The Storm: Safe Harbor
Chapter Eighty
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: Thank you for your reviews, folks, they really make my day. Your PMs never fail to crack me up and I do enjoy hearing all your suggestions, especially for a sequel. We are, indeed coming to the end but there are two chapters after this one. Enjoy and please review!
Disclaimer: Messrs. Ryan, Falchuk, et al are the owners of my favourite boys. Only the OCs and situations belong to me, alas.
The day dawned misty and slightly cool; the watery light made its way in to illumine the two men just stirring to face the biggest day of their lives so far. Today would be the start of a new adventure for both of them; a new life together.
Dave shifted his head slightly on the pillow so he could gaze blurrily out the French doors, careful to still keep a hand on his sleeping lover's waist. He took a deep breath, smiling softly as he inhaled Kurt's sleepy scent. Kurt was the only person who knew he was a huge cuddler; any previous lover that he'd allowed to stay overnight had never seen that side of him.
As he watched the sky brighten incrementally, his heart rate sped up ever so slightly. Today was the day that he and Kurt were going to stand before their family, friends and others to declare to the world that everything they did from now on would be as one entity. He had given the same network that had interviewed them before the rights to film the wedding. Security – thanks to Puck, of course – was going to be intense and all other press, paparazzi included, would get short shrift from the men hired to see to their privacy that day.
He nuzzled his nose into the short hair at the nape of Kurt's neck, almost sad that his lover had seen fit to cut his hair. As he'd explained, however, now that the role of Oberon was behind him, he wanted to feel free of the unruly mass he'd often complained about. Now his hair was in a cut that Dave had to admit was extremely attractive. The stylist had shorn the back and sides but left the length on top and those dark strands had a few well-placed gold-auburn highlights that drew attention to Kurt's beautiful blue-green-grey eyes.
Now the singer murmured as he shifted, pushing his butt back against the warmth of Dave's groin and the larger man had to stifle a groan. He was certain that Kurt wasn't fully awake and as the day was going to be immensely hectic and emotional, he wanted him to get as much sleep right now as possible. Besides, the night before Carole and Mercedes had warned them that after they had a private breakfast today, they were not going to see each other until the ceremony in the evening.
The men had looked at each other in faint dismay, prompting the women to burst out laughing at the looks on their faces.
"Oh my god, Kurt, it's not as if you'll be on opposite sides of the planet!" Mercedes' booming tones had drawn the attention of the other guests at the rehearsal dinner and Kurt had flushed as he narrowed his eyes at his best friend. Dave had had to pinch his leg to stop from grinning outright at his annoyed lover who bristled like a wet cat as he took a sip of his wine.
Mercedes had flown over to Milan the weekend before for Kurt's final show, as she'd expressed interest in seeing him perform and then they'd all flown back to England to dive into the final week of preparations. On Friday night, the rehearsal at the castle had gone well and the dinner, sumptuous as always, was coming to a close.
Dave had been happy with his decision to book the castle for the whole week instead of just the weekend of the wedding. He more than had resources enough to fly all of Kurt's family over from the beginning or middle of the week to stay at the castle and he was happy he'd done so. Kurt had glowed with happiness at having his folks there with him and he'd got a chance to spend some bonding time with the baby, Lije.
If you'd asked him, Dave would have said that the week was a blur; he'd never been privy to so much behind-the-scenes preparation in his life. He'd had to juggle the demands of his empire, happy that he'd always had competent managers, as well as deal with Monica and Kurt's constant need for him to approve this, that or the other with regard to the wedding details.
He had been secretly happy to have been included, though, and he gave them his undivided attention, even though he did not know why it was important to know the difference in calligraphy for the wedding guest book. Seriously?
Kurt shifted against him, drawing his attention from the very recent past to the warm, fragrant present of lying in bed with his beautiful lover. He lifted his head to stare down at the fluttering lashes and his heart did a funny little shift as he watched them rest against the flushed cheek. He definitely wanted children with this man and he had to make certain that they looked like Kurt, he decided.
"Babe, you're thinking too loud…" Kurt's husky murmur startled him but he chuckled and whispered into the delicate ear near his mouth.
"Sorry, sweetheart, it's just all been… a bit…" he grinned down at the eyes turned towards him. "Overwhelming."
Kurt shifted completely unto his back and smiled, soft and loving as he lifted a hand to stroke David's cheek. His lover had been so sweet the whole week which had been crazy and hectic and wonderful all wrapped together. He sighed now as he woke up a little more, his heart speeding up with anticipation of the day.
"Oh, my god, David, it's the day!"
They stared at each other and then burst into soft laughter, Dave leaning down to nuzzle his nose against the long, smooth neck. He moved so that he could rest his head against Kurt's chest, feeling one soft hand come up to rifle through his hair.
"Kurt, babe, if I didn't value my life and my testicles, I'd ask you to just run away and forget all the folks around us." He lifted his head to stare into the understanding eyes. "However much I'd love to just spirit you away, I know we couldn't do that to them, though."
"I know, babe; think of it this way… in a couple of days, you and I will be on a yacht sailing off into the horizon."
Dave sighed and smiled. "Yeah, I can't wait."
"Me neither," Kurt breathed as he brought David's face up to his, his lips parting for the first tender kiss of the day.
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KHDK
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Mercedes stared at her friend lying on the spa bed beside her. His face was serene – well, what she could see of it beneath the pale green of the mask and slices of cucumber over his eyes. She was trying hard to keep the tears at bay and she'd been pretty successful but every now and again they would just creep up on her.
Fifteen years ago she would never have imagined where life would take them as they struggled to keep their heads up at the start of high school. When they had graduated and moved on to different things in life, she hadn't thought they would have lost touch as much as they did. She didn't dwell on who was to blame, just chalked it up to life and its demands. Then, five months ago he had reappeared in her life and she still hadn't seen herself sat beside him getting ready to see him marry the love of his life.
She closed her eyes and bit her lips, trying to compose herself because there was no way she was going to turn up with red, swollen eyes at her boo's wedding in a few hours. Suddenly she felt a hand slide into hers and grip it and without opening her eyes, she squeezed back. She should have known he would pick up on her emotions. It was just that kind of day and she smiled as she settled down to enjoy her own rejuvenating mask. In a little while they would get their mani-pedi on and she was determined that there would be no waterworks to set him off.
She thought now about the surprise that Kurt and she had been working on; a mystery guest who was special to someone in their group. He was always thinking of other people, although to many who didn't know him well he was just another diva. However, because her best friend was, indeed, such an amazing person, Dave had arranged for a couple of surprise guests as he seemed to love doing things like that for Kurt.
So, apart from these mystery guests, the Casellis, whom she'd met on Kurt's birthday, and Rex were all coming with many members of the company who had wanted to attend the wedding. The flight and transportation arrangements for all the guests, no matter where they were coming from, would be handled by Puck, of course.
She was definitely looking forward to what she had heard someone jokingly refer to as the wedding of the decade but she privately thought of it as the wedding of the century.
On the other side of Kurt, Rachel and Carole were also relaxing and listening to the bland yet soothing new age-ish music coming over the intercom, both lost in their own worlds.
Carole had left Burt after breakfast and even though he'd never been a very talkative man, her husband had been unnaturally quiet. She kept up a steady stream of quiet comments about the beautiful castle that David had booked for them, not expecting any replies. She had been surprised, however, when he'd suddenly chuckled and turned his head to gaze out at the beautiful grounds.
"You know, I shouldn't be surprised that Kurt would be getting married somewhere like this."
She smiled and tilted her head. "How so?"
Burt's face sobered slightly as a faraway look came into his eyes. "Kurt had always been different, from he was real little. I could see it and he was always into fairy tales, even after his mom had stopped reading them to him. He said that he would grow up to marry a prince. You have to admit that Dave is a prince of a guy, the best. I-I…" he broke off, shaking his head.
His eyes grew red and a little watery and Carole simply reached over and covered one hand with hers. "I know, I know, sweetheart."
She knew what Burt had been about to say; he wished Kurt's mother could have been here to see their boy get married to his own 'Prince Charming'. Now he shook his head, trying to shake off the emotions threatening to swamp him and smiled at her. She knew he loved her and was happy with her and she knew too that it was natural, what he'd just thought.
They sat in silence for a bit, both looking out at the grounds and taking in the first few workmen and staff who had begun their task of transforming the grounds. Kurt had explained to them at the rehearsal dinner his theme of fusing some Indian designs and themes into the traditional wedding décor and she was looking forward to seeing the end product.
Now she lay on her spa bed and smiled as she thought about the young man beside her. She loved Kurt as if he were her own and she was glad that his fairy tale was holding true. He was such a generous boy and her mind went to the astonishing array of gifts he had lavished on them at the rehearsal dinner.
The awed murmur that had gone through the room mingled with the happy laughter and soft exclamations of surprise as people had opened their gifts. She had stared, awestruck at the pearl and ruby earring and necklace set Kurt and David had given her, stuttering when he'd handed her another gift as well. When she opened it, he'd explained that the scent within was purported to be the most expensive in the world. The gorgeous combination of jasmine, roses and vanilla wafted up to her and she had closed her eyes in ecstasy.
Around her, the others had been just as blown away, Mercedes jumping up to squeeze 'her boo' to her as she kissed him. Her gift was of Kundun jewellery, Kurt explained, which was Indian in origin and was a breathtaking combination of tiny rubies and emeralds cascading down from a beautiful collar on delicate strands of gold. The collar could be worn without the matching earrings and vice versa, he said, and she'd laughed happily as she caressed them one by one.
Carole had noticed Rachel was biting her lip and staring teary-eyed at her own gift – a Polki necklace and earring set in jet and white diamonds inlaid in gold. Carole thought the jewels suited her colouring to perfection and suddenly Rachel, too, leapt up as well to hug Kurt, whispering something in his ear. She moved on to throw herself in David's surprised arms but he'd simply laughed and hugged her back.
Carole shifted slightly on the bed, still smiling as she remembered how the men had been a little more restrained though nonetheless just as taken aback by the generosity of the gifts from both Kurt and David. Finn had stared, amazed, at his gift; Kurt had discussed his idea with her when he told her he'd found military-themed cufflinks with a matching tie tack. Finn didn't know it but the set was solid platinum and the stars were actual diamonds. He would realize, too, that Kurt must have picked it out especially for him.
She'd watched her son as he rose to his feet and everyone paused in the examination and displays of their own gifts to watch the overly tall man approach his stepbrother. Kurt's eyes widened slightly as he looked at Finn's flushed face and he braced himself. He giggled, though, when Finn simply held his arms wide and Kurt jumped up and went straight into them.
Finn had hugged Kurt and whispered something as well but Carole couldn't hear what it was. Whatever he'd said had made Kurt blush and look at him teary-eyed before they separated, Kurt breathing deeply as he went back to his seat beside his softly-smiling fiancé.
Burt didn't have a gift before him as Kurt had given him his in the week when, after his fitting with Mr. Pinnock, he'd presented his dad with a Burberry double-breasted wool great coat with a shearling over collar. Carole had exclaimed over the elegant, deep hemline on the cuffs, proclaiming her husband one fine-looking man. When he'd tried on the great coat, he'd slipped his hands into the pockets only to withdraw them, holding matching Burberry gloves. Kurt had clapped his hands and laughed at the expression on his dad's face and she giggled softly now as the scene replayed before her mind's eye.
"Kurt, you've got to stop doing this, kiddo!" Burt's expression had been almost bewildered. She almost understood how he felt because never in their lives had anyone spent the amount of money on them that Kurt and David had done – and all within just the last six months!
Her stepson had pouted, although she could see a dimple flashing, and walked up to hug his dad. "Daddy, it's my wedding and I want to." There had been the tiniest hint of a whine in there but he had perked up as he'd stared impishly back at his dad. "Anyway, just wait until the rehearsal dinner. You ain't seen nuthin' yet!"
Carole remembered how he'd skipped out of their suite, his laughter wafting back to them as he pulled their doors shut. Now she sighed happily, a sense of contentment coming over her that she knew had little to do with the spa treatment and mostly to do with her big-hearted stepson.
Rachel tilted her head in Carole's direction, having heard the occasional little huffs that came from her mother-in-law and wondered what the woman was thinking as she relaxed. She herself had been remembering the day they had arrived at Kurt's manor house, her eyes wide as she took in the house's magnificence. For just a tiny second she'd imagined herself owning a place like that, being 'the lady of the manor', and then she'd laughed and shrugged it off.
She'd been holding Sean's hand as they'd slid out of the back of the limousine and had just been telling the child to stop tugging on her hand to get away as she wasn't letting him go. The front doors had opened and Kurt had bounded out, looking happy and flushed and just as excited to see them as they were to be there. He'd scooped her up in a hug and they'd babbled over each other, Kurt bending down to hug Sean who wanted to show him his toy plane he'd got from 'Unca' Dave.
Kurt had straightened up to mock-glare at David for trying to brainwash Sean at such an early age when Finn had come around the car, holding Lije carefully in his arms. Kurt had turned to the two, about to greet his stepbrother when Lije suddenly leaned forward jerkily, his arms held out to Kurt. The singer had laughed happily and received the little, warm body carefully. He'd kissed and nuzzled the boy, one hand coming up to cradle and caress the soft, wispy hair at the back of his head as he whispered to him.
The men had been milling around them, removing luggage from the boot but Kurt had had eyes only for Lije and she had smiled indulgently at them. There was no doubt that, next to his parents, Kurt was Lije's favourite person. She even figured he beat out the grandparents for that spot but she knew Burt and Carole wouldn't mind, at all. Kurt was pretty special and even a baby could recognise that.
Later they had all gone inside and she had been amazed at the house and flustered by the staff that Kurt had taken her and Finn to meet. The women, especially Eddy and Mrs. L, had exclaimed over the two little boys and she had no doubt that were she ever foolish enough to leave the boys here, they would have been spoiled rotten in no time at all.
As she scratched at a part of the mask drying on her face, she tried not to smile as she heard Devon's voice just outside the room in which they were all four of them relaxing. He was their 'shadow' for this part of their day and she wondered if they'd drawn straws and he'd got the short one. As she listened carefully, she realised that he was talking on one of their high-tech devices, probably to Puck.
Even the agents had not escaped the gift-giving spree the night before and she marveled again at the generosity shown by both Kurt and David. Each of the agents had received a pair of cuff links and tie pins but that was where the similarity ended. Kurt had told her quietly that he chose them with each of their personalities in mind. For Julian, the elegant black and white tie pin had the appearance of frost on windowpanes. The matching cufflinks also featured richly engraved garlands surrounding stylized snowflakes. The quiet agent had not known how to say thank you but had simply nodded, his eyes wide, at Kurt and David.
Xavier had exclaimed happily at his gorgeous cufflinks with their gleaming black Tahitian pearls on platinum barbells. Devon's gift was an incredible pair of antique gold cufflinks with lavish guilloche enamel centers. The engine-turned pattern beneath the blue enamels was reminiscent of cool blue fireworks bursting in a night sky.
Ian, too, nodded in appreciation when his box revealed a stunning pair of platinum and diamond pavé cufflinks. The square cufflinks had a cushion-cut lattice design embedded with the diamonds and was surrounded by a rope pattern; very low-key but undeniably elegant.
Finally, and Rachel giggled to herself in reminiscence, Puck got to show off his amazing Rolex Cosmograph Daytona. That watch, Kurt had said, was legendary among enthusiasts. It was the first automatic Daytona and the only stainless steel model that was a certified chronometer. Thus the dial had the words "Oyster Perpetual" and "Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified" added.
She was not a great lover of watches but she had to admit, along with the others, that the watch was gorgeous and Kurt had confessed that he'd got David to help him decide which to choose for Puck.
"Awww, princess, best gift ever!" Puck had exclaimed, grinning relentlessly as Kurt had rolled his eyes at him.
Monica, who had been staring quietly at her own gift, looked up at Kurt and, catching his attention, mouthed 'thank you' while smiling widely. She had never owned anything as exquisite as the diamond and pearls earring and necklace set that was sat before her. Her cheeks had darkened when he waved and then winked mischievously, making her chuckle at his antics. Turning away, she'd leaned over to show Carole and Mercedes her gift, joining in on their very vocal admiration of the set.
The dinner had ended long before but they were all having so much fun just sitting around and chatting, no one seemed to want to leave. People were showing off their gifts to one another and then, at one point, Mercedes had turned to Kurt, a teasing glint in her eye.
"So, boo, we won't see your own gift until tomorrow, right?"
Dave had chimed in, his eyes glowing in the light from the chandeliers. "I plan to present them to him tomorrow, yes."
Kurt perked up, his eyes wide and his hands clasped in front of his mouth. "Them?!"
Dave had laughed, shaking his head. He'd looked around at them and Rachel herself had been leaning forward slightly, just as curious as Kurt.
"Tomorrow, guys, and you'll see them for the first time when I see Kurt for the first time in his wedding ensemble."
There was a tiny, good-humoured whine of disappointment but soon they'd all laughed and turned back to their dessert, Raspberry Trifle, which had been served while David had been teasing Kurt about his gift. They'd all loved the simple but luscious dessert and Rachel had declared that it looked so easy that she could make it for the boys in no time back home.
Now, as the mask continued to itch, she was becoming a little annoyed but just as she got up and swung her legs off of the bed, a couple of the spa attendants entered so she relaxed. She was rather looking forward to the manicure/pedicure part of the spa session as she didn't often get the time to indulge, what with having the boys to look after, the house as well as her job at the school. She sighed happily as she thought of how wonderful it would be to have enough money to always be able to enjoy the simple pleasure of having her nails taken care of every week.
Around her the others were stirring and calling to one another, Kurt asking Mercedes what shade of nail polish she was going to choose. The women had been to fit their outfits, the Johars in attendance, so he knew what colours would look best on everyone.
Soon they were busy being set up with their feet in small tubs of warm soapy water and a couple more attendants came in to complete the set. Each of them had their own attendant and Rachel sighed contentedly to herself: Oh, yes, this is the life!
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KHDK
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Dave, having declined Kurt's invitation to join him and the ladies in their spa session, had nevertheless headed out with Puck to get his hair trimmed and nails sorted out. He always took care of himself; he was naturally rather fastidious with his hygiene although not to the point of having a moisturising routine like Kurt. Now, though, he wanted his nails and hands to look good because they would be on display once he had his wedding ring on. All the women would be crowding around to 'ooh' and 'aah' over them, he knew from previous experience at weddings. He, like most men, couldn't understand the fascination but he just went along with the tide.
He grinned to himself as he, Puck and Ian headed out into town, having been told by Monica that they all had appointments at a prestigious all-male salon. Julian, Devon and Xavier would attend later in a staggered shift set-up that he'd been impressed Monica had thought of.
Dave had had a hard time leaving Kurt after their breakfast which had been served to them in their suite. The castle's staff were wonderfully professional and friendly, having been infected it seemed by the air of excitement surrounding the wedding party. They could hear outside, too, the banging and shouting as people turned up to set up the decorations for the grounds. The hubbub was, indeed, exciting and he had turned to Kurt once the waiters had left and they'd sat down to eat.
He couldn't focus on the food as yet because he had to give Kurt his gift. Biting his lip he had grasped Kurt's hand and stared at him. Kurt, who had been eyeing the delicious food and anticipating jumping right in, had gazed back at David curiously, having forgotten apparently that David had said he would give him his gift that morning.
Now he gasped as David took from behind him a large, fairly deep box with a brass handle in the top. He couldn't see the logo at the front because it was turned away from him but he knew immediately it contained jewellery. He watched silently as David placed it beside him and then lifted the hand he still held to his lips, kissing Kurt's fingers softly.
He let go of Kurt's hand and sat back in his seat, smiling as he watched Kurt eyeing the box.
"Well, aren't you going to open it?" One of his slanted eyebrows tilted teasingly as he lifted his coffee to his lips.
Kurt bit his lip, a move he knew Dave found almost irresistible and twitched his own eyebrows at him. "I'm just trying to imagine what piece of jewellery you have not yet given me."
His voice was light but Dave detected a slight tremor. He reached for the box, smiling softly, and said, "Allow me."
Kurt nodded, his cheeks flushing with excitement and when David finally lifted the lid, he gasped.
Nestled inside on two levels were the most exquisite collar and cuffs Kurt had ever seen.
"David_ oh my!" He breathed the words as he leaned forward to gaze at the delicate craftsmanship of the pieces that somehow looked strangely familiar. "Wait_ they look like my outfit!"
Dave had laughed out loud at the incredulous expression. "They certainly do! You don't remember showing me the design some months ago, do you?"
Kurt shook his head as he reached for one of the cuffs, holding it up to the light so it could refract off of the diamonds embedded in the delicate filigree of the gold and platinum framework. They would go perfectly with his outfit and he laughed aloud as he took out the collar.
He had turned his beautiful eyes up at his fiancé, a smirk taking over his pink lips as he had then asked: "Hmmm, a collar… are you trying to tell me something, Mr. Karofsky?"
"Why, Mr. Hummel, what would that be, pray tell?" He'd had to hold in his own chuckles at the way Kurt's eyes had sparkled in the morning light.
"Mmmm, maybe that from this day forward you will 'own' me?" He'd waggled his eyebrows at Dave who'd then cracked up, unable to hold in his mirth.
"It would be only fair; I've told you – you own me, Kurt, lock, stock and barrel."
Kurt had launched himself into his arms at that, the jewellery temporarily forgotten, as was the meal as they'd then proceeded to indulge in behaviour some might not have thought appropriate for the breakfast table.
Now here he was, heading into an upscale men's hair salon and he had to concentrate to keep from embarrassing himself at the memory of Kurt's mouth hot and wet around him that morning. Quite a while later, his talented fiancé had finished him off, leaving him wrung out and dazed and then sauntered over to the phone to request that another meal be brought up.
Now he smiled as he remembered Kurt's 'cat that got the cream' expression and then tried to pretend he hadn't been thinking about him as Puck turned to him with a smirk.
"What?!" Dave knew his glare wasn't very effective, what with the way his face had heated up.
Puck looked at him and laughed, holding his hands up in mock surrender. "Hey, I didn't say anything!"
Dave could still hear him as they entered the salon and when they were each taken in hand (no pun intended) by an assistant, he tried to ignore Puck's knowing look for the rest of the afternoon.
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KHDK
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Monica and the Johar sisters walked around the grounds of Haverly Castle, going over last-minute checklists as the afternoon wore on. The chairs and tables had arrived, the dance floor had been laid down, the hotel staff and the caterers were in sync with their respective preparations and the music was being set up as they watched.
The place had been transformed into a truly wondrous fairyland of vaguely Indian origin. The vibrant colours ranging from cobalt blue to hottest fuchsia interspersed with emerald green and gleaming gold were reflected in the sheerest chiffons and richest brocades. The dining pavilion was resplendent in white but the lighting, from a company imported from America, would echo the same rich blues, pinks, greens and golds up against the flowing drapery. No maharajah could find fault with the sumptuous décor, she thought happily.
The Johars had outdone themselves, in Monica's opinion, although she hadn't much experience with weddings but she was pretty certain Kurt – and David – would love the end result. She took a deep breath, the scent of the vast array of exotic flowers tastefully arranged along the pathway to the 'altar' making her head swim. She knew that as the evening wore on, the smell would dissipate a bit and even though it was a bit heavy now, she absolutely loved it.
She saw also the members of the orchestra she'd arranged to play before, during and after the ceremony beginning to arrive. She and Mercedes, Kurt's friend from his school days, had gone over every inch of the playlists for the wedding, chuckling at Kurt's insistence that the music must be eclectic. Kanye and Jessie J, indeed. She knew Kurt would be satisfied with what they had come up with, even though she suspected he would be too distracted during the actual ceremony to pay attention to the music. He could surprise her, though; he struck her as a very intelligent, very aware young man so she knew she had to do her very best, even it was just music.
The Johars were talking to the 'set designer', as Monica had taken to privately referring to the flamboyant young man who kept yelling instructions to the folks laying out the decorations. She knew artistic types tended to be headstrong but this chap was taking it to a whole new level, she thought, as she watched him tweak things that she felt were already perfect. She held in a tiny giggle and decided to leave the sisters to bob in his wake and she headed to the dining pavilion.
The whole grounds looked absolutely fantastic and the idea to have two pavilions – one for dining and one for dancing – was genius. (She knew for a fact that not everyone would be dancing and that the folks who would want to dance would love the disco feel of that pavilion.) She surveyed the numerous round tables covered in snowy linen with a sea of crystal and gleaming gold flatware twinkling back at her. There were towering pillar candles as well as elegant tapers and tiny votive candles interspersed down the length of each table, competing with the gorgeous orchids and roses twining about themselves in beds of damp moss. From the ceiling at intervals hung delicate chandeliers with dangling crystals catching and refracting the glittering light.
In a corner of the huge tent, three tables were decorated and waiting for the wedding cake and two groom's cakes that she just knew were going to compete with the newlyweds for the attention of the guests. She had had a taste of the wedding cake when Eddy had made a sample for Kurt to try and her mouth watered now as she thought about actually digging into a goodly slice later that evening. She shook her head, smiling as she thought about the weight she was going to put on in just the one evening.
As she gazed about happily, Monica felt as if, no matter how long she lived, she would never again witness something as beautiful as this wedding was going to be. She finally headed out of that pavilion and strolled along the rest of the pathway that was lined with small white lights that would come on automatically as dusk flowed into nightfall.
The last stop before heading inside to change was the dance pavilion where she knew she would find not only the deejay and his assistants setting up but a big band as well. It had been Mercedes' idea to include the band and Monica had agreed, using the Johars to find the best ensemble for this wedding.
She stepped through the gauzy curtains and gazed around, her mouth dropping open as she saw what the 'set designer' had accomplished. She felt as if she had been transported back in time and clapped a hand to her mouth to hold back the undignified bray of laughter that would surely have escaped her.
'Oh, my God… and they said disco was dead!'
Her eyes were round as she stared up at the ceiling of the pavilion from which hung suspended not only a huge disco ball but a number of small, white spotlights that she knew would be swinging around frenetically once the music started. The dais where the big band was set up looked like something out of the 1940s with men in tuxedos scurrying about setting up and tuning their instruments.
Over to one side was a long bar behind which several young people in black and white were arranging what looked like hundreds of bottles of liquor and trays of glasses. There were wine glasses and tumblers among the lot and she was just really happy that she had engaged a cab company to take home the soused revelers in the wee hours of the next morning.
She stared around at the small, gaily-decorated tables with the little chairs that she knew would not be so comfortable that people would spend a lot of time planted in them. No, the whole ambience of the tent was to get everyone up and moving, most definitely!
Monica shook her head as she stepped back outside into the mellow sunlight and looked at her watch. She turned back to the castle, her head swiveling left and right as she observed the happy chaos around her and made her way upstairs to her own suite. She kicked off her sensible shoes, got herself a bottle of water from the little bar and flopped into an overstuffed armchair, letting out a sigh.
In about ninety minutes she would be dressed and ready, standing out front to greet guests for the cocktail hour. In about two and a half hours she and nearly a hundred people would witness Kurt Hummel and David Karofsky joining their lives together permanently. She crossed her fingers, closing her eyes as she told herself everything would be fine. She dozed off with a mantra circulating in her mind… no hitches, no glitches, no problems.
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KHDK
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Puck stared at his team gathered in one of the conference rooms of the Castle, his face serious and just on the edge of grim. He turned to look at the white board on which was pinned the photographs of several individuals.
"I think I've made clear to you how serious the situation is today. Have you all memorized the faces of these men?"
The team of some twenty men, not including Kurt's personal bodyguards of Ian, Xavier, Julian and Devon all nodded and a murmur of assent went through the room.
"I've had eyes on these two gentlemen in particular," and he pointed to Emma Smythe-Heffley's brothers, "but do not rule out the possibility that her father," and here he pointed at the older gentleman who had been caught scowling at someone off-camera, "might be a player as well."
Xavier lifted his chin, pointing it at the older Smythe-Heffley's picture. "Is it okay to taser a geezer if he gets rowdy?"
There was a rumble of laughter that subsided quickly as Puck frowned around the room. "I should think you'd be able to subdue any 'geezer' who gets out of hand."
The mood turned serious again as Puck continued to outline the rest of their plans to secure the perimeter of the Castle. A wedding was a public event and he knew it was going to be a headache securing such a public venue. It was not impossible, though, and he had more than enough resources, both financial and human, to make this day as safe as possible for Dave and Kurt.
He took a deep breath and turned toward the white board with all their security plans pinned to it. He might want to relax and party with his friends on their big day but, more importantly, he wanted them all to be safe. So, Level 10 security was the plan for this day. No uninvited guests, no hostiles and as he looked at the faces of his team, he knew they were all ready.
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TBC
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A/N: Well, we have the final two chapters coming up, folks, and I hope you will enjoy them as much as I've enjoyed writing them. Reviews are always welcome as I love to hear from you all.