Warning: This chapter features drug dealing and drug use. Cooper is a hot mess.

Time for the boys to go to the dance.

She's got tickets to her own show

But nobody wants to go

And I'm stuck sitting in the front row

I'm singing along like there's no tomorrow

Tickets by Maroon 5

Chapter 6

Cooper fidgeted nervously with his phone as the black Mercedes SUV made its way towards Lima. Every few minutes he glanced out the rearview window to check that they weren't being followed.

"Slow down, Skyler. The last thing we need is to get pulled over."

Skyler glanced at Cooper with an amused expression. "Will you calm the fuck down? You're always so fucking nervous."

"I just don't wanna get caught with this shit."

"Relax. We're almost there."

Skylar slowed down as they entered the town center of Lima. He drove a few streets over from Main Street before turning onto a quiet street of small shops, a few industrial buildings, and a tire and lube shop. He turned down a back alley next to the tire and lube shop which led to an open but hidden area where several alleys met. He made sure they were facing out in case of the need for a quick escape before turning off the car.

Cooper looked around. "This is actually a pretty good spot."

Skylar rolled down his window and took out a pack of cigarettes. He lit one and nodded.

"Yeah. I scoped it out at different times all last month. No one ever comes back here. That building over there is abandoned along with that one. Old manufacturing businesses or something. That building is a tire and lube shop, but all their dumpsters and stuff are on the other side. They never come back here."

Cooper nodded. "Okay, good, good. What time is it?"

"1:49 pm. We got about 10 minutes."

Cooper took a ball point pen out of his jacket and a small pocket mirror. He balanced the mirror on his leg while he gave the pen a few shakes before unscrewing it. Inside were a few ounces of coke. He carefully spilled the drug onto the mirror in a line, took a small cylinder from inside the pen, and proceeded to snort the coke up his nose. First one nostril, then the other. He took a few strong sniffs before letting his head fall back against the headrest. He closed his eyes and relaxed as the drug made its way into his system.

Skylar watched all of this with no comment, but he was a little concerned. Cooper's drug use normally didn't bother him, but it seemed to be growing more frequent. That could become a problem.

Skylar Hanson and Cooper had been friends since high school. Back then Skylar had been enamored with the great Cooper Anderson. A real life member of the mob. Unlike Blaine, Cooper was never discrete or secretive about his family. Quite the opposite. He wanted everyone in school to know exactly who he was. He enjoyed the intrigue and mystery that came from being an Anderson. Girls were attracted to the idea of dating danger, and guys were impressed by Cooper's stories of crime, murder, and exotic trips to locations he couldn't mention (or pronounce) to meet shady characters in back rooms.

Never mind that it was all lies.

Skylar knew Cooper's stories were bullshit. For some reason, Skylar was the only one who noticed that Cooper never missed a day of school. When exactly was he committing all these crimes and flying to exotic locales? When Skylar pointed out this little detail, Cooper begged him not to say anything. Skylar agreed in exchange for being allowed in on the action. Skylar became Cooper's fake consigliere and was soon telling tall tales of his own.

It wasn't until Skylar's father overheard him telling a girl about a murder he and Cooper had supposedly committed, that Mario Anderson learned about Cooper's penchant for storytelling. Skylar's terrified father called Mario demanding to know what Cooper had dragged his son into. Once he assured Mr. Hanson that no murder had been committed, and that Cooper had a very creative imagination, Mario tore into his son and had to be physically restrained by Luther.

After that Cooper kept his mouth shut. He and Skylar remained best friends, and upon graduating from high school, Mario reluctantly allowed Skylar to remain by Cooper's side as he entered the family business. Mario didn't particularly care for Skylar, but he worried about just how much Skylar really knew about the family's dealings. Better to keep him close than away, plus his presence made Cooper happy.

At exactly 2:00 pm, a black Porsche Cayenne turned into the alley and slowly drove towards them. Cooper immediately reached inside his jacket and gave his gun a pat. Skylar eyed him nervously.

"Stay cool. You won't need that."

"Just checking."

This was the one thing that always unnerved Skylar about Cooper. The Anderson's lack of hesitation about murder was legendary, but they always murdered strategically, with purpose, and for a reason.

Cooper was just damn trigger happy.

More than once Skylar had stopped Cooper from unnecessarily blowing someone away. Cooper's quickness to draw his gun, coupled with his growing drug use was starting to worry Skylar. Cooper was already paranoid and suspicious, terrified his father was going to skip him and make his little brother head of the family. The last thing he needed was cocaine to fuel his paranoia.

Skylar and Cooper waited until they saw the doors of the Porsche open. A stocky built guy with a black mustache and shaved head got out. He was followed by a tall, trim man with short black hair. Another man who could have been the first man's twin, exited the driver's side.

Cooper felt a little panicked. "Shit. Three of them, two of us. I knew we should have asked Justin to come with us."

"Calm down. We don't need three on three because nothing is going to happen. This is a simple deal."

The men approached each other, meeting in front of their cars.

The trim man looked between the two. "Cooper?" Cooper nodded and turned on the charm and confidence. "Good to meet you, Alan. This is my partner, Skylar."

"Nice to finally meet in person." Alan glanced over his shoulder at his two companions. "Those two aren't important. Just…travelling companions. I rarely leave the city, but when I do I hate travelling alone."

Cooper nodded, but said nothing. The two men were obviously Alan's muscle. Okay. Understandable. No problem.

Cooper clapped his hands together. "Okay, well. We don't wanna keep you from the bright lights of the big city for too long. Why don't you come take a look at what we've got."

Skylar unlocked the back of the SUV and moved several pieces of luggage aside before reaching a long, black, duffle bag. He pulled the bag out and unzipped it revealing 40 neatly wrapped brown bundles. He took one out and carefully unwrapped the brown butcher paper to reveal a saran wrapped bar of pure white cocaine.

Alan reached into the bag and took out a different bundle.

"May I?"

"Of course," said Cooper.

Alan unwrapped the bundle and took out a small knife. He made a small cut in the saran wrap and poked his pinky finger inside, coating it with the white substance. He sucked his finger and closed his eyes. He smiled and nodded.

"Wow. That's some good shit."

He motioned to his men. Each brought a suitcase over and opened it revealing stacks of cash. Cooper grinned.

"Outstanding."

Once the cash was safely tucked away in Skylar's car, and the drugs were in the back of the Porsche, Alan cocked his head to the side and gave Cooper a questioning look.

"So…you're moving into the drug business?"

Skylar was about to answer no, that this was a one-time thing, when Cooper spoke.

"That depends. You interested in doing more business?"

Skylar looked at Cooper in confusion. What the hell was he doing?

"Possibly. Can you get more quality shit like that?"

Cooper slowly nodded. "Yeah. Yeah, we can."

Skylar looked a little sick.

Alan slowly nodded. "Okay, then. Give me a call when you get more."

Cooper grinned. "Absolutely." He reached out his hand to shake Alan's. Alan shook his hand with a smug smile. "Great."

Skylar started yelling the moment they were alone in the car.

"What the fuck, Cooper! This was supposed to be a one-time deal! What are you doing?"

"I'm doing what my father should have done years ago. Moving the family into the 21st century."

Skylar shook his head. "Ten minutes ago you were scared of getting caught! Now you're ready to make this a thing?"

"Look," said Cooper angrily, "I need to protect myself. I don't know what the fuck my father is up to, but all of sudden my little brother is invited to family business discussions and having private library meetings with dear old dad. I need to have my own sideline just in case the old man tries to shaft me."

"Blaine gets to stay for the business discussion?" Skylar had been waiting years for an invitation to the monthly family dinner and business discussion.

"Yeah."

"Does Telio get to stay?"

"Yeah."

Hmph.

Skylar was pissed and jealous as hell.

"They're not even out of fucking high school! How does that make any sense?"

Cooper started nodding vigorously. "Uh huh. You see? You see? That's what I'm talking about! I think my father is about to pull some shady shit. Either way this is a good move. When I become boss I plan to move the family into the drug game. It's ridiculous that we're missing out on all that cash. And…if for some reason I don't become boss…I'll need to have my own thing going until I can claim my rightful throne."

Skylar looked thoughtful. "I guess I get it, but if your father finds out, you won't be around to claim anything. You'll be six feet under."

"So we make sure he doesn't find out, or anyone else. We keep it all on the down low. Discrete."

Skylar still wasn't convinced. "Okay, so we keep if from your dad, but weren't those guys out of New York? Isn't there some treaty, or agreement, or some shit that says you have to stay out of New York?"

Cooper waived his hand. "That's my dad's shit. Besides, those guys aren't looking to get mixed up with the Chartussi's either. It's cool."

Cooper's mention of the Chartussi's sent a new wave of worry through Skylar's mind.

"I don't know, Coop. I thought this was gonna be a one-time thing. This could get complicated."

Cooper smiled and shook his head as he took out another ball point pen and his mirror.

"Now who needs to relax?"

Kurt studied himself in the mirror. He looked fabulous. The jeans Blaine had bought him fit even better after a run through the wash. They were just tight enough to accentuate his ass and legs, but still comfortable. The shirt brought out his eyes in the most amazing ways. They seemed bluer and brighter. The sides of his hair were trimmed extra short, while the front was swept up and back, but slightly loose across his forehead. A few spritzes of the cologne Blaine had given him, plus his Doc Martens, and he was ready to go.

He glanced over at Doug and smiled. Doug was wearing a pair of khaki pants and a dark orange, button down shirt. He'd had a haircut, and Kurt was sure he detected a touch of gel holding his hair in place. It was the first time Kurt had ever seen him in anything other than sweatpants or the Dalton uniform.

"Doug, you look very nice."

Doug looked unsure. "You think so?"

"Yes, I do. You look good."

"Thanks."

"Hoping to see anyone special tonight?"

Doug turned pink and shrugged. "I don't know. Maybe."

"Well, I hope I don't make you uncomfortable by saying that you are very handsome. I'm sure all the girls will be checking you out."

Doug shifted nervously. "Um, thanks. There…there is this one girl. Courtney."

Kurt nodded. "Well, I'm sure Courtney will notice you. She'd be blind not to."

Doug gave Kurt a genuine smile. "Thanks."

Kurt nodded and turned back towards the mirror.

"Uh, Kurt?"

"Mmm hmm?"

"About Blaine…"

Kurt turned back around. He tried to keep his expression blank.

"Yes?"

"I take it you guys are getting pretty serious?"

Kurt nodded. Yes, things were serious.

Very serious.

It had been two weeks since Kurt had learned the truth about Blaine's family and things had been overwhelmingly wonderful. With no secrets between them, they both relaxed, their minds free to comfortably slip into the warm, gooey, blissful feeling of being in love. Blaine couldn't understand how he had survived without the intoxicating high he was on. He finally had an understanding of drug addiction. He couldn't imagine life without Kurt. He didn't just want him, he needed him.

Kurt was equally enthralled. Blaine's love and affection wrapped around him, healing his heart of the hurt and pain of the past year. It was finally his turn to enjoy being in love. To have someone's hand to hold while walking down the hall. To grin in the middle of the day from cute, sexy, texts. To feel strong arms wrapped around him, kissing him softly and promising to love and protect him. With each passing day they grew closer and more in love with each other.

Their physical intensity was growing as well.

Kurt was still withholding a passport for Blaine to travel south of the border, but he was getting closer to granting access. He just needed a little more time. Everything between them had happened so fast. This was the one thing Kurt didn't want rushed. There had been no more hand jobs, only intense kissing and hard cocks pressed desperately against hips, legs, and thighs.

But Kurt knew his time was running out.

He could feel Blaine's intense longing and see the dark passion in his eyes. His whispered words left no doubt.

"I want you so bad. I need you, gorgeous. I need you. All of you. Please…please let me have you. I'll take care of you, I promise. Just let me have you." And he would kiss Kurt deep, hot and hungry.

Kurt's body would respond, ready to give Blaine everything.

But his head stopped him.

Not yet.

"I'm not ready, Blaine. I'm sorry."

Blaine would kiss him softly and pull away. "Don't be sorry. I can wait."

But for how much longer?

Increasingly these episodes left Blaine a shaking, starving mess of sexual frustration and need. The depth of the need scared him. It was too strong. Chronic and burning. He was sure there was more going on than just a horny teenager wanting to get laid, but he didn't know what.

So he fought his desire to hold Kurt down and devour him piece by piece until there was nothing left but a spent, empty body beneath him that he would refill with love, kisses and cuddles. Then he would lock him up until…

Shit.

Yes. Blaine's thoughts terrified him.

"Yes, you could definitely say things are serious."

Doug looked uncomfortable, but he kept going. "Um…do you…I mean…has he told you his background?"

"His background?"

"Yeah. Um…look, I don't have anything against Blaine, but his family…his family is pretty dangerous. Frankly, they're a bunch of criminals. The construction firm is their only legitimate business, and even with that they bribe county and state officials to win all the best and most lucrative construction contracts. They don't operate their casinos on the level, they import and sell weapons illegally, they launder money for other criminals…they're into a lot of dirty shit, and Blaine's father…he's really scary. He doesn't look it, but dude's a murderer."

Kurt looked at him with a very bitchy smirk. "Okay. Well, thank you for telling me all this, but I already know."

"You do?"

"Yes. You're a couple of weeks too late."

Doug looked embarrassed. "Oh. Well…um…okay then. I guess I just thought you might not."

"Well I do, and it doesn't matter. Blaine's not involved in any of that, and I would never hold him accountable for his father's actions. It's not his fault what his father chooses to do. Blaine is his own person with his own path, and he has decided to take a different path from that of his family, so….none of that matters, but thanks for telling me."

Kurt turned back around, but he could feel Doug's eyes on him.

"Do you really believe that?"

Kurt didn't turn around. "Believe what?"

"What you just said? That Blaine's not going to be involved in his family's business."

Kurt turned back around, his eyes defiant. "Yes, I believe that because Blaine has said so. He wants no part of his family's affairs. He's going to live his own life."

Doug slowly shook his head. "Kurt…I'm pretty sure it's not that simple."

"Of course it is. Blaine has an older brother. He's the one that wants to follow in their father's footsteps. Not Blaine."

The two looked at each for a moment before Kurt turned back around.

"Just be careful, Kurt."

Kurt rolled his eyes. "I will."

They finished getting ready in silence until there was a knock on the door. Doug opened it.

"What's up, Anderson."

"Hi. You clean up well."

"Thanks." Doug stepped aside.

Blaine laid eyes on Kurt and everything else disappeared. He slowly ran his eyes down Kurt's body, starting with his hair, to his face, all the way down to his shoes. He worked his way back up, stopping at Kurt's eyes. Kurt wasn't sure why, but he suddenly felt the urge to slowly turn around to allow Blaine to review and approve. Blaine smiled and nodded, but underneath the smile was something raw and carnal. Kurt's knees suddenly felt weak.

He managed a quiet, almost shy, "Hi."

"Hello. You look sinfully gorgeous."

Kurt blushed. "Thank you. You look sinfully handsome."

Blaine looked wonderful in a pair of black slacks, an indigo shirt, and the green and indigo bowtie from the Marc Jacobs store. Doug looked between the two. "You guys kind of match."

Blaine nodded. "Of course we do. Helps people know who Kurt belongs to."

Doug raised his eyebrows and looked at Kurt. Kurt said nothing.

"Are you ready, gorgeous?"

"Yes. Do you wanna walk over with us?"

Doug shook his head. "Nah. I'm supposed to meet some guys in five minutes to walk over. I'll see you there."

Blaine took Kurt's hand and they left. As they passed the door to the stairs, Blaine pulled Kurt into the stairwell. He pushed him up against the wall and attacked his mouth, kissing him breathless.

"Blaine…stop….don't mess up…my clothes."

"I wish you weren't wearing any clothes."

"Blaine…"

"Touch me."

"What?"

"Touch me." Blaine took Kurt's hand and placed it between his legs. A little thrill ran through Kurt at how hard Blaine felt. Hard because of him. He rubbed Blaine's cock for a moment before stopping.

"We can't do this right now. We have a dance to go to."

"Let's go to my room instead."

"Blaine…I wanna go to the dance."

Blaine sighed. "Alright."

Kurt couldn't help but smile at Blaine's pout. "This was your idea, remember? You're the one who got me excited about it."

"If we go to my room, I can get you excited. I'll get you excited and keep you excited."

Kurt grabbed Blaine's hand. "Come on. Let's go." Blaine groaned and allowed Kurt to pull him down the stairs.

The Dalton/Crawford Country Day dances were held in a large banquet hall, half a mile from Dalton Academy. It was tradition for the boys of Dalton to walk to the banquet hall, arriving first to welcome the girls of Crawford Country Day who were brought to the hall by bus.

As they walked, Kurt listened to Blaine excitedly discuss his idea for a Maroon 5 medley at regionals. This was one of the few things that drove Kurt crazy. Blaine was the solo king of the Warblers. It was an unwritten rule that Blaine was the lead vocalists for every performance. Kurt thought it was ridiculous, and not just because he wanted a solo. There were several great singers within the Warblers who never had a chance to shine. It wasn't even Blaine's fault. The council always voted unanimously for Blaine to take the lead and the rest of the Warblers agreed.

Kurt's mind started to wander to thoughts of his conversation with Doug. Weapons, money laundering…murder. Did it bother Blaine that his father was a murderer? How does someone deal with that? Had he ever seen his father kill someone? Did his father tell him before he did it? How would that conversation go? How did his father decide who to kill? Had he ever killed someone Blaine knew? And how…"

"Kurt!"

Kurt looked up and turned around. He was a few feet ahead of Blaine who had stopped walking. Kurt walked back.

"I'm sorry. I guess I got caught up in my thoughts."

"What are you thinking about so hard?"

"Just…school. Stuff I need to do." He wasn't about to tell him the truth. Blaine gave him a hard look.

"You were thinking so hard about school that you kept walking even after I stopped and started yelling your name?"

Kurt looked around and realized they were at the hall.

"Oh. Sorry."

Blaine stepped a little closer to him. "What were you really thinking about, Kurt?"

Kurt tried to step back, but Blaine slid his arm around Kurt's waist and kept him close.

"I told you. School stuff."

Blaine leaned it. "You are lying to me. Now tell me the truth."

Kurt shook his head. "School stuff."

Blaine pulled back. Kurt couldn't read his expression.

"Okay, Kurt. School stuff. Come on."

Blaine took his hand, and they started towards the entrance.

Kurt was sure that was not the end of the conversation.

x-x-x-x-x

Like everything at Dalton, the ballroom was breathtakingly beautiful, and in Kurt's opinion, another space that was far too majestic and grand for a bunch of teenagers. Huge crystal chandeliers hung from ceiling. Gold crown molding lined the beige and white toile covered walls. Blaine smiled as Kurt stood in awe.

"Oh, this is so beautiful. I'd love to see it during the day."

Blaine made a mental note of that.

Suddenly a bell rang out. The girls had arrived. The energy level in the room shot up tenfold as the boys nervously lined up on one side of the room to wait. Kurt rolled his eyes.

"I mean, seriously? This isn't the 1800's."

Blaine grinned. "Just watch what happens. This formality is simply due to tradition and it lasts for about 10 seconds."

The boys waited in nervous anticipation for the main entrance doors to open. Kurt spotted Telio over in a corner, his hands stuffed in the pockets of his pants, eyes focused on the main doors. It was one of the few times Kurt had ever seen him not focused on, or standing near Blaine. He also couldn't help but notice how good Telio looked. Like really good. Hell, Telio was hot and extremely sexy.

"Does Telio have a girlfriend?"

Blaine scoffed. "Are you kidding? I wish. There's a girl he likes, but he won't do anything about it."

"Why not?"

Too busy watching me, and worrying about a future that doesn't exist.

"I guess he's shy."

Kurt rocked on his feet and clapped his hands. Oh, this was perfect. Just what he needed.

"Okay, we're going to help him."

"Huh?"

"We are going to help Telio hook up with the girl he likes! Just think about it? If he gets a girlfriend, he'll be too busy to follow you around all the time."

Blaine couldn't help but smile at Kurt's enthusiasm. He looked adorable.

"Well, maybe, but it's not like she would be at school."

Kurt frowned. "That's true, but still….he'd be mentally preoccupied. I don't know. Maybe it would loosen him up and help him relax."

Telio, relax? Impossible. "Alright, gorgeous. Just tell me what you want me to do."

At that moment, the room quieted as the main doors opened and the girls entered. There was a moment of quiet and then…

Bedlam.

Girlfriends ran across the hall to find their boyfriends, while other girls ran to hug their guy friends. The room was filled with squeals and laughter, and then a cheer went up as Rihanna's, "We Found Love in a Hopeless Place," flowed from the speakers. The middle of the hall filled with girls and guys dancing, gyrating and jumping up and down.

Kurt watched with wide eyes, one hand in Blaine's, his other clutching Blaine's arm. "Oh, my God!" Blaine laughed. "Told you, gorgeous. Come on." Blaine pulled Kurt on to the dance floor to join the fray. Worries about what others might think or say didn't cross Kurt's mind as he got caught up in the elation surrounding him.

For the next 45 minutes, Kurt and Blaine sang and danced to every song. Kurt couldn't believe he was actually at a school dance, dancing with his hot, handsome boyfriend, with no worries of getting attacked or beaten up. He felt young, free, loved, and happy. When the music slowed down, and Christina Perri's "A Thousand Years," came on, Blaine didn't hesitate to pull Kurt close to him, his arms tight around Kurt's waist. Kurt wrapped his arms around Blaine, rested his head on his shoulder, and relaxed into the sway of their bodies. They danced for several more songs until the music switched back to an up tempo beat. They decided to take a break.

While Blaine went to use the bathroom, Kurt grabbed a cup of punch and surveyed the room. He spotted Doug dancing painfully awkward with a petite blond. Kurt hoped it was Courtney and that she didn't mind Doug's awful dancing. He noticed Telio, still in the same corner, hands in his pockets. Kurt headed over.

"Hi."

Telio looked past Kurt, obviously looking for Blaine.

"Hi. Where's Blaine?"

"Bathroom."

Telio nodded and went back to watching the crowd.

Kurt felt a little self-conscious. He and Telio had never really talked.

"You look really good tonight."

Telio raised an eyebrow. "Thanks."

"Isn't there someone here you'd like to dance with?"

Telio involuntarily focused on a pretty Black girl dancing with a group of other girls. Kurt followed his gaze and smiled.

"What's her name?"

Telio scowled at him. "Doesn't matter."

"You should ask her to dance."

Silence.

"You know, Telio, you're really good looking. Any girl in here would love to dance with you."

Silence.

"You have no reason to be nervous or shy. Trust me."

Silence.

"Maybe…"

"Would you shut up?"

Kurt was shocked into silence.

Then he got mad.

"There's no need to be rude. I was just trying to help. You're standing over here looking miserable, watching a girl you obviously like. I just wanted…"

Telio interrupted.

"What? You wanted what? To set me up with someone so we could all double date? Well that's not gonna happen, alright? Blaine can afford luxuries. I can't."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"One of us has to pay attention to what's important. That's my job. I pay attention so Blaine can fuck around with you."

"What…what are you talking about?"

"Oh. He told me he was going to tell you. Guess he hasn't gotten around to it."

"Tell me what? Wait…are you talking about his family? I know all about Blaine's family."

"Oh. Well good. In that case I guess you understand."

"Understand what?"

Telio looked directly into Kurt's eyes. "That this thing with you and Blaine can't last. It's fine for now, but Blaine has big things ahead of him, and it would be best if he was unattached when it's time for him to take on those responsibilities."

Kurt wasn't sure why, but he felt like he'd just been stabbed.

"I don't…what?"

"Look, Kurt, I don't mean to be a jerk. I'm just trying to make sure no one gets hurt. Blaine lives in the land of delusion when it comes to his future. I don't know what he told you, but Blaine's future is set. He just refuses to believe it. And frankly, you should get out now. I see how he looks at you. You should end things before you get trapped in something you can't get out of."

"What makes you think I'd want out? I love Blaine."

Telio shook his head. "I've already said too much. Just…take my advice. I'm not saying this to hurt you or Blaine. I'm doing it to protect him, and to save you. Before it's too late."

Telio walked away.

Kurt's head was swimming.

"Hey, you wanna dance some more?"

Blaine was smiling at Kurt, his hand outstretched, but his smile faltered when he saw Kurt's confused, angry expression.

"What's wrong?"

Kurt shook his head. "You tell me?"

"What?"

"Were you honest with me?"

"About what?"

"About your future? Do you really plan to walk away from your family, or were you just lying to get me to stay with you?"

"I wasn't lying. I told you, I want nothing to do with my family's shit. I'm leaving all that to Cooper. He's the one that wants it, so he can have it."

"And you can really do that? Just walk away? Your family's going to let you do that?"

Blaine hesitated for a moment. "They won't like it, but they can't stop me."

"Can't they?"

"No."

"Your father doesn't seem like a man who takes no for an answer."

Blaine was taken aback. What the fuck happened while he was taking a leak?

Wait a second…

Blaine looked around. "Have you seen Telio?"

Kurt made a face. "What do you think?"

That meddling son-of-a-bitch.

Fuck.

"Look, I don't know what he told you, but you need to understand. Everyone around me wants something. My father wants me to be Cooper's consigliere. My mother wants me to take care of my brother. Telio wants me to be boss one day. But here's the thing. I don't care what they want, I only care about what I want, and I want you."

Kurt shook his head. "That may be true, Blaine, but how are you going to fight all these people?"

Blaine grabbed Kurt's shoulders. "By focusing on what's important to me, and that's you. I love you, Kurt. You are what I want. You're the only thing I want. I just wanna be with you. I want a future with you. I promised you I'd protect you. Do you really think I'd make that promise if I was going to get involved in something that would put us both in danger?"

Blaine's eyes were full of love and pleading. Kurt slowly shook his head. Blaine grabbed his hands and placed them over his heart.

"I promise, Kurt. Trust me. Just trust me. "

Kurt suddenly felt overcome with emotion. He threw his arms around Blaine's neck and whispered, "I want to trust you, I'm just scared. I'm so scared, Blaine."

Blaine held him tight. "Don't be. You have nothing to be scared of. I promise. You and me. That's what matters. That's what's important. You and me. Me and you. Everyone else can take a flying fuck."

Kurt giggled.

Music to Blaine's ears.

"Come on. Dance with me."

They spent the rest of the night on the dance floor. At the end of the night the boys watched the girls board the buses and waved goodbye before trekking back to the dorms. Everyone was tired, but still hyped up from the excitement of the evening. People were calling out to each other, making plans to meet in each other's rooms to watch movies and hang out. This was one of the few nights when the floor advisors turned a blind eye to room parties and guests past curfew.

Halfway to Kurt's room, Blaine stopped walking. He pulled Kurt close and whispered in his ear.

"Spend the night with me."

It wasn't a request.

"Okay."