The Things We Do For Love (Tag: Cosette)

[MYLÈNE LACOQUINE]

The hubbub around the barricade that was still under construction was overwhelming. There were people everywhere, running to and fro, trying to lend a hand or rally more people, shouting at the surrounding windows for aid and for a little more patriotism. Mylène’s eyes flickered here and there, but she hardly could catch more than a glimpse of her friends every once in a while. She herself had nothing to do for now,and she still was waiting for the jugglers to arrive like they had promised it. As she was so petite, she was not feeling comfortable in the crowd, as she yearned for a good overview of the situation. If the National Guard had already formed and was marching on the revolutionaries before they had fully assorted themselves, they would not be able to hear it in all this chaos, let alone see it! They would need lookouts on some higher places, but best somewhere that wasn’t as exposed as the top of the barricade. She wasn’t suicidal after all, even though she loved taking risks.

The answer came quickly to her though and she made all the necessary preparations for it.Right around the Rue de la Chanverrerie were a few high houses, like that of the Corinth wineshope which provided a splendid view over the streets and the whole neighbourhood, the higher you went up. And for Myléne, there was nothing easier than climing a house façade, whether by front or side. Tossing her long hair out of the way, she gripped for the highest protruding beam she could reach and hauled herself up, searching for footholds the same instant. She was now only two metres off ground level, but already the vista was so much better! She could see a little bit further into the street and she could see both sides of the barricade. Her eyes followed Courfeyrac for a moment, busy giving instructions with a calm demeanour she found absolutely surprising and applaudable. Only little things, like the way his eyes would dart around and the way he worked his hands, would betray a little nervosity. Right next to him was Enjolras, seemingly right in his element.

All around them were many unfamiliar faces, and that alone was a reason for excitement in Mylène’s eyes. Every man that had followed their call to arms would be two hands and eyes more contributed to the revolution.They would not end up alone, this had actually worked! Slowly she climbed up another half a meter, now being able to see into a corner. The noise was still overwhelming, shouts and screams and gunshots in the distance, and yet already it felt a little detached. Or rather, Mylène felt detached from it. This was an effect she had loved when dancing the tightrope. Raise yourself only a few yards above the mud,and you realize the beauty of the world…and that nothing really matters so much as you think it does. But suddenly she started, her hands tightening around wood as she craned her neck and strained her eyes. Was that…? Feeling a suddenly pang of a annoyance in her guts, Mylène gave a muffled groan. Oh please… don’t…! Right there, scurrying towards the barricade, looking in search for someone as it seemed, was none other than darling Cosette. This was no place for a girl like her! And even more, the moment Marius would set eyes on her, all his strife for the barricade would be forgotten! This just could not be!

Anxiously she glanced around, but it seemed like none of the lads had yet laid eyes on her.Good. There was still time then! Quick to decide as she always was, Mylène simply let herself drop the comparably short distance and pushed through the crowd towards Cosette. Once reaching the girl, she grabbed her arm and pulled her aside, hissing: “Whatye think yer doin’ Cosette?! If Marius sees ye here, he’ll go crazy! This is no place fer ye!”

[Deleted]

Although Jean Valjean liked to keep a close eye on Cosette, she had been allowed to leave their home on certain occasions, as long as her intentions were reasonable. In the past, something like visiting church for a daily prayer was a completely valid reason for her to step out of the house on her own. Recently, with all the chaos in downtown Paris, even pruning the rose bushes on the far side of the garden was a lucky occurrence. Unless he had accompanied her—which hardly happened nowadays—she was basically jailed in their home. Her only escape was at night, while Papa slept, when she could tiptoe down to her garden and be in the warm company of lush flowers and trees—the closest she’s gotten to an interaction with a living being in some time now. She knew Valjean was just trying to keep her safe, and honestly staying at home was probably her safest bet.

Cosette seemed to be in a trance that morning, her eyes not meeting any real point of focus while she went about her daily routine. Her mind was clouded with worries. All she could think of were the tragedies that had struck everyone she had come to know and respect the past few years. She thought of where they could be, how they were doing, or if they were even still alive. Most of all, she was concerned for her dear Marius. She had not seen him since the night she and Papa had moved. She began to worry that something might have happened to her beloved. But that would have been impossible, right? Word would have reached her by then. One of the young gentlemen from les amis would have come to her, surely. Still, she had not received a note or a late night beckoning from Marius for who knows how long. And if there were any news to deliver, it would undoubtedly be of his death.

The thought of losing her darling to death… Seeing him only as a cold faced corpse in a wooden box... Ah! The thought horrified poor Cosette. As soon as her father informed her of a “quick errand” she could join him in, she sprang to her feet, pulled on a black bonnet, and sneaked into town alongside her father. On those trips, he usually ended up leaving her in church to pray. She was expected to wait there until he returned for her (to ensure her safety). Which practically meant she had a good hour. That day, she decided that she had to travel to the barricades to see if everyone—if Marius—was alright. For a few long moments, she gripped her rosary, eyes furrowed in despair as she knelt on a center church pew. Her heart was conflicted. She did not wish to disobey Papa; she loved him dearly and wanted nothing more than to bring him joy, especially at such troubled times. But there was no other way. She was not able to—she absolutely could not tell him of him relationship with Marius. If informed of the secret meetings, the notes, the plans… It was much too soon and did not feel right. And Papa would have been terribly saddened disappointed—heartbroken, in fact.

With all the courage she could muster, Cosette dashed out of the church’s side door, scurrying through town passed the familiar and unfamiliar faces, heading straight for the barricades. She didn’t consider that someone might recognize her until a firm hand grasped her arm as she ran, pulling her back a few steps. She turned and faced the stranger whom she found to be Mylène. “Whatye think yer doin’ Cosette?! If Marius sees ye here, he’ll go crazy! This is no place fer ye!”[/i]

Cosette was unable to respond quickly, shocked at the fact that someone was able to spot her—but, really, a hood can only hide one’s identity for some time, and with Cosette’s “stealth”, that time is surely shortened. She squirmed in Mylène’s grip, unable to free herself. “I-I just,” [/b]she began. “I must see Marius! I must see that he is well!”[/size]

[MYLÈNE LACOQUINE]

She still couldn’t wrap her head around so much foolishness. What was it with this girl and her infatuation with Marius?! Any moment hell could break loose around here, any moment the National Guard could decide to nip this uprising in the bud and march upon them with full force before the barricade was even fully erected! To be here as a girl of Cosette’s background and standing was downright madness! As far as Mylène knew she had never been involved in even so much as a brawl, she wouldn’t know how to look out for herself when things came thick and fast! And there was also Marius himself to consider now. Oh dear…! She really didn’t want to witness his reaction should he see Cosette himself! Didn’t she see the obvious??? Mylène didn’t particularly like to be brutally honest, if she wanted to get a point across and make sure it was really understood, but this was no time to be squeamish. Lives would be at stake soon enough, there could not be a sugarcoat of courtly behavior anymore, glossing over what needed to be said.

Cosette was squirming in her grasp, and as Mylène knew she could have quite a force in her hands, she loosened her grip a little, but was careful to still block Cosette’s path to the barricade. “And wha’ then? Once you saw him? He was alright five minutes ago, that much I can tell ye!” she pointed out sharply, jerking her head in the direction of the barricade. “But if ye want him te stay tha’ way, then get yer pretty face out o’here NOW! Dun ye see wha’ yer doin?! If he had any inclination tha’ yer around, he’d always have one part o’ his heart an’ mind concerned wi’ YER safety. Bu’ one needs ALL one’s senses te survive in a settin’ like this! Do ye want him dyin’ ‘cause he’d try te save yer hide?!” Of course she knew Cosette wanted nothing of the sort, but she needed these sharp words to open the girl’s eyes. She seemed to have no idea what folly the sheer mentioning of her name caused in the young student!

“If ye love him like ye claim ye do, Cosette, then the bes’ thing ye can do is get yerself te safety. Savin’ his life an’ yers, so ye can have tha’ wonderful future ye’ve been dreamin’ of!” she concluded, looking at the angelic face before her intently. Maybe it would be enough, maybe it wouldn’t, but Mylène would always try her best. Since when had she acquired the position of guardian?! She really hadn’t wished for that! For what she had said to Cosette also applied to herself: she knew that if she wanted to stay around, not fighting but doing her share in other ways, she would need all her wits about her, too! She could not herd these cats!

[Deleted]

[ooc: I'm half asleep, so I apologize for any mistakes!]

Mylène loosened her hold on Cosette’s arm, but only to ease some discomfort, not nearly enough for Cosette to shake herself free. Her face flushed a deeper shade of rouge. She was getting more and more flustered by the second. No, she did not want her beloved to die because of her mere presence at the barricades. She shook her head at each word Mylène said, her eyes watering at the thought of seeing Marius’s sweet face, cold, pale, and lifeless. It was unreal. She felt nauseous. It was indeed a horrifying image. But for her, luck was running out quickly. It was not only death that could have separated the young couple permanently, but also Cosette and Valjean’s upcoming journey to Calais. Cosette had been trying to postpone the hour of their departure, but to no avail. Her Papa was set on leaving as soon as possible.

At one point, Cosette glanced towards the barricades. She had deceived her father—risking his trust in her—all for this. Was it really worth it? She thought hard on what Mylène had just said. She understood her concerns. What she did not understand, however, was that Mylène was in a similar situation before. She had heard that Courfeyrac had risked his life just the other day protecting Mylène. Perhaps the young barmaid felt guilty for what Courfeyrac had done for her, and did not wish for Cosette to feel the same…? No, that wasn’t it. She wasn’t entirely sure, but pointing out such an event would surely make the current situation more sour than it already was. Cosette also did not feel that mentioning it would be particularly nice. Anyway, she was sure Mylène would understand if she just tried to… explain. Maybe.

She enveloped her free hand around the one locked on her arm. “Dearest Mylène,” [/b]she began, her voice wavering but every bit as urgent as she intended. Her eyes fluttered closed. She figured not meeting Mylène’s firm gaze will allow her some courage. “I pray to our good Lord that Marius and I are so blest that we might meet again after this day. And if He so wills it, Marius will not perish. U-until then, I cannot be reassured. I do not wish for our next meeting to be due to his death. You must understand. I am sorry if my being here upsets you, but I wish to see him now. Perhaps, for one last time.”[/b] She took a deep breath, and continued. Her eyes opened suddenly, fixated on the ground. “I know you worry for Marius’s safety, and for the safety of those fighting along his side. I will be safe, I promise. I will not give any of these young men—especially Marius—a reason to risk their lives for me.[/b]” She swallowed. “I w-will be swift, I-I will be stealthy!”[/b]

Cosette looked up into Mylène’s eyes, cautiously, but full of hope.
[/size]

[MYLÈNE LACOQUINE]

Oh roi d’enfer, now she was crying… great, Mylène, now you did it… you reduced a damsel to tears… I thought that was a man’s thing to do, but apparently she was to be the bad guy in this encounter. And how bad she was indeed! Keeping this heartwrenching persona who practically would dissolve herself in tears if treated any more badly in such distress. Keeping her from seeing her beloved! But Mylène was not one to be moved by a girl’s tears, not as much as she should be perhaps. It rather made her testy than full of pity. “Calm yourself, Cosette, he’s not dead yet!” she growled, maybe a little too sharply. Mylène was not heartless, but she had learned from an early age that tears never solved any problems. She could not remember the last time she had truly shed tears over something… though she had been close to it the other day, when telling Courf about her failure in trying to find Alain. The way he had cared, the way he had just been there, inobtrusive and like a true friend… it had touched her where no one had been able to reach her for years.

But this was why letting someone under your skin was bad. It made you weak. It made you cry and it made you be elsewhere with your thoughts, caring about his wellbeing. Which in turn might not only endanger your own life but his as well. Courf could have died, because she had been so stupid as to deliver a letter to him, explaining what she wanted to do in case she would not return. Stupid sentimentality! And yet… ever since that fateful night and her failure, the bond between them had been stronger than ever before, even though none of them would ever put each other before the revolution for real.

She wouldn’t have expected what came next, Cosette taking her hand like that and imploring her with that nice little speech. Oh, she was a sly little devil, wasn’t she, that woman? Where had she learned it to tug so much on someone else’s heartstrings? It had never been Mylène’s way, who couldn’t play the innocent and sweet angel if her life depended on it, but she could not deny that it had some effects on her. But then her brows furrowed and she shook her head. “See him? Go right into the middle of a barricade under construction?! What if the National Guard attacks while you still say your sweet goodbyes? Why are you so desperate, Cosette?! There must be something more to this, I can see it on the tip of your nose!” The girl promised to be swift and stealthy, and yet Mylène had her serious doubts about those claims. But how could she convince Cosette to let it be? What could she possibly say to her that would make her drop this madness of an idea? “I cannot believe Marius didn’t really say goodbye to you before. He knew what was coming after all. Each of the lads knew it for a while. They all…”, she stopped suddenly. She had wanted to say ‘drew lines under their life’, but that would come across quite harsh. And also, Mylène knew it was not true, not entirely.

Therefore she settled on: “… sorted their things, just in case." with a shrug, though her eyes were flashing, as those words affected her, too, even though she tried to hide it.

[Deleted]

(ooc: Not perrffect, but eeedited)

Cosette hoped that what she had shared with Mylène would have been enough to allow her entry into the barricades. Admittedly, the firm, however fair, rejection to her plea did sting quite a bit. It was clear that Mylène’s worry was not only for Cosette’s well-being, but also for Marius’. And she started to understand that, with Marius distracted, it would be one less soldier for the rebellion—which could very well mean one more life lost later on. However, she could not stop herself from thinking about how Mylène was put in the same position not too long ago… Was she not? Had no one told her about the dangers around the barricade when she went to see Courfeyrac? If anything, wouldn’t she have thought herself that seeing the student was a bad idea, and should have therefore stopped herself from seeing him?

Usually, she would keep such thoughts to herself. Mylène did have the best of intentions. Somewhere in her heart, the whole thing just felt a little unfair. "I just wanted a chance," she explained softly. "A chance just like you had just a few days ago with Courfeyrac. Both of your lives were risked then, yet you are both still here and... I just... I just thought that... I deserved as much." Yet in her mind, she believed that she didn't deserve such a chance at all. She was not allowed to see Marius as a punishment for her evil doings; She had basically lied to Papa about her whereabouts today, and she has been lying to him for quite some time now by withholding information. An attempt deceive others is an attempt deceive the Lord, she thought gravely to herself. She was torn inside. She did not know what to do.

And there was no way that she would tell the other girl that she and Papa were about to escape France. She had no doubts that Mademoiselle Mylène was an honest person. She seemed to wear her heart on her sleeve, and as far as Cosette was concerned, anybody who trusted everybody with thoughts as important as Mylène’s must be trustworthy enough. What stopped her the most from letting on was her Papa. Though he had not said so, something about his sense of urgency made her feel that it would be something he would have forbade. Not that Monsieur Valjean would have even thought that his young chosette would go off telling anybody about their departure. As far as he knows, she had not been talking to anyone outside of their home. If he even knew that she was this close to the barricades, he would be deeply distressed. His sadness was the last thing Cosette could ever want.

Also, sorted what things out? Could it be… Cosette’s bottom lip trembled at the thought. She liked to think of herself as an optimist, but hearing something like that could lead even the happiest of hopefuls to his deepest sorrow. As she looked into Mylène’s dark green eyes, she could tell that they shared the same sentiment regarding the sacrifice the boys had wordlessly chosen to make. Though the young barmaid had clearly prioritized the revolution, Cosette could see in her eyes the sorrow she felt for the lives that were doomed to be lost.

She turned her head back for a moment, her eyes tracing back to where she came from. Papa would surely return to the church soon. She was running out of time. She bowed her head slowly in defeat. Her little hand remained around Mylène’s, to give comfort, and also to apologize, for she had disappointed so many people, including herself.

[MYLÈNE LACOQUINE]

Mylène had expected more pleas, more reasoning arguments out of Cosette and she had tried to brace herself for them, but what came instead took her completely by surprise. She was in fact so taken aback that she had no check on her facial expressions as her mouth gaped wide open and she stared, unable to wrap her head around what Cosette had just said. “Courf… me… what?! How do you…? I mean… what?!” Then her thoughts started to race two miles a minute as she still tried to make sense of these words. A few days ago… that could either mean the May Parade fiasco or… no.That was impossible, wasn’t it?! How could Cosette know about the incident at the Luxembourg? It might have been more plausible had she accused her of just being here because of Courf though that was rubbish of course…but how could Cosette know about when she had been saved from being abducted or even killed when she went to see that false monk in the Jardin du Luxembourg? Had she maybe been there, by chance?! It was too late now to pretend not to know what the girl was talking about, and also Mylène did not feel in the mood to lie. Something about that reply had touched her inside, struck a note deep within, but she could not for the life of her tell what itmight be, only that it confused her to no end.

“Are ye talkin’ ‘bout wha’ happened in Luxembourg Gardens?”, she asked to confirm, furrowing her brows. “Tha’ was nut planned… I ne’er asked him te come affer me like tha’, I was jus’ stupid enuf te write him a letter te let him know wha’ happened jus’ in case I would not return. An’ he jus’ up an’ ran affer me… dun ask me why, stupid heroism. ‘Tis exactly wha’ I mean, he could have gotten himself killed fer nuthin!” That didn’t answer the question though how on earth Cosette could have known about it. Hadn’t they tried to keep it down, for the sake of everyone? And… was there even something to keep down? Somehow the parallels Cosette drew towards her own story with Marius rubbed wrong here, and yet the similarities were striking enough to not be entirely ignored. But what did that mean for Courf and herself? Did it even HAVE to mean anything at all?

Cosette still held on to her hand, and somehow Mylène found herself returning the soft, yet distinct pressure. Were they really on the same page on this? But no… they were worlds apart, they had almost nothing in common… apart from a very important fact of course: That the outcome of their lives would depend on whether all the lads would survive this day and the following unscathed. “If I knew me presence would keep any o’the lads”, she was careful to circumvent the name now, for whatever reason, “from fighting wi’ all their heart an’ mind I‘d leave”, she pointed out. “Bu’ I wanna do me part in this. I’ve been waitin’ fer so long fer things te change. I may not hold a gun bu’ I can keep watch o’er them from above”, she jerked her head upwards towards the roofs. “An’ I will do it, cross me heart. I will tear off the roof slates an’ throw them on guardsmen if I must, if it saves any o’ the lads.”