March 18, 2013, 8:38 p.m.
"Free World" Series
Free World: Best Kept Secret: Chapter 1: A Fool's Dance
E - Words: 1,095 - Last Updated: Mar 18, 2013 Story: Closed - Chapters: 2/? - Created: Feb 11, 2013 - Updated: Mar 18, 2013 278 0 4 0 0
Air Force One: Somewhere Above the Midwestern United States
It is quiet in the cabin of the President's private airplane. Most of the occupants, the President included, are asleep. It is completely dark, save for a lone overhead light that illuminates a small group of people in the back corner.
"We're behind in the polls and no amount of story spinning or photo ops are going to help us," Sue Sylvester, President Burt Hummel's chief of staff and closest advisor, says as she leans forward on the make-shift conference table.
"So what do you propose we do?" Carol Hudson-Hummel, the First Lady, says before taking a sip of her tea.
"At this point there's not really much we can do," Kurt Hummel, the President's son and the White House media relations consultant, sighs.
"Our platform was stronger during the first election; it was easier to find our footing. This time... we're drowning in nonsense."
"You people are all numbers and platforms," says a voice from the head of the table. "You talk like any of that matters. Here I was thinking I was sitting with the smartest group of people in the country."
Kurt rolls his eyes.
"Mr. Anderson, while I appreciate that you're our primary financier for this election, I really don't think you have a grasp on what needs to happen for us to win this election."
Mr. Anderson leans forward and sets a cell phone down on the table.
"Oh, but I do dear boy. I do!"
Kurt is striding through the office, overseeing the recent renovations. Blaine follows behind him, dodging construction workers and falling debris.
"This is the third invite we've gotten for your Da- I mean the President's birthday party. Honey, it's obvious they're not gonna just let us bow out of this one."
Kurt looks over his shoulder at his boyfriend, but doesn't stop walking.
"Throw it away or RSVP no, they'll get the hint eventually."
Blaine jogs a little to catch up and places a firm hand on Kurt's shoulder.
"Would it really be so bad to just go? I'm sure you miss some of the people that will be there. What about Finn and Rachel? When was the last time you saw them?"
"Finn and Rachel know how to get in touch with me if they want to see me. Obviously the White House has made sure to feed them the story so that I look like the bad guy."
He takes the invitation from Blaine and tears it in half.
"We're not going."
Kurt throws the pieces of the invitation in the air and continues to walk. He takes a few more steps and pushes open the new frosted glass doors that lead into the main conference room. What he sees inside makes his breath hitch in his chest.
Blaine slams into Kurt's back, not noticing when his boyfriend stops dead in his tracks.
"Jesus, Kurt!" Blaine says with a laugh, "A little warning next... time."
Blaine's jaw drops when he sees the unannounced visitor who has invaded their conference room.
"Dad?" Blaine squeaks out.
"Blaine. Might I have a word with young Mister Hummel here? Alone."
The White House: Sue Sylvester's Office
Sue is shutting down her computer at the end of what appears to have been a long night. She is dressed in a formal gown. Glancing up, she spies Kurt walking past her door.
"Porcelain!" she calls, causing Kurt to stop.
"Hello Sue," he says, stepping into her office.
"No Inaugural Ball for you? I never would have thought you would pass up an opportunity to get all gussied up!"
Kurt sighs and closes the office door.
"How can you possibly be excited about tonight? After what we did? I'll be lucky if I ever get a full night's sleep again."
Sue steps around her desk and walks right into Kurt's personal space.
"You listen to me, and you listen to me good, boy," she says in a near whisper, "We did what needed to be done, and if we hadn't, neither of us would be where we are right now. We had to make some tough choices for the greater good!"
Sue takes a step back from Kurt and opens her office door.
"You should get some sleep, Kurt, you look tired."
Kurt opens his mouth indignantly for a moment before turning and leaving Sue's office without a word.
KEH & Associates: Conference Room
Blaine, still in shock from seeing his father, moves closer to Kurt.
"I can stay if you want me to," he whispers.
"No," Kurt says without taking his eyes off Mr. Anderson, "It's fine. I've known this was coming. Go home and relax, I'll be home in an hour, tops."
Blaine stands on his tip-toes and kisses Kurt on his cheek.
"I love you," he says quietly against Kurt's cheek.
"Love you too," Kurt whispers, breaking eye contact with Mr. Anderson.
Once Kurt is sure Blaine is out of earshot, he sits down at the opposite end of the conference room table.
"What is this about, Randal?" Kurt says through clenched teeth.
"I see you boys found each other again," Mr. Anderson replies in an icy tone. "I suppose it was only a matter of time before the truth came out."
"Why are you here?" Kurt seethes.
"Seems somebody's been snooping around things they shouldn't be."
"Could you be any more cryptic?" Kurt sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose.
"You're old friend, Sebastian Smythe, has been looking into some abnormalities regarding the results of the last election."
Mr. Anderson has Kurt's attention now.
"I need you to fix this, Hummel, or we'll all be in hot water before the month is out."
"And what if I decide that maybe the truth needs to come out?" Kurt replies flippantly.
"Dammit boy!" Mr. Anderson screams, slamming his fist down on the conference room table and leaping to his feet, "If this story breaks, we might all go down for it, but think of how it'll destroy Blaine! You will fix this. Not because I'm asking you to, but because you won't break his heart again over something related to politics. I know that much about you!"
"Fine!" Kurt exclaims, "But what if this isn't something I can fix? There are limits to what I can do."
"Not to worry. If you can't fix it by the President's birthday gala, I've already put a contingency plan into place."
Mr. Anderson stands and goes to leave the conference room, but pauses just outside the door.
"Now be a good boy and let's make sure I don't have to get my hands dirty."
With that, he's gone. Kurt sighs heavily before pulling out his cell phone.
"Michael, I need you in the office. Now."
Comments
*Keyboard pound* These feels!
Yeah, there's more where that came from! ;)
I love love love love love this!!! I can't wait to see what happens next, it's so intense already :D
Chapter 2 has been sent off to my wonderful Beta, so it should be up within the next couple of days!