March 1921
Blaine

"I say, you're looking rather dapper," Hiram exclaims when Blaine comes down the stairs.

"You look so handsome, Blaine. Turn around and let us see!" Rachel says, clapping her hands.

Blaine carefully pats the top of his head to ensure that every hair is in place, before slowly turning. He's wearing a pale pink three-piece suit with a very thin white pinstripe, and underneath is a sky-blue cotton shirt with a white collar. The cobalt-blue bow tie with magenta polka dots and the coordinating pocket square make the outfit pop. Brown and white two-toned shoes and pale blue argyle socks complete the look.

"Isn't pink a girl color?" Finn asks.

"Not anymore," Leroy replies. "My tailor says that pink will be all the rage by the summer."

Blaine adjusts the tie. "It's the latest style from Brooks Brothers. I'm the first to buy the suit in New York City."

"I can't imagine your father or Lord Cooper wearing a pink suit," Finn mumbles.

Blaine rolls his eyes and places a hand on his hip. "That's sort of the point. I'm in a new country, and I can wear whatever I want. And today, I don't want to look like the second son of an earl."

Rachel smooths down the suit lapels and gives Blaine a kiss on the cheek. "You look like the man about town and certainly not like an earl's son. Pink is perfect, especially as it's Easter tomorrow."

Blaine gives Rachel's hand a quick squeeze, pleased with the compliment. Since he bought the building for Westerville's, his economizing has been admirable, only buying the odd bow tie or cardigan at Brooks Brothers. However, when Kurt had invited him to Mitchel Field for the open day, he wanted to make a favorable impression to his flying friends. Sure, he could have worn his old military uniform and medals, but they don't really define who he is any longer. He wanted a look that was whimsical and fun, but most important, he wanted a look that would knock the socks off Kurt. Brooks Brothers was only too happy to oblige. He has rationalized the extravagant purchase because, as a VIP customer, he receives a discount and has early access to new releases.

Blaine grabs the white fedora hat from the peg rack at the front entrance. "Are you sure that it's okay to use the car and James for the day? I don't know what time I'll be home."

Uncle Hiram pats him on the shoulder and opens the front door. "It's absolutely fine. Enjoy yourself today and take all the time that you want."

Once Blaine is settled and the car joins the traffic, he thinks about how nice it is to have family living in New York City. Every day, they support him in one way or another, whether it's Finn managing Westerville's renovations, spending time with Rachel in the music room, or Uncle Hiram and LeRoy giving him advice or doing nice things, like buying him a piano and lending him the car. Even his granny is supportive of his endeavors, but in her own special way and under her terms.

He thinks of Kurt as part of his family, too, and this gets him thinking… Does Kurt consider himself as part of his American family? Probably not. Granny doesn't hide the fact that she doesn't like him. It takes all Kurt's inner strength to keep a civil tongue when he's around her. Uncle Hiram and LeRoy are friendly enough, but Kurt never spends time with them or seeks out advice, not quite like he does. Kurt is quite formal around Rachel, and he suspects that it's a residue from his Westerville Abbey footman days when Rachel was quite the diva. Sure, Finn is his stepbrother, but they had separate childhoods and very different life experiences. They are certainly good friends, but Finn has his hands full with Rachel and Carole and has little spare time.

Blaine knows that Kurt considers him family, of course he does. Kurt has said that countless times with such heartfelt conviction. However, Kurt needs more than one person in New York City whom is important in his life.

As they cross the Brooklyn Bridge, Blaine holds his breath.

"Are you alright back there?" James asks.

"I'll feel a whole lot better once we're over on the other side." Blaine knows that it's an engineering marvel, but that doesn't mean that he trusts the suspension bridge over the East River. "What is holding it up?"

James chuckles. "I used to feel the same way when the bridge first opened. Apparently, the four concrete towers hold up the steel cables, which in turn hold up the roadway. It really is an engineering marvel. Now, sit back and enjoy the journey because we it'll be a little while before we reach Mitchel Field."

Blaine relaxes again when they're on firm ground in Brooklyn, and his thoughts drift back to the differences between him and Kurt. Blaine has always been surrounded by people - family at Westerville Abbey and New York City or his fellow soldiers during the Great War. He's always been content with a few close friends - Sam, Wesley, Nick Duval, Jeff Sterling, and now Kurt. He's perfectly happy spending quiet time alone reading a book or listening to music, and of course, spending idle moments with Kurt.

But Kurt is different.

He likes the energy of people around him, whether it was on the farm, in the servants' hall at Westerville Abbey, or at the RFC barracks. Kurt must sometimes feel confined in their new life in America. Days are quickly filled with a never-ending list of tasks. Blaine finally realizes why the flying club is so important to Kurt. Each Saturday, he can forget about all the hard work and long hours and have fun in the great open skies. Kurt's flying buddies are his support system in a way that his family is for him. For a few hours each week, he can laugh and joke with people, and he gets to act like a young, carefree man.

As they approach the airfield, Blaine spots more planes than he's ever seen in one place before. When he sees the large crowd of people on the edges of the airfield, he wonders how he's going to find Kurt.

James stops the car at the entrance and quickly gets out to open the car door for Blaine. "I'll be with the car in the parking lot under the tree over there. Enjoy your day."

When Blaine enters the airfield, it doesn't take long to find Kurt - he's with a group of men near the entrance. Blaine holds back for a few minutes to watch them. Kurt has his friends' attention as he's talking, and it must be an amusing story, judging by the laughter. Lieutenant Elliott Gilbert is standing by his side, a little too closely, if you ask his opinion. But Kurt looks happy amongst his friends.

When Blaine approaches the group, Elliott immediately stands to attention and salutes him. "Good day, Captain Sir Anderson."

Blaine extends his arm in greeting. "Please call me Blaine. My military days are long over."

Elliott shakes his hand. "Then call me Elliott. Today is my last day in the Air Service."

"Blaine, you made it!"

Blaine turns his attention to Kurt, who looks genuinely pleased to see him. Kurt introduces him to his friends, and they are quiet around him.

"Is it true that you are a knight?" a pilot asks.

"Blaine has the highest rank in the Order of the British Empire. Only the bravest of the brave received a knighthood," Kurt boasts, and Blaine can see the pride written all over his face.

"Have you ever been in a plane before?" Elliott asks.

"Oh, gosh, no. I'm more comfortable riding a horse than flying an aeroplane."

"Blaine was in the most prestigious cavalry unit at the start of the Great War. It takes great skill to fight while riding a horse," Kurt relates.

"You fought on a horse?" a young pilot asks.

"It was the traditional way wars were fought, but my unit was quickly converted to infantry. The Great War was no place for a horse. Tanks, machine guns, aeroplanes - we were like sitting ducks on horses."

"I say, those are some glad rags," another pilot remarks.

Kurt's eyes rake over his body, and Blaine wonders if the pink suit was a bad idea. "After wearing khaki and military green for years, I like to wear unexpected colors."

Kurt gushes, "That suit looks marvelous on you. It's similar to one I saw in this month's Vogue. Everybody who's anybody will have a pink suit by the summer. Blaine is one of those lucky fellows who can wear any color."

Ladies and gentlemen, presenting the 13 Black Cats

When they hear aeroplanes soar through the air, everyone looks up. The crowd gasps when they see a man crawl out of the cockpit and stand on a wing, then jump to the wing of the plane next to it.

"Tell me you don't do that," Blaine whispers to Kurt. "I couldn't bear to think of you falling."

"No, I'm not that crazy. I wouldn't risk my life for a quick thrill," Kurt whispers back.

When the planes have landed, the pilots speak of wind speeds, velocity, and other technical stuff about the exhibition. Blaine stands awkwardly beside Kurt, not understanding a single word.

"Blaine, I'm needed at the hangar for a little bit. Why don't you get a drink and something to eat?" Kurt suggests. "It's going to be a long day, and I want to show you all the aeroplanes later."

Kurt is practically bouncing on his heels and is obviously excited about something. Perhaps this is Blaine's cue to leave him for a while.

Blaine chuckles. "I must admit that I have no idea what you are all talking about. Can I get anything for anyone?"

When the pilots shake their heads, Blaine slowly makes his way to the concession stands. He glances back to see Elliott with his arm around Kurt's shoulder, whispering to him, and Kurt nodding and giggling. No, he doesn't trust that Elliott Gilbert one little bit.

He takes his time to eat a ham and cheese sandwich, careful not to get any crumbs on his new suit. He needs to calm down before he does or says anything stupid. He knows that Kurt loves him, he truly does. Kurt made a promise that his heart and body will only ever belong to Blaine, and he wears an eternity ring to symbolize his commitment. But, that doesn't stop jealousy from pooling inside Blaine's belly.

Of course every queer man would be attracted to Kurt. He's a beautiful man with a muscular lithe body. He oozes sensuality. Not only that, but Kurt is kind and smart and all kinds of wonderful. Blaine needs to learn how to deal with his jealousy over other men. At least this is Elliott Gilbert's last day in the Air Service, and that will be the last of him.

May I have your attention please. The main event will take place in five minutes.

Blaine quickly finishes his glass of lemonade and returns to the place where he left Kurt, but he can't see him around anywhere.

"Blaine!"

He turns around to see Elliott standing by himself.

"Come with me. I know a good place to see the main event."

"Where's Kurt?"

Elliott chuckles. "You'll see him soon enough."

Elliott takes him to the far side of the airfield, where some of the lads Blaine met earlier are standing. Blaine can make out aeroplanes flying in the distance.

Ladies and gentleman. Presenting the US Air Service.

"I still don't see Kurt. I thought he would be here to watch the demonstration."

One of the pilots points up to the sky. "He's up there."

"Kurt is flying?"

"You bet!"

Blaine shakes his head in disbelief. "But Kurt didn't tell me."

Elliott whispers, "Kurt wanted to surprise you. Now, look up and watch him fly."

Blaine can count ten aeroplanes flying in a V-formation so tight that it looks as if their wings are touching. With much precision, they swerve to the left and then to the right, before soaring upwards towards the clouds and beyond.

"Wow," Blaine exclaims.

"They'll be back for a second pass. Impressive, isn't it?"

Blaine addresses the group of pilots. "When I was in the front-line trenches, I could hear the aeroplanes above during the night. I knew that they were on a dangerous mission, taking photographs at the same time as firing at the enemy. This is the first time I've seen aeroplanes in action, and it's truly an experience. I'm so thankful to each of you. Your skills and the risks you took were quite incredible."

A pilot replies, "No greater than the risks you took in the trenches."

Blaine can see the aeroplanes return in formation in the distance.

Our special guest today is Captain Kurt Hummel, VC. Let's have a big hand for the British flying ace, The Flying Porcelain.

The crowd cheers as an aeroplane in the rear breaks out of formation, and Blaine realizes that this must be Kurt's. He gasps when he sees Kurt's aeroplane pull into the vertical and make a 360 degree turn.

"That's called a loop. It's a pretty basic maneuver," a pilot informs him.

"It certainly doesn't look basic to me," Blaine replies.

The aeroplane points downwards and then makes a circle and a half so that it's soaring up in the air once again. The aircraft returns, spiraling downwards, but quickly points up and takes its position back into the V-formation.

When the aeroplanes disappear into the horizon, Blaine takes a handkerchief from his pocket and wipes his brow. Although he is in awe of Kurt's maneuvers, he has never been so terrified for his love in his life. The pilots take their leave to greet the return of the aeroplanes and to check them over for any possible maintenance work required. It's only Elliott that remains with him.

"It should be about a half an hour or so before Kurt will join us."

"I'm at a loss for words. That was quite remarkable," Blaine comments.

"Well, Kurt is certainly a remarkable guy. He's a real natural in the cockpit. So talented at many things, but you already know that," Elliott replies with a wink.

Blaine doesn't like that wink at all. What on earth is Elliott suggesting? The sooner he's gone out of Kurt's life, the better.

"Will you miss flying when you leave the Air Service?"

"I suppose so, but I won't miss the worry of Air Service people finding out about me… you know, that I'm attracted to men. I'll become a member of the flying club and be here every Saturday."

Blaine frowns at that news. He had thought that Elliott would go back to New Jersey after today. "Oh, really?"

Elliott smiles. "I'd be lying to you if I didn't say that Kurt is a huge part of it. I value our friendship and spending time with him."

Blaine's blood boils with rage. It's exactly what he had thought. This Elliott Gilbert wants Kurt for himself, and he's never going to give up until he has him. Blaine is not going to put up with him any longer.

Blaine steers Elliott away from the crowds to a more secluded part of the airfield.

"I just want to hear you admit it," Blaine hisses.

"Admit what?"

"That you're trying to steal Kurt away from me."

"What! What are you talking about?"

"Oh, please, I was on to you the second I saw you admire Kurt's buttocks at the Hamptons Horse Show last September. Remember that? I certainly do."

"Well, Kurt is pleasing to the eyes."

Blaine clenches his fists by his side, and glares at Elliott. "So you admit it!"

"That Kurt is an attractive guy? Sure."

Blaine grits his teeth and continues, "Then, you invite Kurt to visit this airfield. And all of a sudden it's 'Elliott says this' and 'Elliott says that' and 'Elliott thinks a tattoo on my butt would look cute'."

Blaine narrows the space between them. "Well, I may not be hotsy-totsy with a tattoo, but you know what? I love Kurt. I love him! He's mine, not yours, so back off!"

As he glares at Elliott, Blaine's body trembles, his heart races, and he feels the heat in his face. He has never been so angry in his life before.

Elliott places a hand on his arm. "Okay, are you done? You're looking ill. Take slow deep breaths. I think it's gonna calm you down."

Blaine closes his eyes and focuses on his breathing. It wasn't an hour ago when he vowed to himself that he wouldn't do or say something stupid, and yet he did it anyway. He looks at the airfield to see Kurt surrounded by a crowd, signing autographs. Kurt is going to be so angry when he finds out that he threatened Elliott. They were working out their issues so splendidly, and he was secretly hoping that tonight might be the night that he would return home. But he blew it. Kurt is never going to forgive him now.

"I'm so sorry. I should never have blown up at you like that. I-I should go," Blaine stammers.

Elliott taps him on the shoulder "Let's take a seat and talk this over like gentlemen."

They quickly find two seats that still afford a view of Kurt.

Elliott starts the conversation. "Look, Blaine, I'm not after Kurt. We're just friends. Don't get me wrong, I mean, he's an attractive guy, but I don't think of him that way. I don't want to be with Kurt. I want to have what Kurt has with you."

Blaine's jaw drops, trying to really understand what Elliott means.

Elliott continues, "Kurt has told me in private about working for your family at Westerville Abbey, falling in love with you, the years you were apart during the Great War, the loneliness when he arrived in America, and of course, the reunion. It's really an epic love story. I want that kind of love with someone, but only the falling in love and the steamy sex parts."

Blaine blushes, thinking of the steamy sex parts. "You really don't want Kurt?"

Elliott shakes his head. "And even if I did, Kurt loves you. I mean, he doesn't shut up about you, actually. Like, ever."

"Really?"

"I might have a tattoo on my shoulder, but you have a scar, the real deal. You're his knight in shining armor."

Blaine recalls how Kurt had spoken of him with such pride earlier in the day, and his heart squeezes. "I'm sorry for shouting at you earlier. I don't know what's going on with me. It's just, during the war, we were apart for so long. Now that I'm finally here and we're together, I want everything to be perfect. And the more I try…"

"The more it pushes him away? Well, maybe you should stop trying. I mean, look, New York is a really crowded place, and people need a little more room to breathe here than usual. You're doing something right. Trust me, Kurt can't wait until you move back in with him."

"You think so?"

"I know so. What you two have is real and worth fighting for. I'm actually quite jealous."

Blaine feels a bit silly that he thought Elliott was after Kurt in the first place. He has made it all up in his head.

"Now that you know that I'm not after Kurt, do you want to just chew the fat while Kurt finishes up with his legion of fans?"

Blaine giggles. "We're probably Kurt's biggest fans."

Elliott relates how he joined the Air Service and Blaine gives him an abbreviated version of his wartime experiences. Elliott discusses his fascination with vampires, and Blaine talks about his passion for cooking. It turns out that they both enjoy ragtime music and want to explore the city's jazz scene. Blaine realizes that Elliott is a really nice bloke.

"Tell me, what are you planning to do now that you'll be leaving the Air Service tomorrow?"

Elliott lets out a deep sigh. "It's all up in the air. What I'd like to do is move to Manhattan, where there are more people like me...like us. But I'll probably end up going back home to New Jersey. I don't know how I'm going to deal with that."

"What do you mean?"

"My uncle will get me a job in the assembly line at Firestone. There is such a demand for tires that the company is always hiring. I'll live with my parents in the house I grew up in. By the end of the year, I'll be engaged to Mary Jane, who lives a few houses down. She's been sweet on me ever since we were ten years old, and our parents have been trying to get us together ever since. We'll put down a deposit on a house nearby, get married and have three kids. That is the life for me in New Jersey. It's all planned out, and I don't get a say in it."

"I know exactly how you're feeling."

"Phh - you? The gentleman of independent means? How could you possibly know?"

"Because I've been there myself. When I turned 18 years old, I was expected to marry a rich lady to not only produce an heir but to save the family estate from financial ruin."

"No pressure!" Elliot laughs.

Blaine recalls the 1914 London Season, and they giggle at the tales of Lady Rebecca Jackson, Sugar Motta, and Duke Hunter Clarington. Although it seems like a lifetime ago, the feeling of not being able to live your life as you wish still lingers.

"Why don't you move to Manhattan?" Blaine asks.

"I have enough money saved to get by for a couple of months, but then what? I've only worked in the Air Service. I can fly planes. I can follow orders. I'm hard working and I've had to learn a lot of new skills as the planes got more sophisticated. But that doesn't seem to count when you're looking for a new job."

"Have you considered becoming a commercial pilot?"

"Yes, but I've discounted it. There would be loads of time away from home. Kurt always tells me that a relationship is quite a commitment, which requires time together to make it work. And I agree with him. How would I ever find anybody if I was in the clouds and away for days?"

Blaine mulls it over. Everything that Elliott has said is true. Kurt had similar issues when he first arrived in America. People were looking at his experience in a very narrow way, when the whole time, he had skills that could be used in a variety of jobs. He was in the same predicament, but was lucky enough to have Uncle Hiram help him find a job using his connections.

It is becoming increasingly clear to Blaine that Elliott isn't a threat. Quite the opposite, in fact. He now understands how important Elliott is to Kurt. He's a queer man whom Kurt can confide in. And Kurt is like a mentor to Elliott, helping him to navigate through life. Blaine likes Elliott. He's a good person, who needs a stroke of luck at the moment.

Blaine turns to Elliott. "I've got an idea."

Author's notes

Trivia: The 13 Black Cats were an aerial daredevil stunt troop in the 1920s. They had a fearless reputation of changing planes in mid-air without a parachute or safety gear. They appeared in Howard Hughes' "Hells Angels" and in other 1920s films.

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: I'm going to keep it to myself this time.