A/N: Wow. Hello. How are we all going? I've been uploading a lot for my other story, The Abandoned Child a lot lately, and I had a sudden wave of inspiration for this story. This is probably either the second, or third-last chapter. It's been almost a year since I last updated, but things just built up and got in the way, and I've been going through some personal stuff, so I finally managed to just sit down and type. This is still one of my favourite stories, and I'm hoping to upload the last two/or three chapters in the next two-three weeks. I hope you enjoy. Sorry it's been so long (to all the old readers) and welcome/back (to everyone). Thanks. Read and Review. JusticeIsn'tEasy0083. D.
Chapter Twenty-One: The One with the Flashbacks
and Flash-Forwards
December 20th 2012
Penthouse Apartment
New York City, New York
Their second Christmas in the apartment isn't going to be a grand affair. Santana and Brittany have already made their plans, and demanded that Kurt and Blaine follow them. Whilst neither of them have a problem with it, this does cause an issue with Finn, who had wanted to spend at least a couple of hours with his brother on Christmas Day, before he and Rachel head back to Ohio to see Burt and Carole. Kurt had promised that he would catch up with Finn before he left, and that should he decide once and for all that he wants to be with Rachel, then she would have to work extra hard at being a nicer person. Their winter break has already started, and Kurt, Santana and Quinn are out shopping for their respective others, and members of their groups. Quinn is seven months pregnant, and says that she's already ready to push this baby out. Given her history, Kurt would have thought she'd rather not be giving birth to a baby again, but people change, and Kurt has accepted that. He accepted that a while ago. Whilst they're out, they bump into a few of their friends from school, respectively from NYU and Columbia. Kurt just smiles and nods along in the background, whilst Santana talks to Emilee from work, and Mandy from their Culture of Business class. Surprisingly, they've made a ground-breaking move forward on their business endeavours, and Finn is even excited about joining Hudmel-Lopez and Co when it's up and launched. Blaine thought they were crazy at first, but now that they've made a headway, he can see that this is something they're both really passionate about, and he supports that. Kurt even offered to let Blaine use the recording studio, sending his fiance a wink, which turned into… well what it always turns into. Santana is talking about her classes she's considering for Junior Year, and whether or not she should drop Enterprise and take Advanced Business Management, to make up for what she missed this year. Kurt has changed classes so many time, he doesn't know what he's doing, but he's still got seven months to figure it out.
When they get back to the apartment, Blaine is putting the finishing touches on their Christmas tree, and Kurt knows… he can feel that Wes and David are in their apartment, and he is proven right, when the two former Head Council Members jump out from behind the couch, and pull Kurt into a hug. He chuckles and punches Wes' shoulder, before moving to put his bags in the bedroom. He and Blaine had decided to not tell Wes and David that they're not going to Westerville for Christmas this year, because they want to have their second Christmas in New York, different from last year. Better than last years. David follows Santana into the kitchen, talking to the girl about some of the Troubletone's, and whether or not Sam is still a part of that group. Kurt hasn't talked to Sam in a while, he and Mercedes have been "tearing up LA" according to the blog that Santana reads. But regardless of the fact, he's still getting over the whole 'Warbler Ambush 2012' attack that they regaled them with when Kurt and Blaine went back to Westerville in October for Wes' brother's birthday. Kurt didn't understand why they were going to Wes' brother's birthday, but Blaine told him that being the gavel wielding idiot that he is, he wants his friends there, so he doesn't have to deal with his brother's friends. Daniel Montgomery isn't that bad. He's a couple of years older than they are, but he isn't that bad, from what Kurt has seen of him. He seems to like Wes enough, but regardless, when they went back to Dalton, to catch up with their old friends, and meet up with Wes and David, of course, the Warblers had already planned an ambush hadn't they, and of course, Blaine had said yes, because anything to do with the Warblers (or Kurt), he would say yes to. They're just lucky no one got arrested this time… but that's another flashback for later. When they walked into the kitchen, Quinn immediately took a seat on one of the bar stools, stating that her back and feet were killing her. Puck was out with Finn, apparently helping him to move some more stuff up from Lima, so he won't be back till later, but Blaine demanded that Quinn stay, hang with them, and watch some movies. She's more than welcome to crash in the guest room as well. Wes and David are sitting opposite them, on the floor near the tree, and Kurt notes Wes eying the presents, and raises his eyebrow, hip jutted out to the side, arms crossed, and a smirk on his face. Blaine is grinning, and the girls are just watching with amusement.
'Wesley Uriah Jackson Montgomery, what do you think you're doing?' Kurt asked, keeping the same stance whilst forcing himself not to laugh, as Wes' eyes widened and David burst out laughing, spluttering on 'Uriah'.
'I was just looking Kurt,' Wes said, his own smirk on his face
'David, you think I don't know your middle names too. Do not make me use them,' Kurt said, and David sat up straight, like he'd just been scolded, and looked at them grinning guiltily
'Sorry Kurt,' he said softly, and Blaine couldn't help but laugh as Kurt turned to head back into the kitchen…. Sometimes it's fun to mess with their friends… Kurt thought, smirking to himself, sending Blaine a wink from the doorway.
They were in the middle of making plans for their Christmas Eve celebrations, when there was a knock on the door. Kurt was the one who moved to open it, greeting his brother cheerfully, as he entered the apartment, carrying a large bag filled with wrapped presents. He moved over to the tree, and sat the bag down, before turning to hug Blaine, Santana and Brittany, who then proceeded to help Finn unload the presents under the tree. It was wrong of him to think that Kurt would be heading back to Lima for Christmas, and he knew that the only way to avoid an argument, was to do this, bring presents over before Christmas Eve, and spend it together, before going to the airport and catching a flight back to Ohio. Blaine handed him a non-alcoholic cider, to which Santana groaned, wanting it to be alcoholic, but knowing that she'd rather not be arrested for underage drinking, smiled and clinked her glass together with the others, as they say around the first place, TV playing Christmas movies in the background whilst they talked. Wes was the one who brought up the time at Dalton when Blaine and Kurt had decided to go all out for their Christmas, and decorated Sanchez house with so many decorations, the faculty didn't know what to do with themselves. Finn had chuckled, and said something about it being 'so like Kurt', earning him a whack on the shoulder, but a laughing Kurt. David brought up the time that Blaine had sung Baby, It's Cold Outside at the Warbler's Christmas dinner, and had Nick help him out, regardless of the meaning behind the song. Kurt had found it amusing anyway, and he knew Blaine's didn't mean it any other way than romantically. Santana and Brittany told them about the first ever New Directions Glee meeting, and Kurt looked back on the moment, back before everything that happened, happened, and smiled slightly, listening content as Santana talked about it.
Kurt was sitting in the arm chair by the bookcase, in the middle of their large lounge room, with a small gift resting on his knee. He had brought it for Finn, having missed the opportunity to give him something different. His brother looked at him, surprised, but took the present, and opened it, looking up at Kurt with shock and emotion that he doesn't think he's even seen Finn display. Kurt had given him a silver watch, the one that Finn had pointed out a couple of months ago, and talked about buying. It took him a moment, before he noticed that it wasn't from a store, but it was from Kurt's own personal line. He pulled his brother in a hug, laughing when Kurt told him that he was breaking him, and put the watch on, noting the inscription on the back of the clock face. He thanked Kurt, and promised that his gift isn't something he won't like. Kurt doesn't care what Finn had gotten him, because all he wants is his brother, and he has that, and it's surreal, but it's true. Blaine, Santana and Brittany were preventing David and Wes from opening the presents they had located with their names on them when they re-entered the lounge, noticing the tender moment between brothers. Kurt smiled up at them, and rolled his eyes when Wes complained that Finn got to open his presents before Christmas Eve, before being hit by Santana. Blaine just watched the interaction, remembering how last year was so different, but coming to New York for Christmas was the start of a great thing. Finn stood, noting that he would have to leave if he wants to get his plane on time, and headed towards the door, Kurt close behind him, Blaine beside Kurt, and the girls and Wevid gathered in the hall.
'Thank you Kurt, for everything. I wish I could spend Christmas with you guys. I love you bro,' Finn said as they hugged one another, as they ushered Finn out the door
'You're going to miss your flight. Text me when you land, just so I know you're safe,' Kurt replied softly, snuggling up to Blaine, who was shaking Finn's hand, smiling
'I promise. You take care of one another okay?' Finn said, forcing the tears back that were threatening to overflow
'Always Finn. Always,' Wes said, and waved, watching until Finn disappeared in the elevator, before closing the door and returning to the lounge.
December 25th 2012
Penthouse Apartment
New York City, New York
Wes and David, of course, were the first two awake on Christmas morning. Blaine was woken up by them loudly banging on the door, but decided against leaving the warm bed that Kurt was currently waking up in. They spent about thirty minutes, just being together, and making love, before they got up, and headed out to the lounge, where Wes, David, Santana and Brittany were all waiting, the girls with a cup of coffee in their hands, and Kurt without a shirt on. It's been happening more and more lately, if he comes home from school and works out in their home gym for a while, or when he wakes up in the mornings… Santana just smiles at him, barely noticing the scars that still line Kurt's trim body. He's been good, the medication is slowly being reduced, and Dr. Paul hasn't been by in almost four months. Blaine seems to be extremely happy with Kurt's progress as well, and has decided to put all the hard work that he and Kurt have done together, into planning their wedding. Quinn and Santana had at first, been reluctant, but then Blaine had some great ideas, and they let him help organise the day. Kurt was just content to sit back and let them handle it, after all, he and Santana had their own roles to play. He's designing, she's planning, and Blaine is singing, with some of the Warblers performing as well. Eventually, they know they're going to have to commit completely to something, but right now, they're dreaming. Wes is the first one to open his gift, from Kurt and Blaine (he spends ten minutes arguing about how he used to get a present individually instead of together), before his mouth drops open and he's gaping at the two boys. Tickets to Paris, for him and his girlfriend Charlotte. Blaine just grinned, knowing that his Aunt and Uncle had something to do with it as well. David was next, opening one from Santana and Brittany, which was a monogrammed sweatshirt that he had been wanting. He thanked them, and smiled. Blaine wanted to go last, so Brittany went next, receiving a lovely dolphin pendant and a new phone from Santana, and a voucher to Kurt's first showing of his fashion line when it opens next year. She thanks them all, before handing Sanny her gift, making her wife laugh as she opens the box to reveal the small bracelet that she'd thought she'd lost years ago, that Brittany had actually found at her parents house. Kurt got a signed copy of Blaine's first album, oh he thinks he's so clever Kurt thought smirking as his fiancée winked at him, and tickets to the revival of one of his favourite Broadway shows. He kissed Blaine, hoping that what he got for him, would be equal to the gift Blaine had given him. The tenor took the boxes from Wes, noting Kurt's neat scripture on the first, smaller box. He opened it, and pulled out a blank piece of paper, that opened to be Kurt's school results. But what he didn't notice, until he looked closer, is Kurt's handwriting, beside the box that told him his classes for Junior Year, was a small note saying that Hudmel-Lopez and Co was being built and that Kurt's fashion line had taken off, and that Kurt was taking them both back to Milan. Blaine just stared at him, before smiling brightly, and hugging him tightly. When they finally got back to present opening, Blaine took his time, and he could tell it was annoying them, because they kept looking at him and glaring. Finally, when he tore the paper off, he noticed a folder. It wasn't anything fancy, just a basic manila folder, it was the contents that made this the best Christmas ever.
He stared at the folder for a couple more seconds, before Santana demanded to know what it was. Blaine looked over at her, a large smile on his face, tears in his eyes, and handed it to her. There were three pages. The first one, stated that they now officially own this penthouse. The second, is a half filled out, name change form for when they get married, to which Santana noted that Kurt had hyphenated their last names, and the third, was a letter from Dr. Paul, stating that Kurt has passed all the required tests, and that he no longer needs medication, which was followed by a letter from Kurt, and a ticket… two tickets, for Blaine to go back to Westerville to see his family and be with the Warblers for New Years. He knows that to most people, these wouldn't mean that much, but to him, from Kurt, they mean the world. Kurt is finally off of all his medication, and Dr. Paul, who will still be seeing Kurt twice a week, (just in case), has given him the all clear. That, on top of the fact that Kurt has made a choice regarding their relationship and their future, makes him feel giddy inside. It also makes him want to get married right now, but he knows they're waiting. Kurt's career and the business has just taken off, and he's going about his album, and school and they've got so much to look forward to, and even though Blaine probably won't end up going back to Westerville for New Year's (because Santana has "plans" oh god) he likes the fact that Kurt is okay with him going back to Westerville, even without him. There is silence, and then Blaine is pulling Kurt down beside him, and peppering soft kisses all over the exposed parts of his skin.
'Thank you Kurt Hummel. I love you so very much baby,'
'I love you too Blaine. Thank you for saving me,' Kurt replied, taking Blaine's face in his hands, and pressing a kiss to his lips
'Thank you for being you, for letting me save you. For letting me all the way in,' Blaine replied in a whisper, not that it mattered, the other four had left the room anyway
'Forever Unstoppable is what we are babe. Always and Forever,'
December 31st 2012
Penthouse Apartment
New York City, New York
Santana wanted this New Years to be special. She wanted Blaine to perform at the huge party they throw every year, but Blaine wasn't a part of the line-up, even though he should've been. But regardless, watching the event on TV was fine for them. Besides, you'd be stupid to go out at this time of night in New York. Apparently, Santana's grand plan involves them watching the ball drop on TV, eating junk food, and playing board games, or just talking. To Kurt, this is the best idea anyone has had for New Years, since they were back in highschool, and had to sit through Rachel's awful parties. Regardless, his three friends (plus Wes and David, who are out at the moment… he doesn't know whether they will get back through the crowds), looked for comfortable on the floor, spread out around the place, and laughing happily. Brittany smiles at him, the blonde girl moving to curl up to him on the couch, Kurt just resting his head on her shoulder, as they watch Santana and Blaine set up the karaoke on the Wii, with the Latina stating that she's going to beat Blaine to a pulp with her singing. He smirks, and winks at Kurt. He had told Finn, that he would come to the wedding, but it would depend on his schedule. Finn understood, and even though he wants Kurt there, he understands that it would be difficult for him to go back to Lima. Regardless, it doesn't scare Kurt, going back, it might be nice….
FLASH-FORWARD
February 12th 2013
Lima Ohio
Finn and Rachel's Wedding
Lima Gardens
Kurt and Blaine hurried into the tent where Finn and Puck were sitting around, ignoring the shouts of people and the cameras. This isn't his day. He and Blaine knew that coming here would attract attention, and being in the spotlight doesn't help. Blaine shook the taller boy's hand, and fist-bumped Puck, before kissing Kurt's cheek and heading off to find Sam and Artie. Kurt helped Finn with his tie, patting his shoulder, and reminding him that no matter what his feelings on the matter are, he's going to be sitting in the audience supporting him. Puck had managed to leave the two brother's to talk, knowing that Kurt just being here is a feat in itself. Finn is about to ask Kurt if he'd still consider taking Puck's place as best-man, when Burt enters the tent, Carole beside him. The four of them just watch each other, and then it's Kurt, who steps forward to hug Carole, and tell her that she looks amazing. She thanks her step-son and pats his cheek lightly, before moving over to help Finn with something. Burt just stands awkwardly, not knowing what to say. He and Kurt have been talking, but it hasn't gone past the awkwardness of a hey every now and then when Finn forces them to talk. Which is why Kurt surprises himself when he pulls his father into a hug, arms wrapping around him, pressing his face into Burt's shoulder, and before the man can comprehend what's happening, Kurt has pulled back, straightening his jacket, and leaving the three alone to find Blaine. Burt looked around, before he broke out into a smile, and Carole just hugged Finn, whilst the taller boy nodded towards his step-father.
Kurt finds his fiancée talking to Sam, Artie and Mike, and wraps an arm around his waist, kissing his cheek softly, before immersing himself in the conversation. Mercedes, Tina and Artie's girlfriend Laurel watch from a distance, small smiles on their faces, and Kurt smiles back, which he thinks almost sends the girls into shock. Blaine is watching, understanding that this is something that needs to happen sooner, rather than later. Sam shows Kurt that photo of him and Mercedes, and their vacation to Mawi a couple of months ago, and it genuinely has Kurt interested to see. So much so, that later, before they enter the gazebo where the ceremony is taking place, he stops for a moment, taking Blaine's hand, and pulling him into a change tent. Blaine looks confused, especially when Kurt gets down on one knee, and pulls an envelope out of his pocket, smiling cheerfully, but with a smirk on his face.
'Blaine, will you please accept this letter and it's contents, and me for all that I am, and all you make me?' Kurt asked, and Blaine knelt down in front of him, taking the letter, opening it and gaping, looking up at Kurt in shock
'This… is our wedding invitation… with a date and a location,' Blaine said
'Yes thank you captain obvious. Santana wanted to tell you, but I wanted to keep it a surprise. What do you think? Should we send out the 'save the date' cards?' Kurt asked
'Yes Kurt… yes we should,' Blaine replied, kissing him happily, pocketing the invitation.
PRESENT DAY
5, 4, 3, 2, 1… Happy New Year. Brittany and Santana threw streamers at the four boys sitting around the lounge, laughing and chuckling with one another, whilst Kurt just watched Wes and David join in, and Blaine stand on the coffee table. It was like another day in the Dalton common room, Blaine standing on furniture, Wes and David leading the charge, and the joyfulness that just radiates from having Sanny and Britt in the room. Kurt is taking photos, and manages to catch a few good ones of them giggling, before Brittany steals the camera and begins snapping pictures of Kurt, who tries to hide, behind his hand, but just prompting Santana to take more pictures of him. Outside, there is fireworks, and people cheering, but in here… there is family, and laughter, and Kurt teaming up with Blaine against Wes and David, whilst the girls form their own team in a game of Monopoly at their dining room table. It's the perfect way to bring in 2013… the perfect way to do everything…eventually, they all collapsed around the lounge, falling asleep at about three in the morning. When the sun woke them all five hours later, Santana made it her mission to wake Wes, much to David's amusement, just watching, having had no luck in that very activity over the course of time he's known Wes. Blaine is the next one awake, helping Brittany to make coffee, and Kurt just watches as David and Santana try to wake the still sleeping Wes. Kurt just stands, grabs a glass of water, tips it on the former Head Warbler's head, and laughs when he shoots up, looking around the room, and spotting Kurt, hip jutted out to one side, empty glass in his hand, smirk on his face. He just smiles.
Santana and Kurt had snuck off later that day, into the study behind closed doors, and Blaine wanted to know what they were up to, but every time he tried to get into the study, Santana would come out, cross her arms, and glare at him. He eventually gave up, going back to the lounge with his guitar and just jamming, making up stupid songs about Wes sitting in a chair, David chewing on a pen lid, and Brittany and Lord Tubbington. Next month, they're going back to Lima for Rachel and Finn's wedding, and as much as Santana protests against it, she also says that it's going to be good to catch up with some of the other Troubletone's she hasn't seen in a while. Blaine agreed with her, and also with Wes, when he mentioned that they'd be able to catch up with the Warblers. January 1st isn't a significant day for them in particular, despite it being New Year's Day, they don't really have anything else planned. However, David and Wes decide they want to go outside, and see what is happening in the city. Blaine just wishes them luck, tells them not to die in the heard of people that would come here just for the same occasion, and goes back to trying to come up with a song. The two former Warbler's are amused by the sounds Brittany is cooing to her cat, watching the blonde as she feeds him and talks to him in that baby voice that people use when they're talking to children. David is not the first person who would stand up and say that he's emotional about everything, but seeing the normality flowing through Blaine, and the smile that lights up his face when Kurt comes out of the study finally, making himself comfortable on the chair beside Blaine, listening to him write music, eyes focused on no one else, he can easily admit that he feels a wash of pride, love, and happiness, and maybe that sparkle in his eye is a happy tear, threatening to run down his face.
FLASH-FORWARD
March 18th 2014
Prescott Hotel
New York City
Burt knocked on the door to his son's hotel room. He wasn't surprised that it was Santana who answered, and he wasn't surprise that she didn't leave the room when he entered. Kurt had the penthouse room, obviously, and Blaine was in Wes and David's room getting ready. Burt had to admit, that his son looks more grown up now, on his wedding day, than in all the other moments in his life. It had been a long road, back to this point in their lives. Burt and Carole had been surprised when Finn had come back to Lima to visit, and brought with him, Kurt and Blaine's wedding invitation. Carole just watched Burt, as he went through every emotion possible, and knew that he wouldn't miss this for the world. Kurt smiled softly at his father, putting his watch on, and straitening his jacket, letting Burt help fix his tie, and pat his shoulder, resting his hand there for a moment, before he pulled Kurt in for a hug. It was a hug for the ages, its three years' worth of hugs, tucked into one special moment, shared between father and son on this special day. Not only is it his wedding day, but it's his and Blaine's four year anniversary. Brittany watched, standing beside Santana as Burt and Kurt reunited in one of the tenderest moments they've gotten to experience. Downstairs, in the ballroom, guests are lining the rows… former Warblers, the Troubletones, and the New Directions. Yes, Rachel, Finn, Tina, Artie, Mike… they're all downstairs, all come out to support Kurt and Blaine, on the promise from Santana that she would kill them if they said or did anything. Even Mr Schuester is here with Emma… and Sue. Regardless of the past, they're all Forever Unstoppable, and especially today, as Santana jokingly curses Burt for making Kurt's eyes red from the happy tears. He just smiles, and thanks his father for coming. Burt apologizes for everything, and promises that he'll always be here for Kurt… whenever he wants, or needs him. He'll work even harder to get their relationship back.
Kurt just smiles, nodding.
A/N: Next Chapter: We're skipping forward again. Yay. Kurt, Blaine, Santana and Brittany start their senior years of college. With each of them turning twenty-one, there are plenty of opportunities for parties. Kurt gets the opportunity of a lifetime, to participate in New York Fashion Week, and Blaine gets the chance to open for one of the biggest bands in the world. Quinn gives birth to a beautiful baby boy, and Kurt and Blaine discuss getting married before he goes on Tour. In a week, Santana, Brittany and the rest of their friends and family gather in New York to watch two of their favourites finally tie the knot. General college fluff, as Wes, David and some of the other Warblers take over the Columbia campus with Blaine for Freshmen Orientation Week 2013. Flashbacks include: Kurt and Blaine's three year anniversary, Quinn's struggles with pregnancy, and Finn and Rachel's relationship woes. Stay tuned. Thanks, and Enjoy. Read and Review. JusticeIsn'tEasy0083. D.