A Franc or Two - Les Misérables [IN EDITING]

Change - Chapter 38

For just a split second, when Enjolras had looked away from you without a second glance, you thought you got away with it...

You really did...

But as soon as the meeting was over, before you could do so much as get up from your seat, you felt two hands pressing against your shoulders and a face just inches away from your ear.

"I need to speak with you."

It didn't take a lot of guessing to know who it was.

Courfeyrac, who was still sitting in front of you, went completely white.

Not only that, but it seemed as if everyone in the room- whether already exiting or grabbing their things- couldn't help but watch. It was as if they hadn't realized that Enjolras wouldn't continue with everyone there... However, slowly but surely, they began to shuffle out. Many of them shot you an apologetic look as they did so.

As the room began to clear out, you slowly got to your feet, and your heart was beating so fast that it felt as if it was rattling in your chest. Who knew that being nervous could be so physically painful?

When it was the two of you in the room, you noticed that Enjolras was clutching the back of a chair, his head down as he tried to process everything.

"[Y/N]... What are you doing?" Enjolras whispered. He straightened up and massaged the bridge of his nose. "You know I can recognize you- hell, I kissed you for God's sake."

"I want to attend the meetings," you said softly. "Your cause is probable."

"Yes, but- considering the fact that you're dressed as a man, it seems like you know that I can't have you here."

"Why not?" you asked, taking off the cap on your head and placing it on the table. It felt a little strange having it off after so long.

"You just- you can't, alright?"

"Well, it's not like you don't know me," you said, looking behind "I wouldn't say a word about anything."

"That's not it!" he replied. His tone told you he was ready to raise his voice, but something seemed to stop him- but the intensity didn't at all decrease.

"Then what is it?"

Enjolras's jaw clenched. The fact that he didn't say anything, for some reason, absolutely enraged you.

"Monsieur, what is wrong with you?" you asked, standing up as you leaned onto the table. "One moment, you're the nicest man in the world, and the next- you won't even let me stay in the same room as you!"

Enjolras cocked an eyebrow.

"Don't raise your voice," he said. "Everyone can hear it if you yell."

"Well, you had the guts to humiliate me in front of the only people in the world who cared about me, so why should it matter?" you asked (though, thanks to what Enjolras had said, you lowered your voice anyway).

Enjolras didn't acknowledge your question.

"You know you shouldn't be attending these meetings," he said. "You would be the only woman there."

"So?" you asked. "Why would that matter? Shouldn't someone who wants to help with the revolution be allowed to listen?"

"We don't know who could be listening in," he said, his jaw clenched. "We want to take the proper precautions- women and children included."

"Well, Gavroche is allowed to be here," you scoffed, crossing your arms. "You trusted him enough with the information, and we both know he's definitely not a stupid boy. He wouldn't have snuck me in here if he didn't have a reason to... so tell me. What makes you think I'm a spy?"