During the night, they had shifted positions and Kurt woke up with Sebastian wrapped all around him with his head on Kurt's chest. He held still and let him sleep. "You're not hard to love. Not at all. I love all of you." played on repeat in his thoughts for a couple of minutes. He resisted the urge to run his fingers through Sebastian's hair, despite how much he wanted to do it.
He thought back to the night before. About how different the whole experience was. Kissing and being able to look Sebastian in the eyes the whole time made it feel so much more intimate, so much more what he had hoped it would be. Sebastian Beaumont Smythe, what have you done to me? He smiled, looking down at himself being used as a body pillow by his gorgeous boyfriend. How did I fall so hard for you? After everything he had been through, he had what he wanted in a relationship with the person he would have been least likely to predict back in his senior year.
Sebastian stretched a bit and scooted impossibly closer. "I can feel you thinking."
Kurt chuckled. "I was trying to be still and quiet so you could sleep."
"You were thinking too loud for me to sleep," he teased.
Now that Kurt didn't have to restrain himself, he placed several soft kisses along the top of Sebastian's head and he ran his fingers down Sebastian's arm that was across his chest and shoulder, causing Sebastian to squirm just a bit.
"Mmm. I love it when you touch me. How about I roll on my back and you can touch me everywhere?"
"How about we empty our bladders, fill our stomachs a bit, and then get back in bed and I'll touch you everywhere?"
He pushed up onto his elbow and looked at Kurt. "Perfect. I'll go get us some orange juice. We'll need the energy." He winked and got out of bed and left for the kitchen without putting any clothes on.
Kurt headed into the bathroom and was back in bed, leaned back against the headboard by the time Sebastian came back. He took the glass of juice he was offered.
Sebastian caught him staring. "See something you like?"
"I like everything I see. But most of all I love you." He patted the space next to him in the bed.
They finished their juice in silence and put the glasses on their side tables.
"Where are the rest of–" he paused. "I don't want to presume, but–" he blushed. "It seemed like what you were implying."
"They're in the drawer in your side table. Will you come sit on my lap first though?"
Kurt moved and Sebastian took his pillow and put them both in the center, upright and leaned back against them. Kurt straddled his thighs and sat down.
Sebastian put his hands on Kurt's biceps and caressed Kurt's arms as he slid his hands down to Kurt's. He interlaced their fingers. "I want to apologize."
Kurt's face showed total confusion. He couldn't think of a single thing that Sebastian had done to upset him.
"I love your song, but it made me realize something. Would you consider editing it just a bit?"
"In what way?"
"I didn't realize that I had teased you enough about being organized that you thought I think it's something bad about you. I don't think you have OCD at all. If anything it was more of a 'pot calling the kettle black' thing. When I teased you, it fit me as much as it fit you. I do think you're complicated, but I don't dislike that about you in anyway. And you do sometimes over-think things when you can't figure out motives, but you do it less and less now that we've been together for longer. I think the last time with me was with the quilting rack and embroidery hoop stand. Since that night, you've asked rather than jump to conclusions. I think you struggle with anxiety in a way that I never have, but I don't dislike that, and I think that's what causes you to over-think how to control a situation to keep from upsetting someone. You try to plan for every potential outcome so that you're not faced with having to make a spur-of-the-moment decision or be faced with someone reacting in a way that you weren't prepared to deal with. You've been through a lot in a short period of time, and a lot of other things went on for a long period of time. I may be seeing things that I want to see, but it seems like you're less anxious since we've been together – more able to relax and enjoy yourself."
"That's true. As I realized that I could trust you, I let my walls down, and I don't feel tense around you. Being around you makes me feel a lot more calm. You're not imagining things. I'm not sure what to change that line to, but I'll think about it. If you come up with suggestions, you can let me know." He didn't let go of Sebastian's hands, but he pulled them up and wrapped them behind Sebastian's neck, and began kissing Sebastian's neck. "You do still want this, right?" he asked quietly as he licked along the edge of Sebastian's ear. He sat back up to look Sebastian in the eyes.
"Definitely. I'm sure it will glorious. I love your hands all over me."
"And–?" He looked towards the drawer in the nightstand.
"Yes."
"You're not too sore?"
"Not at all. Even skipping the fact that I love you and you love me and how that made it so very different, you are a far better lover. No comparison."
Kurt blushed.
Sebastian reached up put his hand behind Kurt's neck and ran his thumb along Kurt's jaw, near his ear. "You're blushing."
He looked down, breaking their eye contact. He bit his lower lip. "I was afraid I'd be a big disappointment. I was afraid–"
"All my posturing back when was still floating around in our mind?"
"Not really. You told me that wasn't real. I just love you so much and I love living with you and we just have so much fun together. Honestly, being with you is exactly what I've always wanted in a relationship. I love the give and take and the teasing. I was afraid I'd be a disappointment and everything would get really awkward and you wouldn't want me anymore."
"Kurt, look at me." He tipped Kurt's chin up. "Even if it had lasted two minutes and then you gave me a hand job afterwards, I wouldn't have broken up with you. I love you, babe. It might have been awkward for a few times until we got it right, but we would have figured it out. It kind of hurts that you think I'm that shallow."
"I don't. I really don't. This all falls on me. The part of me that still believes that I'll never be good enough isn't gone. It's been there for so long, it's going to take some time. Please."
"Please what, babe?"
"Please believe me."
"I do. Will you believe me?"
Kurt swallowed and breathed in and let it out. He nodded. "I do believe you."
"Good. Because I won the jackpot with you."
"Now, you're just being silly."
"Kurt," Sebastian said, completely serious. "Look at me again, please." He waited. "I mean that. Please, don't think I'm joking with this. We do have a lot of fun together teasing and horsing around, but I'm serious about this. Being with you is what I had always hoped for in a relationship too. I didn't think I'd find it, honestly. But you and me, we're good. Even if we mess up, we can fix it. There's this expression my mom learned from some old carpenter way back. He told her if the bones are good, the house is worth renovating. We're good, me and you together. We built our relationship to be strong. No lies, no running away, no hiding things."
Kurt nodded. "That's true." He leaned down and kissed Sebastian. "I just want to make you feel amazing."
"Last night was amazing. I loved being able to see your face. Maybe at some point in the future we can switch positions."
"Maybe." Kurt didn't sound convinced.
"I don't mean switch that way. I mean–"
"OH! Oh… If you want, we could try. We can try anything. Like you said a few minutes ago, if we don't like it or it doesn't work, we'll still be okay."
Sebastian tugged him forward and kissed him. "Yes. So, for now, how about we get back to where you're going to pet me and drive me crazy because it tickles so much, but I love it too much to want it to stop?"
"I can do that." He leaned forward and kissed Sebastian. "Do you want to stay propped up like this or scoot down?"
"I kind of like this. The view is great."
Kurt blushed again.
They spent the next four days exploring more of St. Augustine and more of each other. They woke up Saturday morning around sunrise. Sebastian was using Kurt as a body pillow again. He scooted over even more and reached into the nightstand drawer.
"There's only one left." Sebastian pulled it out.
"Well, we won't need any with our parents here. You're not exactly quiet." He kissed the top of Sebastian's head and ran his fingers through his hair.
Sebastian tipped his head up and propped his chin on Kurt's chest. "Not sorry at all. It feels way too good to be quiet."
Kurt blushed.
"Still blushing?"
"I might always blush."
"I can live with that."
"Did you like any of them more than the others?"
"Nope. I think it's more of a decision for you to make since you're the one wearing them. You should pick which ones fit the best. I'm good with whatever you pick. Although, I do like this the best." He picked up one of the small bottles and kept hold of it.
"Okay. That one is it, then. When we get up, I'll order more so it will arrive not long after we get home."
"Works for me. So, our parents will be here in three hours. Plans?"
"Well, we already discussed the first thing. Then I think we'll need to open the windows while it's not a million degrees out just yet. Do a couple of loads of laundry, remake the bed, and make brunch. Oh, and shower. But we can just put our swim trunks on because we're going to beach after we eat."
"Good plan. I like the first part and the shower part the best, but I'll help with the other things too," he teased.
"Oh, and we didn't put the twin beds in the other room together yet."
"Well, we better get on with this then, shouldn't we?" He kissed Kurt and flipped them so that Kurt was on top.
"Eager are we?"
"Always."
The timer went off on the oven. Kurt scurried over and turned the timer and the oven off, leaving the quiches inside to keep them warm. He turned to get plates and set the table, and ended up being blocked by Sebastian who pulled him into a kiss, causing him to laugh.
"I love you."
Kurt tickled him in an attempt to get loose, but he was thwarted by Sebastian's quick moves and kisses on his neck.
"I love you too. Please help me set the table for our parents first meal together."
Sebastian could hear the slight distress in Kurt's voice and stopped impeding his task. He grabbed silverware instead and took it to the table. He arranged it on the placemats and Kurt put the plates in the center. Sebastian pulled six napkins out of the napkin holder and folded them diagonally and put them under the knife and spoon at each place. Kurt returned with six glasses. Sebastian put two heat pads on the table. Kurt looked around the kitchen and wiped the counters down one last time.
"Orange juice, coffee, ice water, milk." He carried the small tray of mini muffins he had made earlier and sat them in the center of the table. "I think we're set."
Sebastian pulled him into his arms and began to dance around the living room to music only he could hear.
"What are you doing?" Kurt asked.
"Having fun with you. You're tense. I just wanted to get you to relax a bit." He kissed him just as someone put the key into the deadbolt to unlock the door.
Kurt nearly jumped back, but Sebastian kept a hold on him.
"My parents have seen us kiss."
"Your parents really cool. My dad, not so much. You spent time with him. He's still struggling with me being an adult."
Sebastian took Kurt's hand and led him to the dining room before they got the door open. "My parents are pretty hands on with each other. Your parents are just going to have to deal with it. We're adults. We have nothing to hide. I'm not going to make out with you while people are watching, but acting like we have to hide who we are around your parents just feeds that feeling of him seeing you as a child. I'll respect your wishes because I love you, but please just think about it."
He left the dining room and Kurt followed him.
"Hey, guys," Nina said cheerfully. "It smells great in here."
"Brunch is ready as soon as you all are," Sebastian said.
"Well, you two are on the ball. We'll just show Burt and Carole to their room and we'll wash up and come right out."
They had all served themselves and began talk after they had mostly finished eating.
"I'm already in love with it here and I've only seen what I saw on the ride here from the airport. I'm so excited to go to the beach."
"We love it here too," Kurt said. "There's so much to see and do."
"How do you get around without a car," she asked.
Sebastian answered her. "The house came with a shed and four bikes. We ride around a lot. When wherever we want to go is too far to ride the bikes, we take the bus. The buses have bike racks on the front, so we just wait at the stop, put the bikes on, go wherever we're going, and take the bikes back off when we're done. If we don't want to ride them after we get to wherever we're going, we just leave them locked up at one of the bike racks near the bus stop."
"That's really handy," Burt said. "This was really good."
Kurt smiled.
"I like the cheese muffins," Art said. "I can't say that I've ever had anything like them before. We should definitely get the recipe."
Nina chuckled. "Sure, babe. You can make them for me to snack on at work."
He rolled his eyes. "I'll make them for us to snack on at work. I get to eat half of them if I make them."
"Fair enough," she said. "They really are delicious." She winked at Kurt.
Carole asked, "So how did you two meet?"
"He knocked me off my feet, for real." She laughed. "We both went to college in New York and we were skating with our own groups of friends at Rockefeller Center at the beginning of December not long after they had decorated everything for Christmas. It was my first year in the US and I wanted to do the fun touristy things in New York. He was out horsing around with the guys in his fraternity."
Art continued the story. "I was attempting to show off because I was a better skater than my frat brothers. So, I was skating backwards facing them. And Nina stopped when she dropped one of her gloves and I collided right into her. Whomp! We both went down. I felt so bad. She shrugged it off, getting up on her own and basically ignoring my apology and skating off."
"But he caught up and skated along beside me and was persistently annoying, but funny. I eventually accepted his offer of the 'best cup of hot chocolate in all of New York City' as his apology. I figured the worst thing that could happen is that I would spend ten minutes with him, drink a cup of mediocre hot chocolate, and never have to see him again."
"And…" Art teased.
Her eyes sparkled as she smiled. "And it was a fabulous cup of hot chocolate and we've been together for nearly 31 years. Our 25th Anniversary was last May. What about you two?"
"Kurt picked me out," Carole teased.
Nina turned and looked at Kurt curiously.
"It's true. We were at parent night at school, in the room with refreshments, and I introduced them."
Burt said, "And we hit it off right away. That was in like January or February. We got married the next November. Kurt planned our wedding."
Carole added. "It will be three years in November. So, you two never dated anyone else?"
"Oh, sure. I did. Not seriously though. Art and I started off dating casually. Where I grew up, pairing off right away wasn't really the way things went. We went out with our friends, but brought each other as dates. You know art events, movies, museums, concerts, shows, and things. Other guys asked me out and I went out with several of them. The same way – I'd invite them to do something with my friends. But after a few months, I just realized that every time I invited anyone besides Art that I never had as much fun. Like Burt said, Art and I just hit it off. I was young though, and I thought I shouldn't just settle for the first guy that I went out with. By Valentine's Day, I had quit inviting any other guys out with my friends and my American friends explained to me that I was supposed to ask him to be my boyfriend if I wanted him to date only me, so I did." She winked at Art.
"She's the only girl I ever dated seriously. I went to Dalton, like Sebastian. I went to the formals and whatnot. Usually one of the girls from Crawford Country Day would ask me. I wasn't looking to date seriously then anyway. Nina was just so different. I wasn't looking for love, as they say."
"You just fell into it," Carole said laughing.
"You got it." Art chuckled.
"Does anyone want anymore?" Kurt asked.
Everyone shook their heads no.
"Alright, then. We'll just pack up what's left. You guys can all get ready for the beach. It won't take us long. We're already dressed and our stuff is packed."
Once they were the only two in the kitchen, Kurt said, "Your parents have the best meet cute."
"They do." He wrapped his arms around Kurt.
"They've been together a long time. And they still really love each other."
"Yep. They're the real deal." He tipped Kurt's chin up and kissed him gently. "Just because we don't have the perfect meet cute that they do, does not mean that we're not the real deal. We just met the first time when we were too young. Just like my dad talked about going to dances with girls he had no intention of dating seriously, I wasn't ready to date seriously when we first met. I wasn't mature enough. I've told you this. That doesn't make us any less well-suited for each other now."
Kurt nodded. "You're right." He kissed Sebastian softly.
Nina came out first. "Are you two love birds ready?"
"Yeah. Our bag's over there, right inside the study door, so you wouldn't fall over it when you came in."
A few minutes later, the other three were out and ready to go as well. They made one stop at the same surf shop for Burt and Carole to pick out water socks.
While their parents got to know each other, Kurt and Sebastian joined in a game of beach volleyball. After a few games, they went out into the water and splashed around for a while to cool off from playing so hard.
They walked along the surf hand in hand down to the area where they always seemed to find the nicest shells. After Kurt thought about Marley's idea for her mirror, he decided that he wanted to add a bit of tropical flair to their bathroom. They two of them looked for tiny shells to use to decorate their soap dispenser and small shells for their shower hooks. He also decided he wanted to buy a few hand towels with shell patterns on them whenever they took Carole out shopping.
As they came back from their seashell hunt, Kurt looked at his dad in the distance. He stepped closer to Sebastian and put his arm around Sebastian's waist. As soon as Kurt wrapped his arm around Sebastian, he responded by doing the same thing.
"You were right earlier. It's just one of my knee-jerk reactions still. You know, to be gay in every way, except physically. It's my eunuch gay persona."
Sebastian chortled. "Yeah, that's SO not true." He pulled Kurt closer to him and kissed him on the temple.
Kurt blushed. "But it was this in-between place where I could express my identity through my clothing or my choice of hobbies or interests, but I couldn't express any actual sexuality. I told you about when I came out to him."
"Yeah."
"It was this huge relief that he wasn't going to reject me and that he still loved me, but it was very confusing because he wasn't comfortable with it, even after having known for 13 years. In 13 years, he could have done a lot of research and been ready. But it was like he knew, but he was hoping he was wrong and that he'd never actually have to face the truth. So, he's been accepting without being altogether supportive. He says he'll fight for me to have the right to love whoever I want, but then he doesn't really want to see that love."
"We haven't seen him since he said he was going to go to counseling with Carole. He said he was going to work on himself. He said he knew he had fallen into a pattern that he had never really worked to break, but he said he was going to. Let's assume that he did what he said he would do. You and I will act like we normally do. If he's uncomfortable about it, then it's on him and he'll be forced to self-reflect about why he seems to be the only one upset or bothered by it. He'll see that my parents are physically affectionate with each other. I saw them hug and kiss growing up. It was just normal. I saw them play fight over the last donut. He'd pick her up around the waist from behind just as she was going to take it, and he'd spin her around away from it. She'd distract him somehow and get loose. And pick it up and feed him half of it and eat the other half herself."
Kurt smiled. "You're very persuasive. Nearly as persuasive as you are gorgeous. Nearly," Kurt teased. He stopped walking, causing Sebastian to nearly stumble. When he turned back, Kurt stepped forward and pecked him on the lips.
Sebastian was surprised, but smiled happily and resumed walking alongside Kurt. They went and sat down on the towel they'd laid out next to where their parents were sitting. Kurt sat at the front of the towel. Sebastian sat behind him. He grabbed Kurt's sunscreen and carefully applied it to Kurt's back and shoulders while Kurt reapplied it to his chest. After Kurt let it soak in for a few minutes, he scooted back against Sebastian's chest and relaxed back, letting Sebastian wrap his arms around him. Sebastian propped his chin on Kurt's shoulder.
Sebastian spoke quietly in Kurt's ear. "Sometimes, I think about selling the place in New York and buying a place like the house my parents bought here. We could get jobs and just live a simple life."
"When we get close to finishing school, we can figure out where we want to live. We have time to figure it out." Kurt twisted a bit and turned his head and kissed Sebastian.
"We do."
