Satine glanced at the clock. It was almost 5:45 p.m. She laid her needlepoint on the table next to her chair and stood up. She needed to get ready for Christian. Satine gently shook Marie, who had fallen asleep in her chair next to where Satine had previously sitting.

"Marie, can you help me get ready?" Satine asked softly.

"Mmm?" Marie sighed, opening her eyes. "What, dear?"

"Can you help me get ready for dinner?"

"Oh, yes, of course." Marie said, standing up stiffly. She unbuttoned the deep green dress Satine was wearing and helped her take it off. Satine walked over to her closet and pulled out the dress she wanted to wear for him. She pulled it over her head and Marie carefully buttoned it up. Satine turned to face Marie.

"How do I look?"

"You look beautiful, as usual." Marie smiled. Walking over to the mirror, Satin pulled her hair up, piling her red curls on top of her head.

"Do you think I should wear my diamonds or my rubies?" Satine asked Marie, clipping her hair into place. Marie didn't answer, so Satine fastened her ruby necklace around her neck and put on her matching earrings. She carefully re-applied her make-up and brushed on some blush. Putting the finishing touches of lipstick on her lips, Satine turned around for Marie's approval.

"You think this will impress him?" She asked, slipping on the black, elbow-length gloves.

"Of course it will," Marie sighed, giving Satine a kiss on the cheek and handing her her purse. "Have a great evening, dear."

"Thank you, Marie." Satine smiled and left to meet Christian.

X

Christian woke to the chimes of the old grandfather clock that sat in the corner of the room. He sat up quickly to see what time it was. Astonished that it was almost 6:00 PM, Christian stumbled to the bathroom. He shaved quickly, astoundingly not cutting himself in his haste. After a quick change of clothing and a hand run through his hair, Christian was ready.

Walking quickly through the crowded streets of Montmartre, Christian smiled in anticipation of seeing Satine again. As he turned the street corner, the restaurant where they were to meet came into view, it's warm lights inviting. Christian could see Satine standing outside the door, ignoring the familiar looks from Moulin Rogue visitors. Christian's breath caught in his throat and he swallowed nervously. She looked stunning in a red dress, her crimson locks piled atop her head. A few wisps of hair escaped the rest and framed her face. Christian approached her eagerly.

X

Satine arrived at the restaurant a few minutes early. Standing in the doorway, she looked around impatiently. She never liked the looks she received outside the Moulin Rouge and she wished Christian would hurry up and whisk her away inside. Soon she saw him approaching, and she was extremely glad to see him again. He looked casually handsome in a dark blue suit, his top buttons of his crisp white shirt undone. His hair was slightly mussed, making Satine want to run her hand through it.

"Good evening, mademoiselle," Christian greeted her, taking her hand and kissing it. Satine giggled,

"Why, thank you, my dear sir. Would you care to join me for dinner?"

"Certainly," Christian offered his arm to her. She took it graciously and they entered the restaurant.

XXXXXXXXX

Author's Note: Sorry it took me so bloody long to update this. I've been suffering from a shortage of time and extreme writer's block lately, and haven't had the will to drag myself to the computer to update. Hopefully I'll find some available time this weekend to update further. Review...it does a body good...