The Storm: Safe Harbor
Chapter Sixty-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.
After breakfast the following morning, both Dave and Kurt had several calls to make. Kurt rang up Will, informing him he was back and that he needed to talk to him about something important.
Will, stepping in from his terrace where he'd just had breakfast, strode quickly to his office and settled in to listen. He hadn't heard from his favourite client in a while and had wondered how he was enjoying his vacation.
Kurt smiled at the familiar chirpiness of his agent's voice. Will had always been his personal cheerleader and although he wasn't a fan of his wife, he thought of the man as a good friend. Now, he settled onto the couch in his office as he looked over at David on his own phone call behind the huge desk.
"So, Will, David and I want to do up a prenuptial agreement and I want you to represent me… of course," he smiled as he spoke, picturing the way Will's eyebrows were probably sliding up his forehead at that statement.
Will's eyebrows were, indeed, up at his hairline as he listened to Kurt but he was also beaming. "Yes, I'll be happy to represent you, Kurt!"
Kurt giggled softly, running a hand up one of his legs as he listened. He was unaware of his fiancé's observation as he lay curled up on the huge leather sofa. He paused a bit to look over at David and then, putting his hand over the phone's pickup he whispered to him: "He wants to know when he should meet with your lawyer…"
Dave asked Monica to hold on a second and then nodded at Kurt, smiling. "I haven't spoken with him as yet; this is Monica on the line and I'm giving her an idea of what she'll be facing."
Kurt stuck out his pink tongue at him, smiled and turned back to his own call. "Will, I'll have to get back to you; David hasn't spoken with his man as yet. It won't be long though, so I'll call you back, okay?"
Will smiled again as he listened to how happy Kurt sounded, happy and relaxed. The last few months had been a bit of a rollercoaster ride for the young countertenor, he knew, so he was pleased that the vacation seemed to have done him a world of good. That and being engaged to the man he loved, he guessed.
"Okay, Kurt, I'll listen out for your call. Oh, by the way, I don't know if you're aware but there's stuff already in the rags about your engagement."
Kurt nodded as he listened to Will but his voice was calm as he replied: "Well, it was to be expected after the paparazzi discovered us in France. It was just a coincidence, though; they were there for some Hollywood A-listers and we just sort of got in the way, I guess."
Will was happy that he didn't sound upset at all. "Okay, then; if you want I can handle publicity for you on that score." His offer wasn't made idly. He had a soft spot for Kurt and he really wanted things to go smoothly leading up to the wedding.
Kurt smiled softly, grateful for Will's offer. "I think David's people are going to handle that. I'll just have try to dodge the paps when I go out, as usual."
Will grinned at that; he remembered how frustrated Kurt had been the first time he'd realized his popularly had propelled him from the Arts and Entertainment section of the newspapers and websites to the Society and Fashion sections. He had not been best pleased at what he'd first thought of as an invasion of his privacy. Will had had to sit him down (and he'd had to hide his smile at Kurt's epic pout) and explain to him that it was all part and parcel of being a successful, good-looking young performer these days.
"Come on, Kurt," he'd cajoled. "It's part of the package, okay? As long as they aren't using zoom lenses to peer into your bedroom window, you can handle this. Just enjoy it because believe me, it won't last forever."
That speech had been made several years ago and the attention had only increased when Kurt's colourful love life had proved as entertaining to readers as his success on the stage. Now he was more sophisticated in his outlook and, to Will's mind at least, he was ready to be the consort of a man as powerful as David Karofsky.
Kurt, whether he realized it or not, was about to step into a much different world from that of the stage. His experience gained from the countless galas and command performances around the world would stand him in good stead when he had to entertain his future husband's mega-rich acquaintances at their various homes.
Kurt and Will wrapped up their conversation, Kurt promising to call him back as soon as David had organized the meeting. He sat for a while watching David behind the big desk, his eyes roving over the handsome face, and then hugged his knees to his chest. He buried his face in his arms and smiled, smug and happy, reveling in the thought that they were together.
Dave looked up as Kurt lowered his head, his hair gleaming and healthy in the light streaming in through the windows. He smiled as he finished up his conversation with Monica, having to backtrack a couple of times because he'd become distracted by the sight of Kurt on the sofa.
Their morning had been leisurely, a voluptuous combination of physical tiredness from their lovemaking and simmering anticipation of the new part of their life about to begin. They'd awakened almost at the same time, tiny smiles on their faces and moved into each other's arms. It was technically the last day of their vacation; Kurt actually should be thinking about flying out to Milan soon but he wanted to snatch more time with David.
Dave ended his call with Monica to whom he'd given vague instructions about finding the best wedding planner, the best venue, the best caterers, the best everything. He could tell from her voice that she was trying to tamp down her amusement but he didn't care. He was happy and he didn't mind the whole world knowing. Finally, he'd simply said to her that money was no object and that he wanted the whole thing to be as spectacular, as dramatic, as Kurt wanted it to be.
The wise woman had held back her mirth, though, and simply made a note to herself that she would give her boss and his fiancé the most fabulous wedding she could come up with. She was actually looking forward to meeting Kurt at some point and going over his ideas for the wedding and to this end she asked Dave if she should come around later to meet him.
Dave had then had a brilliant idea and told her to come to dinner that night. He would leave it as a surprise for Kurt, something he loved to do because the expressions on that face fairly took his breath away most times. Now he rose from behind the desk and strode over to the couch, throwing himself down and grinning at the startled squeak he got from Kurt.
Kurt blushed at the look in his fiancé's eyes and stretched out his legs across the muscular thighs. His hand came out to brush a lock of hair back from David's forehead and gazed into the hazel eyes.
"So, what are we doing for my last day here, handsome?" He loved the little scoff that his lover always did when he called him that. "Make it something for me to remember, okay? I hate the thought of being away from you, y'know."
Dave's hand stroked up the smooth, silky skin, caressing around to the slender calf and up to the back of Kurt's knee where the skin ways especially soft. He pretended not to notice the little shiver that went through his lover and frowned as if he were concentrating especially hard.
"Hmmmm, let's see. I did think that, uhm, nah, maybe not…" he shrugged with fake uncertainty as he stifled a snicker at Kurt's hypercurious expression.
"No! Tell me… what were you planning?" He withdrew his legs, curling them up to wrap his arms around them as he leaned forward, intrigued.
Dave finally let out the chuckle and winked at his lover's wide-eyed face. "Oh, I was just thinking maybe you'd want to go ring-hunting but," and here he shrugged with feigned nonchalance, "maybe you'd want to wait until later."
The realization that David was teasing him made Kurt's mouth do that 'o' that Dave really loved to see and he burst out laughing fully when the singer whapped him on his arm.
"Ow, ow, you can't beat up the love of your life! That's not allowed!" He laughed as Kurt sat up onto his knees and then shut up when he leaned over to kiss him.
The kiss was soft and sweet and before he knew it, they were making out on the couch, Kurt straddling his lap. Dave slid his hands around to the delicious bum, enjoying the feel of the firm muscles, and let Kurt have his way with his mouth.
He definitely didn't whine, he told himself, when Kurt pulled back to smile down at him. The singer pecked him one last time and then brought their foreheads together.
"Yes," he sighed, his breath soft and fragrant against Dave's face. "I do want to go 'ring-hunting' with you, David Karofsky."
They cuddled and nuzzled each other until Dave finally, reluctantly, eased Kurt away to look up at him. "Okay then, I think we ought to go get ready. By the way," he paused as Kurt slid from his lap and his eyes immediately went to that lovely backside as his fiancé sauntered toward the office door. "I've invited someone to dinner. Do you think maybe you could invite Will? I haven't got much of an opportunity to chat with him."
Kurt grinned at him over his shoulder as he opened the door. "Yes, that will be great and, oh, and remember: he wants to know when he'll be meeting with your lawyer."
Dave nodded. "Okay, I'll call Maurice and set up a time and then let Will know when he comes to dinner tonight."
Kurt smiled and then blew him a kiss as he headed out the door to go and get changed. He wondered who was coming to dinner as he knew David was pretty much a recluse for someone so young. He knew he had dated – and his face darkened as he thought of the Smythe-Heffley cow – but he'd learned over the months that he didn't call very many people 'friend'.
He headed to the kitchen first to let Mrs. L. and Eddy know they were having two more for dinner and after listening and trying not to drool at the menu, left the ladies to their jobs. He bounced up the stairs, humming as usual and threw a wave to Xavier who was just heading towards the pool room.
Kurt smiled as he reminisced about how much his life had changed, how much he had changed. He almost couldn't recognize that angry, vengeful person of last summer as himself, so much had things improved and he with them. He was so grateful to have that kind of love directed at him and although he'd first thought of David as some crazy, stalker-like person, the reality was so much better.
As he entered their suite his mind moved on to what he was going to wear for this shopping trip. Or, he thought, maybe more like window-shopping as it was too much to hope that they would find the perfect ring on their first try.
Walking into his closet, he smirked at the sight of the room. Mercedes would flip if she could see this, he grinned to himself, pausing to stare at the racks of clothes and shoes that would not shame a high-end boutique.
He shook himself out of his silly thoughts and moved to select an outfit he hoped would be both stunning and elegant. If he were going to step out with a billionaire on his arm to shop for their wedding rings, he needed to look the part.
He dressed quickly in a soft heather cashmere sweater so thin you could almost see through it and teamed it with a pair of slate grey leggings. He planned to wear knee-high boots, of course, and complete the outfit with a long blue and grey scarf and his favourite London Fog trench.
By the time David made it upstairs to change, Kurt was futzing with his hair, muttering to himself about being happy to cut it for the wedding. Dave lifted a brow as he started shrugging out of his clothes and couldn't resist teasing him.
"What? Cut that magnificent mane, so rich in its chocolateyness? Never say so!"
Kurt's mouth dropped open comically as he stared at David's reflection in the mirror and then he cracked up. Dave laughed too as he strode into the closet to choose his outfit and when he had, he came back out to see Kurt shaking his head at him.
"You have no idea how unruly this mop can be. I know you like to get your hands in it but for a fashionista like me, it's damned hard getting it to behave!" He pouted as his hair misbehaved once more and flopped onto his forehead.
Dave mock-frowned and pursed his lips as he stepped into his trousers. "Haven't you heard you should just go with it, however it wants to?"
Kurt lifted a sarcastic eyebrow at him. "Yeah, that works for others, not for me. My hair is going to strangle me in my sleep one day, I tell you."
Dave chuckled at his dramatics but hurried to reassure him. "Sweetheart, I don't think you have any real idea how sexy you are." He quirked his brow at Kurt who had started to protest. "No, seriously; what you see as problems or flaws, the rest of us lowly mortals can only gaze at in awe."
Kurt shook his head at David's words; he wasn't begging for compliments in this case. He was really frustrated with the fact that his role in 'Midsummer' required that his hair be a certain length. Good god, he thought, who wrote that sort of thing into contracts? He had heard once, though, that Hollywood actors were sometimes faced with even more outrageous demands. One actress whom he had always admired had been required to gain weight and keep it as the beloved housewife on a famous sitcom, now ended. He'd laughed when he'd heard that, at the series' end, she had wasted no time in losing the weight, going under the knife and totally overhauling her looks.
Good for her, he thought now as he blew a puff of air up at the wayward lock that fell over his right eye. Thank heavens I don't have a cowlick, he grinned suddenly, as he would've had to use tons of gel to keep it down. Who would accept Oberon, the King of the Fairies looking like a hick?
After putting on his watch and the platinum bracelet and giving himself one last critical look, he finally rose from the dressing table but halted at the wide-eyed look that David was giving him. He glanced down at himself and then looked back at his lover, his expression puzzled. "What?"
Dave had just finished buttoning up his shirt and tucking it into his trouser waist and as he'd reached for his leather belt, Kurt had got up. His eyes widened at the way the soft leather leggings clung to Kurt's thighs and he would swear up and down that his mouth had not just watered. He raised his eyes when Kurt asked "what?" but he just smiled and shook his head.
Far be it from him to start censoring what his fiancé wore but he felt his blood pressure go up at the way Kurt's clothes loved his body. As he finished dressing he heaved a somewhat relieved sigh as he realized Kurt was going to cover up a bit with his trench coat. He brushed his hair, shrugged into his own coat and held the door for his sexy lover, smiling into the little kiss Kurt dropped on his lips in appreciation for his gallantry.
"Thank you, sweetie; I like that colour on you, y'know," his blue-green eyes twinkled up at his lover as he slid past him. "It brings out the green in your eyes."
Dave huffed, pretending not to be pleased, and replied softly, "and I like everything on you."
Kurt's musical laughter drifted behind him as he strode ahead of Dave, the trench coat hugging his broad shoulders, nipping in a bit at the waist and then skimming over the pert backside. Dave shook his head as he followed, knowing that he was going to be experiencing a persistent buzz of arousal the whole day.
Xavier and Julian were already outside waiting, the blond behind the wheel and Kurt quirked his eyebrow at the gleaming dark red Bentley.
"Wow," he whispered teasingly as David held the door for him. "We are doing it up right today!"
Dave looked over at him as he slid into the back seat beside his glamorous fiancé. "Well, it's only fitting; this is probably the most important shopping trip we'll probably ever do."
Kurt gazed at him, wide-eyed as they moved off down the long driveway, his lips sliding into a soft smile. "Yes, I think you are right."
Dave grasped the hand on the seat between them and held it all the way into London's famed shopping district and only released it when Kurt leaned forward to gaze out his window. He grinned as he watched the fashionista take in the sight of all those famous façades but he dropped it when Kurt turned back to him.
"Where exactly do you want to start first? I mean, heavens, I'm spoiled for choices here!" His eyes gleamed and his face shone; after all, shopping for one's wedding ring was already a heady experience. Doing it in a world-famous shopping district upped the hotness fact immensely in his opinion.
Dave shrugged and said he'd leave it up to him. "Where do you want to go first? I ask because you're such a shopaholic and I don't know the first thing, really."
Kurt quirked his lips saucily at him, sniffing as he replied: "I do so love truth in a man!" and laughed when David poked him gently in the side, tickling him. He turned to Julian and asked him to stop in front of Tiffany & Co., saying: "Here is as good a place to start as any, don't you think?"
Xavier threw a quick glance at Julian but the blond looked surprisingly serene and he let out a little sigh of relief. He couldn't imagine what it was like to have to take the man you loved shopping for his wedding ring with his fiancé. Maybe he was getting better, the dark man thought as he gazed up at the façade of the famous jewellery house.
Kurt stepped out of the huge vehicle, barely sparing a glance at the passersby eyeing him and the car curiously. When David stepped up beside him, big and handsome in his black coat over the moss green sweater Kurt loved so. He slid his hand through his arm and they both looked up at the building for a second before grinning at each other.
Dave looked down into Kurt's excited face and asked softly, "Ready?"
Kurt took a deep breath and nodded. "I am," before moving off with him, so caught up in the anticipation of shopping for their wedding ring that he was able to ignore the Chanel store just next door.
They were ushered into the building by a gentleman of indeterminate age but of impeccable bearing. It went without saying that the man was no fool; just the Bentley alone would have alerted him to the fact that these particular customers were not short of cash.
He smiled and introduced himself as the manager and Kurt, grinning at his overly posh accent, informed him that they were there for wedding rings. Never let it be said that a certain class of Englishman would ever be crass enough to show his surprise. The manager simply nodded, produced a cool, thin little smile and ushered them into his office where they were invited to sit in the beautifully upholstered chairs before his gleaming desk.
The atmosphere was so cool and hushed, Kurt felt tempted to do something just to ruffle the man's calm a bit. Dave, probably sensing this, squeezed the slender fingers of the hand he held and watched as dimples appeared in the smooth cheeks.
"Behave," he whispered, brushing his lips against Kurt's cheeks as he straightened. Kurt, a hint of mischief in his blue eyes, simply nodded however and then pursed his lips together before growing serious. Dave stared at him for a second or two, tempted to grin, and then shook his head. Kurt would never be boring, he decided, and felt a great deal of pleasure at that thought.
When the manager returned he was carrying a velvet tray on which were displayed some of the most eye-catching jewellery Kurt had ever seen. He, however, acted as if these beautifully-wrought items were things he handled every day and he leaned forward to inspect them.
Dave as well looked the tray over and smiled when he noticed Kurt's eyes returning to a smooth platinum band interspersed with three princess-cut diamonds. He himself had been eyeing a much more elaborate band and pointed it out to him.
Kurt's eyes lit up as he looked at David. "You like this one, sweetie? It's gorgeous… but, hmmm, it's a little … I don't know." He huffed a bit, ignoring the disappointed look on the manager's face. The band was, indeed, beautiful but something about the design didn't really capture his heart. That was how he tended to shop; something had to leap out at him and capture his heart and his imagination before he could commit to it.
The manager brought tray after tray of eye-catching, breathtaking rings of all sizes and designs, sporting the most exquisite gems. Finally, Kurt shook his head, looking apologetically at David who simply shrugged and said, "We'll just continue to look around, then."
They thanked the manager, who by the third tray had recognized David, and were ushered out of the almost empty store. The few people who were in there were dressed just as expensively as they but they looked just as curiously at the departing couple as anyone on the street would. That car pulled up at the kerb alone would be enough to signal that this was no ordinary couple.
Xavier sprang forward to open the door for Kurt who threw him an appreciative little smile and after David had settled in he closed it. He'd been waiting, of course, and when he'd turned around to lean down to talk to Julian, he'd spied what was undoubtedly a paparazzo staring at them and the car. Xavier figured the man must be one of those freelancers who hung about outside of famous establishments, hoping to catch a photo or two of famous people entering or leaving. He hadn't been there when they'd arrived so he figured the man must have seen the car and decided to wait.
Now he stared at the fellow as the man had started to take picture after picture of Kurt and David leaving the jewellery store. He frowned at him but said nothing, simply got into the passenger seat and nodded to Julian who moved off carefully into the traffic.
Dave, with a glance at the faint disappointment on Kurt's face, told Julian to take them to De Beers which was, of course, not very far. He was willing to have their rings custom-made if they didn't find anything today but he knew his fashionista fiancé; a ring from one of these famous jewelers would be just the ticket.
Julian, glancing into the rear view mirror, frowned and threw a quick glance at Xavier. Xavier, watching the blond's eyes as they switched from the rearview mirror to the wing mirror, realized they were probably being followed. He checked his own wing mirror and realized it was the paparazzo from before. He told Julian who nodded back at the backseat occupants were speaking quietly. This was a cue for Xavier to inform them.
"There's a photographer following us; he was outside of Tiffany's when you came out. Should we lose him?"
Kurt looked up at David, his eyebrows furrowed and Dave looked at him, concerned. Kurt simply shrugged and shook his head, saying: "No, don't bother; all this has been in the papers already anyway so it doesn't matter."
Dave agreed; it would have been a little hypocritical to act now as if they hated the fact that their engagement had been made public. He hoped, though, that Monica would get onto things and put that announcement in soon. The sooner they got over the hubbub it was going to cause, the better. He knew that Kurt, being somewhat familiar with the public's voracious appetite for all things celebrity, was not really upset at all.
They pulled up outside of De Beers with their 'tail' but they ignored the man. Quite simply, he was doing his job and as long as he didn't prove intrusive, they could ignore him. Kurt found it a little funny, when he thought about it; he had been one of those kids who read the gossip rags that were filled with photos of stars and other famous folk, ingesting everything he could about their lives. Now he was on the other side and although it could be a little off-putting sometimes, he didn't really object to being photographed. As long as they didn't sink into the behaviour of the old Murdoch days, he was quite happy to even pose sometimes.
Now he and Dave hurried into the famous old establishment and only relaxed when they knew the man wasn't following them inside.
They looked around for a few minutes before a store clerk came up to ask if they needed assistance to which Dave said yes and could they see their reserved collection. The woman's eyes widened but she nodded; to Kurt's understanding, only certain previous clients knew of the company's reserved collection.
Once again they were ushered into seats but this time they remained in the main area and a gentleman came to assist her with showing the collection. Kurt's eyes lit up at the array of fine white and coloured gemstone jewellery but after he and David perused it, they couldn't decide on anything.
The woman cleared her throat after watching them get ready to leave and addressed Kurt, who she clearly pegged as the one calling the shots. "We have some special things coming in next week; would you want us to let you know when they arrive?"
She watched as a faint look of dismay crossed his face before he shook his head somewhat reluctantly. "Oh, I'll be in Milan by then," he said, his melodic voice sounding a little downhearted. Dave, unable to bear the look of disappointment, brushed a light kiss against his forehead as he hugged him.
"Sweetheart, we have several other places to see, remember?" He turned to the woman. "I could take your card and if we run out of luck, we will come by."
The woman perked up and she slid a rectangle of high-quality bond card out of a holder and wrote her name on it before handing it to him. She smiled widely; she could smell money a mile away and these Americans appeared to have a lot of it. Knowing how much more informal Americans were than her fellow Brits, she ventured a rather nosy question:
"May I ask when your wedding will be?" She smiled as Kurt's face brightened and he sat up away from David's shoulder.
"We plan to have it in June but we're only just beginning to plan." He rose and she escorted them to the door, unlocking it to let them out. Before they stepped through however, she did something she would never normally do.
"May I make a suggestion," she said now with a hand resting lightly on Kurt's arm.
Kurt, curious, glanced at David and then nodded at her. He smiled as he saw a little uncertainty flash in her eyes and then she seemed to make up her mind.
"I think you might appreciate holding your ceremony at Haverly Castle. It's very romantic and something tells me you would love it." She smiled as she watched his eyes light up with interest.
He turned to David, his blue eyes wide and his pink lips curved in a smile. "Oh, David, a castle; that sounds wonderful!"
Dave chuckled, nudged him out the door and nodded his thanks to the clerk. "Thanks, I'll definitely look into that." With a little shake of his head he watched Kurt almost skip across the pavement and up to Xavier who held the back door open for him.
However, as David stepped out, he noticed the paparazzo once again snapping away and his smile dimmed. No doubt the next day the papers and the web would be full of snaps of him and Kurt going and coming from these various stores. He ignored the man and slid in beside Kurt, grinning as his lover chattered away about the possibility of using a castle for their wedding.
Grabbing his hand to get his attention, he waited until he wound down before saying, "I have one more place for us to check and I think we'll get lucky." He grinned as Kurt's eyes widened and his mouth rounded into an enticing 'o'. "I won't tell you the name, but we're not too far away."
He leaned forward and muttered something so quietly to Julian that Kurt, straining to hear, missed it completely. The singer pouted as he settled back and turned his nose up as David laughed at him. He couldn't sustain it though because he was just so excited now.
As they made their way through the traffic of this popular shopping area, Dave took the opportunity to 'cheer' Kurt up by dropping little kisses along his lover's long neck all the way up to his earlobe. Kurt giggled and shivered as David nibbled on him and, unable to help it, he turned his head to capture the teasing lips.
They kissed languidly in the back seat of the Bentley until suddenly Kurt looked up to see the paparazzo holding his camera out of the window to take a picture of them. All while driving one-handed, Kurt realized and he pulled back from David with a startled squeak.
Dave, reeling back and wondering what had startled his lover, looked around to see the man's dangerous antics and he grew furious. Before he could call out, though, Julian had hit the brakes, causing the man's car to shoot ahead of them and the blond quickly slipped down a narrow side street.
They were all happy that the flow of traffic didn't allow the paparazzo to turn around and they were able to shake him completely. They were all a bit disgruntled by the time they pulled up in front of the establishment whose red awnings announced that this was Garrard.
Kurt turned and raised an eyebrow at David. "Wow, this is the oldest jewellers in the country, David!"
Dave nodded, a smug little smirk making his eyes dance as he gazed at Kurt's intrigued face. "Not just the oldest here but oldest in the world, actually. My mom fell in love with their pieces. I hadn't thought of it, though, until that woman mentioned Haverly Castle. It just triggered the memory, that's all," he shrugged before moving to exit the vehicle.
Kurt stepped out and looked around to see if there were any lurking photogs around but he relaxed as everyone seemed to be going about their business. Dave slid his hand to the small of Kurt's back and led him into the store, unconsciously breathing deeply as he stepped inside.
He used to accompany his parents whenever his dad felt he needed to lavish jewellery upon his mother who, wise woman that she was, never tried to dissuade him. The store had been one of his favourite places to visit but over the years since their passing, he'd never had reason to buy jewellery for anyone. The people he'd dated had never moved him to the point where he wanted to make such a gesture. Things were so very different now as he watched Kurt's face, smiling at the look of awe shining from his brilliant eyes.
David was greeted by the manager who remembered him and they spent a few minutes in pleasant chat, catching up on mutual acquaintances and David asking after his wife and daughters. Finally Dave dragged Kurt forward who blushed when the man took his hand in his and held it warmly as Dave made the introductions.
"Sweetheart, this is Darius Marani Majid. He knew my parents well. Darius, this is my fiancé, Kurt Hummel."
Kurt smiled somewhat less confidently than he usually did as the man's dark eyes seemed to scour his face. He couldn't remember the last time someone had looked at him that closely but he breathed a sigh of relief when the man smiled suddenly, his large white teeth gleaming brightly in his tanned and lined face.
He bowed over Kurt's hand in a very non-English way and said, his voice deep. "I am pleased to meet someone who will make young David happy."
Kurt's cheeks flared brightly as he stuttered an uncertain "thank you?" and looked helplessly at David as the man was still holding his hand. He only relaxed when his hand was eventually released and Darius turned towards his office, obviously expecting them to follow him – which they did, of course.
Darius seemed to be a contemporary of David's parents, his weathered skin lined and pouches beneath his large, dark eyes. His hair was thick and silver and he wore it slicked straight back. It gleamed pewter-like beneath the overhead lights and Kurt thought he looked a very theatrical bloke.
They were invited to sit in Marani Majid's large, plush office and in no time they were once again looking at tray after tray of absolutely exquisite pieces. Kurt was actually enjoying himself, half his attention on the jewellery and the other half listening to David and Darius reminisce about the 'old days'.
Suddenly Kurt gasped, his eyes widening as, nestled inside a box of its own was The Ring. Kurt absolutely felt it should be referred to in capitals. When Darius saw what he was staring at he smiled widely, his lined cheeks bunching as he lifted the ring from its velvet casing.
"Ah, you have quite a discerning eye, my dear. This beauty is from the Eternity Collection. Would you like to try it?" He rose to come around the desk and held his hand out for Kurt to place his in it and then slid the ring onto his finger before the engagement ring.
Both Kurt and David stared in awe at The Ring. It was stunning. Amazing. Wonderful. Absolutely… Kurt's mind ran out of descriptives for the piece nestled on his finger.
It was eleven rows of pure white pavé diamonds set in white gold.
Kurt looked from it up at David, glad that his fiancé seemed just as taken with the unusual ring and turned to stare at Darius, a smile beginning to spread across his stunned face.
"Oh, my," he breathed, his voice soft as he gazed once again at the ring. "Oh my god, David, it's THE Ring'."
The mood was broken when Dave hugged Kurt to him and dropped a kiss on his dark hair. He also breathed a sigh of relief that they had found the ring that had apparently snared Kurt's heart from the moment he had seen it. He looked over his head and mouthed a 'thank you' to a grinning Darius.
Darius nodded and then turned his gaze back to the beautiful young man who had captured his young friend's heart as surely as that ring had captured his. He rose again and went back around to the desk and pressed a bell hidden below it.
Within minutes his assistant came in, his eyes flicking to the two men before riveting on his boss's face. "Sir?"
"Would you get number 2012685 from the vault, please… and bring the book." He nodded at the lagging assistant who was once again staring at the two men and the fabulous wedding ring.
He took his seat again and once more engaged David in conversation, asking him now when the wedding was to be. Kurt finally surfaced from his love haze to look at the jeweller, smiling happily and looking as if he didn't want to remove the ring.
Finally, when the assistant came back, they saw the second ring: fourteen rows of pure white pavé diamonds set in white gold. Kurt gasped and even David looked a little stunned that there was a second, larger ring to match Kurt's.
To say the men were happy would be an understatement. Kurt suddenly felt as if this were an omen and that everything would go well for them. First, that wonderfully helpful woman had suggested a castle for their venue and now they'd found matching, perfect wedding bands. Kurt's heart swelled and for the rest of that afternoon he was on cloud nine. If you asked him when they'd left the store and made their way back home, he couldn't have told you.
Everything would be perfect now, he breathed. Everything.
.
KHDK
.
Meanwhile, in Milan, Rex frowned as he read the missive from the opera company's Board of Governors. He knew he had been a little under the weather and he regretted being a bit short with one of the members when he'd had a meeting with them but that was no reason for them to pull an end run around him now.
He threw the letter on the company's letterhead down onto his desk and sat back, his face scrunched in a ferocious scowl. Well, if they felt they needed to waste money hiring an assistant artistic director, so be it; it was their money being thrown away after all. He straightened up as his secretary came in, holding the door as she announced with a fatuous grin: "Your 4 o'clock is here, sir!"
Rex stood and came around the desk as the man entered and he looked at him, trying not to look surprised at the man's near-perfect looks.
He held his hand out and it was gripped in a firm handshake as he said, "Rex Hambleton, Mr. Anderson, welcome to the company and… welcome to Milan."
The beautiful smile was wide and disarming. "Thank you, Rex, and, please, call me Cooper…"
.
TBC
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