Guys, I really have to apologize for the wait. Life just gets in the way sometimes, but I hope this chapter makes up for it, and I will try to have the next one up soon.
All the thanks in the world goes to my awesome beta, GleekMom, without whom this story would just be rotting away on my hard drive.
Three days later, Cooper's resolve was waning fast. He was delirious with thirst and hunger, he was covered in wounds, some of which he was sure would fester if not cleaned every night by the last person to torture him. He had tried calling out to Hunter, but that just made the abuse worse, and quickly learned not to provoke the men set to harm him. The sun had set, and Cooper limply hung from the wooden construct he had been tied to for these past few days. Suddenly, he felt a water skin being pushed to his lips, and tipped into his mouth, and he drank greedily until there was no more to give. "Who's there?" he asked and a finger was put to his lips.
"Look idiot, I feel bad that you're here, I may not like you, but I do like your brother. So I am going to do this the nice way. Tell me just one thing that will get Tina off his case, that's all he cares about. One thing, and at least you can get down from here." It was Santana, playing guardian angel.
"What? Tina?" Cooper questioned, almost delirious.
"Yeah. Lord Idiot has a massive crush on her for some insane reason while she's still pining over your brother. She refuses to actually wed Hunter unless Blaine says no way are they ever becoming a thing. So give me something to turn her off Blaine and he'll let you be," Santana said, clearly exasperated.
"Why would Blainey ever want Tina? He doesn't even like girls," Cooper slurred, too out of it to even realize what he was saying. "It's why he's working with Lord Hummel, hopefully reversing the law to get a husband. Or at least a date."
Santana stared at the man, eyes wide open, jaw dropped in shock. Sure, she had quietly suspected that Blaine was not really into girls completely. And if he was going to make it so that the stupid law blackmailing her was going to die, no way was she letting Hunter know about it. Especially if it meant the absent Lord Hummel was on her side.
"Listen idiot, I'll make something up, say he found someone else, no way am I turning against one of my own, especially not one crusading to make life livable here for us. So when I get relieved of my duties here, I'll get you out, okay? Until then, hang in there." Santana said, though she very much doubted the dazed Cooper understood what she was saying. Probably for the best if she wanted to maintain her cool exterior. She left Cooper's cell and placed her hand over the door to the next chamber, making a silent promise to herself and Dani to get them both out of here. They had a reason to go on now, and if nothing else, Santana was determined to see it.
Unfortunately, Santana hadn't been alone in the dungeons. A pair of eyes had been peering around the corner, listening to every word that Cooper said. He didn't wait for Santana's response. He now knew what he needed in order to bring down his last obstacle to his heart's desire. He'd crept away, a giant smile on his face, and it took everything in him not to cackle.
Blaine wiped his brow as he looked over the finally finished ball room where Kurt would hold court. It was the last room that had needed upgrading. Now the only thing left to do was wait until Kurt came of age in just over two weeks. He gave a soft smile, still in wonder over all they had accomplished. All the changes that needed to be made to the laws had been recorded and a plan had been made to appoint a new Lord Magistrate. Kurt remained positive the crowd would not accept him, though Blaine truly doubted they would turn against him. Any alternative was better than Hunter. The next in line would be some lord from Columbus, a member of the Duval family that Kurt had been friendly with as children. Kurt was sure it was necessary to ask Lord Nicholas to be his heir, that he was the one who should rule, not Kurt himself. He had prepared word to be sent that he was to commence his duties on Kurt's net name day. Though maybe Blaine was biased, he did not feel that asking for Lord Nicholas would be necessary. He remembered the conversation regarding it well.
"Now that the law has been changed regarding marriage linking to inheritance, we can concentrate on how you will run the kingdom," Blaine said, smiling at Kurt.
"Lord Nicholas will be happy, he has yet to settle on a bride and he is older than we are. He would hate to give up his fortune after coming here," Kurt replied.
Blaine sighed. Kurt had informed him that the lord from Columbus was the next to rule over Lima should Kurt pass on the title. It would also mean that Kurt would be giving up any money to keep the manor up and running, to provide for his servants. When questioned about it, Kurt said he did not feel he could stay in Lima after giving up, and his servants would be given what he could before he left. He was unsure what effect the enchantment would have on them if it remained unbroken, but did not voice that concern. It was as though he could not talk about how it could be broken, or what would happen if it was not.
"I still think the people would support you. Many still bent the knee to Lord Sterling after he was turned to a frog, did they not?" Blaine questioned.
"Only because those in Westerville are far more trusting and supportive than here. Though it may turn others towards our cause against the Council. I can try to rule Blaine, but I still feel Lord Nicholas is our best option." It was clear that Kurt did not wish to discuss it further.
Blaine sighed as his friend had left the room. Why could Kurt not see his true worth? Why could his friend not see he was meant to rule?
His thoughts were still rebelling against him, still picturing Kurt, no matter his shape. Sometimes his fantasies were innocent. Sometimes they were not. He had come to terms with the fact that he had a bit of a crush on Kurt, and he finally had gathered that Kurt felt the same. Yet they held back, afraid to damage their friendship, and Blaine was still afraid that perhaps he was off base concerning his suspicions. He knew though, he was in danger of falling fast, and fully accepted it. If there was a sign that he should give into these feelings for Kurt, then he would freely do so.
He turned around in the room once more, admiring the fresh candles in the golden sconces on the walls, the gorgeous mural of the heavens painted on the ceiling, the patterned tiled floors gleaming with the last coat of polish from earlier in the day. He had just finished polishing the wooden chair Kurt had chosen to sit upon when holding court, its mate having been done earlier. The fact that he felt a tiny bit envious of the man that got to sit beside Kurt just confirmed how much he cared for his friend. But he was still unsure what, if anything, he should do about it.
"Hey Blaine!" Sam called as he entered the room, whistling as he took a look at the room. "This place is looking great! Look, Kurt has asked that you bathe early and dress nice for dinner, to celebrate the house finally being done. He's getting ready now, so don't be taking forever!" With an exaggerated bow, Sam backed out of the room, a large grin on his face.
Blaine was confused, but shrugged. Sam was not the best liar, so he knew something was up, but he was not one to turn down a fancy dinner with Kurt. Normally his nightly bath was a leisurely affair, a way to unwind after days of physical labour and debating politics, but tonight it was rushed yet thorough. He dried himself off, taking care to ensure his curls were not frizzy. He had asked Rachel to find him something suitable to wear, and she had produced a lovely yellow suit and a gorgeous bow tie to top it off. He felt elegant, and ready for dinner, so he left his room, and began to descend the staircase when he caught sight of Kurt and froze.
Kurt was resplendent in a light blue suit with a wonderful flower texture to it. He had paired it with a bright purple shirt and a silver heart brooch. He looked nervous, but so very handsome, and Blaine could feel his heart pounding in his chest. He looked up at Blaine and the smile that broke his face was so beautiful, even if it was full of fangs. His mane had been pulled back with a blue bow, and the claws that usually came out of his furred paws had been trimmed. Kurt's tail hung below him, but Blaine knew if it could it would be wagging, and he smiled at the thought. He descended slowly down the stairs, greeting Kurt's bow with one of his own, and taking his arm as he was escorted to dinner.
They entered the dining room, the candles lighting up an array of beautiful foods. Though they usually sat across from one another, today Kurt pulled out the seat beside his own and took Blaine's hand, both men blushing lightly as they ate. They had a light conversation, discussing their afternoons, and their excitement over just being able to relax for the next few days now that everything was prepared. They knew they still had the council and Hunter to deal with, but somehow, even that could not dampen the mood of the evening. With shy smiles, they continued their meal, Kurt being so bold as to feed Blaine a piece of fruit with his own fork, which Blaine gleefully took.
"Blaine?" Kurt asked, his voice quiet, and unsure.
"Kurt?" Blaine mimicked, giving him a smile, and stealing another piece of fruit from Kurt's plate.
"I...I think I want to try being Lord Magistrate. I want to change this kingdom, want to help my people. They may not accept me, but I'll never know unless I try. I have sent word to Lord Nicholas that he may still be needed, but that unless I call for him to stay as he is. That means I will have to hold court, and probably host a dance after. But," he looked away shyly, "I have no idea how to dance in this body." He looked up and his eyes were so scared, so vulnerable, that it made Blaine's heart melt. "Will you help me?"
Blaine was too choked up to speak, so he simply stood up with a smile, squeezed his hand reassuringly, and led him into the ballroom.
"Okay, so you want to place your left hand on my waist," Blaine said, as he did just so, "and you take my right in yours. Now we have no music right now, so we just will have to mimic a waltz and go from there. So you remember how to do a basic box step?" Kurt nodded, looking down at his feet. "Got it?" Blaine asked, miming each motion for Kurt as he mentioned it.
"I think so," Kurt replied, though his voice was wavering. He then tried it, and though it took a few missteps and Blaine's toes took a little damage, his humour remained. Soon the pair were swaying across the dance floor while the servants looked on from the sidelines.
"That is just too precious for words," Mercedes remarked with a sigh. "It's a good thing I was wrong about Blaine. He's good for Kurt."
Elliot couldn't agree more. "I just hope those two fools get their heads together soon, we have two weeks until this spell becomes permanent and, knowing the Council, we'll stop being enchanted objects and just go back to being objects. You know they would have something like that planned."
"I think they'll figure it out," Sam replied. "I've been talking to Blaine a lot, and he really cares for Kurt, he just needs a push to realize it's love. Would help if we could tell what in the world Kurt is feeling though."
"That boy has love shining out of every pore for Blaine, only a fool could miss that," replied Mercedes.
"Then Blaine's a fool," Elliot said. "Because he doesn't know it yet. Maybe we need to get involved."
"I got this." Sam motioned for all the candles in the room to dim, ever so slightly, creating a more romantic atmosphere. He then motioned to the other servants to bow out and let the two of them alone. They'd give them the night to figure it out on their own. But if this didn't work, they would knock some sense into them both come morning!
"What made you change your mind?" Blaine inquired as they continued their swaying, not yet noticing the dimmed lighting.
Kurt blushed with a shy smile. "You. Your belief that I could...that I should do this." A brilliant smile graced Blaine's face, which made it easy for Kurt to continue. "I'm going to try my best to make you proud Blaine, to continue the good work my parents did for this land."
Blaine's eyes were watery at this point, and he just held Kurt tight in his embrace. Their steps slowed down, but they still held one another as they continued to dance. "Seems a shame we don't have any music to dance to," Blaine remarked.
"Blaine, after all the trouble I went to getting that piano up the stairs into your music room, I am not moving it down here just so we can have music. I'll hire a band if need be," Kurt remarked, bringing the man ever so subtly closer.
"Well that would be a stupid idea anyway, I would never be able to play and dance with you at the same time. Though if you wanted me to play when you have your actual first dance at court, I can. You'll probably be stuck dancing with some high born lady looking for your hand, no matter how much you persist in wanting a husband instead," Blaine replied, laying his head on Kurt's shoulder, almost snuggling in.
"I want you to be my first dance at court Blaine. You're my best friend, my adviser, and there is no one else I would rather share that honour with than you. I had hoped you would want that as well," Kurt replied, almost sounding disappointed.
"Kurt, I care about you, so so much, and I would love nothing more to be on your arm for that day. After that, I may or may not be your adviser, but I will always be your friend." Blaine held Kurt all the tighter as they simply swayed in place.
Tears began to cloud Kurt's vision. He had forgotten, or well, tried to forget that their time together was coming to an end. Blaine still intended to go out and seek his fortune, find romance. He had been reluctant to remain at court as Kurt's employee after his imprisonment was lifted. Certainly he would keep in touch, come to visit, yet he would no longer be Kurt's. Some other man would surely fall for Blaine, deeply and quickly. Kurt knew though that he would never be happy with anyone but Blaine. He just wished he could convince him to stay. Without even thinking, all of his emotions turned into song and he began, very quietly, to sing.
'Blackbird singing in the dead of night, take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life.
You were only waiting for this moment to arise. Blackbird singing in the dead of night, take these sunken eyes and learn to see. All your life. You were only waiting for this moment to be free.'
Blaine's heart was pounding in his chest. Kurt had never sung for him before, and his voice was so beautiful it took his breath away. Here was this man, urging him to freedom, when the sheer heartbreak in his voice betrayed wanting to keep him close. Blaine finally could see that Kurt's feelings mirrored his own, that he would forever regret it he did not ease both their suffering and finally have the courage to say what lay in his heart. He finally raised his head from Kurt's shoulder and saw the tears matting the fur under Kurt's eyes. He released Kurt's waist to dry them with his thumb.
"Kurt...I care for you so deeply. I want...I want us to stay friends, no matter what. Though my heart, it wants more from you. I think we could be both, if you care for me the way I do for you. I want to try, to be more for you, with you, if you will let me." Blaine said, before he decided the time for talking was done. He surged up to kiss Kurt. Kurt was not expecting it, but his eyes slammed shut when Blaine's mouth met his. It was short and sweet, Blaine's hand cupping his cheek and trying to avoid Kurt's ever-present fangs, but the sparks that flew through him more than made up for the brevity.
When Blaine pulled away, his eyes were shining, his cheeks red and his smile was beyond compare. He buried his face in Kurt's shoulder as Kurt let out the breath he did not realize he'd been holding. He tilted Blaine's face up so he could see how happy these actions had made him, that he felt the same, if the warmth pouring from his eyes was any indication. Blaine blushed further, but his smile just glowed.
"We...we should practice," he said, motioning to where they had stopped dancing.
Kurt gave him the coyest smirk imaginable and said with a wink, "I thought we were." before cupping Blaine's face in his palm and going in for another kiss.