A/N: Here is another chapter. I got a rather hurtful review for my other story 'A Long Time Ago, We Used to be Friends' so this one took a little longer than expected, but you should look forward to fast uploads, considering I won't be doing any for ALTAWUTBF for a while. I appreciate all of you who send your lovely words of encouragement and praise for this story. I thank you so much for all of them. Enjoy. JusticeIsn'tEasy0083. D.
Chapter Nineteen: Dalton Reunion
It had been almost a week since Kurt and Blaine's argument, and the Hudmel house was still filled with tension and awkwardness. Neither Kurt, nor Blaine had spoken to each other, and Blaine had taken to sleeping in the guest room, rather than with Kurt. Rachel and Quinn were worried, but not as worried as Burt and Carole, who practically had to tie to two of them together, to force them to go to the Dalton reunion tonight... Kurt had been better, remembering things, and being able to hold things for a long period of time... Rachel was almost proud of him, but she'd been even more proud, had he gone and spoken to his husband, who had practically spent the past week sulking, and playing video games with Finn and Puck. To be honest, Rachel had never seen Blaine so sad... if he and Kurt were in the same room, he'd just look at his husband longingly, making sure to look away when Kurt met his gaze, earning another sigh from the counter-tenor, and more awkwardness between the Hudmel's, and Puckerman's. Burt had tried reasoning with Kurt, with no luck. Carole had spoken to Blaine, who practically broke down sobbing in her arms, mumbling things about Kurt, and apologising, and even though they knew they had to do it, they weren't going to do it willingly...
Quinn had come up with the perfect plan. Wes and David, who were in town for the reunion, had been called, along with Nick and Jeff, and told to meet Quinn, Finn, Rachel and Puck at the Lima Bean, where they would talk about Quinn's plan to get Klaine to apologise to one another, and have everything right in the world again... Nick was sticking by Kurt, and Jeff was on Blaine's side... the same way it had been at Dalton back when they were in highschool. Of course, this caused problems between the husbands, who were torn between helping their friends, and sticking up for the fact that they were both right, and wrong, in all forms of the argument. Rachel couldn't care less who was on who's side, the whole point was to formulate a plan to get them talking, and shockingly to all members of their little discussion, the sound of Wes' gavel on the table, silenced them all. David was gaping, not at the fact that Wes still had his gavels, he knew that, but at the fact that Wes had his gavels with him... 'my friend is a psycho... even more psycho than he was in highschool, and that's saying something...' David thought to himself, as Wes continued on, talking to the group about their diabolical plan, to which Rachel and Quinn were all for, and Finn and Puck just threw suggestions here and there.
...
By the time the group left the cafe, it was just after four pm. The reunion was due to start at six, giving Wes and David and Nick and Jeff plenty of time to set everything up, and plan out their "attack". No doubt by now, Kurt and Blaine would be ready, and heading off to Westerville, silence in the car, apart from the radio and/or CD player, pushing music through the speakers, as if to remind both men that they're still there, and that they still need to deal with whatever is going on... of course, this was more shocking when they arrived home to see Blaine's car still sitting in the driveway, Kurt glaring at the black SUV as if it had stolen his Marc Jacobs sweater or something. Carole was talking to Burt, looking between Kurt and Blaine, who were in the middle of trying to say something to one another, but caught up in the fact that their argument had rendered them speechless, and was making them more and more angry with each other... Quinn had to chuckle at the sight of her brother-in-law, as he got into the car, Blaine in the driver's seat, waving goodbye to them, as they reversed out of the drive. Rachel wanted to throw something at them... 'I'm so sick of this. Yes, what Blaine did was wrong, but Kurt kept those letters hidden... I know it was for a reason but still...' she thought, following Puck inside. 'This should be an interesting night...' Blaine thought, as he sped the familiar road towards the highway, which would take them to Westerville.
Dad,
Well, the time has come for me to write this letter to you, and I have to admit, it's hard. Honestly, I don't know what to say, and it's making me cry even more... Blaine's sitting here with me... we have this thing about being there for each other now... I mean, it's not like we weren't before, but... well you were there for those three weeks Blaine and I were in that fight. He's alot more accepting of the fact now, either that, or he's really good a pretending he's okay, when he's actually not... I don't know how many times I've been caught out for crying this week, but it's so hard to write this letter to you, and not cry. You're my father... what am I supposed to say to you? How am I meant to say goodbye? I hate myself for thinking it, but I know that it's going to happen. I hate myself for mom being taken from you, and now me... I know you have Finn and Carole, and Quinn, but you won't have me, and I can see it in your eyes everytime you look at me dad... Blaine seems to think that you're going to be okay, and that you'll change the name of the tire shop to 'Kurt's' or something... for the love of everything Gaga, please, don't do that... don't pine for me, or mourn for me any longer than you have to. I love you, and I will always love you, and I want you to remember that... I want you to hold onto everything you have right now... hold onto it tight, and don't let it go...
I left something for you in my old bedroom at the house. It's not much, but it will help you to remember me. It's on the bed, nicely wrapped. I had Carole put it there before you opened this letter, and it could have been there months for all I know, but I want you to open it, right now, and I want you to close your eyes, and smile... remember something good about all the time we got to spend together, and smile. Do that for me, because you smiling, means Blaine smiling, and Blaine smiling, means I won't have to scold him for doing something stupid. Finn call the other day, to tell me all about his promotion, and how he's planning to take over New York or something. I had to laugh, because taking over New York? Really, I mean I know he has your business instincts now and everything, but seriously? It's New York! I don't think he's going to be able to "take over" in the sense of the phrase, but maybe 'conquer' is the more appropriate term. Please tell him that for me, because I don't think I'll be able to before... but yeah, maybe that will make you laugh, I don't know... I remember the day that I came out and told you that I was gay... I had helped McKinley to win that football game... it was the strangest feeling, and also the scariest, but when you told me that you love me no matter what, I just wanted to scream to the world... (I didn't, though I did tell Mercedes and Rachel, both of whom were supportive...).
There was also the time, after you had started dating Carole, where I tried to act straight so you would like me more, or something... after I had finished that performance of Rose's Turn, and you came onto that stage, and told me that you would 'fight to the death for my right to love anyone I wanted'... you have to remember these things dad. You have to, because sometimes I can't. Sometimes I forget, and Blaine has to remind me. Aliyah was in tears the other day, because I forgot her dolls name. I felt so bad, I locked myself in the bedroom for two hours, just crying to myself, trying to remember. I hate not being able to remember things, and I saw your face when I forgot who you were... I know you think I didn't, but I did. It almost broke me, to see you look at me like that... like the whole world was resting on me, and if I said, or did one thing wrong, it would come crumbling down. I'm worth it dad, but not that much. don't put all of your hopes and dreams onto me, because I'm not going to be here to make them all come true, and I want them to, for you, s badly... I want them to, because I won't be able to go without knowing you've all reached your full potentials, and lived the lives I know you want to live... Blaine and I have fought so hard to live in this world dad. We've fought so hard for our love, and everything we have... I'm fighting, really, I am. I'm a Hummel...
However, you can only fight so hard, for so long, before you start to break, or you become too tired to fight anymore. I'm not there yet... It's only July of course, but I can feel my resolve breaking. I have things to live for... my company, Blaine, the girls, you... everything... I want to live as long as I can... and if that happens, I want it to be spent with all of you, smiling... I know this letter seems repetitive, and maybe it is, but who cares? I love you dad... I love you so much; it kills me to be writing this to you. You're the best father in the world. You were the best father to me before mom died, you were the best father to me, after mom died, and you're still the best father to me now... you're my father, and I couldn't be more proud to shout it from the rooftops... I love you dad... always and forever... You're not a bad person. You never have and never will be. You're just one of those people who have bad things happen to them for no reason. I would know, Blaine and I have both been there. It's unfair, and you'll hate it, but then you'll remember me, and you'll smile... maybe not straight away, but you will... I bet you any money, my car and three of my favourite McQueen sweaters, that you'll smile... Ahahaha, I won... I knew it...
'Courage comes from within. The battle's we fight, are all around us, but it's the fight we have inside us that keeps us from breaking in two,'
I love you so much. Please take care of Blaine and everyone for me...
Someday, I will see you again father...
NO JUNK FOOD OR I'LL HAUNT YOUR ASS!
Still love you...
Kurt Elizabeth Hummel-Anderson
Dalton hadn't changed in the least... well, that's what Kurt thought as he and Blaine made their way into their alma mater for the reunion. They were met at the door to the choir room (where the Warbler's were meeting), by Cameron, Thad and Trent, and their respective others. Kurt still couldn't believe that Lauren Zizes had married Cameron. That was something he'd never thought he'd see, either that, or she'd end up with Puckerman... Blaine reached out to grab Kurt's hand, as they walked the halls, catching up with Wes and David, who led them to the Dalton gym, where the "real party" was taking place. Of course, all members of the Glee Club were wearing their Warbler pins, and some even had their old blazers on (Blaine had wanted to wear his, but Rachel had threatened to burn it if he pulled it out of the closet), so he'd gone with the suit Kurt had packed for him. to be honest, he wasn't really as excited as he should be, considering his current situation with Kurt, but the moment he saw Ian and Elijah, and Kurt saw the smile on his husband's face, they both knew they'd be talking again before long...
Alot different to the McKinley reunion, the tables were set out in rows, each with a certain number of people. Kurt could clearly see the Warblers had their own table, right in the middle, but closest to the stage, so any "impromptu" performances could be done with the "upmost respect". After all these years, and all the things he could have remembered at this time, he remembered the speech Wes had given, their first impromptu performance after Kurt's transfer. 'Damn it, I owe Blaine thirty bucks' Kurt thought, remembering the bet they had made back in senior year. Kurt made his way to the Warbler table, sitting down at his name card, watching Blaine, the brightest smile on his face. Kurt hasn't seen Blaine smile like that for a long time... not since... before they found out he was sick... 'I'm doing that to Blaine... I'm making him not want to smile' Kurt thought, as Nick and Jeff joined him, talking about the decorations and how Wes managed to once again, bring his gavel. Kurt was so zoned out, he didn't notice he was being spoken to, until Jeff tapped his shoulder, and Kurt jumped, apologising before turning towards his friends.
...
Needless to say, the night was going pretty well. The first performance was by Elijah and Emmanuel, the troublemaking twins, who were Warblers. They performed their own version of 'Alone, Together' by Sam Evans, which Kurt thought was rather well done, for acoustic and borrowed music. Blaine, apparently, was signed up to sing something, along with Kurt, but neither had any idea what, or why, they'd been signed up. Kurt hasn't sung for a long time. Sure, he helps Blaine every now and then, to see if something sounds right, or the pitch is correct, but actually flat out singing... probably not since Rachel's hens night years ago... after that, he'd started focussing on family and career, and the time for singing became less and less. The last duet he and Blaine had performed would have been on Blaine's first album from four years ago... Wes was smirking when he told them they'd be singing something... together and solo. Kurt sensed they were up to something, but didn't pry, rather focusing on his conversation with Nick and Jeff about his up-coming line, and watching Blaine's smile from the other side of the room, as his husband cheered on the twins like a fifteen year old, who just found out that the girl he likes, likes him back. The counter-tenor chuckled, and Jeff quirked and eyebrow, before turning his head to look at Blaine, smiling, before placing a soft kiss on Nick's cheek, and taking the man's hand.
Flashback: Senior Year, Dalton
Warbler Rehearsal
So far, all Kurt had learned from this Warbler rehearsal, was that there was a new guy, apparently someone named 'Sebastian' starting at Dalton, they were going to lose at Regional's if they didn't pull their heads out of their arses and get some work done, and that Blaine believes that, even ten years from now, they're still going to remember every phrase or line that comes out of Wes' mouth... Kurt couldn't resist it; he had to bet his boyfriend... it seemed like the right thing to do, until Nick had informed him that Blaine hasn't lost a bet to anyone since freshmen year. Kurt had just laughed it off, with his witty comeback about being a 'Hummel', and stood, leaving the pointless lesson, that was driving them all insane to be thinking about. He'd only made it halfway down the hall, when he saw the new kid, standing beside one of the teachers, looking around, taking in the school. Kurt would have done the same thing, had he not been sent by Puckerman to spy on the Warblers, who ended up tying with them last year, and this year. Some plan Rachel had to get info on the competition... we're going to beat them at Regional's this year if it kills us, and knowing Wes, it probably will... either that, or his gavels... Kurt was broken out of his thoughts by Blaine taking his hand, smiling and kissing Kurt's cheek once, before the two headed off down the hall towards their dorm room. Had the boys been paying attention, they would have noticed Sebastian, staring at them, or more, at Blaine, like he was a prize to be won or something.
Blaine didn't realise it until the next morning, when the new guy "accidently" bumped into him on the way to his French class, asking where a classroom was. Sebastian had been really touchy feely, always had his hand on Blaine's arm, smiling alot, casually flirting... is this guy for real, because it seems to me like he's trying waaaaaay too hard... Blaine thought, as Sebastian followed him towards Blaine's French class. Turns out Sebastian actually had French, but needed an excuse to talk to Blaine, rather than seeming like an idiot. Kurt, who was too caught up in the work on the board, didn't notice Sebastian take the empty seat on his left, whilst Blaine sat on Kurt's right, immediately reaching out to take his boyfriend's free hand. Kurt just leaned over, and kissed Blaine softly, before returning to work, ignoring the smirks from Wes and David in front of them. Of course, it had started out innocently enough... Blaine thought he was helping Sebastian out because he was new, and wasn't up with the curriculum, but the third time Sebastian tried to kiss him, he knew this was no game, and what was going on, wasn't just some little crush... Sebastian Smythe was one of those people who destroys relationships, simply by seducing one person, and then making them cheat... Blaine's not stupid... he knows the game, but he's more worried about Kurt. His boyfriend has been distant lately, and it's disturbing him... kind of like Sebastian trying to- whoa... that's it, I've had enough of this... Blaine said mentally to himself, and then out loud to Sebastian, gathering his things, and practically storming out of the library...
End Flashback
Dinner was served just after seven, and Blaine noticed his husband was not in the gym. Wes had been talking to him earlier, so he assumed Kurt had gone off to the music room to practice... not really impromptu, but it's Kurt, so Blaine wouldn't expect anything less... he left to find his husband, taking the all too familiar route to the choir room, but stopping when he found Kurt, sitting on their staircase, a small, contemplative smile on his face... Blaine smiled to himself.
'Excuse me, can you help me, I'm new here,' he said, making Kurt turn around, and stand, smirking and extending his hand
'I'm Kurt,' 'Blaine'
'Ah, what's going on here?' Blaine asked, taking a step closer to Kurt
'Warbler Reunion... tends to shut the school down for a while,'
'So wait, the glee club here is actually cool?' Blaine mimicked, taking another step closer
'Are you kidding? The Warblers are rock stars...' Kurt replied, as Blaine's arms wrapped around his waist
'I'm sorry babe. I know I shouldn't have been going through your things, and I know I shouldn't have gotten that mad, but to be fair, you were hiding them from me,'
'That's the point Blaine, if you knew, it wouldn't be a surprise... but I'm sorry too. God I missed you so much. Do you know how cold the bed is without you? *kiss* and how bad I felt, not being able to hold you, or talk to you? *kiss* I love you so much Blaine... so much, it kills me...' Kurt said, as Blaine pressed his lips against Kurt's, sweet, but passionate...
'I'll always love you Kurt. Always...' Blaine replied, as the two smiled and kissed again
After Kurt and Blaine's rendezvous, which had apparently reached all of the Warblers, in less time than it takes to spread a rumour through the New Directions... (come on think about it... it's ND, seriously, for the Warblers... that's fast), Wes decided to "break out the old classics", causing Blaine to jump up and down excitedly, when he was told that "yes that included Katy Perry and 'Teenage Dream'", to which Kurt had groaned, face palmed, and smirked, as Blaine winked and ran over to join the other Warblers... of course, they had to finish where they began almost ten years ago... they just did the introductions on their staircase, and it did end with a song... However, it should be Kurt serenading Blaine, not the other way around... The opening lines to Teenage Dream sounded through the gym, the other former Dalton students clapping and yelling loudly, the same way they had the first time Kurt had shown up here... Blaine kept his eyes on Kurt the whole time, whilst the counter-tenor tried to look as though he was into the song, when really, all he wanted to do, was go home, and crawl into bed... of course, Blaine was three beers in, so that wouldn't be happening if Wes has anything to say about it... and he does... apparently...
Kurt clapped, a large grin on his face, as Blaine winked at him, and fist-bumped Ian, Jeff and Thad, who were already preparing for the next Warbler classic, which was the song that "tied them with ND at Sectional's 2010". Kurt knew this one, mainly because he'd performed it with the group, but also because it was one of his favourite songs... he hadn't heard it in years, rather preferring Blaine's music and Sam's music, to that of the old times... much to his dismay, Kurt had been practically yanked on to the stage, taking his former postion as the song started... he mouthed along, not really singing... how is he meant to sing after so long not doing it? It's something he associates with the good moments in his life... not the ones that are bad... he can't sing about cancer, because there are no songs about cancer... he could sing about dying, but Blaine would probably kill him right there on the spot if he did that... there's always the song he wrote back before Blaine's first album... but he didn't have it with him, and even though he knows the words off by heart, the music is rusty, and his piano skills have decreased since his mobility became less and less due to the tumour that is currently taking over his brain... he'd barely registered the songs end, when the gym burst into applause once more, the Warblers all turning to look at Kurt, who just shook his head, leaving the stage before any of them could make him sing...
...
Kurt spent the rest of the performances at the table, just watching and smiling as his friends and Blaine (family, he reminded himself... there's more than one type of family...) laughed and two-stepped their way through all their old Warbler numbers, and even some new ones. Blaine told them that if they could wrap their small minds around his complex compositions, they could perform one of his songs... of course, Kurt had chosen 'Somewhere On a Staircase', which was the first song Blaine had written and recorded off of his 'First Time' album. Nick chose to sit with Kurt for this song, taking over the recording from Cameron, who kindly took the other mans spot, whilst Nick took the camera. They'd been recording most of the night, mainly for Kurt, but they weren't telling him that, because they all know how Kurt can be when they try to baby him, or feel sorry for him or just... help. They know he doesn't mean it, it's just the way that Kurt is, but it's also for Blaine, and Klaine have just gotten over a fight, they don't need another one...
'Do you think you're ever going to sing again Kurt?' Nick asked, setting the camera to record
'Someday maybe... I might sing something for Blaine, or even the girls,' Kurt replied
'I'd like to hear you sing again Kurt... whenever you're ready,' Nick replied, taking Kurt's hand
'For now, let the petals fall where they will,' Kurt said, confusing Nick, who just nodded anyway.
The faraway look in his husband's eyes was enough to alert Blaine to the fact that Kurt was struggling. Whether it was because he was tired, or he missed singing, he couldn't be sure, but either way, it broke his heart a little to see his husband like that... of course, Blaine finished the song... he couldn't let Kurt down like that... he wouldn't... as Blaine stepped off the stage, leaving Wes to try his hand and being "funny", Kurt stood, smiling and pulling him into a hug. Nick was watching the two, smiling softly... he knew that Kurt and Blaine would get through this... well, he hoped anyway...
A/N: Once again, thanks for all your kind words. I hope you enjoy this chapter and story. JusticeIsn'tEasy0083. D.