A knock on his door startled Blaine awake. He sat up as a sleepy Kurt walked in, looking scruffy and not even a little bit awake, carrying two mugs of coffee. He handed one to Blaine, and plopped next to him on the bed.

"Uhm, good morning. Did I forget something?"  Blaine was pretty sure he hadnt.

"No. But I nearly did. The show is next week and I totally forgot that I need to introduce you to Kitten in advance. Its better that way, like getting a vaccine before youre exposed to the disease. Anyway, Im reasonably on schedule and you were the only one I was going to work with today, anyway. The others have been at me for a group day off so they could go to Six Flags. Apparently, theyre twelve. Mark this day, it is 7:30 in the morning and we are the only ones here. The whole lot are up and gone."

"Thats possible?"  Blaine asked incredulously.

"It would seem so. And the unholy mess they left of the kitchen lends credence to the assumption." 

Kurt got up. "So, Im going to go start on that. Why dont you get up and moving and well trek out to Kittens place later?"

Blaine slid out of bed behind him. "Sure. As soon as I help you clean the kitchen." 

Kurt had told him the drive was about an hour so Blaine dressed for comfort. The journey was a relaxed one. The weather was still nice so Blaine rolled down his window first thing while Kurt set up a playlist theyd both like. They sang together sometimes, something Blaine loved and Kurt appeared to enjoy as well since he usually ended up grinning like a cherub when the song ended.

The building they eventually pulled into was a large warehouse retrofitted into a gym. Blaine crowded close behind Kurt, as they entered, his hand reflexively stroking his neck for reassurance. The solid feel of leather against his fingers soothed his nerves.

The main floor area was full of weight machines and free weights. A dozen heavy bags hung from a section in the corner where a kick boxing class was in progress. A giant floor-level ring was set up at the center of the room. Several people leaned along the ropes, throwing cat-calls at the two combatants engaged in some form of martial arts match inside. There was a second floor with a railing circling the open space. Spectators lined that narrow path as well, clearly enjoying the fight.

The smaller guy in the ring looked like hed taken quite a pummeling. He dodged a punch and turned the wrong way, taking a telling kick to the stomach, tapping the mat when he fell, hunched into a tight ball.  The sharp jab his opponent gave to the fallen man with his foot explained the protective behavior even after hed yielded.  The crowd didnt appear to apreciate the unsportsmanlike behavior, if the jeers were anything to go by.

"Im unstoppable!" The victor crowed as the specters alternately cheered and groaned while money subtly changed hands. Blaine didnt doubt he was right. The man was tall, corded with muscle and his blows had been skilled and fast.

"Ya think?"  A light voice called, sounding amused. "I say we test that hypothesis. Anyone out there want to watch a sparring match?" 

The number of spectators abruptly doubled, people stopping mid workout to crowd the ring. Voices rose, enthusiastically cheering the proposition. A petite girl that Blaine figured couldnt be an inch over five feet tall leapt up to sit on the ropes, crossing her legs demurely. She had bright red hair pulled back in a very long braid reminiscent of Katniss Everdeen. Her skin was pale and freckled, and her bright green Irish eyes were smiling devilishly. Her mouth, however, was set in a cheery smile that looked both sweet and innocent.

Blaine saw the tiny girl and hoped she had a friend or brother to back up her words. He didnt trust the dirty fighter not to harm her. Blaine could see the spark in those bright eyes, and pegged her as one whose mouth might write checks her body couldnt cash, mistakenly assuming the man wouldnt hit a girl.

"Wow, Tommy. Look at all those people who want us to rumble. You dont seem to have too many friends in the crowd. And youve only been here a month. Do you think its your winning personality, sloppy fighting, wretched sportsmanship or unrelieving arrogance that bothers people? Personally, I just think its cause youre an asshole."

She hopped off the rope, sauntering casually towards the fighter. "You arent horrible looking. Id originally thought about taking you for a test drive. But then I saw how you fight and figured if you fuck half that bad, you arent worth the laundry afterward. Water-cooler chat has me dead to right, by the way."

Blaine watched the two warily, not liking how amped the crowd appeared.  He was startled to hear Kurt chuckle a little at the girls taunt.  

"What the hell does that mean?"

"It means that reportedly your ego is by far your biggest attribute." 

"Listen here you little..."

"Nope, done listening. Bored," she interrupted him. "The crowd clearly wants some action and I aim to misbehave. So, you gonna strut some more, little peacock, or are we going to spar?"

"I was going to be polite and not beat down a Sensei in front of clients. But since you insist on humiliating yourself..."

Blaine pressed up close to Kurts back and whispered in his ear. "Isnt someone going to do something about this? I know shes mouthing off pretty badly, but that guy looks about twice her weight and a good foot taller."

Kurt glanced over his shoulder back at Blaine and winked. "Youre right, hardly seems fair, does it? Someone should give the guy a weapon or something.  Relax sweetie, itll be fine."  Before Blaine could answer, the girl hopped to the center of the mat.

She grinned merrily, turning to a far corner on the second floor. "DJ, play me something appropriate for ass-kicking!"  A minute later the opening notes of Smooth Criminal blared through the house speakers. The girl laughed and posed to begin. Both combatants bowed to the sound of a crescendo.

The man, Tommy, threw a quick punch that sent him staggering forward when he only connected with air. Blaine barely saw the girl as she dodged. In a blur of movement, she grabbed the arm that shot past her and yanked it forward. Tommy lost his balance but spun out and away, recovered quickly, and began striking in earnest.

It became clear in the first five seconds that this match was done. The petite girl whirled like a dervish, dodging the big mans strikes and blows like he was moving through molasses. When she kicked or punched, it struck home every time and the big mans stagger marked how heavily those blows connected. The audience was cheering and calling out, clearly enjoying the match.  "Kick his ass, Seabass!" someone hollered, causing the girl to spin, her long braid whirling behind her as she regarded the crowd.

"Really?!"  she asked incredulously before ducking under a high kick that would have nailed her in the skull. She dropped, sweeping at the foot still on the ground to knock Tommy down and rolled over to jab an elbow into his abdomen.

"Youre done," she told the groaning man as she stood up. "I was being nice when I gave you that elbow in the stomach instead of the crotch. Say thank you."

"Thank you," Tommy wheezed.

The crowed was delighted, calling out to the girl as the song wound down. She grinned at them all, bowing theatrically, her eyes casually scanning the crowd until they landed on Kurt and Blaine.

"Kurt!"

Shrieking in delight, the red-head leapt the ropes and barreled towards them, leaping into Kurts arms and wrapping her legs around his waist, clinging to him like some demented, pale monkey.  She kissed him square on the mouth, but Kurt was laughing so it landed poorly.  "Hi, Kitten," Kurt told her, "Ive missed you, too."  Blaine stared while the girl clung tighter, clearly thrilled.

"Now get the hell off me you sweaty, disgusting leprechaun," Kurt added, trying to shove the clingy barnacle off of him.  "If you mess up my clothes youre a dead girl."  Kitten laughed, sliding down Kurts taller body to the ground. She leaned around him to see Blaine standing there staring, wide eyed.

"Oh, Kurt. You got a puppy! Hes so adorable, can I pet him?"

What was with girls always comparing him to a baby dog? Blaine wondered in annoyance, thinking of Santanas insistence on calling him a poodle.

"Kitten, dont be a bitch. This is Blaine. Blaine this is Kitten, sometimes Hailey when she remembers shes an adult. Kitten you may shake his hand but absolutely no molesting." 

Kitten sighed. "Killjoy."  Still, she smiled warmly at Blaine and extended her hand.

Blaine tentatively placed his hand in hers, relieved when the girl took it in a firm, slightly sweaty, but non-painful grip.  "Its good to meet you, Sweetling," Hailey told him. "Are you Kurts new boytoy?" 

"No, I mean yes, Im Kurts slave, but Im not..." 

Kitten snorted, interrupting the slaves stuttered response. "Youre straight? Color me shocked. Well, Kurts loss is Kittens gain. Tell me gorgeous; whats your pleasure? I can do hot, heavy, fierce, fun, romantic..."

Kurt insinuated himself slightly in front of Blaine.  "Kitten, youre idea of romance is to hit the poor guy with a club and drag him to your cave. Blaine is not talking about his sexual orientation, hes telling you we dont have sex."

"But I am 100% gay," Blaine interjected quickly, dropping his gaze when she looked back at him with interest. He hoped she wasnt one of those girls who saw that as a challenge.  She was handsy enough as it was.

She surprised him by nodding agreeably, instantly dropping her leer. "Yeah, I thought so. In which case youre royally missing out, not tapping that fine ass,"she added, smacking Kurt firmly in the posterior.

Kurt yelped, catching Blaines arm for balance before smacking her back on the shoulder. "Hailey Rain ONeill, we have a standing agreement. Looking is okay, admiring is fine, touching is no-no." 

She sighed heavily. "Youre right, youre right. Sorry."  Her eyes sparkled, "Can I kiss it better?"

"Not even a little. Are you free to get coffee?" 
------------------------

Kitten had a class to teach but promised to meet up with them at a local coffee shop in and hour and a half.

"Lets go get lunch," Kurt offered as they left the gym. "You look like you have about 10,000 questions." 

"Maybe not quite that many," Blaine murmured, following Kurt to a sandwich shop. They ordered food to go and headed for a park theyd driven past that looked promising.

"So, shoot. Ill tell you anything I know," Kurt offered.  "But I warn you, its not all that much.  She doesnt talk much about her past."

"Okay, um, well. For starters, is she insane?"

"Very much so, yes. Next question."

"Shes supposed to be looking out for me at this show, right? Keeping people you dont want to have me from simply grabbing me and doing what they want?"

"Yes, she is. And no one gets to touch you, unless you want them to, of course. There are some beauties at this thing, you might meet someone you like. Ill make sure Kitten knows that once youre off work for the night you can go where you want."  Blaine ducked his head. He really wasnt keen on the idea of sex with anyone, though he did appreciate what Kurt was trying to do.

"Kitten will basically be your shadow from the moment you walk out the door until youre back in our hotel room." 

"She seems kind of...violent. Youre sure she wont..do anything to me?"  Blaine was absolutely certain that the tiny Sensei could do pretty much anything she wanted to him if she was of a mind to.

"Yeah, she can be pretty physical.  They may call her Kitten but shes more of a demon tiger from hell.  But for this weekend, shes your hell tiger. She has an odd set of morals but shes dedicated to them."  Kurt paused to take a bite of his sandwich, trying to think about what he needed to share about his crazy friend.

"She doesnt lie, ever, though she can be creative with the truth. If she makes you a promise you can count on her keeping to the spirit of it. Kitten doesnt sweat small stuff, like what people think of her or, you know, money." 

"Okay. Good to know. I just need to find a way make her promise not to hurt or molest me and Ill be safe."  Kurt snorted at Blaines tone, unconcerned. "How is she that good a fighter?"  Blaine asked, finishing his food.

"First off, She wont hurt you. Part of her ethos is to do no harm to those less able then her until they prove themselves assholes. And she has a serious thing for underdogs. Thats actually how we met.  I was cornered but some pretty obnoxious bullies and the next thing I know theyre all on the ground and this redhead is telling me my butt looks great in my tight jeans and asks me to buy her a latte.  Anyway, as long as you dont go around bullying people less able to defend themselves then you, which is basically no one, then youre fine. And shes taken martial arts all her life. Literally, like by the time she was walking her mom was teaching her punches. I honestly dont know a whole lot about that part of her life. If she shares anything, do tell."

They cleaned up their lunch and headed over to the coffee shop. They had just taken a seat on the outdoor patio when a freshly scrubbed Kitten plopped into the chair next to them. "Hey boys, you hotties wanna treat a girl to a good old fashioned devils three-way?"

Kurt snorted. "Not on a dare. Keep your sordid fantasies to yourself." 

"It seldom goes the way you think it will, anyway," Blaine murmured.

"You dont say?" Kitten asked, eyeing the slave with interest. "Tell me sweetheart, howd you come by that particular tidbit, my little gold star gay?"

"Because I spent the last several years being fucked by anyone who wanted me, any way they wanted. And after having been a participant in several of those, most of which went poorly, I can tell you that they seldom go the way you think. And I dont get that particular gold star." 

Kittens eyes gleamed intently but before she could ask whatever she was about to, Kurt unsubtly kicked her under the table.

"Owie! The fuck, Kurtling?!"

"Behave, Hailey," Kurt chided. "No grilling him."

"Ive killed men for less," Kitten told him darkly.

"Thats nice. So, were here so you can meet Blaine and we can go over details for next week,"  Kurt told her, unfazed by the threat.

A barista came out to take her order, glancing over at Blaine and raising an eyebrow. Aware he was being stared at for sitting at the table, Blaine hunched in on himself and dropped his gaze uncomfortably. Being out with Kurt and the clan was worth the frequent glares from servers, but it still made him nervous. Usually, they simply took food to places where hed be left alone but Kitten had wanted to meet here. At least with his collar in plain view, he couldnt be accused of trying to hide his status. That was a quick way to a euthanasia needle, whether Kurt wanted to allow it or not. Most slave guidelines were fairly open to owners preference but that was one law the government was very firm on.

Kurt caught the look and glared back warningly. Kitten appeared to ignore the whole interchange and ordered a dirty chai. After another glance at Blaine that left the slave shivering in his chair, the barista shrugged indifferently and went back inside to fill Kittens order. Blaine uncurled a little, relaxing when Kurt took his hand, holding it openly on the table.

"Thats adorable, Kurt. Look at you getting all protective-like. Speaking of protecting, what day again?"  Kitten frowned. "Next week, you said? Kurt, you know youre always a priority for me but I think Im already booked."  She checked her phone. "Yup, though I didnt log who I hired on with. I guess I need to figure that out." 

"Was it several months ago?"

"Uhm, yep. Why?" She asked

"That would be me."

She blinked. "Oh! Right! Well, that explains why I didnt add more details. Okay, so, next week. Lets see, thats the Mayflower Thread Show, yes?" 

"Yes, it is.  I need you for guard duty for the weekend."

"No problemo. Whose body am I covering this year? Please tell me its yours this time? Or is it that sexy blonde Neanderthal again? Cuz, seriously Kurt, one word: stamina." 

Kurt rolled his eyes. "You never fail to horrify me, darling. No, as far as I know Sam has no crazy stalkers this year. I hired you for Blaine."

She eyed the slave, who cautiously met her gaze a second before dropping his eyes. Haileys face took an uncharacteristically solemn expression. "Kurt. You know I adore you and have your back for most anything, but Im not running sales for the boy. I dont care how experienced he is or how hes been used previously. Im fine with guarding his body but youll need to have someone else sell it."  Blaine suddenly felt better about the whole thing and smiled softly though he kept his eyes fixed on the table.

Just then the barista came back, handing Kitten her drink and accepting the cash she was handed. She ducked back in quickly without asking if anyone else wanted anything.  As soon as she left, Kurt turned back to glare at Kitten. "Excuse you, Little Miss?! Exactly what part of our history leads you to believe that Id force anything on anyone? Particularly sex!"

"Well, you paid money to own a sex slave, Kurt. It is a fair assumption,"  Kitten replied easily. Kurt slumped a bit and Blaine was quick to rub his arm reassuringly.

"Kurts never touched me, Maam. Not once. He hasnt allowed anyone else to, either. And since he literally saved my life, Im more than grateful he bought me." Kurt smiled into warm brown eyes, squeezing the hand interlaced with his.

Kitten watched the two, concealing her delight. Well, that was interesting. Perhaps there was more going on then Kurts protective nature kicking in.  "Alrightly, then.  In that case, Im totally on board. Ill meet you at the hotel Friday afternoon. Text me your and my room numbers when you get in, would you?" She reached a hand out to Blaine. "Phone. Give it up." 

He hesitated before pulling his phone from his pocket and handing it over. A minute later Kittens phone beeped. "Okay, cutie. We have now exchanged numbers. Ill see you Friday and we can go over the details for the weekend. In the meantime, feel free to text me anytime. Questions, comments, death threats...ooh, and jokes. I love jokes. Especially pirate ones. And puns. Love puns."  Kitten stood, winked at Blaine and hugged Kurt before sauntering back the way she came.

Blaine watched her go with mixed emotions. He was quite sure that the intense, crazy girl was more than capable of watching over him. Why didnt he find that completely reassuring?