Chapter XIII

Gabrielle woke up in the morning to find Enjolras gone. He usually rose before her, so it wasn't unusual. She rubbed her eyes, then crawled over to the window next to the bed, pushing the shutters open. It was a cool day and she pulled the bed covers around her shoulders as she looked down at the street below. She loved this window. At night, she could open it and look up at the stars through the slim opening between the buildings, and in the morning, she could watch everyone slowly waking up to go about their day.

Gabrielle jumped when Enjolras' voice suddenly interrupted her thoughts. "Good morning, Gabrielle." He stood in the bedroom doorway, his hair still a bit disheveled from sleep.

"Antoine! I thought you had left already." Gabrielle self-consciously pulled the covers tighter around her. "Don't you have class today?" Her eyes flickered to his lips, remembering their searing kiss from the night before. Ever since, she had had a knot of desire coiled in her stomach. She wanted to kiss him again.

He nodded and came further into the bedroom, opening up a drawer to look for a fresh cravat. "It is early still. Very early, actually." He hesitated, then asked tentatively, "Would you like to walk with me this morning?"

"Oh...yes, of course. Thank you for asking. Just let me get dressed." He had never actually been there when she'd woken up, and she wondered if he had actually been waiting for her. Gabrielle waited until Enjolras closed the bedroom door to pull the covers back. She dressed hastily, mumbling curses at her horrible corset, and pinned up her hair. After she slipped on her shoes, Gabrielle went into the front room to meet Enjolras.

He offered her his arm without a word and they left together. The sun shone brightly, and even though they didn't speak, the silence between them was comfortable.

They passed only a few people so early in the morning, and finally Gabrielle asked curiously, "You don't really have class this early, do you?" A horrifying thought suddenly occurred to her and she said quietly, "Oh, Antoine, you don't usually leave so early just to get away from me, do you?"

Enjolras looked at her incredulously. "Why would you even think that, Gabrielle? That's absurd. And no, I don't have class this early, but I come to work in the library most days. It has nothing to do with you."

"Oh," Gabrielle said in relief. "I just thought maybe since you are used to being alone..."

"Stop," he said with finality. "You give yourself too much credit for my habits."

She blushed and looked away, then stopped in front of a store window with several hand-painted fans on display. She frowned as she gazed at them.

"These aren't half so nice as my brother's were."

"No, they are not. He was much more detailed in his work."

Gabrielle glanced at Enjolras and noticed the faithful scowl that usually accompanied any talk of his dead friends. It was no good pushing him to talk about them. He would speak in his own time, when he was ready.

She turned away from the window and kept walking. "What is your class today?" she asked curiously.

"Civil Law. We have a guest speaker this morning."

Gabrielle grinned and squeezed his arm. "Do you think I would be found out were I to sneak in? I'd so love to hear the things you get to..." He knew she was joking, but turned to her and said seriously, "I try to remember to tell you everything. I wish you could attend, as well, Gabrielle."

"I know. Someday," she shrugged. "When your republic succeeds, maybe they will let even women like me attend university..."

"God knows you're more intelligent than many of the boys there," Enjolras said sincerely. "Are you writing lately? You've been so busy with everything else, I haven't noticed your book laying around anywhere."

"I've written a little, but mostly nonsense," she answered truthfully. "Why?"

"Well..." Enjolras hesitated and stopped again, leaning closer to her. "Marius, Joly, and I are thinking of starting a newspaper. Just something small. And I thought, perhaps, you might want to contribute your writing? Maybe even talk about the work you're doing? Or things we've talked about before, like women's education and equal rights?"

Gabrielle's eyes widened. "Wait, wait. A newspaper? When in the world did this come about? None of you have mentioned it!"

Enjolras' lip curved. "Well, they've been talking about it for months, but I resisted. But after being at the church last night and seeing the work you're doing...I don't know, maybe it isn't such a bad idea."

Gabrielle felt like shouting. Enjolras had a look in his eyes that hadn't been there in months, one of focus and determination. She didn't want to make too much of it, however, and make him feel self conscious. "I think that's an amazing idea. Really wonderful. Have you spoken to Monsieur Durand about it? He would want to help!"

Enjolras shook his head. "No, no...we haven't really done anything besides talk amongst ourselves, but I thought maybe we could even begin getting things together today. We must start somewhere."

"Absolutely." She smiled widely and tried very hard to keep from throwing her arms around him.

"You didn't answer my question. Would you want to write?"

"Of course. If you think my writing is good enough, I would be honored. Thank you for asking."

"It's good enough." Enjolras gave her a rare smile and demurely kissed her forehead. "Like I said, Gabrielle, you are more intelligent than half the men in my classes."

There it was again – a kiss. A chaste one, and not on the lips like last night, but still. He was actually showing her affection. She didn't know what to make of it. First, they had begun strolling arm in arm, then holding hands, and now he was kissing her. Her heart beat a little faster, but she forced herself to calm down. She would not act like a silly girl, in love with a man who was certainly only with her out of his own twisted sense of obligation and duty to a friend. But the way he had kissed her, the way he had held her at the ball, the way he looked at her sometimes...it was all so confusing. No wonder Enjolras had scorned love and romance for so long. It could make you crazy.

They again began walking silently, hand in hand, and Gabrielle noticed that the nearer they got to the university, the more tight Enjolras' jaw became. "Do you not want to be here today?" she asked quietly at the doors to the library.

Enjolras sighed and let go of her hand, turning to face her. "Not particularly, no. Most days anymore it all seems a bit tedious. It isn't what it used to be."

"No, I would imagine not. But you're almost through, with exams in only a few weeks. And, Antoine," she said passionately, "You will still make a difference in this country. You're already plotting with Marius and Joly again, and once you're around Monsieur Durand every day, you will find even more to do. It is not over. And now, I'm here to help you." She smiled as his gaze softened.

He was about to say something when they heard Marius' voice shout his name. "Enjolras! Gabrielle!" Marius jogged toward them, and clapped Enjolras on the shoulder as he came to a stop. "You are out and about early today, Madame."

"Good morning, Marius. Antoine invited me to walk him to school. Who am I to refuse on such a beautiful day?"

"Indeed, though I know you have a long day of work ahead of you. Perhaps on your way home you could stop and see Cosette? She has some things she would like to contribute to the church," Marius said.

"Tomorrow," Gabrielle promised. "Antoine has given me some inspiration this morning. I think I am going to go home and write." Her fingers were already itching for a pen.

Marius leaned closer and said softly. "Ah, has told you about our idea? Did you actually manage to get him to agree?"

"I had nothing to do with it," Gabrielle said truthfully. "He decided all on his own. And I think it's a wonderful idea."

"It's not truly much different than what we used to do, printing pamphlets and distributing them at rallies...only now all of it will be in one place."

"It's brilliant, really. I can't wait to see how it all comes together. And we all have to start to rebuild somewhere." She smiled at them both, then reached out and touched Enjolras' arm. "I'm going to be off now. Thank you for inviting me this morning, Antoine."

Before she lost her nerve, Gabrielle quickly stood on her toes and kissed his cheek, surprised when he turned his head to catch her lips with his. It was a quick kiss, but enough to make Gabrielle's head spin again. She was too dazed as she walked away to notice Marius grinning like a fool at his friend.

A few hours later, Gabrielle finally put down her pen and stretched. She had run out of ink and wasn't quite finished, but it was a good start. She hoped Enjolras would be pleased with her work on the plight of working women in Paris. True, she hadn't been one for long, but the social isolation that had come with her role as a governess had surprised her – it was lonely work. The conditions of the factory had been worse, of course, with long hours, little pay, and condescending foremen bossing everyone around; but, because of her meager education and her gender, Gabrielle was condemned to a life of either working as a governess and not fitting in, or marrying.

Marriage had fallen into her lap, and quite a lucky one at that, but Gabrielle knew not everyone was so fortunate.

Gabrielle stood and stretched, then walked to the window. She peered down into the street and saw Musichetta just arriving at the building, a basket of clothes on her arm. "'Chetta!" she called down and waved.

Musichetta looked up and smiled. "Bonjour, Gabrielle! Meet me downstairs?"

Gabrielle nodded and left the flat, meeting Musichetta at her door. She still had a few hours before she needed to go oversee things at the church. "More laundry to do?" she asked.

Musichetta nodded and pushed open the door. "Always."

Gabrielle entered the flat and laughed at the mess. "I can tell Joly lives here." His books were everywhere, as well as his clothes.

Musichetta rolled her eyes. "Don't expect me to clean up after him. This is his doing," she said firmly. "I am not his maid."

Gabrielle smiled at the affection she heard in Musichetta's voice. "Ah, but you love him anyway. Has he told you of the plans for a newspaper?"

Musichetta began sorting the laundry and shook her head. "No, he hasn't. What is this about?"

"Well," Gabrielle said excitedly. "Joly, Marius, and Enjolras have decided to publish a paper. Enjolras told me about it this morning on our walk, and he asked me to contribute my writing. Isn't that wonderful of him? I've spent the whole day writing, but I ran out of ink..." she stopped as she noticed the look Musichetta was giving her.

"He asked you to write?"

Gabrielle nodded and Musichetta laughed. "And then you jumped at his words. My, my, Gabrielle, he beckons and you come. Is there something else going on in the Enjolras household, love?"

Gabrielle blushed and looked at the floor. "'Chetta..." she said uncomfortably. "I really don't want to talk about it."

Musichetta frowned and pressed on anyway. "Have you been with him yet, Gabrielle? You know...made love? Like a husband and wife are supposed to?"

Gabrielle shook her head. "No. And I would hardly even know where to begin. The only thing I know about that is from a book the girls at school passed around. Until the headmistress confiscated it, that is."

"Well, it comes rather naturally," Musichetta said reassuringly. "And once you get used to it, there is really nothing better in the world."

Gabrielle tried not to look too interested. "It doesn't matter, anyway, 'Chetta. I dare say Enjolras isn't really interested in me that way. But," Gabrielle grinned, "he did kiss me last night. And this morning."

Musichetta snorted and laughed uproariously. "Oh, Enjolras is famous for ignoring the fairer sex, Gabrielle, but that does not mean he is not interested or doesn't notice when one is sleeping in the same bed as him! And he kissed you! Believe me, he's interested."

Gabrielle tried not too look too hopeful. "Do you think so?"

Musichetta put down her laundry and came nearer to Gabrielle. "Do you want him to be interested?"

Hesitatingly, Gabrielle nodded. "I think I do...yes. I mean," she added hastily, "we are married. We should...consumate the marriage. Right?"

Musichetta raised her eyebrows and took Gabrielle's arm, leading her to the sofa. "It's time you and I had a discussion, love, because as far as I'm concerned, it is always a good time to 'consumate.'"

An hour later, Gabrielle walked back upstairs in a daze. Musichetta's rather shocking descriptions of sex scandalized her on one hand and thrilled her on the other. Gabrielle was surprised to find that thinking of being with Enjolras in that way was so appealing, but equally as terrifying. According to Musichetta, who had of course heard it from Joly and Bossuet, Enjolras had never been with a woman. He was too busy, they said, worrying about other things, and believing in a code of chivalry and respect that meant he would not ever be with a woman he was not married to.

Well, now he was married, but Musichetta figured he didn't really know that he had a willing participant in Gabrielle. Musichetta said it was Gabrielle's job to show him.

Gabrielle walked to the church and did her job mechanically, her mind far away and on other things. They still had enough food that night for everyone that appeared at the church doors, so it was as successful as it could be. The time passed quickly, and Gabrielle hailed a fiacre home since darkness had already fallen.

When she arrived at the apartment, she found Enjolras working at his desk, books scattered around him. Exams were rapidly approaching, and he was getting busier and busier.

"Bonjour, Antoine. You must have a lot of work to do tonight?"

"Not as much as it looks. How was today?"

"It went well, the time passed quickly. We had enough food again. And speaking of food, have you eaten? I completely forgot."

"No, as a matter of fact. I forgot, too. Do you want to go out, just for a little while? I still need to study."

"Yes, we might as well."

Enjolras rose and held out his hand. Gabrielle placed her palm in his, loving the way it felt natural and easy now.

"Oh! And..." she pulled away and went into the bedroom, grabbing the pages she had written that morning. She walked back over to Enjolras and tucked the papers securely into his coat pocket with a smile. "I wrote a bit today, too. It isn't finished, but..."

"I look forward to reading it." He smiled and took her hand again, leading her to the door. "Come, lets go find dinner somewhere."

She followed him downstairs and out into the cool evening, and they soon found themselves at a little café down the street. They both ate simply, but the food was good and the wine sweet, and even when they didn't talk so much, Gabrielle enjoyed his company.

After their food was cleared away, Enjolras reached for the paper in his pocket. "Do you mind if I read it now?"

She shook her head, but said nervously, "Please, don't be too harsh with me. I worked hastily and didn't revise at all."

He had never actually read anything she had written, Gabrielle realized, and it was a bit nerve-wracking watching him peruse the paper, especially knowing what a gifted and eloquent writer he was. Gabrielle suddenly felt his hand on her knee under the table, rubbing a small circle in a comforting gesture. She started, and her writing was forgotten. Perhaps Musichetta was right about his desires...

Enjolras read silently, nodding every once in a while. He kept his hand on her knee, though, and Gabrielle was distracted from trying to read his face by the sensation of his hand burning through the fabric of her dress. Finally, he looked up at her and smiled.

"This is quite good, Gabrielle; how do you wish to end it?"

Gabrielle relaxed a bit and leaned forward. Enjolras the Republican was easier to talk to than Enjolras the man, since she was well versed in his political views and ideas. She began talking animatedly, and before they knew it, the café was closing and they had to leave. They had spent much longer together than they'd intended, and Gabrielle liked the way talking about his beloved Patria brought some of the previous fire back to his eyes. She remembered how he used to look as he gave his impassioned speeches. His chiseled features hadn't worn that look since before the barricade. His dream had died that day along with his friends, but Gabrielle was hopeful after the last few days that he hadn't given up completely.

They continued their talk as they walked home, but Enjolras groaned when he looked at his pocket watch outside of their building. "I didn't realize it was so late. I still have a paper to work on."

"I'm sorry – I didn't mean to keep you from your work tonight," Gabrielle apologized, but she didn't really feel sorry since she had enjoyed her time with him so much.

"Don't worry, I've gone without sleep before." Enjolras led the way up the stairs and into the apartment. He eyed the books stacked on the desk and with a sigh, turned to Gabrielle. "I suppose this is where I bid you goodnight."

Gabrielle shifted from one foot to the other, thinking about the things Musichetta had told her earlier that day, and knowing this was exactly where they had kissed the night before.

It was her job to show him she was interested, Musichetta had stressed, so Gabrielle tentatively stepped forward and reached up, untying Enjolras' cravat and unbuttoning the collar of his shirt. She gazed up at his curious blue eyes and then gently tugged on the ends of the cravat, pulling his head down to hers. Their lips met gently at first, but then Gabrielle felt Enjolras' hands on her waist and was encouraged. She rested her hands on his chest, and could feel his heart beating as rapidly as hers. She boldly nipped at his bottom lip and pressed her body against his, deepening the kiss.

His hand slipped behind her neck, tilting her head up. After a minute, she slowly pulled away, slipping his cravat off as she stepped back. His eyes showed surprise, but were dark and piercing as he gazed at her. He stepped forward and dipped his head to kiss her again, but Gabrielle ducked away playfully, remembering what Musichetta had said about making him beg for more.

"Don't you have work to do?" she teased. "Good luck with your studies."

She smirked a bit at the incredulous look on his face and felt a thrill of excitement as the bedroom door closed behind her. Yes, things were definitely going exactly right.

So, because y'all are so awesome, I decided to just go ahead and post again tonight. I promised smut and didn't deliver, but I swear it's there in the next chapter! (I had to split a chapter - it was almost 20 pages long otherwise.)

Thank you for reading and reviewing! I'll post again on WEDNESDAY!