Chapter 8: Our two engagements

Christmas 2038

"So wait; Papa proposed after college and you were engaged forever. And then you werent engaged for years until Dad proposed?" Alex asks and Blaine nods.

"Youve heard the story of Dad proposing to me. Dont you want to hear about the time we wrote Seasons of Love.

Ella, Alex and Jake shake their heads. Well, Blaines not going to argue with them. After all, its surprising they are still here now that they have electricity again.

"Ive been thinking about marrying your dad for a long time before I actually proposed, but once our college graduation was right around the corner I knew it was time."

May 2016

He bought the ring a year after they moved in together and talked to Burt about marrying Kurt the summer between their junior and senior year of college. Burt and Carole were both happy for them as was his mom when he told her about the ring but all three parents advised him to wait until he and Kurt were done with college and had figured out what they would do next.

Blaine knew Kurt had his sights set on New York, even though his first time there didnt go as planned, and this time, Blaine was ready to join him. The question was just when they would move and where to. They both had plans to start auditioning as soon as possible but apart from that they had no idea what the future would bring.

None of that mattered as long as Kurt would agree to become his husband – once they could afford the wedding of Kurts dreams. For all he cared they could get married at city hall dressed in garbage bags, but Kurt had planned weddings since he was a little and Blaine wanted to make his dreams come true.

That was why the proposal had to be perfect as well. He briefly entertained the idea of proposing at Dalton – where they had first met – but he didnt want to wait until they were back in Ohio and while Dalton had been instrumental in getting them together, in the grand scheme of things, other events and locations were more important to their relationship.

So he decided that the location wasnt that important. He would make sure that Kurts friends and family would be there and the rest – well he had a year to come up with something special.

Senior year was hard for both of them and even though they lived together they sometimes didnt see the other awake for days. Blaine would already be asleep by the time Kurt came home from a late rehearsal and when Blaine got up the next morning for an early class, he didnt have the heart to wake Kurt who looked exhausted even in his sleep.

That year was the first Christmas they spent on their own. His brother Cooper had passed a house sitting gig in Key Largo on to them, and they both felt exhausted enough to take over Coopers duties. Kurt turned red and freckled while Blaine managed to get a slight tan in the middle of the winter and on Christmas day they opened presents under a palm tree while skyping Kurts family in Ohio. It was nice having all this time with Kurt after the past few months but Blaine decided then and there that he wanted to celebrate Christmas with their extended families, even once he and Kurt hopefully had their own.

For New Years they met up with his cousin Sunshine who had move to the US for college a few months ago and was staying with his mother to save money. Sunshine demanded to sing at their wedding when Blaine told her about his plans and he gladly agreed because Sunshine had an amazing voice and Blaine thought it was a shame she didnt plan to become a singer.

Back at school he had to focus on his senior project, but whenever he wasnt preparing for it or was working in the record shop in Norwood, he talked to Kurts friends to make sure they could make it to the proposal and brainstormed ideas for the actual event.

Kurts graduation ceremony was the day before Blaines and a week before Finns but fortunately, Kurts brother promised to come to Boston nevertheless.

Christmas 2038

"So how did you do it?" Ella asks impatiently, eyes clued to her phone.

Blaine shares a look with Kurt because that story isnt kid friendly either. Kurts message is clear – dont you dare. So Blaine smirks before starting his story.

"Once upon a time there was a music major named prince Blaine who was in love with prince Kurt who was also a music major but in a different kingdom. Because they couldnt stand being apart they had found a small kingdom between Providence and Bostonia where they lived in a castle close to the stables. Every morning prince Blaine saddled his horse Warbler and rode to Providence while prince Kurt got into the carriage to Bostonia. Often times, people stared at them because it was basically unheard of that two unmarried princes shared a castle and prince Blaine wanted to change that as soon as he and prince Kurt had finished their education and would take over the kingdom of New Yorkia. He liked it and he wanted to put a ring on it, as the saying went.

To celebrate his engagement to the future king of New Yorkia, prince Blaine invited all the other princes and princesses of the lands. Well, those that hadnt tried to steal his future husband from him. Those he banned from the castle with the help of the greatest witch in all Americana, witch Sue.

It was the beginning of the summer when prince Blaine arrived on a white stallion in front of their castle and when prince Kurt went outside to greet him, white doves released the rose petals clutched in their claws over prince Kurts head. Prince Kurt looked up in wonderment and thankfully missed prince Blaines less than graceful dismount of the stallion.

An invisible orchestra started to play as prince Blaine offered his hand to prince Kurt and led him down the stairs. In front of all the other princes and princesses he knelt down in front of prince Kurt and presented a shining silver band before he spoke."

Thankfully, his daughter interrupted him before he had to make up a speech on the spot.

"Papa seriously, how did you do it? If youre just going to tell some story thats not even true Im going to call Seth."

Blaine shares another look with his husband who throws his hands in the air.

"By all means, Blaine. But if we lose our kids respect its your fault."

May 2016

The day of Kurts graduation, his boyfriend was running around the apartment like a crazy person. They had to leave soon to meet up with family and friends before the ceremony, but Kurt wasnt even dressed yet and was stressing out over the most minor details.

"Blaine, have you seen my pin, you know the one with the music notes?" Kurt called from inside their bedroom and Blaine immediately yelled back that it must be at the bottom of the closet before he slapped his hand over his mouth and rushed toward their bedroom. But it was already too late.

His boyfriend was sitting on the floor, surrounded by scarves, bow ties and pins, holding an open black box in his right hand. He was staring open mouthed at the ring inside and Blaine immediately knelt down next to him.

"You werent supposed to find that yet. I was still trying to figure out how to do it, but if you want … uh … I mean, would you like to get married … Fuck, I mean … Will you marry me Kurt?" he stammered cursing himself for not having memorizing at least the part of the speech he was happy with.

"Fuck yes," Kurt exclaimed to his relief before his boyfriend tackled him, the ring forgotten in its box as Kurt landed on top of him and smashed their lips together for a heated kiss.

Blaine stopped thinking when Kurt started to paw at his clothes and grabbed the hem of Kurts graduation robes before yanking them over Kurts hair, completely destroying what his boyfriend had perfected the last half hour he spent in front of the bathroom mirror.

As they rolled around he was repeatedly poked by one of the pins lying all over the floor, but Blaine couldnt care less in that moment. All he wanted was to get Kurt naked, and fast, because if they missed the ceremony because of getting engaged sex, their parents would kill them. Not that he planned to tell Burt the real reason why they were late.

They made it quick but with the time it took to make Kurt look presentable again they still missed their friends and family and Kurt had to sprint behind the stage as the graduating class was already walking on stage when they arrived.

Burt glared at him when Blaine sunk into his chair next to his future father in law, still trying to catch his breath.

"Where the hell were you?" he hissed and Blaine prayed that his cheeks werent turning red.

"Kurt found the ring and insisted I propose then and there," he whispered as the dean called the first student.

Carole, who was sitting on Burts other side, shrieked, causing their neighbors heads to turn.

"Ill tell you after," Blaine promised, as Natalie Greenblatt received her diploma.

"Kurt Hummel," the dean announced and Blaine jumped up to cheer him on loudly. Ethan, who had recently gone through a growth spurt, immediately joined in and Finn put his fingers into his mouth and whistled noisily.

On stage, Kurt beamed as he flipped his tassel, before blowing Blaine a kiss.

The Hudmeldersons didnt stay quiet long because after Sarah Ingram, Mercedes took the stage, and they cheered her on as well. Mercedes had been so happy to have Kurt back in Boston with her, that she had easily forgiven him for moving in with Blaine outside of the city.

Once the ceremony was over, they stood together on the side while waiting for Kurt and Blaine had to recount how Kurt had accidentally stumbled upon the ring as he was getting ready for graduation. Kurts parents were both laughing hard as Kurt walked over to their little group, Mercedes, her family and their Lima friends in tow.

Blaine was beyond happy that Rachel, Santana, Brittany, Tina and Puck had all been able to make the trip in addition to a few of his and Kurts friends from college.

"Show me," Carole demanded the moment Kurt was by his side, and Kurt proudly held out his hand for all to see.

Their group of friends gasped because they missed the story of the accidental proposal.

"I thought you wanted us here for this. Dont tell me I came to this cow town for nothing," Santana snapped, but there was little bite behind it as she was examining Kurts ring as well.

"Kurt found the ring before I could propose," Blaine explained once more.

Puck gave them both a quick once over before he smirked and Blaine feared the worst.

"And I see you already celebrated it. Up top," he exclaimed loudly and held his hand out for Blaine to slap.

Kurt turned an unfortunate shade of red, meaning that there was no point denying anything. He dared a glance at Kurts parents, but fortunately Carole was giggling and Burt pretended to be engrossed in Kurts diploma.

"We should head out," Blaine decided to change the topic. "I promised a party and that you shall get."

Under the cheers of his friends he led the procession to a small family owned restaurant close to campus that he had rented for the occasion.

Once everyone was inside, even Ethan was allowed a sip of champagne as their family and friends toasted his and Kurts future. They stuffed their faces and once the tables were cleared, Blaine stood up and clinked his fork against his glass.

"Kurt, I know you already said yes, but there was something I had planned to tell you in front of all the people that love you," he began causing the room to go silent.

"My love, you arent just my boyfriend, youve been my best friend ever since weve met all those years ago at Dalton. You are my partner in love and life. Thinking back to all the things I had to go through over the years, I dont know how I would have overcome them if it hadnt been you by my side. The time we spent apart was the worst time of my life, and with this ring, I promise that we will never be apart again if I can help it. I want to spend every day of the rest of my life with you, and I cant wait for our lives as husbands to begin.

When we talked about hypothetical marriage before, we both agreed on a lengthy engagement should be get engaged before we could afford the wedding of our dreams, but as long as you agree to wear my ring, I dont care how long it takes until I can replace it with a permanent one. Just by promising to be mine, you make me the happiest man on earth. So Kurt, thank you for agreeing to marry me," he finished he slightly altered speech.

As Kurt threw his arms around Blaines neck and smashed their lips together, he kept his eyes open. There was no dry eye in the room and Blaine knew that even though the proposal hadnt gone as planned, this was something Kurt would be able to cherish for years to come.

They celebrated till long after midnight. Carole, Burt, Ethan, and his mom retired to their hotel room around eleven, but Blaine, Kurt and their friends drank their way through the bar until they were kicked out around 2 AM.

Knowing that they wouldnt be able to drive back to their own apartment, Blaine had booked a hotel room for them as well, and they both crashed the moment they walked into their room.

Best day ever, Blaine thought before sleep overtook him.

Christmas 2038

"That was a lot less embarrassing than I though it would be," Ella comments after his husband finishes the story.

"Why thank you Ella," Kurt tells his daughter who just shrugs before going back to her phone. These days, its like her hand has fused with that thing. Kurt cant really remember, but he is pretty certain he was never like that when he was her age.

"Are you going to tell us now how uncle Kurt proposed?" Jake asks from his spot in grandpas armchair.

Ella jumps up immediately.

"Im out. Ive heard it so often Im sure I could tell it better than those to," she says pointing at him and Blaine.

Well, it was nice while it lasted Kurt thinks before he tells her to please put the phone down at some point and spend some time with her grandparents.

"I dont mind hearing it again," Alex pipes up, reminding Kurt how glad he is that only one of his kids has turned into a pubescent monster so far.

"Okay, then, Blaine and I got engage for the second time in the spring of 2021."

April 2021

More than two years had passed since he and Blaine had started couples counseling and therapy and Kurt was finally certain that they were ready to get married. He also knew that if he decided to wait for Blaine to propose, he would remain unmarried forever. The ball was in his court and in a way, he was happy to get the chance to propose as well.

He and Blaine were both busy putting the finishing touches to Seasons of Love, the musical they had co-written based on their own experiences growing up gay in small town America, but even though it was a stressful time, Kurt didnt want to wait much longer to marry Blaine.

On a nice and warm day in early April, he met Rachel and her daughter Sophia in Central Park to discuss his plans with his best friend. Everyone had been surprised when Rachel hadnt named her baby girl Barbra after her idol, but even Rachel had admitted in the end that it wasnt the most modern name and that it would be better to give her daughter a name she wouldnt get teased for. So the baby girl had only been named Sophia Barbra Berry-St. James.

They sat down on a bench on the playground and once Rachel had assured herself that her daughter would be safe playing with two other little girls, she turned to Kurt.

"All right, tell me what you got so far," she stated business like.

Kurt shrugged. "I have the ring because we both agreed not to get new ones if we got re-engaged, but other than that, nothing so far."

"Okay, so you need to figure out when, where and how." Kurt nodded.

"How about after the premiere? All your friends and family will be in town for it anyway and it would also cover the when and where," Rachel suggested and Kurt had to admit that it wasnt a bad idea. They were going to open on the last weekend of April, which would give him enough time to come up with a speech and ensure that everyone he wanted to be there for it would come to the opening.

"And for the how, I think Blaine would be happy enough if you kept it simple. Blaines proposal wasnt even a real proposal and you still loved it. And in the end, the whole musical is a proclamation of your love for him."

"The 30th it is then, " Kurt decided, mentally going through his wardrobe to pick the perfect outfit.

And Rachel was right, he didnt have to worry so much. He and Blaine loved each other and there was no way Blaine was going to say no, no matter how Kurt proposed.

"But enough about me," he told his best friend. "I know it cant be easy for you to help me with this right now."

"Its ironic isnt it," Rachel mused. "When I was getting married, you and Blaine had just called off the engagement. And now that my divorce is getting finalized you and Blaine are getting married."

"How are you holding up?" Kurt wrapped his arm around Rachels shoulder and pulled her closer.

"Im okay, Kurt, really. We both knew it wasnt working anymore and Im glad we called things off before they got ugly. He is still one of my best friends, Im just not in love with him anymore."

Kurt nodded though he couldnt imagine ever falling out of love with Blaine. Without love, they would never have gotten through the aftermath of Finns death together.

"And Sophia?" The little girl in question was happily playing with her new friends, looking as if she didnt have a care in the world.

"With all the touring Jesse and I have been doing since she was born, shes pretty used to only having one parent around. But being apart so much definitely didnt help our marriage. You are lucky to be working with Blaine."

"I am. And you know, if you ever get tired of Broadway there is always going to be a space for you in our company," he teased her knowing it wasnt going to happen anytime soon.

After years of being part of the touring cast, Rachel had finally managed to get a role on Broadway. It wasnt the lead, but as the understudy to the lead there was always a chance she would get to perform it after all. Teenage Rachel wouldnt be happy, but the more mature Rachel was happy to have a job that allowed her to come home to her daughter every night, even if it meant that she wasnt the star of the show.

"Do you ever talk about kids, you and Blaine?" Rachel asked after theyd been watching Sophia play for a while.

"Its actually one of the reasons I want to get married," Kurt admitted. "Blaine and I, we both want to go with surrogacy and weve had offers from friends and family members, but in case that doesnt work out or we decide to go with adoption, its going to be easier if we are married. We always wanted to have our first before we turned thirty, so its definitely something we talk about."

"Youre going to make a great dad, Kurt. I see how you are with Sophia when you watch her for me and any kid would be lucky to have you as its dad."

"I hope so."

X

The day of the official premiere it was raining cats and dogs. With the help of friends from Dalton they had procured enough money to rent a small theater off Broadway and a studio they used for rehearsals and as headquarters for their theater company. Last weeks reviews of the previews had been favorable and Kurt and Blaine both kept their fingers crossed that their baby would end up on Broadway some day.

An hour before the curtain went up, Kurt, Tina, Brittany and the rest of the cast gathered backstage for Blaines usual pep talk and Kurt nearly vibrated out of his skin in anticipation of the proposal he had planned.

"Are you nervous?" Blaine asked when they were alone, having interpreted Kurts restlessness as a result of the impending premiere.

"Arent you?" Kurt retorted.

"Touché," Blaine smiled before he pressed his lips against Kurts. "You are going to be amazing out there and all those casting directors who told you you arent good enough are going to regret that they rejected you," Blaine whispered.

"Marry me." The moments the words left his mouth, Kurt slapped his hand over his mouth.

"No, no, no, no," he chanted and only stopped when he saw the hurt expression on Blaines face.

"You dont want to marry me?" his boyfriend asked quietly, his eyes shining with unshed tears.

"Of course I do," Kurt declared. " I just meant, I cant believe this is happening again. I had everything planned for after the show. Our friends and family would be there. Id get down on one knee and I had this speech prepared. I doubt its as good as your was, but I had plans. Why is it that neither of us can propose properly," he ranted.

Blaine stopped his tirade by pulling him into his arms.

"Because being in love trumps the spectacle. Knowing you love me enough to want to marry me after all weve been through as a couple is more than enough for me," Blaine promised him.

"Is that a yes?" He had to be sure.

Blaine kissed him passionately in response.

"Im going to put my ring back on as soon as we get home." Kurt rolled his eyes.

"You dont think I would propose without your ring," he teased his future husband.

Before Blaine could respond, the stage manager called places and Kurt reluctantly separated himself from Blaine.

"After the show," he vowed.

X

Kurt wasnt sure if he should be mad or amused that his friends and family werent surprised at all when he and Blaine announced at the after show party that there would be no proposal because Kurt had already accidentally proposed before the show. In the end it made no difference. Kurt still got his chance to make his speech and they still celebrated until the last of their friends had left and Santana had fallen asleep on a table.

They were both dead tired by the time they returned to their apartment, but Blaine still insisted that Kurt put his own ring back on before they headed to bed.

As they laced their ring bearing hands together, Kurt finally felt whole again.

Christmas 2038

"Things to learn from our dads – how not to propose," Alex jokes but Kurt ignores his son and accepts a quick kiss from his husband.

"Did you make it to Broadway?" Jake asks after Alex excuses himself to the bathroom.

Kurt shakes his head. "No we didnt. Not with our first musical. But we still had a great run and we learned a lot about the business. So no regrets."

"Just love," Blaine sing songs.

When Jake looks at them in confusion, Kurt sighs, because damn theyve gotten old.

"Just a song your uncle used to sing for me when we were teenagers. You wouldnt know it."

"I still think its cool that youre writing your own plays. Can you tell me about that seasons thing?" Jakes asks just as Alex returns from the bathroom and Ella comes down from the guest room.

"What, not too cool for our stories?" Blaine teases their daughter who huffs indignantly before admitting that Seth parents took away his cell phone for the rest of the evening.

Kurt mentally slaps himself – why didnt he think of that.

AN: Im very, very sorry for the delay. I got distracted by writing one shots and once I needed a distraction from them and was ready to continue this I started work on a new project and writing was the last thing on my mind. I will try to get the remaining parts out faster.