Disclaimer - I, do not own the rights to the "Sparkling Diamond[s]" of a
movie, "Moulin Rouge" (If I did I would be a genius going by the name of
Baz Luhrmann). I am simply one of the "Children of the Revolution"
(Although one of "Elephant [Melody]" proportions) that writes fanfiction
"Because We Can". "Come What May", but please do not sue me or I will be a
"Sad Hindi Diamond". May this be "Your Song" and may you say "Some Day I'll
Fly Away"! (I do not own the songs used in this story or in the titles of
the chapters either.)
*A Bohemian Storm Is Brewing*
Truth * Beauty * Freedom * Love
~Casidy
§=Þ
*~*
"Quoi Qu'il Arrive"
~ Part XVI: If That's That It Takes ~
By Casidy
Christian closed the door to Satine's room as quietly as he could, then walked down the hall and into his room. What he wouldn't give for a glass of Absinth right then. If this wasn't l'heur de vert, he didn't know what was. He'd told Satine that he had a plan but all he had was a faint idea. He needed to think it through before he presented it to Satine in the morning.
He sat down at his desk leaning his elbows on his desk and placing his face in his hands. He was exhausted but there was no way he would be able to fall asleep. He needed to think of a way for his brother to be caught without humiliating Satine. This wasn't about his relationship with his father or Emily.
He could tell how happy Satine was here. She never had to worry about anything Christian would take care of her.
~*~
The first thing Christian noticed was that he felt very warm. The next thing that made itself through his sleep-fogged mind was that something very warm and very pleasant was just behind his ear. Moaning with pleasure he finally opened his eyes to see the most beautiful sight he could imagine.
"Good morning, Sleeping Beauty." Satine said, pulling away slightly from her position on top of Christian.
"Sleeping Beauty?" Christian asked scrunching his face up in disgust.
Satine giggled then returned to her previous task. Planting a kiss just below Christian's jawbone she asked, "Christian, darling, what are we going to do about your brother?"
Christian let out a loud sigh, the mood having been ruined. "We'll have him arrested for blackmail." Satine sat up suddenly, "What?" she asked shocked. "That wont solve anything, he'll still tell your father about my past."
"Yes but, what if we take away the only weapon he has against us? What if we tell him ourselves?"
Satine looked at Christian with extreme skepticism. "What would that solve?"
"If we tell my father everything, breaking it to him as gently as possible than-" Christian ran a hand through his hair, "My father's a sensible man, and he adores you. Since he's had the chance to get to know you, perhaps he will be more understanding."
"Christian, I trust you with whatever you decide to do. I don't care if he knows what I was, all I care about is you." Satine laid her head gently on Christian's chest. A small cough escaped her lips and she continued, "I could never forgive myself if I kept
you away from Emily. You're the only family she has left that means anything to her."
Christian wrapped his arms securely around Satine's waist and kissed the top of her head, "I don't see what other options we have. I'm willing to take the chance, if you are. Emmy will be off on her own soon enough. I'm sure whatever separation my father could attempt would not last long. Satine," Christian placed his hand under her chin gently, forcing her to look up at him. "Come what may, I promise I won't let anyone harm you. I love you." He kissed her forehead gently and Satine settled her head on his chest again.
~*~
After an early dinner Satine was back in her room preparing for an evening at the theater. The Father had announced at lunch that he expected everyone to attend and they would appear as a happy family. Satine had been thrilled at the prospect of a night at the theater. Her dreams of becoming a real actress still coerced through her but she was willing to face the fact that she would have to give up that dream. A life with Christian was more important than any show. What she wouldn't give to have the lead in a play she had
watched Christian write.
Satine shook her head, trying to bury her thoughts. Checking her reflection in the mirror she flashed a smile and stood from her chair, then made her way downstairs. Christian stood waiting for her in the front hall. He was pacing slowly but stopped when he noticed Satine at the top of the stairs.
He inhaled quickly and did not notice when his top hat fell from his fingers. Satine smiled sweetly and gathering her skirt walked down the stairs to him. She would give anything if he would always react this way whenever she dressed up.
"I take it you approve?" She asked coyly.
"Yes.yes." Was all he could manage, breathlessly. Christian cleared his throat and attempting to pull himself together walked over to where Satine's wrap lay across a chair. Picking it up, he walked back over to her and helped her on with it. "Father and Em already left. He insists on going early so he can talk to other businessmen there."
"Oh Christian, don't tell me Emmy will have to stand and listen to a bunch of stuffy, old men talk business until we get there." Satine said, worried for her future sister-in-law's sanity.
Christian shook his head, "He only needed to be seen accompanying someone into the theater. Em has probably managed to get backstage. Alex- you do remember him
don't you?"
Satine nodded. After meeting Philip yesterday she couldn't blame Madaline for having an affair with the young bohemian.
"Well, he's an actor and in the production tonight. Which reminds me." Christian adopted a regretful and hesitant look on his face. He hated to ruin Satine's evening he had hoped for her to have a good time and get her mind off of things but it seemed that would not be the case. "Philip and Madeline are coming with us."
Satine nodded, showing no sign of emotion, "Hmm, I hope Madeline has a good time." Without another word she turned toward the front door with Christian trailing after.
~*~
The grand theater was bustling with people still celebrating the new year, and new century. The wealthy and noble were decked out in their finest and mulled around, sipping champagne and discussing their holidays.
Christian led Satine through the crowds on his arm and the two walked happily through a deserted back hallway and into their theater box. Half of the audience seemed to have found their seats already and others were filing in quickly. Neither Christian nor Satine
spoke as both sat quietly skimming through their programs. Both were surprised to see The Father laughing as he walked into the box escorting Emily on one arm and Madeline on the other.
"I see the two of you decided to join us, this evening." He said attempting a stern voice. He led both ladies to their seats before sitting himself. Philip had managed to silently slither into the theater box unnoticed and smoothly sat in the chair between Satine and his wife. Christian shifted uneasily in his chair and noticing this Satine placed her hand in his weaving their fingers together. He seemed to relax greatly in her action and sat back in
his chair as the house lights dimmed.
Satine almost forgot everything as she sat mesmerized by the happenings on the stage. Christian even let himself enjoy the evening when he remembered how much Satine loved everything about the theater and he delighted in seeing her eyes light up as they did while she watched the play.
Philip was enjoying the show a great deal. He did not take his eyes off Satine and was newly aroused every time her full, red lips would curve into a new smile or her bright eyes would sparkle. He amused himself in admiring her full figure and desperately wished her dress were just a bit lower. Unable to control himself any longer he silently extended his hand, hidden by the darkness of the theater box, and placed it on her thigh.
Satine tensed up immediately, grabbing Christian's attention. He could easily see his brother's pale, grayed skin against the vibrant red of Satine's gown. He sat in shock for a moment before realizing that Satine was looking at him. Meeting her gaze he realized that she was begging for help. She, who not so long ago had needed to put countless men in their place, was looking to him for help. She looked so vulnerable, as if she had never been in a situation with a man before.
Motioning her to watch him he crossed his legs aggressively. Satine smiled before doing the same and wrapping one ankle around the other, until she had smashed Philip's fingers. He pulled his hand back quickly and rested it in his lap. He did not make another advance on Satine for the rest of the night.
~*~
Satine sat back in Christian's arms as the coach
started toward home. "Wasn't it a lovely performance,
Christian?" Satine asked snuggling closer to him.
"Yes. I heard the show's run is up in the spring. I'm sure they'll be auditioning soon. I can find out from Alex when they will be, if you'd like me to." Satine sat up excitedly, "You wouldn't mind my being in a show?"
Christian looked slightly confused in his adorable way. "Of course not darling! I would love to see you on the stage again. What ever gave you the idea that I would be against it?" he asked.
"Well, it's just that- I don't know." She finished lamely, "I guess I assumed that once we were married you'd want me to settle down and be a house wife."
"Satine, have I ever said anything even remotely close to that?" Satine shook her head, "Than why would you think such a thing? Darling, I know what acting means to you and I want nothing more than for you to be
happy. If that means your becoming the next Sarah Bernheart and 'lining up the great stages in Europe'," he said, imitating Marie, "Than I will do everything I can to support you, and be in the front row with a bouquet. I love you Satine. Come what may doesn't necessarily always have to be bad."
Satine had tears in her eyes as she threw her arms around Christian, "Thank you. I love you Christian. 'Till my dying day."
*A Bohemian Storm Is Brewing*
Truth * Beauty * Freedom * Love
~Casidy
§=Þ
*~*
"Quoi Qu'il Arrive"
~ Part XVI: If That's That It Takes ~
By Casidy
Christian closed the door to Satine's room as quietly as he could, then walked down the hall and into his room. What he wouldn't give for a glass of Absinth right then. If this wasn't l'heur de vert, he didn't know what was. He'd told Satine that he had a plan but all he had was a faint idea. He needed to think it through before he presented it to Satine in the morning.
He sat down at his desk leaning his elbows on his desk and placing his face in his hands. He was exhausted but there was no way he would be able to fall asleep. He needed to think of a way for his brother to be caught without humiliating Satine. This wasn't about his relationship with his father or Emily.
He could tell how happy Satine was here. She never had to worry about anything Christian would take care of her.
~*~
The first thing Christian noticed was that he felt very warm. The next thing that made itself through his sleep-fogged mind was that something very warm and very pleasant was just behind his ear. Moaning with pleasure he finally opened his eyes to see the most beautiful sight he could imagine.
"Good morning, Sleeping Beauty." Satine said, pulling away slightly from her position on top of Christian.
"Sleeping Beauty?" Christian asked scrunching his face up in disgust.
Satine giggled then returned to her previous task. Planting a kiss just below Christian's jawbone she asked, "Christian, darling, what are we going to do about your brother?"
Christian let out a loud sigh, the mood having been ruined. "We'll have him arrested for blackmail." Satine sat up suddenly, "What?" she asked shocked. "That wont solve anything, he'll still tell your father about my past."
"Yes but, what if we take away the only weapon he has against us? What if we tell him ourselves?"
Satine looked at Christian with extreme skepticism. "What would that solve?"
"If we tell my father everything, breaking it to him as gently as possible than-" Christian ran a hand through his hair, "My father's a sensible man, and he adores you. Since he's had the chance to get to know you, perhaps he will be more understanding."
"Christian, I trust you with whatever you decide to do. I don't care if he knows what I was, all I care about is you." Satine laid her head gently on Christian's chest. A small cough escaped her lips and she continued, "I could never forgive myself if I kept
you away from Emily. You're the only family she has left that means anything to her."
Christian wrapped his arms securely around Satine's waist and kissed the top of her head, "I don't see what other options we have. I'm willing to take the chance, if you are. Emmy will be off on her own soon enough. I'm sure whatever separation my father could attempt would not last long. Satine," Christian placed his hand under her chin gently, forcing her to look up at him. "Come what may, I promise I won't let anyone harm you. I love you." He kissed her forehead gently and Satine settled her head on his chest again.
~*~
After an early dinner Satine was back in her room preparing for an evening at the theater. The Father had announced at lunch that he expected everyone to attend and they would appear as a happy family. Satine had been thrilled at the prospect of a night at the theater. Her dreams of becoming a real actress still coerced through her but she was willing to face the fact that she would have to give up that dream. A life with Christian was more important than any show. What she wouldn't give to have the lead in a play she had
watched Christian write.
Satine shook her head, trying to bury her thoughts. Checking her reflection in the mirror she flashed a smile and stood from her chair, then made her way downstairs. Christian stood waiting for her in the front hall. He was pacing slowly but stopped when he noticed Satine at the top of the stairs.
He inhaled quickly and did not notice when his top hat fell from his fingers. Satine smiled sweetly and gathering her skirt walked down the stairs to him. She would give anything if he would always react this way whenever she dressed up.
"I take it you approve?" She asked coyly.
"Yes.yes." Was all he could manage, breathlessly. Christian cleared his throat and attempting to pull himself together walked over to where Satine's wrap lay across a chair. Picking it up, he walked back over to her and helped her on with it. "Father and Em already left. He insists on going early so he can talk to other businessmen there."
"Oh Christian, don't tell me Emmy will have to stand and listen to a bunch of stuffy, old men talk business until we get there." Satine said, worried for her future sister-in-law's sanity.
Christian shook his head, "He only needed to be seen accompanying someone into the theater. Em has probably managed to get backstage. Alex- you do remember him
don't you?"
Satine nodded. After meeting Philip yesterday she couldn't blame Madaline for having an affair with the young bohemian.
"Well, he's an actor and in the production tonight. Which reminds me." Christian adopted a regretful and hesitant look on his face. He hated to ruin Satine's evening he had hoped for her to have a good time and get her mind off of things but it seemed that would not be the case. "Philip and Madeline are coming with us."
Satine nodded, showing no sign of emotion, "Hmm, I hope Madeline has a good time." Without another word she turned toward the front door with Christian trailing after.
~*~
The grand theater was bustling with people still celebrating the new year, and new century. The wealthy and noble were decked out in their finest and mulled around, sipping champagne and discussing their holidays.
Christian led Satine through the crowds on his arm and the two walked happily through a deserted back hallway and into their theater box. Half of the audience seemed to have found their seats already and others were filing in quickly. Neither Christian nor Satine
spoke as both sat quietly skimming through their programs. Both were surprised to see The Father laughing as he walked into the box escorting Emily on one arm and Madeline on the other.
"I see the two of you decided to join us, this evening." He said attempting a stern voice. He led both ladies to their seats before sitting himself. Philip had managed to silently slither into the theater box unnoticed and smoothly sat in the chair between Satine and his wife. Christian shifted uneasily in his chair and noticing this Satine placed her hand in his weaving their fingers together. He seemed to relax greatly in her action and sat back in
his chair as the house lights dimmed.
Satine almost forgot everything as she sat mesmerized by the happenings on the stage. Christian even let himself enjoy the evening when he remembered how much Satine loved everything about the theater and he delighted in seeing her eyes light up as they did while she watched the play.
Philip was enjoying the show a great deal. He did not take his eyes off Satine and was newly aroused every time her full, red lips would curve into a new smile or her bright eyes would sparkle. He amused himself in admiring her full figure and desperately wished her dress were just a bit lower. Unable to control himself any longer he silently extended his hand, hidden by the darkness of the theater box, and placed it on her thigh.
Satine tensed up immediately, grabbing Christian's attention. He could easily see his brother's pale, grayed skin against the vibrant red of Satine's gown. He sat in shock for a moment before realizing that Satine was looking at him. Meeting her gaze he realized that she was begging for help. She, who not so long ago had needed to put countless men in their place, was looking to him for help. She looked so vulnerable, as if she had never been in a situation with a man before.
Motioning her to watch him he crossed his legs aggressively. Satine smiled before doing the same and wrapping one ankle around the other, until she had smashed Philip's fingers. He pulled his hand back quickly and rested it in his lap. He did not make another advance on Satine for the rest of the night.
~*~
Satine sat back in Christian's arms as the coach
started toward home. "Wasn't it a lovely performance,
Christian?" Satine asked snuggling closer to him.
"Yes. I heard the show's run is up in the spring. I'm sure they'll be auditioning soon. I can find out from Alex when they will be, if you'd like me to." Satine sat up excitedly, "You wouldn't mind my being in a show?"
Christian looked slightly confused in his adorable way. "Of course not darling! I would love to see you on the stage again. What ever gave you the idea that I would be against it?" he asked.
"Well, it's just that- I don't know." She finished lamely, "I guess I assumed that once we were married you'd want me to settle down and be a house wife."
"Satine, have I ever said anything even remotely close to that?" Satine shook her head, "Than why would you think such a thing? Darling, I know what acting means to you and I want nothing more than for you to be
happy. If that means your becoming the next Sarah Bernheart and 'lining up the great stages in Europe'," he said, imitating Marie, "Than I will do everything I can to support you, and be in the front row with a bouquet. I love you Satine. Come what may doesn't necessarily always have to be bad."
Satine had tears in her eyes as she threw her arms around Christian, "Thank you. I love you Christian. 'Till my dying day."