A/N: This is it - the final chapter of Glad You Came. Although this is the story we originally wanted to tell, our universe kept expanding while we wrote, and at some point we realised we had so much material it warranted a sequel. (and a prequel, and a spin-off...?!) We are not ready to say goodbye to Kurt and Bas and their lovely new group of friends, who have become so real to us it's hard to remember they weren't in draft #1. Your feedback and lovely comments about them helped a lot (because introducing OCs is scary!). We hope to see you there!
"Bas...Bas...Sebastian. Do you want breakfast?" Kurt stroked his boyfriend's forehead with the back of his hand as he tried to wake his sleeping form. He had let Sebastian sleep in while he showered and got dressed, but now he really wanted to go downstairs. Kurt was famished. He sat down on the bed and kissed Sebastian's naked shoulder.
Sebastian heard Kurt's voice as if from far away and let it pull him from sleep. He blinked awake and looked sleepily at Kurt.
He wasn't kidding when he said I tired him out, Kurt mused, smiling down at him.
"Shall I go down on my own?" he asked quietly.
"Hmm?" Sebastian asked rubbing a hand over his eyes.
Kurt caressed Sebastian's hair. It was sticking out a little wildly and made him even more appealing. Kurt smiled fondly as he remembered why it looked so messy today.
"I asked if you wanted to come down for breakfast. But it's okay, you can go back to sleep." He winked at Sebastian, who was clearly still grappling to catch up. He leaned over and kissed his boyfriend's forehead.
He rose and smoothed down his jeans. Time to face the music - and possibly two embarrassed parents. Kurt closed his bedroom door behind him and went down the stairs. He put on a pleasant smile and walked in to the kitchen.
Carole sat at the kitchen table reading a magazine and glanced up at him as he approached.
"Morning," he said smiling at her.
"Good morning sweetheart," she said setting the magazine down. "There is a fresh pot of coffee if you want some."
Kurt nodded and went to the cupboard to get himself a mug. He looked around.
"Where's my dad?" he asked, returning to the kitchen table.
Carole smiled. "He was up early, and went to the bakery. He said he wanted to see if they had croissants." She beamed at Kurt. "That was his own idea."
Kurt's jaw fell open. "Really? That's...so sweet of him," he said, touched by the gesture.
"He still feels really bad about Friday, you know," Carole said softly.
Kurt bit his lip. "I know." He poured himself a cup of coffee from the pot on the table. He wrapped his hands around it and took a sip, letting the warm caffeine flow through his veins and wake him up. They'd already said everything there was to say about that. Still, if his dad wanted to buy croissants as a peace-offering, he was not going to say no.
"There's this bakery down the street from NYU that does great croissants," he said conversationally. "We sometimes get them for our friends when we...hang out. Sebastian said the taste is all in the kind of butter they use."
Carole smiled. "I hope Lima can keep up. I told Burt to go to the one by the bus station. I like their pastries a lot. Of course, I've never had a real French croissant..."
"I'm sure Bas will love them, thank you," Kurt assured her.
"We have strawberry jam in the pantry, which I th-"
"Ah, umm...sorry...Bas is allergic to strawberries." Kurt said apologetically.
"Oh the poor dear," Carole said getting up. "I think we have some marmalade as well."
Kurt smiled at her. "That'll be great, thank you."
Carole nodded and headed into the pantry.
Kurt looked after her and took another sip of his coffee. It was weird. He had expected to find his parents annoyed or uncomfortable in the wake of his and Sebastian's nightly activities. The reality, whilst refreshing, was a little unnerving.
"Here we are!" Carole said returning to the room and holding up a jar of marmalade. Kurt smiled at her.
"Um...Carole, I'm sorry if...we were a bit loud last night," he said, his cheeks tingling red.
"Oh hon, it's fine, we were all young and in love once…" she smiled at him. "I'm so happy you've found each other Kurt, he really is lov-"
Just then, the sound of the front door opening and closing rang through the house, followed by a happy whistling sound. Carole sighed and threw Kurt an apologetic look. Kurt frowned at her sudden change in mood, but he didn't have to wait long to find out what it was about.
"There he is!" Burt greeted happily, brandishing a brown paper bag. "Good morning, son."
"Um...morning, dad…" Kurt said a little stunned. This was not what he had been expecting at all.
"Burt, why don't you put the breakfast on the table? We can wait until Sebastian comes down to eat," Carole said.
"Oh no," Kurt said shaking his head. "We really don't have to. He might not be up for a while."
Burt snorted and Carole shot him a look.
Kurt frowned. "He works so hard during the week with school and shifts at the club, Sunday is our lie-in day. I'm only up because I was hungry," he explained.
"Yeah, I bet you are," Burt said smugly.
"Burt!"
Kurt looked between was glaring at his dad in a silent warning. Burt was currently beaming at his son with...pride.
Suddenly, it dawned on Kurt why, and immediately he felt irritated on his boyfriend's behalf. He decided to get his dad to admit it out loud so he'd see how ridiculous it was.
"I'm sorry if we were loud last night…" he prompted.
Burt snorted again. "Loud...Jesus, Kurt, that's a mild way to put it. I thought someone had broken in. What the hell did you do to him?" He winked.
Kurt felt his stomach drop, his suspicions confirmed.
"Oh my god, what didn't I do to him?" he sighed, mock-exhaustedly, putting his coffee down and stretching his back leisurely. Then he let his face grow serious and he sat up. "The question is, why are you so damn pleased about it?" He crossed his arms over his chest.
"Now, come on, Kurt," Burt backpaddled, "if your boyfriend is gonna be that loud while other people are in the house, you have to consider-"
"And if it had been me that was loud?" Kurt cut him off. "Would you have been standing here beaming at Sebastian, patting him on the back for a job well done? Or is our sexlife only cause for celebration when your son is the man in the bedroom?"
Burt shut his mouth at once, feeling as though Kurt had slapped him. Shame washed over him as the realisation of Kurt's words hit him. He remembered how he had been ready to barge into the room when he had thought it was Kurt. It was a sobering thought. After all these years, he thought he'd become pretty understanding of 'the gay thing'. But here, again, was proof that actually Burt Hummel had no freakin' idea.
"I'm sorry, Kurt," he mumbled, embarrassed. "I didn't mean - I know you're both - You are both men. I know that." He shrugged awkwardly. "I guess...hearing what Blaine did to you, maybe I was just happy that Sebastian was different. Less…" He shook his head, unsure how to say it without making things worse. "Not less. I just mean, he can't park….He cooks, he sits in your lap and he sings songs about being a woman-"
"Sebastian identifies as a man, dad," Kurt said tersely. "And so do I. Even if we might do or say things that seem girly to you. I thought you knew that by now."
"I thought I did," Burt confessed. "But I guess I let my prejudices get the better of me."
Kurt nodded. There was no enjoyment to be found in finding out he'd been right.
"I'm sorry you had to hear us," he offered. It was the best he could do. "But I'm not sorry for living my life the way I do. The way you raised me; as a responsible adult with a loving, long-term partner," he glanced at Carole with a small smile before driving the lesson home, "who, incidentally, just as frequently makes me beg and scream for more. And I will not apologise for enjoying that, even if it makes you uncomfortable."
Burt bit his lip and nodded dolefully. He sat down in a chair and took his cap off. "I know. And you shouldn't have to, either. I am the one who should apologise. I know I still have a lot to learn, but it's not your job to be my teacher. You should just be you."
He paused and offered his son a smile.
"I'm happy you've found someone who loves you the way you deserve."
"Thank you," Kurt said, acknowledging his father's effort. He already felt a little sorry for baiting him, but at the same time, this little follow-up of their sex talk had been long overdue.
Twenty minutes later Sebastian walked into the kitchen fully dressed.
"Morning," he greeted the family as he walked over to the table. He touched Kurt's shoulder as he passed and sat down next to him.
"Sorry I slept in."
"Not at all, darling," Carole said cheerfully. "That's what weekends are for. Kurt already told us you usually have early classes."
Kurt had his mouth full, but took Sebastian's hand and squeezed it softly. He knew his dad wouldn't be inappropriate anymore now, so Sebastian could have breakfast in peace.
As if he had read Kurt's mind, Burt kept his words to a very simple "Good morning, Sebastian."
Sebastian smiled at him. Carole poured him some coffee.
"Thanks," Sebastian said.
"Not at all dear," Carole said fondly. "Help yourself to food, there's plenty of it."
"Thank you." He looked over the table. "Oohhh Croissants!" he exclaimed excitedly, reaching for one, holding it up to breathe in the scent before biting into it with relish.
Kurt watched him, smiling brightly at the simple pleasure his boyfriend found in good food.
"Burt picked them up from the bakery this morning." Carole said fondly. "They're probably not half as good as the ones in Paris...or even New York but-"
Sebastian shook his head and stopped her. He finished chewing and swallowed. "They're great, thank you so much. You didn't have to go to the trouble."
"It's no trouble at all, son," Burt said, shaking his head. He still felt ashamed for his earlier thoughts. Sebastian smiled at him and reached for the marmalade.
"Do you have any plans for today?" Carole asked conversationally.
Kurt wiped his lips on a napkin and put it down. "Not really, I think?"
The morning was almost over, but they had the rest of the day to relax before packing their things for their drive back the next day.
"We could go to the mall," Kurt suggested. "Summer clearance sales should still be on…? It's about the only thing there is to do in this town."
"Hey now," Burt objected, "Lima is not that bad! There's...we have...well, there's plenty to do, right Carole?"
"Summer sales do sound tempting," Carole said with a smile. "I could use a few new things, and Kurt knows my colours."
Kurt beamed.
"I don't think I ever actually went to the mall here," Sebastian mused.
"You didn't miss much," Kurt said. "But rummaging through the sales is always fun."
"If you say so, babe."
"You're not much of a shopper?" Burt asked, trying hard to keep his tone neutral.
Sebastian shrugged. "I don't mind it. The girls usually drag me along because I'll tell them my honest opinion on something, but now that we have Kurt for that, I tend to just hold the bags."
"But you look pretty doing it." Kurt grinned at him, stroking his hair back. Sebastian smirked.
Burt shook his head a little. He still didn't fully understand the two of them, but maybe he didn't have to.
"...so this guy, on his seventh tequila, is convinced that he knows Sebastian from TV, and he keeps asking him, does he know Bruce Willis? Is he friends with Will Smith? What's Scarlett Johansson like off-set?
And Sebastian's stories get more and more ridiculous; he's telling this guy that he used to be on American Idol and that Nicole Kidman's his aunt-" Kurt tells Carole and Burt, almost unable to get the words out from laughing.
"And he's like, yeah, yeah I can see the resemblance..." Sebastian adds, chuckling and squeezing Kurt's hand. There was a myriad of hilarious drunk-guy stories from the bar to fill any conversation, and some of them were even family-friendly.
Carole shook her head. "Well, he does look like a moviestar," she said to Kurt, loud enough for Sebastian to hear.
Kurt beamed. They were walking through the mall hand in hand, the both of them framed by Carole and Burt.
"I hope that most of them can handle their drink when they come to the bar," Burt commented. He'd been smiling throughout their stories, but Kurt could tell the cogs in his mind were turning.
"They do, dad. And we have bouncers and security, and a panic button under the bar. It's perfectly safe," Kurt assured him.
"Blaine got far enough," Burt mumbled.
"And he's blacklisted now," Kurt said decisively. "We handled it."
They reached a large department store. This was were they'd split up; Kurt and Carole wanted to check out the summer clearance, and Sebastian had agreed to join Burt on his hunt for a new fishing rod. Kurt hoped it gave the two of them some more time to talk. They'd all meet again at the store, figuring Kurt and Carole would need more time than the others would.
"Try not to buy the whole shop babe," Sebastian said fondly, laying a brief kiss on Kurt's lips. "My car isn't big enough."
"Ha ha," Kurt said dryly but smirked. "Don't let my dad stop for food. No matter what he says, he can wait for lunch."
"Sure thing babe."
He backed away from his boyfriend with a wink and joined Burt. The two of them watched as Kurt and Carole entered the shop before turning about and headed in the direction of elevator.
Kurt found a few things to try on almost immediately, and nipped into a booth while Carole rummaged through the clearance baskets just outside the changing rooms.
He came out to show her a few of the items, often just in time to stop her from picking up a hideous fashion disaster. ("Honestly Carole, have I taught you nothing?")
When he came back to show her a deep red henley that left his collar bones exposed (which he couldn't wait to show Sebastian - it was like a written invitation that said 'hickeys here'), he saw her walk brisky to a corner of the shop. Figuring she might have seen something interesting, he made to follow her, only to press himself into a rack of summer dresses when he saw where she was going.
"Are you following us around?" Carole demanded angrily.
"What? Me? I'm just,- I, eh...I'm shopping!" Blaine exclaimed. He looked nervous and pale, and Kurt could tell his nose was healing slightly crooked.
"At the children's section?" Carole bit back. She leered menacingly and looked him over. "Well, it fits."
Blaine looked at Carole, feeling stung. He'd never heard her speak with that tone of voice before.
It made him uneasy...How much did she know?
He plastered a charming smile on his face and greeted her, smoothing over his previous fumble.
"Actually, I was looking for something for my cousin's son. I lost a bet with him yesterday about who could eat the most jelly beans in a minute and...well, he won." There, that sounded plausible. "I was thinking a bowtie, wouldn't that be cute? Then I saw you with K-Kurt and thought I'd come and say hi."
Carole stared at him. Had he always been this full of shit? How had she never seen it before?
"Well," she said, trying not to lose her temper. "I don't think it's a good idea for you to 'say hi', Blaine. Kurt doesn't want to see you, and after what he has told me about you, I sure as hell don't want you anywhere near my family." Her last words came out as a growl. So much for not losing her temper.
"Well," Blaine said amiably, "sometimes Kurt says no, but actually-"
Carole's eyes flashed dangerously. "No means no, Blaine. Under every circumstance," she reminded him. "Though I have been told you already had a hard time understanding that in high school."
Blaine's eyes narrowed. "What are you talking about?"
"I think you know," Carole replied grimly.
In his hideout, Kurt bit his lip and swallowed, feeling slightly sick.
"Look, I don't know what kind of lies Kurt has been telling you about me, but he's just trying to vilify me to justify his new relationship!" Blaine protested. "Deep down he knows how messed up it is. Kurt hated Sebastian when we were in school!"
Kurt paled. Please don't tell her, he wished fervently.
"You're a fine one to speak about lying, Blaine Anderson," Carole snapped. The things you told Burt about Sebastian! He nearly threw that poor boy out of our house!"
"He did?" Blaine asked eagerly.
"I said he almost did," Carole said, catching Blaine's eagerness. "Thankfully he held off long enough for Sebastian to explain."
"But Carole, you can't believe anything that comes out of that guy's mouth!" Blaine said desperately. "He's been manipulating Kurt and poisoning him against me. He's using him, making Kurt sell his body to make money...he's turned him into a sl-"
"Do not finish that sentence!" Carole said, stepping towards Blaine dangerously. "I will not stand here listening to any more of your lies. And you can call me Mrs. Hummel."
"But Ca- Mrs. H! He broke my nose!" Blaine whined.
"From what I hear, you're lucky that's all he did."
"I can't believe you're taking his word over mine! You don't even know him! You've know me for years!"
"No Blaine, I don't think I ever knew you at all," Carole replied coldly. "I've only known Sebastian for a couple of days and in that short space of time he's proven that he's twice the man you will ever be."
Blaine shook his head. Things were slipping beyond his control and he wasn't sure how to deal with it. "I love Kurt," he offered weakly. "We're soulmates."
"If you loved Kurt, you wouldn't have cheated on him. And I don't care what you have to say about Sebastian anymore. I can see with my own eyes that he loves Kurt, and that Kurt loves him."
"He's just confused. We're going to get married, whether you like it or-" Blaine started, but the look in Carole's eyes stopped him.
"You will never come near my son ever again, do you hear me?" Carole said in a low voice, hatred lacing each syllable. "He is happy and loved and you will do nothing to jeopardise that."
Blaine's emotions short-circuited, and he fell back into the only outlet he knew: anger.
"Oh come on, Mrs. Hummel," Blaine said loudly, his eyes flashing. "We all know Kurt isn't actually your son. You're just over-compensating for the fact that you don't have Finn anymore." He pointed at his own chest, then at hers. "I love Kurt and you have no authority over him. You can't stop me. He is mine, whether any of you like it or not!"
Carole didn't need to think twice. She slapped Blaine hard in the face, the impact nearly knocking him off his feet. "Kurt is my son!" she yelled angrily, tears welling in her eyes. "And don't you dare - don't you dare imply otherwise. I swear to god, I will-"
"Shhh, Carole, it's okay," Kurt said quietly, appearing by her side and wrapping her in his arms. He hadn't wanted Blaine to know he was there, but he had gone too far now. As soon as Blaine had spoken, he'd come running - though not fast enough to stop Carole from hitting Blaine. If she hadn't, Kurt was fairly sure he would have done it himself.
Carole covered her face in her hands and started crying against Kurt's chest; frustration, adrenaline and grief finally taking their toll.
Kurt looked at Blaine over her head. His ex was looking shocked. A large angry red blotch was burning on the side of his face. "Kurt..." he let out, at a loss for words.
"I never want to see you again," Kurt said. "If you come anywhere near me or my family, I will get a restraining order against you."
Kurt's phone buzzed. Without taking his eyes off Blaine, Kurt answered. "Bas?...Yes, we're done here," he said, the sound of Sebastian's voice soothing him. "Yeah, we'll be right there. I love you."
He hung up the phone and gave Blaine a hard look. "For the sake of whatever I felt for you in the past, I am giving you ten seconds to get out of here. After that, I am letting my father and my boyfriend know what just happened." He left the rest of the threat open.
Blaine understood, and without saying another word, turned on his heels - and ran.
Sebastian hung up the phone and turned to Burt. "They're just about done."
Burt nodded and threw his empty wrapper in the bin, standing up. "Don't tell Kurt about the pretzel," he said to Sebastian.
"Wouldn't dream of it, Burt," Sebastian said with a grin, and they headed back towards the store.
Burt shoved his hands in his pockets and grinned back at him. Even if he didn't quite understand him, he was beginning to really like this kid.
They rounded the corner and saw Kurt and Carole standing just outside the entrance to the store. Kurt had his arms firmly around his stepmum, who was sobbing into his chest. Kurt had a shell-shocked expression on his face.
Both Sebastian and Burt went into overdrive and hurried forwards.
"What happened?" they both said at the same time.
At the sound of her husband's voice, Carole broke away from Kurt and turned towards Burt's arms.
Sebastian stepped in and took Kurt's face in between his hands, searching it for signs of hurt.
"Baby, what happened?" he said in a softer voice.
Kurt let out a deep breath and shook his head a little, releasing himself from Sebastian's grip. He frowned.
"We ran into Blaine," he said. "Well, Carole did." He paused, and looked at his stepmom. "He wanted to tell her more lies, but she wouldn't have it." He sounded shaky, but awed at the same time. He could count the people who had stood up to Blaine on his account on three fingers. Finn. Sebastian. And Finn's mom. His mom.
"I told him to stay away from Kurt, and he said - he said-" Carole hugged Burt and whispered Blaine's words into his ear.
Kurt quietly repeated them for Sebastian as well.
"HE SAID WHAT?!" Burt roared.
"And then Carole slapped him in the face and he ran," Kurt finished the story quickly, hoping to de-escalate the situation.
"WHERE IS HE? I'LL FUCKING KILL HIM!" Burt roared. Sebastian agreed with Burt's sentiments and spun around viciously, scanning the packed mall for a sign of Blaine.
"Burt, please," Carole said thickly. "He's gone…it's over. I don't think we'll see him again."
"He better not show his face ever again!" Burt said angrily, still looking like he was hoping for a fight. People were starting to stare.
Sebastian could feel his heart racing. That deep burning hatred inside that had almost had the better of him at the club, was rekindled and threatening to consume him. He took Kurt's hand in his and curled their fingers together. "Did he touch either of you?" he asked.
Kurt shook his head.
Sebastian breathed deeply, his eyes scanning the mall furiously for a sign of hair gel and a bowtie.
As Kurt looked down on his and Sebastian's hands, he noticed how tightly Sebastian was holding him. "He's gone, Bas," he assured him. "I'm here. It's okay."
Burt watched over the top of Carole's head as Kurt gently talked Sebastian down. The sight of Sebastian getting so worked up over the threat of someone hurting Kurt - and the way he calmed at Kurt's words and touch, solidified his new found respect for Kurt's boyfriend. He was everything Burt had ever hoped for his son.
Sebastian finally relaxed under Kurt's reassurance and wrapped his arms around Kurt's frame.
Kurt buried his face in Sebastian's chest for a moment, reassuring himself that they really were okay. He then stepped away from Sebastian, squeezed his hand softly and let go, walking over to Carole.
"Carole, I'm so sorry. He had no right to talk to you like that. I know I can never replace Finn, but-"
"Kurt," she interrupted him sharply. "I know you heard what I said to Blaine. You are my son! I loved you before Finn died and I love you now, as you are. For you. You understand?"
"Yes, mom," Kurt replied, blinking away a single teardrop that coursed down his cheek.
Carole wiped it away with tears still in her own eyes and pulled Kurt into a tight hug. He was easily two foot taller than her, but in that moment, he felt like a little boy. Her little boy. She ran her hand through his hair and held him tight.
Eventually they broke apart and Carole smiled at him warmly.
"Now, why don't we go have a Pretzel or something," she suggested.
"Sounds like a plan," Sebastian said, exchanging a small smile with Burt.
Burt nodded innocently.
Sebastian put an arm around Kurt's waist, ignoring the glares this got him from a couple of people around them. After everything that had just happened, those people could shove it.
Kurt put his head on Sebastian's shoulder. He had never called Carole 'mom' before, but maybe it was about time.
"What a weekend," Kurt said softly, his head resting on Sebastian's chest. After returning from the mall, they'd had a quiet dinner and had retired early to watch Netflix in Kurt's room, giving Carole and Burt some privacy. Now, the end credits of a film were rolling over the screen. Kurt had slept through half of it, the short nights and emotions finally taking their toll.
Sebastian smiled down at him and ran his hands through Kurt's hair, "It certainly has been," he said. "A good one though, overall I think."
"Yes," Kurt agreed, closing his eyes to concentrate on Sebastian's touch. "For the first time in...maybe four or five years, I feel I can be completely honest with my father."
Of course, there was the matter of his and Sebastian's shared past, but that no longer pressed on his mind, so he didn't need to tell his dad.
Sebastian kissed the top of Kurt's head. "I'm glad," he said softly. "I can see what you meant about him now. You're lucky to have him."
"Mmm..." Kurt murmured sleepily. "It was me and him against the world for a long time. If he hadn't stood up for me at school, I am not sure I would have made it."
He paused. "And now I have you, too. And you have us."
Sebastian smiled softly. "I'm so glad we got another chance," he whispered. "It was pure coincidence that you walked into Satire that night. Of all the bars you could have gone to in New York City, the one you chose happened to be mine. And I'm so glad you did. It changed my life...I can't imagine my life without you."
Kurt smiled, opening his eyes and shifting a little to look at him. "You don't have to," he said. "I'm not going anywhere."
A thought struck him and he smirked. "And I have a double threat backing me up if you wanna make a run for it. If you thought my dad was scary, you should have seen the way Carole slapped Blaine."
Sebastian let out a chuckle. "I wish I could have." He was sure it had been satisfying.
"But I'm not going anywhere either...I want everything with you, Kurt; I want us to find somewhere to live together, I want us to adopt a puppy or two and settle into our careers. I want marriage and kids, birthdays and Christmases. I want the good days and the bad days and the boring days in between...I want all of them, every single one - with you."
For a moment, Kurt was at a loss for words. Sebastian had told him all of this before, just after his break-up. Back then, he hadn't been ready. But as Kurt took it all in, he realised that making plans for the future no longer scared him...because Sebastian would be there with him, every step of the way.
"Puppies and kids? Bit ambitious, babe," Kurt teased. "And you forgot the matching sweaters." He hugged Sebastian closer. "I want that too," he added in a whisper, his eyes feeling heavy. "I wonder...where we'll live...New York...Paris…?"
Sebastian smiled and kissed the top of Kurt's head again. "Sleep, baby," he whispered. "We have the rest of our lives to make plans."
A smile settled on Kurt's face as sleep curled around him from all sides. "Mmmkay," he whispered before his body went lax and his breathing evened out.
Sebastian closed his eyes and rested his cheek on top of Kurt's head. "I love you," he whispered into the darkness. "And I always will."
The sun goes down. The stars come out.
And all that counts is here and now.
My universe will never be the same,
I'm glad you came.
"A Warbler reunion. Starchild. A road trip. An unexpected proposal...And a night at Satire that will change everything."
GLAD YOU STAYED - COMING SUNDAY AUGUST 5th 2018
