CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE
A/N: None of the characters which have appeared on Glee are ours.
"Before we discuss Lord Tubbington's new obsession with Felix the Cat, we here at Fondue for Two want to tell our two favorite dolphins Kurt and Blaine that we love them and that they shouldn't worry because they are magical unicorns and they belong together, even if they drink blood, which is kind of gross. I don't understand why they don't just drink diet coke. It tastes much better. Also, Santana says if Karofsky ever looks at Kurtie again she's gonna go all Lima Heights on him, which is really hot, but also really scary."
-from "Fondue for Two" webcast hosted by Brittany S. Pierce
Kurt was not surprised that the flashbulbs started going off the minute he and Blaine stepped out of the car. For once, he welcomed them. Lifting his chin defiantly so that everyone could see his mate's marks, Kurt sent the reporters a haughty glare. With a rather self-satisfied smirk, Blaine put a proprietary arm around his Chosen One and ushered him into the court house where they were surrounded by the House Guard.
Burt shook his head when he saw Kurt's neck. "I see you and Blaine aren't suffering any ill effects."
"No. Blaine and I talked about things last night and we're on the same page." Kurt answered.
"Kurt, you know that I would fight to the death to make sure that big bully never lays another hand on you." Burt was still fired up from yesterday's revelations and angry at himself for not knowing what had been happening to his son. "Why didn't you tell me what was happening Kurt?"
"I was afraid… afraid for you… afraid for me. I just couldn't Dad, but that doesn't mean that I don't know you would never let anything bad happen to me if you could stop it. Honestly, as much as I would like you to kick his ass, it's in the past and we have to keep moving forward. I have Blaine now and I'm safe and happy," Kurt told his father. "I don't think I'm up for a Friday night dinner this week though."
"I figured you wouldn't be, but next week we're having a dinner." Burt answered. "This family isn't about to change because of what's happening right now. We do that and they win. You're off the hook this week because I know you're exhausted and you and Blaine need time to be alone."
"Thank you for understanding, Daddy." Kurt hugged his father.
"Let's go in." Blaine walked up behind his Chosen One and grasped his hand. Burt smiled as he watched Kurt's face light up at the sound of his prince's voice. They made their way into the courtroom and once everyone was settled, Nathaniel called court into session. With a reassuring glance at Kurt, Douglas rose and called his final witness.
"The prosecution calls the human, Jacob Ben-Israel," Douglas announced. Kurt's eyebrow arched in surprise. He'd had no idea the king of all McKinley media was being called to testify. Once he'd been sworn in, Douglas walked over to begin questioning him.
"Mr. Ben-Israel, are you familiar with both Mr. Hummel and the defendant?"
"Yes," Jacob said in his nasally voice. "We all went to McKinley together."
"Were you ever witness to any of Mr. Karofsky's bullying of Mr. Hummel?"
"Yeah… I was. Pretty much everybody in the school saw Karofsky shoving Hummel or slushy-ing him or throwing him in a dumpster at some point," Jacob said shrugging as if Kurt's pain was no big deal.
"I see. Mr. Ben-Israel, you also run a video blog for the school do you not?"
"Yeah… I do." Jacob said proudly.
"Are you familiar with these?" Douglas asked holding up over a dozen DVD's. Jacob nodded.
"Those are the hardcopies of my blogs," Jacob replied.
"The prosecution would like these items entered into evidence," Douglas said, walking over to the television which Kurt noticed for the first time. He put one of the DVD's in and cued it up to a scene Kurt recognized, the hallways at McKinley. Jacob was interviewing Quinn about the Cheerios, but Kurt was in the background and soon so was Karofsky, slamming Kurt into a locker and sending Kurt's books flying.
"Fag!" video Karofsky clearly growled before stalking off.
He closed his eyes as the memories came flooding back in and video after video was played showing Karofsky's actions towards Kurt. Douglas carefully questioned Jacob after each one. The boy's complete indifference to what Kurt had been through became more evident with each word as he was clearly more worried about the angles of the video than the fact that someone was being injured in them. Kurt was vaguely aware of Blaine and his father sitting in the row behind him. He knew they would both be furious on Kurt's behalf but he couldn't think about that, he was too busy concentrating on not breaking down. Finally Douglas was down to just one video.
"Mr. Ben-Israel, were you present at McKinley on September 12, 2011, the day of the attack?"
"I was," Jacob said.
"You were in fact a witness to the attack, were you not?" Douglas questioned.
"Yeah… I filmed it. That vlog got more hits than any I've ever done," Jacob announced proudly. Douglas smiled thinly at him holding up the last DVD for his inspection.
"Would this be the hardcopy of that vlog?"
"Yeah, looks like it."
"The prosecution would like this entered into evidence please," Douglas said.
"So entered," Nathaniel said.
"Mr. Ben-Israel, just so we are clear, has this video been altered in any way?" Douglas asked.
"No," Jacob answered.
"We have had the authenticity of this and all of the videos confirmed by three independent experts," Douglas said handing Nathaniel and Smythe each a packet of papers before walking to the TV and inserting the final DVD.
The video started with a shot of very nervous Kurt at his locker. Jacob's voice came in a voice over.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we continue our expose The Secret Life of New Directions today with part three Kurt Hummel."
In a split second, the hulking form of David Karofsky was blocking the camera's view of Kurt. It didn't however block the sound of Kurt's terrified pleading. "David, please. Why can't you just leave me alone? I don't want this. I have never wanted this."
"Shut up and listen, blood bag." David's menacing voice responded. He shifted slightly and a view of Kurt pinned to the lockers by his throat…his feet dangling slightly off the floor was seen. "You are mine and I will never leave you alone. You will do as I say, fag. You will never get away from me. Oh, how I am going to enjoy breaking you bit by bit. You will regret ever disobeying an order."
A desperate Kurt was clawing at the large boy's hands and gasping for air before kicking out, striking Karofsky in the knee. The larger boy laughed but dropped Kurt to the floor. He scrambled to get away. Karofsky was too fast though, grabbing him by an arm and slamming him face first into the lockers. A loud snap could be heard and Kurt's strangled yelp of pain echoed in the hallway as Kurt cradled his arm, from which the white glimmer of bone protruded. He was bleeding from both the arm and his nose and Karofsky smirked licking his fangs before he pressed himself once more against a trembling Kurt, who brought his uninjured arm up and gouged at Karofsky's eyes.
With an annoyed growl, Karofsky slammed Kurt into the lockers yet again, before grabbing his injured arm and twisting. Kurt shrieked in pain going limp in Karofsky's grasp. The hulking boy smirked in pleasure and licked a stripe of blood from Kurt's wounded cheek as Kurt feebly pleaded with him to let him go. A flash of Karofsky's fangs descending towards Kurt's unprotected neck was seen before a sudden blur of motion dove at Karofsky, knocking him away from Kurt. Chaos erupted in the hallways suddenly.
"Oh my God. Kurt. Someone call 9-1-1. Oh god, there's so much blood. Someone help me!" Tina Cohen Chang was shown cradling the injured boy in her arms, trying to stop the flow of blood, while Noah Puckerman and Mike Chang restrained the massive Karofsky just before the video faded to black.
Kurt covered his face with his hands, fighting to control the sobs which shook his body. Suddenly he felt himself wrapped in Blaine's familiar embrace. He clung to him, not caring about the rather stunned audience they had in the courtroom or the fact that Smythe would now get his chance to cross examine Jacob.
"I have nothing further for this witness," Douglas said quietly.
"Mr. Ben-Israel, you are sort of the gossip king of McKinley, aren't you?" Smythe asked smoothly.
"Well, in my chosen profession, I do come across a lot of rumors, yes."
"And were any of these about Kurt Hummel?"
"He was in the glee club. It's sort of like societal suicide so yeah… there were rumors."
"Such as?"
"Well there was one about him and Karofsky," Jacob began.
"Objection!" Douglas interjected. "Hearsay."
"Sustained. We deal in facts here Lord Smythe. Please remember that," Nathaniel admonished.
"Mr. Ben-Israel, you witnessed the entire attack, why didn't you do anything to stop it?"
"Look at me, Karofsky would kill me, besides, for all I knew that was their thing," Jacob shrugged.
"Their thing?" Smythe asked with a smirk.
"Yeah… like I said there were rumors."
"Thank you Mr. Ben-Israel," Smythe said returning to the defense table. As he reached it, the pencil holder sitting on its edge exploded, sending wood flying. Both Smythe and Karofsky narrowly avoiding getting impaled with the pencils it contained.
"Prince Blaine, please contain yourself in the courtroom or you will be removed for the duration of the proceedings." Nathaniel admonished his son, all the while wishing he could have done the same thing. He couldn't believe what kinds of horrors Kurt had been subjected to at McKinley and he would personally be checking into that school because there had to be more kids being bullied if this video was any indication.
"It was not he." Vlad murmured with a glare planted firmly on his face. His eyes were a flat scarlet and matched Blaine's own venomous eyes.
"Whoever it was, please contain yourselves. This is a trial of utmost importance and will be treated as such." Nathaniel intoned, even if he wanted to blow more than a pencil holder up.
"I'd like to redirect," Douglas said once the mess was cleaned up and Nathaniel gave the go ahead to continue.
"Mr. Ben-Israel, have you ever seen Mr. Hummel give any indication that he was in any way interested in the defendant in a romantic sense?"
"No," Jacob replied.
"And based on your observations during the attack, do you believe Kurt Hummel appeared to be enjoying that or encouraging Mr. Karofsky's behavior?" Douglas asked.
"No," Jacob admitted.
"Thank you Mr. Ben-Israel. We have nothing more for this witness. The prosecution rests."
"Thank you Lord Anderson," Nathaniel intoned. "I think we will adjourn for the day. When we resume for the day tomorrow, the defense will begin presenting its case."
Once again, Kurt and Blaine found themselves wrapped in the protective circle of their friends and family as they were ushered to the waiting limo. Unlike previous days, Kurt and Blaine rode in the limo by themselves. Everyone seemed to sense their need to be alone.
Kurt snuggled into Blaine's side as Blaine ran his hands gently through his Chosen One's hair.
"Tell me what you're thinking love," Blaine prompted. Kurt sighed.
"I never wanted you to see that… to see me like that," Kurt murmured. "I'm sorry you're going through all this because of me."
"I never wanted to see you like that either my Chosen One, but if you think it makes me think less of you then you're crazy. You are so strong Kurt. What you've been through… and to still come out as amazing as you are… I am so proud of you and I love you so much. I'd go through it all over and over for you."
"Blaine…"
"Shhh… you don't need to say anything Kurt. I just needed you to know that. Now… my father, for all that I am still furious with him right now, knew we all needed a break and I don't think he wanted me to rip out Karofsky's throat right there." Blaine said. "So here's what we're going to do, we're going back to our room. We're going to put on our comfiest clothes and put in the sappiest love story we own. Then we're going to snuggle in our bed and pretend today didn't happen."
"That sounds really, really amazing," Kurt smiled through his tears. "Do you think maybe we can work on some stuff for our ceremony too?"
"That would be perfect Kurt. Starting tonight, we put the past where it belongs," Blaine answered.
"In the past," Kurt smiled.
XOXOXOXO
Rested and rejuvenated, Kurt entered the court room the next morning with his head held high and Blaine at his side. He knew that he was in for another tough day with the defense beginning their case today, but he truly believed that nothing could be worse than the last two days of testimony so he refused to be cowed by the press and their intrusive questions or Karofsky's lust filled looks.
Nathaniel, Andrew, and Duncan entered the courtroom and seated themselves and Blaine's Dad nodded at Smythe to begin.
"Good morning," Smythe said all smiles and oily politeness.
"We would like to begin today by calling Ms. Mercedes Jones to the stand."
Kurt glared as his former friend haughtily took the stand.
"Miss Jones, can you tell me about your friendship with Kurt Hummel?"
"Kurt and I met when we were in fifth grade. I felt bad for him. He was… odd and picked on, so I took him under my wing and became his protector and friend," Mercedes said. Kurt couldn't help rolling his eyes. She had been getting picked on and called fat by some jerks in his school and Kurt had told them off. That's how they became friends.
"And are you still friends?"
"No, definitely not," Mercedes said.
"And why would that be?"
"I didn't care for the person Kurt became. He uses people. He used me, he used poor David, and now I'm sure that he's using the Prince."
"Objection!" Douglas said. "Conjecture."
"Sustained."
"When did this fracture in your friendship occur?"
"After his argument with David. One day he just stopped talking to me and pushed all of his friends away and locked himself in his house, refusing to attend school or talk to anyone but his father." Mercedes put on a sad look.
"Do you know what caused such a reaction like that?" Sylvester asked.
"He had never told anyone, but those of us that were close to him were sure it was because he tempted David and couldn't handle the attention that David lavished on him. I mean, he had told me that he found David attractive, so clearly he was interested. He just got scared and came up with this utterly ridiculous accusation that David attacked him to save face. Kurt was always about the drama," Mercedes said sending Kurt a disgusted look.
"Miss Jones, were you aware that David Karofsky was planning on taking Kurt Hummel as his Chosen One?"
"Yes, I was." Mercedes answered. "I thought it was so good that David was finally seeking out what he wanted."
"And how did you become aware of that fact?"
"David and I became friends after Kurt's accusations. He really loves Kurt, despite how he has been treated by him. He explained that he wanted Kurt for the longest time and how he missed him when he transferred schools. I knew he needed support from the community and I felt it was my duty to give him support."
"Hmm…so, David Karofsky was intending to make Kurt Hummel his when he transferred to Dalton Academy and began a relationship with Prince Blaine Anderson?"
"Yes."
"Did you ever attempt to make Kurt aware that his accusations were harming David in such a personal way?"
"Yes, we attempted to host an intervention at the Hummel house, but Kurt refused to listen to anything we had to say and Burt Hummel kicked us all out of the house. They refused to listen to what we wanted to explain to Kurt."
"It seems that even Burt Hummel was aware that his son was attempting to lead a double life with two different vampires."
"Objection, Your Honors. Conjecture… again." Douglas angrily said. He was so over Sylvester Smythe casting aspersions on Kurt and Burt Hummel because he was losing badly.
"Sustained. The line is getting closer and closer, Mr. Smythe." Nathaniel remarked.
"Was Kurt aware that Mr. Karofsky was planning on taking him as his Chosen One?"
"I think so, but I couldn't say for sure. I do know that David was making plans and had purchased a collar for Kurt to wear." Mercedes answered, smiling when she saw the way Blaine had stiffened and hissed at the mention of the collar.
"Thank you Ms. Jones." Sylvester smirked. "I'm done with this witness."
"Miss Jones, you claim that you're aware of David Karofsky showing an interest in Kurt Hummel. You also claim that Mr. Hummel told you he found David attractive?" Douglas asked with a smile on his face. He fully intended to discredit Mercedes Jones and enjoy doing it.
"Yes," Mercedes agreed.
"And when was this exactly?" Douglas asked.
"Well, I know when he first transferred schools, Kurt said that he thought David was handsome." Mercedes answered breezily.
"Which would be when?"
"I guess it was in sixth grade." Mercedes answered.
"So approximately five years ago?" Douglas asked.
"Well yes, but Kurt…" Mercedes was cut off by Douglas.
"And since then, has Kurt ever talked about Mr. Karofsky in that way or shown any interest in getting to know him as more than just a classmate?"
"No, but I…"
"And did Mr. Hummel ever talk to you about Mr. Karofsky in a negative sense?" Douglas asked. Mercedes rolled her eyes.
"He claimed he hated David and was frightened of him and then he made up the story of David attacking him." Mercedes snippily answered, unhappy she'd been cut off from speaking her mind once again. "We all know it was a lie though. He lusted after David for years."
"And how do you think Mr. Hummel sustained these injuries if not from Mr. Karofsky?" Douglas asked, pointing out a blown up picture of Kurt's various injuries.
"Those of us in Lima have always suspected that Burt Hummel is not as accepting as he appears to be." Mercedes answered, slightly tilting her head.
"Move to strike. Facts not in evidence."
"Miss Jones, I am reminding you again to keep your answers to what you know to be fact, not conjecture and unfounded gossip." Nathaniel reprimanded. "If you continue to ignore the warnings of this court, you will face sanctions."
"Miss Jones are you aware of the video shown in this case which shows David Karofsky attacking Kurt Hummel?"
"Yes I've seen it," Mercedes conceded.
"And after viewing it, you are still of the opinion that Kurt made that up?"
"You can't believe everything you see posted online." Mercedes huffily insisted.
"What would your response be if I told you this video had been verified by several independent experts?"
"I stand by my opinions." Mercedes hissed. "People lie, especially when the kind of power and money the Andersons possess becomes involved."
"I see. Miss Jones, you claim that you and Kurt Hummel were very close friends up until the incident on September 12, 2011. Is that correct?"
"Yes."
"So you've not been jealous of Mr. Hummel at all?"
"Don't be ridiculous. Why would I be jealous of him?"
"Miss Jones do you recall an incident which occurred in 2010 where in you took a brick and threw it through the windshield of Mr. Hummel's brand new car?"
"I… ummm…"
"The prosecution would like to submit these pictures of the damage to Mr. Hummel's car as well as the bill for repairs into evidence. Additionally, we would like to submit this note written by Miss Jones apologizing for smashing the windshield," Douglas smiled. "Miss Jones isn't it true as well that on multiple occasions you argued with Kurt over solos in glee club?"
"We all argued over solos," Mercedes defended herself.
"Did everyone call their friend 'an ungrateful little fag who only got the solo because Mr. Schuester felt sorry for him'?"
"I… I never… I mean… how did you find out about that?" Mercedes demanded.
"We would like to submit into evidence this sworn deposition by one Santana Lopez," Douglas smirked.
"Now then Miss Jones, I ask you again, is it possible that your beliefs regarding Kurt are based in the jealousy you harbor towards him?"
"No. I just know him for what he is… nothing but turned trash who needs to learn his place. The Prince is treating him like he's an equal and I think it's just disgusting. Kurt should content himself with the person he deserves another turned vampire like himelf… David Karofsky."
"Thank you Miss Jones," Douglas said smirking at a sour looking Sylvester Smythe. "I have nothing further for this witness."
Kurt felt Blaine, who today hadn't even bothered to pretend he was going to sit anywhere but next to his Chosen One, squeeze his hand. Kurt sent him a small smile. As much as it bothered him to hear Mercedes say those things, he had known for a while that their friendship had been nothing but a farce. He was, however, completely unprepared for the next defense witness.
"The defense calls Carole Hudson-Hummel to the stand."
A/N: She's back! Hope you guys enjoyed this update! We once again have to give you huge thanks for the amazing and wonderful reviews! You guys are the absolute best! Please continue to give us your input. A couple of notes… I mentioned it in the first story somewhere I think, but the family trees we have for everyone are on my profile page if anyone is interested. Also a couple people have brought this up so I'll answer here. Vlad and his direct descendents(Nathaniel, Blaine, Douglas, Sorsha, etc) are the only ones with the thrall. If you want to know who does and doesn't have them… check the family trees. And finally… last but not least a VERY Happy Birthday shout out to the fabulous SailorBaby16! Hope it's been a great one. Until tomorrow y'all.
Hugs,
Cindy and Heidi