CHAPTER 76
"Kurt! Babe, I'm home!" Blaine yelled as he dropped his bags and hung his keys on the hook near the door. There was no answer, though. He sighed, assuming Kurt wasn't home from the loft yet, and started to straighten up the living room which looked as if a whirlwind had come through. He pulled up a playlist and cranked it up. Nobody would be home in the building but him, yet, and the office had already closed downstairs, so he didn't have to worry too much. He picked the pillows up from the floor, as well as Kurt's most recent edition of Vogue and set it on the coffee table. He folded the soft, fleece blanket and laid it over the arm of the sofa where Kurt always kept it. He grabbed the mail from the table near the door and flipped through it, tossing out the junk mail and setting the important things aside. Without a word, Trent and / or Thad had taken to sliding his mail under Kurt's door….his and Kurt's door now, and he smiled at the thought.
When he was finished there, he went through the fridge and found some chicken thawing and then noticed the pasta box on the counter. Clearly Kurt planned on having dinner in, so he laid the pan of chicken on the counter and went to wash his hands when he heard his phone chirp with a text alert. Perhaps Kurt was on his way home.
From Jeff: B, you in town yet?
From Blaine: I am, just got home about 20 minutes ago, making dinner.
From Jeff: Is Kurt there? I texted him for about an hour after he left to be sure he was ok, but he's not replying. Tried calling him. No answer.
From Blaine: What do you mean? He's been gone from the loft for hours? He would be home by now? Did he need to stop somewhere?
From Jeff: It was a rough morning, a worse afternoon and by 3 he threw everything down in the middle of the job and stormed off. I haven't seen or heard from him since then.
From Blaine: Nobody's heard from him since 3? I'm going to call him…see if he's just out defusing…maybe? If you get in touch with him, let me know?
From Jeff: Will do. Please tell him we fixed it, and everything is as he wanted it to be. He'll understand.
From Blaine: I will, thanks.
Blaine called Kurt's number and waited, hoping he would answer, but he didn't, so he left him a message asking him to call asap. Filling a pot with water, he put it on to boil and then moved on around the kitchen, singing at the top of his lungs as he went, but his heart wasn't in it…he was worried about Kurt. He started to cut up the chicken to sauté and then the veggies, tossing them all in a large pan. Spices, some white wine and a little cream later, he was happy with the dish and set it to simmer on the back burner.
Blaine turned down the music this time and called Kurt's phone again. Maybe he'd been on the train and hadn't heard it ring or had no reception? As he waited, he thought he heard ringing and he started walking toward the noise….in their bedroom. As the phone rang in his ear, so it did on the floor of their room where he found Kurt curled up in a ball on the other side of the bed with a bucket nearby, sweating like mad and shaking worse.
"KURT! Oh my God! Baby…what's wrong? Honey, can you sit up here?" He urged, helping Kurt to a chair in the corner as he nodded. "Kurt, tell me what's wrong, does something hurt?" he urged.
"I can't do it. I can't do this, Blaine. I can't…." Kurt railed, babbling. His eyes were less than wild, but not by much.
"Can't do what, baby, tell me. What can I do? How can I help you?"
"T-The show. I can't. All those people. Do you know how many people are coming, Blaine? David…David said…and the tickets are gone and…all those people…what if something's not right? What if they laugh and say I'm …what if…" Kurt hiccupped, near to hyperventilating now.
"Oh honey…ok, calm down, let me get you a drink, don't move. I'll be right back, ok?" Blaine said, attempting to comfort Kurt.
He ran in to the kitchen and turned off the burner, grabbed the wine bottle from the counter, not even bothering with a glass, then hurried back into the bedroom to find Kurt curled up in the armchair, still shaking.
"Ok now, it's ok. Please take a sip of this. Let's get you a bit more calm and we'll talk, ok? Kurt took a long swig of the wine and closed his eyes. Come on, stand up and come over here. Lay here with me for a minute, yeah?" Blaine told him, half carrying him over to the bed and making him lay down. "Take another sip…"
Blaine urged him to keep sipping the wine until he stopped shaking and was able to look him in the eyes without breaking down again. He set the bottle aside and smiled at Kurt's face, wanting to laugh at his boyfriend's insanity, but not daring to do so. He understood panic and he understood stress. He'd harass him about it later when the show was a success and Kurt was himself again.
"Listen, Jeff called. He's been trying to get you on your phone. He said 'they fixed it and it's what you wanted' and he told me you'd know what that meant. Is that a good thing?" Kurt just nodded. "You wanna talk about it?" Blaine offered. Kurt took a deep breath and Blaine struggled to sit up a bit, leaning on the headboard. He dragged Kurt's head over into his lap and let his fingers play in Kurt's hair, something he rarely got to do because, face it, nobody touched Kurt's hair. He smiled, ran his fingers over soft tresses and felt Kurt relax into his touch.
"That woman…Beverly, she's making me insane, Blaine, and if I could, I'd kick her out of the building and never allow her to return!" Kurt said heatedly. "She's insane! She's trying to take over, and I'm not having it. They can do what they want with the background, that big ass screen David has behind the runway and all that for the visuals, but she is NOT touching my fashions and I'm telling you, if I go in there tomorrow and she has removed a single thread, you'll be bailing me out of jail, mark my words!" he railed, his voice so high by the end of his tirade that Blaine's eyes were like saucers.
"Okay…alright, tell me what she wants to change?"
"Oh my GOD, Blaine! She wants to move this scarf to that outfit and that bag to this one and she doesn't like ANY of the shoes, so she's bitching about that, and let me just say that is NOT her job! I don't know who this woman thinks she is, and the fact that David brought her in to assist because she's done this before, she DOES this, Blaine, for a living, and I can't even….I just CAN'T EVEN, Blaine!" Kurt went on, sitting up now, his hands flying in all directions. "On top of that, she's choking my confidence. Just when I think it's good, I've got it all where I want it, she turns her nose up and starts making derogatory remarks and bashing everyone and everything. I want her gone, Blaine. I can't work with someone like that. You do NOT go into someone else's show and micromanage things that are not your business!
Oh! And she told Jeff to run along and get her some lunch today and, God love that boy, he was going to just suck it up and do it! I was incensed, Blaine, just ready to bash her head in with a paper weight or something. I said 'Jeff's working with me, and his function here is not to cater to you.' And she went all bat shit crazy and started screaming at me, then at him, then at David, and David's so busy with things and last minute stuff that he just waved her off and said 'one minute' and went back to his phone call. It was like a stare down between the bitch and me and I'm telling you, Blaine, she does NOT want to fuck with me!" he said, finally taking a deep breath. "Corrine is there, too…her partner in this whole business…and she could have easily asked her, or for God's sake, Mina…she has her own damn assistant, but she bosses everyone around like it's her due, Blaine!"
Blaine wasn't sure what to say, so he continued to listen as Kurt barreled on through his story. This Beverly seemed like a diva, and she was hurting his man, and for that, he didn't like her. Tomorrow would be fun, as he was sure she'd be there, and he damn sure was going to be there for Kurt, too. That was something to look forward to.
"Tell me, what can I do to help you, then? How can I help you calm down and what can we do to make her go away?" Blaine asked, his tone serious.
"Nothing…she's hired on for the duration, until the show is over, unless she walks on her own. David is aware of my feelings for her, but they have a contract for the show, and as long as she's there, I'll have to cope with her. I'm so angry, Blaine!" he yelled.
"Do you feel better when you yell, because we can do that." Blaine smiled.
"Do what?"
"We can just sit here and yell and get it all out if you want? The office is closed downstairs and I don't think anyone else is home yet? Better yet, let's do this…" Blaine said, grabbing Kurt's hands and tugging him into a standing position on the bed.
"What are you doing?" Kurt grinned.
"It's not what I'm doing, it's what we're doing, Kurt. Jump with me…and yell, too, because that's more fun." Blaine grinned.
"You're insane, I'm not- agghhhh!" Kurt said as Blaine started jumping on the bed and nearly knocked him down. "This is crazy, Blaine!" he said, rolling his eyes, but Blaine grabbed his hands again and forced him to jump.
"What the hell is wrong with you?" Kurt hissed, trying not to laugh.
"I can't hear you!" Blaine yelled in his face, still jumping wildly on the bed, but letting go of Kurt's hands now and doing twists and turns, then dropping to his butt and springing back up. "You'll have to speak up!" he yelled directly in Kurt's face.
"Stop this, you moron!" Kurt yelled, laughing now, and still jumping.
"Nope! Not stopping until you jump with me and yell out all of your anxiety and frustrations!"
"You're a child, Blaine!"
"Awesome! Kids have so much more fun!" Blaine yelled back at him.
"If you could just see yourself-" Kurt began.
"WHAT? I CAN'T HEAR YOU!" Blaine yelled, twisting and turning as he jumped on the bed now.
"I SAID, IF YOU COULD JUST SEEEEE YOURSELF, YOU GOOF, YOU'D BE EMBARASSED!" Kurt yelled back at him.
This went on for a while, both of them jumping on the bed and laughing riotously, until a loud throat clearing at the door stopped them both in their tracks.
"As much fun as this is, do you mind telling the world what the hell you're doing?" Sebastian said, still holding up his phone and clearly videotaping them. They looked at each other, then back at Seb, then at each other again and burst out laughing, tumbling down to the bed and holding their stomachs as they finally were able to catch their breath.
"You know, when you guys moved in here, I had no idea what I was in for. You two are nuts, you know it?" Seb grinned.
"Kurt was having a bad day." Blaine said by way of explanation.
"Oh, what gives, Princess?" Seb asked, curious. "Batteries stop working in your toys? Or maybe the drawer is stuck shut and they're all inside?"
Kurt's eyes went wide. "I don't…I'm…NO! Jesus, Seb, I don't have that…those…any of that!" Kurt said, totally flustered now. He could feel the red creeping up his neck to his cheeks.
"Well that's a damn shame, and it should be remedied post haste, if you ask me. Shit, Hummel, no wonder you're so uptight!" Seb snickered.
Kurt's face was 8 shades of red, now, and Blaine didn't know whether to laugh or grab Kurt and ease his discomfort.
"I don't think what's in Kurt's drawers is any of anyone else's business." Blaine said, trying to placate Seb.
"Babe, with pants that tight, what's in Kurt's drawers is everyone's business, and nobody's complaining…surely not you, Blaine. Damn, Hummel, do you need to borrow my can opener to get those pants off?" Seb added with a wink, walking backwards out of the apartment.
"Oh my God!" Kurt squeaked, hiding his face in Blaine's chest and laughing. "Get out, you ass hat!" Kurt said, throwing a pillow in his direction.
"Just sayin'. Lookin' good, Kurt. Looking forward to tomorrow if all the pants are like yours!" Seb laughed, slamming Kurt's door shut.
"This is so good. Yours always turns out better than mine…you're on cooking duty when you get back in town." Kurt laughed. Blaine raised his eyebrows in mock offense.
"Is that so?" he smirked.
"Yes, I expect you to have dinner on the table every day when I get home from work…and before you go to work, of course." Kurt said, biting his lip hard, and trying desperately not to smile, but failing.
"Mmmmhmmm, lemme tell you what Cooper would say to that. You can put your 'expect' in one hand and crap in the other, and then tell me which one fills up first." Blaine laughed. Kurt couldn't hold it in any longer, and he burst out laughing as well. "I'm kidding, baby." Blaine told him, rubbing his thumb over Kurt's fingers. "If that's what you want, then that's that you'll get. I can't guarantee that it'll be this good each night…you might get mac n cheese once in a while…peanut butter and jelly…."
"And because you made it for me, it would be perfect and scrumptious!" Kurt cut in. "I'm joking, I wouldn't expect that of you, nor would I ever say that seriously to you, Blaine."
"I knew you were joking, but I'm not. I don't mind cooking, especially for you." He said, leaning his chin on his palm, his elbow propped on the table between them.
"I think that's the only thing about this apartment I'd change." Kurt said, glancing around. "I wish I had a bigger kitchen…a bigger everything, really. I love to cook, but sometimes I just feel cramped in here…and there's not a whole lot of storage for food…dry food, anyway, and I don't like having to go to the store a few times a week, but it works, I guess, because it has to. I like it here, this neighborhood…this building…these neighbors." He smiled widely. "This particular roommate who I adore endlessly."
"He adores you back…I know a guy, he told me he has it on good authority." Blaine smirked.
"Yeah?"
"Yeah…definitely."
From Jeff: Are you f*cking kidding me, man? I'm dyin' here, hoping you're ok, and wondering where you are and this…THIS is what you're doing? Jpg img 372
As his phone chirped, Kurt reached for it and read the message from Jeff and a picture attachment that showed him and Blaine laughing and jumping wildly on the bed, neither having noticed Sebastian yet. Kurt burst out laughing and showed Blaine, who did the same.
From Kurt: I'm sorry. I'm so sorry, I came home and kind of had a helluva meltdown. Dry heaving into a bucket, shaking, sweating. Blaine found me all curled up in a ball on the floor in my bedroom and tried to get me in a better mood.
From Jeff: And clearly it worked. *smirks*
From Kurt: Clearly. Well, that and a little wine. How are things?
From Jeff: I'm knocking on your door. Screw that, I'm coming in, be dressed damn it.
Jeff strode in, scanning the apartment and setting his eyes on the two of them at the table stuffing their faces. He walked right over to the stove, and spotting leftovers, he grabbed a plate, filled it and sat down at the table with the two of them.
"By all means, help yourself!" Blaine laughed.
"Don't mind if I do." Jeff smiled, digging in and moaning in relief. He'd been starving for hours now and he wasn't looking forward to eating alone.
"I'm sorry I bailed today." Kurt said, sounding contrite and grimacing.
"No biggie, I'm glad you left when you did, or you'd have killed her and I'd have been a witness. No thanks."
"Yeah? She's up to more shit?"
"Kurt, that woman is the devil. She's up to something, and I don't know what it is, but I'm not taking my eyes off of her for a single minute tomorrow, mark my words, and honestly, I wouldn't mind having Blaine backstage as another pair of eyes. You don't even have to tell anyone, especially her, who he is, but I don't trust her. She's evil and now she'll be looking for a way to get even after you pissed her off today." Jeff said, shaking his head and shoveling more food in. His bangs flung around, back and forth, while he talked and gestured with his hands, his fork waving in the air.
"I can make that happen. Let me talk to David tonight. Does he even know the extent of what's been going on?" Kurt asked.
"I don't know, I think so, but he's been so damn busy with everything. I don't think he realizes how bad it's gotten. But I aim to tell him first thing in the morning, so watch for that. What time are you going over?" Jeff asked. Blaine followed the volley of conversation back and forth and then got up to put his plate in the sink and rinse it off. When it was clear that Kurt was finished, he grabbed his and did the same.
"Early. I want the chance to undo any bullshit she's done before she gets there, and heaven help that woman if she touches anything and messes things up. I've reached my limit. I don't care how many shows she's done, she was given a clear plan and all the information she needed. Her input was not necessary at all on anything fashion related, and I don't appreciate her sticking her nose where it's not needed or wanted." Kurt said.
"We'll handle her, babe." Blaine said and dropped a kiss on Kurt's head.
Kurt and Jeff went over plans for the following day and called David on speakerphone. Blaine busied himself doing laundry from the week and turning the bed down, then he jumped in the shower and waited for Kurt to be finished with work.
When Jeff yelled goodnight, he stuck his head back into the living room and walked over to hug his friend and say goodbye. It seemed like Jeff held on just a bit longer, and he didn't mind. The weekend had been tough, but they'd spoken about it on the phone for quite a while after Blaine's classes the following Monday. Jeff thanked him endlessly for coming home and making the long trip just to be there with him, and Blaine assured him he wouldn't have had it any other way.
"You'll be there tomorrow?" Jeff asked quietly.
"Dude, I wouldn't miss tomorrow for anything you could offer." Blaine smiled.
"So tell me about it. You've shown me all the pictures of the clothing and the accessories, I've seen a few of the models-and I don't want to talk about how I'm going to hate you working with all of those tall, stunning men-and I've already seen the outside of the venue. Tell me what's going on inside tomorrow?" Blaine asked later as they lay in bed together.
"It won't be like anything else, B. I've never been a fan of traditional fashion shows. It's all different. There's no dub step going on, no pounding techno music, no flashing lights. The models won't have matching, horrible hair styles and they're allowed to smile. If someone clearly takes an interest in what they're wearing, they're allowed to linger, and even to walk over to that person and allow them to feel the fabric. Knowing the hand of the fabric is huge, and it's important that they can have that opportunity. David wanted this large movie screen in the back, which I've seen done before, many times, but the subject matter shown will be all Jeff and myself…not our photos or anything, but we've found images to use that I think will not detract, but will bring a pleasing aura to the environment." Kurt explained.
"So the music…usually it's very up tempo and techno…what are you going with?" Blaine wanted to know.
"Of course you focus on the music." Kurt smiled, bopping him on the nose. "Listen…" Kurt said, jumping out of bed and popping his iPod in the dock, selecting his list and letting the music freely flow through the room. "It took me hours, but I honestly just made a playlist on my iPod of instrumental, pleasing music with a tempo they can strut to. The 'runway' isn't straight and long, it's like a U and they come in one door and exit on the other side. It'll help with the flow of things, I think, and the back stage area also has two doors. You exit one backstage door, enter the stage, walk the horseshoe, exit the stage and enter the other side of the back area. There's a lot going on back there, so if you're not comfortable being in that environment, don't hesitate to tell me. It's kinda cramped, too, because they have a "Big Band" type group play this particular venue on the weekend, and there's a house band that plays sometimes during events held on the weeknights. They leave everything there, so we had to move it all off the stage area, which is basically 'backstage' now…it's a crazy mess. You'll have to see it tomorrow."
"If I'm uncomfortable, you'll be the first to know!" Blaine laughed. "But I want you to know, now, before anything, how unbelievably proud I am of you, Kurt. I mean, look at this! Can you even believe what's going to happen tomorrow?! People are coming from all over to see this up and coming new designer named Kurt Hummel. By tomorrow night, people will be drooling over your designs, Kurt, I know this! Are you dying of excitement?" Blaine said, his cheesy smile in place and his eyes bright.
"Actually, if I'm being honest, I still feel nauseous. I really feel like I'm going to vomit, I'm so nervous. I'm not worried at all about the quality of the clothing, I don't think. That's not an issue…not even on my radar, I know it's good, there's no question. David loves everything, and his eye for everything fashion is spot on. It's all of those things I have no control over, B. I feel like I can't breathe all the way into my lungs and like my skin is too tight." He sighed. "I mean, all of those people are coming to see what I did…to see my designs, and I have this irrational fear that they're surely not going to like anything, Blaine, no matter how good David says it is. What if only a few things are a hit? What if they look at everything and think 'lacking' and that's what it's labeled in the reviews? What if nobody shows up? What if the models refuse to wear what I want on them? What if…what if…what if…it's all what if!"
"Awww, baby, you can't worry about those things. 'What if' will choke the air out of your lungs. Your designs are spectacular, I know this. Tomorrow will be here in no time, we'll head down there and do our thing. You'll use me like a rented mule and we'll cross our fingers and hope for the best, ok? If there is anything I can do to help you tomorrow, all you have to do is yell and point and I'm on it, baby, I promise. I'm your slave tomorrow." Blaine smiled widely again.
"Umm…I was hoping to borrow you before tomorrow. I thought maybe you could help me…relax…a little bit…tonight?" Kurt said shyly, rolling over so he was half on top of Blaine's chest and he nipped at his neck in ways he knew drove Blaine crazy. "Can I use your body tonight, love?" Kurt purred into Blaine's ear softly, and Blaine's eyes nearly rolled back in his head. "Can I touch you all over and please you until you scream for mercy?"
"I...yes...an-anything. Tell me what you need, Kurt…" he panted out, already stiff in his boxers and when Kurt raised Blaine's arms and swiftly cuffed his hands to the headboard, Blaine nearly passed out. "Kurt…where did…when?"
"I keep 'em in the bedside table, B…close by, for when I may need them. Let me…?"
"Yeah…yes, God, baby, anything. I'm all yours, you know that."
"Good. I plan to take my time tonight. I need to distract myself and make sure I'm worn out and very sleepy so I can get a good night's rest."
"Well, then by all means, who am I to get in your way?" Blaine smirked raising up as best he could to kiss Kurt's lips.
Kurt's hands went to work, his palms running up over Blaine's chest, pads of his thumbs teasing the sensitive nipples and rolling them between his fingers. He loved doing this and watching Blaine's back arch off the bed and hearing his frustration at the fact that his hands were cuffed.
"Kurt…" he squeaked when he felt the man's hot, wet mouth covering where his fingers had been. But Kurt took his time, relishing the feel of Blaine beneath him and at his mercy.
"I'm not hurrying tonight, B." Kurt told him in no uncertain terms. "So if you were hoping I'd jerk you off and be done with it, you're outta luck." Kurt said, giving him a sinister grin.
"No, in no hurry at all. At your pace, Kuuuuuuurrrrttttfuck! Oh Fuck!" he screamed, as Kurt moved down and sucked a spot on his hip, biting down fairly hard, and sure it would leave a lovely mark for Blaine to think about and remember all week while he was at school. He worked Blaine's boxer briefs down over his butt and his stunning, hard cock and threw them to the floor without a care where they went. His hand wrapped firmly around Blaine's length and he gave it a few good tugs, watching Blaine's face as he did so. There was so much there to see…his eyes were closed and they'd often scrunch up if Kurt squeezed his fist a little too tightly. His beautiful mouth would fall open and little puffs of air would huff out with a moan or a grunt here and there. His nostrils would flare when he was trying too hard not to huff and pant. But his absolute favorite was when he dropped his hot, wet mouth over Blaine's cock and began the world's slowest and most teasing blowjob. Blaine was a mess, writhing and squirming on the bed, his words panting out as a mumbled, garbled heap of letters while Kurt continued to slowly bob, lick and suck as his fist and his wrist worked their own wonders. He carried this on for some time, and every time he felt Blaine get close, he'd back off a little, feeling almost bad when Blaine would whimper…but not bad enough to stop.
When he felt Blaine's legs tense once again and he blurted out "K-Kurt, 'm gonna come…" Kurt backed off again, and this time Blaine really almost lost it. "You're trying to kill me. I thought you wanted me to see this show? At this rate I'll be dead before dawn and it won't matter…" he whined.
"It's ok, baby, you'll make it…don't worry." Kurt smiled, kissing up the happy trail to his abs and working his way up to Blaine's chest and sensitive nipples again, brushing over his lips, only to move back down slowly, teasing as he went. When he was sure Blaine had calmed down a bit, he dropped his head over the man's length and bobbed a few times before slipping a finger down to the soft, pink pucker that drew his attention. Letting the hardness slip from his lips and slap at Blaine's belly, he drew his tongue down over his balls, over his perineum and right up to the pucker he sought. He licked over it and Blaine nearly vaulted from the bed. Had he not been cuffed to the headboard, he'd have been on the floor, Kurt was sure of it.
"He'stryingtokillmeforsure…godwhatdidIdo…." Blaine mumbled, only half coherent now.
As Kurt's tongue played, licked and slipped inside of Blaine, he took the time to feel around the bed beneath him for the lube and condom he'd snuck there earlier. Finding both, he clicked open the lube and after removing his mouth, he drizzled some down over Blaine, working one finger inside and watching Blaine fall apart. With more lube and another finger, he was speaking in tongues, apparently, and when he slowly worked in a third, Kurt was certain he'd see tears any minute.
"Please…please…Kurt…oh God please…" he said, hoarse and whimpering, begging for anything.
"Awww, do you want my cock, baby?" Kurt teased.
"So much…my mind is a blur, Kurt…all I can focus on is what I need, and I need you…now…please…please…inside me, I'm begging!" Blaine cried out on a choked plea.
"Awww, you poor thing…ok, ready, Love?" Kurt said, lining up and pushing the head of his length in slowly. Blaine was mumbling again, words that Kurt couldn't put together, but he was also smiling slightly, and Kurt took this as a sign to continue. He shoved in, almost harshly, and watched Blaine's head tip back, his back arch and his mouth fall open with a long, drawn out moan. Kurt nearly came then and there.
"More Kurt…give it to me. Don't hold back…" Blaine growled, clearly ready for any assault Kurt was willing to rain down on him. Kurt certainly didn't want to disappoint. He worked his hips quickly, snapping them forward and drawing back, his hands on Blaine's knees and just watching him try to keep his eyes open with no luck. Kurt's jaw was locked as he repeatedly jerked his hips, wanting to give Blaine everything he had to give. When he paused and grabbed a pillow to shove under Blaine's hips, he asked softly if Blaine was still ok. "I'm ok, and lakes are slightly damp…." With a chuckle.
"Smart ass…."
"Better than a dumb ass…"
"Yeah, well this time tomorrow you'll still be a sore ass, so lay back and enjoy the ride, babe." Kurt said in no uncertain terms. With the pillow in position, Blaine squirmed around as Kurt continued his onslaught of pleasure, and when, after a few more minutes, he found Blaine's prostate, the man cried out in what sounded like agony, his voice cracking as he began to beg in earnest.
"Jesus, Kurt, yes, right there, right there, baby, please don't stop…I've been a good boy…please let me come…."
I've been a good boy…. ran through Kurt's head a hundred times in ten seconds and sent him spiraling into a world of lust and need. He increased his tempo and felt Blaine's legs tighten around him as he arched and spurted white threads of hot seed over his own chest as well as Kurt's hand while he helped him along with a few quick strokes. Less than a minute later Kurt tensed, shoved in as far as he possibly could and came hard and fast inside his lover, crying out his name over and over before collapsing on Blaine's chest.
"God, ohgod, Kurt…baby…." Blaine whimpered, his chest heaving, his eyes still closed and his head thrashing slowly, side to side on the pillow.
When he could finally speak, Kurt whispered "Please don't make me move yet." And Blaine chuckled, still breathing unevenly.
"I can't make you do anything, Lovely, my hands are cuffed to a headboard right now.
"Oh God, I'm so sorry, I forgot!" Kurt said, scooting up to release him. Blaine rubbed his wrists, even though Kurt had used the velvet cuffs, and slowly moved his limbs down around Kurt, holding him securely in his arms. "I should clean us up. If I was a good lover, I'd do that, right?" Kurt laughed, unable to move.
"I'm ok if you're ok? But you're still inside me. NOT that I mind…." Blaine chuckled, holding Kurt a little tighter.
"I am…oh…" Kurt said, sliding out and disposing of the condom in the trash bin with still shaky limbs. He grabbed a few tissues and wiped Blaine's chest off before pulling the duvet up over them and breathing in the scent of sweat, sex and Blaine.
Within minutes he was sound asleep in Blaine's arms, snuffling softly. Blaine smiled. He was right where he wanted to be, and he'd never been happier.
The morning found Blaine waking to something niggling his brain. He reached for Kurt but found only cool sheets, and startled, he rolled over with wide eyes and realized what he was hearing. Kurt, gagging in the bathroom, probably dry heaving into the toilet. He hit the floor running.
"Baby…oh, Kurt… is it nerves?" he asked, plopping on the floor and rubbing circles over Kurt's back. Kurt only nodded. "Ok, ok…" he got back up and grabbed a washcloth, wetting it and rubbing the coolness over Kurt's forehead and neck. "Stay here, I'll make you some tea to settle your tummy. Hold the cloth on your head, you're warm, babe."
Blaine moved into the kitchen and put the kettle on, grabbing out Kurt's favorite tea and fixing the cup for the hot water. He walked back down the hall and saw that Kurt had managed to haul his butt to the side of the tub, but he was still sitting with his head in his hands in close proximity to the toilet bowl. Blaine didn't say anything, just watched him with a loving smile. Nothing he could say or do would ease Kurt's nerves. He just needed to get through the day and see that it would be fine.
He fixed Kurt some tea and took it into the bathroom. After a few minutes, Kurt seemed a bit better and they moved to the kitchen to sit down. Blaine made him some toast and massaged his shoulders.
"Better now?" He asked.
"I think so, yeah, thank you. You didn't have to do all that." Kurt smiled, raising a hand to rest on Blaine's, still on his shoulder.
"Perhaps not, but I always will. I don't mind…"
"I know…I know you don't mind…but it's sweet all the same." Kurt smiled bashfully, then snorted out a laugh.
"What's funny?" Blaine wanted to know, a grin on his own face.
"If things were different, you'd be wondering why I was hanging my head in the toilet first thing in the morning. Do you think we're pregnant?" Kurt grinned, being silly. Blaine waited a beat, then they both burst out laughing.
"I dunno, have you missed a period, Kurt? Maybe we should track these things in the calendar? I wouldn't want to miss your fertile days and all!" he snickered.
Kurt smacked his arm as Blaine leaned in to kiss him on the lips. It was going to be a short, sweet peck, but when Kurt shifted and put his hands on Blaine's face, it turned into much more. Blaine ended up sitting on Kurt's lap in the chair as they tasted one another and took turns exploring with teeth and tongues. Blaine was the first to pull back, needing a big gulp of air. He smiled and leaned his forehead on Kurt's.
"God, I love you. I love you so much, Kurt, and I know you're going to do so well today. I know it's going to be a huge success, and everyone is going to be blown away. But you know what, even if everything went wrong, I'm so very, very proud of you for taking the chance and for doing what you've been doing for months now to make it happen. I'm so proud to say 'yes, he is amazing, and he's mine!', Kurt. I'm behind you 100%, no matter what, ok?" Blaine said with so much passion that it brought tears to Kurt's eyes.
"I'm so lucky to have you, and to be able to love you, too, Blaine. I love you more every day, I hope you know that. You've stood by my side urging me on every minute, and for that I'm forever grateful. So you're right, no matter what happens today, we'll get through it. We're a team, you and me, and nothing's going to change that…promise me?" Kurt asked, his heart on his sleeve.
"Never…nobody but you and me, babe." Blaine told him, and then grasped his jaw with open palms and kissed him passionately again. "Ok! Let's get this show on the road, literally. I want you to have plenty of time to make any change you need to make, ok?" Standing, Blaine offered his hand and pulled Kurt to his feet. "It's your show, but we're in this together, baby. You win, I win! Let's do this!" Blaine smiled.
"And if I lose?" Kurt asked, uncertainty in his eyes.
"Not gonna happen. As long as it's you and me, we win." Blaine said, pecking him on the lips and heading into the bedroom to get dressed.
As he walked to the closet to pull out what he'd planned to wear, Kurt stopped him in his tracks.
"Oh no, no, no…..honey, not today." He grinned mischievously, sauntering up behind Blaine, who just gave him a curious glance over his shoulder.
"Kurt, babe, I know your mind is kinda muddled today, but I really have to wear clothes. I don't want to get arrested for public indecency on the way there and miss the whole thing." He smirked.
"I'd um…I'd be…uh…honored…really…if you'd wear this?" Kurt said, moving their bedroom door and removing a garment bag from behind it. He laid it on the bed and unzipped the long zipper, grabbing the hanger and removing a stunning suit that made Blaine's eyes widen. Kurt bit his bottom lip, not knowing how to take Blaine's reaction.
"Kurt…did you…?"
"Yeah…I um…I thought it wasn't right to spend all that time making amazing things for strangers to strut around in today but not taking the time to make something for the love of my life as well…so….I made you this." He said, bashful now. Blaine took the few steps over and ran his fingers over the shimmering navy blue fabric, marveling at the feel of it and glancing up into Kurt's eyes. He was so nervous, his Kurt, and Blaine was so in awe of him. "Oh! And…here…" he added, handing over a silky, plaid bowtie of blue, purple, white and thin lines of hot pink. "If you want…I mean."
"I would be absolutely honored to wear it for you, Kurt. Thank you….thank you for this." Blaine told him, tears in his eyes and all. "Thank you." He said again, and hugged Kurt to him tightly.
David was the only one to beat them to the venue, the man stalking around the place on his phone, once again, and straightening chairs as he went, moving a podium an inch or so to the left and then making sure the screen behind the runway was hanging at exactly the right angle. He was nervous, Kurt could tell, and that made Kurt nervous as well.
"Kurt, I need you to look over everything in back, make sure it's as it should be. Then seal the area off however you're able and nobody touches anything until show time, ok?"
"Yeah, um…about that. I know we talked about Beverly last night, but I really need for you to know how I'm feeling about that." Kurt said, without hesitation. "But first, and more important, I'd like for you to meet someone very important to me."
David spun on his heel with a smile, eyeing Blaine up and down.
"Well, the suit tells me this is your Blaine." He said, his grin lighting up the room, and he stuck his hand out to shake with Blaine.
"I am, and it's great to finally meet you, Mr. Perry." Blaine said, his own smile firmly in place. This was the man who'd granted all of Kurt's dreams, and he couldn't thank him enough for it.
"Call me David, please! It's amazing to finally meet you, Blaine. I've heard so much about you between Kurt and Jeff that I feel we've already been friends forever!" David said. He was so animated, and Blaine immediately liked him. "I can't wait to introduce you to Cat, she's dying to meet you, too!" he said, but corrected himself when he met Blaine's raised eyebrows. "Oh! Catherine, my wife…" he amended.
"Oh!" Blaine grinned again. "Kurt refers to her as Mrs. Perry, I'm sorry…."
"No need, m' boy…" David waved him off. "Now…Kurt, tell me what's been going on behind my back while I've been ensconced in the business side of this craziness! I know we spoke briefly last night, but I need to know what to watch for today, and I will not hesitate to put my foot down, mind you. This is your show, Kurt, and you make the rules…" he said, striding off with Kurt in tow. He turned to Blaine at the last minute, though.
"I need to…" Kurt said, motioning backstage. "You'll be ok for a few?" He asked.
"I'll be just fine. I'm a big boy!" He laughed.
"Oh honey, I'm well aware of how big you are…." Kurt said with a wicked smirk, then winked and disappeared through the door.
Blaine stood where he was, taking the place in and marveling at what they'd accomplished. It was understated, a palette in the room of only neutrals, mostly black, white, grey….this, Kurt assured him, made any colors pop and catch the eye, as they should. And Lord knew, Kurt loved his colors! Blaine chuckled, walking around the runway and taking it in from every angle. This is where Jeff found him.
"Not happening, short stack!" he laughed. "You need to grow another 6 inches before we even consider it!"
"Bite me, blondie." Blaine replied with a bored grin. "This is amazing, Jeff. Absolutely amazing…all of it. Although I haven't been backstage yet…Kurt's back there with David and I think they're strategically planning something to keep out the big bad wolf, so you might want in on that." He smiled.
"Yeah, yeah, well keep him busy, then." He said, hooking a thumb behind him as Nick waltzed in. "Oh, and how do you like the suit? Fits you like a second skin…he was right. Lookin' good, Blainers!" Jeff wolf whistled as he escaped to the back.
"He's right, you look damn good." Nick told him as he approached. "Kurt made that?"
"He did." Blaine preened, turning and giving Nick a dashing smile over his shoulder. "He amazes me every day…"
"You're so gone in love it's sickening." Nick smirked at him.
"I am, not ashamed to say so at all." Blaine said, returning the smirk. "As if you're not." He winked. Nick blushed.
"I am that, yes. No question. The stars have aligned and all is well in my world for now. I couldn't be happier…well, almost."
"Almost?" Blaine asked, curious.
"While they're gone, I'd like to discuss something with you, if you can spare me a minute?" Nick asked. "It's about Jeff's birthday coming up…and what I got him."
"Absolutely…have a seat?" Blaine motioned to the chairs before them and they sat, huddled there for some time, Blaine listening and smirking, laughing at points and then suddenly… "You're joking right? You're fucking kidding me?" he said, his smile huge.
"I'm not. Not at all, and I know it's probably best to let him make these decisions and appointments, but….let's face it Blaine, you know what he'll say…what he'll do and who he'll ask, right?" Nick said, hopeful.
"I'm a little stunned, to be honest, but if he's….oh my God, Nick, if he's ok with me, then I am SO on board. SO ON BOARD!" Blaine shouted, his face lit up like the brightly colored lights on the tree on Christmas morning. He stood and paced away, then back. He couldn't stop smiling, and he was just overwhelmed with the ideas flowing through his head. He jumped up and down in place a couple of times, the energy running through him too much to bear, and he spun to find Nick grinning broadly at him. "God yes! This…he's going to have a breakdown, you know that, right?" Blaine asked, suddenly unsure of his friend's enthusiasm. "He's going to freak out and say he won't do it, that you spent too much. How do you plan to fix that part?"
"I don't know, yet, but I'll think of something. It's done, I own it, I will be transferring it to him in two weeks and if he doesn't want it, then he sells it. It's my gift to him, and if he's smart, which I know he is, no question, then he'll take this and run with it. I need you to help me make him see the light. I'm counting on you, Blaine." Nick said with a smile, knowing he was putting Blaine in an awkward position. Jeff would be irritated that he knew about it first.
"Ok, yes, we'll do this. We'll convince him. So…are you gonna just say 'oh, by the way, here…' and shove him a stack of papers, or what?" Blaine asked.
"No, I thought…I've um…confiscated his phone…I found the old one when he moved in and he brought all the boxes. We were unpacking and it was in a box. I took it and threw it in my drawer. When my dad screwed around with his phone, his bank account, all that stuff, we got new phones, him and I, and apparently he didn't have or make time to move a lot of the numbers over…still. If you look in his phone to this day, it's me, you, Caroline, Gram, Kurt, Cooper, David Perry and his old roommate David…that's it, man. It's like he's cut ties with everyone else. Owen's not even in there, and that saddens me, somehow." Nick said.
"And this has what to do with the phone? His birthday is the weekend I come home from Westindale for good. I mean, I come home Friday night, his birthday is Sunday…we could do a party on Saturday? If you want? Where were you thinking? And who are we inviting? Is this where the phone comes in?" Blaine asked.
"A party is exactly what I was thinking…and I want everyone there. And I was thinking it would be really cool if we could manage to actually have the party….there. And then I can say, oh, and by the way, this is yours. And when I say I want everyone there, I mean it. Everyone. I mean, his mom, Gram, my family, of course you and Kurt, David and his fiancé, Seb, Hunter, Thad, Trent…the whole gang at the bar, and people from home he hasn't seen if they can make it. I know he was good friends with one of the teachers at his old school…her name's Ebony, I think. People from the loft…of course Maggie and Coop and the kids. I just think I need for him to know that everyone's still here, and despite my father being a raging ass, that he's loved and appreciated. Will you help me?"
"I'd be thrilled to, and if we put Kurt on it, he'll take over and you can just wash your hands of it all and step back and watch the perfection come together! He eats that shit up!" Blaine laughed.
"Get me a list of whoever is out of town. I'll get plane tickets. I don't want anyone not coming because of the cost. We'll get a bank of rooms at the Hilton…" Nick went on. They were in full planning mode when Kurt and Jeff strode out from the back with David in tow. Both looked up, grinning with guilt when they were approached.
"What in the world are you two up to, and don't even try to say 'nothing'. It's so obvious…" Kurt laughed.
"Nothing." They both said at once, then laughed.
"Uh huh…we'll discuss later. For now, I need some help." Kurt said, watching them with a critical eye and a grin.
When Beverly arrived an hour later with her assistant, Mina, as well as her business partner, Corrine, Kurt rolled his eyes and shot a look at Blaine, then motioned with his head to her. Blaine mouthed 'Beverly?" to Kurt who nodded, and Blaine took to watching her like a hawk. He followed her in and out of every area not even attempting to be discrete at all, but avoiding contact. It was harder when the models began arriving and the place filled up in the back areas. There were numerous make-up artists and hair stylists present as well as assistants who were there to help them dress quickly and make sure all of the necessary accessories were on hand. It was a sea of people, and Blaine's job got harder by the second. He didn't mind, though. He'd do whatever was needed to make sure she didn't try to change anything or sabotage Kurt in any way.
If he was being honest, she didn't even look like a nice person. Her mousy brown hair was pulled severely away from her face in a messy knot at her neck. She was wearing a simple black dress with sheer black hose and simple black pumps that didn't do a thing for her. She wasn't a bad looking woman, but she did nothing to enhance her assets, that was for certain. But what bothered Blaine the most was the constant scowl that was present on her face no matter who she was speaking to. She scowled at Mina, David, always Kurt, Jeff, anyone who crossed her path. For this reason, when she finally turned to address Blaine, he wasn't affected.
"Do you need something?" she said, her glasses perched low on her nose which was now scrunched up as if she smelled something foul.
"No, ma'am, just watching the goings on." Blaine smiled, not wanting to get into a verbal sparring match with the nasty woman.
"Then stop following me, and I won't ask you again."
"I don't believe you asked the first time. And I have been invited to be here. It's a small space. If we end up in the same vicinity, you can't blame me." He said casually.
"Invited by whom?" She said, looking down her nose again. "You've been following me around for the better part of an hour, and I don't appreciate it." She scowled.
"Actually, it's been…" he said, checking his watch, "almost two hours. You're off your game, Beverly. And I was invited specifically by Mr. Hummel and Mr. Sterling. I'm sure you have things you should be doing. Don't give little ol' me a second thought." Blaine said with every bit of charm he could muster. She glared at him with disgust and moved away, Blaine a few steps behind.
"How's everything?" Blaine asked as Kurt approached.
"Good…good I think. Almost time, and it seems all is well, knock on wood…" he said, knocking on Blaine's forehead and snickering, then pecking him on the nose.
"Very funny. Anything I can do to help?"
"No, we're all ready, I think. Last model is having hair and makeup done, everyone is dressed, Finn and Rachel just got here with Dad and Carole, Caroline and Gram. I'm pretty sure Jeff's about to have a heart attack, though. I can't find him, and I'm pretty sure if I did find him right now, Nick would be on his knees 'calming him down' in his own fashion, and just…no. I'd only be jealous." He smirked.
"Awww, babe! You should have said something. I'm sure I could talk Nick into blowing you in a broom closet if you wanted!" Blaine teased. Kurt wasn't amused.
"If only there was time, handsome, I'd gladly bend you over some janitor's sanitary tub and have my way…." Kurt trailed off, running one finger down Blaine's chest to his belt buckle. "You look so fine in this suit…I knew you would."
"Hey, don't touch the suit…it's a Hummel original, and there's none other like it!" Blaine said, swatting his hand away.
"Damn right…one of a kind for my one of a kind." Kurt smiled. "Thank you for being here. For everything."
"Anytime, and always. Anything for you." Blaine smiled, pecking him on the nose and catching Beverly sneering at them from over Kurt's shoulder. "Uh oh, your nemesis has found us out…" he snickered.
"She can kiss my ass." Kurt mumbled.
"Absolutely not…I plan to do that later, and I'm not sanitizing her lipstick off!"
"Oh. My. God. Blaine…." Kurt laughed, and walked backwards away from him checking his watch. "Almost time!" he said excitedly and winked at Blaine before heading off to find David.
From Cooper: Hey, we're here…got mom from the airport this morning. This place is friggin' packed!
From Blaine: I'm happy to hear it…all of it. He deserves a packed house.
From Cooper: Where do you sit? I mean, we have tickets with seat numbers and all…what about you?
From Blaine: You know, I'm not sure? I may watch from the wings or stand in back? Either way I'll catch you guys before you go.
From Cooper: Mom says hello and she loves you. God help me.
From Blaine: Oh, tell her hello and I love her back, and give her a big hug and a kiss and call her schmoopy woopy bear for me.
From Cooper: I hate you sometimes. Bugger off, B.
From Blaine: I love you too, Coop.
From Blaine: Oh, and your job is to sit by Sebastian and make sure he doesn't physically rip Hunter from the stage and start fornicating on the floor in front of everyone. He's lookin' mighty good back here!
From Cooper: Dear God…why is it MY job? I'm hauling your friend Nick in on this one, too! Shit…
The back area was a buzz and every chair was filled out front. Blaine felt like he was going to puke because he was so nervous for Kurt, so he couldn't even begin to think how Kurt was feeling. David was carefree and happy, floating around checking last minute things. Suddenly a fuming Kurt came into his line of vision and he was bearing down on Beverly like a freight train. Thank God David saw him and intervened before Kurt reached her. Blaine wasn't sure what she could have possibly done. He'd been watching her all morning and into the afternoon.
"YOU!" he roared out at Beverly. "YOU did this!" he screamed, shoving his dripping wet iPod in her face. Whatever was done, she clearly did it. She smiled at him like the cat who'd eaten the canary and batted her eyelashes.
"Whatever do you mean, Kurt?" she said, as if affronted. "Is there something wrong with the music?"
"If it's the last thing I do, I will make sure you suffer for this you evil bitch. I'd say 'woman' but that gives a bad name to all women, and I wouldn't do that.
"Kurt…what's wrong? What's happened?" Blaine asked calmly, stepping between Kurt and Beverly.
"I found my iPod, which had previously been IN the iPod dock just waiting for someone to push play, at the bottom of someone's drink sitting next to it. It didn't just FALL In there, did it, you witch!?" Kurt growled. She batted her eyelashes at him again.
"I couldn't have possibly done something like that, Kurt. You'd know…your dog has been following me around all day sniffing at my ass!" she said, her teeth clenched. Without warning, Kurt's eyes swung to scan the room, landing on Mina in an instant. Her eyes went wide and she cowered behind a few people waiting near the door.
Before Kurt could strangle or kill anyone, Blaine grabbed his arm and led him away, leaving David to deal with Beverly. Corrine was nowhere in sight, which was just great. Blaine sighed.
"Ok, what are our options…they walk without music? We use someone else's iPod? We queue up some music on a computer? What…tell me." Blaine suggested, then waited. Kurt was going to melt down any moment. Jeff came around the corner with raised eyebrows wondering what was holding things up. He had no idea what was going on. Blaine informed him and he very nearly slipped away to rain fire and hell down on Beverly as well.
"Ok, Kurt…just…give me a few minutes, ok? Everything else is ready?" Blaine asked.
"Yeah…just…this'll throw everything off now, having to postpone and …damn her!" he said, clearly frustrated to tears.
"Don't panic, give me a minute." Blaine said, and grabbed Jeff before walking away. "Where's Nick?"
"Do we need him?"
"Yeah, meet me on the other side of the stage, don't let the curtain come up yet!" Blaine said as they parted ways.
Kurt stood in the back listening to the crowd and watching them throw glances to the stage wondering what was holding things up. They were 10 minutes past their start time now, and he was ready to just start the models down the line without music. He couldn't find David, Blaine or Jeff, and he was so nervous he thought he'd pass out soon. Suddenly the screen was lit with the visuals they'd chosen and he momentarily panicked even more. On a sixty count, the models were due to walk, and there was no music yet. At that moment he heard David begin to speak, as planned, and Kurt wondered what the hell had happened that he wasn't made aware of. Music began from somewhere…piano music….oh my God…live music. He stuck his head out and his eyes went wide. They'd moved the band's baby grand to the edge of the stage and Blaine was playing…without any sheet music…just playing the most beautiful notes and he smiled at Kurt as they locked eyes and Blaine shrugged. The tempo was perfect, just like what Kurt had picked out and saved for today, but it was all Blaine now. He closed his eyes, willing the tears away, and turned back to the door. Without thought, he went to the waiting area and took in his first design. Flawless….
"Do me proud, honey. Out you go!" Kurt said, ushering the first woman onstage.
Kurt wasn't sure what he expected. He'd dreamed of this moment for so many years, before he ever met David Perry, before college design classes, before New York. This…this was what he'd always wanted to do, and now it was over. The applause was, to him, deafening, but this was almost certainly because of the constant rushing of water sounding in his ears. He was trying to keep from breaking down, and when David approached him and urged him out onto the runway, he nearly fainted.
"OH, David, no, they don't want to see me!" he argued.
"Customary, Kurt. The designer walks last, my friend! Go, Go!" he smiled, nearly shoving Kurt on stage and to the runway.
He regained his bearings and walked out wearing his own Kurt Hummel original and met the eyes of hundreds of strangers and a few close friends and family. This was it. He'd done it, it was over and now, all that was left was to sit back and see what happened. He nodded his thanks and waved here and there to a familiar face as he continued along the runway. Near the end, he paused and turned, just as the models had, but he also met eyes with David and strode over to steal his microphone.
"Hello, I'm Kurt Hummel…some of you know that, many of you, I'm sure, had no idea." He laughed, and they all laughed along with him. "I can't tell you how honored I am to have you all here with us today, and I say 'us' and not 'me' because today was definitely a group effort. Today would not have happened, could not have happened, without so many people. I'd like to thank a few, if you'll spare me a couple minutes to ramble?" The crowed clapped again, some snickering at his candor.
"First of all, let me offer my sincere thanks to my good friend and Broadway actress, Ms. Rachel Berry, without whom I would have never met David Perry. Rach, had you not annoyed me to death for that damned red skirt, we wouldn't be here today!" he grinned. Rachel stood and took a bow, laughing as well. "So for that, my friend, I love you, and for so many other things as well." He said, smiling directly at her.
"Secondly, to David, for taking notice of said skirt and giving me a chance…an opportunity of a lifetime and for believing in me. How does one thank someone for that? For fulfilling a lifelong dream? David, I'm forever grateful, and I hope I can make you proud." He smiled, turning to find David, who yelled "you already have, my young friend!" making Kurt smile and blush.
"Thirdly, to my friend Jeff Sterling, who was part and parcel to every garment and accessory you've seen today being sewn and altered. Countless hours, Jeff spent with me bent over a sewing machine and listening to me harp about straight seems and bad hemlines….to you, my friend, and for all of your hard work and endless dedication to this project, I am eternally grateful!" he said, making the crowd applaud again as he singled out Jeff, who stood on the stage in the corner. Our families and our friends have stood behind us so much on this venture, always there with a word of encouragement and a pat on the back. We thank all of you." Kurt said, meeting eyes with each and every person he knew there and giving them a genuinely warm, thankful smile.
"But one person…one person stood by me, personally, every step of the way. He listened to me rant, watched me cry, held my hand through it all and made me want to succeed…for him. When I came to New York City not so long ago, I was not the man I am now. I was trying to find myself…trying to be someone that I could be proud of, and trying to shake off old demons. He found me, literally…" Kurt laughed. "He found me, picked me up, brushed me off and helped me back to myself…back to what I needed to be. You may or may not have heard, but today's music selection was…unavailable…at the last minute. Without a second thought, he lugged that big ass piano out here and sat down to save the day. After hearing my playlist once, he found the tempo, the feel, the mood, and he brought it to life for me…saving me once again, Blaine Anderson." Kurt said, glancing toward the piano and a furiously blushing Blaine with sparkling eyes full of tears that hadn't yet fallen. "I am forever in your debt, my love, and today was as much for you as for me. Thank you for everything." Kurt said, never letting his eyes leave Blaine's as he handed the mic over to David and approached Blaine, throwing his arms around him.
"I love you…I'm so proud of you, Kurt." Blaine mumbled into his shoulder as everyone else applauded behind them.
"Ok! Well, Kurt has said it all beautifully. Please join us now for drinks and such. The bar is open, enjoy!" David said in invitation.
Kurt's hands were on Blaine's face now. He was smiling that smile that only Kurt could do, the one that made Blaine's heart flip and stutter. The one he knew was only for him.
"Thank you…" Kurt breathed into his ear over all the noise and chatter.
"Always…anything for you, Kurt. Anything."
The show was long over and the reception afterward was a success as well. Kurt had been introduced to so many people his head spun. He knew there was no way in hell he'd remember even a handful of the names he was told that evening, but he was good with faces. He'd never forget their faces, and that was a start. He kept Blaine at his hip as much as he could, holding his hand and snaking his arm around Blaine's waist when he could get away with it.
He'd finally gotten a few minutes alone with his dad and Carole and they were just gushing with pride and happiness, telling him how they'd strategically sauntered up behind people to eavesdrop on their conversations about the show. Apparently it was a success. At that moment, Kurt was so high on everything around him it didn't really register. He wasn't expecting to be famous overnight, but the fact that people seemed to appreciate his flair and sense of style and fashion was a huge pat on the back. He'd taken a good amount of risks on many of the garments he'd designed, and he wasn't sure how that would be received. Only time would tell.
He'd finally met Jeff's mom and his Gram and they were so much like Jeff that it was almost comical. Jeff was clearly thrilled beyond words to have them there, and very surprised as well, since Nick had made sure they'd be there and hoped to surprise Jeff. They'd be hanging out in the penthouse with the boys all weekend, and Jeff couldn't have been happier. Nick had even gotten Finn and Rachel to pick them up at the airport and escort them to the show since they knew the city and Caroline did not. Seeing Jeff that happy was just the icing on the cake for Kurt.
David introduced Blaine to "Cat" and they hit it off immediately. She was in awe of his piano playing and dragged him away briefly to the piano and coerced him into playing a few of her favorites much to everyone's enjoyment. When he finished playing, he noted that Sebastian and Hunter were huddled together on the floor, dancing slowly, and whispering in each other's ears, so clearly ignoring anyone and everyone around them that they didn't even pause when the music stopped…just kept swaying slowly, holding each other tightly. Blaine met eyes with Sebastian who immediately thought to smirk at him, but must've thought better of it, as he just gave Blaine a nod and a wink as he walked back to find Kurt in the crowd.
Corrine had finally resurfaced, hauling a timid and shy Mina with her. She asked for a word with David and Kurt and they spoke backstage. Mina had come forward and told Corrine how Beverly had threatened her job if she didn't do as she was told with the iPod, and Corrine was livid. She fired Bev on the spot, and considered doing the same with Mina, but she was going to give her a second chance for her honesty. Kurt wasn't so forgiving, and he thanked Corrine for letting him know, but left the discussion with a very curt nod to them all before heading back out to find Blaine.
He found him in a discussion with his mom and Cooper off to the side, as they were apparently getting ready to head home. As he headed toward them to say goodbye, Maggie intercepted him and threw her arms around him in a huge hug.
"I am absolutely stunned, Kurt…stunned at what I saw here today. You are the real deal, aren't you? And I can't wait to be able to say 'oh yeah, Kurt's a good friend of mine…' and make everyone I know jealous!" she said, laughing.
"I don't know about that, but I was talking to David, and based on the conversations he's had with various buyers and store owners this evening, I'm going to need someone else who's handy with a needle. Could we maybe talk this week about…um…things? I don't know how attached you are to your current job, but-" he began.
"Oh…oh my God. Are you serious? Are you? Because…don't mess with me, Kurt…" she stumbled over her words in her excitement.
"I'm very serious, Mags. I've seen your work. I've seen the things you make for Evee and Mattie, and even her costume you brought over that night. I know you're careful, and crazy detailed and…and I'd like to sit down and discuss it with you?"
"Not this week…I'm…well, we're all going to Atlantic City for a few days…but when I'm back. Yes, I'd be so much more than happy to talk with you about it. Oh my God, Kurt…I'm so excited for you…for you and David…and Jeff…this is…I'm so damn proud of you!" she said, throwing her arms around him again.
"Back off my man, lady." Blaine said as he approached them, smirking.
"And YOU!" she said, smiling widely. "Mr. Look-out-I'm-here-to-save-the-day!" and they all laughed, Blaine blushing of course.
"I dunno about all that, but I do know that I'm ready to head home if I can convince this stunning gentleman to accompany me. Looks like people have mostly cleared out, finally." Blaine said, smiling at Kurt with such adoration that Maggie felt almost awkward standing there with them.
"Well, then I'll leave you to it. What are your plans for tomorrow? Are you going to see the place your mom wants to buy?" Mags asked.
"I was just informed that mom wants Coop and I for lunch, which is before she plans to go see it. I have a feeling there's stuff to discuss, and I don't know what it is, but she was insistent." Blaine answered.
"Oooh! Intriguing…" Maggie laughed. "Well, let's try to all do something before Coop and I leave with the kids on Sunday?"
"Sounds like a plan…maybe dinner tomorrow night or something?" Blaine suggested.
"We'll talk!" Maggie said, winking at him and disappearing through the door with Coop and Cris, who had blown a kiss at Kurt on her way out, her smile blinding.
Before Maggie ever made it through the exit door Kurt was dragging Blaine behind him toward the back in a slow saunter.
"You ready to head home, handsome?" Blaine asked. "I have all kinds of praise to heap on you tonight…and maybe some other stuff to do, too." He grinned, biting his bottom lip.
"Soon…." Kurt replied, his smile wide, but not meeting Blaine's eyes.
"Soon? What's left to do?" Blaine asked, wondering where they were going as Kurt yanked open a random door on the hallway.
"Soon, baby…but I'll never make it home in time….and what's left to 'do' is you. I believe you and I have a date with this janitor's closet, beautiful." Kurt smirked, grabbing the door knob and pulling the door shut behind them.
A/N Hi guys! I promise I'm not slacking! I'm not laying on a beach somewhere relaxing and shirking my writing. Actually...I started something new. Two somethings, if I'm honest. 57K words on one in the last two weeks, and 30K words on the other...so that's where my head's been. C's about to kill me, I'm sure, God love her! :) Can I just say that if you write, there is nothing that can replace a good sounding board, a good beta, a good friend to bounce around ideas off of...and I have the best one ;) And no, you can't have her! LOL Love my F.W.
Also, reading...sometimes ya just gotta un-stress and READ, right? Check out anything on S&C by Twitchy Squirrel as well as Need for Speed by fbeauchamphartz on (complete) Both have kept me entertained lately! Hoping you're all well! Thanks for reading!