after the party

[heartbeneathastone]

It's quite late by the time the Twelfth Night party finally, fully ends-- and the exhaustion of hosting (much as Marius left that burden to rest on Cosette's shoulders) makes it feel even later as they at last step out of the darkened tent to head back to their room, and to bed.

Marius waits just outside the tent, peering in to make sure Cosette is really following, arm already lifted to offer to her as soon as she appears.

Comments

[heartbeneathastone]

He's looking a touch abashed too as he pulls away. And, being Marius Pontmercy, quite genuinely means nothing untoward as he says, "It is very late. We should retire."

[lark_in_flight]

"Yes."

She tucks her hand into his elbow, and herself against his side.

"What a wonderful evening it's been!"

It's a dreamy, distant murmur -- and, to her own surprise, she yawns right afterward.