Chapter 8

Disclaimer: See chapter 1. Nor do I own "On This Night." It's from Evita. I just thought it was a good song for this chapter, so I'm borrowing it.

That night, during the reception, Nini slipped out onto the balcony. James saw this and slipped out after her, only to find her looking up at the stars. "They're beautiful, aren't they?" he asked. Nini jumped a bit, having not expected company, and turned around. "Yeah. Sometimes I like to look at them. But don't tell Shakespeare in there. He'll think I've gone soft."

James chuckled slightly. "I don't think you need to go soft, Nini. I believe that deep down inside, you're already there. And don't worry. I'll keep your secret. You don't mind if I stay out here and watch the stars with you, do you?" Nini shook her head. "No. Not at all. Oh, look! One of the stars is fallin'." James smiled. "Now there's something you don't see every night. But not to worry. I'm sure there's still at least a thousand of them up there."

That was when James kissed Nini. They had both felt the sparks flying up until this point, and so it really came as no surprise to either of them. Then James began singing softly as they danced. "On this night of a thousand stars, let me take you to Heaven's door. Where the music of love's guitars plays forever more. In the glow of those twinkling lights, we shall love through eternity. On this night in a million lights, fly away with me."

"I never dreamed a kiss could be as sweet as this, but now I know that it can. I used to wander alone, without a love of my own. I was a desperate man. But all my grief disappeared and all the sorrow I feared wasn't there anymore on that magical day when you first came my way, mi amore. On this night. On this night. On this night of a thousand stars, let me take you to Heaven's door. Where the music of love's guitars plays forever more!"

The Argentinean, who had, miraculously, stayed awake until this point, was just about to comment on James and Nini when the narcolepsy took over, and sleep claimed him right in the middle of the dance floor. Christian and Toulouse dragged him to the side of the room. Meanwhile, Harold leaned over to Satine. "I do hope, my dear, that Christian does not have any more bachelor friends, or your marriage could very well be the end of the Moulin Rouge," he whispered. Satine just laughed.

"Don't worry, Harold. Although I can see what you mean. If James and Nini get any more serious, we may have yet another wedding to plan."

Suddenly, a gunshot rang out, and everyone hit the floor, the girls screaming. "I thought I told you, Zidler, that I don't like anybody touching my things!" a very familiar voice yelled out. The Duke had found them. This did not look good.