Hello everyone! It took me some time to dust the cobwebs on this account, but I managed to get you the next update, which is also finally a chapter going beyond the original story.
The main reason behind the sporadic updates is that I am a veeery slow writer. Literally. I like writing, but I like to chill out as I plan and type so it wouldn't feel like a chore. It doesn't help when writing has to compete with my life and my other hobbies. Which is why I am really grateful for all your comments and messages cheering me on! Keep at it, please! ^_^
As always, the chapter was betaed by amazing hkvoyage!
I hope you will enjoy this chapter!
Kurt tightly pressed his lips together. He forced himself to open his fists and relax his fingers.
Sebastian, for the first time since coming to BellCorp or, perhaps for the first time in his life – focused on something other than himself and looked closely at Blaine and Kurt. The latter looked completely chastised but still glared at Sebastian with fiery eyes.
"Kurt… You look upset, but you need to step back for a moment so I can find out what exactly is happening here."
"What is going on here, Blaine, is that this slimy monster treats Submissives like objects existing solely for his own pleasure…" Kurt choked on another wave of anger, and his Dom couldn't help but touch and rub the younger designer's tense shoulders.
The movement was full of affection, and the hints rapidly started jumping into place, even in Sebastian's self-centred mind.
"You! But… you!" The actor dramatically pointed at the toy designer. "You're a Sub?!"
Being shocked was an unnatural state for Sebastian, so he quickly recovered. "Ha! I suspected something was weird about you from the very beginning and now I have it confirmed. You thought you could hide it from me!"
Kurt didn't even try to look surprised at Sebastian's deduction and just rolled his eyes.
"Oh no, my life is ruined now that my disguise is uncovered," the blue-eyed designer said flatly. His previous plans were looking so stupid now – why was he so preoccupied with the smarmy prick finding it out by himself in the first place? It would be all so much easier if he were just to go up and told Sebastian what he was and to keep his oily hands off Blaine.
Blaine coughed, clearing his throat.
"We never tried to hide anything, Sebastian. We just thought it didn't have anything to do with you or your contract with our company. Harassing my designers, or preventing them from doing their job in peace, is in no shape or form justified only by the fact you work with us for the time being."
Sebastian deflated a bit from having no support from the Dom he clearly tried to at least befriend.
"Blaine, you must know I was just joking around with the staff!"
"It still happened during the work hours, when Nick is supposed to work, undisturbed, and in comfort. Coincidentally, Nick is also expected to tell me when a harassment like that happens straight away," Blaine added, glancing at Nick, who suddenly found the floor fascinating to look at.
It was rare for Sebastian to be called out on his behaviour – the social media pretty much glorified his ability to "conquer" Subs - so the actor kept defending his actions. "You are all so touchy – a little teasing never hurts people, and attention is said to be a great ego booster for Subs."
"I sure feel like boosting your face," Kurt snarled, and only Blaine's quick reflexes stopped the Sub from lunging at Sebastian. The Dom restrained Kurt, firmly holding his forearms. Kurt was not happy about that.
"Don't tell me you are taking his side, Blaine," he blurted out in anger.
"Kurt…" Nick spoke for the first time during the debacle. "I'm sorry… If you weren't trying to protect me you wouldn't be in this situation – I should've gone to Blaine the moment Sebastian first tried to get me to hook up with him instead of allowing the situation to escalate… "
"He… did what? Why didn't you tell me?" Jeff asked, and managed to elbow his way back through the designers' group by Blaine's office, looking crestfallen.
Nick shook his head. "Jeff, dear, Kurt isn't the only Sub who doesn't like to be a 'damsel in distress'. I figured that if Blaine could stand being constantly pestered, so could I." He blushed guiltily under Blaine stern gaze. "I admit it was not the best idea."
"Please, my presence is a pleasure for everyone involved," Sebastian said but was widely ignored.
Blaine's hold on Kurt lessened as the Dom sighed.
"I'm sorry Nick, it's been so crazy lately that I didn't notice everything that's been going on. However, you know that is why you are supposed to let me know straight away if something is wrong. It doesn't matter if you are a Sub or Dom – at work, you above else are my subordinate and therefore my responsibility. But this is neither time nor place for us to have the conversation about it – which we clearly need to have soon." The Dom finally looked at Smythe. "Sebastian, you understand that from now on, I can't have you talking to my subordinates at all?"
"I don't know what the big deal is," Sebastian said pretentiously. "It's not like I'm attacking anyone… What about… I could leave pretty Nicky here alone-"
"You better," Jeff interrupted him.
"…But I want something in return."
"No," Blaine said quickly, having a bad feeling about it.
"Actually, let's hear it," Kurt crossed his arms, the pastel shirt stretching over his shoulders.
"Good, because it's about you," Sebastian smirked, still looking like he was in control of the situation. "I want retribution for your awful behaviour towards me."
Kurt shivered with disgust. "W-what do you mean by that? Keep your pervy hands away from me."
"Oh please… I wouldn't touch your pasty face even if you were the last Sub on Earth. No – I want you on a metaphorical tightened leash. Your accusations offended me deeply, and I want you punished."
Blaine finally interrupted the storm brewing.
"Sexual harassment accusations offend you? There will be no disciplining deals here. Kurt is my Sub, Sebastian-"
"And I feel for you, Blaine," Sebastian sagely shook his head. The curly-haired Dom only glared at him and continued.
"Kurt is my Sub, Sebastian, and you have no say in our relationship. Especially when you were the one egging Kurt on."
"To put it bluntly you are letting him go wild. I've never seen such a foul-mouthed brat in my life."
"You're just angry that I caught you red-handed and didn't back down from outing what a lecherous slimy douche you are!" Kurt shouted, and both men looked ready to pounce at each other, claws first.
"Ok, stop you two." Blaine slid between the arguing men.
"I'm not saying anything he doesn't deserve," Kurt argued.
"Don't protect your spoiled Sub, Blaine," Sebastian followed instantly.
The other designers, intrigued by the loud argument, were staring at the scene. They were whispering between themselves, betting who was going to win that 'catfight'.
"That's ridiculous!" Blaine raised his voice a notch. "If you two keep this up, we'll be here until tomorrow. Kurt - you first."
Blaine manhandled his Sub toward the department's entrance with Sebastian smugly watching as Kurt was forced to retreat.
"Blaine, what're you-"
"I need you to go home, Kurt."
His Sub looked at him, betrayed. "How could you? Are you on his side? Have you actually heard what he was saying about me? To me?"
"He was pushing your buttons on purpose – so we'd focus on that instead on his behaviour. I… I just need you to do this one thing. For me. Please." He touched Kurt's arm.
The younger man looked away from his Dom. "How can I say no when you asked so nicely," he said tensely.
Kurt rushed out from the studio, not looking back even when he heard Blaine calling out to him. With a face burning from humiliation he jumped into the elevator, going down.
It was only after leaving the building when Kurt realized how long it had been since he came back from work without his Dom. Blaine would always insist on letting Kurt go first through the door and then had to speed up to the car just so its door was waiting open for his Sub. Being sent away alone hurt even more as he remembered these silly moments.
"Stupid, arrogant Dom," Kurt murmured to himself. "Instead of listening to me – an actual witness – he needed, of course, to get rid of me. Because God forbid a Dom would support whatever I have to say."
And Kurt was right about Sebastian. It was only a matter of time till that pervert would move to touch Nick…
The blue-eyed man punched the button at the pedestrian crossing and impatiently tapped his foot on the sidewalk.
How could you order me to leave, Blaine? Kurt thought. Like a kid sent to a corner…
The heat of shame crept up his neck and cheeks, because didn't he behave like one? Short-tempered, quick to mouth off and attack… not to forget the whole fact that he hid the problem together with Nick until it encouraged Sebastian to go too far. It seemed like he hadn't changed at all since meeting Blaine. He was so focused on his word-sparring with Sebastian that he didn't think how it all looked like from the outside. Of course Blaine would be embarrassed in front of his subordinates to have such an out-of-control Sub.
I bet he's rethinking our contract, Kurt worried his lower lip with his teeth over that idea or at least getting rid of me for the time being as a punishment.
Someone pushed Kurt out of his thoughts, and the designer realised the signal had changed and he could finally cross the street. Clutching his shoulder bag's strap like a lifeline, he sluggishly moved toward the train station. It felt almost nostalgic to do so.
Pav is probably gathering dust… I could also air my bedroom…
Kurt was looking inside his bag to find his train pass when he noticed that he received a message on his phone.
"Ask Anthony to let you in. He has a master key card."
Oh. Blaine meant his home.
Kurt shakily exhaled in initial relief, but it quickly turned into alarm. The message was short and impersonal – does Blaine wants him at home to discipline him? And then what is going to happen?
Anthony was apparently very perceptive because he let Kurt in and swiftly left without engaging in his usual random chitchat.
Could he tell something is wrong with me?
The door closed behind the Sub with a soft click, leaving him in the dark corridor.
And now I don't have a choice, but to wait…
Without switching on the lights, Kurt sat down where he had stood in the hallway and put his head onto his knees. He finally allowed himself to think about what he was dreading since he had entered the apartment complex.
What exactly will Blaine do or say when he gets home?
He felt something nudging his foot. It was Cooper responding to the movement in the apartment. Kurt gathered the robot puppy into his arms and petted it, waiting for Blaine to arrive.
Kurt was not even aware that he had fallen asleep right there in the hallway until something bumped him in the back. Cooper fell from his embrace and after it scrambled to its feet, the Anibot woofed happily. Another bump pushed Kurt forward and the Sub realised it was the door and someone clearly trying to get inside.
"Kurt, is that you?" Blaine asked from behind the door as he was trying to get into the apartment.
"Yeah… One moment!" Kurt moved to stand up while his brain was slowly waking up from the nap. He wasn't sure how long he had been out, but it must've been a while as the corridor was already dark.
As Kurt moved out of the way, Blaine got into the apartment and flicked the lights on. Kurt blinked rapidly as his eyes were getting used to the light and looked at his Dom with tension filling his mind.
"Kurt…" Blaine started, taking a step forward, but abruptly he halted his movement when he noticed the Sub's flinching.
"Shhhh, Kitten," the Dom quickly said, hoping the use of the nickname would work as a way to communicate that Kurt had nothing to be afraid of. "It's okay. It's sorted out. Well, kind of… But it's going to be. And we'll talk and listen to each other's story about all this, but not before I get some food into you. You look like you are going to fall at anytime and I can't let that happen." He looked deeply into Kurt's eyes. "Can we do that?" He left it for his Sub to decide.
Kurt's eyes were opened wide, but he nodded and let Blaine steer him toward the kitchen, with enthusiastic Cooper at their heels.
Kurt nursed a coffee-filled mug in silence, while Blaine insisted that he would wash the pans and dishes. Seeing that the Dom was giving him the time to think everything through, Kurt knew it was up to him to start the conversation. The Sub had sat through the silent dinner with great difficulty and couldn't wait any longer now.
"So, you said you'd tell me what happened after I left… After you forced me to leave."
"I know it looked like I pushed you out, but ultimately, it was to protect you." Blaine started to explain as he stacked up the plates.
"No, I understand…" Kurt said bitterly. "A meagre employee lashing out at the famous actor might look bad for publicity."
Blaine flung the dishtowel onto a kitchen counter and turned around. In few steps, he came closer to where Kurt was sitting and leaned toward his Sub, resting his hands on the table. He knew Kurt's trust in him was strained today, but the Sub's behaviour seemed to indicate something more was going on. Still, he had to start with explaining himself and then he would investigate.
"None of that was on my mind then, Kurt. In fact…"
Blaine didn't get to Kurt before the Sub had stormed into the elevator and the door closed behind him. The momentary doubt in what Blaine was doing was swiftly buried under the overwhelming feeling of needing to eliminate any danger that could hurt his Sub. Blaine quickly turned and glared at Sebastian. "Now that the children are sent to bed we can finally talk like adults," Sebastian smiled.
"You misunderstood." Blaine scowled at the actor. "I sent Kurt away so he wouldn't be a subject of your abuse for any longer."
"Oh please, he was also dishing it out and was threatening to actually hit me…" Sebastian frowned suddenly. "Wait… You did it, so he wouldn't… would he actually attack me? A Sub?"
Blaine couldn't help the bitter smirk forming on his face. He had a momentary regret that he wouldn't see Smythe getting his ass handed to him by Kurt. Oh, well… Blaine had to be the responsible one.
"Oh, he would."
"He totally would," Jeff, who had meanwhile situated himself between Nick and Sebastian, agreed.
"This is why he couldn't be here," Blaine continued. "So you couldn't play a victim in this situation at any point."
Kurt curled his right hand into a fist and looked at it.
"As a BellCorp employee… if I hit him it would look bad, wouldn't it?"
"It would, even if every witness thought it was justified," Blaine agreed, glad that Kurt understood that. "Kitten, I sent you home because I didn't want you to get into trouble because of Sebastian. You are worth more than that. And for that very reason, this mess had to be handled differently."
"Blaine, you're a Dom too, so you understand, right? Subs expect us to be the ones chasing them. You can't blame me for trying."
"From what I understand, Nick not only was open to you about already having a Dom, but he was also clear that he didn't welcome your attention. It was only because of his good nature that he didn't officially complain." Blaine said as he looked pointedly at Nick.
The Sub gulped as he read the look as chastising him for being stubborn and not going to his boss earlier.
"So, what, you are telling me is to just ignore the pretty Subs you have here? Be honest – you were in the same situation with Kurt, who is also an employee. You saw him, you wanted him and you got him. Simple." Sebastian crossed his arms in front of him, looking very smug.
"You couldn't be further from the truth," Blaine immediately disagreed. The Dom felt extremely tempted to tell Sebastian exactly how it happened. The tentative friendship, simple caring of Kurt's well-being, making sure that the other person was completely on-board with the relationship, and the constant struggle to make things work due to their mental baggage. He could also point out how Sebastian just now possibly cost them another step-back their relationship.
However, he had a feeling everything he was saying went above Sebastian's head. Blaine took out his phone with a sigh. He could force Sebastian out of the department and the building, but it would be a temporary solution, and the offended actor could make a whole load problems to the company. No, Blaine had to remain professional and negotiate with a professional…
While the Dom unlocked his phone, he remembered that Kurt will be back at home way earlier than him.
"Excuse me for a moment… Jeff, do you mind keeping the fort?"
Receiving a confirming nod from Jeff, Blaine made a quick call to Anthony and sent a message to Kurt to make sure that the Sub would get into the apartment safely.
Then, with a quick glance toward Sebastian, he found the one number on his phone that just might belong to a voice of reason that has some influence over Smythe – the actor's agent, Raj.
"If this was a movie and your showdown with Sebastian was the culmination point, it would be so dull," Kurt shyly joked. Since waking up to Blaine's return home, he had this strange feeling, an itch or something, that was annoying him more and more as he was hearing the story. The more he listened to Blaine's reasoning, the more he was realising how irresponsible his behaviour was – the more that itch was irritating the Sub.
Blaine's shoulders relaxed a bit. The Dom moved closer to Kurt and sat down on the chair.
"It's not like I could push Sebastian out the window and then celebrate getting rid of one of the douchiest Doms in the world."
"If only it was so simple, right?"
I… regret that I didn't take the time to tell you what I was planning, Kitten," Blaine said. "That I was too focused on how to solve this in the best way for BellCorp and made you be alone after Sebastian's nasty words."
The Dom covered Kurt's hand with his own.
"I don't care what he said that much anymore," Kurt admitted, feeling much better at the skin contact between them. "I understand you had to put on your head of department hat in that moment more than being my knight in shining armour."
"If my only role was to be a knight, Sebastian would be in shackles and whipped. And not in a fun way."
Kurt enjoyed imagining that image for a moment. In his mind, the shackles were lined in pink fur to humiliate Sebastian further and Kurt was the one with the crop. A little bit of pain could indeed be the best lesson. Freeing one from guilt and the need of redemption…
Kurt shook his head, confused at where his thoughts had wondered. Where did that come from? He thought and focused back on Blaine.
"So, then what happened?"
"And then I had to wait for Raj to arrive. The worst half hour in my life. I had to babysit Sebastian while Jeff couldn't decide if he wanted to coddle Nick or be angry at him for keeping the worst to himself."
"What happened when Raj arrived?"
Blaine smiled. "What Raj did made it worth waiting for him."
Sebastian was sitting in Blaine's office, pouting, while Blaine summarized what had happened to Raj, making sure he mentioned the absolute minimum of Kurt's involvement. The agent shook his head with resignation.
"Is there any specific way you want to resolve this?" Raj finally spoke.
"I have to be honest. I thought about cancelling the contract. I have a couple of Sub employees that have been performing less than satisfactory because of Mr Smythe. This would be seen as a good enough reason. Since the word about Sebastian's part in our campaign is already out, it might raise some questions exactly why that would happen – I might be forced to make an official statement to the press about the whole matter then. You know how the public sees these things, especially if the Sub is the victim," Blaine started. He was bluffing a little – it would be much more complicated to break the contract than that - but it was worth seeing Sebastian's smirk faltering. "However, I would be satisfied if from now on, every trip to this building made by Mr Smythe would be accompanied by someone as a guarantee that he would not bother the employees. This way, similar situations could be prevented instead of dealing with them after the fact."
Sebastian gritted his teeth. "Are you saying I need a babysitter? What about getting one for the Sub that-"
"Since you are here for Sebastian's shooting anyway, Raj, as long as he is here only for scheduled visits, it's not something that would cost your agency more," Blaine quickly continued, keeping the agent's attention at himself rather than what Sebastian might start spewing about Kurt. "I would inform security that they should call you if they see Sebastian coming in by himself and to not allow him access."
Sebastian opened his mouth to say something more, but Raj silenced him with a murdering glare.
"Very well. I shall set things in motion and we'll both come tomorrow at a convenient time to discuss that schedule," the agent sighed. "In the name of my company, I apologize for the inconvenience. Please apologise to your employees for all of this and let me know if there is anything more I could do."
Blaine nodded. "Thank you. I will see you both tomorrow. Please call in the morning to set up a good time. I'll make sure the Sub employees will be busy elsewhere, just so Mr Smythe can control himself."
"Ouch. Way to kick the dog." Kurt couldn't help commenting. "No, no one is kicking you, Coop," he cooed when the Anibot whined at his feet. "Because you are a good boy. Unlike Sebastian."
Sebastian gritted his teeth, but knew any defence from himself won't work on Raj after how he had behaved toward Nick.
"I still think that everyone is making a big deal out of nothing, but fine. It's not like flirting with a Sub will make a dent in my career."
"Sebastian!" Raj turned toward the actor with a tormented look on his face. "One more word and all this won't be worth my career! Let's just go before you get yourself into more trouble!"
Coop purred contentedly as Kurt couldn't help picking up the Anibot and deposited it on his lap.
"Do you think he's going to cause trouble tomorrow regarding your conditions?" Kurt asked as his hand idly petted the toy dog.
"There is a chance it will happen. Which means you are staying out of it."
"How am I going to see Sebastian's loser face then?" Kurt pouted. "You have to take a picture of him for me!"
"Kurt… I don't want tomorrow to turn into further damage control when I'm out of the loop. I'm the head of the department while it looks like I'm the last one informed."
Kurt bit his lower lip, feeling chastised. "I know… that I should've told you. There was a moment when I even intended to get you to help, but… I allowed my emotions to get the better of me."
"To be honest, Sebastian is good at riling people. He made you and Nick feel like calling for help would be showing a personal weakness," Blaine offered.
However, Kurt felt it wasn't a good result for him. This overwhelming feeling in his stomach, the annoying buzzing in his head… He suspected it had to do a lot with his biological response to what he had done – to how he did act differently to what his Dom had expected him to act. It felt as if something was itching, festering inside him and he had to get rid of it. His high school lessons were coming back to him through the fog and he recognised the symptoms. It wasn't something he could solve by himself.
"Blaine," Kurt started slowly and focused his eyes sternly on his Dom. "Don't freak out, but I think I need to ask you to do something and it will all be clearer when I tell you my side of the story. I think you need to punish me and I'm going to explain now why."
