“I, ah, you know we’re getting married at the end of this
week.” Marius said, clutching Cosette’s hand tightly.“Yes,” said Courfeyrac. “I had figured that out. The
invitation and months of planning helped, I confess.”“Oh.” said Marius. He seemed as a loss. “Yes, right.” Cosette
nudged him gently with her arm. “Well! Since we’re getting married soon, as,
um, established, I…” He trailed off, gently biting his lower lip as he did when
he was nervous. Courfeyrac lifted an eyebrow encouragingly, and was rewarded by
the sight of Marius’ stubbornly determined face falling into place. “That is,
we though we should do this first.” Marius darted forward and kissed an
astonished Courfeyrac on the mouth.Courfeyrac stared at him for a moment, blinking in shock. Then
he turned to stare at Cosette, ready to reassure her that her husband-to-be was
temporarily mad, but that no harm would be done in the long run. Surely. No
matter how much and for how long Courfeyrac had been wanting to kiss Marius
himself.But Cosette was smiling at him shyly, a playful light
sparkling in her eyes as she leaned forward and kissed him too.“Oh.” said Courfeyrac.