Warning: There is some serious, serious smut in this chapter. I'm actually fairly mortified to even post this. Read at your own risk.

Chapter XVIII

Gabrielle awoke on Christmas morning to Enjolras' soft kiss on her brow. She opened her eyes and smiled to see his head resting next to hers on the pillow. It had been nice having him home all day yesterday, and Gabrielle was glad he would be there today, too. It wouldn't have been much of a holiday without him.

"Merry Christmas," he said softly.

"Merry Christmas."

Enjolras kissed her again, then slid out from under the covers and began to dress. "My mother is making breakfast," he commented. "I can smell it."

"I'm a little surprised your mother knows how to cook," Gabrielle said as she rose. "Didn't you have servants to do that? Your family has money."

"Growing up we did, yes. But now my mother lives alone, except for a woman from the village who comes a few days a week to clean. So she learned. She likes being independent, rather like you."

"I like that about her." Gabrielle dressed and sat down at her vanity to brush her hair. She watched Enjolras in the mirror and saw him take a small box out of a drawer in the back of the wardrobe. He didn't expect her to be watching since her back was to him.

"What is that?" she asked curiously.

He turned and glared at her. "You weren't supposed to see."

"Oh." She grinned and turned to face him. "Would that happen to be my Christmas present?"

"Yes." Enjolras sat on the edge of the bed and Gabrielle moved to sit next to him. She was excited – the only person who had ever given her a Christmas gift before was her brother. "Do you mind if I give it to you now? Privately?"

"Of course." Gabrielle bit her lip. It was a suspiciously small box.

"Well, I was thinking," Enjolras began, "that your wedding ring is...well, it's rather pathetic. I didn't put any thought into it, it's so plain, and I think you deserve a bit more than that." He was adorable, trying to explain himself. "I remembered a ring of my mothers, that my grandmother wore as her engagement and wedding ring her whole life. And I thought of your blue dress, and the way you looked on our wedding day, and the night of the Durand's ball. I love the way you look in blue, so..." he shrugged and took her hand, slipping the old ring off of her finger and the new one on. It fit perfectly. "I asked my mother to bring it. I want you to have it, if you'll wear it."

He looked nervous, like he half expected her to say no.

Gabrielle stared at him for minute, then looked down at the ring. There was a large blue sapphire in the middle, flanked by three rows of little diamonds in a circle. There was no doubt it was the most expensive thing she had ever touched, and it was certainly the most beautiful. She didn't know what to say, and looked back up at him in disbelief.

He mistook her silence for dislike and winced. "I'm sorry. It's fine if you don't like it or want it. I won't take offense, honestly."

Gabrielle shook her head and clutched her hand to her chest. "No! I love it! It's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen! I just can't believe...I...I mean, you're really sure you want me to have it, Antoine? It belongs to your family."

Enjolras relaxed at her words and reached out to catch her chin, making her look at him. "Gabrielle. Do you really not understand by now that you are my family? There's no one else in the world that could wear that ring but you."

Gabrielle searched his eyes and found only the truth of his words looking back at her. She smiled slowly and leaned forward, brushing her lips against his. "Thank you. I'll never, ever take it off."

"It suits you. I thought it would." Enjolras took her hand, lightly touching the ring on her finger. "My grandmother died when I was young, but I distinctly remember her wearing this all the time. She never took it off, either."

"It really means so much to me, Antoine," Gabrielle whispered. "It's not just that it's a beautiful ring, but..."

Enjolras looked up at her and smiled. "I know. I hoped it would mean more than that."

There it was again – Enjolras saying 'I love you' without actually saying 'I love you.' Gabrielle laughed and threw her arms around his neck, the words on the tip of her tongue. She didn't care if he didn't say them back.

Just as she was about to speak, there was a soft knock on the bedroom door. "Antoine? Gabrielle? Merry Christmas! Come eat your breakfast."

Gabrielle met Enjolras' eyes and shrugged. Marie really had impeccable timing.

Enjolras' mother stayed through the beginning of the new year, and when she left a few days into January, Gabrielle found herself feeling rather lonely. She had grown used to having someone around to talk to all the time, and she missed Marie. She supposed that was what it felt like to actually have a mother, something she hadn't experienced since she was just a little girl.

Enjolras was back to working fifteen hour days, and the more time that went by, the more strained and anxious he seemed to become. He wouldn't tell Gabrielle any more details, and that worried her.

She had begun to get up when he did, just to spend a few minutes with him before he left the house each morning.

As she watched him dress one day, Gabrielle said nonchalantly, "You know it's my birthday in three days." She knew he had no idea – she had never mentioned it before.

Enjolras froze in the middle of buttoning his waistcoat and turned to look at her, his curls falling into his eyes. "It is?"

"Yes."

"I'm sorry, I didn't know." He suddenly looked perplexed. "How old are you going to be?"

"Nineteen." She laughed at the astonished look on his face. "Why do you look like that?"

"I don't know...you're young, Gabrielle."

"I'm not that young! You're only twenty-three. That's not a big difference."

"No...I suppose I just feel like I was a completely different person at nineteen. So immature and idealistic."

"You were a completely different person last year, Antoine," Gabrielle pointed out gently. "As was I."

"Is there anything you want? Husbands generally get their wives gifts, I've heard." He turned to look at her, leaning against the wardrobe.

"Well, in that case, I've been thinking. Cosette was talking about the opera the other day and how wonderful it is, and I've never been. I know you've gone a million times and it isn't really special to you, but...could we go?"

Enjolras shrugged. "Yes, that's no problem. That's really all you want?"

"Yes. Of course, you have to promise to actually attend with me and not have Cosette or Genevieve go in your place," Gabrielle said sternly. "Part of the gift is you being there."

"I promise I will go. I'm sorry I've been away so much. I'll make it up to you both during and after the opera." Enjolras smirked at her suggestively and Gabrielle laughed, sitting on the edge of the bed and patting the space next to her.

"Or you could just stay home today. I think that would be perfectly acceptable, too."

Enjolras walked across the room and leaned down to kiss her goodbye. "Don't tempt me. I will see you tonight."

Gabrielle mumbled goodbye as he left and sighed, falling back on the bed dramatically. She hated how it seemed to physically hurt when he was away. As amazing as it felt to be in love, she thought it was actually rather annoying, too.

"He's working all the time, Musichetta. I feel like I haven't seen him in weeks," Gabrielle complained later that afternoon. "It sounds so silly; when did I become the kind of woman who needs to see her husband all the time? It's horrible."

Musichetta smiled and poured Gabrielle a cup of tea. "It's not horrible, Gabrielle. You're still newlyweds, really. And newly in love. When things are new, you want to be with that person constantly. But don't worry, it will fade." Musichetta smirked and sat across from Gabrielle at the table. "Take Joly and I for instance. I love him, but I would love him more if he were to move back into his own apartment."

Gabrielle snorted in laughter. "You don't mean that, 'Chetta!"

"No, I don't. But it would be nice to have some space. And you know Enjolras. He gets easily caught up in his work. That's just who he is. You knew that when you married him. Don't try to change him, Gabrielle, or you'll be sorry. You must accept him for who he is."

"I know..." Gabrielle shrugged. "You're right. He did promise to take me to the opera for my birthday tomorrow evening, though. I've never been before."

"Well that's nice! I had no idea it was your birthday. And, you know, dear, if you really want to keep things interesting and remind him of what he's missing when he's away from you, there's really no better place to make love to a man that somewhere completely unexpected." Musichetta's eyes sparkled.

"Is this idea going to embarrass me, 'Chetta?"

"Most likely. But you'll thank me in the end."

Gabrielle studied Enjolras' face as she sat across from him in the fiacre. It was quite a long ride to the opera, and he looked pensive and lost in his thoughts as he stared out the window. He had come home just in time to change his clothes before they left again, and he was obviously tired. It was't how much he was working that worried Gabrielle, but rather the way he seemed to be unable to leave his work behind when he came home. He was always pre-occupied, and Gabrielle wondered if he would always be that way.

She thought about what Musichetta had said the other day, about needing to keep things interesting and new, and grinned, moving across the small space to sit next to her husband.

He glanced at her and gave a small smile before turning his head back to the window.

Gabrielle reached over, resting her hand on his knee. She squeezed and slowly trailed one finger up his leg. He gave her his trademark, sidelong, scolding glance, as if he knew exactly what she was up to. She used her palm to begin rubbing his inner thigh, and she could feel his body automatically responding, even as he frowned. She noticed his eyes lingering on her breasts as he turned to look at her, her tight corset and his favorite low-cut blue evening gown showing them off nicely.

"Gabrielle, stop..." Enjolras said sternly, and took her hand, putting it back in her own lap.

She grinned and turned towards him, undeterred. "What? It is a long way to the opera. And I have barely seen you all week. And it's my birthday. We have to keep ourselves entertained." Gabrielle leaned over and kissed his ear, pulling at his earlobe with her teeth. Her hand moved back to its previous position and ghosted over his groin, making Enjolras suck in a deep breath. He gritted his teeth as he glared at her.

He didn't say anything else, but seemed to give in after a moment, closing his eyes and resting his head against the back of the seat. Gabrielle knew she had won and kissed his jaw, putting her hand back on his arousal.

She squeezed and felt him grow harder at her touch. She continued her ministrations, rubbing him through his trousers, and Enjolras' breath became more ragged as he became more turned on. "You need to stop, Gabrielle," he finally mumbled. "Or I'm going to take you right here."

"Oh, you think so? I don't see anything wrong with that, actually." Gabrielle quickly unbuttoned his trousers and tugged them down his hips, taking his large length in her hand. Enjolras grabbed her wrist and opened his mouth to speak, but Gabrielle interrupted before he could start. "Don't tell me it doesn't feel good...just let go, Antoine. No one knows but us."

Enjolras set his jaw and closed his eyes again, shuddering at her touch. She began to stroke him, squeezing and pulling at his engorged shaft. She couldn't help but stare as she stroked him, and blushed when she realized what she was actually doing.

"Gabrielle," he said again in warning, and she looked up to find him looking at her, desire burning in his eyes. "You're driving me mad. And I can guess whose idea this was. I know you went and visited Musichetta the other day, Joly told me."

She laughed and let go, sliding down to the floor of the fiacre to kneel in front of him. "She does have some good advice, you must admit. Like this..."

"What are you doing?" he asked, watching her curiously as she moved to the floor.

"You'll see." Gabrielle grinned wickedly and leaned forward, running her tongue along his length.

Enjolras swore and grabbed the edge of the seat cushion, his knuckles turning white as Gabrielle slid his shaft into her mouth. He moaned as she began to suck, and his body involuntarily writhed, his hips thrusting.

He swore as she moved faster, fascinated by seeing him lose control like this, and he groaned again, reaching out to grip her hand. His face was red, and he was gasping, and Gabrielle knew he was close to his climax. She kept her mouth on him, swirling her tongue and gently using her teeth, and Enjolras groaned. He finally came, his seed spilling into her mouth, and Gabrielle didn't mind. He collapsed back onto the seat, his chest heaving, and put an arm over his eyes. "Jesus," he mumbled. "What are you doing to me?"

Gabrielle reached up and took his handkerchief from his pocket, wiping her mouth. She moved back to the seat and watched him as he calmed, his breath gradually going back to normal. She shifted on the seat and sighed, frowning when she realized she had satisfied him but only managed to get herself worked up.

Enjolras finally moved his arm and looked at her, his eyes still heavy with desire. "You are unbelievable." He reached out and pulled her close to him, his hand resting on the back of her neck.

"I need you to touch me, Antoine," Gabrielle whispered, and took his hand, slipping it beneath her skirts. His eyes widened in surprise, but he immediately acquiesced as she spread her legs apart. He helped her pull down her pantalets, and wrapped his other arm around her waist, bracing her between himself and the corner of the fiacre. His fingers slid along her opening and Gabrielle bit her lip, grabbing his other hand and moving it to her breast. She gasped as his fingers deftly moved inside her, a small cry escaping her throat as he repeated the motion. "Oh, God, Antoine, please..."

Gabrielle grasped his arm as he squeezed her breast, then moaned in frustration when she realized the fiacre had stopped moving.

Enjolras swore and glanced out the window, abruptly moving his hand from under her skirts. "We've arrived."

Gabrielle whimpered and stomped her foot on the floor. "No..."

Enjolras laughed, looking at her with pity, and pulled her into his embrace. "We have a private box," he whispered in her ear, and Gabrielle shivered at his breath on her neck. "Can you manage to make it upstairs? When the lights go down, I promise I will finish what I started." His voice was low and rasping.

Gabrielle clung to his neck, her knees feeling weak and shaky. Enjolras was curiously adventurous tonight, completely unlike his usual self, and Gabrielle had never wanted him more. He had obviously missed her as much as she missed him.

Perhaps they should spend more time apart – it made the reunion that much sweeter. "You really promise?"

"I promise."

She nodded and fixed her clothing as he did the same, trying to make herself presentable. He took her hand as they climbed out of the fiacre and Gabrielle was grateful for the cool night air blowing against her hot cheeks. They eventually made their way through the opera house and up to their private box, Gabrielle's mind completely elsewhere the entire time. She was sure she should be looking around at the impressive architecture of the building, but the only thing she could concentrate on was Enjolras' hand burning against the small of her back. As they took their seats, Gabrielle couldn't help but giggle a bit, astonished at herself.

"That was really not decent," she admitted with delight. Enjolras rubbed his thumb over her wrist, then raised her hand to his lips.

"Do you regret what you started now?" he chastised, though he wasn't really angry with her at all. Gabrielle realized she was wriggling in her seat, uncomfortable and wanting to feel his mouth on her.

"No," she said stubbornly. "And I know you don't, either."

He chuckled and scooted his chair closer to hers, wrapping an arm around her shoulders and planting a kiss on her cheek. "You always surprise me."

Gabrielle leaned her head on his shoulder, her hand resting on his leg. "I just want the show to start. No one will be able to see us then."

"You're usually quite loud, you know. And though I love making you scream, you're going to have to stay quiet here," he cautioned her, eyes twinkling with mirth.

Gabrielle raised her eyebrows and glared at him playfully. "You're not exactly quiet, either, and I'll do just fine, thank you." She grinned as the music began and the stage became illuminated, casting everything else into shadow. "It's my birthday and you promised," she reminded him quietly.

Enjolras moved his hand to the side of her neck and kissed her passionately. "I don't break promises, you know that," he reminded her after he pulled away. After a quick glance around to make sure they were truly alone and unnoticed, he kneeled in front of her and slipped his hands under her skirts, keeping his eyes on her face.

Gabrielle bit her lip and sighed in anticipation as Enjolras pulled her pantalets down, his hands lightly running up and down her legs. He shook his head and chuckled as if he couldn't believe he was actually doing this, and ducked beneath her skirts, kissing his way up her legs and gently pushing them farther apart. He was completely hidden beneath the voluminous material of her dress, and Gabrielle gripped the chair as she felt his tongue begin to lick her folds, gentle and teasing. Enjolras pushed her legs open further and slowly inserted his tongue into her, beginning to suck on her clit. Gabrielle's hand flew to her mouth, trying to remind herself to be quiet, but God, it was hard with his mouth on her like that. She had no idea how he had gotten so good at this.

She squirmed, gasping, and tightening around his tongue. She slid down farther on the seat as her hands grasped at the edge of the chair, pressing against his mouth. He wrapped his arm around her thigh, holding her in place, and Gabrielle whimpered as he pushed and pulled, bringing her closer to the edge. Gabrielle felt her body begin to shudder, and she bit her lip, her legs tense as she reached her climax. She went limp as she came, her chest heaving.

Enjolras gently kissed her inner thigh before slowly retreating from beneath her skirts, his face red from the effort. Their eyes locked and Gabrielle shook her head in amazement, reaching out to tangle her fingers in his now wild curls, which were standing up every which way. He gave her a wicked grin and reached up to wrap his arm around her waist, gently pulling her to the floor with him.

Enjolras nuzzled her neck and took her hand, immediately placing it on his groin. Gabrielle smiled when she felt how hard he was.

"This back and forth isn't going to work," he mumbled as he kissed her neck. His mouth moved to her collarbone, and then to the tops of her breasts, his tongue flicking out to lick the hollow between them. He was obviously ready to go again, and Gabrielle was more than willing to let him do as he pleased, right there in their box. His touch absolutely drove her crazy, and she knew she did the same to him. It was a powerful and heady feeling. Gabrielle didn't even care if others saw, though she didn't think they were in any danger of discovery. It was dark, and they were mostly hidden by walls and curtains.

"It's a shame we aren't actually enjoying the opera," she whispered teasingly as she unbuttoned his pants.

"I'm enjoying it more than I ever have before."

Gabrielle helped him get his pants down, then kissed him, tugging on his shirt to pull him on top of her as she lowered her back to the floor. Enjolras pushed her skirts up around her waist, frowning at all of the clothes between them.

He settled himself between her legs and slowly thrust into her, pushing as deep as he could. Gabrielle arched her back and raised her hips to meet his, and he buried his face in her neck, shaking with the effort of holding himself above her.

Gabrielle turned her head and whispered, "Harder, Antoine." She had learned quickly what made him crazy. He captured her lips with his and moaned into her mouth as he thrust harder, his movements becoming more frantic. She whispered more encouragement into his ear, wrapping her arms around his back and lifting her legs to take him farther in. Gabrielle felt his back tense beneath her hands and she knew he was close. She kissed his jaw as he rested his forehead against her neck, pushing forcefully into her one more time. Gabrielle felt his speed spill inside of her and she sighed in satisfaction. How I love this man, she thought to herself.

She cupped his face and kissed his forehead, but he quickly found her lips and kissed her tenderly. Gabrielle felt all of his unspoken emotions, and the force of it was staggering. She felt physically connected to him, and imagined an invisible string weaved through the air tying them together.

Enjolras slowly pulled out of her and sat up, helping Gabrielle fix her dress before pulling his own pants back up.

They didn't move for a few minutes, but sat on the floor gazing at each other, hands intertwined. He finally whispered, "You have completely turned my life upside down. You make me unspeakably happy, Gabrielle."

She felt her heart swell at his words. "And a bit reckless, apparently," she replied giddily, squeezing his hand. "And as nice as the opera is, Antoine...can we go home now? I think you've thoroughly exhausted me." Gabrielle wanted nothing more than to fall asleep in his arms.

He laughed to himself and stood, pulling her up beside him. He took her hand and led her back through the opera house and to the street, where he helped her into a waiting fiacre. They sat beside each other and Gabrielle rested her head on his shoulder, still clinging to his hand. Before she knew it, he was gently nudging her awake.

"We're home, love." Enjolras kissed her forehead, and Gabrielle started awake at his words, her heart pounding when she realized what he had called her. She tried not to react, not wanting to make a scene of it, in case he had made a mistake or didn't mean to say it, but she somehow knew in her bones that it was no mistake at all.

She climbed out and stretched as Enjolras paid the driver. "I'm so tired I don't think I can even make it up to the house."

"Well, we can't have that." Enjolras wrapped his arm around her waist, effortlessly scooping her up into his arms.

"Antoine! What has gotten into you?" Gabrielle put her arm around his neck and laughed as he carried her up the walk and into the house, not putting her down until they were in their bedroom.

He began unbuttoning her dress for her, his fingers lightly trailing over her skin, and she gazed up at him, wondering when they had become so comfortable with each other. All of the awkwardness was gone, their touches were sure and tender, and she found only peace and comfort in his arms. When he did things like undress her, she never felt patronized or childish; she knew it was just the way he showed affection, and, she suspected, there was a piece of him that liked knowing he was the only one that had permission and the right to touch her.

Gabrielle let Enjolras slip her dress and corset off of her body, then climbed into bed to watch him undress. He had lost his shyness, as well, and didn't flinch away from her gaze as he stripped down, finally climbing into bed next to her.

She scooted closer and tangled her legs with his, resting her head on his chest. "Antoine?" she asked quietly.

"Hmm?"

Gabrielle lifted herself up on her elbow and gazed at him, biting her lip. He opened his eyes and looked at her expectantly, waiting for her question. Finally, she tentatively asked, "Do you love me?"

She had never had the courage to ask before, but after what they had just done, she didn't feel so afraid of his answer.

He looked at her, his expression betraying nothing at first. He didn't answer for several moments, but his eyes slowly softened and he reached out to brush her hair from her cheek. "Yes. I do love you, Gabrielle."

She smiled slowly as a dizzy and thrilling feeling spread rapidly through her limbs. At the same time, she felt affirmation. Gabrielle had suspected as much for weeks, if not months, but let it grow and weave itself through them unspoken. "You love me," she whispered, and he smiled, turning on his side to face her.

"Is it really that hard to believe?"

"No," she admitted happily and with some surprise. "It doesn't feel strange at all. And I love you, too."

"I know."

Gabrielle laughed and wrapped her arms around his waist, cuddling close to him. "I want to stay like this with you forever."

"Forever is a very long time."

"Well, you married me," she reminded him. "So we have at least a lifetime."

Enjolras kissed her bare shoulder, his hands running down her spine. "If there is anything after this lifetime, I swear I will spend that with you, too."

Oh, Lord. *Hides* Be nice in your reviews, please. I seriously can't believe I posted that.

Smut, fluff, and ridiculous SAPPY CRAP all in one chapter. Someone kill me now.

Hope you enjoyed, though, and thank you for the reviews on the last chapter! I think y'all are the most awesome people on the PLANET.