Running

7

Running Seven

A few days later, Eponine was working at the front desk of the library when she looked up to see Grantaire walking her way. Irritation bubbled inside of her.

"What do you want?" she whispered when he finally reached the counter.

Grantaire raised his hands, "I just want to talk."

"We talked."

He huffed and leaned closer to her, "Look, I still feel bad about the other day, and I just want to clear things up with you."

Should she listen to him? She pursed her lips and looked up at him.

"I'm working right now. And shouldn't you be too?"

"I don't have a class this hour. Please," he begged.

"Fine. My place tonight," she finally agreed.

Grantaire smiled, "Thank you."

Eponine held her breath as he walked away, trying to return her focus to her work.

----

That night, she heard Grantaire knock on her door, and she steeled herself for whatever conversation he was coming for. His charming smile made an appearance when she slung open the door.

"Come in, Grant," she said, trying to keep her voice pleasant.

Eponine led him into the quaint living area where they took their seats.

"Well, what is it you wanted to clear up," Eponine asked.

"First of all, I wanted to apologize for offending you," he began.

Then he edged forward in his seat, "Azelma, what is your real name?"

Eponine was floored. How did he know? She was terrified.

"What?" She was outraged.

Grantaire held up his hands, "I promise you can trust me. I just want to know who you really are."

"How dare you! I barely even know you!" she screamed.

"I know that, and I want to know you better, but I can't if I don't know who you really are," he explained.

"I...I can't," she shuttered.

Eponine had kept her resolve for so long, but now it was slowly slipping away. She paced the room, her fists clenched at her sides, but Grantaire kept calm, watching her. After a moment, she froze and pressed the heels of her hands into her eyes. She heard Grantaire's footsteps, and she was hoping he would just leave. When Eponine felt his hands on her shoulders, she tensed.

"I don't know what you're hiding from, but I promise that you're safe here," he said quietly.

She couldn't just believe whatever he said, but she wanted to. She needed to. That's all she wanted was safety. She wanted a safe haven. She dropped her hands and looked up to him slowly.

"Eponine," she rasped, "My name is Eponine."

Grantaire's lips into a smile, "It's nice to meet you, Eponine."

"How did you know?"

"I told you I'm good at reading people," he smirked.

"You're not that good. You couldn't have guessed that wasn't my name."

Grantaire shrugged, "I have friends. They're all professors, but they have connections, especially my friend who's a law professor. I told them my suspicions, and he did a search for an Azelma Thenardier. When she came up as deceased, I wasn't convinced, but I went to the cemetery and saw the grave for myself. I figured that Azelma Thenardier was a pretty rare name, so it wouldn't be a freak coincidence that you two had the same name. So, Eponine, what's your last name?"

Eponine bit her lip. Should she be mad that he'd had his friends look into her? If she should be, she wasn't. It felt like someone actually cared about her for the first time in forever. There was no harm in telling him her last name, now that she'd already divulged her first name. She would still leave Marius out of the equation, at least for now.

"I didn't lie about that part. It's Thenardier.  Azelma was my sister."

Grantaire's eyes widened, "Oh, I'm so sorry, Eponine."

She shook her head, "It's fine. It's been years."

"I don't suppose you'll tell me what you're hiding from?" he asked.

Eponine could hear the trepidation in his voice.

"I'm sorry, but I can't talk about it. Not right now."

She knew if she started talking about her past now, the little bit of resolve she had left would quickly be gone.

"I understand. I should let you get some rest. Thank you, Eponine. You know where I am if you need anything. I'll see you soon?"

"Soon," she smiled.

Before she even realized what he was doing, he had pressed a kiss to her forehead. She stood frozen in place as he let himself out.

----

Over the next two weeks, Eponine found herself being with Grantaire a lot. She wondered if she was falling for him. She reminded herself that she was still married, but at the same time, her husband was as good as dead to her. Grantaire was genuinely sweet, not just to her but to others as well. He was funny and always seemed to make her smile, even when she'd gotten little sleep due to nightmares. Eponine was beginning to like Grantaire.

On Friday evening, Grantaire showed up at the library right before closing. Eponine smiled brightly when she saw him. It had been a long day, but being able to see him made it a little better.

"Good evening, Eponine," he smirked.

"Grant," she smiled.

He rested his elbows on the counter and took one of her hands. My friends and I were planning to meet for dinner tonight, and I wanted to know if you'd like to join us?"

The friends he had used to look into her? Was she sure she wanted to meet them? But, if they already knew about her, what harm could it do?

"I'd love to," she replied.

"Perfect. I'll wait outside until you close up here."

Eponine finished her work duties and left lock up to one of her co-workers, eager to be with Grantaire. She found him waiting beside his car in the parking lot. Eponine walked everywhere she went, not having the money to buy a car, so whenever she went out with Grantaire it was a welcome change.

"Shall we?" he asked as he opened her door for her.

Soon, the engine was started, and they were on their way.

"Where are we going?"

"A little cafe close to the college. It's our favorite, and the owners know us there. You'll love the guys, Ep."

She looked over at him, "Ep?"

Grantaire shrugged, "I thought you needed a nickname. Calling you Eponine all the time just sounds so formal."

"I like it," she grinned.