Chapter XXXV

"Where is she?" Gabrielle whispered, her voice coming out in a raspy croak. She tried to sit up, but Enjolras immediately placed his hands on her shoulders and gently kept her flat on the bed.

"She's right here, Gabrielle," he said softly. "She's perfect, and beautiful. I'll help you sit up so you can see her in just a moment, I promise. But please let me get Joly first," Enjolras pleaded. There were tears in his eyes, Gabrielle noticed, and wondered just how long she had been asleep. "I need to make sure you're alright."

Gabrielle nodded faintly, though it took every ounce of willpower she possessed not to force her tired limbs out of bed and go to her daughter. The baby's faint cries were twisting her stomach into knots and she wanted nothing more than to hold her. She had never felt so exhausted in her life, like she had just walked for miles and miles; and strangely, she seemed to remember doing just that, even though she knew it was impossible.

Enjolras hurried to the door and opened it, shouting for Joly into the hallway. The room was soon invaded by what seemed to be a small army: Joly, Musichetta, Marie, Marius, Cosette, and even Genevieve Durand barreled through the door, apparently expecting the worst judging by the looks on their faces.

Musichetta immediately broke into loud sobs of relief when she saw Gabrielle was awake, while Marie quickly ushered everyone right back out of the bedroom except for Joly. Gabrielle felt warmth spread through her at the sight of so many people there to help and support her and Enjolras.

She smiled gratefully at Joly. "Hello, Joly."

"I don't think I've ever been quite so happy to see someone, Gabrielle," Joly said happily. "Here, Enjolras, help her sit up...gently, now, while I put some pillows behind her back."

Enjolras sat on the edge of the bed and leaned forward, wrapping his arms firmly around Gabrielle and slowly easing her up; she was surprised to find just how little she could help him in her weakened state, and closed her eyes, resting her head against Enjolras' shoulder, her forehead tucked securely into his neck. His arms tightened around her and Gabrielle could feel his hands shaking against her back from suppressed emotion.

Joly began to talk again, but Gabrielle didn't hear a word he said as she snuggled against Enjolras. She could feel the tension leaving his body at her touch, and laid her hand comfortingly on his chest.

"Give us a moment, Joly," Enjolras interjected softly. "Rock the baby, get her to quiet down."

Joly snapped his mouth shut and coughed uncomfortably when he noticed their embrace, and Gabrielle smiled a bit as she watched him back away from the bed. Enjolras obviously couldn't bear to let her go quite yet, and she didn't mind. After being lost in the darkness for so long, being back in his arms felt like coming home.

"Did I scare you?" Gabrielle said, pressing her lips to the rough stubble covering his neck.

"Me?" he managed to let out a small, but choked laugh. "Of course not. Never."

"How long was I...gone?"

"About a day. The longest day of my life." Enjolras pulled away to look at her, cupping her face in his hands and pushing her messy hair back. "But everything is alright now." He kissed her, his lips moving gently over hers, and she tangled her fist in his shirt. When he finally pulled away, he helped her scoot back against the pillows, and added another behind her head.

"I want to see her," Gabrielle said quietly, and glanced at Joly's back. He was kneeling next to the cradle, rocking it gently with his hand.

"Joly needs to look at you..."

"I want my baby, Antoine," Gabrielle said firmly. "Bring her to me. Now."

Enjolras pressed his lips together and seemed about to argue, but Joly said easily, "It's alright, Enjolras. It can wait. Gabrielle seems fine to me, and you need this time together."

However reluctant he seemed, Enjolras nodded faintly and watched Joly leave the room. The baby had quieted and Gabrielle watched anxiously as Enjolras picked her up. Seeing him hold her took her breath away; she looked so small cradled against his chest. Enjolras glanced up at Gabrielle and smiled, sitting on the edge of the bed. He placed the baby in her arms, but kept his hands supporting her when he saw how tired Gabrielle still was.

Gabrielle couldn't even see through the tears that suddenly flooded her vision, and she squeezed her eyes shut. She felt Enjolras' arms wrap around her again, holding both of them close, and she began to laugh, almost hysterically. Every bit of happiness she had ever felt in her life was nothing compared to this moment, and it was all almost too much to process.

"She doesn't have a name," Enjolras said. "I didn't know what to call her. I didn't know what you wanted."

"Nicolette," Gabrielle whispered. "Her name is Nicolette. If you like it, that is."

"Nicolette," Enjolras whispered quietly, testing it out on his tongue. "Is there a reason?"

"It means 'victory of the people,'" Gabrielle admitted, and smiled as Enjolras stilled and looked at her, his eyes shining. "It was the only thing that seemed appropriate. She is your victory, Antoine."

"You both are," he admitted, and leaned down to press a kiss to his daughter's forehead. "Nicolette...?"

"Nicolette Sophie. For Musichetta."

"I think she'll like that."

Gabrielle studied the baby silently; she looked exactly how Gabrielle had imagined she would for months, only more perfect. What she felt for her was more than love. She didn't even think there was a word for it, it was so all consuming and overwhelming. And sudden.

"She has yours eyes," Gabrielle said delightedly as Nicolette sleepily opened her eyes and looked up at her for the first time. They were big and bright, and covered in long, dark lashes. Her skin was so pale and creamy, and her hair even darker than Gabrielle's own. She wondered if it would stay that way.

"She does," Enjolras agreed. "But otherwise, I think she looks like you. Thank goodness."

Gabrielle smiled and looked up at him curiously. "How do you feel? Are you alright?"

Enjolras took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "Well..." he said contemplatively, "You're going to have to get used to sharing me with another girl."

Gabrielle laughed. "I can live with that. And Joly says she's alright? There's nothing wrong?"

"No, there's nothing wrong. She's perfectly healthy," Enjolras assured her. "But I was scared out of my mind for both of you." Enjolras leaned forward and kissed her nose, resting his forehead against hers. "I thought I'd lost you both. I don't know what I would have done..." his voice shook and he swallowed roughly.

"But you didn't," Gabrielle reassured him. "We're right here. And we're not going anywhere."

"I know." Enjolras took Nicolette's hand as she wiggled it free of her blanket and kissed her tiny fingers. "Neither of you are ever leaving my sight again."

After about an hour, Gabrielle was too tired to keep her eyes open anymore, but she couldn't bear to let Nicolette out of her reach. Enjolras stayed perched next to her on the bed to watch over both of them, while Nicolette slept soundly between them. Gabrielle kept her hand resting lightly on Nicolette's body, the slight rise and fall of her chest reassuring.

When Gabrielle next woke, Enjolras was sleeping deeply beside her and Nicolette was just beginning to fuss. She struggled to sit up, but found it much easier than last time, and actually felt a little refreshed. She couldn't wait to have a bath and be up and around again.

"Well, hello there. Finally."

Gabrielle turned to see Musichetta sitting in a chair by the bed, smiling softly.

"Oh, 'Chetta...you didn't have to stay. But I'm glad you're here." Gabrielle easily picked Nicolette up and held her against her chest, trying to shush her and not wake Enjolras. She knew he must be exhausted.

"Of course I stayed," Musichetta said quietly. She rose and peered down at the baby, smoothing back her hair. "I have never in my life seen a newborn baby with so much hair."

Gabrielle grinned. "She's perfect, isn't she?"

"Absolutely," Musichetta agreed, and wrapped her arms around Gabrielle for a moment. "You had us all worried, Gabrielle. But, my God, you did an amazing job. You fought so hard for her." Musichetta wiped away a tear that slipped down her cheek and said hesitantly, "And...I'm sorry. I tried to do what you wanted, and so did Cosette. But Enjolras, he was just so wild...I think he really would have killed any of us that tried to touch you."

"I know, 'Chetta. And it's alright. You didn't let me down, not at all. I don't know what I would have done if you weren't there."

Gabrielle looked puzzled for a moment and said slowly, "You know, it's strange...all of that pain, for so many hours, when I thought I was actually going to die...and now that I'm holding her it just seems like a distant memory."

Musichetta laughed quietly. "I think that's nature's way of allowing us to have more babies eventually. If we remembered how badly it hurt, I don't think any of us would."

Gabrielle took Musichetta's hand and squeezed. "Did Enjolras tell you her name?"

"No! He said you should get to. Oh, what is it? I'm dying to know."

"Nicolette. Nicolette Sophie Enjolras. If you'll allow it," Gabrielle added softly.

Musichetta was silent for a moment and sat back down heavily in the chair, staring at Gabrielle. "For my daughter?" she asked, a bit dumbfounded.

Gabrielle nodded.

"Oh, Gabrielle, that's...that's..." Musichetta buried her face in her hands, her shoulders shaking violently. Gabrielle glanced at Enjolras, but he was still fast asleep, oblivious to the world. "Thank you, Gabrielle. That means so much to me," Musichetta finally managed to choke out. "Really, thank you."

"You're the best friend I've ever had, Musichetta," Gabrielle said, her voice a little shaky herself. "It's the least I can do to thank you for everything."

Musichetta stood and hugged her again, then leaned down and kissed Nicolette's forehead lovingly. "Nicolette Sophie Enjolras. What a beautiful name."

"I think so," Gabrielle agreed, and frowned as Nicolette began to cry louder.

"She's probably hungry. It's been a while since she's eaten," Musichetta said. She studied Gabrielle for a moment, then said firmly, "I don't care what Joly says. You look perfectly strong to me. You're her mother, and I think you should try to feed her, if you want to."

"Do you think I can? I don't know if I'll have enough milk..." Gabrielle said, biting her lip. "And I don't know what to do."

Musichetta smiled and sat on the edge of the bed, taking the baby from Gabrielle's arms. "It's easy, Gabrielle. You'll know what to do, it's instinctual. And she knows, too. Just unbutton your nightgown and I'll give her back to you."

Gabrielle did as Musichetta said and took Nicolette back into her arms, guiding her slowly to her breast. Her eyes widened at the very strange sensation as Nicolette did indeed latch on and begin to suck right away, and she looked at Musichetta in wonder. "It feels so strange..."

"And wonderful, doesn't it?" Musichetta asked. "Enjoy this time with her. I'm going to go make you and Enjolras some breakfast. Just yell if you need me." Musichetta kissed her cheek, rose, and left the room.

Gabrielle gazed down at Nicolette and tried not to cry again. Everything felt so much more intense. Even the sun streaming in through the windows looked brighter, like she was seeing it for the first time. The bed shifted suddenly and Gabrielle looked over at Enjolras, who was just beginning to stir. He stretched and opened his eyes, his hair sticking up in every direction. His clothes were incredibly wrinkled.

"Good morning," Gabrielle said happily. "Did you sleep well?"

"Very." Enjolras rose onto his elbow and looked at her, smiling warmly when he saw Nicolette nursing. He sat up and scooted closer, wrapping his arm firmly around her shoulders. "Is she alright? Not hurting you or anything?" He rested his hand gently on Nicolette's head.

"No. It feels amazing." She leaned against Enjolras and closed her eyes, feeling completely content. They were silent for several minutes, until Gabrielle finally said quietly, "You know...I could swear that I spoke to my brother. I must have dreamed about him."

Enjolras sighed and confessed, "I dream of them, too. Although it feels much more real than a dream. Like they're really there."

"Maybe they are," Gabrielle said. "I suppose stranger things have happened."

"Like us, for one."

"Yes, like us," Gabrielle laughed. Enjolras moved to face her, though he kept his hands on her leg, rubbing gently. They were silent again and Gabrielle could feel Enjolras watching her intently. She glanced up at him with a questioning look.

"She's hungry," Enjolras observed with a smile.

"Yes, she is," Gabrielle agreed, her cheeks turning red at the intensity of Enjolras' gaze. He was looking at her with an expression she had never really seen him wear before, his eyes bright, steady, and completely full of devotion. He looked just like he used to, Gabrielle realized, except even more animated. Happy. "Why are you looking at me like that?"

"Because I love you," Enjolras said simply. "And because I've realized, since I began loving you, that this is what I should have been fighting for all along. Not just vague ideas of freedom and equality, but this chance at living. The fight I began is truly about people, not ideas; everyone deserves to be this happy, yet so many aren't because of so many reasons. I want Nicolette to be this happy someday. Our daughter deserves a better world, a society that treats her like an equal, like the beautiful woman she's going to be. I want the children in the orphanage to be this happy, to have the resources to pursue whatever it is they want from life. In whatever way this fight continues, I know now what the real end is; for everyone to have enough freedom to pursue a life, to love another person, to do more than just get by from day to day. Just getting by is not enough," he finished passionately.

"Whatever happens, Antoine...whichever way you decide to continue the fight and release your ideas into the world, we'll be beside you. Because you're right – this is worth fighting for. Every bit of it." Gabrielle took his hand and squeezed. "And I think you have the beginnings of a new speech, my love."

Enjolras leaned forward and kissed her deeply, and Gabrielle could feel every bit of passion he had as their lips collided. He was brimming with it again, practically overflowing, and it thrilled her to know that she was part of the reason why.

"I thought it was over for so long," he said eventually as he pulled away. "But now I know it's only just beginning. There's always tomorrow."

Gabrielle smiled in agreement. "Yes, there's always tomorrow."

There it is...the final chapter. It's a bit shorter than most, but there was just nothing left to say.

I hope you like the name - Britt picked it out. :)

The epilogue, which WILL absolutely set things up for the sequel, will be out in hopefully a few days. Please review and let me know what you think about this fluffy last chapter in the meantime. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR READING!

P.S. Does anyone have any Photoshop skills? Want to make a "book cover" for this story? I would love you forever if you do!