Those Who Fall in Love. |Enjolras|

14. Caught Red Handed

Paris, France
April, 1831

Lorraine froze in her spot, nearly dropping the glass in her hand. How could he be here? Why now? Of all the people to walk in those doors, why him? She hadn't told her brother about Enjolras, and she feared his reaction if he found out. He was her older brother, he was the man of the house after their father passed. He thought of himself as his little sister's protector, her guardian angel, the father figure in her life. If he was to find out about Enjolras' visits, he would drag her back with him to Reims. She grimaced,m as she imagined his face when he found out his little sister was spending time with a man.

She shook herself from the daze she was in, and made her way back to Marceau's table. "Here," she passed the drink to her brother, "I'll be right back." Before Marceau could protest, she slipped back into the crowd.

"Fine then." He mumbled, taking a few sips from his drink.

She maneuvered her way over to the blond man who was still by the entrance. He looked around, slightly bewildered. His eyes were wide, and his mouth was slightly agape. His curly hair flopped from side to side as he turned his head. Lorraine wished she could pause that moment forever, but time would not allow it. Eventually, he made eye contact with her, and smiled widely. He began to walk over, and she met him halfway.

"Hello." he greeted happily.

"Hi." She said hurriedly, looking around nervously.

"I have a question to ask you... I apologize for the short notice." He smiled. "I was wondering if you would like to spend the afternoon with me? Chaperoned of course."

Enjolras stared down at Lorraine, hope shining in his eyes. His was wringing his hands, and nervously shifting his weight from foot to foot. Enjolras and Lorraine had spent quiet moments alone in the cafe, in between shifts, or the occasional meeting at the market. Lorraine yearned for a chance for them to talk more, but something about tonight felt off. Lorraine felt that awful feeling in her stomach when she felt like something was going to go wrong.

She stumbled over her words for a bit before finally answering. "I- I don't think tonight will be good time." She looked over at her brother, happy that he was sipping at his glass, not looking at her. As she looked at her brother, the feeling of dread returned.

He looked saddened by her answer, and the look on his face hurt Lorraine to her core. She whispered, "I would love to, trust me. There's nothing more I'd rather do today..."

Enjolras looked confused. "Than what's wrong?"

"My brother... my older brother, is visiting from Reims. The one I told you about. If he saw you and I... I fear he'd drag me back with him. He's quite protective." She explained hurriedly.

"Oh." Was all Enjolras could muster up. "I see."

Lorraine frowned as his face became hard and expressionless.

A loud cheer came from Grantaire who was splayed out on a table behind them. "Courfeyrac!" He yelled.

Lorraine and Enjolras turned around to see the tall man walk in the cafe. In true Courefeyrac fashion, he wore a giant smile on his face, Gavroche trailing behind him.

"Lorraine! Enjolras!" He greeted, pulling both of them into a tight hug.

"Courf. How are you?" Lorraine asked, her voice muffled by his shirt. Enjolras slipped out from his friend's arms, and brushed the wrinkles out of his vest.