Yes Chwistian?

What happened?

You got dwunk Chwistian. You were unconscious.
Christian groaned.

I was hoping that was a dream.

No Chwistian, it was not a dweam. We couldn't wake you up.

I'm sorry. I didn't mean to do it.

It's alwight Chwistian, you awe ok now.

Thanks to you Toulouse.
Toulouse just grinned and walked over to the sink to get Christian some more water.

I've been dwunk to many time to cownt Chwistian. It was nothing new to me.
Christian didn't look any happier at knowing he hadn't scared his friend and Toulouse sighed.

It's too soon Toulouse,' he told himself. Give it time.'

Wordlessly he handed the cup to Christian and then turned to pick up his coat.

You're going out Toulouse?

I have a few things to buy.

Can I come?

Toulouse blinked, it was the first time Christian had shown any interest in leaving his room for almost a week, ever since opening night.

Of couwse Chwistian. You coat is on the chair.

It took a few minutes for Christian to get ready, he didn't bother to shave or brush his hair, but he did change his clothes. Seeing him take even such a slight interest in his appearance made Toulouse hopeful, even though he knew it would be much longer before Christian started to really care about himself again.

Once they reached the door Christian stopped, and Toulouse knew what was bothering his friend. The windmill of the Moulin Rouge was visible from the door, as was the Gothic Tower. Toulouse placed a hand on Christian's back and gently pushed him in to the street.

People sitting at tables or standing on the pavement waved and smiled at the two of them. Christian was just as popular for his sunny nature and ready friendship as Toulouse was for his paintings and his willingness to help.

Toulouse hurried through the shops he needed to go to, noticing how tense Christian was and wanting to get him home again as soon as possible. Once safely inside his garret Christian collapsed in to a chair, sick desperation clouding his eyes.

Every thing I saw reminded me of her. I can't get away from her. How do I go on without her Toulouse? The greatest thing you'll ever learn. Why couldn't I have taught her that in time? Why?
Toulouse hurried over to his friend as fast as he could.

Calm down Chwistian.

Christian didn't hear the worry in Toulouse's voice.

Why calm down? he screamed jumping up from the chair where he had collapsed. What good will calming down do me? Will calming down bring her back? Will calming down end the pain I'm in? Why should I calm down?

His voice was so loud Toulouse had backed away, seriously worried about what Christian would do. As suddenly as it had started, the shouting stopped. Toulouse found himself staring at Christian as he slumped to the floor, sobs wracking his body. He stayed frozen for a few seconds before grabbing a blanket and warping it around Christian's shoulders.

Toulouse sat by his friend, one hand around his shoulders and the other stroking his forehead, all the while cursing himself for being unable to offer more comfort.

It was almost half an hour later when Toulouse noticed Christian's shoulders had stopped shaking. At some point over the last thirty minutes Christian's body had succumbed to the exhaustion of his emotional stress. Christian hadn't stopped crying, he simply hadn't had any energy left to cry with.
* * *

How much longer Harold? she asked, her voice sounding world weary.

Not long now. The Duke will be leaving in a few hours. As soon as he's gone you can go and see Christian.

The Duke won't go to Christian's garret. Once I get there I'll be safe. Please Harold...
A raised hand cut her off.

Three hours. That's all. You've waited five days to get this to work and you want to throw it away for three hours?
She shook her head, unable to manage even a simple response, but there were no tears this time. She had nothing left to cry with.
* * *