Title: Blood in the water, blood on my hands
Warnings: severe violence
Reviews:
MarciaChapter2: Aw thank you! We are so glad you like it! Haha we hope you feel validated! You will get a little more in this chapter! We hope you enjoy!
tomdarryecs: Aw we hurt our own feelings too don't worry lol. Yes we thought that would be so cute!
Esilher: thank you so much! I was having kind of a bad day and reading your kind words made me feel so much better! We appreciate it so much! -K
We would like to announce that we are almost finished writing this story and it is 12 chapters total! We don't have any plans for one shots, but if there is something you would like to see you can let us know in a review or comment and we will see what we can do.
Thanks so much for all the love everyone has been giving! It always makes our day when someone mentions they like it!
Finally, the evening came and Blaine was ready. When he went down to dinner, there was no food prepared as usual, so he whipped up a simple, quick meal of cheese, bread, and jam he found. After he was finished, he washed up his dishes and settled into a chair.
Now that he had access to a bath, he was smelling a lot better and felt it too. He had bathed earlier and trimmed his hair and beard neatly (to the best of his ability.) The bath was a treat, a large circular pool sunken into the floor that was heated some way Blaine hadn't quite figured out. Unsurprisingly, there were plants everywhere and the same tall windows that were spread throughout the castle. He could spend a whole day soaking in the warm water.
Blaine tuned the mandolin, his heart racing. Kurt hadn't liked his last show so he was a little hesitant. This was different though. Kurt liked his singing.
It wasn't long before the man appeared. He looked more subdued than Blaine had ever seen him, hair slightly disheveled and his eyes not settling on him. He was carrying a plate of similar food to what Blaine had eaten and another plate for Mercedes. She trotted in behind him. Relief settled into him that they were here and they hadn't abandoned him.
He clasped both hands together. "Evening, Master Hummel. Mercedes. Very nice of you to join. I have a very special song for you tonight. No puppet show sadly."
Kurt nodded, but stared down at his plate.
Mercedes began eating and looked between Kurt and Blaine curiously.
Blaine wasn't bothered. He had comforted Cooper on enough mornings after a night of too much drink. Kurt probably was just sleeping it off today.
As he picked up the mandolin and began to strum it, Kurt's shoulders dropped and he relaxed even though he only looked at his food.
"This song is one that is special to me. You shared with me, so I would like to share this with you tonight. Both of you."
Mercedes looked over to Kurt suspiciously.
Kurt just began to eat.
"This song is one my father would sing when we went to bed hungry or morale was low. After he died, I wasn't able to sing it for the longest time."
Kurt looked up sharply at that, eyes locking with Blaine's. He didn't look away, he stopped eating.
Blaine smiled, remembering his father and how he would lift their spirits when they were discouraged. His memory still brought pain even though it had been a few years, but he was able to smile at it now. The raw sting of it had faded into something still painful, but easier to manage.
"I think it's something you need to hear, so listen closely." With that, he played the upbeat melody and began to sing. "You stripped your love down to the wire, fire shining cold alone outside. You stripped it right down to the wire, but I see you behind those tired eyes. Now as you wade through shadows that live in your heart, you'll find the light that leads on."
As he sang his heart out, Kurt stared impassively at him and toyed with the stem of his goblet. Mercedes continued to eat and then swayed back and forth with the rhythm of the music.
"'Cause I see you for you and your beautiful stars, so take my hand, don't let go. 'Cause it's not too late, it's not too late, I see the hope in your heart. And sometimes you lose it, sometimes you're shooting, broken arrows in the dark. But I see the hope in your heart."
That's when Blaine began to dance closer to Kurt and was gratified to see him look terrified for the first time since they had met. He shrunk back in his chair and Blaine beckoned him up to dance. Kurt shook his head slowly.
"Dance with me?" Blaine begged and pouted.
Kurt's eyebrow twitched up, he frowned deeply, and he shook his head again.
Blaine heaved a long-suffering sigh and next went to Mercedes who was already bobbing her head to his song.
"Dance with me?"
She waved her paw at him coyly, but jumped up and began swaying with him. They danced around like fools and if a cat could smile, Mercedes would be. He sang the next part directly to Kurt who watched him while sitting very still, only his eyes moving.
"I've seen the darkness in the light, kind of blue that leaves you lost and blind. The only thing that's black and white is that you don't have to walk alone this time. We have to tear down walls that live in your heart to find someone you call home. Now you see me for me and my beautiful scars, so take my hand, don't let go. 'Cause it's not too late, it's not too late, I see the hope in your heart. And sometimes you lose it, sometimes you're shooting broken arrows in the dark. But I see the hope in your heart."
Once the song was over, he caught his breath and bowed, Mercedes rubbing up against his leg. Kurt watched them without words, but he did clap.
"So?" Blaine asked as he set the mandolin down. He rested his hands on his hips and looked to Kurt.
The wizard was eating again, his expression plain and giving nothing away. "I think you're still a fool." It was said with no heat, almost as if he was amused.
Blaine deflated slightly, but he didn't give up. "Don't you see? Just because you are downtrodden or broken doesn't mean you can't find happiness! You could be a hero! By giving Lady Rachel back to me you—"
A harsh laugh burst forth as Kurt focused on his meal. "You are dismissed for the evening."
Blaine bowed at the waist and left with a sad smile at Mercedes. Maybe he had at least given Kurt something to think about.
Ice in my veins, never gonna run, venom on my fangs, fire on my tongue
Blaine was in the courtyard the next day, going over his performance in his head. Kurt hadn't really indicated whether he was angry, annoyed, or interested, but Blaine had done his best. He looked up to the sky and saw gray clouds blowing in. He didn't think it was Kurt. He wished he knew how to get through to him. He could be certain Kurt's father could. He knew when he was being his most stubborn, only his own father could talk sense into him. Blaine absentmindedly strummed the mandolin as he considered. He just had to remind Kurt of his humanity. He hadn't always been this way. He used to feel guilt when he killed. Blaine had to figure out how to help him remember that so he would do the right thing.
A meow interrupted his thoughts and he turned to find Mercedes waving her paw at him.
"Shall I follow?"
She nodded and bounded off towards the gap in the wall.
Blaine hadn't left the castle walls in quite some time and surprisingly the attacks had ceased. He wasn't sure what that meant, but it had felt like years since he had been down this path towards the outside.
Ryder stood on the path, a white cloth tied to a stick and a nervous grimace on his face. It eased when he caught sight of Blaine, but he never turned his back on the castle. He had good reason.
Mercedes didn't move close, but stayed close to the castle wall. Blaine wondered if she even could go any farther. He decided not to ask. No need to upset her.
"Ryder!" Blaine called and greeted the man warmly. "How are you?"
The guard nodded, his eyes continually flicking over Blaine's shoulder at the castle. "Suppose I can't complain. I won't lie; I'll breathe easier away from this place."
Blaine looked back at the castle. He remembered how creepy and mysterious it felt to him too upon first sight, but now it was different. Not good or bad, but just a place.
"What brings you here?" Blaine asked.
"To be blunt, you."
Blaine cocked his head in confusion. "Me?"
"The Town Master was worried about you. Snuck off in the early hours and left a note and then we have heard not a squeak from you. I was sent to beg for your remains actually." He wiggled the stick and the white cloth wriggled.
"My… remains?"
"From the Dark One."
Blaine frowned. He understood their fear, but he also knew about Kurt now. It had been a full day and night since he heard the story, but it still weighed heavy on his heart. He kept his tone level. "As you can see, I am unharmed and whole. No cause for concern."
Ryder licked his lips, casting another cautious look at the castle. He shifted closer to Blaine and lowered his voice. "He did say if you was to be able to talk I should ask you for secrets."
Blaine crossed his arms uncomfortably. "What do you mean?"
Ryder wiggled his eyebrows in a conspiring way. "You know… weaknesses? Anything that could end this once and for all."
Blaine's stomach turned uncomfortably. Of course he wanted peace, but he wanted for Kurt to be alive. He understood where Ryder was coming from too. He had family to protect and in his eyes, Kurt was the ultimate threat. He wasn't excusing the terrible things he had done, far from it. He just wished everyone could reach peace without trying to stab each other.
"I have nothing to say about that, but you can tell him I'm well," Blaine answered diplomatically. "Tell him not to come here. I have everything under control."
Ryder didn't quite seem like he believed him fully, but he nodded and began to back away. "We are but a half days ride away if you need! Just send word!"
Blaine waved him away. When were people going to believe that he was capable and stop coddling him? Blaine was getting through to Kurt when no one else had, he just knew it. He shook his head as he entered the castle and made his way back to where he had left his mandolin. Mercedes followed beside him. He looked back to the sky and decided it was time to go inside. Rain would arrive shortly.
He had just shut the castle door when Kurt's voice behind him made him jump.
"How was your little walk?"
Blaine wheeled around with his hand to his heart. He laughed lightly at Kurt who stood on the stairs towards the bottom and drummed his ringed fingers on the curling banister. He wasn't smiling.
"The fresh air was nice, but a storm is blowing in."
Mercedes, who had come in with Blaine, meowed at Kurt. She glanced rapidly between them.
Kurt ignored her. "Is it now?"
Something was off. Blaine wasn't sure what that was, but it was putting him on edge. "Yes. Is something the matter? You seem tired."
And he did. Blaine saw dark circles under his eyes and how he seemed paler.
Apparently it was the wrong thing to say, because he stopped drumming and scraped his nails down the wood. Indentations trailed his fingers down the smooth surface as blood seeped out. "Do I? I think I know just how to remedy it." He descended slowly. The wind picked up inside. "Do you know what that is?"
Blaine had a feeling he did not want to know what that was. Mercedes growled low and stood in front of Blaine. She was crouched down and her ears were flat. Her tail whipped back and forth.
"I'm not sure what I might have done to upset you, but—" Ryder. Bile rose in his throat as he backed away towards the door. He gasped as he heard the lock click behind him. "They just came to check up on me! No harm done! The village hadn't heard from me in awhile and they wanted to make sure you hadn't—" He stopped abruptly.
Kurt smiled with all his teeth. "Go ahead. Finish what you were saying." He was only a few steps away now, unbothered by the way Mercedes hissed and swiped at him. "They just knew I had killed you. Of course! It would be just what they needed to attack. And I'm sure you gave them some good information too."
Blaine's back hit him the door. Panic made his heart race as he tried to go somewhere, anywhere. But there was nowhere to go. It was as if they were still outside with how hard the wind swirled around them.
"I didn't say anything against you! I only said I was fine and not to come! I swear it to you, Kurt! Please!"
His name on Blaine's lips caused hesitation to flicker in his eyes, but it wasn't enough. "I can't believe I was such a fool! You are just like the rest of them!"
"I'm not! I swear it to you!"
"Did the village send you too?"
Blaine held up his hands. He had to yell over the wind. It stung his eyes. "No! I'm not here to kill you! You have to trust me!"
"No. No I don't." The wind died down completely and Blaine was left with a ringing in his ears. He let his arms fall, happy he got through to Kurt.
"Thank you. I was just—"
What felt like invisible ropes wrapped around him arms, middle, and legs. They began to drag him forward and he couldn't escape them no matter how he tried.
"Kurt! No! Please! What are you doing?"
Ignoring how Mercedes was clawing and biting at his leg, Kurt led the way down another staircase Blaine had never seen before. He didn't turn around and he casually shook her off.
"What I should have done the first time you stepped foot in my courtyard."
Blaine struggled against the invisible bonds, but it was useless. "Kurt! Let me go! You can trust me! I'm not going to harm you!"
They continued down further. "I shall have assurance of that."
Blaine's heart sank when he realized where they were going. There were black bars for a door. All Kurt had to do was wave his hand and it unlocked, swinging open. He was taking him to the dungeon. Blaine tried to writhe away, but the magic's grip held him fast.
Through the barred doorway was a room entirely of black stone. Gone was the opulence of the upper castle, exchanged for simple security. The length of the room was divided into three separate sections of bars. The interior had only a hard bench and a bucket in the corner. All of the cages were empty of people, but a sleeping yellow bird swung in a gilded cage in another corner. At the commotion, the bird woke and began flapping and screeching.
Kurt moved his hand and Blaine was dumped into one of the caged sections before the door slammed and locked. Blaine immediately scrambled to the bars.
Mercedes had followed them, nipping at Kurt's feet and pulling on his robes. When the door shut, Mercedes slipped in through the bars and sat next to Blaine, glaring at Kurt.
"Please, Kurt!" Blaine gripped the bars, begging the man to understand. "This is madness! I haven't betrayed you! I will do anything you say to prove it to you! I have been forthright always. Please!"
Kurt shook his head stubbornly. "I have allowed this idiocy to go on for too long. If I am to achieve my plans, it must end. I have become distracted and I cannot afford it."
"What plans—"
"Mercedes, are you coming?"
The cat turned her nose up and moved closer to Blaine's leg.
Kurt glared at her. "Fine. I don't need you either. I don't need anyone!" With that, he stormed out and the barred door slammed with a terrible finality.
Blaine sighed and slid down the bars until he was crouched on the ground. Looking at his meager surroundings, he was not excited to be staying in here. At least the candles still burned.
Mercedes meowed at him sadly and rubbed her face against his arm.
"Thank you for trying. He didn't hurt you did he?"
She shook her head.
"Good. You believe me right? You know I didn't betray him?"
Mercedes nodded again and Blaine pet her back.
"Thanks. I really thought I was getting through to him…"
Mercedes shrugged and meowed.
"I won't give up. Don't worry. You should go though. I'm sure it won't be comfortable down here."
She ignored him and jumped onto the bench. She yawned widely and stretched out with her eyes closed. Apparently she was just as stubborn as him. A squawk from the corner opposite him caught his attention and he turned to see the little yellow bird hopping around its cage. It chirruped and flapped, causing the cage to swing about.
The way it was staring… It couldn't be…
"Lady Rachel?" Blaine asked, not really wanting to know the answer.
The songbird nodded her tiny head, hopping excitedly.
"Would you believe I'm here to rescue you?"
Rachel whistled low and hung her head.
"Yeah. I know."
Now here you are with your faith and your Peter Pan advice
Somehow, Blaine was able to fall asleep. Mercedes very kindly and loyally stayed with him the entire night. The wooden bench wasn't very comfortable, especially compared to his bed upstairs (that he very much missed), but he was able to drift off eventually.
He woke to Rachel whistling a sad song from her cage and Mercedes watching her like she was debating on eating her. He stretched his stiff back and neck and noticed a cup of water next to a plate of bread and cheese in front of his bars. How had Kurt snuck down so quietly?
"Kurt was here?" he asked Mercedes.
She shook her head and waved her paw, wiggling her toes. Magic.
"Ah." He noticed seeds and berries along with a porcelain dish of water in Rachel's cage, untouched. "Lady Rachel? Shouldn't you eat something? You need to keep up your strength."
She continued to sing sorrowfully.
Mercedes rolled her eyes and ate her portion of eggs Kurt had sent for her. Soon after she ate, she gave him an apologetic look and left. When he asked if she would return, she nodded.
He tried talking to Rachel a few more times, but she was committed to mourning the capture of her failed rescuer so he ended up studying his surroundings.
Everything around him was the same black stone from the courtyard, the walls, floor, and ceiling. The bars were made of the same black ice as the castle walls and there were gaps in the floor stones. Some of the thorny vines from outside the castle twisted and coiled up through them. His favorite feature of the room though was one lone dandelion that had sprouted through the cracks. Blaine watered it for the next three days that he was down there in an effort to keep it alive. He had no idea how it had grown without the sun and through the stone, but it was there.
Rachel perked up after two days and listened as Blaine relayed his story to her. He promised he would free her as soon as he freed himself. He tried to ask her questions, but she just kept chirping and singing.
While Mercedes spent most of her time with him down there, he was pretty sure Lady Rachel was getting on her nerves because she would hold her ears and then yowl before running away. Since he could only ask her questions with answers of yes or no, he learned very little of why Kurt had such an outburst. He knew Mercedes was angry about it and he knew it was because he spoke to Ryder, but beyond that he was a little clueless.
He spent the alone time singing, wishing for his mandolin, and plotting out puppet shows in his head. He thought of his family and Wilfred, wondering how they were getting along. By the fourth day, he was a little angry with Kurt. He understood how hard it was for him to trust Blaine, but throwing him in the dungeon and ignoring him for several days was completely ridiculous. Since one of his only activities was sleeping, he had taken a little nap after his midday meal. The unforgiving bench and no blanket made sleep difficult and he woke after a few minutes. Lady Rachel was screeching loudly and once he rolled over he understood why.
Kurt Hummel stood before him in black and silver robes. He still wore the same rings and a displeased frown, but he looked even worse than before. Good. Blaine hoped he felt very guilty and it was costing him rest.
"Enjoying your stay?" Kurt asked quietly.
Blaine sent him a withering glare and turned over on the bench so that his back was to Kurt. "Lady Rachel, would you mind quieting down? I need my rest since I have a whole day of doing nothing but staring at the wall and pissing in a bucket. Thank you."
She did stop, but she continued to flap around her cage erratically.
"Don't be petulant. It's not that bad down here. Are you ready to tell me what you told the villagers?"
Blaine staunchly ignored him. He would not dignify his ludicrous question with a response. He would ignore him. With dignity. Two could play his little game.
Kurt released an irritated sigh. "Are we going to have to do this the hard way?"
Blaine shut his eyes and pretended to snore.
Just like before, he was lifted by the invisible ropes and jerked to the bars. He leveled Kurt with a scowl as he put his face very close to Blaine's. If he leaned forward just a fraction, they would touch noses. But he didn't care. He showed no fear. This close, he saw how dull Kurt's eyes were and just how exhausted he looked. Blaine jerked his chin at him.
"I suppose being rude and mean takes its toll because you look like shit."
Kurt laughed before reaching up and gripping Blaine's neck, his fingers curling around his jaw. "You joke entirely too much for someone who I could kill so easily. Now, tell me!"
Blaine huffed out a mocking laugh. "Tell you what? I already said I didn't do anything. You don't believe me, so what's the use?"
Kurt squeezed his neck just a little and his head snapped back. "I want you to tell me what you told him. Where will they attack?"
Blaine shook his head and pulled out of Kurt's grip. "Kurt, I told him to go home and to tell everyone to stay away. Ask Mercedes. She heard everything. I want what I've always said: to take Lady Rachel home unharmed along with all those people. I don't want anyone to be harmed and that includes you, asshole!" Blaine blew out a frustrated breath, able to see by the set of Kurt's jaw he didn't believe him. "You know, I've had a lot of time to think and I wondered just why you reacted so harshly. I wonder if maybe you actually believe I have betrayed you or you just want to believe that."
"That's insane," Kurt scoffed.
"I think it's true," Blaine said defiantly and moved closer to Kurt. His forehead touched the bars and he looked right into his eyes. "Something is bothering you. You aren't sleeping. You have been drinking more. I think it's guilt. I think you told me too much about yourself and you've remembered who you used to be. The boy your father loved. You remembered that boy and now you know what you're doing isn't right. I don't know your plans or why you've kept me alive, but I know this isn't you. Is it?"
Kurt dropped him and stumbled back.
The pressure immediately lifted from Blaine's body and he rubbed his neck where Kurt had gripped him.
Kurt shook his head. "You're wrong!" His eyes slid down and landed on the dandelion growing through the crack. He stared at it with wide eyes before snarling and stomping it down until it was crumpled into the ground. He panted and pointed a finger at Blaine. "Don't ever speak about my father again!" With that, he swept back his robes and disappeared behind the gate. It slammed hard enough to rattle Blaine's bars.
Save me if I become my demons
Kurt practically ran from the dungeon.
Blaine was right. Kurt shivered as he rubbed his arms. He couldn't get warm. He was using too much magic and not sleeping. Every time he did get sleep, his Papa was there, staring him down in disappointment. His mother wept. The villagers chased him, pelting him with rocks. Mr. and Mrs. Karofsky crawled after him, their eyes swollen and white like boiled eggs as blood dripped from their mouths. He would wake up screaming and crying. It was terrible.
Mercedes had never been more angry with him. She barely spoke to him and spent most of her time in the dungeon with Blaine.
Blaine. The fact was, he believed Blaine. He didn't think he actually betrayed him. But he couldn't be too careful. He had been stabbed in the back over and over. The deep, dark truth was that he had to keep Blaine in the dungeon. He had been getting too comfortable listening to him play and sing. That fucking flower proved it. His magic was responsible for every plant that grew or died on the grounds. It was a manifestation of him and seeing how it provided that… something that he knew Blaine would love. Why would his magic do something like that? Grow a fucking dandelion just to make Blaine smile?
He made a pained noise and clawed at his hair. The sting grounded him as he arrived at his lab. He didn't need Blaine or even Mercedes. He would have his revenge. He would have his family. He rubbed shaking hands over his book.
That's why. He only missed Blaine being around because he was lonely. It had nothing to do with the man himself. He didn't miss his stupid smile or his obnoxious songs and dancing. He definitely didn't miss the puppet shows.
He just needed to focus. The lack of sleep was making him delusional and susceptible to distractions. The deadline was crashing towards him. The moon and planets were almost ready. His potions were perfect. His hearth was clean. He had to stay the course and Blaine had to stay in the dungeon. The way he got to him was dangerous. When the time came, he would have to tell Blaine goodbye anyway, so it was better not to get attached. Yes, this was the way.
Something like a hair on the back of his neck being pulled caught his attention. Someone had stepped through his invisible barrier. Kurt rubbed his face and glamoured himself to look less ragged. He didn't have the time to deal with whoever was trespassing, but he went anyway.
I ain't scared of your teeth, I admire what's in 'em
Kurt had been gone for about an hour and Blaine had relaxed somewhat. He was still pissed off at him for keeping him locked away in here, but also he had smashed his flower! So rude. The stem hadn't looked too crushed, so Blaine thought that he might be able to coax it back to life. If Kurt didn't want flowers growing, he should weed better. Or stop being such a spiteful harpy.
Lady Rachel and Blaine had decided to cheer themselves up by singing and whistling a tune. They sounded rather nice together, even if she was a bird. Then she tried to overtake Blaine and he squinted at her.
"You're pitchy when you get too loud. Stop that."
She shit in response and flitted to the back of her cage.
Blaine rolled his eyes where he was resting his back on the cool stones of the wall and let his head fall back. He was starting to think that everyone had been right and he was a fool. He wished he had Sam puppet to talk to, a new low.
An explosion from somewhere outside rattled Blaine's empty plate and cup along with Rachel's cage. They both froze and listened. Another sounded, closer this time and he felt the castle shake.
"What the hell?" Blaine muttered as he stood and pressed himself to the bars in an effort to hear anything. "What's happening?" He really hoped Kurt wasn't destroying the castle with them inside just because he was in a rage. There was a third explosion, but this one sounded farther away. Shouting could be heard in the corridor along with the clap of running feet. Everything grew quiet again before a small round ball with a lit fuse rolled in at the gate.
"Get down!" Blaine was able to shout as an explosion tore through the bars and sent flaming ice pieces everywhere. With ringing ears, Blaine sat up from where he had been crouched in the back of his cell. Not only had the door to the dungeon been blown off, all the cell doors were squashed in and holes ripped out. He was relived when he noticed Rachel wasn't harmed since she was on the other side of the room and blocked from most of the damage.
A sweaty man came running in with scars on his face and a sword strapped to his hip. He took one look around the room and honed in on Blaine who was just able to stand. He barked something at Blaine in a language he recognized but couldn't speak very well. The only words he picked out were basically him wanting to know where was Lady Rachel. So he was one of the people trying to rescue her. Blaine wondered how exactly he planned to get her home safely if she had been blown to bits. Something told him he didn't really care as much about that as the reward money. They heard another explosion and the man stormed across the room, grabbing Blaine out of his destroyed cell by the collar. He shook him and shouted again, pulling out his sword threateningly.
"Where is Kurt?" Blaine replied before he was struck in the face with the handle of the man's sword.
Rachel screeched in her cage and flew at the bars. It was futile, but it distracted the man long enough for Blaine to grab his weapon. He had underestimated how tightly he held it though and it was wrenched back away. The man snarled at him and raised the sword high.
"Stop!"
They both turned to the doorway where Kurt stood, his robes tattered. His face was coated with sweat and ash, his hair disheveled, and blood spatter speckled the front. Kurt looked from the man to Blaine's face and then back. He said something to the man in his language Blaine didn't quite catch.
The man pulled Blaine's back to his chest and held the sword to his throat. Blaine tried to remain calm, but he was a little shaky from the explosion and now from having his life threatened yet again. The man yelled back at Kurt something about a person for a person. He wanted to trade him for Lady Rachel then. Blaine locked eyes with Kurt, trying to convey with a look that he was okay and not to trade him. Kurt smiled, but there was something tight to it that made Blaine think he was nervous. When had he learned what his nervous smile looked like?
Kurt's eyes went back to the man and he replied.
The man moved his blade closer to Blaine's throat. He felt the edge press into his skin and knew it wouldn't take much more to end him.
Kurt closed his eyes. "Very well." The quick twitch of his hand was almost imperceptible. At first, nothing happened and they were still standing off. But then the man screamed loudly and dropped his sword. Kurt opened his eyes slowly, watching the man with contempt.
The man fell to his knees and clawed at his own skin. Blaine watched in horror as it turned pink and then red, then crimson. Bubbles popped under the surface of his skin and he beat at his own flesh. Tears streamed from the man's eyes and he begged Kurt to make it stop.
Blaine vomited at the sight and the smell. Yes the man had been about to kill him, but this… he couldn't stand the way the man wailed. He was literally boiling the man's blood. The pain must have been excruciating.
Kurt was watching with grim satisfaction, a darkness in his eyes.
"Kurt," Blaine rasped as he wiped saliva from his mouth. "Kurt, stop it! Please!"
With a sharp intake of breath, Kurt broke eye contact with the man and the blue seemed to return to his eyes. He moved his hand and the man's throat slit open. He fell with a wet gurgle into a pool of his own steaming blood.
"You didn't have to do that!" Blaine yelled at Kurt. He stepped towards him. "We could have locked him away!"
Kurt sniffed and wiped his dirty face on his torn sleeve. "In what cell?"
Blaine glanced back at the destroyed cages. "Oh, don't pretend you can't fix that immediately. I've seen you do far more impressive things than that."
"Would you rather he killed you?" Kurt asked snidely.
"No but—"
"This is my home and no one will tell me who to kill and who to leave alive! Not even you!" Kurt shouted, his hands balling into fists.
Before Blaine could reply, pain flashed on Kurt's face and he crumpled into himself holding his side. Blood seeped through his fingers.
Alarmed, Blaine moved to help him, but Kurt reeled back and fell to the floor.
"Don't touch me!" he panted. The color was leaving his face.
Blaine knew he had to help him. He put his hands down, but stayed close. "Can you heal yourself like you healed my hands?"
Kurt rested his head on the wall and watched Blaine warily. "I have used a lot of my strength. I know this must be quite a shock to you, but I'm not invincible." He laughed and winced.
Blaine's fingers itched to do something. He could at least keep him talking. "Well I bet that last spell used a lot of it, you foolish man. You could also build your home out of something more practical than magic ice."
Kurt narrowed his eyes at him before licking his lips and resting his bloodied palm over the wound. A light bloomed like before and once it faded, he slumped back to the wall with the effort. "The bleeding… It stoppered at least. I just need to…" He tried to push off of the wall and stand, but he swayed, his eyes blinking slowly. "To… Papa… Mama… I'm coming…"
He fell forward and Blaine caught him.
He first pressed an ear to his chest and felt a sense of relief when he heard a heartbeat. Blaine let him settle in his lap. Kurt's face was still dirty and waxen, but he seemed at peace. He had to decide what to do. Kurt was out cold. He could leave. Grab Lady Rachel and leave Kurt to be a curmudgeon. But she was still a bird and he doubted her fathers would be pleased about that. Also, he made a promise to Mercedes and all the others. He couldn't just leave them. He needed Kurt whether he liked it or not. As unpleasant and nasty as Kurt had been, Blaine would still feel guilty leaving him in this weakened state.
His mind set, Blaine very carefully picked up the fallen man in his arms and carried him out. He was lighter than Blaine expected. His head listed over limply and Blaine pushed it back onto his shoulder. To Blaine's immense relief, Mercedes was unharmed and met him in the hallway. The rest of the castle seemed untouched save the front door that had also been blasted open. He would fix that once he got Kurt settled.
"Would you show me to his room?"
Mercedes nodded and climbed the stairs.
Kurt mumbled and buried his head into Blaine's neck. He clutched at Blaine's shirt like he was trying to burrow inside of it. Something flipped in Blaine's chest. A lump grew in his throat. How long had it been since Kurt had even been held like this by someone with no ulterior motive? Someone who just wanted to show they cared? Blaine hugged Kurt tighter to him and he sighed happily in his unconscious state.
"I'm sorry," Blaine whispered. "You've been through so much. I'm here now."
Mercedes pushed the door open with her nose and Blaine wondered if the doors were unlocked since Kurt was passed out. Surely he didn't leave his room open. Inside was done in different shades of green, surprisingly warm and cozy. As the other rooms, there was furniture and a fireplace and plants across from a luxurious bed. Vines twisted up the posts into a canopy of leaves at the top. There was a shelf carved into the wall and a white pitcher painted with flowers sat. His mother's pitcher from his story. His first act of magic. Blaine looked down at the broken man in front of him laid out on his bed. He hoped his magic could mend him too. Blaine knew in that moment Kurt hadn't lied.
Shaking his head, Blaine went back to Kurt. He could get a better look at the pitcher later. Mercedes led him to another room with a large bath like the one he used except this one had a waterfall from the ceiling flowing into it. It was also magnificent, but Blaine ignored the beauty in his haste to collect some of the hot water into a bowl he found. He grabbed a soft cloth and returned to Kurt who hadn't moved an inch.
"I'm sorry to ruin your robes, Kurt," Blaine mumbled. There were probably already ruined by blood and ash though. He unbuttoned what he could and had to rip some of it off. By the fourth layer, Blaine huffed impatiently. "Why so many layers? Are you that cold hearted?"
Mercedes meowed in agreement and he shook his head. Finally, he reached skin and gasped at the wound. Because of all the blood and fabric, he hadn't been able to properly tell what happened, but one he peeled the last layer away, he could see a swollen, ugly gash in his side. It was closed up thankfully, however he had lost so much blood. It wasn't a clean cut as from a sword, but jagged like something had torn it. Blaine just hoped it hadn't ripped anything inside.
Gently, he took the cloth he had dipped in the hot water and began to wipe away all the caked on grime and blood. There was a particularly difficult place he had to press harder on and Kurt winced away and whined.
"I know, Kurt," Blaine said. He dabbed more carefully. "I'm sorry, but I have to get it."
Mercedes jumped on to the bed and curled up next to his head. She snuggled as close as she could and started purring. He seemed to calm somewhat.
Blaine gave her a grateful smile. "Thank you."
She winked at him and rubbed her cheek against Kurt's forehead.
Soon he was finished cleaning Kurt up and then he sacrificed a sheet to tear into strips and bandage him. He might not be pleased when he woke, but Blaine didn't care. At least he would be talking.
Next, Blaine went to the wardrobe and was not surprised in the least that it was only filled with trousers. He hadn't seen Kurt wear the same thing twice and Blaine had a feeling he had a horde of clothing. The next wardrobe consisted of outer robes, but the third was for those silky shirts he favored. Blaine found the longest and most billowy one he could that wouldn't be tight over his wound and pulled it over Kurt with some difficulty. He thought about removing Kurt's trousers, but he wasn't sure how that would go over and he felt odd about it. A quick once over informed him there were no wounds on his legs.
He was pretty tired at this point, but he carefully tucked Kurt in and checked him over once more. He was sleeping still and his hair had flopped over his face a little. Blaine brushed it back and the corner of Kurt's mouth curled up, ever so slightly. It made Blaine smile too. He looked younger and sweeter in his sleep. Almost angelic.
Warmth spread through Blaine as he watched him. He couldn't deny he felt a certain fondness for Kurt even thought lately he had wanted to punch him in the face. He could be cruel and harsh and toed the line of ruthless, but little bits poked through that made Blaine think the other parts were just a front. They were a shield he put in front of himself so no one could take advantage of him. Blaine had no idea how he would have turned out if he had been shunned his entire life and then his family had been taken from him so young, only to have to fight every day to survive. Yes, he had magic, but he had no one else. Even Mercedes probably resented him for keeping her trapped.
Oh! Mercedes! Blaine had quite forgotten she was there as he stared at Kurt for probably an embarrassing amount of time. He looked up at her and was relived when he saw she had fallen asleep.
He sucked in a deep breath and released it. He knew he couldn't give up now. He had to get Kurt to see. But he also recognized he was getting attached and nothing good could come of that. Kurt was surrounded by fine things, extravagant things. Blaine was naught but a humble entertainer who didn't even have a home to his name. It had never bothered him before, but now he felt inadequate. Kurt would never want someone like him. Best recognize that now before he let himself get carried away. Cooper always teased him and told him he always developed feeling a for the worst candidate possible. Like his friend Sam who preferred women or that Sebastian boy who had only used him for a night and then dismissed him.
He scoffed as he trod down the hall towards his bath. He needed one after being denied so long. He would prove Cooper wrong. He could remain neutral. Cooper knew nothing. Well, except how to juggle three knives while he held a flaming sword in his mouth, the bastard. He had to begrudgingly admit it was very spectacular.
He could handle this. Kurt would be a captive audience and he could make his case. Time was running out.
*music used:
Song Blaine sings:
-Broken Arrows: Avicii (this is technically way to upbeat, but obviously thinking more of an acoustic version. There's this one on a ukulele that's kind of what we had in mind. We can't post a site here, but we will post in on our tumblr/Instagram (kirakiwiwrites) and it's posted on our A03 chapter too.
Title and breaks:
-Wicked as They Come: CRMNL
-Cold-Blooded: Zayde Wølf
-Pressure: Billy Joel
-Demons: STARSET
-Victimized: Linkin Park
*we do not own music!*
