Chapter Nine: The Old Times

It was a mid January day, Satine and Christian were cuddled up together by a warm, cozy fire. Satine was on his lap enjoying a superior book, at least according to her, Christian would think otherwise. Christian had his arm around her stomach, as she put her head down on his chest. Christian was reading the book over her shoulder and enjoying the moment.

Satine and Christian had been married for about a year now. Satine was also about 4 weeks pregnant now. Christian was soon turning thirty. He was enjoying every bit of life. Their love was excellent and they got along better than most married couples. They never wanted to be apart. Satine would always accompany him whenever he went somewhere, except for work. The only problem was that things were different then they were. Christian couldn't put his finger on it but something was different.

Satine noticed the same thing. She also sensed that something was different. She didn't want to admit it to Christian but Satine thought that things weren't as wonderful as it used to be. Sure, they would spend their nights making love and watching the stars but it just wasn't the same anymore, Satine felt like she was getting to old.

Christian grabbed Satine tighter as he thought about the first night he met her and he pictured the marvel of her grace and beauty. What a hideous fate she would endure if she really had gotten consumption. He was thankful for this moment, a moment with Satine. Maybe they needed to get away. Away from life, away from America. Satine was pregnant and in a few short months they would have someone to be responsible for. It wasn't that Christian didn't want the baby, it was just that he knew things would change for them. They wouldn't have enough time in the day to "love" one another.

Little did Christian know that Satine had the same idea he had only she was the first to say something.

"Christian?" Satine put her book down on her lap and looked up at Christian's warm face, glowing down at her.

"Yes, my love?" Christian brushed away a few hairs that have fallen astray. He kissed her softly on the nose.

"What would you say if I asked you if you wanted to go away, to visit Montmartre again?" Satine looked at him with serious, large, sparkling eyes. Christian looked straight ahead and thought for a second.

"Well, frankly my dear……I think it would be an excellent idea," Christian looked back down at her and kissed her neck. Satine smiled brightly and got back to her book. "We'll leave tomorrow."

*******

Satine went to her closet and grabbed a few more things to pack. She wanted this trip to bring back strictly memories and nothing else. So, she grabbed her red dress that she wore on the elephant, both of her Hindu costumes, her sparkling diamond corset, her outfit she wore to see Christian, and the outfit she had worn to many a rehearsal for spectacular, spectacular. And, not to mention, the black corset, which she wore the first night she met Christian. She went into the bathroom and grabbed her hairbrush and some cosmetics. She glanced into the mirror and admired the beautiful face that glared back at her. She smiled at her self and thought only about the trip to Montmartre.

Christian came into the room. He grabbed his wife from behind and kissed the back of her neck.

"You got the tickets?" Satine asked as she turned to face him.

"You got the money?" Christian burst into a light chuckle as Satine smirked at him and grabbed the tickets from his hand.

"Your wonderful!" Satine remarked, looking into his eyes. Satine turned around and finished packing. Christian was once again wearing the hat that Satine loved to see him in. Christian, meanwhile, was becoming impatient and sat down on the bed. His wife walked right in front of him. Without hesitation, Christian grabbed her from behind and pulled her into his lap. She turned her head and kissed him gently.

"Your wonderful," Christian commented, making fun of what Satine said to him before.

"Haha, very funny but if you continue this mockery then we will cancel the trip and sleep in separate rooms!" Satine threatened, giving Christian a sexy, seductive, sparkling diamond smile. "Do I have to spank you, you naughty boy?"

"Aww man! I will do as you say mam," Christian replied, pretending to be ashamed of having done something bad.

"Good boy!" Satine stood up and patted Christian on the head. She walked over to her suitcase and picked it up. Christian came up behind her and kissed her neck. "Watch it Christian James!" Satine put up a finger and walked out of the room. Christian picked up his bags and followed behind her.

"Women!" Christian muttered under his breath and rolling his eyes, as her followed behind her.

*****

Satine stood in front of the carriage door. Christian went around to the front and started opening the door. He sat down in his seat. Cough, cough* came from Satine's mouth.

"Oh, dear. Are you okay?" Christian turned to Satine and looked at, concerned. Satine rolled her eyes to the door and pointed at it. "Oh yes, of course! Sorry dear!" Christian jumped out of his seat and helped Satine into her. She kissed him tenderly before he got back to his seat.

*******

It took awhile to get back to Montmartre, but in the end ,it was all worth it. Satine and Christian walked, hand in hand, to the Moulin Rouge. They came up to the Moulin Rouge's gigantic doors that once brought sanctuary to her. The building didn't seem to be as friendly as it used to, so long ago. They walked through anyway and went back into Zidler's office. They knocked on his door and greeted Harold with a massive group hug.

"Harold, Christian and I," Satine began, grabbing Christian by the waist, "came back to relive old memories," Harold nodded, a little confused, but smiled.

"Well, you better get to it, eh?" Satine and Christian smiled at each other. They turned around and left Harold in peace without so much as a simple goodbye.

*******

Satine headed back to the Elephant. She opened it's gold doors and walked into a pool of memories. She breathed the fresh and put her suitcase on the bed, which hadn't changed. Satine changed into her black corset and put on her sheer black cover-up on top. She strapped on her shoes and brushed her hair. She took a deep breath and stepped in front of the mirror. Her reflection startled her, she hadn't changed in ten years. She gave her reflection a smile and sat down on the bed. She added some make-up to her face and awaited Christian.

Satine had finally got the knock she had waited for. She invited Christian into the room. He was dressed in his best tux. He went and stood in front of the window.

"Wonderful place for a poetry reading, don't you think?" Satine gave him a seductive look and giggled. Christian smiled at her and kissed her. Satine threw him on the bed

"Let's make love," Satine climbed on top of him. "Sound familiar?" Satine giggled again. Christian flipped her over so that he was now on top her. Satine grabbed onto his arms. Christian leaned in and kissed her. Satine quickly unbuttoned his shirt and kissed his chest.

Christian pulled her on her side. Satine kicked off her shoes and removed her cover-up. Christian took off his dress jacket and shoes. All the while kissing Satine. Satine pulled his suspenders down by his waist. She yanked his shirt off, causing them to stop kissing for a single second to long. Christian gently untied the strings holding Satine's corset together and pulled off her tights. Things were coming back together. Christian kissed Satine's shoulder repeatedly. Satine closed her eyes to show her enjoyment.

"Never knew I could feel like this," Satine started to sing softly. Christian looked at her, he back away as he listened to her sing. She brought the blanket up and wrapped it around her as she continued to sing the love song that had once healed a huge pain in both their hearts.

"It's like I've never seen the sky before, want to vanish inside your kiss, everyday I'm loving you more than this. Listen to my heart, can you hear it sing? Telling me to give you everything. Seasons may change. Winter to spring. But I love you until the end of time," Satine looked deep into his eyes. She was feeling his heart and soul. Christian watched as she sang. Loving her more every moment. "Come what may, Come what may. I will love you until my dying day," Christian joined in with her. "Suddenly the world seems such a perfect place, suddenly it moves with such a perfect grace. Suddenly my life doesn't seem such a waste. It all revolves around you. And there's no mountain to high, no river to wide. Sing out this song and I'll be there by your side. Storm clouds may gather and stars may collide but I love you, Until the end of time. Come what may, Come what may. I will love you until my dy8ng day. Oh, come what may. Come what may. I will love you……….. Suddenly the world seem s such a perfect place. Come what may, come what may. I will love you until my dying day." They finished the song. Christian cupped her head in his hands and sweetly kissed her. He embraced her. "I love you," she whispered in his ear.

Christian pulled the blankets over their heads. "Christian!" Satine squealed. "Stop, stop! Please!" Satine laughed. Christian was tickling her under the blankets. He loved hearing her laugh. It brought unspoken joy to his heart. Satine pushed his hands away still laughing. He had tired her out.

"Darling, don't you love me?" Christian asked, giving Satine "puppy dog" eyes and drooping his lip. Success! He made Satine smile. She took his head in her hands and said, "Of course I love you, I'm just afraid that I'll get to tired and you won't be able to do the things you want to with me," Satine flashed him a seductive smile. Christian Threw himself on top of her. After small giggles from the two, they were kissing again. Just like old times.