Epilogue
June 5, 2023
Kurt was sitting on a picnic blanket in Central Park holding his six-month-old daughter Elizabeth, who was napping in his arms. He was watching Adam kick a soccer ball around with their four-year-old son Brenton nearby.
As Kurt watched his husband and son running around the park, he thought about how amazing the past ten years with Adam had been. Surviving the night Blaine held them captive had solidified their relationship. Knowing that they were just one pull of a trigger away from Blaine killing Adam made Kurt and Adam realize that neither of them wanted to live without the other.
After Adam's graduation from NYADA, Kurt and Adam spend a month in Europe, followed by a month in Lima with Burt and Carole. Kurt and Adam returned to New York for Kurt's sophomore year at NYADA. Since Kurt, Rachel, and Santana were no longer comfortable in the Bushwick loft after the incident with Blaine, Kurt decided to move in with Adam. Rachel and Santana found an apartment nearby.
Kurt had not seen or spoken to Blaine since the trial. Blaine was found guilty of kidnapping, breaking and entering, and assault. With Adam's support, Kurt pleaded to the court that Blaine be sent to a secure treatment facility rather than prison so that he could get proper treatment for his issues. Though Kurt had not had any contact with Blaine since the incident, he heard from Cooper on occasion and knew that Blaine had responded well to treatment, and was released from the treatment facility after five years. He was living and working in Los Angeles, and occasionally doing community theatre.
Kurt graduated from NYADA in May of 2016, and Adam surprised him with a trip to England and Italy as a graduation present. Adam proposed to Kurt as they were being serenaded by the gondolier on a canal in Venice. They were married on the grounds of Kensington Palace the following spring.
Liam gave them his Upper East Side apartment as a wedding gift, and had purchased a smaller apartment in the same building. Though Kurt and Adam had thought about selling the apartment, and moving to the suburbs after their children were born, their love for the city made them stay.
In the ten years since his NYADA graduation, Adam had consistently found work on Broadway, including his current stint as Marius in the Broadway revival of Les Miserables. He had also made some appearances on television shows that filmed in New York.
Kurt also found consistent work on Broadway since his graduation, and was currently starring as Joe Gillis the Broadway revival of Sunset Blvd. It was his first major starring role on Broadway, and the reviewers raved about the emotional punch he put into the performance, and his strong vocal performance and dancing. He was nominated for a Tony Award for his performance.
As he held his daughter close to him, Kurt's thoughts went back to the previous night, when he attended the 2023 Tony Awards with Adam. Burt and Carole flew in from Lima to attend the awards. Rachel and Finn, who were now married with a two-year-old daughter Barbra, also attended the awards, as Rachel was performing a number with the cast of her current Broadway show.
Kurt took Adam's hand as Hugh Jackman stood on stage to announce the nominees for Best Actor in a Musical. Adam squeezed Kurt's hand and gave him a loving smile when they heard Hugh Jackman announce Kurt as a nominee.
Hugh said, "And the Tony goes to Kurt Hummel-Crawford."
Kurt looked at Adam in complete shock. Adam smiled proudly at Kurt, and said, "Well done, love. I am so proud of you. I love you." He kissed Kurt, and said, "Go up there."
Kurt stood up and started to walk to the stage. He saw Finn and Rachel cheering and applauding wildly from their seats a few rows back. He heard Burt's booming voice shout, "That's my boy!"
When Kurt got up to the stage, Hugh Jackman handed him the award, and said, "Congratulations, Kurt."
"Thank you, Hugh," Kurt replied, as he took the Tony Award into his hands. He felt overwhelmed with gratitude as he held the award in his hands for the first time. He said, "Wow. I am just absolutely stunned to be accepting this award. I'd like to congratulate my fellow nominees. Your performances were amazing.
"I'd like to thank the fantastic producers, cast, and crew of Sunset Blvd. You make going onstage so much fun eight times a week. It's a completely joy to work with all of you.
"I would also like to thank my high school Glee teacher Will Schuester, and all of my friends from the McKinley High Glee Club. Your love and friendship over the years has meant the world to me.
"I want to thank my beautiful step-mother Carole, my awesome brother-in-law Finn, my amazing sister-in-law Rachel, and my adorable niece Barbra for their love, support, and encouragement.
"I also have to thank my dad Burt Hummel for being my biggest fan and supporter since the day I was born. Thanks for believing I me even when I didn't believe in myself. I love you, dad.
"I want to dedicate this award to my mom Elizabeth, who fostered my love for Broadway by singing songs to me as a child. I love you, mom, and I miss you every day.
"I also have to thank my beautiful children Brenton and Elizabeth for showing me the true joy of fatherhood, and showing me how fun life is when I see it through their eyes. Poppa loves you, monkeys.
"And finally, I have to thank my husband Adam. I'm standing here today because you have been standing by my side every day for the past ten years. I am a better man because you are in my life. Our journey together is still so new, and I look forward to spending the next hundred years with you and our children. I love you, Adam.
"Thank you."
When Kurt got back to his seat after receiving the award, Adam gently caressed Kurt's face and said, "I am so proud of you, love. You are the most amazing man on the face of the earth, and I am so grateful to have you in my life. I love you, Kurt Hummel-Crawford."
"I love you, too, Adam."
They kissed.
When the show ended, Finn and Rachel walked over to them.
"Congratulations, Kurt," Rachel said, as she wrapped her arms around Kurt. "I can't believe you won a Tony Award before me."
"Thanks, Rachel. You'll get yours soon."
Finn pulled Kurt into a bear hug, and said, "Congrats, little brother. I am so proud of you. You have to come speak to my glee club someday. High school kids always need to hear inspirational stories from people who worked hard to achieve their dreams."
"It would be an honor, Finn."
Burt and Carole came over to them. Burt pulled Kurt into a bear hug, and said, "There's my kid. I am so proud of you, Kurt."
"Thanks, Dad. I wouldn't have made it without you supporting and encouraging me every step of the way."
Burt put his hands on Kurt's shoulders, and said, "This is all you, kid. I always knew you would be successful because not only did you have amazing talent, but you had drive and determination. You made this happen, Kurt."
"I love you, Dad," Kurt said, as he wrapped his arms around Burt.
"I love you, too, Kurt."
Carole hugged and kissed Kurt, and said, "Congratulations, honey. I am so proud of you, Kurt. It is so wonderful to see you get recognition for your hard work and dedication."
"Thanks, Carole. I am so glad to have you for my step-mother. Marrying you was one of the best things Dad ever did. I love you."
"I love you, too, honey."
Kurt's thoughts were interrupted when Brenton ran over to him and wrapped his arms around Kurt. He said, "Poppa, Poppa, did you see me kick the ball past Daddy?"
"I did, honey. You did a fantastic job. I am so proud of you. I love you, Brent." He kissed his son on the top of his head.
"I love you, too, Daddy."
Adam, who had jogged across the lawn to retrieve the soccer ball Brenton had kicked past him, sat down next to Kurt on the picnic blanket. He put his hand on Elizabeth's head, kissed her, and said, "Hello, Princess." He pulled Brenton into his lap, and wrapped his arm around Kurt. He gave Kurt a small, sweet kiss on the lips, and said, "Did you see that last kick Brent made, love? He nearly made it across the walk way."
"I kicked it really hard," Brent said proudly.
"I did see it. I love seeing how happy playing soccer makes both of you."
"I can't wait until I turn five so I can join a real soccer team."
Adam messed up Brenton's hair, and said, "That will be here be for you know it, kiddo."
"I hate to end our family afternoon in the park," Kurt said. "But we should head home to see Grandpa and Grandma. Uncle Finn, Aunt Rachel, Barbra, and Grampy are all coming over for dinner tonight."
"Can't we stay a little longer, Poppa?"
"Poppa's right, kiddo. Grandpa and Grandma are going home to Ohio tomorrow, so we should go home so we can spend extra time with them."
"OK, Daddy."
Kurt put Elizabeth in her stroller while Adam folded up the picnic blanket, and put it in the basket under the stroller.
"Daddy, will you carry me on your shoulders?"
"Sure, kiddo," Adam replied, as he picked Brent up, and put him on his shoulders.
"I'm taller than Poppa now."
"You're tall enough to give me a kiss, monkey."
Brent leaned over and kissed Kurt, and said, "I love you, Poppa."
"I love you too, Brent."
"I want to kiss Poppa, too," Adam said. He turned towards Kurt and kissed him.
"I love you, Adam."
"I love you too."
When they got home, they found Burt and Carole sitting at the kitchen table having coffee. Brent ran over to them, and climbed into Burt's lap. He said, "Grandpa, Grandma, I kicked the soccer ball past Daddy at the park."
"Great job, Brenton," Burt said, as he rubbed Brent's head. "Next time you come to visit me in Ohio, I'll take you to the park and you can try to kick the ball past me."
"Poppa, can we go to Ohio next week?"
Kurt said, "Not next week, buddy, but soon. I promise."
Carole said, "Kurt, some flowers were delivered for you while you were out." She pointed towards a beautiful floral arrangement on the kitchen counter.
Kurt walked over to the flowers and smelled them. He reached for the note attached to the flowers, and said, "Oh my god."
"Who are they from, love?" Adam asked.
Kurt looked at Adam with a shocked look on his face, and said, "Blaine."
Adam walked over to Kurt and wrapped an arm around him.
Burt said, "Hey, Brenton, I want to go play with your trains. Do you want to come with me?"
Brent took Burt's hand and said, "Yes, let's play with my trains. I get to be Thomas." He pulled Burt's arm and led him out of the room.
Kurt said, "Thanks, Dad."
"No problem, kid."
"I'll take Elizabeth to the other room," Carole said.
"Thanks, Carole."
Carole wordlessly showed her support for Kurt by caressing his face, and giving him a quick kiss on the cheek before she walked out of the room with Elizabeth.
Adam asked, "Do you need some time alone to read the note, love?"
"I want you to stay."
"OK, love."
They sat down at the table. Adam slid his chair close to Kurt, and put an arm around Kurt. Kurt took a deep breath, and unfolded the note and held it so that Adam could read it too.
"Dear Kurt,
"Congratulations on your Tony Award. I am so proud of you. You are living out your dream. Cooper and I saw your show in New York a couple of months ago, and I was just amazed by your performance. I don't think I ever fully appreciated just how talented you were when we were together. I am so glad you won the Tony. You deserved it.
"I'm sorry for the pain I caused you and Adam. I know that I came very close to killing Adam that night, and the thought that I could have done that scares me. The events of that night in your old apartment are my biggest regret in life. Please tell Adam that I am truly sorry for what I did. And tell Rachel and Santana I'm sorry, too.
"I am happy to hear that you and Adam are married, and raising a family together. Since I got well, I have been hoping that you are happy in your life, and it seems like you are. I could see the love on Adam's face when they showed him congratulating you after you won your award last night. I wish you a wonderful life together.
"Thank you to you, and Adam for asking the court to send me to a treatment facility instead of prison. It really made all the difference in my life. I don't think I would have survived in prison, but the treatment center allowed me to really work on my issues, and stabilize my life. It helped me come to terms with why I so desperately needed to the center of attention, and loved by everyone.
"I'm living in Los Angeles with Cooper now. When I got out of treatment, I didn't want to stay in Lima. There were just too many memories, and I really felt that I needed a fresh start so I moved in with Coop. I really like it in California. I feel at home here. I've been dating a guy I went to college with for the past year. I told him everything that happened, and he has been very supportive and understanding.
"I graduated from California State University last year with a degree in theatre arts, with a minor in film studies. I have been working as a production assistant on a movie being filmed at Warner Bros. Studios. I still audition for roles in theatre and film, but I haven't had any luck getting cast. But I still hope and dream.
"Congratulations again, Kurt. I wish you, Adam, and your children health, happiness, and success in your lives and careers. I can't think of anyone who deserves a happy life more than you.
"Sincerely, Blaine"
Kurt read through the letter a second time, and looked over at Adam when he was done. Adam was looking at him, waiting for his response.
Adam kissed Kurt softly on the temple and gently rubbed his back. He said, "Are you OK, love?"
"Yeah. A bit stunned to hear from him, but I'm OK. I'm glad he turned his life around, and he seems happy."
"Do you want to call him?"
"No. After everything that happened, I really have no interest in talking to him. I'll just send him a quick thank you note."
"OK. I'll get started on the prep work for dinner so you can have some time to write the note." Adam kissed Kurt again, and stood up.
Kurt stood up, and hugged Adam. "Thanks, honey. I love you, Adam." He kissed Adam.
"I love you too, Kurt."
Kurt walked into the home office, and sat down at the desk. He took a notecard out of the drawer and stared at the blank page while he gathered his thoughts. He had talked about Blaine and all that had happened with Adam many times over the years. Both him and Adam had forgiven Blaine long ago because they knew that his actions were the result of Blaine's mental illness. Though Kurt was happy that Blaine had gotten his life back together, he had no interest in reconnecting with Blaine.
Kurt picked up his pen and wrote:
"Dear Blaine,
"Thank you for the beautiful flowers. It was so nice of you to think of me after all this time, and I do appreciate your gesture.
"I am glad to hear that your time in the treatment center was successful, and that you have gotten your life back together. I hope that you have success and joy in your life.
"Adam and I both forgave you for what happened long ago. We both realize that it was your mental illness that lead you to behave that way, and we are glad that you committed to getting healthy again.
"Adam and I have been married for six years, and we have two beautiful children. Our son Brenton is four, and our daughter Elizabeth is six months old. Our children are the greatest gifts in our lives. They bring so much joy into our lives.
"Congrats on your graduation for California State University. I hope that you find success in Hollywood.
"All the best, Kurt"
Kurt reread his note, and put it in an envelope. He addressed, and stamped the envelope, and slid it into this bag so he could mail it on his way to work tomorrow. He walked into the kitchen.
Adam and Brent were making a cake to serve for dessert after dinner. Elizabeth was sitting in her high chair eating Cheerios.
"Hi, Poppa. We're making a chocolate cake for dessert," Brent said.
Kurt said, "I can't wait to have a piece, honey." He kissed Brent, and sat down in a chair next to Elizabeth. He said, "Hi, sweetheart," and leaned over to kiss Elizabeth. Elizabeth held out a Cheerio, and fed it to Kurt. Kurt smiled at his daughter and said, "Poppa loves you, baby."
Adam asked, "Did you finish what you needed to do, love?"
"Yes. That was the right thing to do."
Adam smiled and nodded at Kurt.
"Where are Dad and Carole?"
"They are in the guest room packing their things."
Kurt watched Adam and Brent finished mixing the cake batter, and poured it in the pan. He was getting a bit misty eyed looking at his beautiful family, knowing that his life had turned out better than he ever imagined it would.
"Can I lick the bowl and spoon, daddy?"
"Of course you can, champ," Adam replied, as he put the bowl in front of Brent. He put the cake in the oven, and turned to look at Kurt. When he saw the tears in Kurt's eyes, he walked over to him, and put his arm around Kurt. He asked, "Are you all right, love?"
"Yes. I was just thinking about how perfect my life is. I wouldn't change a thing about my life. My life wasn't always easy, and it wasn't always happy, but all of those experiences defined who I have become. And I like who I have become, and who I have in my life. All of that led me to you, and our family life together with Brent and Elizabeth. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else.
"I love you, Adam, and I love sharing my life with you."
"I love you too, Kurt."
They kissed, and lived happily ever after.