Chapter XXIV

The next week passed in a blur as Enjolras' trial swiftly approached. Martin hadn't backed out on them yet, and was well rehearsed in his statements. He and Durand met every day to prepare, and Gabrielle tagged along when she felt well enough. It was strange to come to know Martin, to look into the eyes of the person who had killed her brother and shot her husband, and see only a troubled and uncertain man looking back at her. She was prepared to hand over the money that would help him start a new life as soon as the trial was over, whatever the outcome may be. Though she by no means liked the man, she was grateful for his help.

Durand showed a confident face to Gabrielle and already boasted that there was no way Enjolras would be found guilty, considering he had the best lawyer in all of Paris, but she wondered if it was just an act for her benefit. She was so sick for most of the week that she could barely make it out of bed, and wasn't sure if it was due to her pregnancy or the constant worry that prevented her from sleeping soundly every night. She supposed the one good thing about all of this was that it was keeping her mind off of the life growing inside of her. Sometimes, she went a whole day without even remembering she was pregnant. And when the thought did invade her mind again, it came as less and less of a shock.

When Durand told Gabrielle that Enjolras begged her not to go to the trial, she wasn't surprised. It was understandable why he didn't want her there, so she told Durand that she wouldn't go to save her husband the worry.

But she also thought that Enjolras should know her well enough by now to expect her there, anyway. Marie, Joly, Musichetta, and Marius accompanied her, and Gabrielle was reassured by their presence at her side as they ascended the stairs to the balcony. They sat in the very last row in the courtroom, with a perfect view of the proceedings below. She hoped Enjolras wouldn't see them tucked away in the eaves, hidden behind so many other people. Their presence would probably prove a distraction for him, and that was the last thing she wanted.

Musichetta took her hand as Durand entered the courtroom and Gabrielle's hand flew to her mouth to stifle a cry as Enjolras came into view behind him, his wrists and ankles shackled. His clothes were filthy, his curls long and greasy and hanging limp down his neck. She had never seen Enjolras with more than a few days scruff on his face, and it was shocking to see the beard that had grown in the last few weeks. An officer led Enjolras to Durand's side and deposited him there. Gabrielle turned to look at Musichetta, horrified. Her husband looked like a different man.

Musichetta whispered reassuringly, "It's alright. He's fine, Gabrielle. He's going to be just fine. He isn't hurt in any way."

Gabrielle couldn't bear to watch and closed her eyes, one hand gripping Musichetta and one tangled in the fabric of her dress. As the trial began, everything seemed to float to her ears through a filter. Sounds were distant and hazy, and the air grew stifling sitting so high above the floor. It wasn't until she heard Enjolras' voice break through, hours later, that reality once again set in. Gabrielle's eyes flew open to see her husband standing before the judge. Durand asked question after question about the barricade, his beliefs, his whereabouts on June 5th, and his friends, and Enjolras responded in his usual commanding and confident tone, though with a touch of desperation. He was a good actor, Gabrielle noticed, and seemed suitably distraught for a supposedly wrongly accused man.

Gabrielle's heart ached as Enjolras denied having any involvement in the June rebellion. There was clear disdain in his voice as he proclaimed his innocence, and while it made his words seem more convincing to the judge, Gabrielle knew that his condemnation was really for himself, for saying something so deeply untrue. There was nothing he detested more than a lie, than an individual denying their own truth, yet here he was doing exactly that. She knew what it took for him to lie, and she had never been more impressed with his strength. Durand finished his questions and dismissed Enjolras, addressing the judge passionately.

As he turned to walk back to his seat, Enjolras' eyes drifted upward and immediately met Gabrielle's, as if he had known she was there all the time and had sensed her presence. His face showed no surprise as their gazes connected, but she saw his hands clench into fists at his sides. His eyes blazed with an icy fire and he nodded stiffly, holding her captivated in his sight until he finally turned and sat back down to face the judge, effectively breaking the spell.

Gabrielle clearly read his message. Enjolras lied not for his own benefit, but for hers. He wanted to live, but only because of the life they were building together. Alone, Enjolras would have gladly accepted execution if it meant not having to declare his allegiance to their sham of a king and forsake everything he held so dear. His Patria and his friends were all Enjolras had before he knew Gabrielle, and in the aftermath of the barricade, it seemed like he had tragically lost both. Gabrielle could tell by how much his lies pained him that he had not lost faith in his passionate beliefs, however, and it both thrilled and terrified her.

Everyone looked at Gabrielle anxiously as she slowly let out the breath she was holding. She forced a small smile and whispered, "He did well, didn't he?"

"Very," Marius said reassuringly. "He sounded very convincing to me."

Gabrielle became anxious again as Martin was called as the next witness. It was so hot in the room that her mouth felt parched and sweat beaded on her brow. Her stomach was in knots as Martin spoke, and though the man looked nervous, he never faltered from what he rehearsed. By the time he was done speaking, even Gabrielle doubted Enjolras had been at the barricade. There was absolutely nothing concrete tying her husband there.

It was hard to concentrate on what was going on, however, when she felt so miserably hot. It was hard to breathe, and she closed her eyes again, leaning her head back. Her stomach turned unpleasantly and she was afraid she was going to be sick right there in the courtroom.

"Gabrielle? Are you alright?" Musichetta whispered. Gabrielle could hear the concern in her voice.

"I need to get out of here. It's so hot," she mumbled, and she felt Joly firmly take her arm and pull her up. Gabrielle leaned on him as they descended the stairs. Everything spun dizzily, and her legs shook as they finally made it outside. There was a small park across the street, and Joly deposited her on the first bench they came to.

He grabbed her wrist and tutted. "Your heart is racing. How do you feel?"

"A little better now that we're out of there," she said quietly. "But I still feel like I may be sick..."

"Do you feel anything else? Are you cramping at all, does your stomach hurt? Do you think anything is seriously wrong?"

"No. It was just hot in there and I was nervous. I'm fine, Joly, really. I've been like this for weeks now. I just need to sit here for a minute."

Musichetta sat and took out her fan, sending a soft breeze at Gabrielle. "It was hot up there. I'm sure you and the baby are fine, Gabrielle, just anxious."

"This kind of stress really isn't good for you in your condition, Gabrielle. You must make sure to take care of yourself for the baby's sake," Joly admonished.

Gabrielle opened her eyes and glared at him. "Don't talk about it, Joly, please. There's really nothing I can do right now to avoid stress, as you should well know."

He sighed and looked at the ground for a moment before meeting her eyes again. "I'm sorry, Gabrielle. I just mean that I know Enjolras wouldn't want something to happen to you, or to your child. I know this is hard, though, and you're doing remarkably well."

Gabrielle didn't speak for a few minutes and gradually felt her body return to a somewhat normal state. "We need to go back in. I'm sure the trial is almost over." She stood, but froze when she noticed people pouring out of the courthouse across the street. Apparently, the judge had made his decision.

"Marius!" Joly yelled as he spotted his friend looking about for them on the sidewalk. Marius turned his head and noticed them across the street. He set off at a run, a wild grin spread across his face. Gabrielle's heart leaped.

"He's innocent! The judge says he's innocent! He's going to be released immediately!"

Gabrielle let out a strangled cry and covered her face, sinking back down to the bench. Relief rushed through her, tears soaking the handkerchief Marius hastily handed her. Musichetta squealed and wrapped her arms around Gabrielle, exclaiming, "I knew it! See, there was nothing to worry about! He's coming home, darling!"

Gabrielle was too overwhelmed to speak, and cried on Musichetta's shoulder. When she finally calmed down enough to pull away, she noticed Marie had also found her way outside to them. Gabrielle rose and tightly embraced her, noticing that she looked as if she had cried a bit herself.

"When is he coming home?" Gabrielle asked Marius.

"Today. Durand will bring him soon, once everything is settled. But it is definitely happening."

Gabrielle felt like she was floating on air the entire way home.

Marie took charge as soon as they arrived, helping prepare for her son's return. It seemed Sophie had been counting on his release, as well, and she already had quite a feast prepared. Gabrielle was almost delirious with happiness, and blindly did whatever Marie asked, counting the seconds until she would see Enjolras again.

"Antoine is absolutely filthy, I almost cried just at the sight of him today. We'll just burn his clothes, there's no use trying to save them. But he'll need a bath – or several – before I even allow him in this house or near you." Marie eyed Gabrielle, rushing through the hall and into the back garden, and said firmly, "Don't touch him before he's bathed, Gabrielle! You're pregnant, there's no telling what kind of filth he's carrying on him from that place..."

Gabrielle reluctantly agreed, and went to gather Enjolras' razor and shaving mirror from the bedroom. His beard was hideous. She grabbed a pair of scissors, too; there was no way he wasn't getting a haircut today. She went outside and laughed when she saw that Sophie and Marie had dragged a tub into the middle of the yard. Apparently, Marie was serious about not allowing him in the house in his current state, not even to bathe. Sophie was pouring water in the old tin tub already, Marie laying out soap and clean clothes for Enjolras to change into. Gabrielle put the things she'd gathered next to them and took a deep breath. Any moment now and he would be home. The anticipation was killing her.

Marie went back into the house and Gabrielle soon heard her affectionate shriek. "Out! Out, through the back! I love you and I am overjoyed you're home, but OUT!"

"Where's Gabrielle?" she heard Enjolras ask as he neared the door. It literally took her breath away, hearing his voice so close to her. She wanted to run into his arms and never let go.

Enjolras soon appeared at back door and Gabrielle froze at the sight, her breath hitching in her chest. Even in his decidedly unattractive state, he was still the most beautiful thing she had ever seen. Their eyes locked and Gabrielle tentatively smiled. Tears immediately poured down her cheeks, and she couldn't have stopped them if she tried. He took a few steps toward her before Marie grabbed his arm and started barking orders. "You can kiss her later, but you're not touching her, or anything else, as you are. Get those clothes off and yourself into this tub."

Enjolras gave Gabrielle an apologetic smile before he obeyed his mother. Sophie went back into the house, looking at the ground as Enjolras stripped his soiled clothes from his body. He glanced at Marie, raising his eyebrows, and she rolled her eyes.

"This is no time for modesty, Antoine. I'm your mother. Honestly."

"Fine, fine..." he mumbled, and gratefully peeled the rest of his clothes off before sinking down into the water. Gabrielle noticed how much thinner he looked, though he still maintained his muscular physique. Sophie's cooking would get him back to his former weight in no time. Gabrielle lowered herself onto the soft grass next to the tub, watching Enjolras carefully. She just needed to be near him, needed to hear his voice.

Marie took the clothes inside to burn and let the young couple be alone.

Gabrielle actually felt nervous. "How are you?" she asked quietly, resting her hand on the edge of the tub near his arm. He reached out and tenderly brushed his fingertips against hers and she almost gasped at the jolt of electricity she felt.

"I'm fine, now that I'm home with you. Are you alright?" He studied her, his eyes bright with feeling.

"I'm fine..." Gabrielle took a deep breath and shook her head. She couldn't really find a way to tell him how she felt. "But you're absolutely filthy, my love."

"I'm aware. Can we remedy this situation so I can properly greet you?" He smiled, though Gabrielle still sensed a bit of sadness in his expression.

"Please." She took the soap and rose to her knees, reaching into the water to gently wash Enjolras' back and shoulders. He sighed at the feel of her hands on him and closed his eyes, letting her wash his hair, as well. He leaned into her touch and Gabrielle couldn't resist running one hand down his chest, just for a moment, just to make sure he was really there, solid in front of her. His body shuddered.

When she deemed him properly clean, after changing the water twice, Enjolras stood and dried himself off. He changed into fresh clothes with a deep sigh of appreciation, then grabbed his shaving things and set to work on the several weeks worth of beard that had grown. It was soon gone, too, and Gabrielle smiled as he turned to look at her.

"Now you look more like yourself," she whispered. Her stomach fluttered as he looked at her, his eyes stormy and passionate. Enjolras slowly held out his hand and Gabrielle placed her palm against his, letting him tenderly draw her towards him.

Enjolras gripped her fingers tightly, looping his other arm around her waist. She pressed herself against his chest and placed her free hand over his heart.

"I thought that I might never see you again," Enjolras said sadly. He brushed his lips against her forehead and Gabrielle closed her eyes, more tears beginning to fall. "This is the second time you've saved my life, Gabrielle."

"I hope I don't need to make a habit of it. It's been absolutely horrible without you. I missed you so much..." Enjolras pressed his lips against hers and cut off the rest of her words.

Gabrielle's whole body tingled as his hands tangled in her hair. His kiss was searing and hot, and turned from gentle to desperate in a matter of seconds. It was like the first time they kissed all over again; every nerve in her body was on fire and hyper aware of his closeness. Everywhere his fingers touched left a trail of sparks on her skin. Enjolras put his hand on the back of her neck and tilted her head, moving his lips just below her ear. She moaned, squeezing her eyes shut. Why had she agreed to having a celebration dinner with their friends? She wanted him all to herself...

Enjolras moved his mouth lower, frantically kissing every bit of exposed skin her dress allowed, his hands gripping her waist and hips. She clung to his shoulders as he managed to slip her dress from her shoulder, gently caressing the exposed skin. She grabbed his face and kissed him again, her tongue flicking out to explore his mouth.

He kissed her hard and desperately, holding her tightly against his chest, and when she finally pulled away after several minutes, her lips felt bruised. Her breath came in little gasps and everything spun dizzily. It was a good dizzy this time, though, and she hoped the feeling she got from kissing him would never go away. Gabrielle tilted her head back and closed her eyes, taking deep gulps of fresh air. She soon felt his lips at her neck again, only gentle and feather-light this time.

"I love you, Gabrielle."

"I love you, too..." More unbidden tears came, and she buried her face in his chest, cursing her out of control emotions. One minute she was happy, the next sad, the next back to happy. Marie had reassured her that was what having babies did to women, but she hated it. "Don't ever leave me again," she sobbed. "It was horrible."

"I won't. I promise." She could hear the sadness in his voice and feel it as he stroked her hair, gently rubbing her back in a slow circle. "I'm so sorry. I won't ever leave again, I swear it."

You say that now, Gabrielle thought sadly, but you don't know about the baby yet, do you?

She felt sick and deceitful, knowing she was keeping something so huge from him. But still, it wasn't right to tell him now. Not with everyone waiting for them inside. Enjolras deserved one night of happiness before she turned his life upside down yet again.

Gabrielle let her tears run their course and they soon stopped. Enjolras took his new and clean handkerchief and dabbed at the wetness still lingering on her cheeks. "You're still beautiful, even when you're crying," he teased, trying to get her to smile.

"You're a liar." Gabrielle squeezed his hand. "But I suppose we should go inside now. Everyone is waiting for you."

Enjolras nodded, but not before leaning down and kissing her again.

Gabrielle held onto his hand as they went inside, and she grinned as the entered the dining room to find a veritable feast spread across the table. Sophie had outdone herself, with Marie's help, making all of Enjolras' favorite foods. Joly, Musichetta, Marius, Durand, and Genevieve were already gathered around the table, and they let up a cheer as Enjolras and Gabrielle entered the room.

Gabrielle pasted a smile on her face even as her stomach flipped at the sight and smell of the food, and she reluctantly let go of her husband's hand as he properly greeted his friends. Genevieve stood to embrace Gabrielle, saying quietly, "Now I know you're happy to have your husband home, but are you alright? You're looking a little bit green."

"Oh, I'm fine! I just feel a bit overwhelmed. Thank you so much for being here." Gabrielle accepted the glass of wine Marius handed to her and sat next to Enjolras. She soon felt his hand grasp hers under the table and squeeze. He only relinquished his hold on her to eat, and even then, he reached out his leg to rest against hers. Even though she barely touched her food, she soon felt her nerves settling as she began to realize he really was home. He was here. It was all over. He wouldn't leave again.

At least not until I tell him about the baby...

Just the thought was enough to cause her physical pain. Her heart told her that fear was irrational – she knew he loved her. And he was much too honorable to leave her. But she didn't know if he would still love her the same, or how he would feel about their child. She didn't even know how she would feel.

Gabrielle forced herself to stop thinking and listen to the lively conversation around her, feeling her mood gradually improve as everyone let the wine go to their heads. Enjolras rubbed slow circles on her wrist under the table and, even as he laughed at an old story of Joly's, raised her hand to his lips in a promise of what was to come once their guests departed. Gabrielle smiled as she caught his eye and moved her own hand to rest on his thigh. She squeezed gently and was satisfied to see him squirm a little bit in his chair. It was obvious he still wanted her as much as before.

Gabrielle was grateful to feel the familiar pull to Enjolras, the almost physical chains that bound them together. Even with the other thoughts that pre-occupied her mind, she still needed him, and fervently hoped that no matter what happened, he would continue to love her and feel the same way.

Joly and Marius talked and joked all night, keeping everyone entertained for hours. Even straight-laced Genevieve had trouble walking in a straight line when she and Durand finally departed. It seemed the only two left sober were Enjolras and Gabrielle, and Gabrielle felt a little drunk herself just from her husband's presence.

Marie retired with a knowing smile after everyone else left, and Gabrielle followed Enjolras down the hall to their bedroom, clinging to his hand. Even before they got there, he stopped and pulled her in for a kiss in the middle of the hallway. She wrapped her arms around his neck and smiled against his lips, gasping as he abruptly pulled away and continued to drag her along.

They stepped into the darkened bedroom and Enjolras quickly shut the door behind them, an urgency in his movements. Gabrielle gasped as he pressed her against the door, frantically tearing at her dress. She heard the buttons pop and felt a few fall at her feet. She was a little shocked at his obvious need, but turned on just the same. He tugged her dress down her body and Gabrielle shakily stepped out of the material, kicking it aside. Enjolras kissed her hard, lifting her leg and running his hand down her thigh to cup her bottom. He pressed against her, his breath already coming in rough gasps.

"I thought they would never leave," he said, voice low and rasping. "God, I want you."

Gabrielle let him take control and he soon had her corset and other underthings off. He cupped her breasts and she suddenly felt self-conscious, wondering if he would notice the small changes already happening to her body – her breasts were bigger and, unless she was imagining things, her hips just a little wider, making her seem curvier and more womanly. Thankfully, her stomach was still mostly flat, her pregnancy not showing itself there yet. Enjolras lowered his mouth to one breast as his hand massaged the other and Gabrielle arched her back, tangling her hands in his curls. Her soft moans urged him on, and his mouth moved agonizingly slowly down her body, first kissing the hollow between her breasts, then down her stomach, making her shiver in anticipation.

He lifted one of her legs over his shoulder and pressed searing kisses along her thighs, his tongue flicking out to taste her opening. "Please, Antoine," she whispered.

Enjolras obliged and slowly inserted his tongue into her, gentle at first, but soon roughly pushing, pulling, and sucking on her most sensitive spots. Gabrielle writhed as she rode the sensations he was giving her, her hands frantically trying to find something to grasp. Her nails scraped the wooden door and her passion made Enjolras even more bold. He reached up to steady her, firmly holding her waist in his hands as he drove her closer to her climax. She whimpered his name, begging him to send her over the edge, and she pushed against him, tangling her hands in his hair. She squeezed her eyes shut as she reached her orgasm, gasping his name.

Her legs were so weak could barely stand, and Gabrielle clung to his shoulders as Enjolras slowly stood, kissing his way back up her body. She began to unbutton his pants as he carelessly tore at his waistcoat and shirt, and he was soon naked in front of her. Gabrielle sighed as she looked at him and reached out one hand to slowly touch his chest. She brushed her hand along his lower stomach, close to his arousal, and he growled again, grabbing her arm and pulling her against him. Their bodies connected, skin against skin, and she wanted to weep from the sensation. She had missed him so much.

He lifted her easily, moving her just a few feet to rest against the dresser before frantically pushing into her. As his length filled her, Gabrielle gasped, feeling sparks ignite between them.

"Harder," she begged, and Enjolras drove further into her, burying his face in her shoulder and gripping her back tightly. His breath was hot against her neck and she moaned, matching his frantic rhythm, their hips moving together. Her ankles locked around his waist and Enjolras moaned, beginning to suck on her neck even as he continued to thrust roughly into her. It was amazing feeling him move inside of her again, feeling his passion and need building with every connected move they made. His eyes were wild as they met hers, his vision seeming to drift in and out of focus.

Gabrielle's nails dug into his back and she stifled a scream as she felt another climax pooling in her stomach. She tightened around him and Enjolras moaned her name, whispering almost unintelligible words of affection into her ear as she climaxed. Gabrielle threw her head back in pleasure, while Enjolras continued his rhythm, pounding harder into her. He finally came with a muffled cry against her shoulder, every muscle in his body tense. After his release, Enjolras slowly pulled out of her, but didn't let her out of his grasp. They didn't speak, their breathing still strained, and Gabrielle felt a million emotions swirling through her.

After a few minutes, Enjolras finally raised his eyes to meet hers. He didn't need to say anything; Gabrielle could read his thoughts and feel his relief. She wrapped her arms around his neck again and felt a ragged sob escape her chest. He held her as she cried, slowly rubbing her back and running his fingers through her hair. When her cries finally subsided, she was surprised to find his own eyes wet as he looked at her. Enjolras picked her up easily in his arms and carried her to the bed, laying her gently on the mattress before climbing in beside her. Gabrielle tangled her legs with his, desperate not to lose the feel of him beside her.

"I missed you most at night," she said quietly, "when there was no one around to distract me or help me stop thinking."

"I missed you all the time."

They were quiet for a few minutes and Enjolras trailed soft kisses along her shoulders and arms, re-committing her body to his memory. She felt his mood shift after a little while, however, and he admitted, "I hated what I did today, what I had to say."

"I know. But you did what you had to do. And it worked," she reasoned.

"I've been idle for too long," Enjolras said hesitantly. "The newspaper...I mean, that was mostly Marius and Joly. You've been working with Genevieve. And what have I done? Sat behind a lawyer's desk and gotten myself thrown in prison."

"You're being too hard on yourself," Gabrielle said, smoothing his wild curls. "Much too hard. You went through something horrible, Antoine, and you needed time to heal. Everyone moves on in their own ways and in their own time."

"I love you," Enjolras said, propping himself up on one elbow and gently resting his hand on her cheek. "But Gabrielle, I..." He paused, looking uncertain how to express himself. "I think I've been hiding in you, too, letting myself only concentrate on you. Because you made me forget and feel happy, and so, so loved."

Gabrielle frowned, worried at where he was going with this. "Do you...do you want this to stop?" she whispered, terror gripping her heart.

"No!" Enjolras sighed and fell back, covering his eyes. "No, I'm sorry. That's not what I mean at all." He paused for a minute to collect his thoughts, then turned back on his side to face her, taking her hands in his and squeezing reassuringly. "I never want this to stop, Gabrielle. I want to be with you, share everything with you. I meant what I said in that letter...I will love you to the end of my days."

Gabrielle managed a small smile, feeling reassured. "But?"

"I need to start being true to myself again. Since I was a child and could understand the things my father and his friends spoke about, this country, and the thought of what it could be was the one thing I loved, the one thing I believed in. I have to do something to make that vision someday come to pass, Gabrielle."

"What will you do?" She tried to keep the fear from her voice. She knew his passionate nature sometimes made Enjolras get carried away, swept up in his ideals and dreams. It had led to disaster on the barricade.

"I won't lead another rebellion, at least not anytime soon," he smirked. "But, I was thinking...does Genevieve still want to start that orphanage?"

"Yes..."

"Then lets do it. We can run it, Gabrielle. We can even open a school there, where we can both teach. It may not bring about change overnight, or even in our lifetimes, but we'll be helping people and making a difference. It's still fighting a revolution, the same one even, but in a different way."

Gabrielle was silent as she stared at him. She could see this was something he had already thought a lot about, had already gotten his heart set on. And really, was it so bad? It was what she had wanted to do anyway, though she didn't think he would be so keen on joining her. He would be good at it, though, she knew, and it would satisfy his calling to make a difference in the world. In truth, it was exactly what she had wanted for him just after the barricade, when he seemed so lost and broken. Enjolras had finally found his passion again, and he wanted to share it with her.

"I think it's an amazing idea," Gabrielle said quietly. "I think you'll be wonderful. I think we'll be wonderful together."

Enjolras' eyes lit up and he kissed her excitedly, wrapping his arms around her waist. "Then we'll start plans right away. Thank you, love, for everything."

Gabrielle fell asleep smiling for the first time in weeks.

Hi, there! Lots of stuff happened in this chapter. And reunion sex! Yay! I hope it met your expectations.

Thank you for the incredible reviews. This is only the second story I've ever written that's gotten over 200! That's pretty amazing. I don't think I replied to every one from the last chapter, but I swear I will for this one. Please let me know what you think!

I'm going to try and finish writing this coming week, as it's spring break for me. (And I'm spending it in a beautiful condo on the beach!) It's crazy to think this might be coming to an end soon. I'm really going to miss it!

Like I said, please review!

~Aimee

P.S. Baby Enjolras officially has a name. :)