An Accident of Circumstance: Chapter 39
Chapter 39
A/N: Welp folks, after a bunch of technical issues, this is the final installment! I hope you've enjoyed reading, thanks for coming along for the ride!
Kurt smiled sleepily as he was coaxed into wakefulness, humming contentedly as he felt someone stroking his hair soothingly. But something was off. As he became more and more awake he realized that Cooper was the only other person in the house and if he thought this was an appropriate wakeup call they really would have to have a serious conversation about boundaries. His eyes flew open. First, all he could see was a dark blur of fabric before looking up, his heart skipping a beat. “Blaine?” he asked, sitting up awkwardly and looking at his fiancé curiously. “What are you doing here?"
Blaine grinned. “There was a mix up with the flights and I accidentally picked a red eye. By the time I figured it out it was too late to change anything so I figured we could surprise you.”
Kurt pouted, falling back onto the bed, arms crossed over his chest. “But I had plans. I was going to give you guys a big New York welcome.”
Blaine shrugged, lying down next to him. “It’s not like this is our first time here.”
“Yeah, but it’s your first time here to stay.”
Blaine hummed in agreement. “True. But I think we’ll find other ways to get settled in.”
“Where’s Chris?” he asked, trying to distract Blaine from the kind of settling in he was referring to. As much as Kurt really wanted to go there, he was not about to have his son walk in on them having sex. And he knew how persuasive Blaine could be.
“He went straight to his room and passed out. He was not pleased with the whole getting up before the crack of dawn thing.”
Kurt snorted. “I can certainly relate.” He reached over to grab Blaine’s hand. “But I’m glad you’re finally here.”
“Me too,” Blaine replied lovingly.
“We’re getting married in a week,” Kurt reminded him excitedly.
“I know,” Blaine replied. “Everything going as planned?”
Kurt nodded. “Yep, nice and simple.” He paused for a minute. “Are you sure you’re okay with all this?” he asked, craning his neck to look at his fiancé. “I hate feeling like I’m making all of the decisions about our future. I don’t want you to feel excluded.”
“I don’t, we’ve done a lot of this together. I trust that with this you know what I want and you have asked about a few things. And I’m here now. Besides, we talked about our wedding enough as kids...I think it’ll be great.”
Kurt sighed. “Yeah, but back then we were younger and had bigger dreams...”
“I don’t need a big wedding to feel loved, Kurt.” Blaine insisted with a sense of finality in his tone. “Are you sure you’re okay with it?”
“Yeah,” Kurt replied with a sigh. “Big weddings are a hassle and more trouble than they’re worth. I don’t want to go through that this time.” It wasn’t until the words were out of his mouth that Kurt realized what he said.
“Can you tell me about it? Your first wedding?” Blaine asked, finding Kurt’s hand on the bed and pulling it to his chest, playing with his fingers with a fluid, rhythmic motion.
Kurt shifted uncomfortably. “You really want to hear about that?”
“Of course. It’s a part of your past and I love you and I want to make sure I don’t do something to inadvertently mess up our big day.”
Kurt smiled fondly as he thought back to that day all those years ago. “We weren’t going to have a big thing, we were both right out of school and money was tight. But then we happened to buy a winning lottery ticket and it wasn’t much but it paid off some of our loans so we suddenly had a little more cash. So we started to invite more people and things got a little more elaborate. But by the time we got to the wedding we both just about had it with all the planning and if we hadn’t already paid a lot of our own money towards the big event, we probably would have hopped a flight to Vegas and eloped. But I’m glad we didn’t, the ceremony was lovely and the honeymoon was amazing...” Blaine snorted and Kurt whacked him playfully with his free hand. “But I think I learned from my mistakes. The only really important thing is the person I’m marrying, the rest is just details.”
Blaine rolled over so he was pressed right up against Kurt’s side, ducking his head so their faces could meet in a gentle kiss. “I like this mature, experienced Kurt,” he mumbled against his lips.
Kurt pulled back, cocking his eyebrow haughtily. “You calling me old?”
Blaine shook his head, pecking him on the lips again. “Never.”
*#*#*#*#*#*#*
Blaine’s heart was hammering so hard he thought it might burst out of his chest. He was at a loss for the sudden bout of nerves, he’d wanted to marry Kurt since he was fifteen years old. He looked out of the window of their bedroom out onto the backyard where a tent had been set up and guests assembled. It was almost time to go down.
He felt a hand clap him on the back. “I’m so happy for you, Blainers,” Cooper gushed, pulling him into a rough sideways hug.
“Thanks, Coop,” Blaine replied, his voice quavering only a little.
“You know, it’s okay to be nervous,” Cooper informed him in a more serious tone.
Blaine snorted. “You know this from your wealth of wedding experience?”
Cooper shrugged. “I played a groom once. I really became one with the role, I could really feel it.”
Blaine smiled at his brother, leaning into his side. “It’s just a big step. I never...I didn’t think this would ever happen.”
Cooper turned him around, gripping him by the shoulders. “But it is. Embrace it. You love that guy so much anyone could see it from space. Now go make this thing official.”
Blaine threw himself into his brother’s arms, squeezing him close. “I’m getting married!”
Cooper laughed. “You are.”
“Thank you for standing up for me. It really means a lot.”
Cooper nodded. “I’m just glad you asked. I’m glad we’ve gotten closer this past year.”
Blaine blinked back tears. He knew there would be plenty of those today. “Me too.”
*#*#*#*#*#*#*
Kurt bounced anxiously around the yard, suddenly feeling closed in by the buildings mostly surrounding it. He wasn’t nervous, not about marrying Blaine or standing up in front of everyone they loved. It was just anxious energy, building up until he felt like he would burst. He tried helping set things up, but his brother had invoked best man privileges and ordered him not to worry about anything. Easier said than done. Kurt finally settled down in one of the few remaining folding chairs that had been so carefully laid around the yard, closing his eyes as he focused on his breathing, trying to relax as he waited for all of the necessary players to be ready. Suddenly, something soft nudged his leg.
His eyes flew open, seeing a groomed but shaggy dog with strawberry blonde fur nuzzling against him. His first thought was about the hair the animal was rubbing all over the gorgeous fabric of his suit. But then the dog looked up and their eyes met and suddenly the bottom dropped out of his stomach. “Mike?” he whispered disbelievingly. The animal’s eyes looked like two gleaming emeralds staring up at him, his whole expression just so damn familiar...stuff like this wasn’t real, it only happened in movies. The dog just licked his hand contentedly, grinning like he had won the lottery. “Where did you come from?” he asked aloud. He had a tag with a vet number to call, which was fortunate, but it was the weekend and he was pretty sure the office would be closed. Besides, the wedding would be starting anytime now...the dog would have to stay, for the time being at least.
“You got us a dog?” Chris asked excitedly as he rushed over to his father. Kurt shook his head.
“Sorry to disappoint you, bud, but no, he’s not ours. I think he’s lost.”
Chris frowned. “His family must be worried.”
Kurt nodded. “I know. But we’ll try and find them after the wedding, alright?”
“Yeah,” Chris replied, starting to pet the dog. The animal arched its head into the touch, looking up at Chris happily. His son froze, and in that second he knew he hadn’t been seeing things. “Dad? Is it just me...or does this dog kinda look like Papa?”
“You think so too?” Kurt replied.
Chris nodded. “Maybe he’s checking in on us.”
Kurt shook his head. “That would be really nice. But this is just a dog, okay? And we can’t get too attached to him, okay? He has a family of his own.”
Chris sighed dramatically. “I know, I know.”
Finn rushed over to them. “Alright, everything’s all set we’re good to- ooh is that a dog!?”
Kurt rolled his eyes. “No Finn, it’s a gerbil.” The dog barked a few times in what almost sounded like laughter. He stood up, brushing the fur off his pants but caring much less than he ordinarily would. Whatever he said to Chris...this was no ordinary dog. “Come on, let’s get this show on the road.”
While he had been waiting, Blaine and Cooper made their way to the front of the rows of chairs. Kurt started to move towards them, Finn in tow, as the Beatles crooned “I Will” softly in the background. Blaine beamed at him and Kurt felt his face break out into a similar expression. Suddenly he noticed that the dog had followed them and was practically shoving Kurt towards Blaine with his nose, much to the amusement of their guests. Once he finally made his way next to Blaine, Kurt turned and patted the dog on the head before facing his soon to be husband, whose eyebrow was raised questioningly. “I’ll explain later,” Kurt muttered before the justice of the peace began the ceremony. When she reached the part about objections, Kurt held his breath, and he could tell Blaine was too. But no one tried to stop them, and even the dog, which hadn’t moved from Kurt’s side, shook its head.
When it came time for the vows, Kurt went first. “One day, a long, long time ago, I met a boy. And I knew it was silly but it was love at first sight. He was just so...perfect. I decided that day that he’d be my husband some day. But then I got to know him, to really fall in love with him, and I learned that he wasn’t perfect. But he was still perfect to me.” Blaine chuckled at the reference, as did a few of their friends from New Directions that were in attendance. “Even after he left, even after I had happily moved on...a small part of me wondered what would have happened if things had just gone according to plan. But now I know. I would have lost out on so many wonderful experiences, I wouldn’t have my amazing son,” he smiled at Chris, who was sitting in the first row next to Rachel and baby Babs. “I didn’t know it back then, but our plans...they were wrong. We loved each other...but we weren’t ready for forever yet, even though we thought we were. But now...I know. This is right. This is how it was meant to happen. I love you so much, Blaine. I know you know, but sometimes I have to just say it because I can. I love you because you still loved me after all this time; I love you because you loved me even when I wasn’t sure I still could. You always were my missing puzzle piece. But now...now I’m complete.”
Blaine grinned, squeezing his hands tightly. “And you still move me, wow. Um. Okay. I have something prepared I promise it’s just...oh god I’m blanking because I just love you so much and now I want to cry...”
Kurt shook his head determinedly. “No crying, not today.”
Blaine beamed. “Only happy tears. Okay, here goes nothing. Kurt...there’s a moment when you say to yourself...oh, there you are. I’ve been looking for you forever. And another one when you keep looking and you just can’t find anything that compares because nothing compares to you. You are...amazing, Kurt. You always have been. I may have been a little slower on the uptake, but I was always a little bit in awe of you. And finding you again...you were right. This feels right. I’m glad we waited. I’m glad that I’m becoming a part of your family, that it’s becoming ours. I love you so much. And I can’t wait until I stop babbling so we can finish up this ceremony and make this official.” The assembled crowd laughed. “I made the mistake of leaving once. I’m never making that again.”
Kurt grinned, his nose scrunching up. “Better not be.”
They exchanged rings, the cool metal a glaringly beautiful reminder of their bond. As the ceremony wound down and they were given permission to kiss, Kurt let out a shaky breath as their mouths joined together, wrapping his arms around Blaine’s neck, pulling him close and ignoring the catcalls a few of their friends were shouting.
The grinned at each other goofily as the pulled apart, still somewhat oblivious to their surroundings as they made their way over to the side of the yard to have a few minutes to gather themselves before they started mingling. At least they were until the dog started nuzzling up to Blaine, barking happily. “I think he liiiiikes you.” Kurt teased, but Blaine just knelt down and gave the dog a nice rub. Kurt smirked. “Honey, you married me, not the dog.”
Blaine shrugged. “I know. But he’s just so friendly and sweet and he was so well behaved...”
“Don’t get too attached, he has a family.”
“I know, I know,” Blaine sighed, but allowed the dog to slobber all over his face. Kurt was making him shower, possibly in rubbing alcohol, before he was going anywhere near the mouth again.
“It was strange.” Kurt started as he knelt down next to Blaine and patted the animal on the head. Chris and I both thought he looked a little like Mike.”
Blaine shrugged, examining the dog’s face. “I don’t know, I guess I kind of see it. But I obviously didn’t know him like you two did.”
Kurt bit his lip. “Is this weird? It is, isn’t it. Oh god, I’m ruining our wedding-”
Blaine cut him off with a swift kiss. “You’re not ruining anything, alright?” he muttered against Kurt’s lips. “If you and Chris want to believe that this big guy is Mike come back to give you away or something like that, then by all means do it.”
Kurt scuffed at the ground with his feet. “It’s silly.”
Blaine shook his head. “It’s not silly. It’s really kinda sweet actually. Just remember that he’s probably just a dog.”
Kurt half smiled. “I know.” he took a deep breath. “But that’s okay because I’ve got you, babe.”
Blaine smirked but Chris ran over to them before he could reply, pulling them both into a standing position so they could group hug. “That was a really nice wedding,” he informed them.
“Thanks, bud,” Kurt replied, resisting the urge to ruffle his nicely styled hair. They still had pictures to take after all. He squeezed him a little tighter instead.
“When do we get cake?” Chris asked.
Kurt threw up his hands in mock indignation. “Just like Finn, this one. Always thinking with his stomach.”
Blaine chuckled. “I don’t know...cake cravings sound more like his father to me...” Kurt jabbed him playfully with his elbow.
“You’re lucky I love you,” Kurt muttered.
“It’ll be a little while, bud,” Blaine informed Chris. “We have to have non-sugary food first. Think you can make it?”
Chris sighed dramatically. “I suppose...” Annnnnd that was the Rachel in him.
Finally the rest of their family and friends approached them. His parents, Blaine’s parents, Cooper and Jenni (who were now apparently an item), and various friends of both of theirs over the years passed by in a blur of hugs and congratulations. They were just wrapping up when two last guests approached them. Kurt smiled warmly, pulling them into a hug. “Shirley, Steve, I’m so glad you could make it,” he greeted as he stepped back.
Shirley grinned. “Wouldn’t miss it for the world, I’m glad you invited us.” She turned to face Blaine. “We haven’t been introduced yet, we’re-”
“Mike’s parents,” Blaine finished softly. “I know, I’ve heard loads of wonderful things from Kurt. Like he said, thank you for coming...I know this couldn’t have been easy...”
Steven shrugged. “I haven’t seen Kurt or Chris look this happy in years. That’s all that matters to us. Thank you for that.”
Blaine nodded with a smile. “Well, it goes both ways,” he told them, smiling fondly at Kurt, who pressed a quick kiss to his cheek.
“Besides,” Shirley continued. “You’re family now. If you need anything...”
“Thank you.” Blaine replied sincerely.
Just then, the dog, which had wandered off to the other side of the yard to trail behind Chris, returned, bounding over to the Andersons. They laughed, petting him and rubbing affectionately behind his ears before hesitating, glancing at each other. “Did you see it too?” Kurt asked, knowing this was dumb, knowing that stuff like this didn’t happen in real life.
“He looks like our son...” Steve muttered in awed disbelief. “Where did you find him?”
“He just strolled into our yard and decided to stick around. We’re going to try and track down his owner once things get settled down...” Blaine explained. The dog walked over, settling himself in between him and Kurt, resting his paws on both their feet, nudging Blaine’s leg affectionately.
“I think he approves,” Shirley replied gently, looking down at the dog with a soft wistfulness. Kurt hummed in agreement, wrapping an arm around Blaine, drawing him close. “Well, we’d better get going or there won’t be any food left. If my memory serves me correct that brother of yours eats up a storm...” Kurt laughed as they moved by, clapping both of them on the shoulder.
Sighing happily, Kurt turned to Blaine, taking both of his hands. “This is really happening. We’re really married!”
“You bet we are,” Blaine replied, leaning in for a quick kiss. “Come on, your in-laws were right and I’m starving.”
“Excuse me?” an unfamiliar voice interrupted them. They turned as an unknown figure approached. “But you seem to have my dog.” The animal perked up at the sound of his owner’s voice, rushing over to greet the man, who crouched down, by licking all over his face.
Kurt’s eyes lit up. “He’s your dog! Oh good, we were going to call the number on his tag but we were a little busy getting married-”
The man laughed, his auburn mustache pulling up towards his crinkling eyes. “Don’t worry about it, I’m just glad he’s safe. I figured I’d search the neighborhood, just in case he stuck around. I’ve never seen you around here, are you new?”
Blaine nodded. “Just moved in.”
The man smiled offering his hand to both of them in turn as he stood. “Welcome to the neighborhood. I’m Ian Cooper, I live a block over. And I see that Michael Anderson Cooper has greeted you property.
Kurt’s eyes bugged out of his head and he exchanged a look with an equally startled Blaine. “That’s an interesting name for a dog,” Kurt managed to squeak out.
Ian shrugged, ruffling the dog’s fur affectionately. “It was a compromise. My daughter was fixated on naming him after Michael Bublé but my son was adamant that we named him after Anderson Cooper, you should see how that kid goes on and on about the guy. I think he has a little bit of a crush,” he added with a grin.
“That’s really sweet,” Blaine answered. “Would you like to stay? We have plenty of food, the more the merrier...”
Ian shook his head. “Thanks for the invite, but I’ll have to pass. I’ve got to get this guy home and tell everyone the good news.” He pulled out his wallet and fished out a business card. “Give us a call sometime, we’d love to have you over for dinner.”
“Really?” Kurt asked. “Thank you very much.”
Ian grinned. “Any friend of Mac’s is a friend of ours. We use his initials sometimes, makes it a bit easier,” he explained to their confused faces. “Alright, buddy, let’s head home, shall we?” The dog made its way back over to Kurt, looking up at him expectantly. Kurt crouched down, running his hands through the fur.
“It’s time to go now,” he whispered softly to the dog. “You can go home, it’s all right, I’m okay. I’m glad you were here. Now go, be with your family. I’ll see you again, don’t worry.” He smiled up at Ian. “Sorry, I get kinda attached to animals. Feels like I’ve known him for years.” The dog licked his hand one last time before returning to his owner.
Ian smiled, hooking a leash to the collar around Mac’s neck. “I know the feeling. He just showed up out of nowhere about two years ago. We tried to find his home because he obviously wasn’t a stray, but no luck. But after a few days, it was like he’d been there all along. Like he was where he was meant to be.”
Kurt smiled softly. “You know, I think he was.”
“Well, enjoy the rest of your wedding, sorry about the crashing.”
Blaine laughed. “Not a problem at all.”
With a wave, Ian walked off. Kurt turned to face Blaine. “That was so weird.”
Blaine nodded, eyes still kind of wide. “Your theory might not have been quite so farfetched after all.”
Kurt smiled, wrapping his arms around his husband’s neck. “It was nice, in a strange way. Like, confirmation that I’m doing the right thing, you know?” He leaned in, kissing Blaine softly. “But I don’t really need supernatural dog versions of my late husband to tell me that. I just have to listen to my heart.
Blaine grinned bashfully, ducking his head. “We’re married.”
“Yeah,” Kurt replied beaming. “We really are.”
“Thank you, Kurt Hummel-Anderson, for making me the happiest man on the face of the earth.” Blaine told him, voice filled with sincerity.
Kurt kissed him gently on the very tip of his nose. “Right back at you, Blaine Hummel-Anderson.”
“Ready?”
“Ready.” Kurt took his husband’s hand, their rings clinking slightly at the contact. They walked back toward their guests, their family and friends, and their future, just as they were always meant to be.
Together.
Fin
A/N: Welp folks, after a bunch of technical issues, this is the final installment! I hope you've enjoyed reading, thanks for coming along for the ride!
Kurt smiled sleepily as he was coaxed into wakefulness, humming contentedly as he felt someone stroking his hair soothingly. But something was off. As he became more and more awake he realized that Cooper was the only other person in the house and if he thought this was an appropriate wakeup call they really would have to have a serious conversation about boundaries. His eyes flew open. First, all he could see was a dark blur of fabric before looking up, his heart skipping a beat. “Blaine?” he asked, sitting up awkwardly and looking at his fiancé curiously. “What are you doing here?"
Blaine grinned. “There was a mix up with the flights and I accidentally picked a red eye. By the time I figured it out it was too late to change anything so I figured we could surprise you.”
Kurt pouted, falling back onto the bed, arms crossed over his chest. “But I had plans. I was going to give you guys a big New York welcome.”
Blaine shrugged, lying down next to him. “It’s not like this is our first time here.”
“Yeah, but it’s your first time here to stay.”
Blaine hummed in agreement. “True. But I think we’ll find other ways to get settled in.”
“Where’s Chris?” he asked, trying to distract Blaine from the kind of settling in he was referring to. As much as Kurt really wanted to go there, he was not about to have his son walk in on them having sex. And he knew how persuasive Blaine could be.
“He went straight to his room and passed out. He was not pleased with the whole getting up before the crack of dawn thing.”
Kurt snorted. “I can certainly relate.” He reached over to grab Blaine’s hand. “But I’m glad you’re finally here.”
“Me too,” Blaine replied lovingly.
“We’re getting married in a week,” Kurt reminded him excitedly.
“I know,” Blaine replied. “Everything going as planned?”
Kurt nodded. “Yep, nice and simple.” He paused for a minute. “Are you sure you’re okay with all this?” he asked, craning his neck to look at his fiancé. “I hate feeling like I’m making all of the decisions about our future. I don’t want you to feel excluded.”
“I don’t, we’ve done a lot of this together. I trust that with this you know what I want and you have asked about a few things. And I’m here now. Besides, we talked about our wedding enough as kids...I think it’ll be great.”
Kurt sighed. “Yeah, but back then we were younger and had bigger dreams...”
“I don’t need a big wedding to feel loved, Kurt.” Blaine insisted with a sense of finality in his tone. “Are you sure you’re okay with it?”
“Yeah,” Kurt replied with a sigh. “Big weddings are a hassle and more trouble than they’re worth. I don’t want to go through that this time.” It wasn’t until the words were out of his mouth that Kurt realized what he said.
“Can you tell me about it? Your first wedding?” Blaine asked, finding Kurt’s hand on the bed and pulling it to his chest, playing with his fingers with a fluid, rhythmic motion.
Kurt shifted uncomfortably. “You really want to hear about that?”
“Of course. It’s a part of your past and I love you and I want to make sure I don’t do something to inadvertently mess up our big day.”
Kurt smiled fondly as he thought back to that day all those years ago. “We weren’t going to have a big thing, we were both right out of school and money was tight. But then we happened to buy a winning lottery ticket and it wasn’t much but it paid off some of our loans so we suddenly had a little more cash. So we started to invite more people and things got a little more elaborate. But by the time we got to the wedding we both just about had it with all the planning and if we hadn’t already paid a lot of our own money towards the big event, we probably would have hopped a flight to Vegas and eloped. But I’m glad we didn’t, the ceremony was lovely and the honeymoon was amazing...” Blaine snorted and Kurt whacked him playfully with his free hand. “But I think I learned from my mistakes. The only really important thing is the person I’m marrying, the rest is just details.”
Blaine rolled over so he was pressed right up against Kurt’s side, ducking his head so their faces could meet in a gentle kiss. “I like this mature, experienced Kurt,” he mumbled against his lips.
Kurt pulled back, cocking his eyebrow haughtily. “You calling me old?”
Blaine shook his head, pecking him on the lips again. “Never.”
*#*#*#*#*#*#*
Blaine’s heart was hammering so hard he thought it might burst out of his chest. He was at a loss for the sudden bout of nerves, he’d wanted to marry Kurt since he was fifteen years old. He looked out of the window of their bedroom out onto the backyard where a tent had been set up and guests assembled. It was almost time to go down.
He felt a hand clap him on the back. “I’m so happy for you, Blainers,” Cooper gushed, pulling him into a rough sideways hug.
“Thanks, Coop,” Blaine replied, his voice quavering only a little.
“You know, it’s okay to be nervous,” Cooper informed him in a more serious tone.
Blaine snorted. “You know this from your wealth of wedding experience?”
Cooper shrugged. “I played a groom once. I really became one with the role, I could really feel it.”
Blaine smiled at his brother, leaning into his side. “It’s just a big step. I never...I didn’t think this would ever happen.”
Cooper turned him around, gripping him by the shoulders. “But it is. Embrace it. You love that guy so much anyone could see it from space. Now go make this thing official.”
Blaine threw himself into his brother’s arms, squeezing him close. “I’m getting married!”
Cooper laughed. “You are.”
“Thank you for standing up for me. It really means a lot.”
Cooper nodded. “I’m just glad you asked. I’m glad we’ve gotten closer this past year.”
Blaine blinked back tears. He knew there would be plenty of those today. “Me too.”
*#*#*#*#*#*#*
Kurt bounced anxiously around the yard, suddenly feeling closed in by the buildings mostly surrounding it. He wasn’t nervous, not about marrying Blaine or standing up in front of everyone they loved. It was just anxious energy, building up until he felt like he would burst. He tried helping set things up, but his brother had invoked best man privileges and ordered him not to worry about anything. Easier said than done. Kurt finally settled down in one of the few remaining folding chairs that had been so carefully laid around the yard, closing his eyes as he focused on his breathing, trying to relax as he waited for all of the necessary players to be ready. Suddenly, something soft nudged his leg.
His eyes flew open, seeing a groomed but shaggy dog with strawberry blonde fur nuzzling against him. His first thought was about the hair the animal was rubbing all over the gorgeous fabric of his suit. But then the dog looked up and their eyes met and suddenly the bottom dropped out of his stomach. “Mike?” he whispered disbelievingly. The animal’s eyes looked like two gleaming emeralds staring up at him, his whole expression just so damn familiar...stuff like this wasn’t real, it only happened in movies. The dog just licked his hand contentedly, grinning like he had won the lottery. “Where did you come from?” he asked aloud. He had a tag with a vet number to call, which was fortunate, but it was the weekend and he was pretty sure the office would be closed. Besides, the wedding would be starting anytime now...the dog would have to stay, for the time being at least.
“You got us a dog?” Chris asked excitedly as he rushed over to his father. Kurt shook his head.
“Sorry to disappoint you, bud, but no, he’s not ours. I think he’s lost.”
Chris frowned. “His family must be worried.”
Kurt nodded. “I know. But we’ll try and find them after the wedding, alright?”
“Yeah,” Chris replied, starting to pet the dog. The animal arched its head into the touch, looking up at Chris happily. His son froze, and in that second he knew he hadn’t been seeing things. “Dad? Is it just me...or does this dog kinda look like Papa?”
“You think so too?” Kurt replied.
Chris nodded. “Maybe he’s checking in on us.”
Kurt shook his head. “That would be really nice. But this is just a dog, okay? And we can’t get too attached to him, okay? He has a family of his own.”
Chris sighed dramatically. “I know, I know.”
Finn rushed over to them. “Alright, everything’s all set we’re good to- ooh is that a dog!?”
Kurt rolled his eyes. “No Finn, it’s a gerbil.” The dog barked a few times in what almost sounded like laughter. He stood up, brushing the fur off his pants but caring much less than he ordinarily would. Whatever he said to Chris...this was no ordinary dog. “Come on, let’s get this show on the road.”
While he had been waiting, Blaine and Cooper made their way to the front of the rows of chairs. Kurt started to move towards them, Finn in tow, as the Beatles crooned “I Will” softly in the background. Blaine beamed at him and Kurt felt his face break out into a similar expression. Suddenly he noticed that the dog had followed them and was practically shoving Kurt towards Blaine with his nose, much to the amusement of their guests. Once he finally made his way next to Blaine, Kurt turned and patted the dog on the head before facing his soon to be husband, whose eyebrow was raised questioningly. “I’ll explain later,” Kurt muttered before the justice of the peace began the ceremony. When she reached the part about objections, Kurt held his breath, and he could tell Blaine was too. But no one tried to stop them, and even the dog, which hadn’t moved from Kurt’s side, shook its head.
When it came time for the vows, Kurt went first. “One day, a long, long time ago, I met a boy. And I knew it was silly but it was love at first sight. He was just so...perfect. I decided that day that he’d be my husband some day. But then I got to know him, to really fall in love with him, and I learned that he wasn’t perfect. But he was still perfect to me.” Blaine chuckled at the reference, as did a few of their friends from New Directions that were in attendance. “Even after he left, even after I had happily moved on...a small part of me wondered what would have happened if things had just gone according to plan. But now I know. I would have lost out on so many wonderful experiences, I wouldn’t have my amazing son,” he smiled at Chris, who was sitting in the first row next to Rachel and baby Babs. “I didn’t know it back then, but our plans...they were wrong. We loved each other...but we weren’t ready for forever yet, even though we thought we were. But now...I know. This is right. This is how it was meant to happen. I love you so much, Blaine. I know you know, but sometimes I have to just say it because I can. I love you because you still loved me after all this time; I love you because you loved me even when I wasn’t sure I still could. You always were my missing puzzle piece. But now...now I’m complete.”
Blaine grinned, squeezing his hands tightly. “And you still move me, wow. Um. Okay. I have something prepared I promise it’s just...oh god I’m blanking because I just love you so much and now I want to cry...”
Kurt shook his head determinedly. “No crying, not today.”
Blaine beamed. “Only happy tears. Okay, here goes nothing. Kurt...there’s a moment when you say to yourself...oh, there you are. I’ve been looking for you forever. And another one when you keep looking and you just can’t find anything that compares because nothing compares to you. You are...amazing, Kurt. You always have been. I may have been a little slower on the uptake, but I was always a little bit in awe of you. And finding you again...you were right. This feels right. I’m glad we waited. I’m glad that I’m becoming a part of your family, that it’s becoming ours. I love you so much. And I can’t wait until I stop babbling so we can finish up this ceremony and make this official.” The assembled crowd laughed. “I made the mistake of leaving once. I’m never making that again.”
Kurt grinned, his nose scrunching up. “Better not be.”
They exchanged rings, the cool metal a glaringly beautiful reminder of their bond. As the ceremony wound down and they were given permission to kiss, Kurt let out a shaky breath as their mouths joined together, wrapping his arms around Blaine’s neck, pulling him close and ignoring the catcalls a few of their friends were shouting.
The grinned at each other goofily as the pulled apart, still somewhat oblivious to their surroundings as they made their way over to the side of the yard to have a few minutes to gather themselves before they started mingling. At least they were until the dog started nuzzling up to Blaine, barking happily. “I think he liiiiikes you.” Kurt teased, but Blaine just knelt down and gave the dog a nice rub. Kurt smirked. “Honey, you married me, not the dog.”
Blaine shrugged. “I know. But he’s just so friendly and sweet and he was so well behaved...”
“Don’t get too attached, he has a family.”
“I know, I know,” Blaine sighed, but allowed the dog to slobber all over his face. Kurt was making him shower, possibly in rubbing alcohol, before he was going anywhere near the mouth again.
“It was strange.” Kurt started as he knelt down next to Blaine and patted the animal on the head. Chris and I both thought he looked a little like Mike.”
Blaine shrugged, examining the dog’s face. “I don’t know, I guess I kind of see it. But I obviously didn’t know him like you two did.”
Kurt bit his lip. “Is this weird? It is, isn’t it. Oh god, I’m ruining our wedding-”
Blaine cut him off with a swift kiss. “You’re not ruining anything, alright?” he muttered against Kurt’s lips. “If you and Chris want to believe that this big guy is Mike come back to give you away or something like that, then by all means do it.”
Kurt scuffed at the ground with his feet. “It’s silly.”
Blaine shook his head. “It’s not silly. It’s really kinda sweet actually. Just remember that he’s probably just a dog.”
Kurt half smiled. “I know.” he took a deep breath. “But that’s okay because I’ve got you, babe.”
Blaine smirked but Chris ran over to them before he could reply, pulling them both into a standing position so they could group hug. “That was a really nice wedding,” he informed them.
“Thanks, bud,” Kurt replied, resisting the urge to ruffle his nicely styled hair. They still had pictures to take after all. He squeezed him a little tighter instead.
“When do we get cake?” Chris asked.
Kurt threw up his hands in mock indignation. “Just like Finn, this one. Always thinking with his stomach.”
Blaine chuckled. “I don’t know...cake cravings sound more like his father to me...” Kurt jabbed him playfully with his elbow.
“You’re lucky I love you,” Kurt muttered.
“It’ll be a little while, bud,” Blaine informed Chris. “We have to have non-sugary food first. Think you can make it?”
Chris sighed dramatically. “I suppose...” Annnnnd that was the Rachel in him.
Finally the rest of their family and friends approached them. His parents, Blaine’s parents, Cooper and Jenni (who were now apparently an item), and various friends of both of theirs over the years passed by in a blur of hugs and congratulations. They were just wrapping up when two last guests approached them. Kurt smiled warmly, pulling them into a hug. “Shirley, Steve, I’m so glad you could make it,” he greeted as he stepped back.
Shirley grinned. “Wouldn’t miss it for the world, I’m glad you invited us.” She turned to face Blaine. “We haven’t been introduced yet, we’re-”
“Mike’s parents,” Blaine finished softly. “I know, I’ve heard loads of wonderful things from Kurt. Like he said, thank you for coming...I know this couldn’t have been easy...”
Steven shrugged. “I haven’t seen Kurt or Chris look this happy in years. That’s all that matters to us. Thank you for that.”
Blaine nodded with a smile. “Well, it goes both ways,” he told them, smiling fondly at Kurt, who pressed a quick kiss to his cheek.
“Besides,” Shirley continued. “You’re family now. If you need anything...”
“Thank you.” Blaine replied sincerely.
Just then, the dog, which had wandered off to the other side of the yard to trail behind Chris, returned, bounding over to the Andersons. They laughed, petting him and rubbing affectionately behind his ears before hesitating, glancing at each other. “Did you see it too?” Kurt asked, knowing this was dumb, knowing that stuff like this didn’t happen in real life.
“He looks like our son...” Steve muttered in awed disbelief. “Where did you find him?”
“He just strolled into our yard and decided to stick around. We’re going to try and track down his owner once things get settled down...” Blaine explained. The dog walked over, settling himself in between him and Kurt, resting his paws on both their feet, nudging Blaine’s leg affectionately.
“I think he approves,” Shirley replied gently, looking down at the dog with a soft wistfulness. Kurt hummed in agreement, wrapping an arm around Blaine, drawing him close. “Well, we’d better get going or there won’t be any food left. If my memory serves me correct that brother of yours eats up a storm...” Kurt laughed as they moved by, clapping both of them on the shoulder.
Sighing happily, Kurt turned to Blaine, taking both of his hands. “This is really happening. We’re really married!”
“You bet we are,” Blaine replied, leaning in for a quick kiss. “Come on, your in-laws were right and I’m starving.”
“Excuse me?” an unfamiliar voice interrupted them. They turned as an unknown figure approached. “But you seem to have my dog.” The animal perked up at the sound of his owner’s voice, rushing over to greet the man, who crouched down, by licking all over his face.
Kurt’s eyes lit up. “He’s your dog! Oh good, we were going to call the number on his tag but we were a little busy getting married-”
The man laughed, his auburn mustache pulling up towards his crinkling eyes. “Don’t worry about it, I’m just glad he’s safe. I figured I’d search the neighborhood, just in case he stuck around. I’ve never seen you around here, are you new?”
Blaine nodded. “Just moved in.”
The man smiled offering his hand to both of them in turn as he stood. “Welcome to the neighborhood. I’m Ian Cooper, I live a block over. And I see that Michael Anderson Cooper has greeted you property.
Kurt’s eyes bugged out of his head and he exchanged a look with an equally startled Blaine. “That’s an interesting name for a dog,” Kurt managed to squeak out.
Ian shrugged, ruffling the dog’s fur affectionately. “It was a compromise. My daughter was fixated on naming him after Michael Bublé but my son was adamant that we named him after Anderson Cooper, you should see how that kid goes on and on about the guy. I think he has a little bit of a crush,” he added with a grin.
“That’s really sweet,” Blaine answered. “Would you like to stay? We have plenty of food, the more the merrier...”
Ian shook his head. “Thanks for the invite, but I’ll have to pass. I’ve got to get this guy home and tell everyone the good news.” He pulled out his wallet and fished out a business card. “Give us a call sometime, we’d love to have you over for dinner.”
“Really?” Kurt asked. “Thank you very much.”
Ian grinned. “Any friend of Mac’s is a friend of ours. We use his initials sometimes, makes it a bit easier,” he explained to their confused faces. “Alright, buddy, let’s head home, shall we?” The dog made its way back over to Kurt, looking up at him expectantly. Kurt crouched down, running his hands through the fur.
“It’s time to go now,” he whispered softly to the dog. “You can go home, it’s all right, I’m okay. I’m glad you were here. Now go, be with your family. I’ll see you again, don’t worry.” He smiled up at Ian. “Sorry, I get kinda attached to animals. Feels like I’ve known him for years.” The dog licked his hand one last time before returning to his owner.
Ian smiled, hooking a leash to the collar around Mac’s neck. “I know the feeling. He just showed up out of nowhere about two years ago. We tried to find his home because he obviously wasn’t a stray, but no luck. But after a few days, it was like he’d been there all along. Like he was where he was meant to be.”
Kurt smiled softly. “You know, I think he was.”
“Well, enjoy the rest of your wedding, sorry about the crashing.”
Blaine laughed. “Not a problem at all.”
With a wave, Ian walked off. Kurt turned to face Blaine. “That was so weird.”
Blaine nodded, eyes still kind of wide. “Your theory might not have been quite so farfetched after all.”
Kurt smiled, wrapping his arms around his husband’s neck. “It was nice, in a strange way. Like, confirmation that I’m doing the right thing, you know?” He leaned in, kissing Blaine softly. “But I don’t really need supernatural dog versions of my late husband to tell me that. I just have to listen to my heart.
Blaine grinned bashfully, ducking his head. “We’re married.”
“Yeah,” Kurt replied beaming. “We really are.”
“Thank you, Kurt Hummel-Anderson, for making me the happiest man on the face of the earth.” Blaine told him, voice filled with sincerity.
Kurt kissed him gently on the very tip of his nose. “Right back at you, Blaine Hummel-Anderson.”
“Ready?”
“Ready.” Kurt took his husband’s hand, their rings clinking slightly at the contact. They walked back toward their guests, their family and friends, and their future, just as they were always meant to be.
Together.
Fin