"This story is about is about truth, beauty, freedom; but above all things, this story is about love." - Moulin Rouge
-This is the third part of a series: Meerkat Day, Weekend at Kurties, and now this story.
Kurt squeezed Seb's hand hard as their taxi pulled through the tall gate, revealing a massive nineteenth century chateau. The vehicle stopped on the circular driveway, and they climbed out, both gawking at the neo-classical building, with its creamy yellow stone facade and the windows on the third floor peeking out from the dove grey roofline.
"Are we really staying here, Sebastian?" Kurt said in a hushed tone, his eyes wide as he took in everything.
Wrapping an arm around his waist, Seb pulled him close to give him a light kiss. "It's our Meet-aversary. We needed somewhere special to celebrate."
Attentive staff soon had their bags unloaded and were leading them inside the hotel. The lobby was just as striking as the exterior, with black trim accenting the architectural details on the white walls. Crimson rugs contrasted boldly, defining areas with plush armchairs, and carrying up the wide staircase.
Seb soon had them checked in, and they were invited to have a drink in the library while their room was being prepared. It was a cozy bar, lined with bookshelves and dark woodwork. They sunk onto leather chairs, smiling at each other.
Reaching across to take Kurt's hand, Seb lifted it to press a kiss to the back of it. "Being here, with you, is a dream come true, Kurt." He meant it, from the bottom of his heart.
Kurt's blue-grey eyes were warm as he looked back at Seb, a little tired from the long journey, but still excited and happy. "Two weeks in Paris! This is going to be amazing."
A server came to them, and Seb ordered champagne, wanting to start off everything right.
They clinked their glasses, meeting each other's gaze, and Seb felt amazed to be sharing such a moment with this wonderful man. It had been the most incredible year of his life.
They sipped the bubbly wine in silence, taking in the atmosphere and unwinding from the long trip. Letting it sink in that they were finally here. It was nice being comfortable enough together to not feel the need to fill the silence with chatter.
Seb still couldn't believe a whole year had passed. He had been determined to savor every day he had with Kurt, and their relationship had deepened. They split their time between Denver and Boulder, alternating weekends usually. Their work had them apart sometimes during the week, but rarely more than three nights in a row. Lately, even that seemed like too long though.
Seb finished off his champagne and refilled their glasses. Looking at his boyfriend, he felt such a jumble of emotions. Happiness, love, and still that intense attraction. But under that, there were the old insecurities.
After all this time together, he desperately wanted to take the next step with Kurt, and move in together. He had never thought he would want this with anyone, but the idea of sharing their lives that way seemed so right.
Before he could ask, he needed to clear the air though. Tell Kurt about what had happened the day they met. He had enough screw-ups during the year that had Kurt looking at him funny, and had luckily been able to come up with plausible excuses on the spot. But if they lived together, it would surely happen more as Seb let his guard down. Not coming clean now would just end in disaster later.
How could he explain it without Kurt thinking he was crazy? At least now they had a year of great memories together, a context for Kurt to place Seb's explanation against. This was the right time to talk about it all.
And hopefully the right place too. Seb thought this long vacation was the best, since they would be away from the office pressures and able to focus on the relationship. Work through the aftermath of his confession.
Seb knew it could cause a few bad days, or even longer. Kurt feeling angry or hurt at being left in the dark so long. He had prepared mentally for it, knowing he was just going to have to withstand whatever Kurt threw at him, and hopefully be at his side still when the storm blew itself out.
The only remaining question was when to talk about it. It was February 1st, and tomorrow was Groundhog Day. February 2nd. The day he had been stuck in for months last year.
If he was going to be stuck on a day again, if the same forces of nature decided to do it to him again, Seb was going to make sure it was the best possible day. So, he had plans for February 2nd this year.
Telling Kurt everything could come when they woke up the next morning and Seb knew for sure it was February 3rd.
"Sebastian," Kurt squeezed his hand, "our room is ready."
Shaking himself out of his thoughts, Seb stood up and smiled at his boyfriend. "Great."
"You seemed miles away just now. What were you thinking about so intensely? Not the office, I hope." Kurt looped his arm through Seb's as they walked up the grand staircase.
Shaking his head, Seb chuckled. "No, no, not at all. The kids will be fine on their own for a couple weeks." Seb has continued his work with the new lawyers, in both branches. "I'm just thinking of the plans for tomorrow."
Kurt pulled out the keycard, and opened their door. "I'm dying to know what you have in mind for the big day." He stepped inside the room, turning back to give Seb a wide smile. "If they are half as good as this hotel, I just might let you have your wicked way with me."
Closing the door behind him, Seb took off his coat and draped it on a nearby chair. Joining Kurt, they toured around the suite, both looking around in awe. The suite had a king sized bed, covered in a deep red brocade quilt. The rich color was carried on the red tartan canopy along the ceiling above the bed, and small dashes of it here and there.
"I'm a little surprised at the leopard print wallpaper, frankly." Seb hugged Kurt from behind.
Kurt turned his head to look over his shoulder. "I read an article in Vogue about this place. The interior designer made every room different, with furnishings from over twenty countries. I love it." He turned in Seb's arms, his eyes clearly showing that he meant it.
Seb couldn't resist leaning in to kiss him, sweet, soft kisses that grew deeper. Kurt returned them just as eagerly, drawing him towards the bed.
"Really, Kurt?" Seb wasn't complaining, but he was a bit surprised when his hands started undoing his shirt buttons. "We could go for a little walk. The Champs-Élysées isn't far from here."
Nodding, Kurt's busy fingers were soon working on the zipper of his pants. "I'm tired. I think we need a little nap." The dimple appearing on one cheek as he gave a saucy grin was far too much for Seb to resist, even if he wanted to.
Soon they were naked, crawling under the luxurious bed sheets to cuddle together. Seb kissed his way down Kurt's chest, loving the way his breath caught when he hit a sensitive spot, and the way he arched off the bed. So sensual and responsive. Beautifully uninhibited. His wonderful man.
...
It was twilight by the time they were done, panting and sharing slow, sweet kisses.
"I love you, Sebastian Smythe." Kurt said simply, snuggling against his chest with a contented languor.
Tucking the covers up around him, Seb smiled down at Kurt. "I love you too." He said it softly, not wanting to disturb him as he fell asleep.
Would Kurt still be saying that by the end of the trip? Would he still say it when he knew the whole unvarnished truth?
Seb eventually fell asleep, but it wasn't as deep as Kurt's.
...
-A/N: Happy Groundhog Day! I couldn't let this pass without posting the start of the third (and last) part of this series. I want to explore how Seb will explain what happened last year and how they will deal with it as a couple. Some angst, but set against the backdrop of Paris. I'm already enjoying the research! If any readers know France well, I'd love your help with a few things. Message me on tumblr or my gmail account (see my profile).
-I think the story will be 6 chapters long, but it's still a work in progress, so we'll see how it goes.
-They are staying at Saint James Hotel. From their website: "The Saint James's majestic neoclassical façade can be deceiving. Step inside, and you're now surrounded by the elegant madness of Bambi Sloan. Like in a dream, this unimaginable mix of styles turns temporal and spatial markers on their heads. Here, the Second Empire meets virtually every other decorative period, with inspiration coming from everywhere, while its crowning glory, "Chandelier Chaos", soars 14 metres overhead.