A Star within the Barricade
"EUGÉNE, NO!" She screamed to no avail, the words not bringing him back. So bringing to action the only thing she could do, the only thing she knew would potentially save him now. She threw herself in with him, diving into the ice cold watery depths of the River Seine, Wounded shoulder be damned.
As she fell, time began to slow, like the minute as she fell was more like an hour. Her mind racing as she fell into the water that consumed her husband, the length between her and the water shortening with every passing thought. Fear was running through her blood like a cold dose of reality, knowing that now they may even die together. But she never had a choice. It had to be.
She fell into the water, struggling to surface for a few seconds until she finally gasped at the surface for breath. She searched the water, her cries getting more urgent as moments passed without finding him; "EUGÉNE, PLEASE!" She shouted, screamed and thrashed out to find him, struggling until eventually she did, she found his limp body and struggled once she got a grip to keep him above the water, in turn making herself go undr and making her shoulder sting with a vicious throbbing pain as she held onto him. He was unconcious, meaning his entire body was dead weight to her as she tried to swim the steps. Each movement making her simply get thrown back in two equal measurements to the distance she fought in vain against the River's movement. The ice cold temperature drawing her strength away quickly as her body, already weak and fatigued, fought to keep warm against the icy waters. Each movement, even with the andrenaline in her system, seemed to do nothing.
But a man appeared near the steps she was desperately trying to reach, she was close and yet so far - He stood, horrified at what he saw, she held out her hand with a sob. "Monsieur Please!" She called out, hoping he would hear. Which he did.
The mysterious man threw something in the water, as she grabbed it with her free hand she realised it was a rope. He pulled both her and Javert towards the steps, removing them both from the danger which the water brought them. She reached the steps with a thankful laugh, although they were not safe yet, the cold had severely effect Javert. He remained unconcious and icy to the touch, she didn't know if he was alive.
The man helped her from the water as she dragged Javert; but he stared at him for a while before taking him off the floor and throwing him over his shoulder to carry. Marianne felt weakened, but was able to lead him to the home she and Javert shared. The man was silent whilst carrying him. Looking almost on edge as he did so. Staring at me in questioning silence. "He...He is my husband, Monsieur." She shivvered uncontrollably. The icy water having removed any warmth she once had, now the breeze in the streets of Paris just heightened it. "I see." He was almost nervous to speak. The man was obviously old, but his strength was remarkable for his age, to be able to carry Javert without even thinking. "He...I don't know what happened; He just jumped." She sounded defeated, still in denail that her husband had tried to kill himself, even with her before him.
The man remained silent as they finally reached the house. His features had been rather difficult to see in the dark, but once they reached the light of the fire in the living room of the house. She recognised him at once...
The Man who had supposedly shot Javert. "You were at the Barricade." Marianne spoke whilst removing Javerts clothes, knowing to keep them on would just make it harder for him to get warm. The Man was on edge, staring out the window as she wrapped Javert in as many blankets as she could find. "You were supposed to have killed him.." She ran her hand through Javert's hair, watching as he remained unconcious. Breathing, but lifeless. Her body felt rigid with the tension she had, wondering if he'd even make it. "I could not, it is against god." The man silently answered. Leaving Marianne thankful and curious all at once.
She made them both tea after changing herself into warmer clothing. They sat silently until she spoke; "My name is Marianne Javert, it would be a pleasure to know yours." Marianne looked towards him, he watched her for a moment, a few hestitant seconds passing between them until he eventually responded to her; "Jean Valjean." Waiting for something in her face, but when she simply smiled, he seemed to relax. "I didn't know the Inspector was married, I had assumed his wife was the law.." He mused, leading her to answering with how they met with a slight smile.
"I met Eugéne by the same bridge..He treated me like dirt, thinking I was up to something. But I gave him something he lost and you should've seen his face, such a change. First disgusted at me and then himself for treating me so badly. He made it back up to me though, I was hurt by a man when defending a child, Gavroche, little blonde haired devil. He took me in when I was left on the street to perhaps die in the cold with a head injury. He looked after me until I was healthy, we've stayed together since." She laughed a little as she continued;
"But yes, he is dedicated to his job, fiercly so, to the point where we parted ways from me going to the Barricade. He has such a harsh way of viewing the law, black and white. But under it, he's a good man with good intentions." She smiled. "Although he can be clumsy himself, he burns his coattails constantly." She laughed a little, watching with nervousness as he remained unmoving, only breathing.
"I'm sure he'll live." Jean spoke like it was a fact. Marianne surely hoped so. They remained that way for a while, simply watching - Until Jean said he had to go, leaving her on her own with Gavroche asleep upstairs. She sat waiting for some kind of response. Which eventually did come as she was boiling water for more tea. The sound of him coughing caused her to practically run to his side. "Oh it's okay." She wanted to laugh with happiness at the sheer fact he was moving, responding. Alive.
Marianne took him in her arms and helped him sit up, running her hand through his hair and the other against his back as he coughed. Until eventually it ceased and left him to look at her in surprise. "You're alive." His voice was hoarse from coughing and held elements of complete shock. But she couldn't stop smiling. "Of course I am you fool." She laughed at the fact he asked, even more so as his hand touched her face - As if she were an illusion. "I thought you were the dead one." She pressed her lips against his forehead with a sigh. "You nearly were."
"I'm sorry." He took her hand in his own as she ran her other hand in his hair. "I saw you hit by Elliot's gun, I thought...I thought you died from the injury." He watched as she looked rather confused at his words. "You came back?" She mumbled and he nodded against her as she continued holding him close to her body. Adjusting the blankets to keep him warm. "Of course, I meant to remove you from the danger, but Elliot shot at you when you went to get the damn boy." He sounded gruff as he mentioned Gavroche. Clearly annoyed Marianne put herself in such a position of danger.
"Elliot intended to do some damage, I was unconcious during the battles.." She paused, feeling herself get emotional at the memories of the bloodied bodies. "I only awoke when it was over, but during this time Elliot tried to attack me in my unconciousness. It was only little Gavroche who prevented it. The rest were dead." She barely managed to get the words out. With a breath, though, she managed to continue. "He was beaten pretty badly, he's upstairs...He has no one else now." Marianne couldn't stop herself from frowning. The boy was alone.
"Why did you jump Javert?" She ran her hand through his hair with a sigh. "Why would you do such a thing?" Marianne couldn't understand, she was infront of him and yet he jumped. He looked uncomfortable, so weak from the waters of the Seine. "I was in a strange state of mind." He spoke gruffly. Watching her as she sighed and placed another kiss upon his forehead. "We're together now.." She smiled, through the pain it was a light at the end of the darkness. "I was lucky Monsieur Valjean was there, he helped me in the water. Helped me bring you home, my love." She frowned. "He left without much of a word. He seemed on edge here." Javert felt his blood go icy. "Valjean?!"
"Yes my love." She couldn't understand how tense Javert had gone, until he spoke. "He's an escaped convict. A dangerous man, he avoided his parole, stole a child..." He mumbled, annoyed, but Marianne soothed him with a sigh. "Everyone makes mistakes." She continued running her hand through hair as she spoke; "He's done so much for us I can hardly hold the past against him now. He has surely redeemed himself?" Marianne watched as he remained conflicted but then, his face changed to impassive and calm from all the struggling. "Alright." He sounded pained as he spoke, but didn't mention the man again for the rest of the night.
The days after were mostly of Javert gainging strength again, For Marianne to have the chance to do the same as he for her. To look after him. Which she did until he managed to recover. Although, she had Gavroche with her to help. He was shocked to see Javert at first, but then once it was explained he accepted it. The boy was on edge after that, glaring at the Inspector with hate, knowing he tried to partake in the deaths of those he idolised. Hurt Marianne with his betrayal. But it soon faded and all that was left was a mutual agreement to get along. Especially after he was strong again.
Javert spent no time in going back to work; although on the first day Marianne noticed he came home looking rather mad. She sat silently as he approached. "What is the matter my love?" He placed his hat down, silently watching her. "Elliot was dismissed." He spoke flatly, but the look in his eyes made her stand. "What's happened?" She began to approach him, worried of his anger. It was when she got closer she saw the blood upon his hands. His bruised knuckles. When she took his hands in her own, his jaw tensed. "What did you do, Eugéne?" She looked up to see him tensed still. "Eugéne?"
He didn't answer for a moment until his resolve melted; "He attacked a woman whilst I was patrolling the streets..." He grumbled. "I lost my temper at the sight of it." He flexed his hands with a wince, causing her to simply want to wash away the pain. But, she did what she could by washing the blood with water and cleaning the cuts. "You shouldn't have." She watched as he sighed. "He deserved it, it turns out he has a history of it. Over looked by the rest. He's now facing the full punishment of the law for it. He abused his power, now he must pay for his actions." He winced as she cleaned his cuts, but she continued to sigh. "You got mad because of me..." She looked away as she went to get something to cover the cuts with, but he grabbed her hand and made her look at him. "You didn't deserve that, he unfairly attacked you and even when you were beaten and vulnerable he went to hurt you again; He is a cruel, sick man and I dare think of the innocent women he's hurt in his years. He deserves it." He waited for Marianne to nod and agree, knowing he was right. Allowing her to see what he did had to be done.
Not just for her, but for any other women and children he had hurt.
Once Gavroche learned the Inspector had actually beaten the man, Gavroche seemed to respect him. Their relationship was strained by the past but it wasn't long before that was removed and they were able to develop a friendship of sorts. Gavroche had became a regular in their home to the point he practically lived with them. Marianne was happy with his presence and Javert had a respect for the boy; he was smart. Something Javert admired, the way the boy was at such an early age. It was this that made it an easy choice when Marianne came to him one evening.
"Eugéne, I know you both argue and tend to get...well, you don't get a long a lot. But the boy has no one. I would quite like to take him in." She waited for him and he saw no reason to disagree. They had the room. But then she continued speaking. "Not just in terms of a place to live. He needs a mother and I'm as good as any he could get...And he respects you, dare I say looks up to you a little." She nibbled at her lip as she tried to word it. "I think we could be good parents to him." She waited as he processed the information. "You want us to treat him as a son?" He waited and she nodded. "You would be a good father, and he needs parents. The boy has been through too much, far too much that no boy should go through." She sat at the table, seated in front of him as he decided.
He couldn't say no, of course. Marianne looked so hopeful infront of him he couldn't take that away. So he did what any man would do and said yes. Although he doubted his own ability, he knew Marianne to be a kind, nurturing woman. She'd have no problems in caring for the boy. Which she didn't, and to his own surprise he became somewhat adapted to the role he took on. They quickly became a small family of sorts; All of his and Gavroche's disagreements and arguments aside. Both were incredibly stubborn to their views and oppinions. Bringing on rather fierce debates. Javert wasn't ashamed to say it either. The boy was smart..
Their day's fell into routine; Javert went to work as usual, although things had changed since the boy's barricade incident, things were tighter and he was in a more senior position with his contributions. A mixed thing to be given, to get rewarded for work and be at odds with the work he had did without fault. The world had changed and he was still coming to terms with accepting it. He saw those he dealt with as more human, people who could still have redemption and it was strange and yet welcome, as he saw those around in in turn approved. Crime was lesser as people seemed to respond by the kinder treatment of the inspectors. A Mutual respect was gained.
Marianne meanwhile looked after the house as she always did, went to the stalls to gather things and took to looking after Gavroche easily, even managing to tutor him, teaching him small things. They were learning together, as she was still learning to read to a more advanced level as he began to read as a beginner. Their life was settling from the chaos.
Then, in the evenings they ate together (Which was amusing for Marianne as Gavroche and Eugéne almost always ended up bickering) and then after everything was put away, they went to bed, well, not properly. Marianne and Javert would go to their rooms, but five minutes later Gavroche would join them on the bed, right in the middle of the pair to be read to by Javert. He and Gavroche had the same taste in books, which went well when chosing something. It was a nice break from their bickering to have an agreement between both parties. Once Gavroche had heard enough of the book, which was usually after he had fallen asleep between Marianne and Javert; Javert would carry the boy back to his own room.
Marianne found this part of the day perhaps the best, the moment for them to all relax and be together. Javert came back from Gavroche's room, watching as Marianne stood from the bed and asked for help to change into her bed clothes; something they both had became used to doing after Gavroche had been read to and was asleep. It became habit.
"He's getting better at reading by the day." Marianne smiled as she spoke, feeling a small joy in the fact he was improving, seemingly by the day. Javert didn't have to linger long on the buttons and laces which kept her slightly uncomfortable dress into place. "I can't understand why women see the need to restrict themselves so completely in a dress." He mumbled as the dress fell away and he began work on loosening the laces of her corset. "In the name of what is considered decent and fashionable my love." She laughed as he scowled, pulling away the laces. "I see no point in frivolous things." And with that it fell away, leaving her in a simple shift. She began tidying away her clothing when she coyly replied. "I'm sure you wouldn't be so happy if I walked around indecently, I believe I can't win either way?" She looked up at him unbuttoning his shirt with a raised eyebrow. "Why do you assume I'd be so unhappy about that?"
"Eugéne! you're positively shocking. What on earth has happened to you're decency." Marianned enjoyed their usual teasing, but as he approached she noted a change in his attitude. "It went away the day I married such a tease of a woman." He wrapped his arms around her waist with a hint of a rare smile upon his lips when she laughed at his words. "Oh? a tease? I'm no such thing." She batted his chest, laughing all the while as he leaned in to kiss her forehead. "Ah yes, for insisting I must remove her garments every night is not, nor is the mention of her being indecent remotely teasing or provokative." He spoke flatly with a skillful sarcasm that only Javert could possess.
"You remove my garments as it is required and it was by your suggestion which prompted my little joke; Perhaps it is you who is the tease by making me think in such a manner?" She leaned up, placing a peck upon her husbands lips with a wide grin.
"Terrible, Eugéne. What would god to such suggestive talk?" Marianne managed to wiggle from his arms, walking to the bed to get comfortable under the covers. Eugéne went on the side which he was accustomed to sleeping on and did the same, leaning so he could bring Marianne into his chest with a short laugh.
"I believe that our lord would tell me to act upon this suggestions; as is my right as your faithful and loving husband.." He mumbled into her hair, which just caused her to laugh to the point that she feared Gavroche would awaken. "You're incorrigible!" She hit her hand lightly on his chest, trying to stop herself from laughing so much, but he simply brought her closer with a grin; "Only because I'm married to such an uncouth woman."
"Now who is the tease?" She leaned away as he went in for a kiss, covering his lips with her hand. "Dare you kiss such an 'uncouth' woman?" she questioned with a grin and he simply grumbled at her, leaning in again only for her to move away with a squeal and some laughter. Which resulted in him having to practically tackle her to keep her still, which just made her burst into laughing and hitting his chest for freedom.
He mumbled as he leaned to kiss her neck; "I would gladly do more if she allowed it." simply making her laugh again and reply in jest. "With such an 'uncouth' woman, you must be mad!" which simply prompted him to look up with a rare grin "Mad? I'm afraid not my dear, just 'incorrigible'." And with that came a final laugh, which eventually slipped away and resulted into all suggestions and flirtation fading into something else entirely...
Although, they often forgot in such occurances their new little addition to the family, who ended up making unexpected apperances. As their minds drifted elsewhere, they begame less observant of their door and the fact Gavroche might've been awake. Which didn't matter or lead to any problems at first, until a week or so later, during one such lead up to the event of their 'Martial Passions', that they had an unexpected visitior in their bedroom.
Of course, they seemed oblivious and continued on without knowing until a face appeared at their side with a confused expression. Blonde messy hair and all, tilted to the side as he seemed to get puzzled and just watched. "What are you both doing?" Which promptly led to the parting of the couple and the complete embarassment of either of them. Marianne grabbed the blanket with a horrified expression and burning red cheeks. "GAVROCHE!" She shouted, eyes wide and hair out of place, horrified at the fact the boy was not only present in a state of her undress, but the situation just seemed to make it completely worse. Javert remained silent, looking rather annoyed at the boy and leaving the duty of getting rid of him to Marianne. Which, she felt suddenly awkward in having to do.
"Eugéne, pass me the robe." She held out her hand and he looked at her with a frown for a moment. As if disappointed she was putting it on. "Stop looking at me like that and pass me it!" which, with reluctance, he did. She quickly slipped it on whilst maintaining what was left of her dignity. "Okay, Gavroche you know you're not allowed in our room once it's passed a certain time." She frowned as she slipped from the bed, making sure the robe was fastened tightly enough as she stood. "Why are you in here, dear?" She ran her hand through the boys hair as he gast a glance to a still irritated and silent Javert, then back to Marianne with a face of slight panic among the confusion. "I heard noises." He spoke innocently enough; "I thought you were hurt."
"You thought I was hurt?" Marianne remained confused. But, Gavroche quickly put light and more embarassment on their situation; "Yes, I woke up and I heard something move, then I heard 'AH! OH! AH!' And something moved again and then I heard something break - I thought someone hurt you." He was genuinely confused and worried, Marianne completely horrified and well, Javert was surprisingly amused. She heard muffled laughter in the background, but chose to ignore it and took Gavroche back to his room and assured him everything was okay.
When she came back Javert remained on the bed as he was before, still laughing. "It's not amusing in the slightest." She spoke flatly, still horrified at the situation whilst Javert was probably in the most entertained mood she had ever seen him in; laughing and grinning. For now.
"It's your job to explain to him about relationships between a man and a woman, Eugéne." She approached the bed again, getting back under the cover. the now serious expression upon his face. "He prefers you, surely you should be the one to explain such a delicate subject to him?" He waited, but Marianne didn't budge. "It's your job now. You're a man, he's a boy. You do it." She turned around in the bed, facing away from Javert, which seemed to make him turn serious and grumpy like his usual self. "THIS is why we shouldn't have let him in." He grumbled away to himself, letting Marianne be the one to laugh. "Not so funny now is it? good night Eugéne." He grumbled good night and went to sleep. Dreading the uncomfortable conversations to come in the morning.
He was right to. For after the conversation, which simply mortified Gavroche, they were all pretty much unable to speak to eachother for perhaps three days.
But, with time their life as a family became a lot smoother until they developed a better routine with understanding for certain rules. Which meant embarassing situations were no longer an issue, just an awkwardly amusing fact of the past. But, as things began to settle, one trip to a doctor during her usual shopping routine seemed to throw a chink in the chain of everything.
So, as she prepared dinner that evening she was left wondering how to approach the situation. As they all sat for dinner; Javert telling Gavroche of some interesting stories of his work as an Inspector (Believe it or not, Marianne believed the way it was going, it was very likely Gavroche himself would go down the path of being an officer.) that she decided to simply drop the news casually. "I have some news!" She smiled towards the pair as they looked towards her; expecting something about a sale or some sort of purchase, so it was no surprise that their reaction was completely shocked as she told them something different; "I went to see the Doctor due to some sickness I've been having, as you know Eugéne, I wondered if it was a bug or something but, as it turns out...I'm with child." She smiled as she spoke, but was greeted with...
Silence.
Marianne swore she could hear a pin drop as the silence continued to prevail. Both the boys staring at her in a dumbstruck fashion, although Gavroche seemed more confused than surprised. Whilst Javert was completely unreadable, which scared her. Although Gavroche seemed happy at the news, asking if it meant he would have a brother or sister in a way, she was distracted by the silence and impassiveness of her husband before her. He didn't even look at her once the news broke. So all she could do was answer Gavroche's questions and hope it was simply shock.
Once they were alone and Gavroche was in bed, they lay in bed side by side. Silent. Marianne knew he may not have taken the news well, it was to be expected. Yet, this silence and general impassiveness was difficult for her to bare. So she turned to Javert and decided to confront the issue rather than ignore it. "You haven't spoke to me since I told you about my condition." Marianne felt somewhat nervous as he turned to look at her. "There was nothing to say." He sounded almost monotonous as he spoke. Making her feel all the more terrible. Marianned didn't seem to notice her reaction, which included placing her hands upon her stomach with a frown. She looked down at her hands for a second before reluctantly pulling them away. "It's a gift from God, I can't see why you're not happy."
Javert was simply reading beside her as she asked, she assumed he had took the book to avoid talking to her about the issue, but the distraction he made did nothing and forced him to reply; "I am not unhappy, I am simply..." He paused, knowing he'd have to be delicate in how he put it. "Unsure, I hardly see our life suitable for something as vulnerable as a babe, Marianne." He put the book down, allowing her to see in to his eyes and how worried he was. Under the impassive nature of his reaction was something far more simple and human; Worry. She felt it to.
"You're worried aren't you?" Marianne placed her hand upon his arm, rubbing the skin of his arm with a slight smile. "I'm worried too, I worry now about if the baby will be healthy, what if I have an accident?" She paused. "I worry about after that, about the illnesses that kill so many children. I've seen them, on the streets, all of them dying around me and I tried to help but I now wonder if my own child would succumb to it. I worry for Gavroche about the same thing. I worry if I'm doing the right thing as a parent, for both Gavroche and this child to come.
There are many things to worry about but one thing I know is together we are good parents, we're still getting used to it of course but we've done good. Gavroche is like a new boy, he's no longer illiterate, he's getting a fine education and I dare say if he continues to take to it so well he could do something great. In such a small time we've changed him for the better and helped him recover from the trauma of losing the men he idolised and loved. This child is a blessing, Eugéne. A sign from god that we must be ready?" She waited, watching him as he looked at her with remaining uncertainty. "We have a chance to give Gavroche and this child a good life, a good upbringing with a family that every child deserves. No pain or exposure to cruelties on the streets; To let them have a childhood we never had." Marianne disliked bringing up her own difficult upbringing, but using his was also odd. She didn't want to use what he told her against him, she felt as if she was betraying his trust in some way. But he simply cast his glance over her with a subdued frown. "I don't want to fail the child." He mumbled, looking strangely vulnerable.
Marianne extended her hand, placing it back upon his arm with a smile. "You won't, I know you'll be a wonderful father, I've seen you with Gavroche enough to know you'll never fail, as parents we may make mistakes, but we'll learn. We're only human." Marianne was nervous at the idea also. But together, she was sure they would do well. Javert placed his hand over her's, showing a rare tender side as he spoke. "I promise I will look after our family as much as is in my power. I swear by you and god that I will do everything to keep you safe." He took his hand from hers, placing it hesitantly upon her flat stomach with a small smile. "It's hard to believe that soon we will have a child." He mumbled, looking down at her flat stomach and running his hand against it as if the child could feel it. "This surely is a reward from god...All that we have." He finally showed an open smile, no reservations or holding back as he did, causing Marianne's heart to swell at the sight of such a rare gift. "I Love you." She spoke gently as she placed her hand over his, watching as he pulled his gaze from her stomach. "As I love you." They exchanged a smile and a small kiss, relishing in what was to come and the calm which they both felt, at ease with their path in life and their future as parents of two children. All was well.
Until, of course, months later they dealt with the stress and worry of birthing a child. Which, Marianne found to be painful, very...very...painful.
The midwife was at her side was she openly sobbed in her bed, wondering where both Gavroche and Eugéne were, Gavroche was at home, helping her in her later stages of pregnancy with a wonderful tenderness that could only come from such a loving child, but Eugéne was at work on the moment she plunged into labour, leaving the panicked Gavroche to get the local midwife and then search for Eugéne..Leaving her alone until the Midwife ran in with a calm smile.
"Ah, you're glowing!" The Midwife sat at her side with a grin, preparing various things from her bag as Marianne continued to cry and thrash in pain. "Glowing?! I feel as if the baby is tearing me apart!" She screamed at the Midwife, who simply laughed and began placing towels which Marianne had folded on a chair near the bed. "Oh dear, I remember this part from my own deliveries. Oh the pain dear, terrible isn't it?" She watched with sympathetic blue eyes and caused Marianne to just laugh through her pain; "YES!" She agreed and clenched her teeth. Trying desperately to control her urge to scream.
Gavroche, meanwhile - Ran around the streets of Paris in a complete and utter panic. He failed to find Javert in any of his usual places, leaving him one option - To run into the police quarters he so often avoided in search of him. The other officers on their breaks sat around leisurely, strangely laughing and seeming casual. Not the intimidating figures he usually ran from in his days of mischeif. The officers cast a confused glance at the boy, who they all knew to be adopted by the Javert family shortly after the business as the barricade. Most disliked the boy, but respected his natural intelligence and street smarts. They all knew the same thing; He'd be a good officer.
But, it was strange to the officers to see the boy in such a fuss infront of them. "Boy, what is wrong?" The eldest of the present officers; Guarin, stepped forward and watched the boy stand with wide eyes and wind messed hair. "Where is-...Inspector Javert?" He tried to recover from running so fast, his breath catching in his chest. The state of the boy was concerning. Guarin went in front of him and tried to calm him; "What is the problem?"
"Marianne-.." He paused, knowing they probably knew her by her married name, so, he corrected himself. "Mme Javert, she's-..the child is coming!" He was frantic, and rightfully so - for the officers became frantic also. "Right now!?" Guarin stressed, knowing if he didn't locate the Inspector he would surely get the blame for it. "Right, I'll go search myself. Andre, Frederic, go with the boy." Guarin put his coat on as the two younger officers looked rather confused.
"Did you not hear me? I said go with the boy to the Madame. Now." And with that the younger men went with the boy back to the woman's side.
Guarin, meanwhile, was tasked with searching for the soon-to-be father.
Although Marianne was already in pain enough, seeing the arrival of two men she had only conversed with a few times during the Officer's social gatherings enter the room during her birthing, in her state of indecency as the Midwife forced her legs apart to prepare for the child - It simply elevated the pain to a new level. "Gavroche, what are they doing here?!" She screamed, the Midwife holding her hand with a small laugh. "Oh you have an audience." She continued with her blissful preperation as Marianne continued to lie in agony. The younger men averted their eyes to the ceiling, shifting from foot to food. "G-..Gaurin said we were to be at your side in Inspector Javerts absence, Madame." They looked incredibly uncomfortable. Their expressions perfectly portrayed her feelings of the situation, minus the agony.
"Oh wonderful! Why not put me on a pedestal in the Market if you wish to give me such an audience?!" She screamed, leaning back in pain, which was just heightened when even more Officers came in, hats in arms and cheering although the birth was still in play. "Why are there more?!" She croaked as her throat began to weaken. But, the Officers just started either own conversations as if the birthing was the biggest Officer social event since the small gathering a few weeks ago. Each congratulating her prematurely and wishing her well, waiting for the father perhaps as eagerly as she.
Gaurin eventually found the Inspector in the middle of dealing with common street rats. "Inspector." Gaurin approached, gaining the confused look of the Inspector as he reached the man's side. "Gaurin, I believe you still have a required 8 minutes of your break." He mumbled whilst writing further notes of the incident down for use in court. They would be serving time in galleys by the looks of things.
"I have news of your wife, Your ward came to the station in a panic, naturally I inquired and sent some of the men to take the boy back to her side, she's in birth of your child." He spoke and with it melted away the serious, work-driven expression of the Inspector. "She is not due for a matter of weeks according to the midwife." He sounded dazed as the officer continued. "It seem's not, she is birthing now. I will take over, go to her side. I dare say I wouldn't want to be in your position if you miss this Inspector." And rightfully so. Nothing more dangerous than a woman in birth scorned.
So; the Inspector shoved the notes in Gaurins hands and expectingly ran in the other direction in a rare state; Panic.
Of course, by the time he arrived, the moment he reached the door he heard a blood curdling scream from the bedroom. He ran up the stairs perhaps in the quickest he ever had, only taking the moment to breath once he reached the room...Which was filled with cheering officers.
"Oh Eugéne!" His wife, in a state of complete agony held her hand out to him, making him go to her side and forget about the fact 5 men were present during a time when his wife was in a rather indecent position. Of course, this wasn't for long as once he reached her side, examining how she lay and cried before him. He turned his gaze to the men - who all stopped cheering at his arrival upon receiving the look he gave and went silent.
"All of you..GET OUT." He shouted with an added harshness that wasn't intended, making the men all but run from the room at his shout. Leaving only Javert and his wife, with Gavroche lying at Marianne's side and holding her hand as the Midwife was positioned to take the child. Which happened rather quickly as she began commanding she pushed. Which, caused excruciating pain for Marianne and perhaps pain also for Javert, not only was she squeezing his hand to the point he thought his bones would surely shatter, but seeing his wife in such pain was perhaps agony also. Seeing her scream and cry before him with no ability to help her. Each push was a strain upon his very heart, a pang and even perhaps a small measure of hate to the unborn child which caused her the pain. Hate for himself also for having made her subjected to such pain at his doing. Each second felt like a life time at her side as he waited. But, what was strange was as the Midwife looked up from her position with a smile. "You'll have to leave now dear." Javert stared blankly at the woman and her words. Daring her to try and move him. "It's as it is, now go on." She gestured to the door and Marianne clutched his hand. Demanding he stay, which simply added to his own natural stubbornness to move. The Midwife challenged him with a stare, but quickly gave in after he remained unmoving. "Ah, fine. I see I'd have to drag you out." She scowled and went on back to her job. Once the final push came, Marianne practically collapsed against the bed, gasping and crying as the pain subsided and throbbed still.
Javert grew worried, running his hand against his tired wife's face with a new formed fear. "Marianne, Marianne?" He mumbled, trying to wake her but she was unconcious. He felt his heart constrict at the sight of his wife in such a state; unmoving and unresponding to his touch. He had heard stories of such things after birth, even during. They never ended well..
He was absorbed in these worries until a high pitched cry broke the worried silence and brought his gaze to the bloody little body in the Midwife's arms. She wiped the blood and mess away, wrapping the child into a towel with a gentle hum as she did so. "Ah a beautiful little girl." She coo'd down at the baby before passing it to Javert. It was only once the child was in his arms he pulled his eyes away from Marianne's limp body. It was then the Midwife became aware of her state, and began pushing Javert gently to the door, the baby still crying in his arms. He was in a daze. Unable to move properly as he held such a precious gift in his arms and yet he was moved out the room with the baby and Gavroche in tow. The Midwife gave a sad instruction to call the doctor and then closed the door. Leaving Javert unknowing and surrounded by cheering men who patted his back and celebrated the sign of his manhood and such, but Javert was quiet until he shouted at one of them to go get the doctor.
Each minute which passed before the doctor arrived was like agony. He hadn't even looked at the child in his arms since that slight second. It was as if the child didn't exist, all his mind was focused upon was the state of his love. Her body, unmoving in his eyes still. It was only after the doctor went into the room he was pushed from that he finally looked to the child. The Men had left as Javert ordered them back to their duty, taking the boy with them to keep him from the potential of badnews, the boy went with reluctance but eventually didn't argue further. Leaving only Javert and the child which may have killed his dear wife...
He should hate the small bundle, hate it for hurting her as it did, for drawing her blood and harming her. For potentially ending his wife's precious life. Yet, as he looked down to the child's blue eyes; the same eyes of his wife, he noted. He felt...
Javert couldn't say what he felt. To look at the child in his arms and feel changed. It was as if his heart swelled as the baby in his arms blinked slowly and looked up in a dreamy state of silence to him. No longer crying, but making little goo's and yawns. The child was small, so fragile in his arms. He offered the baby his finger, which it took and placed inside its little mouth, sucking gently and closing its eyes as it did. Javert was completely lost as he watched the baby. All senses of a required hate fading and leaving nothing but affection, a warm, growing love. Each second seeming to just confirm his growing heart for the young bundle in his arms. Sleeping with such trust in his arms. Unthinking of the potential that he could fail her, simply sleeping in his arms with a innocent heart. His daughter.
"How was I to know at last, that happiness can come so fast? Trusting me the way you do, I'm so afraid of failing you. Just a child who cannot know, that danger follows where I go. There are shadows everywhere..And memories I cannot share" He spoke gently to the child in his arms. Wondering if she could hear him in her sleep. Which, he thought so as she cuddled a little closer to the heat of his body. Fearing her cold he brought her closer to him, allowing her the warmth she craved. He sang gently to the little bundle in his arms as he awaited with a strange nervousness for news of his wife; "Suddenly I see, What I could not see...something suddenly has begun." He ran his finger against her tiny head, feeling the fine hair with rested there. Feeling with joy her movement as she breathed against him. Wanting to never let go the small child in his arms..Knowing he never would allow her to feel the pains which he had. He made the silent promise as he ran his finger against her cheek. Promising her everything he could give and more.
In those few moments the Doctor returned, sweat glistening upon his forehead as he rolled up his sleeves with pursed lips. In those moments, Javert knew the wrong few words from the mans lips could alter his life completely..
"She is very weak, the birth has weakened her to the point she nearly didn't make it, but she's breathing. That is a good sign Monsieur, but we fear she may not make the night, these hours are very important. She is resting of course, but if she wakes it is also a good sign. I will return in the morning to see what the night brings, but I sincerely hope for you and this new child that our god is good." He bowed his head politely before leaving. The Midwife casting a worried glance from the room to the child, pausing for a moment as Javert stood with the babe in his arms. Passing him a glass bottle for a baby. "Your wife is weak and may not be able to feed the poor dear, she will be hungry. Cow's milk is a good alternative. When she wakes, no doubt she will cry for her mother.." She sighed and ran her hand against the child's hair. "Treat her well, regardless of the nights outcome. She is precious." And with those words she left. Leaving Javert feeling fatigued as he sat back at his wifes side with the child in his arms. Although, they did have a cot specifically built for their child. He didn't wish to part with the babe. She nestled softly into his chest and it felt wrong to part with her. He didn't wish to admit it, but having the child in his arms was keeping him together.
Hours passed with nothing, only breathing from Marianne as she lay, no longer bloodied but looking frail. He was on edge constantly as he waited, waited for his love to return to him..
Gavroche was soon home, looking nervous as he approached Javert, the child and Marianne. "Is..Is Mari' okay?" He looked to Marianne with wide, fearful eyes. "She'll come back to us, don't fear Gavroche. She will." He repeated the same thing to himself, over and over. That she'd wake and be okay. He had to. Gavroche looked rather out of place, his expression giving away he felt a little left out as Javert sat with the baby and the child's mother. He no longer felt apart of the family, the baby, in his eyes, had taken the place. Javert watched as Gavroche began edging away. "Boy, sit beside me." He mumbled, tapping the seat beside him and watching as the boy was reluctant to sit. Once seated, he slowly began passing the baby to Gavroche.
Although he wished to keep hold of the baby, he knew it was what the boy needed. To feel apart of the family. "This is your sister." He watched as the boy looked with wide eyes to the baby, touching her face gently with a smile. "She's so tiny." He mumbled, looking rather nervous to hold her. "Yes, she is tiny and frail. She needs her brother to look after her." He watched as the boy looked up at him with a smile. "She does?" asking with uncertain question as he felt his place had been taken, the boy thought there was no use for him now Marianne had a child of his own, and quite frankly he thought Inspector Javert didn't like him much.
"Yes. You're her elder brother and she will need you for all of her life, you will be there at times when Marianne and I cannot, you're going to look after her for us. You are a big part of her life." He watched as the boy stroked the child's face with a soft smile. "I'll be the best big brother I can, I'll protect her from all the crooks an' everything I swear." The boy made his own promises to the child, making Javert feel secure in knowing she had him as protection, but also proud as the boy took on the reponsibility with a smile. "What's her name?" He looked up to see Javert at a loss for an answer. "She doesn't have one yet."
Marianne was making the choice, she had discussed "Eugénia" if it was to be a girl, but Javert didn't wish for the child to be named after him. So, Marianne went off to decide and tried to propose using his mother's name; Marguerite. But the idea simply angered Javert. He didn't wish for the child to be named after a prostitute. The idea wasn't even entertained for a second. The woman had been nothing but lawless and parasitic. He didn't wish for his child to be tainted by her influence, even if only by name.
So they were left with no other suggestions. But Gavroche ran his hand softly against the babies cheek and looked up with a smile. "I like Antoinette." Javert also found it suited the young child, such a pretty name for a precious child. He couldn't stop his lips twitching into a slight smile. But, it was more suprising that he didn't have to reply, as a weak voice to his side already did; "Antoinette..It's a very beautiful name." Marianne weakly tried to pull herself up, but found Javert assisting her. "Oh..how long have I been sleeping?" She noticed Javert clutching her hand, refusing to let it go.
"A Few hours...You needed rest." He choaked out, trying not to worry her with the state of her condition. But her eyes had moved to the small sleeping bundle in Gavroche's arms with a small gasp. "Antoinette..." She choaked up herself, holding one hand to Gavroche and letting him pass the baby to her. Although she was weak, all her strength gathered in need to hold the child, cuddling the baby to her chest as her eyes began filling with tears.
"Oh she's beautiful." Marianne ran her hand against the babies soft face, and with the touch the babies eyes, dreamy and clouded from its sleep - opened. Staring at her with a mirror image of her own eyes. "Oh...She's awake." She laughed gently, feeling the bed dip either side of her as Javert sat on the edge of the bed and Gavroche lay next to her. Their little family, close together and in awe of the little babe in her arms. "Do you like Antoinette also?" She looked towards Javert as he placed his arm around her shoulders, bringing her closer. Marianne brought Gavroche closer to her side also. "Yes, it's a beautiful name." They both smiled down at their precious bundle, and then equally smiled at Gavroche. For they both felt their family was complete.
And so it was that they lived their lives happily together, raising their children and spending time together once Javert retired from his position as an inspector 6 years after the birth of his daughter Antoinette.
He enjoyed his retirement at his wifes side for many years, watching as Gavroche grew to take on a familiar career path as he had, working in the beginning ranks as an officer, making little work of being promoted for his natural cunning and intelligence. His streets smarts were well placed in the job as it made him, in Javert's opinion, one of the best Inspectors he had seen. Making both Marianne and Javert immensely proud.
Antoinette, meanwhile took a keen interest in Ballet, taking classes from a young age and quickly becoming one of the most promising Ballet dancers in Paris by the time she was 12, being a part of the Paris Ballet Company and making her father immensely proud of his daughter. Seeing her, so beautiful and smart from her mother, he thought. Yet such determination and dedication which could only be from her father.
He and Marianne enjoyed a peaceful retirement together, although Marianne was some what younger than Javert; she was most happy by his side. Which she remained until his death. She died also only a matter of months later although being rather young. Those who knew the closeness of the couple say it was of a broken heart, leaving their children Gavroche, who was 29 and living happily married to a woman named Adéle, who was expecting her own child, whilst Antoinette was only 15 and took to living with the Ballet company with the other girls, visiting her brother often between travels.
Antoinette later Married herself, a man named Monsieur Jules Giry. They both had a child; Little Meg Giry. Her Career in Ballet progressed to her being a Prima Ballerina, during which time it is believed that she met a mysterious figure during her visits to a visiting side show with the other dancers in her youth, but it is not known if this is factual, or just a part of the myth of the "Opera Ghost" in the opera house she later worked in as the Prima Ballerina and eventually, after the birth of her child, she chose a job as the Ballet Mistress in the Paris Opera house, where she and her daughter lived and worked until the great accident.
Although they did not live to see their childrens lives progress; their souls were at rest in the Paradise which both Javert and Marianne whole-heartedly believed, their lives before them which, although filled with problems and worries, they believed was a blessing. Up until and even after their last moments together, they loved eachother deeply, and with it shared a loving and fufilling life together. A life filled with happiness and love, a love which, in some peoples opinions; Never dies.
The End
Oh my jesus.
It was so hard to put an end to it, so I thought I'd explore the lives of Gavroche + their Daughter; I thought that the years betwen Phantom/Les Mis fitted in quite well for Antoinette to turn to Madame Giry, it kind of adds a back story + a future story as to what happened with her, also adding some of what happened to Gavroche also (From Street Urchin to Officer, who would've thought ;)?)
I hoped you liked the ending, it was difficult for me to really end it to be honest? so a runthrough of what happened seemed easier, otherwise I'd write Hundreds of thousands of words on their married life together and the story would be never ending ahaha. So! I hope you liked it, you can see how difficult it was to finish as it's about nine thousand and a half words. Eek.
I know some of you may dislike the fact Madame Giry turns out to be Javert+Marianne's daughter, but I thought it'd continue the story well and give some information on how she ended up, and Madame Giry was very strict and to the books regarding how she taught/acted, so I thought it'd be a nice twist also it addshow they had a grandaughter...Who I'd like to think didn't turn into a crazed hooker in Coney Island. Javert would be rolling in his grave!
¬.¬ I might have to write a seperate fanfiction of my version of Meg and Madame Giry's experiences at the Opera House to make it flow better, and to give Meg a better ending than the pushed aside ballerina who turns into a hooker. I like Meg! Oh, and there may be errors. I uploaded straight from typing with no read throughs. Sorry, just getting it to you all faster!
SO; this is it, my first fanfic completed, rambling ended...:(
I hope you enjoyed the story as much as I enjoyed writing it - Thank-you for reading and supporting me, It was appreciated!
Jenny xoxoxo
P.s
I may write more Les Mis fanfics, depending on what ideas fill my head. Right now though I'm leaning towards a "Labyrinth" one, if you haven't watched the film "Labyrinth" I suggest you all do, I love it. Fantasy, goblins, a maze + David Bowie with a ballroom scene, what's not to love? eheheh.. I'll stop typing now.