It's Sunday guys and I think we all know what that means, don't we?
Let's say it together on the count of three.
One...
Two...
Three...
NEW CHAPTER!

Because you people are the best readers an author could possibly have and your words have made us smile and feel proud of what we are doing more than you know. We want you to know that we are grateful and humbled and honoured to share this with you.

A quick info on this chapter.
As you can all see it's a bit shorter than the others (it's the shortest one we've got actually since the ones after it just keep getting longer and longer XD).
That's because it's a filler chapter that sets us up for the big ball of feels and fluff and interesting stuff waiting for you next Sunday if you stick around.

So without further ado we give you chapter 4.

"History can often times be ugly and filled with blood and tears. But as a historian and an anthropologist I am a firm believer that, that same ugliness can set grounds for a change; a step forward in the right direction.

A fine example of that is the cruelty and mistreatment of submissive members of society that took place not so long ago.
In recent history subs were forbidden to leave the house without their Doms, to work and receive payment for it, to interact with other Doms, and to visit and communicate with their families after their bond was legalized.

In the more extreme cases, the subs were physically abused, tortured, malnourished as they were forbidden to eat anything other than scraps after their Doms and, worst of all, forced into subspace leaving them completely vulnerable and often times mentally unstable.

Today, although still far from perfect, the situation surrounding the life of a sub is much better thanks, for the most part, to the existence of Validators; a legal body formed to assess the wellbeing of a sub in his new environment and authorized to remove the sub from an unhealthy environment if they deem it necessary."

"Being able to have a certain amount of freedom and being granted all the rights the Doms posses was definitely a step towards creating a well balanced, on equality based society, however , the work of those who wish to better the world is never finished.
The battle continues towards eradicating discrimination based on social and economical status.

While it's not illegal for a rich Dom to claim a sub of lower social status it is deeply frowned upon and considered a taboo, while a Dom of a lower status cannot even place a claim on a rich sub since he's unable to pay the price needed to register the bond.

Nowadays it's almost as if two currents are formed within wealthy families, and each current is backed up with a list of affirmed names giving weigh and importance to their cause: one current working towards balancing the society and allowing, even practicing, bonding between social ranks backed up by the Andersons, the Duvals, Karofskys, Thompsons, Smythes and Huges to name a few of the more prominent ones, and the other current traditional in their ways opposing the change and forbidding their members to even associate with the lower ranks backed up by the Landons, Smiths, Lexingtons and Radleys.

The pull of which current will be stronger?
Only time will tell."

The prologue and the epilogue of a textbook:
"Being a Dom on the right side of change"
by Elliana Turner
Anthropology professor at The Harvard University

Blaine paced the expanse of his living room early Monday morning as he contemplated what to do next.

His sub was visibly shaken ever since his encounter with the reporters constantly sending worried glances at the windows and doors and while Blaine understood the need to make money by having the latest scoop of information first, he couldn't help but hate every last one of them for making Kurt close off again and go to bed alone for the second night in a row when all Blaine wanted to do was hold him in his arms and keep him safe.

He knew there was no way the press was leaving by Monday and he got all the evidence of that on Sunday when his phone began to ring restlessly for hours on end, representatives of every magazine and TV show in existence seeking his presence and asking questions about Kurt and his role in Blaine's allegedly wild life.

He ignored every last one of the questions and accusations, struggling to remain polite as he asked them to give him some space to settle in his new role and he would answer their inquiries when the time was right for it, but they just wouldn't budge.

The news of Dom Anderson claiming a sub from the 'wrong side of wealth' was way too big to let slide and they all knew that whoever got to the exclusive first would most likely be able to retire with all the money that story would earn.

Sick of their constant chatter in front of his house, of the infinite row of flashlights going off in their general direction and most of all of the trembles going through Kurt's body every time the phone rang, Blaine finally snapped and made a decision.

After checking in with Kurt he made a phone call and scheduled a meeting with Dalton's school board to ask permission to take some time off to complete the third step of their bonding.

He knew his school had a policy of accommodating newly bonded couples as best as they could and he knew he had a plausible cause for asking for that, but despite that some formal protocols needed to be followed so Blaine made the appointment and found out that he, as the Dom, was the one they required to see and discuss the topic with.

Kurt could come along but he wasn't allowed to be present at the meeting itself; one of the last archaic rules the Dalton staff was unable to shake off.

He told as much to Kurt and while he seemed uneasy about being left alone in the hallways of an unfamiliar school filled with people he'd never seen before, it warmed Blaine's heart to realize he was even more reluctant to be away from him for a long time and stay at home, agreeing to wait for him in the Dalton lounge with a cup of coffee.

An image of him, sitting there alone, just waiting for someone to come along and spout nonsense insults at him or even attempt to garner his favour away made Blaine cringe and scowl possessively and with a little bit of thought he came up with a possible solution.

Nick.

One of his best friends and someone he knew he could trust to keep his sub safe and relaxed while he was away. He hadn't heard from him since the claiming and he had no idea where Nick stood about it all, but he had a feeling, deep down inside of him, that his friend would side with him and his family and support him through and through.

Which is why he felt comfortable suggesting he kept Kurt company while he spoke to the Principal.

Although timidly, Kurt had agreed to meet Nick and spend time with him while Blaine made the arrangements with the board and went to get ready while Blaine, already dressed for the day, stayed in the living room to make the call.

"Well hello there Mr. Drama. How are you doing this fine Monday morning?" Nick's voice chirped from the phone as soon as he picked up and even as he rolled his eyes Blaine couldn't help but smile at his friend's teasing tone.

Trust Nick to be amused by a scandalous situation.

"Mr. Drama, really?" Blaine asked amusement evident in his voice and Nick huffed in mock offence.

"It's early and I had to think fast. Shut up," Nick defended his lame joke to the very last and Blaine chuckled at him.

"Well I suppose it could be worse," he teased a bit more before deciding to get to the point before Kurt got back from his room. "But I didn't call you for comedic relief."

"Believe it or not I kind of figured that out on my own. What's up?" Nick asked, voice suddenly serious and focused.

"Kurt and I are coming to talk to the board this morning." Blaine said and Nick made a noise of understanding.

"About his enrolment at Dalton?" he asked and Blaine started pacing again.

"That and taking time off to complete the third step. The press is making him uncomfortable and quite frankly I'm one camera flash away from suing all of them for whatever the hell I can think off. So I figured taking a short vacation away from it all could be good for the both of us," Blaine explained as he leaned against the window, looking out into the crowd of reporters, scattered in front of his gate, pushing at each other to get a better view of the house, and setting up tents and lawn chairs, obviously making themselves at home in his front yard.

"That's not a bad idea. I saw them in front of your house as I passed by. It's a madhouse, Blaine," Nick informed and Blaine nodded to himself.

Understatement.

"I know. It's ridiculous." He ran a hand through his hair and pulled at his lose curls in annoyance.

"It is. But it's also how the media works. You of all people should both know and be used to that," Nick stated bluntly and Blaine huffed in anger. In any other instance he would be glad Nick was around to keep him grounded in reality but everything remotely related to Kurt made him a little crazy apparently.

"I am used to it and I couldn't care less what they say. But Kurt isn't. They scare him, they make him question my intentions and be afraid of me. I don't…I can't deal with that. I can't look into his eyes and see fear. I just…I can't." He blinked back the tears in his eyes and Nick shushed him gently, trying to get him to calm down.

"He's your 'it' then isn't he?" he asked softly and Blaine took a deep breath as he took his time to answer.

"I know it's ridiculous and I just met him but…I want him to be. I think he already is," he admitted feeling his heart pang in agreement and Nick cheered, happy for his friend.

"It's not ridiculous, Blaine. I'm really happy for you and whatever you need you know you can talk to me," he said earnestly.

"Actually…there is something I need…the reason I called actually," Blaine broached, wiping his eyes and the almost tears away, happy to have a friend like Nick.

"Okay. Shoot."

"Kurt is coming with me this morning but as you know he's not allowed to sit in on the meeting with the board and I don't want him alone," Blaine started but Nick cut him off.

"Say no more. I'll be waiting for you in front of the main building in an hour."

"Thanks, Nick," he sighed in relief. "Okay I'll go see if he's ready and we'll be on our way."

"Any time, B. See you soon," Nick answered and Blaine thanked him once more before ending the call and feeling his heart settle for a moment, soothed by his friend's words.

Kurt had been through the battered suitcase containing his things once… then again… then again before settling himself down in the middle of the small clothes catastrophe he had made, head in his hands.

He had nothing to wear.

Well. That wasn't entirely accurate. He did have things to wear. He didn't have anything suitable to wear. He glanced through his fingers miserably at the worn pieces of material around him, all special to him in some way because of how hard he and his family worked for him to have even this and felt his stomach churn at the sudden inadequacy that crashed over him.

He hated it. Hated that feeling and what it made him do.

He didn't want to feel like who he was and what he owned wasn't good enough for the stuck up world he found himself in. It felt like he was somehow betraying his family and he couldn't have that, not ever.

He began to pick up his belongings he'd so carelessly strewn around, being extra careful when he packed them back away in the suitcase, only sparing a furtive glance at the wardrobe and dresser. It was too presumptuous to put his things in there alongside Blaine's. Much too personal and intimate a thing that spoke too heavily of permanent. Despite Blaine's reassurances and his own desire to latch onto and believe them, there was still a small part of him, growing larger with every incredulous derisive comment slung his way by people like the ones camped outside, that warned him against getting too comfortable. That wanted to shield his fragile heart.

He shook the sad thoughts away and tried to concentrate on the now.

He still wasn't dressed and they were supposed to be leaving soon. Biting his lip he pulled out his best pair of jeans pulling them on and then a pale blue button down that he tucked into the tight trousers and tied a scarf he had made out of a few scraps of fabric around his neck. Pulling on his scuffed boots he walked to the mirror and studied himself.

By Lima standards he looked damn good. By Dalton...he felt sick again. God he was going to embarrass Blaine so much. Maybe he should just stay home? He fussed at his hair, eyeing the hair products on Blaine's dresser before dismissing the idea immediately with an ashamed blush. They weren't his things to use and he hadn't got permission. Sighing he did his best, sweeping it to the side in his usual way, wishing he could style it off his face.

He frowned when the strands of his hair, now amazingly soft from quality shampoo Blaine let him use, flopped back down to cover his eyes and with a sigh he turned back to the hair product shelf running gentle fingers over the bottle of hairspray.

Blaine opened the door and peeked in with an inviting smile as his eyes roamed over him almost immediately, eyeing the way he looked at the product longingly. "You can use whatever you need," he said and frowned at how quickly Kurt pulled his hand away from the bottles; like he would get in trouble for even looking at it.

"N-no...that's okay. I was just looking," he said hastily, flipping the lose hair back again and turning towards Blaine.

Hazel eyes shifted sadly, somehow wishing that someday Kurt would see his things as his own.

"Well for future reference, anything in this house is available for you to use whenever you want. Okay?" he asked and smiled when Kurt nodded. "Good, you ready?"

Kurt shifted on his feet. "Yeah...no… I mean… maybe I should stay home?" he rambled out feeling a blush heat his whole face.

Blaine frowned softly walking into the room properly. "What's wrong?"

Kurt rubbed his hands against his sides self consciously. "I don't fit in there," Kurt blurted out. "I just..." he let it trail and stared at the ground thoroughly embarrassed.

He heard Blaine step closer and then a hand under his chin was coaxing his head back up. He tried desperately to ignore the tingles that set his blood on fire and his mark burning as he met concerned gold eyes. "You're perfect as you are," Blaine said softly and Kurt's breathing hitched.

"They don't think that," Kurt insisted futilely. "My clothes-"

"Are lovely," Blaine cut off warmly dropping his hand. "The colour brings out your eyes and your jeans." he laughed sheepishly rubbing the back of his neck. "Well they're giving me ideas that I'm really trying to ignore. So don't let anyone else tell you different okay?"

Kurt's face was bright red. He knew it was. All he could do was nod dumbly.

Blaine beamed. "I talked to Nick and he's going to meet at the front entrance if you're ready? You can stay behind if you want. No pressure."

"No I'm fine," Kurt decided finally, feeling encouraged and less anxious by Blaine somehow.

"Great, now let's go brave the worst. Stay close to me alright?" he reminded and Kurt nodded.

Once they were outside the shouts and taunts started up again.

Blaine was quick to lead them towards the Lexus, tossing his keys to his driver, opening the door for Kurt and tucking him safely before climbing in after him, keeping his hand firmly in his own, stilling the tremble of his fingers.

Kurt had blocked most of what they were saying out by will alone and was trying to keep himself calm as he sat in the passenger seat. Blaine slid in and looked over to him concernedly. "Okay?"

Kurt gave him a faint smile, feeling warmed by the sentiment. "Yeah. Thank you."

"It's what I'm here for," Blaine told him softly. Meaningfully.

The car started and sooner that Kurt could utter an answer they were gliding out of the driveway and onto the street, heading towards yet another thing Kurt knew nothing about.

Dalton Academy was an impressive structure.

Not only extensive in the size of the multiple buildings and acres that made up the grounds surrounding it, it was also a beautifully kept piece of architectural history. High arched windows of a classic design polished to a high shine, row after row, columns were a brilliant white lining the grand front entrance doors and filigree was shot through all of the architecture; it was clear just from looking at it that Dalton was the idealistic picture of a wealthy society. It showed no signs of wear. Always well kept and maintained to the highest standards to keep its clientele pleased.

The grounds themselves were gated, a long gravel drive leading up to the main building that was the largest of the four structures. Kindergarten, elementary, higher education and then there were the dormitories.

The kindergarten building was the smallest, surrounded by its own fencing and boasting a play area within its brightly coloured walls. The elementary school was also set in its own space and gated off to keep the distinction between years. The only buildings that were attached were they main building which taught from high school all the way up the college students and the dormitories that were provided for them, next to a neat parking lot for visitors, students and staff.

Nick parked his car, a beautiful black Porsche into the student's section of the parking lot, happy that he caught the space away from the trees that shed leaves and the last remains of the summer's fruits all over the vehicle.

Stepping out of the car he waved to a few people on their way to the school and ducked his head trying to avoid a few subs determined to get him to notice them. It was always worse the few weeks after the Showing. He still hadn't claimed someone so the subs that hadn't been chosen redoubled their efforts.

He was one of the wealthiest Doms and his reputation of being slightly unusual, a little bit crazy and a lot of fun to be around made him appealing enough for him to find notes in his pockets and phone numbers scrawled on his car windows with lipstick. Nick found it increasingly frustrating because he was sure he came out of his mother's womb screaming 'I like dick' so he had no idea why those girls seemed so determined to be with him; it's not like he would make them happy.

Shrugging and ducking another note curled up in a ball thrown his way- how flying paper hitting his head was considered an enticement he'd never figure out- he made it to a small secluded bench he and Blaine and a few of their closest friends claimed as their own ages ago.

Separated from the rest of the school yard by a thick, bushy tree it made for a perfect hiding spot.

He sat on the bench pulling his phone out to fiddle with while he waited when a familiar black Lexus cruised into the parking lot, his best friend stepping out of it along with the terrified looking boy; younger than them that was for sure, but still gorgeous from what Nick could tell of the lithe figure.

He could see his friend turning around trying to find him so he stood up and walked over to them, smiling at how possessive Blaine's hand seemed against his sub's back, how alert he was, ready to defend him if the situation called for it.
Nick had never seen Blaine like that, eyes shining with emotion, lips curled up in a gentle smile turned towards the younger boy, and hands clenching with the effort he put into keeping himself in check for the sub's sake.

It was an amazing change and Nick was willing to do whatever he could to keep that relationship safe.

With that thought he approached the pair and patted Blaine on the shoulder.

"Hey man. Nice to see you on time for a change," he teased falling easily into the banter as always and Blaine punched him in the chest playfully.

"Yeah well I show up on time when it's important," Blaine joked back alluding to the fact that he was always late for their coffee 'dates' and making Nick pout in mock offense.

"You wound me. But I don't care. What I do care for is this beautiful person over here," he said smiling at Kurt who kept his eyes down, biting his lip and curling his fingers into the back of Blaine's blazer.

Blaine turned around and gently took Kurt's hand in his.

"Kurt this is my friend, Nick. He's gonna stay with you while I'm talking with the board," he introduced in a tone Nick had never heard before from his friend and the beautiful sub lifted his chin up, making Nick's breath hitch at the sight of his stunning eyes making him appear almost otherworldly.

Lucky son of a bitch.

He shook the amusement off when he saw those lovely eyes were filled with discomfort so he did his best to smile encouragingly as he stuck his hand out.

"Hi Kurt. I'm Nick, it's truly a pleasure to meet you," he said and waited patiently until the younger boy dared to take his hand and give it a shaky but firm squeeze before letting go. "So what say you we run away together?" he grinned and Kurt's eyes widened while Blaine growled softly. Nick laughed holding his hands up. "Kidding. C'mon!"

"Hilarious," Blaine glared but it wasn't heated so Nick smiled winningly back at him.

"We'll just go grab some coffee while you die of boredom. Sound good to you, Kurt?"

Kurt nodded hesitantly, looking towards Blaine for reassurance and relaxing seemingly without realizing it when he saw Blaine's encouraging smile.

"Go ahead. I'll be as quick as I can okay?"

"Okay," Kurt agreed and shyly looked back towards Nick who gestured over his shoulder.

"We better get going then before you really are late."

"Mr Anderson," Blaine was greeted warmly when he stepped into the room after leaving Kurt and Nick walking towards the Dalton longue.

It was a large office with a huge desk placed in front of a floor to ceiling window in the middle of the room, taking up most of the space and drawing the eye. The walls were lined with bookshelves and a side cabinet that held an assortment of collector's items and there were two comfortable chairs placed in front of the desk for guests and visitors. The room itself was done in warm browns and creams making the area inviting instead of imposing.

Principal Hikaru Montgomery, a tall stately Dom of Asian descent with greying hair and kind brown eyes reminiscent of one of his closest friends, was sat behind the desk smiling at him and Blaine allowed himself a moment to be surprised.

"Principal," he said back allowing the confusion to seep through his tone. "I was under the impression the rest of the board would be present."

The man gestured to the seat in front of him and Blaine walked the rest of the way in and sank down into it.

"In normal circumstances that would be true," the older Dom agreed, leaning back into the plush burgundy wing backed chair he was seated and straightening his charcoal suit a little. "But you're situation is a little more… high profile."

Blaine sighed. That was the reason they were in this mess in the first place. "So the reporters camped on my lawn say," he responded dryly.

The Principal gave him a sympathetic look. "Yes well I thought you'd appreciate a little more discretion than a bunch of old Doms lecturing you."

Blaine couldn't thank him enough. In all honesty he was dreading meeting some of the board not because he was nervous to talk to them but knowing that not everyone's view was as liberal about the economic divide that defined their society. He had been expecting to fight and defend his relationship, defend Kurt and he would have with every breath in his body. He wouldn't back down to anyone, his instincts wouldn't let him but this was a pleasant surprise.

"That means a lot to me."

The Principal laughed. "Come now, Blaine. You really thought I'd throw you to the wolves?"

Blaine cracked his own smile hearing the familiar friendly tone. He'd known this man for almost all his life in one capacity or another. As the father of his friend. A prestigious Dom in his own right. A Principal. He counted himself incredibly lucky to have such a man on his side.

"But jokes aside, down to business, yes?" Blaine straightened in his seat. "You've put in a request for Bonding leave."

"That's correct, sir."

Hikaru glanced down at the papers on his desk, grabbing a pair of square framed reading glasses and putting them on. "I've drawn up the paperwork. We haven't needed to grant someone leave such as this in quite a while, but there is a definite precedent for it so we just have to go through the details seeing as I already know from this mornings paper that there is a fully understandable reason for the time off from your studies. Now," he looked over the top of his glasses. "How long would you like? I'm afraid to say we can grant no longer than a week at most."

"A week away from this chaos will be a godsend at this point," Blaine nodded eagerly.

The principal smiled and sat the documents and his glasses back down again, regarding him softly. "How are you dealing with all this, Blaine? I understand that the decision to claim was rather… sudden."

Blaine shifted with embarrassment at the reminder of his rash, graceless claim but couldn't find himself regretting it one bit. That instinct that drove him had gotten him Kurt. The perfect angel nervously awaiting his return just down the corridor. "It wasn't planned no," he admitted forcing himself to focus. "I just… I saw him and I just knew I couldn't let him go. I've been waiting for him for so long… I couldn't wait and risk him getting away."

Hikaru nodded and broached carefully, "He's not exactly from the usual circles I hear."

Blaine tensed feeling his temperature rise and his brows draw low. "I don't consider that a factor at all."

The elder Dom held up his hands. "I'm not attacking your sub's character, Blaine I assure you."

Blaine groaned trying to shake off the anger. "I'm sorry. Its just people are so judgemental of him just because he doesn't come from a wealthy background and it makes me sick! They don't see how wonderful he is, how real he is in comparison to all their fake acts. They just see money signs or the lack of them."

"We live in that kind of society. I'm afraid it is something you're going to have to get used to," Hikaru told him gently with a hint of sadness.

"It shouldn't be like that," Blaine stated fiercely.

"I agree and yet all I can do is offer you this little time away from it."

Blaine breathed deep. "Yes, thank you. Sorry again, I'm just a little out of it right now."

"It's a stressful time for you and holding yourself back from a sub isn't easy on a Dom. Denying your instincts for too long is never a good thing," Hikaru advised and it was like he was seeing straight through him. Blaine wasn't surprised the man could tell all that just from the way he was acting or how he looked.

"He isn't ready yet and I refuse to force myself on him."

"Ah but it is a two way street, Blaine. Subs need their Doms just as much, it's the nature of a healthy bond, you know this."

The younger Dom stopped to think about that. "So you're suggesting I push him?" It didn't sit right that thought. At all.

"Heavens no!" Hikaru exclaimed. "I am merely saying that you shouldn't let the distance become prolonged. Use this time wisely." He slid the paperwork over. "It only needs your signature and then you're free to leave."

Blaine took the pen held out for him and scrawled his name on the dotted line.

"There is one thing I wanted to ask you before I left," Blaine broached.

"You're concerned about Kurt attending Dalton?" he guessed.

"Yes."

"I don't tolerate misuse or persecution of subs at this school, Blaine. That will include Kurt and his background. I will make sure every teacher and student knows this before he starts." He paused and frowned. "There will be incidents, Blaine. I can't lie and say there won't but know that you and Kurt can come straight to me and I will set them right to the best of my ability."

A weight eased off his shoulders with the knowledge. "Thank you, sir. I don't know how to thank you enough."

The man smiled. "Go and bond properly with your sub. I want to see colours on you by the time you get back," he teased and Blaine blushed scarlet as the clear mark on the back of his neck tingled. He stood up and shook the elder Doms hand firmly; mind now racing with the possibilities of his and Kurt's time away.

He sat in the room Blaine pointed to him as he waited for Nick to re-join him. Meeting the other Dom was terrifying at first but there was something about him that made Kurt feel at ease next to him.

He looked around the room taking in the long, dark wood table surrounded by plush, red chairs matching perfectly the colour of the biggest wall in the room.

The rest of the walls were plain white and the contrast the red made against slightly stuffy and uptight setting of the room was absolutely perfect.

Tapping his fingers against the table top he caught sight of a magazine sitting a few places away, and desperate for some entertainment to keep his mind off things he reached for it, pulling it closer and flipping it right side up.

His breath caught in his throat and his eyes watered in an instant at the sight of the cover, shoving Blaine waving an angry fist at the camera and himself hiding behind his Dom, eyes downcast and fearful.

The bold, black letters cut through the centre of the page making Kurt cringe and look away blinking the tears back:

"Dom Anderson's biggest mistake!"

Through the haze of his thoughts assaulting him with ways and plans to get out of the world he didn't belong to, he heard footsteps approaching and he turned around to see Nick walking into the room.

He pushed the magazine under the table quickly, missing the look Nick gave him as he caught the action and the cover of the magazine.

The Dom decided to let it slide for the time being, opting to, instead, smile brightly and get to know his best friend's new sub.

"Here, I didn't know how you took your coffee and I didn't want to mess it up so I got you some tea." Nick smiled at the sub he met minutes prior ignoring the distress he knew he didn't want to talk about yet, already managing to see exactly what Blaine saw in him; what made him so appealing to the Dom.

Kurt was so pure, so unspoiled by the uniformed education most subs went through. It felt like his submissiveness came naturally, like he didn't have to play around to get attention.
One look from those blue eyes could get him any Dom he wanted, but Kurt didn't seem like the kind of person who would use that.

The way he clung to Blaine when he realized it was time for his Dom to leave made Nick smile because as difficult he knew things would be for them it seemed as if the young sub was accepting Blaine and his natural, almost forceful Dominance.

It was like they were created for one another; one with a Dominant streak so strong it rivalled his mother's who was thought to be the most influential, commandeering and unrelenting Doms of their time, and the other made to soothe that dominance, and to balance it out with submissiveness so soft and tender Nick could tell they will make the perfect couple.

Smiling to himself he handed the steaming cup to the sub who blinked up at him, lips curling into a timid smile and fingers wrapping around the cup, cradling it to his chest as if it were a shield that would keep him safe against the unfamiliar place he found himself in.

"Thank you sir." he replied politely, eyes downcast and voice small.

Nick rolled his eyes and plopped down into the chair across from Kurt waving a hand in dismissal.

"Just Nick. Please. All that "Sir" nonsense is making me feel old. And I'm way too pretty to feel like that." He winked and Kurt gasped at him, feeling completely thrown off guard by this unusual behaviour.

He had never met a Dom who didn't like being called Sir or Master.

"B-but…you're a…a Dom …" he whispered losing a battle with his own curiosity even knowing that he could be punished for talking to a Dom like that, but Nick merely shrugged.

"I am. And I act like a Dom and the subs around me know that I'm a Dom. So I don't really see a point in making that even more obvious when there's no need for it," he said as if it were the most obvious thing in the world and when he thought about it Kurt could see logic behind his words.

However it made him warm on the inside when he heard Carole call his father sir. It made him smile when Mercedes called Sam that way too, and it seemed so loving and intimate when Jared called Dana 'my lady'.

Somewhere deep down he knew it would make him happy calling Blaine that someday and he wondered what Nick's sub felt like if she was forbidden from calling him something that made her happy.

He couldn't keep the question to himself because it was eating him on the inside but he also didn't want to anger someone who Blaine considered one of his best friends. He bit his tongue sipping his tea and avoiding Nick's gaze until the older boy chuckled and nudged his foot beneath the table.

"You can ask me anything you want. We have some time before Blaine gets back and I'd like for you to feel comfortable in my presence. From the way he looks at you you'll be around for a long time." He teased and Kurt inhaled a sip of his tea, eyes tearing up and coughing like crazy as Nick's last statement roamed through his mind.

"Wh… what do you mean?" he managed to wheeze through his coughing fit and Nick barked out a laugh before shaking his head.

"How about you ask what you wanted to ask before and we'll get back to what I thought after that hmm?" he offered and Kurt steadied himself and took a few long breaths before managing to get his coughing under control and his tea going down the correct pipe.

He eyed Nick for a second wondering where the catch was. What he was about to ask was pretty personal and they have exchanged a grand total of fifteen words before that so it really did seem like he was crossing a million boundaries and breaking all the polite behaviour etiquettes.

But Nick didn't seem to mind.

"Oh come on, Kurt. Now I'm all curious and I won't be able to sleep if you don't tell me and then I'll have bags under my eyes and I'll be ugly. Do you want that?" he exclaimed dramatically and Kurt had no choice but to laugh along and nod his head in consent.

"I could never live with myself if I made you ugly," he dared to tease back and it seemed like Nick appreciated it by the way his smile pulled at his lips making his face shine.

"Great. Now what did you want to ask?" he prompted and Kurt lowered his cup down onto the table, the cup's rim leaving a wet circle on the wooden surface.

"Well…doesn't your sub mind?" he asked clumsily and Nick cocked his head.

"Mind what?" he asked, confusion settled onto his face.

"That she doesn't get to call you "Sir"? I mean…subs…well…we um…we like that," he explained in a hushed tone already regretting he started on that topic when Nick's face lit up with understanding.

"Oh that's what you thought. Well…first of all I don't have a sub yet, and even if I did it would be a "he" not a "she". Second, you're not the only ones who like that, because it's a great honour to a Dom to be deemed worthy of that title by a sub. And third, if it made my sub happy I'd let him call me whatever the hell he wanted to call me. Sir, master, dick, whatever struck his fancy," he shrugged and Kurt giggled at the outrageous idea of a sub calling his Dom a dick. "What I meant with my statement earlier is that I don't like being addressed formally out of some sense of courtesy and the need to feel above someone else," he said, his arms flailing around him passionately as he tried to express his point but Kurt wasn't sure he understood completely.

He could sort of see where Nick was coming from but it didn't make complete sense to him.

"I…I'm sorry I'm not sure I understand it completely," he murmured shyly and Nick nodded.

"It's okay. Hmm….okay let me try to explain it like this. Doms are meant to make subs feel happy and comfortable and safe. While most people think that applies only to your own sub I couldn't disagree more. My opinion is that as a Dom it is my "job" to make every sub in my presence feel comfortable. If my sub felt happy calling me "sir" then that's what he should call me. But if another sub, mine or someone else's felt merely obligated to do so but not comfortable I wouldn't like that. Did you feel the need to call me sir or did you do it for another reason?" he finished his passionate speech with a question and for what felt like a millionth time since he was claimed, Kurt was floored by how different these people were from what he thought they would be.

"I did it because you're Blaine's friend and I didn't want to make you angry by not behaving like I was supposed to," he answered honestly, feeling like he owed it to Nick to be true after what he shared about himself.

"Exactly. And I could tell. If I had felt you were comfortable calling me that I wouldn't have said a word. But you didn't. And I want you to feel comfortable around me," he said sipping his own coffee and Kurt watched him in awe of the beauty his personality held. "And to answer your earlier question, I've known Blaine since I was a little kid and he was always someone I looked up to. I've never seen him this happy, or this determined to make things right as he is since he claimed you. I know you've only been around for a few days but I can tell, he wants you around for a long, long time. You make him whole."

Kurt gaped at him like a fish out of water, unable to believe what he was hearing.

"I…Really?" his eyes widened and he stared at Nick as he nodded his head in confirmation.

"Really, really. And I'm glad he found you," he said gently and Kurt lowered his eyes shyly, his heart clenching at the warm word that contrasted so heavily with what was being said about him in the media.

"You're the only one," he said bitterly and Nick stood up quickly, rounding the table and taking Kurt's hands in his own.

"Trust me, I'm not. Who cares what they have to say Kurt. They were wrong about so many things regarding our lives. And fine there are some Doms in our realm that really are like that, changing subs like socks, never caring about anything or anyone but their own fix, but Blaine, myself and a whole lot of others only want one thing. A sub we can love and care for and make happy. We want someone who'll be happy to kneel for us, not feel compelled to do it out of fear. We want someone to trust us we have their best interest at heart at all times. Trust me Kurt, that's the only thing Blaine wants from you," he said determinately, the conviction in his voice forcing Kurt to look up and meet his eyes, filled with honesty and completely genuine.

Kurt gave him a watery smile, that damned magazine cover the furthest thing from his mind as he assessed the Dom in front of him.

Handsome, intelligent, polite, kind, trustworthy, just the right amount of sassy and quirky and unusual.

And as he looked at him, inexplicably, the face of his best friend popped into his head; broken smile, dulled eyes, shyness etched into his skin and he wondered why life had to be so cruel to give Jeff to someone who hurt him so badly when there were Doms out there, practically perfect Doms like Nick, ready and willing to make any sub feel like royalty.

He couldn't help but wonder if Nick would be able to "fix" Jeff, if he would be able to make him come out of his shell and shine again.

He couldn't help wondering even when he knew it was wishful thinking; Nick would claim a rich, trained sub and Jeff would remain in the mud that was Lima and there was nothing Kurt could do about that.

They sat in comfortable silence after that, sipping their coffees and it wasn't too long later that Blaine reappeared with a bright smile that could only speak of good news.

"They agreed I take it from that shit eating grin?" Nick laughed.

Blaine settled into the chair on Kurt's right shuffling it closer to him almost on instinct and wrapped an arm around the back of Kurt's. It oddly made the sub feel more comfortable instead of awkward and he fought the urge to lean into him just barely. He caught Nick's eyes and blushed at the knowing look there.

"No board, just the Principal," Blaine said like that explained everything and the smile of Nick's said that, to him, it did. But Kurt got a flare of hope in his chest anyway. Did this mean he could prolong his start here for a little longer? That he wouldn't have to deal with all the judgemental stares and hurtful comments?

"You're so lucky he likes you, B."

"It's impossible not to like me!" Blaine exclaimed brightly and Nick rolled his eyes heavily before getting up. "You want your usual Mr Likeable?"

He got another smile in answer and walked off shaking his head.

Blaine turned to Kurt then and nudged his shoulders gently. "You okay? He wasn't awfully boring right?"

Kurt snapped his head up. "No! He was-" he cut himself off when he saw the playful glint in golden eyes and kept from making a fool of himself with a panicked rant about Nick's best qualities. "He was very nice," he said instead then admitted, "I liked him."

Blaine beamed. "Good, I don't want you feeling uncomfortable."

Nick came back with the coffee soon after and they all sat around and talked for a while, Nick and Blaine sharing amusing banter and trying to one each other telling Kurt witty anecdotes to get him to laugh the most.

Kurt almost forgot he didn't belong there at all for a time.

"Okay so, now that the boring part is over...we get to have some fun." Blaine clapped his hands excitedly as he plopped down onto the sofa, laptop perched on his knees.

He eyed his sub who stood next to him, a soft, unsure smile on his heavenly lips and he just couldn't help himself; he needed to be a Dom to this beautiful creature that now belonged to him, he needed to let him know he could let himself be around him without fear.

Taking his hand gently he allowed his voice to drop and the dominance to seep into it carefully, slowly, unnoticeably, but still there, still compelling, still ordering.

"Come sit next to me," he whispered and he could feel Kurt's body tremble at the sound of his simple order, melting into the plush cushions with such grace and ease it made it hard to believe he wasn't raised wrapped in silk and gold.

Feeling how relaxed he was against him he dared to put an arm around his shoulders gently and pull him closer, nosing at his neck and inhaling the scent of the man he so desperately wished to own completely, like a Dom would.

But he knew he had to take it slowly, he had to let Kurt decide what he was ready for as much as it pushed his limits and made him itch on the inside with unused dominance cruising through his veins with no outlet.

Opening up his laptop he placed the device half on his own legs and half on Kurt's so they could both look at the screen directly.

"Um...what are we doing?" Kurt asked quietly, feeling his body tremble with desire to bury himself closer to the Dom, the last shreds of his command warming his skin, giving it a visibly healthier glow.

He didn't want to admit it, didn't want to acknowledge it, but something inside him knew that it was right for him, that Blaine was right for him.

Shaking the heavy thought out of his head he focused on the screen curious to see what Blaine wanted them to do as he took in the links he was clicking on.

Travelling agencies.

"Well, I was thinking you could choose a destination for us to go to. We don't actually need the agency because my family owns a small cruiser but this could give you some ideas maybe, and we'll need a hotel if we decide to sleep on land." He offered the laptop to Kurt and the younger man looked at the device with his smile falling and brows drawing together.

The last time he used a computer was ages ago when they still had one at the library and every student was granted five minutes on it. They did it in alphabetical order so Kurt got his turn rather quickly while those whose name started with a letter closer to the end of the alphabet never even got their chance because the old machine just stopped working.

And so his knowledge was practically nonexistent and he really didn't want to ruin the sleek, silver laptop he was sure cost more than his family home. He could feel Blaine's worried eyes on him and he realized that he completely ignored the question when his Dom spoke again.

"Is everything okay, lovely?" he asked and Kurt looked down to his lap, cheeks flushing.

"Yes I just…do you think you could um…manage that?" He pointed to the laptop. "I've only used a computer once and I don't want to mess it up." His last sentence came out as a whisper and Blaine smiled at him, gently lifting his chin up with his fingers.

"Don't worry. I'll tell you what to do…you just need to click. Okay?" he asked and Kurt eyed the machine sideways once again before biting his lip and nodding in confirmation, making Blaine beam.

"Okay so first thing's first, is there anywhere you've always wanted to go?" he asked as he took Kurt's hand and arranged his fingers on the keyboard.

"No…not really…I…I've never allowed myself to wish for something like that," he said quietly and Blaine stroked his thumb across the back of his palm gently.

"I understand that but...nobody has that good of a self control." He winked and Kurt giggled a bit. "There's gotta be a place that your mind wandered off to when you weren't careful?" he insisted and Kurt bit his cheek knowing the exact place but fearing he'd look silly in front of Blaine.

Maybe Blaine has already been there so it'll bore him to death? Maybe it's too expensive? Maybe it's not expensive enough?

Maybe…

"Okay from the pained look on your face I'm guessing there is such a place and now your mind is working overtimes to give you all the reasons why it would be wrong to share that with me. Am I right?" Blaine asked and Kurt felt himself tense a bit before his fingers started picking at his nails and he nodded.

"I want you to stop that."

Another rush of command crashed off of him like a wave off the shore and he relaxed at once fingers splaying immobile against the cool surface of the laptop as Blaine continued to talk. "Just tell me and we can go there, I can make it happen for you. Please let me."

Kurt lifted his eyes up to find his Dom looking at him with a plea written so clearly on his face he couldn't help but move his fingers over the computer mouse and drag the pointer towards a picture of a gorgeous coast, white sand contrasting the dark blue of the sea and colourful houses littering the cliffs.

"There...I...I've always wanted to go there," he admitted one of his secret desires quietly and Blaine beamed again guiding his hand over the screen.

"There it is," he announced happily and Kurt stared at him for a whole minute until Blaine turned around in confusion.

"What?" he asked frowning and Kurt let out a giggle at the confused expression making his Dom look like a kid.

"Just like that? I point and you take me there?" he asked lifting his eyebrow and Blaine cupped his cheeks with both hands, careful not to startle him.

"Every time. Even if you pointed at the stars," he whispered and Kurt blushed, a startled gasp breaking out of his lips as Blaine leaned closer and placed a barely there kiss on his cheek before turning back to the computer.

"We'll need a hotel. Want to help me book one?" he asked and Kurt shook himself out of the trance those lips put him in, eyelashes fluttering and mouth closing, as he nodded and looked back at the screen, allowing Blaine to lead his hand as they clicked link, after link, after link.

"And now we click confirm and we're all set. Want to do the honours?" he waggled his eyebrows and Kurt allowed himself a small eye roll as he took control of the mouse again, bringing the little white arrow to the yellow painted button reading "CONFIRM" and clicking on it once, black letters popping up and blinking at them.

BOOKING CONFIRMED!

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