A/N: Hello again, amazingly beautiful people. Words cannot express how thankful I am for your support, whether it be alerts or reviews. *lessthanthree*
Tori (tortorm) and Hannah (Averypottergleelover) are the only two reviewers who left names, so they will be included in the story. I know that I said you'd be in the wedding, but things didn't quite work out that way so I'll have you in the reception, which is coming up next chapter. Hopefully you don't mind. So that gives everyone another chance to get to make an appearance in the next chapter.
This was originally going to be both the wedding and the reception, but the story got a bit out of hand and this chapter ended up being extremely long. And hence the reception will be receiving its own chapter.
Disclaimer: I do not own the song Kiss Me by Sixpence None the Richer nor do I own Glee or any of its characters.
Kurt paced relentlessly as he awaited Mercedes' return. He hoped Blaine and the others were alright. What had that commotion been?
"I swear to all that is holy if you do not stop pacing this minute, I will spill something on your suit."
Kurt immediately stopped his steps and glared at the offender. "Even think about doing that and I will end you."
Santana grinned impishly. "You'd never end me, my darling Kurt. You need me just as much as I need you, unfortunately."
Kurt smiled in return. "Yes, unfortunately enough." Kurt sighed in frustration. "I'm sorry, San. I'm just going insane right now! Rachel and Quinn aren't back yet, I have no idea what went on in the boys' tent or if Blaine's alright, and Mercedes has been gone for forty minutes! And this is my wedding day. It's supposed to be the happiest day of my life! And everything is supposed to be perfect, which it's not despite the fact that the ceremony hasn't even started yet."
Santana nodded understandingly. "And while all of that makes perfect sense and you have every right to be antsy right now, you need to relax. Mercedes will be back soon. And so will Quinn and Man Hands."
Kurt's lips quirked up at the corners. "Really, San? Still with the names?"
"Only when the Jewish Hobbit is concerned," Santana answered, her lips raised in an evil smirk eerily resembling the first day Kurt had met her.
As if summoned by the mention of her, Rachel stormed into the tent. Her lips were set in a definite pout and she had her arms crossed over her chest. Both actions were tell-tale signs that she was deeply unhappy. Kurt sighed, exasperated; an unhappy Rachel was never a good thing. As if enough things hadn't gone awry already as it was.
Kurt was reluctant to broach the topic with the silently fuming girl, but knew if he didn't diffuse the situation right away the inevitable tantrum would only be worse. Rubbing his temples with his forefingers, Kurt took a fortifying breath and hoped Tina would back him up on this.
"What's wrong, Rach?"
Rachel perked up as she heard her name. She turned toward Kurt, gesturing aggressively with her hands all the while that she spoke. "Quinn left me! We were both just fine crossing the street together once we found a way outside the park, but then I turn to ask her whether we should go left or right and she's nowhere to be seen! Who leaves someone so callously? Who does she think she is?"
Kurt regretted his decision five seconds into Rachel's rambling mixture of complaints and insults. The only sentence that managed to stay in his head was that Quinn was not with Rachel. As he subtly looked at Rachel's hands, he noticed there was nothing new to be found there.
"Rachel," he interrupted mid-sentence. The girl huffed irritably, but ceased her speech. "Are you saying that you don't know where Quinn is?"
"Yes, Kurt," she replied jadedly. "That is usually what one means when they mention that they've been abandoned."
"And you didn't bring anything new with you?"
"No…" Rachel answered, stretching the word to show that she had no idea where he was going with his line of questioning.
Kurt threw up his hands and groaned. "This cannot get any worse."
Fate acted again, as Mercedes stepped into the tent. "Kurt, I found out what all the noise was about."
"'Cedes! Thank the fabulous Alexander McQueen! I'm so glad you're back!" He rushed to her side and pulled her onto one of the four available couches in the decently sized tent. He flopped onto his seat and pulled his best friend down with her. "Please tell me you bring good news?" He asked despairingly.
Mercedes' lips twisted into a grimace. "Well, a part of the news is good."
Kurt slumped farther into the couch. "Which implies there is also bad news, right?" His entire posture displayed how resigned he was to the fact that whatever beings that existed above were conspiring against him on his special day.
"Sorry, boo." Mercedes reached over and pulled her friend into a tight hug. "But, the good news is that the problem has already been taken care of."
"So the bad news is what the problem was in the first place," Kurt concluded.
"Right."
Kurt buried his face in Mercedes' shoulder. "Just tell me and get it over with."
"Ferret face was here."
Kurt groaned. He debated leaving it at that, but he was extremely curious at to what had gone on. "What happened?"
"Well, he tried the usual tactics of getting Blaine to leave you, which obviously didn't work." Kurt smiled as he imagined Sebastian hitting on Blaine and failing epically. "And then he started insulting you, as per usual." Kurt's fists clenched at the thought of the past insults Sebastian had flung his way, Kurt always gave as good as he got, though somehow that seemed to amuse the creep even more. "And after the fourth or fifth insult, Blaine punched him, and most likely broke his jaw." Kurt jumped back. That was not something he'd never expect Blaine to do. Blaine had always been the one to tell Kurt that violence led to more violence and should never be used as an answer to a problem. Yet, Blaine had been in a fight club and had apparently punched Sebastian hard enough to injure him.
"What?" Kurt wanted to rant and rave and worry and fuss, but the only word that escaped his throat was a single word.
"Yeah, from what Puck told me the butt-trumpet had said something about Blaine 'topping more often' since Sebastian liked his 'feisty' side. And this was after Blaine punched him so hard that he fell to the floor."
"That douche is incorrigible," Tina stated from her spot on the lounge.
Kurt threw his hands into the air, fighting the urge to scream in frustration. Would that idiot ever get it through his thick skull that Blaine had absolutely no interest in him? Sure, Blaine talked to the guy every once in a while because it was part of his dapper personality to be nice to everyone no matter how little they deserved it. That was one of the things Kurt initially loved about Blaine: his compassion. But this was getting out of hand. It had gone too far. Maybe now Blaine would understand Kurt's reservations and actually leave Sebastian out of his (and subsequently their) life.
Kurt was torn between killing Sebastian with his bare hands and breaking his honored tradition to go check on Blaine. They weren't supposed to see each other until the actual ceremony, but Kurt was seriously considering going to console his undoubtedly frenzied husband-to-be.
Mercedes, noticing Kurt's torn expression, immediately went back to her best friend's side. She had a feeling she knew exactly what he was thinking about and gave him her own opinion.
"Go to him, Kurt." Kurt looked up from wringing his hands and his gaze landed on his oldest friend's sympathetic expression. "Everything will be fine. We'll wait here for Quinn to get back and I'll have Brittany stall the officiator of the ceremony."
Kurt hugged his friend tightly. "Thanks, 'Cedes."
She squeezed him before letting go and pushing him gently toward the entrance of the tent. "Anytime white boy. Now, go take care of your man."
Kurt smiled and waved at his various groomsmaids (as he had decided to call them) and quickly made his across the gardens toward the other strikingly white tent where he knew Blaine and the others were. His quick stride brought him to the flap of the tent much sooner than anticipated as he was helped along by his rush of anger. Kurt paused with his hand on the piece of fabric. What was he going to say once he entered? Would he scold Blaine for what he had done? Would he yell and cause a scene? Or should he simply take Blaine into his arms and allow him the chance to explain?
Kurt took a deep breath and slowly exhaled. He knew that yelling at Blaine would only make the situation worse. He had to allow Blaine the chance to explain himself. Good relationships were based on communication, after all, and Kurt knew he could tell Blaine anything and should give his husband-to-be the same courtesy in return. Kurt nearly chuckled to himself. If this had occurred before he had met Blaine, he was certain he would have allowed his temper to take over. But now he had stopped to think things through before acting, something he had never been known to do before. Kurt admitted to having a diva-ish temper, something that Finn and his dad would definitely attest to, but thanks to Blaine he was getting a bit better at choosing his battles. Blaine was ever better for Kurt than he first thought, and that fact caused him to smile before he entered the tent.
"He's smiling. That's a good sign, right?" were the words that first reached Kurt's ears. That was Jeff's voice and Kurt repressed a smug smirk. They were obviously worried about his reaction to the whole fiasco.
Kurt looked around the tent and took in his surroundings. Finn and Wes sat side by side on the floor, heads in their hands and looking determinedly at the floor. Puck sat in the opposite corner with Mike and Sam heatedly discussing something Kurt couldn't hear. David sat beside Wes, trying to get his friend to feel better about whatever had him so upset. Blaine stood in the nearest corner surrounded by the rest of the Warblers and Artie. When he looked up and glanced into Kurt's eyes, Kurt could see remorse and worry. He instantly floated over to his fiancé's side and pulled Blaine into a gentle embrace to show he wasn't angry.
Blaine relaxed into Kurt's hold. He allowed himself to release all of the frustrated tears that he had been holding back ever since Sebastian had entered the tent earlier on. He cried for allowing himself to lose control, for letting Sebastian get to him in the first place, for disappointing Kurt. After a few minutes of sobbing and letting Kurt's soothing, comforting words flow over him, Blaine extracted himself from Kurt's embrace and stood in arm's length. He looked up apprehensively to gauge Kurt's reaction. He wouldn't have come so quickly unless Mercedes had told him what had gone on, so Blaine assumed Kurt must be pretty angry. He was surprised to see Kurt's features relay a soft and open appearance.
"Kurt, I'm so sorry," Blaine blurted out. "I just – I went a bit berserk because of what he said and I – I swear I didn't mean to hit him that hard and –"
"Blaine," Kurt interrupted his fiancé (would it be too early to call Blaine his husband already?) before Blaine's adorable rambling got out of hand. "It's okay. Mercedes told me basically everything. I came here to make sure you were okay."
Blaine visibly sagged in relief. He looked over to Finn and chuckled at the giant teen still huddled on the floor. "You might want to tell your brother that."
Kurt followed Blaine's gaze and giggled. "What can I say? I taught Finn early on to beware invoking the infamous Hummel rage."
Blaine raised an eyebrow. "Infamous?"
"Well, infamous to those who have experienced it," Kurt conceded. "I'll take care of Finn and then I'll be right back at your side." He quickly laid a kiss to Blaine's cheek and walked over to where Finn was clumped on the ground.
Finn looked worn. His face was creased with worry lines and his brows were scrunched together. His mouth was set in a tight line that eerily reminded Kurt of what Rachel looked like when she was concentrating on something. Perhaps his brother had been spending too much time with the brunette diva.
"Finn?"
At the sound of Kurt's voice addressing him, Finn pulled himself from his dismal thoughts and looked up into his brother's eyes. It was a bit weird considering Finn was so used to be the taller of the two. Luckily Kurt didn't look mad or intimidating. Finn felt his muscles relax a bit.
"Yeah?" He was a bit surprised to hear how hoarse his voice sounded. He winced as his dry throat constricted.
"I'm not mad at you, Finn," Kurt assured softly. "If I mad at anyone, it would be Wesley."
"Hey! I didn't do anything!"
Kurt laughed as the predictable reaction occurred. The Warblers chuckled as well. He wasn't truly mad at Wes, but at least he had gotten him out of his self-degrading funk.
"I know," Kurt replied with a smile. "I was just seeing if you were still alive over there."
Wes huffed. "Well, thank you. I think."
"You're welcome."
Finn cracked a smile at their banter. "So I'm not in trouble?" he asked, to be absolutely sure Kurt wasn't going to kill him.
"Nope," Kurt replied cheerfully.
Finn sighed in relief. "Thank God, dude. I was so scared you would kill me. You're so awesome. Best brother I could have ever asked for."
"Awww, what a sweet Furt moment," Jeff chimed from his position at Nick's side.
Everyone laughed as Kurt raised an eyebrow. "Says the boy attached to Nick's hip."
Jeff pouted. "I was just trying to be nice."
"Hate to interrupt this scintillating conversation," Puck remarked, "but don't you have a wedding to put on?"
Everyone turned to face Puck with incredulous expressions. Puck immediately defended himself.
"What? I can know words like scintillating." He looked between the dumbstruck faces of his friends and sulked. "I can."
Artie was the first to reemerge from his shock. "Where did you even hear that word?"
"Please don't say on some porno," Kurt interjected with a shudder.
"Actually, I heard Ms. Pillsbury say it once and I asked her to tell me what it meant."
The entirety of the male counterpart of the New Directions gaped collectively.
"You – you actually listened to Ms. Pillsbury talk and then you asked her a question about a word you didn't know?" Finn queried, his mouth still agape.
"Yeah, so?" Puck replied nonchalantly.
The boys were completely surprised. Who would have thought that the self-proclaimed badass Noah Puckerman expanded his vocabulary just like everyone else?
It was in this moment that Rachel ran into the tent shouting, "Quinn's back! Kurt, come on!"
Without another word Rachel was dragging Kurt out of the boys' tent at an alarming pace considering the tight grip she had on his arm. Kurt spluttered indignantly as he was pulled away and unsuccessfully reached out toward Blaine who was just a few inches short of succeeding in grasping him and pulling him from Rachel's clutches.
Kurt tried to pull his arm from Rachel's freshly manicured hands, but his attempt was in vain. Within a minute he was back in his own tent surrounded by his girls. Quinn was indeed present now, holding a scarf that Kurt had a feeling was incredibly soft if its looks were anything to go by.
"Despite how happy I am that Quinn is back and we can get on with the ceremony," he said with a smile in Quinn's direction as he wiped the invisible dust from his arms, "I was doing something in there before you pulled me away, Rachel Berry." He glared gloweringly at the aforementioned diva and was met with an equally callous glare in return.
"Well, I'm sorry to have interrupted your moment Kurt, but this wedding is more important. You can speak with Blaine afterwards. Right now, we have to get into our positions. The guests are waiting for me – I mean us to make an appearance."
Despite Rachel's questionable motives, Kurt knew she was right. His guests were waiting and it would be rude to delay them any further. He walked over to Quinn and took the proffered scarf from her hands. It was soft, just as he had expected when he first laid eyes on it. He stroked his fingers over the material as he stretched it out to view it in its entirety. The color of it matched Kurt's eyes perfectly and had a pinstripe design that would match well enough with his suit.
"Thank you, Quinn," Kurt said fondly. "This is perfect." He wrapped the scarf loosely around his neck.
"No problem, Kurt. It was the least I could do."
"Now that we're all settled," Rachel commented idly, "I have one question."
"What?" Kurt asked cautiously. He had a bad feeling they were about to unleash an infamous Rachel tantrum. And he was right.
"Quinn Fabray, how dare you abandon me in the streets of New York City? Where did you go? The audacity, the nerve, to leave me alone. Do you know what could have happened to me? I could have been kidnapped and held at ransom. Or sold in the slave trade for talented artists! They would have made me sing for days without food or drink. And do you know what that would do to my voice? Plus there is the fact that millions of people would be worried about my safety. My two gay dads would go insane with worry. Finn would be hopeless without me. Not to mention that Kurt's wedding would have been a disaster."
"Rachel," Quinn interrupted calmly (she was used to Rachel's ramblings after so many years), "no one would want to kidnap you."
Rachel pursed her lips. "And why do you say that?"
"Because you'd never stop talking. It'd be more of a punishment for them than anyone else."
That immediately shut Rachel up. It seemed only Quinn, Kurt, and Santana possessed that rare ability, and Quinn had just put the skill to use. For a moment Kurt was afraid Rachel might cry and run out, causing another scene he would have to diffuse, but she didn't. She merely raised her chin and completely ignored Quinn's comment. She turned from glaring at Quinn to look politely at Kurt.
"Kurt, shall I tell your father we're ready to proceed?"
Kurt nodded, not wanting to instigate another fight by saying something that may upset the brunette.
"Good. Everyone line up and I'll be back in a moment." She then left the tent without another word.
"Nice one, Quinn," Santana remarked as soon as Rachel was out of earshot. "Glad someone knows how to bring Man Hands down a peg."
"Let's just line up now, yes?" Kurt requested with a pointed look at Santana. Santana grinned but nodded her acquiescence. The girls lined up in their prearranged order: Quinn, Tina, Mercedes, Brittany, Santana, and the last spot was left open for when Rachel returned. Kurt nodded approvingly.
"Just let me text Finn to get the boys ready."
To: Finn
Finn, the girls and I are in position and Rachel just went to tell Dad. Get the boys lined up? If you forgot the order, ask Blaine or Artie. Thanks.
"Alright, that's taken care of." Kurt slid his cell phone back into his suit pocket after making sure it was on silent mode as to not disturb the ceremony. "Where's Rachel?"
"I'm right here." Rachel bounced excitedly to her place in line, bouquet already in hand.
"Great. Let's hope the boys are ready," Kurt mused as he took his spot at the end of the line.
"Blaine! How in the world did you forget?"
"Just… I don't know! Why am I the one getting only one blamed for this? Finn forgot too!"
"You better just thank your lucky stars that Artie remembered the order we're all supposed to be in."
"Alright. Let's go down the line. We've got Jeff, Nick, Thad, Trent, and Andrew. Then we have Artie being pushed along by Puck. Then there's Mike, Sam, David, Wes, Finn, and me." Blaine sighed. "What a mouth full."
"I'm sure you've had your handful of 'mouth full's," Wes quipped.
"You think he'd be used to them by now," David remarked.
"Guys! Now is not the time for your perverted jokes."
"Of course, of course." Wes grinned at David and then winked at Blaine. "We'll just save them for our speeches at the reception."
"But you promised you wouldn't say anything to embarrass me," Blaine whined in protest.
"Not exactly."
"We promised we wouldn't do anything during the wedding," David corrected.
Blaine groaned and ran his hands down his face and through his hair. Thankfully, Kurt had resolutely forbidden any gel to be used so Blaine didn't have to worry about ruining his appearance. "It's going to be a long night."
"Indeed it is," Wes agreed cheerfully.
"Shut up, Wes."
Blaine heard music drifting from the end of the aisle and peeked his head out to see what was going on. The white runner that was placed between the rows of white folding chairs was covered in rose petals, implying that Kurt's younger cousin had already done her job as flower girl. The girls were already lined up on the left side of the official, which meant the boys were a bit late.
"Guys, the girls are already out there! Go! Go! Go!" Blaine gestured hurriedly for Jeff to begin the procession down the aisle. They increased their speed three times faster than how they had originally rehearsed and reached their places just as the last notes of Marry Me faded from the speakers. The crowd chuckled at the boys' behavior. Blaine hoped Kurt wouldn't kill him.
Just as Blaine straightened his tie and found a comfortable position in which to stand while waiting for Kurt, the song that cued his husband's (he was already at the stage, so Blaine didn't care if it wasn't technically official yet) descent toward the stage.
Kiss me out on the bearded barley
Nightly, beside the green, green grass
Swing swing swing the spinning step
You wear those shoes and I will wear that dress
Blaine smiled as the first verse blended into the chorus, staring intently at the flower bush that he knew Kurt would soon turn the corner and appear from behind. Even though Blaine had already seen Kurt during their quick encounter earlier, he couldn't wait to be able to gaze unashamedly at the beauty that would soon be his husband.
Kiss me beneath the milky twilight
Lead me out on the moonlit floor
Lift your open hand
Strike up the band and make the fireflies dance
Silver moon's sparkling
So kiss me
At the end of the first chorus, the people attending the ceremony stood and faced the aisle in anticipation of Kurt's arrival.
Kiss me down by the broken treehouse
Swing me up on its hanging tired
Bring bring bring your flowered hat
We'll take the trail marked on your father's map
After what felt like ages but was actually only a minute and a half, Kurt began the walk that would change his life. His father was by his side, holding Kurt's arm in the crook of his own. Kurt was slightly nervous, but not because he would be the center of attention. He wasn't having second thoughts about marrying the love of his life. He was nervous because he felt he should be. This was his wedding. He would only do this once, as he had vowed to himself. Shouldn't he be nervous about taking such a big step in his life?
Burt noticed his son's discomfort and asked what was wrong. Kurt merely shook his head. Burt took that as a sign to give some advice anyway.
Kiss me beneath the milky twilight
Lead me out on the moonlit floor
Lift your open hand
Strike up the band and make the fireflies dance
Silver moon's sparkling
So kiss me
"Kurt, you have every right to be nervous, if that's what's bothering you."
"That's the thing, Dad," Kurt replied as he focused on keeping his steps in time with the music. "I don't feel nervous at all."
Burt smiled. "That's great, kiddo."
"But… aren't I supposed to be nervous?"
"Son, I was the epitome of calm when I married your mother, and later when I married Carole. At first, I thought it was odd too, but then I realized something."
"What?"
"The fact that I wasn't nervous meant I was making the right decision." Kurt's face contorted into confusion and Burt chuckled before continuing. "You and Blaine are great for each other. Blaine balances out your crazy and you bring out his confidence. And you two love each other more than any couple I've ever known."
"Dad," Kurt breathed.
Burt paused for a second and looked into Kurt's tear-glazed eyes. "I love you, Kurt. I think Blaine would be the perfect match for you. I'm glad he's a part of the family now. I'm so grateful that he was there for you when I couldn't be. There's no one out there that I'd rather give my son to."
"Dad," Kurt breathed, yet again.
"This is a big step in life, Kurt. But I know with Blaine by your side, you'll be just fine. Just," Burt paused to wipe his eyes. "Just don't forget about your old man, alright?"
Kurt enveloped his father in a tight embrace. "I'll never forget you, Dad."
Both men hugged for a few minutes before Burt let out a wet chuckle and stepped back. "Guess we should be going, huh?"
Kurt grinned broadly. "Yeah."
The men continued their march toward the aisle and Kurt smiled once he reached the rosebush that signaled the beginning of the aisle. He took a deep breath and shot him father a watery smile. With that smile Kurt thanked his father for everything he'd ever done. Burt returned the smile.
"Ready to start the rest of your life, kiddo?"
Kurt nodded. "Definitely."
The two walked out and around the corner where Kurt was completely revealed to his guests. There were multiple gasps and some sniffling as Kurt walked deliberately down the white carpet and toward the man he would happily spend the rest of his life with.
Kiss me beneath the milky twilight
Lead me out on the moonlit floor
Lift your open hand
Strike up the band and make the fireflies dance
Silver moon's sparkling
So kiss me
Blaine grinned once Kurt emerged with Burt by his side. There were scattered gasps and sniffles once Kurt was in sight. Blaine couldn't blame them. Kurt looked like an angel. My angel, he thought happily. He took the opportunity to look Kurt over unabashedly and noticed a beautiful gray scarf wrapped around his neck that hadn't been there earlier. Maybe that's what Rachel had been yelling about…
"Who gives this man away?" The officiator of the ceremony, Tony, declared loudly enough to be heard by all in attendance.
"I do," Burt replied throatily. He cleared his throat and repeated a bit louder and clearer, "I do."
Tony took Blaine's left hand along with Kurt's and clasped them together. Blaine pulled Kurt up to stand beside him on the stage and smiled. Kurt smiled serenely in return. They turned as one to face the officiator, an employee of city hall since Kurt wasn't really all that religious, and threaded their fingers together.
Blaine couldn't help glancing Kurt's way every five seconds during the man's speech. He knew he should be paying attention so that he wouldn't miss his cue, but Kurt was too striking and distracting and he really couldn't help himself. The man beside him would soon be his husband.
"I like your scarf," Blaine whispered.
"Me too," Kurt whispered in return, wearing a shy smile. "Quinn picked it out."
"It really complements your eyes."
"Thanks."
"You look amazing."
"Blaine, pay attention," Kurt chastised quietly. "It's almost time to say our vows."
Blaine quieted and tuned in just in time to hear the ending of Tony's speech.
"When true love is found, nothing can break that bond. And these two boys, Kurt Hummel and Blaine Anderson, have found such a love. They were lucky enough to find it at a young age, which we all wish for at least once." This statement was met by chuckles from the older persons in the crowd. Tony smiled. "And now, without further ado, I give the floor to Kurt and Blaine, who have both written their own vows and wish to speak them now."
Kurt nodded and Blaine smiled.
"I never thought I'd find love," Blaine began. "But then I met Kurt." The statement was met with a chorus of "aww"s from the females and some muffled groans from the males. Blaine didn't notice any of it though; his entire being was focused on the beautiful man standing beside him. "When I first met Kurt, he took my breath away. He was utterly adorable the way he was so nervous about sticking out and being caught. After the performance, he actually thought Wes, David, and I would beat him up for 'spying.'" Blaine chuckled at the memory, along with Wes, David, and Kurt. "But that is another story for another day. Right now I'm supposed to wax poetically about how smart, gorgeous, kind, and loving Kurt is. So I digress.
Kurt's first conversation with me after our impromptu meeting was something I would never wish on anyone. He had just been harassed by another guy in school and he was so scared. When I heard his voice on the other side of that call – I didn't know what to do really. All I knew was that Kurt needed me and I'd be there in a heartbeat. I'd do anything for Kurt, then and now and forever." Blaine paused to squeeze Kurt's hand and wipe the tears slowly flowing down Kurt's flawless skin. Kurt gave a sad smile in return.
"Kurt, you are my everything and I can never imagine living even a minute without you. And so I am more than honored to be here with you today to pledge the rest of my life to you in front of our friends and family. I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you by my side. I love you, Kurt. I love you more than words could ever say."
The guests applauded quietly once Blaine had finished his vows. The couple standing on the stage shared a loving glance and Blaine wished he could just kiss Kurt already, but he refrained. He would just have to wait until Kurt was finished with his vows too. He grinned at the man standing beside him, subtly wiping the tears from his eyes, and nodded his head to signal that it was Kurt's turn to speak.
Kurt cleared the lump from his throat after wiping the tears from his eyes. Blaine's speech had been a beautiful thing, and Kurt had no idea how he was supposed to top it. But then he remembered that this was Blaine, and with Blaine he had nothing to worry about. He had written draft after draft of words for just this occasion, but in the moment Kurt decided to forgo that option and simply speak from his heart.
"Blaine. You met me when I was going through one of the roughest times of my life, dealing with the bullying at McKinley. I don't think I ever told you this, but the reason I was at Dalton in the first place is because Puck and the guys sent me away. Mr. Schue had given us a boys-versus-girls project where each group had to sing songs made famous by the opposite gender. I thought I would have it in the bag, considering my idols are Barbara and the fiercest Mama Monster, Lady Gaga. Unfortunately, rather than accept my ideas like I had thought, the guys pushed my suggestions to the side. Sarcastically, Puck suggested I make myself useful by spying on our competition, you guys. And so I took on the challenge to prove that I was worth something." Kurt exhaled shakily and looked toward the men in question. Puck looked extremely guilty, as well as the other male members of New Directions. Kurt locked eyes with Puck and smiled, showing the man that Kurt forgave him for his past transgressions.
"But enough about my melancholy past," Kurt resumed. "The point I'm trying to make with that little anecdote is that without the hardships I faced in my past, I never would have met Blaine. I most certainly never would have gotten as close to him as I did. I never would have transferred to Dalton and met the insanity known as the Warblers." Kurt smiled fondly at the group of boys who had accepted him right away. "I never would have been inspired by Pavarotti, and I never would have gotten such a dapper and perfect boyfriend."
"Get some, Hummel!"
Kurt rolled his eyes fondly as the remainder of the wedding party guffawed. "Thanks, Santana." Kurt laughed along with everyone else before continuing. "And now I'm standing here, on one of the best days of entire life, holding hands with the man I love in the presence of my friends and family. I never thought I'd be this happy, or at least not until I had moved to New York and been in college for at least a year. But I found my soul mate right here in Lima, Ohio. And if that's not irony I don't know what is." Kurt shot his fiancé an adoring smile. "I love you, Blaine Warbler Anderson. You've always been there for me whenever I needed someone to talk to or cry on, and I know that you will continue to do that for the rest of my life. I never really believed in fate before I met you, but now I wouldn't have my life any other way."
The gathering applauded lightly once again, a majority of those present wiping tears from their eyes or loudly blowing their noses into handkerchiefs. Burt wrapped an arm tightly around Carole as she sniffled. On the opposite side of the aisle Louise Anderson smiled fondly up at her son. The two mothers shared a look across the aisle and their tears began afresh.
Tony smiled down at both boys before speaking. "Now that both grooms have spoken their words of love and affection, we now move on to the final aspect of today's ceremony. If the best men could bring forth the rings," he requested.
Finn stepped forward to Kurt and handed him the white gold band that would rest on Blaine's finger. The brothers shared a heartfelt hug before Finn retook his place. Wes then stepped forward, David by his side, and the two handed Blaine the platinum ring that Blaine had had specially engraved for Kurt. The three old friends shared a tight hug and a couple high-fives before the duo took their places again.
"Now, Blaine as you will be going first, repeat after me." Blaine nodded, his eyes fixed on Kurt. "Right. Here we go then.
"I, Blaine Anderson, take thee, Kurt Hummel, to have and to hold, to love and cherish, in sickness and in health, for the rest of my life."
Blaine gazed lovingly into Kurt's eyes and repeated the official's words. "I, Blaine Anderson, take thee, Kurt Hummel, to have and to hold, to love and cherish, in sickness and in health, for the rest of my life."
"Great. Now you may place the ring onto Kurt's left ring finger."
Blaine did as he was bade, his smile widening by the second. This was really happening. He was marrying Kurt. He and Kurt would be husbands in a matter of minutes.
"Now, Kurt, if you would please repeat after me," the man requested. Kurt nodded, his gaze flicking between the ring now on his wedding finger and the man standing across from him who would soon be his husband.
"I, Kurt Hummel, take you, Blaine Anderson, to have and to hold, to love and cherish, for better and for worse, until death do us part."
Kurt squeezed the hand still holding his and smiled before repeating the words. "I, Kurt Hummel, take you, Blaine Anderson, to have and to hold, to love and cherish, for better and for worse, until death do us part."
"Perfect. Now if you would place the ring onto Blaine's left ring finger."
Kurt's hand shook as he reached out and slid the ring onto its rightful place. This was it. In five seconds, they'd be officially married. They would be husbands. Kurt grinned at Blaine, knowing in a simple glance that they were feeling the exact same thing in that moment.
"And now, by the power invested in me by the state of New York, I pronounce you man and husband. You may now kiss the groom."
The world around them erupted with cheers, applause, catcalls, and whistles. Blaine leaned forward and Kurt met him halfway. Their lips connected in a chaste, loving kiss which soon intensified. The kiss symbolized their joy, their passion, and their shared bliss. In one simple kiss they conveyed all of the love they had for each other, all the promises of the days to come. Their hold could have lasted hours for all they knew, but soon they were interrupted by Santana pointedly clearing her throat.
"Alright, enough with the face sucking. It's definitely hot and I'd be up to watch at some other point in time, but right now I want to get me some of the Hummel."
"And we need our moment with our Blainey."
The newlywed couple chuckled at their friends before reluctantly breaking their embrace. Their hands remained entwined during the multiple congratulations they received from their closest friends. The couple shared a secret smile and was then ambushed by their respective parents.
"Kurt, that was so beautiful," Carole gushed as she held Kurt in a bone-crushing embrace. "The ceremony, your vows, the rings, just everything."
Kurt smiled at his father over his step-mother's shoulder. "Thank you, Carole."
Carole pulled back, wiping daintily at her mascara smudged eyes. "Oh how rude of me. I'm keeping you from your father. I'm so sorry."
"Not a problem," Kurt assured her. Kurt took the three steps required to close the distance between himself and his father. The two stood, merely looking at one another. In a matter of seconds Kurt was throwing himself into his father's open and waiting arms.
"I'm so proud of you, kiddo," Burt whispered, his voice a bit rough from the raw emotion he felt. "You two looked great up there. I knew your wedding would be one for the ages, and you proved me right today."
"Thanks, Dad," Kurt whispered in reply from his position in his father's strong arms. Ever since his mother had died, Kurt had always found sanctuary in his father's arms and this time was no different. As he stood there, wrapped in his father's embrace, Kurt realized that he hadn't simply hugged his father for quite a while. It wasn't that Kurt didn't see him often; it was just that he subconsciously found himself content in Blaine's arms. The man he had come to love granted him with a feeling of love, safety, and strength that previously only his father had had the power to give. In that moment Kurt missed the feeling of Blaine's hand in his. He reluctantly pulled away from his father.
"Dad, I'm going to get Blaine. If that's okay?"
Burt chuckled. "I was a newlywed once too, son. I know what you're feeling. Go on. Go and be with your husband. I'll mingle and see you in a bit."
"Thanks, Dad." With a lingering hug and a loving smile Kurt left his father's side and went off to search the crowd for his husband.
A/N: Okay so from this chapter I learned that I am horrible at insulting people. I resorted to "butt-trumpet" which is indeed a reference to AVPS. It was the first thing that came to mind. I really hope I never need to insult someone in real life, because they would probably laugh in my face.
This chapter really let itself go, not that I'm complaining. x]
Sorry if the officiator, Tony, seemed a bit rushed. How sad would it be if I admitted that I wasn't thinking about the fact that they needed a person to make their wedding official? Because I was not thinking about that at all until the part came along and I thought, "Oh yeah they need someone there to do the whole 'and by the power vested in me…' thing. Oops." In my mind he's a nice guy that's actually a friend of Wes' mother. But maybe I'll talk more about him in the reception chapter… we'll see.