This is a short story that I've written for Grlnxtdr29's Klaine Christmas Eve Challenge on this site. The prompts words are "rocking horse" and "tinsel". I've also incorporated all 48 Klaine Advent prompts into the story as well. It's a two-for-one prompt challenge fill!
The story is based upon an actual resort, although I've never visited it. The Rocking Horse Ranch Resort is located about 90 miles north of New York City, nestled on 500-acres in the heart of the scenic Hudson River Valley. Photos are included in my Tumblr master post. I'm HKVoyage and you can find it when you click "My Fic" from the home page.
Many thanks to Lilyvandersteen and Dblmalfunction for reviewing this story in record time.
This story is gifted to Fearlessly, whose friendship and beta skills I value and treausure.
Kurt rations his grande non-fat mocha to last the full hour-and-a-half train journey from Penn Station to Poughkeepsie, New York. Last night, he finished his last performance in The Jersey Boys, and after a year of performing eight times a week, this break is well-deserved. When his father suggested that they take a family holiday together, he was totally on board. It had been ages since he had spent quality time with his father, Carole, Finn, Rachel, and their children. He certainly wouldn't have picked the Rocking Horse Ranch for a holiday on his own, but the resort seems to have something for everyone.
When his phone rings, Kurt answers. "Hi, Dad. I'm almost at Poughkeepsie."
"That's great. We are just sitting down for breakfast. When you arrive, come join us. There is loads to do here, and we don't want to miss a thing."
Last weekend, Kurt had a look online at the facilities of the all-inclusive resort. There are certainly a lot of outdoor and indoor sports activities along with evening entertainment. He only hopes that they won't be forever jumping from one activity to the next and that he will be able to find some time to relax, as well.
When the train stops at the Poughkeepsie station in the Hudson River Valley, Kurt disembarks with his two large suitcases. He immediately spots an older man with a huge mustache, wearing jeans, a red flannel shirt, a waxed cotton down vest, cowboy boots and hat. He doesn't need to be holding up the Rocking Horse Ranch sign for Kurt to know where he works.
The hotel rep smiles and shakes his hand. "You must be Kurt Hummel."
When Kurt nods, he continues, "I'm Bob. I'm like the deputy at the ranch, in charge of getting you settled in."
Kurt is surprised that Deputy Bob isn't wearing a five-star badge. When he raises the suitcases' telescopic handles, Bob intervenes.
"Let me take those bags for you. It'll take about ten minutes to drive to the ranch. Burt asked me to tell you to meet them in the dining room."
They settle quickly in the four-wheel drive Jeep, and they are soon on their way. The scenery quickly changes as they leave the town and head to a dense forest of pine trees and evergreens. After passing over a picturesque wooden bridge, Kurt spots the sign for the Rocking Horse Ranch, with a wreath hanging by wire from the top left-hand corner. As the Jeep approaches the sprawling rustic ranch, several chimney stacks billowing smoke from the fireplaces come into view. He can see the horse barn, the lift for the ski slope and snow tubing, the ice skating rink, and other activities. The property is well-landscaped , and it looks pretty easy to get from one place on the property to another.
When they arrive at the front entrance, there are staff at hand to take Kurt's suitcases. A friendly woman greets him. "Welcome, Kurt. I'm Shelley Turk, co-owner of the ranch. Here's your room key, but I'll take you to the dining room first. Burt said that he wanted to see you as soon as you arrived."
Kurt wonders how many staff already know his father, especially since he only arrived yesterday at dinner time. When Kurt enters the ranch, there is an enormous wood-panelled lobby filled with comfy-looking sofas, and several fireplaces warm the area. There are areas for larger groups and little nooks that accommodate one or two people. On one side, there are floor-to-ceiling windows looking out to the ski slope. It's filled with rustic decor, including a large wooden rocking horse and an eight-feet tall nutcracker soldier. There is an gigantic Christmas tree with Western-themed ornaments, silver tinsel, and candy canes hanging on its branches. The area smells divine with soy candles burning brightly throughout the space. The candles have wooden wicks, so they make a crackling sound to resemble a fireplace. This is far nicer than Kurt had expected.
As they walk towards the dining room, Kurt remarks, "I made arrangements for my Internet orders to be sent directly here. I hope you've received them."
"Yes, we did receive a lot of packages for you this week. Your family is going to be very lucky on Christmas Day. They have already been sent up to your room."
Kurt can't fault the efficiency of the ranch so far. He has a good feeling about this holiday. Maybe there really is something for everyone here.
When they arrive at the Longhorn Dining Hall, Shelly says, "This is where all the meals are eaten. Breakfast and lunch are served as a buffet, and dinner is a sit-down affair. If there is anything you need, just let me know."
"Hey, kiddo!"
Kurt looks up to see his father waving. After thanking Shelly, he walks over to the table and embraces his father. When big strong hands wrap around him, Kurt feels as if he is home. Although the family came to New York City to see him in The Jersey Boys in July, the last time that they've spent any real time together was the previous Christmas, back in Lima. It feels far too long, and Kurt is grateful for this holiday.
"Burt, honey, let us all have a turn," Carole reprimands her husband.
"Carole, I love your new hairstyle and color. You look at least ten years younger," Kurt remarks.
Carole pulls him into a hug. "You're not the only one who likes makeovers. I understand that there is a spa here. We'll have to check it out."
Rachel jumps up and claps her hands in glee. "I'm so excited that you are here. I've already planned our duet for karaoke tomorrow night."
Kurt bends down to give his long-time friend a kiss on the cheek. After short-lived Broadway and TV careers, Rachel returned to Lima to marry Finn. She is now the music director at McKinley High.
"Uncle Kurt! You haven't said hello to me yet," six-year-old Barbra pouts.
Kurt gives his niece a hug before giving his four-year-old nephew Archie a fist bump.
Finn stands up, puts an arm around Kurt's shoulders, and pulls him close. "Good to see you, bro. Let me show you the breakfast buffet. I'm going up for seconds."
Kurt follows Finn and examines the breakfast buffet - there is enough food to feed an army. He pours himself an orange juice, quickly orders a Western omelet, and allows himself the treat of an iced cinnamon roll. He's on holiday, after all.
When he returns to the table, the adults are studying the schedule of the day's activities.
"You promised I could learn to ski today," Barbra whines.
Finn rubs her back. "Don't worry, munchkin, we're going skiing this morning. Uncle Kurt will join us, won't you?"
When Kurt sees the pleading looks on the Berry-Hudson family's faces, he can't refuse the offer.
"I've never tried skiing before, but I'll give it my best shot. How about you, Dad?"
Burt shakes his head. "Nope, Grandma and I are too old for skiing."
"Says who?" Archie asks.
"Says me," Burt replies. "Grandma and I are going to Bingo after breakfast, and then we'll watch you ski from the bottom of the slope. I'll have my camera to take photos, and Grandma will take a video using her phone."
After they've finished breakfast, everyone returns to the room to dress warmly for the day. Kurt opens the door to discover a very spacious room with a king-sized rustic bed, sitting area, and ensuite bathroom. There is even a potbelly, wood-burning stove in the corner. As promised, there are boxes from his Internet shopping stacked on one side of the room. Kurt hopes that he brought enough Christmas paper and ribbon with him to wrap all the gifts. Kurt opens his suitcases and quickly changes into his winter ski outfit. The one good thing about this holiday is that it has given him the opportunity to expand his wardrobe with ski jackets, pants, hats, scarves, and the like.
He meets everyone at the bottom of the ski slope, and the staff quickly sort them out with short skis and helmets. Rachel and Barbra look cute in matching orange ski pants and light-blue jackets with yellow stars. Finn and Archie are both wearing black ski pants with royal blue parkas.
A staff member hands over a set of skis to Kurt. "Don't worry if you have never skied before. This area of the mountain has a long gradual decline, which is perfect for beginners. When you get to the top of the hill, there are instructors waiting to teach you."
Kurt follows the others to the magic carpet ride, which looks like a long conveyor belt. It's quite simple to step on with the short skis and let it move him up the slope. When he reaches the top, he notices that snow tubers are to the left, and skiers are to the right.
There are several skiers wearing an "instructor" bib. "I want that one!" Archie shouts, pointing his arm.
Kurt looks over to see a man wearing a brightly colored one-piece ski suit. The top half is predominantly deep sky blue while the bottom half is predominantly red, and there are bright stripes of colors, including gold. He's wearing a matching striped headband that pushes up deep brown curls, and yellow rimmed sunglasses complete the look. There is no way they'll lose sight of this guy on the slope. He's short, but Kurt can tell that he has an athlete's body.
When Archie and Barbra wave their arms, the ski instructor comes over. "Who wants to learn to ski?"
"I do! I do!" Archie and Barbra shout.
"My name is Blaine, and I'll teach you how. It's easy, peasy, lemon squeezy."
"Can you teach my Uncle Kurt, too?" Archie asks.
Blaine looks at Kurt for the first time and smiles. "By the time I've finished with Uncle Kurt, he'll be winning all the competitions," he jokes with a wink.
Did he just wink? Is the ski instructor flirting with him? Is he even gay? Kurt doesn't know what to make of the ski instructor, but he realizes that Blaine has started the lesson, and Rachel and Finn are standing nearby holding their phones out to take photos and videos. He better pay attention.
"When you're a beginner, the most important thing is to be in control at all times. If you want to walk across the snow, you need to place your skis in a V-position and waddle like a duck."
Kurt, Barbra and Archie imitate Blaine, and as they walk across the top of the hill, Blaine starts to sing:
Four little ducks went out one day,
Over the hill and far away.
Mother duck, said, "Quack, Quack, Quack
But only three little ducks came back.
When they come to a complete stop, Archie asks, "Blaine, what happened to the other duck?"
"He didn't listen to his ski instructor and has probably drifted off the slope. It's important to pay attention. Now, the next thing we're going to do is put the tips of the skis together to form a pizza wedge," Blaine instructs and then demonstrates.
When everyone has their skis in the correct position, Blaine continues, "You are going to follow me down the slope, but before we ski, you'll need to know how to turn. If we are turning to the left, you need to bend to your left side, and swing the right ski around."
Blaine demonstrates the turn. "And if we want to turn right, what direction do we need to bend?"
"The right!" Barbra and Archie shout.
"Before we go, I need to make sure you know the difference between your right and left. Raise your right arm."
Barbra and Archie raise their right arm.
"That goes for you, too, Uncle Kurt," Blaine teases.
Kurt rolls his eyes and raises his right arm.
"Put your left hand on your nose," Blaine orders.
"Rub your belly with your right hand."
Once everyone has done that, Blaine continues, "Slap your Uncle Kurt's bottom with your right hand."
Barbra and Archie giggle as they slap their Uncle Kurt. Kurt would love to slap Blaine's bottom to see if it's as pert as it looks.
"I think everyone has got it. I want you to follow me in a line. Uncle Kurt, do you mind taking up the rear?"
They traverse across the slope, and Blaine shouts out left before they turn. Archie gains too much speed and falls down. Once he stands up, his giggles confirm that nothing is wrong, and Blaine continues. Before they know it, they are at the bottom of the slope.
They go up the magic carpet ride and follow Blaine down the slope again. After a half a dozen times, Kurt feels more confident on the slope, although his thighs are feeling the strain of slowing down the speed and turning. He hopes he doesn't look like an idiot in Carole's video footage and his father's photos.
"I wanna try the snow tubing! Will you show us how, Blaine?' Archie asks.
"Sure thing, kiddo," Blaine replies.
They drop off the skis and change into snow boots before heading up the magic carpet. Rachel and Finn are waiting at the top to join them.
Blaine gives each grownup a two-person snow tube. "Has everyone gone sledding before?"
When everyone nods, Blaine explains, "It's very similar to sledding. Spreading your weight flat and evenly across the surface of the tube will give more speed. Of course, pushes and running starts will also make the tube go faster. We're going to start with snow tubing in pairs, and when Barbra and Archie feel confident, they can go on their own."
Barbra stands next to her mother, while Archie stands next to his father. Blaine approaches Kurt. "I think that leaves us to pair up. You should be in the front."
Blaine sets down the tube, and Kurt sits in the front as gracefully as he can. Blaine jumps on the tube's back, and it starts down the slope. When the snow tube gains momentum, Kurt shrieks. He certainly doesn't like the feeling of being out of control. Kurt feels strong hands grip his sides. "Don't worry, Kurt. I'm not going to let anything happen to you."
When they are at the bottom of the slope, the snow tube stops on the level ground. Kurt gets up to find his father laughing. "The look on your face was priceless, and it's all caught on video."
"Thanks, pops, just what I wanted to hear." He wonders if he can sneak into their bedroom late at night and delete the video from Carole's phone.
Once everyone is down the slope, they decide to take a break for lunch. They thank Blaine for his time before heading to the ranch. They all hope that they'll have Blaine again as an instructor for all their activities.
After a BBQ lunch, including a live band playing Western music, everyone decides to participate in the scavenger hunt. Kurt excuses himself for the afternoon. After changing into après-ski clothes - yoga pants and a red "finger hole" sweater - he grabs his Kindle and walks to the main area. He finds a nook tucked away near a window and curls up in the two-person leather sofa to read "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens. The nearby soy candle burning emits a soft light and wonderful smell.
After a while, he goes to the table that has wine and cheese set out for tasting. He grabs a glass of red wine and fills a plate with cheese, crackers, grapes, and nuts. When he returns to his nook, he looks out of the window to see Blaine and a dozen or so children building snowmen. Kurt can't help but admire Blaine's ass as he bends over to lift pieces of the snowmen that the children have rolled. Not for the first time, he wonders what Blaine looks like beneath all the layers of his snow gear and whether he really does have a bubble ass.
When Blaine and the children disappear from view, Kurt gets stuck into his book again. He's reading a romance novel about two men who meet and fall in love, finally finding the meaningful relationship that they've been looking for. This is the sort of relationship that Kurt wants so badly but can't find. If only it was as easy as hanging out at the local coffee shop! When Kurt was growing up in Lima, he had always imagined New York City teeming with other gay men looking for love. He has found that the reality is quite different.
While there are a lot of gay men living in New York City, it's difficult to find an attractive, intelligent, single gay man who is looking for romance, too. Sure, Kurt has had a lot of attention, especially in the clubs, but he's looking for more than just someone to scratch an itch with a one-night stand. Working on off-Broadway doesn't make it easy. While most men are going out on Friday and Saturday nights, Kurt is on stage. When Kurt has time off during the day, most men are working. Sunday and Monday evenings are never a good part of the week to be looking for love, either.
Kurt smiles when he sees Santa make an appearance in the lobby. If he's not mistaken, it's Deputy Bob underneath the red suit. Santa is joined by a horse dressed up as a reindeer and an army of elves distributing toy stuffed animals. Young children line up to sit on Santa's lap and give him last-minute gift requests. Elves hand out cups of eggnog and gingerbread cookies to both children and their parents. Once everyone has been served, the elves sing Christmas carols.
"I don't believe it! You're the Kurt Hummel."
Kurt looks toward the voice to discover Blaine standing near the sofa. He's obviously off duty, because he's changed into red trousers and a multi-color striped sweater. His hair is slicked back like a 1940s movie star, and he looks so different from the man with wild curls bursting out of a ski headband. His eyes are sparkling and his smile is warm. So this is what has been hiding underneath the layers of ski clothing. Kurt most definitely approves.
"The one and only, although you know me as Uncle Kurt. I'm sorry, Blaine, have I met you before today?"
"No, but I've certainly seen you. I've watched you perform in The Jersey Boys twice. You were brilliant as Bob Gaudio, but I personally think you would have been a great Frankie Valli. Your singing range is phenomenal."
"You know my singing range?" Kurt asks.
"I'm a music therapy major at NYU Steinhardt. It's not every day I come across such a pure countertenor voice."
"Thank you, kind sir. If you're not in a rush, why don't you join me for a glass of wine?" Kurt suggests.
"I have to wait for my Uncle Bob to finish work, and it looks like he'll be a while," Blaine replies, his gaze drifting over to Santa. "I'll get us some wine and nibbles. I'll be back soon."
Kurt sets down his Kindle and internally squeals. Who knew that ski instructor Blaine would be so handsome in real life. The icing on the cake is that he's not only a music major, but he's a bit of a fanboy. Kurt reins in his emotions - he doesn't even know if Blaine is gay or not. And if he is gay, someone like Blaine will surely have a boyfriend.
Blaine quickly returns and hands Kurt his glass of wine before sitting beside him. "To new friends. Merry Christmas, Kurt."
Kurt clinks their glasses together. "Merry Christmas, Blaine. Tell me, why is a NYU music therapy major working at the Rocking Horse Ranch over Christmas?"
"My Uncle Bob and Aunt Mary have been working here forever. When I was young, we spent many a family holiday here. I work here during the summers, but my Uncle Bob sort of kidnapped me for December, when the ranch was a staff member short. It certainly beats burying myself in the NYU library or music practice rooms."
When Kurt reaches for a piece of cheese, their hands accidently brush, and a tingle rushes from his belly to the tips of his toes. Kurt's face flushes, and he feels like he is on fire. He wonders if a simple touch of the fingertips had any effect on Blaine.
They talk about their lives in New York City and are surprised that they only live a few blocks away from each other, and they frequent the same coffee shop, albeit at different hours. They both enjoy going for walks in Central Park, watching trashy reality TV shows, and fashion. They also have the same quirky sense of humor, and they both let it casually slip that they are gay and single. Blaine seems too good to be true.
"Are you ready to go, Blaine?"
Kurt looks up to see Deputy Bob dressed in his usual cowboy style.
"Sure. Have you met Kurt Hummel yet?" Blaine asks.
"I picked Kurt up from the train station. Are you enjoying your stay at the ranch?"
Kurt nods. "I've had a brilliant day. After breakfast, I hit the ski slopes with my family, and Blaine was our ski instructor. As you can see, I made it down the slope in one piece."
"You're in good hands with Blaine." Deputy Bob checks his watch. "We best get going if we don't want to get on the wrong side of Mary. She's been cooking up a storm all day."
Blaine stands up and extends his hand. "It's been wonderful to meet you, Kurt. Tomorrow is my day off, but I'll be here until the New Year…"
"Same. I'm at the ranch until New Year's Day. Perhaps you can show me other parts of the ranch?" Kurt asks.
Kurt can feel heat in his face like he is on fire. It's unlike him to be so forward with someone he's just met, but he doesn't want to let Blaine slip away from him. He's relieved when he sees a gigantic smile on Blaine's face.
"I'd like that very much. I'll see you the day after tomorrow. Merry Christmas, Kurt."
"Merry Christmas, Blaine."
As Blaine and Deputy Bob walk away, Kurt's eyes linger on Blaine. Although he has only met Blaine today, he feels a special connection. He hasn't felt so hopeful about any other man before. Maybe it's true that there is something or someone for everyone at the Rocking Horse Ranch.
Author's notes
Next up: Five days later, a major snowstorm hits the Rocking Horse Ranch. You didn't think I would write a Christmas fic without Kurt and Blaine singing a duet, a strategically placed mistletoe, and a well-timed snowstorm?
