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: Okay, so this is a little bit longer than my usual chapter. I hope that everyone enjoys it. I may be writing a little bit more of "Battle of Bayville Mall," my apology piece for leaving Jubes out of "You're Gonna Be A Star." I think I have an idea for it, so I may have a chapter up soon. Maybe.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Yeah, yeah, yeah. I realized after I posted chapter 5 that I screwed up with the whole "baby Kurt teleporting" thing. Oh well. In my AU, baby Kurt could teleport. That's how special and cool he is, baby!
Togepi4eva: I'm not really certain if I could do that or not. Someone once asked me to do a Static Shock/X-Men: Evo crossover, and it sucked so bad I just deleted it after I wrote the 1st chapter. I don't know.
Coffee Connoisseur: My. . .er. . .other story is over at aff.net. It's not very good (in my opinion), and I need to fix it somehow. I'm just not certain as to how.
Readers and Reviewers: Thank you all so much. It really means a lot to me that you all like the story so much. Thank you.
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The entire camp had been turned into a cross between a bonfire and a smorgasbord. To Kitty and Tabby, it looked almost exactly as it had the night that they had arrived at in Germany. Everywhere, people were eating and having a good time. Music was being played on a violin, and people were dancing. It wasn't what Tabby had imagined gypsy dancing to be like. She had expected belly dancers, or people jumping up and down, circling the fire. Instead she got people slow dancing for the slower songs.
The two girls had been sitting with Astrid and Johannes around a fire. Kurt had found Kitty and Tabby and had pulled them over to another fire, a fire where some of the younger men and women were hanging out. Kitty noticed her knife-throwing partner, Herbert, there. He didn't speak a word of English, but he smiled sheepishly at her. She smiled back. Kurt had eaten until he felt as if he were going to burst, and Tabby seemed to be on the same road.
"{So, Kurt! Tell us! My beautiful new assistant. . .is she available?}" Herbert asked.
Kurt shook his head, trying to talk through a mouth full of food.
"{Nein! Not to you, at least!}" Kurt said, laughing. "{Hands off of my friends, gentlemen! Anyone who touches them answers to me!}"
The rest of the young men laughed, each making an apologetic motion with their hands.
"What happened?" Kitty asked. "What did they say?"
"I'm simply looking out for you two." Kurt said, smiling. "Defending your honor, one could say."
Tabby simply smiled and shook her head.
"I don't need you looking over me, Fuzzy!" Tabby said, walking over to Gunther and sitting next to him, making the other young men and women tease Kurt.
"{I had nothing to do with this, Kurt.}" The handsome young man teased.
"{I know. She likes charity cases. You are obviously so ugly that she feels sorry for you.}" Kurt said.
"Okay, enough German!" Tabby said. "I'm not that advanced."
"Okay, Tabby, no more German lessons for tonight." Kurt said.
Gunther began to speak to Tabby, asking her questions about her life in America. The rest of the gypsy kids had asked Kitty for a demonstration of her powers, and she began to phase her hand through objects close to her. Neither girl noticed when Franka sat down at the fire, her eyes on Kurt. Kurt noticed, though. Kitty finally noticed that Franka was there when she sensed that Kurt's mood had changed. Where he had been happy and joking before he was now grumpy and moody. That's when Kitty looked around for the reason why and found Franka staring at her.
Maybe it was her proximity to Kurt that made Franka realize that Kitty must be the one that Kurt liked. Maybe she had seen them together before either one had noticed her. Whatever it was, Franka's eyes seemed to single Kitty out as her enemy.
"So, Kurt, tell us about your life in America." Franka said, cutting into the conversation about Kitty's powers.
The tension was palpable, and the others seemed to sense so.
"I've already told you, Franka." Kurt said.
"But ze ozzers don't know, do zey?" Franka asked.
"I told most of zem vhat my life has been like around ze fire vhen ve first arrived." Kurt said.
"Ah. Zen how is school?" Franka asked.
"Good. And how is your school, Franka?" Kurt asked.
"It is vonderful, Kurt. I'm very happy zhere." Franka said.
"Good." Kurt said airily, turning away from her.
The properness of each of their questions and responses seemed strange to Kitty, who moved closer to Kurt. Franka noticed this, and made a guess right then. She guessed that not only was it Kitty that Kurt cared for, but Kitty seemed to also care very deeply for him. But had Kurt told Kitty that he was single? It certainly didn't seem so. Franka wondered about it for a moment, and then played her gamble, hoping that it would pay off.
"And your love life, Kurt?" Franka asked.
Kurt almost answered before remembering that he had told Franka the truth, but not Kitty. His eyes went wide as he tried to think quickly about how to handle the question.
"Oh, I'm sorry, Kurt. You already told me zat you vere single." Franka said.
"Franka!" Kurt cried out.
"Kurt's not single." Kitty said.
"I beg to differ." Franka told Kitty.
"Excuse me, but I'm his best friend in the entire world. He tells me everything." Kitty said.
"Oh, so you already knew about me, jah?" Franka asked.
Kitty gave her a sour look.
"Zat's vhat I zought." Franka said.
"Franka, shut up." Kurt hissed. "{Stay out of this. It's none of your business.}"
"{Do the act, Kurt.}" Franka said. "{I'm sorry about what happened in the woods earlier, but quit playing this stupid game! You know we're good together.}"
Her voice had taken on the petulant tone of a five-year-old who isn't getting what they want.
"{It's no game!}" Kurt growled. "{I can't be with you anymore. I'm sorry! I really am. But my heart has moved on.}"
"{And to whom?}" Franka asked. "{This little wretch here?}"
She motioned to Kitty, who was looking back and forth between the two, trying desperately to decipher what was being said. According to the looks on the gypsies faces, it must have been pretty interesting. Some of the gypsy teens had actually begun to leave the fire, all of them feeling uncomfortable.
"{Don't call her that!}" Kurt growled fiercely.
Franka glared at him, and then turned to Kitty, smiling sweetly at the young American woman.
"He's single, little one. Trust me on zat. Ozzervise he vouldn't haff kissed me today." Franka said.
Kitty looked at Kurt, her mouth formed into a tiny "o" of surprise.
"Is it true?" Kitty asked him. "Are you really single? Did you really kiss her?"
"Katzchen. . ." Kurt began.
"Keeping secrets from me again, Kurt?" Kitty asked, getting up from her seat and walking away.
"Nein! Katzchen, nein! I mean. . .I need to talk to you about some stuff, but I'm not. . ." Kurt began, getting up to go after her.
"Oh, I'm sorry. Did I say something zat I vasn't supposed to?" Franka said, feigning ignorance.
Kurt merely scowled at her and walked away. Franka turned back to the fire with a small grin on her face and began to talk in German to the knife- thrower at her side. Tabby glared at her, hoping that Franka would look back up. She didn't. So, instead, Tabby simply got up, formed her hand into a fist and dropped what she was holding next to Franka as she walked by. Franka smiled at her as she passed, not noticing the small, glowing ball behind her until it blew up, throwing her into the knife-thrower.
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Kitty quickly walked away, her head held low and at an angle. She felt hurt, angry, and scared. She was hurt because Kurt hadn't told her that he was no longer with Amanda. They were supposed to be best friends, and he couldn't even tell her about that. She felt angry with him because he had told Franka these things, but didn't tell Kitty herself. And she was scared. She was scared that Kurt wanted Franka, and not herself.
"Kitty! Vait! Vait! Kitty!" she heard him call behind her.
"Go away, Kurt!" Kitty yelled out.
"Nein! Oh! Excuse me." Kurt said, pushing past a small crowd at another fire. "Oh! Vhat am I doing?"
Kurt disappeared behind Kitty and reappeared right in front of her. He bent forward, stretching his arms out in a motion to stop Kitty from walking past him. It worked. Kitty halted, crossing her arms and looking at him expectantly. Kurt stood there for a moment, unsure of how to begin.
"Um. . .er. . ." he stammered.
"Are you really single?" Kitty asked. "You and Amanda broke up?"
"Jah." He said softly.
"You lied to me." Kitty said.
Kurt hung his head.
"Jah." He replied.
Kitty's bit her lips and shook her head.
"How long now?" Kitty asked.
"A couple of monzths ago." Kurt said.
"For a long time now, you've been lying to me." Kitty said. "Why Kurt?"
"Vhy vhat?" Kurt asked, not daring to look up into her face.
"Why did you lie to me? All this time? You were supposed to be my best friend, man! And you've been lying to me! Telling me about all of the problems that you and Amanda have been having, and all this time it was a lie!"
"I didn't mean for it to happen, Katzchen!" Kurt said. "It's just zat. . ."
Kitty waited for him to finish, but he had become silent again.
"It's just that what?" Kitty demanded.
"It just seemed. . .it seemed zat ve became closer vhen I could come to you viz my problems viz Amanda. And I vas afraid. . .zat. . .after she broke up viz me zat you. . .zat ve. . .ve vouldn't haff zat closeness anymore." Kurt said.
"So you lied to me?" Kitty asked. "Kurt, that's stupid. Do you really think that I'm so shallow that I'd quit being your friend if you didn't have Amanda?"
"Nein." Kurt moaned.
Kitty began to pace back and forth, running her hands through her hair.
"Is there anything else that you've been lying to me about?" Kitty asked.
"Nein! I svear! Nozzing else!" Kurt said.
Kitty paused and turned toward Kurt.
"Okay, you're forgiven. But, Kurt, I swear, if I have to find out anything else about you from that bitch Franka. . ." Kitty said.
"Not a zing! I promise!" Kurt said.
"Okay, Fuzzy. You're forgiven." Kitty said, holding her arms out.
Kurt walked toward her, spreading his own arms. The two embraced each other. Kitty and Kurt had hugged each other before. There was nothing new about the two of them touching. But something seemed. . .different to both of the them about this embrace. It somehow seemed like. . .something more. Something mature. Something was more than "friendly" about the hug. The two pulled their heads apart. Their arms were still around each other, and the two looked into each other's faces. Kurt saw a small freckle under her jawbone, a small imperfection that contrasted with the rest of her face to show how beautiful she truly was. Kitty looked into his face and could almost swear that she saw the need that she felt in her own heart reflected in his eyes.
Once again, Tabby spoiled the moment.
"Hey, you two. Where are you?" Tabby called out.
The two separated faster than lightning. Tabby came around the corner and saw them standing there, both with their hands inside their pockets.
"Hey! Can you believe that bitch? I swear, Kurt, you'll be lucky if I don't kill your old friend Franka." Tabby said.
"Yeah, that makes two of us." Kitty said, looking pointedly at Kurt.
"I'm sorry, girls. To you bozth. Believe me, if I had known zat she'd be here zis summer, I don't even zink zat I vould haff come." Kurt said.
"It's okay, Kurt. We know it's not your fault." Tabby said. "Okay, well, the show starts tomorrow, and I'm going to bed. I have to "job shadow" your mom tomorrow."
"Okay. Goodnight, Tabby." Kurt said.
"Yeah, goodnight." Kitty said to Tabby.
Tabby hugged the both of them.
"Okay, well, you two should get some sleep, too." Tabby said, walking away. "And remember. . .when you're both alone in that wagon tonight, don't do anything that I wouldn't!"
Tabby laughed and ran off. Her words had brought a horrible scarlet blush to Kitty's face. Kurt was certain he was blushing, too.
"She's funny, jah?" Kurt said, laughing awkwardly.
"Yeah."
"But. . .she's right. Ve should go to bed." Kurt said, walking backward toward the wagon, watching Kitty.
"Oh." She said. "Okay."
Kurt entered the wagon, holding the door open for Kitty. Kitty smiled at him gently as she entered. The two stepped to opposite sides of the wagon, Kurt pulling a small drape down between them so they could undress.
"What's that?" Kitty asked.
"Privacy curtain. So ve can undress and get into our pajamas." Kurt said.
"Scared that I'm gonna look?" Kitty asked, a sly grin on her face.
"Vell. . .jah!" Kurt said, his voice full of righteous indignation.
"Wall of Jericho?" Kitty teased.
"Jah! See, I zought you'd like mein old movies eventually. You just quoted one." Kurt said. (1)
"Yeah, well, it was a good one." Kitty said, sounding somewhat distracted.
Kitty was watching Kurt's silhouette through the curtain undress himself. Sighing softly, she turned her attention to her own clothes and began to disrobe. Kurt pulled on an clean old T-shirt and turned toward the drape. Kitty's silhouette was taking her top off, showing the shadow of the gentle curve of her breasts through the drape. He watched her silhouette continue to get into pajamas, remembering the embrace that had occurred just moments ago, and how good it felt to have her pressed up against him, his arms around her.
"Finished?" he croaked when the silhouette had seemed to be dressed.
"Yeah." Kitty said, throwing the curtain aside.
Kurt was wearing a pair of long pants and a T-shirt. Kitty was wearing a large pair of boxers and a small tank top nightshirt.
"Vell, I guess ve should go to bed." Kurt said, moving aside to give her room on the mattress.
Kitty got into bed somewhat hesitantly, hoping that Kurt didn't notice her looking him up and down.
"I'll sleep on top of ze sheets, you can sleep under zem." Kurt said.
"Kurt. . ." Kitty said. ". . .we're both mature enough to handle this. You're my best friend. I don't mind sleeping in the same bed as you."
"Oh." Kurt croaked again. "Okay."
When they were both under the covers and the lights were off, Kitty rolled over to face him.
"Did you really kiss Franka?" Kitty asked.
Kurt closed his eyes.
"Kurt!" Kitty demanded.
"Jah. Vell, it vas more like she kissed me and. . .and I kissed back before I decided zat it vas wrong." Kurt said.
"Why was it wrong?" Kitty asked, scooting closer to him in bed.
Kurt shifted uncomfortably.
"It just vas." Kurt said. "Let's go to sleep."
"Okay." Kitty said, after a moment of consideration.
Kurt turned over, so that he wasn't staring directly at Kitty. He was just beginning to drift off to sleep when he felt her tap his shoulder.
"Jah?" he asked sleepily, without turning over.
"Do you mind. . .can I. . .will you hold me?" Kitty asked. "Just as a friend? I didn't sleep well last night. As a matter of fact, I don't sleep well in new places."
Kurt stared at the wall in front of him, wide eyed.
"Jah." He said.
They both turned over, Kurt so that he could face Kitty, and Kitty so that Kurt was facing her back. Kitty felt him drape his arm around her, and she scooted backward, into him. Kurt could smell both the lavender oil she wore and the smell of the camp on her. She closed her eyes and began to drift off to sleep, held in the arms of someone who cared for her. Someone who cared dearly for her. Someone who loved her. Soon, Kurt fell asleep himself.
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The sun was shining brightly the next day. The sun was shining brightly and the cool wind was blowing through the clearing. The flags on top of the big top fluttered in the breeze, and the wind carried the music of the circus with it. The crowds came in droves from the larger town of Magdeberg. They also came from Wulfbank, Glasken and Tripik. Cars parked in the grass and men, women and children made their way to the midway. Parents gave their children coins to buy food and drink, or play the games. Then the parents would have their fortunes read or eat and drink themselves.
The lot was soon full, and the townspeople made their way to the big top, claiming a seat where they could find them. The stands filled up with guests as the concessionaires made their way around the tent, selling everything from beer and schnitzel to toys and candy. Finally, the circus ringmaster entered the ring, and called out to the viewers.
"{Ladies and gentlemen! Boys and girls of all ages! Welcome to our show! Today you will be astounded by the grand spectacle that has been passed down through our tribe for generations! We hope you enjoy the show!}" The man called out.
Applause filled the tent as a group of tumblers rolled out to perform their tricks.
Backstage, behind the entrance curtain at the rear of the tent, appeared to be chaos to the untrained eye. Kitty certainly thought that was what it was. Everyone was running this way and thay way. Half of the performers were still not completely dressed. Acts were still being practiced. So to Kitty, it seemed as if no one was ready. To the performers, however, this was how they were everyday, and they felt completely ready to glow the township away with their first show of the tour.
"Katzchen!" Kitty heard.
Kitty turned to see Kurt moving through the crowd toward her. He was dressed in his costume of tight spandex, making Kitty giggle.
"Jah, jah, jah. I know. Looks funny, nein? Anyhow, you go on before us, and since you've never seen me do zis, I hope you'll vatch." Kurt said.
"Of course, Fuzzy. I wouldn't miss you for the world." Kitty said.
Both smiled warmly at each other before Kurt bent over and hugged her.
"Good luck, Katzchen." Kurt said. Then, quickly, he kissed her forehead and walked away.
Kitty stood there, grinning like a maniac. That is, until she heard the voice of Franka behind her.
"Looks as if vhat you said is true. You two are very close, jah?" Franka said.
Kitty turned around, trying hard to keep herself from hitting the other girl.
"Yup." Kitty said.
"Vell, good for you. Now, I hope you're ready, because ve're on in a couple of moments." Franka said, smiling.
"What do you mean "we?" I'm on with my partner in a little. . ." Kitty began.
"Oh no! You mean no one told you? Vell, last night, vhen your friend dropped her little bomb behind me, I vas pushed into Herbert and broke two of his fingers on his zrowing hand. Since I vas trained a couple of years ago and used to perform as his partner, I'm taking over for him." Franka said.
"So. . .in other words. . .what you're saying is. . .you'll be throwing knives at my head?" Kitty asked.
"Jah." Franka said, smiling. "Sounds fun, nein?"
With that said, Franka turned around and left the area.
"Shit." Kitty muttered.
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"Vait a moment! Vhat happened to you?" Kurt asked Herbert behind the stage.
"{Last night. . .something exploded and sent Franka into me. I broke two fingers.}" Herbert said, holding up his hand.
"{Well then who's performing in your place?}" Kurt asked, wondering if the bad feeling and memories of Franka's training were both correct.
"{Franka.}" Herbert said.
"Oh shit." Kurt said.
"{Ladies and gentlemen. . ."} the ringmaster was saying to the audience. "{. . .let me introduce to you Franka and Katherine! Franka is a marksman of incredible skill, and Katherine is her assistant with nerves of steel! Watch. . .and be amazed!}"
"Oh shit!" Kurt exclaimed.
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Kitty leaned back against the target, fuming. She wasn't really worried about getting cut anymore. She realized that all she had to do was phase when the knives were thrown to avoid getting killed. So she wasn't worried about the knives. What she was worried about was the fact that she may have to phase. She certainly didn't want to freak out an entire audience when she began to move through objects and knives. She didn't know what they would do to her, or how it would affect the gypsies. So she was afraid of having to use her powers, and the consequences that may arise from it.
Franka turned left and right, smiling to the crowd and holding a giant throwing knife in the air. She suddenly turned toward Kitty, her face twisting in either concentration or anger, and threw it. The knife sailed through the air, quickly followed by another. They hit home, not more than a centimeter away from the flesh of Kitty's left and right shoulders. They impaled the cape of her costume (which consisted of cape and long dress) to the target. Remembering to smile, Kitty stepped forward, the cape slipping off of her shoulders. The audience applauded as Kitty bowed and smiled to them, keeping her fierce eyes on Franka, who was also bowing.
Kitty stepped back against the target. No sooner had she stepped against the wooden plank than Franka had thrown two more knives, these sticking in the wood next to her head. Kitty moaned with anxiety when she realized just how close to her eyes they had been. Holding her breath, she stepped forward as a machete flew end over end past her right arm, sticking in the wood.
The audience was applauding wildly as Kurt watched from the wings, breathless with fear.
"Come on, Kitty. Don't let her scare you. She won't hurt you. She's just going to try to scare you. Don't let her." Kurt thought.
Blade after blade flew from Franka's hand. They stuck in the wood next to Kitty's legs, her arms, her head, her midriff. Finally, when Kitty knew she was done throwing the blades, Kitty stepped forward, only to be stopped. The blades had caught hold of the fabric of her dress everywhere they had landed. The audience cheered wildly when they realized how close the blades had come to Kitty. Franka approached Kitty, bowing to the crowd. When she finally reached Kitty, she looked her in the face, still smiling the fake smile.
Kitty wasn't scared. She knew that Franka had approached to take the knives out. It was part of the act.
"Vell done, Kitty." Franka said. "Not bad. I'm surprised you're not crying right now."
"Franka, I've been in hand to hand combat with evil mutants who are bent on the destruction of mankind and with evil humans bent on the destruction of mutantkind. Do you really think I'm afraid of a little waif throwing knives at me?" Kitty asked quietly.
Franka's features changed to a snarl, and as she drew a knife out of the board, it slipped down, cutting Kitty's arm at her bicep. Kurt grimaced in pain, but did not shout. It wasn't a very deep cut, but it hurt none the less. The audience didn't realize it, so when Kitty was done, she joined Franka by her side and bowed.
"You're lucky I don't kick your ass for that right now." Kitty said.
"Manners, American girl. Manners. Ve're not all as base as you are. It vas. . .an accident." Franka said.
The two girls began to walk out of the tent the back way, toward backstage.
"You American's are alvays so quick to. . .OH!" Franka said.
She hadn't had a chance to finish because Kitty had tripped her and she had fallen to the floor, only to get run over by one of the jugglers on their way out to the ring.
"What was that you were saying?" Kitty called out to her before turning around and going backstage.
Franka glared at the girl as she walked away. Finally, she picked herself up off of the floor and followed Kitty's lead.
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Kitty bandaged herself up as quickly as she could. She refused to let Franka's pettiness and jealousy of her friendship with Kurt get in the way of enjoying Kurt's performance. After wrapping her arm, she ran back to the area of the wings to watch Kurt perform. When she reached the wings, Kurt was climbing up the ladder of the structure in the center of the ring. He climbed fast, and he seemed to be completely sure of himself.
"I'll bet he wishes he could just teleport up there." Kitty thought.
Kurt finally reached the top and stood next to his father. Kitty watched him stand there, feeling as if something were off. Finally she realized what it was. Kurt wasn't wearing his hologram. He was in his usual, blue elf form. Kitty wondered about this for the shortest of moments before realizing that the audience just thought it was part of the act.
Kurt stood at the edge of the steel stand for a moment, then just jumped off, swan diving toward the ground. At just the right moment, a swing swung over and Kurt grabbed hold, slinging his legs forward. Kurt let go, and, flipping end over end, grabbed the next swinging bar and swung up to the other stand. He stood up with a flourish and bowed to the audience, who once again began to cheer loudly. Kitty was among them, clapping and screaming his name. He looked down and she thought she saw him smile at her.
The acrobatic act really was the star of the show, and it was the act that lasted the longest. Kurt, his father, and the rest of the team swung, jumped, and dived with the greatest of ease and without fear. Kurt was easily the greatest of any of them up there, his body able to contort and move in ways that the others couldn't. Kitty loved watching him. He was so graceful, and he looked as if he were completely at peace up in the air. Kitty realized that he probably was as he made one last, graceful swan dive to the net below, flipping just in time so as not to get hurt. The others followed, and they walked off to great applause.
Kitty ran backstage and caught up with Kurt, who had been standing there wainting for her. He laughed as she ran toward him and jumped onto him, grabbing onto his shoulders.
"Kurt! That was amazing!" Kitty shouted.
"Zank you, Liebe! I appreciate it!" Kurt said, laughing.
"No, Kurt, I mean it. That was so freaking cool. Seriously." Kitty said, calming down and smiling at him.
"Zank you, Katz. Your act vas cool as vell! I couldn't believe you vere so calm!" Kurt said. "Especially because. . ."
"Because of psycho bitch? Kurt! Look at this." Kitty said softly, raising her sleeve and showing Kurt her arm.
"How did zis happen?" Kurt asked softly, gently fingering the bloody bandage.
"Oh. . .she said something to me when she was taking the knives off of the target, I mouthed off to her, and. . .her hand slipped." Kitty finished lamely.
"Her. . .hand. . .slipped?" Kurt said slowly.
"Yeah." Kitty said, looking up into his eyes.
"Slipped?" Kurt repeated.
"Yeah. Slipped." Kitty said.
"Katzchen, I need to talk to. . ." Kurt began.
"Nobody. You don't have to talk to anyone." Kitty said, shaking her head.
"But Katz! You're injured! Bleeding, even! Let me. . ." Kurt said.
"No! I told you. It was an accident. And if it wasn't, or if it happens again, I can take care of myself, right?" Kitty asked.
"Jah." He said softly, eyeing the bandage.
"RIGHT?" she asked again, louder this time.
"Right!" Kurt said, laughing. "My Katzchen is nobody's fool, and can take care of herself. Zhere. Happy?"
"Very. Let's go find Tabby and eat. I'm hungry." Kitty said.
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(1): The movie quoted is "It Happened One Night," a wonderful film from the master. . .Frank Capra.
Okay, so there's yet another chapter. I think that I know what direction I'm moving in, but I have to think about it for a little while. I'll have the next chapter up in a couple of days. Until then. . .
Later.
Notes: Okay, so this is a little bit longer than my usual chapter. I hope that everyone enjoys it. I may be writing a little bit more of "Battle of Bayville Mall," my apology piece for leaving Jubes out of "You're Gonna Be A Star." I think I have an idea for it, so I may have a chapter up soon. Maybe.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Yeah, yeah, yeah. I realized after I posted chapter 5 that I screwed up with the whole "baby Kurt teleporting" thing. Oh well. In my AU, baby Kurt could teleport. That's how special and cool he is, baby!
Togepi4eva: I'm not really certain if I could do that or not. Someone once asked me to do a Static Shock/X-Men: Evo crossover, and it sucked so bad I just deleted it after I wrote the 1st chapter. I don't know.
Coffee Connoisseur: My. . .er. . .other story is over at aff.net. It's not very good (in my opinion), and I need to fix it somehow. I'm just not certain as to how.
Readers and Reviewers: Thank you all so much. It really means a lot to me that you all like the story so much. Thank you.
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The entire camp had been turned into a cross between a bonfire and a smorgasbord. To Kitty and Tabby, it looked almost exactly as it had the night that they had arrived at in Germany. Everywhere, people were eating and having a good time. Music was being played on a violin, and people were dancing. It wasn't what Tabby had imagined gypsy dancing to be like. She had expected belly dancers, or people jumping up and down, circling the fire. Instead she got people slow dancing for the slower songs.
The two girls had been sitting with Astrid and Johannes around a fire. Kurt had found Kitty and Tabby and had pulled them over to another fire, a fire where some of the younger men and women were hanging out. Kitty noticed her knife-throwing partner, Herbert, there. He didn't speak a word of English, but he smiled sheepishly at her. She smiled back. Kurt had eaten until he felt as if he were going to burst, and Tabby seemed to be on the same road.
"{So, Kurt! Tell us! My beautiful new assistant. . .is she available?}" Herbert asked.
Kurt shook his head, trying to talk through a mouth full of food.
"{Nein! Not to you, at least!}" Kurt said, laughing. "{Hands off of my friends, gentlemen! Anyone who touches them answers to me!}"
The rest of the young men laughed, each making an apologetic motion with their hands.
"What happened?" Kitty asked. "What did they say?"
"I'm simply looking out for you two." Kurt said, smiling. "Defending your honor, one could say."
Tabby simply smiled and shook her head.
"I don't need you looking over me, Fuzzy!" Tabby said, walking over to Gunther and sitting next to him, making the other young men and women tease Kurt.
"{I had nothing to do with this, Kurt.}" The handsome young man teased.
"{I know. She likes charity cases. You are obviously so ugly that she feels sorry for you.}" Kurt said.
"Okay, enough German!" Tabby said. "I'm not that advanced."
"Okay, Tabby, no more German lessons for tonight." Kurt said.
Gunther began to speak to Tabby, asking her questions about her life in America. The rest of the gypsy kids had asked Kitty for a demonstration of her powers, and she began to phase her hand through objects close to her. Neither girl noticed when Franka sat down at the fire, her eyes on Kurt. Kurt noticed, though. Kitty finally noticed that Franka was there when she sensed that Kurt's mood had changed. Where he had been happy and joking before he was now grumpy and moody. That's when Kitty looked around for the reason why and found Franka staring at her.
Maybe it was her proximity to Kurt that made Franka realize that Kitty must be the one that Kurt liked. Maybe she had seen them together before either one had noticed her. Whatever it was, Franka's eyes seemed to single Kitty out as her enemy.
"So, Kurt, tell us about your life in America." Franka said, cutting into the conversation about Kitty's powers.
The tension was palpable, and the others seemed to sense so.
"I've already told you, Franka." Kurt said.
"But ze ozzers don't know, do zey?" Franka asked.
"I told most of zem vhat my life has been like around ze fire vhen ve first arrived." Kurt said.
"Ah. Zen how is school?" Franka asked.
"Good. And how is your school, Franka?" Kurt asked.
"It is vonderful, Kurt. I'm very happy zhere." Franka said.
"Good." Kurt said airily, turning away from her.
The properness of each of their questions and responses seemed strange to Kitty, who moved closer to Kurt. Franka noticed this, and made a guess right then. She guessed that not only was it Kitty that Kurt cared for, but Kitty seemed to also care very deeply for him. But had Kurt told Kitty that he was single? It certainly didn't seem so. Franka wondered about it for a moment, and then played her gamble, hoping that it would pay off.
"And your love life, Kurt?" Franka asked.
Kurt almost answered before remembering that he had told Franka the truth, but not Kitty. His eyes went wide as he tried to think quickly about how to handle the question.
"Oh, I'm sorry, Kurt. You already told me zat you vere single." Franka said.
"Franka!" Kurt cried out.
"Kurt's not single." Kitty said.
"I beg to differ." Franka told Kitty.
"Excuse me, but I'm his best friend in the entire world. He tells me everything." Kitty said.
"Oh, so you already knew about me, jah?" Franka asked.
Kitty gave her a sour look.
"Zat's vhat I zought." Franka said.
"Franka, shut up." Kurt hissed. "{Stay out of this. It's none of your business.}"
"{Do the act, Kurt.}" Franka said. "{I'm sorry about what happened in the woods earlier, but quit playing this stupid game! You know we're good together.}"
Her voice had taken on the petulant tone of a five-year-old who isn't getting what they want.
"{It's no game!}" Kurt growled. "{I can't be with you anymore. I'm sorry! I really am. But my heart has moved on.}"
"{And to whom?}" Franka asked. "{This little wretch here?}"
She motioned to Kitty, who was looking back and forth between the two, trying desperately to decipher what was being said. According to the looks on the gypsies faces, it must have been pretty interesting. Some of the gypsy teens had actually begun to leave the fire, all of them feeling uncomfortable.
"{Don't call her that!}" Kurt growled fiercely.
Franka glared at him, and then turned to Kitty, smiling sweetly at the young American woman.
"He's single, little one. Trust me on zat. Ozzervise he vouldn't haff kissed me today." Franka said.
Kitty looked at Kurt, her mouth formed into a tiny "o" of surprise.
"Is it true?" Kitty asked him. "Are you really single? Did you really kiss her?"
"Katzchen. . ." Kurt began.
"Keeping secrets from me again, Kurt?" Kitty asked, getting up from her seat and walking away.
"Nein! Katzchen, nein! I mean. . .I need to talk to you about some stuff, but I'm not. . ." Kurt began, getting up to go after her.
"Oh, I'm sorry. Did I say something zat I vasn't supposed to?" Franka said, feigning ignorance.
Kurt merely scowled at her and walked away. Franka turned back to the fire with a small grin on her face and began to talk in German to the knife- thrower at her side. Tabby glared at her, hoping that Franka would look back up. She didn't. So, instead, Tabby simply got up, formed her hand into a fist and dropped what she was holding next to Franka as she walked by. Franka smiled at her as she passed, not noticing the small, glowing ball behind her until it blew up, throwing her into the knife-thrower.
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Kitty quickly walked away, her head held low and at an angle. She felt hurt, angry, and scared. She was hurt because Kurt hadn't told her that he was no longer with Amanda. They were supposed to be best friends, and he couldn't even tell her about that. She felt angry with him because he had told Franka these things, but didn't tell Kitty herself. And she was scared. She was scared that Kurt wanted Franka, and not herself.
"Kitty! Vait! Vait! Kitty!" she heard him call behind her.
"Go away, Kurt!" Kitty yelled out.
"Nein! Oh! Excuse me." Kurt said, pushing past a small crowd at another fire. "Oh! Vhat am I doing?"
Kurt disappeared behind Kitty and reappeared right in front of her. He bent forward, stretching his arms out in a motion to stop Kitty from walking past him. It worked. Kitty halted, crossing her arms and looking at him expectantly. Kurt stood there for a moment, unsure of how to begin.
"Um. . .er. . ." he stammered.
"Are you really single?" Kitty asked. "You and Amanda broke up?"
"Jah." He said softly.
"You lied to me." Kitty said.
Kurt hung his head.
"Jah." He replied.
Kitty's bit her lips and shook her head.
"How long now?" Kitty asked.
"A couple of monzths ago." Kurt said.
"For a long time now, you've been lying to me." Kitty said. "Why Kurt?"
"Vhy vhat?" Kurt asked, not daring to look up into her face.
"Why did you lie to me? All this time? You were supposed to be my best friend, man! And you've been lying to me! Telling me about all of the problems that you and Amanda have been having, and all this time it was a lie!"
"I didn't mean for it to happen, Katzchen!" Kurt said. "It's just zat. . ."
Kitty waited for him to finish, but he had become silent again.
"It's just that what?" Kitty demanded.
"It just seemed. . .it seemed zat ve became closer vhen I could come to you viz my problems viz Amanda. And I vas afraid. . .zat. . .after she broke up viz me zat you. . .zat ve. . .ve vouldn't haff zat closeness anymore." Kurt said.
"So you lied to me?" Kitty asked. "Kurt, that's stupid. Do you really think that I'm so shallow that I'd quit being your friend if you didn't have Amanda?"
"Nein." Kurt moaned.
Kitty began to pace back and forth, running her hands through her hair.
"Is there anything else that you've been lying to me about?" Kitty asked.
"Nein! I svear! Nozzing else!" Kurt said.
Kitty paused and turned toward Kurt.
"Okay, you're forgiven. But, Kurt, I swear, if I have to find out anything else about you from that bitch Franka. . ." Kitty said.
"Not a zing! I promise!" Kurt said.
"Okay, Fuzzy. You're forgiven." Kitty said, holding her arms out.
Kurt walked toward her, spreading his own arms. The two embraced each other. Kitty and Kurt had hugged each other before. There was nothing new about the two of them touching. But something seemed. . .different to both of the them about this embrace. It somehow seemed like. . .something more. Something mature. Something was more than "friendly" about the hug. The two pulled their heads apart. Their arms were still around each other, and the two looked into each other's faces. Kurt saw a small freckle under her jawbone, a small imperfection that contrasted with the rest of her face to show how beautiful she truly was. Kitty looked into his face and could almost swear that she saw the need that she felt in her own heart reflected in his eyes.
Once again, Tabby spoiled the moment.
"Hey, you two. Where are you?" Tabby called out.
The two separated faster than lightning. Tabby came around the corner and saw them standing there, both with their hands inside their pockets.
"Hey! Can you believe that bitch? I swear, Kurt, you'll be lucky if I don't kill your old friend Franka." Tabby said.
"Yeah, that makes two of us." Kitty said, looking pointedly at Kurt.
"I'm sorry, girls. To you bozth. Believe me, if I had known zat she'd be here zis summer, I don't even zink zat I vould haff come." Kurt said.
"It's okay, Kurt. We know it's not your fault." Tabby said. "Okay, well, the show starts tomorrow, and I'm going to bed. I have to "job shadow" your mom tomorrow."
"Okay. Goodnight, Tabby." Kurt said.
"Yeah, goodnight." Kitty said to Tabby.
Tabby hugged the both of them.
"Okay, well, you two should get some sleep, too." Tabby said, walking away. "And remember. . .when you're both alone in that wagon tonight, don't do anything that I wouldn't!"
Tabby laughed and ran off. Her words had brought a horrible scarlet blush to Kitty's face. Kurt was certain he was blushing, too.
"She's funny, jah?" Kurt said, laughing awkwardly.
"Yeah."
"But. . .she's right. Ve should go to bed." Kurt said, walking backward toward the wagon, watching Kitty.
"Oh." She said. "Okay."
Kurt entered the wagon, holding the door open for Kitty. Kitty smiled at him gently as she entered. The two stepped to opposite sides of the wagon, Kurt pulling a small drape down between them so they could undress.
"What's that?" Kitty asked.
"Privacy curtain. So ve can undress and get into our pajamas." Kurt said.
"Scared that I'm gonna look?" Kitty asked, a sly grin on her face.
"Vell. . .jah!" Kurt said, his voice full of righteous indignation.
"Wall of Jericho?" Kitty teased.
"Jah! See, I zought you'd like mein old movies eventually. You just quoted one." Kurt said. (1)
"Yeah, well, it was a good one." Kitty said, sounding somewhat distracted.
Kitty was watching Kurt's silhouette through the curtain undress himself. Sighing softly, she turned her attention to her own clothes and began to disrobe. Kurt pulled on an clean old T-shirt and turned toward the drape. Kitty's silhouette was taking her top off, showing the shadow of the gentle curve of her breasts through the drape. He watched her silhouette continue to get into pajamas, remembering the embrace that had occurred just moments ago, and how good it felt to have her pressed up against him, his arms around her.
"Finished?" he croaked when the silhouette had seemed to be dressed.
"Yeah." Kitty said, throwing the curtain aside.
Kurt was wearing a pair of long pants and a T-shirt. Kitty was wearing a large pair of boxers and a small tank top nightshirt.
"Vell, I guess ve should go to bed." Kurt said, moving aside to give her room on the mattress.
Kitty got into bed somewhat hesitantly, hoping that Kurt didn't notice her looking him up and down.
"I'll sleep on top of ze sheets, you can sleep under zem." Kurt said.
"Kurt. . ." Kitty said. ". . .we're both mature enough to handle this. You're my best friend. I don't mind sleeping in the same bed as you."
"Oh." Kurt croaked again. "Okay."
When they were both under the covers and the lights were off, Kitty rolled over to face him.
"Did you really kiss Franka?" Kitty asked.
Kurt closed his eyes.
"Kurt!" Kitty demanded.
"Jah. Vell, it vas more like she kissed me and. . .and I kissed back before I decided zat it vas wrong." Kurt said.
"Why was it wrong?" Kitty asked, scooting closer to him in bed.
Kurt shifted uncomfortably.
"It just vas." Kurt said. "Let's go to sleep."
"Okay." Kitty said, after a moment of consideration.
Kurt turned over, so that he wasn't staring directly at Kitty. He was just beginning to drift off to sleep when he felt her tap his shoulder.
"Jah?" he asked sleepily, without turning over.
"Do you mind. . .can I. . .will you hold me?" Kitty asked. "Just as a friend? I didn't sleep well last night. As a matter of fact, I don't sleep well in new places."
Kurt stared at the wall in front of him, wide eyed.
"Jah." He said.
They both turned over, Kurt so that he could face Kitty, and Kitty so that Kurt was facing her back. Kitty felt him drape his arm around her, and she scooted backward, into him. Kurt could smell both the lavender oil she wore and the smell of the camp on her. She closed her eyes and began to drift off to sleep, held in the arms of someone who cared for her. Someone who cared dearly for her. Someone who loved her. Soon, Kurt fell asleep himself.
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The sun was shining brightly the next day. The sun was shining brightly and the cool wind was blowing through the clearing. The flags on top of the big top fluttered in the breeze, and the wind carried the music of the circus with it. The crowds came in droves from the larger town of Magdeberg. They also came from Wulfbank, Glasken and Tripik. Cars parked in the grass and men, women and children made their way to the midway. Parents gave their children coins to buy food and drink, or play the games. Then the parents would have their fortunes read or eat and drink themselves.
The lot was soon full, and the townspeople made their way to the big top, claiming a seat where they could find them. The stands filled up with guests as the concessionaires made their way around the tent, selling everything from beer and schnitzel to toys and candy. Finally, the circus ringmaster entered the ring, and called out to the viewers.
"{Ladies and gentlemen! Boys and girls of all ages! Welcome to our show! Today you will be astounded by the grand spectacle that has been passed down through our tribe for generations! We hope you enjoy the show!}" The man called out.
Applause filled the tent as a group of tumblers rolled out to perform their tricks.
Backstage, behind the entrance curtain at the rear of the tent, appeared to be chaos to the untrained eye. Kitty certainly thought that was what it was. Everyone was running this way and thay way. Half of the performers were still not completely dressed. Acts were still being practiced. So to Kitty, it seemed as if no one was ready. To the performers, however, this was how they were everyday, and they felt completely ready to glow the township away with their first show of the tour.
"Katzchen!" Kitty heard.
Kitty turned to see Kurt moving through the crowd toward her. He was dressed in his costume of tight spandex, making Kitty giggle.
"Jah, jah, jah. I know. Looks funny, nein? Anyhow, you go on before us, and since you've never seen me do zis, I hope you'll vatch." Kurt said.
"Of course, Fuzzy. I wouldn't miss you for the world." Kitty said.
Both smiled warmly at each other before Kurt bent over and hugged her.
"Good luck, Katzchen." Kurt said. Then, quickly, he kissed her forehead and walked away.
Kitty stood there, grinning like a maniac. That is, until she heard the voice of Franka behind her.
"Looks as if vhat you said is true. You two are very close, jah?" Franka said.
Kitty turned around, trying hard to keep herself from hitting the other girl.
"Yup." Kitty said.
"Vell, good for you. Now, I hope you're ready, because ve're on in a couple of moments." Franka said, smiling.
"What do you mean "we?" I'm on with my partner in a little. . ." Kitty began.
"Oh no! You mean no one told you? Vell, last night, vhen your friend dropped her little bomb behind me, I vas pushed into Herbert and broke two of his fingers on his zrowing hand. Since I vas trained a couple of years ago and used to perform as his partner, I'm taking over for him." Franka said.
"So. . .in other words. . .what you're saying is. . .you'll be throwing knives at my head?" Kitty asked.
"Jah." Franka said, smiling. "Sounds fun, nein?"
With that said, Franka turned around and left the area.
"Shit." Kitty muttered.
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"Vait a moment! Vhat happened to you?" Kurt asked Herbert behind the stage.
"{Last night. . .something exploded and sent Franka into me. I broke two fingers.}" Herbert said, holding up his hand.
"{Well then who's performing in your place?}" Kurt asked, wondering if the bad feeling and memories of Franka's training were both correct.
"{Franka.}" Herbert said.
"Oh shit." Kurt said.
"{Ladies and gentlemen. . ."} the ringmaster was saying to the audience. "{. . .let me introduce to you Franka and Katherine! Franka is a marksman of incredible skill, and Katherine is her assistant with nerves of steel! Watch. . .and be amazed!}"
"Oh shit!" Kurt exclaimed.
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Kitty leaned back against the target, fuming. She wasn't really worried about getting cut anymore. She realized that all she had to do was phase when the knives were thrown to avoid getting killed. So she wasn't worried about the knives. What she was worried about was the fact that she may have to phase. She certainly didn't want to freak out an entire audience when she began to move through objects and knives. She didn't know what they would do to her, or how it would affect the gypsies. So she was afraid of having to use her powers, and the consequences that may arise from it.
Franka turned left and right, smiling to the crowd and holding a giant throwing knife in the air. She suddenly turned toward Kitty, her face twisting in either concentration or anger, and threw it. The knife sailed through the air, quickly followed by another. They hit home, not more than a centimeter away from the flesh of Kitty's left and right shoulders. They impaled the cape of her costume (which consisted of cape and long dress) to the target. Remembering to smile, Kitty stepped forward, the cape slipping off of her shoulders. The audience applauded as Kitty bowed and smiled to them, keeping her fierce eyes on Franka, who was also bowing.
Kitty stepped back against the target. No sooner had she stepped against the wooden plank than Franka had thrown two more knives, these sticking in the wood next to her head. Kitty moaned with anxiety when she realized just how close to her eyes they had been. Holding her breath, she stepped forward as a machete flew end over end past her right arm, sticking in the wood.
The audience was applauding wildly as Kurt watched from the wings, breathless with fear.
"Come on, Kitty. Don't let her scare you. She won't hurt you. She's just going to try to scare you. Don't let her." Kurt thought.
Blade after blade flew from Franka's hand. They stuck in the wood next to Kitty's legs, her arms, her head, her midriff. Finally, when Kitty knew she was done throwing the blades, Kitty stepped forward, only to be stopped. The blades had caught hold of the fabric of her dress everywhere they had landed. The audience cheered wildly when they realized how close the blades had come to Kitty. Franka approached Kitty, bowing to the crowd. When she finally reached Kitty, she looked her in the face, still smiling the fake smile.
Kitty wasn't scared. She knew that Franka had approached to take the knives out. It was part of the act.
"Vell done, Kitty." Franka said. "Not bad. I'm surprised you're not crying right now."
"Franka, I've been in hand to hand combat with evil mutants who are bent on the destruction of mankind and with evil humans bent on the destruction of mutantkind. Do you really think I'm afraid of a little waif throwing knives at me?" Kitty asked quietly.
Franka's features changed to a snarl, and as she drew a knife out of the board, it slipped down, cutting Kitty's arm at her bicep. Kurt grimaced in pain, but did not shout. It wasn't a very deep cut, but it hurt none the less. The audience didn't realize it, so when Kitty was done, she joined Franka by her side and bowed.
"You're lucky I don't kick your ass for that right now." Kitty said.
"Manners, American girl. Manners. Ve're not all as base as you are. It vas. . .an accident." Franka said.
The two girls began to walk out of the tent the back way, toward backstage.
"You American's are alvays so quick to. . .OH!" Franka said.
She hadn't had a chance to finish because Kitty had tripped her and she had fallen to the floor, only to get run over by one of the jugglers on their way out to the ring.
"What was that you were saying?" Kitty called out to her before turning around and going backstage.
Franka glared at the girl as she walked away. Finally, she picked herself up off of the floor and followed Kitty's lead.
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Kitty bandaged herself up as quickly as she could. She refused to let Franka's pettiness and jealousy of her friendship with Kurt get in the way of enjoying Kurt's performance. After wrapping her arm, she ran back to the area of the wings to watch Kurt perform. When she reached the wings, Kurt was climbing up the ladder of the structure in the center of the ring. He climbed fast, and he seemed to be completely sure of himself.
"I'll bet he wishes he could just teleport up there." Kitty thought.
Kurt finally reached the top and stood next to his father. Kitty watched him stand there, feeling as if something were off. Finally she realized what it was. Kurt wasn't wearing his hologram. He was in his usual, blue elf form. Kitty wondered about this for the shortest of moments before realizing that the audience just thought it was part of the act.
Kurt stood at the edge of the steel stand for a moment, then just jumped off, swan diving toward the ground. At just the right moment, a swing swung over and Kurt grabbed hold, slinging his legs forward. Kurt let go, and, flipping end over end, grabbed the next swinging bar and swung up to the other stand. He stood up with a flourish and bowed to the audience, who once again began to cheer loudly. Kitty was among them, clapping and screaming his name. He looked down and she thought she saw him smile at her.
The acrobatic act really was the star of the show, and it was the act that lasted the longest. Kurt, his father, and the rest of the team swung, jumped, and dived with the greatest of ease and without fear. Kurt was easily the greatest of any of them up there, his body able to contort and move in ways that the others couldn't. Kitty loved watching him. He was so graceful, and he looked as if he were completely at peace up in the air. Kitty realized that he probably was as he made one last, graceful swan dive to the net below, flipping just in time so as not to get hurt. The others followed, and they walked off to great applause.
Kitty ran backstage and caught up with Kurt, who had been standing there wainting for her. He laughed as she ran toward him and jumped onto him, grabbing onto his shoulders.
"Kurt! That was amazing!" Kitty shouted.
"Zank you, Liebe! I appreciate it!" Kurt said, laughing.
"No, Kurt, I mean it. That was so freaking cool. Seriously." Kitty said, calming down and smiling at him.
"Zank you, Katz. Your act vas cool as vell! I couldn't believe you vere so calm!" Kurt said. "Especially because. . ."
"Because of psycho bitch? Kurt! Look at this." Kitty said softly, raising her sleeve and showing Kurt her arm.
"How did zis happen?" Kurt asked softly, gently fingering the bloody bandage.
"Oh. . .she said something to me when she was taking the knives off of the target, I mouthed off to her, and. . .her hand slipped." Kitty finished lamely.
"Her. . .hand. . .slipped?" Kurt said slowly.
"Yeah." Kitty said, looking up into his eyes.
"Slipped?" Kurt repeated.
"Yeah. Slipped." Kitty said.
"Katzchen, I need to talk to. . ." Kurt began.
"Nobody. You don't have to talk to anyone." Kitty said, shaking her head.
"But Katz! You're injured! Bleeding, even! Let me. . ." Kurt said.
"No! I told you. It was an accident. And if it wasn't, or if it happens again, I can take care of myself, right?" Kitty asked.
"Jah." He said softly, eyeing the bandage.
"RIGHT?" she asked again, louder this time.
"Right!" Kurt said, laughing. "My Katzchen is nobody's fool, and can take care of herself. Zhere. Happy?"
"Very. Let's go find Tabby and eat. I'm hungry." Kitty said.
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(1): The movie quoted is "It Happened One Night," a wonderful film from the master. . .Frank Capra.
Okay, so there's yet another chapter. I think that I know what direction I'm moving in, but I have to think about it for a little while. I'll have the next chapter up in a couple of days. Until then. . .
Later.