Chapter IV: Christmastime

Christian, what is that? Satine put the pretty gifts she had been wrapping for Margaret down and stared at her husband.

A doll, Christian said, a little defensively. He held out a delicate porcelain doll with golden curls and soft brown eyes. Her skirt was made of shirred blue silk and she wore dainty kid slippers. Don't girls like dolls?

Satine began, staring at him, her mouth slightly open. Our daughter is not even a year old yet. What on earth possessed you to buy a toy. . . she shook her head and began to giggle helplessly. Christian looked hurt.

Are you laughing at me, Satine?

No, of course not, dear, Satine soothed him. I take you very seriously.

You do not.

Why, darling, how could you think such a thing?

I wonder, Christian said, a little grumpily. He paused a moment, then leaned forward and touched a package. Is that for me?

Only if you want silk stockings, Satine answered, a smile twitching at the corners of her mouth as she spoke.

Why, how did you know? Satine looked at him for a minute, briefly stunned, and then began to laugh.

You're always teasing me, Christian.

That's my job. His movements were too fast for her to react to. Within a few seconds, she found herself nestled in his arms. Satine let out a tiny sigh and rested her head against his chest.

What are you getting me for Christmas? she whispered to him.

Silk stockings.

You are not.

Well, one of us has to want them. And if you'd rather I have them--

No, no, that's all right, Satine said hastily. She felt his back stiffen with mirth and pulled back, her glare half playful, half accusatory.

she said. Christian raised an eyebrow at that.

he asked innocently, pressing his hands against his chest. I would never cheat, darling.

Sure you wouldn't.

I love you too. Miffed, Christian sat down on the window seat, pulling her with him. Satine leaned an arm around him, looking into his eyes.

This is really quite improper, Christian.

Satine wouldn't have imagined that Christian could pretend to look more hurt than he already was. She was wrong. The mock injury in his eyes doubled, and Satine felt what little resolve she had had to keep wrapping the presents dissolve. Whenever he got that little boy look in his eyes, she almost automatically crumbled. He knew it too, something that increased Satine's annoyance with the whole thing. Had it not been for her ability to bat her eyes at him and watch him stutter, she might have considered putting a stop to it.

It's improper to have my wife sitting on my lap?

Margaret would die of shame.

Celeste would want to join you.

They looked at each other simultaneously and burst out laughing. Christian took both of her hands in his and gently ran his fingers over them. Satine felt her breath catch in her throat. She had heard of passion fading to companionship in marriages, but she didn't think it could happen to them. A look-- a touch-- and the enchanted bond between them deepened even more. His arms closed around her and she sighed, breaking the connection.

What is it? Christian asked, concerned. Satine shook her head and shrugged a little. Her smile was rueful.

I hate getting fat, she said glumly, touching her thickened waist.

You are not fat, he protested. You're beautiful.

And you, Satine said dryly. Are my husband.

So I noticed.

They sat together for another moment until Satine gently pushed herself up.

Christmas in in five days, sweetheart. I really need to wrap these gifts.

Yes, I know, Christian admitted reluctantly. He kissed her cheek quickly and released her hand. I have things to do as well. Instead of going, he sat down on the bed and watched her.

What is it? Satine asked him, watching his reflection in the mirror. His expression was thoughtful.

It already feels like Christmas here, he said slowly. It always feels like Christmas here.

Satine glanced around the room. Downstairs, the mantels and stairs were decorated with holly. . . Christian had placed mistletoe in several strategic points. . . the spices of baking filled the air, and mysterious brown paper packages had been spirited away from prying eyes. But that wasn't it. . . she knew what he was talking about.

What makes the Christmas spirit, anyway? she asked him idly. He rolled the bedspread between his fingers, thinking and began to hum.

It's in the singing of a sweet corner choir
It's going home and getting warm by the fire
It's true that wherever you find love
If feels like Christmas.

Satine stopped her dainty toil and looked at him. She smiled and sang back to him, falling into the same easy rhythm that they always found together.

A cup of kindness we share with another
A sweet reunion with a friend or a brother
In all the places you find love
It feels like Christmas.

He kissed her warmly, and went to go prepare the Christmas gifts for everyone else in the family.

Do you need help with your hair, Satine? Margaret had peered into their bedroom, where Satine sat, frowning at the mirror.

Yes, please, Satine laughed, turning to face her. Anne's downstairs, helping with dinner, and I've lost my ability to pin it up like I used to. You look lovely, she added, seeing Margaret's new cream-coloured satin decorated with silk roses. She blushed prettily and pinned a tendril of hair up.

Thank you, she said softly. I love Christmas, you know. It's always been my favorite time of year. At home, Father stopped being so stern all the time, and Mama always rushed around the house, getting everything ready. Christian would sing carols all the time, so the house was full of music.

Christmas is special, Satine agreed, putting her new earrings on and admiring their gleam against the background of her dress.

It is the season of the heart
A special time of caring
The ways of love made clear.

Satine glanced up at her, surprised at the passion in her voice. Margaret's cheeks were flushed with excitement and happiness, and Satine pressed her hand down on the younger girl's as she responded.

It is the season of the spirit
The message if we hear it
Is make it last all year.

Merry Christmas! Christian was waiting for them both in the dining room, Celeste in his arms. She wore a dark red smock and pinafore Margaret had embroidered for her, and a matching ribbon was in her black hair. Christian kissed his sister on the cheek as she took Celeste from him, murmuring nonsense words into her baby ears.

He held out a hand for Satine, and her fingertips settled into his palm. As he drew her into the light, he gave a slight gasp at her beauty. Satine wore a dark plum coloured velvet dress and the pearl necklace he had given her last Christmas. The contrasts struck between her gown and jewelry was reflected in her hair and skin. Her waist was larger than usual, but that only served to add to her loveliness in the warmth of the candlelight.

First gifts! Satine called out merrily. Margaret opened her package to reveal a pretty silver paper knife and pale pink stationary. Celeste looked unimpressed with her rag doll, and Satine reflected with a grin that perhaps Christian had had the right idea after all. Christian watched her with a smile as she opened her gift and revealed a ruby pendant that sparkled like red wine through a cut glass goblet.

Oh, Christian, she whispered. It's beautiful. She held the jewel in the palm of her hand, admiring the way it caught the light. She touched his hand and smiled at him. Now you.

Christian opened the small box carefully, setting aside the paper that hid the gift from him. He drew out a new gold pocket watch and held it up for the whole table to see.

That's wonderful, Christian, Margaret said, watching the scene before her with delighted eyes. Celeste clapped her hands and giggled as the watch dangled before her. Christian picked up Satine's hand and kissed it. She smiled at him, love filling her eyes.

No, no, Celeste, Margaret said gently as the little girl reached out for her plate. Grace first. She turned expectantly to Christian, and in response he took her hand. They formed a circle around the table, Celeste being the final link in the chain. Satine took the baby hand in her own, and bowed her head. Christian paused for a moment and then began to sing.

Life is full of sweet surprises
Every day's a gift
The sun comes up and I can feel it
Lift my spirit.

He squeezed Satine's hand tightly and felt her fingers tighten in response.

Fills me up with laughter
Fills me up with song
I look into the eyes of love
And know that I belong.

Christian looked up and found everyone else doing the same. Satine's eyes were misty with tears, while Margaret's beamed quietly with happiness. Celeste's blue eyes, those reflections of his own, were joyous.

Bless us all
Who gather here,

Satine sang the next part of the prayer, her voice fitting perfectly next to his.

The loving family I hold dear.

No place on earth compares with home
And every path will bring me back from where I roam.

Margaret looked a little astonished at her bravado in joining in. Their three voices met in the next lines.

Bless us all
That as we live
We always comfort and forgive
We have so much that we can share.

Satine sang the next line, remembering her days of poverty in the Moulin Rouge and those that still were trapped in the underworld.

With those in need we can see around us everywhere.

Christian joined her, singing their mutual wishes for the rest of their lives.

Let us always love each other
Lead us to the light
Let us hear the voice of reason
Singing in the night.

Satine paused for breath as he expressed his request for the next year and forever after that.

Let us from anger.

Satine added her hope to his, her high voice resonating through the whole room.

And catch us when we fall.

Margaret's words were filled with longing for a future like theirs, and her look expressed every secret dream she was cherishing.

Teach us in our dreams and please, yes, please
Bless us one and all.

` Three voices sang the finale of their prayer while Celeste watched, her eyes wide. Satine and Christian prayed for preservation of their beautiful dream, while Margaret confessed her girlish hopes for wife and motherhood.

Bless us all
With playful years
With noisy games
And joyful tears
We reach for you and we stand tall
And in our prayers and dreams
We ask you bless us all.

Their heads bowed again as Christian quietly sang the end of the heartfelt prayer.

We reach for you and we stand tall
And in our prayers and dreams
We ask you bless us all.

~-~-
Author's Note: Ah, yes, fluff galore. These chapters will actually start having points soon, believe it or not. I hope everyone's enjoying this!

Songs used:
Feels Like Christmas--Muppet Christmas Carol
Bless Us All--Muppet Christmas Carol


What?!? It's a good show! :)