Chapter II: Some Private Time

The gathering after the wedding was brief, as Christian wanted Satine to be secure in her new home as soon as possible. He only shook hands with the Bohemians, all his goodbyes having been said the night before. He paused when coming to Toulouse, and the small man hugged him tightly. The two of them shared an unlikely bond, and Christian realized how much he meant to him.

Thanks, Toulouse. For everything, he said, blinking back tears.

Take care of the two of you, Christian, Toulouse said unsteadily. And come back to Montmartre sometime with Christian Jr. Satine laughed upon hearing that, and came back to Christian while Zidler vanished out the door.

I hope we can think of more original names than that! she laughed. threading her arm through Christian's. I'm ready, my love. Christian saw a hint of tears in her eyes.

Things all sorted out with Zidler? he asked softly, briefly caressing her cheek. Satine squared her shoulders and nodded.

Yes. . .I'm ready, she said.

All right, Christian said, throwing one last parting look at the Bohemians and Toulouse. Let's go, then.

The ride to the train station was short, and Christian, glancing nervously over at Satine to make sure she was all right, was reassured. The hope her life had shown her had somehow miraculously lessened the attacks on her body by the disease that consumed her. Her cheeks were pinker than he ever remembered them, and her breath was far more regular.

Once they stepped onto the platform, however, Satine paused and her face turned pale again.

Christian asked, feeling the cold fear snake its way into him. Are you all right?

Yes. . . Satine said slowly. It's just that this is farther than I'd ever expected to go from Paris. . .from the Moulin Rouge. She looked down, briefly.

Come. . .what. . .may, Christian whispered into her ear. Satine smiled into his eyes.

I will love you . . . she finished, until the end. . .of time. . .

The train is boarding, Christian said gently. Satine put her hand on top of his arm, and together they entered. Satine looked around with surprise at the compartments.

So this is what a train is like, she remarked to Christian.

You've never been in a train before? he was not able to hide his surprise. Satine smiled wryly.

Didn't know what a well-traveled woman you married, did you? she paused briefly as they settled into their seats, and she turned to him. Tell me about England, Christian.



Yes, what's it like?

Well, uh. . .it's nice.



And, uh. . .quieter than Montmartre. . . Satine burst out laughing.

And this is the famous Bohemian writer! She kissed his nose. Christian did not respond at first, but rose and did something to the door. Satine watched him, hands on her hips.

What are you doing, Christian? He turned with a rakish grin on his face.

A bit of privacy.

Satine raised her eyebrows. Did you think we could talk about England in private, then? His arms were already about her.

You know. . .a private guide to the country.

I see. . . the rest of her sentence died off as he kissed her.

They were broken off by a knock at the door, and Christian dived away from her as the conductor entered. He rubbed his chin with his hand in a desperate effort to hide the smears of lipstick around his mouth.

I'm sorry, sir, the conductor apologized to Christian. But would you mind taking on another passenger in your compartment? An elderly lady waddled into the room, her face already screwed up in disapproval. I'm sure you'll get along fine!

Christian hunted down a handkerchief, partly to hide the evidence and partly to hide his smile. Satine and the old woman were already glaring at each other, as the woman had brought into several large hatboxes and plunked one right between Satine and Christian.

Christian began.

Don't want to hear any introductions, the old woman snapped. I have neuralgia and it's aggravated by speech. Just want you to be quiet. Those hooligan children almost drove me to my death, so I'm here. Christian peered out the window to the compartment across from them, where three small, primly dressed little girls were quietly embroidering. He sighed, and turned to Satine. Taking her hand, he was interrupted by a screech.

I don't know what kind of loose rules you young people think morals are these days, but I don't want to see that kind of display in front of my very eyes. Heaven preserve us all!

We're just married-- Christian said desperately, but he was interrupted once again.

All the more reason! Marriage is a sacred state, young man! And you, young woman! Don't give me that disrespectful look! Satine sighed. All right. That was it.

Excuse me, Madam, but have you tried the new kind of face powder that has just been created? I hear it's simply wonderful for wrinkles on fat old women who are nosy old gossips who have nothing better to do than sound like banshees. The woman's face turned a peculiar shade of purple and gathering her hatboxes, she let out a very unattractive cry for the conductor. Wearily, the man appeared and took her bags, leading her to next available compartment. Christian laughed.

Lovely, Satine.

I aim to please, she said seductively, playing with his collar. Speaking of which, do you want to show me that lovely privacy feature this place has? Christian obliged, pulling the curtain down tightly. Sitting back down, he found himself with his arms around Satine, kissing her deeply. The faint perfume that lingered about her hair was a delicate scent, and he buried his face in the rippling tresses, as she gently stroked his back. He held her softly, encircling her with his love.

Satine felt anew the sense of wonderment that came over her every time she was in Christian's arms. She had been touched so many times before him, by so many different men, but each time she had felt nothing, just a strange twinge of pleasure mixed with pain as she gave them her body. . .but never her heart. Christian awoke sensations she'd never known she could have, a feeling in her soul that she was infinitely precious and secure in his love. The brushing of his fingertips sent chills up her spine, and the barest look with his soft blue eyes made her heart sing.

she said quietly, drawing back a little.

What is it? he whispered, resting his head against her own.

We haven't--well--we haven't shared a bed since the show, she murmured, a strange sort of embarrassment coming over her as she spoke of it. Satine shook her head bemusedly--a courtesan embarrassed by the thought of sharing a bed? But she shoved the feeling aside for later examination.

The doctor said you should have no strain on your health, no. . .physical . . .expenditures, he stumbled over the words, almost as innocent as their first night together, so long ago.

she said, her thoughts returning to the odd emotion.

I didn't mean to--

Of course you didn't, darling, Satine smiled. I know. And I'll be well soon. Christian wrapped his arms around her again.

You will, he said fiercely. I know you will.

~-~-~-
Author's Note: I don't own anyone or anything (except for the fat old lady who provides pitiful comic relief), and it's all
used without permission, but please don't sue me, as I need money for college tution and cash to supply my book
addiction.

Songs used: (W/out permission, but with grateful appreciation)
Come What May
Obviously.