A/N: I feel the love
Disclaimer: Own nothing!
Nine days. It had been nine long, grueling days since she had last seen Donny and though Klara had been preoccupied with her visitors in the week that they'd been hiding behind in her secret room, she found that the longer the loud-mouthed American was away the more he invaded her thoughts. She was beginning to go mad thinking about all the different things that could have happened to him since they parted ways – maybe he was fine; then again maybe he was lying face down in a ditch somewhere. She'd taken to checking her around on her porch in hopes of finding another note written in his slightly messy scrawl but had come up empty handed with each search. It was disheartening, it was disconcerting, and it was finally enough to have her contemplating making a trip to the clearing one sunny, Wednesday afternoon.
Klara stood on her porch with her hands shoved into the pockets of her pants, glancing around and trying to decide if going to the forest was really a good idea or not. The pretty weather had sent multitudes of nearby residents into the streets, so Klara knew it wouldn't be easy to get to the clearing without being spotted. And since taking a risk like that when she wasn't even sure that Donny would be nearby seemed pretty foolish, she finally resigned to the fact that she'd have to go another day without The Bear Jew.
She finally trudged down the steps of her porch and instead of turning left once she hit the sidewalk to head to the alley (and eventually the forest), she turned right and headed in the direction of the cinema. Perhaps there was something interesting showing in Shoshanna's theater, or maybe even the woman needed help. Klara didn't mind either way – any distraction at that moment would be a welcome one.
Klara shook her head with a sardonic smile as she made her way along the crowded streets. What had happened to her? When had she let her life and thoughts become overrun with a man she barely even knew? Klara had always thought herself a sensible woman – someone who didn't get too caught up in emotions and didn't let their feelings weaken them. It wasn't as though she was made out of stone and ice, but she had just always felt that there were more important things that needed her attention. Then Donny had come into her life. The uncouth man had caught her completely by surprise, literally, and then somehow managed to begin worming his way under her skin – it frustrated her almost as much as it excited her.
The loud blaring of a horn drew her attention but when Klara looked over to see what the commotion was, her eyes went wide and she quickly hopped out of sight, pressing her back against the brick wall of a small alley she'd jumped into in a vain attempt to conceal herself from sight. She held her breath as the source of the commotion, the man that had quickly crossed the street and nearly gotten run over by the honking car, went walking past her hiding place at a brisk pace. Klara let out an enormous sigh of relief when he didn't spot her and cautiously stepped towards the entrance of the alley, eyeing his back as he continued on.
Emmerich. She hadn't seen or heard from him in a few days but she should have known he wouldn't give up that easily. He was currently heading in the direction of home and if the large bouquet of flowers in his arms was anything to judge by, he was still adamant as ever about winning her over. Klara sighed and poked her head out of the alleyway, watching the soldier near her house – she knew that she would have to get rid of Emmerich sooner or later; he was compromising her situation even further and the less she had to worry about, the better. But how? He'd made it clear he wouldn't be easily deterred, so how could she possibly get rid of him?
Donny's face flashed through her mind but she quickly forced it away, shaking her head to herself. She then watched Emmerich ascend her porch stairs then quickly slipped back out of her hiding place to head to Shoshanna's theater, trying to work out the best possible way of getting rid of Emmerich that wouldn't cause any problems.
Klara was busy cleaning more of the equipment in the small projector room when she felt the distinct sensation of being watched. Unsurprisingly, when Klara glanced towards Shoshanna the woman was eyeing her for what had to be the hundredth time that afternoon. The German turned her gaze away and wiped at an errant bead of sweat that trickled down her face, pulling a face when she felt some of the oil that had been on her hand stick to her cheek. She spared one more glance towards to Shoshanna then heaved, finally halting in her task.
"What?" She asked with raised brow, sitting back on her heels and staring at her friend with stern eyes.
Shoshanna looked taken aback for a moment before cocking her head to the side. "I was just wondering…does it bother you that much?" Shoshanna questioned her curiously.
Klara was fairly sure she knew exactly what Shoshanna was talking about but decided to feign ignorance. She turned back to the equipment in her hands and started scrubbing away, skillfully avoiding her friend's stare. "What do you mean?" She asked innocently.
Shoshanna wasn't at all convinced by her charade – she crossed her arms and cocked an eyebrow at her. "You never help me clean the projection room and you have barely said four words to me in the past hour." She stated matter-of-factly. "Something is on your mind and I think I know exactly what."
Klara rolled her eyes and looked to her friend again, scrubbing the contraption forcefully. "And what would that be?"
"The fact that you have not seen the Basterd is eating you alive." Her friend retorted bluntly. She hardly was one to beat around the bush and Klara knew it well. "Do not even try to deny it, Klara."
Klara stared at her for a moment then shrugged, shifting her eyes downward. "I have not denied anything." She responded quietly. "But there is far too much going on for me to focus wholly on one thought these days, Shoshanna. Especially if that one thought is on a man I hardly know."
Her friend didn't look quite as suspicious but she still narrowed her eyes at her with a tiny smirk playing on the corner of her lips. "Yes, this is true – you are a busy woman." She conceded. "But the Basterd has not been far from the center of your thoughts, yes?"
Klara heaved and finally dropped the equipment in her hands, hauling herself up to her feet before irritably grabbing for a rag to wipe her hands clean. "What do you want me to say, Shoshanna?" She demanded to know. "That I am worried? That I think about all the things that might have happened to him this past week? Fine. I am worried. But I cannot let it rule my life – I have far too much to worry about as it is."
Shoshanna was quiet for a long moment while Klara bustled around the projector room, trying to look busy. "There is nothing wrong with being concerned for him." Shoshanna said gently. "Given the circumstances I would be more surprised if you were not worried."
Klara looked at Shoshanna over her shoulder for a moment, mulling over her words, before smirking and shaking her head. Throughout the entirety of their friendship she and Shoshanna had never had a discussion that even remotely touched on the subject of their personal love lives – it just wasn't something that either had ever brought up to the other. "Since when do we discuss the men in our lives?" Klara asked in amusement.
"Since you finally got one." Shoshanna jabbed playfully. Klara laughed with her for a moment then shook her head as she sat down and started to clean one of the protective reel cases. "What do you think will become of you and Donny?" Shoshanna asked her curiously once they stopped laughing.
Klara paused and then let out a long sigh. "I have no idea." She admitted with a shrug. "To be completely honest, I have no expectations. I cannot even see life past the war, especially considering what Donny and I are involve d in. How can I put my faith in anything more then a bit of companionship in hard times?"
Shoshanna nodded slowly in understanding, offering a reassuring smile, then turned back to what she was doing.
They didn't speak about the subject any further after that and as soon as Shoshanna dubbed the projection room suitable, they moved into her office to share a few glasses of wine together. Klara stuck around for another hour or so but then decided to take her leave and make her way back towards her house before the sun set any further. Shoshanna saw her out and they hugged briefly before Klara headed back to her home, enjoying the last of the sun's rays as they warmed her face.
When she was about halfway to her house and had neared a side street that she knew would eventually lead to the clearing, the German woman hesitated. Now would be as good a time as any to go and check the clearing – it would be dark soon and by the time she reached the woods it'd be easy enough to slip in without drawing too much attention. Not to mention that it had been a while since she had been to the clearing anyway; for all she knew Dieter might have left something for her in the tree.
It only took another moment to come to a decision but just as Klara began to step in that direction, an all-too-familiar voice called out to her.
"Miss Bathurst! There you are!" A male voice called out in her native German, making her cringe and come to a screeching halt.
She knew exactly who that voice belonged to.
Why was this man always loitering about? Was he keeping tabs on her?
Forcing on a smile, Klara turned stiffly and nodded in greeting at Emmerich as he strode towards her quickly. There was an excited look on his face that she just couldn't find the energy to mimic. "Emmerich, good evening."
He beamed at her once he was in front of her and swept her hand up quickly to place a kiss on it while bowing to her in a crisp manner. "If I may be so bold, it has been entirely too long since I have been in the presence of your beauty, Miss Bathurst." He said, releasing her hand when she not-so-gently pulled it out of his. "And where may I ask do your feet take you this fine evening?"
Klara wanted to roll her eyes but resisted the urge to do so. Clearly, her trip to the clearing would have to be put on hold. She stuffed her hands back into her pants pockets to keep Emmerich from grabbing them again, just in case, and nodded her head in the direction of her house. "I was en route to my house, actually. I have had a very busy day and I am quite tired." She stressed, hoping he would get the hint.
Emmerich frowned but nodded regardless. "Well, I am saddened you are obviously not keen on doing anything tonight, but I shall escort you to your home. It is the least that I can do."
Klara had a feeling she would not be able to convince him otherwise so she didn't even attempt to. Instead she turned and began to walk towards her home, huffing quietly as Emmerich kept pace with her and started chatting away in her ear. But the nearer they came to her home the more her annoyance started to fade and nervousness began to take its place. The thought of Emmerich possibly trying to gain access to her house while she was hiding Jews made her stomach flip uneasily. She knew that she'd have to keep him outside no matter what, because any unexpected noises or mishaps would end up being catastrophic for her; Emmerich may be infatuated with her but there wasn't a chance in hell that she could depend on him not to reveal her secret.
"When will you allow me to spoil you with another evening of pampering, Miss Bathurst?" He asked with a wide grin. "I thoroughly enjoy time in your presence and would very much like the opportunity to treat you to another night on the town."
"I am a very busy woman, Emmerich." Klara excused, trying to keep the bored tone out of her voice. "And I am afraid my time will only be further occupied soon. My brother should be arriving shortly and there is always much to be done when he is in town. I do not know when you and I shall be able to see each other again."
Emmerich looked a little discouraged for a moment but then shook his head and shrugged, plastering on another smile. "Then I will simply have to call on you every day and hope that you will have time to spend with me until then, Miss Bathurst." He said resolutely, moving to walk so close to her that his elbow brushed against hers.
Klara had no doubts that he would do just that. After all, it was more or less what he had been doing ever since she had met him. She took a step away to put a bit of space between them and quickened her pace, ready to get away from him. "Emmerich, do you not have other duties to attend to? Do you not have duties or missions?"
He smiled down at her and winked. "Of course, I do. But it does not take up nearly as much of my time as you would think it does." He explained quickly. "There is a special team that has been put together to prepare for the premiere in a few months and I am one of those involved." He added proudly. "When we are not working, I am free to do as I please."
"What premiere?" Klara asked curiously. She hadn't heard anything of this before.
"Stolz der Nation, of course." Emmerich said as though it was the most obvious thing in the world.
Klara did remember hearing a rumor or two about it then and made a sound of acknowledgement. "Ah, yes. Now I believe I remember hearing something about it." She admitted. That was when she realized how close they were to her house and she quickened her pace even more, eager to get inside and get away from Emmerich.
"I am sure you have. Your brother and Landa will be in attendance, of course." Emmerich continued on. "As will I. Will I be honored with your presence that night? Surely family and friends will be allowed to attend." He suggested as she began to hurriedly climb her steps.
"We will have to see, Emmerich. I have not spoken with Kurt about this, though I am sure he will bring it up soon enough when he arrives." Klara said with a pinched smile. It fell as soon as she turned her back on him to begin fishing around in her pockets for the key to her house. What if he tried to come inside? What if the family was moving around her house, thinking it would be safe? She could feel Emmerich's eyes on her back and held her breath, her hands beginning to shake a bit as she finally unlocked the door. Instead of opening it, however, Klara kept a hand firmly on the knob and turned to face him with another fake smile. "Thank you for the escort, Emmerich. I am afraid I shall have to leave you here – I have grown quite tired.. We shall see each other another time, yes?"
Emmerich nodded once then reached into his pocket to produce a handkerchief. "I can agree to this, only there is one thing I must do before I go…" He trailed off. Then he brought the white cloth up to her cheek and wiped gently, his eyes intent on the task at hand. She quirked an eyebrow at him until a satisfied smile appeared on his face. He put his handkerchief away and before Klara could predict what he was going to do he ran one hand over her cheek slowly. "There, now all the oil is gone. Nice and clean."
In the next moment he began to lean in. Klara knew very well that he was aiming to give her a kiss and quickly opened the door, spewing out a quick goodbye as she ducked under his arm before hustling in and shutting the door right in his face. After a few moments Klara heard a muffled, confused "Goodnight" from the other side of her door and she leaned back against it, closing her eyes in relief at the sound of his retreating steps. She had evaded danger this time, but would she always be so lucky?
Klara shook her head, feeling bemused, and was just about to push away from the door when a hard knock sounded on the wood right behind her head. A quick shriek of surprise escaped her throat and she jumped away from the door, staring at it in surprise with a hand over her heart. Had Emmerich returned? When another knock sounded she finally moved forward slowly, placing a reluctant hand on the knob.
"Who is it?" Klara asked cautiously in English, refusing to open the door until she knew who it was.
"I'll give ya three guesses." A very familiar voice said from the other side.
At once her fear evaporated and her heart leapt into her throat. Klara yanked the door open and had to catch her breath for a second at the sight awaiting her. His clothes looked wrinkled and dirty, the stubble on his jaw and chin was even thicker then the last time she'd seen him, and he looked like he hadn't had a bath in a few days but just seeing him there on her doorstep alive and in one piece made her want to sing with joy.
"Donny." She said with a relieved smile.
A smirk flashed across his face and he cocked his head to the side, making his hair fall out of place and splay across his forehead. "Are ya gonna invite me in?"
Klara stepped to the side and let him walk in, not missing how his eyes stayed locked on hers as he brushed past. She closed the door behind him then locked it quickly, feeling his eyes on her back the whole time, and when she turned to face him he'd shoved his hands into his pockets and was simply standing there watching her. Suddenly, she had no idea what to do. Klara had been waiting for the moment that they'd be reunited but now that the moment was upon her she left clueless – should she hug him? Kiss him? Did he come for her or had he just come for information. Even worse, were they now supposed to pretend that their night together had never happened?
"Who was your friend?" He finally asked her to break the silence.
The question had been asked with an unreadable mask in place, but there was a hint of displeasure lingering in his eyes. "His name is Emmerich. And he is not my friend." Klara explained with a look of annoyance on her face.
"Ya sure? Looked awfully cozy." Donny commented idly with a shrug, turning his eyes to look away from her and glance around the room instead.
His demeanor caught her off guard – was he jealous? Klara shook her head and fought against the triumphant smile trying to work its way onto her lips. "Cozy on his part, perhaps. I cannot stand the sight of him yet he seems ignorant of the fact." Donny met her eyes again and this time he looked a bit more pleased. "I am glad you have returned safely." Klara said boldly.
"Me too." He said with a smirk. "Can't stay long, though – Lieutenant was pissed when it took me so long to get back last time. Don't really wanna push him right now." Donny explained, running a hand through his hair to push it back into its proper place.
Klara nodded, feeling a bit disappointed. "I see…Did you come for information, then?" She asked curiously, not sure exactly what the meaning of his visit was just then.
Donny nodded and shrugged at the same time. "That and…well, I came to see you." He admitted. "I told ya you'd be the first to know when I was back on this side of town. I'm a man of my word." He said matter-of-factly with a small smirk.
Klara couldn't stop the smile then and nodded. "That is good to know." She stated. "Would you like something to eat?" She offered.
"Sure." Donny agreed.
Klara walked past him with a shy smile and headed into her kitchen to try and scrounge up something for him. It made her feel better to know that part of his reason for visiting had been purely to see her, but at the same time she firmly reminded herself that she couldn't get too caught up in her emotions. Regardless of whatever might be blossoming between them, it didn't change the fact that she and Donny were from two very different parts of the world and involved in two equally dangerous missions. In the end, assuming they both survived the war, they'd both be headed back to their own parts of the world.
The though disturbed her, so she began speaking to distract herself from it. "The only new development I have heard is of a German movie premiere in a few months time. I was told Landa and – " Klara had to stop herself short. She'd almost given away the fact that her brother would be in attendance, which would surely raise some red flags. " – and many other officers will be in attendance." She covered quickly. "Perhaps this is something your troop may want to look into." Klara finished, busying herself by making a sandwich for him.
She heard Donny come up behind her a moment or two before she felt his hands on her waist. He seemed a little hesitant at first but then held her more securely to his chest when she leaned back into him. For a brief second she felt his lips on the back of her neck, then he spoke. "I thought about you...a lot." Donny admitted, ignoring the information she'd just relayed to him and focusing instead on pressing a line of kisses along her shoulder.
The embrace felt very intimate and it made Klara's heart pound hard in her chest.
"And I you." She responded, releasing the food in her hands to rest them on top of his. "I…I worried for you." Klara then admitted.
She heard him chuckle a bit before he turned her to face him. "Worried about the Jew from Boston, eh?" He asked her, cocking his head to the side as he studied her. "Who woulda thought…"
Klara shook her head with a quick laugh then slowly reached up to run her fingertips over his jaw. He made no move to stop her and for a brief moment his eyes flickered closed. Then closed he wrapped a hand into her hair and pulled her into a long kiss, locking his lips firmly on her. Klara made a sound of approval against his lips and tightened her arms around his neck as he held her to him. They didn't break the kiss until they both urgently needed air..
"That is quite a nice payment for information, Donny." She teased him lightly.
He smirked down at her, gave her another kiss, then pulled away from her completely. "Hate to sound rude but I'm starved." He said before reaching around her to grab the sandwich she'd made. He scarfed down half of it in what seemed like seconds then offered the other half to her.
"No, thank you. I already ate." She said, shaking her head.
"Bullshit. Ya look like ya haven't eaten in days." Donny said with a frown. "Get some meat on ya bones, woman." He berated sternly before offering her the sandwich again.
Klara had to admit that the stress of the past two weeks had been getting to her and she hadn't been eating quite as much as she should have. But now, seeing Donny and knowing he was alive, she suddenly forgot all of the other problems plaguing her and felt in much brighter spirits – in the next moment her stomach growled to rudely remind her that it needed to be fed to remain happy, causing Donny to quirk an eyebrow at her. "Fine." She finally conceded, accepting the sandwich he was holding up to her and taking a large bite. "Happy?" She asked through a mouthful of food.
"Yep." Donny said before tearing the rest of the sandwich in half and forcing her portion into her hands. "As much as I don't wanna, I have to go, blondie." He said, shoving the rest of his food into his mouth. "Lieutenant doesn't trust me one bit right now and left Stiglitz on guard in case I decided to, uh…extend my stay." Donny continued. The suggestion in his tone was not missed and a blush tinged her cheeks for a moment. "We'll be around for a while this time. Got business to take care of around here. I'm sure I'll see ya sometime soon."
"Alright." She responded, moving around him so that she could show him to the door. He was right on her heels the whole way but before she could open the door, he wrapped his arms around her from behind.
"Get rid'a the Nazi unless ya want him to die sooner rather then later." Donny warned in her ear.
Klara laughed, knowing full well that Donny would have been glad to take Emmerich out whether he was pestering her or not. "That might not be so bad…" She responded, glancing at him over her shoulder with a smirk.
Donny grinned for a quick moment then released his hold on her waist to step around her and open the door. He hesitated for a moment, facing her again so his eyes could roam over her features, then swooped in to give her one last kiss. "Stay outta trouble, alright?" He instructed once he was backing out of the door.
"Alright." Klara agreed. "Be safe, Donny." She added.
"Ya got it."
Then he was stepping out of her house completely. He only offered up one last wink before shutting the door behind him and disappearing into the night.
A/N: Review!
