A/N- I don't own Strand (though I do shop there a lot) which is the bookstore where this chapter takes place.
It started out with a few small drops hitting the hot cement and turning immediately into steam. As the storm gained power, they began to collect in puddles and the city seemed to sigh as its parched streets were drenched. Satine watched the dark, cool world from the window of the book store, her hands moved automatically as she rung up books. People passed by in mushroom colored rain coats, a parade of beetles with black umbrella shells. Inside, it smelt soft and of mildew, a scent brought about by the rain.
A familiar brunette head was caught up in the crowd. Satine's throat seemed to tighten. Christian was drenched head to toe and looked lost. Satine wondered, clinching her knuckles beneath the table, if he would stop at the bookstore.
"Oy, Christian!" Henry called. Henry had opened the door to stand beneath the awning and yell to his friend. Christian came in dripping from ever possible place a person could drip from. He wasn't dressed for the weather at all, in only a holey sweatshirt and jeans.
"I got completely lost, I was supposed to be meeting Satie and Audrey but I think I got off at the wrong stop. The city looks different when it's wet." Christian stopped talking abruptly when he saw Satine looking at him. Henry smiled slightly, looking between them and made himself scarce. Christian walked past the line of customers to where Satine was sitting at the register.
"Do you work here?" he said with a smile.
"No, I just come here to ring up books for fun. Excuse me I have customers." Satine's voice sounded harsh even to her ears. Christian left her alone and she continued to work, her mind still on him, much to her annoyance. She scanned the price on "The Waves" by Virginia Woolf.
"That's my favorite book," she said absently. "Ten-thirty-five please."
"Mine too."
"Christian?" Satine wasn't sure why she was shaking. Christian was looking at her with eyes that seemed to be speaking. He looking like he was trying to prepare himself to do something.
"Wouldyouliketobemygirlfriend," said Christian in one breath.
"Sorry?"
"Would you like to be my girlfriend?" said Christian, much slower this time.
"No!" said Satine without thinking. Christian's face fell.
"Oh, ok then," he said, taking his book without paying.
"Wait, Christian." Satine followed him as he headed into the downpour.
Christian had stopped in the middle of the side walk. Satine couldn't tell if he was crying because of the rain.
"I like you very much," she began. "But you can't imagine what my life is like. I'm sorry Christian. I don't want to hurt you."
Christian nodded but still looked forlorn.
"I didn't mean to lead you on. Friends?"
Christian shook his head.
"It doesn't matter how busy you life is, sometimes things come along that are bigger than us. I think I might love you and unless I'm very much mistaken you feel the same way." Christian looked alarmed at the words he was saying. A piece of wet hair had fallen into his eyes. Satine's face was drained of all color. She made a little indecisive noise in the back of her throat.
"Didn't catch that," said Christian. "Was that a yes?"
"I don't know," Satine was wringing her hands and shaking.
"Please? Let's just give it a try."
"I really don't know…"
"If you just give it a try, you'll know for sure."
"Alright. A try." Satine smiled unexpectedly and Christian moved towards her.
"Don't kiss me right now," she said quickly.
"I thought- you said-"
"It's not that," Satine laughed again. "Rain? Kissing? That's a bit cliché don't you think?"
Now it was Christian's turn to laugh and he took her hand, weaving her moist fingers between his. Hands still entwined, they headed back to the bookstore together.
A/N- I know I said this chapter would be long. I lied. Maybe the next chapter will be long. Don't hold me to anything.
