612: 2016

Here's what you missed on Glee. Five years ago, Pavarotti died and Kurt and Blaine shared their first kiss over his casket. Weird, right? Later, they discovered that Kurt was a senior, but Blaine only a junior, which sucked. Kurt went to New York without Blaine and got a Vogue internship without having any qualifications. Blaine felt neglected and cheated with a lighthouse. Kurt got pissed and broke up with him. Blaine moped, Kurt watched the Notebook. Burt told Kurt he had cancer to get the boys back together, but Kurt started sort of seeing a 40 year old Brit and Blaine crushed on his straight best friend. They hooked up at Mr. Schue's not wedding. Kurt didn't want to get back together, but a few weeks later he accepted Blaine's proposal. Kurt went back to New York, Blaine back to high school. They both felt like Blaine's senior year lasted forever. Finally Blaine moved to New York, but Kurt needed space, so Blaine moved out of the loft and shared an apartment with Sam and Mercedes. There was some more drama, but it's all good now, because Kurt set a date for the wedding and re-proposed to Blaine. And that's what you missed on Glee.

Brooklyn, The Loft

Kurt bangs his head on the table in frustration, causing the tiny paper chairs on the seating chart in front of him to topple over.

“Honey?” Blaine joins him on the living room couch after refilling their wine glasses.

“The seating chart's driving me crazy,” Kurt exclaims. “I thought we were blessed when all our relatives RSVP'd, but that was before I knew who hated who. Especially your family.”

“Hey,” Blaine protests. “Your grandparents are just as bad. But tell me again what the issues are.”

“Fine,” Kurt groans before he picks up a few of the chairs to illustrate his point. “Mom's parents Ruth and Peter don't want to sit next to Carole or her parents John and Mary because they hate it that my dad remarried. Carole's sitting with us and my dad, so that's not a problem.”

He puts the Carole chair next to the Burt chair and his maternal grandparents' next to an empty table.

“My dad's mom Peggy doesnt want to sit with Ruth and Peter either because they always told my dad he wasn't good enough for my mom. They only started to accept him when I was born.”

“Put your grandma with Carole's parents,” Blaine suggests. “Or are they not getting along either?”

“Good idea,” Kurt agrees and puts the Peggy chair next to Carole's parents. “Now, let's move on to the bigger issue - your family,” he points to the remaining chairs. “Your parents are both bringing dates but we want them to sit with us.”

Blaine shrugs. “So split them up. We can seat Melinda and Zack together and if anyone doesn't like it - too bad. It's our wedding after all.”

“Alright,” Kurt agrees and moves them to a table with Blaine's cousins Matt and Zoey, Matt's wife Clara, Zoey's boyfriend Eddy and Matt's adorable six year old daughter Kelsey who's going to be their flower girl.

“That leaves my grandparents, my aunt and uncle and Isabelle and June,” Blaine observes. “We can't seat my grandparents together because my dad's parents blame my mom for the divorce and her parents blame my dad.”

“Put you dad's parents, your aunt and uncle and June and her husband with my mom's parents,” Kurt suggests. “They are all super stuck up so they should get along great.”

“I though you were okay with me inviting June,” Blaine frowns.

“I am,” Kurt sighs. “We'll probably never be friends but she's important to you and as you said this is our wedding. We should invite people who are important to us.”

Blaine leans in to place a soft kiss on Kurt's lips, careful not to disturb the finally forming seating chart, before moving Isabelle, her boyfriend and his mom's parents to the table seating John, Mary, Peggy and their officiant.

Kurt looks at the chart and can't help but laugh.

“What's so funny?” Blaine asks.

“Just that we had a harder time seating our family members than we did with our friends who've all dated at least one other person they're sitting with,” Kurt explains after getting his laughter under control.

Blaine looks at the chart where Rachel and Jesse, Santana and Brittany, Quinn and Puck and Mercedes and Sam are sharing one table and Mike and Tina, Artie and Jess, Dani and her girlfriend and Elliot's boyfriend Tom and Cooper's girlfriend another. The rest had been easy - one table occupied by their NYADA friends and the remaining one by Wes, David, Nick and Jeff and their respective girlfriends.

“I think it was a good idea that we only invited our Glee friends and parents to the rehearsal dinner,” Blaine laughs as well. “Don't get me wrong, you're right when you said we're blessed that all our relatives even want to come to our wedding, but it would make our lives easier if they could get along.”

Kurt nods before he carefully picks up the seating chart and carries it to their dinning table which is covered with flower and color samples and Kurt's overflowing wedding scrapbook. He had found the perfect venue for the wedding when he and Blaine had gone on a bike ride through Brooklyn the previous summer, but it had been a little out of their price range even after his dad had promised to match Richard's contribution to the wedding. It had meant finding another venue or not hiring a wedding planner. With Kurt graduating shortly before the wedding and both of them working as well, a wedding planner had sounded like a smart idea, but Kurt had fallen in love with the Brooklyn Boathouse and in the end, they'd opted for planning the wedding themselves if it meant getting the venue.

“But on the upside,” Kurt smiles, “there's only one thing left on the list - cake testing.”

“Great idea to leave the best for last,” Blaine agrees before he pulls Kurt back down onto the couch. “But for now, I think we should celebrate finishing the seating chart. Rachel's staying at Jesse's again.”

“I still can't wait to move into our own apartment,” Kurt says before Blaine silences him with a kiss.

“Only a few more weeks,” Blaine reminds him when they have to break for air. “Only a few more weeks and we'll be married and have our own place. With walls and endless privacy.”

“Can it be June already,” Kurt whines.

“I'm sure you'd be sad if you missed your graduation.”

“You're right. So can it be May already?”

Blaine laughs before he leans in to whisper into Kurt's ear. “Couch or bed?”

“You sure Rachel's staying at Jesse's?” Blaine nods.

“Couch for old times sake,” Kurt winks before he pulls Blaine fully on top of him to begin their celebrations.

GLEE

Upper Westside, Rachel and Jesse's Apartment

There are boxes everywhere and Rachel nearly breaks her neck when she collides with a box holding their kitchen supplies as she stumbles out of their bedroom. Their brand new apartment is only 4 blocks away from the restaurant, so it's definitely Jesse's fault they're 30 minutes late already. After all, it was her boyfriend who'd had the glorious idea to christen their bed right after it was delivered an hour earlier. Now her zipper is stuck, her hair a mess and her make up all over her face.

“They're going to kill us,” she mumbles while trying to fix her hair and getting the zipper unstuck.

Jesse doesn't look much better when he exits the bedroom, the cheshire grin on his face the only thing setting them apart.

“I'm sure we won't be the only ones running a bit late,” he assures her and expertly zips up her dress.

“That's what you say every time and then we're aways the last to show up,” Rachel grumbles, because these days even she knows that there's a difference between being fashionable late and having no time management skills.

Manhattan, 5th Avenue

“This is impossible,” Santana exclaims before cursing in rapid Spanish and staring down a middled aged woman carrying a tourist guide who made the mistake of gawking at her. “Why couldn't they just register at ‘gay and gayer' like other unicorns."

“They want gifts that come from the heart,” her wife reminds her.

“But they are impossible to shop for,” Santana repeats.

“Maybe you shouldn't have waited until the last minute to buy their wedding present,” Quinn interjects as she stares longingly at a wedding dress in a store across the street.

It's a little bit ironic that all her friends are getting married before her, when she and Puck already had a child together.

“We can't all have significant others who add our names to presents we are not even participating in, no offense honey,” Santana retorts. “Why aren't you helping Puck right now?”

Quinn just shrugs. “It sounded like you needed me more. After all, you called me 30 minutes before we were supposed to show up at the restaurant.”

Santana doesn't even check what time it is. Hummel is going to kill her anyway.

La Guardia Airport

“What do you mean, our suitcases are still at LAX?” Mercedes only barely refrains from yelling at the baggage claim employee. Over the past year, more and more people have started to recognize her and she does not want to end up in some celebrity rag because she freaked out at the airport.

“I'm performing at a wedding tomorrow, I need my clothes,” she adds more calmly. But Sam apparently doesn't care about causing a scene.

“We flew business class to ensure nothing goes wrong. So you're going to call L.A and make sure that our luggage is on the next flight to New York. And then you're going to make sure that it is delivered to our hotel free of charge before 8 AM tomorrow morning,” Sam orders the airport worker who doesn't seemed too phased though. He probably deals with people like them at least once every hour.

“Please fill out these forms. We will inform you if your luggage arrives on another flight. In the meantime please accept our travel package containing a toothbrush, toothpaste, a disposable razor, shampoo and shower gel.”

“But that's…” Sam sputters and Mercedes pats his shoulder.

“Come on, let's go. We were supposed to be at the restaurant fifteen minutes ago.”

Brooklyn, Street in front of the Loft

Puck, Tina, Mike and Elliott are sitting in front of Kurt and Blaine's building next to a mountain of cardboard boxes. Each is labeled in Kurt's neat handwriting with instructions where to put them in the new apartment.

“Just got an update from the driver,” Elliott looks up from his cellphone. “He's still stuck in traffic on the Williamsburg bridge.”

“Great.” Mike gets up and starts pacing again. “So we're not going to be very late, we're lucky if we get there before the dinner's over. Whose glorious idea was it to book the moving van this late in the day.” The question is clearly rhetorical, but Elliott answers it anyway.

“Not my fault you all got into the city last minute. Kurt finished packing up the loft days ago.”

“Did you finish your speech?” Tina changes the subject after wiping the sweat off her face with her t-shirt.

“I finished a speech,” Elliott sighs. “I just hope that Kurt will like it. I know I wouldn't have been his first choice under different circumstances, so I don't want him to regret picking me as his best man.”

Tina snorts; “Blaine has Cooper. If you ever met his brother, you know that Kurt's lucky to have you.”

“He definitely isn't the brightest bulb in the box,” Elliott agrees, “but damn, he's nice to look at. Don't tell Tom I said that.”

Tina giggles. “You're right. I'm pretty sure he's the hottest guy at the wedding. No offense,” she adds when Puck and Mike both protest loudly.

“Isn't he like super old,” Mike pouts.

“If you think 32 is super old,” Tina shrugs, After all, there's no reason for Mike to be jealous. At least she hopes he knows there's only one guy at the wedding she wants to go home with.

Luckily, they are saved by the bell. Or in their case, the driver of the moving van honking his horn to alert them to his arrival.

“Fucking finally,” Puck fist pumps the air. “I'm starving.”

East Village, Gay Bar

Blaine and Cooper are sitting at the bar of a lower Manhattan gay bar. A lone drag queen is performing on the stage behind them and the bar is still relatively empty as the night is still young. In front of them are six empty shot glasses.

“We really need to get going,” Blaine pleads with his brother. His speech is slightly slurred already and his swaying on his bar stool. “I can't be late to my own rehearsal dinner.

“But I haven't given you all my advice,” Cooper protests, holding his liquor much better than Blaine.

Before Blaine can stop him, his brother orders two more tequila shots from the bartender who seems to be mentally undressing Cooper.

“If we don't leave soon, there won't be a marriage because Kurt has killed me,” Blaine retorts and pulls his phone out of his pants' pocket to check if there are any angry messages from his fiancé. Before he can unlock his phone, however, Cooper snatches it out of his hand and pockets it.

“Come on, Squirt. Let me do this. I had to miss your 21st birthday, so this might be my last chance to properly party with my little brother, especially after you and Kurt insisted on a joint Bachelor party.”

“Fine,” Blaine groans, knowing that arguing with Cooper will only keep them in the bar longer. “So give me your sage marriage advice.”

“Right,” Cooper says, before he makes Blaine down another shot. “So, it's super important to always apologize even if you don't know what you did wrong, It's never good if you have to ask why she, I mean he, is mad at you. Also, sex is a great way to break up a fight. Don't argue, just kiss him and get dirty before you start fighting.”

Blaine tries to keep a straight face because he and Kurt had done all those things already when he had first moved in with Kurt and it had nearly broken them up a second time. It was no wonder his brother had a new girlfriend every other month if he lived by those rules.

“Also, there's nothing wrong with toys to spice things up” Cooper continues undeterred. “I could point you to a few websites.”

‘Okay, TMI Coop,” Blaine interrupts. The bartender, however, bends over the bar and slips Cooper a piece of paper with his phone number.

“I wouldnt mind those tips,” he whispers seductively and Blaine hides his face behind his hands when Cooper pockets the number.

“What are you doing?” he hisses when the bartender turns to serve other patrons.

“What?” Cooper shrugs. “It would have been rude not to take it. And who knows, maybe my character on One Life to Live Reloaded turns out to be gay and I can call him for research.”

Blaine's phone beeps in Cooper's pocket and his brother pulls it out to read the incoming message.

“It's from Mom. Says she's all alone with Dad at the restaurant and needs back up. I thought he was bringing the college student.”

“She's not in college. She's getting her Ph.D,” Blaine finds himself defending his father's girlfriend.

“Shes still younger than me. That just screams midlife crisis. At least Mom found an age appropriate guy.”

“Whatever,” Blaine interrupts. “I really don't want to think about our parents with their new partners. Not the night before my wedding.”

But Cooper just barrels on. “At least Dad has good taste. Too bad I didn't meet her first. Might be weird if I start dating her after she dumps Dad, right?”

“Gross,” Blaine exclaims and signals the bartender. “Now I need another shot.”

Upper Westside,  Restaurant

After getting turned around a few times, Burt and Carole finally arrive at the restaurant.

“Told you we should have taken a cab,” Burt grumbles. “I can't believe we're late to the boys' rehearsal dinner.”

Carole, who's in the process of exchanging her flats for a pair of heels, just rolls her eyes.

“You heard what the doctor said - you need more exercise. And I'm sure we won't be the last ones to arrive.”

Carole puts her flats into her bag and links her arm with her husband. Inside the restaurant, Burt flags down a waiter.

“Excuse me - party of Hummel - Anderson.”

“Thank god,” the waiter sighs to Burt and Carole's surprise. “I was afraid I screwed up the reservation.”

Before they can ask the waiter to clarify, he leads them into the backroom of the restaurant - which is completely empty safe for four boys Burt thinks went to Dalton with Kurt and Blaine on one side of a large table and Blaine's parents on the other side who both look up in relief when Burt and Carole join them.

“Carole, Burt, it's so good to see you again,” Pam perks up and pulls them both into a hug. After Burt has shaken hands with Richard and kissed Pam's cheek they take their seats opposite Blaine's parents.

“Where is everyone?” Burt asks.

“I don't know,” Pam replies, happy that she's not alone with her ex anymore. “When we arrived, only they were here,” she points at the four former Warblers.

Meanwhile, Richard strikes up a conversation with Burt about the new Tesla model that has recently been released, equally grateful not to be alone with his ex-wife anymore.

“I'd love to look under its hood sometime, but with us selling the house in Lima and living in D.C full-time, I barely have time to drop by the garage.”

“I'm surprised you didn't sell it as well,” Richard remarks and Burt shakes his head.

“It's a good business and I'd like it to stay in the family even if Kurt will never work there. I would have given it to Finn if he,” Burt stops himself abruptly. This weekend is already hard on Carole, because as much as she loves his son, it's a reminder of what her own son will never have and he doesn't want to bring her down even more by talking about how he'd hoped he could give the shop to Finn.

“I get it. My sons arent interested in what I do either,” Richard sighs.

“Oh, Kurt's a good mechanic, but he never would have been happy staying in Lima and working in the garage. Your Blaine however,” Burt teases, “will probably always have to rely on Triple A if Kurt's not with him.”

“I know,” Richard laughs. “ I tried to rebuild a car with him one summer but we were both hopeless. Worst attempt at bonding ever.”

Burt refrains from telling Richard that it was indeed a bad idea because Blaine thought his dad was trying to make him straight.

“But you seem to get alone much better these days,” he smiles at Blaine's dad instead.

“Fortunately,” Richard sighs. “Apparently all I had to do was be nice to Kurt, let Blaine transfer to McKinley and accept his college decision.”

Burt looks around the restaurant but neither of the boys in question nor their friends have shown up since he and Carole arrived.

“I'll text Kurt, see where they are. I know he had a call back today for some play in San Francisco but that should have been over two hours ago.”

Next to the men, Carole and Pam are engaged in a lively conversation about the Hummel's new house in D.C.

“It's in walking distance from Burt's office because his doctor wasn't too happy during his last check up,” Carole explains while she shows Pam pictures on her smartphone.

“Was it hard selling the house in Lima?” Pam asks. “I know it was for me after the divorce, because it was where Blaine and Cooper grew up.”

Carole smiles sadly. “We didn't live there long, but it was where we became a family. But  we were barely there anymore and with Sam moving to L.A we decided that a full time move to D.C would be for the best. This way we are closer to the boys and can see them more often.”

It's Pam's turn to give her a sad smile. “I just worry that Blaine won't visit anymore now that Kurt doesn't have a reason to come home to Lima. I thought about moving to New York but then I met Zack and I really like him. I want to see where things are going with us first.”

Pam shows Carole a picture of her new boyfriend and Carole whistles. “He's a good looking man. Has Blaine met him?”

“He has. I wanted them to meet before I brought him along to the wedding. At least, he doesn't seem to hate him.”

“That's good. Growing up, Finn rarely liked the men I dated and the relationships never lasted once I found out how he felt. I'm just glad he got along so well with Burt. And that Kurt liked me too.”

“How are you doing with all this? Kurt getting married?” Pam asks quietly.

“I'm really happy for him, but I always thought Finn would be at Kurt's wedding, maybe even as his best man,” Carole replies, eyes misting over.

“Well, I've always wanted to see Washington if you ever want to talk,” Pam offers, because they had hit it off the first time they met when the boys were still in high school and she'd missed her friend since Carole moved to D.C.

“I'd love a visit,” Carole smiles at Pam. “I met some nice women at work but they aren't like the friends I left behind.”

Their talk is interrupted by Burt. “Kurt just texted me that his audition is running late. He doesn't know where Blaine is only that Cooper wanted to meet him before coming here,” he tells his wife and Pam.

Pam winces. “If I know my oldest, it might be a while before they get here. They're probably at some bar.”

“He's an interesting man your Cooper” Burt replies diplomatically. He's only met Cooper once before but from what he remembers Cooper's a force to be reckoned with.

Pam just laughs though. “No need to sugar coat - we all know Cooper can be a handful. If I'm honest I was quite surprised when Blaine told me he asked Cooper to be part of the wedding.”

Further down the table, Nick, Jeff, Wes and David, who'd been talking quietly looked over to the parents when they start laughing loudly.

“I wonder what that's about,” Nick says, but Jeff just shakes his head.

“Don't ask. After a year with the New Directions you should know that everyone who ever went to McKinley is a bit crazy.”

Manhattan, Off Broadway Theater

Finally, after waiting for more than an hour, a woman with a clipboard approaches him.

“Kurt Hummel?” she asks and Kurt nods. “We're sorry for the delay, but they're ready for you now.”

The woman - Susan - leads him onto the stage of the small off Broadway theater where he'd first auditioned a week ago. In the audience he spies the director of the production Mike Milligan, and a few other people Kurt isn't familiar with.

“It's good to see you again,” Mike greets him warmly. “How have you been?”

“Good, good,” Kurt replies while trying to surreptitiously look at his wrist watch. He's so, so late for his rehearsal dinner. “Thanks for calling me back.”

“You really impressed us with your first audition especially when you told us you hadn't acted professionally before. You ready to join us out in San Francisco if you make the cut?”

“Absolutely,” Kurt nods. He and Blaine had talked about it and had agreed that if necessary they'd cut their honeymoon short.

“Great! Have you been before?” Mike asks and Kurt barely suppressed a sigh. Any other day, he'd love to chat with the director, but not today.

“Are we keeping you from something more important?” a man in a dark grey Hugo Boss suit asks him sharply, apparently having noticed Kurt's reluctance to chat.

Kurt turns bright red, cursing himself for being so transparent.

“No, of course not,” he stammers. “It's just that I'm late for a rehearsal dinner.”

“Oh, who's getting married?” Mike asks, ignoring the frowning suit.

“I am,” Kurt replies unable to keep the smile off his face. “Tomorrow afternoon.”

“Congratulations! You should have told Susan. I wouldn't have made you wait had I known.”

“It's okay,” Kurt waves him off. “I've prepared the song and scene you asked me to.”

“So show us what you got. I don't want to delay you even further,” Mike smiles and Kurt hands his sheet music to the pianist on stage before he moves centerstage and pours all his high school experiences into the song.

Everything's an act

When you're pleasing everyone.

And he assumes that role

to such renown.

He plays a perfect part

Straight from his heart

Knowing the risks he takes

And hoping that the house

is not brought down.

The role of a lifetime, it's living a fantasy.

A drama that you struggle to erase.

Thoughts battle words over deeds

A war with such casualties.

All played out behind a smiling face.

God I need your guidance

Tell me what it means

To live a life where nothing's as it seems.

Spending days in silent fear,

And spending nights in lonely prayer.

Hoping that one day when you wake,

Those feelings won't be there.

So confused because I feel complete with him.

When we're alone it ll somehow makes sense.

Look into his eyes for some compromise

Remember the word, forget

And try to bury something so intense.

You learn to play the straight man

Your lines become routine.

Never really saying what you mean.

But I know the scene will change

White picket fences and a dog

A trophy bride and children.

God I know that's what he wants

But Jason what role do I play,

Am I a savior or a phase?

Am I here to damn you?

Or help you navigate this maze?

Where confusion is a crime

So you fill your life with sound,

And if you dance like hell,

you hope you never touch the ground.

What happens when the music stops?

In the silence will he stay?

One day he'll realize that these feelings aren't going away,

so we drive ourselves insane,

spinning circles in our souls,

as we dance around and play pretend

and once again

reprise our roles.

“Thank you, Kurt. We'll let you know as soon as possible. And have a great day tomorrow.”

Kurt rushes out of the building still in his audition clothes - black yoga pants and a dark blue tank top - and jumps in a waiting cab.

Upper West Side, Street in front of the restaurant

Kurt is sprinting down the street toward the restaurant. He'd checked his phone in the cab and had discovered a text from Carole telling him that neither Blaine nor his friends had shown up for the rehearsal dinner. And a call to his fiancé's phone sent him straight to voice mail. After getting stuck in traffic close to Columbus Circle, running the rest of the way had sounded like a smart idea, but unfortunately, he'd forgotten how hot it is and is all sweaty when he nearly collides with Rachel and Jesse as they round the corner as well. Before he can ask why the hell they are so late for his rehearsal dinner, an Uber car stops next to him and Blaine and Cooper tumble out, both unsteady on their feet.

"Cooper Richard Anderson, please tell me you did not get my fiancé drunk the night before our wedding,” Kurt catches himself pointing at his future brother-in-law as he yells at him.

“At least, we're dressed appropriately,” Cooper sticks his tongue out at Kurt, before he drags Blaine into the restaurant.

Before Kurt can follow them, an airport cab pulls up to the curb and Mercedes and Sam, both still in their comfortable travel clothes climb out, both carrying airport shopping bags.

“I'm so sorry,” Mercedes greets him, “but the airline lost our luggage, so Sam and I will have to go shopping tomorrow morning instead of breakfast with you and Blaine.”

“It's…”, Kurt starts only to be interrupted by Santana who arrives with Brittany and Quinn in tow.

“Did you just run past us? I gotta say, you look weird when you run,” his ‘friend' informs him.

“Did anyone show up when they were supposed to?” Kurt asks exasperatedly. “But whatever, please go inside. I need to go and get changed first.”

Of course that is when he realizes that in his hurry to get to dinner, he'd forgotten his change of clothes at the theater.

“I just hope the saying ‘bad dress rehearsal, great opening night' applies to weddings as well,” Kurt mutters to himself as he walks into the restaurant and follows his friends into the backroom they'd rented.

Upper Westside, Restaurant

Once Puck, Tina, Mike and Elliott have arrived at the restaurant as well, the former glee clubbers split from their dates to catch up with old friends. Tina finds Quinn at the bar, flirting with the bartender for an extra shot of Whiskey.

“I had to go shopping with Santana and Brittany,” she explains when Tina raises an eyebrow in question.

“It wasn't much better with your boy Puck. What is it with guys and acting like they're fourteen as soon as there's more than one of them?” she ponders before ordering a regular Whiskey Sour for herself.

“Beats me,” Quinn laughs. “But I'm glad he and Mike get along now that we're moving to Chicago.”

“Yeah, I heard. Congrats on law school. University of Chicago, right?”

“Yes, Quinn beams. “I never thought I'd get in because you need a super high LSAT score, but somehow I did it. And Chicago was one of the cities Puck and I agreed on.”

“Well, I'm happy for you. And who knows, maybe well see more of each other soon too. I'm applying to Northwestern for Grad school next year,” Tina tells Quinn who smirks knowingly.

“Anything to do with Mike?” she teases and Tina blushes.

“We're just friends right now, but we both agreed to give us another chance if we ever live in the same place again. Mike loves Chicago and I can do my Masters anywhere,” she confides in Quinn. No now else knows of her plans apart from Mike, because she doesn't want to jinx anything before she has her acceptance letter.

“Does Puck have plans yet?” she changes the subject and takes a sip from her drink.

“He has to serve two more months, but then he - and you can't tell anyone about this, at least not yet - he wants to try to get into the police academy in Chicago.”

“Puck a cop?” Tina repeats incredulously.

“I thought so too at first, but he's changed a lot since he signed up and now I think he'd make a great police officer. I'm sure he'd be great at dealing with at risk kids thanks to his own colorful past.”

Tina considers this for a moment before she nods. “I think you are right. And don't worry, I won't tell anyone.”

The girls head back to the table, passing Sam and Blaine walking up to the bar.

“A Shirely Temple for this guy and a beer for me,” Sam orders, under strict instructions from Kurt to sober Blaine up.

“So how's L.A treating you?” Blaine asks as they wait for their drinks. “Your hair is even blonder now or is it more blond?”

Sam laughs because drunk Blaine is always hilarious. “L.A's been treating me really well.  I get good enough grades in college for them not to kick me out and I managed to land a few voice acting gigs for the summer.”

“Awesome, man. I just hope you won't be too busy to show me around when I come out west this summer.”

“Did Kurt get the role?” Sam asks, remembering a Skype conversation between Mercedes and Kurt he'd overheard. Blaine shakes his head.

“Not yet, but I'm sure they'll pick him. How can they not, he's so amazing. And I get to marry him. He will be my husband. We'll be married” Blaine beams.

Sam decides to order him coffee too because Kurt won't be happy if Blaine bursts into tears during dinner because he's an overemotional drunk.

“I'll make time for you don't worry. But you have to promise you'll go surfing with me. It's so much fun. If'd I known how much fun, I'd have moved to L.A right after graduation.”

“Fine,” Blaine agrees. “But only because I still feel bad about picking Cooper as my best man over you.”

It's the night before his best friend's wedding, so Sam doesn't tell him that it had hurt him when Blaine had called to explain.

“I get it, Blaine. Cooper's been living in New York whereas I'm in L.A and we both know he would have bothered you until he got some role in your wedding. And that would have been either best man or officiant.” Blaine shudders.

“And best man sounded like the safer option because hopefully people will already be drunk when he gives his speech.”

They both laugh.

“What's so funny?” Kurt and Mercedes join them. “And please tell me that's not a cocktail,” he adds as he spots the drink in front of Blaine. “I love getting drunk just as much as you do, but please not tonight.”

“Don't worry, it's a Shirley Temple,” Sam explains. “But we're going back to the table now anyway to get some appetizers into Blaine,” he adds with a grin, kisses Mercedes softly and leads a still unsteady on his feet Blaine to the table.

“Looks like things with Sam are still going well,” Kurt teases and Mercedes blushes. “Are there any wedding bells in your future?”

“Not yet, but we've only been back together for about a year and a half and I don't want to get married until I'm ready for children. Sam's 21 and I'm 22, I think we're a little too young to start raising a family.”

Kurt nods. “We're not ready for a family either. First we want to be on stage for a few years and then - if we can afford it - look into surrogacy. I don't know, maybe when we're 30. I can't wait to get married to him though.”

“You remember that I was voted most likely to get married first, probably because it was no secret that I was planning to save myself for marriage?” Kurt nods. “It's kind of ironic that the two gay couples are the first to get married, because with you it's clear you're doing it for love and not because you want to have sex or accidentally got your girlfriend pregnant.”

“So you heard about Rick the Stick too,” Kurt grins. “That girl must have been very drunk to get into bed with him. Probably would have been drunk for the wedding too, if she hadn't been 7 months pregnant.”

“That's why Sam and I are only doing things that won't get me pregnant,” Mercedes giggles before she slaps her hand over her mouth. “I didn't just say that,” she groans.

“Spill,” Kurt orders, but Mercedes shakes his head.

“All you need to know is that Sam and I are doing very well.”

“Fine, be boring,” Kurt teases her good-naturedly before he changes the subject. “What number are you this week in the charts? I didn't have time to check.”

“Still 37 and I don't think it will be any higher, but my label thinks it's great I made it into the top 40. They're even talking about submitting me for next years Grammys as best new comer.”

“That's amazing, Cedes,” Kurt pulls his friend into a tight hug, nearly knocking over the two glasses of Chardonnay the bartender placed in front of them. “I expect tickets so we can watch you win live.”

Back at the table, Kurt sits down with his friend after seeing that Rachel has taken his seat and is chatting with Carole.

“… you're okay with Jesse being my date?” he catches the tail end of Rachel is saying and decides to give her some privacy.

“Does he make you happy?” Carole asks and Rachel nods.

“Very. I'm really glad I have him a second chance.”

“Then why shouldn't I be happy for you? All Finn ever wanted was to see you happy, and whatever his past relationship with Jesse was, I'm sure he wouldn't hold it against him now.”

Carole wipes a small tear from the corner of her right eye while Rachel does the same. Though lately, she's wondered if things would be different if Finn was still alive. Would she have ignored Jesse offers for the off chance of getting back together with Finn or would they have fallen in love anyway and Finn would have eventually married and started a family with a nice Lima girl? She banishes the thought to back of her mind where it belongs, because it never helps to dwell on the past or speculate on could have beens. She's learned her lesson.

It's Carole who decides to change the subject to a happier topic. “Kurt says you and Jesse are going on tour with your musical. Any chance you're coming to D.C? Burt and I were very sad we missed it during its Broadway run.”

Opposite Rachel and Carole, Artie is sitting with Brittany and Santana.

“Maybe we should sit with people we don't see every week,” Artie jokes. “Everyone seems to be catching up, but you know all my news and I know all yours.”

“Admit it, you just want to find someone who hasn't heard about the DGA training program yet,” Santana snarks.

“Because you're not telling everyone you meet you got nominated for a daytime Emmy,” Artie shoots back.

“I'm a rockette,” Brittany yells and both Artie and Santana stare at her.

“We know, honey.”

“Yeah, but you know about the other stuff too,” Brittany shrugs. “I didn't want to be left out.”

“I do have some news though,” Artie continues unperturbed. “Casey Kansas read my script and she's on board. And she agrees with me, you'd make an excellent Maria.”

“She's never even met me, how would she know?” Santana mutters, because it's not like she doesnt want to be in Artie's next movie, she's just afraid she'll fuck it up, because Maria is intense. Nothing like her role on Mujeres Desesperadas.

“All I want is for you to at least consider it. I won't start filming till October anyway.”

All around them, their friends are switching seats and Kurt joins his dad at the head of the table. Pam and Richard are nowhere to be seen, but Kurt decides to leave the Andersons to Blaine and Cooper.

“Are you nervous?” his dad asks and Kurt shakes his head.

“Should I be?”

“No. But there wouldn't be anything wrong with you or your relationship if you were a bit nervous.”

“Were you nervous before you married mom?”

“Hell yes. We hadn't been together long, and I still couldn't believe a girl like her could like a guy like me. I was so scared I would mess it up, I nearly messed up the wedding. But then your mom stormed into my room, traditions be damned, and set me straight. That she wouldn't have said yes to my proposal if she didn't really want to marry me and that we wouldn't work out if I kept doubting myself.”

“And with Carole?” His dad smiles.

“I was just as nervous, because there I was, having been given a second chance at love and I really didn't want to screw it up. Especially because it wasn't just about me and her, we had you and Finn to think of as well. But like I said, there's nothing wrong with you if you're not nervous. And speaking of Blaine, Carole talked to Pam before you all got here and she's worried she won't see him as often as before now that we're living in Washington full time.”

“We probably will fly to Ohio less than before, but we've already talked about it and Blaine and I would like to host Christmas this year. Just Blaine and I, you and Carole, and the Andersons. I'll even let Carole cook in my new kitchen,” Kurt jokes.

“You all set to move in? Carole and I are in town for another few days if you need help.”

Kurt shakes his head. “Thanks for the offer, but a few of our friends organized the move as a wedding present. All we have to do is unpack before we're leaving for our honeymoon.”

Meanwhile, on the other end of the table, Mercedes and Sam have joined Nick and Jeff.

“14th place at Nationals - congrats,” Sam raises his hand so Nick and Jeff can high five him.

“The oldies were a bit disappointed because obviously they wanted to win, but the newbies could barely believe that they made it all the way to Nationals their first year in glee club,” Jeff recounts with a smile on his face. “I'm really going to miss them.”

“Me too,” Nick adds. “But we involved the kids when it came to picking our replacements so we know they'll be in good hands. And getting to Nationals brought in some big donations, so the club's safe for another year.”

“I heard a rumor that April Rhodes married another rich dude and donated like a hundred grand a couple of months ago,” Sam remembers. “I think Burt asked Kurt if she wasn't the one who got him drunk in school, and then Kurt told Blaine who told me.”

“It's true,” Mercedes nods. “Kurt told me too.”

“Should we know this April Rhode?” Nick asks, eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

“We'll tell you later,” Mercedes promises, because properly explaining April needs some time. “What I'd like to know - is it true that Emma is pregnant again? My mom though she saw her shopping in the maternity clothes section at H&M.”

Jeff and Nick shrug in unison. “Sorry, if she is, she isn't showing yet. We only know that principal Beiste got engaged because her fiancé enlisted the glee club for the proposal.”

“Ooh,” Mercedes claps her hands together excitedly. “Hopefully, second time's the charm for her, after her first husband turned out to be an asshole.”

The whole table goes quiet and stares at Mercedes who is known for never using swear words - at least in public. Mercedes just rolls her eyes though and orders Nick to tell her all the details about the proposal only to be interrupted by Kurt.

“Now that everyone is finally here, I'd like to say a few words before dinner. First I'd like to thank my friends for being the musical entertainment at our wedding. We have a DJ and a karaoke machine for later in the evening, but until then, you'll be entertained by former members of the New Directions, the Warblers and One Tree Hill with special appearances by Carole and Pam I've been promised. I'd also like to thank Cooper for returning Blaine intact though I'd have preferred him sober.”

The guests laugh while Blaine shrinks down in his chair and starts plotting his revenge.

“I'd also like to thank Elliott who made sure I didn't unleash Groomzilla on Blaine when we were planning our wedding and helped me a lot with the organizational aspects of the planning. And last but not least, I'd like to thank my parents, Burt and Carole and Blaine's parents, Pam and Richard, for basically paying for our wedding. Without your financial contributions, we could have never afforded the wedding of our dreams this early in life. And now I'll tell the waiter he can start serving dinner. Enjoy yourself tonight, but not too much. We'll all party for real tomorrow night!”

Brooklyn, The Loft

By the time the get home from the dinner, Blaine's fortunately sobered up. Because Kurt has plans for them for their last night in the loft and he doesn't want his fiancé to be drunk for them. The loft's empty apart from the mattress they are leaving behind, Rachel having moved out a week ago and their friends taking care of their boxes this afternoon. Kurt's very grateful that they basically organized the move because now all they have to do in their new 2 bedroom apartment in Tribeca is unpack and wait for their furniture to be delivered from IKEA. Kurt would have loved to go with a fancier brand, but neither of them was earning much money yet and they'd spent a lot of their savings on the wedding. Sure, June was paying Blaine these days when he performed, but his fiancé still had a year of college left and Kurt, well if he didn't get the role, he only had his job at the diner and 10 hours a week at Vogue dot com. It was enough to pay the rent, but only barely. And once they were married, neither of them wanted to take money from their parents anymore. They'd decided that if they were grown up enough to get married, they were also grown up enough to support themselves financially.

“I'm beat,” Blaine yawns on his way to what used to be their bedroom. “I knew I shouldn't have gone out with Cooper tonight.”

“I hope not too beat,” Kurt whispers in what he hopes is a seductive voice. “I have plans for us if you catch my drift.” To his surprise Blaine shakes his head.

“Kurt, as much as I'd love to, we can't.”

“Don't tell me you're still drunk. And even if, that's never been an issue before. There's a reason I'm marrying a younger man,” Kurt winks.

“We can't have sex the night before our wedding. It's the tradition,” Blaine protests and Kurt laughs.

“Since when do we care about tradition? We went tux shopping together and neither of us is sleeping in a hotel tonight. And I really want to find out if married sex is actually better and I can only do that if I have something to compare it too,” he bats his eyelashes, not used to having to pretty much beg Blaine for sex.

“You do remember that we've been sleeping together for like 5 years right?” Blaine deadpans, but Kurt can tell that his resolve is weakening.

“But it's our last night in the loft and there are no nosy roommates,” he points out and Blaine's stern facade starts to crack.

“As long as you make me an honest man tomorrow, lead the way Mr. Hummel,” he laughs before dipping Kurt backwards for a deep, toe curling kiss.

Brooklyn, The Brooklyn Boathouse

Kurt is fixing his bow tie in one of the backrooms when his phone rings.

“Do you want me to hit ignore or get it for you?” his dad, who's getting ready with him, asks.

“Who is it?” He's not going to pick up the phone if it's just some telemarketer. When his dad doesn't answer immediately, Kurt turns toward him.

“Um, it says ‘Bare' on your screen. Do I want to know what that's about?”

“Oh my God, Dad, that's the theater. ‘Bare' is the name of the musical.” Kurt snatches the phone out of his dad's hand quickly and answers the call, trying not to sound too eager.

“Hello, Kurt Hummel speaking.”

“Kurt, hi, this is Mike. I hope I'm not interrupting in the middle of your wedding, but I thought you'd like to hear the good news immediately.” Kurt's grip on his phone tightens.

“I got the part?” he asks, still trying not to get his hopes up. Maybe Mike just wants to tell him he's being called back again. But then why would the director call him personally?

“If you still want it, it's yours,” Mike says cheerfully. “My producers wanted to go with a more experienced actor, especially because you are not Equity yet, but I convinced them that you are the best choice for Peter. So congrats and I'll see you in San Francisco in three weeks. Someone will get in touch with your travel and hotel information. Oh, and congrats again. My husband and I got married in Indiana last year, right after the supreme court decision.”

Before Kurt can say anything, Mike's hug up the phone, leaving Kurt to stare at his screen dumbfounded.

“So?” his dad asks.

“I got the part. Oh my god, I got the part,” Kurt shrieks when it starts to sink in. “We'll start rehearsal in San Francisco in three weeks.”

“It's a good thing then that the grandparents only got you a two week honeymoon in Europe,” his dad quips.

“I gotta tell Blaine,” Kurt decides.

“Now? But he's getting ready,” his dad frowns, but Kurt just rushes past him and barrels through the last door on the right, where Blaine is in the process of trying to tame his hair without using a gallon of hair gel.

“I got it. Blaine, I got the part.”

Blaine drops his comb, picks Kurt up and spins him around before kissing him deeply. They only break apart when Cooper catcalls and Richard clears his throat awkwardly.

“Congratulations, Kurt. Blaine told me you were auditioning for a production out west. How long will you be gone?” Richard asks politely.

“4 months.”

“That's a long time to be apart for newlyweds,” Richard remarks before he turns to his son. “So I'd like to give you another wedding gift. Take my miles and more card, there should be enough free miles on it to get you out west and back at least twice a months.”

Kurt watches with a smile on his face as Blaine pulls his dad into a brief hug, before the two men pat each others backs.

“Yes, thanks Richard. Blaine and I, we talked about it before of course, and he will spend sometime with me in San Francisco this summer, but we definitely appreciate your present,” he adds before Elliott knocks on the open door and tells Kurt to head back to his room so everyone can get ready.

“I still can't believe it,” Kurt confides in his best man on the way back. “I'm going to be a paid actor. And it's an equity contract so I can apply to get my card. And then I can finally audition for all the shows here in New York and not just the off off off Broadway productions.”

“You deserve it and as soon as you have it you should send it to however decided not to let you into NYADA the first time you applied to show them how wrong they were,” Elliott says with a big smile on his face. “And we will definitely celebrate later on, but right now, I need you to get ready. It's showtime in 10.”

Brooklyn, The Brooklyn Boathouse, Patio

The first to walk down the short aisle is their flower girl, Blaine's adorable niece, who covers the floor with white roses as Mercedes starts to sing.

At last

My love has come along

My lonely days are over

And life is like a song

Oh yeah yeah

At last

Six year old Kelsey is followed by the groom's maids Santana, Brittany, Rachel and Dani.

The skies above are blue

My heart was wrapped up in clover

The night I looked at you

I found a dream, that I could speak to

A dream that I can call my own

I found a thrill to press my cheek to

A thrill that I have never known

While Artie keeps his hand held camera trained on the procession, the cameras set up on tripods cover the audience and the officiant already waiting for Kurt and Blaine at the end of the aisle, directly in front of the lake. The next to walk down the aisle are Blaine's best man Cooper and Kurt's best man Elliott. And then, finally, it's Kurt and Blaine, both walked down the aisle by their fathers Burt and Richard, as Mercedes reaches the end of the song.

Oh yeah yeah

You smiled, you smiled

Oh and then the spell was cast

And here we are in heaven

for you are mine...

At Last

As all their friends and family take their seats, Kurt and Blaine turn to face each other and reach out to hold each other's hands. Then their officiant Claire begins her speech.

“Today there will be no dearly beloved, no betrothed, and no ancient rhyme of the married. Today there are no dead languages to solemnize vows that are very much alive and will remain so for a lifetime. Today promises become permanent and friends become family.

However, this day is not about the words spoken or the rings exchanged, nor is it about grand pronouncements and recessional marches. This day – the day of Kurt and Blaine's wedding – is about love. One of my favorite authors once wrote, ‘If love is not all, then it is nothing: this principle, and its opposite, collide down all the years of my breathless tale. Blaine and Kurt, your breathless tale is about to begin. If love is not all, then it is nothing. Its opposite – If love is all, then it is everything – is going to be the basis for every aspect of your relationship. All you have to do is simply love one another and that love shows through in everything you do for one another, how you treat each other, in good times and bad. Love isn't just a word; it's an action.

Love isn't something you say, it's something you do. Love is genuine, honest, and open, compassionate and kind, passionate and blind, love doesn't know space or time, nor look through jealous eyes, and in the modified words of Paul in his letter to the Corinthians, ‘Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. Love never dies.' There are many different kinds of love, almost if not all of which are represented here today. There is romantic love, the love of parents and children, of brothers and sisters and family, and love among friends. Not only do Kurt and Blaine love one another romantically – and they do, you can see it in every look, every touch, every moment they're together – they also love one another as friends. In fact, they're best friends, constantly giggling and taunting and teasing and very plainly and obviously having fun together. That love and enjoyment of each other as best friends will sustain them through this marriage. In addition, the love collectively in this room, from friends and family, will help sustain and support the promises they make today. All of us here will help solidify this bond, as these two individuals are joined as husbands. This new journey will be at times richly rewarding and extremely difficult, but, most importantly, it will be a journey you take together. Marriage is much more than your signatures on a legal contract. You are promising, in front of all these people you love, that you want to be with each other and only each other for the rest of your lives, and that you will do everything in your power to honor the promises you are making here today. For their part, the people who love you will also do everything in their power to try to help you hold up your end of the bargain. And now, because music is their life, Kurt and Blaine will sing their vows to each other.”

BLAINE

Sometimes I see

Past the horizon,

Sure of my way,

Where I am going -

But wheres the prize

I have my eyes on?

Where?

There is just no knowing!

And when despair

Tears me in two,

Who can I turn to

But you?

You know who I am...

Take me as I am.

KURT:

Look in my eyes,

Who do you see there?

Someone you know,

Or just a stranger?

If you are wise,

You will see me there!

Love is the only danger!

Love meaning me,

Love meaning you,

Well make that one dream come true!

You know who I am...

Take me as I am.

BLAINE & KURT:

Though fate wont always do

What we desire -

Still we can set

The world on fire!

Give me your hand,

Give me your heart -

BLAINE:

Swear to me well never part!

KURT:

Well never part!

BLAINE:

You know who I am.

KURT:

You know who I am.

BLAINE:

This is who I am.

KURT:

This is who I am.

KURT & BLAINE:

Take me as I am...

After they finish their song to thunderous applause from their guests, Blaine takes his ring box from Kelsey, removes Kurt's ring and turns to his best friend and lover.

“Kurt, I promise to love and cherish you, to support your dreams and help you make them come true. I promise to fight for you if things get hard and to believe that our love is stronger than any obstacles we may encounter along the way. Take this ring as a token of my love for you.”

They'd come up with their vows together, wanting to stay as close to the traditional vows as possible but not saying it word for word. Once the ring is on Kurt's finger, Blaine kisses it briefly before Kurt takes Blaine's ring from Kelsey.

“Blaine, I promise to love and cherish you, to support your dreams and help you make them come true. I promise not to pull back from you if things get hard and to believe that our love is stronger than any obstacles we may encounter along the way. Take this ring as a token of my love for you.”

“Now I ask Kurt and Blaine and their witnesses Cooper and Elliott to sign the marriage certificate so I can finally pronounce them married,” their officiant jokes and Kurt and Blaine rush to comply. As soon as the documents making their marriage legal - in all 50 states and much sooner than he and Blaine had anticipated only 2 years ago - they link their hands again.

“And now, that we've got the formalities out of the way, I present to you Kurt and Blaine Hummel-Anderson, as the grooms have decided to join their names and have made it official with their signatures. You can now kiss your husband,” Claire announces as their friends cheer and Kurt and Blaine don't have to be ask twice to comply.

They'd wanted to keep their wedding kiss short and family appropriate, but now that they are kissing as husbands for the first time, Kurt can't hold back, conservative grandparents be damned. They knew what they RSVP'd to when they were invited to the wedding of two men.

“I love you so much,” Kurt whispers when they have to break apart for air.

“I love you too, husband.”

Brooklyn, The Brooklyn Boathouse, Ball room

The plates are being cleared and wine bottles refreshed, when Burt taps his dessert fork against his glass. They'd agreed to save the speeches until after dinner, because everyone had started drinking soon after the ceremony and needed some food in their stomachs before the party could continue.

“As you know I've been a politician for some time now, but I'm still not one for speeches. But this is my son's wedding, so I will gave it my best.” There's laughter from the guests.

“I met Blaine when Kurt was a junior in high school. It was a tough time for Kurt and he rarely came home from school with a smile on his face. But one day shortly before Carole and I got married, he did. And when I asked why he was all smiles, he mumbled something about meeting a boy who got it. I didn't know till later, that he had snuck into Dalton Academy to spy on his glee club's show choir competition. Blaine told me later, that my son was the worst spy the Warblers had ever encountered but something kept him from ratting Kurt out to his team. After he and Kurt met, all I heard for weeks was Blaine this and Blaine that.” Kurt's face turns bright red, because he really thought back then, that no one realized how big his crush on Blaine was.

“Once he transferred to Dalton and we only talked on the phone, it got even worse. Carole was convinced the boys were dating and that Kurt was just too nervous to tell me about his first boyfriend. I sat Kurt down when he was home for Christmas to figure out what was what. He told me that Blaine was just a friend, but my son was never a good liar so I was pretty sure that he wanted more than friendship. Blaine came to one of Finn's football games with Kurt and Carole and I finally met the ‘famous Blaine'. And Blaine buddy,” Burt turns to Blaine, “I don't know how you didn't see it, but Kurt obviously liked liked you. Everyone could see it. But Kurt kept insisting that there was nothing going on and I had to believe that he was telling the truth. Though that was much harder when I found Blaine in his bed after they'd gone to a party together. Blaine was lucky I liked him, especially when he started dating Kurt a week after asking me to give my son a sex talk.” There's more laughter from the guests who've heard the story before and some raised eyebrows from the relatives and a thumbs up from Cooper.

“They were also lucky they were boarding at Dalton, because otherwise I'd have supervised every single one of their early dates. Once Kurt transferred back to McKinley, Blaine became a fixture at our house. He got along well with Finn, was polite and as far as I could tell, treated Kurt right. Only during the summer, the boys spent most of their time at the Andersons because they had a pool. Once again, they were lucky that I only found out much later that Blaine's parents were rarely home and maybe the pool wasnt the main reason to go there. Especially because Kurt had never been interested in being out in the sun and going swimming before. Usually, I had to threaten to take away his wardrobe to get him to come along to family trips to the lake.” More laughter and cat calls from the New Directions.

“It's been nearly six years since the boys met and I can tell you one thing; life was always better when they were together. Blaine had become a part of our family long before the boys got engaged at Dalton. Did I think they were too young when they got engaged? Hell yes. Blaine was still in high school and Kurt in his first semester at NYADA. But somehow they made it work. Sure they had their ups and downs, but after witnessing their three year long engagement I'm one hundred percent sure that my boys made the right decision today. So Blaine, even though you've been a part of the Hummel family for years, I'm happy it's now official. You're one of us now and don't you dare ever change that.” Burt and Blaine hug while Kurt wipes a few tears from his eyes. Then it's Richard's turn, who awkwardly clears his throat before starting his speech.

“How am I supposed to follow that? It's no secret that Blaine and I, we didn't always have the best relationship and sometimes I resented Burt for getting along with my son so easily when I messed up constantly. I was still under the impression that Kurt was just a friend from school months after they started dating. He'd told Pam of course, but was worried how I would react. And I don't blame him. I didn't take it well when Blaine came out to us a few years earlier. I tried to set him up with my coworkers' daughters and tried my best to ignore what my son had told me. Until he was attacked at his first high school. Seeing my son in the hospital was a wake up call that I wish I hadn't needed. One of my colleagues told me about Dalton. He told me that Dalton alumni always went to Ivy League schools which in my circle was the most important thing. What I was interested in however was the zero tolerance bullying policy they had. Once Blaine started at Dalton, he insisted on boarding there even though we didn't live far from the school. I knew it was because of me, but I felt guilty and instead of trying to talk to him, I just agreed. Blaine rarely came home after moving to Dalton. He'd meet his mom for coffee or shopping trips but only came home for the holidays. When he was home I tried to bond with him, watching football and trying to rebuild a car together. Blaine thought I was trying to make him straight. And maybe subconsciously I was. Even though I wanted my son to be safe, I was still not fully accepting of his sexuality. When Blaine asked if he could transfer to McKinley, I didn't know he and Kurt were dating. If I had, maybe I would have said no. But when Blaine proposed the transfer I thought, maybe it will be good for him to live in the real world again. He won't always be at Dalton where he is protected from the ugliness of the world. In hindsight, maybe I missed all the clues because I wanted to miss them. I'd met Kurt multiple times over the summer, had even met his parents and still it took me by surprise when I witnessed Kurt saying goodbye to my son after one of their dates. They'd already been together for six months and I felt like the worst father on the planet when Blaine told me how long they had been dating. Because it was my fault my son hadn't confided in me. I told him that night that if he had to have a boyfriend I was happy it was Kurt. My son found a good man and after seeing them together those past few years, I wholehearted believe that my son will live a happy life. That he wouldn't be this happy if he had pretended like I wanted him to and had married a woman. Blaine's life changed for the better after he met Kurt and while I haven't been there from the start, I'm happy they are letting me be a part of their future. Welcome to the family Kurt.” Richard surprises everyone by getting up to hug first Blaine and then Kurt.

This time it's Blaine who is a bit teary eyed because he's never heard his dad speak so honestly before, especially not in public. But he's happy they're getting along now, because when he and Kurt start a family, he wants their child to have two grandfathers who will love and spoil him or her rotten. Fortunately, Cooper's up next, and if Blaine knows his brother, people will only cry during his speech because they are laughing so hard, probably at Blaine's expense. And his brother doesn't disappoint.

“Now that we've gotten all the serious talk out of the way, time for some fun stories. Did you know Kurt had a huge crush on me when I first met him. He even had one of my commercials set as his ring tone. As you can imagine Blaine was not amused and I'm pretty sure he tried to keep me from Kurt on purpose for as long as possible. There's no way I always just missed him when I was back in Ohio because of bad timing. Blaine and I, we're ten years apart, so we didn't always have the relationship we have now. But things got better when Kurt and Blaine came out to L.A after Kurt's graduation. Kurt was in a funk because NYADA had rejected him and Blaine thought a few days in California might cheer him up. After the week we spent together, the three of us were much closer and I made sure I got to see my brother more often. We had some fun times together once Blaine moved to New York and he was finally old enough for us to party together. Still, it took me by surprise when Blaine asked me to be his best man. Sure, everyone knew that I would throw a killer bachelor party, but I still never thought he would ask me. I have to admit I cried a little when he did. I'm very happy that I got to be an important part of your big day,” Cooper points at Kurt and Blaine. “Your love is one for the ages and if I were the marrying type, I'd be very jealous right now, because who even gets to marry their high school sweetheart and be happy. Before the two of you, the only guys I knew who married their high school girlfriend were the ones who knocked them up before graduation. But you didn't have to marry your high school boyfriend. You chose to because you can't imagine being with anyone else. And that is something I'm jealous about. If I ever meet a girl who loves me as much as Kurt loves Blaine I will be a very lucky guy.” His date and current girlfriend Emily glares at him. “To my brother and his new hubby.”

“Only one more speech, and then you can all eat cake,” Kurt promises while Blaine and Cooper hug and Pam snaps a quick picture of her two boys.

“Yes, I promise to keep it short,” Elliott smiles at the guests. “I'm one of the few people who didn't know Kurt and Blaine in high school. I met Kurt his first year in New York when he was looking for people to join his band. He didn't want me in the group at first, because he found my on stage persona Starchild a bit too much. He later admitted that he'd been afraid I would upstage him, as if anyone could ever upstage Kurt. He's been a very good friend to me in the past few years, letting me crash at his and Blaine's place when my ex kicked me out and always supporting my ideas no matter how crazy they seemed to him. While Blaine and I had a rocky start, I was always firmly in his and Kurt's corner. When I first heard they were engaged, I thought, they're too young, bad mistake, but once I got to know them both, I knew what they were doing was right. I'm very happy Kurt picked me to be his best man. He'd always wanted his brother to stand up with him on his wedding day, so I knew I had big shoes to fill - literally.” Everyone laughs, while Carole wipes a tear from the corner of her eye.

“You did a great job, Elliott. Thank you so much,” Kurt interjects.

“It was my pleasure,” Elliott smiles. “So to finish up. Kurt is an amazing friend and I wish him and Blaine all the best for their shared future. If there's one couple that will make it, I believe it's you.”

Kurt pulls Elliott into a tight hug. “I'm really happy you're my best man,” he whispers. “And that I got my head out of my ass and offered you a spot in Pamela Lansbury.” Elliott laughs.

“Nothing against Santana and Rachel, but I think One Three Hill was a much better band.”

“I think you're right, but don't ever tell them I agree with you.”

They are interrupted by the wedding cake being wheeled into the room. The bottom tier is strawberry cheese cake, while the second and third tiers are chocolate cake with orange and raspberry frosting.

“You can feed me a piece of cake, but try not to get it on my suit,” Kurt tells Blaine as they walk over to the cake. "And it has to be cheese cake."

“Of course, dear,” Blaine beams and Kurt wonders how many cocktails his husband's had since the ceremony. Not that he's complaining - he's had quite a few Appletinis himself.

Fortunately, the cutting of the cake and feeding goes off without a hitch and once all the quests had their fill, Rachel and Jesse step onto the makeshift stage.

“And now it's time for Kurt and Blaine's first dance. After, we'd like to invite everyone to join them on the dance floor,” Elliott announces before taking a seat next to his boyfriend. As Rachel starts to sing, Kurt loops his arms around Blaine's neck and Blaine wraps his around Kurt's waist. They could have chosen a song that allowed them to show off their dancing skills, but they'd decided on a song they could slow dance to.

RACHEL

Who knows what tomorrow brings

In a world, few hearts survive

JESSE

All I know is the way I feel

When its real, I keep it alive

The road is long, there are mountains in our way

But we climb a step every day

RACHEL & JESSE

Love lift us up where we belong

Where the eagles cry on a mountain high

Love lift us up where we belong

Far from the world below, up where the clear winds blow

JESSE

Some hang on to "used to be"

Live their lives, looking behind

RACHEL

All we have is here and now

All our life, out there to find

JESSE

The road is long, there are mountains in our way,

But we climb them a step every day

RACHEL & JESSE

Love lift us up where we belong

Where the eagles cry on a mountain high

Love lift us up where we belong

Far from the world below, where the clear winds blow

JESSE

Time goes by

No time to cry

Lifes you and I

Alive, today

RACHEL & JESSE

Love lift us up where we belong

Where the eagles cry on a mountain high

Love lift us up where we belong

Far from the world below, where the clear winds blow

Love lift us up where we belong

Where the eagles cry on a mountain high

After the song ends, Kurt asks first Pam and then his dad to dance, while Blaine dances with Carole. When Kurt starts dancing with his dad, Blaine heads for his mom, but then his dad surprises him, by asking for a father son dance.  They arent as relaxed as Kurt and Burt, but Blaine's happy nonetheless, because he never thought his dad would dance with him, or you know, come or pay for his wedding. Afterward, their friends take the stage to get the party started.

PUCK

Im hurting, baby, Im broken down

I need your loving, loving

I need it now

When Im without you

Im something weak

You got me begging, begging

Im on my knees

SAM

I dont wanna be needing your love

I just wanna be deep in your love

And its killing me when youre away, ooh, baby,

Cause I really dont care where you are

I just wanna be there where you are

And I gotta get one little taste

MIKE

Your sugar

Yes, please

Wont you come and put it down on me?

COOPER

Im right here, cause I need

Little love, a little sympathy

Yeah, you show me good loving

Make it alright

Need a little sweetness in my life

Your sugar

Yes, please

Wont you come and put it down on me?

ELLIOTT

My broken pieces

You pick them up

Dont leave me hanging, hanging

Come give me some

When Im without ya

Im so insecure

You are the one thing, one thing

Im living for

ARTIE

I dont wanna be needing your love

I just wanna be deep in your love

And its killing me when youre away, ooh, baby,

Cause I really dont care where you are

I just wanna be there where you are

And I gotta get one little taste

JESSE

Your sugar

Yes, please

Wont you come and put it down on me?

PUCK

Im right here,

Cause I need

Little love, a little sympathy

Yeah, you show me good loving

Make it alright

Need a little sweetness in my life

Your sugar! (sugar!)

Yes, please (yes, please)

Wont you come and put it down on me?

COOPER

Yeah

I want that red velvet

I want that sugar sweet

Dont let nobody touch it

Unless that somebodys me

I gotta be your man

There aint no other way

Cause girl youre hotter than a southern California day

I dont wanna play no games

You dont gotta be afraid

Dont give me all that shy shit

No make-up on

Thats my

ELLIOTT

Sugar

Yes, please (please)

Wont you come and put it down on me?

ARTIE & SAM

Im right here (right here), cause I need (cause I need)

Little love, a little sympathy

So, baby, (yeah) you show me good loving

Make it alright

Need a little sweetness in my life

Your sugar! (sugar!)

Yes, please (yes, please)

Wont you come and put it down on me?

JESSE

Sugar

Yes, please

Wont you come and put it down on me?

MIKE

Im right here, cause I need

Little love, a little sympathy

Yeah, you show me good loving

Make it alright

Need a little sweetness in my life

COOPER & ELLIOTT

Your sugar! (sugar!)

Yes, please (yes, please)

Wont you come and put it down on me?

(down on me, down on me)

“What a lovely wedding,” Isabelle tells Kurt as he watches his friends and relatives dance, needing a brief break himself. “You nearly convinced me to give marriage another go,” she adds with a wink.

“Thank you,” Kurt beams. “I wanted to talk to you anyway. I'll put it in writing too, of course, but I just wanted you to know that I'm handing in my two weeks notice.”

“So you got the part. That's fantastic, Kurt,” Isabelle hugs him, and Kurt's happy she'd not mad at him for quitting. “I'm going to miss you though. You could have have a very promising career at Vogue dot com.”

Kurt is flattered, of course he is, but his job at Vogue was always meant to be temporary. Something he would have continued doing if everything else failed, and while he's going to miss working with Isabelle, he won't miss the bitchiness of the fashion industry or all the mindless jobs he had to do as an assistant.

“I'm sorry, but music and acting, it's all I ever wanted. I would have never been truly happy if stayed at Vogue for good. But I'm sure you'll find someone whose dream it is to work for Vogue dot com.”

“As long as you promise to still go shopping with me from time to time.”

“Have you met me,” Kurt jokes. “In what world would I ever say no to such a proposition.”

“Great. Now, can I have the next dance.”

On the makeshift stage Rachel, Santana, Quinn, Tina, Brittany,  Dani, Carole and Pam get ready to perform Let's get it started by the Black Eyed Peas and Kurt follows Isabelle out onto the dance floor. On the other side, Blaine pulls June aside.

“Hey June,” he smiles at her. “I just wanted you to know that I'll be gone most of the summer. Kurt got the role in San Francisco so I'm going to spend some time with him out west.”

“Oh no, you won't,” June declares immediately and Blaine sighs, because they talked about this often enough.

“June, he's my husband now. So I'm definitely going to go with him for a few weeks.”

“Oh that's fine,” she waves him off. “I think it's about time for ‘Blaine Anderson on Tour' anyway. All the interesting people spend the summer in the Hamptons, so why not introduce you to the west coast. I'm going to call Jim, he knows some PR guys in L.A.”

Blaine stops her before she can pull her phone out.

“You know I really appreciate everything you're doing for me, but right now, would you just dance with me. It's my wedding day after all.”

“I remember my first wedding,” June smiles, “though I think my fourth was my favorite.”

The dance floor is full when they dance up to Kurt who's spinning Isabelle. They are surrounded by their friends and families and for Blaine it is the best day of his life.

San Francisco, Golden Gate Theater

As the last notes fade, Kurt is met with thunderous applause. It's the opening night of ‘Bare - A Pop Opera' and the audience reaction is deafening. But Kurt has only eyes for one man, the first to get up and cheer for him, before the rest of the audience followed him. Kurt bends down to accept the bouquet of red and yellow roses his husband is handing him and accepts a kiss to his cheek.

“You were amazing.” Kurt can barely hear Blaine over the applause. “I'm so proud of you.”

“I want you to be,” Kurt repeats Blaine's words from the opening night of ‘Westside Story'. “And I can't wait for the day we are on stage together.”

“That would be a dream come true.”

Up Next: The Glee series finale “Dreams come true”. It's 2019 and McKinley High School is celebrating 10 years of New Directions. We catch up with all former members and coaches to answer the question - have their dreams come true?

 

SONGS FEATURED IN THE EPISODE:

Kurt and Blaine: Take me as I am - Jekyll and Hyde
Mercedes: At last - Etta Jones
Rachel and Jesse: Up where we belong - Joe Cocker and Jennifer Warnes
Rachel, Santana, Quinn, Tina, Brittany, Dani, Carole, Pam: Let's get it started - Black Eyed Peas
Jesse, Artie, Puck, Mike, Sam, Cooper, Elliot: Sugar - Maroon 5
Kurt: Role of a lifetime - Bare a Pop Opera