I come to fight. Or at least, to listen.

chapter 15

Chapter 15

~Break~

Evelyn woke up with a pounding headache. By some miracle she had gotten herself out of her day clothes and the corset but kept the chemise and bloomers on. She recounted last nights events with great embarrassment.

"You're awful strong Julien." God, I am such an idiot. She almost didn't want to spend the day with him.

She left her hair down and dressed in her simplest dress.

Evelyn was surprised to see Enjolras already in the parlor, though his normally golden complexion was dimmed, probably from another sleepless night. Evelyn automatically raised her posture. What time was it? She looked over at the clock: 11 sharp. How on Earth did I sleep in so late?

"Is Joly gone already?" Evelyn inquired as she picked a croissant from the breakfast tray.

"Yes," answered Enjolras. He sat, as usual, sipping black coffee. Evelyn wondered how he could drink coffee straight. She always had to put more cream and sugar than coffee.

Enjolras watched as Evelyn came down the stairs, the sash nipping in her waist perfectly, her hair cascading down- stop, stop, stop, he willed himself. The things she does to me.

"Well. Why don't we go then?" Evelyn proposed.

...

Enjolras stepped onto the cobble first, outstretching his hand for Evelyn to take. Evelyn hesitated for a little bit, but she was getting used to the customs of the upper class.

Enjolras fit her elbow in the crook of his arm and they walked together, their footsteps in time. They were dropped off next to the Sorbonne, and Evelyn admired the architecture of the building Her eyes swept over the landscape: bridges crossing the Seine in the distance, leaves fanning from their branches, iron fences with the fleur de lis on top, "So," Evelyn smiled, "who's place do we go first?"

"Whichever one you prefer, mademoiselle. However, I do believe that mine is closer." Enjorlas stated factually.

"Then yours it is."

...

Enjolras stepped in front of his apartment. It was on the third floor and had no view whatsoever, but as a student, it didn't really matter. He fished through his pockets before remembering that he didn't have his keys.

Evelyn noticed this and past him to the door. She plucked a pin from her hair and jostled it in the lock, eventually opening it. She gave Enjolras a smile despite his obvious "I know where you learned that" expression.

The apartment was scantily furnished. Piles of papers and books occupied the desk top and the floor on the right side of the basic, iron bed. Enjolras fetched his portmanteau and started meticulously folding clothes into it.

"Do you want me to help with something?" Evelyn asked.

Enjolras hesitated at the thought of someone going through all his papers, but he decided he trusted her and complied.

...

Enjolras managed to fit everything into two portmanteaus, one for books and papers and one for clothes.

They strode down the streets, making the occasional turn. Enjolras held both portmanteaus despite Evelyn's offer.

Evelyn wished she could link arms with him again. She definitely was attracted to him, though not quite love yet. More like interest. Her conversation with Joly gave her a little hope that he felt the same way.