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 XXXI: You Can Cry On My Shoulder ~
By Mariclair

~*~

Christian wasted no time in preparing to leave for Italy. When his Father heard Satine's condition he said that they were more than welcome at Green Sky, the family villa, for as long as they needed. Christian collected their few belongings that hadn't even been taken out of the boxes from the move to their new house. He had train tickets booked, informed a local Italian doctor that they would be coming and had read up on all the information on consumption he could find. All the while, never too far from Satine's side. He held her in his arms whenever he could, rocking her and whispering gentle love poems into her soft hair.

Christian was so tired, his eyelids constantly threatening to fall. Every breath from Satine made his body tense up in fear of the explosive sound of a cough. Never in his life would he have guessed that the sound of a cough would make his heart leap up into his throat and his hands tremble with fear.

The morning before they were set to leave, Christian was once again holding Satine, in their bed, the cotton sheets wrapped snugly around them. Christian was staring blankly at the wall when he felt Satine's fingers graze his face. "You're so tired," she whispered, hoarsely. "You haven't slept all week."

"Oh, I'm fine," Christian managed, trying his best to smile. "I want to be here with you." He took her hand from his face and kissed her fingertips.

Satine slid out of Christian's grasp and tenderly helped him lay down. Christian didn't have the energy to protest and the feel of the cool pillowcase against his cheek felt so wonderful, he shivered.

He attempted to mumble something about having too much work to do to rest, but Satine quietly hushed him and stroked his mussed hair as he fell into a deep sleep.

With what strength she could muster, Satine pulled herself from the bed. She grabbed hold of the nightstand to support her wobbly legs that she hadn't used all week. She took her robe and silently slipped her arms through the sleeves and tied it loosely in the front. Sighing, she blew her sleeping Christian a kiss before heading out the door and down the hallway.

Each step took a bit more of her strength away than the last and by the time she had reached the daunting task of making it down the stairs, her legs were sore and there was a tightness in her chest that she feared would turn into a coughing fit.

After a few, deep breaths, she started down the stairs. Once she made it to the center of the staircase, Daphne walked, eyes widening when she saw Satine out of bed. "Miss Satine!" she cried, running up the stairs to meet her. "Oh Miss Satine, you really shouldn't be out of bed. You know I can get you anything you need."

"Really," Satine panted. "I can-make…it. This is my…last day at home."

Daphne watched in admiration of Satine's will power as she finished her daunting journey. Standing at the base of the staircase, Satine swayed a bit and Daphne was back at her side before she could blink.

Daphne gently took Satine's arm and walked with her into the living room. She practically collapsed onto the couch and Daphne took the thick blanket hanging off the back of it and wrapped it snugly around her.

"Now Miss Satine," the young woman said, exasperated. "What was so important that you had to come all the way down here to get me?"

Satine swallowed and looked up at Daphne through puffy eyes. "I was wondering if you could send a carriage to Christian's Father's house. It would mean so much to me to see them…" she paused and cleared her throat, "before I left."

Daphne's face softened and she whispered, "That is no problem, Miss Satine. I'm sure they will be happy to come."

"Thank you," Satine breathed. She then placed a hand on her grumbling stomach and asked, "Do we have anything to eat, Daphne?"

"Of course, Miss Satine. I think Julie has some chicken broth in the kitchen. I can tell her to put some boiled noodles with it. Oh, and I can also heat a pot of tea that you can drink when Master Christian's family comes over."

Satine smiled, Emily had blessed her with such a wonderful staff. They were always so eager to make sure that she and Christian were completely satisfied. "Thank you so much, Daphne. That sounds perfect."

Daphne bobbed a small curtsey and Satine watched as she made her way towards the door to call for a carriage to bring her family over.

"Family," Satine repeated to herself. Something she hadn't known in such a very long time. Now she had so many people that loved her. Real love. They didn't show it in diamonds or fame, they showed it in warm embraces and kind words. A single tear rolled down Satine's cheek, as she thought of how her life had finally become something meaningful; and that it would soon all be taken away.

She knew that by going to Naples, there was a chance of her making it. But it was such a slim one that she didn't even know why Christian was using the money on the trip.

"Because he loves me," a part of her whispered as she leaned her head against the couch.

~*~

Satine awoke to the sound of her name being called softly. She peeked one eye open to see a solemn Emily along with her father, Madeline and Alex.

"You came," Satine whispered, a grin appearing on her face.

"Of course we came," Emily said and wrapped her sister-in-law in a hug. She then took a place beside Satine on the couch as her father kneeled down to be at their level.

Taking her hand, he said, "How are you feeling, sweetheart?"

"I've felt better," Satine said, a bit bitterly. She shifted uncomfortably and realized that this might be the last time she saw these people. It wasn't a time for being resentful. "Thank you for asking, though," she said, trying to make up for her impolite outburst.

The Father smiled and rubbed his wrinkled hand against Satine's frail one. She looked up at Madeline and Alex, who seemed at a loss for words. Satine tried to lighten the situation. "Well, look at the two of you!" she said with all the cheeriness she could gather. "I've never seen either one of you so happy. How have you been?"

The two locked eyes and smiled. "We've been feeling wonderful," Madeline said.

Alex nodded, "We're getting married in July."

Satine brought a hand to her mouth and even her tired eyes sparkled. "Oh, congratulations!" Satine cried, her raspy voice startling herself. She ignored the fact that she could barely recognize herself and continued, "That is positively fantastic."

Madeline left her fiancé's side and held her friend close. "I want more than anything for you and Emily to be my bridesmaids," she whispered. "I didn't know if you could-if you…if you will be able to be there."

Satine blinked back tears and choked, "I'll try. I'll just have to wait and see."

Madeline brushed her hand across her own damp cheek and nodded.

Emily hugged Satine a bit tighter and said, "We'll miss you and Christian so much."

The group sat in silence for several moments before Daphne walked in with the tea. She blushed slightly and stood back when she saw the emotional picture in front of her. Emily held her arms affectionately around Satine and the Father had both of her hands resting in his. Madeline's arms stretched around Satine and onto Emily's back, while Alex rested his chin on his fiancé's shoulder.

Daphne walked in silently and placed the tray of tea and cookies on the coffee table, trying to make her presence unnoticeable. She then turned around and left as quickly as she came.

Satine was enjoying the feeling of her friends' embrace but without warning, her chest constricted and fast, quivering gasps came from her mouth. She was so drained from this happening that she wanted to fall to her knees and cry.

By now, everyone had scattered, the moment having been destroyed. Emily was frantically scurrying around, trying to figure out what to do, scared to death for Satine. Madeline was running, trying to look for the kind maid who had just been in the room.

Christian had insisted on keeping Satine's medicine with him, so he could be sure it would be taken properly. But he was still upstairs, getting his much needed rest. Through his dreamless slumber, the faint sound of Satine coughing reached his ears and his eyes snapped open.

In seconds, he was flying down the hall, his pulse racing while he berated himself for falling asleep while Satine needed him. Christian patted his pockets and while zooming down the stairs, pulled out the canister of medicine.

Christian almost lost his footing on the fringed rug at the entrance of the living room. He ripped the top off and made it to his miserable Satine, who had blood pooling at her lips and dripping down her chin, onto her robe. His heaving chest moved erratically up and down, as he poured Satine's medicine into her awaiting mouth.

Satine sputtered, but was soon able to catch her breath; and upon doing so, let herself crumble into Christian's arms. "I'm sorry, so sorry," he whispered, while cleaning her up. "Oh Satine, my Satine. I love you so much. I'm sorry…sorry."

Christian wept openly as his family sat around in pale faced horror, coming to the alarming comprehension of what danger this illness truly put on Satine.