Montparnasse

18. Criminal. Leader of the Patron Minette gang.

[dandywithallvices]

It's a feeling you weren't ready for || Closed

[centerfeyrac-blog]

Courfeyrac rolled his eyes. “Fine. The debt has been paid. I will no longer besmirch your bad name with tales of your good deeds. But we are grateful, know that.”

"Kids have a way of doing that. Obviously, I don’t have any of my own, but my three younger sisters, they’re great. I’d do anything for them." He grinned. "You might have to get an actual job. That’s an interesting thought. You gonna wait tables? Maybe sort books at the library?"

"Thank you." Courfeyrac said stiffly. "Um, I’m not going to tell you that it’s ok, or all is forgiven, but…thank you for apologizing. I, er…I miss him."

 Courfeyrac wasn’t entirely sure why he was being nice to Montparnasse, but he didn’t like seeing people upset. “Nicolette. I like it. It’s pretty. Suits her. And I’m sure she does. Babies are a handful.”

[dandywithallvices]

Montparnasse smirked. "I'm glad we have an understanding then. I was happy to help, and that'll be the end of it. Feel free to tell Combeferre that too. I have this feeling like that might not be enough for him cause he seems like the overly nice guy, but I don't need anything."

"I always wondered what it would be like with siblings. I used to think of Feuilly like a brother..he got me out of a lot of trouble when I still lived in foster care." He shrugged and smiled slightly at the other. "I know, it sounds rather unlikely. Those both sound terrible, but I guess I'll have to come up with something."

"I understand. If there's anything I could do to try and fix it, I would. And I'm sorry. Again."

Montparnasse smiled slightly, though it fell just as fast as he found himself glancing over at Combeferre and Nicky again. "Yeah...her mom named her. But I'm glad to have her regardless of the trouble. Do you think it's going okay? Or is something truly wrong with her like I thought?"

[dandywithallvices]

It's a feeling you weren't ready for || Closed

[centerfeyrac-blog]

"You won’t lose her." Courfeyrac shook his head. "Between all of us, we’ve got enough knowledge of law and government to fight the system. And I know you don’t feel like we owe you anything, but we feel as though we do. Combeferre’s my best friend. I don’t know what I’d do without him. And whether you like it or not, you played a vital role in getting him back safely."

He smiled softly. “I get it. She means the world to you. I can see it.” He grinned cheekily. “And you know, if her making you want to be better stops a few people from getting kidnapped or murdered, that can’t be a bad thing.” 

He sighed. “We were. Very happy. But then his parents found out about the kidnapping, and decided the big, bad city was no place for their son, and they made him come home. We didn’t know when, or even if, he’d be allowed to come back, so…we ended things. It was only fair to both of us.”

Courfeyrac felt a small bubble of warmth in his chest at Montparnasse’s smile. “Good to know you’re not a robot. But let me cook something before you leave. I know things must be crazy with, um…I don’t think I actually know your daughter’s name.”

[dandywithallvices]

It still surprised Montparnasse how confident Courfeyrac was in general. Be it in his daughter's recovery chances, or in general around other people. It was definitely something he thought was good about the guy. "You don't owe me anything. I really don't need anything anyway. You know...you can just count this as the compensation if you guys feel that's necessary. Personally, I would prefer not to bring any further attention to my involvement."

"She does. Surprisingly. I never thought I could feel that attached to another person. Let alone one who can't even really communicate with me yet." Montparnasse didn't know why he was telling him this. It wasn't like Courfeyrac was really interested in what he had to say. "You're right about that. I don't really want her associated with that sort of thing. But it is the only way I know to make money. I'll have to work on that."

Montparnasse's eyes widened and for a moment a guilty look came across his face, and he avoided Courfeyrac's gaze. "I'm sorry about that. What I did...was incredibly stupid. I...on occasion do some stupid things when people upset me. That doesn't excuse anything of course, but it's done and I can't change what happened. But I am truly sorry about Prouvaire, and that he had to leave."

He didn't understand why Courfeyrac was even offering any kindness as a meal or anything. Montparnasse would've accepted a cold silence while he waited for Combeferre's verdict. It probably would've made more sense to him. "You really don't have to cook anything. Oh. Her name's Nicolette. Nicky, for short. She certainly makes life more interesting."

[dandywithallvices]

It's a feeling you weren't ready for || Closed

[centerfeyrac-blog]

it was obvious how upset Montparnasse was, how much he cared for his daughter’s well-being. Courfeyrac could feel his heart melt slightly at the concern in the other man’s voice. “You’re welcome. And it’s alright. We all owe you, anyway, after what you did for Combeferre.”

He bit his lip. “Look, I’m sure she’ll be alright. My sisters got sick all the time as kids. And they’re all just fine today.” He grinned. “Well, as fine as they can be with me as an older brother.”

Courfeyrac sighed. “Here’s the thing. I don’t like you,” even though that was starting to feel less true. “And I know you don’t like me, but we’re going to be around each other. So we might as well be civil. Even if you are the reason I don’t have an adorable poet anymore.”

"Now," he cleared his throat. "Waffles or pancakes? Or does evil not eat breakfast?"

[dandywithallvices]

Montparnasse shook his head. "None of you owe me anything. It's the least I could do really. I guess that sounds unlikely coming from me, but regardless, he is a cool guy." Still, he hoped he could tell Combeferre this was all the returning of the favor he needed. Nicolette's health was more important than anything else. He personally didn't need anything from him.

He took a deep breath and let it out again, trying to remain calm. "I appreciate that, but this is all sort of new for me and...and if I lose her I really don't know what I'd do. She makes me want to be better. That might sound strange." Parnasse glanced in the direction of Combeferre and Nicky and his hands shook slightly as he held the coffee he had been offered, sipping it in the hopes that something would make his mind function again.

Montparnasse had expected the other to dislike him. Having kidnapped his boyfriend, that certainly was understandable. But he was surprised to hear about the poet being gone. That was something he hadn't known. "You don't have the poet around anymore?" He found himself genuinely confused. "I thought you two were happy and all that."

He couldn't help but snort, a small smile crossing his face for a brief moment before it slipped back into the blank, and borderline anxious look from before. "I am a human being you know. I do need food to live just like anyone else. However, right at this moment I don't think I could eat anything. Thank you though."

[dandywithallvices]

It's a feeling you weren't ready for || Closed

[centerfeyrac-blog]

Courfeyrac blinked, still trying to wake up. “Um, yeah. Come on in.” He backed up to make room for Montparnasse to come into their apartment. “Let me go wake up Combeferre.” He wasn’t exactly ecstatic to see Montparnasse at his apartment first thing in the morning, but he wasn’t going to turn him away when he looked that upset and needed help.

Courfeyrac went to Combeferre’s room and woke him up, informing him of the situation. He led him back to the main room where Montparnasse was waiting. As they talked, he went into the kitchen to make some coffee. It was looking like they were all going to need it. Once the coffee was made, he fixed three cups and brought them into the main room. He set down one by Combeferre, and handed one to Montparnasse. As much as he didn’t care for the other man, he could tell how worried he was about his daughter. Courfeyrac didn’t like seeing anyone upset, even if he didn’t like them. “I didn’t know how you take it, sorry. There’s cream and sugar in the kitchen if you want them.”

[dandywithallvices]

The relief immediately showed on Montparnasse's face as Courfeyrac let him into the apartment. He had genuinely feared that the other would refuse him. He would have been perfectly allowed to do so, but Parnasse was desperate to get care for Nicky, and it would have caused more trouble. "Thank you. I know that I...well...thank you so much Courfeyrac." He showed his gratitude as best as he could, carrying Nicky into the apartment and kissing the top of her head lightly, muttering, "now everything's going to be fine. Combeferre'll get a good look at you and you'll feel much better." Talking to her wouldn't do her much good, he doubted she would understand anything but hear the warmth in his voice. But it was a comfort to him in some way.

When Combeferre came out, Montparnasse muttered an apology for waking him and for bothering him before he handed Nicky to him to really get a look at his little girl. His anxiety for her health kept him from sitting and he paced back and forth until Courfeyrac came back and handed him a coffee. He stared at it in surprise for a moment before he took it carefully into his hands. "Thank you. This...this is fine. I'm sorry I woke you. I...I didn't know what to do."

[dandywithallvices]

It's a feeling you weren't ready for || Closed

[centerfeyrac-blog]

There was thunder, which was strange, Courfeyrac thought, since it was so nice outside…He rolled over and realized that no, not thunder. Someone was knocking on their front door. He groaned and hauled himself out of bed, yawning. He glanced down at himself…nope, whoever was at the door was getting pajama pants. Courfeyrac was not finding clothes at whatever o’clock it was. 

He walked out of his room and through their apartment to the front door. He ran his fingers through his hair, attempting to fix his bedhead. He opened the front door, then blinked again to make sure he wasn’t seeing things. “Montparnasse? What are you doing here?”

[dandywithallvices]

Montparnasse had sincerely hoped that it would be Combeferre who opened up the door. That would certainly have made things easier. Then an explanation would probably not have been necessary. Also, it would have made things less awkward or unpleasant as it would be now that Courfeyrac had done so. The guy clearly disliked Montparnasse. He had a good reason to do so, but it would cause trouble if this dislike kept Nicolette from being treated by someone Parnasse could trust.

It took every fiber of his being to remain calm and try to speak with Courfeyrac in a rational way that would persuade him to let him into his place again. "Look, I know you don't like me, you have a good reason for it, but Nicky's not doing so well and I really don't know what to do. And don't suggest a hospital to me. You and I both know they'd take her away from me as soon as they possibly could. So I'm asking, please let me in so your friend Combeferre can have a look. I'd have gone to the other one, Joly, but I didn't know his address and I was in a rush."

[dandywithallvices]

It's a feeling you weren't ready for || Closed

Montparnasse finally had some form of routine. He got up when Nicky cried for attention, he changed her diaper if needed, he fed her from the bottle, and then took her out to get supplies with him. On occasion he switched it up and visited Cosette, or took her to a specific park, but he had a general routine. He wanted to give Nicolette a balanced lifestyle, even if his career was less so. After he took her out, he made sure to get her to the proper babysitter (Cosette if she had time, otherwise a babysitter that he had carefully screened and tested). While he could call upon Noemi to do so, he also needed her to do the jobs he had for his gang. Montparnasse largely had a system.

That particular morning however, he was not woken for the first time to the sound of his little girl. She had cried intermittently during the night, requiring his immediate attention. At first he had thought that it was something he hadn't done right, or she needed him, but the most recent time he checked, he felt her forehead and found that it was alarmingly hot. That couldn't be right. When he had last held her she didn't feel this warm. She had been fussy, but she hadn't felt quite so hot. He didn't know what to do. The typically calm criminal was horrified and disarmed by what was quite likely a fever. Still, Montparnasse didn't know how dangerous a fever might be for an infant. He had no knowledge of anything relating to babies and he was fumbling about doing the best he could.

He quickly gathered supplies, shoving them into the stroller he had and then lifting Nicky into his arms. He would not be keeping her in the stroller. He wanted to make sure that she knew he was there. She was young, but Parnasse needed her to know her daddy was there for her. It took him a few minutes to figure out where to go, as a hospital was out of the question. As terrible as it was that he couldn't just put her in the proper medical care, they would ask too many questions. And it was quite likely that if he took her to a hospital, they might take her from him. He couldn't risk that. He went as quickly as he could to the first place he could think....Combeferre's apartment.

Tears threatened to shatter the calm demeanor he tried to keep, anxiety over Nicolette's health and whether this was life threatening preventing him from being as rational as he could be. He made it to the apartment he had now visited twice and knocked several times on the door, pausing for a moment and then knocking again desperately. He couldn't be patient about this. Not when Nicky's life was in danger in some way. He would pound on the door until someone opened up.

[guidingferre-blog]

One Small Act

[centerfeyrac-blog]

When Combeferre began to retch, Courfeyrac went back to fetch the glass of water, guessing Combeferre would want to rinse his mouth out with something. He handed Combeferre the glass. “The hospital is not a hassle, Ferre. You’re most likely concussed, and head injuries can be serious.” He sighed.

"Think about how worried Enjolras will be once he finds out. Hell, think about Eponine. If we didn’t take you to the hospital, and you got worse, she’d kill both of us." He gestured to himself and Montparnasse. "Do you really want to be responsible for both of our deaths?"

He leaned down and slipped his arm around Combeferre’s back. “Alright, up. We’re taking you to the hospital. No arguments. My car’s downstairs.” He jerked his head towards the trashcan. “Mind grabbing that?” He asked Montparnasse. “Just in case. I’d prefer my car not permanently smell like Ferre’s lunch.” He kissed Combeferre’s cheek. “No offense.”

[guidingferre-blog]

Combeferre smiled and took the glass of water, slowly drinking it. He shook his head, rubbing a hand over his eyes. "I just don’t want to be a patient. It will be shit for me." He frowned with a slight sigh. He hated thinking about having to go to the hospital. He knew they didn’t treat everyone the same, and they would likely do it with him as well. Despite the fact that he was a pre-med student and helped out, he was a coloured man. It wouldn’t be the same and he didn’t want to have to try and fight with them about that right now. Especially with the raging headache he had.

At the comment about Eponine getting upset and killing them both, Combeferre laughed before nodding. "Right. She’d kill you both. And then kill me. Or perhaps she’d kill me first then kill you both after? Well, either way and we’re dead. I don’t want to die. I don’t want you to die. Either of you. So how do we stop Ep from killing us all?" He glanced to Montparnasse, wondering if he had any ideas. 

The world tilted out of focus when Courfeyrac pulled him up. He closed his eyes and leaned against Courfeyrac heavily. "I love you, Fey. Thank you." He leaned against Courfeyrac, having to stop for a moment to fight back down the urge to be sick again.

[dandywithallvices]

Montparnasse had hoped to get out of there once Combeferre was in the hands of his friends. That hope was fading as he couldn't very well leave Combeferre with Courfeyrac and make him struggle to bring him to the hospital or something. He was cold but he wasn't heartless. And in any case it would be ridiculous to leave before he was certain that Combeferre would be fine. Eponine would probably hate him if he didn't try what he could to help. "Hospitals aren't supposed to be fun Combeferre. But they do help people. And if they give you too much crap, Courfeyrac can probably bribe them or something. Last but not least, I could of course intimidate them, but I think that's a worst case scenario."

He grabbed the trash can that Courfeyrac had told him to get, not wanting Combeferre to vomit on him or Courf or anything else. This would spare them all a little more trouble. "Other than traveling back through time and preventing you from getting attacked at all...I think the best thing you can do is talk to her and reassure her you're alright. But, I can make sure I let her know what's going on while you get patched up. I think she'd prefer to be informed than to be kept in the dark." He knew if something happened to Eponine or Nicky he would want to know immediately. Not that he would let anything happen to his little girl.

He followed behind Courfeyrac, watching to make sure that he and Combeferre could handle the trip to the car. If not, he was a sufficient back up if they tipped over. "You're both great and all, but I suggest we get going. The sooner he gets to the hospital, the sooner he starts to feel better." He wasn't in a rush, but he did want to go check on Nicky once Combeferre was okay.

[bookscleverness-kingsley]

Oh shaddup, you’re just talkin’.

I’m gonna mess up all that effort, I’m gonna whomp him halfway to Chinatown, he’s got me all worried. Well I’m already an asshole so I’m not too stressed about that. 

Ugh, no we’re not talking about sex with Enjolras, I get enough of those sorts of thoughts with R. Hearing it from you is no better than hearing it from him. You’re doing your best for that girl, and she’ll know that. And she’ll know you didn’t just… decide she wasn’t a pretty little doll any more.

You don’t have a say. But… I’m glad that you think he’s good. It’s swell, to have people outside the Amis approve. Especially you.

[dandywithallvices]

I'm not just talking. You do look great Ep.

I get that you're worried about him, but take it easy. But I was talking about the assholes who went after him. There just happen to be guys like that who don't recognize a good person when they see one.

Ahh right. Sorry. No more Enjolras talk then. I don't care enough about him anyway. I'm trying to at least. Nicky's important to me. I'm trying to do right by her. And it's not about that. She's my kid and I'm responsible for her.

Especially me? I didn't think you valued my opinion in any way. But of course I approve. The guy is pretty decent.

[bookscleverness-kingsley]

He listens to you as much as he listens to anyone else. That boy, I swear. He’s turning me grey.

Life or death- It’s going to be life or death because I am going to find him and beat him. He’s not supposed to get in trouble, he’s the reasonable one. It’s not like I’m dating Enjolras. How very responsible of you, I’m quite impressed. 

I- Parnasse, that’s very- he’s a wonderful guy. He’s one of the best out there.

[dandywithallvices]

So he doesn't listen at all? It's a shame. But I don't see any grey hairs. You still look fantastic to me.

Now now Ep. I worked hard to get him out of too bad a beating. It'd be really frustrating if you messed with that effort. Plus, domestic violence is not a good thing. Reasonable or not, this city is full of assholes who think they're better than other people. 

Dating Enjolras would probably be hell on Earth. Though I bet the sex would be great. Well yeah. I may be a bad guy, but I'm trying to keep my daughter away from too much bad. Doing my best anyway.

I'm well aware of that. You deserve the best you know. I wouldn't be okay with anyone half as good as him dating you. Not that you know, I have a say. But I have an opinion, and he's a pretty great choice.

[bookscleverness-kingsley]

Not rude, just teasing. Honest. Well, better you rubbing off on him than Dad or one of the others. At least you’re smart about it.

Still alive? There was a chance he might not have been still- fuck. Hmm. I ought to be proud of that but I can’t help thinking you ought to have just stuck them anyway.

But, umm. Thanks, Parnasse. For helping him. I’m really- I’m glad you did.

[dandywithallvices]

I guess you have a point there. And I do try to tell him to do better on occasion. Not like he listens to me though.

Well, to clarify...he seemed to think it was a life and death situation. I don't think it was quite that bad but then again...I'm not used to being the good guy in that situation. Well I'm trying to hold off on stabbing people since I have a little girl now.

Well I couldn't just let him die Ep. I know he matters to you. And he seems like a cool enough guy.

[bookscleverness-kingsley]

Stealing from people he knows he ought to leave alone, mostly. You’re rubbing off on him.

Combeferre, in a mess? Is he alright? He better be alright. This is nothing like the last time you helped out one of my friends, right?

[dandywithallvices]

Hey, don't be rude. I steal from those I know I can get away from. He should know better than to bite off more than he can chew. But if I am, I'm sorry for doing so.

He's still alive, so yeah I guess he's alright. Hey, that's in the past. There were some guys who thought they were better for being white and figured three on one was a fair fight. I just evened the odds a little. I didn't even stab any of them. You should be proud.

[bookscleverness-kingsley]

Gav got himself in a bit more trouble than usual. He needed some help out of it.

Yeah, what kind of ridiculous stuff?

[dandywithallvices]

What trouble's the kid gotten into? I've told him that he can't get out of every mess.

Well you know, a few crazy things. Your boyfriend got himself into a bit of a mess but I helped him get out of that.

[bookscleverness-kingsley]

Well, thank god that’s over with.

It’s nice to be on the right side of the city again.

[dandywithallvices]

Care to expand on that? Where the hell have you been lately?

You've missed some ridiculous stuff.

[guidingferre-blog]

One Small Act

[centerfeyrac-blog]

Courfeyrac gritted his teeth. “Right, professional. No problem.” He would’ve much preferred Montparnasse leave his apartment sooner rather than later. His casual attitude was only serving to make Courfeyrac angrier. Montparnasse had caused so many problems in his life, and he was now just hanging about in his apartment, appropriating Courfeyrac’s friends.

Courfeyrac followed Montparnasse and Combeferre to the bathroom, feeling slightly useless. “We can take you to the hospital if you think you need it, Ferre. Don’t be noble about your health. I can cover the hospital bills, if that’s what’s stopping you from going.” He didn’t like seeing Combeferre like this. The thought of losing any of his friends, but especially Combeferre, was enough to make his stomach clench with anxiety.

[guidingferre-blog]

Combeferre sighed as he glanced between the two of them. It was obvious that this wasn’t working out. He didn’t know how to handle them both together at the moment and he just closed his eyes, trying to tune everything out. If he could just tune everything out, he would hopefully start to feel better and not as sick. Of course that didn’t work. 

He leaned over the toilet, retching again. When he felt the sickness pass, he slumped back, grabbing a cloth to wipe his mouth. "I’m sorry. You both don’t need to deal with that." At Courfeyrac’s words, he sighed and shook his head. "It’s not that. I just … I don’t want to bother with the hospital. It’s a hassle and I don’t want to burden either of you any more. I’ll be fine." He leaned against the wall, wincing slightly at a stab of pain from his back. 

[dandywithallvices]

Montparnasse averted his eyes as Combeferre retched, figuring that was not a moment that needed to be shared.He was concerned of course, but he did consider the other's feelings in some way. Still, he couldn't help but roll his eyes about Combeferre. He and Courfeyrac had both told the guy they'd be willing to help. This humble thing was rather irritating to him in some ways. 

"Except we're both here to deal with it anyway. Relax a little. Neither of us mind helping you know. Clearly. I think it'd be less of a burden to bring you to a hospital than to leave you here while you're in unnecessary pain because you refuse to go." He took a deep breath and let it out again, shaking his head. "Look. I'm well aware that my judgment isn't particularly the most reliable, but Courfeyrac's your best friend right? Do you want to worry your friend so much? If you don't go for yourself, go because you know your friends will fuss too much."

[guidingferre-blog]

One Small Act

[centerfeyrac-blog]

Courfeyrac glared at Montparnasse. “Name a time and a place, I’ll be there.” The casual attitude Montparnasse was showing the whole thing just served to make Courfeyrac angrier. He took a deep breath. Anger was not what was needed in this situation.

He gently rested his hand on Combeferre’s shoulder, not wanting to hurt his friend further. “Ugh, that’s such bullshit! You’ve already contributed more to society than they ever will, and yet you’re the bad guy. It’s not fair.” He shook his head, angry on his friend’s behalf.

Courfeyrac bit his lip. If Combeferre was right, if Parnasse really had saved his best friend’s life…”Thanks,” he said, extremely begrudgingly. “For…getting him here.” That was the best he could do right now.

[guidingferre-blog]

Combeferre sighed at the fighting between them both. Although he knew they both had nasty tempers and this was actually tame for them, so he was a little reluctant to say anything, but his headache was just getting worse by worrying over them both. "Can you both please stop being angry with each other and antagonizing one another? At least until I can either get rid of this headache or somehow manage to fall asleep?"

He sighed at both of their responses to the guys who attacked him. It wasn’t anything out of the ordinary for the way most people still thought of him. He was accustomed to it. It didn’t faze him as much as it seemed to be doing to Courfeyrac and Montparnasse. He shrugged absently, keeping his eyes closed to try and fight off the round of sickness that was starting to bubble up. "Thank you both. Although that’s hardly how the world sees me." 

He felt the sickness rising again and he pushed himself up, wincing at what would likely be a mass of nasty bruises later. "Can one of you … bathroom?" He didn’t know if he would be able to make it to the bathroom on his own, as his left leg was screaming at him. So while he hated to be a bother to others, he would rather be careful rather than sorry.

[dandywithallvices]

Montparnasse almost said 'he started it' but that would've been incredibly immature, and he typically preferred to act older than he actually was. It was how people took him seriously. When he was younger even than now, people didn't take some of his threats to be true. He took on a more professional attitude and it made him seem older than he actually was. "Don't worry Combeferre. We can be professional about this. Right Courfeyrac?" He smiled at the man who was currently angry at him before he focused on the other once again.

Since he had already helped bring him this far, Parnasse quickly moved to the couch and helped get him to his feet. As he had done before, he slung the man's arm over his shoulder to support him better and guide him to the bathroom. "You feeling alright? Because if necessary I'm sure Courfeyrac and I could get you to a hospital. Don't feel like you need to deal with some pain because you think it'll trouble one of us."

[guidingferre-blog]

One Small Act

[centerfeyrac-blog]

Courfeyrac frowned. He did not like Montparnasse in his apartment. But his concern for Combeferre was stronger than his anger towards Montparnasse. He nodded jerkily. “Fine. But we will be having a conversation at some point.”

He walked to the bathroom to get the bottle of aspirin, then to the kitchen to get a glass of water. He handed them both to Combeferre. “Is there anything else I can get? Wet washcloth, some ice, anything like that?”

He sat down on the couch next to Combeferre. “You said you got jumped? On your way out of the offices? What the hell, why would someone do that?” He knew why, of course, but that didn’t make it seem alright. Courfeyrac hated the fact that people thought that Combeferre was less of a person because of the color of his skin. He knew Combeferre was one of the best people he’d ever met, and it wasn’t fair the way he was treated.

[guidingferre-blog]

Combeferre sent a glare to Montparnasse at his continued deflecting of the subject of repayment and thanks. Montparnasse might want to simply move on, but he wouldn’t give in that easily without giving the thanks and repayment that he felt Montparnasse deserved. 

He sighed at the confrontation between Courfeyrac and Montparnasse, getting ready to jump between them and tell them both to shut up before they seemed to come to a temporary truce for the moment anyways. He took the aspirin and water from Courfeyrac with a soft smile. "Thank you. Both of you. But I should be fine." He sighed and shifted to lay on the couch, resting his head in Courfeyrac’s lap and closing his eyes. He frowned slightly at Courfeyrac’s questions. "Why else? They said I was dangerous to their women. Of course just because I’m a coloured guy that must mean I’m a sex-crazed menace to society." He sighed and shook his head. "Sorry. Don’t mind me."

[dandywithallvices]

Montparnasse rolled his eyes at Courfeyrac. "Yes, I promise we'll talk at another point in time. We can even arrange a meeting if you're so eager." He did rather hope to delay that though, as he was sure it would be more yelling and anger in his direction, for another thing he must have done, though he wasn't sure what that could be as he had been busy with Nicky. 

He was a little doubtful of Combeferre's saying he was fine, but he wasn't going to push on that, as his main goal was just to ensure that he arrived safely, which he had. Parnasse could really leave it to his friend now, as Courfeyrac probably didn't want him to stick around.

"Those guys are a bunch of idiots. You're probably the smartest 'coloured' guy I've ever met. They're just jealous of the success you have. I'm sorry they went after you. Anyway, you're okay, so I'm going to get going or something. Tell Eponine I hope she's doing well."

[guidingferre-blog]

One Small Act

[centerfeyrac-blog]

Courfeyrac hadn’t felt like going out much in the days since Jehan had left. He’d kept to his room a lot, sitting in there and reading or listening to records. That was what he had been doing when he heard the door open and a voice call out that Combeferre needed help.

He walked out of his room, not sure what he was expecting to find…but it certainly wasn’t the sight he was greeted with. Seeing one of his best friends bloody and battered set his heart racing. “Ferre!” He ran over to where Combeferre and the man who was helping him were standing. It wasn’t until he got closer that he realized who else was there.

Courfeyrac stopped short. “What the hell is he doing here?” he asked coldly. Anger raced through him. “Don’t you think he’s already done enough?”

[guidingferre-blog]

Combeferre shook his head, not really feeling much up to arguing but not wanting to let the subject of repayment drop. "Even if you argue, I still have to disagree. But thank you. Honestly." He tried to think of how to repay him, but couldn’t find anything that would seem to be worth it. So instead he just pushed the thought aside for later when he wasn’t feeling so tired and when he could think a little clearer.

Chuckling at the conversation, Combeferre shook his head. Although it was a nice feeling to know that someone else thought him to be a good sort of guy for Eponine. The general populace surely wouldn’t think so. Most people probably thought that he was merely keeping her prisoner and raping her or such. Instead, he was always very gentlemanly with her, careful and cautious. "Thank you. I just … not many people would probably think me to be honorable. At least in regards to Eponine. But I promise I’ve done nothing untoward with her. I haven’t pushed her or harmed her in any way."

As they stepped inside, Combeferre winced slightly at Montparnasse calling out. He frowned at Courfeyrac’s outburst, waving off the concern before sighing at the anger. "It’s not what it looks like, Fey. I mean, shit, that sounds wrong." He waved a hand absently, starting towards the couch. He wanted to lay down, but he knew first he would have to ensure there wasn’t any violence or harm done from the tempers in the room. “Three guys started attacking me after I left the offices. Montparnasse saved me and helped me home. He’s a good guy and I owe him my life. So could you please not punch him? And some aspirin and a glass of water would be wonderful.” He sighed and ran a hand over his eyes, wishing the headache would go away.

[dandywithallvices]

"I'm sure you do. But for now give it a rest alright? You need to relax." Hopefully Combeferre would forget about the desire to repay him for saving his life, as Montparnasse didn't particularly want him to do anything. This was something he didn't usually do, and he would prefer less attention brought to it. If there was one thing he couldn't picture himself as, it was the heroic type of person. One moment of being helpful didn't make up for much, and he preferred Combeferre to just say thank you and move on with his life.

Montparnasse was about to say more about Combeferre and Eponine when Courfeyrac walked in, and he made a face. This wasn't quite the way he had wanted this conversation to go. In fact, he had hoped that Courfeyrac would look past his presence and focus on his injured friend, but apparently that wasn't the case. "Alright Courfeyrac, I can see you have some anger towards me. But I'd prefer if you saved your explosion until we've made sure Combeferre's doing alright. Would you be willing to save whatever you want to say until then?"

He then moved to set Combeferre down on the couch where he would be relatively comfortable. "You know, it's not what it looks like is not the best defense there. But a good try anyway." Montparnasse commented, kneeling so he could get a good look at Combeferre's injuries and see if there was anything he could do to help him out before he left. "So I've brought you home and all. You'll be okay from this point on right?"