"Scandal is gossip made tedious by morality." – Oscar Wilde, Lady Windermere's Fan

Monday (September)

Kurt cracks one eye open as he hears his phone ring. He looks at the clock and can't imagine why anyone would want to talk to him at 6:30am on a Sunday morning after Fashion's Night Out, the diva-off and the after-parties. He glances at his phone and accepts the call when he realizes it's his publicist.

"Hayley, do you know what time it is?"

"Sorry if I woke you up, but there's something you've got to see. I'll send you a link. Once you've watched it, give me a call. I'm on my way to the office. Don't say anything to anybody except 'no comment' until we figure out what to do."

Hayley ends the call abruptly, and Kurt is puzzled by her cryptic message. He sits up and swings his legs to the side of the bed. His ankle is no longer swollen and so he tentatively stands up. He's relieved that he can put weight on his ankle. He's glad that he took Bentley's advice last night and stayed at home. His livelihood depends upon him able to strike poses.

Kurt goes to the bathroom, careful not to put too much weight on his left leg, and wonders what could possibly have happened overnight. When he's settled back into bed, he receives a notification for Hayley's new message and clicks on the link to a video.

The beginning of the video includes a clip of Blaine's diva-off performance and Kurt smiles as he remembers how Blaine had worked the stage. The smile quickly disappears as the stage fades away and then the video reappears focused on the backstage dressing room. There, for all to see, is Kurt pulling Blaine in for a dirty and messy kiss. Oh. My. God.

It doesn't stop there – someone got the whole thing on video. Kurt's body involuntarily trembles as he continues to watch. 'Diva' is playing softly in the background, but the panting and moaning and growling – did he really growl at Blaine? – can be heard clearly. Was Blaine really that vocal? Kurt squints his eyes as if that will make it all go away as he watches the thrusting, the licking, the biting until they both had orgasms.

With shaky fingers, he switches to Twitter and discovers that the video is trending - #DivaBlaine, #DivaSexTape, and #Klaine are on top of the list. Kurt would have been amused at the ship name if he wasn't so utterly mortified. Kurt tosses his phone aside before he can glance at the tweets. Sobs start to rack his body when he thinks of the scandal. Last night had been so perfect, with his first kiss, his first sexual experience with another man, and it was so special because his firsts were with Blaine. And here is that moment – so intimate and private – on the Internet for everyone to see.

How could this possibly have happened? Who took the freaking video? He can't believe for a moment that it was Unique or even Blaine. But who else was around? Kurt's thoughts spiral until they feel out of control. When his phone starts ringing, he doesn't think to look who it is. He swipes the screen and answers, "Hayley, I just saw it."

"What the hell, Kurt! You told me Anderson treats you with respect!"

Kurt immediately recognizes the voice, and it's not Hayley's. It's the voice of the one person he really doesn't want to talk to right now. "Dad, it's not what you think."

"What do ya mean it's not what I think? I have eyes, Kurt. I saw Blaine practically eating your face and pushing himself against you…. And those sounds and words that came out of his mouth? Trust me, no parent wants to see his child treated that way."

"It wasn't like that! At the time, it didn't feel at all like it looks on video. Blaine was respectful and honest with me. It was a private moment between Blaine and myself… The first private moment we've had, I should add."

Kurt drops his head, feeling so ashamed that his father has watched the video. As tears form in his eyes, he sniffles to control the crying. Kurt can hear his father sigh deeply at the other end of the line.

"Look, son. It just wasn't what I'd expected to watch while eating my Wheaties this morning. Are you okay, Kurt? Are you safe?"

"I'm not sure. My PR agent is figuring out a plan, and in the meantime, I'm sitting tight. I have to talk to Blaine and find out what happened and who took the video. Rachel moved out last week, so I'm on my own, but that's a good thing 'cause I don't think I could face anybody right now."

"Do you wanna come home? You'll be safe with me."

"I can't, Dad. The lease here runs out in a couple of weeks and I have to find a new place to live. I also have to decide where I'm going to work. I'm also expected at the New York Fashion week coming up. So yeah, I've got to be in New York until at least the end of the month."

"I can always get Timmy to take over the garage and stay with you instead. Help you out with the move."

"Can I let you know, Dad? I think I need to talk to Hayley and Blaine first."

"Sure thing, son. But remember, the offer is always there. Just say the word."


"Kurt, are you alright? Safe? Can you look out the window and tell me what you see?"

"Thank god you called, Blaine. I can't believe what's happening," Kurt replies as he walks over to the Bushwick loft's window and looks down at the street. "There's a couple walking a dog, some families on the way to the park, and some guy picking through the garbage bags. Nothing unusual. Why?"

"My apartment building is swamped with fans, the paparazzi and the press. It's so crazy that the police have arrived and are setting up barricades. Don't come over this morning. I'm going to lay low for a while and stay with Unique."

"D-d-do you know what happened Blaine? Who took the video?"

"I don't know, but I'm going to get to the bottom of this. And when I do… That person is going to be very, very sorry."

"I'm so angry about this. They had no right…"

"I know, Kurt. I'm angry about it too. My lawyers are getting an injunction to get it off the Internet, although that doesn't mean it's going to stop circulating. Gifs are springing up everywhere. We can't control that."

"Oh my god, Blaine. I always thought that my first time – our first time – would be special. But now it feels ruined, and I'm going to be haunted by the photos and gifs forever."

"Shhh… Don't think like that. It was special… And you are so very special to me. We'll get through this, but it might take some time. Look, the next few days are going to be crazy with lawyers, PR agents, the press, etc. Please leave it with me. Hayley will let you know what's going on."

"So when am I going to see you next, Blaine?"

"I'm not sure. I think we need to keep some distance for the next few days. We don't want to feed the media frenzy even more by being seen together. I need to make a press statement about it, so maybe after that? But if you need anything in the meantime, contact Tina. She'll pass along the message. My phone is going crazy, so I'm switching it off once we finish this call."

"Okay, Blaine. I trust you and know you'll figure this out."


Blaine switches off his phone with a heavy heart. Last night had been so perfect. He had won the diva-off, boosted Vogue's reputation, and raised $15 million for charities at last count. Cooper was by his side throughout the evening and his father was proud. But the most perfect thing of all was kissing Kurt.

They had been acting like fools before last night – both afraid that the other didn't reciprocate what they felt. All it took was one kiss to resolve the matter. Blaine had planned out a speech, the music, the setting for their first kiss so many times in his head. But when Kurt pulled him in and kissed him with so much passion, it was perfect. It felt so good – so right – and more, well, just… more.

Touching, smelling, tasting Kurt - Blaine had felt as if all his pent-up emotions were unleashed last night. Kurt's little gasps and whimpers, feeling Kurt's hands and lips move along his body, only added fuel to the fire inside him. In hindsight, Blaine should have stopped them when things were getting overheated. However, all rational thoughts flew out of his mind when Kurt's hands grabbed his hips and started thrusting. Blaine had never seen this more commanding side of Kurt – wanting him, needing him – and it was the hottest. Thing. Ever.

Blaine's only regret is that they hadn't had time to themselves afterwards – to revel in the feeling, whisper sweet nothings, and make out some more. There were fans to meet, photos to pose for, press to talk to, and the endless parties. He had been a little disappointed when Kurt twisted his ankle, but he had understood that it was best to ice it, and Cooper was there to support him. In retrospect, Blaine's glad that there aren't photos of them at the after-parties. It would only have made this media circus even worse.

Blaine leaves his study and returns to the dining area, where there is a gathering of people – Tina, Unique, Bentley, Isabelle, lawyers, PR agents, and Vogue staff.

"The judge signed the injunction ten minutes ago. The video's coming off YouTube," Jenni from Legal reports.

Blaine smiles for the first time that day. "Well, that's the first small victory. Now tell our outside legal counsel that we must find out who's responsible. They can hire private detectives or hackers working from their bedrooms, I don't care. I am not going to rest until I find out who was behind this."

"Do you have any enemies?" Jenni asks.

"There are lots of people who would like to see Vogue brought down a notch or two. But I can only think of one enemy that I personally have. You can start with Sebastian Smythe over at Elle magazine. He wouldn't have done this himself. Using a lackey is more his style."

Blaine moves towards the floor-to-ceiling windows and looks down. The police are controlling traffic and the ever-increasing crowd.

"I'll need to leave soon – it's getting crazy out there. Unique, could you please pack me a bag of clothes? Leave behind anything too recognizable like the yellow sunglasses. I'm going incognito, so jeans, T-shirts and beanies please."

Unique nods her head and she disappears to the back bedroom.

"Bentley, can you please go to the concierge and tell them that I plan to leave in an hour? I have no idea how I'm going to get out of here."

"The escape is all sorted. I borrowed my brother's van, and it's in the underground parking garage. Three undercover policeman are there and ready to leave with us. There are also police cars in position to escort us if the crowd sees you and tries to follow the van. I'll let everyone know when you plan to leave."

The next hour is filled with setting out a plan of what needs to be done. The press conference is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday afternoon. Blaine, Unique and Bentley make it out of the building safely, with no-one on their trail. Blaine wishes that he could go to Bushwick and curl up inside Kurt's arms, and find love and comfort, but he knows he has to fix this problem first.


Monday

"Dude! I asked for a photo of you and Kurt making out, not a full video of the whole thing," Sam jokes.

"Ha, ha, very funny - not! This is turning out to be a nightmare. I'm holed up at Unique's and spending almost every waking moment trying to sort out this mess. Thank god Isabelle has taken over and is getting the October issue out. I had the most awkward phone conversation with my father last night. He didn't say he was disappointed, but I could hear it in his voice. He said we'd talk about it when I come home for Christmas and god, I'm not looking forward to that conversation."

"I'm glad I'm not in your shoes. I wanna talk to you about a couple of things. Do you have the time?"

"Sure. Amy has come over to Unique's to help out with things. She's just started cooking dinner so yeah, I've got some time. What's on your mind?"

"Have you seen the ship war that's on Twitter and Tumblr? Blam vs Klaine? It's actually pretty funny what they're saying. I've been keeping on the down-low, which, trust me, isn't a problem when you've got the hotel's honeymoon suite booked for a week. But what's going to happen at the New York Fashion Week later this month? I know I'm supposed to work at some of the events, but how's it going to play out? Even if things with the video get sorted out, it's just going to start over again when I'm seen around you and Kurt."

"Oh god, Sam. I didn't even think about that. I've been so focused on the press conference tomorrow. What a mess everything is! I'll have Vogue release you from working the New York Fashion Week and talk to Wes about getting you jobs at the London Fashion Week instead. That way, we can always say you couldn't be at both events and it wouldn't look like we're scared - which, of course, we are."

"That sounds okay, but I'm not sure if Mercedes is going to like me going overseas so soon after the wedding. Ya know, she's sort of addicted to me."

"How's Mercedes holding up through the Blam stuff?"

"She's nervous that it could jeopardize her recording contract under some sort of morals clause. I keep telling her that she's done nothing wrong, but she says that 'cause I'm her husband, they could still do something. So we're planning to keep our marriage a secret, at least for a while."

"I'm really sorry, man. I had no idea that when Kurt and I… umm…. got together, it would end up like this. I was thinking more about living happily ever after. What a joke that turns out to be. Kurt doesn't deserve this… or maybe me."

"Stop it, Blaine! I'm not going talk to you if you say such crap. You know I'm the number one Klainiac, right?"

Blaine gently chuckles when he hears Sam using his and Kurt's ship name, because he secretly loves it.

"Blaine, before you go to sleep tonight, go check out KrianFeels' story. They updated yesterday, and I swear they know us - it's a flashback to Krian's first time. It's more up your street than mine. It's full of candles and rose petals and way too many I love you's. The sex is super vanilla – I mean, Kevin even kept his socks on, for god's sake."

"You've actually read gay porn while you're on your honeymoon?!"

"It isn't like that, dude! I got bored when Mercedes spent 'me time' in the bathroom. Did ya know girls can spend over an hour in a bubble bath?"

When they end the call, Blaine clicks on the notes app and types in 'New York Fashion Week'. He'll have to focus on it once tomorrow's press conference is over. His overriding instinct is to protect Kurt from the media circus – to protect him from awkward moments and intrusive questions. He needs to figure out a way for Vogue to be at events at the New York Fashion Week without Kurt involved.


Tuesday

"To conclude, it was a personal moment that was violated by an unknown person recording, and it was an invasion of our privacy. Our great legal system agreed and the video was pulled off the Internet within hours. In no way do our actions reflect the diva-off, Fashion's Night Out, or Vogue. I will not rest until I have found out who the perpetrator is, and then I plan to take action. It was an unfortunate incident, and it's taking the focus away from where it should be - the charities who need our support. I'll open this up for questions."

Kurt clicks the 'off' button on the TV remote control. He's heard enough. Blaine looked every inch the Vogue executive in his tailored Brooks Brothers suit. His statement was eloquent and touched on every point in his and Vogue's favor. But something about it didn't sit quite right.

Why would Blaine call it an 'unfortunate incident'? Kurt would have preferred it if Blaine had confirmed their relationship. Of course, that would have required them discussing it, and Blaine hasn't been in touch since Sunday morning. Kurt knows that they have agreed not to talk until after the press conference, and Hayley's done a great job keeping him in the loop of what's happening. However, Kurt feels so alone, holed up in the Bushwick loft by himself as he has been the past few days.

The part of Blaine's speech about Sam was ambiguous as well – 'very close…. There for each another… Nothing has changed.' Kurt knows that no secrets about Blaine and Sam would have been revealed at the press conference. Kurt regrets that he and Blaine haven't had a heart-to-heart talk yet. While Blaine did tell him it was over with Sam, he didn't exactly tell him when they had broken up. Without knowing all the details, Kurt he has a nagging feeling that maybe there's still some truth to Blam. And why did Blaine decide to move in with Unique of all people? Could she have made the tape? After all, she didn't look very surprised when she caught them in the dressing room together.

Kurt has a whole lot of questions that can't be answered until he talks to Blaine. In the meantime, he's bored and decides to do a workout at home since he can't get to the gym. He changes into a red sleeveless workout shirt and red-and-white-striped shorts and inserts his secret Richard Simmon's workout disc into the DVD player. After a one-hour aerobic exercise full of positive thinking, Kurt takes a long hot shower. He plops down on the couch and looks at his phone – no missed calls and no new messages. Kurt then decides to take matters into his own hands and picks up his phone.

"Hi Tina. It's Kurt here. Is Blaine around?"

"He's still at the press conference giving individual interviews. Afterwards, he's having dinner with Jake Silverstein from the New York Times. They want to run an article with Blaine's version of events in the Sunday magazine. Is it urgent? Can I help you?"

Kurt clenches his fingers around the phone, frustrated that he can't get a hold of Blaine. "No, it's not urgent."

As soon as he ends the call, he sees a new text notification.

I think we should meet up – S Smythe

Kurt groans with the reminder that he needs to make a decision about which modeling contract to sign very soon, but he doesn't want to talk to Elle magazine until he's had a chance to talk to Blaine… Whenever that might be.


Wednesday

"What do you mean, Vogue doesn't need me at the New York Fashion Week! I don't understand."

"They feel that right now, your presence will spark talk about the Klaine sex scandal all over again. Blaine really wants to protect you from all of that," Wes calmly replies.

"I bet he does – I haven't heard anything from Blaine since Sunday morning. Does Vogue still want to renew my contract?" Kurt asks with a shaky voice.

"Blaine has confirmed that they do, but they want to keep you out of the limelight for a little while."

"Has Elle rescinded its contract offer?"

"No. Sebastian Smythe still calls me every day asking for news. I just got off the phone with Hayley and she's swamped with offers for interviews. There's a lot of money on offer for a tell-all story."

"There's no way I'm going to be that person who sells his story to the highest bidder in town. Tell Hayley to reject them all."

Kurt looks at his phone, and there's still no word from Blaine. Kurt can't even imagine what the hell is happening or why Blaine hasn't personally told him about not being needed at the New York Fashion Week.

He scrolls through his texts and finds the one he was looking for. He quickly types in a reply.

I'll meet you tomorrow for lunch. Send me the deets. Just make sure it's someplace where I won't be recognized – K Hummel

Before it can sink in that he has actually texted Sebastian Smythe, his phone vibrates with a reply.

A silver sedan will pick you up at noon. The driver's name is Dick.


Thursday

Kurt wakes up and reluctantly grabs his phone – there's been nothing but bad news since Sunday morning and he dreads looking at it to find out what has happened overnight. He's taken to keeping his phone on silent during the day, and most certainly off overnight. His eyes pop open wide when he sees countless notifications of texts and missed calls from Blaine. Before he can look at the messages, his phone starts ringing and he accepts a call from Rachel. Kurt spaces out as she rants on about how California wasn't what she expected – how the TV crew and cast are catty and nobody appreciates her talent. When Kurt feels he's had enough of her whinging, he interrupts her.

"Sorry to hear that TV land is different from what you expected. But is that really why you called?"

"Oh, Kurt. I didn't mean to go on so long about it. I really called to see how you are doing. I saw… err… the video on the Internet."

"I'm doing just fine. My first kiss and whatever was on the Internet for everyone to see. I've had the most embarrassing call ever with my dad. I've been told to stay put so I haven't left the loft since Saturday night, but I've got to find a new place to live in ten days' time. I can see a few people with cameras hanging outside on the street, which is making me nervous. I haven't spoken to Blaine since Sunday morning because he's too busy talking to the press. And Wes tells me I'm not longer 'required' for New York Fashion Week. So yeah, I'm just hunky-dory."

"God, Kurt. It makes my problems seem so trivial. I wish I was there for you. I always knew that Anderson was looking out for himself and would dump you as soon as he'd had you."

"I don't think it's quite like that, Rach. After all, Blaine has been so busy…"

"Too busy to contact you before yesterday? I don't think so. He's looking out for number one, and it's high time that you do too."

Kurt isn't sure how to respond to Rachel's remark. Sure, Blaine has been busy fielding the press and running Vogue. But maybe Rachel is on to something.

"We've talked before about how when something doesn't work out, there are new doors you can open. Your life is certainly different now than it was six months ago, when you were working at the diner and getting turned down at every audition. You have other options besides Vogue and you should look after what is best for you. You're so caught up in Blaine that you can't see the wood for the trees. Promise me that you'll put yourself first."

Kurt thinks about what Rachel's just said and all the changes in his life over the past six months. She's right – there are plenty of options for him out there.

Kurt doesn't bother looking at Blaine's texts or listening to the voicemails. Rachel's call has put him behind schedule and he needs to get ready for his lunch meeting at noon.

When Kurt tentatively steps out of his apartment building, he sees a couple dozen people milling around. Even though they appear to be fans, shouting words of encouragement, he wonders how they've found out where he lives. Kurt smiles and waves, but quickly enters the car that's waiting for him. Five minutes later, he is dropped off at the front of a nightclub. Even though the door has a sign hanging that it's closed, the driver indicates that Kurt should walk in.

Kurt cautiously enters the darkened nightclub, looking for some sign of life. He slowly walks forward to a silhouetted man and breathes a sigh of relief when he recognizes Sebastian Smythe. He slides into the booth on the opposite side and notices that the lights are being switched on.

"Have a Diet Coke," Sebastian says, sliding a large glass towards Kurt.

"You know my drink order?"

"There's not much I don't know about you. That's my job. What I don't know is what's going on in your head right now."

Kurt cautiously tells Sebastian what little he knows, careful not to show Blaine in anything other than a positive light. He knows that Blaine and Sebastian are rivals, and is interested in hearing Sebastian's perspective on events.

"Can I ask you something, Sebastian?" When Kurt sees the other man nod, he continues. "Wes told me that you and Blaine have known each other since high school and you've been rivals since the day you met. Why is that?"

"Blaine and I are the type of people who want to be top of the heap. I'm very straight-forward about what I want and how to get there. But Blaine Anderson? He's a lot more devious than people give him credit for. Anderson puts on a mask with his dapper ways, and no-one can act more caring and sincere than him. But take away the façade… Blaine's looking after number one. I could see this in high school. God knows what went on behind closed doors with certain members of the Warblers' Council, because Blaine got all the solos. Every. Single. One."

"Are you saying that Blaine is promiscuous?"

Kurt sees Sebastian's expression change – was that a look of surprise? - but it quickly returns to its usual smug smile.

"Blaine used to go to Scandals, the local gay club, when he was a teenager, and he still does when he goes back home for the holidays. He's always very popular at Tuesday's Country Bear Nights. He's such a cock slut."

"I can't believe that. Blaine has always been a gentleman with me."

Sebastian raises his left eyebrow and smirks. "That's not what I saw on the Internet on Sunday morning."

Kurt's cheeks redden, knowing that Sebastian has seen that video. "That was the first time."

"Blaine's always likes playing the long game. You know, the thrill of the chase. But once the prize has been landed, his interest starts to fade."

Kurt isn't sure what to say. Is he really some sort of prize Blaine's added to his trophy case?

"At least I'm straight-forward and I'm not pretending to have feelings for anyone. I think you and I could take Elle magazine to great heights. I promise you this – I will always take care of you. After all, I'm here right now. Just say the word and I'll help you sort out this mess."


When Kurt's on his way home in the backseat of Sebastian's car, his phone starts ringing. When he sees that it's Blaine calling him, his thumb hovers over the options on the screen. Before lunch, he would have eagerly accepted the call to talk to Blaine. However, he needs time to digest what Sebastian has told him, so he declines the call.

When he exits the car, Kurt is blinded by flashing cameras. Oh, god. They found out where I live. Kurt can hear the press and bystanders calling out to him.

"How does it feel to be Blaine Anderson's flavor of the week?"

"How could you do that to Sam?"

"Why do you live in such a dump when you have a rich sugar daddy?"

"I guess we now know why Anderson made you Vogue's fresh face."

Kurt pulls his head down and quickly enters his apartment building, saying "No comment." When he enters the loft, he makes sure that the door is double-locked. Kurt slowly slides down the door until he's sitting on the floor, curled up, with his face between his knees, trying to figure out what to do next. His initial instinct is to call Blaine to fix his problem and whisk him away from the paps.

However, is that really an option?

After all, Blaine was too busy for him earlier in the week. Blaine said he would call after the press conference, but instead Blaine had met with the New York Times to tell them his own version of the 'unfortunate incident'. And then there was Wes' phone call informing him that he was no longer required for the New York Fashion Week.

From what Sebastian has told him over lunch, Blaine is a self-serving sort of person. Sure, Blaine just tried to call him yesterday and on the way back from lunch, but why? Did Blaine want to rescind the Vogue contract offer? Tell him that they should keep a distance between them for longer? Would Blaine really help him out now?

Rachel also said that Blaine would toss him aside when he got what he wanted. Kurt does have other options besides Vogue, and maybe Rachel is right – he should look after numero uno. Kurt decides to give Blaine one last chance and calls him at the office.

"Mr. Anderson's office. How can I help you?" an unknown female voice answers the phone.

"This is Kurt Hummel. I need to speak to Mr. Anderson urgently."

"I'm sorry, but he's in a meeting and cannot be disturbed. If you leave a message, I'll make sure that he gets it."

"Who are you? Is Tina there?"

"This is Cassie and I'm standing in for Tina while she's at the printers. She won't be back in the office until tomorrow. Would you like to leave a message?"

"Never mind," Kurt replies tersely, and he presses the 'end' button on his phone.

Kurt heads towards the window and sees that the crowd has grown since he entered his Bushwick apartment building. Kurt's finding it difficult to breathe. He just wants the nightmare to be over. He can only think of one way out of this mess. With trembling fingers, he makes a phone call.

"Okay, I'll sign with Elle. Just get me out of here!"

"Relax, Kurt. You're doing the right thing. Pack a suitcase and Dick will collect you. The rest of your things will be moved tomorrow."


Author's notes

I'm not expecting anyone to like this chapter. I want to reassure you that this is a Klaine story and we all know how those end :). There is no Kurtbastian end-game, mid-game or any game. I love Klaine and I hope you trust me to give you an interesting story that stays true to their characters. And of course plenty of delicious chapters with them together… later.

Thank you to Lilyvandersteen, the most fabulous beta ever, although all mistakes are mine. Come visit me a Tumblr (HKVoyage) for the story artwork and my thoughts when writing this chapter.

Next up: Blaine finds out that Kurt has signed on at Elle Magazine.