CHAPTER 39

Nick didn't even need to look when his phone rang later that evening. He knew who it would be and he smirked before answering.

"Hi da-" he began.

"What the hell are you doing in Ohio?! I believe I made myself PERFECTLY clear that you were to stop seeing that boy, and Nicholas, I am not joking about this! Your lack of concentration cost me the property on 43rd and I have not yet…." David Duval was yelling, but Nick swiftly and calmly cut him off.

"I'm well dad, and thanks for asking. Jeff's fine too. We had lunch together today, and I'm hanging out at his place now. How are you?"

"Nicholas Michael, I swear to God…."
"You shouldn't, though, dad. That's blasphemous, really. Remember all the money you shelled out for me to go to those expensive private Catholic schools? I remember, because you never had trouble reminding me." Nick replied, still calm.

"Because I didn't want you to go to school with the filth of the earth does not mean….."

"And how, exactly, did you know I was in Ohio, dad? I certainly didn't tell anyone that I was leaving or where I was going. As a matter of fact, I went to great lengths to keep my destination under wraps, so unless someone saw me here, in person, and contacted you….."

"Don't you give me that bullshit, Nicholas! I'm well aware of where you are, and why! I will not tolerate this defiance, Nick. I will NOT! And I don't know what in the hell you've told your brothers, not to mention your mother and Bailey, but it seems I'M the bad guy here! You, young man, will contact them as soon as possible and straighten this mess out, do you understand me?" David yelled into the phone.

Jeff sat still next to Nick. He'd been curled up on the sofa with Nick watching a movie when Nick's phone rang. He could hear every word Nick's dad was yelling and he surely wasn't embarrassed to say it freaked him out. Nick's dad was scary.

"Dad, there was a time when I would have done just that. I would have called everyone and made some excuse as to why they should just let you off the hook, that somehow it was probably my fault. But you know what, dad? This time….this time It's your problem. You have made this mess and I won't be there to drag you out of it. You have crossed a line that I am not willing to negotiate. If they're angry with you, it's because of what you've done, not because of something I've done." Nick said, his voice getting a big edgier now. Jeff could tell he was tensing up.

"Nick, do not make this get ugly."

"Define ugly? Slashing a perfectly innocent woman's tires in the dead of the night isn't ugly enough? Threatening your own son doesn't fit in your 'ugly' scheme?! Don't threaten me again, dad, or I will not be held responsible for my actions. I have asked you from the very beginning to leave me out of your shadier dealings. I didn't want this position, but for you, I took it. I've done one hell of a job for you and for your company, and there is no way you can dispute that. I've made you a lot of money, and I've done it all on the up and up. However, there are things that have crossed my desk, emails that have been sent out that I'm certain you wouldn't want seen by the public eye, and each and every one of these things, dad, is in my possession….as well as my lawyer's. Not YOUR lawyer, dad, and not the company's lawyer. Someone I've retained on my own, with cash. Not someone you can track down, harass or intimidate. The office has a copy of every one of these things, and I guarantee you, DAD, you don't want that information leaking out. DO. NOT. PUSH. ME." Nick nearly growled.

For a minute there was nothing but silence on the line and Nick wondered if his father had hung up on him…and at what point. Then his voice shaky, David replied.

"You can't touch me, Nicholas. I didn't get where I am today by being careless. I will expect you in your office in the morning. And don't you dare bring that person with you, either."

"I'll tell you what, dad. How about you put your 'expecting' in one hand and shit in the other and tell me which one fills up first?" Nick retorted, then disconnected the call.

Calmly, he laid his phone on the coffee table and leaned back to finish the movie with Jeff. Jeff, however, was shaking now, and he was pretty sure he was going to be sick. He jolted up off the sofa and dashed into the bathroom to splash cold water on his face. His emotions were wild and he wasn't sure if he wanted to cry or laugh hysterically. Looking into the mirror he saw that Nick had followed him into the bathroom and was standing behind him, his face a study in stress and hurt. He laid a hand on Jeff's shoulder and gave it a soft squeeze.

"Jeff…..I…I'm really sorry about all of this. I can't imagine what is going through his mind. It's as if he's obsessed. There is no logical reason for it, and I can't apologize enough for having dragged you into this mess. If…if you want to…uh….if you want me to go, I will absolutely understand." Nick said softly.

Jeff's emotions were a wreck. He didn't know exactly what he wanted, but Nick leaving wasn't it.

"Don't go. I'm just a little shaken up I guess….because he didn't deny it. He didn't deny slashing the tires or having it done. I don't know if I can be the cause of them being in danger, Nicky." Jeff said sadly.

"No, it's not that I feel 'better', per se, but I think I've just come to the conclusion that I'm done with letting him into my life. He's gone, he's locked up, he has no say in what I do or where I go or who I am. I can't go on living my life as if he has any say in it. He has to become a non-issue for me. I really care about Blaine, and I know that all of my feelings from the past are keeping us from getting closer." Kurt said.

"I agree, Kurt, but I need to know that you're not just shoving things aside. If you don't deal with things, then they'll pop back up later on. That's not healthy either. But I still commend you on your decision to not allow Jackson to rule your life anymore." Dr. Stein answered.

"I'm 25 years old. I still have a lot to do, and a lot to live for. I can't go on being scared of my own shadow. I've given him enough of me, he can't have any more. I'll do whatever it is I have to do to shove him out of my life for good."

"It's good to hear, Kurt and I'm relieved to know that…." Bing! "Oh…well, there's our hour all gone already. I think you're really getting somewhere, Kurt. I'm so happy to see it. I believe it just really took YOU seeing that there are things you're missing out on for you to come to the realization that you can't allow it to shape your future or your feelings. However, I'd still like for you to come back Tuesday if you can. As I said, I need to know you're dealing and handling, not just avoiding. Same time ok with you?" she asked Kurt.

"Should be fine, let me check my calendar…." Kurt said, fumbling for his phone. "Huh…it's off. Wonder how long that's been?" Kurt said, checking his phone and waiting for it to power on. When it finally did, he noticed he had missed calls. A LOT of missed calls. And the vast majority of them were from his dad. "Can you excuse me for a minute, I need to check a voicemail quickly…I can call for an appointment if you have someone waiting?" Kurt offered, unsettled.

"No, you're my last appointment for the evening, take your time, Kurt." Dr. Stein said, busying herself at her desk.

Kurt sauntered away listening to his phone repeat the robotic voice at him….."you have 17 new voice messages, to listen to new messages, press 1…." And so he did.

"Kurt, it's dad, kiddo. I need you to call me as soon as you have a minute, ok? It's important. Love you, bud."

"Kurt, I'm a little stressed out here. Please call me back as soon as you can, alright?" from his dad again.

"Kurt, it's Carole, honey, could you please call your dad right away. He's a bit shaken up and I know he needs to speak with you. I know you're busy, but at your first chance….." he didn't hear anymore before going to the next message.

"Kurt, honey, it's Rachel…call me, ok? I got a weird message from your dad…."

"Dude! Call home for God's sake, they're driving me insane!" from Finn…..

Kurt's head was spinning. Something was obviously wrong. He dialed his dad's number and got his voicemail, then tried Carole and got her voicemail as well.

"Dr. Stein, I need to get going….same time next week is fine. Something's wrong at home I think. I'm a little shaken up here, nobody wants to tell me what's going on, but everyone's trying to get to me." He explained.

"Ok, Kurt, I'll put you down for…." She began, but she was cut off by Kurt's phone ringing. Kurt held up his finger signaling that he was going to take the call.

"Finn, for God's sake, is dad ok? What the heck is going on? He's blowing up my phone, and it was off and I didn't know it so I…" Kurt began, but Finn cut him off.

"Kurt, thank God! Nobody's been able to get you all god-damned day, man! I've been freaking sick, dude! Where are you?" Finn yelled at him.

"I'm….I'm at my appointment…with my…with Dr. Stein, Finn, what the hell is going on?"

"Kurt….Ok, be calm, ok, but…your dad's trying to get ahold of you to tell you that they let Jackson out….WEEKS ago. Kurt…he's not locked up anymore." Finn said evenly….gravely. Kurt sank into the nearest chair feeling lightheaded.

"O….ok. Alright Finn, thanks. I'll try dad again. I'll…..I'll call you back, ok?" Kurt said, not waiting for Finn's answer….and he disconnected the call.

"Kurt, is everything ok?" Dr. Stein asked him. He wasn't sure if he answered. He felt dizzy all of a sudden….short of breathe and sick to his stomach. The room began to waver, like a mirage, and then it was all blackness.

He awoke to Dr. Stein standing over him and Blaine gently brushing his hair off of his forehead. Blinking a few times, he took in his surroundings and realized he was still in the doctor's office. But why was Blaine there, and why was he on the couch? Hadn't he been leaving? His time was over, he was making an appointment, he turned his phone on….lots of messages….and then he talked to Finn and…..Oh. Oh God. It all came rushing back.

"Hey there…." Blaine smiled at him. "Feeling a little better now?"

"Um….I don't know. I think so." He said, a little shaky. "How'd you get here?"

"Dr. Stein called me. Apparently you're not very ninja-like in your contact list. I was listed under 'Blaine' of all things." He snickered. "Dr. Stein wasn't sure what was going on. She called in reinforcements. What happened, Kurt?" Blaine said, quietly. Kurt closed his eyes again and took a deep breath. He still felt queasy.

"He's out, Blaine. They let Jackson out early…." Kurt said, unsure.

"What?! Early? But….surely he had a few more months….oh Kurt. I….I'm not even sure what to say…..I'm just…SHIT!" Blaine said with vehemence , resting his hand on Kurt's shoulder. "Can you sit up? I got you some water…it's not super cold the way you like it, but it's wet…" Blaine said, trailing off as he handed Kurt the bottle. Kurt sipped a few times and set it back down.

"Kurt, I apologize if calling Blaine wasn't the appropriate thing to do, but I've never had a patient black out in my office. I know, from what you told me, that Blaine was well aware of the situation and of your appointments with me, as well as their reasons. I hope I didn't overstep?" the doctor apologized.

"No...it's…it's fine. I'm glad you called him." Kurt said, giving half a smile. "See, I told you he was sinfully handsome." He grinned. Blaine blushed and nudged his shoulder.

"That you did, and you didn't lie." She smiled at him. "Are you feeling ok? I didn't think you'd hit your head or anything, but maybe you should head to the hospital and just…" she said, before Kurt cut her off.

"No…no I'm good, really. It was just such a huge shock…I hadn't thought about it…pushed it aside really, that he'd be out in a matter of months. It's…it's alright. I have to deal with this, and there's no better time than the present to start dealing, right?" he said, giving a half smile. "I'm sorry….I'm so sorry I passed out. I've never done that before. I hope I didn't keep you from anything tonight?" Kurt said, apologetically. '

"No, don't worry about a thing. I was going home to hang out with my dog. He'll understand." She smiled.

"Ok, then, let's get you out of here!" Blaine chirped, making Kurt get up off the couch. "Feeling steady enough to walk?" he asked.

"I'm good…I'm fine, don't worry. Just need to get home I guess."

"We'll see…." Blaine uttered. "Thank you, Dr. Stein, for calling me. I appreciate it very much. I'll see that he gets home safely. Good night."

"Goodnight guys, and be well. I'll see you Tuesday, Kurt!" she said brightly, as they walked down the hallway.

At the elevator, Kurt finally looked Blaine in the eye. "Home…..just….ugh." he said.

"No way in hell, Kurt." Blaine replied.

"What?"

"I have to work tonight, and you're going with me. I'm not taking you home to sit alone in that building. Seb's out of town again and I'll be at work.….you're not going to be alone there…not tonight." Blaine said, no chance of changing his mind.

"I can't go to work with you!" Kurt yelled in the elevator. "I'm not 8 years old, Blaine, and all those people…" he trailed off.

"No, you're not 8 years old, but you're mine, and I don't take that lightly. I won't have you sitting at home alone with this ass out there, probably in Ohio, but we don't know that. Until we do, you stick with me, no arguing. You can chillax in the break room…all by yourself, if you want, but that's that." Blaine told him sternly.

The doors to the building were pushed open and they stepped out to the street. Blaine waved a cab down and they both got in, heading for the Dive. Kurt didn't even have the strength to argue with Blaine about it.

Kurt hadn't voluntarily been in a place with this many people in a long time. Well, this wasn't actually voluntary, but he wasn't kicking and screaming to get away, either. Ever since he'd found out that Blaine worked with Finn, he'd wanted to see him play with these guys. He'd seen a few videos that Rachel had taken a few months back, but with Blaine…..well, everything was better with Blaine.

"You wanna go in the back door?" Blaine asked, unsure of how many people would already be inside in the bar. He was getting there later than he usually did, and by now he was generally backstage tuning up an instrument or two and making sure everything was where it needed to be.

"Um…no, I'd like to try. I'd really like to try to go in the front door and just…well, see how far I can get. It's time." Kurt murmured.

"If you're sure. I'll be right here the whole time. I won't let go until you tell me to, ok?" Blaine reassured him.

"Ok…yep….thank you. Don't let go, ok?"

"I won't…ok, here we go…." Blaine said, pushing the door open. Kurt gasped, taking in all the people and grabbed onto Blaine's arm a bit tighter. Blaine felt badly for a minute, enjoying the way Kurt clung to him. Especially here. Although he knew it wasn't the case, he felt as if every eye in the place was on them the minute they walked in the door. And who could blame them? The man on his arm was devastatingly handsome. He made a mental note to watch Kurt a little closer tonight, then snickered to himself. And it was ok, because Kurt was hanging onto him…he wasn't hanging on to Kurt. He felt a profound sense of pride surge through him at the envious looks being sent his way. There was no question about it, Kurt was with Blaine. He didn't have eyes for anyone else.

"He's with me!" Blaine yelled to the bouncer at the door. The large man gave him a nod, looked Kurt over with interest, and watched them walk away.

"Hey Blaaaaaine! Who's your friend…he's delicious!" yelled a regular customer from a few feet away. Blaine just grinned widely and raised his eyebrows. They continued working their way through the crowd of gyrating bar patrons as the dance music pumped through the speakers. He was late, and he was sure his band mates were going to skin him alive.

"Whoa….where'd you find this hot little piece, Blaine? He's superb!" said another dancing patron, slapping Blaine on the butt, then doing the same to Kurt for good measure. Kurt jumped about a foot, and Blaine thought he may have heard him whimper, but they kept walking.

"You're doing really well, Kurt. Halfway there, babe…." Blaine soothed as they made their way through the crowded bar to the back. Blaine wove through the crowd, dodging and weaving, keeping Kurt as close to him as he could without really "holding on" to him. They had hands clasped together, and Kurt was wound around his arm like a snake. "Almost there…" he murmured in Kurt's ear as they neared the steps to the stage and began to climb. It was then that he felt the way Kurt was shaking….trembling. "Hey…hey, we made it. You did great, baby….you're ok. Look at me." Blaine said, raising Kurt's chin to look him in the eyes.

Kurt was clearly shaken, but he let out a breath that he was sure he'd taken in when they came in the door a few minutes ago. They were standing on the stage now and Blaine saw Finn come around a curtain at the back. He didn't notice Kurt was there yet.

"You ok? Look me in the eyes and tell me honestly, ok? We can leave now and go home if you're not ok with this. Just say the word." Blaine soothed.

"I'm….yeah…it's ok. As long as I don't have to watch from down there!" Kurt said, tilting his head to the dance floor.

"No way, babe. I may never get you back if I sent you down there. Did you see the looks you were getting when we came in? They'd steal you away for sure!" Blaine grinned.

"I don't….I don't want to be with them….with anyone but you." Kurt smiled at him, then leaned down and kissed his lips slowly, assuming they were out of vision from the floor. Apparently they weren't, as a few cat calls erupted from the patrons who were obviously watching them. Both of the boys blushed and grinned before moving a bit further off stage.

"Kurt! Oh my God, what are you doing here?" Finn yelled.

"I'm uh…apparently I need a babysitter, or a bodyguard or….no…I just needed to be with Blaine tonight." He said, smiling shyly at his curly haired man.

"I can't believe you're not freaking out, dude! I mean, not that I want you to freak out, but holy shit…I mean…you always freak out when lots of people are around!" Finn said, making Kurt roll his eyes.

"I'm trying, Finn. I really am. It's time to move forward and not sit stagnantly. And although I may look calm, on the inside I'm pretty sure I've thrown up twice and peed my pants, so….yeah." Kurt said, laughing.

"So you're staying? AWESOME, man! You wanna sit there…" Finn said, pointing off-stage at a barstool near the sound board. "It's just Ron over there doing sound. He's harmless."

Kurt gave Blaine a look as if asking if this was ok. "Hey, wherever you're comfortable. Let me show you were the back room is in case you want to get away from the noise. It's not a lot quieter in there, but it's muffled." Blaine said, taking his arm and leading him toward the back room.

"Hey guys…and Allyse…" Blaine smiled. "This is Kurt…he's here with me tonight…he's my…uh…." Blaine began, then turned to Kurt as if it never occurred to him to ask what they "were". Kurt smiled and bit his lip, then said softly.

"I'm his boyfriend, I hope?"

"Yeah…that's exactly what he is." Blaine smiled, the wattage nearly knocking everyone over in the room. He leaned over and put a soft kiss on Kurt's nose. They all offered a hand to shake and exchanged pleasantries. Kurt managed just fine, until Allyse sauntered up and threw her arms around him in a big hug.

"Welcome, Kurt. Any friend of Blaine's is always welcome here!" she smiled hugely.

Kurt stiffened, but held his enormous smile and even managed to squeeze her back a bit. Blaine was instantly tense, but saw that Kurt was handling himself just fine and backed off a step or two.

"We gonna play tonight, guys?" Joe asked sarcastically.

"Let's do it…" they all said, heading for the stage. Kurt took a deep breath and squeezed Blaine's hand.

They stopped a few feet from the piano and Kurt gave Blaine a "what now?" look.

"I said I wouldn't let go until you told me to, until you're ready." He said, giving Kurt that megawatt smile.

Kurt beamed, knowing he was just keeping his word, but how amazing was this man?

"I'm ok….this is ok. I'll just be over here. Thank you, Blaine" Kurt said, giving Blaine a look that nearly melted his knees.

"Go play those beautiful fingers off!" he grinned.

"I can't….I need those fingers to do sinful things to you in the future…" Blaine said, giving him a wink and heading for his piano. Kurt felt all the air whoosh out of his lungs, but he was still smiling widely….only now his face was bright red.

A/N Thanks to my girls for their editing and suggestions...J, L, S, you know who you are. Love ya'll :)
Thanks, also, to everyone for reading, following, favoriting, etc. I'm overwhelmed with the love you guys send. I've really needed a pick me up these last 6 weeks or so and you never fail to make me smile with your comments and reviews! So really...thank you...so much. Hugs :) And to Liz, who added just the right sentence for me...and loves the ellipses! :)