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Chapter Text

This is a story as old as time.
As long as there are people willing to take their chances against destiny, it will be told.

One way or another. It all starts on the winter’s snow; it will melt under the summer’s sun.

…

There was a knock at the door that startled Valjean from his unrest on the armchair. The wind had howled against the windows all day, but no rain or snow had come until a few hours now. He was sure the Seine had frozen, and frost had covered the pavement stones.

Who would be calling at this hour then? Maybe a beggar or other kind of lost soul, searching for shelter on the first night of December?

Valjean got up, feeling his bones crack with the movement. He had not lit the fire that day, as Cosette wasn’t coming to visit, so the room was almost the same temperature as the street. But he had some soup to spare.

However, when he opened the door, Valjean felt he would faint, as if it was Inspector Javert in all his height, who stood behind the door

“Valjean” He said, voice cold as ice. “I have come to arrest you”

Valjean stepped back and Javert took it as his cue to get inside

It was strange to see him in his hall, Valjean thought. It seemed like it made the ceiling lower, somehow.

He offered Javert a seat and the inspector took it, not bothering to hang his snow covered coat.

“I have to get somethings ready. Write a note for my housekeeper, explaining my absence” Valjean said, although he didn’t know where to begin.

“Go ahead” Javert said, without staring at him. Instead, his face was fixated on the chimney ashes

“You have not light it today” he added.

“I had no need” Valjean answered “but I can light it now, if you want”

“Would be a waste” Javert muttered, “as we are leaving soon”

“Yes, yes”

At that moment the wind howled on his full force and Valjean shivered

“I don’t remember a snowstorm as sudden as this since Faverolles”

“Hmph, you don’t say” Javert said “Tell me about it”

Maybe it was meant as sarcastic, not really sincere, but Valjean took the chance he could, to stay free a little longer, for his memories not to get lost in the shadows. He talked about the frozen orchard where he lived, the snowball fight on the street, the white hare he had poached.

Valjean talked and talked. Javert seemed to listen, never looking directly at him

By the time Valjean finished retelling that winter week years ago, a new day had broken

“I’m ready” Valjean said, a knot inside his throat not just from the hours talking

Javert grumbled and looked outside, where the light had beginning to shine brighter

“I will not arrest you today. I will come back tomorrow”

The inspector then got up from the chair and walked out, not bothering to close the door and leaving a very confused Valjean alone once again

Chapter Text

Valjean was so concentrated attempting to place the delicate crystal ornament on the high shelf that he didn’t notice it had become night, until he heard a knock at the door. This time, he was sure who would find on the other side.

Alors, the dark figure of inspector Javert was there. Against the recently lit lamplight, he looked like an apparition. Or maybe the croque-mitaine, Valjean thought. It was only fitting, that comparison. He had come to get him as if he was a naughty child.

Javert stepped in and looked at Valjean with his hawk eyes, slightly weary.

“What is that in your hand?”

Valjean still had the crystal star he had been trying to hang.

“I was decorating. Cosette will visit tomorrow”

Javert seemed to find that hilarious and barked a laugh

“You won’t be here tomorrow; I have come to arrest you”

“Still, I would like to finish. If you will allow me”

There was still a box of trinkets, unopened since last year. Cosette had helped him then, from building the nativity scene to buying little things to help the poorer merchants.

The two little glass stars were the last ones. A delicate thing, not made for his laborer hands. He wanted to put them in a very visible place, as a reminder.

Javert sighed tiredly

“Go ahead, then”

To say he was surprised, will be to downplay it. Did he really agree to let him finish? So, Valjean got to work again to attempt to hang the crystal stars.

He stared at the too tall shelf as if he had committed an offense other than being there. After a few seconds, Javert snapped

“I don’t have all night! Are you trying to trick me into never finishing decorating?”

“No. I want to put the stars there, but I can’t reach”

Javert groaned

“You are insufferable”

He snatched the crystal stars from Valjean’s hands, got into his tiptoes and hung them where he had wanted. Javert was a head taller than him, so it had been easy.

“There, are you happy? Now, finish this nonsense so we can go”

Valjean felt suddenly nervous, not for his upcoming arrest but something else. Yes, the warm feeling of decorating the house with someone was back

“If you help me “He surprised himself saying “It will be finished sooner”

Javert hummed.

“That it is true”

And so, they started unboxing the last ornaments. Most of them were made of dry plants and carved pieces of wood.

The hours passed as sand between their fingers. Because, apparently, according to Javert, Valjean had the same sense of decoration and composition as a partially blind bear, and they wouldn’t seem to agree where to situate the remaining ornaments.

When the last piece of the nativity scene had been set, the sky was starting to turn pink.

“I will not arrest you tonight” Javert said, and once again left the house.

Two crystal stars glistened under the first rays of sun and Valjean wondered.

Chapter Text

Cosette coming for tea had been a blessing on it’s own. She had been happy to see the house decorated, thinking that her father had finally made something for himself.

“Have you got up the stool while you were alone?” She scolded him softly when she saw the crystal stars.

“I had a…an acquaintance helping me

During the past few weeks, Cosette had seen her father less and less, and was worried that he might be taking ill, although her papa would never admit it. He had also been acting distant, so she had been attempting at light conversation. To her that he had have a friend over, or well technically an acquaintance, was fantastic. She couldn’t wait to hear more, as he had always been so alone.

However, he was silent about that topic. Or anything in general. She looked through the window, there was a slight cape of snow, no more than a few centimeters in the garden from the first night of December

“The medlars must have ripped by now” Cosette commented. She knew that father was fond of the garden.

It worked, his eyes seemed to bright slightly again

“Oh, yes. I was a bit …distracted this year to remember”

“Good thing I came today then.”

“I will get them this week”

“Just don’t get too tired” Cosette said, “ And cover yourself with the coat, it’s cold outside”

“I will, my dear”

After a few more minutes, they said goodbye.

Valjean stood by the door, watching her go until the fiacre disappeared on the street corner. Then he looked at the sky, there were at least a few hours of pale sunlight.

He grabbed his boots, coat and buckets, and he went to the tree in the garden. Valjean had pruned it in a way that it couldn’t grow to full height, making it easy to get the fruits

He got to work, choosing the best-looking fruits in one of them for Cosette, and the other for him to make confiture that he would later give to the church.

Minutes passed in this way, and he did not notice how the darkness started to creep until a sudden light made him blink. Someone was in his garden and was holding a lantern

“Valjean “Javert said, because of course it was him “I have come to arrest you”

“Inspector, how did you get into my garden?“ Valjean asked

“You wouldn’t answer the door, so I had to make sure that you had not run away”

“So, you have broken into my house, is that what you are saying?”He said amused.

“Never! A simple door can’t stand in the way of justice” The lantern light flickered as Javert approached “What are you doing here anyways?”

“Gathering the last medlars of the year”

“Why? You won’t be here tomorrow”

“I’m going to give them to my dau…to Cosette. And make some into cans for the church. It will be a shame for them to go to waste”

“I see” Javert squinted

“If you help me gather them, you can arrest me earlier”

“Do you think you can trick me to do your chores?” Javert asked, but put the lantern on the ground and started gathering the medlars too

After a while, they had filled the buckets and got inside the house.

“I will cook the ones in this bucket; you can grab some cans from the cabinet. I’m going to leave a note, so the housekeeper knows what to do with them”

“You better hurry doing this, I don’t have all night”

“I will”

In the end, it took a long time to heat the stove and get the bones out of the medlars. The last can was closed just as the first rays of sun appeared over the Seine and Javert scowled.

“I won’t arrest you tonight,” he said grabbing his unlit lantern. “Go give whatever to whoever you want”

“Do you want one? It will be good for you”

“I don’t want nothing from you, Valjean. Tomorrow I will come back, mark my words” And he left, disappearing into the Paris streets

Chapter Text

The sky was filled with stars. Valjean looked at them through the window, unable to sleep.

It had been a cold day, and he hadn't found the strength to get out of the house.

"The Seine must have completely frozen, "he thought.

In the moonless night, the stars were as bright as diamonds

"Winter lights"

He found himself expecting the knock at the door, as an owner waiting for a lost dog. Valjean looked down and saw a shadow at the gate and rushed to open the door.

Javert's hand was about to knock and almost hit his face

"Ah" they both said

"You are a bit late"

"Pff late? Whatever you are talking about? I have come to arrest you"

"Yes, yes. Just give me a second to grab my coat"

Javert raised an eyebrow

"You are too willing today. What are you planning?"

"Nothing nothing I assure you" Valjean was being honest

"You can't trick me, Valjean. What were you doing up anyways uhh? How did you know I was coming?"

"Listen, I was doing nothing out of ordinary. I could not sleep, so I looked at the stars"

"The stars?"

"They're particularly bright today"

"Really?" Javert sounded interested but tried to hide it "I have not looked at them in a long time"

"Oh! This window has the perfect view if you wanna see while I get ready"

Valjean went to write a note and grab his coat, when he came back Javert was humming absently minded and stood near the window, almost pushing his forehead to the glass.

Valjean approached and also started looking, his breath staining the glass. He wondered how Javert had managed not to, as the glass had been pristine until his arrival

"I used to be able to tell each of them apart" Valjean commented, "but I forgot"

"I can tell you, if you would like. You won't see skies like this when I arrest you"

It was the truth

"Go ahead"

Javert talked about the winter circle, the brightest star. He told him about the dog, and the hunter. The two bears that guided travellers

The sky was turning purple and Javert seemed to still had stories to tell about those little lights in the sky

"I will not arrest you tonight" Javert said, and once again, he was gone before Valjean could even say something

Chapter Text

The dough on the counter was raising slowly. It was probably due to the cold, but Valjean couldn't be sure. He had decided to make some to give to Cosette when she decided to visit again. Soon. He hoped and dreaded at the same time

It was like watching paint dry, to see the dough making his way up under the candle light.

Valjean had not slept in a while, but he wasn't bothered by it. For sure, his eyes did not feel tired.

Thinking about nothing in particular, he heard the now familiar knock at the door. He got up from the chair and opened.

"Valjean, I have come to arrest you"

"Welcome" Valjean said, stepping aside. Javert now entered the room as if he owned the place.

"You are covered in flour" He noted, squinting his nose. Indeed Valjean's clothes were dusted in white

"A little mishap"

"Doing what, exactly?"

"Bread" He felt himself flush, why? It didn't make sense as Javert was just looking at him with a deadpanned expression

"Hmph. It doesn't smell like it"

"It's still raising. I didn't have time to bake it"

"For a moment I thought you were lying" Javert looked towards the bowl, covered with a cloth. He seemed to think for a minute

"It's a shame it will go to waste"

"Pardon?"

"I mean, " he said, coughing on his hand" that I will arrest you when it is done"

Valjean couldn't believe his ears

"Are you serious?"

"Have I ever joked, Valjean?"

Valjean himself could think of a few examples of snarky remarks and dry humour, but he decided against commenting

And so they waited for the dough to raise, talking about nothing in particular

Around half an hour later, Javert stiffened after he almost laughed out loud at one of Valjean's tells of Cosette and that Marius ninny. So he decided that it was done

They divided the dough in little balls and started kneading. Valjean put them in the stove

"Now we wait again"

They cleaned the table and the utensils while it baked. There was a strange calm to it

The air smelled of baked goods, like saffron. Valjean got them out of the stove before they burned and they steamed due to the change of temperature

They looked perfect to his eyes, as they have done them together

Valjean left them on the counter

"Aren't you going to try them?"

"Oh, they're... they are not for me....I...I couldn't possibly"

"Valjean" there was a different edge to his voice. But it was a command nevertheless

He grabbed one corner and tried it. It tasted amazing, the best thing he had eaten in a long time. Before he could realise, he had eaten a whole one little by little

"I can see that it's good" Javert said and Valjean flushed

"Yes, would you....

"No. A taste and I... don't think I could stop myself from asking for more"

"You have control"

Javert shook his head

"Not with this" he looked out the window.

"I will not arrest you tonight, I will come back tomorrow"

Javert seemed to hesitate a bit this time while leaving, but his steps where sure as he walked down the street. Leaving Valjean free and alone once more

Chapter Text

The basket with the confiture and bread lay on the table of the living room. Valjean had prepared it, so it looked nice and tasty. Cosette had come later than he had thought, meaning that she had insisted on preparing something for dinner and staying a while longer although Valjean had attempted to protest.

She had loved the gift basket, as much as Valjean had liked giving it to her. Eating its contents with her, even though he tried not to, felt nice. As if the years had not passed between them. He tried to keep a smile on his face but, each time she called him papa, Valjean felt the weight of the lie on his shoulders.

When it was time to go, Valjean accompanied her to hail a fiacre in the main street not wanting to let her go alone although she insisted. Near the river it was more likely to get the attention of one. Valjean stayed in it until he saw it go until it got lost in the night.

When he came back home, Javert was waiting for him

“Where were you?” He incriminated, pointing his finger at him “How dare you making me wait?”

“Good evening, Javert”
“Evening! Evening? The man has the gal to say “good evening” to me. Good night would be more appreciated. Going out, at these hours! A walking burglar’s victim, is what you are”

While he talked, Valjean opened the door with the key. Once they were both inside, Javert trailing behind him, Valjean crossed his arms, mirroring Javert.

“I can protect myself. In case you have forgotten” He had the sudden need to show off but stayed still. “I was just accompanying someone”

“Bah. Excuses” Javert came more inside and sat on the armchair of the first night he had come “You will let me rest, I have been standing there for too long. Then I will arrest you”

“Do as you wish! At least this time you did not break in.

“You were not inside, what would have been the point?”

“And how did you know I was not inside?”

Javert remained silent and looked away.

“Can I offer you a tea?”

“You can. But I will say no. You don’t have to give me anything”

“You tire me” Valjean found himself saying and sat opposite to him

“Hmph, likewise”

The silence was deafening this time, and Valjean felt his eyes hurting as he tried to understand Javert expression under the soft light of the single candle. Each night that passed it was a new puzzle. How many more times this…the ritual would happen? His mind was sluggish for each passing minute and Javert’s figure became blurrier.

When Valjean woke up, there was morning light in the window and a blanket on his shoulders

There was a note on his door:

I will not arrest you tonight, you sleep like the dead. I couldn’t wake you up or move you. I will come back tomorrow

In an even more tiny handwriting, as if added on a rush

Also, you snore

Valjean couldn’t help but laugh at the remark. That last bit wasn’t true at all, obviously, he would know.

Chapter Text

The little girl was selling ribbons on the street. She offered them with his tiny hands to passerby, all not giving her more than a glance. Valjean saw her on his runs giving alms and approached. Her eyes light up at the potential client.

“Monsieur! Let me offer you a ribbon for your madame. “She said, showing him the colorful ribbons. She shivered a bit, clearly not dressed enough for the cold of the streets. Valjean chose a dark blue one that had caught his attention and gave her more coins than she was asking for.

“This will sure be enough for today, little mademoiselle. You can come back home now. A child like you should not be alone, it soon will be night”

She blushed slightly and looked at the ground.

“Oh, no, monsieur. I would not dare. I can come back home until I sell all these ribbons” The child showed him the remaining ones, almost a dozen. Valjean heart ached at her words. He couldn’t control what her parents had told her, but could make her go home early. He grabbed the rest of the coins he had inside his purse, that were more than enough and gave them to her

“I buy you the whole lot. Go home, petite mademoiselle”

And so, Valjean found himself with a dozen of really colorful ribbons. What use would he have of them?

In the end, he brought them all home and put them on the table. He was in the process of braiding them, when he heard the usual knock at the door. Had it become dark so fast? He had not noticed that it was night already

Valjean let Javert in, ribbons still in hand

“I have come to arrest you”

“Good night to you too, Javert” And offered to take his coat

“Bah!” The inspector said and refused to take it off with a dismissive hand. Valjean had started to suspect that the coat was some kind of an armor to him

“What are you up to tonight?

Valjean showed him the ribbons.

“I’m trying to remember how to make braids.  I can make use to them”

Javert made face

“A braid today? What will be tomorrow? Making deer out of pinecones?” Neither of them seemed to notice that there was an assumption that Valjean would still be free in that statement

“Actually, that sounds like a good…

“No, I won’t be giving you more ideas. You have more than that on your own.”

Javert then seemed to notice the actual number of ribbons on the table

“Valjean” He pinched his nose “Why did you buy this many?”

“There was this little girl that…

“Don’t continue, I can see where it ends”

“That’s why I’m trying to braid them. I will gift one to Cosette, but I can’t seem to remember how…

Valjean fidget it with them

“I used to make baskets, you know? But this is different, more soft than hemp so it just doesn’t….

He trailed of as his hands attempted to remember. They were different from a time ago. Talking seemed to help, he realized and as Javert once again was not complaining, he kept telling him about how he used to make the baskets.

An unknown amount of time later, he had made a bracelet he could give Cosette! Valjean had been so near giving up doing something with the ribbons and just stocking them away! But Javert’s arrival, as he had been able to talk with someone, had helped.

Valjean showed Javert the bracelet

“What do you think?”

“In my honest opinion, I think it’s a colorful trifle.”

Valjean puffed and rolled his eyes

“Thank you, Javert”

He put the bracelet away and realized that there was a ribbon he had not used. The first that he had bought: the dark blue one.

“Is this one more of your tastes?” Valjean asked, showing it to him

“That, it’s a perfectly respectable color”

That was an affirmation enough for Valjean

“Turn around, please. I’m going to tie your hair with it”

Javert seemed about to protest but seemed not to find anything to complain about. His hair tie really needed a replacement. Still, it was surprising that he let Valjean to tie the ribbon.

Valjean found Javert’s hair to have a different texture than his or Cosette’s. It was slightly colder, as if he had wash it recently, but it was probably just him. He had not much time to think about it, as Javert was pulling away as soon as he sensed that it was tied on a bow.

“There’s a mirror a top the stairs if you want to take a look”

Javert refused

“I’m not a preening peacock” If it had been a different person, Valjean was sure that Javert would have blushed, so instead he just got up from the chair

"I’m leaving. I will not arrest you tonight.

Valjean watched him go, the ribbon seemed more brighter than the rest of his clothes somehow, and the feeling chased him into the next morning

Chapter Text

It had been raining most of the day. Big drops falling from dark clouds. Valjean had walked over the bridge and looked over the edge. The river had a layer of ice, thiner in the middle and some bits were being drifted by the current in swirls patterns.

Valjean covered himself more inside in his yellow coat and gripped tightly the umbrella.

He was arriving to his street when he heard it. A meow, almost a yowl, that sounded muffled.

Valjean followed it and found the most miserable looking kitten he had ever seen. The little thing was drenched and covered in mud, so it was impossible to tell the color of his fur. When he approached, the kitten attempted to escape but it tripped over his own paws and started to shiver more

Delicately, Valjean extended his hand and grabbed the kitten. It fitted inside his big palm and could feel his rapid beating heart. He lifted it and pocked the little kitten inside his coat.

Valjean rushed home under the rain, it was becoming darker by each second.

He had no idea about how to look after the kitten. It shivered in his hand and had stopped meowing, which Valjean supposed was a bad signal.

He had to act fast.

Valjean dried the kitten with a soft cloth and laid it on the floor near the chimney, while he attempted to lit the wood inside.

A red flame burst and the room got brighter.

"Food" he muttered "it needs food"

What would a kitten as small as this eat? Milk. Most likely. Too young to eat mice yet

He heated a bit of milk on the stove. Someone knocked his door.

No, not someone. Javert! Of course, he was on time as a clock

Valjean opened it and indeed it was him. Javert was completely drenched, his whole clothes dropping rain water on the steps

"Valjean, I have come to...

"Javert! What do you think you are doing?Why don't you have an umbrella? "

"It was...blown away" He said, a bit unconvinced

"Come in, go warm by the fire if you please, leave your coat near it. I...

He heard the milk bubbling from the kitchen

"I have to do something really quickly"

Javert steps faded away as Valjean put the heated milk in, now, three bowls and brought it to the living room.

Javert was sitting on the floor still wearing the coat as a pool of water formed around him.

"Who is this?" He inquired looking at the bundle of hair that was the little kitten

"I found him in the street, I had to help it dry up"

"Of course you would..."

Valjean left the bowl for the cat and offered one of the cups to Javert. As he did not grab it, Valjean left it on the floor and also sat there, feeling sorry for his knees.

The little kitten lifted his head and licked the milk under the gaze of the two men, before curling into a ball again, probably sleep

"I won't be able to look for it" Valjean commented

"Because I'm going to arrest you?"

"Well, actually I was thinking more in that I'm an old man that, although I would love the company, can't look for it properly"

Javert hummed, he seemed to do that when he was thinking

"I can bring it to a place where it will be happy" Javert said

"Would you find a family for it?" Valjean was flabbergasted

"Yes, I suppose it would be that"

Valjean had to actually stop himself before clasping Javert's hands on his, as overwhelmed as he was by that sudden show of emotion. He just laid it on his shoulder instead

"I could not thank you enough, Javert, if you did that"

"Hm, you would, won't you? I have done nothing yet"

They waited to dry up in comfortable silence, listening to the logs creaking and burning. Under the light, Valjean realised that Javert's eyes glistened like amber

He was forced to tear his gaze away when the inspector stood up

"I should go, I will bring the kitten with me"

He grabbed it with his hand as if it was a toy and pocketed it inside his coat

Outside, it had stopped to rain and the wind had stopped. A cold fog had descended upon the street. Valjean wanted to offer something, say anything, but didn't know what

"I will not arrest you tonight" Javert said, before disappearing once more, this time bringing a tiny kitten with him

Chapter Text

The snow had started falling a few hours before dawn. A high contrast with yesterday’s rain that had made the streets slippery with ice before settling. Valjean’s windows had been covered in frost. He had felt miserable all day, feeling alone. He had not wanted to eat nothing more than a morsel of bread.

Valjean was thinking about going out, at least for a while but found it impossible. The entrance was covered in white upper than his knees, because it had fallen from the roof

What was he to do then? Valjean thought. Then realization dawned onto him. He had left all his gardening tools outside! And the little plants he had on pots would be ruined if he did not do anything!

Valjean grabbed his thicker gloves, coat and a tiny lantern in case it got dark before he was finished and went to the garden. Looking at the extension of white. He really hoped it was salvable yet.

Thankfully, most of the delicate pots had been under the trees so it had not been that catastrophic, although the branches would not hold it for long.

He got to work clearing the snow where he could reach and find. Slowly, he made his way, trying to save whatever little garden he had left, feeling bad for not realizing sooner that it would be possibility. How could he have not cared about it in the morning, when he had seen the storm?

It was strange, almost different.

Valjean went to the front garden, he remembered that he had some more pots there.

He tried to lift one of them, but it seemed that it had stuck to the ground.  He did more force and it came out, catapulting the snow behind him

“Ah” A voice said “Finally, an attack on authority. That was expected of you, old con”

Valjean turned around so quickly he almost slipped.

“Javert! What are you doing here?”

Javert’s hat was covered in snow, and it was Valjean’s fault

“I have come to arrest you, of course” He attempted to get rid of the snow with his hand, but it had left a wet patch on the coat too. “I’m going to be adding more charges to your record it seems”

Valjean paled

“It was an accident, I swear I…

Javert was towering over him. And then he saw that there was an amused glint on his eyes

“I’m not going to add it, Valjean.

“Oh thank G…

“I don’t really think nothing I do could worse or best your already sealed fate”

Valjean deflated, but he supposed Javert was right.

“Although it is only justice that I…

Before Valjean could even analyze what Javert was thinking, a handful of snow hit him on the shoulder, brushing his red ears.

“There, justice done. Let’s get you inside to dry and then we go”

Valjean didn’t move. Had this really happened? It seemed something surreal, almost supernatural

“C’mon! Have you frozen?”

Javert seemed about to push him and that made Valjean move

“Yes, only a minute, I suppose I need to…

He grabbed the remaining pots and got inside. Javert behind him

“Valjean” He said “What is the meaning of this mess?”

The whole house was covered in dirt, pots and melted snow

“I had to get this ready for….

“I don’t care what you had to do! You can’t leave this place looking as if mole had lived here!” He scrunched his nose “What about my reputation? Yours is supposed to be a clean arrest. Tidy up!

“Tidy up…but Javert I still have not finished it will…

“Then finish whatever little project you have here! But be quick about it!

If Javert was someone who swore, Valjean was sure that he would be complaining in a more colorful way but instead it just sounded to him like those married ladies he had seen at the church or market

“The state of the floor! The wood is ruined, how could you not think… And all of this for some dirty sprouts.,,,” Those were the words that accompanied him as he worked and Javert attempted to help

In the end, they both sat on their armchairs exhausted from the work. Valjean’s limbs hurt but he was happy for having finished.

“This, “Javert said, signaling the various mended plants and pots “Was absolutely ridiculous. Plants inside a house! They’re supposed to be outside

“I think they look good”

“Of course, you would” Javert looked a bit like a wet dog, now that Valjean was looking at him. His coat was dripping slightly from the snow, and he realized that he still wore the ribbon, but decided not to comment on it

“I will not arrest you tonight” He said after a while of companiable silence. Javert grabbed his hat, took a look at the room, staring directly into Valjean’s soul “I will come back tomorrow”

Chapter Text

The evening found Valjean going through his books. He had not looked at them, or read them for the matter, in a long time. The exception was his worn out Bible, but even the verses that he once had liked to revisit, didn’t resonate in the same way.

But now, looking at the dusty books, the pages turning yellow, he wondered what had made him think that way. Was it that maybe there was no one else for him to read too? It was easier for him to read at loud than using an “inside” voice. Or maybe he just liked the company. Valjean was not very good at introspecting.

Could he maybe give it a try again? Valjean was feeling tired just thinking about it. He had grabbed two random volumes that didn’t remember owning. A gift perhaps A knock at the door saved him from having to choose as he rushed to open it.

Again, Javert was at his doorstep

“Valjean, I have come arrest you”

He wanted to ask him if he was always going to say that but did not wish to press his luck.

“Good evening, Javert” Valjean said as the inspector walked in as if he owned the place

“In what are you entertained today, hmm? “ He noticed the books Valjean was holding and he moved to read the title squinting his eyes.

“The charms of the triumvirate” Javert raised an eyebrow. “Oh! Didn’t take you to be one to read this kind of book! Always surprising me. Devoted man as you….

Valjean felt a rush of blood to his ears at the implication of Javert’s words

“It is not that kind of book, Javert! It’s about…”He tried to remember what it was about” the Roman triumvirate”

Javert did not seem very convinced. Instead, kept looking at him as if Valjean had grown an additional head

“And I’m sure Thrill of planting seeds is about history also. My, my”

Had there really not be others books for him to choose from?

“I will read them to you, I will demonstrate it” Valjean said, confidently, but wasn’t sure where the suggestion had come from

“Just to prove yourself wrong, sure? But don’t change books while I’m looking. I want to see your face”

“It’s a history book and a gardening manual!”

“That’s what you say. I have seen enough…forbidden books in my lifetime to know what goes on between the pages”

“Oh, so you have read them

“That,…is an inadmissible question. It is not my integrity the one that it’s being discussed, but yours”

Valjean huffed, but was entertained by the bickering

They settled on the armchairs, Javert seemed to favored one of them. He would be sure to remember.

“I will know if you are changing something” He warned

Valjean started to read, the words coming easily to his lips now that he had an audience.

He was halfway through the roman triumvirate one when he noticed his eyes beginning to tire. He had forgotten his glasses!

He stood up and went to the drawer he had them

“What are you…”Javert started to ask but then he made visual contact with Valjean through the glasses. “Ah! You wear them. Should have realized

Javert looked away

“Something the matter?”

“It is nothing…just the glasses…they look, agreeable

“Thank you, Cosette helped choosing them”

“Figures” Javert muttered. “I don’t even want to think what kind of fashion monstrosity you would have chosen by yourself

Valjean decided to ignore his comment and continued reading. Although he could feel his eyes drifting to Javert, who was also distracted. Now that he wore the glasses, the inspector’s features were more distinguishable. There was a reflection on his skin that he had not noticed, an almost invisible shivering and restlessness that was not there before, as if he quivered under the light

Valjean read until the sky started to clear. Javert stood up from the chair

“I didn’t realize it had become so late” He said, looking out the window “You have convinced me that those at least were not ungentlemanly books.

He wanted to protest that none were

“I will not arrest you today. I will come back tomorrow”

And with that, Javert left again. Another night that Valjean was still free but, for how much longer?

Chapter Text

They had set up a Christmas Market in the Place de la Concorde, near les Élysées. Colorful firelights illuminated the place that smelled of sugar and almond. Valjean felt his stomach churn at the smell, he wasn’t sure if he had eaten today now that he thought about it. He wouldn’t even have known the existence of the market if he hadn’t taken a detour while coming back home.

Valjean had to admit that there was a strange tranquility to the market, the wooden stands with various trinkets. The presence of so many uniformed police (and others in incognito) made him restless, but crossing the avenue was the fast way back and it had already become dark.

He was midway through it, having successfully avoided to buy anything but given alms nevertheless, when he felt a presence behind him. Seeing the police uniform he felt his stomach churn once again

“Calm down, calm down, calm down” He repeated like a mantra. He was covered in a coat and scarf; there was no part of his skin or posture that betrayed his past. Nevertheless, Valjean quickened his step. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw that the figure did the same.

Valjean decided that it was perfectly reasonable to start panicking so he run in zigzag between the other people and hid behind one of the stalls. His breath was a cloud as he let his back rest on the wall behind him

“Valjean!” A voice snapped inside his ringing ears and his heart stooped “Has your age finally catch up with you? Are you crazy?”

“Javert” He breathed in relief. It was him. He wanted to cry, touch him to reassure himself that Javert was there and not other policeman.

“What were you thinking? Acting so suspicious around the patrols! Do you usually behave like this while you are out?

“No, I

“Only I can arrest you, Valjean.

“Of course, Javert only…

“And with that horrid coat too! It’s as if you are holding a sign. “Hey! I’m a con, arrest me”

“Stop! I.. I get it. What if someone hears you?”

“I wouldn’t be too worried about it”

Valjean wanted to shake his head. He couldn’t understand the man in front of him, and doubted he ever will

“I will accompany you home” Javert said, “making sure you don’t make anymore silly mistakes. For both our sakes.

They went back to the main avenue. The other policemen didn’t give them more than a passing glance and Valjean felt at rest. He allowed himself to look at the decorated market, the little snow falling down and the smells didn’t make him sick anymore. Somewhere, a group of people were singing carols. Couples were holding hands and whispering, making their partner laugh. Families walking together, allowing themselves the indulgence

Valjean turned to Javert to his left. His arms falling to his sides. He seemed almost relaxed, his eyes dancing from person to person, sometimes in Valjean but turning away too quickly. He wanted to grab his arm, like he had seen on the pairs, but it would be improper. Even if he excused that he was tired.

Although maybe…

He touched Javert’s coat. It was impossibly cold, as if touching ice even through the gloves. Javert got startled and stopped.

“You are cold” Valjean said, trying to explain himself, seeing Javert’s face “You complain about my coat, but you are freezing in yours”

Valjean looked around, ignoring Javert’s discomfort and pointed at a stall

“There, that will fix it”

There were several wool scarves of very good quality. Valjean went through the colors before deciding one with the vendor, who had been politely ignoring Javert’s figure looming behind Valjean.

“Why the sudden shopping spree?” Javert asked when they left the stall “A present for someone you love?

“This is for you”

Javert seemed flabbergasted

“I don’t understand”

“I’m sure I can’t convince you to get a new coat, so this will have to do” He said, offering him the scarf “Here let me…

Valjean got on his tiptoes while Javert reclined to meet him midway, Valjean tied it around his neck with not much force. They were so close this way and Valjean could feel the coldness that emanated from Javert’s face.

How had the man not frozen to dead at this point? Valjean wondered. He found himself almost caressing his thick whiskers when the inspector retreated and stepped backwards

“This is enough for today”

The rest of the way back was silent and Valjean cursed himself for making it uncomfortable for Javert.

“I will not arrest you tonight” Javert said as a goodbye and breaking the silence when they arrived home “I will come back tomorrow”

Valjean hoped he had acted well and not make things awkward between them