A/N: This is going to be shortish...I love you so here's more. See? Super short and to the point, so out of character for me I know!
Disclaimer: You know the amount of times that I have written the word disclaimer, you would have thought that I wouldn't spell it wrong initially ALL THE TIME. Anyway, lottery and/or world apocalypses still haven't happened, all bow down to the real owners of Glee and it's characters. i.e. Not Me.
*This is for ammy76, for your support through thick and thin, a long chapter for you luv, and for your support. cxcxcx
**Oh one more quick thing...the song in this chapter was too perfect I had to add it in, it made me cry reading the lyrics and then hearing it, I knew that one of the boys had to sing it. I won't spoil what it is but see the name at the bottom and re-read that part with the song in the background, trust me, it's too sweet 3 3
If you don't know the song...shame on you! Musicals 101 ppl, no seriously, one of my fave musicals, if you haven't seen it...See it! LOL, if you have, watch it again...okay okay I'm actually done now.
Enjoy! xx
Bittersweet Symphony
(BPOV)
Nick came to take me home the day I was discharged despite my assurances that I was fine. I had to spend almost three days in the hospital because my blood work had shown some slight irregularities but they had since dissipated. Kurt had to go back and forth to work in the last few days, only leaving me when I told him that him losing his job wasn't worth him watching me sleep most of the time. Plus today he had his final exam at Columbia for the term, and he had to turn in his last paper as well.
Ironically Kurt's friend and the head nurse on the afternoon shift Santana had kept me company off and on during Kurt's and my friends absence. She was a bitchy, snarky, opinionated woman with a heart that was complete gold I found. Under that harsh exterior was a mushy centre that I had found one evening when she brought me a coffee for no good reason.
It was after normal visiting hours and Kurt and Jeff had gone home, Nick had a meeting uptown so he wasn't around, and since my condition had stabilized Santana thought 'the puppy deserved a treat.'
"Since Porcelain is your boyfriend I assume you have the same addiction to coffee that he does, so I brought you one. It's decaf, because caffeine is a no no for you right now sir, and don't think I did this cuz I like you or anything, I prefer the company of women, well one woman (whom I found out who's name was Brittany) and despite your luscious feminine locks, you aren't my type."
I had figured this was an olive branch of sorts from what Kurt had told me about her, so I took it and just accepted it for what it was.
Santana had actually been a great help, she was helping me come to terms with the fact that even though my hearing was better, the fact that it was slowly seemed to be getting worse again was normal.
"Think of it like riding a bike hobbit. At first all the sensations are overwhelming and heightened and you're fucking ecstatic, and then it gets a little less exciting, it calms down and you coast. The haziness goes away and you just get into a rhythm. Hey its a shit analogy but you get my point. It was a lot at first but now that the steroid dose is lower you can try and function with a new level of hearing, it's not perfect in the one ear but it's better right?"
"Yeah, yeah it is Santana. Thanks."
"Don't get all sappy on my curly. Besides call me Tana, I've seen you naked ya know, who do you think dressed you in that hospital get up? Hummel's got to be a pretty happy man with the equipment you carry around. I've sad it before, I'll say it again...wanky."
I had blushed when she said that, then she reached for my cell phone that had been resting on the side table. I had been waiting for a message from Kurt actually.
She handed it back to me after typing somethings into it with a smirk.
"Here...if you guys wanna hang out or whatever. Or if you want dirt on from Hummel High, text me. I put Brit's number in there too in case you want to pass it on to Kurt, they used to be close ya know?"
She walked out of the room and I think that was what Kurt referred to as Satan's nice streak. I couldn't help but like her.
So today I was going home. Barb had texted me non stop when she heard what was going on, and assured me that the department would survive while I recovered fully since it was the beginning of the new term and all. My students had also sent me well wishes and it warmed my heart to know that they cared about me as a person and not just their instructor.
Kurt was probably writing his exam at the moment, and Nick sat there beside me in the cab, asking me incessantly if I was dizzy or if the ringing in my ear had subsided.
Dr. Rosenberg had been in contact with the hospital a few times since I had gotten there and he had talked it over with Dr. Stewart and they both had come to a consensus that the high dose of steroids was not worth risking putting me on it again,. So instead they kept me on the low dose that I was now on, with my anti-virals, and there had been no more extreme headaches since.
I assured Nick for the hundredth time that I was fine and that if he fussed over me anymore than he would have to adopt me and actually claim the fatherhood on me he was trying to convey. Smiling that knowing Duval smile as always he pet my head lovingly before I shoved him off with a smirk.
I really was feeling better. Apparently I had been a lot more stressed than I had known before all this happened, which was why today Nick was taking me to the bank to sort out my documentation and trust fund. He said it would be good to clear the air and to organize my finances with his moral support, making it one less worry for me. Kurt had been on board with this idea as well so I succeeded that maybe I was avoiding it until now. Nick had also suggested before we had left the hospital, to change my emergency contact list to include Kurt. I had already thought of this but then Nick regaled me in the tale of Kurt versus Wendy and I couldn't help the proud smile that formed on my face.
God Kurt was such a proud man, a proud man with an acid tongue that you didn't want to fuck with...I would have loved to see Kurt ream into her, it would have been epic.
I let my thoughts wander as I just revelled in the not so silent world I was living in again. Everything has a small sound. The hum of the engine of the cab, the crazed honking from outside (New Yorkers really love their horns, I'd forgotten), and the soft reggae that was playing over the speakers of the mini TV screens in the back of the cab.
Muted but new, and I loved that I could hear this again, not perfect but god was it an improvement, it made the 3 day stay in the hospital almost worth it.
I continued to smile even as we got out of the cab and into the bank. Nick was still signing when he talked to me, even though I tried to tell him it wasn't necessary, he just shrugged and added that it was never a bad thing to keep up. I knew that he was implying that maybe one day my hearing could revert, I had been warned as much, but I thanked him silently for his cantor.
Nick produced all the necessary paperwork and let me deal with the teller first hand. It had been the first time I had a real conversation without my hands and without really straining in years, and Nick knew this, and I also knew I had to get used to it.
I was overcome with emotions as she began to rattle on about needing identification for this, and a signature here, and so on and so forth. It was such a mundane task but I was taking such pleasure in not seeing pity in someone's eyes for the first time and being able to actually complete something like this on my own.
As she walked off to get the other supervisor's signatures that were needed, Nick gave me a sideways bump on the shoulder.
"Feels good man doesn't it?'
I laughed and sighed, "Which part? The part where I can be free from my parents or the fact that I can hear my best friend and actually take care of myself a little more easily? Honestly I don't know which one is better." Nick and I shared a smile that we had perfected for one another over the years as the teller came back.
"Okay Mr. Anderson, everything seems to be in order. All the documentation you brought seems to check out, the trust fund set up by Charles and Amelie Anderson has now been signed over to you since that the paperwork is filled out. Did you want to transfer the remaining balance from the other Anderson estate account that has been signed over you or would you like it remain in the name of Alexander Anderson, although it is listed here that he is deceased is that correct?"
Alex Anderson? My grandfather?
"Um yes he is deceased, that's my grandfather's account. The money in there should have all been transferred over to my account years ago, as he instructed when I moved to the state of New York."
"No, no I have that transfer registered here from 2013 but a flag has come up for another account that's been on hold until you received your trust fund. The amount is disclosed currently to you until you wish to transfer it. There is also a safety deposit box that was transferred from the Columbus branch on the day of your grandfather's death. Would you like to transfer the money now to the same trust fund account and shall I retrieve the safety deposit box?"
I looked at Nick who seemed as bewildered at me at this new development.
"Um sure, might as well keep all the money in one spot but doesn't a safety deposit box require a key?"
The teller, who's name was Tiffany shook her head and smiled up at me.
"Not always sir, but in this case you just need an eight digit identification code that you enter on the box itself. I'll transfer the remaining balance from Alex Anderson's account first and then send someone to take you back to the identification area for your safety deposit box. Oh...would you like to have a print out of your new balance..sir?"
She seemed a little flabbergasted all of a sudden and wouldn't look me in the eye.
"Yes Tiffany, thank you for all your help."
Before printing the balance she looked up at me and smiled.
"You're welcome sir, and might I add that if you need help organizing finances as large as these you may want to talk to one of our investment brokers, I can always set up an interview if you like."
"Thank you but for now I'm just fine."
"No problem, Jacob will be out in a few minutes to take you back to your safety deposit box."
I turned to face Nick, folding up my balance and putting it in my pocket, not daring to look at how much was actually in there right now and sat down shaking my head beside Nick.
"You okay there man?"
God bless you Nick and your intuition for a silent conversation.
"Yeah I'm fine, just a little tired, shocked at my grandfather's sneakiness. I guess he didn't want me blowing all the money he left me in one go, but I don't have the nerve to see what's in my account right now. I'm trying to play it cool...also I think I just remembered what my granddad's 8 digit code is, and if it 's what I think...he's a bigger dork than I am. So yeah I'm a little overwhelmed right now."
"How's your ears, and head doing? No micro explosions? Seriously how's the energy level, you look tired."
"I just need a nap once this is over, it's been a long day already and I feel like an old man needing sleep in the middle of the day, the last three days have been hard, but thanks for making me do this today, I feel better knowing I did."
Once the guard came back to get us I had a renewed feeling that the code I was thinking of would be correct. When I was presented with the box with the numeric key pad I was sure. The first slot had two number and the second had six, Yep my granddad was a huge dork and I still knew him well after these years.
42-500964
The box opened with a click, revealing two large manilla envelopes with my name on them in my granddad's curvacious writing, and a small white envelope with the same heading.
"Will you be emptying this box then sir and signing out it's contents permanently?"
I looked over at Nick and then proudly nodded and signed the appropriate paperwork before heading back the way we came with the items in hand, before hailing a cab back to my house.
Nick hadn't said anything for a while and the silence was welcome, too much sound recently had been a little daunting. That was when my phone buzzed.
Exam is done! *happy dance* How's my favourite patient feeling? Santana messaged me and said the hobbit is back in the Shire. I assume that meant you were discharged and are probably at the bank with Nick. Get some rest babe, having coffee with Rachel soon who's dying to know how you are. (I figured Rachel was too loud for your new found hearing...affection for thinking of your sanity? ;) xxoo ) I will bring take out over for us, see you soon and get some sleep. Love you xo. It's so nice to write that! - K
Oh my god Kurt was adorable. Granted when he chewed me out at the hospital on my second night about not telling him I was on steroids , it wasn't so adorable, but his concern was understandable. Getting an earful was never so bittersweet though.
"Kurtsie?...At least I presume that from the dumb love struck expression?" Nick was looking out the window now with a knowing smile on his face.
"Shut up, you do it too."
"Never said I didn't Blainers, guilty as charged, but from you somehow it's adorable with a capital awwwwwww."
I ignored him with an eye roll and texted Kurt back.
Yay! I know you did great baby!...Yes Tana allowed me to leave her clutches. Finished at the bank with Nick, with a few surprises I'll tell you about later. Going home now to nap, the old man is tired from all the new sounds he's been hearing. *goofy grin*. Can't wait to see you, say hi to Rach and tell Finn I said hi too. Don't worry about bringing take out, we can make something later, and don't forget to use the key Jeff made for you for the apartment because I might be sleeping when you get in. Love you too, wow you're right that does make me smile writing that xxoo - B
Yep, things for once we're moving in a forward direction, a positive light if you will, which was finally focusing on my life for a change and I was going to try and make the most of it.
"So, what was the code that your granddad used that made you shake your head at his dorkiness?"
"The numbers he used, 42, the answer to the universe and everything a la his favourite novel series Hitchhiker's Guide, and then the remaining numbers is my birth date, as a Stardate from Star Trek. 42-50096.4, ya know without the point."
I chuckled and Nick shook his head emphatically.
"Oh my god he was a bigger dork than you."
"Who do you think I got it from Nick?" I just smiled and and read Kurt's response as Nick continued to marvel at my granddad's nerdiness. I really missed that man.
Thanks honey, I'll see you tonight. And I AM bringing take out because I want to take care of you, it's a boyfriend's right...plus I just want the soup dumplings at Hot Kitchen ;) Rach and I are meeting in the East Village anyway since she was at a meeting with a college here earlier. Will regale you later. Keys in hand, get some sleep love xoxo- K
Well now I wanted dumplings too...
XXXX
"Are you sure you don't need anything else?"
"Nick for the last time I love you but if you don't leave and let me get some sleep, I may punch you."
"Temper temper Anderson."
I huffed and looked at him seriously even though I was far from it.
"Three words Duval. Dalton Fight Club."
"Which we can't talk about."
"Which we can't talk about."
We both shared a knowing smirk and giggled a little at our anger management days in Dalton Academy's Fight Club.
"Honestly, I'm fine man, thanks for everything." Nick pretended to tuck me in before leaving with a fleeting glance.
"Seriously call me if you need anything...ya you heard me...call me."
That was the last comment he made before he left, and I smiled at yet another thing I could do now that I could hear a little better...actually pick up a phone and speak to someone.
XXXX
Sleep eluded me for a while but it must have caught up with me eventually because I was woken up to a warm body beside mine, holding my stomach and braced against my back making me the little spoon.
"Kurt?" I asked dumbly and groggily.
He giggled.
"Nope, the ghost of Christmas past, I'm just really friendly."
I turned around in his embrace and leaned in to kiss him in response because honestly he was too cute for mere words. The kiss was received maybe a little too enthusiastically but I was in no mood for complaining as I wrapped myself up in Kurt, and just claimed and reclaimed his lips for what felt like forever.
"Blaine...baby..I'm going to mmmff...need my lips back, there are dumplings that need my attention."
I pulled away in mock terror that he would choose food over a kiss from me, but my stomach chose that particular moment to make me seem like a liar when it rumbled loudly.
"And I see your stomach agrees with me." He kissed me again, this time much shorter, but he tangled his hands in my hair which I had only recently learned was one of his favourite things to do. He pulled away despite my whining for him to come back, the grabby hands I made at him when he got up almost worked but he rolled his eyes.
"Come on babe, dinner's ready. Unless you're not feeling well and then that's fine we can.."
"Sweetheart?" I sat up rubbing my eyes.
"Yeah?"
"Stop rambling, I'm fine love. I'll meet you out their in a second, gotta pee."
"Thank you for the bodily function notice there Mr. Anderson."
Kurt went to leave but not before I responded.
"Hey you said you loved me, that includes all bodily functions and whether or not I chose to share any memos about them."
I smirked and I heard him say dork under his breath. I wondered silently how many times Kurt had muttered under his breathe before when I couldn't hear him.
After relieving myself I looked in the mirror at the tired old soul looking back at me. I looked way older than 24 in my opinion but...I was definitely more rested than I had been in the last week. Between the hospital, the panic attack, my parents, the bank this morning and the new information about my granddad that I didn't even know...this was for sure turning out to be one of the most eventful weeks of my life.
And I had told Kurt I loved him, and he loved me back. Some would say it was too soon, others I'm sure would scoff and ask why we never said it the first night we met. It made me smile that in a time like this I had someone who cared about me as deeply as I cared about him. I wouldn't have thought I would be in this position, being in love really, I had given up hope on ever finding it again. What Tyler and I had was special, but the feelings I seem to be having for that gorgeous man in the other room were so much more that I couldn't place them.
I changed my shirt and smoothed out my hair the best I could because I wasn't at the point where I wanted to be a complete slob around Kurt. I didn't want to scare him away.
Walking into the living room, I felt my anxiety level raise, but in a good way. Kurt had obviously been there a little while. He had tidied up a little, well cleaned is a better way of putting it. He had plated the dinner even though I would tell him that I was fine eating out of the cardboard containers, but he seemed to have had this planned. The room was barely lit, only candles really illuminated the living space, and he had brought out the candelabra that we had used during our first date.
"Surprise baby. If it's too much I can tone it down but I wanted to celebrate you being back home and I thought I would delve into my hardcore romantic nature and break out the candles. No wine though, you can't drink right now, yes I checked with your doctors, Come, sit...these dumplings won't eat themselves but if you don't eat them... I can't be held responsible for their fates."
Kurt continued to ramble before I cupped his cheeks and kissed him, partly in an effort to silence him but I was overcome with my love for the man at such a simple gesture of kindness and love. We stood there for a second, Kurt's hands settling on my hips, kissing slowly for a second before I pulled away very very reluctantly.
"Thank you love. It looks great."
"You're welcome. I just wanted you to know how special you are...so, have a seat and I'll grab you some food!"
He skipped out of my arms and I honestly thought I got a glimpse of an overly exuberant teenage Kurt Hummel just now.
He came back sashaying with a large plate filled with Szechuan goodies and a small bowl of our apparent shared favourite soup with dumplings. I liked spicy food, Kurt said he liked food with actual flavour, so it was no wonder we both loved this restaurant's menu.
Kurt opted out of wine himself, settling on water in favor of not making me feel left out as he launched into the story of his day at my request. Since I could actually hear what this man was saying in greater clarity, I doubted I ever wanted him to stop talking. He could have been reading the phone book aloud and I would have still been smiling at his enthusiasm.
It was an odd thing, Kurt always talked animatedly with his hands, ironically now that I didn't need it from him he was using hand gestures more frequently.
He told me about his horrid exam, that is was way harder than he imagined but after a lot of ego stroking he calmed down and figured he probably passed considering he was actually in the top 4 in his graduate class. He would be a full teacher in no time, I could feel it and he deserved nothing less.
He regaled me about his coffee date with Rachel. She apparently wouldn't stop pestering Kurt about coming to see me and bringing Finn with her because she felt her positive support system aided in the healing process...Kurt told her the biggest help she could give would be the healing power of silent hope and well wishes.
Their friendship amused me, and of course had me laugh as an outsider. Kurt had told me about the close diva on diva relationship they had had at school, ironically it had all started when Rachel and Kurt had both pined over Finn, who was dating a cheerleader at the time.
I could just picture the two, swooning over a guy like Finn, who I had learned was as clueless as they come sometimes, but bonding over similar personality traits. They were both self proclaimed stars with big dreams, larger than life personalities, but each of them had a kind soul. Their friendship was mixed with sarcastic banter and emotional hits under the belt...but it worked for them.
I was oddly glad that Kurt had reconnected with his 'sister', and of course Finn. Finn and Kurt's relationship, apparently also known as Furt in high school we something special as well.
If they could come up from the ashes of a downfallen crush and unsure homophobic feelings, to become the close step brothers who finished each others sentences, then they deserved each other as brothers.
I had learned a lot about the Hudmel-Berry clan in the last few days,and weeks and I knew that Nick and Jeff loved Kurt already, hell Jeff said he wanted to adopt him. So our 'families' were getting closer.
This was why I was contented to eat in silence and listen to Kurt talk on and on about Rachel's and his coffee date, knowing that I was beginning to truly enjoy the conversational topics about Kurt's family, because I found myself entwined with them more each day...it was a nice feeling.
"How are you feeling? I can shut up now if it's too much...ya know, get me started and I don't shut up. My off button is glitchy."
I laughed as Kurt got up to clear our plates. "You done honey?"
When Kurt called me pet names it never ceased to make me smile.
"Y-yeah thanks. And no, I'm feeling just fine, also the candles seem to help with the headaches."
Kurt stood tall and acted very proud of this comment from me.
"I saw that online and it said that minimal stimuli is key, so softer lighting helps. It's multipurpose, romantic and it makes it more comfortable for you."
After placing everything in the sink or garbage respectively, Kurt walked over and extended his hand for me to take. There was a look in his eye that had me raise my own eyebrows in confusion, so he dropped his hand for a moment. He went over to the entertainment unit, the one that I had unplugged a long time ago but apparently Kurt had hooked it back up, and pressed play on the stereo which began to play something very soft and orchestral. I hadn't listened to music in a long time, I was dumbfounded at first, the sounds and then there was Kurt again, standing beside the couch with his arm outstretched again, his arm muscles flexing as he wiggled his fingers at me.
"Wha?"
"C'mere."
I wouldn't have refused him in a million years. Kurt pulled me to him but didn't kiss me, but merely held me, one hand on my waist, the other clasped with my own.
"Dance with me?"
I smiled feeling a little cheeky, "And you get to lead?"
Kurt scoffed and squeezed my hand.
"Hey when you initiate the dance, you can lead. My turn now, plus..." He kissed my right cheek before continuing, " You said you wanted to hear me sing, like actually sing. So, this was a favourite Broadway song of mine from a while ago, but listen to the meaning, and let me dance with you and know it's true."
Kurt slowly lead me in a slow dance as the jazz music tapered off into something a little more woodwind based. He smiled as I recognized the tune instantly from a musical long forgotten but still as timeless as ever.
"I gave up Broadway Blaine, but fell in love with opera. You gave me the courage to love all music again, and see it's beauty, and I'd forgotten how much I love to sing show tunes, so...now that you can hear me.."
"Kurt?"
"This one's for you."
Kurt spun me away from him as he began, and I just fell in love more with the man as he opened his mouth, in a lower register than I could have figured he was capable of...but it was gorgeous to hear.
No one every made me feel like someone
'Til him
Life was really nothing but a glum one
'Til him
He pulled me back to him, and we swayed slowly together, our chests getting closer with every lyric and bar.
My existence bordered on the tragic
Always timid, never took a chance
Then I felt his magic
And my heart began to dance
He spun me with him as his gorgeous voice held the note longer than was probably necessary. I had always wondered what Kurt's voice sounded like when it was at rest and not with its high operatic strain, and now I loved it, now I heard it.
I was always frightened, fraught with worry...
'Til him
He looked me in the eyes this time, truly meaning what he said, and I felt the magic he spoke of, I knew the dance in my heart was for him as he swayed holding me closely.
I was going nowhere in a hurry
'Til him
He filled up my empty life
Filled it to the brim
There could never ever be
Another one...like him
He stopped and looked at me for a second, and both of us were smiling and wondering just how much of that song really applied to us as a new couple, and we both seemed to know as our gaze shifted to understanding adoration. Neither one of us had been complete as people until we met the other. That much was clear now.
He filled up my empty life
So I joined him briefly in song, so he knew I was on the same page and felt the same. My life was no longer half empty, but finally emerging half full.
Filled it to the brim
Kurt finished the song, strong but soft and I wondered who could have ever closed a Broadway door on a talent, beauty, and amazing person like Kurt Hummel.
There could never ever be
Another one ... like him
No question were asked, the tears threatening to escape both of our eyes were enough to solidify that nothing needed to be said. The kiss that sealed the deal with our hearts had mine exploding with the sheer volume of affection I had for the man, but I had to tell him, I had to tell him I heard everything that that song had meant.
"Kurt, baby your voice...that song...I just, thank you for loving me that much. I don't even know how to tell you I feel the same."
Kurt hummed and kept swaying with me, his face buried in the crook of my neck humming in appreciation as yet another slow song emerged from Kurt's perfectly chosen play list. This time it was Frank Sinatra's Just the way you look tonight which was playing in the background.
"You do tell me, with everything you do. I'm glad you liked the song, and know I meant it."
We just stayed like that for a long time, dancing, swaying, and sharing the occasional kiss. As much as I wanted more my heart was content to hold him like this and finally allow myself to be held in return, and just enjoyed the music, something I know we both couldn't let ourselves do before.
XXXX
The ringing in my ears had gotten a little worse as the night went on but it had subsided once Kurt made me take my meds again as instructed, and got me to lie down with him once we had changed for the evening. Kurt didn't have anything the next day, having handed off planning for the Christmas recital to Sean and since his students had the day with their full time teacher he had the next day to spend with me.
So we laid in bed, listening to music yet again, this becoming a new favourite thing to do with Kurt, and just rested comfortably in each others arms allowing my head the chance to relax with lessened stimuli.
"So...what was all that about the bank that you wanted to tell me. My blabbering kind of took up all of tonight's dinner conversation."
"Oh yeah, I also got distracted when this gorgeous guy asked me to dance and serenaded me. Got lost in the movie musical moment." I teased.
"You loved it."
"I did. Hand me my satchel over there, I guess I should open all the paperwork from the bank, at least then I can tell you all about my adventures in finance."
Kurt smiled and just reached over to the other side of the bed on the floor and picked up my bag. I opened it retrieving the large envelopes and small one from the deposit box as well as the print out of the balance from my account.
I told Kurt about the apparent mystery account that my granddad had been keeping until I was given my trust fund. It wasn't lost on me that my grandfather had been the only really supportive force aside from Cooper once I had come out, albeit unconventionally. Kurt seemed unfazed by my family's secretiveness so I opened the large envelopes first.
In one was a small note and my granddad's old pocket watch that I used to play with as a child.
The note read:
Blaine, I didn't want to risk this getting lost when the family sorted out my estate, so since you loved it so much it's yours. Hopefully it keeps time for you as well as it did for me.
-Granddad
I smiled and Kurt just looked over the gorgeous piece once I handed it to him, moving his hands over it delicately as if it would break.
"It's beautiful Blaine, no wonder you were so fond of it."
"Yeah." I was getting choked up thinking about the memories I had with that watch and my grandfather sitting in his parlour, pipe in hand talking to me about all the great literature him and I were going to read together. Dickens, Mowat, Bronte, every time I opened and old book I thought of him, and now with this watch I at least had a piece to remind me of the man as well.
Kurt and I were sitting now on the bed cross legged and facing one another as we sorted and looked through the paperwork and smiling fondly about a man I knew so well, and one that I knew I wouldn't be able to introduce Kurt to.
The second envelope had a copy of sheet music and another note.
Hey little one, This was something your grandma and I worked on after I graduated from Stanford. I guess you never knew she was quite adept at music too. Where else do you think you got your chops from kid? We never finished it, and maybe it's better that way, but if you ever decide to continue it for us, I know you'll do us proud Blaine.
Granddad.
"He sounds like an amazing man."
I sniffled a little and popped my ears because the pressure from crying was making my ear feel clogged. Of all my family members I really wish that I could have called granddad now and told him all about my life, the music I was writing, and the struggles I had gone through. I wish he could have known the man that I had become and I would have loved for him to know that I had found salvation in a man so much like myself and yet so different.
"Yeah, he really was, can you hand me that small envelope and print out? I just want to see what kind of money I'm working with, and what other craziness my granddad's left me."
"Sure...Blaine?" Kurt handed me the paper not looking at it but looking into my eyes, focusing my attention and seemingly reading my mind from a moment before.
"He would have been proud of you, you know, your granddad. I know I didn't know him, but he sounded like a kind soul, I'm sure there's a lot of you in him."
Never were words spoken that I wanted to believe more. I just nodded and took the sheet of paper, dropping it before opening the small envelope first.
Yet another note but this one was composed in the form of a letter.
Blaine,
I assume that you opened these out of order because it wouldn't be you if you opened them in the same fashion as everyone else, small to large, always to the beat of your own drum kid.
As you have seen, I left you another amount of money from my company that was only accessible to you once you had access to your trust fund. I'm sorry about the secretiveness of it all but I assure it was done so that you wouldn't dwindle your money all at once in New York. I know what it was like being a teenager who finally escaped on his own, and this extra money will help you along your way, I just wish I could have been there to celebrate with you.
Since your reading this, I guess I have passed on and I hope that you weren't too saddened by it Blaine. Celebrate my life, never mourn my death.
You were always a sensitive kid and your upbringing wasn't what I really would have wanted for my grandson. You had it harder than Cooper did kid, but that wasn't your fault, that was my son's fault for not believing in his son for who he truly was.
I have always supported you in whatever you wanted to do with your life and if it's music, teaching, law, journalism, or running a circus, I know that you will be great at it because everything you have ever invested yourself in, had your whole self, nothing held back.
That's a characteristic trait that few have and you should cherish it as an Anderson and as man Blaine.
No doubt you have grown into a fantastic young man and I know there's some brilliantly kind and handsome man who will take care of you, as you will for him. I just wish I could have met the man that would truly make my youngest grandson happy. If you haven't found him yet, keep looking, he's out there I know it.
This money, Blaine, is for your future. I worked hard in the past so that my family could live well and reach for their dreams and I hope this helps you along the way. Be wary of money Blaine, once you have some, you'll want more, this was my predicament but I managed to save myself from it by investing in my grandsons. Cooper has received a similar note from me, he got it when he received his trust fund, probably around the same time as you , so you should be hearing from him soon as well.
Keep your family close, but never forget who you are, some ties are thicker than family, I know this, and as I'm sure you know this. Never let Charles or your mother let you think differently on this...or on yourself.
Keep an eye on Cooper too, take care of him, and be mindful of the things you do in the future, but never be afraid to let go. Fly across the world, meet new people, expand your horizons and love like it's the last thing you'll ever do.
I love you Blaine, and never doubt that or that I'm proud of you and the person you have always chosen to be. If you ever become a famous composer or musician, if you're the first gay president, or if you're happy teaching the younger generation that tolerance is key to a happy life, just remember your grand-mum and I.
This is my gift to you, my family, and your family when you choose to have one. You'll make an excellent granddad one day...I always tried to be that for you. You may have had hardships, hopefully my family legacy with make your future easier. Don't you dare say it's too much, you boys are my grandson's, let me do this for you.
All the best, and say hi to your future partner for me with all my love.
"Live long and Prosper" ;) - sorry I had to-
Alex (aka Granddad)
I dropped the letter on the bed and just sighed with a happy smile as I gestured for Kurt to read it. I never gauged his reactions to it, I knew he would be as moved as I was by the gesture of love and understanding. I only wish I could have told him how much he meant to me, even before I read this note, but never more than after I had.
"What an amazing man. For someone from his generation, he had an incredibly tolerant look towards the world. This letter's just beautiful honey, I'm glad he wrote it for you."
I had only been half listening to Kurt, my eyes had now drifted to the printout paper in my hands from the bank, and I nearly choked on my own tongue.
"OH MY GOD HE'S INSANE!" I clutched my own ear, I hadn't expected myself to sound that loud. I really had to learn to master my volume control again.
"I say amazing, you say insane..." Kurt tried to be sarcastic but then caught the shocked expression on my face and knew that I wasn't kidding.
"...what? Honey you're scaring me what's wrong?"
I was shocked, looking at my balance I noticed that the teller at the bank had definitely been on the right page when she asked if I wanted investment help because this was too much to really put a label on it.
"K-Kurt, please don't judge me when I s-show you this...I just...wow I think my life just blew up, I just...well.."
"What is it Blaine, did he leave you a lot or something?"
"O-or something."
Kurt looked at it and squealed into his hands.
"Well fuck me sideways!"
I couldn't help but grin at him, he was such a little kid sometimes, a kid with no filter on his mouth when he was shocked or amazed.
"Blaine...y-you're a millionaire...ho-ly shit!"
Looking at the statement again the words from the letter rang out true, even though this was a ridiculous amount of money, I knew exactly what he was trying to do.
This is my gift to you, my family, and your family when you choose to have one. You'll make an excellent granddad one day...I always tried to be that for you.
Deposit - $11,235,813.21
Fibonacci, figures he'd have to have a little math laugh at the time.
Holy shit. I had to get in touch with Cooper.
Ta da! Okay so fluff and sweet and wow holy fuck Blainers your granddad is awesome! I based his grandfather on my own. He was a giant nerd ahead of his time, always loving to throw in a math joke or a literary reference just because he could, said it stimulated the brain, and that's where I got Alex Anderson. It was Alex's guidance that molded Blaine into the old soul that we see, the antiques and old fashioned decor in his home, the novels he reads, etc.
In case you are unfamiliar with the Fibonacci sequence, it a series of numbers in which each number is the sum of the two preceding numbers...i.e 0 and 1 equals 1. 1 and 1 equals 2. 2 and 3 equals 5...and so on. Super geek moment I know but hey...my nerd is showing :D
Next chapter, I bring in Cooper...and we find out where the hell he's been since all this happened and why he never answered Blaine.
The song was obviously 'Til Him' from the Producers. Matthew Broderick has an amazing voice and I would die to hear Kurt sing this song. I left out the duet part with Nathan Lane for the purposes of this story, but the meaning was so true it had to be shared.
So good? I just had to keep writing after the last chapter and I wanted to get this out as soon as humanly possible before I burst.
I had always intended on showing some of Blaine's family in a good light at some point, we all knew the family was loaded but having it be Alex's money, allowed his gift to Blaine and Cooper be that much more special.
Review and let me know what you thought. A lot was covered in this chapter so I need the feedback.
So Christmas and Cooper in the next chap, cheers ladies and gentle folk...I hope I reaffirmed your faith in me with this chapter.
xoxxo