A/N: A great many thanks to my reviewers. And note that I shall update within 5 days' time unless something were delay my updates. My beloved Warblette and PerkyTurkeyBaby, I thank you for the kind words. I look forward to your feedbacks.
I hope you will enjoy this chapter.
Disclaimer: Any familiar characters and settings belonged to Monsieur Victor Hugo and the film directed by Monsieur Tom Hooper.
From Me To You
"Damn!"
People who were walking by the sidewalk stole a glance from the seething man who punched a wall, unaware of his bleeding knuckle which instantly bloom purple and red splotches. He wiped his sweating forehead with the back of his hand, wincing as the sweat seeped into his open wound. Another curse escaped his lips as he closed his eyes and let everything sink in. The revolution they had been preparing for was now on a standstill; the battle plans he had poured his thoughts and soul all went down to the sewers. All those sleep-deprived nights and stressful days dropped on him with one fell swoop. He could feel stinging in his eyes and knew they were actually tears. Strange, he couldn't remember the last time he had shed a drop; not even when his great uncle died from sickness, or even when his favourite cousin was murdered after a mugging attempt went wrong. Slowly, he leaned on the opposite wall and slid down to the dirty pavement, not caring about the grime that will stick to his clothes. He was tired, he was suddenly questioning himself if everything he had done was all for naught, the very thought made him want to curl into a ball of depression and just let his life whist away like ashes.
Eponine slowly walked out of the shadows and looked at him; the founder of Les Amis and their strong cornerstone, now leaning on an alleyway wall with his head covered by his bleeding hand. She had never seen anyone so broken and her heart sympathized for his pain. The pain of wanting to gain something only to see it fall right in front your eyes, a pain that won't heal for a long time. And while it was her heart that ached for an unrequited love, his was far more. His ambition, his dream for liberation and all of that hard work; gone with just one blink because of the sudden realization of the real world.
'And the world laughs at our failures and feeds on our misery' she mused.
But Enjolras needs someone to reassure him, someone to show him that tomorrow is another chance to try. She snorted a bit, maybe she also needed to hear that advise as well. So with that, she slinked to him as silent as a cat and kneeled down to his level, "What is the cause of those tears monsieur?" She had to act as if she wasn't there, though he knows that she knows the answer very well.
"'Tis the tears of a man who had nothing left mademoiselle," he answered without looking up, "A man whose ambitions resulted into naught but wasted time and energy. A man who raised the people's hopes and failed them because of trivial realities." Those words tasted like vinegar in his tongue. He could feel her eyes on him and he wants nothing more than to shield him from everybody's gaze on him.
"You talk as if you've already lost" she softly replied. The words entered his like she shouted it right into his brain. He hung his head and slowly placed his hands on his knees.
"I only speak the words of truth mademoiselle-"
"My name is Eponine, as you know. Please call me without any formalities"
"And you know mine as well. I only spoke of the truth. With few weapons and support from our countrymen; we are but ants waiting to be crushed by the royal army." His tone was sure but she could hear him wanting to combat his own words, trying to grasp even the slightest hope to find a light in the end of a very long and dark tunnel.
"Support..."
For the first time, he lifted his head to look at his companion only to see her with a thoughtful look like she was talking in her mind before she looked at him straight in the eye and said, "And what if I can get more for your cause monsieur?"
An unintentional scoff exited his mouth and he quickly covered it as Eponine looked at him with a brow lifted with question, "Forgive me, I don't wish to offend you Eponine but we already tried but we all came back empty handed."
Instead of a downcast look he expected to see, she gave him an exasperated sigh and crossed her arms in a defiant manner, "Monsieur, though I have very little material things to own, I have far more information and connections than you would dream of," she huffed and her chin was up in pride.
"And were those the connections with your father's?" he asked. He was surprised to see her glare at him before she shook her head and gave a defeated sigh, "I wish I could shed the name of my father's from mine but he is what he is and I have no power over that. But monsieur, I know my way around and I know secrets that even the monarchs didn't have a slightest clue."
Enjolras couldn't believe his ears; the woman might be the ticket to help then win this revolution and the idea of the barricades were not destroyed, only pushed back in a certain time gave him strength. With a renewed spark of energy bloomed in his chest, he stood with a smile on his face. It was the first time she looked at him in a close proximity and she was secretly beguiled by his beauty. While Marius was handsome, though she obviously favors him, Enjolras had a face that of a nobleman's as well but with more of a mature light. High cheek bones, an aristocratic nose and his lips were that of Cupid's bow. But his blue eyes sparkled with sheer focus and dedication that was absent to many and his hair was of golden threads like the ones she had seen in beautiful fabrics displayed in expensive clothing shops. His teeth were of beautiful and shining pearls and she felt a bit insecure with herself as she has two missing molars at the back rows of her own set for she had sold it for a couple of francs. This man could sell a hefty price with that gold and pearls but she would be damned as to even suggest such a thing. But then there is a small matter of fees, business is business after all.
"Ah but of course this comes with a price, Monsieur Enjolras"
His face twisted in a funny way that she gave a quiet laugh, a first for that evening from her otherwise disastrous day. He, on the other hand, was far from laughing. But nonetheless, he felt around his pockets and recovered forty francs and a couple of sous, a reasonable sum but he had no use for money. It was all meaningless to him and regardless to where he was brought up, it was just paper and silver that brainwashed people into being a slave to it. But as he gave it to Eponine, the gamin gave him an offended look and pushed it back into his hand. Needless to say, he was surprised that she would give it back as though it was a handful of mud.
"Why do you noblemen always think I want a monetary price? I ask for something quite different" she said, her hands folded on her back, watching as Enjolras placed the money back into his pockets.
"And what is it you ask for?"
"For some company tonight" she said in a straight face.
His eyes widened and he felt his mouth ran dry as he saw a cheeky smile on her lips and a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. But his shock was short-lived as she threw her head back and let out a laugh. His surprise turned into confusion and embarrassment, what does she really mean by companionship? That's when he realized she was just teasing him. So with a wounded ego, he cleared his throat, "Yes, you're really such a tease. What is the price then for your help?"
She stopped her laughter though her smile stayed on her face. "I wish for shelter for the time being sir, don't worry, it wouldn't for more than a few days. Just until I can get back to my feet and my second condition is to be a member of Les Amis for you to ensure my loyalty" she explained. Enjolras nodded, "I accept your offer and please call me Enjolras, no formalities likewise." He extended his uninjured hand for her to shake and close their agreement. She grasped his hand with and saw how much larger his hand was compared to hers before they shook once and the deal was made.
They walked into the cafe where the mood had dampened even more. Several men were already sleeping and the ones who were still awake were talking in low voices. Climbing up, they were greeted by the glum faces of the inner circle. Combeferre and Grantaire looked interested at the fact Eponine was there again, following their usually loner leader with a slight bounce in her step. Prouvaire who was speaking to Bahorel looked at them with an inquiring expression and nudged his friend to notice them as well, Lesgles was nowhere to be found though Enjolras has a sneaking suspicion he had already retired for the night. On the farthest side of the room was Courfeyrac fast asleep on the chair and Gavroche, who was biting through a small bread roll, gave them a small wave. Joly stared at Enjolras' bleeding hand and stood up to clean it but he held up a hand to stop him. Almost immediately, they all turned their attention to the weary man but his stance was otherwise.
"My friends, in light of certain matters. We shall cancel the revolution until further notice."
A slight buzz of whispers now covered the room but Enjolras continued with his announcement, "But as the problems were that the small number we possess, we have to gain support from the people as well as weapons. That's where Eponine will be of help to us." He turned to Eponine, the others did as well, "She can help persuade the people help us with the revolt. And with that being said, she would be a member of Les Amis de l'ABC."
Grantaire spat out the ale he just drank, spraying the floor with spittle and ale. Combeferre, Bahorel and Prouvaire stared dumbfounded at Eponine while Feuilly just sat there, waiting for Enjolras to continue. Gavroche looked confused, he was happy he could be with his sister but this group is no place for a lady, even for someone as tough as Eponine. And no doubt their bastard of a father would look for her; she was one of his routes to get some money without lifting a finger.
"Ma qualité! I meant no offense 'Ponine," Grantaire slurred as he wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, "But not even with your charm could you possibly force them to fight with us."
Eponine took a step with one hand on her hip, as several men chuckled; even Enjolras had to bite his lip in order to hide his diverted grin. "As charming as I am, I will not force them but to make them see what all of you had been doing. The people are mainly those who lived in the gutters, the people who seldom even eat one square meal a day and riddled with disease (Joly flinched at her words) but we have to make them understand that what we've been fighting for is for their sake. The hope of having a better world to live in will be our weapon. I came from the gutters, the place they all know too well and they would surely listen to me as I had also bore the hardship of life as a gamine."
Slowly, the men started to look at her as if she was the female equivalent of Enjolras. Even the man himself was surprised by her eloquent speech. If she had attended a university, she might have been a renowned orator. Combeferre slowly clapped that was imitated by the others and Grantaire raised his mug with a shout of "Aye!"
Enjolras gave a small smile at them before he spoke once more, "We will resume the meeting after we pay our respects to General Lamarque. For now, let us rest, we have had a tiring day." The men also agreed and they all stood up, slowly gathering their few items except for Joly who ran to retrieve a medical kit for Enjorlas' neglected wound.
Eponine walked towards the fireplace after being welcomed by the others, Combeferre, Feuilly and Bahorel shook her hand and Prouvaire kissed her knuckle in which she gave a sweet smile. Grantaire, fueled with alcohol, gave her a smack her on the cheek with her returning him the favor with a good-natured slap on the face which didn't even hurt the slightest.
Gavroche approached his sister, offering her what was left of his meal which Eponine declined. The handful of bread might be the only thing he had eaten for a while and she will not share something that was rightfully someone else's. The thought made her heart wrench yet again. Marius and Cosette had flitted in and out of her mind for the longest time that she thought she would go insane. One of the reasons she entered the group was to make herself busy to forget and maybe in time, she would finally let it go. Several small voices were heard outside of the building; awakening Courfeyrac from his slumber and looked around to see the almost empty room except for Feuilly who was wrapping a clean cloth around Enjolras' hand and the Thenardier siblings by the fireplace. He looked for the source of the noise to see a couple of street urchins looking up. Knowing what their purpose was, he called for Gavroche who then ran out and bid them all a good night. Yawning, Courfeyrac asked the blond what transpired during his slumber, prompting Enjolras to replay his speech again.
Eponine gave a smile to the quiet man as he welcomed her before he took his departure and waited for Enjolras to have his wound cleaned. She accidentally brushed her hand against the pocket of her dress and the little reminder of what she must do. With a heavy heart, she approached the two men and told them she would be out for a moment and return as quickly as she could.
Marius Pontmercy sighed as he looked at the moon that hung just outside his window. He could still see the fair Cosette's face on the clear luminous glow of the moon. He opened his trunk and retrieved his ring. The gold ring had the emblem of first letter of his name on it and the coat of arms of the Pontmercy family. He opted to leave it there and refused to wear it as it symbolizes his ties with a wealthy family but... if he was to marry Cosette in the future, he should ask her hand from her father. And maybe he should wear it to ensure the older man that he can very much secure Cosette's future. Lifting his hand to his desk, he felt his mouth being tugged upwards as he carefully held up the small white handkerchief, a token of her affections as they had met under the beautiful night which was but a few short hours ago.
It was such a strange feeling, to see someone with her beauty and innocence within their society. He felt as though he could win the entire war by himself if that would make her father approve of him. His daydreaming of a beautiful wedding with the blond young woman came to a halt when a knock on his door came. He opened it slightly and looked through the crack to see Eponine with her face hidden under the shadows. He widely opened it and gave a friendly hug in which she didn't return. He didn't mind her sudden unfriendliness since he was walking on the clouds of pure love and contentment; he didn't even notice the true face of his best friend that was cloaked with a mask of indifference.
"Eponine, I don't have anything more to do than be forever thankful for your help. My beloved friend, you have done for me more than anyone ever did and when I ask Cosette's hand-"
"The old man and girl had left Rue Plumet." She all but shouted. Her voice shook and cracked in the end.
Marius stared at her before he grabbed her shoulders, "How are you sure of this? Eponine, where had they gone? What happened that they had to flee at night?" Eponine yelped at the firmness of his hands around her shoulder, Marius immediately released her like he was burned by a bundle of live coals and gave her a panicked look but she knew it was not for her sake.
"My father tried to rob their home; I had to stop them so I screamed. It must have alerted the man and the last thing I saw was the girl placing this note addressed for you." She left out the fact that Thenardier was looking for revenge and his idea of a just reward was a pound of flesh and goods to loot. Slowly, she took out the note and gave it to him. He quickly unfolded the letter and his eyes scanned the words, repeating it like he was trying to memorize the content.
"Rue de l'Homme Arme? They're moving to England by noon tomorrow?!" he read aloud, his voice shook with anguish. Eponine felt stinging pain as she watched Marius sat on his bed before he sprang right up and walked out of the door. Eponine quickly ran after him, her footfalls softer than his as they sped through the alleyways.
"Eponine, tell the others that I will be by the barricades as soon as I-"
"The barricades have been postponed. We will have a meeting after General Lamarque's wake tomorrow" she clarified. Marius stopped for a moment and turned to her, "What happened?"
"Enjolras had an epiphany and made a choice that could save everyone in Les Amis" she answered.
"And what choice was that?"
Eponine looked at him and clasped her hands in front of her, "We will go ahead with the barricades once we have enough men and weapons to be able to fight with the king's foot soldiers in an equal ground. Marius, must you really go? Surely they will miss you at the march."
Marius sighed and fully turned to her and leaned close. In a flash if hope, she thought he will kiss her but as it turns, he whispered, "Just don't tell them where I had gone. Please Eponine, do this for me?"
'And I had done everything you've asked ever since we've first met,' a mournful voice echoed in her mind as he left her there, in the middle of the dark all alone once again.
A/N: Please Read and Review. Here's a little secret, the more I get feedbacks, the faster I update because of inspiration ;) Comments, Suggestions and Questions are welcome and also constructive criticism. I don't allow flames. So please don't attempt to write one.