The Storm: Safe Harbor
Chapter Fifty-One
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.
A/N: Thanks to my stalwart reviewers, I've found the desire to post another chapter before I'd planned to. Happy reading.
Disclaimer: Messrs. Ryan, Falchuk, et al are the owners of my favorite boys. Only the OCs and situations belong to me, alas.
Kurt grinned at Lije in his little sun suit that left most of his arms and legs bare. Rachel had planted a floppy hat on him and his head kept tipping back as he tried to grab the brim. His coordination was less than perfect but his determination was a hundred per cent.
Kurt had just finished applying sunscreen to the baby's delicate skin as they were all planning to hang out on the beach for a few hours. Rachel had already attended to Sean who had kept darting away to see if his dad was still waiting for him. Finn kept assuring him he wouldn't leave him but Sean's excitement level just wouldn't allow him to stay still for his mom.
They were in the cute little cottage and Kurt had left Dave and the others putting together two picnic hampers that they would leave in the beach house so as not to have to run up to the villa for snacks.
Everybody was, of course, in a bright, happy 'yay, we're on vacation!' mood, almost bordering on giddy. They couldn't be blamed because the day was absolutely beautiful and the beach and sea simply beckoned irresistibly. Kurt didn't plan on getting any salt water on himself that day but he was more than happy to lounge about, watching everyone, playing with Lije and Sean and reading one of the books he'd brought with him. That was his idea of fun in the sun and no one was going to get him running around and getting all sweaty and stuff, oh, no.
Earlier, Dave had eyed Kurt as if he was a side of beef when the younger man had emerged from the bedroom dressed in his designer beachwear. It would be safe to say that his eyes had nearly bugged out of his head when he'd seen Kurt in a pair of skimpy black and white shorts so well-fitting that barely anything was left to the imagination. His creamy-skinned legs seemed to go on forever and Dave just salivated at the sight.
Kurt had grinned and asked: "See something you like?" He'd walked over to the closet and – thankfully – taken out a long, loose white and black cotton top, the mirror-image design to the shorts and Dave had breathed a sigh of relief. He smirked at Kurt, his eyes running down the strip of pale, lightly muscled flesh that showed between the panels of the shirt.
"I always like what I see, you know that," and proceeded to kiss the stuffing out of his sassy lover. He rather enjoyed the breathy little moan that Kurt had been unable to hold back and then released him with one last little nip to the pouty bottom lip.
"I'll see you downstairs. If I leave Puck to the picnic baskets, there'll be mostly beers in them," and left a pink-cheeked Kurt with a little wink.
Now he was seated outside of the cottage in one of the red Adirondack-style chairs waiting for his lover and looked up in time to see him coming towards him, Lije on his hip and his diaper bag on his shoulder. Dave had been handed Kurt's things earlier when the fashionista had come downstairs, his curvy legs drawing Dave's attention again as he strode up to him. Seriously, everything about Kurt simply fascinated him and he had a hard time looking at anyone else when Kurt was present.
An earlier incident came back to Dave's mind now as he waited for Kurt and the baby; he shook his head as a little grin played about his lips. When M. Boulanger had informed him that they had maid service each day of their stay, he had not envisioned that they would actually be 'maids'. The two girls who had turned up had seemed to be barely out of their teens, he guessed. They were the kind of girls that he guessed most American boys would drool over: slender, attractive and with that vague air of sophistication that European girls seemed to be born with.
When they had turned up at 9 a.m. and been let in by the ever-stoic Ian, they had set to straightening up the villa in a very efficient manner. However, when Dave had been introduced to them – Elise and Mina – they had exchanged odd little glances and then smiled a little more warmly than he'd been comfortable with. What made him wary was that, as the girls continued with their little chores, their smiles were always directed at him and he would find himself in very close proximity to one or the other as he and the guys gathered things together and sorted out the picnic baskets.
Dave was sickeningly familiar with people making overtures to him for one reason or another. This didn't usually annoy him but this time, the vaguely avaricious glint in the girls' eyes made him realize one thing: as young as they were, they were on the make, as the old timers used to say. They were apparently very bright and very ambitious young women.
At one point, having overheard them speaking rather fluent English with only a slight accent while talking to the guys, when he came from the pantry into the kitchen, however, very suddenly their accents were stronger and their voices breathier. Dave rolled his eyes as he continued packing the snacks for the children and when he turned back, Puck was looking at him with a knowing smirk. He simply shrugged, one-shouldered, and ignored the girls.
One in particular had pouted at his obvious cold shoulder treatment and he'd been quite relieved when his beautiful diva of a fiancé had sauntered down the stairs and been introduced to the maids.
The girls had been very pleasant with Kurt and Dave figured it was because he was so fashionable; there was probably some unspoken connection between fashion-lovers the world over. Certainly Kurt looked as if he had just stepped off of a runway. The black and white ensemble made his stunning eyes even bluer and happiness added an extra touch of colour to his cheeks and lips. He was the picture of sexy sophistication and the girls' large inquisitive eyes took in every inch of his long, lithe body.
He seemed to go up a notch in their regard, too, when he conversed with them in their own language, his light, musical voice fascinating as he asked about them.
It was when Dave came up without a comment as the three were chattering away, slid a long arm around Kurt's slender waist and proceeded to drop a lingering, sweet kiss on his lips that the girls finally understood. To say they were disappointed would be one heck of an understatement.
Now he got up, movement in the cottage's family room indicating that the others were following Kurt and they headed down to the beach. Kurt manoeuvred the steps carefully with a bright-eyed Lije turning around in his embrace, his little arms tight around his uncle's neck. Dave enjoyed the sound of Kurt's happy chatter as he explained to Dave his determination that no salt water should ruin his ensemble.
They joined Burt, Carole and Mercedes who were already either spread out on the beach chairs, resplendent in their colourful beach attire or, in the case of Ian, Puck and Devon, wading into the relatively calm waters of the bay. Behind Kurt and Dave, Rachel, Finn and Sean were making their careful way as well down the steps to the beach.
Mercedes had brought a multi-disc player that was belching out what she'd told Kurt was holiday music and there was, indeed, a festive air surrounding the group. Devon's light laughter floated back to them as Puck tried to dunk him and Puck's voice calling him a chicken was definitely filled with affection.
Kurt settled onto his lounge chair and he moved Lije to sit between his outstretched legs, giving the baby one of the sturdy toys his mother had packed for him. Dave, dragging another lounger closer to Kurt's, smiled as Kurt's eyes roved admiringly over him. He was wearing board shorts in turquoise with darker blue piping, nothing as blatantly sexy as Kurt's abbreviated shorts, but he knew he looked good. The matching mesh t-shirt in shades of turquoise and light blue was not something he would usually wear but Kurt had got it for him on his New York shopping blitz.
Kurt smiled seductively at him, his lashes lowering as his gaze fell below Dave's waist. Dave felt himself twitch and turned away from Mercedes' curious gaze. He flicked an admonishing little look at Kurt who coloured even as he smirked.
"Looking good there, Karofsky," Kurt teased, his voice holding a hint of sexual interest. Dave hauled off the t-shirt and deliberately flexed his pectoral muscles, enjoying the slight widening of Kurt's eyes.
Dave grinned: "Thanks, Hummel; my young fiancé keeps me fit, y'know," and with a wink at him he bounded off down the beach towards the others, sniggering at the sound of Mercedes' rich chuckles.
Kurt turned his flushed face towards Mercedes and huffed, rolling his eyes as she continued to laugh at him.
"You boys are so cute together, I swear," she smiled at Kurt who had turned his attention back to Lije who seemed more interested in the sand than his toy.
Kurt smiled back at her and then his eyes took on a mischievous look. "Hey, when I came downstairs, one of the maids was definitely flirting with him."
He nodded as she widened her eyes at him. "Really? What did he do?" She straightened up as she stared at Kurt, who was now looking quite smug.
"Oh, apparently he ignored them; I pretended I hadn't seen anything and just chatted with them." He giggled as he continued, leaning forward with a slightly more vicious look on his fair face.
"David, however, really scotched any plans when he came up behind me when I was talking…" he paused and glanced at his lover now cavorting in the water. Mercedes nudged him with a "…and, what, what did he do?"
Kurt turned back with a soft smile. "He kissed me."
A bubble of laughter broke from her. "What, just like that? In front of them?"
Kurt giggled, too. "Yes. Oh, god, 'Cedes, you should have seen how disappointed they looked!"
Their laughter wafted over to Burt and Carole, who turned her head to smile at the two young people and her grandson.
She got up and walked the short distance to lean over and say 'hi' to Lije, who greeted her with his customary, huge grin and a torrent of babbling she pretended to understand. Glancing in inquiry at Kurt, he nodded and she lifted the little boy.
"Hi, sweetie, how are you? Want to come and say 'hi' to Grandpa? Wanna say 'hi'?" She walked off while still smiling and cuddling the baby, her long, light cover up floating behind her in the breeze.
Kurt smiled as he watched her leave, liking the way the multi-coloured fabric in an abstract design complimented her skin tone and hair colour. In fact, all his ladies looked pretty fine, if he did say so himself. Mercedes looked beautiful and exotic in a hot pink and purple one-piece swimsuit with a matching mid-thigh length cover up that, when zipped up, was elegant enough to wear in a restaurant.
Rachel, who was just setting up her chair near them, was very attractive in a surprisingly daring maillot in a gorgeous leaf print in shades of neon green and blue. The cut out showed off her curvy little body to advantage and from the way Finn was eyeing her when she took off her matching sarong, he was most appreciative of his wife's swimwear choice.
He deposited Sean with her and, after dropping a chaste little kiss on her cheek, sped off down the beach in his yellow board shorts, his long legs eating up the distance in no time.
Little Sean was in his own board shorts but he was also wearing a blue and white striped t-shirt. He wasn't happy, apparently, because all the men except for Grandpa and Unca Kurt were shirtless and he kept trying to take it off and his mom kept stopping him.
Kurt grinned as he watched the battle of wits take place for a minute before he intervened. He indicated his and Lije's attire before saying: "Look at us, Sean, the sun isn't going to burn us. We're smart!"
The little boy stomped over to Unca Kurt and flopped down onto the sand beside his chair. His bottom lip wasn't poking very far out but he still wasn't happy.
"Can I go into the water, Unca Kurt? I wanna go in!" His poor little forlorn face tugged at Kurt's heartstrings and he nodded before he even consulted Rachel.
"Your daddy is going to take you in in a little bit, okay, sweetie?" He hated the sad droop to the little face but was relieved that Sean seemed to have taken heart. "In fact, if you ask mommy nicely, maybe I can take you down to the water and your dad will play with you. How does that sound?"
Sean jumped up as if he'd been tugged by an invisible string and bounced over to his mom who was applying more sunscreen to her legs. She smiled at him from beneath the brim of the large stylish hat she'd brought and nodded when he asked, "Can I, huh, please, mommy?"
Looking around to see if she could discern which bobbing head belonged to Finn, she turned back and nodded. "Okay, sweetie, but hold Uncle Kurt's hand tight, okay? You wouldn't want anything to happen to him, would you?"
The little boy nodded his head fit to topple off and then tugged his t-shirt off. "Yeah! We can go, Unca Kurt!"
Kurt got to his feet, slipping off his sandals and took hold of Sean's hand, smiling back at Mercedes. "Don't go anywhere, we still have to talk."
She nodded, smiling, as she watched him and the little boy move off down towards the water's edge. Her friend had such a natural charm she knew he would be perfect with kids. Hmmm, if he slowed down enough, she added to herself. She didn't know if he intended to continue performing after he and Dave tied the knot. That was one of the things she felt the two men ought to discuss; not that it was a deal-breaker, Kurt wanting to continue working, it was just that all expectations should be addressed, in her opinion.
She watched him now standing by the water with Sean jumping back and forth as the waves broke over his toes, his laughter wafting back towards the adults on the beach. She laid her head back and closed her eyes as she waited for Kurt to rejoin her, and in a few minutes she heard the crunch of the sand as he came back.
He puffed a bit as he sat down, an exaggerated tone of exhaustion to his voice. "Whew, kids are a lot of work, girl!"
She turned her head and grinned at him. "And yet we've been doing it for thousands of years, huh?"
He smiled back at her before turning to look out over the water. "Yeah, but I don't know how mothers with six and seven kids manage it. Two is fine, maybe three, but, whoo! I couldn't even begin to imagine the noise!"
She and Rachel laughed as they, too, turned to watch the five men and one little boy frolicking in the clear, tepid water. The day was fairly warm and sunny, the breeze dry and just a few, fluffy white clouds dotted the sky. Sea birds called to one another as they floated on the thermals and off in the distance the sound of the occasional car reminded them they were near to other people. Besides that, it was a tranquil, almost secluded space and Kurt noticed for the first time that there were low walls made of field stone at either end of their beach, presumably to keep out wanderers.
He loved the look of the place; his property down in the Caribbean looked completely different but it had that same laid-back vibe he loved. The music from 'Cedes little boom box was just loud enough to be heard but not enough to hinder private conversation. He turned to her now after checking that Rachel was off somewhere in her head.
"Pssst," he called as it seemed Mercedes was inclined to doze off. "You were right."
She raised one eyelid and then the other before straightening up a bit. She frowned slightly. "I was right about what?"
Kurt pulled a little grimace before admitting: "About David, when you said he might have been jealous that time? In New York – when we met Coop."
Her face brightened somewhat as she sat up further. "Yes? What happened?" She watched in amusement as colour crept up his throat and into his cheeks, his eyes lowering before he looked off towards the water.
He finally looked back at her, the love he felt for David glowing in his eyes. "Let's just say we assured each other quite thoroughly of where we stand," and grinned at her widening eyes.
"Oh, boo, you're going to wear that poor man out!"
Their uproarious laughter jolted Rachel from her near-doze and she smiled over at the two friends, their closeness obvious in the way they leaned towards each other, hands flapping at each other in a silly little mock fight.
Once again Carole leaned forward to glance down the row at the two friends who were now cackling and whooping, their laughter competing with the sound of the music. She looked at Burt with a smile and reached over to poke him.
He had been playing with Lije but now he and the baby were so relaxed it appeared they might have been dozing off.
"Come on, old man, don't you want to at least get your feet wet," she teased Burt as she rose from the chair. She liked the way his eyes ran up her body from her feet up to her face and she smiled enticingly down at him.
"Alright," he muttered, easing Lije up a bit so she could lift the baby into her arms. He thought she looked extra special beautiful in that beach get up and he'd made sure to tell her this morning.
He could still hear Mercedes and his son chuckling a few chairs down from him and he glanced over, watching the friends chatter and laugh almost non-stop. Rachel was watching them with a little smile on her own face and he looked out to the water to see where his step-son was.
The morning wore on with the group relaxing and doing whatever each person felt like doing – lounging, swimming, walking along the beach – and soon stomachs growled and everyone gathered to eat.
Whoever had stocked the villa's refrigerators and pantry had done a fantastic job as far as Kurt was concerned. The boys had packed deli meats, small loaves of French bread, rolls, an assortment of cheeses, sweet little vine-ripened tomatoes, cucumbers, pickles and fruits. The other cooler held water, juices, milk and soda – no beer. There were also packets of crisps ('chips', Finn announced determinedly) and, to Sean's surprise, there were even a couple packets of cheesy puffs that his mom had said he could have when he finished his sandwich and milk.
They had all sat around on the loungers to eat, rather than stay in the beach house and the sunshine, warm breeze and good food all combined to produce a welcome lethargy.
Kurt, sharing a lounger with David, reclined between the larger man's long legs and sighed in deep satisfaction. He turned his head up to offer his lips for a quick little kiss and once David had obliged him, announced that he was very glad they had come.
There were murmurs of agreement as the others gazed out at the varying shades of blue the sea offered and very soon, apart from the low music and occasional comment, nothing could be heard. There wasn't even the earlier sound of traffic and, eventually, the kids fell asleep.
Rachel looked over at Carole and nodded at the boys and then up at the beach house; Carole understood and got up to lift Lije from Burt's lap. She moved off with him and Finn followed with Sean, the both of them stepping over the shifting sand carefully so as to not wake them.
Puck and Devon, who were sitting on a towel on the sand, chatted desultorily while snuggling, the younger agent's soft voice mingling with Puck's huskier one. Gradually even they stopped talking and just enjoyed the ambience. Ian was stretched out on his own towel, his eyes closed and his face turned up to the sky.
Mercedes had pulled her floppy hat down over her face and Kurt was certain he could hear the occasional snore. Burt, too, was on the verge of dozing off and Kurt smiled as he watched his dad.
They hadn't spoken much and he promised himself that he would do so on this vacation. After all, the next time he would see his father would be at his wedding. He needed to talk with the man who had always been there for him and let him know that he would stay as much in touch with him as possible. Now that things were better between him and Finn, Kurt was determined to be a better son to his dad.
Now he lifted his head to look over at David who had his eyes closed; already his mind was skipping ahead to what they would do later, after dinner. He had a desire to see what nightlife the area had to offer; after all, there were several hotels around, if Puck were to be believed, and he had a wanted to go dancing. He lowered his head back against David's chest and closed his eyes, enjoying for the moment the feel of the sun and the soft breeze against his skin. After a little nap he would bring up the subject of a night of partying.
He felt David's large hand rub against his stomach and smiled to himself; yes, he wanted to show off both his hot husband-to-be and his new ensembles. This place was just the perfect combination of casual sophistication and relaxed luxury and he was going to make the most of it before work beckoned once more.
.
KHDK
.
"HAVE YOU SEEN MERCEDES?" Kurt tried to ask David over the sound of the thumping music as he came up to his fiancé. He'd offered to go get the drinks and now he was back, his friend had gone missing.
Dave leaned down closer to Kurt. "She's over there, dancing!" He pointed to where in the middle of a mass of jumping, gyrating bodies Mercedes was enjoying herself with a tall, thin, mustachioed guy. She was smiling widely as she did her thing while the guy kept leering down the front of her rather revealing dress. Kurt grinned as he handed over David's drink, happy that she seemed to be enjoying herself.
Puck had checked out the nightspots in the area and this one was close enough to the villa so that they didn't have to drive. The night was warm and the sky was unbelievably clear; the women were smart enough to have carried wraps and the guys, of course, were all wearing jackets.
Kurt watched as Mercedes spun around and backed up against the tall guy, his arms going around her to hold her butt against him as they 'danced'. Kurt grinned again and turned to look up at his fiancé, a coy little look in his eyes.
"Well, aren't we going to dance, lover?" He looked up from beneath long, darkened lashes and then dropped his eyes to David's mouth before licking his lips suggestively.
Dave grinned at his sexy lover, taking in the way the wide neck of his black glittery top exposed those sweet collarbones and the long, creamy neck. He quickly disposed of the glass he'd been handed and slid his hands onto Kurt's hips, revealed by the tight white, low-rise jeans he'd chosen to wear.
He leaned down to nibble one delicate pink ear and smiled inwardly as Kurt couldn't hold back a little shudder. "Come, baby, let's dance," he growled against the damp ear lobe, knowing his breath would cool it and make Kurt shiver some more.
Kurt pulled back, a tiny pout on his pink lips. "Behave yourself, David; I barely have room in these pants for its contents, as it is."
Dave barked a little laugh as he eased back, glancing down at the way Kurt's generous package was already quite nicely outlined beneath the white material. He licked his lips and then glanced back up to see Kurt's eyes darkening. Oh no, Dave knew that look so, before things could escalate, he grabbed Kurt's hand and tugged him towards the heaving dance floor.
The lovers threw themselves into the happy, bouncy mass, Kurt spying Finn and Rachel at one point with their arms about each other even though the current song was quite a fast one. He smiled as his eyes roved about, coming to rest again on Mercedes who was now dancing with an Asian girl with long, red-streaked hair and seriously outré eye makeup. He couldn't see Puck and Devon and, wonder of wonders, Ian was actually dancing – and with a woman who seemed a little older than the average 30-something age of the patrons.
The night whirled by in loud music, unending drinks and a carousel of partners for Mercedes. She was enjoying herself immensely. In fact, it was one of the best nights she'd had; even though she thought guiltily that their mini-reunion should have had that title. This, though, was her first time in a European nightclub and it was fantastic! Whoever that deejay was he clearly knew how to keep the energy level high.
When the inevitable, slower tunes were played, however, she quickly excused herself from the current partner, always using the excuses of 'getting a drink' or 'using the loo'. One guy, from his accent Australian, had even had the gall to wink and say tipsily, "no worries, we can go together" to which she had just burst out laughing and then walked away.
Kurt and David danced to most of the songs, sometimes ending up kissing and making out on the dance floor but no one paid them any attention. Well, almost no one. One man, apparently not understanding the dynamic between the lovers, had plastered himself to Kurt's back when he and Dave had had their arms about each other. Kurt, stiffening in surprise, had simply looked at the man and, before David could erupt, simply barked at him to "back off, now!"
The man had retreated with a sottish, befuddled look, both hands held up palm outward as he'd muttered, "Jeez, what's with you?" and stumbled away.
Dave, recovering his equanimity, had looked down at Kurt with a smirk and opined: "It's your fault, y'know; those jeans are sinful."
Kurt had just shaken his head and planted a quick soft kiss on David's smiling mouth. "All my jeans are sinful, baby," to which Dave had heartily agreed. He returned the kiss and deepened it, uncaring of the other dancers, and licked into Kurt's hot, sweet mouth. His large hands wandered down to slide unto Kurt's ass, the possessiveness of the move not lost on Kurt.
He rather liked that David felt like that about him; maybe it stemmed from the fact that in his early, formative years, only his dad had seemed to accept him wholeheartedly. He had had to grow up with armour that protected his sensitive soul from the cruel indifference of his peers and even some of the adults in his life. Now, to have this big, handsome man feel like he did about him was the best thing in the world.
When Dave released the succulent lips, he pulled Kurt closer so the singer's head was against his chest and they moved slowly to the current run of romantic music. Other couples shuffled around them, the light in the club dimmer than before, and he realized with a jolt that it was nearly 3 a.m.
He looked around for the others in their party and eventually saw Finn, Rachel and Ian at their table. He was glad the couple was able to join them and Rachel had explained that, of course, Carole and Burt were babysitting the boys at the villa. She glowed in the club's dramatic lighting, the white one-piece, strapless ensemble showing off her olive skin and beautiful shoulders. Finn spent most of the time watching other people with a grim look to see if they were going to make a move on her. She thought it rather cute and blushed off and on the whole night.
As Dave looked around for the others, Mercedes returned to the table, grinning from ear to ear, evidently having enjoyed the string of partners she had had. He then looked towards the bar and located Puck on a stool with Devon standing between his legs. Everyone was giving off 'going home' vibes so, as the song came to an end, he eased Kurt away from him and dropped a kiss on the pointy nose.
"Come on, doll, time to make tracks." He grinned as Kurt rolled his eyes at his phraseology and they moved off the dance floor, wending their way between the other couples – oh, and in one case – trio. Dave nodded at Ian and Mercedes, indicating that he was ready and Mercedes, swallowing the last of her drink, grabbed her purse and wrap.
"Ohhh, I'm more than ready – my dogs are doing some serious complaining," and chuckled as she pointed at her abused feet. She'd not been stupid enough to wear heels because she had fully intended to dance the night away but even then, her flats were pinching by now.
Kurt nodded, his smile soft and glowing as he asked: "Enjoyed yourself?"
She sighed even as she smiled. "Oh, yes, my first European nightclub. I'm telling you, boo, I'm simply storing up these memories like postcards, seriously."
They moved towards the door, having to pass the bar, and Devon and Puck joined them, Puck with a beer bottle in his hand from which he kept sipping.
The air outside of the club was blessedly cool and fresh after the stuffiness of the club; clearly, Europe didn't have stringent laws about smoking, they noticed. The sky was a deep indigo, truly beautiful with the brilliant pinpoints of stars studding it in wide swathes.
Kurt trudged along the hotel's driveway with David's arm about his shoulder and his around the larger man's waist. Finn, Rachel, Mercedes and Ian walked ahead of them, chatting softly and behind, Puck and Devon carried up the rear.
The group strolled along in leisurely fashion and Mercedes for one knew she'd sleep deeply after the day they'd had. The sea air not only did wonders for the appetite, it was really good for the soul, she mused. No wonder people had been vacationing at the seaside for thousands of years. She said as much to the usually taciturn Ian and was happy when he continued the thought, adding in his quiet voice that many people felt there was something therapeutic about seawater, and the sea, itself.
They chatted quietly all the way to the villa which wasn't actually very far but when they came to the tall iron gates, she looked up the long driveway and sighed. Ah well, she reasoned, think of it as a way to work off all those extra calories, girl.
Kurt, coming up behind her, grinned as he knew exactly what was going through her mind. The next time they went clubbing, he was going to insist they drive there. He linked his arm through hers and the two friends took the driveway in a slow, measured stroll. In what seemed like no time they were at the top and several sighs of relief were released in the quiet air.
Dave grinned as he let everyone inside except Finn and Rachel who had waved goodnight and turned away to the little path that led to their cottage. Burt and Carole had left the lamps on in the huge family room and now, planting themselves on the large, comfy sofas, Kurt and Mercedes demanded drinks to help them recover from their forced march.
Puck, grinning, declared he'd play bartender and took everyone's order. Minutes later, with Devon helping, everyone had their nightcap.
Kurt sighed, relaxed and half asleep as he gazed around at the group. He lifted his glass and said, "cheers", to which they all responded with varying degrees of enthusiasm. Mercedes' yawn inevitably started a cascade and, after a round of laughter at one another, she declared she would be sleeping like the dead for at least the next twelve hours.
Kurt seconded that, his toe poking into Dave's thigh and the older man grabbed the foot and tickled him. The other guys said their plans were loose but they wanted to get in some sightseeing or canoeing at some point. Dave nodded and suggested that in the afternoon, they all take a sightseeing tour of the area; maybe they'd even stop for their evening meal at one of the hotels they'd be passing.
That sounded like an excellent idea and Kurt rewarded him with a little kiss when David hauled him to his feet. "Come on, beautiful," he said, grinning. "Let's get you upstairs."
Kurt, giving the stairs a baleful glare, turned to look up at David. "Tell me why we didn't choose the ground floor suite, again?"
The others chuckled as they all moved to their various rooms. Dave shook his head, swept a squeaking Kurt up in his arms and made his way slowly up the stairs.
"Oh my god, David Karofsky! I swear, if you throw your back out, I'll never forgive you!"
The laughter was louder this time, although Mercedes tried to shush them because Burt, Carole and the boys were asleep, and she followed the squabbling lovers up the stairs.
Oh, boy, she thought as she tried to stifle her giggles, there would never be a dull moment with those two!
Calling a soft good night when they made it to the upstairs hallway, she waved back at Kurt who was now snuffling his nose into David's neck.
Yeah, they were so good together, she prayed that nothing would ever change that. While life had a way of throwing obstacles into one's path every so often, the love those two had for each other was a formidable thing. As long as they had that, she felt, they would survive anything.
.
TBC