The past week had been a struggle for both Eponine and Enjolras. The two strong personalities clashed, creating rather impressive arguments. Usually it was about small things, simple things as the best way to rally the people, or an opinion on a past event or leader. For being as uneducated as she was, Eponine knew quite a but about the history of France. Usually these disagreements ended rather quickly, with one of them deciding that the other simply does not understand. That was until the subject of the revolution came up the day previously.
"Enjolras, do you really think that the people will rise?" Eponine asked him, her brown eyes full of worry.
"I have no reason to believe they won't!" Enjolras replied, slightly taken aback and also a little more than slightly offended. Did she doubt his abilities? In all honesty, no one had ever told him that the revolution would not work. All he ever heard was the praise of his friends and the cheers of the crowds he spoke to. So why would she doubt him?
"I think that the people are afraid. They can't afford to be apart of a revolution that may very well fail. They have larger worries than who their leader is. They have to feed their families, keep them alive." Eponine responded, as casually as most would discuss the weather. She picked at the bandage on her fingers, unsure of how Enjolras would react.
"Do they not realize that that is exactly what we are trying to change? They should not need to worry about here their next meal comes from! They should not fear for the future or be looked down upon! The revolution will change that, France will be a country of equality!" Eponine just shook her head, wishing Enjolras would see things from her point if view. She is the people. She has lived among them for years, and she knows their mindset, which is not one of revolution.
"I honestly believe that, eventually, France will be a great country. One of equality and everything else you and your friends dream of, but I don't think now is the time. The time is near, but it is not here yet, maybe not even in your lifetime." Enjolras looked like she had struck him, gripping the doorframe for support. He simply could not believe it. While he knew it was always a possibility that the people would not rise, he had always shoved that thought back down. The people have to rise they must. Enjolras had walked out the door, not speaking to her for the rest of the day.
"Eponine?" Enjolras stands at the door to her, his, bedroom, looking remorseful.
"Yes?" She raises an eyebrow, a look that Enjolras cant help but think works quite well for her.
"I would like to apologize for my rudeness yesterday. It was very immature of me, especially ignoring you for the rest of the day." It sounds like something Pontmercy would do, Enjolras thought bitterly. "I do hope you forgive me."
"Of course I do. I meant no offense to you, but I thought you had to know. I meant everything I said." Eponine truly did mean what she said. She wanted Enjolras and the rest of the Les Amis to live. They are all young and have hopeful futures, they shouldn't die in a revolution that is sure to kill each and every one of them.
Enjolras let out a sigh of both relief, but also of frustration. Could the revolution fail? No, of course not. She is the problem, that's it. Before she arrived, he had no reason to believe that it would fail. Now, she has filled him with doubt, a doubt he cannot afford to have. She is yet another distraction.
Speaking of distractions, Marius chooses this unfortunate moment to arrive at the flat, with Joly in tow. Eponine lights up at the sight of him, and Enjolras fights the urge to roll his eyes. "Monsieur Marius, Joly!" She greets them with excitement, and Enjolras can't help but wish that he would receive the same enthusiasm. After all, he's the one who basically saved her! What has Marius done? Nothing, or at least nothing to receive such attention. Enjolras runs a hand through his blonde curls silently, so absorbed in his own thoughts he does not even notice Eponine's stares.
Eponine loves Marius, there's no doubt in her mind, but as she glances from Marius to Enjolras, she almost wishes it was Enjolras speaking to her, not Marius. While Marius babbles on about something at the café, Eponine knows Enjolras would engage in a more interesting conversation. While she does not always agree with the revolutionary leader's point of views, she has to admire his passion. He gets so excited about what he speaks about, that she cannot help but feel excited about whatever he is speaking about as well. He can move a crowd with only words, although his good looks probably do not hurt the cause. Eponine wonders if Marius could ever move a crowd like Enjolras does, and she has to hide her smirk behind her hand. Marius trying to rally a crowd on his own? Eponine has a better chance of becoming the queen of France. Marius would probably attract a crowd of young girls, but that would be about it.
"Sorry to cut in, but I really should be checking on Eponine's injuries." Joly says, trying to get Marius out of the way. "How are you feeling?"
"Better. Very bored though, please tell me I can get out if bed, at least for a short while!" Eponine pleads. It's true, being confined to a bed is torture for her. She's so used to being independent, having to have other people, especially Enjolras, having to do everything for her is just plain insulting.
Joly just chuckles at the young girl. He glances up at Enjolras, who still looks deep in thought. "Enjolras, how are the plans for the revolution?" Joly asks as he checks Eponine's bandages.
Enjolras snaps up, "What?" He asks in unintelligently. Eponine laughs at the usually attentive leader looking dazed and confused. Usually, Enjolras would glare at those who laugh at him, but he can't find it in himself to glare at the beautiful girl in front if him. He swallows slowly, what is he thinking? He is being more distracted by the second.
"Daydreaming Enjolras?" Joly smirks. He has known Enjolras long enough to know that the he does by get distracted easily, so it must be something important on his mind.
"Don't be ridiculous!" Enjolras snaps. Enjolras turns to leave the room, and walks directly into the doorframe head first. "God damn if!" Enjolras yells, to the surprise of everyone. Usually, he is very calm and collected, thoughtful before he speaks. He turns back around to three pairs of eyes staring directly back at him, with expressions ranging from shock to worry to fear.
"Enjolras, are you okay?" Marius asks gently. Enjolras just nods, desperate for air. Without another word, he walks out to the small balcony, looking over the streets of Paris. As usual, the streets are full of people about their business, oblivious to anything but their own lives. Enjolras rubs his head, noticing a small lump where he had bumped it against the door. What is coming over him? Is he getting sick? He can't think straight. He lets his head fall into his hands, nearly falling apart.
Eponine shares worried glances with Joly, Marius and Grantaire, who came to the room when he heard the ruckus. "Now what in the hell was that?" Grantaire asks, speaking what is on everyone's mind. Eponine sits in shock. While Enjolras would not usually be described as overly friendly, that was just over the top. It's like there are two sides to him. One is the rash, cold Enjolras she just experienced. The other is a total opposite. He's kind, caring, passionate. Everything anyone could really want in a man, Eponine thinks. Eponine used to think Marius was perfect, and maybe she still does, but the Enjolras, the kind one, might be perfect as well. But why is he not always like that? Why? What makes him go from compassionate to stone in the blink of an eye?
"Well, I guess it is about time for me to be going now. Eponine, you may move around the flat, but do not strain yourself, okay?" He tells her sternly. Like the rest if the Amis, he has grown very fond of the girl, and he does not want her to injure herself unnecessarily.
"Thank you, Joly. Goodbye, Marius!" Eponine tells him, giving him a little wave. She really is happy to have people who truly cared about her. It has been years since her parents cared about her, and for the longest time she had felt so alone in the world. She still feels like she's in a dream, and that she will wake up to that life at any second.
"Bye, 'Ponine!" Eponine's heart swells as Marius uses his nickname for her. She risks one more look into his green eyes before he leaves, leaving her alone with Grantaire.
"What is wrong with Enjolras? I've known him for quite a long time, and I've never seen him so, so, I don't know how to describe it even! He's just so unlike himself." Grantaire wonders aloud, his voice filled with worry. Eponine looks up at him in surprise. Usually, the drunk does not seem to have a care in the world, but he truly does seem concerned for his friend.
"I wish I had an answer for you." Eponine tells him. Grantaire frowns and appears to be deep in thought.
"I'm going to go talk to him. And I have a feeling I'm going to need a very strong drink after this little chat." He adds, not losing his sense of humor, making Eponine laugh a little. They are both thankful for the break in the tension of the past few moments.
Grantaire walks out to the balcony, stunned by what he sees. He has never seen Enjolras look so broken. Enjolras has his head in his hands, mumbling under his breath. "Enjolras! Enjolras, what is the matter with you?" Grantaire demands, not caring if he's rude. If something is wrong with Enjolras, he needs to know.
"Grantaire, go away!" Enjolras tells him, more annoyed at himself than his friend.
"No. Enjolras, I've seen you get stressed before, but this? This isn't normal, this isn't you!" Grantaire shouts at him. He doesn't mean to, but he also knows that he can't have Enjolras falling apart. If Enjolras can't stay strong, they are all done for.
"You need to be honest with me for a moment, Grantaire." Enjolras looks directly into Grantaire's eyes, "Do you think the revolution will succeed?" Grantaire stays silent, unsure of what to say. Honestly, he does have his doubts about the revolution. He just joined the cause because of his friends. He would do anything for them.
"Enjolras, I honestly believe that you can do anything you put your mind to." And Grantaire means it. While he wouldn't ever admit it, he believes in Enjolras. He would do anything for the man, even die.
"What if it doesn't? What if I kill you all!" Enjolras counters. "I would never be able to live with myself." Enjolras looks away, not wanting Grentaire to see how truly disturbed he is at the thought.
"Where exactly, are all these thoughts of doubts coming from? Yesterday morning I spoke to you and you couldn't have been more confident? Why the change of heart?" Grantaire asks curiously. What could possibly change Enjolras' views on the revolution so quickly?
"I was speaking with Eponine yesterday and-"
"Eponine? You've known the girl a week and now suddenly she gets to run the revolution!" Grantaire yells, completely shocked. He knows Eponine is a very smart, pretty girl, but to have her influence Enjolras that much is just plain dangerous.
"Don't be ridiculous Grantaire. She had some legitimate concerns that I think need to be taken into account. She thinks we, I, am leading a suicide mission." Enjolras tries to explain, but not exactly believing his own words himself. Eponine does sway him like no other woman has before, and he can't explain it. Quite honestly, he doesn't want to. After every conversation, wether it is a disagreement or not, all he wants is to be with her longer. He wants to kill anyone who has ever harmed her. He wants her to be happy and safe. He wants to care for her and for her to never have a single worry ever again.
Enjolras' thoughts are interrupted by Grantaire. "Enjolras, you love her!" It's not a question, it's a statement, but Grantaire still waits for a response from Enjolras.
Enjolras stays silent for a moment. In all honesty he had not considered that he loved her, but now that he does, nothing else has ever sounded more right. "I, I think I do. I love Eponine Thénardier."
I am so so so very sorry for the late update. I've been so busy, and I hope it doesn't happen again in the future, but allow me to apologize in advance if it does! I hope you enjoyed none the less, and please review your thoughts and follow/fave!