Chapter VIII: Unexpected Song

But that's terrible! Satine said laughingly, leaning her head against the curtain. She and Christian were sitting in the loft of the theatre, although he was supposedly at home with a headache and she was out on a walk. The only disadvantage of this as a meeting spot was the drop in temperature that accompanied the rise in altitude. She sat bundled up in two shawls while Christian ran all over the room, acting out the play for her as he had pictured it.

Christian replied, grinning mischievously. His hair fell against his forehead as he leaned against a pillar. But then Christopher--

Projecting a little of yourself into the story, dear?

Christian continued, refusing to be drawn into the argument. Tells Blanche that he could never love her because although Camille has betrayed him, his heart belongs with her.

Why don't you tell our beloved actress who plays Blanche that? Satine grumbled. If she had to witness another one-sided flirtation from Rose, she was going to scream. The only thing she was grateful for was her apparent blindness to anything between Christian and Satine. She didn't doubt for a moment that Rose could wreck plenty of havoc if she so chose. Christian drew himself up, looking offended.

Do you want to hear this or not, Satine?

Yes, please, Satine replied mock-seriously, sitting up straight. Her mouth twitched and she laughed at his hurt expression. Christian stayed stoic for a moment longer before chuckling with her. He sat down by her and drew her close to him. Satine let out a sleepy sigh and leaned her head on his shoulder. Christian lifted her hand, studying it.

You have beautiful hands, Satine. His thumb ran gently over her fingers, memorizing the smooth feeling of her skin and the glassy texture of her nails. He kissed her hand lightly and then raised his head to look at her.

Satine froze. His voice had changed from loving reverence to a quiet curiosity. He was going to ask about the Duke and what she had done before meeting him. She had been dreading this moment for the past few days, knowing that somehow the truth would come to haunt her. Her body stiffened in Christian's arms and she bit her lower lip.

she asked, her voice low and melodious with the sadness that rushed over her. The dream would end here and now. . . she knew she should tell him she had been a courtesan, that it wasn't just the Duke she had sold her love to. And he would leave her then. She couldn't ask him to understand that things were different now. So very different now that Christian had entered her world.

I think Camille needs to sing a song after she falls in love with Christopher, but I can't think of anything. Can you?

Satine stared at him, momentarily stunned into silence. Didn't he-- wasn't he even going to ask? Or was he just going to give his heart to her, no questions asked?



Satine searched his face. He was going to. He loved her. Loved her!

It was then that Satine felt a change in her heart begin to take place. Before she had known that when the Duke came back, she would have to say goodbye to Christian and regretfully return to her former life. She would be gentle but firm with him, explaining that there were things more important than love in this world. But now. . .

Do you have any ideas for a song? Satine brought herself back to the moment with a determined shake of her head.

Uh. . . yes. I do, actually. She stared out at the London skyline, so different from the horizon of Paris. Like Christian. Christian came up behind and rested his hand gently on her shoulder.

What is it? Satine took a deep breath and opened her mouth, willing to let all of her hope and puzzled joy to escape through her voice. It was time to tell someone what was in her heart. And who better to tell than the man. . . the man she loved. Satine smiled to herself. It was true. She loved him. Loved him as though she'd never dreamed she could love anyone.

I have never felt like this
For once I'm lost for words
Your smile has really thrown me.

She turned to face Christian then. His face lit up with a warm smile that sent thrills through her. That sweet, boyish grin that expressed every bit of his love of life. And her.

This is not like me at all
I never thought I'd know
The kind of love you've shown me.

She was not the Sparkling Diamond any longer. Nor was she Mademoiselle Claudel, the beautiful young actress that was little more than an accessory to the Duke. She was Satine.

Now, no matter where I am,
No matter what I do,
I see your face so clearly.
Like an unexpected song
An unexpected song
That only we are hearing.

An unexpected song. That was what Christian was to her. The poet who had come into her life singing the song she'd never thought existed. She'd loved him with the first note he'd sung, although she hadn't realized it then. His gift from the gods was his song, and he'd chosen to bless her with it. He was always with her now, even if they were in separate houses. She kept images of him in her heart, so all she had to was reach within herself and see Christian smiling before her.

I don't know what's going on,
Can't work it out at all,
Whatever made you choose me?

These past few days had been a beautiful whirlwind to Satine. She was so happy! But almost frightened, in the way that she couldn't understand. She was afraid that this perfect joy would be snatched away from her before she had a chance to unfold in its golden light. She was determined to make the most of every precious moment with Christian. Her Christian. Satine explored the words through her mind.

I just can't believe my eyes,
You look at me as though
You couldn't bear to lose me.

For that was how he watched her. She was something special to him. Not just a prize, not simply a beautiful toy to be thrown away at the end of the night. He loved her in the warm light of day as well in the velvety blackness of the night. Did he know what a gift it was to her? Probably not. . . but that made it all the more wonderful.

Now, no matter where I am
No matter what I do
I see your face so clearly
Like an unexpected song
An unexpected song
That only we are hearing
Like an unexpected song
An unexpected song
That only we are hearing!

Her voice rose, building with the melody she imagined in her mind. As her voice softened into silence, she raised her face to Christian's. He kissed her, and she kissed him back, deeply. She wrapped her arms around him, her shawls falling forgotten to the floor. Here in his warmth, she would be safe.

Always.


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Ah, yes, another chapter. Please review-- my eternal thanks and good wishes to those who have. You brighten my day and make me that much more interested in the story! Thank you!

Songs used:
Unexpected Song-- Song and Dance, Andrew Lloyd Webber
and in the previous chapter, Through Your Eyes by LeAnn Rimes