Modern AU, a collection of memories between Courfeyrac and Gavroche (ages are altered a little, just for the sake of fluffiness)

There's something about you that brought out the very best in me, the hidden sides that I never realised I had. You brought out the silliness, the laughter and the carefree nature in this once-rigid young man. And what do I have to give you in return? Nothing but a collection of memories, little man.

Do you remember that time when we fought dragons in the bathroom? You were only four, so you may not remember it all, but I do. See, I can't exactly forget that moment all those years ago, even though I routinely forget to take out the trash or mow the lawn. And if you ever want a reminder of that time, just look for the watermark on the walls on the second floor. It still hasn't faded, after all this time.

I remember I was cooking dinner at the time, a rushed affair of macaroni and cheese. You were upstairs, silent. A little too silent to be up to nothing, as I should've realised. It was only a couple of months after you came as my foster child, and yet you've rebounded from the horrors of your previous life so well. Granted, you were only four and didn't remember a great deal, which was a blessing.

I knew something was up when water dripped down from the ceiling, especially as there wasn't a drop of rain outside. Guess what I found upstairs in the bathroom, after trudging through a field of sodden carpet lining the second floor? You, in your cheeky glory, grinning at me as you sat on the floor of the bathroom, water lapping around your waist.

"I made you a swimming pool, 'cause the real one's closed," you told me as I looked in horror at the taps in the sink and the bathtub, all turned on maximum. You left the shower door open and even managed to turn on the showerhead, despite the handle being taller than you.

Guiltily I thought back to that morning, when you asked me to take you to the local pool because I promised I would a week ago. I forgot about that promise, what with my mind being on my newest case and the scheduled meeting with my client. And so I told you that the pool was closed because it was winter (which, if I was to be completely honest, was a little white lie), and turned away before your downcast face could make me change my mind.

"Oh, what did you do, Gav?" I asked you, evidently not masking my annoyance well enough. Was I angry? Yes I was, because I had enough on my plate without having the entire second floor of my house flooded by a four-year-old.

"Don't you like it, Courf?" you cocked your head, your big blue eyes starting to swim in unshed tears, "You think I'm naughty, don't you?"

"No, I..."

"We can even fight dragons, just like the good guy in the story last night."

And just like that, you had me mesmerised by your innocence again, by the shining light of your eyes and your limitless imagination.

"Look out, Courf! He's coming to get ya!" you yelled as you swerved your toy dragon in my direction, the laughter behind your words pushing my adult annoyance away.

And just like that, I sat down on the floor with you, not even minding the fact that my new suit pants were soaked.