A/N: Thank you all my wonderful reviewers!! You guys all mean a lot to me!! So, please, when you're done review again!! Love so much!!!

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Satine's eyes flashed brilliantly. "What is it, Toulouse?" she asked, quite hoarsely.

Toulouse gripped the brim of his black top hat, staring happily at her. "Madamemoiselle Satine.........." His jaw hung open for that second as the words raced out of his head faster than they could off his tongue. Satine stared at him, eager for him to reveal his news. And, just as he was about to speak once again, The Duke, stiff and tall, strutted into the hospital room.

"Hello, Darling..." He purred in that irritating tone, walking to the side of her bed and leaning down to peck her cheek.

"Hi....err....sweetie....." Satine muttered, wincing as he kissed her cheek.

"How are you feeling?" He asked.

"Fine." She quickly replied.

Toulouse nodded, feeling a bit out of place, and sauntered out of the room.

* * *

Christian blinked with a pure hatred in his heart and in his eyes. He turned from the window, away from Zidler. It seemed, to Christian, that it was all his fault that Satine wasn't here. If Charles had told him, then Christian would have been able to get her treatment or some kind of help.

The song he had written played over in his head as Zidler disappeared between his garret and the Moulin Rouge. Christian turned back, leaning his head against the worn wooden board that supported the roof, it's white paint chipping around the edges. He could clearly see the heart shaped window on Satine's towering Wooden elephant, it withering away along with the old nightclub.

Christian closed his eyes, but only to open them again when there was a light knock on his door. He went to answer it, expecting the landlord, but met with Zidler. He wasn't the first to speak, a menacing surge of anger racing through him.

"Christian, me dear boy. How are you holding up? Just fine I expect." Zidler nodded to him and slipped around him, inviting himself into the room.

"The Moulin Rouge is ready for a new business. I've turned it back to the nightclub.....and I need you to help develop the performances. You could be my second hand man!" Zidler offered, his red tinted face bearing a false grin, hoping for some reason, Christian did not know, that he would accept.

"Zidler, I see no real reason for me to stay. I need my home, to recuperate." Christian said softly, turning away from him, though still holding the door open. He hoped Zidler would take this as a hint and leave, but Zidler stayed where he was.

"Believe me, boy. The Duke resides there. Finding you would surely mean death." Zidler lowered his voice as he said this, seeming to be afraid that perhaps the Duke was behind him.

"The Duke. I'm not afraid of the Duke. I've cowered before him a one too many times and I am not ready to let that happen again." Christian slammed the door at least, Zidler slightly jumped.

"He's a very powerful man." Zidler stroked his chin, staring bleakly at Christian. Though, when he saw his expression hadn't changed, he quickly added something. "And! You'll be paid a great wage!"

Christian looked directly at him, considering this fact. "All right......" he muttered softly. "I'll do it, but only for a short time until I can get myself on my feet."

"Wonderful." Zidler slowly replied, a satisfied snicker on his face.

* * *

The Duke helped Satine out of her sunken hospital bed. His hand latched onto hers, as if thinking she'd try and run away. A nurse helped them to their carriage and drove down the path towards Satine's old home.

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A Few Weeks Later.....

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Christian's hair slicked in the back, his shirt was buttoned to the top and he was now an employee at the Old Rouge, still capturing the interest of men around. He nodded to Zidler as he passed him, headed to his first stop like everyday. The girls were all in their beautifully decorated dressing rooms. He smiled at them all as he passed them as well. He felt an over-powering of himself.

He slipped his brass key out the pocket of his black slacks and put it in the lock. The door clicked open and Christian stepped inside, Toulouse in a chair to greet him.

"Toulouse? Buddy! Bloody hell, what are you doing here?" Christian smiled brightly at him and placed some papers in a carefully stored folder.

"I have something I need to tell you, Christian. It's really important." Toulouse said simply. Christian nodded and motioned for him to follow.

"Come along with me, I have some business to take care of." Christian went back out of the door as Toulouse followed behind.

"You see......a long while ago........" Toulouse began. Christian nodded to a passing girl. "Evenin' Collette."

"Bonjour, Christian..." Collette replied, smiling deviously at him.

"Yea, go on, Toulouse." They walked onto the dance floor.

"......Christian.....what I'm trying to say is....." Toulouse went on, having difficulty keeping up, having to deal with his cane.

"Uh....Lilly, you're needed up on stage......." Christian said, pinching the cheek of a beautiful brunette girl. "Toulouse....look...is this really that important?" Christian looked impatiently at him, his back towards the front doors.

* * *

Outside, Satine walked alongside the Duke as they passed the Moulin Rouge. The Duke caught her eyeing it painfully and snapped her into a kiss.

"Don't worry bout that place, my love. It's in your past." He whispered to her. Satine slowly nodded, continuing to walk ahead of him now. A single tear trailed down her cheek. She looked back and a thought crossed through her desperate mind. The duke has no power over you. One look wouldn't hurt. Go on.....it's open for business.....wouldn't it be great to see Zidler?

The Duke's sweaty palm slipped from her pale hand as she turned on her heel and raced inside the Moulin Rouge, leaving the duke to chase after her.

"Satine!" He called as the front doors pulled open. Satine now looked ahead at a dark brown haired young man.

* * *

Toulouse nodded to him. "Christian......" He saw Satine come in. A ball hung in his throat. He painfully gulped it down and stared at Satine standing in the door way. He saw her walk farther in before she spotted him. Christian's eyes wandered to Toulouse's, seeing them eyeing something behind him. He began to turn round just as Satine came up along the dance floor.

Christian fully turned and looked that direction, only to have Satine hidden behind a crate that Zidler's workers carried out of the door.

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Teehee.....I'm evil to make you wait. I'm sorry!! LOL. Hope yall like it, I dont think this chappie was that impressive, but, oh well!!

Please review!! I LOVE you!! And read Tani, Satine, and SatineMaryKidman's stories!!!!!!!!!!!