The Prisoner

Chapter 43

"Let's go outside?" Suggested Rose. Javert nodded and Rose reluctantly released him. As soon as Javert stepped outside of the bedroom, he was instantly hugged by his children.

"We love you Papa" said Lilith as she wrapped her arm around his waist.

"Don't leave us again" cried Pierre as he held onto Javert's leg.

"I won't" muttered Javert as he hugged his two youngest children. Hugo was still standing by the couch, not approaching Javert.

"Promise" he said.

"What?" Muttered Javert as he looked at Hugo.

"Promise that you won't leave again" said Hugo.

"I promise" says Javert. After Lilith and Pierre had released him, he and Hugo stared at each other for a while before Hugo threw himself into his father's arms.

"Please don't leave. I've been man of the house for the past two days, I can't do this. Never leave me, Papa" Hugo whispered, so only Javert would hear him. Javert chuckled softly and stepped away from his son.
From behind him, Rose put her hand at the bottom of his spine reassuringly and he smiled gratefully at her.

"What was wrong Papa?" Asked Lilith.

"I was not feeling well" he replied, only offering the half truth.

"Are you feeling better now?" Asked Hugo.

"Yes, I believe I am feeling better" said Javert while smiling at Rose. She rubbed his back affectionately and put her head on his chest.

"We don't need to see this" said Pierre while covering his eyes.

"They didn't even do anything" said Lilith while rolling her eyes.

"They touched each other" squealed Pierre.

"They're married, that's what they're supposed to do" Hugo says.

"Well they can do whatever they're supposed to do in private" said Pierre while putting his hands on his hips. Javert and Rose watched the scene with amusement, both stifling laughter. Hugo whispered something into Lilith's ear which made her burst out laughing.

"What did you tell her?" Asked Javert curiously.

"Nothing" they both replied quickly. Javert raised his eye brows but said no more. He planted a kiss on Rose's cheek before sitting down on the couch.

"Enough" screamed Pierre as he covered his eyes once more. Rose curled up next to him and he kissed her hair affectionately.

"Stop, before Pierre faints" they all started laughing, except for Pierre who glared at them.

"Come here" smiled Rose while waving her children over to her. Rose climbed on to Javert's lap, Pierre sat on Hugo, and Lilith sat between them both.

"We're glad that you're back, Papa" said Lilith.