Head in the clouds – Pt. 6
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/N1 : We're winding down, folks, and I want to thank everyone who sent me those very encouraging and gratifying reviews for this story, as well as the folks who included me in their lists of 'favorite author/story'.
Disclaimer: I don't own Glee. If I did there would be more boys kissing boys and definitely no bullying!
CHAPTER SIX
Dave stared at himself in the cheval mirror and sighed. He knew he looked good; the assistant in the upscale store where he'd bought his designer suit had been almost drooling, albeit in a most dignified manner, and Dave found great satisfaction in smirking occasionally at the man.
He couldn't help feeling smug; after all, he was engaged to the most fabulous, the most fascinating man he had ever met and for days he had been walking on clouds. In fact, it had been a little over a week ago that he had shocked Kurt by presenting him with a beautiful, unique engagement ring and begged him to let them spend the rest of their lives together.
To say he had been taken aback when Kurt had burst into tears and locked himself in the powder room was a hell of an understatement. Needless to say, his beautiful lover had emerged, a little red-eyed, to accept his proposal and spend the rest of the night kissing Dave senseless.
Dave now smiled dreamily as he thought of the evening ahead. He had planned this little party, an intimate sit-down dinner for his sister and her fiancé, before he had known he'd be asking Kurt to marry him. As it turned out, it would also serve as the perfect opportunity to break their own news to the rest of the family.
Paul and Helen Karofsky had made the trip up from Lima, Ohio, two days before and were staying here with Dave in his condo. He hadn't seen the folks in a while and they had spent the first night catching up while Dave cooked for them. Many people would probably have been surprised to know that Dave could cook but he figured he had better learn if he didn't want to subsist on an unhealthy diet of take-aways and fast food.
Kurt hadn't yet had a chance to meet his folks properly; there, of course, had been that one time when Dave's dad had met with McKinley's principal, Kurt and his dad and Mr. Shue to discuss the crisis that had made Kurt leave McKinley but eventually beg to return. He didn't seem nervous about meeting Dave's folks but Kurt was a master at dissembling; if he didn't want you to know what was percolating in that complex brain of his, you would never find out.
Dave turned away from admiring himself in the mirror and headed out to the living room where he had heard his dad futzing around while he waited on his wife. Despite his advancing years, Paul Karofsky was still a handsome man with a full head of hair. He looked up and smiled as his son came to join him and raised a glass of wine in a silent toast. Dave smiled and nodded at his dad, happy that his parents were going to get a chance to meet the man with whom he was so besotted.
He wondered as he waited if he should have given his parents a heads up that this party was not just for Pat and her fiancé, but he had finally convinced himself that keeping it as a surprise would be better.
"Well, are you boys ready," Helen Karofsky asked as she wafted out of the guest bedroom, trailing the scent of Chanel No. 5 behind her. Her dress of deep purple had tiny hand-stitched beading on the bodice atop a skirt that swirled around her ankles in a rich eggplant. She grabbed her coat and Paul helped her into it as he rolled his eyes good-naturedly. He had been ready for almost fifteen minutes now but, after more than four decades of marriage, he knew better than to remind her of this.
Dave shrugged into his own coat and held the door open for his parents. He knew the town car he had ordered would be waiting as he had told the driver to be there promptly at 8 p.m. They would be heading to a hot restaurant/club whose dining room had been reserved for the Karofsky party of about 50 people. The guests had been chosen from among Pat's friends, Jeremy's family and friends, Dave's parents and a couple of the guys from his team and, finally, Kurt and Vivian.
The drive to 57th Street near Sixth was smoothly and fairly quickly accomplished as traffic seemed to be flowing freely. Dave was only a little nervous about the night ahead but he couldn't stop smiling to himself as he thought about seeing Kurt and surprising him with their big announcement. He gazed out at the dynamic city, even though it was nighttime, and thought again how lucky he was to have Kurt.
When the car pulled up at the one-time bistro now a popular venue with the young, hot and hip, his parents looked up in awe. They didn't often come to New York and, having spent most of their life in a small city they still had that tourist look to them whenever they visited. Dave ushered them inside, had a quick word with the maître d' at her desk then followed one of the servers towards the spacious dining room.
His parents tried to rein in their rubber-necking but Dave couldn't really blame them. The place was gorgeous and featured warm, ruddy candlelight that gave the oak-furnished room the most romantic air. The walls were of warm marble, no doubt imported, as well as slate and were offset by boughs of cherry blossoms and antique bottles filled with aromatic herbs. Off to one side of the spacious room was a dance floor of gleaming parquet. Dave didn't know if Kurt had ever eaten here but he was hoping not. He wanted to watch the expressions on his face as he took in the beautiful space.
Soon, with 9 o'clock fast approaching, Dave headed over to the manager who had come out earlier to greet him and went over the menu and wine list again, just to be certain everything he'd ordered would be available. He'd been to events before where the hosts/hostesses had been embarrassed to announce to guests that particular dishes had had to be changed because they were suddenly unavailable. But, not to worry, Dave's selections were fine, the manager assured him, and Dave glanced at the menu once more.
He had been very specific: the guests would be more than satisfied with a choice of three types of hors d'oeuvres – meat-filled, cheesy or seafood-filled. The next course would consist of Apple Cranberry Salad consisting of tossed greens with feta cheese, red onion, craisins, fresh sliced green apple and walnuts.
For the choice of entrée, the guests could dine on either Wood-grilled Porterhouse steak, grilled to perfection with a baked russet potato and served with caramelized onion butter or Sicilian Duck Breast, which was a tender Peking duck breast breaded with herbs and sautéed. This would be served over creamed angel hair pasta with shredded duck confit and finished with a light tomato crème and a sweet pepper relish. The third, official choice was a Spanish Paella, savory saffron rice with chorizo, vegetables, Gulf shrimp, sea scallops, Maine lobster tail and little neck clams. This last dish would be topped off with a saffron aioli and fried leeks.
For the folks who didn't want either of those options and specifically asked for fish, the manager had encouraged Dave to add grilled Hawaiian mahi-mahi which would be grilled and then wrapped in rice paper and baked with a Sea Scallop and wasabi lime butter. It would be served on a fresh Shiitake and Napa Stir-fry and Mandarin ginger rice.
Finally, dessert would be a baked Apple Tart: a cinnamon-dusted green apple baked over a vanilla custard and flaky crust and finished with a hot caramel sauce or Vanilla Cheese Cake served with fresh raspberries and whipped cream.
Dave in particular was looking forward to watching Kurt eat that cheesecake because he knew the fashionista had a love-hate relationship with cakes and pastries of all kinds. One night after an intense session of love-making when Dave had confided how obsessed he was with Kurt's slender frame that contrasted with his own bulkier build, he had confessed that he never wanted to be chubby again. Dave had been surprised because he couldn't remember a time when Kurt had been anything other than hot and he said as much. Kurt had blushed and kissed Dave for that, but told him about his middle school years when he had definitely been on the chunky side. Dave told him he wouldn't mind if Kurt put on back a few pounds; maybe then he, Dave, wouldn't feel so "nervous that I might roll over and crush you one of these nights."
Much laughter and tickling had followed and then the two found themselves swallowed up once more in deep kisses and hungry caresses, Dave admitting to himself that he would never tire of the taste or feel of his beautiful lover. Now Dave smirked at the thought of Kurt trying to resist his all-time weakness, New York-Style Cheesecake.
At the tiny beep from his watch, Dave knew it was 9 o'clock but he knew his sister would not be on time. Turning at the sound of a feminine voice calling his name, Dave saw Vivian coming towards him, glowing in a deep amber outfit that complemented her dark skin wonderfully. Her hair was piled on top of her head in gleaming onyx curls and Dave leaned down to kiss her cheek, telling her how great she looked. "You clean up really well!"
She laughed and swatted his arm before moving off to introduce herself to Dave's parents. They, of course, had heard about Vivian when Pat had told them about the plans for the wedding and they both smiled as they greeted her. Dave looked towards the entrance of the private dining room, expecting Kurt to be right behind Vivian but when he didn't see him, he cocked an inquiring brow at her.
"Oh, you know, some paparazzi were out there and he stopped to say 'hi'," she said in a sarcastic undertone. They both knew that Kurt only tolerated the members of the 'fourth estate' to a degree, but it helped business if he stayed on their good side. She winked at Dave and whispered: "I only hope he keeps his hands inside his coat pockets," and walked over to continue chatting with his parents.
Dave nodded; he understood what she meant as Kurt had told him about not wanting the whole city to know about their engagement before their family did. He didn't make a habit of wearing jewelry in general but he had asked Dave if he minded him only wearing it to certain social events where there wouldn't be prying journalistic eyes. Dave hadn't minded at all; anything that upset Kurt, upset him, too, and he really wanted a chance to tell his own parents first.
Finally, Kurt appeared and Dave sucked in a quick breath, stunned at the glow on his fiancé's face. Kurt smiled warmly as he came towards Dave, knowing from the gleam in his green-gold eyes that he was over the moon just seeing him. Dave's eyes roamed over Kurt's body, taking in the way the midnight blue suit hugged his body and made his porcelain skin gleam.
Dave wanted so badly to kiss those beautiful pink lips that were smiling at him but he was aware of his parents' presence and the arrival of the other guests milling around and greeting each other. As Kurt slipped a discreet arm around his waist, Dave leaned down to whisper in one delicate ear, "You are so beautiful, I wish I could turn right around and leave this place with you!"
Kurt laughed softly as faint color washed over his high cheekbones. Dave admired the stunning face turned to him as Kurt replied huskily, "I wish you could, too."
As Dave was about to continue their flirting, the guests of honor arrived and everybody clapped. The applause was interspersed with a whistle here and there which Dave figured were his teammates being their usual boisterous selves, and happy laughter as the couple moved among their guests.
After a welcoming speech which Dave handled beautifully, being the Master of Ceremonies for the evening, the guests nibbled on the delicious little hors d'oeuvres that were served by unobtrusive waiters and sipped on sparkling water or wine. Pat's face was glowing as she stood with Jeremy and her parents. Vivian, ever the perfect executive assistant, saw to it that every guest was looked after and that they mingled and chatted with even those with whom they were not acquainted. Dave and Kurt moved around the room as well, enjoying the opportunity to be together in such a convivial setting and just basking in the lovely atmosphere.
Dave was right; Kurt had looked at the beautiful room and one hand had gone to his chest, he was so bowled over. He immediately, however, told Dave that the venue would be one of his go-to sites from now on for small, intimate gatherings for his clients. He turned to Vivian and instructed her to give the manager one of their cards and, after rolling her eyes at him, she laughed and moved off to do his bidding. Dave just smiled and shook his head; Kurt was the consummate businessman despite his wide, artistic streak and flair for drama.
Finally, Dave signaled for dinner to be served and Kurt took his seat beside Dave, his parents and the engaged couple at the head table. Soft music played in the background as the tinkling sound of silver against fine china dominated the room. There was quiet laughter too and subdued chatter as everybody tucked into the delicious fare placed in front of them by attentive waiters and a hovering maître d'.
The excellent food was accompanied by a selection of wines that was just as fine. Dave had specifically asked for a famous Italian cabernet that was perfect in its subtle, smoky touch for the grilled Porterhouse steak. The manager also assured him that he had just the thing to accompany the Peking duck breast and seafood dishes: a voluptuous chardonnay with notes of ripe apples, pears, vanilla and toast.
Eventually, Dave observed that almost everyone had finished eating and were just sitting back with their glasses of wine. He indicated to the maître d' that she could start the dessert course and took a couple of deep breaths. This was the time when he would be making a toast to Pat and Jeremy; Jeremy would be making a toast to her parents. He watched as the waiters placed the beautiful Vera Wang Love Knots Toasting Flutes on every table and poured the champagne into them. He had not skimped in this area either and had chosen both Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame and Louis Roederer Cristal Brut vintage wines for the toasts.
Dave tapped on his glass gently to gather everyone's attention as he rose and started speaking. Kurt couldn't take his eyes off of Dave, almost hugging himself as he thought how hot he looked in his suit. Kurt's experienced eye recognized the suit as the latest from that particular designer's collection and was pleased that his one-time Neanderthal now dressed as fashionably, if not as fabulously, as he did. At this point, though, Kurt couldn't wait for them to head back to his penthouse so he could divest Dave of said outfit. He smirked then took a sip of the delicious champagne, his attention going back to Dave's words.
"And so, I ask you to raise your glass and toast the best sister any guy could ask for and the man she's promised to spend the rest of her life honoring… and obeying!" The audience burst into laughter before calling out, "To Pat and Jeremy!"
Paul Karofsky chuckled as he looked from Pat (who was mock glaring at Dave) to his son who had sat down after taking his own sip of champagne. After they enjoyed some more of their dessert, it was Jeremy's turn to get up and toast his fiancée's parents and he did so with humor and dignity. There was no doubt in anyone's mind afterwards that the two were deeply in love and the shouts of "cheers" echoed through the dining room.
A couple of Pat's friends from Pat's workplace presented a hilarious little skit about Pat's announcement of her engagement to them that had the bride-to-be blushing but laughing along with the crowd. They finally wound down by wishing the happy couple many happy years of wedded bliss and opined that it couldn't happen to a nicer couple.
Shortly afterward, Dave glanced over at Pat who had been trying to get his attention and gulped. Kurt's attention had been held by Paul Karofsky so he had not seen the interplay when suddenly the tinkling of a knife against crystal drew everyone's gaze back to the head table. Pat rose in her place and smiled happily at the assembly. She started speaking in a soft, almost rambling tone, thanking her parents, thanking Jeremy for being such a wonderful human being and finally, thanking Dave for putting on this fabulous party in such a beautiful setting. In closing, however, she turned to her brother before looking out again at her guests. She cleared her throat and the audience waited, wondering what else needed to be said.
"I know you came out tonight to begin the celebrations of my marriage to Jeremy and it has meant a lot to us. There is, however, something else I want to share with you tonight but it isn't really my news to tell. So, if my brother would rise, I will let him tell his own good news."
A murmur went through the crowd and all eyes turned towards Dave. His dad leaned forward to speak but Helen grasped his hand, halting whatever he was about to say. Finally, Dave rose and looked out at the gathering of family and friends and smiled.
"Tonight was meant for Pat and Jeremy, but when they heard my news, they insisted that I share it with this most auspicious gathering." A chuckle came from the listeners but it died quickly as they were all very curious as to what was about to be revealed.
Dave cleared his throat and started speaking again. "Quite a few years ago, before I became the person you see here today, a couple of things happened to me. I was in high school and, as it is for most people, that was a very rough time for me. To cut a long story short, let's just say I didn't know then that, ten years later, I would be standing here looking toward my future with great anticipation and joy." He took a sip of water and continued. "Tonight, I am here to tell you that the most wonderful person I've ever met has agreed to marry me."
He paused as astonished murmurs rippled through the crowd and his teammates glanced at each other, puzzled and intrigued. They whispered to each other that they had suspected something was up with their friend as he'd been preoccupied these last weeks and hardly concentrated during their training sessions. Now it was about to be revealed to them and they couldn't wait!
Dave turned to Kurt and extended his hand into which Kurt placed his. Kurt rose to stand close beside Dave and looked up adoringly at his handsome and so eloquent fiancé. Applause erupted in the room and people surged to their feet. Dave leaned down to plant a soft kiss on Kurt's smiling pink lips and the jocks exploded in loud wolf whistles. Kurt rested his hand on Dave's chest as he moved back from the gentle kiss and those closest to the couple finally saw the beautiful ring on his right hand.
As Pat rose with her champagne flute in her hand to toast the boys, they hugged each other, smiling and flushed as they accepted the shouted congratulations. Dave's father looked stunned and his mother had her hanky dabbing at her eyes but she was smiling, albeit tearfully.
The party became less formal then as the music rose and people moved to the dance floor, some coming over to talk to Dave and Kurt and some heading over to speak to Pat and Jeremy. Some of the women were definitely eyeing Kurt's ring and wondering where Dave had got it. It was, indeed, a work of art; the three pink princess diamonds were set in a diagonal channel in a band of brush satin platinum. It was obviously expensive and delicate but not overtly feminine. In short, it suited Kurt to a T.
The women held Kurt's slender, beautifully manicured hand and exclaimed over the ring, many never having seen pink diamonds before. Kurt himself, not being a jewelry aficionado, had been unfamiliar with the pinks though he had heard of yellow diamonds and some years ago there had been a fad that saw some celebrities sporting so-called chocolate diamonds, but he absolutely loved his ring. His heart swelled with pride that his handsome fiancé had such excellent taste. Well, he knew that already; after all, he'd fallen for Kurt hadn't he?
Finally, Dave waded through the gaggle of female well-wishers to rescue his love and pull him onto the dance floor. The other couples smiled as they saw them, taking in the soft smiles and even softer gazes they gave each other. Dave sighed as he tugged Kurt closer so he could rest his head against the thick sweet-smelling hair. Kurt fit him so perfectly, if he were so inclined he could almost believe he had been designed just for him, Dave Karofsky, to love.
They weren't doing much dancing, just shuffling around to the music, but it gave them the chance to be in each other's arms while basking in the goodwill of their friends and family. The night had turned out splendidly and Dave sent up a silent wish that all their life could be so wonderful from then on. He wasn't foolish enough to think they wouldn't have their ups and downs like other couples did, but the closeness and peace that he was feeling now, he wanted that to continue for the rest of their lives.
Kurt pulled back a little to look up into Dave's smiling face. Never would he have thought he'd be here, dancing in front of Dave's family and friends after having received well-wishes on their own upcoming nuptials. Kurt felt maybe he should pinch himself, it all seemed so surreal. The happiness he was feeling fizzed in his blood like the bubbles of the excellent Veuve Clicquot he had just drunk. He never wanted that feeling to end and he leaned up on his tiptoes to place a soft kiss on Dave's lips.
When he would have pulled back, however, Dave's hand slipped up to hold the back of his head, keeping him in place. Kurt didn't mind at all and parted his lips for Dave to slip into the warm moist depth, humming softly as the kiss deepened. Dave's soft moan made Kurt sigh in turn and he slipped his hands up around Dave's neck, totally forgetting they were on a dance floor amongst curious onlookers.
When soft laughter and one wolf whistle broke through to them, Kurt blushed and pulled away from Dave, burying his heated face against his chest. Dave looked over at his grinning teammates and raised a thumb behind Kurt's back. His friends just laughed and continued dancing with their wives or dates. Kurt was going to have to get used to his raucous friends when they were married. These guys were Dave's friends and support system; they had had his back when he had been forced to come out and protected him from the rare homophobic action or slurs that were unfortunately still a part of professional sports.
The night wound down as more and more couples wished them all a good night and headed out. Dave and his family were the last to leave and as the waiters, manager and maître d' moved around them clearing up the place, they drank one last toast to each other. Pat, sitting beside Jeremy and leaning her head against his shoulder, smiled and raised her glass to Dave and Kurt. Paul and Helen looked as if they were definitely ready for bed but had one last glass, Paul telling his kids sentimentally that he was proud of them.
Kurt sat with his head against Dave's chest, Dave's arm around his shoulders and stroking Kurt's arm languidly. Kurt wasn't into liquor at all but no one in his right mind could resist the delicious champagne Dave had selected so he drained his glass then patted his lips delicately. He looked up to compliment Dave on his choice of wines for the night but was interrupted by Dave's mouth descending on his. He sighed into the kiss then straightened up, very aware of Dave's parents watching them.
Helen smiled at the boy her son had fallen in love with and winked, laughing out loud as Kurt blushed adorably. Paul had told her quietly at the table that this was the same lad that Dave had once bullied in school all those years ago so she knew Kurt's age. However, the boy looked at least five years younger, despite the fact that he ran a successful business and lived in this high-octane city. She was glad Kurt wasn't hard-bitten and brittle like so many celebrities and admired him for the strength of character she knew it must have taken to start a business at such a young age.
She turned to Paul and nudged him, knowing that after all that rich food and delicious wine, he would be just about falling asleep on his feet. "Come, sweetie, I think Dave said the car would be here around midnight."
Dave and Kurt watched Paul surge to his feet and they decided they had better get going too. Dave turned to his parents, smiling as he helped Kurt to stand. "Mum, Dad, I'll be staying at Kurt's tonight, so you'll have the condo to yourselves." His dad just nodded sleepily and took Helen's hand, moving towards the exit. "Okay, son, Kurt, you boys have a good night. You did, good, son; this was good." He yawned widely as he made his way slowly out the door.
Dave smiled and shook his head then looked down at Kurt who had leaned against him again. "Am I going to have to carry you out to the car?" Kurt's eyes snapped open in faint outrage. Dave chuckled as heavy lids came down to half-mast over blurry blue-green eyes.
"Of course not, I'm no lightweight. I can handle my mister, liquor," Kurt said indignantly. "No, it's liquor, mister."
Dave burst out laughing but took pity on his love. He slid a steadying arm around his waist and started slowly for the door. "You make a cute drunk, y'know that?"
"Yeah, yeah, whatever," and whatever he had been about to say was interrupted by a huge yawn. He looked faintly embarrassed when he'd finished and glanced up out of the corner of his eyes to see if Dave had noticed. Dave was staring at the door ahead but Kurt knew from the barely restrained grin that his lapse had been seen by not just Dave but the staff that was clearing up.
Dave was still chuckling as he called out a cheery good night to the manager and maître d'. They replied and added their own congratulations and Kurt waved a languid hand in farewell.
Outside, even though they were now bundled up in their coats, the crisp air warning of forthcoming snow made them hurry towards their town car. They snuggled together as the car made its way uptown, both men looking forward to the warm bed awaiting them.
Dave placed a gentle kiss to the side of Kurt's head, thanking all his stars and guardian angels for the man in his arms. He didn't think he was a good guy so he didn't know how he got so lucky. He promised himself he would move heaven and earth to give Kurt everything he wanted and when he nodded to himself, Kurt looked up at him and smiled sleepily.
They moved together at the same time and as they kissed, Dave could feel the cool metal of Kurt's ring against his cheek as he held him. He raised a hand to cover the slender fingers and his heart swelled as he lost himself in the taste and feel of the only man he would ever love.
TBC
A/N 2: The next chapter should be the big one in a couple of ways but I don't want to give away too much. It just might turn out to be the longest one, as well. It's been a pleasure to write a Kurtofsky that was all fluff as I feel these guys more than deserve a break, and each other. LLAP.