Thanks, Javert || Adopted by the Barricade || A Les Mis Fanfic

Chapter 4: In Which Elaine Saves the Day

The next moment of excitement wasn't until late that night. I was inside with Combeferre and Joly. I enjoyed their company, with Joly's constant enthusiasm and Combeferre's witty replies. Suddenly, there was shouting outside and a large amount of noise. Combeferre and Joly jumped up and looked at each other, coming to a silent conclusion.

"Stay here," Combeferre commanded.

"But-" I protested as the door slammed shut and they were gone. I waited a minute, unsure if I should go out or not. Deciding that I shouldn't hide inside, I opened the door and climbed up on top of the barricade above everyone. I could hear Enjolras speaking to someone. When I got on the top, I saw a man with a hat on and a dark jacket. He turned around and I saw his face for the first time. No. No, no, no, no, no. It couldn't be him. I just thought I was free and now-

"I have overheard their plans. There will be no attack tonight." It was his voice, too. There was no way this man wasn't my father. My breath hitched and I didn't know what to do. I could run now and maybe get a head start, but then I'd be leaving the boys behind. I knew if I told Enjolras this man was my father, he'd protect me. But, if my father was providing insight on the French, would he keep him around? Would I ever be truly away from him? My father might take me and run, leaving behind the boys. "They intend to starve you out before they start a proper fight." He was spreading lies! My father was an inspector, of course he would be on the army's side. How could I be so stupid? "Concentrate their force, hit us when it's light."

"Liar!" I exclaimed. Everyone looked up at me and I saw the light of recognition flash in my father's eyes. I gave him a sweet grin. "Good evening dear inspector, lovely evening my dear." I saw my father panic. "I know this man, my friends, his name is Inspector Javert." He tried to run, but some of the boys grabbed him and held him in place while the others aimed their guns at him, causing my father to freeze. I swallowed in fear. I was torn on whether to try and protect my father or the boys. Either way, I had to warn them. "So don't believe a word he says 'cause none of it's true." I looked Enjolras dead in the eye. "This only goes to show what I can do." He gave me a small smile.

"Bravo, young Elaine, you're the top of the class," Courfeyrac said, giving me a smile.

"So what are we going to do with this snake in the grass?" Jehan asked, hostility clear in his voice.

"Take this man and throw him in the tavern in there," Enjolras said. "The people will decide your fate Inspector Javert," he finished, a mocking tone in his voice. My father looked around at all of us.

"Shoot me now or shoot me later, every schoolboy to his spot. Death to each and every traitor, I renounce your people's court," my father said.

"We keep moving forward!" Marius exclaimed, making me smile.

My father then pushed Grantaire and Courfeyrac into the wall and ran into the tavern in the corner. I leaned back, trying to see. He punched Enjolras square in the face causing me to wince. I knew my father was strong; that had to hurt. He grabbed his baton and swung it at another boy. Finally, the others ran in. Courfeyrac and Grantaire grabbed his arms and some of the others helped get my father on to the ground. Enjolras grabbed the baton and slammed it down on my father's head. I winced again, still frozen upon the top of the barricade. Enjolras started giving orders to some of the men, telling them to tie up my father and keep watch over him in the tavern. He then walked outside with some of the others. Enjolras spotted me, seated upon a large pile of chairs and tables. He walked over and climbed up a few steps.

"Come here," he said, sadly. I hadn't realized I was shaking again, something that had happened way too much for my liking over the past few days. I stood up, my hand tightening around a large wooden pole. Enjolras held out his arms and I half jumped, half climbed into them. He carried me down and set me on the floor. I followed him up to my bed in the corner of the attic. I hadn't said a word. He sat down and I sat on the bed next to him. "You alright?" I swallowed and nodded. "I take it that man was your father?" That meant he had seen my reaction. I nodded again. "I know that must have been hard, but you saved more lives than you know if we believed his information was true. I'm proud." I gave him a small smile and a whispered 'thanks' before Enjolras left. Still, I went to bed with a thought in the back of my mind. My father was here. They had said I would never have to worry about him again, yet he was back. I was sure I wasn't going to get out of this without having some sort of bad interaction with my father. I was expecting it, I just wasn't sure when it would happen.

What I wasn't expecting was to wake up in the middle of the night screaming and shivering, my breathing ragged. The room was empty until the door slammed open with a bang and a dark shadow walked in. It was my father. He's going to take me back. There's nothing I can do.

"Get away from me!" I whimpered. "Leave me alone!" The shadow put their hand on my arm and I swatted them away, scampering back against the wall, still sitting on the bed.

"Hey, hey. It's just me!" the shadow exclaimed, holding their hands up in surrender. "It's Enjolras."

"B-but he's here! He's gonna take me away, help," I whimpered, shrinking down and wrapping my arms around myself, still not fully comprehending what was going on. Enjolras came over and sat down next to me against the wall, seeming to understand.

"No, it's just me and you. It's okay."

"But he'll take me and do something bad!" I exclaimed. Enjolras just shook his head.

"No he won't. Not while I'm around, I promise."

"But-"

"Nope. He's not here," Enjolras said, wrapping his arms around me. I tensed, but then relaxed, melting into his embrace. I wrapped my arms around his neck and rested my head on his shoulder.

"But, what if he is? He's gonna take me away!" Enjolras rubbed my back, holding me tight.

"I promise, Elaine. It's okay. It's just me and you, he can't hurt you here."

Eventually, my breathing slowed enough where I could breathe normally again. Enjolras released me, shifting so his back was against the wall next to me.

"Are you okay? What happened?" he asked. I stayed silent for a few seconds, trying to keep my breathing steady. It had all felt so real. "Nightmare?" I nodded.

"He was here. He came to my room in the night. He took me away and...and..." I stuttered, not wanting to finish.

"Shh. I understand. I promise, though, as long as I'm here, he won't hurt you."

Enjolras stayed with me until I went back to sleep.

AN:

Big brother Enjolras :)

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ImTurtled