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 XXIII: Dreamlover ~
By: Casidy
Satine sat nervously, beside Christian as they waited for the final group of guests to arrive for their wedding. Throughout the past week they had welcomed endless numbers of family and friends and as they sat at the train station one last time Satine was much more nervous than she had been before any other guests had arrived. The only reason that this particular guest would not arrive would be under their own recognizance. Harold Ziddler's train was supposedly arriving at any moment.
Satine sat fidgeting with her engagement ring, through her white gloves, with her left hand and desperately clutching her patient fiancé's had with her right. "Sacré bleu, Christian, I don't think he's even coming! He probably hasn't forgiven me for leaving. It's all my fault that he lost the Moulin! Oh Christian, I feel terribly!"
Releasing Satine's hand, only momentarily, before she desperately clutched his other, Christian put his arm reassuringly around her shoulders, pulling her close to him. "Shhh," he whispered in her ear, "Don't talk like that, darling. Worrying will do no good. I'm sure that Ziddler's coming. Trust me, darling, no one can resist you." Christian concluded, praying for his Diamond's sake, that he was right.
Satine leaned over, capturing his lips with hers. Her mind went numb as warm and tingling sensations ran up and down her body. When Christian placed both of his hands, gently, on the small of her back she moaned softly into his mouth, sending a shiver through him.
The whistle of a train, entering the station suddenly jerked the two apart. Satine brushed a hand over her cheeks, attempting to minimize the appearance of Christian's effect on her, and pulled out a compact from her handbag to check for anything out of place. Satisfied with her reflection Satine replaced the compact and turned to look over a beaming Christian. Laughing quietly Satine straightened his tie before pulling out her handkerchief and attempting to remove her lipstick from his smiling lips.
"There," Satine said, "all better," not being able to resist, Satine brushed a quick kiss to his cheek and giggled at the lipstick she had managed to put on him, again. Wiping it away quickly, Satine began to look over the passengers exiting the train.
Suddenly, without warning, a loud voice rang out, happily, "My little strawberry!" Satine whipped around, coming face to face with Harold Ziddler.
~*~
Christian sat at his typewriter patiently, waiting for inspiration to come. It didn't.
When he and Satine had been forced apart, almost three-hour prior, he'd moped up to his room and sat down at his typewriter. And that is just where he had been sitting for three hours.
He knew exactly what was missing: His Muse. His fingers itched to run themselves through her fiery hair. He tried to satisfy his itching fingers by running them through his own hair but they only turned numb.
Angrily, Christian stood from his chair and walked over to the window. He couldn't believe he was having such a difficult time writing his own wedding vows! He loved Satine more than words could say. Maybe that was his problem. He leaned against the window frame, and turned his head to the door, where a sliver of light was shown from under the door. For the first time, Christian noticed voices laughing from downstairs. He made a quick decision and headed for the door.
Walking down the stairs slowly, Christian realized that the voices were coming from the dining room. He walked in to a sight he had not expected. At the long, elegant table sat Satie, The Doctor, Chocolat and Babydoll, along with Christian's little sister. The Argentinean was passed out in the middle of the doorway and Christian had to step over his sleeping body as he walked in the room.
"Em, what are you doing?" Christian asked suspiciously eyeing the playing cards and array of different currencies spread out on the table.
"What does it look like, Chris? I'm beating the French at poker!" Emily giggled and pulled her large pile of winnings close to her for confirmation. "Want me to deal you in? I'd be more than happy to take a little money off your hands." Emily asked, smiling sweetly.
Christian shook his head quickly, "That's ok Emmers. I think you've proven yourself the best gambler in the family on many occasion."
Emily smiled proudly at her brother. Just at that moment The Argentinean shot up from his spot on the floor and looked over at Emily. "I thought you said you'd never played poker before!" his exclamation was quickly followed by a hiccup before he fell back to the floor, asleep.
Emily looked around the table apprehensively, "Oops," she laughed nervously.
Just at that moment Toulouse walked past Christian into the dining room with an unopened bottle of Absinthe in hand. As the dwarf began to pour the neon-green liquid into glasses Christian suddenly became very protective of his little sister. "Emmy, I don't think you should be drinking that!" but it was too late, In one gulp Em had downed the entire glass.
Spontaneously, she burst out in laughter then began to sing.
I feel pretty,
Oh so pretty.
I feel pretty and witty and bright,
And I pity,
Any girl who isn't me tonight.
She stood up on her chair and looked out over the room.
I feel charming,
Oh so charming.
It's alarming how charming I feel.
And so pretty,
That I hardly can believe I'm real.
Em lifted up her dress suddenly and jumped off her chair before rushing to the mirror above the fireplace.
See the pretty girl in that mirror there?
Who can that attractive girl be?
Such a pretty face.
Such a pretty dress.
Such a pretty smile.
Such a pretty me!
After admiring herself in the mirror she dragged Toulouse's little hands and began to dance around as he hobbled along with her.
I feel stunning,
And entrancing.
Feel like running,
And dancing for joy.
When she had released Toulouse's hands she continued to dance by herself and Christian and the bohos began to sing.
Have you met my good friend Emmy?
The craziest girl on the block?
You'll know her the minute you see her,
She's the one who is in an advanced state of shock!
Despite their words everyone followed Emily in dancing around the room.
It must be the heat,
Or some rare disease.
Or too much to eat.
Or maybe it's fleas.
Everyone turned to Christian and began to run after him.
Keep away from her,
Send for Christian!
This is not the Emmy we know.
Modest and pure,
Polite and refined,
Well-bred and mature.
And out of her mind!
Babydoll ran up to Emily and grabbed her hand. Pulling some flowers out of a vase she handed them to Emily and helped the girl onto her chair once again.
Miss America, Miss America, speech!
Miss America, bravo, speech!
Emily gave a small curtsy before signing.
I feel pretty
Oh so pretty
That the city should give me its key
A committee
Should be organized to honor me
Christian rushed towards her, terrified she might fall, as she began to spin around on her chair.
I feel dizzy,
I feel sunny.
I feel fizzy and funny and fine.
And so pretty,
Miss America can just resign.
See the pretty girl in that mirror there?
Who can that attractive girl be?
Such a pretty face
Such a pretty dress
Such a pretty smile
Such a pretty me!
Everyone joined with Emily as they sang.
I feel stunning
And entrancing
Feel like running and dancing for joy!
~*~
Satine leaned back in the large tub, soaking her tired muscles. All her planning, all the waiting had finally come to an end. In only a few hours she and Christian would be married. Everything they had over come had only made them stronger: The Duke, escaping the underworld, Christian's father, and Philip.
They had true love, a gift only one couple in a century was blessed with and it had been given to her! A lonely little French girl that had found some friends in the wrong part of town, and become the star of their little world. After all her sins she had been sent an angel.
A vision of Christian's smiling face appeared in Satine's mind. Yes, he was her angel. Her handsome, sexy, loving, talented, wonderful; angel. Satine could feel his gentle hand brushing her hair off her shoulders, as he leaned down and placed one perfect kiss at the base of her neck. She moaned softly leaning into his lips. He ran his fingers from the sensitive spot, just behind her ear, to where his lips had just been. Placing a kiss on her shoulder he hovered so very close to her ear before whispering, "I love you."
Jumping up slightly in the tub Satine swung around to see Christian standing behind her. His trousers were drenched from the water spilling out of the tub with her sudden movement.
"Christian! What are you doing here? You're not supposed to see me!" Satine said in a loud whisper, laughing a bit. She did not wanting anyone to hear a commotion and come to take her Christian away.
"I haven't seen you in hours! I missed you." He said kneeling on the floor in front of her, ignoring the puddle of water that had soaked his pants through even further.
Satine softened considerably and put her arms on the side of the tub, resting her head on top of them. Her face mere inches away from Christian, she whispered, "I love you."
He smiled handsomely, "I would hope so! We are after all getting married tomorrow."
"I know," Satine said excitedly, "I can't wait! Wait 'till you see my dress! You won't
believe it!" She added, reminding Christian of a little girl.
"You'll be beautiful." He said gently, brushing a damp curl off the side of her face. Both stared into the other's eyes until each leaned into the other. Slowly, their lips met. Satine felt warm all over but shivered. Putting her wet arms around his neck she pulled him close to her. Christian put his arms around her tiny waist. They began to stand and Christian pulled Satine into his arms, lifting her out of the tub. Before Satine could protest, Christian had carried her to her bed and placed her, gently on it.
"Christian," Satine breathed as he began to kiss his way down her neck.
"Yes?" he asked pulling up to kiss her pouting mouth.
"We're getting married tomorrow, seeing me is bad luck. Just think what kind of bad luck this has to be." She said giggling.
"Well darling, I disagree. I think it's good luck." Suddenly Christian pressed his lips against hers fiercely. She moaned into his mouth, giving up all complaint.
~*~
Christian rushed through his bedroom door and quickly sat down at his typewriter. His muse had not failed to inspire him once again.
~*~
Satine was ripped from sleep by a jerking. Satine rolled over and slowly opened her eyes expecting to see Christian. Instead, she found Babydoll leaning over her. "Come on Satine, time to rise and shine. You're getting married today!" Babydoll went over to the windows and opened the draperies, blinding Satine with the early morning light.
Satine put her hand to her head, not liking this form of a wake up call at all. It was drastically different from the gentle waking she usually received from Christian.
Babydoll turned back to Satine and for the first time noticed a white bow tie on the floor. Walking over to it feigning curiosity she picked it up to show Satine. "Why, how did this get here? I don't have the faintest clue, because I know Christian wasn't allowed anywhere near you last night…I knew it! Satine you had The Argentinean in your bedroom last night, didn't you!" Babydoll laughed at Satine obviously sickened look.
Changing the conversation, Babydoll continued, "I was just about to go wake Emily. I think Toulouse's made a new friend. He introduced Em to the green fairy last night, much to Christian's dismay, might I add. She's much like her brother when she's delusional though. It wasn't five minuets before she began singing." With that, Babydoll walked out the door and down to Emily's room.
~*~
After the girls had breakfast they rushed up to the third floor where Emily took her lessons. There the dresses had been laid out and the make-up had been hauled to. Marie began on Babydoll's hair while Satine helped a slightly hung over Emily with her make-up.
The whole room was quiet until Satine began to sing quietly.
Goin' to the chapel,
And we're ganna get married.
Goin' to the chapel,
And we're ganna get married.
Emily, by then completely sober, added to her future sister-in-law's song.
He really loves you,
Satine smiled,
And we're ganna get married.
Emily giggled anticipating her own antics,
Goin' to the chapel of love.
Spring is here,
The sky is blue.
Birds all sing,
As if they knew,
Satine rolled her eyes and avoided looking out the window at the falling snow.
Today's the day,
We'll say I do.
And we'll never be lonely anymore.
Because we're,
Goin' to the chapel,
And we're ganna get married.
Goin' to the chapel,
And we're ganna get married.
Emily was sure to clarify.
He really loves you,
Satine was so excited she could barley hide her excitement.
And we're ganna get married
Goin' to the chapel of love.
Emily sang sweetly, truly happy for her brother and Satine.
Bells will ring,
The sun will shine.
Satine nodded in agreement.
I'll be his and he'll be mine.
We'll love until,
The end of time,
And we'll never be lonely anymore.
Satine felt tears come to her eyes at the truth of her words. Brushing her fingers over her eyes quickly she continued.
Because we're goin' to the chapel,
And we're ganna get married.
Goin' to the chapel,
And we're ganna get married.
Emily couldn't help but once again add.
He really loves you,
Satine giggled while happily belting out the next verse.
And we're ganna get married.
Emily smiled at Satine as the two finished the song.
Goin' to the chapel of love.
Goin' to the chapel of love.
Goin' to the chapel of love.
They both broke into laughter. "Well, I think we're just…about…done." Satine said finally pulling back from applying Emily's make-up.
"Thanks Satine. Do you have your vows finished?" Emily asked walking over to her desk and picking up Satine's pearl white shoes.
"Yes, it took me forever but I think I have everything in it that I wanted to say. That was hard though. Christian has such a gift for putting his emotions into words. I know his vows will be perfect, I just didn't want mine to look insincere in comparison."
"Oh Satine! As long as you are honest, Christian will love whatever you write." Emily assured picking up a piece of sandpaper and beginning to scuff the bottom of Satine's shoes. "Don't think about all of father's stuffy relatives that are going to be there. Believe me, whatever you say will be the most romantic thing they've ever heard."
"I hope you're right Em. I'm still a little nervous though."
~*~
Satine waited, nervously, in a small Sunday school room pacing back and forth. Babydoll and Emily sat on little desks, watching her, their heads following her trek, back and forth, like a tennis game.
"I don't understand why I'm so nervous," Satine muttered, never stopping her pacing. "I mean, I love Christian, more than anything in this world, and I've waited so long to marry him. I should be anxious to go in there. What's wrong with me?"
"Nothing is wrong with you, sweat pea." Harold said, walking into the room. "It's ok to be nervous about making a big commitment." Satine finely stopped her pacing, slightly surprised that Harold was the one to comfort her. "I remember, I didn't sleep for a week before signing the papers to buy the Moulin." He looked wistfully, remembering his little den of nighttime pleasures. "I was so afraid that I wouldn't be about to live up her expectations. That I might fail to make her happy, or not be able to keep her beautiful. How could I ever shoulder this huge responsibility?"
Still sitting on a miniature desk, Emily leaned over to Babydoll and asked quietly, "Is he still talking about the Moulin Rouge?" She asked skeptically. Babydoll simply nodded, never taking her eyes off the two in front of her.
Satine, strangely enough, felt incredibly reassured by Harold 's words. Straightening herself up she smiled brightly and held out her arm, to take Harold 's. "Thank you, I'm ready now."
"Ok," Emily said jumping suddenly from the desk she was perched on, "You have your handkerchief?" Satine held it out as proof of its attendance. "You know you're vows?" Satine nodded confidently, "You wearing your shoes?" Satine gave her future sister-in-law a strange look before nodding her head, "Good," Emily said pulling up her dress, "Because I don't have mine." Emily ran over to where she had been sitting and quickly put her shoes on. "There," She said straitening herself up, "Come on Satine, let's go get you hitched."
~*~
* "Goin' To The Chapel" is performed by The Shirlies.
* "I Fell Pretty" is from the musical/movie "West Side Story"