I am so sorry for being away like this. I was sick and blah blah blah, but I am back and ready to kick ass with this fic plus my other one I'm Not Gonna Teach Him. Thank you for everyone's support. More will be coming soon, and I am not just saying that this time. Pinkie swears.
.:The Silent Clothier:.
The Beginning
Kurt stirred in his sleep. Laughter plagued his dreams and he felt hands grab him. His eyes popped open as the sounds of manic laughter dissipated and turned into a calming voice.
"Ah, dear-y, you're okay. I'm here, it's me Charlotte. Come on, sweetie, you're okay." Charlotte whispered.
Kurt gasped and looked around frantically forgetting where he was until his mind caught up with him and he realized he was indeed safe. He relaxed again as Charlotte ran her fingers through his hair.
"Is there anything I can get you?" She asked.
Kurt shook his head no.
"Alright then, I'm going to go get a cloth and a basin of water to get you cleaned up, and then we'll get you into some clean clothes." She sang happily.
Kurt closed his eyes breathing deeply as she walked away. His lungs didn't burn quite as bad, but it still stung a little. He wanted to cry when he thought about his voice though. All he knew was singing and now he just couldn't do it anymore.
"Kurt? Are you okay?"
Kurt jumped, his eyes popping open once more.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to startle you. I just wanted to check in on you." Blaine ducked his head.
Kurt couldn't help but smile as he blushed and patted the side of his bed.
Blaine smiled as he took the invitation sitting down gingerly. Kurt picked up his paper and quill from under his pillow grabbing the ink from the table next to him.
"I'm fine. How are you?"
"I'm good." Blaine chuckled, "I was worried about you." It was Blaine's turn to blush.
"Worried about me? You needn't be. Like I said I'm fine." Kurt wrote.
"Kurt, I can see the sadness in your eyes. Is it your parents?" Blaine grabbed for Kurt's free hand.
"Yes. I miss them dearly. Because of me they died…" Kurt's eyes filled with tears.
"Kurt, may I ask what you mean exactly? How did they die because of you?" Blaine asked cautiously.
Kurt looked hesitant, but sighed. This was a major risk, but what else did he have to lose?
"The town I hail from shunned me because I take a liking to more feminine activities as well as men opposed to women. I am a sin, and they wanted to send me to Hell, where I belong." Tears now streamed down his cheeks as his hand shook across the paper.
Blaine read the paper slowly unable to process how anyone could do something like this. Tears started streaming down his own face as he imagined the horrible treatment Kurt has gone through.
"I am so, so sorry, Kurt. This isn't your fault. Don't blame yourself. Your parents are in a better place and so are you. That town of yours will pay dearly for what they did to you and your family. They are the real sinners. You always have a place here and you are not looked on as a sin." Blaine squeezed Kurt's hands as he inched closer to the man.
Kurt sniffed as he scribbled out a reply, "You're not repulsed by my lack of masculinity?"
Blaine chuckled, "Not in the slightest. I think you are absolutely perfect. And if it's worry of your acceptance here regarding your liking to men you needn't worry. I too am fond of men and everyone here is accepting and supportive."
Kurt felt so light. He was speechless, hopeful, and embarrassed all at once. Blaine just smiled at him and leaned in to place a kiss to the man's cheek.
"I'll be back for dinner if you still want my company." Blaine asked hopeful.
Kurt blushed, nodding as he held his breath. Blaine smiled and walked out of the room, but not without kissing the brunette's hand. Kurt fell back into the pillows wishing he could scream to the heavens.
Blaine walked out of the room unable to stop grinning. He passed Charlotte on his way through the corridor.
"Oh, hello, sir. Just getting Kurt cleaned up. He'll be able to move about by tomorrow. Where shall I place him?" Charlotte asked.
"Wonderful. Thank you, Charlotte. Um, I shall speak to father and mother to see about an available room. I will return to sup with Kurt later." Blaine replied.
"Okay, sir. Let me know this evening and I'll get him settled." Charlotte bowed.
Blaine bowed, dismissing her. Charlotte continued back to the room.
Blaine thought about what to tell his parents. They were accepting of Blaine, but only in thought. He was fearful, to say the least, to tell them about Kurt. By the time he went through all the 'what-ifs' he reached the library where his parents stayed most of the time when not conducting royal business outside of the castle. He knocked then straightened himself up and took a deep, calming breath.
The door was opened by a servant. Blaine bowed his head before entering. His mother was reading a book near the window while his father was scribbling away on parchment with fast, angry strokes. He waited until his father's hand paused before making his presence known.
"Uh, father?" Blaine asked; his voice cracking.
"Oh, Blaine, my boy, how is everything?" The king asked not taking his eyes from the paper.
"Blaine! What are you doing here? I thought you weren't to return for another week's time." His mother put her book down.
"That's why I am here to see you both-"
"Well?" The king looked up suddenly as realization dawned on him.
"I was riding through Lima and there was this fire you see…" Blaine went through the whole story.
His mother looked terrified and his father looked terrifying.
"So you see father, I just can't send him back to that dreadful place. He is still recovering. He has lost his voice, his family, his life." Blaine explained frantically, pleadingly.
"I don't see the problem." The queen stated looking at her husband.
"This isn't a love thing is it?" The king asked harshly.
Blaine looked down, he could not lie. He has taken a liking to Kurt. He was beautiful, but to tell his father, the king, was frightening.
His father sighed, "Blaine-"
"What do you want me to say, father? I do not fancy woman. I refuse to marry a woman just to entertain you. I choose to marry for love and if it happens to be a man then so be it-"
"It's a sin, Blaine. You cannot marry a man. If you wish to bring a fiery death upon yourself then that is your choice, but I will not see to it, nor hear about it." His father yelled.
His mother was by her husband's side massaging his shoulders.
"Dear, may I speak to Blaine in private?" She asked tenderly.
He sighed, rubbing his temples frustratingly, "Fine, fine."
She smiled and kissed his cheek as she led Blaine out of the room. They were silent, his arm in hers, as they walked through the hall. They reached the West wing and she paused in front of the garden view window.
"I am sorry about your father, but he is right, Blaine, he is just looking out for you." She spoke.
"I know, mother, I just… I can't help these feelings. I wasn't planning on feeling things for this man, but I do." He looked down, "But still, even if I didn't have feelings for him I still would ask for his placement in this castle. He has been through a lot and I cannot see sending anyone back to such torment. I couldn't live with myself."
His mother placed a hand on her son's shoulder, "Then he shall stay. I could not turn him away when he has nothing or anyone to turn to."
"What about father?" Blaine asked suddenly lifting his gaze to her.
"I will take care of him. Can he work?" She asked.
"He mentioned to me that he sews." He replied.
"Well then, it looks like you shall have a new clothier. When he is well enough he can begin." She smiled sweetly.
"Oh, thank you, mother. Thank you ever so much." He hugged her.
"You are kind and shall one day be ruler. Don't ever lose your love and kindness." She winked before leaving Blaine at the window.
"Also, Blaine?" She turned to address him, "I expect to meet this young man who has stolen your heart as soon as possible."
Blaine smiled and nodded. She bowed her head, turned, and continued back to the room to deal with her husband.
"Richard. We have a new guest and I insist on you being a gracious host." Jacquelyn stated as she entered the library.
"Jacquelyn, you didn't." He stood from his desk.
"I did. This boy has nothing else to go back to, but torment-"
"Which he deserves for his sin, Jacquelyn." He yelled frustrated.
"Would you turn your own son out like that?" Jacquelyn crossed her arms.
"Of course not." He scoffed.
"Well then, it is settled, Kurt is to stay here with us." She nodded and went back to the window where she picked up her book.
"I shall never win this battle with you." He sighed, "What will he do with his time in the castle?" He asked defeated.
Jacquelyn smiled behind her book before hiding her emotions and dropping the book again.
"Blaine mentioned that he sews so I made him Blaine's clothier." She said.
The king's eyes grew.
"Calm yourself, Richard. This is a wonderful thing. Your son is happy, news will spread of our kind and warm hospitality, and no one shall know. Since Blaine's decision to love whom he loves no one in this castle shall breathe a word of the happenings here." Jacquelyn explained.
The king sighed heavily and returned to his seat begrudgingly, "You are sure?" His eyes showed fear.
"Yes, of course. Now go back to your work and worry no more about this matter." The queen picked her book up and started reading.
The king mumbled, but continued his work unknowing to his wife's smile as she secretly watched him from her seat.
Meanwhile, Blaine wandered through the castle aimlessly. He couldn't be happier that his mother and father were allowing Kurt to stay. His heart soared, but he hoped his father wasn't too angry. Blaine entered the music room without thought and found Rachel sitting at the piano warming up before dinner.
"Hello, Rachel." He smiled warmly to the girl.
"Hello, Prince Blaine. How are you this evening?" She smiled back.
"I'm good. And yourself?"
"Wonderful. I decided to try out a new song I heard on my stroll through town yesterday." Rachel got up and made her way to Blaine.
"I hope to hear it soon." Blaine opened his arms inviting the girl.
She embraced him as always, "I'm planning to sing it during the meal this evening." She replied.
"Ah, well I will miss hearing it-"
"Why? Won't you be there?" Rachel asked.
"I wish I could, but I have special matters to attend to." Blaine held her hands.
"Oh, you mean Kurt?" She smiled knowingly.
"How did you..? Charlotte." He chuckled.
"She was very excited in telling me about Kurt. She says you're in love." Rachel squealed.
"I am not in love. I just met him-"
"You're his knight in shining armor-"
"I fancy him, yes, but I do not know of love, nor if he feels the same." Blaine sighed.
"Well, I also heard you and the queen talking and so you shall have plenty of chances to find love with him." Rachel smiled.
"You mischievous girl. Eavesdropping as always." Blaine teased.
"That's why you love me." Rachel grinned.
"That I do. Well, I must be off to get ready to sup. Good luck and I do wish you would come and sing for Kurt and I later this evening." Blaine hugged her again.
"Of course, my Lord. I shall see you both after dinner. 'Til then." Rachel bowed.
"'Til then, sweet lady." Blaine kissed her hand and bowed before exiting the room, making his way to his bed chambers.
Kurt argued with Charlotte that he could wash himself, and as she fussed with him, she finally gave in saying she would be outside if he needed assistance. It gave Kurt time to look himself over. He removed the blankets encasing him and saw his once snow white skin shine in blue and black. He skimmed his fingertips over the contusions and hissed in pain. He took the cloth and dipped it into the bowl of warm water before wringing it out and gently washed his skin. By the time he was finished the water was murky. He felt so much better and far more relaxed than before. Charlotte peeked from the door and he motioned her inside. Charlotted bounced in as usual clutching a beautiful green and beige garment.
"I know it's not much, but at least you'll have a dressing gown." She helped him pull it over his head.
He was grateful. He always felt vulnerable when someone else was in the room as he laid underneath the blankets naked. Charlotte moved around the room to find a table and chair for Blaine as well as more pillows to help prop Kurt up better.
"I don't know what we're going to do about clothes for you. You can't walk around the castle naked as a jay bird, now can you?" She asked rhetorically.
Kurt snickered silently as she moved around the room like a mad woman trying to straighten up all the while mumbling to herself.
"Mercedes should be here soon with your and Blaine's supper. She's one of the cook's servants. I guess soon you will meet the rest of the crew around here. Any-who, Blaine should be arriving soon as well, as for me I better head off to the kitchen myself if I want any supper." Charlotte excused herself before making her way through the door. As she stepped out she ran into Blaine.
"Oh, excuse me, sir." Charlotte fumbled.
"It's quite alright. Going to dinner yourself?" Blaine asked.
"I am, sir. Mercedes should be here soon with your and Kurt's supper as well. Don't keep him waiting, sir." She winked.
"Thank you Charlotte, I also shall speak to you later about Kurt's accommodations." Blaine smiled.
"As you wish, sir." Charlotte bowed before continuing on to the kitchens.
Blaine stepped into the room and was greeted with a smile as his eyes met Kurt's. Blaine took the seat next to Kurt's bed that Charlotte had placed for him.
"Your color is coming back." Blaine commented.
Kurt blushed. He seemed unable to control it whenever Blaine was around.
"I have some wonderful news for you. I talked to mother and father about you staying here and they agreed." Blaine smiled, "If you choose of course." He added.
Kurt nodded happily. Excited he was able to stay.
"I also wanted to ask… My father of course… Well…" Blaine didn't know how to say this.
Kurt tilted his head; confused.
"Well, my father says you can stay as my clothier… But you don't have to be my clothier, it's just a title for him." Blaine said hurriedly.
Kurt's smile grew. He loved to sew and a clothier was his second dream to being a performer. He couldn't perform anymore, but he could still sew. He agreed wholeheartedly.
"Like I said, you don't have to be a clothier. You can stay here regardless." Blaine reiterated.
Kurt took out his quill and paper, "I love to sew clothes. If your father so wishes it than I will be happy to take over the position. Especially if it means being your clothier."
Blaine read the reply and smiled, blushing ever so slightly.
"Wonderful. I will make sure to place some sewing supplies in your room. Is there anything else you would want in there? Any instruments, paints, anything?" Blaine asked.
Kurt shook his head. Music is too painful right now, and he couldn't paint to save his life. Blaine took Kurt's hand and kissed it. Kurt looked down bashfully, but pulled his hand away like he was being burned when the chamber door opened. A short, plump, black woman entered the room with a tray and behind her entered a tall, slender, Hispanic woman. They both had black hair and bright eyes.
"Ah, thank you, ladies." Blaine got up from the chair and helped them place the food, "Kurt this is Mercedes and Santana. They are the cook's servants. Ladies, this is Kurt.
"It is so nice to meet you, Kurt." Mercedes curtsied and smiled brightly.
"I've heard a lot about you, Kurt." She winked.
"Alright Santana." Blaine chuckled, "Thank you again, Ladies. I shall call when we finished."
"I bet you will." She smirked. She hissed in pain when Mercedes elbowed her in the ribcage.
Santana rolled her eyes, but slapped on a smile as she and Mercedes bowed. Blaine dismissed him with a bow and took his seat once more, placing a tray over Kurt.
"You sure do bow a lot around here." Kurt wrote.
"I know. It's exhausting, but polite." Blaine laughed.
The next few hours they sat in silence enjoying a wonderful meal. The more time they spent in the same room the fonder they grew of each other.