Hello, all! Here I am again, two updates in one day! Whaaaat?! I mean yes… There's a hundred things I should be doing whilst I'm spending an entire day on my laptop… But whatever! Here we go!

~Rosey

Chapter Nine:

It was about five minutes into the dinner that little Julien was sharing with Combeferre and his mother and sisters that the front door opened and Monsieur Combeferre stepped inside. Etienne frowned when he saw how the little blond initially cowered slightly in his chair, looking up at the man with wide blue eyes. Julien relaxed soon after, however, as he took in the gentleman that was 'Ferre's father. Unlike his own father's cold and sharp features and glances, Monsieur Combeferre was rotund and smiling widely, a cheerful grin on his face, cheeks flushed from the chilly night air, hair wind blown where Enjolras's father didn't know there was such a thing as a hair out of place. Shining brown eyes hidden behind spectacles like his sons, the man grinned at the little family gathered around the table, laughing warmly. "Hello, everyone! I hope you didn't wait for me to start!"

Amelie let out a excited squeal, clapping her hands towards him, jumping up and down in her baby-seat. "Papa!"

Enjolras, however, was still anxious, and swallowed a little, getting to his feet to politely greet Monsieur Combeferre, sticking out a little hand towards him. "Hello I am Julien Enjolras I live a few houses down it is very nice to meet you thank you for having me today." He got it all out in one breath, and Etienne's father chuckled fondly, kneeling down to Enjolras's eye level, shaking his hand gently.

"It's very nice to meet you, Julien. Etienne has told us all about you," Monsieur Combeferre winked kindly at the tiny boy, who blinked with wide eyes at the gentleness that this father radiated, so very different from his own papa's. "And it's our pleasure to have you. Any friend of my son's is welcome in our house! Now why don't we day this meal my lovely wife has prepared for us, hmm?"

A little smile spread across Enjolras's face and he nodded eagerly, scampering back to his own chair and pulling himself into it as Monsieur Combeferre took his place at the head of the table and they all began eating again. Julien nibbled hesitantly, afraid to make a mess or any sounds, still on-edge with this father-figure in the room.

Amelie, however, certainly had no qualms about making a mess. Food covered her face and hands, and she accidentally spilled her plate onto her papa. Enjolras flinched and steeled himself for yelling, but Monsieur Combeferre only laughed warmly and kissed Amelie on the head, cleaning her off gently with a napkin. "Oh well. At least it wasn't my favorite shirt like last time!"

Julien stared with wide eyes at the scene, the concept of no punishment for making a mess foreign to him. Combeferre was laughing with his father, eyes shining. "She's getting better! Last time it went all over the table too!"

Monsieur Combeferre boomed another laugh and nodded, putting his napkin back in his lap. "You have to love the messes children make. You'll miss them later in life."

At these words, little Enjolras was so shocked that he dropped his spoon, sending it clattering to the floor. This seemed to break him from his trance and his eyes widened as he bolted down to retrieve it, making hurried, ashamed apologies. "I'm so sorry… I'm so sorry, it was an accident…"

Combeferre's father frowned a little at the fear in Enjolras's eyes and he shook his head, speaking in a gentle voice. "Don't worry about it, son. The floor has seen worse than one spoon."

Julien popped up from the floor with wide blue eyes, curls falling into them, the spoon clutched in his hand with white knuckles. "I… I am sorry…"

Etienne reached over and pressed his shoulder gently, offering him a small smile. "Don't worry about it, Julien. It's really perfectly fine. I'll get you a new spoon." And with that, he eagerly darted to the silverware drawer to be helpful.

Madame Comebferre smiled warmly at Julien as the tiny blond pulled himself back up in his seat, biting his lip and looking very anxious. She spoke in a kind voice, hoping to soothe the child's fear. "Don't worry about it, honey. Do you like the meal so far?"

Giving the smallest of nods, Enjolras mumbled in a quiet voice, "Yes. Very, very much. Thank you."

Combeferre returned to the table just then, handing Enjolras a spoon and offering him a gentle smile. "Here you go, Julien. And don't you worry about that other spoon. It's a good night if we get through it without dropping at least three things on the ground here."

Madame Combeferre grinned fondly at the children and spoke up, smiling. "Alright, dears, finish up eating and then Etienne, honey, you show Julien to the guest room."

Etienne beamed happily and turned to his tiny blond friend. "Alright! Enjolras, are you almost done?"

Julien gave a hurried nod. "Yes. I'm done whenever you are."

Looking to make sure Enjolras's plate was actually empty, Combeferre grabbed their plates and took them to the sink before rushing back over to hug his mother. "Thank you for dinner, Mamman!"

"Yes thank you very much," Enjolras nodded politely. "You are a very wonderful cook."

"You're most welcome, darling," Etienne's mother smiled warmly as the tiny blond got to his feet to follow Combeferre upstairs. "Sleep well, boys!"

Etienne grinned happily and grabbed Enjolras's hand, tugging him towards the stairs. "Come on, mon ami! I want to show you where you'll be sleeping tonight!"

Gathering his giant book that he brought with him in his hands, Enjolras hurried to follow his friend up the stairs, talking in a small and happy voice to his friend. "I have decided I like your family."

Combeferre grinned happily, taking the book from Julien's hands so the smaller boy wouldn't have so much trouble walking up the stairs. "Well I'm very glad. They like you too."

"You really think so?" Bright blue eyes looked up eagerly at Etienne.

The older boy nodded, opening the door to the guest room. "Yes. I really do."

Enjolras stepped into the room and looked around with wide eyes before turning to face Combeferre again. "Where will you sleep?"

"My room is right across the hall," the bespectacled boy knelt down to Enjolras's height. He bit his lip, looking at his friend in concern, before speaking again. "Do you like this room?"

"Yes," Julien shifted a little, looking at the ground. "Thank you." He then looked up, biting his lip. "I didn't bring pajamas…"

"Oh," Etienne thought a moment, then grinned warmly. "You can borrow some of my old ones!"

"But won't they be awfully big?"

"That's alright. I'll find my smallest pair. Now come on! I want to show you my bedroom!" And with that, Etienne darted out of the guest room to his room across the hall.

Little Julien watched after him with a tiny smile. I think I just might like it here.

Awww! The precious babies. I just love writing about them. I know this chapter was slightly shorter, but it was at a good stopping point for what all is coming next. What did you all think? Whatever it was, PLEASE take the time to review! It always means so much to me!

Stay revolutionary!

~Rosey