Disclaimer: I do not own X-Men: Evolution, or any other Marvel or WB
property. The characters of Astrid and Johannes are the intellectual
property of the InterNutter, who is just lovely for letting me use them.
Notes: Wow. I can't believe that there're as many people reading this as there are. I'm almost scared that I'll get lynched if you guys don't like the story. Well, I'll do my best.
Another note: Okay, I could literally do an entire chapter of shout-outs now. For right now, however, I'm just going to respond to people who have asked a question or said something that I feel I need to respond to. Sorry. Like I said, not used to getting this many reviews this fast.
InterNutter: You're reading my mind, eh? I won't have Kitty or Tabby doing anything too intricate. As a matter of fact, your review helped fix a problem for me. Thanks! Hope you continue to like the story. Oh! I also stole an idea from Cath's fanfic challenge. I hope you don't mind that either.
Taekwondodo: My, er. . ."adult". . .stuff will have to wait for awhile. I'm not really comfortable with the writing on that story right now. Maybe soon. Glad to see you!
Timid: Actually, its happened to me in reality. Anyhow, I hope it doesn't ruin the story for ya. If you want a better Kurtitha, try my other story "You Can't Always Get What You Want."
RedLion2: Thanks! For some reason I knew you'd like the "concerned mom." Heehee. . .
Ewkwrule: Yeah, I'm spelling it wrong. But I have been since I started, so. . .I'm not educating anyone here, I figure. Hope it doesn't get in the way of enjoying the story. Thanks, though.
Electric Russian: You scare me! Thanks!
EVERYONE ELSE: YOU GUYS AND GALS ROCK SO HARD YOU MUST BE MADE OF STONE. THANKS SO MUCH.
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"What does she mean about us in an act?" Kitty asked Kurt as they walked between wagons.
The train had stopped in Magdeberg, one of the larger towns in Germany. After unloading, the circus had made their way to a large field and had begun to set everything up. It was fascinating to watch as the gypsies set up a gigantic tent, which within was housed seating and act equipment. Tabby had asked where the animals were, at which time Kurt had told her that they didn't have animals, and that they were all more along the lines of magicians and acrobats than lion tamers and trick horse riders.
"She's vas asking vhat act you two vanted to be in." Kurt said.
"Kurt, we're not circus performers." Tabby said.
"I know, but zhere are plenty of zings for you two to do." Kurt said airily.
"Like what?" Kitty asked.
"Vell, I do know someone who needs a new assistant." Kurt said, looking sheepishly at Kitty.
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Kitty stood in front of the wooden target, her eyes closed.
"This.. .is. . .the stupidest. . .thing. . .I've ever. . .EVER. . .done." Kitty said.
Kurt and Tabby laughed.
"No it's not." Tabby said. "You dated Lance."
Kurt laughed again.
"For a long time, too." Kurt said.
"Shut up." Kitty hissed.
"And then there was the whole "appearing in front of the class in your underwear" thing." Tabby said.
"That was totally Kurt's fault." Kitty said.
"Sure it vas." Kurt said.
Kitty's eyes opened, and then squeezed shut as another knife flew by her face, hitting and sticking in the target inches from her head.
"See. You're fine." Kurt said with a frown.
Personally, Kurt didn't like to see how close that knife was getting to Kitty's head. Tabby frowned, shaking her head.
"I've changed my mind. This is the stupidest thing you've ever done." Tabby said.
"She's actually quite safe." Johannes said, standing next to the knife thrower.
"Is it okay to open my eyes again?" Kitty asked.
"Hold on." Kurt said. A sound followed, something like "fawump- thongthongthongthongthong."
"Okay, Kitty. That was the last one." Tabby said.
"Explain to me why I get stuck with this and you get to be taught by Astrid how to tell peoples fortunes." Kitty said to Tabby.
"I need to learn the language, and if I were doing this and something went wrong, I wouldn't be able to phase." Tabby said.
Kitty nodded, looking down at the ground.
"You'll be fine, Katz. Anyhow, I haff to go practice. See you two at lunch." Kurt said.
Kitty and Tabby watched Kurt walk away, heading in the direction of the big top.
"So." Kitty said.
"Yeah." Tabby replied.
The silence became awkward with the two of them just standing there, neither really certain about what to say.
"Listen. . ." Tabby said.
"Tabby. . ." Kitty began at the very same time.
Both stopped to listen to the other, and when they realized that the other was waiting on them, they laughed.
"Okay, me first. . .I'm sorry." Kitty said. "I don't want to fight over this anymore."
"You mean over Kurt?" Tabby asked.
"Um. . .yeah." Kitty said.
"So. . .you admit to. . .well. . .having something for Kurt?" Tabby asked.
"Yeah. Yeah, I do." Kitty said.
"It's okay. It's really more of a just a flirty thing with Kurt and I. I don't seriously want a relationship right now." Tabby said.
"Well, that's cool, Tabby. . ." Kitty began to say.
"I mean, don't get me wrong. He's hot. Really hot. And I wouldn't mind kissing him again. . ." Tabby began to ramble.
"Tabby. . ." Kitty said.
". . .Well, to be honest, I wouldn't mind doing a whole lot more than kissing him, really and truly. I mean, have you seen him with his shirt off?" Tabby asked.
"Tabby!" Kitty said again, a little shorter this time, trying desperately to motion to Tabby with her eyes.
"And he's a great kisser, too. Can you imagine what he could do with those cute little three fingered hands of his? I mean. . ." Tabby continued.
Someone coughed very loudly behind her. Tabby turned around and turned scarlet when she saw Astrid standing there, her hands on her hips with a slight smile tugging at her lips.
"You mean vhat?" Astrid asked.
"Hell. . .hell. . .hello. . .Astrid." Tabby said, her eyes wide.
"Tabby, I zink it's time ve talk about your sleeping arrangements." Astrid said.
"Astrid, I'm so sorry!" Tabby said. "I'm really, really sorry. I'm so sorry you heard that."
To Kitty and Tabby's surprise, she actually laughed.
"Tabby, it's okay. I happen to zink zat Kurt's a very handsome young man, too. But you understand vhy I can't really haff you two sleeping in ze same place, jah?" Astrid asked.
"Yes." Tabby said. "In all honesty, he's just my friend."
"A kissing friend, apparently." Astrid teased.
"I'm so sorry." Tabby said again.
"Quit apologizing. Besides, you'll probably enjoy sleeping in ze RV viz us razzer zan zat vagon viz Kurt. I don't snore." Astrid said. "Come child, your embarrassment is more of an apology zan your vords, and I've had enough of it."
Laughing, Astrid pulled Tabby by her hand, motioning for Kitty to follow.
"I haff somezing for you two to look at." Astrid said.
Kitty actually stopped for a moment, looking back at the big top.
"Hm. Hanging out with Astrid and Tabby or watching a sweaty Kurt work out in tight clothing?" Kitty thought.
"Come on, Kitty! You'll like zis, I promise." Astrid said.
Sighing, Kitty turned around and followed the woman.
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Kurt threw his head back, his body flipping fluidly through the air. His tail flew out, grasping the swinging bar and circling it. Feeling weightless, Kurt dropped from the air, feeling the air rush through his hair as the bar began to swing back. Summoning all of his strength, he lifted his body with his tail and grabbed onto the bar with his hands. His skeletal structure being completely unique and made for bending, he bent over backwards and grabbed onto the next swinging bar, dropping backward. Flying back, Kurt flipped off of the bar and back through the air, landing perfectly atop his station on the side of the structure, his tail offering him support.
"{Very good, Kurt.}" Johannes said. "{It's almost as if you never left ze circus.}"
"{It's like riding a bike, Papa.}" Kurt said.
"{Very good, very good.}" Johannes said, dropping to the net below.
Kurt simply teleported to the ground, next to his father after Johannes had dropped from the net.
"{You always felt more at home up there than down here.}" Johannes said. "{Until "The Lovers" act, that is.}"
"Ach." Kurt said. "{The Lovers act. Papa, I don't want to do it.}"
"{I understand that, son. But what I don't understand is why not.}"
"{Things have changed, Papa. I. . .I don't feel the same way about Franka that I used to.}" Kurt said. "{To tell you the truth, she kind of creeps me out now.}"
"{Kurt!}" Johannes said. "{That's not nice.}"
"{But it's true.}" Kurt said. "{When I introduced her to Kitty and Tabby, I thought she was going to eat them alive.}"
"{Well, Kurt, she's jealous. You two meant a lot to each other at one time, and now she feels as if it's gone.}"
"{Papa. . .it is gone.}" Kurt said.
Johannes put his hand on his son's shoulder and looked him in the eyes.
"{Have you told her that, Kurt?}" Johannes asked. "{Did you ever tell her that?}"
"{She's the one who left me, Papa. I can't help it that my heart moved on with me.}"
"{Fair enough. I promise to drop the subject of the act then.}" Johannes said. "{Your mother. . .well. . .that's a whole other thing.}"
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Kitty and Tabby were crying, laughing so hard that it had begun to hurt. Kitty offered the picture back to Tabby, who simply waved her off, laughing harder. Astrid sat across from them at a table. She merely grinned and laughed softly. The story had started out funny enough, but with the photographic evidence, Kitty and Tabby had lost all pretense of composure, and the laughing fit ensued.
Kurt could hear the laughter from outside of the RV. He rushed in, eager to see or hear what was so funny. As soon as he threw open the door, the two girls looked at him and began to positively howl with laughter.
"Vhat? Vhat is it? Vhat's so funny?" Kurt asked.
Kitty held up the picture.
"Oh. . .oh no." Kurt said.
The picture had been taken about sixteen years ago. It had weathered with age, but it had weathered well. The white edges surrounding the color picture had yellowed somewhat, but otherwise it was in great condition. The picture was of someone's kitchen. It was obviously a small kitchen, and looked as if it were contained inside an RV or a wagon. Along the counter were plates and glasses, knives and forks. On the counter along the wall, pots and pans hung from the ceiling, and placed here and there was a mason jar. One particular mason jar had the word "Cookies" written on it. It was from within this mason jar in the picture that a small, blue, tail with a spaded tip was protruding.
"You didn't tell zem ze story! Did you, Mama?" Kurt moaned.
"When you were a baby, you bamfed into everyone's wagon and stole their cookies?" Kitty squealed and then laughed.
"And zat's not all! Zis vent on for monzths until someone finally caught him in ze act!" Astrid said, sending Kitty and Tabby into another gale of laughter. "He stole cookies, brownies, chocolate, anyzing sveet zat he could get his little baby hands on vent bye-bye."
The girls finally quieted down and peered at Kurt, who was leaning against the wall, giving them a "babies must play" look.
"Go ahead. Laugh. But zhere's somezing you should know about vhat happened back zen." Kurt said.
"What?" Tabby asked.
"I vas starving." Kurt said simply, leaving the wagon after another laughing fit began.
"And zen zhere vas ze time zat he decided to shave himself. . ." he heard his mother saying before he quickly closed the door.
Laughing softly, he walked toward the back of the camp. Here and there he saw people practicing their acts or setting up camp. He knew that they would be in Magdeberg for a week. Right now, everyone's chief concern was setting up the midway where the visitors would play games, have their fortunes read, and eat all the candy or food that they could. Smiling to himself, he thought that he would have to remember to hit Manni up for some of his wife's schnitzel.
"Kurt!" he heard his name called in the familiar feminine voice.
He froze again, grimacing. Finally he turned around as Franka caught up to him.
"{Hello, Kurt. Where are you going?}" Franka asked, breathless from running.
Kurt watched her breasts heave as she breathed, and then quickly snapped his eyes back up, hoping that she hadn't seen.
"{Um, just for a walk.}" Kurt said.
"{Mind if I walk with you?}" Franka asked.
"{Uh. . .no. No I don't mind.}" Kurt said.
Franka smiled at him and joined him at his side as he commenced walking.
"{Nice to be back, isn't it?}" Franka asked.
"{Yes. Very nice. I mean, I know its only for a month, but it does feel good to be home and on tour.}" Kurt said.
Franka frowned.
"{Why only a month?}" Franka asked. "{Why not longer?}"
"{There's. . .some stuff I'm dealing with right now. Important stuff.}" Kurt said.
"{Life what?}" Franka asked.
"{Hm. Well, let's see. Between being a teenager who's also a mutant, I fight other, evil mutants. I've tried to save the world before. I've fought for mutant rights. I train to fight daily. I found out who my birth mother is.}" Kurt said. "{Oh, and homework. Lots and lots of homework.}"
"{Wow.}" Franka said. "{Sounds like you're pretty busy.}"
"{Yeah, most of the time.}" Kurt said.
They walked in silence for awhile. Kurt could feel her wanting to talk more, but he wasn't really in the mood for it, so he sped up. She caught up and kept up his pace, and the two eventually entered the forest on one side of the clearing.
"{Do you remember this place?}" Franka asked.
Kurt looked around at his surroundings and stifled the moan that came from his lips.
"Great." Thought Kurt. "Here I am with her, alone, and in the place where we first kissed."
"{Remember? Kurt! Remember what happened here?}" Franka said excitedly, jumping up and down and poking Kurt.
"{Yes! Yes! I remember!}" Kurt said, laughing. "{We kissed. Further down to the right, by the stream.}"
"{Oh! Kurt, can we go over there?}" she pleaded. "{Please?}"
Kurt sighed.
"{Okay.}" He said, causing her to jump up and down.
The two walked through the forest, coming upon a large stream. The stream babbled as it moved through rock and earth. The sound was soothing, and Kurt sat on a rock, soaking his feet in the stream. Franka joined him on his rock and sat next to him, putting her feet in the stream as well. Kurt noticed that she would glance at him every now and then, as if expecting him to say or do something. Finally, when he had done nothing but close his eyes and enjoy the silence, she spoke.
"{So. . .are you seeing anyone?}" She asked.
"Here we go." Kurt thought.
"{Currently, no. I'm not right now. I was seeing someone for a few months, but this whole anti-mutant thing kind of spread to her parents and it split us up.}" Kurt said.
"{Oh!}" Franka said brightly. "{Oh, that's too bad.}"
Kurt laughed.
"{Yeah, try not to sound to disappointed for me, Franka.}" Kurt said.
"{I'm sorry. But, uh, you know how I get. About you.}" Franka said, leaning closer to him.
"{Franka. . .}" Kurt began. He couldn't finish thanks to Franka leaning over and crushing her soft lips against his.
Kurt was completely dumbfounded by the kiss. It really had been the last thing that he had been expecting. Her lips moved slowly with his at first, and then, becoming frantic with need, her tongue slipped into his mouth. Kurt fell into the kiss, cupping Franka's chin within his hand and pulling her closer. She mewled with pleasure, and both began to remember childhood. They remembered running through circus tents together, hiding from rainstorms. She remembered waking up on night, frightened from a nightmare, going to his parents' wagon, and crawling into bed with him. He remembered their first, simple, awkward kiss. The one that they shared at this very spot. She remembered watching him grow with a covetous glee as he spurned the other girls, begging for attention from her. Kurt remembered doing anything and everything that he could to get her attention. . .just like he did with Kitty. Kitty! That's when the spell broke.
"Nein!" Kurt shouted, standing up as quickly as he could and putting a couple of feet of distance between them.
"{What?}" She asked, breathing heavily. "{I'm not seeing anyone. You're not seeing anyone. Unless. . .you're not interested in the two ugly American's you brought with you, are you?}"
"{First off, no. I'm not seeing anyone. Secondly, those are my friends, and I happen to find them both beautiful. Gorgeous as a matter of fact, and I don't like the way you're talking about them.}" Kurt said.
"{Well, I'm your friend, too, aren't I? You didn't mind it when they were rude to me the other night!}" Franka said.
"{Oh please!}" Kurt countered. "{Because you were the model of maturity when you were introduced to them? You think that they didn't notice how rude you were?}"
"{Kurt! Who cares? I didn't know you'd be bringing friends with you, and when I saw you with two girls, I got jealous!}" Franka said. "{You should know better!}"
"{I should know better? I didn't know you'd be here! And that shouldn't even matter! You have no right to be jealous!}" Kurt said, his voice raising in volume to reach hers.
"{I should have known you wouldn't care!}" She shouted. "{You couldn't even break up with me!}"
Franka stood up, and, turning around to face him, kicked water in his face.
"Hey!" Kurt shouted.
"{I'm going back to the camp!}" She shouted.
Kurt stood up, following her.
"{I didn't break up with you?}" Kurt shouted after her. "{Who left who first?}"
Franka came to a halt and rounded on Kurt.
"{You knew I wanted to study music in Prague! You always knew!}" She shouted.
"{YOU LEFT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT!}" Kurt screamed. "{I NEVER WOULD HAVE LEFT HERE IF. . .Forget it.}"
Franka's face fell, her righteous indignation gone.
"{Kurt. . .}" she said softly.
"{You know what? Yeah. I do like one of those girls. She's been a better friend to me than you ever could have been. At least she's honest with me. And I think that she's the most beautiful creature that I've ever laid eyes upon.}" Kurt said. "{Now don't talk to me.}"
And with that, he disappeared, leaving her there.
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Kitty sat there, watching Astrid teach Tabby some of the finer points of seeing the future.
"Now, reading a palm is ze easiest form of fortune telling." Astrid said. "Every line means somezing. You just have to be taught how to decipher vhat is written zhere." (1)
"Okay. And how do I do that?" Tabby asked.
"Give me your hand." Astrid said. Taking Tabby's hand in her own, Astrid pointed at it. "{Hand.}"
"{Hand.}" Tabby said. "But how do I read it?"
"See zis? Zis is your lifeline." Astrid said, running her forefinger along the line beginning at the wrist and running closest to the thumb. "It looks as if you'll live a long and healzy life, by ze vay."
Tabby smiled at her and looked at the line.
"Now, if zhere are x's or slashes across ze line, zey're normally at ze end of it, showing illness in old age." Astrid said. "Unless, of course, ze person falls ill as a child or somevhere else in life. Kitty, may ve borrow your hand?"
"Of course." Kitty said, eager to have her fortune read.
"Now, you see here zat she'll also live a long and healzy life. See zis line here? Zat's your love line." Astrid said, tracing a path along Kitty's palm.
"This one?" Tabby asked, looking at Kitty's palm.
"Jah. Now, normally, zhere are x's and branches off from ze love line, but Kitty's is different. Let me see. . ." Astrid said, taking Kitty's hand and inspecting it. "Kitty, you recently broke up viz a boyfriend?"
"Um. . .yeah. A couple of months ago." Kitty said. "Why?"
"Vell. . .normally a persons palm has multiple x's in it, ending viz ze last one in a long line torward ze forefinger. Sometimes zey branch off, showing a choice, or a possible divorce." Astrid said. "But yous shows only two x's, and zen a long line to your forefinger."
"What does that mean?" Kitty asked, awed.
"Vell, it means zat, whoever you may be viz next, it looks pretty permanent." Astrid said and laughed.
"Really?" Kitty asked softly.
Tabby's jaw dropped and eyes went wide. Kitty kicked her under the table.
"Jah. Looks zat vay. Whoever you're viz next, you'll end up viz for life." Astrid said. "If you believe ze ramblings of a silly old gypsy voman, zat is. Now, Tabby, you'll vatch me tomorrow."
"Tomorrow?" Tabby asked.
"Jah. Ze people vill come tomorrow to see our circus, and tonight, ve haff a party to celebrate our first show on ze tour. Tonight ve vill eat and dance. And tonight. . .Tabby vill sleep in here." Astrid finished, teasing Tabby. "I must find Johannes now. Get dressed and I'll see you around ze fire tonight."
And with that, she left. Kitty and Tabby were left sitting there at the table, Tabby still staring at Kitty.
"What?" Kitty asked.
"You're gonna marry Kurt!" Tabby screamed.
"Shut up! It's just a trick you know! You can learn how to do that from Cosmo or YM!" Kitty yelled, pointing at her hand.
"Kitty's gonna marry Kurt! Kitty's gonna marry Kurt!" Tabby said in a sing- song voice. "Man. You must be happy that I'm not putting the moves on him anymore."
"Shut up." Kitty said with a grin. "Let's get ready for the party. I better have fun tonight. I might die when someone is throwing a knife at me in front of hundreds of people tomorrow."
"While were on the subject of life affirming events. . ." Tabby said with a sly smile. ". . .you and Kurt are alone in that wagon tonight."
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(1): So, I sorta learned how to read palms myself a couple of years ago. There's a town close to Orlando (well, about an hour away, maybe a little more) called Casadega. It's, for lack of a better word, a "spiritualist" town. Anyhow, I made friends with some gypsy kids from the town who taught me very rudimentary lessons in palm reading. So that's where I'm drawing this from.
You know the curse of writing the way that I write? I have no idea where a story is going until I get to the sixth or seventh chapter. Hopefully, I'll know soon. Anyhow, I'm enjoying writing the story, so I'm really glad you're all enjoying reading it. I hope you continue to do so. I may not have the next chapter up for a couple of days. I hope you don't mind.
Later.
Notes: Wow. I can't believe that there're as many people reading this as there are. I'm almost scared that I'll get lynched if you guys don't like the story. Well, I'll do my best.
Another note: Okay, I could literally do an entire chapter of shout-outs now. For right now, however, I'm just going to respond to people who have asked a question or said something that I feel I need to respond to. Sorry. Like I said, not used to getting this many reviews this fast.
InterNutter: You're reading my mind, eh? I won't have Kitty or Tabby doing anything too intricate. As a matter of fact, your review helped fix a problem for me. Thanks! Hope you continue to like the story. Oh! I also stole an idea from Cath's fanfic challenge. I hope you don't mind that either.
Taekwondodo: My, er. . ."adult". . .stuff will have to wait for awhile. I'm not really comfortable with the writing on that story right now. Maybe soon. Glad to see you!
Timid: Actually, its happened to me in reality. Anyhow, I hope it doesn't ruin the story for ya. If you want a better Kurtitha, try my other story "You Can't Always Get What You Want."
RedLion2: Thanks! For some reason I knew you'd like the "concerned mom." Heehee. . .
Ewkwrule: Yeah, I'm spelling it wrong. But I have been since I started, so. . .I'm not educating anyone here, I figure. Hope it doesn't get in the way of enjoying the story. Thanks, though.
Electric Russian: You scare me! Thanks!
EVERYONE ELSE: YOU GUYS AND GALS ROCK SO HARD YOU MUST BE MADE OF STONE. THANKS SO MUCH.
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"What does she mean about us in an act?" Kitty asked Kurt as they walked between wagons.
The train had stopped in Magdeberg, one of the larger towns in Germany. After unloading, the circus had made their way to a large field and had begun to set everything up. It was fascinating to watch as the gypsies set up a gigantic tent, which within was housed seating and act equipment. Tabby had asked where the animals were, at which time Kurt had told her that they didn't have animals, and that they were all more along the lines of magicians and acrobats than lion tamers and trick horse riders.
"She's vas asking vhat act you two vanted to be in." Kurt said.
"Kurt, we're not circus performers." Tabby said.
"I know, but zhere are plenty of zings for you two to do." Kurt said airily.
"Like what?" Kitty asked.
"Vell, I do know someone who needs a new assistant." Kurt said, looking sheepishly at Kitty.
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Kitty stood in front of the wooden target, her eyes closed.
"This.. .is. . .the stupidest. . .thing. . .I've ever. . .EVER. . .done." Kitty said.
Kurt and Tabby laughed.
"No it's not." Tabby said. "You dated Lance."
Kurt laughed again.
"For a long time, too." Kurt said.
"Shut up." Kitty hissed.
"And then there was the whole "appearing in front of the class in your underwear" thing." Tabby said.
"That was totally Kurt's fault." Kitty said.
"Sure it vas." Kurt said.
Kitty's eyes opened, and then squeezed shut as another knife flew by her face, hitting and sticking in the target inches from her head.
"See. You're fine." Kurt said with a frown.
Personally, Kurt didn't like to see how close that knife was getting to Kitty's head. Tabby frowned, shaking her head.
"I've changed my mind. This is the stupidest thing you've ever done." Tabby said.
"She's actually quite safe." Johannes said, standing next to the knife thrower.
"Is it okay to open my eyes again?" Kitty asked.
"Hold on." Kurt said. A sound followed, something like "fawump- thongthongthongthongthong."
"Okay, Kitty. That was the last one." Tabby said.
"Explain to me why I get stuck with this and you get to be taught by Astrid how to tell peoples fortunes." Kitty said to Tabby.
"I need to learn the language, and if I were doing this and something went wrong, I wouldn't be able to phase." Tabby said.
Kitty nodded, looking down at the ground.
"You'll be fine, Katz. Anyhow, I haff to go practice. See you two at lunch." Kurt said.
Kitty and Tabby watched Kurt walk away, heading in the direction of the big top.
"So." Kitty said.
"Yeah." Tabby replied.
The silence became awkward with the two of them just standing there, neither really certain about what to say.
"Listen. . ." Tabby said.
"Tabby. . ." Kitty began at the very same time.
Both stopped to listen to the other, and when they realized that the other was waiting on them, they laughed.
"Okay, me first. . .I'm sorry." Kitty said. "I don't want to fight over this anymore."
"You mean over Kurt?" Tabby asked.
"Um. . .yeah." Kitty said.
"So. . .you admit to. . .well. . .having something for Kurt?" Tabby asked.
"Yeah. Yeah, I do." Kitty said.
"It's okay. It's really more of a just a flirty thing with Kurt and I. I don't seriously want a relationship right now." Tabby said.
"Well, that's cool, Tabby. . ." Kitty began to say.
"I mean, don't get me wrong. He's hot. Really hot. And I wouldn't mind kissing him again. . ." Tabby began to ramble.
"Tabby. . ." Kitty said.
". . .Well, to be honest, I wouldn't mind doing a whole lot more than kissing him, really and truly. I mean, have you seen him with his shirt off?" Tabby asked.
"Tabby!" Kitty said again, a little shorter this time, trying desperately to motion to Tabby with her eyes.
"And he's a great kisser, too. Can you imagine what he could do with those cute little three fingered hands of his? I mean. . ." Tabby continued.
Someone coughed very loudly behind her. Tabby turned around and turned scarlet when she saw Astrid standing there, her hands on her hips with a slight smile tugging at her lips.
"You mean vhat?" Astrid asked.
"Hell. . .hell. . .hello. . .Astrid." Tabby said, her eyes wide.
"Tabby, I zink it's time ve talk about your sleeping arrangements." Astrid said.
"Astrid, I'm so sorry!" Tabby said. "I'm really, really sorry. I'm so sorry you heard that."
To Kitty and Tabby's surprise, she actually laughed.
"Tabby, it's okay. I happen to zink zat Kurt's a very handsome young man, too. But you understand vhy I can't really haff you two sleeping in ze same place, jah?" Astrid asked.
"Yes." Tabby said. "In all honesty, he's just my friend."
"A kissing friend, apparently." Astrid teased.
"I'm so sorry." Tabby said again.
"Quit apologizing. Besides, you'll probably enjoy sleeping in ze RV viz us razzer zan zat vagon viz Kurt. I don't snore." Astrid said. "Come child, your embarrassment is more of an apology zan your vords, and I've had enough of it."
Laughing, Astrid pulled Tabby by her hand, motioning for Kitty to follow.
"I haff somezing for you two to look at." Astrid said.
Kitty actually stopped for a moment, looking back at the big top.
"Hm. Hanging out with Astrid and Tabby or watching a sweaty Kurt work out in tight clothing?" Kitty thought.
"Come on, Kitty! You'll like zis, I promise." Astrid said.
Sighing, Kitty turned around and followed the woman.
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Kurt threw his head back, his body flipping fluidly through the air. His tail flew out, grasping the swinging bar and circling it. Feeling weightless, Kurt dropped from the air, feeling the air rush through his hair as the bar began to swing back. Summoning all of his strength, he lifted his body with his tail and grabbed onto the bar with his hands. His skeletal structure being completely unique and made for bending, he bent over backwards and grabbed onto the next swinging bar, dropping backward. Flying back, Kurt flipped off of the bar and back through the air, landing perfectly atop his station on the side of the structure, his tail offering him support.
"{Very good, Kurt.}" Johannes said. "{It's almost as if you never left ze circus.}"
"{It's like riding a bike, Papa.}" Kurt said.
"{Very good, very good.}" Johannes said, dropping to the net below.
Kurt simply teleported to the ground, next to his father after Johannes had dropped from the net.
"{You always felt more at home up there than down here.}" Johannes said. "{Until "The Lovers" act, that is.}"
"Ach." Kurt said. "{The Lovers act. Papa, I don't want to do it.}"
"{I understand that, son. But what I don't understand is why not.}"
"{Things have changed, Papa. I. . .I don't feel the same way about Franka that I used to.}" Kurt said. "{To tell you the truth, she kind of creeps me out now.}"
"{Kurt!}" Johannes said. "{That's not nice.}"
"{But it's true.}" Kurt said. "{When I introduced her to Kitty and Tabby, I thought she was going to eat them alive.}"
"{Well, Kurt, she's jealous. You two meant a lot to each other at one time, and now she feels as if it's gone.}"
"{Papa. . .it is gone.}" Kurt said.
Johannes put his hand on his son's shoulder and looked him in the eyes.
"{Have you told her that, Kurt?}" Johannes asked. "{Did you ever tell her that?}"
"{She's the one who left me, Papa. I can't help it that my heart moved on with me.}"
"{Fair enough. I promise to drop the subject of the act then.}" Johannes said. "{Your mother. . .well. . .that's a whole other thing.}"
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Kitty and Tabby were crying, laughing so hard that it had begun to hurt. Kitty offered the picture back to Tabby, who simply waved her off, laughing harder. Astrid sat across from them at a table. She merely grinned and laughed softly. The story had started out funny enough, but with the photographic evidence, Kitty and Tabby had lost all pretense of composure, and the laughing fit ensued.
Kurt could hear the laughter from outside of the RV. He rushed in, eager to see or hear what was so funny. As soon as he threw open the door, the two girls looked at him and began to positively howl with laughter.
"Vhat? Vhat is it? Vhat's so funny?" Kurt asked.
Kitty held up the picture.
"Oh. . .oh no." Kurt said.
The picture had been taken about sixteen years ago. It had weathered with age, but it had weathered well. The white edges surrounding the color picture had yellowed somewhat, but otherwise it was in great condition. The picture was of someone's kitchen. It was obviously a small kitchen, and looked as if it were contained inside an RV or a wagon. Along the counter were plates and glasses, knives and forks. On the counter along the wall, pots and pans hung from the ceiling, and placed here and there was a mason jar. One particular mason jar had the word "Cookies" written on it. It was from within this mason jar in the picture that a small, blue, tail with a spaded tip was protruding.
"You didn't tell zem ze story! Did you, Mama?" Kurt moaned.
"When you were a baby, you bamfed into everyone's wagon and stole their cookies?" Kitty squealed and then laughed.
"And zat's not all! Zis vent on for monzths until someone finally caught him in ze act!" Astrid said, sending Kitty and Tabby into another gale of laughter. "He stole cookies, brownies, chocolate, anyzing sveet zat he could get his little baby hands on vent bye-bye."
The girls finally quieted down and peered at Kurt, who was leaning against the wall, giving them a "babies must play" look.
"Go ahead. Laugh. But zhere's somezing you should know about vhat happened back zen." Kurt said.
"What?" Tabby asked.
"I vas starving." Kurt said simply, leaving the wagon after another laughing fit began.
"And zen zhere vas ze time zat he decided to shave himself. . ." he heard his mother saying before he quickly closed the door.
Laughing softly, he walked toward the back of the camp. Here and there he saw people practicing their acts or setting up camp. He knew that they would be in Magdeberg for a week. Right now, everyone's chief concern was setting up the midway where the visitors would play games, have their fortunes read, and eat all the candy or food that they could. Smiling to himself, he thought that he would have to remember to hit Manni up for some of his wife's schnitzel.
"Kurt!" he heard his name called in the familiar feminine voice.
He froze again, grimacing. Finally he turned around as Franka caught up to him.
"{Hello, Kurt. Where are you going?}" Franka asked, breathless from running.
Kurt watched her breasts heave as she breathed, and then quickly snapped his eyes back up, hoping that she hadn't seen.
"{Um, just for a walk.}" Kurt said.
"{Mind if I walk with you?}" Franka asked.
"{Uh. . .no. No I don't mind.}" Kurt said.
Franka smiled at him and joined him at his side as he commenced walking.
"{Nice to be back, isn't it?}" Franka asked.
"{Yes. Very nice. I mean, I know its only for a month, but it does feel good to be home and on tour.}" Kurt said.
Franka frowned.
"{Why only a month?}" Franka asked. "{Why not longer?}"
"{There's. . .some stuff I'm dealing with right now. Important stuff.}" Kurt said.
"{Life what?}" Franka asked.
"{Hm. Well, let's see. Between being a teenager who's also a mutant, I fight other, evil mutants. I've tried to save the world before. I've fought for mutant rights. I train to fight daily. I found out who my birth mother is.}" Kurt said. "{Oh, and homework. Lots and lots of homework.}"
"{Wow.}" Franka said. "{Sounds like you're pretty busy.}"
"{Yeah, most of the time.}" Kurt said.
They walked in silence for awhile. Kurt could feel her wanting to talk more, but he wasn't really in the mood for it, so he sped up. She caught up and kept up his pace, and the two eventually entered the forest on one side of the clearing.
"{Do you remember this place?}" Franka asked.
Kurt looked around at his surroundings and stifled the moan that came from his lips.
"Great." Thought Kurt. "Here I am with her, alone, and in the place where we first kissed."
"{Remember? Kurt! Remember what happened here?}" Franka said excitedly, jumping up and down and poking Kurt.
"{Yes! Yes! I remember!}" Kurt said, laughing. "{We kissed. Further down to the right, by the stream.}"
"{Oh! Kurt, can we go over there?}" she pleaded. "{Please?}"
Kurt sighed.
"{Okay.}" He said, causing her to jump up and down.
The two walked through the forest, coming upon a large stream. The stream babbled as it moved through rock and earth. The sound was soothing, and Kurt sat on a rock, soaking his feet in the stream. Franka joined him on his rock and sat next to him, putting her feet in the stream as well. Kurt noticed that she would glance at him every now and then, as if expecting him to say or do something. Finally, when he had done nothing but close his eyes and enjoy the silence, she spoke.
"{So. . .are you seeing anyone?}" She asked.
"Here we go." Kurt thought.
"{Currently, no. I'm not right now. I was seeing someone for a few months, but this whole anti-mutant thing kind of spread to her parents and it split us up.}" Kurt said.
"{Oh!}" Franka said brightly. "{Oh, that's too bad.}"
Kurt laughed.
"{Yeah, try not to sound to disappointed for me, Franka.}" Kurt said.
"{I'm sorry. But, uh, you know how I get. About you.}" Franka said, leaning closer to him.
"{Franka. . .}" Kurt began. He couldn't finish thanks to Franka leaning over and crushing her soft lips against his.
Kurt was completely dumbfounded by the kiss. It really had been the last thing that he had been expecting. Her lips moved slowly with his at first, and then, becoming frantic with need, her tongue slipped into his mouth. Kurt fell into the kiss, cupping Franka's chin within his hand and pulling her closer. She mewled with pleasure, and both began to remember childhood. They remembered running through circus tents together, hiding from rainstorms. She remembered waking up on night, frightened from a nightmare, going to his parents' wagon, and crawling into bed with him. He remembered their first, simple, awkward kiss. The one that they shared at this very spot. She remembered watching him grow with a covetous glee as he spurned the other girls, begging for attention from her. Kurt remembered doing anything and everything that he could to get her attention. . .just like he did with Kitty. Kitty! That's when the spell broke.
"Nein!" Kurt shouted, standing up as quickly as he could and putting a couple of feet of distance between them.
"{What?}" She asked, breathing heavily. "{I'm not seeing anyone. You're not seeing anyone. Unless. . .you're not interested in the two ugly American's you brought with you, are you?}"
"{First off, no. I'm not seeing anyone. Secondly, those are my friends, and I happen to find them both beautiful. Gorgeous as a matter of fact, and I don't like the way you're talking about them.}" Kurt said.
"{Well, I'm your friend, too, aren't I? You didn't mind it when they were rude to me the other night!}" Franka said.
"{Oh please!}" Kurt countered. "{Because you were the model of maturity when you were introduced to them? You think that they didn't notice how rude you were?}"
"{Kurt! Who cares? I didn't know you'd be bringing friends with you, and when I saw you with two girls, I got jealous!}" Franka said. "{You should know better!}"
"{I should know better? I didn't know you'd be here! And that shouldn't even matter! You have no right to be jealous!}" Kurt said, his voice raising in volume to reach hers.
"{I should have known you wouldn't care!}" She shouted. "{You couldn't even break up with me!}"
Franka stood up, and, turning around to face him, kicked water in his face.
"Hey!" Kurt shouted.
"{I'm going back to the camp!}" She shouted.
Kurt stood up, following her.
"{I didn't break up with you?}" Kurt shouted after her. "{Who left who first?}"
Franka came to a halt and rounded on Kurt.
"{You knew I wanted to study music in Prague! You always knew!}" She shouted.
"{YOU LEFT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT!}" Kurt screamed. "{I NEVER WOULD HAVE LEFT HERE IF. . .Forget it.}"
Franka's face fell, her righteous indignation gone.
"{Kurt. . .}" she said softly.
"{You know what? Yeah. I do like one of those girls. She's been a better friend to me than you ever could have been. At least she's honest with me. And I think that she's the most beautiful creature that I've ever laid eyes upon.}" Kurt said. "{Now don't talk to me.}"
And with that, he disappeared, leaving her there.
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Kitty sat there, watching Astrid teach Tabby some of the finer points of seeing the future.
"Now, reading a palm is ze easiest form of fortune telling." Astrid said. "Every line means somezing. You just have to be taught how to decipher vhat is written zhere." (1)
"Okay. And how do I do that?" Tabby asked.
"Give me your hand." Astrid said. Taking Tabby's hand in her own, Astrid pointed at it. "{Hand.}"
"{Hand.}" Tabby said. "But how do I read it?"
"See zis? Zis is your lifeline." Astrid said, running her forefinger along the line beginning at the wrist and running closest to the thumb. "It looks as if you'll live a long and healzy life, by ze vay."
Tabby smiled at her and looked at the line.
"Now, if zhere are x's or slashes across ze line, zey're normally at ze end of it, showing illness in old age." Astrid said. "Unless, of course, ze person falls ill as a child or somevhere else in life. Kitty, may ve borrow your hand?"
"Of course." Kitty said, eager to have her fortune read.
"Now, you see here zat she'll also live a long and healzy life. See zis line here? Zat's your love line." Astrid said, tracing a path along Kitty's palm.
"This one?" Tabby asked, looking at Kitty's palm.
"Jah. Now, normally, zhere are x's and branches off from ze love line, but Kitty's is different. Let me see. . ." Astrid said, taking Kitty's hand and inspecting it. "Kitty, you recently broke up viz a boyfriend?"
"Um. . .yeah. A couple of months ago." Kitty said. "Why?"
"Vell. . .normally a persons palm has multiple x's in it, ending viz ze last one in a long line torward ze forefinger. Sometimes zey branch off, showing a choice, or a possible divorce." Astrid said. "But yous shows only two x's, and zen a long line to your forefinger."
"What does that mean?" Kitty asked, awed.
"Vell, it means zat, whoever you may be viz next, it looks pretty permanent." Astrid said and laughed.
"Really?" Kitty asked softly.
Tabby's jaw dropped and eyes went wide. Kitty kicked her under the table.
"Jah. Looks zat vay. Whoever you're viz next, you'll end up viz for life." Astrid said. "If you believe ze ramblings of a silly old gypsy voman, zat is. Now, Tabby, you'll vatch me tomorrow."
"Tomorrow?" Tabby asked.
"Jah. Ze people vill come tomorrow to see our circus, and tonight, ve haff a party to celebrate our first show on ze tour. Tonight ve vill eat and dance. And tonight. . .Tabby vill sleep in here." Astrid finished, teasing Tabby. "I must find Johannes now. Get dressed and I'll see you around ze fire tonight."
And with that, she left. Kitty and Tabby were left sitting there at the table, Tabby still staring at Kitty.
"What?" Kitty asked.
"You're gonna marry Kurt!" Tabby screamed.
"Shut up! It's just a trick you know! You can learn how to do that from Cosmo or YM!" Kitty yelled, pointing at her hand.
"Kitty's gonna marry Kurt! Kitty's gonna marry Kurt!" Tabby said in a sing- song voice. "Man. You must be happy that I'm not putting the moves on him anymore."
"Shut up." Kitty said with a grin. "Let's get ready for the party. I better have fun tonight. I might die when someone is throwing a knife at me in front of hundreds of people tomorrow."
"While were on the subject of life affirming events. . ." Tabby said with a sly smile. ". . .you and Kurt are alone in that wagon tonight."
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(1): So, I sorta learned how to read palms myself a couple of years ago. There's a town close to Orlando (well, about an hour away, maybe a little more) called Casadega. It's, for lack of a better word, a "spiritualist" town. Anyhow, I made friends with some gypsy kids from the town who taught me very rudimentary lessons in palm reading. So that's where I'm drawing this from.
You know the curse of writing the way that I write? I have no idea where a story is going until I get to the sixth or seventh chapter. Hopefully, I'll know soon. Anyhow, I'm enjoying writing the story, so I'm really glad you're all enjoying reading it. I hope you continue to do so. I may not have the next chapter up for a couple of days. I hope you don't mind.
Later.