The Darkest Night Will End

Luxemburg Gardens, Paris, February 9th, 1832

I feel like a fool, apparently I published this chapter with the last one and spoiled it on accident, if anyone's actually taking the time to read with each update, sorry, I'll double upload to make up for it.

Luxembourg Gardens, Paris, February 9th, 1832

Jacquelyn took a deep breath, letting the air of the thawing world fill their lungs, murmuring, "I haven't had a day off in so long."

"It's wonderful, isn't it?" Enjolras smiled.

"Truly."

At Madame Moreau's (and Enjolras') insistence Jacquelyn had freed a day from work at the bookshop, and had spent the day with Enjolras, wandering through the market, and now the Luxembourg Gardens, their elbow reluctantly in his.

"Why do you not take breaks from work more often?" Enjolras questioned, "Surely you could afford to, now that you're living with me."

Jacquelyn shrugged, "If I work I keep my mind off things. Plus every bit of money I can make for myself helps, mister 'my parents still pay my allowance'."

"But you work so hard, and everyday of the week! Surely you could at least stop your working with the merchants?"

"You belittle them," They scoffed, "And I simply couldn't. Monsieur De La Rue is already short handed with the four of us as it is."

"Well then stop keeping yourself awake at all hours of the morning. Maybe you wouldn't fall asleep in meetings then." He challenged.

"I never sleep during the important ones!" They protested as they drew nearer to the great fountain that stood in the center of the park, "And how would you know of my nightly habits anyway? You disappear into your room as soon as you return from meetings."

Enjolras rolled his eyes, "Candle light travels, Jacquelyn."

"Well, no more on the matter then. Fighting wouldn't do any good." They sighed.

"Lets sit down then. Rest a while." He suggested, steering them toward a bench that sat across the path from the fountain.

Jacquelyn sat down, folding their hands in their lap with a sigh as they looked up at the fountain, "Thank you, for convincing me to take a break from everything. It really is nice to get away."

Enjolras nodded, biting his lip for a moment as he worked up the courage, "Actually, I asked you to take the day, well, because-" He laughed at his own nervousness, "Because I suppose I have a confession to make to you, dear Jacquelyn."

"A confession?" There was mild surprise in their eyes as they shifted to look at him, eyebrows raised, "What sort of confession Monsieur?"

Enjolras cleared his throat, trying to sort his words out, "Well, it would seem you haven't truly noticed, that- well that today, our spending time together, I- well, Jacquelyn, I suppose what I mean to say is that- I've been trying to court you?"

The last words came out in a squeak as Jacquelyn froze, some level of shock written on their face.

"Truly?" They breathed.

Enjolras nodded, "Truly. It would seem, Mademoiselle, that I care deeply about you, more than I ever planned to, and so, I figure this is as good a time as any to ask; can we begin courting? Not in an ordinary way, for we are far from ordinary people, but could we still?"

"I care deeply for you too." They smiled, "I accept your offer of courtship."

Of course, the thought of Grantaire and their feelings for him lingered in their mind, for when did they not? But Jacquelyn could never say no to Enjolras in a situation like this, for he too had lingered in their mind since their first appearance at an ABC meeting.