Chapter 5

Disclaimer: See chapter 1

It was only a week before the wedding, and Christian and Satine were down at the docks, waiting for the boat that would bring their friends from Montmartre. First class would get off first, and, naturally, Christian and Satine had decided to make sure that that was the class their friends rode in. Toulouse was the first to come bounding down the plank, followed closely by Andrea, whom he had started dating, and the Narcoleptic Argentinean. "Oh, Christian, how good it is to see you again. And you as well Mademoiselle Satine. And because I'm so happy to see you happy, and so are the other Children of the Revolution, we've brought you a case of Absinth."

Then they heard a splash. The narcoleptic Argentinean had fallen from the plank and into the water. "Oh dear, there he goes again," Toulouse said, going over to help the Argentinean out. Christian helped as well, and they dragged him to the awaiting carriage. While they were doing that, Harold, Marie, and the Diamond Dogs came running down the plank, quickly gathering around Satine. Christian was glad that James had allowed them the use of his carriage, as well. Christian made some quick calculations. Six could fit comfortably inside the carriage, plus one up by the driver. That meant fourteen could go at a time.

Fortunately, only seven of the Diamond Dogs had come, so they would be able to make it all in one trip. Christian, Satine, Harold, Marie, Toulouse, Andrea, and the Argentinean rode in the first carriage, with the Argentinean up with the driver and tied down so he wouldn't fall off should he drift off to sleep again during the ride to the estate. The Diamond Dogs, of course, followed in the second carriage.

That night, there was great celebrating. The girls had their own party in one area of the estate, and the guys had their party in another area, neither party to be disturbed by the other gender. For the girls, the conversation was mostly about how lucky Satine was to be marrying a real live Lord, who was so much better than a Duke any day. He was better not only because he had a higher status, but because Satine was the one Diamond Dog who had managed to find true love, and she was now going to be with that love for life.

Meanwhile, amongst the men, plenty of Absinth was being drunk. It was definitely going to be a bachelor party to remember. Still, Harold found the time to pull Christian aside for a moment. He wanted to speak with the young man about a couple of things. "First of all, Christian, Satine has been like a daughter to me ever since I took her in off the street and trained her to be the Sparkling Diamond she was when you met her. Understand that if you hurt her, I will kill you, got it?" Christian nodded. "Don't worry, Harold. I promised Satine that I would love her come what may. I won't break that promise. Now, what was the second thing you wished to discuss with me?"

Harold looked nervous, suddenly. "Well, remember how during the ride here I told you that I had finally gotten the urge to ask Marie out shortly after you and Satine left?" Christian nodded again. "Well, I'm thinking of asking her to marry me," he said, pulling out a case that held a small diamond ring. "Do you think she'll accept?" Christian smiled at the older man. No wonder he had been so nervous. "You're a good man, Harold, no matter what exterior your may show. I have no reason to think she'd say no. I'd say you have a pretty good chance." Harold's eyes lit up. "You really think so?" he asked, putting the ring away. Christian didn't have time to do anything more than nod again before Toulouse pulled him away. "Come on Christian. You are the man of honour, so you mustn't sneak off to the side like that. Not tonight!" he exclaimed, handing him another glass of Absinth.

(A/N) So it's another short chapter. The drugs are distracting me. Mmm…spearmint flavoured anaesthetic… *glances around* Er…um…yeah…aren't root canals fun everybody? Hehehe…