The Storm: Reconciliation
Chapter Forty-Two
By Gayforkurt
Summary: Kurt and Dave have come to terms with the past but can they battle the envy and jealousy of others to make a future for themselves? This is rated M.
Disclaimer: Messrs. Ryan, Falchuk, et al are the owners of my favorite boys. Only the OCs and situations belong to me, alas.
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KHDK
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Kurt was beginning to get suspicious. For days now, David had been on the phone, talking to his family, people overseas and, at one point, even Mercedes. Yet every time that Kurt asked him what was going on, his lover would look at him wide-eyed and say he didn't know what he was talking about. Kurt grinned to himself ruefully; he had even tried asking Carole who couldn't keep a secret to save her life but he'd had no joy there.
Now he figured he'd guilt Mercedes into telling him what was going on. He waited as her phone rang and then prepared his most pathetic voice, smiling in anticipation of the little drama.
"Hey, boo, what's up? We still on for the weekend?" Mercedes bubbly voice almost sang down the line she was so upbeat.
"'Cedes," Kurt paused to let a soft little sigh escape. "I-I don't know what's happening." He sniffled and then started again. "I th-think David is hiding things from me!"
The last three words ended on a soft wail and he grinned to himself as he waited for her no doubt horrified response. He was to be disappointed.
Mercedes, sitting back in her office chair and spinning around to face the huge window behind her, smirked as she listened to her boy try to play her. As if she hadn't helped him perfect some of his act when they were teenagers!
Now she heaved a huge, put-upon sigh. "Kurt Hummel – really? I know you're trying to play me, white boy, and it's not on. You know your David worships the ground you walk on, right?"
Kurt had an unpleasant, brief spurt of guilt and then dropped the act. "But 'Cedes, I want to know what's going on and no one will tell me!"
She laughed at him. "Yes, well, there's a reason for that. It's called a 'surprise'."
Kurt pouted even though she couldn't see him but he knew she could at least hear it. "I don't know if I like surprises… and Carole didn't even break when I questioned her."
Mercedes, still staring out her office window, shook her head. "Baby boy, don't be a brat. You know Dave just wants to pamper you so let the man have his fun, okay? Stop harassing him!"
Kurt subsided, feeling a little bad about having badgered them when they only wanted to do something nice for him. He really loved his family and friends; he was so lucky and he didn't do anything to deserve them.
"Yeah, you're right. I just like to be in control, I guess."
"You guess!" She scoffed loudly before laughing. "Boy, if you met the President today within five minutes you'd be telling him how to run the damn country!"
They both shared a laugh before hanging up, Kurt reminding her to be at the house by six o'clock.
"Will do, sweetie, and no pouting at Dave now, okay?" She hung up the phone and smiled to herself. Kurt hadn't really changed much over the years and she liked that just fine.
Back at the house Kurt was flinging himself on the bed and debating whether to go harass David or Dana; he was feeling a little bored with this month-long vacation already. He thought of calling Will, his agent, but changed his mind.
As he laid there, stretching like a Siamese cat on the silky counterpane, his hand brushed against a solid object beneath one of the pillows. He rolled over onto his stomach and withdrew the object, a smile lighting his face as he looked at it. Sitting up quickly he flipped the lid of the box open, his eyes widening as he stared at its contents.
His mouth fell open as he read the card inside the box: To my favorite harem slave. Love always.
Oh my!
Kurt stared in awe at a bracelet that he knew must be about $30,000 worth of black diamonds in six rows on white gold. It could have looked gaudy but the perfectly sized stones prevented that and his heart skipped a beat as he continued to stare at it.
David had given him several breathtaking bracelets over Christmas – and his personal favorite from the island – but this one was so eye-catching and unusual, he couldn't help but stare.
He began to smile as he thought back to the words on the card. He had thoroughly enjoyed the fulfillment of his fantasy and he knew David had too but, wow, this was some serious gift!
He sprang out of the bed, not even waiting to put shoes on and dashed down the stairs to David's office. As he burst into the room, he didn't even register that his fiancé was not alone; he simply sprang into his arms and peppered his face with little kisses.
"Mmmmpf, Kurt, ah, sweetie, wh-what…?" Dave struggled with his beloved armful as he looked over Kurt's shoulder at his guests, shrugging apologetically.
"Kurt, babe, we have visitors." He watched as realization crept over his lover's face, smiling at the accompanying blush, and released him so he could turn around.
There, smirking at him was his father and Carole who was blushing and giggling at him and David. Kurt took a deep breath, hoping his flush would subside quickly, and hurried over to hug his parents.
"Dad, Carole, I didn't know you were here!" Kisses were exchanged and then he went to perch on the side of David's desk, the box in his hand all but forgotten.
"Oh, we got here a little while ago but we had some business with Dave first." Burt looked him over carefully. "Feeling better now, kiddo?"
Kurt smiled happily at his family and glanced quickly at David. "Oh yes, never better! In fact, look what I discovered just now!"
He turned the box so it was facing them and opened it slowly, enjoying the look of anticipation on their faces. He heard David chuckle behind him and suppressed his own.
The twin looks of stunned awe on their faces was priceless. Kurt burst into giggles as Carole's eyes widened and her fingers reached out to stroke the bracelet.
"Oh my goodness, David, that is absolutely stunning!" Carole blushed as she tried to contain herself but really, she had never really seen that many black diamonds in one piece of jewelry before. She did recall the black and white diamond bracelet Dave had given Kurt over Christmas but this was in another class altogether.
Kurt nodded. "I know, right? David," he turned to his smug fiancé and pouted at him. "Baby, you have to stop doing that."
Dave frowned at him now. "Why? It gives me pleasure to give you beautiful things. In fact, I take it as my solemn duty to shower you with gifts, okay? Let me have my fun, please."
Kurt's face softened as David muttered that last part and, handing over the box to his stepmom, he moved into David's arms again, resting his head on his chest as he nodded.
"I do love it, it's absolutely gorgeous. I was just a little overwhelmed because it's not my birthday or anything."
Dave rubbed his back comfortingly while Burt watched them with a little smile in his eyes. The two reminded him so much of when he and Kurt's mother had first been married. Every time he gave her a gift she would protest that it wasn't her birthday or an anniversary or something. He had told her something pretty much like what Dave had just said. He looked over at Carole still oohing and aahing over the jewelry and smiled, realizing that, though Elizabeth had been his first love, he loved Carole just as much now. He was, indeed, lucky to find love like that twice in his lifetime.
They had come over to complete some business with Dave of which they were to say nothing to Kurt and to give him some news he was sure his son's fiancé would love to hear. Carole had had a long, stern talk with Finn, trying to get to the bottom of his problem with Kurt and when she had finished with him, the boy had promised to right things with his stepbrother.
It had all come to a head when Rachel had broken down one day while visiting them with the babies. She told them she had been so distressed by the seemingly unwarranted antipathy of her husband towards his stepbrother that they had quarreled bitterly. She confided to them that Finn had always been somewhat homophobic though he had been nothing but respectful to her two dads.
Burt had been livid when he listened to the girl cry her eyes out and he knew Carole had been just as upset. He had decided to leave the talk to Carole though as he was her son but he had promised himself that if it had not turned out well, he was going to have to get serious on Finn's ass. No one was going to make his son feel unwelcome in his own home, he vowed.
Thankfully, Finn, who had been tense and on edge since the confrontation with Dave in his office, had confessed to his mom that he hadn't known why he always reacted to Kurt the way he did. He truly didn't hate his stepbrother; he didn't reveal though that Kurt made him feel things he wished he didn't.
Finally, at the end of two painful hours, Carole had elicited from him the promise that he would apologize to Kurt and make an effort to get along with him and his fiancé. Carole had let him know in no uncertain terms that she hoped to get grandbabies from them and she was not going to let Finn's stupidity screw that up.
Finn had stared at her wide-eyed because his mom NEVER ever swore but when he looked at her face he knew she was deadly serious. He'd gulped and nodded rapidly, shrinking back into the kitchen chair as she lectured him. He felt like a little kid again and he promised himself that he would straighten things out with Kurt, preferably before they left Ohio the next week.
Now Burt watched as the two men separated and Kurt came over to perch on the arm of Carole's chair, the two of them falling into their usual chatter about non-macho things that Burt barely understood. He knew he was not as evolved as his son but he was proud of his beautiful, talented boy and ecstatic – though he refused to show it – that he'd found a good man like David.
Dave cleared his throat and when everyone looked at him he smiled. "Well, hey, why don't we go out to lunch today?"
Kurt smiled at him and nodded eagerly. "Yes! Great idea, sweetie, I'll go get dressed while you three continue your oh-so-mysterious meeting, eh?" He raised his eyebrow haughtily at them but spoiled it when a little giggle slipped free.
"Yeah, yeah, go get pretty while us adults talk some more business," Dave teased him and gasped when Kurt stole a quick kiss from him. He flushed as he heard Carole laugh but shook his head as his sexy, devious lover bounded out of the room. He could hear him humming all the way up the stairs and he cocked his head to listen, oblivious to the stares of the other two.
"Mmmm, okay," he muttered as he came back mentally to his guests. "Where were we…"
Upstairs, Kurt was going through his wardrobe, having already showered, and selected a gorgeous cranberry red cashmere top, dark-chocolate slacks and a pale peach-and-cream wool scarf. He quickly rubbed some product into his hair, styled it and then stared at himself, wondering if his face was too pale and if it needed help. He decided the color of his top would give him the color he needed and proceeded to get dressed. Despite his penchant for deliberating over his ensemble, he never took longer than needed to get changed.
Finally, he slipped his feet into comfortable suede boots, slipped on his watch and a gold and diamond bracelet and he was out the door and down the stairs. His parents and David were in the foyer by the time he made his appearance and once again, the look on his fiancé's face was enough to make him happy with his clothing choices. David always looked at him as if he wished they could go back upstairs and forget about wherever they had planned on going.
He blushed a bit because his parents were observing their little interaction as David slid a strong arm around his waist, pulling him in to drop a kiss on a warm cheek.
"Alright, alright, you two; at this rate we'd be in time for dinner not lunch!" Burt Hummel's gruff observation only made the others chuckle and as coats were retrieved and donned, Dave excused himself to talk to Dana in the kitchen.
When he walked in Puck was there so he included him in the conversation. "We're just taking the parents out to lunch; will you be here when we get back, Dana?"
She raised an eyebrow, tilting her head a bit curiously. It wasn't often that Mr. Karofsky spoke directly with her; it was usually Kurt who hung out in the kitchen, chatting up a storm while he watched her work.
"Yes, I don't leave until 5 o'clock. Do you wish to speak to me about something?" She was very perceptive and she'd noticed Kurt sneaking about for the last couple of days trying to figure out what secret Mr. David was keeping from him. She knew in her gut that it was something good; the man loved his fiancé with all his heart so it stood to reason. Now she wondered herself what was happening… or about to happen.
"Yes," he smiled and turned to include Puck. "I'm planning something and I want it to be a surprise for Kurt. He can be pretty devious so I've had to stay very tight-lipped in case anything slipped out, okay?"
She smiled widely, having guessed right and nodded. "I'm glad and I'm sure he'll be very happy with his 'surprise'."
Puck nodded and then looked seriously at Dave. "Is it something you're going to need my 'skills' for?"
Dave thought for a second but then shook his head. "No, I don't think so. But hey, the folks are waiting; I'll talk to you both when I get back."
With a nod he was out the door, noticing that Kurt and his parents were standing out by the shiny red late model Lincoln MKS he'd leased when they'd arrived. The day was bright and clear and not as cold as late winter used to be in Ohio. He unlocked it with a touch to the key chain and as Burt helped Carole in, he did the same to Kurt, much to his fiancé's annoyance.
"I'm not a girl," he hissed but Dave simply chuckled as he watched him slide his sexy self into the passenger seat. He quickly went around to the driver's side and as he settled himself he announced: "I was thinking Italian; sound good?"
There was a chorus of yeses and he grinned as they moved off down the driveway. He really enjoyed that his reclusive behavior over the years allowed him to move about pretty much unmolested. There weren't likely to be paparazzi in relatively quiet, non-metropolitan cities like Westerville or Columbus, where they were headed for lunch.
Kurt settled back and inhaled that lovely, new car smell and admired the upholstery of the Lincoln. The car was roomy enough for their long legs and the ride was very smooth, the powerful engine purring as Dave headed towards the restaurant he'd selected.
He smiled as Dave reached over his right hand to grasp Kurt's left, his finger rubbing over Kurt's engagement ring. David was a tactile person and Kurt smiled at the thought that he'd found someone who fit him so well.
The restaurant Dave had chosen wasn't very far from their house and within 20 minutes they were at Marinetti's. They were seated and sipping drinks in another ten after making their menu selections when their server came over with a complimentary platter of antipasto.
When Kurt saw the prosciutto, briny olives, roasted red peppers, marinated artichokes and mushrooms and pepperoncini, chunks of Parmesan and fresh mozzarella he turned a jaundiced eye on his dad and muttered for only his ears: 'moderation, dad!'
Burt chuckled and helped himself along with everyone else shaking his head at the fact that Kurt had not really changed at all. He did restrain himself though because he knew he was in for a treat when his entrée arrived, having ordered the penne with meat sauce. Carole beside him had ordered fettuccine alfredo and Kurt and Dave were sharing a pasta pie, which Burt had never heard of. When it came he saw that it was meat sauce and pasta baked inside of a thick, buttery pie crust and he admitted it smelled fantastic.
The family enjoyed their lunch so much that talking was at a minimum; there were just satisfied hums of approval as the delicious food disappeared slowly. They shared a bottle of house red but interspersed that with glasses of water as it was lunch time and not dinner. Kurt smiled to himself as he sat there in the comfortable family ambiance of the high-end restaurant. He really could get used to the high life of a kept man but he knew he would be bored silly if he didn't get to use his talents. This, though, he thoroughly enjoyed as he watched his family devour the good, hearty food.
When Carole cleared her throat pointedly he came back from his reverie to smile at her. "Yes, Carole?"
"Well, sweetie, I was just wondering if they have a dessert menu," she said too innocently, her eyes flicking towards David in a very devious way. Kurt at first didn't pick up on it but then realization dawned and he pinked, glancing quickly at David and then looking back at her. He cleared his throat before answering.
"Oh, no, I don't think I could take a message, I'm so full," he chuckled as David looked between them curiously.
"Oh, but you love Tiramisu so much!" Carole's bright blue eyes were wide as she tried to subdue her giggles, a dimple popping up in each plump cheek. Kurt couldn't hold his own giggles back and he shook his head at her.
"You are very naughty, Mrs. Hummel! No, thank you, I will not be having dessert at the moment," he sniffed with his nose pointed haughtily in the air after he controlled himself.
Burt and Dave looked at each other, wondering what had got into their respective partners. They simply sat and watched them turn pinker as they tried to restrain their wayward humor.
There was no way Kurt was going to enlighten David in his dad's presence. He really had not been aware that the sounds he made when eating desserts were considered orgasmic until that time in London when Carole had pointed it out. The memory was enough to heat his cheeks, seriously!
They finally headed back to the house, replete with both good food and good company and when Burt said they would head back home immediately, Carole and Kurt hugged and whispered with only a few stray giggles floating on the late afternoon air.
Dave was glad he'd got his business with fiancé's parents straightened out and he smiled as he waved them off, standing in front of the house with his arm around Kurt's waist. He dropped a lingering kiss on the dark, fragrant hair and sighed in satisfaction. His plans for the rest of their vacation were falling quite nicely into place and he only had to keep it secret from Kurt for maybe another week. He hoped he could hold on in the face of Kurt's escalating blandishments. The boy could be very determined when he wanted something.
They headed back inside and when Kurt said he was going to lie down for a little while, Dave said he would join him shortly, a heat in his eyes that made Kurt's blood tingle in anticipation.
Dave watched him skip up the stairs, the sight of that world-class ass in those tight pants enough to distract him from the task he had planned. When Kurt was out of sight he called Puck on the intercom and asked him to join him and Dana in the kitchen.
Five minutes later he was laying out his ideas and hopes before them and enjoining them not to let anything slip to his persistent husband-to-be. He noticed a satisfied expression creeping across Dana's face as she smiled softly. Dave knew the housekeeper had a soft spot for Kurt; indeed, most women of a certain age seemed to feel his fiancé needed mothering. Dave shook his head; it must be a vibe he gave off because Dave couldn't understand it himself. He smiled as he remembered how Mama Affleck had sworn to fatten Kurt up if she got her hands on him long enough and Eddy wasn't too far behind her in that plan.
With that settled and Puck nodding in approval he thanked them and headed upstairs to join his beautiful lover in an afternoon of sensual delight, starting no doubt as he knew Kurt so well, with a luxuriating bath in their whirlpool tub.
He was unbuttoning his shirt even before he reached the top of the stairs and he noted his pants were already uncomfortably tight as his mind's eyes saw Kurt, pale and gleaming and beautiful, waiting for him in the en suite's huge tub. That boy definitely had a love affair with water, no matter what he protested, but Dave didn't mind at all. A wet and horny Kurt Hummel was a joy to behold and savor, oh yes!
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KHDK
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Kurt gasped and shuddered as David slid forcefully into him, tagging his prostate on each pass. "Oh, god, David, oh baby, mmmmf," he moaned, his hand coming up to grab the back of Dave's neck.
Dave responded by biting down on the juncture of neck shoulder, feeling Kurt tighten around him as he slammed back on his pulsing cock. He was doing everything to hold back on the orgasm signaling its arrival in the small of his back. He slid one large hand around to pump Kurt's cock and hasten his climax because he was hanging on here by his fingernails, as it were.
Kurt responded with a loud wail and spurted over David's fist as he simultaneously clamped down on his lover's plunging cock. Dave followed him over the edge and ground in one last time to bury his seed deep in the hot, silky channel.
"Uh, uh, uh, ohhhh gawd, oh Kurt, oh baby, ohhhh," Dave moaned as he buried his head in Kurt's damp hair, both hands now gripping the slender hips and keeping Kurt tight to him as he emptied every last drop inside him.
Kurt held them up against the tub, thankful again for its huge size and grinned to himself as he listened to David behind him. His poor lover was utterly wiped and he mischievously clenched his ass one last time just to hear the man whimper.
Dave responded by flicking the tip of Kurt's no doubt sensitive cock and chuckled breathily at his outraged muttering. He straightened up and ran one large hand down the long, sinuous back, admiring the perfection of Kurt's skin.
The tub was one of their favorite places for their favorite activity as it also incorporated Kurt's protested love of the water. Now Dave eased himself gently from Kurt's body, all the while admiring the beautiful ass that gave him so much pleasure, visually and otherwise. He smiled when Kurt, knowing what he was doing, wiggled said ass and looked over his shoulder at him, a saucy smirk on his face.
"You know, sweetie, a picture would last longer," and laughed as Dave's eyes lit up.
"Babe, that's a great idea! I could commission a painting of you just for my own viewing pleasure," and proceeded to ignore Kurt's protests that he'd just been kidding!
"Oh, no, I love it. You are the most beautiful person I know; to me you are a living work of art and I really want to do this. Please?" Dave didn't often go the puppy-dog-eyes route but he was determined to get his way in this.
By this time they had rinsed off and were getting out of the tub. He dried himself off as he watched Kurt doing the same, realizing that all he said was true and wondering how Kurt couldn't see how special he was.
"But, David, sweetie, I-I know I'm fabulous but… you're talking what… oil? As in I'd have to sit for some artist I don't know for however long?" Kurt realized his lover was, indeed, serious about this and wished he'd kept his big mouth shut.
Dave nodded vigorously as they made their way into the bedroom, Kurt doing his usual routine, of course.
"I don't know, really. I think these days they work from a series of photographs or something. I could check it out but I think it's a perfect idea. A gift to myself – though I have the real live beauty anyway."
He watched faint color run from Kurt's chest up to his smooth cheeks and smiled. He absolutely loved how easily Kurt flushed as it was a reminder of how white and smooth his skin was. He sometimes seemed to glow and Dave meant every word of what he'd said. His fiancé was a real live beauty and preserving that for posterity could only benefit the world.
Kurt shook his head as he could feel David still staring at him, settling down to watch him go through his usual skin care regimen. He'd always been admired for his skin and certain features but nobody made him feel as beautiful as David and if he really wanted to do this project then he would give in graciously.
"Okay, sweetie, if you really want to do this, we will – but on one condition. I get to choose the artist, okay?"
Dave nodded happily; whatever the concession he was happy that Kurt had given in. His love for this man knew no bounds and, come Friday at the family dinner, he was going to let Kurt know how much he meant to him. He had an engagement present that was going to knock his so-stylish boots off, oh yes.
He reclined against the pillows; he couldn't wait to see Kurt's face and he hoped that Puck remembered the camera. He had to capture it all so one day he could show their children what a truly surprised Kurt Hummel looked like.
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KHDK
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Kurt was humming with anticipation as he got dressed Friday evening. He knew that 'Cedes was coming to join them and that Finn, too, would be present but he was so stoked that not even his stepbrother's potentially unpleasant company could dim his excitement.
David had told him to dress up for this occasion and Kurt had known then that his surprise would be revealed to him that night. Now he hummed happily to himself, his mind briefly recalling he'd promised to surprise David and dedicate a new album to him sometime later this year. Maybe after the season in Milan, he thought as he surveyed his outfit in the full-length mirror.
He'd chosen to wear one of his favorite Dolce & Gabbana ensembles that featured a very theatrical smoking jacket boasting a subdued but stunning color palette of bronze, black and antique gold embroidery over a simple ivory silk turtle neck top. He'd decided on tight, burgundy pants and soft black ankle-high boots with a slight heel.
His jewelry was simply his favorite diamond and ruby Patek Phillipe watch, a solid gold bracelet that David had given him at Christmas and, of course, his engagement ring.
His hair was up and away from his face and he'd left the back layers to lie in wisps against his collar. He'd darkened his lashes and worn a bit of concealer but his lips were only graced by a smear of organic lip balm. Their deep pink color needed no artificial aid as David's constant kisses served to keep them looking flushed.
His eyes swept over his reflection critically, noting to himself that he would soon need a trim but he was more than satisfied with his appearance. He did look, even if he thought so himself, to be a fitting consort to a billionaire and a small smiled bowed his lips into his familiar Mona Lisa smile.
He stifled a gasp as David's smiling visage suddenly appeared behind his shoulder and he relaxed as strong arms slid around his waist to pull him back against the muscular body. He could feel that his fiancé was a little turned on and it made him feel a little aroused too, bringing a faint flush to his cheeks.
Dave smiled when he saw the faint color and guessed at the reason for its appearance. He brushed his bulge against the enticing buttocks before him and murmured: "You look so good, I could eat you up right now."
Kurt's lashes fluttered down to conceal his jewel-bright eyes and he smiled coyly at his lover's reflection. "You almost always look at me that way and it's a little disconcerting especially when we are in public."
Dave smirked at him as Kurt's eyes smiled at him in the mirror. "What, you want me to stop? Never!"
He chuckled as Kurt giggled happily and snuggled back against him. Dave had, of course, been ready and dressed almost a half an hour before Kurt and Kurt admired now how the black velvet jacket stretched across the broad shoulders. He'd teamed it with a silky black faux-turtle neck sweater and black slacks and boots. The only relief in the stark ensemble was a black and gold pocket square and an expensive chain from which hung a gold pendant. It was simple, sexy and, to Kurt's mind, made him devastatingly handsome. All that black just seemed to make his fiancé's eyes glow a predatory amber.
He smiled now as he surveyed the picture they made together. Kurt realized that David had chosen his color scheme to be the perfect foil for Kurt's ensemble and he kissed him now in appreciation. He let him nibble softly on his lips, his back still to David's front as he grasped his arms, and rubbed his butt against the insistent bulge.
Dave released the tempting mouth reluctantly for they had to go down to greet the family and friends who were gathering tonight. He wanted this night to be memorable for them and he had a feeling it would be. He'd gone to a lot of effort and expended a lot of resources just to see Kurt's face light up later when the surprise was revealed.
Now he stepped back, waited for Kurt to finish fussing with his hair and held out his hand for him to take. The brilliant smile he received made his heart swell and he almost wondered what he'd done in a previous life to deserve all this now.
They made their way downstairs and Kurt smiled at all the gleaming lights that highlighted the house's beautiful features. He really had come to love the place and he hoped he could persuade David to make an offer for it when they were leaving.
The new foyer table he and Mercedes had picked out looked particularly splendid and he was happy with its positioning. He moved into the drawing room and then gasped at the amazing floral decorations that now stood on almost every flat surface. He spun around as he took in the two-storey space, his eyes wide and happy.
Dave watched him and chuckled to himself. Dana had done an epic job of enhancing the room's already beautiful décor and he knew the deep, rich colors of the floral arrangements would catch every eye. She and a group of assistants had set up everything rather hurriedly while Kurt had been taking his own sweet time upstairs primping and getting ready.
From the kitchen the smell of the night's feast wafted outward and he reminded himself that there were wines to open so they could breathe and others to put on ice. He knew that Dana would have already prepped everything but he felt, as the evening was his idea, he ought to have some input in its preparation, too.
Kurt bestowed the most beautiful smile on him as he came over to hug him. "Oh, sweetie, I can't _ I don't know when or how you managed all of this! Thank you so much."
Dave dropped a kiss on the smooth forehead, careful not to dislodge a single strand of the gleaming hair and replied: "You have to thank Dana, too. She really was a hand at getting this set up at such short notice."
Kurt nodded and promised himself to speak with her on Monday. He released David now just as Puck, Devon and Ian came in to join them. The men looked handsome in suits that fit their muscular bodies to perfection. Devon looked especially good as he was wearing an ice-blue tie that went amazingly with his bright eyes and his auburn hair was pulled back with a black tie. Ian was wearing a rather sexy dark grey jacket with a Nehru collar that suited his stern features surprisingly well. He gave off an air of well-dressed menace that was so much a part of him that Kurt could only smile. He wouldn't be surprised if the taciturn man was hiding a weapon on his body somewhere.
Puck, who had eschewed a tie, was wearing a midnight blue suit and matching shirt with a silver string bolo featuring a stunning turquoise embedded in it. He did look a little uncomfortable when Kurt's wide eyes stared at him in admiration but he manfully stopped himself from uttering one of his usual little double entendres.
Kurt smirked now. "My, don't we look civilized tonight," and chuckled when Devon made a sweeping bow. "You really do clean up quite well, Noah. I know it's in my honor so thank you."
He laughed out loud as faint color swept the chiseled cheeks but decided to put the tanned man out of his misery. He turned to David and smiled again. "I'm so excited, sweetie; I know you planned something and no one would tell me what, but I trust you."
He leaned up to peck David on the cheek and stepped back when he heard a car come up the driveway. They turned to look towards the foyer as headlights swept across the front of the house and Puck headed to get the door.
Soon Burt, Carole, Finn and Rachel were all bustling into the house amid a welter of greetings and Kurt felt a little bubble of happiness form inside him. His family and friends were all going to be here tonight and he didn't know if he could contain himself. Whatever Dave had in store for him almost didn't matter; he was surrounded by a wealth of company and that was more than most people had.
As he greeted his family he heard another car pulling up and when Puck opened the door he was met with a squeal as Mercedes rushed inside. She engulfed Kurt in her perfumed embrace, leaning back to tell him how fantastic he looked and Kurt felt like the years had never passed and they were the same teenagers they had been.
There was such a hubbub of chatter and laughter as people greeted each other and found seats that Dave was able to slip away to the kitchen to check on everything. Dana had volunteered to stay late when she hadn't really had to but Dave had told her about Kurt's surprise and she really didn't want to miss the look on that young man's face when it was revealed.
Now she and Dave conferred as they stared at the endless platters and chafing dishes keeping food warm. He remembered the wines but she assured him she'd already sorted that out and also indicated one counter where an array of sparkling crystal wine, champagne and water goblets stood waiting.
He nodded in approval and thanked her once more for all her help. David Karofsky was a generous man and though she didn't know it, her kindness and acceptance of both him and Kurt would not go unrewarded. Now he smiled as, satisfied that everything was under control, he headed back to join his new family and friends in the drawing room.
Music was playing softly in the background and, standing just within the doors and watching unnoticed, he saw Finn talking with Kurt. Startling a bit, he then noticed that there was absolutely no tension in their body language. In fact, Kurt was staring at Finn with a soft expression he'd never seen him direct at his stepbrother before.
What Dave didn't know but Kurt would impart later was that Finn Hudson, after all these years of distance and estrangement, was finally apologizing to his stepbrother. Kurt had gasped softly and blinked rapidly when Finn, taking his elbow in a gentle grip, had moved him away beyond one particularly beautiful floral arrangement and began with: "I'm so sorry, Kurt."
Kurt had glanced around the room surreptitiously, wondering where Dave had got to but he'd allowed Finn to steer him towards a fairly quiet part of the huge room. He had looked at Finn and waited for the other man to elaborate.
"For a really long time I had my head up my ass, Kurt, and you didn't deserve the way I behaved. I-I want to ask you to forgive me but I don't expect that you will, at least not yet…" he trailed off as he gulped a bit and then gathered up his courage once more.
"Kurt, you had been nothing but kind to me when our parents started dating and I'm sorry that I acted like such a douche. You know, sometimes it was like it wasn't even the real me… I don't know how to explain it."
His shoulders slumped as he stared down at his hands and then looked back at his really stunning brother. Kurt's beauty had always made him uncomfortable and all those things that his fiancé, Karofsky, had said had been too close to the truth.
Now he straightened up and nodded at Kurt. "So, I, ugh, just wanted to tell you that. I am sorry and I promise to try and not be such a jerk anymore."
He waited for the astonished man in front of him to say something and when the silence dragged on he started to get really uncomfortable. Then, out of nowhere, Kurt's smile just blazed up at him and he caught his breath. My god, Karofsky was a really lucky man, Finn mused, stunned.
"Finn Hudson, you surprised me even before my official 'surprise' tonight." Kurt giggled at him, his heart light and his eyes moist. "I can forgive you because I'm not perfect myself and I recently had to apologize to people who'd done nothing to me. You're my brother, our parents love each other and we're family. Let's just forget it and move on, okay? Oh, and thank you for the apology, seriously."
Finn sighed in relief and marveled at how much better he suddenly felt. He continued to smile down at Kurt whose flushed, happy face was seriously glowing. He almost zoned out just watching the smaller man but looked up when he felt someone else join them.
"Hey, everything okay?" Dave was there, smiling at his beautiful fiancé, curiosity evident on his face. Finn nodded and Kurt chirped: "Never better!" and laughed.
His laughter drew the attention of some of the others present and the older Hudson-Hummels nodded in approval. Carole had let Finn have it with both barrels just earlier that week and let him know how very disappointed she was in him. There had ensued one of the most uncomfortable conversations the two had ever had but if the end result was him getting his act together where his brother was concerned, she would endure ten more of those, awkward be damned.
Burt, too, felt a bit of relief at the obvious détente taking place across the room and, as his eyes landed on Kurt's old friend Mercedes, he knew she too would be happy with the improvement in relations.
Now Dave turned to all gathered and invited them into the formal dining room, taking the opportunity to escort his future mother-in-law in to dinner. Burt escorted Mercedes and Kurt, Rachel, the others following willy-nilly.
The dining room and the table were also beautifully decorated with shining silver, sparkling crystal and beautiful arrangements. The women oohed and aahed and Dave explained that Dana was the one to thank. As they took their seats, Dave at one end with Kurt to his right and Burt at the other end with Carole to his right, the doors from the kitchen opened and several servers entered with the various platters of food that Dave had selected earlier that week and ordered.
As the servers went around pouring wines into the sparkling stemware, the laughter and chatter resumed only to be halted when Dave tapped lightly against his wine glass. He cleared his throat and when everyone was looking at him, he smiled.
"I'm not a fan of long speeches but what I have to say needs to be said." He turned to look at Kurt who was staring back at him wide-eyed, hectic color flooding his fair face. Dave cleared his throat and began.
"Kurt, I've loved you for what feels like forever; certainly far longer than we've actually known each other." He paused and looked down at their joined hands, his finger stroking Kurt's engagement ring.
"I never dreamed that you would one day love me back. Hoped but not dreamed; that seemed so presumptuous. Yet, after a brief upheaval, a stormy courtship, you could say, you declared yourself mine. I can only reiterate that it was fair that you should love me because you had long ago stolen my heart."
He paused, during which he heard a couple of sniffles and then continued: "To make a long declaration shorter: Kurt Hummel, I love you more than life itself and I will spend the rest of my life making you aware of that. Finally, though we're already engaged, I want to quote Christopher Marlowe's Passionate Shepherd and say to you: Come live with me and be my Love."
He released Kurt's shaking hand to raise his glass and everyone else followed. "To Kurt…"
And the company echoed the toast: "To Kurt!"
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TBC
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A/N: Kurt has no idea of the extent of David's generosity, seriously. What do you think is the real surprise, dear readers? Drop me a line; I'd love to see how many of you are on the same wavelength.