The students reinforced the barricade, putting more furniture over the holes. Enjolras was working nonstop, doing anything to keep his mind and hands occupied.
"I think we can rest now. They won't attack until it's light," Combeferre said. "Courfeyrac, take the watch. Enjolras, rest."
Enjolras ignored him. He felt someone's hand on his shoulder and turned to see Éponine. Éponine took his hand silently, and walked over to corner. She sat down, and he sat down next to her. Éponine held his hands and put her head on his shoulder.
They sat like that for a while. Enjolras put a hand in her hair and sighed.
"I'm here," Éponine said, softly. In those words, she didn't simply mean that she was right there. It meant she was never going to leave his side, to leave him alone. He wouldn't be lonely anymore, and he'll always have her with him.
"Did you know?" Enjolras asked. "About R and the kiss and…"
"Yeah, I knew," Éponine said sadly. "And he was happy when he left. That was all you could give him. Happiness. And that was a lot, for someone like R."
Enjolras nodded. He wasn't able to speak for a while and they sat in silence again. "Does your injury still hurt?" he asked.
"No, it's find. It's more like my heart hurts," Éponine said. "You guys were my only friends. You accepted me and loved me and now all of you are dying," Éponine's voice broke, and she started shaking. Enjolras held her tight. "Let's just cherish the night while we have it," Éponine said. "No more crying and thinking."
Enjolras nodded and kissed her head. Éponine looked into his eyes, and they started kissing for real. It was slow and sad, and they hugged close. A couple people saw them, and smiled. It was a bittersweet moment. They were happy to be together, but they both knew they were probably going to die tomorrow.
They broke apart. "I love you," Éponine said, smiling. "And I know it makes you uncomfortable, but you should hear it more than once in your live. And it should be a happy memory, not a sad memory. It'll be a connection memory. So, when you think of love, you'll think of R and me."
Enjolras smiled weakly. "I love you too Éponine."
"It's been emotional for you, hasn't it?" Éponine said, "You're marble shell is finally cracking," Éponine joked.
"No," Enjolras said, defensively. He sighed, "Of course it has been emotional for me. I'm glad I have you, though. Even if it is for a short while. You understand."
Éponine nodded and kissed him again. She put her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes. She slowly drifted off to sleep. Enjolras stayed awake listening to Éponine breathing. More and more people drifted off to sleep. He saw that guy who dealt with Javert (Valjean) walk over to Marius's sleeping body. Enjolras looked up at the sky, and wondered if R was watching them now. He was probably hanging out with Bahorel, and Jehan was writing love poems. Bossuet would still be bald, and be watching Joly. Enjolras put his cheek on top of Éponine's head. He held her tight.