"Miseur Madeliene!" Suddenly, Marius's voice echoed through the room, startling and stunning the two men.
"I knew it; he is not to be trusted!" Marius exclaimed, just as Cosette came to the side of him.
"What do you mean?" Cosette asked.
"Do you not see? He has your father backed against the counter!" Marius roared, thinking anything but what the scene actually was.
Cosette took a look over at the two, before a light pink came across her pale cheeks. "Oh dear... I apologize; we didn't mean to walk in... We just came back and no one answered our calls and this was the last room to look in... We'll just, be going now... Sorry..." She nervously explained, taking Marius's arm in hers. "Come on."
"No, wait. What do you mean, you're sorry? What is this? What is going on?" Marius asked, completely confused.
Javert stepped back, leaving Jean nowhere to hide.
"Marius, before you say anything, this is not what you think. You surely assume he had turned on me but you're sadly mistaken. I 'am not in any harm's way." Jean answered.
"Then what is happening? I don't understand..." Marius trailed off, giving a shake of his head.
Jean swallowed deeply, glancing over at Javert for his approval. The other nodded, keeping a cautious stare on Marius.
"You see, how you feel about Cosette... Well, that is how I feel about Javert." Jean answered.
It took a minute for it to sink into the young males mind. "No! No, no. You can't! It is not right!" He yelled, backing away from Cosette.
"Marius, try to understand. Love is love, we cannot choose who our hearts go out to." Cosette put in, attempting to reproach him.
"You stay away from me! The three of you! You're not who I thought you were... Miseur, how could you? I thought you were a righteous man... Yet, you have been fooling around with such filth... To have the likes of you save my life, it's a disgrace!" Marius spoke, clenching his teeth.
"Get ahold of yourself!" Javert growled. "Who are you to judge another's happiness? You have no right! You're just a boy, who thinks he understands everything and how the world works, how it should be. You know nothing! You only know what you have learnt from your leader. Well, look at where that attitude got him!"
Marius's eyes widened with anger. How dare this man!?
"D-don't you bring him into this! Don't you dare! I won't allow it!" Marius shouted, now in front of the former officer and having a grip on his shirt, his own body starting to shake.
"I would advise you to not follow in his footsteps." Javert stated, without fear.
"Shut up! He was a part of my life, not yours. You knew him not; you have no say on him! A man of the law, claiming to be all pure and true. You have the people who worship the ground you walk on deceived from your sinful life. Your dirty life. A life of wrong, of rebelling against the God you law claim to honor so greatly! I should turn you in! Let you hang!" The fury ran deep into his veins.
However, that never fazed Javert. A slap across the face proved it.
Cosette cringed, nearly letting a surprised gasp leave her throat. Jean had no idea what was about to unfold. Nor did he have any control over the situation.
He should do something, he knew that but what?
"You tell the police and I'll strangle you with my bare hands! Do you understand me!?" Javert threw the man's anger right back at him, as he took hold of Marius by the neck, squeezing tightly.
"Javert, stop! You're going to kill him!" Jean tried to break Javert's grip away, however even his strength couldn't compare.
"Stay out of this!" Javert growled his way, before turning his attention back to the boy. "I won't let you take me from him. I won't! If I so little as catch you eying an officer, I'll kill you were you stand. Don't think I won't. I got my ways to do so and escape whatever punishment could be brought to me. So I warn you brat, you dare say a thing, about what happens between me and the only person that's given me a reason to live, Cosette will be forced to suffer her life, alone in misery like I have done until now. Do you want that of the girl you love!?"
"O-of co-urse no-not..." Marius choked out.
"Are you going to say anything?" Javert asked, tightening the grip.
"N-no." Marius answered, feeling himself already on the brink of life and death.
Javert let go of the other, letting him fall to his feet. "You're right, Marius. I 'am a dangerous man. I 'am capable of anything. But, I'll only use that against the one who has the nerve to threaten me or Jean. He is a part of my life now and I won't risk any harm coming to him. Now you are welcome to think it's a sin, to think we're sick and to think we belong dead but the moment you turn us in is the moment you go down right with us. Whether I choose to kill you myself, or give them the impression you and that leader of yours had something going and let them torture you." He stated, glaring down at the man.
"Marius, just take it into consideration... This is not so bad. Javert is good for my father. They are happy together. In all honesty I have never seen my father so cheerful. I respect your opinion but I see nothing wrong with them. It is not hurting us and bettering their lives." Cosette spoke softly.
"How can you say that? About a man who's lied, who's even lied about his name!?" Marius retorted, standing.
"My father has his reasons for his secrets and it is not our place to question those reasons." Cosette replied.
Marius shook his head, giving a sarcastic chuckle. "Keep believing that... Keep living with a man you don't even know and keep believing false words..." The man stepped away from Javert.
"Marius, please..." Cosette reached out for him.
"No." Marius spoke, keeping his distance from her.
She persisted. However, her offer of comfort only forced the young man to run away.
Cosette gave a sight. "This is unlike him..."
Jean approached her, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Go after him."
"I can't. You saw how he didn't want me around." Cosette frowned.
Jean sighed softly. "He doesn't mean it Cosette, he's only frustrated. Trust me, he needs you. There were many of times where I needed Javert, even when I found myself getting angry over him."
Javert hung onto the words, repeating them in his mind several times before he decided to walk off, leaving the two alone.
Jean took notice of it, but stayed where he stood. "You've got to place yourself where Marius is. Not everyone is as understanding as you are. You have to go talk with him. He needs comfort."
Cosette nodded. "Alright, I will go find him. I'll bring him back soon."
"Be careful." Jean replied.
"I will." Cosette gave him a hug, before walking away.
"Cosette, one more thing" Jean stopped her in her tracks. "Javert didn't mean to offend anyone. He truly is just protecting the one thing he's scared to lose."
"I know papa. I have no doubt Marius would do the same for me." She smiled softly, before she went on about her way.
Jean then turned around, retracing his lover's steps in his mind before going to where he thought the man was.
"Marius, wait up!" Cosette called, nearly out of breath as she caught up with him on the street.
"Leave me alone Cosette." Marius replied coldly.
"No, we need to talk. Just the two of us." Cosette didn't give in.
(Marius :) "If it's about them I don't want to hear it."
Cosette took hold of his arm, stopping him. "You need to hear it though." She shot back.
Marius turned to face her, his stare filled with confusion, and anger. "Why? What business are they to me?"
"My father saved your life, and you had no right to go and act like that. You were acting like a spoilt-" She stopped herself.
"Like what? Just say it!" Marius shouted, startling her.
"I won't. But I will say this; you cannot control the lives of others. So why stress yourself trying? You only control your own life." Cosette replied.
"You don't understand!" Within a second, a new emotion flashed in his eyes. "Javert had no right to bring those who were once in my life into the argument when he got them all slaughtered!"
Cosette frowned. "You do not know if that was his doing. You need to face the facts Marius; everyone was out numbered, with or without Javert. I do believe there is good in him. Regardless of what people say. Men can change. He is as much a man as anyone else. He is no less of a human than you or me."
"Regardless, how dare he? How dare he bring Enjolras into it and use him against me? He is dead now and why can't that 'man' let him rest?" Marius asked, wiping the tears away quickly.
"Are you upset over catching him and my father, or are you upset with him bringing this Enjolras person to the fight?" Cosette questioned.
"I-I don't know... Both? I don't know! I just know I'm really annoyed right now." Marius answered, continuing to walk.
"Who is this boy you two spoke of anyway?" Cosette asked.
"Nothing, just a friend. Like a brother to me." Marius answered, half-heartedly, bringing his hand up to meet his face, starting to bite on his thumb nail nervously.
Cosette stayed put for a moment, watching him get ahead of her. She didn't believe a word of what he said but she wouldn't pressure him on it. Not today.
"Marius, you can't blame him. You threatened to turn them in. How could you?" She asked, walking back up to him.
(Marius: ) "It is wrong, what they do. It is dark, disturbing and what joy do they see of it? What fulfillment does it bring? It will only lead to misery."
Cosette sighed. "It's not our place to say what it will lead for them. Whatever happens between them is none of your concern. I know it's a shock to you, but you barely know them. I've lived 10 years with my father and I can assure you there is not another man out there who is like him. He has helped many. He's a wondrous person. You cannot judge him by who he gives his heart to. They do not judge us."
"Listen at you. You're just like them. You assume you know everything and yet you know nothing." Marius shook his head, not looking at her once.
"I know you're being foolish by letting this go to your head." Cosette replied.
Marius stopped, staring down at the ground. "That's all you know. You might have lived with that man for 10 years but he has lied to you, about everything. You don't know him, you don't know Javert and you definitely do not know me. You stand here, trying to fix this. Fix me but yet, you don't understand a thing as to why I 'am acting this way." As harsh as it seemed, he was right.
"I want to learn but I only know as much as you tell me. You have to open yourself up to me." Cosette moved in front of him.
Marius pushed her aside. "No. My secrets will remain mine alone. I 'am not your father, I won't just blurt my reasons out."
(Cosette: ) "Then how can you expect us to help you!?"
"I don't need your help. Not yours, not Jeans and certainly not Javert." Marius shot back with his teeth clenched. "As far as I'm concerned, the three of you can stay out of my business from now on."
"Please, don't push me away.." Cosette pushed further.
Marius turned to face her finally. Many emotions could be found in his eyes, yet she couldn't understand one of them without an explanation.
"I'm sorry, Cosette."
"Sorry for what?" Cosette asked with worry. However, she got no reply. The man just suddenly darted off.
"Wait!" Cosette yelled, to no avail.
Regardless, she chased after him. She wasn't about to give up on him. She never had done so with Jean. She always tried to help, and be there. Marius was no different.
"Javert, what on earth were you thinking? You could've killed him!" Jean started, furious right away when he made his way into the bathroom of the house.
Javert was already stripped down to just his pants, while waiting for the bathtub to fill with water.
"What was I thinking? What was he thinking?! I couldn't have that! I won't allow some phony to judge and put an end to my and your life when he himself doesn't own up to who he is." Javert retorted. "Besides, I didn't hurt the fragile child, just merely put a scare in him."
(Jean: ) "That is not how you handle things. You have to learn how to be more subtle."
Javert gave a laugh. "More subtle.. Right. You wouldn't have thought that if you were turned in. Can't you see, I'm just protecting you? And yet, you go against me and side with them. Should I not even try with you? I think not. I knew this would happen. I knew I could never earn the trust of you and certainly not him." He felt betrayed. It hurt to feel like he was being scolded for simply looking out for them.
"I wasn't siding with anyone. I won't allow Marius to die either for an act of fear. He's just unsure. He has a lot to sort out. We don't know what's going on in his head, his heart. We shouldn't add more fear into the mix. For Christ sakes Javert, he just got out of the hospital and you're trying to put him back in it." Jean replied, growing irritated with the man.
"Of course you would say such a thing. That is your family. Family comes first. Who am I to stand in the way of that and be a nuisance? Who am I to stay here, where I'm not wanted? I'll be out tomorrow, that way things will be at peace once more." Javert made sure his words didn't show any emotion. They were drained of everything except his cold attitude that seemed as if would never go away.
"How can you say that? How can you just stand here and tear down everything we're supposed to be working on building together? It angers me to hear you say this. To hear you speak of yourself so poorly. You're a part of my family now, like it or not." Jean replied.
"No Jean, I never was. I never will be." Javert spoke, turning the water off.
"Say that one more time, I dare you to." Jean ordered. Javert did not.
(Jean: ) "You know what? You're no more scared than Marius. Your fear is just different. If that even."
"Oh, is that what you think?" Javert questioned, glaring over at him.
"You are scared to get attached to me. To Cosette, even to him. And do you know why?" Jean growled.
"No, Jean. Tell me, why am I so scared?" Javert mocked.
"Because, you're scared someone's going to arrest us. Or kills us. Or we'll chose to you leave you on our own. That was made clear earlier. I understand your worry. I feared the day Cosette would met a man that was worthy of her. I feared losing her. I fear losing you just the same now. But we need to build trust. Trust towards others and ourselves." Jean answered smartly.
Javert stayed silent. Jean hit the nail on the head. He couldn't deny that.
"You are the world to me and damnit, I will not let you continue living your life in loneliness!" Jean shouted suddenly, startling the other.
"Jean, your world is your girl. Don't try to fool me. She is above me in your heart and that is alright. She is your daughter and I understand the bond. That is why I feel it's not right for me to be here, to bring trouble to either one of you."
"You're ignorant!" Jean yelled. "Putting yourself down, hurting yourself on the inside.." He paused. "Cosette, she won't always be here. She will have that boy to spend her days with now. I want to have you. Remember what you told me last night? Don't tell me that was meaningless.. Because if it was, well you might as well just kill me where I stand."
"Everything I have told you, it's the truth. Never doubt that. Never doubt the love I have for you." Javert stated.
Jean took a deep breath, his nerves on edge. Yet, despite this, despite how angry Javert had made him, he found himself walking up to the other and hugging him from behind.
"I don't. I believe in us. It will be tough, I know but I've pushed through harsher trials, for nothing. This though has purpose. My heart is at stake. And so is yours, even if you don't wish to admit it.." Jean rested his head on the man's shoulder. "You're from one emotion to the next. Stop trying to hide it. One minute you're thrilled for this and then you are scared. I know, I 'am too. But I assure you, I 'am here to listen and help. I 'am here to stay."
And just like that, Javert wanted to turn and wrap his arms around the mayor, pull him close and savor the moment. Yet, he was still troubled.
"Tell me, what is on your mind at this moment?" Jean asked.
"Those times before, when you needed me and I wasn't there.. I'm sorry. I've apologized already yes but this feeling of guilt still weighs on me." Javert answered.
"Is that what troubles you? What I said to Cosette? I' am the one who's sorry. I shouldn't have brung the past up but I was only using it to help her. Please stop dwelling on that and kicking yourself over it. I'm thankful you are here now and that makes up for everything." Jean spoke softly.
(Javert: ) "You say that but I still wish I could go back and change everything."
Jean gave a light shake to the man. "Stop thinking about it." He chuckled low. "It's driving you mad." He said, before placing a kiss to the man's cheek. "Just, don't do it again. Or, I will chain you to my bed and keep you as my prisoner instead." He smirked.
Javert gave a smile. "That doesn't sound too bad actually.. Officer Jean."
The mayor blushed lightly. "Let's not go overboard with that now.."
"Why not? You've got me curious now." Javert pushed further.
Jean gave a shake of his head. "Forget I even said that."
"On one condition." Javert replied.
"What is that?" Jean questioned curiously.
"Join me in my bath." Javert more demanded than suggested.
Jean laughed. "Of course. It's not like I wasn't already thinking that.. Oh no, I just planned on walking out of here, going on about my day with flour in my hair."
"Alright ,there is no need for an attitude." Javert replied, turning to face the man.
"What are you doing? I 'am not a child and I can undress myself." Jean replied, as the other undone the buttons of his shirt.
"No, but I would like to see a day where you didn't raise a hand to do anything. A day of having someone to do even the simple things for you. You deserve it." Javert spoke.
"Do nothing? That's a habit I really should not get into." Jean fought back, taking a step back.
"It's just for the day." Javert retorted, reaching out for him again.
"Please Javert, stop. I don't want another person doing something for me. I don't want to feel useless." Jean frowned up at the other.
"I see. I can respect that." Javert turned away from him.
He dropped his pants, stepping out of them before climbing into the bathtub.
"Are you going to join me or stand there?" Javert questioned, staring over at the man.
"I'm sorry, I've never shared a bath with another. It's going to be a bit strange." Jean finished unbuttoning his shirt before moving down to slip his shoes off.
"That makes for the both of us. I didn't allow the trash in my past clutter such special moments like this. They were saved for a person like you." Javert spoke.
For a brief second in time, Jean stopped his actions and stared at the man. "Really? I'm surprised."
(Javert: ) "I can't imagine why. A bath is a time for one to let go, relax and simply enjoy the moment. To have a whore join, would soil the moment."
Jean finished undressing, stepping into the bath. "Well, I have to say; it is like a prayer answered to share this moment with you. I longed for it sometime ago and now, I'm granted it."
Javert smiled softly. "I know. I feel the same."
Jean returned the smile, then glanced awkwardly off to the side wondering if he should carry out what was running through his head.
"Now, what is it that troubles you?" Javert questioned with a hint of worry.
"Oh, it's nothing." Jean answered, leaving a silence between them.
Then suddenly, Jean moved from his end to Javert's.
The former officer gave a faint blush as Jean rested back against him.
Javert didn't speak a word though, only wrapped his arms around the mayor's chest.
Jean smiled lightly to himself as he relaxed into the man's arms.
Just the thing he needed after all the fuss and drama.
He had his doubts, but hoped from here on out everything would go more peaceful.
And we go from a really pissed off Jean to a loveable cuddly one, ha. I can't help my self. I picture him to be just this clingy man when with someone.
Oh Marius... You judgmental kid. Sounds to me like you got some issues with yourself to work out.
Cosette, I'm beginning to love her more and more. The way she's portrayed.. She's just such a gentle and kind sweet heart wanting to make peace with everyone.
Javert, always testing Jean with his habit of trying to push the man away emotionally.. Bad Javert! Lol.
Anyway, there's that craziness.