Hey guys! Sorry for the drag in updates... Been auditioning! Say hello to the new Mistress Overdone of "Measure for Measure!" Huzzah! But anywho, on to the next chapter of baby revolutionaries! Enjoy!

~Rosey

Chapter Four:

The following morning found Julien sitting cross-legged on the ground, with the giant book in his lap, his eyes trained on the clock, his fingers tapping the cover of the book a little anxiously. As much as he hated it, he was indeed becoming attached to Combeferre. A little too attached, in his opinion... But attached none the less. And that was dangerous because attachment meant disappointment.

Before Enjolras could think much more about the issues of attachment (such a big subject for such a small boy,) the door to his room opened and Combeferre walked in, right on time. Enjolras spun around and smiled a little at him. "Hello."

"Hello," Etienne smiled back, closing the door behind him.

Enjolras held up the massive book, nearly tipping backwards with the weight. "I have the book. And I have decided you may sit with me on the floor if you like today."

Combeferre chuckled warmly and went over to sit on the floor by the tiny child. "Where did we leave off?" he asked kindly as he held out a hand to take the book from Enjolras.

Julien pointed to the bookmarked page instantly. "There. You were talking about the little people tying Gulliver up."

"That's right," Etienne smiled and laid down on his stomach, the book in front of him. Enjolras followed suit, scooting a little closer to look at the words over Combeferre's shoulder. The bespectacled student began reading aloud, and the blond child listened intently, biting his lip in concentration, watching closely. Occasionally, Combeferre would add in explanations as if they were part of the book when he knew a word was too big or the plot was too confusing for the tiny boy.

After many minutes of reading together, Enjolras was finally comfortable enough around Combeferre that he asked a question straight up, not trying to hide that he needed help understanding, not even realizing what a huge step it was for him. "What's 'productive' mean?"

Combeferre had to smile, knowing this was a new step. "It means things get done on time and correctly."

Julien gave a quick nod and beamed. "I'm good at that!"

"I'm sure you are," Etienne nodded seriously.

"Mmmhmm! Or at least I try to be." There was a pause here, where Enjolras fiddled with the loose carpet, his face falling, before he spoke again, quieter this time. "You can keep saying words out loud."

It wasn't two minutes later, however, that Enjolras's stomach rumbled and he reddened, flattening himself lower to the floor, trying to muffle the sound.

Combeferre gave a small chuckle, and pushed himself up on his elbows. "You know what? I'm hungry."

Julien looked up with wide, blue eyes. "You are?"

Etienne nodded solemnly. "Very."

"Well... Maybe we could go read in the kitchen. If you wanted to," Enjolras ventured, biting his lip.

The older boy arched an eye brow. "I wasn't reading. I was saying words out loud."

Enjolras's eyes widened, his jaw agape, shocked at himself for the wording. "O-Of course..."

Combeferre smiled and stood, the book under his arm. "Well are we going to say words out loud in the kitchen or not?"

The blond nodded quickly, getting to his feet. Wordlessly, he scampered ahead down the stairs, darting out the room. Combeferre had to grin at the way the mop of curls bounced and he followed, steps behind. When they reached the kitchen, Julien looked longingly at the food selection, but acted nonchalant as he faced Combeferre in that adorably professional tone. "Here's your food options. Take your pick."

Silently, Etienne turned to the cabinets and set to work as Enjolras struggled up a tall chair to sit by the counter, nearly falling off twice in the process. After a few moments, Combeferre turned back to face Julien, two sandwiches in hand, placing one in front of the tiny blond. "Oops," he smiled warmly. "I accidentally made too much for me to eat. I hope you can eat it so it doesn't go to waste."

Enjolras looked up at him with a little thankful smile. "Um... I can try. Thank you."

Etienne smiled and had to resist ruffling the blond curls. "You're welcome."

The blond child waited for Combeferre to take a bite before digging in himself, as if starving. Etienne had to smile at the precious child, and continued to eat as well. Enjolras would occasionally glance at the book, laying open on the table, trying to read the words for himself, chewing thoughtfully. The bespectacled student swallowed a bite, and offered the tiny boy a comforting grin. "You like that book?"

Julien nodded seriously. "Yes I do. Do you like it?"

"Yes," Combeferre nodded, also seriously. "I find it very interesting."

After a few more minutes of comfortable silence, Enjolras finished his sandwich, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. Etienne had to smile at this childlike motion, finishing off his sandwich as well and taking the plates back into the kitchen. When he returned, he found the small blond looking up at him curiously, his head cocked a little to the side. Combeferre blinked, looking down at himself. "What? Did I spill something?"

"No," Enjolras shook his head a little. "I have just decided that I like you."

At this, Etienne had to grin. "Oh. Well that's good. Because I like you too."

The blond grinned widely. "Really?"

Combeferre nodded. "Yes. Really."

An elated look spread across Enjolras's face for a moment before he was suddenly serious again. "Also you make horrible sandwiches."

"Oh?" Etienne blinked in surprise.

"Yes," Julien nodded. "I do not like what you put on my sandwich."

"Well I suppose next time you could just tell me what you want," Combeferre offered as he went to sit by the small child.

"I don't want to trouble you though," Enjolras mumbled innocently, his blue eyes shining earnestly.

"Well thank you," Etienne had to smile. "But honestly, I already had everything out."

"Well..." Julien shifted a little. "Then I guess I will tell you next time."

"Good idea," Combeferre beamed comfortably.

Suddenly, Enjolras's eyes darted to a large portrait hanging on the wall of a very serious looking man with graying blond hair and icy blue eyes, his facial expression hard and demeaning, his hand gripping the hilt of a sword tightly. The blond swallowed a little, and looked down at his toes, whispering quietly. "Ferre?"

"Yes?" Etienne asked softly, though he was glaring at the portrait on the wall with distain.

"May... May we go back up to my room now?" Enjolras asked quietly, his eyes still downcast.

Combeferre frowned and nodded. "Of course."

Julien cast one last glance up at the picture on the wall and swallowed, nodding. "Thank you very much."

"You're welcome very much," Etienne put a gentle arm around the boy's shoulders. "Come on. Let's go."

I know, I know... Another fluffy, filler chapter. I promise, within a chapter or two, things are REALLY going to pick up. I hope you enjoyed this rather short chapter, though, and I hope you review!

Stay revolutionary!

~Rosey