On the drive to the Hummel residence, Blaine stared out the window. His parents chattered idly in the front seat, but he opted not to join in on the conversation. His RDC textbook was a wealth of information, but one thing the guide failed to speak about at length was what to do when entering into an arranged bonding. More specific to Blaine’s troubles, what to do if you were minutes away from meeting your sub and all you could focus on was how much you wish you didn’t have to. The book didn’t explain how to handle years of resentment held against your father because the choice of selecting a life partner had been torn away from you.

He sighed quietly to himself. The anger he’d felt earlier that evening had subsided. Blaine knew he would step up to the plate and be the proper Dom for Kurt, even if he hadn’t made the decision himself. A sub wouldn’t understand the problem behind an arranged relationship, anyway. They were accustomed to having things decided for them. Blaine had to keep his resentment buried. If Kurt sensed his frustration, he might blame himself, and that was definitely not what Blaine wanted. The Dom might not have been eager right now, but maybe he would learn to care about Kurt. Maybe he could even learn to love the boy. If Kurt was willing to serve him, Blaine would be happy, even if it took a little time.
His father’s car turned into a driveway on a calm, residential street. Blaine glanced at the clock near the dashboard. One minute until they were scheduled to arrive. Right on time.

After ringing the doorbell, it wasn’t long before Burt Hummel was ushering them inside. His future sub’s father was wearing a smile as he greeted his parents, but Blaine could see that the happiness didn’t entirely reach his eyes. Of course, Blaine understood how this could be difficult for him. From what his parents had told him, after his wife passed away, Burt had raised Kurt on his own. It made sense that he would be extremely attached. Blaine gave him a soft smile as he shook the man’s hand. “I’ll take care of him, Mr. Hummel,” he promised. Burt only nodded, but Blaine understood the importance of the gesture. This man trusted him with his son. Blaine owed it to him, if no one else, to give Kurt the best life possible.

Burt led them into the living room, Blaine following at the rear. He stepped over the threshold, and his eyes immediately gravitated toward the couch. Sitting there, with knees tucked up to his chest and eyes wide as he watched the trio of strangers walk into his house, was Kurt. He was beautiful. Like, ridiculously, unfairly, incredibly beautiful. His face was a flawless blend of masculine and feminine features. Blaine looked into his eyes, gorgeous blue things; only to see that the sub was already staring up at him. Their eye contact lasted less than a second before Kurt quickly spun his head and looked away. Blaine couldn’t fight a smile.

“…I’m sure Blaine’s ready to get things started. Right, son?” his mother asked.

“Yes, I am.” For the moment, Blaine’s resentment was forgotten. All he knew was that he wanted this boy closer.

“Kurt,” he called, addressing the sub for the first time. Blaine relished the way Kurt’s head immediately swiveled to attention at the sound of his voice. So responsive. “Come here.” It took only a handful of seconds. Blaine was actually surprised at how quickly Kurt moved to obey his command. They weren’t even bonded yet. A thrill of anticipation sparked through him at the thought. If he was this obedient now, how wonderful would he be tonight?

Blaine pulled his thoughts back into focus. Now was not the time to get lost in fantasy. “Will you kneel for me, Kurt?” The question had been Blaine’s idea entirely, not something advised by his textbook or his father. He wasn’t Kurt’s official Dom yet. As of right now, Kurt was still unclaimed, and Blaine didn’t feel he had the right to order the boy to his knees. This partnership should be his choice too. He stared back into Kurt’s eyes, letting him think over his options.

“Yes, Sir.” He lifted a single eyebrow at the response, feeling a jolt of pleasure in his groin as he watched Kurt move to the floor. God, he looked beautiful on his knees. His mouth just inches away… Blaine made a mental note to take advantage of that gorgeous mouth later tonight as he pulled up a chair and settled into it. Smiling, he reached out to run his hand across Kurt’s cheek. The boy’s eyes fluttered closed, long lashes splaying over his pale skin. “Gorgeous,” he breathed. Focus, Blaine. First things first. You can stare at him later.

These ceremonies didn’t happen with every Dom and sub pairing. Some Doms preferred to get straight to the physical claiming, but Blaine wanted to make sure Kurt understood both of their roles before he took the boy to bed. He and Kurt had both spent a large amount of time composing the proper words to share with each other tonight. Blaine recited his chosen statements with all the reverence of wedding vows, promising the boy everything he could.

When he had finished, Kurt continued to stare up at him, his expression hard to read. He seemed almost captivated. A moment later Kurt’s gaze faltered, and he looked down. Blaine recognized his fear, and immediately felt an urge to reassure him. This beautiful boy was his responsibility. He didn’t want Kurt to look back on this ceremony and remember being afraid. “Hey,” he whispered gently, “Look at me.” Blaine reached out to pull his head back up, holding his gaze. “You’re okay. You’re fine.” Kurt moved closer, and Blaine felt a hand fist into the fabric of his pants, clinging to him for support.

For the first time since they were kids, Blaine heard Kurt speak. His voice was just as beautiful as he was, a smooth, slightly high pitched, musical sound. He listened closely as Kurt made his promises. He was quiet, but Blaine knew he meant every word. When he’d finished, Blaine couldn’t fight the urge to lean down, pressing his lips to his sub’s forehead for a brief moment.

“I have something for you,” he said, suddenly remembering, “Dad?” His father rose from the couch and handed him the black box Blaine had been keeping on his dresser. With a smile, Blaine held it out to Kurt, who took it and waited for Blaine’s encouraging nod before lifting the lid. Blaine’s heart beat out an anxious rhythm as he watched his sub’s face for a reaction. Was he being too forward, presenting him with a collar so soon? Kurt’s eyes grew wide, and his mouth gaped wordlessly for a moment before he managed to get out a thank you.

A genuine, relieved smile crossed Blaine’s face. “I’m glad you like it.” He took the box back and pulled out the collar. “Let’s see how it looks on you.” As soon as he spoke, Kurt extended his neck, and again Blaine felt a rush at his obedience. Hardly containing his excitement, Blaine fit it on, buckling the leather securely. “Perfect fit,” he admired. Kurt seemed to be struggling for words again, and Blaine waited patiently. “I don’t how to thank you, Sir.”

Again with the title. A hot, possessive feeling welled up in him. “Be mine,” he responded, “You’re mine now.” Blaine was pretty certain that Kurt’s nod of agreement was one of the most satisfying gestures he’d ever seen in his life. The sub, his sub, was collared on his knees. He’d promised to be obedient and loyal. Blaine felt an overwhelming surge of desire to get this boy alone. His emerging Dominance, spurred on by Kurt’s submissive appearance, was getting hard to keep under control.

He got to his feet and set the box down on the nearby table before turning to gaze down at his boy, offering him his hand. “Come.” Blaine was patient, giving Kurt the few seconds he probably needed to process everything. Kurt finally took his hand, and Blaine held it tight as he passed their witnesses without a glance and led the way to the basement.

The ceremony was over. His sub was collared, and their vows had been shared. It was time to make things official.