Sorry this took so long to get out but I've been on holiday for two weeks so couldn't upload it! I don't want to give away too many spoilers but I'm trying to keep the outline of this story as close to Les Miserables as possible so Valjean will be making another appearance. But there will be some slight changes to the original plot. I hope that's clear but anyway read, review, enjoy!
Enjolras and Clara
Clara needn't have worried, although surprised at his friend's return with a small girl clutching a collection of rags; Courfeyrac wasn't the type to turn away someone in need. Clara knew that better than anybody.
Cosette settled very easily into family life. She got on well with Harry and Freddie and played with Posie for hours on end, as they were the same age. Overall, she was a lovely addition to the family.
While Cosette was particularly fond of Clara, she was often tongue tied when Enjolras came to visit. Both Clara and Courfeyrac noticed this and often teased Enjolras about his tiny admirer. However of the many things Enjolras could do, laughing at himself wasn't one of them and in consequence avoided the little girl as much as possible. Unfortunately, this made him ever more endearing to her.
During this time, Enjolras' visits to District 12 were becoming shorter and less frequent. Clara and Courfeyrac assumed it was some attempt to dissuade Cosette, and Enjolras was happy to let them think this was the reason. The real reason was that his father was becoming more and more attentive towards him. Usually when Enjolras returned from District 12, his father wouldn't comment on his absence at all, but recently, he'd begun questioning Enjolras' movements and whereabouts at all times. Enjolras had no idea why there was this sudden interest in him, but concluded he preferred when his father couldn't have cared less where he was.
Enjolras Sr wanted his son to grow up the way he had done. With strict social hierarches and well established limits. He didn't want his son getting any ideas from friends, or even worse, girlfriends. He was not aware Enjolras had any interest in girls for now, and that he was glad about. He expected his son to wait until he could find a suitable partner for him, sooner rather than later. He was sure his son would go off gallivanting with a few girls in his time, as he had done, but he knew how to cover any mishaps up so they wouldn't be made public. Enjolras Sr did not want himself or his son involved in bad press. It would not do well for his position.
He also knew he couldn't remain in that position forever. He was getting older and many of the ambassadors from other Districts were by now passing the torch down to their sons or whomever they chose to replace them. Enjolras Sr was positive his son would follow in his footsteps to become the face of District 2 for the Capitol, and he wanted Enjolras to start building his solid reputation immediately.
In fact, Enjolras Sr became so involved in his son's life, Enjolras was not able to visit District 12 for a time of seven months. He had however, managed to send a letter to Courfeyrac explaining his absence to avoid damaging their friendship any further.
However those seven months involved some serious changes. Harry and Freddie both significantly grew to match their age, both were now taller than Clara, but Courfeyrac was still a head taller than all of them.
Courfeyrac, Harry, Freddie and Enjolras were all growing into young men. Courfeyrac's eighteenth birthday was not far away and although it meant his very last reaping, it also meant he would be going down the mines, a thought that terrified him even more than the Hunger Games. Courfeyrac was a sensitive soul who detested the idea of spending all his time in the small, dark tunnels that made up the mines. He never shared his dread with anyone else however, he was prepared to do whatever it took to give his family the best life possible.
Enjolras was now handsome by anyone's standards, with his curly blonde locks and intelligent blue eyes, it was not enough for most women to only look at him once. He became a fairly well known figure both in the Capitol and in the Districts. He spoke on his father's behalf at minor events and even attended a luncheon with President Snow, not that he ever met the man himself.
He had the perfect image. All the boys wanted to be him, and all the girls wanted to be with him. He had quite the female fan club, but Enjolras himself only had eyes for one, utterly unique individual, and was blind to any other advances, much to his father's annoyance, who whenever he tried to push a suitable match, it was thrown back in his face.
Enjolras for a long time was too naïve to understand these feelings, and so they passed as friendship. This individual of course was no other than District 12's Clara. The two had sure been on a roller coaster together, from utter disdain to awkward acquaintances for the benefit of their friend to genuine friendship and care. The three were now inseparable whenever Enjolras was around, and were always happiest in each other's company. It seemed nothing would ever change.
But for a while Enjolras and Clara had started to grow closer, and both had feelings beyond those of friendship. During the seven months Enjolras was not able to come to District 12, Clara's usual lively disposition faded, and although she tried to hide it, there was no doubt she was aching for Enjolras' company. Enjolras felt much the same.
Then, on one cold December morning, Enjolras finally managed to dodge his father's watchful eye, and had the opportunity to spend a whole day in District 12, something he had longed for each day since his last visit. He knew the way to Courfeyrac's house like the back of his hand, and the nearer he got he found his pace quickening. Cosette spotted him from the window.
'He's here! He's here!'
'Who is kiddo?' asked Courfeyrac, halfway through doing the dishes.
'Enjolras! Enjolras has come to see us!'
'You sure about that?' he questioned, but sure enough as he arrived at the window where Cosette was sitting, he saw Enjolras making his way to the front door. Courfeyrac opened the door before Enjolras had even knocked.
'Enjolras, my old chap! Where on earth have you been?' Courfeyrac embraced his oldest friend, suddenly feeling his absence from the past seven months. Courfeyrac often found his days so full as he was nearing adulthood, he didn't have time to miss his childhood playmate. But now he was here, he wondered how he ever lived without his friend from District 2.
'Imprisoned in my own mansion,' replied Enjolras with a wink. 'On the plus side the hospitality was fantastic.'
'You know it really doesn't help us to like you when you say things like, 'my own mansion,'' called a voice from upstairs. It could only be Clara's but there was something very different about her voice from what Enjolras remembered. Clara had lost her childish tone and while her voice used to be fairly high pitched, now it was much lower and more sensual, more like a woman's than a girl's.
But Enjolras could not appreciate the full measure of her newly acquired maturity until she came downstairs, and she did so in a rush. She sped down the stairs and brushed past Enjolras as if he had been there only the day before.
'Sorry, I'm already running late and I can't afford to be.' She was running around the kitchen picking up various bits of paper and pens.
'Clara's set up this sort of playgroup in the lower town,' Courfeyrac explained. The lower town was arguably the poorest place in the country. The people there lived a very dreary existence. They made up the workforce which transported the coal from the mine to the train station. Despite working as hard as anyone within the mine, they were paid next to nothing, leading to starving families wearing clothes made out of thin sheets which should have been on their bed, if they were lucky enough to have a bed. Luxuries were out of the question and poverty was rife. An uncountable number of children were living on the streets with no home and parents who had succumbed to fever or starvation.
'She basically gathers up all the children and plans activities for them to fill up the day, things like drawing, games and so on.'
'Thanks Courfeyrac, but I can speak for myself. It's just something to cheer them up. No child should have to grow up in a world where playtime is only there for those rich enough to have it. If I can help only one child, then it is worthwhile.'
And for the first time Enjolras really looked at her. Ever since he was a child he had an overwhelming desire to help those less fortunate than himself, and hated the idea that some people thought they were more important than others. He believed in a world where everyone was equal, no matter how much money they earned, who their parents were or where they lived. The very idea of numbered districts made his blood boil.
'That's…one of the most amazing things I have ever head,' he finally said.
Clara positively glowed at the compliment and smiled at Enjolras, and that's when it hit him. Clara was no longer that vulnerable little girl he had been so worried was stealing his best friend away from him. She was a young woman. Her dark brown hair flowed effortlessly with gentle curls at the bottom just above her waist and her dark eyes were as hypnotising as they had always been. Enjolras had never thought dark eyes were particularly attractive, his father's were a similar colour, but on Clara, they were perfect.
Actually, Enjolras thought, everything about Clara was perfect.
Enjolras had always been smart enough to know Clara was a pretty girl, but now there was no doubt she was the most stunning creature Enjolras had ever set his eyes on. Her playful character and caring nature simply added to her beauty. In many ways, she had the same ideals as Enjolras.
Clara too noticed how Enjolras had changed. Just like any other girl, she was instantly captivated by his gorgeous blue eyes and saw him as nothing short of faultless. But what made her different, was her vision beyond his superficial beauty. How he cared so intensely for every human being not as fortunate as himself, how it was an attitude he had created himself, and didn't have to be taught. How he had always treated her like an equal, and not inferior due to her gender or home town.
She had secretly admired him ever since their first meeting, and often felt intimidated by his dominating presence and air of awe. As she grew older, she learnt to hold her own with Enjolras, and that was something he had noticed. Clara was the only girl who never cowered before him, who always looked him straight in the eye, with the determined desire not to be looked down on or pitied.
Poor Courfeyrac felt like the most awkward third-wheel in history, as the two old aquaintances drank in the remnants of the past seven months. Courfeyrac himself was by no means inferior in looks or intelligence. With his broad shoulders and muscular build, many girls his age and older desired him as the perfect husband. Courfeyrac was District 12 through and through, thick, dark curly hair which would not be affected by time spend underground and dark eyes similar to Clara's. They could have easily been brother and sister, and in their own way, they were.
Courfeyrac was a terrible flirt, and could seduce a woman with the lowering of his voice and a few choice words. He was very popular among the ladies, and one of the most charming men in the District. It was even predicted he could become chief miner before he reached twenty, his charm and influence were so great, provided he was not reaped. But even the Capitol saw his potential, and had already insured he was safe from his final reaping. He had a powerful influence over the people of District and was very well respected, mainly for keeping his family afloat since he was nine years old.
All three friends were learning who they were going to be as they ventured towards becoming adults, and for once the future looked hopeful.
Clara eventually got to her playgroup and at once began distributing the activities for them to complete. The playgroup took place in the lower town's version of a town square, flattened over hardened mud, which was all Clara needed. The more lively children played games that involved a lot of running, in order to make their parent's lives easier, the more creative children played charades, and the quieter children were given sheets of paper and crayons and were occupied for hours. Clara was immensely proud of her work, if it were appropriate to be so, and if she just made one child smile, her day would be picture-perfect.
On this particular day, Enjolras joined Clara at playgroup. He was a big hit with all the children, each and every one loving his enthusiasm and his uncanny ability using just words and his voice to capture an audience and hold them in his power until he chose to release them. Even Clara found herself immersed in his long speeches, whether just a simple fairy story, or his desires for a better world. He was a born leader, thought Clara, as the children all dispatched to their homes or to find a warm place to spend the night. Clara's heart ached to do more, but there was only so much a poor sixteen year old was capable of.
Soon the square was empty, and Clara and Enjolras were tidying it up. Clara put all her crayons and other equipment in her satchel, and soon it was just Clara and Enjorlas left in the square.
'You were incredible today,' Clara smiled, 'I've never seen the children warm to someone so quickly.'
'I'm sure you had them the moment you entered…..the mud,' he said, looking down at their feet. At this both fell into a hopeless giggling fit.
Eventually the giggling subsided and then they were just facing each other.
'I meant what I said, you know,' Enjolras said, barely above a whisper.
'What did you say?' Clara asked. They locked eyes, and both were wondering who would be the first to break.
'That this playgroup, everything you do, it's amazing.' He pushed a lock of her dark hair behind her ear, and kept it in between his fingers, leaning his palm on her neck.
'Your amazing,' he whispered, leaning in so their faces were only centimetres apart. The word 'amazing' did not even begin to cover what he thought of Clara, but it was all he could think of for now, even he, who was to become one of the most articulate speakers of his generation. Even leaders can falter when love is at stake.
Clara had never been more scared in her entire life, but nothing on earth would have persuaded her to walk away. Their lips were just about to touch when the sound of the train was heard, jerking them both back to reality.
'Oh god, is that the time?!' exclaimed Enjolras. 'I have to get on that train!' He left Clara standing in the make-shift square as he sprinted to the station. He had left his backpack at Courfeyrac's house, but he would have to worry about that later, it was in the opposite direction and he did not have the time to collect it.
Suddenly it hit him how he had ended things with Clara, and he felt a pang of guilt. He couldn't do that to her. He turned on his heels and ran back, spotting Clara making her way out of the lower town.
'Clara!' he shouted, and thankfully she heard.
'What is it? Your train will be leaving any moment.'
'I know.' His breathing was heavy and he could barely control it, not just from the run. 'But I forgot something.'
'What?'
Enjolras knew he wanted his first kiss with Clara to be special, for her as well as for him. He also knew he couldn't rush things, he didn't want to scare Clara away, and he thought they had time. So he placed his hand on her waist and leant down to give Clara a slow, gentle kiss on the cheek. He gave her one last grin and returned to his quest for the train.
Courfeyrac, Freddie and Cosette were on the platform, with Cosette holding out his backpack and all three of them yelling,
'GO GO GO!'
And cheering as he made it onto the train. He waved them goodbye, but he couldn't stop thinking about Clara. It had only been the smallest of gestures, but it had meant so much to him. He wondered if she felt the same.
Clara also turned the other way, unable to stop herself smiling. As she was walking she caught sight of a lamppost with a flyer attached to it.
WANTED
DOMESTIC SERVANTS FROM OUTLYING DISTRICTS
WORK IN DISTRICTS 1, 2 AND 4
MAIDS AND FOOTMEN REQUIRED
CALL THIS NUMBER
+CAP 85348
SALARIES WILL BE GENEROUS
Clara could barely believe her luck, how much better could her day get! She ripped the flyer from the lamppost intending to apply. With her in work, Harry, Freddie, Cosette and Posie could finish their childhood in style. She would finally be able to share the burden with Courfeyarc and actually make a financial contribution. At last there was a way she could pay back the family she had come to think of so much as her own.
Little did she know, Clara had already payed them back in full and more, since the very day she moved in.
Again, sorry for the wait but I hope the chapter makes up for it :)