"Kurt, my dads told me about your Sub Weakness. Of course I don't know all the details, but I have heard from Puck and Finn about Blaine. They seemed upset it was all so sudden, that perhaps he had you under some kind of spell, like an evil Svengali, but I know the real you. You might be a Sub, Kurt, but I know in my heart that nobody would be able to force you to do something you didn't want to do. They all seemed so reluctant to tell me the rest of the story, all insisting that I ask you. So, my friend, I'm asking now. Tell me what this Blaine has that makes him the one you want to marry," Rachel said, gripping Kurt's hand so tightly he had to rub her arm to relax her enough to let him go.

"Okay. I'll tell you, just sit back. It's one hell of a story."

Rachel took Kurt's hand and led them into the family room, settling down on a sofa with Kurt beside her. He had her full attention and told her about the death of Santana, the subsequent move home (he left out the part about Puck Domming him, that was something Puck would have to chose to tell her or not). Then he told her about the trip to New York and the accident and meeting Blaine.

"I can't really tell you what it was that day, I don't even know myself, Rachel, but I can tell you that by the time I had known him for two days, Blaine and I were in a Declared Vow Union," Kurt said and Rachel gulped for air to breathe.

"Oh, my Fates...you did? I mean, you Initiated the Vow after knowing him less than a WEEK? Kurt!" Rachel was dumbfounded. This was something that nobody did without thinking it over, it was truly a life-altering event that a person did not go into lightly. She understood immediately that Kurt's attraction, his connection, with Blaine Anderson was not a last minute bid for safety. It wasn't just a means to make him well after the Sub Weakness. This was an act of devotion that would last the rest of Kurt's and Blaine's life.

Kurt blushed hard, seeing that Rachel understood all the implications of what he had done. She put out her arms and he fell into them. He hadn't told anyone other than his family and Puck, it was a very private thing between himself and Blaine, but he was suddenly so glad he had told Rachel. He could see how happy she was for him. It was what he needed – acceptance that he had done the right thing, not second guessing and conjecture.

"Oh, Kurt. No wonder you aren't thrilled about your wedding, this is so much better. I'm so happy for you, so proud of you," she rattled on, tears of happiness flowing down their cheeks.

A little while later when Kurt had composed himself, LeRoy walked in the room, seeing Kurt there and smiling.

"Ah, you came to fix the dress. Thank you so much, Kurt," he said.

"It was my pleasure, sir," Kurt said.

"Rachel, we need to get you ready, the hairdresser is here," he smiled a proud smile at his daughter. Kurt thought he had a lot to be proud of.

"I'll get going then, Mr. Berry, it was so nice to see you again. Rachel, I will see you this afternoon at the wedding," Kurt hugged his friend and she kissed his cheek before he left.

Driving back to his father's house, Kurt had a few minutes to reflect on the upcoming days. He would be married again. In spite of his views of the Government marriage, he was actually starting to get excited a little bit. He was in a Declared Union, but that was a private thing and wasn't something you paraded around to anyone and everyone. Maybe being wed in a civil ceremony would make it easier to let people know he and Blaine were connected. A marriage was originally a declaration of love before the Government corrupted the sanctity of it by forcing everyone to get married at the age of eighteen. At least it wasn't like the times long ago when men could not marry men and women were forbidden to marry women. The Government had made some strides in the last two hundred years.

Kurt thought about what he wanted to wear to the court house. Maybe the charcoal gray tuxedo with a sky blue shirt and black tie? He would have to talk this over with Blaine in the next few days. Blaine. Kurt's mouth turned into a smile as bright as the sunshine and his eyes sparkled with joy at the mere thought of him. He was perfect. Kurt was the luckiest man on this Earth to have someone as special and amazing as Blaine Anderson.

Meanwhile, back at the Hummel house, Blaine was not the picture of a calm and relaxed Dom in charge of his household. No. Holly had been fed, but she rolled over in her crib and spit up on her white lace dress that Kurt had made for her to wear to the wedding. Blaine had rinsed it out, made sure all signs of regurgitated formula were gone and hung it up to dry. He had no idea if it could be placed in the drier, so until Carole or Kurt came home, he just hung it over the bathtub to dry.

Levi had gotten bored with waiting for his Papa to come and dress him in the new blue suit for the wedding and went out in the backyard to find the neighbor's cat to play with. He chased the reluctant kitty and fell into the muddy place at the back of the garden, sitting up and crying.

Blaine, looking for the little boy, saw the door open and heard the cries. He rushed to the rescue, scooping up the toddler and giving him kisses and hugs. He came back to their bedroom, surveying the damage and wishing that Kurt were here to take care of this in his usual calm manner. No such luck.

"Okay, pal, into the bathtub for you! Just give me a minute to slip some clothes on your sister so she doesn't catch cold and we'll get you taken care of," Blaine told the boy, smiling at him.

He dressed Holly in a sleeper and tucked her in for a nap, then put a few inches of water in the tub for Levi, stripping him down and placing him in the tub. He washed the silky black hair and got the mud off, then put in clean water and allowed him to play in the water with a few toys, sitting and watching him. At least the kid hadn't gotten the suit dirty, it was still hanging in the closet.

"Hey, what's going on in here?" Kurt said in a mock-gruff voice, eliciting a grin from his son.

"I was chasing the cat from next door and she went in the yard and then she went in the garden and I had to get her out so she didn't eat all the peas and carrots and beets and there was a mud puddle and I wanted to get some mud to paint the sidewalk and so I got the pail and I slipped and then I fell and got the mud all over and in my ears and Papa came and said a bad word and now I'm in the tub to get clean and my hair is washed and Papa laughed at me," Levi said with only three breaths. Kurt was used to following his son's non-ending sentences and nodded in all the right places.

"All right, little buddy. Time to get out and dry off. We need to get you a little lunch and then we'll get ready for the wedding. Are you ready to be the ring bearer for Uncle Noah?" Kurt asked, standing by Blaine and running his fingers absent-mindedly through the silky curls. He was happy Blaine hadn't used the gel in is hair yet – maybe he could ask to do his hair and then he could style it with some of the curls in tact.

An hour later, the whole family was ready to enter the synagogue. Holly was dressed in her white lace dress, Levi in his tuxedo that matched his Uncle Puck's. Kurt had checked on Rachel and her gown was perfection. With her hair long and cascading down her back in long curls under the veil, she was a vision of loveliness.

The wedding was beautiful, the vows were romantic, and everything went according to plan. Levi was letter perfect in his role as ring bearer and smiled up at his Uncle Noah as he took the ring to place on Rachel's hand. Kurt had never seen a prettier wedding. At the reception he was thrilled to introduce his children to their new Auntie Rachel and she fell in love with both Levi and Holly.

As all of their his met Blaine, Kurt was about to bust his buttons with how proud he was of his husband to be. Blaine was charming and fun and the perfect gentleman. Even Puck and Finn were impressed with the impact he made on all of their friends.

The reception had been going for quite a while, many of their friends hadn't seen each other in a long time so they took this opportunity to catch up. A few of the couples had brought their children: Tina and Mike had twins, just over a year old and they were learning to walk. Levi was fascinated with the two little girls who looked exactly alike to him. He had fun 'helping' each one to walk by taking their hands and holding them steady. Flash bulbs went off as pictures were snapped of the cute children.

Kurt looked around for his brother, but hadn't seen him or Quinn for a while. Maybe Quinn was tired. He remembered Santana got tired just walking around with Holly the last weeks of her pregnancy. Kurt walked over to his dad and asked if he had seen Finn. Burt ushered him to a secluded alcove.

"They swore me to secrecy, but Quinn was having what she thought might be contractions. She didn't want to take anything away from Rachel's day, so they asked me not to say, but Finn took her to the hospital. They're supposed to call me if it's time," Burt shared with Kurt. Kurt smirked at his father's face, so excited at the prospect of having another baby to hold.

"Let me know, okay, Dad? I think we're going to head home. Levi is getting tired and Holly is asleep in Tina's lap," Kurt told him. They looked over at Blaine. He was obviously tired and sitting at the table with Mike and Tina, dozing off every few minutes, but trying to keep watch over Levi.

Kurt found Rachel and pulled her off into a corner to say goodbye. He hugged her and promised to visit whenever they could.

"You better keep that in mind, mister, because I've been waiting to tell you something. Noah and I are moving to New York. With all of us in the Big Apple, we'll be seeing a lot of each other. Now, take your sweet Blaine home, he looks exhausted!" she said, her radiant face showing her joy. Puck wandered over, putting his arms around his new bride's waist and kissing her.

"Kurt, my man. I'm so happy you came. You're looking good." he said, shaking Kurt's hand and then pulling him into a hug.

"You're looking pretty good yourself, Noah. Congratulations. Rachel tells me you're moving to New York?"

"Yep. Next month. She has always wanted to be on Broadway, I think she should have a chance, don't you?" he asked, beaming at his new wife who returned his smile.

"Then we'll see you there. I know Levi will be thrilled his Uncle Noah is close by. And I will be, too," Kurt said and hugged Puck tightly.

#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*

Kurt was driving the SUV with Holly and Levi were strapped into their carseats. Blaine was sitting in the passenger seat beside Kurt, their hands tangled together as always. It was getting late and the kids were sleepy. Levi dozed off in his seat with a small blanket covering him. Holly was cooing to herself and Blaine could tell sleep wasn't far behind.

"Hey, why don't you drop me off with the kids and I'll get them to bed and you go keep your folks company at the hospital?" Blaine offered. "I know you want to be there for your brother and Quinn."

"It could be a false alarm. I'm not sure if they need me there," Kurt said, watching the road in front of him.

"I'll call Finn and ask," Blaine smiled. He was almost as excited at the prospect of having a new baby around as Burt was.

Kurt heard him getting his cell out and dialing Finn's number.

Blaine: Hey, Finn. How's Quinn faring?

Finn: She's okay she tells me, but the look on her face says something different. She's getting ready to go into the labor room. Are you guys coming? She didn't want to wreck Rachel's wedding.

Blaine: No, the wedding is over, we're on our way home. I'm going to stay with Holly and Levi and Kurt's coming to be with you.

Finn: Oh, well, thank you Blaine, I could use some encouragement here. Tell Kurt I'll be in the labor room but to tell the nurses when he gets here.

Blaine: Will do. Take care, Bro.

"Okay, Kurt, she's in labor so you need to tell the nurses when you get there. And text me or call me," Blaine said.

"Thank you so much, Blaine. You're the best," Kurt grinned.

As it turned out, Cooper was there when they got to the house. He'd taken an earlier flight and just went to the Hummel house to talk to his brother, forgetting they were at the wedding. Blaine got out of the car to see Cooper sitting in his rental car.

"Hey, man, have you been waiting long?" Blaine asked as he and Kurt got the kids unbuckled.

"Naw, only about twenty minutes. I forgot you were at that wedding. How was it?" Cooper asked.

"Fine.....well, actually it was fun. I'm going I to stay with the kids while Kurt drives over to the hospital, you can stay with me and we can talk," Blaine smiled at his brother.

"Hospital?"

"Yeah, Quinn is in labor," Blaine said and his smile turned into a grin.

"Well, why don't I stay with the kids and you can go with Kurt," Coop offered. Blaine turned to Kurt. He gave him a look to ask if it was okay and Kurt nodded.

"Hey, that would be great. You sure you don't mind?" Blaine asked as he followed Kurt into the house, his arms filled with the sleeping toddler.

"No problem, I love your kids, Blainers," Coop grinned at his brother. He loved kids almost as much as Blaine did.

Entering the hospital, Kurt saw his dad and Carole down at the end of the hallway.

"How is she?" Blaine asked as they caught up.

"Fine, fine. Finn just came out to say it isn't very long now. Quinn was in labor a long time before she told Finn, she thought she could get through the wedding, but no such luck," Carole told them. "Her water broke on the way to the car."

"Alrighty then, details we don't need to know there," Kurt said, rolling his eyes.

"Oh, come on now, Kurt. You were there for both of your babies births, don't roll your eyes at me, mister," Carole chided with a soft smile. Kurt blushed.

They turned as the nurse came through the doors.

"The Hummel family?" she asked and the four crowded around her. "I was asked to come and tell you that Mrs. Hummel is doing well and she is getting ready to push. It shouldn't be long now."

Blaine spoke up, "Thank you and could you tell them that Kurt is here, please?"

"Of course," she said and returned to the labor room.

A little less than two hours later, the nurse was back.

"Mr. Hummel is doing just fine. So is his wife, and they have a new baby. If you'd like to see them, come with me. You need to wear a gown and wash your hands before entering the room. This way..."

They all trooped into the changing room where the nurse handed out paper gowns and they washed their hands and then she ushered them into a quiet room at the end of the hall.

The first thing Carole saw was her son with bandages wrapped around his head.

"Finn!" she shouted, then quieted down. "Finn, what happened?"

Kurt smirked. It was all too clear to him.

"I fell," was all he said. Quinn giggled and Kurt gave him an understanding look.

"You fainted, didn't you?" Kurt asked and Finn blushed bright red.

"Well, sorta," he mumbled. Burt and Blaine laughed until Kurt's ice-bitch glare caught them and they silenced themselves.

"I almost did, too, the first time. It's hard when the person you love is screaming in pain and they you see what she has to go through. Don't worry, Finn, it just means you care," he said, glaring at his father and Blaine one more time. "Dad, I'd think you would be understanding here?"

"I was in the waiting room when you were born, Kurt. Things were different back then," he said.

"Let's see the baby!" Blaine was very impatient to see the bundle of joy that was wrapped up on Quinn's lap.

"Okay, come meet your nephew," she said, smiling at the excitement she saw in Blaine's eyes. He was the first there and she pulled back the blanket to show everyone. "Meet Andrew Burton Hummel."

She let Blaine take the baby from her arms, although her hands followed as he sat down in a chair beside her bed, tears threatening his eyes as he held the tiny scrap of humanity.

"Oh, my Fates....he is just beautiful, Quinn. Perfection," Blaine cooed, looking at him. Kurt's arms went around his Dom's shoulders and he laid his head on Blaine's shoulder. Blaine turned his head to kiss Kurt and they smiled.

"Hey, now, grandfather's turn here!" Burt smiled, holding out his grabby-hands.

Blaine kissed the top of Andy's head and passed him into Burt's waiting arms. An angelic smile crossed Burt's lips as he remembered holding Kurt for the first time. That was the best day of his life.

Kurt was a little misty-eyed thinking about Santana, but didn't want to ruin anyone's enjoyment of the new baby, so he excused himself to the hallway to get a drink of water.

"Hey, are you okay, my love?" Blaine asked, catching up to Kurt and walking slowly beside him to the drinking fountain.

"Of course, I'm just a little thirsty," Kurt said, his voice coming out a bit thick as he tried to talk past the lump in his throat.

Blaine waited until Kurt was done drinking and steered him into an empty room, closing the door quietly behind them. He looked at his Sub for a moment, feeling that he was upset or sad. He studied Kurt's face and knew he'd been correct in his insight.

"Sweetheart, you look kind of sad, are you missing Santana?" Blaine asked, turning Kurt towards himself and placing his hands on his Sub's shoulders. Kurt blinked back tears again.

"I didn't want to say anything, it isn't right. I should be sharing in the happiness, but all I could think of were the days Levi and Holly were born. Please don't misunderstand, Blaine, please. I love you and thinking about her...it doesn't take away any of the love I have for you. Really, that's not what it's about, I was just feeling nostalgic and reminiscing a little in my head..." Kurt was rambling and Blaine stopped him abruptly by the simple act of putting his lips on Kurt's.

He kissed his Sub, hard at first, forceful to show him he meant it, then a bit more gentle and ending with a few tender kisses to the corner of his mouth.

"Don't.....just don't. You never, never, never need to apologize for loving someone, baby, and especially not Santana. She was your life, Kurt, and I respect that. I do. She must have been a special, wonderful person to have made you happy and to have given birth to two such beautiful miracles as Levi and Holly. I am not upset in the least, I'm just worried about you when you look so sad and I can't do anything to change it."

"Thank you, Blaine. I wasn't thinking...and then when I saw my dad take the baby in his arms and talk about the day I was born, I knew he was feeling the same way about my mother. I know he's happy with Carole, I know they love each other, but I can't help but miss my mother, too. I wanted to hug Dad, but then Carole would know and I didn't want to hurt her...I was confused and didn't know what to do, Blaine, so I left. I had to...." Kurt looked down and Blaine pulled him into a hug.

"I understand, baby. I do. Let's wait a few minutes than go say goodnight. We can go home and cuddle Levi and Holly, okay?" Blaine asked, then kissed Kurt one more time.

"That sounds like a good idea. We're going to visit the Lopez family tomorrow and I need to be prepared for that," Kurt tried to smile, but Blaine could see through the facade. He could see the stress beginning to build.

"Kurt? Come here, closer to me," Blaine said. Kurt moved closer and Blaine wrapped his arms tighter. He kissed Kurt deeply, pressing their bodies together and moving his head to kiss down Kurt's neck. Brushing the front of his jeans across the tent in Kurt's, then moving a leg to press against him and Kurt was whining and trying to get closer to Blaine.

Moving over to the door, Blaine locked it quickly and went back to Kurt. Without a word, he was down on his knees, tugging Kurt's jeans and briefs down and taking him in his mouth. It was fast and Kurt had no time to prepare, but his cock didn't seem to mind as blood flowed, burning in his veins to harden him for his lover. Blaine used his tongue to encourage Kurt to moan as he grazed over the vein on the underside, then sucked gently as Kurt's eyes closed and he ran his fingers in Blaine's soft curls. It didn't take long before Kurt was moaning Blaine's name, a bit louder than was safe, but no one came to investigate. Blaine finished, tucking Kurt back into the jeans and kissed his cheek.

"No, Blaine...let me do something for you. I can see how hard you are, let me suck you..." Kurt whimpered, still turned on by the look in Blaine's eyes.

"I can wait, there will be plenty of time for us to share each other when we get home, you just needed that now, didn't you? There's no shame in needing me, Kurt."

"I did, but how did you know?" Kurt looked at him in wonder. More and more often he found that Blaine was in tune with his feelings and he felt more in tune with Blaine. It must be the Union, his Sub chemicals getting stronger so Blaine could detect his emotions. This was all new and strange to Kurt, but he liked it. Growing closer to Blaine was the best thing about his life now.

"You'll be fine until we get home, my love, then...." he winked and turned to open the door and lead Kurt back to the room where Quinn was once again holding her baby. Burt and Carole were just taking their leave and the boys did the same, promising to be back the next evening, but promising to call first to make sure Quinn wasn't too tired for company.

Out in the parking lot, Burt walked over to Kurt and put an arm around his son.

"You were thinking of Tana, weren't you?" he asked. His dad knew him all too well and Kurt nodded his head.

"I was thinking about your mom. By the Fates, I miss her. I love Carole, but I still miss your mom, Kurt, and I still love her. There's room for both I think," Burt concluded and patted Kurt on the back as Blaine walked a little closer, making sure Kurt was still going strong. He smiled at Burt, but held Kurt's hand tightly.

"We'll see you at home, Burt. Congratulations on being a Grandpa again!" Blaine said as he opened the door for Kurt to climb in the SUV.

That night, they cuddled both of the children just a little more.

"Is this because Auntie Quinn is going to have a baby?" Levi asked, still sleepy and wondering why he had to be hugged so often.

"She had the baby tonight, Big Guy, and it's a BOY!!!" Blaine said, holding his boy a little closer. He couldn't help but grin because the adoption was just days away and then Levi and Holly would be his, too.

"Can we name the new baby 'Batman"? Levi asked and his daddies grinned at each other.

"Aw, that would be such a great name! But Auntie Quinn and Uncle Finn already named him. They are calling him Andrew Burton, but I think we can call him 'Andy', okay?" Kurt told his son.

"Oh. That's okay then. When we have another baby, maybe we can name him 'Batman', right?" Levi asked. Blaine and Kurt exchanged open-mouthed astonishment for a moment and Blaine rushed to answer Levi.

"That is something we need to talk about as a family, little one. We have all the time in the world to decide that," he said, looking over at Kurt who was looking back at Blaine with a shy smile and ducking his head. Blaine moved forward to give him a kiss on the cheek before Levi interrupted.

"Ewww, Papa. Don't kiss so close to me. It's icky."

"No it isn't! I'll show you!" Blaine said, winking at Kurt. They both started kissing Levi all over his face until he was giggling and squealing. When they stopped, Levi was grinning from ear to ear.

"Kissing is just a way to show someone you love them, Levi. You like it when I give you a kiss goodnight, don't you?" Kurt asked.

"Yeah, I do. You and Papa kiss all the time, you must love each other a lot," he said, looking from one to the other.

"We do, Levi, very much," Blaine told him, smiling at Kurt. Kurt smiled back and blew him a kiss.

"Time to go back to sleep, sport. Do you want a story first to make you sleepy?" Kurt asked.

"Yes! Can Papa read me "The Velveteen Rabbit"? I miss mommy reading it to me," Levi said solemnly, glancing at Kurt to make sure it was okay to mention her. Kurt's eyes misted but he smiled at his son. Blaine put a hand on Kurt's arm to ask him silently if he could answer and got a nod.

"Levi, you loved your mommy and I know you think about her a lot. I want you to talk about her whenever you feel like it. I'd be very happy if you told me all about her. We need to help Holly remember her, too, since she is so little and her memory isn't as good as yours. I'd be glad to read 'The Velveteen Rabbit' to you," Blaine offered.

"Yes! I can tell you all about her, Papa, and Daddy can help. Thank you," Levi stifled a yawn.

Blaine got the book from the bookshelf and Levi was asleep by the time he read the second page.

Blaine tucked Levi in, placing a kiss on his forehead. He turned to see Kurt holding Holly, the tiny girl just finishing her nighttime bottle. He set the bottle down and brought her up to his shoulder to burp, gently rubbing her back. She closed her eyes, clearly exhausted from her busy night at the wedding. Kurt snuggled her close, kissing the top of her head before Blaine took her and laid her down in her crib, adding his own kiss to her wispy hair.

"Goodnight, my little star sweeper," Kurt said and he smiled at Blaine. They sang the lullaby from "Lady and the Tramp" as she fell into a deep sleep, a smile on her rosebud lips.

"I love them so much, Kurt, thank you for sharing your children with me," Blaine said, hugging Kurt.

"Well, the adoption is going to be finalized by the courts in a few days, but I think they're children of your heart already, Blaine. I can't think of anyone on Earth I'd rather have as their dad than you. You're going to make an awesome daddy," Kurt smiled.

"Thank you, I feel like they're mine, too. I love my family," he said, turning to hug Kurt tighter. They left the room, walking quietly to their temporary bedroom in the other part of the house.

After getting ready for bed, Kurt snuggled close to his Dom, whispering, "I think I promised you something before we left the hospital. Care to take me up on my offer?"

Blaine grinned back at his Sub,"I'm all ready, my love....."

~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~

The car entered the parking lot of the luxury hotel in downtown Columbus. The honeymoon suite was booked for one night because their plane left the next morning for The Virgin Islands, which Puck was still laughing about. His friends had all chipped in and gave them two weeks in paradise for their honeymoon, which Rachel and Puck were so excited about.

They had met several times before the wedding, always with one of Rachel's fathers in attendance or in a very public place. They had the opportunity to speak privately, but the ever watchful eyes of their chaperon were on them from across the room. It was a bit awkward at first and Rachel was so self-conscious that she almost called it off, but Puck was able to make her laugh and then it was like old times. They talked about the days after Rachel had disappeared back in high school, then about what happened on Pairing Day and the State Weddings. Many of their friends were brought up: Artie and Sugar, who now had five children and twins on the way; Finn and Quinn, Tina and Mike. Puck had been Paired with the socialite that was 18 years his senior, and they had talked about that very briefly.

Rachel told Puck that she had dated a little, but never had any physical relationships with anyone while she lived in the Middle East. It was not part of their culture, so Rachel followed the guidelines of her family.

The two talked about some of their friends who had been Paired with people from other high schools: Brittany with that girl she'd met in New York for one.

"I always thought it was a cruel trick of Fate that Santana and Brittany were both Doms. They seemed so in love," Rachel said.

"I think they were. When Santana died, Britt was holding her hand," Puck told her.

"She was? But I thought Kurt..??" Rachel looked confused.

"He was there, too. He never told me in so many words, but I think he suspected that Britt and Tana stayed in close contact after the Wedding Day. They lived close to each other and when Tana died, Britt and her Sub looked after Levi and Holly while Kurt worked nights. He was a singer in some nightclubs. He had enough money to live on, but the courts and lawyers had it all tied up and he had to feed the kids," Puck told her. "Burt offered to send him money to tide him over until the estate was settled, hell, I offered as did a lot of his friends, but you know how stubborn Kurt can be."

"Oh, yes. I do remember that about him," Rachel said, smiling at the memory. "So, what happened?"

"He just couldn't do it. He got weaker and weaker. He had the children and bills piling up, the lawyer was unsympathetic and dragging her heels. Kurt finally saw that the kids would be taken away if he got any worse, and he didn't have a Dom. He called his dad and asked to come home. Burt had been begging him to come home for weeks anyway, so Kurt packed the kids up and came," Puck had a funny look in his eye and Rachel cupped his jaw in her hand.

"Noah, I'm one of Kurt's best friends. Tell me what happened, I can see it's troubling you."

"He came home, but he wasn't the same. I saw him at Santana's funeral – she's buried next to Kurt's mother. He was bad then, but when I saw him when he came home.....he was thin and his face was haunted. He wouldn't eat. Everyone could see the Sub Weakness was bad and getting worse. We were all worried – not just about him, but the children, too. They had already lost their mother, nobody was ready for them to lose their father, too," Puck said, his voice sad.

"Couldn't you find him a Dom? They have ones to hire for cases like that, don't they?" she asked.

"They do, but I talked to a counseling service. It doesn't always work for a Sub in that weakened state to have a stranger, it's more effective to have someone that already has ties to him. I talked it over with both Finn and Burt, and we could only come up with one solution," Puck looked away from Rachel, tapping his fingers on the table before ordering another drink. She watched as he drank the shot of Scotch in one gulp.

"Oh....Noah. Was it you? Did you Dom Kurt?" she asked, aghast. Her hand went to her mouth in shock. "But you...aren't....gay?"

Noah turned back to her quickly, taking her hand a little more forcefully than he had intended and she shrank back in the chair.

"Oh, sorry..." he apologized and patted her hand.

"It's okay.."

"The answer is 'yes'. And I'd do it again. Rachel, I'm not gay, not at all, and Kurt knows that. It was a matter of life and death, you understand that, don't you?" His eyes were pleading with his betrothed, tears threatening in the corners, his face a picture of misery.

"Did it...work?" she asked, unable to stop asking the questions, even though she told herself she didn't really want to know the answers.

"Yes. It did for a while, it brought him back from the brink. I think it was enough. He knew there could never be anything romantic between us, and I don't think he wanted there to be. We've been friends since kindergarten, I had to be there for him. Please tell me you understand. It was enough that he could go back to New York and try to settle the sale of their apartment and meet with the lawyer, and that's when he met Blaine Anderson. You know the rest of that story," Puck finished, hoping Rachel would understand why he'd Dommed Kurt...and forgive him for it.

"Noah?" Rachel took his hand in hers, looking into his light brown eyes and smiling. "Noah, that was the bravest thing I've ever heard. I think you probably saved his life. You are the kindest, most loving man I know and I am so lucky to be marrying you," she said in a soft voice, then kissed his cheek.

Surprised at her reaction, Puck grinned.

"Thank you, Rachel. I love you," he told her for the first time and she blushed.

That was last week, and now here they were, in the elevator on the way to the top floor. Rachel was still dressed in the lovely ivory gown and Puck was in his tuxedo. They could not stop grinning at each other. The elevator doors opened to revel the newlyweds kissing. They almost forgot to get off the elevator. Puck unlocked the door to their suite and stepped back, taking Rachel in his arms and carrying her over the threshold and straight to the bed where he set her down gently.

"You are so beautiful, my bride," he smiled. "We can order room service or watch television, or..."

"Let's get ready and get in bed. I've been awake since four this morning and I am exhausted. Is that okay?" she asked, looking demure and very young with her big eyes. Puck choked on his answer, the blood rushing to his cock as he looked at his innocent wife. His wife. He liked the sound of that.

"Alright, that sounds good. Would you like me to go in the bathroom to change into my pajamas?" Puck asked, still a little apprehensive to be married to a virgin and expected to make her first time right. That was a lot of pressure, but he was up to the challenge. He not only wanted Rachel, he genuinely liked her, which was not something he could have said about his former wife.

"No, we're married now, I imagine you'll see me getting ready for bed a lot, might as well get used to it, if that's alright?" she said shyly. Rachel was well past the age of anyone she knew to be having sex for the first time. She'd gotten all kinds of advice, but thought she would probably just do what seemed natural to her. She might be shy about it, but it was something she wanted desperately.

"Okay, Princess. Just tell me if you get shy or want me to stop." Rachel nodded and looked down. She was scared, but more excited than scared. She watched through little glances as Puck removed his clothes, his developed biceps and abdominal muscles impressive in her eyes. Noah was beautiful, his large light brown eyes with thick lashes, those lips that looked so ready to kiss her. She knew how soft they were and found she craved his kisses. And now...his beautiful body on display for her, and she appreciated it so much. Her eyes got very wide as he slid off his trousers and was left in just his briefs.

"Can I undress you, Rachel?" he asked politely, but with a command in his voice that made her quiver with wanting him. He saw it and placed a warm hand on her arm. "Are you okay? Did I frighten you?"

"No, just...please help me undo these buttons. They're tricky being all the way down my back. Thank you, Noah," she said his name with a catch in her voice, like she was almost scared to even speak it. He gently turned her and started in on the buttons, cursing the seamstress and wondering how upset Rachel would be if he just got out his pocket knife and slip the dress open. He swallowed and took another deep breath. Patience, Puck, he told himself and continued battling each of the million buttons that were keeping his new bride from his arms.

Finally, the last button. Puck was glad she never had to wear this dress again. Rachel was even more glad. Puck helped her off with the long gown, folding it gently on a chair before returning to help remove the slip with the three petticoats that made the gown stand out, Layer after layer of clothing came off until Puck had a fleeting thought of undressing Kurt and all of his many layers of clothing. He shook his head. There was no room for that in his mind tonight!

Down to bra and panties, Puck took Rachel in his arms and held her tightly. He kissed her for a good long time, until she was relaxed and pliant in his arms, then brought her to the bed. He unhooked her bra with a practiced snap of his fingers – something he learned from watching an old television show with a character named "Fonzie". Rachel was under the covers now, so he didn't get a glimpse of her breasts, but there was time. She reached down and pulled her hand back out, panties in hand as she set them on the night stand beside the bed.

Puck looked at her, her eyes sparkling and her lips in a shy smile. She was so beautiful, and she was all his.

"Do you want to look away while I take off the rest?" he asked, not wanting to scare her.

"No, it's okay," she answered. Puck stepped out of his briefs and Rachel's eyes got huge. She tried to cover her amazement by looking at the television behind him, but it wasn't even on. He smirked. She was so cute.

He turned off the lights and got in bed next to her, lying very close and reaching to hold her hand.

"Have you ever touched a naked man before?" he asked.

"No, I haven't. I have kissed boys before, and once I let a boy touch the side of my breast, but that was all. I've never done more than held hands and kissed," she told him.

"Okay. We can go as slow as you want, Rachel. All you have to do is tell me. I also need to know...do you want me to use a condom?" He asked. They had both had their State Mandated Marriage Physical and both were in perfect health, so that sort of thing was not a worry. They had discussed children and both were happy to start a family as soon as it came about, not wanting to either prevent a pregnancy nor really try for that specifically. They were happy to leave it up to the Fates when or if they had children.

"I don't really want to use one if that's okay, Noah, I want to feel you, not latex," she told him in a whisper that went straight to his erection.

"Do you want to touch me first? Find out what I feel like first?" he offered. He could be patient and wait until she was comfortable before he proceeded. They had the rest of their lives, he thought.

"Yes...." she said, and it was the last word spoken for quite a while. Rachel was curious and began by running her fingers over his chest, over the taut muscles. He felt wonderful and so warm. He pulled her in closer, so their sides touched from knee to chest as she felt down his body, finally touching the root of his cock and jumped as it moved in her hand. She slid her cupped hand from base to tip, feeling the quiver in Puck's body as she slid her thumb over the tip, surprised to find pre-come waiting. She smiled, relieved that she found him so attractive.

The evening progressed, Rachel and Puck exploring each other the way newlyweds had been doing since time began. They giggled and sighed and talked and moaned.

By the end of the evening, they had made love twice and it was a toss up whether Puck or Rachel was the happier for it. They finally fell asleep in exhaustion, tangled together in the bedsheets.

They might be surprised if they knew that each of them had the same though: "I think this marriage is going to work, I cold fall in love after all."

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