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 XXI: You've Got A Friend In Me ~
By: Casidy

Satine could not help herself, the moment she spotted Toulouse hobbling towards her, she began jumping up and dawn, clapping her hands.

Momentarily distracted by the sight of Satine's red curls bouncing up and down against her fair neck, Christian was startled when he felt a pair of arms wrap themselves around his knees and squeeze tightly.

"Oh Chwistian! How we mifhed you!" Toulouse cooed, giving Christian's knees another strong squeeze.

Christian's face went red and he tried to untangle himself from the little man's grip but found he couldn't loosen the dwarf's determined hands. "It's wonderful to see you too, Toulouse! Where's everyone else?" He asked curiously.

"Oh, there they are Christian!" Satine said, pointing to the group of their friends walking toward them, obviously out of place among the English ladies and gentlemen in their traveling attire.

Chocolat towered over the entire crowd with his warn top hat that did not match his suit. The Doctor excitedly wobbled behind Chocolat with an old, tattered suitcase that seemed to have a light stream of smoke coming out of the seams. Beside The Doctor with his usual limp, came Satie, his rainbow scarf tied extra close. Babydoll smiled brightly, her large dimples a reminder of her character, even without the costume. Trudging slowly, a little behind the rest of the crowd, was The Argentinean.

*~*

Satine was deep in a conversation with Babydoll, learning of where each of the Diamond Dogs had gone after the Moulin Rouge was closed. The Bohemians muddled about gathering their possessions off the multiple carriages that had taken them home from the train station.

Satine lead the guests into the house and everyone stopped to look around. Whistles came from some and appreciative comments came from others. No one seemed to notice Christian still outside trying to lift a large trunk up the stairs, one step at a time.

"I hadf no idew thfat our Penniless Poet wasf sow wewl off." Toulouse slurred in his ever gay tone.

"Pretty good for someone that had to barrow a suit to go to the Moulin." The Argentinean said gruffly, truly impressed.

A loud clunk was heard from outside the door as Christian dropped the trunk on his foot. Everyone dissolved into conversation again without noticing the young poet jumping up and down, his foot clutched in his hands.

Satine left everyone in the foyer only to come back moments later with two butlers in toe. Without a word, the men took everyone's suitcases. Finally, having been relieved of his burden, Christian walked into the house and wrapped his arms around Satine's waist.

"I don't know what you put in that suitcase, Babydoll, but it sure is heavy." Christian said to the young girl.

"Oh that wasn't my trunk." She giggled, "I'm afraid you're act of chivalry was directed toward The Argentinean."

Christian's eyes bulged and he buried his head in Satine's hair, trying to hide his embarrassment as everyone laughed at him.

Satine and Christian began to direct everyone to their rooms. Toulouse had decided that it was more interesting to peek his little head into every room than wait for someone to tell him where he would be sleeping. Toulouse stopped at the bedroom right across from that which he was supposed to be in.

That was how Christian found him, standing in the doorway with a silly grin on his face. "Cwistian, whowse woom is this?" He asked happily.

"My little sister Emily's. Why?"

Toulouse pointed to the flute stand, holding a place of honor in the center of the room. Then to the stacks of music and the half finished pieces of composition stuck to the walls, a striking resemblance to Christian's garret. Finally, the little man pointed his tiny finger to the framed picture of his own Green Fairy.

"Cwistian, you're sistow's a bohemian!" He exclaimed, jumping up and down and clapping his hands together excitedly.

*~*

Satine clung to Christian as they made their way home from the bar, through the deserted streets of the London. The bohemians, from both sided of the channel, were having too much fun to think of going home before dawn. The couple had left Emily in charge of leading the boisterous group home. Satine's arms were wrapped around his waist and her head rested on his shoulder. Her position hampered their walk home considerably, but neither seemed to notice.

"I think Toulouse was really charmed by your sister. He couldn't get over the thought that there is so much talent in your family."

Christian laughed, "I think he liked the idea that she was sort of hero worshiping him."

"No more than she worships you!" Satine said in merriment.

"Em doesn't worship me." Christian said, laughing at the idea.

Satine shook her head, "The two of you absolutely adore each other!" Changing the subject, she went on. "Everyone seemed to get along very well tonight,"

"Yes," Christian agreed, "all the English bohemians seemed completely enthralled. None of them had ever met an authentic bohemian before."

Satine stopped, suddenly, almost making Christian trip over her feet. She pulled her arms off of Christian and placed them on her hips in an agitated manner. "And just what would you call me? I'm a bohemian, and I'm most definitely French!" Satine stated, trying not to laugh.

Christian smiled, walking close to her, he put his arms around her waist and pulled her body flush against his. Suddenly, he captured her lips in a powerful kiss, taking Satine's breath away. "You were saying?" Christian asked after the two had finally broken apart.

"Something about being madly in love with you?" Satine asked innocently.

"Oh, really? In that case please, do go on."

Satine smiled at him coyly before beginning.

You treat me like I'm a princess,

"You are!" Christian exclaimed loudly.

Satine hushed him to keep his voice down but all Christian did was smile. She continued.

I'm not used to lying in bed.

You ask how my day was,

You've already won me over in spite of me.

Don't be alarmed if I fall, head over feet,

Satine tried to give Christian a serious, warning look, but could not stop smiling.

Don't be surprised if I love you for all that you are.

I couldn't help it,

It's all your fault.

Christian laughed happily, awarding Satine with a gorgeous smile.

Your love is thick and it swallowed me whole.

You're so much braver than I gave you credit for.

That's not lip service.

You've already won me over in spite of me.

Don't be alarmed if I fall, head over feet,

Don't be surprised if I love you for all that you are.

I couldn't help it,

It's all your fault!

You are the bearer of unconditional things,

You held your breath and the door for me.

Thanks for your patience.

Satine leaned in close to Christian and placed a sweet kiss on his lips.

You're the best listener that I've ever met,

You're my best friend.

Best friend with benefits.

Christian raised an amused eyebrow.

I've never felt this healthy before,

I've never wanted something rational.

Christian placed a hand on the side of her face and ran his thumb over her cheek and took over Satine's song.

You've already won me over in spite of me.

Don't be alarmed if I fall, head over feet,

Don't be surprised if I love you for all that you are.

I couldn't help it,

It's all your fault.

"I love you Christian." Satine said leaning close in anticipation of a kiss.

"And I love you, Darling." Christian said, claiming her lips once again as his.

Satine broke from the kiss suddenly as a cough over took her. She tried to suppress it but a limp noise still immerged from her throat.

Christian frowned, "Come darling, let's get you home. We can't have a sick bride now can we?" he said, gently pulling Satine along and toward home.

~*~

* " Head Over Feet" is performed by Alanis Morissette