A/N: Two chapters in one night! Wooo! Anyway, this is another two parter, but that's only because the reunion scene is so long, and I couldn't fit it all into one document. Hope you enjoy this one. R&R. JusticeIsn'tEasy0083. D. [Warning: Language and some violence. Just FYI]
Chapter Eight: Ten Year Reunion - New Directions Part One
February 19th 2021. Rachel and Puck had arrived in Lima yesterday, and Mercedes and Sam were flying in tonight, leaving the only remaining members, Tina and Mike, Artie, Lauren, Santana and Brittany already here, and chilling out at the Lima Bean. Finn and Quinn were cooing over Isabella, and Puck was talking with Mike about how being a father has changed his life in the best ways possible, and how Rachel is completely different to how she was in highschool. Kurt had to scoff at this, considering that he's stayed in contact with the "former diva", and she's still very much the same Rachel Berry she was in highschool. Finn joined Kurt and Blaine at their table, Isabella in his arms. Kurt shook his head, and excused himself to the bathroom, leaving Blaine to deal with Finn's sudden need to "kidnap" Rachel and Puck's daughter. The reunion, which would be held tomorrow night in McKinley's gym, was the talk of the group over the next two hours, but Blaine wasn't worried about that. he was worried about how they were going to tell the New Directions about Kurt's condition., both knowing that trying to tell the New Directions something when they're all together, is like talking to a brick wall... useless and a waste of time...
Flashback: New Directions and Warblers Regional's Celebration Party 2011
Hudmel House
Kurt and Blaine had been dating a week, and the only people that knew were the Warblers, and Kurt's father and step-mother. They'd been trying to come up with a plan to tell them for the last two days, since Finn mentioned they were having a party to celebrate the fact that they both won regional's, and are all going to Nationals. Kurt had explained to Blaine that they needed to tell them when they were all together, because if he told Mercedes without telling Rachel, then it could turn into world war three, and they would both be caught in the middle. Kurt would have told Finn, but he's as good as keeping secrets as a dog is at talking... they had arrived at the party late from Dalton, both taking a little extra time in Blaine's dorm room to do their own celebrating, which was nothing more than a heated make-out session, without shirts, which Wes and David walked in on. Nobody seemed bothered or concerned when the two boys showed up late, still in uniform, neither seeming to have bothered redressing themselves to Dalton standards. They'd been greeted by simultaneous yells by the New Directions members, and hugs, whilst the Warblers, led by Wevid (this was the couple name Kurt and Blaine had made up for Wes and David to pay them back for all the times they'd been called Klaine in his presence), had started singing the "Klaine song". It was a silly song Jeff had made up, much to Blaine's annoyance. Kurt didn't seem to mind, just glaring at Wes or calling them Wevid would get them to stop.
There was alcohol at the party, courtesy of Puckerman, of course. In his words "dudes, you can't have a party without alcohol, it's like the golden rule." Thirty minutes in, Blaine and Kurt decided they didn't like the rule, and headed up to Kurt's bedroom to change, and get away from the rowdiness emanating from downstairs. Unbeknownst to them, everyone had seen them head up to Kurt's room, and followed, suspecting that something was up, and when Mike and Sam burst through the door to catch them kissing, there were cheers, and suddenly they didn't need to worry about how to tell them they were dating. Wes and David looked on proudly, Finn and Puck were eyeing Blaine, sending them the silent message that they would be having words later, before they were being swarmed again, Mercedes and Rachel squealing when they saw Kurt smile and kiss Blaine's cheek, before heading downstairs to make the food that Finn wouldn't shut up about. That left Blaine, alone, in Kurt's bedroom, with at least thirteen people who wanted to warn him against hurting Kurt. He knew it would come; hell the Warblers had done the same to Kurt when they'd started dating. He knew that Mercedes and Rachel would be the two main people he'd have to deal with, but he was terrified of Puck and Finn as well. One being super protective of Kurt, (Puck), and the other looking out for his (not so little) brother, the way he promised he would back when Carole and Burt married.
'So Warbler, what's the deal? You serious about our boy Kurt or you messing with him?' Puck asked, crossing his arms as the New Directions gathered in front of him
'I'm serious. I would never do anything to hurt him... I-I love him,' Blaine said, as Wes and David gaped
'Dude, you never said you were in love with him you've only been dating a week Blaine,'
'I haven't told Kurt yet okay, neither of us have, so can you just not say anything. I'm waiting until the right time,' Blaine said, turning back to Finn and Puck, who knocked fists with him, and smiled, leaving the room, but not without the warning of what they would do if he hurt Kurt in anyway.
...
Blaine had promised himself he wouldn't drink, not wanting a repeat of the Rachel Berry Train Wreck Extravaganza, but that didn't mean that Kurt would copy him. His boyfriend had only had two drinks, and was already tipsy, not that Blaine minded, he liked seeing Kurt carefree, embracing his childish self. As long as he didn't make out with anyone like Blaine had, everything would be fine. They were currently sitting on the floor, in a circle, listening to Mercedes and Quinn talk about games they could play, and Puck and Artie arguing over which was better, COD or COD III, both of which Blaine had never played, let alone hear of. Out of nowhere, Finn had suggested spin the bottle, which both Rachel and Blaine had shouted no to. Quinn, not wanting Kurt to be unhappy (or Blaine, but she didn't know him very well yet), moved on to Twister, which everyone agreed to, including Rachel, who ran upstairs and into Finn's room, where the game was kept. Kurt was resting his head on Blaine's shoulder, talking a mile a minute about everything in the history of the world. He was talking so fast, Blaine only caught bits of the conversation he was meant to be having with his boyfriend. Finn had called Burt and Carole before, explaining that everything would be clean by the time they got home tomorrow afternoon. Kurt, who was usually the responsible one, had stolen the phone, and ran away, talking about the Little Mermaid, and how Blaine's hair was "awesome when it's curly because I can run my finger through it whilst we're making out", to which Blaine had grabbed the phone, and hung up, prompting pouting from his already adorable boyfriend. This had happened an hour ago, and since then, Kurt's maturity had slowly been declining more and more.
Quinn and Rachel had set up twister in the middle of the, well it wasn't a circle, it wasn't really anything anymore. They were all standing around the mat, except for Blaine who was spinning, and Kurt, who was hovering next to him, spinning the arrow and clapping when it landed on the hand side. Blaine kissed his boyfriends nose, before starting the game, with a running commentary from Kurt. Wes was the first one out, heading straight to the drinks table. He was not long followed by David, Cameron and Thad, who claimed that ND was cheating, but spotted food and gave up. the first game was won by Quinn, who bet Rachel and Mercedes. The second game was more... interesting than the first, when Puck introduced them all to the world of "Strip Twister", which Blaine knew he'd made up on the spot. The rules stated that if you fell, you had to remove a piece of clothing, and you only go out if you call it. Kurt had scrunched up his nose adorably when Puck told them the rules, instead heading over to where Wes was trying to serenade David with Surfing Bird, and Finn was watching on in amusement. If Blaine hadn't of been involved so much in the game, he would have noticed that Kurt didn't return to the lounge after his escapade around the Hudmel house to find whatever he was mumbling about before he'd left the room. In fact, no one knew where Kurt was, until Blaine found his boyfriend hunched over the toilet, heaving his guts out. Blaine had stayed with him the rest of the night, as Kurt shivered, and shook, his breathing staggered, as he tried to control himself. Blaine was worried; he'd never seen this kind of reaction from anyone drinking...
'Kurt, maybe I should take you to the hospital, you don't sound good babe,'
'No. I don't want to go to the hospital. I just need to sleep, and I'll be fine. It's probably just the flu, multiplied by the alcohol,'
'It could be alcohol poisoning babe. I don't want anything to happen to you,' Blaine said, as Kurt stood, stumbling to the bed
'It's fine Blaine. You can go back to the party if you want, I'm going to sleep,' Kurt said, as Blaine snuggled up with him, not caring about the party downstairs.
'I am wherever you are Kurt. Sleep now love, we'll talk in the morning,' Blaine said, kissing Kurt's forehead, before closing his eyes...
...
When Blaine woke the next morning, Kurt was already up, and helping Finn clean downstairs, where various members of the Warblers and New Directions were still sleeping. Kurt was looking better than he had last night, but wasn't dressed how he normally would, instead donning sweat pants and a t-shirt from his McKinley days. Finn was moving around, trying not to wake the others, but it was proving impossible. Blaine pulled Kurt into the kitchen to give him a hug and kiss and ask him how he was, knowing Kurt wouldn't tell Finn the full extent of what was going on. Kurt said that he had a little headache, and felt nauseas, but promised Blaine he'd tell if it got worse. Satisfied, Blaine began to help clean up, laughing when Finn fell over, right on top of Puck, who had kneed him in the groin, causing Finn to roll onto Sam who had practically gone ninja, knocking Finn in the eye, before the three sat up, apologising. The ruckus had woken the others, who had started mumbling about breakfast, which Kurt had promised would be ready by the time they had finished cleaning up, because that was the only way they were getting any food, and proceeded into the kitchen to start cooking...
End Flashback
February 19th 2021 Hudmel House
The others had gone back to their hotel for the rest of the day, whilst Kurt, Finn, Quinn and Blaine returned to the Hudmel house for lunch, and to relax and prepare for tomorrow. Kurt went straight up to the bedroom when they arrived home, Blaine excusing himself to see what was wrong with his husband. Finn and Aliyah were talking and laughing when the two got back downstairs, Kurt throwing out one of his famous Hummel lines, before heading into the kitchen to help Carole with lunch. Finn's smile was bigger than any Blaine had seen before, and this was pointed out by Aliyah, who told her uncle that if he smiled like that all the time, the wind would change, and he'd be stuck that way, which made Finn return his face to normal immediately. Blaine caught his eye and nodded, knowing the reason Finn had smiled that way, was because they'd both caught a glimpse of the Kurt they know and love, but haven't seen in a while. Hopefully, once this is all over with, everyone will just be able to relax and not worry about what's going to happen, but rather focus on the things that are now, what they can still do with Kurt, while they have the time. Blaine decided that even going near the kitchen would result in him being kicked out again anyway, so he headed into the lounge, where Renee was sitting on Burt's knee, talking about the pretty dress Kurt had made her, and what she wanted for her third birthday. Blaine chuckled, sitting down next to Quinn and Finn's eldest April, who snuggled into him, grinning up at her uncle, who smiled, and rolled her over so he could tickle her sides. April screeched with laughter, as Burt and Renee watched on, Aliyah and Finn joining them to see what the fuss was about, and why April was "screeching like Rachel Berry had done for almost six years of their lives..." Blaine was amused by Quinn's choice of words regarding Rachel, knowing that the blonde ex-cheerleader, never really had the patience to deal with the small girl. Even Blaine was taller than Rachel... which he'd pointed out whenever he'd got the chance...
'April Renee Hudson, Uncle Kurt wants you to help him in the kitchen,' Finn said, poking his daughter's side playfully
'Come on cheeky, lets help grandma with the salad,' Kurt said, picking his niece up, and throwing her over his shoulder, before twirling her around
'Look daddy, I can fly,' April said as Finn watched Kurt twirling his two year old around on his shoulder. He smiled.
'Yeah, fly away to your grandma so I can sit in quiet for five minutes. Damn that girl has her mother's vocal chords,' Finn said, when Quinn was out of earshot
Blaine chuckled, remembering when April had first been born, and Finn commented that she'd grow up to have Quinn's voice, because she was crying so loudly. This has resulted in him sleeping on the couch for a week, and having full time care of the baby, while Quinn sat around doing nothing. Not that Finn minded, if he was pleasing and helping, he didn't mind, besides, it let him get to know his daughter, and that's the best experience anyone can ask for. Renee was now snuggled up to Burt on the chair, her eyes drooping closed as the football game played on the TV, and Kurt came out with three beers, handing them around, before taking Renee upstairs to lay down.
...
Afternoon drifted into evening, bringing with it, a downpour of rain, which wasn't unusual, but didn't happen often during February in Lima. Kurt sat by the window in the hallway, just watching out over the rain, as it fell, thinking about everything, and about how they were going to tell the New Directions about the cancer. Elizabeth, Kurt's mother, had always said that "the rain holds the answers you seek, but you have to be able to put everything else aside, and focus on what you want answers to". Kurt closed his eyes, leaning his head against the window, feeling all the tension wash away, all the pain, all the remnants of sickness, until he is just Kurt Hummel-Anderson, designer, husband, friend, son, father and brother. Nothing else matters to him in this moment, because he's found a sense of peace, a little bit of comfort in knowing that he's leaving behind a family, with people who will love them always, and he knows deep down that Blaine will be okay, because he promised. In this moment, Kurt can glimpse the future, he can see his family when he's gone, sure they'll be sad for a while, but eventually, they'll find something that belongs to him, and they'll remember and smile, and then they'll start to heal, and when they do, it will be the greatest thing, because it means Kurt will be able to heal, and start watching over them. He doesn't want to leave, he promised Blaine he'd never say goodbye, but he doesn't plan to. He's not going to say goodbye, because he knows he'll see Blaine again one day, and they'll be together, even if Blaine re-marries, they'll always have their love, because it's true, and nothing, not even cancer can pull them apart.
Kurt lets a small smile fill his face. He can feel Blaine watching him from the doorway, a smirk on his husband's face, as he watches Kurt. Opening his eyes slowly, he beckons Blaine over, standing to hug his husband, letting Blaine know that every moment they spend together means the world to him, and then, Blaine leads them upstairs to Kurt's room for the evening, to make love, and get lost in Disney movies, a place where they can live in a fantasy, and not have to worry. Love and kisses are shared throughout the evening, as the two wrap themselves in each other, taking their time to explore each other, like it's their first time, and nothing else in the world is more precious. They know they have to be quiet, because the girls and their family are in the house, but Kurt doesn't care. When he and Blaine make love, nothing else matters, because it's two becoming one, two souls, sharing their love with each other... It's tender and loving, and when they're tired, and cleaned up, (they bet their record by two), they snuggle together, Mulan playing on the laptop between them. Kurt fights to keep his eyes open, but he's losing, and he can't do that. He can't lose this fight because he can't bear to not see Blaine, he doesn't want to not wake up, seeing, and kissing Blaine, and it's this that forces his eyes open, looking up to make sure he's still wrapped in his husbands embrace.
'I love you Blaine,' Kurt said, not looking away from the screen
'I love you too Kurt. Is something wrong?' Blaine asked, tilting Kurt's chin up so their eyes meet, hazel boring into blue...
'No babe, I just wanted to tell you what I'm feeling, and right now, it's love,' Kurt replied, smiling
'Me too, always,' Blaine said, placing a soft kiss to Kurt's forehead, before turning back to the movie...
.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.
The next morning, saw Kurt, Blaine and Finn heading to the mall, to pick up some last minute gifts for the New Directions members, to whom Quinn had forgotten to pick up. If it wasn't Friday, and Finn didn't have to drive back to Toledo to work in the morning, he'd be quite happy to spend the day shopping for presents for the reunion, but given that this was the last chance he'd have to relax before tomorrow, he wasn't looking forward to it. Sure, spending time with his brother was fun, but the mall wasn't, and anyone who knew Kurt, knew how he was when shopping was involved... Finn had proof... Christmas 2011... Kurt had dragged Finn to every store, just so he could find the right present to give to Blaine, and that had taken them three hours. They then spent another four hours shopping for everyone else. Needless to say, Finn wasn't looking forward to the shopping trip, but he's a good husband, and promised Quinn he'd do it. Kurt and Blaine didn't look that eager to go either, and Finn could see his brother struggling to keep standing upright. He was tired, and had bags under his eyes. On other occasions, Finn would make a crude joke about him and Blaine being up all night having sex, but given the situation, the taller boy refrained, especially when Kurt's in a grumpy mood, because grumpy Kurt, equals a mess of yelling and name-calling, that in Finn's opinion, doesn't end well, hence the basement scene of '09.
Blaine had driven to the mall, they arrived there about ten, giving them approximately three hours to get what they needed, and be back home, in time to meet Mercedes and Sam for lunch, before getting ready, and heading to the reunion, which starts at six sharp, and knowing Kurt, they'd be there half an hour before hand, looking like idiots. Friday in the Lima mall was like driving through New York during peak hour... packed and busy. This didn't seem to bother Kurt, who took Blaine's hand, and walking towards the front doors, receiving looks from both of them, before Kurt realised what they were staring at. He let go of Blaine's hand, mouthing sorry to him, before falling into step with Finn, watching the passersby, as they walked, bringing their shields back up, that they had when out in public whilst in highschool. Finn hated that they had to watch their backs everytime they went out together. He'd wished in the last ten years that Lima would have become more accepting, but that just isn't the case. It's still the same, shit hole, cow-town they'd left behind. Finn pulled the list of gifts out of his pocket and headed off in the direction of the first store, to get Rachel and Tina's gifts. Kurt was looking around constantly, sticking close to Blaine, not letting himself drift too far away from his husband. This behaviour was reminiscent of highschool Kurt, and Blaine was worried. He'd never seen Kurt like this, not even in the worst parts of New York...
...
An hour turned into two, and by twelve, Finn had brought all the presents on the list. Blaine had suggested they head to the food court for lunch, because he was starving, but they were both told off by Kurt, who reminded them that they were meeting with Mercedes and Sam at one, and they really should be getting home. Just as they were about to leave, Kurt heard the voice he hadn't thought of for years. It was the voice of the boy who'd almost pulled him and Blaine apart... Sebastian Smythe. Kurt turned at the sound of his name, forcing Blaine to double back, and Finn to stand protectively to the side of his brother, remembering what the boy, now man, in front of him put his family through. Sebastian was all smiles, being his usual cocky self, and Kurt just wanted to punch him, so that's what he did. Ten years of pent up rage against the boy, thrown into one punch.
'That, is for trying to steal my boyfriend, and this (another punch, this one to the gut) is for thinking that you could beat me,' Kurt said, standing back to smirk at his handy-work
'Geez Kurt, you can fight I'll give you that. I just wanted to say hi, and ask how you guys have been, but I guess that won't be happening now. Hi Blaine, tall person,' Sebastian said, standing up, still clutching his stomach from where he'd been punched
'Fuck you Smythe,' Finn said, as they all turned to walk off
'I know you still want me Blaine; I can see it in your eyes!" Sebastian called after them, forcing them to stop
This time, it was Blaine who threw the punch, and it had never felt more satisfying, than getting all his frustrations out on the person who pretty much almost ruined his life back in senior year. Whilst Sebastian was on the ground, clutching his bleeding nose, Blaine explained that he'd never wanted Sebastian then, and he doesn't want him now, before walking off, to catch up with Kurt, who smirked at Sebastian, before following Finn and Blaine out the doors. Well, they wouldn't be going back to the Lima mall anytime soon if security has anything to do with it. Not that any of them care, it's not like they live here anymore... the car ride home was silent... Kurt spent the whole ride looking out the window, right hand resting in his lap, bruised from punching Sebastian twice. Blaine had to admit to himself that seeing that side of Kurt was hot, he loved when Kurt got riled up like that, it makes their sex life better, and when Blaine is the one that riles him up, well it's like walking on cloud nine... Finn was smiling in the back, proud that his brother had finally, as Puck would say "Grown some balls" and "beat some kid's ass". Even though Sebastian was taller than Kurt, he'd still managed to get two good blows in, and that accomplishment, makes Finn proud. He's even proud of Blaine...
.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.
Lunch with Sam and Mercedes went off without a hitch, thanks to Kurt's careful planning, and Mercedes' impeccable sense of timing, and punctuality. The events of earlier had been discarded for more important topics, which included some magazine called Vouge that Finn and Sam had never heard of, but knew their spouses read. Kurt's new line had been featured in one of the latest editions of Vouge, along with alot of talk about what he'd think of next. Blaine would have to worry about that. Kurt didn't want to put that burden on Blaine, but he knew his company would fail if he doesn't have someone running it, and going to all the meets, and talks with clients about upcoming fashions. Mercedes and Blaine were deep in conversation about hat and scarf combinations when the arrival of Santana and Brittany, had their lunch cut short, for Kurt and Blaine to head back to the Hudmel residence to change, and Finn to pick up the kids from Quinn's mother's house. They bid everyone goodbye, promising they'd see them tonight, and then left, none of them noticing Kurt's bleeding nose, as Blaine rushed him out to the car...