A/N: There are only about four more chapters left of this story, so it's going to be wrapping up soon. I hope that you're enjoying reading it, and letting yourself wander off in imagination for a while. I know that it's frustrating, waiting for updates, but hopefully I can get back into the swing of uploading a new chapter weekly. It might not be exactly around the same time, but it will be weekly. Hopefully. I hope you enjoy this chapter. Welcome to the new readers, and enjoy to everyone. Review with love, or to ask questions or post queries. JusticeIsn'tEasy0083. D.

Chapter Nineteen: I Have to Tell You

People say that everything looks clearer in the morning, after something big happens. Kurt doesn't know if this is true, because he woke up this morning, and called Mercedes to tell her what had happened, and the whole time he was thinking about the past, how he could have done things differently, got her help instead of kicking her out, telling her that she needed to sort out her life... he could have forced her to get better, to get the help he knows she needed but didn't want to ask for. Maybe she was asking for it? When she pleaded with Kurt not to fire her, to kick her out, maybe that was her asking for help? He should have listened to her, to Mercedes when the woman told him that he needn't have done what he did, he could have come to them, they would have taken her in, but she was needing a lesson in tough love, and back then, Kurt would have given anything to have that lesson taught to him, so that maybe he could have better survived Sebastian. At eleven, Mercedes and Quinn arrived at the house, along with Gabby's mother, who had been adamant about coming down to tell Kurt that it's not his fault, that Gabby told him he was the reason she got clean, that she slipped a couple of months ago, and that was when things went bad again. He wanted to believe her, really he did, and Blaine and the girls kept telling him the same thing, but he couldn't shake the feeling that it was partly him to blame. Mandy Hunter took the glass of wine offered to her by Blaine, thanking him for inviting them to his and Kurt's home, pulling out old pictures that she had taken when Kurt and Gabby had known each other, way back when.

It was good to be able to look through pictures of Kurt when he had first started the company, and with Gabby smiling cheerfully beside him, pulling all of her poses when they would be practicing for shows, and the clothes looked magnificent on her. Even back when they were friends in college, there were pictures... Ones of Kurt with Gabby and Holly, and Holly with Gabby, and Mercedes, Quinn, Kurt and Gabby at the opening of Lopez-Hudmel and Co, and MerBerry Designs. The faction of the company that he and Santana own, of course, with him being the one to call all the shots, including hiring and firing models, puts this on his head. Quinn tells him that she could be the one to blame, because she recommended that he hire Gabby, and Mercedes because she was the one who took her out to the clubs, and Kurt knew what they were doing. They were trying to get him to understand that it's no one's fault. If anyone is to blame, it's the model herself, because she fell into that side of the business, and she didn't ask for help. Kurt did the right thing, firing her and kicking her out, it made her realise what she was doing wrong, and that she needed to change. It still doesn't make it any easier for him, and the media is still coming up with wild stories as to what really happened. His house is basically surrounded by photographers, and it's annoying, especially when Blaine has to take Holly to school, because you can't let them in, but you can't get out without opening the gates, and his security team are having a hard enough time as it is. Thirty guys and still, they come. You may as well hire the Warblers and make them stand out the front of his house, making sure no one gets in, because they'll close their eyes for a second, and one of them has climbed the fence.

Mandy told Kurt that she wanted him to do a reading at the funeral, to say goodbye to the girl who he saw as his sister. The designer nodded, the only thing he could say. It's not like he can say no, the only other people who knew her as well as Kurt are Quinn and Mercedes, and even then, they didn't know her as long as Kurt knew her. They only met her through MerBerry, Kurt knew her all the way back in Freshmen Year of college. Blaine was having a hard time telling Holly about what happened to Gabby. He didn't want to give too much away, but she kept asking why her father was upset, and why Aunty Quinn and Aunty Mercedes were always crying in the den. He didn't know how to tell her, that's not something he thought he'd ever have to do, tell a five year old that someone her father grew up with is dead, and then explain to her how it happened, and why it happened. he never thought he'd ever have to do something like that, and with Kurt focussed on funeral arrangements and organising the eulogy and everything, he figures it best to give his fiancée some time to deal with everything, and then come to him when he needs him. Finn had come to help Quinn, bringing the baby, and Mercedes had called her husband Sam. He came down from LA, to be with her, and pulled Kurt into a hug the minute he saw the designer, finally getting to meet Blaine and see Holly for the first time in ages. Brianna was almost six months old, and Quinn had been itching to take her to Lima to see Burt and Carole, but had put their plans on hold when they found out about Gabby. Kurt felt bad, but she told him to stop feeling bad, that it wasn't his fault, and he shouldn't be blaming himself.

'I think it should be a light pink colour. She always loved that colour,' Mandy said, taking Kurt's hand

'Yes, that sounds like Gabby. I could never get her to wear anything other than pink,' Kurt said, chuckling at the memories

'The rose garden, here in Philly. It's beautiful, and Gabby always used to talk about getting married there one day,' Mercedes said, and Mandy smiled

'She would be so happy that you're doing all of this for her. She loved each and every one of you like you were her long-lost siblings. Especially you Kurt, and Holly. She adored both of her. You saved her...' Mandy said, and Kurt had to look away to hide the fact that there were tears forming in his eyes.

They had nutted out most of the details, when Blaine came in and announced that he and Sam had made lunch, and that they were to come and eat, Finn was back with Brianna, and she wanted her mother. Quinn chuckled, and stood, wrapping her arm around Mercedes' waist as they headed into Kurt and Blaine's dining room, where Holly was already sitting, talking to Brianna, who was smiling and giggling... like six month old babies do. Kurt didn't want to dwell on the last words that he'd said to Gabby, or even the last time he'd seen her, but he also doesn't want to have people telling him that this isn't somewhat his fault. Mercedes would, of course, tell him that he's mad, that it's all of their faults if it's anyone's, but he knows that he's the only one to blame. Blaine hands him a plate, presses a soft kiss to his cheek, and goes to help Holly with her lunch. She smiles cheerfully when Kurt sits beside her, and he winks at her, telling her that's she's very special. Holly just grins and laughs at Finn trying to feed Quinn, and Brianna, big grins on their faces. Mandy is laughing too, at something Mercedes said, and maybe he's being a little stubborn, refusing to believe the words that people are telling him, maybe even though he fired Gabby, it was that action, that really saved her life, just like Mandy had said. They were in the middle of lunch, standing around, some sitting, chatting and remembering Gabby, when the door opened. Kurt and the others moved into the lounge, waiting to see who it was, because they weren't going to call out, but Mercedes had said something, that had got her crying, and then Quinn was by her side.

Rachel walked into the room, and announced that she was having a baby boy, and everyone looked at her like she had two heads, before they started congratulating her. Kurt hugged her tightly, clinging to her, almost like if he let go, she would fade away. Rachel and Puck looked around at their friends, their family, and settled their eyes on the woman they didn't know, in the corner. Quinn introduced her as Mandy Hunter, and Rachel shook her hand, getting the feeling they had just interrupted something important. Mercedes was the one who filled them in, that Gabby had passed away. Rachel almost collapsed to her knees. She didn't know the woman, but she had met her on occasion. She was like a sister to Kurt, back in college when he needed someone there that wasn't the people he grew up with. He would never admit to her that they were friends; he didn't want anyone to think that he didn't rely on them, even when he did, but she was messed up. So messed up, that when Kurt fired her, he saved her. Rachel tells him that everytime it's brought up, but now she's gone, and it shouldn't hurt her this much. Maybe it's just the looks on the faces of her friends, Quinn, Mercedes and Kurt, staring back at her, their tear red eyes, and stained cheeks. Holly runs over and hugs her belly, talking to it, but she feels the tears well up, and Kurt's pulling her into a hug, with Quinn and Mercedes joining in, Puckerman lifting his daughter into his arms, and taking her and Holly into the next room where their toys are. Brianna is sleeping in the crib Finn had set up in the spare room, and he's talking with Artie, Mike and Sam in the kitchen. Blaine is sitting with Wes and David, who had come over to give their condolences and got roped into getting the Warblers back together to perform at the ceremony. Kurt had jumped at the chance to see Blaine put the uniform back on, and the teacher gave in.

They had set the date for the funeral three days from now, and when Kurt walked into work the next morning, all he could think about was how he was going to tell them all. Quinn was sitting behind her desk, and smiled up at him when he entered the office. Kurt didn't know what to think, whether telling his models, that Gabby was gone, was a good idea or not. They've a show in a week that they can't stuff up; otherwise it's going to completely destroy the launch of the spring line. Blaine had taken Holly with him, like he does every morning, but the six year old had insisted that she be allowed to cheer her daddy up when she got home, in order for Blaine to get her out of the house for school, he agreed. Kurt's twenty-seventh birthday was in four days anyway, so he would let Holly help him organise the party. Kurt doesn't know it yet, but Blaine is inviting all of the former New Directions, and his family, and they're going to have cake, because Kurt hasn't had the chance to throw himself a birthday in years, and Blaine wants to do this for his fiancée. They've been together almost seven months now, and he wants to take Kurt's mind off of this whole funeral situation when it's over. He's been having a hard time with it, and getting up to go to work, isn't exactly helping, because it's a constant reminder. But he knows that his fiancée would never take time off. He's just not that type of person, taking time off to sit around and mope, he wants to be busy, doing something at work, keeping his mind off of things, and so, the idea for the party. Quinn is in on the whole thing, and Mercedes and Rachel, but Kurt knows nothing, and even though Finn told him that Kurt hates surprises, he's set on making this one surprise that Kurt will love.

'Are you sure he's not going to be annoyed that you're inviting some of the Warblers?' Wes asked, when Blaine told them that he was inviting, him, David, Nick and Jeff.

'Kurt and Nick have become good friends, and so has David and Sam, so no, he won't mind that you're there, just don't do anything to make me regret telling you that,' Blaine replied, looking around the teachers' lounge

'Blaine, I just hope you know what you're doing. I remember when you tried to throw Thad a surprise party... it didn't end well,' Wes said

'Yes Wesley, I remember, but that was ten years ago. This is now, and it's Kurt. I know my fiancée, and I have all of his friends, our friends, working with me, so stop panicking,' Blaine said, noticing that things were quiet in the teachers' lounge rather than loud like they used to be.

Kurt was cooking dinner when Blaine got home late that night. He had to stay back for an impromptu teachers meeting, which ran longer than expected. Holly ran to her papa to hug him, and told him what she had done in art class that day. Blaine listened intently, and laughed when Holly told him that one of the boys got paint all over the teacher. He knows Mrs. Leahey, so he knows how much she dislikes when the children misuse the supplies. Kurt was concentrating on what he was doing, as well as multitasking notes for a staff meeting, and looking through the final draft of the June issue of MerBerry Magazine. Blaine kissed his cheek, and moved into the lounge room, to put the TV on for Holly, so she would be distracted whilst her dinner was being cooked. Soon after Blaine had moved in, he discovered that Holly wasn't a fussy eater, that she mostly ate what they cooked for her, but on occasion would not want to try something. She's a six year old, of course they want to try food, but Holly has her father's stubborn streak, and when she doesn't like something, everyone knows about it. When Blaine returned to the kitchen five minutes later, dressed in his slacks and a t-shirt, he noticed that Kurt wasn't leaning over the stove, nor flipping through the mock-up on the bench beside where he was cooking. Holly was the one who found her father, sitting at his desk in the study, talking to Mercedes on the phone, and clicking on things on the computer, the only sound in the room, apart from Kurt's melodic voice. Blaine had been worried that this would happen, that Kurt would begin to freak out about everything, and he knew that Mercedes would be the person he'd call, because she's the only one of the former New Directions, who can seem to tell it like it is.

Blaine finished serving up dinner, and was just setting their plates on the table, when Kurt appeared in the dining room, taking the glass of wine that Blaine offered to him, and kissing Holly's forehead, before taking his seat. Immediately, breaking the silence, Holly launched into telling Kurt all about art and what she had done at school that day, and how Renee wants to come and have a sleepover, and that she wants to go on the school parade that is happening at the end of the school year. Kurt nods, and listens to what his daughter is saying, but Blaine can tell he's distracted, pushing the food around on his plate, and giving one or two word answers. Usually, if their conversation is going south, Blaine will bring up a topic that would get them all talking, but he's not sure what to say right now. He doesn't want to upset Kurt, but he needs to know what's going on as well, he can't keep hiding behind these walls that he's indubitably good at putting up. When Holly is finally finished talking, Kurt tells her that he'll think about the sleepover, and talk to her papa about the parade, and she seems content that her father was paying attention to what she was saying. Blaine, on the other hand, takes the opportunity to quiz him on what had just happened, but Kurt is too good at the game, and catches on straight away, smirking at the other man, and pretending to forget, pulling faces that makes Holly laugh, and it's like everything is normal again, if only for a moment, and then everything goes back to the way it's been for the last week. Holly excuses herself from the table, taking her plate to the kitchen, before coming back into the room, and politely asking if she can watch TV till bath time. Kurt nods, and she runs into the next room, leaving Blaine with an opportunity, which Kurt senses, because he puts his fork down, takes a sip of his wine, and turns all his attention to Blaine.

'What's going on Kurt? You've been acting weird all week, and don't say it's because you still blame yourself, because I know that you don't,' he said

'I don't blame myself, I've just had a stressful day at work, and I need to mope for a while,' Kurt replied

'You've been moping for a week. You're lucky that you heard anything of what Holly said tonight. I haven't been able to get a conversation out of you for almost four days. What's going on?' Blaine asked

'Sebastian discovered something about Santana and I, and Holly that could jeopardise the custody ruling. He's meeting with his lawyers to discuss it. I got a call from Mia, one of my lawyers, telling me that he wants the case re-opened that he has proof I committed fraud against him,' Kurt replied, resting his hands flat on the table, waiting for a response from Blaine, when he didn't get one, he stood, taking his plate, and wine and going into the kitchen.

FOUR DAYS LATER

Kurt's Birthday Party

It was so nice that Quinn had offered to hold Kurt's birthday party at her house. Spontaneously, Kurt had decided to have their kitchen and lounge remodelled, and the mess was absolutely appalling, but they were staying with the Hudson's, and Blaine and Quinn had managed to convince everyone that the party was still happening. Kurt was surprised that Blaine managed to pull it off, given what Nick had told him about Thad's birthday party, back at Dalton in their senior year. The teacher had blushed, told Kurt that it was bound to happen, as the Warblers can't keep a secret, and he can't be solely blamed for the incident. Kurt was thankful that they had thrown him a party; it took his mind off everything that was happening. He was so thankful, that he allowed Mercedes to place a cardboard paper hat on his head, and take pictures of him wearing it as proof. They hadn't told anyone else about the whole "Sebastian" thing, this wasn't the time. With the funeral two days ago, and Kurt's birthday, it just seemed like now wasn't the right time for them to throw another spanner into the works. Blaine had done some digging, with Nick's help, into Sebastian's finances, and even though he'd been arrested for kidnapping Holly, he was still, somehow, getting paid from his job, even though he's been incarcerated for the last two months. They'd gone further back into the finances and found some inconsistencies, but they couldn't understand why, and the only person who is smart enough to help them, lives in Westerville, Ohio. He had put in a call to Marcus Finley, the Warblers resident Hacker, but never heard back from the man, so Wes and Nick were going to go and find out in person. But tonight isn't the night to be worrying about that stuff, it's his fiancées birthday, and damn it all, they're going to enjoy it.

It was good to be able to catch up with all of the former New Directions members. Artie and his wife Lauren, Sam and Mercedes, Tina and Mike, Mr and Mrs Schuester... they were all there, and Kurt couldn't have been happier about it. Even Coach Beiste showed up, and that surprised even Finn, who was halfway towards tipsy, on his third beer. Blaine was talking with Quinn and Rachel, but he couldn't hear what it was about, probably something to do with them staying here, when they could be staying with the Puckerman's. Kurt would've stayed in a hotel, but this is closer to the house, and to work, and he couldn't be bothered living out of a suitcase, in a muggy hotel room, when he can be here with his brother and niece, at least having hot showers and decent food. Holly also loved it here, because she had Brianna, and was playing big sister to her, which Kurt was happy about. She's a doting cousin, and she always will be. Wes was in charge of the music, and had long ago promised Kurt that it would include some of their old Warbler classics, which Blaine had made Wes swear he wouldn't play. The former head Warbler was more scared of Kurt, however, and when Teenage Dream started playing, Blaine's eyes met his fiancées and he had to laugh at the look on Kurt's face. It was like he had just realised that Blaine was extremely gay even though he doesn't really show it. Nevertheless, it was fun to be able to dance around, even just swaying lightly from side to side felt more freeing than it had since he'd danced with Blaine at Sanny and Britt's wedding. After the round of Warbler classics had finished, Rachel managed to find a copy of some of the New Directions old hits, to which Kurt had firmly stated they would not be playing, but lost the argument, when Quinn stole the disc and put it on. Don't Stop Believing started playing through the speakers, and Mercedes and Kurt started laughing at the memory, whilst Blaine just raised an eyebrow, earning a shrug from Kurt and Quinn.

It was the morning after the party, when Kurt was woken by his cell phone ringing, that he knew things were about to get bad. He climbed out of bed, and went out to the balcony to talk to his lawyer, who told him that the police want to take him into custody, until they get this whole thing sorted out, and made Kurt promise that he wouldn't do anything stupid, like leave town. He knows that Sebastian is still in jail, his lawyers confirmed that, but he's going for charges against him to be dropped, because Kurt wasn't honest with him. Does everything they do have to be settled legally? Can't they just get coffee, and talk to one another, like adults, rather than getting the other arrested, and then complaining when things haven't turned out the way they want them to. Kurt isn't going to hide, or lie, in fact, he didn't lie to Sebastian, and he withheld information, which Sebastian only discovered, because he's in a place where people have access to these types of things, although how he found out about Santana is beyond him. She never wanted money from him, he's never paid her, even though he offered, she's never claimed to have any relation to Holly, except being her surrogate and her Aunt, and she never wrote her name on the birth certificate, because she was only the surrogate. That's an agreement that both of their lawyers had agreed to, they had signed paperwork to prove it. Kurt woke Blaine up, and told him that he had to tell the New Directions the truth, that they need to be able to be honest if the police question them. When they sat everyone down, and told them, no one knew what to say. In fact, it was silent, even Rachel looked like she wanted to say something but refrained.

When they had all been filled in on what Sebastian was up to, she was determined to stand behind Kurt all the way, tell them that she too knew about it, and that she would protect him until they all went to prison, but Kurt was adamant that he didn't want anyone else taking the fall for something that was his fault. Santana hugged him tightly, and promised that she would do everything she could to make all of this go away, even if it means doing something horrible to Sebastian. Kurt had told them to all be honest, not to hide his whereabouts, or lie about anything if asked. Legally speaking, he hadn't defrauded Sebastian, according to his lawyers, he had simply covered up a hurtful truth to protect his close friend, who at the time, was as lost and broken as he was. He knew it would never stand up in court, but it was worth a shot, and even if Sebastian wins, he's still got time to serve for kidnapping a minor and taking her across state lines. Either this is going to end in Kurt being arrested, and sent to jail, or Sebastian taking his daughter, yet again, and having all the cards. Finn and Puck looked around ready to kill someone, namely Sebastian, but calmly asked Kurt what his options were. He didn't look at them, he couldn't tell them that the only option is to plead guilty and go to jail, risking his parental rights over Holly, and having this permanently on his record for the rest of time. But the look on his face told Puckerman exactly what he was thinking. He knew that Kurt would never survive in prison; he's too skinny, and too well known. Besides, if this is some ploy from Sebastian to get him inside so he can hurt him, then he's almost there. Santana arrived in the dining room, followed by Brittany, Mia and the company lawyer Paul. They sat down, and everyone turned their attention to what was happening.

'Sebastian has no case,' Paul said, as soon as he sat down

'What do you mean?' Blaine asked, hopeful that Kurt wouldn't be going to prison

'He never signed the adoption papers, meaning he has no legal rights to Holly. Blaine, right now, has the same amount of legal right to Holly that Kurt does, even though you're the biological father. Blood tests will prove that Santana is the biological mother, but only because it was her egg used, rather than implanting another embryo. The court can contest that you lied to Sebastian about who the biological mother is, but Santana filed the correct paperwork for surrogacy, meaning that any legal right she would have had for Holly, was terminated the minute she gave birth, as stated in the contract I have here in my hand' Mia said, and Santana nodded, winking at Kurt

'We never went through a surrogacy agency. It was a one night stand when we were drunk in college. That's never going to hold up in court,' Kurt replied, taking Blaine's hand and gripping it tightly

'Kurt, we signed the correct paperwork with our lawyers, stating that I'm the surrogate. We didn't go through an agency, but Mia would have informed the right people of the arrangement, and the paperwork is all correct, just look at it Kurt. We have the high ground. Sebastian has a story, and what he thinks is true. Trust me Kurt, we can win this... no one is going to prison, especially not you! There is no way; I am letting the barstard anywhere near my niece. No way in hell is Sebastian Smythe getting custody of your daughter Kurt' Santana said, Mia and Paul nodding in agreement.

A/N: Next Chapter: Kurt is, once again, battling legal troubles with Sebastian. Rachel and Puck decide that after their second child is born, they're going to move to New York full-time. Quinn and Finn discuss the possibility of another child, and whether or not they can manage that, and Blaine heads back to Westerville with Holly and Santana, to stay wit his parents, whilst Kurt and Brittany handle Sebastian and the legal troubles. Another twist: Mercedes tells the group some tragic news, and things get weird when Finn takes over MerBerry temporarily in his brother's absence. Stay tuned. JusticeIsn'tEasy0083. D.