Chapter Text
“Kurt!” Burt shouted
Kurt ran over to his father and hugged him. His smile was big as was his hug, and Burt chuckled squeezing him back. When Burt pulled away he studied his son. He noted that he was dressed very well (as usual) in slim black trousers and a gray turtleneck sweater with nice loafers to match. The gray peacoat was also new, and he liked how his hair seemed more relaxed than it was when he was in school.
“You look good, buddy.” Kurt smiled.
“Thanks, Dad. You look great as well. And the shop’s renovations were completed huh?” Kurt asked, taking a seat on the stool his father was sitting on seconds ago. Burt took off his cap and scratched his head.
“Yeah. They turned out great. I don’t know about you paying for it all and the extra hands-”
“I wanted to. Besides, I wanted to make up for the fact that I couldn’t be here during Paris Fashion Week last year.”
Burt smiled and shook his head, which caused Kurt to smile.
“What?”
“Oh, it’s just interesting. I remember when you used to dream of going to Paris for their fashion shows. And now you’re one of the featured designers. You’ve come so far Kurt, and I’m proud of you,” he stated. Kurt blushed at the compliment.
“Thanks, Dad. It’s all because of your support. How are you doing, though? Getting rest?”
Burt snorted.
“Of course. Carol won’t let me sneak anything and I get a snack once a week,” he grumbled. Kurt however smirked.
“I don’t feel sorry for you Dad. I know one of your employees brings you something at least twice a week.”
Burt rolled his eyes.
“You have no proof. Anyway, not that I’m not glad to see you, but what brings you to Ohio? It’s January. Don’t you have more fashion to create?”
Kurt sighed before he looked down at his hands.
“I’m tired, dad. I’ve been traveling non-stop for the past year. Since I own my own fashion brand, and I have loyal and smart employees and designers, I have left them in charge of my store in New York. I’m thinking of opening one here, and I can always fly to New York for any shows, interviews, or such.”
Burt nodded, leaning against the car he was working on.
“Where are you staying?”
Kurt smiled a bit.
“Actually you know that house I used to always talk about? The one in the gated community of Columbus?”
Burt grinned.
“Yeah. The big historical one.”
Kurt nodded.
“I brought it. I had it renovated while I was away, and the rest of my clothes will be shipped here. I think for the next year I will live here,” he said. “What do you think?” Kurt asked. Burt studied his son.
“You’re not running from anything are you?” Burt asked frankly. Kurt’s eyes widened.
“Gosh no! Seriously dad. I’m just tired. And I want to be near to you and Carol. Finn is still in the military abroad, and I just miss you.”
“But you love New York!”
Kurt laughed.
“Yes, I do. And that is why I own the penthouse there so if I need to go back I will. But I need to slow down a bit.” Kurt was quiet before he spoke again.
“That thing with Blaine, Dad? It took a lot from me. He took a lot from me. And it’s affecting my work as much as I try to ignore it. I just need time to process everything.” Burt came close and placed his hand on Kurt’s shoulder.
“Instead of processing it when it happened, you threw yourself into work huh?”
“Yes,” he whispered. “I did everything abroad while changing my number and focusing on fashion. But it hit me while I was in Italy two weeks ago, that I can no longer live like that.”
Last year Kurt caught his college boyfriend of eight years cheating on him. Blaine Anderson was a charmer and in the end, it was his charm that ended their relationship. To be honest, Burt never liked him. But he also knew his son needed to make his own decisions. So he became supportive.
“I did that when your mother died. Thought if I focused on the business everything would be okay. But the moment I saw you one evening crying in the living room all alone I knew I had to stop. And that was when I started talking to you. I instantly felt better, and we were able to work together to be close.”
Kurt remembered the night his father sat beside him and told him that it was okay to cry and that he’d always be there for him.
“Yes. We did.”
Suddenly a loud motorcycle pulled into the garage. Kurt’s brow raised noticing that it was Ducati. It was gray and black. The person driving it was covered so he was unable to see the face, but from the muscular thighs, wide shoulders, and long legs, Kurt guessed the man was a professional. When he took off the helmet however and ran his hand through his hair, Kurt’s eyes widened. Burt watched the recognition click on his son’s face and inwardly smirked.
“Sebastian?” he asked in disbelief. The man in question glanced up and his grin broadened.
“Kurt!”
He jumped off his bike and ran towards Kurt, picking him up and giving him a twirl. Kurt laughed, inwardly turned on by the way Sebastian lifted him effortlessly. He always did even when they were teenagers.
“Oh my God!” Kurt said as Sebastian set him gently on his feet. Kurt looked up, forgetting how tall he was.
“I can’t believe it’s you. It’s been at least-”
“Thirteen years,” Sebastian answered. Kurt took a step back and subtly gave him a glance over.
“You look good Bas. But then again you always did,” Kurt said honestly. Sebastian was tall and muscular. His face was handsome, and he looked every inch the Smythe heir to the billionaire family fortune. His deep green eyes were especially bright, and his hair was windswept caramel brown and soft-looking.
“Thank you. And may I say that you have only gotten beautiful as time progressed,” he stated. Kurt blushed even as he inwardly did a shimmy. Kurt’s outfit was all designer, but because he was all lean it looked even better. His glass eyes were more intense and his smooth skin was still the color of porcelain. Just like his late mother. His hair was a dark brown, almost black and his lips were full and perfect. Just the way Sebastian always liked them. The two were madly in love with one another. But when Sebastian got a full-ride scholarship to UCLA and Kurt got a scholarship to the Fashion Institute and Design in New York, they didn’t think they’d be ready for a long-distance relationship. So, the summer after graduation the two made an agreement to end their relationship as friends. They spoke for a while, but like all things, with time and distance, they drifted apart. It was amicable and mature. But Sebastian always wondered what if they didn’t break up. As he was in love with Kurt all those years ago.
“Thank you. What are you doing here?” he asked. Sebastian glanced over at Burt who’d been watching the two with amusement.
“I come by your father’s shop often to talk or eat. You know that I’m a motorbike racer.”
“Yes, I do! I heard your name mentioned a while back. I’m really proud of you Bas, and you should be as well. I mean, you went to school for engineering and you always liked fast cars and motorcycles so it figured this would be your career.”
“You always believed I could do it,” he said quietly. Kurt nodded before lowering his gaze to his hands.
“I always believed in you, Sebastian.” Kurt didn’t realize how much the older boy appreciated it when they were younger. He also failed to see the look of want on Sebastian’s face. Kurt cleared his throat before pasting on a smile.
“Why are you in Ohio right now? I’m guessing if you’re a professional racer you should be in Monaco or something.”
“I was there last month actually. I broke my own record. Honestly, it’s embarrassing winning ten times in a row but when you’re the best,” Sebastian said arrogantly. Kurt rolled his eyes even as he smiled a bit.
“Alright champion,” Kurt drawled. “You still haven’t answered my question. Why are you here?”
“Well, my mother is sick and since my father died three years ago I figured it was finally time to come home. I live with my mother on the family estate and I’ve taken over my father’s businesses.”
Kurt heard about his father’s passing. He was a very well-known businessman.
“I’m sorry about your father and mother. I sent flowers.”
Sebastian nodded.
“I know. Anyway, I still race but I also handle the businesses. My younger sister will be in town next month by the way.”
“That’s great! How is Stacey?” Kurt asked, leaning against this bike. Sebastian tried not to let Kurt’s scent and presence affect his talking but it was hard.
“She’s good. Some ballerina for an Italian company or something,” he said with a typical brother indifference. Kurt was amused.
“Um, Sebastian that’s kind of a big deal.”
“I’m a champion,” he said causing Kurt to laugh before he patted his leather-covered chest.
“Yes. You and your trophies,” Kurt said lightly.
“She would love to see you again. I told her that I’d been having lunch with Burt twice a week, so she assumed I’d already seen you. But you’ve been in New York. And Paris, and pretty much every place with fashion. At least, that’s what your father tells me.” Kurt turned to his father who suddenly was very interested in the wrench he was holding.
“My father is very selective on what he wants to tell because I didn’t even know you two were meeting for lunch.” Sebastian reached out and grabbed Kurt’s hand.
“That’s my fault. I didn’t want you to know. It would probably be weird to you if you knew about it sooner huh? Your ex talking to your dad?” he said. Kurt squeezed his hand before shaking his head.
“No, Bas. We were friends before we even dated. And please continue to talk with my dad. I was wondering why he was so well-adjusted to social norms. Now I know it’s because of you he hasn’t returned to grunting,” Kurt said smirking when his dad gasped.
“You ungrateful child,” Burt muttered. Sebastian licked his lips.
“You staying in town?” He asked. Kurt nodded.
“Yes. At least for the foreseeable future. My brand is doing well and I can always fly in if needed. I’m thinking of opening another store here in Columbus, and I bought a house that is already renovated. I’m just staying with my parents tonight.”
“You brought that historical house huh?” Kurt blushed at Sebastian’s question.
“Yes. I always loved it.”
“I know,” he said continuing to stare at Kurt. They both heard a throat clear and it broke eye contact.
“I should let you get back to your dad. I don’t know if you’d want to do it, but how about lunch tomorrow afternoon? It would have to be at the office downtown-”
“I’d love to. I’ve actually spoken with a realtor about storefront space so I would be there anyway. Is one p.m. okay?”
Sebastian smiled.
“That’s good with me. Oh, and before I forget,” Sebastian reached into his back compartment and pulled out a bag.
“Here’s the lunch I promised Burt. A Philly cheesesteak.” Kurt’s brow raised and Burt cleared his own before snatching the bag.
“Thanks.”
Sebastian was completely unaware of the conversation Kurt just had with his father so he only smiled.
“Of course.” He turned back to look at Kurt.
“It was good seeing you again.”
“You as well,” Kurt said with a genuine smile. Sebastian stared long enough to make Kurt’s heart race before he grabbed his helmet and straddled his bike. He slid down the visor before backing out. Within seconds he was speeding away. When he was gone Kurt sighed before turning around back to his smirking dad. Kurt rolled his eyes even as he took the bag from his hand.
“Oh, come on Kurt!”
“Fine. You can have it today. But we’ll split it. And you will catch me up on your relationship with Sebastian.”
“Fine,” Burt repeated. “But let me just say that I like this one over that douche Blaine. That boy wore too much hair gel,” he snarked causing Kurt to shake his head.
“You are shameless Dad,” he said striding over to the man’s office.”
“Yeah, well.”