Chapter 25
Kurt stared at the over-the-top, incredibly tacky flowers and shook his head. He tried to think of a suitable spot to place the definitely unsuitable arrangement.
"How about outside on the patio?"
The guard nodded and headed to the patio while another guard held up two more arrangements.
"Where d'ya want these?"
Kurt eyed the elegant arrangement of calla lilies. "Put those in the kitchen and place the gerbera daisies on the small table in the living room."
"You already put some there."
"Oh," said Kurt with a sigh. "Well, just try to make room. We're running out of places."
"I'm sure more will be coming. Mario was a great man. He has many admirers. He'll be missed."
"Well, let's just hope they don't all send flowers."
Kurt turned just in time to see Elian slip inside the library. He immediately headed that way.
"Excuse me?"
What now? Kurt turned to see the cook heading towards him. "Yes?"
"I'm good to go on everything you requested for the repast, but I need to know if there will be a formal dinner afterwards, and if so, will it just be the immediate family, or will the heads of the families be joining as well along with their wives, and does that include the out of state heads?"
Kurt shook his head. "I really don't know. I'll ask Blaine."
"Well, please let me know as soon as possible so I can plan accordingly. Thank you."
"Of course."
The cook turned on her heel and returned to the kitchen. Kurt wasn't sure if she disliked him in general, resented his being in charge, or was simply a cold personality.
It doesn't matter. I'm in charge whether they like it or not. Whether I like it or not.
The news of Mario's death hit the compound like a meteor falling from the sky. The thunderous impact left everyone frozen and then whirling as the news traveled to the rest of the Anderson crime family and beyond to friends, enemies, and admirers. All at once it felt like the compound was under siege as people clamored to pay their respects to one of the greatest leaders the underworld had ever seen. Overnight cases of bourbon began to arrive for Blaine to toast his father and celebrate his officially becoming head of the family. For Anastasia there was delivery after delivery of flower arrangements ranging from elegant and tasteful to downright tacky. It got to the point that Kurt instructed the guards to park a car at the gate, wait till it was full of deliveries, and then bring them to the house once an hour instead of every 5 minutes.
Kurt suddenly found himself in charge as Anastasia went into isolation locking herself in her room, and Blaine fell into a shell-shocked and completely overwhelmed state. Everyone wanted to talk, visit, express, reassure, congratulate, console, and sympathize. There were arrangements to be made, special dinners to be planned, protocols and formalities to follow. Everyone wanted a piece of Blaine, and Blaine just wanted to grieve.
Can I just have five fucking minutes to grieve?
Two nights after Mario's death, Blaine drank half a bottle of bourbon, walked into the kitchen, and announced to the cook, the house manager, and the head of security that Kurt was in charge.
"You're to do whatever the fuck he tells you. You got that? He decides everything. On my fucking authority. No! I take that back. On the authority invested in him as my husband. This is his house now, so whatever he says goes." Blaine then threw himself at a very embarrassed Kurt and drunkenly kissed him. "I love you and I trust you. Whatever you decide is fine by me. Gosh you're gorgeous…" Despite Blaine's inebriated state everyone took him at his word, and Kurt found himself in charge despite having zero knowledge on how to plan a traditional mafia boss funeral and subsequent dinners.
Kurt continued down the hall to the library. Blaine planned to spend the day returning important calls, so why was Elian disturbing him?
He walked in to find Blaine sitting behind the desk staring sadly into space while Elian poured him a glass of bourbon. Kurt glared at Elian and quickly removed the glass.
"He's not to have any more to drink. He had enough the past two nights. No more alcohol."
"What are you? His mother?"
"Why don't you go help clean the yard? They're spreading manure around the trees. Should be right up your alley."
Elian was about to respond when Blaine suddenly turned to him with urgency.
"Can your brothers help with the cars? We need to make sure they're all swept for bombs and guarded during the burial."
Elian nodded knowing full well that he had no intention of calling his brothers. He hadn't spoken to his family since leaving weeks ago and he was hoping to avoid them at the funeral.
"Yes," said Kurt. "Why don't you go take care of that?"
Elian shot him a death look and left. Kurt locked the door and sat down across from Blaine who had returned to staring off into space.
"Blaine? Honey? I need your help. The cook has all these questions about dinners, and who's coming, and heads of families, and…I don't know anything. Telio's busy with security and Luther's…I don't know what Luther is doing, but I need help. I don't know what to tell her."
Blaine continued to stare off into space.
"Blaine?"
"Blaine?"
"When I was around twelve I watched my father brutally beat a man with a whip and set him on fire. He was a security guard that used to always talk to my mom. He would come into the house, hang out in the kitchen, eat cookies and talk to her. I don't know if she liked him or not, but she was always polite. I guess he took that as a sign that she wanted something more because he started telling people they were friends. Good friends. People warned him to knock it off before my dad found out, but he didn't listen. Then one night I couldn't sleep so I got up and went downstairs. I heard noises outside so I went out to see what was going on. I sneaked in the back door of the barn and my father was beating the guy while he pleaded for his life. My mother was there and I remember my father said to her, "This is what will happen to anyone who tries to take that which is most precious to me. Remember this if you ever think about sleeping with another man. This is what will happen." Then he doused the guy with gasoline and set him on fire. My mother didn't even flinch. She just watched him burn."
Blaine turned and looked at Kurt. His expression struck pure fear in Kurt's chest.
"I guess my mother forgot."
"What do you mean?"
"I think Luther and my mother are having an affair."
Kurt's mouth fell open. "Wh-what?"
"It would explain why he's always here, but I never see him. It's why he's been acting so strange towards me. I think they're sleeping together and…I think he killed my father."
Kurt was speechless.
"I'll wait until after the funeral to deal with them."
"But…Blaine…your father was hurt. Badly hurt. He was shot numerous times. I know you were hoping for the best, but, honey…I'm sorry, but…his death was kind of inevitable."
Blaine shook his head. "You don't know that. I'm having an autopsy done with a full toxicology workup. I think they did something, and even if they didn't it doesn't mean I'm wrong about the affair."
"They? You think…your mother…"
"I don't think Luther would do something like this without my mother's blessing."
Kurt was scared to ask the next question, but he had to know.
"If it's true…what will you do?"
Blaine's voice was smooth, controlled, and very matter-of-fact.
"I am my father's son."
Kurt swallowed. "And…your mother?"
Blaine was thoughtful. "I don't know. I think Luther took advantage of the situation, of her heartbreak and desperate need for my father. My parent's relationship was very co-dependent, not that my father would have ever admitted that. I'm sure he would've said it was just one way with my mother needing and depending on him to survive, but I know that's not true. He needed and depended on her just as much. They fed each other's addictions and couldn't survive without the other. As their child I'm sure I'm not supposed to know that, but I'm not blind or deaf. Plus…well I know how I'm wired. I had to get it from somewhere, right?"
Kurt shook his head in confusion. "What do you mean?"
Blaine took his hand. "I can't survive without you, Kurt. I need you."
Kurt shook his head. "That's not true. You could survive without me. You want me, but you don't need me."
Blaine shook his head. "No. That's not true. Haven't you figured it out yet? The reason I want you here? I need you, Kurt. I'm as addicted to you as my father was to my mother. As Timothy is to cocaine. You're the love of my life. My sunshine. My only sunshine."
Blaine's words filled Kurt's heart with love. So much love.
And his mind with fear. So much fear.
Anastasia's words echoed in his brain.
Anderson men are very passionate creatures. Their blood is rich and thick, pulsing with power and passion. They have an inborn need to lead. Control. To dominate and command everything…and everyone around them… They do not vacillate and they do not waver once they have decided they want something…or someone."
Kurt decided now was not the time to argue, so he just nodded.
Blaine sighed and looked at his phone. "I guess I should get back to these phone calls. God forbid I insult someone over my own father's death. Mafia protocols and traditions are so fucked up."
"Okay, I'll let you get back to that, but first I need your help. I don't mind taking care of the arrangements, but I don't know the rules. I need help."
Blaine nodded. "Of course you do. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have thrown you into all of this. I just…with my mother in mourning, and all the shit I'm expected to do…"
Kurt squeezed his hand. "No, it's okay. I'm happy to help. I just don't want to do anything wrong."
"Tell Telio to take you to see Joan Capiones. She can answer all your questions about mafia funeral protocols. Her husband was killed several years ago so she's been through it. She likes my mom so she'll be happy to help."
x-x-x
As they drove to Joan Capiones's house, Kurt told Telio about his conversation with Blaine.
"I'm scared, Telio. Would Blaine really kill Luther? And what about Anastasia? What would he do to her? He wouldn't murder his own mother, would he?"
"If it's true, Luther is a dead man walking. As for Anastasia…I don't think so. Not if he's already blaming Luther for the entire thing."
"But if he kills Luther who will take over while you guys finish school?"
Telio glanced at Kurt. Really? Blaine's still feeding you lies?
"Kurt, I don't know what Blaine's told you, but we're not returning to school."
"You might. Blaine's trying to figure it out."
Telio shook his head. "There's no way we can go to school and run the business, and as for Luther…sounds like he might not be alive by the time school starts."
Kurt stared at Telio. Telio was as observant as a cat. If something was going on he would know.
"You know, don't you?"
"What are you talking about?"
"Luther and Anastasia. You know. You know for certain."
Telio didn't say anything.
"Telio, I know you know! Nothing gets by you! You see everything!"
Silence.
"Is Blaine right?"
Telio kept his eyes on the road and his mouth shut.
Armed with pages of notes from his meeting with Joan Capiones, Kurt set about planning the required funeral dinners while Blaine handled the actual funeral and burial arrangements, and tried to manage the onslaught of demands on his time. He and Telio met with Luther every day to review the expected attendance list in order to plan appropriate security. Enemies were known to attend funerals under the guise of showing respect when really they were there to gloat or spy. No one would dare start trouble at the funeral as that was considered absolutely unacceptable no matter how bad the blood between families, but it was important to keep an eye on everybody's movements.
Blaine was serious and all business during these meetings. Whenever Luther tried to express concern or act in a consoling manner, Blaine brushed him off and walked away.
Making Luther very, very nervous.
The morning of the funeral the sun hung bright in a very clear and cloudless blue sky. Blaine stared at himself in the full length mirror. He looked incredibly handsome in his black Armani suit. He adjusted the platinum, pearl and onyx cufflinks that belonged to his father, straightened his bowtie, and gently patted his perfectly gelled hair. There was a knock at the door.
"Yes?"
Telio walked in. "Hey."
"Hey."
"You ready for this?"
Blaine blew out a breath. "Not really, but I haven't had much time to think about it."
Telio nodded. "Yeah."
Blaine debated for a moment before deciding to put it out there.
"I requested an autopsy. I should get the report in a few days. I believe his heart had help giving out."
"Who do you suspect?"
"Luther…possibly with my mother's permission."
Telio shook his head. "Your mother would never do that, Blaine."
"What makes you so sure?"
"Because she loved your father. She still does."
"He did some fucked up shit to her. You said so yourself. Even he told me one time that he broke her. Maybe this was her way of getting revenge."
"No way. She doesn't have it in her. She's not wired that way."
"She didn't have to have it in her. She had someone willing to do it for her."
"Look, I'll give you that something's been going on between her and Luther, but her agreeing to murder your father? I don't think so."
Blaine turned and looked at himself again in the mirror. He distractedly adjusted his cufflinks just like his father used to. His voice was cool and smooth, also like his father's. Despite his intense anger.
"So, Telio, when were you going to tell me?"
Telio recognized the tone and took a step back. The similarities between Blaine and his father were downright creepy.
"When I felt you really needed to know."
"You didn't think I should know that my father's best friend is fucking my mother while my father lies dying in a hospital?"
"First of all, I don't know if they're fucking or not, just that something's going on. Second, after all the shit you've been through this summer I didn't think you needed one more thing on your mind. You needed to focus on getting better and fixing things with Kurt."
"Bullshit! My, no, our father was being betrayed! In his house! By his supposed fucking best friend! How could you think I didn't need to know the moment you knew? The moment you suspected it!"
"Your mother needed him! I know that sounds crazy to you, but you've never seen…you've never watched a woman…my mother…"
Blaine's anger dissipated. Telio never, ever mentioned his mother.
"My mother…she needed so badly. She just needed someone…a man who would love her the way she wanted and deserved. She wasn't weak, but she needed protection from all the assholes out there. She was always searching, so she was always giving wrong guys a chance, and…she just needed to be loved by someone who would protect her and help her deal with life, and she never had that. Watching Anastasia fall apart after Mario was shot…it was like watching my mother. I'd watch her fall apart over and over again..."
Telio stopped and closed his eyes for a moment. He shook away the images and continued.
"Your mother was falling apart, Blaine. You told Luther to take care of her and he did. That's why I didn't tell you. I didn't wanna watch her fall apart. I've seen that movie too many times, and I knew you'd have a fit."
"I told him to make sure she slept! Ate! Exercised! Not to sleep with her!"
"We don't know if they're sleeping together."
"You look me in the eye and tell me you don't think Luther is fucking my mother."
"I don't know if he is or isn't, but now is not the time to debate it. We need to get going." Telio turned to leave. Blaine grabbed his arm.
"Telio…please don't keep things from me. Just don't. Ever. I have to know I can trust you. You and Kurt are the only people I trust right now. I need to know that's not a mistake."
Telio's eyes clouded over with hurt. "How could you ever question my loyalty to you? I spend my life protecting you."
"I know and I love you for it, and I don't want that to change, but I need to know that you will always tell me everything. Everything, Telio. Whether you think I should know or not. I need to know I can completely trust and rely on you."
"Haven't you always?"
"Yes, so please don't make me question it ever again."
Telio nodded. As they headed towards the stairs, he suddenly stopped Blaine.
"Hey, there is one thing I should probably tell you. Not that it matters. I didn't decide to keep it a secret. It was your father who didn't want you to know."
"What is it?"
"I killed Skylar."
"Why wouldn't my dad want me to know that?"
Telio shrugged. "I have no idea. I killed him and some other guy that just happened to be there. I don't know for sure, but I think Cooper figured it out. I remember he said something like, "this is for Skylar" before he shot me when we were rescuing Kurt."
"Okay. Anything else?"
"No. I promise."
"All right. Let's go."
Kurt was already downstairs going over the schedule for the day one final time. First there was the funeral service at United Hope Church in downtown Westerville. Mario had donated thousands of dollars to the church over the years in preparation for this very day. The church was large enough for all the people who would attend, and the minister greedy enough to willingly preside over funeral services for a known criminal and murderer despite the objections of his church members. After the funeral there would be a long procession to the cemetery where Mario would be buried. The repast would take place at a private club followed by a more intimate gathering at the compound of the main families and certain invited friends. It was going to be a long exhausting day.
Blaine took a moment to appreciate his boyfriend. Kurt was wearing a black suit too, but his was Hugo Boss and was adorned with the small touches that made it truly Kurt. A large spider brooch and spider cufflinks. A purple and black handkerchief perfectly folded in the pocket that matched Blaine's bowtie. His hair was swept up high and was lighter from time spent in the sun which made his eyes seem darker.
"You look stunningly handsome, Kurt."
"Thank you, and you look incredibly handsome as well. Are you ready?"
"Yeah. Is my mother already outside?"
"No, I'm coming."
Blaine turned around to see his mother descending the stairs in a tasteful black dress with a black hat and veil covering her face and black gloves. She looked classically elegant and surprisingly strong and composed. She linked arms with Blaine and Telio.
"Let's go."
x-x-x
The church was packed.
Standing room only.
It was a who's who of the underworld along with prominent businessmen, and FBI agents who sought to blend in with the crowds while taking note of who was in attendance. Funerals brought out mobsters who hadn't been seen in months, sometimes years, but of course no one who was currently on the FBI's most wanted list.
As Kurt walked out behind the casket with Blaine he was shocked to see his father and Carol sitting in one of the pews. His father nodded at him and Kurt suddenly felt an onslaught of longing.
Outside Blaine stopped to speak with people who wanted to give their condolences. Five guards stood right by him watching everyone and scanning the crowds.
"My dad's here. I'm gonna go say hi."
"He's here? Really?"
"Yeah. I'll be right back."
Blaine motioned for one of the guards to follow him.
Kurt quickly made his way through the crowd.
"Dad! Dad!" Kurt launched himself into his dad's open arms.
"Hey Kurt."
Kurt didn't mean for his eyes to well up with tears, but he couldn't help it. "Hi dad," he whispered. Burt placed his hands on Kurt's shoulders and looked him up and down. "You alright?"
"Yeah, I just…I guess I didn't realize how much I've missed you. What are you doing here?"
"I may not approve of Blaine, or even like him, but he is a young man who just lost his father, and he is your…boyfriend. It just seemed like the right thing to do."
Kurt felt overcome with emotion. His father was truly the most amazing man on the planet.
Carol hugged him and nodded approvingly. "You're walking well. Is everything better?"
"Yes, absolutely. I'm great, but…I miss you guys."
Burt had sworn to himself that he wasn't going to ask, but it just came out.
"When are you coming home?"
Kurt hesitated and then, "Next week. I'll come home for a few days next week."
Kurt immediately decided that the look of happiness on his father's face was worth the fight he was going to have with Blaine.
"Okay. Well, it looks like they're waiting for you."
Kurt turned to see Blaine standing by the open limo door watching him.
"Are you coming to the cemetery?"
"No, no. I just wanted to pay my….I wanted to honor your relationship with Blaine."
Kurt nodded. "Okay. Thanks, dad. That means a lot to me, and I'm sure it means a lot to Blaine."
Kurt gave them final lingering hugs before heading towards the car. As he walked he turned around and walked backwards calling out, "Next week, dad."
"Promise?"
"Promise."
x-x-x
The cemetery was only slightly less packed than the church. Blaine sat between his mother and Kurt and half listened to the minister go on and on about ashes to ashes and dust to dust. As the casket was lowered into the ground he made a silent promise.
Don't worry, dad. I'll take care of everything. Everything you worked for will continue. I'll build it bigger and better in your honor, and I will destroy those who betrayed you. I promise.
The family remained seated as the service ended and the crowds dispersed. Telio watched the sea of black heading towards their cars and then he saw her.
Alicia.
"I'll be back."
He walked towards her quickly, his eyes darting around to see who was watching.
"Hi."
"What are you doing here?"
"I got your email about your father. I'm so sorry."
"But, what are you doing here?"
"Why wouldn't I be here? You just lost your father."
"Well…yeah, but…" Telio was at a loss for words.
Alicia stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him. "I love you, Telio. Did you really think I wouldn't attend your father's funeral?"
Telio held her, inhaling her scent. He was almost lost in how wonderful she smelled, and how good she felt when a man walked by watching them. Telio's instincts immediately shot up and he quickly pulled away from her.
"I'm glad to see you. I really am, but you shouldn't have come. I don't want people to know you exist. It's dangerous."
Alicia hid her hurt under a defiant tone. "Kurt's here for Blaine."
That shot Telio's paranoia to a whole new level. If only you knew what happened to Kurt you would run, run, run.
"I know, but I don't care about him. He's Blaine's concern. You're mine."
"When are you going to realize that I'm not scared to be with you?"
You should be.
"Do your parents know you're here?"
Alicia sighed. "Yes. That was….well…let's just say it was a good thing you gave me that money. I tried to explain to them why I wanted to come which led to them finding out exactly who your father was, and that led to a huge fight, and…yeah."
"You came without their permission?"
"I wanted to be here for you."
Telio stared at her. Wow. Here for me. For me. Wow.
"When do you go back?"
"Three days."
"Are you staying at your house?"
"Of course. Where else would I stay?"
She's alone in that big house. That's not good. That's dangerous.
"Blaine." Alicia hurried to give a hug to Blaine as he approached. "I'm so sorry, Blaine."
"Thank you. It was nice of you to come."
"Of course. Hi Kurt."
While Kurt and Alicia hugged, Blaine gave Telio a meaningful look. Isn't this awesome? She came to support you. She loves you.
Telio shook his head. She shouldn't be here. I saw what went down this summer. I can't let that happen to her.
"Alicia, you're welcome to join us for the repast," said Kurt.
Telio was about to protest when Alicia shook her head. "No, thank you. If it's okay with you, Telio, I'm actually pretty tired from the flight and time change and all. I was gonna head home, but…maybe you'll come see me later?"
Telio quickly nodded. "Yeah. Okay."
Telio walked her to her car. "Listen. I want you to lock the doors and turn on the alarm when you get home, okay?"
Alicia smiled. "You sound like my father."
"Just make sure you do it, okay?"
"Okay."
"I'll try to get away as soon as I can."
"It's okay if you can't. You should probably stay with your family."
Telio shook his head. "No. I'll be there. It just might be late."
Alicia's smile was full of a promise that made Telio very, very hard.
"I'll wait up."
x-x-x
By the time they arrived back at the compound that evening everyone was exhausted, but they still weren't done. The family heads and special guests joined them to reminisce, share stories, and wish Blaine well. Blaine sat quietly, nodding and smiling at the appropriate times. Kurt tried to get him to excuse himself and go upstairs, but Blaine shook his head.
"I can't do that, Kurt. It would be considered impolite and disrespectful to both my father's memory, and the heads of the families. I have to show them that I respect and honor their loyalty to me and appreciate their years of allegiance to my father."
"But this is ridiculous. You're exhausted. Your mother's exhausted. We're all exhausted."
"I know, but there are expectations, Kurt. I need to honor them."
Blaine turned to speak to a large man who was waiting patiently a few feet away. Kurt sighed and headed into the dining room to check on the food.
"Excuse me, Kurt?"
Kurt looked up to see Luther. "Oh, hello."
Luther cleared his throat. "Hello. I just wanted to thank you for everything you've done. You really stepped up and took care of things which allowed us…me, and Blaine and the others to focus on everything else. Thank you."
Kurt nodded. "Of course."
Luther nodded. "I think Blaine chose well when he chose you. That's why I need your help." Luther looked around and then gestured towards the patio. Kurt looked over at Blaine who was engrossed in conversation. He looked back at Luther and nodded. He was curious. In all the time he'd been at the compound, Luther hadn't said two words to him. What does he want? They sat down at one of the patio tables.
Luther cleared his throat. "As you know with Mario's death Blaine becomes the official head of the Anderson family. Of course, its been official for some time now, but now it's really…real."
Kurt nodded silently. Luther continued.
"Leadership changes tend to make everyone a bit jittery. People start jockeying for position, worried about what changes may be coming, and a new leader can often grow extremely paranoid. Seeing enemies, and plots against them at every turn."
Kurt slowly nodded. "I can see that. It makes perfect sense. I'd be paranoid too if I held a position of leadership in this family."
Luther leaned forward. "But you do, Kurt. You're very important. Blaine loves you. Depends on you. That's why I wanted to speak to you. I want you to help him keep it together. Paranoia can lead to poor decision making, and we can't afford that right now. There's been too many disruptions already. We need Blaine to move into his new role as smoothly as possible, and with as clear a mind as possible. I'm hoping you'll be able to keep him calm, cool, and collected. Feet firmly on the ground."
Kurt Hummel was nobody's fool.
So, you did kill Mario! Oh, Luther. Blaine is going to murder you, and it's funny that you think I'll be able to stop him.
Kurt tried to look reassuring. "Frankly, Luther, Blaine's been in charge for a while now, and his worst fears have already been realized. After the hell we've been through this summer I think this transition will be pretty easy, but thanks for the advice. I'll be sure to help Blaine see things clearly moving forward."
Kurt stood up prompting Luther to stand. "Okay. Well, let me know if I can help. If you feel Blaine is starting to…fixate on something unreasonable just let me know. I'm happy to help you help him see reason."
Kurt held in a laugh. "Of course. Thank you."
Luther watched Kurt head inside the house.
He didn't feel any better.
x-x-x
Two hours later the house was finally empty and quiet. Kurt was grateful to leave the cleaning up to the house staff. He thanked them for all of their work, reviewed the dinners that would take place over the next few days with the cook, and headed upstairs. He found a freshly showered Blaine sitting on his bed in boxers staring into space. He didn't even acknowledge Kurt's entrance. Kurt didn't disturb him. Instead he stripped down and went to take his own long, hot shower. He was surprised to find Blaine sitting in the exact same place when he emerged from the bathroom almost 20 minutes later. He pulled on a pair of boxes and gently sat down next to Blaine.
"My dad is really gone."
Kurt nodded sadly.
They settled in bed.
Kurt lay sad and still as his chest grew wet from Blaine's silent tears.
Alicia danced from the refrigerator to the sink humming along to the music filling the kitchen from her iPod. She washed a bag of cherries, strawberries and grapes, and dumped everything into a bowl which she placed in the refrigerator along with a bottle of white wine. A snack for later with Telio.
Her cell phone rang. On my way. She smiled and sent back a smiley emoticon.
She grabbed her iPod and headed upstairs to light a few candles and to change into a nightgown she'd bought in London on the one day she'd been able to go shopping alone. It was a soft, shimmery pink silk negligee that fell just to the top of her thighs. She was excited to wear it for Telio. He'd mentioned one time how much he liked her in pink, so she'd also bought three pink skirts and two pink dresses with the money he gave her. Maybe she'd do a fashion show for him later. After they did other things.
She covered herself in a shimmery lotion she'd bought just for a night like tonight. She slipped on the negligee and unpinned her hair from the top of her head. She started brushing so it would lay smooth and straight down her back.
She was about to turn her iPod back on when she heard a click. She walked to the top of the stairs and listened.
Silence.
Then another click.
"Telio?"
She slowly walked downstairs, through the kitchen and into the living room.
"Teli…" She gasped.
The man was large and tall wearing a black hat, shirt and pants. He arched an eyebrow and smiled as he looked her up and down. This was supposed to be a simple kill job, but maybe he'd make it something more.
Alicia didn't scream. She backed up, turned and ran towards the kitchen. She reached the kitchen counter just as he lunged for her. She turned at the exact same time and slashed the knife across his chest. As he stumbled back she ran forward and plunged the knife into his chest with a scream. She pulled it out and slashed it across his face, and then his neck before plunging it into his chest one final time. He crashed to the floor.
She stood there shaking, staring at the bloody body on her mother's pristine, weekly scrubbed, Italian tile kitchen floor. She took a step back as the pool of blood began to grow.
She looked at the phone on the wall.
Should she call the police?
Of course she should call the police.
But she didn't move.
Telio's on his way.
She edged closer to the counter away from the blood and waited.
x-x-x
Telio slowed up as he approached the entrance to Alicia's subdivision. He checked the rear view mirror for the hundredth time to make sure he wasn't being followed. As he drove by the huge homes he wondered if this would be the last time he'd get to see her. He appreciated her coming for the funeral, but now that her parents knew exactly who he was, he was sure they would take steps to keep their only daughter from dating a criminal. Would they ship her off to boarding school in another state? Maybe find a school in London?
Telio stopped in front of the house. There was a black Lincoln with tinted windows and a hard to read license plate parked in the driveway.
A mob car.
Telio's heart jumped in fear as his pulse raced. He pulled into the drive, jumped out the car, pulled his gun and ran to the front door.
No, no, no. Please, God, no. Please…
His panic grew when he turned the doorknob and found the door unlocked. He stepped inside.
"Alicia?"
"Alicia!"
"Telio!"
He ran down the hall towards her voice and was relieved when she suddenly appeared and ran towards him. They crashed into each other. She threw her arms around him.
"Oh, Telio, Telio, Telio…"
She grabbed his hand and led him to the kitchen.
"I-I don't know how he got in. I heard a noise and I came down and…" She trailed off.
Telio stared at the body lying in a pool of blood on the floor. He squatted down to get a closer look. Shit. She had really done the guy in. Good girl.
"Should…should I call the police?
"No. Absolutely not. I'll take care of it."
"How?"
Telio took a moment to really look at her. Her face was tear streaked, there were blood stains on her gown, and despite her calm voice she was shaking. He pulled her to him and held her tight. "Don't worry. I'll take care of everything." He kissed the top of her head. She looked up at him, and damn her eyes…fear turning to trust…and it had been so long since he'd held her…he couldn't help himself. He kissed her deep and wet, full of love and wanting. She clung to him letting the reassurance seep into her body.
"Don't worry about anything. I'll take care of all of it, but I need your help. First, I need you take off your gown. We have to get rid of it."
Alicia looked down at the gown as if realizing for the first time that it was covered in blood. "I bought it in London."
"It's really pretty, but it has to go because of the blood."
Alicia pulled the gown over her head and handed it to him. Telio took a deep breath. He needed to stay focused on the task at hand and not get distracted by his beautiful now naked girlfriend who he'd been dreaming about for months.
"Any blood on the bottom of your feet?" She checked and shook her head. "Okay, I want you to go upstairs and take a shower and then go to your room and wait for me. Don't come out of your room. Just wait for me, okay?"
"O-okay."
"Everything will be fine. I promise."
Once she was upstairs he pulled out his cell phone and dialed a number.
"C, I have a clean-up. Body and car. It needs to happen immediately and must be discreet as hell. 8975 Rolling Hills Drive. As soon as possible. Thanks."
Telio leaned on the kitchen island and put his face in his hands.
Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck.
She could have been killed. Like Lisa.
Shit, shit, shit, shit, shit, shit.
He looked at the dead guy. There was too much blood for him to check the guy's pockets, but he was sure there wouldn't be any id anyway.
A hit the night of Mario's funeral. Has to be Chartussi. He's letting us know the break is over. Fucker.
Telio remembered the man he'd seen watching him and Alicia at the cemetery.
Fuck.
30 minutes later Telio's phone range with a text.
Pulling up front.
He went to open the door.
"Evening, T."
"Hey, C." The leader of the clean- up crew was known only as C. He was a big guy with a huge ridiculous afro, but was known for being the absolute best at what he did. No matter how many bodies or bloody the scene, in hours it would appear as if nothing ever happened. Quick, quiet, discreet and thorough.
Telio led the four men to the kitchen. C studied the body and chuckled.
"Well, ol' Mario would be proud that you didn't let something like his funeral stop ya from taking care of business. This is an easy one. Be done in no time."
"Good. Listen, this one doesn't go on the Anderson account. I'll take care of it personally."
C looked surprised. "Well, okay. I'll give ya the same discount."
"I'm happy to pay full."
C shook his head. "Nah. Not necessary."
"Okay. Thanks."
Telio headed upstairs to stay out of the way and to check on Alicia. As he walked up the stairs he noticed the photos on the wall. Alicia was an only child so all of the pictures were of her with a few of her with her parents. From her toddler years all the way up to her Dalton junior year photo. Telio stopped and studied one of Alicia and her parents. A smiling, happy family. His heart felt heavy in his chest. He'd brought death and murder to her idyllic world. Right into her home.
You knew better, you selfish piece of shit. You never should have gotten involved. Stop listening to the gay brigade.
He walked down the hall until he found her sitting on her bed wearing a cotton Snoopy nightgown, her hair in a long braid down her back. She smelled fresh and clean and looked incredibly young. And scared.
"Who-who were you talking to? Is everything okay?"
Telio sat down on the bed and took her hand. "Yeah. It'll be just like nothing happened. I promise."
"Who's downstairs?"
"People who deal with this kind of thing. Don't worry. Your mother's floors will be spotless and no one will ever know."
"But…I don't know…shouldn't we call the police?"
"No."
"Why not?"
"Why would we? He was here to hurt you. You stopped him. The end. There's no need for the police."
"But I…" her voice turned to a whisper. "I k-killed someone."
"Yeah, someone who broke into your house and was here to hurt you. To kill you. You didn't do anything wrong, okay?
Alicia contemplated for several minutes.
"Telio…who is…was he?"
"Why do you care?"
"Do you know him?"
"No."
"But…he knew me, didn't he? He wasn't a random intruder, was he?"
Telio sighed heavily and stood up.
Dammit.
"Remember when I told you to run far, far away from me? This was why. I don't know who he is, but I'm sure he works for an enemy of the Andersons. He was sent here to kill you, Alicia. To kill you to get to me. To get to Blaine."
Alicia pulled her knees up to her chin and wrapped her arms around her body.
Wow.
Shit just got real.
Silence filled the space between them while Alicia sat on her bed thinking, and Telio leaned against her bedroom wall waiting to hear from C. Finally his phone rang with a text.
We're done down here.
"I'll be right back. Stay here."
The kitchen was spotless, clean and fresh. A new knife matching the kitchen set was in the drawer.
"This looks great, guys. Thank you."
"Anytime."
"I'll come by in a few days with the cash."
"No hurry. I know you're good for it."
Telio locked the front door. When he returned to the kitchen Alicia was standing in the entrance way looking around in awe. "Can I walk in?"
"Sure."
She stepped tentatively, her eyes searching the floor and counters for some trace of what had just happened over two hours ago, but there was nothing.
"How did they do this so fast? Who were they?"
"Friends."
"What kind of friends?"
Telio's face said it all.
Okay. Fine. No questions.
She opened the refrigerator and took out the bowl of fruit and the bottle of wine. She set them on the counter and just stood there. When she looked up tears were rolling down her cheeks.
"Telio…I…"
He immediately wrapped his arms around her as she started to cry.
"It's okay. It's okay, baby. It's okay."
She shook with loud sobs as the fear finally hit her in full force. Telio held her close and whispered his love as his heart broke.
Eventually they headed upstairs with the fruit and wine, but neither ate or drank. Instead they lay curled up together on Alicia's bed and fell asleep.
x-x-x
Telio woke up the next morning when his cell phone signaled a text. He sat up slowly. He was alone and could smell bacon cooking. He picked up his phone.
B - Just making sure you're okay. Tell Alicia I said hi.
T -I'm fine. Do you need me? Alicia leaves Thursday. I was gonna stay.
Telio went to the bathroom and returned to another message.
B - See you Thursday.
Telio headed downstairs. Alicia was standing at the stove scrambling eggs, frying bacon, and stirring a pan of gravy. She had set the island with two plates, silverware, napkins and a small vase of flowers in the middle. Telio was suddenly hit with a strong and powerful longing for something he rarely allowed himself to imagine. He shook the feeling away. You can't have this, so don't even.
"Hi. Hungry?"
"Starving."
He sat down and watched her fix a plate of biscuits and gravy, bacon and eggs. She placed it in front of him.
"Thank you."
She sat down across from him and took a tiny sip of orange juice.
"Aren't you gonna eat?"
"No. I'm not hungry."
Telio dove in and was pleased to find it was delicious.
"You're a good cook."
"Thanks."
Silence.
Alicia's stomach tumbled and twisted and her head pounded. Every time she tried to speak she could feel tears well up. She didn't want to end things, but did she have a choice? She couldn't put her parents in danger. Maybe it was safer to stay with him now that she was already connected to the Andersons. How would the bad people know she wasn't his girlfriend anymore?
Three plates later Telio sat back and stretched. "That was great. Thank you."
Alicia couldn't hold back her tears any longer.
"I'm sorry, but…I don't think I can do this."
Telio's heart cracked, but he took her hand in his and nodded. "It's okay. I know and I understand. It's for the best."
"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry, Telio. I just never thought…"
"No." Telio walked around the island and pulled her to him. "It's not your fault. I never should have started this. I'm sorry about last night, and I promise…nothing else will happen. You and your parents will be fine."
"I feel like I'm failing you. After everything I said…"
"You're not failing me. I'm the one that failed you. I never should have let things get this far."
Alicia sniffed. "I guess Kurt is just braver than me."
Telio cupped her face in his hands. "Are you kidding me? Alicia, you killed a big ass man five times your size last night. I'm still not sure how you did it except that you're fucking amazing."
Alicia wrapped her arms around him as he stroked her hair. She smelled so good, and felt so perfect, and God he was going to miss this. He pulled back and pressed his mouth to hers. Their passion built slowly and then all at once. Clothes were discarded, condoms found in Telio's backpack, and they were on the floor of living room. Hands roaming, kissing, licking, and then he was inside her, pumping gently, savoring the feeling. He came with a deep groan followed a moment later by her passionate cry.
They dozed off until the floor became too uncomfortable. They moved to the family room couch, Alicia in just her bra and panties, and Telio in just his boxers. They turned on the TV and found a rerun of The Breakfast Club.
Alicia snuggled in close to him "Will you at least stay with me until I leave on Thursday?"
"Of course."
"And…" she paused and looked up into his eyes, "maybe forget what I said earlier?"
"What do you mean?"
"I don't wanna stop seeing you. I…I was just scared."
Telio felt torn. This was his chance to let her go. To protect her from getting even deeper and more involved. Don't be selfish like Blaine. Let her go.
But he didn't want to.
"I don't want anything else to happen to you."
"Do you think whoever sent that guy will try again?"
"No. I'll make sure that doesn't happen."
"How?"
"Trust me."
Alicia relaxed into him.
"I already do."
By Thursday Kurt was sure he could sleep for a week and still wake up tired.
For the past three days he and Blaine had attended or hosted a series of dinners as part of the mourning process for Mario. Kurt was completely fed up and outdone by all the required social engagements connected to Mario's death.
"I'm sorry, but this has been the most asinine thing ever. How is anyone supposed to grieve with all this running around? Who thought this was a good idea? It's exhausting! And then all these special dinners that the person who lost someone has to organize. How does that even make sense?"
They were sitting at the dining room table drinking wine. Kurt was sipping a very sweet late harvest Riesling while Blaine enjoyed a rich Merlot. They were both wearing black pants and dress shirts having just returned from the final dinner. Blaine's bowtie lay untied and draped around his neck, the first three buttons of his shirt undone while Kurt's was unbuttoned completely and hung loose and open. They had their shoes off, feet propped up on one of the chairs.
"I don't disagree with you, but it's tradition, Kurt."
"Well, I'm sorry, but it's a stupid tradition."
Blaine smiled at Kurt's pout that managed to be both toddler and superior at the same time.
"Thank you for going with me to everything, and for taking care of things here. I really appreciate it, and so does my mom."
"Of course."
"So, now that I've fulfilled all my official duties, it's time for you and I to enjoy a little rest and relaxation. We leave Saturday."
"What?"
"We leave for vacation on Saturday. 9:00 am by private jet. We're going to an island near Belize. Just you and me. Finally."
It was the first time Kurt had seen Blaine really smile since learning of his father's death. Kurt's stomach twisted and tied itself into a knot.
"Um…could we maybe postpone for a week or two?"
Blaine's smile faded. "Why?"
"I promised my father at the funeral that I'd come home for a visit. I was planning on leaving Saturday or Sunday. Just for a week or two."
"I see. And when exactly did you plan to tell me?"
"I'm telling you now."
Silence.
Kurt shook his head. "Don't do this to me, Blaine. Don't you dare try to make me feel guilty."
"I'm not, and I won't."
"Good."
Silence.
"Say something."
"What do you want me to say, Kurt? You know I hate it when you're not with me. I feel like I haven't had 5 minutes alone with you all week. Plus, I love you and I want to keep you safe, especially now. I can't do that when you're at your dad's."
"Yes, you can. I know you had cars down the street from my house after I left the hospital. It drove my dad nuts, but he didn't say anything. More importantly I can take care of myself, Blaine. We talked about this, remember? I'm not scared. I can take care of myself."
Blaine stood up. "Yeah. Sure. I remember."
"Where are you going?"
"To change our plans. Two weeks, right?"
Kurt's stomach untwisted. "Yeah. Two weeks."
Blaine nodded and headed to the library. He closed and locked the door before throwing himself into his chair.
Fuck.
He thought for a moment before opening the bottom drawer of the desk. He pulled out a small rectangular box and opened it.
He took out the collar and studied it.
It was sooner than he'd planned, but that was okay.
I'll give it to him Saturday.
x-x-x
"So, Saturday afternoon, okay?"
"Sounds good, Kurt. We've really missed you. I've really missed you."
"I miss you guys too. Dad…I was thinking….since Blaine is going to drop me off…maybe we could all have dinner Saturday before he heads back home."
Burt tightened his grip on the phone. "And why would we do that?"
"Because…I love him and I love you, and I really want the two of you to get along. Or at least try to tolerate each other. Please?"
Burt sighed heavily. "Alright, kid. If it'll make you happy, but, Kurt, you should know that I'm never gonna like him. I can't. Not after what you went through this summer."
"It wasn't his fault, dad. It was his brother."
"Uh huh. Yeah. His brother."
Kurt closed his eyes. "Okay. Fine. Saturday."
"Saturday."
"I love you."
"I love you, too."
Kurt hung up.
At least it was a start.
Late Thursday night after Kurt was sound asleep Blaine went to see Telio. Telio had returned from Alicia's and barely grunted at them before retreating to his room.
Blaine found him sitting on his bed looking at one of his few photographs of his mother.
"Hey."
"Hey." Telio returned the photograph to his nightstand.
Blaine ran his eyes over Telio's body. He was only wearing boxers. He'd been increasing his workouts as his body allowed and it showed. As always Blaine felt no attraction towards him, but his body was delicious.
"Your scars are healing well."
"Yeah."
"So, how's Alicia?"
Telio told him everything.
"Wow. Damn. Wow."
Telio shook his head. "Yeah. She's fucking Wonder Woman."
"Telio, I know you don't see it this way, but this is actually good. You were worried about dragging her into our world, but it sounds like she can handle herself just fine."
"Are you shitting me? Have you forgotten what Kurt went through this summer? Have you forgotten Lisa? She got lucky, Blaine. That's all. She got lucky."
"Maybe, but she proved she can handle herself, and when you think about it…if I'm really honest with myself, so can Kurt. We chose our partners well, Telio. They're both strong, and smart, and capable. They know what being with us means, and yet they still love us and want to stay with us. We're lucky. Damn lucky. Don't push her away. Hold her tight and never let her go."
"Of course you'd see it that way. You're selfish as hell, Blaine."
"Maybe you're right. Maybe I am selfish as hell, but you know what? I don't care. I don't wanna be alone. I love Kurt, and I will do everything in my power to protect him and to keep him safe, even when he fights me, but I am proud of how he handled everything this summer. It doesn't lesson my desire to protect him, but…it does make me feel a little better about everything."
Telio shrugged. "I guess so. You know speaking of taking care of people…I can't shake something from when we are at Sam's place rescuing Kurt."
"What?"
"I just…I don't understand how things got so out of control. I mean…we called Luther and Vince the moment we got there. Now granted it was far out, but still…it just seems like it took them an awfully long time to get there, and where the fuck was Elian? He entered the house first, remember? If he snuck in first, dumped Sam in the kitchen, and went upstairs, why didn't he find Kurt? You said Cooper was at the top of the stairs when you came in. How did Elian not see him? If he searched upstairs why didn't he find Kurt?"
Blaine closed his eyes and tried to remember the events of that day. "Well…didn't he say he went upstairs and then to the garage? Maybe…"
Telio interrupted him. "That's the other thing I don't get. I was in the garage. He says he got shot. I didn't hear anything. And if he was in the garage and then went back into the house, where was he when those guys appeared out of nowhere and started shooting to keep me from going into the great room where you were with Cooper?"
"So, what are you saying?"
Telio frowned. "I'm not sure. Maybe he's a spy."
Blaine shook his head. "No. If he was a spy I'd be dead by now. Chartussi would have had him slit my throat after the sandwich shop. Besides his family has been loyal to mine for years."
"Loyal to your grandfather and father. Not necessarily you."
"But…and I know how this is gonna sound, but…he likes me. I mean…you know…he totally wants to sleep with me."
Telio rolled his eyes. "Seriously?"
"I'm just saying that I don't think he'd try to kill me…at least not before sleeping with me."
Telio stared at him. Fucking Anderson logic. But…wait a minute…
Telio spoke slowly as he thought it through. "Maybe you have a point. He's hungry for you. It's Kurt he doesn't like, and we were there to rescue Kurt."
Blaine's eyes darkened and narrowed as his fingers curled into fists. "So, are you saying he did something to Kurt?"
"No. That's just it. He didn't do anything. He didn't help us. Let's say he really did go upstairs. He saw Kurt but didn't do anything to help him. Or, for all we know he didn't even go in the house. I never saw him. Did you?"
"I don't…I don't really remember, but…I don't think I did."
The two sat there and stared at each other. "Do you wanna question him," asked Telio. Blaine shook his head.
"No. Not yet. Let's see what the autopsy on my father says first."
"You really think someone killed him?"
"Yes."
Late Saturday afternoon Kurt stared out the car window as he and Blaine sped along the highway towards Lima. He was a nervous wreck of mixed emotions. He was excited about going home, surprised yet pleased that Blaine's reaction to his going home had been mostly calm, and terrified that dinner was going to be a disaster. The fact that Blaine had been quiet and cooperative all day just added to his nerves. It was such un-Blaine like behavior.
Kurt absently ran his thumb along the black leather collar with an infinity pendant in the middle that Blaine had locked around his neck that morning. A tracking device was located in the flat, silver, locking mechanism.
Not that Kurt knew that.
"I was going to give this to you as a start of school present, but since you're leaving now…"
The leather felt rich and soft to the touch while the pendant sparkled beautifully. As Blaine placed it around his neck, Kurt's heart beat faster, his cock twitched, and his love for Blaine felt deeper, stronger, and tighter.
He didn't miss the resemblance to a collar.
"It's beautiful, but it looks kind of like a collar."
"Yes, it does."
"Is that on purpose?"
"Yes, it is."
Kurt's mouth fell open. "Are…are you collaring me?"
"Yes, I am."
"Um…what…what exactly does that mean?"
"What do you want it to mean?"
Kurt silently cursed his body's internal sexual response. Stop it. He already thinks I should be locked up in his room. "I don't know. You're the one doing it, so what does it mean to you?"
Blaine placed his hands on either side of Kurt's face and kissed him gently, but deeply, his tongue tasting him completely before pulling back.
"It means you live under my protection and that you are loved by me. Is that acceptable?"
"Yes. That actually sounds really wonderful."
"Good."
Kurt looked down at his wrist. "I'm sorry I lost the bracelet. I don't know what happened to it. It must have come off when I was trying to stay alive at Cooper's."
"That's okay. I like the collar better."
"I won't take it off, or lose it."
"You'd better not."
x-x-x
Kurt inhaled and exhaled deeply as Blaine took the exit for Lima. Blaine glanced at him and then reached over and took his hand.
"Relax, Kurt. I promise to be on my best behavior. Everything will be fine."
Kurt nodded. "I know. I just…promise me you won't start anything with my dad, no matter what he says."
"Don't worry. I won't take the bait. No matter what. Besides, I understand his anger. He blames me for what happened, so he hates me. I get it. I really do. I killed people who I thought were connected to hurting you, so believe me, I really do get it. I just hope he doesn't shoot me."
Kurt wondered briefly about his dad's shotgun. Had Carol made him get rid of it?
By the time they pulled into the driveway Kurt was still anxious, but excited. He tried to pull himself together as the front door opened and his dad came out.
"Hey Kurt!"
"Hi dad!"
The hug was tight and longer than usual. Blaine stood a few feet back holding Kurt's bags. He waited for them to pull apart.
"Hello Mr. Hummel."
Burt looked at him with slightly less disgust than usual. He heard Carol's voice in his head. You have to try. This is who Kurt has chosen, so for now you have to try. Do it for his sake.
Burt nodded and tried to keep his voice even. "Blaine. My condolences for your father."
"Thank you, sir."
"How's your mother holding up?"
"A little better every day. Thanks for asking."
"Please give her my condolences as well."
"Of course."
Burt turned to Kurt and grinned. "Come on. Carol's been cooking up a storm."
Blaine hung back and allowed the two to enter ahead of him. Inside he headed straight upstairs to Kurt's room to put down his bags. He sat down on the bed and thought about just staying there until it was time to eat. As he looked around the room he noticed Kurt's pictures. He walked over to the bookshelf to take a closer look. There were a few of Kurt when he was little, one of him and his dad, one of him with his mom and several of the New Directions, Kurt and Rachel, Kurt and Mercedes, etc.
Kurt poked his head in. "Hey, there you are. What are you doing?"
Blaine gestured at the photos. "I was just thinking. I haven't talked to any of the Warblers since leaving school. Wes and David have called and several of the guys have sent me texts, but I haven't really talked to anyone."
Kurt looked at the photos and sighed. "Neither have I. Warblers or New Directions. Are you coming back to school in the fall?"
"I still don't know. It all depends."
"On what?"
"On whether or not someone killed my father."
x-x-x
Blaine sat quietly next to Kurt as they all gathered around the picnic table on the patio and enjoyed fried chicken, corn, salad and lemonade. Kurt eyed his father reaching for a third piece of chicken.
"Have you been sticking to your diet?"
"Relax. This isn't real fried chicken. It's some strange baked thing Carol came up with."
"Not exactly an answer to my question."
Kurt and Burt bantered back and forth until Finn, who had been staring curiously at Blaine, asked a question.
"So, are you like, a mob boss now? A Godfather?"
Blaine looked at him in surprise while Kurt shot Finn a horrified look. Carol tried to kick him under the table, but ended up kicking Burt instead.
"Ow! Hey!"
"Sorry, sorry." She glared at her son. Finn continued to look expectantly at Blaine.
"So, are you? Like Michael Corleone?"
"Finn, shut up!" hissed Kurt.
"What? In the movies, after Sonny gets all shot up, and the Don dies, Michael becomes the new Don. The Godfather."
Carol stood up. "Okay. Who wants dessert? Finn, why don't you help me?"
"But…" Carol grabbed Finn's arm and yanked him up. "Thanks for being willing. Let's go get some plates."
Carol dragged a sputtering Finn into the house.
A small smile crossed Blaine's lips until he looked up.
Burt is staring at him with cool, curious eyes.
Kurt looks between the two of them and tries to change the conversation.
"So, dad, how are things at the shop?"
Burt doesn't shift his gaze. "Things are fine. Maybe while you're here, if you feel comfortable, you can stop by and say hi to the guys. They've asked about you."
Kurt looked down at his plate. The shop. He hadn't been there since the kidnapping. Would it feel scary to be there? The shop had always been a safe home away from home. No longer feeling that way about a place he'd grown up saddened him for a moment before he quickly made up his mind. No. I won't let Cooper take that from me. He nodded at his father. "Yes, I'll do that. I need to check up on you. I'm sure there's a filing backlog."
Burt smiled, but remained focused on Blaine. Blaine waited.
"So, are you?" asked Burt.
Blaine leaned forward, relaxed and comfortable. His father's son.
"A mob boss? Yes, but for what it's worth I also have a successful construction firm, and I'm about to launch a construction equipment rental business."
Burt nodded, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Oh, I see. Legitimate businesses to cover the illegal stuff. Makes sense. Maybe I could learn from you. Sell drugs out of the back of the shop."
"Dad…" Kurt pleaded.
"What? You're okay with him doing it, so why not me?"
"Mr. Hummel, I don't sell drugs. The Andersons have never and will never sell drugs."
"Oh, well I guess that makes everything else okay."
Kurt shook his head sadly. "Please don't do this."
Both men looked at Kurt and then back at each other. A nonverbal truce was drawn.
Carol returned with a sulky Finn, a cheesecake, and a key lime pie. She turned the conversation to dessert, the weather, and summer movies. Kurt shot her a grateful smile as Blaine and Finn fell into an enthusiastic conversation about super hero movies.
Eventually the conversation tapered off. Carol began to clear the table aided by Kurt. Finn excused himself to call Rachel leaving Burt and Blaine alone. Burt stood up.
"Well, I think it's probably time for you to head home."
"Actually, do you mind having a seat for a moment? I'd like to talk to you."
Burt sat back down. "More threats?"
"No, but actually that's where I wanted to begin. I owe you an apology. I was way out of line, and despite the fact that I was doing it from a place of concern for Kurt, it was still wrong. Completely wrong, disrespectful, and totally inappropriate, and I sincerely apologize."
Burt wasn't moved. "Okay. What else you got?"
Blaine couldn't help cracking a small smile. He admired Burt Hummel's fierce and unforgiving love for his son. He got it. It made sense to him. His love for Kurt was just as fierce in a different way.
"As I've said before I'm not going anywhere. I love Kurt and I plan to be with him forever, so I'd really like for you and I to find a way to get along, or to at least tolerate each other. I understand why you don't like me, but I love your son and he loves me, and we will be together. For his sake can we please find a way to peacefully co-exist?"
Burt looked at Blaine for a moment before standing up with a heavy sigh. He adjusted his ball cap and turned around to look over the backyard. Blaine waited patiently as several minutes passed.
"When Kurt's mom got sick she made me promise over and over that I would take care of him. Protect him. She knew he was… different. I don't know if she knew he was gay, but she knew he was different. A kind, sweet, loving boy in a world that doesn't always appreciate those traits, especially in a boy who sounds like a girl. I promised her…swore to her I would keep him safe. She said to me, "He's gonna grow up one day, Burt, and then you'll have to let him be his own man. Just protect him until he's old enough to protect himself. I suppose that day is here."
Burt turned around to look at Blaine. "I don't approve of your family business. I'm trying to run for congress to make the world a better place. You and your family make it a worse place, so no, I'm probably never gonna like you, but for Kurt…for Kurt I'll try to tolerate your presence, but I'm telling you right now…something happens to him because of your family's bullshit…"
Blaine nodded. "I know. I understand."
Burt's voice was hard. "No, I don't think you do. It's my turn to make threats. Something happens to my son again, and I will take a blowtorch to every building with the name Anderson on it. And then I'll come find you."
Blaine stood up and held out his hand. "Deal."
Burt looked at his hand, looked at him, and shook his head. "A handshake means we're in agreement. I don't agree on anything with you."
"Can we at least agree that we both love Kurt and want him happy? And can we agree that us getting along makes him happy?"
"Yeah, we can agree on that, but we don't need to shake on it."
Burt turned and headed inside the house.
Blaine sighed and put his hands in his pockets. Well, at least I tried. Maybe in time…
"Thank you."
Blaine turned to see Kurt standing in the doorway.
"I don't think I accomplished anything."
Kurt walked over and took his hand. "You apologized. I appreciate that, and I'm sure he does too despite what he said. It's a start."
Blaine slid his arms around Kurt's waist and pulled him close. I don't really give a shit. I just want you happy. Kurt tried to pull back as Blaine dove in for a kiss, but Blaine tightened his hold and pressed his mouth insistently against Kurt's until he relented and fell into the deep wet kiss full of desire and want. When they pulled apart Kurt glanced nervously at the back door.
"We'd better stop before my dad sees us."
"Your dad's not naïve, Kurt. You've been living with me for weeks. I'm sure he knows what's up."
"Maybe, but this is his house. We need to be respectful."
Blaine's need for control burned. His eyes darkened with dominant lust as he placed his hand on the back of Kurt's neck. He gently rubbed the skin above the collar causing a stirring deep inside Kurt. Blaine worked a finger under the collar and pulled making Kurt choke as the collar pressed into his throat.
"No matter where you go, no matter where you are, you always belong to me, and I will touch you and take you wherever the hell I want."
Blaine removed his fingers and grabbed Kurt's hand dragging him inside. They walked quickly past the kitchen and headed upstairs to Kurt's room. Blaine closed the door behind them and pushed Kurt up against it, kissing him messily as his hands worked to unzip Kurt's pants. He dropped to his knees and slid his mouth down Kurt's cock. A breathy, "Shit," is all Kurt could manage as Blaine sucked him off fast and firm. Kurt clamped his hand over his mouth as he came strong down Blaine's throat. Blaine stood up with a satisfied smirk.
"I'm sorry for being disrespectful in your father's house. Shall I go apologize?"
Kurt rolled his eyes. "You're impossible, Blaine."
"Yes, I am. Impossibly in love with you. I don't supposed you'd let me lock that gorgeous cock up before I go?"
Despite coming just moments ago, Kurt's cock responded eagerly. Kurt was surprised at how tempted he felt.
"Will you put yours on when you get home?"
"If you want me to."
Kurt thought for a moment before shaking his head. No, he couldn't take a chance on Finn walking in on him. Finn sometimes waited until he was about to burst leading to him barging into bathrooms.
"No, let's wait. Something to look forward to."
"Oh, gorgeous. You have so much to look forward to, and I'm not just talking about our vacation. The things I'm going to do to you when I see you again…"
Kurt swallowed a whimper.
They headed back downstairs. Blaine exchanged brief goodbyes with Carol and Finn. Burt remained in the kitchen.
Outside Kurt looked up and down the street. There was a car with two men sitting inside parked a few houses down.
"I can't believe I'm asking this, but do I have security?"
"Of course. The two guys parked down there. Alan and Jeff."
"But…who's driving back with you?"
"I'm flying solo today."
"Why? Does Telio know?"
"I don't answer to Telio, Kurt. He answers to me."
"But, isn't that dangerous?"
"I'll be fine, but don't you get any ideas. Make sure Alan and Jeff are always with you when you leave. I've instructed them to remain out of the way and as invisible as possible, but don't try to shake them. They're here to protect you."
"Please be careful, Blaine."
"I will. Promise."
Kurt threw his arms around Blaine and held him tight. "I'm gonna miss you."
"Not as much as I'm gonna miss you. I love you, gorgeous."
"I love you, too."
This chapter actually ran a lot longer, but I decided to end it here. This means the next chapter is well underway. Hurrah!
Reviews are love and motivation. :-)