Gavroche: Um... Eponine T Daae is still not available, she is hiding out with Enjolras from all the reviewers who may want to kill her. However Enjolras visited earlier and brought back a note from her. It reads:

"Hey everyone! So I'm sorry for the pain my last chapter may have caused. I understand i am a cruel author and that you all want to kill me. In my defense i promised you a kiss before chapter 32 and you got it...(if it makes any of you feel any better it was as hard for me to write that chapter was it was for you to read it. I knew what was going to happen when i started writing so the second i got to the countdown my hands actually started shaking and i was super close to changing it all...)

Anyway that aside I have to say i was a little shocked by the response i got from the last chapter, it got the most reviews i have ever gotten for a single chapter (37) so WOW! Thank you all for reviewing. I'm sorry its taken me so long to update but this weekend was my school's performance of 'Anything Goes' and i was in the ensemble to it was tech week and shows plus the ACT earlier this week, and i'm sick so it all was just very overwhelming Again really sorry. I hope you can all forgive me for the last chapter, and i will make it up to you somehow.

Thanks to all my reviewers and for those who offered to protect me from the people who wanted to kill me... again really sorry for that agony... Please review again!"

Grantaire: Gavroche please tell Eppy to stop being such a cruel author! One of her reviewers actually infiltrated the barricade! It scared me!

Gavroche: You can tell her when she comes back.

Enjolras sat in the sun-lit room, hands crossed over his chest and a straight line on his face from his mouth, awaiting the arrival of everyone else. In the recent days he had been a little more serious than usual; he was not upset or angry just stoic. No one really noticed his increase in seriousness and those who did paid no attention, blaming it on exams and having to come back to school after the long winter break.

It had all started right around the New Year, after Theodule had kissed Eponine he had left the sight and made for the window in the corner of the front of the living room; he had stood there for a while just looked out at the sky when he heard footsteps approaching him, when he turned he saw none other than Eponine standing there.

"Hey are you ok?"

He shrugged apathetically, "Yes why wouldn't I be?"

She had a look of shock on her face, "I-I don't know I just thought that maybe…"

"No," He interrupted, "I'm perfectly fine. Though I don't think you should keep Theodule waiting, I think if you keep talking to me for much longer he will get the wrong idea."

She looked up at him with question in her eye, "What's the right idea?"

He shrugged again, "That we are friends; he may think we are something more."

Her shoulders slumped slightly, "Right…..you're completely right."

She began to turn away when Enjolras blurted something else out, "Though I would be careful if I were you."

She narrowed her eyes, "Why is that?"

"I would just be careful, he is a college student; how interested could he really be? Just don't get your hopes up."

Eponine's hands turned into tight fist but she kept her back turned to him "Don't worry I already learned that lesson."

Enjolras had watched her walk back to Theodule who in turn wrapped an arm around her shoulder and smiled down at her. They talked for a bit and he could see Eponine giggle and smile up at him too. The whole exchange struck a nerve within him but he chose to ignore it, he was Aiden Enjolras, he didn't get feelings for girls and he most certainly was not about to let one affect him.

That didn't stop him for becoming more serious than usual, it had only gotten worse when Eponine had texted him three days after the party to ask for his advice. Apparently Theodule had asked her out and she wanted Enjolras' input on her decision of yes or no. Enjolras had texted back telling her saying he didn't really think his input should matter but to say yes and but not expect anything from it as doing so could result in her getting hurt, Eponine replied back and said thanks for the input and that she could take care of herself; they haven't really talked since then.

Now it winter break was over which meant going back to school and the beginning of a new semester which brought one thing along as well, new schedules. That is how Enjolras found himself waiting anxiously for the bell to ring in AP Government as students piled in. He saw the familiar faces of Combeferre, Grantaire, Joly and Marius walked through the door and he was a bit relieved that he wasn't going to have to sit through the class alone. The four boys spotted him and moved to sit next to him, once they moved from the doorway Enjolras saw another familiar face, Eponine's. While AP Government was for both juniors and seniors he was still surprise to see Eponine, he never thought she would be one to take the class. She looked around the room with nervous eyes until they finally landed on the group of boys she recognized. Without hesitation she smiled and walked over to join them, taking a seat next to Marius and behind Enjolras.

"Hey 'Ponine!" Greeted Marius, causing her to smile, "I didn't know you were taking AP Gov"

"Yea," added Combeferre, "I didn't think you even had an interest in politics."

She shrugged, "I guess you all influenced me. I'm just glad we all got put in the same class."

Grantaire laughed, "Yeah can you imagine having to go through this class alone!"

She nodded, "Tell me about it! And we also have Enjy to mooch off of."

At that Enjolras turned around and raised an eyebrow at her, "And who said I was going to get you mooch off of me?"

"Who said you had a choice?"

"I assumed I did."

"Well you know that they say about assume…"

"What would that be?"

Grantaire chuckled and answered, "It makes an ass out of me and you."

Enjolras rolled his eyes, "Very funny."

Just then the teacher stood at the front of the room and began his lesson. Seeing was it was the first day back it was a pretty slow lesson and mainly consisted of reading over a syllabus and looking ahead to what the class would entitle, one of which was a project on the history of Governments throughout the world where everyone would be paired up and take a country and time frame. However they didn't really get much more into anything and the last 15 minutes of class consisted of free time for the students to just talk and catch up.

"Sounds like it's going to be a fun semester" Stated Joly as soon as they were able to talk.

"Definitely!" agreed Eponine, "To be honest I am looking forward to the project!"

Grantaire raised an eyebrow at her, "Really?"

"Yep, it sounds like fun! Think about it we get to research about past governments and present it to the class."

Marius looked at her oddly, "I can't tell if you are being sarcastic or dead serious."

"I'll let you figure that one out on your own."

"You just love to tease don't you?"

"You know me so well." She beamed

Silence followed as no one knew what else to talk about and Enjolras took that opportunity to speak, "So are you guys going to the Student Government meeting tomorrow morning?"

Combeferre smiled at him, "Do we have a choice?"

Enjolras shook his head, "Not really."

The Café was crowded with people as the Student Government meetings commenced and took place all through the place. Energy was high as people from all different committees met and discussed their plans and organized themselves. Enjolras and the rest of the boys all sat in the large table in the center of the café discussing various things such as upcoming elections and new standards for the school when a dark haired girl came and took a seat by Grantaire and Marius.

Grantaire took one look at her and muttered "Rough morning."

Eponine nodded her head, "Yeah tell me about it."

Enjolras raised an eyebrow at her, "Aren't you helping with the spring dance?"

"Yep…"

"How hard can that be?"

She rolled her eyes and leaned back on her seat before answering, "Not very but just about everyone in the dance committee is too preoccupied with what to wear to the dance to care about actually planning the dance! Meaning I'm stuck doing most of it single handily, it's exhausting."

Enjolras rolled his eyes and shook his head, "I swear some people just really annoy me."

Combeferre laughed, "I hope you realize that most of the girls joined Student Gov because you were president."

"Yeah," added Joly, "I think some thought that if they tried hard enough they could break the marble."

Courfeyrac laughed, "Can't blame them for trying."

Grantaire smirked and leaned over to whisper into Courfeyrac's ear, "Too bad someone already beat them to it."

Meanwhile Eponine and Enjolras were having an open debate about how hard it was to plan a school dance.

"I'm not saying it's not important, I'm just saying it can't be all that hard." He argued

"To be honest I could care less about the dance but that does take away the fact that a lot of work goes into planning it and making it happen."

"Oh sure how hard can it be to choose what balloons to use."

"There's more to it than that, there is budgeting, music and DJ, food, lighting, decorations, theme, advertising, ect."

"You just can't make decisions on the fly. How hard is it to choose a theme?"

She glared at him, "Oh well if you think it's so easy then why don't you help out with it!?" She challenged, and something about her body language told him that she was serious.

Enjolras turned to the rest of the boys; they all nodded to say they were on his side and for him to accept the challenge.

"Alright fine we will!"

"Great!" She cheered, hopping a bit with a smile on her face, her mood completely flipping.

He looked at her with wide eyes, "Did you just trick us into helping you plan the dance?"

She smirked, "I'm good aren't I?"

Grantaire let out a hearty laugh, "No you are brilliant."

"I try." She teased lightheartedly, "Now if you all don't mind the dance is in a few weeks and there is a lot we have to do."

Enjolras grinned at her, "We are under your command 'Ponine."

She smiled broadly, "I like the sound of that."

The next half hour was going swimmingly. While most of the girls from the committee were preoccupied with gossip and whatnot Eponine and the boys were hard at work planning the dance. They got through the basis stuff such as date, March 5th, theme, Masquerade, and the DJ. When themes were coming up everyone was a bit hesitant on the Masquerade them but Eponine convinced them otherwise.

"Think about it you guys! Masquerade, paper faces on parade and every face a different shade. Let the spectacle astound you! Hey that's a good slogan for advertising!" She beamed

Enjolras chuckled, "You have been spending a little too much time with Jehan haven't you?"

She shrugged, "Possibly, but that doesn't take away the fact that it's a good theme!"

Feuilly and Courfeyrac nodded, "She has a point. It's a good idea."

Eponine grinned at her stoic friend in a manner that said she was right and he was wrong, causing him to shake his head and roll his eyes at her, she in turn reacted by sticking her tongue out at him. The whole exchanged seemed very childlike but it suited them both. Enjolras eventually gave in and the theme was set in stone. The next thing on the agenda was decorations to which everyone took out their phones and began searching for possible ideas on googled. They laughed at some and just plain looked up other for the heck of it- no one really caring that they weren't getting much done. Things were going well until Eponine's phone dinged indicating that she received a text. Normally Enjolras wouldn't have paid attention but this time he felt the prick of a needle as he realized it was from Theodule. A smile spread across Eponine's face as she read the text and started typing back.

"Oooh someone is happy." Commented Grantaire after noticing her expression

She gave him a toothy smile, "I guess you could say that."

"Is your boyfriend texting you?" he asked with a teasing tone

Marius chose that moment to listen in on their conversation, "Wait who is 'Eponine's boyfriend?"

"Theodule" Enjolras answered simply, causing Marius eyes to widen to the size of saucers.

"Th-Theodule? As in my cousin Theodule?"

Grantaire let out a loud laugh, "The very same!"

Eponine looked very apprehensive, "Well, I don't know if I would call him my boyfriend."

"What else would you call him?"

She shrugged nervously, "I don't really know. I mean we kissed on New Years and then a few days later he took me out on a date and we have been texting a lot but we just aren't official and I don't want to scare him off. Besides he is in college so I'll barley get to see him as it is."

Grantaire scoffed, "Well if you ask me he is a dick for not making things clear."

Eponine stood up and put her hands on her hips, "He is not a dick! He is actually very sweet and nice. He charismatic and a listener and he has a great sense of humor."

Enjolras found himself stiffening with every word Eponine said.

She continued on, "Plus he is also artistic, he is a great artist. I mean he drew this sketch of me and it was so life-like!"

Grantaire couldn't help but tease her, "So I am guessing artistic sides are a turn on for you."

"What can I say I like men who are in touch with their emotions and creative side?"

At that point something in Enjolras snapped and he stood up abruptly. "It's almost time for school; we better pack up and head out."

Everyone was a little shocked at his abruptness but no one questioned it.

Lunch was a usual encounter for Eponine. She had decided to go to the auditorium and talk to Eric if he was there- part of her wanted his advice too. Luckily he was; he was seated in the alcove, or box 5 as everyone else called it.

"Hey Eric" She greeted as she took a seat by the piano.

"Hey." He replied, "How was winter break?"

"It was good, you?"

"It was fine, had to spend extra time with my family but other than that it was ok."

She pouted, "You don't like your family?"

"I'm not very close with them. I hardly see my parents and I don't get along well with my brother. Plus I had to see some cousins and other distance relatives and I am not really a people person." He said very apathetically, keeping his stare at the ceiling and barley even glancing down at her.

"Really? I hadn't noticed?" she said sarcastically.

"Yeah," He said simply as he moved positions, "I tend to spend most my time locked in my room writing music and painting; I like it better than socializing."

"I know the feeling."

"Anything fun happen to you?"

She bit her lip, "Well I think I may have gotten a boyfriend but I am not sure."

She had his full attention now. "Please don't leave it there."

Eponine chuckled nervously before telling him the whole story. She started with getting the time she was left a piece of cake at the café- Theodule had eventually admitted to her it was him who left her the cake to which she became even more enamored with him- and continuing on to Cosette's birthday party, the basketball game, New Years and their date. She even mentioned Enjolras and his warning in her explanation, though she kept his name out of it. When she finished she looked up at Eric and he had a look on his face that said he was contemplating and taking in everything she had just said.

"Well," He said grimly, "I don't want to tell you how to live but I must say I agree with your friend. This Theodule seems very shady to me, I'd be careful with your feeling if I were you. Don't want a repeat of last time do you?"

"No not at all…." She replied solemnly.

A few weeks later…

It was Valentine's Day and like usual Eponine found herself sitting alone in her room on her laptop. Her parents were out celebrating in some way or another- frankly she didn't want to know- Azelma was off on a date and although she wouldn't say with who Eponine knew it was Grantaire and all her other friends plus Gavroche were off doing something or other that night. Unfortunately for her Valentine's Day fell on a Thursday and Theodule was two hours away at college, meaning that once again she was on her own. Being it was a special holiday her teachers decided to be lenient and assign no homework that night or the next; she tried to make the best of her boring situation it by doing what she normally did, spend her free time writing and watching YouTube videos. However she could only spend so much time staring at a screen before her eyes began to hurt and she couldn't take it anymore. She laid back on her bed and looked at the glow-in-the-dark star stickers on her ceiling for a bit before closing her eyes and trying to relax, of course it was at the moment when she was about to drift off that her phone dinged.

Whoever that is I am going to kill you!

It was Enjolras

Enjolras: Hey what you up to?

Eponine: Notmuch, just hanging in my room

Enjolras: It's Valentine's Day why aren't you out with Theo?

Eponine: He is stuck at college so I am lonely. HBU you doing anything fun?

Enjolras: Nope I'm lonely 2

Eponine: Wanna be lonely together?

Enjolras: Sure. Meet you the café in 15?

Eponine: You got it

In an instant Eponine hopped out of bed and threw on her black converse and brown jacket before sticking her phone in her pocket and grabbing her house key. She was just about to walk out the door when her phone dinged again.

Enjolras: Scratch that I am not letting you walk to the café! I'll be over in 10 to pick you up.

Eponine laughed at his text but decided to comply, he was being nice and it didn't hurt to listen to him everyone once in awhile, he was saving her from a very boring Valentine's Day. When Enjolras pulled up in her driveway Eponine smiled and ran up to meet him, she didn't miss a beat when she slid into the passenger seat of his car and they drove off. She was quite familiar with his car and as soon as they were on the road she started flipping through radio stations until she landed on one she liked, she saw Enjolras stiffen slightly at her selection but that only made her turn up the volume even louder. They drove around aimlessly for awhile, neither really having any plans nor knowing what do to; most restaurants were full of people that night but they were both still hungry. In the end they ended up going through the drive-thru of Steak-N-Shake and they both ordered a burger and fries, and a shake, only Eponine got a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup shake while Enjolras ordered M &M. When they arrived at the window Eponine took out her wallet to pay and he tried to decline but Eponine argued that since she suggested the whole thing and he was paying for gas the least she could do was pay for their food. In the end Eponine won the argument and he reluctantly used her money. After they got their food they parked in the parking lot near Central Park and sat on the hood of his car to eat. Eponine had stuck on of her fries into her shake and used it as a make-shift spoon, causing Enjolras to flinch away in disgust; being who she was Eponine did not take that lightly and instead ended up flinging the fry at his face. He retaliated but doing the same thing and by the end they were both salty messes. When they finished eating the night was still young so Enjolras suggested a movie and Eponine happily agreed only when they checked the movies on their phones they saw that all the movies were either horror movies or silly chick-flicks. Eponine tried to make the best of the situation by suggesting that they watch one but make fun of it the whole time; that was an idea that Enjolras just couldn't say no to. They selected a movie and made their way into the lobby of the movie theater, things were good, they were both laughing, smiling and having a good time. They had just paid for the movie and some drinks and popcorn and where about to head down then Eponine noticed Enjolras stiffen a bit before taking her arm and pulling her in the opposite direction.

"Come on Eponine let's go over here."

She gave him a confused look, "Why the movie is this way."

"I know but I want to go over here real quick."

She pulled out of his grip, "Enjy you are really starting to worry me. I mean what is your-"

Her words were cut short by the sight she saw in front of her and the realization of why Enjolras was pulling off in a different direction. There in the lobby with his arm around a red-haired girl was none other than Theodule. Eponine didn't react at first; she simply stood there with her mouth gaping open and her eyes wide in shock.

Enjolras approached her cautiously and delicately placed a hand on her shoulder, "Eponine?" She flinched away out of instinct but otherwise stayed frozen. Enjolras attempted again to talk to her; although this time he kept away from her personal bubble. "Ep are you ok? Come on let's get out here."

Eponine finally came to her senses and reacted, "No," she hissed, venom laced in her voice, "There is something I need to go first."

Without warning Eponine glued her fist to her sides and strode over to where Theodule was standing with the girl- Enjolras followed but kept a safe distance. As she neared them she saw that they were at a claw machine and he was trying to win his date a teddy bear. Eponine mustered up all her courage and tapped Theodule on the shoulder. He let out an annoyed sigh and grudgingly turned to face the interruption, though the second his eyes landed on Eponine he gulped.

"Hey Theodule, fancy running into you here" She said in an overly sweet voice that would scare most people, "Especially since you said you were stuck at the university till Saturday."

The girls with him scrunched her nose and looked over Eponine, "Theo who is this?"

He sighed deeply before addressing her, "No one Jessica, just an old friend. Why don't you go select some candy while we catch up?" He handed her $10 and she skipped away before Theodule turned his attention back to the fiery brunette who looked about ready to kill him.

"Care to explain." She said in a deathly voice "Not only are you off with another girl but you lied to me!"

He rolled his eyes, "Please 'Ponine we never said we were exclusive. Did you really think we were?"

She looked taken back, "Well I-"

He laughed, "Oh Pony how misguided you are. I'm in college it's my time to live free, I can't be held down by anyone, especially a clingy girl. You may be cute but frankly I am not a one woman type of guy. Even if I was you aren't really the kind I would go for. Sure you have a pretty face but we come from two different places; Marius talked about you all the time, how you're a little poorer than everyone else and all that other nonsense, I honestly thought going out with someone like me would help your self-esteem and my image. You're good for some fun but not as an all time girl."

Eponine stood there holding her ground as she listened to every word thrown at her. She was silent but she stared him down and willed her body to stop shaking and he kept stabbing her over and over again.

She finally spoke through clenched teeth, "You are an asshole and I hope one day all your shit catches up with you and you get bitch slapped."

He scoffed, "Such dirty language Pony."

That did it, "Don't. Call. Me. Pony!"

Without warning Eponine took the cup containing Sprite in her hand and flung its contents onto Theodule, drenching his face and shirt in soda. She took one more moment to look over her handy work before pivoting on her heel and running out of the theater, if there was one thing she didn't was to do or let anyone see it was her tears. Eponine sprinted out of the lobby and the building and the parking lot until she came to a large rock under a tree and slumped down, bringing one knee to her chest and resting her forehead on it. After a few moments in silence she heard footsteps approaching but she didn't even have to look up to know whose they were.

"You were to tell me 'I told you so'?" she asked solemnly

Enjolras looked at her sadly and shook his head, "No, I'm here to make sure you are ok."

She took a deep breath and raised her head so she could see him, "Yea I'm fine. I guess I should be used to this kind of thing by now huh?"

Enjolras sighed and took a seat next to her, "No one should. You don't deserve this crap 'Ponine."

"But I get it either way. Karma's a bitch huh?"

He chuckled, "Well if that's the case Theodule only got a quarter of what is coming to him."

She gave him a sad smile and leaned her head on his shoulder. Enjolras didn't move at first but given a moment he wrapped his arm around her and held her tightly.

"How could I have been so stupid? Guys like Theodule don't go for girls like me."

"Guys like Theodule don't deserve guys like you."

"Thanks for saying that."

"I mean it; you don't deserve asses like him."

"It seems I can't attract anything but." She replied sadly. "At least I have the stars. They never leave me."

"And neither will I." He said reassuringly before he placed a kiss on the top of her head. He held her for a while longer while they looked up at the star-filled sky, both very content with where they were before Enjolras stood up and offered Eponine his arm. "Are you still up for making fun of a chick-flick mademoiselle?"

She smiled at him and took his arm graciously, "Monsieur I would like nothing better."

Gavroche: Is she forgiven now?