The Storm: Redemption
Chapter Twenty-Five
By Gayforkurt
Summary: Famous countertenor Kurt Hummel and billionaire entrepreneur Dave Karofsky must come to terms with the past but bitter feelings make a future for these two headstrong men highly unlikely. This is rated M.
Disclaimer: Messrs. Ryan, Falchuk, et al are the owners of my favorite boys. Only the OCs belong to me, alas.
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KHDK
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Will Schuester stared across the magnificent room, his mind slightly awhirl at the happy mix of people, good food and wine and the Christmas spirit. His wife Terry was slightly flushed herself and laughing giddily as she sipped her champagne and chatted to a couple seated near them. She had come over to England to spend Christmas with him and was just in time to receive Kurt Hummel's invitation to his housewarming/Christmas bash.
Now Will looked at his host standing on the other side of the room chatting with a couple of guests and gazing adoringly at his billionaire lover. Will shook his head bemusedly; it had been about three months ago that he'd had a talk with a very emotionally unstable Kurt, letting him know his erratic behaviour was beginning to be noticed and discussed. The young singer had apologized, as he'd done with his colleagues too, and by the following month, Will had noticed a marked change in his demeanor. He knew it had something to do with the man standing next to Kurt but he was happy not to have the details. Some things were better left between squabbling lovers, he firmly believed.
Kurt was glowing as he laughed up at David, effortlessly drawing the attention of his guests as he mingled and socialized. He had been happy that most of his guests had been able to make it; it was rather short notice but Puck had said that, under the circumstances, it would be better. That way the location of the party (and, thereby Kurt's whereabouts) would be kept under wraps for as long as possible. Dave, of course, had agreed wholeheartedly. Privately he had thought the party wasn't a good idea but he couldn't disappoint Kurt who was ecstatic at the thought of hosting the event in his first ever home.
Dave looked down into Kurt's shining face; he had not moved very far from his beautiful lover the whole evening. They were almost joined at the hip, as Carole had teasingly noted earlier, but he wasn't ashamed of it. He was totally bowled over by Kurt and he didn't care who knew it. He intercepted a number of speculative glances from some of Kurt's colleagues but he ignored them. He spent most of the time chatting to Rex, Puck and a number of his own guests he had felt comfortable inviting.
Kurt, leaning over to whisper to David, informed him he would just pop into the kitchen to check on everything and the ladies and then David should meet him by the pool. Dave raised one eyebrow, wondering what his devious little love was up to, and nodded.
Kurt excused himself from the group he'd been currently talking with and headed back to the kitchen, inhaling the wonderful smells emanating from the huge room. He came in just in time to be almost trampled by some of the caterers' staff and he laughed apologetically, skirting around the busy folk and heading for Eddy's side.
The flushed and harried cook looked up and saw him coming and she smiled, unable not to at the sight of her young master's shining face. "Everything alright, Master Kurt?"
Kurt snitched a tiny crabmeat-filled hors d'oeuvre, stuffing it into his mouth and nodding as he chewed. "Mmmmph, mmm-yes, all good," he swallowed before continued. "This is great, Eddy! Everybody's chowing down on all the goodies and… where is Mrs. L?" He glanced around the scurrying people trying to catch sight of his housekeeper.
"Oh, she's out the back checking the wine with the caterer. We can't afford to run out, y'know!" She chuckled at the look of dismay that flashed across Kurt's face. "Not to worry, she has it well in hand! The folks before you used to have even larger affairs than this, she said."
Kurt nodded, relieved, and patted her on the shoulder as he moved off to the swimming pool area. "Well, thanks, Eddy, I know everything's in good hands. I'll pop in later," he called over his shoulder, his mind already on Dave as he snagged a lone glass of champagne sitting on a table.
He heaved another sigh of relief as he left the warm, crowded kitchen. He sipped the cool wine, smacking his lips delicately as the little bubbles tickled. He stepped into the pool room and looked around for David, the foliage of the potted plants adding pockets of darkness to the dimly lit area.
"Hey, beautiful, looking for someone?" The voice was low, husky and amused.
Kurt spun around, spilling a couple of drops of the expensive wine, and giggled softly. "Mmmm, I seemed to have misplaced a very special someone and can't find him now."
The man detached himself from one of the shadows near a potted palm, moving the fronds aside as he moved over to the slender singer. Kurt sipped the last of his champagne as the man approached, watching him with a wary eye as he came closer.
Just as Kurt placed the champagne flute on a wrought-iron table, a long arm slid around his waist and hauled him into a rock-hard chest. He had no time to even draw breath before warm, firm lips came down on his mouth, stealing his sound and his breath.
Kurt squirmed against the solid mass and whimpered when the man's tongue slid into his mouth. His cock hardened involuntarily and he moaned, his thighs falling apart at the feel of the other man's answering bulge. Large hands slid down the back of his leather pants and cupped his ass, bringing him to grind harder against the sturdy body.
"Mmmmf, what the_?" Kurt tried wrenching his mouth away but insistent lips followed him and he moaned as the kisses got deeper, wetter and dirtier. He panted as one large, muscled thigh slipped between his legs and rubbed firmly against his erection.
"No, stop, please!" His breathy protest finally seemed to register and gleaming eyes stared down into his own wide, aroused blue-green orbs.
"You don't want this?" A movement of the solid, muscled thigh wrenched a soft gasp from Kurt's swollen lips but he pressed his palms flat against the hard chest, shaking his head.
"No, uh, yes, but… we can't… the people. Damnit, I have a house full of guests to attend to!"
Dave stared at his indignant lover, enjoying the sight of the flushed cheeks and rosy lips immensely. His lover was the sexiest thing to draw breath and when Kurt had told him to meet him in the pool room, he couldn't tamp down his libido anymore.
"You know it's your fault for looking so fucking irresistible!" He smirked at the warring expressions on Kurt's expressive face.
Kurt couldn't seem to decide if he should kiss David for the compliment or smack him for turning him on and mussing up his hair and clothes. He pushed himself away determinedly, huffing as he straightened his jacket and tried to adjust himself in his now too-tight leather pants. "Look at what you've done, David; I can't be seen with a hard on that could hammer nails!"
Dave burst out laughing, trying to adjust his own pants more comfortably. He moved up behind his grumbling lover and leaned down to whisper seductively: "I could help you take care of that, you know. No one would have to know…"
Kurt paused, his head coming up and a mischievous but thoughtful expression creeping into his eyes. "You could? How? Anyone could come out at any moment."
Dave whispered, even more softly: "Shhhh, I'll show you," and slid both hands around to the front of Kurt's pants, unhooking it and sliding the zipper down slow and easy.
Kurt's breath caught as one large hand slid inside but had to chuckle at David's exclamation of "commando?"
He felt the larger man's groan reverberate through his back and into his own chest, turning him on even more. He gasped again as David squeezed and fondled him but then the larger man moved back to fumble with something behind Kurt.
When his hand returned he was holding a large square of snowy handkerchief and Kurt understood. David proceeded to jack him off, dropping soft, wet, sucking kisses along Kurt's long, smooth neck, nibbling every now and then on the tendon there and driving Kurt wild.
The singer lifted one fist to stuff into his mouth to muffle his cries. David knew just how to work his cock and the man used every bit of knowledge to reduce Kurt to a quivering, whimpering and gasping mess.
Dave ground his stone-hard cock against Kurt's round buttocks, gasping damply against the singer's neck and trying to stifle his own moans. He didn't often jerk Kurt off, preferring to watch the singer do it himself, but now the luscious feel of the tight ass rubbing him relentlessly coupled with the hot, slick column of flesh in his hand was pushing him close to the edge.
He held off though because this was about Kurt. Afterwards he could go and take care of himself in the powder room but right now he needed to get Kurt to come as quietly as possible. He licked a wet stripe up the side of Kurt's neck, a hot zone for the singer, and simultaneously swirled his thumb over the leaking head of the singer's cock.
With one hard grind back into his larger lover and a desperate thrust into the merciless hand gripping him, Kurt shattered and came, gasping cries escaping the tight fist held against his mouth.
Dave held him as the cock pulsed and spit, making sure to catch every drop with the handkerchief in the other hand and squeezed his eyes shut at the feel of Kurt shuddering and quaking in his arms. He whispered calming nonsensical things to his overcome lover, brushing his forehead against his soft hair and waited for him to finally catch his breath.
Kurt huffed out a soft, sated little chuckle, turning his head to brush his lips against David's cheek. "Oh, sweetie, thank you, thank you. I love you."
Dave, with his arms still around him, turned his head so he could get at his mouth. The lovers kissed for a while, oblivious to their surroundings, dismissing everything else as unimportant. Gradually their bodies cooled and their breathing returned to normal and Dave folded the soiled handkerchief away before tucking Kurt back into the leather pants.
Kurt turned around in his arms and rested his head against the broad chest. "You're the best; I love you so much…" and looked up smilingly at his handsome lover. He squeezed him one last time and stepped back before dropping a last little kiss on the smiling lips. "You always know how to take care of me."
Dave's eyes sparkled in the low light as he answered. "You know it's a job for life, right?"
He smiled as the peals of Kurt's laughter echoed around the large space. The singer shook his head teasingly. "I think schoolchildren in England know that, sweetie. And, just so you know, ditto."
He danced away from a chuckling Dave and with a little wave, bounced back into the house, flushed and happy and satisfied.
Dave followed at a much slower pace, not wanting to draw any attention to their little interlude. He needed to go and take care of a very insistent problem knocking at his zipper before he could be decent for company.
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KHDK
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The lovers were unaware that their lusty little interlude had, indeed, been observed.
Soft shallow breaths could be heard from the darkness near the deep end of the pool. Pale grey eyes were hidden behind tightly shut lids as Julian tried to get control of his arousal. There was no way he was going to jerk off at the memory of what he had just seen. No way; that was his boss and his beautiful, delicious, sexy, hot lover! He was not going to remember the way David had hauled Kurt into his arms and set up camp in the singer's lush mouth. Nor was he going to remember the sounds the two men made as they kissed and writhed against each other. Absolutely not! That would be wrong on so many levels. If only he could just forget what he'd seen, what he'd heard, oh god, please!
Minutes passed as the agent's breathing gradually slowed and the tension in his body seeped away. He drew his professionalism around him like a cloak and he forced himself to return to his task. He had come out to the pool area as part of his rounds to check the perimeters. The other agents were located at various points around the property and the additional security that Puck had hired were taking care of the grounds themselves. Others were checking the parking area and keeping an eye on the various drivers and chauffeurs. Too many strangers made the team jumpy and by this time they all felt a little territorial towards their principals.
Except in Julian's case, his feelings went a little beyond mere territoriality. He ached at the sight of the beautiful singer but he was no stranger to unrequited love and he was damned if he would let his libido suborn his ethics. Kurt was under his protection and everything else faded into insignificance in the face of his mission. Everything.
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KHDK
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The party wound down around 2 o'clock the next morning, Christmas Eve. The caterers cleaned up and left about ninety minutes later and finally, around four, Dave and Kurt were able to drag their weary but happy selves up to their bed.
Shedding their party clothes as they walked, Kurt decided they needed a quick, lukewarm shower before they fell, exhausted, into bed. He pushed and pulled a grumbling Dave with him, smirking fondly at the childish mutters.
"Believe me, you'll thank me because you'll sleep so much better."
Dave pouted. "What sleep, I'm going to pass out for at least twelve hours!"
Kurt chuckled as he soaped up the sleepy man's large body, his hands rubbing softly but briskly. It had been his experience that after a hard night of partying, if he showered he had a much more restful, much deeper night's sleep.
Eventually the two dragged themselves out of the shower, Kurt continuing to pamper David, helping him to finish up his ablutions. Then they flopped happily into the bed that had been turned down by one of the girls, Dave humming and huffing contentedly as he burrowed into the cool, smooth bedding. An affectionate smile spread over Kurt's face as he watched him from the next pillow.
His life had improved so much from that rocky start when he'd first met David that he found it difficult to believe they were the same two people. He sighed, his eyes closing as he sent up a little prayer of thanks to any passing deity who cared about two men who loved each other to a quite ridiculous degree.
Little snippets of the party floated across his mind's eye but one thought kept coming back to shove them aside. Tomorrow is Christmas, tomorrow is Christmas… going to be the best ever…
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KHDK
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Christmas Eve morning dawned a little grey but a lot less damp than the previous days but neither Kurt nor Dave knew because they woke up around 11, just in time to stumble downstairs for brunch.
The day would be crazy with people trying to find places behind the blue spruce Christmas tree to stash their gifts. No one wanted their gift to be in the front; something about the suspense of having to reach beneath the decoration-laden limbs for that one special gift near the back. What was it about Christmas that brought out the childishness in even so-called senior citizens?
They eventually scattered to do their last-minute shopping; apparently none of them was of the school that believed in getting all their shopping done by September. So, the afternoon found Kurt and Carole, chauffeured by Julian and Devon heading in one direction, and Burt, Dave and Puck heading in another. Soft whispers and secretive chuckles added to the holiday atmosphere, made all the more festive with the girls scurrying around adjusting decorations and furniture that had been pushed out of place by the guests from the night before.
Kurt was in seventh heaven. The company was on hiatus because the theatre would be used for the traditional pantomime on Boxing Day and they had to get all their stuff out and in storage. Rex had informed them that instead of being live on New Year's Eve, they would be taping the day before. He had handed over schedules for each set to be taped and the performers who would be involved would find their way to the studios on time or there would be hell to pay.
After looking over his own schedule, Kurt suddenly realized that David and Puck must have had a hand in the unprecedented changes. He knew, of course, why they were necessary and he only hoped that what the men had planned would work and a certain individual would no longer be a part of their lives.
Now, though, on Christmas Eve, Kurt inhaled the frosty air and the sounds of the bells being wrung over the Christmas charity kettles and just basically enjoyed the hustle and bustle of last-minute Christmas shopping.
He linked his arm with Carole's, their heads together as they whispered and plotted. Julian walked to Carole's left while Devon was on Kurt's right but the presence of the two security men didn't dampen Kurt's enjoyment.
Half-way through their shopping spree they stopped for hot chocolate and so that Carole could rest a bit and ticked off names from their gift-buying lists. Kurt had to persuade Carole to wait until after the Christmas rush to get the gifts for the folks back home to which she reluctantly agreed.
They finally scarfed down the last of the hot beverages and pastries and then gathered up their shopping bags, the two men helping them out. As they stepped out of the restaurant, a newspaper caught Kurt's eye and, realizing that he hadn't had a chance to read the papers since the day had been off to such a late start, Kurt paid for it, dropped it into one of the bagas and then continued his marathon shopping.
Later that night, after having deposited his shopping bags in his walk-in closet so David wouldn't be tempted to go through them, he finally had a chance to sit down. He'd settled himself in with the newspaper he'd bought and a nice cup of coffee when, once more, he came across his own countenance staring back at him from the pages.
It was a good thing he'd already swallowed his sip of coffee or it would have been all over the papers and the coffee table. The photos showed him leaning against David, smiling up at him while surrounded by a group of grinning colleagues. It was obvious it had been snapped the night before, probably with someone's cell phone. It was accompanied by several other snaps of his housewarming party and the captions said as much.
The photos were of very good quality and, had it not been for the situation with the Smythe-Heffley woman, he would have been tickled that his first housewarming party had made it into the newspaper's society pages. Now, though, he found no pleasure in what would seem to be him flaunting his relationship with one of the world's most eligible bachelors in her face.
He sighed as he sat back, the paper rustling and crumpling as he forgot about his coffee and his eyes took on a faraway look. He was a kindhearted person and he wondered, for a moment, how he would react if he had been in her shoes. After a moment though, he snapped out of it. Pffft, I don't think I'd be trying to throw acid on anyone! he scoffed. He shook his head as he looked at the photographs again, smiling as he remembered what he'd been saying or doing in each one.
He had really enjoyed the party; he had been happy that Will and Terry could make it and been delighted with Terry's reaction upon meeting David. A little flare of self-satisfaction glowed within him as he recalled the envious look on her face when she realized exactly who Kurt's lover was. Kurt wasn't as close to Terry as he was to Will as she'd always been a little catty towards him so, in a way, this felt a little like payback.
He chuckled as he remembered how his colleagues had admired the house and its décor, some pointing out that they hadn't even been aware that Kurt had moved from his little flat. Kurt was accustomed to the half-envious, half-bitchy comments that were the norm for his group so he'd only taken everything in stride, happy and glowing that he had David at his side.
The object of his thoughts and affection strolled into the room munching on a bit of pastry and raised an eyebrow at his giggling lover. Dave shoved him over gently and sat beside him, looking enquiringly at him as he chewed.
"Hey, sweetie, I was just remembering last night; I had such a fabulous time," he sighed, stroking one hand down from Dave's chest to his stomach, continuing to rub it soothingly. He was a very tactile person and he was happy that David seemed to be, as well. He suddenly recalled the photos and held out the newspaper towards David.
"Oh, here, we made the society pages," he smirked as he raised one eyebrow sarcastically. "Yayyy."
David grunted softly, eyeing the newspaper before taking it up to look at the pictures. "Hey, these look good. Hmmm, you look good!"
Kurt, in the act of pouring more coffee for himself and David, smirked. "I always look good."
"Sorry, your majesty, I should have said 'as usual', eh?" He chuckled as Kurt stuck the tip of his tongue out at him. He placed David's coffee closer to him and sat back with his own, actually sipping at it until it was finished.
They sat in companionable silence as Dave read the captions for the pictures, chuckling at some of the expressions on the faces of various guests. He always thought candid photos were funny and these had obviously been taken by a sneaky guest. He didn't really care about the publicity, having been used to it all his life but the thought that someone had sent them to the papers without permission was still somewhat annoying.
Kurt looked at him seriously for a moment before speaking. "I almost hope a certain individual doesn't see this, y'know?"
Dave looked puzzled for only a couple of seconds before he straightened up, his hand going to cover Kurt's comfortingly. "Hey, sweetheart, we'll be taking care of things once and for all very soon, okay?"
Kurt nodded, having an idea as to what he was referring. The night of the command performance should see the end of at least this part of their drama. After that, the best part should begin, if he had any say in anything. He smiled as he looked over at his lover, taking in the concerned gleam in his beautiful hazel eyes.
He leaned over and kissed him, savoring the taste of coffee on his lips and smiled as the kiss was returned with enthusiasm. They kissed and cuddled, Dave eventually hauling Kurt over onto his lap and wrapping the singer safely in his arms.
"Aw, jeeze, you two!" Burt Hummel exclaimed as he walked into the room, halting suddenly at the sight of the two canoodling on the sofa. Both Kurt and Dave burst out laughing at the comically disgruntled look on the older man's face.
"Hey, dad, got all your last-minute stuff done?" Kurt grinned unrepentantly up at his dad; he knew the man's reaction was partly faked. His father had always been supportive of him, after he got his head out of his butt years ago, that is, and he never had a problem with any of Kurt's boyfriends. Although, come to think of it, Kurt suddenly realized, Burt hadn't really ever met any of Kurt's boyfriends before.
The elder Hummel sighed and nodded, coming over to sit in an armchair across from the two lovers. "Yeah, yeah, I think I got everyone covered. I'm gonna wait until after the new year to buy the stuff for the kids, I think."
Kurt nodded approvingly. "That's what I told mum today. She was all set to dash around like a chicken without its head." He chuckled and then wriggled as Dave tickled him in retaliation for that last bit.
Burt shook his head as he watched the two, suddenly being thrown back in time as he remembered how Kurt's mother used to be. She had the same high, musical giggle, her beautiful face shining with happiness, especially when they'd found out she was pregnant.
Now he felt especially pleased with the gift he'd got for Kurt. He knew his son would love it and he planned to supply himself with extra handkerchiefs for the waterworks he knew would be inevitable.
"Anyway, I came in here to tell you that Mrs. L says supper is catch as catch can. She'll set out some cold meats and stuff, she says, on the sideboard and we're to help ourselves as we wish." He nodded in finality, knowing that he had already stuffed himself on his return with the guys from shopping.
Kurt settled back on David's lap as he nodded in acknowledgement of the message. He wasn't particularly hungry yet and David had just been eating when he entered so he didn't plan to move from his perch for a while. He'd put on some music as he'd come in earlier and the soft, instrumental strains of Christmas carols played quietly in the background. Soon he drifted off, his head coming to rest on David's sturdy shoulder while the man's large hand brushed up and down his back in firm, gentle strokes.
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KHDK
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Emma's mood had moved from fiery to icy as she stared at each and every one of the photographs in the society pages of that day's newspapers. Each publication had at least a few from the housewarming party of that singer and she wondered who had sneaked them out. She stared avidly at any photo in which Dave's face showed clearly, her heart clenching at the look of love glowing so clearly there.
Her fingers closed slowly, tightening on the broadsheet, heedless of the ink being transferred onto her skin. She didn't stop until every photo was lying shredded before her, no face easily discernible in the bits of newsprint fluttering to the floor.
Her face contorted in fury, she swept the offending pieces of newsprint from in front of her, oblivious to the animalistic snarls coming from her own throat. She went on this way, crying and kicking at the clutter on the floor and shoving the table out of place until there was the sound of the doorbell. It jerked her back to rationality and she wiped her face messily, looking around in surprise at the disarray she'd created.
She stumbled to her feet, wondering who was disturbing her at this hour on Christmas Eve. She didn't even glance at herself in the hallway mirror; she just stormed to the door, unlatched it and yanked it open.
She stood staring, fresh tears coming to her eyes and her shoulders slumping in defeat. Her visitor only stared back, a look of dismay and dawning embarrassment creeping over his handsome face.
"Emma, is everything alright?"
The sound of his deep, well-educated voice only brought more tears and she lowered her head, ashamed at the state in which he'd found her.
"Oh, Elliot, why… why now?"
Elliot stared at the woman in front of him, almost unrecognizable as the beautiful and elegant Emma Smythe-Heffley. He looked away for a few seconds and then steeled himself to look back at her. He cleared his throat and began again.
"I was passing nearby and thought, 'why not check on old Em', y'know?" He winced inwardly at how utterly pathetic he sounded but, as she looked as bad as he felt, she couldn't really judge him.
Emma nodded, trying to retrieve an air of social grace she knew was sadly lacking. She stepped back and then asked, "Would you like to come in?"
He looked at her, noting the obvious signs of earlier tears and the dark smears on the side of her face. He couldn't for the life of him figure out what she had been doing to get into such a state. He nodded and tried for a smile. "Okay, if it isn't too much trouble…"
Again he cringed; this was a woman with whom he'd shared bodily fluids and intimate acts. Now they were standing in her doorway acting as if he were here to borrow a cup of sugar, good Lord.
He smiled faintly and stepped forward, expecting her to move away so he could enter and when she didn't he took a closer look at her. The faint lines at the sides of her eyes and nose that she'd gone to so much effort to mask were prominent, as were the dark pouches beneath her eyes. In a word, she looked awful.
When he stopped she looked up at him and then realized she was blocking the doorway. She gave a little laugh and moved away so he could enter fully. When he stepped past her and looked around her drawing room, she shut and locked the door before turning back toward him.
"Want a drink?" This time her casual address felt more natural and he relaxed slightly even as he looked at the disaster of a living room. He couldn't imagine what had happened here; the furniture was all askew and it appeared there were bits of newspaper everywhere.
"Ahh, yes, thanks, a whiskey soda, if you have it."
She nodded and moved away to fix the drink, fixing one for herself as she did. Bustling about the little galley kitchen, she got a look at herself and almost died of mortification. Her hair looked like a rat's nest and there were ink smears on the side of her face. However, she straightened her shoulders and took the drinks and handed Elliot his.
"Excuse me a sec, won't you; I must freshen up," and without waiting for a response she ducked into her bedroom and then on into the bathroom. She washed her face, didn't renew her makeup (he'd seen her in far less) and combed her hair. Feeling a bit more human, she came back out to him, sat and took her drink.
They drank in silence but it weighed so heavily on them that they both burst out speaking at the same time. She laughed drily and then nodded for him to go ahead.
He did: "I'm really sorry, Em; I've been an absolute ass to you. You didn't deserve that."
She sipped her drink and stared at him, wondering where to start. Her eye caught on the rubbish on the floor and she indicated it with the same hand holding the glass.
"I suppose you're wondering what that's all about." He nodded and she continued. "I've been exorcising a demon."
He choked on the whiskey, looking at her as if she'd gone barking. "Uhmm, yes?" He didn't know what else to say!
"Yes, you see, that there is what's left of the man who has been making my life hell."
She sat back as if that explained everything. Elliot looked at her, wondering if he should have come by and cursing his foolish heart. He realized now what she was on about and he had hoped that over the last several weeks she would have given up this crazy idea that she could get Karofsky to come back to her.
"Look, Em," he began. "I think you should, perhaps, take a break, hmmm?" He tried to speak soothingly, like one did to a person you weren't certain would go off any minute and start shooting up the place.
She laughed abruptly. "I'm not mad, you know. I'm not mad, I'm just… just…" and her voice dwindled away as she closed her eyes, her head lolling back on the sofa. "I just have to try harder, think of something better. I know it will work."
A shiver went through him as he listened to her. Her voice had a determination that frightened him. His first thought when she opened the door came back to him: this woman needs help. He remembered that he'd seen her father at his club just the weekend before and though they hadn't spoken about her directly, he'd got the feeling her father had been worried.
"Em, darling, you really have to give up this crazy scheme."
She leapt to her feet, throwing the glass against the unlit fireplace, and turning to scream at him. "Crazy! Crazy? That little shit stole my life! I had plans, Elliot, plans. Do you know I borrowed money? Yes, I borrowed money and there are people who will want it back! My plan has to work." She collapsed back on the couch, her eyes wide and staring into his. "It has to work!"
Elliot, horrified and frightened, stared at her, the outburst only solidifying his opinion that she was on the verge of a breakdown. Clearly she had become obsessed with her 'plans' and God only knew what she had tried already. He rose to his feet and came over to sit beside her, unwilling to believe she was unreachable.
"Oh, darling, you have been a silly old girl, haven't you?" He spoke calmingly and she responded by leaning against him, her head coming to rest on his shoulder. He put his arm around her and rubbed her arm, hoping she would calm further.
He hoped with everything in him that he had not arrived too late to help her. He needed to call her father or her brothers, someone. He couldn't do this alone but he was determined that this time, he would not turn his back. He was ashamed of his reaction to her non-confession and he loved her enough to want to make it up to her. He just needed to get her to see that her plans were unrealistic and unworthy of her stature and breeding. Maybe if he appealed to her innate snobbishness, he could make some progress.
They sat together as the hours ticked over into Christmas Day and he hoped that somehow he could help her. She needed help and he would, he had to see to it that she got it.
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TBC
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A/N: Link me, please, and let me know if she should have a shot at redemption or if she should remain on her path to self-destruction. You know I value your input, okay?