DISCLAIMER: I don't own Moulin Rouge.

The Greatest Thing

By the Furby

Chapter 3: …And This One's For You

Out on the field, Christian found his first set easily. He smiled at Satine, who was already in her set. "Satine, this is Christian," introduced Zidler. "He'll be replacing Audrey as the clarinet section leader." Satine's smile dropped as Zidler went to tend to the tuba section.

"Christian? Clarinet?" she asked.

"Yes, that's me," he replied, confused.

In response, Satine smacked her forehead with her open palm. "Great."

"What?"

"Nothing," she said, rubbing her temples.

Christian stood around for a bit, looking for nothing in particular. He noticed an absence in the drumline. "Where's Duke?" he asked Doc, who was standing nearby.

"Don't know. Maybe calling his lawyer or some shit. Rich prick." Doc was irritable when parted from his Budweiser.

Christian sighed. "So, how long have you been here?" he asked Satine, trying to ease the tension.

"This is my fourth year."

"Oh. It's my first."

"So I noticed."

"I'm not a freshman or anything; I just needed to get away from my family."

"Really." * This isn't going the way I wanted… * thought Christian, noting Satine's flat tone.

"So what are you majoring in?" he asked.

"Dance and music," she said, softening a little. "I want to be an actress on Broadway. What about you?"

"Film. I want to be a screenwriter. And I'm minoring in music theory, so I can have songwriting as a backup."

"Are you a good writer?"

"I don't know. My friends used to say I was, but they're my friends. I want to hear other people's opinions."

"Sing me something," she said, beginning to take a shine to him.

"Well, I don't know…"

"Come on. Please?"

He sighed and quietly began.

"My gift is my song

And this one's for you.

And you can tell everybody

That this is your song.

It may be quite simple but

Now that it's done

I hope you don't mind, I hope you don't mind

That I put down in words

How wonderful life is

Now you're in the world."

Christian offered Satine a bashful smile. She was smiling. * I think I'm in love. * She shook her head minutely. * No, I just met him. And I can't let feelings get in my way right now. * She kept her smile, though. * There's nothing wrong with being friends, though. * She whipped her head around at the sound of Zidler's voice amplified by his portable loudspeaker. "That was great. Now for set 2."

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