Éponine would go to the café daily, with or without Marius. She enjoyed being there, and the boys would always talk to her. They treated her like a sister, and they were protective of her.

A couple of weeks went by. One day, Éponine decided to talk to Grantaire. She stood up and walked over to him.

"So, you're Grantaire," said Éponine, sitting across from him.

"Yes, go away." He said, narrowing his eyes.

"No," said Éponine glaring at him.

The two had a silent faceoff until Grantaire stepped down.

"Fine, stay." He said, drinking. He passed a drink to Éponine, who shrugged and took a sip. She made a face, which made Grantaire laugh.

"Too strong?" he asked, chuckling.

"No, I've actually had stronger. I just don't prefer it," said Éponine. "No wonder you're drunk everyday if this is what you drink."

"So, what do you want?" asked Grantaire.

"To talk," said Éponine. "I need someone to talk to. And the other boys say that we have similar stories."

Grantaire snorted, "I highly doubt that."

Éponine raised her eyebrows. "Really? Let's see, we both have had tough lives. We both are in love with a guy who's completely blind."

"Okay, but the last point doesn't matter. You have a better chance with your crush than I do with mine," pointed out Grantaire snidely.

"News flash, my crush is in love with someone else. At least your crush is single," Éponine said.

"Let me know when he's interested in dating," said Grantaire sarcastically.

Éponine rolled her eyes. "Why don't you just take a chance? Besides, everyone in the room knows you love him besides Marius and him."

"I don't see you taking chances," pointed out Grantaire. "And you're not exactly discreet when it comes to Marius. That dude is as blind as a bat."

"That's because he's dating Cosette. And I know he'll never love me when she's around," said Éponine, ignoring Grantaire's last comment.

"I don't know why you're helping me. If you don't get Marius, you can get him." Grantaire said, which made Éponine blush slightly.

"I'm helping you because he's the only thing in your life that you have. I still have my siblings and the boys here are my friends. But what will happen to you if he leaves?" asked Éponine.

Grantaire looked down. Éponine was about to leave when he called out to her quietly, "Why don't you just give up on Marius?"

Éponine paused for a few seconds before replying, "The same reason you don't give up on Enjolras." She gave Grantaire a weak smile and then left.