Oct. 4, 2014, 7 p.m.
Courage: Ill Try
E - Words: 14,742 - Last Updated: Oct 04, 2014 Story: Complete - Chapters: 51/? - Created: Jul 19, 2014 - Updated: Jul 19, 2014 211 0 0 0 0
Blaine hesitantly lifted his eyes from his lap, where hed been twiddling his thumbs, when the car slowed down in a vacant parking lot, not a car in sight. It was too nippy for most people who had chosen the comfort of their warm homes in favor of the snow and ice outside, but for the crazy Hummel family, this was the perfect weather to have a good day outside. Their small, but perfect, family had been brought up with the belief that every day could have something wonderful about it, and to Blaine that was very unusual, but he found himself looking forward to waking up each morning. The tiniest of smiles pulled at his lips as Elizabeth and her sister, Laurice, climbed out of the car and walked around to the back to gather their things for a day out.
He turned to Kurt, who had his nose squished to the window, and his grin widened. Kurt touched the foggy window with his fingertip, drawing in the cloud of white that smothered the glass, and Blaine watched him doodle the smallest of hearts, revealing how much he loved his outings with his family. Burt hadnt been able to make it because of his work, but Blaine knew how much Kurt adored just being with his mom and aunt. He blinked when Kurt spun around to face him, his cheeks flushed with excitement and his eyes glistening like little diamonds, blue jewels that glimmered in the bright sun. He was almost shivering with happiness, and Blaine knew that it wasnt because of the cold.
After they pulled their things out of the trunk of the car, the girls walked back around, and Elizabeth opened Blaines door, while Laurice banged on Kurts door and made faces at him through the window. He made those same faces at her, sticking his tongue out and wrinkling his nose. It was all fun and games, which made Blaine laugh very lowly. He jumped when a soft hand touched his shoulder, a closeness to a person he hadnt been expecting, and he whipped around to face Elizabeth, who was holding her arms out. At his worried expression, her gentle eyes softened, and she stroked his cheek with the backs of her fingers, "Its okay, sweetheart. Im here." After she unstrapped him from his seat, she let him come to her, never rushing things.
He cautiously lifted his hands, unsure of where to put them, and she wrapped her arms around him, boosting him onto her chest. He laid his hands on her shoulders, feeling soft skin under his palms. Elizabeth blew out heavily as she carried Blaine and a bag of skates over to the edge of a thinning forest. All of the leaves had fallen with the cold weather, giving Blaine a view of what he thought was the other side of the forest, where the only road within miles of this place was. Luckily, no cars could be heard rolling back and forth, giving Blaine the peace that even his own home couldnt give him. It was all quiet around them, except for feet crunching on twigs and snow dropping from limbs. Kurt and Laurices squealing could be heard from up ahead as they raced each other to the frozen lake, both of them pouncing over fallen logs and tumbling over snow mounds.
He paused in watching them to close his eyes and take a deep breath, which got the attention of Elizabeth, who smoothed his wild curls, "You know, I used to take Kurt here when he was just a baby. Its a good place to think, huh? This was meant to be an area for apartments and a playground. Thats what the parking lot is for. But Im so glad it was never finished... I always loved taking Kurt into the woods. He would laugh and clap his hands..." she smiled and shook her head at his son, who was wrapped around his aunts leg as she tried to stagger around. "He held his first butterfly here... He named him Butter but promised he wouldnt eat him. And, sometimes, when we came here during springtime, we would sit very still and hear the baby birds cheeping and see the bunnies come out of their dens to eat. But one of Kurts favorites was the frogs! He thought he was a lucky boy if a frog would jump out of the lake. He loved hopping after them... he looked just like a baby frog. And he would croak at them, the silly boy! I am so very glad this forest is still here, instead of a horrible park!"
She stamped her foot and a flash of anger overwhelmed her small face, and Blaine blinked at her, wondering why she was so against parks. He had never been to one because he had no friends to enjoy it with, but if Elizabeth deemed something bad, he wanted to believe her. Shed never done him wrong before. When she realized she had lost what little of a temper that she had, she bit her bottom lip and sighed, "My sweet Kurt doesnt like parks. He used to have so much fun at them... he would play and play until his little heart was content, but bad things happened and... ever since, I could never take him to one because he would cry. You see, I brought him to his favorite park... and he spent the whole day swinging and laughing... he was having a wonderful time. I had the greatest time watching him, but I turned my back for just a moment because I wanted to get ice cream cones for the two of us, and these nasty boys threw him off the swing. They called him names and mocked him for wearing his cute dresses. They hurt him very badly... he scraped up his poor elbows and knees and hands. He cried all the way home and just wanted to be held for the longest time. Hes never been back to another park, and it took about a month before he would put on another dress. He wore his blouses and skirts... and those made him happy... but I could tell how much he loved wearing dresses. It made him feel like a princess, but he was scared to wear them because he thought he would be hurt if he did! It was torturing me, so I finally sat him down and told him that he could be as beautiful as he wanted to be. No one else could decide if he was a princess or not... If he wanted to be a princess, then he could be the best princess ever. Kurts never going to be like other boys... boys that fight and kick and hit... and thats why I think youre perfect for him. Youre just different enough to be the same as him."
Blaine glowed at the compliment, but he still didnt say anything. He pushed himself closer to Elizabeths warmth, but he twisted around when Kurt squealed with happiness. Laurice finished lacing up his white skates, and she helped him to his feet, walking him over to the edge of the ice. Nudging him onto the clear glass, she clapped her hands and cheered, "Yay, Kurt! Dont tip over!" She shook her head at the wobbly boy as he waddled around on the ice, "You have duck feet, Kurt! Spread your toes!" Zooming out onto the ice to hold him up, she started backing up when Kurt skidded right into her legs, knocking both of them backwards.
Elizabeth grinned when the two who had gotten into the wreck started laughing, and she shook her head at them, "Theyre silly, arent they? Kurts only been skating once or twice. We should teach them a few tricks, shouldnt we?" She lowered to the ground and set him in front of her, the snow coming up to his knees. After she opened her bag, she pulled out a pair of black skates and showed them to him, "Burt bought you your own skates. Do you like them? Lets see how they fit." She lifted one of his feet and stole his shoe from him, and he curled his toes because the chill nipped through his socks. Smiling at his foot, she tickled his toes before she slipped the skate onto him.
The heavy shoe weighed him down, so he almost fell over, making her laugh. She laced up his shoe, then moved onto the other foot and did the same. After she got him ready, she stood him upright and pushed him toward the lake. "Go on, sweetheart. Ill be over in a moment." He looked back at the ice rink, where Kurt was skittering by, a pink blur to Blaines eyes. He wasnt actually planning on skating because he was as clumsy as a baby duck, but he felt guilty for wasting the pair of skates theyd bought him, so he left them on.
He teetered over to the edge of the pond and plopped into the snow, a flurry of white bursting around him. He watched Kurt twirl around in circles, trying very hard to keep his balance, but he was distracted when a snowball whacked his shoulder. "Come on, Blaine!" Laurice yelled at him, and he lowered his head like a scolded puppy. That caused Kurt pause in his dancing, and he glanced around himself as if he expected Blaine to be there, having just as much fun. Wanting to be invisible, he hunched over himself, but Kurt spotted him, anyway.
"Blaine." He chirped very softly, gliding over to where Blaine was and bending down. He cocked his head as if he was trying to understand what was wrong, but he was too good at reading Blaines mind, so it didnt take very long for him to figure him out. "You can hold my hands if youd like. Its not scary to fall down, but Ill keep you up. Come with me!" He took Blaines hands, trying to boost him to his feet but getting nowhere, so Blaine eased his efforts by standing up on very shaky feet. When he started to drop to the ground, he grabbed for Kurt, but didnt want to hurt him so he let his knees cave. Kurt soothed him by tightening his tiny hands on him, and he drifted back onto the ice, dragging Blaine along with him. Blaine panicked and stumbled, but Kurt wouldnt let him go. He giggled at Blaine for some reason that Blaine couldnt understand, "I think its cute that youre clumsy! Youre okay." Blaine came closer to Kurt, letting him do whatever he wanted to with him, whether push his feet apart or bring them closer together, because Blaine didnt know what he was doing by himself, "Blaine, Ill keep you safe. I promise."
There was no doubt in Blaines mind that he loved his children with all his heart-they had saved his life when he was weak, so he owed them everything. He wanted to give them all the happiness in the world, so, as they skipped around with their hands clasped between them and squealed with giddiness, he grinned at them, watching their tiny feet skitter across the mouse ears that had been drawn onto the concrete. They held onto each other so tightly, laughing like madmen until Archer stopped moving, jerking Hunter to a sudden stop with him. Hunter seemed disappointed that their race to the good rides was over, and he pouted, crossing his arms over his chest. Archer whirled around in a circle, flinging his arms apart, and he cried, "Père!"
Kurt, who had fallen behind a few steps with Keegan and was speaking to him about things Blaine couldnt make out, glanced up at his son and gave him the prettiest of smiles. He finished his conversation with Keegan with a pat to his hand, as if he was comforting him, then he scampered over to Archer and knelt down to give him a warm hug and kiss. "Theres my precious boy! Why are your pretty eyes so big?"
Archer pointed at the ride they were standing next to, Snow Whites castle that had been taken over by the Evil Queen, who popped out of the veiled window every few seconds. "Its Snow White!" He squeaked, then he glared at the Queen when she pulled the curtain aside and sneered at him. "And the Evil Queen!" He hissed like an upset cat, making Kurt widen his eyes and gasp. "Père, Daddy told me that Im as pretty as Snow White. You know who you look like? Belle. Youre nice like her, too. She never, ever got mad at that grumpy Beast, and you dont get mad, either!"
Giggling at his son, Kurt smoothed a curly lock off his cheek, revealing a million freckles. He kissed one of them, "Thats very sweet of you, Archer. Belle is lovely, isnt she? I see some of you in Snow White! How very kind you are. You know, a persons beauty on the inside is much more important than their beauty on the outside... but you have both!" The two of them shared another hug, then they parted, and Kurt patted Archers bottom. "Find a spot in line, my sweetheart. Well be right behind you. Take Hunter with you, darling."
Flailing his little hands, Archer put them on Kurts cheeks and patted a few times. He screeched when Kurt covered one of his hands with his own and brought it to his mouth. Kurts hand was much thinner than Archers pudgy hand, but their skin was porcelain and their nails were oval. Archers little hand was speckled in black freckles, the tiny dots painted onto his knuckles all the way down to his wrist. Blaine loved seeing the two of them together, their blue eyes so bright as they nuzzled closer to each other and silently spoke of their love. For a long time, Blaine had secretly thought of becoming a dad, loving a child who loved him just as much. He had always worried that his luck-what little of it he had-would run out and hed be stuck with a woman who hated their children. He guessed it was old nightmares from his childhood, that he couldnt hurt a child the same way his parents had hurt him. And then he had come across Kurt, the sweet boy who loved children who werent even his as if they were his own.
Blaines grin widened when Archer gave another cry of happiness and darted away from Kurt, going to hide behind Hunter. This seemed to be Archers favorite game, and he helplessly giggled when Kurt pretended to be confused, holding his hand up to his forehead as if he was going to faint. "Where did my sweet Archer go? Oh, no!" Archer poked his nose over Hunters shoulder, and Kurt celebrated at seeing those freckles, clapping his hands. "There he is!" Scooting closer to his children, Kurt wrapped both of them up and gave them kisses, which made Hunter stick his tongue out.
Bouncing on his toes, Archer spun around and grabbed for Hunters hand, yanking him along with him, "Come on, Hunner! You want to see Snow White?" They hurried ahead to the ride entrance, but stopped there and waited for Blaine to help Kurt to his feet.
Kurt held onto his husbands arm, wrapping his fingers around it, and he walked beside of him to get over to their babies, who skittered away again as soon as they got near. "You know, Keegan was just telling me some wonderful news." He told Blaine, his voice higher than usual because he was so excited about the new gossip he had. "Hes thinking of adopting... he said he favors the idea of having a red haired son, but he could fall in love with anyone. He has such a kind heart for children... you know, he took care of me when I was little. Aunt Laurice didnt have much money, so he bought me most of my toys and clothes. He would stop at nothing to make me happy, so I know hell be a good dad." When Blaine didnt say anything but cleared his throat, Kurt squeezed his arm, "Oh, Blaine, think of it... another baby could be so good for Archer and Hunter! They dont know other children... they were like us. We were in a world of our own, Blaine. He wants to adopt very soon... maybe this winter... so there wouldnt be much of an age difference between the new baby and ours. He did say he wants a newborn... hes sure of that."
Blaine thought of the long nights when Archer and Hunter were only infants, waking up every two hours to feed them or coo them back to sleep because theyd startled awake. There were still some nights like that, but Blaine noticed that those were slowly going away. It had been hard on him, especially with having two of them, because when one jerked awake and started screaming, the other did, too. But it had always felt so good after their pink, scrunched faces had calmed as they sucked on their bottles and their curling and uncurling fingers grabbed at his shirt, trying to figure out what he was. Blinking at the babies as they chased each other around in circles, he reached back to rub the nape of his neck. He pressed his lips together, then he twisted around and looked at Keegan, who was staring at the babies as they looked at all of the decorations on the walls, "Im happy for you." He said lowly, and Keegan glanced up at him. He still wasnt perfect with his English, but he was getting better, so he grinned. "Loving a child is the greatest thing you can do."
It took Keegan a second to understand, then his smile stretched, "Evie wanted children. Ill love the baby enough for both of us." They shared a fond grin as they thought of their children, two who were already there and one who was to come, but Blaines moment of just thinking about how much he really adored his children was interrupted when Hunter hugged his leg, almost knocking him off balance. He didnt say anything, just clung to him as tightly as he could, so Blaine reached down to stroke his hair.
"What is it, honey?" He asked his son, and a pair of big, brown eyes lifted to his face. "Hunt, whats the matter?"
Hunter gave his leg one last squeeze, "Love you, Daddy." He climbed off of him and ran back over to Archer, and the two of them hopped to greet each other. Blaine laughed at his puzzling son, but he certainly didnt mind getting hugs and kisses from him.
Blaine patted his children as they scrambled into the car, Archer climbing into the front and holding his arms out for Kurt, who happily snuggled up next to him. Stumbling into the back, Hunter yelled for his uncle. Keegan sat down beside of him and took him into his arms, not saying anything but everything at once in the way he ran his fingers through Hunters spiky hair. His love for the children was enough for Blaine to decide that he would be a wonderful dad to the future baby in their family.
They started rolling toward Snow White, who was singing to the birds, and Archer flailed his pudgy fists at her. Looking down at his son, Blaine felt his heart stutter at the sight of the shimmers in his blue eyes. "Snow! Snow!" He cried to her, but lost his breath when they pushed through the castle doors and were greeted by the glowing mirror, which the Evil Queen was demanding an answer of who was the fairest of them all from.
When they turned a corner and the Evil Queen was revealed to them, Hunter screeched from behind him, obviously wanting to scare her off because he was so tough. They soon entered the dwarves cottage and watched them dance and sing. Archer bobbed his head to their giddy song, but he shrunk back when the Evil Queen intruded on the fun and offered Snow White a poisoned apple. "Daddy, is Snow White going to be okay?" He whispered to Blaine as they rounded another corner, getting to the part when the Evil Queen fell to her death. Blaine scrubbed his hair, comforting him until the scene lightened again, showing Snow White receiving a kiss from her prince. "Yay! Daddy, everyones happy again!"
Blaine picked his son up, carrying him off the ride and bringing him back out to the walkway, "Just like you, baby. Youre happy because Snow White is happy." Rubbing Archers back, Blaine glanced over to Hunter as he skipped along beside of Kurt, their hands linked between them. He turned back to Archers freckled face and kissed a black dot on his nose, "Arch, you know what princess you remind me of? Ariel. Youre strong like her, baby."
Archer lifted his head from Blaines shoulder, "We have to see Ariel, Daddy!" His red mouth fell open, "I like her!" Patting his hands together when Blaine turned to his husband and took his hand, he screeched to Hunter to let him know of the good that was about to come. Hunter seemed to understand him because he grinned from ear to ear, making Blaine wonder if they could read each others minds the way Kurt could read his.
The walk over to Ariels Undersea Adventure only took a few minutes, and Blaine took his family into the queue, where they were surrounded by the columns of Erics castle and the beautiful seashells that decorated them. When he found a picture of Ariel on the wall, Archer cried and waved his hands at her, "Ariel! Daddy, its Ariel!"
"I see her, baby." Handing Archer over to Kurt, Blaine helped his husband into the car that looked like a little shell, then sat down beside of him and checked on Keegan and Hunter. They got into the one behind theirs, Keegan tucking Hunter under his protective arm. When Archer pinched Blaines sleeve in his fingers as they passed by Scuttle, who was telling Ariels story and getting things mixed up, Blaine bent down and smoothed his hair, "That birds silly, isnt he? Hes like Pavarotti and Everett."
"Just like them!" Archer squeaked, giggling at the crazy bird. The shine in his eyes brightened when he saw Ariel dancing to Sebastians song, and he twisted around to face Hunter, who had a smirk on his face. Their eyes met, blue on brown, and both of their grins widened. They kept looking at each other as Ursula belted out her lies to Ariel, Archer finding comfort in Hunters unafraid eyes. The blue eyes widened when Eric came back to Ariel, kissing her very lovingly, and the crooked smirk returned to Hunters face. Archer pursed his red lips, making them as white as his snowy skin. He whipped away from Hunter, pushing himself against Blaines side. "Daddy, my belly feels funny."
Blaine put his hand on Archers stomach, "Honey, are you alright? Do you feel ill? Maybe we should stay out of the sun for a while." Beside of him, Kurt made a soft click with his tongue, and Blaine glanced over at him. His eyes were playful and his hands were clasped together. He only looked like that when he had some gossip that he couldnt wait to tell someone, so Blaine raised his brows.
When Blaine still didnt get it, Kurt shook his head at him, "Men. Blaine, dont you see?" Blaine bit his bottom lip, showing his cluelessness, so Kurt leaned closer to him, "Archer is in love!" He giggled after he said it, hiding his smile behind his fingertips. "And I think Hunter is hiding his feelings. Wouldnt they be the perfect couple? Ive always wanted them to end up together!"
Blaine felt like he was missing something, like hed been left out of a joke and was just hearing the laughter, so he frowned. Scrubbing his forehead, he watched the babies jump out of their shells and hurry over to each other. They hopped and bounced, as they always did when they greeted each other, but he suddenly worried that he was blind to something that Kurt wasnt. He wondered if Keegan had been let in on the joke. He cleared his throat and walked over to his children, watching them point their noses up so they could see his face. Archer held up his arms, so Blaine bent to grab him.
"Daddy, can we go see Ariels daddy?" Archer murmured into his chest, playing with the string on his jacket. "Do you think King Triton likes Eric now? He was mad at him, wasnt he? Because Eric didnt have a tail."
"He likes him now, baby." Blaine assured his worrisome son, "He was happy because Eric and Ariel had their baby... little Melody. You thought she was funny, didnt you?" When Archer pushed his lips to one side of his face, still unsure as to why Triton didnt like Eric for a time, Blaine patted his bottom, "He was mad at Eric because he didnt know anything about him... he was afraid he would hurt Ariel. All dads are protective, sweetheart. They dont want to see their precious babies cry. Triton wanted to keep Ariel all to himself... he knew that he was the only man who wouldnt break her heart."
"But he made her sad, Daddy." A red lip popped out, immediately making it clear to Blaine that Ariel and Tritons constant fighting upset him. "She cried when her daddy said that she couldnt see Eric."
Blaine took a moment to say anything to that, his voice caught in his throat. He finally kissed his sons cheek and muttered very lowly, "Sometimes... its about doing whats best for your child, not what would make them happiest." When Archers brows lowered as if he was still confused, Blaine kissed him again, "Youll understand one day. I didnt... not until you and Hunter came to us."
Archer turned his head and kissed Blaines cheek, his damp lips warm and soft on Blaines hard skin. "Love you, Daddy."
Stepping onto the high platform where he was surrounded by dolphins, fish, and sea otters, Blaine set his baby down on a brown fish when he reached for it. Keegan put Hunter onto the blue fish that was next to Archers fish. The two babies batted at each other, screeching with glee as their fish jumped up and down, diving in and out of the waves of water that splashed below them. Jewels shined all around them, painting the babies blue, pink, and purple.
They flailed their little hands with their delight of swimming through the ocean, laughing until they were both out of breath. Blaine grinned at his sons, tightening his hands on Archer so he didnt fall off his fish. Resting against Hunters fish, Kurt laughed when he reached up for him as soon as his fish stopped bouncing up and down. Archer tucked himself against Blaines stomach, so Blaine boosted him up and kissed under his chin. He rubbed his back as he carried him off the ride, feeling his belly rumble. "Honey, do you want to eat lunch? Well go to Ariels Grotto, and then you can go to your spa day with your père."
"Yay!" Archer clapped his hands, looking over at the restaurant, which was only a few steps away. He spotted Ariel peeking over her clam shell, and his little mouth fell open. "Daddy, are we going to meet the princesses?" When Blaine smiled at him, silently answering his question, Archer hid his flushed face in Blaines chest. He peered over Blaines shoulder as they walked into the restaurant, and his blue eyes became as big as saucers. Pinching Blaines jacket between his fingers, he whispered to him, "Daddy, I see Ariel."
Blaine turned his head to where Archer was looking, and he saw Ariel gliding across the floor, going from table to table. He glanced back at his son, seeing only the tip of a freckled nose that was poking up, and he laughed and kissed a freckle. "Youre so sweet, baby. I know shell love you just as much as I do."
They went back to a table near a window, where bright sun hit them and they could hear laughter from outside. Blaine felt himself relaxing, leaning back in his chair and keeping his eye on his children, who were following Kurts finger as he pointed out all of the yummy food they would like. Archer was too nervous to sit still for long, squirming and wriggling every few seconds as he twisted this way and that in his search for the princess. He found Ariel just a table away, and he squished his cheeks under his palms. His lips puckered, making Blaine chuckle at his expression.
He wiggled closer to Kurt, who laughed and kissed his hair, "Youll be amazing, my little love. Give her a very warm hug."
When Ariel drifted over to their table, Archer squeaked and ducked into Kurts dress, shyly hiding his blushing face. She held her arms out for the babies, and Hunter happily grabbed a sash on her dress. Rubbing Archers arm, Kurt whispered something in his ear, giving him a gentle smile. Archer hesitantly lifted his head, checking Kurt one last time as if to make sure that he was okay. When Kurt gave him an encouraging nudge, he turned to Ariel and held his arms out. She pulled him against her and hugged him between two soft arms that were wrapped in silky cloth.
They pulled apart and Ariel blew him a kiss, making Archer screech with happiness. He burrowed back into Kurts side and pressed his face into his bodice, but peeped out to give Ariel a hint of a grin. When she gathered her skirts and started to turn away again, he opened and closed a tiny fist, "Bye bye!" He cried to her, and Kurt giggled again and pecked his forehead.
"That was wonderful, sweet." Kurt cooed, rubbing his nose against Archers. Archers button nose wrinkled, and then he chirped and patted Kurts cheeks.
Before the waiter came around to ask for their drinks and take their orders, Blaine reached over for his husband and laid his hand on his back. He ran his fingers over his shoulder and down his arm, drawing bumps onto Kurts skin wherever he traced his fingernails. Distracted from teasing and playing with Archer, Kurt flicked his shining eyes over to Blaine. He nipped his bottom lip and tilted his head, then let it go when Blaine leaned in for a kiss. The two of them parted a minute later and smiled at each other, staying close together until Archer touched Kurts hand. "Père." He said softly, pulling Kurt away from Blaine. He was too demure to say anything to the man waiting for their orders, so Kurt spoke up and asked for the things he pointed to on the menu.
Blaine asked for the things Hunter wanted and a few things for himself, then returned his attention to his husband and wrapped an arm around him. Kurt had already went back to Archer and was tickling him until he was in fits, and Blaine adored watching the two of them laugh and cuddle together. Sticking his tongue out at Kurt, Archer screwed his face up and made a few funny sounds that Kurt tried to mimic, his eyes crossing and his tongue darting out of his mouth. Blaines grin widened, and he rested his chin on his fist. He hoped that his husband and his son would always be so close.
As soon as their drinks and food came, Blaine reached for the babies little nuggets and hot dogs to cut them into smaller bites. He stuck a fork into a piece of the nugget and held it up to Hunters mouth, then took a bite of one of his fries. Hunter gasped and smacked at his hand, making Blaine chuckle, "It smelled good, baby."
Archer and Hunter had gotten cups with light-up toys on the lids, Archers with Ariel and Hunters with Lightning McQueen, so they played with those while they ate. Hunter chewed on his little car, while Archer blinked every time Ariel lit up. As the children finished their food with Keegan to look out for them, Blaine turned to his husband and muttered, "Honey, Ill take you and Archer over to the boutique. You can eat dinner with him... Hunter wants to eat at Cars Land. Well come back later tonight... I want to see Archer take his pictures with the princesses." When Archer lifted his head from his plate at the mention of his spa day, Blaine touched his hair and pushed it off his forehead. "After you take your pictures, well watch the play at the Fantasy Faire, honey. What do you think, my love?"
"I like it, Daddy!" Archer flailed his little fists, "After we see the show, can we go to Sleeping Beautys castle? Its really pretty, isnt it?" When Blaine nodded and kissed him again, Archer held up his arms, so Blaine scooped him out of his chair and rested him on his lap. "Im not hungry anymore. Im ready to go to my spa day!"
"Are you?" Blaine lowered his head so he could blow on Archers neck, making him shriek and push on Blaine. "I think we could go now. Hunt, baby, are you done eating? We can see the cars now." At Hunters huge grin, Blaine scrubbed his hair and said, "I want my babies to be happy."
Hunter climbed from his chair and wiggled his butt, too excited to hold still for long. Getting to his feet and laying Archer across his shoulder, Blaine collected Kurt into his arms and guided him out of the restaurant. Hunter scurried a few feet ahead of them, and Keegan kept up on their heels. Keeping his eyes on his prancing son, Blaine reached up to his other son and patted his bottom a few times. He felt Archers curls brush his neck, then a wet mouth on his ear. Archers small, pearly teeth nibbled on his ear a few times, his slobbery mouth making Blaines ear very damp. Archer turned away again, finding interest in something else, so Blaine went back to rubbing his back.
He ran his hand up and down Archers skin, from his shoulders down to his waist, for the rest of the walk to the boutique. The gentle motion against Archers back made him so relaxed that by the time they got to the doors of the boutique he was nothing but a pile of mush, his arms and legs swinging limply over Blaines shoulder. Blaine pulled his baby off of him and held him up by his face, finding his lids drooping and his lips parted. He handed him over to Kurt, who smiled at him as he tried to blink his dazed expression away, "I know, your daddy gives the best massages, doesnt he? He has wonderful fingers!" When Archer lifted his head and glanced over at the boutique, Kurts smile widened, "Were here, sweetheart! It is always best to go to a spa day when youre relaxed. It helps you feel much better."
Archers little mouth fell open, and he batted at the little cottage with Cinderellas carriage in the window. "Its the princesses!" He peeped, and Blaine smiled at his son.
He bent over him and pressed a kiss to his nose, and Archer wrinkled it and touched the damp spot left behind, "Have fun with your père, my sweet. Daddy will come back later tonight, okay? Your Uncle Keegan and I are taking Hunter to see a few cars." After Archer pulled his curious hands away from Blaines face, Blaine turned to his husband and wrapped him in his arms. The two of them kissed, and he felt Kurts lips tug up against his mouth, "Ill be back soon. I love you."
Kurt rubbed his cheek against Blaines, "I love you." Reaching out for a hug from Hunter, he said very softly, "Have so much fun, my darling. Ill miss you until I can hold you again!" He stood upright again and bounced Archer a few times, watching Blaine turn away and hold his hand out for Hunter, who did a little dance and grabbed Blaines fingers. Keegan walked beside of Blaine, his hands in his pockets and his shoulders pushed back. It was a very relaxed posture, which made Kurt smile. He stayed there until the guys turned a corner and disappeared from his view, then he looked down at Archer, who was staring into the boutique with huge eyes.
Spinning on his heel so he faced where Archer was looking, Kurt padded over to the door and stepped inside. The inside of the small cottage was coated in sparkles and glitter, the colors on the walls soft and light. He carried Archer deeper into the room, the two of them poking their noses at all of the pink and blue fabrics, all of the lip glosses and eye shadows. They sniffed the perfume wafting through the air, a thousand scents floating past their faces. Kurt was about to walk over to a desk to check Archer in, but Archer batted his tiny hands at a wall full of hats, tiaras, and sashes. Smiling at his son, Kurt set him on his kicking feet and followed him over to the wall. Archer picked out a blue tiara that he turned this way and that, looking over every shimmering jewel and intricate design. "How pretty." Kurt said softly, lowering to the ground beside of him and holding his hand out. "Can I see your tiara?"
Archer put it in his palm, still staring at the beautiful gem as Kurt reached out for his hair. He smoothed his wild curls off his face, then set the crown on top of his head. It started sliding off when one of his curls sprung free, making Kurt giggle as he fixed it back into place. "There... very beautiful. You have your daddys curls, dont you?" When Archer pinched a lock of his hair in his fingers and looked at it with squinted eyes, Kurt brushed it back down, "I think your curls are lovely, Archer. Ive always loved them."
Still not satisfied with how his curls tangled around the crown, a mess that could be combed a thousand times and still not be tame, Archer pulled the crown off his head and made a face at it. He glanced up at Kurt from under his dark lashes and held up his hand, putting the crown on his head. "You look like a princess, Père. You should wear the crown."
Kurt tilted his head in confusion and frowned, then he noticed Archer do what Blaine did whenever he was nervous about his looks. He took a piece of his hair in his fingers and yanked it into his face, hiding his small frown from Kurt. A sudden grin overwhelmed Kurts face, and he took the crown from the top of his head. Reaching for both of Archers hands, he pressed the crown into the middle of his palm, "Oh, Archer, being a princess isnt about how beautiful you are on the outside, even though you are absolutely breathtaking, my precious love. Just look at you... those big, blue eyes, and all of these freckles. Youre a very lucky boy... you know who you look just like? Your daddy. You have so much of him in you, and hes a very handsome man. But you know what a princess must have?"
When Archer scrunched his face as he tried to figure out what a princess must have, Kurt giggled and wrapped him up in a tight hug. He smelled his strawberry shampoo, and Kurt loved the scent. It was so warm on his nose. "A princess must be beautiful on the inside." Touching Archers drumming heart, Kurt gave him an encouraging smile, then he rubbed their noses, "You know, my mom told me long ago that youre only as beautiful as you want to be. No one can say that youre not a princess... If you want to be a princess, youll be the best one ever." Archers eyes started to light up, which was just what Kurts did when his mom told him that very thing, but he still seemed unsure, so Kurt went on. "A princess must have gentle hands to give the best hugs." He squeezed Archers dimpled hands that were so soft in his, and Archer looked down at his hands with huge eyes. "And she must have courage."
Archer lifted his head again, and he wrinkled his nose, "Courage? But doesnt the princess just have to sit in a castle and wait for her prince?"
Kurt pursed his lips, "Well, she certainly must be brave enough to fall in love with him. Oh, Archer, it is frightening when you love someone... When I fell in love with your daddy, I was shaking at my knees with fear that he wouldnt love me just as much. But then he did! Its not scary anymore... not at all."
The wrinkles didnt leave Archers nose, "How do you fall in love, Père?"
"Well..." Kurt sat back on his knees, tapping his bottom lip as he thought of how he fell in love with Blaine. He smiled at the memories of all of the emotions he went through, the good and the bad, then he whispered, "It was love at first sight for me... I saw your daddy and felt all of these butterflies tickling my belly-"
Archers eyes widened to the size of saucers, and he put a hand on his stomach, "Butterflies? What are they doing in there?"
Kurt laughed and rested his hand over Archers, "Your belly just feels like its fluttering about, just like butterflies do."
Archer reluctantly tore his gaze away from his stomach as if he was still wary of the butterflies that might be floating about in there. He mumbled very lowly, "Can I tell you a secret?" Leaning closer to Kurt and pressing his lips to his ear, he said, "The butterflies tickle me whenever I see Hunner. Does that mean Im in love?"
A high pitched giggle burst from Kurts mouth, "Yes! Yes, youre in love! Archer, this is amazing!" Embracing Archer in a pair of warm arms, Kurt smiled until his cheeks were sore. "Hunters your prince, Archer. And youre his princess because every princess must have a kind heart. Youre the sweetest boy! Shouldnt the princess wear this crown?" Archers mouth stretched and his dimples popped as Kurt set the crown on his curls. It was a bit crooked because his curls were so wild, but Kurt liked it that way. Archer was a princess in his own way, so a crooked crown fit him best.
Boosting himself back up to his feet, Kurt held his hands out for Archer and helped him to his feet. "Come with me." Archer laid his hands in Kurts, and Kurt walked beside of him over to the desk, where a woman was waiting. "My son wants to be a princess." He told her, and she smiled down at Archer.
She took them back to a small vanity where Archer was perched, and she spun him to face a mirror. She brushed his heavy curls off his face, revealing the glowing face of a happy, little boy. As she picked up a lip gloss to bring out the red in his lips, Archer twisted to face Kurt, who was standing only an inch away. Kurt cooed over that big, lopsided grin on Archers face, and he bent down to kiss his cheek. He loved his son with all his heart, then he thought of his other son, and his husband, and his best friend who had become family to him, and he wondered if his life could be better.
Blaine hurried after his son when he burst from his arms, eagerly racing ahead to get to the talking cars that had been parked along the edges of the road. "Hunter!" He called after him, but Hunter was too determined to see what he wanted to see and kept charging ahead. Breathlessly laughing at his baby, Blaine slowed down when he finally stopped running and paused at Doc, who was sitting in front of his police station. He paced up to Hunter, who was pawing all over the car and staring back into his eyes, and ran his fingers through his spiky hair. "Is Doc your favorite, honey?"
Hunter made a face, moving onto the next sight but keeping close to Blaines side, "No! Lightning McQueen! Hes really fast! I want to be just as fast!" He escaped from Blaines side again and took off like a little dart, and Blaine rolled his eyes at him. He guessed that as long as he could always see him, there was no reason to try to keep up with him, not when he would just keep skittering away.
Hearing Keegans feet crunch on the gravel, Blaine turned his head and looked at the blond boy whose hair had almost become white under the bright sun. Keegan was smirking after Hunter, who didnt stay in one place for long, just visiting what he wanted to look at for a moment and then taking off again. "I hope to get a baby who isnt quite as hyperactive." Keegan teased, and Blaine chuckled with him, glancing back at Hunter, who was running in circles around a statue of Lightning McQueen as if he was trying to challenge him that he was the faster of the two.
Shaking his head at his son, Blaine reached up to his hair and threaded his fingers through it, "I dont think theres another baby quite like Hunter. Ive never seen anything like him." That had both of them snorting, but Blaine quickly stopped laughing when the air rushed out of his body. His head jerked down to Hunter, who had skidded into his legs and knocked him back a step. He held his arms up for Blaine, so he bent down to pick him up, but he teasingly grabbed his feet and dangled him upside down. Hunter became an absolute riot, shrieking and howling and throwing his fists.
When Blaine tickled his stomach, he snorted with laughter and went limp, not even fighting Blaine anymore. Blaine figured that this was one of his favorite games by that funny look on his face. Tossing his baby over his shoulder, Blaine felt him whack at his back in his effort to get back on the ground. "Daddy!" He yelled at him, fussing to be freed, "Daddy, down!"
Peeling Hunter off his shoulder, Blaine set his squirming baby back down, "Go get them, Hunt!" He encouraged, and within seconds, his baby vanished from his eyesight. Blaine helplessly laughed, a deep rumbling in his chest, and he watched Hunter dart over to the first ride he came across, something with swinging tractors and a yelling Mater. He ran over to the fence that kept him from the ride and wiggled, then he whipped around and pointed at the ride as if Blaine couldnt already see it.
"Daddy!" He jumped up and down, impatiently wriggling and shuffling his feet. Blaine playfully slowed his steps down, which made Hunter turn red in his cheeks. "Hurry, Daddy!" He stamped his little foot and curled his fingers into tight fists, which made Blaine laugh as he walked over to Hunter.
"Youre so demanding, arent you?" Blaine teased with him, but Hunter ignored him and grabbed his hand. He jerked him along and ran up to the tractor he favored when they were let into the ride, climbing in and going to the middle. Blaine got in on his other side and made sure he was strapped in as Keegan sat down on Hunters other side.
Their tractor started spinning around in small circles, and Hunter screamed so loudly that Blaine had to cover his ears. He drummed his hands on the front of the tractor as if he was so excited about the spinning, while Blaines face turned green. He was starting to wish that he could trade places with Kurt. Keegan chuckled at his twisted expression, but he showed no sympathy for Blaine as he reached down to rub Hunters back. Hunter screeched with every new turn of their tractor, and when it slowed down, he turned to Blaine and cried, "Again! Daddy, again!"
Blaine was sure that if they did go on this ride again, his stomach would come up his throat. "Maybe later, baby. Lets see what other rides are here." Helping his baby from the tractor, Blaine carried him off the ride and set him back down when they were on the road. As they walked down the road, Blaine came across a ride at Luigis and pointed it out to Hunter, "Sweetheart, you can ride in a tire on this one. Does that sound fun?"
"Fun!" Hunter agreed, scampering out of Blaines grip and into the queue. Blaine followed him in and watched him stop to check out every tire that was hung on the wall. "If I was a car, I would want the biggest tires! I would be a monster truck, Daddy!"
Blaine laughed at how right he was, "When you were an infant, you sounded just like a monster truck, baby. All of your crying sounded like a grinding engine." Mocking offense at that, Hunter whipped around and whacked at his leg, making Blaine laugh even harder. He caught his smacking hands in his and kissed both of them, but Hunter pulled them away and snorted at Blaine.
He hurried out to the ride area and picked a big tire that he struggled to get into, so Blaine boosted him up by his bottom. Hunter plopped into the middle and grabbed the wheel, twisting it this way and that. As he played with the wheel, Blaine strapped him in then buckled himself in. As soon as the green light was given, Hunter stretched to reach the gas pedal, but his legs were too short. Blaine pushed on the gas for him while he steered their tire around, very jerky twists and turns that made Blaine regret not staying at the boutique even more.
Hunter seemed set on chasing one of the balls that was rolling around the arena, but he couldnt get the hang of the steering wheel and sent them into a spin that never ended. At least, to Blaines woozy stomach it never ended. As soon as he rolled them over to the ball and knocked his tire into it, Hunter gave off a victorious cry and raised his fists into the air. And, as soon as his mission had been completed, he wanted to move on to the next thing. He jolted from the tire when the ride stopped, jumping over Blaines legs, and ran in a circle around it. Blaine followed his son out of the tire and took his hand, feeling his tight grip, and he walked with him out to the street. "Do you want a drink, honey? A snack? We can go to the Cozy Cone Motel."
"Yeah!" Hunter cried, skipping a few inches ahead of Blaine, who was trying to hold onto him. When they got over to the cones, he picked his son up and showed him the signs. "I want a lemonade, Daddy. Can we get some popcorn, too?"
"Daddy will get you whatever you want." Blaine assured him, walking over to the drink stand and ordering a lemonade for Hunter and a pomegranate limeade for himself, then asked for an apple freeze for Keegan because his accent was still too thick to be understood by most people.
After they got their drinks, Blaine stuck a straw into the lemonade and held it up to Hunters pale mouth. "Drink slowly, baby." He went over to the popcorn stand and ordered caramel popcorn, then he let Hunter hold the cone that it came in. He sat down at one of the tables and put Hunter beside of him, watching him munch on pieces of popcorn in between drinks of his lemonade. "Well need to leave in an hour, honey, okay? Were going to see Archer take his pictures with the princesses. We can ride one more ride and have dinner, and then we should go."
"Okay." Hunter said, too distracted by licking caramel off his fingers to say much else. "Is Archer going to be really pretty?"
"Of course." Blaine took a drink of his limeade and winced at the tartness, "Hes always pretty, isnt he?" When Hunter nodded then took another bite of popcorn, Blaine turned away and looked at Keegan, who was sipping from his freeze. "Keegan, do you want to eat at that café? I think its called Flos. Thats the only restaurant here... unless you want to eat something at the park."
Keegan shook his head, "Im okay with the café." Leaning back when he finished his freeze, he glanced over at the only other ride, the track with the racers. Blaine also glanced in that direction, then he turned back to Hunter, who was finishing off the last few pebbles of popcorn.
"Honey, are you ready to go? If we want to be back in time to see the pictures, we should go to the ride now. It might be a long line." Hunter bobbed his chin up and down, so Blaine gathered the leftover trash and took his sons hand. He threw out the trash on the way over to the track, and he tried to hold onto Hunter, who was desperate to get to the ride that very second. "Come here, Hunt. Hold my hand."
Hunter came back to his side and waited by him in line, playing with the string on Blaines jacket to keep himself amused for the twenty minutes it took to get up to the ride. When they were given the okay to get on the ride, he wrapped his arms around Blaines leg and buried his face in his thigh. He blew spit and air onto Blaines leg when he heaved a sigh, and Blaine reached down and scratched his head. "Honey, come on. We can get on now."
Hunter wouldnt let go of him, "Daddy, is this ride scary?" He mumbled to Blaines leg, keeping his face from Blaine.
Pulling Hunter off his leg, Blaine boosted him up on his chest and gave him a kiss, "No... its not scary, honey. Well just go through Radiator Springs. Nothing bad will happen. We just go fast for a second... you like going fast." When Hunters worried expression didnt change, even though it was obvious to Blaine that he was trying to hide it, Blaine kissed him again, "Daddy will be right there, Hunter. You can hold onto me."
He carried his son onto their car, a red one that made Hunter smile because it reminded him of Lightning McQueen. Setting Hunter in the middle, Blaine sat down beside of him and let him have his arm to hold in a tight grip. Hunter draped it across his lap, squeezing it to his stomach as their red car drifted onto the track. They zoomed in and out of the trees and mountains that towered around them, and Blaine pointed out the waterfall that flowed just a few inches away from them. A spray of water rained down on them, making Hunter laugh and hold his hands up to catch it.
Hunter gasped when they were launched into a dark cave and almost smacked by Mack, who was coming the other way. He hid his face in Blaines shirt, but Blaine soothed him by smoothing his hair. "Honey, look. Its Mater. You think hes funny." Hunter lifted his head from Blaines arm, and he laughed when Mater started tipping the tractors over, but the humor quickly left his face when they outraged Frank. A roar tore from him, and he jerked out of the nap hed been taking and chased after them.
Hunter cried at Frank, the first time Blaine had ever seen uncontrollable fear in Hunters eyes, and he realized that he was terrified of things that had no control over themselves, things that didnt just sit and petrify him from across the room but never move any closer, like a sweater that looked like an immobile monster in the dark. He was scared of things that he couldnt predict, that he didnt know he could fight against without getting hurt by a movement he wasnt expecting, and Blaine suddenly knew exactly how he felt. Without wanting to, he thought back to Karofsky, Hunters own dad, and the way he used to beat him without giving him any way to predict what he was going to do.
Wrapping Hunter up in his arms, Blaine pulled him as close as he could be and kissed the top of his head, "Shh... Hunt, baby, its okay. Daddys here." He patted Hunters bottom, feeling Keegan move on Hunters other side and shift into a more protective stance around him. "Its over... hes gone. You dont have to hide anymore."
Hunter peered out from Blaines shirt, and Blaine felt him relax from his head to his toes, his shoulders dropping and his toes uncurling. He found himself back in the brighter town, and he lifted his head from Blaines chest, but he didnt let him go. "Hes gone?" He whispered, and Blaine was shocked at how quiet and wobbly his voice was. Hunter had never been so frightened before.
"Dont worry, honey. Daddy scared him off." Blaine rubbed Hunters back, trying to cheer him up by pointing out the crazy townspeople. He started to laugh again, but Blaine could tell that he was still nervous that Frank would come back. "Hunt, its Lightning McQueen! Look, sweetheart! Hes smiling at you."
Hunter grinned back at Lightning McQueen, his memory of Frank slowly fading away and getting replaced by his new happiness. They went into Luigis to get a few upgrades to their car, and Blaine asked Hunter what he wanted to get upgraded on their car. He was sure that he wanted a monster truck with huge tires and a loud horn, which made Blaine chuckle and kiss him again. After they left Luigis, they stopped at the edge of a race track, so Blaine tightened his hand on Hunter. "Baby, are you ready to go fast?"
"Yeah!" Hunter shrieked, holding up his little arms as they launched onto the track and sped through the trees and the mountains on their way to the finish line. Laughing as he bounced along in the vibrating car, Hunter made engine sounds with his tongue. He threw his head back and hooted at the sky, which made Blaine smile because he was so giddy.
They crossed the finish line and Hunter kept screaming, "We won! Yay!" Blaine laughed with his baby, lifting him from his seat and throwing him over his shoulder. He blew on Hunters belly, and Hunter hit at his back again.
"Are you ready to eat, baby?" Blaine set him back on his feet when he got him out to the street, but Hunter hopped to be held again. Scooping him up, Blaine walked over to the restaurant that was just a few feet away. He took him inside and felt him turn his head this way and that, obviously sniffing out the warm scents.
Walking over to the counter, Blaine held Hunter up so he could see the signs, and he pointed at the first thing that sounded yummy to him. "Daddy, I want macaroni and cheese."
"Okay, baby." Blaine ordered that for Hunter, along with a juice box and a chocolate pudding with cookie crumbles-just because he was so spoiling of his baby, and a sandwich and strawberry milkshake for himself. He had to ask for a pasta salad and iced tea for Keegan. As soon as they got their food, Blaine carried the tray over to one of the tables and sat down. He pulled out a chair for Hunter, who instantly reached for his macaroni and cheese and slurped it up.
Sipping his milkshake, Blaine reached over for Hunter and ran his fingers through his hair, and Hunter looked up at him with his huge, brown eyes. Even though hed been afraid to look at those eyes before, he found himself getting lost in them now. He had fallen in love with those eyes. "Love you, Daddy." Hunter said, looping his arms around Blaines neck. Blaine hugged him just as tightly, feeling Hunter press a gentle kiss to his cheek.
Kurt tugged on the ribbons that were dangling off the back of the blue dress, and he twisted them together into a bow that swished with every twitch of Archers hips. Playing with the frills and ruffles around Archers puffy sleeves, Kurt lowered his hands to Archers sides and squeezed him. "Lets see your pretty face." He said softly, and he lifted his blue eyes to the mirror that showed both of their pale faces. Archers freckles dotted his tiny nose, splatters of black paint smothering the small button, while Kurt just had one freckle near his eyebrow. Nothing had been done with Archers eyes because they were already thrilling enough, but his red lips shined with a coat of gloss. He fidgeted a little in his ball gown style dress, the color just as dark as his ocean blue eyes. The look was finished with a pair of silver flats because Archer wobbled too much in heels. Gasping at his lovely son, Kurt turned his head and kissed Archers round cheek, "How beautiful. Just like a princess... You look like Snow White."
Chewing his bottom lip, Archer glanced over at Kurt when he brushed his thumb over his mouth, pulling his lip from between his pearly teeth. Kurt gave him an encouraging smile, and even though he seemed a little uncomfortable in the dress, he managed a crooked smile back at him. "I love you, Père." He wrapped his pudgy arms around Kurts neck, and Kurt hugged him back just as tightly, breathing in the sweet scent of raspberry perfume. He felt tears fill the corners of his eyes because hed never been so close to Archer-just the two of them-and it reminded him of all the times hed run into his moms arms and ask to have a fashion show with her.
"I love you, too." Kurt squeaked, his voice shaky because of the bubble of tears in his throat. "So very much, sweetheart." He let out a soft giggle when Archer turned back to the mirror to examine himself, his eyes narrow and watchful for any wrinkles in his dress. "Youre so lovely, Archer... I cannot wait until your daddy gets a look at you! Hell be so happy to see you in your dress."
Archer blinked at himself in the mirror, then started gnawing his lip again. Kurt recognized the habit in Blaine. "What do I have of Daddy?" He asked Kurt, who looked back at the Archer in the mirror. He saw so very much of Blaine that he couldnt help but smile, from that alert and critical expression to the way Archer chewed his lip.
"I see very much of him in you." Kurt said softly, and Archer glanced over at him, revealing the same concerned expression that Blaine had, wide eyes and a mouth that was slightly pushed to one side of his face. "Oh, Archer, youre just like him. Lets see... its the way you slouch your shoulders when you stand, and that jut to your jaw whenever youre upset. You furrow your brow like he does... and you cross your arms when you pout! You have his laugh... its a beautiful laugh. And your crooked smile... your lips are thin like his, too. You have his freckles... Some of them have gone away over the years, but when he was your age, he had freckles on his nose!" Archer scrunched his nose and tried to cross his eyes so he could see his freckles, making Kurt smile, "You have his personality. Youre both so stubborn! Youre strong like him... and just as quiet... You open up like a little flower around us, though."
Archer seemed delighted by the things he had in common with his dad, who he adored more than anything. Kurt knew that if Blaine took a step in one direction, Archer would take that same step and see if their footprints were the same size yet. "I love Daddy." He mumbled softly.
Kurt pressed his fingertips to his lips, trying to hold back a giggle that he couldnt help bubbling up in his throat. He finally let it out, a high pitched noise that told how happy he was, "I love him, too, little beauty. Hes my best friend. We tell each other everything... and Im sure hell tell you all about himself... one day."
Cocking his head at Kurt, Archer reached over for his hand and held onto it with his chubby fingers, "Why cant I know about Daddy now? Ill tell him all about me! You know how many secrets I have?" When Kurt shook his head and counted on his fingers, Archer held up both hands and spread ten fingers, "Lots! Maybe ten!"
"Ten of them? Thats so many!" Kurt cried, "But Im sure your daddy has an idea about some of them." Archer was certain that he was the best secret keeper in the world, so Kurt went along with it and squeezed his little hands, "You see, Archer, your daddy doesnt want to hide anything from you. But sometimes... it is good to have a secret or two. It keeps those who are very dear to you from hurting... and the last thing your daddy ever wants to do is hurt you. Your daddy hasnt had a most wonderful life... like you have. Things havent always been easy for him. Hes been sad before... because people were mean to him."
"Like who?" Archer had no idea of the boundaries that he was crossing, but Kurt decided to tell him as much as he could.
"Well... very old friends who meant everything to him. They betrayed him and abandoned him when things... werent right between them. A-And his parents... they left him behind because he wanted... wanted to be with me. And he wanted to have you and Hunter, but he couldnt if he had stayed with them. Thats why you only have one grandpa and one grandma... but they love you enough for two grandpas and two grandmas, dont they?" He scratched underneath Archers chin, trying to soothe him during the upsetting story of Blaines life. "Thats why your daddy always says its so good that youre nice to everyone... because he knows people who havent been very nice to him."
Archer crossed his arms over his chest in the same way that Blaine pouted, "Who could ever be mean to Daddy? Hes really nice!"
If only Archer really knew. Sighing, Kurt shook his head and reached for a curl that had fallen onto his forehead, "If only everyone thought the same, Archer. But not everyone is as sweet as you are! Youre good to your daddy. He and I couldnt have asked for a better son." Pulling Archer close for another embrace, Kurt held him against his heart, but he put distance between them when he heard Archers stomach gurgle. "Your belly is rumbling! Being made over is hard work, isnt it, Archer? Why dont the two of us go to dinner? I spotted this diner just a minute away from here."
"And then well take my pictures?" Archer asked, bouncing on his toes before he remembered that he was wearing very tight shoes. "And Daddy will see?"
"He wouldnt miss it for anything." Kurt assured him, getting rid of the troubled look on his scrunched face. Picking him up in a pair of warm arms, he draped him across his chest and carried him out of the dressing room. The walk back into fresh air and out of the cloud of perfume that was hanging in the air was a relief to Kurts nose, even though he did enjoy the fruity and flowery smells in the small cottage. He got a whiff of something yummy cooking from a cart that was just a few feet away, and he decided that he was very glad to be out in the fresh air. "Mm... Archer, do you smell sugar and cinnamon? I go mad for a sugary treat!"
Pointing at a little cart that looked like a wooden contraption, Archer cried, "Over there! The smell is over there!"
Kurt hummed, tapping his chin as he considered the pastries that were resting on the countertop, "Maybe a dessert before dinner wouldnt be so bad. Why dont we share one of these strawberry and cinnamon sticks, Archer?" Archer licked his lips, making it clear to Kurt that he was completely okay with the idea. Walking up to the cart that was named after Maurice, Belles dad, Kurt asked for one of the cinnamon sticks and opened his purse. He fished out the money and handed it over, then took a warm cinnamon stick that was steaming, letting the delicious scent rise to his nose.
Archer smelled at the treat, his eyes getting bigger with every second that passed by that he wasnt munching on his part of the treat. "Père, that smells good! Can I have one of the strawberries?"
"Sure!" Kurt dipped his finger into the strawberry sauce that was running down the side of the stick, and he stuck it into his mouth. "Mm... how yummy." Nipping the end of the sweet treat, Kurt closed his eyes and made a low sound, "Oh, Archer, this is wonderful, isnt it?"
"Yeah!" Archer mumbled around the bite he was chewing, "I like it!" After they finished off their dessert and licked their fingers and lips, they headed for the diner that was only a few steps away, one named for Daisy, the pretty duck that Archer enjoyed seeing so much. Kurt walked up to the board and glanced over it, and he smiled at the food they offered. He ordered a small pizza for him and Archer to share, and a milk for Archer, while he asked for a lemonade for himself. He got the food and brought it over to a table, then set Archer down and sat down beside of his baby.
While Archer slurped his milk, Kurt took a piece of pizza and cut it into tiny bites that Archer could chew. He lifted his own piece and laughed at the gooey mess, strings of cheese hanging over the sides and sauce splattering his fingers. Biting down at it, he flailed his hands and tried to pull the pizza away. Most of the cheese slid off and hung out of his mouth, and he found it a very difficult task to clean himself up. "You know, I never had a pizza before I came across your daddy! I thought they were messy and icky! But your daddy tricked me one day... and Ive been hooked on them ever since."
Picking up one of the pieces of pizza, Archer stuck it into his mouth and had to chew several times to bite through the sticky cheese. Then he noticed a little duck waddling by, and he glanced back down at his pizza. "Come here, ducky!" He cried, snatching up a piece of pizza and stretching his arm out toward the unsure duck. Shoving his hand at the duck, he pleaded with him, "Ducky, its dinner time! You have to eat dinner or your daddy will be cross with you!" That seemed to get the duck to relent, and he hesitantly leaned closer to Archer and snatched the pizza out of his hand. He gulped it down and stepped closer for another, so Archer held out another for him.
Kurt giggled at his son, turning back to his own pizza and swallowing another bite. "Thats very kind of you. Im sure that ducky is very hungry!" He murmured to him, and Archer twisted around to give Kurt a big grin. Archer nibbled on his pizza while he tried to keep feeding the duck, and then he finished off his meal by gulping his milk.
He lowered the milk carton again and showed Kurt his white mustache, making Kurt laugh as he bent over him to wipe his face. "Youre my silly boy!" He squeaked to him, giving him another few bites as he finished off his piece of pizza. "Are you ready to go see your daddy? He should be back now!" Archers little jaw dropped and he held up his arms, asking to be picked up.
"I want to see Daddy!" He screeched, letting Kurt boost him up and give him a kiss before he started walking back to the cottage. As soon as they were back to the boutique, Archer tilted his chin up and looked around for Blaine, and he found those curls near the wall where the crowns were hung up. Blaine was letting Hunter check everything out while they stood aside, but he jumped and jerked his head up when Archer screamed and writhed for freedom. Kurt put him down and smiled as he ran over to Blaine and knocked his head on his legs. He scurried away from Blaine before he could catch him in his arms, and he greeted Keegan with a few bounces, then he went over to his best friend. The two of them hopped and wriggled, and then Hunter rocked back on his heels as he looked Archer up and down.
Turning away from Archer, Hunter ducked behind Blaines leg and whispered to him, "Hes really pretty, Daddy." He peered at Archer from between Blaines legs, then he looked up at Kurt, who smiled at him and clasped his hands in front of him. His cheeks turned red when he glimpsed back over at Archer, and Archer gave him a crooked smile. Cocking his head at Archer and getting the same reaction from his best friend, Hunter said very quietly, "I like your dress, Arch."
The biggest grin overwhelmed Archers face, and he whirled around to face Blaine, who gave him a gentle smile. "Hes right... you look beautiful, sweetheart." Kneeling down by Archer, Blaine held his arms open and pulled Archer into a tight hug. After he put distance between them again, he grasped Archers tiny hand and twirled him around in a circle, making him laugh until he was gasping for air. Glimpsing up from his son, Blaine gave Kurt a grateful look and mouthed, "Thank you."
"I loved being with Archer." Kurt said softly, bending to kiss the top of Archers head. Archer lifted his hands and batted at Kurt, so Kurt took his hands and kissed both of them. "Is a pretty, little boy excited to take pictures with the princesses?" At Archers dropped jaw and crinkled eyes, Kurt grinned and kissed him again, "Come now, sweetheart! Run along with Hunter, kitten!"
Archer darted away from Kurt and held his hands out for Hunter, who poked his nose out from behind Blaines leg, "Come on, Hunner!" Flicking his eyes over Archer as if he was confused on why he looked so different, Hunter smirked when he realized that Archers funny personality hadnt changed. He took his little hand and the two of them hurried over to the front door, then waited there for the rest of their family.
Blaine followed his children and kept on their heels as they ran around like madmen, Archer stumbling every few steps because his shoes pinched his feet. He took them over to a small castle that was dressed in pink ribbons and blue flowers, and he let them peek in every window before they scampered over to the door and pounced inside. "Daddy! Daddy! Where are the princesses?" Archer cried, skittering in a circle around and through Blaines legs, almost tripping him.
Holding Archers little hand in his, Blaine walked down a long hallway that was decorated with pictures of the princesses and princes hugging each other so tightly. They danced in a few of them, and they sang in others. Archer bounced alongside Blaine, taking three steps for every one of Blaines. He suddenly stopped skipping and looked into a much larger room, bringing Blaine to a halt. "In here, Daddy!" Jabbing a thin finger at the room, Archer glanced up at Blaine to make sure it was okay before he ran into the room. He came back to Blaines side when he found the princesses waiting by one of the walls, and he wrapped his arms around his legs, squishing his face into Blaines thigh.
"Youre okay, honey." Blaine smoothed a wild curl off Archers cheek, pinching the soft hair between his fingers. "Go on, baby. Have so much fun with the princesses." Nudging his son off to the princesses, Blaine looked after him and gave him an encouraging smile. He stood up again after Archer waddled away, and he felt Kurts hand brush his shoulder. "He really does look just as pretty as them."
"He looks like you." Kurt whispered very softly, and Blaine glanced over at him before he turned his gaze back to his son, who was holding his arms up for Belle. She knelt to the ground, her golden dress wrapping around his small son as she squeezed him to her chest. Her brown hair fell across his shoulder, covering a puffy sleeve. Archer gleamed up at her, a crooked grin tugging at a corner of his mouth.
"Love you, Belle!" He squeaked to her, so enthralled by her that he didnt notice the camera flash. Blaine strode over to the cameraman when he held his camera out, and he glanced over the bright picture of the beautiful princess and his lovely son. Archer absolutely glowed in the picture, his wide eyes sparkling with pleasure as he held onto Belle. Blaine grinned at the picture, knowing it would end up hung somewhere in his house. It was too cute to resist.
Archer scuttled back over to Blaine when he let go of Belle, desperately swinging his arms up, "Daddy, up!" Picking his son up and kissing all over his neck and chin, Blaine smiled at his sons giggling and held him much tighter. "I love you, Daddy!" Archer puckered his lips, kissing Blaines cheek and making it wet.
"I love you, too, baby." Blaine cooed over his son, rubbing his face against Archers warm cheek. He could feel Archers cheek move with every swallow, and then Archers thick lashes batted against his forehead. Archer pecked his forehead with a pair of warm lips, making Blaines grin broaden. "So very much." He didnt want to let go of his soft baby, the glitter on his puffy dress scratching Blaines jaw and neck. "My beautiful baby..."
Archer squirmed for freedom when Hunter appeared by Blaines feet, reaching up for Archer and pawing at him. Setting him down by Hunter and watching the two of them hug as if theyd been apart for years, Blaine rubbed both of their heads and said, "Honeys, do you want to watch a show? Beauty and the Beast will be playing in a few minutes."
Looking over at Belle and giving her a tiny smile, Archer turned back to Hunter and tugged a strand of his hair, "I like Belle and Beast!" He chirped to his best friend, and Hunter silently agreed, bobbing his head up and down. Putting his hands on his children, Blaine guided them over to the small theatre that was a room away. Curtains were dropped over the stage, making his children anxious of what was going to happen in the play. "Daddy, is Gaston going to be spooky?"
As he helped his children into their seats, Blaine pulled the crown from Archers hair, letting loose a pile of hair that drooped over his face. Running his fingers through the mess of curls, Blaine smirked at his baby and scratched under his chin, "Isnt he always?" He leaned down to kiss Archers forehead that was dusted with light freckles. Sitting down beside of his son, he laid his hand on Archers knee and rubbed his kicking leg. The curtains fell apart after a few minutes, revealing Belle, who was walking down the street with a book at her nose. "Look, honey. Its Belle... you like her." He whispered to his son, and Archer stretched his arms out as if he wanted another hug from her. He wrapped an arm around Archer to substitute for Belles embrace, leaning down to kiss his hair.
He closed his eyes and breathed his baby in, the sweet smell of a fruity perfume. Blaine wanted to be so close to his baby, and he couldnt hold him tight enough. Archers shoulders shook with his giggles every now and then, and sometimes he gasped with shock, his throat suddenly moving, but he only wriggled once or twice, almost ending up in Blaines lap. Blaine didnt realize how long had passed, but when he looked up, he found Belle bowed over a dying Beast, trying to make him better by dabbing his wound. Archers eyes were moist from his overwhelming emotion, so Blaine touched underneath his teary eyes with his thumb. Water dropped to his skin, making it damp. "Beast is okay, baby. I promise." He mumbled to Archer, who cuddled into his side and grabbed a fistful of his jacket.
Beast soon floated into the air, shimmering lights bursting from his fur and showing the skin that had been hiding underneath. Archer cried at him as he turned into the man hed been too scared to be all along, waving his little hands at him. "Youre okay!" He squeaked to him, and Blaine couldnt help ducking his head and pressing his forehead to Archers charcoal spirals. The play ended with Belle and Adams kiss, the curtains collapsing in front of the prince and princess. "Yay!" Archer clapped his hands. "Daddy, theyre happy because they kissed!"
"Theyre very happy." Blaine agreed, kissing Archers little face so he could make him just as happy. Archer flailed his hands, then he turned to Hunter and batted his lashes at him. He suddenly became very shy, his cheeks brightening to a pale pink, but he moved closer to Hunter when Hunter leaned over. The two of them pecked their lips, a soft kiss that lasted no more than a second before they pulled apart and stared at the ground. Hunter peeled off his seat, keeping his back toward Archer, and he batted for Kurt to follow him. Kurt, who was trying to hide his smile, hurried after him, and Keegan stood up and went after them.
As soon as the three of them were gone, Archer twisted around and threw his hands up. "Daddy, Hunner kissed me!" He squealed, grinning from ear to ear. He did a little dance to celebrate, wiggling in his seat, then he hopped down and grabbed Blaines legs. "He kissed me! He kissed me!" Poking at his lips as if he was afraid to touch them for too long, he pulled his hand away and giggled, a low noise that gurgled from his throat, "The butterflies are attacking me, Daddy! Père says Im in love!" He pretended to swoon, holding his hand up to his head and falling against Blaines knees.
Raising his brows at his son, Blaine watched him waddle away, going as fast as he could in his pinching shoes. "Archer-" he tried, but Archer was just like Kurt when it came to having his mind set on one thing. He didnt even hear Blaine, too distracted by his wooziness over Hunter. Even though Blaine wanted his children to end up together so neither of them had to ever have broken hearts, he didnt want this to happen so soon. But he quickly gave up when he remembered how little love could be helped. Kurt had stolen his heart and he hadnt been able to get it back, so he decided to let Archer be okay with having his heart be stolen.
He got to his feet and walked on his sons heels, grabbing his shoulder in one of his hands so he didnt lose him in the crowd. He found his little family waiting in the hallway, and he walked over to Kurt and wrapped his arms around him. It was getting later in the evening, so Kurts lids were drooping. Looking down at his children, who were holding onto each other, he scrubbed both of their heads, "Honeys, do you want to see Sleeping Beautys castle? Or are you too sleepy?" They blinked up at him, reaching for both of his legs and grabbing his jeans.
Picking Archer up and resting him on his shoulder, Blaine let go of Kurt so he could bend over Hunter and scoop him up. "Come on, sweet." He carried Archer out of the Fantasy Faire and started over to the castle, which was lit up and shining like a thousand diamonds. It made Blaine think of Kurts many rings, and he looked down at his husbands left hand, which was covered in glowing jewels. Smiling at that pretty hand, he closed his own hand around it, brown against white. Kurt glimpsed away from Hunter, showing Blaine his shimmering eyes.
The walk over to the castle only took a minute, but every step was careful, all of them trying not to trip in the darkness. As they came closer to the castle, their pathway became brighter with the beams coming from the towering walls. Blaine went through the heavy doors and held up his son so he could see little Aurora, a small baby with a head of blond curls. The room became dark, except for flashes of lightning, when the evil Maleficent cursed the beautiful baby. They passed by an older Aurora who became possessed by the needle, and Archer cried for her to not prick her finger, but she soon collapsed because of the new cut on her finger.
The next room revealed her prince as he bent over her and kissed her awake, ruining the curse and destroying Maleficent. Blaine took the narrow stairs back down to the exit and he made sure his family was behind him before he left the castle. Archer batted at the place hed just been, showing his appreciation for the prettiness of Sleeping Beautys castle, but Hunters head was nodding.
Blaine figured it was time to take them back to the hotel so they could get a long night of sleep. He needed to rest himself, his neck sore and his legs giving out. By the time they made it back to the hotel, Hunters eyes were closed and his mouth was hanging open. Archers head was also drooping and he blinked to keep his lids apart, but Blaine could tell that he would be asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow. He brought them into the hotel room and he gave a sigh of relief when he laid Archer down in the bed and sat down on the end of it. Busying himself with changing the sleepy children into their pajamas, Blaine noticed Keegan putting on a movie. He wasnt looking at what it was, but he soon heard Belles voice, so he assumed that it was Beauty and the Beast.
Archer struggled to keep his eyes open so he could watch it, but after Blaine kissed his forehead and tucked him under the blankets, he gave in and rested his head on the pillow. "I love you, sweetheart." He whispered to him, and Archer waved his little hands at him. Yawning and scrubbing his face, Blaine turned away from his babies and got up so he could change into a pair of sweats. It was hard to leave his babies sides, but he soon came back to them and laid down, holding onto them tightly. Kurt crawled into bed beside of Hunter and tugged the slobbering baby to his chest, looking at Blaine over the babies heads. The two of them smiled at each other, but then Blaine lowered his head to the pillow and closed his eyes. They didnt stay closed for long because he wanted to keep staring at his children. When he finally passed out from exhaustion, he saw the two of them in his dreams, and he knew that they were his dreams come true.