I'll Cover You

Chapter 24

The waves of summer heat were soon sealed up by drafts of cool air. The leaves had soon shifted from shades of emerald to a vast boqeut of gold and ruby, and had soon begun to waltz their way down upon the ground. Autumn had arrived upon France faster than anyone had expected, and it was hard to grasp the concept that it had been three months since the events of the barricades had left a solemn mood upon the land. Since such tragic events, those not associated had continued to go on with their lives. Those affected as well, though still having the waning feeling of mourning upon, had to bring themselves to carry on like those who had died would have wished for them too.

As the time went on, Marius's grieving had begun to lessen, and with some help from Cosette he was feeling slightly happier. Of course, he still felt a sum of guilt and remorse. However, he soon realized that those feelings would remain, and that his friends would wish for him to continue on for them, and that was exactly what he had done. He returned to school in order to finish studying to be a lawyer, and spent the times when he wasn't studying to be with Cosette.

If Marius and Cosette had not been extremely close before, they certainly were now. Every hour they could spend with one another was spent, and the minutes that ticked away when they were separated was spent with thinking about each other. Their love for one another had grown large enough where it had become a blanket that could comfort them from the pains of the world around them. At this point, they had gained enough knowledge about each other that if they had been asked to they could write a series of novels about the simplest of things. Nothing seemed to break their bond, and day by day the magnetic pull that brought them together grew stronger and stronger. Cosette had begun to stay at Marius's home more and more often until it had become that she was only visiting her home once in a full moon.

Marius was delighted at this, for it meant that she might be willing to answer his question positively. Since his recovery, Marius had been walking around with a tiny velvet box hidden within his pocket. Enclosed in this box, a bright diamond ring that was just screaming to be brought to the light, and be placed upon the finger of a specific young woman.

He had wanted to propose to Cosette for the longest time, but he could simply never bring himself to do it. Every time he would come close to asking her, he would look deep into her deep blue eyes, and suddenly freeze. He would then go on toss and turn at night, kicking himself for not doing it. Everything else he said to her came so easily. How could he not get these words out? He wanted to have her as his bride more than anything in the world. He just needed the perfect moment. Marius prayed that soon that perfect moment would come, and sure enough it did.

Cosette and Marius had spent the entire day out together, simply walking through the Luxembourg Gardens, and enjoying one another's company. Marius had attempted to pop the question several times throughout the entire day, but he would continue to freeze each time and then brush off his question. Cosette was confused as to why he would continue to do this, but she decided not to question it. Whatever he was trying to get out, he would eventually. On the way home, she tugged gently on his arm. She asked him enthusiastically, "Hey, there's something I really want to show you. Would you like to come see it?"

Marius smiled at her enthusiasm, "I would love to." He intertwined his fingers with hers happily as he let her lead him towards their surprise destination. Along the way, Marius marveled at how Cosette's hand fit perfectly in his. That was not all he gawked at though. He was astounded at how lucky he was to have met someone so amazing. He couldn't believe how far they had come. They had jumped over so many obstacles, and climbed over so many walls. Each fighting their battles with the other right by their side. His heart continued to swell more and more each day with love, and he wanted this feeling to continue for the rest of his life.

Soon enough, they has reached the cliffs that Cosette had showed him those many months ago. Marius chuckled, "You've already showed me the cliffs, my love."

"I know that," Cosette giggled, "but I haven't shown you the best part." Wit that, she let go of Marius's hand, and ran towards a large oak tree that inhabited the near end of the cliff. She picked up the skirt of her dress so that she could climb the tree. Soon, she was upon one of the branches of the tree. From the branch below, she yelled down excitedly.

"You realize that you are asking a man who has recently recovered from numerous injuries to climb a tree, correct?"

Cosette popped her head out from under the leaves, "Aw, is little Marius afraid of a little tree?" Marius rolled his eyes, and began to climb up the tree. It was not long until he was as well sitting on top of the large branch.

Marius rocked the tiniest bit on the branch to check it's sturdiness. The tree was nice, and certainly colorful from the autumn colors. However, he remained puzzled as to why Cosette was showing her this. He let out a soft sigh, "This is nice."

"You haven't seen the best part," Cosette giggled. She moved the smaller branches surrounding, revealing the beautiful Parisian evening. The sky was painted beautiful shades of peach and red, as the sun began to descend out of sight. The heavy wind blew dozens of leaves around them before falling gently to the ground. Marius could not believe his eyes. It was all so beautiful. He tore his eyes away for a moment to look back at Cosette. He laughed softly, and pulled a stray leaf out of her hair. He still could not believe how beautiful she was, even with her blonde in disarray from the wind. He wrapped an arm around her tightly in order to keep her warm from the autumn air.

He smiled widely, "This is wonderful."

She laid her head against his shoulder, unable to believe her luck. It wasn't that long ago that she was a depressed and fumbling drunk. If it hadn't been for Marius, she would have continued to drink her life away, but he took her in. He showed her love and compassion when she felt that there was no longer anyone to provide it. She would never be able to repay him for that. She gave him a peck on the lips, "I love you so much."

Marius smirked, "I love you more."

"Oh really?"

"Yes," he respond while pulling her closer, "I love you more than the stars in the sky."

Cosette blushed softly, "I love you more than the waves love to kiss the sand."

Marius cupped Cosette's face in his hand, "I love you, and your deep blue eyes."

Cosette placed her hands over his, "I love your charming words, and your kind heart."

"I love your passionate nature," his face moved closer, "and how quick you are to help others."

"I love how understanding you are. But most of all, I love you for just being you. The handsome, charming, and compassionate man that has helped me to become who I am today... And I will never be able to pay you back for that."

Their lips then crashed together, forming the most passionate kiss they had yet to share. Marius's hands became entangled in Cosette's golden hair, as she moved closer to him. Their lips moved together in a enticing waltz. The kiss produced enough heat for the scenery around them to melt quickly, acting as wax from a candle. It was a new and exciting feeling that neither of them had yet to experience, yet they had enjoyed it none the less.

Needing to regain her breath, Cosette pulled away quickly. Her speed in pulling had caused her to lose her balance. She began to tumble backwards a bit until she could feel Marius's strong arm behind her back. He pulled her back up, and placed her gently in his lap. He pushed a strand of her hair out of her face, and gave her a small smile. "Are you alright sweetheart?"

Cosette nodded, "I'm alright. Thank you." She giggled, "You always seem to be there for me."

"I am, and I always will be." Marius smiled. This was it. The perfect moment. He couldn't choke now. This was the moment he was waiting for. He had to act now.

"Always?"

Quickly, Marius revealed the box to a now wide-eyed Cosette. He smiled widely, "Always."