Hey there lovely readers. Thank you to everyone who reads/reviews/follows and favorites my story. It makes me REALLY happy when people like this story :D
To answer a question I got last chapter: Yes this is indeed an Enjonine fic, sorry if that wasnt clear. Let me warn you all now that the next few chapters things are going to seem a little...odd. But i promise you all that it will work out in the end, just keep the faith (and i wont make you wait 32 chapters for a kiss, i promise). Enjolras was a bit of an idiot in the last chapter but again just keep the faith.
Again if anyone would be nice enought to make me a cover art i would be VERY grateful! Please make it for me, i dont know exactly what i want but a drawing or fan art would be cool. Please PM me or mention it in a review if you are at all interested. (I am also on twitter and tumblr if you are interested)
Please review and enjoy :D
Eponine sighed as she leaned against the counter; Mr. Myriel had finally allowed her to work at the café again, under the agreement that she take it easy and attempt to stick to wiping down the tables and working at the cash register. She couldn't help but chuckled when he had told her that but she complied nonetheless, she knew he was just looking out for her well being. Mr. Myriel had been good to her and she was starting to see him as a father figure, something neither minded at all.
"Hiya Eponine" greeted a voice behind her, causing Eponine to turn and smile at Musichetta. Eponine was familiar with her from school, they were in a few classes together and she seemed pretty sweet; Mr. Myriel had hired her about two weeks ago after Eponine had gotten hurt, she was really just to help Eponine out but the café was shorthanded in the first place so Eponine didn't mind; it was also nice to have someone else to talk to.
"Hi Musichetta, how are you?"
"Just fine thank you, I actually came to ask you the same thing."
Eponine raised her eyebrow playfully, "Really now?"
"Yeah, just wanted to make sure you weren't stressing out your ankle….or wrist."
"Did Mr. Myriel ask you to keep tabs on me?"A guilty look filled Musichetta's pretty face and she nodded. Eponine chuckled and shook her head slightly. "Typical, not that I can really blame him…"
"No you really can't," She agreed as she took another rag and started wiping tables alongside Eponine, "I still don't understand why you wanted to come back to work so early? It's not like he was going to fire you if you didn't return soon."
"I know but I just really missed working here. I come here all the time as it is so coming and not working just felt weird….you know what I mean?"
Musichetta nodded, "Yeah I get you. You came with the guys from school right? You know like Aiden Enjolras, Ricky Grantaire and…..Mason Joly?" She said the last name a bit timidly though she tried to hide it.
Eponine chuckled, "No not like them, exactly them. They all love this café so we all just decided to hang here. It's like a second home."
She laughed cheerfully, causing some auburn strands of her hair to break away from her ponytail, "Never thought I'd hear the day when someone said their work was their home."
Eponine shrugged, "Anything is possible."
At that moment the bell dinged signaling the entrance of customers. The two girls turned to face the customers and found themselves face to face with the people they were just talking about along with Courfeyrac and little Gavroche. Eponine smiled at them all but the second her eyes landed on Enjolras her gaze hardened, she was still decently pissed at him for what he said at the party. He had yet to apologize and Eponine was not one to forgive and forget easily if at all. Enjolras looked at her apathetically, though inside he felt guilty over what he said yet he though she was a bit at fault too.
In the end it was Musichetta who spoke first, "Good afternoon boys, what can we do for you today?" She asked as she took out her small notepad. Eponine put up a hand to stop her and instead turned her attention toward the boys.
"The backroom is open and if I recall correctly you guys will want….umm….a black coffee for Grantaire, a soy latte for Joly, mango smoothie for Courfeyrac, a French vanilla coffee with two splendas for Enjy and a glass of chocolate milk and a cookie for Gavroche."
"Damn Eppy you are good." Smirked Grantaire
Eponine rolled her eyes and scoffed, "Language Grantaire! My 10 year old brother is right next to you! And how many times have I told you not to call me Eppy?"
"About as many times as I have told you not to call me Enjy" Enjolras replied sardonically. "But that's never stopped you."
"Touché," she replied as she narrowed her eyes.
Musichetta interrupted the stare off going on between Eponine and Enjolras, "I'll just get started on those orders."
Courfeyrac stopped her, "No that's not necessary, we just came by to talk to Eponine."
Eponine crossed her arms over her chest and leaned against the counter, "What about?"
"To see if you were coming to the basketball game tonight!" Gavroche answered enthusiastically, "But can I still get that cookie?"
Eponine laughed heartily and was joined by everyone else in the room. Gavroche looked around the room from person to person with a confused look on his face.
"What is something I said?"
Eponine pulled herself together and straightened up, "No it's all good Gavroche don't worry about it."
"You didn't answer my question….can I still get that cookie?"
Grantaire ruffled the boy's hair and grinned, "Of course little guy. One chocolate chip cookie for the boy please."
Musichetta nodded tore her gaze away from a very specific someone before she skipped back to the counter and got a large chocolate chip cookie out for Gavroche. While she did that the boys turned toward Eponine and looked at her with wide eyes.
"So are you coming to the game?" asked Courfeyrac
She raised an eyebrow, "Do I have a choice?"
"Considering that Marius and Combeferre are on the team and Jehan and Feuilly are in the pep band I would have to say no." Replied Grantaire, "Come on Eppy we have to support them, they supported us during football season. Don't you think Joly?"
The man in question remained silent the look on his face looked as if he was staring longingly at something.
"Hello earth to Joly." Eponine said as she waved her hands in front of his eyes.
Joly shook his head as if brought out of a trance and turned his attention back to the room.
"What- what I miss?" He asked looking decently confused and trying to hide his embarrassment.
Enjolras addressed him, "Grantaire asked you to back him up in his theory that Eponine needs to come with us to the basketball game to show support for Marius and the others."
Eponine rolled her eyes at Enjolras and he in turn shook his head slightly but the exchange was unnoticed by the others.
Joly answered them nervously, "Oh…yea I agree completely. In fact why don't we invite your friend Eponine?" He said gesturing toward the girl who was getting Gavroche a soft cookie.
"You mean Musichetta? Yea I guess that's alright, it's about time I hung out some other people. I love you guys but even you can get tiring after awhile."
Grantaire looked appalled, "It pains me that you say that Eppy."
She shrugged, "It is what it is, I can lie to you guys." She teased
"But it's settled then?" asked Courfeyrac, "You will come to the game?"
"When is it again?"
Enjolras checked his watch, "In a little over an hour."
Eponine stood there and pondered for a moment before answering, "Well technically my shift ends in twenty minutes and the day is pretty slow today…I guess me and Musichetta and I could close up today and join you guys then. Hey Musichetta!"
"Yes?" responded the brunette with Gavroche right at her heels. He looked very content with the sweet cookie in his mouth.
"Would you like to join us for the basketball game? It's in about an hour."
"Are you all going?" She asked, though her gaze was set on Joly. They all nodded and she smiled, "Then sure, it sounds like fun."
"Great!" exclaimed Eponine, "I'm still on shift for a bit longer so I guess I'll meet you guys there."
Grantaire narrowed his eyes at her, "Do you plan on walking there?"
She shrugged her shoulders and put her hands palm up in surrender, "I was; I don't exactly have a car. Besides the school is only 5 blocks away."
"Nonsense!" exclaimed Grantaire, "We can give you a ride."
Joly spoke up, "Um R, I'm not sure I can fit all of us in my car, it only fits 4 other people and I am already taking you, Gavroche and Courfeyrac. I don't think we can take both Eponine and Musichetta"
"Then we take Musichetta and Eponine can ride with Enjolras." He stated simply. Eponine's face hardened when he said that and she noticed that Enjolras looked a bit uncomfortable. "Is that a problem?"
Enjolras was the one who answered first, "No not at all."
If looks could kill both Enjolras and Grantaire would have been buried.
The car ride was silent the whole way there. It was obvious to them that neither had forgotten the events of the party the past week. Eponine crossed her arms over her chest and looked out the window, her teeth grazing the corner of her bottom lip.
"Are you going to stay silent the whole trip?" Enjolras asked all of a sudden
"Are you going to pester me till I do?" she replied with a feisty tone
"Most likely"
"Typical, you never stop until you get what you want."
He kept his tone steady, "That may be but my goals tend to be beneficial to others."
"If that helps you sleep at night." She responded with an apathetic tone. Enjolras opened his mouth to respond but before he could Eponine beat him to it. "We're here."
Enjolras sighed as she realized she was right and they had arrived at the school. He pulled into a parking spot and the second he turned the ignition off Eponine unbuckled her seatbelt and stepped out of the car. Enjolras followed suit and the two walked side by side to the gym where the game was taking place. They both remained silent on their walk, they were both as stubborn as they came, neither wanted to stay mad at each other but neither wanted to be the first to cave either. It was a vicious circle. They finally reached the gym and Enjolras noticed how Eponine seemed to automatically lighten up. She practically sprinted to where the others were seated, the middle of the bleachers right next to the pep band, and greeted them cheerfully. Musichetta smiled when she saw her and that was when both Eponine and Enjolras noticed Cosette standing right next to her too. The three girls laughed when they saw each other and Cosette seemed to be beaming with pride for her boyfriend. Enjolras walked up the steps and stood right behind Eponine and next to Joly. Within a few minutes the game started and spirits were high. Once again they were playing against Broadway and the rebels were ready to crush them. Given time Eponine seemed to be free spirited again and cheered along with the crowd. At one point Marius was blocked by a tall player from the opposing team and he passed the ball to another member of their team named Raoul who then passed it to Combeferre who had a shot and made a three-point basket. The shot made everyone rise to their feet and cheer loudly; Eponine turned around and smiled widely at the boys, even Enjolras. For a moment he felt that the tension between them was forgotten and smiled back at her, then that moment ended.
A figure spotted the group and made his way to them, that figure was none other than the cause for Enjolras outburst the week before- Theodule. He quickly walked over to where Eponine was standing and tapped her on the shoulder, Eponine turned around and her already broad smile seemed to double in size. Surprise filled her eyes and she had a dreamy look on her face, Enjolras' face was the exact opposite- he pressed his lips together and had an icy look on his face. Theodule took his spot next to Eponine and their attention was turned back to the game; however Enjolras' attention kept going back to the two people in front of him. He notice that Theodule put his hand on Eponine's back right in between her shoulder blades and would point and motion to various things throughout the game. Eponine giggled several times and bushed strands of her hair behind her ear as he did so and it took all of Enjolras' will-power not to step in and tear them apart.
He just met her! How can he already be so comfortable with her? Why is she allowing it? Hasn't she already learned not to give up her emotions so easily?
These questions, along with others, plagued Enjolras throughout the whole the entire first half of the game. They were so prominent in his mind that he wasn't even paying attention to the game, he couldn't tell you what just happened or even who was winning. Half time couldn't have come fast enough, they all finally had the opportunity to separate and mingle.
The group quickly came down from the bleachers and headed for the concession stand. While they walked down Theodule kept his hand on Eponine's back as if he was guiding her out and Enjolras had a tense look on his face.
Joly gave him a concerned look, "Are you alright?"
Enjolras automatically shook off the tense look and turned toward his friend, "Yea I'm fine, just thinking about an exam I have to study for next week."
Grantaire laughed from behind them, "Typical, even at a game you are still uptight. You need to loosen up and enjoy the night mon ami!"
He rolled his eyes at his carefree friend but remained silent and kept walking. For some reason I don't think this is a night I will be enjoying.
As they entered the large lobby and walked to the concession stand Enjolras couldn't help but notice Theodule steal some glances at girls who were passing by, his eyes flirtatious and a smirk on his face; for some reason that really pissed off Enjolras. Eponine sat down at a table with Theodule and the two other girls; the others saw then and decided to join. Enjolras acted quickly and took the other open seat next to Eponine. When he sat down he noticed that she scoffed mutely and shot an icy glare his way. At first things seemed to be calm and normal, but it was always calm before a storm.
"So how long are you here for?" Eponine asked Theodule.
"Well I go to the University but we have a month and a half break for the holidays. We, that being my mother and I, are visiting my grandfather for the time and we plan on staying until just after New Years."
"So you are a college boy?" asked Courfeyrac with interest
"Yes, but I am only a freshman. The school I go to is only about an hour from here, hence why we decided to visit my grandfather this year."
"Must be nice being in college" Eponine commented.
"Yea especially with all the party and girls." Added Grantaire with a devilish smirk
"I suppose, but sometimes college girls don't compare to what you can find outside of it." Theodule responded with a glance at Eponine.
Enjolras could feel his blood boil and took a deep breath before addressing Theodule to change the subject. "So Theodule, what is your major at school?"
"Business"
"Good choice." Enjolras replied coolly, "Any reason why?"
"I feel that the business world would prove to be very successful, as long as you are on right side of it."
Enjolras raised an eyebrow, "What do you mean by that?"
"I mean that there are a lot times when businesses fail because they fail to properly deal with unsatisfied workers and protesters. They become way too soft, sometimes you just need to lay down the iron fist and find other means to get rid of those insignificant problems. Who really cares if a few unfortunate people are unhappy, as long as a company is making money then they shouldn't worry over it."
The next thing everyone knew Enjolras was in a heated debate with Theodule who would continuously scoff and deem Enjolras opinions and petty and irrational. Many of the things Theodule said were brushed off by others but taken to heart by Enjolras. After a good ten minutes of watching them go at it Eponine finally stepped in and tried to stop them. She was somehow able to get Enjolras to stop his rants and to get Theodule to wipe the insulted look off his face. After her interruption Theodule stood up and looked over everyone.
"As much as I would love to stay and chat I feel that I have over stepped my boundaries. I hope you all have a nice evening." He nodded to each of them before taking Eponine's hand and placing a kiss on it, "And you too, have a good night Eponine."
She blushed, "T-thank you."
As he walked away Eponine heard Enjolras scoff and mutter something incoherent under his breath. She automatically frowned and shot a glance at the rest of her friend to leave her and Enjolras alone. They all understood and skidded away without question. As soon as they were out of ear shot Eponine glared at Enjolras. She grabbed his wrist and led him right outside the doors of the school facing the parking lot so not to get any intruders in their conversation.
"What the hell is your problem!?" She exclaimed as soon as they were outside.
"What are you talking about I don't have a problem."
She sneered, "Oh don't play coy with me Mr. Enjolras it pretty obvious to everyone in the tri-state area that you have a problem with Theodule!"
"I'm pretty sure that is an exaggeration." He responded calmly
She looked at him is disbelief. "Honestly Aiden! What is up with you?"
He shrugged "I'm sorry if I don't particularly like Marius' stuck up cousin. He is too arrogant for my liking."
"You haven't even tried to get along with him, ever since the party you have been nothing but cold toward him. He's a nice guy Aiden; I don't see why you are so against him."
"You are only saying that because you have a thing for him."
Once again she looked insulted, "Excuse me but-"
"Don't even try to defend yourself Eponine, just like at the party you two have hitting on each other all night. It's no wonder you are trying to defend him."
"So what if I do? Is that such a bad thing?"
"Only if you don't want to get hurt again"
Her eyes turned into slits, "What are you getting at?"
"Oh please Eponine we both know you fell hard when Marius let you down. Do you really think Theodule will be any different? Think about it Eponine he is a college student, any relationship he has with you will be nothing but a fling! He not actually going to care about you. Wake up and smell the roses Eponine!"
Eponine took in every word he said and each one caused anger and resentment to build up in her until she finally burst. "You're an asshole! And a really shitty friend!"
"I maybe an asshole but I'm the only asshole who gives a shit about you."
She laughed coldly, "Well you have a real nice way of showing it. Sometimes I wonder if you ever even think about half the things you do and their impact on others."
"You are a real piece of work do you know that?!"
"Yeah I do, and this piece of work doesn't need to deal with the fricking marble statue that needs to get his head out of his ass!" She shouted at him, taking a defiant step toward him.
Enjolras grunted in frustration and threw his arms up. In an instant Eponine crouched down a bit and threw her arms over her head- her hands curled up into fist to protect her face. Enjolras saw her reaction and automatically all the anger left his body and was replaced by concern.
"Eponine? I'm not going to hurt you."
Her eyes widen as she realized what she just did. She didn't step back or run, she didn't stand her ground her or yell back; no instead she flinched and just revealed a large clue to the secret she had been trying to hide.
"I-I have to go." She stuttered out quickly as she straightened herself out and tried to make a run for it. It was to no avail as the second she tried to turn away she was held back by someone grabbing her wrist gently.
Enjolras shook his head. "Oh no you don't, I want some answers."
It was all starting to make sense and fit together. From the bruises she tried to hide to the excuses she came up and the off handed comments she had made over the years. Enjolras never wanted to pressure her into revealing something she wasn't comfortable with but this time he just couldn't let it go.
She looked at him pleadingly, "Please don't make me say it."
"You should know me well enough to know that I don't give up easily when I want something." He said gently but firmly as he let go of her wrist.
She took her wrist in her hand and subconsciously started to pull her long sleeves down to her fingertips, another habit Enjolras had taken note of over time.
She spoke softly, "What can I say that you don't already know? I'm sure you figured it all out by now."
"Well your last reaction did just give me the assurance I needed to make my conclusion."
"And what conclusion would that be?"
He paused for a moment, not really sure how to go about this delicately; but he knew the best route would be the direct one, "You're abused." It wasn't a question
She pressed her lips together and shut her eyes as she nodded, as trying to hold back emotions. She proceeded to take the tip of her sleeve and pull it up as far as she could get it. Even in the fading lights Enjolras could see that her arm was imprinted with several bruises, some yellow and fading while others were gray and fresher. She then put her hair to one side of her shoulder and pulled the collar of her shirt to her shoulder so Enjolras could see the damages there that marked the tips of the bruises on her back.
"Is that enough for you?" She asked despondently
He ignored her question, "Why didn't you ever tell us?"
"What was I supposed to say? 'Hey guys my dad beats me up quite a bit but no worries he only does it when I rebel'. Was I really supposed to be that forward?"
Again he ignored her comments, "So what shiner that I asked you about the other day…"
"Work of my dad's as well. He doesn't like it when I call him out on his drinking." She replied as she nervously tucked a wisp of her hair behind her ear.
"Eponine I- I…"
"You don't have to say anything. I know it's all a lot to take in."
Instead of responding Enjolras took out his phone from his pocket.
"What are you doing?" She asked worriedly
"I'm calling the police to report this."
"NO!" She exclaimed as she leaned forward and snatched the phone from his hand, "You can't do that!"
He looked at her in confusion, "Why not?! You are obviously not safe at home and I for one am not going to let you keep getting hurt."
"Enjolras you don't understand; if you turn him in child services will come and take me and Azelma and Gavroche."
"I know that, that's why I need to report this."
"No!" She exclaimed again, "Do you know how the foster system works? Me and my siblings will be separated and I will never get to see them! The foster system is really screwed up and we will probably end up living in a worse situation that we already are. Even if there is hope that we end up living decently my parents aren't just going to leave us alone! It will be hell!"
"Eponine I don't think you are thinking clearly. Compared to what you are dealing with-"
"Enjolras please!" She begged with a pleading expression, "As of now Gavroche is safe with Courfeyrac and Grantaire, Azelma barley gets any beatings and I have a nice steady income from the café. I have just over a year left till I am 18, then I can take custody of Gavroche and Azelma and make sure they are ok. Please Enjolras I am so close, please don't take them away from me." She begged.
Tears were forming in her eyes, but she was doing her hardest to hold them back, and her body was trembling with fear and anxiety. Not knowing what else to do Enjolras wrapped his arm around her and embraced her in an effort to comfort her. Almost automatically she pressed her head against his chest and let a few tears spill out, sniffling and trembling as well. Enjolras held her tightly, almost protectively, and ran his fingers through the hair at the back of her head; right now she needed someone to hold on to and to hold her up and he was going to be that person.
After a few minutes Eponine pulled away and wiped the tears on her face away.
"I'm sorry." She said softly, to which Enjolras told her it was ok. "You can't tell anyone, I don't know how they will react."
Enjolras nodded in understanding, "You have my word. Now let's go back to the game before everyone starts to worry."
Eponine smiled and took his hand, following him back into the school, all past arguments forgotten. Things seemed like they were back to normal but both knew things weren't the same.
Wasn't that an interesting chapter...REVIEW PLEASE! I need feedback!
BTW, my birthday is next week (the 19th) and i will be turning 17. A great gift would be reviews! I am super close to 400, if everyone leaves just one review then i could make it! Please and thank you!
Grantaire: Wait your birthday is next week?
Me: Yes...
Grantaire: Then we need to celebrate!
Me: *Raise eyebrow* You want to celebrate my birthday in a barricade?
Grantaire: Aint no party animal like 19th century revolutionaries
Me: You have a point! I'll get the karaoke machine!
Enjolras: NO! No no no! I wil not be forced to partake in that activity again!
Me: *Rolling my eyes* Dont be a kill joy Enjy. Dont tell me you didnt have fun singing Point of No Return with me last time
Enjolras: Fine i wont tell you.
Me: Wow you just love raining on my parade dont you?
Enjolras: I cant deny the joy i get from it.
Me: Remind me again why everyone fangirls over you?