Ch. 97
Blaine hadn't actually spoken to Kurt in two days. They'd slept in the same bed, and Blaine would wake for a few moments while Kurt was getting ready in the morning, listening to him shuffle around, but by the time Kurt got out of the shower Blaine had generally fallen back to sleep. He'd barely been asleep for 4 hours at that point, anyway. Kurt would work all day and Blaine would work on cleaning up the house for the party when he got up. He'd made a few trips to different grocers to pick up food for the party per Kurt's instructions left on small Post-It notes on the kitchen counter. Blaine had left for work by the time Kurt came home, which was late, after 8 pm, usually, and that bothered Blaine a lot. He knew there was no way David was staying until 8 in the evening. Which meant Kurt was there, possibly alone, which he didn't care for…and then again, possibly not alone, which he cared for even less. Carter…the bane of his existence.
He still held strongly to the fact that he trusted Kurt, and he knew there was no way Kurt would do anything to hurt him, but he was infuriated by Carters's gall, and he wanted to talk to Kurt…maybe just not about that. So, on the third day, Thursday, he showed up to take Kurt to lunch, having texted him earlier that he'd be there.
Kurt wasn't sure what was going on, but it was getting weird at the office. Two days prior, Carter had brought him a dessert when he returned from lunch with a couple of the girls. Normally Kurt would have been thrilled, but Carter had brought him strawberry shortcake, beaming with pride and then crushed when Kurt nearly dropped the container after opening it. He pushed it away with a sad smile and apologized, explaining that strawberries made him break out in hives and how it just wasn't a good look for him. His attempt at humor must have worked, because the hurt look disappeared and he looked contrite, then, removing the offensive dessert and offering it to anyone who wanted it, eventually leaving the poor fruit in the break room refrigerator. When he left Kurt's office, though, Kurt was sure he saw a sneer on Carter's face, and he couldn't fathom why.
That evening, Carter was back to normal, though, moving closely around the table as they worked, keeping Kurt within arm's reach, which, now that Kurt was made aware of it, seemed a bit excessive. He noticed every look, every touch, every overly optimistic smile that Carter threw his way, and he was beginning to feel as if maybe Blaine had a legitimate gripe. It didn't sit well with Kurt at all. Had he been blind to it all this time? Would he be ok with everything Carter had done if he was in Blaine's shoes? He felt a little crappy when he realized that, no, he probably would not. He also felt rotten that he hadn't actually spoken to his boyfriend in days, with their paths not really crossing. Kurt had been working extra hours because of the party on Friday night. He planned to take the day off on Friday and wanted to get as much completed at work as possible so he didn't fall behind. He felt 'off' without Blaine, though, and promised himself he'd fix things, explain to Blaine that he just hadn't noticed and apologize for being so blind.
The following morning he left the house early again, while Blaine still slept, and he berated himself for, once again, working late the previous evening. He hadn't wanted to, but the roll of silk he'd been waiting for all day showed up late and Kurt desperately wanted to get a pattern cut before he left. That way, Carter could be working on it the following day with him, or for him, and he could focus on finishing a last minute suit he'd been commissioned to make for a dinner that weekend. The client was high profile and left a wide streak in public, paparazzi in tow, so Kurt was determined that the suit would be complete and top notch. He'd never turn out anything less, of course, but this was exposure he couldn't even pay for. He needed it to be pristine and perfect because there was no doubt it would be seen by many.
He promised himself he'd be home at a decent time on Thursday evening to have dinner with Blaine and talk things out. Unfortunately it didn't work that way.
Thursday morning brought Carter into his office with a medium drip, a big smile on his face once again, and Kurt unsure what was going on. He never drank his coffee that way, and since Carter had, more than once, brought him his typical grande nonfat mocha, he was baffled as to why he'd suddenly switch. The coffee sat on Kurt's desk until it cooled completely and then he attempted to surreptitiously dump it down the drain in the break room. Carter noticed.
"You could have just said no thanks, Kurt, instead of trying to hide the fact that you just dumped the whole thing down the drain."
Kurt jumped a foot and nearly swallowed his tongue. So much for sneaking around.
"I'm sorry, I thought it was a kind gesture, Carter, but you should know that, one, you don't have to buy me coffee in the morning…or ever, really, although I appreciate it. And two, I don't drink black coffee….ever. Never have been able to stomach the stuff without some frou frou thrown in there. I do appreciate it, but it's not my thing. And really…you needn't worry. I usually stop for my own in the morning and I know it's not cheap." Kurt told him, firmly, but looking sad that he had to say so. He didn't want to hurt Carter's feelings, but it was getting a bit excessive.
"I don't mind, Kurt, but why-" he began, then stopped, realized he couldn't blurt out the question he wanted to ask without giving himself away. "It's fine…I'll remember for next time…grande non-fat mocha. Got it." Damn that Blaine Anderson…he was fucking with him, and it wasn't cool. Carter was pissed.
"No, I don't think you're understanding me…" Kurt chuckled. "You don't have to bring me coffee…or anything else for that matter. Although I appreciate it, it's starting to um…wow, this is difficult. I'm a little uncomfortable with the …things…gifts and food and coffee, and truth be told, Blaine's a bit uncomfortable with it as well, and I can't blame him, really. Please don't think I don't appreciate it, really…I do. But…let's tone it down some, can we?" Kurt asked, his tone saccharine sweet, but Carter remained unsmiling.
"Sure, Kurt…no problem," he said, then turned on his heel and strode out of the room. Kurt let out a long sigh and rolled his eyes. He supposed it could have gone worse. Step one…complete. When he turned to leave the break room, he saw Naomi sitting at her desk not 10 feet away giving him a kind look and a smile. He wondered how much she'd heard. And he wondered when the beautiful flowers and adorable teddy bear had shown up on her desk. Had he missed her birthday? Hmmm…he'd have to find out.
By mid-morning, Kurt felt as if he'd gotten quite a bit accomplished. He finished up the trousers for the suit that was being picked up the following day, and since he wouldn't be there Friday, he placed it on a mannequin and steamed it out, making sure it looked perfect and then left it there so as not to wrinkle it before the owner came to pay for it and pick it up.
"That's amazing work, Kurt. He's going to look like a million bucks in that thing," David praised him.
"Thanks, David. Don't forget I won't be here tomorrow, so he's going to be looking for you when he comes in. I wanted him to come in tonight to get it, but he wasn't able to get here before 7:30 and I'm going home, on time for once, to have dinner with Blaine. I haven't talked to him eons and we have some things to iron out," Kurt explained, casting a quick glance at Carter, then catching Naomi's eyes as he turned back around. She knew something, he was sure of it.
"Oh? Has he been away?" David asked.
"No, but I've been here late, and he's been gone for work by the time I get home. We've um…we had a disagreement, and I feel kind of crappy that it happened, because when it comes down to it, I could have avoided it and I didn't, so I have some groveling to do. I don't want to miss him again tonight. I'm going into withdrawal, ya know?" Kurt chuckled.
"Oh I just bet you are…" Megan said with plenty of innuendo as she breezed by and heard their conversation. "If that man was waiting for me when I got home, I'd quit work indefinitely, no questions asked, and be waiting for whatever he wanted at a moment's notice." She grinned widely and winked at Kurt, and he blushed to the roots of his hair.
"Oh my God…." Kurt murmured, still pink in his cheeks. "He's um…he's…yeah, he's ….Ok!" Kurt said brightly, still embarrassed. "I'm going to finish up some paperwork and then I'm out of here until Monday…" Kurt mumbled, then hurried away to his office. Everyone snickered, knowing just how easy it was to fluster Kurt. Carter did not find it humorous in any way. Kurt spending time with Blaine wasn't on the list of acceptable pastimes for his boss in his opinion.
When Blaine arrived at the loft for a late lunch around 1:30, he walked in the doors to find that they'd moved a few things around and nobody was where he was used to them being. He looked to where he thought Naomi would be, but she wasn't at her desk. He nodded hello to a few people, then made his way back to Kurt's office only to find it empty…and looking rather like a hurricane had come through. Carter was missing as well.
"Blaine! Hello! I feel as if I haven't seen you in ages," David beamed as he approached Blaine, shaking his hand. It was later than normal lunch time, but not too late, and Blaine hoped David wouldn't mind Kurt stepping out of the office for a few minutes. Still, when he looked around, no Kurt.
"I came to take Kurt to lunch. Is he around? I texted him I was coming."
"Oh…oh goodness, well, no, he's not here, Blaine. We had a small catastrophe, actually, and Kurt was rather agitated. He and Carter had to head out to hunt down some fabric." David gestured to the suit on the mannequin and Blaine blinked, realizing the pants were…what?
"What happened!?"
"We're unsure…nobody seems to know, really. Kurt finished the suit this morning and pressed it, left it on the mannequin, so as not to wrinkle it, and somehow something got spilled on the trousers. We did everything we could to remove the stain but it's not budging. The gentleman needs the suit for a very high profile dinner this weekend and Kurt has already informed him that it's complete. He's to pick it up tomorrow morning. I fear young Kurt will be here all evening, though, to make a new pair of trousers. I know he'll be upset that he's missing your dinner, Blaine."
"My dinner?" Blaine asked, totally confused.
"Oh, well, yes, he…he said he was leaving early to go home to you and have dinner…something about not having seen you for days and withdrawal or some such thing," he smiled. "Kurt was a bit flustered at Megan's ribald comment in front of everyone, so he ducked into his office," David rambled. "I'm sorry if I've ruined your surprise?" he said, looking a little sheepish.
"Did Carter happen to hear him say he was heading home early to have dinner with me?" Blaine asked without thinking.
"I…well, I'd assume so, as the conversation took place right here and Carter's desk is but a few feet away. I wasn't paying attention, but it wouldn't be a stretch," David said, watching Blaine's face carefully.
"I'm sure he did…he's gone too far this time. Now he's messing with Kurt's work and this has to stop!"
"I'm sorry, I don't think I'm following you, Blaine," David said, confused.
"Blaine…"
Blaine turned to see Naomi approaching and she looked resigned…determined.
"Please, let me. Let me take it from here, will you? I think it would be best," she said, and Blaine knew, then, that she'd witnessed things…everything…something, and wanted to make it right. Just as well, he thought, because if he stuck around and got a hold of Carter, the shit would hit the fan. This was just too much. He was certain Carter was behind the ruined suit, and once again, Kurt would most likely defend him and that would only lead to a bigger argument. He didn't have the time or the patience for it.
"I'll leave you to it, then," Blaine said tersely to Naomi, giving her a pointed look which said very clearly that he expected her to make it right and bring it all out in the open. He then nodded a curt goodbye to her and to David and walked out.
"Naomi?" David said, watching her as she resignedly watched Blaine stride away. Blaine looked angry…maybe even hurt…and she couldn't blame him one bit.
"I'd prefer to discuss this with you and Kurt at the same time, if it's all the same to you, David? I think it's important."
"Then I'll wait, but I don't think I like the vibe here, to be honest."
"No, I don't either, but it needs to be addressed. There are things I need to tell you. As soon as Kurt comes back, please call the two of us into your office. I'll tell you everything then."
David walked away uncertain of what had happened, and what was going on, but the only thing on his mind was that somehow, Naomi had ruined the pants.
Kurt was anxious. He was having trouble finding the same fabric for the suit that he'd bought the first time, and even when he did find it, he wasn't sure it was the same dye lot. He crossed his fingers and hoped that it would be close enough that it wouldn't matter and hauled his bolt of fabric back to the loft, passing a harried David on the way in as the man rushed out.
"Oh Kurt, please see Naomi when you get inside…I've left instructions…the baby's coming early, Kurt! My first grandbaby! Maybe I'll see you tomorrow!" he called, ducking into a cab and as quick as he'd been there he was gone. Kurt was livid. See him tomorrow? NO! Kurt had taken the day off! Now he'd have to come in and meet the client because David probably wouldn't be there. And all this on top of having to stay late tonight to recreate the suit pants.
"Lay this out, and find the measurements and pattern in the file, please. We don't have a minute to waste, Carter, it's already 4:30, damn it!" Kurt barked, grabbing the swatch to hold it up to the jacket. Thank GOD it seemed to be the same dye lot. Anything else would have been catastrophic. He was anxious and uptight, angry at whoever had ruined the pants and didn't have the balls to admit it, and added to that, he suspected Carter had done it on purpose, but he had no way to prove it. WHY, God, why did this crap always happen to him? His evening with Blaine would have to be postponed again and that infuriated him beyond belief.
He was even more upset that he'd missed a text from Blaine saying he was coming to have lunch with him, and then another saying he'd been there and Kurt wasn't. He wanted to know if Kurt would be home for dinner or not. Having to text him back and say that he wouldn't be there was a shitty feeling and he didn't want to do it, but there was no other option. The pants had to be done for the morning and Kurt would be the only one to work on them. He was the designer, he was commissioned to make the suit and he would finish it to his own standards. Pushing it off on someone else was not only unfair, it wasn't going to happen, especially with how the original pair ended up. No, this was all him, and he'd finish it. And now that David may not be there, he'd have to come in to meet his customer for the suit. This was not turning out to be his day at all.
He tried to call Blaine after texting him that he wouldn't be home, but Blaine didn't answer. That upset Kurt even more because he just wanted to hear Blaine's voice. He felt like they were two ships passing in the night and he was feeling the strain of being away from his man. They had things to talk about, and Kurt hated that something this dumb had apparently come between them. He knew Blaine was probably upset with him, and worse, that he had every right to be.
Carter was his normal self, hovering, touching and ready to do anything to help but Kurt felt that he was a little too eager. How had he not seen this before? He wanted to tell Carter to back off, but the truth was, he desperately needed him right now, and making him angry would only cause more grief, so he resigned himself to the fact that he'd have to put up with it for another day…but then he would confront him. This arrangement wasn't working. If it made Blaine upset, it wasn't worth it. Blaine was more important to him than anyone, and surely he wasn't going to let Carter be a source of angst for them. Nope, time to nip it in the bud for sure.
"Naomi!?" Kurt bellowed when he didn't see her. She came bustling out from the back, her arms full of fabric swatches and thin rolls of pattern paper that she was restocking on the work table.
"Kurt, honey, I'm right here. There's no need to yell," she smiled, hoping it would lighten his mood. It was clear he wasn't happy, and she couldn't blame him one bit.
"I'm going to be here all night working on these damn pants. Will you look and see if we have another zipper and the same button that I used on the jacket? If not, I'll cut the one off the ruined pants and use it, but I'd prefer not to. I'm sure we have both, but the way this day's gone, I wouldn't be at all surprised if that's just another thing gone wrong."
"Of course, and…" she hesitated with the lie on her tongue like sour candy, "I um…I'm going to stay and help you this evening. I'll be your gopher…whatever you need. David asked me to stay and I said absolutely, I'd be happy to." It wasn't anywhere near the truth but she didn't care. The sneer she got from Carter told her she'd done the right thing. There was no way she was leaving Carter alone with Kurt. Hopefully, if Kurt let Blaine know she was there, he'd worry less.
"You don't have to, I'm sure you have other things to do, Naomi, although I truly appreciate it."
"I know I don't have to, but I was asked to do it and I'd like to say and help. I'll be here, and I'll order up some dinner…make sure the coffee stays freshly made and hot. We'll get them done again, Kurt. I'm just sorry the original pair was ruined. I don't know what kind of sorry ass snake would ruin your beautiful trousers and not even have the balls to admit his mistake, but, I'd hate to be that person when he's found out," she said, pointedly looking over Kurt's shoulder at Carter. When he blew a kiss at her and winked she nearly vaulted over Kurt to choke him. But now wasn't the time…her time would come. She hoped like hell that David's grandbaby was born tonight and he showed up for work tomorrow. This conversation needed to be had immediately, and the mess dealt with.
"Well, honey, I appreciate it more than you know. Let's get to it, then, shall we?" Kurt asked, striding over to the work table while Naomi went off to find notions.
On his way to work that evening, Blaine got a text from Jeff. Maneuvering his way through the streets on foot, he chatted with his friend.
Jeff: How was your dinner with Kurt?
Blaine: Ha! Even you knew about it…but I didn't. And it didn't happen. He didn't come home. Working late again, with Carter.
Jeff: Say what, now? But…the whole plan was to be home early because he hadn't seen you in days and he missed you!
Blaine: Well, something happened at work and he had to stay, and I'm sure Carter stayed, too.
Jeff: I know you're not stupid enough to think something's going on.
Blaine: I don't think that. I don't know how many ways I have to say that I trust Kurt IMPLICITY. I don't trust that little vermin he has working for him. I could throw the piano further than I trust that creep.
Jeff: The thought was there, right? He WANTED to spend time with you tonight, Blaine. He called me, we talked about it. I bet if you look, you'll find all the fixings for your favorite meal in the fridge. Please don't be angry with him, B.
Blaine: I'm not angry. I MISS him, though. I can't be angry with him for all the shit that jerk does behind his back, and I'm not gonna be 'that guy' who whines and throws a fit. I'm just gonna go to work and do my thing and see what happens tomorrow. He's supposed to be off, but I guess that depends on how much he completes tonight.
Jeff: Call me if you need me…ya know, if you wanna talk. We need to get together anyway and discuss your new job.
Blaine: I …what? New job?
Jeff: With me, goof! At the school. You think I've been sitting here on my perky ass doin' nothing for two months? I've been proactive, dude! *wink*
Blaine: That's fantastic! I didn't wanna bring it up while you were laid up. Tell me everything!
Jeff: Will do. Next week, come hang out for lunch? I want you in on a lot of the planning, B. I want your input. We've got a lot to do, but I have every faith in you and me. This is gonna be the best career move we've ever made, my friend!
Blaine: And speaking of good things…how was your nooner with your husband?
Jeff: The party you have called is unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Blaine: Don't give me that crap, you jackass! LOL
Jeff: My afternoon was beyond satisfactory, thank you very much.
Blaine: Lame.
Jeff: My baby's mouth is a thing of epic beauty and he rode me like a rented mule all afternoon until I came so many times I screamed for mercy and couldn't move for hours.
Blaine: He got the job done, then. Kudos to Nick.
Jeff: Understatement. I completely blacked out and it was glorious. And thank you, you stubborn ass.
Blaine: You're welcome, my friend.
"You know, I've heard all about this 'Kurt' you're dating, been warned away by Finn and rebuffed by you, Blaine, but I've never seen him here. What gives? I'm beginning to think he's a figment of your imagination, maybe?"
Elliott strolled into the break room, carefree and looking delicious beyond what Blaine thought was acceptable. Leather pants…he was getting Kurt a pair of leather pants at his first opportunity, for certain. They went on stage in less than ten minutes and Blaine was doing vocal warm ups since he'd be singing a little bit during the first set.
"Elliott…" Blaine laughed. "He's not imaginary, although I'm beginning to think he's invisible because I sure haven't seen him…" he trailed off quietly.
"Trouble in paradise?"
"No…not really. Yes. Maybe. I don't know. I don't fucking know anymore. It's complicated."
"Anything I can do to help?" Elliott offered. Blaine raised an eyebrow and gave him a disbelieving look. "I'm serious, Blaine!" Elliott laughed. "No funny business, just a friendly offer of assistance. You wanna vent? Yell? Throw things at me? I'm your man!"
"Violence has never really been my thing, unless you count boxing, so I don't think I'll be throwing things at you…but I might yell. I'll let you know if I suddenly need to punch someone. That feeling's been creeping over me a lot lately, unfortunately."
"Oh? What gives, dude? You don't seem the type to ruffle easily."
"Kurt has…" Blaine began, then paused. "Elliott, please understand. Kurt and I have been through a lot. We haven't been together for years or anything, but our short time together has been filled with enough ups and downs that I feel like I know how he'll handle something based on what we've already experienced. He has a new intern at work, and the guy is a total creep. The stuff he does when Kurt's not looking…the gestures he makes…he's totally inappropriate, and although I know I can trust Kurt, I don't trust HIM…Carter. He's skeevy and creepy and just…I don't like him. I think he's attempting to lure Kurt from me, and as I said, I don't think Kurt's taking him up on it, but I don't like him around my boyfriend. He's bad news, I just know it, but I can't prove it. Talking to Kurt about it has led to us arguing and he's been working late and we haven't spoken face to face in days. I'm just a little off my game."
"So you've told Kurt you're not ok with the guy and he's not doing anything about it? That's not a good sign, man. I mean, I don't wanna get all up in your business, but I'd be worried if I were you. What are you planning to do?"
"I'm planning nothing. Eventually this guy will show his true colors and everyone will know what he is. Until then, there's not a whole lot I can do without sounding like the whiney boyfriend, and I don't wanna be that guy, ya know? But I wish I knew how to expose him for what he is."
"I bet we could come up with something. I'm sure of it, Blaine. You don't wanna let this fester and make everything worse. Nip it in the bud. I'll help in any way I can."
"So you've gone from 'hey, let's go out' to 'let me help you make the creep go away'?" Blaine grinned.
"You've made your position clear, Blaine. I'm not that kinda guy. I'm not a home wrecker. If you were single, it'd be on and I'd wear you down until I had you under me…or on top of me for that matter… but you have Kurt and I respect the hell out of that. I'm flirty and I can't help it…it's just who I am, but you and I are, hopefully, friends and I'll help you with this if I'm able…for no other reason than I wanna see the creepy guy fall flat on his face." Elliott chucked at Blaine's face, his look of disbelief almost comical.
"So you wanna help me nail the creep?"
"I do…a lot. And not only because I want to meet the mysterious Kurt, either," Elliott laughed.
"You'll meet him Saturday at the party. You're coming, right?"
"Oh…I…yeah, I wasn't sure if um…"
"If what?" Blaine wanted to know. Elliott looked uncomfortable and hesitant to finish his sentence.
"I wasn't sure if you really wanted me there or of you just invited me because everyone else was invited and I happened to be standing there at the time. I mean, you know…we didn't get off on the best foot."
"I wouldn't have invited you if I didn't want you there, so get a costume and show up! Let's do this, then, shall we?" Blaine said, shaking his band member's hand with a glint in his eye.
"We shall. And if the creepy guys wins out, I'd love to watch you get all sweaty while you're boxing, just sayin'…."
"Elliott!"
"Ok, sorry, flirty, remember? Sorry…" he snickered, then grabbed his guitar and headed out. Blaine just shook his head, grinning. "C'mon, we have plans to make."
Kurt was already in bed when Blaine got home from the bar, and he contemplated waking him up in a few different ways, but in the end, he let Kurt sleep. He'd been working long hours and he was surely stressed about the damn pants. Blaine was certain whatever happened had been deliberately done by Carter, but obviously he couldn't prove that. He'd talk to Kurt in the morning, since they were both off all day.
When he woke the next morning, Kurt wasn't in bed and Blaine groaned as he walked through the apartment noting that all of Kurt's work things were missing…his portfolio, his messenger bag, his travel mug. He was supposed to have taken Friday off to get ready for the party….the party that HE wanted to have. With a deep breath, he found the note he'd come to expect on the counter and went to work on things that needed to be done. Today he'd have to get a cab and buy booze. He grinned, thinking of the last time he unloaded a cab full of booze into his apartment. That was the night he'd met Kurt for the first time…the best night of his life.
No, he was not going to let Carter win this. Kurt wasn't dumb, and eventually he'd see what was going on and put an end to it. Blaine just needed to wait it out…and maybe if Elliott's plan worked, they'd give it a little nudge in the right direction.
"Thank the Lord that's over!" Kurt announced as he watched the expensive car pull away from the curb outside the loft carrying a celebrity and his new suit. David had left a message on Kurt's cell phone saying they'd been up waiting on the baby all night and she finally arrived very early that morning. He wouldn't be in, but promised Kurt he'd try to make an appearance at the party that evening if he was able.
Naomi was there, as was Carter, but Kurt was done for the day and ready to head out. He made sure everyone knew what they were to be doing and gave them permission to close up at lunch time and head home, leaving the keys with Naomi. Carter scoffed at that but Kurt couldn't have cared less. Now that he knew what to look for, he'd seen much more than he cared to see in Carter Covington. He couldn't believe how blind he'd been and he knew he needed to let Blaine know he was sorry for letting it get between them and go on for so long. He'd been so thrilled with Carter and his knowledge of all things fashion that he didn't want to see the flaws, but now it was just too much. Carter had shown up that morning with Kurt's grande nonfat mocha and a cronut with his typical smile in place, but Kurt just wanted to wipe it off the man's face. Instead, he waited for his client and accepted all the praise heaped upon him before making mental lists of everything he still wanted to do for that evening.
"You all set for tonight, Kurt?" Megan asked as she breezed by.
"Nope, and I left a long note for Blaine asking him to do a few things, but I really need to get home and help. He's been so good about doing things but I don't want to shove it all off on him. It was my idea to have the party in the first place and I feel like he's had to do everything for it. So…I'm off! I'll see you all tonight, then?" Kurt asked, raising an eyebrow and looking around. It seemed like everyone was on board, so he kissed Naomi's cheek, then Megan's and slipped out the door. Both girls turned untrusting eyes on Carter and then left him to do what he was there to do, without any help from either of them.
When Kurt walked in to the apartment he was momentarily struck dumb. It had been completely and utterly transformed into a Halloween wonderland and he was absolutely thrilled with it.
"Blaine? Blaine!" he yelled, not seeing his boyfriend anywhere.
"Kurt, hey!" Blaine giggled, stumbling into the living room laughing, arms wide and gesturing to everything around them. "Do you love it?!" He said excitedly.
"I'm in awe…you're amazing, do you know that? I can't even imagine how you got all this done on your own! I was afraid you'd be so angry with me because you had to do most of the work alone…I'm so sorry, B…work just got crazy and-" he began, but Blaine leaned up and kissed him, just a small peck on the lips and then..
"Oh, I didn't do it alone, Elliott was here helping me! I told you about Ell…he's playing down at the Dive while Nick's out," Blaine said, then gestured over his shoulder toward the short hallway. Kurt felt a cold chill run up his spine thinking if this Elliott walked out of THEIR bedroom, he might castrate someone. Instead he appeared from the bathroom and Kurt was knocked off his feet. Wow…Elliott was…he was um….wow. Talk, dark and handsome was an understatement. He was … wow.
"Kurt! You exist! I was beginning to wonder, really. I mean, I've heard all about you from Blaine and Finn and everyone else, but I thought maybe they were making you up to keep me away from Blaine, here!" Elliott laughed, placing his hand on Blaine's shoulder, then extending his other hand to Kurt who automatically raised his own hand and shook it, but then felt as if he'd betrayed himself in doing so. "…to keep me away from Blaine…" So he was gay. Fantastic.
"I…yeah…I'm real…" he said, nearly choking on his own laugh. His forced grin would only take him so far, so he made his feet shuffle forward to the kitchen and attempted to talk with his teeth gritted together. "I'm very real and very present…yep…that's me…"
"So I got all the food that I could prepped and in containers, Kurt. There are trays in the fridge that will just need to be popped into the oven. I got two more small slow cookers for the dips, and that'll be good here on the counter because of the plugs and all that…." Blaine went on but Kurt barely heard a word. He was mentally locked on the way Elliott looked at Blaine as if he was some sort of angel on earth and he could hardly drag his eyes away from his beauty. His dopey smile made Kurt want to run him through with a fondue fork…and they were sitting out on the counter…it would be so easy.
"Sooo, Elliott…" Kurt began, totally interrupting Blaine mid-sentence. "How long do you plan to stay at the Dive? I mean, surely Jeff will get his casts off soon and Nick will be back, right?" He smiled sweetly.
"Oh, I dunno…I mean, I play bass, rhythm, drums and piano, and I sing, too, so there's always a spot for me, according to Mac. I can fill in just about anywhere, I guess if someone needs off."
"Actually, what Mac said was 'one of these lazy assholes is always calling off work, so you'll be here at least once a week, I'd bet on it!', didn't he?" Blaine laughed brightly. "It's a good thing…you kick ass on guitar, man!"
"Awesome…." Kurt smiled widely, trying desperately not to pull a muscle in his cheeks. "Well, ok, what's left to do? I'm here now, so if you have somewhere else you have to be, Elliott, you don't have to stick around, ya know?"
Blaine cast a look toward Kurt because, let's face it, he wasn't even trying to be subtle…he was trying to get rid of Elliott. But, the man in question didn't even flinch.
"Oh, no I'm fine really. I don't have any classes today….well, I do, but I just made up my mind to skip. I needed a day off and the company is top notch, so I told Blaine I'd help out. I think we were just on our way out the door to get the booze, weren't we?" He said, then turned toward Blaine with a blinding smile. "Shall we?"
"On it! We'll be back in a little bit, babe. I thought you could put together the rest of your costume and maybe do that thing with the fruit you were talking about? I was finally able to score a watermelon at that market with the Asian guy who…you know the one, he always calls you his 'little elfin friend'?" Blaine grinned. Kurt cringed. Why Blaine…why? Kurt gave a firm nod and the fakest smile he could muster.
"Haha…yes, I know the one. Thanks…I'll um…you know, I could come with you, to do the booze run, if you wanted. I'm sure—"
"Oh, no, man, it's totally cool! I have plenty of time and I'm so pumped to help out! I know you have a ton to catch up on. Blaine said you don't spend very much time at home anymore." Elliott smiled warmly and Kurt visibly flinched, eyes blinking faster than he'd like.
"I…I…work…some. A lot. My job…" Kurt stuttered, feeling as if he'd been punched in the chest. With a sob stuck in his throat, he bit his bottom lip and nodded. "Get booze…I'll get things done here then."
"Cool, babe, we'll bring back some lunch if you want?" Blaine offered, then leaned in and pecked him on the cheek as he headed for the door with Elliott who turned to wave goodbye at the last minute, huge, warm smile firmly in place.
"That'd be fine. H-hurry back," Kurt managed to get out, then turned on his heel and headed for the bedroom. Once there, he sat heavily on the edge of the bed and waited to hear the door close out in the living room. When it did, he felt one warm, solitary tear slip down his cheek. How the ever loving hell did Blaine not see that this guy was totally into him? And he'd invited him over when he knew Kurt wouldn't be here! True, he was here to help out, supposedly, but how could Blaine not see that the guy was head over heels for him? Was he blind?
The cold that fell over him at that point was immense. Oh God. OhGodohGodohGod….this is exactly what Blaine had been feeling for weeks, wasn't it? WEEKS! And he'd only said something the one time, at the loft, when Carter had interrupted them. He'd been dealing with his feelings of being left alone most nights while Kurt worked late…while he worked late with Carter, for God's sake…and Blaine had never said a word. Why? Was it because he'd just given up? Had he? Had Blaine given up on them and given in? He wouldn't, would he? Kurt felt sick all over again.
But Blaine hadn't acted as if having Elliott there was any different than maybe having Hunter around…or Nick or Jeff or Cooper. He didn't act flirty or overly friendly. He acted like…Blaine. Steady, loving, simply a good guy…Blaine. His Blaine…who'd trusted him to do what needed to be done with Carter. He'd trusted Kurt…and Kurt had let Blaine down and let it go on for too long. He felt like absolute shit.
The food was mostly done, the decorations were up and the games were set. Kurt had only picked a few, and they weren't your typical party games. He was sure there would be plenty of laughs, and that's all he was aiming for. Any reason to laugh today was welcome. It hadn't been his best day.
Blaine and Elliott had returned with the liquor and beer about an hour after they'd left, and Kurt was busy at his sewing machine when they came in. He was fairly anti-social toward them both, staying in his sewing room / office and answering with a yes or no when spoken to. Blaine didn't question him and Elliott was just as cordial as always when he stuck his head in and told Kurt how great it was to meet him. When Elliott said he'd see him later for the party, Kurt froze, his heart in his throat. Was it already too late? Then Elliott winked at Blaine as he walked down the steps and Kurt nearly wept. Still, he had a party to throw, so he kept it together and finished his own costume, running over conversations in his head that he knew he had to have with Blaine.
"Blaine…" he said a bit later, as he finished up and approached their bedroom.
"Hmmm?" That smile…that megawatt smile that made Kurt's heart burst nearly did him in.
"I wanted to talk to you about things…some things…you know…because we haven't talked like…all week and I'm a little bit tense about…us," Kurt told him.
"Now? You want to talk about that stuff now? We'll have guests in an hour, Kurt. I know we haven't had much time for us this week, but I don't think now's the time, do you?" Blaine asked gently, and Kurt knew he was probably right. "Besides, Maggie's going to help me with my costume so I can surprise you a bit. I know you're well aware of what I'm going to be, but I wanted her to add a few of her own touches and I think you'll approve," he smiled.
"I'll approve or Elliott will?" Kurt mumbled, taking a deep breath before turning around to face Blaine.
"Hmm?"
"Nothing. Ok, listen, not now then, but soon, ok? We have a lot to discuss and I think it's important. So much is just hanging out there and I don't like that, alright?" Kurt tried to be calm and kept his smile in place. He didn't want to be a downer right before the party but the God's honest truth was that he was scared of what was happening with them and he needed for everything to be ok. "Tomorrow, ok? Promise?"
"I promise…now I'm gonna just sneak downstairs and get myself together before the kids need to go out Trick-or-Treating, ok? We're all set up here, right? Drinks are on ice, food's in the oven, things just need to be set out on the counter here and maybe on the piano. You have everything ready for the games, don't you?"
"I do…yeah. Everything's good. Go do your thing, B. Hurry back," Kurt smiled.
"Be back in a jiffy!" Blaine sprinted down the steps with a devilish look in his eye. He was pretty sure Kurt was going to enjoy the costume additions he was making.
When Blaine came back up the stairs he could hear that Rachel and Finn were already there, and Nick was as well. Rachel was helping Kurt set food out around the apartment and Nick and Finn were sitting in the living room yapping away about music, Jeff and anything else that came to mind.
Blaine saw that Rachel was dressed in a poodle skirt with a Pink Ladies jacket and then wasn't at all surprised to see Finn in a black leather T-Birds jacket with his hair slicked back, jeans and a white t-shirt. Nick confounded him, though, and upon closer inspection, he figured he was supposed to be a strip of bacon. Yep, his friend was a goof for sure. He missed Jeff, though, and was more than bummed that he'd obviously opted not to come, even though that wasn't a surprise.
Kurt had his back to the stairs, but when Blaine reached the top of the steps and crossed into the living room all conversation stopped and Kurt, who wasn't paying attention, kept talking. When he realized that Rachel hadn't answered him, he turned to see if she was still standing there and nearly dropped the glass dish in his hands.
"Dear God in heaven, Blaine, what…" he managed to breathe out, but barely. It came out on a long whoosh of air from his lungs and Kurt thought, perhaps, that his eyes might be ready to roll back in his head.
"You ok, Kurt? You look kinda…flummoxed," Blaine said innocently, but with an amazingly sexy grin. He knew when he opted to enlist Maggie's help that Kurt would enjoy the results. If Carter was going to show up tonight, Kurt wasn't going to give him a second look. He would have eyes only for Blaine, and Blaine made sure of it.
"Y-your h-hair…your hair and your…um…eyes. Blaine…." The last, almost a whisper. "You look…."
"Yes? Oh, you like it, then?" Blaine asked, as if he didn't realize he'd had any effect at all on Kurt at all. He picked up a stick of celery from a veggie tray and popped it in his mouth as if nothing out of the ordinary was going on, even though his other guests were also gaping at him.
"I…um…c-can…can we talk for just a minute…in private, please?" Kurt managed to nearly choke out. He was sure he was going to pass out from the lack of blood in his brain, because every ounce of blood in his body shot to his crotch the moment he laid eyes on his stunningly sexy boyfriend. Blaine's hair was straight, spikey, slick and standing on end. His eyes were smoky and rimmed in dark, black eyeliner that made them scream for attention and, oh God, they were getting it. His tight, black pants were a thing of sheer beauty on Blaine's body and the white, ruffled blouse was flowing around his arms where it wasn't held close to Blaine's chest by the dark vest he had laced up, but only partially. His shirt was open to show a good amount of chest and the smattering of dark hair curling beneath. The wide, red sash at his waist matched his pouty lips and made Kurt want to take…anything and everything. Now. Kurt's mouth positively watered and he wasn't sure he could make any more words come out coherently.
"Now? We have guests, though—"
"They'll wait," Kurt snipped, grabbing Blaine by the hand and nearly dragging him back to their bedroom. When he shut the door behind them it was fairly dim in the room but that did nothing to take away from the stunning man before him.
"But Kurt—"
"Oh God, Blaine…I don't know where you got this idea, but I wholeheartedly approve," Kurt managed to say, then roughly shoved Blaine against the door and attacked his mouth as if their very lives depended on it. "I have never…kiss…ever in my life…kiss…seen anything even remotely…kiss…as sexy as you are right now…kiss…and I feel it's only fair…kiss…to warn you…grope…kiss...that kissing your delicious lips won't be…kiss…enough for me right now. Oh God, Blaine…Jesus…please just touch me somewhere…everywhere!" Kurt groaned, his hands all over Blaine. He felt his way up from tightly clad hips to work his way under Blaine's shirt and vest, finding warm skin beneath and moaning as he nipped Blaine's ear while Blaine's head thunked back against the door and he moaned like a wounded animal as Kurt cupped his cock, securely held in those wickedly tight pants.
"God, Kurt…what's gotten into you?" Blaine gasped, his hands working their way over Kurt as well. Anywhere he could touch was good, he wasn't picky.
"You…did you see yourself before you left Maggie's? Did you even look at your face?" Kurt couldn't keep his hands and mouth away from Blaine and he didn't care. "So sexy…Jesus…"
Blaine, for his part, was adoring the attention and wasn't about to give it up. This was exactly the reaction he wanted. He'd gambled and it was paying off in droves.
"Tell me what you want, Kurt…"
"Wanna…wanna fuck…right here, against the door, want you to…please….be inside me. God, Blaine…"
"I don't think I can get these pants off, baby."
Kurt whimpered, then sunk to his knees and grasped the shirt, shoving it up.
"Hold that!" he demanded, then worked his fingers over the laces holding Blaine's pants in place. When they didn't move as he wanted them to, Kurt swore and nearly tore them open. "Oh God, please…have mercy…" Kurt muttered, and just then they loosened and he grinned up at Blaine while he spread the waist open, noticing that Blaine had, indeed, gone commando for the night. "I can get plenty of you out…enough to play with anyway…without taking the pants off at all."
"No panty lines…you said—" Blaine began, but nearly swallowed his own tongue when Kurt took him fully into his mouth and down his throat in one fell swoop, no hesitation whatsoever. The melody of guttural whines and moans escaping Blaine's mouth was music to Kurt's ears and he held tight to Blaine's thighs, taking him repeatedly down his throat as he worked his own pants loose and down his thighs. Kurt pulled off so suddenly it left Blaine reeling, then scooted on all fours across the floor to the nightstand and grabbed a tube of lube from inside. Then he was back on his knees before Blaine and swallowing him once again. Blaine's head thunked against the door again and he nearly wept at the suction around his length. His fingers threaded through Kurt's hair and he tugged softly, needing the contact with Kurt and to let him know he was (barely) still conscious.
When he looked down through heavy lidded eyes to see Kurt looking back at him, it nearly did him in. Kurt's arm was angled behind him and Blaine let out another long, drawn out groan when he realized what Kurt was up to…he was stretching himself as he blew Blaine, on his knees, in their room, with an apartment full of company and more on the way any minute. There was nothing that Blaine could think of in that moment that could possibly be better than what they were doing. And then Kurt's mouth was gone again.
"God no, don't stop now…" Blaine whispered, half choking off a sob. Kurt attached himself to Blaine's mouth once again, flipping them so that Kurt was now face first against the door and Blaine was behind him.
"Blaine…oh God, please…just do it. Right here…please…" Kurt begged, and Blaine didn't need to be asked twice.
"Spread your legs, Love…"
"I can't get 'em any further apart than they are now…the pants…"
"It's ok, just be still…"
"Ohshit…yes…Blaine…" Kurt whined, loving the feel of Blaine's fingers on him, teasing him, opening him. When he pushed inside, Kurt let out a long, lingering moan that made Blaine's toes curl in his shoes. "Oh…oh God, Blaine….so good…"
"You like that, Baby? You like me inside you? You're a dirty boy, Kurt. They know what we're doing, and you know it, don't you? You like the fact that they know…."
"Don't care…so sexy…my Blaine…harder, Baby…"
"They know I'm fucking you senseless in here, Kurt…you'll have to go back out and they'll all know…"
"Oh God, harder….more, Blaine…please…." Kurt whined, begging for more. His recently discovered kink for Blaine's dirty talk had his head spinning wildly. His heart was racing and he could feel the blood singing in his veins. Blaine picked up the pace, shoving Kurt harder into the door, nearly lifting him off his feet in his enthusiasm. He loved hearing the door rattle and using everything he had to grind his cock into his boyfriend, pinning him to the wooden door and nipping at his neck as he did so. His words were said softly but with intent, and when he backed off so he could reach around to stroke Kurt, it only took a few tugs before Kurt was breathing heavy and warning him that he was close.
"Gonna come for me, Kurt? Hmmm? C'mon, baby…show me what I do to you…you like the eye liner? I thought you would…so sexy, my Kurt…God I love you, Baby…come for me…" Blaine urged, and with that came a long, sultry moan from Kurt and Blaine felt him pulse in his hand, coming all over Blaine's fist and the door and it triggered his own orgasm, ripping through him like white hot lightning. His knees buckled and he had trouble staying upright, let alone holding Kurt up as well, but he held on, arms wrapped securely around Kurt so they were all but fused together and leaned into the door heavily. He felt the last shudders of his climax fade away and, holding Kurt securely, he sunk down, laying back on the floor, still partially tucked safely inside his boyfriend and in no hurry to move.
Neither man said a word for a few minutes, just laid together, chest to back, breathing heavily and coming down from the high of what had happened. Blaine kept his arms tightly wrapped around Kurt, nuzzling his neck and shoulder, smiling widely and loving every moment of this…this thing…whatever it was. It felt like a reunion almost, as they'd not had any time together in so long. He let his fingers trail up and down Kurt's chest and stomach, playing gently with the soft hair of his happy trail and kissing any skin he could reach.
"I've missed you so much, B," Kurt whispered into the dimly lit room. "I know we agreed to talk tomorrow, but right now, right here, I need you to know I'm sorry. I'm sorry I was blind about Carter, I'm sorry for whatever he did that I either didn't or couldn't see, and I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable. I won't let it happen again if I can help it. And Blaine…I love you more than anything in the world…I just want you to know that. You're the most important thing in my life, and if I haven't made you feel that way over the past few weeks, I promise to make it up to you tenfold. I adore you…everything about you…especially the part of you still inside me." Kurt finished his heartfelt sentiment with a giggle and Blaine couldn't help joining him, but he gasped and felt himself stir when Blaine bucked up beneath him while running his fingertips over Kurt's chest at the same time.
"I knew you only loved me for my nice, long co—"
"Stop it! You know that's not true, you evil pirate!" Kurt grinned and his body shook as he laughed. Before long they were a pile of giggling mess on the floor and someone was knocking on the door.
"Alright, horndogs, your time is up. Kurt, how long do these pinwheel things need to be in the oven?" Rachel asked through the door.
"Um…about 15 minutes or until they're golden brown," Kurt called back to her.
"I'm assuming you plan to return to YOUR party by then. You have other guests arriving, Loverboy. Hustle up!" She scolded, and Kurt scowled.
"I have to deal with…a little something…first, Rach…give me a minute…or five."
"If memory serves, you said it wasn't a little something at all, in fact, you said—"
"OK, RACHEL! That's enough…holy shit…" Kurt trailed off, gently rolling to one side and off of Blaine's chest. "Jesus…decorum, woman! Have a little, would ya?" He ground out as Blaine laughed out loud.
"Says the man who was just banged silly up against a door with a room full of guests down the hall!"
"Just. Shut. UP!" Kurt called back, and Blaine could almost feel him blush. Kurt stood, then reached a hand out to help Blaine up and he felt like a newborn giraffe, gangly and staggering around on his limbs. Holy hell that'd really knocked it out of him.
"You…you're amazing, Blaine," Kurt said, turning to nuzzle into his neck again. "And this isn't over. Don't you dare take that eye liner off before the night is over and I have you alone again. I plan to repay the favor and I can't wait," he grinned.
"I'm gonna hold you to that," Blaine grinned back, putting both hands on Kurt's cheeks and kissing him deeply. "Although, I don't know if we can top that. It was pretty freaking hot."
"We can try, though, can't we?"
"We can absolutely give it our best shot. Now let's clean up and get out there to our guests, shall we?"
"If we must…" Kurt lamented, winking at Blaine and sauntering away, hips swaying.
Of course they were harassed when they made their way out of the bedroom, but thankfully it was just Rachel, Finn, Nick, Trent and Thad. The newcomers had made their way upstairs as well, dressed as Bert and Ernie from Sesame Street, apparently just after Kurt dragged Blaine into the bedroom. Kurt was sure they were a shoe-in for best costumes and every time he looked at them he snickered. Sebastian and Hunter showed up next as Axl Rose and Slash and even Kurt could admit it was absolutely hot to see them dressed as such, guitars in tow. Clearly they thought the same of Blaine's costume as Kurt did, though, because Sebastian let out a long, low whistle when he saw Blaine come in from the kitchen.
"Holy shit, Blaine…wow. Who knew you had it in ya? Damn, boy…" Sebastian grinned.
"Oh you missed that part," Trent snarked. "He had it in him, alright, just as soon as Kurt laid eyes on him - apparently up against the door in the bedroom, and very loudly, too."
"Actually, if we're splitting hairs here as far as who had it in him—" Blaine began, but Kurt cut him off with a kiss and a grin, nibbling on his bottom lip right there for everyone to see.
"Blaine…we've discussed the TMI, right? Your inner Cooper is showing, Baby," he grinned, blushing deeply and biting his own lip.
"Ahhhh, the good ol' days when I could hear every time they screwed around. I miss it. Damn you and your insulation and sound proofing, Blaine. You're a spoilsport!" Sebastian laughed. "Thankfully I have Slash, here, to keep me occupied now. He keeps my voyeuristic tendencies in check…except when he encourages them."
"Seb…oh my God…" Hunter said, eyes wide and darting around. "Just stop…."
Kurt and Blaine merely rolled their eyes, grateful that they didn't feel the need to hush each other every time they kissed these days. But…it was all in fun, Kurt figured. And he was glad to have Hunter in the building now. Seb and Hunter looked insanely happy, and that was all that mattered. Not to mention that they looked downright fantastic in their costumes.
Kurt was second guessing his decision not to do a couples costume, but he and Blaine couldn't agree on anything, and when it came down to it, it wasn't about the costume, it was about spending time with friends and celebrating. They were doing a fine job of that. Kurt was proud of his Oliver Twist costume and received many compliments on how authentic it looked. Of course it was fantastic, it was a Kurt Hummel original. He smiled, watched as his friends arrived, dove into the food and conversation and just basically let loose. This is what he'd wanted all along and he was happy.
Joe and his wife, Suzanne, showed up dressed as Zeus and Hera a few minutes later. Suzanne raved about the apartment and said she'd done high dollar photoshoots in less opulent places, giving Kurt huge kudos for his designer touches. She and Kurt were quick friends, discussing photography and fashion and how they could work together to bump up both of their portfolios. Kurt was thrilled to have her on board and knew he'd found a good friend with a quick wit and winning personality.
Alyse had tagged along with Joe and Suzanne in her Elvira costume and her date was the Cool Ghoul. Naomi and Megan came dressed as Two Broke Girls which made everyone laugh. And later, after Trick-or-Treating, Maggie and Cooper showed up as Wilma and Fred Flintstone which made everyone howl with laughter, especially Blaine. Kurt was just beginning to relax, thinking perhaps Carter had finally gotten the message when the man himself strolled in dressed as….oh God…Jack Dawkins, the Artful Dodger. HOW in the world…? Kurt hadn't told anyone at all about his costume except for Blaine and now Carter was at the party basically dressed as the other half of Kurt…as if they were a couple. Kurt was angry…very angry. When Blaine caught sight of him, he immediately shifted questioning eyes to Kurt whose own eyes were huge as he shook his head 'no' emphatically and shrugged his shoulders.
Then Elliott showed up and Kurt's world spun. He was dressed as a pirate as well, just as sexy as Blaine, with just as much eye-liner and even some glitter thrown in there. Tight pants, billowing white shirt and shiny boots made the outfit and then he sidled up to Blaine and pulled his sword from the belt at his waist, slipping the tip up to Blaine's chin threateningly. He then quickly pulled it back, re-sheathing it, and threw his arms around his fellow pirate and Kurt went cold. Blaine leaned up to whisper something to him and Elliott pulled back with a massive grin, then leaned back in and kissed his cheek before walking away and joining the conversation between Joe and Nick. Kurt wasn't sure whether he was angry or elated, but his eyes never strayed far from Blaine all evening. If Elliott got too close, Kurt was going to say something for sure.
The games were a hit. He didn't go for the typical games he'd already played, but made up his own that were sure to have everyone laughing. He collected a huge bag of odd garments: oversized women's and men's underthings, slips, garters, ties, wigs, slippers, bathing suits, old fashioned girdles, feather boas, tiaras and generally odd things he'd found at the local thrift stores. The bag was then passed around as everyone stood or sat having their normal party conversations…but when the music stopped playing, whoever was holding the bag had to pull an item from it and put that item on. This would go on all evening and whoever had the least amount of oddball garb at the end would win a prize. Kurt didn't care who won. The simple fact that he had a photo of Cooper dressed as Fred Flintstone with a humongous bra over his leopard skin "dress" made it all worthwhile.
As all that went on, they also tied two of the biggest cucumbers Kurt could find into one foot of two pairs of pantyhose, then tied the other leg around each player's waist. The player had to use the hanging, swinging cucumber to move a grapefruit across the floor to the other side of the room, without using their hands at all, and across the finish line first. As soon as they crossed the finish line, they had to untie the panty hose, help the next person on their team into the pantyhose and they'd move the fruit back to the other side. There was some serious hip thrusting action going on there which may have been titillating if Kurt wasn't so frustrated with Elliott and Blaine…and Carter. The winning team, with the quickest time, got a prize for their efforts as well.
Kurt was surprised to see that Carter seemed to be getting along fairly well with everyone, but Kurt figured it was because he had been avoiding the boy like the plague all night. He kept busy refilling drinks and platters of food, moving empty plates to the kitchen counter and keeping track of the games. His luck ran out, though, when he stood at the piano emptying a bag of chips into a big bowl that had run low.
"Kurt…I feel like you're avoiding me…" Carter grinned, placing his hand solidly on Kurt's back, running his fingertips up and down his spine. Kurt shuddered, unsure why it affected him so much, but tried to be civil.
"I'm just busy playing host, Carter, it's nothing personal," Kurt answered kindly, "But you have some explaining to do with the costume. I'm not nearly amused…in fact, I'm a little upset. Why? Why would you do that, and how did you know?"
"A little birdie told me and since Blaine couldn't be bothered to be your other half, I thought I'd help you out. We look smashing together, Kurt, admit it!" Carter grinned.
"Let's be clear, Carter, I'm not happy about it. I'm not going to make a scene and argue about it here and now, but you have some explaining to do and I'm not sweeping it under the rug," Kurt told him. "Now continue to mingle and I'll do my thing here with the food."
"Your friends are really nice. It's too bad you don't spend much time at home to see them…or Blaine. I heard him complaining to Axl Rose over there that he's been bored out of his mind and going in to work early when he knows you won't be home. Doesn't he work at gay bar? That would make me jealous as hell…my boyfriend intentionally going to hang out at a gay bar when he doesn't have to be there. You're a strong guy, Kurt. I couldn't do it!"
"Oh, I don't worry at all, Carter. I trust Blaine. What we have isn't something he'll ever find again and I know he's not looking, so it's not a big thing. He goes in early to stock and help the owner get ready for the evening. It's part of his job and he enjoys being there. Nothing for me to wonder about," Kurt smiled. And, he found, he believed every word he'd just said.
"So who pays for the digs here, then? Surely he can't bring in too much money if he plays music in a bar a few nights a week. You don't mind supporting him?"
The hair on the back of Kurt's neck stood up and he was certain he was going to make a scene any minute. Gripping the edge of the piano as if his life depended on it, he gave his biggest smile and started to answer when he saw Puck sidle up to grab a handful of pretzels, setting his beer on the piano top.
"Coaster, Puckerman!" Kurt said through gritted teeth.
"Sorry, Kurt…didn't mean to mar your precious piano," he winked. "We all know very well how you feel about this piano, don't we Kurt?" Kurt's eyes went wide and he turned pink down to his chest. "I almost feel sinful eating food off of it. You sanitized it after the giant fuckfest, didn't you? I saw the pictures, Kurt, and that shit was the hottest thing I've ever seen. Blaine is a lucky ass man, I'm just sayin'…" he said, then winked again and turned to go.
"There's a story here, somewhere, and I need to hear it," Joe remarked, getting Puck's attention.
"NO…no you don't, no story. Puck's imagination is—"
"Don't deny it, Kurt, you'll hurt my boy, Blaine's, feelings if you act like it didn't happen. Didn't you get the pictures, Joe? Damn, you gotta see this…hang on, I think I kept one on my phone in the spank bank. I don't even care that it's two guys, it's fucking hot as hell…hang on…" Puck said flipping through pictures on his phone.
"Oh my God…" Kurt wheezed, and wanted to kill someone, but he felt marginally better when he saw that Carter was nearly green with envy and looking apoplectic.
"Here!" Puck yelled, thrusting his phone out toward Joe. "Feast your eyes on that hotness!"
"Oh no, Puck, please…" Kurt whined, grabbing for the phone and offending photos. "COOPER! I'm going to KILL YOU!" He yelled as Joe grabbed Puck's phone and his eyes went wide.
"Oh shit…you DID IT on the piano? Yeah…definitely hot, Kurt…."
"Now I ask you, Joe, have you ever seen such a fine pair of asses on two men in your life? Meant to be, I'm tellin' ya…damn…too much good stuff goin' on there, right Finn?!" Puck called, and Kurt used the distraction to slip away as everyone turned to look for Finn. He wanted to crawl under a piece of furniture and die.
"You guys could do porn, I'm just sayin'…" Kurt heard Joe say as Finn approached.
"HEY! That's my brother, man!" Finn yelled, whacking Puck in the head as Kurt closed the bathroom door and leaned against it.
He figured he could be upset. He could get angry and yell. He could hold a grudge against Cooper forever and a day. He knew he had every right to be angry and throw things…but in the end, that night was one of the best in his memory…in his life, and he wouldn't be ashamed of it in any way. He loved Blaine and Blaine loved him. He couldn't change the pictures now. At the soft knock on the door, he opened it to find Blaine standing there looking sheepish, a slight grin on his face.
"Do you want me to skewer Cooper?" He asked. Kurt just chuckled and drew him into the room.
"No, honestly, I don't care. That night was spectacular and I wouldn't trade it for the world. I'm not ashamed of it. And let's face it, Cooper, for all of his flaws, is a decent photographer and got a good shot or two. My ass looks fantastic, as does yours, and if I recall correctly, other things of yours looked fantastic that night, too." Kurt grinned, and then leaned in to kiss Blaine softly…deeply…cherishing the moment of peace.
"So come out and party with me. I think maybe David and Cat are here….three ghosts showed up and nobody seems to know who they are. They're very quiet and not speaking to anyone but each other," Blaine said.
"What? That's weird…ok, head back out, let's find out who it is. Kiss me again first?"
"With pleasure, Mr. Twist."
The ghosts were oddly quiet, Blaine was right. They kept to themselves, snacking like everyone else, just sneaking the goodies under their white sheets and drinking through straws as they meandered around the room. Kurt was beginning to wonder if their party had been crashed when he noticed Nick in the corner with a ghost, and he was- What the hell? Nick was practically making out with the ghost…and laughing.
"B-Blaine?"
"I see it, too. How much has he had to drink? I'm breaking this up now…" he said angrily, strolling over to the corner and right up to Nick.
"Duval…I think we have an issue here…" Blaine began, feisty and ready for anything.
"That's Sterling-Duval, Blaine…get used to it," Nick replied, leaning back in to kiss the ghost again.
"That it is, my friend, and I don't think the STERLING half of that hyphenated mess would be too thrilled with you at this point, man, what the hell?" Blaine said, agitated and bordering on angry.
"Leave me be, Blaine. I found my eggie…" Kiss…
"NICK! Seriously, man, back the fuck off. I'm not ok with this, and I'm surprised that you—"
"Found my eggie…Blaine." Nick was grinning now, more than a little tipsy, obviously, and Blaine was confused.
"I don't know what that means…what are you saying?" Blaine huffed, exasperated.
"My eggie… take it off, babe, you're annoying the party host," Nick laughed. The ghost sighed and lifted his sheet, and as it rose to chest level Blaine could see that whoever it was had indeed come in a fried egg costume to match Nick's bacon. Clever…but still. Then the sheet was dropped to the floor and Blaine saw the mess of blonde hair leaning heavily in the corner of the room, and grinning madly at him.
"JEFFIE!" He bellowed, throwing his arms around his friend. "Holy freaking shit, man, when did you get the casts off!?"
"This morning. I'm supposed to be taking it easy, but I thought I'd come and hang out for a little bit…see what's going on with your nemesis and how that's panning out…and I had a little "thing" to do, also, that led me here. Just a present for Kurt to get his head on straight, ya know?"
"Yeah, what's that?" Blaine asked.
"You'll see…eventually. Now somebody tell me why I'm wearing slippers and a feather boa, and why people keep shoving that bag of crazy shit at me when the tunes stop playing?" Jeff asked, completely confused. "This is the most f-ed up version of musical chairs ever, man!"
Kurt was more than thrilled to see Jeff at the party and nearly knocked him over with his exuberant hugs. When they turned their attention to the other two ghosts, though, Jeff just shrugged and shook his head as if he hadn't a clue who it might be. Kurt was the first to remark on the time and note that it was almost time for Blaine to leave for work, which meant half the party would be leaving as well in order to be on stage in time to play. Everyone else was planning on going, too, so it was time to either find out who the ghosts were or politely ask them to leave.
It was Blaine who worked it out first. Kurt glanced at his boyfriend and noticed his grin focused on someone across the room. While his inner self hoped it wasn't aimed toward Elliott, his outer self prepared for it to be so. When he followed Blaine's line of sight, though, he realized that the taller ghost had accessorized his sheet with a hat…a baseball hat…one which said "Hummel Tire and Lube" on it. Kurt actually vaulted an end table and nearly clipped two drinks in his haste to make it over to the sheeted pair, and upon seeing Kurt bulldoze his way through, a familiar laugh rang out from under the white fabric while arms opened to meet the euphoric man making his way through the crowd.
"DAD?!" He squeaked.
"The one and only, Kid!" Burt replied, then removed his sheet as Carol did the same.
"MOM!" Finn exclaimed from across the room, hurrying over toward the pair, then throwing his arms around his mom, then Burt. "Oh my God, what are you guys doing here?"
"Well, we've miss you guys, ya know? And when that giant, blonde ball of pent up energy called and said it was time for a visit, then sent an actual airplane to pick us up, who were we to say no?" Burt chuckled, nodding toward Jeff in the corner.
"Jeff did this?!" Kurt grinned. He turned in time to see Nick and Jeff working their way over with Blaine. Everyone shook hands and hugged until nobody had been missed. "Jeff, I can't believe you did this and didn't tell me!" Kurt groused.
"Kurt…you've been busy, a bit preoccupied lately, maybe, and you and I just talked about moving Blaine's mom and how you were sad that you didn't get to see your dad for very long while you were in Ohio. They had some free time and you have all weekend free, according to Blaine, so…I thought…I owe you, ya know? You're stressed and um…tense, perhaps…because of me…because I'm not there and the person who's taken my place has put you in an odd position. I figured it's the least I could do…and now I can do it, because my hard headed husband doesn't know how to listen to reason, and has gifted my bank account generously…so I aim to spend it on important things. This was important to me."
"You unbelievably amazing moron!" Kurt laughed and hugged Jeff again. "I can't thank you enough…I really can't. Thank you, Jeff," he said, eyes wet. "I needed this, I really, really did."
"I know…I know you did, man. I'm glad to do it. Now the real question is if Papa Hummel's going to go partying with us to The Dive!?" Jeff laughed.
"Oh…Oh, no, I think I had quite enough of that place the last time we were in town. I'll pass, but it's just as well. We both worked all day, then ran home, grabbed our bags and shot out the door to the airport. We're pretty beat, so if it's all the same to you, we'll get some sleep and you kids go do whatever it is you were gonna do. Don't worry about us," Burt said, and Carol nodded in agreement.
"Yeah, it's time to go, guys," Finn remarked, and leaned in to hug Carol again. "I'm so glad you're here, you guys," he said. "We have to hang out while you're in town. How long are you staying?"
"It's open ended, I think…Jeff said to just let him know when we needed to go and it would be taken care of. I think we'll head back Monday, though. We'll see," Carol told him. "So you guys go on, and we'll see you in the morning…that is, if Kurt and Blaine don't mind us taking over their guest room?"
"Absolutely not!" Blaine remarked. "You're always welcome here, and you know that. Make yourselves at home. I'm just sorry we have to go…well, I have to go, anyway, and I'm taking half the guests with me," he laughed.
"I could stay here—" Kurt began.
"No, Kid, you go. We won't be good company anyway. Have a ball, be careful and we'll see you all later."
"Ok…if you say so. But I need to clean all this up a little before we leave—"
"Kurt…go. I'm happy to put a few things away. We'll tackle the rest of it in the morning…all the dishes and whatnot. You just go have fun with your friends. I don't want you going there alone, so stick with the group," Carol told him.
"But I—"
"Go…really. I'll handle it!" Carol argued.
Kurt finally relented and, after passing out prizes, the group made their way out the door, down the stairs and outside as one merry band of party-goers, headed for the bar. Even Carter stuck around…but he was not at all happy with Blaine's arm around Kurt's waist or the wealth of sexy little gestures, kisses and innuendoes he'd witnessed all evening between the two.
A/N As always, to my beta, Suzanne...kudos. You make it legible and for that I'm grateful. This is long...it got away from me, but I hate leaving things unexplained and unclear. That leaves you guys with questions and if that's happening, I'm doing something wrong. Next up, the bar, the meeting with David Perry and Naomi and some of our other occupants, perhaps.
Wishing you all a very blessed Easter if you celebrate it. I'll be hanging with my family and *GASP* probably wearing pastels. Dear God... And if this isn't a big weekend for you, have a great one anyway :) Haven't heard from some of the regulars in a chapter or two, so know that I'm thinking of you and I hope all is well :) Hugs!