“Wann fährt der nächste Zug?” Kurt said to himself, and then wrote it into his notebook. He looked at the next thing to translate. “Do you have a light?” 

He thought for a minute.  “Hast du –“ he started.

“Kurt, they have called for places.” Angeline interrupted him, already fully in her Sibella costume. 

Kurt nodded, putting his books into his bag, and checking his first costume in the mirror before following Angeline to the side of the stage. 

After so many weeks, he didn’t need long to focus and get into character. The first one was a young man, a banker’s son, so he wasn’t as challenging to play as the characters like the older woman or the Admiral that came later. He stepped confidently on stage and did his role perfectly. 

---

“Why are you studying German, anyways?” Angeline asked, taking a sip of her wine. It was Sunday night, and most of the cast and crew went out after the play for a few drinks, knowing they had the next day off. 

Kurt shrugged. “I know a little, and thought it would be good to brush up on it. I have a friend who does some translation work, and it pays well.” The explanation came easily, and wasn’t entirely untrue. The best lies were as close to the truth as possible. 

When he got back to New York in January, he had met with Mr. Chapman, asking many questions about the job offer. He was still undecided about it, but Mr. Chapman was quite sure Kurt would do well in the position. As an incentive, he offered Kurt German training at no cost while he was involved with the play, no strings attached. If he accepted the job, it would be useful. If not, there was a possibility of some freelance translation work. He already did some occasionally for French. 

Angeline nodded. “Such is the nature of our work. It is hard to be a performer full time, with no side jobs, isn’t it? I often work as a server to cover the bills.” 

“I’ve done that too.” Kurt grinned back, feeling relaxed with her. He had gotten to really like the cast, and was sad the show was ending in a week. They had done the full run at least, but the ticket sales weren’t strong enough to extend it. 

Knowing he would be out of work in a week was really making Kurt consider his options. He was already auditioning for other parts, but hadn’t heard back from anyone. He had some savings, and could probably survive a few weeks if he picked up a few quick jobs, but he needed steady work. It made the promised salary with Mr. Chapman even more appealing. He could easily cover his bills with it, and put a lot into savings. Have more financial security. 

The other option for more stable employment was going back to Vaudeville. He still had his old contacts, and kept up with friends as they toured through New York. It was great that even after all this time, they knew he was a solid performer, able to sing, act, dance, do comedic roles, whatever was needed. 

Both options would involve being away from New York a lot. And the only big reason against doing that was Blaine. Was that still a big enough reason to hold him back from finding steady work? 

They had picked up in January like before. Meeting at the bathhouse a couple times a week for quick encounters, and usually a longer evening together at either Kurt’s place or Blaine’s hotel once a week. Lately, Blaine had worried about being seen together too much at the hotel, so they had been at Kurt’s more. 

“Kurt, it is good to see you.” An older woman stopped at the table to swoop in to hug him. 

Kurt smiled at her. “Mrs. Petrov, looking lovely as always.” His landlady was dressed in a rich purple dress, wearing it confidently. “Would you like to join us?” He waved to the empty chairs at their table. Other cast members had left after a couple drinks. 

She smiled her acceptance, and the scruffy, bearded man she was with joined them. “This is my friend Alexei. He is a painter.” 

“Oh really? What style do you paint in? What subjects do you prefer?” Kurt asked as he sipped his beer.

Alexei smiled at Kurt’s interest, leaning forward. “Landscapes mostly. I am experimenting with light in its changing qualities…”. His hair was a bit long and unkept, but his dark eyes shone with passion for his craft.

Kurt nodded. “So, you follow the Impressionist style then?” 

Looking a little surprised, Alexei nodded. “Are you a painter also? You seem quite familiar with art.” 

“No, no…I’m hopeless at it, I’m afraid. But I lived in Paris for a few years, and knew a few artists there.” Kurt supplied. He loved conversations like this, with creative people. Artists, writers, performers. Living in Greenwich Village reminded him of Montmartre in that way. It was a part of the city where artistic people converged, a relaxed bohemian attitude apparent in so many places. His landlady loved it, often giving cheaper rents to people she found interesting. Kurt wouldn’t be surprised if Alexei ended up in of one the apartments in his building soon. 

Mrs. Petrov leaned closer to rub Kurt’s arm. “Where is your filmmaker friend tonight?” 

Kurt chuckled to himself at her description. Blaine had come out with Kurt to a few bars and restaurants in his neighbourhood, and he had told people he was trying to be a filmmaker when they asked what his job was. He didn’t want to look out of place by saying he owned a hotel. 

“He doesn’t live in the Village, so I don’t know where he is tonight.” Kurt smiled back at her. Blaine was probably at some function with Kitty, acting like her fiancé practically. 

She shook her head at him. “Should you really let such a handsome man run around on his own?” She topped off her comment with a wink to Kurt.

Little comments like this from her made Kurt pretty sure she knew Blaine was his boyfriend, and was accepting of it. When she had first said something like that, Kurt had been shocked, but she did it often enough that he just nodded and smiled back. It was good to have a feeling of acceptance from a few people. 

“Mrs. Petrov, I may have to give you my notice soon, I’m afraid.” Kurt said, taking this opportunity of chatting with her to check into this. 

Her eyes widened. “Oh my. Why is that? You don’t like the apartment? Don’t like me?” She pouted slightly, always a little dramatic in her responses.

Reaching over, Kurt squeezed her hand. “Of course not. I love the building and love you too. But I may have to travel more for work soon, and it wouldn’t make sense to keep an apartment here if that’s the case.” 

“Oh, my dear boy, that is so sad! You are so talented, surely something else will come up.” Mrs. Petrov looked truly upset at the idea of Kurt going. 

Kurt nodding, looking at her and then the other friends sitting nearby. He had met some great people in New York. People he was going to miss. Could he really go back to Vaudeville and be happy with it? Or take Mr. Chapman’s offer, going on that risky, unknown but exciting path? 

---

Kurt looked over his closet with a sinking heart. Over the past year, he had collected more than he thought. There were too many items to fit into the two suitcases he had open on his bed. It was always hard to give up good pieces of clothing, but it was time to carefully look at each piece and decide. 

The rest of the apartment wasn’t as hard. It was a furnished apartment, so he only had purchased a few things for the kitchen that weren’t supplied. Things he wouldn’t need if he was travelling a lot. They would all just stay here. He had already given away some books he’d read, and packed up the rest. 

The play had ended last week, and Kurt had been out, day after day, looking for other work, but coming up with nothing. He was tired of searching for work, spending so much time doing it. 

There was a knock at the door, and Kurt was surprised. He didn’t have plans with anyone. 

Opening the door, it was Blaine, looking very handsome in a dark blue suit with a subtle pinstripe. “Hello.” 

“Hi Blaine.” Kurt smiled, stepping back to let him in.

Blaine gave Kurt a smile, before coming closer and kissing Kurt hello. His hands cupped Kurt’s head, making sure the kiss was long and thorough. 

"Come on, let's get you dressed up. I'm taking you out for dinner." Blaine smiled, and tugged Kurt into his bedroom. 

Blaine stopped short, looking down at the open suitcases. "What is happening here, Kurt? Are you going back to Ohio for a visit?"

Kurt considered nodding, and saying that was it. But this was Blaine. No matter how much they had grown apart, he deserved the truth. "I'm finding it hard to find steady work, so I'm thinking of going back on the circuit again." He didn't mention the other possibility. No point worrying him.

Looking at Kurt for a few moments, his eyes searching, Blaine seemed to slump a little. "Oh, I see. Are you still OK to go to dinner tonight? I should have asked you in advance."

Kurt stepped closer, wrapping an arm around Blaine's waist to give him a half-hug. "Of course it's OK. Just give me a minute."

Looking a little thrown, Blaine stepped back into the living room, and Kurt quickly changed into a nice suit. 

Blaine was looking through a stack of books on the table. 

"Oh, thanks for reminding me. Those are books you lent me I wanted to get back to you." Kurt said briskly, slipping his shoes on.

Blaine stepped closer. "They were for you to keep, Kurt." 

Kurt gave a bright smile back, trying to keep it together. "Well, I need to travel light, and I've read them already..."

"Ok, I see. I'll take them with me later." Blaine said softly as they walked out.

Blaine had been in the area enough to know the restaurants, and they went for a good meal. Conversation was a little stilted, as Kurt was feeling mixed emotions as always. Being with Blaine was good, but hearing about the hotel, and his friends, seemed like a whole different world. One Kurt would never be a part of.

It was a feeling Kurt knew wouldn't change, and he couldn't survive on these scraps of attention and togetherness. It made it more painful with every time Blaine left. It was like the sun shone brightly when Blaine was around, and when he left; everything else in Kurt's life was dull and dismal. After months and months of this, Kurt was feeling worn out. Between that and the stress of job searching, he felt spread thin.

Blaine could tell Kurt was in a maudlin mood, and he sent many concerned looks his way. Kurt could tell his decision was hurting Blaine too, and it made it even harder.

After dinner, Blaine asked if they could go for a walk. Kurt agreed, still greedy for any time with Blaine. He gotten fairly familiar with his neighborhood, liked its mix of people. 

Blaine stopped, and looked down at Kurt with a strange expression. "Kurt, would you come look at something with me?"

Furrowing his brow slightly, Kurt nodded slowly. Blaine had been in an odd mood tonight too, seemed a little tense. 

Blaine gave a little smile at Kurt's response, and ushered him into an apartment building. They went up two flights, and Kurt expected him to knock on a door. 

Instead, he pulled out a key and unlocked a door. Encouraged Kurt to step in first. 

Kurt went into the empty apartment and turned the light on. It was a good size, and the windows overlooked the river. He turned to Blaine, a questioning expression on his face. 

Blaine shut the door, and stepped close to Kurt, looking nervous. "I did this before I knew of your plans to go back to Vaudeville. I will just say my idea, and I'll leave it to you to decide. I just want you to choose what will make you happiest."

Kurt's eyes were enormous, so curious about what Blaine was saying. His heart was thumping and he had to concentrate to breathe.

Waving a hand around, Blaine gave a small smile. "I rented this for us, Kurt. It's a two bedroom apartment and we can look like roommates, trying to afford living in New York, to the outside world."

Stepping closer, Blaine took Kurt's hands. "I just can't bear living apart from you any longer, Kurt. I can feel us growing apart, busy in our daily lives, and it makes me so sad. I want to be there every day when you wake up, eat breakfast together, spend the evenings out with you or just here, reading and cuddling. I don't want a few stolen moments here or there. I want to share our lives."

The words made Kurt rock on his heels. It was what he wanted too, since they had been on the Titanic.

"But what about the hotel and your life there?" Kurt asked, still amazed by this whole idea.

Blaine let go of Kurt's hands, walking over to the window. "The hotel was my father's dream, never mine. I don't care about it at all. These past few months have proven that Jeff and Nick are very capable managers of it. Profits are even up from when my father ran it. I'm going to leave it to their management."

"But what about Kitty and your mother? What will they say about you living here?" Kurt was beginning to feel hopeful, in a way he hadn't dared to before.

Blaine shrugged. "Kitty will be going to her country estate quite often, now that it's spring. She has missed her stable boy. And my mother is doing fine. She has her own money and the life insurance funds from my father. She is talking about getting a place on the Upper West Side, to be closer to her friends. I think she wants to be away from the hotel and things that remind her so much of father."

Kurt was just shaking his head. "So, you are basically giving up your fancy life to come live in the slums with me? I don't know, Blaine. Will you be happy?"

Walking quickly back to Kurt, Blaine took him in his arms for a deep kiss that left Kurt feeling a little dazed. "I realized that I am happiest when I'm with you. Those times we just went out to a local pub here and hung out with your friends, or at your apartment. I'd go to fancy parties with Kitty, full of stuffy, boring people, and silently wish I could be with you."

Kurt smiled, putting a hand on the side of Blaine's face. "But what will you do then, if you aren't working at the hotel?"

Blaine's eyes gleamed in excitement. "I met a man who used to work at Edison's movie studio out in the Bronx, and he is starting a small studio out here, in the village. He's willing to take me on and train me."

Seeing Blaine looking so excited and happy made Kurt feel good, and he hugged Blaine hard. It was almost too much to take in. Blaine basically giving up his old life to live and work down here?

"Blaine, that sounds really great, but it's such a big change for you. Do you really think this will work?" Kurt had to ask, forever the realist.

Blaine's face dropped slightly, but then he shook his head, and smiled. "It feels right, Kurt. My whole life, I've done what I should, what was expected of me. And I've had a pretty good life. But for the first time in my life, I'm making my own choices about my future and it's scary and risky, but it feels right."

Kurt felt a surge of emotion for this man, and loved him more than ever. He was being so brave.

Taking Kurt's hands in his, Blaine looked a little unsure of himself. "Kurt, I know I made these plans without consulting you, not knowing you were making your own plans to go back to Vaudeville. But is there any way you could hold off on that, and give us a chance? Live here with me and see if we can be happy this way?"

Kurt's smile was large and happy. "This reminds me of that night on the Titanic, when you asked me to give us a chance. A year and a day."

"That's why I came over to take you to dinner, ...Today is April 15th, Kurt. It has been a year and a day since we were handfast. Do you want to stay with me or go your own way? You know I want to stay together." Blaine said softly, his expression hopeful but still unsure of Kurt's answer. He had seen the suitcases in Kurt's apartment earlier, after all. "Or would you like to handfast again, give me another year and a day?"

Blaine reached into his pocket, pulling out the floral, silk scarf. 

Kurt gasped at seeing it. "You still carry it with you?"

"Of course I do, Kurt. It's the most precious thing I own." Blaine said softly, and reached a hand out to cup Kurt's face, brushing his thumb over his soft cheek. "I'm sorry this past year has been so hard. We were both trying to figure out our lives, trying to be together, and it wasn't working that well. I know now that we need to make a bigger change to really be together, and it will be easier for me to live here with you, than you to live with me uptown."

"It's still a risk, Blaine. People may still suspect about two men living together." Kurt said softly. It was a scary but exciting idea.

Blaine shrugged. "Well, then we'll run off and join the Vaudeville circuit. I just know I can't bear to be away from you anymore, Kurt. Please say you'll give us a chance."

Kurt nodded, his eyes filling up with happy tears. "Yes, yes, yes Blaine. Yes, I'll live here with you. Yes, I'll give us a chance. Yes, I love you so much."

They crashed together, kissing hard and urgently. 

Kurt pulled back, looking around the empty apartment. "Hmmm...I'd love to christen our new apartment right now, but I really want a comfortable bed to properly make love to you for a few hours."

Chuckling, Blaine pulled his clothes back in place and held out his hand. "Your old apartment is only a few blocks away."

Kurt took it, and they raced there, getting a few raised eyebrows as they ran past. 

---

"Do you have a job now that the play is over, Kurt?" Blaine asked sleepily, running a lazy hand over Kurt's chest. He'd never get enough of touching Kurt's skin.

Stretching contentedly, Kurt shook his head. "No, I've done auditions and looked around but nothing was coming up. That's why I was considering Vaudeville again."

Blaine nodded. "Well, how about we take a week to move to the new apartment, getting it set up just the way we want it." 

Considering it, Kurt gave a slow nod. "This apartment is furnished, so I don't have anything but a few suitcases of things."

"We will need to get furniture for the new place but it can't be too fancy. We will need to make it so if friends come over, they will think we are two struggling artists, living together to cover the bills." Blaine circled a finger around Kurt's nipple, liking how it tightened in response to his touch. 

Kurt pressed his lips together. "We can get some second hand furniture, make it look good. But I don't have much money right now and I don't want you paying for everything."

Blaine understood his point. "I'm going to put the money I get from the hotel in a special savings account. I'd like it if we basically lived on the money we make, splitting the bills 50/50. But if we need something more, or just a night out as a splurge, we can dip into the hotel money. In a way, the hotel money is a gift from my father, not something I earned myself. I think the money for the furniture and getting established here can come from that account."

Kurt nodded. "That sounds fair."

Blaine leaned close to steal a kiss. "And after we are all moved in, would you like to take a week off and go to the cabin? We could relax and reconnect, and then we come back, we'd move into our new place."

"Oh yes... I love going to the cabin. That sounds perfect." Kurt hugged Blaine tight, still amazed at how much different his life was in just a day. He loved the idea of selecting furniture together for the apartment, decorating it and making to their own. Moving their things in together, sharing their books. Getting everything just right.

"But let's not sleep in the new place until we get back from the cabin, OK?" Kurt asked softly, looking down at Blaine's mossy hazel eyes.

Blaine kissed him thoroughly. "I'll carry you over the threshold, if you'll let me."

"Or maybe I should carry you?" Kurt smirked back. 

Blaine cuddled close, smiling, and they talked long into the night about their plans.

---

"Get up, sleepyhead." Kurt nudged Blaine.

Blaine groaned and cuddled closer. "Just ten more minutes." This was his favorite thing, he had decided. After seven nights in the cabin and two nights in their apartment, he knew for sure he never wanted to sleep anywhere else but beside Kurt.

The cabin trip had been perfect. There were still patches of snow on the ground, but it was mostly sunny during the day. At night, it still cooled off and they cuddled up by the fireplace. They had such a good time they promised to come for holidays at least two times a year. Just a week of quiet and enjoying each other's company.

Kurt sat up, stretching. Blaine looked over his body, admiring the marks he'd made here and there on that pale skin. Felt the urge to make more.

"Blaine!" Kurt laughed when Blaine pinned him down and kissed him hard, then worked his way down Kurt's neck where he was very sensitive. "You have to get up for work."

Kurt may have been saying that, but his body was responding beautifully to Blaine's touch, and he gasped when Blaine stroked over his erection. He would never tire of this, seeing Kurt shudder in pleasure at his touch, and as Blaine kissed down his stomach, the way his body arched in a wordless plea.

Blaine happily pleasured his husband, using his mouth, lips and hands to bring out his quiet groans. Loving watching him in the soft morning light in their bed, naked, hair a mess, totally his Kurt. Loved seeing the heat in his eyes as he pushed his hands into Blaine's hair, nearing his peak. He stroked himself as Kurt came, so aroused already that it didn't take long until he shuddered in release.

Knowing he was really going to have to rush now, Blaine dropped a kiss on Kurt's lips before hopping out of bed. He got ready fast, and smiled when Kurt passed him a black, metal lunch pail. 

"You are a working man now. We can't afford to eat out as much. I packed you some fruit and sandwiches." Kurt shrugged, looking a little shy.

Blaine was delighted. He loved that Kurt had said 'we', and had done this to take care of him. They were going to live like this, simply, and showing their love wasn't going to be big expensive gestures. It was going to be small actions like this that showed their love and consideration for each other.

"You are the best husband ever. I'm going to give you a long massage tonight, OK?" Blaine hugged Kurt, smiling broadly.

Leaning in so their foreheads touched, Kurt smiled. "You know I'll never say no to a massage. See you tonight." He kissed him briefly, and pushed Blaine towards the door when he tried to deepen it.

Blaine walked briskly over to the studio, liking the feel of the city waking up and getting busy. 

The studio was a simple, small warehouse space. Martin was already there, moving some things around on the set.

"Good morning, Blaine." He looked around at the mocked up room. "When you get your coat off, could you help me move this sofa?"

Blaine hung up his coat and stashed his lunch away. Martin directed him to move the sofa against a different wall, and they did some other changes to the set.

The day went fast, and Blaine liked working with Martin. It seemed like they would have days of writing scrips, preparing the sets and costumes, and only bringing in actors on the filming days. Being such a small company, Blaine did a variety of jobs, whatever was needed, and liked that Martin frequently asked his opinion on things. 

Getting home, Blaine could smell a wonderful beef stew and his stomach rumbled in appreciation. He found Kurt, sprawled out in the sofa, napping under a blanket, and took a minute to take in his handsome face. He looked happy and well rested, and Blaine felt a sense of contentment at that.

Leaning down, he kissed Kurt gently, keeping it up until he felt Kurt stir under him. And then smiled against his lips when Kurt wrapped his arms around him.

Scooting onto the sofa to lie beside Kurt, Blaine laid his head on his chest. "How did your day go?"

"Pretty good. I did an audition for a part that didn't suit me too well, but ran into Marcus. We went for coffee and he says a friend of his is directing something I should try out for." Kurt said, playing with Blaine's curls.

Blaine glanced up to smile encouragingly at Kurt. "That sounds promising. And it smells like you already made dinner. Remember that I want cooking lessons. I want to do my part around here."

Kurt gave him a squeeze. "You can be in charge of cleaning up until you learn to cook."

"Sounds good." Blaine snuggled into Kurt, just loving this. But then a thought hit him.

"Um, Kurt...." He sat up, looking down at the man who meant so much to him. "When we were here a couple weeks ago, and I asked you to live with me...."

Kurt could see Blaine was having a hard time getting out what he was trying to say, and sat up to look him in the eyes, giving his full attention. "Yes, I remember..." He gave a small encouraging smile.

"It just occurred to me that you never really answered my question about being handfast. It's past a year and a day now, and you are still here. But I'm wondering if this is another year and a day trial period, while we see if living together works or not, or...or...is this forever, you and me?" Blaine looked a little flustered and unsure of himself, his large hazel eyes searching Kurt's.

Kurt's heart went out to this dear, wonderful man. "You have changed your whole life to be with me, Blaine. I don't take that lightly. I'm in this forever."

"You changed your life too, Kurt, moving to New York and working as a stage actor." Blaine hugged Kurt tight. "Forever, then. The two of us."

"Forever and a day." Kurt said with a smile, and moved closer to kiss his husband.

---

- Disclaimer: I own nothing.

- German translation: “Wann fährt der nächste Zug?” = When is the next train?

A/N: So, that's the end of this Alternative Ending to 'A Drop in The Ocean' I hope you have enjoyed it. I had a good time exploring what their lives would be like in 1912/1913 New York. Amazing to think that radios, televisions, record players and airplanes were just starting to be developed, hardly part of most people's lives. I kept almost referencing things that weren't around yet, like the Everard Bath being a couple blocks south of the Empire State Building. But that building wasn't built until the 1930's. 

I have in mind at least one other alternative ending for the story, so watch for another part to this series in the future. Thanks for reading!