The Storm: Safe Harbor
Chapter Forty-Three
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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"To Kurt!"
The echoes of the toast filled Kurt's ears and his grateful, happy tears overflowed but he smiled tremulously as he acknowledged the heartfelt wishes of family and friends. He then leaned forward for David's loving kiss. He realized now that this was an engagement party and his heart swelled at the thought that they had all planned this and kept it quiet all this time.
He didn't think anything else he'd experienced could compare to this moment and he beamed at the gathering, his heart full.
"Okay, everyone, enough of me blubbering. Let's eat!" And he laughed with them as they tucked into the sumptuous fare Dave and Dana had prepared for them. The murmur of convivial chatter rose and fell as platters were passed around and plates filled, the servers moved around discreetly and soon everyone was busy chewing and humming in appreciation.
Dave had selected a variety of roasted meat – after all the men were a meat-and-potatoes bunch – along with a wide variety of salads. He'd included a couple of pasta salads, especially a delicious seafood one that Kurt adored and a wild rice pilaf that everyone exclaimed over. There were mounds of assorted dinner rolls, too, along with dishes of sweet, creamy butter and Kurt sent a little glare down the table to his dad as he knew the man's predilections for everything baked. The garlic roast chicken and the succulent ham were Dana's contribution, Dave told him discreetly and Kurt made a note to speak with the woman before she left that night.
Dinner was a wonderful affair and as the wine flowed, so the folks relaxed and the buzz grew louder. Laughter punctuated the clink of cutlery on plates and the requests for more food. It was always a good sign when folks asked for seconds. Dave knew his little dinner party was a success and he tucked into his food with a relish he hadn't felt in a long time. The chance to do something really special for Kurt didn't come around often, unfortunately, and his fiancé had no idea that this dinner was not the actual surprise.
At last, everyone was replete and the last of the wine was poured. When Dave pushed his chair back after looking to Kurt, everyone rose as well and they adjourned to the drawing room once more. This time Kurt and Dave strolled hand-in-hand inside and when he'd seated Kurt, Dave turned to the group.
They all took this as their cue, and one by one they all sat back to enjoy the rest of the 'Grand Reveal'. They, of course, knew what was coming; Kurt did not. Now he sat, a curious light in his eyes as he sensed the feeling of anticipation running through the room. When Dana entered and came over to David with a manila folder, Kurt sat up straighter, a slight frown now between his elegant eyebrows.
Dave smiled at him, a look of mischief on his face as the others sat forward slightly. "Well, gentle people; this is where I think I get the prize for flooring my gorgeous fiancé." He smirked at Kurt before sending a pointed look to Puck who got up and left the room. Dave waited a bit and when he saw the tanned man come sprinting back, he smiled at the assembly and then turned to Kurt.
"Sweetheart, what I have in this folder is my engagement gift to you. Now," he held up his hand to forestall Kurt's protest. "I will not be swayed and these gifts are for you and your posterity. I want you to promise me that you will use them, enjoy them, lend them out if you have to but always remember that they're the first of many such gifts."
By this time Kurt's heart was thumping in his chest and he felt as if the neck of his sweater was strangling him. He sent a slightly panicked look at Dana who must know what was in that folder but she simply smiled sweetly at him and then nodded.
He relaxed a little and looked down at the folder now resting in his lap where David had just placed it. He looked around the room at the various, beloved faces, all with smiles wreathing their lips, except for Ian of course, but he had a slight gleam in his dark eyes.
With a shaking hand Kurt slowly opened the folder, his eyes falling uncomprehendingly on three full-color glossy brochures and quite a few sheets of paper. He slammed the folder shut and he frowned, not wanting to believe what he'd seen. He knew his mouth was hanging open and he couldn't even acknowledge the tiny clicking sound he could hear; he only had eyes for his lover who stood grinning at him.
Kurt shook his head, clutched the folder and then closed his eyes. He knew he'd gone pale at the stunning nature of David's gift but he couldn't help it. Of course, he'd known he was marrying a billionaire but he had not really seen himself as being a recipient of David's largesse to this extent. He took a deep breath and wondered if he could refuse the gifts without hurting his lover's feelings.
When he finally opened his eyes and stared into David's (the man had come to kneel next to his chair) and saw the deep love and affection in their golden depths, he knew he couldn't hurt him. He knew he would have to suck it up, smile and thank him and be damned grateful he had a lover like him.
Now he did smile and he let the smile grow until he was laughing and he could have sworn he heard a sigh of relief from the man next to him.
"God, Kurt, for a moment there I thought you were going to pass out!" Finn blurted out and everyone laughed softly and Dana excused herself to the kitchen.
She had wanted to see Kurt's reaction and she congratulated herself on pegging him right. The young man was not a gold digger or he would not have reacted the way he did to Mr. Karofsky's gift. She hurried to get the champagne glasses on several trays with the help of the servers and then headed into the pantry to retrieve the special dessert she'd made for her young employer. This was one reaction she especially wanted to see, she chuckled to herself.
Back in the drawing room Kurt had again opened the folder and, at the encouragement of Mercedes, Carole, Rachel and his dad, he read the names on the front of the first brochure.
He had cleared his throat nervously, smiled up at his happy lover and begun: "Okaaay, the first 'crazy' gift here is a property in Beaver Creek, Colorado." He paused for the applause and cheers and then grinned as he continued. "It says here that the home features views of the magnificent Gore Range, sublime ski-in/ski-out access and privacy. There's a central kitchen large enough for family to eat in and it has five bedrooms, eight baths, two dining areas, a wine cellar and wet bar, an office," and he paused to raise an eyebrow at David; "and a family room with movie screen. There's also beautiful chestnut wood flooring throughout as well as antique French paver flooring. Oh my, it also has 35' foot vaulted ceilings!"His eyes glowed as he looked at his beaming fiancé. "Oh, sweetie, this is so beautiful," and he passed the brochure over so Rachel, Carole and Mercedes could admire the magnificent structure. The interior shots of the house highlighted its décor and made him wish they could all leave for Colorado right now.
When David nodded at the folder in his lap, he shook his head at him but reopened it. He frowned a little as he took up the next brochure, a puzzled look coming into his eyes.
"David, what's this one for?" His blue-green eyes widened as he took in the gorgeous vista on the front flap of the brochure, a veritable paradise of azure waters, a pale sandy beach leading up to a green lawn and then a huge two-storey house with the most adorable pale cream walls and red, wooden frame. Peeking out one side of the vast property was a sweet little cottage with its own patio.
Dave smirked some more, feeling a flush of satisfaction at Kurt's bewilderment. "Just read the brochures, babe, and then the documents beneath them."
Everyone else's attention turned back to Kurt and he flushed a little at that. He tried to shrug nonchalantly but gave it up and glanced quickly through that second brochure. Suddenly he breathed, "Oh my…! David?"
He held the glossy document up so the others could see the front and Rachel squealed and clapped her hands. "Oh, Kurt, that's in France!"
Dave nodded: "Yes, it most certainly is," and chuckled at the looks on the women's faces.
Kurt allowed Rachel to squeeze in beside him onto the chair and grab hold of the brochure so they could flip through it together. The information blurb described the house as a 'charming large family villa near Roquefort les Pins, set in five acres of grounds with dramatic sea and mountain views.' The main house had seven bedrooms, seven bathrooms and two powder rooms. The little cottage had two bedrooms and two bathrooms and was self-contained. The extensive grounds were walled for extra security.
The photos displayed the beautiful and very modern décor as well as the outdoor patio, a rooftop terrace and a beach shed, they read, where barbecues could be held. Kurt's dazed comment focused on the gorgeous modern amenities when he would have expected something more traditional or rural in a setting like that.
Dave grinned as he eyed his fiancé's flushed face. "Oh, no, babe, I had to get something with completely modern conveniences. Also, it comes with maid service, which I hadn't expected, but the agency assured me it was a perk that everybody appreciated. Who wants to worry about cooking and cleaning when the beach is beckoning, huh?"
They chuckled at that thought and then, finally, Kurt moved on to the third and final brochure. When he simply stared at it and didn't say anything, Rachel touched his hand and when he nodded at her inquiring look, she took it up and opened it.
Clearing her throat and grinning maniacally, she intoned dramatically. "Last but not least, ladies and gentlemen, we have before us – The Chèreâme – which I think translates to 'beautiful soul'."
There was a brief, awed silence before Burt burst out: "You mean it's a boat?"
Rachel nodded as she continued to read from the brochure: "Yes, actually a yacht that's 382 feet long. It says here that The Chèreâme is one of the largest private yachts today and has a luxury spa, swimming pool and a gym. The main suite has a dayroom, study, TV area, bedroom, dressing room, sauna and possibly the 'world's sexiest shower cubicle' carved from a block of solid black marble. Eleven guest suites, too, hmmm. The lounge has a grand piano, Kurt, and one of the world's most expensive stereo systems, it says here, and a movie theatre and soda fountain."
Her mouth dropped into an 'o' as she continued: "Oooh, Kurt, it has a helipad on the fore deck and the rear deck accommodates scuba diving. Wow!"
She looked over excitedly at Kurt when she finished and noticed, though he was staring down at the folder in his hands, that there were tears in his eyes. "Oh, Kurt, this is wonderful. You're a very lucky man ..." and here she leaned into whisper in one pink ear: "and you SO deserve it."
Kurt glanced up and realized everyone was waiting for him to say something. A soft, tremulous smile grew and he wiped a wayward tear from his cheek as he rose and went over to stand before David, pulling the larger man to his feet.
Dave's heart beat rapidly in his chest, his eyes riveted to Kurt's fair, tear-streaked face and then Kurt was hugging him, his face buried against the front of his jacket.
"David, David, I-I don't know_ I can't think what I've done to deserve you," he whispered, his voice quavering, but when he finally looked up at his lover, he said more firmly: "I love you, David Karofsky… and thank you."
There was soft laughter and a smattering of applause from their guests plus a muttered 'wow!' from Finn as the others perused the three brochures. Burt was absolutely taken with the yacht, studying the specs and pointing out certain features to Ian who was seated near him. The women seemed more interested in the photos of the interiors of the two homes, exclaiming over the décor, of course, and commenting on what they would keep or change if they had the opportunity.
Dave and Kurt continued to snuggle, Dave having pulled Kurt down to sit on his lap. Kurt was still in a daze at David's wonderful generosity and he knew he would have to find a way to show tangibly how grateful he was, how happy he felt at this semi-public gesture.
As if on cue, Dana, who had slipped back in when Rachel was reading out the specs on the yacht, nodded to Dave. He then turned to the assembly and announced: "I don't know about you folks but I think I'm ready for the champagne and cake."
There were murmurs of agreement all around and a quickly shushed, 'yes!' from Finn at which Kurt chuckled. He was so happy tonight, unexpectedly so because of his brother's earlier apology and that feeling had been maximized to the nth power by David's truly awesome gifts. Now he slid from his fiancé's lap and beamed at Dana, going over to grasp her hands.
"Dana, thank you so much. You have worked like a trooper to get all this done so quickly and secretively. I can't believe you guys!"
Everybody laughed and, much to her surprise, her young employer suddenly enfolded her in a quick embrace. Kurt smiled at the flush on her face and continued: "You are more than I expected and I'm so grateful that you are with us tonight."
Dana barely managed to hold back her discomfiture at being the center of all attention but she returned Kurt's hug and stepped back, nodding as she did so. "It has been a real pleasure working with you both and I'm glad that the surprise worked out so well. Now," and she smiled at the others as she steppe back, trying to look professional again. "Everything is set up in the dining room if you are all ready."
Kurt grinned at her in anticipation, knowing she must have created something wonderful for him and he held out a hand for David to grasp. The two men led their guests – family and friends – into the dining room and Kurt's mouth predictably fell open as he saw the cake.
"Aaaah! Dana, oh my god, I don't believe you!" Kurt's eyes lit up greedily and, throwing all dignity to the winds, dashed over to stand in front of the magnificent Black Forest cake holding pride of place in the center of the beautiful dining table.
There were more 'ooohs' and 'aaahs' sprinkled amongst the chuckles as the others piled into the dining room behind their young host. Kurt paid no attention, his gaze riveted on the huge, beautifully decorated cake, his mouth already watering.
Dana came over to the sideboard, moving Kurt gently out of the way and Dave, rescuing his poor, dazed lover, seated him at the dining table. He hurried to pour the champagne into the crystal stemware and placed the first one before Kurt, urging him to drink. Dana nodded in approval and placed the first, humongous slice on a plate which she served to him first.
Kurt, trying to be a good host, waited for the others to be served and he looked up and smiled when he saw David offering Dana a glass of champagne also. When everyone was served and seated once more, he cleared his throat and stared around at the gathering.
"Oh my, you guys… you definitely pulled a fast one on me tonight. And Noah Puckerman, don't think you're being all that sneaky with that camera; I see you!"
There was laughter all around and Puck shrugged, the little smirk on his face broadening as Devon slid a hand onto his thigh. He nodded at Kurt who then continued.
"But seriously, you guys are the best and I really love you." His eyes sparkled in the light from the chandelier and the candles on the table. "But enough chatting; I'm dying to jump into this seriously sexy Black Forest cake! Bon appétit, everyone!"
With a tiny cheer from Finn and a smattering of chuckles, forks were lifted and soon there were only the sounds of the cutlery clinking against the cake plates and 'mmmms' of appreciation. If there were little bits of chocolate and cream smearing chins or being licked from fingers, no one there was going to point it out. It was all just too amazingly delicious.
Finn, being one of the first to finish, was even looking greedily towards the sideboard once more and when Kurt simply chuckled, Dana rose to get him a second, smaller slice. She was so very happy that she could contribute in some small way to this wonderful evening. She knew, as she watched the family gathering devouring her delicious cake, that this would all come to an end and it was much too soon for her taste. She knew the rest of Mr. Karofsky's plans for his sweet fiancé and though she was happy for them, she knew she would miss them terribly.
She shook this from her mind though as she chatted with Mr. Kurt's mother, exchanging little baking tips after Carole had complimented her on the really beautiful cake. The men got up eventually to go back out to the drawing room but the other women helped her get everything back to the kitchen. She had dismissed the servers earlier because she'd wanted a more intimate feel for the dessert part of the evening and she was happy now for the help.
They all chatted happily as they worked and in no time the dining room was back to its former pristine condition and they also helped to get the kitchen back in order. Mercedes and Rachel giggled over things they were whispering to spare the older women's blushes but both Dana and Carole had a good idea what those things were. They, too, chatted and found they had a few things in common, not the least of which was the desire for grandchildren. Even though Dana was several years younger than Carole, she still looked forward to having her daughters find good people and eventually presenting her with the next generation for her to spoil. That was simply the way the world turned.
Out in the drawing room, Kurt stifled a tiny yawn, which Dave didn't miss as he snuggled the beautiful singer beside him. He leaned in to whisper: "If you can hold on for a bit, I have one more announcement to make."
Kurt's eyes widened in mock alarm. "David Karofsky, what else can you say to totally bowl me over tonight?"
Dave chuckled and stuck a finger in Kurt's side, laughing out loud when his beloved diva squealed and tried to squirm away from the tickling finger of doom. "Wait and see, beautiful, wait and see!"
Eventually the women made their way to the drawing room, Carole herself trying to hold back a yawn but losing the battle as she came over to sit beside a quietly beaming Burt. She rested her head on his shoulder briefly and then smiled over at Kurt and David laughing softly together. She was so happy for them and she just couldn't wait for the wedding to come.
Dave, realizing that they were all assembled again, minus Dana who was probably getting ready to leave, cleared his throat to get everyone's attention.
"Okay, I know it's pretty late and I don't want to hold you guys up much longer," here he looked at the Hudson-Hummel contingent, "but I have one final announcement."
Everyone turned their eyes to him, a few smiles popping up here and there and then Dave looked down into Kurt's glowing face.
"Sweetheart, come next week, I'm flying us all to …" he grinned as Kurt's eyes widened. "France!"
Though Kurt's mouth had dropped open so enticingly close to him, David quickly looked away at the others' faces and then back at Kurt.
"Babe, as we're still on 'vacation', I thought it would be great if we could visit your new home and enjoy some beach time as well. Kill two birds with one stone, y'know."
Kurt still looked dazed although a smile was beginning to overtake his features. He nodded but asked faintly, "but who- who all would be coming with us?"
Mercedes' hand was the first to shoot up into the air and Kurt squealed and leapt to his feet to go over and wrap her in a hug.
"Oh, my god, 'Cedes, oh my god, that would be so great!" and the two best friends, only recently reunited, giggled crazily for a few seconds before Kurt turned back to the others. "Okaaay! Who else?"
His dad and Carole nodded and so did Finn and Rachel. Kurt's mouth fell open and tears once again threatened as he released Mercedes to go over to his parents. He stood before his dad but then leaned over to embrace the man first and then Carole.
"I'm so glad I'm going to get to spend more time with you guys," he sniffed and then laughed out loud when Rachel chimed in with a "so what am I, chopped liver?"
He grinned at her as the others laughed and then he turned to slip back onto David's lap and snuggle into the strong arms.
"No, Rachel, never that… but I have to admit I'm a little bowled over tonight by all of this." He leaned back slightly so he could gaze into David's eyes. "After all of this, I think I'm officially at a loss for words."
"That would be a first _ ow!" Puck, who'd been smirking over at Kurt, winced at the sudden jab from Devon, and everyone burst out laughing at both him and Kurt's fake pout.
Dave smiled at his friends and new family, a feeling of contentment stealing over him. He looked down at Kurt reclining against him and elaborated on the arrangements.
"Sweetie, when your parents were over the other day, I was making sure their passports were sorted. I was also on the phone to the agency that handled the paperwork for your house there. Oh, and I was talking to Mercedes, of course, making sure that she could get the time from her firm to spend a week with us in France."
Kurt smiled up at him and pressed a tiny kiss against his chin. "This has been the biggest and best surprise of my life, sweetie. I can't wait for us all to go. Yay!"
Carole laughed at him as she struggled up from the couch, her fatigue not enough to dim her current pleasure. "Well, I for one will be heading to my bed as soon as I get home. Thank you, David, Kurt; this was really a beautiful evening."
Kurt rose from his comfortable perch to hug his stepmom, burying his face in her hair and breathing in happily. The others, too, rose around them and the earlier hubbub was repeated as hugs were exchanged and coats and scarves retrieved.
At one point Kurt found himself engulfed in a huge embrace from his dad who whispered, "You've got a good man there, kiddo. Be happy."
Then Kurt found himself handed off to hugs from both Rachel and Finn and, his mind in a happy whirl, he found himself deposited into David's arms as they waved goodbye to everyone except his guys and 'Cedes.
Mercedes had secretly left some clothes and toiletries in her guest room the last time she'd slept over so now, after hugging and kissing Kurt and Dave good night, she headed upstairs to give the two lovers some private time.
Kurt excused himself from David and went into the kitchen to say a quick goodbye to Dana before she headed home. He promised to talk with her when she came in on Monday and, on an impulse, hugged her once more as he thanked her for all her work.
Though she flushed at the unexpected embrace, she smiled as she took in her young employer's happy face. That young man always seemed to have a glow about him and she realized it was because he had a genuinely good heart. She didn't care a jot about his sexual orientation, that was his own affair, and she had come to have a soft spot for him and, surprisingly, his generous fiancé.
Now he bid her good night and safe travel home as he saw her out and then smiled as he watched Ian and Puck do the nighttime rounds of locking up and turning out the lights. He joined David at the foot of the stairs and they made their way up to bed, happy, replete and so grateful to have had an evening like this one.
The wall sconces in the upstairs hallway lit their way and Kurt knocked softly on Mercedes' door to say goodnight. Her cheerful response made Kurt smile and then he continued on his way to the master suite with his love.
As he and David completed their ablutions and he went through his usual nightly skin care regimen, Kurt suddenly realized that the photos Noah had taken that night would be the first to be taken of his new family. He felt really blessed that his wonderful lover, who at that moment was watching him with a hungry stare, had thought to do something so amazing, so over the top. Now as he creamed his face, his body quickened in anticipation of the rest of the night.
Closing the last jar with quick twists of his hands and staring sultrily at David's reflection, he let a soft smile curve his pink lips. He stifled a chuckle at the way his lover suddenly grabbed himself, his hand hidden beneath the covers, and turned towards him.
Gliding over to the edge of the bed, he paused only long enough to slip the robe from his shoulders, glorying in the way David's eyes seemed to devour every inch of his gleaming flesh, and slid beneath the covers.
Without giving the man a chance at even a gasp, Kurt moved over him, resting his long lean body on David's and seizing his lips in a heated kiss. He slipped his tongue inside the welcoming mouth and kissed David with all the love, all the gratitude and all the desire he could muster.
Dave's hands came up to grasp Kurt's ass and he pulled the luscious body tightly against his groin, his heart racing at the heat and feel of his amorous lover. Their bodies writhed as they grappled together in silence, not even a moan escaping at first until Kurt bit down gently into David's bottom lip and a groan issued from deep within the larger man.
"Oh god, Kurt, you're so beautiful," Dave gasped as he stared up into Kurt's flushed face, both their chests heaving as they tried to recover from that ferocious kiss.
Kurt's eyes blazed down in their blue-green brilliance and, with all the seriousness of one making a vow, he told him: "I've never loved anyone the way I love you."
Dave's eyes prickled and he closed them as he pulled Kurt completely down onto him, his legs parting to make the smaller man settle properly between them. "Kurt, Kurt," he whispered, unable to say more and Kurt took pity on him, dropping a series of soft, sweet little kisses all over his face.
A few minutes later, Kurt pulled back to look down at his lover, a question in his eyes and on his lips. "Let me…?"
Dave, realizing the immensity of Kurt asking this of him, smiled widely and nodded, his heart rate increasing again. "Yes, oh yes… please."
There ensued a night that Dave knew he would never forget.
Kurt wooed him and seduced him, making him feel as if he were the beautiful one and when the singer finally slid into him, Dave hid the tears that escaped him. There was no pain, no discomfort – there was only a feeling of such overwhelming sensuality as Kurt pumped into him that he was afraid his moans could be heard all the way through the house.
Kurt took care of him with such tenderness and passion, Dave couldn't believe they'd never done it this way before. Kurt filled him and surrounded him and, with Dave lying on his side and Kurt snugged up behind him, fucked him so good that his climax was upon him before he even realized it.
He cried out and clutched Kurt's hand that was pumping his cock and when Kurt tagged his prostate in an erratic, ferocious dance signaling his own nearing completion, Dave buried his face in the pillow and bit into it.
Kurt's body slammed into his and he clamped down onto the invading length of flesh, grinning as he listened to Kurt curse and groan as his come flooded into Dave's passage. Dave's own semen then spurted hot and fast over Kurt's fist and he marveled that there was so much of it even as he felt Kurt bite gently into his shoulder.
"Oh fuck, David, oh god, that was… that was… ohhhh, baaaby," Kurt moaned as his hips finally slowed its movements against Dave's ass.
Dave, chuckling breathlessly, allowed his head to slump forward as he ground his hips back against Kurt, reveling in Kurt's gasp at the feeling of his cock still buried inside of Dave.
Kurt leaned forward and dropped dry little kisses onto one of David's broad shoulders before resting his cheek against it tiredly. "Thank you so much, sweetheart. You were wonderful…" and yawned.
Dave chuckled, thinking smugly to himself that he'd found a way to wear out his little incubus. He knew that they should probably clean up before falling asleep but he was way too comfortable to move and it felt surprisingly good to have Kurt spooning him for a change. He clutched their messy hands together and hummed contentedly, hearing Kurt sigh behind him and, before he knew it, he was out.
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KHDK
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An hour after coming up to her bedroom, Mercedes, having completed her own ablutions and sorted out her hair, was lying in bed, drifting off to sleep and going over the highpoints of the earlier evening.
Just as she was sinking into welcome sleep, however, a sound reached her and, for a second or two, she was unable to place it. Opening her eyes in the dark, she listened for a few more seconds and then, muffling a little squeal with a hand over her mouth, she realized what she was listening to.
Her boys were being unbelievably loud in the master suite and just for a forbidden second she wondered what they were doing to each other over there. Whatever it was, they were thoroughly enjoying it and she rolled over, grabbed one of her pillows and brought it over her head.
She smiled to herself as she settled down again to sink into welcome sleep. The smile stayed as her mind got fuzzier and a final thought before oblivion was that Kurt was a lucky boy, indeed.
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TBC
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A/N: So, folks, did you like the surprise gifts David gave to Kurt? How do you think Kurt can top that – or can he? Reviews would be so appreciated as well as PMs with feedback, believe me.