AN: this is part of a personal challenge/project filling all the prompts of past Kadam weeks, and posting one every day from March 28 to May 8th, 7 prompts per year 5 previous rounds (2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 last two managed by vcg73) the first week of May 2-8 will present to you the offering for the Kadam Week 2021 you can search for more on tumblr
This is the offering to Kadam Week 2017 prompt 6: Kurt meets Adam's ex-boyfriend and realizes that he may not have cornered the market on bad relationships.
On their way from the pub to the house neither had talked about what had happened before with Alexander, nor what he meant with his apology.
Kurt being the other involved part obviously knew, even if in his mind he was wondering exactly how could a perfect stranger read him so well... Had he given more away in his ranting than he intended to?
Adam was worried, the implications and the guilty look, on top of that offer were clear signs that Alex had managed to do something that was enough of a dick move to potentially cause damage, which in turn knowing it had happened because of him was making Adam feeling rather bad about the whole ordeal, just a few steps shy of feeling absolutely guilty it happened in the first place.
He knew Alex had his reasons, and damn if it hadn't felt good having Kurt that close to him for the rest of the evening as result.
On one hand, Adam knew Kurt was strong, stronger than sometimes his partner even realised... But the thought he had to be strong just for Adam's benefit, due to something that happened with his best friend was a hard pill to swallow...
The longer the tense silence lasted, the more Adam wondered if it had been worth it at all. Despite not knowing the details, seeing the result was making Adam think that it certainly wasn't the kind of ordeal he had ever really wanted to put Kurt through.
At the same time, Kurt was leaving a lot of things resting for now, things he deserved to know and Adam was just being too chicken about to address them. Trying to ask for details on what happened would be unfair, especially without even be willing to offer back at least crumbles of reasons why it did happen in the first place...
Kurt was grateful they were walking home, not that the distance was as big as he feared earlier on when they left the Crawfords' house. But maybe the fresh air on his face would be a reminder he was not back in Lima, the sounds were all different, the smells too, all of sudden he couldn't even recall whether Adam had kept drinking all night long or if he had switched to non alcoholic drinks before the end.
He had seen Adam totally wasted once or twice, but they had always been in a safe place, and to be honest, it was just at the beginning of their relationship so he had ways and valid reasons to not stay and discovering what would happen.
Kurt wasn't sure, but even asking wouldn't matter anyhow. What was done was done, and well, in all fairness had the bathroom incident not happened Kurt would have been just fine with Adam being up in his cups...
It was downright frustrating, it had been already five and four years since the events of the memories flashing in front of his eyes happened, and with two different boys at that...
He himself was not that helpless naive boy anymore, it was in the past, and the past wasn't hurt you if you don't let it...
And he was with Adam now… Though Adam, who despite his open and honest approach back in New York, was being so damn tight lipped about what was wrong in here...
Oh, Kurt was starting to have pieces of the puzzle, but it didn't help much as he didn't know if he had all of them yet.
And it wasn't like he could ask either, he was standing in a house made of glass, he knew better than starting throwing stones while in such position...
That put them in an en passe. They were both holding back something. A something big enough that they both damn well knew, the other would worry their mind over it and start getting bat stir crazy about it once it was revealed...
And apparently in his well meaning dick headiness, Alexander Mason was able to poke and prod at both of them, picking old scabs and raise them to the other's awareness.
While Kurt could understand how the guy was able to do so with his best friends, as he managed to learn the two knew each other since primary school, there was no reason for Alexander to have figured him out that fast...
What gave away things Kurt had worked so hard to leave in the past and pass through?
That was yet another mystery piece, either Alex had seen similar reactions before. Which might or might not imply Adam or one of their friends went through something of that nature.
Or Kurt himself had been more freaked out than he thought, he tried to recall what he said to the model, but all he could recall was fury, indignation and fear, fear of being back where he had been already in the past...
And thinking back, at least despite it all, back then Dave had been a lot more in control, he had just been a scared boy lashing out and making stupid mistakes...
Blaine on the other hand had been a whole different story, a wholly different position in Kurt's life as well... A whole different set of turning tables that left more doubts and scars Kurt had been ever been willing to admit.
It wasn't that Kurt didn't trust Adam. No, his partner had been one of the reasons why Kurt started to believe again that not all men were idiots.
That there still were out there guys that could understand that no means no, and not convince me...
But damn having those memories swirling in his mind, dancing around with the little information he picked on this far, it was doing a number on Kurt, and he didn't even have the word to express it.
The best Kurt could do was trying to sort the pieces out and see where that left him, hoping the little time it'd bought would make things clearer.
So there had been a boyfriend, called Mark, douche enough that the best friend was more than willing to use the lowest tricks just to make sure something of the sort would not happen again.
The kind of douche that clearly needed glasses for suggesting there were more palatable offers than Adam around. Though ok maybe Kurt was a little biased on the subject and it was a matter of tastes. But at the same time, 'dude you have a great boyfriend why would you keep looking around when you were taken?'
That suggested cheating, with a very familiar dose of 'it was your fault I did it'... The thought in and on itself was enough to make Kurt's stomach turn, that was exactly the kind of bullshit Blaine used to pull, in big and small ways.
Moving on the presence of clothes that while of high quality and gorgeous, and most likely that were looking just divine on Adam's body, were nowhere near Adam's own style or preferences.
And to top that, even before leaving for New York they had been firmly closed into a dusty box hidden out of sight and out of reach in the closet... Maybe an attempt to hide away the hurt, the memories or both...
Those could have been in the most optimistic options, a gift, so simply a reminder of a time together with the ex, and shut in a box as a way to forget.
Or as Kurt feared, given the relief Adam showed at Kurt's dismissal of them, something that a controlling ass hole used as guilt trapping... It was an option that while probable, in Kurt's mind stunk of another familiar and stomach turning line, the 'if you'd really loved me you would do it'...
Or Blaine's preferred variant of that line of manipulation 'It would make me very happy if you did it, you know I just want what's best for us', us which usually was composed primarily by Blaine and his desires…
Beside him, Adam too looked lost in thoughts, and as much as Kurt attempted a couple of times to broach the subject, or to say anything during their walk home, he found his voice stuck in his throat.
Adam indeed had noticed Kurt mulling over all the minute details he had picked this far, and he was sort of dreading what picture of him they would create into his partner's mind.
It didn't help that his own imagination was starting to cheerfully provide all the possible ways Alex might have acted, and which might be the repercussion of such action, maybe actions?
He wished to know, or more than that, he wished he could ask but chances were that would invite questions about Mark.
And he really really didn't want to think about his ex, never again if it was possible.
He thought he had outrun the memories already, and yet here he was eight years later still haunted by those memories, still as unable as he had been back then to tell what was wrong and believe it wasn't his fault...
Despite knowing that the issues Mark had created would come up, Adam was starting to worry.
He could see the house not too far ahead, and still Kurt had to touch him, was that because he figured out already what happened with Mark even knowing a lot less than Adam had?
Or was it a reaction to what Alex did? Maybe it was the fact that Alex had said something about Kurt's reaction to Alex's move...
Should he offer space? Adam wondered what was in Essex that made him still feel so insecure.
Hadn't he proved more than enough, over and over again he was no longer that stupid naive kid?
As they reached the gate of the house Kurt stopped them right outside it and took a step closer, resting his forehead on Adam's chest
"We will need to talk about what happened tonight, what your friend meant, but can we please not doing it right now?"
Adam was more than eager to accept the offer and hummed his agreement.
He tentatively and very slowly wrapped his arms around Kurt's shoulders, going just as rigid in feeling exactly how tense Kurt was.
As Adam started to second guess his move and loosen his gentle hold, wanting to allow Kurt the space he seemed to need, he was stopped by Kurt's arm holding onto Adam tightly, Kurt's face hiding in the crook of Adam's neck "Please don't…"
Hearing Kurt begging him to not let go was balm soothing Adam's fears, but he had to ask if Kurt was really ok with sleeping in the same bed or if Kurt needed space. He still had an air mattress and they could lock the door so no one else in the house would bug them about what happened during their outing.
"Would you, do you need me to let you have space? I can leave you the bed and we can lock the door and keep 'em all out, none of the rest of the family would say a peep"
Kurt's face was surprisingly neutral, but the tension in his body betrayed that he was not as calm as he appeared "Do you need the space?"
Adam shook his head and then raised a hand to caress Kurt's cheek, taking the chance to pass his thumb on Kurt's lips "I need you here with me more, but you've been put through a lot more than you deserved because of me tonight, so I'd really understand if you'd rather have some space I mean"
Kurt placed one finger on Adam's lips to silence him before pressing a delicate kiss on them
"I'd rather not being alone with my mind if you're ok with that, I- I can confess I can't even recall if you were drinking and that makes me uneasy. But I know you, I know you wouldn't press on to have your way. If nothing else for the reason you just offered to give me space, so please just lay down with me? Tonight is going to be a bad one, I'd rather not be alone, even if I doubt I'll talk about it right away"
All Adam was able to do was nodding and holding on to Kurt for dear life.
As they had anticipated, indeed that night was full of nightmares. Kurt saw Adam's silent tears, and in return Adam found Kurt curled around his pillow staring blankly into the distance.
The sky was getting lighter and the clock was showing it was just barely past six am, marking it unlikely that either of them had managed more than a couple of hours of sleep.
Adam had tried to stay as still as possible once he woke up and Kurt seemed unresponsive in his curled up position.
Trying to be more optimistic than he felt Adam asked softly "Any chance I could tempt you with breakfast Love?"
Kurt blinked a couple of times before offering the kind of self deprecating smile, that Adam had seen more than a couple of times.
The kind that usually would indicate a request Kurt didn't really believe was a feasible option, despite wishing ardently for it. The kind that was usually followed by Kurt making a joke out of the request, claiming it was silly or unimportant once denied.
"Any chance that breakfast would involve just the two of us and a quiet morning?"
Adam smiled relieved, that was something he could offer to Kurt. He checked the time once more and listen for signs of movements in the house before grinning "We have less than twenty minutes to get ready and be out of the house, if you think we can manage that, then yes we can go have a real English breakfast and sneak our way into a just us quiet morning."
Kurt's relieved smile was going to be well worth the ear boxing his Ma' would give him when they'd be back to the house.
Especially as Adam planned to make it look like they were still in bed the whole time, and play upon the kind heart of his parents in allowing the first morning after easing back into life with the whole family.
While it wasn't the smartest of ideas, and might potentially had repercussions on future visits if not properly explained before leaving, at least it would buy them some time to regroup. And maybe in the daylight, the issues raised last night would be less terrifying and ominous.
The promise of a quiet breakfast after the previous night sounded like heaven to Kurt, and it allowed him to push his tired body into a quick enough pace to get to it without further meetings.
This morning the thought of ten more people around sounded like just on the wrong side of too much, he would have endured it if he had to, but he was very much grateful with the offer of bailing out for a little longer.
To his surprise, Adam too had managed to move way faster than the restless night would have made Kurt guess.
Once they were both clothed and ready to sneak out, Kurt actually noticed from the door that the bed looked as if they were both still snuggled in there. With the blinders down, the shadows in the room also helped supporting the illusion they were recuperating from the excessive drinking from the night before.
While Kurt wasn't particularly pleased that such assumption was probably going to be made, about them overindulging on the first night here, the relief he felt about not having to face that many people while feeling still so raw, won over the indignation by a long shot.
True to his promise, Adam took them distant enough from the house that none of the older looking neighbours waved Adam in recognition and greetings.
The place where Adam took him was little more than a small door between buildings, the little blackboard on the pavement announcing a full English breakfast for just four pounds and a half.
Adam went to order their breakfast and Kurt asked playfully "Any chance that I could get a preview of what we'll eat for breakfast?"
Adam chuckled and shook his head teasingly "Nope love, you'll sit here like a native, wait for our pitcher of tea and grab a cuppa as our food gets ready. And then you'll wrinkle your nose scolding me but still proceed to finish all that's on your plate because we'll have a busy day"
Their normal banter and the hot tea in their hand was helping them both to find their footings and returning to a sense of normalcy.
They both knew there wouldn't be anything more than light chatting over food.
And Kurt was grateful he knew that, for if they were actually going to talk about the things they really needed to talk about so soon, then he wouldn't be able to stomach even breakfast.
And when their plates arrived, he offered a smile to the lady and a rather shocked look that he kept moving between both dishes and Adam.
"Are you sure you asked for breakfast? This seems more like a whole lunch and a half..."
Adam chuckled and raised his fork hovering it above his plate "This is a worker's breakfast, actually I thought I'd spare you the additional oatmeal with fresh fruit and pancakes"
Kurt's eyes bulged at the information, as he took cataloguing of all that was on his plate. Where there were two small sausages, beans, scrambled eggs, grilled cherry tomatoes and four small scones.
Kurt started eating and when he was about halfway through, surprised to have his appetite picking up thanks to the unusual combination. Despite its size, their pitcher kept the tea just as smoking hot as when it was placed on their table.
And unexpectedly, at least for Kurt, the tea was also kicking in with enough theine that it almost felt like having a latte, which was yet another lovely surprise.
Kurt looked up and noticed that Adam was almost done with his breakfast and he had to ask curiously "Is this the kind of breakfast we are expected to eat each day while here?"
Adam's grin was too cheekily to promise anything but trouble "Oh no, Ma is going to go full blown sunday's breakfast on us till the day we leave. You can expect scones, pancakes, fruit muffins, on top of ham, sausages, beans, tomatoes, eggs both boiled and scrambled. And depending on how much she wants to impress you there might even be one or two cakes..."
Kurt almost choked on the sip of tea he was drinking "Please tell me you're kidding me? How can you all look like you do and have constantly that kind of breakfast?"
Adam poked his tongue out and said teasingly wiggling his eyebrows "Great metabolism and lots lots of exercise… I mean how did you explain such a large family otherwise"
Kurt snorted and threw his napkin at Adam, aiming for his face "Seriously, that's not the kind of exercise you'd talk about while sitting at the breakfast table"
Adam's grin grew salacious as he leaned forward and whispered on Kurt's ear "I do not recall that many objections back at home when indeed we took that kind of exercise onour breakfast table"
To Adam's great pleasure Kurt blushed, as he often still did when the subject was raised. They were able to finish their breakfast with a smile, feeling a lot better and more like themselves than they did before.
Adam took Kurt into a small park, and found a rather secluded bench, on top of what looked like a small human made hill.
Upon reaching it, Adam allowed Kurt to sit and then walked around a little seemingly searching for something, then sounding triumphant with a long stick in his hands.
Kurt simply watched curiously and waited, an action that won him a brilliant smile from Adam and the dreamy introduction "My love, let me present to you the sights and marvels this little corner of Essex could present."
With as many theatricals someone could expect from a musical theatre actor, Adam used the stick on his hand to move to the side of what was supposed to be a curtain of ivy.
And revealed on the distance a picturesque slice of countryside, Adam turned to look at Kurt beaming and said proudly "One of the best views I could offer you without travelling much"
Kurt kept his eyes on Adam, drinking in every small detail he simply answered softly "As long as you're in my line of sight I always have the best view I could ever want."
It was rare for Kurt to be able to make Adam blush, but when it happened he cherished the moment like the precious treasure that it was.
Because it meant that Kurt had been able to express correctly what was on his mind, to the point his message reached the other man.
As much as Adam was the first in line to offer everyone else support and compliments, he appeared to always be the one who didn't receive enough affirmation or recognised his own worth, even less could see just how important he was for Kurt.
Kurt stood from the bench and came to stand next to Adam, his arms looped lazily around Adam's waist "I love you, I don't know what the hell happened with your ex, and I'm not going to demand answers from you. Just know I'm here if you feel like filling me in."
Adam looked grateful and in the stillness of the early morning, he allowed himself a moment of vulnerability, resting his face on Kurt's shoulder breathing in his partner's scent.
Not looking up nor moving from that position Adam asked barely audible "Will you tell me what happened with Alex, or at least why he thought there was something I should be aware of?"
Adam knew he was being unfair, but he had to try, he felt Kurt sagging in his arms. Kurt's voice was just as soft as Adam's had been
"Not right now. How about this, either we wrap both our heads around this or we postpone the talk till we get home? It is the kind of memories I'd rather not relieve at all, but if we have to and I could choose, being in our home, our bed, that would be preferable."
Adam hummed in agreement, he could understand the feeling, home and just the two of them sounded great in that instant.
They stayed up there for a while, the mist was fully dissipating on the horizon bringing colour and life into the distance.
Their peaceful moment got interrupted by a barking dog in their vicinity, chuckling at each other Kurt took half a step back and asked "So what great adventure are we planning for this fine morning kind ser?"
Adam made a great gesture of scratching his chin thinking and started listing possible destinations.
"Well my kind fellow in this fine, fine day and place, many are our options, mostly depending on what kinds of odds we want of being spotted and get company"
Kurt hummed thinking on it "Any chance we could steal at least till lunchtime without being ambushed?"
Adam grinned and said surely "Well as soon as we reach the mall and the music store I can guarantee all games are off. It was one of the first places where to find me back in high school that might interest you. Besides the mall, which still has a high chance of us being tracked, despite not being one of the first places, I'd say the public library it's another place where I used to spend a lot of time"
Kurt looked taken aback "I can't believe you would hold back on me that way, you going voluntary at the mall, when I have to bribe you every single time to come with me? Should I resent that?"
Adam tightened the hold on Kurt preventing him from leaving "On my defence, I was young and impressionable back then, and there's also the fact that experiencing an american mall with you was and still is quite an experience in and on itself every single time…"
Kurt half closed his eyes into small slits "You mister are on very thin and shaking ground, and very lucky I'm taking that in the very best possible way..."
Adam chuckled and leaned forward following as Kurt moved back until he managed to catch Kurt's lips for a kiss then he said grinning "I know I am, and it was meant in the best of ways"
As Adam promised, the library was a place of beauty not only the outside architecture was breathtaking in his new classical style
What Kurt ended up finding breathtaking was that in what was clearly a public place there were not only architectural elements to be admired but also frescoes on walls and ceilings.
And no one else seemed as enchanted, like everyone was simply going through their days, doing their normal things without even realising what magical place it was once inside.
Still very much confused by people attitude, Kurt shook his head during their walk from the library to the mall, and he said very much surprised
"I don't get it, how can everyone walk into something that beautiful, being so close to art and not feel the thrill of being able to touch it, to walk into it without having to pay a ticket?"
Adam smiled indulgently and shrugged "I guess we're all very much used to have older building repurposed? I mean before it became our public library it used to be a private house, and well, point is this small pieces of art are all over the place. I guess it's sort of like the traffic in New York, or how crowded the tube is. Given enough time experiencing it, you just get so used to how things are, to the point of barely noticing anymore and simply get on with your life"
Kurt frowned but nodded "I guess it's true, but that sounds extremely sad, losing the ability to be inspired and enjoy the small things that are part of your life isn't that how artists keep their muses fed and working even when inspiration dries out?"
Adam smiled and nodded "Indeed I agree, but lucky for us not everyone is an artist, or I believe we would have even more competition in trying to get a job..."
Kurt laughed freely "Indeed indeed, still, it's very different from back home."
As they walked into the mall Kurt looked around noticing how differently from home it was, all the shops seemed very much almost on top of one another
At Kurt's almost scandalised face, Adam went and whispered in his ear "If you think this is crowded will you be able to survive the weekly antique market?"
Kurt looked with eyes full of wonder and swatted his hand on Adam's chest "Don't you even dare to joke about that, you promised me a very British experience. You're so not going to turn it on me just to avoid taking me places."
Adam laughed and raised his hands in surrender "I wouldn't dream of it, a promise is a promise, and I want to make you happy."
Kurt darted a look around and gave Adam a quick peck on the lips. He then saw how his partner's eyes were caught by an event announcement in the music store as one of the people from last night's pub crawling was waving at them from inside the store.
Kurt smiled and said "I just saw a clothes sale going on and I do need to see what pass for fashion in here. How about you go ahead and talk with your friend and I'll spare you my first rummage through the goods?"
Adam smiled back and bit his lower lip with a touch of nervousness in the gesture "You sure that's ok?"
Kurt nodded and smiled lovingly "Of course I'm sure luv, as much as I want to spend as much time together as possible, it would be unfair hogging all your time. Especially when I know you wouldn't enjoy the search through racks full of clothes as much as you'd enjoy talking music with a friend of yours. I'll join you in a while, or if I'm not out in, let's say two hours come and pick me up for lunch?"
Adam relaxed and grinned "Sounds like a plan, please don't spend all your clothes budget on the first day Darling I really want you to save some for the antique market, I'm pretty sure you'd get more excited there than anything you could find here, that much I can promise you"
Kurt chuckled and patted Adam's arm "Fine, fine I really hope this antique market lives up to the hype you're making it to be. Otherwise, just know you've signed yourself up for a two month worth of solo wandering the antique markets back at home... The ones you keep refusing to come unless Elliott is there as well"
Adam made a face "I don't see why I have to be the only one packed like a mule every single time you get there... Sharing the load is a perfectly reasonable thing to ask for, but I don't worry, having seen you in the ones back in New York, I'm very much sure I can make you breathless with excitement with our local one, and if worse comes to pass I could always drag you to Portobello Road"
Kurt snorted and after another quick peck on Adam's cheek, he started moving away "I see how things are, go now, we'll see if you're right once we get there. For now enjoy your time with your friend, and if you see something interesting to take home do take it, or at least do show me if it's something above our usual pocket money?"
With a last chuckle and a nod, Adam went into the music store and greeted his friend enthusiastically.
Kurt saw that Adam was in good hands, and smiled with a quick nod as the friend in question looked at him through the window and offered a smile and a thankful nod before focusing completely on Adam.
Kurt took his time to browse through the racks, checking the prices and the cuts offered.
He was a little surprised at the prices, despite the conversion rate, they were not too different from home, however on some pieces the quality of the fabric seemed a little better than average.
Kurt was checking a couple of silks shirts the cut would be flattering on him, he knew that much, but was it worth the cost? Kurt was on the fence about that. The model was something within his ability to replicate and make on his own, and Adam's warning of wanting to save money for the antique market first made sense.
Furthermore it might even be more convenient just buying the raw material instead, as europe had some stores selling fabric with 52 even 54 inches width and at reasonable prices as well, or so Kurt had heard.
That meant it might be more convenient postponing any buying after Adam kept good on his promise to take him to a tailor's wonderland.
Whispers of a whole mall worth of space, filled to the ceiling with bolts of fabrics that could make the garment district in New York blush, were still floating like a promise in Kurt's mind when a flirty voice interrupted Kurt's private musing and pondering.
"I believe the uranian blue one would make your eyes look even prettier than they already do"
Kurt smiled politely "Why thank you for the opinion, I'm still browsing but I'll keep that in mind."
Kurt made to move on, to look through other garments, only for the other guy following him still smiling and taking appreciative looks at Kurt.
Kurt took a moment to take in the appearance of the guy, who was slightly taller than Kurt himself, a slender frame complimented by an open and well fitted korean shirt made of ivory silk and a pair of petroleum sailor pants that were almost indecently tight, showing off muscular legs and a well defined ass. Under the pants peeked the pointy shape of what seemed cowboy boots.
All in all the guy could be considered objectively attractive.
And if the smile he had on hadn't reminded Kurt too much of another face of his past, of the impotent rage and insecurities it used to ignite in him, maybe he wouldn't have tried to dismiss at once any attempt to talk, after all despite the slimy feeling that was crawling up Kurt's spine by mere proximity the guy at least had good taste in clothes.
In fact, if Kurt was a betting person, he might have bet that this guy had the same taste as Adam's ex if the clothes he saw yesterday were of any indication. And given his partner's reaction to them, Kurt was pretty sure he had that detail firmly nailed.
"You know, all I can see is that you've impeccable taste, but I do know something else that would look divine on you"
Kurt's smile grew a little tense but he still managed to remain polite "Thanks, again. I'll just keep browsing till I find something I like"
Kurt mused that a couple of years ago he wouldn't have been even able to tell he was being flirted with. Nor would he have picked up that quickly just exactly what that something else might have included. He just hoped that having shot down the guy twice already would be enough...
Hope that got destroyed in the next breath when the guy continued as if Kurt hadn't even spoken "There's no need to keep browsing, someone as gorgeous as you are would look amazing naked."
Kurt pressed his lips and looked unimpressed then quipped tartly "I'm pretty sure even in here there's at least one law punishing indecent exposure. And I prefer to not visit this country's jail."
The guy insisted not at all put off by the continued rejections "There's no need to visit a local cell, I have a private place and cuffs of my own should you be interested"
Glad for finally a direct line that couldn't be turned against him as a mere misunderstanding, Kurt smiled a small sarcastic smile and with a sufficient look said "Not interested, I have a boyfriend"
The guy showed up his true colours. Confirming in Kurt's mind that apparently, the teenage Smythe's attitude was a trait shared by all vile, viscid and slimy creatures.
Completely unaware of the not at all interested thoughts and vibes present on Kurt's mind, and on his body language, the guy said nonchalantly
"Doesn't bother me if it doesn't bother you, after all he doesn't need to know"
At that point Kurt took a very unimpressed and judging slow look, sweeping his eyes on the guy from head to toe, and then shrugging once dismissively he said
"It does bother me, because I am not a cheater, and even if I was you've nothing to offer me that I can't have ten times over from my boyfriend."
With that Kurt moved away, he tried to distract himself for a little longer not wanting to go meeting Adam while he was still fuming by the gall of a sleazy being.
The guy in question was baffled, he had never been shot down that hard. He was the one calling the shots, and if Adam's new toy wouldn't be persuaded then he could go directly to his ex and cause havoc there, and then wait around till the heartbreak before making his move…
It was going to be spectacular.
Mark left the clothing store and the new boyfriend behind, he walked with his usual air of confidence into the music store where Adam and Johnny boy were most likely reliving past glorious days together. And as the principal shiny star of those days, Mark believed he should get his share of fun and credit.
"Well, well, well, look who came back home after moving an ocean away trying to outrun memories... Did you miss me sweetheart?"
Adam went rigid, he didn't even need to see the stone cold look on John to recognise who that voice belonged to. That voice belonged to the one who had been the principal reason of too many sleepless nights, infested with nightmares, for Adam to ever be able to forget Mark, the sound of his voice, or what the guy did to him.
That knowledge brought the taste of bile up into his mouth.
Adam was torn between wishing to have Kurt at his side, and actually wanting for the two of them to never meet, allowing the past to stay buried behind him where it belonged.
Hoping to move things along faster, if only he acknowledged his ex, Adam schooled his face into a completely neutral expression
"I am not your sweetheart as per your own choices Mark, and no I was having a rad day until you popped up unwelcome and undesired like rain on derby's day"
Mark raised a hand to his chest in an attempt to look heartbroken, picture completely ruined by the I know something you don't know smirk present on his face "Awww that hurts my poor bleeding heart that you'd be so cold to me, three years together meant absolutely nothing to you after all? So harsh Adam..."
Adam managed to stay calm, if not rather dissociated by what was happening, he was not going to give his ex any power over him. Including sharing the knowledge that he could still get under Adam's skin and poke all his sore spots.
In true Mark's impatient fashion, Adam didn't have much to wait before being told exactly what was going to be lorded over his head.
"I met your new toy, nice morsel I can say I enjoyed my time with him, I guess I can give it to you that much. You do know how to pick good ones, after all you were after me first... Though I remember you being quite more adventurous than he is, still a nice ass to tap"
John was tensing next to Adam, his mind clearly warring between believing Mark's rather explicit words or holding onto Alex's seal of approval from the night before.
Adam might have fallen for such a play before, when he was still with Mark.
But being with Kurt, and having met Blaine and some of Kurt's 'friends' had given him a crash course in learning to listen closely to the exact words being said, their correct meaning and to not assume their meaning.
Kurt had always been truthful, at times very much literally so.
And despite the heavy insinuations present on Mark's words, nothing in them spoke clearly of anything having happened between Mark and Kurt.
The fact that Adam knew fully well that Kurt wasn't that inclined to get frisky in public places, helped too.
Also knowing that his boyfriend would never do anything of the sort in a changing cabin, because he was too vocal and didn't want to risk alerting the whole shop on what was going on if they even attempted, was another good point to take Mark's words with more than a pinch of scepticism.
And more importantly, one of the things Adam loved the most with Kurt was the fact they could take their time with long teasing. Making out and taking foreplay to the point it was an ongoing joke between them, on how they needed to be positive they could have at least twenty uninterrupted minutes before attempting anything more than just kissing. Not that either really minded...
And despite having parted for almost twice as much, Adam had no doubt Mark simply didn't have what it took for Kurt to even look at him. Which was a very comforting thought in and on itself.
Mark was taking Adam's silence as a victory, not realising just how much off the mark he was in believing so, it was almost comical.
And like a ray of sunshine that rightened his whole day, Kurt appeared at Adam's side, one arm resting on Adam's shoulders as he claimed a kiss before proceeding ignoring Mark's gaping expression as he said
"Hellu luv, you were right there was absolutely nothing that could even pique my interest in there"
Kurt purposely threw a quick dismissive glance on Mark's way before continuing "But I had all the confirmation I needed that I'm very lucky in already having all I need here in my arms, so did you guys had a good time?"
John relaxed at seeing the non interaction Kurt had going on with Mark, even more so seeing Adam almost melting in his boyfriend's embrace.
Mark on the other hand was not impressed at all, none of his plans seemed to work, and that yankee was getting under his skin, to the point he lost his cool and quipped deadpanned
"Is it a matter of your mother being unable to teach you proper manners or it's just that introduction is something that a yankee like you couldn't wrap his small brain around?"
The raised eyebrow and slightly amused grin on Kurt's lips were the first signs that Adam was so going to watch a show of epic proportions, and Mark was the target of the smackdown of the century.
"Oh excuse me, I am not in the habit of repeating myself, Mark. Given the fact I rejected five times your frankly pathetic and amateurish attempts of offering something that had no chance to even made me think about it. Even less actually tempting me into becoming a cheater, I thought you already knew who I am, after all, I do know who you are. You are the idiotic cheating piece of arse hole who let Adam go so I could have my chance with him... "
Kurt grinned like a cat ready to pounce, preparing for the final blow, emotions were starting to make Adam's eyes shining with ushered happy tears. Kurt continued without even blinking.
"I was tempted to get you a thank you basket, then you opened your mouth and I thought I could make better use of my money by taking my lover out for lunch and then proceed showing him exactly how much better than you I am. So why don't you take a hint and scram?"
Mark was completely taken aback at the fact that the line, the full Ted talk?, he just received was delivered so fast that it looked like Kurt hadn't even breathed.
While John shared his own just as confused look on his face, the brilliant grin and adoring look that made Adam look like an angel, told a whole different story about the couple.
Other than being painful to see such look directed to someone else, it was also a huge telling that there was more to those words between the two.
That it was either something like an inside joke or the reminder of a shared moment that only the couple was able to fully understand.
And for the first time since Adam walked away, Mark started to wonder if maybe he really had lost more than he ever realised was his at one time.
Kurt had barely the time to click his tongue and wave dismissively at Mark, before Adam cradled his face with his hands.
Adam proceeded to kiss him until they were both absolutely breathless, and probably looking only a few inches shy of having security called on them for public indecency, despite being fully clothed and only holding onto each other.
Kurt licked his now swollen lips as he tried to catch his breath, grateful his arms had moved to hold onto Adam's waist, for he was still feeling light headed "Hi"
Adam rested his forehead against Kurt's and smiled just as brilliantly and breathlessly he whispered in the space in between them a soft "Hellu"
The couple had not noticed at all when Mark left, John however made his presence known by the resounding click signalling a picture being taken.
Kurt turned his face and raised an eyebrow at John but made no attempt to move out of Adam's embrace.
John shrugged back and grinned "You're welcome, I was just sending proof of why you two need to visit Mama Joe's and have a private lunch on us, after what just happened, Kurt showed how much he deserves such a treat. And it's a lot cheaper and less difficult to explain than having to bail you two out of jail, believe it or not, this is still a family friendly place"
Adam was grinning pleased, clearly getting the reference, and Kurt couldn't stop himself from quipping "At the present time, in this specific instance I'm more than willing to accept Blaine's version of family friendly"
Adam snorted "Is it a special occasion or we have just discovered a new kink of yours love?"
Kurt chuckled "More like the fact I trust your friends more than mine about being there to bail us out should we need that."
Adam chuckled and nodded reluctantly releasing his hold on Kurt to a simple hand holding "I can't blame that reasoning"
Then John quipped at the pair "It's all a matter of experience, we have plenty of it."
Then he shrugged once more and said grinning after checking his phone one more time "Well Mama J's all yours and everyone knows not to check on you till late afternoon, have fun kiddies. And don't do anything I wouldn't do myself"
Adam grinned broadly "Well that leaves us so many choices we might need more than just the few hours you just granted us"
John raised one hand to his chest and the other to dry a fake tear at the corner of his eye "Don't push your luck man, and I know I'm such a great role model, never you dare to forget that, especially in your next christmas card"
Adam looked a little sheepishly, he nodded before waving their farewell and started walking Kurt away.
Given the name, Kurt was surprised to find himself standing in front of a clearly residential building, a little on the rundown appearance but not more than his own loft in bushwick had been.
Once they reached the third floor, Kurt was even more surprised watching Adam expertly remove one of the many exposed bricks, only to take out a single key with a lone keyring before Adam promptly latched to the doorknob.
He opened the door and took a step inside quickly followed by Kurt.
At Adam's questioning look Kurt simply shrugged smiling "It's just all very well organised that makes me wonder a little on just how long has this been going, and well its origins to be honest"
Kurt grinned and shrugged his shoulder and started looking around easily spotting the table filled with assorted cold and finger food that could be perused at any time.
Adam was at the kitchen counter checking out the warm food humming pleased "Most of us had rather large or nosey families, while Joe was basically raising himself and already living alone by the time he was sixteen. Joe was one of the oldest in our group so by the time we were all around the age of starting fooling around, instead of risking any of us to be idiots, since Joe had sort of adopted me and the rest of my friends as family, he opened his house to us as a safe place to go to and have some private time… He had always been rather a mother hen and wanted us to be safe"
Kurt didn't hold back the snort or the raised eyebrow showing all his disbelief of Adam calling anyone else a mother hen, when he himself was the most caring man Kurt had ever met "Should I really believe you know someone who is more of a mother hen than yourself? I am sort of curious to meet this man now"
Adam chuckled "Ok aside from my family which you saw can be very loving and caring, but you saw there're a lot of us, so ma not always had been able to give all of us all of her attention. And mind you I never minded, but Joe was the one who truly showed me the difference it makes having someone willing to step up and patch you up when you need it, unafraid of being teased and being called an old mother hen just for showing they care for you."
Kurt smile was soft and nodded, a little melancholic thinking of how things might have been different simply by having someone like that in his life after his mom died, "I wasn't kidding even if I was teasing a little. I'd love to meet Joe, he sounds like a wonderful guy"
Adam went and wrapped himself around Kurt possessively "You will, but only if you promise to not let yourself be swept off your feet by him, while it would have been devastatingly if you fell for anything Mark or Alex pulled, Joe is actually someone I wouldn't be able to fault you for falling for, he really is one of the best men I've ever known."
Kurt held onto Adam tightly with one arm, as his other hand rested on Adam's cheek, his thumb under Adam's chin pushing it up so that their eyes could meet.
And once Adam was really looking into Kurt's eyes, and seeing him, Kurt said with all his conviction "There is no other man I want but you. We might meet many wonderful and great men, but you are the only one I want to build a life with. I'm not perfect and neither are you, but I want us to work out because you're worth it, and you make me believe I'm worthy as well."
Kurt licked his lips and continued unwavering
"I love you for who you are. I love you even when I'm mad at you for misplacing the laundry net or putting the dry cleaning only suit in the washing machine completely and irrevocably destroying it.
I love you when I would happily shake some sense into you for accepting to do something just to help one of our friends when you're still too sick to even get out of bed without the help of half of our medicine cabinet. I love you when you smile, and I love you when you allow me to see life getting to you.
I love you when you allow me to be the one holding you in my arms and I love you when you continue to choose to be with me day after day."
Adam's throat was constricted by emotions and words were not enough to express just how much he loved Kurt in return. He tilted his head to the side, making it so that Kurt's hand would end up sandwiched between his cheek and his shoulder for a moment before leaning in and kissing Kurt with the same reverence and love present in Kurt's voice.
Kurt closed his eyes and allowed himself to melt against Adam, they were in a safe place, with the promise of no one coming to bother them for few hours… He could see how an older brother figure would actually allow his own home to become a safe place for his friends to be.
He felt very grateful that John had found him worthy of the same level of protection as Adam and the rest of their friends could find in this little corner of a quiet safe heaven.
It was a heady feeling knowing that he was found more deserving than the ex of being here, and thinking back on what had happened with Adam's ex there was one thing he really really needed to ask Adam. One thing he was sure it would be ok asking.
Once they stopped kissing and were taking a moment to finally slow their panting a little, Kurt started grinning playfully and said "There's something I need to ask you and I really need you to be honest with me..."
Adam nodded warily as he licked his lips nervously, almost starting to bite them. Kurt's eyes were shining with mischief so it was a fifty fifty chance where it was going to be a good or a scary thing, almost a hundred percent certain it could be both at the same time.
But Adam found himself completely taken by surprised by Kurt's question, it was one he wasn't expecting at all so he blinked as he listened
"So I was wondering, was that what you felt when you confronted Blaine? If I read your reaction correctly at hearing your own speech used back on your own ex, and I believe I know you well enough to say with a certain amount of confidence that I did. I believe that you totally reacted in a very similar manner of overwhelmed happiness and gratitude, very similar to how I know I felt when you knocked Blaine down few pegs with said speech."
Adam tighten his hold on Kurt and pulled him backwards with him until he made both of them fall down on the couch, making sure to be the one staying on the bottom and taking the worse of the fall.
Adam knew he was more likely than not blushing, at least some, and he really didn't mind He knew perfectly well how good it felt each and every time he was the one who made Kurt blush.
So he couldn't exactly find in himself the desire to deny Kurt the feeling of such pleasure
"Well, it certainly made me understand better how it was possible for you to desire and want to hold on me so tightly. And it did explain the gratitude and passion it provoked. But as I am unsure of how you felt in confronting my ex, I don't know, I was a little too surprised and overwhelmed to register exactly how you possibly were feeling, my own emotions were running a higher than I thought possible"
Kurt hummed and adjusted himself on top of Adam, making certain to keep as much of their bodies in constant contact as possible, he entwined his fingers together and rested his chin on top of them, never stopping looking at Adam
"It felt like reaffirmation and a load being removed from my shoulders, you had been strong enough to leave that guy before, and you had already chosen to be with me, there was no possible way you'd decide to leave me for him, not after having met the kind of ass hole he was…"
Adam smiled softly "Well for me it was more a wondering what you saw in him, and I confess until the moment you kissed me, I wasn't completely sure you wouldn't choose to attempt fix what you had with him. So most of it was very much a bravado, a front to make him back off, because I didn't like how he was crowding you, trying to make executive decisions on your life without even consulting you or asking for your opinion... If you were to break up with me I wanted it coming from you. Even if I was very hopeful that it wouldn't happen and that the odds were going to be in my favour..."
Kurt's smile became sadder and he slid his chin off his finger so that his forehead rested on Adam's chest and one of his hand could meet Adam's halfway in between them "I'm sorry, you probably had a lot fewer details and pieces to figure out what happened with my ex than I had with yours, maybe not right now, but we can talk about it if you want"
Adam hummed softly his agreement, he was already suspecting that Kurt had figured out the majority of the issues that Adam had with Mark, and some of the consequent baggage they created.
"Still I knew enough to being able to fully enjoy and rejoice the moment when you fully decided to become mine, to leave Blaine behind in your past allowing him to hold only shattered fragments of lost possibilities and chances"
Kurt chuckled softly then looked at Adam lovingly "I guess we both had our share of the bad relationship corner. While I'm not happy that we had to get through it to find each other, I'm still glad it made us the person we were when we decided to be together."
Kurt took a moment to use his free hand to card through Adam's soft hair before continuing
"I know I said it before but believe me, I am fully aware of how much of an upgrade you are from my ex, and I am self aware enough to know that despite my own flaws I know I can treat you better than he did. And I'm trying, if I ever start to be so pushy I remind you of him please tell me. I want to be as good for you as you're good for me."
Adam lifted his head to place a kiss on Kurt's forehead humming softly his agreement "You already are, and I believe you. You know, I was scared of you coming here with me, only to finally realise that you could totally have any man you'd desire. That there could be options, probably more attractive or better suited to some of your other passions than I am. But seeing you beat them all away with a stick just to defend your position with me... I don't think you could have ever managed to look any more attractive to me than you did in the past twenty four hours"
Chuckling softly, trying to not let his heart break at the confession, not really noticing the vulnerability and fragility sweeping into his voice, Kurt asked softly
"Including when I must have looked like a disaster as I had not a lick of sleep and begged you to take me away from everyone else because my mind couldn't stop replaying memories I wanted desperately to erase from my mind?"
Adam nodded and put two fingers under Kurt's chin so that their eyes could meet as he said tenderly "Yes even when you had a night full of nightmares and looked up at me for comfort, trusting I would do everything in my power to provide you with what you needed."
Kurt slid his head back so he could place a small kiss on Adam's fingers, only for Adam to lean forward and capture his lips instead.
They were not yet done with the subject, they would need to talk about it later on, but for now, they were safe and happy together, and the rest of the world could wait a little longer before reclaiming their attention.