"Seb, will you hurry up?  We're going to be late."
"I'm trying, I just can't find my tie.  Where the hell did it go?"
"Oh.  It's over here.  We, uh, borrowed it last night.  From your suitcase."
"Oh.  Right.  I remember.  Thanks... ugh I hate these stupid things.  Can never tie them."
"Come here, I'll get it.  How did you get through those years at Dalton without tieing a tie?"
"Thanks.  And my roommate, mostly.  I fell out of practice with them, though."
"Well, Good for you, figuring a way out of that.  I just had to learn how to do it.  Looks good though.  The tie.  On you."
"Yeah, I got lucky.  And thanks.  You look really good as well."
"Thank you.  Now, can we go?  We're really going to be late."
"Yeah, sorry about that.  Where are we going, anyway, Mr Don't-Worry-I'll-Plan-Everything?"
"It's a restaurant called Flemmings.  A steakhouse.  It's probably the nicest place in town."
"Oh?  Sounds nice.  Haven't had good steak in a while."
"When I was little and my parents and I would come here for vacation, we always went there.  I loved it because I always got to wear a suit."
"That's adorable.  My family's vacations were always boring cruises or whatever.  Not much for a kid to do on those."
"We came here every year at the end of summer, right before school went back in session.  Until I started at Dalton.  Then they started going by themselves.  As a teenager, I didn't care."
"Oh, nice.  It's really nice here.  I've enjoyed the past couple of days.  You picked a good vacation spot."
"You deserve it.  Mr. College Graduate."
"Aww, shucks.  It's not like I got a med degree or something.  It's just Music Business."
"Don't downplay it.  It's perfect.  Now, let's go.  It's right up the street.  Literally two blocks away." Wes opens the front door and ushers Sebastian out.
"Okay, if you say so... Wessy." Sebastian walks out, smirking.
Wes locks the door and pockets the keys, his hand brushing against a small box.  He promptly removes his hand from his pocket and glances at Sebastian.  "It's this way."
Sebastian watches Wes carefully, following after him.  "Alright.  I got a text from Rachel earlier.  Danielle's doing well.  Her baby."
"What?  Oh, that's good.  How old is she again?" Wes reaches back for Sebastian's hand.
"Her first birthday was last week, actually.  I'd show you a picture, but you don't really like kids, do you?" Sebastian takes Wes's hand, glancing down at their linked fingers.
"I... don't hate kids.  I'm not really a fan of when they throw tantrums.  Let me see the picture."  
Sebastian smirks and digs his phone out of his pocket, searching for a photo.  Once he finds it, he holds the phone out so Wes can see.  "There.  Danielle Barbra Berry.  Spitting image of Rach, no?"
Wes raises his eyebrows as he looks at the picture, taking the phone from Sebastian. "She really is.  Kind of cute too."
"She'll be a diva, though.  Just like her mommy.  I can't believe you just called a kid cute, though.  Maybe there's hope for our hypothetical child after all."
"I think there's plenty of hope for our hypothetical child."
"Oh really?"
"Yes, really."
"You're not just going along with the hypothetical child thing for me, are you?"
"No... the... idea of it has grown on me over time.  A little."
"Really?  You're not kidding me?"
"If I was, don't you think I'd have launched into some kind of explanation by now?"
"You've got a point.  I guess I was just a little shocked."
"Well, I'm full of surprises.  Look, we're here." Thankful, Wes, opens the door for Sebastian.
"You- oh, this does look nice.  Thanks." Sebastian isn't ready to let it drop, but does so for the sake of looking around the restaurant.
Wes steps up to the host.  "I have a reservation under Montgomery."  The host nods, searching his guestbook, then ushers the men to follow him to their table.  Wes pulls the chair out for Sebastian.
Sebastian follows Wes and the host to the table, smiling despite himself when Wes pulls out the chair.  "Why thank you."
"Of course."  As Sebastian sits down, Wes crosses to the other side of the table, taking a deep breath and letting it out in a silent huff as he sits down.  "So, what are you in the mood for tonight?"
"Foodwise or what we do after dinner?" Sebastian looks at Wes curiously.
Wes holds back a smirk.  "For dinner, Sebastian."
Sebastian chuckles.  "Steak sounds nice.  You pick the wine, though."
"Moscato.  Definitely a night for Moscato."  Right on time, and seemingly with a sixth sense, their waiter appears, holding a bottle of Moscato.  Wes smirks.
"Well that's convenient.  What are you, psychic?"
"No, I ordered it beforehand."
"Oooh, smart.  You really went all out for this, didn't you?"
"Slightly.  It's an important night."
"What makes it so important?  I mean, what makes it stand out from the rest of the nights here so far?"
"It's the first night we've really gone out."
"You've got a point.  It's nice."
"It is.  You know, I hope we can do this more often."
"What, dinner?  Vacations?"
Wes glances at his glass of wine.  "Yes.  You know, I don't say it enough, but I love you."
"I love you too.  I know that.  You know that.  Why does it matter?  Is everything alright?"
"Of course everything is alright.  Stop freaking out or you're going to ruin it."
"Ruin what?"
Wes sighs and shakes his head, reaching over the table for Sebastian's hand.  
"...What are..." Sebastian cuts himself off and just lets Wes take his hand, staring in confusion at the other.
Wes stares at their hands for a second, then looking up to Sebastian's eyes.  "I do love you.  It took me five years to realize it, and another two to make sure of it.  Sebastian, you mean everything to me.  All of what we have together means everything to me.  I leave work and I can't wait to come home and see you and your perfect eyes and your sandy hair.  And I want to do that for the rest of my life.  Our lives.  I am completely serious when I talk about the hypothetical kid starting to grow on me, because I want to do that with you.  I want to do everything with you.  Sebastian, I want to know if you'll be mine forever.  I want to know if you'll marry me." Wes pulls out the little box from his pocket and opens it facing Sebastian.  It's not anything fancy, just a simple band.  His eyes wander from the box back to Sebastian.
Sebastian remains quiet throughout Wes's entire speech, staring at him.  By the end of it, he can't believe there are tears in the corners of his eyes.  As soon as he sees the ring box, his jaw drops.  "Wes, I... yes.  Yes.  Of course.  I love you.  I want to be with you forever..."
Wes breaks out into a huge smile.  "Really?"
"Of course, really.  You big dork.  You've been a huge part of my life for the past seven years.  I'd be stupid not to spend the rest of my life with someone who makes me as happy as you do.  Even when we're angry and hanging out."
Wes squeezes Sebastian's hand and then pulls the ring from the box, holding it out.  "I'd have been stupid to have not asked you.  And, we're always happy after being angry and hanging out."
"We are.  It's the greatest feeling in the world, hanging out with you." Sebastian smiles and holds out his hand for the ring.
"Don't say that so loud.  People will get jealous."  Wes takes Sebastian's hand and slides the ring onto his finger.
"But I want the world to know how perfect you are.  And I'll deal with any jealousy."  Sebastian looks at the ring on his finger and blinks. "It's... wow.  I love you."
"I'm far from perfect, compared to you.  But I'm glad you like it.  I love you."
"Don't say that.  But we have a problem now."
"We do?"
"Yes, we do.  I really want to kiss you right now."
Wes smirks.  "Well, you're just going to have to wait."
"Bastard." Sebastian tries to glare at Wes, but ends up smiling instead
"Sorry for your luck.  Well, actually, I hear that you're engaged to someone that's incredibly attractive.  What a lucky man, that guy."
"Yeah, my fiancé can be a bit of a dick at times, but I love him all the same.  Especially his eyes.  And abs.  I'd say I'm the lucky one."
"Oh, you like my abs?"
"Oh, did I say that out loud?"
"Mhm.  Don't worry, you'll get to see them later."
"Good to know."
"I'm glad you said yes."
"I'm still in shock that you asked me.  But I'm glad you did.  This vacation is now my favourite one ever."
"I told you, I'm full of surprises.  And I'm completely okay with hypothetical kids."
"I'm so glad.  You are just incredible.  I can't imagine spending my life and getting hypothetical kids with anyone else."
"How about real kids?  Kid.  I don't think I'm ready for more than one."
"You're kidding, right?"
"What?  ...No.  What?"
"Do you know how much Rachel's Danielle has made me want a kid?"
"Well, I remember us talking about it back when she told you.  Well, me.  And other times since then.  You really want a kid that badly?"
"Yeah, I've always wondered what it'd be like to have a kid.  And then Rach had Danielle.  And now I really want to be a father.  So yes."
"I think you'd be a really good father.  No, you'd be a really good dad.  Hands down."
"Not for nothing, but you'd make a good dad too, you know."
"I think that's the part I'm most worried about.  That I won't be."
"You will be, though.  And you'll have me at your side to help you, in the rare case that you need help."
"If that ever happens, me needing help, you can't tell anyone."
"Of course not."
"That's a rule, okay?  I'm sure I'm going to need hypothetical help though.  I don't spend any time around kids.  Never have."
"Okay.  I've already gotten a bit of practice with Danielle.  And I'm sure I'll get more.  But we'll cross that bridge when we get to it.  Right now I'm just so happy to be with you."
"Sounds good.  And I can't think of any other place I'd rather be than with you."
"Good.  Where's that waiter?  I'm hungry."
"That's a really good question, actually." Wes turns, looking around curiously.  A waiter sees him and heads in their direction.
Sebastian orders a well done steak and grins at Wes across the table.
Wes orders a medium steak and hopes the waiter goes away soon so that he can go back to talking about the future with Sebastian.
Once the waiter is gone, Sebastian tilts his head.  "What were we talking about again?"
"Perfection.  Hypothetical kids.  How you're going to marry me."
"I like those.  Especially that last one."
"I like that last one the most too.  You're not going to turn into a groomzilla are you?"
"Hm, good question.  I'll try not to, but if I do, you have to be there with me every step of the way."
"Of course.  I wouldn't have it any other way.  Have you ever thought about your wedding before?"
"A bit.  Mostly just the trivial stuff."
"Like?"
"Location.  How many guests.  That kind of stuff."
"Where do you want to get married, Seb?"
"It's stupid."
"Impossible.  Tell me."
"I've considered Dalton as a location."
"Really?  I can see that.  With the Warblers backing."
"That would be incredible."
"I wonder if they'd go for that..."
"I'm sure they would.  We were both pretty well known by the faculty."
"I wonder if any of the teachers are still there.  It's been, god, for me it's been nine years."
"Wow, has it really been that long?  Damn."
"Okay, I'm exaggerating.  Seven years?  Eight?  I don't know.  Math wasn't my strong suit."
"It's been seven years since we started hanging out."
"Then yeah.  Nine.  Do you remember that first time we hung out?"
"Yeah.  How could I forget?"
"You know, it's a wonder no one ever figured that out."
"Yeah, it's not like we were that careful.  Remember the time Kurt freaked out because he thought I had gotten drunk and nearly killed?"
"God.  You weren't allowed out of the house for like an entire month.  I mean, you had more freedom than that living with your parents."
"Don't take this the wrong way because I love you and I want to spend the rest of my life with you, but it was kind of endearing, knowing that he cared about me that much.  But damn, it felt good to finally hang out with you again by the end of it."
"That was such a good night.  I was so pissed off.  We were both entirely too angry that night.  It was perfect."
"It was.  I get angry just thinking about how angry we were."
"I'm getting angry now.  And dinner's not even here yet."
"I'd say let's blow off dinner but I saw the prices on that menu.  And they'll have been cooking our food by now."
"Yeah, it's too late now.  It'll be out every second.  But as soon as we're done, we're leaving."
"Yes.  Please.  I need to kiss you."
"I don't think you're allowed to."
"Why not?”
"Because I just made a decision, that's why."
"What was your decision?"
"That you're not allowed to kiss me.  You know the drill.  Unless you're trying to overthrow the captain."
"Oooh.  I'm sorry, captain.  I didn't mean to.  Please may I kiss you later, though?"
"That depends."
"On what, captain?"
"If you do what I say or not."
"Okay.  I'll try."
"I know you will.  You always do.  And you always succeed."
"I'm glad you have faith in me."
"I wouldn't want to spend the rest of my life with someone who I didn't have faith in."
"You've got a very good point there.  I love you, Wes Montgomery."
"I love you, Sebastian Smythe."
As their food arrives, Sebastian smiles across at Wes.  "Looks good."
Wes glances up, catching Sebastian's eyes.  "Yes it does."  Wes cuts into his steak, wanting to hurry through the meal at this point.
Sebastian finishes his steak in record time.  "I'd eat here again."
"Maybe we will again when we don't want to leave so badly."
"I like that idea.  Hurry up."
Wes puts his fork down, finished with his steak.  "Where's the damn waiter?"
"He's never around when we need him.  Damnit.  I want to leave."
"So do I."  Turning around, Wes stares at the group of waiters standing there staring, trying to get their attention.  Their waiter notices and comes to the table.  "Check please." The waiter hands over the check.
"I'll pay half."
"Fuck you."  Wes gets out his wallet.
"Alright then."
Throwing a bunch of cash into the folder, Wes stands up, looking at Sebastian expectantly.
Sebastian stands up quickly and eagerly.  "Let's go."
"Let's." Wes stalks out of the restaurant, pausing just outside to make sure that Sebastian is following.  He reaches for the other's hand.
Sebastian follows Wes out and takes his hand when offered.  "I had a really great time. And I like my new ring."
Wes's expression softens slightly.  "I'm glad that you like it, Seb."
Sebastian glances curiously at Wes.  "This has seriously been one of the best days of my life."
"Really?"
"Yes, really.  If you hadn't, I... I would have."

***

August 21st, 2018

"Kurt, are you asleep?"
"Mmmhm, Blaine, sleep... more..."
"I can't sleep.  I've been laying here all night staring at the ceiling."
"...Whyyy?" Kurt's question comes out as a whine as he is tired
"It's because... Claire's going to school tomorrow.  School, Kurt."  Blaine's voice quivers a little.
Kurt blinks and turns to face Blaine.  "You're right.  Oh my..." he yawns "She's growing up..."
Blaine looks over at Kurt, half of his face buried in his pillow.  "Kurt... I... do you remember... when she... when I first mentioned her to you?  Our little girl with the dark curls?"
"How could I forget?  Rachie and I squealed about that one for a bit.  Our little best dressed girl with the dark curls, mind you..."
"She's perfect. ...Do you think she's going to be alright at school?"
"So perfect because she's /our/ daughter.  She's gonna be fine, Blainey.  She's a bright kid."
"Yeah, but do you think she's going to be alright?  Without us?"
"I... I think... I'm sure she'll be fine, but... I don't want her to leave..."
Blaine yawns. "Neither do I." He cuddles close to Kurt, wrapping his arm around the other.
Kurt cuddles close, pressing a gentle kiss to Blaine's jawline.  "Thinking about her going off to school just reminds me that in 13 years she'll be off to university,"
"Kuuuuuuuuurrrrrrrrrrrt.... Why?  She's going to be grown up before we know it, with a double major in something crazy like music and fashion, and then she'll be married.  And then... Kurt.  We're going to be grandparents.  I'm not ready for her to go to school."
"I'm sorry, I've just done a lot of thinking about this.  What if we didn't start her college trust fund soon enough?  What if she wants to leave us straight out of high school?  I hate doing this to you but I'm scared, love.  I love her.  I don't want to ever lose her."
"I can't even... You were sleeping.  How were you sleeping with all of this going through your head?"
"I think when I'm lying in bed trying to fall asleep.  And I stayed awake and watched you for a bit last night."
"Watched me stare at the ceiling?"
"Watched you be perfect."
Blaine hides his face in the pillow. "...Kurt....."
"I'm serious." Kurt smiles softly and reaches  out to gently guide Blaine's face out of the pillow.  "I love you.  And I am so happy we raised Claire together."
Blaine looks up to Kurt with heart eyes.  "She is my biggest dream come true.  The both of you are my biggest dream come true.  You don't even know.  I love you, both of you, so much.  I'm not going to be able to handle her walking away from us."
"I know.  I know, so much, Blainey.  But everything's going to be alright.  As much as I'm scared and you're anxious, we are going to get through this." Kurt kissed Blaine on the lips
Blaine kisses Kurt in return, trying not to think about the fact that the sun is coming up.
Kurt blinks as the sun filters through the blinds and smiles at Blaine.  "Who's waking her up today?"
"Dad?  Daddy?"
"Claire?  You're up?  Come here, sweetie."
Claire runs in, clad in her disney princess nightgown and climbs onto the bed, scooting right up between Kurt and Blaine.  "I'm going to school today.  Dad?  Can I wear my plaid skirt?"
Kurt laughs and wraps an arm around Claire, hugging her.  "Good morning sweetie.  Yes, you are.  Such a big girl.  Of course you can.  I'll help you pick out an outfit, alright?"
Blaine laughs with Kurt as Claire asks about clothing choices, reaching up to play with her hair.  "Daddy?  Will you make me pancakes?"  
Laughing again, Blaine nods. "Of course.  And bacon."
Kurt smiles at Blaine over Claire's head and sits up, swinging his legs out.  "We'd better get started if we all want to be ready by the time we have to leave."
Blaine and Claire share a glance and Claire scrambles under the covers while Blaine pulls them over their heads.  Giggles can be heard from underneath.  "Daddy! Shhh!"
"Okay, okay... Shhhh..."
Kurt stands up and stretches, glancing back towards the bed.  "What are you two laughing about?"
Whispers can be heard for a second.  "Daddy says your hair looks funny."
"My... hair...?  Well, Daddy certainly wants a tickle now, doesn't he?"
Blaine flips the top of the blankets down so that he can look at Kurt, but nothing other than the top half of his face is showing.  "I don't think that's necessary."  
"Dad is right, I think.  Sorry Daddy."  
"Your alliances change so easily..."
"Claire, how about you go get your plaid skirt out and I'll be in in a minute to help you pick an outfit, okay?"
"Awwww.  Okay..." Claire climbs out of the bed and disappears through the door, curls bouncing down the hall.
Kurt watches Claire leave the room, an affectionate smile on his face before he turns back to Blaine, replacing the smile with a smirk.  "My hair, you say?" He moves quickly, pulling the blankets down and planting a featherlight kiss to Blaine's collarbone.
Blaine's eyes slide from Claire to Kurt, who'd suddenly right there.  "Yeah, your ha- Kurrrrttt."  Kurt's name is whispered.  
Kurt smirks and kisses Blaine's forehead before getting up.  "There's your tickle.  Love you."
Blaine scrunches his nose and gets up after Kurt, grabbing the other's wrist and stopping him from getting too far.  "Love you."  He peppers Kurt's neck and jawline with kisses and quickly sneaks off to the bathroom.
"Dork." Kurt lets Blaine kiss him and stands still once his husband sneaks off.  After a moment he collects himself and walks down the hall towards Claire's room.  "Hi Claire Bear."
Claire is standing in the middle of her bedroom, holding her plaid skirt and staring at her open armoire, which is nearly empty, all of the clothing on the floor.  "Dad.  I need help."
"Oh, Claire.  Let's see here, what can we match this skirt with..." Kurt starts rummaging through the clothes on the floor.  "Do you like this one?"
Claire watches Kurt pull out clothing.  She shakes her head. "No.  I want to wear a shirt like Daddy."
"Okay.  How about you pick one out, then?"
"But, I don't know.  This one?" Claire holds up a white polo shirt with a little pink bunny embroidered on it
"I think that would make you look very cute for your first day of school.  Very good choice."
Claire beams.  "Dad?"
"Yes?" Kurt smiles fondly and bends down to Claire's level.
"I love you.  And Daddy.  And I can't wait for school today."
"I love you too.  And Daddy does too.  We're so proud of you."
Blaine's voice can be heard from the bathroom, singing Everything in the version he reworded for Claire.  
Claire smiles and kisses Kurt on the nose and then pushes him.  "Dad.  I need to get dressed.  Go awayyyy."
"Haha, okay, sweetie.  I'll see when you're dressed and we'll do your hair."
"Okay!" She ushers Kurt out of her room just as Blaine comes down the hallway.
"Find an outfit?"
"Yes, she chose a nice shirt... kind of like yours..."
"Well, great minds think alike.  Shower's all yours.  What kind of pancakes do you want, Dad?"
"Well, Daddy, I think we can afford chocolate chip for our kindergartner, don't you?" Kurt starts walking towards the bathroom
"Anything at all for our kindergartener.  I'm on it.  Oh, and hey?  Your hair does look funny."
Kurt blows a kiss over his shoulder.  "That alligator shirt is adorable, by the way."