'I would try to put the answers in your mind, but we -- you, have expressed a desire for me not to speak to you that way.'

He does not regret that rage either, save for Abel's life. It was as close to raising a passion in the man as he could come. Every blow, every wound, is just as cherished as that span of heartbeats. It is why he clung to the wounds for so long.

He lifts his gaze to Javert's.

'And am I to believe that you do not hate me?'