A/N: This acts as a prequel to 'Gypsy' and 'Traveller'. A few people asked for the story behind Nicolas and Harris so here it is. It extends beyond the ending of Traveller to where Nicolas gives birth. Kurt and Blaine will make an appearance. Sorry this took so long!
Summary: As Harris is on the mend from a horrible illness, his father decides it is time for him to be married. Enter Nicolas, a beautiful Cailin of whom is forced to enter an arranged marriage with Harris. Harris will do whatever it takes to make Nicolas feel the love he was never given throughout his life.
Warnings: Male x male kissing, graphic sexual content (so … smut, yeah), fluff, mentions of violence, m-preg warning (no graphic details).
NOTE: This won't be the last for this 'verse (one more maybe) but I've got my final exams coming up in a few weeks and will be studying. Hopefully after that I can get back to writing.
Drifter
Harris was quite ecstatic when his father informed him of his duty as an adult. At sixteen he would come of age and be thrust into the world of seizing and courting. He would be married at seventeen and have a child by eighteen. His father explained what a Cailin was and their place in society and Harris immediately felt for the poor people.
"Many people believe that Cailin are beneath them," His father said as he sat directly across from Harris, "In our clan it is different. Kurt is an example, being the fierce boy he is. He is treated like we are and this philosophy must be continued."
Despite the discussion moving on to such things as the first lovemaking between a couple and raising children, Harris took the thought of Cailin to bed with him that night. He had grown up playing with Cailin and men alike, even girls. They were all one and the same.
It was a little after he turned seventeen when he fell ill. His throat was dry and he woke his parents up with loud coughing and choking. He was a deathly pale by day five of having the illness but he was clammy and running a fever. His mother was praying every hour, on the hour, to whatever God would listen to her. His father was in a state of panic, calling in every doctor he could afford who gave him the same diagnosis. He was going to die.
Fortunately his Uncle Burt's late wife had the same symptoms for almost a year before passing. The ladies who dabbled in herbology had finally taken over from the doctors at her request. They had started reducing foods such as milk and cheese but as his Aunt started improving the illness had taken over her body too far.
It was almost a year into the illness and his breathing was coming in short gasps. There had been times throughout the year that he almost felt normal but he'd automatically relapse into a state of coughing and throwing up. His head was pounding, his muscles aching despite not using them and his joints had swelled a little. His throat remained dry no matter how much water was forced down.
The women had been working on several mixtures to create a type of cure. Harris had screamed bloody murder when the first bout of balm was rubbed into his joints. They had stopped milk and cheese in his diet as he was given a mixture of mint and wormwood. A dripping wet cloth was placed over his head every few hours.
He was on the mend and for another year Harris remained in bed and continued to banish the illness once and for all. His return to the village on his eighteenth birthday caused a large celebration and the town partied into the night. He grinned happily as his cousin came up to him.
"You appear to be much better," Kurt said his smile wide.
"Thank you Kurt," Harris replied, pulling him closer, "While I have been bed ridden for the last year or so I hear you have had proposal from the day you have turned of age."
"Oh?" Kurt questioned in an unusually high voice and Harris quirked an eyebrow, "You are correct."
"Have you accepted any?"
"No," Kurt replied shortly, "I would like to have a little fun first. I am gorgeous after all."
Harris laughed, pushing Kurt's shoulder gently. "Well go and have fun."
He was in bed later that night, rubbing balm on his joints to keep them normal when a voice started screaming from outside and there was banging on the door. He opened it quickly as to not wake his parents and Kurt stood on the porch, clothes tattered with smears of dirt, blood and tears down his face. Harris didn't say anything but opened his arms. Kurt flew into them, shivering madly in his loose hug.
Harris had never seen Burt as furious as he was when Kurt told him what had happened. He was not only the father of Kurt but the Gatta of the clan. The boy who had hurt Kurt was not a stranger, he was one of the few men left of Kurt's age that had not married. Harris watched as the man was beheaded as was the most extreme punishment in the clan. It was only used for those who had seriously hurt another person physically or murder.
He was nineteen when he was finally well enough in health to pursue a wife or husband. He tried many set ups with younger girls as everybody was married by nineteen and it was extremely odd to find somebody who was not at least engaged. The girls were beautiful, all looking like a female version of Kurt but none of them were interesting. It was then Harris realised his interest lay in finding a Cailin with their lithe bodies and melodious voices.
His father expressed disdain for his choice after so much hassle trying to find women but commented no further than to say, "I have organised a meeting with the Gatta of the Harlia clan. There is a young Cailin who is said to be difficult and refuses to marry."
"What is his name?" Harris asked as his father went to walk out of the room.
"Nicolas," He replied shortly.
The first time Harris saw Nicolas as they walked to the meeting place he was wracked with thoughts about how men could not find this boy beautiful. Nicolas was easily the most beautiful Cailin that Harris had seen and that included his cousin who managed to make all the boys swoon when he passed them. His obvious Cailin figure was draped in ruined clothing, his blonde hair falling over his face and there was dirt smudged across his face. The glimpse of the brown eyes from Nicolas' lowered head and his heart broke at the sadness he found.
It was here that they organised the day for the marriage. Nicolas and Harris were given time to move into the trees for a few moments of privacy. Harris tried to grab Nicolas' hand but the Cailin moved away before he could.
"I am not really sure what I am supposed to do," Harris said and Nicolas looked at him blankly, "Do I kiss you? Do I hug you? Do I not do a thing? Why are you not talking? Can you not speak English?"
"Not … good," Nicolas finally replied. Harris nodded and switched to make him feel better.
"May I kiss you?" Harris asked, his eyes pleading.
"No."
"Oh, okay." Nicolas looked shocked.
"Why would you not force me? I am engaged to you."
"I am not like that," Harris explained and Nicolas just huffed.
"Do not lie to me. You are all the same," He almost spat and then recoiled as Harris took a step towards him.
"Are you scared of me?" Harris questioned, thoughts running wild. Nicolas breathed deeply, tears filling up in his eyes. "Oh please don't cry."
"I have nothing to say to you," Nicolas said, wiping his eyes and smearing the dirt across his face. He pushed the lower branches apart and walked out from under the cover of the trees.
It was a month later when he saw Nicolas again. The weather was warmer and the sun was shining brightly when he joined Nicolas in exploring their caravan. It was not elaborate but as soon as he stepped foot in it, he knew it was home.
"Do you like it?" Harris asked tentatively and looked at Nicolas who merely nodded. "Please, why will you not talk to me?"
"I do not see reason to talk to you," Nicolas replied, wrinkling his nose, "I am a Cailin, I must seek permission before talking to you unless you say something to me."
"That is ridiculous," Harris said under his breath.
"I will see you at the wedding," Nicolas said a little too quickly and rushed out.
Their ceremony was simple. They had to hide the fact that Harris had never courted Nicolas and also the fact they could barely look at one another. Nicolas was almost shaking as Harris caressed his hand when he pushed the ring on. After the formalities they had to kiss to officially seal their marriage.
Harris took in Nicolas' blue streaked hair and face paint before placing his lips gently onto the Cailin in front of him. There was no response under his lips and he pulled away from his first kiss disappointed and full of lost hope.
His discussion with Blaine led to that hope being sparked slightly and he nudged Blaine in the right direction with Kurt. Returning to Nicolas he tried to strike up conversation by asking questions about his family but Nicolas remained quiet.
Their celebration was cut short by Burt informing them of the caravan hidden quite a walk away for their privacy. They walked in silence, keeping a fairly large distance between them as they jumped over protruding roots from old trees until they reached a small clearing, hidden by foliage.
Harris offered his hand to Nicolas to step up onto the porch but Nicolas merely grabbed onto the railing and moved inside. It was not luxurious inside the caravan but it was homely. The wood was stained to a nice caramel brown with colour thrown into every item in a typical gypsy manner.
"We should make love and then sleep," Harris suggested, not knowing what else to say to break the awkward silence, "We have a big day ahead tomorrow."
"Are we travelling tomorrow?" Nicolas asked, pulling off his clothing.
"Yes, I am taking you out to Irish country," Harris replied and caught the corner of Nicolas' lip pull up. He smiled as he too unlaced his clothing and folded them neatly on one of the surfaces.
"Do we possibly have oil?" Harris asked as he searched through the drawers.
"Oil?"
"I was taught that oil was required for such an act," Harris said, pulling a small bottle out in victory. "Now where would you like to lay? I heard the position on your front would be more likely to be comfortable for you."
Nicolas didn't reply but simply pulled himself onto the bed and lay on his front as instructed. Harris tried to cast his thoughts back to his teachings of intimate relationships and after pouring some oil onto his fingers he began the stretching. He listened out for Nicolas' whimpers of pain which he was told about but they never came. Nicolas never moved as he continued adding fingers.
"Shall I?" Harris asked and he saw Nicolas nod slightly. He doused himself in oil and slowly pushed in.
Nicolas yelped in pain and Harris stopped trying to move in.
"I'm so sorry," Harris cried, tears falling down his cheeks almost immediately after Nicolas made a noise. He trailed his hand across his husband's back, "I'm so, so sorry."
Nicolas just whimpered helplessly and shuddered against him. It was then Harris decided to go against everything he was told about his first marital intimacy. He couldn't continue hurting Nicolas in this way. He pulled out, soothing Nicolas as he flinched and pulled the sobbing Cailin to his naked body. They remained in that position until the sounds of the celebration were well over. Believing Nicolas was asleep Harris gently lifted him off and tucked the quilt around him.
"What are you doing?" Nicolas' sleepy voice mumbled.
"I wish to make you comfortable," Harris replied and Nicolas opened his eyes. "You should go back to sleep."
"May I ask you something?" Harris was almost ecstatic Nicolas wanted to talk to him.
"Of course," Harris smiled softly, looking at the boy below him. "Please don't think you have to ask permission every time."
He grinned when Nicolas gave a watery smile.
"Why do you differ to other men?" He asked looking slightly ashamed of himself for even opening his mouth.
"May I ask you a question before I answer?" Harris questioned and Nicolas nodded quickly. "Why are you so afraid of me? What happened to you?"
Nicolas tensed up and tears started falling from his already red eyes. Harris touched his thumb to Nicolas' cheek, feeling him flinch beneath him. He gently wiped the falling tears away as Nicolas took a deep breath and began to talk.
"I am the only Cailin in my family. My father was a violent man as are most men that I have seen," Nicolas started and Harris gently continued wiping away his tears, "When I reached physical maturity it was easily recognisable that I was a Cailin. So instead of turning on my mother when he returned from drinking, he turned on me. He told me to adapt to what marriage would be like."
"He hit me every time he would arrive home. My brothers were told to treat me like nothing. Growing up, we were inseparable but as you know men and Cailin develop into different figures, men become muscle and Cailin are slender."
"Yes, I do," Harris agreed casting his thoughts back to Kurt and then looked into Nicolas' eyes. They were not brown as he assumed during their first meeting but a mixture of browns and dark greens with a ring of yellow around the pupil. They were beautiful and he could not help but voice this.
"Thank you," Nicolas whispered, looking away.
"Please don't look away," Harris begged, turning over on to his back, "May I ask something of you? It will help to answer your question."
"Yes."
"Put your hands either side of my head and your knees either side of my hips."
Nicolas looked rightfully confused but followed his orders like he was taught. He was straddling Harris' body, looking down at the peaceful expression and blushing. They were still without clothes from the prior events.
"Look at me," Harris said quietly, "Look down and look at me."
Nicolas followed his instructions and his eyes took in the sight of muscle which sent fear wracking through his body.
"Look past my build and just look," Harris whispered, "Look at my arms, my chest, and my neck. Look at my face, my mouth, nose and eyes."
Do you see?" Harris asked, lifting his hand up to stroke the blonde mop of hair on Nicolas' hair as the Cailin slowly became comfortable with the body beneath him, "Do you see that you are no different to me? I am different to your clan but we are the same. We are the same and we belong together."
"You are a man," Nicolas quietly pointed out, "I am a Cailin. I am beneath you."
"At this moment it is I who is beneath you," Harris replied and Nicolas' reaction was unexpected. He moved back so he was sitting on Harris' stomach, threw back his head and laughed. Harris broke into a grin and laughed along with him, the beautiful noise becoming infectious. They eventually calmed themselves, Harris happy to note the smile remaining on Nicolas' lips. "Do you understand now?"
"I do," Nicolas replied, "I may not be able to believe it entirely at the present but I may be able to one day."
"I look forward to that one day," Harris said, "Will you kiss me?
Nicolas leaned forward out of instruction but Harris stopped him.
"Will you kiss me because you feel the want to kiss me?"
"I'm not entirely sure what you mean," Nicolas breathed, "You wish for me to kiss you so I will kiss you."
"I want you to want to kiss me. I want you to have the need to kiss me," Harris explained.
Nicolas nodded and leaned forward but before his lips touched Harris' the latter moved his head out of the way and Nicolas fell forward into Harris' neck.
"I am sorry," Nicolas gasped out an apology and flew off Harris' body, "I am so very sorry."
"Nicolas come back please." Nicolas sat on the edge of the bed with a fearful expression and Harris sighed, "There is nothing to forgive."
"I did not mean to put my lips on your neck," Nicolas breathed and Harris sighed again. It would take a long time to train the learned behaviour of fearing men out of Nicolas.
"It was merely an accident," Harris said as he moved forward on his knees, the quilt draping around his body. He touched Nicolas gently on his pale shoulder and stroked the skin slowly. "I quite enjoyed it."
"An accident," Nicolas repeated, "It was an accident but you enjoyed it."
"Yes beautiful," Harris replied. Nicolas turned his head to the left and leaned forward enough so his lips were touching. There was perhaps a few seconds between the beginning and end of that kiss but Harris couldn't help but smile widely when Nicolas pulled away.
"I would like to have our first intimacy," Nicolas whispered, "But I do wish you to be inside me."
"In what other manner can we do it?" Harris questioned and they sat in silence for a moment, Harris rubbing his thumb in circles over Nicolas' shoulder, before Nicolas leaned in quickly and kissed him. They broke apart quickly.
"I apologise," Nicolas mumbled, hanging his head. Harris merely smiled and tilted Nicolas' head up to re-capture his lips once more.
Their lips grew moist together, slipping over each other. Nicolas slowly opened his mouth and Harris simply swooned at the growing trust from his husband. Harris' tongue greeted Nicolas' as they explored shyly. Nicolas pulled back with a deep breath.
"I believe I may have an idea," He said, "Am I permitted to tell you?"
"Of course," Harris replied. "Please do not ask."
"Could it be possible that we could attempt it with merely moving against one another?" Nicolas suggested and Harris was quite confused.
"Could you show me?"
Nicolas positioned himself onto his back before directing Harris to take the exact position he had been in earlier. Harris knelt on either side of Nicolas' body and relished in the sight below him.
"Perhaps to gain the most pleasure you should do what you would do if you happened to be within me," Nicolas said softly, "Move against me as if you were in me."
Harris took Nicolas' word and went with instinct. He thrust his hips down into Nicolas' body and gasped as he rapidly hardened at the pleasure. The action apparently had a similar effect on Nicolas who moaned and rolled his hips up.
"Shall I do that again?" Harris asked, his tone almost teasing.
"Yes please," Nicolas smiled and as Harris repeated the action they kissed.
They rolled their hips together, finding a mutual rhythm. Sweat poured down their bodies as the heat between them became almost unbearable. It was Nicolas who first gasped out in pleasure, his hands moving to Harris' hips to hold him close as he came. Harris, so enthralled by the picture below him quickly followed and slumped on top of Nicolas. They were both panting harshly.
"Well it appears you were correct," Harris remarked as he rolled off to the side and turned over to look at Nicolas who was cackling with laughter at his comment.
"You did not mind out first intimacy was not according to our teaching?" Nicolas felt the need to ask.
"It was according to us," Harris stated softly but firmly, "We made it. I only hope that one day you can find it in yourself to trust me. I would like to make love you one day, whether it be in our week together or in a few years."
"Will you wait?"
"I will wait for you and only you," Harris breathed and cuddled Nicolas to his naked body before kissing his hair and drifting off to sleep.
Harris was sought out by Blaine that morning who shared with him his success in finding Kurt and creating the first sparks of a bond between them. Harris relayed the events of the previous night back to him and as Blaine and Kurt headed off to begin their relationship, Harris went to wake up Nicolas. His body was tangled in the blanket and he had never looked more beautiful as his eyes fluttered open at Harris' touch on his skin.
"Good morning my beautiful husband," Harris greeted and Nicolas smiled.
"You are too good to be true," Nicolas replied, yawning. His nose wrinkled and Harris chuckled, kissing it quickly. "Are we heading on our journey immediately?"
"I had hoped we could at least get past the border by sunset this evening, so we can rest the horses in a town."
Nicolas nodded, blushing as he made his way out of the blankets and discovering his naked form. He pushed himself out of bed and helped Harris secure all the items in the body of the caravan for travel.
They travelled cross country, taking in the large expanses of untouched grass. If Harris had to pinpoint his favourite moment during their week alone after their marriage it would be when they found the largest hill he had ever seen, the last day of their travels before they set off to find a home. They had taken off their shoes and lying horizontally across the grass, they rolled down and landed with a thud at the bottom.
"I have never done that before!" Nicolas giggled happily as he lay at the bottom, looking up at the clear blue sky.
"Kurt and I used to come here so often and just run amuck," Harris confessed as he entwined his fingers with Nicolas' own. "Now I share it with you."
"I am glad you did," Nicolas was flushed, his eyes bright, "I am beyond glad."
They lay for a few moments as a lazy breeze drifted over their bodies before Nicolas spoke again.
"I am going to kiss you."
This was all the warning he gave before planting his lips firmly to Harris' and moved them almost urgently. Their mouths opened and tongues clashed quickly, dancing around each other as they explored the other man's mouth. Nicolas hummed into the kiss and Harris moaned, causing Nicolas to pull back.
"I apologise," Harris said quickly as he looked at the thoughtful expression on Nicolas' face.
"I wish to have our intimacy. Our first proper intimacy," Nicolas whispered and Harris' mouth dropped open.
"I will not push you," He said immediately and Nicolas shook his head, "Is it your actual wish or do you only wish to please me?"
"I wish it," Nicolas confirmed, "You have been lovely this past week and I have never felt like this in my early life. I … I trust you and I have told myself never to trust another but you are my husband and I do believe I am denying your right but I wish to also be close to you in an intimate way. Do you wish it too?"
"Of course," Harris replied softly, kissing Nicolas gently. "Would you like to go back to the caravan?"
"I would like to do it here," Nicolas blushed deeply, "I would like to be connected to my home and to you at the one time."
"I need the oil," Harris said, kissing Nicolas on the nose before running up the hill and returning with lightning speed holding a quilt and the infamous jar.
He was shocked to find Nicolas sprawled happily on his stomach, laughing to himself as he traced patterns in the blades of grass. However it was not the position that made Harris shocked, it was the fact Nicolas was naked. The sun danced on his skin and his hair shone brightly in the sunlight that reflected off it. Harris cleared his throat nervously and Nicolas turned to look at him.
"I apologise if I have gone too far," Nicolas stated and Harris shook his head.
"You are beautiful," He replied, looking at the skin, the freckles and those horrible scars on Nicolas' back that completed his makeup. "I am just worried I will not satisfy you."
"You have been satisfying me since we became wed," Nicolas giggled and Harris' mouth dropped open once more.
"You are an entirely different boy," Harris chuckled and Nicolas suddenly looked serious so he had to change his angle, "This is a very good thing my beautiful."
Nicolas flushed as Harris began stripping. They had seen each other of course, naked in the moonlight that snuck into their caravan but this was a new deal. He was quickly naked and knelt down as Nicolas pushed himself onto his knees. Harris traced Nicolas' sides and Nicolas erupted into giggles being quite ticklish. They kissed for several moments before Harris lay Nicolas down on the quilt.
"I wish to face you," Nicolas whispered, "I wish to see you."
"Of course," Harris agreed and slowly oiled up one finger, slipping it in and holding Nicolas close to his body as he continued preparing him. "Are you ready beautiful?"
"Always and forever," Nicolas smiled warmly up at Harris who positioned himself between his thighs and slowly slipped in.
Nicolas tensed as the memory of their wedding night flashed back to him. Harris soothed him with small kisses to his chest and moved his hand over Nicolas' length gently. This was another method they had discovered of finding pleasure between them. With what seemed like an eternity, Nicolas looked him directly in the eye and nodded.
Harris pushed in further, stopping when he felt his husband tense under his touch. They worked this way for many moments until Harris was finally all the way in. Nicolas let out a deep breath and started laughing.
"What do you find so amusing?" Harris asked, feeling Nicolas' body vibrate and he moaned.
"We are connected," Nicolas said as his giggling slowed, "I believe the first was the hardest but once you began to move further I felt it comfortable."
"I am glad," Harris said, smiling down at Nicolas and pulled out a little before pushing back in.
They rocked together, building to a comfortably slow rhythm. They moved as the sun moved through the sky and continued for what felt like an eternity before Harris let out a moan and pushed all way in, holding himself in that position until he had finished coming. Nicolas whimpered as he pulled out and came soon after Harris had pumped him up and down a few quickly times. They lay side by side after their activities.
"I love you," Nicolas breathed out sleepily as he turned onto his side. It was the first time he had said it to Harris.
"I love you," Harris replied, his heart swelling with an indescribable pain but he knew that it was painful to love somebody as much as he loved Nicolas. "It is almost night and we must make the next town. You can sleep next to me as I drive."
Nicolas mumbled an agreement and felt Harris pick up and into a standing position. They walked up the hill in a comfortable silence and Harris worked the horses hard to make the next town, giving them the best comforts that evening. They continued making love for the next week, exploring each other to the full extent and travelling their way across the country.
It was about seven weeks later when Nicolas threw up after eating supper. He had complained about feeling ill the entire day. They were around a fire that Harris had set as the nights grew colder when Nicolas suddenly dropped his bowl and ran into the covers of the trees. Even in his position, Harris heard the telltale signs of Nicolas' actions and went to him.
"I do not wish you to see me like this," Nicolas mumbled, kneeling over a log with his hands on his stomach. He retched again and Harris softly rubbed soothing patterns onto his back. "You did not have to come. I am disgusting."
"It is a perfectly natural thing to do," Harris explained, "I just hope you have not caught an illness. You should sleep beautiful."
Nicolas agreed and When Harris woke in the morning he found the bed empty but the space against his body and the sheet below was still warm. Curious, he pulled on his jacket and went outside in search for his husband. He found Nicolas seated with his back against the log, holding his stomach.
"Oh beautiful," Harris whispered and sat next to him.
He pulled Nicolas into his body as Nicolas began sobbing into his shoulder.
This continued for several days before Harris decided to take Nicolas to the closest town from where they had set up a home. The midwife was a nice lady, ready to help out the young gypsy couple whom he informed that Nicolas was pregnant.
"I am with child?" Nicolas asked and leapt off of his chair and moved to the mirror. He lifted up his shirt and found almost nothing had changed. He voiced this to the woman.
"I estimate that you are roughly eight weeks and your child should begin to show in perhaps a month, if not less as you are quite small. You should be ready to birth around April."
Harris had not spoken a word since they had travelled back to their spot and Nicolas was fretting about his husband and his silence. They sat down on the bed together, Nicolas with his hands clasped tightly so they were almost white while he waited for Harris' much needed response. Finally he could not take the silence.
"Would you please talk?" He almost snapped, "I cannot bear the thought of you not wanting this child and I wish for you to tell me so I can make arrangements to leave."
"Why would you leave?" Harris croaked and it was then Nicolas realised Harris was crying.
"Why are you crying?" Nicolas asked in a soft voice. "Did you not wish to have a child?"
"I am going to be a father," Harris sniffed and his tear filled eyes turned to Nicolas and down to his abdomen, "You are carrying our child. This is one of the happiest days of my life."
Nicolas sighed in relief and lay down on the bed so his legs were still hanging off. Harris rolled onto his side and lifted Nicolas' shirt up. He caressed Nicolas' abdomen gently, placing feather light kisses on the skin before catching Nicolas' gaze. He smiled before kissing his husband happily and they slept peacefully that night, Harris' hand never leaving Nicolas' stomach.
They travelled back to the place of their marriage to celebrate Blaine and Kurt's union. Harris thought the ceremony was absolutely beautiful and the love between the boys could never be denied. However, as the pair left for their week away, Harris and Nicolas were stuck with the decision on whether to allow them and Blaine's sisters to join them, creating a new clan.
They eventually decided on agreement. Kurt was Harris' cousin and it would do him well to have a clan member as well as family close to him and Blaine was one of their closest friends. They could never deny the pair entry into what would be their clan. Blaine and Kurt were ready by sunset, Kurt nestled into Blaine's embrace as they rode on to their destination.
Blaine's sisters and Blaine himself bared a scary resemblance to each other. They all had glossy black curly hair and almost honey like eyes. They certainly kept Harris on his feet, particularly as young Marlow who was only eight ran through the trees naked. Harris had finally caught up to her and wrapped her up in a blanket before hauling her back to their camp with her tossed over his shoulder. Her giggles were infectious and soon had him doubled over in laughter as they walked back. Blaine looked forever grateful when he returned with his younger sister.
Kurt and Nicolas became fast friends, bonding over being with child. However as Nicolas grew larger with his child, Kurt grew restless. He and Blaine had been trying to conceive since their wedding night in November but there had been no sign of a child beginning to develop. Nicolas was almost at full term when Blaine wandered down to the small lake Elinor and Phoebe had discovered one day. He heard a sniffling through the trees and pushed them aside to find Kurt, his arms wrapped around his knees and his head leaning on them.
"Kurt?" Blaine asked and Kurt visibly jumped. He looked up at his husband with red eyes. "Tell me what is wrong."
"I am a failure," Kurt heaved a sigh, "I cannot give you a child."
"You are not a failure," Blaine said, his temper rising, "It is not our time to have a child but it will come."
"It is pay back for what happened," Kurt said miserably, curling in on himself.
Blaine sighed and gestured Kurt to stand up. Once he was standing Blaine took a step towards him and wrapped his arms firmly around Kurt's waist before shifting his body weight so they both went tumbling into the water. He felt his feet hit the ground and tightened his grip around Kurt's flailing body before pushing up. They broke the surface gasping for air.
"What was that for?" Kurt spluttered, treading water as he coughed and spluttered.
"I do not like it when you talk about yourself in that manner," Blaine explained and grinned as Kurt gave him a dirty glare.
"My hair is ruined," Kurt whined as he shivered slightly in the early April weather.
"You are beautiful," Blaine replied, "I love you."
Kurt smiled, "I love you."
"I wish to make love to you," Blaine pulled Kurt tighter and whispered in his ear, thriving on the shiver that ran through Kurt, not of the cold, but of what the next few moments would entail.
"I am warm, so you are aware" Kurt murmured as they slowly slipped out of their wet clothes.
He gasped softly as Blaine stretched him out and let out a contented sigh when Blaine slipped in. Blaine's arms were gripping the bank of the lake as he thrust in and out slowly, making a comfortable slow build to their pleasure due to the buoyancy of the water. Blaine felt the familiar tingle of pleasure and alerted Kurt who was almost gone. They came in unison, Blaine relaxing his grip and pulling Kurt out into the middle of the water.
"I love you, I love you, I love you," Blaine repeated softly, "You are enough for me forever."
Kurt just hummed in agreement and nestled into the nook of Blaine's neck as they treaded water together, watching the sun sink down slowly. They were shaken by a shout from Elinor who was running down the hill screaming. She stopped dead when she found Kurt and Blaine huddled close in the water and giggled.
"Elinor what is wrong?" Blaine asked.
"Nicolas is in labour!" She shouted trying not to giggle louder as Kurt's chest became exposed when Blaine lifted them up.
"Tell Harris to calm himself and I'll go on horseback to the midwife," Blaine instructed, "And loosen the rope around the horse for me!"
"Yes, sir," Elinor giggled again and turned to run off while Blaine helped Kurt out of the lake.
They dressed as quickly as possible, Blaine hurrying off to ride into town while Kurt went in to sit with a panting Nicolas.
"Kurt, it is hurting," Nicolas gasped and his hips shot off the bed as another pain wracked through his body, "Has Blaine gone off to fetch the midwife?"
"Yes. Cousin, please relax," Kurt said, placing a wet cloth on Nicolas' forehead. Harris was pacing in the small area of the caravan and continued to do so until Blaine and the midwife arrived, only pausing to look helplessly at his husband when he gave a shout of pain.
Kurt went out to meet Blaine and to leave the midwife and the couple to their business. Kurt and Blaine went into their own caravan where the four girls were sitting looking sleepy.
"Girls, time to sleep," Kurt said gently as he ushered Blaine's younger sisters into their own caravan next door.
He tucked them in with sweet whispers of goodnight to the three youngest, instructed Elinor to bolt the door and blew out the candles that lined the surfaces. He heard a chuckle at the door of the caravan and turned to see Blaine standing there with a grin on his face. Exiting the caravan and feeling satisfied as he heard Elinor work the bolt, he turned to Blaine.
"It is my task to send them to sleep," Kurt whispered as he was pulled in to a hug.
"You look so amazing when you take on your traditional duties," Blaine replied, breath tickling his ear, "I do not expect you to entirely tend to the children and take care of them all day but you look wonderful when you do it."
Clutching his hand tightly, Blaine led Kurt back to their caravan and undressed him, stripping the almost dry clothing he had on. He kissing each part of exposed skin softly and undressed himself before positioned them both under the covers. They listened to Nicolas' dulled screams from the caravan across from theirs.
"Do you still wish for a child?" Blaine teased and Kurt grinned.
"Of course I do," He replied, "I wish to create life and if it is painful then I accept it."
"You are far too good to be true," Blaine kissed Kurt's forehead, "We should sleep."
They woke as the sun was rising to a continuous knock on the door. Blaine sleepily stood, rubbing his eyes and throwing on a pair of pants before opening the little window. He found Harris looking incredibly tired but happy.
"It is a boy!" He exclaimed and Blaine unlocked the door completely. Harris threw his arms around Blaine and pulled him into a tight hug, "It was absolutely horrific, the scene but when he was placed in Nicolas' arms my first thoughts went to 'this is my family, right here'. It is amazing, I cannot wait until you and Kurt share my joy!"
Blaine shook his head slightly to try and get his mind to keep up with Harris' excitement. He heard a sniff from the back of the caravan where Kurt lay and his heart broke. Excusing himself from Harris who left to attend to his husband and child he went to wrap himself around a shaking Kurt.
"Oh beautiful, please do not cry," Blaine whispered and Kurt cried harder.
"I am truly happy for them and their child, I am," Kurt clarified through his tears, "I just wish we could be expecting also."
"We will," Blaine said, soothing his husband, "I promise, we will."
"You do not know that," Kurt whimpered, "You do not know if we will have a child."
"No, I do not," Blaine said slowly, "But I do know that we shall keep trying and one day we will be blessed."
Blaine held Kurt until his sobs had stopped but his breathing remained harsh. He kissed down Kurt's spine and back up as the sun rose steadily. Harris knocked on their door once more and Blaine looked out from where he lay.
"Nicolas wishes for you to visit the child," He said softly, looking torn between utter glee and a broken expression at the sight of Kurt's face.
"We shall be over in a moment," Kurt answered unexpectedly. Harris departed once more and Kurt dressed in silence.
They walked over after a quick look in on the girls who were still fast asleep from their late night and opened the door to the other caravan to find a sweaty Nicolas with a baby being rocked in his arms.
"Hello!" He greeted happily and gestured Kurt over. Blaine and Harris leaned against the cupboards and watched the interaction as Kurt looked at the child, "Would you care to hold him?"
"I do not know if I should hold him," Kurt immediately looked wary but Nicolas held the child up and Kurt took him gently. "Oh, he is precious."
"We cannot decide on a name," Harris explained, eyes lighting up as he looked at Nicolas, "It is a decision between Alvin, Peyton or Matthew to be as close to the English culture as possible."
"I believe them to all be nice," Kurt said politely and the pair just laughed.
"You misunderstand me," Harris said, "We wish for you to decide."
Kurt was gobsmacked. The fate of the child's name rested with him and he had never felt more shocked or honoured in his life.
"Really Kurt, please choose a name," Nicolas begged gently.
"Matthew," Kurt said softly, "I think Matthew is the choice."
"Matthew Kurt," Nicolas smiled and Kurt's jaw dropped, "Do not look so shocked, you are my best friend and Harris' cousin."
"Thank you," Kurt felt tears in his eyes but for an entirely different reason. He handed Matthew to Blaine who cooed over him and smiled at the image although he was still breaking inside.
Matthew was nearly two months old when Kurt stood up in the morning, sleeping later than normal. He groaned and fell to the floor in a faint. Blaine was beside himself as he found Kurt's waking body on the floor and wet a cloth to place on his husband's head. Kurt's eyes fluttered open minutes later and Blaine sighed with relief.
He helped Kurt stand shakily and for a few moments they stood until Kurt found his bearings. Kurt believed himself to be fine before he fell to his knees as a wave of nausea hit, clutching his stomach as he blindly felt for a bowl and threw up in it. Blaine immediately knelt down to rub his back gently.
"Beautiful are you feeling poorly?" Blaine asked and Kurt shook his head.
"I feel much improved now," He replied, giving Blaine a small smile, "We did feast on meat last evening so it may have disagreed with my stomach and I have been feeling dizzy lately."
"No more meat for you mister," Blaine said, "You go outside for fresh air, I will clean this."
Knowing it would do no good to argue, Kurt went out to see Nicolas. He found the pair seated on a blanket, enjoying the late morning sun. Matthew gurgled happily when he turned his head to see Kurt wandering over.
"I could swear he enjoys your company more than my own," Nicolas grinned as he handed his baby over to Kurt.
"I doubt that," Kurt replied, supporting Matthew's head as he placed him in his lap, "Hello baby boy, how are you this morning?"
"He was a little sick this morning," Nicolas informed him with his nose wrinkled, "I fed him and burped him and his breakfast went straight over my clothes."
"That sounds disgusting," Kurt couldn't help but chuckle, "I was sick this morning also."
Nicolas' head shot up and met Kurt's eye.
"Are you with child?" He inquired and the realisation suddenly hit Kurt.
"It is a possibility but I did eat meat last evening."
"I believe you are with child," Nicolas said firmly, "I also had the belief that I had eaten bad food before I went to the midwife and Harris thought I was ill."
"I am not with child. How could you say such a thing?" Kurt snapped, handing a startled Matthew back to Nicolas before he ran off to the lake. He sat on the bank and waved his hand through the warming water. "I cannot have the luck to be with child."
He said this to nobody in particular but his doubt grew as the days progressed and he continued to be sick. Nicolas watched him with a knowing look in his eye as Matthew gurgled after each mouthful of mashed food.
It was a month later when Kurt and Blaine watched the girls and Nicolas who were circled around Matthew. The child was pushing himself up shakily on his hands and cooing happily that Blaine rubbed Kurt's stomach comfortingly, as Kurt was sitting between Blaine's legs and paused. He moved his hand under Kurt's shirt and trailed his thumb slowly over the small but noticeable bump that made up Kurt's abdomen.
"Kurt," He whispered as he continued rubbing. Kurt tilted his head to look up at him. "Place your hand here and let me move it."
Kurt looked confused but did as he was told. Blaine placed his hand over Kurt's and moved his hand over the bump. He had tears in his eyes as Kurt's face morphed into one of shock and then blinding happiness. It was their time now.
