Be careful to leave your sons well instructed rather than rich, for the hopes of the instructed are better than the wealth of the ignorant. - Epictetus
July
Kurt dunks his body into the crystal clear blue water in a faraway place – like an exotic, outlying Caribbean island. His feet can still touch the fine white sand, but his body moves with the tide flowing into the shore. It's the most magical feeling – almost like floating – and he lets his body move with each new wave. He looks up at the blue sky and squints at the bright sun above. He can feel each new wave building up stronger and pushing him in towards the white sandy beach - and towards Blaine. There's no-one on the private beach but them, and he feels his heart pounding.
Blaine holds him tight around the waist as if he will never let go. Blaine cups Kurt's cheek with his right hand and murmurs, "You're so beautiful… Everything about you is so beautiful."
In that moment, Kurt has never felt so loved, so cherished, by another man before. Blaine gazes into his eyes, looking for the go-ahead, and when Kurt's eyes sparkle back at him, he gently presses his lips against Kurt's. The sensation of Blaine's lips against his is more than Kurt had ever dreamed of. They're so soft and warm and feel as if they were made for him.
"I could kiss you forever."
"I won't stop you."
Kurt wakes up suddenly and looks at his phone for the time – 5am. He flops his head back on the pillow and closes his eyes, willing for the dream to continue. However, no matter how hard he tries to recapture the dream, it's elusive and drifts away like the tide flowing out. He's had the same dream three nights in a row, and he always wakes up after the first kiss - just when the dream is starting to get good. The dream is so vivid that it almost seems real.
Kurt thinks it's ridiculous to have this sort of dream about Blaine, particularly before having 'the talk' with Blaine about Sam. Perhaps it's just his way of getting Blaine out of his system before being friend-zoned. But Kurt can't help wanting Blaine to be his first kiss, even if they only kiss once.
Sebastian Smythe reads Kurt's message with the returned flight ticket to go to Paris during the upcoming Bastille Day celebrations. It's obvious that wooing isn't the way to go to lure Kurt away from Vogue. That Blanderson has gotten under his skin. Sebastian thinks to himself that there's no way he's going to stoop down to Anderson's level with his romantic dorky ways. He shudders to think that Blaine managed to get his foot inside Vogue's doors with his suspenders and bowties. No, Sebastian is far too sophisticated for that. He's not particularly fussed that Kurt hadn't responded to his wooing - after all, princesses aren't his type. However, it would have been very satisfying to fuck Kurt's brains out, just to boast about it later to Anderson.
Sebastian considers this a minor setback in the total scheme of things and isn't giving up yet. He still has a few tricks up his sleeve. He has meticulously planned for all eventualities with regards to Kurt. Phase B of Operation Gay Face is now in effect.
Sebastian buzzes his assistant. "Get Morris in Legal here pronto. There's some urgent work that needs doing."
"So how are you supposed to behave when you meet the father of your friend, whom you are in love with, but he doesn't even know it? Should I casually mention it to Kurt's dad? Should I tell him that I have honorable intentions? Or should I pretend that Kurt is just a friend?"
Amy slides into the chair opposite Blaine and places her arms on the dining table, holding Blaine's hands. "Oh, Blaine. Don't you think you need to tell Kurt about your feelings? I don't think Kurt would like it if you discuss it with his dad first."
"But how do I make a good first impression?"
"Blaine, you meet new people all the time. Just be yourself."
"I know I often meet new people… but this is different. Kurt loves his dad, and his dad's opinion really matters to him. From what Kurt has told me, his dad's always been there to protect and guide him through important things in his life. I'm definitely out of the picture if his dad doesn't like me."
"I think you're putting too much pressure on yourself. Of course his dad is going to like you, if you treat Kurt with respect and make him happy. Maybe you'll feel more comfortable if there are other friends at the baseball game as well."
"You think so?"
"I can't see you totally comfortable in any situation with Kurt's dad, but inviting others will take the pressure off you. Besides, I'm sure that his dad would love to meet Kurt's other friends. It'd show him that Kurt is surrounded by people who care about him as well."
"Okay, that makes sense. Do you think Kurt would mind other people being there?"
"I wouldn't have suggested it if I thought he would mind."
"So when did you get so wise Amy?"
"I might have been in the exact same situation once or twice – sometimes I've been in your shoes. Other times I've been in Kurt's or his dad's place. Trust me - it's all going to work out if you're just yourself."
Kurt places his dad's suitcase in the Mercedes-Benz sedan's trunk while Burt inspects the car.
"You didn't have to go to the expense of hiring a fancy car. I wudda been just as happy in a plain yellow cab."
"I didn't hire the car. It's Blaine's - he insisted. He wanted to make sure we got from the airport to Bushwick smoothly. There can be terrible traffic jams on Fridays. Dad, I'd like you to meet Bentley."
Bentley turns around and tips his cap. "Welcome to New York, sir. Let me know if there's anything I can do to make the trip more comfortable for you."
"It would make me a lot more comfortable if you called me Burt - just Burt."
"Got it, Burt. So tell me, what's going on in Ohio these days?"
Kurt leans back and quietly listens to his dad and Bentley talking about football, the price of gas, and their views about the presidential election. They're roughly the same age, and he should have known that they would get along famously.
"We're one man short tonight at our weekly poker game, if you're interested?" Bentley asks tentatively.
"You can't do that, Dad! We've got tickets to see Funny Girl tonight. Rachel's expecting us and has arranged for us to go backstage after the performance. I'd never hear the end of it if we didn't go."
"Okay, kiddo. No poker game tonight. But maybe next trip? Say, Bentley, how's the boss? Does he treat ya right?"
Kurt rolls his eyes and looks out the window. He knows that his dad is pumping Bentley for information about Blaine.
"He sure does, Burt. Blaine's a very generous man. Take tomorrow, for example. I'm driving you to the Yankee Stadium. Blaine bought me a ticket as well, so I don't have to wait in the car while the game's going on. That's simple stuff, though. When Marge had her cancer scare last year, Blaine took care of everything - upgraded her to a private room, dealt with all the insurance co-pays, gave me time off from work, and even drove us back from the hospital. Marge and I don't have children, but if we did, we sure would want a son like Blaine. He's like part of the family."
"And Marge's okay?"
"Yes, fortunately, the cancer was caught in time."
Kurt can see his father nod his head in approval as Bentley continues his stories about Blaine. He isn't really surprised to find out that Blaine took care of Bentley's wife when she was going through chemo. That totally sounds like something Blaine would do. He wishes Blaine had been around when Burt found out he had prostate cancer. Kurt could have used a friend like Blaine at that time.
"You were great last night, Rachel. Your dads must be proud."
"Oh, they are, Burt. They're even canvassing the producers to see if they will allow them to video it… For their own personal collection, of course."
"So have you met this Blaine Anderson that Kurt's always going on about?"
"Yes, I've met him a few times - picking up Kurt for a night out, and also at Funny Girl's opening night."
"And?"
"Blaine is a good-looking and charming guy. He and Kurt spend a lot of time together on the weekends. Blaine's totally smitten with Kurt. What I don't get is why Blaine doesn't help Kurt's musical theater career. He knows people."
"You're right. You don't get it, but it's one of the many reasons you're the star of Funny Girl."
"Rach, don't you have a matinee performance to get to?" Kurt asks as he enters the living room.
"Oh! I hadn't noticed the time. I should go."
When Rachel has left the loft, Kurt gives his father one of his patented bitch-faces. "Anyone else you want to discuss Blaine with? I could arrange for you to meet Blaine's hairdresser, his PA, his doctor - so that you can drill them about him."
"Come on, kiddo. I'm only here for a couple of days, and I want to find out all I can about this Blaine guy."
"Well, Rachel is not the best source for that. She can't see past his job title and fame."
"I've known Rachel since she was knee-high to a grasshopper. She didn't say anything bad about Blaine, and that says something in itself."
"When we meet up with Blaine later, please don't interrogate him or say anything weird."
"Like what?"
"Like 'treat my son right' or 'break his heart and I'll break you'. He's really important to me, and I don't want you scaring him away. He's a friend… A new friend, and I want to keep it that way."
"Give me some credit, son. I'm not going to say or do anything to embarrass you. But I am going to talk to Blaine so I can get to know him better."
"Well, stick to things that aren't about his feelings about me, or even worse, my feelings about him."
"You're a real piece of work sometimes, buddy. Scout's honor, I won't talk about feelings."
As the three men walk up to the Yankee Stadium, Blaine leads Burt and Kurt to the executive suite entrance. Soon they arrive at a private box in the outdoor Field MVP Club section. Burt looks around disbelievingly.
"Wow. We're sitting right behind the middle of the Yankees' dugout and directly across from the mound. These are the best seats in the house!"
"Blaine, you shouldn't have gone to all that trouble," Kurt chides softly. He can see Blaine's cheeks redden, and Kurt gives his shoulder a squeeze.
"So when's Bentley joining us?" Burt asks, trying to ignore the heart-eyes both boys are showing.
"He's collecting his nephew and then he has to park the car, so I guess in half an hour."
"Eric's coming as well?" Kurt asks.
"The box has ten seats and I couldn't let them go to waste, particularly when the Yankees are playing the Red Sox. I've invited some others to join us – Unique, Liam, Wes, Isabelle and her husband. People whom you work with. I thought your dad might want to meet them."
"You bet I do. So, Blaine, do you like sports?" Burt asks.
"I do, but football's more my thing. When I was growing up, I used to watch the Buckeyes play with my dad."
"Oh, way to break the stereotype!" Unique exclaims as she enters the box. She's wearing a Yankees T-shirt that she custom-bedazzled the night before. She sits down next to Burt and introduces herself.
"I'm Unique, Kurt's hair and make-up artist extraordinaire. I can tell that Kurt didn't get his hair genes from you."
Burt chuckles. "No, he's got Lizzie's hair."
Soon the box fills up as the others arrive and Burt makes his rounds, meeting people and taking his time to get to know them. Then the game starts, and all eyes are on the field.
The seventh-inning stretch comes too quickly, and the Red Sox are ahead by two runs. There are grumblings in the stadium as fans get up for the break.
Blaine informs everyone, "If you want some more food or drinks, you can go to the Club Lounge. The buffet is still set up."
Burt decides that this is the right moment for his talk with Blaine. He'd chatted to their friends and is satisfied that Kurt has surrounded himself with good people, who care about him. He's never seen Kurt so happy, and that's saying something, since he hates baseball. All Burt's ever wanted is for Kurt to be happy, and it seems like New York and this modeling career have been the best thing for Kurt. One thing he knows for sure is that this Blaine guy is key to his happiness.
Blaine treats Kurt like a prince. It's simple things, like making sure he has a good seat, keeping his drink topped up, making sure Kurt's always sitting in the shade, discussing scarves with him when Kurt grows bored of the baseball talk. Kurt certainly laps it all up. He's seen how the boys behave around each other, like two school kids that have a crush but don't want the other to know.
"Hey, Bentley. Blaine and I are going to stay here for the song. Can you grab us a couple of hotdogs and beers?"
Kurt turns around and raises an eyebrow, looking scared about leaving his dad alone with Blaine. Burt laughs when he sees Kurt place a hand across his heart and shake his head, reminding him that he can't talk about feelings with Blaine. Burt links his pinkies together as a sign back that he promises.
When the others in the box have left, Blaine comments, "I've noticed that you're wearing a rainbow pin, Burt."
"Gay rights are an important issue to me. I've seen first-hand how bigotry affected Kurt growing up. Everyone deserves their own brand of happiness. If people don't like it, screw 'em."
Blaine gives an affable smile, but Burt can tell he's nervous by the way he's twisting his hands over his lap.
"I'm not sure what Kurt has told ya, but I don't own a shotgun. I'm not going to threaten you about what happens if you break his heart. And yeah, you do have the ability to break his heart. But I will say this - you've given Kurt the opportunity to shine and he's glowing all over. Don't take it away from him."
"I'm not planning to. He's a hit as a model."
"I'm not talking about the modeling crap. I'm talking about Kurt, who's grown up since he moved to New York. He's making new friends and experiencing things that would never happen to him in Lima."
"Burt, I really really care about Kurt. He's special to me. I would do anything to keep him happy."
Burt nods his head in approval. Blaine looks at him so earnestly that he believes that Blaine's intentions are in the right place.
"You treat my son with respect, and that's important to me."
Burt can see Blaine visibly relax and beam because of his comment. So he continues the conversation.
"You're the big dog at Vogue. I've watched The Devil Wears Prada with Kurt at least a half-a-dozen times back in Lima. It must be some crazy life."
Blaine laughs. "Everyone thinks that, including my mother, but my life is a lot different than Anna Wintour's, the previous editor. Let's just say that I don't have the hedonistic lifestyle that you probably imagine I do."
"So where do you see yourself in ten years' time?"
"I'm not sure. I'm pretty young to head up Vogue and I'm not sure how long I'll keep the job."
"I'm not talking about your career, Blaine. I'm talking about where you will be… as a man."
Blaine closes his eyes. "I don't see myself in the same high-profile job I have now, but I'm not sure what I'll be doing. What I do see is a husband - someone whom I love and cherish passionately - someone who loves and cherishes me back. I see two children, whom we are raising to be tolerant of others' beliefs. Basically, I see a family, whom I really love and am committed to. And of course, I see a dog… Maybe a white picket fence? That's what's important to me."
"With this Sam guy?"
"No, not with Sam. I really don't want to talk about him, but sometimes relationships aren't what they seem on the Internet. Let's just say that Sam and I have very different ideas of what our futures hold."
"So are you going to do something about that?"
"Yes, we plan to soon. We just need to get the timing right."
Their conversation is interrupted as the kiss-cam zooms in on them and the nearby crowd cheers. Blaine shrugs and gives Burt a kiss on the cheek. Burt laughs at Blaine's gesture and thinks, I hope Blaine likes cats as well.
The next morning, Kurt takes his father to the Spotlight Diner for brunch, before their trip to the airport. Although he doesn't work at the diner anymore, he wants his dad to see where he had his first job in New York. After the egg-white omelets and turkey sausages have been ordered, and the coffee has been served, Kurt gets right down to business.
"I'm dying to know what you and Blaine talked about during the seventh-inning stretch at the baseball game yesterday. Blaine wouldn't tell me, but he did say I was lucky to have you as a dad."
"I didn't say anything that would embarrass you, buddy. We didn't talk about 'feelings'. Just stuff."
"What kind of stuff? You've got to give me more than that!"
"I don't know. Stuff like Vogue and future plans."
"You discussed Vogue's future plans? You're kidding, right?"
"Not Vogue's future plans – his future plans. The more we talked, the more I realized that even people in high positions have dreams like the rest of us."
"So, you liked Blaine?"
"What's not to like? He's charming and kind, and made sure everyone in the box was taken care of, especially you."
"I don't think I was singled out, Dad."
"He talked about scarves at a baseball game! Do you need any more proof?"
Kurt sighs. "I guess not. I've thought long and hard about things over the past week, and I've decided to keep Blaine as my friend… and friend only."
"I think that's a wise decision – at least for now. One thing that struck me yesterday is how loyal Blaine is to people he cares about. If he's having troubles in a relationship, he's not going to give up easily. He's the type that's going to try and work it things out until it's resolved, one way or another."
"Are you talking about me or Sam?"
"Maybe both."
Bentley collects them from the Starlight Diner to go to the airport. Kurt has mixed feelings about his dad leaving. On the one hand, Kurt's going to miss him even more than usual and can't wait until Christmas, when he plans to go back home. However, his dad doesn't really belong in New York and is much happier in Lima.
"Don't come into the terminal, Kurt. I can handle the check-in by myself."
"Okay. Promise you'll call me as soon as you get home?"
"Yep. Take care of yourself, Kurt. You've made an amazing life for yourself here. I'm so proud of you. Just remember that you…"
"Matter. Got it, Dad."
After teary goodbyes, Kurt gets into the backseat of the sedan.
"Your father is one of a kind," Bentley remarks.
"Yes. Yes, he is."
"Good weekend with the in-law?" Sam asks as he enters the penthouse's living room late on Sunday night.
"Kurt's father isn't my in-law - not by a long shot."
"Well, I think he will be some day. So how did it go?"
"I think it went all right. The baseball game was a good idea - Kurt's dad seemed comfortable there. I think it helped that I'd invited people that Kurt knows through work, so that he could get comfortable with Kurt's new life as well."
"So did he get out the shotgun and grill you? I'm sure that Kurt's father is on the protective side."
"Sam, you've been reading too many Krian fanfics," Blaine chuckles. "There was no shotgun in sight. We did have a little one-on-one talk, though. Actually, Burt is a very kind man, and I'm glad that Kurt has him for a father. He was asking me about my future and things like that. It was a friendly conversation, with no difficult or awkward questions."
"You're damn lucky then. I've got to visit Mercedes' parents next weekend and convince them that a secret wedding is a good idea."
"Oh, really? Have you firmed up your wedding plans?" Blaine asks.
"You're not going to like it… But we decided to have a small private ceremony in Vegas. It's easy for Mercedes to get to and we plan to spend the following week there doing typical Vegas things."
Blaine gives Sam a pointed look. "I know you hate gambling, so that's not the real reason you picked Vegas - is it, Sam? It doesn't have anything to do with a certain person you like to impersonate, does it?"
"Dude! I knew you'd catch me out. Okay, I wanted to get married in Vegas because of Elvis. I've already contacted the Graceland Wedding Chapel and they've agreed that I can be Elvis during the ceremony. They said that they'd supply me with any Elvis outfit I want. I'm thinking that the white jumpsuit with studded rhinestones is the way to go. What do you think?"
"I think it's a brilliant idea. But what about Mercedes? She's really religious and traditional in a lot of ways, so I would've thought that she'd prefer getting married in her church."
"Yeah, I know, but we've talked a lot about this. Mercedes insists that if she's marrying the world's biggest goofball, we should have a crazy wedding. Besides, Mercedes has found an Elvis outfit that is perfect for her - it's all black with a mini skirt and knee high black leather boots. It's got fringe on the sleeves and rhinestones on the front. It even has a cape! She's going to look sexy as hell in it."
"Sounds like your dream wedding come true. Make sure you take lots of photos because I definitely want to see you both in the Elvis outfits."
"I need your help. I've downloaded like every single Elvis song because I want to sing to Mercedes during the wedding ceremony. 'Love Me Tender' is the obvious one, but I'd really love to sing 'Hound Dog' or 'Jailhouse Rock'. And of course I'll need to practice the pelvis moves. It's not really like my patented body roll."
"I'll help you pick out the song. You're on your own for the 'Elvis pelvis'. So when is the wedding going to take place?" Blaine asks.
"That's the other thing you're not going to like. We wanna get married as soon as Mercedes' national tour is over. It's been too many years with on-line porn and only my right hand for company."
"TMI - just tell me the date!"
"As I said, you're not going to like it. The thing is… The first chance we've got to get married at the Graceland Wedding Chapel happens in the middle of Vogue's Fashion Night Out."
"And what date might that be?" Blaine asks with a shaky voice.
"It's the day of the diva-off. I've already told Mercedes that if you're not cool with that, we'll pick another date. But I really, really want to marry that girl as soon as we can – before she can change her mind."
"And so you should. I'm not going to lie. I'm disappointed. But it's your special day and you two should get married when you want to. Besides, you'll be able to laugh at my performance. No doubt it'll be posted on YouTube."
Sam pulls Blaine in for a long hug.
"There's no way I would laugh at you, Blaine. You've been working so hard to get ready for it and you're totally awesome. Unique will have your back that night. Are you sure you're all right with me not being there? Just say the word and we'll work out something else."
"I'm totally fine with it, Sam. I've been rooting for you and Mercedes to get married for years."
Thanks, bro. I knew you'd understand. Now, just one more special favor. Please, please, please don't mention this to anyone. I don't want to jinx it."
"Sure," Blaine replies instantly.
Sam crooks his little finger and holds it out to Blaine. "Pinky promise?"
Blaine hooks his little finger around Sam's and gives it a pull.
"Pinky promise. Now, speaking of weddings, did you read this weekend's update of KrianFeels' story? Kevin and Brian are broken up, but they still hook up at the wedding that doesn't go through. From the moment that Kevin pulls Brian into his hotel room by his tie, you know that he's feeling feisty and so dominant. And the smut? Well, Kevin just takes and takes. A pretty inventive way to use their ties. Honestly, it's the hottest thing KrianFeels has written so far. And the next morning? Brian is so subby it's not even funny. I told you there was power play between the two."
"I did read it, and it's probably the smuttiest thing I've ever read. If I wasn't into Mercedes so badly, I would seriously doubt if I'm 100% straight. Because what those two boys did was totally hot!"
Author's notes
Thank you to Lilyvandersteen, the most fabulous beta ever, although all mistakes are mine. Come visit me a Tumblr (HKVoyage) for the story artwork and my thoughts when writing this chapter.
I've just discovered the polling feature on this site and thought it would be a fantastic way to do a little market research about my readers. If you go to my profile page, you will see a poll at the top. It'll take less than fifteen seconds for you to complete the poll and it would be very much appreciated :).
Next up: Sebastian Smythe has a proposal for Kurt.
