after the infirmary

[heartbeneathastone]

Marius is attempting to resist the overwhelming impulse to cling to Cosette's skirts like a little boy in this strange place. But he's not a little boy, Cosette has her father to think of-- and apparently, they are not the only people here that he knows.

So Marius is exploring. Though he hasn't gotten very far, because he makes his way down each corridor very slowly, as if afraid the ground will give way beneath his feet at any moment; rounds each corner with as much caution as if he expects some monstrosity to appear at every turn.

Comments

[heartbeneathastone]

After a long, silent moment of consideration, Marius nods.

"Yes," he says slowly. "I suppose you are right."

(When has he ever asked someone's advice on this kind of problem? When has he ever had the chance? It's startlingly-- helpful, to have a clear opinion from outside cut through the mire of his own thoughts.)

[le_centre]

'Of course I am! How could you doubt it?'

He laughs loudly, and the clasp on Marius's shoulder turns into a friendly push.

'If it doesn't work, then we may consider other options. There are always other options, even if you do not expect them.'

Unless you are on a barricade in Paris, perhaps. But that was a chosen option - and Marius survived, against all the odds. The rest ended up here! Life, and death, are strange and wonderful things.

[heartbeneathastone]

Marius is leaning firmly towards the strange side of that perspective, particularly today.

"You have always been so kind to me, in ways I cannot hope to repay."

[le_centre]

No one could blame him.

'There is no need to repay me, Marius. That is what friends are for.'

His life would be easier if he understood that. But never mind, there is all the time in the world to show him.

[heartbeneathastone]

Marius does not protest, though he looks politely unconvinced.

"I should go to her," he says at last. A slight hesitation, then he adds, "But you-- you will still-- be here?"

Whether he means here, in this room or here, present, alive is up for debate.

[le_centre]

'Indeed you should! Now is not the time to be leaving her for long.'

Courfeyrac is aware that ladies frown on such things.

'And yes. I will be here - this room, or with any of the others, or downstairs, or outside. You can find me here any time, and I hope you do.'

All completely genuine. Courfeyrac has missed Marius, odd young man as he is.

'And you will remember all I've said?'

[heartbeneathastone]

"I will."

Marius missed Courfeyrac, too, though at present he cannot shake the feeling that he has barged in and imposed himself, once again, on Courfeyrac's kindness.

"I will come, and I will remember."