Ch. 98
They walked along as a group toward The Dive, taking it slow because Jeff was still a little less than nimble on his feet. In fact, he spent part of the walk there riding on Nick's back and then switched to Finn's back, looking like a small child and holding on for dear life like some demented koala. Kurt snapped a few pictures on his phone, knowing Jeff would thump him in the head for it later on.
They'd gone about three blocks when Kurt grudgingly left Blaine chatting with Elliott and trotted ahead a little to sidle up to Nick, who was lugging a laughing Jeff on his back.
"So did you talk to the guys? Are they ok with it?" Kurt asked as quietly as he could and still be heard.
"I did, to everyone but Blaine of course, and I sent them the video to run through it. I think it'll be fine. If I know Blaine, and I think I do, he'll be a little stumped at first, and then he'll chime right in like it's nothing."
"Yes!" Kurt smiled, more than a little ecstatic that they were willing to help him out.
"Are you ready for this? I have to tell you, Kurt, I was a little surprised when Jeff told me the plan…but in a good way. I think it'll be fantastic." Nick told him.
"You don't think he'll be embarrassed, do you? I don't want to make him feel uncomfortable…it's his job and all."
"Oh God, no, man, he'll think it's awesome. It might be a bit rough at first, since we've never really practiced it together but it'll do the trick," Nick winked. "He'll get the message, and so will your little shadow back there." Nick glanced over his shoulder to see Carter walking a little faster in order to catch up to Kurt.
"Jeff, you're gonna back me up, right?" Kurt asked without even glancing back.
"Absolutely, man, I wouldn't miss it for anything. This is gonna be awesome!"
The bar was absolutely packed, body to body, and it was impossible to move. The costumes ranged from sheets thrown over someone's head with two eyes cut out, to unbelievably intricate and extreme, probably costing a pretty penny. Kurt was mesmerized, and yet still a bit uncomfortable in the crowd. He stuck by Jeff as the boys and Alyse went backstage to get ready to play. They claimed barstools and chatted Mac and Mickey up for a while, both of them in a fantastic mood with the bar so full of people eager to spend their money. Thad, Trent, Hunter and Sebastian hit the dance floor as soon as they were able to carve out a space, but Kurt hung back with Jeff, not wanting to be engulfed in the crowd yet, and also not wanting Jeff to strain his leg.
Carter ran into a few friends, apparently, and he was talking with them and eyeing Kurt the whole time. Kurt had to resist the urge to walk over and say "I'm not sure what he's telling you and why you keep staring over at me, but I want to choke the life out of him, NOT date him, just fyi…."
"So what brought this on, I wonder?" Jeff asked. Kurt didn't have to question it. He knew what Jeff was referring to.
"I've been…um…I've neglected our time together lately. I've been working too late and staying longer than I should. He's been lonely at home, I know he has, and it's my fault. I need to manage my time better, and maybe that means bringing things home to do, and then working on it after he leaves, ya know, while he's here at work. I'm not giving 'us' enough attention and I don't want him to think I don't care. I do…Jeff I care about him so much. Honestly, when I'm at work and I know I should be at home, all I can think about is Blaine. I don't know what I did before I met him, really. He's my heart and soul and I don't ever want to neglect 'us'. I need to do better, and this is my way of telling him how I feel…as well as telling Carter to back the hell off."
"Ok, I get it, and Kurt, he knows. Blaine knows you love him. I have to tell you, man, through all of this he's never doubted your love for him or your faithfulness. Ever. Believe me, he knows what Carter is, but he also knows you, and he's happy with you, Kurt. But yes, I'd work on spending more time alone, just you guys. It'd do you both a world of good," Jeff told him.
"I plan to. He deserves better. And Carter needs to know where he stands."
"Speaking of Carter," Naomi interrupted, breezing by with a forced grin, "can you take a few minutes to meet David and me at the Loft tomorrow, Kurt? I know your parents are in town, and I know it's bad timing, but this is a meeting that has to happen and the sooner, the better. David just replied to my text saying he won't be around tonight, but he'll be there in the morning. If you can make it, David is going to text Carter about a 'mandatory meeting'. There are things going on that you both need to know."
"Yeah…I mean, I'd rather not, on a Saturday, but if it's important, then yes. You know I'll be there. Count me in."
"I'll tell David, then. How does 11:00 sound to you?"
"That works for me. I might be slightly coherent by then," Kurt smiled.
"That goes for both of us!" She grinned.
"Come dance with me, Kurt. I can only baby this leg for so long before I lose my mind. Let's go work off the 37 shrimp I ate at your place, shall we?" Jeff urged. Kurt couldn't say no.
The band had been playing for about an hour and a half, and they were scheduled to take a short break when the current song finished, long enough to get a drink if necessary, and Nick nudged Kurt.
"I think this is us, man," he smiled. Kurt's heart was pounding as he nodded to a smiling Finn, who was motioning with his head toward the side of the stage where the stairs were to go back stage. Kurt nodded ok and they all three headed that way.
As the song ended, Blaine leaned into his mic and announced their short break and, as usual, the crowd boo-ed, and he rolled his eyes.
"We'll be right back, guys and ghouls, no worries-" he began, but Finn cut him off.
"Actually, we have one more song in this set, Blaine. Have a seat buddy, you're jumping the gun, aren't you?" Finn smiled widely, then tapped out a rhythm on his drums. Elliott grinned and slipped his guitar strap over his head, handing it off to Nick as he approached. Blaine was absolutely confused and didn't recognize the music as anything they'd ever played or even practiced. But the real surprise came when he heard a sweet, clear, melodic voice over the speakers and his heart began to pound. His angel was singing, and in a crowded bar full of people. Blaine couldn't have moved from his piano bench if his life depended on it…he was mesmerized. As soon as the first words were out of Kurt's mouth, Blaine recognized the Mary Wells song and smiled widely, biting his bottom lip and feeling happy tears spring to his eyes. He was absolutely giddy watching Kurt tentatively stroll on stage from behind the curtains.
"Nothin' you could say can tear me away from my guy…..nothin' you could do 'cause I'm stuck like glue to my guy….I'm stickin' to my guy like a stamp to a letter, like birds of a feather we…stick together…I'm tellin' you from the start, I can't be torn apart from my guy….."
Kurt's voice was rich and full and Blaine was absolutely in awe. He shook his head at his boyfriend, not able to believe what he was seeing and hearing, and resisted the urge to laugh out loud when Kurt shook his hips as if what he was doing was an everyday occurrence. He hadn't been this happy in a long time, and once again his happiness was due to Kurt….always his Kurt.
As the man of the hour sauntered over and rested a hand on his shoulder, then thumbed the back of his neck, Blaine grinned at him and turned to pick up where they were in the song. He played the notes on his piano and was having the time of his life with Kurt on stage ruffling his hair as if it was an everyday occurrence. When he realized it was Jeff singing back up, he was once again floored. When had they come up with this plan and why didn't anyone clue him in?
Kurt continued to sing flawlessly, and Blaine played right along, all the while wondering where this had all come from and when they'd arranged it without him. He could hear a few snags in the music, but for the most part, it was pretty damn good and Blaine was impressed that they'd pulled it together without a rehearsal. If there had been one, they'd kept him out of it.
As the song ended to wild applause Kurt wasn't ready for or expecting, Blaine hit his last note and nearly leapt from the bench to haul Kurt into his arms and spin him around as he kissed him deeply, laughing all the while.
"Kurt! That was absolutely fucking fantastic!" He screamed over the wolf whistles and the cheering. "God I love you…I love you so damn much you sneaky, beautiful man! Who knew Oliver Twist could pull off Mary Wells!?" Blaine laughed.
"Well, you know…." Kurt began shyly, "You're My Guy, and I want everyone to know it. You liked it then? I didn't embarrass you? I was afraid—"
"Embarrass me? Holy hell, Kurt, no way! If anything, I'm afraid you'll take my job!" Blaine grinned, leaning in for another kiss. The band members were all grinning and moving off stage when Kurt recalled the mic in his hand and spoke into it quickly.
"Thanks guys!" He quipped and they all turned their grins his way, giving a wave or a thumbs up as they shuffled back stage. Kurt clicked the mic off and set it on the piano, content to just hold Blaine in front of God and everyone as Mac flipped the 'in between sets' music on and Kurt felt everyone melt away as he stood there lost in Blaine's kiss and those beautiful eyes.
Five drinks in and a couple hours later, Kurt was feeling no pain and having a great time. The loss of inhibitions from the alcohol made the crowd tolerable, and Jeff and Nick took turns by his side, boxing out and keeping anyone from coming too close…including Carter. He'd tried his best all evening to get Kurt alone, even after Kurt sang the song to Blaine. Kurt wondered if he could be any denser or more persistent. Carter had even gone so far as to follow Kurt into the restroom, which is where they currently were.
Kurt saw that every urinal was in use and knew he couldn't wait, so he sauntered into a stall and unzipped, doing his business quickly, zipping back up and moving to unlatch the door. When he did so, however, it swung in with more force than he'd anticipated and nearly hit him in the face, Carter following behind the door and crowding him into the little stall, unable to fully close the door properly with both of them there.
"C-Carter! What the hell are you doing?!" Kurt sputtered, taken aback.
"Wanna spend some time with you this evening, Kurt, and you've been monopolized by blondie and his lap dog all night, so I had to find a minute for us to be alone."
"I don't…no, Carter, there is no 'us' and 'alone', so you need to back out of the way and let me out of here. It's a freakin' bathroom stall, Carter. Damn it!" Kurt was angry, and Carter was oblivious. It was clear he'd had his share of alcohol and he wasn't budging.
"C'mon, Kurt, just a few minutes of your time…" he slurred.
"GET. OUT. OF. MY. WAY." Kurt fumed, then shoved the man away with both hands to Carter's shoulders, making him stagger backwards.
"Ok, ok, I get it…this is Blaine's place, and you're afraid someone might see us. That makes sense…just lemme in and we'll close the door. You can do so much better than him, anyway, Kurt, I mean really…"
"Carter, you need to move right now, I swear to God, or there will be issues and intense pain." Kurt growled. A few men left in the bathroom were beginning to stare, realizing this wasn't a planned tryst in the men's room and perhaps something wasn't right. Kurt's chest was heaving and he was having those old feelings of being cornered, feeling helpless and anxious.
"But Kurt, you know how I feel about you…you can't not know at this point, I mean come on!" Carter argued.
"My concern is not how you feel about me, Carter. My concern is for how I feel about Blaine. Blaine is my boyfriend, I adore him and I love him more than anything, and there's no room in our relationship for anything else. Just us…Blaine and me. We don't cheat on each other, we don't flirt with others, we just want to be us, and you're infringing on that. I've tried to be polite and ask you to back off, I've told you not to bring me gifts and food at work, and I've told you the coffee is absolutely not necessary. I don't know how I can be clearer without being rude, but it's apparent that's what's going to have to happen!" Kurt belted out, his speech impassioned. Carter just smiled and rolled his eyes at everything Kurt said. "Carter, I love Blaine. I don't want to date you, I don't want to mess around with you and I don't want to be trapped in a fucking bathroom stall with you in a bar. I'm asking you, one more time, to move or things will get seriously ugly, mark my words." Kurt said, and at that point he was nearly snarling.
Just then, the stall door next to them opened and Elliott walked out, looking delicious as he ever had, heeled boots on, all black leather, hair spiked and eyeliner screaming. The look on his face wasn't friendly, and it was clear he'd heard everything. Of all the fucking people. Kurt resisted the urge to roll his eyes.
"Hey Kurrrrt…" Elliott drawled. "What's shakin', Baby?" Elliott asked, sweet as pie, now with a painted on blood red grin. He watched Kurt and Carter through the mirror as he dutifully washed his hands and then dried them on a paper towel, tossing it toward the waste basket and making the field goal motion as the towel went in. He didn't wait for an answer, just turned to Carter with the same grin…which then turned predatory. Kurt was almost amused. "Listen…Carter, is it? I know how you feel, man, I mean, look at this guy." He said, motioning to Kurt and devouring him with his lined eyes. "He's fucking hot, let's not beat around the bush, here, but I gotta tell ya, my eye's been on Blaine for weeks now, and you know what Blaine told me when I wanted to tap that? He told me that he was in a relationship with Kurt and that I had no chance. He loves Kurt, I know this, I've watched them, I've talked to Blaine about Kurt a lot, and I know there's nobody else for him. But I get where you're coming from. A hot guy like Kurt…you wanna get ya some o' that, right? So here's the difference between you and me, Carter." Elliott continued, slowly backing Carter up to the wall in the restroom, as everyone watched, including Kurt. Carter was trying his best to remain unconcerned, but Elliott had at least five inches on him in height, and probably a good 20 lbs. as well. "Blaine said no, Carter. He told me he loves Kurt and he's not interested in anyone else but Kurt. I listened. I respect that. I don't want to get in the middle of anything that Blaine holds dear because he's my friend first and foremost, so I backed the fuck off. That's exactly what you're going to do now, Carter, or there will be problems, do you understand? I've heard Kurt tell you, in no uncertain terms, that he's not interested, so you need to move on and make yourself scarce before I call security and have you bodily removed, understand?"
Carter had his back to the cold, tile wall now, but he hadn't taken his eyes off Elliott the whole time. Kurt wasn't sure it was the alcohol talking or false bravado, but when Carter opened his mouth to speak, Kurt dropped his eyes and shook his head. What an idiot.
"You know what, goth boy, I don't have to listen to a fucking word you say. I'll have Kurt, because he's what I want. And I get what I want. I'm a Covington, and we don't take no for an answer, so back the fuck off me, glitter rock vampire!" With that, he shoved Elliott back roughly and spit in his face.
The room went crazy.
Out on the dance floor Jeff was flailing around with Hunter and Sebastian having a great time, finally getting to watch Nick play again as Elliott had offered to split the night with him. He loved watching Nick play. It turned him on a little more than it should have, maybe. Ok, maybe not. Nick was hot, and Jeff was enthralled. He realized he was a little too enthralled when Sebastian smacked him upside the head and laughed in his face, noting he'd completely stopped dancing to the music and was standing stock still in the middle of the floor just staring at Nick all mooney eyed. Nick noticed, too, grinning and winking at his husband. When he mouthed "I love you" to Jeff, the blonde blushed and ducked his head, blowing him a kiss in reply. His hubby was the best.
Suddenly he was being grinded on from behind and Nick actually snickered when Jeff's eyes flew open wide as he spun around to see who had their hands on his ass. He shouldn't have been surprised to see Cooper goofing around, dancing in an exaggerated fashion, making a complete fool of himself. Maggie sat on a barstool not far away, grinning and shaking her head at him and his shenanigans.
"You asshole, I almost turned around and decked you!" Jeff laughed.
"But now you're so enamored you wanna kiss me instead, right?" Cooper laughed, his eyes bright and hopeful.
"You're such a dork, man. Your wife would kick my ass, and my husband would kick yours!" He laughed.
"It'd be a free for all! It'd sure liven this party up a little bit, though, wouldn't it?" Cooper laughed, obviously being sarcastic because the place was absolutely rocking.
Just then, they heard a bunch of yelling and a ruckus over in the corner near the hallway that led to the bathrooms. Another partier made his way through the thick crowd and over to the bar where Mickey was already making his way out from behind it.
"What's going on?!" he demanded of the stranger with wide eyes.
"Fight! There's a fight in the bathroom…the new guitar player…and Blaine's boyfriend…" he breathed out, huffing for breath as if he'd just run a mile.
"SHIT!" Jeff yelled, taking off for the bathrooms and shoving his way through the crowd with Cooper, Sebastian and Hunter hot on his heels.
"You know he's gonna be so mad when he sees what you did, right?" Burt asked.
"I know he will, but he won't be in any shape to clean up tomorrow morning after a night out of partying, and, truth be told, I'm still a bit wired. When they all left I was winding down, but I think I've gotten my second wind," Carol winked. Her arms were up to her elbows in soap suds in the sink, having already loaded what she could into the dishwasher. It was humming along beside her as she washed the last crock pot and set it on the dish drainer. "All done, last one!" She happily announced, wringing out the dish rag to wipe the counters down.
"So how 'bout this place, huh? Blaine must be making a helluva lot more than what I figured they paid band members who play in bars. I don't know what I was thinkin', but clearly he's making enough to get by," Burt said, still eyeing everything around him.
"Oh for goodness sake, Burt, he had some money in the bank that his grandfather left him!" Carol laughed. "There's no way he'd afford this apartment on what the bar pays. Believe me, I hear Finn complain about it all the time, but he has way too much fun to even think of leaving that place."
"It's just…I didn't really…well, I didn't NOT believe him, but I thought Kurt was exaggerating a little bit when he was saying how large it was," Burt said, staring around in awe.
"We haven't even seen half of it. Did you find a guest room yet?"
"I think there's a bedroom on this side of the building and another on that side. There's a bathroom over here, too, and I'm assuming probably one with that other bedroom. We just have to figure out which one's theirs, and I'll throw our stuff into the other one." Burt said, yawning at the end to emphasize how tired he was.
Carol strode down the hall one way as Burt went the other, this short hall closer to the kitchen. At the same time, they spoke, yelling to each other.
"I think I found it—" Burt began, but cut himself off when Carol squeaked and slammed the other door.
"It's safe to say it's NOT this one!" She said, attempting to keep her grin hidden.
"How can you tell?"
"Um…you know…just…the stuff that's in there…personal things I know Kurt would want…clothes and pictures and…stuff," Carol stuttered out. She wasn't about to tell Burt about the massive tube of lube she found on the floor just inside the door or the things she spied in the half open bedside table drawer. She would sure never mention it to the boys, either.
The number one rule of being in a band, as far as Blaine was concerned, was that no matter what happened, you kept playing. It was considered unprofessional to stop playing mid song for any reason barring fire, the building crumbling around you or a zombie apocalypse. But, when he saw the panicked look on Maggie's face when the rest of his friends ran toward the ruckus, then read her lips when she said "Kurt!", he stopped playing and launched himself headlong off the stage and into the fray in search of the love of his life. Job and music be damned, if Kurt was in trouble, there was nothing more important.
He tried hard to maintain his composure as he worked his way through the crowd, but at a certain point, his manners went out the window and he just started shoving people aside to get to Kurt.
He was about 6 people back from the hallway when the bouncers could be seen carving a path out of the restrooms and toward everyone waiting outside the hallway. Blaine felt sick as he strained to see over the heads of everyone in front of him, cursing his height, not for the first or last time in his life. Were they manhandling Kurt? Was he hurt? What the hell had happened? He was so frustrated he wanted to scream…and so he did.
"MOVE! Let me through, please! Get out of the way!" he yelled loudly, and oddly, people did just that. His small size let him weasel his way through and he ducked and worked his body between those who were packed in too tightly to get out of his way. As he made his way to the front of the mob, he noticed that the bouncers were empty handed and a couple of them were just grinning as Elliott, of all people, dragged a man out in a choke hold with his arm pinned behind his back. Elliott's nose was bleeding and he was sweating, his shirt a bit ripped, but other than that, he looked none the worse for wear. The other guy…and then Blaine realized who it was….thankfully NOT Kurt, but Carter Covington. Suddenly he felt lighter, less afraid, and he needed to find Kurt NOW.
As he shoved through the last two people in front of him, he started toward the hall when he saw Kurt stumble out over the masses of people, hair askew and out of breath as he grinned at Elliott's retreating back and Carter's look of loathing directed his way.
"KURT! Oh my God, what the hell happened?!" Blaine yelled, rushing up to him and throwing his arms around the shaken man.
"It's fine…everything's fine. Carter…he followed me into the restroom and…he um…he tried to corner me in a stall. He said he wanted to spend some time with just me and I, obviously, wasn't ok with that. He wasn't going to take no for an answer and things got a little tense, but oddly enough, Elliott was in there at the same time and Carter was no match for both of us." Kurt's voice was shaky, a little breathy, and it was clear he was still somewhat tense, but he looked fine. Blaine knew, though, that although Kurt might appear unscathed physically, his mind was probably whirling. He ran his fingers over Kurt's face and up through his hair just feeling him.
"C'mon, come sit. Get something to drink, even just some water. Where's Elliott going?" Blaine asked, looking over his shoulder for his friend while guiding Kurt back through the throng of people toward the bar.
"Not goin' anywhere, man, I'm in it for the long haul! We still have half a set to play!" Elliott said from behind them. Kurt turned with a bright smile and nearly flung himself at Elliott, arms holding on tightly in a sincere hug that surprised both Elliott and Blaine.
"Thank you…thank you for just…for that. I appreciate it more than you know, Elliott, and for what it's worth, I'm sorry for every bad thought I had about you. You're a damn good friend to Blaine, and I appreciate what you said and did in there." Kurt spouted, a little breathless from his speech.
"Wasn't anything, Kurt. You certainly didn't need my help, that's for sure! Color me intrigued, Blaine…who knew this one had it in him?" Elliott laughed, eyes wide as he took in Kurt, standing tall and strong, his grin contagious.
"One of you please tell me what happened?!" Blaine said, exasperated. Jeff, Hunter and Sebastian worked their way through the crowd behind them.
Jeff said the same,"Yeah, what the hell went down?"
"I was already in there when Kurt came in, I guess, and when he went to leave the stall, an inebriated Carter shoved his way in and tried to get Kurt to give him a little lovin' in there. Kurt wasn't having any part of it, though, and when he told Carter to leave him alone, several times, in no uncertain terms, things got a little crazy. Carter wasn't taking the hint, so I stepped in and told him to back off as well, and he thought it was a wise idea to shove me and spit in my face. Then he attempted to manhandle Kurt back into the stall again and all hell broke loose. Kurt turned into some crazed Ninja and wasted him, but not before Carter got a good shot at my nose. It's ok…nobody panic, it's not broken and I'm pretty sure Carter's balls are worse off tonight. Mama didn't wear ass kickin' boots just to look pretty." Elliott smiled, sliding an arm around Kurt's waist in a half hug before momentarily moving off to accept a beer from the cute bartender who'd been eyeing him all night.
Blaine slowly shook his head, dumbfounded at what had happened. He hated that Kurt was assaulted, but Kurt, for the most part, looked ok. He was still a bit breathless and Blaine was sure it hadn't all sunk in yet, but he'd once again defended himself from someone who meant to do him harm and he hadn't slunk away from the challenge.
"You…are so…Kurt." That was all Blaine was able to get out when he looked into Kurt's eyes. Kurt smirked and shrugged his shoulders.
"I learned from the best, ya know?" he said quietly, bumping hips with Jeff beside him.
"Best thing I ever did, teaching you how to defend yourself, Kurt. I'm proud of you, man!" Jeff grinned, sliding his arm over Blaine's and around Kurt's waist and leaning in for his bro hug. He bumped fists with Blaine and gave him a short nod, knowing Blaine was grateful for the lessons as well.
"Ok, NOT what I meant by 'liven up this party', you guys!" Cooper said, slipping up to the group with Maggie in tow.
"Oh Kurt, goodness, look at you…and Elliott!" Maggie exclaimed, grabbing for napkins on the bar and dipping them into her drink, then wiping the blood from Elliott's nose and the scratch on Kurt's arm.
"Hey, that's gonna sting!" Kurt whined, eyeing Maggie's drink.
"It's water, you big baby, calm down and hold still!" Maggie chided, continuing to blot and wipe at him.
"Not a baby…" Kurt whined.
"You're my baby…" Blaine smiled, kissing his cheek then placing a soft peck on the small cut on Kurt's lip. "Are you ok? Really ok?" he whispered closely into Kurt's ear.
"I'm alright, but I think I'm about ready to head home as soon as you guys are done here, ok?"
"Yep, I can imagine you are. Let me get the guys going again and we'll finish up and head out. Stay put please, and don't go to the bathroom alone, do you hear me?" Blaine said in his mock tone of authority.
"Aye aye, sir. I'll park my perky ass right here until you're done playing." Kurt grinned and accepted a kiss from Blaine as he strode away through the crowd mumbling about playing and Kurt's perky ass.
"Were you freaked out?"
"Maybe for a minute, but uh….no, not really. I was more angry than freaked out, I think," Kurt replied, watching the sidewalk go by in the dark as they idly walked home. He'd been uncharacteristically quiet since they left the bar and Blaine was concerned. "And I'm a little uptight with how things at work will be now, as well. If they were uncomfortable before, this will be torture."
"I hadn't even considered work. I don't know what you're thinking, but if you want my opinion, I think you should talk to David about it. I know I don't have to tell you that I'm hardly comfortable with him working right by your side every day anymore. I hated it before, and I can't even conceive of it now!"
Kurt gave him a look…a bit sheepish and a little ashamed.
"I'm so sorry, Blaine. I knew how he was…a little flirty, I guess…and I let it go. I didn't want to make him upset because I needed his help for the things we were working on and I didn't do myself any favors by not saying anything when I first realized what he was up to. I wasn't fair to you, and I can't apologize enough. I wish I'd seen it from the very beginning, but I didn't…and when I did, I should have nipped it in the bud."
"Well, you know now. What happens now is what we have to focus on, I guess," Blaine told him. "Out of curiosity, though, what made you see what was going on? I mentioned it and you looked at me like I was crazy. What changed your mind?"
"I'm not sure. It was combination of things, really…he started acting oddly, bring me things that were just…I dunno…weird. And when I reacted to that, he was obviously irritated but didn't say why. Does that make sense?" Kurt's brow was furrowed in question and Blaine's eyes were wide with amusement.
"What did he bring you?" He smirked.
"Well, one day he brought me strawberry shortcake, and just no. NO, Blaine, you know what happens when I get anywhere near strawberries…." Kurt began, but paused when Blaine started snickering.
"And? Anything else?"
"Yeah, the next day he came in with a drip…like…with nothing in it, Blaine. Who drinks coffee like that, really? It's nasty!" Kurt said with obvious distain. Blaine couldn't hold it in anymore and he burst out laughing.
"Oh my God, he's so gullible!" He chuckled, having to stop and catch his breath. "Oh Kurt, I'm sorry…I wasn't sure he'd fall for it, but Jeff was so sure…."
"What? What did you guys do, Blaine?" Kurt asked, eyes squinted, and hands on his hips now.
"Remember the paper weight with the clover and we were wondering how he'd known we were discussing Ireland? Well, you put that on your Facebook page. So we thought he'd been stalking your page. But then Jeff and Nick said he might be watching mine as well, so I may have mentioned a few of your favorite things to see if they were right…and I guess they were!" Blaine laughed again.
"Oh my God, seriously? That's creepy, Blaine. It's….I'm not ok with that. He has no right stalking your page, I mean seriously. So you said something about me liking or wanting that stuff and he just…Ugh. I don't even want to talk about it…or him…anymore tonight. Can we just go to bed now?" Kurt huffed.
"Here? I think we should probably at least go inside, Kurt." Blaine grinned, nudging his shoulder and then grabbed Kurt's hand and walked up the front steps of their building.
Inside it was quiet as death, everyone either still out (Hunter, Sebastian, Trent and Thad) or fast asleep (Carole, Burt, Maggie and Cooper). They made their way upstairs quietly and slipped inside. Burt had left a lamp on in the living room so they could see to walk around, and probably more for him and Carol than the boys. Kurt left it on and pulled Blaine into their room, walking backwards and tugging Blaine along with a mischievous grin.
"Can you darken the eye liner before bed?" Kurt asked, his tone sexy and low.
"Depends, what's in it for me?" Blaine answered playfully.
"Oh…I dunno. I thought maybe I'd wear your Dalton tie tonight…"
"I'll put on as much eyeliner as you want, baby, just say the word." Blaine said as he hurried away to the bathroom in search of the eye pencil.
"Mr. Covington, how kind of you to show up…" David began, looking at his watch. "And only 28 minutes late." His smile was cold and he was angry, there was no doubt about that.
Carter wasn't in any mood to be lectured and surely not the likes of David Perry. As far as Carter was concerned, he answered to Kurt, and Kurt wasn't around. He wasn't thrilled to see his class advisor there for the meeting, however. She was clearly not happy to see him either.
"Mr. Covington, please have a seat." Ms. Delgado stated her tone sharp. She wasn't in a very good mood this morning either, apparently. "It seems that we have an issue with your internship—" she began, but paused when she heard the door open and saw Kurt exit the restroom from the corner of her eye. Carter's eyes didn't miss him either. Is that what this meeting was about? He racked his brain to remember what time the text from David had shown up on his phone. He hadn't seen it until the wee hours of the morning, well after he'd been kicked out of The Dive. Had Kurt run to David and demanded the meeting because of what happened in the restroom? Oh this was rich. What happened at the bar had nothing to do with work, and he wouldn't let them scold him for that. It was none of their business.
"Good morning, Kurt." Carter said, his tone saccharine sweet and his smile predatory. There was no way he was going to allow Kurt to be the cause of him losing this internship. He needed this and he didn't plan on going down without a fight.
"Carter. Your nose is a little puffy this morning, everything ok?" Kurt asked just as sweetly.
"I'm fine, thanks. You?"
"I've been better, actually. But I'm sure we'll get to all that. Ms. Delgado, you were saying?" Kurt asked, turning his eyes to Carter's advisor.
"Yes, thank you. Mr. Covington, it's been brought to my attention that there have been a few incidents that have happened here in the office that can't be explained. Things have gone missing as well as other items being damaged. Would you like to tell me what you know about any of these things?" Ms. Delgado asked, her tone formal and unflinching.
"I don't know what you're talking about at all. I'm not even sure why I'm here, actually."
"Well, oddly, I'm certain if you think long and hard you'll be able to recall walking out the door with a brand new $800 tablet in your bag earlier this week…not to mention the yards upon yards of dupione silk that also found its way into your bag before you left the other night?"
"That's a lie. I don't know what you're trying to pull here, Kurt. What happened last night has nothing to do with work, and this is utter bullshit, you trying to get me fired after that stunt you pulled in the bathroom at the bar!" Carter yelled, standing up so quickly he upended his chair. Kurt merely smiled and didn't move a muscle.
"There was an incident last evening? You were out in the same bar?" David asked.
"We were," Kurt said levelly, keeping his tone solid and unyielding. "You know, David, that Blaine and I threw a Halloween Party last night. After the party, Blaine and his friends were still scheduled to work…to play in the band at The Dive. Carter was at the party, so he came along to the bar with everyone else." Kurt explained. Carter was looking sick now, as apparently Kurt hadn't mentioned the bar at all, and now he'd just made things worse by opening his mouth about it.
"Would you like to explain what that was all about?" David asked, turning to Carter.
"I don't think it really has anything to do with work, David," Kurt chimed in. "In fact, the evidence you already have is damning enough that a bathroom brawl kind of pales in comparison if you ask me." Kurt smirked.
"You were fighting in the bar?" David asked, turning back to Carter. "With whom?"
Carter blanched and hated himself for having brought up the matter at all. This didn't sound good. But, it was only Kurt there, and it was his word against Carter's, right?
"I was trying to speak with Kurt and he was drunk off his ass and he assaulted me!" Carter said, raising his voice. Kurt said nothing, only smiled. "Don't try to turn this around on me, Kurt. You know how it went down. Just because I'm not interested and wouldn't go out with you doesn't mean-" Carter began, his tirade getting louder and louder.
"Oh no you did not, Carter Covington. I'm sorry, David, but I can only sit quietly for so long!" Naomi burst in, standing from her chair in a huff. "Carter, you have draped yourself over Kurt like a well worn poncho for weeks now, making him, as well as everyone in the office, uncomfortable beyond words. The thing is, Kurt was too kind and polite to say anything, unfortunately, and you just kept it up even after he was very clear that he was in a relationship with Blaine. It's amazing, really, how many times he had to move away from you, refuse your advances and just plain ask you to back off with the coffee and the gifts. Yet you never got a clue, and last night was the last straw. I know what happened, Carter, and let's not forget there are witnesses…lots of 'em. I made sure to talk to everyone who was in that bathroom when all hell broke loose!"
"You little trouble maker. You're just jealous! I warned you-" Carter hissed.
"I think that's enough with the threats, Mr. Covington. I'll thank you to take your seat again." Ms. Delgado was clearly not entertained and after what she'd already seen, she was certain of her path. "Mr. Covington, I won't argue with you over the tablet and the fabric, you see…there's video where it's very clear that you put those things into your bag and walked out without permission."
Video? VIDEO? Carter's head was spinning. How was there video? He'd made very sure to case the place out when he started there and the security system on the front door was just that…on the front door. The windows were wired as well, but there were no cameras inside. How in the hell was there video? They were bluffing. That had to be it, he thought.
Kurt sat numbly in his chair considering the video he'd seen that morning before Carter arrived. They'd all seen it, and he was livid, if not a little embarrassed as well by Carter's actions behind his back. Kurt was absolutely furious, as was David, since it clearly showed Carter destroying the suit pants on Thursday as soon as everyone else was otherwise occupied. On second thought, livid wasn't a strong enough word. Kurt squeezed his eyes shut and ground his teeth together as the conversation droned on around him.
"This is bullshit. You're bullshitting me!" Carter boomed. "There's no video of anything! I didn't do those things, and she's full of shit!" Carter snarled, pointing at Naomi. "You're going down, bitch! I don't know what your beef is with me, but you're gonna wish you'd kept your mouth shut!"
"I think I'll take that for the threat that it is and file for a restraining order, Carter. And for what it's worth, I've come clean to Kurt and to David already, so you don't scare me. Do your worst, they already know my secrets. Thanks for that by the way. I feel 100 lbs lighter with that off my shoulders."
"I still call bullshit!"
"Perhaps you'd like to see the video for yourself, Mr. Covington?" Ms. Delgado asked, then turned the laptop on and hit play. There, on the screen, was a grainy, black and white video of everything he'd been accused of, from taking the tablet and the fabric, to Carter slipping the broken pen into the pants pocket of Kurt's freshly finished trousers. As they all watched in horror as the ink ran and stained the pants, Carter watched the angle of the camera, looking around to see where it could have been placed. Still, he saw nothing.
"You're to return the tablet, Mr. Covington, as well as pay for the silk, and you will also pay for the replacement fabric for the pants that had to be remade…and you'll pay Kurt for the time he was here re-making them. And I assure you, Mr. Covington, Kurt doesn't work cheaply," David smiled.
"Fuck this! I quit, do you hear me? I don't want to work here anymore and you all can kiss my ass!" He ground out, fists leaning on the conference table as he snarled the harsh words to everyone, looking each and every one of them in the eye.
"That is fortuitous, Mr. Covington, as you've already been fired, and I've contacted the authorities about the stolen items." David commented.
"You might also want to pack your things, Mr. Covington, as you are no longer a student at Parsons as of this morning. Your scholarship has been revoked due to your reprehensible behavior. Theft and criminal damage are not qualities we look for in our students. I suggest you make arrangements to pack and vacate your dorm room as quickly as possible. I'm certain another student will be over the moon to accept the position you've left vacant." Ms. Delgado said flatly. "You have disgraced yourself as well as our establishment, Mr. Covington, and it will not be tolerated. Good day to you, sir." She said, dismissing him both with her words and her tone.
Shaking with anger and hatred for everyone in the room except himself, Carter strode to the door of the conference room and turned to glare at everyone still seated around the table. It was as if his anger had sucked in any words he'd planned to spout out, and incinerated them to the point that they were no longer. It was more than clear that Carter was furious, his chest was heaving and his face was beet red, but he had no words to say anymore. There was nothing left for him to throw out. He'd stolen property from the loft, he'd sabotaged Kurt's work and he'd made an ass of himself the night before at the bar. The only thing left to do now was to slink off and lick his wounds. He wouldn't show them defeat, though. No, his ego was too huge for that. Instead he walked through the loft toward the door, systematically shoving over every mannequin and dress form in his meandering path, leaving a mess behind him. For everyone else in the room, this was nothing new….just a different kind of mess for them to clean up after Carter Covington walked away.
As the door slammed, Naomi was the first to let out an audible sigh of relief. She slumped back in her chair and covered her face with her hands and much to her embarrassment, she felt tears slide down her cheeks.
"Oh, honey, it's ok…" Kurt said sweetly, slipping into the chair beside her. "It's over, he's gone, and you didn't need to…uh…all of your thoughts are still your own, ok? Don't worry…" he said, rubbing a hand over her back as she slumped against him and just quietly let her worries cascade down her face. David handed Kurt his handkerchief, which Kurt then slipped into Naomi's hand. She muttered a quiet 'thank you' and he smiled, holding her tighter. "What do you need? Can I do anything for you?" He asked.
"No…no, I'm fine, I think. I just thought…I thought he would surely start blurting things out and the weight of that possible betrayal and mortification has weighed on my mind for too long since his threat. I'm just…relieved, I guess."
Ms. Delgado realized that this was a conversation she wasn't supposed to be included in and stood to excuse herself. David stood with her and walked her to the door and down to street level, hoping that Carter hadn't opted to hang around. David saw her safely into a cab after a few more heartfelt apologies from the staff member. He promised to call her the following week regarding a new intern which made her smile with gratitude that he wouldn't hold this incident against the school.
Inside, though, Kurt worried for his co-worker.
"Can I get you something, honey? A cup of coffee or tea? I have a stash of diet Coke in the fridge in my office. Don't tell anyone…" he grinned and that made her chuckle.
"I think I'm ok. I'm going to head out and grab some lunch at my favorite diner after this. I just…I was scared. The things I've been through…they've made me who I am and I shouldn't be ashamed of them, I guess…but often I see them as choices I've made instead of situations I've found myself in through no fault of my own…well…I don't know how to explain it, really." She sat up, eyes red from her tears and Kurt knew, in that instant, that he'd found a kindred spirit. He knew exactly what she was talking about and how she was feeling. It wasn't something he enjoyed talking about, nor was it something that he thought should be common knowledge, but he sensed that perhaps she needed his support now more than ever.
"You know…I've found myself in the same type of situation…well, the same thoughts running through my mind as you have now, it seems." Kurt kept his tone soft and easy.
"Yeah? I can't imagine you keeping anything horrible inside, Kurt. You're too polished and clean for that," she smiled. At his raised eyebrows, she answered the question. "You know what I mean…you've got it all together. You're on top of the world, ya know? You've got everything going for you and I can't imagine anyone being able to touch that or bring you down. You're a strong man, emotionally and physically. You're handsome, you have a hot boyfriend, an absolutely fantabulous apartment, a promising career….I just can't imagine it, Kurt…but thank you for trying to console me."
Yes…it was time. He needed to show her that even after the darkest of times she could drag herself out of the mire and move forward. It was possible to pick oneself up and conquer that fear that sat heavy in your gut. She needed to know that he felt her pain, and that he'd help her through it if she wanted the help.
David stuck his head in and said he'd be leaving. His daughter and new granddaughter would be coming home from the hospital that afternoon and he wanted to be there to help. With a wave and somber smiles all around, David left the loft, locking the door behind him just in case.
"Do you have a few minutes to spare?" Kurt asked.
"Yeah…yeah, do you need help with something? Oh! Yeah, we should really pick all of the mannequins up and—"
"No…they can lay there until Monday morning for all I care. I want to talk to you about something that happened to me not so long ago…and the person I was then, versus the person I am now. If you have time…that is."
"I do, and if I didn't, I'd make time, Kurt," she added, laying her hand over his on the table.
And with that, Kurt told her his tale about Jax, in depth, leaving out things he thought were a given, and way too personal for him to delve into at work around a conference table, even if it was just the two of them. It was obvious what had happened and the story didn't need gritty details to hype it. Naomi sat in silent awe, listening to Kurt tell her all that had gone down with Jax from their first meeting to the day the man slumped over dead in Kurt's apartment.
Midway through he got up to make them both a strong cup of coffee, hers black and his with all of his frou frou in it. He needed the break, and she needed to breathe after that mess of a tale dumped into her lap.
"Oh God, Kurt, I can't…I just don't even know what to say. I'm so sorry all of that happened and you had to deal with it. I can't imagine, really. I wasn't…with me, it wasn't…like that…per se. I wasn't…." she stuttered, unsure what she wanted to say or could allow herself to share.
"It's ok, you don't have to say anything. It happened, it's over, and I got through it with the help of good friends and Blaine…who's been so much more to me than he'll ever know. Whatever it is you're holding on to, please forgive yourself, and give yourself permission to move on. Just know that whatever it is, I won't judge you for it. I won't think less of you, Naomi. I know what kind of person you are, and the simple fact that you came to me and David about all this, knowing that he could have blown all of your secrets and concerns out of the water, exposed something you wanted to keep hidden…well, I appreciate it more than you know, and if I can make it up to you in any way, I hope you'll tell me. That took courage, and I'm glad he didn't call our bluff. As far as he's concerned, David and I both know what you were hiding and there's no leverage left. He doesn't need to know that we don't, ok? Please don't—"
"I took money for sex in college, Kurt." She whispered it out so softly that he was momentarily unsure if he'd heard her correctly. Her face was one of shame and regret and she wouldn't look him in the eye.
"Oh…" is all that Kurt was able to say. He wasn't sure what to say, so instead he kept silent, waiting to see if she would go on with the story.
"I…I was desperate to finish my junior year and get through my senior year, and when my mom told me that she and my step dad had split and she wouldn't be able to pay for my last year of college, I panicked. He'd paid all the bills with his job and she paid for my school and helped with my apartment and things. With my step dad gone and mom having to pay all of her own bills, she wouldn't be able to help me. I had a part time job, but you know how it is. I was a 4.0 student and not willing to part with that status…not even to work more hours and pay my bills. There weren't enough hours in the day for me to go to class, work at the shitty diner and study. I was…I was desperate, Kurt. When my friend came to me and offered me a job as an escort, she said it was simply just going somewhere as someone's date. Nothing more. I thought it was too good to be true, but the first few times, that's all it was. I was getting paid to wear beautiful clothing that was given to me by my boss…designer shoes and bags and…and all I had to do was show up to a high class party on the arm of some big wig who couldn't find a date on his own.
They liked me…I was in demand because I was smart and no matter what the party was for or who the guests were, I could hold an intelligent conversation on the topics and not embarrass whoever I happened to be with that evening. I found out later that they were charging more for me than anyone else, and that wasn't sitting well with some of the other girls. I was the new kid, and I was making more than anyone there. Even the friend who'd set me up with the job wouldn't speak to me anymore, claiming I'd taken a regular customer of hers. It was a mess, really, and I was in over my head way before the night it all changed.
I was in the car with a gentleman…or so I'd thought he was…and we were heading back to my block. I never let them drop me off in front of my building, and I'd wait until the car drove away before going to my apartment, but…he detoured and said we were going to another location for drinks…another colleague was in town, etc. It ended up being his apartment, and he expected a lot more than drinks from me. Things were getting out of hand, and when I asked to leave, he acted like I was crazy, said he'd paid for me and hadn't 'used all he'd paid for' all these nights, and he planned to make good on it. I locked myself in the bathroom and called my boss who informed me in no uncertain terms that I was, indeed, expected to 'perform' for him, in any way he requested, and if I did not, I was to pay back any and all money made on the nights I was out with him. That money had already been given to the school to pay for part of my semester and my room and board. I couldn't pay it back, and I was counting on that job to get me through the year. I swore when the tuition was paid, I'd quit. I didn't mind the dinners, but sometimes I knew they were looking at me like I was a piece of meat…and other nights it was clear that some of the guests around the table knew I was paid to be there. It wasn't comfortable, but it was profitable. I never knew, though, that sex was on the table. I hadn't agreed to it, and it made me sick to think about it…but I was desperate for the money. All I wanted was just to finish…to graduate. I knew if I took the time away to work and save up the money that I might never have gone back and I was too close to stop…I couldn't stop…." She sobbed.
Kurt had her wrapped up in his arms again, her head tucked beneath his chin and his fingers stroking through her hair softly. He was shushing her now and again and just allowing her to cry and get it all out. He felt for her, he truly did. If David hadn't come along when he did, Kurt would be that struggling student. He knew he was living a life that most people would kill for, and he couldn't fault her for chasing her own dreams. People did things that they wouldn't normally ever do unless they were under duress. It was clear that she was ashamed. She was sobbing and repeating "I'm sorry" over and over, and Kurt knew she wasn't apologizing to him, but to herself.
"It's alright…get it all out now. Please take a drink…I don't want you to choke, honey…" he soothed.
"It's not…it's not alright. I shouldn't ever have…what was I thinking, Kurt?"
"We do things, Naomi, in the heat of the moment…you can't beat yourself up for it forever. You have to let it go and let yourself live in the 'now', not in the 'then'. You wanted to avoid the debts and the loans—"
"Oh, but I didn't! I didn't avoid them, Kurt, I made it worse!" she sobbed. "I couldn't…after that night…after giving myself to a man as old as my grandfather and allowing him to use me like a rented mule, I quit. I quit the job and walked away. I spent the next week applying for every job I could find and had to leave school. I wouldn't allow myself to be that person again. Ever."
"But you graduated…"
"I did. I finished my junior year, because it was paid for but I had to drop out before senior year started. I worked non-stop the following year, sometimes 18 hours a day at several different jobs. I applied for loans and grants and unfortunately, missed out on some prerequisites that were only offered every other semester, so I was set back two years, not one. I owe a small fortune in student loans, but I would pay on them forever rather than be some old man's whore. Once was enough for me, but I'm no less ashamed that I did it. I was paid to have sex with a man who was old enough to be my grandfather…who probably WAS someone's grandfather. I felt sick and dirty and ashamed. And if it takes me the next 30 years, which it very well might, I WILL pay off those loans, Kurt, and I will never be indebted to anyone again to the point where I feel I have to sell myself to make up for it."
Kurt was stunned. He was glad for her, though, that she'd realized the gravity of the situation and moved away from it. He was proud of her for quitting the job and he told her so. He felt weighed down with the admissions they'd both laid out, but also lighter for having gotten things out in the open with her, and also because Naomi trusted him enough to share her own story. He felt the need to lighten the mood, though, so he smiled, sitting up straight and dabbed at her nose with a tissue.
"Who knows…maybe you'll find a handsome prince to come along and marry you…and he'll just pay off all of your loans and you won't ever have to be reminded of them again?"
"A girl can dream, Kurt, that's for sure," she laughed. "Thank you for listening and not judging me. Thank you for taking me at my word when I said he was up to no good and not questioning it."
"Thank you, honey. Thank you for trusting me enough to share your story with me. I don't think any less of you, and I hope you know that. If anything, I'm so proud of you, for taking the initiative to pick yourself up from a bad situation and put yourself in charge again. You're a strong woman, and I'm honored to have you on my team here," Kurt told her with a fond grin. "And as for Carter…I knew, Naomi…I knew he wasn't on the level, and last night just…well, it was the icing on the cake for sure." With a sigh, Kurt pushed his chair back from the table and stood to stretch. "I should get home, though. Blaine's waiting and my dad and Carol are in town. But thank you…you and your nanny cam bear that is," Kurt laughed, glancing at the flowers on her desk and the cuddly looking teddy sitting next to it. "We all owe you a lot. Who knows what else he'd have walked off with."
"Happy to help. I knew the day he said all that awful stuff in front of Blaine that it was going to get ugly."
"He…what? What did he say in front of Blaine?"
"Oh, I…I assumed he'd have mentioned it. Now I feel…um…" she mumbled. "Carter…he and I were leaving for lunch on his first day and Blaine was coming into the building to see you. We said our hellos and introduced everyone and all that…and Carter made a few comments about being around a lot and Blaine needed to get used to hearing his name and then as we were walking away he made sure to have a parting shot about not seeing a ring on your finger and how you weren't 'taken' until there was one or some such thing. Think he called you 'fair game' and threw around a few innuendos in there as well. I thought Blaine would have said something to you about it. That would have upset anyone else I know. I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said anything, I guess."
Kurt could feel her unease and he wanted to make it go away.
"You know why he didn't say anything? Because he trusts me. He knows nobody else has my love and he doesn't have to worry. It's a heady feeling to know that someone basically stated, in no uncertain terms in front of him, that they'd go after me and he didn't even flinch." Kurt said, his heart full to bursting with love for Blaine. "He knows my heart, and he knows that he's the only one in it."
Blaine trusted him implicitly. God he loved that man. And it was time to get home to him.
"I'm gonna go, hon. Can I walk you out?" Kurt asked, suddenly in a hurry to be home with his family, but more specifically, his boyfriend.
"Yep, please do," Naomi smiled, holding out her arm. They strolled out together with the promise to see each other Monday morning. Kurt nearly flew home to see his man, unable to contain himself from bounding through crowds and nearly running people over as he fought the foot traffic to get there. He had a free Saturday to spend with his boyfriend and his family and he wasn't going to waste a single moment of it.
Sunday started bright and early with breakfast at Kurt and Blaine's favorite diner around the corner. The group sauntered in and then waited for an available table they'd all fit around. It was close quarters, but nobody seemed to mind. Jeff had tickets for a Yankees game that afternoon and the girls were going shopping, so everyone was excited to eat and be on their way. It wasn't until the bill was paid and everyone was on the sidewalk that Kurt dropped the bomb that he wasn't going to the game, but he planned to go shopping with Carol and Rachel instead. Blaine was stunned…and a little frightened. By the time they'd arrived at the field and in their seats, he was as nervous as a long tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs.
Blaine: I don't know how this happened. I'm jumping out of my skin, Kurt.
Kurt: Don't freak out, it's just my dad. He doesn't bite. Hard.
Blaine: But he keeps LOOKING at me…like he's studying me.
Kurt: You're living with his son, of course he's gonna study you. He wants to know you, Blaine.
Blaine: I don't think it's the fact that I'm LIVING with you that's bothering him…it may be the other things that I'm doing with you…like…maybe he heard us last night? I feel like a bug under a microscope *frowns*
Kurt: He loves you already because I love you.
Blaine: Are you sure he knows you love me? I mean, he won't kill me because you love me, right? That might upset you and he doesn't want to do that. Right? RIGHT KURT?
Kurt: I think you're over-reacting a bit, don't you? Finn's there and Jeff, too. Surely you can concentrate on something else?
Blaine: When Burt Hummel's laser beam eyes are boring into YOUR head, you can tell me how you concentrated on something else. Maybe call him and remind him how important I am to you?
Kurt: Do you like this scarf? I'm thinking of getting it…and it'll match that shirt that I made for the fashion show, if I wore it with jeans or something, wouldn't it?
Kurt: jpg image 357
Blaine: You're changing the subject.
Blaine: I love the scarf and It'll make your eyes look even more stunning.
Kurt: You're needlessly worrying. You love baseball, this is a tournament game and you should be watching that, not texting me about my father's murderous tendencies.
Blaine: Oh my God, Kurt. It's a playoff game, not a "tournament" game. Holy….ok, wait. Murderous tendencies?
Blaine: KURT?
Blaine: Honey?
Kurt: I'm in the food court with Rachel and Carol, baby. I'm gonna eat some Great Steak N Fry greasy goodness so I can whine all night about my upset tummy and expanding hips. I'll have some fries for you, too. You have one of those jumbo pretzels with cheese for me, ok? Then we can help each other work it all off when dad and Carol go to bed *wink*
Kurt: I'm turning off my phone now, so you go enjoy your match and I'll see you at home. I love you, Blaine…so much! Please don't worry about my dad. He loves you, too.
Blaine: I love you more *smooches*
Blaine: match? Kurrrrrt….. sigh.
Jeff: You didn't really turn your phone off, did you?
Kurt: Of course not. I'd sooner use my Vivienne Westwood jacket as a dust rag. Is he ok?
Jeff: He's fine. A little jumpy maybe. He dumped half of his drink in Finn's lap when your dad said his name.
Kurt: Sigh. My poor baby. He'll need one hell of a massage tonight to get the kinks out from being so uptight all day.
Jeff: We're talking about kinks now? Count me in!
Kurt: Stop it you giant child. Where's Nick today?
Jeff: Working, actually. He wanted to come, but his brothers are in town and they wanted to see a building he's working on. Only Stephen and Alex…
Kurt: Leaving daddy's business and taking up with their bro?
Jeff: I hope. I don't know what's going to happen with all of that, but I know everyone's still pissed at him.
Kurt: And with good reason. I'm assuming Joseph is with you?
Jeff: He is, absolutely, but your dad doesn't seem to mind, and in fact, they've been chatting each other up all day. And because Nick is a fussy-butt, he's got us in his corporate "box" with a wait staff and all that stuff practically ON the field. Burt's having the time of his life.
Kurt: He'll ditch me and adopt you any day now.
Jeff: I'm ok with that. He's a damn cool dad if you ask me. I don't know what that feels like, ya know?
Kurt: Shit…I didn't…I wasn't…
Jeff: Dude…calm yourself. I know what you were saying *wink* No harm done. I'll share your dad with you. You, Finn, Blaine and me…and maybe Nicky, since his dad's a crazy ass lunatic who hates me.
Kurt: Deal. Watch my man, will ya? Keep him sane until I can get my arms around him again?
Jeff: You bet. And I want to hear what went down yesterdaythis morning at the loft.
Kurt: It's a long story and I'm happy to say that I won't have to deal with Carter anymore. And I'm gonna have to talk to David about getting Naomi a raise if I can.
Jeff: Raise? For?
Kurt: Part of the long story, but it all boils down to the fact that I owe her…and she deserves it. We'll talk soon.
"Are you going to keep your nose in your phone all day, Kurt?" Rachel asked, a little snippy.
"No, I'm sorry, Blaine's freaking out. He thinks dad wants to murder him."
"Why on earth would he think that?" Carol smirked, rolling her eyes. "Just because you two were a bit loud in the shower last night after you got home from the bar—"
"Oh my GOD, Carol!" Kurt hissed, blushing 8 shades of scarlet. "I'm sorry, we didn't mean to wake you—"
"Ha! I was guessing, but thanks for the confirmation!" Carol crowed, and high fived Rachel across the table, both of them snickering while Kurt tried to crawl under his chair.
"That wasn't nice," he said, looking down his nose at the two of them.
"Oh, but I bet it was," Rachel giggled and wiggled her eyebrows, watching Kurt's eyes get round again. "Oh for goodness sake, Kurt, we're all well aware that you and Blaine have a sex life. You made no bones about that Friday night when the two of you snuck off into your bedroom and nearly banged the door off the hinges after he came upstairs all done up. Your boy is hot, Kurt…don't be ashamed of that!"
"Yes, that he is, and be that as it may, I don't wish to discuss my sex life with you…or anyone…except Blaine…thank you very much. Now let me eat in peace before I burst into flames and die here and they charge you a clean-up fee for my charred remains at the table!" Kurt hissed, face still burning hot and a strong need to choke Rachel Berry to death.
"You an Indians' fan, Blaine?" Burt asked, barely glancing sideways at the obviously nervous boy sitting beside him. Blaine had been a wreck all day since they'd parted ways with Kurt and the girls and Burt was loving every minute of it. Blaine was wondering if this was a trick question, scared to answer, but he knew he had to say something.
"Um…I uh…actually, I'm more of a Cincinnati Reds fan, Mr. Hummel," he stuttered out.
"That so? Why's that?" Burt asked, eyes forward on the game. Blaine paled wondering if he'd just stepped in it, and with his mind otherwise occupied he just blurted out what he was thinking.
"Well c'mon, I mean…it's Cleveland, Mr. Hummel. Cleveland…." Blaine said, and his distaste was oozing out through his words. Any Cincinnati sports fan worth his salt wouldn't even give a second thought to Cleveland…. When he realized what he said and that he'd possibly offended Kurt's dad, he nearly swallowed his own tongue. "Oh God, I mean…uh…."
"Burt."
"Huh?" Blaine managed to squeak out.
"Call me Burt. Mr. Hummel was my dad, God rest his soul. Burt's fine."
"Yes, sir," Blaine squeaked out again. "Burt…"
"I knew I liked you, boy." Burt elbowed Blaine in the arm and turned, quick and brief, with a warm smile that instantly melted three inches of ice around Blaine's chest. "Even Kurt would know better than to date an Indians' fan," he smirked.
Finn, overhearing the whole exchange, gave Blaine a shoulder bump and a blinding smile and Blaine could only hope that meant he was accepted by Kurt's family. He wanted to be. He really, really wanted to be.
"The boys will be home by now, Kurt, so we should be heading back," Rachel warned.
"Nope, the game went into overtime, so they'll be a bit yet. Besides, I want your opinion on something before we go, and it's right around the corner."
"Innings, Kurt. Extra innings…" Carol corrected him with a grin.
"Whatever, not important…" Kurt trailed off, nearly plowing through the people on the sidewalk in front of him. It was late, and he didn't want the store to close before they arrived. "Come on…it's right here." Kurt burst through the door of the small store front with Carol and Rachel barely keeping up behind him.
"Ahhh, Kurt! So good to see you again!" The man behind the counter grinned widely as his customer burst into the store. "Did you run all the way here?" He joked.
"Maybe. I was afraid you'd close before I could get here!" Kurt laughed lightly. "Do you still have…um…."
"Both, yes. What are we looking at today? The brooch or…the ring?" The salesman asked, his way-too-white smile wide and happy. Rachel and Carol, who'd both been glancing at the glittering jewelry in the glass cases, both turned sharply to look at the man, then at Kurt, who bit his lip with a shy grin.
"Kurt?" Carol questioned, a bit breathless.
"I love him…desperately….and I think it's time, don't you?" Kurt asked in return.
Both women squealed and threw their arms around him, nearly as excited as Kurt was.
"That was a great game! Jeff, you'll have to thank that husband of yours for the seats. They were fantastic! Closest I've ever been to the field!" Burt said, still excited from the game.
"I'll tell him, Mr. Hummel," Jeff smile back. "He has season tickets and rarely ever uses them. Give's 'em away more often than not I think."
"Blasphemy!" Burt scoffed. "I'd be at every game if I had season tickets."
"We've been to a couple games, but not many. Any time you're up and you want to catch a game, I'll get you the tickets, just say the word." Jeff liked Burt and since he was pretty sure the man was going to be his best friend's father in law soon, he'd do what he could to make Burt happy.
"Hey Jeff, when's Nick coming back to play at the bar?" Finn asked. At that, Jeff hurried his steps as much as he could and pulled up even with Kurt's step brother to talk. That left Blaine alone again with Burt, and although he felt a lot better than he had when they left the apartment that afternoon, he was still a bit leery of being left alone with the man. But…he supposed it was bound to happen sometime, and he may as well take advantage of it.
"So what are your plans, Blaine?" Burt said, apropos of nothing at all. Blaine's eyes widened. Was Burt a mind reader as well as a scary dad?
"Uhm…with uh….plans for…for what?" Blaine stammered.
"Jeff was telling me all about this school he's opening and says you're gonna work with him."
"Oh. OH! Yeah, yes I am. I uh…he's asked me to be in charge of the music department. I'm kinda head over heels for the idea, really. It's essentially the same job that Westindale offered me, and even though it was my dream job, I didn't take it because of the commute. I'm pretty excited to get things rolling here with Jeff, though."
"You could have taken the job and moved closer to Westindale." Burt said flatly, intent on watching where he was going. Blaine looked at Burt as if he'd grown two extra heads. He instantly shook his head no. That wasn't even an option. Why would Burt say that?
"But Kurt…Kurt's here. His job is here, he's happy here….and I'm happy with him. I won't leave him, not for any job."
"Not any job?"
"No, sir. No job is worth being away from Kurt. I don't…I'm not sure where the boundaries are, here, sir, but I think it's important for you to know how much I love your son. Kurt is such an amazing man. He's smart and he's talented. He makes me laugh and he pushes me to be the best me I can be. He's kind and he's patient and, my God he's the most amazing lov—" Blaine began, but cut himself off, realizing what he was about to say…backtracking quickly in his own mind and finishing with "loving person I've ever met. He's the most important thing in my life. I'd never do anything to hurt Kurt, Mr. Hummel, and the look on his face when I told him about that job, and that it was 2 hours away, said everything I needed to know. My place is by Kurt's side, and…" Blaine paused, unsure of his next words. This was a conversation he'd planned to have anyway, but he hadn't planned to have it…now. Here. On a busy sidewalk in the middle of the city. But…the opportunity was in his face. Why not now? He took a deep breath and began again. "My place is by Kurt's side, Mr. Hummel…and I want Kurt by my side as well…forever. For a long, long time to come. I'd like your permission, sir, to ask Kurt to marry me."
When he'd finished his monologue, Blaine realized they'd stopped walking and were now facing one another on the sidewalk, his own chest rising and falling quickly and Burt with a fairly blank expression on his face. Finn and Jeff were up ahead of them, having realized Burt and Blaine weren't following, and turned around to retrace their steps and collect the wayward walkers behind them. Jeff's face when he heard Blaine's short rant was almost comical, disbelieving what he'd just heard his best friend blurt out and wondering if he'd meant to do so.
Burt took a deep breath and removed the baseball hat on his head, scratching at his bald pate for a moment or two, seemingly deep in thought while the three boys stood watching him, waiting anxiously. Finally, he rolled his eyes and he spoke.
"Blaine…" Burt sighed, taking another deep breath.
"Mr. Hummel?" Blaine replied with as much confidence as he could muster when he really felt like collapsing.
"Listen, kid, you and Kurt haven't even known each other a whole year yet. And I don't mean to tell you your business, but don't you think you might want to wait a while?"
"Honestly, no, I really don't. I don't plan to ask him tonight, and I don't plan on getting married this weekend, but I don't want to wait too long, either. I know Kurt's the one for me, and I have no interest in dating anyone else or looking elsewhere for companionship. He's perfect…and he's perfect for me. I'd like your blessing, but please know that even without it, I'll ask Kurt to be mine forever. I'd just really rather have your blessing when I do…and I know Kurt would as well. I know how important your relationship is to him, and I wouldn't want to start our lives knowing you don't approve of us."
"You have a way with words, kid, I'll give you that much." Burt said, the corners of his mouth hitching up ever so slightly. "And you know Kurt, I can tell that as well. My son is very important to me, Blaine, and he's been through an awful lot these past few years. I know he's very careful about who he lets into his life now, and I'm not happy that he has to be this way, but in the end, I think it's for the best. If he let you in, if he thinks it's a good idea to live with you in the same space, if he loves you as much as he tells me he does, and he's as crazy for you as much as he tells Carol he is, then I don't think it's wise for me to stand in the way of that. I'm trusting you with my son, Blaine, and I want your word that you'll do everything in your power to make him happy."
"You have my word, Mr. Hummel, I promise you that," Blaine said, heart in his throat.
"Then you have my blessing, kid," Burt said, sticking his hand out to shake with Blaine, whose face had broken into the widest, happiest grin Jeff had seen on him in a long, long time.
"Thank you….thank you, Mr. Hummel!" Blaine said, and then leaned in to hug his future father in law. Burt didn't hesitate to hug him back at all, and that meant as much to Blaine as the words Burt had spoken.
"Burt…Blaine. Call me Burt." He grinned.
A/N As always, thanks to Suzanne for giving me her time to go over this and find all the mistakes I missed. She's insanely busy for a few weeks with her boys, so I appreciate the time it takes to read this massive chapter over for me.
Know that I'd have had this out sooner, but we've been dealing with some personal issues here on the home front. Last Monday we buried my friends 17 year old daughter, who my kids grew up with every weekend since they lived across the street. Random violence which had nothing to do with her took her away in her prime. So very sad. Hug your loved ones every single day because you never know when they'll walk out the door and they won't come back home.
Please don't skewer me if you're an Indians fan or a Mets fan...between Suzanne and me, we had a few opinions thrown in here ;)
Enjoy, and as always, thanks so much for reading and making this story part of your day! Perhaps I'll see some of you in NYC for Hedwig? Did you SEEEEE that man in the promo? Two words: HOLY. SHIT. wow...