Chapter Text
- BERLIN, GERMANY -
{ 1931 }
When Kurt arrived at the Kit Kat Club the day he and Freddy had agreed on, he had arrived late. He was late, but he was just in time to find Freddy sitting at a table. A brunette woman was kissing his neck from behind, making Freddy loudly giggle. For some reason, this made Kurt’s stomach twist.
“Hey, Fre- Fink,” He sloppily greeted as he approached the two. “And friend.”
Freddy’s face lit up at the sight of Kurt. He excitedly smiled and leaned over, taking the man’s hand in his. Kurt smiled and squeezed the other's hand.
“Kurt, this is Texas,” Freddy introduced before turning to the woman. “Tex, this is Kurt. My new… Friend.”
Texas smiled and eyed Kurt and then Freddy. By the look in her friend’s eyes, she knew that this was the man he had been endlessly talking about. For some reason, this made her stomach twist.
“Hello, Miss Texas,” Kurt greeted as he extended his other hand out to the woman. “You’re great up there.”
Texas accepted his handshake with a small smile.
“Hello, Kurt. And thank you.”
Before anyone else could say anything, Texas placed her hands on Freddy’s shoulders and gave them a small squeeze.
“Finkie, what about some German lessons, tonight?” Texas questioned before looking at the older man. “Kurt, darling , you could join us. I know Finkie would love it if you did.”
Kurt raised a brow and looked at Freddy as he took a seat. The male performer giggled and tilted his head back.
“I don’t know, Tex,” Freddy nipped on her jaw. “We might bore him.”
“Bore him?” Texas giggled.
“I’m not one for academia anymore,” Kurt interjected.
“Oh, he doesn’t know what I mean!” The woman exclaimed in a laugh.
“What do I not- Oh.” Kurt realized what they were talking about.
Freddy smiled and brushed a curl out of Texas' face.
“Your place, Sunday, at seventeen-hundred?”
“Works for me,” The brunette kissed the side of Freddy’s face and then looked to the older male. “It was so nice meeting you, Kurt.”
“It was nice meeting you as well,” Kurt replied.
“Goodnight, boys,” Texas dismissed herself and headed off, flirtily waving her fingers back at them.
“Goodnight.”
“Night.”
Freddy sighed and watched Texas turn the corner that led to the dressing rooms before turning back to Kurt.
“Isn’t she pretty?” He asked before sipping his wine.
“Yeah, yeah,” Kurt replied. “I like her hair. It’s got charm.”
Freddy hummed and swallowed his drink.
“She’s got a ton of charm. She exudes it. Maybe it’s because she’s foreign,” He explained.
That made Kurt laugh.
“It definitely adds to the show. I’m sorry for missing it, by the way- Something came up.”
Suddenly, the performer’s happy expression dropped.
“It’s, uh, actually my last night here,” Freddy quietly confessed. “No one but the owner and the Master of Ceremonies knows.”
“Oh,” Kurt replied. “I’m… I’m sorry to hear that.”
The performer, soon to be ex-performer, nodded with a small smile.
“It’s okay. I’ve gotten a promotion at one of my day-jobs but it runs into this one hour-wise. As much as I love this job, I need the money, you know?”
Kurt nodded, intently listening to the other man speak, surprising himself with his own actions.
Why did he care so much?
“I just feel horrible that I haven’t told Texas yet. She’s my best friend and deserved to know early,” Freddy sighed.
“I think your best bet is breaking it to her tonight,” Kurt said, offering his advice. “You’ve got until she leaves-leaves.”
As if on cue, the woman re-emerged, Freddy catching her in the corner of his eye. He nervously stood up as she approached.
“Hey, Finkie, love, ” Texas began, going in and out of English. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but I was thinking that we could maybe change the lesson to tomorrow?”
“It’s Freddy,” He bluntly said. “And that works.”
Texas looked at him a bit perplexed before she put it together.
“Oh- Oh!” She exclaimed with a smile. “Freddy! Okay.”
She extended her hand as if to reintroduce herself.
“I’m Virginia.”
Freddy accepted it and gave her a warm smile. He had never heard that name before and loved it.
“Nice to meet you, Virginia.”
As they let go of one another’s hands, a thought dawned on Virginia.
“Wait. Don’t tell me you’re leaving us.”
Freddy guiltily sighed and briefly glanced at Kurt for some comfort before looking back.
“I am. I’ll- I’ll talk to you about it tomorrow.”
Virginia forced a smile before kissing his cheek and placing a gentle hand on Kurt’s shoulder before walking off without another word. Freddy sighed and sat back down.
“So, do you want to get out of here?”
-
Roughly four months had passed since Freddy and Kurt met, and for them, it was some of the best months of their lives.
Sneaking around and having sex in bathrooms and alleyways used to be terrifying, but now it was exhilarating. They sought out the rush of adrenaline in every moment they got in a seedy club.
When they weren’t busy dicking one another down, they’d stay up late into the night on the weekends, drinking booze and talking about their lives, enjoying one another’s company.
Every once in a while, Freddy would do Kurt’s makeup, which ultimately led to the ex-performer’s lips and face to be stained red. Their sexual and makeup escapades tended to tie together, leading to Freddy throwing together fun and different outfits to surprise Kurt with.
With every new moment they shared, Kurt realized that he had become more attached to Freddy than he had to anyone in a long time. But, something was looming over his shoulder. He had been offered a job in another city, one that would pull him and Freddy apart. He sat on the thought for some time, trying to figure out a solution. Eventually, he decided to ask Freddy to come with him.
***
One night while Kurt was over, Freddy excitedly walked out of his bedroom, donning a blue robe over his secret outfit for that night. Once he was in front of Kurt, who was lounging on the couch with half of his shirt unbuttoned, he smiled.
“Are you ready?” Freddy asked, putting on a seductive voice.
Kurt laughed.
“Yes I am,” He playfully replied.
Excited, Freddy shed the blue robe, slowly and sultrily to reveal his latest creation. It was a mix of an upper female garment that was attached to cropped-up boxers by snaps.
“Do you like it?” He asked as he bit his lip.
Kurt’s eyes sparkled with mischief.
“I love it,” He replied as he ran a hand up Freddy’s thigh. “Where’d you find this?”
The ex-performer smiled and straddled Kurt’s lap before squeezing the older’s hips.
“I made it with a few pieces I picked up in an underground hand-me-down shop,” Freddy answered, trailing a finger up Kurt’s side.
“You’re so talented,” Kurt sighed before slowly kissing Freddy’s lips before planting a kiss on the blond’s neck. “And I can’t wait to take this off of you.”
Freddy laughed and dipped back into the kiss. After minutes of grinding and pulling at one another’s clothes, Kurt found the courage to express his feelings.
“Freddy,” He mumbled against the other man’s lips.
“Mm?”
“I- I think I… I think I’m…” He took a deep breath and looked into Freddy’s wide, blue eyes. “I…”
Freddy placed his forehead to Kurt’s and rubbed their noses together.
“What is it?” He softly asked before kissing Kurt’s top lip.
“I think I’m in lo-”
Before Kurt could finish, there was a knock at the door. Both of their eyes went wide as Freddy pulled away before throwing his robe back on. As Kurt attempted to pull himself together, the other man dashed into his room, threw on some pants, and back to the door. Freddy then looked through the peephole and much to his surprise saw a familiar face.
“It’s Virginia,” Freddy said, making the older male relax.
He unlatched the locks and opened the door.
“Hey, Tex!” Freddy greeted her with a smile as he embraced her. “It’s been a while.”
“Hi, Freddy,” The brunette replied in a hushed tone, lightly patting his back.
The blond kissed her cheek and let go of her. Now being able to see the woman’s face up close, he could see that her eyes were puffy and red.
Was she crying? Freddy thought.
“Can I come in?” She asked.
“Of course. K is here,” Freddy said as he stepped aside to let her in.
Virginia weakly smiled and stepped in, giving Kurt a small wave.
“Hi, Virginia,” He greeted.
“Hi, Kurt,” She quietly greeted before turning to Freddy. “Can I talk to you?”
“I…” Freddy glanced at Kurt and then back to Virginia. “Of course, let's go to my room.”
The woman nodded and headed into his bedroom as Freddy turned to Kurt.
“Just give us a moment,” He said, prompting Kurt to nod and lean back onto the couch, feeling a bit neglected, maybe even jealous.
Freddy gave him a small smile before going into the bedroom and closing the door behind him. Virginia was on his bed, looking pale and more visibly upset now. She was hugging her jacket tightly against her torso and her arms were tightly wrapped in a crossed position. Freddy frowned and squatted down in front of the woman.
“What’s wrong, Tex?” He asked, brushing a loose curl behind her ear.
“I… Gosh, Freddy. I’m-” The woman began crying. “I can’t… This was a bad idea.”
“It’s okay, take your time,” Freddy assured with a comforting smile.
The brunette pulled out one hand and wiped her face, her running eye makeup smudging onto her hand. She tucked it back under her arm and took an unsteady deep breath, and then an unsteady exhale. Virginia repeated the action a few more times as she fidgeted with the jacket that was still being held flush to her stomach.
“Finkie… I” She sighed and looked up. “I’m pregnant.”
Freddy’s eyes went wide at the news.
“Oh my god, that’s… that’s wild,” He breathed out in disbelief.
He knew that she didn’t want children yet, or any time soon. Not with her job as a performer.
“I haven’t had my cycle in three months-“
Freddy’s nose slightly scrunched at talk of menstruation.
Gross.
“-and there was spotty bleeding so I thought that was it but I’ve been getting nauseous and bad cramps and-” Virginia’s breaths hitched as she hiccuped, trying to not cry. “I didn’t know who to tell and I’m starting to show and the girls are starting to pick up on it at work-”
“Hey, hey, hey…” The blond cooed as he carefully placed his hands on the sides of her face. “Deep breaths, deep breaths.”
The brunette deeply inhaled and exhaled, her breaths shaky and uneven.
“That’s one reason why I had to visit you... I know I can trust you.”
Freddy smiled.
“I’m glad you came over to talk about it,” He whispered, his thumbs rubbing her face.
Virginia weakly smiled and hiccuped, looking down to her lap.
“If you don’t mind me asking, do you know who the father is?” Freddy inquired, knowing how important that factor could be.
Virginia took a deep breath and looked up. Freddy’s heart stopped when the brunette’s hazel eyes met his.
“Virginia… Who is it?” He firmly asked, his nerves showing through.
The woman stayed quiet.
“Tex, please.”
“You,” She quietly answered.
Freddy took a deep breath and shakily exhaled.
“How… We always made sure to-“
“Not last time,” Virginia interrupted with a sniffle.
Freddy thought for a moment. She was right. They had been in a hurry- He took an unsteady breath and slowly stood up, the cracking of his knees being the only sound in the room.
“Okay,” Freddy whispered, crossing his arms.
“Are you mad?” The brunette whispered.
“No, of course not. I just… I should sit down.”
Virginia shifted over a bit as Freddy joined her on the side of the bed.
“What’re we going to do?” She asked as she curled her legs up on the bed and rested her head on his shoulder.
“I don’t know,” Freddy replied, feeling lost as he placed his hand in her thigh.
“I want to keep it,” Virginia whispered. “Even though I don’t have the means to not to, anyway.”
Freddy looked at her.
“I’ll follow your lead, Tex.”
The woman slightly smiled and snuggled closer. Freddy leaned back onto the pillows behind him before sliding down to Virginia’s waist and resting half his head on her stomach.
“There could be a little me in there,” Freddy mumbled to himself as he placed a hand on her stomach.
He didn’t want to be a dad. Not now, at least.
“It is yours, Finkie,” Virginia whispered.
“I know, I know,” Freddy sighed. “I’m just overwhelmed.”
The woman began to quietly cry at that, feeling overwhelmed herself.
“I’m sorry,” She whimpered.
“Oh, Tex,” Freddy cooed as he sat up and took her in his arms. “I’m sorry.”
He rested his face into Virginia’s hair, taking in the familiar scent that he loved.
“I’ll help you figure this all out. We’re gonna give this baby a good life.”
Virginia sniffled and wrapped her arm over Freddy’s torso.
“Do you really think so?”
He hummed and softly gave her soothing words of comfort, reassuring her that everything would be okay, even though he wasn’t too sure himself. Soon enough, Virginia fell asleep as Freddy played with her hair.
Ten minutes later, Kurt knocked and let himself in.
“Hey, I think I’m just going to head… out,” Kurt said as he entered the room.
Freddy tiredly smiled and whispered hello.
‘Is she okay?’ Kurt mouthed.
The younger man swayed his head a bit and slowly began shifting away from Virginia. The woman stirred and Freddy quietly cooed.
“I’m going to talk with Kurt for a little bit, you get some rest,” He whispered as he slipped off the bed.
Texas nodded and went back to sleep as Freddy guided Kurt into the small sitting room and sighed. Kurt kissed him and gently squeezed his arm.
“What’s wrong?” He asked. “Is she okay?”
“She’s pregnant and I’m the father,” Freddy quickly let it slip, like ripping off a bandaid.
Kurt’s jaw dropped open.
“I… What? When did you-”
“Three months ago,” Freddy replied, knowing what the man was about to ask.
“I mean you didn’t think to use a condom?” Kurt asked.
“Don’t start to chastise me,” Freddy replied, feeling worn. “We didn’t think anything about it last time. We always had before then.”
“What… What are you going to do about it?” Kurt asked, taken aback.
“I guess marry her,” Freddy replied. “I’ve got to… I’ve got to be there for her and the baby.”
That’s always what his father told him to do.
Kurt nodded.
“That’s… That’s good. You’re doing the right thing,” He sighed.
Freddy took a few deep breaths before running a hand over his face.
“How are… How are we going to navigate this?” He quietly asked.
“What do you mean?”
“Us. Do you- Do you still want to be with me?” Freddy clarified.
Kurt frowned and crossed his arms.
“I don’t want to disrespect Virginia like that. She deserves you staying loyal to her,” He answered.
Freddy sighed and nodded, his heart aching. He really thought they had a chance before all of this. Kurt took his lover in his arms and gave him a small hug and kiss on his forehead.
“I would stay the night but… I think your bed is a bit occupied.”
The ex-performer softly laughed.
“She needs me tonight, anyway.”
Kurt smiled and ran a hand along the side of Freddy’s face. Despite what Kurt had previously said, he captured Freddy’s lips in a soft kiss. Freddy sighed and kissed back, feeling guilty as he did so. Kurt placed his hand on the small of his lover’s back as he deepened the kiss, trying to fill the void of his almost-confession.
After Kurt left, Freddy slowly made the short trip back to his bedroom and rested on the doorframe. He looked at the woman on his bed and sighed before running a hand over his face.
This was not how he wanted things to go.
-
By the end of that week, Freddy popped by Kurt’s apartment with some news.
“So, on Wednesday I proposed,” He began, making Kurt cock a brow.
“How’d that go?”
“Well,” Freddy awkwardly laughed. “I guess it’s not everything a girl would want in a proposal but we’ve got to get this marriage done and over with.”
“Do you love her?” Kurt asked.
The ex-performer looked at him.
“Of course I do. Not romantically but I love her. But, I talked with her about us the other day and she wouldn’t mind if we kept seeing one another. She understands.”
Kurt felt his heart tighten and Freddy took notice of the man’s tenseness.
“What’s the matter?” Freddy asked.
“I,” Kurt cleared his throat. “I was going to tell you the other day but- Freddy, I’m moving to Hanover.”
Freddy’s smile immediately fell.
“Oh.”
“I’m leaving in one week,” Kurt continued. “There are better job opportunities for me there.”
Freddy nodded, showing that he understood.
“I-” Kurt paused, thinking whether or not he should bring his former plans up. “I was going to ask you to come with me.”
The other man could feel his heart drop.
“Kurt, I…” Freddy sighed. “I’m sorry that we can’t do that.”
“It’s fine. I understand your situation. I wouldn’t ask you to leave Virginia and the baby.”
Kurt tried shrugging it off like it was no big deal, but he was sorry too. Sorry that he hadn’t met Freddy sooner.
Freddy then leaned in to kiss Kurt, but the other man pulled away.
“I don’t think we should do this anymore. It would… It would at least be easier for me.”
Freddy nodded.
“I should probably work on sticking to Virginia,” He replied, feeling dejected and a little lost.
The conversation then dissolved, both men leaving it at that.
It was probably for the best.
-
- BERLIN, GERMANY -
{ One Week Later }
Freddy and Kurt met one time between the older’s last day and Freddy’s visit the previous week. Going against what they had both agreed on, they had sex that night, which led to them doing it again the following morning, the day Kurt was leaving.
***
“I’ll… I’ll write to you,” Freddy promised when Kurt’s train car was called.
Kurt nodded and gave Freddy a gentle smile, taking in the appearance of the man he had fallen in love with.
“Maybe next time you see me you can sing me a tune, Cabaret Boy.”
Freddy smiled at the new nickname.
"Maybe I will."
“See you around, Fink,” Kurt bid with a small wave before turning on his heel and heading off, refusing to look back over his shoulder.
“Until next time!” Freddy called back.
Until next time.