April 27, 2015, 7 p.m.
Come What May: Week 39 - New Directions
T - Words: 3,121 - Last Updated: Apr 27, 2015 Story: Complete - Chapters: 40/? - Created: Nov 02, 2014 - Updated: Nov 02, 2014 204 0 0 0 0
Hey everyone! I want to thank all of you from the bottom of my heart for your support on this story. I know this fanfiction hasnt had an overwhelming response but, to me, its enough. Any support at all is so appreciated, so thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Im going to write an epilogue after this but I need your decision to help figure out how to write it. I have three options. I can either write a sequel to this story, write one-shots for this fanfiction, or start a new fic completely. If I do a sequel, itll take place a few years down the road. I kind of have an idea for it. Or for the one-shots, I would do a series. One for each year of Belles first eighteen years. And if you want a new story, Im prepared for that too. I just want to leave it up to you, so please let me know! Ill take the decision into consideration and Ill get the epilogue up as soon as I can! Xoxo
"So basically, you named your daughter after me," Bella stated, when Blaine stopped by the coffee shop a couple days later.
"I definitely didnt," Blaine laughed, taking his cup of coffee from her.
"Belle... Bella... same thing," Bella shrugged.
"Except your name is Isabella and her name is Annabelle," Blaine shook his head and took a sip of his coffee.
"Trust me, it still counts," Bella winked at him.
"If it makes you happy, Ill let you think that," Blaine laughed.
Taking someone elses order, Bella began making another drink. She waited until they left the counter, before saying, "I guess this means you arent hanging out here much anymore, huh? Im going to miss seeing you every day. Ill have to find someone new to complain about my job to," she rolled her eyes.
"Well see," Blaine replied. "I went out to the store to buy a couple things and a cup of coffee screamed my name when I walked by... Im sure this wont be the only morning that happens."
"Are you tired yet?" Bella smirked.
"Exhausted," Blaine sighed wearily. "Kurt and I take turns getting up with her at night but its still hard. I didnt know there was so much to parenting."
"And all she does is eat, sleep, and go to the bathroom... Can you handle her walking, talking, and causing trouble?" Bella teased.
"Ill call you and have you babysit," he beamed.
"Oh no, you wont. You dont even have my phone number, so you cant," Bella resisted, sticking out her tongue at him.
"Fair point. Youll have to watch her here," Blaine replied.
"I dont think so," Bella shook her head. "I didnt tell you... Im starting my last semester of college this fall and then Ill be out of this hell hole by January."
"Thats awesome! Im really happy for you, Bella," Blaine smiled. They only spoke when he came into the shop, but Blaine knew the barista well enough to truly feel happy for her accomplishment.
"Thanks, Im happy for you too, Blaine. I feel like youre far more than just a customer," Bella came around the counter and gave him a hug. "I hope everything goes well for you and Kurt... Just dont forget to stop by once in a while."
"Of course," Blaine pulled away and kissed her cheek. "Ill see you later, Bella."
Bring your daughter over sometime so I can meet her," Bella replied, waving.
Blaine made his way back to the apartment, where he found, Kurt, Sam, Hiram, and Leroy packing Rachels things into boxes, while Rachel sat on the couch holding Belle.
"Dont strain yourself, Rach," Blaine said, sitting on the couch beside her.
"They wont let me do anything. I packed as much as I could the last few days but apparently its all Im allowed to do," Rachel rolled her eyes. "So I got put on baby duty."
"Is that bad?" Blaine nudged her with his elbow. He knew Rachel took every advantage she could to spend time with Belle.
"No," Rachel said. "Im just hoping to sneak out of here with her when I go."
He knew she was kidding, but Blaine noticed a flicker in her eyes that implied part of her wished she could. Rachel would always hold a little regret about giving her up but that was understandable. He wrapped his arm around her and said, "Youre not supposed to give thievery away. Now well be watching you."
Curling into his side, Rachel hummed, "Darn, I was so close. I was hoping you wouldnt notice her absence."
"At least Rachel had started packing some of the small stuff beforehand, so she contributed something. Didnt make us do all the work," Sam winked in her direction.
Tossing a pillow at him, Rachel blushed, "Shut up, Sam."
Sam gave Blaine a nod and Blaine gave a weak smile in return. Things had seemed different between Rachel and Sam lately but they didnt talk about it, so Blaine didnt ask.
"Well, I think we need to have a toast to Rachel," Kurt said, setting down his box and moving toward the kitchen. He poured several glasses and handed one to each of the people in the room. "To Rachel... for carrying and delivering the most beautiful baby girl... For giving up everything so I could have a family... Rachel, youve given me so much in the years weve known each other. You were there for me in high school when no one else cared and youre still giving me so much to this day. I cant thank you enough for that. I truly cant. You are a wonderful woman, and Im so grateful youre in my life."
Everyone drank to that and then Rachel said, "I want to toast to Blaine, who has given me so much. You saved me during my darkest days after Finn and you were still my strength when you had knocked me down over Kurt. Youve given me a home and, in a different way, a family. You brought me back to Kurt, after we separated ways. You helped me through this pregnancy and you calmed my fears during labor... You are always going to hold a place in my heart, because no matter how much I think I can do things on my own, you are my rock. You have saved me in so many ways and Im forever in your debt."
In turn, Blaine turned to face his husband and said, "I guess that leaves me to toast you... The boy that chased me down the street. The boy that stole my heart with glances across a coffee shop. The boy that challenged me in the most difficult ways... The boy that turned me into a man. Kurt, you pushed me to work for what I believe in. You gave me life, happiness... And this," Blaine gestured to the room at large, referring to his home and family. "I love you very much and I wake up so happy every morning that you are right there with me. I cant wait to see where this journey takes us."
Celebration continued. The group ate dinner and continued to move some of Rachels smaller boxes into the vehicle Leroy and Hiram had rented.
When they had finished for the evening, Rachel stepped in front of Blaine and Kurt, saying, "Look, I know I told you guys that Id stay the week, but Im going to crash at Sams tonight... or my place."
"Are you sure?" Kurt asked, knowing she wanted to wait until she was totally moved in to give them time to adjust to the change. .
Rachel nodded, "its for the best. Im starting to feel a little...uncomfortable here and Id rather just go now. You guys have everything under control. You dont need me."
"If youre sure..." Blaine hesitated, exchanging a look with Kurt.
"Hey, Im going to miss being here with you every day too but I promise that Ill be around as much as I can," Rachel said, tears forming in her eyes. "I love you both very much, and Im so grateful that you gave me a place to stay."
Feeling his own tears well up, Kurt pulled her into a tight embrace and whispered in her ear, "I love you so much, Rachel Berry."
When they broke apart, she turned to a tearful Blaine and gave him a long hug. "I love you too," Blaine told her.
Wiping her eyes, Rachel took a step back and said, "Thus is only the beginning for all of us. You two are exactly where youre supposed to be and Ill get there in time. I think I can finally begin to properly heal now that all of this is behind me."
"I hope so," Blaine tucked a piece of her hair behind her ear. "I only ever wanted the best for you."
Rachel smiled sadly, "I know."
Coming up behind Rachel, Sam put an arm around her waist and asked, "Ready?"
"More than you know," Rachel replied. Planting a kiss on Blaines cheek, she added, "Good luck on your first night alone with the baby. The three of you are going to be just fine."
Belle had just fallen asleep and Rachel agreed to stop packing to watch her long enough for Kurt and Blaine to go out for a while. They objected at first but she assured them that she wanted to help.
They took to the streets and went for a walk, long enough to get some fresh air.
Blaine took Kurts hand in his and said, "Im really glad we did this. I needed some Kurt time."
"Same here... I mean," he paused. "I needed my Blaine time. I get enough of me as it is."
"Theres no such thing as enough of you," Blaine laughed, squeezing his hand. "I could spend every minute of the rest of my life with you... Im really glad I have you."
"Me too," Kurt replied happily. "I feel so much better about myself knowing that I made a difference."
"What do you mean?" Blaine raised an eyebrow.
At this, Kurt stopped and pulled Blaine toward a wall. "Before I met you, I floated. I just sort of existed in this bubble with Dylan because he was all I knew for so long... And then you happened and you anchored me to the ground. You gave me a fair relationship, even with its ups and downs. But you also brought out a side that I didnt know I had."
"I did?" Blaine asked. He didnt know where Kurt was going with this."
A light sprinkle began falling and Kurt glanced up, "Yeah, you did... You were different, Blaine." Kurt lowered his gaze to meet his eyes. "You arent the same person I met months ago, Blaine. Youve changed and you let me be a part of that change. For once, I was more concerned with you than anything else in my life. I wanted to help you out of my love for you, and you graciously opened that door for me." He took a deep breath and continued, "I was there to take care of Dylan and thats it but you gave me a reason to move forward every day. You gave me love and loyalty and thats all Ive ever really needed."
"Im glad I could help," Blaine smiled. His heart swelling with pride.
Shaking his head, Kurt said, "You have no idea... You gave me hope for the future. You, me, Belle, Rachel, and hopefully Sam... Theres so much possibility for all of us and that wouldnt have happened if it werent for you."
"Youre wrong," Blaine corrected him.
"No..." Kurt disagreed.
"Kurt, I was only the person in the middle of our mess, but if you hadnt chased me down, this wouldnt have happened," Blaine kissed his hand. "As much as I knew I had feelings for you, I knew I couldnt act on them. I would have admired you from afar, because I was scared. You brought us together. You gave me the courage I needed to stand up for myself. You were Rachels friend when I couldnt be. Youve been so good to our daughter in the short time weve had her. Youre the real hero in all of this."
"And to think I almost backed out of running after you," Kurt blushed.
"Im glad you didnt," Blaine kissed Kurt softly, melting into the sweet taste of his lips.
"Well, thats the last of it," Rachel announced, as Sam hauled in her last box.
"Finally," Sam sighed, sitting on the couch next to Kurt, who was feeding a bottle to Belle.
"Its not like I had that much," Rachel stood up and took the seat on the opposite side of Sam. She grabbed his hand and smiled.
"Okay, can we get down to the bottom of this?" Kurt stated, gesturing to their linked hands. "What is going on with you two?"
Rachel and Sam exchanged looks, before Sam shrugged, "Theres nothing to tell. Weve just become really good friends."
Blaine raised an eyebrow, "Is that all?" There had to be more to it than that.
Blushing, Rachel quietly said, "Yes, thats all. Im not sure Im ready for another relationship yet... I also couldnt do that to Mercedes. Shes only been gone a few weeks."
"Exactly," Sam nodded. "Were just supporting each other in every way we can. Rachel needed a shoulder to lean on and Ive been there... Ive been helping her look for upcoming Broadway auditions and she helped me make the decision to go back to school and make my time more useful than showing off my abs."
"And all of that has gotten us to become closer friends," Rachel smiled at Sam. "Its comforting to have a friend like Sam."
"Well, I hope things work out for you," Blaine said. "You know, if you want it to... When youre ready... Not that you have to." He glanced at Kurt and sighed. It wasnt coming out right.
"Things will work out in time," Kurt reassured him. Blaine had told Kurt before that he wanted Rachel to find happiness, but Kurt had reminded him more than once that Rachel had to find that in her own time.
Rachel seemed to notice the discomfort in Blaines eyes too. She stood up and cupped her hand over his cheek. "Trust me, Im okay with where things are at right now. Ill be back on my feet soon enough."
"I hope so," Blaine whispered.
"Trust me, Im okay," Rachel repeated, giving him a weak smile.
"Just remember that, even when youre not, Im always going to be here for you," Blaine said honestly.
Wrapping her arms around Blaines waist, Rachel rested her head on his shoulder and said, "I know and thats why you will always be one of my best friends."
"Promise?" Blaine asked. Pulling back, he tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. "Its just that... looking back on this pregnancy, I really put you through hell Rachel, and Im so, so sorry about that. I never wanted to hurt you."
"Please dont feel guilty, okay?" Rachel stated. "It wouldnt have done either of us any good to be living in an unhealthy relationship. If we had raised Belle and sometime down the road you realized it wasnt right for you. What wouldve happened? Would you have left your daughter?"
"Never," Blaine shook his head. "I would have stuck by your side."
"And you would have been miserable, which I dont ever want," Rachel smiled weakly. "Sometimes pain can lead to bigger and better things. You just have to get through the dark tunnel to reach the light... Trust me, you did all of us a favor."
"You really think so?" Blaine raised an eyebrow.
Kurt stood up and placed Belle in his arms. He watched Blaine look down at her, before his eyes came up to meet Kurts and he smiled, "I know so," Kurt replied.
Blaine bit his lip nervously. It wasnt a convincing argument. Rachel would always have regret and that left him feeling like an ass.
In response to his look, Rachel placed her hands on her hips and said, "Blaine, are you happy? I mean, when it comes to Bellr, Kurt, and yourself."
"Yeah but -"
"Would you honestly exchange what you have now to go back to being unhappy with me?" Rachel continued.
Blaine hesitated, "No but -"
"Theres your answer," she concluded. She took his hand and said, "Everythings going to work out."
"How do you know?" Blaine asked.
At this, Kurt stepped in. He placed Blaines hand on Belles chest and said, "Do you feel that?" Blaine nodded and he continued, "Your heart is beating, just like Belles... Just like mine... Just like Rachels. Were here. Were together. I love you more than anything and we will get through anything that gets thrown our hearing it way. Sometimes life is messy but were all here and together and thats what matters."
Putting a pillow over his head, Kurt whined, "Make it stop... I have to get up for work in two hours and she wont stop crying."
"What do you think Im doing?" Blaine snapped, pacing the living room. He stopped in their doorway and stared at the pillow Kurts head was under. "I fed her, I changed her, and i tried rocking her back to sleep. She wont stop."
Sighing heavily, Kurt dragged himself out of bed and took Belle from Blaine. "Here, let me try."
"Fine," Blaine shook his head. He sat on the edge and ran a hand through his messy curls.
"Its okay. Daddys just really tired," Kurt told her. He placed Belle over his shoulder and began slowing pacing the room, humming the tune to Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.
"Is she sleeping?" Blaine shuffled over to him after a few minutes and placed a hand on Belles back. "How did you get her to fall asleep that fast?"
"Its a gift," Kurt chuckled.
"Yeah, because she likes you better than she likes me," Blaine pouted, crossing his arms over his chest.
"Oh, you dont believe that," Kurt replied, setting Belle in her bassinet.
"Yes, I do," Blaine moved back to the bed and climbed under the covers.
Kurt climbed in next to him and wrapped his arms around Blaines waist. "Blaine, trust me, youre beyond lovable. Thats not even the issue."
"But I dont want you to sleep," Blaine replied, nuzzling into his neck. "I just want the baby to sleep and thats an issue."
"You dont want me to sleep?" Kurt smirked, pulling him closer.
"Id much rather do this..." Blaine crawled on top of him and met his lips. His left hand entwined itself with Kurts hair and Kurt groaned in approval.
"You know..." Kurt huffed, as Blaine made his was down Kurts neck. "We should take... a-advantage of the baby... sleeping."
"We are," Blaine mumbled.
"Thats not what I meant and you know it," Kurt said sternly. "As much as ... I miss you. We cant. I have to get up in less than two hours and Im already so tired."
"Hmm..." Blaine sat up, resting on Kurts legs and said, "Thats a problem, isnt it?"
"We could take advantage of Rachel wanting to spend so much time with the baby. Maybe this weekend we can let her stay the night over there," Kurt suggested.
"Youre willing to part with her that easily?" Blaine raised an eyebrow.
"Its a little unsettling being away from her overnight but, I mean, its Rachel. Shes Belles mom. I trust her completely," Kurt smiled. "I want to give Rachel time with Belle. Its the least we can do for her."
Blaine thought about it for a minute and then nodded, "Okay. It would be nice to catch up on sleep. Between the wedding, exams, and the baby... I am pretty exhausted."
"But youve handled everything so well. I think of where you were when we first met. You were scared and insecure. You never thought youd find a real happy ending," Kurt told him
"I think I came to a new conclusion ," Blaine replied.
"Whats that?" Kurt asked.
Blaine grinned, leaning down to kiss him once more, "No matter where life takes me, Kurt Hummel, you will always be my happy ending."