#les miserables imagine

[stardancerluv]

A Time to Love and to Fight

Part Thirty - Two

Summary: While enjoying the city they live near, Reader is visited by the past. Enjolras is confronted by his past and his future.

Warning/Notes - No real warnings. Just building dread.

eau de Cologne - how cologne was referred to

reticule - a type of purse for a woman in the past.

Sorry about the time between chapters. I wrote and rewrote this alot!!! It’s a long chapter with a flashback.

❤️s, comments, reblogs & feedback is always welcome!

You delighted on watching Enjolras. He spoke easily with the harbor master. His air and command of the situation made you happy. He was firm but pleasant and never belittling.

As they pointed into the bay, you followed their fingers pleased that you could also spot the ship. You gave a moment of pause in gratitude that your time of traveling on the water was over.

Oddly, you were reminded of the stories those women shared of their husbands still gave you shivers. You could never be wed to such beasts. Just as you were pleased with him, the baby shifted within you, made you believe they were pleased to too. You laid a gentle on your stomach.

Turning, he smiled and walked towards you.

“The ship is on an easy and straight course for its arrival. The master spoke of how I should bring you to shops and buy you something nice.” A smile played on his lips.

You gave him a sweet smile. “You don’t have to.”

“I don’t know, I may want to.”

You rose your eyebrows. “We have bought so much for our home. Are you sure?”

He nodded. “My dear wife, I do believe I should have given you something a long time ago.”

Taking his arm you followed him as he led you away from the docks.

You looked around making sure you stepped carefully. “Us, here and safe is enough.”

He squeezed your your hand. “As much as I do not enjoy extreme excess, you need some possession especially since you are the lady of our household.”

“Thank you, my love.”

*******

“Good day, Sir Julien.” Greeted a kind looking older man, he was wiping his hands on a cloth. He stopped upon seeing you. “Oh? Is this the lady of the house?”

You nodded and glanced up at Enjolras. He smiled down at you.

“Dear, this Mr Jameson. He has supplied our home with many treasures.”

“You have parted with many different items.”

He nodded. “I am sure your house is much grander for it.”

“It is.” You nod. “Thank you.” Slipping your arm free, you wandered away as the two began to speak of other items he may or may not be receiving soon.

The house, that you and Enjolras were now were residing were becoming quite grand. It reminded you of your home before the disappearance of your father. It had held several treasures before having sell them so that your mama and you could keep the home.

You sighed and continued to look at all the great items that remained. Some of which shifted your mood and made you relieved that Enjolras had such good eye. You would have been aghast to have them.

You were drawn to an array of some powder boxes. They made you smile. Looking at a few, you were reminded of one night when mama was preparing for one of the parties her and father would be hosting. She had opened one of her elegant boxes and gave her bosom a dusting. You had been watching, peering actually in from the bedroom doorway.

“I see you my sweet little cabbage. Would you like to be like mama and have some perfumed powder tonight?”

You nodded. You hurried over. Stopping, you stood tall while also attempting to be as elegant as you could.

A warm giggle came from her. “Ok. Close your eyes.”

You squeezed them shut. Next you felt a soft brush on your nose. The sweet scent of honeysuckle filled your nose.

“Perfect.” She said with a gentle air. “Now you are all ready for the party.”

******

He was pleased to hear that the cradles had come in. You being here was timely. He could not and would not have wanted to decide on one or even two without your guidance.

“I will go and find her. I am sure she is enjoying the sight of your treasures.”

“Treasures.” He made a dismissive gesture. “They are what makes a household, a home.”

He nodded. “They are that.”

The floor boards creaked under his boots as he walked down another aisle where he spotted you. As he drew closer, he saw a faraway look eyes.

“Ange?” He whispered, wrapping an arm around you.

You glanced up. “I…I…”

He smiled. “You looked terribly faraway my love, where were you?”

“I was.”

You replied with a soft smile that had a trace of sadness to it. You pointed to the powder boxes in front of you.

“They remind me of mama.”

You pointed to the porcelain boxes in front of you.

“Oh? Look at those.”

He drew from you and looked down at them and back at you. He knew how he treasured the glass bottle that held the sharp aftershave that his father gave him.

“Choose among them what you wish to have and they will be yours.”

You brought a gloved hand to your lips, in the muted light he could see happiness brighten them.

“Yes.” He nodded. “They will have a wonderful place on your vanity.”

*****

You held onto two of small boxes and were wrapped tightly in cloth. You could not wait to place them on your vanity. They were perfect.

******

Now, a new happiness filled you at the sight of them sitting there. Berceaux, cribs bassinets all for you and Enjolras to choose from for your baby. You brought a hand to your growing belly as you considered them.

It took some time, testing the ease of the rocking and evaluating the size. Also, you had to make sure none made too much noise when it moved. In the end, Enjolras and you settled on three of the five that stood in front of you. One for you Enjolras’s private chambers, one for the child’s respective nursery and another that they could easily move around if they wished to sit in the gardens or the library and wanted to have the baby with them.

“I will wrap these up in haste.” The man older man patted one of them. “I will fetch Edmund. Together, we will bring these down the docks.”

Enjolras nodded. “Good. Thank you.”

******

The ship surely has arrived by now, if he had learned anything these last few months the timing of ships in clear weather was becoming familiar to him.

Turning to you. with a gentle ease of his hand on your lower back. He made his way with you out to the cobbled street.

“Angel, I will walk you to the perfumery. That is where I found the ones that have already brought the most pleasant scents to the airs of our chambers and for you to feel even lovelier.”

“Is it close?”

“Yes.” He nodded. “And then I will return to the docks and check on the arrival of the boat.”

******

You watched as he spoke warmly with the gentleman in the worn brown coat whose collar looked especially stiff. But had a soft demeanor.

Turning, Enjolras closed the distance between the two of you once more. “Love, this is Mr. Barlowe. He can assist you while I go and check on things with the harbor master.”

“Thank you.” You turned and smiled at the man.

********

Enjolras enjoyed having you along. Though a cloud, a shadow of worry did chase his ankles. Though keeping you tucked away at the estate disliked more.

With it being such a lovely day, he was relieved you were having a good day. The baby was being good to their mama by not giving her any light headedness. That pleased him.

“Oh! Excuse me good sir.” He quickly said as he collided with someone stumbling out of the bar.

Turning in the direction in which the man fell, the man had sprawled.

“I am terribly sorry, sir. Thoughts had clouded my vision.”

He offered his hand. The man took it. He had a very firm grip.

“And drink had made my feet unsure of themselves.”

Their eyes met and chuckle had blossomed and was shared.

“Well, I must be on my way.” He gave the man a quick smile.

******

He had been right. His pleasure on being correct, gave him a flush of confidence. He needed it.

The boat after its journey groaned and creaked as it anchored at the dock.

He’d never breath the words into existence but fleeing had give him a thorn of discontent in his side. Logic, his heart told him he had made the correct decision. There was no doubt or second thoughts lingering in his heart.

Though there was a sliver of pain that sometimes cut deep as the thoughts, the memories of Courfeyrac or Grantaire or even small Gavroche or the elder Mabeuf paid him a visit. He glanced down at his scared hand that he used to lean against the wooden posts at the dock while he waited.

******

“Sir, I mean Officer Gerard, are you alright? I knew I shouldn’t have allowed you free of my arms this early.” The bar maid fluttered around him.

He dusted himself off, eyes narrowing as he watched the younger man walk away. He gave the barmaid who had been warming his bed a half smile.

“Do you know who that is my sweet cabbage?”

The woman glanced and smiled back at him. “Of course, I do my love.”

The woman dragged out that last word, love. He wasn’t quite sure how it made him feel. In the past, he’d backhand some for using it so casually. Yet, now It had been an age since anyone spoke of him in such a manner.

“That is Sir Julien. Newly arrived on our ground with a wife who is blossoming with life while he has the flair of a gentleman.”

With a tilt of her head he could see a tide of worry was over her.

“Is there something the matter? You would surely like him. He drinks and plays cards as well.”

He shook his head. “No but our paths did just crash and it left me curious. He seemed almost too polite for this region.”

“He sounds like you.” A giggle came from her. “Am I too polite too since you took a liking to my company?”

“Perhaps.”

********

“Sir, sir is that steady enough?”

A sharp voice took his attention away from the water that slapped against the wooden haul.

It was his mother. His heart leapt as his stomach churned. His feet ushered him over to where she would step foot.

“Mother?” All that he could possibly remained in his mouth.

Despite a tiredness having blanketed her usual refined and elegant appearance she smiled. “It took some arguing but I convinced your father to allow me passage to go and see you.”

“I did get my stubbornness from the two of you. What made him finally allow you?”

“Reason. Someone needs to keep an eye on the estate.”

“And despite him always being quite cold, you always brought some warmth from him however small.”

“It is my charm and wit that I feel blessed to have passed onto you, my son.”

******

With the occasional sniff from a handkerchief you finally were able to settle on eau de Cologne for Enjolras. You were not sure what he would think of it. But it did remind you of him. Memories, of how he had looked striding over to you with that white billowy shirt, those trousers and black shiny boots still stirred your heart.

“I will wrap this so it is ready when he returns.”

“Thank you.” You replied softly.

*****

The door jangled as you went to stand just outside the shop. The air with all of its scents had grown too heavy for you. Gently wrapped and tucked away in your reticule, the cologne was safe. You held the strings that

Shops, streets were different in England, you mused looking at your new surroundings, the urge to explore was strong.

Though a fluttering came from the baby as they shifted within you.

“Are you awake?” You whispered, gently patting your stomach.

The warmth of your love for them came over you. You were learning that you had to keep not only yourself safe but them as well. Waiting, for Enjolras’s return you took in the small street and other shops. Distantly, you could hear hushed voices with the occasional peel of laughter from opening and closing of a pub’s door.

You watched as Enjolras rounded the corner. As you watched he paused heavily against a wall. He looked as if something happened. Your heart squeezed hard. Not uttering a word you began to make your way over to him.

His eyes met yours as you neared. A few of his curls fell into his brow but didn’t hide the look you saw in them. It stole your breath.

******

The arrival of his mother excited him and worried him. He knew how she was rather particular with how she liked things. He knew the two of you had seemed complimentary of each other during those short moments at Oliver’s.

However, after the package from his father he would not expected this. It was not something, he particularly wanted to worry about. It was enough that he was keeping an ear open for the possible arrival of the French solider who was looking for revenge. He chewed on the inside of his cheek as he made his way back to you.

“Sir Julien, sir Julien.”

He resisted the urge to ignore the barmaid, calling to him. This was not the time to close himself off from all the new people he was meeting. He swallowed, stopping and turned towards her.

“Yes?”

She was breathless and red faced as she caught up with him. Her hands fluttered around her like birds as she found her breath.

“I’m sorry.” She muttered swallowing some breathes.

“It is ok. There was something you wanted?” The urge to get back to you grew.

“A man, like you. Sounding like you has been staying with me.”

A chill came over him, he tried not to shiver. “Like me?”

A broad, lopsided smile that only she could muster spread across her fleshy face as the flush of running over to him finally faded.

“Yes, sounds like you and also likes to play card games. You should come one night. I told him, you did too.”

He blinked. “You did.”

With the excited nod of her head, the bun that held her hair in place loosened some.

“I did. You two would get along. Both very charming.”

He had to get away and now, he needed air desperately.

“I will consider it.

“You will?”

“Yes! But now I must be off. Fare thee well.”

He heard her call the same and he nodded and made it around the corner just out of eye sight and slumped against a stone wall. He felt like what little bile was in his stomach could leave at any moment. He took several breaths to calm his racing heart and churning stomach.

@henry-cavs-tudor @corrodedcoffn @dealswiththedevilsblog @randomstory56 @pl1nfa1 @phantomxoxo @ladybug0095 @the-iridescent-phoenix @maryan028 @kindablackenedsuperhero @amethyst-serenade @moondev1l @samunson83 @julieteagk @little-wormwood @wafflepixie @shadyhamiltonfanatic @gretavankleep37 @peacefroggg23 @capailluiscedove

[bees--in-my--bones]

France's Most Wanted Masterlist

Masterlist for my Montparnasse x reader story

Chapter 1: A Parisian Heist

Chapter 2: Camille

[saints-and-poets-maybe]

[batedible]

enjolras but his hair colour is impossible to ever accurately pinpoint or describe and not even he himself knows what the fuck is going on with it

sunny day? fuckin golden. obnoxiously golden. cliché blond type.

in the shade/inside? ok now its kinda dirty blond. who smudged the gold.

under flourecsent lights? now its somewhere in between platinum and golden...... somehow.

suns gone? ok now its like a rlly light brown but not blond enough to be dirty blond. whered the brown even come from.

wet hair? dark brown as fuck. crazily dark its barely brown and closer to black. what happened.

[autumnalmess]

Right *slaps hands against things and stands up, every joint in my body cracking like a bowl of rice krispies* time to read world ain't ready again

[lesbianmariuspontmercy]

dawg look at my lawyer i’m going to jail

[rstarsk]

just imagine Joly living the 2020 pandemic

[bernard-the-rabbit]

did it hurt? no were you scared? no

are you lying? yes

[heart-full-of-feuilly]

feuilly in formal attire but still wearing his silly little hat.

[protectionsquad24601]

"Napoleon had been denounced in the realms of the infinite and his downfall had been decided. He was an inconvenience to God."

-I constantly think about this Les Mis quote. brutal.

[waiting-makes-me-antsy]

Person: who's ur favorite les mis character?

Me: enjolras

Person: that is such a basic answer-

Me: YOU WANNA KNOW THE REAL ANSWER, JOEY?

Person: YES

me: THE 2014 REVIVAL VERSION OF MARIUS PLAYED BY CHRIS MCCARRELL ON BROADWAY WHICH U CAN ONLY FIND AFTER GOING THROUGH 20 MILLION SLIME TUTORIALS ON YOUTUBE

[stardancerluv]

A Time to Love and to Fight

Part Twenty - Five

Summary: Reader mingles on the ship while facing a fear.

Notes/Warnings: Fluffy, enjoy! Dated notions on marriage & Father/daughter relationships. Mention/Example of Physical Abuse. Discussions of sexuality.

❤️s, reblogs, comments & feedback is always welcome.

English to French in this chapter: Wife of the young and bold Julien - Madame du jeune et hardi Julien

Go away, rat - va-t'en, rat card game - belote

You had managed to make it to the heavy door that opened to the parlor suite. Through the door, you could hear the your husband and the others. They all sounded so happy and in good spirits. It pleased you to hear such merriment. It had felt like a lifetime since you heard joy in his voice that you had not been the source of.

You paused. Glancingp down at your gloved hand, you opened and closed your hand; you raised it to knock then lowered it. A grimace curled your lips.

“Oh? Madame du jeune et hardi Julien?”

You turned. You attempted a winning smile. “Yes?”

“Will you we grace us ladies with your presence ?”

“I suppose, I could for a short while.”

“Wonderful.”

********

You sipped at the spicy wine, they offered you.

“You are a lucky one. Your husband, is young and beautiful.”

You flushed and looked down, nodding.

“Oh, don’t be shy about that. Your father was kind to give you such a husband.”

A knot formed in your stomach at the word father. Though you were certain he would have approved of Enjolras.

“Tell us, is as kind to you as he is beautiful.”

You tilted your head to one side. “What do you mean?” You looked over the three other ladies.

They shared looks.

A slender one who looked as if a shadow had fallen over her youth spoke. “Mine, loves to have affairs with the ladies of soldiers. He feels he is giving something back to our military for their efforts. One didn’t take to kindly to it. And that is why we are on this ship.”

Your heart lurched.

The older one, she was pale and eyes as clear as pond a clear spring day spoke next. “Mine, will hit me if he feels I am not up to his standards of behavior. I finally bore him a son, he is coming with the nanny on another ship.”

“Show her.” Said the young one.

She nodded, she let her scarf dip from her shoulders and lifted up the sleeve on on arm and sure enough there was a vivd blue and purple bruise.

You swallowed hard, you grew ill.

“And well,”

Finally the woman that could have been as old as your mother or Greta who had invited you to join them in the salon spoke.

“I am actually pleased with what is not customary to find out about a husband.”

She took a sip of the spicy wine.

“He loves beautiful, young men.”

There was a scuff and suppressed chortle.

“Hey now, at least I don’t have to worry about him having any bastards begging for money and at least he doesn’t hit me.”

The others nodded at that.

“And well, he’s happy so I am happy. We have a good life.”

She fretted on one of her sleeves.

“I get to have a nice house and nice things”

She chewed on her bottom lip. “Though, he did have an affair with a lord’s son and killed the man���s father in a duel. So off to London for us.”

You were pleased this wasn’t so terrible. And you knew Greta had been very happy with one of the maids before she had passed of a high fever. It had been tragic. It one loved who they loved. Her father taught her that.

“So dear, tell us your husband almost looks like he could have walked down the clouds of heaven. As beautiful as an angel. Is he as saintly as one?”

You chuckled at that. “No but he is a good man. Loves his ale, a good card game.”

“Then is good we whisked you away. He deserves to have a good belote and a tankard of whatever they are passing as ale on this ship.”

******

Feeling a twinge of warmth and cloying nature of the wine you decided to retire back to the cabin you shared with Enjolras.

Hands fluttered and glasses clinked at your departure.

*******

Squeak, the sound was far louder then it should have been. In the flickering light the candle valences you spotted a large rat directly in your path. He looked up at you. You took a step back.

Unease twisted in you.

In your minds eyes you could see your father urging you to be brave, Enjolas’s gentle teasing but encouragement was there as well. You could do this.

You stepped up and shook your skirt in its direction.

“Va-t'en, rat!” You shouted.

He rubbed his front paws and squeaked again.

Once again you shook your skirt and shouted even louder. “Va-t'en, rat!”

Warm hands glided from your elbows to your wrists. “Allow me to rescue once again, my angel.”

You would have screamed if the raspiness of Enjolras’s voice had not filled your ears, or if his touch did not always bring you comfort. His beard, however trimmed earlier tickled your cheek. “Watch how I handle it.”

You both glanced at each other and shared a nod before he pulled away from you.

His coat flapped as he brought down his black booted foot down close to it. And his shout exploded from his lips. It even made you tremble.

The rat hissed but then turned and walked a little lower along the corridor floor gave a final squeak and disappeared once again into the shadows.

He turned to you, his lips curled into a smirk. “That is how you do it.”

******

He was barely able to slide the lock into place as you grabbed him by then lapels of his coat. You had a flush in your cheeks and your eyes twinkled.

“You are the best my love.” Your voice, bubbled from you and filled the small room.

Wobbly from the warmth of his own ale, he held his ground before managing to sit down on the bed. With sheer delight he watched as you gathered up the skirts of your dress and soon placed yourself in his lap. Happily, he wrapped his arms around you.

“I am glad you feel so inclined.”

“I do.”

You gently tugged on his lapels before moments later he felt your warm breath, he distantly smelled something spicy. Did you have wine while the two of you were apart? He found it amusing. He also relished the feel of your soft kisses you planted them all over his face. Laughter in his pure amusement poured from his lips. Now if only he could catch you with his own kisses.

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[bees--in-my--bones]

France's Most Wanted - Chapter 2: Camille

Chapter 1 / ----- France's Most Wanted Masterlist Masterlist

Character: Montparnasse x Reader

Summary: Painting acquired, it's time for you to get your money. You were prepared for a quick, easy day, but an unexpected visitor and unexpected proposal makes things much more complicated.

You had been on the move most of the night, only stopping for brief respite in the occasional store outcropping.

Dawn slipped over the top of the buildings, and with the daylight the city came to life.  Shops began to open, and you picked up a quick bite to eat from the nearest café.

A few blocks more and you approached your destination.  You rapped on the door of the small apartment, expecting Camille to come greet you as usual.  Instead you heard the old woman call from inside the house, "Come in dear, it's unlocked."

Suspicion welled within you.  To refer to you with an endearment was unlike the Camille you knew, but you would recognize her voice anywhere.  Carefully, you opened the door and stepped inside, entering a small living room.

Camille approached you, arms outstretched, leaving you baffled at her uncharacteristically warm behavior.  Nonetheless, you hesitantly accepted the hug.  She must be playing some grander game.  Or she had finally lost it.  "Y/N, my dear granddaughter, I had no idea you were in town."

A game indeed.  You had no relation to Camille, so what was she hiding, and from whom?

"Camille, you really shouldn't be leaving the door unlocked.  This is a dangerous part of the city."  The familiar deep voice startled you and you snapped your head up, looking over the short woman's shoulder to see a face you truly thought you would never see again.

"Montparnasse!" said Camille cheerfully as she released you from her grasp.  "This is my granddaughter, Y/N.  She doesn't live here, see, and so rarely gets to visit."

Your brow shot up in poorly hidden surprise.  Montparnasse?  What business did he have with Camille?  As you met his eyes, you could see that he was thinking the very same thing.  You had no idea the nature of the tale that Camille was trying to weave, so you kept your mouth shut.  But you were unable to break eye contact with the man who stood before you.  

"Let me go get the tea ready, yes?" she said, clapping her hands together.  "You two sit down, get to know one another."  With that, she disappeared into the kitchen, simple brown skirt swishing behind her.

Reluctantly, you sat down, Montparnasse doing the same.  After a moment's silence, you asked him, "What are you doing here?"

"I could ask you the same," he responded smoothly.

"I asked first."

He pressed a hand to his chest, a look of dramatized worry overcoming his face.  "But if I were to tell you, it would ruin the image of the lovable rogue that you believe I am."

"I think you're obnoxious, and you've threatened my life more times than I typically allow people, so you better answer me fast, before I lose my patience."

"Feisty today, aren't we darling?  Fine then, since you have so egregiously intruded here-"

"I've intruded?"

He raised an eyebrow.  "Do you want me to tell you or not?"

You didn't reply, only settled back into his seat, his arms folded, and he continued.

"I was fifteen.  Life on the street was all I had ever known, and I knew that when you get hungry, you steal, simple as that.  But I stole from the wrong person.  They were thugs, a band of thieves no longer active, but they didn't take too kindly to a street rat trying to nick some of their goods.  So, I didn't make off with the wallet, and I was left on that street outside, beaten to a pulp.  Camille found me, and nursed me back to health.  She struggles to pay rent, and I owe her my life, so once I joined the Patron-Minette, I figured it would be improper not to give her a few francs each month, to help make ends meet."

At this point it was taking every ounce of strength you had to not burst into laughter, but you managed to hold it in long enough to ask, "Why would a hardened criminal care about a poor old woman?"

His brow furrowed, seemingly offended by your question.  "I owe her my very life.  I'm not that callous."

And that's when you lost it.

You doubled over in laughter as Montparnasse continued to speak.  "What?  What could possibly be so amusing to you?"

You wiped a tear away, barely catching your breath.  “You think Camille is struggling to pay rent?’

“Is she not?”

At that moment, Camille entered the room, tea tray in hand, a deceptively warm smile plastered on her face.  “Y/N, dear, you’re taking quite kindly to Montparnasse!” she said cheerily.

“I��m so sorry, Camille,” you said, unable to wipe the grin from your face, “I think I’ve just blown your cover.”

Camille’s smile dropped, and in an instant her grandmotherly facade faded, revealing the hardened old woman that you were more familiar with.  She set the tea tray down with a loud sigh and dropped into a chair.  “Phenomenal, Y/N, you’ve just cost me three francs a month, and now I have to change covers and move before this ruffian puts out a hit on me,” she said, gesturing to Montaparnasse.

You raised your eyebrow.  “You had an elaborate con with several layers of manipulation running for nothing more than an extra three francs a month?”

“You’re supposed to be the best of the best,” she retorted.  “You should know how to spot a con, and how not to blow it, especially one as simple as this.”

“You’re supposed to be the best of the best,” you countered.  “So, like I’ve already asked, why were you even running this con?”

“I'm an old woman.  I need to keep myself sharp.”

You rolled your eyes.  “You were overdue for a move anyway.  Really it should be no problem.  You have more covers and safehouses than the king does brown nosers.”

“Excuse me?” chimed in Montparnasse.  “I’m still here.”

You looked at him disdainfully.  “Yes, unfortunately.”

Camille turned to Montparnasse, still looking annoyed.  "I don't need your money, boy.  I own this damn house, there's no one to pay rent to."

Montparnasse looked at her in shock, but his face soon twisted into anger.  "You vile old woman!" he shouted, leaping from his chair and drawing a dagger.  "You saved my life only to scam me!"

"Why else would I save you?" she asked at the same time you said "As if you haven't done worse," cooly stepping in front of him and drawing a blade of your own as you blocked Camille from his reach.  "Why I may agree that Camille can be a pain in the ass," you added, "I can't allow you to hurt her.  Deepest apologies, dear Montparnasse."

He glared at you a moment longer, before sheathing his weapon.  Turning on his heel, he marched out of the house.

Camille sighed after the door slammed shut.  "He was a good source of information too, you know.  Learned a lot about the Patron-Minette from him."

You sat back down, making a show of pouring yourself a cup of tea and offering none to her.  "It's a street gang, Camille.  They're hardly a threat."

"Their influence is growing.  Remained unchecked, they could become our direct competitors."

"Maybe so, but I didn't come here to discuss the politics of crime syndicates with you.  Where's my money?"

"The politics of crime syndicates is what determines your livelihood," she grumbled, but she stood and crossed the room nonetheless.  She carried a case over to you and set it on your lap.  Opening it, you found it to be full of francs, as expected.  Nodding your approval, you handed Camille the painting from last night.  

"You know," you added slyly as you stood to take your leave, your business now done, "last night would have gone much smoother if I had my crew with me."

Camille scoffed.  "Consider yourself lucky that you had Sylvanie's designs to smuggle that damn thing out of there.  We're working on getting the rest of those meatheads that you call a crew back into the country, but after the stunts they pulled in England, it's been challenging."

"You think that getting you the biggest score you've ever seen from the British Royal Family wasn't challenging for us?"

"Never said it wasn't.  I have my people on it, I just need more time to get papers drawn up and wanted notices gone."

"Fine," you said, resting your hand on the doorknob.  "I'm sure we'll be seeing each other again soon."

"Not in this house," she snapped.  "You made sure of that."

You shrugged, all but ignoring her comment.  "Get me your new location when you can."

And with that, you were gone. 

—--

You walked briskly through the streets of Paris, taking a winding route to the docks.  You could picture your estate in your mind, the cool wind of the countryside on your face and the sweet scent of flowers filling the air.  You had not told Camille that you were leaving the city, but you decided it didn't matter.  You had more than enough funds to take a break until you got your crew back, and your private home near the Spanish border was the perfect place to do so.  She would be preoccupied with moving for a while, anyways.

Unfortunately though, you weren't going to make it to the docks if you were being tailed. Again.  Your annoyance spiked as you caught a glimpse of a black top hat in the distance.  Had he not had enough?

You turned sharply into an alleyway, then positioned yourself against the wall, primed to catch your pursuer by surprise if he tried to attack.  Escape would be difficult in the narrow space, but you could scale the wall if need be.

As if on cue, Montparnasse turned the corner.  You placed your hand on your dagger, deciding not to draw it quite yet.  

"What do you want, Montparnasse?" your voice rang out, and he turned sharply, his eyes finding you in the low light.  

"Would you believe me if I said your help?"

"No."

He seemed almost disappointed by that, but you were sure you imagined it, that the darkness was playing tricks on your eyes.  Regardless, he was not swayed, and continued to give you what was turning out to be a very unwanted sales pitch.

"The Patron-Minette has a lead on a job.  Big score, even split between us all, but we need a woman.  We've been considering Madame Thénardier- that's our leader's wife," he added.

"I'm familiar with the leadership of your street gang, yes.”

He stepped closer to you.  "She isn't like us though.  She belongs to the underworld, but you and I-" He gently reached out, tucking a stray strand of hair behind your ear. "We are more than the rest of them.  We're as at home in the castles as we are in the gutters."

You let out a huff of air, but you couldn't say you weren't intrigued.  "Waxing poetic won't flatter me.  What are you asking me to do?"

"I can't speak much of the details here, but there's a dinner party, one with men only, and the other only women.  The host and hostess each have a key, which are both essential for getting into their vault."

You furrowed your brow.  "Why go through the trouble if you can just pick the lock?"

"Because you can't," he replied. "The keys must be turned at precisely the same time or the gear mechanism will lock up.  We've tried."

You almost walked away then and there.  Let them figure it out.  As much as you loved money, it was a score you didn't need and a risk you didn't need to take, but something gave you pause.  Camille's words echoed in your head.

Their influence is growing.  Remained unchecked, they could become our direct competitors.

Maybe she was right, and if she was, it could be to your advantage to have the Patron-Minette in your debt.  And really it was a simple job.  Get in the party, get the key, open the vault, get out.  No problem.

You held Montparnasse's gaze for a moment, considering.  "Fine," you said.  "You have my help.  When is this party?"

"A week's time."

You nodded.  "I'll be in contact."  Spinning on your heel, you headed toward the alley's exit.

"Wait!" he called after you.  "I don't know where to find you!"

"But I know where to find you!" You replied, waving your hand over your shoulder and exiting the alleyway, now heading away from the docks and leaving Montparnasse alone in the shadows.

-----

Chapter 1 / -----

[marybeatriceofmodena]

I love how whenever you mention Satan to the POTO or the Les Mis fandom, they're all like: "Ah, yes. Cameron Mackintosh."

[autumnalmess]

For the consideration of the privy council: Grantaire introducing Enjolras to music and cinema.

Consider Enjolras who is "austere in his enjoyments" learning that there is such thing as music that is not just background music to work to, and film that is not just designed to teach you something.

Consider Grantaire gaping at Enjolras for never having heard of the Beatles, sitting him down and forcing headphones over his fluffy golden hair to force him to listen to 'A Day in the Life'.

Enjolras going "this is so stupid" until it hits the second verse and he suddenly becomes very quiet.

Grantaire dragging Enjolras along to the cinema to watch reruns of The Fellowship of the Ring, after which Enjolras grumbles the whole way home, but asks to see the next movie just to "make sure they're all bad".

Grantaire showing up on Enjolras' doorstep with an armful of DVDs because he just has to educate him.

Enjolras discovering Wes Anderson, and the concept of comfort movies, curling up to watch a film not because it means anything or has a deep political comment to make about the human race, but just because it's fun.

Grantaire watching Enjolras more than the film.

Grantaire letting Enjolras borrow his Spotify to find something he likes and almost tearing up when Enjolras says "have you heard of this band called Fleetwood Mac? I've been listening to a couple of their songs".

Grantaire desperately trying to explain to Courfeyrac that it's "not a date! Enjolras has just never been to a proper concert before!"

Enjolras suggesting they share wired earbuds because it's "more efficient" and definitely not because it means they have to sit closer together.

Enjolras learning that life is not about how efficiently you plough through it.

[ladymoonstardust]

Enjolras is the kind of guy who would casually blurt out singing the Marsailles