Chapter Text
Cosette woke to a sound she was very familiar with: over-careful footsteps, followed by the discreet sound of a door shutting.
She lifted her head. She had no clue what the hour was, but Monsieur Javert was rummaging around the room, putting things in a basket, tension strung through his every motion. “Is everything okay?” Cosette whispered.
He glanced back quickly, straightening. “Cosette. Ah. Yes. I’m just looking for—I just thought I might bring something for your father to eat,” said Javert, looking more unsure than Cosette had ever seen him.
Cosette smiled immediately. “Are you two going somewhere?”
“No. Not far. I’m only taking him to see the stars. I thought he might enjoy something of that nature.”
Cosette almost couldn’t speak for the lump in her throat. “That’s wonderful,” she managed, smiling through the blurriness in her eyes. “He will love it.”
“I have gathered that he is sentimental,” said Javert.
“You’re the one taking him to see the stars.”
Javert ducked his head, then, and had nothing to say.
In the silence that followed, Cosette could hear Marius, too, stirring, changing positions on the hard floor.
“Can I ask you a favor?” asked Cosette hesitantly.
“What is it?”
“If it wouldn’t be too much trouble, I was wondering if you could point out the birds to him when the sun rises,” said Cosette. “He really, really likes birdwatching.”
“Unfortunately, there are no birds on this island anymore because their bones were highly valued by the Leporids," Javert replied. "However, I would be more than happy to show him a film about birds when we return.”
“He’ll love that, too,” Cosette said, smiling. “He really likes movies.”
Javert nodded once. “Good,” he said.
Understanding passed between their eyes. All was acknowledged; all was forgiven.
Just as Javert reached the door, he turned and addressed Marius, who was by now sitting up and watching him with curious, sleep-heavy eyes.
“By the way, I wanted to tell you,” said Javert. “Han shot first.”