CHAPTER EIGHT

Kurt had just finished filming his last scene of the day – and even for the week. He loved his work but he was happy to be getting a break. He had a few things he needed to deal with. The past few days had been confusing ones for him. Blaine had been very emotional. Something was off but he couldn't quite put his finger on it. He knew it wasn't work because he was in between projects. Everything at home seemed to be wonderful except for maybe not spending as much time together as they wanted – but let's face it, Kurt thought to himself, we could spend every second of every day together and it still wouldn't be enough. He needed some quality time with Blaine to figure out what was troubling him and get him on the right path again.

It was crucial to Kurt that they be on the right path because he had big plans for them. He had been planning something very special for a few months now; soon it would be ready to reveal to Blaine. He was a little nervous as he did not know exactly how Blaine would react but he was almost certain that it would be a blissful, emotional, and happy reaction.

Just then, his phone vibrated in his pocket. He dug it out and smiled at the caller ID. Coincidence, he thought. He answered as he closed the door to his trailer.

"Hey, Rachel".

"Hi! Did I catch you at a bad time?"

"It's never a bad time to talk to my best friend".

"You are the sweetest," Rachel paused, "which is why I have some good news for you."

"OH MY GOD! I wasn't expecting a decision so soon."

"Well, I didn't have to think about it that hard, Kurt. You and Blaine are my best friends. And you - you are more than that to me. We are family."

"I know. This is why you are the only person I've ever considered."

"Kurt, it would be my honour to be your surrogate."

"OH MY GOD!" Kurt fought back the tears. "Thank you. I love you Rachel Berry St. James. This is the greatest gift anyone could give us."

"I know that you and Blaine will be the sweetest and most loving dads. I'm so happy I can be a small part of it."

"Uh, Rach, you are a big part of it," Kurt laughed.

"When are you going to tell Blaine?"

"I seriously can't wait. It's been so hard to not tell him already. Plus he seems to be in a bit of a funk, so I'm going to do it this coming weekend."

"I'm so excited but is Blaine ok? He's in a funk?"

"He's been really emotional. I don't know maybe it's just his time of the month," he laughed.

Rachel laughed too, "yeah, that's probably all it is. So, I'm planning to come out there next month so that we can hash out the details. Would that be ok?"

"Yes, of course. I'm so excited."

"Good then. I have to run, I have rehearsals in ten minutes. Keep me posted on Blaine, ok?"

"Yes. Thank you again Rachel. You just made me the happiest man alive."

"Oh, like you weren't the happiest man alive already. Bye Kurt. Love you."

"Love you too. Bye"

Kurt hung up the phone. His heart was racing. He and Blaine were about to embark on a journey that they have been talking about seemingly forever. They were going to become dads. This was a huge deal. He needed the details of the reveal to be perfect. He wiped his tears, packed up his things, and headed out the door to plan a weekend Blaine would never forget.

Later that day, just as Kurt was out shopping for his big weekend plans, Blaine was in their kitchen staring at the phone. He had decided he would call Sam first but he was nervous. His stomach was churning, his hands were clammy, and he felt dizzy. He let out a long sigh and dialed Sam's number:

"Hello," Sam answered almost immediately.

"Sam. It's Blaine."

"Hey dude, I haven't heard from you in a while. How are you?"

"Oh, I"ve been better quite honestly," Blaine's voice was low.

Sam could hear the trouble in Blaine's voice, "It sounds like someone just died. Are you ok?"

Blaine blinked back his tears, unsuccessfully, "I'm not ok Sam. Do you have a few minutes to talk?"

Sam was now worried, "of course. What happened? Is Kurt ok?"

Blaine told Sam everything – It took quite a while to get the whole story out because Blaine had to pause every few seconds. His sobs wouldn't let him get the words out. He told him about how Samuel first showed up on their doorstep, about the party, about Karofsky, about the picture, the blackmail, hiding everything from Kurt, and about how there was just no way Blaine could make this decision alone.

"I have no idea what I'm supposed to do," he cried.

There was silence on the other end of the phone.

"Sam? Are you still there?"

"I'm going to L.A. I'm going to kick his ass," Sam vowed. "I'm serious. I'll bring some of the guys from my beer football league and hurt him, Blaine."

"No. No. That won't help anything, Sam."

"He has to pay for this."

"You don't think I've wanted to kick his teeth in? You don't think I've thought about putting him in the hospital? Sam, I want him to hurt more than anyone. But this won't help the situation. It will draw attention and everything will end up coming out anyway. We have to find another way."

"Ok, ok. Forget what you're supposed to do," Sam said. "Think about what Kurt would want you to do. And think about what you want to do."

Blaine thought a moment. Sam was right. This was all about Kurt. It affected Kurt the most. What would Kurt do? What would Kurt want him to do?

Sam continued, "if the situation was reversed do you think Kurt would ever divorce you just because some dick had a picture of you?"

"It's not just any picture, Sam"

"Still."

Blaine started to laugh.

"What so funny?"

"I'm just imagining what Kurt would do if the situation was reversed. In the infamous words of our dear friend, Santana he would go all Lima Heights on his ass."

Sam started to laugh. "It would be a bitch-slapping, that's for sure."

They talked for a long while. Sam decided to visit them in Los Angeles next weekend. He wanted to be in town for when Blaine told Kurt what was happening. Blaine had decided he couldn't keep this from Kurt for much longer. He was dying inside. No matter what the decision, he wanted Kurt to at least help him make it. It was his life and his career that it would affect so it made no sense for Blaine to make this decision on his own. They had made every decision together since day one and this would be no different. Blaine was grateful for Sam. He knew talking to him would shed some light.

Blaine felt a little better. It felt good to get everything off his chest. For the past few days he had been keeping everything inside and to make it worse he had to hide it from Kurt. He was in the right frame of mind now to call Rachel. He knew telling Rachel would be entirely different than telling Sam. Sam was his best friend and although he would always want Kurt to be safe and happy, Sam always had a way of prioritizing Blaine. Rachel, although he knew she loved him, was fiercely protective of Kurt. He thought that between both of them they would help him come up with a plan. He dialed her number.

"Blaine! Hi," she answered.

"Hi Rachel. How are you doing?"

She hesitated, "I'm … I'm good. Really good. How are things with you?"

Blaine couldn't beat around the bush. He told Rachel everything – the same story he had just told Sam.

"What? This is a disaster, Blaine"

"Tell me about it."

"You can't let that picture come out."

"I agree. But I can't divorce my husband either."

"What are we going to do?"

"I'm going to tell Kurt. And he's going to help me decide."

"You can't tell him," Rachel screeched

"I have to, Rachel. I can't make this decision on my own. Plus you know Kurt he will already be furious with me that I've kept this from him for even a second."

"Oh God. Oh my God. Don't do a thing until I get there."

"You're coming?"

"Of course I'm coming. Promise me you won't tell him yet. I need to talk to you face to face. I'll book the next flight out."

"Rachel, thank you."

"I'll text you the flight details."

"Okay."

CHAPTER NINE

Blaine had just finished dressing after a long hot shower. He was glad that Kurt had decided to go for a run this morning. It gave him time to get out of the house without being questioned. He didn't want Kurt to know that Rachel was coming into town. Not yet. Not until they came up with a course of action. He was about to gel his hair when his phone vibrated. He leaned over to look at the new text message:

You have two weeks left. Don't think I've forgotten about this.

He grew furious. He hated Samuel. He wanted to hurt him – maybe Sam had been right. Maybe they should just go over there and beat the living daylights out of him. He was a boxer after all. He could knock him out, hurt him enough to shut him up but not kill him… stop this, Blaine! You are not going to beat anyone up. You are going to pick up Rachel from the airport and talk to her about all this. Then when Sam gets into town you are going to sit Kurt down and tell him everything. That's the plan. But I want to hurt him. Shhhh.

He was just about to walk out the door when Kurt came in.

Shit!

Kurt was sweaty and huffy from his run. Blaine thought he looked gorgeous and if it weren't for the fact that he would be late to pick up Rachel he would've had his way with his husband right then and there.

"You look like you're off somewhere important," Kurt questioned.

"Oh. No. I was just going to go shopping"

Kurt lifted a brow, "shopping? Without me?"

"Well, I uhh, I was going to buy myself some new bow ties and I wanted it to be a surprise. I know how much you love to see me in them."

"Blaine Anderson-Hummel, there is no way you're going bow tie shopping without me."

"No, you can't come," he blurted out.

Kurt raised his brow again; his face turned really serious, "Blaine, what's really going on?"

Shit!

"Kurt, nothing. I just wanted to surprise you. You're ruining the surprise," he shifted nervously.

"I have a feeling this has nothing to do with bow ties. You've been acting weird for days."

"I just need to go, ok? I promise when I get back we can do something – go out, stay in, whatever you want," he picked up his bag. "But right now I need to go".

"I'm coming with you. And I will not take no for an answer," Kurt moved closer. "I miss you and want to be with you every second." He kissed Blaine squarely on the lips. "But I need to take a quick shower first. I'll just be 10 minutes."

Blaine knew this meant 40 minutes. "Ok. I'll wait for you."

"Good," Kurt kissed him again then bounded up the stairs.

Blaine waited until he heard the water running and Kurt's angelic voice singing his go-to shower song, "The Boy Next Door". Once it was safe, Blaine quietly let himself out of the house. He knew Kurt would be furious. He knew Kurt may never forgive him for quite literally abandoning him without explanation but the alternative was worse. Blaine drove to the airport with tears in his eyes.

He arrived there, parked, and reluctantly checked his phone. It had been vibrating for almost the entire drive. He saw there were thirteen texts and three missed calls - all from Kurt. He was never going to hear the end of it.

Really? You left without me?

Are you insane?

I know you're not at the mall shopping for bow-ties.

You're somewhere you don't want ME to be.

Do you know what conclusions you're forcing me to make?

Blaine, answer me! I'm so pissed off right now.

But I'm more worried about you.

Please talk to me.

Would you please just pick up the damn phone and talk to me.

I just want to make sure you're ok.

Blaine

Please

If you're cheating on me just tell me. I'll die but I'd rather just know.

Blaine was sad. He thinks I'm cheating on him? All this has to stop. And it has to stop tonight. He typed his response:

Kurt, you're right. I'm not ok. There is some stuff going on and I want to tell you but not over text or phone. I promise I will tell you tonight when I get home.

And for the love of God, I'm not cheating on you. I swear it.

He threw his phone in his bag and went in to meet Rachel.

Kurt had never been so livid in his life. Blaine had the audacity to just leave without explanation and then not answer his texts and calls? He felt like he had taken some crazy pills – were they seventeen again? He knew he had been acting weird and emotional but that was just rude. He clearly was hiding something and God, what if he's having an affair? An affair! After all that talk from Blaine about how he was the love of his life and he was so hot in bed and how he couldn't live without him and how they would grow old together and how he loved how Kurt woke him up in the mornings, and, and, and, and … he's having an affair? Just when I thought it was time to start a family? Just when I was about to reveal that I wanted him to father our child? Hot tears spilled onto Kurt's cheeks – he didn't know if it was from sadness or rage but it was probably both. His phone beeped. It was from Blaine:

Kurt, you're right. I'm not ok. There is some stuff going on and I want to tell you but not over text or over phone. I promise I will tell you tonight when I get home.

And for the love of God, I'm not cheating on you. I swear it.

A sense of relief washed over Kurt's heart which was almost immediately replaced with a feeling of uncertainty. So he's not having an affair. Great, then what? What else could be so bad to make him act this way? Kurt was very worried. This was something serious. He couldn't help but feel that after tonight their lives would be changed. He began to cry again. All he wanted in that moment were Blaine's arms around him, no matter what the news was it would be ok in Blaine's arms. He texted back:

I'll be home when you get here. Don't even think about breaking your promise. My heart can't take much more of this.

Blaine's response was immediate:

Mine can't either. ILY

ILY2

Blaine had just finished reading Kurt's ILY2 when he saw Rachel descending the escalator. He smiled and waved to her. He was so relieved to see her. He desperately needed a friend right now.

He greeted her with hugs and kisses and retrieved her suitcases. Blaine chuckled to himself as he loaded the three bags into his vehicle. She was scheduled to be in town for five days and had brought three bags. She was almost as bad as Kurt.

Rachel insisted on staying at a hotel. She knew that Blaine and Kurt had much to talk about and although she wanted to be there to support them, staying at their home would just impede the process. So Blaine drove to her downtown hotel. They checked in, picked up two coffees, and headed to room 1215.

"Rach, I'm so glad you're here. This has gotten so much worse since we talked yesterday. He knows something is up and I don't think I can wait to the weekend to tell him."

"But Sam won't be here until then."

"I know but I just can't wait Rachel. He thinks I'm cheating on him. You know how sensitive he is about that. It will drive him absolutely crazy if I wait until Saturday to address this."

Rachel took a sip of her coffee. "Yeah, you're right," she was pensive. "I'm sorry Blaine. I'm sorry all this is happening. You two deserve all the happiness in the world. I really care about you, which is why I had to come talk to you face to face."

"I really appreciate you being here."

"What are you planning on saying to him then," she asked.

"There's no sugar coating it. As much as I want to protect his feelings I'll just have to come out and tell him everything," Blaine sighed heavily.

"Are you going to tell him that you want to divorce him," her voice got quiet.

"Rachel, I don't want to divorce him. No. Never. But I am going to tell him that's a way he can save his image and his career."

"Do you really think Kurt values his career or even his image more than he values you and your love, Blaine?"

Blaine thought about his. He had been thinking about it for two weeks, "I don't know. I mean, for as long as I have known him he has been driven and career focused. He has always wanted to be successful at something he loves doing. And right now that is exactly what he's getting. He loves acting. And he's really good at it. He's finally gotten a big break into the business. I mean, you saw the billboards driving into the city."

Rachel nodded. "It was crazy to see his face everywhere like that. And you're right – he's always dreamed of becoming successful but Blaine Warbler, give me a break," she stood up to emphasize the point she was about to make, "since the day he met you – and I mean the very first day – before you two were even serious enough to be best friends, let alone boyfriends, Kurt has wanted to be your husband."

Blaine took a sip of his coffee, trying to distract the fact that tears were forming in his eyes.

Rachel continued, "that day - when you took his hand and ran down the hall at Dalton… well, he called me that evening. And do you know what he said to me?"

Blaine could only shake his head.

"He said 'Rachel Berry, I just met the man I'm going to one day marry and have babies with'".

This was too much for Blaine to handle. He sunk down to the floor and pressed his face into his hands. Rachel knelt down beside him but she continued - she needed to drive it home for Blaine.

"And you remember how shy and reserved Kurt was about those types of things. He was only a kid, Blaine, but he knew. He knew without a doubt that you were what he wanted in his life."

Blaine sobbed as he leaned back against the wall. His head felt far too heavy for him to hold up by himself. He leaned it back and just listened because he knew Rachel wasn't done.

"Which brings me to my next point." She stopped and took hold of his hand. "Blaine, please look at me. This is important."

Blaine tilted his head and opened his tear-filled eyes. Rachel was blurry but he could tell by her expression that what she was about to say would be the most important thing he'd ever hear in his life. He forced himself to focus and gripped her hand.

"Before I say this you have to promise me that when Kurt tells you this same thing that you'll act surprised."

"W-what?"

"Because if he finds out I told you he'll kill me."

"Rachel, what is it?"

"Blaine, I can't let you make any decisions about this stupid picture situation without telling you this," she paused and took a breath. All of Blaine's focus was on her now. "Three months ago Kurt approached me to ask something of me that would change his and your lives forever. He wants to have a baby with you, Blaine. And he wants to have it now, in the near future. He asked me if I would be your surrogate and I said yes."

Blaine couldn't cry or speak or even breathe.

"He was planning to surprise you with the news this coming weekend."

Blaine still couldn't cry or speak or even breathe.

"So you see… divorcing him is not an option. Kurt would rather be humiliated and lose his career than lose his husband and father of his child."

Blaine began to cry. It wasn't a sorrowful cry like the ones he'd become accustomed to in the past weeks. They were tears of joy and relief. He had always known Kurt's heart but to hear someone so close to him re-iterated what he already knew made him more confident. It made telling Kurt not so daunting. He knew Kurt wanted to spend the rest of his life with him and he knew that they eventually wanted a family but – now? When Kurt was at the beginning of what would be a magnificent career? He wanted a baby now? That was proof that Kurt placed value on family more than on any career. It seemed to Blaine like the decision had been made. That is when Blaine broke down. He became a puddle of wet mess on the floor. He cried that way for a long time. Rachel had to physically pull him up and draw him into a hug before he could stop long enough to thank her.

"Rachel," he said in between sobs, "thank you. For the first time I feel like we are going to surpass this."

"You will," she said with her own tears in her eyes. "You two have always done that. You've beat the odds time and time again. And this will be no different."

"I feel bad now that I didn't trust in Kurt or in our relationship to be straight with him from the beginning."

"You were scared and had every right to be. What matters now is that you tell Kurt so that you two can move forward."

Blaine hugged Rachel close. "I can't believe he asked you. And I can't believe you said yes. And, oh my god!" It was like Blaine had just realized the true meaning of Rachel's words, "I'm going to be a dad. We are going to be dads."

"Yes. But you can't let on that you know. He'll kill me!"

Blaine laughed. "How am I supposed to act surprised after today?"

"Figure it out, Blaine Warbler. I don't want the wrath of Kurt Hummel cast down on me."

They both laughed until their stomachs hurt.

Kurt sat on the couch with his laptop. He was unsuccessfully distracting himself by catching up on the emails Katie had sent him containing real estate listings. His mind was elsewhere – no, not just elsewhere – on Blaine to be precise. He wondered where he was, what he was doing, and what was troubling him. He just wanted him home so that they could talk. Talking to Blaine always made everything better. They were seasoned communicators – it had taken a long time to get to where they were but Kurt felt that they could talk through anything. He sighed and tried to divert his attention to the images on his laptop. He scanned through the pictures of a Spanish style five bedroom property when he heard Blaine's key in the door.

He looked up as Blaine entered. His heart fluttered at the sight of his husband. He was wearing black pants, a cream collared shirt, his favourite green cardigan, and an orange and green polka-dotted bow tie. Kurt thought he looked beautiful although when he looked into his eyes he noticed they were sad … and red … and swollen. He also noticed that his hair was not as perfect as he usually wore it. He saw small flyaway curls along his hairline. Kurt knew that despite his cuteness, Blaine was not ok. He looked a little bit dishevelled and Blaine never looked dishevelled, not even first thing in the morning. He wanted to say something but his breath was trapped in his lungs. He wanted to rise and take Blaine into his arms but his legs felt like jelly. He could only sit and gaze.

Blaine let his bag fall on the floor. He toed off his loafers and made his way into the room. He saw Kurt sitting on the couch – how gorgeous he is. His perfect features looked divine in the low light. His hair was natural with no product in it – Blaine's favourite look. He noticed that he was already in his comfortable clothes – his maroon NYADA sweatpants and a plain white t-shirt. Despite all this, Kurt looked worried – stressed out to be exact. He wanted to take him into his arms but he knew they had a lot of talking to do. Maybe later they could snuggle but for now he made his way over to the couch and sat down gently beside him. He didn't want to say anything because he knew the moment he opened his mouth he would start to cry.

They sat that way for about five minutes. Their shoulders and thighs pressed against each other as they kept their gazes forward. They knew if they looked at one another there would be tears. Kurt reached forward and closed his laptop, not bothering to shut it down. With the same hand he grasped Blaine's and squeezed it tightly, letting their clasped hands rest on his thigh. They turned to look at each other. Kurt's clear blues spoke volumes of love into Blaine's hazel pools. Blaine could feel the tears spring to his eyes. Here we go.

"I need to tell you something," both of them said, simultaneously.

A small smile appeared at the corner of Blaine's mouth. "Please, may I go first?"

"Sure, but before you start I need to say it out loud that I love you."

Blaine's tears fell. "I love you too, more than anything in this world." He took Kurt's other hand and turned to face him. "Ok, here goes." He took in a deep breath and told the story from the beginning – when Samuel first told him about who he truly was. "Kurt, he has a picture of you. It's pretty awful. I mean, you probably know what it is, I don't even want to describe it or talk about it. He took the picture at our party and is using it against us."

Kurt felt like he had just been punched in the stomach. He narrowed his gaze directly into Blaine's eyes. "Using it how?"

"He's going to release it to the media," he felt Kurt stiffen. "Unless…" he couldn't bring himself to say it.

"Unless what, Blaine?"

Blaine ran a hand through his hair and stood up. He felt like he would throw up. He walked to the window and opened it, desperately needing some fresh air. He untied his bow tie and turned back toward Kurt who was looking like he was going to lose it at any moment.

"Unless I divorce you."

The last word, you, came out stifled by a sob. Blaine was sobbing and trembling for the millionth time this week. He forced himself to move toward Kurt. He fell back beside him and took his hands again.

"What?" Kurt couldn't comprehend what Blaine had just told him.

Through the sobs Blaine repeated, "He wants us to pay for Karofsky's suicide attempt. He blames me. He says that we are not allowed to have a happy ending so unless we divorce he's going to release that picture of you to the media."

Kurt was shaking his head in disbelief. His breath was quick. His eyes were giant pools of incomprehension. He couldn't make eye contact with Blaine. He couldn't talk. He couldn't breathe. His head was swimming in a state of confusion.

"Kurt"

He looked at Blaine.

"I. Do. Not. Want. To. Divorce. You. That goes without saying but I need to be clear. You are the love of my life, Kurt and I'm not planning on leaving your side ever. But this is about your career. If that picture gets out there it could destroy everything you've worked so hard for. That is not a decision I can make – I need you to say something. Please." He squeezed his hand again.

Kurt closed his eyes; the tears followed. They fell freely along his cheeks and dropped into his lap. He took shaky whimpering breaths as he tried to control his emotions. Having a full blown panic attack would not help the situation.

"Why didn't you tell me sooner?"

Blaine looked down into his lap. He had known Kurt would ask that.

Kurt continued, "why did you let me worry myself sick about what was going on with you? Why did you let me think that you could be having an affair?" Kurt looked into Blaine's eyes. "Why Blaine? Why didn't you tell me all this two weeks ago?"

"Kurt, I was trying to protect you. Put yourself in my shoes for a moment. If the situation was flipped would you tell me immediately?"

"We have to go to the police."

"If you want to go to the police I'll go with you right now. But you have to think about what will happen, Kurt. You are not a normal person anymore. You have become a celebrity. If we go to the police the media will find out. They will investigate and the picture could be brought out anyway.

"Is that what Samuel told you?" Kurt stood up. Blaine could see that his sadness was turning into anger. "Is that what he said in order to scare you into keeping quiet?"

"Yes but he has a point"

"Who's side are you on?

Blaine stood up too. "Oh my God, do you really have to ask that?"

Kurt ran both his hands through his hair and began to pace. Blaine knew this meant he was thinking. He was either going to blast Blaine for being so stupid in the handling of the situation or he was going to start crying and slide into his awaiting arms. What Kurt did next both surprised and alarmed Blaine.

"I'm going to Samuel's," he decided. He sat to put on his sneakers.

"Wait, what?"

"You heard me. I'm going there to tell him exactly what I think of his disgusting plan. You can come with me or stay. Either way, this ends tonight." He stood up and grabbed his keys.

"Of course I'm coming with you," Blaine hurried to put his shoes on. "But don't you think this could be dangerous? I mean, he's a psycho, who knows what he could do."

Kurt turned on his heels and raised his voice, "he's a psycho? He's a psycho? When people mess with my livelihood and with my family, I also become a psycho, Blaine. I am furious. After all I've been through in my life with bullies and standing up to them there is no way in hell I'm going to just roll over and let some PSYCHO take away my career, my pride, and my family. Now are you coming or not?"

Blaine didn't need to say anything. He simply followed Kurt out the door but not before grabbing his phone just in case.

Samuel opened the door with a smirk on his face, "well it looks like…"

"Shut up," Kurt yelled and barged passed him and into his house.

Blaine was dumbfounded. He had never in his life seen Kurt act this way. He followed Samuel into the living room where Kurt was pacing again. Samuel was about to open his mouth to say something but Kurt cut him off again.

"Listen to me, you piece of shit," Kurt screamed. Blaine raised his eyebrow and dropped his jaw.

"I don't give a fuck what or how many pictures you have of me. You can send them to any media you want. I'll even help you with the distribution." He moved boldly closer to Samuel who was actually in shock that Kurt was acting this way. Blaine stepped closer to Kurt just in case.

Kurt made eye contact with Samuel and continued, "but if you ever threaten my husband, our marriage, or my family again you will be joining your cousin in the hospital. I swear to fucking god."

Blaine was floored. He carefully placed his hand on the back of Kurt's arm, trying to calm him. Kurt turned slightly and grasped Blaine's hand. He pulled him toward the door and they walked out together before Samuel could even figure out what had hit him.

The two walked into their house. Kurt pressed the door closed behind him as Blaine lunged into him. Both his hands held either side of Kurt's face. Blaine pressed his face to Kurt's, not even kissing him, just feeling the closeness of their foreheads pressed together. His eyes closed as he felt Kurt's hands around his waist. They hugged in silence. Blaine nuzzled his face to Kurt's neck as Kurt's lips pressed to his earlobe and whispered. "I would fight the devil himself for us."

That is all Blaine needed to hear. He knew there was much more to talk about but for now all that mattered was that Kurt was committed to him more than ever, he wasn't angry with him, and he was in his arms. He leaned up and whispered against Kurt's lips, "What you just did, baby, that was the hottest thing." He pressed a kiss to Kurt's cheek.

That was all Kurt needed. He was so fired up with rage and adrenaline. He didn't quite know how he was feeling and he knew that he and Blaine had more talking to do but when he heard Blaine's words and felt his lips, he forgot everything. Nothing existed, nothing mattered but his husband.

They didn't remember how or when they ended up in their bed. All they knew is that they were sweaty, sticky, sore, hot, and out of breath. Blaine grasped Kurt's hand and brought it to his mouth. He kissed each one of his knuckles before sliding closer and pressing to his chest. "Are you ready for what's to come?"

Kurt kissed the top of Blaine's head. "I don't know. Probably not." He sighed. "I know the media will have a field day. I know that I may never work again in this town ever. But I'm ok with that. I mean, it pisses me off. And I don't want that to happen but given the alternative – I'm more than ok with it. As long as I have you by my side, nothing can hurt me."

Blaine sat up and crossed his legs facing his husband. "I'm so sorry that I didn't tell you earlier. It was really hard to keep it from you but it was all done out of love and protection. Kurt, I was freaking out. I didn't know what to do. It was breaking my heart to think about either option," his gaze burned into Kurt's soul.

"Have I ever told you that you look so hot right after sex?"

Blaine blushed. "Ummm…"

"And you're still adorable when you blush."

"Kuuurt, I'm trying to be serious here."

"So am I, Blaine," he caressed his cheek. "Come here," he patted his chest, "come."

Resisting was futile. Blaine snuggled in, hugging and closing his eyes.

"I was going to wait until the weekend to tell you this but I just can't wait a second longer," Kurt paused and Blaine opened his eyes. "I want to have a baby with you".

Blaine's heart stopped. Rachel had told him this news already but hearing Kurt's angelic voice say those words, I want to have a baby with you … was the most beautiful thing he'd heard since Kurt vowed I do. He lifted his head and turned to look into Kurt's eyes. What he saw there was earth-shattering. He was looking into Kurt's very soul. His eyes were wet and filled with profound love. Nothing else mattered but their connection in that moment – than those eight words, I want to have a baby with you.

He stumbled over his tongue, "me … me too. I want," he took in a sharp breath, "I want to start a family with you, Kurt. I want nothing more in this life but to be a father with you."

Kurt sat up. He kissed Blaine with every fibre of his being. He kissed him like he's never ever kissed him before. They cried together, loved each other, and when they were exhausted they fell asleep in each other's arms.

CHAPTER TEN

Blaine woke up to Kurt's ringing phone. He nudged him, "babe," he whimpered and pulled the pillow over his head.

Kurt clumsily grabbed at his phone and answered. His voice was thick and low with sleep, "someone better be dead. It's five in the morning."

"Kurt! We have a very serious situation. We need you to come down to the studios for a meeting."

It was Katie. Kurt leaned up and tried to get his wits about him. "Is it about the picture?"

"Yes. Have you seen it?"

"Yeah. I … don't care about it. It's just a picture."

"Kurt, the media is already having a field day with it. Your integrity will be tainted. The producers and not impressed. You really need to come down here. It's going to go viral."

"Well I'm not impressed either Katie but there's nothing I can do about it." He sat up fully now. Blaine peeked out from under his pillow. "Katie, it's five in the morning. It's my day off and I have something I need to take care of today. I'll see you tomorrow."

"But Kurt…"

"I'm sorry. There's just something much more important happening."

He hung up then snuggled into the peeking Blaine. He pecked sleepy kisses on his husband's lips. Blaine wrapped his arms around him and held him close.

"You know, you might want to go into that meeting baby. They are not going to be happy with you. I'm worried about…" Kurt shut him up with a kiss.

There was a time when Kurt would have been mortified, when he would have done anything in his power to stop the presses, to fix this fiasco. There was a time when being in a Hollywood movie would have taken top priority in Kurt's life. Now, as he's grown older, he realized that the most important thing in life is, and really has always been, love. All those years ago he was lucky enough to find love in Blaine – not just any love but true love, real love, ever-lasting, mind-blowing love. He loved and he was loved in return. There was nothing more important, more relevant, more beautiful, more fulfilling than that. Nothing except what the future held for them – their child.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Kurt's phone had been ringing non-stop for the past four days. The shocking thing to him, and to Blaine, was that he didn't care. Kurt looked at the screen: 37 missed calls. And that was just from the morning. He rolled his eyes then shut it off and threw it into his bedside table drawer. He skipped down the stairs to join Blaine in making brunch. Rachel and Sam would be there any minute.

"Ooh, raspberry pancakes," he squealed.

"Yes, I know you love them babe," Blaine smiled at him.

"Well, as much as I adore your spoilings, shouldn't you be making our guests' favourites?"

"Sam's favourite is beef jerky and Rachel's is probably something I can't even pronounce."

Kurt laughed and started making coffee. While it brewed he turned and watched Blaine flip pancakes. He smiled brightly. Blaine put down the flipper and moved closer. "I love your smile."

"And, I love you," Kurt poked him gently on the nose for emphasis.

Rachel and Sam arrived right on time. Kurt was so happy to see his best friend. Blaine heard them from the kitchen as they caught up in the living room; they were both talking a mile a minute and squealing. Blaine rolled his eyes at Sam but internally he was on cloud nine. He loved to hear Kurt so happy.

"I'm really glad you're here, Sam"

"Yeah, me too. And I'm glad everything worked out."

"Glad and surprised actually. I was so worried about it."

"I know. I remember. I'll still beat him up if you want me to"

"No. There will be none of that. Anyway, I think Kurt scared him enough for one lifetime."

"I never thought I'd hear that."

"Me either," he laughed. "Oh, well, here's on to greener fields, my friend. Wanna help me make mimosas? We have a lot to celebrate."

Rachel leaned into Kurt, "so what did Blaine say?"

"Oh, Rach, he's so excited. He didn't hesitate for even a second. This is really going to happen."

Rachel squealed and clapped, "you two are going to be such cute Daddies!"

Blaine peeked his head in, "are you two talking about me again?"

"Rachel was just saying that you are going to make the cutest Daddy," Kurt winked at him.

Blaine blushed. "Rachel, I am so grateful that you are going to carry our child. It's the greatest gift" He sat beside her and took her hand. "It means the world to us."

"I love you guys. It's an honour for me," she grinned up at both of them and waggled her brows. "When should we start?"

"Oh my god," Kurt and Blaine laughed in unison.