Les Miserables: Act Two
A/N: Oh yes. Christophe can act! Yes, cute, adorable little uke!Christophe, who I now love btw, is a good actor, especially since he's very close to Eponine's situation. As is Gregory, obviously, cause he's an A*, 4.0 GPA student (whatever a 4.0 GPA is xD) and I can most definitely see him being an actor :P
Warnings: Again, uke!Christophe, if you don't like him.
Disclaimer: I don't own the characters here. Les Mis characters (c) Victor Hugo and South Park characters (c) Trey and Matt. Lyrics belong to Herbert Kretzmer.
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~::On My Own::~
Christophe pulled his long, tattered coat over the even more tattered dress as he wandered onstage. This was his solo 'performance'; Eponine had just been sent by Marius to deliver a letter to Cosette. He looked up at the lights on the walls, made to look like shutters leaking light onto the night-time streets of Paris. He sighed, and started his lip-syncing.
"And now I'm all alone again,
Nowhere to turn, no-one to go to.
Without a home, without a friend, without a face to say hello to.
And now the night is near; now I can make believe he's here..."
Christophe closed his eyes as he continued to 'sing', allowing himself to do as his character was. He continued to walk around the stage for a moment, casting his mind back to the real Paris streets, and placing the imagined figure beside him.
"...The city goes to bed
And I can live inside my head..."
Christophe stopped, and opened his eyes. As he performed he allowed himself to loosen and act; he looked beside himself, as if seeing a figure, tensed his shoulders, as if being embraced, smiling up to the ceiling, eyes glazed as if not seeing the world around him but instead being lost in his own fantasy.
How many times had he comforted himself on a dark night, creeping around to achieve a mission or simply wandering the streets, by imagining someone beside him? Imagining Gregory beside him. Hearing in his head the comments he imagined the blonde would make at him, the joking words, teasing actions, a playful nudge or a comforting hand. He couldn't count.
"And I know it's only in my mind..."
Christophe allowed his dreamy expression to drop. His brow furrowed slightly, lips curving down, ashamed, embarrassed, disappointed in himself for being so weak as to need such a childish form of comfort, for letting daydreams soften his mind and raise his hopes so they could fall down and crush him. He was supposed to be tough, and fearless, and able to look after himself; he'd practically lived on the street, for Gods sakes, in poverty, fighting for survival. Love, and an impossible one at that, was a weakness. He didn't want to be weak.
Like Eponine, he tried to put on an expression of determination.
"And although I know that he is blind
Still I say, there's a way for us!"
But still, he felt despondent. It was hopeless really, a fantasy, something in his head that he'd indulged too much, so much that now he was desperate for returned affections. So much that he was now willing to risk himself if necessary to just be beside Gregory. That he'd die if it gave him a chance to tell Gregory how he felt.
"...Without me, his world would go on turning
A world that's full of happiness, that I have never known..."
It was probably true. How much did he mean to Gregory? Not much more than a simple friend, at best. If he should disappear one night, killed on one of his missions, would it be that big a deal to Gregory? A short period of mourning possibly, but soon enough he'd be occupied with Wendy, happy...
"...I love 'im.
But only on my own."
Inaudible over the recording, Christophe whispered these words to himself as he wrapped the coat tighter around himself, and walked towards the other side of the stage. Once again having to act for his character and not himself, he paused; pulled the hair of his wig up under the cap he was wearing, fixed his coat again, and walked offstage, determination on his face. As the audience's applause faded and he disappeared from their view, Christophe dropped his expression, beck to dejection.
~::Backstage: Little People::~
Christophe listened to the young boy playing Gavroche singing 'Little People', quietly singing to himself again 'La Faute A Voltaire', the song's original French counterpart.
"Hey." Christophe looked up and saw Damien of all people sauntering over to him. "So you're 'Ponine' eh?"
"My name ees Christophe." The brunette whispered, not quite able to sound angry. "What do you want?"
"You know, there's a fanbase for EponinexEnjolras."
Christophe stared at Damien for a moment. The demon didn't actually look all too sincere, just stood smirking. Eventually Christophe hit him.
"Pees off Damien." He muttered. "Your petit garcon rebelle is looking over here. You'll make 'im jealous."
Damien glanced around in confusion, not quite sure who was supposedly looking at them. The only person he could see was Pip, but he didn't seem to be looking anywhere other than the floor at his own feet. The noirette shrugged, having lost all interest in Christophe now he had disappeared, and walked over to the boy playing as one of his rebels to wait for their onstage cue.
~::A Little Fall of Rain::~
Christophe stood as he let the makeup team apply the blood to his chest and temple. He readjusted his cap so it was slightly askew, and pulled the coat around him to cover up the red now staining the dress he wore.
It was time for Eponine's death scene, the scene she told Marius of her love for him, the scene she lay in his arms as she died, happy to be with her love at least. Just before her death, she was supposed to try and kiss Marius.
Christophe had seen this musical before; in some, she made no attempt, in most there was what he'd deemed the 'almost kiss'; she came close, but died before her lips could touch Marius'. And then, in a few, she succeeded, and died truly happy, with her mouth pressed to that of her bien-aime.
The past few showings had used the 'almost kiss' scenario, mainly so that neither actor was forced to kiss the other. However, Christophe had a plan in mind. As he climbed the barricade onstage, and ducked and flinched at the shot which was supposed to hit him, he thought of it and set it in his mind, determined. He clambered down on shaky legs to meet Gregory, who in his role as Marius hurriedly questioned him whether Cosette had received her letter. Christophe replied and then let his legs give way as he heard "I don't think I can stand anymore!"
Gregory caught him and gently lowered him down to the floor.
"'Ponine, what's wrong, I feel there's something wet upon your hair
Eponine, you're hurt! You need some help... oh God it's everywhere!"
Gregory brushed his hand against the bloodstained spot on Christophe face, knocking off his cap and allowing the hair to fall down, and making Christophe shudder at the same time. The blonde opened the coat to expose the large red stain on the dress, the fatal bullet wound. Gregory cradled the brunette in his arms so that he was in his lap, and Christophe's hand lifted to grasp the front of his shirt.
"Don't you fret, Monsieur Marius, I don't feel any pain
A little fall of rain, can hardly hurt me now.
You're here; that's all I need to know
And you will keep me safe, and you will keep me close
And rain will make the flowers grow..."
As he 'sang' his verse Christophe pulled himself closer to Gregory's chest, and looked up. The blue eyes he adored so much stared back down at him full of worry, sadness and realisation. He knew Gregory was just acting when he looked down at him in such a caring, loving way, but it still made his heart beat faster. He'd like to imagine this was how Gregory would look at him while he died in his arms.
"But you would live 'Ponine, dear God above!
If I could heal your wounds with words of love..."
"Just hold me now, and let it be
Shelter me, comfort me..."
Gregory's grip on him tightened as he continued with his verse, drawing Christophe even closer to him. He stroked his hair gently, then placed his hand over the one gripping his shirt, holding it gently. Christophe's expression lifted to one of near joy, and he smiled.
"...I'll sleep in your embrace at last!" The line held the happiness Eponine felt, knowing she was being held by her love, and that she would die in his arms and no-one else's.
"The rain that bring your here, is Heaven blessed!
The skies begin to clear, and I'm at rest.
A breath away from where you are
I've come home, from so far..."
Christophe looked away, Eponine becoming delirious in death, then turned back, her voice fading as her life ebbed. The last note ended on a gasp of pain, and Christophe convulsed slightly, curling into himself as one does when in pain, yet still trying to mask it and be brave. Gregory quickly soothed him, holding him closer, desperation starting to show on his features as Marius panicked, not wanting to lose his friend. Christophe relaxed again, although his grip on Gregory became tighter, also showing desperation and fear.
"And rain..."
"And rain..."
"Will make the flowers..." Christophe's line faded away. Gregory was now leaning close to him, their foreheads just inches from touching, having been getting ever closer to sooth and comfort his dying friend.
Christophe seized his chance. He brought his hand up to grip the back of Gregory's head, and pulled him down, pressing their lips together in a desperate kiss. He could tell it surprised Gregory, because he jolted slightly, and his mouth opened slightly in shock. The kiss was fierce, and brief, lasting no more than four seconds before Christophe slowly relaxed himself, hand falling from its hold on Gregory, head lolling back and eyes closing, playing dead.
He felt Gregory shake him slightly, and gasp in a way that sounded like a sob. As the music started to fade, ending their duet and Eponine's life, he cried out.
"No...Ponine! No!" Gregory's head fell against Christophe's chest as he clung to him, still acting and suppressing fake sobs. Christophe listened as the small passage succeeding his death passed, and tried not to tense as he was lifted and carried offstage by a few of the rebel student actors. Most went quickly back onstage, but Pip lingered for a moment.
"That was brave. I hope it works out." He murmured.
"I decided to stop dreaming and act. Do the same." Christophe looked sincerely at Pip, and the blonde nodded before he hurried back.
Christophe dragged himself into a corner and proceeded to fret to himself for the whole of his absence.
~::AFTER THE SHOW::~
Christophe let out a sigh of relief as the curtains closed and he heard the audience clapping and cheering. The rest of the cast also relaxed, and celebrated the success of their last showing. Stan and Kyle high-fived, Kenny whooped and jumped in the air, Red stood beside him giggling. Pip gave a small squeal and hugged Damien, who grinned and wrapped an arm around his waist. No-one noticed as Pip quickly kissed him, and Damien returned it. The two walked off together to get changed, as did everyone else. Wendy hung onto Gregory's arm, giggling and chattering. Gregory smiled down at her, but seemed distracted as he looked around.
Christophe glared at Wendy. He'd got a small amount of comfort seeing that Marius and Cosette's wedding kiss had been fake, but she was still going to steal Gregory away. He sighed in defeat and started to walk away to dress and walk home.
"Do you wanna go and get something to eat with me?" he heard Wendy ask Gregory.
"Sure, but first, I have to do something..." Gregory replied and, spotting Christophe's disappearing back, pulled away from the girl to hurry after him.
"Christophe!"
Christophe turned to see what Gregory wanted, and was caught off-guard when the blonde's lips collided with his own. Gregory gripped his waist and pulled him close, and cupped his face. Christophe softened and melted into the kiss, putting both arms around Gregory's neck and fisting some of his hair.
They heard Wendy gasp angrily, and broke apart to watch her storm out.
"Hmm, guess I'm free tonight." Gregory murmured with a smirk. He looked down at Christophe. "Come round mine?"
"Tres bien." The brunette smiled. The two once again engaged their lips, kissing passionately. When they both pulled away, panting slightly, Christophe trying to hide his blush, Gregory took his hand and led him out. He smirked playfully.
"Do you want to change, or do you mind staying in the dress?"
"I am not keeping zis zing on. Besides, you said you preferred me in my combats and t-shirts."
"Touche."
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A/N: Trolololol it's finished!
Looky looky, Christophe can act. Yup. Oh, and I couldn't help but add that Dip xD
French translations:
petit garcon rebelled: little rebel boy
bon-aime: beloved
Tres bien: Very well (alternatively 'okay')
And so end this very weird concept, feat uke!Christophe, and the most awesome musical Les Miserables.
I hope you liked it, feedback and reviews VERY much appreciated it, I want to know what you thought of this weird concept. It's quite...adventurous considering the pairing, I think, and hard to write because I obviously don't remember each and every line in the minor passages.
(In case you're wondering, in the performance I watched recently, Marius does cry 'No! Ponine!' which was so sad. But there wasn't a kiss. Though I saw it with a kiss once.)
Bye, please review, hope you liked.