Chapter 2: Waking Up

Seven years ago / 15 days before the rise of the beast:

An early Sunday morning on the cobbled streets of Willows Burge can be described as nothing less than mayhem. In and out merchandise was exchanged for fresh gossip and simple favors. Over the shouts of financial negotiations was the vocal paperboy reading the day's headlines. Mixed in with the clicking of tea cups was the sound of wild chickens and ducks. Banners proudly hung between the lamp posts where farmers were selling their freshest crop. Overall Sunday's were busy mornings.

In the heart of the chaos and with a book in his hands and his back against a tall water fountain, sat the inventor's son, Kurt Hummel. All sound, apart from the turning of book pages, was nothing more than white noise - noise that could be confused as ocean waves. A sound best described as fitting to the mermaid tale Kurt was reading."White foam rolled along with the turquoise tides and towards the warm sandy beach. Despite all the mysterious and indecisiveness within the ocean, one constant remained true. Peeking behind a large bolder in the water was a beautiful mermaid with long blond hair." Kurt continued to move his eyes back and forth. He was so engulfed in his story that he didn't notice the sound of footsteps approaching him or a man clearing his throat."The girl, like all mermaids, was forbidden to travel this close to the coast, but she could not control herself when her heart was...."

"If you look this hot when reading a book, I can only imagine what you look like when you're doing more pleasurable things." A rough hand grabbed the open book off of Kurt's lap. This forced Kurt to snap back to reality.

"Give that back," Kurt wished his voice expressed his true irritation, but he was caught off guard and he ended up sounding timid and confused. "Oh, it's only you." The younger man huffed when he recognized the arrogant smirk and the man seven years his senior. "What do you want Sebastian?"

Sebastian casually flipped through the pages of the book, but he kept his eyes on the younger man. "I just thought I would offer you better entertainment. A pretty face like yours shouldn't be shoved in a book. Similar to how pretty flowers direct themselves towards the sun. Allow me to be the sun of your flower."

"Well aren't you a charmer." Kurt mocked in a dry and humorless tone. Standing up from the fountain bench the shorter man stretched out his hand out. "Give me my book back."

"Oh," The taller man winked and raised the book over his head, "If you want it, then you're going to have to work for it."

Kurt pushed back his desire to punch the man and he kept his physical mannerism calm. "I would, but I don't want to catch your flies." Sebastian smirked at the insult. "Although I'm happy to see that you decided to wash your hair. The last time we met you were so grungy and dirty looking." The last time the two men met was also the first time they met.

The insult was weak and Kurt knew it. Sebastian was more handsome than Kurt cared to admit. He is tall and strong and the outfit he currently wearing is well tailored and fitted to his body. The clothes were expensive no doubt. That, in addition to his bright emerald eyes and fine cheek bones made the older man a good catch. If only Sebastian had a better attitude and a less arrogant smirk.

"Oh, someone is quick to judge someone he just met." The taller man lowered the book and hid it behind his back. "I told you before and I'll tell you again. I was helping my mother in her garden. I'm sure you've never had to work in the dirt before. Here is a little hint for you: working with dirt tends to make one dirty." Sebastian sarcastically spoke. "After that and I'm sure your father remembers. I offered my assistance when his latest invention started to act up. That explains the oil on my hands."

Kurt ignored his admiration that the brat in front of him helped his mother garden and volunteered when the town inventor was having trouble with his invention. Kind acts cannot ignore foul and arrogant behaviors. "What about all the dry leaves in your hair?"

"I didn't work all day." The older man did his infamous and suggestive wink. "Everyone deserves to have some fun."

Life in the town square continued without interest in the two conversing men. Between the shepherded and his sheep, and the children cheering from the merry-go-round, there was little room for anyone to notice the potential of a scandal.

"I agree. Everyone does deserve to have fun." Kurt batted his eyelashes and uncharacteristically nibbled on his bottom lip. In Sebastian temporary moment of surprise the shorter man snuck around Sebastian's back and grabbed his book from the taller man's hands. "For me, fun is not talking to you. Instead it is reading. You can go now." With a wave of his hand, Kurt turned around.

"Not so fast," Sebastian reached out and grabbed Kurt's wrist. "Don't act like you're the innocent one here. You may enjoy reading. I don't know you well." The meaning of 'well' was left open for interpretation. "But the little I know about you, I can tell that you have an ulterior motive. I mean, no one reads in the middle of the town square without wanting the attention." The man openly laughed at Kurt's blank expression. "I guess I know you better than you know yourself."

"You don't know anything about me." Kurt warned. "Let go of my wrist and leave."

Surprisingly the man let go of Kurt's wrist and crossed his arms. "Well, I don't know a lot about you, but allow me to tell you what I do know." Kurt raised his eyebrows in a daring manner. "Please set down." Sebastian sat on the fountain bench. After grinding his teeth together Kurt followed. "You are Kurt Hummel, the son of the town inventor and you spend your time either working with your father or at the library."

"Everyone knows that," Kurt rolled his eyes and drummed his fingers against the hardcover book. "Now if you don't mind, I have to go find another a new place to read. Apparently my current reading spot attracts unwanted suitors. Allow me to repeat what I told you when we first meet. I'm engaged." The ring on his finger verified his statement.

"I'm not finished yet," Sebastian placed his hand on top of Kurt's knee, both because he wanted to and plus he wasn't ready for Kurt to leave. "You made it very clear to me that you're engaged to the ungrateful, arrogant and coward prince. His name is Blaine, right? Your words are telling me one thing, but your behavior is telling an entirely different story. According to your body language," Sebastian lightly squeezed Kurt's leg and scooted closer to the lean body. "According to your body language you are unhappy with the match. That is why you spend your free time displaying your pretty face and body while youinnocently read a book. You are secretly hoping that someone better will come along." Kurt stiffened when he felt the hand on his knee creep up an inch. "Well, Kurt Hummel, someone better has come along. Now, why don't you end your engagement with the prince and allow us to really be together?" Sebastian dropped his voice and whispered against the seventeen year olds years' ear. "Also you can stop pretending that you actually care about literature. With me you won't need an ulterior motive."

"Get your hand off me." Kurt shouted and a few people looked their way. Unsurprisingly no one came to his aid.

Kurt did notice one man with sandy blond hair staring at Sebastian with a hot level of irritation in his eyes. Kurt would have kept staring, but he quickly turned away when the other man turned his head towards him.

"This is only the second time we've meet. You don't know me or Blaine. Do you want to know what I know about you?" The seventeen year old challenged. "You are nothing more than a spoiled brat. When we first met, you seemed to be a nice person. That changed fast."

Sebastian laughed as if something was funny. "Or maybe you bring out the worst in me. I can be nice when I want to be, but I'm curious to see how far being mean takes me. So far it's gotten me here." The hand on Kurt's legs crept a tad higher. "Not bad for someone who just met you. I don't believe I did a proper job introducing myself before. It was difficult with your father close by. Allow me to try again. My name is Sebastian Smyth, but after we're married you can call me Bas and when we're in bed I would prefer you if you screamed Seb."

"Smyth," Kurt growled and feverously pushed the wondering hand off of him.

"For the first time in my life I was wrong, call me by my last name." The twenty-four year old snuck his other arm round Kurt's thin waist and whispered into Kurt's ear, "That is much hotter."

"Enough," Kurt pushed Sebastian away from him. "Leave me alone. I'm engaged to the love of my life and your attempt of seduction is only embarrassing yourself."

Unhindered by Kurt's insult Sebastian returned his body next to Kurt's and laced their fingers together. "If I were seducing you, then you would already be on your knees. I'm just telling you the facts." With the tender touch of their fingertips in combination with the suggestive words, Kurt felt his face turned red. "I think your virgin embarrassment towards sex is adorable. Tell me, how far have you and the prince gone? Or are you even at the holding hands stage yet?" Sebastian softly ran his thumb over Kurt's trembling fingers. "I haven't met your prince yet, but from what I've heard he is an indecisive coward who, when the day is done, will abandon you for his own hide." Kurt raised his perfectly shaped eyebrows again. He has never heard such a nasty rumor before. "You need a real man. A man who cannot only protect you, but who can also give you want you reallyneed."

"Blaine is not a coward and he protects me, not that I can't take care of myself." Kurt snapped and again pushed Sebastian's arm away from him. "Don't you dare speak ill of him again."

The same and annoying laugh tickled Kurt's ears. With each breath Kurt was finding it harder and harder to keep his physical restraints from punching the other man.

"I'm afraid you're wrong on all three counts." With his fingers Sebastian counted each argument. "He is a coward. He is not protecting you, and you are not able to protect yourself." As if Blaine would manifest within thin air, Sebastian looked over his shoulder and gazes though the morning crowd. "Where is he anyway? With him and his busy schedule avoiding people it's difficult for a man to meet him."

The older man with blond hair continued to stare at the duo with something unknown in his eyes and posture. If Kurt had to guess, then he would say that the man looked jealous.

"He has his royal duties. If you really want to meet him, then your best chance would be at the queen's upcoming birthday party." Unable to ignore the blond haired man anymore Kurt added. "I think your boyfriend is getting upset with all the attention you're giving me."

Unaware that he had a boyfriend Sebastian turned his head towards the direction Kurt was looking at. Alone and standing next to a stand of oranges was Sebastian foul tempered friend, Adam Crawford.

"Oh him, he's nobody important. Just ignore him." Kurt could almost see Adam's shoulder stiffen at the insult. "The queen's birthday, you say?" Sebastian returned the conversation back to the direction he wanted it to go. "I guess I'll have to make myself available for that. But you better not stay out too late. You live on the edge of the town and forest, and we both know there is a beast out there."

When they first met Burt asked Sebastian why he was wondering within the forest. The younger man informed that older man that there has recent sighting of a dangerous beast prowling within the woods. It was his full intention to finish the beast off once and for all.

"I've never seen the beast. Other than you, I've never heard anyone talk about one. After you mentioned it I asked Blaine and the king about it. They established a hunting party, and found nothing." Kurt spoke matter-of-factly. "There isn't a beast, well expect for you of course."

"I've seen the beast." Sebastian clarified. "It is still resting and stirring. It will arise and attack us. I wouldn't be surprised if the beast takes over the castle after the royal family flees. Once that happens, you have my word that I'll defend you and this town."

Kurt rolled his blue eyes at Sebastian fresh gossip, "That is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. There is no beast and Blaine will never leave me."

"Oh Kurt its sweet that you actually believe that," The taller man laughed. "Say what you will, just know that I'm right, and I will get what I want." Kurt stood up and glared at Sebastian. "And I think we both know what I want." Kurt immediately cursed himself for standing up and giving Sebastian the opportunity to admire his body.

"This," Kurt indicated towards himself and without a second thought he pushed Sebastian into the fountain, "Will never belong to you." The younger man added and stomped away. When Kurt walked passed Adam, the older man continued to glare at him.

"It's sweet that you think that." Sebastian whispered. With little other option, the twenty-four year old stood up in the fountain. Water freely rolled down his face and his clothes stuck to his body. "The beast is waking up."

What Sebastian didn't know was that Kurt heard his last statement.

...

Present:

Kurt slowly fluttered his eyelids opened and adjusted his eyes to the morning light. His head was laying on top his husband's naked chest. The warm and firm 'pillow' peacefully rose and fell with each breath. In addition to Sebastian's chest, the secured arm around Kurt's bare waist gave the younger man a comforting feeling in his toes.

Sundays were Kurt's favorite and least favorite day of the week. He loves the day because Sebastian doesn't have to work and he is able to stay at home and play with the children. Thomas especially loves Sundays because he and the family typically go to horse stables. Ellie too loves Sundays; however Kurt suspects that her love for the day is due to the fact that Sunday mornings mean pancakes for breakfast.

Sebastian used to argue that he did not want his children to eat 'commoner's food.' That all changed when two year old Thomas almost walked in on his parents morning 'alone time.' From that day forth Sebastian allowed the cooks to prepare pancakes on the days he didn't have to work. He did this in effort to distract the children while he cherished additional time in bed with his husband.

Kurt brushed his check across Sebastian's chest and glanced towards the window. The sky was a pale gray color and no birds were flying. Seven years ago Kurt would have suggested that a storm was coming, but anymore gray clouds were normal.

"How long have you been up," Sebastian whispered and kissed the top of Kurt's head and his arm tightened around Kurt's waist. "I've been waiting for you to get wake up, but I didn't want to disturb you. You're just so beautiful when you're sleeping."

Kurt rolled onto his stomach and rested his chest against his husband. "Good morning, Bas." Kurt leaned in and shared a morning kiss with Sebastian. "I hope you haven't been waiting long. You need your sleep too."

Kurt squealed when Sebastian quickly spun their bodies around and pinned Kurt against the mattress. "I've waited longer to be able to do this." Like an animal Sebastian tongue consumed his husband's mouth. "Besides," the thirty-one year old added, "I've sleep in less comfortable places before."

Without elaborating any further, Sebastian ran his fingers against Kurt's abdomen. The younger man complied by widening his legs.

Kurt's least favorite part of the Sunday morning was this, sex with Sebastian under the morning sunlight. It was under the sun where Kurt used to confess his love to the phantom of his past. It was this same star's light where Kurt used to live a different life. It wasn't that Kurt didn't enjoy his private time with Sebastian. Sebastian is, without argument, very talented. Even though Kurt knows that there is nothing wrong with their action he still feels like a fraud and a cheat. Intimacy at night is easier for the twenty-four year old. After all, secrets are best kept in the dark.

Sebastian's mouth and hips established a rhythm and like the debris in the wind, Kurt went along with the movement.

Once Sebastian and Kurt both finished the two shared a relaxing and intimate shower together.

...

"Papa, daddy," a loud voice shouted as Sebastian and Kurt entered the dining room. "I ate two pancakes this morning!" Thomas used two fingers to prove his point.

Kurt wetted his thumb and whipped the sticky syrup off his son's face. "That is good for a growing boy." Kurt praised his son. Thomas looked very much like Papa Sebastian. They both shared the same shade of green eyes and brown hair. The only difference was that Thomas inherited Santana's round cheeks. When Thomas has a tantrum, which is often, it is difficult to determine which biological parent is to blame. "Did you eat an apple too?" Thomas hesitantly shook his head a negative. "Okay, go eat one now."

Before Thomas could return to the breakfast table Sebastian scooped the small boy into his arms and frantically tickled him. Thomas loud laugher echoed within the manor. "Papa, no!" The small boy bellowed and wildly waved his arms. "It tickles!"

Sebastian's unadulterated smiled caused Kurt to smile too. This is why he loves Sundays and his husband.

"I'm sorry Thomas," Sebastian stopped ticking the boy and allowed his son to recollect his breath. "Do you forgive me?"

"It depends," Thomas crossed his arms and mimicked his father's serious expression. "Will you let me ride Snowy and feed her carrots today?" Ever since Thomas was three he loved animals, but the white horse with white hair was his favorite. The horse's real name is Stephanotis, but Thomas took the liberty to rename her. "And afterwards we come back home and we eat cookies for dinner."

"That can be arranged." Sebastian agreed until he saw Kurt crossed his arms in disagreement. "Well, minus the cookies for dinner. You can have two cookies after your real dinner."

"Yay!" Thomas ran back to the table and rested his knees on top the table chair. "Hurry and eat so we can go!"

Sebastian offered Kurt a quick kiss on the cheek before advancing towards Ellie. "Hello my princess." The maid who was feeding Ellie dismissed herself and left Sebastian and Kurt to finish feeding the one year old girl.

"Pa-pa," Ellie waved her little arms upward, signifying that she wanted up and out of her high chair. "Up." Sebastian happy obeyed the order "Da-da!" The little girl screamed when she finally noticed her other father in the room. With greedy and grabby hands Ellie motioned towards Kurt, "Da-da!"

Ellie fought Sebastian's arms in effort to get into Kurt's. "You want to daddy to hold you?"

"Yes!"

Kurt opened his arms and Ellie clung onto him like a magnet. "Good morning, sweetheart." Kurt kissed Ellie brown hair and sat next to Ellie's high chair where her half-finished dry pancake sat. "Is breakfast good?" Ellie opened her mouth and welcomed the tiny piece of pancake on the end of the fork.

It was not difficult to tell that Ellie was Kurt's biological child. The two have the same blue eyes and facial expressions. Very little of Ellie's biological mother can be seen in her. Kurt does hope that Ellie will develop some, but not all, of Brittney's innocence.

After Santana gave them Thomas and Brittney gave them Ellie, Kurt wanted the women to stay in their lives. Sebastian however repeat over and over again that Santana and Brittney knew what they were getting themselves into, and they were paid more than generously. Eventually Kurt stopped asking about the women.

"Hmm," Ellie hummed and swallowed her food. "More yummy!"

"Hurry and eat," Thomas whined to his parents and sister. "We have to go see the horses."

The family of four quietly ate their breakfast and was occasionally asked by Thomas to eat faster. The five year old was already wearing his shoes over his pajama leggings and holding a bag of carrots. "Hurry papa, I want to go see Snowy." Thomas ran out of the room and returned with three pairs of shoes. He sat the respective pairs of shoes next to everyone's feet. "Can we go now?" Thomas ran out of the room again and returned with four jackets.

Before either Sebastian or Kurt could respond the maid returned with a worried expression on her face.

"I'm sorry to intrude." The maid quickly apologized. It was no secret that Sebastian hated being interrupted during family time. "Mr. Crawford arrived and he would like to would to speak with Mr. Sebastian Smyth."

Kurt stilled the motion of his fork. He did not like Sebastian's aloof friend Adam. When they first meet, Kurt tried to give the intimidating blond the benefit of the doubt. Surely the man he saw from the town square was nicer than he seemed. With time Kurt decided that there was something unsettling about the other man. In addition and on more than one occasion Kurt would notice Adam mentally undressing him. Whenever Kurt caught Adam staring at him, the older man would give him a knowing smirk. Thankfully Adam never acted on his emotions and Kurt was able to push aside his hesitation. Sebastian and Adam were close friends, and Kurt did not want Sebastian to sacrifice any more than he already had.

"Tell him I'll be there in a minute." Sebastian continued to eat his breakfast with slow enjoyment.

The maid shuffled her feet. "Mr. Smyth, Mr. Crawford said it is urgent."

Sebastian narrowed his eyes and silently weighed the odds of whether or not Adam could actually have any serious news. "Thomas," The taller man made his decision. "Why don't you let daddy help you and Ellie get dressed. Once you're done, then we can go to the horse stables." Without farther ado Sebastian excused himself.

When Sebastian arrived to the waiting room he was partial expecting to see Adam scooping through the Smyth family's personal belongings, instead Adam rushed towards him with wide eyes. "The beast is back," Adam chocked, "Ten of our men saw it. We tried to capture it, but it escaped."

Sebastian glared at his friend. "Adam, hundreds of people have seen the beast for the past seven years. Why are you telling me this now?"

After Sebastian failed to kill the beast seven years ago he had hoped the beast would get lost or killed in the wild. As it turned out, the beast never journeyed far. On occasion Sebastian was tempted to return to the forest and put an end to the beast. One night he almost did. However, he stopped himself when he heard the miserable monster crying. Why should he end the beast, when he was suffering already? After all, the town was safe and the boarder is secure - or it was until now.

Adam turned pale and then red. "Yes, but this time it has left the forest boarded. It completely destroyed the inventor's old home and the public library." Sebastian froze at the mention of Kurt's childhood home and library. "I don't know what it is after, but it is definitely wants something."

"Where isitnow?" Sebastian growled. All he could see was the color red.

"We don't know. That's why I came here." Adam panicked. "We're not sure if it has returned to the forest yet."

Adam quietly stared into his friends eyes. As far as Adam knows, he has seen the best and worst sides of Sebastian, but he never seen his friend this angry before.

"I know whatitis wants." Sebastian spat. "Butitwill be dead beforeitgets to him.Itmay have gotten away one time, but not this time."

Sebastian stormed out of the waiting room. Adam followed his friend towards Thomas' bedroom.

"Honey, what did Adam want?" Kurt asked, then frozen when he noticed the expression on his husband's face and Adam trailing shortly behind him.

"Unfortunately something has happened." Sebastian did not elude any further. "I want you to stay put. I don't want you, Thomas or Ellie to leave this room. Adam will stand guard at the door."

Thomas wigged out of Kurt's arms where his father was helping him get dressed. "But papa, you said we were going play with the horses once I got dress! See, I got dressed." The five year old modeled his clothes.

"Not now Thomas." Thomas' expression quickly fell. Papa hardly ever scolded him and this time he didn't do anything wrong.

"Sebastian, what happened?" Kurt whispered. His husband only got this angry when it involved the beast. "Does it involve..." Kurt couldn't say the word. He especially couldn't say in word in front of the children.

"Ithas been spotted, but you are completely safe." Sebastian quickly added when Kurt turned pale. "I'm going to go outside and secure our home and the town. I will protect my family. I don't want you or the children to see what I do to the things that threaten what is mine." The older man continued. With his hand behind his husband's neck, Sebastian then brought their lips together. Sebastian wanted to smell like Kurt when he killed the beast. It would drive the monster crazy.

"Please, please, don't leave us." Kurt cried but Adam walked between the married couple. "We need you here."

"You and the children will be safe. If something happens I want you to cover the children's eyes and ears." Kurt motioned his head in understanding. "Adam, do you have your weapon?" Adam nodded his head in confirmation. "Don't show any mercy."

Sebastian stomped out of the room and locked the door behind him. It was time to kill the beast.