The Storm: Parenthood

Chapter 4

By Gayforkurt

Summary: Kurt and David Hummel-Karofsky have embarked on the most important part of their lives together – as parents. This is the story of their struggle to complete their family.

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Disclaimer: I own nothing but the OCs, as usual, although I wish it were not so.

Dave watched Kurt with a faint glint of worry in his hazel eyes. Life had been an exciting blend of new-parent anxiety and near overwhelming joy at having Dylan in their lives. Now, though, he sat with Kurt in front of Dr. Gray, with Misha beside them and contemplated this next step.

Dylan was now a couple of months past two years old and Kurt had thought it was a good idea to provide a sibling for their son. The ensuing conversation had been interesting in that, for Dave's part, he had thought the gift of their son had completed their little family.

Kurt had looked at him with huge, melting eyes and Dave knew they were going back to the clinic. He gathered Kurt into a hug, kissed him quite thoroughly and told him again how much he loved him.

They had then proceeded to worry if Misha would want to help them again and finally Dave had said he would make the call.

Kurt had gone through an odd period when Misha had been pregnant; to say his beautiful husband had been wracked with jealousy would be a heck of an understatement. Kurt had tried to hide how he'd felt but finally, when Dave couldn't take his silent suffering any longer, he'd dragged the truth out of him.

In floods of tears, Kurt had blurted: "You would have been better off with someone wh-who," he'd broken off, doubly embarrassed apparently by the return of his stutter. Dave had gathered him into his arms and held him for nearly an hour, kissing him and assuring him that he could never want anyone but him.

Finally, Kurt had pulled away, ashamed of his outburst and tried to smile at him. "Only someone who loved me could put up with this_" and he'd waved his hand at his swollen, red-rimmed eyes and pink nose.

Dave, his heart full to bursting, could only pull him into another all-encompassing hug. "You mean the world to me, Kurt Hummel-Karofsky; and don't you forget it!"

Kurt had smiled, happier tears brimming over this time and fallen asleep, exhausted, in David's arms.

Dave had lain there for a while, snuggling against his husband, the love of his life he was not ashamed to admit and wondered how someone so beautiful and talented could struggle with such insecurity. Once again he vowed he would never give Kurt reason to doubt his place in his life.

Soon after that he had packed up Kurt, Dylan and his nanny, along with Kurt's P.A., Lolly and taken them all to Ohio for some family time with the Hudson-Hummels. He had taken the step of buying up the lease on the house in Westerville, knowing that Kurt had loved it and within a week or so, Kurt had returned to his sunny disposition. Upon their return to New York a week after that, they made an appointment to see Dr. Gray.

…And here they were, waiting to hear what both the doctor and Misha had to say about their proposition.

Misha, sensing the slight tension in the air, leaned forward slightly to smile at Kurt.

"Well, the book is coming along; I'm finishing the first draft now so… I guess I can do it!"

Kurt's eyes widened and Dave grasped his hand. "Really, oh Misha, thank you! You understand we want that connection between the children, that's why we want you, right?"

Misha's green eyes sparkled and she laughed, including the doctor in her amusement. "Kurt, you and David have been the best; you have done far more for me than I ever expected…"

Dave cut her off with a grin and a shake of his head. "Oh no, you are the one who has given us our beautiful boy. We can never thank you enough."

Dr. Gray cleared his throat before they got too far into this mutual admiration society gushing and looked at the men. "So, have you decided who will," and he paused delicately.

Kurt blushed and grinned at the doctor, his eyes bright in his glowing face. "David and I talked about it and we decided that I will, uhm…"

Dr. Gray smiled kindly at him and nodded before looking at Misha. "In that case, we have to run the initial tests once more to see if everything is in order."

Dave glanced down and saw Kurt cross his fingers and he did the same too. They wanted the next baby to be Kurt's, biologically; he personally found the idea of a little boy or girl who looked just like Kurt to be a wonderful idea.

Misha laughed and nodded, saying teasingly: "Well, hey, that's only fair…"

The others joined in, Dave leaning over to brush a kiss against Kurt's forehead and feeling his heart lift once more. They were going to be parents for a second time, if all went well and once more he blessed his incredible good fortune.

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KDHK

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Kurt held up a photo and showed it to Misha who was spending the weekend with them at their house in Addison Grove. They had come over to England as Kurt was having the nursery at the townhouse redecorated and Misha had mentioned she'd never been to England.

She looked at the photo Kurt was showing her: it was of the interview that had been aired on British television and she thought Kurt looked fantastic in the pictures. Her secret had remained a secret but looking at the beautiful eyes staring up at her from the magazine made her heart clench.

"Goodness, you look very 'lord of the manor' in these, wow!" She grinned at him and watched the colour come up in his smooth cheeks. She glanced back down at the glossy page while taking a sip of the pineapple juice brought to her by Mrs. Lawrence ("just Mrs. L will do," she'd been told). Really, she would never have thought to find herself in a real old English manor house – and such a magnificent one at that – being waited on hand and foot, day after day.

This world of extreme wealth that was filled with seemingly endless shopping trips, charitable functions, flying everywhere in huge private aircraft – it sometimes made her head whirl. On top of that, Kurt and David insisted on paying her a whopping amount of money and showering her with gifts. It could turn a girl's head if that girl were stupid enough to believe she could come between two men who were unbelievably in love with each other.

She blamed the hormones for her increasing weepiness and blinked the moisture away now as she sat in the gorgeous drawing room of the Chiswick manor. It really was quite ridiculous to have feelings toward a gay man, she chided herself and then sniffed quietly. Inevitably, though, her eyes went to Kurt and she watched him surreptitiously.

Unaware of the emotional turmoil in the woman he'd come to think of as a friend, Kurt had been happy to fly over with Dylan and a five-month pregnant Misha, his whole body fizzing with the excitement of getting to show someone the country he'd come to love so much. Their first week in England without David had been made bearable by Misha's presence and he took her everywhere she wanted to see.

Kurt had mentioned a shopping trip earlier that morning so now that she was feeling a little more energetic she announced: "I'll just go and change so we can head out; give me twenty minutes, okay?"

She smiled at him as she watched him leap up, his eyes gleaming as he told her: "Okay, I need to make sure Nanny has everything for Dylan," and with a little flutter of his fingers he bounced up the stairs ahead of her slower progress.

Misha shook her head, unable to hold back the affectionate smile as she watched his lithe figure go up the stairs. A crush at my age – uh, I need a boyfriend, she muttered as she walked more sedately up the stairs, her hand gliding up the beautiful bannister. This is getting pathetic.

They headed out twenty minutes later, being driven in the Bentley by the curly-haired agent Kurt had said was called Devon and one named Phillips. She didn't think she could keep track of all their staff but she understood how it was for the very wealthy. Having bodyguards or an entourage seemed a normal thing but she was glad that there were only two accompanying them. If Dylan had been along, the nanny would have had to come as well and she just was not used to traveling in a pack.

She grinned as she stared out at the beautiful scenery they passed, Kurt keeping up a running commentary about the shops in Chiswick High Road but informing her that they would be shopping in the city and eating at one of his favourite places. She had come to understand very quickly that Kurt was a bit of a foodie and laughed at the way his eyes lit up at the thought of eating out.

They eventually swung onto Oxford Street and Misha's eyes widened at the famous names on the storefronts. When the huge car swung to a stop outside of Marks and Spencer's flagship store, she couldn't hold back her infectious giggle. Kurt stepped out when Phillips opened the door and held his hand out for her which she took gratefully, as she only had eyes for the huge store before her.

"Oh, wow, I know I sound like a real tourist but – oh, my goodness!"

Kurt laughed happily and folded her hand into the crook of his elbow and then their shopping spree was on!

Misha bought quite a number of designer dresses and ensembles for after she had the baby. One dress, though, Kurt insisted she got and it was a beautiful floor-length Madderson gown in a delicate black floral pattern on an ivory ground. It framed her bust beautifully and flowed when she moved.

She loved the way she looked in it when she tried it on, happy that Kurt seemed to know just what would make her look beautiful. One thing, though: "Where would I wear this to; I'm huge!"

It wasn't quite a wail but Kurt came up behind her and hugged her gently, staring at her in the mirror. Pregnant women really do have a glow about them, he thought as he admired her healthy skin and thick shiny hair.

Misha reveled in having Kurt hold her, even if he was focused more on the garment than on her. She shivered slightly when he chuckled but he moved back before she was ready for him to.

"Hey, you never know; we could head out to the theatre one of these nights!" He grinned at her with a mischievous look on his face when she stared at him wide-eyed.

"Wow, I've always heard of the shows in the West End." She turned to stare back at herself, smiling now at the thought of a night out on the town with Kurt. He was so elegant and sophisticated and even though she knew her hopes were impossible, she still liked to bask in the warmth of his presence. Going somewhere like the theatre, in London and with a gorgeous man beside her was the icing on top of an already decadent cake!

Kurt looked at her critically, walking around her now with his head tilted to the side. "Hmmm, you know what, that dress is so gorgeous, it's practically begging for something special."

She looked at him with a little puzzled frown. "Something special – the dress is already special!"

Kurt quirked his full pink lips and shook his finger at her as he would with Mercedes. "Oh my dear, every ensemble needs a little something extra!"

He shooed her to go and change, calling to her that he had a couple of other places to take her afterwards and she hurried to get dressed.

He paid for their things, Kurt having shopped as well (there was a gorgeous cashmere sweater he said had David's name all over it) and then headed back out to the Bentley. Devon grinned at him, shook his curly head and took the bags from them, stowing them in the boot while Phillips got them settled. Kurt leaned forward to whisper something to Devon when he slid behind the wheel and with a quick nod they moved off into the afternoon traffic.

When they finally swung into the kerb and Phillips let them out, Misha's mouth dropped open and she turned to stare at Kurt.

"Harrods! This is living the life, Kurt! Whew," she pretended to swoon and giggled when Kurt slid an arm around her, proceeding to march them into the world-famous store.

Kurt made no bones about the fact that he was luxury shopping and the first thing he did was to buy her a Givenchy Antigona Envelope clutch. When Misha sneaked a peek at the price discreetly displayed beneath it, she gasped. Over six hundred pounds, she goggled, but knew better than to say anything to Kurt. If she knew anything about the diva it was that he loved to give people wonderful gifts that they probably wouldn't think of getting for themselves.

He was like a little dervish as he swung through the store, obviously being very familiar with the place and she resigned herself to feasting her eyes on the marvelous things he was buying for her and his loved ones. Even his staff were not exempt from his gift-giving she realised when he held up an exquisite cobalt blue pashmina shawl and said, "Hmmm, I think Mrs. L would like this."

As they had entered the fragrant space, no doubt spritzed with some expensive scent or the other, a clerk had come up to him and greeted him almost reverentially. Kurt had returned the woman's greeting quite warmly and she took the things from him to hand to her assistant as soon as he examined and approved them.

Kurt was a man on a mission and when he saw a delicate black, embroidered fringed silk shawl wrap, he looked at Misha so intently she unconsciously took a step back. "What?!"

Kurt draped the wrap elegantly across her shoulders, tilted his head to the side and pronounced, "Perfect!"

Misha stared at him for a second or two and then burst out laughing. "Good god, you should have been in the fashion industry, seriously!"

Kurt's cheeks coloured but he was so used to seeing people as living mannequins he couldn't help himself. "This will look great with the gown we just got." He spun around to the clerk and her assistant and asked, "Jewellery?" and they nodded briskly before moving off.

He took Misha's arm and said, "Now for my favourite part! Yes!" They laughed as they followed the two employees and within minutes they were gazing at gorgeous jewellery that made their eyes glisten.

Kurt looked at her. "Since I chose the shawl, you get to choose accessories… and I mean earrings, necklace, bracelet, rings … any and all you think would suit."

Misha looked at him in amazement and then back at the selection before her. "Uhm, wow!"

She did manage, however, to choose pieces that Kurt approved of, his quiet hums and nods going a long way to assure her she was on the right track.

While she was selecting the jewellery, the clerk had returned with a tray of Godiva chocolate and Harrods own milk chocolate truffles that Kurt happily mowed through as he watched Misha model for him. He could picture her in the gown with the shawl wrapped stylishly about her so each time she chose a piece, he could see in his mind's eye how it would look.

Finally, she selected the Monica Vinader diamond Fiji Pavé necklace that was just long enough that, if she removed the shawl, it would nestle in her cleavage. Next was a small curve M.C.L. pavé bangle studded with black and white diamond chips as well as emeralds. She was still a little taken aback by the cost of everything but there was no way she would gainsay Kurt and throw his generosity back in his face. She didn't choose a ring or earrings because David had given her enough jewellery already that she felt she could find something to match. Kurt didn't look at all happy at that pronouncement but he let it go. He knew just what to do.

Kurt also decided she absolutely needed the emerald green Von Furstenberg Mikera gown and the bold Erickson Beamon Envy bracelet and ring that complemented it perfectly. Another gown caught his eye and she sighed. It really was beautiful but where would she wear all these obviously expensive clothing? The dress was a Gold Viva gown with a matching floor length lacy coat by Temperley London (and no, she'd never heard the name before). It sported a stunning scalloped finish and delicate beaded embellishment, referencing a 1930s look and he thought it would make her green eyes glow.

Kurt ran his hand down it and announced she would look like a true Madonna in it, causing her to blush as the store clerk and her assistant looked on enviously. Misha wondered if they thought they were a couple and coloured more at her own thoughts.

Last but not least, Kurt decided, was perfume and he insisted she choose one that she could stomach. Almost as an act of rebellion, she chose a tiny bottle of Bottega Veneta fragrance but winced when she saw the hefty price tag. She just couldn't get around it, she sighed.

Now she was hungry and when she rested one small hand on her stomach, Kurt got the picture. She had to excuse herself to the restroom, though, for which he was thankful and he turned quickly to the women hovering behind him.

"Quick, get that maroon one-shoulder draped Donna Karan in a size 2; the maroon Marc Jacobs quilted clutch we passed and that pair of Mawi Spike and Crystal Earrings, too. Hurry, please!"

They scurried away to the sound of his soft giggles and he sat back to finish off the truffles and when she returned he looked as unruffled as ever. She has no idea, he smirked to himself. Truly, there wasn't anything he wouldn't give the woman who was bringing David and his dream to life.

Kurt handed over his Centurion and chatted with Misha as they waited for the purchases to be bagged up and the clerk to return from cashing them. In the nearly three years he had been married to David, he had become accustomed to using one of the world's most exclusive credit cards, not thinking twice about it anymore. His husband was as generous as he was sweet and never questioned any of Kurt's purchases. Well, he would tease him about some of the things he bought for him, accusing him of trying to turn him into a fashion plate. Kurt had to admit that he loved dressing David; the man was so sexy, he couldn't resist seeing him in head-turning, elegant suits and casual wear. The man could model for GQ, in Kurt's naturally biased opinion.

Eventually they rejoined their security, Kurt smirking at Devon as he watched a couple of the store's well-dressed employees coming out with boxes and bags of Kurt and Misha's purchases. Once more their things were stowed and this time Kurt announced that as they were all hungry, they should head to Fortnum & Mason. Misha cheered because she had always heard about it and once again, she was doing the tourist thing but she couldn't care less.

Kurt led them all up to the fourth floor where the St. James's did one of the best high teas he'd ever indulged in. He loved the peach and gold décor and he knew Misha was happy that they had sofas as well as regular chairs because she was beginning to tire a bit.

"And my feet are killing me," she declared.

In no time at all they were being served, Misha chattering away happily to Devon and the quieter Phillips. They started with Welsh rarebit, poached eggs with hollandaise sauce (Eggs Benedict to the Americans), and warm crab and saffron tarts. The first course was followed by scones with jam and clotted cream as well as a large selection of cakes and cookies, all served in lovely tiers.

There were also berries, cheesecake, chocolate and lemon drizzle cakes, madeleines and Misha's favourite – delicate little lemon meringue tarts. In fact, she had her own jug of freshly-made lemonade while the men had coffee which they sipped from lovely robin's-egg-blue china.

The drive home was quiet as she marveled over Kurt's largesse, something she had come to realise was genuine and unrelenting. He never let anyone's faux modesty stop him from giving and she loved that about him. She smiled out at the waning afternoon as they sped back towards the manor and she sighed happily.

"Feeling good, hon?" Kurt's soft, melodic voice soothed over her and she felt her eyelids drooping as she nodded. She tried to hold back a yawn but she nodded in thanks as she tilted her head towards him.

"You are an angel, you know that?" She smiled as she saw his cheeks turn pink. He was so adorable; she hoped that the baby would look just like him, whatever its gender. Kurt took her hand even as he shook his head.

"Oh, no, I don't think that word can be used to describe me, not really," he laughed. He thought of when he'd first met David under those really strange circumstances. He shook his head again, the smile turning reminiscent but he said, "I've been called temperamental, a brat, a diva and, oh, here's one – 'narcissistic'."

She laughed along with him but said sleepily, "I don't believe that last one. Even then, you would be allowed – you're gorgeous."

Kurt stared at her and then laughed aloud and then glanced briefly at the back of Devon's head, certain he'd seen the other man sniggering. "Okay, I think you're punch drunk from all that shopping and then the food. You can nap until we get home, okay?"

He patted her hand and within minutes she was out.

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KDHK

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That was nearly four months ago and now they were back in New York, Misha once again ensconced in Dr. Gray's exclusive clinic and Kurt and David on speed dial.

Kurt had just spoken with Dylan's nanny and been told that she couldn't take on another baby and even when Kurt had suggested getting her an assistant, she had been adamant. Apparently, she had found it tiring trying to deal with their lifestyle of traveling from one property or country to another. Kurt had been a little dismayed and stared at the woman.

"I'm sorry you feel that way, Jane; we've been happy with your service and you've got on well with Dylan," Kurt murmured, trying to think of how quickly he could get the agency to send another nanny in time for the new baby's arrival.

Jane Shervington had been with them for nearly two years – since Dylan was about six months old – and he would be sorry to see her go.

Now she smiled sadly at Kurt. "I will stay as long until you can get a new nanny, Mr. Kurt. I just had no idea that we would travel so much."

Kurt nodded sympathetically, remembering all the times she would suffer from motion sickness. "Thank you, that's really good of you."

He broke off when David came into the office with a bouncy Dylan who apparently thought he was a kangaroo today. David smiled at Jane who returned it ruefully. She loved working for these folks but it was beginning to wear on her and even though she was only in her early thirties, she just wasn't cut out for the jet set life.

"Hi, Jane, I hear you are leaving us?" David went over to Kurt, dropped a kiss on his hair and took a seat on the couch. Dylan continued to bounce around the office before hopping over to his daddy and climbing up onto Kurt's lap. He immediately reached for Kurt's tablet, tapping at it like he saw his parents doing. Jane smiled at his antics and she knew she would really miss this family. Still, she – and they – would have time to get used to the idea of her departure.

When she left the office, she took Dylan with her and Kurt went to sit beside David, snuggling into the warmth of his big body. He felt David kiss his head and he closed his eyes, willing himself to relax because everything would be alright.

Dave knew what was going through Kurt's head and he hugged him closer, saying: "Sweetheart, you know we'll find the perfect nanny for both our children, right?"

Kurt looked up at him with a smile, one eyebrow quirking up. "Why, because the great David Hummel-Karofsky said so?"

Dave chuckled and pinched Kurt lightly for his cheek. "No, because we won't stop trying until we do. I don't mind taking on more daddy duties when the new baby comes, okay? We'll manage."

Kurt smiled at him and, naturally, leaned up to take David's mouth in a soft, sweet, lingering kiss. They continued exploring each other until they were interrupted by a knock on the door. Separating reluctantly from David, Kurt looked up to see Lolly poking her head in, an apologetic look on her narrow face.

"Yes, Lolly," Kurt smiled at his P.A. "It's safe to come in," he giggled, watching two faint pink patches bloom on her face.

Lolly narrowed her eyes at him and glanced at David before addressing them both seriously. "Sorry to interrupt but… there's a call from the clinic. It's Miss Grenfell."

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TBC

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A/N: Okay, who thinks something's wrong with Misha and the baby? I'd love to hear what you guys think about one of my favourite works so, please, review.