Disclaimer: All Moulin Rouge! characters belong to Baz Luhrmann. I do own
Satine's parents and her sister, along with Christian's sister, Isabella,
and James.
A/N: Everything after this chapter is new content. Enjoy, and don't forget to review!
Chapter 5: A New Beginning
*****
Christian and Satine hurried through the brothels of Montmartre, trying to catch their train that would allow them to start their life away from the Moulin Rouge. Christian stopped every so often to allow Satine to catch her breath, as she had been coughing and wheezing every so often. He slipped his arm around her waist, pulling her closer to him. She placed her head on his shoulder as they silently walked on.
"You're freezing," Christian noticed as he rubbed Satine's arms, trying to warm her as she nodded.
"I'll be okay. Are we almost there?" she asked as he kissed her cheek.
"It's right up ahead," he replied as she coughed and pulled her scarf tighter around her face.
They walked briskly in the cold December air, reaching the entrance of the Montmartre station within five minutes. They quickly shut the doors behind them, enjoying the warmth of the building. Christian gently grasped Satine's hand, cautiously scanning the room for any familiar faces. Since it was close to midnight, the crowds of people were small and scarce, making it easier for Christian to spot anyone out of the ordinary.
"Do you see anyone?" Satine quietly asked as Christian shook his head.
"No, no one," he answered as he glanced around for a conductor. Finding one, he quickly led Satine over to him and attempted to ask where their train was located.
"Excuse me, sir, can you tell me where the midnight train to Limoges is located?" he asked as the conductor shrugged.
"Excusez-moi? Je ne comprends pas, monsieur!" the conductor quickly spat at Christian. (A/N: Excuse me? I don't understand, sir.)
Satine giggled as Christian glanced at her, smiling.
"He doesn't understand you, silly, we're in France after all!" she laughed as Christian turned red. "Here, allow me," she added as she began speaking fluently to the conductor. After a few minutes, and a quick "Merci, monsieur", Satine turned back to Christian.
"He says it's right over there," she added, pointing towards a large train complete with ten compartments.
"I think you might need to teach me some French," Christian said as Satine giggled as kissed him.
"I think that can be arranged," she whispered seductively into his ear as he laughed.
*****
As the conductor called his final "All aboard!", Christian stepped onto the train and held out his hand for Satine. "Coming?" he asked as she nodded. She glanced around the station one more time as a tear silently slipped down her cheek. She placed her gloved hand into Christian's and stepped on board as Christian embraced her in his arms.
"Don't cry," he said as he kissed her cheek and wiped the tear away. She sighed as she smiled.
"It's just hard to say goodbye," she said as he smiled.
"Saying goodbye to the past," he whispered into her ear.
"And hello to the future," she added as they walked down the hall to their room. Christian opened the door as both of their mouths opened in shock. The room was beautiful-Toulouse had certainly worked his magic for them. In the corner farthest from the door was a small bed, perfect for two. Next to it was a small table with a gas lamp on top of it, followed by a small sofa and a chest for their clothes and personal items. They walked inside and shut the door behind them and pulled the shade down, knowing that they would need their privacy tonight.
****
The early morning sunshine streamed over Satine's face, illuminating the tiny room. She gently opened her eyes and noticed Christian propped up on his elbows, staring at her.
"Excuse me, monsieur, do I know you?" she asked childishly as Christian laughed.
"I would think so," he answered as he leaned over and planted small kisses on her neck and cheeks as she swatted at him and sat up.
"Sleep well?" he asked as she smiled.
"But of course," she replied as she slipped out of the covers and put her robe on. She walked over to the small mirror and began pinning her hair up as Christian wrapped his arms around her waist. Giggling, she turned around and kissed him squarely on the lips, walked over to the vanity, and took her medicine.
"How much farther to Limoges?" she asked.
"We should be there by late afternoon," he replied as she smiled.
"Good," she sighed as he laughed.
"What, bored of me already?" he asked as she shook her head.
"Never," she said as she kissed his nose.
"I love you," he said as she blushed.
"Come what may," she sang quietly as he hugged her. Satine walked over to the window and blew against the windowpane, lightly tracing the frost with her fingertips. Christian sat on the bed, watching her contentedly.
"It's cold out," she said softly as he laughed.
"Of course it's cold, it's the beginning of December!" he exclaimed as she walked over and sat on his lap.
"Christmas is soon," she stated, running her hands through his hands. "What would you like?" she asked.
"I already have more than I could ask for. You," he whispered as the pair started kissing again.
"If we don't stop, we just might be here all day," she added, out of breath.
"Would that be such a bad thing?" he asked as he continued planting kisses down her neck. She shivered as he wrapped his arms around her once more.
"Let's play---things we don't know about each other," Satine said as she clapped her hands together, as a little girl would. Christian brought the blanket over from the sofa and placed it over them as they lay back on the bed, facing each other.
"Who goes first?" Christian asked.
"You," she yawned as she curled up and propped her head up. "Tell me about- London. I've never been there. Oh! Tell me about your family, you've never mentioned them before," she asked as he nodded.
"London's much different than Paris, much more crowded. There's always something to see or do and there's so many people. My father and mother both were born there. Let's see-my father, Nicholas, is a lawyer and is partners with my uncle, Richard. Then there's my mother, Marianna, you'd absolutely love her, Satine. She's so outgoing and loves to throw parties at all times of the year. Then there's my older sister, Corrine. She's married to my best friend James and has a four-year-old daughter, Isabella and another one on the way. I grew up in a three story manor on the outskirts of London and---now here I am with you," he added, growing bored with his story. "Your turn," he chided as she gazed at him.
"Well, I grew up in Paris in a two story apartment. My father Armand was a blacksmith and ran his shop next door, and my mother Etienne was a seamstress and ran her own little shop out of our home. I used to love to try on the dresses that she would order for all the rich, snooty, uptown ladies when she wasn't looking and pretend that I was a famous actress. My younger sister Giselle and I were practically inseparable; we were always causing trouble around Paris and getting yelled at by the neighbors. My father died when I was twelve and my sister was ten, and my mother couldn't afford to pay rent on the house without him, so we moved to Montmartre the year after when I turned thirteen. Then my mother started getting sick, always coughing, until she couldn't work anymore and would just lie in bed all day. She died a week before my seventeenth birthday, and soon after my sister ran off with some boy her age back to Paris and I landed a job at the Moulin Rouge," she finished and looked up to find Christian fast asleep on the bed, snoring lightly. She kissed his temple and snuggled against him and closed her eyes, for once in the arms of a man who had taught her that love was something to be cherished and not paid for.
***
The next morning, Satine was awakened by the train's loud whistle. She sat up quickly and looked around the room to find Christian sitting on the sofa, gathering their things together.
"Good morning," she said cheerily as he walked over and kissed her.
"Good morning, sweetheart," he added as she smiled.
"Are we in Limoges yet?" he asked as he nodded.
"The conductor was just passing through, he said we'll be there within the hour," Christian answered as she stood up and walked over to the dresser, looking for something to wear.
"I think I'll go and get us something to eat," he said as she nodded and continued to dress. She put on a navy blue dress with gold buttons up the front and started pinning her hair up into a bun, leaving a few pieces down to frame her face. She took out her white gloves and her navy blue hat and placed them on the table for later.
Christian returned a few moments later with two cups of coffee and croissants, Satine's favorite.
"Mmm, croissants!" she exclaimed hungrily as they quickly finished their breakfast as the conductor poked his head in.
"Good morning, monsieur and mademoiselle, we'll be reaching Limoges in ten minutes time, so please have your tickets out," he stated as he walked down the compartment. Satine stood up and placed her overcoat, gloves, and hat on as Christian put his coat on and grabbed the suitcase and the tickets from the nightstand. They exited the room and started walking towards the main compartment.
"Ready?" Christian asked as he took her hand.
"As I'll ever be," she responded.
****
A/N: Long chapter. Or at least it felt long to me. Thanks to my two reviewers! Keep reviewing everyone. :-D
A/N: Everything after this chapter is new content. Enjoy, and don't forget to review!
Chapter 5: A New Beginning
*****
Christian and Satine hurried through the brothels of Montmartre, trying to catch their train that would allow them to start their life away from the Moulin Rouge. Christian stopped every so often to allow Satine to catch her breath, as she had been coughing and wheezing every so often. He slipped his arm around her waist, pulling her closer to him. She placed her head on his shoulder as they silently walked on.
"You're freezing," Christian noticed as he rubbed Satine's arms, trying to warm her as she nodded.
"I'll be okay. Are we almost there?" she asked as he kissed her cheek.
"It's right up ahead," he replied as she coughed and pulled her scarf tighter around her face.
They walked briskly in the cold December air, reaching the entrance of the Montmartre station within five minutes. They quickly shut the doors behind them, enjoying the warmth of the building. Christian gently grasped Satine's hand, cautiously scanning the room for any familiar faces. Since it was close to midnight, the crowds of people were small and scarce, making it easier for Christian to spot anyone out of the ordinary.
"Do you see anyone?" Satine quietly asked as Christian shook his head.
"No, no one," he answered as he glanced around for a conductor. Finding one, he quickly led Satine over to him and attempted to ask where their train was located.
"Excuse me, sir, can you tell me where the midnight train to Limoges is located?" he asked as the conductor shrugged.
"Excusez-moi? Je ne comprends pas, monsieur!" the conductor quickly spat at Christian. (A/N: Excuse me? I don't understand, sir.)
Satine giggled as Christian glanced at her, smiling.
"He doesn't understand you, silly, we're in France after all!" she laughed as Christian turned red. "Here, allow me," she added as she began speaking fluently to the conductor. After a few minutes, and a quick "Merci, monsieur", Satine turned back to Christian.
"He says it's right over there," she added, pointing towards a large train complete with ten compartments.
"I think you might need to teach me some French," Christian said as Satine giggled as kissed him.
"I think that can be arranged," she whispered seductively into his ear as he laughed.
*****
As the conductor called his final "All aboard!", Christian stepped onto the train and held out his hand for Satine. "Coming?" he asked as she nodded. She glanced around the station one more time as a tear silently slipped down her cheek. She placed her gloved hand into Christian's and stepped on board as Christian embraced her in his arms.
"Don't cry," he said as he kissed her cheek and wiped the tear away. She sighed as she smiled.
"It's just hard to say goodbye," she said as he smiled.
"Saying goodbye to the past," he whispered into her ear.
"And hello to the future," she added as they walked down the hall to their room. Christian opened the door as both of their mouths opened in shock. The room was beautiful-Toulouse had certainly worked his magic for them. In the corner farthest from the door was a small bed, perfect for two. Next to it was a small table with a gas lamp on top of it, followed by a small sofa and a chest for their clothes and personal items. They walked inside and shut the door behind them and pulled the shade down, knowing that they would need their privacy tonight.
****
The early morning sunshine streamed over Satine's face, illuminating the tiny room. She gently opened her eyes and noticed Christian propped up on his elbows, staring at her.
"Excuse me, monsieur, do I know you?" she asked childishly as Christian laughed.
"I would think so," he answered as he leaned over and planted small kisses on her neck and cheeks as she swatted at him and sat up.
"Sleep well?" he asked as she smiled.
"But of course," she replied as she slipped out of the covers and put her robe on. She walked over to the small mirror and began pinning her hair up as Christian wrapped his arms around her waist. Giggling, she turned around and kissed him squarely on the lips, walked over to the vanity, and took her medicine.
"How much farther to Limoges?" she asked.
"We should be there by late afternoon," he replied as she smiled.
"Good," she sighed as he laughed.
"What, bored of me already?" he asked as she shook her head.
"Never," she said as she kissed his nose.
"I love you," he said as she blushed.
"Come what may," she sang quietly as he hugged her. Satine walked over to the window and blew against the windowpane, lightly tracing the frost with her fingertips. Christian sat on the bed, watching her contentedly.
"It's cold out," she said softly as he laughed.
"Of course it's cold, it's the beginning of December!" he exclaimed as she walked over and sat on his lap.
"Christmas is soon," she stated, running her hands through his hands. "What would you like?" she asked.
"I already have more than I could ask for. You," he whispered as the pair started kissing again.
"If we don't stop, we just might be here all day," she added, out of breath.
"Would that be such a bad thing?" he asked as he continued planting kisses down her neck. She shivered as he wrapped his arms around her once more.
"Let's play---things we don't know about each other," Satine said as she clapped her hands together, as a little girl would. Christian brought the blanket over from the sofa and placed it over them as they lay back on the bed, facing each other.
"Who goes first?" Christian asked.
"You," she yawned as she curled up and propped her head up. "Tell me about- London. I've never been there. Oh! Tell me about your family, you've never mentioned them before," she asked as he nodded.
"London's much different than Paris, much more crowded. There's always something to see or do and there's so many people. My father and mother both were born there. Let's see-my father, Nicholas, is a lawyer and is partners with my uncle, Richard. Then there's my mother, Marianna, you'd absolutely love her, Satine. She's so outgoing and loves to throw parties at all times of the year. Then there's my older sister, Corrine. She's married to my best friend James and has a four-year-old daughter, Isabella and another one on the way. I grew up in a three story manor on the outskirts of London and---now here I am with you," he added, growing bored with his story. "Your turn," he chided as she gazed at him.
"Well, I grew up in Paris in a two story apartment. My father Armand was a blacksmith and ran his shop next door, and my mother Etienne was a seamstress and ran her own little shop out of our home. I used to love to try on the dresses that she would order for all the rich, snooty, uptown ladies when she wasn't looking and pretend that I was a famous actress. My younger sister Giselle and I were practically inseparable; we were always causing trouble around Paris and getting yelled at by the neighbors. My father died when I was twelve and my sister was ten, and my mother couldn't afford to pay rent on the house without him, so we moved to Montmartre the year after when I turned thirteen. Then my mother started getting sick, always coughing, until she couldn't work anymore and would just lie in bed all day. She died a week before my seventeenth birthday, and soon after my sister ran off with some boy her age back to Paris and I landed a job at the Moulin Rouge," she finished and looked up to find Christian fast asleep on the bed, snoring lightly. She kissed his temple and snuggled against him and closed her eyes, for once in the arms of a man who had taught her that love was something to be cherished and not paid for.
***
The next morning, Satine was awakened by the train's loud whistle. She sat up quickly and looked around the room to find Christian sitting on the sofa, gathering their things together.
"Good morning," she said cheerily as he walked over and kissed her.
"Good morning, sweetheart," he added as she smiled.
"Are we in Limoges yet?" he asked as he nodded.
"The conductor was just passing through, he said we'll be there within the hour," Christian answered as she stood up and walked over to the dresser, looking for something to wear.
"I think I'll go and get us something to eat," he said as she nodded and continued to dress. She put on a navy blue dress with gold buttons up the front and started pinning her hair up into a bun, leaving a few pieces down to frame her face. She took out her white gloves and her navy blue hat and placed them on the table for later.
Christian returned a few moments later with two cups of coffee and croissants, Satine's favorite.
"Mmm, croissants!" she exclaimed hungrily as they quickly finished their breakfast as the conductor poked his head in.
"Good morning, monsieur and mademoiselle, we'll be reaching Limoges in ten minutes time, so please have your tickets out," he stated as he walked down the compartment. Satine stood up and placed her overcoat, gloves, and hat on as Christian put his coat on and grabbed the suitcase and the tickets from the nightstand. They exited the room and started walking towards the main compartment.
"Ready?" Christian asked as he took her hand.
"As I'll ever be," she responded.
****
A/N: Long chapter. Or at least it felt long to me. Thanks to my two reviewers! Keep reviewing everyone. :-D