Head in the clouds – Pt. 4
By GayforKurt
Summary: Ten years after leaving Lima, Kurt has found fame and fortune. Life should have been great, but what is success without love – or a reasonable facsimile? A Kurtofsky story set in the not too distant future. Please read and review.
A/N: Thanks for the wonderfully kind words and assistance, you lovely reviewers, you! I live to please.
Disclaimer: I don't own Glee. If I did there would be more boys kissing boys and definitely no bullying!
CHAPTER FOUR
Kurt Hummel was nervous. Tonight was the first of several charity events he was invited to attend, not just cater. It was a costume ball, one in a long line of charity events that hoped to raise a lot of funds in its ongoing battle against childhood diseases. Though they asked for a $1,000 a plate, Kurt didn't think the elite of this city would balk at the cost. Needless to say, everyone who was anyone would be there. This alone wasn't enough to make Kurt Hummel nervous. No, he was nervous because Vivian had told him Patricia and her fiancé, Jeremy Hallandsby, would be in attendance.
Oh, Gaga! Kurt sighed as he arranged his elegant self on the sofa, one leg crossed over the other and that foot swinging up and down. He wasn't usually given to fidgeting but ever since he had heard, Kurt had wanted to ask Viv if she knew if Dave would be going to the ball.
'Good grief, what am I, twelve? Kurt sneered self-deprecatingly. 'If he's there, he is there. No big deal. I'll just be The Ice Queen and he won't suspect a thing.'
He groaned as he thought of the long night ahead filled with mostly insincere bonhomie and loud music. Well, at least the food ought to be good. The Winter Ball was famous for being catered by one of television's premier celebrity chefs. Filthy rich himself and with the largest ego imaginable, Brinn Steiner owned and operated several restaurants around the country. He also had a child with polio and every year, he volunteered to cater for the first and largest of the seasonal charity galas.
Brinn had taken to Kurt the very first time they had met. Blonde, short and weighing a little more than he should, the celebrity chef thought the world of Kurt. Privately he had explained to Kurt that in his home country when he was growing up, not many people thought a manly boy should spend all his time cooking. He had been called sissy and worse. Now he was rich and successful, he never visited the old country. America had accepted him and allowed him the opportunity to see his dreams to fruition and he would never go back, not even to visit.
Kurt chuckled as he imagined the two of them standing together: he tall, dark-haired and slender, a perfect foil for Brinn's own somewhat unremarkable form. Still, Kurt loved the older man for accepting him so unconditionally. Their business had more than its fair share of backstabbers and to have someone like Brinn Steiner in his corner made Kurt feel immensely grateful.
With a sigh and a pat to his favorite sofa, Kurt rose and walked over to the intercom on the wall nearest the condo's front doors. "I'll be down in ten, Pete."
Pete was his driver; the limo company always sent him when Kurt needed to be chauffeured around the city for various functions. The jovial black guy was an avid theater buff and music fan and even though, strictly, he wasn't supposed to talk to the clients in the back seat, he nevertheless always managed to engage Kurt in lively discussions. Pete would be waiting in the foyer for him while shooting the breeze with the building's doormen.
Kurt strolled over to the beautifully framed gilt mirror hanging above his favorite French rosewood bureau plat desk. He looked at himself critically and had to admit he looked good. The black velvet of his modified frock coat would be warm enough for the night that had just seen the season's first smattering of snow. He was wearing thigh-high black boots and black leggings with a discreet strip of lace down the sides. Hey, being young, hot, talented and rich gave one a whole lot of leeway in this world.
However, the most outrageous part of the outfit was his red lace shirt with pointed collar, the over-large cuffs jutting below the sleeves of the velvet jacket. After the organizer of the gala had told him dress was formal but he could be as dramatic as he dared, Kurt came up with the idea for the outfit.
To complete the ensemble, Kurt now moved to get his glossy black gloves and black lace mask. Yes, lace mask. The costume ball allowed him to be romantic and sappy as much as he wanted without anyone questioning it. He stared at his reflection and noted that the black kohl around his eyes made them glisten like jewels. His mask would only conceal the upper half of his face, leaving the rest exposed. He had thought to redden his lips slightly to go with the theme of his outfit but thought maybe a sheen of gloss would be enough.
He turned away, picked up his ankle length faux fox two-tone coat and locked up the apartment. It was barely ten and dinner was to be served at eleven. He had no idea with whom he would be seated but he did know there would only be three other people. He hoped the night wouldn't be too burdensome but it was all in the name of charity so he would try to enjoy himself.
As Kurt's limousine pulled up in front of the museum's red carpet-covered steps, light bulbs flashed and popped. The paparazzi had begun staking out their favorite spots in anticipation of the 'beautiful' people set to arrive. Now at nearly ten o'clock a horde of the photo op-hungry camera hogs surged forward, trying to get a glimpse of who was about to step out. Inside the limo, Kurt braced himself for the impact of the bright lights after the relative dimness of the car's interior.
"Kurt! Kurt, over here! Kurt, who are you wearing?" Kurt planted his trademark serene smile on his lips and glided up the red carpet, pausing only to acknowledge the other so-called celebrities and well-heeled patrons of the world-famous museum.
He heaved a concealed breath of relief as he stepped into the vestibule of the vast museum, the tantalizing smells of Brinn's delicious food mingling with the women's perfume and the crisp, snowy night air. Kurt's spirits lifted inexplicably and he relaxed. 'Maybe the night wouldn't be so bad after all,' he thought. 'I just hope Viv gets here soon if she isn't yet.'
Kurt relinquished his coat to the girl waiting to take it and pocketed the receipt. He smiled softly as he realized that her hands were unconsciously stroking the rich garment as she hung it up. 'Girlfriend has taste,' he chuckled to himself as he moved further into the room. As he affixed his lacy mask to his face and settled it properly, a few people turned their heads to watch his progress. Out of habit he ignored them; he knew they would be talking about his costume and, on some level, he enjoyed the attention.
Kurt had no idea that the whispers following his progress through the room were vastly complimentary. On paper, velvet, leather and lace could either come off looking incredibly camp and tacky at worst or, at best, overly romantic. His tall, regal bearing, however, carried off what might have seemed an over-the-top choice, and not a few women and men looked after him enviously.
As he glided over to the Marjorie Brooksdale, the evening's host, Kurt brightened his smile, allowing it to reach his eyes. He leaned down and hugged the elderly woman in greeting, complimenting her on the beautiful room and her own splendid attire. Marj, as her friends call her, had been an early client of his and continued to use him for various events that crowded her busy social schedule. Her harried assistant checked her I-device and escorted Kurt to his table, then scurried away as he settled himself.
Kurt looked admiringly at the room's magnificent décor and sighed happily. As a silent waiter glided up to him with a tray of pink champagne, Kurt looked him over. It was then he noticed that all the servers were wearing black turtle neck sweaters, black trousers or capris (for the girls) and soft black slip-ons. The girls either had their hair in high pony tails or wore it cropped. It was all very Audrey Hepburn and Kurt for one was delighted with the look.
Smiling at the attractive boy in thanks, Kurt turned to sip his drink and survey the other guests. He was still alone at his table but the other tables were filling up rapidly. It was just approaching 10:45 when a gentle waft of familiar perfume enveloped him. Before he could turn, he was being enveloped by slender brown arms and Kurt smiled up at Vivian. They hugged as she leaned over him then she straightened, gesturing behind her. Kurt rose and turned, the smile of welcome on his face freezing almost as soon as it was born.
Kurt knew he did not have the lousiest luck in the world but right now he did not believe that, no sir! Standing in front of him and looking like his dearest fantasy come to life was David Karofsky. Kurt made a massive effort to collect himself and to stop looking as if drool was about to escape him and turned to greet David's sister and her fiancé.
"Jeremy, Patricia, hello. You look great! Is that a Delfino design you are wearing, Patricia?" Kurt looked desperately at the older woman, hoping he wasn't coming across as manic and when she replied in the affirmative with a little giggle, he finally turned to look at Dave. He cleared his throat and smiled tentatively. "Ah, hello, David, I didn't expect to see you here?"
As the others moved to take their seats, David filched a chair from another table and placed it to Kurt's left. The round tables only held four place settings but out of nowhere the black-clad servers appeared with another setting, from water goblets down to the last dessert spoon and fork. David murmured his thanks, took the proffered champagne and looked at Kurt.
In all the years David had been watching Kurt's career from afar and sometimes taken steps to avoid bumping into him at events such as this one, he had never considered how he would react if he had to sit through one with the gorgeous man beside him. Kurt was simply breath-taking in his leather and lace ensemble and Dave found himself wondering just how smooth that velvet frock coat was.
He smiled into Kurt's eyes and finally answered him. By this time Kurt was fiddling with the stem of his wine glass, taking little sips at the now warm liquid and trying to look composed. Dave thought he remembered some of Kurt's little tells, watching him bite the inside of his lower lip as he waited for Dave to speak. "I simply came into town unexpectedly and since my big sis thinks I don't get out enough, managed to wangle an invite from old Marj."
Kurt's eyes flared at the impolite reference to their lovely host when he realized Dave had only said it to get him to look up. A tiny smile lifted the corner of his lips and he let out a little huff before going back to his flat wine. Glancing around the table at the others, Kurt suddenly realized that he and Dave were the focus of their amused attention. His jewel-like eyes gazed back at them as he sipped, waiting for someone to break the silence.
Jeremy picked up the challenge and cleared his throat before he spoke. When they had met before in Kurt's office, the older man had not had much to say, preferring to leave the arrangements to Kurt and the women. He only made several observations and comments but he hadn't engaged Kurt in conversation as such. Now, Kurt admired his deep, well-modulated tones. Clearly he was a man who was used to having people listen to him.
"We were just admiring your choice of costume. Is that a flower tattoo on your cheek?" Jeremy didn't sound disapproving so much as intrigued. He hadn't met very many people as flamboyant in their dress as Kurt and he found the younger man quite fascinating.
Kurt laughed and turned to the others, asking them if they could guess what or who his costume was based on. After several wrong, but hilarious guesses he finally relented, "I'm the Scarlet Pimpernel!"
The women squealed and clapped while the men laughed out loud. Dave looked at Kurt admiringly. "Yeah, I can actually see that. Did you wear the top hat as well?"
It was Kurt's turn to be amused. "No, and I didn't know you would even know who the Scarlet Pimpernel was, Karofsky." He chuckled a bit before he realized his slip. He placed a smooth hand on Dave's sleeve. "Sorry, it will take a little time to think of you as Dave… again"
His charming smile appeased Dave and he just nodded, sipping again at his champagne. The women started a game of trying to guess who or what the other patrons' costumes represented. Kurt looked over and realized that the engaged couple were dressed in Edwardian attire. Kurt thought it was a somber choice but he thought it suited them. Vivian was resplendent in traditional kente, the colors vibrant and the material sumptuous. As for Dave… yum!
Kurt tried not to stare at the hunk beside him but really, Dave's choice suited him perfectly. Teasingly Kurt turned to him with a smirk, "And who are you supposed to be, Batman?" He was rewarded when Dave threw back his head and laughed.
"Close, but no cigar; I'm the Green Hornet," and he pointed to his smooth, green leather mask that was a more vivid version than his green eyes. His black tuxedo was paired with a slender black tie and his black fedora rested on the table beside him. He gazed into Kurt's smiling eyes and tried to think of anything even remotely sensible to say. Really, he could just look at the man the whole night, he was that gorgeous!
Kurt blushed beneath his lacy mask and prayed the others at the table wouldn't notice. Dave couldn't seem to stop staring and he had yet to even say anything to the others since they had sat down. He himself couldn't think of a thing else to say and cussed himself out for being a tongue-tied little twit in front of these sophisticated people. He willed his color to subside and lifted his wine glass only to realize it was empty.
Before he could say anything, Dave had caught the eye of a passing server and retrieved two more glasses of the refreshingly crisp beverage. Murmuring his thanks, Kurt smiled again at Dave who nodded and returned the smile. A sudden chuckle from across the table had both of them looking up, startled, but as to who was the culprit, they couldn't tell. Viv was gazing across the room, a suspicious little smile on her face, and Pat and Jeremy both had their heads down, looking for all the world as if they were trying not to laugh.
Kurt realized that he and Dave had probably been looking quite juvenile to the others and blushed some more. Suddenly he felt a soft touch on his left hand which had been resting in his lap and saw Dave's hand on his. Looking up at him gratefully, Kurt nodded and then looked back down at their hidden hands.
Just as the museum's lovely antique clock began to chime the hour, their host, Marj Brooksdale strode to the podium and called their attention. She explained her non-profit organization's goal of raising enough money to continue funding research into eradicating childhood diseases and paused for the expected applause. She explained that while there would be some entertainment provided by the city's foremost ballet company and an upcoming young singer, the night was to be spent enjoying the food provided by the fabulous Chef Brinn and then dancing the hours away to the floor-stomping sounds of the chart-topping Shug Widen's Big Band Experience.
Marj stepped down to tumultuous applause after wishing everybody a wonderful night of food and fun. As she wended her way amongst the tables, she stopped here and there to greet some of the guests, air-kissing and back-slapping and spouting the usual semi-fake well wishes. She got to Kurt's table and launched herself at Pat and Jeremy.
"Oh my dears, I'm so looking forward to that wedding of yours," she gushed. "I know young Kurt here will do you all proud. We all know that it will be a day to remember. I wish you all the best, darlings," and she was on the move again.
Kurt chuckled at the whirlwind that was 'old' Marj and then turned to Patricia. "So, are you satisfied with everything so far? No pre-wedding jitters yet?"
Pat just smiled widely as the others turned to her. "Remember, sweetie, this isn't my first rodeo. Any little jitters that might come up I'm sure Jeremy can handle them, can't you, sweetheart?"
Jem took up his wine glass and silently toasted his bride-to-be. "Absolutely no problem, my dear. I'll be your rock in the midst of the tumult that will surely be our wedding day." Everyone laughed at this droll reply and Pat nodded, pleased.
Vivian shared a look with Kurt then said, "I've seen some of the calmest people just go to pieces come the day. We wedding planners are trained to handle anything short of a heart attack, I can tell you!" More laughter. "In fact, Kurt sometimes uses a yoga/meditation expert if he feels a particular bride is going to go all 'Bridezilla' on us."
The others, apart from Kurt, laughed a little disbelievingly. Jeremy shook his head. "Does it really get that bad?"
Kurt chuckled and held up his hand. "I kid you not, more than once we have to head a runaway bride off at the pass. Sometimes you can see it coming but, sometimes, and not very often, it can come out the blue."
Everyone laughed again and then they all rose to go over to the long buffet tables to select the tiny platefuls of appetizers. Kurt had not had anything to eat since before tea and biscuits which he had shared with Viv at five o'clock so he was ravenous now, some six hours later. Everything looked heavenly and he knew, with Chef Brinn's food, it would taste just as good.
They all trooped back to the table and settled down as the servers came around again to refresh their glasses. Kurt didn't usually drink very much at these functions; more often than not he was working or just not inclined to, but tonight he felt in the mood to kick back and relax. So far, he had had two glasses of wine and was on his third. He loved champagne and the lovely ambiance, the fine food and company all added up to a good evening so far. The topper on all this loveliness was the fact that he could practically feel the heat of Dave's eyes on him the whole night.
Kurt was pretty certain that Dave was flirting with him and he soaked it up like land parched of rain for years. He smiled and laughed and chatted all the way through the astounding entrée of salt-encrusted sea bass, Maine lobster and sirloin so tender it could have shuffled off their plates.
Life was good, Kurt smiled to himself.
Dave for his part was enjoying himself immensely. Over the years he hadn't had much opportunity to go partying with his sister but she was always fun to be with. Jeremy, too, turned out to be a laid back guy and was the perfect complement to Pat's bubbly take charge persona.
Kurt seated beside him was a revelation to Dave. They hadn't known each other very well or for very long after their junior year at McKinley but Dave had been hearing Kurt's whispered nickname, 'Manhattan's Ice Queen', for a few years now. This Kurt though was shy, almost to the point of being self-effacing and Dave had to wonder, in between bites of the delicious food, if maybe Kurt hadn't been hiding behind a public persona, much like Dave had.
Dave's pulse thrummed at Kurt's nearness and his eyes and mind kept returning to the gorgeous man seated beside him. Really, velvet, leather and lace never looked so good before to Dave. The red shirt plunged in front in a very deep vee but still managed not to reveal too much porcelain skin. Every time Kurt leaned forward to lift his fork to his mouth, Dave's eyes slipped to the side, hoping to catch a glimpse of what he'd been dreaming of for years.
Across the table, Viv, Patricia and Jeremy pretended disinterest in the courtship dance taking place in front of their eyes. Vivian realized that her plan to get Kurt out and dating probably was superfluous by now, if the look in Dave's green eyes was anything to go by. Patricia, too, was somewhat relieved that her baby brother had found something to make his eyes take on that sometimes faraway, happy look.
Pat had only seen it a time or two before when Dave had talked to her about his latest partners but those relationships had died a very quick death. Now she relaxed and smiled warmly up at her fiancé. Maybe it was true what they said, that people in love wanted the whole world to be in love, too. Certainly she wished the same happiness for her beloved brother.
As they sat savoring their desserts and enjoying the talented performers hired for the evening, Dave couldn't wait for the dancing to start. There was no way this night would end without getting Kurt in his arms even once.
Finally, as Shug Widen's musicians took their places behind her, Marj declared the rest of the evening to be dedicated to "cutting the rug". With a laugh and a hug, she turned over the rest of the proceedings to Shug, a dapper Brit ex-pat who was famous for his New Year's Eve balls and ill-fitting toupee. Tapping his baton, Shug and his players launched into one of the most popular dance tunes from the big band era.
All around the ballroom, couples leapt up to surge towards the dance floor as the lights dimmed and tiny colored spotlights began to spin up near the ceiling. Dave turned to Kurt who was pretending to examine his nails and reached out his hand, palm upwards. "Kurt, would you dance with me?"
To say he was stunned would have been the understatement of the decade. While he knew Dave was out of the closet, he still hadn't expected him to actually want to dance with a man, much less someone as conspicuous as Kurt. Shades of junior prom floated behind Kurt's eyes and he stared at Dave.
"Dave, are you sure," Kurt murmured, his eyes flicking around the room to see if people were watching. Dave only smiled wider, grasped his hand and pulled him to his feet.
"Kurt, I've wanted to dance with you for years." He laughed at the dazed expression evident despite the mask on Kurt's face. His eyes dropped to the softly smiling lips and he had to stop himself from leaning over and just kissing Kurt, right there in front of everyone.
"Come," and he led them to the dance floor where, if anyone was watching, Dave didn't see and would not have cared. Kurt Hummel was in his arms and looking up at him as if Dave were all his Christmas presents rolled into one. Had Dave not had so many years concealing his deepest feelings, no one would be in any doubt right now that he wanted to do more than just dance with Kurt. One step at a time, dude, he scolded himself, 'one step at a time.'
One dance segued into another and then another. Before they knew it, an hour had passed, and Dave and Kurt slowly surfaced and returned to their table. Servers came around with more champagne and they drank thirstily, taking shy little looks at each other. Suddenly, Pat announced that she wanted to dance at least once that night with her baby brother. Dave, startled, glanced at Kurt who only smiled back at him, and then he reached for his sister's hand.
"Alright, come here, you!" Pat laughed as Dave tugged her towards the dance floor. Pulling her into his arms, he leaned down and whispered, "Pat, I think I'm in trouble!"
Pat's eyes misted over as she looked up at her handsome brother. "Sweetie, I think you'll be okay. He's wonderful, and I can see he's smitten with you. There's nothing to worry about."
Dave looked down at her and wondered if he should let her know of his and Kurt's less-than-stellar past relationship. He took a deep breath and bit the bullet. "You know how I had a rough time in school with that bullying stuff?"
When she nodded, puzzled, he continued in a rush: "Kurt was the one I used to bully the most."
"Oh, Davey, no! But what happened? He doesn't seem to be harboring any hostility towards you now? Did you apologize to him?"
Dave nodded and stared back over at the table where Kurt, Vivian and Jeremy were sipping champagne and talking. "Yeah, I eventually stopped the crap, apologized and tried to make it up to him, but then in senior year I went to the other school and fell out of touch with him."
Pat nodded and waited for him to continue; all the while they were moving slowly around the dance floor avoiding the other patrons, but not really paying attention to the music.
Dave closed his eyes briefly, and then started talking, this time even more softly. "It was Kurt who made me realize I liked boys. Every time I'd look at him I'd get confused because of the feelings I'd get. I know now it was the confusion and fear of being different that made me pick on him specifically. God, Pat, I'd do anything to turn back time, you know?"
Pat hugged him, laying her head against his muscular chest and then looked back up. "You can't undo what you did, Davey, but you apologized; he obviously forgave you and he has moved on. You have to move on from that place, at least in your head, if you want to have anything significant with him now." She looked over at Kurt who was obviously trying not to be caught looking at Dave and smiled. "I think the lovely Mr. Kurt Hummel really wants to have something significant with you, honey; he can't take his eyes off of you."
Dave, in his turn, tried not to look over at Kurt but that was fighting a losing battle. His and Kurt's eyes met and tangled and before he knew it, he was steering his sister back over to their table. When he had seated her, he turned to Kurt and spoke formally.
"Kurt, could I have a word with you, please, outside? Just for a bit." Kurt looked up at him, puzzled, but he murmured his excuses to his companions and moved away with Dave.
When they exited the ballroom, Dave took his elbow and they moved over to an alcove where they would be undisturbed by wandering guests and hurrying staff.
Dave took a deep breath. "Look, I think it was clear to everyone in there with eyes that I like you, Kurt." He paused as Kurt, unbelievably, blushed again. Dave relaxed as he realized that he wasn't the only one wrestling with unruly feelings and he reached out to lift Kurt's chin so he could look into those fascinating eyes. "Would you go out with me soon?"
Kurt's eyes flickered between Dave's lips and eyes before he breathed, "I thought you would never ask." Dave had only enough time to take a breath before Kurt's soft lips were pressed against his. Damn, Kurt certainly didn't seem to want to waste any time, and Dave happily agreed with him.
Kurt slipped his arms up to wrap them around Dave's shoulders; Dave responded by clasping Kurt's waist and pulling him closer. The kiss was gentle, nothing invasive, just a 'hi, I think we might have something good here' kind of kiss.
When it ended, they still stood within each other's arms, reluctant to move but knowing they had to get back to the others. Dave rested his forehead gently against Kurt's, the edge of the lace domino brushing his own green mask. "The others will be wondering where we got to. Can I call you later… in the week?"
Kurt's smile was alluring as he brushed a light kiss against Dave's cheek. "You can call me later today, if you wish."
Dave realized it was already the next day so, yes, he would definitely be calling Kurt soon. They straightened away from each other and Kurt led the way back into the ballroom.
When they arrived at their table it was to see the others just getting up, ready to head out. They took one look at Dave and Kurt and laughed softly. Jeremy turned to the ladies, a smirk on his distinguished face.
"Well, I think I can say without any fear of contradiction that this was a very good night indeed."
Everyone laughed as they headed towards the coat check and, eventually, home.
It had been a very good night indeed and Kurt was hopeful that the foreseeable future would be just as good, Gaga willing.
TBC…
A/N 2: I think there might just be one more chapter in the saga of Kurt and Dave's reunion, ten years after high school. For certain I'll be covering Pat and Jeremy's wedding and then we'll see. If enough people ask for more beyond that, I could just be bribed into covering Dave and Kurt's wedding, too. Ta-taa!