Notes:I saw the trailer for the new movie, and I have to admit that I couldn't resist writing a new chapter. After I complete this, I plan to rewrite it to add more detail and fix some of the characterization problems (perhaps I'll just rewrite as a Musical!Verse fic with themes from the book). I apologize for taking so long to update. I'm figure that I'll probably write four more chapters at the most for this fic. I hope I can finish it before the new movie.

Chapter 8

The following day, Eponine decided that she would step outside of her room. Marius was quite shocked as he watched her come down from her room. She was pleasantly dressed in a black dress, and she actually seemed to put some effort into her appearance. She walked down to the table and took a seat next to him.

"Toussaint," Marius ordered, "Please prepare a plate for Eponine."

"Of course," Toussaint replied.

Then, she walked over to the kitchen, and after a few moments, she returned with a plate of food. She sat the plate before Eponine. They all sat in silence as they ate their breakfast. Eponine stole a quick glance at Etienne, and then, made an attempt to speak with the child.

"How is your food, Etienne?" she said, a soft quiver in her tone.

"It taste fine," he murmured, roughly poking his fork into his eggs.

Eponine took a bite of her food. "This tastes quite good, Toussaint. How ever did you learn to cook like this?"

"Quite a bit of practice actually," Toussaint replied. "I am glad you like it."

"You should teach me some day," Eponine replied. "Then, I will know how to cook once I have a family of my own."

Marius gave her a quick glance, and she gave him a soft smile before saying, "You are have been very lovely, but I know one day I will have to move on from here."

"There is no need to hurry yourself," Marius replied.

A small void began to fill his stomach. It was quite strange actually, but he found himself growing more fond of her company. He forced a smile on his face.

"But, if that is what you see is best for you," he continued, "you may leave when you please."

"Where do you wish to go?" Etienne said.

Marius's eyes darted over to Etienne. He was taken aback by his son's sudden attempt at hospitality. His eyes glanced over towards Eponine whom looked equally stunned by Etienne's question.

"I would actually like to go to America," Eponine replied. "I am not sure where I will get the money, but I believe it would be refreshing to live so far away from here."

"Where will you go in America?" Etienne asked. "I have seen it on my father's map, and it is so huge!"

"Well, it is quite big, but I think I will go to New York," Eponine replied. "If I do not like it, I will find a place I like."

"It will cost a bit of money," Marius stated.

"I suppose I could go to England instead if I cannot afford it," Eponine replied.

"Or you could just live with us," Marius said without even thinking.

He wasn't sure if he regretted saying it. Eponine gave Marius a quick look, and then, she fluttered her eyes down towards her lap. She smiled slightly.

"I need to find my place in this world," Eponine said.

She placed her silverware on top of her plate, and rose from the table after whispering a quick thank you to Toussaint. She went back up the staircase, and the whole table fell silent.

"I guess I wouldn't mind if she stayed," Etienne finally admitted. "She doesn't seem so awful after all."

Marius just got up from the chair and followed Eponine up the stairs. He stood in front of her door and debated whether to knock. He let out a deep breath and paused. His thoughts were racing around his head. Marius could not fathom why the idea of Eponine leaving bothered him so much. Finally, he drew in one more deep breath and knocked on the door.

Eponine opened the door. "Marius?"

"Eponine," he said. "I am not sure why I came up here actually."

He stepped inside and glanced into her eyes. Then, he averted his gaze towards the window. It was quite lovely outside. "It is a rather beautiful day, wouldn't you agree?"

"Yes," Eponine replied.

"You wouldn't mind taking a walk with me?" he asked.

Her brow furrowed. "A walk?"

"Yes, just for a bit," he said.

Marius was confusing himself actually, and he couldn't fathom what brought on his behavior. He studied her for a moment, and could see that she was just as confused as he was.

"I suppose it wouldn't hurt," she finally said.

They walked down the stairs. Marius walked towards the front door and turned over his shoulder to look at Eponine. She just gave him a strange look.

"Are we going to town?" she asked.

"No, we won't be going too far from here," he replied. "I just thought you would like some fresh air."

Truth be told, he had no idea what he thought at the moment. His entire mood was completely surreal. It was almost as if he wasn't even himself anymore.

Marius lead Eponine through the yard. He grabbed a small key from his pocket and unlocked the gate. Once both of them stepped through, he locked the gate behind them. He gave her an encouraging smile, and then, continued to walk in silence.

After a few paces, Marius finally broke the silence. "So, you plan to leave do you?"

"Not right this moment, but eventually I will have to," she paused. "Marius, what is this even about? You are behaving strangely."

"Strangely?" he asked with a nervous laugh.

"Yes, it is almost as if you are do not wish me to leave," she replied, and then, stopped completely. "Is this what this is about?"

"No," he said almost defensively,. Then, in a softer tone he admitted in a slightly embarrassed tone, "Yes, I suppose it is."

"Marius," she said apprehensively. "Do not play with my emotions. The first time –"

And, before she could say another word, his lips were on her's. Then, just as quickly he pulled away. "I don't understand any of this."

She just looked at him, completely stunned. He could see her eyes water up, and she whispered, "I always wondered what it might feel like even after all of these years."

"We could try this," he said. "It might work for us."

"I have been alone for so long," she said.

"I know," he said. "I have as well."

She drew him into a tight embrace and kissed him on the cheek. Then, she took a step back and looked directly into his eyes.

"We could try," a small smile forming on her lips. "It certainly would be a lot more cheaper than running away."

He took her hand in his. "Etienne seems to be warming up to you."

She laughed a little bit. "Yes, he has, hasn't he?"

They walked hand in hand, and for the first time, he felt the emotional gash in his heart start to close just a bit.

To Be Continued

Notes: So, I really want to finish this just for the sake of finishing it at the very least. I probably won't participate in any other fandom activities since I'm more into the Avengers and Legend of Korra fandom. As I said, I'm almost finished with this, and maybe I'll revise it later? Thank you for reading. Even if I die off again without finishing it, you guys have truly been kind. Thank you.