Lord Blaine Anderson was twenty when he first met twelve-year-old Kurt Hummel. He had been riding his stallion, Pavarotti, when he had come across a young boy walking the opposite way. His father, may he rest in peace, has always told him to be on good standing with everyone in the county. That included twelve-year-old boys who seemed to be singing to themselves. Blaine brought his horse to a stop.
“Good day,” Blaine bowed his head.
The boy smiled brightly. “Good day Mr. Anderson.” The boy flushed. “I’m sorry. Good day, Lord Anderson.”
Blaine chuckled. Already the children of the county recognized him. He supposed he looked a little like his late father, but hearing the title from the boy’s mouth was strange. He was still unused to the title himself. He could forgive the boy and besides, the boy looked extremely ashamed at his mistake. “It is no matter. How are you today?”
The boy’s bright smile returned. “I am very well, sir. The apple trees are blooming and father says we might go apple-picking in a few weeks.”
Blaine couldn’t help but be affected by the enthusiasm of the boy. “That is very exciting news. May I ask who your father is?”
The boy nodded. “Burt Hummel, My Lord.”
Ahh, Blaine who knew this boy was. This was Kurt Hummel, the only son of Burt Hummel. His father always said that Burt was the most loyal patron in McKinley.
“I know your father. He is a very respectable man.”
Kurt flushed with pride at the compliment paid to his father. “Thank you very much, My Lord. I’m sorry, My Lord, but I must get home for supper. Father will be mad if I do not make it back in time.”
“Of course. You cannot let your father wait. Have a pleasant day, Mr. Hummel.” Blaine bowed his head again.
Kurt looked very pleased at his title and waved cheerily. “Thank you, Lord Anderson. I hope you have a very pleasant day as well.”
Blaine waved back as he dug his heels into Pavarotti’s flanks and rode off. As he rode he thought that Kurt Hummel would be as fine a patron as his father and he hoped that it was a trait shared by most people of McKinley.

………………..

It was a weekly occurrence to meet Kurt Hummel on the road. They would share pleasantries briefly before Blaine rode off into town. This was a common occurrence for the next three years. It was around fifteen that Kurt began to pick up the habits he had as a twenty-year-old. All of a sudden Blaine was faced with a cool, collected man and not the exuberant boy of fourteen. Blaine was quite at a loss as to what could have brought the change about. It seemed as if the change had happened overnight.
And there was another problem. Kurt Hummel had turned into a man. When Blaine rode up like he had for the past three years and Kurt had looked to see who it was, Blaine felt as if his breath had left him. Kurt Hummel was beautiful.
Blaine had known that Kurt would be handsome when he grew up, but now, Blaine allowed himself to really look. Kurt was taller, probably taller than Blaine himself, and his face was sharper. His shoulders had filled out and how Blaine would love to cling onto them. Kurt’s arms were covered by his frock coat but Blaine imagined that they were nicely muscled, perfect for clinging onto Blaine. And God, Blaine wanted to moan about Kurt’s ass. It looked so firm and taught and Blaine wanted nothing more to fuck into it. It’d be so tight and hot and Blaine was getting hard just thinking about it. And Kurt would take it so well. Blaine could see the muscles in Kurt’s thighs. They’d hug his waist so perfectly as he’d fuck into him and God, Blaine wanted to fuck Kurt Hummel so badly. Those red lips would spout his name so perfectly; those ice blue eyes under that quizzical brow would- wait. Quizzical brow? Why was Kurt looking at him like that?
“Lord Anderson? Are feeling ill? Shall I fetch a doctor?” Kurt asked. His voice was pitched slightly higher than a man’s would normally be, and how Blaine could imagine him when he orgasmed (No! Blaine!). His brow was furrowed in concern and his very red lips (which would look great about his cock. No, not right now, Blaine! Control yourself! You’re an adult!) were turned slightly down.
Blaine shook his head, willing himself not to blush. “Ah no, Mr. Hummel. I am quite well. The sun is very bright today and I was just blinded. I was in the shade until a moment ago. How are you today, Mr. Hummel?”
“I am very well, Lord Anderson. My sisters and I are going to meet in town to shop for the assembly next week. Will you be attending?”
I will if I can get you in my bed. “I am afraid not. I have business in London next week. I am sorry that I shall miss what promises to be a grand event.”
Kurt smiled lightly. “I am sure it will be nothing of importance, My Lord. It is just an assembly after all.”
Blaine wanted to frown. Kurt seemed much more somber than usual. It did not suit his face to look so neutral. Kurt should always be smiling. And Kurt was not even looking at him. Kurt was staring at his forehead. What had Blaine done that Kurt would not even look him in the eye?
Kurt looked down the road. “If you will excuse me, My Lord. I must be getting to town. My sisters will be waiting.”
Kurt said this so calmly and quickly that Blaine nodded without really comprehending what was said to him. Kurt smiled perfunctorily. “Have a very pleasant day, Lord Anderson.”
Without waiting for a reply, Kurt Hummel started to walk to town again.
“You as well,” Blaine mumbled. Kurt was so distant now. Blaine wasn’t quite sure what to make of it. Normally, Blaine wouldn’t be bothered by it. People were bound to go through bouts of sadness and try to distance themselves from other people. But, now more than ever, Blaine wanted Kurt’s attention. He wanted to be on the best terms with Kurt. He wanted to be on the very best terms with Kurt.
Blaine was twenty-three. He had been having sex since he was sixteen and even he couldn’t remember a time when he wanted to fuck anyone as badly as he did Kurt Hummel. And he would. He had never been more determined. He would get Kurt Hummel into his bed. So it wasn’t an honorable thought. Blaine was a baron. No one expected them to honorable. He’d do what he want.
Except Kurt Hummel was more distant in their next few meetings and seemed eager to get away each time. Eventually Blaine stopped running into him at all. Blaine even tried running into him on different days, but Kurt Hummel seemed to have disappeared. Once Blaine was sure that Kurt wasn’t walking the road anymore, he stopped riding into town on a weekly basis. He hadn’t really needed to. Nothing was urgent enough and he could send a servant in his stead. He had really only gone because he knew he would meet Kurt. Now there was no need at all.
To compensate for the lack of Kurt in his life, Blaine began taking more men into his bed. He wasn’t ignorant of the fact that all of his lovers were tall, pale and lithe. There was one memorable occasion where he had been fucking a whore and called out ‘Kurt’ when he orgasmed. He had thought nothing of it. It had been bound to happen. He had had so many close calls before. Unfortunately, when he had gone into town for some business that required his presence, a rumor that Kurt was his lover reached his ears. If he hadn’t known immediately what had caused the rumor, he wouldn’t have minded, but the fact that someone had heard him was immensely embarrassing (Blaine suspected that it was Thad. Thad always gossiped, but Blaine had no proof). As it was, there was nothing he could do, so he let it be. The rumor would die out.

It didn’t.

………………

When Blaine was twenty-five, he had journeyed into town to meet with a client. After that immensely boring meeting with the pompous asshole, Blaine had decided to walk around Lima. Pavarotti was getting his shoe fixed and it was taking longer than usual (Blaine had his suspicions that the blacksmith was drunk).
Lima was such a boring town. There was nothing to do. It was just store after store for practical items and men like Blaine didn’t need to shop for practical items. His items were fixed at the manor. People littered the street, just talking. What else were they supposed to do? There was nothing to do in Lima. Blaine looked down the main street. People were talking and there were hardly any people moving. Did all they do was gossip? Is that what their lives simplified to?
A loud peal of laughter broke him out of his analysis of Lima life. Blaine couldn’t help turning his head quickly. It was so vibrant compared to the dullness of the rest of the town. It was Rachel Hummel. She always struck Blaine as loud, so he wasn’t too surprised. Next to her was Quinn Hummel, who was also laughing. Quinn made Blaine feel extremely uneasy. She always looked like she knew exactly what was going on. Next to Quinn was Miss Jones whom he had seen Kurt with more often than not. She was Blaine’s lawyer, Mr. Jones’, daughter. Blaine wasn’t really acquainted with her, and because of that, of little consequence. Next to her was Noah, a man that Blaine had seen Kurt with more than he liked. Blaine heard that Noah slept around. Next to Noah was Michael, who was gesticulating wildly and making everyone laugh. Blaine liked Michael and it was only because it was common knowledge that he would marry Miss Cohen-Chang that Blaine did not mind him spending time with Kurt. Next to Michael was Kurt and, once again, Blaine was left breathless.
Kurt’s entire body was shaking from the force of his laughter. His nose was scrunched up and his eyes were shut. He looked so undeniably happy. Kurt looked radiant and vibrant and Blaine was flashing back to twelve-year-old Kurt. Kurt hadn’t looked this happy in years. Lately, he was the picture of sophistication and grace, but there was the slightest tremor in his demeanor that implied a containment of sorts.
This Kurt. This Kurt was beautiful and Blaine’s want for him flared. His passive lust for the boy returned tenfold and Blaine was tempted to cross the road and take him right there in the street.
Blaine had actually taken a step forward when two things happened. First, he became aware of a tightening in his breeches and Blaine wasn’t wearing the type of pants that allowed that. Second, Kurt swung an arm around Michael as they play-acted some drunken scene. Blaine’s tunnel vision of Kurt broke and he suddenly remembered that he was not alone and there were, in fact, people all around him.
Blaine froze. He had let his libido get the best of him in public. The mortification that swelled through him killed his erection, ironically enough. He turned his back quickly to the group of laughing youths and stalked to the blacksmith. Pavarotti’s shoe better be fixed.

…………………

It didn’t take Blaine long to find out that Kurt Hummel was as chaste as he was honorable. Blaine would have to play the long game. That was fine by him. He could wait. Kurt Hummel was not going anywhere. In the meantime, he took more and more men into his bed. More and more they started to resemble Kurt in one way or another.
Thad speeded up Blaine’s plan of passivity. Thad loved to talk and it was in passing that Blaine heard something interesting.
“Yeah, Lila’s a bit worried what will happen once Mr. Hummel marries.” Thad was saying to Wes, Blaine’s personal manservant.
Wes cocked his head. “Why? From what I heard Mr. Hummel is as good a man as his father and Miss Jones is practical and kind. I very much doubt that Mr. Hummel will let her go after he is married. And his sister, Miss Quinn, is ever so fond of her. She has no need to worry.” Wes took a swig of Blaine’s good scotch.
Blaine didn’t even notice that Wes did, and he didn’t notice the rest of the conversation. Kurt Hummel was going to marry. Kurt Hummel was going to marry a woman. Kurt Hummel, who Blaine had always assumed was gay, was going to marry a woman. No that couldn’t be right. Blaine couldn’t afford to think that was right. He still wanted Kurt Hummel.
So of course, Blaine sprung into action. He went to Thad and tried for five minutes to subtly ask about Kurt. Thad looked at him oddly all five minutes.
“Lord Anderson if you want to know about Kurt Hummel, he spends every Tuesday in town with Miss Jones.”
Blaine spent about thirty seconds trying to deny what Thad was insinuating before Thad sent him away. “I’ve got chores to do, M’ Lord.”
Blaine walked away with as much dignity as he could muster, but with Thad laughing behind his back, it wasn’t much. It also didn’t help that it was Tuesday and Blaine was going down to town to see Kurt. His dignity was evaporating very quickly.
Blaine urged Pavarotti down the road into town at what could be seen as a slightly desperate pace. The normal half hour ride was shortened considerably.
Pavarotti came to a gentle stop outside the pub and Blaine swung himself down. A quick tying of his reins to the post left him free to look for Kurt because he had not asked Thad where Kurt usually was. Lima may have been boring, but it was big. Kurt could be any number of places. Where would Blaine shop if he were with a lady companion? Blaine almost snorted. That would never happen. Blaine was very into men and he hoped Kurt was too. Now if he could just find him. He looked around and decided that Kurt was always impeccably dressed and was probably at a clothier’s. Luckily, they were all on one street.
Blaine set off down (ironically enough) Anderson Street to look for Kurt, but not obviously. He had slowed down to what Wes had called his Baron Walk. He walked with purpose and he glowered. No one approached him as he let his eyes wander side to side looking through store windows for Kurt.
There he was. Looking at ribbons with Miss Jones. They were just talking and both seem rather restrained. Oh, Miss Jones governess was with them looking at a black ribbon. Blaine saw Kurt smile mischievously at Miss Jones’ governess before handing Miss Jones a piece of paper. Miss Jones put it down in front if herself.
It only took about a minute before Miss Jones was looking up at Kurt and smiling. Kurt returned the smile with a bit of an embarrassed smile. He looked so cute. His nose was scrunched up as he laughed. Blaine was moving before he realized it, and when he did realize, he didn’t stop. He just wanted to be close to Kurt.
In the shop, Kurt had bent over to laugh and didn’t see him. Miss Jones did though, and she looked perfectly surprised. Fantastic, he liked having this effect on people. He strode over and looked down at the paper. It was sonnet 18 by Shakespeare. He didn’t know that Kurt was into Shakespeare. This was such a lovely sonnet. It spoke of an intense love. Did Kurt really love Miss Jones that much?
“Sonnet 18,” Just Blaine repeating the name aloud made his heart ache. Was he really too late? Did Mr. Hummel really love Miss Jones?
“Indeed it is, My Lord.” Kurt replied. Blaine looked at him. His face was impassive. Blaine could discern nothing from his face. Even his eyes were guarded. Kurt Hummel was completely unreadable in that moment. Blaine had caused that. Blaine had caused Kurt Hummel to go back behind that closely guarded wall. Blaine nodded briefly and turned to Miss Jones. He couldn’t mope like he wanted to. He was a gentleman.
“Good day, Miss Jones. I am glad to see that you are looking well. I hear that you and Mr. Hummel are engaged. I wish to give you my congratulations.”
That was pleasing and innocuous enough. Miss Jones blushed and looked to the floor. Oh? Did he say something wrong?
““I wish I could accept your congratulations, but Mr. Hummel and I are not engaged.”
Blaine wanted to pump his fist in victory. This was the best news he had heard all week. Nothing could bring him down. Except Kurt did.
“As of yet. I hope to rectify that soon.” Kurt butted in. He made eye contact briefly with Blaine before shifting it slightly upwards. He didn’t look fazed by what he said, but Kurt, of all people, would know that was a serious breach of decorum.
“I see.” Blaine replied. Shit, what a stupid response. Blaine could have said a number of things and he settled for the conversation-ending ‘I see’? Regardless, he had learned something great today. He still had a chance with Kurt Hummel.
Should he say anything else? No, he waited too long. He had to save face. He needed to get out.
He bowed quickly. “Goodbye. I wish you both a pleasant day.” He left quickly and walked back down the street to Pavarotti. He had not come off as smoothly as he would have liked to in front of Kurt, but he had initiated contact after five years and he would continue it. He would win Kurt Hummel.

………………

A week from his initial meeting with Kurt, it was required that Blaine go to the Jones house to talk with Mr. Jones. The steward from his house in London had been embezzling from him and Blaine needed to know the full extent of the damage. It wasn’t much fortunately. Blaine had loyal servants and they had caught the steward before he took too much. Regardless, Mr. Jones encouraged that he would thoroughly vet any new stewards he decided to do. Blaine didn’t want to and had already decided on a plan. He’d move Mr. Stillwell out to London. He was getting old and there was less to manage in the London house. He’d promote one of his servants to be the steward for his house here.
He let Mr. Jones lead him out of the office where they bumped into Kurt and Miss Jones. This day was turning out to be fantastic. He hadn’t even thought that he’d get to see Kurt this week. How wonderful. Blaine bowed. Manners, first and foremost, were the best way to impress someone like Kurt.
Both Kurt and Miss Jones returned his bow. Blaine got just a peek of the swell of Kurt’s ass before he came back up. Blaine whipped his eyes away quickly. He needed to be a gentleman. He needed to be a gentleman to win Kurt and he hadn’t lasted a minute. Blaine shot a glance at Kurt as he talked to Mr. Jones. It was such a strong, beautiful profile. His resolve crumbled. Blaine needed to be a gentleman that, at the very least, didn’t get caught.
Blaine made eye contact with Mr. Jones before he looked at Kurt and then back to him. Shit, Blaine missed something important.
“But since you are both leaving perhaps you can accompany each other.”
What a fantastic idea. Mr. Jones was a brilliant man. Blaine should pay him more. Oh no, Kurt looked panicked.
“I cannot take up Lord Anderson’s time. I am quite well to walk home. It’s hardly a mile.”
“I do not mind.” Blaine responded instantaneously. He hadn’t even thought it through before he said it, but he meant it. What an end to a great day if he could walk with Kurt.
Miss Jones said something that would stop him from walking with Kurt, but before she got very far, Mr. Jones rejected her idea. Mr. Jones was a brilliant man. Blaine should pay him more.
Kurt gave in. “If it is not a bother, Lord Anderson, then I would gladly accompany you to the end of the lane, at least. I fear we turn different directions after that.”
Blaine nodded. Of course, he would walk with Kurt. What a great day. “It would be my honor, Mr. Hummel.”
As they walked out of the house, they said nothing. Blaine didn’t want to try and converse while he was still in the house of the enemy even if Miss Jones didn’t know that she was the enemy.
Outside, Blaine untied Pavarotti from the hitching post. With reins in hand, Blaine turned and gestured to Kurt to let him start walking. Kurt immediately put a few more inches in between them. Blaine stifled a small chuckle. A few inches were nothing in the grand scheme of things. Soon he and Kurt would be in the same bed. But he needed to keep it relatively tame till then.
“Why do you not walk the main road anymore?” There that was a safe topic. Oh, no it was not. Kurt was stiffening. Why was he stiffening?
““I enjoy talking to people, but those walks were meant to be uninterrupted so that I could think. I moved to one of the forest paths.”
Blaine didn’t say anything. That made sense. Walks could relieve a lot of stress and be good for solitude. People talking would ruin that, but why did Kurt do it so suddenly? Did it have to do with his new attitude? Did it have to do with being almost engaged to Miss Jones? Wasn’t he gay?
Blaine spoke in a voice barely above a whisper. ““Excuse me for what I’m about to say, but I had always heard that Burt Hummel’s son was homosexual.” Blaine was breaking unsaid social rules. Sexuality was such a controversial thing to talk about especially with someone he wasn’t close to. But he had to know.
“It is no secret that I prefer men, but I am the only son. Thus the inheritance falls to me. I wish to keep the house in my family, so I must have an heir. I cannot conceive a child with a man, so a woman is my only option.” Kurt replied calmly.
Blaine was incredulous. He was giving up any chance at a truly happy marriage in order to keep his house? Why was he going to such extremes? “Is that the only reason why you are seeing Miss Jones?”
Kurt side-eyed Blaine. “Yes. She is well aware and we have both mutually agreed that marrying a best friend is preferable to a stranger. This is the best option for both of us, and our families adore each other. I expect we will be as happy as possible.”
Kurt was willing to go farther than Blaine initially thought. He was giving up everything to continue his line. Kurt was denying himself to do this. Blaine wasn’t even contending for Kurt. He was contending for a Kurt that was being suppressed by the Kurt standing next to him. He needed to try harder, but not now. They had reached the end of the lane. Blaine was very distraught, but he turned to say his goodbyes to Kurt.
“I’m afraid that I must take my leave, Lord Anderson. I thank you for accompanying me as far as you did.” Kurt said as he bowed. He seemed slightly pleased. That was slightly vexing to Blaine.
Blaine bowed in return. “Of course, Mr. Hummel. It was my pleasure.” He turned quickly to mount. He needed to think about what to do next. Blaine looked down at Kurt once more, but Kurt wasn’t looking him in the eye.
“Good day, Mr. Hummel.” He nodded.
“Good day Lord Anderson.” Kurt replied with a serene smile.
Lord Anderson turned Pavarotti and kicked his heels into Pavarotti’s flanks. As he rode, he thought of the challenge that Kurt Hummel was turning out to be.

……………..

Blaine had spent the morning watching Sam try and compose a letter. It had been two hours and the floor around the desk was littered with crumpled paper. Blaine had never seen Sam so stressed in his life.
“Sam, maybe I could help you. To whom are you writing to?”
Sam covered his current piece of paper with his arm. “I can’t tell you, My Lord. I’m technically breaking many rules.”
Sam’s statement did nothing to abate Blaine’s curiosity. “Sam, your shirt sleeve is smearing the ink.” Sam looked down at yet another ruined letter. He cursed under his breath and grabbed a new sheet. “Are you sure you don’t need my help? I’m very good at love letters.”
Blaine was taking a chance by saying that it was a love letter. He could think of no other reason as to why Sam wouldn’t let him read the letter. And it looked like he was correct if Sam’s scrutinizing of the letter was anything to go off of.
“I guess, but you have to promise not to tell anyone, especially Thad. This letter is to Miss Jones.”
Blaine’s eyebrows rose. “You mean the Miss Jones that is supposed to marry Mr. Hummel. They’re practically engaged, Sam.”
This one sentence was a blow to both boys’ hearts.
“I understand that, Lord Anderson, I really do. But Miss Jones is the best woman I’ve ever met and I can’t end the correspondence. I know we’re from different classes and I know that by her marrying Mr. Hummel she’s making the best match possible. But I can’t end the correspondence, My Lord.”
Blaine nodded. He could do something about this. If he helped Sam get Miss Jones, he would get Kurt. Immediately, the stewardship of Anderson Manor came to mind. He had said himself that he wanted to appoint a new steward from his servants. What was wrong with Sam? Well, it was unheard of. Sam would be, in effect, change social classes, but Blaine was a baron. Barons would do whatever they wanted to.
“I’m willing to help you, Sam. I need a new steward for the manor and you’re as good as any servant I currently have. If I gave you the stewardship, you could court Miss Jones.”
Sam stood up so quickly he almost upended the desk. “Do you really mean it, My Lord? Would you really?”
Blaine nodded. “Of course. I’ll ask Mr. Stillwell to teach you the basics before I send him to London.”
Sam looked so happy that Blaine felt a little guilty that his motives weren’t exactly pure, but what Sam didn’t know wouldn’t hurt him.
Blaine bent over the blank piece of paper. “How have you been starting out? How are you addressing her?”
Sam blushed. “She’s been letting me call her Mercedes, so I start each letter with My Dearest Mercedes.”
Blaine was impressed. “Sam, you dog. Calling a lady by her first name.”
Sam smiled bashfully. “Yeah.” Sam scribbled something down on the paper. Blaine looked it over. Sam’s penmanship was atrocious and Blaine wondered if Miss Jones could read it. Well, they were in love apparently. Maybe she didn’t care.
“What did she write you last?”
Sam took a well-creased letter out of his pocket and unfolded it. “She was talking about a dress Kurt helped her pick out for a ball should there ever be one. Apparently they’re going to match in periwinkle. I honestly didn’t understand too much.”
Blaine stifled the feeling of jealousy that threatened to overwhelm him. Sam was calling Kurt by his first name? Blaine mentally shook himself. Now was not the time. He was supposed to focus on helping Sam. Mercedes was talking about a new dress. Blaine could throw a ball. Honestly he should have. He probably seemed very antisocial because he hadn’t thrown one, and he had his friends coming over. There was no better way to introduce them to the town. And maybe he could convince Kurt to dance with him.
“Tell her that you have special information that Lord Anderson is throwing a ball.”
Sam looked up excited. “Do you mean it, My Lord? Are you really throwing a ball? Mercedes will be so excited if you are.”
Blaine nodded. “Of course, it’s long overdue. We will have one in a week. I’ll have Mr. Stillwell send out invitations presently. In fact, after you are finished with your letter, you will go and help him.”
Sam smiled widely. “Thank you so much, My Lord. I will finish shortly and go help him. I should tell you something that Thad told me over half an hour ago. He told me not to tell you, but you’ve been so kind.”
Blaine was nervous. Every time Thad had told someone not to tell Blaine, things went wrong. “What did he not want you to tell me?”
“Kurt Hummel is coming to call on you this morning. He’s probably almost here. To be honest, I’m not sure why Thad would not want me to tell you that.”
On the inside, Blaine was freaking out. On the outside, very calmly he replied, “I also have no idea. It is just Thad being Thad, I suppose. But I should go prepare for Mr. Hummel’s call.”
He left the room calmly, but his movements were quick and stiff. Where should he receive Kurt Hummel? He could do the east parlor. No, the sun would shine in and blind Kurt. He wouldn’t be comfortable. He could do the parlor just off the ballroom. There was just enough light in there to be warm but not too overbearing. It would be quite comfortable. But the comfy chairs were in the east parlor. He needed to move them to the parlor just off the ballroom. Kurt deserved the comfy chairs. He needed to ask Mr. Stillwell to get the chairs moved. Speak of the devil, there he is.
Mr. Stillwell came walking up briskly to Blaine. “Lord Anderson, Kurt Hummel is at the door and has asked to call on you. What should I tell him, My Lord?”
Shit, Kurt was here. If Thad had told him half an hour ago, he would have time to make sure everything was correct. Now Kurt would have to sit in the still-comfy-but-not-as-comfy-as-the-east-parlor chairs. Damn it. “Show him to the parlor just off the ballroom.”
“Very good, My Lord.” Mr. Stillwell bowed and left to return to Kurt who was waiting in the atrium. As soon as Mr. Stillwell was out of sight, Blaine ran to the parlor. He needed to get there before Kurt and look like he wasn’t currently freaking out. Blaine ran into the door in his haste to open it. Blaine’s speed slowed him down and he barely had time to collapse into a chair before Mr. Stillwell was announcing Kurt Hummel.
If you were to ask Blaine what had happened during the meeting, he would not have been able to tell you. He spent so much energy on analyzing Kurt’s words and expressions trying to figure out why Kurt kept up such a proper fa�ade. Every once in a while Kurt would forget his rule of not looking Blaine in the eye and make brief eye contact. It excited Blaine, and overall he thought it was a good discussion. Maybe. He couldn’t remember talking a lot. Just in case, he would return Kurt’s call tomorrow. He needed to talk about the ball. If Sam were correct then Kurt would be just as excited about a ball as Mercedes.

……………

The next morning, Blaine dressed very carefully. It wasn’t often that he called on people, but he wanted to make sure he looked proper. Kurt was always dressed impeccably and he deserved the same respect from Blaine. So Blaine picked out his most expensive frock coat. It was navy blue, which wasn’t his best color, but Kurt would admire the fine stitching. He had set out his riding boots to be shined the night before. He looked good if he said so himself. His boots were shiny, his pants were well fitted, his frock coat was nice and it went nicely with his gold waistcoat. His hair was already breaking out of the pomade, but it always did that.
While Blaine was waiting in the Hummel’s foyer to be lead into a parlor, he checked his hair once more in the mirror that was off to the side. More of his hair had broken out of the pomade’s hold. It didn’t look too bad. It didn’t look great, but there was nothing he could do. He swatted his hand at a loose curl hanging down. He didn’t look as nice as he wanted and that annoying curl would not stay put. That curl would disgust Kurt. Why wouldn’t it stay in place?
“Lord Anderson,” Lila called softly. Blaine turned from the mirror. She seemed terrified, the poor thing. “Would you please follow me to the parlor?”
Blaine followed the terrified servant to the parlor. Lila let him walk into the parlor before bowing. “I will go tell Mr. Hummel that you are here. Please excuse me.”
Blaine nodded and let himself look out the window. He had no idea what he was staring at. It looked like a garden, but everything was dead. No wait, this probably was not the garden. What was he staring at? Was that a gopher?
“Lord Anderson,” Lila called out. She had never been so terrified. Lord Anderson always looked so stern. “I am to tell you that Mr. Hummel will be down in fifteen minutes. May I bring you anything while you wait?”
Blaine shook his head. “Thank you, but I am fine for the moment. Please do not let me interrupt you.”
Lila curtsied and left. Blaine turned to the second window and looked out. This was a better view. This was the garden. There were flowers and herbs. Did the Hummels grow their own herbs? That was nice. There was nothing like fresh herbs or so Blaine’s mother used to say. And the garden extended all along the side of the house. It ended at the post where Blaine had tied Pavarotti. Wait, what was Pavarotti doing?
“Pavarotti, don’t eat that!” Blaine whisper-yelled. He almost put his hands on the glass as he watched his horse dip its head for a second time. Blaine needed to go outside and hitch Pavarotti to a new place.
”You must have a hollow leg, if you can get here this early after the night we had. I swear you drank more than Noah and I com-“
Blaine turned around at the voice. He couldn’t say who was more surprised, Kurt or himself. Blaine couldn’t help himself as he eagerly scanned Kurt’s appearance. Kurt’s hair was falling over his forehead and it made him look more boyish. His sharp features were softened. His eyes were wide with panic and that contributed to his boyish appearance. He wasn’t wearing a frock coat. It was considered a breach of social decorum for Kurt to not be wearing a frock coat, but Blaine didn’t care. Kurt hadn’t laced up the front of his shirt and Blaine could see a triangle of Kurt’s pale skin. It was perfectly unblemished and unbidden, Blaine’s mind provided him with images of marking up that skin.
“Lord Anderson, please pardon my state of dress. I was not expecting you,” Kurt got out, his voice a little breathy. It went straight to Blaine’s dick.
Blaine cleared his throat as he tried to keep his pants from tightening, “I must apologize. Miss Hummel informed me that you were expecting me. I should have called ahead regardless.”
Quinn had indeed met him on his way up the lane to Hummel House and told him that Kurt was expecting him. What was she playing at? She knew something that Blaine didn’t. That much was clear, but it seemed that most people knew more than he did now.
Blaine couldn’t help but smile as Kurt let out a small self-deprecatingly laugh. “I must confess that I am usually up by now. Quinn must not have known. I was not expecting you to call so soon. If I had known, I would de dressed more appropriately.”
Blaine laughed. He had days like that after a late night of drinking or sex. He also knew that he hated being disturbed on days like those. “I understand. Perhaps I should call again at a later date.”
Blaine began to leave, but Kurt stopped him. “No, please. You came all the way out here. If you will give me a few minutes to get my coat and cravat, I would love to share a pot of tea with you.”
Blaine couldn’t help the smile that took over his face. He was elated. Kurt was asking him to stay for tea. This was surely a step forward in the right direction to getting Kurt. “Of course. This is your house. You may do as you please. I will wait here.”
Blaine turned to the window to show he wouldn’t mind waiting, but he couldn’t help looking at Kurt’s ass as Kurt left the room. And immediately, Blaine’s breeches were tighter. Kurt was wearing indecently tight pants that accented every positive feature. The Lord was testing Blaine. He quickly turned back to the window. Pavarotti. He needed to make sure Pavarotti wasn’t eating things that weren’t his.
Oh dear, Blaine hoped the Hummels didn’t notice that there was a small bald patch in their garden.
“Excuse me, Lord Anderson, but Mr. Hummel ask that I bring tea to the parlor. Would you take a seat, so I could pour you some?” Lila asked from the doorway. She was holding a tray of sandwiches and the promised pot of tea. Blaine was feeling peckish and he’d also get to eat with Kurt, so he nodded. Lila came into the room and set up the tea and sandwiches on an appropriately placed table. Blaine took a seat and closed his eyes to enjoy the warmth of the sun. He heard Lila pour him a cup of tea. A cup of tea he would have with Kurt, Blaine couldn’t stop the besotted smile that grew on his face. This was such a great day. Sometime in the future, he would be doing this with Kurt everyday. He was so happy.
Blaine opened his eyes and looked down at his teacup. It was an odd shade of black and he was intrigued. He picked it up and blew on it.
“Lord Anderson,” Kurt greeted. Blaine looked up and nodded before accidently looking down. His eyes shot back up. Kurt had not changed his pants, and Blaine found out that Kurt’s pants were just as tight in the front as they were in the back. He needed to think of something that didn’t involve Kurt’s crotch.
“Mr. Hummel, I admire your frock coat. It is very becoming.”
Kurt smiled at Blaine. “Thank you. It is one of my favorites. May I pour you another cup of tea?”
Blaine looked down at his tea. It wasn’t very good. It needed sugar and it was a bit strong. Blaine could literally feel his heart beating in his chest, but he wouldn’t get to do this often. “You may. Thank you.”
As Kurt poured the tea, Blaine watched Kurt analytically. He had a fair face. He must apply something to keep it so smooth and pale, but as Blaine looked closer, he could see a sort of stiffness. Not in Kurt’s actions for Kurt was the epitome of grace. No, it was a stiffness in his air. Every move Kurt made was calculated. He didn’t do anything he didn’t want to unless he was taken by surprise. Blaine had spent a good part of Kurt’s visit yesterday analyzing him, but it was only after seeing him so unprepared that he was able to pinpoint what bothered him. And now that he saw it, it was very obvious. In Kurt’s eyes that swirled with colors of blue, there was a guard that was hidden by a slight twinkle of humor. His posture, so perfect, had an extra rigidity to it. There was not one flaw in his demeanor. Kurt had created a guard around him that was so well hidden, it was almost impossible to detect unless you were a studier of people. It was quite a good thing then that Lord Anderson was a studier of Kurt.
“My Lord, may I get you anything else?” Kurt asked, breaking Blaine out of his study.
Blaine hesitated. He wanted to talk about the ball and his friends. The best way to do that would be to continue the conversation from yesterday. He thinks they ended on something about hunting. “No thank you. The tea is fine. I would like to pick up our conversation from where we left off yesterday.”
Kurt tilted his head slight and pursed his lips. Blaine had to look down at his cup of tea. “I believe we were talking about hunting, My Lord.”
Blaine was right. Fantastic, he could steer the conversation the way he wanted now. “Yes. We were specifically talking about you coming over to hunt on my grounds. They are too big for me alone and as a result, the grounds are overrun by wild game. I have friends coming over next week. Perhaps you and your friends would like to join us?
Personally, Blaine would have liked Kurt to be alone. If Blaine was being honest, he wanted to skip the whole hunting and take Kurt to bed. But small steps.
Kurt smiled lightly. It was all very polite. How annoying. “I would be delighted and honored to join you, My Lord.”
Blaine smiled into his cup. It was annoying that Kurt sounded like he was being polite rather than actually interested in hunting. Blaine would take what he could get. “Fantastic. They are arriving in the middle of next week. We shall probably go hunting the week after, so a fortnight from now.”
“May I ask your relation to the men in the party?” Kurt asked. Blaine wanted to frown. It wasn’t too odd that Kurt wanted to know about his friends, but Sebastian came to mind. Blaine should try to keep them separate.
“They are my friends from school. Mr. Finn Hudson, Mr. David Karofsky, Mr. Sebastian Smythe, Mr. Jesse St. James and Mr. Rory Flanagan are my own friends and I believe they have also invited some of their own friends. The party is a dozen in total.” Did Blaine even know the remaining people’s names? He tried to remember, but he honestly couldn’t think of their names. He needed to remedy that. Maybe Mr. Stillwell knew.
““A dozen. I am sure they will be the talk of the town the entire time they are here. Will you introduce them at the next assembly?”
Blaine was astounded. It’s like Kurt knew Blaine wanted to talk about the ball. This was the prefect opportunity to bring it up. Blaine shook his head. “I was planning to hold a ball to welcome them. A ball’s atmosphere is lively and entertaining. It is a much better atmosphere for introduction, and from what I understand, there has not been a ball in many years.”
Kurt nodded. “I believe the last ball was five years ago when Mr. Bingley was here. It will be nice to have one again. I agree that they are good for introduction. I am sure every young person in town will be eager to attend.”
Blaine winced on the inside. The fact that there had been no ball was his fault. It was the baron’s duty. Damn, he was a horrible baron. Outwardly, he smiled. “I am glad you think so. I have heard so many rumors swirling around me that I thought I would clear them up once and for all. It is my own fault for not being a sociable as a baron should be.”
Kurt blushed. Blaine suppressed a smirk. He knew exactly what Kurt was thinking of. It was gratifying to think that those rumors affected Kurt.
Kurt raised his teacup to his face before he spoke. “There are always rumors floating around. A person could have their entre life on display and people would still talk.”
Blaine was happy. Today was good. He would steer the conversation away for Kurt’s sake. Perhaps if Kurt had a good time with him without embarrassment, Kurt would spend more time with Blaine. Blaine hummed. “I suppose you are right. Now, I’m sorry to steer our conversation away, but I must ask about this tea. I feel as if my heart will burst from my chest.”
Blaine would have steered the conversation away earlier if he had known that Kurt would laugh like this. Kurt’s laugh subsided enough for him to speak.
“Do not fear, My Lord. It is tea from the West Indie’s.”

……………………

Blaine was nervous. He had never been at the mercy of the public before, but now everyone was watching him. This ball had to be perfect. Blaine was wearing a wine red frock coat over a black waistcoat with black breeches. He looked especially dark and handsome tonight. He hoped Kurt liked it.
Of course when Blaine greeted Kurt, Kurt didn’t show any outward reaction. He greeted Kurt politely and since Kurt was a male, it wasn’t considered polite for him to take Kurt’s hand. So Blaine took Quinn’s and Rachel’s hands instead. This was not what Blaine wanted. He couldn’t watch them go in. He had to keep greeting people.
Out of the corner of his eye between people, he would watch them. He was very surprised to see them all disappear into his parlor. He was confused. On the one hand, he was elated because Kurt seemed to be comfortable in his house (which would one day be Kurt’s house). On the other hand, he was very, very confused. Why were all three Hummel siblings in his parlor?
Over the course of the next fifteen minutes, Blaine shot increasingly worried glances toward the parlor door. Eventually, he saw Kurt’s head peek out and look around. He made eye contact with Blaine before opening the door wider and letting Quinn and Rachel out. Rachel looked a little different. Her hair was down and she had a new ribbon around her waist. Why had she changed her outfit?
Blaine turned back to the person in front of him. He still needed to greet people. He kept an eye on Kurt as he continued to greet people. Kurt had taken to walking the perimeter of the room with Miss Jones. Blaine felt a flare of jealousy in the pit of his stomach. He wanted to walk the perimeter of the room with Kurt.
Finally, everybody was in the ballroom and Blaine could leave his post. He signaled the band to start playing before he went to go find his friends. He needed to introduce them so they wouldn’t lurk in the corner all night. He knew half of them were looking for wives and then there was Sebastian. Hopefully he’d find Sebastian someone who wouldn’t mind being Sebastian’s fuck buddy for the duration of his visit. Finn looked over at him and waved enthusiastically. Blaine smiled. You had to love Finn. Blaine waved back. Having his wave returned, Finn turned to the person next to him. Blaine frowned. He had forgotten to learn the other guys’ names. That was his bad.
“I am so glad to see that you’re mingling with the community.” Blaine said sarcastically as he strode up to them.
“Ah lay off, Blaine. We don’t know anyone.” Dave flicked his hand at Blaine. Dave was going off a recent bad break-up, so Blaine couldn’t really blame him for not wanting to socialize.
“Because you can’t meet anyone at a ball.” Blaine shot back. He wanted to introduce them to Kurt. “I’ll introduce you to my friend, Kurt. He and his sisters are very integrated into society and can introduce you to the people better than I can. Please follow me.” Blaine gestured over to the Hummel siblings and accidently made eye contact with Quinn. Fuck, what was she doing? She looked to be talking to Kurt.
“Is that the guy with the fuckable ass?” Sebastian asked.
Blaine sighed. “Please do not tell him that.”
“So he does have a fuckable ass,” Sebastian stated. Blaine sighed again. This was such a bad idea, but it was important that his friends liked Kurt. It would be a five-minute conversation then Blaine would make them leave.
“It can’t be as fuckable as mine. My ass is clearly superior.” Jesse called out.
“You’re not even gay, Jesse.” Blaine was losing his patience very quickly. Five minutes. Five minutes.
“I know. I just want everyone to know that my ass is superior.” Jesse sniffed disdainfully.
Blaine turned ahead and focused on Kurt’s ass because Kurt was turned away from him. Blaine couldn’t help himself. Kurt’s ass looked great in his breeches. Blaine raised his eyes to call out to Kurt. “Mr. Hummel.”
Kurt turned around and all three Hummel broke into smiles. Wow, the entire family had polite smiles. Were they all as obsessed with propriety as Kurt was?
“Lord Anderson,” Kurt greeted, “I was just telling my sisters how beautiful you’re ballroom is.”
Blaine couldn’t help but blush. Any compliment from Kurt was to be treasured. What a great night so far. “Thank you, my servants have been hard at work for the past week. I wanted to introduce you to my friends.” It was now or never. He hoped his friends said nothing embarrassing. If Sebastian even talked, Blaine would hit him. No one was allowed to ruin his chance with Kurt.
He pointed to each of his friends in rapid succession, not leaving any time for comments. ““Mr. Finn Hudson, Mr. David Karofsky, Mr. Sebastian Smythe, Mr. Jesse St. James, and Mr. Rory Flanagan.” Luckily everyone was distracted by how Rachel and Finn were instantly infatuated with each other. No one noticed the Blaine did not introduce the rest of the people.
Blaine watched with a kind of envy. Why couldn’t he and Kurt have that type of instant connection? He could have been fucking Kurt tonight if they had an instant connection. But good for Finn, he was a good guy. Rachel was loud, but she was a Hummel. Hummels were good people. Even Quinn was glaring at Sebastian. What a great family.
Kurt broke the spell. “How do you all do?” Always polite, Kurt, always polite.
Kurt seemed to realize that asking everyone a question was a bad idea. Everyone spoke at once and Blaine couldn’t make out anything. Kurt took it in stride.
“That is fantastic. I hope you are all enjoying Lima.”
More overlapping voices. Kurt continued on.
“May I introduce my sisters, Miss Quinn Hummel and Miss Rachel Hummel.”
Kurt stood to the side. Blaine knew who the Hummel sisters were, so he focused on Kurt. Kurt looked radiant tonight. He was just so beautiful. Sebastian nudged him in the side without looking at him. He was making intense eye contact with Quinn Hummel. Sebastian should watch out. Quinn was scary.
Blaine didn’t notice at first that everyone was leaving to go find a partner for the next set of dances. It was only when Kurt asked Quinn to dance with him and they left, that Blaine realized it was just him and Sebastian.
“It’s a nice ass. Are you fucking that?” Sebastian asked as they watched the Hummel siblings begin to dance.
“He’s a better person than you or me, Seb. He’s courting Miss Jones.” Blaine shot a glare in Miss Jones’ direction.
Sebastian choked with laughter. “You’ve got to be kidding me. The man’s obviously not straight.”
“He’s not. He admits it. He just wants to keep his house in his family, so he needs a male heir. Unfortunately that requires a woman.” Blaine almost wanted to cry. The more he thought of Kurt’s motives, the more depressed he became.
“Sucks, fancy a romp in the sheets then?” Sebastian asked. He was looking at his fingernails with disinterest.
“No thank you. I am going to win Kurt Hummel.”
Sebastian laughed. “Did you not hear what you said earlier? Mr. Hummel wants to keep his house in the family. Family’s a strong motivator. He’s not going to crack.”
Blaine straightened up. “I’ll get him. He’ll be mine before the beginning of winter.”
Sebastian snorted. “I’d love to see you succeed, so I will watch you crash and burn from afar. In the meantime, I don’t see why we can’t fuck.”
The dance ended and Blaine watched as Quinn left Kurt on the dance floor. He wanted to dance with Kurt Hummel very badly. Kurt Hummel wasn’t engaged yet. He had every right to.
“No, Sebastian.” Blaine didn’t even wait for a response before he was walking across the room to Kurt.
Kurt didn’t look very surprised to see him, but he didn’t have time to think about that. “Mr. Hummel, would you give me the honor of dancing this next set with you?”
Kurt smiled. It wasn’t the best smile that Kurt had ever given Blaine, but Blaine couldn’t afford to be picky. “Of course, Lord Anderson.”
Blaine had to play it cool. It was fucking fantastic that Kurt said yes, but he had to play it cool. Blaine held out a hand. His excitement increased. He was going to hold Kurt’s hand. This was fantastic. What a great night.
Kurt placed his hand into Blaine’s and Blaine made sure to grip it gently. Suddenly he felt painfully shy holding Kurt’s hand. As Blaine led Kurt out, he glanced surreptitiously down at their hands. Kurt’s hand was longer than his own, but so much paler and smoother. It contrasted so much with Blaine’s hand, which was tan and rough. Blaine enjoyed the feeling of holding Kurt’s hand more than he thought he would. He was practically giddy with nerves.
Blaine ending up raising his eyes moments before Kurt did and they made brief eye contact. Kurt’s eyes were soft and vulnerable in that moment. Blaine smiled shyly. Maybe he was getting through to Kurt.
Then Kurt moved his eyes higher, and Blaine had to let Kurt’s hand go so they could stand in their respective lines. When Kurt turned to face Blaine, his eyes were steely with determination. Damn, no progress then.
The music started up and Blaine was surprised that the music was much more sensual than the last set. He looked beyond Kurt to make eye contact with Thad who made finger guns at Blaine. Blaine focused back on Kurt. He needed to deal with Thad soon.
Kurt and Blaine bowed. Blaine wanted to talk to Kurt during this dance. “How do you find the ball this evening?” Blaine winced inwardly. That was the best he could come up with? He was pitiful.
Kurt smiled. He was probably laughing at Blaine. “I find it delightful, My Lord.”
Blaine smiled in relief. Good, the object of his affection liked the ball. Nice. ““I am quite glad you find it enjoyable. May I ask what you and your sisters were doing in the parlor?”
Blaine had been passively trying to figure out why the Hummel siblings had changed Rachel’s looks. He was coming up blank, and it was really bothering him. Also it made Kurt blush which was very enticing.
“Rachel looked as if she belonged on the wall. Quinn and I made her look less like an ornament.”
Blaine laughed like he understood. He didn’t. It didn’t make sense to him. “Did you fix it?”
Kurt nodded. “Yes, she looks much more like her own person, My Lord.”
Blaine did not like the formality of last names. He wanted to feel closer to Kurt and calling him Mr. Hummel was not progress. Kurt would not be screaming Lord Anderson during sex. Blaine wanted to speed this up. “How long will we have to have known each other before we can use each other’s first names?”
Blaine didn’t get to hear right away because the dance forced them to move apart. As Blaine went around the man, he chastised himself. He had been way too forward. Shit, he was way too forward. What was he thinking?
He and Kurt joined back together.
“We would have to be brothers, Lord Anderson, or friends from infancy. No one who has met me past the age of ten has ever called me Kurt.”
Blaine was glad they had to separate. He was angry. Kurt Hummel had told him, implicitly, that Blaine would never get Kurt. That was ridiculous. What if they became great friends? Would he still have to call Kurt Mr. Hummel?
When they came back together, Blaine was bitter. He knew it and he did not care. “Do you and your friends from infancy often call on each other?”
Blaine was mocking him and Kurt knew it. He was frowning, but he responded as if he hadn’t heard the mocking tone. “Always, My Lord. We frequently spend time together.”
Kurt’s calm reply made Blaine even angrier and he didn’t respond. He clenched his jaw and danced in silence. As soon as it was over, he left.
It was unfair that Kurt wasn’t giving him a chance. They would be great together. Why wouldn’t Kurt give them a chance?
Blaine stayed in the corner for the rest of the night, sulking as he watched Kurt dance with Miss Jones. Sebastian dropped by once to tell him to suck it up before he went off to find Quinn.

……………..

So far this hunting trip was not what Blaine wanted it to be. He was with his friends a good 30 meters ahead of Kurt and his friends. All of his friends were ridiculously loud and if there were birds, there were not now. Blaine looked over to Finn. Maybe he could send Finn back to Kurt and his friends. Finn had been relentless since the ball trying to find out about Rachel. He would gladly go talk to Rachel’s brother.
“Finn, I think you’ll win Rachel over if you talk to Kurt.”
Finn looked at Blaine and nodded enthusiastically. “Oh yeah, you’re right. Everybody stop. We should wait for the rest to catch up.”
Blaine winced. Finn was so loud. He always had been, but it hadn’t seemed like a problem until now.
Everyone stopped and looked at Finn and then back at Kurt, Michael, and Noah. Finn started walking back to the three men and called out, “Why are you hanging so far behind us?” Finn stepped on no less than five sticks on his way to them. Blaine was sure he saw Michael wince with every step Finn took.
Blaine was too far away to hear everything, but within minutes, Finn was running back up to them. “They think we should stop and let the dogs romp around to find birds.”
There was a general murmur of agreement. Finn smiled widely, “Great.” He ran back to Kurt and his friends. Blaine would never have run. It required too much energy. Blaine got his exercise from fucking.
Sebastian sidled up to Blaine. “Lover boy’s probably angry at this abysmal hunting trip. His tall friend looks like he wants to shoot us. He’s a man after my own heart.”
“I must confess that this is not what I imagined it would be.”
Sebastian smirked. “That is quite an understatement. Oh look, here they come. Buck up. Don’t want him to see you looking sad.”
Finn was talking as they came up, “-to meet new people. May I call you all by your first names? Last names sound so formal and stuffy and I feel as if we are all going to be great friends.”
Blaine wasn’t really paying attention to the answer to the question, but he watched Kurt regardless. At the same time he was trying to stop Sebastian from taking his gun. He was having a harder time because he wasn’t looking, but he wasn’t willing to look away from Kurt. Damn it, Sebastian.
“I’m Kurt. May I call you Finn?”
When Blaine heard Kurt’s response, he went through a myriad of emotions. First and foremost was anger. Why did Finn get special treatment? Why did Finn get the honor of calling Kurt by his first name? Why was Kurt’s answer different this time around? What the actual fuck?
Sebastian handing his gun over to Michael broke Blaine from his inner rant. People were separating to do different things. It seemed like they weren’t hunting as a group today. Well, if they were breaking up into smaller groups, Blaine wanted to be with Kurt. Blaine turned his glare back full-force to Kurt who was talking to Finn. Their conversation seemed to be a bit more personal than hunting talk. Blaine felt the familiar swoop of jealousy in the pit of his stomach and was ready to march over there. Luckily, Finn called out to him.
“Blaine, would you like to come with us?”
Blaine didn’t know where they were going, but he was going to say yes regardless. He nodded at Finn and made his way over.
“Mr. Hummel.”
That was slightly bitterer than Blaine wanted but he couldn’t help it. He was very resentful that Kurt would let Finn call him by his first name.
“Lord Anderson,” Kurt replied neutrally. Blaine had to give him credit. He held his composure very well.
Blaine wanted to keep talking, but Finn’s incessant bellowing for Drizzle was leading nowhere. After a useless apology from Finn, Blaine had to respond.
“Do not listen to him, Mr. Hummel. That dog has never obeyed a direct order in his life. Finn is too kind to him.”
Blaine whistled high and sharp like he did for his own dog. Lo and Behold, there came Drizzle ready to serve. Honestly, Finn needed to teach him better. Blaine watched with amusement as Drizzle barreled into his master. Finn looked up sheepishly as he tried to control the dog.
“Blaine’s always been better at handling Drizzle. He’s probably right, but I can’t help it. Look at this face. It demands to be pampered.”
Blaine personally thought that Drizzle did not have a face that demanded to be pampered, but Kurt did. His laugh was high and clear and much more authentic than anything he had given Blaine. Blaine felt himself grow angrier.
Kurt gestured in the direction of Anderson Manor and Blaine heard himself respond to Finn, “Not at all. Mr. Hummel’s plan sounds no better than any other.”
Blaine sounded bitter and petty, but he couldn’t bring himself to care. Today was not going the way he wanted it to.
Kurt and Finn walked ahead as Blaine stewed in his own anger. Blaine couldn’t help but eavesdrop on their conversation after he heard Finn’s question.
Kurt simply smiled and replied, “I am afraid that you have misheard. I have made my intentions known, but we are not engaged.”
Kurt was being very friendly with Finn, but what was Blaine to expect, Finn and Kurt were on a first-name basis.
Finn smiled teasingly back, completely at ease with Kurt. “Come Kurt, we are friends.”
Blaine couldn’t hold back his snort. They most certainly were not friends. This was their second meeting. From Kurt’s response at the ball, Blaine would not have considered that a friendship.
“I do plan to propose in the spring. An engagement over a month will bring unnecessary rumors and Miss Jones and I agree that a spring wedding is the most beautiful.” Kurt replied. Almost eagerly, Blaine thought.
That was interesting though. Blaine had time to win Kurt over if he pleased, and he did please. Now there was a due date for the end of everything. Blaine had to win Kurt over before spring, and he would do it. Even if Kurt was being difficult by not letting Blaine call him by his first name. Blaine would win Kurt Hummel over. Blaine would get to fuck Kurt’s ass. It was such a nice ass. Blaine heard Finn clear his throat. He looked up guiltily. Honestly, he had no idea when he had started staring at Kurt’s ass. When had that happened?
Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to give too much thought to the question because Drizzle was circling some bushes. All three men prepared their guns. Blaine watched Drizzle closely. If he remembered correctly, Drizzle wasn’t the best hunting dog. He liked to go after anything that smelled interesting. Eventually Finn figured it out.
“Damn dog. Never finds anything good. Drizzle! Come over here. Put down the stick! Drizzle.” Finn shouted out as he lowered his gun. And Drizzle, in true Drizzle fashion, ran away with a stick he had found. Finn immediately began to give chase.
Kurt, sounding slightly panicked, called out, “Finn! Just let Drizzle tire himself out! Don’t chase him.”
Blaine stepped up. He would use any alone time with Kurt he could get. “Do not try and stop the fool, Mr. Hummel. He always tries to fix things physically if he can. It never occurs to him to use his brain.”
Kurt nodded. “I do hope that he does not get lost.”
Blaine shook his head. Finn, despite his cluelessness, was quite capable of handling himself and Drizzle. It just took some time. “He will not. Finn has been running around these grounds since he was eight. He knows it like the back of his hand.”
Kurt nodded but didn’t say anything. Blaine would be damned if he spent this rare opportunity in silence. “I am curious about something, Mr. Hummel. Why did you allow Finn to call you Kurt so soon? I was under the impression that it was an impossibility.”
Blaine had a few minutes at most, and he was going to use them wisely. He wanted to know what could make Kurt change his mind. He was no different than Finn.
Kurt was quiet for a moment. His voice was soft when he replied, “Rachel and Finn have shown a strong inclination to each other. The best way to foster their relationship is to foster my relationship with him.”
Blaine nodded. Logically he understood what Kurt was getting at, but he was not thinking logically. Blaine was irrationally angry with Kurt. There were very few circumstances where Blaine didn’t get what he wanted. He never reacted well to those circumstances, so it was with great venom and glee that he responded, “I understand. You wish to marry above your class for money.”
Blaine could never have predicted the way Kurt would react. Kurt turned around, eyes flashing, and towering over Blaine, replied, ““With all due respect, Lord Anderson. I am perfectly pure in my intentions. I do not befriend Finn because he is richer than me. Rachel has shown herself to be interested in Finn and I will do anything to make sure my sisters have as happy a marriage as possible.”
Interested to know if Kurt would keep eye contact with him, Blaine replied, “And yourself?”
Kurt responded with the smile of someone who knows that he did not fall for a trap. “I am as happy as I can be, Lord Anderson. I will keep my house, have a male heir and increase my income. What more could I want?”
Kurt turned his back on Blaine, but Blaine was elated. He had never been so aroused. He finally knew how to make Kurt Hummel look at him. He couldn’t stop now. Kurt looked so beautiful when he was angry. It was none of that proper fa�ade. It was all Kurt Hummel. It was intoxicating.
“If I were to call you by your first name, what would you do?” Blaine was curious. Would it make him angry? If it did, Blaine would do it.
Kurt sniffed. “Lord Anderson, our social classes are so different that people would talk and I can’t have that. I have worked hard for my reputation and I will not let it be tarnished because of certain rumors. I would refuse to meet you if you called me by my first name.”
Blaine’s eyes lit up with understanding. Kurt didn’t like the rumors. Proper Kurt was affected by the rumors. Oh what Blaine could do with that knowledge. Blaine surveyed the back of Kurt’s neck. It was all pale skin, completely unaffected by Blaine, but Blaine knew he could change that within a second.
“I see,” Blaine stepped up behind Kurt, and whispered hotly in his ear, “You don’t like the rumors that I’m fucking you, do you, Kurt?”
Blaine couldn’t help but roll the ‘r’ of Kurt’s name. Blaine watched in delight as Kurt shivered and a blush swept down his neck. Kurt was much more affected by Blaine than he had lead Blaine to believe. Kurt wanted Blaine in some capacity and Blaine was more than happy to fan that desire.
Blaine waited with an angry delight as Kurt turned around. “Lord Anderson, I am Mr. Hummel. I have no idea what your objective is, and I have no wish to know. I am very sure that you everything you say is meant to vex me. I have no wish to be part of whatever game you are playing and I wish you would stop.”
Kurt was panting. Whether from desire or anger, Blaine didn’t know and he didn’t care. Today was a victory. He knew how to get Kurt to react and that Kurt desired him. It was a great fucking day.