Chapter 37

Blaine was standing on the balcony of Kurt's penthouse, one foot resting on the decorative iron rail surrounding the edge, looking out over New York City. He was waiting on a still-dressing Kurt. Even though Kurt lived in a fairly quiet neighborhood, Blaine still observed the hustle and bustle of big city life as cars were honking, taxis were zooming by, people were walking dogs, and just the general sounds of a city. It was certainly a huge change from the serenity of his secluded home. Not that he minded it. He actually loved the constant activity and was inspired by the energy of the city. Blaine loved people, it's why he became a doctor, and New York City was certainly full of people. Plus, Blaine loved the arts and New York was the greatest place on earth to experience music, theater, and art. On top of all of that, New York City was a sports town, rich with storied franchises. Yes, Blaine had no problem at all with New York and that's why he wanted Kurt to keep the penthouse. He wanted them to spend time here. He knew that Kurt needed the city, even if only in small doses. His husband had worked hard to get away from Lima once he had graduated from high school. Kurt had made his way to the city with one purpose and that was to be the best he could be. And Kurt Hummel knew exactly who he could be.

Blaine sipped his drink, his usual Shevkoff and soda with lemon and lime, while closing his eyes and taking in the sounds and smells of the city in spring. Kurt's gardener had filled the large ceramic flower pots, decorating Kurt's balcony with a variety of flowers, bushes and lush greenery. The sweet fragrances filled his senses with thoughts of Kurt. With all of the lotions, soaps, shampoo and conditioner, and cologne that Kurt indulged in, he maintained a light, sweet scent that Blaine now craved. He never thought he would find a sweet-smelling man to be so attractive, but Kurt took the olfactory aura to a new level as he included just a hint of masculinity in his chosen scents for balance.

"Blaine?" Kurt called from inside the apartment, searching for his husband.

"Out here, love." Blaine turned to see if Kurt was close and made a move to the open French door in case he needed to go find Kurt. He only needed to take two steps when he saw Kurt step out onto the porch. He was stunned as his gaze raked over the form of his husband. Kurt had again outdone himself in putting together a personalized KH original tuxedo, using crushed navy blue velvet and black satin trousers and waistcoat. The scarf used as an ascot was a watercolor in hues of blues that caused Kurt's eyes to appear to be aqua pools of liquid desire.

"You are just breathtaking," Blaine murmured reverently to the man standing in front of him. Kurt's mouth turned up into a wide smile as he stopped and turned for Blaine to get the full effect. He paused when his back was facing Blaine and performed the wiggle dance that he knew Blaine loved because it showed off his well-rounded ass.

"I think I'm underdressed compared to you," the doctor uttered, fidgeting with the loose gold material hanging around his neck, waiting to be tied into a proper bowtie.

"Blaine, you are gorgeous. Please. I'm the fashion expert here and I'm telling you that I will have trouble keeping men away from you tonight. That tux fits you perfectly and the gold bowtie highlights the golden specks in your eyes." Kurt reached to tie Blaine's bowtie. He knew that Blaine liked it when he did this. It was a moment where they had to face each other and an opportunity to share an intimate moment while Kurt did this for Blaine. As he adjusted the finished product, he stepped back to take in Blaine's full appearance. "In fact, you may look too good. Maybe I want to keep you here tonight," Kurt remarked thoughtfully, eying Blaine from his dark curly head of hair to his slim waist and slightly bulging crotch. "Are those pants too tight? I think they show too much. I want my friends to be jealous, not salivating."

"No way that's happening, my love, And I am not keeping you from this party, Kurt," Blaine grinned and leaned forward to gently kiss the famous designer.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Kurt asked. "There will be a lot of industry people there that you don't know. I'm not sure how much time I'll be able to spend with you. Michael says…"

"Kurt," Blaine interrupted him. "I want to go. I love having you on my arm, showing you off. I'll find people to talk to if you get tied up. This is important for your design house. Plus, I know some folks from your offices and I'm really looking forward to officially meeting Lisbeth."

"That's true. And I can't wait for you to meet her! I told you…you will love her!"

"I'm sure I will. Now, are you ready, beautiful?" Blaine offered his arm to escort his lover. "Because I want to show off my husband to this grand city!"

"Mmmmmmm. Such a gentleman." Kurt replied demurely, but with a smile.

"Andrew should be here, so let's go. Grab our things and I'll lock up."

XXX

The cocktail party, held in honor of Kurt's return to the city after being away for over a month, was in full swing when the married couple entered the three-storied private reception room at the Plaza Hotel. Music was blaring, lights were flashing and small crowds of very well-dressed people were scattered around the rooms and on the staircases. They had barely stepped into the room when Kurt's name was called from several directions and he found himself dragged away from Blaine to be touched and hugged and even kissed by some who claimed acquaintance with the famous designer. Blaine watched, smiling fondly as his husband was swept away in a sea of fashion-forward humanity. Left alone, he scanned the room, looking for the bar that he knew would be close. Zeroing in on his destination, he made his way there, stepping around conversational groups engaged in animated banter about the latest gossip. Passing by one group, he heard someone mention Kurt's name so he paused to see if he could catch the gist of the comments.

"I don't know why he left the city. Kurt Hummel was born to live here."

"I heard he got married."

"Yeah, I heard that, too. And he lives with his husband in Ohio, of all places."

"I can't believe that Kurt Hummel would give up his career for anyone!"

"No, he didn't leave his business. He works from Ohio."

"How can anyone get fashion inspiration from Ohio."

At that point, a tall brunette man in his early 40s noticed Blaine and turned to include him in their conversation. "Hello, I'm Kent. You know Kurt Hummel?"

Blaine nodded and put out his hand to shake Kent's. "I'm Blaine. And, yes, I know Kurt."

The conversation continued loudly around them, so both men listened.

"You forget that's where he's originally from."

"Yes, but he moved to New York and opened his own houses in Europe."

"Well, this is a secret, but I've seen some of his sketches that he's produced since he got married and I have to tell you, they're brilliant!" That made Blaine smile.

"Really?! I'll have to see them to judge."

"I promise you, that man is getting his inspiration from something…or someone!"

Several people were talking at once, all suggesting reasons for Kurt's marriage, move and designs. Blaine just smiled and nodded, not wanting to give away too much.

"Well, if I were Kurt, I wouldn't want to be holed up in some Midwestern town, playing house husband. He needs to be here." Blaine scowled at that remark.

"But I heard he married a really hot guy!" Now Blaine was grinning.

"Speaking of hot guys, who are you?" One lady addressed Blaine as she just noticed him in their group. The others stopped talking to listen as Blaine introduced himself. More than one was eyeing Blaine like he was sex-on-a-stick, men and women both.

"Thanks, I think," Blaine laughed. "I'm Blaine." He looked at each person surrounding him and nodding in greeting. Several returned a flirty glance, gauging Blaine's response. As usual, Blaine was oblivious to the attention he was garnering

One attractive man asked, "Do you know Kurt?"

"Oh, yes, I know…" Blaine was cut off as the group started up again in speculating about Kurt's choices.

After a few more jumbled comments, Blaine felt the man, Kent, press closer and saw him mouth "You wanna get a drink?"

"Just where I was headed," Blaine responded and the two men turned away to find the bar.

Once served, both men stood with their backs to the bar and watched the beautiful people move about the room. Blaine found Kurt talking with a tall blond woman who occasionally kissed Kurt's cheek as she was apparently making a point. Blaine grinned to himself as he could see Kurt's slight shudder at each physical touch. He looked away to see Kent also watching Kurt with something more than casual interest.

"You know Kurt?" Blaine prodded, now curious.

"Yeah, we dated." Kent replied, eyes glued to Kurt's form as the designer worked the room.

"You dated Kurt?" Blaine almost spit out the drink he had just taken. Of all people at this party, the first person he talked to had dated his husband. His mind raced with thoughts that there must be others in attendance that knew Kurt as more than just a business associate.

"Kurt and I dated for a few months after he moved here. He was new to the city and just getting his office established. I was his real estate agent and helped him find his office space and his penthouse."

"Hmmmmm," Blaine was careful to not ask what he wanted to. He really wanted to know how close these two had been at that time. "What happened?"

"His son was sick. You know he had a son?"

"Yes, I know. Rene."

"Rene. Yes, a great kid. I met him a couple of times."

"The guy met Rene," Blaine was thinking to himself. "He and Kurt must have been close."

"Anyway," Kent persisted, regaining Blaine's attention. "We were spending a lot of time together, but Rene was so sick that Kurt finally decided he couldn't commit to our relationship. So, it slowly ended. There was no real break up. We just stopped seeing each other because Kurt was at the doctor's or hospital so much. We're still friends." Kent reflected a brief moment before pressing on. "I heard that his son passed away and I was hoping to start up with him again, but then I heard he got married suddenly. I'm not sure about that. Maybe it was a rebound or something. From his son dying. I really wanted to talk to him tonight."

"I'm not sure this is something we should be talking about," Blaine politely tried to steer the conversation away from an uncomfortable discussion. "I need to let you know…"

Too late. "I have to tell you," Kent smirked before Blaine could finish and introduce himself properly, "he was the best I ever had. We christened both his office and his apartment before there was ever any furniture. Kurt is a living doll. The delicious noises he makes. Why, he's a gentleman's plaything!"

Blaine's jealously that was slowly building finally overtook his good sense. This guy knew Kurt. He'd had Kurt. He had the bad sense to talk to a stranger about it. He rounded on the tall brunette, ready to unleash when the man had the audacity to take his inappropriateness to another level.

"Oh, babe, don't be jealous," Kent offered as he noted Blaine's red face and stiff posture. "Kurt may be a doll, but I have to say that you, my dear, are divine. A bronzed god. I would gladly take you to my bed tonight."

As he winked at Blaine, he felt a blow to his eye socket that would keep that wink permanent closed. He yelped as he brought his hands to his face and doubled over with the pain of the right jab. He tried to shake it off and saw stars as he opened his good eye. "What the… Who ARE you?!"

"Blaine Hummel-Anderson. Kurt's husband." Blaine marched off to find Kurt.