A/N: Hello, lovely readers. This is finally the start of everything we have planned! The first couple chapters were just filler but this really sets up the rest of the story so we hope you are excited! :D
No, we don't own Glee. But we are both going to see Darren in H2$ on Sunday. EEEEEEP.
As always, read, review, and enjoy!
"Soph!" Kurt called, scooping the shorter Anderson up into a tight hug outside of the Lima Bean.
"Hi Kurt!" Sophia laughed, but it came out muffled and into Kurt's shoulder. Kurt released his grip, grabbing her hand and practically dragging her into the coffee shop. They were there to visit Blaine at work, but more importantly because they had some serious wedding details to go over. The two walked up to the counter and got their coffees from Peyton.
"Hey, Kurt! Blaine's just in the back putting away some of the shipment. He'll probably be out in a little bit!" She greeted happily, setting the two drinks on the counter.
"Thanks, Peyton. Just tell him we'll be right over there, okay?" Kurt smiled at the barista.
"Sure thing!" The two went over to an empty table in the corner of the café and Kurt pulled out his signature planner.
"So," Kurt started, going down a checklist, "we have a date set for May 2nd, and we're going to look at prospective wedding dresses tomorrow. We picked out the color scheme, which I find absolutely divine. Today we have to create the guest list so we can send out a 'save the date'. After we have the guest list locked in, we can go to The Papery and pick out all the invitations, and those should go out no later than December."
Sophia nodded her approval, albeit looking a little flustered, but that was to be expected.
"This all sounds amazing, Kurt. I can't wait!" Sophia gave a little bounce up and down in her seat, reminding Kurt so much of Blaine.
Blaine walked over then, wrapping his arms around his older sister's shoulders and placing his chin on top of her head.
"He driving you crazy yet, Sophie?" Blaine inquired winking over at his boyfriend who rolled his eyes.
"Blaine," Sophia scolded, "Kurt is doing a wonderful job planning this wedding. You should be lucky that he is here to plan it. He's keeping me sane and is way more organized than I could ever manage to be on my own."
"Besides, Blaine," Kurt added, "You're probably just jealous that I'm keeping your sister all for myself. We all know this wedding stuff completely bores you." He added a wink for good measure, though he was sure Blaine knew he was joking anyway.
Blaine nodded and laughed before retreating back to work to let the two most important people in his life discuss wedding plans. He smiled wistfully over at Kurt and couldn't help but have a flash to the future, when it would be their wedding being planned. A beautiful man walking towards him in a stunning tuxedo (custom made of course). Lilac flowers strewn everywhere. All of their family and friends celebrating them. It was so vivid, so easy to get lost in what might be, but he shook the thought almost as soon as it came to him. He couldn't get ahead of himself considering he didn't even know what was going to happen after senior year, let alone six years down the line. He shook his head and got back to work. Before Blaine knew it, two hours had passed and his shift was over.
"Hey handsome," Kurt said, walking up to the counter Blaine was behind. "I just finished up with Sophia and she's going to head back to meet Sean for dinner. I was going to see if you maybe wanted to join me for dinner since you're done? My treat of course."
Blaine smiled. Like he would ever turn down quality time with his boyfriend.
Kurt picked a nice Asian restaurant for dinner. He had been craving sushi and since it was his pick, Blaine agreed. The two ordered edamame to start and started talking about their respective days. Kurt went into detail about everything that was happening with the wedding.
"It's gonna be so lovely, Blaine. Sophia and I have such similar tastes so she practically agrees with everything I suggest!" Kurt beamed as he ate his soybeans.
"That's so great, babe! I'm really happy you two get along so well. You two mean so much to me, so it really means a lot, ya know?" Kurt just smiled and nodded as their sushi rolls got placed on the table. Kurt got two spicy tuna rolls and Blaine got two shrimp tempura rolls, stating that it was the only thing that was actually cooked on the menu. The two ate their meal in a comfortable silence, enjoying just having a nice relaxing date night. These were always the best kind of nights in Blaine's opinion. Simple, quiet and unplanned.
Kurt paid, true to his word, and the two boys made their way out of the small restaurant hand in hand. Climbing into Kurt's Navigator, they drove back to the Lima Bean since Blaine's car was there.
"So I was thinking," Kurt broke the silence and squeezed Blaine's hand from where they were resting on the center console, "when we get back, we could start talking about colleges...maybe make a list of schools and then tomorrow we can start applications. It's already October so we should probably figure this out." Blaine lifted their intertwined hands and gave a chaste kiss to Kurt's knuckles.
"Yes you're probably right. We should get this over with." Kurt laughed lightly.
"Why do you say it like that? Like it's a death sentence? You want to go to school on the east coast right? It's not like we won't be close to each other?" Blaine made a noncommittal noise that Kurt took as agreement and the two finished the ride in silence, Blaine lost in his own thoughts.
Two days earlier.
"Hey Blainey!" Sophia chirped through the phone.
"Hi Soph. Listen. I have to talk to you about something." Blaine started. He figured it'd be easier to cut right to the chase. He needed to know Sophia's opinion before he made his decision.
"Sure, B. What's wrong?" Sophia asked, catching the concerned tone in Blaine's voice almost immediately.
"Well, I've kind of been avoiding the college talk with Kurt like it's some deadly disease. I'm so conflicted. I'm pretty sure he thinks I want to go to New York for school and while most of my choices are there, my number one isn't." Blaine said, sort of quickly as if he was almost afraid to admit it to himself.
"UCLA?" Sophia questioned even though she didn't have to. She knew the answer already.
"UCLA." Blaine responded.
"Well... it hasbeen your dream and plan forever, Blaine."
"I know Soph. I know that. But...I don't know, Kurt...he changes things. He's part of my life in a huge way. He's means the world to me Sophia. I don't know if I could handle being across the country from him. He's my plans now."
"Blaine. I know how much you love Kurt. Everyone knows how much you love Kurt. But you need to really think about this. Is New York really what you want?"
"Kurt is what I want." Blaine stated, getting frustrated with the way this conversation was turning out. "Why does it feel like you're trying to push me into doing this? To be far away from Kurt?"
"Blaine." Sophia sighed, "Blaine, that's not what I'm doing. I just want you to be happy. I want you to make sure that this is really what you want. You've been talking about UCLA since you were ten years old. If Kurt loves you, he'll understand, you know that."
"But what if he doesn't? He pretty much assumed we're going to college together. What if this breaks us? He's more important than California, Sophia. I don't want to lose him over this."
Sophia was silent for a moment before speaking. "I can't make this decision for you, baby brother. I think that you should apply anyway, just to see what happens. But I can't force you to do that. I just want you to be the happiest you can be. And if you do this and move to New York with Kurt and it doesn't work out, god forbid, I couldn't bear to see you so miserable and stuck somewhere you don't want to be. Plus, you'll always wonder what could have been. If you don't apply, you'll play the what-if game forever."
Blaine rubbed his hand over his face. This was so not how he was expecting this conversation to go. "I know Sophia. I'll think about it."
"That's all I'm asking, Blainey. I gotta run though, Sean just got home! Call me if you need anything though Blaine, okay?"
"Okay, Soph. I will. And thank you, really."
"That' what I'm here for. I love you, Blaine."
"Love you too, Soph. I'll talk to you tomorrow." Blaine hung up and threw his phone next to him on the bed. Lying back on his pillow, he closed his eyes, his thumb absently playing with the ring on his finger. He was more conflicted than ever.
It was midnight and Blaine was exhausted. Both boys were sitting on their laptops sprawled out on Blaine's floor. They had spent the last three hours after returning to Dalton researching the schools that they wanted to apply to. They both had narrowed it down to a list of four each. Blaine had decided on Columbia, NYU, Boston University, and Fordham. Kurt had also selected NYU and Boston University (only because Blaine had insisted they branch out of New York, because hey- you never know). In addition, he'd filled out applications to the Fashion Insititute of Technology (go big or go home, right?) and Parsons School of Desgin.
They had decided to call it a night after that and Kurt went into the bathroom to complete his nightly moisturizing routine and Blaine got changed into his pajamas. Once Kurt came out, Blaine went in and washed his face and brushed his teeth. By the time he was done Kurt was already snuggled underneath the covers and fast asleep. Blaine smiled faintly at his beautiful boyfriend and sat back down on the floor and opened his laptop. He went to the UCLA website and started researching, trying extremely hard to ignore the lump forming in the back of his throat and the twinge of guilt in his stomach.
Kurt pulled the Navigator into a tight parking spot with practiced ease, turned off his iPod, and slid out of his car. Locking it behind him, he grimaced at the frilly mess directly in front of him before walking into a store he'd never have the horror of returning to.
Lace and Love was the only bridal boutique in the county. It sold gowns with sleeves so puffy, Kurt swore they'd been recycled from slapstick powder skits. He'd had the divine pleasure of accompanying Carole there a few years previously, and luckily he'd managed to find something resembling style then. Now he was here hoping he'd have the same result with Sophia-though he pictured her in something a little different than what Carole'd worn.
The first person Kurt made eye contact with in the small boutique was a harried-looking salesperson. Hearing a shrill voice from behind her, he shot her a sympathetic glance before groaning and taking matters into his own hands.
"Rachel Berry, would you calm yourself!" Kurt called, heading over to where the small brunette was terrorizing the staff. "I'm sure they don't sell wedding dresses with reindeer on them. So sit down and let them do their job."
He could hear rustling behind him coming from the fitting room, and he turned to see what they'd done to Sophia. He sighed.
The poor girl was covered in fabric. The gown had long sleeves, was off the shoulder, and trailed behind her about five feet.
"Excuse me, Princess Di, I think you're a little late for the royal wedding," Kurt murmured, catching Sophia's eye in a wink. Her stealthy S.O.S. text had apparently been sent just in time. Kurt turned now to the blonde salesgirl who was stifling a laugh.
"Hi, Stephanie, I'm Kurt Hummel, wedding planner and boyfriend to the brother of the bride. I'd like to see her in some sweetheart necklines, maybe a mermaid gown or two? I know there's a few tucked in the back somewhere." he instructed before smiling sweetly. Then he nudged Sophia toward the fitting room where he helped her escape her lace hell.
"What happened, Soph?" Kurt asked under his breath. "Your style is usually impeccable; that monstrosity couldn't have been your idea."
Sophia huffed. "Combine Rachel and my mother, and you're basically screwed. I've been begging for a strapless for an hour!"
Kurt nodded sympathetically. He heard a knocking on the door, and assuming it was Stephanie, cracked it open.
He found Gloria Anderson on the other side.
"Uh...hi, Mrs. Anderson," he managed. Gloria smiled weakly.
"Hi there Kurt, it's nice to see you again. Would you mind giving me and my daughter a minute?" She asked, and Kurt simply nodded. With a backward glance, he shuffled onto the sales floor and sat down on the couch next to Rachel.
"I wouldn't have put her in a reindeer gown, Kurt! Her wedding isn't even in winter!"
Kurt laughed lightly. "Oh, Rachel, you are certainly one of a kind, aren't you?"
"I am, Kurt. And that's what's going to propel my career and land me one of my dream roles on Broadway, while you run around in all-black backstage!"
Kurt gasped. "That's a terrible thing to say, Rachel. Being envious of my talent is one thing, but insulting it to mask that jealousy is a whole 'nother matter. Besides, you don't think I have dreams of grandeur, too? I plan being far from this cow town this time next year, too."
"Columbus doesn't count as far, Kurt," Rachel shot back with a smirk.
"OSU? You think I dream about OSU? I don't even think my dad hopes I go to OSU, and it's his alma mater! Please, Rachel, that great white way you're flirting with? It's cheating on you with me."
"But what about Blaine?" Rachel asked.
"You think I'd leave him?" Kurt replied. "He doesn't really have a set in stone dream like I do, he just wants to do music education. Naturally, I'll have to find a job that actually pays the bills once we find our adorable apartment together, but..."
They didn't notice that Sophia and Gloria had emerged from the fitting room.
"So you and Blaine are coming to New York next year too?"
"If all goes according to plan. I have my heart set and since Blaine doesn't have the same connection with a place like I do with New York..."
"Dun, dun, duh-dun..." they heard Gloria murmuring. The two put their conversation on hold to look and see Sophia.
The first thing Kurt noticed was the way the white material showed off her tiny waist, nipping in with intricate tucks and pulls. There was elegant beading along the slight sweetheart neckline of the strapless gown. It hit the floor with a tiny train, and as she spun around Kurt saw the corset back and bow,
When their eyes locked, Kurt saw a tear fall from her beautiful hazel eyes.
"This is the one." he stated, and the other women nodded simultaneously.
True to her habit of being a perfect bride, the gown didn't need one stitch of alteration. Gloria unhesitatingly handed over her credit card in exchange for a box of tissues, which she passed around. They made an appointment to come back and pick out a veil, shoes, and jewelry before Sophia parted with her dress. Since they'd need it to try on everything else, it made more sense to leave it behind; besides, she didn't want Sean to catch a glimpse. Walking out to their cars, Kurt and Rachel decided to go to the Lima Bean to show Blaine pictures of his sister in her wedding dress.
When they entered the coffee shop chattering amicably, Blaine had to do a double take. But he recovered quickly, flailing over seeing his sister in her amazing white dress. He made them a round of drinks and glanced at the clock. He still had an hour to go, and the shop was bustling with thirsty shoppers. Kurt and Rachel snagged cozy armchairs in the corner and waited for Blaine, discussing perfect casts for their favorite musicals and dream apartment locations.
While he cleaned up the countertop, Blaine couldn't help but smile. He was so happy that Kurt and Rachel were finally starting to get along. He had no idea what exactly they were gabbing about, but by Rachel's over-emphasized expressions, Blaine had a feeling Broadway was involved.
Rachel had known since probably before she was born what she wanted to do. She had her three dream roles, life plan, and career goals mapped out in the sparkly pink planner hidden in her second desk drawer. For Blaine, seeing Rachel's detailed outlook on her future had been a little bit paralyzing. He'd finally figured out music was his dream and that he loved to help people and work with children, so he'd settled on music education. A wide range of schools offered that, so he was lucky. He wouldn't be pigeonholed into New York like Rachel was. But at the same time, Rachel loved knowing every step of what lied ahead. Blaine, on the other hand, loved the uncertainty. He had dream schools too, and he'd definitely daydreamed about his future. But for Blaine, his present was too perfect to ever think about leaving it behind.
When the timer on the latte machine dinged, Blaine realized it was five o'clock. Untying his apron, he made his way to his boyfriend and best friend. They all agreed on a quick dinner at Panera before Rachel had to drive back to Lima. Kurt, on the other hand, would be Blaine's for the entire evening.
They settled down into their pajamas and Kurt ducked under the cozy warmth of Blaine's comforter as his boyfriend set up 10 Things I Hate About You on his tv. He set the remote down on his nightstand, resting his head on Kurt's cotton-covered chest.
"Ten things I hate about you? Let me see..." Kurt teased. "Definitely when you snuggle against me. Oh, and when you kiss me." Blaine laughed and pecked him on the nose.
"I love you, silly," Kurt said, squeezing Blaine in tighter.
"Love you more," Blaine answered. Kurt responded by tickling his sides.
"Now you know that's a lie, baby, because I love you more," Kurt shot back, before groaning. "Are we really having a love-you-more battle right now? God, we're married."
Blaine laughed, tingling slightly at the m-word. "How about this? I love you forever, Kurt."
Kurt nodded. "Forever sounds nice."
With another quick kiss, the two held each other close and watched their movie, falling asleep in each other's arms.
It had been two weeks since Blaine and Kurt had made their college lists. Two grueling weeks spent filling out applications, writing essays, getting together portfolios. Two long weeks. It was October, and Blaine felt like all he and Kurt had done since the night they made these lists was go to Warbler practice and work on college essays. He, for one, couldn't wait to be finished with it all. Blaine found himself sitting at his computer one Thursday night working on his UCLA application. He had been struggling with what to do about UCLA and it took him over a week and a half to finally come to a decision. He was planning on applying there for Early Action. He would find out by December if he was accepted and would tell Kurt then. Early Action wasn't binding like Early Decision, but this way he'd have plenty of time to figure out what he was going to do. If he didn't get accepted than there was no real reason to tell Kurt. It was only two months. There was no using starting something big over this if he didn't even get in, right? That's what he was telling himself anyway. He had hoped he was making the right decision. There was a light knock at the door, which effectively pulled him from his thoughts. He quickly minimized the screen as Kurt walked through the door.
"Hey," Kurt greeted, visibly exhausted. "I just got done my meeting with David and Thad. Those two are practically useless, I swear." Kurt flopped face first onto Blaine's bed and Blaine shut his laptop and moved over to lay with him.
"I'm sure they just aren't used to you and your fabulousness," Blaine replied, rubbing Kurt's shoulders through his blazer.
"Here, turn around so we can take this blazer off of you. You'll be much more comfortable." Kurt hummed in agreement and flipped his body over, but making no moves to take the blazer off himself. Blaine sighed and undid the buttons for his boyfriend and pushed the jacket over his shoulders.
"A little help would probably help this process out, darling." Blaine stated in mock annoyance. Kurt finally opened his eyes with a smirk on his face before sitting up and shrugging out of the aforementioned blazer.
"Better, right?" Blaine asked as the two flopped back down onto Blaine's pillows, cuddling close.
"Mmm, much." Kurt replied, lying his head on Blaine's chest, the steady breathing effectively calming him down and putting him to sleep.
They stayed like that for a while, Blaine carding his fingers through Kurt's hair, Kurt snoring softly in his sleep. Finally, Blaine glanced at the clock and saw that it was almost nine. He knew that Kurt had promised Finn some quality brother-bonding time.
"Hey babe," Blaine whispered.
"Mmm, what? So sleepy Blaine." Kurt responded, shifting closer and nuzzling into Blaine's neck.
"I know Kurt, but it's almost nine and you promised Finn you'd sleep in your room tonight so you guys could hang out." Blaine's hand left Kurt's hair and moved its way down to his lower back rubbing circles, waiting for Kurt to wake up.
After a few minutes, Kurt's eyes opened and he placed a soft kiss to the side of Blaine's neck. Blaine hummed in response.
"I guess you're right, I should go." Kurt replied, looking up at Blaine with a pouty expression. "It just stinks. We almost always sleep together. It's practically the only time we ever get to spend together lately."
Blaine nodded, "I know, but I have one more application to send out and then I'm all done. I'll have a lot more free time. And you're almost done, right? You finished your applications last week and all you had left was to send out your portfolio. It'll get better soon."
Kurt nodded and sat up, "I guess you're right."
"I know I am." Blaine stated, grinning widely for effect.
Kurt grabbed the pillow next to him and slapped his cocky boyfriend in the face.
Blaine laughed as the pillow fell to the floor before grabbing Kurt and pulling him into a passionate kiss. Kurt bit down on Blaine's lip and Blaine moaned at the feeling before opening his mouth and granting Kurt's tongue access. They continued making out lazily like that for a while before Kurt finally pulled away to catch his breath.
"I really do need to go." Blaine leaned in for one more sweet kiss.
"Goodnight, Kurt." Blaine whispered onto his boyfriend's lips as he pulled away slowly.
"Goodnight, Blaine." Kurt replied, slowly getting up from his spot on the bed and grabbing his blazer.
He left the room and trudged down the hallway to his own where he already could hear Finn screaming at his video games. Rolling his eyes, he stopped at the door readying himself for whatever Finn had in store for him.
Blaine clambered out of bed shortly after Kurt left and walked back over to his desk. Opening his laptop, he maximized the UCLA application window. Glancing over his application one more time to make sure he wasn't missing anything he clicked forward to the payment page and entered in all his required information.
Slowly, almost hesitantly, he clicked send.
