Keep my heart captive, set me free

by The Queen of Rose

D/s AU - Kurt Hummel had always dreamed of a fairy-tale bond, a perfect, kind and caring Dom. Blaine Anderson had always dreamed of someone who stands out from the boring crowd, someone real, and pure. When their worlds collide, will either of them get what they had dreamed of?

12. Illuminated

Okay beautiful people here's the thing. Due to a lot, and we mean A LOT, of everyday life obligations we have for the time being we will most likely be updating every other Sunday. If we can get everything in order to post a new chapter every week we will but if not, every other Sunday is when you'll see us and our story.

As always we know we have amazing readers who understand and we are eternally grateful for every single one of you.

Now that that's out of the way, there's another thing.

We are willing to bet there are some amazingly talented people amongst you and if you thought that we were above shamelessly begging for some visuals on this story...well you were sorely mistaken. We'd kill to have a great cover for the story or some fan art of your favourite bits of this story so...um...yeah...just putting that out there...casually...subtly...

Aaaanyhow...here's the new chapter...we hope you like it

---

Attention to all of our viewers. We are interrupting this broadcast to bring you this emergency message. It has been brought to our attention by the Central Meteorology Station in Ohio, that we are soon to be hit by a storm of proportions unseen in the past few decades. Accordingly we are issuing the following measures to assure the safety of our citizens. The storm is expected sometimes between Friday late afternoon and early Saturday morning.

We advise you to stock up on food and water, warm clothes and extra batteries for electronic devices, not to leave your homes unless absolutely necessary, make sure you are not alone in case of an emergency.

If anything should happen emergency services will be available at the number displayed below. Do not hesitate to call.

This message will be emitted every two hours until the storm hits.

Thank you for your attention and enjoy the rest of the evening.

---

"God, would you stop with that stupid message!" Kurt barked in annoyance when he heard the emergency broadcast for the tenth time that day alone.

It was like he couldn't turn around without being hit by the words "storm" and "emergency" and "stock up".

His nerves were getting thin and he had no idea how to control his emotions whenever that message popped up again and reminded him just what he was trying to stop himself thinking about. The first moment he heard it he felt his blood run cold, fear raking his body violently as he imagined tornados and hurricanes and god knows what else.

His mind went to his parents, freezing, buried under the ruins of their rickety little home, bruised, broken, afraid. He thought about his friends and their families and even the people he used to hate for taunting him and he felt guilt wash over him because he was now living the high life, protected and safe and he would go through this storm untouched while everyone he knew back in Lima would suffer.

It made him feel sick to his stomach.

The moment he saw the first message he called his dad to warn him and to tell him to spread the word, but despite that his mind wouldn't let him rest. His dreams were plagued with fear, waking up in cold sweats and hiding it from Blaine and as the days went by he felt his self-control weakening more and more until every word out of his mouth felt like a sneer. He was tired and worried and guilt-ridden and it was all spilling over onto everyone around him.

He could tell the people around him were getting less and less patient and understanding and he could feel Blaine tensing whenever he snapped at him for just daring to look at him in a way that didn't suit him.

He felt horrible and he knew he was behaving even worse but it felt like he was out of control, reverting back to his defensive default which had always been bitchiness bordering the wrong side of rude and it just so happened that his Dom was on the receiving end of most of it.

Dumping all that was going inside of him on Blaine wouldn't help either of them, he knew that and he hated himself a little every time he did it afterwards so eventually he just settled to fume after the first couple of days, staying stubbornly silent as he twitched and wallowed inside his own head getting more and more exhausted.

He knew the turning point was fast approaching, he just couldn't tell the precise time it would hit.

"Kurt, are you okay?" Blaine's voice, so tender and caring every other time he spoke to him, was now laced with annoyance and sounded edgy and forced as he entered the living room where Kurt had set himself up to brood alone.

Somehow it made Kurt even more agitated than he was before.

He couldn't believe Blaine was angry with him for being afraid for his family and friends!

"Peachy!" he bit back sarcastically and crossed his arms across his chest, sinking back into the couch.

"Are you sure about that?" Blaine asked again, sarcasm lacing his own words and Kurt rolled his eyes with a rude huff as he glared at him.

"Yes, Blaine I'm sure," he drawled and his Dom let out a frustrated growl making him flinch when he snatched the remote and turned the TV off turning to face the jittery sub.

"Okay, you know what? I'm done," Blaine stated firmly and Kurt felt his heart stutter to an almost complete halt at those words. Done?

"W-what?" he looked up to find Blaine running his hands through his hair, fluffing the luscious curls even further and rubbing the back of his neck as he did every time he felt agitated or nervous.

"For days you've been closed off and snippy and bitchy and I've tried to wait and let you come to me with whatever was bothering you, but now I'm just done. You're getting time out," he said, the last sentence covered in dominance that made Kurt gasp when it wrapped itself around his body. The sub in him whined, desperate and ashamed at making a mistake and making his Dom unhappy. He wanted to please and kneel in front of his Dom asking for his forgiveness but there was something in him that wouldn't allow it. Something that made him act out and disobey.

"Time out? You're punishing me?" he asked lining his words with incredulity like he had no idea what he was being punished for.

"Yes, Kurt. Time out. Half an hour, starting right now," he ordered, voice firm and menacing and Kurt stuttered in place, breathing heavily and fighting against his own DNA that compelled him to comply.

"I did nothing wrong," he argued defiantly, knowing it was a load of crap and Blaine was having none of it either.

"Forty five minutes. And if you don't stop defying me this instant it'll be another 5 minutes for every word you say," he warned, eyes hard. "Forty five minutes, facing the wall… NOW, Kurt. And while you're there think about why you're there instead of in my arms. Go!" he raised his voice and Kurt knew there was no arguing this time.

His knees buckled threatening to spill him to the floor and his fingers trembled against his thighs as he walked to the far corner of the room shakily, shoulders hunched and bottom lip trembling from the force in that one command that broke across his skin, stinging like a harsh wind.

He faced the dull beige colored wall and closed his eyes to tune out the sound of his Dom sitting back down and for a moment he wondered why he was still there.

Why would he stay there instead of leaving to do something away from him if he was so displeased with how he'd behaved?

The prickly feeling of someone's eyes on his back tickled his spine and neck and he felt his eyes well when he realized Blaine stayed because he didn't want to leave him alone.

He wanted to be there for him and make sure he went through his first punishment okay.

He was caring and kind and attentive as always and all Kurt had done these past few days was snap at him rudely and push him away. Guilty tears leaked down his face silently, obscuring his vision, making him sway gently on his feet and he reached out to place a hand onto the wall to keep himself upright, forehead pressing into the cool surface to try and ground himself. But there was no grounding. There was no comfort to be had.

The anxious feeling he'd carried around like a shield these past days seemed ridiculous now that he knew he should have gone to his Dom for comfort and it bled out from his body leaving only sadness, regret and a hint of hope that once the forty five minutes ran out, his Dom would still be there, waiting for him, caring for him… wanting him.

He placed the other hand across his lips to stop himself from sobbing as the clock above the fireplace ticked, the sound of it excruciatingly loud to his overdriven senses. He counted them, one by one, until finally it neared the end and he just let it slide.

A hand on his shoulder… warm breath on his skin… a gentle whisper in his ear…

Blaine.

"Your time is up, lovely."

And it was that one word, that one nickname that broke him.

He turned around and let out a loud sob as he jumped into those strong arms he knew would always keep him safe and protected.

Through his haze he could hear someone saying, "I'm sorry," over and over and over again desperately and it wasn't until he was sitting on someone's lap and that someone was whispering soft reassurances into his ear that he knew it was him apologizing.

He hid his face and clutched Blaine's shirt in his palm, allowing his body to cuddle closer and seek Blaine out to satisfy the burning need for him deep in his wide open soul. He was stripped raw now to let all of that hurt and guilt out, completely defenseless and he was counting on Blaine to help keep him safe until he could piece himself back together again.

"It's okay, baby. It's all forgiven now. You're okay. I've got you," he cooed to him and Kurt sobbed into his neck, trying desperately to be that composed, proud sub he was before for Blaine, but there was no stopping his tears.

He'd let his Dom down and the submissive in him hurt desperately at the thought.

"I'm s-sorry, sir…s-so sorry," he hiccoughed and Blaine placed kisses onto his temple; gentle, soft, reassuring.

"Calm down, baby. You did good. So good my beautiful boy. I'm so proud of you," Blaine cooed and Kurt choked back shaky breaths and silent whimpers for a while until his tears subdued to a more manageable level that didn't feel like he was having a panic attack.

"Sir…" he called out timidly, voice small and broken and Blaine tightened his hold on him urging him to go on wordlessly but the words got stuck.

"What is it?" Blaine encouraged gently and Kurt felt his heart stutter after hearing that voice wash over him, gentle and kind and free of sarcasm and malice again.

"D-do you still want me?" he asked in a small voice and Blaine sucked in a breath as he lifted his damp chin up.

"Kurt, punishing you will never mean that I don't want you anymore. Ever. You've made a mistake and you got punished for it and now it's forgiven. It's what punishments are for, to give both of us closure and make us step away from that particular thing. Do you understand why you were punished?"

Kurt nodded miserably. "Because I was taking my feelings out on everyone else instead of talking to you about them," he admitted, voice going croaky again with the depth of his sorrow. "I'm sorry, Blaine I-"

"Shh, it's done now, lovely. I forgave you and I still want you. I'll always want you," he said and Kurt felt his eyes tear up as he hiccupped sadly.

"Always?" he asked and Blaine kissed his damp temple with a smile on his face thumbing away the moisture on his face as best as he could.

"Always, always," he said and Kurt let out a watery chuckle as he snuggled deeper into his Dom, face hidden into his neck and matted eyelashes, brushing against his skin. It was jarring to have actually gone through his first punishment and he felt drained.

"Now...care to tell me what's gotten into you that made you feel so bad?" Blaine asked softly after a couple of minutes of blissful silence and Kurt's shoulders tensed again barely noticeable as he spoke quietly.

"I…I'm scared," he admitted timidly and Blaine tightened his hold on the trembling sub.

"Why, baby?" he asked and Kurt drew back to look at him through glassy eyes.

"That storm is coming, it's all over the news and my dad and Carole are all alone in not so amazing conditions. The warning on the TV says to stock up on food and warm clothes and stuff but Blaine… people in Lima can't do that. They don't have food to stock up, or extra blankets to bring out and I…I used to live there and I was...I still am one of them and I'm scared…" he swallowed over the lump in his throat that was making his voice thick again. "Scared for them and what this storm will do to them…I…" he cut himself off, breaking out in tears and clinging to Blaine whose own eyes teared up at the admission.

Truthfully he hadn't even thought about the people who had no money or means to get by this stupid storm. His parents had already stocked up cartons and cartons of milk and eggs and flour and meat as soon as the announcement came out and they had extra clothes, blankets and heaters already in the house if it came down to that so he knew they would be safe.

But the people that Kurt grew up with; his Kurt, his beautiful, kind, sweet sub… they would be in danger. Hungry, cold and scared.

And he didn't even think about it. It never even crossed his mind.

"Lovely, I'm so sorry. I didn't even think about that and I'm so sorry," he said honestly, feeling like an idiot and a failure as a Dom for not taking that into account. Of course Kurt was worried about his family and friends! What else would have affected him so strongly?

Kurt glanced up from his spot in his neck. "It's okay, sir. There's nothing you can do anyway," he mumbled sadly and Blaine started into the distance for a second combing his brain for a way to make it right, the Dominant side of him demanding it, before his lips broke into a blinding smile.

"See…that's where you're wrong. Come with me," he stood up, setting Kurt gently on his feet before pulling him after him by the hand.

"Blaine...what are you doing? Where are you dragging me?" Kurt frowned, rubbing at his sore and itchy face with his free hand, wishing for a cool cloth and some of his moisturizer.

"You and I...and my parents if they're up for it… will do some good," he smiled cheerily over his shoulder before turning his head towards the staircase, drawing in a long breath and yelling, "MOOOOOOOOM!"

Next to him Kurt cringed at the piercing sound before letting Blaine lead him into the kitchen and settle him down with a glass of water and some Tylenol to prevent him from getting dehydrated and help the headache that was building. Blaine stayed by his side throughout, cuddling him against the countertop and stroking the hair behind his ear like they both loved him to do.

It wasn't long before footsteps could be heard on the stairs and Dana poked her head in the kitchen where Blaine and Kurt were already brewing coffee.

"Blaine, darling, I'm fairly sure that you could get even more volume if you shouted from your diaphragm," she deadpanned dryly as she moved to the table and sat while Jared simply chuckled at his son's appalled expression as he followed her in and made to get mugs out for the three of them seeing as Kurt already had a drink.

"Hilarious mom...really," Blaine rolled his eyes sarcastically, but like always, the older Dom got one up on him.

"Thank you son. I was thinking of becoming a stand-up comedian," she said with a regal voice and while Kurt giggled into his glass of water, Blaine glared and stuck his tongue out earning himself a slap on the back of his head from his dad in between pouring the coffee.

"Now...why is it that you screamed?" she asked and Blaine perked up immediately, Kurt's eyes growing curious as he stared at him, trying to finally figure out what his Dom was up to.

"Well...my lovely boy here brought something to my attention and I wanted to ask you if you could engage your charity squad to help," he said pecking his sub on his splotchy cheek and Dana raised a perfectly sculpted eyebrow at him as Jared came to settle beside her, handing her a steaming cerise mug. Her favourite.

"My charity squad? Really, Blaine?" she drawled and he shrugged as snatched a cookie from the countertop his father had gotten out and took a bite, offering some to Kurt who declined with a little shake of his head.

"Fine...the board. It's just...okay…let me put it this way. Ever since that warning ad started broadcasting Kurt has been on edge and I know you've noticed," he started and Kurt shrunk into himself a little, cheeks flushed and fingers trembling around his glass from the depth of his shame.

He felt better now that he'd talked it over with Blaine of course, the punishment having the desired effect at helping to resolve the conflict inside him and cleanse it away… but Blaine wasn't the only one he owed an apology to, so some guilt still lingered.

Blaine felt him drifting away and he quickly squeezed, drawing him closer and brushing a kiss on his temple. "It's okay, baby," he whispered gently into the skin, but Kurt shook his head sadly.

"It's not...I-I've been awful. To everyone. I'm really sorry," he glanced up to see Dana smiling and Jared looking at him with eyes filled with understanding.

"We figured there was something bothering you. Everyone in this house loves you Kurt and we all know you're sweet and kind. So these past few days we just ignored it all because we knew there was a reason behind your behavior," Jared reassured and Kurt sniffled softly before offering a watery smile to the older sub in silent thanks. They had both noticed Kurt's tearstained and exhausted face but respectively didn't comment or ask, confident in their sons ability as a Dom.

"Are you okay with Blaine telling us what's wrong?" Dana asked and Kurt nodded turning his head so that he could hide his face in Blaine's neck as his Dom slipped a comforting hand back into his hair to pet.

"Blaine?" Dana turned to her son and he brushed another kiss against Kurt's temple, conscious of his subs every move in the wake of his punishment - he knew from instinct and his lessons that aftercare was vital after a punishment- before turning back to his parents.

"Okay so the reason Kurt has been edgy is because he's scared for his family and friends back in Lima. You've seen the warning on TV… it says to stock up with enough food for a few days and warm clothes and stuff but they don't have the means to do that. They live one day at the time and Kurt is afraid what this storm will do to them," Blaine said and both Dana and Jared grew silent, worry clear on their faces.

"You have an idea though? That's why you called us?" Dana asked shrewdly and Blaine nodded eagerly, eyes lighting up.

"We still have a few days until the storm right? I was thinking that if you and dad pulled strings you could get people to join together and donate like…care packages or something? Like households in Lima would receive packages with things to sustain them until the storm passes. Just essential stuff… water, flour, blankets, baby formula if it's needed," he trailed off looking at the expression on his mother's face and having a hard time figuring out what it was.

She wore a hard mask of a face but the corners of her lips were shaking and twitching and her eyes were misty and unfocused. He felt Kurt stiffen next to him with discomfort, making a small noise only Blaine could hear and he lowered his hand to rub up and down his back soothingly.

"Mom?" he asked softly after moment of silence and she snapped her head up, looking at him with a love so strong it made him stumble a little.

"I'm so proud of you, B. You grew up into an amazing Dom and an amazing person. And yes. I will do whatever's in my power to make this happen. I'm sure Dalia will be glad to help since the Smythe company is doing so well. The Karofskys will most definitely be up for it seeing how they used to live in Lima and Hikaru and Daniel will be on board for sure. We should start with them and then expand," she planned rapidly as she hopped up and pulled open a drawer in the kitchen counter and took put a brown leather book and flipped it open. "I'll take the first page, Jared you call your business associates."

"Yes, my lady," Jared smiled and pecked her lips as he passed her to grab his own phone book, pride swelling in his chest at the sight of his family.

"Blaine, you call your friends, they'll be able to help coordinate with their parents. Kurt sweetheart, you can take a piece of paper and mark how many people we're counting on," she rattled off and not fifteen minutes later their home was buzzing with excited chatter, paper upon paper filled with names of people eager to help.

It was coming together so fast Kurt's head was spinning but he figured it was true what they said: money did make the world go round.

Before he could blink they had several thousands of dollars deposited onto Dana's charity board account steadily rising, people volunteering to drive the packages in their companies vans and trucks, people offering free canned food, warmer clothes, baby supplies, medicine, and various other stuff Kurt didn't even think to put down onto their list.

He was in awe of how he had underestimated and judged this world he was now a part of. There were far more people here willing to help than he ever would have imagined.

He found himself gazing in admiration at the small Dom that coordinated the gigantic action with a smile on her face and an ease in her voice that made it look like she was doing it effortlessly. And by her side Jared was feeding off of her energy, dialing numbers and gathering money and supplies and volunteers to go shopping and distribute.

Somewhere during the day Kurt rang Jeff to join them and see what they were doing and the blonde sub did something none of them could ever imagine he would do on his own free will when he arrived.

He let the tears fall as he reached out with trembling fingers to hug Blaine around the neck whispering, "Thank you's," into his ear shakily.

Kurt understood exactly where his best friend was coming from. He just realized his parents would be safe and sound. And it made him proud and happy at the way his best friend relaxed around Blaine; how much he trusted him to hug him like that and make himself vulnerable in front of him in that way.

Blaine smiled and held him carefully for a few moments before they all got back to work, setting everything up and by the end of the day things were already put into motion, warehouses being filled with supplies and money being wired back and forth between accounts.

They found rest late that night, snuggled into bed together, tired and sleepy but happy to be with each other.

"Thank you, sir," Kurt said softly, his head resting on Blaine's chest above his heart and his body tucked snuggly into his side, those strong arms keeping him safe again.

"Anything for you gorgeous. Always," was whispered back before he kissed his lips gently and together they fell asleep, ready to face the flurry of activities the next day would bring.

---

Kurt eyed the darkened sky with a heaviness settling deep in his guts as Blaine pulled up in front of the school the morning the news said the storm would hit.

They had done everything they could think of; spent days with phones attached to their ears with vans going in and out of their driveway as people stopped by to drop off donations and boxes and offers to help out.

In a matter of two days they had it all sorted out and there was a sea of people getting ready to go to Lima and deliver the supplies they'd stocked to the people there.

Kurt and Blaine went along of course, getting special leave from classes, as well as most of the Warblers and their bonded ones. Thad was ecstatic when he bounced in that morning, announcing that his uncle's company decided to provide a number of disposable cell phones in case of emergencies and David's mom had gathered up her colleagues and set up a medical camp in the small gym McKinley High school had, determined to be on call should something happen to the people there.

David and Corinne brought by blankets provided by the girl's mother who was in the export-import business and Miriam and her parents set up an emergency account that was meant to cover any and all damage made by the storm to the tiny town's infrastructure.

Kurt was beaming with pride and his Dom was barely able to take his eyes off of him as he navigated through the parts of town closest to his own home, being enlisted as the coordinator since he actually knew the people living there.

He knew where the elderly people lived that required special medication supplies and where were the families who had little children and babies and he was familiar with the layout of the few streets surrounding his own home. It was done a lot faster with his help.

Mercedes was informed as well as Sam and their friends from school and sooner than expected there were young people volunteering to coordinate their own streets making their progress even faster.

It was hard work but they had all the households equipped with food packages, warm clothes, medical supplies and cell phones, paired up with a list of emergency contacts including Vanessa Thompson as the doctor running the medical camp, Nicholas Harwood as the IT guy with the means to deliver technical help and also Kurt's number as the mediator between two worlds that were brought together by human decency and the willingness to help.

Kurt was worried about the Dom's from his old school; their pride and self-absorbency threatening to put their families in danger if they refused help, but it looked like they were all just scared and grateful for the chance to remain safe in the face of danger.

The young sub was exhausted at the end of it all, but still proud and feeling lighter and calmer now that he knew he used his new life to help others.

He was determined to get his own family to stay with him at the Andersons house but his dad declined, saying he was perfectly okay where he was thanks to their help and that there was no reason to panic and move them around.

After arguing with him for over an hour Kurt had to relent and accept that he got his hard head from his dad as he bid him goodbye and allowed his Dom to take him home to get some rest before school the next morning.

And now there they were, in front of Dalton with the sky the color of the deepest ends of oceans and the wind whistling through the cracks in the antique building.

He huffed as Blaine pulled over in the parking lot and he caught sight of students trickling inside as fast as they could, their clothes puffed up with wind and wild flyaway hair obscuring their view.

"What's up lovely?" Blaine asked at his annoyed huff and Kurt turned to him with a scowl on his face.

"Took me half an hour to get my hair to behave this morning. And now that!" he whined, flailing his hand at the rustle outside making Blaine chuckle.

"Well…I think you'll look beautiful with your hair ruffled," he grinned and Kurt bitch glared at him sending him into another laughing fit. "Or you could be like those hair product commercials. You know… even in the wind my hair is still perfect."

He recited with a ridiculous commercial voice that had Kurt snorting the tea he'd brought with him in his flask, up his nose.

"I can't believe the press depicts you as suave and classy. You're ridiculous," he chuckled and Blaine stuck his tongue at him.

"Whatever. I'm cool and you know it. Now…ready to hit classes?" he asked and Kurt threw one last horrified look at the mayhem outside and let out a long, defeated sigh.

"Well I might as well get it over with. Maybe Seb has some hair spray on him," he mused and Blaine shook his head fondly as he stepped out of the car and ran around the front to help Kurt out. He locked up and the two of them made a crazy dash towards the school giggling and sheltering each other as much as they could.

They ran into the hallway and they set themselves to rights before Blaine took Kurt's hand to walk him to his first class. They rounded the corner of Kurt's hallway when he felt a tug on his fingers and the next thing he knew he was being pulled behind a wide pillar, Kurt smiling and pointing ahead of them giddily.

He looked ahead curiously and felt his own face break into a grin at the sight of his best friend talking to his crush and making him shuffle on his feet and blush cutely.

"They look so sweet together," Blaine said watching them and Kurt bounced on his feet a bit.

"I knoooow. I've never seen Jeff like that with someone. Nick is good for him," he stated happily and Blaine turned to look at them again just as Nick handed Jeff a cup with a gentle smile on his face.

"Do you think he'll ever be his?" Blaine asked taking in Jeff's closed off posture even when he was returning the smile and accepting the cup.

"I hope so. And…and I think so. Just…I just hope Nick doesn't lose patience before it can happen," Kurt said biting his lip and Blaine shook his head.

"He's so gone for him it's not even funny. He'll wait forever if he has to. Look at him," he stated and Kurt smiled, taking in the adorable scene in front of him, his heart aching for his friend and the desire for him to be happy.

He wrapped his fingers tighter around Blaine's and together they smiled at the sight in front of them.

---

"Jeff!"

The blonde peeked over his shoulder from under his fringe and flushed when he saw Nick jogging towards him.

Oh boy.

It seemed that Nick was taking this friends thing very seriously after all and Jeff was a little at a loss on what to do. They hadn't seen one another over the course of the weekend or the start of the school week, paths just not crossing for once, which was sort of strange for Jeff. He was used to Nick appearing everywhere when he didn't want him to, but now he did want him to just turn up, the Dom was nowhere in sight.

He didn't want to admit that he missed him, but there was an empty cold place inside him that spoke for itself, even if he couldn't- wouldn't- give voice to it.

And now here they were, their first meeting after Friday night's revelation and the blonde's heart was skipping so many beats it was like a broken CD player. What should he say? How should he act? Did he pretend that he hadn't admitted something so personal to the Dom?

It was too late however, by the time he'd finished freaking out Nick was already in front of him and the entrance to his first class of the day.

"Hey," Nick beamed, looking bright and sunny and oh so very handsome in his messy uniform, no blazer today, but a deep red sweater over his crooked tie and shirt, like he'd thrown it all on in a hurry. He was effortlessly endearing in his tousled state though and Jeff swallowed over a suddenly dry throat.

"Hi," he managed to get out on a sound that was suspiciously like a squeak.

Just perfect.

"I was hoping I'd catch you," Nick continued to grin before holding something out that Jeff hadn't spotted in his first assessment, far too distracted by actual Nick then what he was carrying.

Which was a coffee cup.

He stared at it for a few seconds, feeling his tummy flutter giddily before glancing up at the deep chocolate eyes staring intently at him.

"Nick," he breathed warily.

The Dom recognised the look on that beautiful face and quickly tried to avert it. He was so serious when he promised to himself and the universe that he wouldn't screw up this one shot and he was trying to hold to it. As such he wasn't going to push too hard, too fast, but the coffee cups were like a signature now. A part of their complicate relationship that Nick didn't want to lose… so he took the same idea and dialled it back a few baby steps.

"C'mon I know it's your favourite," he cajoled pushing the cup closer still and the blonde grasped it nervously, spotting the red writing like a neon sign. He was scared and dying to read what it said at the same time but it was the latter emotion that won out, so steeling his jelly-like insides he shifted his fingers.

What is a bunny's motto?

Jeff frowned at it slightly, lip turning up in the beginnings of an intrigued smile. This was not what he was expecting at all, and he didn't know whether or not he was feeling a shred of disappointment either that it wasn't an intimate note.

"Turn it," Nick suggested, with the goofiest of looks on his face.

Jeff arched a brow, but did as asked and turned the cup to see there was in fact writing on the other side.

Don't be mad, be hoppy! ;)

It took him three times reading it through to make sure he wasn't seeing things, but nope, there it was, the punch line.

And it was the stupidest joke he'd ever read… he burst out giggling. Actual, honest to god laughing because of how ridiculous this man continued to be and it was wonderful. Warmth spread through him like taking a shot of finest whiskey and seeped into his bones and skin, radiating out through his pores.

"Oh my god," he got out using his other hand to cover his mouth as if to trap the disused, unfamiliar sounds escaping his vocal chords.

Nick felt like he was in heaven.

It was the only excuse for how physically dumbstruck this sub had just rendered him, in a different way to what Nick had felt when he'd first heard Jeff's voice singing. It was just as powerful, just as soul wrenching, but it was at a completely different end on the scale. That light, airy sound was like happiness in audio and he wanted to record it so he could have it forever.

It was addicting and Nick just wanted more and more and more of it like the most devoted of junkies.

"What?" Nick asked, biting his lip and looking dazedly ecstatic as he edged a little closer.

"That's awful," Jeff found himself admitting freely, without a thought for once, that he couldn't speak his mind without consequences.

Nick put a hand to his heart, feigning offense. "It's cute!"

The blonde shook his head getting himself a little more under control. "It's so bad, Nick."

Nick licked his lips tracing Jeff's every feature reverently trying not to settle on those perfect pink lips as a zing of awareness went through him as they rounded around his name. "I like when you say my name."

It was out before he could think.

And that cut the laughter off like nothing else could as Jeff lost all the air in his lungs.

He likes when I say his name?

It was like it was on repeat inside his head accompanying the small, I like saying your name, swirling around in there too. He felt his pulse spike and his tummy flip over in sickness. He wasn't ready for dealing with all of this. He didn't want to.

Nick saw the impending signs and quickly backtracked before Jeff could properly freak out. "So what do you say?" he asked, going for a more casual tone. "Will you let me buy you hot chocolate in the mornings and write stupid things on the cups?"

Jeff blew out a tension filled breathe, glad for the out as he bit his lip looking down coyly as he tried to get his head space clearer.

Nick knew the action wasn't intentional and that Jeff didn't know what he looked like when he did it. In all honesty it was probably a nervous habit or simply instinct, but he couldn't help how it affected him. How it made him want to gently take his chin and tilt his face up and kiss him breathless.

He bit down on the powerful desire, clenching his jaw and flexing his hands as he waited patiently for Jeff's response.

"You don't have to keep doing that," the blonde murmured.

"But do you want me to?" Nick questioned softly.

Jeff snapped his head back up, eyebrows scrunching and a dusting of pink lighting his cheekbones. "Wha…" he didn't finish it, he couldn't finish. His mind had taken a vacation and he was just left with the word, YES.

"Angel, I get coffee before class every day anyway and even if I didn't, I like doing it… but I'll stop if you want me to," he added sincerely the nickname slipping out of his lips on instinct. I don't want to stop doing it.

"I…I like it," he stuttered cradling the cup closer to himself, drawn face showing the internal struggle he was having, and it served to show how wrapped up in this he was that he forgot to react to the nickname. "I just don't think… I don't want… we're friends," Jeff finally got out, frustration clear in every line of his body that he couldn't express himself how he wanted, but Nick got it.

"Friends buy each other drinks," he stated simply and held those lovely eyes until they melted.

That was true wasn't it? Jeff could allow himself to have this as long as it didn't go any further, after all Kurt and he bought drinks for one another, this was no different.

He ignored the voice telling him he wasn't kidding himself and instead looked down at the cup currently warming his palm. He could smell the rich chocolate in the steam rising through the gap in the lid and he was taken with the fact that this would be the first time he'd ever actually drank one of the gifts Nick got for him. It would probably seem silly to anyone else but this felt like a moment to Jeff.

Nick watched intently as Jeff raised the cup to his lips and sipped, eyelashes fluttering in pleasure and a hum of delight coming from his throat.

He wanted to punch the air with joy. He could feel the electricity of it running under his skin making him feel invigorated and invincible.

It was at that moment that Blaine and Kurt approached holding hands, looking one step away from cooing at them.

"Hey guys! What's up?" Blaine asked, faking an innocent voice and Nick felt Jeff pull back into his shell now that there were people witnessing the two of them together.

He wanted to scream at Blaine for showing up but then Kurt sidled next to his best friend and whisper something into his ear that made Jeff nod, smile and relax and Nick knew they were okay again.

"Not much. I just brought hot chocolate to Jeff here. It's cold today so I figured he might use something to warm him up," Nick said, going for casual and glanced up at Jeff who clutched his cup close to his chest like he was afraid someone would tell him he has to give it back. But it was the soft, hesitant smile that played on his angelic face that made all of this worth it.

He was in love with everything the blonde boy was and there was nothing he could do to hide it from himself anymore. He would wait and pray until the day Jeff sought him out and curled up willingly into his arms.

He'd be patient.

He looked up and found Kurt smiling at him with grateful eyes and he nodded softly as the sub turned to his Dom to peck him on the lips as the first bell rang.

"I'll see you for lunch?" Kurt asked and Blaine nodded looking damn love struck himself. They were quite a pair he and his best friend. Those subs had them wrapped around their little fingers.

"You both make sure to be in the cafeteria. Wes has important news to share," Blaine reminded them and Nick rolled his eyes.

"Wes always has important news to share. See you guys at lunch," he smiled at Jeff once again and the sub blushed fiercely as the two Dom's walked away.

Kurt let them go before rounding on his friend, a spark in his eye. "So, the friend's thing looks like it's going well."

"Uh, yeah. He's nice," Jeff flushed looking down at his cup and the stupid joke there fondly.

Kurt let the subject drop, not wanting to push him into a corner and get defensive. That would only be detrimental at this point, they all needed to let Jeff go at his pace and only give him a push when he needed it… besides, Kurt didn't want to get too involved anyway, this was Nick's and Jeff's budding relationship after all.

Soon enough Sebastian was approaching them for their class, Dave beside him holding his hand. They did make a striking couple Kurt observed.

"Hi guys," he greeted and he got a wide grin and reserved smile back.

"Hey Kurt, Jeff. How's your families? We didn't really get to see each other in Lima it was so crazy?" he inquired sincerely.

The sentiment warmed Kurt. "Fine thanks, they've got everything they should need," he looked to Jeff who nodded and smiled a little.

"I heard about your sad little charity project," a voice sneered behind them and they all turned to see Brad glaring at them in undisguised disgust, hair tousled perfectly and uniform crisp. Kurt wished he could find fault with him. Wished like hell.

"Don't say another word if you wanna keep your tongue dickhead," Sebastian drawled at him dangerously, green eyes flashing warning that Dave backed up by simply crossing his arms across his huge bulk and glaring down at him.

Brad scoffed and flounced right through them and into the classroom knowing he was outnumbered and outgunned but not taking it gracefully.

"Idiot," Sebastian sneered at his back huffily and Dave could only stare at his sub in pride and awe remembering how that confidence and self-assurance got them together in the first place.

Fitting into Dalton was almost seamless…or so it felt to Dave.

The intense admiration his parents earned upon entering the new world made it easier for him to blend in, to feel like he belonged. His parents set the foundations but his football talent helped him rise to the top in a matter of weeks, becoming the captain of the team and gaining friends and popularity.

His teammates loved him. He had an understanding of them like few other captains had and he had a way of encouraging the subs who were on the team, making them fearless and undefeatable on the field.

Girls and boys alike threw themselves at him and he knew, come The Showing, he would be sharing the spotlight with some of the most eligible Doms, the public waiting for him to pick a sub which was slightly surreal, jumping from no prospects to hundreds in such a short space of time.

Dave knew he wasn't ever going to bond with a girl for almost his entire life and he knew that now that they came into money, finding a sub would be much easier for him.

And in a way it was…somehow…or at least it could have been…

If he wasn't so hell bent on those green eyes and that stylish coif on top of a remarkably beautiful head.

Sebastian Smythe.

He was everything Dave never knew he wanted. Not until he laid eyes on him.

Gorgeous, snarky, bitchy, confident and strong.

Traditionally they weren't desirable traits in a sub but he didn't care, they were what he found himself wanting and Dave knew how well he would fit onto his lap, into his arms, under his chin…under his skin.

He knew he would never stop wanting him, so it was done.

It seemed he was always seconds away from just talking to him and asking him if there was even a remotest chance he would want to submit to him, belong to him. He knew he would be the best of Doms to the beautiful sub given the chance, but he didn't know how to broach the subject so it always got put off.

So there he was, another day sitting at the same table with the same people, waiting for that slender figure to waltz in gracefully and occupy all of his attention like clockwork. And he didn't have to wait another moment because as he glanced up, he caught sight of green eyes and that confident smirk that always drew him in, entering the cafeteria, the rest of the student body parting like the red sea in front of him.

Dave stared at him, mesmerized for a second before he realized he wasn't headed for the food line but towards the very same table he was sitting at.

His shoulders tensed and he dropped his eyes back to the suddenly foreign teammate next to him as he tried to cover the fact that he was staring. Desperate to join the conversation he realized he was way too late when a shadow fell over his lap and he could feel a presence hovering above him.

He looked up and drew in a sharp breathe unnoticeably when his eyes met those clear emeralds he fell so deeply for the first second he saw them.

He was raking his mind for something to say, anything to make Sebastian stay when the sub cleared his throat and opened his mouth, the statement leaving his lips enough to make Dave's heart come to a sudden stop.

"Hi. My name is Sebastian and I want to be yours."

Dave smiled to himself at the memory and Seb noticed.

"What's up with you?" he asked as Kurt and Jeff made their way into class ahead of him, giving him privacy to say goodbye.

"Just thinking of how this started," he laughed grabbing his hand gently. They weren't big on PDA as a couple, so handholding and chaste kissing was usually as hot as it got outside of closed doors, but even that meant a lot to both of them.

Sebastian got the implication and raised a haughty brow complete with his patented smirk. "How I swept you off your feet?"

Dave snorted and nudged him towards class before he was late. "I'll see you at lunch, Casanova."

He leant down and pressed a soft kiss to his lips before walking away leaving Sebastian smiling, safe in the knowledge no one else was around to see it, before he got the reaction under control.

Inside the class he found himself drifting away in his own head however, mind going back to exactly what Dave had mentioned. The start of their relationship.

The word about him, about them, spread around like wildfire.

The Karofsky's, until recently, broke and unheard of, rising to the power and wealth through a series of well-placed investments and clever business partnerships. They emerged from obscurity and took their place within the Westerville's high class society seamlessly, almost as if they were always there.

Sebastian read about their rise and he couldn't help but admire how gracefully and cleverly they were handling themselves; remaining firmly away from that new wealth syndrome of snobbism and mindless self-indulgence that he so often saw among the people who came into money after having none their whole lives.

Paul Karofsky was a sensible, smart Dom however whose decisions led him to become an unofficial advisor to the investors and his sub Margareth was a sweet, caring woman, with an affinity for charity work and organization. Together they were a power couple and a great team.

But they weren't the ones who truly interested Sebastian.

He admired them, sure, and he respected how true they managed to remain to who they were in spite of everything that had changed in their lives… but it was their son, Dave, who wouldn't leave his mind for days after he first realized he was now attending Dalton.

He was tall, strong and powerful, towering over most of the student body and practically leaking dominance wherever he went. He tried out for the football team first thing and before anyone knew it he was their beloved captain, smart, calculated and creative when it came to tactics and caring and protective over them off the field.

The hidden intelligence appealed to him as well as that natural ability to protect and care.

Sebastian eyed him for days as he tended to the subs on his team, made sure they felt confident and strong, building trust between them and himself and he couldn't help but feel a tinge of jealousy whenever that broad palm touched someone's shoulder and those warm eyes mapped someone's face.

He wanted him.

He craved him.

The sub could feel his knees buckling and his face heat up whenever he was close, responses no other Dom had ever gotten from him. He was proud of his control. Proud that he didn't falsely posture and drool pathetically after every Dom in a mile radius, but Dave was a different breed entirely. He had a power over him without even trying, which told him everything he needed to know, even if the Dom had never spared a glance in his direction before to his knowledge.

Sebastian was someone who knew what he wanted and went after it, being a submissive had no bearing on knowing his own mind and desires. Yes, he craved what all other subs craved but he planned to be more straightforward with his approach to getting it. Maybe he would be turned down, maybe Dave didn't even have a preference for boys, but he was a Smythe and he was confident. He could at least let the Dom know of his existence and of his desires for him and let him decide for himself.

Nodding surely to himself once more, he strode into the cafeteria to find Dave sitting surrounded by a bunch of his teammates and he knew he could potentially be facing public humiliation but his feet were doing things on their own, swallowing up the distance between them and placing him right in front of the Dom before he even knew what to do.

He had a plan, of course he did, because he hated to lose and he didn't do half measures.

Walk up to him, introduce himself, ask him if they could talk in private and then tell him he liked him...

But the moment he stood in front of him and those sweet eyes were locked with his, he felt the sub in him rear its head stronger than he'd ever felt in his entire life. It wanted to whine for those strong arms and that rich, mind numbing scent and there wasn't a shadow of doubt in sight.

He wanted to belong to the Dom in front of him.

The Dom who was now looking at him curiously, tentatively, patiently...

The dam broke and he lifted his chin up proudly before looking straight into Dave's eyes, voice clear and unwavering and uncaring of the audience.

"Hi. My name is Sebastian and I want to be yours."

He shook his head clear and got back to concentrating on the teacher instead of reminiscing, but there was a smile tugging at his lips and love tugging at his heart.

Outside their windows the sky was pitch black and the wind was picking up in strength, the teachers droning intercepted by thunders and lightning. Their class was half empty seeing how half of their friends decided to just stay at home and get an early start on being locked down. He smirked when he realized Thad wasn't there and he figured he was safely at home, tucked into his giant of a Dom, warm and cosy.

Lucky bastard.

---

"Yo, tiny! Hurry up it's almost here," a holler echoed through the darkness, broken only by a few candles scattered here and there, illuminating the short walk from the bedroom to the kitchen/living room area of a small, cosy but luxurious apartment. They'd pre-empted the risk that the news broadcasters warned of a blackout by turning off all the lights anyway and setting candles down just in case.

The words reverberated against the walls and it was in the exact moment when they died out in the air that a small, messy haired head poked through the door, a scowl firm on the cute face.

"I am not tiny," Thad frowned as he entered the room, hands laden with more candles and a lighter, several bags of snacks and a bottle of water barely hanging off the tips of his fingers.

He dropped his burden onto the bed unceremoniously and Ryan chuckled at him, eyes trailing down his face lovingly. "Sure you are. I could eat you for breakfast," he said teasingly and Thad quirked an eyebrow at him bitchily as he slipped out of his hoodie and hopped into the bed to get warm.

"You could eat a whale for breakfast, Ry," he deadpanned and the Dom chuckled, scooping him up in his arms and kissing him soundly on the lips as they snuggled into a comfortable familiar position under the covers.

"Maybe so. But you're still tiny. Look, I can lift you with one hand," he wrapped an arm around his slim waist and picked him up, placing him onto his lap so he was straddling his hips.

"That will come in handy. One day when we travel you can carry me and our luggage in one go. I like that a lot. Now should we pop in a movie?" he asked as he examined the DVDs Ryan got for them to entertain themselves while the storm raged outside of their little haven, lightning blasting across the sky in that exact moment and filling the room with eerie, bluish light.

"No movie. It's almost here," he said again and Thad threaded his fingers through his dark hair lovingly.

"It'll take you mind off of it," Thad offered trying to placate his Dom but the tension in his long, strong body wouldn't go away.

He kissed his temple and at the moment his lips touched the soft skin, a deafening roar of thunder shattered the silence and Ryan let out an undignified squeak and buried his head into Thad's neck.

"It's here tiny," he whined and Thad scowled again.

"Ryan, call me tiny again and I'm sleeping in the living room. You can deal with the thunder storm all by your lonesome," he threatened, intending to be playful but Ryan's face darkened and his arms around his waist locked into a fierce grip.

"Don't go," he whispered and Thad knew the time for joking was long gone.

Ryan was petrified of thunderstorms and as ridiculous as it might have seemed to see someone of his size curling up to his, half his size, sub Thad knew it was real. He also felt privileged that Ryan allowed himself to show him this side of him, a rare side that most Doms tried to keep locked down or hidden away. This was real fear and Thad was compelled by every submissive instinct in him to soothe and help his Dominant.

"Not going anywhere, Ry. Ever. I've got you," he whispered against the soft, messy hair and stroked the broad back and shoulders that provided so much comfort to him he felt honoured to be able to give something back.

"Not tiny. Just don't go," he pleaded and Thad wrapped his arms around his neck in comfort, rocking him.

"Maybe I'm tiny just a little bit. But...I fit really well in your arms so you can keep me forever," he reassured gently and he felt those beautiful lips smile against the skin of his neck.

"Forever?" he asked, breath tickling his collarbones.

"As long as you want," Thad answered and there was a kiss tickling his neck before a soft voice broke the silence one last time before they succumbed to sleep.

"Forever."

---

Jeff actually found himself a little soothed by the rain pounding on the window pane outside, he always had liked storms, something about the sheer natural strength of them had always fascinated him. Not that they didn't terrify him at the same time, but he was able to put that aside and concentrate on the beauty of them. And that's how he found himself wrapped in a blanket in his desk chair in front of the window, feet propped on the edge of his bed with his knees drawn up slightly to support the sketch pad in his lap.

He attended the first few classes of his day along with Kurt and Sebastian but after a couple of hours it was clear that if the people who weren't living on campus stayed another moment they would end up trapped inside the school.

So classes were cancelled, people left and Jeff was left to his own devices after spending almost an hour convincing Kurt that yes he had everything he needed and yes he would be okay and yes he would call if something happened.

He'd heard the warnings of course; on the news, from Kurt when he called to keep checking on him, his parents who asked him if he could come home, the staff at Dalton when they told everyone classes would be cancelled for safety reasons earlier that day… but Jeff found himself content to stay where he was. He didn't want to intrude on Kurt and Blaine and as much as he loved his parents, he didn't want to deal with them walking on eggshells around him constantly. So he made sure he had everything he needed and then prepared to hold up in his room until it passed.

He assumed it wouldn't be anytime soon given the way the storm was getting progressively more angry, wind picking up and lashing the heavy rain around as the sky rumbled ominously, lighting up with cracks of lighting in the far distance.

It was one particular harsh strike when everything suddenly went dark.

The sub dropped his pencil and gasped at the suddenness of it, stomach lurching and pulse picking up a steady frantic beat.

He hadn't once factored this into his outlook for the next couple of days and hindsight was the worst sort of bitch.

Truly at a loss at what else to do Jeff stayed where he was and tried to run through a mental inventory. Did he have enough food and water? Yes. Did he have anything to light the room for now? No. Did he lock the door?

A knock reverberated through the room and he jumped out of his skin.

Did he lock the door? He couldn't think past the panic long enough to remember.

"Jeff?"

That voice was unexpected, but so welcome Jeff could have cried with the relief that was coursing through him. Without a care for how it would look he shakily got to his feet, shoving his art things in the direction of the bed, before trying to navigate himself to the door in the pitch gloom that had engulfed the small room. It shouldn't have been as hard as it was.

Eventually his hands hit smooth wood and he felt for the handle and lock before pulling the door open. A beam of light shred through the murkiness, coming from a handheld flashlight, illuminating Nick's worried face.

"I just wanted to check on you," Nick explained himself immediately, shifting the only light source and Jeff caught a glimpse of a Batman logo on his shirt.

"W-what happened?" he asked pulling his blanket tighter around himself and fighting not to step closer to Nick for comfort. The Dom smelled so good and the sight of that broad chest made him crave to snuggle up against it and seek protection from in those strong arms. He dug his bare toes into the carpet under them as if it would anchor him.

It wasn't his place to be in his arms. It wasn't his place to be comforted and protected by him. They were friends and that was all they would ever be.

"The lightning must have hit something important because the whole school seems to be out from what I could see from my window," the Dom shrugged. "I don't know about anywhere else."

Jeff swallowed and tried to compose himself though he knew he was trembling.

"Hey, it's fine," Nick said sweetly. "The storm will pass and then they'll fix whatever needs fixing."

Jeff nodded and then they were quiet for a few seconds, neither knowing what to do or say to break the surface tension but neither wanting to leave the other's presence either.

"You have a flashlight?" Jeff stated a little dumbly after a while, just staring at it. "Why do you have a flashlight on you?"

"Uhhh, well," Nick chuckled a little sheepishly, free hand rubbing at the back of his neck over his mark. Jeff tried not to get too fixated on that, but he'd never touched someone else's mark before. He wasn't allowed to go anywhere near Kevin's, while the Dom had actively gone out of his way to do whatever he liked to his no matter how much it hurt or he didn't want it. He shook the thoughts away forcefully and tried to concentrate on the now and what Nick was saying. "I may or may not have a zombie apocalypse survival kit in my room… maybe."

Jeff simply looked at him for a handful of moments before his lips twitched and he had to suck them into his mouth to prevent the beginnings of a smile.

"It's very practical," Nick defended. "You'll thank me when it happens and I come and rescue you."

"You'd rescue me?" Jeff asked, not knowing how coy it came off.

"There wouldn't be anyone else I'd rather fight the hordes of undead with," Nick replied sincerely and it was so absurd and sweet that Jeff found himself melting a little. "But until that happens, what say you that we settle with me saving you from bumping into things in the dark?"

Jeff startled a little. "You want to come in?" he almost squeaked.

"Or we could go to mine?" Nick suggested, thumbing over his shoulder. "I just thought we could spend some time together, watch DVD's as long as our laptop battery survives."

Jeff answered before he overthought it. They were just friends spending time together. End of story. It didn't have to be anything more than that.

"Yeah okay, you can come in… I don't really have that many DVD's though," he said stepping aside, the tiny shift feeling like he was climbing mountains. He was letting Nick into his own space, giving him free reign of his privacy and he was terrified, but the sunshiny smile on the Dom's face made him feel lighter.

Nick would never hurt him...he promised.

"I have loads! Give me two seconds," Nick grinned and then took off down the hall again leaving Jeff in darkness once more.

The sub closed the door but didn't lock it and felt his way back towards his bed to perch there waiting.

Don't overthink, don't overthink…

Nick returned some time later burdened with a box full of stuff that Jeff raised a brow at.

"I met one of the teachers in the hall, they're going around doing checks on the students," Nick said as he hefted the box down and pulled out a couple of camping lanterns to set up. "They said to sit tight for now and are handing out candles and stuff but I've got us covered," he grinned smugly.

There was something addicting about this. About being able to provide for Jeff and it was making the blood course quicker in his veins. The Dom inside him purred in satisfaction when Jeff took a step forward and peeked inside the boy curiously.

He did good. His sub was safe.

He pulled out extra blankets and pillows and settled them over the floor space along with a pile of random films he'd chosen and the food and drink from his mini-fridge which wasn't running any longer.

Jeff pulled some more pillows and slipped to the floor across from him gently, holding one of the cushions against his chest and looking small and adorable in the soft, dim light.

"Not exactly how I pictured this going. I was gonna invite you to lunch, but a holocaust blanket party is fun too right?" Nick joked with a bright smile Jeff was sure that if you hooked it up to a generator could power this building just fine during the course of this storm.

"Lunch?" Jeff asked curiously, cocking his head the way a little bird would. "Why?"

"Friends get lunch together right?" Nick smiled guilelessly pulling the laptop down off his bed to settle next to them. "What do you and Kurt do together when you hang out?"

"Cuddle mostly," Jeff mumbled shyly, picking at the pillow against his chest and looking anywhere but him.

He heard Nick swallow. "Cuddle?"

"And talk," he shrugged. "There wasn't a lot to do in Lima."

Nick knew there was something more to it and he left the space for Jeff to elaborate if he wanted busying himself with setting things up around them, instead of asking straight out. Eventually it paid off.

"I don't know, with everyone else I can't be near them but with Kurt it's different," he explained quietly. "I like being near him, it's nice."

Nick felt privileged that Jeff was sharing with him like this, freely and only because he wanted to. No outside influence, no pressure, just Jeff making himself vulnerable and it put Nick's heart in his throat because he didn't want to screw this up when Jeff was finally opening up to him like he could potentially trust him. The Dom in him stretched and purred under the display of true submissiveness, not just shyness or timidity, but a sub with his guards down for once, even if it was only a glimpse.

Nick didn't care if it took him years to collect up all those tiny, precious shreds, eventually he'd have the whole puzzle to put together and Jeff would continue to be just as beautiful half completed as he was whole.

Besides that, what Jeff was revealing to him was insightful on a whole different level when he pushed past the awe. It showed him some of Jeff's desires; like his need for physical contact, that he liked being taken care of, that he wanted to trust and touch and love underneath all the fear. Because stripped away like it was with Kurt, Jeff was a different person and Nick could only hope that somehow he could be that person that the blonde went to when he was feeling scared or upset or even when he just needed a snuggle.

"You trust him," Nick stated as a fact more than a question.

Jeff nodded without reservation and it was on the tip of his tongue to ask the sub if he trusted him too, but he knew now wasn't the time or place to be putting pressure on him so forwardly, so he swallowed it down.

"So what do you wanna watch first? You can pick," he said pushing the pile closer to the sub.

Jeff eased at the easier change in topic, shoulders relaxing from what seemed like a constantly tensed position. He leant over and picked through the DVD cases, some he hadn't seen before, some he had but eventually he settled on a favourite and hoped Nick wouldn't mind. It was also a safe choice. It wasn't romantic, it wasn't too heavy and it was a classic.

Nick's grin widened exponentially when he saw the choice. "I'm so happy right now, you have no idea."

"You don't think it's childish?" he asked carefully, voice thick and timid as he handed him the DVD case.

"I wore a poncho to school the other day, I'm not exactly the authority on childishness," Nick deadpanned and Jeff bit his lip to smother his immediate giggle at the memory.

"Why did you?" He had to ask. "That thing was awful!"

The Dom shrugged easily enough, not offended in the slightest from the continued smile on his lips and light infectious chuckle he gave. "It was a bet I made with B… but I liked it so it didn't really bother me. And it made you smile so..."

Jeff's breath stuttered at that and he felt his heart hammer against his chest when Nick said that. He did make him smile, he made him light and happy for a moment but Jeff had no idea he had noticed or cared.

"Y-you noticed?" he asked breathily and Nick smiled at him nodding gently.

"I notice every smile on your face. And I wish there were more of them," he said and Jeff trembled, feeling like they were going down the road that led too far away from friendship he was barely comfortable with, so he smiled back timidly and gestured towards the laptop shakily.

"Um...movie..." he tried but Nick already knew they went too far and he started setting it up.

The laptop was soon on the title menu of the chosen film and they settled back against the bed, a few inches separating them so they could both see the screen that Nick balanced on their legs down by their knees after checking it was okay.

"This is like my childhood film," Nick revealed excitedly. "I watched it over so many times I think my mother would have thrown out our copy if I wouldn't have been so heartbroken."

"It's always been one of my favourites," Jeff found himself saying softly, offering up a small piece of himself in return for everything Nick was giving to him freely and without reserve.

"Toy Story should be everyone's favourite," Nick decided with a sure nod staring at the screen as he pressed play and Jeff was stuck staring at the Dom's gorgeous profile blown away by him and it was stupid that he was. That such a small thing as Nick not ridiculing a film he liked as 'stupid' or asking 'when he was going to grow up' could worm its way so deeply inside his patchwork heart and light it up like a lantern.

Nick turned his head and Jeff hurriedly looked back towards the screen, thanking god that there wasn't enough light to tell his face was flaming at being caught mooning over the Dom he could never deserve.

The Dom swallowed. Had Jeff been staring at him?

Nick didn't want to raise his hopes too high, but it was undeniable that there was something between Jeff and him, a tether that was urging him closer constantly and he was sure it wasn't just on his end. There were moments and glimpses when Nick could truly see a future for them instead of what he fantasized in his head, especially tonight.

That didn't stop him fantasising however.

He could see late morning snuggling in blankets and pillows like these because he hated getting up and just wanted to hold his pretty sub forever. He could see curling up on the sofa watching TV, simple and boring and perfect because they were together. He could see having kids someday and watching Toy Story with them as a family.

His heart clenched with all the secret, swelling desires that just kept piling up and he had to look away before he did something stupid like try to kiss Jeff or worse, give in to the desire to claim him that was sparking in his blood.

Clearing his throat his leant over beside him and grabbed a bag of premade popcorn and popped it open for them before settling it in the space between them. "You like popcorn right?" he whispered though he didn't know exactly why… they weren't in a movie theatre or anything, but it felt like the intimate atmosphere would shatter under anything louder and that was last thing Nick wanted to do.

Jeff side glanced him and nodded a little shyly before taking a handful for himself and then they settled in properly to watch the bright animation playing out.

If Nick was honest he spent far more of his time watching Jeff instead of the film, listening to every small giggle or huff of breathe, soaking in every smile while the sub was unaware and completely engrossed with no walls up. It was like catching a glimpse of heaven beyond the pearly gates and Nick only wanted more of it.

Toy story one merged into two and then three before the little bubble popped up on Nick's screen warning them their battery was low and they had about five more minutes to turn it off.

Nick turned towards the blonde to ask if he wanted to continue watching on his own laptop but found himself looking at the most adorable scene he had ever imagined.

Jeff was cuddled into a mountain of pillows, wrapped in a blanket like tortilla and sound asleep, his pretty face pouting and frowning as he dreamt of god knows what and Nick desperately wanted to be in those dreams. He reached out, careful not to jostle him and ran a hand through silky locks on his forehead.

When his fingertips touched sleep flushed skin the blonde boy mumbled and leaned into the touch, turning towards Nick and resting his head against his chest. Nick could feel his heart thundering under his skin and under Jeff's cheek but the last thing he wanted to do was move and ruin the magic unfolding in front of him.

He was so beautiful it almost hurt. Long lashes fanning over silky cheeks and pink lips pouting and glistening under the lanterns light.

He was an angel and Nick would do whatever it took to make him see that.

Unfolding the second blanket when he felt that lithe body shiver next to him he covered the both of them and settled in, resolved to stay as still as possible, if only to savour the feeling of the angelic sub pressed against his chest, sleep warm and beautiful under his fingers.

He wasn't sleepy at all, but he didn't mind staying still and letting the sub get his rest. He placed a careful kiss to the top of his head, smelling strawberries and vanilla and he wanted to drown in that smell. He was so lost in his own fantasy he almost missed the gentle buzz coming from his discarded blazer. Reaching out he took the blazer and dug through the pockets to find his phone, turning it to himself to see who it was.

His heart jumped when he realized it was Blaine and he answered as quietly as possible, careful not to wake the sleeping miracle next to him.

---

"Flashlights?"

"Check."

"Water bottles?"

"Check."

"Energy bars?"

"Check."

"First aid kit?"

"Check."

"Con…really, David? Condoms? How is that a disaster surviving item?" Corrine asked indignantly, throwing her blonde hair over her shoulder and flicking him over the head with the clipboard she held firmly in her arms, red check signs marking the items they had stored in their apartment as the thunder rumbled outside.

"It's good to be prepared," he said seriously and she threw her hands up in the air spinning on her heels to face him.

"David, nobody fucks when they're about to die unless they're in the movies, okay? Dying kind of takes the fun out of it," she said and he suddenly became completely serious, alert, aware.

She was shivering lightly, pen held tightly in her delicate, manicured fingers.

"Corinne, sweetie. You're really scared?" he asked striding towards her and swooping her in his arms. "Nothing is gonna happen to us. We're inside, we're safe and we'll use this time to just enjoy some time with each other without being interrupted. I kind of like that thought."

She relaxed gradually as he spoke and was now leaning into him, a small smile grazing her perfect pink lips.

"So, that's why you brought condoms?" she asked, the edge of her usual playfulness trickling slowly back into her voice and David chuckled roguishly.

"Well…think logically about it," he began rubbing over her hips suggestively. "We'll be stuck here for a few days with no electricity, no ways of going out and entertaining ourselves somehow, so we will have to um…make our own fun…if you know what I mean," he waggled his eyebrows at her cheekily and she rolled her eyes in mock exasperation but a small, loving smile gave her away.

She loved him. So much it hurt sometimes to think about him not being there, not being hers.

It came close to it, with Gemma Richardson being the most beautiful sub at Dalton and clearly so interested in him. She was sure she stood no chance against the fierce, dark haired girl but it turned out…David preferred blondes... and girls that were mentally stable.

"I don't think you know what you mean most of the time, honey," she bit back and he pouted, childish and silly, but still her Dom, strong, trustworthy and safe. "But I'm sure you can explain it to me in more detail," she purred the last into his ear and the pout gave way to a sinister growl when he scooped her up and pinned her against the closest wall.

"Would you like a hands on demonstration as well?" he asked, voice low and scratchy and she shivered against him, offering a smirk with the last bit of self-control.

"I always thought I learnt best through practical work. Theory is for losers," she laughed and jumped up, legs going around his waist when he ground into her and attacked her lips, her groan muffled by the storm rumbling outside.

---

"Maybe I should call them again… just to make sure?" Kurt fretted as he paced back and forth in front of their bed.

Ever since that night Kurt had asked Blaine to stay in the room with him they'd progressed into sharing the space completely. Kurt laid claim to the left side of the bed while Blaine had the right, though, wherever his sub was he naturally gravitated anyway. Kurt's steadily accumulating mass of clothes were quickly filling up the gaps in Blaine's wardrobe and dressers, while his beauty products took up space in their bathroom. The little nuances were everywhere; in the old, lovingly kept fairy tales Kurt had retrieved from his father's house and laid in their bookcase, the new pillows and comforter Kurt couldn't resist when he saw it online, the photographs of Kurt's family- now his extended family- propped up next to his own.

Blaine couldn't have been happier with the changes. In fact, it felt like he didn't even know all these tiny touches were missing until Kurt crashed into his life and brought with him these stunning splashes of colour to light up his black and white world.

"Lovely, they're fine. We made sure your dad had everything he and Carole would need and you checked on Jeff and Mercedes just a few hours ago," he soothed moving about the room and placing down more candles on the available surfaces, from tea lights to pillar candles they normally just kept around the house for decoration purposes.

"That was before all the lights went out, Blaine!" Kurt stated, the deep seated worry he was feeling bleeding out into his voice and anxious movements. He ran a hand through his hair, uncaring that he was messing it up for once as he stared down at his phone, thumb hovering over a certain name. "It's just… Jeff's all alone in that dorm room and that's all I can think about."

Blaine finished lighting the last candle and looked about the flickering gold and orange hued, low lit room. The affect was strangely romantic, the atmosphere it could create calming and sensual and Blaine wanted to draw Kurt into that. The sub wasn't even aware of what he had been doing and he was certain that this would appeal to him, they shared a kindred romantic spirit.

The Dom walked to the end of the bed and sat on the end at the edge. "The staff there will look after everyone who's staying there, baby," he reassured. "But I know for a fact that Nick's still there right now… would it make you feel better if I called him and asked him to check up on, Jeff?"

Kurt stopped in his tracks and looked over at him, hope clearing up the grey clouds in his eyes so bright blue skies surfaced from underneath. Blaine lived to make that happen and could hardly focus on anything but how wonderful and compassionate his beautiful boy was as he approached him, finally putting away his phone.

"Really?" he asked and Blaine snagged his wrist when he got close enough to urge him forwards those last few steps because he was craving that vanilla and fresh flowers smell that was completely unique to Kurt. He was craving a lot lately… not that he hadn't in the beginning because, really, Kurt was this enticing mix of innocent grace that was made up of equally soft and hard lines, culminating in a timeless beauty Blaine was constantly intrigued and surprised by. He found himself watching intently for every micro change in expression on that lovely face to catalogue, every twist of that lithe body into a new shape, or flex of those tapered fingers… it was essentially torture because amongst the admiration there was a burning desire weaving throughout like fiery ribbons tying it all together.

The urge to have Kurt naked and submitting beneath him was getting increasingly difficult to ignore, especially now they were getting more intimate. It was a true test in strength for him not to rip off all of Kurt's clothes when they were heatedly sharing kisses, his sub clinging to him, learning from him and gaining confidence to drive him stupid. Hair tugs, grinding, curious flicks of his tongue...

He tried desperately to refocus but his hands found themselves on Kurt's hips toying dangerously with the hem of his tee underneath his open cardigan. Fuck, he just wanted those layers gone and full access to all that perfect milky flesh he knew lay underneath. He wondered if those few light freckles had disappeared from his shoulders the way they'd somewhat faded from the bridge of his nose in their time away from the Spanish sun…

Hands curled into his shoulders and Blaine tugged his sub further into the open vee of his legs stifling a moan when the material of his jeans rubbed against his already half hard cock when he brought them to close tighter around Kurt like a cradle.

Something had definitely shifted in the air Kurt realised and it had him getting hot all over. It was like the blackout erased inhibitions, like the darkness made it easier to give in to Blaine and just feel.

His mind blanked.

His lips ached to be kissed.

His Dom looked gorgeous and strung out.

Pupils eating up the gold in his eyes, dewy full mouth parted, fingertips dipping and flirting with the sensitive skin at his hips like he couldn't help it and it was making his heart and stomach do somersaults. How could so fleeting a touch feel like it was hardwired straight to his groin?

"Blaine?" he asked unsurely, out of breathe.

One broad palm slipped around towards the back pocket of his jeans, before snaking inside to grab the phone he'd slid in there, the heated brand through the denim igniting shivers across the subs body and doing nothing for the tightening in his groin. He ached in a way he wasn't wholly familiar with, all-consuming like he'd die without it, combustible like he wouldn't survive it if he did.

Blaine pulled the phone out and around, barely looking at the device as he typed in the necessary numbers before bringing it to his ear and Kurt firmly into his lap, straddling the Dom with a soft gasp, arms sliding with him and settling loosely around Blaine's neck, wrists folding over halfway down his back.

Eyes locked like magnets and they were so close and it was so statically charged with quiet that Kurt could hear ever ring until Nick picked up, willing the other Dom to be faster so they could explore… this. Whatever 'this' was that felt like being turned inside out in the best, most scariest possible way that had him edging forwards instead of backing away.

Nick picked up and the voice came through as if on speaker phone, flustered and hushed. "Shit-uh… hi?"

Blaine frowned briefly, tightening his arm around Kurt's hips and pulling him in tighter until their lower halves were practically fused and the weight of his cock was pressed up against Kurt's ass. He cleared his throat trying to focus on the issue at hand but… shit… Kurt was just so god damned distracting and he wasn't even trying to be. The effortlessness of it was a major turn on for him and he fought the need to buck up against that sumptuous curve.

"B?" a confused voice asked drawing him back in.

"Nick," he said because he had to remind himself of what was going on before he lost his shit completely. "Uh, you okay man?"

Kurt noticed his Dom's voice was pitched lower and almost literally gravelling in his chest from the vibrations he could feel in his own and that coupled with the feel of Blaine pressing against him- his need and desire for him oh so evident- made him flush all over. He smothered the noise he wanted to make, the small whine catching in his throat and instead he pressed his forehead against Blaine because he couldn't help it. He needed the contact like he needed air.

"Yeah. Power's out but I've got it covered and the staff are making the rounds," his best friend said hushed and hurriedly like he wanted him off the phone. If Blaine didn't want to be off then he probably would have questioned it further, instead he pushed his head into Kurt's nuzzling their noses and savouring the smell of the vanilla from Kurt's lip balm. His eyes rested there, wanting.

"Okay, well d'you think you could check on Jeff seeing as you're there? Kurt's worried about him," he murmured, pretty sure he was saying actual words but things that weren't the sub in his lap were losing focus fast so he could have been grunting for all he knew.

There was a coughed laugh that was kind of out of place. "I think I can handle that. Now stop calling me when you're sexing up your sub, I've told you before, B. Boundaries."

And then the line cut and Blaine threw the phone somewhere behind them on the huge bed before bringing that hand to smooth up Kurt's strong thigh, feeling drunk on empowerment when Kurt caught his breathe.

Kurt couldn't even find it in him to be embarrassed about what Nick said, it was all white noise at this point so nothing was registering with any real affect other than Blaine himself. Everyone he loved was fine and taken care of and so Kurt allowed himself to sink fully into the moment.

"This is really nice," he murmured softly, awe in his tone as he pulled back to look around the room. Everything was in soft focus and almost whimsical in a way. It spoke to the old soul in him, the romantic dreamer.

Blaine smiled knowingly then leaned forwards and placed a kiss right under his ear, getting him to tilt his head into an appealing arch just to try and get more of it.

"So what's the plan for tonight beautiful boy?" Blaine asked, pitched low again, eyes practically eating him up when he leaned back. "We've got all night in the dark."

The implication underlying that sentence and fusing it with erotic energy was glaringly apparent and Kurt couldn't help being swept further under the tide.

"Maybe we could…um…" he flushed deep red but barrelled forwards knowing that he'd lose his nerve otherwise. "Get more comfortable with one another… with… touching," he murmured tracing the collar of Blaine's tee, following the movement with his eyes before glancing back up through his lashes demurely.

It was nice to feel surer of himself. The feeling that he was growing into his own skin finally, after years of ill-fitting and uncomfortableness and now working out how that fresh new body that Blaine had helped nurture fit into the Dom's own… it was terrifyingly amazing.

Blaine groaned in what could only be described as approval because of the way Kurt's own body reacted to the sound. "I'd love that, but are you sure?"

Kurt nodded, nibbling at his lip, socked feet twitching where they hung slightly off the bed.

Blaine leaned forwards and placed a butterfly kiss on his lip that tingled and left the intoxicating taste of cherry behind when he pulled away. "Words, lovely," he whispered.

"Yes sir," he breathed, the arm draped down Blaine's spine sinking lower still as he grasped a handful of the Dom's top exposing his lower back. "I want to touch you… I want you to touch me, please."

"Shit," Blaine cursed, hands grabbing and tightening on his hips as he leant in to place more passionate, almost frantic open-mouthed kisses to his jawline. His cock was hard enough to cut diamonds. "You have… no… idea what you… do to… me," he confessed between presses. "So sexy… so mine…"

Kurt whimpered turning into that searching mouth to try and get those lips on his desperately, sighing out loud when they finally caught. Tongues snaked out to meet quickly, everything deep and wet and electric.

Blaine pulled them further into the middle of the bed in a show of strength that flipped Kurt's stomach hotly, especially when hands were pushing his cardigan off his shoulders before slipping up underneath his top to frame his waist. Kurt arched into the touch, breaking the contact of mouths and rising up onto his knees so his swollen groin was pressed into Blaine's stomach.

"Blaine, please I…" he begged with his words and eyes, though he didn't know what for. More something, more anything, he just wanted more.

"Shh, I've got you," Blaine reassured eyeing him up and down hungrily. "Take your top off."

The command washed over him like kinetic energy and had him scrambling to obey, his sensitive skin breathing a sigh of relief once the thing was over his head. Cool air kissed his flushed torso and his nipples tightened into peaks that ached in time with the throb in his cock.

Blaine growled looking him over like he was a precious treasure, hands rubbing up and down his sides. "Beautiful… my beautiful boy."

The next thing Kurt knew he was on his back with Blaine looming over him from between the cradle of his legs that were firmly wrapped around his hips still. The actions pressed their straining erections together and the pressure had Kurt throwing his head back into the mattress and keening while scratching at Blaine's shoulders for a grasp on reality as everything whited out. This is what he needed and it was mind numbing.

Blaine was in awe of the sub underneath him.

The neck on display was too much of a temptation for the Dominant in him and he bent to take the tendon gently between his teeth before sealing his lips and sucking a mark there to state his ownership, Kurt's scent heavy and potent in his nose.

"Ah!" Kurt cried out, grinding upwards without direction, but it didn't get him the same feeling trying to gain it for himself as when Blaine gave it to him. The sub in him wanted Blaine to take control of him completely, showing him just how deeply he already trusted his Dom. "Please… sir, again… I want you," he babbled and pleaded heavily, feeling the suction of that mouth from head to feet and every nerve in between. This was the most intimate he'd ever been with anyone in his life and he was drowning in every new feeling and sensation. Everything was blending; he into Blaine from the cherry and vanilla taste on his tongue, to the mix of that appealing apple and masculine scent with his own.

Blaine snapped his hips down with a moan at how good it felt to finally get some friction, to finally be doing this while his sub was calling him 'sir' and Kurt raked nails up his back, leaving four stark red lines as he dragged his tee with him to roll up under his arms. Blaine hissed at the erotic sting and pulled his mouth back, salvia coating the shiny red bruise blooming underneath that porcelain skin marking the sub as his before diving back into Kurt's open mouth demandingly.

The need for skin on skin had Blaine ripping his shirt over his head and throwing it before bracing his forearms either side of Kurt's head and sucking his swollen bottom lip into his mouth. He felt tentative fingers pressing against his collarbones and tensed with want when Kurt didn't move further.

"Touch me," Blaine ordered into his mouth, knowing instinctively the sub was waiting because craved the command.

Kurt shivered at the permission, his submissive instincts unfurling like a flower and he pressed his hands flat against Blaine's chest, feeling hard nipples poking into the heels of his palms. Oh God… he was actually touching Blaine! His flesh was scalding to the touch, skin smooth over firm muscles but he could feel the prickly feeling of chest hair that he quickly decided he loved. Blaine was all man, all Dom and it made Kurt's desire for him skyrocket.

Blaine moaned and pushed forwards into the contact as well as driving his hips forwards once more. They gasped as one being and then all restraint was lost. Blaine started up a rhythm of their lower bodies that Kurt was hazily trying to follow, eyes rolling back into his head, mouth parted and open to the nips, kisses, licks and sucks that they traded heatedly back and forth.

Ankles locked at the small of Blaine's back and thighs opened wider in an invitation for deeper movement that the Dom took greedily, he ran his hands down contracting abdominal muscles, feeling every shift and tense on that washboard stomach. He tore his mouth away with a pant for air, wanting to look as well as touch and glancing between them was dizzying, driving him steadily closer to that peak he'd hardly ever reached by himself- too embarrassed to properly explore himself over the years.

Blaine kissed over his cheek and down his neck leaving a trail of fire in his wake as he placed more hickeys until he reached Kurt's nipple. "Fuck… so perfect, baby… I wanna put my mouth all over you," he admitted darkly on a hoarse whisper, hand reaching down to play at Kurt's hipbone and along his waistband.

He glanced up through his eyelashes and caught those dark, almost sapphire eyes now, half-mast and staring at him with such innocent want that Blaine thought he come just from that. "Want that?" he asked, almost demanding the answer. "Want me to lick you from head to toe, beautiful boy?"

Kurt whimpered, unconsciously grinding into him, biting his lip in a coy motion that sent Blaine insane. "Yes, please… want you to lick me sir," he breathed, feeling pre-come soaking his underwear further as it bubbled up from the swollen head of his cock trapped in its denim confines.

The Dom's mouth closed hot, tight and wet over the nipple and Kurt's hand flew up to cup the back of Blaine's head calling his name while his body bowed off the bed, fingers of the other hand twitching between them until they grasped onto the nearest thing - the waistband of Blaine's jeans- which the Dom was already straining past what the material could give.

The hand moved with the movement of his hips, encouraging it along with tugs that only made him go faster and harder and all the while Blaine ate at Kurt's chest; suckling at first, then twirling his tongue around the little nub of nerves. Kurt was a mess of whimpered whines and Blaine kept up the assault as well as the thrust of his hips, driving them both closer and closer to where they both wanted to be.

Kurt could feel something building in him, tightening his lower stomach and setting him on fire and he knew he wasn't going to last long, this was just all so much sensation, so wonderfully fast. He wanted, wanted, wanted until it was painful and he was sweating all over, pink from face to chest, but he couldn't find it in him to care as that thing coiled and coiled, snaking through his veins, aided by his racing heart and hit every pleasure point he owned, playing them like instruments.

As if sensing the urgency he felt under his tightening skin, Blaine pulled off only long enough to lock blackened gold eyes on blackened blue to say, "Come," and he exploded in a flash of colour behind his eyes, brilliant, bright shades he'd never imagined before.

"S-sir," he choked out hand grabbing a handful of gelled curls, hips stuttering as hot liquid spilled into his underwear and between them, body lighting up like he'd been struck by lightning, jerking all his limbs and organs. Kurt was knocked stupid by it, felt like he'd been broken apart and remade into someone different.

Blaine released his nipple from his mouth with a wet pop and surged up for his panting mouth, moaning as teeth clashed in the urgency. "Good boy… such a good boy for me baby," he praised over and over while his hips continued to drive for his own release frantically.

The words settled like warm wine poured all over him and Kurt practically melted into the bed under them, feeling a bright gold glow surround him, feeding the satisfied submissive in him until he was warm and full of love.

Kurt didn't quite know where the instinct came from out of the sweet haze he was basking in, but suddenly his hand was moving from the Doms curls to that forbidden place on the back of Blaine's neck driven by the desire to please his Dom. It was the place he'd fantasized increasingly about over the past few days; about putting his hands or even mouth on sometimes. What reactions he would get... would Blaine like it?

His fingers brushed over the diamond and heart shape fleetingly, feeling the tips literally tingle and Blaine roared into his mouth before coming so suddenly and stunningly in an instant like Kurt had just flipped a switch.

Kurt went to take his hand back, scared he'd crossed a line though it had felt like the most natural thing in the world at that moment, but Blaine's came up and around to hold it there firmly as he rode out his orgasm pressing his forehead to Kurt's hard, ecstasy written into every tense line on his beautiful face. Kurt was blown away by him unable to look away and his cock gave a weak twitch wanting more already at the sight of such abandon.

Blaine was done. Completely fucking done.

The feel of those fingers where no one had ever touched before in passion was like being hit by a freight train and it smashed the release out of him forcefully, bordering on painful. His heart stopped, his whole body throbbed and squeezed over and over like he was one giant muscle and he tried to get air to his lungs but it felt impossible to draw it in past all those raw open ended nerves. He felt split open. Dragged apart. It was by far the best thing he had ever felt and he didn't want it to stop. This was months… no years, of pent up frustration and want because he'd been waiting for Kurt all his life and he held on tightly as it crashed over him all at once until he felt like he had nothing left to give.

They lay like that. Stunned silent and swimming in the heavenly afterglow, hips fused together, hands twining fingers on the back of his neck, eyes closed, panted breathes mingled…

"Did I hurt you?" Blaine whispered concerned. He'd lost his head and all finesse with it. He'd wanted their first time doing anything to be slow and gentle, an ease into the shallows instead of a dive into the deep end, but something had snapped in him that wiped all his good intentions away.

Kurt shook his head, fingers twitching and causing Blaine to whine a little at the sensations those tiny increments of movement caused. He always knew that area was hypersensitive but this was fucking indescribable.

"No," came on a breathy sigh and Blaine didn't want to hear anything else ever again. "It was perfect… did I…um… did you…" trailed off and Blaine pulled back finally turning them on their sides but keeping them pressed just as close so he could look straight into his subs eyes.

"What is it, lovely? You can ask me anything," he promised softly, voice a little slurred with how satisfied and lazy he felt.

Kurt's eyes drew to their hands in an obvious tell, but Blaine waited patiently for him to ask it. "I know I should have asked first about… but I couldn't help myself," he blurted and if his face wasn't already beautifully high with colour, Blaine knew it would have flared up.

The Dom hushed him, stroking his thumb over the back of Kurt's palm. "It's fine, lovely. More than fine okay? No part of me is off limits to you."

Kurt smiled in relief but it dropped slightly as he shifted uneasily his own mark feeling exposed. It wasn't that he didn't want Blaine to touch it, it was just… he wasn't ready for that just yet. Would Blaine be mad at the double standard?

He seemed to have a knack at reading his mind however.

"Hey it's okay, we won't go there until you're comfortable, lovely. Yes I want to touch you there, just like I want to touch you everywhere," he confessed making Kurt shiver in anticipation. "But we'll build up to it. I know it's different for Doms and subs so you don't have to worry about it being unfair… in fact I think it's a little unfair to you because that felt so fucking good, Kurt."

The subs mouth went dry and he tried to swallow, cock very much stirring in interest again, but mainly he felt a deep seated sensation of accomplishment. He'd satisfied his Dom, made him feel good and that filled his heart up with what felt like helium from the way it was trying to fly from his chest. "Yeah?" he squeaked.

"Mmhm," he hummed snuggling closer and letting go of Kurt's hand now that he was sure it wasn't going anywhere and grabbing Kurt's thigh to hitch over his hip.

Kurt let himself be manhandled contently, index finger drawing patterns over Blaine's mark and relishing the little hairs that stood on end at the attention.

"You keep doing that, lovely and we're never gonna leave this bed," he warned, eyes dark.

Kurt felt a naughty smirk make its way onto his lips, eyebrows rising. "Well we do have the whole night in the darkness…"

He squeaked and giggled when Blaine lunged at him, rolling them over the bed and kissing at his mouth.

Kurt could definitely get used to this.

---

"Dave?" the sub called from where his head was resting on his Dom's naked chest, his skin glistening with sweat under the soft light of candles.

The darkness around them felt magical as they snuggled together; dizzy, sated and tired but so happy to be with each other nothing else mattered.

"Hm?" Dave answered, dazed from their love making and running a gentle hand through Sebastian's mussed locks; the disarray he would deny having on his head until his last breath.

Dave loved him like that; casual and relaxed and just existing. No snark, no sarcasm, no malice in his voice. Just perfect green eyes shining for him and him alone and that honest trusting smile making him feel like he could fly.

He loved him. More than life.

"If I ask you something promise you won't laugh at me," he said as he placed his arms on Dave's chest and propped his head on top of them to look into the Dom's eyes.

"Of course babe. Anything." Dave said, forehead scrunching in confusion as he watched the usually composed and confident sub struggle with his words.

"Do you ever wish I was different?" he rushed out after minutes of debate and Dave tilted his head not sure he heard or understood correctly.

"Not sure I get it. Different how?" he asked and Sebastian lowered his eyes down biting his lip and tangling his fingers.

He looked…he looked nervous and it shook Dave to the core when he realized that.

"Babe, look at me," he allowed the small order to flow from his voice and those emeralds he loved so much snapped back up obediently. "What's this about?"

"I don't know. I just…I spend most of my days with Kurt and Jeff now and Thad is usually there as well and they…well I'm different from them. I can see that I am. They're sweet and caring and like… cuddly and cute somehow and Blaine and Nick and Ryan seem to love that. And I guess I just figured that maybe you'd like for me to be more like that…more like them," he murmured quietly and it broke Dave's heart to hear him say that.

He was larger than life, strong and opinionated and gorgeous in his independence…but with every cell he was, he belonged to Dave and he knew it…he could feel it.

He would never have him any other way.

"I thought you were proud of who you are?" he said and the sub shrugged in discomfort.

"I am…but sometimes I'm not sure if you are," he admitted quietly and Dave's heart picked up speed, hating how small he sounded.

"Sebastian, listen to me very carefully okay?" he said and the sub nodded, eyes still flicking around anxiously. "I've never, not for a single second, wanted to change a hair on your beautiful head or a single thing about your personality. I love your big mouth, I love your strength, I love knowing that you are safe and can take care of yourself when I'm not around, I love that you're a fighter and a bitch and my best friend and the best sub I could have ever asked for. Because when the day is over and you're here in my arms I can feel that you're mine, that you need me, that you can be just as vulnerable as everyone else. And babe, I'm privileged to be the one who's allowed to see you like that…to protect you and care for you. So no…I've never wanted you to be different. You're perfect. And I'm so proud of you," he said heartfelt and strong and Sebastian let a lone tear slip down his cheek, probably the only one he would allow himself to shed right now, before snuggling back down to his chest.

"I love you sir," he said tiredly and Dave stroked his back admiring the silky skin there.

"I adore you baby," he said back and they fell asleep to the sound of the storm raging outside.

---

"Are you warm enough?" he asked as he tucked her small body closer to his, drawing the extra blankets around them.

"Yes, sir," she replied with a gentle smile and he kissed her forehead.

"Comfortable enough?" he asked again and she pinched his side teasingly.

"Yes, sir," she pecked the side of his neck in affection and he felt like there was nothing in the world that could ever feel as amazing as she did, lying next to him, tired from the day of running around, trying to get the last bits of work done before the lockdown Hikaru had put in place for their household. He didn't want to take risks when he wasn't able to be there, obligated to stay stuck at school and making sure all the students there were safe and comfortable.

"Are you sure you'll be okay without working on something for a few days?" he asked, a teasing tone in his voice but in reality he really did fear for her health.

She did everything one hundred percent committed and every project she started she belonged to it fully. He knew what she was doing was important, but sometimes, seeing her eyes bloodshot and cheeks pale he felt like he was failing her as a Dom by letting her drive herself so far.

But then she would smile at the finished assignment and she would bounce to him, eagerness to have him acknowledge her work radiating from her and he knew it made her happy.

So he would kiss her and tell her how proud of her he was, how honored he felt to be with her. He knew she still had qualms about not being as pretty as the other girls, about being plain and forgettable. He knew she used to use her work to compensate for the lacks she thought she had.

But to him…she was everything and more.

She was his anchor, his strength, his life.

"I'll be fine, Wes," she chuckled. "Besides, it's not like you can talk Mr. Workaholic," she teased but it was kind of on point. They had that in common. But he didn't like the blasé attitude and he hooked a finger beneath her chin to tilt her face up.

"I'm not joking, Miriam. I'm worried you'll overload yourself and end up hurting yourself in the process," he said seriously and she scooted up to kiss him on the lips.

"I love that you take care of me like that. And I love that you care. But I'm a grown, responsible person and I think I can decide what I can and cannot take for myself. Okay?" she said, no disrespect, just a conviction of self and polite assertiveness that he adored on her.

"I know you are just…just promise me you'll stop if you feel like it's getting too much," he said a hint of command in his tone and she nodded in consent.

"I promise. It's just that this is the most important thing I have ever worked on. I want to find a way for them to have each other for real. To have a chance to belong to someone for real like we do," she said fiercely and he hugged her closer.

"And I have no doubt you will love," he said and she beamed at him.

"I love you," she whispered as she claimed his lips for another moment before snuggling back down.

"I love you too," Wes replied and stroked her back gently a silence falling over them as he stared into the night, his eyes getting used to the darkness and catching sight of a large stack of folders and binders on the side table.

"You brought your work with you, didn't you?" he huffed out a tired smiled.

"Yup," she quipped with a sleepy chuckle that ended when he flipped them around and covered her body with his.

---

The day dawned bright and crisp from the wind and the rain that tumbled through the city for days.

Gentle sun was peeking through the windows and knocking on the doors of people who stumbled outside, crinkly faced and smiley lips as they breathed in the fresh air, chilled with the storm but somehow cleansed and healthy and pure.

"I always knew he would become someone great," Burt said quietly when Carole joined him on the porch, greeting their neighbors and nursing cups of warm tea.

"He was always great, sir. He's an extraordinary young man and you helped shape him into one," she praised gently and he smiled down at her.

"So did you. Thank you," he told her and she smiled up at him beaming at the praise and snuggling into his arms further.

"It was my pleasure," she said and he held her tighter.

"He…he made sure all these people were safe. He probably saved lives. My little boy," Burt almost chuckled with pride, tears springing from his eyes and Carole smiled warmly at how much her tough looking Dom loved his son.

"He learned from the best, sir. Now come on. I've made breakfast. You need to head to work?" she asked as they walked back inside the house and sat at the table.

"Yeah. There will be a lot of work now," he said taking a bite of his toast.

"How big is the damage?" she asked and he shrugged.

"Not sure yet. But from what I know a bunch of roofs torn up, some cars battered, doors and windows busted. It'll keep me occupied for a while. Might bring some more income too," he said around a hopeful smile and Carole took his hand in hers.

"Just promise me you'll be safe, sir," she said gently and he stroked her knuckles with his broad, calloused thumb.

"I wouldn't leave you alone. Ever," he swore and she kissed his temple as he picked up their plates and set up to wash the dishes as she listened to the sound of the doors slamming shut when Burt walked out to head to work.

Halfway across the town another couple was snuggled under a blanket on the porch, enjoying the freshness of the post storm air.

"Our son chose well didn't he?" Jared whispered and Dana looked up from her place on his shoulder.

"He chose perfection. We always knew that's what he was waiting for," she nodded prideful of the new addition to their family and they fell silent again, both deep in their thoughts as their town slowly came to life again around them.

Dana had been tense and silent for days after their initiative and knowing her for so long Jared knew he just had to let her come to him on her own when she felt ready. But it had been days and she was closed off and seemingly deep inside her own head and he was getting worried.

"What's going on inside that beautiful head of yours?" he asked softly and she snuggled closer, her eyelashes tickling the skin of his neck.

"I'm old and wrinkly, Jared," she whined and he shook his head with a fond smile.

"You'll always be beautiful to me, my lady. The most beautiful woman I've ever seen," he stated sincerely and she hummed happily as he kissed the top of her head making her feel loved and safe.

"I just…I've been thinking…" she started and he nodded to let her know he was listening.

"About?" he asked and she sighed.

"We need to do something. Something has to change. Those people Jared…they're no less human than we are and for them to live the way they do…it's horrible. I want it to change," she said starting off small but her voice grew in confidence and strength and before his eyes she was turning back into Dana Anderson; the most fierce, powerful, respected and feared Dom of their time.

"If there was anyone that could make a difference my lady, it would be you," Jared told her and she straightened up, a proud shine in those golden eyes she passed on to their younger son.

"Will you stand by me?" she asked and he took her hand.

"There's no place I'd rather be than by your side," he told her honestly and she beamed at him, appearing young and almighty, like she did the first time he ever saw her.

"Then let's change the world." She took his hand and pulled him back into their house.

---

Love it? Hate it?
Let us know :*