Title: I'll be good and I'll love the world like I should

Warnings: angst, violence

Reviews:

Guest: definitely more action coming! We hope it meets or exceeds everyone's expectations! Thank you so much for reading!

Okay, so these will be the last chapters. There is this one, a second one that we will post right after, and a short epilogue. We split it into two because it was so long.

This one is hard to put down! We are so grateful for all the kind words everyone gave us about this fic. It's been one we have wanted to write for the longest and we were so happy it was well received. As per usual, if you have any ideas for one shots you would like to see in this verse, let us know in a review or something and we will do our best!

Now cue the angst!

"He's a fool and don't I know it? But a fool can have his charms. I'm in love and don't I show it? Like a babe in arms. Love's the same old sad sensation. Lately, I've not slept a wink, since this half-pint imitation put me on the blink! I am wild again, beguiled again, a simpering, whimpering child again. Bewitched, bothered and bewildered am I…"

A shirtless Blaine strummed his mandolin from his seat in the window and made sad eyes at Kurt who was getting dressed.

"Stop being ridiculous and put your clothes on. We can't stay in my room forever."

Blaine pouted and changed the tempo of his strumming. "Maybe it's the way you say my name. Maybe it's the way you play your game. But it's all good, I've never known anybody like you. But it's all good, I've never dreamed of nobody like you. And I've heard of a love that comes once in a lifetime. And I'm pretty sure that you are that love of mine. 'Cause I'm in a field of dandelions, wishing on every one that you'll be mine, mine. And I see forever in your eyes. I feel okay when I see you smile, smile…"

Kurt rolled his eyes and fought back the grin that threatened to take over his face. He couldn't believe how disgustingly sappy he was feeling after the last few days and nights with Blaine. He had almost convinced him that he could have a new life. Almost.

"Might I remind you that you are the one who wanted me to eat more," Kurt reminded him as he smoothed a hand over the layers covering his chest. "And I'm sure Mercedes is lonely."

"Or we could stay in bed," Blaine sang to the same tune. "And I could feed you… in bed…"

Kurt was quite tempted to give in and let Blaine rip his clothes off, but he had some things he needed to do today. He tossed Blaine's shirt at him and tried not to get distracted by his pleading eyes or his soft voice singing sweet words.

"I'm sure Lady Rachel is lonely," he tried. "You haven't spoken to her much, have you?"

He did look a little guilty at that, but then he made those eyes at Kurt that made him melt and strummed again. "Wishing on dandelions all of the time—" To silence him, Kurt grabbed his chin and kissed him until they both needed to breathe.

"Come. There's always tonight." He pecked another kiss to Blaine's lips, grinning at his smitten expression.

"I wrote you that as a gift," Blaine said as he set the instrument aside and pulled on one of Kurt's shirts. Kurt took the opportunity to admire his lover's body until he had the shirt over his head so he looked away. Then of course seeing him in his own clothing did things to him that would not be in his plans, so he tore his eyes away from Blaine and marched towards the kitchens.

"Did you like it?"

"Hmm?" Kurt had quite lost the thread of conversation with his impure thoughts but he backtracked quickly. "Oh, yes. I did."

Blaine smiled proudly and slipped an arm through Kurt's. "Good! You never accept my gifts." He bumped his hip into Kurt's playfully.

Kurt allowed him a smile and if Blaine had a tail, he would have wagged it. He adored the fact that he didn't have to use any magic and Blaine seemed to fall under his spell with only a look. "I did want that little felt cat you made. It was the most absurd thing in the world, but it was so cute." He poked his lip out, thrilling at how Blaine nearly tripped over his own feet. "Make me another?"

"I shall, I swear it. But you could make one a thousand times more lovely with your magic."

Kurt shrugged. "But it wouldn't be made by you." He let it hang there between them. It was still difficult for him to be sweet after constantly fighting people away, but he was trying. The blush on Blaine's cheeks was a sign he was finally doing something right.

They found Mercedes in the kitchen and they all made their breakfast together. It was terribly domestic and made him shake his head at himself. The mood was rather bright until they were all almost finished eating when Blaine asked him a heavy question.

"What have you decided to do? Will you let Lady Rachel go free?"

Kurt finished chewing his bite and set his fork down carefully. Mercedes and Blaine seemed to hold their breath watching him. He rested his chin on his joined hands. "There is a lot to consider…"

Both huffed their disappointment.

Blaine tossed aside his napkin. "Why?"

Because he's a stubborn ass, Mercedes said just for Kurt's benefit since Blaine couldn't hear her.

Blaine got up and went to Kurt's side. He gathered his hands in his own and knelt beside him. "I know you think you can't get past what they did. It's hard to let go of something like that, but you can leave! If you leave this place, you won't be reminded every day. Come with me! My family would love to meet you and they would be happy to have you with us! You can see the world and I can show you everything! Please, Kurt!"

He wanted to tell Blaine yes and jump into his arms and live happily ever after like one of Blaine's stories. But he couldn't shake the feeling that one night, they would be sleeping under the stars together and Karofsky would be there to destroy them. He was filled with sorrow and strangely, relief at not seeing his father again. He had taken a hard look in the mirror and wondered if Burt Hummel would like who his son had become. The thing was, Kurt wasn't sure how to articulate all of this yet, so he sat silent.

Pain bloomed in Blaine's eyes and Kurt fucking hated that he made that happen. Blaine sat back, a tight smile on his face. "Think on it, at least. I'm going for a walk." He stood and headed for the door.

Kurt wanted to go after him and was about to do so when he felt the pluck on his magic. Someone was trying to reach him.

Mercedes was saying something about how terrible he was, but Kurt didn't listen. He rushed up the stairs to his lab and locked the door behind him. A letter sat at his table, gilded and sealed with the initials MC. With shaking hands, Kurt tore the wax and opened the letter. If it was from who he thought it was, it wouldn't be good news.

Master Kurt Hummel, Wizard of the Obsidian Castle,

I hope this letter finds you in good health. I write to you as a brother. A book has gone missing, quite an old and dangerous one that one of our sisters, a witch named Tina, was tasked with protecting. It was stolen from her and we have been searching for it ever since. I know if you were to come across such a thing, you would know it right away and would entrust it to me. It is full of dark spells that no self-respecting witch or wizard would debase themselves with.

There are rumors about you, Master Hummel. Ones that are not becoming of our kind and some I hope will be disproven to me on the morrow. Otherwise, you will meet consequences.

-Master Mike Chang of the Tower of Knowledge.

Kurt set the letter aflame. He looked down at the book. "What have I done?" He whispered to his bottles and plants.

They were coming. Karofsky was making his move and it was a clever one. He was doing the things Master Chang accused him of. The man was rumored to be quite powerful, maybe even more powerful than Kurt. How long could he last against him?

"Blaine…" Tears stung his eyes. He knew about the book. He himself had told him, a terrible mistake. Would he be shown mercy? Who knew? Mercedes knew too. What would they do to her?

He couldn't let it stand. He had to protect them since he put them in danger's path.

He dried his eyes and prepared to break his own heart into pieces.

I got lucky when you said sorry and I couldn't stop now if I knew how

Mercedes knew something was wrong. Kurt still hadn't come back down from his lab and Blaine was still in the courtyard stewing. There was a shift and only because she was tied so closely to Kurt could she feel it. He called to her. A feeling of dread lodged thick in her belly and she ran upstairs to find Kurt.

He was in his lab, standing at the window and staring blankly outside.

Kurt? What's wrong? I just got this feeling…

"Mercedes, I know you don't owe me forgiveness, but I hope you find it in your heart one day. Maybe in another life." His voice was odd. She didn't like it.

What are you talking about?

"Do you remember the day you broke your arm?" He turned to her. His eyes were shining. "I was so mean to you, but you stayed. You've always stayed. You've always cared. Even when I was at my absolute worst. Thank you for caring."

You're starting to scare me. Mercedes backed up a few steps as Kurt lifted his hands. What are you doing?

"Goodbye, Mercedes. I love you."

The wind in the room picked up and she was surrounded by it. It pressed in on her so tightly she couldn't breathe. She was going to die. She screamed to him for help, but she couldn't even see Kurt anymore.

Kurt Hummel was finally going to be the end of her.

Oh, for once in my life could something just go, could something just go right?

Blaine carefully selected the felt he was going to use to make the little cat for Kurt. It would be a surprise. Maybe it would even serve to convince Kurt he truly did love him. It wasn't even just about letting his prisoners go, but Blaine wanted to be with Kurt. He knew he had been hurt so much, but surely he could see that Blaine wouldn't. He would never give up. He would prove his love to Kurt.

"What color nose would Kurt the cat have?" He was leaning heavily towards pink when something heavy was thrown at his feet. He looked up a bit startled to see Kurt standing in front on him and his pack on the ground. "Kurt? Did you think about— Why are my things out here?"

Kurt didn't answer. His face gave nothing away. He pulled someone from behind him and pushed her towards Blaine.

"Lady Rachel?" Blaine jumped up and hugged her. "Are you okay?"

"Blaine, we have to leave. Now!" Rachel whispered in his ear.

He looked over her shoulder to thank Kurt and ask what was going on when his heart sank. Kurt was eyeing him coldly. It was like before when he first came to the castle and Kurt hated him. "Kurt?"

"You've won," Kurt said sharply. "Now go."

"I… what?" Blaine was so confused. Something didn't feel right.

Kurt's tone was harsh and condescending. "Don't give me that. This is what you wanted. You wanted me to give you Lady Rachel so you can go get your coin. Make your name."

"I want Lady Rachel to be free, but Kurt…"

Kurt didn't even look at him. "You need to leave before I change my mind."

Blaine felt as if the breath was being pressed from his lungs. Why was he acting like this?

Lady Rachel was hissing in his ear to leave. Blaine resisted her.

Kurt folded his arms and rolled his eyes. "Why do you think I kept you here so long? Why the hell would I allow someone like you to stay here? I killed everyone else, so why did I allow you to stay? Think, for once," he said with a nasty sneer.

A lump was growing in Blaine's throat. "Because we made a bargain. And then… Then we… Don't you…"

"I don't make bargains. The only reason I allowed you to stay was because you would be useful."

"Useful?" Blaine asked brokenly. The world around him blurred.

"I have two parents, Blaine. Rachel wouldn't be enough."

Now he couldn't catch his breath. He must be having a nightmare. This wasn't real. Kurt wouldn't hurt him this way. "You… but I… I love you."

"Do you?" Kurt sounded bored.

It was like a knife to his heart. Why was he doing this? "No. I don't believe you. You couldn't have faked it! I know you love me too!" Blaine scrubbed at his eyes.

Kurt stood there very still. He hoped for a moment that maybe he had affected Kurt, but then he glared at Blaine. "Get out of here, fool. Go!"

Anger bled into his shock and Blaine stepped in front of Kurt. He grabbed his robes on his fists. The face he had come to adore was staring back at him like he was a disgusting insect. "No! Not until you tell me to my face you don't love me! Say it and I will go."

He didn't even hesitate. "I don't love you. It was an act. I'm letting you go because a bargain was made. You will take Lady Rachel and all the cats and go. I will finally be at peace and have the solitude I crave. And then I might attempt it again without you pestering me."

Blaine swore he could feel his heart breaking in his chest. And it wouldn't be like Kurt's pitcher. The pieces wouldn't go back together, even with magic. "No… It's not true. It can't be."

Kurt stepped out of his hold and fixed his robes. "I warned you. I don't have a heart. Go."

Lady Rachel pulled at his arm. "Blaine, please. Let's go before he changes his mind. I want to go."

"But, Mercedes?"

"You don't have to worry about her anymore," he replied with a cruel smile.

In that moment, he wanted to hurt Kurt as deeply as he was. "Everyone was right about you. You are evil." There was a flicker of something in Kurt's eyes and he flinched slightly, but Blaine didn't trust it anymore. He had been enjoying toying with Blaine, hadn't he? He was a fool. "You told me once you would ruin me, but what you did was worse; you ruined us. We could have been something and I would have loved you until the end of my days. What's worse, I think I will anyway.

But you will never convince me you didn't feel anything for me. Fear is an ugly master, Kurt, and you are doomed to serve it for the rest of your days. Farewell."

He shouldered his pack and took Lady Rachel's hand. They went past the graves, past the walls of ice, past the flowers. Like the castle sconces in reverse, the flowers shriveled and died with each step he made past them. He knew it meant something, but he was too shredded inside to care.

He didn't look back, not once. He couldn't bear it with the wound so fresh. He couldn't stand to see Kurt's jeering face or his heart would be smashed even further.

If he had looked back, he would have seen the way Kurt had crumpled in on himself and tears stream down his face. Were he closer, he might have heard Kurt whisper goodbye to his love.

He was startled as he nearly ran into a group of people fleeing the castle too. The man he almost ran into jerked his head up at Blaine, a haunted look in his eyes. One eye was green, the other was brown. He ran away as quickly as he could with the others, fleeing the castle. Blaine recalled the cat he had seen his first day at the castle that had those same eyes. So Kurt was letting them all go. Maybe he had actually let Mercedes go too. He didn't want to think about it.

A numbness seeped through him and Rachel relaxed more and more as they made their way. She became more chatty, but Blaine wasn't paying attention. She eventually grew silent, leaving him to his thoughts.

He was in love with someone who had used him, again. Kurt was no better than all the others. No, he was worse. He let Blaine think there was hope. He was devastated, especially since he knew Kurt felt something for him, but decided to be cruel instead. Blaine wasn't enough for him to let go of the past. Kurt didn't want him. He didn't stop him from leaving. His mind was set and even Blaine offering his love wasn't enough. Perhaps it was all in his head and Kurt had played him for a fool. At least he kept his end of the bargain. Blaine should have known better. So many fairytales were full of sorrow and woe. His was no different. His would end as a cautionary tale for other fools in love with someone who will never love them back.

He didn't get the happy ending.

"Blaine?"

Sniffing and wiping his eyes, he looked up at Rachel. "Sorry, my lady. I'm not really the best companion today.

She smiled in an encouraging way and squeezed his hand where she still held it. "I'm sorry too. I know you are hurting, but it's for the best."

Blaine tried to smile, but by Lady Rachel's pitying frown he didn't quite make it. "I will take you to Lima. They won't let me in most likely, but you can go in and rest and I'll camp outside. Then we can make our way to your fathers in the morning."

Giddy, she giggled and nearly started skipping down the path. "I'm so excited to— Wait." She frowned at him. "Why won't you be allowed in?"

He shrugged. "I've consorted with The Dark Wizard. They think me a traitor."

Lady Rachel scoffed. "Don't worry. I will demand them let my rescuer in. They can't refuse me."

"I'm not much of a rescuer," he replied glumly.

"You are though!" She clasped both of his hands in hers. "You never gave up until you freed me! We will find you someone else, no worries! We will get you back to my fathers and get your reward sorted out, then you can come to one of my grand balls! There are so many eligible men—"

"Thank you, my lady, but I think I want to be alone for the time being. And I don't need any reward. Just send what you would have given to my family." The thought of falling in love with anyone else made him feel queasy at the moment. Any money he would touch from this ordeal would taint whatever he spent it on. At least his family would be provided for.

She nodded sympathetically, but continued on telling him all about the balls. He half-listened all the way to Lima, feeling like he was leaving a piece of himself behind.

It was growing dark by the time they made it to the gates of the village and Blaine couldn't find it in himself to even be nervous about whether or not he would be let in. He was just exhausted, emotionally and physically. They had approached the guard when they heard Rachel's name being called.

She wheeled around and shouted in delight, running and leaping into the arms of a tall man who scooped her up and spun her around. The sight was bittersweet. He normally would be more happy for them, but at the moment seeing the happy reunion hurt too much.

"Blaine! Blaine, this is Lord Finn!" She pulled him over to meet him and he could tell by the look on this man's face that he was not happy with him. The lord's knight followed him closely and eyed Blaine skeptically.

"You rescued her from the castle?" the knight asked in disbelief.

"Yes he did!" Lady Rachel said loyally and loudly. "He came to the castle and stayed until I was released, unlike some!"

Lord Finn turned a little pink. "I've been on my way to you, my love, but we got lost!"

"You got us lost," the knight muttered.

"I did," he admitted. "Can you ever forgive me?"

She replied by pulling his face to hers and locking lips with him. It was also quite loud.

The knight seemed uncomfortable, but accustomed to this happening. Blaine was about to excuse himself to go pass out in miserable nothingness when someone grabbed his arm.

"Blaine? It is you!" Ryder threw his arms around Blaine and hugged him. "I thought you was a goner mate!"

Blaine was taken aback by the hug. Firstly because he didn't know Ryder cared that much for him, but also because he thought everyone hated him here. He didn't push him away though, instead sinking into the hug. He hadn't realized he needed it.

"Sorry," Ryder said as he let go of Blaine. "Just from what Town Master said, we thought we would find you gutted. I wasn't looking forward to that, so I feel as though I'm seeing a ghost!"

Blaine's eyebrows pinched together. "What do you mean? Kurt—" He started to say he wouldn't hurt him, but he had. "I'm fine. I've brought back Lady Rachel." He nodded his head towards the reunited pair still connected by their lips. That's when he noticed the groups of people running to and fro. They looked like they were preparing for travel. A young woman peered at him from under her hood nearby as she shouldered a sack. "What's going on?"

Ryder watched the people scurry around. "Ah. Best let Town Master explain that. He's going to be so happy to see you!"

"Oh, I can't wait to see the look on his face," Blaine muttered. Guessing Lady Rachel would he just fine, he followed Ryder to Karofsky's home.

Ryder rapped on the door once before just going in and calling out for the man.

"I'm here," Dave answered from further into the house.

When they entered what Blaine saw was a study, Dave glanced up at Ryder and then did a double take when he saw Blaine. He was seated at a desk, pen in hand.

"What—" His face paled as he dropped the pen he had been writing with. "Blaine?"

"Hey!" Blaine said with false brightness. He jerked his chin at the papers stacked on his desk. "Writing more letters to people full of lies and threatening to tell their families they're dead? Or am I just special?"

Ryder looked from Blaine to Karofsky in bewilderment. "Town Master?"

He recovered quick enough, laughing like Blaine had told a joke. "It's good to see you! Thank you, Ryder. That will be all."

"But—"

"You are dismissed," Karofsky said more firmly.

Ryder bobbed his head to Blaine once and left even though he seemed confused.

Once he was gone, Karofsky dropped his pleasant demeanor. "Blaine, I'm sorry I had to resort to those methods, but you must understand I have to keep the people of Lima safe. He's dangerous."

Blaine's fractured patience finally broke. "You know what I understand is that if I talk to you, he's the problem. But if I ask Kurt, it's you. You know what I think? You are both selfish assholes who care about nothing but hurting one another. You're going to burn your world down but all you will accomplish is hurting the innocent people around you."

Karofsky seemed a bit taken aback by Blaine's outburst, but he stood from the desk. "It's a complicated history…"

"It's really not. He needs to move on with his life and you need to stop antagonizing him." A thought occurred to Blaine. "Unless you want to goad him."

Karofsky rounded the desk and stepped closer to Blaine. "You called him Kurt."

Blaine shrugged and took an answering step back. "It's his name."

"I didn't know you were so familiar."

"I spent a lot of time at the castle. We became close."

"So then why are you here and not there if you're so close?" Karofsky said, still moving towards him and smiling like a predator that had cornered its prey.

"I had to bring back Lady Rachel," Blaine replied carefully. He didn't want to make things in the situation worse.

"I see. And she's with Lord Hudson now?"

"Yes. He was outside along with a lot of your people. What are they doing?"

Karofsky paused. "Oh, just preparing some items for trade. Livestock, produce—"

"Weapons? I saw some." Blaine's back hit the wall. He really didn't want to be trapped in this room with Karofsky, so he tried to inch his way towards the door without making it obvious.

Karofsky nodded. "Sure. Look, I know you must be tired if you came all the way from the castle. Come sleep in my spare room." He tried to take Blaine's arm, but he twisted out of the man's hold.

"I think I'll go check on Lady Rachel." He as almost to the door.

"I think you should stay." Karofsky took a big step towards him.

"I appreciate the offer, but no thank you." His left hand touched the handle while his right fingers found the hilt of Cooper's dagger.

"I insist you stay." In a quick movement, Karofsky pinned his hand on his dagger to the wall and rolled his palm against Blaine's wrist so it caused pain. He dropped the dagger with a clang. With his other hand, he grabbed Blaine's throat and pulled him down a hallway.

Blaine fought the whole time, but Karofsky was stronger than him and he had been walking all day. He was roughly thrown into a little cell.

"I usually use this for when we have trouble makers or one of the guards gets too drunk," Karofsky said with a little smirk. He showed Blaine the key and dropped it onto a table far out of his reach. "I think you need to stay in here for the night and think about where your loyalties lie."

Blaine rubbed at his throat and glared at Karofsky. "Let me out right now! You can't do this!"

"Oh, but I can. You wanted to know what everyone is doing outside? At dawn, we march on the castle. My spies tell me he's all alone in there, completely unprotected." He laughed and rubbed his hands together in anticipation. "Finally I will be rid of him! Then I can have some fucking peace!"

Blaine shook his head as he gripped the bars. "You will never be able to beat him. He's stronger than you."

"And that's why I'm bringing these." He held up a heavy iron chain and manacles. "Oh, and a more powerful wizard who assures me he will take care of Hummel."

Blaine's heart sank. Another wizard? "What? Why would they?"

Karofsky shrugged. "All I had to do was tell him Hummel was practicing dark magic and he said he would help me. I'm sure there is evidence of it in that lair of his."

Panic squeezed Blaine's chest. They certainly would find something. A book to be precise. "What will they do to him?" Blaine asked quietly.

"There is but one punishment for dark magic," Karofsky said. He sliced a finger over his throat.

"Dave, please! Let this go. People might get hurt!"

He crossed his arms. "He has to pay for what he's done. I'm so close to winning this game and you will remain in this cell until we have done it so you can't interfere. When I bring Hummel's head back, you can decide if you are going to see reason or not." He smiled fiendishly at Blaine before walking towards the door.

"What did he ever do to you?" Blaine asked before he could get through. "I know you have both done terrible things, but when you were children Kurt didn't have his magic. Why did you hate him so?"

Karofsky didn't turn around but said, "he existed."

In the silence he left afterwards, Blaine slid to the floor of the cell. He let his pack slip off as he buried his face in his hands. Kurt was going to be hurt and there was nothing he could do to warn him. He might have broken his heart, but he still loved him and didn't want him hurt. Karofsky's words echoed in his head. He's all alone in there… Blaine sat up. Could Kurt have known? Was that why he made everyone leave? But how could he? Hope flickered weakly in his chest like the tiniest candle flame. Could Kurt still love him and just be trying to keep him safe?

"You stupid man," Blaine said to no one. He had to get out. The key was too far to reach, but he might have something in his pack. He dug through and found the mandolin. Tears burned his eyes as he touched the wood. He shook it away. Now was not the time. At the bottom of his pack was Sam puppet. It occurred to Blaine he hadn't even touched it for quite sometime. He hadn't needed to talk through him. During his time in the obsidian castle, he had grown into himself more and become much more confident. He smiled a little and pushed the puppet away so that he might find something more useful. He could surely pick a lock. It couldn't be that hard.

It was very hard.

Hours passed with Blaine trying fruitlessly to pick the lock. At one point he heard someone upstairs, but the footsteps quieted and he continued with his escape. His fingers were sore and he had broken more than a few of his needles trying to open the lock. He was close to his breaking point when he heard the scuff of someone walking down the hall. If it was Karofsky, he would defend himself as best he could. He had taken his dagger, but the mandolin could pack a wallop.

He held it up like a sword as a hooded figure walked through the door.

"I'm armed!" Blaine warned. "Stay back!"

The person dropped their hood back to show the girl he had seen staring at him earlier. She was about his age, maybe a little older and had dark curly hair. There was a familiarity in her brown eyes as she cocked an eyebrow at his "weapon."

"Are you going to sing me to death?" she asked with a little smirk.

The mandolin dropped slightly. "Do I… do I know you?" He couldn't shake the feeling they had met before.

She crossed the room to the table and snatched up the key. "I bet you would if I meowed."

Blaine gasped. "Mercedes?"

She winked at him and slid the key in the lock. "So glad to finally be able to say, yes. I'm Mercedes Jones."

Music used:

Title/breaks:

-I'll Be Good: Jaymes Young

-Lover/ Soldier: Meg Washington

-Once In My Life: The Decemberists

-Songs Blaine sings:

-Bewitched: Frank Sinatra

-Dandelions: Ruth B.