May 1920
Blaine

Late in the morning, Blaine and Kurt enter the drawing room, where the rest of the family is playing charades. Finn is walking with splayed feet, pretending to carry a cane, and tipping an invisible hat.

"Charlie Chaplin's Little Tramp!" Uncle Hiram shouts.

"That was too easy," LeRoy groans, and marks a point for the other team on a piece of paper.

Cousin Rachel jumps up from the sofa, and Blaine's eyes open wide when he sees her outfit. She's wearing a canary-yellow dress that has a lacy pattern and ruffles along the bodice. She looks like a daffodil announcing - no, broadcasting - that spring has arrived. Blaine is grateful that the weather is too warm for the matching sweaters Cousin Rachel and Uncle Hiram seem to enjoy wearing.

Cousin Rachel places hands on her hips. "What took you two so long? We've been waiting for ages."

Blaine isn't about to tell her that Kurt had spent the past hour worshiping his body, kissing and sucking, until he succumbed to a toe-curling orgasm. Or that when he was in the shower, Kurt surprised him by slipping in there, too, and Blaine dropped to his knees to return the favor.

"Aren't I allowed to have a lie-in on my birthday?"

"Finn said that you were wide awake at eight o'clock, and Kurt has been upstairs with you for almost two hours," Cousin Rachel pouts.

LeRoy discretely coughs and interrupts, "I'm sure that they had a lot to talk about. Happy birthday, Blaine. We have some presents for you to open."

Blaine sits down in a brown leather club chair, and spots a huge pile of packages and letters on the corner table.

Cousin Rachel rushes over with an envelope. "Open mine first!"

Blaine carefully opens the envelope and takes out the greeting card. The front has a picture of a daffodil field. He wonders if Cousin Rachel found the dress or the card first. When he opens the card, two tickets flutter out.

"Those are tickets to Finn's and my very last Vaudeville performance. We've handed in our notices to the troupe. There is so much I need to do to prepare for granny's summer fundraising event, which will launch my Broadway career."

"Thank you for the tickets. I always love watching you perform on stage. I'll make sure that Kurt and I have the night off from the tavern."

Finn hands an envelope to Blaine. Inside the greeting card are four tickets. "I'm not sure if you've seen a baseball game before."

"Can't say I have," Blaine replies.

"It's a bit like cricket, only it doesn't take five days for a competition result. There are nine innings, and it takes less than two hours to play. In January, the Brooklyn Dodgers paid $125,000 for Babe Ruth, who is the best batsman in the league. I'd love to watch him play."

"It's a good thing I have four tickets, then. Kurt will come, too, won't you?"

"If I have to," Kurt grumbles. "I'm not a huge fan of spectator sports."

"It'll be fun! We'll ask Beiste to join us as well. One of us needs to know something about baseball."

Uncle Hiram walks over and hands Blaine a small box. Inside is a silk blue and red striped bow tie.

"I love it! Kurt, could you help me change ties? I want to wear the new one today."

Kurt walks over to Blaine, and adeptly changes the bow ties. Blaine closes his eyes and gets lost in the scent of a freshly showered Kurt, and the familiar feeling of his fingers brushing his neck. When Kurt has finished, Blaine gives him a lingering kiss to show his appreciation.

Uncle Hiram clears his throat. "I have two additional presents for you. The first one is an appointment at Brooks Brothers outfitters next month. Judging by your reaction to the bow tie, I think their style of clothing will suit you. Their clothes are ready made, but they'll adjust every item to fit you properly. I've instructed them to put the items onto my account."

Blaine is speechless. Although his pre-war outfits still fit and are serviceable, he has wanted to purchase a few new things so that he looks good for Kurt on their days off. "I don't know what to say. This is very generous of you."

"I also have one last present. When you and Kurt are able to get some time off work, the house in the Hamptons will be at your disposal. I've contacted the local stables, and they will have horses available anytime you want to ride. There are beautiful beaches for when you want to relax. We even have a wooden boat if you fancy fishing. We'll make sure that we aren't there during your week, and a housekeeper will come in daily to clean, do laundry, and restock the ice box."

Blaine cannot believe his uncle's generosity. He has wanted to take Kurt away for a break… just the two of them. He hopes that by spending some high quality alone time together, Kurt will see that they could have this life in New York City, too, if only he would agree to live with him.

"Sounds like heaven. Healy's Tavern has been so busy, and I could really use a holiday. I haven't really had one since before the Great War. I'll talk to the Healys and get back to you on the dates."

"I've never had a holiday," Kurt adds.

"You two deserve a holiday. When you arrive at the Hamptons, my birthday gift will be found in the bedroom." LeRoy remarks and gives Blaine a wink.

Heat flashes through Blaine's body, knowing that LeRoy is the one who discreetly restocks his night table with tubes of K-Y jelly. He can't even image what LeRoy's gift might be, but whatever it is, he's sure it will lead to some fun.

"What did Kurt give you for your birthday?" Cousin Rachel asks.

Blaine's face lights up. "Kurt gave me some new music scores for the piano. There might even be some songs that you could use in Granny's showcase in July."

Cousin Rachel claps her hands together in glee. "Let's go through them after lunch today."

Uncle Hiram stands up. "We best get a move on if we want to be on time for lunch. Mother doesn't like to be kept waiting."

"What about the other presents? Shouldn't Blaine open them first?" Finn asks.

Uncle Hiram shakes his head. "They are all from Westerville. I'm sure they'll keep until we get back."

They grab hats and canes, and head out into the warm spring day. Granny also lives on Fifth Avenue, a few blocks down, and Blaine enjoys the short stroll. He likes that his birthday presents are about doing things in his leisure time. He's been too busy with work to enjoy the pleasures that New York City has to offer. Maybe he'll find the time to pursue new hobbies and make new friends.

Finn slows down to walk with Blaine. "It's a real shame that you couldn't open all your presents before lunch. Do you think Mrs Sylvester sent you something yummy to eat?"

Blaine chuckles, "I'd bet anything that there is a fruitcake in the pile. Say, Finn, I was thinking of inspecting the local gym that recently opened. Kurt tells me that there are weights, exercise machines, and they even have an amateur boxing club. I'm thinking of taking up boxing. Would you be interested in coming with me?"

Finn's eyes open wide. "I don't think it's a good idea for us to box together. You're pretty tiny, and I wouldn't want to hurt you."

"Apparently, there are different weight categories now, so we wouldn't spar together. You'd probably be a heavyweight, and I would be a featherweight."

Finn smiles. "Well, if I don't have to fight you, I'd be happy to check out the new gym with you."

Before Blaine knows it, they have arrived at his granny's townhouse. It's not as grand as Uncle Hiram's, but the three-story building is still impressive.

Kurt whispers, "Wow, this is quite a large place for only one person."

"It's where Mama and Uncle Hiram grew up. I doubt that granny would ever consider moving."

Uncle Hiram opens the gate and they walk to the main door, which is flanked by columns and has an intricately carved frieze on the top and sides. When they ring the bell, Blaine is surprised that it's his granny who opens the door.

Although June Dolloway is wearing a simple but elegant black dress, she is dripping in jewelry that screams her wealth. Her short henna-dyed hair is styled in the latest fashion of finger waves, and her crown is topped with a headband filled with black feathers. She doesn't shy away from the pancake powder and bright red lip rouge. There is nothing subtle about June Dolloway. At all.

"Where's the birthday boy?"

Blaine steps into the entryway and gives his granny a hug and a kiss on each cheek, careful not to mess up her makeup.

"Happy birthday, Blaine."

"Thank you, Granny. So far, it's been a wonderful day." Blaine pulls away and signals for Kurt to step forward. "I don't believe you've met Kurt Hummel. He's from Westerville, too."

Kurt steps inside, takes off his cap, and bows. "How do you do, Mrs Dolloway?"

Mrs Dolloway's blue eyes narrow slightly, and she purses her lips. "You're such a good boy to help Blaine on his birthday." She waves her hand along the corridor. "The back stairs are at the end. You're just in time to help the other servants with the final preparations before the meal. I've already told them to expect you."

"Granny, Kurt isn't here as a servant. He's here as my friend," Blaine gently reminds her.

"What would people say if they knew a second footman was sitting at my table?"

Blaine closes his eyes briefly. This is so much worse than he had expected. Why does his granny have to be such a snob? "Kurt hasn't been a domestic servant for years. I think anyone would be honored to entertain a flying ace from the Great War in their dining room. I, for one, am proud to be his friend."

Uncle Hiram pipes in, "Mother, it's Blaine's birthday and he wants to celebrate it with Kurt, too. There is always room for one more."

With a stern, almost bordering on a snotty look on her face, Mrs Dolloway replies, "Well, since it's Blaine's birthday, I suppose we can squeeze in another for lunch. First a chauffeur, now a footman. I must have a word with Pamela about the goings-on at Westerville Abbey. I taught her better than this. Once Cavendish has taken your things, meet me in the dining room."

As the butler collects the hats and canes, Kurt leans into Blaine and whispers, "She hates me."

"Hate is a very strong word. She'll feel differently once she gets to know you."

"I don't think that's very likely. A woman like her would never see me as anything but a servant."

Blaine squeezes Kurt's hand. "It's only one meal. You don't have to see her again if you don't want to."

They immediately head to the elegant dining room. Above the long highly-polished oak table is an ornate crystal chandelier, and the cabinetry along a wall displays the silver and large exotic porcelain pieces from the Orient. In the center of the table is a tower of clove-studded oranges with narcissus blooms tucked in between as fillers.

Cavendish guides Blaine to his seat next to his granny, who is already sitting at the head of the table. Blaine is upset when he sees Kurt squeezed uncomfortably next to Finn on the far side. "I think that if Cousin Rachel moves down a bit, there will be room for Kurt next to me."

Once they have reshuffled seats, Blaine is satisfied that Kurt is now by his side. While he hasn't told his granny the nature of their relationship, he had hoped that she would extend the usual courtesies to Kurt.

The butler sets out the first course of oysters on the half-shell. Blaine notices that the oyster is covered with some sort of green sauce and bread crumbs. "Granny, I've never seen oysters prepared like this. What is it called?"

"Oysters Rockefeller."

LeRoy pipes in, "I believe it was created for John D. Rockefeller in New Orleans about 20 years ago."

Cousin Rachel jumps up, looking decidedly green. "Excuse me." She covers her mouth and rushes out of the room.

"What's with her?" Mrs Dolloway asks.

"Err… Rachel has had an upset stomach recently. The strangest things set her off," Finn replies.

"Has she been to a doctor about this?"

"Yes, Mrs Dolloway. I'll let Rachel tell you the results herself."

Mrs Dolloway turns her attention to her grandson. "Blaine, still nobody special?"

Blaine can't believe that his granny has to bring up this topic today, especially on his birthday. He has avoided all of her invitations to meet eligible ladies in her Manhattan set. "I've been focusing on establishing myself as a chef. There's very little free time left over."

"It seems to me that you have plenty of time to spend with a domestic servant."

"That's not fair! Firstly, Kurt isn't a domestic servant."

"I'm sorry. I forgot that he's now a waiter. I didn't realize there was such a big difference."

Blaine can see Kurt's knuckles turn white as he grips his chair. "Mrs Dolloway, I'm new to America, and I'm trying to establish myself, too. If that means I need to take a temporary job to support myself, then that is what I'll do."

"Kurt has already shown that he can do all manner of things. Not only is he a flying pilot, but he also has a teaching certificate," Uncle Hiram remarks.

The butler removes the empty plates, and soon sets out platters containing chicken breast a la rose, potatoes au gratin, green beans, and Waldorf salad. Each person takes a dish to help themselves, before passing it to the right.

Cousin Rachel returns to the table and helps herself to all but the chicken breasts, but picks at her food.

Uncle Hiram asks, "Rachel, are you okay? We are worried about you."

"I guess this is as good a time as any to announce that I'm pregnant!"

Uncle Hiram immediately rushes over and gives her a hug. "Congratulations, my dear. What wonderful news. When is the baby due?"

Cousin Rachel bounces on her toes. "I'm two and a half months along; the baby is due in November. We've been wanting to have children for a while, and now it's really happening!"

"We'll have a lot to be grateful for next Thanksgiving," LeRoy says.

Blaine raises his glass. "That's jolly good news. Here's a toast to the soon-to-be parents."

Everyone but Mrs Dalloway drinks to the happy couple. Uncle Hiram looks toward the head of the table. "Mother, you're awfully quiet. Don't you have anything you wish to say?"

"I'll have to find another protégé to perform at my summer fundraising event."

"W-what do mean, Granny? I can still perform while I'm pregnant. The baby hasn't affected my vocal cords."

Mrs Dolloway shakes her head. "And risk you throwing up on the stage? No, I would be the laughing stock of Manhattan. I'm putting the most valuable currency into this event, and that currency is my reputation. I'll need to find someone else."

Cousin Rachel asks, "But, Granny, who would you find at such short notice? The fundraiser is less than two months away. You can't just pluck a talented performer out of thin air!"

"I don't need to. You're not the only one in this family who has talent."

Cousin Rachel stands up and stomps her foot. "I can't believe that you plan to ask Cousin Cooper to cross the Atlantic Ocean to showcase his talent over mine. Cousin Cooper would never let me hear the end of it. I won't stand for it!"

Mrs Dolloway's thin lips curl into a smirk. "I think you are forgetting about my other grandson. I'll showcase Blaine instead."

"Blaine!" Cousin Rachel shrieks.

"Blaine has a smooth tenor voice, and is equally talented on the piano. He is also handsome, single, and will attract the younger ladies. I'm not sure why I haven't thought of him earlier."

Blaine is stunned at the turn of events. The last thing he wants is to do is sing and play the piano at his granny's fundraising event. He's discovered that cooking is his real passion in life, and he doesn't want to get caught up in a musical career. Besides, Cousin Rachel would never forgive him if he stole her chance and became his granny's protégé. After all she has done for him, he can't betray her this way.

"Granny, I have a full-time job at Healy's Tavern. I just can't leave for six weeks to rehearse for the showcase. I'm not that good, and I haven't practiced the piano in ages."

"Didn't Kurt give you some new musical scores this morning?" Finn asks.

"That was to get me to play the piano again. I really don't wish to perform in public and become a star."

Mrs Dolloway smiles. "See, Blaine. Even Kurt wants you to be a musical performer."

Kurt sits up straight. "I gave the musical scores to Blaine so that he would pursue his hobby. If Blaine doesn't want to perform publicly, he doesn't have to."

"Kurt, I think you need to mind your own business - it's a family matter." Mrs Dolloway turns her attention back to Blaine. "You would certainly be helping me out of a jam if you agree to perform. Your mother will be here and you really can't let us down."

Blaine presses one hand on Kurt's thigh to comfort him, while the other one wraps around his chest. His granny was so rude to put down Kurt like that, but all Blaine wants to do is keep the peace in the family. His granny is certainly in a bind if she refuses to use Cousin Rachel at the fundraising event. Kurt did give him the musical scores to encourage him to play the piano again. His mother would be disappointed to find out that he hasn't helped his granny out of a predicament. It's only a six-week time commitment, and then it will all be over.

"Granny, I'll help you out and perform at your fundraising event in July. I'll only be able to rehearse around my working hours at the tavern. Once this is over, I don't want to perform publicly ever again."

"Well, that's settled then. We'll see how you feel once your showcase is over, and you're adored by the guests." Mrs Dolloway snaps her fingers. "Cavendish, it's time for the birthday cake."

The butler enters the dining room with a lemon chiffon cake. After everyone sings the usual Happy Birthday song, they eat the cake in silence, each person lost in their own thoughts about Cousin Rachel's pregnancy and Blaine's upcoming showcase performance.

After cake and tea, Blaine wants to leave as quickly as possible. Kurt has been quiet as a mouse after his granny succinctly dismissed his views. There is tension in the air, and he wants to make it up to Kurt.

"If you'll excuse me, I need to get back to Uncle Hiram's. I'm expecting a telephone call from Westerville Abbey. Kurt, will you join me? I believe that your father will be available to talk to you as well."

Kurt stands up. "Thank you for having me for lunch, Mrs Dolloway."

"You should thank Blaine for that."

"We'll stay here a while longer to give you some privacy during your telephone call," Uncle Hiram remarks.

Mrs Dolloway stands up. "Blaine, could I have a private word with you in the drawing room before you leave? I have a birthday present for you. You can join Kurt outside the door when we're finished."

Blaine gives an apologetic expression to Kurt before following his granny to the drawing room. He's not sure how to make up for his granny's rudeness to Kurt. When the door is closed, his granny gives him an envelope. Inside the greeting card are crisp banknotes.

"I was going to suggest that you have some fun with the money, however I now need you to buy a formal suit for the showcase."

"Thank you, Granny. I'm still not sure if showcasing me at your fundraiser is a good idea."

"I have a discerning eye and a taste for the extraordinary. I like to hone it, like a rough diamond, until it sparkles. I have a good feeling about you. Blaine, you'll do fine. You have just as much talent as Rachel, if not more."

"That's awfully kind of you to say. However, I really don't want a musical career. I prefer a simple life of cooking and spending time with Kurt, " Blaine replies.

"In my experience, you are the company you keep. I know that you are not asking me this, but I'm telling you that you need to get rid of Kurt. He's holding you back."

"I don't think you understand, Granny. Kurt means more to me than any other person."

"What I see is a young man who is ambitious and seeks a higher place in society than he could achieve on his own. Sure, Kurt is your friend because you serve his best interests. You've given him a job, found him a place to live, and no doubt you spend your hard-earned money on him."

"I don't agree with your assessment of Kurt. He has proven over and over again that he wants to be his own independent person. He's my friend for so many reasons. I can't believe that you're questioning his motives."

"You need to venture out into the unknown, like a samurai, and realize your full potential. That won't happen if Kurt has his claws into you. One day, you'll see Kurt for who he really is."

"I already do. One day, you might even see Kurt for who he really is."

Blaine rushes out of the townhouse, afraid that his anger might boil over. How dare his granny judge him and the company he keeps. After July's fundraising event, he'll stay as far away from her as possible. He joins Kurt, and they walk towards Central Park.

"I'm so sorry, Kurt. I can't believe how rude my granny was during lunch."

Kurt huffs. "I now understand why your mother left America for Great Britain... to get away from her mother. Mrs Dolloway is loud, opinionated, and pushy. Did you notice that she didn't say a single word to LeRoy? Even after 20 years, she has nothing to say to him. Does she not know the nature of his relationship with Hiram?"

"Granny knows, she just chooses to ignore it, like she chooses to ignore how we feel about each other. It really doesn't matter. We won't be spending time with her in the future."

"Of course you will. Don't you remember that you are performing at her fundraising event? I cannot believe that you agreed to that!"

"What was I supposed to do? She needed my help… My mother will be here in July… Cousin Rachel could hardly keep her anger in check. I want to keep peace in the family. I beg you, Kurt, please don't be angry with me. I couldn't bear it."

"You know what your problem is? You try to please everybody, but you end up never pleasing yourself. Unless, of course, you want that bright shiny musical career that your granny is dangling in front of you."

Blaine sits down on a nearby park bench, and gestures for Kurt to join him. Although the afternoon sun shines on the tulips in bloom, Blaine feels as miserable as a cold and wet winter's day.

"Kurt, you are the single most important person in my life. I would do anything for you, including turning down my granny's request that I perform at her fundraising event. Is that what you want? Because if it is, I'll march back there and tell her right now."

Kurt slumps on the bench. "No, I don't want that. I've always admired your loyalty, and I need to remind myself that sometimes that means doing things for your family. I guess I'm afraid that once you spend more time with Mrs Dolloway, she will poison your mind against me. I don't want to lose you."

"Kurt, that simply could never happen. I wish I could take you in my arms right now and reassure you of how much I love you. How deeply I'm committed to you. How desperately I want to live a long life with you by my side. Six weeks in the company of my granny during the odd rehearsal isn't going to change how I feel. I love you."

Kurt stands up. "I love you, too. It's my natural instinct to protect the ones I love. Let's go back to the townhouse. We can cuddle while waiting for the telephone call from Westerville. I wouldn't mind some more kisses, too."

"What a marvelous idea. Maybe even open a present or two while we wait?"

"You just want to see if Mrs Sylvester made you a fruitcake," Kurt teases.

Blaine giggles, "You know me all too well."

Blaine longs to take Kurt's hand in his while they walk back to the Berry townhouse. He needs the simple physical connection with Kurt to know that everything will be okay. However, he sticks his hands in his trouser pockets, knowing that it would be impossible for two men to act in that manner in Central Park.

Blaine wishes that his granny was different, but no amount of wishing is going to change her ways. He'll make sure to distance himself from her once this showcase performance is over. He's unwilling to do anything that could give Kurt cause to leave him.

Author's notes

Shirley MacLaine is the actress who played June Dolloway on Glee and the Countess Cora Crawley's American mother in Downton Abbey. It seemed a natural leap to make June Dolloway Blaine's American grandmother.

Many thanks to my fantastic betas - Fearlessly, Lilyvandersteen, Dblmalfunction. I made the last-minute edits and performed the final proofreading by myself, so all mistakes are mine.

I'm HKVoyage on Tumblr.

Next up: Blaine and Kurt spend a day off together in Greenwich Village.