Roses Dipped In Gold

Chapter Twenty-Three

By two o'clock in the morning, the Resistance camp's enthusiasm had died down. The excitement of the reunions of long-lost friends and family had faded into soft conversations and quiet reflection. Groups of once-energetic dancers were now huddled together under blankets or jackets, dozing off in the cool night air while they waited for news.

The stream of friends and acquaintances who wanted to check in with Kurt and his family had finally ebbed. Both Mr. Brower and the Dean of Dalton - who had reunited with his sister - found Kurt at some point during the night and had let him know how thankful they were, and that no matter the outcome of the vote, they were proud of him.

Having talked to everyone he knew that was in attendance, Kurt finally sank to the ground for a moment of peace. He could not sleep, though his back ached and he was exhausted from the events of the past few days. Instead, he was sprawled out on the ground on top of a blanket, his head in Renna's lap. Renna sat back-to-back with Sam, and Burt curled up atop a second blanket a few feet from Kurt.

"What do you think is happening in there?" Renna asked quietly while carding her fingers through Kurt's hair.

"I can tell you exactly what's going on," came Cooper's voice. The older Anderson sat down cross-legged near Renna's feet. He smiled apologetically, explaining his previous absence by letting them know he and Alyssa had headed back to the hotel where his in-laws were with their children.

"That's right. You've been in meetings like this before," Kurt sat up with the help of Renna's steadying hand.

"Well," Cooper chuckled. "Never anything quite like this. You've outdone yourselves with this one. No, right now they're sitting around a big, round table, shouting over each other about the points of Blaine's proposal. If you've ever wanted to see a bunch of grumpy old white men in a professional wrestling match, this is the closest you'll ever get.

"Judging by how long they've been in there, I would guess the vote is pretty evenly split. After this long in that room, nobody is going to change their mind now, so they might as well vote on it. Since there's an even number of voters with that ass wipe who tortured you missing, any ties will be broken by my father's vote. You better hope that your boyfriend did enough to convince them, Kurt. Because as selfish as my dad might be, and as much as he might want to have me and my kids in his life, he would never vote to rule a country without this segregation that is so deeply ingrained in him."

Cooper's words only made Kurt more anxious. He knew what Blaine was capable of, and did not doubt him for one second, but there was only so much Blaine could do if it came down to a tiebreaker. "You know the Council members, Cooper. Do you think that there's any possibility this could pass?"

"I think-"

Kurt would never know what Cooper thought, though, because just then, the heavy double doors of the Council building creaked open, and the Council filed out.

The tension in the air could have been cut with a knife. The collective bated breath of the crowd hung over them like a balloon about to pop.

Kurt's blood rushed through his veins, but unlike everyone else, who was watching the Chancellor, he only had eyes for Blaine. Kurt rose from the ground and walked toward the building in a sort of trance, stopping a few feet short of the line of security that still surrounded the building.

Blaine was the last person to come out, the large doors closing behind him with an ominous finality. Kurt searched eagerly, but Blaine's face gave nothing but edginess away as he scanned the crowd. Blaine spotted Kurt standing just off to the side, at the front of the mass of people, and broke into a run, slipping through the police officers to get to Kurt.

Kurt looked at him with expectant eyes, his heart beating fast enough and hard enough to pound right through his rib cage. Protesters shifted their anxious gazes from the Chancellor to where Blaine had approached Kurt. They gathered around, giving them a wide berth, but watching curiously.

Blaine, mouth twitching, grabbed Kurt by the back of the neck and dipped him low for a passionate kiss.

Kurt gasped into his mouth, fingers clutching at Blaine's arms like a lifeline. A kiss so victorious could only mean one thing.

"We did it," Blaine whispered against Kurt's lips before righting him. Then, without breaking his hold on Kurt, he turned to the crowd and shouted, "WE DID IT!"

Everyone, even some of the officers, cheered and jumped up and down in triumph. People who had never voiced their support for the Resistance were taking part in the celebration. It seemed as though they were afraid before. Not anymore.

Kurt was pulled into hug after hug, but his hand never left Blaine's, until Blaine found Cooper.

Coming face-to-face with his brother after all this time, after all of those unresolved feelings, was momentous for Blaine. Their reunion was emotionally charged, even more so than it would have been, considering the circumstances. Blaine and Cooper did not talk much, but there would be time for that later. Their biggest regrets had been wiped away. They had been given a second chance.

On the other side of Kurt, his friends were just as emotional. In the heat of the moment, Renna had kissed Sam, and now he was following her around like she hung the moon.

Burt and Kurt shared a poignant moment, realizing that everything they had fought for together was finally happening. No words were exchanged between the two, but none were needed.

The Council members who had been in favor of the proposal rushed into the crowd and reunited with their loved ones who they had not seen in months or years. The other Council members stood on the steps of the Council building awkwardly, watching the scene in front of them and wondering what their lives were about to become.

Eventually, the Chancellor succeeded in calming the crowd.

"Blaine, please join me," he called out to his son. Blaine complied, grudgingly leaving Kurt behind. The roar of the crowd swelled as Blaine took the stage.

"As you know, the proposal has been accepted. Effective immediately, the interclass communication law will no longer be enforced. Other changes will take place over the next few days, with more to come.

"I do not fully support this movement, and cannot uphold it to the best of my ability since I am not completely invested in it. However, I do know that sometimes, unwanted change is necessary. That is why I have stepped down as Chancellor, and my son Blaine will take my place."

A wave of gasps and whispers ran through the audience.

"Shut the fuck up!" Kurt muttered disbelievingly, just loud enough to elicit laughs from the people standing around him, including a toothy grin from Blaine, who threw him a wink.

"Blaine has the best interests of the people at heart, and will be the best person to carry out these changes. It has been an honor serving you. Thank you."

A few stray claps floated through the air. Blaine replaced his father at the front of the Council, and the quiet applause transformed into wild cheering.

"As the law stands, I automatically assume the position of Chancellor because of who my father is. However, I just spent sixteen hours fighting to prove that the family someone is born into should not dictate who they are or how others treat them. The same goes for me. I believe a leader should be elected by his or her people. I will temporarily fill the position of Chancellor, and in the coming weeks, we will hold a vote. The winner will become the new Chancellor." A rumble of approval passed over the crowd. "But for now...forget about that." Blaine waved his hand as if to brush it off. "Let's party!"

And party they did. Until long after the sun came up, people were dancing and celebrating in the streets, relishing in the major victory that would change their lives.

It seemed as though every last person in attendance wanted to meet Blaine, to thank him or shake his hand or tell their story. Blaine only wanted Kurt, though. To hold him, to make sure he was feeling okay, to celebrate with him. He politely greeted everyone and listened to their praise and accepted their handshakes and hugs, taking comfort in knowing that Kurt was surrounded by people who loved him and that, at the end of the day (or beginning of the day, as it was), he would be going home with Kurt.

Mid-morning found the square in front of the Council building nearly emptied as protesters made their way home, exhausted yet excited. Blaine bid goodbye to the last of the people in line who wanted to meet him, and finally made his way over to the small group of people he longed to see most.

"There he is, the man of the hour! Blaine! Blaine! Blaine! Blaine!" Sam, Wes, and Cooper led the chant.

"It was not my idea to introduce them to each other, I swear!" Kurt addressed Blaine, throwing up his hands defensively, but glancing lovingly at the three dorks all the while.

Blaine made his rounds within the group. Renna hugged him and gave him a tearful kiss on the cheek. Sam gave him a "bro hug," and thanked him. Wes threw an arm around his shoulder and asked if this meant that Kurt was going to be around more, and if he should invest in a new pair of noise-cancelling headphones. Burt wrapped Blaine in a fatherly hug, telling him how proud he was of what he had accomplished. Kurt gave him a quick kiss and told Blaine how much he loved him with the promise of more later (kissing and talking, that is). Blaine did not want to release Kurt from his tight embrace, but Alyssa cut in. She took Blaine by the hands and told him that she had not ever had a brother before, but that she appreciated how he was coming into her life with a bang. He promised her they would spend time getting to know one another, and he felt his heart burst at the idea of his family expanding. He had a sister and nephews now, something he never thought he would have.

Then Blaine turned to Cooper.

"Hey, squirt. You are amazing. I never thought I would forgive myself for leaving you in this position, but you are kicking it in the ass, so I guess I'll just give myself a little pat on the back!"

Blaine laughed and hugged his big brother.

"I forgive you, Coop. You had to do what was right for you. And look how happy you are now."

"Happier now that I've got you back."

Out of the corner of his eye, Blaine saw Kurt put a hand over his heart and knew that he was feeling the same way.

"Oh, my precious family back together again!" Mrs. Anderson cooed, coming up behind the boys and interrupting the moment.

Mr. Anderson followed right behind her. "What do you boys say to a family dinner tonight?" He asked. Everyone stared at him in disbelief, and Blaine started shaking with anger.

"Father, those were some nice things you said about me earlier, but that doesn't erase what you've done. Nothing can. You authorized the torture of Kurt, who you knew meant more to me than anyone. You stood by and watched it happen. That is unforgivable to me."

Mr. Anderson gaped at Blaine, and Mrs. Anderson turned helplessly to her other son. "Cooper, you have always been the sensible one. Your father was just following the letter of the law. You cannot blame him for what happened to this boy," she waved her hand in Kurt's direction. Kurt looked like he was ready to lunge at her throat, but he held back. He knew this was a conversation that had to happen between the Andersons.

Cooper stood taller, angling his body offensively. He could not even bring himself to address his father, so he spoke directly to the woman pleading her case in front of him.

"I can actually blame him, mother, because it was entirely his fault. And you are no better, defending him. How dare you call us family? You are supposed to protect family at all costs, to fight for them tooth and nail. You never fought for me. You didn't protect Blaine. As far as I'm concerned, you are not my family," Cooper put his arms around Blaine and Kurt. "This is my family. Someday when you are ready to apologize for what you've done, and you see the error of your ways, maybe then I will consider allowing you back in. But until then, you will stay away from us."

His parents were taken aback. They looked from person to person in the circle, hoping to find someone to show them some mercy. One by one, the group turned away from the ex-Chancellor and his wife.

Without another word, Mr. and Mrs. Anderson left, tails between their legs, and Cooper and Blaine shared a look conveying emotions that only they could understand.

Kurt grabbed Blaine's sleeve as he swayed on his feet.

"Babe, I need to lay down," he told Blaine quietly.

"Okay, we need to change your bandages anyway. Let's get you home." He looked to Burt for approval.

"Come visit me tomorrow," was his only stipulation.

Kurt and Blaine said their goodbyes and walked the short distance to Blaine's house in happy, tired silence.

They washed up and changed into pajamas, even though it was not yet noon. Blaine changed Kurt's bandages, and they slid into bed.

Blaine lay on his back, and Kurt lay on his front, arm draped over Blaine's chest and head on Blaine's shoulder.

"How are you feeling?" Blaine checked in.

"Kind of weird," Kurt admitted.

Blaine immediately shifted, trying to make Kurt more comfortable. "What can I do?"

Kurt just smirked. "No, I'm feeling weird because I'm dating the Chancellor."

"Is dating an authority figure a turn on for you?" Blaine joked, running a fingertip over the shell of Kurt's ear.

"Blaine. Literally everything you've done in the past 36 hours is a turn on. You're a fucking rockstar."

That made Blaine laugh. "You're ridiculous, Kurt. You're the rockstar."

"We're not having this argument again. We will have to agree to disagree."

"Deal," Blaine kissed Kurt's cheek, then he sighed. "If you think it's weird to be dating the Chancellor, try being me."

Kurt's face grew serious. "Are you ready for it, Blaine? Be honest with me."

"I am. I really am. But it's only temporary, anyway. I'm sure the people will elect someone else."

"Now you're being ridiculous. There is nobody more perfect for the job than you."

"You know your support means the world to me, don't you?"

Kurt answered with another kiss.

Silence fell over them as they cuddled together.

"Blaine, are you still awake?" Kurt asked a while later.

"Mmm."

"Are you ever afraid that White will come back for us?"

Blaine blanched at the fear in Kurt's voice. He pulled him a little closer. "Sure I am. But try not to be scared, baby. I've doubled our security. Even if he tries, he shouldn't be able to do anything to us."

"You're the best. You think of everything."

"Anything to keep you safe."

It was quiet for a long time before Blaine spoke again.

"Kurt, are you still awake?"

"Mmm."

"We actually did it."

He felt Kurt smile against his chest.

"We actually did it."

Changes were happening, and they were happening fast. Right away, the interclass communication laws were eradicated, as were the laws capping family income based on Class. Restricted activities were re-opened to all Classes. The Council was in the process of changing the ascent and descent laws, attempting to make changing Classes more accessible, and automatically available to those who wanted to marry. Of course, Blaine's end goal was to completely eliminate the Class system, but he needed to ensure that society was stable enough to withstand such an upending. It would take time, but he would see it through to the end if it was the last thing he did.

Blaine fulfilled some personal promises as well, such as providing the families of those his father had forced him to convict by giving them food or a job or a home. This included the girls whose attack on him had resulted in his transfer to Dalton. He was nervous to confront them, but they ultimately apologized and admitted that although nothing could ever replace their mother and little sister, Blaine was redeeming himself every day. Thankfully, after the closure he found with the girls (not to mention the amends he made with Calen, his ex-roommate, who apologized profusely for hurting Blaine and promised he would sober up), Blaine's nightmares became less frequent and less intense.

The other major change Blaine enacted immediately directly affected the Council. The changes were based on something Kurt had mentioned a while back, and Blaine strongly agreed that the lawmakers should represent the people, and that the current makeup of the Council (twelve High Class men) was not representative of the diversity of the nation.

Blaine disbanded the current Council and appointed four High Class, four Middle Class, and four Low Class Council members from a variety of ages, genders, and races. Eventually, the people would vote to elect these representatives as well, but for the time being, Blaine tried to fill the seats to the best of his ability.

The night Blaine initiated this change, he began his search for Council members. On Saturday morning, Blaine delivered food to a nearby Low Class village as he always did, then he drove over to Kurt's, where he now usually spent his Saturdays helping out wherever needed in the market or at Burt's shop.

After serving dinner to the neighborhood, he and Kurt settled in on the threadbare couch that was stuffed in the corner of Kurt and Burt's room.

"I'm changing the Council," Blaine announced before detailing his plans to Kurt.

"That's really great, Blaine. It's amazing to see all of our ideas actually coming to light."

"That's exactly what I've been thinking. You're the reason I have all these ideas. You're the brilliant mind between the two of us. Would you consider serving on the Council as one of the Low Class representatives?"

Kurt gave the offer some thought before responding.

"I'm honored that you would even ask, but that's just not me, Blaine. I wouldn't be happy with a life politics. I'm content just being the brains behind the operation." His eyes drifted across the house and fell on his father. "I know just the person to ask, though…"

A few weeks later, with Burt taking up one of the Council seats, the final election for Chancellor was held.

Blaine won in a landslide.

Kurt Hummel marked many of the major milestones in his life by things that Blaine had done. He used to consider the moment everything changed to be the day Blaine had written YES. Or the day Blaine presented him with his first rose. Or the day Blaine announced on a live national broadcast that they were involved in a forbidden romance. Or the day Blaine threw himself in front of a whip for him and stood up to his father. But now, Kurt could definitively say that the moment everything changed was the day that Blaine became Chancellor. Everything Blaine did with his new role opened up a whole world of possibilities for Kurt's future.

Over the past few weeks since Blaine's proposal passed, Kurt had spent half of his nights at home, and half at Blaine's. They were happy to be together, and were as in love as ever, but had been so focused on Blaine's job that they had yet to talk about how their relationship would be affected by all of the changes taking place. Kurt knew that Blaine had not even thought about it; he had been so wrapped up in his new career.

Blaine loved him unconditionally, Kurt was sure of that, he just was not sure exactly how Blaine saw their future unfolding. Did Blaine see them marrying some day? Having children together? Living together? He had to know that Blaine was on the same page as he was, and he could not wait any longer to have that discussion.

Blaine was busy almost every night of the week, but loved coming home to find Kurt already snuggled in his bed on nights when Kurt stayed over, and loved Kurt waking him briefly in the mornings for a goodbye kiss. Kurt loved waking up to Blaine, but he missed their talks, their movie marathons, their singalongs at the piano.

Despite how much Kurt missed having Blaine around, he understood how important it was for Blaine's to dive headfirst into being Chancellor. He told himself every day that he just had to be patient, that this would not last forever. In the meantime, though, Kurt decided to be selfish and ask for just one night with Blaine.

So before leaving for the market one morning, he left Blaine a note.

B,

Don't stay late at work this evening. I want to see you tonight. We need to talk.

-K

Two hours later when he woke up and read it, Blaine's heart dropped. People only said "we need to talk" when they wanted to end their relationship. His mind shifted into overdrive, trying to figure out why Kurt would want to break up with him.

His first horrible thought was that Kurt had finally gotten what he wanted out of Blaine, and now that Blaine had successfully passed the proposal, Kurt could cut things off with him. Blaine pushed that thought out of his head instantly, though, because it was Kurt he was talking about. Kurt, whose love he could never doubt.

Then it came to him.

Blaine had been so consumed by work that he had not given much attention to his relationship. Sure, he always made sure to kiss Kurt goodnight when he came home, and he told Kurt he loved him every day by leaving a note with Kurt's morning rose, but they had hardly seen each other for the past few weeks.

Half-dressed and still groggy, Blaine pulled at his hair in aggravation. Without realizing it, he had taken Kurt's love for granted, and now, Kurt must have had enough.

Reality came crashing down on Blaine like a thousand pound weight as he realized just how lucky he was to have Kurt in his life.

The stars had, against all odds, aligned to bring and keep Kurt in his life. Blaine had never done anything extraordinary to earn Kurt's love. In fact, when they first met, Blaine was a blundering idiot in front of him. He was undeserving of the magnificent man that he was dating. Kurt did everything for him, and he gave nothing in return. No wonder Kurt did not want him anymore.

He wanted nothing more than to drive over to Kurt's and fall to his knees, begging Kurt to forgive him, but his responsibility as Chancellor kept him from doing that.

So Blaine went to work, consumed with sadness and obsessed with thoughts of what his life could be like without his other, better half. It was extremely difficult for Blaine to make it through the day, which he spent counting down the minutes to the time when he could go promise Kurt that he would work harder to give him the attention he deserved, and beg him to give him a second chance.

At exactly 5:00, when the Council building closed, Blaine tried to bolt out the door, but an urgent matter caught him at the entrance to his office. His mind elsewhere, Blaine rushed through resolving the problem, and ran home, only an hour later than he intended.

Upon arrival, he discovered that his housekeeper had let Kurt in already. The house smelled like dinner and the soft sound of music drifted through the air, punctuated by the clinking of dishes.

Blaine turned the corner to the kitchen to find Kurt clearing the table.

"Oh! Blaine, you're here! Let me reheat some food for you."

Blaine blinked in confusion. "You made dinner? But where is Anthony?" He asked about his chef.

"I told him to take the night off," Kurt chewed at his lip and watched Blaine carefully. "I hope that's okay. I wanted to cook for you tonight so we could have a special night. But you didn't come home right away so the food got cold. I started to clean up because I wasn't sure when you'd be coming back."

Blaine wanted to hit his forehead in frustration. He had screwed up again.

"I'm sorry! I got your note and I tried to leave on time, but something came up and I got stuck at the office for another hour. I'm sorry I ruined dinner, Kurt," Blaine's heart contracted painfully as he watched Kurt reheat his food. He just could not get anything right.

Kurt smiled, but did not say anything as he served Blaine's food and sat down with him as he ate.

"How was your day?" asked Kurt.

Blaine was too nervous to give more than a one word response. In fact, he could hardly eat at all. His stomach was in knots, anticipating the talk that was to come.

He forced down half of what was on his plate and looked at Kurt. His handsome, perfect Kurt whom he was on the verge of losing.

"Your note said you wanted to talk?" Blaine's hands were shaking and he started to sweat.

"Yeah," Kurt frowned, eyeing Blaine's reaction. "I want to talk about us. Blaine...you're white as a ghost. Are you okay?"

Blaine shook his head.

"Okay, come on. Let's go sit on the couch."

This was bad. This was really bad. He sat as far away from Kurt as he could stand on the small sofa, wrapping his arms around his middle. He could not take his eyes off of Kurt. What if this was the last time he saw him?

Before Kurt could say anything, Blaine started apologizing profusely.

"I am so sorry I've been so absent lately. I haven't been the best partner I can be, and I haven't been giving you the love and attention you deserve. Kurt, I should have never taken advantage of how you feel for me and pushed you and our relationship to the back burner. I understand why you want to leave me," his eyes fell to his lap, brimming over with tears. His whole body shuddered upon voicing his greatest fear.

Kurt's response was the absolute last thing Blaine expected. He laughed. Not just a giggle, but a full, hearty laugh.

Blaine recoiled from Kurt and curled in on himself, shaping his body into a ball.

"How is this funny?" Blaine's voice was small and broken.

Kurt stopped laughing when he heard Blaine's tone. He scooped the other man into his arms and kissed his face, a smile still lingering on his lips. Blaine was as confused by his affection as he was Kurt's laughter.

"It's funny because you apparently think I'm breaking up with you when I actually came here tonight to tell you that in my vision for the future, you're woven into every last piece. I came here tonight to ask you if you felt the same about our path forward, to see if you also saw us together, years from now, still facing the world side by side."

Blaine's jaw hung open.

"You - I - you - what?"

Kurt wrapped his arms around Blaine. "You ridiculous boy. You must know by now how insanely in love with you I am."

Blaine still floundered for words. "But I - you can't...I've been neglecting you in favor of my job. I'm hardly ever home, and when I am, I'm distracted. I'm not giving you what you need."

"Blaine. Stop being so self-deprecating and look at me." Kurt took Blaine's face in his hands and held it in place to keep Blaine's eyes on his. "Your job is the most important thing in our world right now. For both of us. You break your back day after day to ensure that the society we live in is what we've only ever dreamed of. Don't you see? Everything you're doing is for us. You're making it possible for us to have a future together. So yeah, maybe you're not around as much as I would like, but I know it won't be that way forever. All I need from you right now is for you to keep fighting for us. To kiss me every day. To come home to me every night. And to never stop telling me you love me. That's more than enough."

Blaine could hardly believe what he was hearing. "But I thought...you said you didn't want to be my boyfriend?"

Kurt laughed again. Blaine was really starting to wonder what was so funny.

"Are you still on about that? I thought you would have figured it out by now. Back then, when I said that, there was no hope for us out here in the world, babe. I couldn't allow myself to call you my boyfriend because it was one more connection to you. It was one more thing that would make my inevitable life without you unbearable."

"That's really all?"

"All?! That was everything at the time."

Blaine was the one to laugh this time. "Okay, but now..." he left the phrase hanging in the air.

"Now I have the most amazing boyfriend who is better than anything my wildest imagination could have created."

Blaine glowed. He pushed himself off of Kurt to dig around in the coffee table drawer. "I guess now would be an appropriate time to give you this."

Kurt stared at the small, black box. "Please tell me that's not an engagement ring."

"Of course it's not! We're only eighteen, that would be crazy!"

Kurt let out a relieved laugh and took the package. He lifted the lid and a smile spread across his lips.

Nestled in the soft black velvet was an ornate gold key.

"You're giving me a key to your house? There's always someone here who can let me in, but I appreciate the symbolism." A strong surge of wanting coursed through Kurt. He leaned forward to kiss Blaine, but Blaine was shaking his head.

"No, it's not a key for my house. I probably shouldn't have - I just thought - it would be so nice...This place is way too big-"

"What are you saying, Blaine?"

Blaine cleared his throat and attempted to collect his thoughts. "I wanted something that could be ours together, not something my parents gave me. You shouldn't have to be so far from home. Plus, I can't stand having you this close to my father. White wouldn't know where to find us, either. I think you'll love it, Kurt. It has so much character-"

"Are you telling me you bought us a house?"

Blaine nodded shyly, unable to read Kurt's expression. "I know I should have asked you first, but...it's perfect. Please don't be upset."

Kurt lurched forward to kiss Blaine, cutting off his rambling.

He leaned his forehead against Blaine's and whispered against his lips. "How could I be upset when you're so damn thoughtful? You bought me a fucking house, Blaine. You bought me a house so we can be together out of the way of the evil in our lives."

Blaine's smile lit up the room. "It's not like it was a totally selfless move. There's definitely something in it for me." He wiggled his eyebrows.

Kurt shifted and crawled into Blaine's lap. "So I take it this means we're on the same page regarding our future together?"

Blaine responded with a kiss, sliding his hands under Kurt's shirt, carefully running his fingers over the healing scars on his back.

Kurt moaned, his eyelids fluttering shut. To give Kurt's body time to heal, he and Blaine had not been intimate since before his run-in with White. Kurt was dying for Blaine's touch.

"Do you want to go see the house?" Blaine asked excitedly.

"Maybe later," Kurt replied, sliding his hand up Blaine's thigh and licking his lips tantalizingly. "Right now, I really need you to take me to bed and make the sweetest fucking love to me."

Blaine groaned, growing hard under Kurt. "You don't have to ask me twice."

The following day while bartering over one of his most recent designs with a haughty-looking woman, Kurt noticed a strange buzzing coming from his bag. He finally settled on a price that he was satisfied with, glad to be rid of the woman who treated him like scum, presumably because of his Class status or his relationship with Blaine.

Though more people had been coming out in support of the Resistance (even those who had kept tight-lipped about it in the past), there were still a few traditionalists who turned their noses up at Kurt because they recognized his part in the changes happening in society. That was the downside of dating Blaine, he thought. Everyone knew who he was, for better or for worse.

Kurt settled back on his stool, chatting easily with Sam when he heard the buzzing sound again. He leaned forward, digging through the pockets of his bag to find the culprit of the mysterious sound. He located the source after rummaging fruitlessly for a minute. A sleek, black item was in his hand as he pulled it out of the bag. A cell phone.

"Where did this come from?" He mused aloud, knitting his eyebrows together in confusion.

The offending object started vibrating again, the screen lighting up brightly. Kurt glanced at the display and shook his head, laughing in disbelief.

From Blaine:

Good morning, sunshine! I found a way for us to stay connected even when I'm working all day. Love you, baby.

From Blaine:

Hope you sell a lot of your amazing designs today!

From Blaine:

Tell Sam I said hi!

Kurt couldn't believe Blaine's nerve. He had turned down Blaine's offer to give him a cell phone in the past. Now Blaine was being stealthy and using their relationship as leverage to get Kurt to accept it. Kurt figured out how to unlock the phone and navigated his way to the text messages.

From Kurt:

This is low, even for you, you sneaky man.

Blaine's response came almost immediately.

From Blaine:

You know you love me.

From Blaine:

I bought you a house. I think we're long past the point of you refusing to accept things from me.

From Kurt:

Fair point.

From Blaine:

Plus, my money is your money. Feel free to buy me whatever you want with it. ;)

From Kurt:

Deal. How is your day going?

"Oh great. You're going to be even more insufferably in love now!" Sam complained when he saw Kurt's newfound way of communicating with Blaine.

"You're just jealous," Kurt retorted.

"Hopefully not for long," Sam smirked.

"What?!" Kurt shrieked, lurching forward to cling onto Sam's arm. "Did something happen with you and Renna?"

After the Resistance march, Sam had not reported any news on the romance front with Renna, and Kurt assumed the budding romance had fizzled out.

"She came by the market the other day when you were over at Blaine's. We went for a walk and had a little picnic, and there may have been some sparks flying," Sam shrugged lazily, though his huge smile gave his true feelings away.

"Wow, Sam. That's really great. You know how much we love Renna."

"Oh my god, you're turning into one of those people!"

"One of what people?" Kurt narrowed his eyes.

"The ones who say 'we' instead of 'I' as if they and their partner have merged into one big, annoying, in-love person."

"Oh, shut up and let me be happy!" Kurt joked, turning back to his last text, which still sat unanswered.

From Kurt:

Hello? Is this thing on?

Still receiving no response, Kurt went back to his sales. As the hour dragged on without hearing from Blaine, Kurt started to worry. Finally, the phone screen lit up again with a text.

From Blaine:

Wes is on his way to pick you up. You need to get here now.

The air was sucked from Kurt's lungs. Something was seriously wrong.

From Kurt:

Are you okay?

From Blaine:

I'm fine. Everyone is fine. I just need you to get here as soon as possible. Be ready for Wes in 20 minutes.

Blaine paced the hallway just inside the main doors to the Council building as he waited for Kurt and Wes to arrive. Guards surrounded him, and he knew that on the street outside, more awaited Wes and Kurt.

Everyone was on high alert. There had been a breach in security on his property, and though the perpetrator had been caught, the head of Blaine's security team worried that he may not have been working alone.

The doors opened and nine guards flooded in, forming a protective barrier around Kurt and Wes. Kurt was pale and tense, and his eyes darted around nervously. When Blaine rushed toward him and took Kurt into his arms, though, both men melted as the tension they had been holding in their bodies washed away.

"You're okay," Blaine said, as if reassuring himself. "Someone tried to break into my house, Kurt. Thank god you weren't there today. You could have been hurt, oh god-" He broke off in a choked sob.

"I'm okay," Kurt reiterated. "What happened to the person who tried to break in?"

"He's in one of the cells downstairs." Blaine pulled away from Kurt's embrace but held onto his hands tightly.

"Did you just want me here to make sure I was safe?" Kurt asked softly so that only Blaine could hear.

"That's not the only reason, though I feel so much better having you here with me," he kissed Kurt's hand. "I actually need your help. I have to decide what punishment is most appropriate for the man who tried to break in."

"Why would you need me to help you with that?"

Blaine looked at him nervously. "Because. It's White."

Standing outside the cell door, Kurt thought he was going to be sick. Just inside sat the man who had brutally tortured him and forced his boyfriend to watch.

"You don't have to go in and see him, Kurt," Blaine said for what seemed like the hundredth time.

Kurt nodded once. He gripped Blaine's hand so hard he worried he would cut off his circulation. "I do. I need to put this to rest. I need to be with you when you do it."

Blaine kept Kurt close by his side as they entered the room. Seeing White made his stomach turn over, but something about the shackles that bound the man's arms to the wall at odd angles was quite satisfying.

The man looked up at Kurt and Blaine as they walked in and sneered as he saw who it was.

"It's too bad you weren't at Anderson's today, Hummel. I had a nice surprise ready for you."

Kurt backed away involuntarily, but Blaine stood his ground, ignoring White's commentary.

"White. You are being sentenced on counts of torture and abuse of power. Your punishment is as follows: A month in solitary confinement followed by life in prison. All of your assets will be liquidated and turned over to the government, as well as your savings. Those funds will be distributed across a selection of Low Class communities who are struggling to get by. The money will be used to build houses for those who don't have shelter, to provide food to those who don't have enough to eat, and to provide medical care for those who don't have insurance. Furthermore, a scholarship fund will be set up using your money in the name of the Resistance for Low Class students who wish to attend a university."

White was outraged. "You can't take my money! You can't use it for a bunch of Low Class scum who don't deserve it!"

"They are so much more deserving than you. Maybe your years in prison will help you realize that. You will never hurt us or anyone else again, White."

White growled, fighting against his restraints as Blaine turned to leave.

"Oh, and one more thing," Kurt stepped toward White, two guards still between them. They grabbed the prisoner by his arms and effectively stopped him from being able to move at all. Kurt took a deep breath and closed the distance between himself and White. "While you're burning in hell, you won't do so as High Class." Kurt cut the purple band from around White's wrist and replaced it with a yellow one. He pivoted on his heel to follow Blaine. He cast one last glance back at White, who was staring at his wrist like he wanted to rip it from his body.

Kurt smiled sadly. "You thought you were better than us, but it turns out we all burn the same."

After the incident with White breaking into Blaine's property, he and Kurt moved to their new home immediately. The old, Victorian-style house sat back from the road and was obscured by trees, and despite Blaine's fears, Kurt loved every inch of it from the wraparound porch to the third floor turret.

The boys had quickly made the house their own, and were now hosting their first dinner party. Blaine's official inauguration as Chancellor had been the previous night, and the cameras and constant requests for interviews had made the entire celebration party daunting rather than enjoyable.

With the help of their chef, Kurt and Blaine had pulled together an after-after party for a more intimate and meaningful gathering.

Currently, all of Kurt and Blaine's friends and family sat around an oval table in their dining room. Burt, Sam, Renna, Wes, Cooper and Alyssa and their children. Kurt beamed at the sight of everyone he loved sitting in one room. He clinked his glass delicately before rising to his feet.

"I'd like to say a few words." He pulled Blaine to his feet next to him, wrapping an arm around his boyfriend. "The only reason we are here today, able to sit in the same room, share a meal, and converse freely, is because of what this man has done. Most of you know this already, but when I met Blaine, he was nowhere near the person he is today. I am so proud of how far you've come, Blaine. You are a force to be reckoned with, and I am forever grateful that you chose our cause to fight for.

"I once told you that fighting for equality was the most important thing in my life, that it would always come first, before family, and even before you. So what did you do? You fused yourself with what was most important to me, becoming something nothing and nobody could compete with.

"You are the most incredible person, Blaine Anderson, an amazing boyfriend, and you will be an equally amazing Chancellor. I trust you with my life. Now the citizens of this country can trust you with theirs, too."

Kurt raised his glass to toast, but Blaine cut in.

"I cannot be praised for anything that I do without giving credit to this guy, right here. The only reason I had the guts to do what I've done, the only reason I am standing here today, is because of Kurt. You all know Kurt, so I don't need to tell you how special he is. But we do need to recognize him for everything he has done for me, and in turn, for you." Blaine raised his glass. "To the most spectacular partner life could have given me. To Kurt!"

"To Kurt!"

Kurt and Blaine were together and happy, surrounded by their loved ones in the home they were making together. Nothing could have been more perfect.

"It's just like your vision," Kurt told Blaine, walking down the sidewalk hand-in-hand after dinner and a show at the theatre. "The one you confessed to me at Dalton. It was one of the first times you mentioned our future, and you didn't know at the time, but hearing you talk about it tore me up inside. It was such a profound moment for me. It was the first time I allowed myself to consider what our future together could have been had the circumstances been different. It was also the first time I mourned the loss of what we could have had. Now that everything has changed, I wanted to make that vision come true."

Kurt had set up the date to exactly mimic what Blaine had described his vision.

"I can picture it now...walking down the street with you, dressed in my clothes that you designed, going to dinner or a show, holding your hand, kissing you whenever I want, pretending to dodge the press but secretly trying to show off my amazing boy…"

Blaine remembered the vision perfectly. With a full heart, he leaned down to kiss Kurt, knowing full well that a woman with a camera was lurking nearby.

They drew out the kiss so she could get some good photographs, and then they dissolved into fits of laughter.

"I'm so happy, Kurt," Blaine murmured, gazing lovingly up at him. "You've made this night perfect. An actual dream come to life. There is one last thing I want to do before we call it a night."

Forty minutes later, Kurt and Blaine stood in front of a rose bush they had just finished planting.

"Just four months ago, this all seemed so impossible, like a far off dream," Kurt put an arm around Blaine's shoulders and pulled him in. "I never allowed myself to think about what we could be, because we could never be anything. But now...everything is different. It all still seems so surreal. I'm still worried that I will wake up and find out it was all a vivid fantasy.

"When I said yes to you, I thought we could only have the rest of our time at Dalton. I thought we could only have the next three months. Now the possibilities seem endless. Tell me it's true. Tell me you think we can have the next fifty years."

Blaine looked at Kurt, the stars shining in his eyes. He plucked a single rose off of the bush in front of him, handing it to the love of his life. He kissed the corner of Kurt's mouth softly. "Baby, I think we can have forever."

Author's Note: Wow. What can I say? Thank you, thank you, thank you. Thank you to everyone who has supported me on this throughout these past few months. And thank you to everyone who will read and continue to enjoy this in the future. It was a personal goal of mine to write over 100k words, and I made it, thanks to your encouragement! I am forever grateful for all of your follows, favorites, and your beautiful, generous reviews. It has truly been a joy writing for you.

Find me over on Tumblr at xbeautifulunseenx - I want to follow you! And stay tuned for what's to come. ;)

Until next time! xx