You would think working for yourself would mean you'd have more time to write but nooooo... two weeks of solid work into the late hours of the night have left me with little time to write this. Grr. I know a lot of you want me to be able to update this like I did HoG but honestly, if I was writing this like I did HoG - four chapters ahead - we'd still be in this situation. I'm trying to rectify it but with my work load not decreasing despite the hours I'm putting in, it's hard.
Thank you though for all your reviews, favourites and followings. I really appreciate it all.
Despite what you may have expected, there is only need to me to warning you of two bites in this chapter - one forced, one not so forced.
Enjoy!
Kurt stood painfully still in front of the full length mirror in the middle of the suite he'd been sent to once arriving at The Grand Hotel, where the ball was to be held in less than half an hour. The suite was huge; a king sized bed with golden sheets sat in the centre of the room with its white carpets and walls, a fitted kitchen with dark wooden units and white marble tops, and a lounge with a white suite with golden scatter cushions. Kurt wanted to burn the place down and start over; it was tacky, garish and made him want to throw up. How was it rich people had no taste nor the sense to hire a half decent interior decorator?
Holding his right arm out, Kurt watched as the female vampire in the white clinical dress took hold of it whilst dipping her thin horse hair brush into a pot of golden paint then brought it to Kurt's skin and continued to paint on the swirling pattern which travelled intricately over his chest, back, left arm, legs and neck with the tips of the swirls creeping onto his cheeks and temples. He had been horrified by the uniform he'd been asked to change into; just a pair of barely there golden briefs with two strips of silk white fabric which hung at the front and back, reaching the floor. However when the paint came out, Kurt almost walked out on this event, he was just thankful that none of his family and friends would see him like this.
After the female vampire had finish painting the swirls around his wrist, Kurt didn't know her name, didn't want to know after she had used every occasion to speak to him to order him around, a knock rattled on the door. Walking over, Kurt blew on his hand to dry the paint before unbolting the door and pulling it aside. His instincts were to smile but that soon turned to a concerned frown at the sight of Nick, dressed just like him, but with a nasty purple bruise on his cheek, dried blood just visible between the split skin in the centre.
Shuffling aside, Kurt let Nick in and led him over to the sofa, sitting down with him, ignoring the vampire as she packed up her things and ordered them both to be ready in ten minutes. Once the door slammed shut, Kurt reached out to run a finger over the bruise, recoiling when Nick hissed and sat back slightly.
"Yeah it's still pretty sensitive." Nick tried to smile away Kurt's concern, but it wasn't working.
"How did this happen?" Kurt's voice held strong, everything within him wanting to comfort Nick.
"I had a blood party to attend to last night, you know, just to pay some bills." Nick blinked back a set of tears he'd been so desperately trying to hold back, "I needed the money for Jeff. I wanted to get him something special for our anniversary but I didn't have enough money." Nick took the tissues Kurt handed him with a sad smile, blowing his nose and letting Kurt catch the tears before they ruined his paint. "It was going great, only a couple of vampires were interested in me so I got off lightly... but then they started drinking and taking drugs."
Kurt reached out and took Nick's hand, squeezing it, his heart pounding in his chest while his mind raced with wicked thoughts for what those vampires might have done, "Nick, they didn't..." Kurt didn't want to say it, the words getting stuck in his throat.
"No... No I didn't let them. They raped one of the other pets there who had opted out of anything sexual, and then they came after me. I fought to get away and managed to get to the panic button... that's when they slammed me into the wall and decided to beat me up... they didn't stop until security turned up."
"I'm so sorry Nick. Why are you even here? You should be home, recovering. What about Jeff? What did he say?"
"I didn't get paid last night because the event was interrupted, so I need the money from tonight's event. Jeff's furious, he wanted me to stay home tonight too, but he's here with Blaine, David, Thad and Wes so I managed to persuade him that I'd be safe with all of them here. I had to stop him from snapping the vampires' necks when I got home." Nick took a deep breathe to get a hold of himself, pushing back the memories, "But that's over with, I'm here, we're here and we're going to have fun tonight."
Kurt tried to smile but it didn't reach his eyes, "As much fun as you can have when you're here to feed a room full of pretentious pricks."
"Kurt Hummel. Language." Nick's smirk betrayed his faked annoyance, "Yeah they are all douche bags... even Blaine's dad."
Kurt's eyes widened, "Blaine's dad's going to be there?"
"Yeah, and his mom."
Kurt sat a little straighter at that news. He was going to meet Blaine's parents, he was going to meet Blaine's parents dressed like this... he was going to have to let Blaine's parents drink from him. Kurt swallowed around the bile rising in his throat, he felt sick, he suddenly became very aware of the time passing by. He didn't want to meet Blaine's parents like this. He didn't know how he'd want to meet them, but dressed in hardly anything covered in paint and being paid to let vampires feed from him was not how he wanted them to meet him.
"Anyway," Nick continued, pulling Kurt from his internal panic, "I was hoping you'd be able to help me with this bruise. I get paid per bite tonight and I don't think I'm going to get much with this nasty thing on my face."
Kurt's sad smile returned, "In that case, I'd rather you kept the bruise."
"Kurt, please." Nick reached out and gripped both of Kurt's hands in his, squeezing tightly.
"Whatever you're trying to buy Jeff... wouldn't he be happier if what he got was you? Happy and safe?" Kurt tried to reason.
Nick chuckled, brushing his hair off his face, "Yeah, that's what he said as well, but I want to do this for him."
"Do you mind me asking what it is you want to buy?" Kurt asked, his fingertips drawing patterns on Nick's wrists, secretly healing Nick's bruise through that touch.
Nick smiled, blushing sheepishly, "It's a signed guitar from his favourite indie star. You won't know him but Jeff's had a major crush on the guy ever since I met him. He's been to see him at least fifty times over the years and dragged me with him, and the guy doesn't sell a lot of his stuff, but this guitar is part of a charity event, and I want to win it for him."
Kurt chuckled, pulling his hand away from Nick's once the bruise disappeared from his tanned skin, "I bet that'll go for a tidy sum."
Nick groaned, wanting to slump against the sofa but thinking twice about it when he remembered the intricately painted vines on his back, "I don't even want to think about it, but I've been saving and the money I get tonight should cover any stupid high bidders about." Nick sighed, nudging Kurt, "So, you gonna heal me up?"
Kurt chuckled, pointing to the full length mirror, "Take a look."
Standing Nick hopped over to the mirror, gasping when he saw the bruise was gone, leaving just smooth, untainted skin, "Kurt, you are amazing!" Nick grinned back at him through the mirror, "Shit, I need to sort out my make up."
Kurt stood and instructed Nick to sit down so he could reapply his foundation and eye liner. Nick returned the favour for Kurt, deepening the eye liner in the corner of his eyes then restyling some of the loose strands back into his coif.
"There, now none of those vampires will be able to resist our hotness." Nick chuckled.
Kurt just rolled his eyes, "Hurrah." He huffed sarcastically.
The door to the room swung open with a large security guard barking at them to hurry up. Nick gave Kurt a smile, took his hand in his and together they left the room, following the guards through the candle lit corridors, up the servants' staircase to the top floor where the faint murmur of instruments tuning up could be heard. Kurt took a deep breathe, preparing himself for what was to come. Blaine had explained that he'd be dressed slightly different to the others, and he could see a slight difference between him and Nick; Nick's white fabric was made from linen while his was silk and the golden paint on Nick was wrapped around him like vines but stopping below his jaw line, while Kurt's looked like thin strips of fire consuming his body and swept onto his face.
Blaine also instructed Kurt on how to conduct himself at the ball; which the female vampire repeated again while applying the gold paint to Kurt's back. He was to bow his head to every vampire in the room, only speak when spoken to and to not retreat from a touch; apparently these vampires were very touchy. Blaine had assured Kurt that he would remind those who tried anything that he belonged to him and if Kurt was finding it difficult at all to just join his side. Kurt found it very comforting to know Blaine would be looking out for him, but having never met an elite vampire and knowing the Count would be in room, Kurt was still rattling with nerves.
Reaching the top floor the guard escorted them through the marble reception room where waiters carried glasses of champagne and maids scurried around with golden plates of food. A couple of other pets or freed humans where being escorted ahead of them towards a set of wooden double doors, dressed just as Nick was, even down to the ivy on their chests; the women given the decency of a white halter neck which attached to their briefs and tied under their chests with a slim golden band.
"Stand aside!" Boomed a voice from behind them.
Nick was quick to shuffle Kurt against the wall with the others while the guards stood on the other side. Kurt copied Nick by placing his hands by his side and bowing his head, but watched out the corner of his eye as a group of six vampires strolled down the corridor with their heads held high and a smug expression on their faces. Each one was dressed in a smart suit with either a slim tie, bowtie or just leaving the collar open, in either black or varying shades of grey. Each one wore a broach on their collar of a crest, defining which city or family they originated from.
As the vampires ambled down the corridor talking to one another, the pets and freed humans bowed one by one and as they passed by Kurt he mimicked the others, bowing his head as he did so. A set of feet stopped in front of him and Kurt tensed, filling with dread for what this vampire might want from him.
"Hey!" Shouted one the vampires from the group now walking ahead, "You can suck on that pixie later, come on, dad's waiting."
"Sure. See you later Kurt."
Kurt's head snapped up, shocked that this vampire knew his name, but he didn't recognise the smiling face before him. Brown locks brushed back off tanned skin with a sculpted jaw line and bright blue eyes captured his own before he turned down the corridor to join the others, but Kurt caught something else as well. The crest he wore, with the castle, horizontal strip and full moon, was the same as the one he had worn here and only taken off to the bequest of the vampire an hour ago... could he be, Blaine's brother?
As the group disappeared through the double doors, the guards whispered among themselves, nodding in agreement to whatever they'd discussed. One whistled for a maid who disappeared into an adjoining room and reappeared with a tray piled high with needles and bottles of clear liquid. Each guard took a bottle each and a handful of needles and went about injecting each of the humans with the drug. Kurt watched with wide eyes as the pet next to him held out her arm and allowed the guard to inject her.
The guard who had lead Nick and Kurt tapped the guard on the shoulder, "There two don't require the drug." He explained, pointing to Nick and Kurt.
Once everyone had taken their shot of the drug, the guards walked ahead and summoned the humans to carry on down the corridor. Kurt stuck close to Nick, whispering to him when the guards weren't looking, wanting to know more about the man who'd stopped in front of him.
"Did you see that guy's crest?"
"Yeah." Nick replied with a smile, "Dreamy, isn't he? I remember when he came to see Blaine at school, man, Jeff didn't talk to me for a week, he was so jealous."
"Is he Blaine's brother?" Kurt asked.
"Yeah, Cooper." Nick looked away from Kurt when one of the guards looked their way, "He's one of Blaine's brothers. You'll meet the others tonight and his sisters."
"This seems like more of a reunion for the Andersons then a ball for the Count." Kurt muttered.
"Kurt... Blaine's father is the Count, didn't he tell you?" Nick questioned just as the double doors were opened for them.
Kurt couldn't stop his feet even if he tried with the heavy hand of the guard pushing him into the ball room. He wanted to stop and turn around, find Blaine and make him explain. It wasn't a lie, not like before, it just never came up. They talked about each others' families and Kurt knew Blaine had a large, rich family who had influences in most vampire run cities, but he never made the connection with the Count... and didn't Blaine think he'd need to explain this to him considering he was here at this ball?
He watched the other pets and freed humans wander around the room, already brimming with vampires, with a young woman singing on a raised platform surrounded by a small orchestra. The room was grand, white marble columns framed the glass walls which lead out onto a balcony that surrounded the entire floor of the building and looked out upon the city and surrounding green land. The floor was marble, a single green marble strip leading away from the stage to a separate platform where two golden thrones with red velvet cushions sat proud above the crowd.
Kurt mingled among the crowd, spotting Blaine's family crest on the jackets of half the men he passed by, bowing his head to them as he did and admiring the beautiful creations worn by the women attending. Metre upon metre of fabric adorned their bodies in intricate twists and turns, revealing pockets of skin here and there in an array of vibrant colours.
His eyes caught sight of Wes and Jeff talking with the man identified as Cooper, laughing over something Jeff had just said when Nick walked over, bowing to Cooper then allowing Jeff to wrap an arm around his waist and pull him into a warm, gentle kiss. As Jeff whispered into Nick's ear making him blush, Wes caught sight of Kurt and with a gentle smile, beckoned him over. On slightly unsteady feet, Kurt approached the group, taking deep breathes to calm himself. He was so nervous to meet someone from Blaine's family, his brother, the Count's son... and someone so handsome and smartly dressed, while he was dressed in barely anything and covered in paint.
Kurt bowed to Wes and Jeff before turning to Cooper and bowed just slightly deeper. When he looked up Cooper was smiling warmly, and in that moment he caught the similarities between him and Blaine. They looked nothing alike, but it was those small mannerisms that linked them; the same charming smile, the same twinkle in his eyes.
"Kurt." Wes prompted, a hand on his shoulder, "Let me introduce to you, Cooper Anderson. Blaine's oldest brother and first born to the Count."
Kurt bowed his head again to Cooper, "It's a pleasure to meet you."
"Ooh, he spoke." Cooper chuckled.
Kurt panicked, his shoulders tightening and his heart thumping in his chest. Had he messed up already? He didn't know what to do, should he apologise? But then he'd be speaking out of turn again. He wanted to run and hide. A hand reached out and cupped his cheek and in his panicked state, Kurt's head jerked up with a hitch in his throat. Cooper was there, smiling warmly at him.
"It's okay, Kurt. I was just teasing, you'd be expected to at least greet me with that introduction."
Kurt sighed in relief, nodding his head but biting his tongue, too scared to talk now.
"Blaine told me about you. You must be something special to make my brother take you in... and to make him smile the way he does when he speaks of you." Cooper smiled at Kurt, trying to catch his eyes.
Kurt nodded his head, blushing, "He's a good master, sir."
"I know he's not your master, Kurt." Cooper waited for Kurt to look up at him, "I'm sorry for all you've been through, but please consider my brother's heart in all of this. He cares for you... a lot."
Kurt nodded again, "I will, sir. He means a lot to me."
Cooper's warm smile was his response before the orchestra started up with a stately tune that had the whole room turning to the doors as they opened, revealing a tall, middle aged man with black hair, sporadically scattered silver hair throughout, against olive skin and hazel eyes. His black suit fitted his thin frame well and while he didn't wear a crest, it was obvious simply from the air around him that this was the Count.
A beautiful, thin pale skinned woman hung off his arm, with wispy brown hair and emerald eyes, accented with her off the shoulder emerald silk dress. She looked young, Kurt guessed at twenty, but then he remember the tale Blaine told him about his mother being turned, and knew then, that the couple he was looking at right now, were almost six hundred years old.
Behind them was a young girl, around thirteen years old, dressed in pure white with a wreath of lilies in her chestnut, wavy hair, holding hands with Blaine. Kurt's breath caught when he spotted Blaine, not caring for the smirk Cooper and Wes were exchanging while Jeff whispered to a chuckling Nick. Blaine's hair was gelled back away from his face, and though Kurt preferred his curls, this look suited the light grey suit he wore with matching tie, crisp white shirt and black and white poker dot pocket scarf. They both wore their crests over their hearts and as all four of them walked through the room, everyone bowed their heads in respect.
"That's Count Nathan Anderson and his wife, Jane. The girl is Sophia, their oldest daughter and of course, Blaine, their youngest son." Wes whispered to Kurt.
Kurt looked again to the young girl walking with Blaine; the idea that this young girl was potentially over five hundred years old completely puzzling to him. As the group waltz passed them, they bowed, none of them daring to raise their heads until they'd walked by, then, with the rest of the crowd, gathered around the raised platform and waited for Nathan and Jane to take their respected seats, with Sophia at Nathan's side and Blaine at Jane's.
A body collided this Kurt's, pushing him back, followed by another and another, knocking him this way and that until he lost his balance over an outstretched foot. Strong arms caught him, helping him onto his feet and Kurt smiled up at Nick, who smiled sadly back. Looking out, Kurt felt his disdain for the vampires grow as he noticed all of the humans had been pushed to the back of the crowd, left to watch from the back of the room.
"It happens every time, just ignore it." Nick whispered to him.
Kurt nodded his understanding, but a smile grace his lips as he looked up to see Blaine glaring down at the vampires who'd first pushed him aside who now bowed their heads in shame. With his fangs just visible and his eyes slightly darker in that fitted suit, Blaine didn't look like a young vampire; he looked strong and powerful, a force to be reckoned with. For just a split second, Kurt let go of his stigma of pets and felt a rush of pride in being known as Blaine's, to be able to stand shoulder to shoulder with him... to be the one who gets to go home with him.
A twitch of a smile lingered on Blaine's lips and Kurt knew he'd been caught blushing, but he wasn't ashamed. He held his head high and kept eye contact with Blaine, enjoying the growth in Blaine's smile as he licked his lips. Kurt felt his body warming to Blaine's intense stare, caused to take deeper breathes to calm himself, much to the amusement and joy of Blaine. Blaine broke the trance as the Count stood from his throne to speak with the gathered crowd.
"My children, friends and associates, it has been too long since we last gathered together like this, even longer since I have been to this city which my youngest son, Blaine, has kept running so well." Nathan shared a warm, fatherly smile with Blaine who ducked his head at the praise, "When I granted this city to Blaine, I was horrified when he then set up an election for his post. I wanted to take the city back, but Blaine asked me to trust him... and I did... and I'm glad I did. For someone so young, I think Blaine has one of the oldest heads in this room. He is wise beyond his years, and is not afraid to change what we see as tradition."
Nathan turned to the crowd in front of him, "I asked for this gathering here because I wanted... needed you all to see what a success my son has made here. We are all struggling... Blood banks are drying up and more and more of the blood being gathered is tainted. But here, humans are striving. Humans come to this city freely to make a home for themselves; they freely go to blood banks and keep the levels above 60 percent. Pets who become freed humans don't leave like in your cities, they stay."
Nathan's eyes locked with Kurt's and in that moment Kurt couldn't move; his bones locked where he stood. He breathing hitched as he fought the invisible restraints but nothing he did made a difference. Was this the Count's ability? Was this just one of his abilities? "And now my son has even managed to break the barrier that has existed between vampires and pixies by taking this half pixie as his pet."
The crowd turned, all eyes lingering on Kurt, row upon row of white and yellowing fangs slipping past lips as their hazing eyes wandered over his body. Kurt's heart was racing, he didn't like this, he didn't like being leered at like this. What was he thinking agreeing to this? How did he think he could just let all these greedy old vampires suck the life out of him?
"Come." Boomed Nathan's voice.
On command Kurt's left foot stepped forward, followed by his right and then the left. Over and over his feet dragged him through the crowd. Even though he was petrified, scared stiff, whatever spell Nathan had on him had him gliding through the crowd and up onto the platform where Nathan's hand reached out to take him. He tried to pull back, he really did, biting the inside of his cheek in his effort to resist, but his hand moved of its own volition, laying in the palm of the Count.
Long, large fingers wrapped around his hand, looking tiny in his grasp and even though Kurt wanted to look down, look away, look anywhere than up at Nathan, he couldn't. Looking up into those eyes, all the legends Kurt had read about the Count were coming true; the tall, dark looming figure with piercing eyes and long razor shape fangs. A towering figure which would wrap you in his shadow and devour you of your strength, leaving you as a puppet for him to manipulate and use as he wished.
Kurt watched as the Count lifted his hand to his lips and in that moment, Kurt thought the Count was going to feed from him, feed from his wrist, in front of everyone... in front of Blaine. Silently, Kurt started to chant at the same time he tried to fight the Count; he didn't want Blaine to watch. But it was just lips that pressed to the back of his hand; smiling lips. Wide eyed, Kurt watched Nathan leave a gentle kiss on his skin as he kept his gaze on him, then, slowly, Nathan moved closer to whisper to Kurt.
"Your debt has been repaid, young human. You will get your paperwork in the morning. All I ask, is that you accompany my son for the evening and allow him, and only him, to feed from your beautiful neck."
Shocked, Kurt couldn't respond, his throat clamped shut as he stared at the man before him. His debt was paid. The Count had paid his debt... and all he had to do was spend one evening with Blaine... then he would be free. Free to leave this city and return to his family... free to leave... to leave Blaine. The ache in his chest was the same one he'd felt when he watched his father being forced away from him; panic, sadness and resignation.
He had nothing tying him to this city anymore and once Blaine helped him rescue his family and friends, he could leave with them to go... to go where? To find a new home? But... Kurt had found a home... sure it was a home he'd been forced into and locked away in, but none of that mattered because that home had Blaine in it, and it was Blaine that had made it home.
Kurt looked over to Blaine, now noticing the slight slump in his shoulders and the lilt in his eyes. He knew, he knew exactly what the Count was telling Kurt, and he didn't like it. Was he afraid that Kurt would leave the first chance he got? Kurt wanted to rush over to Blaine and return that warm, loving smile to his face which always lifted Kurt's spirits.
Kurt looked back to the Count, who now wore a jovial smirk at catching Kurt getting so distracted. Kurt nodded his head, the blush on his cheeks showing his embarrassment.
"Do you have anything to say?"
"Yes sir, thank you sir... Can I ask, why you have paid my debt?"
Nathan smiled sadly, "My son came to me and told me your tale. I want him to have his own pet, to know that he has someone who can keep him healthy and loved. However, you are not a pet and what happened to you was wrong. But if you steal my son's heart anymore than you already have only to leave him alone and heartbroken, then it is best you leave now. However if you feel for my son as he seems to feel for you, then I would prefer for you two to become acquainted with each other without the title of master and pet."
Before Kurt could question the Count again, Nathan turned to the crowd, "My son and this half pixie shall begin the night with the traditional first dance."
The thirty piece orchestra struck up the bouncing wave of energetic music; violins, flutes working with brasses, a grand piano and a harp to create a wonderful wash of vibrant music which had everyone moving to circle the large dance floor. Kurt could see Nick and the others moving around the floor, standing just behind the vampires, not conversing with any of them unless approached. One young girl was already pulled into the arms of a larger vampire, neck thrown to the side to allow those long fangs to feast.
A gentle touch to his bare back sent a rush of euphoria through his body, turning his head to smile at Blaine but only get a half heartened smile returned. With Nathan's words clear in his mind, suddenly Kurt found himself leaning in to those fingers running over the paint on his back just a little more, and standing just a little bit closer to breath in Blaine's scent. Even more so, he wanted to see Blaine happy again, to see a true smile on his face again.
Kurt looked down as Blaine held forth his hand in offer to Kurt and when Kurt looked back up at Blaine he saw through those golden orbs that something had changed. Their relationship had changed; gone was the strong man helping the weakened boy and left was this vulnerable, young soul and a strong, free man. Two individual paths to take, but would either of them allow those paths to cross?
Kurt placed his hand in Blaine's, giving him a warm smile. He wanted their paths to cross, he wanted to know everything about this man... he wanted a future where Blaine was in his life. They headed through the crowd to the centre of the hall where Blaine twirls Kurt round into his arms; one hand fitting into his while the other seated at the base of his back. The spin pressed Kurt's body firm against Blaine's with a small gasp, wide surprised blue eyes meeting saddened but lustful blow golden eyes.
As soon as Kurt's hand moved to Blaine's shoulder, they moved, with Blaine leading Kurt around the dance floor in a slow waltz which had Kurt feeling like he was floating on his feet. Together they glided around the dance floor, with Blaine's eyes never leaving Kurt's who only looked away from that intense gaze when he noticed Nathan and Jane stepping onto the dance floor and joining in with their own waltz.
"What did my father tell you?" Came Blaine's hushed voice.
"He said my debt has been repaid, and that I'll get my paperwork in the morning." Kurt replied, watching Blaine closely.
He noticed the pursing of his lips and the slight squint of his eyes, "I'm happy for you Kurt. Actually the thought of you serving all these vampires tonight had my stomach turning."
"I'm kind of relieved too... Your father did say that I was to remain by your side for the rest of the night."
The sad smile was back, "Guess mother read my mind again."
Now Kurt was confused, "What?"
"My mother is a mind reader, it was a skill she inherited when she became a vampire, before then it remained dormant in her human body." Blaine explained.
"But what does that have to do with what your father asked of me?" Kurt questioned.
Blaine bit his lip before responding, "Because I love you... and I'm going to miss you when you leave with your family." Blaine swallowed back the lump in his throat and blinked back the tears threatening to fall, "So while you're here, in this city... I wanted to be selfish and spend every second I can with you."
Blaine's confession caught Kurt off guard, staring at Blaine in shock, his feet working by themselves to keep up with Blaine and not embarrass him in front of this prestigious crowd.
"When will we head to Trevose Head?" Kurt knew it was the wrong thing to say as soon as the words left his lips. Blaine's head dipped and he felt rather than heard the raggedy breathe he took before lifting his teary eyes to the ceiling and then, only when Blaine had control again, to Kurt.
"In a couple of days. I'll be speaking with Jeff and David about our plan of action tomorrow." Blaine's voice was cold.
"When we find my family... could they... find a home here? Could Quinn help them find somewhere to live?"
Blaine's eyes widened, a flash of hope and a relaxed smile returning, "I could ask her. They could come here as freed humans, all they'd have to do is go to the necessary blood parties and blood banks and then get the tattoo and they'd be free to do what they wish in this city... Does this mean... you want to stay?"
Kurt smiled at Blaine, nodding his head, "This city... even with it being a vampire city... feels more like home than anywhere else..." Kurt bit his lip, hesitant to open his heart, "But I think, it feels most like home... because you're here."
Kurt whole body relaxed at the wide grin Blaine graced him with, followed by a joyful chuckle. It was the best sound Kurt had heard all day. The dance floor had filled now with more and more couples filling the dance floor but to Kurt and Blaine, no one else was there... just them.
"I will make sure they have the best apartments in the city, if it means I get to see you." Blaine's smile remained bright and glowing.
Kurt returned the smile, "And anyway, I can't go anywhere until we've had that date."
Blaine agreed with a nod, "How did I get so lucky as to have you in my life."
"I'm the lucky one, and I hope my luck never runs out when it comes to you." Kurt whispered.
As they danced, bodies flush against one another, Kurt became aware of how close Blaine's lips where to his when he felt his cool breathe on his lips, luring him in. Kurt did not disappoint. As the melody came to an end, Kurt reached in and pressed his lips to Blaine's, a moan of satisfaction escaping as he felt Blaine respond to the kiss by pressing in deeper with his own moan. Kurt didn't let it linger, aware of their audience and how their kisses could develop if left to progress, though he couldn't help the small chuckle and mischievous smile at the wonton groan Blaine let out.
Almost black eyes opened as the music faded, just a small swirl of hazel remaining as his fangs slipped out, "I need to feed from you now."
Kurt looked around at the expectant eyes on them, "Why?"
"It's tradition. Once I, as host, feast, it opens the floor up for the others to begin feasting." Blaine explained.
"I saw someone feeding earlier."
"He'll be fined." Blaine muttered, fangs fully extended.
Kurt rounded his mouth in a silent understanding before tilting his neck awkwardly, unsure of what to do. Firm hands gripped his shoulders, turning him towards the crowd then soothing him with long strokes up and down his arms as Blaine's body pressed against his, urging Kurt to lean against him. Kurt gave the crowd one last glance, spotting Jeff and Nick cuddled up in the distance with Cooper seated with Sophia on his knee and Nathan and Jane stand at the front, looking proud, before letting his body relax against Blaine, his head falling back against his shoulder, exposing his neck and closing his eyes.
He had barely started the chant before he felt a tender kiss press to his skin then the sharp press of fangs sinking beneath his skin. As Blaine's lips created a tight seal around his skin, he felt his body being tugged closer to Blaine, a moaned gasp escaping his lips and echoing around the room, much to the delight of their audience. Blaine's hand in his hair kept his head tilted to the ceiling and Kurt was glad to not have to see the looks of hunger in the eyes of his vampire audience.
It was a short feeding, just a couple of sips before Blaine carefully removed his fangs from Kurt's neck, and as Kurt straightened out his body, the crowd burst into cheers and the orchestra started up a fast paced string of music. The crowd dispersed, some moving together to greet and chat amiably while others sort out the scattered humans to begin the feast. One of the elder vampires approached Nick and without hesitation, took his wrist and clamped his jaw around the supply flesh. Nick tried to hold back his pain, tried to hold his body tall, but Kurt could see the strain in his lips, the slight crease on his forehead and aching bend in his back.
Jeff saw it too, standing in the far corner of the room to survey the crowd, fangs hanging low and eyes turning back. He looked furious, the flex in his hands a sure sign of how he wanted to rip the vampire away from Nick. Kurt suddenly had no desire to see how Blaine would react if another vampire fed from him so viciously. Kurt watched Blaine walk over to Jeff, stepping in front of his view of Nick and the vampire, and though Kurt couldn't hear what Blaine was saying, he could tell it was helping to calm Jeff.
"My son was born to lead." Came a calm, tranquil voice from his side.
Kurt turned to see Jane standing next to him, her eyes watching Blaine intently, and from this distance Kurt could track her thin body wrapped in porcelain skin and draped in beautiful emerald silk which swept behind her. Her black fringe obscured her face from his view just enough for Kurt not to be able to judge her expression.
"He runs this city well. I've never been to a city like this one." Kurt spoke out of turn, his back stiffening when he realised he spoke before being asked.
The grin on her red lips showed she had noticed, but she didn't mention it, "Nor will you. This is the safest and most multicultural city you will ever step into. You will not find the freedom you will have here anywhere... including your pixie village."
Kurt frowned, "I could do anything I wanted in my old village. If I could find that village again I would be more than happy."
"How many times did you travel out of the village after your mother died?" Jane asked, turning her piercing eyes on Kurt.
A gasp escaped Kurt's lips before he remembered Blaine mentioning his mother's telepathy, "I... We went once. I wanted to go to the beach my mother used to take us to."
"Did a pixie go with you?"
Kurt nodded, "My uncle."
Jane's smirk sent chills down Kurt's spine, "Then you were not free. If the pixies didn't want you to leave, or do something which displeased them, then they wouldn't let you complete said action."
Kurt's frown deepened. He didn't understand how all of this could be true. He did trust what Blaine had told him and with what others had told him since, including Jane, Blaine's words were only justified. But it still didn't make sense with the memories he had of his village. How could somewhere that felt so free and safe, be such a restrictive time bomb?
"I know my husband gave you back your freedom, and I know my son will let you spread you wings... he's very good at doing that... at letting go in the hopes that it will come back to him." Jane spoke in riddles.
"Mrs Anderson..." Kurt began but couldn't bring the words forth.
"Kurt, forget for a moment that my son is a vampire, that you up to this moment have had to act as his pet since that horrific moment in your life... forget that you have a family waiting for you, and just see Blaine for the man he is. If you can do that, then you'll better understand your heart... and your head."
Kurt wanted to ask her more, delving into her vast wisdom and knowledge but Cooper chose that moment to approach, bowing to his mother, "Father seeks your company, mother."
Jane took Cooper's outstretched hand, "When does he not?" Her eyes caught Kurt's one last time, "I'm sure I shall see you in the near future, Kurt."
Kurt nodded his response, watching the two walk through the crowd of dancers. A warm hand linked with his and Kurt smiled, knowing exactly who it was, squeezing back and shining a dazzling smile in Blaine's direction. He chuckled slightly at the nervous look Blaine was passing between him and the direction in which his mother went.
"Do I have to worry about what you and my mother were discussing?" Blaine asked, squeezing Kurt's hand.
"No, she only had good things to say about you."
"So what has you thinking so hard?"
Kurt swallowed hard, wanting to talk with Blaine but finding the surroundings too imposing, "Can we talk... somewhere more private?"
Blaine looked around with a heavy sigh, "I can't leave the party... but we can go to the balcony?"
Kurt nodded, "Please."
With Blaine leading the way, they escaped the hustle and bustle of the party and slipped through the glass doors onto the wide expanse of the balcony. Immediately Kurt's hands wrapped around his body, trying to keep the warmth of his body from escaping against the harsh cold evening breeze, but all too quickly the chill went, replaced by the warmth of the silk lined jacket that had just been draped over his shoulders.
Turning to Blaine, who now stood in just his crisp shirt, Kurt smiled while pulling the fabric closer to his body, "Thank you."
"I couldn't leave you standing out here dressed as you are. That would be very ungentleman of me." Blaine smiled back.
Together they walked to the banister, looking out of the city and down the theatrical plaza where the blur of several musical pieces could be heard. They both began to hum to the tunes they could pick up, sharing blushed smiles as they revealed how much of each tune they actually knew. Kurt turned to Blaine to watch him sing along to one particular tune he didn't know too well and just admired the beauty of the man before him.
If he was being honest with himself, he didn't need to be told what his heart and his mind was tell him, he knew it already. He had fallen for this vampire, for this man. He was in love with Blaine Anderson, son of the Count. He hadn't wanted to admit it before because of the stigma of the master and pet titles put on their heads or the fact of what would happen once he got his family back, but he couldn't deny it now. He loved Blaine. So why did it hurt so much? Oh yeah, Kurt had no idea what would happen once he got his family back.
But he didn't have his family right now, so for a few days he could pretend nothing was going to happen... and he could just enjoy this time with Blaine.
"Blaine." Kurt began, waiting for Blaine to stop humming and turn to him, the wind whipping his loosening curls over his forehead.
"Yeah?" Blaine urged him on.
"What... would... umm," Kurt groaned, rubbing his face with his hands, trying to get his tongue to catch up with his brain.
"Just say it Kurt, you can tell me anything." Kurt heard the sadness in Blaine's voice before he peaked through his fingers to see it, and it killed him.
"No, no.. umm... I just... I don't want to lose you, Blaine." Kurt blinked back the tears that now rimmed his eyes, "I'm scared of letting you in... in case I lose you after all of this. But the problem is... is you're already in my heart."
Blaine stepped up to Kurt, his hands coming up to rub gentle, warming circles on his arms, tilting his head to capture Kurt's downcast eyes, "You won't lose me... because I'm already yours."
Watery cerulean eyes shot up to look at Blaine, seeing the fiery honesty in his words through his eyes which caught his breathe.
"I didn't want to let you in, but here you are... and I... Blaine..." Kurt bit his lip, the words on the tip of his tongue.
"I love you, Kurt." Blaine whispered.
Three long, slow, hushed beats of his heart fluttered by as he let those words rush through his body, warming his soul and bringing a happy, content smile to his lips, "I love you too."
Together they let out the breathe they'd both been holding, filled with nervous and relieved chuckles. Eyes met once more, both filled with a love they didn't have to hide anymore and a lust they'd both kept at bay... until now.
Lip clashed together as their bodies collided into each other, limbs wrapping around one another as Blaine's jacket dropped to the floor, forgotten. Blaine moaned against Kurt's lips while his hands ran over his back and sides, daring to reach down and grab Kurt's ass. Kurt moaned, arching into the touch, rolling his body against Blaine's, both of them moan when they rapidly hardening members brushed against each other.
This kiss was different to the others. They were just caring touches of affection, an affirmation of their trust and familial love for one another before but this kiss was about passion, love and need. This kiss held a promise of what was to come and as Blaine slipped his tongue into Kurt's mouth while the tips of his fangs teased the skin of his lips, Kurt moaned and pressed in deeper to let Blaine know that he wanted it. He wanted it all.
I could've carried it on I know, but this splits the scene nicely into two chapters. Note that Nathan refers to Kurt as a human when speaking to him. I know I am focusing on his pixie side a lot but just you wait until they get to Trevose Head. Until next time.