A.N. My university projects are due in soon, and what am I doing? Writing fan fiction. Pity my depression, but remember it's my own fault. I just can't leave this story alone. I have Klaine on the brain and my anxiousness about my studies only seems to be fuelling my procrastinating powers. Anyway! There were a couple of things I wanted to say. First, anyone who has seen the latest Glee episode will understand when I scream: Blaine started a Fight Club at Dalton? Seriously, when he said that my jaw dropped. Dark!Blaine popularity might just soar now. Second, thanks to the suggestion from one of my readers – shout out to Tom! – I watched the movie 'Born Bad'. I thought it was brilliant: the acting, the evil, abusive and mentally unhinged character of Denny – there were so many aspects I thought I could bring to this story. If you don't like violence, please don't watch it. If you are curious like I was you can see the trailer online. I just thought I'd mention these things as they are on my mind at the moment. The title 'Best Laid Plans' refers to the Burns poem, and the rest of the line is 'of mice and men'. I think it's funny to have this as the title as Kurt might be like a little mouse, but Blaine is no man. Remember to review! If you have any questions, add them there or PM me. I always try to reply to them.
Replies:
CastleAddiction: I seriously laugh so much at your reviews! If I was to ever write a happy Dark!Blaine story, I would use you as the totally freakin' awesome saviour of Kurt who will kick Blaine's ass whilst shouting at him! (Your secret is safe with me. Truth is, I feel exactly the same and all this plotting and 'nice Blaine' is actually killing me XD Shhh….)
SugaKane01: 'Blaine's cheese has completely slid off the cracker'? I LOVE that phrase! I will use it in everyday life now XD. I hope you like the thickened plot, there's a lot of action in this one. A nice change for me, after all that setting up.
Best Laid Plans:
Friday mornings were normally very light-hearted in the Hudson-Hummel residence. Kurt and Finn would be looking forward to their weekend and Carole would be in an exceptionally good mood as she would soon be free to do something girly, like have her hair done or go out window shopping with her friends. No mood, however, could beat that of Burt Hummel on a Friday morning. Friday, as Burt would say often, is the start of the three busiest days of the week at the shop. That's when all the real money would be made.
Kurt watched his dad dance his way into the kitchen. His feet were attempting to mimic a Michael Jackson shoe-slide, which made Finn laugh into his bowl of cornflakes. Kurt wasn't sure why. Finn couldn't slide one foot behind himself, never mind two. Burt came up behind Carole, who was cooking on the stove, and wrapped his burly arms around her. She cried out in surprise and then laughed, turning around to kiss her husband good morning. Kurt smiled vaguely at them. This is what family is supposed to be like, even if that did include Finn almost choking on his breakfast from laughing. Everything was out in the open – or at least, they were supposed to be. Kurt's heart beat painfully knowing he was holding back so many secrets, but he knew it would be a terrible and devastating idea to lay it all out now. Everyone was in such a good mood…
'Alright, guys, listen up. Got a couple of things we want to run by you.' Burt sat down at the table with Finn and Kurt, and Carole stepped up beside Burt's shoulder. 'Carole and I were thinking we should take advantage of our new situation.'
'What do you mean?' Finn asked after swallowing down the cereal he had previously been choking on.
'Well,' Carole continued on from Burt, 'With our two incomes and the money from our old house sale, we've got a little extra to spare.'
'Not to mention all the money we're saving with no more Dalton tuition bills.' Burt added. Kurt felt a shiver of worry run through him, alongside the guilt that had already set itself up permanently in his chest.
'Yes, that too, so we now have enough to go on that honeymoon we couldn't afford after the wedding. Although we were hoping you boys would like to make it a family vacation instead.'
Finn's eyes bulged and he dropped his spoon onto his lap. 'A vacation…? To where?' Burt held up Hawaii brochures. 'Hawaii? Dude, are you kidding me? Freakin' Hawaii?' Finn dove in excitement for the brochures and looked through them with his eyes wide and unblinking.
Burt and Carole laughed, clearly pleased at that reaction. Kurt smiled, clasping his hands together and holding them under his chin. 'This is amazing. I-I'm so glad you guys are finally able to do this. I know it would have been a lot sooner if I hadn't…you know. Then the hospital bills-'
'Kurt,' Burt interrupted firmly, 'none of that was your fault. That wasn't what we were getting at, at all.'
Carole nodded and placed her warm, loving hand on Kurt's arm. 'Sweetheart, we thought you deserved this more than anyone.' Kurt tried to smile up at her, but even he felt like it was strained. He was keeping a horrible secret from them and they present him with this? It seemed very unfair, and Kurt couldn't even get excited that he was going on a plane, never mind going to 'freaking Hawaii'.
They talked more about which island they could go to and what once-in-a-lifetime activities they could do once they were there, but finally Finn and Kurt had to leave for school. 'Dude,' Finn tapped Kurt on the shoulder as they walked out their house. 'Wanna ride with me today? I don't have football practise, so I'll be ready to head home when you are.'
Kurt shook his head, trying to keep himself calm and cool. 'I can't. Not today. I…' Here it comes. 'I actually have to go to the library after school today. I have an assignment I have to work on. I'll be home late. But thanks, Finn.'
Finn nodded in understanding, but couldn't help but notice how uneasy Kurt had been looking that morning. And he saw Kurt studying at home all the time. How could he stillhave unfinished assignments? It didn't sit right with him, but as soon as he started his car and heard the sweet sound of Aerosmith blasting through the sound system his concerns fell out of mind.
Kurt watched the clock in his French class. The bell would ring in just a couple of minutes and he would have to make it out to his car without catching the attention of any of his friends. He had devised a route which avoided most of the main hallways and lockers, allowing him to slip out a side door into the student car park. He felt like a criminal from the way he was plotting. Why should he feel guilty about leaving school? Because you lied and you're going to meet up with a boy your friends and family hate and if you were found out they would be horrified? Kurt told the annoying-yet-correct voice in his head to shut up. He didn't need reminded of the facts right now.
The bell rung: Kurt practically leapt out the door. Having memorised his route so well, Kurt's feet moved perfectly with very little thought. He managed to get away from the main body of students and saw the door that would lead to his freedom just up ahead-
'Oh, Kurt, there you are,'
Kurt turned around and found he had been caught by none other than Mr Schuester. 'Mr Schue…'
'I thought you'd want to know that I've decided to let you perform a solo at sectionals.' Mr Schuester was smiling and Kurt made himself look over-the-cheesy-moon happy. 'I know you've given us a few solos so far this year, so I'm going to let you decide which one you want to perform.'
'Really? That's amazing, thank you!' Kurt readjusted his satchel, glancing back at the exit door.
'You're welcome, uh…' Mr Schuester's grinning face became more puzzled. 'Kurt? Are you in a hurry?'
Kurt flushed, feeling more like a failure with each passing second. He should just tell. Right now. Mr Schuester was really understanding and he could help Kurt find a way to tell his family about the stupid thing he almost did. Maybe they wouldn't be so hard on him? He should confess right now and get the worst part over with.
'I-I forgot my lunch today.' Kurt smiled reassuringly. 'I was in a rush and had to go all day with nothing and I'm starving. Have to get home for some food.' God, I'm an idiot…
Mr Schuester nodded and laughed. 'You could have just gone to the cafeteria, although the food there has really gone downhill this year, huh?' Kurt was relieved when his favourite teacher began walking away. 'Go ahead. I'll see you next week!'
Kurt waved goodbye and then took a moment to let his heart return to a somewhat normal rate. That was too close… Or maybe it was a missed opportunity? Kurt shook his head as he pushed open the door and walked out to the car park. He couldn't think like that. He was going to do something good for someone else; someone whom he loved and wanted to see better again. Eventually everyone would understand.
He settled into his driver's seat and fished out the name and address of the diner Blaine had arranged to meet Kurt at. It probably could have taken him twenty minutes to get there, but Blaine had neglected to mention this particular diner was situated off the main roads, and instead was partly hidden behind an abandoned bowling alley. After driving around for what seemed like hours, Kurt finally found it. Mackey's Place. It was getting dark now, and the neon lights above the entrance flickered pathetically. The warm glow of the diner welcomed Kurt inside. He looked around as he unbuttoned his winter coat. There were a few truck drivers perched on the stools by the bar, all apparently watching whatever confusing sport was on. A few of waitresses were dotted around but none gave Kurt a second glace. Fortunately Kurt saw Blaine's waving hand coming from a booth near the door.
'I am so sorry I'm late,' Kurt said immediately as he slid across from Blaine.
The dark haired beauty laughed and waved him off. 'Don't be silly, I figured you might have gotten lost. Don't worry, the appointment isn't until six.' Blaine took in Kurt's immaculate appearance along with his rosy-from-the-cold cheeks. He leaned over and kissed the smaller boy innocently. 'I'm glad you came.'
Kurt flushed happily and shrugged. 'I wouldn't have gone back on my word, you know that.'
'Yeah, I do know that.' Blaine smiled back and they shared a moment of silently staring into each other's eyes. 'Oh, hey, you've got to try this!' Kurt looked surprised when Blaine slid across a pink coloured milkshake instead of a coffee. 'I know it might not be the best to drink for this weather, but I swear you'll love it. It's strawberry, your favourite.' Blaine picked up his own glass and took a sip out of his straw.
Kurt laughed, unable to deny how cute Blaine looked getting all excited over a milkshake. He complied and sipped his own drink. 'Oh wow…oh, God, Blaine this is delicious!' Kurt was even more surprised to find that the milkshake was indeed worthy of Blaine's excitement.
'I know, right?' Blaine replied, looking ecstatic. 'Drink up, so we have enough time for a coffee before we go.'
Kurt nodded and kept drinking. It was so sweet and thick, and Kurt could taste real strawberries. There was an odd aftertaste but it was so faint that Kurt soon got over it. Blaine began talking about a place near his family's home that made the best milkshake in the country, and Kurt just listened and sipped away. After Kurt dominated their previous conversations in their meet ups before now, he was more than happy to stay quiet and let Blaine ramble. It was cute. After half an hour, and a break in Blaine's constant topic-change, Kurt took his lips off the straw.
'So your counsellor works in this part of town?' He asked, glancing outside. It wasn't the most glamorous working surroundings. 'What's she like?'
Blaine paused, not expecting (or apparently wanting) Kurt to interrupt. He hesitated for a moment but then gave an easy shrug. 'She has a nice office, I assure you, with a big comfy couch. It's just along the street. And she's great. She'll love you.'
Kurt looked happy to hear that. 'Really?'
Blaine took his hand and smiled. 'Are you kidding? Who wouldn't love you?' Kurt laughed, but found he had to lean his head in his free hand. 'You okay?'
'Yeah, yeah, I just…' Kurt squeezed his eyes shut. 'I keep getting these waves of fuzziness, you know? Like severe light-headedness.'
Blaine watched him, concerned. 'Do you want to lay your head on the table until it passes? I'll get you some water.' Kurt nodded and slowly lowered his head onto the cool smooth table surface, listening as Blaine ordered some water from a passing waitress. When she left them alone, Kurt felt Blaine's reassuring hand rest on top of his head. 'It'll go away, don't worry about it.'
'I hope so…before we have to go to…uh…'
'The counsellor?'
'Yeah…that…her,' Kurt's voice was getting fainter by the second. Over the past ten minutes he had been striving to keep himself alert, and now he was finally allowing himself a rest he felt his brain quickly slowing down. Isn't this how I feel when I'm about to fall asleep? He tried to listen to Blaine as he continued to speak to him comfortingly.
'Don't worry, you'll be fine. Just take a moment, and we'll go.'
Kurt was soon fast asleep.
Blaine thanked the waitress as she put down the cold glass of water on their table. 'Will he be okay?' She asked, peering down at the snoozing teen.
Blaine gave her a charming smile. 'He'll be fine. He's just had an exhausting day; I should just take him home. I'll have the bill when you're ready.'
The girl blushed at his enchanting expression and hurried off to get the bill for him. Blaine's eyes fell on Kurt's soft brown head of hair. He lightly stroked his locks, smoothing them away from his beautiful doll-like face. He was such an angel, especially when he was asleep. His dark pink lips were parted just a little, and his breaths were small but deep. Blaine had used quite a lot of sleeping pills; chances were he would be out of it for at least a few hours. Blaine only needed one hour, though. He paid the bill with cash, and thanked the girl for holding open the door as he lifted his sleeping companion outside. He noticed the worried and suspicious looks he was getting from the other customers, so he playfully said 'Come on, buddy, let's get you home,' and 'What's your dad going to say when he sees you like this, huh?' to lighten the mood. It worked, and the waitress wished them a good evening before shutting the door behind them. Blaine easily propped Kurt up against his black SUV, which he had parked in the small side street between the diner and bowling alley, and carefully settled him in the front passenger seat. He wasn't the greatest fan of SUVs, but they were one of the most common cars on Ohio roads which was important in case someone reported seeing Kurt leave in one. Finding this particular car, with its fake licence plate and all, would be like finding a miniature needle in an oversized haystack. Besides, it was still flashy. Not as flashy or as sleek as his personal BMW back at his hideaway house, but still pretty damn good-looking. Blaine was not one to leave out style.
After securing the safety belt around Kurt's slim frame, Blaine searched his unconscious body for his car keys. He then locked Kurt inside and headed across the parking lot towards the sleeping boy's Cadillac Escalade. Now it was time to hide the evidence that Kurt came here. He drove fast but quietly, parking Kurt's car in the nearby junk lot situated less than a minute away from the diner. He was glad his plan had come together so easily, and attributed part of the success on finding this area of town. The area was like a graveyard, with little policing and almost nothing to attract the attention of people who didn't live there. The nearby lot was the icing on the cake. Blaine had been monitoring it and found that apart from being a dumping ground for people's junk, it served no other purpose. Even the lot owner barely showed up each week. Kurt's car could go unnoticed for years – a lot like the slip of paper under his driver's seat that went unnoticed by Blaine as he left the vehicle parked inside a large metal container. Blaine wasted no time in running back to the side street to climb back into his own car. Kurt was still sound asleep, resting against the door like a small child. Blaine took a moment to smile down at him and stroke his cheek gently before starting the engine. His hideout spot was a couple of hours away. Kurt wasn't likely to wake up during that time, but if he did Blaine would deal with it. After all, the spot was deep in the country; chances are if Kurt was to wake up, Blaine would have the tender concealment of the deep and dense forest to help settle him down without attracting outside attention, no matter how much noise he made. But Blaine didn't want it to come to that. It would be easier if Kurt slept all the way through…
Finn had arrived home around three thirty to find his house empty. That was to be expected. He was joined a little later that evening by Burt and Carole when they finished work. Burt wasted no time in getting himself a cold beer from the fridge and replacing his oil-stained overalls with his homey oversized jogging pants. Carole, of course, questioned where Kurt was and was content to be told by Finn that her step-son was studying at the library late that night. When it neared nine, however, Burt was getting uneasy. Kurt had missed their family dinner; something he wasn't in the habit of doing. Ever.
'Hey, when does that library close these days?' He asked Finn as they watched sport highlights.
Finn's head turned to Burt, but his eyes were still trained on the screen. 'Six, I think. Maybe seven. I haven't been there in years, so I'm not sure.'
'He probably just got held up,' Carole called from the kitchen. 'Have you tried calling him, or Mercedes?' The truth was, Burt had tried calling his son a few times but he decided to give his friends a go. An hour and many unfruitful phone calls later, Burt was getting anxious. 'Burt, calm down. Sit down, honey…' Carole told him in a soothing tone, pushing him gently into his armchair.
'I can't. Why hasn't he called?' Burt asked, his voice rising in subtle desperation. 'He's never done this before. He always calls if he thinks he might be late. Finn,' Burt leaned towards his step son. 'Are you sure he didn't say anything else?'
Finn nodded immediately, looking unsure if he too should be feeling anxious. He was the last to see Kurt that morning, after all. 'I'm sure. He just said he'd be late because he had some assignment to work on, and that he would be going to the library-'
'-Which must've closed hours ago,' Burt finished, sweat drops forming on his bald head. Carole opened her mouth to give another explanation but even she had to admit by now that it was a worrying situation. 'We should call the police or something. After all he's been through…we need to call the police.' Burt concluded.
'Honey, I really don't think the police can do anything for us right now.' Carole reasoned, rubbing her husband's back. 'Why don't you go check the library? And Finn, sweetheart, why don't you drive down to your school and look around? Maybe he's still there. I'll stay here in case he comes home, and call up a few more people in case they've heard from him. We'll call each other if he turns up.'
Burt immediately stood up and wrestled his shoes on. Finn nodded at his mother and walked out the door. Carole noticed that he too was looking upset. She understood why. If Kurt was in trouble – and he probably isn't! – Then Finn would blame himself. He had taken it upon himself to act as Kurt's protector at school this year, and to think he might have let something happen would destroy him. Burt was right; Kurt had been through too much. Carole sighed and she watched her husband blindly search for his keys. He looked over at her, his normally sparklingly happy eyes now a vague reddish colour as if he was on the brink of tears. 'What if…what if he's not okay?' He asked, voice cracking. 'I can't go through this again…'
Carole hushed him as she pulled him into a fierce hug. 'He's fine, he's fine.' She whispered, trying to sound as comforting as possible despite the growing sense of worry in her own stomach. 'We'll find him and he'll be as right as rain, and this will all seem silly.' She planted a kiss on his forehead and then let him leave for the library. Kurt was bound to turn up somewhere. He was just bound to.
Blaine gently turned the car off as he pulled into the driveway. He thought about parking in the garage, but decided he didn't want to risk the noise of the garage door opening waking up the sleeping angel beside him. Kurt had been a very good boy, having slept through the long drive here. At one point Blaine pulled off the road when he thought Kurt was stirring but it was a false alarm and he put away the rope he brought out in case Kurt woke up for real. He had forgotten Kurt could sleep through almost anything. Blaine smiled lovingly at him as he carried Kurt out of the car and up the many steps towards the front door of his uncle's holiday home.
The house itself was beyond stunning, standing three stories tall build of large burgundy bricks. It stood in a clearing which was surrounded by miles and miles of dense forest. The trees bordering the area were so tall and thick that they almost prevented any form of sunlight into the clearing itself. The only spot which was free from shadow was the area of the house and its encircling garden. The whole scene, even on this dark evening, was attractively picturesque. Kurt would love it. Perhaps he'd want to stay here forever? Blaine was expecting some turbulence from his love at first, but after stomping it out there was no reason for him not to want to stay. It wasn't like they would be disturbed. His uncle hadn't used the place in years due to his on-going illness, and the few members of the family who knew about it didn't know its exact location. They also didn't know Blaine knew about it. When Blaine had checked it out months before, back at the start of the summer, he found it needed a great deal of work done to it. Having not been used in so long, the house had gathered dust, lights weren't working and, to be perfectly honest, Blaine's uncle did not have the same stylish taste as Kurt or himself. Blaine fixed that. His summer consisted on cleaning and redecorating the house, studying to get back into school early and plotting how to get Kurt to himself. It was a pleasantly exciting vacation, which could only have been bettered had Kurt actually been there. Now, everything was perfect.
Blaine continued to be as quiet as possible as he let himself and Kurt inside the house. It was dark, but he skilfully weaved his way through the various rooms and up to the bedroom that he and Kurt would now be sharing. Against the back wall sat a giant four poster bed; just like Kurt dreamed about dreaming in. Blaine laid him down softly and pulled the blanket up around him. He sat by his head and lightly brushed the angel's brown hair. He had pulled the whole scheme off perfectly. He had taken Kurt back without scaring him, they were alone, hours away from the nearest town, and there was no way anyone could find them. He made sure to leave no trail.
Kurt mumbled something in his sleep and Blaine leaned down. 'Shh, baby, shh…' He whispered gently. Kurt seemed to listen as he fell silent after wriggling under the blanket. Blaine decided to leave him for now. He wanted to watch him forever and be there when his angel finally opened his eyes, but he knew that Kurt would likely be confused and afraid. It was to be expected. The poor boy has been lied to so much over the last few months by people he trusts; telling him Blaine was evil and bad for him. He would have to prove to Kurt they were lying, but it was best he left Kurt to wake up alone. He left the room and went downstairs to wait. He wouldn't have to wait long.
A.N. Next part coming soon, please review! ^w^
