Christian's POV
I threw my money at Satine's feet and strode away from her, off of the stage and towards the door. I was fighting back tears, anger and betrayal battling for dominance inside of me. I could feel Satine's heartbroken gaze on my back, but I didn't turn and look.
"The sitar player doesn't love you! See? He flees the kingdom!" I heard Zidler say in a desperate attempt to get the show back on track. I walked onward, slowly, wanting nothing more than to turn and comfort Satine. But I couldn't. No.
"And now, my bride..." Zidler said, pulling Satine to her feet. I shrugged off the sitar player's jacket, tossing it on the ground. "It is time for you to raise your voice to the heavens and say your wedding vows. Sing to our gods your..." I continued walking.
"Christian!" Toulouse shouted suddenly. I ignored him. Toulouse screamed as he fell from his position above the stage. "The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return!" he yelled. I paused, wincing as the meaning hit me. But still, I didn't turn.
Never knew I could feel like this...
Satine was singing. It took all of my willpower to start walking again, each step hurting like a thousand knives.
It's like I've never seen the sky before
Want to vanish...
I paused again, wanting to run and embrace my Satine. But she had betrayed me. I couldn't. But I wanted to.
Inside your kiss
Every day I'm loving you more and more...
Her voice grew in strength and passion, begging me to come back. Slowly, I turned around, unsure of what to do.
Listen to my heart, can you hear it sing
Come back to me and forgive everything!
She was standing on the edge of the stage, passion strengthening her voice. Her voice faded and she gasped for breath, sweat beading on her brow. I stood there, watching her, concern lighting my eyes. But I was still undecided.
Seasons may change, winter to spring...
"I love you," she whispered, her eyes locked on mine.
‘Til the end of time...
She paused, and silence filled the theater. I reached a decision, love filling my heart.
Come what may...
The audience turned to look at me, confused as to why I was still here. Onstage, Satine smiled widely.
Come what may...
I began to walk forward, a smile lighting my features.
Come what may...
Come what may, I will love you...
I will love you
Until my dying...
Day.
I reached the stage and climbed the stairs, still singing.
Come what may...
I reached Satine and we stood together, united in love.
Come what may
Come what may
I will love you
Until my dying...
"Christian! He's got a gun!" Toulouse shouted. Chaos erupted on the stage, stemmed from the presence of a gun. So, Warner was trying to kill me. Interesting. The actors tried to distract the audience and prevent Warner from killing me by starting up an improv dance. It worked; the gun was kicked out of the bodyguard's reach and into the aisle. The Duke, mad with rage, picked it up and stormed forward, aiming it. He was stopped when Zidler punched him in the face, neatly tossing the gun out of the window. Satine and I were singing with the rest of the cast, our joy echoing above the other actors' voices.
The song ended and the curtain fell. I turned to Satine and kissed her fiercely. She returned the kiss, wrapping her arms around me. I broke the kiss and took her hand, smiling like a fool. I led her further backstage, my eyes on her face. Satine stopped and fell backward. A single red rose petal fell on her face as her eyes closed slowly. She fell faster, gasping for breath.
"Satine! Satine! What's the matter?" I caught her in my arms, cradling her light body. She started coughing, wet, hoarse coughs. And all the while she was gasping for breath. "Are you all right? Darling, darling, what's the matter?"
She didn't answer, her only response ragged breathing and wet coughs.
"Darling Satine, what's the matter? God. Oh, God." Her coughing intensified and a trickle of blood appeared at the corner of her mouth. I wiped it away with a finger, staring at it in mute horror. "Somebody get some help!" I shouted, fighting back tears. I saw Zidler say something to the stage manager, but I didn't hear the words. The stage manager turned and hurried off, undoubtedly to fetch the doctor.
"I'm sorry, Christian," Satine whispered. "I...I-I-I'm dying. I'm so sorry."
"You'll be all right! You'll be all right! You'll be all right!" I repeated fiercely. Wasn't there a cure? Wasn't there?
"Cold. I'm c-cold. Hold me. Hold me." God, her voice was so faint. I wrapped my arms more firmly around her, tears coursing silently down my cheeks.
"You're okay. I love you."
"You've got to go on, Christian," Satine whispered. I opened my mouth to answer, but got distracted. The doctor came running in, smiling broadly.
"A cure! I've got a cure!" For a moment, there was stunned silence, Satine grew dangerously still, and then cheering erupted.
The portly doctor rushed forward and pricked Satine with a tiny needle. "She's going to live."
I couldn't do anything but smile my gratitude at the man. He seemed to understand, because he nodded once and left.