#klaineadvent

"How fares your beloved sister, my Love?" Blaine inquired.

"Rachel is resting comfortably, my Lord. Finally. But to ensure that that state continues, she was kind enough to gift me this list of items she requires."

"Give it here, Husband." Blaine reached for the page in Kurt's hand, weathered by his constant handling. "I will have them sent for immediately."

"Thank you, my Lord. That is most gracious of you."

Blaine took the note and pocketed it without reading it, his eyes fixed on his husband's face, confused by the dryness of his voice. Were they conversing on any other topic, Blaine would assume his husband did not care at all. But Kurt loved his sister more than his own life.

What Kurt displayed was not a lack of care but an excess.

"Something else troubles you, my Love," Blaine deduced. "Please, confide in me."

Kurt sighed in response, but he did not hesitate. There was no better confidante in his life than his own husband. "She could not be more pregnant if she tried, my Lord. At this rate, she will turn maternity into an occupation."

"You must admit, my Love, that she is positively glowing."

"She has gained two full stone, can scarcely breathe, and can barely walk upstairs unaided. She is not glowing, my Lord. She is sweating like a hog."

Blaine snorted, but his brow pulled together with concern. "Those sound like fighting words. Are you disappointed in your sister, my Love?"

Kurt looked aghast at the insinuation. "Not at all, my Lord. I worry, tis all." Kurt took a seat beside his husband on the chaise. Kurt had had a long day of visiting with his sister. She had ridden for days in Blaine's finest coach, fit to burst, to be at the manor for her brother's wedding.

His second wedding.

The one his husband gifted him to make up for their first tragedy of a wedding.

But instead of being lighter at having seen her, Kurt looked positively worn through. "Difficult pregnancies run in our family, I am afraid. My mother could only have the pair of us before the doctor warned her against more. Her mother and her mother's mother both died from complications during childbirth. I do not want that fate for my sister. I try not to think on it when she is at her own estate. But having her here, knowing she came all this way just for me, that I may have put her life in danger, I..."

Blaine put down his book without marking the page and took his husband's hand in his to still him. "Hush. Do not think that. You did nothing wrong. There is no sin in wanting your sister at your wedding. But worry not. We shall invite her and her husband to stay in the manor until her young one is ushered safely into the world. We have the finest physicians on call for miles around. I shall send for one and employ him at once for the remainder of her pregnancy if that will ease you. She will want for nothing. I swear it." Blaine pulled Kurt closer so that their foreheads rested upon one another. "Would that make you calmer, my Love?"

Kurt nodded, carefully so as not to separate them. "Thank you, my Lord. It would."

"Wonderful." Blaine paused, taking a moment to appreciate the quiet and this closeness with his husband.

Not to mention the privacy.

The last few weeks had seen a profusion of activity sweep through the manor and her grounds that it had not known for ages, capped off by today's main event: the arrival of Kurt's father and his sister. The servants were a buzz because of the new arrivals, but no more so than Marley, who took it upon herself to greet the members of her prior household personally and introduce them to young Beth.

But more than that, she had taken it upon herself to uphold the traditions of the old house, namely that Kurt and Blaine not know one another until after their wedding.

Not that either Blaine or Kurt would abide by that rule.

But it had been a hectic few days of avoiding Marley as if the girl had contracted the plague. She made enjoying time alone quite the challenge.

Right now, uncharacteristically, she was nowhere to be seen.

Like a seasoned game hunter, she had been able to dog their footsteps at every turn. She seemed to have, at her disposal, an alarming excess of time, which led Blaine to believe that other members of his employ were covering her tasks to aid her on her mission.

Out of humor or revenge, Blaine knew not.

But perhaps the battle over the sanctity of their marriage bed had exhausted her, and she had retired early.

Blaine could only hope.

"What are you thinking, my Lord?" Kurt asked, the subtlest of seductions lacing his voice. He had noticed their solitude as well and was hoping to exploit it.

"I was thinking that, now that everything is settled, perhaps I could get a taste of that sweet tongue of yours. I have so missed it these past few hours."

Kurt grinned. It carried a shadow of his worry for his sister, but he was eager to set that aside and partake in the pleasures of his husband.

"Perhaps you could, my Lord." Kurt inched forward to kiss his husband, teasing him with the slowness with which he closed the distance between them. Blaine's eyes darted to his husband's lips, a hunger brewing inside him that shone fiercely through his smoky gaze. Kurt did the same, his own eyes smiling at the desperation hiding beneath his husband's calm countenance. Here they were, nearly close enough to brush their lips together, lean into their first honest kiss of the day...

SWAP!!

The business end of a tightly bound broom swept between them, swatting Blaine on the chest and barely missing his chin.

"Oh no, you don't!" Marley cried, short of breath from her sprint above stairs.

Blaine looked at the maid aghast. "Where in the heavens did you come from, woman!?"

"Don't you mind that, my Lord. There will be no tasting, no kissing, no canoodling till after the wedding!"

"Heavens forbid, Marley!" Kurt squealed. "Give it a rest! You have been at it all day!"

"Aye! And I will continue, milord, until you and your husband are wed!"

"I...but we..." Kurt's scolding of his maid stopped in his throat as his tired brain scrambled to make sense of the sentence that passed her lips.

"What does it matter?" Blaine said. "The Count is already mine, legally and spiritually! The second wedding is for us! Bending the knee to ceremony is simply a formality."

"Tis tradition!" Marley insisted. "And tis what is proper, my Lord!"

"I dare say that if we abided by what was proper, there would be no fun to be had!"

"I am sorry, my Lord, but I must insist." Marley turned on her master, giving Kurt a stern look, then pointed to his door upstairs. "Off with you, milord. You have a big day tomorrow."

Kurt's eyes popped. "Are you...sending me to bed?"

"I am, milord," Marley said, her free hand planted firmly on her hip.

"But, if you recall, the Earl and I sleep in the same bed chamber. Together."

"Not tonight, milord. I've had the chamber next to Beth's made up for you. You shall slumber there."

Kurt's mouth hung open, shock knitting his brow, the occasional, "I...but..." escaping at odd intervals as he fought to find an argument.

Blaine, Kurt's white knight, intervened.

"Come now, Husband," he said with a deep, dramatic sigh that Kurt knew to be fake the moment it passed his husband's lips. "It appears we have been bested."

Kurt returned the sigh, playing along. "It appears so."

Blaine sniffs. "Tis only for one night."

"I suppose."

The three looked at one another: Blaine and Kurt gazing up at Marley like sorrowful puppies, whilst she stared back, her two Lords merely naughty children to her judgmental eyes.

Since she did not appear content enough with their act to depart, Blaine rose from his seat. "If that is all, I am off to bed."

"Good night, my Lord," Marley said firmly.

Kurt made to follow, but Marley stepped in front of him, blocking his way.

Kurt shot her a look.

Marley simply returned it.

"It has been a rather taxing day," Blaine continued, limping past Marley and adding, "with no relief in sight."

"You will thank me come the morrow, my Lord. The fast will be worth it. You will see."

"A-ha," Blaine mumbled, wondering quietly how a maid with no knowledge of men could claim such a thing.

But he held his tongue on that account.

Kurt watched forlornly as his husband toddled to their room, waited until he heard Blaine's footfalls stop in front of the door. When Blaine wrapped his fingers around the knob, Kurt bolted, racing up the stairs in a supremely undignified manner, taking the steps two at a time. A shocked Marley hurried after him in an equally undignified way, but Kurt had gotten a head start, and he was too fast for her.

"Wait, milord! Wait!!" she screamed, but it was too late. Both men were through the door and locked in their chamber before Marley could make it halfway. She heard the two of them crow in celebration and lost all composure.

“I know,” he says back and Blaine relaxes, “I love you too.”

It’s been known for weeks. They even loved each other before they started dating, but it’s the first time they’ve said it out loud. Kurt knows it is a big deal for Blaine to say it, though.

“I love you, I love you,” Blaine repeats with a smile and Kurt can’t help but giggle. It’s adorable how Blaine just revels in the fact that he can say that he wholeheartedly loves Kurt.

“And I love you too!”

“Now go,” Blaine basically pushes Kurt away, which is fine. Kurt needs to get ready for the first performance. Blaine, Tadeja, Sunil and some people Kurt’s met during classes and during Metelkova parties are in the audience. Blaine is also making a lot of photos to send to Kurt’s family and friends back home.

Kurt knows that he doesn’t have the biggest part in Ulica, but he’s worked hard on it and he’s proud.

Later, after the show, it’s a whirlwind of people. Everyone comes to congratulate Kurt. It is exhilarating. He knows his time at the University of Ljubljana isn’t over yet, but this feels like such a final moment. Kurt celebrates with his castmates, crew members and teachers. He answers Tadeja’s questions about the show and Sunil gives him a congratulatory hug as well. Even his dad is here in some way, since he’s calling through FaceTime. Blaine holds the phone with a huge smile.

Kurt also feels amazing every time he watches Blaine and his dad interact. They like each other a lot, which is great. Since Blaine is still semi-closeted, Kurt hasn’t told anyone else back home that he’s dating again, but he’s happy that they told Kurt’s dad.

After a lot of post-show talk and celebration, Kurt and Blaine can finally leave. Kurt reaches for Blaine’s hand and Blaine lets him.

Together, they walk to Blaine’s apartment.

--

“I love you.”

Kurt kisses Blaine as a response. It’s Pride in Ljubljana and it feels so great to be able to kiss Blaine like this. The queer community has emerged from the shadows and it’s taken over the city.

People cheer and hoot when they see it. It’s freeing. It’s validating. Fuck, Kurt loves Pride and Blaine’s also growing to love it. It’s more low-key compared to Pride in New York, but that doesn’t matter. All that matters is that they’re here.

“I love you too,” Kurt says against Blaine’s lips, because he cannot resist the temptation to say it back, even though he doesn’t have to. Blaine knows Kurt loves him.

Blaine slings his arm around Kurt’s shoulder and they go back to watching the parade. There are so many people here and one of the many beautiful things of Pride is that it showcases the diversity of the community. Kurt and Blaine wave their small rainbow flags to the passing parade. Pride is a party and a protest, and it’s cool that it can be both.

“Thank you, by the way,” Blaine says in Kurt’s ear.

“For what?”

“For showing me this.”

“Oh Blaine, they are hard to miss,” Kurt laughs.

Blaine nods.

“True, but I am not certain I would be standing here if I hadn’t met you. I would probably cower in my apartment.”

It’s weird to think what would’ve happened if Kurt and Blaine hadn’t met, since this life that they have right now is the life they want.

“Well then, you’re welcome,” Kurt says and he squeezes Blaine’s hand on Kurt’s shoulder. Together, they enjoy the rest of the festivities.

--

“I love you.”

Kurt leans against Blaine. They’re watching the sunset from the Ljubljana castle. Tadeja had recommended it, and she was so right.

“I love you too,” Kurt says back.

He holds Blaine’s hands and together they wait for the sun to go down. The sky is especially beautiful today. It’s cloudy, but the clouds reflect the sunlight so the sky has a red and orange glint to it. Kurt and Blaine are high up, since the castle is situated on a hill, appropriately called Castle Hill.

There’s a lot to see at the Ljubljana Castle, so Kurt and Blaine will definitely come back for more, but right now, sitting on a blanket in the grass, against the castle walls, watching the sun go down is enough.

--

“I love you!”

It’s become an easy thing to say. Blaine just told Kurt that he loves him because Kurt chose the right flavour of ice cream for him.

“I love you too,” Kurt says as he hands the glass with the ice cream to Blaine.

Blaine was waiting for him outside, together with Tadeja. Kurt and Sunil got the ice cream. The location of VIGÒ is perfect, since they have a view on Prešeren Square.

“Here’s to the end of the academic year,” Sunil raises his glass.

“Cheers!”

“How do you say cheers in Slovene?” Blaine asks Tadeja.

“Na zdravje, which translates to ‘To your health’,” Tadeja answers.

“Na zdravje!” everyone says and Tadeja smiles through the mispronunciations.

“To be fair, we’re eating, so we should be saying-”

“Dober tek!” Kurt cuts in. He knows that one. You can learn it at DA BU DA.

“Correct, but cheers sounds so much more celebratory,” Sunil adds, “And that’s what we’re doing. Kurt and I are celebrating another successful academic year, and Blaine and Tadeja can celebrate a great first year of business.”

It’s true. Blaine’s shook enough hands to make great connections throughout Europe. Kurt knows that Blaine is still a bit bummed that he didn’t get to do more, but it’s a start. Once Blaine leaves, Tadeja will take over and Blaine’s incredibly happy with it, especially since Dejan was also aiming for the job.

Kurt and Sunil have also submitted their final grades to their home institutions. The academic year isn’t officially done yet, since in Ljubljana, the academic calendar goes from October 1st to September 30th, but most internationals try to finish earlier in order to get everything in order..

Therefore, Sunil is right and they can all celebrate.

“To Ljubljana,” Blaine adds to the little celebration, and everyone cheers to that.

--

“I love you.”

“Well, Blaine, Paris is the city of love,” Kurt says with a laugh.

Kurt still cannot believe that it is so easy to travel to other countries. Blaine convinced Kurt to use the interrail, which means you can visit many big cities in Europe by train. It’s a big and extensive trip, but it is so worth it.

They’re in Paris now. Kurt’s always wanted to see it and he’s happy to have Blaine by his side. As Kurt said, it is the city of love.

--

“Ljubim te z vsem srcem.”

Kurt was about to take a bite of his pizza slice, but now he gives Blaine a curious but confused look. He knows Blaine just spoke Slovene to him, but the two of them never properly learnt the language. They’ve picked up some words here and there, but Kurt’s not certain that he’s ever even spoken a full sentence in Slovene.

Blaine gives Kurt a knowing look. He likes that he gets to puzzle Kurt.

“Do I get a hint?” Kurt asks.

“I say it all the time in English, kind of,” Blaine says.

“Kind of?”

“I added something,” Blaine says, “Or actually, Tadeja added something. I asked for her help.”

“You did?”

Blaine nods happily.

“I’ve been practising this sentence for a while!”

“And why tell me now?” Kurt asks, fishing for another hint.

“Because this is where we first met,” Blaine says. They’re indeed at Ljubljanski dvor. It’s been a while since they had pizza. Even without Boni, Ljubljana has a lot to offer, so they’ve been going to a lot of other places.

“So, it’s a sentimental saying?” Kurt asks, “Am I warm?”

“Warmer, I think, but also not. I mean, I don’t think it is inherently sentimental. Sentimental means that it’s something from the past.”

“Okay, it’s a current thing?”

Blaine nods. He looks like he’s about to burst into laughter from happiness and that’s when Kurt realises. He feels silly for not realising sooner, but really, he doesn’t know Slovene.

“I love you too,” Kurt says with a smile. This man is ridiculous. “What did you add?”

“It means I love you with all my heart!”

“Yeah?”

“My heart and my brain and my everything!” Blaine says, “I didn’t ask Tadeja for translations for those things.”

“I love you with all my heart, brain and everything too.”

Kurt puts his hand on the small table. Blaine gets the hint and he puts his over Kurt’s. Kurt loves that Blaine is such a cheesy romantic. Blaine’s said before that he didn’t realise it either, but to be fair, he’d never been in love before.

It’s a good thing that Blaine came to Ljubljana.

Studying here is already the best choice of Kurt’s life.

Speaking of the city.

“Did you know that some believe that Ljubljana is named Ljubljana after the Slavic word ljub, which means to love?” Kurt says.

Blaine looks pleasantly surprised.

“Really?”

Kurt nods happily. He found out when he first moved to Ljubljana. Someone at the university mentioned it during a tour of the city. Kurt didn’t really think much of it back then, but he’s always remembered it, because he thought it was cute. He still thinks so.

Kurt really didn’t expect to find love, but he did.

“Fitting, isn’t it?” Kurt says, “How do you say I love you in Slovene again?”

“Ljubim te,” Blaine answers.

“Well, I ljubim te you too!” Kurt says back.

Blaine laughs.

“You know, I don’t think that’s how you say it, but the sentiment is the same.”

It is. This city has given all of them so much and Kurt knows it will always have a little place in his heart. Only a little bit, though, because most of it is reserved for Blaine.

--

End notes: Hooray! We made it! 🇸🇮

I hope you enjoyed reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it, and I hope you guys will have a chance to visit Ljubljana one day. I also want to go back, but alas. In the meantime, let me redirect you to the Slovenian Glossary, which discusses all the places that were mentioned in this fic. Here’s also a masterpost for this fic.

Dave had been given the choice of a three month suspension and attending summer school to complete his senior year, as well as being kicked off the football team, or transferring to Rutherford High on the other side of town. He’d opted for the transfer. Blaine felt a little bad about that, because Dave’s refusal to admit that Kurt had provoked him was most likely driven by his not wanting to admit to anyone that he he might be gay. But at the moment, Blaine was just relieved that Dave wouldn’t be around for the rest of the school year.

Kurt shrugged. “I guess.”

“It’s only a week. And when you get back Karofsky will be gone, so neither one of us will have to worry about him again.”

“I know,” Kurt said, turning to look out the window. “It’s just -- I don’t want to be suspended.”

“It never bothered you before.” Blaine didn’t want to hope that he was the reason for Kurt’s change of heart about school. He knew that Karofsky being gone wouldn’t stop the harassment completely, but it would make it less terrible. He didn’t think Kurt would suddenly be interested in becoming a model student.

Kurt shook his head, but managed to meet Blaine’s gaze. “You weren’t there before.”

Blaine gasped quietly, and he could feel his face heat up embarrassingly fast. “Kurt,” he exhaled. Kurt tightened his grip on Blaine’s hands. “You don’t have to want to come to school because of me.”

“But you won’t mind if I do?”

Blaine grinned. He knew he was still blushing. “Are you asking if I mind having my boyfriend at school every day, where we can eat lunch together and hold hands in the hallway --”

“Don’t get carried away Blaine.”

“-- and we can make out in empty classrooms --”

“Okay that I’ll agree to.” Kurt pulled Blaine closer, smacking a soft kiss on his mouth. “How about now. Can we go make out now? It feels like it’s been weeks,” Kurt grumbled.

“It’s only been two days, Kurt.” Blaine smiled into another kiss.

Kurt pouted. “Saturday? That was barely any time at all. And my dad came home before we could get naked.”

Blaine thought about teasing Kurt some more, but he honestly wanted to get his hands under Kurt’s clothes as much as Kurt wanted to get his hands on Blaine.

“Okay.”

Kurt perked up. “We can get naked?”

“Partially naked?” Blaine raised one eyebrow. “We can put the seat down in the back and go park behind the abandoned furniture outlet on Elida. There’s an overhang over the loading zone and no one will be able to see us from the road. I can text my mom and tell her I’ll be home by seven. That gives us a few hours?”

“Why have we not explored this hidden make out spot before? And how do you know if its existence Blaine?” Kurt narrowed his eyes suspiciously.

Blaine shrugged, but Kurt waited. “Okay fine. Last summer, right after we moved here but before I started at McKinley, I used to go to the parking lot and practice singing. There was no one there and the acoustics are good under the overhang.”

“You are such a dork.” Kurt leaned over and kissed him again. “I will accept this compromise for now,” he said. “But we have a date Saturday while my dad’s at work.”

“A naked date?” Blaine teased.

“You bet your naked ass, Anderson.”