**Instagram post**

PghShann: London calling. @Bastian17 #LondonUK🇬🇧 #theSmythes💍 #shinebrightlikeadiamond #peeptheringyall #helovesmebunches #my💙belongstoawarbler #lovelovelove #weregettingmarried #europeanvacay #jointchristmasgift #meettheparents

Bastian17: think we can just stay here Pretty Girl?? 😏 😘 👸🏻
ThadDALX:  @Bastian17 whatever you do, don't tell her dad you think he's scary.
JeffyJeff:  😂😂😂 @ThadDALX @Bastian17
QueenBQuinnie: omg...... 😲 @AuntieSnixx @BrittBritt @BroadwayBerry
ItsjustTrent: NO FAIR!!! I was supposed to see the ring first!! I feel cheated. 😠
AuntieSnixx: calm your hands pants @ItsjustTrent they're adorable. Let them be.
hjclarington: safe travels @PghShann

**end Instagram post**

A light snow is falling again by the time we reach Lima. There are more cars parked out front than I thought there would be. I try to grab my bag as we get out of the car but Sebastian is having none of it, so I'm just carrying the cookie tin. My keys are in my hand as we head up the walk but the second my feet hit the porch the front door swings open and a set of hands pulls me into the house. I look back at Sebastian with wide eyes but he is just laughing at me.

Glancing back at my assailant I notice that it is Rachel that has me round the wrists. Thankfully she lets me go before I end up spilling the cookies all over the carpet. "Berry, if I would have dropped this tin I'd be pissed. Sebby and I worked hard on these cookies!!" She giggles as I take off my shoes then her and Kurt follow me into the kitchen. I can see Blaine, Finn and a man that must be Kurt's dad watching what vaguely looks like football as I pass. Sebastian has made it inside and goes to sit with them while he waits for me.

My aunt and Finn's mom are in the kitchen when I arrive with the other two in tow.  "Here she is Carol, my beautiful niece Shannon.  Lovebug, is Sebastian here as well." I nod as Carol takes the cookie tin out of my hands and my aunt pulls me into a hug. She looks carefully as my hands as she pulls away but I silently plead with her to stay quiet, I don't want Rachel and Kurt causing a scene. "Carol, why don't you take those cookies in to the boys. Rachel, Kurt? Can you grab the crudités and the olive and pickle trays and take them in as well?" They nod, grabbing up the food and following Finn's mom into the living room.

My aunt grabs my left hand again and holds it up to the light. She quirks an eyebrow at me as I feel a pair of hands wrap around my waist. I turn my head to see Sebastian. "I'm impressed Mr Smythe. I'm guessing it is about 2, 3 carats?" I'm blushing as he presses a kiss to my temple and softly replies, "Three. But she's worth it, every single cent." My aunt smiles at us both as she releases my hand and walks into the living room.  Sebastian squeezes me tight and whispers in my ear I love you so much before releasing me and grabbing my left hand to lead me into the other room.

He grabs our bags and we head towards the stairs, Blaine stops me as Sebastian continues up to my room.  He whispers to me, "Belle, why does he have a suitcase?"  I look around and motions for him to follow me and then declare loudly, "Blainey, I have your gift in my room if you want to come and open it."  He nods following me up with a response of, "Sure!  I'll grab yours as well." I hurry up to my room with Blaine in tow.

Sebastian is already seated on my bed, Gabe's letter in his hands when I walk in.  Blaine takes a quick detour to his room but returns to mine through the bathroom with a box in his hands.  "Princess, do I have to worry about this guy too??  I mean he sent you jewelry and called you Pumpkin.  I'm hoping that ring will keep them away.  But..."  I giggle as I go to sit next to him on the bed, tossing the letter aside.  "Bas, Gabe's gay." Sebastian just shoots me a look, "Shann, you can't use that as an excuse. Not with me. Because I was pretty sure I was mostly gay before you." Blaine chuckles as he goes to sit on my desk chair backwards, "He's got you there Belle. Although Gabe would have fallen for you by now, I mean you danced together for ten years. Carter keeps him pretty happy."

"See Sebastian, nothing to worry about. Just my Gay Dance Husband who is dying to meet you." He wraps his arms around me and pulls me to sit on his lap as we both face Blaine, pressing a kiss to my cheek.  Blaine grabs my hand, my left hand and holds it out to examine the ring.  "Great taste Smythe, I'm impressed. Was she surprised??" Sebastian squeezes me around the waist and I'm blushing. "Duh Killer, she all but tackled me in front of the Christmas tree. Not that I'm complaining. But she surprised me as well." He begins running his fingers through my hair as Blaine looks at us both critically. I gesture towards Sebastian's suitcase, replying in almost a whisper for fear someone may be lurking outside. "We leave for London tomorrow."

"London?!"  I nod shyly as Sebastian replies in a hushed tone, "Her parents sent us first class, round trip tickets, passes for the public transportation and are supposedly setting us up with an apartment while we're there..."  Blaine whistles softly as he picks up the gift for me, "That's crazy.  But what a way to meet the parents.  Just don't tell Uncle Steve you think he is scary, Bas.  I don't think that would be the first impression to make."

He passes me the gift as I laugh and hand his over to him, "Blainey-bear, my parents adore Sebby.  And why would you think he's scary Sebastian?"  I slip off Sebastian's lap and look at him as his face pales.  "Pretty Girl, it's not nice to bring out the French pronunciation, especially not at a time like this....  And your dad is terrifying!" I just shake my head as I unwrap the package in my hands. "Belle, he's right. You're his only child, and a girl no less. Your dad is UBER protective! Not just of you but I'm pretty sure of me too." I smile and wrinkle my nose up at my cousin as I finally get the gift unwrapped.

"Blainey, you didn't!"

"Yes Belle, I did..."

Tucked carefully in the box on my lap are two soft dolls:  Belle and Aladdin.  I look up at Blaine with tears in my eyes as he rises from my desk chair, kneeling on the floor in front of me and taking my hand.  "They're to remind you of where we started.  That I'll always be with you no matter where you go in life.  I've always got your back Shanny-pie.  Always..." I set the box down and jump off the bed all but tackling him as I do. He is laughing hysterically as I hug him tightly while we're both on the floor. Sebastian's voice drifts through our revelry. "See this is what I'm talking about!! Princess, Killer, how about we make this a little party and a very Merry Christmas for me?"

"Sebastian?!"

He looks down at me innocently as I detach myself from my cousin who is still laughing so hard.  "What?  I already know that you're a hellcat in bed Love.  I'm just interested in what he would be like without the hair gel, all unbuttoned, no tie.  Can't blame me for being curious.  I mean you both have that bashful school student vibe going on."  I am blushing as I stand up, crossing my arms in front of my chest.  I go and sit as far away from Sebastian on the bed as possible.  "Aaww, no pouting Shann.  I still love you best."  Blaine rises from the floor and goes back to sit on my desk chair.  "Looks like you're in for a long flight Bas."

"Shove it Anderson..."

Blaine just shakes his head as he opens up the gift from me, unearthing an assortment of bow ties from that boutique men's store. "Shann, did you have a tie custom made to look like the one from the Warblers uniform?" I nod at him, biting my lower lip. "You like them??" He gives me his Anderson smile as Sebastian pulls me close again, "Shannon, I love them!" He reaches for my hand as Sebastian draws me closer to his side, pressing a small kiss to my temple. I'm so content here, spending Christmas surrounded by my two favorite guys.

"Blaine! Shannon!! Sebastian! Come down you three, its dinner time!!"

Aunt Pammy's voice breaks the spell that I am under. Blaine releases my hand and is out the door like a shot. Sebastian rises from the bed and pulls me up with him, gently guiding me down the stairs.  Somehow we make it through dinner and dessert without anyone else noticing my ring.  Although I'm not sure how you can miss it, I mean it is a giant, glittery 3 carat diamond engagement ring.

But whatever.

People see what they want to see.

Eventually Rachel and the rest of the Hudson-Hummel clan leave and Aunt Pam brings us all in hot chocolates and some brownies to go with my sugar cookies as we move to the living room.  She motions towards Sebastian and I with her mug, "So you two can't stay up too late.  Your flight is early and I'm guessing you still need to pack Lovebug."  Sebastian and I look at each other before glancing over at my aunt who has a satisfied smile on her face.  Blaine looks shocked, "Mom you knew?"  She sips her drink and raises an eyebrow at the three of us, "I talk to your parents a lot.  They asked for my opinion of Sebastian, since I'm your guardian here Shannon.  I'm honest, I told them you two are amazing together.  And they told me about the trip idea."

Sebastian just squeezes me tight as I take in my aunt's words. We have approval. It's odd to think of it that way.

We don't stay downstairs for very much longer. Once we reach my room Sebastian helps me figure out what to pack for our trip and I remember to place my passport in my purse. He sets the alarm for me as I finish up. All doors are securely locked before I let him pull me into bed with the promise of kisses.

It is so easy for me to fall asleep wrapped up in Sebastian's arms. I don't really want to leave when the alarm goes off in the morning. He whispers softly against my hair, "Good morning Pretty Girl. Are you ready to start our next adventure?" I raise my head off his chest and throw the blankets off the both of us, "As I'll ever be Bastian. Shower first?" His eyes shimmer playfully as he swoops me up off the bed and hurries me into the bathroom. We get lost up in the warmth of the water and each other rather quickly.

An hour later we are in his car, luggage loaded and on our way to the airport. Before I can even blink we are on the plane, settled in our first class seats. I still can't believe this is all happening.

Flights across the Atlantic take a long time but thankfully Sebastian and I know ways to amuse ourselves.  Thank goodness for private, joint first class seats.  God bless my parents.

What happens in first class, stays in first class.

We wake up right before landing and I hurry to the tiny airplane bathroom to make sure I look presentable.   Sebastian looks amazing with his hair slightly disheveled.

I'm on edge as we make it through customs and gather up our luggage.  "Sebby, we're here....  We're really here."  He grabs my hand and gently kisses my forehead before leading me out to the main terminal area.  "Yes Princess, we're really here."  We wonder around aimlessly until I see a smiling couple holding up a card with both of our names on it.

My parents.

Here goes nothing....