Chapter Seven

(Lovely Ladies)

A/N: Finally. It's finally here. It took a while, and for that I must apologize. There will probably be long waits in between updates, but with that comes longer and more eventful chapters! I just started university and I need to adjust to everything. But there's no way I'm abandoning this story, so don't worry! I hope you enjoy this chapter!

Anne-Laure entered The Musain slightly out of breath. She had hurried her way down here in an effort to reach the café before sundown. She couldn't deny that the streets of Paris were dangerous for a woman after dark, but she couldn't bear to wait for Enjolras any longer. They made no arrangements for when they would see each other again and it tortured Anne-Laure to no end, especially when she spent most of the day thinking about him.

While thoughts of Enjolras consumed her brain, so did her worries over him and the boys. Grantaire's words rung in her ears over and over again, Anne-Laure had to shake her head to keep focus on more than one occasion.

Stop causing trouble for our Apollo, he has more important things to think about.

Such a stark contrast against the words he had said reverently to her the night before. Why shouldn't Anne-Laure believe in the words that came straight from the golden boy's lips? But she was no stranger to how love could blind a person, and to how love can change the way one sees things. Was she going to be a burden to Enjolras, even if he didn't realize it? Yet why would she take the words of a drunkard over Enjolras'?

The whole situation confused her to no end, and Anne-Laure had to take a breath to calm herself. She stared at the staircase leading up to the second floor where she could already hear the bustling noise of the students gathered there. Enjolras had made it explicitly clear to her and the rest of the Les Amis that women were unwelcome in their meetings. To Anne-Laure, that was a completely ridiculous notion but it was also equally as ridiculous to willingly get into an argument with Enjolras. No one could ever truly win over Enjolras, perhaps not even Anne-Laure.

"Well look here ─ is it the dressmaker from rue de la Harpe? What business could'a pretty lady like ya' have here?"

A figure seemed to slink out of the shadows by the staircase and it took a moment for Anne-Laure to recognize her as the same girl who entered her shop and asked after Jean Valjean. Her dress tonight was less ratty, and her hair was fixed as neatly as possible under a red cap as if she took special care of her appearance tonight.

Anne-Laure realized she was staring, and made a show of clearing her throat before responding to her. "Good evening, mademoiselle. I'm usually here to pick up some food for the night. Are you here often as well?"

The gamine girl scoffed. "She calls me mademoiselle and speaks to me as if we are alike, 'ow silly of the girl."

Anne-Laure merely stared as the girl continued to talk to herself.

"She speaks to me kinder than my own mother, for sure. No way will I ever hear an angel like her yell 'Eponine!' at the top of her lungs. Monsieur Marius will probably fall in love with some gentle, two-penny thing like ya'. Say, girl, won't you tell me how to act like a proper lady like yourself? Maybe then, Monsieur Marius will see just how good I can be for him."

"Oh, you know Marius?" It was all Anne-Laure could say in response to her.

The gamine girl laughed again. "Do I know 'im? I practically live with him! He exchanges letters and money with my papa, that kind and foolish boy. He is too good for this city. And you, mademoiselle? How do you know my Monsieur Marius?"

'My Monsieur Marius?' Anne-Laure mused in her mind before answering her. "He is a good friend of mine. He's a regular…customer of sorts in my shop." Marius would certainly be a frequent customer if he actually bought any of the clothes he borrowed.

"Well, it'd be best if you don't have any ideas 'bout him. Monsieur Marius is an important man, he's got no time to worry over ladies like you." Eponine tried to put on a snooty air, but ended up sounding petulant and jealous. Anne-Laure merely shot her a faint smile, the knowledge of just exactly who Marius was in love with pulsating in her mind. Here was a girl who loved Marius like he was her whole world but he was pining over a girl who didn't hardly knew he existed.

Right then, the door of the Café Musain burst open and Marius Pontmercy himself entered. He immediately veered towards the staircase and brightened up at the sight of Anne-Laure.

"Anne! Good evening to you, mademoiselle!" He took her hand excitedly and quickly planted a kiss upon it. Anne-Laure couldn't help but laugh despite the stricken expression written on her face. She also noticed the way Eponine seemed to slink back into the shadows, but her eyes never strayed off their little exchange.

"Good evening, monsieur. Heading up for the meeting?" Anne-Laure smiled at him kindly.

"Oui, I'm afraid I'm running late." Marius let go of Anne-Laure's hand and moved on to scratching the back of his neck in a nervous motion. "I'm in a bit of hot water over that particular problem with the other boys. Would you mind too terribly if I say I was a little late because I walked you here? I'll be forgiven in an instant for that. I can even get Enjolras to come down for you."

"Of course you can use me as your excuse, Marius." Anne-Laure chuckled and refrained from rolling her eyes. She was far too fond of this boy. "And getting Enjolras to come down and meet with me for a few minutes would be lovely."

"Perfect. Thank you, Anne!" Marius exclaimed and grabbed her hand, planting another kiss there before bounding for the stairs. Momentarily, he spun around to speak a few words to Eponine who straightened up in an instant. Her flirtatious smiles and the way she moved closer to him with every word went amiss with Marius as he fluttered away quickly.

When he was gone, both girls eyed each other. Eponine seemed to scowl at her before returning to the shadows at the rumble of footsteps coming down the stairs.

Anne-Laure couldn't hold back her smile as Enjolras arrived (with the rest of the Les Amis trailing behind him) to meet her. There was a big smile on his face as well as he stepped close to her and pressed a sweet kiss to her lips. Anne-Laure smiled into the kiss and felt a flush growing on her cheeks as the students behind them cheered and howled rowdily. Combeferre even went as far as to step forward and clap Enjolras on the shoulder.

"We knew something was amiss with our fearless leader tonight!" Jean exclaimed, earning a round of laughs from the rest of the boys. Marius caught Anne-Laure's eye and he smiled brightly at her, genuinely happy at this new progression. Anne-Laure could hardly contain her own happiness, overjoyed that Enjolras didn't see the need to hide their new status from everyone else. An improper public kiss in front of everyone else certainly made things clear.

"Aw, ma cherie," Courfeyrac wailed, suddenly grabbing her away from Enjolras' grasp. "I thought what we had between us was true and good. How could you leave me for that stone of a man there?" He was joking, that much was made clear by the mirth in his eyes and the smile creeping up on his lips.

"And when have you ever heard of a girl who could resist the charms of the golden Enjolras?" Anne-Laure teased back, shooting Enjolras a shy smile.

"I am hurt! I am betrayed!" Courfeyrac swiftly turned to Enjolras. "Monsieur, I will have to challenge you to a duel to salvage my bruised honor."

"I assure you, monsieur," Enjolras played along, stepping forward to wrap an arm around Anne-Laure's waist (earning another round of 'Ooohs' from the Les Amis). "Your honor will not come out unscathed if you choose to battle with me for the affections of our darling Anne."

"Let the battle begin!" Bahorel exclaimed and the others cried out in agreement.

"Boys, let us save our energy for our revolution, yes?" Combeferre interrupted in a softer voice. A mischievous glint had yet to go from his eyes.

"Enough talk of fighting, tonight is a night for love." Jehan declared causing the rest of the boys to spit meaningless insults at his gentle sentiment.

"If you were all going to come down here anyway, would it not have been more practical for me to have gone upstairs?" Anne-Laure asked, looking around at all them. She then turned to face Enjolras with a raised brow. "If it weren't for your inviolable rule."

Enjolras looked ready to retort but Feuilly immediately cut in.

"Come on, Chief. It's only one night." he said with a smile.

"Come along, Mademoiselle Antoinette!" Courfeyrac said, grabbing her by the arm and pulling her up the stairs.

"Anne is just fine, monsieur." she corrected as they all made their way upstairs, a grumbling Enjolras and a sneaky Eponine following behind.

"Eh? Well, if that's the case, then you must call me Courf." Courfeyrac said with a wolfish grin as they arrived on the second floor.

"Courf? Why that just sounds ridiculous." The pair of them laughed and parted ways, Courfeyrac to a table littered with pieces of paper and Anne-Laure to look out at the window overlooking the street below.

Despite Jehan's desire for a revolution-free night, the conversation immediately turned to the group's plans once everyone was settled. Anne-Laure pretended to turn a deaf ear to it all, content with looking out the window and stealing glances at Enjolras every now and then. The gamine girl joined her at the windowsill and although some shot her curious looks, none of the Les Amis questioned her presence there.

"Do you come here for Monsieur Marius, then?" Anne-Laure asked her.

"Do you come 'ere for Monsieur Apollo?" the other girl countered. Anne-Laure smiled at the nickname.

"I come here for all of them. Each one of them is very dear to me." Anne-Laure said earnestly, making her on the receiving end of a skeptical look from Eponine.

"You do know they're never gonna win right? Every man 'ere is practically a dead man because of what they're planning." Eponine concluded but looked apathetic by the entire situation. On the other hand, Anne-Laure felt her heart lurch forward at the statement. The girl said it so plainly, like it was a matter of fact. Every man in this room was going to die for the rebellion.

"What's your name?" Anne-Laure asked instead, not caring how unsubtle her change of topic was.

The gamine girl seemed apathetic to this as well. "I'm Eponine. And you're Antoinette Gardet. You run Monsieur M's and make a lot of money every month. You send this money to your benefactor overseas. You never overcharge for dresses and lots of the poor women of Paris frequent your shop. It's all a bit too strange that you make so much money when you sell your dresses so cheap. But I suppose your dresses are so pretty that even the rich can't turn their noses away."

She said it so bluntly, so plainly that it made Anne-Laure feel nervous over it.

Still, she let out a short laugh. "Well, you certainly seem to know a lot about what I do."

"It's my business to know things, Anne." Eponine gave her a wide smile that came off as menacing instead of kind. She even cackled a bit. For some reason, Anne-Laure got the feeling that the other girl was actually trying to be friendly. It simply just wasn't coming out the right way.

"Well, it's nice to meet you, Eponine." Anne-Laure said, and the girl simply huffed and turned her attention to whatever was going on outside the window.

Anne-Laure looked around the room and spotted Grantaire seated alone at a corner table. He looked about ready to pass out, a number of bottles surrounding him. Anne-Laure wasn't even sure if he was with the rest of them when they all came downstairs. The words he said to her earlier today came rushing back to her, and Anne-Laure let out a deep sigh as she struggled not to dwell over it.

You will never understand me, and you will never understand the cause.

Do not call our cause foolish. Do not call him foolish.

Stop causing trouble for our Apollo,

He has

more important

things to think about.

"Tonight is one of the nights they will write after our time, long after we're gone. Tonight will be counted in the history books – tonight is a night essential for our revolution. Our names will be immortalized in the hearts of Frenchmen because of nights like tonight." Anne-Laure whipped around at the sound of Enjolras' voice. Even the Les Amis seemed entranced by the beginnings of his speech, each one of them leaning forward and on the edge of their seats. Enjolras' tone was quiet, but it still overpowered every single mind in the room. Even Grantaire raised his head slightly to listen to his chief.

"The men and women who came before us did great things – they stormed the Bastille, they powered through Reign of Terror, offered their own king and queen to the guillotine, and fought for every man's right to freedom, equality and brotherhood. But our beloved Patria has taken a step back, but not by her own choice. Now we have another king, and anyone who claims him to be any better than the last is a complete fool. Patria needs her children to start the fight once more, and you citizens in this room tonight are the spark. We will start the revolution that will set things right again. All around Paris, there are many like us. There is talk of barricades and revolutions. We will join our brothers in the fight for freedom. We will not sit idly when people are being oppressed. Any suffering for a fellow Frenchman is suffering for us. We were not born to suffer, we were born to be free. Will you pledge yourselves to this cause? Will you give your lives so that we can see a better France tomorrow?"

For a moment, the room was silent - until Combeferre and Courfeyrac simultaneously rose from their seats and raised their glasses. Combeferre gave Enjolras a curt nod and Courfeyrac voiced out his allegiance with a solid "I will." The rest of the Les Amis followed immediately afterwards, each one of them pledging themselves loyal to the cause and to Enjolras.

Anne-Laure watched on from her place by the windowsill, her face a stoic mask for the storm brewing within her. There was the man she loved so passionately speaking about something he truly believed in – he was all fire and he set those around him ablaze. Who was Anne-Laure to pull him away from this? He was born to be their leader – he was born to lead France's new revolution.

But was Anne-Laure strong enough to support him with everything she was, she wondered. Could she kiss him goodbye everyday knowing he was in constant danger of being arrested or executed? Could she knowingly send him to his death when the time for it came?

Anne-Laure was surprised to see Eponine handing her a glass half-filled with wine (probably from the still sleeping Grantaire). The gamine girl fearlessly raised a glass and Marius sprang over, spinning her around in delight. (Anne-Laure noted sadly how despite his obvious happiness, the smile on his face was nothing compared to the ecstatic grin he wore at the mere sight of Cosette.)

Anne-Laure raised her glass slightly and her eyes met Enjolras'. He didn't walk over to her but he did give her a small nod.

She knew she would follow this man to death and more. But could she follow his cause? Would she give him up to the revolution?

Anne-Laure walked home that night still unsure.

On Sunday morning, Monsieur le Mayor returned to Anne-Laure's shop a few minutes after opening time. Madame Deslys entered the back room were Anne-Laure was hard at work on another one of her creations to call her out.

"Mademoiselle Gardet, Monsieur Fauchelevent has returned with his daughter. She is ready for her first fitting."

Anne-Laure's head shot up in surprise. So much has happened since the last time she saw the Monsieur le Mayor. Having him here again was like entering a whole other life. In a way, it really was like that. They were both remnants of a lifetime long over.

And he brought Cosette this time! Anne-Laure found herself fumbling in excitement. She had perfected Cosette's dress for this first fitting, slaving over it all night last night that she didn't even stop by the Musain. Enjolras had visited her after the nightly meeting to check up on her, surprised to find her still working in the back room. She didn't tell him who the dress was for. She realized she didn't even tell him that her long lost father figure was the same man they had seen in the Luxembourg Gardens. She ended last night with a swift kiss on his lips and a not so gentle shove out of her shop. She heard the laughter of Combeferre and Courfeyrac who must have accompanied him and she found herself chuckling too.

Now, it was time to take a trip back to the past in order to connect it with the present.

"Madame Deslys, would you please bring out Mademoiselle Fauchelevent's dress out for her?" Anne-Laure pointed out a pale blue dress on display in the corner and Madame Deslys immediately hurried over to pick it up. Annaliese, one of the sisters who worked during the weekends, immediately left her work sewing buttons on blazers in order to assist Madame Deslys. The older woman usually only worked on weekdays, but when she learned the wealthy Monsieur Fauchelevent was returning with his daughter that day, she made the effort to be there. The sisters were less than happy as the woman had a habit of inducing terror into them.

Anne-Laure stood from her workbench and shook out her strained fingers. The fabric she was working with shone a little in the light and it was as if Anne-Laure could see little sparkles lining her fingers. She looked down at her attire, her usual dark blue work get-up proving to be a little too drab for her taste. This was the first time she was going to meet Cosette. Anne-Laure wished she was more dressed up for the occasion, but she got carried away with the gown she was sewing and there was no time to change now. They were waiting for her outside.

Anne-Laure stepped out and her eyes immediately found Jean Valjean's tall looming figure. Beside him stood the same girl Marius had stared at so longingly more than a week ago. Cosette was wearing an admittedly pitiful black dress that was a tad bit too tight on her. She looked Anne-Laure with a nervous look on her face and Anne-Laure couldn't help but smile at that. She shouldn't have worried so much earlier. This was a first for all of them here.

Madame Deslys and Annaliese set up Cosette's new dress next to them, and Cosette audibly gasped at the sight. Anne-Laure couldn't help but preen a little at that. She was exceptionally proud of this little number she made for Cosette. The neckline scooped lower than the dress Cosette was wearing now, but nothing too daring that it would give Monsieur le Mayor a heart attack. The skirt of the gown flared immediately at the waist and the sleeves were flowy and not too constricting. Seeing her now, Anne-Laure had ideas for more ideas rushing to her head. Something green and grand perhaps, and then something yellow and slimming. Cosette could do with a good hat on her head and more ribbons. The blue dress could also use some nice gold and white lace trimming around the edges.

Anne-Laure cut her train of thought when she realized they were all just standing around and staring at the dress.

"Thank you Madame Deslys, Annaliese. I can take it from here." Annaliese immediately nodded and returned to the backroom. Madame Deslys looked like she was about to argue when new customers entered the shop and she immediately shot off, unwilling to allow Serena (Annaliese's sister) to take the reins while she was still around.

Anne-Laure turned to Valjean and Cosette. "Good morning, Monsieur Fauchelevent. Mademoiselle, my name is Anne-Laure Gardet. It is my greatest pleasure to meet you."

Jean Valjean wore a grin so wide she was brought back to a time when they still lived in that little town. Every evening they would join for supper and Valjean wore that same smile when Anne-Laure told him about her day and all the new things she learned. Now, he was a proud father, watching his two beloved daughters meet for the first time.

"Good morning, Mademoiselle Gardet. I'm called Cosette." said the blonde girl shyly and dipped into a little curtsy.

Anne-Laure laughed a little at that and shot Valjean a look which he returned by raising a brow. Either the Fauchelevents were too polite or Anne-Laure was spending too much time around the Les Amis that she picked up their less than proper habits.

"You must call me Anne or Anne-Laure," Anne-Laure insisted, gathering Cosette's hands into her own. "We're sisters now after all, right?"

Cosette's beaming face made Anne-Laure's lips split into a grin. She looked to Valjean and smiled even wider at the tender look on his face. She was sure he was memorizing this moment, inscribing it into his mind so he would never forget the day Cosette and Anne-Laure met.

"Well, here's the dress I made you," Anne-Laure said, letting go of Cosette and gesturing to the piece. "Any first impressions? Is there anything you want me to change immediately before we proceed for the fitting?"

"It's exquisite," Cosette gasped and stepped closer to the dress. She held her hand out and was almost touching it. She looked to Anne-Laure first. "May I?"

"Of course. It is yours."

Cosette gasped audibly once more as her fingers brushed the fine fabric of the dress, a smile creeping up into her face once more.

"It feels wonderful. Should I try it on now?" Cosette asked eagerly.

"Oui, let me call Serena over so she may assist you."

It took a few minutes after Cosette ducked into the dressing room for her to step out in Anne-Laure's work. The blonde girl still had a smile etched on her face as she showed Valjean and Anne-Laure how it looked.

"You look beautiful, daughter." Valjean said. He turned to Anne-Laure "You have done a wonderful job, dear."

"Thank you, monsieur." Anne-Laure bowed her head a little then faced Cosette.

"The color suits you well, the monsieur was right. We'll just need to tighten it up a bit in a few places and add some lace trimming and gold accents around the edges. Would that be alright with you, Cosette?"

"Yes, those sound like splendid ideas. Thank you so much, Anne-Laure."

"It's my pleasure, dear. Serena, would you please get some pins from the back room and lace samples? Your dress can be finished by tomorrow at this rate. I have a handful of ideas to run by you too if you wanted any more dresses."

"Oh, yes! That sounds wonderful!" Cosette exclaimed and turned to her father. "Oh, please, Papa, can I ask Anne-Laure to make more dresses for me? I just love this one so much! It's so beautiful! I've never seen anything like it!"

Valjean chuckled at her excitement. "Of course, my dear. I don't think I can deny either of you anything."

When all was finished for Cosette's fitting and measurements for two other dresses were taken, Valjean suggested that Anne-Laure join them for dinner at their home in Rue de Plumet. Cosette was thrilled at the idea and practically begged Anne-Laure to accompany them. With assurances from Madame Deslys that the shop would be in good hands for the rest of the day, Anne-Laure acquiesced and joined them in a carriage bound for their home.

Anne-Laure met their kind, old housekeeper Toussaint and sat with Valjean and Cosette at the table as they waited for lunch to be served. Cosette wasted no time asking about Anne-Laure's life in Paris, and Valjean quietly watched them interact from the head of the table.

"How did you become a dressmaker, Anne-Laure? And how did you end up running your very own shop?"

"Well, I've always loved making dresses, ever since I was a child. Your dear Papa was a great help when it came to improving my skill. He had all the ladies in the fac─town we lived in before tutor me."

"Is he not your father too, Anne-Laure? Why do you only say he's mine?"

For a moment, Anne-Laure frantically eyed the Monsieur le Mayor who seemed a little intrigued by the question too. He gave her a soft smile and gestured for her to answer the question.

"Of course he's my father too. He also took me in when I had no one like he did with you. It's just been so long now, I suppose, I forgot what it was like to have a father."

"Well that won't do! Papa, Anne-Laure should come live with us." Cosette declared in a no-nonsense tone. "She won't have to live alone anymore because she has us now. Right, Papa?"

Valjean smiled at the two of them serenely. "Dear Cosette, Anne-Laure has a life of her own now. She will always be our family, nothing will ever change that. But we can't ask her to turn her life upside down because we're together again."

Anne-Laure eyed Valjean and a look of understanding passed between them. She felt an immense wave of respect for this man, and couldn't be more proud to call him her father.

"I see," Cosette looked down for a moment, then shot up again when she had a new question for Anne-Laure. "What was Papa like when you two were together? Where did you two live? What did he do?"

Anne-Laure chuckled a bit nervously and shared another look with Valjean that clearly said 'How could she know nothing?' Valjean merely looked back at her, his own eyes telling her to keep secrets, please.

"Those are questions you should ask him, Cosette." Anne-Laure waved it off good-naturedly even though she was sure all their thoughts were in turmoil. "Let's not talk about that now. What I'd like to know is how your time in Paris so far has been. Are you enjoying your stay in the city?"

"Oh, yes!" Cosette exclaimed, seeming to forget the earlier conversation. Both Valjean and Anne-Laure visibly deflated with relief. "It is so different here than in the convent. I quite enjoy walking around the parks Papa takes me too – even our little garden here is lovely! And the cathedral is just a divine structure, it's so beautiful. And I love being able to help the poor every Sunday, that's when Papa takes me too donate some sous to them after hearing Mass. And the people are so fashionable around here – it's like they never seem to run out of dresses! And now I've met you and Paris has just gotten a whole lot better!"

Cosette rambled on happily, sometimes with Anne-Laure chiming in and other times sending the whole table into a fit of laughter. Anne-Laure could tell Cosette never had a lot of this – this kind of special companionship. The girl was wasting no time in cherishing this newfound relationship. Anne-Laure was glad for that. Cosette was the sweetest girl she has ever met – so kind, loving and innocent. She could see why Valjean loved her so much and had a strong drive to protect her. It would break Anne-Laure's heart to see such a gentle soul go through the ugliness that was the reality of life.

Sometimes Anne-Laure would turn to Valjean and see the look on his face while Cosette talked happily and animatedly. He wore a sad sort of smile that was heartbreaking for Anne-Laure to see. The man was certainly happy, but he still bore some sadness. Anne-Laure couldn't imagine why. She and Cosette were here with him now. What was there to be sad about?

"Say, Anne-Laure?" Cosette piped up a few minutes after lunch was served and the four of them Toussaint were already digging in. "Have you ever been in love?"

Valjean spoke up this time. "I am also very curious about this matter. Won't you share with us, dear Anne-Laure?"

Anne-Laure resisted the urge to glare at him. The Monsieur le Mayor almost looked gleeful.

"There is someone courting me right now." Anne-Laure admitted, not looking at any of them as she pushed food around her plate.

Cosette let out a girlish squeal. "Oh please, Anne-Laure! You must tell! Who is he? How did you two meet ? How did you two fall in love?"

Anne-Laure laughed. "Slow down, Cosette. You might choke on your food."

"Please, Annie!" It was Cosette's new nickname for her, and when Anne-Laure had first heard it, it sent a warm feeling into her chest. This was what having a family again felt like.

"He's a student at the university. He's intelligent and he likes to buy clothes from my shop. That's all I could ever ask for really." Anne-Laure said vaguely, making a disappointed look appear on Cosette's face.

"Come, now! You must have more to say than that!"

"Perhaps I will introduce you to him sometime. You'll understand then." Cosette brightened up at the prospect of meeting new people and the four carried on with their meal.

When lunch was over and Cosette had left the table to wash up and it was just Anne-Laure and Valjean left behind, the man spoke up.

"I was afraid I would do her wrong by keeping her away from the world, in that little convent she speaks so fondly about." Valjean started, looking out the window and into the garden. He filled Anne-Laure in on the grand chase between him and the Inspector soon after he had picked up Cosette from her halfway house. He told her about the convent they found themselves in, the man called Fauchelevent who Anne-Laure remembered from the cart incident and from whom Valjean adopted his new name from, and how he was content to spend the rest of their lives in that little convent. But he feared that Cosette, in time, would resent him for it. That was the one thing Valjean would never be able to handle. That's why he could never bring himself to tell her about his life before. He was afraid Cosette would hate him for it. Hearing about Anne-Laure's life now made Valjean even more upset about his choices of keeping Cosette away from the world.

By the time he was finished with his confession, Valjean was heaving deep breaths and Anne-Laure could tell emotions were slamming into him left and right. She got up from her chair and took his hands with hers, just like she did with Cosette earlier.

"Everything you've done, monsieur, you've done out of love. Now it's your choice whether to tell Cosette about your past or not, but I can tell you for sure that she would never hate you. It's so obvious to everyone that she loves you so much. You brought her away from such a dark place and filled her world with light by loving her. I know what that feels like, monsieur, believe me. I could never hate you, not truly."

At the end of her little speech, Valjean sniffed slightly before enveloping Anne-Laure into a hug which she fiercely returned. He whispered swift words of thanks before releasing her. The pair of them smiled at each other, silently conveying how glad they were to be together again. They were a family again, now nothing could ever bring them apart.

Anne-Laure finally broke the silence. "Well, if your goal was to show her the real world, then what would you say to allowing her spend a day with me? Just the two of us. We could meet at church and do your usual charity routine. Perhaps a turn around the Luxembourg Gardens as well if weather permits it. You'll get a whole day to just yourself and you can meet us in my apartment for supper."

The suggestion made Valjean pause for a moment, but his train of thought was interrupted when Cosette burst into the room.

"Oh, Papa! Annie's idea sounds lovely! Oh please, please allow it! When have you ever had a day to yourself? It shall be the perfect opportunity for us all!" Cosette exclaimed.

Valjean still seemed iffy about the idea, but shot Cosette a sad smile. "I would never wish for a day alone, my dear. But if the idea pleases you so─"

"It does, Papa! It truly does!"

"Who am I to refuse the two of you? How does Sunday next week sound?"

Anne-Laure grinned triumphantly. "Perfect."

"Working so late into the night again? If my memory serves me right, you were in this exact same position last week."

Anne-Laure whirled around from her work on a wide green dress to find Enjolras standing at the doorway of the shop's back room, looking as if he had just come from another meeting. The ink stains over his hands and his rumpled collar were telltale signs.

Anne-Laure huffed out a chuckle and turned back to her sewing work. "Then you will know how this goes. Are you really going to wait for me to shove you out again? What if every single one of the Les Amis is standing outside this time?"

"I'll have you know that I'm alone tonight." Anne-Laure didn't notice that he stepped much closer to her. His voice next to her ear sent an involuntary shiver down her spine.

"Please, Enjolras, no distractions. I need to finish this." Anne-Laure groaned. She felt him smile against her neck and couldn't help the next shiver that went through her body.

"But I need you," Enjolras insisted, this time not hiding the way he planted smoldering kisses along the curve of her jaw.

"What would the boys say," Anne-Laure's breath hitched slightly, "If they found out their beloved Chief could be so whiney?"

"They would say I am the luckiest man in the world because I can call you mine."

Anne-Laure finally stopped working and turned to look at him. Enjolras knelt beside her and opened his arms out invitingly. She laughed and wrapped her own arms around his neck as he pulled her off her seat and onto his lap. Anne-Laure was grateful that Madame Deslys was already done for the day and wouldn't catch them in such a compromising position.

"Our Patria is lucky that such a brave and passionate man is fighting for her," Anne-Laure murmured and played with the curls that fell just in front of his eyes.

"My body fights for Patria, but you know my soul is yours." Enjolras told her with a fierce look.

"Again, you leave me wondering if it's Jehan who's actually courting me." Anne-Laure giggled and Enjolras growled with frustration, grumbling about how she should stop with the Jehan thing.

They sat together, wrapped in each other's arms, for a few silent moments before Anne-Laure spoke up once more.

"Will you come and meet my sister and father tomorrow?"

"Of course. I only have classes in the morning tomorrow. Where shall I meet you?" Enjolras agreed instantly.

For the whole week, Anne-Laure talked little of anything else than her newfound family. She always kept a tight lid on details such as how her father and sister were the same people they saw in the Luxembourg Gardens weeks ago, but she was generous about things like how sweet Cosette was and how little her father had changed even after so long. Enjolras enjoyed these conversations with Anne-Laure. They brought out a tender side to the girl that he had never seen before. He was overjoyed that she was happy to find her family. He couldn't say he felt the same way about his own, but he wanted everything in the world for Anne-Laure. Through her stories, he had become fond of this family of hers as well.

"Would you be alright with walking me and my sister back here from the cathedral? We'll be out off to the side since she would like to give alms to the poor after we hear Mass."

"It would be my pleasure, dearest."

Anne-Laure smiled and placed a quick kiss on his lips. "What have I ever done to deserve you, Donatien?"

"I should be asking you that, Anne."

Anne-Laure didn't get any more work done on Cosette's dress that night.

"Enjolras,"

The blonde law student turned his gaze away from the church to come face to face with one of his fellow Les Amis. It was Marius Pontmercy. The two certainly weren't expecting to meet each other here.

"Enjolras, is anything the matter? What are you doing here?"

At first, Enjolras eyed Marius then the gamine that lingered behind him. Then he looked at the rickety building they exited and understanding dawned on him.

"Do you live around here, Pontmercy?"

Marius sputtered incoherently as he scrambled to respond. "Y-Yes, that's right! I used to share a room with Courfeyrac. But really, Enjolras, what is that you are doing here? You don't come around these parts usually. Have I missed a meeting again?"

Enjolras actually snorted. "Believe it or not, Pontmercy, not everything is about you. Anne asked me to meet her here, so I am waiting for her."

"Here? Next to all the beggars and prostitutes?"

"Don't talk about your fellow citizens like that." Enjolras scolded. "But, yes. Anne-Laure told me to meet her here in this location."

"Anne-Laure?" Marius asked, confused for a moment before he shook his head. "Nonetheless, this isn't a prime place for a woman to visit unaccompanied."

"Precisely why I am keeping a watchful eye for her." Enjolras agreed, and then shot a side glance at Eponine who had remained silent during their entire exchange. "You, citizen. Have you any idea when Anne is due to arrive?"

"I dunno, never seen that pretty girl around here before." Eponine muttered while twiddling her thumbs. Even she was subdued under Enjolras' prowess. "Maybe she'll be out when the Mass is done."

"Hmph, very well. Thank you." Enjolras gave her a curt nod and turned his attention back to the church. Marius didn't know why he was so bewildered by the whole situation. Perhaps it was seeing a man like Enjolras here near his shabby abode. His time away from the grandeur of the Gillenormand residence still hadn't taken away Marius' sense of pride. But Marius should know more than anyone that Enjolras never judged based on economic status.

The church bells rung, signaling the end of Mass. People poured out through all the exits, and Enjolras strained to keep a sharp eye so as not to miss Anne-Laure and her sister. Even Marius and Eponine stood alongside the Apollo, searching for Anne-Laure as well.

"There she is," the two heard Enjolras whisper with something akin to relief. They both turned to see Anne-Laure's bright blonde hair standing out in the crowd. She was making her way towards them, often looking behind her at another blonde-headed figure. Anne-Laure was smiling at them, giving a little wave as she wove through the crowd.

"That girl with her…" Marius began, stepping forward. "Enjolras, who is that with her?"

Enjolras ripped his gaze away from Anne-Laure to turn to the girl he assumed to be Anne-Laure's sister. It was the same girl from the Luxembourg Gardens from weeks ago. She was also wearing one of Anne-Laure's creations, a unique piece that Enjolras had seen on Anne-Laure's work table a few days back.

"My God, she is beautiful." Marius breathed in awe. At the back of his mind, Enjolras noted how Eponine had scampered away.

"Come, Pontmercy, before we lose them in this crowd." Enjolras ordered and set off to meet Anne-Laure, Marius following closely behind him as he continued to murmur about the beautiful Mademoiselle Ursula Lanoire.

"Enjolras!" he heard her call out, and his name on her lips set a smile on Enjolras' face. He was about to respond when Anne-Laure's expression changed rapidly. Her head whipped to the side where a shabby shack was set up. Enjolras' brows furrowed as he quickened his pace to get to her. Every intelligent person in Paris knew those shacks were mere set-ups made by criminals to take money from the pitying and pitiful rich. It would do no good for Anne-Laure to be near that sort of establishment.

"Wait, Cosette!" It was too late. Anne-Laure had already ducked into the shack, following her oblivious sister.

When Enjolras lost sight of her, his heart went racing. He shoved his fellow Frenchmen aside so he could get closer to the shack, but it seemed with every push forward, he was sent five paces back. Marius could also be heard constantly asking Enjolras what happened to the beautiful girl and Anne-Laure.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"

A commotion started at the sound of the shrill scream. People were darting across, toward, and away from Enjolras and Marius. They were left unable to move forward. Enjolras craned his neck as he searched for Anne-Laure. She had to get out of that shack unharmed or so help him─

"It's the police, disappear! It's Javert!" They heard Eponine scream.

No sooner than that was said, Anne-Laure burst out of the shack, pulling a distressed Cosette behind her. The shack itself seemed to collapse as several others pulled out from inside it, running away in all directions.

All the runaways were rounded up by the incoming police who rode in on their horses. Inspector Javert surveyed the crowd, ordering the public to step back. Enjolras growled in frustration but knew he had to step back. It wouldn't do to become a suspicious figure when their revolution was on the rise. And Anne-Laure and her sister were able to get away mostly unscathed, or so Enjolras hoped.

Enjolras' heart dropped to his stomach and Marius' breath hitched when they heard Inspector Javert's next words.

"And where have the ladies gone and why on earth would they run?"