I'm back! My apologies for the long wait. The fall of 2016 turned into the worst time of my life both personally and professionally, and I've spent the first half of 2017 getting back on track.
It's been so long since I've posted a chapter that I am nervous AF and almost didn't post this, but here it is. Warnings for Klaine angst, angst, angst.
Chapter 29
You know just what to say
Shit that scares me
I should just walk away
But I can't move my feet
The more that I know you, the more I want to
Something inside me's changed
I was so much younger yesterday
I didn't know that I was starving till I tasted you
Don't need no butterflies when you give me the whole damn zoo
By the way, by the way, you do things to my body
I didn't know that I was starving till I tasted you
Starving by Hailee Steinfeld
"So, after I closed the deal I took my earnings and invested them in several real estate ventures. They've paid off several times over."
Brad sat back with a proud, satisfied smile and took a sip of wine.
Anastasia sighed and looked out over the ocean.
Bored.
Bored.
Bored.
This was the sixth date Anastasia had subjected herself to at her sister's meaningful urging.
And her sixth evening of complete and utter boredom.
Anastasia's sister, Annalise, was married to a very straight-laced, very successful chief financial officer named Doug. He left for work every day at 7:20 am wearing a blue button down shirt and grey suit. He ate turkey breast on rye with lettuce, tomato and a smidge of mayonnaise every day for lunch. He arrived home every evening at 5:40 pm. He played golf every other Saturday, and fucked his wife every Monday and Thursday evening for about 4 minutes. Annalise was incredibly happy with her life and she was sure her sister could find the same happiness if she just chose her next husband wisely.
"Don't worry, Anastasia. Doug knows several nice men. Wealthy men who made their money legally. We'll help you find someone perfect. Someone to help you move on. You're getting the chance you didn't get the first time. Everything's gonna work out. You'll see. I know the first time wasn't really up to you, but this time…this time you can marry the right way and be happy. Like me."
"I was happy."
"Oh, honey, no you weren't. I know you had to convince yourself of that in order to survive, but no one could be happy living with a man like…"
Anastasia cut her off. "Stop. You know nothing about me, or Mario, or our life together, so just shut up."
Annalise pursed her lips together and looked disapprovingly at her older sister.
"I don't mean to upset you. I just wanna see you happy, Anastasia. That's all."
And so, Anastasia was on her sixth date with a perfectly nice man who had a perfectly nice life, who thought she was beautiful and would make a perfectly lovely wife.
And she wanted to set herself on fire.
Watching her sister and brother-in-law's monotonous and insanely predictable marriage made her miss Mario more than ever, and as much as she hated to admit it, mob life in general. Yes, it was a dangerous life, and yes, she lived in a constant state of some level of fear, but it was never boring, and her sexual adventures with Mario would sometimes last four days. Never four minutes.
"Anastasia? Anastasia?"
Anastasia looked back at Brad. He wasn't handsome, but he also wasn't bad looking. Blonde with blue eyes and an easy smile. He would probably make a nice husband. Maybe she should give him a chance. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad to live a quiet, calm life with a normal husband who came home every day at the same time, and ate the same food, and didn't want to chain her up and fuck her until she couldn't breathe.
"Anastasia, are you okay?"
"Yes. I'm sorry. You were saying?"
"I was asking if you'd like to attend a party with me this weekend. My friend, Isaac is having a little get together on his new yacht. Should be fun."
She had turned down every second date offered by every man she'd gone out with.
"Sure. I'd love to go."
Kevin leaned against the wall as Blaine knocked on the door. "Is he expecting you?"
Blaine shook his head. Of course not. The element of surprise was always better.
The door was opened by a very attractive young woman with gorgeous green eyes and fiery red hair. Kevin stood up straighter.
"May I help you?"
"I'm here to see Luther."
"And you are?"
"Blaine Anderson."
The nurse stepped aside for Blaine to enter. She looked at Kevin who didn't move.
"I'll be out here keeping an eye on things."
She shrugged and closed the door.
Blaine looked around. He hadn't been to Luther's condo in years. It was spacious and tastefully decorated with just a few pieces of furniture. It looked more like a staged home than a lived in one since Luther spent little time there. Until now.
"If you'll wait right here I'll let Mr. Luther know you're here."
Blaine smiled charmingly. "I tell you what. Why don't you take a break and come back in about an hour?"
The nurse shook her head. "I know exactly who you are, and I'm not leaving him alone."
Blaine was amused. "Really? Who am I?"
The nurse walked over to a table and picked up a picture frame. "The mob boss Godson."
It was a picture from Blaine's 8th grade graduation. Him, his parents, Telio and Luther. Blaine was suddenly struck by the thought that Luther had been present for all the major events of his life. Since the day he was born, Luther was there.
He handed the picture back to the nurse. "Then you know I'm not here to hurt him."
"Do I?"
Blaine took a good look at the nurse and then took a step back.
This woman wasn't just a nurse.
She smiled as she could see Blaine figuring it out.
"Don't worry. I have no intentions of shooting you…unless I have to. Jackie Reynolds. It's nice to finally meet you."
"Are you even a real nurse?"
"Actually, I am. You'd be surprised how useful it is having the dual major. Wait here. I'll see if he's awake."
The moment Jackie left the room, Blaine adjusted the gun in his waistband, opened the door, and motioned for Kevin to come inside. He gave him a quick rundown of the situation.
"Luther's no fool."
"No, he's not," said Blaine. "But neither am I. Stay here and keep an eye on Nurse Jackie."
Jackie came back out and smirked when she saw Kevin.
"I told you I won't shoot you unless you give me a reason. You can go on back." She looked Kevin up and down. "Everything okay out in the hall?"
"Yeah. I thought I'd make sure things were okay in here, too."
Jackie ran her eyes up and down Kevin's body. "Lucky me."
Blaine looked between the two of them. He could sense the brewing attraction. Great. I'm gonna get shot because he's trying to get laid.
Luther was sitting in the corner of his bedroom in a large and comfortable leather chair. He was wearing a simple gray t-shirt and a pair of loose sweatpants. It was the first time Blaine had ever seen him in anything other than his usual black shirt, pants and jacket.
Blaine remained standing in the doorway. Seeing that 8th grade graduation photo had jarred him just a little. Luther had always been, Uncle Luther. His father's best friend and Blaine's Godfather. Blaine had always loved him, trusted him, looked up to and relied on him. How were they supposed to interact now given all that had happened?
Luther was also contemplating their relationship. He'd been the first person to hold Blaine on the day he was born after his parents. Fast forward 19 years and he was recovering from a brutal beating at the hands of that same child. A child he'd promised to protect and care for as if he was his own. How had they ended up here?
Blaine cautiously stepped into the room. "Hello."
"Come on in."
Blaine walked in and sat down on the edge of the immaculately made bed. "How are you feeling?"
Luther surveyed him silently, always amazed at the resemblance to Mario.
"I'm alive."
"I'm glad."
"Are you?"
"Of course."
Sure you are, you little shit.
"So, when do you think you'll be able to return to work?"
Luther was sure he misheard. "What?"
"When do you think you'll be able to return to work? Denise has been doing a great job, but I'd really prefer her to focus on the day-to-day."
Luther stared at him. Seriously? The audacity was galling, but why was he surprised.
"You really think I'm coming back to work for you?"
Blaine looked directly into his eyes. "Of course. You're the CEO of the largest construction firm in the state of Ohio. You're a very important part of the firm's continued success."
"You almost killed me, Blaine."
"And you almost killed me. The way I see it, we're even."
"What are you talking about? I never…"
"Just how long did you wait before sending help when we were rescuing Kurt from Cooper?"
Luther went silent. He'd forgotten about that. How the hell did Blaine find out?
Blaine stood up and walked over to the window. "Doesn't matter. We're even."
Luther shook his head as his anger rose to the surface. "Even? You tortured and beat the shit out of me, Blaine! Me! Your Godfather! The man who's been looking out for your family and your interests since before you were born!"
"And the man fucking my mother while my father lay dying! Don't you dare try to lay some type of loyalty bullshit on me! And if you're looking for an apology let me tell you right now that you're not getting one. I'm not sorry. I had a duty to avenge my father, so I did, and now it's done. We move forward from here."
Luther wanted to scream, "What if I don't wanna move forward from here?" but he knew it was useless. The die had been cast years ago when he was 15 years old and met a kid named Mario who asked if he wanted to skip English class to run an errand with him. That errand turned out to be a pickup of more cash than Luther had ever seen in his life. When they delivered the money to Julio, he peeled off several hundred dollars and handed it to Luther. Payment for his soul.
Several moments of silence passed before Luther spoke again.
"For what it's worth, Blaine…I never…I didn't want anything to happen to you. Never. It was a moment of weakness brought on by the…lust and…stress of everything going on at the time. Despite everything that's happened…I loved your father and I still…I would never do anything to hurt your mother."
Blaine continued to stare out the window. "So, you won't try to kill me because my death would destroy my mother."
"No. It's hard to stop caring for someone you've always…" Luther trailed off. Did he still love Blaine? No. How could he? But, there was something still there. Something Blaine hadn't managed to destroy that night in the barn.
"I should be able to return to work on a limited basis in another two weeks."
Blaine turned around. "Good. Everyone will be happy to see you."
"Are you returning to school?"
"I don't know. It all depends on how quickly I can kill Chartussi."
"Are you sending Telio?"
"No. I'm going to do it personally."
"Blaine…"
"He killed my father. This is something I have to do myself."
"You'll never get close enough."
Blaine said nothing. For the first time ever he wasn't going to discuss his plans with Luther.
"What does everyone think happened to me?"
"A bad car accident."
They sat in silence while Luther worked up the courage to ask what he really wanted to know. Blaine knew the question was brewing but he wasn't about to throw Luther a lifeline. Minutes passed before Luther finally asked.
"How's your mother?"
"Good. Enjoying Florida. Dating quite a bit thanks to Aunt Annalise."
"When is she coming home?"
"When I say she can."
Luther shook his head. "You're being unreasonable. Your mother was always faithful to your father. Always. It was your father that…" Blaine cut him off.
"Enough. I don't wanna hear it because I don't care. What's done is done." Blaine stood up. "I should let you rest. I'll let Denise know you'll be back soon."
Kurt stared down at his tightly locked away cock.
How had he ever allowed himself to be talked into this?
It was going on week number two, and Kurt had developed a love/hate relationship with the cockcage. In many ways he loved being denied access to sexual relief. The deep, simmering, constant longing that lived deep in his belly and further below was a torturing, yet strangely comforting feeling. A constant reminder that he belonged to a very powerful young man. A young man who ruled over others, was filthy rich, and had both ordered and committed murder. Kurt couldn't understand why he wasn't appalled by Blaine's behavior. Instead he found himself deeply turned on by it, something he would never knowingly admit to Blaine. He fell in love with sweet Warbler Blaine, but he was even more in love with dangerous Mafia Blaine.
Why?
How could he be so accepting of Blaine's crimes?
What did this say about him? What was wrong with him? Was it really as simple as love conquers all?
Kurt sighed and pulled on his boxers. No more self-analysis. It was too late for it anyway. Right or wrong, he was in love with this man and he didn't see that changing anytime soon.
He picked up his phone and dialed Blaine's number. No answer. He didn't bother to leave a message. He climbed into bed and tried not to let his mind wander down scary paths and alleyways. Blaine had warned him that he would be increasingly more difficult to reach over the next few weeks, but refused to provide details.
"Just know that I'm working to make things safe for us, Kurt. I'm working to make sure I can return to Dalton as soon as possible. To be with you as soon as possible. Try not to worry."
Try not to worry. Sure. Okay. No problem.
Kurt reached for his laptop. He logged on to the Dalton school site and pulled up his class schedule. School would start in three weeks. Senior year. Kurt couldn't believe it was really here. He was almost done with high school. The rest of his life was about to begin.
A life with Blaine.
What did that mean?
Now that he'd promised to stay out of Blaine's business affairs, Kurt wasn't sure what a life with Blaine would look like. He had no intentions of sitting at home worrying and waiting like Anastasia, but would he be able to live a full life as the husband of a mobster? He clicked from the Dalton website to the NYADA website. He thought back to last fall when he encouraged Blaine to consider applying to NYADA. That probably wasn't a possibility now, assuming it ever was. Did Blaine even plan to try to go to college?
At that moment his phone rang.
"Hey."
"Hi gorgeous. I saw that you called. Everything okay?"
"Yes, of course. I was just missing you."
"I miss you, too."
"Will I see you before school starts?"
"I'm not sure, but I'll try."
"Blaine…what exactly are you doing?"
"Kurt…"
"I'm sorry. I'm just…I'm scared."
"You have no reason to be scared, Kurt. I have men watching your house, and in a few weeks you'll be back at Dalton which is…"
"No, not for me. For you, and for…the future. Our future. I just…if you don't come back to school you won't graduate, and then what? How will you go to college?"
"Please, Kurt. I know it's hard, but please try not to worry about me. I'll be fine, and don't worry about the future. I told you. Everything I'm doing right now is to secure our future. Everything's going to be fine."
"But, how will this work? I mean…have you given anymore thought to college? To NYADA? Or is that completely out of the question?"
Blaine sighed. He hadn't called to get into a deep conversation. He just wanted to make sure Kurt was okay.
"I'm sorry, Kurt, but I really don't have time to get into this right now. I saw that you called so I wanted to make sure you were okay."
"I'm fine, just…just worried."
"Well, try not to worry. You have no reason to worry. I prom…everything is going to be fine. We are going to be fine. Actually, better than fine. We're going to be amazing. Trust me."
Kurt remained quiet.
"Kurt?"
"I see you're not promising me."
"You told me not to promise anything anymore, so…"
"I know. I just…I guess I wish you could promise me this, but it's probably better if you don't."
Blaine felt a sharp pain in his chest. "Don't you believe me? Don't you trust me?"
"I believe and trust you, Blaine. I do, but I understand things a lot better now. I understand that there are things out of your control. I trust you to do your best, but shit happens, and…my future is tied to yours and I don't even know what that means. "
Blaine's silence told Kurt he'd said too much.
"I'm sorry. I know you're doing your best."
"But my best isn't good enough."
"No, that's not what I was…"
"I gotta go. I'll talk to you later."
"Blaine, wait! I'm sorry! I…"
"Bye, Kurt."
Kurt stared at the phone screen. Shit. How did that conversation go off the rails so quickly?
Kurt typed out a text.
K – I'm sorry. I don't know how we ended up there. I love you, and I trust you, and I know you're busy, but we need to talk about the future. Soon.
Kurt sighed and placed his phone on the nightstand. He made sure his gun was under the pillow and turned out the light. Five minutes later his phone rang.
"Blaine, I…" Blaine cut him off.
"I love you, Kurt. More than anything I. Love. You. And I'm trying. I'm really trying. I'm sorry if it's not enough, but…I never wanted this, remember? This was never my plan, but I'm doing the best I can to make it all work, and I just need you to trust me and give me some fucking time!"
"I know you're doing the best you can, but can you blame me for having questions? You've insisted on shutting me out, we've barely talked the past two weeks, and when we do you won't tell me anything, so of course I have questions! I love you, Blaine, and I do trust you, but…it's senior year. High school is about to end and the future is finally here, and I need to know if that future is going to include you or not!"
Whoa.
Blaine's voice was quiet and emotionless, hiding the deep hurt buzzing in his chest while his brain churned out possessive thoughts.
"I didn't realize that was a question." Do you really think that's even an option?
"It's not…I just…"
"Goodnight, Kurt."
"Blaine, wait!"
The phone went dead.
Kurt fell back onto the pillows.
What the fuck?
Blaine dropped his phone on to the desk and fell back in his chair.
Fuck.
He hadn't meant to get angry and start a fight, but with each passing day his stress and worry about the future grew. Kurt's perfectly legitimate and appropriate questions didn't help, especially as Blaine prepared to set off a bomb that would have ripple effects throughout the mob world.
The plan to murder Frank Chartussi was complete and in place. It would all go down at the end of August right as school began.
Telio would return to Dalton (something he was furious about) to throw people off. If Telio was in school, people would assume Blaine was too. Instead, Blaine would quietly travel to New York under the protection of the Bethenson twins. Vince was already there, tracking Chartussi's movements and figuring out his schedule.
The plan was for Blaine to murder Chartussi right in his own home, declare his takeover of all New York business, and return to Dalton by the beginning of October.
But, Blaine knew better.
No one was going to let the Andersons just stroll in and claim New York. Chartussi's murder would start a World War III style mob war. A nasty, bloody, possibly protracted mob war that will make everything associated with the Anderson name a target.
Especially the gay lover of the head of the Anderson family.
Blaine had full confidence in their ability to win, but he knew it wouldn't be easy, especially now. When he originally came up with the plan to take over New York his father had been alive and Luther was a part of his inner circle.
Now, with the exception of Telio, he was alone working with a trusted but still fairly new crew, and about to initiate the most impactful strike of his young mafia career.
And the most dangerous.
The likelihood of his being killed had never been greater.
Blaine stared at the family portrait on the wall. His father was dead, his brother was dead, and his mother was exiled. Maybe it was time to let his mother return.
Telio appeared in the doorway. "Hey."
"Hi. Come on in."
Telio walked in and sat down in the chair in front of the desk. He glanced at Blaine and then did a double take. Blaine looked tormented; his eyes full of sorrow.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing."
"Liar."
Blaine sighed. "Hell, what's right? My father and my brother are dead. I can barely stand to look at my mother. Instead of starting my senior year of high school I'm about to start a war in the city my boyfriend wants to move to. Oh, and I just had a fight with said boyfriend because he's got a thousand questions about our fucking future and I have no idea what to tell him because I have no fucking idea!"
Telio said nothing as Blaine took a bottle of bourbon out of the desk and poured a glass. He downed it and continued.
"This isn't how things were supposed to turn out. I never wanted this, Telio. You know that. This isn't how things were supposed to go."
"Do you want to walk away?"
Blaine looked like he'd just been slapped. "What? No! I can't…I can't do that. I would never do that. My father's legacy expects and deserves better." He held his arms open wide. "I would never abandon this. All this…this is my empire. My father built it for me. Actually, he built it for Cooper, but…no. I'm not walking away."
"Okay then. Well, Blaine, what we're about to do is pretty fucking big. It's huge. If we succeed we will change the entire power structure of the mob on the east coast, the Midwest and down south. I know we can do it, and I know we're gonna win, but that doesn't mean it's not stressful or really fucking dangerous. So, you need to have a clear head. You can't fuck up because you're preoccupied with other bullshit. I know you don't wanna hear this, but…it's time for you to end things with Kurt."
Blaine shook his head and poured another glass of bourbon. "Please don't start this shit again."
"I know it's not what you wanna hear but it's the truth. I told you from day one - it's difficult and dangerous for men like us to have relationships. Thanks to us, both Kurt and Alicia are murderers. Murderers, Blaine. That's what we did. We put two innocent people in a situation where they had to kill someone. In Kurt's case, four people, not to mention being kidnapped. Neither of us should have ever started anything with either of them, but we did and now with things about to jump off in New York and high school ending…you gotta end things with Kurt. You have to let him go. He has every right to ask you the questions he's asking because he deserves to have a future. Let's be realistic. What kind of future can you give him?"
"We are not the first people in the mob to have relationships! Almost every family head is married!"
"Yeah, to women! Kurt's not a woman. He's always gonna have a target on his back. Is that really what you want?"
"I can protect…"
"No, you can't, Blaine. You can't protect him because he's not going to sit in a house like your mother. He's gonna go to that fancy arts school, and be on stage, and get shot by someone who has it out for you."
Blaine's anger soared. "What the fuck? How could you say something like that? Fuck you!"
"You can be mad at me all you want. I'm just being honest. I love Alicia and I want her. I want her so bad, but…I won't. I could but I won't. She's a distraction and men like us can't afford to be distracted, but more importantly, she deserves a future. I won't ruin her future. She wants to work for the United Nations. How is she supposed to get security clearance with a connection to the mob? So, I'm letting her go and you should do the same for Kurt."
Blaine stood up and walked across the room. He leaned against the wall, arms straight, hands flat, head down.
The future.
The fucking future.
Blaine closed his eyes.
Can I give Kurt a future?
Should I walk away?
No. I'm not walking away, but…
Should I let Kurt go?
A montage of images flashed through his mind.
Kurt singing Blackbird in the choir room.
Studying together for history class.
Their first dance.
Sitting close during lunchtime at Dalton.
Stealing kisses during Warbler practice.
The way Kurt freely gave his body to him.
The incredible, delicious sex games they played.
Kurt smiling at him with genuine, pure love.
No one else smiles at me like that.
Sincere. Authentic. True. Love.
He opened his eyes.
"You know what, Telio? You're probably right. I should set him free like you're doing with Alicia, but…I can't. I'm not as strong as you. I want him. I need him. I need him, Telio. The idea of doing this alone…I can't. My father couldn't do it without my mother, and I can't do it without Kurt. That's just how it is. So yeah, I'm selfish as fuck, and I don't give a shit. I love him and I need him."
They sat in silence for several minutes until Telio spoke.
"I'll do my best to protect him when everything starts. We'll be at Dalton, so…" Telio trailed off.
"Thank you."
"Are you sure you don't want me to do this? Mario was my father too. I hate Chartussi's fat ass as much as you do, and let's face it – I'm better at this. I have more experience."
Blaine shook his head. "I know, but this is something I have to do myself. Just keep Kurt safe while I'm gone." And after I'm gone for good.
"I will but, Blaine…please get your head on straight. If that means you need to cut Kurt off for a while, then do it. You've got to have a clear, focused mind for what you're about to do. Especially if you want to stay alive."
K&B&K&B
The next day a huge bouquet of yellow roses arrived at the Hudson-Hummel home. Burt accepted the delivery with a slightly annoyed expression. Back to sending flowers again. Great.
He took a peek at the card before calling Kurt.
Love of My Life, Kurt:
I'm sorry for last night.
I didn't mean to start a fight.
I love you so, much it makes my heart hurt.
You truly mean everything to me, Kurt.
I promise, yes promise, everything will work out fine.
I'll do everything in my power to keep you mine.
Know that I love you more than life itself.
Every time you see these flowers on your shelf.
Love, Blaine.
Burt rolled his eyes. Seriously?
"Kurt! Delivery!"
Kurt felt a little dejected when he saw the flowers. He'd been hoping for a late night visit. He read the card and couldn't help laughing at the end.
"Kid's not exactly a poet is he?" said Burt.
Kurt set the flowers on the dining room table and sat down. "No, but he's sweet."
"So, you two fighting?"
"No, just…" Kurt stopped. Should he tell his dad about Blaine not returning to school? Actually, he'd probably be happy, but what would Kurt give as the reason. Blaine will return to school right after he commits a very important murder. The headmaster completely understands.
"We're just trying to figure out our future."
Burt tried to keep his tone neutral but failed miserably.
"You know, Kurt your future doesn't have to be tied to Blaine. As a matter of fact, it would probably be a good thing if it isn't."
Kurt could hear the hope in his dad's voice. "Dad…"
"I'm just saying that after everything you've been through, I was kinda hoping you'd make a fresh start next year. Get away from all the mafia mess. Is Blaine even going to college?"
"I don't know. I don't think even he knows."
"Well, regardless of Blaine, you have to do what's best for you. As I've told you before, you can't let Blaine affect your decisions. You have to do what's gonna be best for you, Kurt."
"I know, dad and that's definitely my plan. NYADA here I come," said Kurt with an enthusiasm he didn't feel.
Burt rested a hand on Kurt's shoulder. "Good. I can't tell you how happy that makes me."
Kurt smiled, nodded and headed upstairs to his room. He set the flowers on his desk and picked up his phone.
K – Thank you for the beautiful flowers. Sorry we fought. I love you.
A few minutes later his phone rang with a text.
B – I'm sorry too. I love you and I'll see you soon.
Kurt resisted the urge to ask when.
The next two weeks flew by with both boys busy in their respective worlds. Blaine spent his days managing business, studying important details for New York, and getting his ass kicked by Telio who designed a special training program to prepare Blaine for New York. Cardio, arm-to-arm combat, knife work and shooting. He even set up a mini parkour course in the backyard.
"You're going to be all alone. No one's going to be there to save you so you have to be ready for anything."
Blaine warily eyed the parkour course. "If I break my arm we're going to have to postpone the entire thing."
"So, learn to fall correctly and don't break your arm. Let's go."
Kurt spent his time fixing cars with his dad, cooking with Carol, and debating songs with Rachel in preparation for NYADA auditions. Mercedes often joined them.
"Are you sure you want to stick with just Don't Rain on My Parade? Maybe you should prepare a backup."
Rachel looked thoroughly offended. "A backup? I have been performing Don't Rain on My Parade since I was 3 years old. It's my signature song. My performance of perfection. My tour de force. My…"
Kurt immediately regretted saying anything. Mercedes rolled her eyes.
Kurt was still debating between Music of the Night and The Boy Next Door.
"Definitely Music of the Night," said Rachel with confident conviction. "It's a safe, practical choice, and you sound amazing."
Mercedes disagreed. "That's exactly why he shouldn't do it. Safe and practical equals boring and done a million times before. The Boy Next Door is much more exciting, and you'll look sexy adorable in gold lame pants."
Kurt half listened as the girls argued back and forth. He gently rubbed his thumb over the lock screen photo of him and Blaine. If I had a safe and boring boyfriend we would be having this conversation. We would be doing this together.
K – I really, really miss you. When will I see you again? It's been a long time.
It was 20 minutes before his phone beeped.
B- Midnight.
Kurt sat up.
K – What about midnight?
B – You'll see me tonight at midnight.
K- Really?
B – Yes. I gotta go. Love you.
K- Love you, too. CU Midnight.
Kurt was horny and hyper the rest of the day. Midnight. How exactly was he going to see Blaine at midnight? His locked up cock kept twitching and pressing against the cage in anticipation. It was now week number four and Kurt had completely adjusted to the cage. Sure, he had moments of absolute agony when his hormones went on a rave and he had no way to end the party, but for the most part the cage had become an extension of him. It was just there. A reminder of Blaine.
At 10:00 pm Kurt took an extra-long shower, meticulously styled his hair, and dressed in loose jeans, no underwear, and a simple white t-shirt. Clothes that could be removed quickly.
At 11:00 pm Kurt's phone rang with a text.
B – Be outside in the driveway at 11:55 pm. I'll have you back by dawn.
Kurt felt a sudden rush of worry. Finn was spending the night at Artie's along with Puck and Mike for a 24 hour Halo marathon. There was no one to tell what he was up to in case his disappearance was discovered by his dad or Carol. The last thing he wanted to do was scare his dad. He decided to leave a note.
Dad,
I'm out with Blaine. I didn't want to wake you to tell you I was leaving. I'll be back by morning.
Love, Kurt
He placed the note on the pillow of his perfectly made bed and quietly headed downstairs to wait for 11:55 pm.
Alicia deftly pulled her hand away from Jimmy's attempt to grasp it. She moved a few steps to the right and quickened her pace. Jimmy sighed. So much for this getting easier.
"I was surprised when you agreed to go to the movies tonight."
Alicia said nothing.
"What did your parents promise you?"
Alicia's facial expression confessed her guilt. She decided not to lie.
"A reopening of conversations about me getting a car."
Jimmy nodded. Of course. "You know, Alicia I'm not a bad guy. You know me. We've known each other all our lives. Our parents are friends. If you would just give us a chance, I think you'd find we're perfect together."
"I know you're not a bad guy, Jimmy, but you're not the guy for me. I already have my guy."
"A guy who's all wrong for you."
"Says who? Who I date is my decision. Not my parents and certainly not yours."
"What do you even want with someone like that? He's a thug, Alicia. He's in the mob for God's sake!"
"He also has a 4.8 GPA because he's smart and is taking a full load of AP classes. He's an American history scholar, is very knowledgeable about classical literature, and is going to be a brilliant attorney one day."
"So he can read. Big deal. That doesn't change the fact that he's all wrong for you." Alicia stopped walking. "You know what? I shouldn't be doing this. This is all wrong for me. Take me home."
"What?"
"Take me home. I'm not going to spend the evening defending my boyfriend or my choices. Take me home. Now."
"Let's just go see the movie."
"No, because I'm being unfair to you. I'm giving you false hope. I don't wanna lead you on. Just take me home. Please."
Jimmy's eyes travelled slowly up Alicia's body. Damn she was hot. She was wearing a red sleeveless dress that came up into a turtleneck collar. Red sandals with red nail polish. Her hair was combed perfectly down her back. She was absolutely gorgeous and she was right. This wasn't fair. Why didn't she like him? He was a nice guy. Why don't girls ever like nice guys? They always go for the jerks and in this case, a fucking criminal. It didn't make sense.
"Let's just go see the movie."
"No. Take me home."
"If we go home now your parents are gonna know we didn't go to the movies. You're never gonna get that conversation about a car."
Alicia stood thinking for a moment and then sighed in resignation. He had a point. Maybe she should just let her parents think she was dating Jimmy. As long as she was honest with him about how she really felt, it might all work in her favor. School would be starting soon. She just had to keep up the façade for a few more weeks. If she got a car by the time school started, she could go see Telio.
"Fine. Let's go see the stupid movie."
Jimmy followed her with a smile.
Baby steps. Eventually I'll win her over, but it's gotta be baby steps.
Kurt watched the car pull up in front of the house and turn off its headlights. Blaine had said to be waiting in the driveway, but Kurt had decided to wait inside. Much safer. He waited until he saw Blaine emerge from the car before quickly heading outside through the backdoor. He hurried around the side of the house.
"Hey."
Blaine's hand instinctively moved towards his gun until he saw Kurt's face clearly illuminated under the garage light.
"Kurt." A beat passed and they were in each other's arms. Blaine nuzzled his face in Kurt's neck murmuring, "Kurt, Kurt, Kurt." Kurt buried his face in Blaine's curls and inhaled. Ohhh….that smell. Damn he'd missed that smell.
They stood there holding each other before falling into a passionate kiss. Waves of relief wash over them, both grateful the other was alive and safe in their arms. For now.
They kissed for a minute before returning to their tight embrace. Neither wanted to let go so they held each other as they spoke.
"I told you to be in the driveway."
"You wanted me standing outside in the dark?"
"The guys would've been watching you."
"Huh?"
"The guys." Blaine pulled away just enough to nod towards the black Toyota Camry parked a few houses down.
"Oh. Wow. I forgot they were even there. How could I forget that?"
"If they do their job right you're supposed to forget. There's been three shifts all summer. I'll never leave you unprotected, Kurt. Never."
Blaine kissed him again, this time with a touch of hunger. He slid his hand down between Kurt's legs and placed it square on the cockcage as he whispered in his ear. "Never unprotected. I'll always protect what's mine."
Little shots of lightning shot through Kurt's body.
"So, are we just gonna make out in my driveway until a neighbor notices?"
"No. Come on."
The black Camry followed them as they pulled off into the night. Kurt was surprised when they drove only a short distance before turning into the driveway of a small, nondescript house one neighborhood over from his. Blaine pushed the button for the automatic garage door and pulled in. The black Camry pulled in behind him but parked in the driveway.
"Where are we?" asked Kurt nervously as the garage door closed behind them.
"One of our safe houses. I forgot about it until Telio mentioned it."
Blaine turned on the lights as they entered the house. Kurt followed Blaine through a small, clean kitchen and dining room; through the living room, up the stairs and into a large bedroom. Blaine turned on a small desk light that cast a low, warm glow throughout the room. Kurt spotted a bottle of wine on ice, a tray of fruit and an iPod plugged into a speaker.
"Care for a drink?" asked Blaine as he opened the bottle of wine and poured two glasses.
"Blaine…what is all this?"
Blaine's smile had a hint of melancholy, and Kurt noticed a touch of sadness in his eyes.
"Just a little celebration before the start of school."
A moment of hope burned in Kurt's chest. "You're coming back to Dalton?"
Blaine shook his head. "No, at least not right away. There's a chance I might be back by the end of October, but honestly…more like January."
Kurt's hope fizzled out. He accepted the glass Blaine offered him. He sat down on the bed and took a sip before deciding that he should hold off drinking. They needed to have a serious talk and he wanted to be sober for their conversation.
"I know I said I would stay out of your business, but please…I need to…" Blaine interrupted him.
"In a few weeks I'm going to New York to murder Frank Chartussi. I'll be acting alone."
Fear ignited in Kurt's chest where hope had burned just a moment before. "Alone? What about…" Blaine cut him off again.
"Telio will be at school. He'll start at Dalton on time. People will assume that if he's at school, I'm at school."
"But…I don't…I don't understand. What do you mean, alone? "
"I'm going undercover. Just me. Don't worry. We have a plan. We have friends in New York who have been doing recognizance work. Everything is being planned down to the tiniest detail with a very limited, very select number of people. They're working to line things up, but it will be me who kills him."
Kurt's mind flooded with several thoughts all at once.
This sounds dangerous.
Blaine could be killed.
My boyfriend just told me he's about to commit murder. Why doesn't this bother me?
Blaine could be killed.
No Telio. He'll be all alone.
Blaine could be killed.
Blaine could be killed!
"No! This…this is crazy! You have to take Telio with you, or somebody else! You can't just go alone! You're going to get killed!"
"Thanks for the vote of confidence."
"No…I…I just…I'm sorry…it just sounds so dangerous. I can't…I can't lose you. I don't wanna lose you."
Blaine kneeled on the floor in front of Kurt and placed his hands on either side of his face. He pressed a soft kiss to his lips and stared into his eyes.
"You're not gonna lose me. I promise. Yes, promise. It's gonna be okay, Kurt. Trust me. I'll be fine."
Kurt's attempt to protest was shut down by Blaine kissing him again, this time hungrier and more demanding. Kurt wanted to argue and keep talking, but damn…it had been a month. A month with his cock on lockdown, and finally Blaine was in his arms again, and he wanted him so damn much. So, so much.
He tangled his fingers into Blaine's wild curly hair and slid under the spell. Blaine climbed up and pushed Kurt down on to the bed, straddling him as he continued to kiss him. When he finally sat up, he grabbed Kurt's hands and held them above his head. His eyes were dark and full of a possessive lust.
"Have you been a good boy, Kurt?"
"Of course."
"Will you continue to be a good boy?"
Kurt's cock pressed against the cage.
"Yes. Yes. Always."
"Good because unfortunately it's time for me to remove your cage. I planned on making you wear it all semester, but…I guess you've earned your freedom."
Kurt stared into Blaine's eyes. Neither said what they were both thinking.
And in case you don't come back…
And in case I get killed…
Kurt pushed away the fear flooding his brain and stared deep into Blaine's eyes. "I'll be a good boy. Your good boy. I promise."
Blaine removed the key from around his neck and removed Kurt's pants. He stared at the cage with loving appreciation.
"It looks so beautiful on you. So perfect. When we're married I'm going to have you wear one all the time."
Kurt's submissive desire jumped at those words. He closed his eyes and drowned in the thought. Blaine leaned down and whispered in his ear. "Will you do it, Kurt? Will you let me keep you locked up all the time? Only allowing you to cum maybe once a year? Maybe only on your birthday. One orgasm on your birthday and then back in the cage followed by punishment for having that orgasm?"
The rate of Kurt's breathing increased as his cock pressed even harder against the bars. "Yes…yes…" Blaine licked the shell of his ear before working his way down Kurt's neck with tiny kisses eventually landing on his mouth. He kissed him so deep, wet and wanting that Kurt let out a moan so lascivious that Blaine felt it ripple through him. He removed the cage allowing Kurt's cock to immediately spring to attention; full and swollen with a slight bob thanking Blaine for freeing it and now begging for his touch. Blaine wrapped his fingers around it lightly before leaning down to slowly lick from the bottom to the top. Kurt's moan was sinful and desperately needy. Blaine licked again.
"Please… please…please…"
Blaine closed his lips around the head and sucked down slowly. Kurt gasped and dug his nails into the bed.
Shit. Fuck. Damn. So, so good.
Blaine sucked for a few seconds before pulling off.
Kurt opened his eyes wide and begged unashamedly. "Don't stop. Please don't stop."
"Shhhh."
Blaine stood up and quickly stripped off his clothes. He climbed back on to the bed and kissed Kurt deeply before flipping over on to his back.
"Would you like to fuck me, Kurt?"
From that moment forward there were no more words. It was all fingers, and lube, and moans as Kurt worked his fingers in and out of Blaine's ass. Blaine groaned and dug his nails into Kurt's shoulders as Kurt entered him fast and deep with little warning. "Oh…shit! Kurt! Oh…oh…oh…fuck."
Kurt's eyes were closed as he drowned in the intense, tight sensations wrapped around his cock. He knew he wouldn't last long – not after a month of denial, so he savored every stroke until he felt the tight clench deep inside. He pushed forward hard and then stilled as his cum rushed forward. His entire body tightened and then slowly loosened until he collapsed in a relaxed heap on top of Blaine. Blaine wrapped his arms and legs around him and held him tight.
Blaine could feel Kurt's body drift into sleep and he wished he could join him, but his mind was too awake with plans, thoughts and worries. Eventually he dozed off and managed to sleep for two hours before his body woke with a renewed pressing hunger brought on by the feel of Kurt's semi-hard cock pressing into his thigh.
Blaine carefully untangled himself and checked the time. It was 4:00 am. He peeked outside the window and could see the overnight guards, Duncan and Tony illuminated by the blue glow of their cell phones. Nice to know they managed to stay awake, but he wondered how alert they were if they were playing on their phones. He'd have to speak to them about that later.
Blaine stood at the edge of the bed and watched Kurt sleep. He studied Kurt's face. So soft and serene; his hair only slightly messed up from sleep. He carefully climbed into bed and laid a hand on Kurt's thigh squeezing gently before running his hand down Kurt's leg. So smooth and firm. Such a beautiful, beautiful man. He watched him sleep for a few minutes more before moving down to swallow Kurt's cock. It almost immediately hardened in his mouth followed by Kurt moaning and opening his eyes. He looked down at Blaine and then closed his eyes, not sure if this was real or a dream. It wasn't until Blaine pulled off and began kissing his way up Kurt's chest that Kurt realized this was real. Blaine rolled his hips down and pressed their cocks together. He was rewarded with a gasping cry and Kurt digging his fingers into Blaine's hips to pull him down again. Blaine kept shifting up and down until Kurt was squirming and his fingers were digging even harder into Blaine's hips as he tried to get the exact right amount of friction. Blaine grabbed the lube and slid down between Kurt's legs. Kurt shivered and bucked up as Blaine's tongue teased his hole.
"Hold still, gorgeous."
Blaine licked in, out and around Kurt's hole before working his fingers in one by one.
"Oh...yes…please…more…"
Blaine's slow, smooth, in and out rhythm drove Kurt crazy. He wanted to be fucked but Blaine refused to speed up. He wanted to feel every inch of Kurt because this might be the last time. Blaine committed every gasp, moan and whisper of desire to memory. A soundtrack for the amazingly tight hold around his cock. He continued the slow, smooth pace until he came hard but quietly. He lay on top of Kurt and blinked back his tears.
God, I hope this isn't the last time.
Kurt sighed contentedly beneath him. They lay in silence until Kurt asked the dreaded question.
"When do you leave for New York?"
"I can't tell you."
"Why not?"
Blaine reluctantly allowed Kurt to shift beneath him in an effort to see his face.
"Why not? It's not like I'm going to tell anyone."
"It's just better if you don't know."
Kurt's fear morphed into a slightly panicked sadness as he realized what tonight was really about.
"Is this the last time I'm gonna see you before school starts?"
"Yes."
Kurt sat up completely forcing Blaine to do the same.
"Blaine…"
It suddenly all made sense.
This is goodbye. A final goodbye.
Kurt sobbed, "Please…please don't go. Just…don't go. You don't have to do this."
Blaine leaned over to kiss away the tears rolling down Kurt's face.
"Yes, I do, Kurt."
"But why? Why do you have to do it alone?" wailed Kurt. "I don't understand. You have all these people running around with guns at your beck and call. It doesn't make any sense!"
"Because a man like Chartussi…it's different. Delicate. I can't just send a bunch of people to kill him."
"Why not? That's what he did with your father!"
"That was different, Kurt. That was business. This is personal."
"How is this not about business?"
"Because he destroyed my family. He killed my father. He convinced my brother to betray his own blood. He made my mother a widow. His actions even played a role in Luther betraying my father and betraying me. Sure, business is a part of everything, but this…this is personal."
Kurt had no words. He couldn't think of anything that made a compelling argument in his head. Blaine doing this alone made no sense, but at the same time Kurt got it. In some strange, twisted, mafia code way he got it.
They made love one last time. Quietly, yet still full of so many expressions of love, desire and passion. Afterwards they showered and dressed in silence. Kurt stood in front of the window looking out over the quiet street. It was that time of morning when the sun isn't quite up, but is still cascading the quiet light of dawn. Blaine came up behind him and carefully removed the collar from around Kurt's neck. Kurt turned and looked at him with tears running down his cheeks.
"You're not coming back in October, are you?"
"Probably not."
"And January?"
Blaine shrugged. "I really don't know."
Kurt shook his head. "The cage, the collar…you're removing them in case…" He couldn't bring himself to say it. Blaine's heart broke at the expression on Kurt's face. He cupped his cheek and gently smoothed away Kurt's tears with his thumb while struggling with the competing thoughts in his head.
This is it. You removed the collar, now break up with him. Let him go. Telio is right. He deserves better and you've gotta keep a clear head. Let him go.
Blaine was about to speak but Kurt stopped him.
"I'm never saying goodbye to you. I'm just not, and I don't want you making promises you can't keep, so…"
Blaine nodded. Okay. No more words.
They spent their last half hour together lying on the bed holding each other, kissing softly and staring into each other's eyes. At 6:30 am, Duncan rang the doorbell. It was time to go.
They rode to the Hudson-Hummel home in silence. Like the night before they stood in the driveway and held each other tight. Blaine had planned to stay silent as a way of starting the distancing process, but his heart wouldn't let him.
"I love you, Kurt. You're my everything. My absolute everything."
Kurt smiled sadly. No, I'm not. I wish I was, but I'm not.
Their final kisses kept stopping and restarting, neither wanting it to end. Finally it was Kurt who pulled back.
"Go. Go do what you have to do and then…just…please, please come back to me."
Blaine stared into his eyes.
"I will, Kurt. I promise."
Thank you to all of you who reached out to me on tumblr and encouraged me to keep going. I love and appreciate all of your kind words.