Elliott knew something was wrong from the tone of Kurt's texts.

From Elliott: meet me at grand central at 11

From Kurt: too much to do

From Elliott: be there. You need a break

From Kurt: fine. Pushy.

From Elliott: damn right

Having their tickets ready when Kurt arrived, Elliott hustled him onto the train, nodding to himself at the dour way Kurt was dressed. He looked like he was an attendee at a victorian funeral with the severely narrow cut of his skinny suit, and the high collar of his wool, knee-length coat.

After the third sigh, Elliott grew tired of the silence and nudged Kurt with his elbow. Kurt's eyes cut to his and away, then his elbow nudged back. Elliott leaned back and put his arm on the back of Kurt's seat.

"Where are we going?" Kurt asked.

"Someplace fun."

Sigh.

"Kurt. I want to give you some time doing something completely different than you normally do. You up for it or should we turn around? I'll take you to lunch and you can get back to whatever project you're working on. No hard feelings, man."

Kurt's shoulders slumped a bit. He turned his head to look at Elliott, contrition painted in his eyes.

"I'm sorry. I'm being a bitch while you're being a good friend. I'm grateful for the distraction, truly."

Elliott was warmed by the turnaround. It was very unlike Kurt had been in the past. He dropped his hand to Kurt's shoulder and half-hugged him.

"Alright."

"The botanical gardens? Won't they all be dead in winter?" Kurt asked when he saw the entrance.

"Nope. That's why it's indoors. Plus, there's another thing we're here for," Elliott said, winking.

Kurt looked around and saw the signs for the special exhibit. "Trains? At the botanical gardens?"

"Model trains, with scenery like the city. It's amazing. I've been coming since I was little. We'd come and see the trains and then go look at the lights. It was, uh, family time. A tradition."

Kurt was watching Elliott with a tiny smile. "And you're sharing it with me? That's so sweet. Why didn't you invite Evan?"

"I...we haven't done it for the last few years. I mean, I've come alone, but Evan thinks it's kinda..."

"Hokey?"

Elliott looked away. "Difficult. Mom and Dad split up two years ago."

"Elli..." Kurt leaned close and put his arm around Elliott's waist, putting his head on the taller man's shoulder. "I'm sorry. If it helps at all, I'll happily come with you every year."

Elliott tilted his head to rest against Kurt's. Closing his eyes for a moment, there was a brief image of walking into the building with Kurt, and of them holding a small child by one hand each, swinging between them.

He opened his eyes and moved in front of Kurt. He gave a quick kiss to Kurt's forehead and hugged him, then took his hand and tugged him inside.