There were 30 groups - 15 to perform between noon and 3:00 and 15 to perform between 5:00 and 8:00. The Warblers had been assigned to sing 10th. The New Directions would be 20th.
It was a huge auditorium with balconies and a lot more people than the a cappella Nationals. It made sense because some of the show choirs had 50-member teams. But still such a large audience made it more nerve-wracking.
The Warblers warmed up their voices and stretched. They waited in the wings during the group before them. They had been fitted with headset mics during their sound check that morning since they were such a small group. Richard was using a standard mic.
Their mics were on and they were ready to go. The curtain closed. They entered as the other group exited off the other side. The curtain reopened and the vocalizations started. Sebastian stepped forward and sang out strong and clear, "Skies are crying, I am watching...". They transitioned immediately into "Da da da da", followed by Kurt singing, "Grew up in a small town, and when the rain would fall down...I'll spread my wing and I'll learn how to fly...".
The 6 featured singers ended "Breakway" at the front so they were in position for "Pocketful of Sunshine".
Richard and Thad stood in the 2nd and 5th positions in their front row of six seniors. Sebastian and Nick danced around Richard, while Kurt and Jeff danced around Thad, giving them a balanced look and keeping it from being obvious that Thad couldn't dance.
Sebastian sang lead on the verses alternating with Kurt on lead during the choruses. They alternated lines on the bridge. They sang their separate parts simultaneously as the song came to an end. They skipped the small soft section that the original song ended with.
Their performance was met with thunderous applause. They bowed in unison and waited for the curtain to close to exit and the mics to be turned off.
"We killed it," Sebastian said as he pulled Kurt into a hug.
"We did. I don't think any of us could have done any better. I still don't expect to win, but we gave it our best. I gave Sam my phone to record it so we can send it to your mom."
"Thank you!"
"Of course."
They headed off the stage and back up to the balcony where the choirs that wanted to watch could sit. Sam slipped in and gave Kurt his phone back.
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Kurt thought about how many people would want to eat in the two-hour break and he ordered 3 large pizzas to be delivered to the hotel at 3:10. Everyone else headed up to their room, along with Sam, whom Kurt had texted right after he ordered the pizzas. Nick and Jeff bought drinks from the vending machine on the way up. Kurt brought the pizzas up and they finished them off rather quickly.
"What time do you have to meet the New Directions again?" Kurt asked.
"Oh, not until the show starts again at 5:00. There's nowhere to rehearse or anything until after it starts and we're 5th in after it starts." Kurt saw Sebastian smile. "I told Mr. Schue I was going with you and he was fine with it. You guys killed it by the way."
"Thanks," all of them said.
"Kurt would have never gotten lead in New Directions. But he is so good."
Kurt blushed.
"It's true. This year has been the Blainchel show."
"Not a Blaine fan, I take it," Jeff said.
"Not really. He's an okay singer, but he's a spotlight hog just like Rachel."
"I thought you and the blond girl sounded really good together last year at Sectionals," Nick said.
"Oh, Quinn. Yeah. Thanks. That was the first and only time I had a lead. Quinn too. Well, she's got like two or three lines today. Santana and Mercedes are leads on the all-girls song. Rachel's singing a big ballad solo with just a few back-up singers. Then we have one group number that is Blaine and Rachel, with a few lines by other people."
"So, the rest of the seniors aren't even featured?" Nick asked.
"Our soloists had one song each and then all of the seniors were featured on our last song," Jeff said.
"Nah. There are a lot of seniors - me, Puck, Finn, Mike, Brittany, Quinn, Santana, Mercedes, Blaine and Rachel. Yeah. I guess there's just Joe, Rory, Tina, and Sugar that aren't seniors. Oh, plus the Cheerios whose names I don't know that are singing in the girls number."
"Wow, with only four returning members, that will be tough to be competitive next year," Sebastian said.
"Oh, there's only three and that's if Joe comes back. It's the first year he's gone to school. He missed a lot of days. I think he may not come back and Rory is an exchange student. Sugar can't sing. So, that mostly leaves Tina."
"Poor Tina. She should have like taken summer classes so she could graduate early," Kurt said. "The club won't do well for at least a couple of years since they'll have to start completely from scratch. Finding 10 new people in one year? Maybe some of the Cheerios that came with you will join the club when Rachel's gone."
"Now, that's a possibility," Sam said.
"Well, I'll take these pizza boxes and toss them. We'll go look for our parents. Art had to leave after we sang to fly back to Ohio." Kurt said. "Nick, Jeff - grab the drink bottles."
"Right," Nick said. He and Jeff stood up and grabbed all of the drink bottles and the four of them left the room.
Once they got out in the hall, Kurt said, "Don't mention anything to anyone else. Sam's not out to anyone."
"Got it," Jeff said.
Nick nodded.
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Kurt and Thad met back up with Sam and Sebastian at 4:40 and headed back down the street to the auditorium. Sam walked with Kurt and Sebastian and Thad walked behind them.
They split up when they got to the auditorium and sat with their own groups. When the group before the New Directions was on stage, Kurt went down to the lower level to record them, just like Sam had done for him. Their first number was "Edge of Glory", with Santana and Mercedes, like Sam had said. Rachel did a good job on her solo. The group number went fairly well too. But it was a shame that the rest of the seniors didn't get featured at all, especially in such a long song like "Dashboard Lights". Once they finished, he headed back up to sit with Thad and Sebastian. They sat through the last 10 groups.
After the final intermission, the groups waited around and sent a couple of members to check the finalist board. Both the New Directions and the Warblers were on the Top 10 list, but not in the top three. The New Directions had ranked 4th and the Warblers ranked 6th.
Rachel was distraught. Blaine was trying to comfort her. Kurt overheard them talking.
"Rachel, listen to me, please. We both already got into NYADA. We're going to New York in the fall. It's okay. I know we all wanted to win, but the two of us already won. We're going to New York. Our parents got us the apartment we wanted. We're going to the school we wanted to go to."
"You're right. You're right. I just really wanted to win."
"Fourth place is better than last year. And the schools that beat us have huge budgets like Vocal Adrenaline did. They have choreographers and get dance lessons and they don't take just anyone. They actually keep people out who don't fit their criteria. You saw them. None of those groups would have let Artie join, and even Mercedes and Joe might have been vetoed. We had practically no money and no outside help. We did great."
He hugged her and she calmed down. "You're right. We did a good job."
Kurt stepped back inside the auditorium. Thad had already let everyone know of their 6th place position. There wasn't much point in staying for the awards, but in good prep school boy style, they stayed and clapped for the winners.
Afterwards, Kurt and Thad met up with their parents and left for a restaurant to eat. The rest of the Warblers headed off together.
Kurt got a text from Sebastian asking him to bring back two salads. Kurt laughed.
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Kurt and Thad got back before the rest of the group. Kurt texted Sebastian from the elevator. They knocked and then opened the door. Not surprisingly, they found Sam and Sebastian sitting on their bed, both with wet hair again.
"Kurt's salad delivery at your service, sirs." He handed them the bag with their food in it. "We'll be back."
"Take your time," Sebastian said smirking.
Kurt rolled his eyes and grabbed his and Thad's pajamas and headed into the bathroom.
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When they came back out, Sam was gone and Nick and Jeff weren't back yet.
"So?" Kurt asked
"I told you I don't kiss and tell last night."
"That was then and this is now," Kurt said.
"Okay, so he's gorgeous and funny."
"Yeah. That I knew. I HAVE known him for over a year and a half, remember?"
"Fine. He's a fabulous kisser."
"Mmm hmm."
"And obviously very into personal hygiene," Thad laughed.
Sebastian threw a pillow at him.
"As if the two of you aren't into 'personal hygiene'. We share a bathroom. I know how long you two are in the shower. Far too long to just be getting clean."
This time Kurt threw a pillow at Sebastian. "Yeah, but we dated for a long time and we're married. So, we're entitled to extra long showers."
"Mmm hmm."
"Do you like him?"
"Yes. I told you he's funny and he's fun to be around. It's not like I didn't already know him. We've been talking all school year. We were already friends. I just didn't know he liked guys. So, I never flirted with him or anything."
"Alright, then."
"That's it? No more interrogations?"
"Nope. You're 18. He's 18. You're both adults. I don't know what either of you want from this, but it's not my job to find out. That's up to the two of you. I mean I hope neither of you get hurt because you're both my friends, but other than that, I'm not going to tease you or harass you."
"Fair enough. He's going to see if he can come with us to the museum tomorrow. The New Directions guys are going to some sports stadium thing, but he'd rather go to the museum of science and industry with us."
"Cool," Kurt said.
"You're really okay with this?"
"Sure. He's a really good guy. He keeps his word. He's smart. He's sweet. He's funny. I just never knew he liked guys."
"You'd let him be the fourth musketeer, wouldn't you?"
"Of course."
Sebastian laughed. "Of course."
"Only problem is he doesn't speak French and he's going to be in Lima."
"Well, I can solve the Lima part pretty easily. All that takes is a plane ticket."
"And a passport and maybe a visa, not sure on that part."
"All things that can be gotten. We'll see. Would you let him come to Florida with us?"
Kurt looked at Thad since it was his place. "Sure," Thad said.
Sebastian's phone pinged. He picked it up. "He says that if you get Mr. Browning to agree to it, Mr. Schue says it's fine."
"What room is Mr. Schue in?"
Sebastian texted Kurt's question. "459."
"Alright then. Tell him I'll text him after I go talk to Mr. Browning. I'll be back."
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"Mr. Schuester, this is Mr. Browning, our faculty chaperone."
They shook hands.
"So, Sam wants to go with Kurt to the museum tomorrow. I'm okay with it. He's 18 and doesn't need a parent to sign for him. I just need to make sure it's okay with you."
"It's fine with me." Mr. Browning said. "As you said, he's 18. When is your group heading back to Ohio?"
"Not until 4:00. Parents are coming at 10:00 to pick the kids up that didn't leave their cars."
"Oh. We're leaving at 1:30. We have a longer drive and our students have finals next week. We're supposed to get back as close to 8:00 as we can."
"I understand," Mr. Schue said in a way that sounds like Sam couldn't go at that point.
"Could we just drop Sam in Lima?" Kurt asked.
"My truck is at school," Sam said.
"That's up to you, Mr. Schuester. I'm fine with it. We can drive through Lima on the way to Westerville."
"Is that what you want Sam?"
"Yeah."
"Alright then. Take your luggage when you go with them in the morning."
"Can I just get it now and stay with Kurt?"
"It makes no difference to me, Sam. If there's room for you in Kurt's room, that's fine."
"I'll be up in 10 minutes," Sam said. "Thanks, Mr. Browning."
"Sure, Sam." he said.
Sam took off.
Mr. Browning said, "Good night. I'm heading back to my room. See you in the morning, Kurt."
"Thanks, Mr. Browning." Kurt turned back to Mr. Schuester.
"I didn't know you and Sam were so close," Mr. Schue said.
"We've been friends since last year. He's been to Westerville when he could. We Skype a lot. He knows Thad and Sebastian too. Obviously, I couldn't visit him in Lima."
"Right. I know."
"The New Directions did really well tonight. Congratulations."
"Thanks, Kurt. I heard the Warblers won the a cappella nationals. That's really something. You did a great job. I should have given you more opportunities."
"That's in the past. I'm happy where I am."
"I can tell. That's really great. I'm glad for you."
"Thanks for letting Sam come with us. He was really excited about the museum."
"I hope you all enjoy yourselves."
"We will. Good night." Kurt walked away.
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Kurt got back to his room and Sam was already there and opened the door when Kurt stuck his keycard in. Kurt stepped inside and pulled Sam close.
"Nick and Jeff do not know that Thad and I got married. Please don't say anything."
"I remember. I won't say a word."
"So, we need to sleep. We have to be packed up and downstairs at 8:00 to load the bus and then eat."
"So where's Sam sleeping?" Nick asked.
Thad answered, "He and Sebastian can have our bed. Kurt and I are used to sleeping in a twin bed together."
"Alright then. Everyone get to where they're going so I can turn the light off."
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They had all voted to override Mr. Browning at dinner the evening before and had decided to wear regular clothes on the last day. Sebastian hadn't packed anything other than uniform clothes and the dark jeans they had been wearing as pseudo uniform pieces.
"Bas, catch!" Sam said.
Sebastian caught a Captain America t-shirt and put it on. "Thanks."
Sam was wearing an Avatar t-shirt. Kurt and Thad hadn't brought anything but uniform clothes and the hoodies they had on when they flew into town. They both put their hoodies back on since they couldn't get away with just wearing one of the t-shirts they brought to sleep in. By the time Nick and Jeff were out of the bathroom, the other four had all of their stuff packed up and ready to go except their bathroom items, which they packed as soon as they used them.
They were all downstairs at 8:00. They loaded their luggage on the minibus, turned in their keycards, and then headed to the breakfast area to eat. By 8:45, they were on their way to the museum.
Mr. Browning allowed the six of them to be a group without a chaperone since they were all 18. The three groups headed in and started to explore.
"This place is so cool," Sam said. "This is way better than a baseball stadium."
"I'd say so," Kurt said.
"So, which way first?" Nick asked.
"Top up or bottom down? Jeff added.
"Middle, top, bottom?" Kurt suggested. "Since it just opened, I think most people will either start at the top or bottom. If we start in the middle, it will probably be the least crowded."
"Good idea." Jeff said.
They headed to the elevator and got off on the 1st floor, which actually held most of the gallery rooms.
"Let's look at the map and figure out which way we want to go and if there are any must-see or don't-care exhibits. We only have four hours," Kurt said.
They looked through the map and made their choices.
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Everyone met back in the lobby at 1:30. They filed onto the bus and headed off for Ohio. They stopped at an Arby's once they were about an hour into Indiana. They all ate quickly and got back on the bus. Kurt, Thad, Sebastian and Sam sat in rows one behind the other. Sebastian and Sam got up on their knees and talked to them for a while and eventually turned back around and faced forward.
Most of the Warblers fell asleep not too long after they had gotten back on the bus after eating. Kurt and Thad were still awake and so were Sebastian and Sam. Kurt scooted towards the window. Sebastian sat in the middle and Sam sat on the end. Thad sat on Kurt's lap and put his legs across Sebastian and Sam's laps. Not the most comfortable, but they wanted to be able to talk quietly.
"So, Friday night, we'll drive to my house from Dalton. You drive there from McKinley. We go swimming and eat dinner. The next day is our graduation. We all leave from my house. Kurt and Thad's parents will be there. We graduate. We go back to my house and we have a graduation cookout. Sam's stays the night. We have fun on Sunday. Sam goes back to Lima Sunday night to take his finals. We stay at my house all week like we had planned. Sam comes whenever he can, if he can, since he has to study. We go to Lima to his graduation. We'll wait until it's just about to start and sit in the very back and leave immediately and wait for him where?"
"Um?" Sam was thinking.
"Are your parents having a party?"
"No, I told them I didn't want one. I'm just going to celebrate with the three of you at yours. I'm passing all of my classes with Bs. I'm going to graduate."
"Well, they could come to my house too, if you want."
"I'll see. I have a little brother and sister that would need watched. Quinn might do it since it's not our graduation weekend."
"Back to Sam's graduation day," Kurt said, refocusing them.
"So, you could just follow us back to my house right after the ceremony?" Sebastian asked.
"Maybe after lunch after the ceremony."
"Right. Lunch. You could drive to my place after you have lunch with your parents."
"I'd like you to come too."
"Oh, okay. Are they going to be okay with this?"
"I'll tell them. If they aren't, they aren't. And we'll have a plan B where I just drive to your house after I finish lunch."
"Thad and I won't stay in Lima for any longer than absolutely necessary. So, if you're going to lunch with Sam and his family, we'll need your car to go back to your dad's."
"Alright."
"The next day we're all flying to Florida."
"So cool. I've never been," Sam said.
"I've just been the one time I went with them over winter break. It was cool. Totally beautiful. You'll love it."
"So, we've got it mostly planned out," Kurt said. "We need to know about Sam's lunch plans mostly."
"I'll work on it and let you know ASAP," Sam said.
"Let's move back up. I'm squished," Sebastian said.
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They stopped at McKinley and let Sam off the bus. Kurt stood on the step inside the bus to make sure that Sam's truck had air in all the tires and actually started when he turned it over. Once Sam was backing up and pulling out, Kurt moved off the step and back to his seat and Mr. Browning took off for Westerville.
They arrive a little after 8:30. They unloaded and went to their rooms. Kurt plopped their suitcase up on the empty bed. He walked straight through the bathroom, knocked and walked into Sebastian's room.
"So, did you guys decide that you're dating or friends with benefits or what?"
"Does it matter?"
"I don't know. I mean I won't love you any less or more. You're still going to be my best friend besides Thad. I guess I just want to know what Sam is to you. You seemed a lot more serious today than you did yesterday."
"We're dating. He's my boyfriend."
"Okay." Kurt turned to go back to his room.
"That's it?"
"Did you expect me to interrogate you or something?"
"I don't know."
"Well, I'm not going to. I just wanted to know. Things seemed to have changed and I wanted to be certain."
"You're okay with this."
"I told you I was."
"And what if I had said friends with benefits?"
"That's fine. I meant what I said. You're both adults. You decide what's right for you."
"Well, I really do like him. He said he's liked me for a long time, but he knew he couldn't act on it while living in Lima. He saw how you were treated. He couldn't do that to his family. They've just started acclimating since Lima's not very outsider friendly. I'm imagining that his family will not take it well. He's risking a lot."
"He doesn't have much going for him in Lima. He knows that. He's made the best choices of those available to him. But he doesn't want to stay in Lima."
"Well, then I don't fell so bad stealing him away."
"You're going to invite him to France aren't you."
"Probably. I want to give us a few weeks to make sure we're okay. I mean if things don't work out, he can go back to Lima and go back to his original plan. But I'd like to think positively."
"Alright then. We'll see how the next few weeks go."
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Kurt and Thad spent finals week washing clothes, organizing things, boxing up stuff, packing their suitcases, and helping Sebastian do the same since he had tests to study for and lacrosse practice.
"So, we've got stuff to donate, and we're going to ship our coats and a few pairs of my boots. We need to get a box the right size to lay our coats out in flat or find a garment bag that can be loaded as luggage, which I would prefer."
"Well figure it out this afternoon once classes end and we can leave the building."
They went back to trying to get everything set to go.
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As soon as Warblers rehearsal ended on Thursday, Sebastian pulled his car up to the front of the building. Thad sat in the car while Kurt and Sebastian loaded everything from both of their rooms in the car. The only things left in their rooms were their graduation robes, which they were not allowed to remove from the school building.
Kurt and Sebastian got in.
"I can't believe it's over," Kurt said. "I looked forward to it ending so that I could escape and once I didn't need to escape, it became enjoyable to be here again, like it was before."
"I've been here for nearly four years. It's weird leaving."
"I've been here the shortest, but this place has left a lasting impact. I mean I got the two best friends I've ever had in a place I really, really didn't want to come to."
"The mysterious ways of fate," Kurt said.
"You don't believe in fate," Sebastian said.
"I know, but it sounded fitting." Kurt laughed.
"Let's get going," Thad said.
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Kurt and Sebastian hauled all of the stuff from his car upstairs and put it in Sebastian's room for the time being.
Thad was waiting for them in the front room when they had finally finished. "My parents will be here about 8:00. They said to go ahead and eat dinner without them. They're just going to eat whatever is served on the plane."
"Alright. I believe we promised Art a homemade dinner, so let's go see what's available," Kurt said.
About 10 minutes later, he had turned Sebastian and Thad into sous chefs and had them dicing and chopping and prepping stuff. By the time Art got home from work, the whole downstairs smelled good. He followed his nose to the kitchen.
"It smells fantastic in here."
"Have a seat. It's almost done," Sebastian said.
"I'm going to go change. I'll be right back."
By the time he got back, Kurt and Sebastian had placed all of the food on the table and Thad had set the table and everything was ready to go. They all sat down and Kurt started passing the dishes around the table and each person took what they wanted.
"It's like Thanksgiving, but better," Art said. "If you ever decide that music isn't the career for you, you could be a chef. Every dish is delicious."
"It's only fun to cook for people I care about. I don't think I'd enjoy running a restaurant, but thank you for the compliment."
"So, are you all excited for graduation?"
"Yes and no," Thad said. "It's a weird feeling. I've been there for four years. It will be really strange to no longer see people that I've seen for four years."
"I felt that way too, but since I came back here after college, I still run into some of the people I went to school with. You three are headed so far away that it won't be that way for you."
"I feel like this year drug on and then flew to an end. Being stuck in the school for months on end really got to me. And then once it was over, the time just flew by. It's a hard thing to come to terms with."
"And the ending you got was bittersweet." Art said. "Your freedom at a high cost. I'm not implying that you should feel bad for him because I don't think that. I just mean that he paid a high price for his self-hatred. Sebastian and I already talked about it, but I'm really sorry for any time I made someone feel bad about themselves like that over something they couldn't change. I think that in a way it's a waste that his story can't be brought to light to let other people see just how hard people try to be what they think they should be and just how impossible it is to be something you're not. I never really understood until recently and I'm old, well middle-aged. So many things need to change. My main goal is to see what can be done about getting every school in Ohio to have no-bullying policies."
"That would be a good start." Kurt said. "We can't make people like people they want to hate, but we can prevent them from hurting people just because they're different."
"I can't imagine going to a school like McKinley," Sebastian said. "Kurt had so much courage to be himself there. What 800 students? And he was the only one brave enough to be himself? Statistics say there's 40-80 LGBTQ teens in the school, but none of the rest of them are out."
"Well, Santana got outed, so she and Brittany were out this past school year. So, three kids in the last four years were out."
"That's really hard. So, you see why Sam wasn't out. I know you feel concerned that he's just toying around and not serious, but his family was new last school year. Kurt's dad had to intervene to even get him a job when the company he had gotten a job with closed. Sam couldn't even get on anywhere and drove all the way to Westerville to work on the weekends because it was the only place he could find at the time."
"Art, Sam's the real deal," Kurt said. "He's an upright guy. He kept everything secret all year. He never once mentioned to anyone that he and I were friends. He kept it to himself to protect me. His family may not be accepting though. I haven't talked to him about it. This week I was just helping him with reviewing for his math final, not really talking about anything personal."
"Alright. I believe you Kurt. I have no reason to distrust you. While you have hidden things to protect the people you love, you have never lied to me. So, he's coming to your game tomorrow, and then back home with us and staying the weekend?"
"Right. Then he has to go back to Lima for the week to take all of his finals. His graduation ceremony is next Saturday. He's coming here afterwards and the four of us are going to Florida the next day."
"I'll be nice. I promise."
"Thanks, Dad. Don't judge him too harshly either okay. He's not a prep school boy. He grew up in Tennessee and then lived in Lima the last almost two years. His parents lost their house, he's been homeless, and lived in a run-down motel."
"It will be fine, Sebastian. Kurt trusts him and Kurt doesn't trust easily. Sam has to be a good guy."
Kurt asked, "Does anyone want seconds? If not we're eating what's left for lunch tomorrow."
"Leftovers are fine with me," Thad said. "It was good, but I'm full."
"Me too," Sebastian said.
"I might have just one more biscuit," Art said. "They're really good."
"I'm glad you enjoyed it."
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The next morning, the three guys were up and ready to leave by 8:30. Ellen was sitting in the front room reading a newspaper on her iPad. "I'm sorry we missed seeing you last night. Our flight got delayed and we didn't get here until almost midnight. We woke poor Art up letting us in."
"It's alright. Flights are like that sometimes. We'll be back in about two hours, probably. We have the studio from 9:30-10:30."
"What are you doing in a studio?"
"Sorry, Mom. We got so busy I forgot to tell you. We're making a CD. We rented the studio for an hour and we're going to record all of the songs we learned this year. It won't be for sale, but each Warbler will get one and we can copy them for family members that want them."
"That's a really cool idea."
"It was Kurt's. He thought it would be a good idea for my career to record all of the arrangements I did this year. It's his graduation present to me and the Warblers all agreed to do it. It should be fun. We'll be back soon!"
"Bye!"
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By the time the three of them got back from the studio, Burt and Carole had arrived. Burt and Donovan were discussing business and politics with Art. Ellen and Carole were talking as well.
The three guys sat down near Ellen and Carole.
"So, how did it go?" Ellen asked.
"It went great. The guys did a great job," Thad answered.
"We'll pick the CDs up next week and mail them out," Kurt said.
"Please make us a copy," Carole said.
"Us too," Ellen said.
"We were planning to," Kurt responded.
"So, what's the plan?" Sebastian asked.
"Well, we could eat and swim. Or swim and eat. Whichever," Kurt said.
"What time is the game?" Carole asked.
"Not until 6:00. Sam should get here around 4:00." Sebastian said.
"Alright. Eating, swimming, and baking," Thad said.
"Where did the baking part come from?" Kurt asked.
"Well, you made Art dinner, but he didn't get any dessert," Thad said.
"I see. So, it's for Art's benefit. So, I should make him a cake? A cake for one?"
Sebastian laughed.
"Alright, fine. You're too smart to slip anything past. I want cookies," Thad said.
Kurt kissed him on the cheek. "All you had to do was ask. So, let's go add to last night's leftovers and have a buffet lunch. Anyone who wants to help me cook can come to the kitchen with me."
Carole got up and followed him, as did Thad. The other two got up and came to the kitchen and sat at the bar side of the island and waited to be given something to do, even though they didn't volunteer to actually cook anything.
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An hour later, everyone lined up and made their way around the island filling their plates with whatever caught their eye. They carried their plates and drinks outside and sat on the patio and ate.
After they finished eating, the moms and the three teens put their swimming suits on and got in the pool.
By 2:00, they all headed back inside to shower and change.
Kurt, Thad, and Sebastian went back to the kitchen. Kurt started looking through the pantry and pulling things out and handing them to Sebastian who handed them to Thad who plopped them on the kitchen counter.
"I guess we're having snickerdoodles because I can't find any chocolate chips. I could make a batch of brownies too for the chocolate fans."
"Ooh. Good idea," Thad said.
Kurt grabbed the cocoa and came out of the pantry. Kurt set everything up, mixed everything together and the other two helped scoop the dough onto cookie sheets. While the two of them were putting trays in and out of the oven, Kurt whipped up the brownies and put them in a pan to bake.
Once that was set aside, he started washing everything that couldn't be loaded into the dishwasher. They put all of the ingredients back while the brownies were baking.
The smell of cinnamon in the air drew everyone to the kitchen.
"Can we eat these?" Art asked.
"Sure. You get the first one, since it was pointed out to me that I failed to make you dessert last night." Kurt winked at Thad, who laughed.
"I see. Well, whatever gets me first in line is fine with me." He took a few cookies. "I smell chocolate."
"The brownies are in the oven still," Sebastian said.
"There's brownies?" Burt asked.
"Yes, Dad. I made brownies too."
Everyone took a few cookies off the tray and sat at the dining room table. Sebastian went in the kitchen and pulled out drinks and glasses and put them on the table. People served themselves.
"These are really good, Kurt. Better than any I've had from a bakery. You've been spoiled, Burt. He's been cooking for you all these years?"
Burt laughed. "Well, he doesn't make this stuff for me very often. He makes me eat heart-healthy, high fiber, vegetable dishes. And he had the nerve to leave all of his healthy cookbooks for Carole to use after he went off to Dalton."
"I see," Art laughed.
"They aren't bad. I just like to tease him. He's a great cook."
Kurt rolled his eyes. The timer went off and he got up to take the brownies out. He was pulling them out when the doorbell rang. Sebastian got up to go answer it.
"Sam. Come in. I'm glad you're here. Just sit your bag down on the stairs over there. We can take it upstairs in a little bit."
"Kurt's been baking," Sam said, smelling cinnamon and chocolate in the air.
"He has," Sebastian laughed. "Come on."
Sam followed Sebastian back to the kitchen and dining room area. When Kurt saw him, he hurried over and pulled him into a hug. "You're here!"
"I am," he laughed.
"Have some cookies. The brownies should be cool enough to cut in a little bit."
Sam followed Kurt to the kitchen and grabbed a couple of cookies.
"So, your last week of school is coming up." Kurt stated.
"Yep. I'm ready to be done."
The two of them went into the dining room and sat down with everyone else. Sam poured himself some milk. They all sat around talking together and in small groups until the timer went off again. Kurt went back into the kitchen and cut the brownies up and since it seemed that everyone was waiting for one, he put a brownie on a napkin for each person and looked around for a tray and found one. He put the brownies on it and carried it into the dining room.
"Ooh, those look good," Art said. Kurt offered him one first. He took one and then passed the tray around the table.
Kurt sat down next to Thad. By the time the tray went around, all 9 brownies had been taken. Seeing everyone enjoy what he had baked made him smile. Thad took his hand and squeezed it under the table.
Everyone thanked Kurt for the treats and they broke back up into groups around the house. Carole and Ellen headed into the room where they had played games at Christmas and found a Scrabble game. They set it up and played.
The four guys headed upstairs. Sam grabbed his bag on the way up. They changed into Dalton colors and were ready to leave at 5:00 with Sebastian.
They headed downstairs again and said their goodbyes on their way out to Sebastian's car.
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After they parked, Sebastian headed off to the pitch and the other three headed to the stands. Thad went to get them drinks, giving Kurt a chance to talk to Sam alone.
"So, you like him?" Kurt asked.
"I do. I have all year. It just wouldn't have worked out then. I can't hurt my family. I saw what happened to you. Your dad is a pillar of the community. Seriously, everyone knows your dad and likes him. And even with that, you were treated terribly. My parents are just starting to get accepted."
"I completely understand. I really do. I wasn't questioning your motives for not saying anything earlier. I just really wanted to know if you like him."
"He's your friend. I get it. You're concerned that I'm just experimenting and I'm just going to break his heart."
"Pretty much."
"I've liked guys before. Heck, I thought you were cute. But I just never acted on it. I really did want to sing with you. You're super good, and at the time, I really had no idea what getting involved with you, even as a friend, would have set me up for."
"That's why I backed out. I didn't know you liked guys. I didn't ask you because of that. It's just that no one ever wanted to sing with me, and you were new. And you were so nice. No guy had ever been nice to me before. But it's better that we didn't sing together. You've been able to make it through fairly unscathed. With Sue declaring that all of that mess last year was a lie, it put an end to most of the rumors."
"Yeah. And to be honest, I'm not sure that I'm bi. I really think I might just be gay. I was supposed to like girls. I mean that's what I was taught. Boys like girls, they date, they get married, and they have kids. That's the progression of how things were supposed to be. But honestly, being with Sebastian is a lot different than it has been dating girls. Girls are pretty, but guys are hot. Well, some of them are."
Kurt laughed. "Everyone has their own opinion of what's hot. But I get it."
"So, no, I'm not just experimenting with Sebastian. I really do like him. He's smart and funny. We just have a good time. It's not stressful like it always was when I dated girls. I could never figure out what to say or what to do. With Sebastian it's just easy."
"Okay."
"Okay?"
"Yeah. I'm glad for you both."
They found seats and saved 5 for the adults who would arrive soon.
"I'm looking forward to Florida," Sam said.
"Me too," Thad said.
"Aren't you two hot in those hoodies?"
"We're still abiding by the headmaster's request to keep our tattoos covered. The school rules about them are very vague and he asked us to leave them covered. So, until tomorrow after the graduation ceremony ends, we'll be wearing long sleeves."
"Got it. I don't have to have a suit for tomorrow do I? I just thought about that."
"I don't see why, but if anyone thinks you aren't dressed up enough, I'm pretty sure you could fit into something of Sebastian's or definitely Art's for the ceremony itself."
"Okay.
A few minutes later, the adults all arrived. The three tens waved so they could find them. They made their way up into the stands and sat down. The game started. It was as fast-paced as the last one and had the same outcome. Dalton was moving ahead in the tourney. Sebastian scored 5 times.
The adults headed out to the restaurant since it was popular and didn't accept reservations. They decided they'd go put their names on the wait list and get a table sooner.
Sebastian showered and changed as quickly as he could and met them near the stands. He looked surprised when Sam pulled him into a hug and then kissed him quickly. "You rocked! Lacrosse is cool. Kurt was right." He let loose of Sebastian and offered his hand, which Sebastian took. They headed out to the car and headed to the restaurant.
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"The Thurmanator? There is no way I could eat that much," Kurt said.
"There are so many different choices," Thad said. "I think I'm going to order something spicy."
"The Hawaiian one sounds interesting," Sam said.
A few minutes later, the waitress came by and all of them placed their orders. They talked about the game and graduation. Once all of their meals arrived, they quieted down and started eating. Everyone enjoyed what they ordered.
When they had all finished, the check was brought out. Sam reached for his wallet. Kurt pushed his hand down and shook his head slightly. Sam raised an eyebrow and Kurt just shook his head again. Sam put his wallet back.
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Once they were in the car, Sam brought it up. "Why wouldn't you let me offer to pay?"
"It's that they wouldn't have let you no matter how much of a fuss you had put up. I just figured I'd save you the embarrassment of losing the argument, like I did numerous times," Kurt said.
Thad said, "I believe my parents put it like this... 'We have money. We can't take it with us, so you should let us enjoy how we choose to spend it."
"I see," Sam said.
"I've not accepted it well either, Sam. But I've learned that ruining nice people's dinners because I want to be stubborn isn't really kind."
"Okay. I get that. I don't have to like it, but I can live with it. Rejecting people's generosity isn't kind."
"Exactly. Thad's parents and Art have more money than they could ever spend just on themselves unless they went out and bought several yachts or islands or mansions. They do the jobs they have because they like to do them. They have money and they like to spend it on whatever they choose to, which includes their kids and their kid's friends."
"Got it."
"So... sleeping arrangements. Let's decide before we get back," Sebastian said. "Usually Kurt and Thad just sleep in my bed with me. I'm not sure if all four of us can fit, but we can try. Or Kurt and Thad can take the third guest room and sleep on their own."
"Which way will cause less drama?" Kurt asked.
"Probably if we all sleep in the same room since all of them will assume that none of us would do anything untoward with the other couple in the room," Sebastian said.
"Alright, then. We'll try four in the bed. If it doesn't work, someone or two someones will have to sleep on the floor I guess," Thad said.
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After everyone had showered and they were all pajama-clad, they tried to all fit in the bed, which resulted in a lot of laughing.
"We need to try again. Everyone up. Thad first, then me, then Sebastian, then Sam."
They got up and all lay down again.
"Well, as long as we can all sleep on our sides, we'll be fine," Thad said. "And since we put the chair over here, at least I don't feel like I'm going to fall on the floor." He reached over and turned on some music, turned the light off, and they all went to sleep.
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Rather than attempt to cook for so many people the next morning, Art had breakfast catered in. It was delivered at 8:30 and they all headed into the dining room to eat. Platters were passed around and everyone took what they wanted.
The three graduating teens needed to be at Dalton at 11:00. Sam was going with them.
After they ate, the teens headed back upstairs to get ready. Kurt, Thad, and Sebastian put their uniforms on. Sam put on the slacks and button up shirt that he had brought with him.
Sebastian went to his closet and pulled out a vest and tie and handed it to Sam. "That ought to make you dressed up enough."
"Thanks."
"Let's head downstairs so our parents can take the photos they wanted before we leave."
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Sam walked to the auditorium entrance, showed his invitation, and went to his assigned seat. Sebastian, Kurt, and Thad went in the front and up to their dorm rooms to put their robes on.
They headed to the Warblers practice room once they were dressed. They carried their caps. The robes for the performance were on hangers on a portable rack. They waited for the rest of the Warblers to arrive and they warmed up and practiced "Unwritten". They would be performing it without the choreography for the ceremony. The choir robes and the graduation gowns were nearly identical - solid navy blue with red piping, similar to their blazers. The Dalton crest on the choir robes was smaller though.
The seniors went to the cafeteria where they were lining up for the processional. Their cords were distributed as they signed in. National Honor Society- gold, Warblers- navy/red twist, varsity sports team - red, perfect 4.0 GPA-white, non-sports competitive club-gray.
Out of the 150 or so graduates, 25 had perfect GPAs and anyone who wanted to be considered for giving the graduation speech had to submit their proposed speech the week before finals.
Kurt, Thad, and Sebastian put their cords on. They took pictures of each other, knowing that their parents would want nice ones. Sebastian also took photos of Kurt and Thad together. The six senior Warblers stood together and had someone take their photo as well. Nick took a photo of the three of them and Kurt took photos of Nick and Jeff together. About what seemed like a hundred photos later, they were called to line up.
They walked toward the auditorium, filed into the hallway, and waited until it was time for them to enter. The ceremony started and the seniors filed onto the stage onto the risers. They stood through Headmaster Carlson's speech.
A slide show took place showing a toddler photo and the senior photo of each graduate. Lots of "awws" and "ohs" could be heard throughout the audience.
After the slide show, the senior's names were called. They walked across the stage, shook hands with the headmaster, accepted their diploma, moved their tassels, walked off into the wings to have their pictures taken, and filed back onto the risers afterwards.
The Warblers didn't file back in. They walked behind the curtain and assembled in the wings on the other side and put on the headset mics. The seniors laid their diploma folders on a table. Once all of the seniors had gotten their diplomas, their pictures taken, and were back on the risers, the Warblers filed out onto the stage and stood toward the front of the stage. Their mics were turned on and the background vocalists and vocal percussion started. Kurt came in strong, "I am unwritten, can't read my mind. I'm undefined... Today is where your book begins. The rest is still unwritten."
Once they finished the song, their mics were turned off, and they filed off the stage. The seniors picked their diploma folders back up and quietly filed up onto the end space of each row of the risers, with Thad entering last, so he would be standing on the floor.
Once everyone was back in place, Headmaster Carlson called Thad up to the microphone. Kurt was surprised and smiled.
Thad took his place and began his speech.
"I've learned a lot of things during the four years that I've spent at Dalton. I've learned to how solve quadratic equations, how to properly conjugate French verbs, and how to make sure I don't end sentences with prepositions. I've learned about the key players in world history. I've learned about people who've spent their life in pursuit of scientific information that has improved the lives of people all over the world. I've learned how to be a team player and how to strike out on my own to pursue my own interests.
"Something I've learned in several ways is that money can buy happiness, despite some people insisting that it can't. Happiness is a temporary fleeting feeling that's based on the positive outcome of events. Your favorite sports team wins and you feel happy. The store you go to has just the item you need and you feel happy. Your mom makes your favorite dessert for your birthday and you feel happy. Money can buy experiences like trips to theme parks that make you feel happy while you're there. Happiness is fleeting.
"What money can't buy is joy or contentment. I encourage everyone graduating and even those of you here celebrating our graduation to pursue what gives you joy. Find what provides contentment and include it in your life. Joy comes from making honest connections with people. Deep personal connections with other people bring joy. Knowing that someone is there for you because they choose to be brings true joy and contentment that can never be bought.
"Another thing that money cannot buy is time. You can pay other people to do things for you and not spend time doing them yourself, but that's not the same as being able to buy it. Time cannot be rewound or overwritten. Spend it with the people you love.
"A year ago, as we were being encouraged to consider our career options during our junior year, like many of you, my mind was being pushed toward the corporate world, toward the pursuit of money and the power and status it brings. And while it never called to me the way it does to some people, I did hear it calling. Money provides stability, influence, and status.
"Right before the school year was over, an accident could have ended my life. I survived. I had to reevaluate a lot of things. Small things like how could I get my socks on became huge. I faced the question of what was truly important and what was not every day. Questions like will I ever walk without this leg brace I'm wearing still remain. Life can be full of pain and sadness, but joy can still be found. You won't find it in your paycheck, no matter how large it is. Despite the difficulties my recovery brought, the joy from sharing my time with someone who cared enough to be there every step of the way made all the difference.
"The corporate world lost its glitter. Music came to the forefront and it is where I can invest myself fully. It fills a place in my soul that is empty without it. I will be studying music along with the person who makes getting out of bed and facing each day worth the effort.
"My wish for everyone here is that you find what fulfills you and that you pursue it wholeheartedly. I encourage you to invest in your relationships. Live purposefully, love completely and unconditionally."
Thad went back to his place with the rest of the seniors.
The curtain closed and the ceremony was over. The seniors stayed on the stage. The photographers entered and had them file down and back up onto the risers by height, tallest in the back row. Once everyone was repositioned, the curtain was reopened, so the photographers could get into good positions to photograph the group. Once the photos were done, they filed down and into the auditorium to see their families before they turned their robes and keys in.
Kurt, Thad, and Sebastian texted their parents and asked them to move to the front of the auditorium. As they walked up to the front, Sebastian practically yelled, "Maman!" and took off up the aisle and wrapped his arms around his mom and practically picked her up. The tears started flowing all while he had the biggest smile on his face.
"I had no idea you were coming. I'm so glad to see you!" He turned and quickly started the introductions. "Maman, this is Kurt and Thad." Solange hugged them each in turn. "It's so nice to finally meet you, Kurt," she said as she hugged him.
He introduced Burt, Carole, Donovan, and Ellen next. They all shook hands as they were introduced. Sam was hanging back, but Sebastian walked to where he was standing, took his hand and pulled him into the group.
"This is my boyfriend, Sam."
Solange switched to English. "It's nice to meet you, Sam."
"You too," Sam said.
They all rearranged in a multitude of ways and took photos. Once they were finished, the three graduates walked to the cafeteria and turned in their caps, gowns, and keys. They returned a few minutes later wearing just their cords around their necks, carrying their diplomas and tassels.
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Solange rode with Sebastian and the other three teens back to Art's house. Sebastian's smile could not have been any bigger.
"This is the best surprise ever. How long are you staying?"
"Just until tomorrow night. You know that school isn't out yet. I had to get a substitute for Monday, but I didn't want miss your graduation."
"I'm just so glad to see you."
"Me too, Sebastian. The song your choir sang was really nice. You all sound so much better in person."
They told her about the recording they had done.
"Please make me a copy too."
"Of course. I had already planned to."
"So, what do the cords stand for?" she asked.
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When they got back to Art's house, Sebastian got his mom's luggage out of Carole's car and took it upstairs to the remaining guest room. He knew this was awkward for his mom, but he was really glad that she came. She followed him up the stairs.
She and everyone else changed into casual clothes and met back downstairs.
"So, is everyone ready?" Art asked. He didn't hear any dissenting answers, so they headed back out to the cars.
This time the moms rode together in Carole's car and the dads rode together in Art's car. The teens all went in Sebastian's car.
They went to a nearby Chinese buffet, allowing them eat without waiting since it was already 2:00 in the afternoon.
After they finished eating, all four of the seniors were handed envelopes. "Now, we know that one of you is going to like this much more than the others, but hopefully you will all four have fun."
They opened the envelopes to find a ticket to see the Broadway tour of Wicked in Dayton the following week.
"Oh my GOD!" Kurt nearly screeched. "Thank you!"
"We'll, have fun. All of us," Sam said. "Thank you."
Thad and Sebastian also thanked everyone while listening to Kurt go on and on about how amazing it was going to be. The other three were smiling at his utter excitement.
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"I'm sorry Sebastian," Sam said as they put their seatbelts on when they left the restaurant.
"For what?"
"I know you said I could invite my parents, but I couldn't bring myself to tell them. I was going to. I really was. Then I looked at my brother and sister. I can't do it to them."
Sebastian reached over and took his hand. "It's okay. I'm not upset. Don't forget. I took a dumpster dive with Kurt and Thad last fall. I've seen first hand what happens there. You were the one who said you were going to tell them. I never suggested it and I never expected you to. There's nothing to apologize for or for me to forgive. I'm just glad you came."
"You're sure?"
"I'm sure."
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Later that afternoon, everyone who wanted to swim had changed and had gotten in the pool, which meant that the three dads were sitting on the other side of the yard still talking business and politics while the teens and the moms were in the pool.
After they had finished swimming and horsing around in the pool, everyone showered and redressed. They headed back out to the cars to go to Sebastian's lacrosse game. Solange was the most excited because she hadn't seen Sebastian play all school year. She cheered the loudest. Sebastian scored 6 times, which was his highest score all season and Dalton won. They were moving on to the State Semifinal game the next week.
Art told everyone, "I've ordered a bunch of pizzas and they'll be at the house in about 30 minutes. Why don't you four figure out a movie we can all watch." The parents left to head to Art's.
The three teens looked through Netflix while they waited for Sebastian. They eventually decided on Despicable Me.
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The next morning, Carole, Kurt, and Solange worked together to make breakfast for everyone around 10:00. They served it buffet style again and let everyone get in line and take what they wanted. They made pancakes, scrambled eggs, turkey bacon, turkey sausages, biscuits, gravy, and a fruit salad. They made coffee and sat juice and milk out as well. Everyone ate in the dining room this time.
When they were finished Sebastian, Sam, and Thad cleared the table, loaded the dishwasher, and washed the platters. Kurt packed up the leftovers and put them in the freezer to eat later in the week.
The teens went back upstairs and the adults went to the den.
"So, what's the plan for this afternoon?" Kurt asked once they were back in Sebastian's room.
"Well, I think we're just going to hang around the house for the afternoon," Thad said.
"Okay."
Sam said, "How about some music. I brought my guitar. It's in my car."
"Ooh, that sounds fun," Kurt said. "Go get it."
Sam and Sebastian went downstairs.
Kurt pushed Thad back gently and he laid back on his own. Kurt kissed him, which he gladly returned. They kissed for a few minutes. "I love you." He let Thad sit up before they came back.
"I love you too." Thad got up and grabbed his guitar and sat back on the bed next to Kurt who had slid to the middle and was leaning against the headboard. Thad tuned his guitar and was playing for Kurt when the other two came back.
Sam and Sebastian sat down on the other end of the bed and Sam tuned his guitar as well.
"How about 'I Get Around'? I think we could do it. Thad takes the lowest part, then Sam, then Bas, and I take the high part, of course."
"Let's listen to it once," Thad said. Kurt pulled it up on his phone and they listened. The second time through they tried to sing along.
They worked on it for about 30 minutes and they finally seemed to have it down. Thad used his phone to record them when they went through it one last time.
Sebastian's phone pinged with a text. "Dad wants us to come down to the den."
"Oh, okay." Kurt said. He let Thad get up and then he did.
"Go ahead. I'm right behind you." He put his hands on Kurt's waist. Sam and Sebastian followed them. They made it down the hall and turned and suddenly Kurt heard "Surprise!" from about 20 people including the three behind him.
Kurt was certainly surprised.
"Happy Birthday to you!" rang out in full harmony, including a beatboxer.
Kurt had a huge smile on his face.
"Come on out back. Everything is set up," Jeff said.
"You three tricked me into singing for an hour making it so noisy upstairs so that I didn't hear nearly 20 people setting up a party." He turned to look at Thad, Sebastian, and Sam.
"Guilty as charged," Sam said. "But it was for a good cause."
"Well, let's go party then," Kurt said.
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The Warblers all arrived ready to swim. Thad, Kurt, Sam, and Sebastian went back upstairs and changed into swim trunks and went back out to the backyard.
Burt, Art, and Donovan manned the grill. Ellen, Carole, and Solange arranged picnic foods that they had obviously gone out and gotten at some point in time without Kurt noticing. There were bags of chips, cookies, baked beans, potato salad, pasta salad, and a few fruit trays and raw vegetable trays with dip. They had already put out a selection of drinks.
It didn't take long for people to notice their tattoos and make comments.
Once the food on the grill was ready, the guys got out of the pool and started filling plates full of food and eating.
Kurt and Sebastian helped Thad out of the pool. Once Thad's brace was on, he stood up. Kurt wrapped his arms around him from behind. "I love you so much. Thank you." He kissed him on the back of the neck, then moved to stand beside him and took his hand. They walked over to the table full of food and filled plates as well.
Kurt leaned over and whispered, "What do you think of telling them now that school is over?"
Thad answered, "I don't think any of them would go run off and get married just because we did. They're our friends, so I'm sure they'd be happy for us. We can tell them if you want to. I'm fine with it."
Kurt stood up. Everyone quieted down. "I just wanted to thank all of you for the surprise party. You all did a great job of keeping it a secret. I had no idea."
Everyone nodded.
"We have something for you," Trent said. He went over to a bag sitting on the side of the patio far from the pool. He came back and handed Kurt an envelope.
Kurt opened it. There was a card in it with a poem about friendship. All of the Warblers had signed it. It also had a $300 Ikea gift card in it.
"Thank you." He was smiling, trying not to cry at the same time. In all honestly, this was the first real birthday party he had had since he was a young child. "That was really kind of all of you. You didn't have to get me anything. Just coming today means so much. More than you know, actually."
"Well, we were all happy to come," Nick said.
Kurt smiled and looked around. An overwhelming feeling happiness came over him when he realized that no matter how horrible parts of his senior year had been, here were 15 people who cared enough about him to show up to celebrate his birthday just because they were invited and wanted to come.
"Thad and I actually have something we want to tell all of you."
Thad stood up, locked his brace, and wrapped his hand around Kurt's waist. Kurt did the same to him.
"We're married," Kurt said.
"What?" Nick and Jeff said excitedly.
Lots of "Congratulations!" were heard. Several of the guys moved to them and hugged them or shook hands with them.
"When?"
"Where?"
Thad answered. "Over spring break in New York, since it's not legal here."
"Also, just a small disclaimer. Just because we did this doesn't mean that we're recommending it for everyone. It was a personal decision that we made just for ourselves," Kurt added.
"Most of the guys would never consider it," Trent said. "A lot of the guys at Dalton have very strict rules - either written or unwritten family rules. A lot of us would lose our trust funds for marrying a guy or for getting married before we graduate from college. So, I don't think you have to worry about starting a teen marriage trend."
"Well, that's good, I guess. I don't have a trust fund to worry about and Thad's parents eloped right out of high school, so he didn't have to worry about breaking any family rules."
"So your parents weren't upset?" Richard asked.
"Nope," Thad answered.
"My dad was surprised, but eventually came around." Kurt said. "He has had a bit of a problem accepting that I'm not a kid anymore, but he's doing better."
"Most of our parents won't deem us to be adults until we pass the bar exam or finish our residencies or get Master's degrees or PhDs." Luke added.
"Wow. I never thought about it like that," Kurt said.
"So, you definitely won't be causing a mass exodus to a courthouse in New York," Flint said.
"You don't have to worry about us telling our parents though," David said. "We don't want any of the rules at school to be changed."
"I see. Well, thanks for being supportive - all of you."
"We aren't our parents," Flint said. "A lot of them believe in equality as a concept that gets applied in unequal ways. Just like Trent said. A lot of them will say that they are for marriage equality, but they would never actually vote for it, nor would they allow us to remain in good family standing if we married men. But as we get old enough to vote, we will support it and we won't disown our own kids."
"And we'll openly support our friends, even now." Richard said.
"Thank you," Kurt said. "I've thought about some of those things - about how hard it would be to have parents who weren't accepting to the point of actively rejecting their kids. It means a lot to me that all of you openly support us."
"A lot of the gay guys at schools like ours realize that playing the game is the best way to make changes. Some of them 'date' girls who are also playing the game - girls who want to grow up and have real careers or who may be gay too. But they can affect change more quickly if they play by the rules - go to college, collect their trust funds, take their jobs in positions of power, and THEN make changes."
"They're making a personal sacrifice either way," Kurt said. "If any of you are doing this, I want to thank you. Really - thank you. And if any of you end up found out and disowned, I'll do anything in my power to help you. I don't have money or influence, but I care. My dad's working to make changes as well."
"You're dad rocks." someone said.
"And you're completely wrong about not having any influence." Trent said. "Those of us who had never seen a same sex couple in love have seen the two of you stick together through some really awful things. We've never seen you treat each other disrespectfully or play mind games with each other. We've seen you be more decent to each other than most of the married people we're related to."
Nick added, "Plus, how many people will be influenced by your dad's 'aw shucks, I'm a regular guy like you and gay people are cool' attitude. Given the general idea we have about where you come from, it's not likely that he grew up believing that. My bet is that he believes that now because of you. He changed because of you and he has the charisma to affect change in a lot of other people who grew up with the mentality that he did. 'Local mechanic champions gay rights', goes a long way in making changes in people's minds. It makes them think."
Just then Burt came outside and walked over to the tables. "That prep school you all go to find the cure to bottomless pits? You all don't eat like the teen boys I know," he teased.
"Actually, we were talking about what a great job we all think you're doing," Flint said honestly.
"The cure for bottomless pits AND an interest in politics? What's in the water at that school?" he laughed.
"Don't worry. They didn't cure us of being bottomless pits. That's what half of the cost of attending covers, I'm sure. They let us eat as much as we want," Jeff said.
"Well, that explains the high cost," Burt laughed.
"Everyone is all serious because we were talking about how a lot of the students at Dalton have very strict family behavior codes."
"I see. I'm thinking this has to do with...?"
"Yes, we told them."
"I take it that some of your parents would have disowned you for such an action."
Most of them nodded.
"A lot of the guys in this group, and the school in general, had a 25-year life plan created for them the day their fathers found out that they would be born male," Flint said.
"I see," Burt said.
"Especially if they are the first male in their family," Nick added.
"Getting to be in this group was the only thing that many of us got to choose for ourselves," Richard said. "The Warblers are a time-honored tradition at the school and getting selected is laudable. It's as good as getting on the debate or fencing team. Even though I doubt that anyone in this group would be allowed to continue to study music UNLESS the person is pretty much a prodigy on some instrument, like piano or violin that could get them into Julliard, and then into the New York or London Philharmonic."
"So that speech that Thad got up and gave was like throwing pies in your parents faces?" Burt asked.
"Pretty much," David said.
"Follow your heart, do what you love, love what you do, be yourself... those are not things we grew up being told," Flint said. "To have Thad stand up in front of everyone and say that he was studying music and that he and Kurt were staying together wasn't really the kind of speech that crowd is used to hearing."
"Duty and honor are usually the key elements of a graduation speech." Jeff said.
"Well, then, you gave an even better speech than I thought you did and I liked it before," Burt said to Thad.
"Thank you," Thad said.
"You're welcome. Now you boys better get up there and eat the rest of that food," he teased.
"Yes, sir." he heard from several of the guys. They hopped up and went back over to the food table.
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Everyone went back to swimming for a while after they had finished eating. Eventually, some of them had to leave. They dried off, put t-shirts on and asked the seniors to sit down before anyone left. The rest of the group got in formation with Trent at the front. They sang Rascal Flatts' "My Wish" for the seniors.
As soon as they finished, Kurt was on his feet and moved to Trent and hugged him. "You're going to be a great lead. I know that giving up your council position was hard, but you're going to be great!"
"Thanks, Kurt."
"You all sounded great. Thank you," Nick said.
There were lots of hugs and promises of keeping in touch. A half hour later, it was just the four guys left.
Sebastian and Sam headed inside.
Kurt and Thad started cleaning up the food table. Kurt went inside in search of some rubber bands or something to close up the chip bags with. The food that could spoil had already been taken in and put in the refrigerator. Kurt returned with rubber bands. "You'll never guess who's inside."
"Who?"
"Sam's parents are here. They're in the den talking with all of the other parents. That's where Bas and Sam went."
Once they had carried everything inside, they headed upstairs and showered and spent a good bit of time in the shower kissing. They redressed and headed back downstairs since Sebastian hadn't come upstairs.
What they found surprised them. Sebastian and Sam were sitting next to each other holding hands in the den with the parents. When Burt saw the two of them, he motioned for them to come down the hall.
"Hey, Kurt," Dwight said.
"Hi."
"Happy birthday!" Mary said.
"Thanks."
Kurt and Thad sat down in an oversized chair together.
Carole and Solange stood up. "I'll be back as soon as I can. I'm taking Solange to the airport."
Sebastian let go of Sam's hand and followed his mom out of the room and gave her a hug before she and Carole left. He went back to his spot on the couch and took Sam's hand again when he sat down.
"None of us will say anything about Sam to anyone, Dwight," Burt said.
"I appreciate that. I'm not sure if we'll ever be ready for other people to know. Unless I find a job somewhere more tolerant, I'm afraid Sam will be in the closet for a long time. Stacey's only 7. She's got another 11 years of school. Hopefully things won't stay like the are now for the next 11 years, but I don't want her harassed or Stevie either."
Sam spoke up. "Dad, I understand. That's why I debated for so long and why I had never said anything. I'm graduating and I can move on and move away and what I do will no longer be of any interest to anyone. I just couldn't live my life lying to you and Mom."
"And you know that we value honestly, Sam," Mary said. "I'm glad you told us rather than hide it and lie to us."
"It will take time to readjust how we see things. It's easy enough to hear the other six of you tell us that you love your sons and them being gay doesn't change that. It's easy enough to listen to people say that you didn't choose this, Sam. But it will take time for us to come to terms with such a huge shift in what we have been taught to believe is true and what a few people are telling us. We will come to terms with it, but we will be caught in the middle until your grandparents are gone and the rest of Lima gets with it as well."
"I know, Dad. But you're not angry with me are you? Or disappointed?"
"No, Son. I could never ask you to marry someone you don't love. I could never do that to you. We'll be fine."
"Thanks," Sam said.
"Sweetie, we have to get going back to Lima." Mary said. "Quinn was sweet enough to agree to watch the kids this afternoon. We can't keep her late. We told her we were going to Kurt's birthday party with Sam. She has exams this week too."
Mary and Dwight stood to leave.
"I'm glad you came over today," Art said as he stood. "I'm glad you got a chance to meet Solange and that we got to meet as well." He walked with them. Burt stood as well and walked with the three of them to the door.