A/N: I thought I'd put Azelma with someone as a change :)

Chapter Seven: Azelma and Jaques

Weeks passed in the same manner. Éponine's father was happy with her, as she was now bringing a lot of money. Éponine was now his 'favourite daughter.' He didn't pay much attention to Azelma; she was like a ghost around the house. But as much as she seemed expressionless, inside she was happy. She did her tasks, and that was all that mattered to Thenardier. He no longer hit his daughters. If his friends did, he told them off for being ungrateful to the ones who brought them money.

It was now approaching the end of June in 1831. Éponine was to be fifteen soon, at the start of July. Not that it mattered; she hadn't celebrated her birthday for years. Nobody even knew when it was. She didn't mind. Another year passed, and she was still alive. She wondered if she would still be alive next year; in July 1832.

"We haven't been to the theatre for a while. Azelma, do you want to come with me?" Éponine asked, after they'd delivered some money back to their father. Azelma felt a rush of joy. One word appeared in her mind. A name. Jaques.

"Yes!" She exclaimed, a little over excitedly. She was nervous of what Éponine would react, but her sister just giggled and headed in the direction of the theatre.

Azelma followed, her heart pounding.

They arrived at the theatre quite quickly, as it was only a few streets away from the house that Thenardier seemed to own now. He was the master of the house again.

They didn't need to ask for Gavroche anymore, as most of the actors knew them by sight. This time, it was Jaques who opened the door. "Bonjour, Mademoiselle 'Zelmie." He used his affectionate nickname for Azelma, smiling widely at her. He smiled and nodded at Eponine as well, but in a different way to Azelma. "Bonjour, Mademoiselle Éponine." Polite and friendly. Not...almost loving, like how he spoke to Azelma. Azelma felt warmth spreading inside her.

"Bonjour Jaques." She greeted him brightly. He smiled again. Éponine watched them both, slightly amused. They were both clearly in love with eachother. Jaques noticed her watching.

"'Zelmie, go on in. I'll be through in a minute...meet me in the stalls." Azelma nodded. The stalls? Not backstage with the others? What if she was with him alone? Her heart skipped as she went through.

"Yes?" Éponine could tell he wanted to speak to her.

"Urm...well...you see, I was wondering..." He stammered.

"I do see. Continue." Éponine smirked.

"I like your sister. Quite a lot. Would you mind if I spoke to her...alone today? And do you mind that I like her?" He stood awkwardly.

She laughed slightly. "Finally. You admit it. She seems happy when she's with you. It's fine." He turned to leave. She grabbed his shoulder.

"I'm not finished yet." He looked a little scared. "Little eager aren't we? Don't try anything bad with her, don't upset her. Then I don't mind. Can't control your feelings, can I? Nobody can." She said it gently but firmly. Jaques nodded.

"Thank you, Éponine." Both of them went into the theatre, Jaques to the stalls and Éponine backstage.

"Ép, there's something I need to tell you." Gavroche looked urgent as he pulled her aside. Dániel was watching them curiously, but they didn't notice.

"What is is, 'Vroche?" Ép wasn't used to Gavroche seeming serious.

"The Students at Café Musain. They are getting all secretive over their discussions." He began.

"And? Don't they want a cleaner anymore?" Éponine replied.

"They also are trying to keep women out of it. So yeah...sorry." Éponine's heart sank. Marius.

"Don't you worry, Ép, you'll still be meeting Marius." He nudged her knowingly.

She smiled slightly. Of course! She would still get to see him.

Her only worry was her father. She'd just have to collect extra money in the day to pretend she still had the job.

Azelma sat in the stalls, waiting. Why was he talking to her sister? She heard footsteps. He was here! He sat beside her.

"My apologies for that, Mademoiselle." Jaques took her hand and was looking into her eyes. She liked his big, bright brown eyes. She liked him...*no, Azelma, stop.*

"It's alright." She replied meekly.

He took a deep breath. "Azelma..." He started. How was he to say it?

"Well...I've been thinking...recently..." He stalled.

She nodded encouragingly. "Go on..."

"I love you." He blurted, still looking into her eyes.

Azelma was shocked. What? Her shock didn't last long though. She knew she loved him as well...

It must have taken him so much courage to tell her.

"Sorry, Azelma...I had to say it. I understand if you don't-" he stopped, as she'd taken both his hands.

"Hush now, Jaques." She stared into his eyes. Both of them were blushing. "I love you too."

They both leaned in, sharing a gentle yet passionate kiss.