Glee Fic : Collision | Kurt/Blaine | 1/1 PG-13 ~ ReverseBang fic
<< back to part 3
====================================
Conflict
The coffee house was small and almost empty, but a steady stream of customers came through the door, got their drinks to go, and went. A couple of tables in the back were reserved for the few who chose to stay.
"We found this place in our first month," Rachel said. "The apartment we shared had some... noisy neighbours shall we say? So we'd come here to work or to talk or to just get out."
"Rach-"
"Medium drip and a chai latte please, to go but we'll wait in the back" she ordered, ignoring Blaine.
She paid and led him to a small table in the corner. When Blaine sat down he put his hands on the table which immediately rocked under the weight.
"This was ours," Rachel explained. "Kurt would fix it with a napkin or whatever, but before we left he'd always remove it. Said that if no one had bothered to do it for him, why should he for anyone else?"
"That's not like Kurt."
"First time he did it I thought he needed the napkin for something. So he wrote a quick shopping list on it and that was it. The start of something. Thank you," she said to the barista who brought their drinks over. "So every time after that he'd write something on the napkin. Usually 'call dad' or 'finish essay'. Then, one day," she said, reaching into her purse, "he wrote this. It was a couple of weeks before the end of our freshman year, just before he... wrote that letter. He didn't show it to me until after he'd mailed it, came home in tears and just showed me this in response."
Rachel held out a paper napkin that was old and frayed around the edges. Blaine took it from her and carefully unwrapped it. In the middle, in Kurt's perfect script, were five simple words.
"He knew what he was going to do, but it wasn't easy for him. He cried for two days after mailing it, and then you changed your Facebook relationship status and he barely said two words to me for a week. He was depressed, Blaine."
"I know it was hard on him, the letter said as much, but-"
"Come on," she said, once again cutting across him. She got to her feet, picking up her drink as she did so. "Next stop is a few blocks away."
"Is this some kind of guided tour of New York?"
"Yeah," she smiled. "But it's a very personal version."
Blaine just followed her, slipping the napkin into his coat pocket as he did so.
~~
The next stop on their tour was a chain bookshop, a far cry from the independent store they'd just been in. Blaine followed Rachel through the stacks as she picked out a path that she'd walked a hundred times before. She turned right sharply, so quickly that Blaine almost walked past her chosen row. A quick shuffle (reminding him that his feet still knew how to dance) and he was once again behind her as she scanned the shelves.
"Ah ha!" she declared, pulling a volume from the shelf. She flicked through the pages, smiling when she found a piece of paper slipped between two pages.
Without saying a word she removed it and held it out to Blaine.
"Come on," Rachel said, walking past him. "There's more to come."
"One second," Blaine said. He dug around in his bag, finding a pencil.
"OK," he said, putting the note back and turning to her. "Where to next?"
"Two more stops," she smiled. "Come on."
~~
Stop number three was an antique store, the owner of which was an old man who seemed to recognise Rachel on sight. The fact that they greeted each other with a kiss on the cheek and a hug only confirmed it.
"And this," Rachel said to the old man, "is Blaine."
"The Blaine?" he asked, his face breaking out into a grin.
"Hi," he said, giving a small wave in confusion.
"This is Mr Thomas," Rachel introduced. "He and Kurt are two of a kind, both know a bargain and the real deal when they see it."
"Where's Kurt?" Mr Thomas asked.
"Still in LA," Rachel replied.
"Then what...?"
"I need you to show Blaine the ring."
"The ring?" Blaine spluttered.
"But..." Mr Thomas said.
"Look, Kurt broke up with Stephen for Blaine. I know that and you know that's true. But Blaine here doesn't and I need to prove to him that Kurt still loves him, even though he broke up with him. Please?"
"OK," Mr Thomas smiled. He went out the back for a moment and returned with a small box. "Your Kurt saw this on his first visit here. On the second I caught him staring at it, it took two more visits before he finally asked about it."
Mr Thomas opened the box and surprised Blaine. When Rachel had said ring he'd imagined an engagement or wedding ring, something for them. What was in the box was clearly a woman's ring.
"I don't understand," Blaine said.
"Kurt's mom had one just like it," Rachel said. "He has pictures. And when he saw it he wanted it."
"Put it on lay-away, paid it off month after month. Made the final payment in June," Mr Thomas said.
"June of our Freshman year," Rachel said. "A month after you two broke up."
"So? That ring...?" Blaine asked.
"He wanted the setting," Rachel said, taking the box from Mr Thomas' hands. She lifted the ring from it and revealed, underneath was a simpler, man's ring.
"I know a guy," Mr Thomas said. "Kurt asked about getting it done."
"He paid this off a month after sending the letter," Blaine said. "But he never picked it up. Why?"
"Final stop," Rachel said, slipping her hand into Blaine's. She leaned over and pressed a kiss to Mr Thomas' cheek.
"You tell Kurt it's here when he wants it," Mr Thomas said. "And it was lovely to finally meet you, Blaine."
"Yeah," Blaine breathed. "You too."
~~
He didn't need to ask why when the cab pulled up on the street. The billboards were enough so he said nothing when Rachel led him into the theatre for the evening performance of Moments Passed.
~~
Even though he knew it was rude, even though he had never done it before in his life, Blaine was out of his seat before the last notes of the finale had died down. He pushed his way to the end of the row and out of the theatre, stopping only when his feet were on the sidewalk and his lungs were gasping down the cool New York air.
"Blaine?" Rachel was at his side, her hand on his elbow. "Are you OK?"
"I... I didn't know."
"He didn't talk to you about his play?"
"Only the gist of it. That it was about him, moving on, finding... He never said..."
"The second I read it, I knew. It was the only way he could deal with it. Breaking up with you was the hardest thing he has ever done and I promise you, Alistair was only an excuse. He was cute and there was a little flirting but every time a guy showed the slightest bit of interest you know what the first words out of Kurt's mouth were? 'I have a boyfriend and I love him' and that was that. Every time, including Alistair.
"But he was the only one who didn't back off. Not in that way, just a friend. He was only ever a friend. If things had been different, sure, there might have been something in it. But Kurt has only ever loved you.
"When I tell you that Kurt loves you, this," she said, gesturing back to the theatre, "is how I know it. He wrote this about you, Blaine. It's not about him, it's about you. The boy lost? Thinking he needs to break free to find himself? It's about what he learned."
"Why would he lie to me?" Blaine asked. "Why would he...?"
"Because all you talked about was coming to New York at first and then there were other applications and he was worried that he was holding you back. That you were only going to come here for him, not because it was what you wanted."
"But I explained," Blaine said, "I told him that it was because Dad wanted me to-"
"He didn't know that then," Rachel stressed. "So he... set you free."
====================================
Strike
~~
Blaine excused himself, intending to just walk around to work out what his next move was going to be. Instead he found himself at Central Park, filling every cliché there was for this situation. Embracing it he found somewhere to sit and stayed there until the chill became too much.
He had his plan, it was putting it into action that was going to be the hard bit.
But worth it.
~~
Kurt pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. "Rupert-"
"I'm telling you, you'd make it big."
"I'm doing just fine, thank you very much."
"No, you're doing fine. Broadway, LA. Next stop West End!"
"I don't want to come to England."
"Your flight leaves JFK tomorrow night, you'll be here in time for breakfast."
"I'm not coming to London."
"Your visa's all taken care of, I've rented you a nice flat near Covent Garden. You'll love it."
"I'm not coming to London, Rupert."
"Strictly speaking the Phoenix isn't West End but you're a new writer. It's a thousand seater, perfect for the play. They're excited to meet you-"
"Rupert! I'm not coming to London."
"-and they're already talking casting. As much as it pains me to say this, I'm trying to get them to hire an American for the lead; you know we have some good actors but I think that the audience would buy your small town American boy better if he were played by an actual American boy."
"I'm still not coming."
"I've forwarded you the e-ticket."
A small beep in Kurt's ear informed him of the email's arrival. "No."
"Anne and I can meet you at Heathrow if you want?"
"That won't be necessary."
"OK, if you're sure. Don't try and navigate the Tube though, OK? Get a taxi. I know it takes longer but trust me. Londoners love playing 'spot the tourist' on the Tube. And you'd only get wound up at the constant delays. Come to think of it, there's going to be works on the Piccadilly line so you'd not be able to come direct."
"It really doesn't matter."
"Oh it does. You'd have to change to the District and Circle, then get the Northern line and then a walk and I can just see you with your cases and your map and trying to follow my directions which, let's face it, are not the best. I get lost in a one street town. Cabbies have SatNav these days, I'll email you the postcode."
"No, Rupert-"
"Door to door service. We've got an account you can charge it to, so no need to keep an eye on the meter."
"You are not giving up on this, are you?"
"And before you yell at me, no I did not book you on a British Airways flight on purpose."
"And you're not listening to me at all, are you?" Kurt sighed.
"I make it my business not to," Rupert replied. "Only gets in the way."
"You've already announced the play, haven't you?"
"Speaks the man who's not checked Twitter. Early feedback looks good."
"You're fired."
"No, I'm not," Rupert said. "I'm worth every penny of my fee and percentage and you know it."
"Do I get any say over this?"
"If you want," Rupert said, "but it probably won't get you anywhere."
"How on earth does Anne put up with you?" Kurt laughed.
"I don't know, but I..."
"What?"
"I thought I'd better do something about it before she came to her senses."
"Rupert!" Kurt exclaimed. "That's fantastic news. She said yes I take it?"
"I made sure I caught her in a moment of weakness," he laughed. "So you need to come over here because I need my Best Man."
"I'm sure you can think of better candidates."
"Like who?"
"Your brothers? Your nephew who you never stop talking about? Anne's brother who is your best friend and actually introduced the two of you? Adam who is your school friend and business partner?"
"Yeah, but none of them are you. And I reckon if my Best Man is gay then not only will you stop me choosing a suit which is a fashion monstrosity but you also won't hit on any of the bridesmaids."
"And that's it? My fashion sense and my choice of partner?"
"You can bring Blaine as your plus one if you want?"
"Subtle," Kurt sighed, "but pointless. I've not heard from him since... Since."
"I thought you were going to call him?"
"He left, Rupert. He... doesn't want me."
"All the more reason you should come across the Pond and spend time with your two favourite Brits."
"You want me to run away?"
"From what?" Rupert asked. "You said he's gone, right? You and Stephen broke up and you've been living in your brother's spare room for the last two months. You've had no luck finding a flat-"
"This side, we tend to call it an apartment."
"-of your own so come and spend some time in a flat that is lovely and beautiful and perfect for you in a city which I know you will adore. And while you're here you can see if your play appeals to the sophistication of the British sense of humour..."
"I know what you're trying to do."
"And what is that exactly?"
"You're trying to wind me up."
"Is it working?" Rupert asked.
"You're paying for breakfast when I arrive," Kurt scowled.
"Well, technically you will be given you pay my wages."
"Shut up, Rupert," Kurt said, ending the call. He checked the flight information on his phone, noting it was an open return ticket, and wondered what the hell he should pack for an indeterminate time in London. Then again, he thought as he looked around his room, most of his stuff was still in cases so he may as well take most of it.
~~
Kurt hated flying. He hated check-in lines and he hated waiting areas filled with screaming kids. He hated them more when they were in the rows directly behind him. He hated the long haul and he hated the jet lag. He hated the baggage claim and he hated the momentary doubt and fear that came when most of the passengers had gone but his bags still hadn't appeared. He hated the long line at the taxi rank and he hated, hated, hated London traffic.
But the one thing that he was hating most of all?
Rupert (my link to British royalty) Andrews
6.20am
Minor drama. Don't panic.
Rupert (my link to British royalty) Andrews
6.22am
OK, not so minor. Maybe panic a little.
Rupert (my link to British royalty) Andrews
6.35am
Yeah, we can panic now.
Rupert (my link to British royalty) Andrews
6.35am
Shit, you're still on the plane. Right. Headlines. Actor attached to lead role in car accident last night. Well, he wasn't in the car. It hit him. He can't take the role.
Rupert (my link to British royalty) Andrews
6.37am
I feel I should say that he's fine, broken ankle. Insert irony here?!
Rupert (my link to British royalty) Andrews
6.40am
I'm working on a replacement. Can't have you arriving to a lead-less cast.
Rupert (my link to British royalty) Andrews
6.41am
Oh, I told you we'd cast the show, right? Because if not... surprise?
Rupert (my link to British royalty) Andrews
6.43am
Nope, checked my emails. Not told you. Sorry. Yeah. Show cast. They're amazing people, you'll love them.
Rupert (my link to British royalty) Andrews
7.05am
OK, might have a lead. Almost certain of it. Waiting for one last piece to fall into place. Go straight to the Phoenix when you land.
Rupert (my link to British royalty) Andrews
7.10am
You know where that is, right?
Rupert (my link to British royalty) Andrews
7.15am
Charing Cross Road, WC2H 0JG. Do not get the train. I repeat, do not get the train. Taxi it.
Rupert (my link to British royalty) Andrews
7.50am
You should have landed half an hour ago. Heathrow website said you landed half an hour ago. You're ignoring my texts, aren't you?
Kurt Hummel
7.51am
Yes.
Rupert (my link to British royalty) Andrews
7.52am
Excellent. New potential lead will meet you at the theatre. Be nice.
Kurt Hummel
7.55am
I'm tired. I'm on the wrong side of the Atlantic, I'm tired and on the wrong side of the Atlantic in a cab on the wrong side of the road and to top it all off I need to find a new publicist because my current one is taking far too many liberties.
Rupert (my link to British royalty) Andrews
8.01am
Look, I know I'm pushing my luck but just trust me on this one. Go to the theatre and have a look at everything. If you don't like it we'll pull the plug. We'll change anything you want. I know you - you like complete ideas. So I'm giving you a complete idea.
Rupert (my link to British royalty) Andrews
8.05am
All I'm asking for is a little trust. Have I ever let you down?
Kurt Hummel
8.06am
Fine.
====================================
Blindside
When he arrived at the theatre Kurt had finally decided how he felt. Since landing and switching on his cell to Rupert's text barrage and hailing a cab - taxi? - to do the slow crawl from Heathrow to the centre of London he had gone through annoyance, frustration, anger, outrage and even violent thoughts. But as he pulled up outside the Phoenix he'd settled for resignation.
Not that he was happy with Rupert organising the whole thing without him but, as he kept reminding himself, if it weren't for Rupert then the show would never have seen the stage in the first place. Broadway, LA... West End? It was logical and he knew it. More than that, Rupert knew it.
"Mr Hummel?" a young woman said as she greeted him. "I'm Lucy, one of Rupert's PAs."
"Nice to meet you," Kurt said, shaking her offered hand. "And Mr Hummel is my dad, call me Kurt."
"Kurt," she smiled, looking down at his bags. "Want a hand?"
"Just need somewhere to put them. Rupert said he'd arranged an apartment?"
Lucy gave a small shrug as she grabbed the handle of one of his bags. "He's not said anything to me but he's been busy replacing the lead."
"What's he like?" Kurt asked. "What's the whole cast like come to think of it?" he laughed.
"There's a dress rehearsal this afternoon," Lucy said as they walked in and she handed Kurt's bag to someone in the cloakroom, waiting while Kurt passed over the second one. "The lead's the only one here right now, I'll see if I can find him."
"Thanks, Lucy."
"The set went up this morning. How about you go check it out and I'll bring him to you?"
Kurt walked through the door she indicated and stepped into the theatre. As he walked down the centre aisle his critical eye ran over the sets, finding them to be (annoyingly) perfect. He pulled himself up onto the stage and turned, looking out over the stalls, up to the balconies, and he sighed. Rupert had been right - it was perfect.
Kurt Hummel
8.31am
OK, I like the theater. You get that one. Meeting your cast this afternoon, can't promise I won't fire them.
Rupert (my link to the British royalty) Andrews
8.33am
This side we call it a theatre. And you'll love them. When are you meeting the lead?
Kurt Hummel
8.33am
Soon. Lucy's hunting him down. And he's your lead.
Rupert (my link to the British royalty) Andrews
8.35am
Actually, he's yours.
Kurt Hummel
8.36am
What?
Rupert (my link to the British royalty) Andrews
8.37am
He's *your* lead. You can thank me later.
Kurt Hummel
8.38am
I have no idea what you are going on about.
Rupert (my link to the British royalty) Andrews
8.40am
Trust me. And thank me later.
Kurt Hummel
8.40am
And why would I want to do either of those things?
Rupert (my link to the British royalty) Andrews
8.41am
Plenty of reasons. But just listen to him first, OK?
Kurt Hummel
8.42am
You're making less sense than normal.
Rupert (my link to the British royalty) Andrews
8.43am
I won't be in a minute.
"Kurt?" he heard Lucy's voice call just as the last message came through. "Everything OK?"
"Rupert," he sighed, closing down the message app and locking the phone. "Thinks he's got everything set up perfectly."
"He's good at what he does," Lucy said. "I'd like to introduce you to our lead."
Kurt finally turned to look at her - them - and didn't need to hear what she said.
"Kurt Hummel? Blaine Anderson."
"Blaine?" Kurt managed to say.
"He auditioned for Rupert this morning - we were lucky. He's done theatre in LA, and he's an amazing singer," Lucy said, seemingly not noticing the fact that the two of them had locked eyes. "Anyway, I'll let you two talk for a bit."
"You're in London," Kurt said when they were alone.
"Obviously," Blaine replied.
"No, but... London? Why? Since when?"
"Since I left New York."
"When were you in New York?"
"After Vancouver," Blaine said, then laughed softly. "I went to see Coop, then I was in New York for a week but I've been here about two months now."
"But... why? I thought you were trying to crack LA?"
"I got a job offer."
"Here?"
Blaine nodded. "The lead."
Kurt hesitated for a moment, reading Blaine's expression. "This lead? But I thought that happened this morning?"
"Little subterfuge," Blaine grinned.
"But... why?" Try as he might Kurt's brain was only coming up with questions - he was trying to remember any of the things he'd wanted to tell Blaine months ago.
"Listen, OK?" Blaine asked. "Just... listen. I came here so I could be with you. Rupert was bringing Moments Passed to the West End and you were going to be here at some point. So I came too. I came here so that we can be together."
"You came to London... for me?"
"Of course."
"...Why?" Kurt's brain defaulted to again.
"Because I... oh to hell with it," Blaine said, moving forward quickly. One hand slid around Kurt's waist, the other held his jaw and then, then they kissed.
Every 'why' question Kurt had was answered when he felt Blaine's touch and he quickly responded, hands grabbing what they could to hold him close, keep him close, and never ever ever let him be out of reach again.
"I saw the play," Blaine said, slightly breathless and his voice shaking as they parted a little. "I saw the play and Rachel showed me the notes and the ring and she said you broke up with Stephen..."
Kurt pulled him back in for another kiss, bodies flush against each other as his mind finally worked out what all this meant. But...
"You wanted LA," Kurt said, abruptly pulling away, "not this. You gave up everything-"
"For you, and I'd do it again," Blaine interrupted. "I want to be here. I need to be here. Because you are."
"Blaine-"
"Tell me you wouldn't do it for me," Blaine challenged. "Tell me that if there was somewhere I needed to be, if you weren't tied to a place... tell me you wouldn't follow me."
"You're sure about this?" Kurt whispered.
"I'm sure about you. I'm sure about us. And I know that you want this too."
"Blaine..."
"You broke up with Stephen and according to everyone who knows you in New York you did it because you-"
"Yes," Kurt breathed, moving in for another kiss. The pair of them fought for dominance, tongues and hands and pressure against the other's body. "Always yes."
"Then let me be here," Blaine whispered, his lips ghosting along Kurt's jaw. "I want to be here, I need to be here... I would have come to New York for me, for us."
"You saw the play?"
"I saw it."
"And?"
"And I get why you didn't tell me about it in LA," Blaine laughed softly as he buried his head in the crook of Kurt's neck.
"I didn't break up with Stephen for you," Kurt said. "I did it for me. I loved him, I did, but not how I should. Not how you should love someone who proposes to you. Not how you should love... the person you want to spend the rest of your life with."
"And I didn't end things with Charlie for you," Blaine replied. "I promise you," he whispered, arms tightening around Kurt, "that I did this for me. Because this is what I want."
"Me too," Kurt laughed. "So much. Please tell me this is real, tell me that we're done walking away..."
Blaine pulled back, laughing softly. "I'm done. You?"
"Yeah. And I'm sorry. I'm so sorry, I-"
"Shut up," Blaine growled, pulling him in for a kiss.
"Really?" Lucy's voice interrupted them as their mouths met. "I would have thought it would have taken you a bit longer. I was hoping for arguments or something."
"Sorry," Blaine said, moving apart from Kurt but not away.
"So this was just one big set up?" Kurt asked.
"Pretty much," Lucy grinned. "But even I didn't think you'd hook up this quickly."
"Hook... hook up?" Kurt spluttered. "I have been in love with this guy since I was sixteen."
"He's got a few months on me," Blaine added, his arm tight around Kurt's waist, "but I plan on spending the rest of my life trying to catch up."
"Well, I'm sorry to pull you away but your wardrobe just arrived, Blaine, and we need to do a fitting. I'd invite you, Kurt, but somehow I think it'd be counterproductive." She smiled and nodded behind her. "You have two minutes before I turn the fire extinguisher on you both."
"You wouldn't," Kurt said.
"Ask my little brother that question then think again," Lucy called over her shoulder as she stepped into the wings.
"I'll be quick," Blaine whispered, kissing by Kurt's ear.
"I'll wait," Kurt replied, turning his head to steal a kiss. "We've got time."
"All of it."
~~
Rupert (my link to the British royalty) Andrews
9.15am
Forgive me?
Kurt Hummel
9.25am
Jury's out.
Rupert (my link to the British royalty) Andrews
9.27am
Apartment is on Drury Lane (yes, it's real), Blaine has the address.
Kurt Hummel
9.28am
Is this part of your set up?
Rupert (my link to the British royalty) Andrews
9.28am
It's part of me making sure you don't run off again.
~~
Kurt took a seat at the back of the theatre with his notepad on his knees while the whole cast did a complete run through. The ease with which Blaine performed with them only confirmed that he'd not been cast that morning and yet Kurt couldn't bring himself to be mad.
Blaine was a perfect Dylan Birch and he couldn't fault any of the other performers either. A few of the lines had been changed which he scribbled down. He assumed that it was to suit the British audience but he would check it as soon as he could. Eventually they finished and Kurt gripped the arms of his seat to keep him in place while Blaine said his goodbyes to the cast, eventually jumping down from the stage with his bag swung over his shoulder.
"Ready to go?" Kurt asked. "According to Rupert you know where I'm staying. Somewhere on Drury Lane?"
Blaine grinned and nodded. "I know just the place, come on. It's quicker to walk this time of the evening and you'll love it anyway."
"Sure I will," Kurt smiled, getting to his feet and falling into step beside Blaine.
They retrieved Kurt's bags from the cloakroom, sharing the weight between them for the walk back; a bag in one hand, a hand in the other. They started off making conversation but soon Kurt was too engrossed in his surroundings and so Blaine left him to appreciate in silence, steering him through side streets with gentle pulls and tugs on his hand.
Eventually they arrived at an apartment block and Blaine reluctantly let go of Kurt's hand to pull a set of keys from his pocket. He opened the main door and held it open behind him for Kurt before leading him up the two flights of stairs.
"Here, I think you should do the honours," Blaine said as they arrived outside the door. He held out the keys to Kurt with a grin. "After you."
"What is going on?" Kurt asked as he dropped his bag on the floor and took the keys. "Blaine?"
"Just... trust me and trust Rupert and open the door."
"If there's a distasteful gift basket in the bedroom I will kill the pair of you," Kurt muttered, opening the door. He picked up his bag and walked in, dropping it down in the middle of the room. "This is your place, isn't it?"
"Yeah," he admitted. "There is an apartment for you, if you want it, but it's not available for a few days. And there are two rooms so please don't think I'm expecting anything, or there's a hotel room booked if you..."
He didn't get any further because Kurt had pulled him in close. "It's fine," he grinned. "I don't mind."
"I did try and talk Rupert out of it when he suggested it," Blaine said. "I thought it might be a step too far."
"Blaine-"
"Because I'm not rushing this, I don't want to risk screwing this up."
"Blaine-"
"This is too important."
"Blaine!" Kurt laughed. "I said it's fine. Really."
"You sure?"
In response Kurt kissed him. "Really."
"Good," Blaine growled, pulling him in for a deeper kiss.
====================================
Engagement
They had planned on taking it slow. They talked about taking it slow. They wanted to take it slow but after dinner and a few drinks and a heated make out session Kurt was shirtless and Blaine's was half off. Kurt's hands were on his stomach, fingers pushing up Blaine's chest to his shoulders to push his shirt off all the way.
Then he stopped.
"Kurt?" Blaine asked when he noticed Kurt pulling back. "Are you OK?"
"What happened?" Kurt asked, his finger running down a faint line down the left side of Blaine's chest.
"Oh, that? Graduation celebrations at SFU can get a little... lively," he laughed. "Still not sure what happened but a window broke and I was in the crossfire... Kurt?"
"So much has changed," Kurt whispered, his fingers running down the faint scar. "I used to know everything about you..."
"And you will again, I promise," Blaine said.
"I'm so sorry," Kurt repeated. He looked up at Blaine, meeting his eyes.
When Blaine saw the tears brimming he reached out, pulling him in close. "It's OK, I promise. It'll be OK."
"Can we... just not?" Kurt asked eventually. "I want to, but..."
"It's fine," Blaine assured him, pressing a kiss into his hair. "There's a spare room if you...?"
"No," Kurt said quickly. "This is..."
"Then can I suggest we move to the bedroom before we get cricks in our neck?" he laughed. "Come on you."
They struggled to untangle themselves and stand, moving through to the master bedroom. They quickly changed and climbed into bed.
"Better?" Blaine asked as Kurt settled against his side, head resting on his shoulder. "You must be exhausted."
"Been a very, very long day," Kurt hummed. "But a good one."
Blaine kissed the top of Kurt's head and let his fingers run patterns across his skin. "Best day." There was a moment of silence in which Blaine wondered if Kurt had fallen asleep but he still whispered, "Please don't take the other apartment."
Kurt's arm tightened around his waist. "I'm going nowhere," he said, his voice heavy with sleep and contentment.
~~
The next week was lost in a blur of final rehearsals and preview screenings. Every morning Blaine left for the theatre, leaving Kurt with a kiss, and every evening he returned to stories of his London discoveries and a home cooked meal. They talked about high school and The Letter and Los Angeles and that thing that once scared them both - the future. Their future.
And the nights were theirs to rediscover the others, the marks and changes in the other's body, showing and learning new tricks to make the other gasp and writhe under and over them.
The opening night of the play was sold out, Kurt sat in his traditional seat; a little over halfway back on the left hand side, hiding in the crowd and watching the crowd more than the show itself, trying to gauge reactions and holding his breath in anticipation.
When they rose to their feet in a standing ovation Kurt rose with them, his eyes never leaving Blaine as he clapped and cheered and felt his heart swell with pride and love.
~~
~~
Kurt made his way backstage, trying to be polite to those who wanted to congratulate him on a successful opening night, and yet leave them behind quickly so he could find the one person he did want to see. In the end he was saved as Rupert and Anne appeared beside him, ushering him through the crowds until he found Blaine.
"You were perfect," Kurt declared, throwing himself into Blaine's arms.
"I messed up the opening line of the second act," Blaine laughed.
"You made it better."
"You're a writer, you're supposed to be protective of your stuff."
"I trust you," Kurt said.
"I won't let you regret it," Blaine said quietly.
"I hate to be the one to break up this touching scene," Rupert said, "but there's a party to get to."
"I think we'll..." Kurt started but he was silenced by a look from Rupert "Do we have to?"
"Do the lead and the writer of what The Times is calling the 'new must see of the season' have to come out and play?" Rupert said. "Yes. Deal with it. You can go home and... cuddle later," he grinned.
Blaine laughed and kissed Kurt once before going to grab his bag from his dressing room. Then they were reunited and, once more hand in hand, they stepped from the theatre (pausing for a moment to sign the programs of those who'd waited by the stage door) and out into the night.
In the small hours of the morning they returned to their flat (which they had taken to saying in faux British accents) and were upon each other as soon as they stepped through the door. Kurt had Blaine pressed up against the wall, his body pinning him where his hands weren't, his mouth sucking and licking and oh god yes biting at every piece of exposed skin he could get.
"Kurt," Blaine growled as he tried to move them from the hallway to the bedroom.
"God I want you," Kurt replied, slotting a leg between Blaine's.
"No..." Blaine managed to say, the one word which cut through Kurt's lust and had him pulling back in shock and confusion. "No, Kurt, I..." Blaine stopped, taking Kurt's face in his hands. "I love you."
"I know," Kurt smiled in relief.
"I know you know, but when did I last say it to you?"
"You..." Kurt started before he realised. "I love you too."
"I know we've said it," Blaine said, "but I need to tell you. I'm in love with you, Kurt Hummel, and I know I will be for the rest of my life. You are it, you have always been the one."
"And you for me," Kurt replied, resting his forehead on Blaine's. "I am so sorry I ruined things - but I promise, I will never let it happen again. I am never letting you go and I will make sure that you know, every day for the rest of our lives together, just how much I love you."
"Well," Blaine grinned, "how about you start right now?"
Kurt kissed him until he couldn't anymore for laughter and then the pair of them moved to the bedroom.
~~
The apartment was dark when Blaine got home so he left his things on the couch and slipped into the bedroom, finding Kurt already under the covers. Undressing quickly he climbed in, curling around Kurt's warm body and feeling him shift against him.
"You're in bed early," Blaine whispered against the back of his neck. "You OK?"
Kurt said nothing, just put his hand over the one resting on his stomach.
"Kurt?" Blaine asked, his voice a little louder.
Almost immediately Kurt turned, burying himself against Blaine's chest as he started to cry. Blaine just held him in place, his hand rubbing up and down Kurt's back until he'd calmed and their room was silent again.
"Tell me," Blaine whispered.
"I..."
"I want to know. Whatever it is, I want to know."
Kurt pushed to sit up so Blaine did too, resting against the headboard. For a moment Kurt seemed to be studying him until he said two words. Not quite a question but an implicit one all the same.
"Marry me."
~~
It took Kurt a few moments to follow Blaine out of the bedroom, finding him in their kitchenette with a glass of water in his hand.
"Not the reaction I was hoping for," Kurt said.
"Not the response I was expecting when I asked you to tell me why you were crying," Blaine retorted. "So... why the proposal?"
"Because I love you and I want to spend the rest of my life with you."
"But... why now?"
"Because it seemed like the right time."
"Now? We've been back together for five minutes-"
"Six months," Kurt interjected.
"-and you want us to get married?"
"Over here they call it a civil partnership, but I'm pretty sure it'd be recognised as marriage back home. I'll look into it. And think about it, Blaine. Married in London, we could honeymoon in Europe. You've always wanted to go to Paris, Italy, Greece... We could travel around, see as much of it while it's easy and we can."
"While we can?" Blaine asked.
"I just meant..."
"Something you're not telling me," Blaine finished.
"You know I want to marry you, I have done for a long time. So can you just say yes and we can go to bed and-"
"Tell me," Blaine said quietly as he put down his glass. "Please."
"Dad called," Kurt said, his voice breaking a little. "He's fine... but he wasn't. He had 'a turn'," Kurt said, miming the air quotes and mimicking his father's tone, "and he was in the hospital and for a few hours they were really worried. But they decided not to call me until they knew and then they did know and Dad didn't want me coming over so they waited until he was out of hospital. I missed it. I missed everything because I'm over here and..."
"And you miss them," Blaine finished. "You want to go home, don't you?"
Kurt just nodded.
"Oh love, you don't need my permission for that! Book your flights!"
"No, it's not that. I just..."
Blaine nodded. "You want to go home."
"I never realised how much I miss everything and everyone until that call tonight and you weren't here and I wanted you to be and I don't want to leave you here and I'm torn..." Kurt managed to get out before he started to cry again.
When Blaine started to move Kurt thought he was going to hug him, hold him once more, and so he was surprised when Blaine moved past him, going instead to his bag on the couch. From it he pulled out a letter which he handed to Kurt.
"You quit?" Kurt asked, not bothering to read the whole thing. "Why?"
"Because Burt sent me an email," Blaine said. "He sent it before he spoke to you, telling me everything. I got it just before the show so I called Rupert and I quit."
"Why?"
"Because I knew you'd want to go home and that you wouldn't want to leave me here."
"No, you can't do this-"
"I already have."
"Blaine-"
"If you're about to do the whole 'you can't just give things up to follow me' speech then let me stop you there. The only reason I'm in London is for you. The play was just my way of getting a visa and being here. Rupert always knew that I'd stay as long as you did.
"You told me that I could be on Broadway and I'd like to give that a go. I headlined a West End musical for six months, that has got to look good on my resume. And more to the point," Blaine said softly as he closed the gap between them, "we can get married in New York. You can get that ring and have it made the way you want it to. Then you can tell me which ring I'm getting you and we can do it properly, with everyone we care about."
"Blaine-"
"Two weeks and I'm done. If you need to go now then we'll get you on a flight tomorrow and I will come and join you the second I can."
Kurt's eyes welled up for a different reason and he was pretty sure he managed to get out an "I love you" before he kissed him.
"So..." Blaine said, pulling Kurt in close. "Do you still want to get married here or do you want to wait?"
"I want to marry you," Kurt said.
"And I want to marry you. And I will. Yes. Always yes."
"I... can I sleep on it?"
Blaine laughed. "Which part? The marriage bit or the leaving bit?"
"...All of it?" Kurt laughed. "I want to go and see Dad, I do, but Carole swears he's OK and he's taking things easy and I don't want to leave you for two weeks."
"I'm a big boy now, I can look after myself. Did it for seven years."
"I know, I know. I just... I'll let you know in the morning, OK?"
"OK," Blaine said, kissing him gently. "Come on, back to bed."
~~
When Blaine woke up in the morning Kurt's side of the bed was empty. He stretched out under the covers, working out limbs which had spent the best part of the night curled protectively around Kurt. Once he was sure that his legs would work as they were intended for he pushed the covers back and got up.
Kurt was in the kitchenette working on breakfast, and smiled at Blaine when he saw him. Silently he nodded at the laptop computer open on the table so Blaine walked over, sitting in the chair and reading the email open on the screen.
From : K_Hummel@ColonialTalent.com
To : burt@hummeltyreslube.com
Subject : Homecoming
Dad,
I know that you and Carole said you're fine but you can't expect me to stay here! Blaine and I are flying back in a couple of weeks when he's finished with the show - and we're coming back for good.
I can hear you yelling now, telling me that this is my big break, the best thing to happen to me, that I'd be a fool to give it up. Thing is, Dad, I'm not. I'm not giving up the best thing to happen to me because he's coming home with me.
And more than that - we're getting married.
I would have loved to have told you this face to face but I can't wait and I can't keep it from you and I wanted to give you a reason to not cut me out of anything ever again. Because if you ever leave it that late to tell me something that important then you are never going to see any of the grandkids, am I clear?!
I'll let you know when we've booked flights but we'll be coming straight to Ohio. Don't worry about picking us up from the airport, OK? I don't want you doing anything except resting because I need you to be around for the wedding and everything else.
You were the only person who never asked me why I ended things with Blaine all those years ago, you just let me get on with it. Everyone else, including Carole, kept asking me why and what had gone wrong. You knew, didn't you? You knew that nothing had gone wrong and you knew why I did it. Yet you never once yelled at me for it. You just let me get on with things.
And now I realise that's exactly what you've been doing my whole adult life and I love you for it but you need to look after yourself because I want to have the option of you interfering and telling me I'm being stupid and when the baby is screaming at three in the morning and won't shut up I need someone around to tell me that I'm not the worst dad in the world and that's your job, OK? Be around to do it.
We'll be home soon.
Love,
Kurt
(and Blaine!)
Kurt slid his arms over Blaine's shoulders, half hugging him around his chest. "OK?" he whispered.
"OK," Blaine replied, putting a hand on one of Kurt's arms. He closed down the window and turned slightly in the chair, allowing Kurt to come around and sit on his lap.
"I feel it only fair to warn you that I will probably be very obsessive about the wedding."
"I feel it only fair to warn you that unless you give me explicit instructions and a list I'm probably going to end up annoying you during the planning."
"I'm going to want some pretty specific stuff," Kurt teased.
"I'm just going to want to marry you," Blaine said, his arms looping around Kurt's waist.
"I think we're going to get along just fine," Kurt laughed just before Blaine kissed him. "You should have breakfast, you'll be late for the theatre otherwise."
"So I'm late," Blaine said. "Being late for something worked out in my favour once."
"You and me both," Kurt smiled as he lowered his head for a kiss, breakfast be damned.
~fin~
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