CHAPTER 59
Blaine's phone woke him bright and early and he didn't even look at the screen before answering.
"Kurt? Kurt…I'm sorry…so sorry, I-"
"Mr. Anderson? Blaine Anderson?" sounded from the line.
"Um…yes. Yes, I'm sorry. Who's calling?" Blaine said, wiping the sleep from his eyes, already put off that it wasn't Kurt, and who did this person think they were, calling him when he needed to talk to Kurt?
"Mr. Anderson, my name is Kailey Marsh, and I'm calling from the The Westindale Academy. My records show that you have interviewed with us, and that you were offered the position of Director of Music Education, but you declined the position? Is this correct?"
"It is, I…It's not feasible for me to drive four hours a day to and from work, and moving is not an option at this time." Blaine explained. My family is here, and my…uh…." Blaine faltered, unsure what he could call Kurt now. His boyfriend? His significant other? His partner? Partner…. But after last night, Kurt was so angry with him. What if the terms of their relationship shifted because he was so upset with Kurt and hadn't handled it well? What if they weren't able to-
"Mr. Anderson?" She said, clearly having said so more than once.
"Yes, I'm sorry. No, I was unable to accept the position, but make no mistake. I do realize what an opportunity it was. You have a fine learning institution, Ms. Marsh."
"Yes we do, thank you. We pride ourselves in the bright, young minds that graduate from Westindale and go on to make the world a much better place through music. That being said, Mr. Anderson-" she began, but Blaine cut her off.
"Please, just Blaine is fine."
"Very well, Blaine, we've run into a situation that needs immediate attention here at the school and I was hoping perhaps you'd agree to help us out just temporarily?"
"Oh? What's happened?"
"Our advanced orchestra class is taught by Mrs. Karen Fallon, who is now in her 8th month of pregnancy and still teaching the summer course. There are 54 children enrolled, Mr…..um, Blaine, so it's not a course we can just cancel."
"I don't think I understand. Why would you cancel the class midway through?" Blaine asked, confused.
"Oh, I was unclear. My apologies! Mrs. Fallon has been put on emergency bed rest for the remainder of her pregnancy. She will be unable to continue teaching the class. She will be induced into labor in 6 weeks if all goes well, and has opted to take only 4 weeks of her maternity leave in order to be back in time for the Fall Orchestra Festival in October. Of course, we were aware of that and have someone lined up to take her class for those 4 weeks until her return in the Fall. However, the instructor we have lined up for the beginning of the Fall semester is not able to pick up the class now. We need someone to take her place as soon as possible now, as class resumes on Monday. As you've already been interviewed and your qualifications are top notch, I thought I would give you a call and beg on behalf of the school that perhaps you'd give us a second thought, seeing as it will be a temporary position…only 6 weeks, Blaine. Would you consider it?" she asked.
"I…I don't know…" Blaine said, unsure, scratching the back of his head. "May I have the day to consider it? There would be things that I'd have to iron out with my current job…a leave of absence I guess. I don't know if…where would I live?" Blaine asked, still feeling half asleep and confused.
"I'll tell you what, Mr. Anderson-"
"Blaine."
"Blaine," she laughed. "I'll send over a proper offer with pay, accommodations and a working syllabus. I'm going to make a few other calls, but you are, by far, our first choice. I hope we can pull you away from the city for 6 weeks, Blaine?"
"Please…please do. Email it over and I will be sure to get back to you as soon as I can. And thank you. I'm humbled to have been your first choice." Blaine told her sincerely.
"I'll speak to you soon, one way or another. Thank you…and I do apologize for calling on a Saturday morning. Enjoy your day." She said before disconnecting.
Blaine sat on the edge of his bed contemplating what he'd just been offered. An advanced orchestra class full of kids….all those instruments…all those brilliant minds. It was something he'd normally jump at, but the thought of leaving Kurt held him back once again. Kurt.
He'd been unable to sleep when he got back from Sebastian's apartment. It was late…or early, as it
was, and he knew he needed to get some rest, but his mind was a blur. The look of utter fear and shock on Kurt's face in the hallway at The Dive the night before wouldn't leave his mind and he knew he had to talk to Kurt right away. It was all he could do not to go banging on the man's door at 6 a.m. and demand that they hash things out. Blaine was ashamed of the way he'd spoken to Kurt and the sooner he apologized, the better.
Blaine came to realize that what had caused his reaction was Kurt's closeness with Jeff. He wasn't jealous of Jeff, as he knew there were no romantic feelings there from either of them, but it was simply the fact that he had never, himself, even come close to dancing with Kurt that way, and he wanted to. HE wanted to be able to pull his boyfriend close to his body that way. HE wanted to be able to drape his arms over Kurt's shoulders as Jeff had. HE wanted to look in Kurt's eyes and grind their hips together without a care in the world about who might be watching. The simple fact that Kurt didn't find him worthy of that, apparently, had hurt…but it was absolutely no excuse for the way he'd reacted on the dance floor or in the hallway. Clearly there were things they needed to talk about and he was confident that they would work this out and move forward. It was imperative, because Blaine wanted Kurt in his life…no, he needed Kurt in his life, more than anything. Kurt was his future, and a misunderstanding like this would not get in the way of their happiness.
Hopping up he walked into the hallway and noticed Jeff's bedroom door was still closed. Knocking, he called out Jeff's name and, when there was no reply, he pushed the door open to find the bed empty and made. Had Jeff been home last night when he got in? He couldn't recall.
Next he walked over to Kurt's, noticing on the way out the door that Jeff's keys were hanging there. Odd. Knocking on Kurt's door he waited and listened for any movement, but there was none. He tried the door, but it was locked…something that was an oddity in itself these days. He wanted to talk to Kurt about that as well. Striding back down the hall he went back into his own apartment and found his phone.
8:57a from Blaine: Kurt…can we please talk today? I want to explain…and apologize.
He waited a bit, but there was no reply. Perhaps Kurt was at work and couldn't answer right now. Perhaps he was still angry with him and didn't want to reply. With that thought, he figured he'd go grab some breakfast and run some errands while he waited for Kurt to calm down and reply to him. One errand in particular had kept his mind buzzing since the previous night.
Jeff had spent the night with Kurt, laying on top of the covers within arm's reach, but not too close. The man had finally slept and, for that, Jeff was grateful. Last night he'd looked so small, so puny and so wrecked. Jeff still wasn't sure about all that had transpired last evening, but he sure as hell planned to get in touch with Blaine today and find out what the hell had happened both at The Dive and afterward.
"Thank you." Kurt said softly. Jeff jumped a foot, spinning and looking at Kurt with wide eyes.
"Oh my God, I thought you were sleeping, you scared the shit out of me." Jeff said with a chuckle. Kurt refused to make eye contact.
"I'm sorry…I'm sorry I made a mess of your night and dragged you into all of this. I…I didn't mean…I hadn't planned on any of that…it all went wrong." Kurt muttered. God, he looked so small to Jeff, more like a young boy than a grown man now.
"Kurt, you did nothing wrong. I don't know what…this morning…at Sebastian's, Kurt, I just don't even have words. I can't believe it….I won't believe that Blaine did that. He would never, never hurt you that way, Kurt. That man loves you, there's no doubt about that. I don't…." Jeff said with a sigh. "I don't know what to say."
"There's nothing to say. I guess Sebastian was just waiting in the wings for something to go wrong, and he swooped in when it did. It's as much my fault as anyone's. I'm the one who told him Blaine and I were arguing when I got home last night. He didn't waste any time, did he?" Kurt said with a resigned shake of his head. "I should have never done that…on the dance floor. Cleary it really, really pissed Blaine off…obviously more than I ever thought possible. I would have never…never thought…that he'd…" Kurt said, breaking off with a choke and a cough, burying his head in the pillows.
"Guys?" Nick said, sticking his head in the door. "I uh…I got breakfast. It would probably be a good idea to eat something…get some food in your system?" he said.
Jeff just nodded his head and rolled to sit at the edge of the bed.
"C'mon, Kurt. Let's get up and make a plan. There's a good explanation for all of this, I know there is. We need to call Blaine and see what-" Jeff began, but Kurt cut him off.
"No…no, if anyone's going to contact him it's going to be me. But I don't think I can right now. What the hell would I say to him? Hey Blaine, you know how I did something stupid and you flipped out and manhandled me into the hallway, then proceeded to speak to me like an ogre? Well yeah…there was that, and then when I heard you fucking with Seb against the wall…I was just wondering if….if…..'" he began sarcastically before he broke out into choking sobs again. Jeff was left with no words.
Nick made his way into the room and sat on the edge of the bed next to Kurt.
"Do you want my opinion?" Nick said softly, mindful that Kurt was upset and his mind was probably spinning.
"Hit me with it." Kurt said, just as softly back, but not raising his head from the pillow at all.
"Look, I don't know Blaine nearly as well as either one of you do, but I think I know him well enough to know that he either didn't do this, or he had one hell of a good reason to-" he began, but Kurt shot up and his eyes were huge and round, his defenses suddenly up and ready to strike.
"Do NOT even say he had a good reason to sleep with Sebastian. Please don't….how can he…what would be…Jesus, Nick. I can't even...…fuck it! I keep hearing it over and over in my brain! I can't turn it off, and it's like a god damn recording that keeps taunting me. Have you ever heard Jeff in the next room begging another man to fuck him, Nick? Have you ever heard someone pounding into him….heard the grunts that escape every time he hits the wall just 8 feet from your face? Have you ever heard him being fucked by someone while whispering that Nick can't find out…that it'll just be their little secret?" Kurt asked, ready to fly off the handle.
Nick's response was a low growl. He was clearly thinking about it, and it wasn't sitting well. His hands were shaking and he had to take a deep, calming breath before responding.
"I'll thank you to never utter those words in my presence again, Kurt." Nick said, clearly holding back his temper. "I am taking into consideration that you were hurt not once but twice last evening and you're clearly not in your right mind and you're lashing out at me, but the fact remains, it doesn't sound at all like something Blaine would do, and I think you're doing both Blaine and yourself a huge disservice by not approaching this with an open mind and giving him a chance to tell you what the hell really happened last night." Nick said, his breathing almost harsh now. "I…" he paused, shaking his head, eyes closed. "Food is on the table." He said shortly, got up and walked into the next room and then they heard the front door slam.
"I see I'm batting a thousand. I've managed to piss off two men in my life within 12 hours and they've both left me." Kurt said matter-of-factly.
"Probably not the best way to get Nick on your side." Jeff said. "Look, I am not going to tell you that I know how you feel or that I've been there. I haven't, and God forbid I should ever find myself in this situation, but Kurt….I've known Blaine for a lot of years and I'm not lying when I say to you that I'd bet my own life that either that wasn't him last night or someone slipped something in his drink and he didn't know what the hell he was doing. He'd never do that to you, Kurt. This much I know. Please just talk to him?"
Kurt nodded so slightly that Jeff wasn't sure he'd actually seen his head move at first. "He's already tried to text me this morning."
"Good. Maybe answer him and see what he's got to say. Try to stay calm? Do you want me to stay here or go?" Jeff asked.
"No…go ahead. Find Nick and tell him I'm sorry and I'm an ass. I'll text Blaine."
Jeff nodded and got up to leave before turning back to Kurt.
"Open mind, right? Find out the facts first?" Kurt nodded back at him and picked up his phone.
9:17a from Kurt: I'm not at all certain I want to hear anything you have to say, but Jeff says I should keep an open mind and contact you. I have to tell you, though, Blaine, after everything that happened last night, you are NOT high on my list of favorite people and you have a LOT of explaining to do.
9:19a from Blaine: KURT! Oh my God, where are you? You're with Jeff….you're safe?
9:20a from Kurt: I am, we're both fine. Cut the crap, Blaine. What the hell happened last night and just….Jesus, tell me WHY it happened. Don't give me any bullshit please.
Blaine would be lying if he said he wasn't a little concerned with Kurt's tone in his texts, but he chalked it up to the fact that texts are really hard to 'read' any tone into and he replied.
9:22a from Blaine: I know last night was rough…really crappy and I really don't have any excuse for what I did other than that I was upset and it all just came tumbling out. I need you to know how sorry I am. It won't happen again. For lack of a better term, I was stressed and now it's out of my system.
Kurt sat there staring at the small screen wondering if he could count what he was doing as breathing or if it was supposed to hurt this badly?
9:24a from Kurt: You seem awfully nonchalant about it to be honest. If I'd 'gotten things out of my system' the way you did, I'd think you'd be a little more pissed, Blaine. I have to tell you, I'm absolutely not ok with this and I don't think there's anything for us to work on after that little show you put on. If you were any louder they'd have heard you outside.
9:26a from Blaine: Kurt…I said I was wrong, I apologized. It won't happen again. Touching you in anger isn't ever the answer and for everything after that…I'm just embarrassed. I probably was a little bit too loud. I'm sorry if I embarrassed you. Seeing you with Jeff on the dance floor just DID things to me and I couldn't hold it in. I was so angry and I just reacted…badly, obviously, or you wouldn't be so upset. I was hoping we could just put it all behind us and move past it?
9:28a from Kurt: Blaine, what happened at The Dive was just as much my fault as yours. I know I pushed your buttons, and even if it was unintentional, it hurt you and for that I am sorry. All this stuff with Sebastian, though…he swooped right in, didn't he? I shouldn't be surprised.
Sebastian? Good Lord…Kurt had clearly talked to Hunter already this morning about everything that transpired at Seb's place, Blaine thought. God, had Hunter told him about Blaine walking in on them? He stopped to wonder what he'd been thinking. He should have just gotten up and left without saying a word. What had possessed him to go into the bedroom?! Oh well, what's done is done.
9:30a from Blaine: Don't take it out on Sebastian. He was trying to help me. Kurt, he knew I was hurt. He just wanted to put a bandage on it…help me out when he knew I couldn't find anything at home. He knew I was in pain, obviously.
Kurt sat on the bed, his eyes wide, unsure he'd read it right, so he went back and read it again. Did he really say that? Seb wanted to help him out when he knew he wasn't going to find anything at home? What the fuck?
9:33a from Kurt: Well, you surely could have come to me if you needed that?
9:34a from Blaine: It was so late, I didn't want to bother you. You'd been through enough, and he gave me everything I needed anyway. It worked out, except he's totally LOUD….that's a story for later though.
9:36a from Kurt: Blaine….if you were any more casual about this, I'd wonder if you'd been abducted by aliens…what the fuck are you saying? I don't mind telling you that I am 12 kinds of pissed off and you ripped my god damn heart out. You've hurt me so badly, and it's as if you don't even give a damn. Who ARE you?
Blaine read the text and considered his reply. He had taken total responsibility for what happened. He'd apologized a couple of times in so many words. Kurt had admitted to being wrong as well, but he seemed insistent on dragging this out and blaming Blaine for what happened repeatedly. It was as if they weren't getting anywhere and Kurt was going to continue to rehash it until he picked a hell of a fight. Blaine wasn't taking the bait. Better to talk face to face.
9:39a from Blaine: Ok, Kurt. Here's the deal. You said you were sorry. I said I was sorry. I promise it won't happen again, but I think you're seriously overreacting here. I'll talk to you when you get home. I'm not going to argue and rehash everything over texts. Let me know when you're home. And try to see that this little thing shouldn't end everything. I thought I was a little more important than that to you! I don't mind telling you that I think you're trying to pick a fight and it's childish, Kurt.
9:42a from Blaine: And if this is about me and the sex and everything, you're being way too much of a prude, Kurt. I was there. Shit happens. It wasn't on purpose, it just happened. I was half asleep, for God's sake! It's not as if I asked for a threesome!
A THREESOME? Had Blaine actually said that? Kurt's head was spinning. Could Blaine still be under the influence of some drug that was slipped into his drink the night before? Could he possibly be serious? With a deep breath, he replied, his heart breaking into a million little tiny pieces. He couldn't do this. If Blaine was this blasé about something so serious, surely Kurt would be smart to get out now. What did this say about their future if Blaine's first response to any struggle was to make it all better by jumping into bed with another man? And then to act as if Kurt shouldn't be bothered by it at all? He felt sick all over again.
9:45a from Kurt: This is something I swore to myself I'd never do after hearing how others had taken the coward's way out, but I think it's best in this situation. Seeing you now wouldn't be good…in fact, I think for your own safety you should stay as far from me as possible, Blaine. Blowing the events of last evening off like you are has really shaken me, and made me see that we handle internal struggles much too differently to ever make it together if this is what I have to look forward to when you're "stressed out" about something. I think…
Cont: 2/2 ...it's best if I say goodbye, Blaine. Please give me the courtesy of keeping your distance. Kurt
With that, Kurt silenced his phone and walked shakily into the kitchen. Feeling like his knees would buckle any moment, he sat down and tried to steady himself. Jeff wasn't at the table, so he called out to him, but got nothing in reply. A note on the counter answered his questions.
Kurt, went to find Nicky. He's probably working out downstairs. Back in a few. Please eat something. Your stomach is probably eating itself at this point. Make yourself at home, and please don't leave without me. Back soon, Jeff.
Kurt sat down, completely numb in his limbs and grabbed a few grapes out of a bowl on the table. Popping them in his mouth, he had to remind himself to chew when he nearly gagged on the whole fruit in his throat. When his phone vibrated on the table, he jumped a foot and nearly knocked it from the surface. He was momentarily panicked that it would be Blaine, but it was Burt's ringtone, so he answered it.
"Hi dad…"
"Hey bud, how's it going? I haven't heard from you in a while. Everything ok?" Burt asked.
"Um…not so much…" Kurt said, the lump in his throat re-forming quickly. "Is it ok…can I…Dad, I need to come home for a little bit. Is that alright?"
"Kurt, you're scaring me. Is everything ok? You sound like something's very wrong. You ok, kid?"
"No, dad. Physically I'm fine. Mentally I feel like I've been struck by lightning and I can't focus. I'll be home tonight and I'll tell you everything. I love you dad, but I can't talk about it now." Kurt barely muttered out before breaking down into heaving sobs, the severity of what he'd just done via text message to Blaine overtaking him. "I have to go." Kurt said before hanging up.
Burt Hummel sat at the kitchen table with his wife wearing a stunned expression. Never in all of their years as father and son had Kurt ever hung up on him. Something was definitely wrong.
"Honey?" Carol questioned.
"Something's not right. Kurt's coming home. He sounds like…I don't even know how to explain it. He sounds like he did after he lost Elizabeth…hollow…sick…broken. He hung up on me without letting me say goodbye." Burt said worriedly.
Carole wasted no time. She picked up her own phone and called Finn immediately. She had to call three times before Rachel finally answered Finn's phone, the overgrown child mumbling in the background about the time.
"Good morning, Carole!" Rachel said with the trademark chirp in her voice.
"Hi, honey. Listen, have you talked to Kurt recently? Burt spoke with him this morning and he said he sounded awful!"
"I haven't, but I've been so busy with the show and everything. I haven't been the best about keeping in touch these past weeks, but I thought his time was pretty much taken up between work and Blaine. Is he sick? I can certainly whip him up some soup or something?" Rachel asked.
"No…I don't think he's sick, Rachel, I think something is wrong…very wrong, from the way Burt described it. Is Finn awake? Has he spoken with him?"
"He's thrashing around mumbling about the time. Let me ask the big baby." She said, turning briefly from the phone. "Finn, have you seen or spoken to Kurt lately? Burt's worried about him."
"Texted him last night. He said him and Blaine got into an argument…." Finn mumbled out. "Told him I'd kick Blaine's ass if he wanted me to, but he said no."
"Did you catch that, Carole?" Rachel asked.
"I did, honey, thanks. Tell Finn to call me when he's fully awake?"
"Will do. Talk to you both soon! Love you!" Rachel sang into the phone, chipper as always.
"We love you both, too." Carole said, disconnecting.
Turning to Burt, she relayed the conversation, which only served to worry Burt more.
Blaine was staring at his phone in utter disbelief. What the hell was going on? Had Kurt seriously just broken up with him with a text message over a little argument at the bar? He was stunned…and furious. Is this what was going to happen? They would disagree and Kurt would throw a tantrum and run away? Oh hell no….No way. He wasn't done talking about this with Kurt at all. Just wait until he came home…..he had a few more things to say to that man and he was going to listen! What they had was special…important…amazing, and Blaine would be damned before he was dismissed with a text message from the man he loved with all his heart.
Jeff stood in the doorway of the gym and watched Nick working out for a while before making his presence known. It was as if Nick was trying to break the equipment. He was grunting, groaning, heaving and sweating, which would have been an absolute turn on for Jeff, except that he could see the strain in Nick's eyes.
"Nicky?" he said quietly, so as not to startle his boyfriend. Nick turned with a jerk and met his eyes. Oh boy, it was worse than Jeff had originally thought. Jeff approached him, slowly, taking his measure.
"He didn't mean it, Nick. He's upset…he's hurt. Please don't be angry." Jeff said softly. "He said to tell you he's sorry…"
"I know…I know he didn't mean it. He's lashing out, and I understand. It's not that, and I'm not angry."
"Sure looks like you're angry. I was waiting for some of these bars to melt under the heat of your intense staring." Jeff teased.
Nick sat up from the weight bench he'd been laying on and put his hands on his knees, hanging his head.
"Sit with me?" he said, patting the other end of the bench near his knees.
"I dunno, you're pretty gross and sweaty, ba-" Jeff began, but was cut off with a squeal when Nick yanked him down to his lap, grinning.
"No longer a request." Nick smirked. "I um…I'm sorry I stormed out. What he said…what Kurt said, Jeff…" he paused, taking in a deep breath and closing his eyes. "I had to walk away. I was so fucking angry at the mere thought of you …of someone else with you, baby. I couldn't focus my thoughts and I now know what it means when people say they saw red." Nick said, shaking his head. "I was momentarily blinded by rage and I needed to blow off some steam so I came down here. Is he ok?"
"He was going to get in touch with Blaine. I guess B sent him a text this morning or something. I asked if he wanted me to hang around and he said no, so I came looking for you."
"Did you guys eat something?" Nick asked.
"I don't know if he did or not, I left just after you did." Jeff replied.
"That was half an hour ago. Where have you been?" Nick asked with a grin, his thoughts going to a not so pure place.
"I've been watching some sweaty guy….totally hot, sexy man, you should have seen him. I thought I'd seen it all, but then he stripped his shirt off and I was in lust. The way his muscles ripple when he moves, it was amazing…you should have been there, love." Jeff said, smirking.
"Yeah? Well, with the mood I'm in, I'm pretty sure I could break him in half, no matter what his size. Nobody messes with my man, Jeffie." He smiled.
"He was so fine, Nicky…" Jeff purred. "He's built, handsome, sinfully beautiful skin, dark hair, dark eyes, sexy as hell…the kind of guy I'd like to-oooffff!" Jeff huffed out when Nick scooped him up from the bench and held him against the wall in one swift movement, his hands pinned above his head. "Oh shit, Nicky….oh my God…" Jeff panted out, his heart beating wildly. "Did you just fucking pick me up?" he blurted out.
"You're not that heavy, and I wanted you elsewhere. This will do nicely…padded walls and basically soundproof rooms are often advantageous in situations such as this one." He grinned evilly at Jeff.
"Wh-what situation?" Jeff replied, trying to be coy, but failing miserably because he was just. So. Turned. On. Holy shit, that was by far the hottest thing….wow.
"When I want to be alone with the one I love…when I want to be inside him…when I want to watch him writhe and wiggle between me and this soft mat behind him…when I want to make him crazy enough that he begs before screaming my name in ecstasy." Nick purred into Jeff's ear, running his fingertips down his face softly.
"Shit…." Was all Jeff could come up with. His mouth didn't want to work, but his hands knew what their job was. He reached between them and grabbed Nick's cock, moaning at the fact that he was already rock hard and leaking pre cum onto his shorts. "Nicky…please…" he whined.
"Tell me what you want, Jeff."
"I want…I just want…that's all."
"More specific?"
"L-love me…" Jeff panted, his head thudding back against the mat behind him, eyelids drooping as he felt Nick's hand snake into his own pants.
"Not quite sure what you're looking for, baby…."
"OHHH….Oh Goddddddd….." Jeff whined out again. Nick snickered, nosing his way behind Jeff's ear and licking at his neck.
"He might be watching, but He's not gonna be the one to satisfy you today, babe….try again." Nick smiled into Jeff's pale, soft skin.
"Nicky…please…"
"Please what?" Nick teased. Jeff had reached his limit.
"Nicky, fuck me. Just please…just fuck me!" he finally shouted, his head thrown back, bangs in his eyes and one hand trying to shove his pants down as far as they'd go while the other urgently stroked Nick with abandon. He was wiggling now and Nick pressed in harder with his thighs to lock Jeff in place.
"Why didn't you just say so?" Nick asked, dropping to his knees and yanking Jeff's sweats off in one quick jerk.
"Fast…do it quickly…I don't want Kurt to come looking for us. Hurry, baby…." Jeff instructed, his breath harsh now due to Nick's fist firmly around his cock, stroking him for all he was worth.
"Don't move…." Nick instructed as he walked away to a gym bag on the floor, unzipped it, and spilled its contents in one shake. He scanned it quickly grabbing a tube and heading back to a barely coherent Jeff, eyes fluttering shut as he stroked himself waiting for Nick to return. Nick swatted his hand away.
"Mine!" he growled, smirking at his lover.
"Yours, Nicky…always yours." Jeff panted.
"Say it again…" Nick told him harshly, flipping him until he faced the wall.
"Yours…never anyone else's….ohsweetmercifullord….."
He circled Jeff's entrance with slick fingers before pushing in with two and nearly crumbling at the sound Jeff made as he did. The long, drawn out whine was like a violin bow stretching across his nerves and within seconds he was adding a third finger to hear that sound again. Jeff didn't disappoint.
"P-please….Nicky…"
"You're not ready, babe…"
"I am….I am, please…." Jeff begged.
"Don't wanna hurt you, Jeff…" Nick replied, teeth gritting together in his attempt to hold back, slick fingers still pumping in and out to the rhythm of Jeff's fist on his length .
"Make me feel you for days, Nicky. C'mon….."
"Jeff…."
"Unless you'd rather listen to someone else fuck me against a wall while I beg them not to tell you….."
"You didn't….Jesus…..hold on!" Growling, Nick shoved in unceremoniously, harshly, and Jeff tensed for a moment, whined loudly with his fingers digging into the mat, then let his breath out through his teeth. "Don't even suggest…ever…you're mine, Jeff. You'll never feel another man inside you again, only me!" he ground up, hips driving into Jeff's, grunts from both men filling the air repeatedly, over and over and over again. Nick drove into him with abandon as if his very breath depended upon it.
"Not giving you any time to enjoy it, baby….come for me! I know you're close…I can feel it." Nick told him, still stroking Jeff like it was his job. Jeff was nearly sobbing now, the pleasure so overwhelming at Nick's possessiveness and the feelings he was demanding taking over his mind and body.
"Nicky….oh God, my Nicky…only yours. Never anybody else ever again….Please….please…" Jeff begged, his body sweaty now, the sheen of it glistening on his back where Nick's cheek was pressed, breath huffing out over the moisture and making Jeff shiver.
"Come on, Jeff….come on!" he growled. "Come for me!"
With a broken cry, Jeff spurted over Nick's hand and slumped into the wall, Nick still pounding into him from behind and pinning him in that spot, but now he was drained and super sensitive and every movement sent shocks through him.
"Close Jeff…so close…."
"Let go, Nicky….I love you…nobody else, just you….let go…come inside me…" Jeff said, his voice breathy and uneven and it was Nick's undoing.
10:15a from Finn: Dude, you ok? Burt's all bent up. Says you're going home? What happened?
10:16a from Kurt: You can kick his ass now.
10:16a from Finn: Kurt, tell me what happened. I'm calling you right now, and you better answer.
10:17a from Kurt: I'm not home. I'm going home soon to pack and heading to Ohio for a little bit. I don't want to talk about it, Finn. Not right now. I'm not really in a good state of mind. But thank you…thank you for worrying about me.
10:19a from Finn: No can do. Not good enough. I have to work with him every night Kurt. I need to know if he hurt you. You need to call me soon, ok? I'll meet you at your place and take you to the airport. When's your flight?
10:21a from Kurt: Still working on that part. I'll let you know when I book one. Thank you, Finn.
Jeff came through the door just then, staggering almost, and looking like a newborn giraffe, all gangly and uncoordinated. The look on his face was priceless. It was so obvious what he'd been doing, but being the good guy that he was, he was trying hard to cover it up. Kurt began to laugh and then he couldn't stop. Jeff looked at him as if he'd lost his mind.
"What? What's funny?" Jeff asked, his face pink and blushing.
"Oh my God, you're just so precious!" Kurt snickered.
"I am? Why?"
"Because clearly you found Nick and you've been having sex. You can't even stand up straight, Jeff!" Kurt laughed. "It's ok, people have sex, you don't have to hide it from me. Although, I appreciate the sentiment." Kurt grinned.
"Damn Kurt, he's just so…fucking…amazing. He's magic….that's all there is to it." Jeff said, blushing madly as he fell into a chair next to Kurt, and grinning like a kid on Christmas morning. "But you don't want to hear about that…I'm sorry. I should learn to be more discreet."
"No worries, my friend. Carry on. I need to get home, though. I'm….I need to pack my stuff…" Kurt trailed off.
"Pack?! What? Where are you going?"
"I'm just going to head home for a few days…at least. I texted Blaine and…and he admitted to what ha-happened last night…what we heard." Kurt said, getting choked up again now, but attempting to remain as calm as possible.
"He admitted it? Are you shittin' me, Kurt? No way!" Jeff exclaimed loudly as Nick came through the door. "I don't….I don't believe it. Jesus…. Kurt are you sure?"
"See for yourself. It's all right there." Kurt said, sliding his cell over to the two men at the table now.
Jeff and Nick, now scooted close together at the table, scrolled through the text messages from Blaine, both of their eyes getting wider and wider as they went on. For a few minutes, there was silence. Neither knew what to say.
"Ok, I admit it, this does look really bad." Jeff said, sadly. He still couldn't believe that his best friend would not only cheat on his boyfriend who he so dearly loved, but that he'd basically blow it off as if it was a daily occurrence and act like it was no big deal. He clearly had things to talk about with Blaine. "I'll uh…I'll grab my stuff and head back with you if you want."
"No need. I can surely grab a cab and make it home. I'm a big boy, Jeff." Kurt said, attempting a smile.
"I'm aware, but I don't want you there…um…alone." Jeff said.
"I won't be alone. I'm sure he's there. I'm not sure if that makes me feel better or worse about it. Either way, I booked a flight and I need to hustle if I want to get to the airport in time." Kurt said softly.
"Let me grab a quick shower and I'll drive you guys home. Be right back!" Nick said, ending the debate.
Kurt let out a long, low whistle when they got into Nick's car in the garage.
"So…where do you enter what year you want to end up in?" Kurt grinned.
"You know, that was precisely what I thought when I first got in it!" Jeff laughed. "Then I just sat back and basked in the knowledge that people would stare and wonder how famous I was because they can't see inside." He said, resting his head back and grinning like a fool. "You should come with us when he gets out on the open road…rides like a dream….smooth…fast….slick…"
"I'm getting turned on, Jeffie…stop, we have company!" Nick teased, making the other two snicker.
"So um…Kurt…what are you going to do? You know as well as I do he's not going to just let you walk away. I don't want to get in the middle of your…um….break up? But…I kinda live there, so I feel like I'm sort of going to be in the way. I need to talk to him for sure, because I'm still not 100% certain that all is what it seems to be. Like I said, I've known Blaine a long time and this isn't him…it's just not. If he tells me, to my face, that it happened, I'll light him up for you…but…honestly…." Jeff broke off, rubbing the back of his neck with an uncertain look on his face and a grimace. "I promise not to take sides…that's the best I can do right now. I hope that's enough?" he said, turning to Kurt in the backseat.
"I respect the fact that you're in a bad spot, and I know he's your best friend, and nothing that happened or didn't happen can or will be held against you…at least from where I stand. I hope we can still be friends, though, Jeff, because I've very much enjoyed having you around, and I'd be doubly hurt if you couldn't manage that…but at the same time, I see where it might be weird…and I get it." Kurt told him, still with a hint of sadness in his voice.
"I wouldn't have it any other way, Kurt. You and I are friends regardless of what happened. I'll be here for ya, man!" Jeff grinned. "But please don't bash B in front of me. I can't handle that. He's been there for me so many times…he's like my brother, and no matter what he does, I still love him." He added, a solemn look on his face. Kurt nodded to him.
"I'm not trying to bring you down, Kurt, but you seem awfully 'ok' for having all that happen last night and breaking up this morning. Please don't think you have to be this emotionless robot on our account." Nick said, trying to make sure that Kurt was ok.
"For now, I'm employing every ounce of strength within me to just hold on and not collapse. When I get home, I'll fall apart, cry, scream, vent and throw things. My heart will shatter further than it already has, and I'll want to eat tubs upon tubs of ice cream. Until then, I refuse to break down…and I'm surely not showing him that he broke me…even if he did." Kurt said, tears in his eyes. "I'm ok…." And that was the end of the conversation until they arrived at the apartment where Nick pulled up to the parking pad and got out.
When Kurt got out of the car and sprinted up the back steps to his door, Nick and Jeff stood there, momentarily stupefied.
"Kurt! Where are you-" but Jeff didn't finish his sentence when Kurt pushed the door open and went inside. The other two followed him up the steps, and when Jeff stuck his head inside he was grinning like an idiot. "How many times have I been in your apartment and thought this door was a pantry!?" he said, grinning like a fool. How come we don't have a back door? Does Sebastian have a back door?" he asked, looking at the opening as if it was a portal to another dimension.
"I don't know about Seb's back door….you'll have to ask Blaine that one." Kurt called from his bedroom.
"Ohhhh….OUCH!" Nick said, gritting his teeth and wide eyed. "He'll be here all week, folks…Kurt Hummel! Badum pah! Remember to tip your wait staff!"
At the knock on the door, they all froze.
"Kurt…dude, it's me. Lemme in!" Finn bellowed from the hallway. Nick walked over and whipped the door open and Finn stormed in past everyone. "Where is he?"
"Bedroom…" Jeff said, looking at Finn warily. He looked like he was ready to rip something apart.
"Listen…I'm just gonna head on home, Kurt. I'm not going to say call me if you want to…I'm telling you that I expect you to call me while you're gone and if you don't I'm going to rearrange all of your thread colors like they're displayed at Walmart." Jeff said.
"You WOULDN'T!" Kurt said, scandalized.
"I would…don't tempt me. Call me when you get there, Kurt. I'm…I'm really sorry about all this…I wish there was something I could do to make it better. I'll talk to him…" Jeff said, sadly. Kurt just gave him a shrug.
"Oh! Jeff, I need to leave keys with you! If David needs anything from my apartment, which he shouldn't, but you never know, would you make sure he has it? And I hate to do this, but would you feed Brian?" he said, looking sheepish.
"I'll do that. It's no big deal, Kurt." Jeff hugged his friend, as did Nick, and they headed over to Jeff and Blaine's apartment, unsure what would happen when Blaine realized Kurt was home.
11:37a from Coop: B, mom's coming up next weekend. She wants to know if she's staying at yours or mine?
11:38a from Blainers: Probably yours….I'm kinda full here with Jeff. I'd say a cleaning service is in order, man!
11:40a from Coop: Very funny, asshole. But looking around, you're probably right. Ok, mine it is. Um…I want her to meet Maggie. And the kids. Will you come with us? Bring Kurt?
11:41a from Blainers: Uh…about that. Kurt's not speaking to me right now. But I'd love to come to dinner with you guys. Meeting the parents, huh? *raised eyebrows and devilish smirk here*
11:43a from Coop: Wait…what happened with Kurt?
11:44a from Blainers: It's bizarre…we were at The Dive last night and things got weird. He was trying to "joke" around and was grinding on the dance floor with Jeff…I, admittedly overreacted and said some harsh things….I grabbed his arm, which was all kinds of wrong. I apologized this morning and said I was wrong every way I could have…he even….
2/2 …took credit for his part. He said he should have never done it, etc. Then he totally broke up with me via text message. TEXT MSG, Coop. Pretty sure my heart shattered when I saw the words.
11:49a from Coop: Have you seen him in person? Talked to him face to face about it?
11:54a from Blainers: Sorry, thought I heard the door, but I guess not. No, he's not home. He's with Jeff somewhere. I'm assuming at Nick's, and how the hell did that happen and why? I'm totally blown away here, Coop. WTF?
11:56a from Coop: You need to talk to him face to face. Don't let him do it if you think there's no good reason for it. Unless he just straight up hates you now….I don't think that's it, though.
11:57a from Blainers: ? Thanks Coop…feeling so much better - : ( Nick and Jeff are here. Talk to you later.
"Kurt, you've gotta tell me what happened." Finn said as he helped Kurt put his things in his garment bag and loaded multiple pairs of shoes into a suitcase.
"I will…I will, Finn. Just…give me some time. If I start with it now, I'll just break down again, and then I'll look like a drug addict with my red eyes at the airport and they'll get all intrusive with their 'wands' and whatnot and that's just not …no. Once was enough to feel violated for the rest of my flying days." Kurt said, his snark showing a little bit. Finn took this as a good sign.
"I don't want to upset you, but I can't treat him like nothing is wrong at work when I know he hurt you."
"Civil is fine, Finn. There's no reason to go all crazy. It happened. He admitted it. It's over between us, and-"
"OVER? As in 'you're not going out at all anymore' over?" Finn yelled with wide eyes. "Ok, this goes much deeper than a little argument, doesn't it? I mean, Kurt, dude….what happened?"
"Finn, really…." Kurt whispered, trying not to cry again. "Please…"
"Alright…but Rachel wants you to call her and I know you'll tell her, and then she'll tell me, so fair warning." He said, his big brother instincts very much alive.
"I'll call her when I-" Kurt began, but stopped short when his front door banged open.
"KURT!" Blaine bellowed out. "We need to talk. You can't just send me a text message and then- Oh…hey Finn." He said, his sails deflated now, realizing they weren't alone. "Could you give us a minute, Finn?" Blaine asked respectfully, yet clearly on edge.
"Not leaving, Blaine. In fact, I'm not even sure Kurt wants to talk to you, so…" Finn trailed off, his eyebrows in his hairline now, giving Blaine the hard stare and crossing his arms over his chest. Kurt hadn't said a word, just packed more frantically, throwing things from the bathroom into his bag in a flurry of movement. He didn't want to do this now. He didn't want to have to do it ever, but he knew, living in the same building, it was bound to happen sooner or later. He just wanted it to be later.
"Fine, whatever. Kurt, I don't know what got lost in the transmission there, but we went from 'we're both sorry' to you breaking up with me, and that's not ok, Kurt. NOT ok…" Blaine began, but Kurt was quick to reply.
"No, what happened last night is absolutely NOT alright, Blaine. I appreciate the fact that you said you were sorry, but it has no impact at all right now on the fact that it happened, you clearly handle your 'stress' differently than I do, and I can't…I won't forgive some things. I'm sure Sebastian can help you through it…put another bandage on it or whatever, Blaine, but I have a flight to catch and I don't have time for this right now, so if you'll excuse us, I need to get to the airport!" Kurt said, his volume rising as he went on.
"Kurt…I made a mistake. I never should have grabbed your arm that way…it was a mistake, and I am truly sorry. If Sebastian helping me out last night is really that big of a thing for you, then I think it's something we need to sit down and talk about, not run away from. Personally, I was glad he stepped in. At least, being smart about it, I've probably at the very least avoided infection, but my God, Kurt, please!" Blaine begged. Kurt's eyes flew open and he nearly threw up in his own mouth. How the hell could he be so crass about it?
"Jesus Christ, Blaine! What are you…did you…I can't do this. Not now, not anytime soon. Please…just get out of my way. Finn, let's go!" he said, dragging Finn out the door, brushing past Nick and Jeff and rushing down the stairs to the cab he'd called when they got home just minutes earlier. The driver popped the trunk and helped Kurt put his many bags inside and as the door slammed, Kurt slumped into the back seat next to Finn and waited for the car to pull away from the curb. Blaine watched from the window in the hallway on the second floor, tears in his eyes and his friends standing behind him utterly confused with his behavior.
As the car moved away from the curb, Finn's arm came up around Kurt's shoulder. Kurt turned to look into his eyes and broke down, finally and fully, and Finn just hugged him to his side more tightly.
"What can I do to make it better?" Finn asked.
"Just don't move, Finn…just…let me just be right here, please?" Kurt replied, his eyes already red.
"Anytime, bro. Anytime."
As the car pulled away, Blaine stood there, deathly still, for a while before shifting on his feet. Jeff was fuming, he could tell. Through the reflection he watched Jeff as he glared at him. This was something new to Blaine, as he and Jeff had never fought. Well, there was that one instance at Dalton with the cookies Ms. Caroline had sent at Christmas time, but that wasn't really fighting. There wasn't anything left to fight over…which is what started the argument to begin with.
"Inside, right fucking now, B. You have a hell of a lot of explaining to do!" Jeff said harshly. Blaine didn't move and didn't reply. "I'm not joking, man. Kurt may have been your boyfriend, but he's my friend, and frankly, I'm just appalled and sickened that you did that last night and you're acting like it's no big deal at all and Kurt's fucking ripped to shreds over it. Now we're going to talk!" Jeff went on. Still, there was no movement or comment from Blaine. "Dude!" Jeff began again.
"No! No, you do not get to yell at me, too!" Blaine said, whipping around in a frenzy now. His eyes were glassy and his nose red from silently crying as Kurt's cab drove away. He was falling apart, heaving in great gulps of air now, and two of the most important people in his life had ganged up on him to yell about something he'd already fallen over himself apologizing for. He was well on his way to working himself into quite a state without Jeff making it worse.
"I did something wrong. I said I was sorry. It's not as if I killed someone…it was a God damn disagreement, a small one at that if you're looking in the big scheme of things! I apologized several times, tried to talk to him and now…now you guys want to sit me down and give me a talking to as well? Well let me tell you all something. I was wrong, and I'm saying it for the last time. It won't happen again, but I will NOT be yelled at like a small child who spilled the fucking gravy on the tablecloth by people who didn't witness the conversation, and by people who are supposed to be MY friends, on MY side, but have suddenly not bothered to ask me MY side of the story before jumping my shit! I will speak to you about it when and if I'm damn good and ready. It seems like a fucking moot point right now, so why the hell should I bother talking to anyone about it?" Blaine yelled, then walked into his apartment, into his bedroom, and slammed the door.
"Ok, I went about that wrong, didn't I?" Jeff said to Nick as they heard the door slam.
"I think…yeah, I think so, unfortunately." Nick told him. "Give him time to calm down. He'll be ok. I agree with him, though, we should have asked him his side of the story before we…well, yeah, we kinda ganged up on him. Nobody deserves that. Let's go grab something to eat. We can go to that bookstore you were telling me about if you want? I'd like to see it. I'd also like to see you in this pair of white jeans I saw in the window at Sax…."
Blaine paced the floor in his room until he was certain he'd worn a stripe in his rug. He had pulled on his own hair until it was a mess rivaling Medusa, and he'd fallen flat on the bed and screamed into his pillow in frustration before giving way to wracking sobs into the same pillow, refusing to let them know the depths of his despair.
He didn't want to be here without Kurt. He didn't want the apartment upstairs. He didn't want the building. He didn't want any of it if he couldn't share it with Kurt. Kurt….
What would happen when he came back? He'd avoid Blaine at all costs…probably glare at him when they did cross paths in the hallway. Oh God, what if he started dating someone else and Blaine could hear them? The pain in his chest when he thought of that was enough to have him sitting up and eyeing the door. If it didn't go away soon he'd call for Jeff. It hurt so badly it scared him. Lay still, Blaine, don't think of it, he told himself. How had this happened? How could Kurt hate him so much for something he'd done when the man himself had said he took responsibility for it as well? If he'd broken up with Kurt for dancing with Jeff would the world be on his side? Would everyone be delivering a verbal head butt to Kurt instead?
He couldn't be sure what was going to happen when Kurt returned, but he was damn sure not going to let it all go. He loved Kurt right this minute as much as he did 24 hours ago before any of this had happened. He wasn't giving up, but right now, the fight just wasn't in him. He needed to clear his head…he needed space. He needed to get away from everything and give himself some time to make rational decisions. He needed his music, his instruments, his iPod. He needed to think in another environment that didn't scream "Kurt" everywhere he looked. And then it hit him.
"Ms. Marsh? Yes, Hi, this is Blaine Anderson, we spoke on the phone this morning about the-"
"Blaine! I'm so glad to hear back from you. Have you had time to go over my email?"
"I have, yes. The syllabus seems like something I can surely work with, the housing is a huge bonus, and the pay is outstanding. I'd be a fool to turn it down. I'd be happy to help you out for 6 weeks."
"I'm so thrilled! I neglected to mention in the email that you apparently have a student teacher in that class as well. With 54 children, you'll be eternally grateful, I'm certain!" she laughed. "When can you get here?" Kailey Marsh asked excitedly.
"I'll throw some things in my luggage here and call about renting a car to get there. Are there any rental places near you where I could return the-"
"Oh no, Blaine. You know there's a Westindale Academy in the city. Only the best for our staff. I'll call you a car and have them pick you up. I'm assuming I should send them to the address on your resume? When will you be ready?" she asked.
"Yes, that's my…my address. I…give me 45 minutes?" Blaine stuttered, already glancing around the room for what needed to be packed.
"Sure thing. I can't wait to meet you in person, Blaine. I'm so thrilled that you're on board!"
"I'll see you soon. And thank you."
"Oh no, Blaine, thank you. You're really helping me out of a tough spot here! See you soon!"
Blaine disconnected, pulled his suitcases out from the closet and began throwing everything in that he knew he'd need. He wasn't nearly as critical of how things were packed like Kurt was, but he grabbed his garment bag nonetheless and threw his nicer clothes in it, knowing he'd still have to iron them when he got there anyway.
When he was finished, he went out into the living space to tell Jeff of his new plans, hoping he'd calmed down some and wasn't planning on lecturing and yelling anymore. There'd be time for that, but that time was not now. Finding nobody else in the apartment, he sat down at the kitchen table to leave Jeff a note.
Jeff,
I don't know what the hell happened over the last 24 hours, but I've never felt so god damn broken inside in all my life…even when everything in me that was broken was bone and cartilage. You picked me up from all that, and I kind of hoped you'd pick me up from this too. I hope I'm not wrong, but it's not looking positive, man. I don't know what else to say but that I'm sorry…I didn't set out to hurt anyone, you have to know that.
I'm so fucking stressed out, though, man! First this crap with Jackson making me a raving lunatic with nerves and anxiety, now Kurt's pissed at me and won't even speak to me, and the one person that does want to talk to me wants to take me to task for something that I can't even consider a problem at this point. I can't begin to say how confused and hurt I am by it all, and I feel like everyone's turned on me…and for what reason? I'm at a loss!
So, here's the deal. I'm taking a temporary job for 6 weeks out of town. I'll be back when it's finished. Don't worry about the rent. It's not like I don't know the new owner. I think we're good.
I really want to ask a favor of you, though, Jeff. I think, as long as we've known each other, that you can do this one thing for me. Hang with Kurt, make sure he's ok, keep him happy, but don't discuss our relationship with him? I know you guys are friends, but what happened is between him and I, and I don't want to be away thinking everyone's rehashing my most regrettable moment while I'm not here to defend myself, damn it! I don't think that's asking too much, right? Talk to Nick about it, I get that you will, and I suppose I understand, but really…it's my business, and I'm not really ready to break it all down again just yet.
Food is there. I just hit the grocery Thursday. Eat whatever, do whatever. You know I don't care…it's your home as well as mine now.
Nick, I hope we're still a go for upstairs? You said the guy told you he could have everything done in 5-6 weeks, so that puts us right when I'm due back, right? I trust you. Go through with the original plan and call me if you have any questions. If you can't manage to work with / for a jackass such as myself, please say so now so I can find someone else. I'd rather not have to do that, though. I like you, Nick, and I think you're the man for the job. You know what's what…we've been over it so many times. You have all the plans, right?
If Kurt doesn't jump at the chance to design up there, let me know, but I'd bet my 'I teeth' that he'll jump on it. Stick with the story…the designer bailed, but the guy who bought the building liked his apartment when he walked through, would he consider just helping out with that since he liked his style? I appreciate it. Any documents that need my signature can be faxed to me. I'll get the fax number when I get there.
I'll be back in 6 weeks. Probably not much before that, as there are weekend classes to consider. And I have to say, right now, I really don't want to be here…at all, especially if the only reason I'm here is to be repeatedly yelled at for something I can't change.
Mickey's aware that I'll be gone. He said his nephew is home from college and he'll fill in for me until I'm back.
Talk to you guys later.
B
Blaine was taken aback when the car they sent for him was a newer Mercedes, and it took the driver getting out and approaching him before he realized the vehicle was meant for him.
"Mr. Anderson?" he said with a friendly smile.
"I…yeah…that's me. I guess I wasn't expecting…um…." Blaine spluttered, gesturing toward the car parked at the curb.
"I get that a lot." The driver smiled. "Westindale doesn't do anything by half measure, though, so here I am. Can I help you with those bags, please?" he said, before grabbing one and maneuvering it into the trunk carefully. Blaine handed the other one in and followed it with his case of bathroom necessities. With a low, nearly silent whoosh, the trunk closed on its own and Blaine slid into the back seat as the man held the door open for him. Blaine snickered to himself as he noted that this guy was about his age, not some older guy he'd expect to say "Home, James!" to in a book or a movie.
"I'm sorry to make you drive all the way out there and then back…I offered to rent a car to drive there, but Ms. Marsh insisted…" he broke off as they pulled away from the curb.
"Oh, it's no bother at all. In fact, I generally stay upstate. I was just in town visiting my family this weekend, so I'm headed home. We had lunch with my cousins and my Aunt, and I was planning on driving back up tonight anyway. I don't have to drive the car back down. They were kind enough to let me use it to come home, and it looks like it worked out for everyone involved!" the guy smiled, glancing into the rearview mirror.
"Good, I didn't want to start off my short time there by annoying someone. Driving in this city is the stuff of nightmares." Blaine laughed, watching out the windows as the city crept by, traffic light after traffic light stopping them.
"You've got that right. I avoid it at all costs if I can." The driver replied with a grin.
"So…I don't mean to sound like an imbecile, but who, exactly do you drive around, and where do you go? Surely not the students? And I can't imagine someone needs to go somewhere every moment of the day?" Blaine grinned. The guy laughed at that and shook his head.
"Oh, Mr. Anderson, if only you knew some of the 'errands' I've been sent on with and for students, you wouldn't believe it." He said. "I've taken students home in the middle of the night to retrieve forgotten stuffed animals after weekend visits. I've been sent for ice cream for broken hearted teenagers sobbing into a staff members arms. I've also driven like the hounds of hell were on my backside with an older student in labor back where you are. No WAY I wanted her in the car when and if her water broke. I'm in charge of keeping this machine clean and perfect…NOT something I wanted to clean up." He laughed. "And when I'm not driving, I'm a student teacher, learning, you know? Between the two, my time is well spent."
"Student?...in labor? How…how old was s-she?" Blaine asked, his naivety showing. Dalton clearly didn't have that problem to deal with, and as his dealings with Crawford were few and far between, he'd never even considered the thought.
"She was 15 at the time. She's 16 now, and doing well…very healthy and back on track with her studies. The students at Westindale come from very affluent families. Generally, money is no object to them, but I like to think that the vast majority have been brought up with top notch manners as well….most, not all. When some families find their daughters in compromising positions, they often ship them off somewhere until the 'problem' is resolved. We get a few each year, sadly, but I suppose it's better than the alternative, right?
Generally, they are sweet kids that just found themselves in a position they never dreamed of, and they want nothing but to blend in and do well…get through it, ya know? You get the odd one here and there who's a total brat, but I guess that's going to be anywhere. The young lady in labor was a former student in a class that I assisted in, and she wouldn't allow anyone else to take her to the hospital because she knew me…she felt comfortable with me, and that's a shot to the heart for sure. I just wanted to get her there on time and be there if she needed someone until her parents arrived. Young people are…they're different nowadays than they were when you and I were kids, don't you think? I'm sure I'm not telling you anything you haven't already dealt with, though. And now that I think about it, I should just sit up here and be quiet. I don't mean to ramble on, and it's probably not my place to do so. My apologies, Mr. Anderson, if I've made you uncomfortable in any way?"
"I know it's probably not what you're used to, but do you mind if I…." Blaine trailed off, hinting at the front seat with a gesture of his hand. The driver seemed unsure of what he meant for a moment, but then it dawned on him.
"OH….sure if…yeah, that's fine. Here." He said, flicking the locks as they stopped at yet another traffic light. Blaine climbed from the back and into the front.
"One, I get car sick, and I probably should have mentioned that. Two, we're on the same level here, and I'm seriously uncomfortable being driven around like some pompous ass. Three, every time you glance in the mirror at me I panic thinking I'm taking your concentration from driving." Blaine laughed out loud, as did the other man. "I'm happy to hear what you have to say about Westindale and the students there. I'm going in here blind, remember? It's nice to know they allow you to be more than a robot who stands in front of the class…that you can be something important or special to a student. I know I had a few professors who stood out in the crowd and bent over backward to help me out. It made all the difference sometimes."
"Mr. Anderson, I think you'll fit in just fine at Westindale, even if it's only for a short time."
"I certainly hope so… but please, just call me Blaine if you don't mind." He didn't add that "Mr. Anderson" was his father and he didn't want to even think about him.
"Sure, as you wish."
"And you haven't made me uncomfortable at all, Mr…?" Blaine left it hanging, hoping the other man would supply him with a name.
"Clarington….but please, just call me Eli." The driver said, reaching over to shake Blaine's hand.
A/N As always, thanks to Christine for reading the craziness ahead of time and catching my mistakes!
Also, if you haven't yet, go read this: s/10042938/1/A-Change-of-Plans because it's lovely and I said so! :) Enjoy!