#klaine advent: reasonable

[klaineccfanficlibrary]

do you know of any fics that exist in an au we’re the s4 breakup never happened? like blaine hanging out in the loft with rachel santana and kurt while he was still at mckinley in s4.

From a previous ask, where Blaine didn't cheat in season 4, we have these three below. However, most writers tend to follow canon that they broke up for some reason in season 4. ~Jen

The Secret About Blaine’s Cheating byMadPie

After reading everything I could possibly find, this is what I think actually think Blaine did that night with Eli, and this is how I believe how Kurt will find out.

~~~~~

Loneliness Found Me by  CoffeeAddict80

Instead of cheating on Kurt, Blaine finds himself singing about his feelings to what he thinks is an empty auditorium.

~~~~~

Exhibit McKinley by @tonks42

AU Season 4. Living so far apart from NYADA student Kurt, Blaine decides to send his boyfriend a series of letters and objects to chronicle his senior year.

~~~~~

The Air in My Lungs By JButler

Kurt wasn't trying to be perfect, just honest.

~~~~~

Check the Season 4 tag for fix it fics.

Scenes During the Break Upby misqueue

A collection of vignettes set in season 4 across the time in which Kurt and Blaine are broken up. Not in chronological order. For the Klaine Advent 2013 challenge. Stories are consistent with my The Architects of Life canon ‘verse.

Note: Many of the stories have the friends-with-benefits tag.

~~~~~ 

There are lots of season 4 fics where Blaine hangs out with the newbies, Sam, Tina and Artie when they are split - Killerqueen80 on AOS writes some great stories.

Glee Gen Fictlet #2 Graduation Party By Killerqueen80

The remaining four seniors plan a graduation party, all of new ND and some of the graduates who have helped them at competitions and such are invited to attend. it ends up being biota 2.0. basically just shenanigans with former grads witnessing the drama free family dynamic the current seniors helped create.

~~~~~

If you want Blaine hanging with Kurt, Rachel and Santana, here are some that are set in season 5.

Drunk on You by flaming_muse

It takes Kurt three times to fit his key in the lock of the apartment’s door, partly because Blaine is swaying heavily against his side, a warm, drunk weight keeping him off-balance, and partly because the alcohol in his own system is making the lock swim just enough in the plane of the door that he can’t quite catch it.

Bushwick futurefic, set within the next year or so, after Blaine’s graduation, no spoilers past 5x03

~~~~

Bushwick Game Night by flaming_muse

Pictionary in the Bushwick loft is serious business.

Bushwick futurefic, set sometime in fall 2013, spoilers assumed through but not past 5x07 (“Puppet Master”)

[klaineadvent]

Hello Everyone!

This is a long one, so apologies in advance! 

You may notice the Klaine Advent looking a little different this year! As noted in an earlier post, we’re rebranding to the December Klaine Fanworks Challenge!

There are a handful of reasons we’re doing this, but hopefully this little refresh will get people excited about participating all the way to the end. For consistency this year this event will remain attached to the Klaine Advent blog, and we’ll determine after the event whether we need to change that in the future.

So, how are things changing? 

There will be still be a daily word (yay!), these are chosen via a random word generator, and are NOT themed in any way. These words will post on this blog every day around 6 am Eastern Standard TIme.

That said! Since it is December, and Glee comes with a Christmas episode every year, and Klaine do have a Christmas duet tradition (more years than not anyway…) we will also be posting a weekly theme! These will be holiday flavored, and we are kicking off this inaugural event with the theme of Christmas Songs. Each weekly themed post will highlight a different song and some selected lyrics.

On to the details!

The Dates. December 1 - December 21 

The Words. Every day around 6am, US Eastern Standard Time, a fresh new word will pop out of the queue. This year the words are not alphabetical, and were chosen by a random word generator. The wonderful @caramelcoffeeaddict did all of the artwork again this year!

How to participate. Anyone can contribute, no need to sign up! There will be a single word prompt post each day for 21 days (December 1-21), and a holiday themed post every Friday beginning December 1, with the final themed post dropping December 22. You can write a drabble (or a sentence or a novel, if you like), create an art piece, make fresh gifs based on the prompt - whatever inspires you! This year the tag will be: “december klaine challenge 2023” and please tag with the word of the day so volunteers can ID the posts they need to reblog (please please please make sure all of your contributions are tagged so we can find them!). 

Contribute however works best for you. You can do something every day, every 4th day, once a week, altogether at the end, whatever works for you and your schedule. Use all the prompts or pick and choose what speaks to you. Set your own challenges. The only requirements for the Challenge are that it be Klaine centered, and that it references or uses one the word (or theme) prompt in some way.

Volunteers will be reblogging fics to the @todaydreambelieversfic blog, so you can always go scroll the blog to find the latest entries.  Of course everyone (especially the authors!) would be delighted if people reblogged to their own blog - the more people who reblog something the wider the potential viewing audience. We want to encourage everyone to reblog as many fics as they like all throughout the month!!

Partnership. This year again we’ll be partnering with @todaydreambelieversfic.  Authors and other creators for Klaine Advent who would like an additional place to promote their works are welcome to join as members. Just send a private message to @todaydreambelieversfic with your email address and they’ll add you to the blog membership.

Archive of Our Own. We have created a collection on AO3 for those people who don’t post to tumblr, and where those folks who do post to tumblr can share their advent works if you like! The collection will be up this weekend and I'll make another post when that's rolling.

Want to Volunteer? We can always use people to help with the daily reblogs!  If you can spare one or two days please signup here!! 

“But what if I don’t write or make art and don’t have time to volunteer?”  You are the most important person in the Advent!! Read the fics, look at the art, let the authors and artists know how much you appreciate their work by reblogging and commenting and liking and all those things creators like. Nothing helps a writer or artist losing steam get motivated more than a nice comment from someone. 

I think that covers everything, so if you have any questions or there’s something that’s not clear, please ask! 

Happy Writing!!

@slayediest

[forabeatofadrum]

Ljubim te series masterpost

Masterpost for my Klaine Advent 2022 and Klaine December Fanworks 2023 stories

Ljubim te

Summary: Blaine moves to Ljubljana to help his dad expand the family business. He takes the opportunity for career reasons, sure, but also because he needs some distance from his girlfriend Quinn Fabray. Kurt moves to Ljubljana for a semester abroad, temporarily leaving behind everything he’s known in order to broaden his horizon. They meet at random at a pizza place.

Rating: T

Words: ~30K

AO3 | S&C | Tumblr tag

--

Je tik pred vami

Summary: Quinn Fabray has a lot more free time. Her boyfriend Blaine has moved to the other side of the world, but Quinn will be fine. Unfortunately, Denise Jackson-Smith, the daughter of a senator, just pisses her off. When Quinn keeps running into Denise, she can’t help but despise her. After all, that’s all that there is to it. Quinn despises Denise, right?

Rating: T

Words: ~10K

AO3 | Tumblr

--

Ljubili se

Summary: Kurt and Blaine fell in love in Ljubljana, but all things must come to an end. Kurt’s semester abroad and Blaine’s job are finished and they must go back home, with each of them living on the other side of the country. It’s difficult to be long-distance, especially since Blaine doesn’t know how to come out to his family and Kurt’s friends have all moved on to bigger things while he was away. But all is not lost. Kurt’s trying to figure out if he can do an internship in Los Angeles and Blaine’s aiming for a job in New York. The problem is that they’re unaware of the other’s plan.

Rating: T

Words: WIP

AO3 | S&C | Tumblr tag

--

Extra’s:

Boni dishes

Open Kitchen dishes

VIGÒ ice cream

The Slovenian Glossary

Plucking Daisy Petals, a fic set in this universe, written by @thnxforknowingme

[bitbybitwrites]

Weekend WIP - Ask Game

Rules: List your WIPs below (if you only write one fic at a time, feel free to include future WIPs/ideas!) then answer the following questions. Then, tag as many people as you have WIPs (or more).

*******

Well now @daisyishedwig did send me an ask with a few of these questions. So since technically the game is to answer them all - I'll do that. Apologies if its more than what you wanted to know!

I've already tagged folks here when I first posted this. But if you see this and haven't been tagged want to join in - go ahead!

*****

1. WIP List: (what I qualify as a WIP for me is either I've started outlining extensively and/or actually writing the fic.)

If I Can Make Your Heart My Home (Klaine fic)

Sanctuary (Klaine fic)

Cuffed (Klaine fic) - not posted

Tinker Bells ( Klaine fic)- not posted

Untitled Klaine Advent 2022 fic - Day 5 - Oval (Klaine fic) - not posted

Shaken, Not Stirred - not posted (RWRB fic)

Untitled RWRB fic - not posted

2. Which of your WIPs is currently the longest?

By far, If I Can Make Your Heart My Home. It's also the longest fic I've written to date. I last posted Chapter 20. I have Chp 21 in the batter's box and am currently writing Chp 22.

3. Which WIP do you expect will end up the longest?

Yikes. I'm going to guess, If I Can Make Your Heart My Home. Though Cuffed as the potential to be pretty long as well. And whenever I get around to the untitled RWRB fic, that's going to be a long one too.

4. Which WIP is your favourite to write/the most enjoyable to write? Why?

If I Can Make Your Heart My Home. I've really kind of fallen in love with the AU. I have soooo many cameos of characters from the show - esp some that I hope were very unexpected for readers. I've really enjoyed working them into the story. I also am loving the music attached to the story. The original prompt/artwork had Blaine as a guitar playing street musician. After some brainstorming with @datshitrandom (who provided the prompt and art) we switched it instead to a cello playing Blaine and I've really enjoyed finding cello pieces do go along with the story. I've begun adding mood music too for some chapters, which I hope has enhanced the experience for readers. I'm also such a big tea drinker/baker/lover of afternoon tea - the whole tea/cooking element of the story makes me smile. I've snuck in some of my personal favorite recipes that Kurt and his fellow chefs have made and enjoyed looking for new ones to round out the fic.

5. Which WIP do you find the most intimidating to write? Why?

Cuffed. Partially bc its a prequel to my first ever fic - Trick or Treat - and I really want to do it justice. That first story I agonized over writing and I love the little AU that folks only got a peek at. Partially bc its a D/s AU and I want to do the lifestyle justice and treat it with respect - yet at the same time its an AU so I do get to call the shots and make my own rules on how the world evolves. I feel its going to be a more character/emotion driven fic as opposed to a kink driven one. But then that does fall in line with the fic its based off of. One of my betas had called it "D/s lite" when she first read it 😂.

6. Which WIP do you experience the most self-doubt about. Why?

Maybe Cuffed. - bc of the reasons listed above. Maybe also my untitled RWRB fic. - actually both of the RWRB fics - bc its a totally new fandom for me to write for and I so want to do those characters justice.

7. Which of your WIPs will you seek out a beta/sensitivity reader for? Why?

I always run my fics past my two betas - its just a force of habit ever since I started writing - they are great sounding boards, especially when I'm stumped about something I want to include in a story.

8. Have any of your WIPs been struck by the curse of writer's block?

Sanctuary had a bit of writers block for a bit - but then I was able to bang out an outline for all but the last two scenes. For me - honestly time is my enemy over writers block. I know what I want to write - its just getting the time to sit down and do it!

9. Which WIP has your favourite OC? Tell us about them?

If I Can Make Your Heart My Home:

Hands down my favorite OC ( and she's also really my only OC to date) - is Lillian Anderson - or Nana as she likes everyone she is close with to call her.

Lillian is Blaine's paternal grandmother from England. She is a force of nature packed in the body of a tiny little woman. She is very openhearted and passionate. Loves her grandsons and is very protective of Blaine and Cooper. She the type of grandmother who will bake you your favorite cake when you are sick and still listen to your romantic problems with an open mind - no matter what age you are. She is also, can I say - a bit unexpected in some of what she does - there is a playfulness to her but its kind of tempered with the feeling you really don't want to cross her. When she means business, she means business.

Nana, I am happy to say is favorite of many readers of the fic. It makes me smile to see comments about how much they love her, wish she was their grandmother and want to be adopted by her! 😊

10. Which WIP is the sexiest?

Oh god - this is like the worst question for me bc I am so on the fence on how sexy/good my smut is 😂. I'm just going to say -If I Can Make Your Heart My Home - bc I haven't written enough smut in the others WIP to qualify.

11. Which WIP is the angstiest?

Definietly If I Can Make Your Heart My Home. I do love angst and I think there's a whole lotta of it in this fic.

12. Which WIP has the best characterization (in your humble opinion)?

Like characters staying true to canon? Um. Not sure? Maybe Blaine in If I Can Make Your Heart My Home. He's a wonderful showman/performer - seemingly has it all together, but as readers are now finding out, he does have some of his own issues he's been pushing aside and not dealing with. Much like Blaine on the show, in my opinion. If you're talking about like a non canon type of characterization - I'm going to have to go with Lillian Anderson/Nana. She is a joy to write and create from scratch.

13. Which WIP has the best scene setting (in your humble opinion)?

If I Can Make Your Heart My Home I take the readers to some of my favorite places in Central Park in this pic: - Alice In Wonderland Statue - Bethesda Terrace / Bethesda Fountain ( if there are any Doctor Who - like me - fans, they will recognize this location from the episode The Angels Take Manhattan) - Belvedere Castle - Bow Bridge (Glee fans will recognize this from where Finn and Rachel met for their date in Manhattan) If you ever come to NY to visit - definitely go and see them!

14. Which WIP have you worked the hardest on?

The untitled RWRB fic has been a lot of research so far.

15. Which WIP do you have the highest expectations for? Why?

I don't know - I hope they all turn out well. And by that I hope I am pleased with how they turn out from a writing standpoint. I don't really measure how well a fic is by how many readers/ kudos or comments, but more on my personal standards of my work. I'm a bit of a perfectionist, so I'm hard on myself and what I crank out.

16. Do you dream about any of your WIPs?

Like fall asleep and dream? Not that I am aware of. Me daydreaming about them - thats like for all of them. I usually work things out in my head first, jot notes down in a journal second if my laptop top isn't near. Or I'll just go to the laptop to write.

17. Do any of your WIPs have particular complexities that your other fics don't?

The untitled RWRB fic is going to be a monster once I finish the outline - because its my first real historical fic. Lots of research has already been done, but so much more needs to happen before I can start the writing.

18. Which WIP is the funniest or has the most humour?

If I Can Make Your Heart My Home All I can say is Trent and Tina crack me up to no end in the fic.

19. Do any of your WIPs contain outside POVs or a deep dive on a character other than the main ship? How are you finding that process?

I kind of dabble on some things/backgrounds of other characters in If I Can Make Your Heart My Home - but I don't know if any of it would be considered a deep dive? I've dropped hints and such about things that have happened in the past for a number of characters. When I finish the main fic there may be an opportunity to revisit all these hints in a way that readers might enjoy. . . we'll see.

20. Tell us one thing we don't know about one or more of your WIPs.

Tinker Bells (Klaine fic) is a rework of a story I started years ago, based on the Sword and Sorceress series books edited by Marion Zimmer Bradley. Originally the two main characters were women, but now that I've cast Blaine and Kurt in them, I'm interested in taking the story in a diferent direction.

Untitled Klaine 2022 Advent fic - is a revisit to my superhero series: Under The Cover of Darkness. Blaine finally meets Kurt's parents during the holidays.

Shaken, Not Stirred (RWRB fic) is inspired by this artwork by @noodles-and-tea . It will be a Spy Au (which is going to be a challenge and research must be done bc I'm not one to really read that genre much.)

My untitled historical RWRB fic is inspired by this artwork by @stormtrooperjeff17004. Its going to be a monster of a story starting in 1800s in Mexico and ending somewhere in the Regency/Georgian period in England.

Whew! I think thats everything! Now I've got to get back to writing!

[notarelationship]

Anderson’s Ghosts 18/24

Klaine Advent: Reasonable

Thanks all so much for reading my Klaine retelling of (obviously) A Christmas Carol. I am working with a thin outline, but I am very much winging this for each word and posting without a beta, so apologies for any punctuation or spelling errors, and any inconsistencies if they pop up (I am actively trying to avoid them!).

If you have missed any earlier entries they can be found at Anderson’s Ghosts, or each individual chapter:  Achievement, Beer, Creed, Date, Emergency, Fist, Ground, Hiccup, Interrupt, Joy, Kinship, Lecture, Monument, Nest, Overwhelm, Part, Quarrel,

Read it all on AO3

--

“Sam’s house again?” Quinn just shrugged. They were in what looked like Sam and Mercedes’ bedroom, and Sam and Mercedes were having a somewhat heated discussion.

“He is not being reasonable Sam. I don’t care what he thinks he has going on, but one of your oldest friends -- and my best friend, is hurting right now. Blaine Anderson can live without you for a week.” Mercedes said. She put on jewelry, walking in and out of the attached bathroom while she continued. “And if that man cannot find the decency in his heart to let you take time off to help Kurt during this difficult time, well I think it’s time for you to start looking elsewhere for a job.”

Sam ran a hand through his hair. He was dressed in a dark suit and tie, matching Mercedes’ black dress. They looked like they were going to a funeral. Blaine swallowed the lump in his throat.

“I know. You’ve been wanting me to quit for years,” Sam sounded sad and frustrated. “It’s not like there are tons of jobs in Lima ‘Cedes.” 

She came back into the bedroom, shaking her head. “Maybe it’s time we leave Lima then.”

Blaine blinked, and Quinn had zapped them to another location. A living room he didn’t recognize, completely filled with people he sort of did. They were all people from around town, Lima residents that he never bothered to know. Some were crying, others clearly had been; they were all dressed for mourning. 

“What happened?” Blaine almost didn’t want to know. Quinn tilted her head, and Blaine turned his gaze where she indicated. Kurt Hummel was sitting on the couch, Mercedes next to him with an arm around his shoulders. Kurt had the wrung out look of someone who would be crying if they hadn’t already expelled every tear from their body. 

“Kurt I’m so sorry.” Blaine did recognized that voice, and turned to see his brother Cooper reaching for Kurt, who stood and let Cooper embrace him. Blaine didn’t even realize they knew each other. “Your dad was a good man. I’m sorry about - everything.” 

“Thank you Cooper. It’s not your fault. It’s no one’s, really. He’d been sick for a while.” 

Cooper shook his head. “Everyone deserves compassion.”

“What happened?” Blaine asked again, more insistent this time, but Quinn was walking away. Blaine followed her into the kitchen. “It’s Burt Hummel, I know that. Did something I do cause this to happen?” 

Quinn didn’t answer, she was staring at two people who were locked in an embrace, both crying. Blaine’s next question died on his tongue. It was Brittany and Santana, the spirits from earlier in the evening. 

“I miss her so much!” Santana was sobbing into Brittany’s shoulder. 

“I know. Me too,” Brittany said, her arms tight around Santana. “This was a terrible year.”

“Oh my god,” Blaine said. Looking back and forth between Quinn and the two of them. Quinn stared at them, looking confused, and then sad. She put a hand to her throat, as if to feel that it was still there. 

Quinn took Blaine’s hand. We have to go.

[slipping-through-my-fingertips]

Klaine Advent 2018

AO3

Day Eighteen: Reasonable

After work, Blaine was, as usual, alone in his apartment. He had thought about getting a cat or dog at points but his landlord had a strict no pets policy. Maybe a fish? Surely, his landlord wouldn’t care if Blaine got a fish.

The television was on but Blaine wasn’t really interested in the show he chose. Instead, his mind was daydreaming. Nowadays his dreams—day or otherwise—revolved around Kurt.

What he did today? What was he wearing to work? Did he buy a mocha this morning before going in? Maybe a bagel too because he didn’t have time to make breakfast? Was Kurt thinking about Blaine? When would they go on their third date? Where would they go? Should Blaine ask Kurt out again? Is it too soon?

It was completely reasonable behavior to think this much about a person you went on two dates with, right?

Blaine has asked Steven about it but he had only teased and joked. So, Blaine tried to call his mom but she hadn’t called him back yet. To be fair, he’d had called her during the work day and she wasn’t even home at this hour. She always had good advice when Steven didn’t, which was most of the time.

After an hour of mindless tv, Blaine’s phone rang.

“Hi mom.”

“Hi honey, what’s up? Sorry I didn’t answer earlier I was in a meeting.”

“It’s okay, I shouldn’t had called during work hours.”

“Tell me what’s going on,” his mom said.

“There’s this guy and I can’t stop thinking about him. We went on two dates and he’s just amazing...is this normal?”

“Well, hon, it’s sounds like you really like this guy.”

“I do,” Blaine told her. “And I think he likes me back.”

He could picture her smile.

“I’m happy for you. So what’s the issue? Just overthinking it?”

“Basically, I needed someone to tell me I wasn’t crazy.”

“You’re not crazy,” she assured him. “I’m sure Steven was all jokes.”

“He was, thanks mom.”

“Anytime honey!” she replied. “Now let me tell you what your father did the other day.”

Blaine smiled and let her ramble about his dad.

[todaydreambelieversfic]

Chapters: 18/24 Fandom: Glee Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Blaine Anderson/Kurt Hummel Characters: Blaine Anderson, Kurt Hummel Additional Tags: Klaine Advent Drabble Challenge 2019, Christmas, Fluff Summary:

Here are my stories for the 2019 Klaine Advent Drabble Challenge. Merry Klainemas, everyone!

[kuiinncedes]

dkfjdghsk

[spaceorphan18]

Scenes from December (4/24)

Written for the Klaine Advent 2022. Day Four : Bat

***

December, 2009

Kurt Hummel considered himself an introvert.  In his sixteen years of life, he had done everything that he could avoid the mall -- especially at Christmas time.  And here he was, at the biggest mall in town, packed in with a swarm of people.  And he was happy to be there.  

The brashness of the holiday was in full swing at the mall; every entrance covered in white and silver glittering lights, every lamppost decorated with green and red garland, every shop with an outward facing window lined with decals of presents and Christmas trees and big red signs marking sales.  Inside was just as festive; big green and gold wreaths hung from the ceiling, the sound system blared the old Christmas standards, and there were at least three large signs pointing the direction to pictures with Santa located in the Macy’s wing.  Everywhere legions of people pushed around each other in search of the perfect gift.  Old ladies clung to their mile long lists.  Middle-aged men struggled to figure out what their wives handwriting said.  And there were dozens of moms trying to corral their toddlers for just five minutes more, hoping the shrieking wouldn’t start until they got to the car.  

It was mass chaos.  

Any other time, Kurt might have turned right around and walked out.  But he had the delightful Mercedes Jones on his arm.  The same Mercedes Jones who didn’t bat an eyelash when he asked her to join him shopping.  The same Mercedes Jones who, unlike him, seemed to revel in the crowd.  She was an enigma to him. But a fascinating one.  

“Okay, so we have three hours before we’re meeting Artie and Tina for the movie,” Mercedes said, stepping slightly out of the way of a college student nearly toppling over trying to balance five boxes on his way out of the food court.  “Where do you want to go first?” 

“Well…” He took a long breath.  “We really should be smart about it.  Three hours may seem like a lot of time, but when you figure out lines and having to compare prices for good sales the time will go quickly.  I only have my dad to buy for, he’s so particular about everything - his taste leaves a lot to be desired.  I did, however, want to find a new pair of jeans, so there’s that… I’m thinking we should start at the big box stores - those will take us the longest.  Or maybe we should just take a left and work our way from store to store.  I’m not sure…” 

Mercedes let out an easy laugh.  There weren’t many people who went along with his eccentricities, but she was one of them.  She buried her head into his arm.  “You are ridiculous Kurt Hummel.  Let’s just head left and see where it takes us.” 

“Oh!” He said - eyes wide as she led the way.  Not having a plan wasn’t something he did.  But he could learn to.  He could try. 

“So, I’ve still got to pick up something for my mom.  And my grandma.  And a few of the ladies in my church choir.  And, I wanted to get everyone in glee club something small.” 

That made him stop in his tracks.  The thought hadn’t even occurred to him.  “You’re getting everyone in glee a present?” 

She gave a shrug, not understanding what the big deal was.  “I mean, nothing life shattering or anything.  But I always give my friends things.  It’s part of why I love this holiday.  And don’t worry - I’m coming up with something cute for you, too.” She reached up to boop him on the nose.  

He felt a warm tingle throughout his body.  It was a strange feeling.  Mercedes Jones was his friend.  Sure - she had been his friend for the past six months.  Sure - he had shared with her some of his darkest secrets, some of the things he kept inside, even from his dad.  Sure - Mercedes was the reason he was willing to go outside his comfort zone and come to malls during the holidays.  

It felt like he had been smacked upside the head.  He had a friend - who bought him stuff, who’s kind heart included him.  He had a friend group - a group of people who seemed to accept him and even want him to be there.  He had people in his life he cared about.  

It seemed - almost surreal.  

He had been quiet for too long, Mercedes looking at him funny, wondering what he was thinking.  Recovering, he said, “Even a gift for Rachel Berry?” His question was light, with an air of humor to it. 

Mercedes rolled her eyes, letting out that easy laugh again.  “Even Rachel Berry - though it might be a muzzle to shut her up unless it’s to sing.” 

Kurt let out a hearty laugh and squeezed her arm, adoring her, as they continued on their journey.  

[klaineccfanficlibrary]

I was so close to a full bingo.

1. Express Yourself by esperantoauthor​

2. Lost Boy by myownpatronus my-own-patronus

3. Miles To Go by hundredindecisions thnxforknowingme​

4. A “Safe” Choice by izwordsoup special-bc-ur-part-of-it​

5. Wild Child by dreamcatcher klainedreams34​

6. TBA

7. Scenes from December by spaceorphan spaceorphan18​

8. My Heart, It Pounds, Yeah You Got Me by nineofhearts nineofhearts4​

9. Plucking Daisy Petals by hundredindecisions thnxforknowingme​, although I am not sure if it counts, since it isn’t a Klaine fic but it is Klaine-adjacent? But uh, it is Blaine/Quinn, hence the whole “Genre/Trope I don’t normally read”. If it doesn’t count, that’s fine and y’all don’t have to add it to the collection.

Klaine Bingo 2023 - last day of bingo cards! Thank you for this Anon. ~Jen

1. Debut fic: Express Yourself by @esperantoauthor

When he was 4, he didn’t notice it. When he was 6, he hoped he could outgrow it. When he was 14 he thought he could ignore it. When he was 16, he tried hide it.

When Blaine is attacked for being different, he transfers to a new school where he meets a cadre of misfits called The New Directions, who seem very impressed with his singing and very curious about his past. Blaine just wanted to fit in but maybe he will find something better: his voice.

[A canon-divergent story in which Blaine transferred to McKinley rather than Dalton after being attacked at his old school.]

2. Page turner fic: Lost Boy by myownpatronus

On September 20, 1999, Pam and James Anderson's world was shattered when their youngest son, Blaine, was abducted from a local park. Twelve years later, after pain, healing, and tireless searching, the family is reunited in a most unexpected way. But the boy who comes home to them isn't the same one they lost so long ago. Each member of the Anderson family has to learn to change and grow together as a lost boy is found once more.

3.Fanfic that made you reach for a box of tissues: Miles To Go by hundredindecisions @thnxforknowingme

In the wake of Finn’s death, Kurt struggles to keep up with schoolwork at NYADA or engage with his life in general. He finally finds purpose again when he decides to spend the summer venturing west, to scatter Finn’s ashes in the Pacific Ocean. The road trip is long and lonely and challenging, but Kurt’s luck starts to turn around when he meets a handsome man named Blaine, who’s heading to California for his own reasons. After crossing paths in Colorado, they decide to travel together. As they get closer to the west coast they start to let down their walls, learning more about each other and revealing what they’re really seeking on this trip.

4. Fanfic where on has an unusual occupation: A “Safe” Choice by izwordsoup @special-bc-ur-part-of-it

This one is already in our list under this category!!

5. Fanfic - wild card/your choice: Wild Child by dreamcatcher @klainedreams34

Tired of his son rebelling against him, Burt Hummel sends Kurt off to boarding school in England, hoping it will straighten him out. There, Kurt makes friends, gets involved in shenanigans, and just maybe finds the boy of his dreams! Heavily based on the movie of the same name!

6. Summer story: TBA

7. Written for a challenge: Scenes from December by @spaceorphan18

An exploration of Kurt's life throughout various Decembers. The story of family and how the definition of family changes over time.

Written for Klaine Advent 2022.

8. Fic that made you laugh out loud: My Heart, It Pounds, Yeah You Got Me by @nineofhearts4​

This one is already in our list under this category!!

9. Genre/trope you wouldn't normally read: Plucking Daisy Petals by hundredindecisions @thnxforknowingme

Blaine Anderson and Quinn Fabray meet during their first year at Yale, and quickly bond over shared experiences. They become best friends, then roommates, and eventually start dating. Blaine cares for Quinn so much, and everyone else thinks they belong together - so it has to be right, doesn't it?

Inspired by Ljubim te by maanorchidee.

This fic is entirely thanks to maanorchidee and her fic Ljubim te, in which Blaine and Quinn are dating before Blaine meets Kurt while in Slovenia. I was super fascinated by the idea of Blaine and Quinn falling into a romantic relationship during college, because they're both so desperate for affection and sort of don't know any better. So Yuè very kindly gave me permission to write a quasi-prequel (and also gave me the idea for the title!). That being said - I created this independently, so it may not entirely line up with the canon of Ljubim te. It's meant to compliment Yuè's story, but her fictional universe is her own, so there may be inconsistencies.

[klaineadvent]

[forabeatofadrum]

Not-Weekend WIP - Ask Game

Rules: List your WIPs below (if you only write one fic at a time, feel free to include future WIPs/ideas!) then answer the following questions. Then, tag as many people as you have WIPs (or more).

*******

I was tagged weeks ago by @bitbybitwrites!

*****

1. WIP List

I have too many WIPs to count, but I am using the ones that I am """actively""" working on right now, which are

Just Some Guy (the Matty Chris D. story)

The Klaine Secret Santa story

A fic where Bitty pranks Jack by pretending he can't skate

This fleeting idea for my Klaine Advent fic which isn't set in stone at all.

The good ole "racism fic", aka Dancin' on this bamboo ceiling, which is about me exploring how Asian-American identity was handled on Glee.

2. Which of your WIPs is currently the longest?

Probably Just Some Guy. I've been working on it for a while. It already has multiple finished chapters, so I have considered posting what I already have, also to hopefully motivate to continue. But I am just too stuck on it. The whole point is that MCD is the most bland person ever, and yes, I notice. He has nothing going for him.

3. Which WIP do you expect will end up the longest?

If my idea for the Advent fic will work out, then I think that one, because I am planning a multichapter fic. It's just... not working out and it's almost December. Oh boy.

4. Which WIP is your favourite to write/the most enjoyable to write? Why?

Right now? The Klaine Secret Santa fic, but I will not go into why, because ya know, the whole secret thing.

5. Which WIP do you find the most intimidating to write? Why?

Dancin' on this bamboo ceiling. It's a heavy subject and I am only one (1) person and I don't want to sound like I am writing a fic for the whole Asian Gleek community or anything, but it is... something.

6. Which WIP do you experience the most self-doubt about. Why?

Dancin' on this bamboo ceiling, for the reason mentioned above.

7. Which of your WIPs will you seek out a beta/sensitivity reader for? Why?

I have mentioned that the stuff that I am writing about for Dancin' on this bamboo ceiling is based on my own experiences, but also on experiences of other Asian people, Gleeks and non-Gleek. Does that count? And yet I am still afraid I will make it too me-centric.

8. Have any of your WIPs been struck by the curse of writer's block?

MATT

CHRISTOPHER

DAVID

HAS BEEN IN THE WIP HOSPITAL THE LONGEST OF THESE.

9. Which WIP has your favourite OC? Tell us about them?

All my fave OCs have published stories, hehehe, so guess it's once again Matty Chris D. Really, he has nothing going for him. He's the most basic person ever. He's besties with Check, Please!'s John Johnson. He's part of chess club.

10. Which WIP is the sexiest?

None.

11. Which WIP is the angstiest?

Dancin' on this bamboo ceiling, cause, you know, racism. And if my Advent fic works out, then there will be some internalised homophobia in there.

12. Which WIP has the best characterisation (in your humble opinion)?

Maybe not the best, but the idea of Just Some Guy is that it's the canon Snowbaz story from an outsider POV so I am very interested in showing how Matt sees these two fuckers.

13. Which WIP has the best scene setting (in your humble opinion)?

Honestly, none. It's just basic New York, Samwell, Ohio, Watford, etc.

14. Which WIP have you worked the hardest on?

I've been working on Dancin' on this bamboo ceiling on and off since 2017, so that one.

15. Which WIP do you have the highest expectations for? Why?

The Klaine Secret Santa fic, because I hope the giftee will like it.

16. Do you dream about any of your WIPs?

Yes... which... oh dang... does "unreleased Paradiso stuff" count as a WIP then?

17. Do any of your WIPs have particular complexities that your other fics don't?

Everyone is (mostly) cutesy and fluffy........ and then there's Dancin' on that bamboo ceiling.

18. Which WIP is the funniest or has the most humour?

I think the whole idea of Just Some Guy is just very funny. Like... John Johnson is here. Why is he here?

19. Do any of your WIPs contain outside POVs or a deep dive on a character other than the main ship? How are you finding that process?

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH MATTY CHRIS D!!!!! I am enjoying it a lot, but again, giving MCD a story for himself is just hard because he's not an interesting person.

20. Tell us one thing we don't know about one or more of your WIPs.

The Advent fic idea is a sequel.

[lobstercardigan]

Klaine Advent 2021 !

Day one

In honor of the first Klaine advent word being silence, I thought I’d give a little ramble about the parallels between Klaine in Glease and The Story Of Us , inspired by the line: ‘I’ve never heard silence quite this loud.” Sorry in advance for kicking this off with angst y’all

“I used to think one day I’d tell the story of us, how we met and the sparks flew instantly. People would say ‘they’re the lucky ones.’”

- Kurt decides he needs to go see Blaine. He can’t stop thinking about how hard it is to believe that you can go from supposed soulmates to nothing so quickly. He’s questioning if he made the right decision when he broke it off. The battle between his head and his heart is getting out of hand.

- “I used to know my place was a spot next to you; now I’m searching the room for an empty seat, cause lately I don’t even know what page you’re on.”

- Neither of them how to act when they run into each other backstage. They’re hyper-aware of the fact that they used to be each other’s safe places and now they’re the source of each other’s discomfort. They’re each playing a dangerous guessing game of what the other is thinking… and they’re both losing horribly.

- “Miscommunications lead to fallout”

- Blaine wants to explain what happened but isn’t able to find the words. He wants to- he needs to tell Kurt how it meant nothing. How he was upset about Kurt ignoring him and he acted out of hurt and anger and it wasn’t right. How he was completely lost and frazzled the night he came clean about it and said all the wrong things. How he knows he’s horrible at communicating and he’s trying to learn how to be better. But he thinks Kurt doesn’t want to hear it, so he locks it all away.

- “So many things that I wish you knew, so many walls up I can’t break through.”

- Kurt has so many things he wishes he could say. How he misses him, how he loves him. How he thinks about him constantly. How hurt he’s been. Wanting to ask why Blaine did what he did. Wishes he’d asked more questions, wishes they had talked about it. He misses his best friend. But he sees him and suddenly all he can think about is that night and he just wants to run.

- “Now I’m standing alone in a crowded room and we’re not speaking… and I’m dying to know- is it killing you like it’s killing me?”

- Kurt is wondering if it’s eating Blaine up inside too. Wanting to believe that it meant nothing but not trusting him fully anymore. Bouncing back and forth between thinking ‘of course Blaine feels this way too’ and ‘clearly he doesn’t care.’ Knowing that things have changed because he always used to be able to tell what Blaine was thinking and now he doesn’t have a clue.

- “I don’t know what to say since a twist of fate when it all broke down… and the story of us looks a lot like a tragedy now.”

- Kurt is starting to feel angry again. Thinking that maybe he’s glad Blaine did it. Maybe they were never meant to be in the first place and having a reason to end it was a blessing. Maybe all they were ever destined to be was a sad story.

- “I’m starting to think one day I’ll tell the story of us- how I was losing my mind when I saw you here, but you held your pride like you should’ve held me.”

- Blaine wishes Kurt would just talk to him. He’s so incredibly angry at himself for getting them here in the first place. He’s starting to wonder if Kurt even has hope of them ever fixing it. Wondering if it’s just Kurt’s pride and pain that are holding him back or if he really just doesn’t want to talk to him anymore. He’s never known Kurt to be one for dancing around the subject. He must’ve really done a number on him this time.

- “I’m scared to see the ending, why are we pretending this is nothing?”

- Blaine wonders how Kurt can so (seemingly) easily walk away from everything they had. How he can keep pushing his feelings down and acting like they don’t need to be addressed. He would rather Kurt scream and yell at him than say nothing at all. At least if he was angry it would mean he still cared.

- “I’d tell you I miss you, but I don’t know how; I’ve never heard silence quite this loud.”

- Kurt wants so badly to just let Blaine hold him. To forget about everything, if only for a day, and just be with him. He longs for his ever-present support and comfort. He misses the days when he’d call Blaine in a tizzy during lunch and ramble about how stressed he was about a test or a performance and Blaine could take away all that panic with just a few words. Just a simple ‘I love you, I know you can do this.’ They’re standing here looking at each other- both holding so many thoughts and words that will be left unsaid because it’s all too much. Experiencing deafening silence with each other for the first time.

- “This is looking like a contest of who can act like they care less… but I liked it better when you were on my side.”

- Blaine is trying to keep his cool while he’s performing. It’s taking everything in him not to break down in tears and run off the stage. Kurt is feeling the same as he realizes that Blaine is playing the same game he is. They’re both putting up the walls that they’d broken down for each other those years ago when they met - when they learned that they could be themselves around each other. Now, here they sit- those same scared boys they were on that Dalton staircase. The same pain in their eyes. Only this time, the pain has been caused by each other. And it’s so much worse.

- “The battle’s in your hands now, but I would lay my armor down if you said you’d rather love than fight.”

- Blaine knows that the ball is in Kurt’s court. He’s the one who messed up. Kurt has all the power here. He’s putting up a front because Kurt is too, but he’d drop it in a heartbeat if Kurt would let him in again.

- “So many things that you wish I knew, but the story of us might be ending soon.”

- Blaine is finally beginning to realize that it’s really over. That Kurt had really walked away this time. He doesn’t trust him anymore. He’s taken away the thing that meant the most to them. He’s praying that Kurt still feels something for him deep down. He knows there were a lot more things that Kurt didn’t say. Knows that he didn’t feel safe enough to say them. He’s trying desperately to grab onto any thought that will distract him from the one saying ‘This is how it ends. You’re just another person on his list of people who broke his heart.’ Maybe someday Kurt will forgive him, but he’ll never forgive himself.

[starpunchsoup]

Klaine Advent 2021: Qualification

(I've been sticking to mostly canon for this challenge, so to actually challenge myself, enjoy some future daddies!klaine <3 as always, feel free to read all of my advent entries on AO3, or under the cut below!)

In the wee hours of the morning, Kurt is carefully rocking a little bundle of blankets in his lap, quietly singing ‘You Are My Sunshine’ (alternating between singing it in English and in French) to baby Tracy. It takes repeating the song a few times, but eventually the fussing stops, and she’s finally, finally soundly asleep. With a smile of both pride and absolute relief, he gently rests her back in her crib. Double-checking that the baby monitor is on in case she wakes up again, Kurt can try to lay down for a few more hours of rest. Maybe.

Blaine is still in bed, but he stirs when he feels the mattress move. Once Kurt is definitively under the covers, Blaine immediately cozies back up to his husband. “Is everything ‘kay?” He mumbles into Kurt’s shoulder.

“Yeah, she’s back asleep now. Everything’s alright, she just wanted some snuggle time, I think.” Kurt wraps his arm around his husband, trying to truly settle in for the night.

“Mmm. Me too.” Blaine presses a small kiss to the top of Kurt’s shoulder.

A moment of silence passes, and Kurt looks between his husband and the baby monitor. “Blaine?”

“Hmph?”

“Do you think we really have the qualifications to be parents?” Kurt asks quietly.

“What makes you say that, love? I think we’re doing everything as right as we can.” Blaine is clearly still half-asleep, but Kurt is proud that he seems to at least be able to form full sentences.

“I don’t know. I just feel like we could be doing more. There’s so much info out there, and all of it contradicts itself, and I just feel so lost. I just don’t want to screw up our baby girl for life.” Kurt’s kind of scared to admit it, so he holds Blaine even closer. He’s so used to being the level-headed one, that it’s hard to admit he’s scared. Sure, the two of them spent months and months and months of researching before even considering having a child, and there were even more months of extensive research once the surrogate process began. But Kurt still feels like a fish out of water, and he’s so worried that he’s going to be the reason something goes wrong.

And Blaine just laughs, waking up a little bit more. “Well of course we are, it’s an inevitability. People can’t live in such close proximity to each other and not have some kind of friction that leaves scars. Hell, look at us. You can’t say that we both haven’t hurt each other deeply. But we still love each other, and we’re okay now. That’s all we can hope for little Tracy. That she’ll see we tried our best with the tools that we were given, and she’ll learn to forgive us when we fuck up. It’s how families work, Kurt. And we’re a family now.”

Kurt gives his husband a tight squeeze and a kiss on the top of his head. “How are you so smart when you’re half dead?”

“I try too hard. But if I’m making sense, then I’ll take it.” Blaine yawns, and goes back to gently nuzzling into Kurt’s side. “Can we sleep now? We both know she’s gonna be up in another three hours.”

“Of course. I love you. G’night.” Kurt smoothes a hand over Blaine’s hair, and gently rubs his back a little.

“Mmm. Love you too.”

It’s not long before Kurt can hear both Blaine and Tracy snoozing away, breathing in sync. Maybe he’s more qualified than he gives himself credit for.

[todaydreambelieversfic]

Chapters: 17/24 Fandom: Glee Rating: General Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Blaine Anderson/Kurt Hummel Characters: Blaine Anderson, Kurt Hummel, Tina Cohen-Chang Additional Tags: Klaine Advent 2019 Summary:

all of the fic written for the klaine advent drabble challenge 2019! to be updated daily (let's hope) until complete.

SO I'M DOING SOMETHING DIFFERENT THIS YEAR! i'm writing everything within an AU based off the bon appetit test kitchen and vogue offices being in the same building. this au was conceptualised by natalie @glennrhovia and jules @homoaesthetics on twitter and i'm simply repaying them for their service.

[lady-divine-writes]

Kurtbastian - “Always and Forever”

Summary: After the death of their daughter Grace, Kurt and Sebastian drift apart. Kurt wraps himself up in his grief so tightly he starts to push Sebastian away, and Sebastian, feeling himself shoved aside when he needs Kurt most, cheats. They make the decision to start over, to leave New York City and their pain behind, and start over again in a house Upstate. Sebastian buys Kurt a "fixer upper" and gives him free reign. While redecorating the room that will be his studio, Kurt comes across something interesting underneath the wallpaper. It starts to become an obsession for Kurt - an obsession that begins to replace Kurt's love for his husband, which Sebastian is holding on to by a thread. Can Kurt and Sebastian break through the pain and the hurt and find a way to fall in love again?

Notes: Inspired by the Klaine advent drabble prompt "ache". So this is a story I started a while ago, but stopped after chapter 4 because it started to get a little too real. But I’ve started revising, and now I’m ready to finish it.

Chapter 1 (3197 words)

“God! That traffic was insane, wasn’t it?” Sebastian complains, pulling off the highway and onto the less congested road that leads to the heart of Manhasset.

Kurt mutters in agreement, but he barely noticed. His right temple has been glued to the passenger side window the entire trip. Eyes pointed skyward, he watched the clouds pass by as they drove, counted the trees, followed a flock of birds as they flew off to warmer climes far, far away.

Away from here, the way Kurt wishes he could.

“I called ahead to turn the gas on. And the electricity... ” Sebastian has been rambling about nothing for the whole hour and forty-five-minute drive, filling the tense air of the Navigator with verbal static. “We’re gonna want to air the place out for a few hours. The realtor told me it stinks like mold but that there isn’t any actual mold in the house. I hired two separate contractors to go through the place anyway and make sure. I wasn't going to take the guy's word for it. He struck me as a sandwich short of a picnic. I mean, you should have seen him, Kurt! He was wearing a purple paisley tie and brown loafers with a grey suit. And not like royal purple. That would have worked. But puce! Jesus Christ!” He chuckles. It bleeds into a nervous cough. “I didn’t say anything, but it would have been nice if you were there to give him some subtle pointers. Or not so subtle. You know how much I love seeing you in action. Oh, and we'll have to go over our insurance policy. I’m having a second independent appraiser… ”

“Are we there yet?” Kurt interrupts, preferring to focus on how the changing leaves mute the skyline than on a single word coming out of his husband’s mouth. Not that he could catch a one the way they’re sprinting off his tongue like lemmings off a cliff.

The trees soothe Kurt, smooth the rough edges of this bumpy ride. They grow differently out here than in the city: springing up in rows, displaying their fall colors, blending one into the other like an ever-changing river - red tree, yellow tree, brown tree, gold tree… 

Their daughter Grace would call out the colors on their long car rides Upstate, conjuring rhymes where there were none. They roll through his memory in her singsong voice.

Green tree… uh... lean tree!

Kurt smiles, clutching on to the sound of her voice.

He's terrified of the day he'll forget what her voice sounds like.

“Just… uh… just a few more blocks,” Sebastian replies, his attempt at chitchat cut short by his husband’s impatient tone. Despite his infinitely expressive voice, Kurt only uses three tones nowadays - angry, impatient, and indifferent. Sebastian hasn’t learned how to avoid any of them, but he hates Kurt’s indifferent tone the most. “Not too far.”

“Good. Because I’m tired of sitting in this stupid seat.” Kurt switches positions, massaging his hip for emphasis. 'Tired of sitting in this stupid seat.' That's what he said. But he meant, 'tired of being stuck in here with you.' 

And Sebastian knows it.

Sebastian turns down two streets that spiral together tighter and tighter until he and Kurt are locked in to their new neighborhood.

Locked in to their decision to move here.

“Here it is.” Sebastian pulls up to the curb at the point before the street turns into a cul-de-sac.

Kurt sits up slowly to accommodate his stiff spine and numb ass. Looking around, he sighs in frustration. “Here what is? There are five houses on this block. Which one is it?”

“Guess.” When Kurt sighs again, Sebastian says, “I’ll give you a hint – it’s one of these three,” and motions to the houses on Kurt’s right. Kurt rolls his eyes but turns to the houses closest. They all appear relatively identical – three floors with a pointed roof and a square porch, reminiscent of a gingerbread house. They probably have basements – a huge selling point in this vicinity. But they don’t call them basements Upstate. They call them cellars. Somehow, the word cellar is more refined, and therefore more acceptable than having a dull, run-of-the-mill, drafty basement.

Need that cellar so you can have the most expensive cabernet on the market on hand in case we need to drunkenly judge Sally Jones’s latest highlight fiasco.

“She should have gone with lowlights, Sharon. (sip) Haven’t I been saying that, Kayla? (sip) Haven’t I been saying that she should have stuck with lowlights? But only around her face. (sip) Ha-ha-ha-ha! Please, pass the brie.”

Kurt spent a good portion of his life living in a basement bedroom, so he’s not above the word. But he remembers a time back in high school when he thought that was the person he would grow up to be. He’d start out as one of the New York elite, then become an Upstate snob. When his kids (two of them – a boy and a girl) were grown and gone, he’d start an artists’ colony. He'd retire to a lighthouse, isolate himself in obscurity while being ironically jaded at the world.

Well, he's nearing forty, and he is jaded, but for entirely different reasons.

The house at the curve in the cul-de-sac is painted a sea green Kurt isn’t thrilled with. But that can be remedied with a bucket of paint and some elbow grease. From its position, it probably gets the bulk of the noon sun. 

There goes their electric bill. 

Kurt knows Sebastian doesn’t care about trivial things like finances, but just because they have the money to spend doesn’t mean they should shovel it out the window. Plus, there's their carbon footprint to think about. But more importantly, there goes his fair skin, which will freckle at every meal while he does nothing other than sit at the kitchen table.

No, thank you.

The house beside it is in a better position, slanted away from direct sunlight. But it’s painted a slate blue that comes across as too harsh considering the neighborhood’s neutral color scheme. Sebastian should know better than to see that house and say, “Yes. That’s it. That’s the one,” unless the inside looks like the Palace of Versailles.

The last house is also blue, but this blue borders on pale grey, a similar shade to his father’s house in Lima. A maple tree has grown through the pavement in front, shading the house and shedding its red-gold leaves all over the front yard. 

And this house has a porch swing. 

He and Sebastian used to talk about owning a home with a porch swing. It became a prerequisite for the home they wanted to retire in. Kurt pictured sitting on their swing side by side in the early mornings, sipping coffee and watching the sunrise.

Sebastian, on the other hand, talked about having sex on the thing and scaring the neighbors.

Same planet, different worlds.

“It’s this one,” Kurt guesses, gesturing to the blue-grey house. “The one with the swing. Isn’t it?”

“Don’t sound too excited,” Sebastian jokes but warily, afraid of what the fallout might be if Kurt doesn’t like it. Sebastian has been climbing a tenuous ladder to make his husband happy. One misstep and he'll plummet back to the bottom, with no certainty that Kurt will let him try to climb up again. It’s his own damn fault, Sebastian reminds himself as they get out of the vehicle. He did this to them, so he’ll let Kurt lash out, let him bare his teeth and his claws, let him dig in with both hands and rip.

Sebastian deserves it.

He leads Kurt up the walkway in silence, past the tree and the swing. He unlocks the front door and pushes it open, standing back so Kurt can be the first one over the threshold. Kurt takes his time, poking his head in first, then taking a hesitant step. This is an all-or-nothing moment for him. In his heart, once he walks inside, there's no turning back.

He sets his foot down, rests his weight on it, and a dozen memories come flooding back: the house he lived in with his mom and dad, the house he and his dad moved into when his dad remarried, the dorm rooms he suffered from high school to college.

The first night he spent in Sebastian's penthouse, the excitement of feeling like he'd found his true home.

The house he dreamed of raising Grace in. 

In the end, they stayed in the penthouse for convenience. He regrets not getting her an actual house with a yard and a swing.

Like this one.

The irony.

The room lists, Kurt's head swims, but he wraps his arms around himself and doesn't let it show. He focuses on the here and now. He's taken a step. He just needs to take another. And another. Keep going. Keep moving forward, or else he'll crumple to the ground.

And Sebastian will rush to catch him.

Kurt would rather bury himself under the porch.

Kurt breathes in through his nose and out through his mouth, relies on a cold and detached demeanor to help him instead of the strong arms of his husband.

This house has a different feel from the open floor plan of the penthouse they've been living in since college. It's cramped around the corners, with a lot more shadows and a lot less noise. Sebastian likes that better. He’s an Ohio native, same as Kurt. But unlike Kurt, he considers himself a country boy. Even though Sebastian built his identity around becoming a state's attorney like his father, he loved the quiet life: wide-open spaces, blue skies, unhurried, and just plain normal. 

Kurt saw Ohio as a cage he couldn't wait to break free from.

Sebastian could have bought Kurt any house he wanted. In that vein, Sebastian feels like a heel for jumping on this one without consulting Kurt first. He reasoned that he'd been the one house hunting, not Kurt. So when a contact told him that the owner of this house, a house Sebastian had had his eye on for a while, was finally selling, it seemed too perfect, especially considering the timing.

Sebastian bent over backward to rescue it from escrow.

Kurt didn't want to leave the city, but it was full of too much pain for him to handle, too many memories, friends and acquaintances who had yet to hear the news, and those who constantly offered their condolences. Few people greeted him anymore without their smiles dropping and the words, “I’m so sorry,” coming out of their mouths, as if joy shouldn't exist around him anymore. 

It made his head, his heart, and his soul ache.

Kurt loved New York City, but there was nothing left for him there but the constant hollow thud he felt whenever he saw something that reminded him of their angel Grace. School would be starting soon. All of her friends will be moving on to the fifth grade. But his daughter...

Life ended for her too soon.

“Here.” Sebastian reaches for Kurt’s hand, but Kurt reflexively pulls it away, slipping his hands into his pockets to cover for his flinching from Sebastian’s touch. Sebastian should be used to it by now, but he isn’t. “Let me show you why I think you’re going to love this house.”

Sebastian jogs up the stairs to the next level. Kurt follows a few steps behind. When he reaches the top, he sees three doors. They pass the first two without mention. Sebastian opens the last.

“Here.” Sebastian crosses to the opposite side and throws open one of two windows, filling the musty space with the crisp bite of autumn. “I thought this room could be your new studio.”

Sebastian knows him too well. The room is perfect. Even at dusk, it’s flooded with natural light. It looks out over the rooftops of the other houses, giving him a view of the surrounding forests and orchards stretching way past the highway. With a little TLC, it could look just like his studio in their penthouse.

Or he can turn it into something new.

Start with a clean slate.

“What are the other two rooms?” Kurt asks offhandedly. He doesn't need to. 

He knows what the other rooms are. 

There are only two rooms they can be.

“A bathroom and the master bedroom,” Sebastian answers, watching his husband stroll across the floor.

“So this would have been… ?”

“A spare? A guest room?” Sebastian shifts his weight from foot to foot, unable to find an easy groove to stand in.

Kurt frowns. No. It would have been Grace’s bedroom if she were still with them. Kurt was trying to get his husband to acknowledge that. Cruelly. But if she were with them, Sebastian wouldn’t have cheated, their marriage wouldn’t be falling apart, and they wouldn’t be running away from their problems.

“I guess I could put a foldout bed in here,” Kurt throws out as he estimates the space.

“You can if that’s what you want,” Sebastian agrees. “Or you’re just saying that to hurt me, which, if you are, you’ll be happy to know, it’s working.”

“I’m not saying that to hurt you,” Kurt eloquently lies. “I’m being practical. I’m not going to have easy access to the Vogue workshop if I live two hours away. If I expect to get a new line started, I’m going to have to pull long hours.”

Sebastian scrutinizes his husband, who’s doing his best to avoid looking at him. “You’re… thinking of starting a new line? You didn’t mention that.”

Kurt shrugs. “Did I have to?”

“No. I mean, I wasn’t sure that you would go back to designing so soon after.” 

"After?" Kurt tilts his head inquisitively but still makes no eye contact.

"After... moving. There's going to be a lot to do here. I thought you'd give yourself a year. Maybe more." Sebastian answers so quickly, Kurt wonders if he'd practiced. They talk in code, this whole conversation a carefully choreographed tango through a labyrinth of knives.

Sebastian didn't mean after moving. He meant after the death of their daughter. Kurt practically spent every spare second he wasn’t designing for work designing with her. Kurt has been a designer since high school. Aside from music, it's his passion.

Sebastian feared Grace's death might sever those harp strings.

"I think you underestimate me. Besides, you’re considering going back to working in the city after… ” 

Pivot, walk walk, close.

The dance changes. They switch places, and Kurt leads.

Kurt isn't talking about them moving or Grace.

Kurt means after Sebastian cheated. 

Kurt only agreed to move out of the city and live in a house he's never seen to keep Sebastian away from the man he's convinced will become too big a temptation to resist the next time they get into any kind of argument. Granted, it took their daughter dying for Sebastian to cheat, but Kurt figures it’ll keep getting easier from now on to come up with an excuse. 

Can't agree on where to go for dinner? Have a huge blowout over which cards to send out for Christmas? That's it! I'm sticking my dick in someone else!

“Anyway, I wouldn’t want to wake you by crawling into bed at four in the morning, not when you have to be at work at six,” Kurt finishes when he’s let that dig soak in long enough.

“I’m not going back to work for a while, remember? That’s what a leave of absence is. And even if I was, why would I mind you waking me?” Sebastian risks a grin. “In fact, I was thinking that it might be nice to get back to what we used to do in the mornings before work. I miss that.”

Sebastian holds his breath while he sees how that remark lands. He waits for Kurt to look at him. Kurt hasn’t been able to look at him, really look at him, since hungover Sebastian came home in a taxi the morning after, clothes ruined, their marriage officially in the gutter. Grace passed away six months ago, which means he’s been waiting for a while. 

He’s still waiting. 

“This isn’t all about you,” Kurt reminds him, raising his eyes to the ceiling.

Kurt didn't yell. But that doesn't mean he's not furious.

“I know,” Sebastian says softly. He rubs his cold hands together, wishing he could stick them underneath his husband’s thick, button-down sweater, and press his palms against Kurt’s skin. A year ago, Kurt would have squealed, “Bas! Your hands are freezing!” But he would have wrapped his arms around himself and held on, would have let Sebastian lean in for a kiss, would have fallen for the line, “Now that my hands are warm, maybe you can help me warm up a few other things.”

Then they would have made love on the wood floor with the door open.

If only he could make Kurt laugh the way he used to.

Then maybe Kurt would love him again.

But going by his husband’s expression, dreary as the olive sweater he holds closed with one hand at the neck, Sebastian knows that now is not the time.

“Is this what you need to make you happy?” he asks. If only it were that simple. If only a house, or a car, or a vacation could turn back the clock and erase everything that happened.

Erase everything Sebastian did, and bring their daughter back.

Kurt doesn't answer right away. He's not purposefully keeping Sebastian in suspense. He couldn't care less what's going on in Sebastian's head. This is his future he's considering. 

He's going to take his time.

He circles the room, contemplating the echo of his footsteps on the roughly finished wood, debating whether or not it's a sound he wants to hear for the rest of his life. If not, is it worth putting in the time to fix it? 

He traces the path of sunlight as it travels across the wall. That brings a new detail to his eye - a torn corner of wallpaper above the open window revealing a word underneath.

Darling.

Kurt eyes it from a distance, tries not to pay too much attention to it in case Sebastian is behind it. It doesn’t look like it was written recently. It's more than likely part of the pattern underneath. But leave it to Sebastian to try to woo his husband back with something syrupy like that. 

Something hopelessly romantic.

Something he thinks Kurt will fall for.

“No,” Kurt answers honestly, re-examining the fading wallpaper, the scuffed floors, the peeling ceiling. His gaze glances his husband’s face and settles on the dust-streaked window. He stares out at the sky, the clouds, the trees, the birds flying wild and free. He’s never going to be able to fly away like that, so he might as well accept this cage he's been given. It's what he's supposed to do, after all. “But it’s worth a try.”

He has little else left to lose.