Feb. 18, 2015, 6 p.m.
Volunteer Angel: Chapter 40 - New York on a Lark
E - Words: 3,252 - Last Updated: Feb 18, 2015 Story: Complete - Chapters: 43/? - Created: Aug 09, 2014 - Updated: Aug 09, 2014 214 0 0 0 0
They landed at LaGuardia, quickly going to get their luggage and then to find a cab. The drive into Manhattan was crowded, but the boys had a good time looking at all of the sights. They giggled and pointed out landmarks as they saw them. Thomas sat in the front, smiling at the happiness the boys showed in every movement, in each word. He had never dreamed that Blaine could be so happy and content with his life.
“Ah, here we are!” Thomas crowed, pointing to an apartment building on West Broadway and Franklin in lower Manhattan.
The boys looked around. They were in New York!
The cabbie helped them remove their luggage and the boys grabbed it to follow Thomas into the building and into the elevator.
“Well, it isnt Central Park – but theres a little park on the corner,” Thomas pointed out. Across Franklin was a tiny triangle of green lawn, trees and flowers.
Blaine grinned. “Look at the name of the little park, Kurt.”
Kurt looked out the window, leaning into Blaine.
“Finn Square,” he read, a smile dawning on his face. “Must be fate,” he said.
Blaine heard him and stepped forward to put a supporting arm around him, kissing his cheek softly.
“How about you guys rest here while I go get my errands done, okay boys?” Thomas said, putting his suit coat back on and finding his wallet.
“No problem, Mr Anderson,” Kurt answered him. “Were good.”
Thomas left, hailing a cab and leaving the boys behind.
“Okay, love, hes gone. Lets get going so we get back before he does,” Kurt urged Blaine. They found their papers and were down on the sidewalk. Kurt raised his hand to hail a cab, but Blaine took his hand and gently held it close to his chest.
“The City Clerks office is less than five blocks from here, baby. Care to walk?” he asked, kissing the dimple beside Kurts mouth.
“Yeah, as long as I get to hold your hand the whole way,” Kurt said back, leaning in for a sweet little kiss on Blaines lips.
They started down Franklin at a steady walk, then turned on Lafayette and over to Worth Street.
After taking care of business, it was barely nine-thirty, so they strolled back to the apartment and up the stairs. There was time for a hot make-out session on the sofa before they heard Thomas put his key in the door.
“All done?” Blaine asked his father, giving him a big grin. He was so thrilled that his father had come all this way to be with him, and now he didnt want to let him go.
“Yes, all done. Now, what do you want to see first?” Thomas wanted to know.
“Central Park!” both boys shouted, then looked at each other and laughed.
“Well, Central Park it is!”
They spent most of the morning walking around Central Park, even getting a carriage ride upon Kurts insistence.
“When I was little, I always wanted to ride in a horse-drawn carriage. I couldnt give up that dream now that Im faced with the opportunity!” he argued. Needless to say, he got his way and Blaine and Thomas had a good time, too.
“Now what? Shall we get something to eat?” Thomas asked, his arm thrown across his sons shoulders for a moment. Blaine winced, his broken clavicle giving him a twinge. “Oh, sorry, Blaine. I didnt mean to...”
“Dont worry, Dad, Im fine. How about a nice cafe or diner? Nothing too fancy,” he suggested. They explored that idea for a few minutes and came up with a place everyone liked.
“How about a bit of history? The Knickerbocker Club is just down the street,” Thomas mentioned.
“Oh, that sounds wonderful!” Kurt squealed, grabbing Blaines hand and jumping up and down for a brief moment.
“Okay, Dad, the Knickerbocker it is!”
They walked down a few blocks to the club and entered. Since the boys were now 18, they were allowed in but their hands stamped so they could not order liquor. It didnt bother either of them because they didnt drink, but Kurt had something to say.
“I dont get it. I can join the Army and kill people in their own countries overseas, but I cant drink a Singapore Sling. In what possible way does that make sense?”
“It never made sense, Kurt,” Thomas said. “When I was a kid, we could be drafted but we couldnt vote. That made me angry. They finally changed the voting age to 18 and I havent missed an election yet. I vote absentee – I am still a U.S. Citizen.”
“Im glad they dont have the draft any more,” Blaine added to the conversation. “But lets talk about something more pleasant?”
“Sure, son, what did you have in mind?” Thomas asked.
“When are you going home?” Blaine asked.
“Tomorrow night, Thursday night. My plane leaves at 9:30 to Italy. Why do you ask?”
“Kurt and I had something we wanted to invite you to,” he said, looking shyly over at his boyfriend. Kurt gave him a slight nod.
“Its a surprise. We need to get up early tomorrow, and youre invited,” Kurt told him.
“Okay, well we were going to see a play tonight. Will it interfere with that?” Thomas asked.
“No, well be fine,” Blaine answered for them.
“Fine. Now, I hope you like the play I picked...its a revival of Cabaret?”
“Oh! I wanted to see that!!” Kurt shouted, leaning over to hug Blaines dad. “Emma Stone is playing Sally Bowles – I read it on Broadway Buzz.”
“That sounds great, Dad!” Blaine said, taking his fathers hand and giving it a squeeze.
“Well, we better get going. We have just enough time to get there,” Thomas directed as he stood up and slipped his jacket back on.
~ ~ ~ KB ~ ~ ~
“That was a wonderful play!” both Kurt and Blaine crowed. They had sat next to each other, their hands clasped together as they watched in fascination. Thomas smiled. He had watched his son and Kurt in fascination as the two absorbed every minute of the play, singing along quietly and holding hands. He was so moved by the care and assurance each gave to the other without giving it thought. Thomas had only witnessed one other couple who had this kind of closeness, shared this kind of love. His brother, Andy and Buddy. It was not the first time hed noticed the similarity between the two couples, and it made his heart warm up at the thought that his beloved son was part of such magic.
“Dad?” Blaine asked, staring at his father.
“Oh, sorry Blaine, I kind of lost my train of thought there. I must be tired. What were you saying?”
“Kurt was thanking you for the wonderful night you gave us. We loved every minute of it,” Blaine said, a touch of worry in his face.
“Oh, you are entirely welcome, Kurt. Im so happy you had a good time today. I hate to go home so soon, but duty calls. I cant leave it all to your mother for too long, she isnt used to the stress. I was happy to be able to spend so much time with you boys,” Thomas said, just saying what was in his head. “Well, you arent boys any more are you? Let me rephrase that. I was happy to spend time with two such deserving and wonderful men.”
Blaine blushed, a shy smile coming out for his dad as he looked over, his eyelashes fanning his cheeks as he tried to overcome the need to cry. Kurt noticed and put a comforting arm around Blaines waist in support.
“Thank you, Thomas. That is so nice to hear...” Kurt said, pulling Blaine close and giving him a soft kiss on his cheek.
“Theres our cab, lets get back to the apartment. I dont mind telling you Im dead tired tonight,” Thomas said, opening the back door of the cab for the couple and then getting in the front seat.
~ ~ ~ KB ~ ~ ~
“So, are you still okay with the plan for tomorrow?” Blaine asked.
“Yes. I never wanted anything as much as I want to be your husband, Blaine. Im ready,” he purred, snuggling closer to his fiancé and pulling the covers up over their shoulders.
When they got back to the apartment, Thomas went right to his room, wishing the boys a good night and asking what he needed to wear for their outing the next morning. If he was surprised at Kurts answer of formal, he didnt show it.
Before he went to sleep, he sent a text to his wife in Italy.
T: Hello, Charlotte. My plane leaves tomorrow evening, so I shall see you the following day. I missed you, darling.
C: And I missed you. Is Blaine still doing well? Is Kurt quite recovered?
T: Blaine is fine. His shoulder is sore but it is on the mend. Kurt appears well, but I can see he was affected by the accident.
C: Im sorry to hear that, Kurt is a very nice young man. Any plans for tomorrow?
T: K and B have invited me to a special surprise. Im to dress formal – at ten in the morning!
C: Any clue as to what they are up to?
T: Yes. They were talking about Breakfast at Tiffanys, so that is my guess. Probably buying some favorite food and eating it in front of Tiffanys on Fifth Avenue.
C: I dare you not to laugh. I think that is so cute. Leave it to Blaine to do something so over-the-top.
T: I dont mind. If it makes those two smile, Im all there.
C: I will be happy to have you back home, Thom. I love you, sweetheart.
T: I love you, too, darling. I will see you on Saturday morning.
C: Do you need me to pick you up at the airport?
T: No, I called the driver. Bye.
C: Bye my dear.
Thomas got into bed, turning on the radio. He wasnt sure of how close the two boys were, but he bet they were probably having some kind of relations. He was sad he hadnt been there for Blaine as he was going through school, but Charlotte was used to having her way and although she loved Blaine, she didnt feel equipped to handle his teen years.
Charlotte had no idea how to deal with homosexuals at all, remembering not ever knowing what to say to Buddy and Andy when they visited. She knew this gay gene must have come from Thomas side of the family and she should not be expected to deal with it. She did like Kurt, though. He was good looking, intelligent, and obviously loved Blaine, which made her happy they had found each other. She loved Blaine enough to hope his life was fulfilling and rewarding.
~ ~ ~ KB ~ ~ ~
“Wake up, Merry Sunshine, its our wedding day!” Blaine whispered in Kurts ear. Kurt woke up quickly, wrapping his arms around his fiancé and holding him close.
“Are you still okay with doing this today, in front of your dad?” Kurt asked and Blaine grinned.
“Of course! I do kind of wish your family could be here, too, but...”
“Yeah, I know. My dad would put a stop to it before the ceremony even began,” sighed Kurt.
“Do you have all the papers? Blaine asked.
“Yes, all right here in my messenger bag,” he said, trying to calm his nerves. They had turned in the application for marriage at the City Clerks office the day before, showing their drivers licenses and birth certificates to the proper authorities to get the marriage license the day before. Everything was ready, including the check made out to the clerk-recorder at the court house.
Kurt had his clothes all set out, getting ready slowly as he helped Blaine put on his suit. They had thought of wearing tuxedos, but opted for nice evening suits instead. Kurt had picked them out with Blaines input, then added bow ties he made himself: Blue to match his eyes and amber brown to match Blaines. Once they were all ready, the papers checked over once again before they were folded and placed in Kurts inside pocket.
Blaine was wearing charcoal gray, a light wool with a slight herringbone pattern. He added a pale purple silk shirt and a brocade waistcoat. He was slipping into his oxford shoes as Kurt came over to help him with his amber colored bow tie.
“Oh, honey, you look gorgeous. Give me a kiss for luck and then you can help me with my tie,” Kurt said, his smile a mile wide.
Kurt was wearing a dove gray suit with dark purple silk shirt and a blue bow tie. His waistcoat was the same as Blaines. They didnt match exactly, but were tastefully coordinated.
“Well, men, you chose a beautiful day for your outing,” Thomas greeted them, a bit surprised at the formal wear. He was suddenly glad hed gone all out and put on his best suit. “Ready to go?”
“Yes, Dad. Kurt already called the cab, so we can go down and wait in front of the building,” Blaine said. Thomas could hear the nerves in his voice and wondered if everything was okay. Could they have had a fight last night? Well, they seemed lovey-dovey this morning, so Thomas stopped worrying.
Blaine stopped by the cabbies window and spoke to him quietly. They seemed to argue for a moment and Kurt saw him pass a fifty to the cab driver before getting in the back seat with Kurt. Thomas sat in the front again, trying to think of something to start a conversation, but the boys seemed to be having a private discussion between themselves, so Thomas just watched the streets go by.
They didnt head out to Fifth Avenue to have breakfast at Tiffanys. Instead, they drove only a few blocks and Blaine was getting out of the cab, Kurt opening the door for Thomas.
“Whats this?” Thomas asked, looking around at the small park across the street.
“No, not the park. Just come with us, Dad, and all will be explained,” Blaine said as he led his father up the steps and into the white marble building. They went down a hallway and into a waiting room. Blaine sat with his dad while Kurt went to the window to speak with a young woman sitting behind a desk. He was back in a few moments.
“Would you care to tell me why were here?” Thomas asked. Blaine smiled at his dad.
“We want you to share with us the best day of our lives, Dad. Thats all,” Blaine smiled, standing up to take Kurts hand in his.
“Right this way, gentlemen,” the woman from the desk said. She walked to another room in the back of the waiting room and opened the door. “His Honor Jesse Otis will see you now. Congratulations,” she said, a sudden smile on her face.
“Ah, His Honor?” Thom asked, his eyes on the sign he could read on the door as they entered the mahogany-paneled room.
“Yes, Dad. Kurt and I have been talking about taking this step since shortly after we met. I love him. Thats everything and I know it seems we are young and we could have a long engagement – but we both know there will never be another person for us. Ever. So, were getting married now.”
Thomas just stood there, shocked. He swallowed as Kurt began telling him that they were both committed to this union and they would not change their minds. It was fate and it was happening now.
“Well, then thank you for letting me be here on this wonderful occasion. I meant what I said yesterday, and I wont take it back. You are men and I will treat you as such. Now, give me a hug – both of you – and we will get this wedding under way,” he said, blinking a tear from his eye. “You have my blessing.”
The ceremony was short and before they had time to absorb it, they were married.
Thomas hugged both of them, shook hands with the officiant and the other witness, and they walked over to the park.
“You are going to finish high school, arent you?” Thomas said in a kidding voice.
“Of course!” they newly married couple shouted in unison.
“I knew you were. I have to board that plane back to Italy this evening, but I wish I could stay and have more time with you,” Thomas said, tears in his eyes unshed. “But what am I saying? You two are on your honeymoon now, right?”
Kurt gasped and turned to stare at Blaine.
“I never thought of that!” he said, causing Blaine to laugh.
“We have until next Thursday to have our honeymoon, baby. Dont worry, well be fine,” Blaine tried to pat Kurts back, but his arm was still sore from the broken clavicle. He opted to use his other arm to gather Kurt in close and kiss his neck.
“Shall we go get a wedding lunch, boys?” Thomas offered. They nodded and set out to find a nice place close by.
After lunch – during which they had gotten into a slight argument about when to tell Burt about his son being married – they went back to the apartment. It was bittersweet, Blaine and Thomas wanting to spend more time together but Blaine also wanting to be alone with his new husband. Nothing was said, but everyone knew the emotions that filled the room.
“Sweetheart, I am really tired. Would you mind terribly if I took a nap?” Kurt finally asked. He had dark circles under his eyes and had been yawning for the past 45 minutes.
“Of course, baby. Let me tuck you in,” Blaine was on his feet at once, helping Kurt to stand.
“If I sleep longer than I anticipate, Mr Anderson, I want you to know how much I loved having you come to visit. I know it wasnt a happy reason you came, but it has done so much for Blaine – and I can only thank you for doing that,” Kurt told his father-in-law. “Please send my regards to your wife, I wish she could have been here, too.”
“Thank you, Kurt. Im proud to have you in the family. I can see how much Blaine loves you and how much you love him. Im beyond happy to know you will be together from now on. Maybe Charlotte and I can come for vacation in the summer. I know she will be glad to see you once again.”
Blaine walked Kurt to the bedroom, his arm around his husbands waist.
“Blaine, why dont you go with your dad to the airport? It might be a good time to have him all to yourself?” Kurt said.
“No, I want to be with you, Kurt. Ill walk him down to the cab, but then Im coming back up. Its going to be our honeymoon night, my love. I want to spend that with you.”
~ ~ ~ KB ~ ~ ~
Several hours later, Kurt woke up to find it was dark night outside. He glanced at the clock and found it was after 8 pm. Where was Blaine? Had he changed his mind and gone to the airport with his father?
“Hey, baby. Did you get enough sleep?” Blaine asked, sitting up on the other side of the bed.
Kurt blinked his eyes – there was his new husband, naked as the day he was born and looking at Kurt with his golden topaz eyes. They were like some sort of jungle cat when he was in this mood and Kurt smiled at him.
“I slept fine, dreamed of you the whole time,” Kurt said.
“You did? Tell me....”
“Come over here and Ill show you.”