A/N Sorry it has taken so long to update this story, Hubby has been hogging the computer a lot lately!
Next to last chapter!
Reviews always welcome!
…
Wallets and Witchcraft
When Santana arrived for work the next day, she couldn't help noticing that her boss looked like he'd been crying. His eyes were red and puffy, and the smile he gave her was fake, never reaching his eyes.
"What happened?" Her voice sounded sympathetic, with none of her usual snark.
"Blaine left. He ran away."
"What? Why?"
"We were kissing. And then we were floating."
"Metaphorically floating?"
"Literally floating. I think. I'm so confused."
The Latina reached and took his hand. "Look, he's probably just as confused as you. You probably just scared him."
"So, what, do I just give up on him?"
"No, you just have to show him that being in love is even better than the falling."
Kurt wiped at his eyes, and took a deep breath. "Well, I suppose I could return his wallet and talk to him."
"You stole his wallet?"
"No! It fell out of his pocket. When we were floating."
"Floating on the ceiling, in here?"
Kurt just rolled his eyes and went to get changed.
…
To say that Jeff was surprised to find his boss in his office so early and looking like he had slept on the couch there was an understatement.
"Blaine? What are you doing here? And why is it so hot in here? I'm going to open a window."
"No! Don't! He might get in!"
"Who?"
"Kurt! He's a witch!"
Jeff grinned. "You succumbed!"
"No! No! I never had a chance! He forced me! I never had a chance! And then I was pinned...to his ceiling." Blaine pulled at his hair as he began to pace. "And then he cursed me! He said in this creepy little voice, 'a man's character is his destiny!'"
"Mmhm," Jeff said, studying his boss, wondering if the man was on drugs. "What a wise which, casting his curses in proverbs."
"Jeff! I know you think I'm insane, but look..."
"It's that old black magic!" The blonde began to sing tauntingly.
"Jeff!"
"It's got you under it's spell!"
"Oh god! If I'd only stuck to the rule about third dates!"
"You wanna know my rule? Eat, drink, love, and take everything in, and give back the same."
Blaine opened his mouth to reply, but movement by the door caught his attention. Kurt was standing there, looking lost and forlorn. Blaine didn't believe the act for a second.
"How did you get in here?" he demanded.
"The door," the pale man responded, his voice so soft Blaine could barely hear him. After a second, the other man spoke again, louder this time. "I-I just came to return this to you." He reached into his messenger bag and pulled out Blaine's wallet. "You left it behind."
"Tha-that's fine. Just, uh, leave it on the desk."
Jeff smiled at the auburn haired man. "I take it you're Kurt. It's very nice to meet you. I'm Jeff, and I'm leaving."
Blaine all but panicked at that. "No! No, stay."
Jeff could see the hurt on the newcomer's face, but the other man just nodded. "It's fine."
Jeff glanced between them. "If that's how you want it," he muttered, and moved to stand behind the desk, putting some distance between himself and the other two men.
Kurt sighed and set the wallet down. "Look, I know the last few days have been...odd. But, my life was ordinary, nothing inspired me. And then I met you, and suddenly these amazing things started happening."
He took a step forward, frowning as Blaine took a step back. He sighed and continued. "I can't explain them, and I know that bothers you. Your life has been full of spectacular stuff. But mine hasn't been in a long time. Ad for the first time in years, I felt like I could do anything. I found my inspiration again."
His voice broke a little, but he kept talking. "I don't know if I need you to keep that feeling, but I know I want you."
Blaine hesitated. "Kurt, I...I think that..." He couldn't seem to formulate words.
Kurt looked down at his feet. "How do you feel? About us?"
There was a long pause. "I don't know, Kurt. I don't know."
The looked at each other for a moment, both lost in thought, when suddenly the door to the office slammed open. Delcroix stormed in, interrupting the moment.
"This is no knife!" The crazed chef shouted, throwing a butcher knife, which embedded itself into the monitor mounted on the wall. "I spit on this knife!"
The Frenchman walked over and spit on the knife he had thrown. He then stabbed the remaining knives he held in his hand into the shelf below the monitor, and picked up a model of the new dining room. "I spit on your restaurant!"
The words were punctuated by another spitting sound. "And finally, I spit on you!"
Before the madman could spit on him, raised his arms "I get it! I spit on my self, see?" And he pretended to spit on his arm. "Happy now?"
"That is the first intelligent thing you have done." Delcroix declared, glaring at him. "I quit!"
"You can't quit!" Blaine shouted at the man's retreating back. "You're under contract!"
The only reply he got was a one finger salute.
Blaine turned to Jeff. "There! Now do you believe me?"
Kurt lost his temper. "Wait, you think I had something to do with this?"
"Well Kurt, if the broom fits, ride it!"
Before Kurt could respond, Nick stormed into the office, wiping spit from his face. "Anderson, you're an idiot! I just passed Delcroix in the hallway!"
"Nick! Everything is fine!"
"Really? What's the big plan now that you have no chef?" The CEO demanded.
"I've got a plan. I've got a great plan!"
Nick suddenly noticed they had company, and apologized, distractedly. Kurt just nodded. "I was leaving. Excuse me."
Jeff jumped in and caught him before he left. "Wait, Nick. This is Kurt Hummel. He made the eclairs."
It took a moment for Nick to register that remark before he turned to the auburn haired man. "Oh! This is brilliant! You're a genius, Anderson!"
"What! No! No that wasn't..." Blaine began, but was cut off.
"Tell me you're available tomorrow night for the grand opening?" Nick demanded of Kurt.
"What? Oh, I couldn't..."
"Why? You only do desserts?" Nick asked, harshly.
"No, it's just..."
"He's not cooking for..." Blaine started, panicking again. Kurt glared at the curly haired man.
"Blaine told me what a magical Chef Kurt is," Jeff interjected.
"No! Demonic is more like it! He can't do this!" Blaine shouted.
Kurt was furious now. "I can do it! He's being ridiculous! I can do it!" He glared at Blaine.
"It's settled then!" Nick declared. "Kurt is cooking for the opening tomorrow night. And Blaine, you better pull yourself together before then!"
Kurt smiled smugly. Jeff smiled at him. "I'll show you the kitchen."
Before they left, Nick called out. "Oh Jeff, when you finish, can I see you in my office?"
Jeff smirked. "You're the boss."
Nick practically blushed. His reply was just barely above a whisper. "No, this time, you be the boss."
Jeff's grin widened.
…
After Jeff and Kurt had left, Nick confronted Blaine. "What is wrong with you man?"
"It's him! Kurt! He's a witch or something!"
"I don't care if he is the grand wizard of Hogwarts! He's an amazing cook, and he is available tomorrow night! I suggest you get yourself together man! And brush your teeth! You're breath could kill a dragon!" Nick walked out of the office, leaving Blaine alone with his thoughts.
…
Kurt spent a few hours familiarizing himself with the kitchen of the new restaurant, getting a feel for the lay out, locating and taking stock of the pantry. The entire time, he berated himself. Why had he agreed to do this again? To try and impress a guy who obviously didn't want to be with him?
With a frustrated sigh, Kurt gathered up his coat and messenger bag, and headed out of the restaurant. He was walking towards the elevator when Blaine emerged from his office.
"What are you doing here?" Kurt asked nervously. He felt like an idiot as soon as the question left his mouth. "Stupid question. You work here. You're probably wondering what I'm doing here."
Blaine remained silent, and Kurt's heart sank. As he usually did when he was nervous, he continued to talk just to fill the silence. "I was just taking inventory and getting the feel for the Kitchen."
"Did..." Blaine cleared his throat. "Did you find everything you need?"
Kurt nodded, "I'm going to do the peach Melba...But you really don't want to know that, do you?"
Once again Blaine was silent. Kurt sighed, and began to walk towards the exit. "Good night, Blaine."
After a hesitation, Blaine called out to him. "Kurt, wait!"
Kurt turned back, trying not to let hope spark in his chest. "Yes?"
"You're not..." Blaine began, but had to clear his throat again. "You're not going to do anything funny tomorrow night, are you?"
Kurt's shoulders sagged, and any hope he may have had died. "No, Blaine. Nothing funny. Nothing funny at all."
