Hey! I wanted to get this chapter up before Christmas, as you will be able to tell when you read it, but there were family circumstances that prevented this. No matter though! Another thing I want to mention is the Berlin Christmas Market Attack. The mention of the market in this chapter was written well before this occurred and the mention of it was in no way intended as a reference or disrespect.
Having said all of this, I hope the chapter is enjoyable, and I hope everyone had a good Christmas and will have an even better new year!
Sat in their coffee shop, Elliott was staring at Kurt with a bewildered look. The reason for this expression was the question that had just left the younger's mouth:
"Do you think we – Blaine and I – could get back together?" When he received no response, Kurt then added on, "If I explained, and I promised that I would try better."
"Where did that come from?" Elliott asked. "You were complaining and ranting about him just a few weeks ago!"
"I know… I just keep seeing things on my timeline and well, I miss him. I'm sure he misses me too. And well, I know what it was that caused the break-up. If I can fix all those problems, then why should we let them be in the way?" The diva seemed pretty comfortable in his decision to correct the relationship. It threw Elliott for a loop majorly. The confidence was there, but Kurt would usually never be caught dead acting like this. Trying to change himself for the sake of a boy. Even if that boy was somebody he was once engaged to.
"Kurt, Honey, just because you miss each other doesn't mean you are right as a couple. Don't you remember how miserable the two of you were towards the end of the relationship? The fights? You trying to – to change yourself to fit his standards of a perfect boyfriend will just make you – and him for that matter – even more miserable." He placed a hand on the other's shoulder, squeezing comfortingly.
The brunet just ran a hand down his face before glancing back up at the other. "Sorry. You're right. We broke up for a reason. I just can't help but wonder if there could still be something. I know I could have been more affectionate, and I could have lived with his habits. But for some reason I just found them really annoying." He sighed. "But, if we could try again, I could show him that I do love him and-" He broke off, taking a large gulp of his slowly cooling coffee. Pulling his hand back and grabbing his own drink, Elliott mirrored the action. The strong Americano helped him to calm the frustration at Blaine into a background thought. This was no time to get angry at Blaine. It would not help Kurt. At the moment, the younger man needed someone to talk to him.
"Think of it this way, Kurt – You loved each other, at some point. That much is obvious. You guys were also happy at one point. But it is impossible to live without experiencing things. These things differ from person to person but it is simply not possible to escape some form of experience. And when someone experiences something, people, feelings they change slightly with the gained knowledge. You and Blaine were once people that seemed to fit what the other was looking for in a partner. But you both changed – what with High School, New York, Glee, NYADA. Even just little things like finding this shop, or buying that shirt you've only just found the confidence to actually buy." Elliott paused, internally scoffing at his pretentious-seeming but appropriate speech. "It just meant that you changed enough that you weren't as suited to each other. And, sure, if you tried again it may work. But it's most likely that these past few weeks have made the differences even more apparent. So just remember it fondly, and call it an experience that helps you get to the place you want to be."
Kurt just nodded, obviously not convinced. Elliott sighed. "I've been in your position. It's difficult. It doesn't matter what anyone else says, you want to be with them again. Just… think about what I said. And remember that you have me, if nothing else. I'll listen whenever you need me to."
"Thanks E. It means a lot. And I know I'm a handful." Kurt finished his coffee before standing up and donning his coat. "You fancy going to the Christmas market with me? I'd need to drop by work first though to grab a few bits."
Elliott nodded and drained the mug, dropping a few random coins onto the saucer when he'd finished. "Sure – I'll finally get to see where you work!" He joked, getting a grin out of the other.
The two walked out of the café waving goodbye to the staff. The journey to Kurt's work was relatively short, and the pair didn't talk. Instead they just watched the world around them, the silence comfortable.
Passing through security, Kurt laughing at Elliott for having to wear a garish badge proclaiming him to be a visitor, the two worked their way up to the younger's floor.
Upon reaching his office Elliott slumped down into Kurt's office chair and turned to face the computer screen.
"No wonder you like working here so much K! The chairs here are sooo comfortable!" He splayed is arms and legs wide, settling into the seat. Kurt just hit his shoulder and grinned at him, but an unexpected voice made the pair of them start in sync.
"I'd like to think that Kurt stays for more than the chairs!"
Elliott spun in the chair, sitting to attention (inwardly still appreciating the exquisite softness of the chair) to see a tall woman with long, brown wavy hair.
"Oh, hi Isabelle! This is Elliott, I was just dropping by to collect a few bits I need for the meeting tomorrow before we head off to the Christmas markets." Kurt explained. In response, Isabelle smiled and stuck her hand out in Elliott's direction. He quickly took the hand, relieved that she wasn't angry with him and shook it with enthusiasm.
"Nice to meet you Elliott." She smiled before her phone started ringing, "Oh, that'll be June. Sorry guys, I'm going to have to dash and get this! Have a good trip to the markets!" Kurt waved before turning and rummaging through one of the desk drawers until he found a purple folder that was slipped into his bag.
"There we go!" He said, and Elliott mournfully hopped out of the chair. His disappointment soon evaporated however, as he saw Kurt's excitement for the upcoming afternoon.
When the pair got to the market it was packed with people – tourists and locals alike – trying to get a look at all there was to offer. Kurt instantly bee-lined towards a cute jewellery stall, mumbling about his step-mother.
"I want to try and gets presents for everyone today – they always sell really cute stuff here!" He grinned at Elliott, who couldn't help but return the expression. It didn't go unnoticed to the older that his own happiness seemed to be positively correlated to Kurt's. Once the necklace the brunet had spotted was paid for, Elliott grabbed Kurt's hand and pulled him through the crowds. When Kurt blushed and gave the dark-haired man a curious look, Elliott just said:
"It'll stop us from getting separated in this chaos!" Kurt nodded understandingly, red still tinting his cheeks. Elliott kind of wanted to know what the other would have reacted like if he'd told the truth. He refused to rush Kurt though. He was still struggling with his feelings for Blaine, so they should be his focus. He would just try to be there for the other. If something happened between them, Elliott definitely wouldn't complain. But if they just stayed friends then Elliott would be happy to provide Kurt with the support and companionship he needed in that capacity instead.
