VIOLET EYES | LES MISÉRABLES

chapter seven

"Do you wish to go for a stroll, Mademoiselle?" Jehan asked, his cheeks tinted with pink.

Sonnet chuckled, the sound music to Jehan's ears. "Oui. But only if you call me Sonnet."

Jehan grinned. "Then call me Jehan."

He stuck out his arm for her, and she looped her hands through it. It was something she did when she was out with Javert, but this time it felt different. A tingling feeling brushed her as she felt the warmth radiating off him.

"I'm so glad we've crossed paths again." Sonnet smiled up at Jehan as they began to walk. They seemed to move in perfect synchronicity.

"As am I, Sonnet. Forgive me, but I haven't been able to stop thinking about you." Jehan bashfully confessed.

Sonnet grinned to herself but remained silent. She didn't want to admit that she tried her hardest to forget.

They easily slid into a conversation as they walked. Sonnet spoke of her interest in art, and Jehan excitedly told her about his poetry. Images worked best when paired with words, after all.

"I have to go the Musain! Enjolras will kill me if I don't go." Jehan stopped, looking forlorn as he returned to reality. He was enjoying venturing through clouds with an ethereal beauty on his arm.

Sonnet frowned, not wishing to part. They had only spent a short time together, which had flown by.

"Wait, why don't you come with me?" Jehan perked, turning to Sonnet with a hopeful smile. "You already know Courfeyrac and Belle."

Sonnet didn't hesitate until after she nodded her head vigorously. "I should be getting home. I left my father rather abruptly, and I feel guilty about it."

"Then only stay for a little while." Jehan bent his knees slightly and grabbed Sonnet's hands. "Please, I cannot bear to be parted from you just yet."

Sonnet bit her lip, not familiar with the fluttering in her stomach. But she caved, breaking into a smile and squeezing Jehan's hands. "Only for a little while."

Jehan grinned, going to wrap his arms around her waist but pausing before he could do so. There was an awkward moment of close proximities and breaths mingling, but Sonnet coughed and quickly pulled back. Jehan scratched the back of his head, gesturing in the direction of the Musain.

"It's this way." He mumbled, disheartened by Sonnet's reaction. His eyes focused away from her as they walked, this time with an noticeable distance between them.

Sonnet kept her gaze on the ground, guilt pooling in her stomach. Twice in one day had she managed to be a disappointment.

They walked in an uncomfortable silence until the towering Musain stood before them, and Sonnet gulped. Only a few weeks prior she had been here, frightened out of her life.

Jehan noticed her change in demeanour and frowned, reaching out a tentative arm. "Are you alright?"

Sonnet forced a tight smile, nodding at Jehan. "I'm fine. It's just a little strange that I'm actually coming back here."

"Do not be afraid. We're an unusual bunch, but the good guys." Jehan tried to reassure her, watching a genuine smirk blossom. That made him smile, and the distance between them closed slightly.

Jehan walked in first, parading up the stairs to announce his presence. Sonnet watched from behind the railing as he was greeted with gusto and exaggeration.

After he had been attacked by both men and women, he furrowed his eyebrows and glanced down the stairs. Sonnet flushed as they made eye contact, stepping back down the stairs.