On the day of the train ride to Toulouse, Enjolras and Eponine arrived at the train station a hour early to get their aliases and fake identity papers in order. Once they reach the school, both would have to change their names to avoid detection—more directly—potential arrest and execution. Thankfully, Frances- Dominique Toussaint, Chairman of Luxembourg Schools, was daring enough to reveal a corner of his political perspective. A dangerous one, however, one that Enjolras favored.
"What's our surname?" Eponine asked.
"Hmm...Joly had arranged for us to be the—Alix couple." Enjolras announced, and tilted his head in approval.
"Alix. That's a good name, short and simple enough for me to remember, at least."
"Indeed, Mrs Martine Alix. You will be referring me as Xavier in front of staff and students."
"Xavier and Martine Alix. It rolls off my tongue easily, as smooth as silk!" exclaimed Eponine.
"I'm glad Joly picked these names. Could have been worse." Enjolras chuckled. Joly's list had contained numerous outrageous patronymics: Alice Tairik (Ah, l'hystérique!"—"Ah, the hysteric!"), Aude Vaiselle ("Eau de vaisselle"—"Dishwater"!), Albert Muda ("Ah, le bermuda"—"Ah, the bermuda shorts")...
Suddenly, a train station master announced that the 2 o'clock train had arrived. The Enjolras/Alix couple found their way through the multiple carriages until they reach the private carriage where rooms were provided. Thanks to Joly, they were able to book a nice isolated room with one twin sized bunk bed complete with a small bathroom. Enjolras slumped into the chair in the corner of the room, hands on his aching back. The young man had been too kind and offered to carry both his and Eponine's luggage, only to result in the possible reopening of his wounds. Eponine quickly took out her first aid box, and dug out an ointment Joly had packed for them.
"Take off your shirt, please." Eponine said to Enjolras, while warming the salve between her fingers. Enjolras nodded, and unbottoned his shirt. Slowly, he took off his shirt, a small electric current tingling along his back.
Once the ointment was warm enough, Eponine slathered it onto the battle-torn yet active reminders of her husband's back. Enjolras had positioned himself conveniently, arms laid on the back of the chair, chin on his arms. He breathed in and out comfortably, clearly enjoying the circular motions of Eponine's hands were making.
"Feeling better?" Eponine asked, wiping off the ointment off of her fingers with a towel. Enjolras hummed a yes, and hoisted himself up from the chair, blocking Eponine's view with his bare back.
The train jolted forward, and it started its long journey to its destination. The train master knocked on the room's door, asking for their tickets and travel papers.
"Bonjour, may I see your tickets and papers?" The mustache on the train master's face did a little dance as he enunciated his words.
"Of course." Enjolras handed him the documents. Eponine felt a sheen of sweat building up on her as she played a rendition of being revealed as one of France's most wanted and getting arrested.
The train master glanced at the documents momentarily. He looked up and stared at the couple, prompting Eponine to emit a small squeak. Luckily, the papers and tickets were soon returned with a stamp of approval.
"How can you appear so calm? I am literally sweating from head to toe!" Eponine exclaimed, once the train master had proceeded past their carriage and onto the next.
"I am just...very good at hiding my emotions, I guess." Enjolras answered, still massaging his back.
"Hah, same. We are the perfect match." Eponine chuckled.
"You, good at hiding your emotions, Eponine? Don't forget how you acted around Marius, you were following him like a ghost." Enjolras retorted, a slight humor lingering in his tone.
Marius. I haven't thought about him since...
Eponine swallowed, and retired to the bed. Enjolras inhaled sharply, finally realizing the lethal effect of his words (it was meant to be a humorous comeback, gosh!) on Eponine.
"Oh, I-I'm sorry. I really shouldn't have mentioned-"
"It's fine. It's high time that I should move on from him." Eponine answered quickly and firmly. Enjolras nodded, and for a moment, the uncomfortable tension hung above them.
"I wonder how Marius and Cosette are doing? It's been awhile since we've communicated." Eponine surprised the now regretful and guilty Enjolras with her sudden change of tone.
"Well, they are happily married. I'm guessing..." Enjolras trailed off, but added, "I don't think I should answer this question. Who knows what you might feel?"
"Are you trying to prevent me from releasing my anger on you?" Eponine grinned.
"Oui. I don't want to be thrown off a moving train, you know." Enjolras said with mock defense.
The next few hours were spent in the room. Enjolras silently read his books aloud, while Eponine listened while caressing her doll. Then the two would play card games with Eponine's worn out card set.
"You need new cards. This one is half gone." Enjolras critically inspected the card in his hand, which was torn from one corner downwards to the other.
"Can't afford it though." Eponine answered, plainly, "Two queens!" She moved her eyebrows up and down, trying to intimidate Enjolras.
Enjolras snorted, and placed a pair on the floor, "Two jacks."
"I'm out of pairs." Eponine hid her face behind her fan of hidden hearts.
"Same." Enjolras whispered in a menacing tone.
Eponine lingered her hand above Enjolras' cards, and picked one out. Enjolras waited for a response, which ended up with a new pair of hearts on the pile.
"I have two left..." Eponine stuck out her tongue. Enjolras narrowed his eyes onto her cards, and crossed his eyes to feign deep concentration. Eponine laughed and waved her hand in front of him, "Too scared to pick?"
"No..." Enjolras settled for the right card, and rolled his eyes. Eponine's grin grew wider and somewhat devilish, as she picked out a card from Enjolras' grasp. The anticipation grew, Enjolras secretly hoping for her loss.
Suddenly, a pair of hearts slammed onto the floor. Enjolras smiled with defeat, and buried his face onto the floor as Eponine did her victory dance.
"What do I get in return, Mr Enjolras?" Eponine's words came out in broken portions, still bouncing to her victory music in her head. Enjolras stayed quiet, and stared at his goofy wife. Her hair was gracefully flipping from side to side, and her hips swaying to and fro, her skirts
"Hmmm...a new card set."
Eponine shrugged, and sat down, "What if you won and I lost? What would you want in return?"
"Nothing. But you still get your new card set."
Truthfully, Enjolras would not mind at all losing another match to Eponine. He would be able to watch his companion do her silly yet adorable dance. In fact, he would lose intentionally just to see her dance again.
*AUTHOR'S NOTE: HEY GUYS! :) HOPE YOU HAVE ENJOYED THE CHAPTERS SO FAR! JUST ASK YOU GUYS TO READ MY NEW STORY "ARCTIC WITHIN THE TROPIC" (IT'S INSPIRED BY CAPTAIN VON TRAPP IN SOUND OF MUSIC) AND COMMENT! :D THANKS!!!
