EPILOGUE 

The distance was more difficult than they thought, but Kurt and Blaine worked hard to get through it because they thought what they had was worth fighting for.

Surprisingly to both boys, they had full support from their family about maintaining a long-distance relationship. Each had immediately broached the topic with his parents that first weekend apart and was expecting to be told that sudden feelings for the other boy would leave as quickly as they came. Instead, he was offered words of support and encouragement.

 Kurt’s dad and stepmother as well as Blaine’s parents knew their sons were not quick to throw around their feelings and knew the boys often tried to hide how lonely everyone else knew they really were. To hear about how soon their sons felt this strongly about someone else was a surprise – but a pleasant one. Burt grilled his son, wanting to know that “this Blaine kid’s intentions” were pure. Blaine admitted to his mother repeatedly that he wasn’t expecting to fall for someone so fast, but there was something special about Kurt and he felt more alive knowing the younger boy was in his life.

Armed with their parents’ blessings and fierce determination to see things through, Kurt and Blaine vowed never to let a day go by without some sort of contact. Often they were able to talk on the phone, if even for a few minutes, but sometimes there was only time for a text or two. It was never a chore to reach out to the other person, but a desperate need and want to keep the conversation going because there was still so much to learn.

Though they wouldn’t see each other in person for weeks and months at a time, there were daily reminders of the other’s presence. Kurt went back to the shelter each week through the end of his semester like clockwork and would find the piano was tuned and there were stacks of brand new books and board games for the kids to read and play with. Sally would smile at him and ask about his piano man and Kurt would chuckle and tell her that his boyfriend was doing well and working on his next album.

Blaine was busy, taking meetings and recording. He spent long hours in the studio, playing until his fingers cramped up, making sure everything was perfect because he wouldn’t accept anything less than his best.

…

As much as they joked the boys never sent each other letters, but every now and again, one would get a care package out of the blue. Blaine sent Kurt a stack of signed Playbills from Broadway shows he went to. Near the end of his semester, Kurt sent Blaine a batch of brownies and a bunch of Polaroid pictures of him and Cooper baking them.

Blaine sank to the floor in the kitchen of his Brownstone, box in his hand. He could smell the brownies before he saw them and a tear rolled down his cheek as he saw the dozen or so pictures of his boyfriend and brother making silly faces in Cooper’s kitchen. There was a note attached to the top of the container in which the brownies were nestled. More tears fell as Blaine read Kurt’s words meant only for him. They still had a month to go before they saw each other again, but for a moment, it felt like Blaine was with his family again – and that family included Kurt.

The tearful pianist took a bite of brownie and was grateful no one else was around to hear the noise that fell from his lips. After a couple more bites and an overwhelming sense of home filling his heart, he pulled his phone from his pocket and called Kurt, hoping to be able to Face Time with him.

Kurt picked up after just one ring with a wide smile at the sight of his boyfriend. He chuckled when Blaine greeted him through a mouthful of brownie and felt honored when Blaine praised the brownies to be just as good – if not better – than his grandma’s.

Their conversation was cut short when Kurt explained that he had to get to a final. They still never said goodbye to each other and this call was no exception. However, instead of telling Kurt that he’d talk to him later, Blaine said “I love you” and time seemed to stop.

Blaine had been aching to say those three little, but wholly huge words to Kurt since they parted and his feelings for the younger boy only increased as time passed. He had been planning to tell Kurt face-to-face that he loved him when he picked him up from the airport later that summer, but it was too late and there was no way he could or would take them back.

Eyes widened from both parties and there were several beats of silence before Blaine launched into one of his rambling monologues about how he didn’t mean to say it, but he still meant it, but how he wanted to wait until he could hold Kurt and tell him to his face. Blaine stopped talking on his own accord when he heard and saw Kurt chuckling on his phone screen. The pianist broke into an embarrassed, crooked smile and asked what was so funny to which Kurt replied “you.”

Kurt wished he could reach through the phone and touch Blaine’s cheek as he told him he was loved too. And while it would be nice if they could kiss each other right then and there, having it finally out in the open that they loved one another was going to make their visit all the more perfect.

Since the moment he met Kurt, Blaine was always grateful for the other boy. But in that moment, Blaine felt lucky to be himself because Kurt Hummel loved him.

…

Neither boy said “I love you” first at the airport because they both blurted it out at the exact same time before bursting into a fit of giggles near baggage claim when Kurt was finally able to fly out for a visit.

They only had one weekend together before Kurt had to fly back to Ohio to help out at his dad’s shop. Burt Hummel wished he could have given his son a longer visit in New York, but after some less than stellar results from his yearly physical, Kurt was needed at home to help out around the shop. Though Kurt would have liked more time with Blaine, helping his father would always be top priority and Blaine honestly wouldn’t want it any other way.

Kurt had only ever been to New York City once with his glee club for the National Show Choir Competition his junior year of high school but hadn’t been back since. He always planned to move there someday, but knew he couldn’t do that until after college. As a car drove them from the airport to Blaine’s home, Kurt found himself tearing his eyes away from the skyline to look at his boyfriend. Though New York City was always his dream, Blaine was infinitely more important and it felt like a privilege to be able to tangle their fingers together.

Upon entering Blaine’s Brownstone, Kurt was sad to see it didn’t really feel like a home. It was tastefully decorated, but the only room that screamed “Blaine” was the bedroom. It was decorated much like Cooper’s guest room, with pictures of the Anderson brothers and their parents from various vacations and landmarks.

Blaine regretfully had to excuse himself a few minutes after get Kurt got settled because his phone rang and it was his manager. One phone call was a small price to pay for a weekend free of work stuff and Kurt knew the call was coming. He took the time to walk around Blaine’s home and familiarize himself with the layout.

Kurt ran a gentle hand over the shiny kitchen appliances that seemed hardly used. He strolled back into Blaine’s room, pretending he needed something from his suitcase, but really just wanting an excuse to see the pictures again. He loved seeing Blaine’s smile and the warmth he emanated from being around his family.

After several minutes of staring at a picture of a happy Blaine with bandages and gauze on both hands and arms being tickled by Cooper, Kurt felt lips on his neck and leaned into the embrace. Shyly, Blaine pulled away and held out his hand, silently asking Kurt to follow him to the bed.

They laid down next to each other, face-to-face. Slowly they inched closer and hands began to wander freely. Soon shirts were unbuttoned and fingers traced languid paths across firm spans’ of skin previously unexplored. New territory was marked with soft kisses and gentle grazes of teeth; seized land boasting this is ours as opposed to this is mine.

Through months of conversation it had already come out that Kurt was a virgin in every sense of the word while Blaine had only gone so far as having someone’s hand on him. Blaine’s one college boyfriend was always pressuring him to go farther, but he knew the other boy didn’t love him. Even though Blaine was desperate for physical contact at the time, he wasn’t willing to do something with someone who wasn’t going to stick around.

As the night wore on, there was an unspoken agreement that neither boy had any expectations as to where the physical aspect of their relationship was headed. Though they had been boyfriends for months, they had still actually only spent a few days together and they weren’t going to rush into something because of a social stigma.

They woke up in each other’s arms, feeling safe and wanted. The only thing that convinced Kurt to get out of bed was a promise from Blaine of Sardi’s for brunch and a matinee of his favorite musical. Hands stayed clasp the whole day and well into the evening when they walked through Central Park, leaning in every now and again to steal a kiss under a streetlight.

Kurt was amazed by everything throughout the day – the hustle of the city, the ease at which his boyfriend maneuvered them through crosswalks, the size of the Clock of the Time Dragon, the amount of heat on his own face whenever Blaine stared at him like he hung the moon. As they strolled down the winding paths of the park, Kurt sighed contentedly, wondering if it was actually possible to have everything you ever wanted. He was in his favorite city in the world with the man he loved.

Blaine was equally in awe of his luck and was afraid that if he blinked the wrong way, it all would be taken away from him. He wasn’t used to being so happy. It wasn’t that he was a miserable person; he just found that life was infinitely better with Kurt being a part of it. Kurt wasn’t a crutch – if anything, he was a breath of fresh air.

After their perfect day together, Kurt cooked them dinner while Blaine set his immaculate dining room table with fine china he had never had cause to use. It saddened Kurt that Blaine lived alone and didn’t seem capable of cooking anything more intricate than scrambled eggs or Ramen noodles, but the pianist assured him that though he ate take-out almost every day, he tried to eat healthy and worked out a few days a week. Kurt made a mental note to send his boyfriend more food-based care packages once they were parted again.

Blaine insisted on washing and drying the dishes since Kurt cooked, so Kurt kept him company by sitting on the counter. They talked about anything and everything, trying not to think about how they once again had less then 24 hours with each other until one of them was flying out of town.

The boys showered quickly in separate bathrooms before meeting back up in Blaine’s room. T-shirts were shed quickly as hands roamed and fingertips hesitantly ran along elastic waistbands. With shaky hands, Kurt pulled down his own pajama pants. Blaine opened his mouth to say that he didn’t have to do that, but Kurt shook him off and planted a gentle kiss on his lips. “I want this,” he whispered. “I want you.” Blaine gulped and nodded, unable to form words, let alone coherent thoughts at the moment. Soon Blaine’s pajama pants were in a pile on the floor next to the bed and he was leaning against the headboard with Kurt seated on his lap. Their hips rocked slowly together, unevenly at first, but steadier as they gained confidence with each other. Declarations of love fell from their lips as spurts of warm ejaculate dampened the fronts of their boxer briefs. They rode out their highs with arms clasped around each other and waves of euphoria washing over their hearts.

…

Soon schedules got busy again and Kurt was back in school while Blaine played concerts all over the country. Cooper and Kurt drove to Cleveland together to see Blaine play and then took him out for a post-concert pizza before they all crashed in Blaine’s hotel room that night. A two-bedroom suite, the younger boys reacquainted themselves with each other’s bodies before spending the rest of their night in each other’s arms, grateful for the rare chance to say face-to-face how much they loved each other.

Weeks and months passed and they were grateful for Kurt’s winter break and the holiday season as it allowed them to spend more than just a couple hours together. Though they spent time with their own families, Kurt and Blaine were only an hour apart and could easily meet up for coffee or dinner dates. This was also the first time the boys had a chance to meet the other’s parents.

Burt Hummel thought Blaine was a strange ranger when he first met him. The pianist was nervous although Kurt had reassured him that there was nothing to be scared of and that while his dad looked imposing, he was really a big softie. As soon as it was made known that Blaine was a hazard in the kitchen and liked football, Burt let out a hearty laugh and asked Blaine if he was sure he wasn’t his son. Kurt’s heart melted at how quickly Burt took a liking to Blaine and immediately included him in conversation and teased him as if he were already family. Carole doted on the pianist, thinking he was the most adorable young man she had ever seen. She couldn’t help but grin at how much this boy was in love with her stepson and was willing to be the brunt of every joke if it meant staying by Kurt’s side.

Vanessa Anderson took a liking to Kurt as soon as he stepped through the doorway, hand wrapped tightly around her son’s. Though his eyes were wide since she knew he had never met any guy’s parents before, she could tell by his body language that he would talk through fire for Blaine. Ethan Anderson appreciated Kurt’s firm handshake and contribution to conversation. It amazed him how someone so young was so well informed and opinionated about everything from politics to popular culture. Both Andersons were surprised to see how at ease their son was with and around Kurt. It was hard not to stare in awe of the gentle touches or private looks the boys shared and how this was genuinely the happiest their son had ever been.

New Year’s Eve found the boys back at Blaine’s Brownstone. They were overwhelmed by the love and support of their families and grateful for how well everyone got along. It felt too good to be true, being in such a strong relationship despite the challenges of spending most of their time apart. They rang in the New Year from Blaine’s bed, sharing themselves completely with each other as the rest of the city cheered.

…

Blaine was convinced that their first big fight was going to be their last because he was pretty sure Kurt was going to break up with him.

They had been dating for just over a year, but had been physically apart for most of their time together. The distance was hard and they had to work to stay on the same page in their relationship. As amazing as things usually were, they would have their fair share of disagreements. One would miss a Skype date because of sudden changes in his schedule, or he would complain about missing the other one so much that it hurt. They thought they were being as open and honest as they could be, trying to work through everything together.

Blaine still had a bit of a problem omitting things from conversations and it would upset Kurt to hear secondhand information about his boyfriend from Cooper or find out about something about Blaine’s career well after the fact. Kurt repeatedly told Blaine that it was okay to tell him anything; regardless how silly or insignificant Blaine thought it was. Kurt did his best to not get upset, but finally lost it when Blaine didn’t tell him that he was a Classical Fellowship Awards Finalist.

The fight started over the phone and escalated quickly. For the second time since knowing Blaine, Kurt raised his voice and yelled at the older boy while all Blaine could do was stay silent and take the berating because he know he was in the wrong. It wasn’t that he was trying to keep it from Kurt; he just didn’t know how to tell Kurt about it without sounding like he was full of himself. It was a very prestigious honor and Blaine was proud of himself, but since he felt it dealt with the Devon Anderson aspect of his life and career, Blaine was hesitant to broach the topic with Kurt because that’s how he almost messed up their relationship before it even started.

Kurt yelled and then yelled some more, begging for a reason why Blaine didn’t want to share that part of his life with him. Kurt was so proud of Blaine and his immense talent and accomplishments and wanted to celebrate and champion his boyfriend’s amazing career. From there, Kurt just lashed out, questioning if there were other things Blaine was keeping from him. They had sworn to tell each other everything and be honest with each other since the distance was so hard and the only way they would make it was to work together, but in the moment, Kurt felt like he was being kept out of their loop.

Blaine apologized and promised he would share everything with his boyfriend because he loved him, but Kurt was still hurt. When Blaine asked if there was anything he could do to make it better, he wasn’t prepared for Kurt immediately demanding a few days to himself. Since they first met, they hadn’t gone more than 24 hours without some sort of contact, but here was Kurt asking for half a week of no contact. Blaine knew he was too young to be having a heart attack, but he imagined his anguish over the prospect of not talking to Kurt for several days was on par with one.

Because Blaine was so in love with Kurt and swore he would do anything to make things right, he left Kurt alone as asked. But, when three days of no talking turned into five, Blaine couldn’t take it anymore. After speaking to Cooper, Blaine found out that Kurt had flown back to Ohio to be with his dad. Heart still broken for the pain he caused his boyfriend, Blaine blew off a meeting with his manager and caught the first flight to Columbus. Too young to rent a car, he convinced a hired car to drive him all the way to Lima, making one quick stop along the way, and promising a huge tip and eternal gratitude for the service.

When Burt opened his door at 10:34pm that night, he wasn’t surprised to see Blaine standing on the other side. To be honest, Burt expected him sooner. But, the boys were still young and he figured Blaine was trying to be respectful of Kurt’s wishes. Burt knew the whole story of the fight by that point and thought that both boys were in the wrong, but knew Kurt was too stubborn to budge first. “He’s upstairs,” were the only words out of Burt’s mouth before clapping a hand on the pianist’s shoulders.

Blaine took the stairs two at a time but then froze while lifting his fist to the door to knock. He panicked, asking himself what he was going to do if this was it – if Kurt didn’t want to be with him anymore. His other hand palmed a small velvet box in his coat pocket while his heart raced.

Summoning some courage, Blaine knocked quietly on the door. He heard Kurt mutter, “I don’t want to talk about it anymore, Dad,” before he closed his eyes and slowly turned the knob. Removing the pillow from over his head, Kurt snapped, “Dad, I said I don’t want to talk about Bl-.” His tearful eyes widened as he finished softly, “Blaine.”

The pianist stayed planted near the door, unsure if Kurt would even want to see him let alone touch him. Kurt pulled himself off the bed and slowly walked toward Blaine before throwing his arms around the older boy and bursting into tears. Blaine melted into the embrace, but could still feel some tension hanging in the air.

They finally parted and the room was filled with an awkward silence completely unlike any other time they had been together. Blaine began to feel uncomfortable, so he dropped to one knee and with fumbling fingers, pulled the box out of his coat.

Kurt’s eyes were so large one could see white all the way around his cloudy blue irises. Blaine began to ramble, apologizing profusely for not telling Kurt about being a Finalist and for every other stupid mistake he had made in their relationship. He swore he would tell Kurt anything and everything and would work so hard to make it work. He loved Kurt and never wanted to cause him pain. Blaine confessed that he knew he wanted to spend the rest of his life with Kurt since their first date and asked Kurt for the honor of becoming his husband.

Blaine’s heart beat fast, threatening to break through his rib cage and onto the floor. Kurt was breathing heavy too, as he reached forward and closed the lid to the ring box, shaking his head all the while. “No, Blaine. No,” Kurt said, brokenly. “Not like this.”

The pianist clenched his eyes shut, trying to wake up from this nightmare, but finding himself still kneeling on Kurt’s floor when his eyes opened once more. He looked up at Kurt, eyes pleading for an explanation, but all Kurt could offer was a sad smile and a hand to help Blaine up off the floor.

They sat on Kurt’s bed, noticeable space between their bodies. Blaine’s shoulders drooped as he prepared to be dumped. The ring box was still in his hands, his fingers spinning it around because they needed something to do. Out of the corner of his eye, Blaine could see Kurt still shaking his head. “It’s over, isn’t it?” Blaine quietly implored. Tears dripped slowly down his cheeks and onto his hands.

Kurt wiped his own eyes as he looked over at Blaine, stunned at his boyfriend’s question. “What? No.” The younger boy reached over, stilled Blaine’s hands with one of his own and waited for the pianist to look him in the eye.

“But…” Blaine tried to read Kurt but was failing spectacularly. He looked back down at the ring box in his hand.

“Just because I didn’t say yes doesn’t mean that we’re over, Blaine. I love you so much,” Kurt confessed.

Some of the tension eased out of Blaine’s shoulders upon those words. “I love you too.”

Kurt sighed, “But you can’t just come here and propose while we’re in the middle of a fight and think that’s going to solve everything Blaine.” The younger boy ran his free hand through Blaine’s hair, letting himself have a moment to collect his thoughts. “We both messed up. I shouldn’t have yelled at you like that. I just want us to be able to tell each other everything. I am so, so proud of you and I need to you to know that I am always going to be there to support you and your career.”

Blaine nodded and sniffled. “I’m sorry Kurt. I know I should have told you and I wanted to – but I still kick myself for not being upfront about myself when we first met and I just feel like you’d rather be with me than with… Devon.” Blaine sighed and chuckled humorlessly at how silly that sounded.

The younger boy leaned over and kissed Blaine gently on the forehead. “I love all of you.” He brushed a soft kiss to his cheek as Blaine’s eyes fluttered closed. “And I will marry you someday, Devon Blaine Anderson. But I can’t accept your proposal right now.” Blaine knew Kurt was right and was embarrassed at his proposal because he felt Kurt deserved so much better. Kurt could feel Blaine’s jaw clench as his lips kissed his other cheek but knew he couldn’t do or say anything to make Blaine feel better about the situation.

They spent the night wrapped in each other’s arms, talking through their fight until both boys drifted off into an exhausted-induced sleep. Though there were still things that needed to be discussed, they were well on their way to a stronger relationship that was sadly to be plagued by distance for another two years.

…

Kurt’s graduation was a big relief for everyone. It celebrated the end of Kurt’s hard work at Point Park and the beginning of his and Blaine’s life together. They had made it through over three years of being apart for a majority of their relationship but were doing better than ever after their huge fight. Communication was continually something they had to work on, but neither boy was ever afraid to speak his mind or be anything less than completely honest with his boyfriend.

After spending a few last days together in Ohio, Burt Hummel helped his son pack up a moving van that they would drive to New York City to Kurt and Blaine’s new apartment. Blaine was glad to rent out his Brownstone while he and Kurt settled into a place that was truly their own. Though Kurt protested that he wanted to pay a fair share, Blaine ultimately won out and was able to purchase them a penthouse with a large master bedroom and enough spare rooms that each boy could have his own space to play his instruments or work on sketches and clothes construction.

Blaine’s piano career was still going strong, having been nominated for a Grammy the year before and a third album was in the works – this one featuring some of his own compositions. He laughed when Kurt asked if the penguins and ice cream song was going to be on the album and knew he would have to tell Kurt sooner rather than later that he was the inspiration for one of Blaine’s pieces.

Kurt’s move to New York City was not just to be with Blaine. His own career was about to begin, having taken an apprenticeship with one of the lead costume designers working on Broadway. Though he loved to perform, he found that creating wardrobe for different theatrical events was a bigger thrill for him and he was grateful for the opportunity to work under one of the most talented people in the industry.

Burt Hummel was sad to see his son go, but he couldn’t have been more excited for Kurt. Burt loved Blaine and treated him like a son already and he knew Kurt was happy in his relationship and ready to take the next step with his boyfriend of several years. The Hummels were glad they had a two-day drive ahead of them, giving them ample time to talk about Kurt’s plans for the future and just enjoy each other’s company for a little while before Kurt was settled in his new home.

Blaine was over the moon when the moving van pulled up and his boyfriend jumped out of the front seat. They were finally going to be together – able to wake up in each other’s arms every day instead of once or twice every few months.

After the last box was unloaded, Burt quickly excused himself with a promise to see them the following morning, allowing the boys to be alone in their new apartment. He gave Kurt a huge hug and a loving wink on his way out the door. Kurt smiled; glad to know that he had his father’s blessing.

The larger pieces of furniture had arrived a couple days before and besides Kurt’s boxes, the apartment was mostly set up already. The boyfriends flopped down on the couch, foreheads glistening with sweat from lugging Kurt’s endless boxes of clothes and books out of the moving van all afternoon. Their legs were already tangled as they looked over and grinned at each other.

“This is really happening,” Blaine chuckled in disbelief. “You’re here. We live here.”

Kurt smiled as he leaned forward. Blaine met him halfway and they pressed their lips, humming in contentment.  Nestling back on the couch, Kurt looked at Blaine and sighed, taking in the perfect sight of his wonderful boyfriend being happy because they were together. It didn’t matter that they were both red faced and smelly from moving around boxes all day, this was the epitome of utter joy for them both.

The younger boy bit the inside of his lip as he asked Blaine to slide over his messenger bag that was near Blaine’s side of the couch on the floor. With an exaggerated groan, Blaine acquiesced to Kurt’s request and tugged on the bag until it was within Kurt’s reach.

Kurt leaned down and grabbed the strap of his bag, lugging it onto his lap. Blaine watched as his boyfriend dug around, eyebrows furrowed as Kurt searched through his bag. “Babe, you’re tired. Whatever it is can wait until tomorrow.” Kurt shook him off as he kept feeling around in the bottom of his bag, sprouting a huge grin when his fingers clasped around what he was searching for.

The wide smile shrunk into a determined smirk as Kurt’s eyes locked on Blaine’s. “Do you remember that first week we met and you told me that you could love me and that you would love me?” Blaine nodded slowly, thinking back on how he was so sure of those words and that he did love Kurt with all his heart. With one hand still in his bag, Kurt reached his free hand out for Blaine to take. “Do you remember that fight we had a couple years ago?” Blaine ducked his head in shame, not wanting to recall that horrible – but thankfully short – period in their relationship. Kurt squeezed his hand to get Blaine to look up again. “Hey, no… look at me.” Blaine consented to Kurt’s demand and once again looked into the eyes of his boyfriend. “Do you remember what I said when you came to visit me?” Blaine cocked his head, quickly filtering through everything Kurt mentioned that night. Slowly, Kurt pulled his hand out of his bag, and in his fingers was a blue Tiffany’s box. Blaine’s heart didn’t know whether to stop or beat faster. “I said that I would marry you someday. But I was wondering…” Without taking his hand from Blaine’s, Kurt jimmied the lid off the box revealing a simple, yet elegantly masculine band of silver. “Would you marry me, Blaine?”

Tears welled up in both of their eyes as a choked whimper fell from Blaine’s lips before he uttered louder than anticipated, “Yes. Yes! Oh my god, Kurt, yes!”

Kurt’s bag fell from his lap as the two boys surged forward, mouths meeting in the middle. Happy tears and joy-filled kisses lasted for several moments before there was a barely audible sound of the ring hitting the floor. The boys pulled apart, eyebrows rose high as they scrambled onto the floor to look for Blaine’s ring.

It was Kurt who found it first – resting underneath the couch. With a sigh of relief, Blaine leaned an elbow on the coffee table and shook his head.

“I think we better put this on you before we lose it again,” Kurt teased, scooting closer to his fiancé.

Blaine held out his hand and Kurt slid the ring on slowly, a perfect fit for his perfect match.

They looked at Blaine’s hand before twining their fingers together and cuddling closer together on the floor. “Tomorrow, after breakfast with you’re dad, we’re getting you a ring,” Blaine murmured before turning his head to plant a kiss on Kurt’s temple.

“Already got one picked out.”

…

Despite busy rehearsal and work schedules, wedding plans fells quickly into place because the boys knew exactly what they wanted – family and food. Even though both of their careers dealt with larger than life aspects of performance, at the very core of their relationship, Kurt and Blaine were just Kurt and Blaine. They didn’t want or need a huge ceremony and Kurt preferred not to get married in a church because he was not a very religious or spiritual person. Blaine respected Kurt’s wishes and suggested they get married by the Justice of the Peace and then have a huge reception with their families and favorite foods. Kurt smiled at the idea and teased his fiancé, saying that he just wanted an excuse to have more of his grandma’s brownies. Blaine whispered in Kurt’s ear that they would soon be his grandma’s brownies too and Kurt could barely hold in his excitement – they were getting married.

…

The wedding itself was more of a formality than anything else, but that didn’t stop Kurt and Blaine from smiling so hard that their faces hurt. When they were announced as husband and husband, they leaned forward and kissed through their grin, whispering to each other “Hey husband” as they pulled apart.

Hand in hand, they walked toward their parents and brothers and everyone joined in in a big group hug.

The reception was – in a word – fun. Immediate and extended family were invited to celebrate the newlyweds in a beautifully decorated hall that was half tables and half dance floor. There weren’t servers or a DJ, but a buffet set up with numerous dishes and desserts from the Hummel and Anderson families and Kurt’s iPod playing out of some speakers in the corner.

Though they didn’t have Best Men during the actual ceremony, Cooper took it upon himself to embarrass his brother and brother-in-law with some stories from Blaine’s childhood and Kurt and Blaine’s relationship over the past several years. Though Kurt stared at Cooper with dagger eyes, even he had to chuckle when Cooper shared the story of the time he walked in on the two of them role-playing as Wolverine and Cyclops in a fairly precarious position that he was pretty sure he never saw in any X-Men movie.

While everyone was busy eating, Blaine stood up and cleared his throat to get everyone’s attention.

“Um, hey. I just want to thank you all again so much for not only helping me and Kurt celebrate today, but also your unwavering support from the very beginning. Coop, you were the first person to ask me if I loved Kurt and by that point I had only known him for 48 hours. You made me realize that it was okay to feel that much that fast because sometimes you just know. Kurt, I love you and will continue to love you as long as I live. And while I’m really not great at speeches, even though I know you say you love it when I ramble – ” Blaine paused while everyone including his husband chuckled, “I would be beyond honored if you would dance with me right now to what I like to think of as your song… because it is Your Song.” Blaine’s cheeks flushed bright red. “Man, that sounded so much better in my head. Anyway! I love you all, but especially my husband.” Blaine’s eyes widened as he looked over at Kurt for help. “Babe, dance with me?”

Kurt laughed and set his napkin down before easing out of his chair and walking toward Blaine. He kissed his husband quickly on the lips before dragging him over to the iPod. After finding the song they were looking for, they walked out onto the center of the dance floor and held each other close.

Their families watched as Blaine and Kurt got lost in the song, Blaine whispering in his husband’s ear, “How wonderful life is now you’re in the world.”

…

The reception lasted into the wee small hours of the morning. Though Blaine and Kurt were encouraged to duck out early by almost everyone to get their wedding night activities underway, they were the last to leave, wanting to spend as much time with their loved ones as possible on their happy day. It wasn’t just the joining of two men, but of two families who loved and adored each other.

Drunk on champagne and utter happiness, Kurt and Blaine meandered their way up to a hotel room that had been reserved for them by Cooper and Finn in a joint effort to kick off their brothers’ first night as a married couple. After several attempts, they were finally able to get the keycard into the slot the correct way and soon they tumbled into their suite.

Mouths of both boys dropped when they saw the room. There was a California King bed in the center of the room, covered with red rose petals and colorful condom wrappers. There was a bottle of champagne on ice next to a plate of chocolate-covered strawberries set out on the nightstand and two pairs of silk pajamas stacked on the pillows. Kurt and Blaine’s overnight bag was resting on a chair in the corner, looking out of place in such a swanky room.

As they shut the door behind them, Kurt pressed Blaine up against it and began mouthing hungrily at his neck. “I have wanted to do this all night,” Kurt grunted as he used both hands to peel Blaine’s tux jacket off.

Once his outer layer was removed, Blaine’s fingers fumbled with the buttons of his shirt, willing them to open with ease. Kurt’s lips had moved up to Blaine’s jaw line and his fingers reached up to bury themselves in Blaine’s hair, only to be thwarted by the hair gel Blaine insisted on using that day to keep his curls in check. Kurt punctuated his demand to his husband with kisses. “You need. To wash. This out.” Blaine nodded and moaned as his tongue was sucked into Kurt’s mouth. Kurt pulled back, causing Blaine to whimper in protest. “I’m serious, Devon. Wash it out while I change into something more… comfortable.” They were so tipsy even the cheesiest jokes caused them to giggle like school children.

Kurt shoved Blaine toward the bathroom before turning to the bed. He ran a finger along the duvet, touching the flower petals and condoms in his path. If it weren’t for the condoms, it would actually have been much like what he always thought his wedding night would be like – flowers, champagne, the most gorgeous husband on the planet. Kurt sighed with content as he held up the silk pajamas laid out for him and Blaine. He brought the fabric to his nose and inhaled deeply. Instantly his smile dropped.

Something felt off.

Though the fabric in his hand was soft and luxurious, he curled it up into a ball and tossed it aside. He quickly grabbed the other pajama set and threw it on the floor as well. Handfuls of rose petals and condoms decorated the carpet before Kurt put both hands on the side of the bed and started pushing it toward the corner of the room. He was so focused on trying to move the bed that he didn’t hear the water in the bathroom shut off or the door open.

“I realized I forgot my pajamas, but then I thought I probably didn’t need any because – ” Blaine cut himself off when he saw his still-dressed to the nines husband trying to shove the huge bed by himself. “What are you doing, Kurt?”

Clad only in a towel, Blaine crossed the short distance to his husband and put a free hand on his shoulder. Kurt dropped to the floor, shaking his head and muttering to himself, “It’s all wrong. This is all wrong.”

Blaine sunk to the floor next to his husband, thinking the worst, but trying really hard not to assume. “What’s wrong, babe?”

Kurt ran a hand through his hair as he gestured around the room with his other hand. “This.” He grabbed some rose petals off the floor and threw them aside. “These.” He pointed to the silk pajamas on the floor a few feet away from them. “Those. It’s all wrong.” Before Blaine could even ask what he meant by that, Kurt positioned himself so that he could face his husband. Seeing fear in Blaine’s eyes, Kurt leaned over and gave him a slow, reassuring kiss before leaning his forehead against his husband. “I love you, Blaine. And I thought I wanted all the flowers and silk pajamas and stuff, but I don’t. I just want you.” Tears were sliding down his cheeks and Blaine reached up to gently wipe them away. “Do you remember the first time we slept together? At Coop’s apartment?” Blaine nodded and smiled at the memory. “I want that again,” Kurt whispered.

Without saying a word, Blaine crawled over and grabbed their overnight bag before settling back down next to his husband. Silently, he unzipped the bag and pulled out two pairs of checked pajama pants and a couple old t-shirts before placing them in Kurt’s lap. Though tears, Kurt grinned and let out a short laugh, not expecting Blaine to have packed their everyday pajamas.

“Why don’t you slip into this, Mr. Anderson-Hummel,” Blaine said softly before leaning in and purring in his husband’s ear, “So then I can slip you out of it…” His words trailed off as he started sucking on Kurt’s jaw.

Kurt shivered with delight and closed his eyes, reeling in the sensation of Blaine’s mouth on his body.

With a parting kiss, Kurt shakily stood up before heading into the bathroom to splash cold water on his face and change into his pajamas.

While his husband was out of the room, Blaine dropped his towel and put on his own pajamas pants a t-shirt, completely happy to oblige his husband’s wish to recreate their first night together. It was only after he gave a secondary glance at the room did Blaine realize what Kurt was doing when he walked out of the bathroom after his shower – Kurt was moving the bed. For him. Even when he was tipsy, Kurt was thinking of making things good for him. For them.

Blaine heard the shower turn on and realized Kurt would be a few minutes longer than he initially thought. With the additional time to himself, Blaine finished shoving the bed into the corner and made sure all the rose petals were in the trashcan. Though the condoms were meant to be a joke, they were actually an oddly thoughtful gesture. However, Blaine threw them all in their overnight bag - they hadn’t been using condoms for years now since they were both tested and had only ever been with each other.

Smiling as he heard Kurt singing to himself in the shower, Blaine flopped down on the bed and stared at the ceiling, playing over the events of the day in his head. After a couple minutes, he realized he was fiddling with the ring on his finger. Pulling his hand away from his wedding band, he saw his scars and was grateful for them. They were a constant reminder of what his life was as a bullied little boy with a gift for music. Though Kurt never knew that boy, he repeatedly told Blaine that he was proud of him for persevering. In those moments, Blaine felt so loved and knew that he went through such a horrible experience because it eventually led him to Kurt.

Blaine still kicked himself every now and again for not immediately being open and honest with Kurt when they first met. The older boy didn’t know how to handle the situation because he didn’t really know at that point who he was. It was Kurt who finally made him see that he didn’t have to be either Devon Anderson (professional pianist) or Blaine Anderson (rambling, smitten 20something) – he just had to be himself.

This newfound sense of self looked good on Blaine. He was able to take more pride in his career and work hard to play for others and himself the best that he could. Though he still had to look the part when he was on stage, Blaine still felt like Blaine while he was performing. He didn’t feel like he had to pretend anymore – knowing that he had the love and support of the man he was going to spend the rest of his life with.

Lost in his thoughts, Blaine didn’t hear Kurt come out of the bathroom until he was startled by his husband clearing his throat. He couldn’t help but smile, which in turn made Kurt smile curiously. They were both mostly sober by this point and even though they were already alone, it somehow felt more intimate than usual.

“What?” Kurt asked shyly as his grin spread even further across his face.

Blaine shook his head. “Nothing. You just look cute in your pajamas is all.”

Kurt rolled his eyes, thinking his husband was being ridiculous and wonderful all at once. “I’m in a t-shirt, Blaine.”

The pianist’s smile grew wider. “I know.” Blaine reached out a hand for his husband to take. “It’s kinda adorable. You’re kinda adorable.” Blaine tugged Kurt’s hand and the younger man laid down on the bed beside him. “We’re kinda adorable.”

“We’re kinda married,” Kurt replied.

With that, Blaine let out a chuckle. “Yeah, we are, aren’t we?”

They quickly wrapped their arms around each other and held tight, enjoying the familiarity of being so close and the newness of being husbands.

Blaine sighed, happier than he had ever been in his entire life. He had a wonderful family, a career that he was proud of and the man he loved more than anything in the world right there in his arms. Though they were forced to deal with bullying on their own, they overcame loneliness, heartache and distance together. In that moment, Blaine felt invincible - he didn’t have to pretend like he had it all, because he actually did.