September 1920
Kurt
A large oak tree provides welcome shade from the midday sun at an outdoor table of the Dockside Bar & Grill in Sagaponack, a short distance from Bridgeport. Blaine sets down a claw and licks his fingers. "These blue claw crabs are absolutely delicious."
"This lobster is to die for, too. Tell me, how was the horse riding this morning?"
Blaine's face lights up like a Christmas tree. "It was fantastic. I rode Koda, a three-year-old Thoroughbred. He's a beauty and powerful, as well. When the ranch owner found out that I used to be in the British cavalry, he offered to be my personal guide along the trails. He's given me lots of ideas of where to ride over the week."
"I'm so glad that you enjoyed it."
"What did you get up to this morning, sweetheart?" Blaine asks.
"After dropping you off, I came here to Sagaponack and had a poke around. I bought some watercolor paper and paints at the General Store. I'd like to try my hand at painting this week. I then stopped at the Brennan's Bit & Bridle shop and purchased a pair of riding jodhpurs. I thought I could join you riding towards the end of the week."
"I'd like that very much, Kurt."
"I might have also bought a pair of swimming trunks. I haven't been swimming since a family holiday in Torquay years ago. I was hoping that we could spend the afternoon at the beach."
Once they pay for their lunch, they go to the public changing rooms near the beach. Blaine comes out of the cabana wearing a traditional one-piece blue and white striped bathing suit, however Kurt is not. Blaine's jaw drops when he sees Kurt's new two-piece bathing suit. He's wearing a deep-cut ribbed wool tank top over a snug pair of bathing shorts.
"K-Kurt... I-I...err...Y-you…umm"
"Oh, honey, I see I've left you speechless." Kurt winks before he sets off for the beach, pleased that his new bathing suit had the desired effect.
Once they have found a spot that is away from prying eyes and ears, they set down their towels. Blaine pulls out the book he is reading, The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton. He soon gets caught up in the thought-provoking novel about New York society in the 1870s.
In the meantime, Kurt lies down on the beach towel and covers his face with his straw hat. Although it's early September, the sun is strong, and he doesn't want to end up as red as the lobster he ate for lunch.
When he discovered the art supply shop this morning, he decided that while Blaine goes horse riding in the morning, he'll paint the landscapes as a memento of their first holiday together. There will be plenty of time to spend together in the afternoons and evenings.
After an hour, Kurt can hear Blaine set his book down, and Blaine is silent. Kurt pulls off his hat and rolls to his side, facing Blaine. "I can feel your eyes on me."
Blaine gently chuckles, "How can I not stare at you in that bathing suit. It's a good thing there aren't many people on the beach or you'd be surrounded by admirers."
Kurt's cheeks pinken. "The only admirer I want is you."
"I certainly hope Lieutenant Gilbert understands that," Blaine growls.
Kurt is surprised by the tone of Blaine's voice. Why would he even mention the man he had a casual conversation with earlier in the week? Is he jealous? "Lieutenant Gilbert's only interest in me has to do with flying."
Blaine rolls his eyes. "I don't agree with you, but the Lieutenant isn't worth us spending time debating his intentions. I have something more important on my mind."
"What, pray, might that be?"
Blaine passes an envelope to Kurt. "I received this letter the morning we left for our holiday. Have a read and let me know what you think."
Kurt sits up and carefully reads the Earl's letter. He knows that Blaine's testimony at the war crime trials is important, but he hadn't realized that it needs to be given in person. Kurt appreciates how stressful it will be for Blaine to return to Germany and be in the same room as the POW camp director. But he also knows that the Earl has appealed to Blaine's sense of honor and duty to his soldiers and country, and Blaine is nothing but honorable.
After several minutes, Kurt hands back the letter. "Have you come to a decision?"
Blaine twists his hands together on his lap. "I want to testify at the tribunal, even if it means returning to Germany. My father is right that I owe it to myself, my soldiers, and my country. But here's the thing, Kurt - I couldn't possibly do it without you by my side. I know that is asking a lot of you, especially if you pursue a new career, but I need you. The only good part of this trip will be visiting our families at Westerville Abbey."
Kurt looks out at the ocean, lost in thought for a few minutes. He knew Blaine's decision without even asking. He also knew that Blaine would ask him to join him. His heart knows instantly how to answer Blaine. He'll support his love during the difficult times.
Kurt wishes that he could hold Blaine in his arms, but they are on a public beach. He uses words instead. "I'll go with you to Europe. I'll be right beside you as long as you need me. I think we both need some closure on what happened to you during the war. I'm still angry that you were kept away from me all those years. Sure, we found each other again, but it was just happenchance that I went to Healy's Tavern that night."
"I love you so much, Kurt. It means everything to me that you'll be right beside me. I'll contact the Americans on the commission and give them my news."
"How long do you think the trip will be?"
"I imagine it will be about six weeks - a week for travel, a week in Germany, and four glorious weeks in Westerville."
"I doubt very much that the Healy's will give us so much time off."
"I've thought about this, too. If they won't give us the time off, we'll quit. There are plenty of restaurants in New York City. I'm sure at least one of them would offer jobs to a chef that has an excellent reputation and an outstanding waiter. Or you could use this opportunity to pursue your dream job."
Kurt moves slightly away from Blaine. He's just agreed to Blaine paying for a trip to Europe, and now he wants to throw more money at him. "I still have to pay the rent. I don't have a trust fund to fall back on."
Blaine clenches his fists by his side, and Kurt can tell he's trying to keep his anger in check, but failing. "That's not fair, Kurt! You know that I would financially support you to allow you to figure out what you want in life. I know you don't want me for the money - you've already made that perfectly clear."
Kurt discretely strokes Blaine's arm. He knows that the reference to the trust fund was a low blow. "I'm sorry. You're right. It really wasn't fair for me to say that."
Blaine lies down on his side, and Kurt mirrors the position, so that they are face-to-face.
Blaine begins, "I need to tell you a story about last New Year's Eve. At the time, I was all consumed with finding you, and I was getting nowhere. Uncle Hiram suggested that I focus on doing something for myself, and continue to search for you on the weekends. I was at a complete loss of what to do. I always did what was expected of me. I could flatter young ladies in a social setting, play polo, and use a machine gun. I thought I had no useful skills to offer in New York City. Cousin Rachel became very angry at my attitude. She reminded me that she set up the trust to give me the freedom to explore what I really wanted to do. It was the wakeup call I needed. After exploring some options, I decided to try my hand at being a chef."
Kurt is stunned. Blaine always seems so confident in what he does and what he wants. He has never considered for a moment that maybe Blaine has been in the same situation as him. "I didn't know that. When I see you in the tavern's kitchen, you are so happy, and I assumed that you always knew what you wanted to do. You really found your calling."
Blaine smiles sweetly at the compliment. "Trust me, it wasn't that easy for me to figure out. I had the good fortune to have Uncle Hiram's support and Cousin Rachel's trust fund. Knowing that there were people who cared enough about me to catch me if I failed allowed me to take the risk to become a chef."
"I can understand how having family supporting you would help you realize your dreams."
"But you're my family, too. You're my everything. I want to give you that support in any way I can to allow you to pursue your dreams. I'm in love with you, and I want us both to have satisfying lives, both as individuals and as partners."
Kurt finally gets it. He understands the true gift that Blaine is offering. It's not about being a kept man or feeling obligated to keep him happy in their new lives. It's about loving someone so much that you'll do anything to support him. While Kurt can support Blaine to find closure on his wartime experiences, Blaine can support Kurt in reaching his potential.
"I didn't think I could love you more, but you've just proved me wrong. I finally understand what you're offering me. We both need each other's support, but in different ways. We should plan our trip to Europe next summer exactly how we want it, and if we lose our jobs, then so be it. No matter what, we'll figure it out together. You are my family, too."
Blaine gets up and brushes the sand from his bathing suit. "Let's go for a swim. I kind of want to see that wet bathing suit cling to your body."
Kurt stands up and giggles. "If you're lucky, you might even be able to grope parts of me under the water."
Two days later...
Kurt's eyes are steady to the horizon, watching the last orange rays disappear, and the twilight beckons the stars. Living in a city, Kurt misses seeing all the beautiful stars blinking in the night sky. He presses his arms tighter around Blaine, who is sitting between his legs on the settee in the veranda. This day has been magical so far. Kurt was up at the crack of dawn, painting the sunrise over the ocean. He collected Blaine from the Deep Hollow Ranch at noon with a picnic basket filled with goodies. After spending the afternoon at the beach, Blaine prepared a simple meal of grilled fish, which he purchased from a local fisherman, and a fresh garden salad.
Life is very simple in the Hamptons. As promised, a housekeeper cleans and does laundry each day when they are out. The best part is that upon their return, a fresh bottle of champagne is magically waiting for them in the ice box. Kurt's thoughts are interrupted when he hears Blaine slap himself.
"Kurt, I need to go inside. The mosquitos are eating me alive."
Kurt rises and collects the two glasses and the half-empty bottle of champagne. When they go inside, he asks, "What do you want to do this evening?"
"How about dancing? It's been ages since we've danced together. Why don't you pick out the first disc?" Blaine suggests.
Kurt goes to the corner and flips through the stack of discs. He smiles when he spots an old-time favorite, places it on the gramophone, and pulls Blaine into his arms.
Let me call you sweetheart
I'm in love with you
Let me hear you whisper
That you love me, too
Kurt tightens his grip around Blaine's waist and rests his cheek on Blaine's shoulder as they sway to the music. Blaine moves his hands along his back, and he feels so loved and taken care of. This song evokes so many memories of the Great War. During the long waiting periods in the barracks, while the other pilots gambled and played songs on the gramophone, Kurt would fill the hours dreaming of the day that he would be in Blaine's arms again.
And now his dreams are coming true.
Keep the love light glowing
In your eyes so true
Let me call you sweetheart
I'm in love with you
When Blaine presses his body closer, Kurt can feel a thick hardened cock against his thigh. Although they have been very busy having sex morning, noon, and night, they haven't used any of the items in LeRoy's birthday box. They haven't needed anything but their hands, their lips, and their bodies to feel make each other good. However, the box in the corner of the bedroom is a continual reminder that there could be other ways of pleasuring each other. He instinctively knows that Blaine is waiting for him to open the box to experiment.
When Blaine's lips start mouthing along his neck, Kurt can feel his cock start to stir. It must be the fresh ocean air, because they both have had insatiable appetites for the other on this holiday.
"I'm so hard, Kurt… like a torpedo. I need you so badly."
Kurt pulls away and smiles when he hears Blaine whining. "Go upstairs and get naked for me. I think it's time to open LeRoy's box."
Kurt gently chuckles when he sees Blaine scramble up the stairs. Yes, it's going to be a fun night. It would do Blaine good to have to wait for him a bit and build the excitement. He pours himself another half-glass of champagne and returns to the verandah. He has several ideas on how to use the toys, but he'll improvise based upon Blaine's reaction. After all, Blaine's pleasure in the proceedings is of the utmost importance.
When he sips the last drops of champagne in his glass, he's feeling slightly lightheaded, but not drunk. He presses his hand against his clothed cock, imagining Blaine waiting for him. He takes his time to turn off the lights before heading up the stairs.
When he enters their bedroom, Blaine is in bed with his back propped against the headboard, trying to give him his best sultry bedroom eyes. Kurt's eyes rake over his body, which is sun-kissed from their time spent at the beach. Kurt notices that LeRoy's box has been placed at the bottom of the bed.
"Umm… I thought… Maybe we could use…" Blaine stutters and bows his head.
"Good idea. Anything you want to try out specifically?"
Blaine looks up at him through his eyelashes. "I-I ...I don't know. Maybe you should surprise me?"
Kurt strips off his clothing until he's left wearing his boxer briefs. He loves that Blaine hasn't taken his eyes off him for a single second. He stands at the foot of the bed and slowly opens the box. As he takes out each item, he looks carefully at Blaine to read his reaction. Blaine's expression remains unchanged when the tubes of jelly and the feather duster are set upon the bed. However, his eyes darken when Kurt pulls out the box of torpedo-shaped hard-rubber instruments. When Kurt pulls out the handcuffs and blindfold, Blaine is panting.
Kurt crawls along the bed and sits on Blaine's lap with each leg straddling his sides. Blaine's hands immediately cup Kurt's face and pull him in for a toe-curling kiss, and his leaking cock presses into Kurt's chest. Kurt takes control of the kiss by slowing the pace down, deepening it, and using his tongue to explore Blaine's warm and wet mouth, that faintly tastes of champagne. His hands tangle into Blaine's hair, and he tugs at the curls. Although Blaine looks dapper with pomade in his hair, at night time, Kurt prefers the natural look. Those silky curls were made for his fingers. Kurt takes his time exploring Blaine's jaw and neck, leaving little bruises as he sucks, scraping his teeth along the sensitive skin.
Blaine's hands move down Kurt's sides and stop on his buttocks. He squeezes them and pulls Kurt closer. "Oh, baby, look what you're doing to me... I want you… no, I need you."
Kurt pulls his lips away, and climbs off Blaine, kneeling beside him. Blaine's eyes are blown wide, his lips are kiss swollen, and his hair is going this way and that. Blaine looks like the sexiest man alive, and it's all of his doing.
"Can you lie down for me and raise your arms?"
Blaine scoots down the bed so that he's lying flat. Kurt takes a pillow and places it beneath his buttocks. Kurt reaches for the handcuffs, and opens them with the key. He wraps one around Blaine's wrist and snaps it shut. When he hears Blaine take quick sharp breaths, he look down to see Blaine's eyes widen in alarm and his mouth open in a silent scream. He looks as if he's moments away from having a panic attack.
Kurt immediately undoes the handcuff from Blaine's wrist and tosses it on the floor. He lies down, and Blaine's trembling body immediately seeks his. Rubbing his back, Kurt instructs, "Deep breaths, my love. The handcuffs are gone. No one is going to hurt you."
Kurt continues to rub Blaine's back with one hand and strokes his curls with the other, silently chastising himself. He hadn't even considered that handcuffs could trigger a memory from the POW camps.
"Kurt, I trust you with my life… but I can't. I just can't be restrained that way. And I'll be honest, the blindfold terrifies me, too."
"I'm such an idiot, Blaine. I should have thought it through, and we should have discussed everything before opening the box."
"No, Kurt, It's my fault. I thought it would be fun and exciting to give you control over my body. But the handcuffs… No... too many memories… too many nightmares," Blaine sniffles.
"Shh, Blaine, it's okay. They'll be gone by the morning, along with the blindfold."
Kurt hums the tune of Let Me Call You Sweetheart and continues to rub Blaine's back until he's fast asleep. Kurt silently crawls out of bed and stuffs the handcuffs and blindfold in his duffle bag. He doesn't want Blaine to see them ever again.
Kurt climbs back into bed and curls his body around Blaine's back and wraps an arm around his waist.
Kurt wonders what will happen the next time they have sex. Blaine has already told him that he prefers Kurt taking the lead, but will Blaine be worried that Kurt will push him past his limits? Will Blaine not trust him anymore? Will Blaine make excuses not to have sex with him?
Kurt thinks of various ways of how they can push past this and be physically intimate once more, but immediately discounts them. How can he take control but allow Blaine agency over his decisions? Kurt finally gets an idea that might work, and whilst he's thinking of the various outcomes, he drifts to sleep.
Author's notes
The song they dance to is Let Me Call You Sweetheart. Although this famous song was performed by Bing Crosby in 1934, it was actually written in 1910 and was a huge hit for the Peerless Quartet in 1911.
Many thanks to my fantastic betas - Fearlessly, Lilyvandersteen, Dblmalfunction. I made the last-minute edits and performed the final proofreading by myself, so all mistakes are mine.
I'm HKVoyage on Tumblr.
Next up: Kurt executes his idea the next morning.