*Important* A/N: Even though this sequel is just getting started as it were I am going to end this here. I love that everyone has fallen for my AU versions of these guys and I would love nothing more than for this to be true but alas it is not.
I had a brain fart recently that would allow me to finish this story on a good note and it will take this chapter, and probably a small epilogue to finish it so that is exactly what I want to do.
Don't fret if you do like the crisscolferisms that I put out because I am starting a new one at the beginning of the 3rd season of Glee...I have it planned already and it will be "Totally Awesome!" sorry...couldn't resist.
So here's the last full chapter and because I have made you wait so long for this I am including the epilogue with it...I hope you love, like, favourite, review, smile, laugh...whatever...b/c I just want you guys to love these guys as much as I do.
Also, the events here are not quite as they happened but close...I just made them my own. hehehe
Did I mention to review? LOL
Chapter 4 – Beginning of the End: Know that every word is true.
(CPOV)
"Commemorative plates Chris? Really? I mean you don't think we're taking this thing too far?" Honestly I thought this was kind of fun. Kind of like craft time with Klaine. Oh my god I should anonymously post that on Tumblr. "Klaine Krafts". Ha! The fangirls and fanboys would go mental for that. Unfortunately my daydream was cut short when Darren picked up a plate and hucked it at me after writing something on it.
"There ya go honey. I contributed to our craft time." I looked at the plate which read : I am a plate. Weeeeee, with Darren's signature.
"As much as you were trying for annoying honey...that's perfect. Your fans know your special and this is so you."
We had been bantering at one another since we arrived in the UK...well bitching at each other was more like it. Ever since my birthday things had gotten tense..like we were moving towards an impasse or something. No don't worry we were still very much in love and there was nothing that we wanted more than to me together but...we were getting on each others nerves.
Rooming with him was always great, hell we were used to it and it was comforting but there seemed to be a big gay elephant in the room whenever I would be on the phone with anyone from the Struck By Lightening Crew, which was a lot. I understood Darren's unease because I wasn't really there for him recently and the strain of being on the road for months now was starting to take its toll on everyone. Dar and I were used to, and thrived on the busy schedule but as of late it had been fucking up our relationship. I knew that as soon as we were done touring I had to get my ass back to America and start filming and the chance to sight-see and spend time with my boyfriend was minimal if not nonexistent.
Darren would try and basically beg me to push the shoot back another week, saying I was the fucking star, writer and producer, didn't I have any say? Well of course I had a say but there was no choice. I had to be back in LA ready to shoot with the rest of Glee at the beginning of August..so there was no where to push anything back to. Darren would grumble, I would get overly hot about the subject saying we both knew this summer was going to be difficult and then fights would start. They were never anything big but I for one was getting tired of dealing with these emotional swings on both of our parts.
It was also incredibly hard to not tell Darren I was planning something behind his back, a surprise of sorts.
I was using what little free time I had left trying to plan it to the letter, using the excuse that I was trying to come up with another hair-brained scheme for our skits. Thankfully he bought it..for now that is. I hated lying to him. It wasn't much really, just ordering something and getting it delivered without him noticing, but the final act as it were was a huge deal for me. The hardest part was getting everyone else in the cast plus Ryan to know about it and make sure Darren didn't find out. The herd were so happy when they found out what I was doing for Dar and with their support maybe I would have enough guts to get this done. Also with roaming charges being what they were I was cringing internally at the thought of my phone bill...it was all worth it. THIS is all worth.
Between Ash, Mark, Chord and Lea I was on the phone messaging them constantly and mostly because they were trying to talk me into finishing the surprise as planned. Basically, they were keeping me from chickening out.
I was nervous. Nervous about my surprise for him and what it meant, nervous about my movie shoot, and nervous because I was literally going to be away from Dar for weeks after the tour and I wanted everything to be back to normal with us by then. God I hoped my plan went off as planned.
I was going to ask Darren to marry me.
(DPOV)
After some fun but some embarrassing skits, making for some great concerts nonetheless, I started to dwell on my life. I had an amazing job doing what I loved. I had a fantastic boyfriend who was currently driving me crazy but I loved him still. I had awesome friends and I was doing a sort of solo tour in the next few weeks while topping off my long delayed album. I would also be making a my film debut in Imogene shortly with the filming starting in the late summer/early fall. Life was pretty good but why did I feel like something was missing? I had more than I thought I would ever really achieve but I felt like something needed to be completed; something just needed to happen so that my life could be prefect.
Why was a searching for perfection when what I had was pretty damn perfect? I wanted the fairy tale I suppose...
XXXX
Between tiaras and Likes Irish Boys t-shirts I was about done with Chris' insanity. I mean I was down with whatever crazed lunacy came out of that beautiful boy's mind but I had to say it was insane the lengths he was going to, to get me to crack. Our little games of "whom can out do whom" was getting a little...tired, I guess is the right way of putting it. I figured I would just kiss him to shut him up one night and then his argument would be therefore invalid. I would win the bet and then the silliness would stop and I would be claimed a victor. But people we so used to seeing us kiss would it have the same effect? Maybe they would freak because we were Klaine instead of just ourselves? Maybe I was over thinking this and I should just focus my energy on Chris' and my relationship and not our alter egos.
Even though the tour was rapidly coming to a close I could feel this ache in my gut that had me noticing that I would miss it terribly. The performances, the group commrodery, and the fact that I was going to be well...Chris-less for a month or so, was getting me down and agitated. That prospect was not what I wanted. Yeah...we had been bickering but it was basically only about our lack of time together once the tour was over..which was the problem I was facing now. It was a vicious circle. We both wanted to pursue our own projects, which meant time apart but then we didn't want time apart and our our joined successes meant that had to be. Hence once again, vicious circle.
I wanted Chris and I wanted him forever. That's when it hit me. I wanted to marry Chris. We were out and proud and had finally given ourselves to each other for the entire world to see and this was the only next logical step. I had given Chris that ring many months ago as a promise to take care of him and love him as long as he would have me. The fact that he had never taken it off his neck proved to me that I was right in my assessment. I never wanted to let him go; I wanted him as much as I was allowed to, and that's why we were fighting...I was worried that things would change if we were apart. Everyone knew we were together but there was still that worry in my mind...would he find or want someone better?
Maybe I will talk to Chris about this in detail when we have the one day to ourselves in the UK before he had to leave. Yes...I would talk to Chris about this.
Last show, Dublin, July 3rd, 2011
(Backstage)(CPOV)
"Dar? Dar? DARREN!"
"What?"
"Are you even listening to me?" Darren was fiddling with his Dalton blazer and tie as we tried to get ready for the start of the show. We had talked about the next skit and I told him that I wrote a little poem of sorts that I was going to read. I was trying to ask him if he was alright because he looked kinda of out of it. He seemed nervous about something and even though we had been talking through our arguments I felt that he was being extremely rude right now.
Darren was still staring off into space, "Earth to fucking Darren Criss! What's wrong with you?"
Dar's head popped up and glared at me, "Nothing."
"That's not nothing Dar, I know you, remember?" I was getting a little more pissed with every word. I hated it when he shut down like this and said nothing, we had to perform in like 10 minutes and this was the last thing I needed...I was going to propose today for fuck's sakes.
"Oh I know you know me Chris, but I just...I can't...talk about it now alright? Can we just drop it?"
"NO! We can't just drop it...spill damn it...I'm tired of this!"
"Tired of what exactly Colfer?"
"THIS! This Mr. Criss! I'm fucking tired of the arguing we've been doing recently, I'm tired of you never opening up anymore, I'm sick and fucking tired of the emotional basket cases that we are turning into recently and it seems to be only because we have different lives that will be tearing us away from one another...is that what this silent treatment is about? Is that why I can't get a straight answer out of you? DARREN FUCKING TALK TO ME...I LOVE YOU, CAN'T YOU JUST TALK TO ME!"
That's when Darren turned a new shade of red and dropped his head and I had never actually really shouted at Darren before and I regretted it immediately.
"Darren..I'm sorry. I didn't mean to yell I just...uurrrg this is so frustrating..just please.."
Darren held up his hand to shush me even through red rimmed eyes I could tell that he hadn't forgiven me for screaming at him.
"Shh, you want me to speak...then I will speak. I...I just...fuck Chris I love you so much. And I'm well...I'm worried."
I sighed and tried to sound calmer, "Worry about what D?" I knew calling him that always made him smile but it didn't work this time.
"I'm wor-woried that when ya know we're off doing our movies n'stuff...that well.."
"What Dar..please just tell me..."
"Thatyouwillfindsomeoneelse..."
"Huh? Say that again cuz it sounded like you think I will go looking for someone else?"
Darren dropped his head again and mumbled, "Yeah, I did."
I couldn't believe my ears. Darren was self conscious? About me? About our relationship? I just thought he was upset about our lack of time together; not about him losing me...that would never fucking happen!
I walked over to him and my expression was happy and sad at the same time. How could he ever think that I would let go of the best thing that ever happened to me?
I stood there in my red shirt, white vest and ridiculously tight pants and tried to calm my nerves as I cupped his cheek and raised his face to look at me.
"Baby? Why would you worry about that?" I tried to rub his cheekbone as he put his arms around my waist and we just stayed like that until Darren calmed a little and finally responded.
"I just...I just worry love. I worry that you'll finally realize that there's someone out there better than me for you. I worry that this life we're living is a dream and when you're not here with me I'll wake up. I just...I worry that my dream of wanting you forever will never happen, and being apart from you makes me self conscious I guess that you may not come home to me."
I took my time and tried to calm my ever racing brain and calm the thoughts that were swirling in my head before I spoke.
"Dar, baby look at me." When honey met blue it always took my breath away and now was no exception.
"Stop. I. ." I punctuated every word with a small pause so that he would hear me...please let him hear me.
"I know but..."
"No buts...I love you. I promised you that I would...forever. Nothing is going to change that. Whether we are hand in hand or across the planet from one another I love you and I always will. I can't tell you what the future will hold but I can tell you what I want...and that's you. So please baby don't hurt me and tell me that you think I would want anyone else, please?"
Darren sighed and leaned his forehead against mine and exhaled a long breath.
"Ok. I just can't lose you."
"You won't. Because I can't live without you D. One day soon I will prove it to you, but for now," I raised my head and kissed him lightly and quickly on the lips, "I have to go on."
"Ok, break a leg love...see you on stage."
"Yeah...see you on stage." I leaned in and kissed him shortly but passionately before I left the comfort of his arms.
His smile warmed me to the core before I turned and walked away towards the stage. I saw Mark standing there with a look that said please tell me you're not chickening out?
"Hey babe, you ok?" Mark rested his hand on my shoulders and gave it a gentle squeeze as I shook my head maybe a little too enthusiastically. He chuckled at me and shook his head.
"Y-ya I'm ok...sorry I just an argument with Darren. I'm a little nervous is all."
"What'd you argue about? Is it something that you can tell me or want to talk about before we start?"
I sighed, "To put it simply, he's worried that when we go our separate ways this summer before glee starts, that I may find someone better than him."
"WHAT!"
"Shhhh Mark not so loud."
"Sorry man it's just so stupid! Why would he think such a thing?"
"I-I don't know. He just said he's worried about not keeping me forever...well at least that's what he said anyway."
Mark scoffed, chuckled and pulled me into a hug before speaking into my neck, "I guess it's a good thing you're asking him to marry you tonight then huh? Maybe then he'll get his head out of his ass!"
We laughed loudly as he pulled away but I just held him tighter and wouldn't let him go.
"Chris?"
"Thank you Mark."
He hummed, " Your welcome."
"If he says yes...be my best man?" I just threw it out there, not quite sure what he'd say until he picked me up in a giant bear hug. I giggled and I felt my shoulders just relax at that one gesture.
"Of course I would babe. I would be honoured...I am the best by the way."
"Yes yes you are...so that sounds like a resounding yes then."
"Duh!" I rolled my eyes before he reached into his pocket and carefully pulled out the velvet box that I would be presenting to Darren shortly.
"You need this yet?"
"Not yet, my pants are too tight the box will show...oh shut up that's not funny. Just hold onto it until the skit ok...god Mark you're like 5 years old."
"Ya but you love me anyway." He wrapped his arm over my shoulder as we filed onto the stage.
"Not as much as I love Darren."
XXXX
The Skit
"Brittney! Are you flirtin wit my man!" Huh this was the last time I had to act this gay in public..weird
The skit was odd. Naya came out and defended Heather when Darren rejected her and then..what...they kissed? Ok that's a new twist. I guess I wasn't the only one with something up their sleeve tonight. Remembering I was moments away from the most important and craziest thing I was ever going to do made the weight of the box in my pocket feel ten times heavier.
As I bounced over to Darren, still in character of course, I began to recite the opening lines of my poem.
I couldn't have cared less about the freaking poem. I mean Darren was hamming it up with the crowd along with me but I could see that neither one of us seemed to be really focused on the skit but each other.
As I finished the poem and threw it into the audience time seemed to stand still as I realized it was now or never.
"Well Blaine...since this is our last night of the Glee Live 2011 tour I thought...that now..would be...the perfect time...to...PROPOSE!"
I dropped to one knee and if I didn't know any better I swear that Darren saw the sweat on my bow and the shake in my knee as I dropped onto one knee like I had done dozens of times on this tour already.
"What are you proposing Kurt?" Darren the consummate professional just chose to ignore my slight unease and continued as planned...Ok now or never Chris.
"I'm proposing that we drop the act for a second." Here goes nothing...
"Huh?" Huh I broke Darren's character...I guess I win..not the point, not the point Chris...focus!
"Darren.."
"Chris? What are you doing?" The crowd was going mental and I was starting to think that I may not be heard over the noise. So I decided to address them.
"Guys...heeeelllloooo...QUIET!" That worked. "Thank you...now where was I?"
"Darren...I'm only going to say this once and I think the few thousand people who are here will testify anything that I say here. Hell I'm sure that some people are recording it. I love you. I have told the world this on numerous occasions but even though this is in a very public place I want this to just be between you and me."
Darren laughed...he laughed and it made me relax a little so I could continue. I know it was a nervous laugh on his part but at least I had his attention.
"Darren as I said I love you and I can't even tell you how amazing you are. It's weird...you spent the first part of our relationship telling me how amazing I was so I guess this is my opportunity to tell you the same. You're beautiful..I mean stupidly beautiful. I feel weak in the knees knowing that your mine sometimes. You're talented, ridiculously so and it makes me proud to know that you can literally do anything you put your mind to with flawless ease. You're kind, honest and a complete dork. We share so many common interests and I'm so glad that life brought me to you. I can never see my life without you so..."
I pulled the box out of my pocket and opened it with shaky hands before finally locking eyes with Dar. He was crying and it was the saddest and happiest sight I had ever seen.
"So Darren Everett Criss...will you allow me to have you forever, because that's what I want, you...forever. Will you marry me Darren?"
I swear I held my breath for a millennium but before I knew it Darren had grabbed both sides of my face and brought me up into a standing position and kissed me without saying a word. It was the "Kliss" that fans would talk about in the years to come...it was the day that Darren said "Yes".
XXXX
Epilogue – 7 years later 3 a.m
"Uuuugh...fuck it. I've got to be up in like 2 hours..can you go this time?"I nudged Darren out of bed in which he grumbled but kissed my temple and got up without a second thought.
I curled into the pillow again until I was shuffled out of my almost slumber by the sounds coming from the monitor, and it wasn't the insistent crying from our daughter.
"Hey hey hey Savannah what's wrong sweetie...what's wrong?" I rolled over and listened to the sounds coming from our daughters room and the sounds of my husband obviously picking her up to try and soothe her. That's when I heard Darren start to hum and from all the diapers, the crying and the lack of sleep I hadn't heard anything sound so beautiful in a long time. Then he started to sing:
And you can tell everybody this is your song
It may be quite simple but now that it's done
I hope you don't mind
I hope you don't mind that I put down in words
How wonderful life is while you're in the world.
I decided in the trance I was in hearing Darren's voice that I had to get out of bed and spy on my family. The sight that greeted me when I peeked into the room was Darren holding our 3 month old and slowly dancing with her as he continued to sing. He cries were lesser now as she seemed to melt into the warm embrace of her dad's arms. This was a feeling I knew all too well; the comfort from those arms alone was what had kept me from falling many times, physically or even emotionally. I had the sudden urged to join those arms.
I walked into the room and looked in complete awe of my family. Who would have thought that 9 years ago when I was just this smart-assed kid from Clovis California, that I would end up here. Standing in my daughter's bedroom, wrapped around her and my husband whom I couldn't love any more if I tried. I kissed his temple and he brought one arm around my waist as I fell into a rhythm with them; dancing slowly as Savannah began to fall asleep.
I sat on the roof and kicked off the moss
Well a few of the verses well they've got me quite cross
But the sun's been quite kind while I wrote this song
It's for people like you that keep it turned on
I let my head fall on Dar's shoulder as he kept singing, smelling the delicious scent that was just Darren but with a smell that I had come to know as family.
"Chris.." Darren's voice was barely above a whisper, "do you remember when I sang this to you? That night on the patio?"
I only hummed as I snuggled closer.
"I said it then and I say it now...you amaze me." He kissed the top of my head and then Savannah's.
So excuse me forgetting but these things I do
You see I've forgotten if they're green or they're blue
Anyway the thing is what I really mean
You both have the sweetest eyes I've ever seen
As Darren came to the closing lines of the song I felt a surge of pride and warmth and love knowing that this was the life that I had. I mean yeah, we fought still, bickered about random uselessness but we never let it get to us. The public accepted us fairly openly now and we could relax knowing that we passed that hurdle. We had grown up and with each other we knew there wasn't anything that could beat us. We weren't the odd couple that we started out to be and we weren't just those two boys that were famous writers or performers...we were just us.
How wonderful life is...now you're in the world...
Life really was wonderful...wonderfully normal. My life had gotten interesting when I first met Darren Criss, and I wouldn't have changed it for the world.
The End
Or Not?
Apparently its not over...the next chapters continue where this left off before the epilogue...so let's fill in the gap shall we? Love you!
