Disclaimer: I don't own the novel, musical, or any other related incarnation of Les Miserables.

Summary: One fateful night Thénardier and Pontmercy meet once more, and on that same night Thénardier devises a plan to set his daughter Eponine with Pontmercy's son Marius.

This story does involve romance between the characters Marius Pontmercy and Eponine Thénardier. I am aware that Eponine based fanfiction are shunned quite often in the fanfiction community especially if she is paired with Marius. I'm not sure exactly why this is perhaps because of the cliché Cosette bashing fanfiction floating around. However, I can promise you that I did put a lot of effort and research into this fanfiction.

Which brings me to another point: for all I care you may despise Eponine as well as Marius and Eponine as a pair if it pleases you. Please, all I ask is that you do not judge the entire story on your personal taste. This does not mean that I do not take constructive criticism from others in the community. It only means that I wish that you give me a mature explanation on why you dislike how I write. Besides if one does not like the subject another writes than why would one venture to read the fanfiction to begin with? Sound fair?

Thank you.

Introduction

The month was November when the nights grew cold and dark. On this night a man had decided to go out for a stroll despite the chilling air that nipped painfully at his flesh. The man had a lot on his mind lately. For starters his financial struggles were beyond his control, and soon his family would be without a place to live. This man was called Thénardier, and truth be told he was not an honest or caring man at all. If it were necessary, he would go as far as to harm his own family for the sake of satisfying his own wealth.

Despite this deep down he did hold some sort of affection for his daughters especially the eldest Eponine, but even so he was more concerned with himself than her. It is a pity that one could lose their way so easily to their own greed. Thénardier was most definitely one of these types, but there was more to the man than just that. He was also a very clever individual.

Chilling air rushed by, causing Thénardier to shiver slightly. He cast his eyes across the street looking for nothing in particular, but even so his eyes found themselves on a strangely familiar man. This man held a distant expression on his chapped lips as he raised his hands to collect tiny snowflakes in his palms.

He tried to shake off the feeling, and even tried to force himself not to cast another glance towards this man. However, Thénardier could not peal his eyes away from the compelling man, and instantly an uncomfortable feeling washed through him. For a small fragment of time Thénardier wasn't sure what exactly he was feeling, but before he could question his actions the man turned to Thénardier with a smile.

"Is there something you want of me Monsieur?" He asked simply.

"No, nothing at all." Thénardier responded, "You appeared familiar that is all."

The man replied, "Ah! That is quite a coincidence, is it not? How odd that I had thought I recognized you as well."

Thénardier forced a smile before continuing their conversation. "May I ask what you are doing alone on a night like this? Do you not have children to raise?"

His features twisted at the statement, "Truth be told I do have a son, but he does not know the slightest bit about me."

"Truly parenting is a pain if you ask me." Thénardier replied, "I have two daughters and a son myself, and am also struggling to put food on the table for their sake."

A brief silence passed between the two men until Thénardier spoke once more, "By the bye if you need a place to stay I own an inn here in Montfermeil. If you happen to stop by ask for the name Thénardier."

"Thénardier?" He responded, "My lord you couldn't possibly be!"

"But I am he." Thénardier reassured.

"Monsieur Thénardier, do you not recognize me?" The man's eyes now glittered with excitement as he spoke with sheer joy.

"Not at all." Thénardier replied.

"Oh, but I have searched high and low for you." He continued with delight clear in his tone, "I am called Georges Pontmercy, and if I am not mistaken you are the generous gentleman who saved my life at Waterloo. By all means Thénardier ask anything you like for I am forever in debt to you."

Just by looking at Pontmercy's garments Thénardier could see that he was not a wealthy man. Perhaps it was best to take what he could from the man, or maybe just leave the man before they could exchange anymore words. Then just like that a thought struck Thénardier: perhaps he could at least have a grandchild from Pontmercy's son.

"Oh, but I do not want money." Thénardier lips curled as he lied. "You see my eldest daughter is my treasure, and all I want is for her to be happy. If only she were able to meet your son. I am sure he is a fine young lad."

"What are you implying?" Pontmercy cut strait to the point.

Thénardier choose his words carefully, "How wonderful it would be if my eldest daughter were able to meet your son."

"I wish it weren't so, but I am not even allowed to speak with my son." Pontmercy replied.

"But he is your son." Thénardier manipulated, "It would be a shame if you weren't able to at least see him once in your lifetime."

"I do not mean to disappoint," Pontmercy continued, "But if I even dare to take back my son my father-in-law will remove him from his heir."

Those final words instantly shot bursts of excitement and greed through Thénardier's veins. This was no longer a matter of ridding himself of a nuisance, or even having a grandchild to call his own. Now it was about living off the scraps that he would receive if Eponine were engaged to Pontmercy's son. Oh what money she would bring him if she were married to such a wealthy young man.

"Ah, but do not fret I have an idea yet." Thénardier spoke without hesitation, "Perchance I could devise a plan to convince the man to allow his son to visit with my daughter."

"If only it were that simple." Pontmercy replied with sorrow, "You and I both fought by Napoleon's side, and the man I speak of is a stubborn royalist. The single reason for taking my son is simply out of hatred for my allegiance to the former emperor."

"That really is a shame now isn't it." Thénardier continued, "But I have another idea. If I were to pose as a wealthy royalist then I may convince the man to allow your son to meet with my daughter. That way you will be able to set eyes on the young lad."

"Oh, god above you truly are a saint!" Pontmercy exclaimed.

Thénardier resisted the urge to chuckle at Pontmercy's gullibility. "We should meet again and discuss this more."

"Indeed," Pontmercy agreed.

The two exchanged a small amount of information before saying their goodbyes, and with that they both parted ways each with a smile of his own.