this very second. Not from any hunger but from Javert himself.
"Aren't I a lucky man, to have such a caring lover?" He spoke low, smiling to himself.
"That's part of my duty." Javert answered. "That aside, what would you like to eat?"
"Can you cook?" Jean asked.
(Javert :) "Yes, but what difference does that make?"
"Neither one of the places here will do... I would like for you to cook for me." Jean replied.
"That's not-" Javert was cut off.
(Jean :) "I don't care. I have witnessed your skills of everything else. I wish to taste your art of culinary."
Javert gave a shake of his head. "When did you become such a demanding man?"
"I'm just trying to catch up on the years we've missed together." Jean replied with a shrug.
"How is making me the house wife catching up on the years?" Javert nearly growled.
"Awe, come on darling. It'll be a sweet gesture. And just think, of what an amusing sight it would be for me to see such a serious man in my kitchen, wearing an apron, cooking." Jean fought back, nearly to the point of laughing this very moment.
"I would never! You are pushing your luck too far." Javert retorted.
(Jean :) "Alright, just the meal it is then?"
Javert sighed. "If it is what you want."
"Let's be on our way then, its freezing." Jean ordered, giving a shiver as he brung his hands up to his face, attempting to warm them with his breath.
Javert waited a moment, before following the man.
He gave a look around at the people passing by on the street and sighed. How he hated people at this moment.
A moment of where he wanted to just stop the mayor, take the man's hands in his and rub the coldness away. But even that would raise it's suspicions.
"Say, Jean..." He started, now walking beside his lover.
(Jean :) "Hm?"
"You are the mayor of this town... Therefore, these people, they are basically under your control." Javert spoke.
Jean chuckled. "No. They are not. No human is under the control of anyone. They are free to choose their life in my own personal opinion. Whatever consequences or reward they face for their actions is just the price that comes along with it."
"Is that what you thought all those years ago?" Javert questioned.
Jean took a deep breath, giving it thought. "Well, let's look at my dishonesty the way I have done so since that night in the woods..." He trailed off. "If I never stold, I never would've gotten arrested. I never would have met you, and we wouldn't be here right now... We wouldn't have known what the feeling of love was truly like." He turned his gaze to the other. "Knowing this is my reward for my choice, I would go through it again and again."
"I see..." Javert glanced down for a moment's time. "I just, thought that these are your people, therefore they shouldn't care what you done and who it was done with."
"Are you suggesting? No, you're mad. The officers, they would slaughter us with their bullets." Jean replied, not needing a further word of him.
"You're right, that is a crazy thought... From a crazy man." Javert smirked slyly to himself, as he gave a quick look over to the newly passed people who seemed too busy with their own lives to notice them.
Within a split second, Jean was grabbed and pulled close, with Javert's lips locked on his.
Jean's eyes widened in shock. "What do you think you're doing!?" He asked, furious as he took a step backwards.
"Jean!" Javert exclaimed when the other had lost his balance falling back on his rear.
"Are you alright?" The former lawman asked, trying to keep his chuckle hidden as he held out his hand.
He was well aware of the strangers around with their attention locked on them now but he didn't care. They surely didn't see what just previously took place.
Jean glared up at the man and slapped his hand away. "I don't need your help." He stated, standing to his feet on his own free will.
"I 'am sorry, I didn't mean for that." Javert whispered, attempting to straighten the others clothing out.
Jean gave a huff, forcing his hands away. "Back off for a bit Javert. You over stepped your boundaries out here. You must be trying to kill us." He hissed.
"I 'am not." Javert defensively retorted, following the other as he continued walking. "Jean, I don't know how to explain it but I want to be right next to you. Touching you... My lips against yours... My eyes locked on yours. I feel foolish but, I can't avoid it."
"That is where control comes in. Do you think that when I caught glances of you out that I didn't want to tackle you right then and there and kiss you, and then give you a hell of a lecture? Because I did. But this is the public and our desires have to be left behind." Jean replied. "That goes for while you're cooking my breakfast as well."
"Yes, whatever you say." Javert stated, letting himself fall behind the other somewhat.
Jean sat at the oak table, that normally only had his and Cosette's company, as he watched Javert begin his work.
"So, what is my feisty cook making for me this fine morning?" He asked, smirking at how he practically had this man wrapped around his finger already.
So much for not controlling another human. He deserved the control though. It was payback for all the years Javert ruled over him.
"It's a surprise." Javert replied, gathering up the finishing ingredients.
"Well, make quick work of it, I'm starving." Jean ordered.
Javert gave a harsh glance over his shoulder as he opened up a bag of flour. "You should've eaten first before we left and then we wouldn't be having this problem."
Jean gave a shrug. "What can I say? A father is protective over his children. They are always put first..." He trailed off. "Haven't you ever felt that way over someone? Not just protective but, have you ever seen someone as being like your own child?"
Javert let his gaze drop to the ground. "Once, a year or two before we caught you. He had a death sentence on him though."
"Oh, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked." Jean muttered, feeling a bit awkward.
"It's alright. He was arrested for supposedly murdering somebody. He claimed he was only at the wrong place, at the wrong time. It didn't make much a difference, we took him in, treated him like any other prisoner. But, in time he and I established a bond of some sort. He felt like a son to me. I wanted to watch over him, to get him out of there. However I couldn't do a damn thing..." Javert trailed off.
Jean listened, closely. Waiting for whatever else he had to say. This was another part of Javert he was learning. It was important, his attention didn't stray.
"He broke out though. He waited, until the right moment and broke free." Javert added.
"Well, why not find him and see him?" Jean asked.
"He's dead. When the officers discovered he was on the loose, we hunted him down. It only took a night to find him. He was shot right on the spot..." Javert answered, letting it end there. Jean didn't need to know the rest, the deeper details.
Within that moment, Jean understood everything about this man. Why Javert had a hard time getting close, and why he would always run.
The first person he had gotten close to was killed and he thought history would simply repeat itself.
"Well, you know you can open your heart to Marius, and Cosette. Marius is just scared; he means no harm to you. If you take the right attitude with him, I'm sure he'll come to trust you." Jean replied, hoping to bring the man further out of his shell.
"Cosette maybe. Marius? No. He's too much of a hassle. He's still such a rambunctious young man. And, I have my hands tied with my suddenly overly troublesome lover. Worrying over your further son-in-law would send me to my grave." Javert chuckled.
"Oh, is that what you think? Do you honestly consider me troublesome?" Jean asked.
Javert gave a smirk, taking a hand full of flour. "Well, just a tad." His smirk grew as he turned to face the man. "But, we all can be sometimes." He added, and within a second, he threw the flour at the other.
Jean stared up at him in shock with his mouth open. "W-what has gotten into you? You're calling me trouble, and yet look at you. Making such a mess!" He retorted, standing.
"Oh come on, it's a good look for you." Javert kept his cocky smirk.
Jean growled. "Is it? Why don't you..." He trailed, taking a handful of the flour himself. "Try it on!?" He questioned, slinging the ingredient at the man.
Javert gasped. "My outfit!" He roared.
"Your outfit? That outfit makes no difference now. You're not a part of them anymore." Jean smiled, wrapping his arms around the man's neck.
"Fine, I'll call your little act of revenge even, after..." Javert glanced over at the counter, reaching for the wooden spoon that was in a bowl of honey. "This." He replied, taking the spoon and running it down the side of the mayor's face.
"Javert!" Jean exclaimed. "If that's how you want to play, if it's a war you want. It's a war you shall get." He stated, reaching for whatever he could possibly find.
However, Javert grabbed a hold of his wrist, stopping him. "That'll be enough of that." He smiled lightly.
"Oh, it's not fair! You get the last attack." Jean frowned.
"It's perfectly fair." Javert replied, wrapping his other arm around the man's waist and leaning in close.
Jean expected a kiss that would've hinted of apology. To his surprise though, he wasn't granted his want. Javert instead ran his tongue over where the honey was.
Jean blushed deeply, suddenly forgetting to breathe, move, talk, and even stand. If not for Javert's support.
"Is that fair?" Javert questioned with a voice of sweetness when he stared the man back in the eyes.
"N-not really." Jean replied, in hopes of gaining more.
"Not really." Javert laughed, pulling Jean closer to him. Their lips locked and everything in Jean's mind disappeared.
"How did we become so... Childish?" Jean asked when Javert pulled away.
"I don't know but, you make me feel like there's an enormous power surging through me. You've brung me back to life. You've brung out a side of me I didn't even know was there... I love it." Javert answered.
Jean smiled in pride. He has done the impossible. "I'm glad."
"I've been blessed with the utmost of luck, to have my heart captured by a man as wonderful as yourself." Javert spoke, backing the man up against the counter.
Jean kept his eyes right on the other until their lips met again.
How he didn't want this moment to end. Infract, he would love for it to drag on, grow into something more intense.
Javert smiled against his lips, as he pressed his body closer to the mayors. "Again?" He questioned, breaking their kiss by just inches.
Jean nearly shivered at the feel of the others warm breath against his skin. "Well, you bring out a side of me I didn't think I had... You bring it out a lot..."
"I've only been here a few hours." Javert stated.
"Well... Yes... But... I've always thought of you... Thought of that night... My hand wasn't as enjoyable as having you to bring me my pleasure but it was satisfying enough then..." Jean replied, suddenly glaring down to the floor, red tinting his cheeks. Why did he even say such a thing? How stupid of him! He's never wished he could disappear like he did now.
Javert found himself even blushing at the thought. "You are being very open with me on this..." He muttered.
"I'm sorry! I just missed you all the time... I wanted you more than anything... I needed that... I never could bring myself to go with another. I thought it but couldn't..." Jean sighed. "Christ, I wish I wasn't here right now..." He dared not to look up at the other.
"It's okay. In some odd way, I'm flattered." Javert gently spoke. "Flattered someone thought of me in that way, more than once. Those I was with were merely a one-time thing. They never wanted to see me again. Certainly not the men. I feel honored that you have longed for me though... That, you found me worthy of waiting for."
Jean gave a look of understanding, placing a hand on the others cheek. "What selfish people they were to just use you. They didn't deserve a second of your time."
"No, but you deserve an eternity of it." Javert replied, about to close in for another kiss.
"M'sieur Madeliene!" Suddenly, Marius's voice echoed through the room.
Javert froze, daring not to move. Jean the same.
With the name called out, their world stopped, crashed. The once perfect moment was filled with anything but the happiness that previously lingered in the air.
A bit of a cliff hanger to keep the suspense (is it suspenseful? Lol) up.
I for one adore this chapter. And yes, I know they are pretty much out of character, Javert especially. But wouldn't you be too if you were so in love? Haha. Maybe I've just been feeling too romantic lately. =P
Anyway, what will happen? What will Marius think? What will he say, what will he do? How will Jean and Javert react to being caught? Only time will tell!