Berzie, I can get behind Scarlett for Klara but I'm not so sure about Alexander for Kurt. I see Kurt more as a blonde Henry Cavill – what do ya think about that?

And by the way, I REALLY wanted to update this story ASAP but I went back to re-read it and realized I wasn't happy with some of my work at all. So…I revised the ENTIRE story! I started this almost three years ago and it's safe to say my writing has improved considerably since then, so I decided to revamp and really make this story into something before getting this chapter out. Check it out when you get a moment.

Disclaimer: Don't own diddly-squat.

Donny had told her he would meet with her before the Basterds left for Nadine, which would be any day now, but since having him in her home while Landa was sniffing around felt like the most idiotic thing that Klara could possibly do right then, she thought it best to make sure he stayed far away from her home. She'd immediately returned home upon leaving the restaurant in order to write a note informing him to meet her in the old bar at nightfall, then she'd risked a trip out to the clearing to leave it for him despite the fact that going into the woods in broad daylight was rather dangerous. Now she just had to hope that there wasn't anyone keeping an eye on her anymore (which seemed unlikely) and that Donny would receive the message in time.

Klara felt as though she were a frightened bunny for the rest of the day – any little noise outside, anything that sounded suspiciously like a car stopping in front of her house or someone coming up her walkway had her starting in fright and peering out of her window like a nervous old lady. Was this how all of Hans Landa's victims felt as well? Helpless, scared, afraid to so much as even breathe incorrectly? Though still unsure if he was suspicious of her or not, Klara wasn't about to let her guard down; for all she knew he was just biding his time. And if he came for her, she was going to have to be ready. But nobody came to visit her for the rest of the day, not Landa, not Kurt, not even Shoshanna.

That was, at least, until around six o'clock in the evening when a knock suddenly sounded on her door. Though nervous and feeling as though her heart might burst right out of her chest, Klara had dutifully answered the door only to be greeted by a fidgety looking SS soldier carrying a large parcel. Due to her paranoia Klara had been rather frightened to see him at first but once he'd stammered out that he was there to deliver a package from Kurt she'd relaxed and then quickly sent the German on his way. Opening the package had revealed the expensive looking dress her brother wished for her to wear to the premiere and a note simply saying, I expect you to be on your best behavior at the premiere – Hans and I will dine with you tomorrow at seven-thirty sharp.

The note was now just a crumpled ball of paper at the bottom of her trash bin, but Klara was still fuming over it a few hours later when she began making her way towards the old bar.

Who did Kurt think he was? Her master? Did he believe her to be some puppet in his twisted play? She growled in frustration, kicking at a rock that was in her path, and shook her head disbelievingly. If she knew Kurt half as well as she thought she did, there was no doubt in her mind that he would attempt to find her another suitor at the premiere. And knowing her luck, that man would more then likely end up being Hans Landa himself. Marrying his only sister off to a decorated and famous Nazi soldier? He had to be jumping at the prospect.

Then a thought struck her and she immediately froze – if Landa knew what she was up to then had he informed Kurt as well? Were they both suspicious of her and was everything that they were doing all a part of some elaborate scheme to scare her into confessing all of her secrets? Did they think that by forcing her to meet Goebbels, forcing their company upon her, demanding her presence at the Nazi infested premiere that she'd cower like a fool and beg for their mercy? If so they both were in for a rude awakening – if nothing else their actions were only making her more determined to make their tasks near impossible to carry out. She would rather die then give in to them.

But then, as she pulled herself together and continued on for the bar, she remembered the baby growing inside of her – she couldn't risk her life when there was now someone else solely dependent on her. It only took a few moments for her hard-headed resolve to crumble away and she let out a heavy sigh, wondering when her life had turned into such a mess.

Thankfully Donny had received her message and was lounging casually in a chair when she arrived, throwing the door open a bit rougher then necessary to release some of the stress inside of her. He raised his eyebrows at her less then subtle entrance, looking almost amused when she heaved and shut the door roughly behind her. "I take it ya had a bad day…" Donny said slowly.

"You have no idea." Klara retorted, dropping down into the chair across from him heavily and pinching the bridge of her nose. He titled his head and studied her closely, waiting to hear whatever she had to say. "I am glad you received my message – my home is not safe for you right now."

Her statement obviously caught Donny's interest because he sat up straighter and looked to her with furrowed brows. "What do ya mean, 'not safe'?" He asked her in confusion.

Klara knew that what she was about say was going to upset him and she sucked in a deep breath, preparing herself for whatever reaction he might have. "It is Landa." She revealed. A dark looked crossed over Donny's features at the mention of his enemy, just as she had anticipated. "He is here. And…I – I think he has grown suspicious of me."

This was obviously not what Donny had been expecting to hear. For a long second he stared at in surprise before furrowing his brows in concern, leaning back in his seat, and beginning to rub his chin thoughtfully. "Ya sure?" He asked after a moment or two of silence.

"Well, I admit that I am not completely sure…" Klara told him a bit reluctantly. "But I know Hans Landa and he was acting very oddly today – not at all as his usual self when around me. He showed up unexpectedly and unannounced on my porch and then forced me to attend a lunch meeting with Goebbels – " She started to explain.

"Goebbels?" Donny cut in sharply, his eyes flashing. "Are ya fuckin' serious?"

"Yes." Klara retorted a bit impatiently at having been cut off. "And Landa knows about Emmerich. I do not know how much but he knows Emmerich was pursuing me." With that being said, Klara got out of her seat and began to pace around, rubbing her forehead in frustration. "I do not know what kind of games he attempts to play with me, but I do not trust him one bit. You should have seen the way Landa was looking at me – it was as though he knew he had me trapped, like he had me exactly where he wanted me." She came to a halt and turned to face Donny, who had been watching her pace around with a frown on his face. "Donny, I am frightened."

Donny finally got to his feet, set down the gun that had been in his hand, and closed the gap between them so that he could wrap his arms around her. Klara accepted his comforting hug eagerly and hid her face into his broad chest, allowing the calming scent of his aftershave and the woods to soothe her anxiety some while his hand rubbed circles over her back.

"Hey, don't get ahead'a yourself, okay?" He said in her ear before pressing a kiss to her temple. "Ya said ya don't know for sure that he suspects ya, right?" He asked, pulling back some so he could look her in the eye – Klara reluctantly nodded. "And ya've told me from the beginning that Landa's a weird fuck. Maybe today he was just…I dunno…tryin' to impress ya or somethin'? Somethin' tells me that if he suspected ya of anything, ya'd know it for sure."

Klara knew he was just trying to ease her worries, but she couldn't help but frown up at him in confusion. "You are taking this entirely too well – how can you not be concerned by this, Donny?" She asked disbelievingly.

"I am concerned." Donny shot back at her with a quirk of his eyebrow. "But it ain't gonna do anyone any good to worry 'bout the 'what if's, it'll only cause more problems." When Klara didn't look convinced, Donny let out a long heave. "Listen, you're smart. And I know ya can outsmart that asshole and beat 'im at his own game – besides, did ya forget ya've got the Basterds behind ya?" His words finally made her crack a small smile and he smirked down at her before reaching up to tug at a lock of her hair that had escape the confines of her hat. "Whether he's up to somethin' or not, I won't let anything happen to ya. Ya can be damn sure of that."

Klara nodded in agreement and then accepted his kiss when he leaned down to lock his lips on hers. But even though she felt a little more encouraged now that he'd talked her down some, she couldn't shake the feeling that Donny might not be right on this particular problem. If Landa thought she was guilty of anything then of course he wouldn't outright show it, that just wasn't how he operated. He'd probably lower the boom when she least expected it and until then, she was going to have to keep a wary eye open at all times.

"We're heading for Nadine tomorrow." Donny revealed when he finally pulled his lips away from hers. "We shouldn't be gone long, we're just meetin' up with some contacts. Think it might have somethin' to do with the premiere ya've been tellin' me about, though."

"Stolz der Nation?" Klara asked curiously. "What about it?"

"Not sure right now." Then he frowned and scratched the back of his neck. "But I've actually been wantin' to talk to ya about that. I'm not sure yet, Lieutenant hasn't gone into specifics, but I think somethin' might be goin' down at that premiere. Think ya can get outta it?"

Klara frowned, suddenly hearing the conversation from earlier that day in her head. And will you both be attending?, Goebbels' voice echoed in her head. Yes, came Landa's voice next, She and Kurt both will. I will see to it myself. "I will try." She told him slowly. Then she remembered that the premiere might possibly be moved to Shoshanna's theater and decided right then and there that she'd get a word of warning to her friend, just in case.

"Try hard, alright?" Donny reiterated, pulling her back from her thoughts.

Klara nodded and then rested a hand on his chest, taking a moment to appreciate how small it looked compared to the broad muscles of his torso – why did she suddenly have this nagging feeling that something was about to happen? The sense that there was something that Donny wasn't telling her began to grow inside of her until it was almost overwhelming, but when she looked up into his dark eyes the look on his face gave nothing away. She pushed the doubts away, telling herself that she was only paranoid because of the day's events, then pressed a long kiss to Donny's lips before pulling away from him.

"I should go." She told him regretfully. "I do not want to return home late, just in case."

Donny nodded in understanding but clasped her by the hand anyway, pulling her close again so he could give her an even longer goodbye kiss. When they separated again he ran a hand over her cheek, his eyes sweeping over her face multiple times. "Be careful, alright? I know ya worried but don't do anything to draw unnecessary suspicion to ya, got it?"

"Understood." She confirmed. "And you be careful as well." She went on to instruct him sternly.

"I'm always careful." Donny retorted with a snort. Then he nodded his head towards the door. "Go out before me, I'll keep an eye out for ya."

Klara nodded and then headed for the door, Donny following right behind her after he'd snatched up his gun again. She took a second to peek around outside first and make sure that the coast was clear before turning back to him and placing a chaste kiss to his lips. "I love you, Donny." She told him earnestly, unsure what to make of the jumbled emotions swarming her body right then.

"I love ya, too, Klare." He told her just as sincerely before raising his gun and taking a step outside. "Go." He instructed.

Klara didn't waste another moment and slipped out of the bar before making her way quietly down towards the main road. She didn't have to worry about sneaking too much since she was alone and it was still fairly early in the night, but for reasons unknown the same feelings of apprehension and anxiety that filled her when moving families to her house was still present. She paused just by the road to glance back at Donny, expecting him to have already been on his way, but was surprised when she saw that he was staring after her with an unreadable expression on his face. Klara wasn't sure what to think of his behavior and frowned in confusion, but he simply shook his head and raised a hand to wave at her before motioning for her to get going. She finally nodded, flashed one more smile, and then (against her better judgment) slipped back onto the main road to go back home.

She mulled over her conversation with Donny the entire way back, feeling troubled. As far as she knew Donny had never lied to her, so certainly he wouldn't start now. Surely if something was going to happen at this premiere then he would have told her, right? If it was something dangerous – something life threatening – then he would have outright said so. Then again he'd said that Aldo hadn't gone into detail, so perhaps he didn't know what was going to happen yet either.

When Klara finally returned to her home it was nearly nine o'clock at night and the streets were finally starting to empty out. She took a moment to survey the area around her home, trying to determine if there were any suspicious looking vehicles or people that might be following her, before hurrying up the steps to her front door – she froze when she realized there was someone sitting on her bench but then immediately relaxed upon realizing that it was only Shoshanna.

"Shoshanna!" She hissed, hurrying up the steps before wrapping her friend up in a tight hug. "Forgive me for earlier, I did not wish to leave you with him." Klara immediately apologized. "Are you well? Is everything alright?"

"I am fine." Shoshanna responded, sounding eerily calm and offering a ghost of a smile. Then she glanced around before motioning towards the door. "Perhaps we should go inside?"

"Yes, we should." Klara immediately agreed, moving to quickly unlock her door before ushering her friend inside. "Would you like a drink?" She offered once the door was shut and they were tucked away inside her home.

"No, thank you, I cannot stay for long for I have business to attend tonight." Shoshanna told her, now wringing her hands together. Klara flashed her a questioning look – business to attend to? When it was nine o'clock at night? That seemed odd. "The premiere, this…German night in Paris," Shoshanna practically spat the words out, pulling a face of revulsion, "It is taking place in my cinema."

"I had feared this to be the case." Klara admitted, instantly feeling sympathetic for her friend. "I am sorry to hear it."

"There is nothing to be done about it now." Shoshanna said dismissively, turning her eyes away before a strange look crossed her pretty features. "Well, that is not entirely true…"

Her words immediately caught Klara's attention. "What is this you speak of?" She asked curiously, tilting her head at her friend.

Shoshanna sighed and then crossed her arms before pinning Klara with a determined look. "You have told me time and again that I would someday have my vengeance – the time has now come." She told her simply.

"Shoshanna – " Klara began to interject as a feeling of fright immediately zinged down the length of her spine.

"Hans Landa? Joseph Goebbels? The entire Third Reich?!" Shoshanna interrupted, her eyes flashing maliciously. "There will never be another opportunity such as this and I intend to take full advantage." When Klara started to argue back, Shoshanna held up a hand to silence her. "There will be no talking me out of this, friend. I have not come to argue with you, nor boast of my plans. I have only come now to tell you that you must not attend this premiere, not if you want your baby to survive. Do you understand me?"

"My friend – " Klara tried once again to speak.

Within an instant the blonde woman had wrapped her up in a hug, making the protest on Klara's lips fade away. "You have been a good friend to me, Klara Bathurst. One of the best friends I have ever known. I cannot thank you enough for the support you have offered me throughout our friendship." She said quietly, squeezing Klara tightly within her embrace.

"See reason, Shoshanna." Klara was finally able to say as she pulled out of the hug and grabbed her friend by the shoulders, resisting the urge to shake sense into her. "If you kill anyone in that theater you will be arrested, you will be executed. It is suicide! Think about what your family would want – think about Marcel!"

An unreadable look crossed over her face at the mention of her lover but Shoshanna merely shook her head. "Marcel knows what he does, as do I." She said softly, yet also resolutely. "And I care not what repercussions I must face, I wish now only to avenge the family that was wrongly taken from me." She finished.

Then she was pulling away from Klara entirely and heading for the door. Klara immediately followed after her but Shoshanna was too fast – she was already opening up the front door and stepping out onto the porch. "Shoshanna." The German woman tried to plead. "Shoshanna!"

"Thank you, Klara, for all that you have done. I wish you all the best."

And with that being said, Shoshanna stepped out into the dark Paris night and firmly shut the door behind her.


To say that being sat at a dinner table with her brother and Hans Landa at the same time (especially when she knew that Shoshanna had something dastardly planned for the both of them) was awkward would have been an understatement. The two Nazi soldiers had arrived at her door at seven-thirty sharp the next day, just as they had informed her they would, and had made themselves comfortable as though they owned the quaint home. Which if Klara were to be truthful, Kurt technically did own the house, even if he'd only visited a handful of times.

"An excellently prepared meal, dear sister." Kurt complimented as he set down his knife and fork and scooped up his dinner napkin so that he could dab at the corners of his mouth. "Most pleasing indeed."

"Thank you, brother. I am happy you are satisfied." Klara responded politely. Do not let them see how frightened you are, give nothing away, she told herself for what had to be the hundredth time in the past hour. She forced on a winning smile and directed her attention towards Landa. "Hans, do you find your meal fitting?"

Landa focused his attention on her and immediately flashed a wide grin. "Quite." He answered simply.

Klara nodded and then fell silent as Landa refocused his attention on Kurt and began discussing military matters with him. While the two men were distracted with their conversation Klara took the moment to suck in a deep, calming breath, her eyes glancing over to the flowerpot resting in her window on their own accord. She'd been haunted by Shoshanna's words since the moment the woman had stepped out of her house the previous night, but that was not the only problem worrying her at the moment. What if Donny was going to somehow be in that theater, too? He'd said himself that the Basterds might have plans for the premiere but he also had absolutely no idea that Shoshanna had something planned – he could quite possibly be putting himself in an even more dangerous predicament then he knew of and could end up getting hurt, or worse.

Klara immediately closed her mind to that thought. She had to trust that Donny knew what he was doing and that he wouldn't willingly put his life on the line when he knew she was waiting for him. He loved her, he wanted a future with her, so certainly he wouldn't participate in something that wind up taking his life, right?

But the nagging feeling that had refused to leave her reared its ugly head, filling her with doubt all over again. When Donny had come to France it had been with the intent of killing any Nazi that crossed his path, not to become involved in a romantic relationship with her – she had been an unexpected development in his life whereas his mission at hand was undoubtedly his top priority. She knew all too well how seriously he took his duty to heart and how proud he was to have been involved with the Basterds. If it came down to taking out the Third Reich, and possibly ending the war, could she trust that he wouldn't sacrifice himself for the greater good? Especially if it meant that it would give his people, and even her, a hope for a brighter future?

"I fear we are boring our host, friend." Landa suddenly spoke up, his voice breaking through her thoughts and forcing her attention back on him. "Forgive us, I am afraid we are entirely too dedicated to our careers."

"There is no need to apologize, Hans." Klara responded, offering a smile. "I must admit that I am not myself." She then added, remembering the requests of both Donny and Shoshanna and beginning to set a plan into motion that would hopefully rid her of her obligation to attend the premiere. "I have not felt well all day."

"Why did you say nothing of this?" Kurt asked, frowning at her in what appeared to be concern.

"I did not wish to make either of you feel as though you were imposing." Klara lied, shrugging at him innocently. "I think I am due for a good night of rest and a hot bath in the morning – it would be a shame not to be able to attend the premiere tomorrow. I have been so looking forward to it, especially when I have such a beautiful garment to wear." With that she turned to her brother and inclined her head to him. "Thank you again for the dress, Kurt."

"Well, I do believe I have a remedy for this illness of yours." Landa said with a nod of his head before setting down his napkin, excusing himself, and then heading for her kitchen. Klara watched him go, feeling unnerved with the casual way that Landa was moving about her home, but did not speak up again him. "Tell me, where is your kettle?" She heard him call from the kitchen.

"In the cabinet next to the sink." She called back before looking towards Kurt questioningly. He merely shrugged at her as the sound of Landa rummaging through her cabinets, followed by the tap being turned on reached their ears. "Hans, do you require help?"

"I am perfectly capable of filling a kettle, dear woman." Was the quick response she was awarded.

"Just let him do as he pleases. It is easier that way." Kurt suggested, reaching for his glass of whiskey before knocking it back. "I did not wish to address this in front of Hans but now that we are alone, I must ask you this – were you saddened to hear that Unterscharführer Haugg was killed?"

The question caught her completely off guard and she looked to Kurt with surprised eyes for a moment before quickly grappling for the correct response and nodding her head. "Yes, I believe I was. He may have been a pest of a man but nobody deserves the fate he was dealt – I feel sorry for anyone who finds themself on the wrong end of the Bear Jew's bat." She answered, feigning remorse over the demise of her former Nazi suitor.

Kurt watched her for a moment then nodded his head slowly. "Yes, I agree. Tis a shameful way to go, indeed." He said before reaching for the whiskey decanter and refilling his drink. "Just know that he was a decent man and quite fond of you. I am sure he is in a better place now."

Klara didn't think it likely but said no such thing. Landa returned a few moments later to collect the whiskey decanter, patting her shoulder quickly with another unsettling smile, then disappeared back into the kitchen. She and Kurt continued on with their meal in relative silence, unable to find another subject to discuss just then, and waited until they heard the tell-tale sound of a whistling teapot. About three minutes later Landa returned yet again, but this time he had a steaming cup of tea in one hand.

"Hot tea with a splash of honey and whiskey – it cures all ailments." He said, placing the cup in front of her.

"Thank you very much." Klara said, inclining her head to him.

They finished with their meals about twenty minutes later, where the men then proceeded to retire into the living room so that they could converse over cigars and glasses of whiskey while Klara made quick work of cleaning up their dinner plates. It was nearing nine o'clock in the evening now and she glanced at the clock impatiently, wondering when the two would take their leave of her and continue on their way for the evening. It was hard to hear what they were discussing over the running water but she could have sworn she felt eyes on her back the entire time that she was in the kitchen – every time she would glance behind her, however, neither men would be paying her any attention.

BANG BANG BANG

The sudden, loud knocking on her front door about five minutes later made her jump in surprise and press a hand over her now pounding heart. She shut the water off to go and see who had arrived, praying to everything holy that Donny had seen the flowerpot in her window and wasn't trying to break in her door right then, but froze when she heard the urgent yell, "Standartenführer Landa! Please open the door! It is of great importance!"

Landa was off of the couch and opening the door in the blink of an eye, frowning when he saw that there was a chubby looking Nazi soldier on the other side. The newcomer's face was flushed and it was obvious that he'd come here in a rush. He quickly saluted Landa, who returned the gesture. "What is it soldier? What could be so important that you interrupt my night of leave?" Landa asked impatiently.

"Forgive me, but there has been an incident, Standartenführer. Reports have just come in that there was a shooting at a bar in Nadine." At the mention of the French town, Klara's blood immediately ran cold – Nadine was where Donny was. "None were left alive but there were a number of men spotted vacating the area with haste." Then he frowned deeply. "One of the bodies inside was identified to be Hugo Stiglitz."

"Hugo Stiglitz?" Kurt asked, immediately on alert. "This was of the Basterds' doing?"

"It is believed to be so."

"Are there others?" Landa asked as Kurt immediately turned and began to collect their things.

"It is suspected that at least two other Basterds were also killed."

Klara couldn't breathe, she couldn't move, she could hardly even think save for one thought – was Donny one of the dead Basterds this soldier was currently referring to? A fear like she had never known settled in the pit of her stomach and it was everything Klara could do not to let her true emotions play across her face. Landa, on the other hand, seemed unnaturally chipper as he clapped his hands together and practically bounced on his heels. "Well, this is wonderful news then." He said before accepting his coat and hat from Kurt.

A red-hot hatred that she had never felt before consumed her at hearing these words but she hampered down the overwhelming urge to act upon them as Kurt and Landa came over to say their goodbyes.

"My apologies for cutting our evening short, sister." Kurt said in a formal tone. "I fear we must be going."

Klara nodded, trying to force her vocal chords to work. "Y-Yes." She managed out. "Of course. I understand."

"I hope you feel better by the morning." Kurt added before turning on his heel to quickly leave.

Landa stepped up next and swept her hand, kissing her knuckles quickly. "An exquisite meal, Fraulein Bathurst. I do look forward to seeing you tomorrow." Then he released her hand. "Be sure to finish that tea, you will have to be at your very best for the premiere."

She couldn't find it in her to muster up another response so she simply nodded her head and offered him a quick smile. Landa said nothing more and left in the same direction that Kurt had gone, firmly shutting the door behind him in his departure – as soon as she was alone Klara pressed a hand over her heart again and all but collapsed on the floor, tears immediately filling her eyes.

At least three Basterds dead? Could any others be injured? What if more of them were dead and they just didn't know it yet?

What if Donny was dead?


As soon as Landa was ushered into the backseat of his car he looked over to his right hand man and raised his eyebrows. Now that they were away from Klara, Kurt was rubbing his forehead with his right hand and grinding his teeth, looking for all the world like a man deeply disturbed by something. Landa was sure he knew what but decided to question him anyway.

"Kurt?"

The blonde haired soldier glanced over and it was then that Landa realized the man's expression was a mixture of both anger and disappointment. "You were right, Hans." He said slowly, shaking his head as he turned his eyes forward. "I did not wish to believe it, but...you were right." Landa didn't bother to say anything in response, merely waited until Kurt spoke up again. "You said that only yesterday she seemed blissfully unaware of Emmerich's death – she told me just now that she's known all along." He growled out. "She knew that he had been slain by the Bear Jew."

Landa sighed and then reached over to pat the man's shoulder. That one sentence had confirmed everything that he had been suspecting, because Landa had strictly instructed that the details surrounding Unterscharführer Haugg's death remain under wraps and not even a word had been leaked in the past month – if Klara knew it was either because she had been there or because his murderer (and quite possibly her lover) had told her himself. The foolish woman had just given herself away because she had been unable to keep tabs on her own lies.

"I am sorry, friend." Landa said, his own anger growing at the knowledge of Klara's treason. "Words cannot express the disappointment I feel in this moment."

"Mine either." Kurt snapped, his hand clenching into a fist. "Did you see the look on her face? How stricken she was when she'd learned of the Basterds' causalities? It makes me fucking sick!"

Landa remained unaffected as Kurt lashed out and punched the seat in front of him. He knew exactly what he was feeling because he too had had great hope for Klara. But all of that was changing now. "What do you wish to do then?" Landa asked, choosing to leave the decision of Klara's fate up to Kurt.

"She is not my sister anymore." Kurt said lowly, a slightly maniacal expression taking over his features. "And I want to see that traitor pay."


Oh holy crap. What did you guys think? Are you about to pee your pants yet?