CHAPTER ONE
Kurt ended the call and stared at his phone in disbelief. He leaned back against the nearest building to keep his knees from buckling. He tilted his head back against the rough stone wall. He felt the sun on his face and the cool ocean breeze on his immaculately moisturized skin. His eyes closed for a moment. He needed a moment because images of his life flooded his mind in full colour. He remembered all the way back to when he was a little boy. His mom had known his potential from early on and had enlisted him into drama and ballet classes. He also remembered the snickering, the snide remarks, the physical bullying, but above all, he remembered not feeling safe in his own school. He remembered how around every corner was a potential body check into the lockers, trip down the stairs or slushy to the face. He remembered a time when almost no one believed in him – no one but his dad and maybe a few misfits in Glee Club. He remembered the more recent rejection he had received at Broadway auditions because he just didn't fit the typical male role – at least that's what they said. Through it all, he never wavered from who he was. He never stopped being the bold, determined, brave person that his father had raised. And now…now … all of that sacrifice had paid off. He had made it and he would finally prove them wrong.
He opened his eyes and pushed himself off the wall. He quickly grabbed his bag and threw his phone inside of it. He had just received the best news of his career and as exciting as it was, it meant absolutely nothing if he didn't share it with his one true love.
Blaine. I have to tell Blaine, he thought. But he didn't want to call him. This was news he wanted to deliver in person.
It was one of the hottest days registered in Los Angeles that summer. It was two in the afternoon so the sun was blazing; Kurt cursed his decision to wear long sleeves that morning. Ugh, I'm sweating. This is not good for my skin, he thought. To make matters worse, the bus was packed and humid.
Fifteen minutes later he reached his stop. Despite the immense heat, he ran almost all the way home. He crossed the park and ran down Pelican Street. He approached the third house on the north side of the quiet cul de sac – it was a modest one-bedroom townhome with red brick façade and black trim. It was the place he and Blaine had called home since they made the move to L.A. from New York a year ago. He ran up the steps, jammed his key in the door and burst in.
"Blaine," he gasped. "Are you home?"
"Hi babe. I'm in the kitchen," Blaine called out.
Kurt dropped his bag and climbed the stairs to the kitchen. He found Blaine leaning over the dining table drumming his pencil in deep thought. My husband is adorable, Kurt thought as he took in the view. Blaine's curls were a mess, he was wearing his glasses which Kurt loved – that scholarly look drove him crazy - his bowtie was crooked, his renderings were strewn all about the table, and he had that cute confused look on his face.
"Hey," Kurt said and moved toward him.
Blaine looked up startled, like if in the past thirty seconds he had forgotten that Kurt had arrived home. "Oh. Hey baby." He placed down his pencil, moved closer and pressed his lips against his husband's mouth. "Mmm, I missed you," he said sweetly.
"I missed you more," Kurt grinned and kissed him again. "Have I ever told you that you are adorable?"
Blaine blushed and looked down, "Kuuurt…"
"I love that after six years of marriage I can still make you blush, Blaine Warbler," Kurt teased.
"Well, you are damn good at it," Blaine agreed.
"Speaking of good," Kurt pirouetted, "I have some good news." He bounced on his toes and squealed.
"Do tell, do tell," Blaine said, taking off his glasses and sitting down at the table.
Kurt smiled at him. He wanted to make Blaine wait but he just couldn't keep it in any longer. "I booked the movie," he flailed his arms out in a "ta-da" gesture.
Blaine jumped up out of his chair, "Oh my god, Kurt!" He threw himself into his arms and hugged him tightly. "I am so proud of you. You deserve this more than anyone," he kissed his lips thoroughly. "Oh! We need to celebrate!'
Kurt didn't think it was possible to feel any happier about his news but seeing Blaine's reaction, knowing that this victory was just as much Blaine's as it was his made him soar with happiness. "Babe, we really made it. All our sacrifice has paid off," he took Blaine by the hands and sat with him at the table.
Blaine shook his head softly, "this is all you, my love. You have worked so hard and you deserve this. I'm so happy for you."
"Aww, I know you are. And I am so grateful. I mean, grateful for your constant friendship and support. I know things were rough for a while there in New York and any other man would have just given up on me but you," Kurt's eyes locked with his, "you are not just any man. You stuck with me and loved me through it all."
"I have always loved you, Kurt. And I always will," Blaine's eyes burned into Kurt's as to make a point. "Always. Fearlessly and forever, remember?"
How could Kurt forget? How could Kurt ever forget the love and adoration Blaine had for him? Blaine showed his commitment every day. Kurt knew that he was quite simply, the luckiest man on earth. "I love you too. So much."
Blaine leaned up out of his chair and pressed to Kurt's lips softly. Each time they kissed it felt like coming home yet it was still new and exciting. Blaine's hand caressed Kurt's face gently but with that familiar touch that let Kurt know he belonged to him and that nothing in this universe – or in any other universe for that matter – could ever keep them apart. Kurt thought his heart would explode in his chest. He was so in love with Blaine and Blaine was so in love with him.
They had just finished the dishes. Kurt dried he last of the plates and placed it in the cupboard. "I'm so stuffed. You make the absolute best lasagna, Blaine."
"That's because it was made with love," Blaine gave him a cheesy grin.
"Oh God," Kurt smacked him with the tea towel and laughed. "Come on, let's go put in a movie before you turn into a big hunk of swiss cheese."
Blaine laughed and followed Kurt into the family room. He grabbed their favourite DVD, Moulin Rouge and popped it into the player. He lost track of how many times they had watched this musical together but neither of them ever tired of it. It had always been very special to them as it was the first movie they watched together back when they were still just friends – how long ago it seemed.
They both plopped down on the couch and took their usual positions. Kurt leaned back on some pillows and patted his chest. Blaine didn't have to be told twice. He nuzzled between Kurt's legs with his head on his chest. Curling snuggly into his husband was second nature to him. He wrapped his arms around him and cooed in happiness. Kurt slipped his fingers into Blaine's curls and toyed with them softly as he pressed play on the remote.
"Oh, Kurt, I'm so happy," Blaine murmured.
"Me too. I love this movie."
Blaine laughed. "No, not about Moulin Rouge, about YOUR movie, Mr. Hollywood," Blaine teased. "I mean, things are going to change for us. You will finally get the industry respect you deserve. You will be working with the best producers and director in the business. I'm so excited."
Kurt grew silent and suddenly petrified.
"Kurt? Are you ok," Blaine lifted his head.
"Oh no. What if I screw this all up? I mean, I've never actually been on a movie set before," Kurt started to panic. "What if they don't like me? What if I forget my lines? What if I get really nervous and puke on the camera…"
"Hey, hey, hey," Blaine sat up and paused the movie. "Come on Kurt. You were made for this. You have been training for this moment all your life. You will be wonderful and they will love you," He gave his husband a re-assuring gaze. "Now let's curl up and watch this movie. I've been so caught up with work this week that we haven't been able to spend any time together and I miss you," He gave Kurt his vintage puppy dog eyes – the ones Kurt could never ever say no to.
Kurt felt weak every time Blaine gave him that look. He sighed softly and thought, yup, my husband is adorable. He un-paused the movie and pet his hair again. "You always make me feel better," he took Blaine's hand and kissed his knuckles softly.
CHAPTER TWO
Blaine jumped onto the bed, "Wake up, Mr. Hollywood. Today is the day."
Kurt pulled the covers up over his head and curled up into a ball.
"No, no, no. Come on," Blaine said, tugging down the covers. "Do you want to be late for your first day on set? I don't think it would make a good impression. Get up, baby."
"I love you," Kurt squinted and mumbled at him, "but you are the worst at waking me up."
Blaine laughed. "Oh, really?" He gazed down at his sleepy husband with a glint in his eye. "Well, is this any better?" He leaned down and kissed Kurt's bare chest; he trailed kisses downward while slowly whispering, "wake up my love."
Kurt didn't even try to hide the squirming. He merely gave in to the exquisite man atop him. He slipped his hand into his curls and gave a little tug. He knew exactly how to set Blaine on fire. The kisses became more urgent and wetter … and lower, much lower.
Half an hour later, Kurt flopped back onto the pillow exhausted and out of breath. "Yes, that was much better," he sighed at Blaine who was curled up beside him and equally out of breath.
"God, I love you," Blaine said mindlessly and pecked a kiss to Kurt's mouth. "But you need to get going babe. I really don't want you to be late."
"I know, I know," Kurt traced his finger along Blaine's jawline and gave him a playful wink. He then sprung out of bed and made his way to the shower. Blaine waited for the oxygen to return to his brain before he attempted to get up.
Kurt zoomed into the kitchen and grabbed an apple, "I'll see you later baby. Have a good day." He leaned in for a kiss.
"Not so fast, mister," Blaine said. "There is no way my movie-star husband is going to his first day on set without a proper breakfast."
"Blaine, I'm going to be late."
"And that is why I made it to go," he smiled brightly and placed an English muffin sandwich in his hand. "Aaand, here's your to-go mocha," he said with a wink and placed the travel mug in his other hand.
Kurt sighed happily. "I love you. You take such care of me. Thank you." He kissed Blaine thoroughly. "I gotta go. But there's way more where that came from. Wait up for me tonight."
"Count on it," Blaine said. He grabbed a bagged lunch and placed it into Kurt's bag. "Have a good day my love."
"You are amazing, Blaine Warbler," Kurt turned on his heels and hurried out the door calling out, "byeee".
Blaine leaned against the kitchen island and watched his husband walk out the door. This is a turning point in our lives, he thought to himself. Please God, let this project go smoothly. It's his time. It's Kurt's time. Blaine thought back to when they had just moved to New York. They had been ready to take on the world together. They were newlyweds, they were both studying at respected schools, they were young and in love. It had been really great for two years until Kurt began to get down on himself. He couldn't get a break; no one would hire him and it had put so much pressure on their relationship. Kurt was lost. He lashed out. They fought all the time about every little thing including how they would pay next-month's rent. Blaine had still been a year away from graduating from the Architecture program. Back then he couldn't help but resent Kurt a little – he was studying and working as a singing waiter while Kurt would audition and audition and audition but get rejected time and time again. They were dark times and Blaine was grateful every day that they loved each other enough to get through it.
The doorbell startled Blaine. He realized he had been daydreaming.
Ding Dong…
He moved to the door and opened it. There stood a stranger. Blaine was momentarily taken aback – the stranger was very handsome and very well dressed.
"Good morning," he said and extended his hand. "My name is Samuel."
Blaine had impeccable manners. He shook his hand. "I'm Blaine. Blaine Anderson-Hummel."
"I just moved in across the street and wanted to introduce myself, Samuel said. "It's nice to meet you."
"Likewise," Blaine stood at the door politely, wondering what this new neighbour really wanted.
"Once I'm settled maybe you could show me around the neighbourhood," Samuel smiled.
A light went off in Blaine's mind. "Oh…" He paused. "Um, my husband and I would love to," he blurted out.
Samuel smiled. "Oh. Well, this is awkward," he ran his hand through his hair. "That would be great actually. I would love to meet him too. I'll see you around." Samuel quickly turned and ran across the street and into his house.
Blaine shook his head with a confused look on his face. "Wow". He closed the door and wandered back into the kitchen to clean up the breakfast dishes and get ready for work.
CHAPTER THREE
It was Saturday morning. Blaine sat on the couch reading but not really retaining anything. His mind was on Kurt. He was gone when he woke this morning. He thought maybe he had gone for a run as he sometimes did. He got into the habit of running when they had lived in New York. It was another one of Kurt's coping mechanisms during the rejection phase. Blaine was grateful that Kurt took up running – it probably saved their marriage by giving him an outlet; plus, that runner's body that Kurt was working on drove Blaine over the edge with lust.
Just as he began to really wonder where Kurt was he heard the key in the door; his husband came in carrying – no, juggling - bags of groceries.
"There you are," Blaine rose to help, taking a couple bags from Kurt's arms. "I was a little concerned when your side of the bed was empty this morning."
"Sorry, honey. I wanted to be out the door and back before you got up but the check-out line was insane," he set the rest of the bags down on the kitchen counter. "I've been working so much these past few weeks. I wanted to surprise you with breakfast in bed," he said with a pout.
"Well, I can go back to bed if you want," Blaine teased.
Kurt slid his arms around his husband's waist, "only if you take me with you".
"Awww. I've missed you so much. I mean, I love that you are working a lot at something you love but," Blaine gazed into his eyes, "Kurt, I need you."
Kurt's plan had been to make blueberry pancakes but the mere thought of refusing Blaine was futile - and he missed his husband just as much. He kissed Blaine urgently and draped around his shoulders, trapping him against his body. His tongue lapped at his lips until he was granted access. Their mouths together felt like fire. Kurt thought he would melt into a puddle of lusty syrup. He felt Blaine's fingers tug at his belt. Yup, there is definitely no way I'll be making breakfast this morning, he told himself. He knew they were in for a marathon session and he didn't mind at all. They haphazardly made their way into the bedroom, never breaking the kiss and leaving a trail of clothing behind. Kurt guided him gently until the backs of Blaine's knees hit the bed then eased him down. Blaine was on cloud nine. He had missed Kurt so much these past weeks and he was beyond ready to make up for lost time. They got lost in each other, their moans filled their bedroom, the headboard banged the wall … repeatedly, and their mouths whispered undying love.
"That meatloaf was so good," Blaine rubbed his belly. "Why haven't you ever made that for me before?" He grabbed another tea towel to help Kurt dry the last of the dishes.
"I just got the recipe yesterday from Carole. Wanted to try something new," He smiled. "I'm glad you liked it but you had three helpings Blaine. We should go for a walk this evening."
"Hey! I didn't get breakfast or lunch today because someone was greedy for my time," Blaine grinned and put the last of the dishes in the cupboard.
"I didn't hear you complaining, mister," Kurt laughed.
Blaine leaned in close to his husband, "I…will…never…ever…complain…about…spending…time…with…you," he pressed his lips to Kurt's then smiled and whispered, "I'll go get my sweater. Do you want one?"
Kurt purred then nodded, "Yeah, just don't make them matching," he laughed. "I know you Blaine Warbler."
Blaine rolled his eyes and climbed the stairs to their closet.
They dressed and were soon ready to go. Kurt locked the door then offered his arms so Blaine could link his into it. They walked down the block joined together and wearing their matching NYU sweatshirts.
"It's such a nice night," Kurt said. "I can't believe we put up with that crazy New York weather for so long. We should've moved out here ages ago."
"I wouldn't change a thing about our life together, Kurt. I mean, some of those times definitely sucked but it made us stronger. It made us who we are now," Blaine paused and hugged closer to Kurt. "I'm really happy. Aren't you?"
Kurt stopped and turned towards his husband. "I am beyond happy. You know that don't you? My life is perfect because you're in it."
"I love you so much," Blaine squeezed his husband's bicep. They walked together arm in arm through the park stopping every now and then to peck kisses. "You know," Blaine was thoughtful, "pretty soon we aren't going to be able to do this."
Kurt was confused, "do what? Kiss?"
Blaine laughed, "no, silly. You are going to be so famous that people will recognize you everywhere you go. We won't be able to go out as freely as we do now."
"Oh husband of mine, you always have so much faith in me," Kurt smiled.
"What? Oh come on, Kurt. Haven't you read the blogs? People are already interested in your every move and you haven't even finished filming yet. When this movie is released our world is going to change."
Kurt hadn't thought about it in that way. To him he was still himself - that bold but awkward kid from Lima, Ohio. But Blaine had a point. He had been doing more press lately, more photo shoots, and had been invited to celebrity events. He took Blaine's hand and sat on a nearby bench. "Blaine?" He stared off into the darkness.
"My love," Blaine said.
"We never discussed this. You're right. Our life is going to change. We are going to lose our privacy. My time will be scheduled by others, there will be photographers, fans," Kurt's voice grew louder, higher and he began to speak faster. "What if it's too much pressure? What if we can't spend as much time together…"
"Hey, hey," Blaine cut him off and placed his hand on Kurt's shoulder and squeezed. "Listen to me," he waited for Kurt to look into his eyes – he knew that always calmed Kurt down. "No, we haven't discussed any of this because we just assumed that we would be ok with any change that came into our lives. And as far as I'm concerned we will be ok. I love you. I loved you when you were that scared teenager looking for guidance and acceptance. I loved you when you were that confident and brave college student who had dreams and goals. I love you when you were struggling in New York, I love you now, and I will love you when you are the biggest thing in this town since Leo DiCaprio." Blaine took Kurt's hand in both of his and locked eyes with his. "And I don't care if there are swarms of paparazzi outside our house, loads of screaming girls after you, and fifteen assistants calling you night and day – you are mine, Kurt Anderson-Hummel and nothing or no one will ever come between us," Blaine stopped. His hands were shaking with passion. "I'm serious. You belong to me and nothing will change that."
Kurt didn't even bother to hide the tears in his eyes. He simply leaned into Blaine and hugged him tightly. "The day I first entered Dalton I was searching for information, maybe even for a safe place. I didn't really know," Kurt leaned up so that he could look Blaine in the eyes. "But what I found there is absolutely priceless and life-changing. I found you. And I am grateful for that day – grateful for you – every second of my life."
Now Blaine had tears in his eyes. He kissed Kurt sweetly. "I love you. C'mon, let me take you home."
They walked back hand in hand. As they turned onto their street Blaine noticed their neighbour. He was standing in his yard looking at them. When he noticed that Blaine saw him he smiled and waved. Blaine waved back.
"Who's that?" Kurt asked.
"That would be Samuel. I forgot to tell you about him," Blaine whispered as they approached closer.
"Hi Blaine," Samuel smiled warmly.
"Hi there," Blaine pulled Kurt forward gently. "This is my husband, Kurt. Kurt, this is our neighbour, Samuel."
"It's a pleasure," Kurt shook his hand and smiled. "Are you new to the neighbourhood? I always thought this house was vacant actually."
"I recently moved in. I met Blaine the other day. I thought I'd introduce myself so I boldly knocked on your door." He turned to Blaine, "sorry about that. Later I realized how forward I had been. I don't really know anyone in the area, so," he shrugged.
"Oh, please it's no trouble," Blaine said.
"Why don't you come over to our house next Friday? Blaine and I love to entertain and it's always nice to know your neighbours," Kurt said.
Samuel smiled at the invitation, "oh, that would be nice, thanks. I"ll bring the wine?"
"Sure," Blaine confirmed. "Looking forward to it." He grabbed Kurt's hand with a smile. "We should go in. See you on Friday."
"Count on it," Samuel nodded.
Later in bed, after teeth were brushed, faces were moisturized, and pyjamas were buttoned, Blaine snuggled up to Kurt. He placed his head on his chest and closed his eyes. "Good night love."
"What do you think about Samuel?" Kurt asked.
Blaine's eyes opened. "Samuel? I don't really think anything. I don't know him at all. Why?"
"I just got a weird vibe from him."
"Really? Then why'd you invite him over?"
"I don't know. I'm intrigued."
"Well, I do think it is a bit strange that he showed up at our door to introduce himself. I mean, people don't do that anymore. Maybe he's just social and looking for friends," Blaine said sleepily.
"Yeah. I hope you're right," Kurt tangled his fingers into Blaine's curls. "We'll soon find out."
"Sleep well, baby," Blaine mumbled, closing his eyes and snuggling close.
"Mmm, you too, love." Kurt closed his eyes but it took him a bit longer than usual to fall asleep.