Disclaimer: As usual, I do not own this...matter of fact, I'm pretty sure I didn't even write this...okay, just kidding, I did. But if it stupid, do not blame me! Blame the...um...weird fruit cocktail I was eating...

Christian sat at the little table outside the small café, sipping a rather bitter tea Tulose had suggested. Tulose and his really peculiar friend, Harold, were talking about the play Tulose and the manly-looking woman Audrey were writing for the Moulin Rouge. He wasn't really listening to their banter; he was too busy thinking of Satine and the way her ruby curls cascaded down her shoulders.

"...and Satine will look gowgeous in the black satin Indian gown," Tulose finished. Christian gave a start and started listening, trying to figure out why they were talking about Satine.

"Yes, I totally agree with you, Tulose. So now that you have the costumes covered, how's Audrey coming along with the script?" Harold grunted, taking a big gulp of his Absinthe.

"Uh...she's...coming along well with it..." Tulose muttered nervously.

Christian, sensing Tulose's panic, quickly tried to change the subject, "So, uh, Mr. Zidler, how exactly do you know Satine?"

Harold looked astonished, "Know Satine!? I practically own that girl!" Harold turned to Tulose, "You mean to tell me, Tulose, that you've never taken this boy to see Satine perform?!"

"Uh...uh...no..." Tulose stuttered, looking at Christian with a sort of feigned amusement

"Too bad you have no money, Christian, or you'd be able to buy a night with her. Once you see her, you instantly fall in love with her looks!"

Christian had to suppress the anger that was boiling inside him. This Harold Zidler acted like Satine was an object he could rent out to people! Although he had only met Satine briefly, Christian felt like he had to protect her and their possible future.

Harold slapped Christian on the back, jerking him roughly from his thoughts.

"Christian, my boy, come to the Moulin Rouge tomorrow night and watch Satine perform. You'll love her, I promise." Harold looked at his pocket watch, "Well, I'd better get back to the Rouge. Hope to see you there tomorrow night, Christian. Tulose, give him some Absinthe to loosen him up and bring him 'round 8." Harold stood, took one last gulp of his drink and headed off down the crooked little street towards the Moulin Rouge.

Christian turned to Tulose, "How do you stand that man?! The way he talked about Satine..." Christian ran a hand through his hair.

"Chwistian, I have to wawn choo. I know that choo awe having dinnew with hew tonight, but I suggest choo don't get too involved. Hawold is a vewy powewful man," Tulose gave Christian a serious look.

"Tulose, I can handle myself. I bet she won't even want to see me again after tonight. Now, what time is it?"

Tulose looked at his watch and frowned slightly, "Wow, it's almost 5:30."

"Well, I am going to go, Tulose." Christian stood up and pushed in his chair. "Wish me luck?"

Tulose sighed, "Good luck..."

Christian strode down the small, crowded street towards his garret. Climbing the stairs, Christian yawned, maybe he'd take a nap before he had to meet Satine. He opened his door and threw his jacket over the chair. Sinking into the soft blankets, Christian sighed and closed his eyes.

Author's note: Please review! It makes me feel good and inspires me to keep adding more on!