The Storm: Safe Harbor
Chapter Eighty-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 for reading, folks. We have one chapter, the Epilogue after this so, please, review!
Disclaimer: Messrs. Ryan, Falchuk, et al are the owners of my favourite boys. Only the OCs and situations belong to me, alas.
In the distance Puck could hear the orchestra warming up and the Castle staff buzzing about setting everything in place for the upcoming nuptials. Puck had warring emotions to deal with, himself, as he wanted to be relaxed and happy and enjoying all the wedding excitement but he was also responsible for the security and that was far more important.
Now he smiled at the men, forcibly trying to relax as he dismissed them. As most of them left the huge room, he turned to Kurt's personal team and nodded.
Xavier, Julian, Ian and Devon all knew how important this was and not just from a professional standpoint; Kurt and Dave had come to mean a lot more than just an assignment to each of them. Julian, in particular, was tense and strung really tightly and the others knew and understood why.
Puck looked at him the longest and nodded when he realised the blond, aristocratic agent was keeping it together. He smiled as he surveyed everyone's outfits; Kurt had done a fantastic job getting them to look both elegant and professional and Devon looked downright fuckable in his ensemble.
Ian, looking a little uncomfortable, tugged slightly at the front of his black-on-black Nehru jacket. Puck thought he looked great but he knew the man had simply wanted to fade into the background. Now he smiled at the taciturn agent and tried to set him at ease.
"Relax, Ian, no one can tell you're packing, okay? Kurt took your love of guns into consideration when he spoke to the tailor."
The others grinned at the two men, Xavier going on to add: "And you look fantastic. Kurt really has great ideas when it comes to clothes, what?"
Puck eyed Devon hungrily as he took in the way the deep cobalt blue of the jacket showcased his lover's auburn curls. The younger agent coloured faintly as he grinned back at him.
"I think we all look fantastic and as we're sort of Kurt's 'Praetorian Guard', we ought to look great." His declaration was greeted with a narrow-eyed look from Ian, a faint smile from Julian and outright grins from both Xavier and Puck.
"Okay, gentlemen, show's on in 90; let's get out there and keep an eye on the others, okay?" Puck clapped his hands together and everyone straightened up, hauling on a mask of professionalism that he was secretly proud of.
They trooped out of the conference room and wended their way through the host of staff and a trickle of guests that had arrived early. The buzz of excitement in the air was contagious but the team was accustomed to working in all sorts of environments and ignored it all so as to stay focused.
Puck got a call on his cell phone just as he stepped outside and he turned to Devon. "The car is on its way from the airport. Please make sure Kurt is still upstairs, okay?"
Devon nodded briskly and trotted off. He knew about the mystery guests and he tried hard to repress his happy grin. He made it upstairs without bumping into any of the scurrying workers and knocked on the door of the Boleyn suite.
When the door opened he found himself staring at Mercedes who was resplendent in a figure-hugging sari-style gown of such a deep fuchsia it was bordering on red. Delicate gold embroidery traced the low neckline, the waist and the hem. The fantastic Kundun necklace wrapped around her neck and nestled on her generous bosom and Devon couldn't hold back an appreciative, "wow!"
Her rich chuckles brought Kurt into the sitting room of the suite and he called out, "Oh, hi, Devon! Everything okay?"
Devon's eyes widened as he stared at Kurt who wasn't fully dressed but the singer, having been so accustomed over the years to changing in front of his fellow thespians, didn't give it a thought as he wrapped the short satin robe around his body.
The agent's eyes followed the length of Kurt's long, smooth legs and it was only the abrupt clearing of Mercedes' throat that brought Devon back to the message he was supposed to be giving Kurt. He grinned unrepentantly as he brought his eyes back up to Kurt's, glad that the singer was only looking amused with him.
"Oh, Puck says to tell you your mystery guest is on his way."
Kurt clapped his hands, briefly forgetting that he'd been holding the robe closed but he grabbed it in time, laughing out loud as both Mercedes and Devon's eyes widened.
"Great! I can't wait to see a certain someone's face in a little while. This is great! Thanks, Devon," he whirled away as he dismissed the grinning agent. Mercedes simply shook her head as she closed the door behind the other man. She smiled, though, as she thought of Kurt's own surprise; he was so busy planning to make others happy he hardly thought about himself but that's why he had friends.
Her boo was going to be blown away when he saw who had turned up for his big day.
In another wing, David was staring out at the controlled chaos taking place below him. His mind was actually not on the view; he was thinking of what Puck had told him earlier. He knew his friend had everything under control but he still prayed that their heightened security would prove unnecessary.
He turned as there was a light tap on the door and called "come!", relaxing slightly as Puck entered. "Everything in place?"
Puck nodded as he joined his friend at the French windows, staring down into the grounds. "Yes, and the car is on its way from the airport with the 'package'," he grinned mischievously at Dave.
Dave chuckled, happy that Puck was there for him and handling everything in his usual quietly efficient manner.
Puck stepped back to look at Dave before nodding in approval. "Your fiancé certainly has fantastic taste," he commented now as he eyed Dave in his ivory waistcoat and shirt, the colour gleaming against the black of his tuxedo pants. Puck turned to look for the ascot that he knew must complete the outfit and saw it thrown on the bed.
He went over to it, picked it up and turned back to Dave with an eyebrow raised. "Want me to help with this?"
Dave smiled, grateful for his presence but shook his head. "Nah, I'm good; just hang out with me, okay?"
Puck tilted his head to the side. "What – are you nervous? Dave, it's Kurt! You've wanted this like – forever, right?"
Dave coloured slightly but nodded. "Yes, but wanting a thing and having it are two very different things, y'know."
Puck rolled his eyes. "Are you quoting Mr. Spock at me? Seriously?"
They both started laughing at each other but they sobered quickly. Puck took a step forward, looking Dave in the eye. "There's nothing to worry about. The day is beautiful – no rain; the decorations and food are fantastic and you're marrying the man of your dreams."
Dave nodded sheepishly. "I know, I know! It's just that – what if something goes wrong? What if he gets bored with me; he's used to a faster lifestyle than I am – and I'm the billionaire!"
Puck stared at him, unwilling to downplay Dave's concerns. As his best man, he guessed it was his job to do the brow-wiping and hand-holding so the groom didn't pass out up at the altar, or whatever. He smiled calmly as he came to stand before his sweating friend.
"Look, there is no way the princess – okay, Kurt!" He'd seen Dave's eye-roll at the nickname. "Kurt could never be bored with you. Dude, he looks at you as if you're the last dessert – no, the last chocolate dessert in the city!"
He watched as Dave cracked up laughing. He prided himself on knowing just what to say in almost all circumstances. Seriously, though, he knew it was just nerves talking; there was no way Dave didn't know that Kurt thought the world of him.
He turned back to the ascot and picked it up, briefly admiring the texture of the rich, smooth material before turning back to Dave. "Here, get this on, finish dressing and let's get out of here. Oh, by the way, the rings?"
Dave sobered immediately and spun first to one side and then the other. "The rings!"
It was Puck's turn to roll his eyes as he watched his friend's brief panic attack and then chuckled when Dave finally found the ring box.
Dave heaved a sigh as he handed over the box. Man, he'd never felt this frazzled before, not even the first time he addressed the Board of Governors of one of his dad's companies. He smiled at Puck and nodded as he watched the other man place the box safely in his pocket.
He turned to the full-length mirror now and swiftly tied his ascot, asking Puck to hand him the diamond tie pin that would hold it together. Finally satisfied with how it looked, he stepped back and then shrugged into the dark gold brocade jacket that completed his outfit. He and Puck stood there staring and finally Puck opined again: "Yup, Kurt certainly definitely has fantastic taste!"
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KHDK
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Mercedes Jones was as much of a diva as her beautiful friend; she was as prone to drama and loved it as much as he did. This level of stress, though, was going to make a zit pop out as she watched Kurt pace the 'Bridal Suite', half-dressed and biting his lip before coming to stand before her.
"Look, do you want me to go out there and tell them this wedding is off?" She glared at her nervous friend and when his panicked eyes widened comically, she nodded. "Well, then – just calm the hell down!"
Kurt grimaced as he threw himself on the huge couch, lifting his legs up so he could lie back and stare dramatically up at the ceiling. Mercedes had to bite back a grin as she watched him; if he put the back of his hand to his forehead she was going to smack him!
He simply turned his head though and stared at her with a pout on his face. "But 'Cedes, this is serious! What if_?" He broke off as she held up an imperious hand.
"HOLD UP! Don't even start with the 'what ifs', boo. Do you love him? Do you love David?"
His eyes widened again. "Of course, that's not the issue, 'Cedes!"
"No, Kurt, that's the only issue that is important right here, right now. Now calm the heck down before I have to drug you, y'hear?"
He stared at her and then slowly his dimples appeared and then, after a second or two, they both burst into laughter. He swung his legs back to the floor and wiped delicately beneath his eyes as a few more chuckles escaped him.
"Jesus, girl, you are so rough!" He grinned at his best friend, unconsciously admiring her curvy figure in her stunning gown. He got up from the couch and went over to hug her, burying his face in her sweet-smelling neck.
They stood there for a minute or two with Mercedes running calming hands along his back before they eased back to stare at each other. Kurt bent to drop a kiss on her cheek and murmured "best friend ever" as he straightened up.
She grinned up at him, smoothing back her hair that was piled high on her head and just as she was about to reply, a knock came at the door. She looked at Kurt enquiringly but he shook his head, just as puzzled as she.
She moved away, looking back to see that he was properly covered in the silk robe and the dark gold trousers for his wedding ensemble before opening the door. She smiled widely as she stepped back, allowing the visitors their first glimpse of Kurt and vice versa.
There was a moment of shocked silence before Kurt let out a gasp, his hands coming up to cover his mouth. The two women walked into the room, their vastly different faces wearing matching grins as they called out, "surprise!"
Kurt was speechless but he held his arms open and they both stepped towards him, hugging him close. Mercedes shut the door and turned to watch the little reunion taking place. Kurt's cheeks were red as he leaned back to stare at the two women, his eyes huge.
Finally, he gasped: "Dana, Petal, oh my god, when_!"
He couldn't continue and both women laughed at his shocked face. Petal looked over at Mercedes and her island accent was sweet in the air as she explained: "Your friends and Mr. David set it up!"
Dana nodded. "Actually, when he told me about the birthday cake, he brought up this idea and I had to do it." She pulled Kurt to her and hugged him again, the speechless singer struggling to hold back happy tears. When he could talk again he looked at Mercedes with a mock glare.
"You knew about this all along and you didn't say a word!"
The women laughed at him and then Dana stepped back to look properly at him for the first time. "Oh my, are those pants part of your wedding outfit? It's beautiful!"
Petal nodded vigorously but she looked around the room until her eyes landed on the garment bag hanging on the door of the antique wardrobe. She walked over to it and unzipped it, gasping as she saw his jacket.
"My goodness, I've never seen a jacket like this before!" She stepped aside a little for Dana to join her as they both admired the ivory brocade with its delicate gold embroidery at the Nehru collar and the cuffs. The design also trailed down the front closure and it was both demure and sexy at once. The women held their breath as they stared at the exquisite workmanship.
Kurt chuckled as he moved to stand behind them. "Actually, I need to finish getting ready. Mercedes was just helping me over a bout of the jitters just before you came."
Dana turned to look at him, concern edging out the happy smile. "Pre-wedding jitters, eh?"
Kurt nodded and smiled at Petal as she took his hand. He led them over to the couch and they sat together, the three of them while Mercedes got them each a bottle of water before she settled into a chair.
Kurt smiled shyly at the women and then hung his head. "I don't really have any qualms about marrying David as such; it's just – this is such a huge step. I'd die if it didn't work out…"
He picked at the label of the bottle, unaware of the women exchanging glances above his head. He startled slightly as Dana placed her hand over his, stilling his nervous movements.
She smiled at him as she caught his attention. "I'm the only one in this room who has been married before. Although mine didn't go the distance, I cannot honestly say I regretted marrying him. I-We loved each other and, to be frank, if I'd learned to be as patient back then as I am now, who knows, maybe we would still be together."
Kurt bit his lip as he listened to her soft voice. Petal nodded in understanding as she patted Kurt's shoulder.
"Kurt, my parents have been married for nearly 40 years and my mama said she didn't even like him much the first time she met him. Her parents warned her against marrying my dad but here they're still together. Nobody knows what will happen but it would be a shame for you and Mr. Dave not to marry. The way you love each other is amazing."
They grinned as they watched the colour flare in his creamy cheeks. He giggled as he acknowledged their kind words and then he looked at Mercedes. "Well, I know you want to say something, too!"
Mercedes grinned at him, her love for him shining in her eyes. "Kurt, if there were anyone who deserved a happily ever after, it's you. I don't know the whole story behind how you met Dave because you won't tell me, but I know he's the one for you. There is no doubt to anyone with eyes that you are the one for him."
They all laughed at that because David made it so obvious that he was in love with Kurt and would give him the world if he could. Kurt nodded and heaved a deep sigh, relaxing as he acknowledged everything his friends had said.
"I'm so glad you are here, all of you." He looked at Dana and then turned to smile at Petal as well. "You being here has added so much to this day for me, I can't begin to tell you."
They leaned in to hug him at the same time and then Dana stood, placing her bottle on the table as she smoothed down the skirt of her pale lilac suit. She was wearing simple gold jewellery with it but she had with her the Chanel clutch that Kurt had brought back from New York for her. Simple, elegant and glowing, that was what Kurt thought when he looked up at her.
She smiled at them and then clapped her hands together. "Well, we have a wedding to get ready for, ladies!"
Laughing, they all got up, Mercedes to head for Kurt's make up pouch, Petal to remove the jacket from the garment bag and Dana to collect the water bottles and call for room service. She had an idea that maybe Kurt would benefit from a little pick me up and when the kitchen answered, she ordered a bottle of wine and some glasses.
Kurt grinned as he heard her, seating himself at the dressing table and waiting for Mercedes to start on his face.
The women chatted around and above his head, Mercedes introducing herself belatedly to Petal who told her she'd met Kurt at the same time as he'd met David the year before. Mercedes had glared at Kurt in the mirror because she still needed to hear that story but he simply smirked back at her.
When the tray arrived, Dana took charge, pouring out the wine and wondering why there were more glasses than people. As she moved to hand Kurt his glass, a knock at the door heralded the arrival of Carole and Rachel.
The suite, spacious when it had been just Kurt and Dave, now seemed a little crowded as the women exchanged introductions and pleasantries. Kurt was almost forgotten when Carole realised that it was Petal's mother, Mama Afflick who had sent the delicious food when Xavier and Julian came back from the islands.
"Oh, my, that chicken was simply out of this world, mm-mh!" Carole exclaimed as the others laughed at her facial expression. "I've got to get the recipe one day, I swear!"
Kurt, having sipped half his wine while the women chatted, nodded now. "Oh yes, you guys are coming to stay with us on the island soon!"
That started off another round of chatter and then Mercedes returned to her task of making Kurt even more beautiful. She chose to keep it simple, of course, and beyond his usual ivory base and powder, she added gold dust to his lids, darkened his lashes and finished off with a chocolate-flavoured lip gloss that she'd brought just for him.
His eyes widened when he licked his lips and she laughed at him. "Boy, schoolchildren in England know about your love for chocolate so don't look so surprised."
There was more laughter again and then it was time to get him into his jacket. He took a deep breath as he turned toward Petal who was holding it up and his lips tightened. He shrugged off his robe, uncaring of the women's eyes on his bare chest and stepped forward with his arms out. Mercedes helped Petal slide it unto his arms and then they took turns – almost ritualistically – buttoning the front and smoothing the tight-fitting sleeves down his arms.
Finished, he turned towards the bedside table that held the jewellery box and picked it up. He smiled softly as he showed it to the women, Rachel reaching out to rub her hand along the smooth finish.
"This is lovely, Kurt, but what's in it?" Her dark eyes gleamed with curiosity and her dress shimmered as she leaned forward. Kurt was glad he'd chosen that colour for her; the ivory of her gown was darker than his jacket and it was covered in delicate rose-red embroidery entwined with black silk. The Polki jewellery was resplendent on her olive skin and he smiled at her in admiration.
"Oh, this is a little something my fiancé gave me this morning." He chuckled as the women 'ooohed' and they all leaned forward as he opened the box slowly, teasingly.
They gasped when they saw the collar and cuffs on the maroon velvet of the box's interior.
"Kurt, they look like the design on your jacket!" Carole looked from the jewellery to Kurt's jacket and back.
"Mm-hmm, David was pretty sneaky about it. I didn't even remember that he'd seen the design I'd chosen." His voice was soft and happy as he lifted out the collar, watching as Mercedes took out both cuffs as well.
Dana came over to pull him towards the dressing table stool, pressing on his shoulders for him to sit. He did so and relinquished the collar into her hands. She smiled at his reflection as she eased it gently around the collar of his jacket and he grinned happily as he realized it fit perfectly.
Mercedes handed one cuff to Rachel and she moved with the other to put it on Kurt's right wrist as Rachel fit the other onto his left. They all stepped back and gazed at him when he stood to go over to the full length mirror on the front of the wardrobe.
There was a reverent silence as they all watched him staring at himself, a somber air about him. Carole's tiny sniffle though was heard clearly and the others nodded in understanding.
Kurt was beautiful.
The ivory of his close-fitting jacket seemed to make his dark chocolate hair gleam more richly, the streaks of burnished colour in his hair seeming to reflect the gold and platinum collar and cuffs. The jewellery made the design on the jacket seem to stand out in three dimensions. Mercedes had done a good job on his face, too, only enhancing what was already there. He glowed.
There was no other word for it and the five women, his attendants as it turned out, felt a slight awe as they watched him.
Finally he took a deep breath and, after a simple, short nod, he turned to them, his eyes gleaming.
"Well, ladies, it's showtime!"
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KHDK
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While the ladies had been attending to Kurt, Puck had headed out of the conference room when he'd heard that their mystery guests had arrived. He headed now for the beautiful Italianate loggia the Castle was famous for and grinned when he saw the guest pacing back and forth nervously.
Puck spoke into his earpiece, telling his agent to meet him in the loggia as something had come up. Efficient as ever, his agent hadn't even asked what the situation was, he just acknowledged Puck with a curt, "I'm on my way." Puck grinned as he turned to the anxious guest, saying soothingly, "He's coming."
In two minutes, Puck glanced up, took in the frozen tableau between the two and excused himself, smirking as he realized that neither of them had even heard him. He shook his head as he hurried back upstairs to join Dave, sure that the man was now a puddle of nerves on the floor of the suite.
Back in the loggia, the lovers stared at each other before Ian stepped forward, gathering Sam into his arms and holding on tightly.
Sam let out a gusty sigh and relaxed, turning his head to whisper in Ian's ear: "I wasn't certain you wanted me to come…"
Ian's response: his lips crashed into Sam's fuller lips and the two men moaned as they clung to each other. The taciturn agent wrenched his lips away to drop kisses all over Sam's laughing face and then he took his mouth again.
Anyone coming upon the scene would have been shocked to see the grim-faced agent clutching the blond to him but Sam alone knew how passionate Ian was under his stern exterior. He gulped a breath as Ian let him loose, grinning up at the taller man happily.
Ian stared into the dancing blue eyes and shook his head. "It's not that I didn't want you here; it just didn't occur to me to invite you. I-I'm not good at social stuff," he muttered, glancing away before looking back now at a serious Sam.
"I know; that's why your friends – you do realise they're your friends and not just colleagues, right?" He broke off to look at his lover. When he nodded he continued. "Well, I think that's why they set this up. Kurt is a romantic, deep down; I know that much about him."
Sam grinned as he stepped back to take in his lover's sexy outfit, his pupils dilating at the way the Nehru jacket clung to Ian's broad shoulders. He unconsciously licked his lips as his eyes wandered down the long body and then he looked back up to see Ian smirking at him knowingly.
"What?" Sam grinned at him. "You look hot. I bet this was Kurt's idea, right?"
Ian nodded, though he seemed a bit reluctant. "Yeah, I'm not one for fancy stuff but I'll admit he has good taste."
Sam grabbed his hand and pulled him towards one of the archways but stopped abruptly when Ian tugged on his hand.
Ian stared at his blond lover, his eyes scanning every inch of the muscular body. Sam could have been a model, in his opinion and today he was wearing a beautifully-tailored dark grey tuxedo that skimmed his body. He wore with it a paisley-printed vest in shades of grey and a silver-grey ascot completed the look.
"Hmmm," Ian rumbled, admiration plain in his dark eyes. "I think Kurt had a hand in your outfit too."
Sam grinned, faint colour coming to his cheeks at the look in his lover's eyes. "You think right. He's a genius at planning; in another life he must have been a general or something."
The two chuckled softly and then Ian moved up beside Sam to drop one last lingering kiss on those full lips.
"I'm still on duty but you go and have fun and I'll find you later, okay?"
Sam nodded, licking his lips before smiling softly. "I want a few dances with you later, mister."
Ian nodded with a slight smirk and then led the way along the flagstone pathway and across the wooden bridge to where the gathering guests were seated. His professional demeanour didn't prevent several of the guests from throwing admiring looks his way and Sam smiled as he watched him ignore everyone. As he left him by his seat however, he looked at Sam so intensely that the blond blushed, aware that several eyes were on them.
The senior agent flashed one last grin at his slightly dazed lover and stalked away, aware that Sam's heated gaze was following him. Tonight was going to be the best, he smirked behind his aloof mask, and his footsteps sped up as he rejoined the other agents.
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KHDK
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Puck, looking quite smug in his own suit, turned to Dave, eyeing the other man for lingering signs of nerves. He relaxed slightly as the other man met his gaze confidently. He had no doubt that the next few hours would be nerve-wracking but he would be there for both men and with the increased security in the place, everything should go smoothly.
He turned to the French windows and he listened to the orchestra going through their pre-wedding songs. Dave smiled at him, tipping his head towards the sound.
"Kurt wanted a full orchestra instead of just a five-piece ensemble. Theatrical to the last."
They grinned at each other, Dave secretly liking the music. Earlier, a group of women had been crooning what sounded like a Celtic lullaby and the beautiful song in that setting added another level of other-worldliness to the whole atmosphere.
Now for the last half hour, the orchestra had been playing what Dave thought of as wedding music, having recognised Pachelbel's Canon in D at one point. He thanked his musical background as he realized, while waiting for Puck to return, that they played Puccini's Humming Chorus and then the Nocturne from Mendelsohn's A Midsummer Night's Dream. There followed 'Summer' from Vivaldi's The Four Seasons and now, Debussy's Clair de Lune.
Puck took a deep breath, patted his pocket to be sure he had the rings and nodded at Dave. "Well, it's time…"
Dave sobered and stared back at him. "Yes, let's do this."
Puck couldn't hold back the bark of laughter that escaped. "You're not facing a firing squad, man. Take it easy!"
Dave dropped his head, took a deep breath and looked up, a soft smile on his face. "I know, I'm a wimp."
Puck's eyes softened. "No, just a man about to face his future. Come on, Kurt's waiting."
At that, Dave felt a huge weight fall from him and his whole being lightened. His eyes widened as he looked at his closest friend. He nodded. "Yes, Kurt's waiting."
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KHDK
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Carole, nodding to the Casellis and Rex who were in the row behind her, finally slid into her seat beside Burt in the front row and grabbed her husband's hand, gripping it tightly. Burt manfully resisted wincing as he glanced at her, seeing the flushed face and the misty eyes. He leaned down to whisper, "Hon, it's okay." She smiled and nodded, lifting a lace-edged hanky to her eyes.
Across the way, seated on Dave's 'side', Dana was already clutching her own hanky but Petal was happily gazing at the orchestra as she'd never before seen one performing live. Now she glanced up at the singer standing before the orchestra as he sang softly into the microphone.
The lead tenor in Kurt's company had been given the task of singing the last song before the entrance of the grooms and he did so now, all nerves pushed down as the words of 'All I Ask of You' from The Phantom of the Opera wafted over the waiting assemblage. Almost everyone present knew that Kurt loved the song and they waited with bated breath for the ceremony to begin.
Finally, as the program stated, the orchestra began playing Bach's Air on G String to herald David Karofsky's entrance with his best man, Noah Puckerman from the right wing of the pavilion. The two men approached to murmurs of admiration from the gathering and Puck repressed a grin at the sound. Dave glanced at him, though, knowing his friend and smiled slightly.
As they stood there waiting, there was a palpable increase in tension and Rachel, holding Sean still in the seat beside her, bit her lip. She was fighting tears, too, at the beauty of the setting and how romantic everything was. She took a deep breath and glanced over at Finn who smiled back at her, his eyes soft, even as he held a squirming Lije. She chuckled as she looked at her little family, relaxing a little as she admired everyone's outfits. Finn looked wonderful in his dark suit with the colourful vest that Kurt had suggested, the colours reflecting that of her own ensemble. They complemented each other and even the little boys looked smart in their little Nehru jackets.
She looked up now as 'Air' came to a close and then the orchestra segued into the Largo from Handel's 'Xerxes'. She thought it was a somewhat somber choice for Kurt's entrance but Mercedes had told her he had sung it ('Ombra Mai Fu') and it was one of his favourites so she'd picked it for him. The rehearsal had gone well and now the music seemed the perfect choice. She turned now, as everyone did and couldn't hold back the little gasp like everyone else when Kurt entered the pavilion from the left with Mercedes beside him.
Although she'd seen him up in the suite, here, now, in front of everyone and walking towards the man he loved, Kurt seemed to glow even brighter. The strains of the Largo, the décor, the scent of the flowers and Kurt's shining face seemed to make everything surreal and she stared as she watched him approach and stop beside David, his eyes turned towards his future husband. Everyone could believe that, for that moment, the two men saw no one but each other.
As the music came to an end, all eyes turned towards an older woman a white cassock and collar with beautifully-decorated gold and white vestments. She was the Reverend Jean Meyer-Stinson, a minister of one of the LGBTQ-friendly churches that had in recent years made it possible for same-sex couples to have semi-traditional weddings. She smiled now at the gathering before her eyes fell again on Kurt and David. There was absolute silence and everyone waited as David grasped Kurt's hand.
"Kurt Hummel, David Karofsky, you have invited family, friends and well-wishers to witness the love and respect you have for each other, culminating in your joining together in the state of holy matrimony."
Her smile was huge as she looked from one shining face to the other. Same-sex marriages had only been recently fully accepted by the state and church and looking at the two men before her now, she had only the greatest respect for the men and women who had fought for this right over the years.
"Kurt, do you stand here of your own free will before God and all mankind to state your willingness to take this man as your husband?" She raised her eyebrows cheerfully as she looked at the bright young face before her.
"I do!" Kurt's voice was clear, melodious and ringing with happiness and she could have sworn he had to suppress a giggle as he flicked his eyes at his fiancé. She nodded and turned to look at David who was a little more serious but whose golden eyes gleamed with happiness.
"David, do you stand here of your own free will before God and all mankind to state your willingness to take this man as your husband?"
"I do!" Dave glanced at Kurt as he replied and gently squeezed the hand he was holding.
"David, Kurt, before we continue, I have a few words for you." She grinned as Puck groaned slightly. "I promise, Noah, I'll be brief."
She waited for the chuckles from the gathering to subside before continuing. "Marriage is not a state to be entered into lightly..."
Her eyes wandered around the beautiful pavilion and her intensity grew as she addressed everyone. "Marriage means putting your spouse's needs before your own, never storing up grudges and never keeping score."
She smiled as she looked back at Kurt and David standing patiently before her. "You may have heard it said that marriage means never going to sleep angry. It is also about not taking the other for granted; the courtship should not end with the honeymoon, it should continue through all the years. It is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives. It is standing together, facing the world, forming a circle of love that gathers in the whole family.
"Marriage is about doing things for each other, not in an attitude of duty or sacrifice, but in a spirit of joy. It is speaking words of appreciation and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways. It is not about looking for perfection in each other. It is about cultivating flexibility, patience, understanding and a sense of humor.
"Marriage is about having the capacity to forgive and forget. It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow. It is finding room for the things of the spirit. It is a common search for the good and the beautiful.
"Finally, my friends, marriage is not just about marrying the right partner, it is about being the right partner."
There was a smattering of applause and she nodded in appreciation before looking at Noah. "May I have the rings, please?"
Noah presented the rings, placing them on the open prayer book she held in her hands. After blessing the rings, she turned to David who suddenly took a deep breath.
"David, will you take this ring and turn towards Kurt…" and when he did so she nodded. Dave stared into Kurt's glowing blue-green eyes and cleared his throat. The place was so quiet it was almost intimidating but as he looked at his love smiling softly at him, he nodded.
Kurt lifted his hand and placed it in David's, his heart beating a rapid tattoo in his chest. He bit his lip as he turned his eyes to Reverend Jean. She nodded and said to David: "David, please repeat after me..."
Dave nodded as he repeated her words in a strong, clear voice: "Kurt, I give to you my promise that I will take you as my only love from this day forward. I promise that I will stand by your side and I will listen to you when you speak. I promise that I will comfort you when you cry and join in your laughter with my own. Kurt, please, take this ring and be a part of my life forever."
He slid the diamond-encrusted ring onto Kurt's slender finger and lifted the hand towards his lips, dropping a quick kiss on the ring. He smiled at Kurt's surprise and then lowered the hand before looking back at Reverend Jean.
She smirked at David before looking back at Kurt, repeating the same words to him as he took David's left hand in his own.
"David, I give to you my promise that I will take you as my only love from this day forward. I promise that I will stand by your side and I will listen to you when you speak. I promise that I will comfort you when you cry and join in your laughter with my own. David, take this ring and be a part of my life forever."
Jean jumped in before any more unscripted actions and declared in a loud voice: "David and Kurt, as you have consented together in lawful wedlock and thereto have pledged your faith to each other and have declared the same by joining hands and exchanging of rings, by the powers vested in me I declare before God and all present that you are now married. Gentlefolk, I give you Kurt and David Hummel Karofsky!"
A veritable roar went up as the group surged to their feet, laughing and applauding as Dave, sliding his hands around Kurt's waist, pressed his lips to his. Kurt's arms went around his husband's neck and he giggled into the kiss, his cheeks red and his eyes glittering.
"Mr. Hummel-Karofsky," he whispered before letting David take his lips again. David, grinning at him as he released him, replied: "Mr. Hummel-Karofsky." They laughed at the sound of their guests, some audibly exclaiming at the hyphenated names. When David had told Kurt he wanted their names joined legally, Kurt had felt his heart swell and had actually cried as David had gathered him into his arms.
Now they turned to their well-wishers who separated for them to walk down the aisle towards the reception/dining pavilion, arm-in-arm as newlyweds for the first time.
At the entrance to the pavilion, they were pulled into hugs by Mercedes and Puck, Rev. Jean stepping back and laughing as she tried to avoid being run over by the crowd of cheering guests. The orchestra struck up the triumphant Rondeau by Jean Joseph Mouret, adding to the happy hubbub.
Kurt caught sight of not only Petal and Dana in the throng but Mrs. L and Eddy and the rest of the staff from his manor. He also saw Will and Terri Schuester and he got out a little wave to them before he was engulfed in the tearful embraces of his family and friends. Rachel got in a good hug and ended up passing Lije to Kurt who hugged the little boy to him briefly.
Finally, amidst much happy laughter and chatter, Kurt, fairly sparkling in the evening sunshine, smiled up at his husband. Dave, nearly overwhelmed by the love and happiness swelling in his chest, couldn't help but to lean down and drop a swift kiss on Kurt's cheek. They laughed as they led the assemblage towards the elegant tables, oblivious to the cameramen hovering and swirling about the crowd. For that moment, the newlyweds were caught up in a bubble of pure happiness as Dave slid his hand into Kurt's.
The air was redolent with the smells of the exotic array of foods that Monica and the Johar sisters had had the catering company set up along the sides of the vast white tent. The new couple gazed in awe at the beautiful setting, at all the flowers and candles and if the grounds could be described as a fairyland, the dining pavilion could only be described as a wonderland of culinary delight. Tables were groaning under what appeared to be both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes from around the world. Kurt grinned, too, as he took in the army of servers ranged along the back waiting with trays of gleaming, glittering wine glasses.
It was all breathtakingly splendid but best of all was David, standing beside him looking totally swoon-worthy in his dark gold brocade jacket.
The sounds of the happy laughter and chatter of their guests mingled with the strains of Handel's 'Hornpipe' from his Water Music composition and he smiled when he recognised the 'Air' also from Water Music. Music was such an integral part of his life and a feeling of contentment rolled through him as he sighed happily.
The next several hours were going to be filled with celebrating but for just these few seconds Kurt stared at his husband, marveling that he was able to use that word to describe this man who had turned out to be the love of his life and he smiled.
David was a solid presence in Kurt's life, his safe haven and definitely his anchor and now, glancing up into his husband's golden eyes, he paused on the threshold of the tent and turned to him. Dave, sensing perhaps the deep emotions running through his husband, leaned down in time to hear the words that had last been said hours before:
"I love you."
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TBC
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A/N: So, they've done it and this is it but for the Epilogue to come, folks. I hope you've all enjoyed it and certainly it seemed that way for quite a few of you. Thank you all so much for sticking with me on this journey and I do hope to continue the story of David and Kurt's life and the adventure of fatherhood in the sequel. Thanks to the many reviewers and to the folks who gave me valuable insights in their often amusing PMs. Be well and be safe. ~ Terry