Diane's body tensed after an unexpected shiver covered her body. She inhaled sharply and closed her eyes for a split second, turning her head to the right to face him. He flashed her an admirable smile and if there was one thing she hadn't forgotten over the course of the last year, it was his smile. Kurt rested his palm on her back where he had previously slid his thumb along. He knew he made her shudder and he tried to suppress a proud grin. She couldn't deny that the cut-out on her back was more or less asking for his touch and he wouldn't deny that it was fairly appealing.

Diane eyed her plus one and realized yet again how good he looked in a suit that he'd only wear on really rare occasions. The black and white a contrast to his usual colorful plaids and his worn-out jeans. She didn't mind his casual clothes but she always thought there was something tempting about loosening his tie in her dark hallway, somewhat conscious, somewhat arbitrarily responding to the effect of alcohol and subdued arousal, after yet another dull event and one scotch too many. She wondered if that night was going to end similarly, or if they simply weren't there yet.

Their relationship was sort of getting back to normal but there was much more they needed to work on. They were trying, sometimes not really, sometimes more. But they were trying. Kurt was trying. He knew that he had screwed up and that he had jeopardized their relationship and lost what was most important to him. He knew he didn't want to lose her again and he was determined to make it up to her in any way he possibly could. Diane gave him a second chance and he didn't take it for granted. She was glad that he was still the man she thought he was; maybe his faults now surpassed hers but deep down she knew the kind of person he truly was. And she was willing to hold on to what made her happy, knowing that it would be a long and demanding journey. There simply was no one else she could have pictured herself living with at that point of her life and more importantly, she didn't want it.

Kurt reached for her hand slowly, asking himself for a second if it was okay to take her hand in public because it would automatically make them look like an ordinary couple, which he wasn't sure they really were. Neither had ever voiced the words, they were not really back together again. But she was his wife and even if she's been failing to tell him that she loves him so far, and the only response he ever got to his "I love you" was her "I know.", he wanted to make sure she knew he was serious about this. And he needed to reassure her. So when his fingers brushed against hers, the look in his eyes still uncertain, awaiting her reaction, she turned to him again, a subtle smile turning into a heartfelt grin, accepting his touch so readily that it threw him off track just slightly.

He uttered a quiet "Hey." and she laughed at his attempt to sound calm when it was clear that he was excited. "Hi.", she replied. Diane knew how much it meant to him that she was letting him try again, small steps first because she knew it wouldn't work out if they suddenly had it all. And if she was being honest, she wanted to see him fight. She didn't want to see him suffer, but she wanted to see his commitment and his contribution. It wasn't only due to her to forgive him, it was also due to him to make an effort. And she wanted that man. She wanted him bad.

"Let's grab a drink.", she added. She held his hand more tightly and started strutting towards the bar with him. "You get to choose.", Diane smiled as she leaned against the bar. There surely wasn't much of a choice for him since he only enjoyed like three high-proof liquors in general. And when he mouthed a silent "Scotch." and raised his hand and two fingers to point out that he needs two, Diane suddenly wasn't wondering about how the night would end anymore. The look he gave her when he handed her one of the crystal glasses amounted to the same thing. His intentions would only be fueled by the amber liquid pouring down his throat. Diane knew perfectly well the effect scotch had on him. She was sure that he would have had the same intentions in a sober state as well, but the alcohol would make him braver. More daring. Ending up in bed wasn't what was precarious, assuming they would make it to the bed. What would be dicey is, that after a few glasses, they might not even make it there.

Diane looked away and started walking, well aware that he was watching her. Kurt followed, not sure where she was headed. He noticed that a few other pairs of eyes were glancing at his wife too, one of the many men raising his glass in her direction, and it didn't take long until Kurt caught up with her and swung his arm around her waist. His behavior was surprising her, but she was rather amused. He never seemed to really be bothered by other men, or maybe she never realized. But Kurt was clearly marking his territory and she actually didn't mind. Diane chuckled and took a long sip from her drink, returning her empty glass to the waiter who stopped by. "Two more, please." She practically made Kurt drink the rest of his drink, too. She freed herself from his tender embrace and stood in front of him, crossing her arms in an exaggerated manner.

"Really?",she grinned and waited for his answer.

"What?" Kurt mumbled, confused. He knitted his brows and Diane just couldn't help but smile.

"You're jealous?"

"I'm... what?" He still played confused but his smile gave him away. Diane stepped a little closer.

"Just an observation." She teased him a little. But she could tell he wasn't pleased earlier.

"You obviously misjudged the situation, Ms. Lockhart." He put on his half-smile and Diane just bit down on her lip, trying to suppress another smile.

"If you say so..." She whispered. The two of them were still flirting, after so many years. And it just felt natural and familiar.

"Let's go outside, Kurt."

The waiter brought them their drinks and they made their way towards the balcony. Kurt held the door open for her and she stepped out, met by a pleasant breeze that sort of stilled the warmth spreading through her body from the alcohol. They took a few steps, clearly the only ones outside. Taking in the breathtaking view of the whole city, they simultaneously took a sip from their drink.

"Still don't like Chicago?", Diane asked, admiring the view.

"Guess I've come to like it." Kurt replied quietly and looked at her. "Used to only have work connecting me to the city. But since I have you there... it's different." He chugged the remaining liquid from his glass.

Diane appreciated his honesty. And she appreciated his words. She leaned against his shoulder and looked up at him. They held each other's gaze for a brief moment until Kurt leaned down to steal a short kiss.

"You cold?"

"Why? Are you gonna do something as clichéd as lending me your jacket?"

"I just might." Kurt replied bluntly and let his hand travel down her bare back again. Diane gasped. "Or maybe not."

"Kurt...". Her voice came out as both warning and wanting.

"Let's get another drink." He took her hand and she followed him wordlessly.

And his hands were on her thighs again, and her fingers were in his hair again. And his lips were on her neck again and her hands were on his belt again.

That's the one scotch too many.