A/N: Happy Spring Break (if you're on spring break…)
This time, Eponine and Enjolras were free of interruptions, and could continue as they pleased.
When the broke away for air, Eponine's head was spinning. She was sure of her new feelings that she was falling in love with Enjolras, but she was terrified of what she was feeling. Her mind had cleared, and the entire world seemed new and wonderful. She understood why it never worked have worked out with Marius, or anyone else for that matter because all her life, every breath she had taken and every emotion she had felt were all saved for Enjolras.
Enjolras' eyes were locked delicately on Eponine's, and for the first time in his life, he wasn't searching for an answer, but rather he was savoring the moment. A surge of emotions stormed freely through his heart like a stampede, and he knew that Eponine would always be the one he would follow.
Eponine took a deep breath and began to speak slowly. "I think- no, I know, that I am falling in love with you, too," she said tentatively. Enjolras sighed happily stroking Eponine's face delicately with the pads of his thumbs. His touch was so gentle and unsure, and it made Eponine's heart lurch.
"This is the first time I have ever felt love for another person," Enjolras admitted shyly.
"Well, this is the first time anyone has ever loved me," Eponine replied softly before kissing him again.
"I'm going to kill my sister for what she said, right after I kill your father for hurting you," Enjolras growled as he kissed Eponine's jaw.
"Think nothing of their actions, I am used to it," Eponine sighed leaning back on Enjolras' shoulder. Anger flared in Enjolras' stormy eyes as the words left her mouth.
"I don't know what happened to you that made you think that the way they treated you was acceptable," Enjolras said sadly. Eponine shrugged.
"Everything that has happened to me in my life has desensitized me to that treatment. Enjolras, it's just who I am; a street rat from the heart of the slums," Eponine said simply.
"How can I show you that you are important?" Enjolras said seriously before kissing her forehead.
Eponine didn't respond, instead she placed a sweet kiss on Enjolras' lips.
"I will have to purchase you some dresses to appease my aunt, uncle, and Clara," Enjolras stated pulling away. Eponine felt uncomfortable with the idea that she would have to pretend to be rich; to pretend to be someone that is not. It was an area that was so foreign to her that it was frightening.
"It really isn't necessary," Eponine said firmly trying to reason with him. Enjolras nodded.
"I know all of this shouldn't be necessary, and I know that this is going to be difficult for you. But I am doing this to protect you, me, and my revolution. My aunt and uncle will have order, and if I refuse to go, I am afraid what they will do against me, and what they are capable of doing to you," Enjolras replied, and Eponine nodded in understanding.
"I need you to come with me, does that sound ridiculous? I would worry for you without you being there with me, and I cannot face my aunt and uncle alone," Enjolras admitted sheepishly, and Eponine understood.
"I will stand by you," Eponine said squeezing his hand.
"I know," Enjolras said gratefully. "How are you feeling today?" he asked changing the subject.
"I feel fine, honestly," Eponine said trying to get up, but Enjolras held her back.
"Are you absolutely sure?" he asked uncertainly not wanting her to over exert herself.
"I'm positive. In fact, I have never felt better in my life," Eponine said truthfully as she climbed out of bed.
"Today, you should probably take a bath, and then we can go buy you some more dresses," Enjolras said, and Eponine pulled Enjolras to the kitchen.
"Alright…" Eponine said unenthusiastically, but perked up as the wafting smell of food hit her nose. She almost looked embarrassed as she asked, "Can I have some of your food? I'm sorry, it's just that I haven't eaten in a while…"
"Of course, Eponine," Enjolras said as they entered the kitchen to see Clara making some sort of eggs.
"I apologize for my earlier words," Clara said somewhat reluctantly, and it was clear that Grantaire had made her say it.
"Do not say anything you do not mean sincerely, it is not becoming," Enjolras warned angrily. Clara sighed and shook her head.
"No, I really am sorry. This is very stressful for me; I don't truly agree with aunt and uncle, but I am too afraid to go against them," Clara sighed. Eponine understood Clara to some extent, but still despised the girl. Enjolras was still furious.
"It was still out of place for you to treat my guest in such a way," Enjolras said harshly. Clara just shrugged.
"It's not really my problem. I agree I shouldn't have said it, but the past if over, and I can't take it back," Clara said dismissively, frustrating Enjolras.
"You are so close minded I can't believe that we are even related!" Enjolras shouted, and Eponine tried to placate him.
"Can we please try and get along?" Clara asked sadly looking at her feet. "Remember when we were children and we would play together all the time? We had so much fun! Why can't we get along now?"
"We can try, as long as you mind your mouth around Eponine," Enjolras said, and Clara sighed and nodded.
"I, for one, love a great family reunion, but I am quite hungry, so Clara, can I get my eggs?" Grantaire asked from the table. Clara and Enjolras just rolled their eyes, but Eponine found him rather amusing.
Clara dished breakfast out for everyone, and Enjolras and Eponine joined Grantaire at the table.
"What exactly is going on here between you two?" he asked curiously. "I walk in on you kissing, and then Enjolras has been staying with you on the streets, and now you are coming with him to his aunt and uncle's house in Provence…"
"Sometimes matters are private, and you need to learn to stick your nose out of other people's business!" Enjolras said lightly.
Clara brought the food to the table, and watched in horror as Eponine scarfed down her food.
"You must teach that girl manners!" Clara exclaimed.
"You could say that in a nicer tone," Eponine taunted. "Maybe I should teach you manners."
"I don't have to take this," Clara said wearily.
"Today I am going to take Eponine to select some new dresses… I have classes today, blast it! Clara, could you take her?"
Eponine's eyes widened in horror as a devious smile grew on Clara's face.
"Not only will I do that, but I will help bathe her and give her etiquette so she will act like a proper lady during our visit!" Clara said excitedly. Eponine groaned.
"Don't make me go," Eponine begged Enjolras.
"It must be done," Enjolras said regretfully as he polished off his eggs. Clara just smirked.
"It will not be terrible at all, this will be fun… for me," Clara said happily taking a bite of eggs.
Eponine wanted desperately to be with Enjolras, but at the same time, she did not want to go to Provence. Why did Clara have to ruin everything?
After breakfast was cleared, Enjolras and Grantaire departed for their classes and Eponine and Clara were left alone.
"I really am sorry for what I said about you, I hope you can forgive me. I may not associate myself with… street rats… but if my brother loves you, I think it is possible that we could become friends," Clara said hopefully. Eponine was doubtful that they would ever become friends, but she was willing to at least try and get along with the girl.
"I suppose," Eponine sighed, and Clara offered her a genuine smile.
"Let's get the bath started, and then we can purchase your new dresses," Clara said.
This was going to be a long day.
A/N: I will probably update later today, so look out for more chapters!
