For Robyn, who has been pouting for days...LOL
So I was writing this week/ weekend and passed a milestone. Not only did I see page 1000 go by on my laptop, but also passed 500,000 words! I may or may not have shed a tear, went a little berzerk and had a small dancing meltdown. Thank you to each and every one of you who have made the journey SO WELL WORTH IT. Hugs.
Ch. 85
"Why didn't you say anything, Bay?" Nick asked, his voice soft, but laced with the sorrow he felt that she hadn't come to him when she wasn't happy.
"You have your hands full here, Bubby. I don't want to put any more stress on you than you already have," she replied.
"Nope, not good enough. I'm actually a lot LESS stressed out now that I'm away from Dad, and I have Jeff to keep me level, so there is absolutely no reason you can't call me, talk to me, tell me what's going on. All this time, Bay, I thought everything was ok…no mention of any of this stuff from you…what is that?" he asked, upset.
"Bubby…"
"No, don't Bubby me, Bailey!" he said, shaking his head. "You know what…I'm upset that you don't think you can come to me anymore when something's bothering you…and that you didn't. Omitting the truth is like lying, and I'm disappointed in you. How can you sit there and act like everything's fine when you were clearly NOT fine? You've lost 20 lbs, at least! What the hell, Bay?"
"Twenty two pounds…" she said quietly, eyes downcast.
"You're a stick! I swear, Bailey, you don't even look like yourself anymore! It's not healthy, and it scares me. Were you throwing up? You better be honest with me!" Nick asked.
"I did…a couple of times, but I stopped. Don't be angry. It makes me sad when you're upset with me."
"Well, it makes me sad when you don't tell me the truth…when you're hurting and you don't talk to me and let me help you. So we're even." He said, frustrated.
"You have Jeff now, you don't need me whining in your ear about—"
"NO! No, Bailey. Don't EVEN use Jeff as an excuse, because it's not fair to him and it's not fair to you and me. Jeff would be mortified if he thought, for even one second, that he was coming between us. He would never, ever begrudge me time speaking with you, visiting with you or helping you in any way. In fact, he'd be the very first one to pitch in and help out with anything you needed. So don't use that as a reason! I know you don't know him well yet, but if there's ever going to be anyone on your side, he's it. He wouldn't stand between me and my family for anything. He LEFT ME, Bailey, when he thought he was coming between me and Dad!" Nick hissed, passionately.
"Ok!" she hissed back, trying to keep her voice down since her mom and Jeff were just downstairs in the living room. "Next time, I'll talk to you. Everything's fine now…really. Just…none of my clothes fit, and I think my hair looks dumb cut like this now that my face is thinner and…I'm just uptight about stuff, you know. Senior year, college applications, Tyler... Dad deserting us and basically leaving as if we're not important. I don't have to like him, but I love him…he's my Dad and…and…." She said, her voice breaking at the end before she collapsed in a heap in Nick's lap. "He's our DAD, Bubby, and he just left us…" she cried.
Nick sighed, holding her tightly as she sobbed into his chest. Months of pent up anger and being upset were clearly flowing out after being bottled up for so long. He stroked her back and her hair, whispering little things to calm her down as she finally seemed to run out of tears.
"It's ok to miss him, Bay. He's a jackass of epic proportions, but yeah…he's our Dad. I get it. I can do without him…he's done things to me and the people I love that I can't and won't forgive, but I'm not his only little girl, either. He always babied you, if not because you were the only girl, then because you were the youngest. You were probably closer to him than any of us boys. I understand….but I really don't want him anywhere near you, either, Bay. He's a manipulative man, and he'll do and say anything to get his way. I don't want you hurt by that."
"I know…I know, Nicky. I just miss him sometimes. And with you here all the time, and not at home, it's hard. Those assholes at home just harass me and give me shit. It's like they're ten years old or something. With Alex and Steven gone, I'm stuck with Robby and Danny every day after school and they're such idiots!" She whined.
"I'll say something to them. Don't get all bent up." Nick grinned. "You forget, I'm a master at having brothers, too. I have two older and two younger…I can handle this."
"Yeah, they'll just give you shit and try to make you bribe them to behave. You have all the money after all!" She laughed, wiping her eyes.
"Not all…"
"More than any of them, I bet! It's ok, you deserve it more than any of 'em. You work harder than all of those numb nuts put together!" She laughed.
"Probably. Well, if I have to bribe them to leave you alone, I will. But you have to promise me you'll talk to me, Bay. Promise me that next time something's bothering you, you'll tell me. Let me help you, ok?"
"K, Bubby. I love you, ya know? And I think I'm going to adore Jeff. He seems pretty awesome. Did he really make you sign a pre-nup? That's ballsy, Nicky!" She laughed again.
"He did…he asked me to…demanded it, even. I didn't want to…in fact, I'd sign everything I have over to him right now if he'd allow it, but he never would. He's stubborn, and he's fair, and most of all, he's just a good person, Bay. I know you're gonna love him. I do…God, I love him more than anything. I've never been this happy, this content with my life, this thrilled to see how my future plays out with him. He's amazing." Nick smiled, and Bailey could see just how happy he really was.
"I'm happy for you, Nicky. I really am. Keep ahold of him. He sounds pretty special."
"He is, Bay, without a doubt….and I'm gonna marry him come hell or high water." Nick smiled.
"It is absolutely a pleasure to meet you, finally, Thad!" Ted said, excited, as Trent introduced them.
"And you as well, Ted. Trent speaks highly of you. That doesn't come easily from this one." Thad grinned widely, bumping shoulders with his fiancé.
"Shut up! I'm just discerning!" Trent grinned, trying to give him a bitch glare at the same time and failing. "Don't be annoying…"
They made small talk, Ted asking how Thad liked the big city, what he did for work, (even though he already knew), and how he was enjoying his job. The last thing he wanted was for Thad to think they talked about him behind his back, so he asked even though he could predict what Thad would say.
The boys joked, snarked, kidded and played around as if they didn't even care that he was there. Ted laughed with them and knew, without a doubt, that they were just as good at being friends as they were lovers. The looks, the touches, the remarks…they were just great together.
He showed them around the gallery, Trent knowing where they were going, but letting Ted talk and offer suggestions about where they could put food, where they might want to have a dance floor of sorts, where he thought the wedding ceremony might be held. Having mobile walls at his disposal, he offered to move this and relocate that if it would open up the space for them. In the end, they didn't need much convincing. Ted was going to let them use the space for next to nothing, and the boys were on board. Between Ted's ideas and Trent's visions of what he wanted, it would be a small, beautiful affair that they'd remember fondly for a long, long time.
They walked into Ted's office and sat down to look over the calendar for the gallery events.
"So, if you're sure, when do you think you want to have this little shindig, guys?" Ted asked.
"Um…I was thinking, it might be nice to have it around Thanksgiving? We could have our families here for the long weekend, have dinner together, have a day in between, then have the wedding that Saturday? Does that work for you?" Thad asked Trent, then glanced at Ted.
"I think that works, unless you're planning on using that Friday night for a wild bachelor party, then no. It doesn't work." Trent said, first smiling…then giving Thad a hard stare with squinty eyes.
"Hmmm, well, I hadn't thought about that! Thanks for the idea, babe!" Thad grinned. "I'll get in touch with the guys and see if they- OUCH!" He wailed as Trent pinched his arm. "I'm joking! I'm joking, dang…" He said, rubbing his sore arm. "So violent when you're jealous!" He laughed. And there it was, the Trent Nixon bitch glare that shook lesser men to their core.
"Thad…don't push your luck." Trent warned.
"I used up all my luck when the angels brought you to me, babe." Thad said, not missing a beat. The smile he got in return was worth the pain in his arm.
"Suck up."
"You know it." Thad replied, smug.
"So that Saturday might be a hard day to swing, guys. I have stuff coming in Sunday, early, from overseas that will take up a lot of room on the floor in crates. I don't know if I'll have time to clean up from the wedding before I need the room again. How about that Friday? If everyone's already off, it could work." Ted suggested.
After some short deliberations and a few phone calls to people who absolutely had to be there, it was determined that the Friday evening after Thanksgiving would work for everyone. They had just over two months to get everything together.
Monday morning found Jeff ready to head off to the loft only to receive a text message from David stating that there'd been an accident around the corner from their building and they had no electricity. According to him, it was "darker than the devil's arse hole" and there was no reason to come in if they couldn't see to work. He'd keep them updated, but he was heading back home to work on what he could and he was assured that the services would be up and running the following day by the electric company who was already hard at work outside. Jeff didn't know what to do.
"Ok, babe, you ready to go?" Nick said as he strode into the kitchen, his bag slung over his arm. Jeff shook his head and handed Nick his phone, showing him the text.
"No power…so…." He said, glancing nervously at the stairs, well aware that Nick's mom and Bailey were up there and bound to come down soon. He wasn't sure he was ready for alone time without Nick as a buffer…although, there was a conversation he really wanted…and needed…to have with Meredith.
"Ok, well, I'm sure you have 100 things you can do today, right? Still wanna meet me for lunch?" Nick asked. "We have to get the marriage license."
"Yes on lunch…and I'm not sure what I'm gonna do. I know the bathroom needs a good scrub and—"
"Maria will be here today to do that. It's Monday, she comes every Monday. You know this." Nick smiled. "Jeff…are you afraid of my mom?" He laughed.
"I might be. Shut up. I might be even more intimidated by your sister. She's a spitfire, man!" Jeff hissed quietly.
"She is that…but you know what. She was talking about going shopping, needing new clothes, wanting to get her hair done and all that. Maybe you could go with her. Someone I know needs a new suit for a pretty important occasion this weekend, I think? Don't even act like you don't want to shop." Nick grinned rolling his eyes.
"Maybe…" Jeff said coyly, as if it didn't really matter. "Maybe I'll buy YOU something…since I'm allowed to do that now." He winked. Nick had to mentally bite his tongue to keep from blurting out that Jeff could buy any damn thing he wanted to now. Clearly he hadn't noticed yet. In time, Jeff would figure that out, and he wasn't looking forward to that shit storm, no way, no how. They'd get through it, though. He'd make him understand.
"Ok, so…where's dinner tonight? You guys figure it out and let me know, ok?"
"I can cook, Nicky. Unless they want to go out, then that's another story." Jeff replied, his mind only half in the conversation. "You know, I think I should be making phone calls or something, babe. We have to plan… if we're doing this on Saturday, there's stuff to do—"
"Nope, I told you, I'll take care of where and who…you just make sure your mom and Gram are ready for Thomas to pick them up…and make sure Blaine and Kurt know. Leave everything else up to me. Do you trust me with this?" Nick asked, his brow furrowed now.
"I do, babe, I just I don't want it to seem like I'm shoving everything off on you, though. I know we said 'small ceremony' because of the short notice and all that, but…I just feel like there's something I should be doing?"
"Let me surprise you with the where…and the who, in terms of who will marry us. Can you give me that much?" Nick asked, genuinely wanting to surprise his fiancé.
"Whatever you want, Nicky. I'm not worried. As long as you're there, and I'm there, nothing else matters." Jeff said with a smile, kissing Nick's lips.
"I also wanted to ask you ….did you want to pick out your own ring? You're going to be wearing it for an awfully long time, I hope, and I don't want to pick something you don't like." Nick asked, a little nervous.
"Honey…." Jeff began, and walked over to drape his arms over Nick's shoulders.
"You called me Honey…" Nick said, low and sexy. "That's new…."
"Love of my life…is that better?" Jeff asked, Nick grinned.
"It's all good…all of it."
"Anything you pick will be perfect. I don't care if you weave Starburst wrappers into a band, as long as it's what you want me to have, then we're good. Don't stress about this. It's just you, me and a few close must-haves…nothing fancy. You know my taste, and I trust yours. Surprise me?" Jeff grinned. "Now go downstairs and work…do what you do and I'll find something to occupy my time. Love you." He said, pecking Nick on the lips.
"You could also spend the day deciding where you want to go on our honeymoon? Wherever you want, the sky's the limit, so pick something fun! We can discuss it when I get home tonight." Nick gave a comically big grin as he stepped into the elevator and pushed the button to descend to the lobby. As the door slid closed, Jeff heard him singing some crazy lyrics about his "hot ass husband in a Speedo on the beach getting' jiggy wit' it…" at the top of his lungs. Jeff just shook his head and rolled his eyes. He loved that moron more than his own life.
Nick didn't stop at the floor his new office space was on, but instead continued down to the lobby, heading straight back to the offices where he knew he'd find Joseph, his head of security for the building…as well as everything else in his life. As he reached for the handle of the door, it opened and Joseph pulled it inward, allowing Nick to pass. Nick just raised his eyebrows at the man, at a loss, for a moment, as to how he knew to expect Nick.
"Mr. Duval, how can I help you this morning, Sir?" Joseph asked, his demeanor professional as always.
"Good morning, Joseph…" Nick said, curious, and it was obvious he was questioning how Joseph knew he was at the door before he'd knocked.
"Cameras, Sir. They're all over. I saw you coming." Joseph smiled. Nick chuckled and rolled his eyes. Of course.
"Ahhh, ok. Well, I have something I'll need your assistance with, and I hope we can make this work. I don't know exactly what it will entail, but I trust you to do what needs to be done. There's a function this weekend, Saturday, actually-"
"Mr Sterling's surprise party?"
"Yes…yeah…how-?"
"It's my job to know, Mr. Duval."
"So it is…" Nick laughed. "I think I'm slipping. Good thing you're not. Anyway, yes, the party on the boat….and it has taken a turn, actually. It's a little more than a birthday party now, actually…much more." Nick grinned.
"May I offer my sincerest congratulations, then, Mr. Duval, to both you and Mr. Sterling." Joseph smiled. He glanced down at Nick's hands where the platinum band sparkled as brilliantly as ever.
"I…yeah." He grinned again. "I'm the luckiest man alive, and I need you to be sure everything goes according to plan on Saturday. As you know, my father is still somewhere out there, God only knows where, and I don't want him anywhere near that boat…inside or out. Nobody without an invitation boards that vessel without my specific approval." Nick said firmly. "I don't put anything past him at all, and I don't want Jeff to worry about a single thing. Have someone on Jeff at all times."
"Absolutely, Sir. Starting today?"
"Yeah….I think that's a good idea. If my father gets wind of this, shit's gonna hit the fan." Nick said angrily, his lips in a flat line.
"I'll have a team go over the boat, top to bottom and we'll have it covered completely, Mr. Duval. Nothing to worry about." Joseph told him confidently.
"Whatever it takes, you know the way it goes. Spare no expense to keep him safe, but don't smother him. If Jeff knows you're there, he'll get nervous and bitchy." Nick smirked.
"Don't worry about a thing, Sir. We'll handle it quietly. I have calls in already to another team, as I figured you would require it.
"Of course you did. This is why you're the best." Nick grinned, shaking his hand and then walking out to go back upstairs to his office.
After calling Kurt to see if he'd join Jeff in shopping for a suit, Jeff spent half the morning being measured for a new suit for the wedding. Kurt wouldn't hear of Jeff buying something off of a rack (gasp!) and insisted he be allowed to do this for his friend. Jeff picked the style, the fabric and all the notions, knowing exactly what he wanted, and was secretly glad he'd called Kurt that morning, hoping he'd suggest just this. Kurt wouldn't let him down, especially not on his wedding day, and he wanted to look top notch for Nick. Sub par just wouldn't do for the most important day of his life.
"Kurt, are you sure you have time?" Jeff asked. "It's only 5 days away."
"I'd put off every other thing I was doing in order to do this for you, my partner in crime. In fact, I think maybe wedding attire is my calling, ya know?" Kurt grinned, measuring Jeff's arms, then his waist, then his inseam. "Seems like everything I design lately ends up in someone's wedding!"
"I think you're just good at what you do, so I'm insanely flattered that you'd agree to do this for me."
"I didn't agree. I insisted, I think?" Kurt asked, a wry grin on his own face. "Now hold still."
That afternoon, after lunch with Nick and applying for their marriage license, Jeff met up with Meredith and Bailey. They wanted to see Jeff's theater, and then planned on going shopping. Since Jeff was saving money on his suit, as Kurt was doing it as his gift, he had some money to spend and he wasn't going to pass up the opportunity to get a few things to take on their honeymoon. It was then, as he stood on the stage showing Meredith his birthday gift, that it hit him. Hard. He was getting married in 5 days.
"….because surely you can see that it would work if you….Jeff?" Meredith said, staring at her soon to be son-in-law. "Jeffrey, honey, are you well?" She said again.
"DUDE!" Bailey barked loudly, snapping her fingers in front of his face. That seemed to work.
"S-sorry…I'm sorry I…got lost…in my own thoughts, I think…I…." he trailed off.
"Second thoughts?" Meredith said softly, her hand under his elbow as she led him down the steps to the seats. They sat next to one another and she turned to face him as Bailey answered her cell phone and walked away.
"What? No! Oh….no way, God no!" Jeff said vehemently. "I'd no sooner walk away from Nicky than I'd stop breathing, Mrs….Meredith. He's my life, and I adore him. It's just…it's sort of a big thing…overwhelming and…all this…" He said, gesturing to the stage and everything around them. "He gives me so much…anything I want, and even things I don't know that I want, and I feel like…like maybe I'll never be able to give him back as much. I'll never be able to repay him for what he's been to me…for the way that he loves me." He said, blankly staring at the stage again, twisting his fingers in his lap.
"Honey…it's not about paying him back for anything, and I think you know that. He won't allow it, anyway, stubborn man that he is. He gets that from his father, mark my words!" She snickered. He smiled.
"I just want to be enough for him. I don't want him to ever think he should have waited for something more, should have kept looking, could have done better." Jeff said, nervously.
"Jeffrey, I've known my son a long time," She grinned, "pretty much longer than anyone else, really. In that time, I have never seen him this happy or content with the situation he's in, and I wouldn't lie to you about that. That boy thinks you hung the moon. Do you know he called me the morning after you'd spoken on the phone for hours? He said 'Mama, I've found him…the love of my life. He's the real deal, an absolutely beautiful person inside and out, and I'm gonna get him and never let him go.' I believed him then, and I believe him now when he tells me he can't see his future without you in it, and he doesn't ever want to. I believe you when you say you adore him and you'd do anything in the world for him. I know the two of you are good for each other, Jeff, and I think you know this, too. Am I right?"
"So right…" Jeff said, feeling overly emotional now as he felt the tears well up in his eyes. "He's the one. I knew it that night as well. We talked for so long, and when we finally hung up, I felt like a piece of me was missing. I didn't feel whole again until I walked into the back room at The Dive and found him sitting there. It was like being electrocuted, as far as I can fathom that. My whole body knew he was there, my whole self knew he was meant to be mine, and I couldn't have walked away from him that night if I'd tried. When I did have to walk away, it nearly killed me…" He whispered, remembering the pain. "Meredith….please…I need for you to know that I love Nick. Just Nick. Not Nick's money, not his penthouse, his car, his bank account. I'm really uptight about it, and Nick knows, but he blows it off as if it's not a big thing. It is, to me, a really big thing. It's not what I'm used to, but it's what he's used to. If he was a waiter in a crappy restaurant and we had to share a one room hole in the wall, I wouldn't love him any less. I need for you to know that, above all else. He's that important to me." Jeff said, and the feeling behind it, the passion, the pleading in his voice for her to hear him, to understand, left her nearly breathless. He laid it all out there…put it all on the line and wanted her approval…of this she was certain.
"Jeffrey…if you're asking for my approval…for my permission…you don't need it, although you have it. I'd be a fool to stand in the way of my son's happiness, and you, Jeffrey…you are his happiness. You have my blessing, love…and my whole hearted approval. I think the two of you are wonderful together, and Saturday you'll make it so. Don't fret, dear…all is well." She said, and tugged him in closer as a rogue tear escaped and he tipped his head to lay it on her shoulder.
"Thank you…I needed that…Mom." He whispered with a shaky smile.
Meredith felt her own tears fall as she heard his quiet words. This boy in her arms was the epitome of happiness for her son, and she couldn't have hand-picked anyone better for Nick.
"Kurt! What the hell? I just checked my voicemail from yesterday and Jeff says they're getting married SATURDAY?" Blaine yelled through the apartment.
"Yep…I'm on it…" Kurt said, pieces of Jeff's suit already cut and lying flat on his sewing table in his new work space.
"Don't tell me…he's not allowed to wear off the rack?" Blaine asked, rolling his eyes.
"Hell to the no, Anderson, not happening. No bestie of mine is getting married in something off the rack if I can help it, and I have 5 whole days. I can help it…and I plan to." Kurt looked up, pins stuck between his lips as he grinned widely.
"Soo…about the party then?"
"He still doesn't know about the party, and he thinks they're having some little tiny ceremony, probably at the Justice of the Peace or something…" Kurt laughed. "He thinks it'll be his mom, Gram, Nick's close family and you and me. That's it. I'm totally laughing. When he realizes where Nick agreed to hold this party, he's going to keel over. To be honest, I was surprised Nick said to book the damn yacht…mostly because I figured he'd have one of his own!" He laughed.
"Not yet…in time, I'm sure. I saw the photos, though. That thing's huge! Gonna be a night to remember, that's for sure." Blaine added. "Cruising up and down the river, gambling, dancing, karaoke, booze, everyone has their own room overnight, brunch in the morning…gonna be a blast!" He giggled, doing a little jig around Kurt's work table, shaking his butt.
"That it will. Don't forget who arranged this little shindig!' Kurt winked. "Oh, and we are NOT to tell anyone they're getting married, either. Nick doesn't want anyone bringing wedding gifts, he wants it all about Jeff…and it's for his birthday…so…" Kurt trailed off, mumbling with the pins still in his mouth.
"Won't say a word…" Blaine agreed, strolling into the kitchen to find a snack. "But the fact remains, I'm getting them a wedding gift, because I have THE perfect idea, so he'll have to suck it up. So are they having birthday cake or wedding cake?" Blaine yelled from the kitchen.
"Both, I think, although I had to move heaven and hell to have a wedding cake made to Nick's specs in 6 days! What does it matter which kind of cake it is? It's cake with icing, what's the difference?" Kurt laughed.
"Kurt, please." Blaine deadpanned as he strolled back into Kurt's office with a handful of cookies. "It matters, babe. It matters." He grinned.
"Whatever, Captain Sweet Tooth."
"You know it!" Blaine grinned widely, all of his pearly whites showing.
After a long week of work and many impromptu shopping trips with Bailey, Jeff took Friday off, mostly to lounge around and attempt to calm his nerves. That week at the loft had been a bit nutty as one of their interns was sick. Jeff was insanely glad she'd opted to stay home since getting sick wasn't on his agenda, but it left him with more work. Ultimately, it helped to pass the time and keep his mind focused on something other than his mounting hysteria.
He was counting on being home alone, but that didn't seem to be the case. Nick was working from home that day, regardless of having set up an actual 'office space' in the building a few floors down, and Meredith and Bailey were waiting on Nick's brothers to arrive. Around 11 a.m. they all showed up, suitcases in hand and smiles on their faces. Jeff was at least glad for that much. He felt no hostility at all from any of the Duval boys, in fact, each and every one welcomed him with open arms again, and that made him feel much more settled. Clearly it was only Nick's dad who took issue with him. Well, he'd deal with that when he had to, and he figured today was not that day. There were too many other things to worry about for that to have any place in his mind.
By 3 p.m. he was a basket case and needed to get away. He never thought being an only child was a blessing…until he spent time with the Duval boys. Holy shit, what a rowdy crowd they were!
"C'mon, Jeff, you can accompany me to have my hair done!" Bailey smiled. I'm still not good at navigating this city and I have an appointment at 4:30 to have my hair colored and my nails done….might have to have my eyebrows waxed, too. They're starting to look like mating caterpillars up there!" Bailey added, and Jeff barked out a laugh.
"I'll go, but only because you asked so nicely."
"Bullshit, you need to get away from the chaos that is my family. And I may or may not have booked you an appointment as well, new bestie! You need a massage. You're wound up tighter than a virgin on prom night. And these guys don't help at all!" she said loudly, getting their attention for all of 2 seconds before they were back to their loud hijinks. "I get it, believe me, I get it." She grinned. "Bubby! I'm stealing your man for a few hours! We might be back, if you're lucky!"
"Wait, what? Again?" Nick said, running to the door from where he'd been yammering with his brothers. "Where are you going?"
"Out…hair, nails…last minute stuff. And breathing…and quiet." She said, eyes flicking over to Jeff who looked a bit worse for wear.
"You ok, Babe?" Nick asked, concerned.
"Yup…just…a bit overwhelmed. I'll be fine. Taking Bay to the salon…we'll be back soon, then we can grab something to eat if you want?" Jeff asked.
"Ok, sounds good. Be careful…I love you." Nick said, then leaned in to kiss Jeff, but Bailey jumped in the way and stole the kiss.
"Love you, too, Bubby!" she howled with laughter at Nick's look of indignation as he shoved his sister out the door before pecking Jeff on the lips.
"I love you…don't run off on me, ok?" Nick said quietly.
"Never, Nicky….never." Jeff grinned.
Jeff hadn't counted on liking Bailey nearly as much as he did. She was smart, sassy and really easy to talk to. She told it like it was and didn't pull any punches, and he admired that in a person. The four of them had spent most of their free time together that week, and Jeff could tell Nick really missed having them around. Where Jeff talked to Caroline probably every other day, Nick spoke with his mother only once a week or so. It's not that they weren't as close, but he didn't feel the need to call as often as Jeff did. Jeff chalked it up to being an only child. There weren't other brothers and sisters who were going to call and check in on Caroline… he was it. Nick had five siblings to check in on Meredith, and three of them still lived with her.
Jeff and Bailey sat side by side in the comfy salon chairs getting pedicures and manicures and Jeff had never felt more out of place in his life, but she just patted his hand, told him to shut up, and laughed in his face when he looked affronted.
"You don't think he's gonna have someone taking pictures tomorrow? You know he'll want one of both of your rings, right? I mean, you can't have gross man hands in the picture, Jeff." She scolded him. "And if you go to a beach on your honeymoon, you don't want your feet to look like scaly bird talons. Let Bailey handle it…I've got this!" she winked.
"This just isn't something I've ever done, I guess…this is definitely a first." Jeff said, still uneasy.
"Yeah? Well, I bet there are a lot of things in your life that were firsts, huh?" She said, barely holding back a bark of laughter at his furious blush and wide eyes. "Was my brother any of your firsts, Jeffrey?" She asked, as if questioning him on the weather outside.
"I…he's…BAILEY!" Jeff hissed, casting a quick glance at the woman working on his toes. "I don't think now…is um…the time…for….or maybe never. Yeah, definitely never. Oh my God…can I get up now?" He finally asked the woman buffing his feet.
"Well, you can, but I've only finished one foot, honey, so chat away and I'll just pretend I'm not here and you do the same. It's all good." She chuckled, winking at him. "If it makes you more comfortable, tell me about your fiancé. Is he cute?"
"He's the most beautiful man alive. He makes me laugh, he makes me feel needed and loved. He's the most generous soul I've ever encountered and he's a gentleman to a fault. I feel safe with him and when we're apart I feel like my lungs don't fill up all the way until I'm back with him…then I can breathe deeply…and when I do, I breathe him in…totally…he becomes part of me again, and it's like coming home every time." Jeff said with such passion that he barely took in a breath as he spoke. The woman still held his foot but had stopped working and just watched him, fascinated. In fact, everyone around them was still, and staring…at him. Oh God…..
"That's, without a doubt, the most beautiful thing I've ever heard, Jeffie." Bailey breathed out, awe in her voice and tears in her eyes. Her voice broke when she grabbed his hand again and whispered "I can totally see why he loves you so desperately now….God…." she trailed off, still staring at Jeff who had dropped his eyes to his own lap and concentrated on not blushing and drawing any more attention.
Blaine: So, I'm guessing no last hurrah tonight? ;)
Jeff: LOL, well, as much as that sounds like a great time, I think I'll have to pass.
Blaine: Too much last minute stuff to do? Can I help out?
Jeff: No, he sort of…um…Nick took care of it. All of it. Everything, really.
Blaine: Ok, well…do YOU need anything?
Jeff: A shot of Jack and my best friend?
Blaine: Nerves?
Jeff: Like you wouldn't believe. I'm currently hanging my head over the porcelain god, B. Help me?
Blaine: Should've known. Be there in 10. I'm already on the way. Hang tight, bud!
"Babe?" Nick muttered through the door again, only to be answered with a gurgle and more heaving. "Well, Blaine, he's in there, but…."
"Blaine?" Jeff moaned warily.
"Open up, man. Lemme in." Blaine smiled on the other side of the door.
"Is he ok, Blaine?" Nick whispered, thoroughly worried.
"He'll be fine, no worries. Mind if I borrow him for the night? It's bad luck to see your groom on the wedding day before the ceremony anyway, right?" Blaine asked, his grin bright and happy. Nick was thrilled to see that smile, because he'd really started to freak out. Horrible thoughts of Jeff having second thoughts, changing his mind and maybe even running off flitted through his brain and that just wasn't ok. Not at all.
"Um…like…all night?" Nick asked, reluctant. "But—"
"But you'll live, lover boy. You get him for the rest of your life after tomorrow. I want him for one more night." Blaine said, bumping his shoulder. He heard the door lock click and he reached for the handle. "Coming in, Jeffie." More gagging.
"You sure he's ok?" Nick asked again.
"Yup. You should have seen him before Warbler performances. It got to the point where we wouldn't let him eat the day of a performance because it would all come back up anyway. He'll be fine, don't worry. Just let me borrow him for tonight and we'll see you there tomorrow, ok?"
"If he's ok with it…I mean…if that's what he wants. Ok." Nick replied, sullen. A night without Jeff was something he wasn't used to, and he didn't ever want to be used to it again. "I'm sure my brothers aren't helping the situation any. They're a bunch of idiots and when they all get together they're loud and obnoxious and more than a little crude. I hope they didn't upset him."
"I'm sure it's just nerves. If I find out otherwise, I'll let you know." Blaine told him, laying a hand on Nick's shoulder. Pushing the door open, he stepped in and grabbed the wash cloth from the sink, running it under cool water. He gave Nick a last nod, shooing him away, and Nick walked out looking like a child who hadn't gotten his way. He knew this was "how it was done", not seeing the groom the day of the wedding and all that, but he wasn't at all comfortable with Jeff leaving. Screw tradition. It didn't sit well, and he wasn't sure why he was so unsettled by it.
When Blaine and Jeff emerged from the bedroom about a half an hour later, Jeff was still pale and Blaine had a duffel bag thrown over his shoulder. Jeff's suit was already at Blaine and Kurt's apartment since Kurt had done the alterations the night before. He had everything he needed with him. With a deep breath and a crooked half smile he shuffled up to Nick and nuzzled into his neck.
"I'm sorry if I have barf breath." He mumbled. Nick laughed out loud and shook his head.
"You don't, and I wouldn't care anyway." He smiled, kissing Jeff on the lips. "You don't HAVE to go, you know…if you don't want to."
"I know I don't have to, but we have enough stacked against us with your dad still out there somewhere, I'm not inviting anymore bad luck. I'll see you there, Nicky." Jeff smiled, and Nick was glad to see it was a real "light up his whole face" kind of Jeff smile.
"I don't like you not being here…with me. I don't want you to leave." Nick pouted as Blaine waited near the door.
"Don't be a baby. Hang out with your family, catch up, think of me…later." Jeff winked and grinned wickedly.
"But they want to go out…get me all stupid drunk…make fun of me for being stupid drunk. I'm not up for it…not without you, Pretty Boy."
"You decide what you want to do and if you want to go out with 'em. If you don't feel like it, tell them you'd rather not. It's up to you. You're a big boy, Nicky…make a decision." Jeff laughed.
"I like the big boy part…say it again." Nick leaned in and purred in his ear. Jeff's eyelids lowered slowly as Nick kissed his neck and his breathing came a bit heavier.
"Such a…ungggghhh…. big boy…fuck…God, Nicky…do it again…." Jeff nearly panted as Nick attached his lips to Jeff's neck, pressing him back into the wall near the foyer and rolled his hips to grind into Jeff's crotch. Blaine, who still stood a good 10 feet away, dropped his eyes to the floor and bit his lip to keep from grinning.
"Just wanna be here with you tonight. We can kick everyone out….fuck like animals until the sun comes up….Jesus…Jeffie….Oh God!" Nick moaned as Jeff reached between them and wrapped his fingers around Nick's length through his pants. As Jeff slid his hand up to Nick's button and zipper, Blaine cleared his throat loudly, bringing the two boys back to the present.
"Ahem! Uh…shit, guys….getting a bit awkward up in here, isn't it?" Blaine coughed, everything south of the border a bit unsettled as he turned his back on the pair and walked as far down the hallway as he was able without face planting into a wall. "Jeff…staying or going?" He said, hitting the elevator button.
"I'll miss you, Nicky…" Jeff grinned, teasingly, backing away slowly. He grabbed his bag from Blaine and stepped into the elevator. "I love you, Nicholas…don't leave me there on my own tomorrow, yeah?" He said, blowing Nick a kiss as the doors closed, but not before hearing Nick say "Never, Pretty Boy!"
"Uh….Jeffrey…what was—" Blaine began with a grin.
"Shut up." Jeff mumbled, refusing eye contact with his best friend as he grinned widely at the thick carpet on the floor or the elevator. If he concentrated really hard he could probably slow his pulse and rid himself of the tent at half-mast in his pants before they reached the ground floor.
"Is it always like that?"
"Like what?" Jeff asked, still avoiding Blaine's eyes. He knew the minute they met gazes he'd blush 17 shades of red and Blaine would harass him to death.
"Uhh, like…you glance at him and he proceeds to devour you with his eyes?" Blaine teased.
"Yeah….yeah, it's always that way…every…single…time. He just…he DOES things to me, B….damn, so good." Jeff said, and now he was making himself blush.
"Perhaps, but it seemed like you did things to him as well, so I think it's fair to say you're on even ground, there, right?" Blaine snickered.
"Don't tease!" Jeff blushed more and turned away, his smile from ear to ear. "You have no room to talk Mr. I-like-to-screw-my-man-on-the-baby-grand! Wanna talk about that a little bit, B?"
"Annnnnd, this conversation is officially over. Let's roll!" Blaine said as the elevator doors opened and they stepped out.
When Blaine and Jeff got back to the apartment building and up the steps, Kurt was carrying his own bag into the living room. Blaine looked up, surprised to see it, and also confused.
"What's with the bag?"
"I will be staying with Rachel and Finn tonight. No, don't give me that look." He smiled at Blaine and Jeff. "Your best friend is getting married tomorrow, and although I count Jeff as one of MY very bests, now, as well, tonight is your night. Do what best guy friends do on the night before the wedding and don't worry about me. Finn's working, Rachel and I are going to order fattening food and watch sappy movies until the sun comes up. It's been too long, anyway, and I miss our sleepovers." He said, leaning in to kiss Blaine's lips quickly. Kurt hauled Jeff against him in a big hug, then kissed his cheek and grinned. "You ok?"
"I am….yeah….a little nervous, for sure, but I'll be ok. No regrets, no second thoughts. I'm ready." Jeff smiled. "But you don't have to go. I don't want you to go, Kurt."
"I know you'd never kick me out, and maybe you might even not mind if I hung around, but like I said…your night…you guys do what you wanna do and just…you know…whatever. Love you, baby." He said, leaning in to kiss Blaine again. "I'll be home in the morning in time to make brunch, make sure everything is pressed to perfection and handle any last minute details. Have a great night, don't get arrested, no tattoos without me, and I love you both!" He called, and they heard the door bang shut.
The two men stood there for a minute, a little dumbfounded, and then turned to look at one another and grinned.
"Beer?"
"Damn straight, B."
Hours and half a case of beer later, they sat on the sofa with the T.V. playing in the background, but neither was paying any attention to it. They'd talked forever, ordered pizza, then ordered Chinese just for the hell of it, and flipped channels like they used to do back at Dalton.
"You're sure you don't wanna head out? We still have a couple hours before all the bars close." Blaine asked.
"I really don't, B. Tomorrow is the biggest, most important day of my life, and the very last thing I want is to be tired, hung over and feeling like I got run down by a train, ya know? I am perfectly content…happy, even, to sit here with you, bullshitting and watching T.V. like old times. Besides, I don't want to run into Nicky anywhere if they went out."
"What the hell are the odds that you'd run into those guys? It's freaking New York City, Jeff!" Blaine laughed. "But I won't push you. I'm good with staying right here if that's what you want."
"It is…it's been too long since it was just you and me, man. I miss it. Can I still have Blaine dates when I'm a married man?" Jeff laughed out loud.
"Jeff, it's imperative!" Blaine laughed right back. They both sat in silence for a minute until Jeff spoke up.
"Do you think I'm rushing things?"
"Nope…not at all. Do YOU think you're rushing things?" Blaine asked in reply.
"I don't think I rushed into asking him. I knew what I wanted months ago, and I was just biding my time, really. I can't be without him, Blaine….I just can't. I want to be legally his to have and to hold, and all that. I don't want anyone, or anything to be able to come between us."
"Ahhhh, and there it is." Blaine smiled. Jeff gave him a questioning look, although Blaine saw right through it and he knew exactly what was going on. "You don't want his father to have any way to come between you…is that it?"
"In a way, yes. I don't want anyone to come between us, but let's face it, I trust Nick, and he'd never cheat on me, any more than I'd cheat on him. It just wouldn't happen. I'd stake my life on it…he's just that guy, you know?" Jeff asked, raising his eyes to meet Blaine's.
"I do know…yeah. He's a stand-up guy, and I don't think he'd ever do it, either. But I know, from what I've seen and been told, what his father is capable of. If you're ready, and Nick's ready, I'm really glad you're doing this, because I don't want David Duval to be able to split you up in any way. Legally marrying is smart, Jeff….but be sure. I know you love him, I'm not doubting that…but it's a two way street, man…a double edged sword. You're marrying Nick, and that means you're his, and in his life, with his family, forever…and there's not a damn thing David Duval can do about that once those vows are said. At the same time, you're marrying Nick, and that means you're his, and in his life, with his family, forever….and there's not a damn thing YOU can do about that if it gets ugly with his dad…short of divorcing Nick. Be sure, man. That's a lot to be tied to, ya know?"
Blaine gave him a look of complete and utter concern, and Jeff saw it for what it was. His friend was scared for him, and with good reason. No matter how well he hid his fear, he was absolutely messed up in the head over the fact that David Duval wouldn't take this lightly. There would be repercussions, he was well aware of it. It was just a matter of when and how bad. He nodded at Blaine, lips tightly pursed together.
"I'd walk through fire for Nick…you know this. I'm not letting his prick of a father run me off. If we get married and I have to fend him off every day until we die, then that's what I'll do. Nick's worth it. I don't think I have to bend over backward to convince you of that, do I?" Jeff asked, a half smile on his face.
"Nope. No you don't. I knew from the beginning he was a good guy. I stand by that. I think you're perfect for each other, Jeff, I sincerely do, and I've never seen you as happy as you are around him. I don't need any more than that." Blaine said, emotion clouding his words as he leaned over to hug his best friend fiercely. "Whatever this brings, I'm with you. No matter what you need, I'm with you on it, ok?"
"Ok, B…" Jeff said, hugging him back tightly. "And thank you….for so many things, Blaine…so many things…not the least of which is my almost husband. I'll never be able to thank you enough for that, no matter how it came to be. It's because of you, and for that I'm eternally grateful. Now enough of the sappy shit and the heavy convos…I want to know about the piano…the pictures…and I want you to tell me how insanely beautiful it was…because I'm well aware it wouldn't have been easy for either one of you. Deets, B….spill it!" Jeff grinned, licking his lips and rubbing his hands together.
Blaine lay in bed staring at the ceiling. A glance at the clock showed it was 4:19 a.m. and he couldn't sleep. He was too wound up, happy for his friend, excited for the party and the wedding, pumped up for the day ahead with family and friends. But most of all, he was on edge. He could see Jeff's fear when he talked about Nick's dad. It was a living, breathing thing, this fear inside Jeff. Blaine only hoped it would become a non-issue sometime soon. Either David would have to concede defeat after the marriage or they'd have to rid themselves of him some other way. Watching his best friend live in fear wasn't an option.
His eyes had just drooped shut when he heard his door creak open. He grinned widely and almost laughed out loud.
"B?" Jeff whispered. Blaine didn't say a word, just reached for the edge of the covers and whipped them back, making room for Jeff.
"For old time's sake?" He asked, grinning.
"If it's ok. I don't want Kurt to get upset." Jeff whispered.
"Kurt knows you, and more than that, he knows me. That was then, this is now, Jeffie. C'mere. Big spoon or little spoon?"
"Little spoon tonight, please." He said softly, pulling the covers up to his chin, just like old times. Blaine wrapped an arm around Jeff's waist and tugged him in closely.
"Big day tomorrow, huh?" Blaine teased.
"The biggest."
"Feelin' good about that?"
"Absolutely."
"I'm glad, buddy. Get some sleep, huh?"
"Yep, will do. B?"
"Yep?"
"I love you…I always will. Thanks for being my best friend…through it all…through everything…still."
"Always, Jeffie. Always."
A/N - Next up, the wedding...or the party...or...both? Anyway...
Thanks, as always, to Suzanne. Couldn't turn out any of this sans crazy mistakes without her and Christine...who is on hiatus until after things settle down...moving is a pain in the butt!
Editing a new story called Wordless Love by Nikusiatko. Give it a look? :)
Also, Nicolew301...thank you for your kind words. I can't begin to tell you guys how the feedback and reviews make my day. I know people read and they're busy and all that and maybe don't have time to leave a word or two, but when you do...please know that I read EACH AND EVERY ONE of them...and I reply to them as well. Thank you to anyone who has left me kind words, encouragement or just a "wtaf were you thinking?" (devilcat...Riley...lol) I love you guys, and you make this all worth it :) Have a great week!