Disclaimer- Don't own. Never have. Never will. *sob sob*


The next day dawned fantastically bright, but no one who cared for Christian cared for the beauty of the new day. Worry was clouding the minds of them all and none of them could see any way out of the dense fog. Only Christian's return to full health could do that.

How are you feewing today?

Better than last night. A sheepish expression crept over Christian's face. I really scared you and that young lady didn't I?

Toulouse only nodded, the fear of the past night washing over him again.
I had no idea you could shout so woud, he managed finally, forcing a smile on to his face to belie the seriousness of his tone. But it was understandable Chwistian, you were scared.

Toulouse's voice was gentle and Christian looked at him sharply.
I've heard you talk like that before. About love. About how much you long for love.

Toulouse smiled happily through the tears that had sprung in to his eyes.
Yes Chwistian. I told you how much I wong for wove and how much I bewieve in twuth and beauty. The two friends sat talking for along time, Christian telling Toulouse everything he remembered, and Toulouse trying to prompt his memory. It was evening by the time they ended their conversation and Toulouse was heading to the kitchen when a knock sounded on the door.

Could you get that pwease Chwistian?

The door clicked open and Christian stared at their guest in surprise. he managed finally. Oh... um.... won't you come in? He pushed the door closed and then watched as Satine picked her way through the debris on the floor and finally sat on the sofa.

I want to apologise for last night, Christian said as she was sitting down,not giving himself a chance to hesitate. I had no right to yell at you like that. I know I scared you, and I'm asking you to forgive me.

Of course you're forgiven, Satine said quietly. How could I not forgive you? Christian looked at her sharply.

Why did you say that? he demanded. Satine looked uncomfortable, and Toulouse shook his head at her warningly.

We were good friends, she said finally, knowing that the words sounded false, but Christian wasn't listening to her.

What are you saying? he muttered to himself. What are you saying? Satine looked over at him with concern written over her face.

He looked up at her and she was surprised to see tears in his eyes.

You never told me the truth, he said quietly. I asked why you were staying with the Duke, and you lied to me. You didn't tell my why. She stared at him in shock.

You're right, she said eventually. I didn't tell you, because the Duke had threatened to kill you if I stayed with you.

Stayed with me? he asked, confusion making him look so much younger than he really was. What do you mean, stay with me? Were we room mates or something?

Satine felt her heart break. she said, forcing a smile on to her face. We spent a lot of time together and the Duke was jealous. She watched him carefully, hoping he would say something more, but he seemed to have fallen in to his thoughts, so she merely said good bye to Toulouse and left.
* * *

I want to go to the Moulin Rouge, Christian told Toulouse the next day. I keep thinking about it, and I want to go and see why.

When he saw the dance floor, Christian froze. He opened his mouth to say something, but Nini came stalking over to him and wrapped an arm around his waist.

Nice to see you again, Shakespeare, she said, pushing her body up against his. You haven't been back to visit us for so long.

Shakespeare? You've called me that before. You were... you were sitting on my lap. She smiled and fluttered her lashes.

Nice to know you remember me, she said coyly. How about we go somewhere and chat about old times some more? She pulled lightly on his arm to lead him to a room and he followed her docilely. Toulouse tried to follow, but the door was closed and locked before he got there, and all he could do was wait outside.

When the door finally opened Toulouse nearly pounced upon his friend.
What happen Chwistian? he asked concernedly, hoping Nini had gotten the slap he felt she so richly deserved.

Toulouse I remember it all now, Christian cried. I'm in love Toulouse.

I know you are Chwistian.

You do? Oh God I didn't know I was that obvious. Christian smiled. I just hope Nini doesn't mind everyone knowing so soon.

N... Nini? gasped Toulouse, looking behind Christian where Nini was sitting, a smug smile on her face and a triumphant look in her eyes.

Of course me darling. Why shouldn't he love me? she challenged. Do you know anyone better for him?

Toulouse said, lifting his chin and staring at her with defiance blazing in his eyes. He was taken a back when Nini laughed.

she giggle. Satine left him, broke his heart. Didn't she my poor baby? I wouldn't dream of doing something like that. She placed a possessive hand on Christian's shoulder. I love Christian, and I'll never hurt him.

To Toulouse the sarcasm in her voice was blindingly obvious, but Christian seemed to be entirely unaware of the harsh undercurrent in her tone, and he willingly leaned in to the kiss she initiated. Toulouse looked away.

I have to get him to remember Satine,' he thought desperately, looking around and hoping to see her. But she wasn't there. Backstage!' he though suddenly and hurried off as fast as he could. Nini seemed determined to keep them apart, but Satine and Christian belonged together, he was sure of it.
* * *