Thanks to all my reviewers! However, school is starting up on Monday so I won't be able to update as fast. It will come though, I promise!


The crowd was drunk, joyful, loud and smiling. Of course I didn't mind considering I managed to dodge several people with ease. I frowned however at the knowledge that Frollo had my scarf, the one I worked nearly all night for! Oh well, I'd make a better new one soon enough.

Glancing behind, I saw Esmeralda's second dance distract Claude. Although I knew it was silly, I felt a flare of jealous light up inside me. It was stupid, especially knowing that Claude was marrying me, not her. She liked Phoebus, not Claude anyway.

Shaking my head, I ran towards an alley and glanced around. Clopin was there, leaning against the wall with a dagger in his hand. I froze in mid-step, a little worried about what he was planning.

"Don't worry…" He chuckled deeply, almost nervously, "…I won't hurt you."

I felt myself glow a dark red almost as crimson as a rose. "Of course not, you're my friend. So what do you need, Clopin?" I walked closer, forcing myself to remain calm while he twirled the knife around.

The man threw the knife up in the air and, without glancing at it, caught it by the handle. Placing it in his belt, he looked me in the eye and smiled. "How do you like the Feast of Fools so far?"

I smiled at him, leaning against the wall with my shoulder. He was acting like a little boy, excited for the Festival. "I suppose, yes. Esmeralda's dress looked stunning!"

That's what his eyes flickered to my neck and back to my eyes, as if realizing something. "Where's the scarf you made yesterday?"

Why did he have to mention that now?!

Shrugging casually, I leaned all my weight on the leg that wasn't injured. "Claude…might have taken it just a few minute ago. He said it was too gypsy like."

"What?!" Clopin suddenly exploded, standing up straight. "Too gypsy like?! What did it have on it?!"

I smiled inwardly, happy that he cared that much. Then again, it might spell trouble if he cared too much. Calmly, hoping to show just how foolish he's acting, I answered, "It was violet with stars and moons of white. Since it was sewed and stitched up by me, it looked obviously homemade."

He seemed to calm down a little bit. "Well then I'll get Esmeralda to make you another one. Then he can say it's too gypsy like!"

I giggled softly, so amused by the older man's jokes. Resting against the wall, I asked, "So what's the real reason you called me over here? Don't lie, I can see it in your eyes that you're nervous."

Immediately his whole face crumbled, showing just how nervous he was. "Well…I thought…I mean…Lavender…" His voice was a soft whisper, "…I love you."

"Huh?!" I exclaimed, my eyes widening as big as those damn tea saucers Frollo's always telling me to use.

He grabbed my shoulders, forcing me to stand up, and said a little louder, "Lavender, I love you! Ever since I saw you in the catacombs, I felt the need, the urge, to protect you. As you grew older…I love you Lav…"

I was…stunned. Then again, who wouldn't be? After having the closest guy friend, only friend for me, confessing their love to you…wouldn't you be speechless? My mouth opened and closed and I probably looked like a fish out of water.

"C-Clopin…" I whispered, feeling my mind spin.

"Lavender!" A voice came up from behind me. Both of us looked over to see the blond soldier. He glanced between us, seeing just how Clopin was holding me and frowned. None the less, he couldn't scowl at me without becoming a hypocrite, for I had seen the way he gaped at the young gypsy. "Lavender, Frollo is looking for you. Get over here and make up a convincing lie before he burns Paris down!"

Nodding, I looked at the King of Gypsies. "…We'll talk about this tomorrow. Meet me at Notre Dame, same time as always." With that, I pulled away and managed to sprint through the crowds, thanks to a certain soldier.

"Claude, you look feverish." I commented with fake ignorance. "Are you feeling alright?"

As I sat down, he snapped, "Where were you?!"

"Calm down Claude…I was just walking the streets to get a better view of the King of Fools." I smiled softly, watching his anger melt away.

We looked away from each other, watching the people of Paris chose the King of Fools. Whoever was the ugliest…So far no one pleased them. I thought about Clopin, not even paying attention if the crowd was jeering or cheering. When exactly did the man fall in love with me?

I tried looking at the past, at the memories but…nothing. What could possibly caught his eye in me? What was so special about me? He was like a brother to me, a dear good friend! Did I accidentally mislead him?

What was I supposed to tell him tomorrow? 'Sorry but I don't like you, go search for a different girl'? That was cold. I'd have to let him down gently. But…

Claude's hand grasped mine in a gentle manner. Looking over to him, I saw a light pink color his face but he kept his eyes forward. With a small smile, I squeezed his hand and looked onto the crowd. I'd worry about it later.


Next chapter: Meeting and talking to Clopin; Claude's plans for the wedding. Review please