Story
Summary: May 2020 and Blaine's life is nothing like he dreamed it would be. His so-called marriage to Kurt is a disaster and the entire country is shutting down for 2 months due to a global pandemic. Now, he and his daughter have somehow wound-up quarenting at the newly rebuilt Dalton Academy with Sebastian Smythe…a radically changed man from the boy he knew a decade before.
Warning
This story has a pandemic element, only for the reason it gives me an excuse to quarantine Seblaine together for 2 months. The set-up might be intense for some but once "lockdown" begins it will rarely be mentioned.
There is a story line of an automobile accident resulting in a major character injury including memory loss and non-canon character death
This is Very Kurt Unfriendly
Notes:
Please always check chapter beginning and end notes.
Chapter 1
Summary: Nothing about the past 5 years, hell 10 years, have gone the way Blaine expected. So, why is he surprised when Kurt tries to change plans at the last minute yet again?
Notes: Blaine has a trust fund. I have no idea how trust funds work but decided that rich people can put in any wackadoodle terms they want.
Quick notes before starting: Changes from Canon (some with true life reasoning)
1. I made Sue the President instead of Vice-President. If I was going to have a crazed, ego-centric dictator-type running a pandemic it might as well have been her. I also made Burt a Senator instead of Congressman.
2. Rachel chose not to go back to NYADA and did the play with Jesse instead because…
3. I aged Blaine's daughter to around 2 ½. I needed her walking, talking and potty trained.
4. Puck isn't at Finn's dedication. No reasoning given. They agreed not to speak of it.
5. Santana is still there. However, if you read my stories, she's usually a major player in a multi-chapter and is not here. It is purely story driven and I'm sure I'll miss her.
6. Marley and Ryder had a relationship and it went bad. Most don't know. However, in this, it will not be the reason for Marley's absence at the dedication.
Blaine's Story
Oh, whoa-oh-oh-oh, oh-oh
Oh, whoa-oh-oh, oh, whoa-oh-oh
The song ended, the lights went down and they all just stood there. It seemed inappropriate to applaud or cheer. But time was ticking. They all had places to be…and fast.
"Thank you, everyone. He would have loved it. Now get your asses to wherever you're staying for the next 2 months and be safe." Of course, Carol gave them their out. The mother without her child taking care of those he left behind.
They had all been cleared before coming so they took the chance and hugged as they said their goodbyes. Only Myron tested positive and couldn't come. Rory was already quarantined in Ireland and Marley was in Canada filming one last episode of Supergirl before the boarders were shut down.
And Puck…they agreed not to talk about him.
Both Sam and Kitty had called each of the Dalton members from the joint National Championship team after they declined Blaine's invitation. None of them showed. They tried to convince him it was due to the lockdown but he was sure there was something more going on. However, now wasn't the time to worry about it. Kurt was involved in a rather intense conversation with his Dad and Rachel so Blaine was going to enjoy the bonus time with Sam. Even if it meant they had to hide in their secret spot from Senior year.
Some days the rest of the New Directions (Tina) got to be really annoying.
Plus, teasing his best friend about his love life gave Blaine a sense of normalcy he desperately needed. "I'm proud of you."
"Why? Because I didn't punch Ryder?"
"Yes, because you didn't punch Ryder. And because you finally told Mercedes you and Marley have been in a relationship for over a year."
"I've been telling her since we made it official" Sam laughed. "She still doesn't believe me, ya' know. Just because we don't play it out in the press…she thinks I'm trying to make her jealous."
Blaine shook his head but didn't know why. Mercedes had been playing this game with Sam for years. She didn't want him but expected him to keep pining after her.
He had to admit he was a little skeptical about Sam and Marley at first, especially with her in Canada 8 months a year. But she came back to Lima on all her breaks to see him and her mom and even bought a house there. Then when you saw them together, it just made sense. Like a how did we not see this all along kind of sense. "You still driving to Columbus to pick Marley up at the airport tomorrow?"
Sam checked his phone to make sure plans hadn't changed. "No, since the studio kept her to film those extra scenes, they got her a private plane from Columbus to the Lima Airport. Dave helped arrange it."
"Who knew knowing a high-powered sports agent would be so helpful. He was able to get a tree-house, jungle-gym/swing-set delivered and assembled at Mom's for Bella. You know how she likes to climb on stuff."
"Yeah, he told me some of the weird shit his clients quote/unquote needed to survive quarantine. I mean seriously, who needs three stripper poles and a million green peanut M&Ms?"
Blaine began to laugh so hard tears started to form. "You know I'm holding back like 50 White Chocolate stripper jokes."
"That's why you're my best friend and I love you."
"Blaine, we need to talk."
Damn! He found them.
"We have a 2 hour drive to Mom's. We can talk all you want on the way there" Blaine told Kurt as he stood and stretched. "I'll say a quick goodbye to your Dad and Carole and we can go."
"That's just it. We're not going to your Mom's. We're going back to NYC. President Sylvester is sending Dad there as part of a Senate team to monitor the lockdown so we can take his plane. We don't have to drive."
"And that's my cue to leave" Sam said but before leaving whispered to Blaine "Please, don't just give in to whatever line of bullshit he gives you." He didn't think he would with as pissed as Blaine looked, but the guy did have a track record.
"Don't worry. Not happening." The moment Sam was gone Blaine seethed through a smile, after all they were pretending to be the fairy tale Klaine everyone expected them to be. Nothing to ruin the day for Carole. "We are not going back to NYC, Kurt. The apartment was closed-up. The building and trust were notified we are quarenting at Mom's. She went to her sister's so you would be more comfortable."
"But…"
"And what about the reason we did all this in the first place? NYC is the epicenter of this virus. It's not safe. If it was just us, we could take the gamble but we have Bella to think about. And besides the danger to her life…do you want to be stuck in the apartment for 2 months with a rambunctious 2 ½ year old who can't go outside and run in the park? Or go on play dates? Or go to her ballet or tumbling classes? Or go to Shelby for acting classes? What the hell are you thinking?"
"I'm thinking what if my callback happens and I'm not there!"
Blaine stood frozen, holding everything inside as usual. He thought this was settled when the lockdown was announced. "Broadway is shut down."
"People will still be working. Jesse is going back and working. You don't know what will happen, Blaine."
"Oh, my god, Kurt…people will still be working from home! Only very specific people are allowed out of their houses and Broadway performers are not on the list. And what have you not been listening to because we all know Jesse's going back and quarantining with his writing partners to finish their play while…" Blaine moved closer to Kurt. This next part wasn't common knowledge. "…his pregnant wife stays here with her father. Don't tell me Rachel said she's going back."
"No, she's staying with Leroy and…" Kurt steeled himself for what he was going to say "She agreed to keep Isabella."
*SLAP*
Guess all pretense of a happy marriage was gone. "You had no right to do that! Neither of you did!" The next thing Blaine knew he was in Dave Karofsky's arms, Kurt had been joined by his father and Sam was telling everyone else to mind their own business.
"What do you want to do?" Dave asked softly.
"Go get my daughter."
"Ok, give me your keys."
"I can drive…"
"Blaine, I will pick you up and throw you over my shoulder if I have to. You know I can."
How Dave had remained his friend after all that went down after their split…he…he…he didn't deserve him. "Alright, you drive."
Dave kept his arm protectively around Blaine's shoulders while he got his bag. No one said a word, but when they were in the parking lot, Dave realized they had been followed. He was ready to go off until he saw it was Jesse and Rachel. Jesse offered to follow in Dave's car so he didn't have to come back.
They were half way to Leroy's when Blaine said "I suppose I owe you an explanation."
"You don't. Although, I could tell the whole day you and Kurt were putting on an act. I'm not saying everyone could but I'm guessing Santana, Quinn and the little blonde…Kitty, I think…saw it too."
The sound Blaine made, somewhere between a groan and a whine, made Dave laugh. He kind of missed it. "Quinn is one thing but Kitty and Santana are probably the last two I would want to know, besides Brittany. Do you think she noticed?"
"Not until you slapped Kurt."
"Oh, yeah. I did do that."
None of it mattered when they pulled into Leroy Berry's driveway and Blaine saw what was waiting for him in the front yard.
"Daddy!"
Isabella (Bella) Anderson was physically everything one would expect from the biological child of Blaine Anderson and Rachel Berry…a little small for her age with long, ridiculously curly brown hair and equally ridiculously long lashes framing big brown puppy-dog eyes. She was also wickedly smart, off-the charts advanced in verbal ability, energetic to the point of hyper and at 2 ½ could carry a tune with perfect pitch clarity.
But there was one other trait about Bella that was undeniable. She was a total Daddy's Girl.
"Did you have a good time with Mr. Leroy?" Blaine asked after scooping her into his arms.
"Yes, but missed you" She kissed his cheek then looked around. "Where Papa?"
What was he supposed to say? "Papa…"
Bella put her little hand on his lips and gave him an all-too-knowing sad grin. "Papa go New Yawk. It ok. He like it better."
And that was the sound of his heart shattering into a thousand tiny pieces…And his anger hitting heights he didn't know possible
"Why don't you go give Uncle Dave one more big thank you hug for the swing he got you, then go ask Mr. Leroy to take you potty and get your bag. It's a long drive and I have to talk to Auntie Rachel before we go."
"I have say goodbye to kitty too!"
Once Bella was out of earshot... "Convince me none of that was your idea."
"It wasn't. I swear. Kurt said you wanted to work on your relationship."
"That's what he told you to say. Do not lie to me."
Rachel looked like a scared rabbit in a trap, not knowing if the person before it was going to set her free, or cook her for dinner. "Fine, I know he went back because he's afraid he'll miss a callback. And yes, both Burt and I tried to convince him it wouldn't happen."
"And Jesse?"
"He doesn't know" she said with enough sincerity he believed her. "But Blaine, put yourself in his shoes. This is Glinda. Wicked is actually considering genderbending the role. This is what you guys put all that money into Virginia Woolf for. This is Kurt's dream."
"Bella and I were supposed to be his dream" Blaine sighed. Then the anger took over. He knew Rachel wasn't deserving of the full force of his brewing tirade, but she had the misfortune of being there "And for the record, it wasn't you guys who put all that money into Virginia Woolf. It was this guy. I have been beyond supportive of Kurt's dreams but this…he had no right to try to make arrangements for my daughter! And you…YOU, more than anyone, know that any and all decisions for my daughter go solely through me. I am the only name on her birth certificate. I am the only one with legal rights."
"Daddy! I ready."
As Bella came running toward him and he couldn't help but smile. Explaining a pandemic and quarantine to a 2 ½ year old had been interesting. But since she was his daughter, he went with "evil bugs" attacking the world and they had to go into their houses so they didn't get in the way when Superheroes came to fight them.
NightBird couldn't fight because he had the very important job of protecting her, a future superhero. However, to make sure they were extra safe, Bella was always to bring "back-up" when they traveled. Today she chose The Flash.
"I see you put on a Flash t-shirt and have your Flash stuffy. Where's your blanky?"
"Uncle Jess put in car with my mask."
"Wait, Sammy gave me a present for you." He pulled a tiny Supergirl mask out of his back pocket. Thankfully, he didn't wear his pants as tight as he used to.
"Yay! Supergirl!" Bella went to put it on then stopped "I have Ash."
With as well as Bella spoke, that fl combo was an issue. "Now you have Flash and Supergirl. Think of it as a crossover."
Rachel held out her hand "Come on, Sweetie. I'll help you with your mask and tuck you into your car seat while Daddy says goodbye to Uncle Dave."
"And we sing Daddy and Auntie Rachel song?" Santana thought it would hysterical to teach Bella Don't You Want Me. Blaine had wondered why she and Brittany were suddenly extremely willing babysitters around the time she turned one, but by the time he figured it out it was too late. He actually thought it was funny. Kurt not so much.
You were working as a waitress in a cocktail bar
Watching them together, Blaine's emotions were all over the place. He'd sworn his daughter would always have her biological mother in her life. He heard the drama of when Shelby showed up in Rachel's. But if she ever…
"I've got to know…how the hell is The Flash Bella's favorite superhero when the actor who plays him on TV is a total doppelganger for Kurt Hummel's least favorite person?"
"David Karofsky, NightBird is my daughter's favorite superhero, closely followed by The Blond Chameleon."
"Uh-oh, you called me David, but didn't answer my question. We both know when you met Kurt at Scandals and told him you were in a relationship with someone he knew, he thought it was Sebastian Smythe. And we both know if Sebastian Smythe would've been at Scandals, instead of at Stanford, the night you walked in, he would've been right."
Zero regrets (except how it ended) on his time with Dave, but probably true. Ok, definitely…wait a minute. "Why do you know where Sebastian went to college?" Before Dave could answer, Blaine's phone rang. Since it wasn't Kurt's ringtone…"That's strange. It's my attorney. Can you tell the others I need a minute?"
"Sure"
As Dave walked away, it dawned on Blaine what the call was for. "Hello, Mr. Barnes."
"Blaine, your building manager called. Kurt called stating the two of you were returning and needed the utilities back on. He also wanted someone to have provisions stocked prior to your arrival."
Kurt wanted…he… "Please tell me Mr. Bixby told Kurt to get his own fucking groceries. Where there any other problems?"
"Don't worry, Mr. Bixby reminded him the building does not provide those services. But I have a question. Does this mean you are not returning to NYC?"
"My plans haven't changed. Why?"
"Then, yes. We do have a problem."
In his anger, Blaine had completely forgotten something. "Shit! Kurt can't stay in the apartment longer than two weeks without me or prior written consent."
"Not as long as The Trust still owns it."
He learned a lot about trusts when he inherited his Great-granduncle's Estate and the #1 thing he learned, anything involving Kurt was a headache. "So, he tells Mr. Bixby the two of us are coming back but no one will know I'm not there because we're all quarantined. Son of a bitch!"
"We don't know for sure if that was his plan, but knowing Kurt, probably."
Probably my ass "So what happens now?"
"With the world shutting down in 36 hours and him having an established residency of over 6 months at the address, we're not going to legally get an immediate eviction. We want to draw up an eviction notice for the end of quarantine. We did the complete inventory before you left in case of break-in. We'll attach that and charge for damaged or missing items. We also put in a clause stating any property damage triggers a "back rent" clause. That's pretty substantial on an $8 million apartment."
"And if he refuses to sign?"
"We'll assign a live-in property manager for your absence. And, I hate to tell you this, but there's another possible complication."
"There's MORE?"
"Your birthday, when your trust ends, is two days after the last day of quarantine. If Kurt is still in the apartment, he can claim you accept his living there even if he is doing so without expressed permission."
"You mean squatting?"
"He can have you tied up legally for years and you wouldn't be able to evict him. We all know his attachment to your apartment."
That was a massive understatement
"So, Blaine, you basically have one of three choices to make. One, we let this go. We send you back dated forms giving him permission to stay during quarantine, you sign them. When quarantine ends you fix your relationship."
"That doesn't sound legal, or after today, likely to happen. What's two?"
"When the trust ends, you sign title of the apartment to Kurt and be done with it."
"Hell no. Three?"
"We meet Kurt upon his arrival at the apartment with the post-quarantine eviction papers I suggested. The eviction will be legally air-tight, but be prepared. This is Kurt. He will fight you in the courts stating he has a claim of domestic residency."
Hearing that, Blaine came up with a fourth choice
20 minutes and one more trip to the potty and they were finally on their way. At first the conversation revolved around Leroy's kitten…how it liked to be petted, how it played with a ball, how it followed a string, how it climbed on its house and went in all the holes.
Was it too late to get her a kitten?
"Daddy, music."
His Mom never put XM in her Range Rover and he screwed up and packed his phone charger/connector in the back. He was going to have to rely on good old FM radio. Tuning to his favorite pop station he heard…
WCLB…Columbus' favorite Country
"Yay! Sammy music!"
"But it's supposed to be Daddy music. They changed format. I'll find Daddy music."
"No! Sammy music!" Bella began singing along. She didn't know the lyrics, but kept the tune and the words she put in rhymed.
And it kept her occupied giving him a chance to think. He had two options. He could think about his life imploding…hard pass. Or, he could think about why the hell Dave would know where Sebastian Smythe went to college? He never got his answer in wanting to get on the road after the super fun (sarcasm) call with his attorney.
It took 10 minutes for the backseat singing to stop and a cute little snore to begin. Finally! He could change the station. He was reaching for the screen when he was distracted by a road sign.
Next Exit
Dalton Academy Sneak Peek Weekend—Cancelled
I thought if I could touch this place or feel it
This brokenness inside me might start healing
Out here it's like I'm someone else
I thought that maybe I could find myself
If I could just come in I swear I'll leave
Won't take nothin' but a memory
From the house that built me
Suddenly, he couldn't breathe. Was this a panic attack? He quickly turned on the blinker and pulled to the side of the road.
You leave home, you move on
And you do the best you can
I got lost in this 'ole world
And forgot who I am
He had forgotten who he was. The only Blaine he recognized anymore was Bella's Daddy.
I thought if I could touch this place or feel it
This brokenness inside me might start healing
Out here it's like I'm someone else
I thought that maybe I could find myself
If I could walk around I swear I'll leave
Won't take nothin' but a memory
From the house that built me
Blaine had never heard the song before but it hit him in a way none ever had. And just when he thought he had no more tears left to cry, the damn broke yet again. He couldn't tell you how much later, there was a tap on his window...Of course. He put on his mask and cracked the window only enough to be heard. "Yes, Officer?"
"Is everything alright, Sir?"
At least that was a little funny. Even wearing a mask, Blaine could tell the man calling him Sir was probably as old as Burt Hummel. "I'm fine. Just overwhelmed. Thought it best to pull over."
"Good idea with that precious cargo you got there. You meeting the Misses where you going?"
Definitely wasn't going to open that can of worms. Not in Ohio. "No, no Misses. Just me and my daughter. We're staying at my Mom's house in Westerville. She's at her sister's in Colorado."
"Doin' this by yourself, huh? I get how that can be overwhelming. Why are you staying at your Mom's and not your own place?"
"I live in NYC." Enough said. Everyone had seen the news. "But I grew up here. I actually went to school at Dalton."
It wasn't a total lie
"Have you seen the new one? The New Dalton?"
"No, I've been in Lima visiting friends and time is so limited."
"You've got enough to do a quick drive-by before curfew. Might do you some good. Give you some of that Dalton Boy Go Get Em spirit."
Dalton was only 20 minutes from his Mom's
"Thanks Officer, I think I will."
"Remember, President Sylvester set curfew at 7PM. You've got tomorrow but I wouldn't go out unless absolutely necessary."
He thanked the officer again and then checked the time. If traffic remained light, he should be able to do it. But before taking off he needed to text Sam. He wanted to let him know he'd be delayed getting to his Mom's.
To Sam: Going to stop by Dalton & have look before going to Mom's. It's kind of your fault. Doubt if I can get in but worth shot
Sam was locking up the auditorium when he received the text. "Blaine, why would you do this to yourself?"
"What's wrong? Don't tell me it's Kurt again."
Dave Karofsky was the last person Sam expected to see back at the school. "What are you doing here?"
"I was leaving saying goodbye to my parents and I realized in my grand exit earlier I left my jacket. I was hoping someone would still be here. Now answer my question. What has Kurt done?"
"It's not Kurt. Blaine's going to stop by Dalton…"
"Oh no, no, no" Dave got out his phone "Pick up, pick up, pick up...Fuck!"
Sam was beyond confused when Dave kept dialing and swearing. "What's going on because…"
Dave wasn't listening "Trent! It's an emergency! I can't get ahold of Seb. Blaine is on his way to Dalton. Call me as soon as you get this!"
Before Dave could make another call, Sam grabbed his arm. "Seb? As in Sebastian Smythe? And Trent? Why does that name sound...Hold on, as in Baby-faced Warbler Trent? Start talking."
Notes:
House That Built Me: Douglas Thomas Stevenson 2010
I know a few things about Blaine and Kurt's relationship don't make sense. They will. I can't give you everything in the first chapter :)
As always, I do not, nor have I ever had any affiliation with the television show Glee.
More than ever, song lyrics will be changed to fit storyline (especially pronouns). I will only make a comment on a specific song if words are changed other than pronouns/gender.
And as always, thank you for reading. Hope you will enjoy.