Disclaimer- I'm a codfish

Satine dragged her feet as she headed home from work, the hot sun was beating down upon her face and the air was so thick she now knew what it felt like to be one of the flies that got stuck in the honey pot. Lucy too was red faced and sweating, the fabric of her t-shirt sticking to her back.

The apartment was no better than the house, rather than body heat and garbage there was stale air and an overbearing aroma of alcohol. Most sensible New Yorkers would be climbing into their cars or hopping aboard to speed away to a distant beach where they could drink wine on the sand and soak their feet in blue water. Satine however was working twelve hours at the book store and then the night shift at the Moulin.

Satine pushed these thought out of her head, tonight was her night. Her heart fluttered into her chest and she smiled slightly. Her life was certainly too hectic for any real boyfriend, but a night out what just what she needed to take her mind off things.

Lucy did her homework while Satine made her meager dinner, rice and frozen green beans. Lucy ate it hungrily but Satine had very little appetite. When Lucy had finally gone to bed, Satine changed out of her uniform and brushed her hair. Grabbing her bag and keys from the table she headed out.

She wondered if she was making a mistake leaving Lucy alone here with her hung over mother. She had only left her room once since her return but had managed to leave a mess in the sink. Lucy was asleep and she was a big girl, Satine told herself. It was only for a few hours. She went to the alcove that was Lucy's room, her converse clapping gently against the floor tiles. She peered in though the curtain that separated her sister from the rest of the house.

"Luc?" She whispered. There was no response. The little girl continued to sleep peacefully. Satine smiled and closed the curtain. Outside she felt like singing or shouting, not worrying about the stares she'd get, wanting everyone to know she was free! No more work or Lucy or drunken mothers or dirty houses!

She was just Satine, young and carefree among the city lights. Her usual ride to work on the subway seemed new and exciting, her senses were more aware of everything. The smell of others bodies, the hard plastic seat beneath her, the dizzying movement of the train car. Feeling intoxicated by her own joy, she walked with a bounce in her step.

Christian was waiting in front of the Moulin. She held back a laugh at how lost he looked. At least she'd been on a date before.

"Hey."

"Hi," he blushed.

She took his hand, rather awkwardly, and he started to lead her inside. "Wait-"

"What?"

"I work here every night, let's go somewhere else tonight." Christian laughed.

"Sure, why not?" As they walked down the street, Christian kept stealing glances at her out of the corner of his eye. She caught him doing this and they both smiled. Satine didn't remember the last time she had felt so good.

Satine looked up at the outline of the buildings, how scarcely one noticed their beauty. She strained her eyes to see past the street lamps. She wasn't sure, but she thought she saw a star.

"I've never been in any of these places," he said. "I like this ones window though." He had stopped in front of the fanciest place on the street.

"Alright then…" she said, following him inside. Together they entered the restaurant's revolving door and were immediately hit head on by a blast of air conditioning. Satine shivered and suddenly regretted wearing only a thin t-shirt.

It was a very fancy place; the tables were covered with white cloths and adorned with a rose and a candle each. The menus were heavy red leather with gold tassels. Satine bit her lip as she read it, her eyebrows knit.

The waiter arrived at the table looking offended by their jeans and sneakers. He took their orders with a wrinkled nose.

"Can you afford any of this?" Satine said suddenly, unable to control her manners a moment longer.

"Er… no not really."

Satine looked worried and began to play with her fork. When the food came she looked at it with concern.

"I'm not very hungry anymore," she admit.

"Me neither," said Christian throwing down his fork.

"Shall we?"

"I think so."

They got up slowly, trying to look casual. By the time they reached the door they had broke into a run. Outside they gasped with laughter and continued down the street, not apologizing when they bumped against people.

"I feel like ice cream," Satine announced. "C'mon." She pulled him around the corner to the ice cream parlor.

They ate their dripping cones on the steps to an apartment. Satine was happy to see he had warmed up to her and they talked about everything from string cheese to books to aliens. When they had finished, they decided to walk along the residential streets where it was more dangerous but also more quiet.

"What now?"

"We could see a movie," Satine suggested, trying to think of what normal people did on dates. "Or go to a club…"

"Look, why don't you come back to my place. We could watch a movie there if you want. My friend brought his TV over." Satine's cheeks flushed.

"Alright."

Christian's house was almost completely bare and even smaller than her own. There was only one real room which played the roll of kitchen, living room and bedroom. It contained very little furniture. A milk crate full of paperbacks, a very old television balanced on another milk crate, a couch that looked as though it had been found by the side of the road. His bed was in the corner, a mattress with one blanket and a pile of clothes for a pillow.

Searching for something to eat Satine found only tea bags, carrots and a six pack of beer. Satine helped herself to be a beer and brought the pack over to where Christian was sitting on the couch.

"Hope you don't mind I helped myself," she said offering him one.

Christian smiled as he took one. "Fine with me, those aren't even mine. Nini and Tino left them her last night; it's their TV as well." Satine choked on her beer.

"You know Nini?"

"Yes…" he said, "and why?" he added when he saw the look on her face.

"No reason, I just work with her," said Satine, her face blank. "It's a small world." Satine was on her second beer by now and though this might be a good time to tell Christian about her mother. When she had finished she looked at him, waiting for his reaction.

"That's horrible!" he exclaimed. "Why don't you do something?"

"Well, she is my mother, you know," Satine said slowly.

"My mother's dead," Christian announced.

"So is my father," Satine said sadly. "I never met him though."

"My step mom is crazy."

"My real mom is crazy."

"My father is crazy."

"I'm crazy."

"I'm in love," he hadn't meant to say it, but he knew now it was true.

Satine took a swig of her fourth beer. "Me too," she said softly. There was silence after this, not uncomfortable silence, just the two of them basking in the pleasure of having found such a kindred spirit. Signing she put down her bottle to lean against him. He was very, very warm. She looked into his eyes, observing their deep grey pools for the first time that night. Satine usually avoided peoples eyes because what she saw their scared her. Christian didn't disappoint. She saw love and more innocence than Lucy. Satine shivered.

"Are you cold?"

"Scared."

He wrapped his arms around her. She ran her hands along his cheek, taking in each beloved line.

"I have to go home now, goodnight," she said as she stood up, her legs wobbling.

"Is something wrong?"

"No, I just have to go," she turned and tried to walk determinedly away.

"Satine... wait..." Christian followed, confused.

"This isn't right."

"I can't remember something being more right, I think I might even love you."

"Exactly."

"Please don't go, nothing is worse than not knowing you." Satine felt drained and stripped. Not knowing what else to do, she leaned in and kissed Christian softly on the lips. Satine felt her body relax and she surrendered.