February 22nd, 1919 - Düsseldorf, Germany

Kurt

Kurt felt frozen in place. Quinn's arms were wrapped around him and she was mumbling into his neck about how happy she was to see him again. He awkwardly patted her back, giving her a gentle squeeze in welcome. But his mind was racing. Only days before he was telling himself he would never see the British man again, yet here he was, standing on the same soil.

Kurt strained to see around Quinn but the blonde woman had him in a vice grip, holding the back of his head with one of her gloved hands, while the other stoked his back making it hard to move in any way to see if Blaine had fled during this little exchange.

Worry started to creep into his mind and Kurt maneuvered their embrace (since Quinn did not seem to be letting go any time soon) so that Kurt could find Blaine again. Giving Quinn a squeeze Kurt swayed their bodies so that he could scan the crowd again for Blaine. Quinn giggled at the affection that she thought Kurt was giving, while Kurt frantically searched for Blaine, spotting him in the same spot he had seen him last.

Blaine was looking around the station shuffling on his feet. His one hand was rubbing at the back of his neck while the other gripped tightly to the strap of the canvas bag that was now slumped on his shoulders.

He looked so handsome, even more than Kurt remembered. He looked healthier too, most likely because he was eating real food instead of the rations they were issued in the trenches. His cheeks were no longer hollowed out by lack of food, and the hair on his face was kept at bay by proper grooming. His black pea coat fit his broad shoulders perfectly, and his hair was wild, just as Kurt had imagined it to be, the dark curls framing his strong face, making him look young and healthy.

Blaine looked up, obviously feeling Kurt's gaze on him. As their eyes locked for the second time Kurt felt his heart begin to beat at an uncontrollable rate, while his body betrayed him by letting colour touch his cheeks.

Blaine glanced away without warning, frowning to himself and rubbing at the stubble on his jaw. Blaine turned his gaze back in Kurt's direction but his eyes didn't meet Kurt's.

Kurt frowned, trying to figure out what could be making Blaine look so upset and downtrodden when it hit him. Quinn. He was frowning at Quinn. Feeling like an idiot for not figuring it out sooner, Kurt pushed Quinn off himself roughly earning himself a squeak and an angry glare from the blonde. He gripped his cane tighter, grabbed Quinn's suitcase, and offered the arm that gripped his cane to her. When she declined, he shrugged and started to make his way towards Blaine as quickly as he could, on the off chance he would lose him again.

Kurt stopped abruptly in front of Blaine. His leg was throbbing from the combination of the cold and the exertion he was putting on it but he was insistent that his leg was not going to ruin this; no one was. Dropping Quinn's case on the ground at his feet Kurt waited, taking in Blaine's features up close. He was gorgeous; his honey brown eyes were bright as he watched Kurt with as much awe as Kurt watched him.

"What is wrong with you, Kurt?" Quinn asked, annoyance bleeding from her words as she stopped beside him, hands on her hips.

"Nothing." Kurt mumbled, never taking his eyes off Blaine.

Blaine on the other hand eyed Quinn, taking in her black pumps, her bright red cloche hat that matched the red pattern of the dress peeking out from under the hem of her tan coat that was belted at her slim waist.

Kurt felt a rush of anger go through him as he watched the way Blaine eyed Quinn intently. He loudly cleared his throat to get Blaine's attention back on him, doing the best in his power to block Blaine's view of the blonde.

Blaine scanned Kurt for a moment then smiled awkwardly, mumbling a quick "Hi."

Kurt switched quickly to English, letting out a breathy "Hello." He cleared his throat again suddenly feeling something lodge itself there. He watched Blaine run his hand through his curls. God, Kurt wanted to know what that felt like, to run his fingers through the thick curls gracing Blaine's head, and maybe find out more about the man, like how he would sound as-

The sound of Blaine shuffling on his feet brought Kurt's mind back to safer territory. Kurt glanced at Blaine who was looking at the ground, glancing up at him occasionally through his long lashes.

"So, I came to Germany." The British man said quietly, wincing as his cheeks began to colour.

Kurt smiled. "I can see that."

He had to hold back a chuckle at how adorable and awkward Blaine was being compared to when they had first met. This wasn't the same confident man he had met months before in that shell hole; he was different, more insecure, and even a bit scared.

Kurt smiled shyly, it was endearing to see Blaine acting as he was. It was calming knowing he wasn't the only fool standing on the platform.

From the corner of his eye he could see Quinn looking between the two men in front of her trying to figure out what was going on, mumbling under her breath she seemed to come to some sort of decision.

"What on earth is going on?" Quinn screeched pulling at Kurt's arm to break his attention from Blaine. Of course she would choose such a route, grab the attention of everyone in the vicinity to ensure she was answered.

Sighing, Kurt reluctantly looked away from Blaine to see a very annoyed and confused Quinn.

Tapping her foot, she looked between Kurt and Blaine waiting for an explanation.

"Well?" She asked, arching an eyebrow, her hip jutted out and her arms crossed over her chest.

Kurt ignored Quinn's question and turned his attention back to Blaine giving him an encouraging smile, since the poor man looked even more nervous than he had before. He glanced towards Quinn who glared at Blaine in return, making the British man wince.

Letting out a huff Kurt returned Quinn's glare with one of his own. If Quinn in anyway caused Blaine to flee in terror because of her intent to scare some sort of explanation out of the man she was in for a world of pain, in the form of a man that could hold a grudge like no other.

Satisfied with his silent threat, Kurt looked back to Blaine, who seemed to be fighting internally with himself his brow furrowed in concentration while he picked at the fraying strap of his pack.

With a sigh, Blaine looked up through his thick lashes, giving a weak, pained-filled smile. "I'm so sorry, Kurt, I should have- I should have..." Blaine shook his shaggy head as if he was trying to reassemble his thoughts. "I should go." Blaine said abruptly, before continuing to mumble to himself.

Kurt stood dumbstruck, blocking the rest of Blaine's ramblings from his mind as he tried to think of a way to persuade the man to stay. Just as Kurt had come up with a ruse that may work, a single word started him from his schemes.

"I'm sorry?" Kurt asked, raising an eyebrow, wondering if he had heard Blaine's mumbles correctly.

Blaine nodded towards Quinn, "...you and your girlfriend-"

"She is NOT my girlfriend!" Kurt yelled, groaning inwardly at his outburst which caught the attention of nearly everyone still milling about on the platform. All of whom seemed to be suddenly very interested in the crazy man screaming in English. Sighing in frustration, Kurt looked at his shoes noticing that he had missed a spot on the black leather when he had polished them earlier. Blaine must think he was a piece of work, screaming at him over such a small, insignificant comment. Stealing his courage, Kurt chanced a glance up at Blaine to see a hopeful smile plastered on the other man's face.

Intrigued, Kurt watched Blaine as he fought to keep his smile from growing more, it honestly was adorable how he tried to conceal his emotions.

"Oh, sorry- I just assumed-" Blaine mumbled, hiking his bag back on his shoulder. His eyes now plastered on Kurt, the way he felt it should be.

Kurt raised a hand to stop Blaine from continuing.

"It's fine" he assured Blaine. "Quinn was my nurse from when I was in the hospital..." Kurt said gesturing to his leg with his cane, "I invited her to my sister's wedding."

Blaine's eyes widened in shock, "Oh, I probably should have written- but I didn't have your address," Blaine rambled, as he continued to fidget with his bag strap, "and I don't know how many Kurt Hummel's there are in Düsseldorf, so I was basically just going to walk along the river until I found a shop-"

Kurt fought to hold back his laughter, but lost when a small chuckle broke free startling Blaine from his ramblings.

Blaine gave a small smile, his cheeks turning red as he began to rub at his neck again, mumbling a soft apology. Kurt let his eye's wander from Blaine for a few moments to look around the platform. The crowds were thinning now that the afternoon train had arrived and the next train was not scheduled to arrive for another twenty minutes or so. Smoke and steam billowed from the vents in the lobby into the cold air making the platform seem to be covered in an enchanting fog.

Quinn let out a loud huff of annoyance to gain Kurt's attention again. Rolling his eyes Kurt turned quickly to look straight into her green eyes. "Seriously Hummel, who is this man? And why are you speaking to him in English, and why the hell are you blushing?!" She blurted, breathing a bit heavier from the lack of air.

"I am not blushing." Kurt hissed.

"Oh, really?" She asked sarcastically, jutting her hip out more than before "than why are your cheeks as red as my hat?"

She gave him a satisfied smile as his cheeks began to turn a deeper shade of red. "So, who is he?"

"None of your business." He said through clenched teeth, as he turned back to Blaine with a smile, ignoring the frustrated noise coming from Quinn.

Blaine looked as confused as ever, his brow raised at the exchange he had just witnessed, and an awkward smile on his face.

Steeling his nerves, Kurt finally asked Blaine the question that he was almost too afraid to ask. "So, you came all the way to Germany to see me?" He asked, watching Blaine with hope brimming in his eyes.

Blaine's eyes widened in surprise, and a small smile formed on his lips. "Well, of course, who else would I come to Germany to see?" He shrugged his shoulders. "I mean, me and most Germans don't have the best track record..."

"That's true." Kurt chuckled, as he admired the lopsided grin on Blaine's face, wondering how he had just days before decided to give up on the man.

Kurt smiled to himself earning a puzzled glance from Blaine, yeah like that was going to happen now.

Blaine

Blaine quickly found himself immersed in the quick-flowing, light banter that passed effortlessly between him and Kurt. It warmed someplace quite low and personal in Blaine's gut to feel this smooth progress of communication that rolled back and forth between them. If Blaine truly wanted to he could close his eyes and seemingly forget the last three months, hell forget the last four years, and pretend that he and the very striking German were old friends. However, Kurt was dirt-free and clean-shaven and looked very attractive in a pressed ensemble that put everything Blaine had ever owned to shame, and Blaine couldn't help but feel slightly nervous and winded at the prospect of actually spending time with the German man.

Then Kurt smiled and Blaine's knees almost gave out. How could anyone that beautiful be so damn adorable on top of it? The light twitch of those thin lips seemed to light up Kurt's entire face and for a brief moment Blaine wished that it could be something that was only his to see. It allowed him to see the boy Kurt had once been, before all that dreadful war business. It internally urged Blaine to swath Kurt into the softest quilt his grandmother had ever made, set him in a corner and just protect him from the entire world, even though the German towered over him by at least a good three inches.

That's the moment things sort of went to hell, obviously in the best sense possible as it made Blaine alarmingly conscious of the quickly diminishing space situated between him and Kurt. There was really no need to scare him off already.

The petite and alarmingly attractive blonde standing lamely by Kurt's left arm jumped to life. She juggled the strap of her bag into the left hand and raised her right, bringing it down on Kurt's thin arm with a mighty blow that was muffled by the thick jacket he was wearing. It was quickly followed by another one and then another, all the while Blaine looked on in shock as Kurt tried to hunch away, raising his arms to protect himself from the onslaught. Quinn, as Kurt had briefly introduced, was like a wild woman. She was shouting loudly and continually hitting the poor boy with this crazed look in her wide green eyes. Blaine didn't understand one word that flowed from her upturned mouth but her voice was delicate and whimsical.

"Oh, my God! It's him, isn't it!? Why the hell didn't you tell me he was British?"

It quickly became obvious that Blaine need not worry about Kurt as the man seemed quite accustomed to being accosted like this, seeing as he calmly tried to maneuver his way out of her arm flailing radius while sternly shouting something back in German.

"I just knew you would react like this, that's why."

"Umm. Bad time?" Blaine asked. Kurt seemed to ignore him momentarily, as he dropped the suitcase in his hands so he could use his arms to shield his face from yet another onslaught of slaps.

"...could this be about the whole ‘she's not my girlfriend'. Does she know she's not your girlfriend?"

That quickly caught the other man's attention. Kurt's bright eyes turned away from Quinn and landed on Blaine, in fact he angled his entire body to face the Brit. Blaine in response hunched his shoulders and seemed to curl in on himself. He wasn't used to having someone's full attention directed at him and instantly he could just feel the heat spread across his cheeks, ears and neck.

"WHAT!"

Quinn took this as a prime opportunity to land a very hard and high placed smack to Kurt's right shoulder, where the fabric of his coat was stretched tighter to accommodate a broader set of shoulders then it had be designed for. The man responded with a sharp intake of breath and a furrowing of his shapely brows before turning his head about to glare at the blonde woman standing smugly at his side who continued to hit at him.

"Seriously, woman. Stop hitting me!"

Quinn proudly continued to smack Kurt, each new hit punctuated with soft whispering words that remained foreign to Blaine but caused Kurt to flinch away again and look around nervously. Kurt licked his lips, more out of habit then anything. Blaine watched intently, his eyes following the slow drag of the pink tongue and he tried to dry his sweat soaked palms on his wrinkled trousers.

"If you stop hitting me, I'll explain." Kurt muttered softly which stopped Quinn from launching yet another attack. Instead she pulled back placing her dainty hands on her tiny belted waist, the carryon bag swinging from a thin wrist and waited patiently as if for Kurt to continue. She wore the look of triumph well.

Kurt seemed to sigh, licking his lips once again, drawing all of Blaine's attention to his slick mouth. They made brief eye contact before Kurt turned his face away with a light blush dusting across his pale cheeks and started murmuring, much to the woman's amusement. "It's complicated but we kind of met during the war when he tried to kill me. Instead we hit it off and now he's here because he wanted to see me."

Blaine continued to stand there awkwardly, shifting lightly on his feet and nodding dumbly at a passersby who actually took time to note the stranger than normal scene. He was confused and a little annoyed at being left out but it was something that one got pretty used to when having served in the army.

Blaine watched, mystified as this look came over Quinn's pretty face. It was one that he had seen countless times before on the face of any woman that had seen something tiny and adorable, usually a baby of any kind. Her eyebrows arched and her delicate hands were raised to cover her mouth but Blaine heard a soft rush of an "awww" escape beforehand. She turned to Blaine with the wide, glassy eyes of a true romantic and lowered her fingers just enough that he could clearly see that she was giving him a dopey smile and muttering something German in breathy voice.

 "That's so romantic."

For Blaine this was probably the most surreal moment of his life, it was like he had been stuck in some sort of moving film that was starting to become trendy, only this time the editors had left out the subtitles leaving Blaine alone and confused with no way of knowing how he should be reacting.

He gave Quinn a small smile in return before looking at Kurt with such a confused expression; his thick eyebrows arched so high that they got lost under the sea of dark puffy curls across Blaine's forehead. Kurt was ignoring him again. The man's bright eyes were downcast, staring at the tops of his leather shoes as he fidgeted about, grabbing Quinn's luggage once again. The blush on his cheeks was unmistakable and that made Blaine even more curious about what the woman had said, and he had just opened his mouth, ready to ask when said woman interrupted him with a startling cry.

"What do you mean he tried to kill you!?"

Kurt's sigh was audible as he stood up straight, hoisting the suitcase off the snow covered platform and tightening his grip on the handle of his cane. If Blaine hadn't seen the way Kurt had limped closer he would have never thought anything wrong with the man, but looks could be deceiving. Nick seems pretty normal and he has a whole slew of issues rattling around up there.     

"Well, he didn't and that has to mean something."

Kurt looked away from Quinn and that seemed to end their conversation. He turned to Blaine and smiling slightly reached a semi-occupied hand as if to relieve Blaine of his suitcase. Blaine shook his head, large, loose curls flopping about as he reached down and grasped the cold handle. For a moment he wished that he had worn gloves but quickly remembered that he had given them to his mother.

He hiked the case higher and smiled, enjoying the way that Kurt faltered slightly and blushed again. If Blaine didn't know any better he would say that the attraction he held towards the German was being reciprocated. Quinn was still standing off to the side, her face held that silly, lovesick expression as she continued to smile sweetly at Blaine.

"So, uhh, what's going on here?" Blaine asked, eyes flickering between the adorably flushing Kurt and the eerie grin that Quinn was giving him.

Kurt just calmly shrugged; glancing over at the spectacle the woman was making of herself and shaking his head solemnly. "Just ignore her." He replied, his accent thicker than before.

Blaine tried to ignore the fact that the sound made pleasant patches of goose flesh rise on the backs of his arms and a small tingle of fear race down his spine. Instead he turned all his attention onto how the intense gaze was making him feel very uncomfortable, as if the woman was undressing him in a very non-sexual way. She seemed to be trying to pick him over and figure out just how he ticked while being insanely enthusiastic about his presence here. 

She seemed the perfect fit for her job as a nurse with lovely bedside manner, being all docile and gentile before flying into flailing rages but ultimately getting her way. Blaine had to pause and think. Maybe once past that official awkward stage, Beiste would have actually liked to have the girl on her staff. Sometimes crazy got the work done. 

"Does she always just stare like that?" Blaine had to ask or risk blurting out everything that had been running through his mind and in German or not he was sure that she would pick up on the fact that some of the things he would say weren't too flattering. Besides she was a friend of Kurt's, close enough to be invited to his sister's wedding, and if he wanted to make a good impression on those closest to Kurt then this was a good place to start.

Kurt shot Blaine a dry look, all traces of any former discomfort long gone, before glancing back over at Quinn and cracking a grin and letting out a soft chuckle.

"If I can recall correctly, it seems to be a habit of yours as well."

Kurt

Kurt couldn't help but smile as he watched a blush rise on Blaine's cheeks. He looked so charming and sweet with the colour on his cheekbones that Kurt had to remind himself that he couldn't and shouldn't throw his arms around the man's shoulders and hold him. They were in public for god's sake, and he knew that his brain had much more then snuggling in mind.

A train whistle blew behind them, making Kurt jump. The noise reminded him that he had a schedule to keep otherwise his sister would have his head. Glancing at the iron clock on the far wall, he saw it was quarter to one. He had some time but he needed to get going, otherwise they would be late.

"So, where are you staying?" Kurt asked, watching Blaine as his blush darkened.

"Oh, um... I didn't really think that far," Blaine said quietly rubbing his neck "but I was thinking I would attempt to find a hotel."

This was basically a dream come true for Kurt. Blaine had nowhere to go, in a foreign country, where the poor British man didn't know a stitch of the language (and the words he did know were likely wildly inappropriate) and here he was standing in front of Blaine fluent in German with a bed for him to sleep in. Kurt had to smile at the small ray of good fortune.

"Why don't you stay with me?" Kurt said without hesitation, a broad smile on his face even though internally half of him was kicking himself for his word vomit, while the other was dancing for joy. He was sure that he had now successfully made things awkward.

"That's okay, I don't want to be any trouble." Blaine murmured, readjusting the weight of the bag on his shoulder as he gave a weak grin. "You can just point me in the right direction of a hotel. I mean, I-"

"No." Kurt said sternly, stopping Blaine in his tracks. Taking a deep breath, Kurt calmed himself. This time, he wouldn't let Blaine go so easily. "No, really Blaine, it would be no trouble at all, we have plenty of room."

The grin that spread across Blaine's face for a fleeting moment was all that Kurt needed to see to know he made the right decision asking Blaine to stay with him. He would figure out how to break the news to his family later but for now, all he wanted was to see that smile again.

Blaine rubbed at the stubble on his cheeks. "If it isn't any trouble," his smile returned, "I would love that."

Kurt returned Blaine's smile, with just as much enthusiasm. "It's no trouble at all."

"Kurt?" Quinn asked quietly, touching his arm lightly to get his attention. The two men raised an eyebrow at Quinn, who gave an apologetic smile. "As cute as this little exchange is, we really need to get going otherwise your sister is going to have a cow."

Nodding, Kurt turned to Blaine. "We should head out. The wedding is in a few hours and I still need to get ready."

Without a second thought, Kurt grabbed Blaine's free hand, with the intention of leading them towards the doors of the lobby before remembering that he was carrying Quinn's bag. Kurt hesitated, looking between their clasped hands to the offending bag, then to his blasted cane. He never thought he would resent the object more until now. With a sigh of regret, Kurt released Blaine's warm hand to grab the cold leather handle of Quinn's damned suitcase.

Catching onto his dilemma, Quinn came rushing to his side to grab the strap before Kurt had even reached the handle. With her gloved hand holding tight to the strap, she gave Kurt a devilish grin.

"Oh I can handle my bag just fine. You just lead the way and make sure this one doesn't run off on you." She said with a wink, her green eyes glittering with mischief.

Blaine glanced between the two of them, no doubt catching a glimpse of a blush returning to Kurt's cheeks. He looked as confused as ever and even a bit frustrated with himself at not being able to understand their conversation, but Kurt noticed that with every word spoken Blaine would squeeze Kurt's gloved hand just a bit tighter, and Kurt knew that with enough time the man would begin to learn the intricacies of the German language.

Kurt paused in his thoughts to scold himself; he had no idea how long Blaine had intended to stay, so to even bring his hopes up about the idea of Blaine learning his native tongue was just asking for heartache. Blaine was only visiting, and if he had any sense he would leave the country sooner rather than later, since everything was becoming complicated.

Quinn hummed quietly as she readjusted her grip on her bag, but before she got the secure grip Kurt knew she was attempting, Blaine reached out to grab the strap from her delicate hand.

"I can't let you carry this," Blaine said sweetly, to a very confused Quinn. "It's the least I can do." He finished with a perfect smile. Blaine's face fell at Quinn's blank stare and awkward smile; he looked at Kurt a silent plea in his eyes for Kurt to translate for him.

Without missing a beat Kurt relayed Blaine's words to Quinn, her confusion quickly changing to understanding. She nodded towards Blaine, her smile broad. "Oh, he is charming."

She giggled as she adjusted the small bag on her arm, all the while devouring Blaine with her eyes.

Kurt gave her a forced grin, gripping Blaine's hand a little tighter, while beating down the green monster that was fighting to re-emerge.

Blaine gave Kurt a confused look. "Are we going?" he asked as he strengthened his hold on Quinn's bag, as well as Kurt's hand.

"Yeah, sorry. I was just thinking..." Kurt replied weakly, gently tugging Blaine in the direction of the station's doors, as well as keeping a watchful eye on Quinn to ensure she wouldn't get left behind.

As they made their way through the station, Kurt could hear the murmurs of those in the crowd and was happy that Blaine could not understand their meaning. Instead, Blaine nodded his head to everyone and gave a cheerful hello. Kurt, on the other hand kept his head low and ignored the odd looks and painful words that were sent their way, quickening their pace in the hopes of leaving the hatred behind.

Kurt knew the world to be cruel. He had experienced the hurtful words countless times, but hearing the words being whispered now as he's acting on such impulses just made the jabs hurt even more, especially since he was finally truly happy again.

Pushing his thoughts aside, Kurt exhaled the breath he was holding as soon as they passed through the station's front doors and onto the street. Without missing a step Kurt headed in the direction of his home, his hand gripping Blaine's tighter as he maneuvered them onto the cobblestone street before slowing back to a normal pace.

The trio walked in silence, letting Kurt get lost in the ramblings of his mind. The only sounds were the clacking of Quinn's heels on the street and the afternoon hustle and bustle of the city.

The lack of conversation was starting to make Kurt nervous as he continued to lead the way to his family's home. They were all so lost in their thoughts, that Kurt dreaded what was to come of all of this silence, and his mind imagined disastrous results.

Giving up on any attempts of breaking the silence Kurt glanced over at Blaine, to only be met by the man's warm hazel eyes that were staring at him. Kurt smiled as Blaine's chilled cheeks reddened further.

Blaine casually coughed into his elbow lifting Quinn's bag further off of the ground, turning his eyes back towards the frozen river.

Embarrassed at being caught Kurt gripped his cane tighter, unconsciously speeding up the movement of the group.

"Kurt, please slow down," Quinn pleaded leaning around Blaine's broad shoulders to look at him. "I can't walk very fast in these new shoes of mine."

Mumbling an apology Kurt slowed the pace again earning himself another unwelcome lull of silence.

"He's adorable, by the way." Quinn smiled innocently as she peered around Blaine again.

"Really?! Are we going to do this right now?"  Kurt asked looking across a confused Blaine.

"Why not?" she smiled impishly. "It's not like he can understand us, and we are complementing him-"

"It doesn't matter, it's rude." Kurt snapped, ending the conversation.

Her smile turned to a smirk as she raised an eyebrow at Kurt's reaction. "Whatever you say, Mr. Hummel."

Rolling his eyes, Kurt led them around a corner accidentally bumping Blaine's shoulder. The simple connection of their clasped hands sent pleasant chills down Kurt's spine that warmed his abdomen, along with his cheeks.

Both men offered an apology simultaneously, breaking the connection of their hands and offering awkward smiles of embarrassment.

The wind picked up as they continued on their way, grateful that he had his collar covering his neck and his gloves on his hands, even though a part of him wished he could feel the warmth of Blaine's hands again. Glancing at Blaine's hands he noticed that the man wasn't wearing any gloves, and the one that was clutching Quinn's suitcase was red from the cold. Without a word Kurt reached across Blaine and grabbed the handle, giving Blaine a look when he attempted to protest.

"It's a different kind of cold here." Blaine observed breaking the silence of the group, looking at the people rushing in the streets, their breath leaving a cloud in their wake.

"Oh?"

Blaine nodded his warm gaze falling to Kurt, "In England, it's a humid cold, here not so much." He shrugged, a gentle smile tugging at his lips. "But then again, you don't get all of the rain that we do either."

"Thank god for that, my leg doesn't handle rain well." Kurt chuckled peering down at the limb in question.

Frowning, Blaine followed Kurt's gaze at his leg, his face contorting into a pained expression. He looked straight into Kurt's eyes. "What happened?"

Kurt was surprised by the change in Blaine's tone. "Oh, umm, I just got shot." He stated simply, noticing the anger that flashed across Blaine's face. "Honestly, it's not as bad as it seems, if I didn't have this," he nodded towards his leg again. "I would most likely be rotting in a shell hole like Bobby."

Blaine's face was unreadable from the sheer number of emotions that crossed it. "So, it's better?" He asked, his voice quieter than before.

"Yes, it's better." Kurt assured him.

Nodding, Blaine turned his gaze towards the river again watching as couples walked hand in hand along its banks. "Germany is a beautiful place."

Kurt hummed appreciatively, looking at the trees that lined the sidewalks their limbs covered in a thin layer of hoarfrost, as people walked past speaking in gentle rumblings. "That it is." Kurt agreed, smiling at Blaine for a brief moment before pausing to cross a street.

Taking this moment to maneuver to be on Kurt's left Quinn snuck beside him, "How much longer Kurt? These heels are killing me."

Kurt gave her a sympathetic smile. "Not much longer. We only have another block and a half."

Quinn nodded. "Is he being charming?" Quinn asked, looking towards Blaine.

Kurt smirked. "Wouldn't you like to know?"

"Of course! I mean, look at him, he's adorable, handsome, and do you see those arms?" She all but screeched, making both men flinch from the piercing sound. "You could hang off of those arms and the man wouldn't even notice."

Kurt gaped at Quinn. "You have lost your mind."

"No, you have." She stated picking up her pace slightly. "This man is perfect, as soon as you get into your house you are taking him to your room and you are to have your naughty way with him."

"Quinn!" Kurt shrieked.

"Is everything alright?" Blaine asked, giving Quinn a quick look before his eyes returned to Kurt's reddening face.

"Everything is fine." Kurt whispered, sending a glare Quinn's way.

"Are you insane?" Kurt hissed at the blonde.

"No, but you are." She huffed, turning from Kurt to Blaine. "He is the perfect man. You should be doing anything in your power to make him stay-"

"I am not going to have sex with him." Kurt said through gritted teeth.

She sighed. "I'm not saying you have too, I'm just saying it's an option."

"Yes, well, we are only friends, so no such things will ever happen between us."

"Oh, you think so, do you?" Quinn smiled wolfishly, looking Blaine up and down again. "I'm sure something may change that."

"And pray tell what would that be?" Kurt asked, getting annoyed at how Quinn kept looking at Blaine.

"I don't know," She shrugged, "but if I had a man that gorgeous running around my house for a few days, I would test the boundaries of being more than a friend."

"You are incorrigible!" Kurt exclaimed, taking a glance at Blaine who was smiling at Kurt and Quinn even though he had no idea what was being said, thank god. "You never used to speak like this before," Kurt continued "I think Rolph has been rubbing off on you-"

Kurt paused, noticing the grimace that flashed across Quinn's face at the mention of Rolph. "Quinn?"

"Not now, Kurt." Quinn pleaded her green eyes filling with unshed tears. "I promise I will explain everything before I leave, but not now."

Confused and concerned Kurt nodded, giving her a reassuring smile. "Do you need a hug?" He asked seriously.

Quinn smiled, a giggle escaping her lips. "Thank you, but I would rather get into your house to warm up."

"Not much further." Kurt assured her. "It is just a few doors down."

The three of them finished their walk in silence, stopping when Kurt did. Blaine turned towards Kurt smiling. "So, is this it?" Blaine asked looking towards the grey bricked brownstone in front of them.

Smiling, Kurt nodded. "Welcome to the Hummel household."