Domestic Partners
Chapter 9
"So, how long were you and Cam a couple?" Emmett said with a frown as he rubbed the towel over his wet hair.
"Um, a while," Shane mumbled as his eyes shifted from the wall to the floor.
"Define a while," Emmett replied, cupping Shane's chin with his damp hand in an attempt to make eye contact with his boyfriend.
Shane frowned. "Two years. We were friends before then. We were roommates in college."
Emmett nodded. "Why didn't you tell me he was the ex that had you so torn up? I feel like an ass for inviting your ex to go out with us. I wouldn't have if you would've said something beforehand. Why would you keep that from me?"
"Honestly, neither of us have really talked in depth about our exes. But at the time, everything was so fresh and talking about him hurt like hell. I needed to move on, but it wasn't easy at all. Everything was a reminder of us, from the job I had, to our friends, the places we used to go. I wanted a clean break. So I decided to switch things up. I changed companies. I stopped seeing my old friends. I got a new wardrobe. Everything. And it still wasn't enough until," Shane paused and took Emmett's hand in his own. "Until you helped me move forward. I was able to smile again and find joy in everyday things. I guess I didn't want to revisit the painful history but focus on the present," Shane explained.
Emmett nodded. "You guys sounded great together. And your song was brilliant. But I have to say I'm sorry."
"It's ok. I should've said something. I owe you an apology as well for not telling you about him. But it's over now," Shane said assuredly.
"Is it? Because it didn't look like he was aware of that."
"He wasn't. Look, when we split, I didn't have a clue what would happen next. I told him to go find the answers that he was searching for, and I told him to take the time that he needed. And I had every intention of working things out with him if he came back, but that was months ago. And then I met you."
"And?" Emmett asked hesitantly.
"I started to question things. How I felt about him. If he was ever going to come back? If I had made a mistake in telling him to leave. And then, you were added to the mix. That's why I was so hesitant about accepting a date. I guess that's why we remained casual for so long."
"You mean the hookups? So I was just supposed to be a rebound," Emmett looked heartbroken.
"Maybe at first, but I don't see it that way anymore," Shane admitted, biting his bottom lip.
"Enlighten me," Emmett said quietly.
"Cam asked how I felt about you tonight, and I honestly didn't tell him. I couldn't because I haven't even told you yet, but I am so grateful for you. You've been so patient, so wonderful about everything. And I realized that I was able to make it through tonight because I had you. I love you."
"But-" Emmett added.
"No buts. I love you, and I should've said it before," Shane said with a smile.
"I love you too, but there is a but we need to address. Do you still love him? I can tell he still loves you by the way he looks at you. And I don't blame him."
"I'm trying not to. I want to be over him, and I am trying desperately to get over him completely, and you are helping. He was my first love, Emmett."
Emmett nodded. "I get it, but I compete with a fantasy, Shane. And I don't want to be in a love triangle like the song described."
"I don't either. I want you. And I'm sorry if I made you feel like I didn't tonight," Shane frowned as he took his boyfriend's hand in his. "I want to make it up to you."
Emmett smiled. "And how do you propose to do that."
"Move in with me," Shane blurted. "I mean, if you want to."
Emmett's smile radiated from his lips. "Hell yes. I'd love to. But Shane, about Cameron. Will he be stopping by randomly like he did tonight."
"No. I told him not to,"
Emmett nodded. "And do you think he'll listen?"
"Um," Shane bit his lip. "The thing about Cam is that's he's kind of unpredictable. But he does respect me, and I think he will respect our relationship."
"He better," Emmett said, jealousy evident in his words. "You're mine."
"Is that right?" Shane asked, fumbling with the buttons on Emmett's shirt. "Show me."
"With pleasure," Emmett said moving in to smother Shane's neck in kisses.
"It's not bad, babe, but I thought you weren't going to update right now. It's not safe," Blaine said, taking Kurt's hand into his own. "I don't want to give this guy any reason to come after you."
Kurt sighed heavily. "He's a coward, Blaine. He's crouched behind a computer desk, typing out anonymous treats. But I'm going to publish, not until all of this is over. However, Lauren asked me not to stop writing this, and she's not the kind of person I'd want to piss off."
Blaine grinned widely. "I get that. I think she's scarier than the mohawk dude."
Kurt laughed. "His name is Puck, and he's about as threatening as a puppy. I'm personally more frightened of Quinn than I am of him."
"But he's your bodyguard. Do you think he's up for the job?" Blaine asked. "I mean, Wes said that they are one of the best in the city."
Kurt smiled. "Relax. Other than embarrassing the hell out of me because of the haircut and horrendous clothes he insists on wearing, he won't bother me at all. Besides, maybe I can give him a makeover. You know how I feel about makeovers," Kurt giggled.
"Yeah, I do," Blaine smiled as he looked up over the laptop screen. "But, I need to ask. Why didn't you tell me?"
"About Puck's haircut?"
"About the threats. Kurt, why didn't you tell me?"
"Because I didn't want to worry you. As I said, there are always going to be haters and naysayers when you are more successful than they are. I don't want to waste time on people like that. But while we are on the subject, why didn't you tell me about the new guy?"
"Oh, Hunter. There wasn't anything to tell. He's a guest actor for right now. You know how it goes. If audiences like him, he may stay for a while. Why?"
Kurt rolled his eyes. "Do you have a lot of scenes with him?"
"Kurt, are you jealous?" Blaine smiled playfully."
"No more than you were when we went to the club the other night," Kurt laughed mischievously. "By the way, what happened to that pair of underwear?"
"I threw them in the garbage. They kinda got ripped the other night. Sorry about that," Blaine teased, leaning in to drop a kiss to Kurt's neck.
"Blaine," Kurt moaned, as Blaine continued peppering kisses down his neck. "I thought you were going to finish editing this chapter tonight."
Blaine pulled back to look his fiance in the eye."What's the rush? You aren't going to publish right now. Besides, I thought we had something else we could do first," Blaine said, waggling his eyebrows.
"Nuh-uh mister. First edit, then we can get down to other business. I told Lauren I'd try to let her see the new chapter tomorrow, and I don't want to let her down."
Blaine began teasing his lips down Kurt's creamy skin at the base of his collar. "Fine, but if she's pissed at me 'cause this chapter isn't done, I'm throwing you under the bus and telling her it's your fau-oh, God Blaine. Screw the chapter."
"I'd prefer to screw you," Blaine smirked, closing the laptop and laying it on the nightstand and then opened the drawer to retrieve a condom and lube.
"Well, then, what are you waiting for," Kurt asked seductively, removing his pajama top and dropping it to the floor.
Author's Notes Sorry this was so short. I hope you all have a great Memorial Day. School's out so updates may come a little more frequently, but I won't promise. Life will still be crazy but I'll try. I'd love to hear your thoughts.