July 1921
Kurt
"Nick, what are you doing here?" Blaine exclaims, while hugging his friend.
"I'm stationed in Cologne in the Rhineland, but I'm authorized to be here as your adjunct during the trial."
"That's wonderful news!" Blaine replies.
Nick shakes Kurt's hand. "Good to see you again, Kurt. You don't know how happy I was to hear that you and Blaine managed to find one another in America. I can't wait to catch up on all your news."
"Likewise, Major Duval."
"Please call me Nick, at least in private. We have a 12-hour journey ahead of us to Leipzig, so let's get started."
They pile into the military truck; Nick and Blaine sit in the backseat while Kurt sits in front next to the driver, a British private who will take care of them during their trip. Once they have left Hamburg's city limits, they pick up speed on the empty winding road. Blaine stares out of the car window, taking in the large fields that have been tilled and sown with wheat.
"It must feel strange to be back in Germany," Nick surmises.
"I haven't been to this part of Germany before, but it does bring back memories of walking from Münster to Holland. At the time, I was a stretcher bearer for one of my privates, who was too sick to walk. There were so many people dying around us, not only from hunger and exhaustion, but also the Spanish flu. It was a grim taste of freedom."
Kurt looks back to see Blaine furrow his eyebrows, lost in thought. "Are you okay, Blaine?"
Blaine weakly smiles. "Yes, I'm doing okay - not great, but okay."
Kurt looks ahead at the open road. He can't imagine what memories are going through Blaine's mind at the moment. He wishes that he was seated next to Blaine and could provide him some sort of physical comfort.
They take a break from their journey in Salzwedel, a quaint town along the Jeetze River. The numerous half-timbered houses are reminders of its medieval roots. Although many of the shops are closed, the street is filled with women and children with heavy-looking bags, waiting outside a bakery.
"What do they have in their bags if they haven't entered the shop yet?" Kurt asks.
Nick replies, "Money. Nowadays, it's hard to buy even the most basic goods. I've brought our lunch with me."
When they climb out of the truck, the locals veer away and eye them with suspicion. After using the facilities in a Ratskeller tavern, they find a shaded place for their picnic lunch near the old castle tower.
After taking a bite of the Brötchen roll filled with ham and egg, Blaine asks Nick, "My father mentioned that you are stationed in Germany. What are you doing here?"
"Under the terms of the 1918 treaty, the left bank of the Rhine was annexed by France and declared a demilitarized zone. We're here to provide France support against any possible German attack."
"I thought the British parliament made heavy defense spending cuts once the war was over," Blaine recalls.
"It did make huge cuts, and many battalions either disappeared or were amalgamated together. However, we still have commitments to the Allies as a result of the 1918 treaty."
"How did you get assigned to be at the Leipzig War Crime Trials?" Kurt asks.
"I volunteered," Nick replies. "Each former prisoner is allowed one person with him in the courtroom to act as an advocate, to provide any support they require."
Blaine frowns. "I thought that would be Kurt."
"I have no doubt that Kurt will give you the support that you need to make it through the next couple of days. However, there are advantages to having your former commanding officer as your adjunct. We fought side by side in the front line, and I would be a credible character witness, if needed. The judges would give additional weight to your testimony with a current major of the Royal Army by your side."
"Can Kurt be in the courtroom as well?" Blaine asks.
"Kurt will be in the gallery for the general public. I'll make sure that he has a seat."
Kurt is relieved that Nick is here to help Blaine navigate his way through the trials. Nick seems to know what he's talking about, and Blaine will be in capable hands. Not only is Nick a major and Blaine's former commanding officer, he's also Blaine's close friend. He'll do right by Blaine.
Once they have finished their picnic lunch, they return to the military truck and set off for the rest of the journey. Kurt notices old warehouses as they approach the outskirts of the city. "Can you tell me something about Leipzig?"
The driver replies, "It's an old industrial town. Before the war, it had the largest cotton mill on the continent. Leipzig is also famous for the arts. It's home to the oldest symphony orchestra in the world. Richard Wagner was born here and wrote his earlier works while at Leipzig University."
They pass St. Thomas Church, built in the gothic style.
"Johann Sebastian Bach was the church's music director for almost thirty years until his death. He wrote hundreds of cantatas during his tenure," the driver adds.
The military truck pulls up to the Grandhotel Handelshof, and the porters take their trunks while Nick checks them in.
Nick hands the hotel room key to Blaine. "We've booked you a suite with two bedrooms and a living area. You should get a good night's sleep. Tomorrow, I'll pick you up at 08:00 hours. We'll have a full day with the Commission for War Crimes, going over your testimony before the trial."
Nick turns to Kurt. "I think it best if you spend tomorrow exploring Leipzig. We'll all meet up for a casual dinner. I think you'll like the restaurant I've chosen."
Once they've said their goodbyes to Nick, Blaine and Kurt take the elevator to the top floor. They quickly shower and stumble into bed, falling asleep instantly. It's been a long day, and they'll need all their energy to get through the upcoming court trials.
The next evening…
Kurt waits in the lobby of the Grandhotel Handelshof, checking the time on the old pocket watch Blaine once gave him. He has spent the day visiting churches and the old town hall, ending in the market square. Although the food and the handicrafts looked interesting, there were no prices marked. A vendor told him that there was no point since the Papiermark devalued by the hour.
He visited the Museum of City History but found it difficult to concentrate on the exhibits, worried as he was about how Blaine was faring with the Commission for War Crimes, as they prepared his testimony for tomorrow's court appearance.
Frankly, he's exhausted. Last night, Blaine kept murmuring in his sleep, his body trembling as he clutched onto Kurt like a koala. Kurt provided him the comfort that he needed by holding him tightly and rubbing his back. If Blaine is a mess tonight, Kurt has come up with an idea on how to help him.
Kurt spots Blaine dashing into the hotel, sporting a smile on his face. He's relieved that Blaine is in good spirits. Blaine has already changed from his military uniform to casual clothes. It seems best that they not advertise to everyone why they are here in Leipzig.
"Nick is waiting outside for us. We can walk to the restaurant."
"Everything okay?" Kurt asks.
"Yes. Nick and the commission were very thorough in preparing me. We went through my testimony and possible questions I would be asked. I'm as ready as I'll ever be."
When they exit the hotel, Nick is waiting for them. He leads them through the old town, and they walk along the cobblestoned streets until they arrive at the Auerbachs Keller restaurant. Once Nick has supplied the host with his name, they are led to a dining room known as the barrel cellar. The domed ceiling is painted in a Renaissance style, and there is even a sculpture of a man riding a barrel hanging from the center. A large barrel takes center stage against the far wood-paneled wall.
The restaurant is filled with couples and families, chatting merrily with each other. In the corner is a stringed trio of musicians playing. Kurt taps his fingers on the table to the rhythm of the music. "This is a catchy tune. Do you know what music it is?"
Nick replies, "It's from a Robert Stolz operetta."
"It's so upbeat," Blaine observes.
"When times are hard, people need joyful songs. There is even an operetta about a merry widow." Nick looks at the drinks menu. "Believe it or not, this restaurant was founded in the 1500s as a wine bar. However, I have it on good authority that the barrel cellar serves an excellent beer."
Blaine studies the food menu for several minutes. "I want to taste everything!"
Nick chuckles, "Why don't you order the three dishes you most wish to try, and we can share."
Blaine asks the waiter so many details about the menu that the sous chef appears. After a few minutes' discussion, with the waiter acting as the interpreter, their order is taken. The waiter brings them three tall tankards of Holsten Pilsener beer.
"Prost!" Nick cheers while they clink their glasses.
Kurt doesn't know much about beer, but he decides that this is a great tasting one. It would rival any beer he's tasted back in England.
"What did you get up to today?" Blaine asks.
"Churches, museums, monuments, and markets," Kurt replies. After taking another sip of beer, he asks, "Nick, there were no prices on anything in the market, and a vendor said something about the Papiermark constantly being devalued."
Nick sets down his glass. "In English, we call the new German currency the 'paper mark'. Now that the war is over, the Germans need to repay their old debts and pay war reparations to Britain, France and other Allies. That's one of the reasons the Royal Army still has a presence in Germany. The Weimar government's solution was to print more money, but that has led to hyperinflation. Salaries haven't kept up with the rising prices for the most basic goods. It's almost gotten to the point that the average German is spending all their money on food."
Blaine crosses his arms across his chest and frowns. "I'm all for punishing those who committed war crimes, but I don't think the average German should suffer like this."
Nick nods. "I totally agree with you. The problem is that people are starting to believe political parties that claim they can solve their problems. I've been following the National Socialist German Workers' Party in the newspapers, and it's slowly but steadily gaining supporters. The NSDAP is quite big on nationalism, rejecting the Versailles Treaty and accusing Jews of war profiteering. Last February, Adolf Hitler gave quite an impassioned speech in Munich, and more and more people are thinking that he might have the solutions to all their problems."
"There is no solution to all problems," Kurt replies.
The waiter arrives with their dinner. Blaine has ordered roast wild boar, venison and traditional Bratwurst (sausages). Large bowls of red cabbage, Klöße (potato dumplings), Spätzle (egg noodles), and green beans are set down on the table to share. The men place a sampling of each dish on their plates and begin to eat.
After taking a bite of the roast wild boar, Blaine lets out the most sinful-sounding moan. "Oh, this is delicious - so tender, juicy, and tasty. It's been marinated in red wine and thyme. I must ask the chef what cut of meat he used and how long he cooked it for."
"Always the chef. You can take a cook out of the kitchen, but you can't take the kitchen out of the cook. I doubt very much that roast wild boar would be popular in New York City," Kurt teases.
"How is the restaurant going?" Nick asks.
They launch into tales of Westerville's, Blaine explaining the menu and Kurt telling amusing anecdotes about their customers. Once they are finished with their meal, Blaine sits back and rubs his full stomach. "Tell me, Nick, have you heard from Jeff Sterling recently?"
"Jeff is still in the Royal Army. He's based in Belfast, defending it from the Irish independents. Did you know that he married an Irish lass?"
"You don't say!" Blaine exclaims.
"Yes, it's true. His parents were pressuring him to marry and threatened to find him a suitable bride. He took matters in his own hands and married Mary. I don't think it's what you would call true love, but Jeff says that she's a beauty and fun to pass the time with."
Kurt realizes that not everyone is fortunate enough to find their soulmate, let alone have their happily ever after. He counts himself one of the lucky ones.
Nick continues, "After the war crime trials, I have some leave back in England. Jeff and I were planning to meet up in London in a few weeks' time. Wouldn't it be grand if you two could be in London at the same time, as well?"
Blaine leans back in his chair and looks up to think. "I think that could be arranged. I suppose we could visit London at the end of our trip. It would be fun to meet up with Jeff. Perhaps you two could stay at Anderson House?"
"That would be terrific!" Nick exclaims.
After deciding on a date that they could all be in London, Nick settles the bill, and they return to the Grandhotel Handelshof.
Nick pats Blaine's back. "Have a good night's sleep, guys. Make sure your trunks are packed tomorrow morning. Once you've finished testifying, we'll have you on the first train back to Blighty."
After saying goodnight, Kurt and Blaine enter their suite, and Blaine flops down on the bed and rubs his eyes.
"Sleepy?" Kurt suggests.
Blaine huffs. "Hardly. I doubt I'll sleep a wink tonight."
"What's worrying you? I thought that you were fully prepared for tomorrow."
"I'm quite confident that I'll be able to answer all the questions and that my testimony will add weight to the case." Blaine clenches his hands into fists against his sides. "However, I'm nervous about seeing Karl Heynen. When I left the camp, I thought that I would never see my tormentor again."
Kurt sits down on the bed and cards his fingers through Blaine's curls. "I understand that must be scary, I truly do."
"There's something else. I'm not sure if I want you at the trial tomorrow."
Kurt's body stiffens. "Why not? Don't you think I want to see firsthand these criminals brought to justice? I might not be able to sit next to you, but I want to be in the courtroom to support you in any way I can."
Blaine turns to his side and strokes Kurt's thigh. "I know you do, and I love you for that. The worst nightmare I've had has been that somehow you get captured during the war and are in the POW camp. Heynen is torturing you, and there is nothing I can do about it. I guess I don't want Heynen to see you in the courtroom."
"Blaine, I'll be sitting in the public gallery, which if I'm not mistaken, is behind the accused. He certainly won't see me in the crowd and decide that I'm anyone of significance. It's more important that you see me while you give your testimony. We're in this together, and we'll conquer your fears."
Blaine gently pulls Kurt down to a lying position and rolls on top of him. "Thanks for knowing me and really understanding how I feel." Blaine says before leaning in for a slow, deep kiss.
Kurt pulls back and bites his lower lip. "So, I'll be in the courtroom tomorrow."
Blaine nods. "I love you."
"I love you, too," Kurt replies, bopping Blaine on the nose. "What can I do to help you now? Would you like a massage?"
"I think I need more than a massage," Blaine replies, waggling his eyebrows.
Kurt hums and nods in agreement. It seems that he and Blaine are on the same wavelength… maybe… hopefully. "Do you trust me?"
Blaine rolls his eyes. "Of course I do. I trust you with my life."
"I'm going to take a shower. When I return, I better see you naked in bed... waiting for me. You should also prep yourself."
Blaine's jaw drops. "Do you mean with my fingers, down below?"
Kurt playfully slaps his buttocks and rolls Blaine off him. "That's exactly what I mean. You don't have a problem with that, do you?"
"I'll get right on it," Blaine replies in a breathy voice.
Kurt walks over to his trunk and takes out a small wooden box. It's the same one that LeRoy gifted Blaine while they were in the Hamptons. Inside are four torpedo-shaped hard rubber instruments, varying in diameter, and Kurt selects a medium-sized one. Together with a tube of K-Y jelly, he sets them down on the bed next to Blaine.
"I saw the way you eyed this when we were in the Hamptons. Now is your chance to use it. Make sure you're thorough, because we're in for a long night."
Blaine shyly smiles, biting his lower lip. "Okay," he answers with a blush.
Author's notes
A HUGE thank you Klaineship for acting as consultant and special beta. By the way, she has translated over 100 Klaine fics into German, and you'll find them on Archive on Our Own and fanfiktion (place a dot here) de. I've even had the honor of having one of my own stories translated into German by her.
I posted photos of places mentioned in Germany on my Tumblr account (HKVoyage). From my home page, click on the 'Life in the Big Apple' button'. On the next page will have 'Chapter announcements with photos'. You will find the photos there, including torpedo-shaped hard rubber instruments. I urge you to go through the effort to view the photos.
In this chapter, Nick refers to the NSDAP (National Socialist German Workers' Party in English). The term "Nazi" was first used to specifically described its members in 1922/1923.
Many thanks to my fantastic betas - Fearlessly, Lilyvandersteen, Dblmalfunction. I made the last-minute edits and performed the final proofreading by myself, so all mistakes are mine.
I'm HKVoyage on Tumblr.
Next up: That very long night…