Sept. 7, 2013, 9:56 a.m.
One Good Turn Deserves Another: Chapter 25
E - Words: 3,506 - Last Updated: Sep 07, 2013 Story: Closed - Chapters: 30/? - Created: Sep 07, 2013 - Updated: Apr 12, 2022 140 0 0 0 0
Hello =) I'm back with another chapter. Big thank you goes to Kelly. I'm very lucky to have her as a betareader. =) Enjoy the chapter!
Kurt's scrutinizing sight wasn't something they liked to meet, but sometimes the situation was required and they couldn't back off. They needed to survive without any damage - and without Kurt suspecting anything, which appeared to be a more difficult task than they'd initially expected.
"I already told Rachel I'm not going. And I'll repeat it every time you ask me. I'm not seeing your show on opening night. Blaine and I will see it another time."
"But, Kurt," Nick whined. "I'm a lead. You, as one of my closest friends, need to come and support me!"
"I, as Blaine's BOYFRIEND, need to go to his album release party that day."
"We aren't saying not to go to his party. You can go AFTER our show. With us. We'll go together." Jeff grinned.
"Spill!" Kurt demanded. Nick and Jeff tried to play innocent but their game was so see-through after months Kurt had to deal with it that it didn't help them at all. "Come on, guys. You're not gonna fool me. Rachel apparently failed so now you take her place in bugging the hell out of me. What's this about?"
"We don't want you to go to Blaine's party." Jeff murmured, earning a roll of eyes from Nick.
"You're such a weakling, Sterling."
"What?!" Kurt asked, shocked. "What is wrong with you? He worked hard on this album and you want me to act like some ‘reopening night' of the show I've seen like a million times, while in its first run, is more important? Are you crazy?"
"No, you've got it wrong!" Jeff's attempt at defence wasn't good enough by the glare Kurt sent him. "We want you to go with us. Skip the official part and come to an after party."
"And why would I do that?"
"Blaine won't have time for you. It starts with a concert, so you know, he'll be on the stage. With a hundred lucky but crazy fans under the stage. There'll be press and people from tabloids and they are going to shove their microphones right into his face. And then there is you. They already have some suspicion. You don't know how to deal with the press."
"I'm a journalist, Nick. I AM the press." Kurt said with a smirk.
"No, you aren't that type of journalist. Trust me, Kurt. We can't be there by your side to protect you. We don't want anything bad to happen to you."
"Blaine's parents are going to be there. I won't be alone."
"Blaine's parents are great but when Victoria gets excited, she tells even what she doesn't know. She may accidentally blurt your name or something. If you won't be there, the chances are lower."
"It's all for your safety." Jeff added.
"And what am I supposed to say to Blaine?"
"You'll tell him: Sorry, honey - "
"Sweetie." Nick chirped.
"Yeah, sure. You don't call him honey. So: Sorry, sweetie," Jeff corrected his previous speech and continued. "My beloved friends need me to support them on their opening night and since there are more of them and you are just one, I have to go to the theater. You know, the majority wins. We'll come and crash your after party but till then you are on you own."
"And Blaine will say: Whatever you want, honey."
"You can't be serious right now."
"We are!" They said in unison and Kurt rather changed the topic. There was something fishy about it all and he was going to get to the core of it.
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Blaine came home exhausted. He was practicing with the band the whole day, cursing his manager for the idea of the concert as the celebration of his album being out. He probably shouldn't have spent all of Monday with Kurt, excusing himself from the practice with a made up story about his vocal chords needing rest but it was so worth it. He had two more days till Friday. Two more days and the album would be out. Two more days, then the weekend, and from next Monday a week out of the city with PR stuff. He was tired just thinking about it.
"Kurt? What are you doing here? I thought you had plans with Nick and Jeff tonight." He smiled and walked to his boyfriend, kissing him soundly on the lips.
"We had a few drinks...Your parents went for dinner with some friends. They'll be home late." Kurt said, returning back to watching the TV again. Blaine threw himself down on the sofa next to him and put his head on Kurt's shoulder.
"I'm so glad you're here. I'm worn out. Gonna sleep like a baby."
"Hmmmm..."
"What are you watching?"
"Some stupid reality show."
"What is it about?"
"Don't know."
"Is it at least funny?"
"Not really."
"Then why don't you change the channel?" Kurt just shrugged his shoulder in respond.
"Kurt, is something wrong?" Blaine asked warily.
"I would say so." Kurt answered and turned the TV off before fixing his eyes on his boyfriend.
"What happened?"
"Why don't you want me to come to your official party on Friday?" Blaine stayed silent. He lowered his sight down at his hands and bit his lower lip. If Kurt had any doubt that his suspicion might be wrong, Blaine had just admitted it without having to say a single word.
"God," Kurt shook his head, frustrated. "My former boyfriend begged me to go everywhere with him while my current boyfriend doesn't want me at the most important event of the year. There is something utterly wrong in this pattern. Why the hell didn't you just tell me? Did you really think that Rachel or Nick and Jeff, with their ridiculous reasons why I should come to see their show instead of your concert, was going to work on me?"
"I didn't know how to tell you." Blaine said quietly. "You were so thrilled about it and I didn't know how to tell you that it would be better if you didn't come with me."
"You know, you could say Kurt, I don't want you there. It'd sure be better than forcing our friends to convince me not to go."
"It's not that I don't want you there..."
"Do you want me to go?"
"No."
"So you don't want me there..."
"I am AFRAID to have you there all alone. It has nothing to do with me not wanting you there. If I had my way, I'd want you with me 24/7. I just don't think it's safe to have you there just with my parents."
"Why not?"
"Thousands of people pre-ordered my album so they could win a ticket to the concert. A hundred of them will be there. Alongside the press, it's a dangerous combination. If they see you with my mom and dad, your pictures will be all over the internet before the concert starts. The more exposure you get, the bigger the chance that someone recognizes you. I can't have your name out there, Kurt. For now you are passing as a friend because you are often seen with Nick and Jeff or Rachel, but if you don't go to see them but you'll come with me, the cover is blown. I won't have time for you either way. It'll be crazy. When the official part is over, you'll all come and we'll have fun. We can celebrate the album and the show reopening and I'll sing to you as many songs as you want, just please, go with them. Go to the theater and stay with them."
"You should have told me."
"I know. I'm sorry, Kurt. I didn't want you to think that I didn't want you there, which is exactly what happened, but I swear it's not that."
"So it's not because you're ashamed of me?" Kurt asked timidly.
"No! Of course not! Where did this come from?"
"I don't know. Sometimes I feel like I don't belong in your world. Like someone from showbiz would be a better boyfriend for you. You'd deal with the same stuff, they could understand what you are going through better than me..."
"You DO belong in my world. I WANT you in my world. I NEED you in my world."
"I just wanna be a good boyfriend."
"You are the perfect boyfriend, Kurt. I promise I won't pull something like this again, okay? I'll talk to you right away."
"Okay," Kurt nodded. "Lets get you to bed. You look weary."
Kurt took Blaine's hand and tugged him up, leading him to the stairs. Blaine obediently followed, though there was a frown on his face. When Kurt touched the doorknob on Blaine's bedroom door, Blaine stopped him.
"Are you mad at me?" Kurt turned around to caress Blaine's cheek, smiling softly at him.
"I'm not mad, Blaine. I'm glad we talked about it and I know where I stand now. Problem solved."
"I didn't mean to..." Blaine's speech was interrupted with a press of Kurt's lips against his own.
"Everything's fine, sweetie." Kurt whispered as he pulled out. "Shower?"
"Will you join me?"
"I'd love to."
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There was an open document on the screen of Kurt's laptop. He was sitting behind his desk for hours, the sun wasn't even up when he'd woken up but the article was at the same point it had been when he had started working on it early in the morning. He wrote and re-wrote the sentences all over again, not able to concentrate. He stood up, walked to his bed and lay down on the covers. His mind was preoccupied with Blaine. He tried to understand the motives behind Blaine's behavior but the conclusion was, every time, the same. It was driving him crazy. Not seeing Blaine since Tuesday evening didn't help at all.
He wanted to see Blaine's concert so badly tonight. Wanted to see his boyfriend in his element, happy and free, doing something he loved so much. He wanted to shout and scream, singing out the songs he knew by heart. Why wasn't he allowed to do that? Why was Blaine so adamant about keeping him out of the public eye? They were dating for God's sake! People would find out sooner or later either way. Unless...Kurt groaned. He didn't want to go there again. There must be another reason. He refused to believe that Blaine was doing all of this because he didn't think Kurt would be around for the long run.
It was almost lunch time and Kurt finally gave up on finishing the article. He left his room, shutting the door loudly. Not purposely. He just underestimated his strenght. Or that would be the excuse in case Rachel would yell at him for that. His steps went straight into the living room. He sprawled on the sofa, taking the remote control. He went through all the channels in the space of a minute, not finding anything that would catch his attention so he repeated the action several times until Rachel stormed out of her bedroom.
"Kurt! Stop it! It's too loud! I can hear everything in my room. You know I need my rest before the opening night!"
"Sorry." Kurt murmured and turned the volume down, absently pushing buttons on the remote control and watching muted images flicking on the flat screen mindlessly.
"Are you okay?"
"I'm fine."
"Did the controler personally offend you?"
"What?!"
"You're gripping it so hard that it might break soon." Kurt turned the TV off and threw the piece of plastic he was holding tightly onto the coffee table.
"What's bothering you?"
"You're going to think I'm dumb..."
"Kurt, I have a show to perform this evening. You know my opening night ritual for years, yet you decided to disturb me today. So spill your guts or I'm going to kick you out of here for the next five hours!" Rachel threatened and Kurt rather made some space for her on the sofa so she could join him.
"I think Blaine is going to break up with me." Rachel's eyes widened and she grabbed Kurt's hand, squeezing it in a comforting manner.
"What happened? Did you guys have a fight?"
"No. Everything is okay."
"So where the break up thought come from?"
"I don't know. I can't help it. He is doing all he can not to be seen with me..."
"It's a safety precaution, Kurt. He just doesn't want to get you into trouble."
"Would you stop it? I'm not stupid. I know I might get some attention when people find out but it'll pass as soon as they realize I'm not that interesting."
"We are talking about hate that might be thrown at you. You know what I have to deal with in the beginning. All the comments on twitter and blogs, youtube videos...People who didn't know anything about me sent me hate just because they didn't like something about me. Blaine tries to protect you from it. He has a very big fanbase and we have no idea how many nutcases are out there. They'll find the reason to hate you or stalk you. You're underestimating the situation, Kurt."
"My twitter account is private. They have no way of getting in touch with me!"
"What about your articles?"
"What about them?"
"Open comments? Under every one you have in online newspapers and journals?"
"Oh...I didn't think about that."
"Look, maybe we're crazy. Maybe nothing will happen and our worrying is unnecessary. But I do understand why Blaine doesn't wanna take any risks. He's not going to break up with you. Actually, he might be doing all of this so YOU don't break up with him because things got out of control."
"I wouldn't do that!"
"And I'm pretty sure Blaine wouldn't break up with you without any reason as well! Stop overthinking. You two are happy. Enjoy it and don't look for any problems! Maybe you should talk to him about this."
"I can't."
"Why not?"
"Because I don't want to evoke any insecurities in him if I'm wrong."
"You are wrong, Kurt."
"Go back to your room, Rachel. I'll keep it quiet." Kurt turned the TV on and motioned Rachel to get lost.
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Blaine hated that he couldn't spend as much time as he'd like to with Kurt and his friends at his after party. There were so many people demanding his attention that he barely said a proper hello before he was dragged to the opposite direction to talk to someone else. He was sending lingering looks at Kurt across the room, getting a sweet smile back when his boyfriend caught him staring. It still wasn't enough. He would much rather have a private party with people close to him than this big event full of people whose names he didn't even know. Kurt seemed to have a great time though, so it eased Blaine's mind a bit. He was laughing with Nick and Jeff, staying with them throughout the night.
When he saw Kurt leaving the room, he excused himself from the group he was talking to and hurried in the hallway to chase his boyfriend. He found him standing outside on the sidewalk..
"Kurt?"
"Oh, hey." Kurt turned around and smiled.
"Everything alright?"
"Yeah...I just needed fresh air. It's really hot inside and it makes me sleepy."
"Are you tired?"
"A little. It's really late and I was up early this morning. I was working on an article the whole day." Blaine took a card from inner pocket of his suit and handed it to Kurt.
"I booked a room in the hotel across the street. I don't want to spend half an hour in the car after I finish here to get to bed. You can go there. I'll come when this is over."
"You want me to go?"
"Well, you're tired and I can't keep you company as I promised. I'm really sorry for it, honey. You don't have to stay, I won't mind. I mean, you can stay, if you want to. It's up to you. Please, don't think that I don't want you here because seeing you, even if it's on the other side of the room, is the highlight of this party for me."
"I could use some sleep..."
"It's almost two in the morning and people aren't leaving. We might be here till four, maybe five. I can't go sooner. Don't feel obliged to stay. You really don't have to."
"Okay." Kurt nodded. "I'm going to say goodbye."
They stepped inside, Blaine's hand brushing slightly against Kurt's, the only physical contact he dared to have with him amongst so many people. He stayed at Kurt's side while Kurt explained to his friends that he was leaving and then he walked him to the hotel, kissing his cheek sweetly with a promise to join him as soon as possible.
As soon as possible was almost three hours later. He sneaked into the hotel room silently, going straight to the bathroom and trying not to bang into anything in the dark. He took a quick shower and returned to the room that was now alight by a small lamp on the bedside table. Kurt was up, lying on his side.
"Did I wake you up? I'm sorry." Blaine got under the covers and put his arms around Kurt's waist.
"It's okay. How was the rest of the party?"
"Too long." Blaine sighed. "I'm happy it's over and I can finally spend some time with you. You're still mine for the weekend?"
"All yours."
"Great. We're taking my parents to the airport later today and then we have a dinner reservation. I hope you're in the mood for a good tiramisu."
"I'm always in the mood for tiramisu. I used to love cheesecake but since we started dating, I'm very fond of tiramisu, especially if you're the one making it."
"Not today, honey. We'll have to leave it to the chef in the restaurant but I promise to make some when I come back from L.A."
"I saw some videos from your concert on youtube..."
"They already uploaded it?"
"I saw it while I was waiting for Nick and Jeff to get ready after the show. It's been on the internet since shortly after the concert finished."
"My fans work fast."
"They do...Blaine?"
"Yeah?"
"Please, let me come to your next concert. I'll stay backstage if necessary but please, let me see you."
"You do understand why I had to ask you not to come tonight, right?"
"Well..." Kurt started hesitantly. "I wouldn't say I understand. I respect your decisions but I can't say I understand."
"It's about keeping you safe, Kurt."
"Keeping me safe from what?"
"Hate, potential stalking..."
"I can deal with that. I'm a big boy, Blaine. I'm not saying let's make an official statement that we are together but why can't I be with my boyfriend on an important occasion?"
"Kurt, I've been through this with Nick and Jeff and it was crazy. It might influence your job and I don't want that. I said it before and I'm gonna say it again. You are not a public person and I'm not going to make you one. If I can do anything to avoid it, I'll do it. Had you been there, your face would have been all over the internet by now. Cooper sent me a picture of mom and dad. He found it on some blog an hour after the concert was over. It had more than five thousands likes and reblogs...And I hate that. If they found out about you, I wouldn't be able to protect you anymore."
"I don't need your protection, Blaine. And I can't imagine anything so horrible that I couldn't handle."
"Have you ever realized that if they found out about your online articles, they may comment on them? It's the easiest way of getting in touch with you. Private accounts on social networks won't help you."
"There is an admin to control every discussion under the article. If there is something inappropriate, they delete it."
"We're talking about a lot of people posting inappropriate comments. How long would they be willing to control the discussion? If they have to delete hundreds comments daily, they might just tell you not to write for them anymore."
"You really think something that radical could happen?"
"Yes, I really think so. Maybe you have a point and I am overthinking and overreacting but I'm not going to take any risks when it comes to this."
"I just wanna be by your side."
"I'm going to have you by my side every time it's possible. But this event was too public. There were fans mingled between guests and it was too risky. I'm sorry, Kurt, but I won't change my mind about this."
"I like it when you are firm and decisive. Even though it means that I have to give up."
"Do you understand now?"
"I do. I don't agree with you but I understand."
"Thank you."
"Now kiss me goodnight and turn around so I can hold you." Blaine leaned forward and they shared a few chaste kisses before they fell asleep in each others arms. Kurt was still convinced that Blaine wasn't telling him everything but he let it go. They had a limited amount of time to spend together because come Monday morning, Blaine would be gone for the week. Kurt wasn't going to ruin their weekend with the talk they could have later. Pushing the conversation for later was the best option. It had always been the best option. The option that cost him his previous relationship. Kurt swore to himself not to repeat his mistakes with Blaine. He would talk to his boyfriend. He wouldn't ignore things that were troubling him. This time, he would do everything to keep the man he loved in his life, happy and content.
Well, I know it takes forever to update but I'm doing my best. Thank you for reading. If you feel like it, spare me a few words, please. Let me know what you think about the story and maybe what would you like to see (read=). Is there something you want me to explore more? We can figure something out together. See you next time. =)
Nika