Chapter 18: The Boy in the Bubble
"This is like Tetris but on steroids and if all the pieces yelled at you for putting them too close to their ex-wives," Kurt complained as he surveyed the disaster of a seating chart spread out on the Anderson's kitchen table. He kept shuffling around the sticky notes but he still hadn't found an arrangement he could live with.
He let out a sigh of frustration. Blaine gestured for Kurt to turn around in his chair. When he turned his back to Blaine, strong deft fingers dug into his shoulder muscles, working through the tension.
"Mmm, thank you. That feels amazing!" Kurt moaned in appreciation.
Blaine leaned forward, reaching his head over Kurt's right shoulder, and planted a kiss on his cheek.
Kurt swiveled his body and caught Blaine's lips with his. Blaine's hands dropped from his shoulders and cupped his face. Kurt's pulse quickened, like it always did when he kissed Blaine.
*Ehem*
Kurt and Blaine sprung apart as they realized they were not alone. Mr. Anderson was home from work, looking tired and disapproving with his lips pursed into a hard line.
Kurt gulped nervously. He already hates me. Let's just throw more fuel on the fire, why not?
"Good Evening, boys." Mr. Anderson loosened his tie and started pouring himself a glass of water. "Will you be joining us for dinner, Kurt? My wife always makes more than we can eat so I'm sure there would be enough."
"That's very kind but I have my own family to feed tonight. I think I may have finally found the perfect recipe to convince Dad to start liking fish. I've explained how healthy Omega-3s are but I think he tunes me out when I start talking nutrition."
"Ah," he said with a nod before turning to his son. "Blaine, I signed you up for self-defense classes at the community center. They're on Sunday mornings for 6 weeks." He slid a pamphlet to Blaine across the table. "The details are in here."
Blaine's eyes blinked rapidly in surprise.
"You…wh-wh-what?"
"I signed you up for self-defense classes at the community center. I saw a flyer for it at the courthouse today. One of the instructors is a police officer so I think it should be really good."
Blaine glared as his father in cold silence.
"What?" he said defensively. "Look, if you really don't want to go I won't force you." He sighed. "I should have asked you first, huh?"
"Mmhmm," said Blaine, petulantly.
His dad let out an exasperated groan. "Look, it's really easy to cancel, its not like you're locked in or anything. I just…saw an opportunity and wanted to get you a spot before they filled up. Just…please think about it before you make your decision. I just…I know you're strong from boxing but this would give you some different skills. If the two of you are going to be out and about then I think it's only sensible that you know how to protect yourself."
Blaine's dad looked frustrated as he tried to explain himself to his son. He's really trying.
Kurt picked up the pamphlet and skimmed the headings. It looked like a pretty serious class. "Maybe I should sign up too." At least maybe that way Blaine wouldn't be the only male there. Looking at the photos, women seemed to be the primary target for the advertising.
"R-Really?" Blaine and his father both turned to him with surprise.
"Yeah, it looks like a good class and I don't know anything about self-defense. I'd like to think I'm scrappy but, let's be real, if someone wanted to fight me I'd probably get my ass handed to me. I wish we didn't need to know how to do this stuff, but unfortunately that's not the world we live in."
Mr. Anderson seemed to be studying Kurt, before he gave him an approving nod. Then he turned back to Blaine.
"See, even Kurt thinks it's a good idea! Just think about it, look at the pamphlet. I'm going to go take a shower and get changed for dinner."
When Mr. Anderson was out of sight, Blaine looked at Kurt with a funny expression.
"D-d-did you just take my ffather's side?" He sounded incredulous.
"I'm not taking anyone's side but he has a point. I'm also more inclined to listen to him when he's suggesting ways to keep you safe that don't involve hiding who you are. Or who I am."
"Huh? I g-g-guess I just thought it was another scheme to —butch me up."
"I think, for once, this is actually a practical suggestion. Don't get me wrong, I hate that it is practical. I hate that we live in a world where you and I have to live in fear of someone trying to hurt us just for being ourselves. As hopeful and optimistic as I try to be about things getting better, we also need to be realistic about how to survive in the world we're in right now. We have these safe little bubbles at home or in Glee Club, but I don't want to be the boy in the bubble, you know?"
"He d-did get his own s-song," Blaine pointed out.
Kurt rolled his eyes. "He got the title of the song, but it's not even really about him. He did get his own movie, I think, though. God, can you imagine literally having to live inside of a bubble like that?" He reached out to hold Blaine's hand, slowly lacing their fingers together. "We wouldn't even be able to do this."
Blaine shook his head in disbelief. "I th-think I would die from K-K-Kurt withdrawal. Very t-tragic. Maybe they'd p-put that in the song!"
Kurt groaned and gave his shoulder a playful shove. Then he leaned forward and pressed gentle kisses onto Blaine's face, soaking in the closeness. Maybe if we were in the bubble together it wouldn't be so bad. As he kissed Blaine's forehead, his nose, his cheeks, something caught Kurt's eye that he had never noticed before.
There was a thick white line angled across Blaine's cheekbone. He reached out to trace it with his index finger.
Blaine jerked away from his touch.
"I'm sorry! I should have asked first or something. Will you tell me what happened?"
"You know what ha-ha-happened, Kurt," Blaine said darkly.
"I know you were attacked but…how did you get that scar, specifically? I don't know that part."
Blaine took a few deep breaths to prepare himself. "Honestly, I d-d-don't re-really remember. It —probably happened when my face hit the asphalt after I fell. I was c-c-concussed at that point, so…it's mostly a big blank sp-spot."
A very unsettling mental image formed in Kurt's head of Blaine lying broken on the ground. Figures leering over him. He felt sick.
"Definitely not living in a bubble," he said sardonically.
Blaine put a finger under his chin, lifting it to meet Kurt's eyes. "Hey, d-don't be ssad." Then he began to sing a few bars from The Boy in the Bubble.
These are the days of miracle and wonder
This is the long distance call
The way the camera follows us in slo-mo
The way we look to us all, oh yeah
The way we look to a distant constellation
That's dying in a corner of the sky
These are the days of miracle and wonder
And don't cry baby, don't cry
Don't cry
"Well, I guess I can't be sad when you sing to me about distant constellations. Reminds of some very good times."
Blaine grinned triumphantly at him.
"Did I miss an impromptu concert?" Mr. Anderson asked as he appeared at the top of the stairs. "Fiddlesticks!" Who knew Mr. Anderson had a funny bone?
Blaine giggled. "It was a —private concert, just for K-Kurt." He looked fondly at Kurt. I get private concerts now! I really do have the best boyfriend.
"That's sweet." Mr. Anderson joined them at the kitchen table, studying Kurt's seating chart. "So where are you and Nick sitting?" he asked.
Huh?
Blaine looked at the chart for a moment before pointing to the post-it note with his name on it. "I think we're here, with —Kurt and Finn's other ssschool friends."
Kurt's ears started ringing. What the hell is he talking about?
He felt something awful twisting in his gut. Blaine invited Nick to the wedding? Nick is his date? When he looked up, Blaine and his dad were still chatting on about the seating arrangements as if everything was normal.
I can't be here right now.
There was a loud scraping sound of wood against tile as Kurt abruptly got up from his chair. "I, uh, I have to go. Got to start cooking that dinner, uh huh." Kurt folded up the seating chart and tucked it back into his bag. He felt like ants were crawling on his skin and it took most of his willpower not to just run out the front door without a word.
Kurt blinked furiously as tears threatened to fall. I will not cry. Nope. You can cry in the car but not yet.
"Thanks for the info about the class, Mr. Anderson. Bye, Blaine." Blaine hopped out of his chair and was obviously going to walk him to the door.
Kurt pulled on his shoes, zipping them up so quickly that he almost caught the fabric of pants inside. He yanked his hat down over his head and didn't even bother doing up the buttons of his coat. Just need to get out of here.
Blaine gave him a probing look. "Are y-you okay?"
"Fine," said Kurt sharply. "Good night, Blaine. I'll see you at school tomorrow, okay?" He gave Blaine a quick kiss on the cheek and then he bolted out to his car.
That night he cried himself to sleep.
—
"Kurt, I d-d-don't understand why this is a b-b-big deal!" Blaine groaned in frustration.
Well, I don't understand how you don'tsee why this is a big deal. Why doesn't he understand? I'm not the one being unreasonable here!
"It's a big deal because my boyfriend is bringing another guy as a date to my dad's wedding! How do you not see why I might feel uncomfortable about that? Really, it boggles the mind, Blaine."
"B-B-B-B-But I asked Nick before we st-st-started dating!"
"You know, it was bad enough when I was mooning over you, watching you swap spit with that guy but now that we're together I can't believe he is still coming between us." Kurt was practically shouting now.
"Kurt! I-I…do you want me to un-invite him? I —can't do that to him!" Blaine insisted.
But you can do this to me?
Kurt slammed his locker shut, burning with anger.
"You know what, I can't deal with this right now. I have too much other shit on my plate. I have to call the florist because now all of a sudden the flowers I picked out months ago aren't available, I have to start studying for the history exam that I'll probably fail anyways, and—oh yeah—I have to figure out that god-damn seating chart!" Kurt ranted, getting more and more worked up the longer he talked.
"Kurt!" Blaine pleaded.
Kurt started shoving things wildly into his book bag and then slung it over his shoulder.
"I need some time to calm down and you need some time to think about why you care so much about everyone else's feelings that you forgot to consider mine. I'll see you tomorrow."
Blaine looked at him in shock, as if Kurt had slapped him. Fueled by anger and adrenaline, Kurt marched off towards the McKinley parking lot.
—
Kurt spent most of dinner quietly fuming while his dad, Carole, and Finn engaged in polite conversation and pointedly ignored him. His dad knew from years of experience that it wasn't worth talking to Kurt when he was in a mood like this. He usually waited until Kurt had calmed down and then they would talk.
Kurt retreated up to his room and turned on his playlist of angry songs. He pressed his face into his pillow and let the music soothe him. Eventually the anger burned off, like alcohol in the heat of the oven, and Kurt was left feeling hurt and embarrassed as what he had done started to really sink in.
I can't believe I yelled at him like that. God, why do I have to be such a dramatic bitch? At this rate, I will be lucky if he even comes to the wedding.
He was suddenly filled with a renewed sense of panic. The thought that Blaine might not come to the wedding alarmed Kurt.
I just want to dance with him at my dad's wedding. Why did I have to get so mad and ruin everything?
Did I really storm out of his house? And again at school? Oh, god, I need to apologize.
Kurt checked his watch, hoping that he had enough time before curfew. It was 8:30pm. He didn't have long but if he was quick…he could make it. I have to see him. Kurt sprang into action, throwing on the first pair of boots he could find without even stopping to consider how they would look with his outfit. On his way down the stairs, he called out that he was leaving into the house without bothering to listen for a response.
Kurt hopped into his car and sped off into the night. It wasn't until he was knocking on the Anderson's front door that he wondered what Blaine's parents would think of him just showing up at this time of night. And his dad was just starting to tolerate me, too.
When the door opened, it wasn't Mr. Anderson staring at him in shock from the other side of the threshold. It was Blaine.
"K-Kurt!" he said in surprise. That was all it took for Kurt to catapult himself into Blaine's arms, nearly knocking him off his feet. Then Blaine was holding him tightly, pressing kisses onto the side of his face, and Kurt couldn't hold back the tears anymore.
"I'm sorry!" He blurted out. "I'm sorry I was such a bitch. I'm sorry I stormed out. I know it's late but can we please go somewhere and talk? I promise I won't yell this time."
Blaine nodded and reached for Kurt's hand. They walked in silence up to Blaine's room, where they sat across from one another on the bed. Kurt wondered where to start but it was finally Blaine who broke the ice.
"Kurt," he said soothingly but firmly. "It is not a d-d-d-date, I —promise. I don't like h-him like that, only you. I know we-we —kissed but…I n-n-never felt that way about him."
"I know," Kurt admitted. It did seem sort of silly when Blaine said it out loud. Of course he wasn't actually going on a date with someone else. But it had stung that Blaine was bringing a friend as a date to an event that he was hosting, an event that he had dreamed about dancing at with Blaine months before they had even started dating. Is it really so selfish to want Blaine to just be focused on spending it with me?
"Then t-t-tell me why you're so angry. I d-d-don't understand but… I want to."
Kurt groaned. "It's going to sound so stupid when I say it out loud. I guess I just had all these ideas about what the wedding was going to be like, after planning it for so long. I always pictured you there, even back when we were just friends. When I told you that you were allowed to invite someone, I was desperately hoping that you wouldn't. Because I would have been jealous, obviously."
"I'm y-your —boyfriend, Kurt. There's no-nothing to be jealous about anymore," Blaine reminded him.
"I know that too. But… maybe I am still a little jealous, even if it's totally irrational. You know, I spent so long convinced this would never happen that sometimes it still feels like a dream I'm going to wake up from."
"If this is a —dream, then I d-d-don't want to wake up either," Blaine said with a goofy smile on his face.
Kurt laughed in spite of himself. "God, you're sappy. I love that about you. You know you are really making it very difficult to feel insecure right now; it's totally unfair." Kurt let out a sigh before he continued. "Irrational jealousy aside, to be completely honest the thing that really hurt my feelings is that you never even mentioned that you had invited him. It didn't even occur to you that I would feel weird about it, and that is somehow ten times worse than you inviting him in the first place."
Blaine scrunched up his eyebrows in confusion. "I don't—that—that doesn't make any sense."
"It just feels like you didn't consider my feelings at all. I get that it would be rude to un-invite him after we got together but…I just wanted the same amount of consideration that you gave to him, where you would think about not being rude to me either, you know? Alright, I've said my piece, your turn."
Blaine reached out to squeeze Kurt's hand.
"I'm…I'm sorry, K-Kurt. You're right, I d-didn't consider your feelings. I just…I wanted to —cheer Nick up. I ne-ne-never expected…this." Blaine gestured vaguely to the empty space between Kurt and himself. "Then I w-w-w-was focused on…him. He…he's —been ha-having a hard time."
That gave Kurt pause. This was an angle he hadn't anticipated.
"Why is he having a hard time?" Kurt asked. This was the first he was hearing of it. All he knew was that Nick's parents had enrolled him in some private school after he and Blaine had been beat up the previous year.
"He, uh, uh, feels like he d-d-doesn't fit in. He's not—he's not as rich as most of the guys there. It's a lot of old money Re-Re-Republicans so he-he's back in the closet. He's having trouble making friends. I'm w-w-worried about him, Kurt. I thought…I thought he could use a —break, maybe share our l-little safe bubble for one n-night."
Kurt was reeling from this new information.
"Wow, I had no idea. He seemed surrounded by friends at the Halloween party, I guess I just assumed that he would be that gregarious anywhere he went. That sucks that he can't even be out. I'm really glad you don't feel that way at McKinley."
Kurt reached out to wrap his arms around Blaine, a wave of protectiveness washing over him. He was suddenly feeling very grateful that Blaine had come to his school instead of Nick's both for Blaine's sake and his own. He didn't like thinking about Blaine all alone and sad at some school he hated.
"He is really lucky to have you as a friend, Blaine."
"So…d-d-does that mean you're n-not mad about him coming?" Blaine asked, hesitantly.
"Just save me at least one dance, okay?"
"Y-y-y-you can have all the —dances you want," Blaine declared with a grin, leaning forwards to kiss Kurt sweetly on the lips.
"Hey! You know what this means, right Blaine?"
Blaine shook his head, looking amused.
"That was our first fight! It's a relationship milestone."
Blaine rolled his eyes. "And I d-didn't even get you a card," he said sarcastically. "So how did we do?"
"All things considered, I think we made it through okay. I'd give it a… seven out of ten. Room for improvement, but not a bad starting point. Next time, though, I'm going to see about doing a little less storming out and a little more talking about how I feel. Maybe throw in a triple axle for more technical points."
"Yeah. Always throw in a t-t-triple axle." Blaine nodded in mock solemnity.
—
There's just a few more hours.
That's all the time you've got.
A few more hours
Before you tie the knot.
For you're getting married in the morning
Ding dong! the bells are gonna chime.
Kick up an rumpus
But don't lose the compass;
And get him to the church,
Get him to the church,
For God's sake, get him to the church on time!
"Are you going to sing the entire way to the church, Kurt?" his father asked in equal parts amusement and annoyance.
"I might!" Kurt said defiantly. "I'm just so excited! Your big day. It's finally here!" Unable to stop himself, Kurt crooned out a few more verses.
You're getting married in the morning
Ding dong! the bells are gonna chime.
Drug him or jail him,
Stamp him and mail him.
But get him to the church on time!
You've gotta be there in the morning
Spruced up and lookin' in your prime.
Some bloke who's able
Lift up the table,
And get him to the church on time!
If he is flying
Then shoot him down.
If he is wooin',
Get her out of town!
"This song is spicier than I remembered," his dad commented. "What kind of person is 'wooing' the night before their wedding, honestly? Especially at my age."
"What are you talking about? You're practically a spring chicken!" Kurt insisted.
"I never thought I'd be doing this again." His dad shook his head in disbelief. "You're really okay with this, right Kurt? Because maybe I didn't give you a chance to really tell me how you felt about it."
"Dad, don't be ridiculous; that's just your nerves talking." He transitioned neatly back into singing, seamlessly altering the pronouns to make them fit.
For you're getting married in the morning!
Ding dong! the bells are gonna chime.
Feather and tar me;
Call out the Army;
But get him to the church.
Get him to the church...
For God's sake, get him to the church on time!
Thanks to Kurt's fastidious planning and boldfaced lies about the start time to some of the less reliable members of the wedding party, they did indeed make it to the church on time. Kurt and his dad had dressed at home, but Kurt steered his dad into the church bathroom for a final once over.
Together, they admired his dad in the mirror. Kurt was quite pleased with the result. He had even convinced his dad to let him apply a little bit of makeup for the occasion. Just a little green stick to even out some of the redness and a subtle layer of foundation.
"I look pretty good, don't I, kiddo?" Kurt thought his heart might explode from joy to see how happy and proud his dad was in this moment. He concentrated on reeling in his emotions. Don't cry! No red eyes or runny makeup allowed, Kurt.
"Yeah, Dad. Carole's going to go weak in the knees! Let's get you out there so you can get hitched"
When the music started, Kurt led his dad down the aisle to the front of the church. Burt and Carole had insisted that Kurt and Finn would "give them away" at the ceremony. When Carole appeared in the entrance to the chapel, his dad reached out to grab Kurt's hand. When he looked over, Kurt could see pure love radiating from his dad's face. It was a beautiful thing to witness.
Kurt knew intellectually that his parents had been very much in love and that was certainly how he remembered his childhood. But he had been so young when they had lost his mother, that he had more memories of his father grieving her than loving her while she was alive. It was nice to see him like this.
Carole looked stunning in her dress and Kurt was pleased to see that she looked steady on her feet as well. After she had picked out her shoes, Kurt had insisted that she wear them around the house for an entire week until she felt comfortable walking in them. It wasn't as if he could rely on Finn Hudson to keep her on balance; that boy could barely walk straight in flats.
He could see tears of happiness swimming in her eyes as she got closer to them. She gave Kurt a special smile and grabbed his face to kiss his cheek before taking her place across from his dad. Stepmothers sure do get a bad rap in popular culture but mine is pretty great.
Kurt tuned out the religious bits of the ceremony, taking the opportunity to admire how well his decor had come together and look for familiar faces in the audience. He was pleased to see that Aunt Maggie and Uncle Jim had made it in from Indiana with his cousin Tessa, who was ten. It was nice of Aunt Maggie to come out and see her sister's widowed husband get remarried. Kurt hoped she was happy for them. Mom would have wanted Dad to be happy and Carole makes him happy.
Then he found Blaine in the audience, about halfway back in the pews. He gave Kurt a tiny wave when they made eye contact. He looked so handsome in his three-piece, charcoal grey suit. Next to him was Nick, looking decidedly less put together. He had on a very generic, ill-fitting black suit that Kurt couldn't help but wonder if he had borrowed. Kurt was pleased to see that they had found his other friends from Glee to sit with.
Kurt and Finn had been allowed to invite two friends each. Kurt had chosen Blaine and Mercedes while Finn had invited Rachel and Puck. Rachel had come as Finn's date, of course, and Puck had come alone, citing something about wanting to "work the crowd" as his reason.
Carole and his dad gave beautiful vows that they had written themselves (and that had been approved by Kurt). By the time they were done, his eyes were filled with tears of joy.
"I now pronounce you married! You may kiss each other," announced the priest. His dad swung Carole into a rather suave dip as they shared a romantic first kiss.
As they recessed out from the ceremony, Blaine caught his eye and with a tender smile gestured at Kurt to remind him to dab his eyes. Always looking out for me, isn't he? Kurt sighed dreamily.
—
Kurt had insisted that his dad and Carole should have a sweetheart table because he had read online that otherwise the couple would forget to eat. Kurt hovered near their table for a while, shoving food at them and shooing away guests who wanted to congratulate them. When Carole had made it through half of her chicken breast, Kurt finally deigned to leave them in peace. Besides, he didn't want to get blood on that lovely gown and Carole was starting to look like she might murder him if he didn't give them some space.
He finally settled into his own seat, between Blaine and Mercedes. "I'm s-s-so proud of you Kurt. Ever-everything turned out beautiful," Blaine praised. Mercedes nodded in agreement.
Kurt blushed, feeling proud. "Thanks. You turned out pretty beautiful yourself." He was feeling bold and flirty from all the excess romance in the air.
Blaine grinned. "Hey now, I-I see what you did there." He winked and leaned over to give Kurt a chaste peck. "You look quite stunning yourself." Kurt blushed furiously.
"Seeing true love like your dad's really gives hope to the rest of us," Mercedes chimed in.
"Yeah, I suppose," said Nick, rather dejectedly. He flinched, as if someone (probably Blaine) had kicked him under the table. "Sorry! The wedding was really beautiful Kurt. Blaine told me how hard you worked to get everything to come together in only a few months. Seriously impressive, dude."
Rachel leaned over towards Kurt and gave him a mischievous look. "Wouldn't it be something if you were my brother-in-law one day?"
Kurt tried to contain his laughter as Finn's eyes grew to the size of saucers and all the color drained from his face. He was silently, vigorously shaking his head "no" at Kurt from behind Rachel's back. Well, I suppose brothers should look out for one another.
"I don't need no judge to make you my sister, Rach. I look forward to attending your wedding many years from now after you've got at least one Tony under your belt."
Finn let out a visible breath of relief.
"I suppose it would be nice to afford the star-quality reception that I deserve." She nodded to herself in satisfaction and then a dreamy look came over her face. She's imagining it right now, isn't she?
A few couples began to wander onto the dance floor as the dinner plates were cleared away. Kurt considered joining them but he decided to give his body a little more time to digest. Blaine excused himself to go use the restroom and Kurt took the opportunity to engage with Nick."
"So, Nick, Blaine tells me that you're at a new school this year as well? What do you think of it?"
Nick sighed despondently. "It's all very Dead Poets Society. It's super elitist and steeped in tradition. We have to wear uniforms and while you might think that an all boys school would be some kind of gay wet dream, I can assure you it's quite the opposite. When I walked in the door, I feel like I went back in time 50 years.
"Don't get me wrong, I'm getting a great education there and I feel physically safe. They have a very strict disciplinary code with a no tolerance policy for any type of violence. But I don't exactly feel like I fit in there. Even sexuality aside, I'm all loose and fun and this place is all stiff and regimented."
"Wow, that sucks. I'm pretty sure I would go crazy in a place like that. I can't imagine a place that has uniforms is big on celebrating individuality."
"You do seem like quite an original, Kurt. People are still talking about that epic Halloween costume!"
"Really?" Kurt was surprised and relieved that he was remembered for something other than the awkward Truth or Dare debacle.
"Yeah, man. Blaine said you made it yourself? That's rad!" Nick smiled brightly at him, seeming sincere.
"Yeah, Bertha worked hard on that."
"Bertha?"
"Oh, that's my sewing machine," Kurt explained. "Well, you're always welcome to hang out with Blaine and I when you need to get away from the sons of Stepford."
"Ugh, I wish but it's a boarding school. I have to get a pass every time I want to leave campus, even on the weekends like for this fine shindig. I'd love to hang out with you guys sometime but opportunities are few and far between. That's why it was so cool of Blaine to invite me. Getting out has been such a relief. Shit, I promised Blaine I wouldn't be too much of a downer but here I go complaining to you."
Kurt felt a pang of guilt that he had ever been angry with Blaine for inviting Nick.
"I don't mind. Maybe if things don't get better at your new school, you could see about transferring to McKinley like Blaine did. We could always use more talented voices in Glee Club and I heard you sing at Halloween. You sounded great!"
"Wow, thanks Kurt. That's really nice of you to say. I don't know, though, I mean I don't even live in that district."
"I don't see how they could let in Blaine but then turn you down. Things are far from perfect, I won't lie to you, but I think they are getting a little better. We even did this whole Bullying Awareness Week thing. Our friend Santana just started an Anti-Bullying Club. Besides, I feel like there's strength in numbers, you know? You, me, and Blaine; that would be three whole out gay kids in one place. That's probably enough to start a political revolution or at least a GSA chapter."
Nick smiled weakly at him.
"Maybe. We'll see. Being ninety minutes away has its benefits, though. I'm always looking over my shoulder in Lima. Those guys are still out there, you know?"
I wonder if Blaine worries about that too.
"I hope they catch those guys. It sucks that you didn't get a good look at their faces."
Nick's face fell and he looked down at the floor. Kurt felt bad for reminding him of such a bad memory.
"Yeah, too bad. Hey, thanks for being cool about Blaine bringing me tonight. I can't imagine you were thrilled that your boyfriend was bringing someone else as a date. Being here is really cheering me up, man. Your dad seems like a cool dude, a lot cooler than mine."
"He's the best! And you're welcome. I'm…to be completely honest, I didn't expect to feel this way but I'm actually really glad you came."
Blaine plopped down into his seat between them. "Aw, are you two b-b-bonding! My s-s-secret plan; it worked!"
Blaine slung an arm over each of their shoulders. Kurt leaned his head onto Blaine's shoulder, feeling very contented to be here with all of his favorite people.
—
Dancing wasn't Kurt's favorite activity, but he had to admit he was having a pretty fun time dancing at the wedding. Perhaps it had something to do with having personally curated the playlist. It was mostly uptempo numbers to get everyone moving with the occasional slow song sprinkled in. He had the DJ on a pretty short leash.
"Cousin Kurt!" Tessa was standing behind him, looking very adorable with her long strawberry-blonde hair splashed against her navy, velvet dress.
"Oh, hi, Tessa! I wasn't sure if you would remember me. It's been a few years since we visited you in Indianapolis. Are you having fun?"
"It's okay. I'm the only kid here so I have no one to dance with." She pouted her lower lip and looked up at him with big puppy dog eyes.
Kurt felt torn because he had promised Carole the next dance and he didn't want to let down his new stepmother. It was her big day, after all.
But then Blaine appeared, Kurt's white knight as usual. "You must be K-K-Kurt's cousin Tessa that I've heard so much about. I'm Kurt's friend, B-Blaine." He stuck out his hand for her to shake.
Tessa's blue eyes grew large. She seemed a bit dazzled by Blaine, and Kurt couldn't blame her. He looked especially dazzling tonight and he was turning on all his charms.
"Thanks, Blaine. I owe you one."
"If by 'one,' you mean a dance, then I w-would agree." He winked before letting Tessa stand of his feet while he whirled her around the dance floor. Kurt smiled every time he caught a glimpse of Blaine, using his goofy dance moves to great effect with Tessa. She seemed to be enjoying them almost as much as Kurt did.
"I think you've got yourself a keeper there, Kurt" said Carole.
"I certainly think so," Kurt said proudly.
"You should always date someone who is kind to children and waitstaff. That's always been my advice to Finn."
"Blaine is one of the kindest people I've ever met."
"Seeing how happy you are with him this past month, well, I don't know if I've ever seen your dad in such a good mood. I hope I've made it clear how grateful I am for the way you welcomed Finn and I into your life, Kurt. You are the center of Burt's world and I never would have stood a chance if you hadn't approved of me."
"What can I say? I like seeing him happy almost as much he likes seeing me happy."
"I know I can never replace your mother, Kurt, but I want you to know that I'm here for you in whatever role you feel comfortable with."
The song came to an end and Kurt gave Carole a big hug. "Welcome to the family! I should go rescue Blaine before he permanently losing feeling in his toes."
He found Blaine sitting back at their table, cooling off with a glass of water.
"Still in one piece?" Kurt asked, before plopping himself into Blaine's lap. He wasn't usually so comfortable being physically affectionate in public with Blaine but he figured the wedding was hardly public. Besides, he had planned this party. He deserved to enjoy it.
"I was until y-y-you crushed me," Blaine teased, winding his arms around Kurt's waist so that there could be no doubt that he didn't actually want Kurt to move.
"Oh, Kurt, here you are!" It was his Aunt Maggie. She had the same strawberry blonde hair as her daughter, the same hair as his mom. Aunt Maggie's was cut short into a stylish bob. Kurt thought it looked rather chic.
"I'm so glad you could make it!" he said enthusiastically.
"Ah, yes, we're glad we could take time off for the trip. I wanted to thank your friend here for dancing with our Tessie."
Blaine unwound his right arm from around Kurt's waist and offered it to Aunt Maggie. "Hi, I'm B-B-B-Blaine."
"Lovely to meet you." She gave them a funny look, probably wondering why they were sharing a chair.
"Blaine is my boyfriend," Kurt explained.
Aunt Maggie let out an extremely strained smile. "Ah, yes…I see, that. I don't…I don't have a problem with it, you know. Our pastor says to hate the sin but to love the sinner and me and your Uncle love you very much."
Kurt just stared at her in horror. Did she just call me a sinner? Kurt exchanged uncomfortable glances with Blaine. Pop went his nice little safe bubble.
"I just think it would be best if you don't talk about these things in front of Tessa. I don't want to confuse her; she's still so young."
He felt hot anger churning in his stomach.
Trying to keep his voice calm, Kurt asked, "Why would that be confusing for her? She wasn't confused when I played barbies with her and put her in makeup when she was seven. She said I was the coolest cousin ever."
"Oh, well, she just might have questions." She fidgeted nervously with her fingers.
"Such as?" Kurt prompted, arching an eyebrow at her in challenge.
"Oh, well, dear…I just think she will understand better when she's older," she deflected.
"Look, I don't think it's come up yet with her but I'm not going to put myself or Blaine back in the closet just so you feel more comfortable. I know my dad would never ask me to do that and he wouldn't have invited you to his wedding if he knew you were going to. Look, you are the only person alive who can tell me stories about Mom as a child. That means a lot to me but you need to think hard about whether or not we are going to have a relationship because I'm the whole package or not at all."
Aunt Maggie looked distressed and uncomfortable. "Let's not argue on such a happy occasion. Congratulations to you and your Dad, Kurt. Carole seems like a lovely woman. Blaine, it was nice to meet you."
"Uh, thanks," he replied curtly. She made a hasty retreat.
"Are you —okay, honey?" Blaine asked. "That was…in-in-intense."
"Ugh, I don't know. I felt like we were in this safe little Hummel-Hudson love bubble until that harsh reality check. I know it could be a lot worse, but I'm still mad. She changed my diapers, you know? I cried in her arms at the wake. Does me being gay somehow erase all of that?"
Blaine gave Kurt a comforting squeeze. "I wwwish I could fi-fix the world for you. But I…I'm so pr-proud of how you handled that, —Kurt."
"I wasn't too mean?"
"No! But-but you didn't l-listen—you didn't t-take any bullshit. You ch-ch-ch-challenged her about that excuse everyone has about, 'oh, but the ch-children will be con-confused.'"
"Thank you, Blaine. And, god, I'm just so sick of hearing that. Children are constantly being exposed to new things every day. They don't have preconceived ideas about how the world works. Show them two men in a relationship and nine times out of ten they are going to find it utterly unremarkable."
"I do be-be-believe I owe you a dance, Mister."
Kurt grinned. "Quite right! And lucky for you, my dance card has an opening."
He hopped up off of Blaine's lap and they walked hand in hand to the dance floor. Kurt heard the opening synth beat of Brand New Colony and his heart fluttered; he had chosen it specifically with Blaine in mind.
I'll be the grapes fermented, bottled and served with the table set
In my finest suit, like a perfect gentleman
I'll be the fire escape that's bolted to the ancient brick
Where you will sit and contemplate your day
Kurt took the lead. He had gotten quite competent at leading after helping his Dad and Finn through weeks of dance lessons. He didn't know too many fancy moves, but he threw in a flourish every now and then. Blaine laughed in delight when Kurt dipped him.
I'll be the waterwings that save you if you start drowning in
An open tab when your judgment's on the brink.
I'll be the phonograph that plays your favorite
Albums back as you're lying there
Drifting off to sleep
Finn was dancing nearby with Rachel. He flashed a grin at Kurt and called over, "We both must be pretty studley bros to end up with such hot dates tonight."
"Mine is hotter," Kurt bragged. Blaine smiled at him affectionately and rolled his eyes.
"Honestly, Blaine," sighed Rachel. "It's like we're just sparkly accessories or pieces of meat. What are we going to do with these boys?"
"K-Keep them," said Blaine, before pressing a kiss against Kurt's cheek. Kurt laughed and then pulled Blaine close and sang the next verse into his ear, just for him.
I'll be the platform shoes, undo what heredity's done to you
You won't have to strain to look into my eyes
I'll be your winter coat, buttoned and zipped straight to the throat
With the collar up so you won't catch a cold
Blaine looked up into his eyes and pressed their foreheads together, and he sang to Kurt as they swayed to the music.
I want to take you far from the cynics in this town
And kiss you on the mouth
We'll cut our bodies free from the tethers of this scene
Start a brand new colony
Where everything will change, we'll give ourselves new names
Identities erased
The sun will heat the grounds under our bare feet
In this brand new colony
Everything will change
"I hope you know how sickeningly cute the two of you are," said Rachel.
Kurt and Blaine looked at each other, grinning stupidly. In unison, they replied, "We know."
The party didn't stop until midnight, when the guests who had stuck it out to the end formed two lines at the door to the church. Kurt passed out sparkly, white tubes to everyone and then collected his dad and his brand new stepmom for their grand exit.
Laughing and cheering, the newlyweds walked out into the night. From all sides, they were showered in a sea of bubbles that sparkled in the moonlight.
Author's Notes:
Music:
Boy in the Bubble by Paul Simon (from the album Graceland)
Get me to the Church from My Fair Lady (I rewrote the lyrics to be in the 2nd/3rd person rather than the 1st)
Brand New Colony by The Postal Service
I originally considered Brand New Colony for Blaine's big romantic number when he asks Kurt to be his boyfriend. I've always known I would use it at some point because it's on my top ten list of most romantic songs, but when I realized how well it fit the theme of the chapter then I knew it just had to go here.
References:
Dead Poets Society - a 1989 film starring Robin Williams as an inspirational teacher who inspires his students through poetry. The school in the book is very elitist and conservative. You may know it for the iconic scene where Robin Williams asks them all to stand on top of their desks. The famous quote is: "Oh captain, my captain." It's an excellent movie, if you've never seen it.
The Boy in the Bubble - in addition to being a Paul Simon song, the boy in the bubble was a real person. Some very quick background, in 1971 a boy named David Vetter was born with something called severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). His immune system was so fragile that he had to live in a sterile environment at all times. He lived inside a plastic bubble that kept him alive, and hence became known as the bubble boy. There were even gloves sewn into the bubble so his parents could reach in and "touch" him.
Miscellaneous:
The line "I wish I could fix the world for you" is based on something I said to one of my students, during a very emotional conversation we had about bullying. She was in tears because someone was teasing her about the way she says the word "burger." She couldn't say her /r/ sound so it came out sounding a little like "booger." I encouraged her to talk about it with her parents and promised her we could practice that word but I also told her, "If I could wave a magic wand and fix the world for you I would, but I don't have that power." I can teach my students all sorts of things but I can't go out and teach everyone they are ever going to interact with not to be shitty to them.