A Franc or Two - Les Misérables [IN EDITING]

Gone - Chapter 44

You awoke to a harsh pounding on the door.

Thanks to accepting Enjolras's offer, you nearly fell off of the couch when the both of you jolted awake— you probably would have if he hadn't kept his arm tightly wrapped around you.

The atmosphere was dull. Though it wasn't totally dark out, the sun hadn't fully risen yet— so there was only a little strip of blue in the distance. It was still completely drowned out by the moonlight (or... the lack thereof).

"Who's there?" you asked. Though your eyes still felt heavy, you had completely woken up, looking back at Enjolras as he sat up a little.

"I have no idea," he muttered. From the window, you noticed the flickering of a delicate, orange light, and a long shadow cast by it.

"Enjolras, it's Courfeyrac," the person— whom you, of course, assumed was Courfeyrac (unless it was an imposter who happened to sound eerily similar)— called out. "It's important."

You and Enjolras exchanged a quick glance, and after a moment, the both of you got to your feet and headed to the door— and sure enough, you were greeted with the face of Courfeyrac.

Though he didn't appear injured, something about him told you he was in pain— after all, he was clutching his candle so tightly that his hand shook a little.

He didn't acknowledge either of you before pushing his way past, his eyes locked on the floor as he did so...

And though he would normally be shocked seeing you in Enjolras's clothing, he didn't take a second glance.

You looked to Enjolras. Perhaps you were waiting for his reaction, though his gaze didn't meet yours— he just made sure to lock the door before hurrying back to the couch, leaving you to follow behind him.

"Enjolras, I can't be a part of this revolution anymore," Courfeyrac said as he rested his candle on a table nearby. "I can't."

Enjolras, from what you could see, paled.

"What happened?" he asked. He took a seat on the couch again, leaving some room for you to sit. He stood up after a moment. "Do you need any water? You look like you're about to pass out."

"Yes please."

Enjolras was quick to get to his feet and hurry toward the kitchen, and (thankfully) he seemed to already have water.

You glanced to Courfeyrac.

His gaze wasn't at all focused on you, but rather, locked on the candle flickering a little ways away from hom— as if he was contemplating something important... Or was just very shaken.

You debated as to whether or not you should ask what was wrong, though you decided against it... Or, at the very least, until Enjolras came back.

He placed a cup in Courfeyrac's hands before taking his seat next to you, wrapping an arm around your shoulders to release some of his own tension.

Courfeyrac clenched his water so tightly his hands continued to shake.

"What's happened, Courfeyrac?" Enjolras asked with furrowed eyebrows. "This... I have to admit, is a little out of character."

"I..." Courfeyrac began, though slowly pressing the glass of water to his lips to buy himself some time. He didn't even take a second to glance at you, or remotely acknowledge the jealousy he would (under any other circumstances) feel seeing you and Enjolras. He stared vacantly in front of him. "Jehan."

The name was muttered so softly that you could hardly hear.

"Jehan?"

Enjolras's arm tightened around you.