Author's Note: WOOHOO! I was gonna wait until this weekend to post this chapter up, but after all the awesome things that have happened today, I'm celebrating with with an update!

My state has FINALLY ruled the ban on same-sex marriages to be unconstitutional. Fuck. Yeah.

Anyways, that is all. Enjoy. And all you lovelies who read and review are beautiful.

Again, no beta. All mistakes are my own.

Disclaimer: I own nothing, nothing, nothing. No profit made etc. See Chapter 1 for more elaborate disclaimer.

~C.J.

(Chapter 7)

Kurt wiped the back of his hand across his sweaty forehead, a little out of breath from his midafternoon run. He's started running on the days he doesn't have class. Not that Blaine noticed—or seemed to care—Kurt will admit his clothes had become a bit tighter over the two years Blaine had been deployed. Missing his soldier and being a worrisome eater, not to mention his veg out days with Finn, he may have gained a couple pounds…or maybe a few. The love of his life was in a fucking war zone! Excuse him for having an extra slice of cheesecake every not and then. Geez!

Point being, he knew Blaine had no complaints about his body, but Kurt wasn't doing this for him. Kurt was doing this for himself. He doesn't know what it is. Actually living with Blaine, seeing him every day, it drives Kurt to be better. Whether that has to do with his health or with his teaching job. Kurt just wants to be half as amazing for Blaine as his soldier has been for him. It's with that determination that Kurt downed the last bit of his water bottle, taking out the buds in his ears, and digging into his pocket for his keys.

"Honey, I'm ba—"

…

Blaine was dead.

Blaine was SO dead.

Kurt's water bottle dropped to the floor with a thud, the chaotic scene that used to be his house forever seared into his brain. There was dirt from their houseplants scattered across their polished wood grain floors, chairs overturned, pillows ripped open and fluff everywhere. Slowly, Kurt closed the door, walking carefully into the tornado that must have tore through his home. His curtains had been pulled from the living room windows, and the vase of flowers that sat on the hallway table was smashed to the floor. Kurt was careful to keep his shoes on, not sure what the hell he might step on.

"Blaine Devon, you are in so much trouble when I get my hands on you."

Only when Kurt came around the living room couch did he hear small whimpering and growls coming from a squirming lump under his ruined curtains. Curious as ever, he lifted up the heavy fabric, and there tumbled out a fluffy four-legged ball of fur. Kurt stared at the mass of fuzz, eyebrows furrowed and mouth slightly agape as the tiny thing looked around at suddenly being freed from its confines.

"So you're the culprit!"

The thing squeaked at the sudden noise, tilting his head up to look at Kurt interestedly. It sniffed curiously, then an excited look appeared on its face, tongue lolling out of its tiny mouth as he let out a pathetic sounding bark. The fluff monster—well, puppy—ran over to Kurt, hopping up on its dirty paws to bat at Kurt's calves. It barked again, whining sadly when he wasn't immediately picked up. Kurt glared at the animal, picking it—oh look, it's a boy!—up and leaning his face in. "Don't you be all cute with me. You destroyed my living room."

The puppy tilted his head adorably, not thinking twice before leaning in and licking Kurt's face enthusiastically. His tail wagged, and his paws kicked, trying to get closer to lick and nuzzle the new person. "H-Hey, st-stop that." He giggled, "Cut it out. That tickles." Kurt couldn't help the smile that split across his face; his arms unconsciously bring the puppy closer so he could huggle the adorable little animal.

"You are so lucky you're cute." Kurt shook his head fondly, wriggling his fingers in front of the puppy, who licked and nipped at them. "Aww, you're not such a bad guy. Someone just needs to be house broken, huh? And maybe bathe you…" The puppy yawned in his arms, nuzzling closer to Kurt's chest as his dark eyes disappeared behind droopy lids, foot twitching slightly. Yeah, Kurt was a goner for sure.

"Aw shit! Mutherfu—" Blaine cursed, hopping on one foot and holding his other foot that rammed into the turned over hallway table.

Kurt turned around to face him, one hand on his hip and the other cradling the snoozing ball of puppy in the crook of his elbow. Bitch glare firmly in place. "Blaine, something you want to say to me?"

Blaine froze, head looking up guiltily at his husband. "Um…Happy Birthday!" He said hopefully, turning up his adorableness factor.

"Uhuh…" Kurt didn't seem amused. "My birthday's not till next week."

"Ok. Well you see, what had happened was, Finn was supposed to have held onto him until your birthday. But, um…Sarge kinda piddled on his leatherman jacket." Blaine pouted, shuffling nervously from foot to foot. "So yeah, surprise baby!"

Kurt snorted, "You're such a goober." He then turned to tickle the snuffly puppy's belly. "You're Papa's a silly little hubby, isn't he?" The puppy whined sleepily, licking his muzzle before snuggling back to sleep.

"I don't believe it. The demon spawn is sleeping. I have been chasing him all over the house for the past half hour! Then you come home and…" Blaine threw his hands in the air disbelieving. "…he turns into a damn cuddle bug. That thing is evil."

Kurt chuckled, "Right. Well, me and the little evil cutie pie here are gonna get out of your hair. You have a lot of work to do."

"Uh what? I do?"

He nodded, making his way to the staircase. Which was surprisingly still intact. "Yeah, who knows how long it's going to take you to clean up our house."

Blaine's mouth dropped open, "But Kuuuuurt, that'll take foreverrrrr."

"Then I guess you better get started. Because I need a shower and once this baby wakes up from his nap, his Daddy is gonna give him a bath. Then we need to go buy you food, and toys, and a bed. We're gonna have so much fun." Kurt said happily, kissing the top of his scruffy puppy's head. "Thanks for my present, honey! I love him!"

"But…but I…"

Before Kurt disappeared up the stairs though, he popped back down to say, "Oh, and for the record. His name's Queen."

Kurt refused to turn around, squeezing his eyes shut tight. "I've done it. I finally went off the deep end."

"Kurt."

His body started shaking, trembling as he lay on the bed. "W-What?"

"I traveled halfway across the world to find my way back to you. Won't you at least look at me?"

"I…I can't."

"Why not?"

"Because I'm…I'm scared."

Suddenly, he felt a hand on his shoulder, a reassuring weight that caused Kurt's trembling to abate. "Kurt, look at me."

Sniffling, and still a bit wary, Kurt turned over on his back. His eyes fluttered open, eyelashes still wet with tears. He sucked in a breath, "Blaine."

Blaine smiled, lifting his hand to touch his fingers to Kurt's chin. "There's my gorgeous husband."

Kurt stared at Blaine in wonder, taking in his camouflage hat, pants, light green shirt, and his dangling dog tags. He stretched out his hand, tentatively cupping his soldier's cheek. Blaine smiled softly, leaning into the touch, placing one of his own hands over Kurt's and closing his eyes at the familiar feeling. Kurt could feel his glasz eyes watering again, emotions welling up within him. His cheek was so warm. "You're here. You're really here."

His eyes opened, warm hazel melting Kurt to his very core. "I told you. I'll always come back to you."

Without warning, Kurt shot up from his bed. He wrapped his arms around Blaine's neck and hugged him with every fiber of his being. But Blaine was ready for him. He reciprocated the hug, catching his sick husband and cradling him reverently to his body. "They didn't believe me. No one thought you'd be here in time. But I knew. I never doubted my soldier boy for a second."

Blaine chuckled, burying his face into the crook of Kurt's neck. "I'm sorry it took so long. I missed you so much."

Kurt pulled back, cupping both sides of Blaine's face and pressing their foreheads together. "I've missed you too. My life has turned into a mess since you've left."

The soldier smiled, slipping his hand under the back of Kurt's shirt to hold and caress his soft skin. "So I noticed. Want to tell me what I missed?"

"Mhmm." He nodded against Blaine, tugging his husband along with him. "Lay with me?"

"Of course." Blaine swept himself and Kurt under the hospital bed sheets, settling down on the bed with Kurt snuggled into his side. "I can't believe I get to touch you again."

Kurt looked up at his husband and giggled, "We can do more than just touch." He lifted himself up a bit, softly pressing his lips to Blaine's. His body moved to lay more onto his soldier's, their legs intertwining as their kiss went deeper. Kurt had to keep reminding himself to breath, the first kiss after Blaine's been gone for so long never ceases to leave him breathless. Blaine cupped the back of Kurt's head, playing with the hairs on the nap of his porcelain neck while their mouths moved and re-familiarized themselves with one another. There was no rush, no urgency; just two people basking in each other's close proximity. It couldn't last forever though, not when there were more pressing matters at hand. Something that Kurt really didn't want to address yet, which is why he whined when Blaine finally pulled away.

The soldier gave him a sympathetic smile, and kissed the pout on his husband's face one more time before asking, "So tell me, why are you here?"

Kurt sighed, resting his head back down on Blaine's chest. "Wouldn't the nurse or Quinn have told you?"

"I want to hear it from you."

"Blaine, I don't want to talk about it. I just want to lay here and be with you. For as long as I can…"

"Kurt, please?"

He peeked up at Blaine then, noticing how sincere he looked. Kurt frowned, "All right. T-They…they said I have a tumor." He could feel the hitch of breath through Blaine's chest. "I-It's in my head, and everyone keeps saying I need this surgery. BRAIN SURGERY." Kurt started trembling again, fisting one of his hands in Blaine's shirt. "Blaine, what am I going to do?"

Blaine held him tighter, kissing Kurt's temple and carding his fingers soothing through his chestnut hair. "Have the surgery, of course."

"WHAT?! No…"

"Listen. Listen to me, please." He shushed, cutting off Kurt's hysterics. "If Dr. Fabray said that the only way for you to get better is for them to go in and take it out, then you have to do it."

"But Blaine," Kurt whimpered, glasz eyes welling up with tears. "What if something goes wrong? It's my head they're messing with."

"That tumor is affecting your body so bad that surgery is the only option, don't you think leaving it alone is worse?" Kurt sniffed at Blaine's words, but didn't say anything else. He pushed a little further. "Kurt, what is the tumor doing to you?" He still didn't want to answer. "Baby…"

Kurt broke at the endearment, Blaine's shirt becoming wet when tears tracked down hid husband's face. "I'm forgetting."

"What do you mean…forgetting?"

"I mean everything. There are days at time where I don't realize what's happened. People have said they told me things that I have no recollection of. Then…Then Finn, he brings in this dog, tells me he's ours, and I can't remember us having got him." Kurt was on the verge of crying now, his chest contracting with how hard he was trying to reign in his cries.

"Oh, honey." Blaine breathed, gathering up Kurt and holding him tight. "Everything's gonna be okay. Everything's gonna be okay."

Kurt hiccupped, "How do you know? I-I've had…they said I had a seizure, Blaine. It's already so bad. The surgery could just make everything worse."

"What makes you say that?"

"Like I don't know brain surgery is tricky. I've watched House, and ER. One mess up and I could lose feeling in my arm, or not remember how to speak, or lose the rest of my memories, or WORSE!" Kurt tried to explain. "I could…what if I come out of it, and I'm a different person?" He made a pained noise in the back of his throat, finally voicing his greatest fear.

Blaine had to laugh a little bit, not because it was funny, but out of disbelief. "Ya know…most people would be afraid of dying on the operating table."

Kurt snorted humorously, "Not likely. Quinn's too scared of me haunting her ass to let anyone less than renown come near my head. I'd be so much more annoying than Patrick Swayze."

"But hotter."

"Of course."

Blaine smiled, "So then why would you think anything would go wrong?"

Kurt tried to subtly wipe his nose on Blaine's shirt, looking sheepish when Blaine raised an amused eyebrow at him. "Nobody's perfect. What if he nicks something and I'm not…I'm not me anymore?"

"As long as you're healthy afterwards, and your life's not in danger, I don't care. I love you no matter what. You know that."

"Yea? Well, you haven't been around for the latest episodes of Bitch-Kurt."

"Bitch-Kurt?"

"It's awful. I've forgotten days of me being in this hospital, and yet, most of what I do remember is how rotten I've been to everyone." Kurt whispered. "I've been monstrous…and I drove everyone away. God, they all must be so angry with me. I wouldn't be surprised if they hated me."

"Hey, now." Blaine said, "Nobody's gone. They're all still here. And I don't remember seeing any angry faces. Maybe some worried ones, but I didn't catch any hatred." He scooted down a bit, nosing Kurt's face up so their foreheads could be pressed against one another. "I don't think it's possible for anyone to hate you. You're too wonderful."

Kurt's lower-lip trembled, "But what if I turn into that awful person permanently? Just a mood-swingy bitch all day, every day, for no good reason. You would grow to hate me too…and I don't think I could live with you hating me."

Blaine kissed Kurt's nose. "But I love you."

"Yeah, you love me NOW—"

He kissed his eyelid, "I love you."

"Blaine, come on."

He kissed his other eyelid, "I love you."

"I know, but—"

Blaine kissed his forehead, "I LOVE YOU."

"What are you—"

He pecked Kurt's lips. "I said, I." Another peck. "Love." And Another. "You." Then he kisses him again, this time with more intensity, trying to pour in everything his words didn't seem to be relaying properly. Kurt's mind blanked out during the kiss, completely enveloped by the sheer love rolling off of Blaine in waves.

Kurt gasped when they pulled apart, letting out a surprised breath of air. He blinked dazedly, "Love you too."

Blaine chuckled breathily, "Then stop worrying. You'll get through this. WE'LL get through this. Even if you come out not remembering me, or become a scornful bitchy harlot, it'll just be a chance for us to fall in love all over again. It's impossible for me to not love you. I think it's written into our DNA to love each other." Kurt giggled. "Seriously, do an X-Ray. Kurt Hummel-Anderson is like…etched into my bones."

Kurt poked Blaine for his silliness. "Just when I think you can't get any dorkier."

"Give me a few minutes. I'm just getting started."

He smiled, surprisingly, a feat that only Blaine has seemed to manage these past few months. "Stay with me? Until it's…time?"

Blaine nodded, wrapping an arm around Kurt so they were in their initial snuggling position. "Not a force on this earth or elsewhere could tear me away from you."

"I'm married to such a sap, a dorky sap." Kurt teased.

"But you love me anyways."

Kurt smiled against Blaine's chest, enjoying the feeling of just BEING with him again. "Yeah, I kinda do."

Not everything was a grand gesture for Kurt and Blaine. Sometimes the best moments were ones they only shared with each other. The box under Kurt's bed with all of his soldier's letters grew and grew over the years, to the point where paper wasn't the only thing in there. Little trinkets, pictures, and even CDs filled the growing box of memories. Kurt had a favorite though; a CD Blaine made him that he's watched more times than he can count.

The video starts with Blaine's blurry face coming into focus. He smiles at the camera and steps backwards a bit until he sits himself in a chair, guitar hanging in front of him. "Hey, Kurt. I hope you're watching this on the right day. Though if you found it early, I guess I'm not that upset." Blaine shifts in his chair a bit, almost embarrassed to be sitting alone in a room talking to himself. "You're at school right now, which is good. Because I've been wanting to make this video for a while. I…I um…" He chuckles nervously. "I hate the fact that I won't get to spend this year's anniversary with you, but I'm hoping this might make it a little easier. If you're lonely, or for some reason I can't send a proper letter or call you for some time, watch this, listen to this, and know that wherever I am, I'm thinking of you."

"I love you, Kurt. And this is for you." Blaine smiles slightly, looking down at his guitar and tuning the strings a bit. He gives it a few experimental strums, and then he's playing an audible tune on them. Before long he starts in on his vocal percussions.

Andoodadup ndoodadup ndoodadupeh

Andoodadup ndoodadeh

When Blaine's concentrating on strumming and singing lyrics, his eyebrows furrow together slightly. He doesn't even realize he does this. It's hardly noticeable, if you're not looking for it. But Kurt finds it absolutely adorable, one more thing he loves about his soldier boy.

Andoodadup ndoodadup ndoododadupeh

Andoodadup nndoodadeh

Blaine looks up at the camera for a moment, and then winks at Kurt (who is hopefully the one watching this).

When you feel like love is never knockin', knockin' at your door,

And it seems like you can't, you can't take it, take it, take no more

Please don't let them throw, throw you around

If you never stand up then you'll never, never leave the ground

When you're feeling down and out like you ain't goin' nowhere

Feeling small and insecure makes you an easy scare

But I know that time will see us through, oh

A slide spins into view on screen of a blurry camera phone video. It shows Kurt from a few years ago, rumpled and arguing with a woman behind the counter at an airport. Something catches his attention away from the woman, because then Kurt is sprinting across the airport lobby. It pixelates as the phone moves to where Kurt is running. Then the video recorders 'd'awww' suddenly in the background, the scene of Kurt jumping into Blaine's arms now on their phone. The YouTube title reading, 'Hopefully they say Hello again'.

I will be waiting, anticipating

That love is waiting 'round the bend

God knows I'm trying and all of my crying will not go to waste

I see better days

The video spins out of frame, and a picture spirals in. This time, it's of a letter with some parts blurred out. The visible part reads, '…didn't get the job again. I almost called you today, but then I remembered you're not in New York anymore. I didn't know it was possible to worry about a guy I hardly know this much, or you know, miss you this much. I hope you're safe. I think I've even started praying for you. Whether there's a God that listens I'm not too sure, but you're worth the nightly ritual of minute insanity. Oh wow…'

Andoodadup ndoodadup ndoodadupeh

Andoodadup ndoodadeh

A snapshot of a different letter spins into view, this time the handwriting was a bit messier due to it being written in a rushed state. '…my guys are okay. Everyone just gets really homesick around this time. It's strange though. I used to miss things like fast food, the smell of the ocean off the pier, Vogue magazines. But lately, I've just missed you, like…everything about you. It's been months since I've heard your voice, held you in my arms, kissed your beautiful damn face. I feel SO much for you already. Is that weird? Yeah, that's weird. I'm gonna…'

I feel like running but I know I will fall down

I feel like crying but I know in tears I soon will drown

Time to take my own advice and give it one more try

With every step I take I know some day that I'll get by

I know that you are, you're feeling blue

I know that you don't believe in you

But I know that time will see you through, and I,

A picture of Kurt and Blaine twirls in. It's of the couple bundled up in winter coats and snuggling on a quilt from New Year's. Kurt is rosy cheeked and beaming at the camera under his beanie, Blaine pressed up behind him with his arms wound around Kurt's waist and chin hooked over his shoulder. Their sweetness could rot your teeth. Well, at least that's what Santana had said.

I will be waiting, anticipating,

That love is, it's waiting 'round the bend

God knows I'm trying and all of my crying will not go to waste

I see better days

Another camera phone video spins in. It's better quality than the last one, but not by much. It shows Blaine standing on top of one of the subway waiting seats. He's singing to an absolutely adoring looking Kurt who is loving the little display of public affection, a little army-themed teddy bear held close to his chest. More than one person has their videophones out, while others are clapping rhythmically to the impromptu song. The YouTube title read, 'Silly Little Subway Songs'.

When the world gets long and you don't think you'll make it one more day

Just turn your head and push the hate and bigotry away

Cause I hope that, and I feel that, and I know that love will see us through

And someday soon, soon

You'll see…better

The next picture that flew in was of Blaine and Kurt kissing. Blaine in his army uniform and Kurt with his hands thrown around his soldier's neck while one hand held onto a microphone. Cooper had taken the picture because he'd never seen his brother this happy before. He felt the moment needed to be preserved. His family had done a crummy job at putting Blaine's happiness before their own insecurities. It looks like Kurt succeeded where the Anderson family had failed.

I will be waiting, anticipating, (You will see the world, you'll see that)

That love is waiting 'round the bend (It's waiting 'round, it's waiting 'round)

And God knows I'm trying, and all of my crying will not go to waste

I see better days

A cluster of pictures began to fly across the screen. The first was of Kurt and Blaine posing in front of Niagara Falls. Pink sunglasses on their faces, mouths open in mock shock/silent scream of excitement, and their hands were being shown to the camera, the light catching on their newly acquired wedding rings.

Love is, yes, love is, yes, love is, it's waiting 'round the

Second, was of a photo taken from the second wedding Kurt and Blaine had where they invited their friends and family. Blaine was putting on his best puppy dog pout while a frosting covered Kurt gave him his best attempt at a bitch glare. Half of Kurt's hair and face was covered in frosting. The photographer felt this magical moment needed to be captured.

Love is, yes, love is, yes, love is, it's waiting 'round the bend

Third, was of Kurt and Blaine in front of their new house ripping apart the 'For Sale' sign with overly enthusiastic expressions on their faces. They had both rented apartments before, but this was their first house. Together. As husbands. It was their home. Therefore, a ridiculously cheesy photo needed to be taken in order to commemorate such a special occasion.

Love is, yes, love is, yes, love is, it's waiting 'round the

Fourth, was the picture the couple had posted on their Facebook pages when they adopted Queen. Kurt and Blaine had their faces squished together happily, the tiny furry ball of scruff held under their chins. The caption for the picture had read, 'It's a boy!'

Love is, yes, love is, yes, love is,

The last two photos were put up together side-by-side on the screen. The left picture was of Blaine's wallet, the bifold open to where he kept a photo of Kurt. The blue-eyed man was looking through both his hands that were cupped in the shape of a heart while wearing his homemade shirt that read 'I Love You Too'. The adorableness never failed to make Blaine smile. The right picture was of Kurt's wallet, the trifold open to show the photo he kept of Blaine. The soldier is stubbly and hair scruffy from being slept on without any hair product. He's in sleep clothes with a book in his lap, and a goober grin on his face so big that his eyes are crinkled at the sides. The domestic picture is one of Kurt's favorites.

It's waiting 'round the bend

The final pictures dissolve away, revealing Blaine just as the video started out. Sitting in a chair in an empty room with a guitar hanging off his shoulders. He got up and went towards the camera until only his face could be seen. "Happy Anniversary, Kurt. I love you. I miss you." Blaine sniffs a bit, wiping at his watery eyes. "I'll be back as soon as I can, okay? I love you. Wait…I already said that. Well, whatever. I'll say it again. Love you, and see ya soon."

Right before the video camera can shut off, Blaine turns and shouts, "Sarge—Queen! Don't chew on Daddy's scarves!"

Video

Editing

Courtesy

Of

The

Wevid

Brothers

A/N: That song was Nick Pitera's 'Better Days.' Ugh, the song is perf. Give it a listen if you haven't heard it before (there's a music video too), helps the flashback flow. Okay, I know, I know, y'all wanted less flashbacks. Well, what can I say? My mind does what it wants. All right, I adore you peeps. Please leave a review, and you're awesome. :)