When it gets cold outside and you got nobody to love
You'll understand what I mean when I say
There's no way we're gonna give up
And like a little girl cries in the face of a monster that lives in her dreams
Is there anyone out there 'cause it's getting harder and harder to breathe
-Harder and Harder to Breathe by Maroon 5-

"Kurt Hummel Designs."

"Hummel Designs."

"KH Designs."

"The Kurt Hummel Collection."

"Kurt Hummel."

Tyler was lying on his back, sucking on a lollipop. He rolled over and yelled out, "Kurt's Cute Designs!"

Kurt shot him an annoyed look while Alan from work, Samantha, Kent, Lake, Warren and Blaine cracked up laughing.

Tyler defended his suggestion. "It could be a kid's clothing line."

Kurt thought for a moment. "Actually, that's not a bad idea." He added it to the list on his iPad. Tyler grinned happily and went back to sucking on his lollipop.

"Well," said Lake, "I think you should just stick with Kurt Hummel Designs and use the Hummel Collection for a special line of menswear."

Kurt nodded. "I plan to do a mens suit collection, but I'm going to call it The Anderson Collection by Kurt Hummel." Blaine grinned in approval.

It was a Saturday afternoon and everyone had come over to Kurt and Blaine's to hang out and discuss Kurt's design house. Kurt couldn't believe this was finally happening. Thanks to the payoff from his father, Blaine had the money to finance the entire startup. Kurt had grown dizzy as they sat in Kent's office discussing how to organize the money. Operating accounts, payroll accounts, cash reserves. Kurt forced himself to pay close attention because he knew he needed to know everything, and he wanted to know everything. It would have been easy to let Blaine handle the finances, but Kurt was determined not to do that. The name on the door would be Kurt Hummel, so Kurt Hummel needed to be in charge.

But, as he stared at the many zeros in the accounts Kent set up, Kurt suffered a sudden loss of confidence and a slight panic attack. This was a lot of money. A whole lot of money. More money than Kurt had ever imagined. And Blaine was pouring all of it into Kurt's dream. What if this didn't work? What if no one wanted to buy his clothes? What if he was a complete failure? He would have wasted Blaine's early inheritance. All that money for nothing.

Blaine shook his head.

"Kurt, you are the most talented up and coming designer in this city. Trust me, you will be a huge success."

"You don't know that. Do you know how many designers fail to catch on with the public? Actually, forget the public. Vogue. What if Anna Wintour of Vogue thinks I suck? One negative word from her and I will be done."

Blaine frowned. He would kill the bitch in her sleep. He decided not to mention that to Kurt.

"Kurt, that's not going to happen. You're going to be amazing. Hell, you're already amazing. The rest of the world just doesn't know it yet."

Kurt was appreciative of Blaine's encouragement and support, especially since he found it hard to believe Blaine was excited about the design house.

Blaine wasn't excited.

Deep inside he was dreading the entire thing.

But despite his dread he was happy to do this for Kurt. It was Kurt's dream and Blaine was not going to stop him. Kurt's happiness meant more to him than anything. He knew Kurt's doubts were a waste of time. Kurt was going to be a success. A huge success. And the more successful Kurt became, the more people would demand his time. Blaine was not looking forward to sharing his slave with the rest of the world. But, he knew this would make Kurt happy and he wanted Kurt happy.

"Okay, so it's Kurt Hummel Designs. Where are we located? I need to know where to report for work."

Kurt smiled at Samantha. His first employee. Samantha had agreed to serve as marketing director, in-house model, sometime receptionist and muse.

"Well the building I wanted has been leased, so I have to start searching."

Blaine frowned. "What building?"

"The art gallery a few blocks down. It was empty for months, but now I'm pretty sure its been taken."

"We still might be able to get it. It can't hurt to check with the owner."

"Wait a minute." Kurt grabbed his bag and dug around until he found the card Jeremiah had given him. "Here."

Blaine took the card and smiled as he read the name.

Dan Randolph, Montiel Real Estate Company.

The Montiel family owed him and it was time to pay up.

Mike sat across from Andrew Montiel in a private dining room at Smith's. He was determined to get what his son wanted, but Andrew was playing hardball.

"It took forever to get that building leased. Dan just filed all the paperwork last month. I already paid him his commission. I can't just kick out a tenant."

"Of course you can. You own buildings all over this city. Just give them another spot."

"Why can't you take another spot?"

"Because my son...client wants this building."

"Did you just say son?"

"Client. My client."

Andrew gave Mike a hard look. Since when did Mike have a son?

"Look, Mike. You know I appreciate everything you've done for me over the years. I really do. But, this is quite a favor you're asking. It will cost me money, time, not to mention seriously ticking off a client."

"Trust me. You want to do this for me."

Andrew sat back and sighed. He took a sip of his drink.

"What are you going to do with the building?"

"It will be a design house. Fashion design."

"A project of Samantha's?"

"No. A young man named Kurt Hummel."

Andrew drummed his fingers on the table. This didn't make sense.

"Mike...are you in a jam? Do you owe someone something?"

Mike laughed. He knew Andrew dabbled in illegal side businesses. Figures his mind would gravitate that way.

"No. I can assure you it's nothing like that. This is the building Kurt wants and I want to see that he gets it."

"But why?"

Mike looked into Andrew's eyes. Should he tell him? Tell him about his son? He was proud of Blaine and looked forward to formally introducing him to his friends, but he hadn't really figured out how he was going to do it. He couldn't just say, this is my son. Could he?

"How's Drew doing?"

For the first time ever Mike saw Andrew smile a bit at the mention of his son's name.

"He's doing pretty good. When I sent him to Italy last year I figured he would party and screw around. But, he actually got a job. He's running some popular nightclub. Seems to be good at it and really enjoys it. Clarissa keeps bitching at him to come home, but frankly, I hope he stays over there. It's like he's finally found himself or something. Maybe he has a future after all."

"When are you leaving Clarissa?"

Andrew smiled sheepishly. "Let's face it, Mike. I love the annoying bitch. I wouldn't know what to do with a woman who didn't scream and curse all damn day. For the past few months we've actually been screwing each other instead of other people. First time that's happened in years. Hell, I don't know. What is a healthy relationship? What does it look like? Isn't it different for different people? She makes me happy. Even if she is a 24-7 bitch."

They sipped their drinks in silence.

"So, are you going to give me the building?"

"Give? You want it for free?"

"I'd appreciate it."

"Damn Mike. You're asking for a hell of a lot. First you want me to incur the costs of breaking a lease, pissing off a client, and then you want the building for free? Shit!"

"All right. How about you sell it to me for a less than fair price?"

"Less than fair to whom?"

"Less than fair to you, of course."

Andrew shook his head in amazement. Mike's audacity was truly something.

"Okay. I tell ya what. I'll sell it to you for a ridiculous price if you tell me why it's so important for this Kirk person to have it. Why is it so important to you?"

Mike was quiet. He took a sip of his drink. Eventually he would have to explain about Blaine. Might as well start with someone he'd known for years.

"Kurt, not Kirk, is the husband of a young man named Blaine Anderson. Blaine is going to be my heir. I plan to leave the firm to him one day."

Andrew processed this information.

"Why do I recognize the name?"

"He's the young man who helped get Drew off last year."

Andrew nodded and then realized Mike had said the word husband.

"Wait...this guy you plan to leave the firm to...he's gay?"

"Yes."

"Why a gay?"

"I don't give a shit about his being gay. He's brilliant." And so much more.

Andrew thought this over.

"Trust me, Andrew. Doing this is in your best interests as well as mine. I trust Blaine completely. One day your business affairs will be handled by him. It would be nice to set the ground early for a good working relationship."

Andrew looked at Mike. Mike was one of the smartest men he knew. He trusted him and he knew Mike wouldn't choose just anyone to leave his firm to. Plus, he owed him and not just for Drew. Mike had saved his ass numerous times over the years.

"All right. I'll get the building back. You pay for it and it can become your heir's, lover's design place. Jeez, Mike. Kinda strange."

"No stranger than staying with a woman who screams and curses you out everyday."

Andrew smiled.

"Blaine, I'm gonna trip and fall."

"No you won't. Just hold on to my arm. I won't let you fall. I'll never let you fall, beautiful."

Blaine was leading a blindfolded Kurt down the street.

Blaine was giddy. He could barely contain his excitement.

Mike had come through for him.

It had taken four months to get the building free and clear. During the waiting Blaine had struggled to keep Kurt from choosing another location. He'd felt bad about always being negative and finding something wrong with every building Kurt chose, but he had to give Andrew and Mike time to get things arranged. He knew he had ticked Kurt off several times, but now he could finally give him what he really wanted. If possible, he would always give Kurt what he wanted. Kurt would never have to settle for less.

"How much further?" Kurt was growing impatient with being blindfolded on the streets of New York. In their loft was a different matter entirely.

"About ten steps."

Blaine unlocked the door and led him inside, locking the door behind them. He led Kurt to the middle of the main floor.

"Okay. Take it off."

Kurt snatched off the scarf. He blinked a few times and looked around and down. He was standing in between a large K and H that had been laid out on the floor in red roses.

"But...Blaine...wait...is this..."

"Welcome to the home of Kurt Hummel Designs."

Kurt turned around slowly and looked around the space.

"But...it was leased. It wasn't available. It...Blaine...how?"

Blaine took his hands in his.

"I will always do everything in my power to give you everything you want. Everything. You deserve nothing less. This is yours, beautiful." He placed the keys in Kurt's hands. "You own this building. It's yours."

Kurt stared at him in shock. "But...Blaine. I...how...how can you afford this? This is a building. A building in New York City. This had to cost at least two million dollars if not more. Did you use all the money from your father?"

"No. I did not use all the money and let's just say I got it for a very good price. Don't worry about it. It's yours now. All yours. You can redo the interior anyway you want. Whatever you want to do, you can do. It's yours, beautiful. All yours."

Kurt looked around again and then threw his arms around Blaine's neck.

"Oh, Blaine! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!"

Blaine inhaled Kurt's scent and in that moment he felt the most joyful he'd ever felt in his life. Happiness filled his heart, his mind and his soul. This. This was all that mattered in the world. Kurt, happy and in his arms. Blaine felt overcome by his joy. He held Kurt tightly, his voice thick with the emotions flowing through him.

"You're welcome, beautiful."

Kurt pulled back and stared in his eyes. Kurt's tears of happiness rolled faster down his face at the sight of Blaine blinking back tears of his own.

"Oh, Blaine."

Blaine shook his head and blinked harder. Shit. He was not going to fucking cry.

"I...I just love you so much, Kurt. You mean everything to me."

"And you mean everything to me. My beautiful, dark, powerful, loving master."

Kurt leaned forward and softly brushed his lips across Blaine's. He gently caressed his tongue along Blaine's top lip and down to his bottom, sucking lightly before sliding his tongue into Blaine's mouth. He placed his hands on either side of Blaine's head, lacing his fingers into his curls and pulled him closer, deepening their kiss and making Blaine moan as his body relaxed against Kurt's. They simply kissed for a while. Soft, deep, wet kisses of warm passion and love. Kurt grabbed Blaine's hand and pulled him over to the wall. He pushed him up against it and stepped back, staring directly into Blaine's eyes as he slowly unbuttoned his shirt. He didn't take it off. He just allowed it to hang open. Blaine found this incredibly sexy.

Kurt stepped forward and whispered in his ear. "Allow your slave to thank you."

He continued to stare into Blaine's eyes as he slowly unzipped Blaine's pants and sank to his knees. He tugged Blaine's pants and boxers down and slowly slid his mouth on to the head of Blaine's cock. He didn't slide all the way down. He just focused on the head, sliding up and down and twirling his tongue. Blaine inhaled deeply and fell back against the wall, pressing his hands flat against the smooth surface. As he sucked the head, Kurt pressed his hands against Blaine's thighs and then slowly moved his hands around to grip Blaine's ass. He trailed his fingers down Blaine's ass crack before sliding his hands back around to his thighs. He repeated this slow, back and forth massage as he continued to only suck the cockhead. Blaine was rolling his head back and forth and growing louder as he gripped Kurt's hair tighter and tighter. Kurt maintained an even pace until he was sure Blaine was about to burst. He pulled off, stood up, stepped back a few feet, and turned around. With his back to Blaine, he seductively swayed his hips back and forth as he unzipped his pants and slowly worked his tight jeans down along with his boxers. He then backed up slowly until his ass was pressed against Blaine's cock. He leaned back, allowing his head to fall onto Blaine's shoulder and whispered, "Fill my ass."

Blaine groaned and slowly slid his hands underneath Kurt's shirt, up his back and around to the front of his chest. He pinched his nipples causing him to groan and press his ass harder against Blaine's throbbing cock. Blaine kept teasing Kurt's nipples, listening to him breathe harder and gasp under his touch. He slowly slid his hands down Kurt's smooth stomach, bringing his hands to rest on his waist. He gripped Kurt's waist and swung them both around, pushing Kurt face first up against the wall. Kurt pressed his hands flat against the wall and stuck his ass out. Blaine slowly ran his hands over Kurt's ass and slid two fingers into him. Kurt groaned and pushed back as much as possible with his pants down around his ankles. Blaine slid his fingers in and out until Kurt was moaning loudly. He removed his fingers and very slowly pushed his cock into Kurt's ass, one inch at a time. Kurt tried to push his ass back on to Blaine's cock, but Blaine held him steady and maintained his turtle's pace. Once he was all the way in, he pulled out slowly and started again. Kurt cursed under his breath. The teasing pace was unbearable. Finally Blaine started sliding faster until he was fucking into him with a firm, smooth and steady rhythm. Their moans were soft and sexy as they came quietly with Blaine tightly wrapping his arms around Kurt's waist as Kurt braced himself against the wall. They stayed like this for a few minutes before pulling their pants up and fixing their clothes. It was dark, but they could see from the street lights streaming into the windows. They sat down on the steps that led upstairs. Kurt laid his head on Blaine's shoulder and they sat in a comfortable, happy silence.

Kurt looked around and sighed contentedly. Blaine smiled at the sound. Such a sweet sound.

"Where would I be if we'd never met?"

"What?"

"I wonder where I'd be right now if we had never met. If I hadn't been working in my dad's shop that day. I almost wasn't there. I had thought about blowing it off to go to the mall with Mercedes. I decided at the last minute to go in and go to the mall later. What if we had never met?"

Blaine shook his head. "It wouldn't have mattered if you weren't there that day. We still would have met. You were always the one for me, Kurt. Always. It was always meant to be you and no one else. We would have met at some point because we were meant to be together."

"How can you be so sure?"

"I just am. You were always the one for me. Always."

Kurt laid his head back on Blaine's shoulder and smiled.

Things quickly turned crazy hectic.

It was October and Blaine was in the final push to finish school. He would graduate in December and start part-time at the firm in January. He was excited, but he knew the hard part was just beginning. He had to pass the Bar in June, and Mike wanted him to learn all the administrative responsibilities of the firm before he started full time. Blaine needed to understand billable hours, record-keeping, attorney monitoring and everything else related to running a successful firm. "We need to do this now, Blaine. Once you start handling cases, you won't want to focus on this stuff. I want you to learn it now so you'll understand the back office. Always understand how to count your money." Blaine nodded in agreement. He couldn't wait to count money. He planned on counting a ton of it.

While Blaine learned to count money, Kurt learned to spend it. First there was the remodel of the space. Kurt knew exactly what he wanted and how everything should look. He painstakingly explained his vision to the contractors and insisted on overseeing their every move. There were paint colors to approve, flooring, blinds, lighting, and so much more. Kurt really wanted to keep his job until the end of the year, but it soon proved too difficult. He tearfully resigned. Once again he was leaving a designer in a lurch, but unlike in Paris, this designer was excited and happy for him. She encouraged him to call her with questions and for advice.

In addition to getting the space ready there was an official launch party to plan and sketches to turn into real outfits. They would open in May with a huge party featuring a fashion show within the space.

Blaine frowned. "May? Does it have to be May? I take the Bar in June. Why can't you do this in July?"

"Because in July I would have to launch a fall line. I really want to start with summer. May is actually a bit late, but I can make it work."

Blaine didn't say anything else.

As the months passed, things grew even busier. Blaine was working and studying while Kurt was supervising the contractors and trying to oversee the physical creation of his designs. He hired his first real, non-friend employee, a young woman named Kelly Rogers. Kelly was the Parson's student who made Kurt and Blaine's wedding suits. She fully understood Kurt's fashion vision and had the ability to make it come to life with her sewing machine. She and Kurt spent hours selecting, ordering and purchasing fabrics, buttons, zippers and everything else needed to create the 25 outfits for the launch party. With Samantha's strong encouragement, Kurt gave Kelly permission to hire additional seamstresses and put her in charge of the entire design creation process.

"You need to learn now, Kurt. You can't do everything and be everywhere. You have to hire well and trust those you hire."

But, Kurt was everywhere trying to do everything.

Except take care of Blaine.

Kurt left early every morning to meet the contractors.

Blaine grabbed coffee and a bagel on his way to HWV.

Kurt arrived home in the evenings exhausted and still working. He would be so engrossed in checking lists, sending emails and following up on things that he wouldn't think about dinner until after Blaine came home.

Blaine ordered out, or made peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. He missed Kurt's cooking, but he said nothing. By 9:30 pm, he would fall asleep on the couch while studying. Kurt would fall asleep at his desk on top of his iPad and color swatches. At some point they would wake up and stagger to bed, wrapping their arms and legs around one another. No sex.

Just like during law school their weekends became sacred.

On Saturdays they would sleep until Noon. Kurt would make breakfast and they would catch each other up on their week. Then they would make love and sleep some more. Sometimes they went out with friends, but most Saturday nights were spent at home relaxing and enjoying each others company.

As always, Sundays were sexually intense.

Kurt looked forward to Sundays. It was the one day a week when he would completely let go and allow himself to become totally subservient to Blaine. It was mentally relaxing to allow his enslavement to take over and leave him at Blaine's mercy. No decisions to make. No discussions to have. It was all about Blaine. And sex.

Blaine called it their day of reminding and replenishment. Kurt was reminded that despite everything going on he was still Blaine's slave, and Blaine replenished his strength for the week.

Kurt replenished his strength as well.

The strength in Kurt's hands had begun to spread to the rest of his body. He was growing stronger, faster and more powerful. He could lift heavy boxes with ease. He moved faster and could feel a surge of strength when he woke up in the mornings.

He didn't mention the changes to Blaine.

Instead he enjoyed being wrapped up in the hot, erotic intensity of their Sunday sex sessions. Especially since they had a new favorite bondage position based on their new chair sex.

Blaine worried about Kurt's back in the new chair sex position, so he came up with an alternative. He called Lake's friend, Desmond and had him install a round suspension O-ring above their bed. It was a simple circle bolted in the ceiling. Desmond eyed his work proudly.

"Are you sure you don't want a suspension bar? I could trick out the entire place for you."

Blaine smiled and shook his head. "No. I'll keep your number for when we move into a place we own."

Now Kurt could lie on the bed and Blaine could tie his wrists and ankles together and then loop the rope through the ring in the ceiling. It was better for Kurt's back and made it easier for him to keep his wrists and ankles in the air. On top of this, Blaine would tie a rope from Kurt's bound ankles and wrists to his collar.

Yes, Kurt loved Sundays.

One Thursday afternoon Kurt went grocery shopping. The grand opening of the studio was six weeks away and things were crazy, but he wanted to cook dinner for Blaine. He appreciated the fact that Blaine had been incredibly patient the past few months. He knew Blaine missed home cooked meals and French icing cupcakes, not to mention sex during the week. But despite everything Blaine hadn't complained once. He had been patient, encouraging and supportive. When Kurt would stress about the money he was spending, Blaine would convince him that it was perfectly fine and encourage him to spend what he needed. Blaine was now on the payroll of HWV and Mike had kept his word about the incredible salary. Blaine reassured him that his salary was enough to cover their expenses and much, much more. As a matter of fact, Blaine wanted them to move in the fall. They had outgrown the loft a long time ago. Blaine was ready to move into a state of the art condo or penthouse. He wanted to start living a fantastic, high-class life with his beautiful husband.

Kurt stood in the produce section studying the lettuce. No, he wouldn't make salad tonight. Grilled vegetables. He would make Blaine's favorite meal. Steak, grilled vegetables and...

Kurt froze as a warm sensation floated around him. He closed his eyes for a moment. The sensation felt familiar. He opened his eyes and looked around. There was a young couple picking out apples, and an older woman studying the cantaloupes. No one was looking at him or looked suspicious. He focused his mind.

What's wrong?

Nothing. I just wanted to make sure you were okay.

I'm fine. Where are you? Are you okay?

I'm fine. I'm at Whole Foods.

What's going on? Do you need me to come get you?

No, no. I'm fine. Nothing's going on. I'm going to cook dinner for you tonight.

Awesome. I'll come home early.

Okay. I love you.

I love you too.

Kurt looked around nervously. The young couple had moved on to the grapes and the older woman had disappeared. Kurt took a deep breath and continued shopping. He must be tired. After all, he had been working nonstop for months. His mind needed a rest.

Hours later Blaine was walking home from the train. Mike had offered him use of the firm's car service, but Blaine declined. He wanted to pass the Bar first and become a full time employee of HWV. The car service was an ultimate perk to keep him motivated. He and Kurt were about to step into the life they'd always dreamed of. Blaine an attorney and Kurt...well Blaine had always seen Kurt as his stay-at-home husband, but that definitely wasn't going to happen. If the past few months were any indication, things would never be the way they were before Kurt started working. While the thought made Blaine a little sad, he knew it was for the best. Kurt was happy and that was all that mattered.

Blaine decided to stop and buy flowers. He hadn't given Kurt flowers in a long time and he deserved them. Especially since he was taking time to cook dinner tonight. Blaine stopped in a florist shop a few blocks away from the loft. Cream, peach and pink roses. Colors that matched Kurt's skin. He also bought one red rose. That one was from the darkness. It swirled happily inside him.

A block away from the loft Blaine froze. A warm sensation floated around him. Blaine's eyes turned a dark, cold black. He slowly turned around and scanned the street. A kid on a skateboard whizzed by him. A woman walking a small dog was headed towards him. Across the street, an elderly couple was strolling along. Blaine stood still and concentrated.

What's wrong?

Are you home?

Yes?

Okay.

Why? What's wrong?

Nothing. I'll be home in two minutes.

Blaine continued to scan the street, but he saw no one of interest and the warm sensation was gone.

Kurt met him at the door.

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah. I'm fine. These are for you."

Kurt smiled. "They're beautiful. What's the occasion?"

"You being...you." Blaine smiled and kissed him.

Neither mentioned the strange sensation they had experienced.

Kurt leaned back in his chair, closed his eyes and tried to tune out the bitchy sniping going on in front of him.

Samantha and Lake were at it again.

They had been fussing with each other for the past two weeks. Arguments about the guest list, who should sit where, the layout of the room, and on and on. Kurt tried to stay out of it because he was worried about a thousand other details, but things were getting out of control. Today's argument was about whether or not the hired help for the party would be able to quickly break down the chairs and flip the room after the fashion show. Lake was sure it would work. Samantha thought he was crazy. On top of their fussing, Kurt could hear Kelly yelling at some poor girl who had stitched a hem to short.

Kurt was feeling worn out and overwhelmed. They were four weeks out from the opening. This was either going to be a huge success or a big, expensive disaster.

"I need a break. I'm going to get some tea." He wasn't sure if Samantha and Lake even heard him.

He walked a few blocks down to the coffee shop and ordered a vanilla chai latte. As he waited for his drink, he felt a warm sensation surround him. It was just as before but stronger. He scanned the room. A few people working on laptops. A man and woman in a deep conversation. An older woman sitting by the window...

Staring at him.

Kurt stared back. Her hair was pulled into a neat and stylish chignon bun. She wore pearls and small pearl and diamond earrings. She had on a lovely gray Channel suit. She looked familiar. He searched his brain but couldn't place her. She smiled warmly at him and beckoned him over. He took his latte and slowly walked towards her. The closer he got, the stronger the warm sensation. It was so familiar. Why couldn't he place it?

She smiled. "Hello."

"Hello. Do we know each other?"

She gestured at the seat across from her. "Won't you sit down?"

Kurt hesitated for a moment and then sat down.

"Do I know you?"

The woman spoke quietly. "No, but I'm like you."

"What?"

She slowly pulled up her sleeve and flipped her hand palm up, exposing her forearm. Above her wrist was an intricate design. It looked like a tattoo but seemed deeper, brighter and more beautiful. It took Kurt a moment to make out the word written in a fancy, cursive script over a coat of arms with an H in the middle.

Slave.

Kurt's eyes met hers.

"You...you're..."

"Yes. I'm a slave like you." She smiled at him.

And mentally spoke to her master.

I'm with his slave.

Good. Keep him there and keep him talking.

I'm going after Blaine.

Blaine stood up and stretched. He was sick of studying. All he had done for three years was study. But, he could see the light at the end of the tunnel. The Bar exam was just a little over a month away, and he was ready. He would definitely pass on his first try. And then he would be done. No more school. Time to start living life. His beautiful, wonderful life with his beautiful, wonderful Kurt.

Kurt.

Damn he missed Kurt. The past few months had been tough. Really tough. Downright awful. Kurt was always busy and exhausted. He was killing himself to get everything perfect for the grand opening. Just like during college, Blaine felt abandoned and neglected, but he forced himself not to say anything. He was determined not to do or say anything to take away from Kurt's joy. Despite how badly he missed him during the week.

Blaine checked his watch. A little after three. He closed his iPad and decided to call it a day. He would go by the design house and tell Kurt to call it quits too. It was Friday. They would start the weekend early.

Blaine started shoving things into his bag.

The darkness started boiling and jumping.

Danger! You're in danger! There is another dark force nearby!

Blaine froze. He was inside a private study room on the top floor of the law library. The rooms were only for use by the faculty, but naturally Blaine had convinced the librarian to allow him access.

He looked at the door. What was waiting for him on the other side?

Kurt's heart leapt. Another slave. Someone like him. He had wished and dreamed of meeting someone like him, but always dismissed it as unlikely. But here she was. Sitting right in front of him. Kurt was excited.

"I'm Kurt. Kurt Hummel."

"I'm...Jess."

"How long have you been a slave?"

"Oh my. Over 50 years. My master captured me when I was only 22."

"I was 18."

"18? My, so young. And...you are...your master is...a man?"

"Yes."

"Hmm. That's different. I never thought a man could be a slave. Do you enjoy it? Are you happy?"

"Oh, yes. I can't imagine living any other life or being so incredibly loved by someone. My master is wonderful. Yes, he's very dark and can be rather demanding at times, but he spoils me rotten. Lately things have..."

Kurt stopped.

The warm sensation.

Of course it was familiar.

It was warm, smooth and...electric.

Like Jace.

Fear sliced through him as he realized exactly who this woman was. Jessica stared at him intently.

"Um, what did you say your name was?"

"Jess."

"Jess what?"

Her smile faltered a bit. "Just call me Jess."

Kurt stared into her eyes. "Tell me your full name."

Her smile disappeared. She said nothing.

"Tell me your full name."

"Jessica Harrington."

"What do you want?"

"I don't want anything. Except to talk. It's not very often one meets another slave."

"What are you doing here?"

"My master has business in the city. Naturally I accompanied him. He never travels without me. You understand."

Business in the city.

That could mean many different things.

He had to warn Blaine.

Kurt started to focus his mind when Jessica suddenly reached across the table and firmly gripped his wrist. Kurt gasped as rippling shocks of electricity went through him.

Blaine stared at the door. He couldn't stay in here forever. He placed his hand on the doorknob and closed his eyes. The darkness immediately responded, readying itself to defend or attack. Unlike previous times, the darkness moved slowly through Blaine's body as it replaced his blood, causing his skin to boil and his eyes to turn their deepest black. Blaine trembled as he fought to maintain control. He didn't want to call Kurt. He hoped to get this over with before Kurt sensed what was going on

He slowly opened the door and peeked out. The hallway was empty, but he could feel the warm sensation floating in the air. It was warm and...

A shot of electricity crackled through the air and hit him square in the chest.

"Don't. Don't contact your master. Let's talk and spend some time together."

Kurt tried to wrench his arm away, but Jessica tightened her hold. Two can play this game. Kurt grabbed her wrist. She gasped from the heat and promptly released him. Her eyes turned cold and angry.

"You didn't have to do that!"

"You started it! Why are you really here?"

"My master has business in the city."

"What business?"

"I don't think that's any of your affair."

She softened her tone and expression. "Please, Kurt. I'm sorry I wasn't honest about who I am, but it doesn't matter. It's so rare to meet another slave. Let's just talk and..."

Kurt stood up. "I'm leaving."

"No! Please stay."

"Goodbye."

Kurt ran out of the coffee shop. He walked into the alley next to the building and concentrated.

Blaine? Where are...

Jessica pushed him with surprising force for someone her age.

"Get away from me!"

"Stop trying to contact your master!"

Kurt grabbed Jessica's wrist, burning her. She screamed.

"Where is your master? Why is he here? Tell me!"

Kurt increased the heat causing Jessica to scream again.

"Tell me! Tell me, now!"

Kurt suddenly doubled over.

Blaine!

Blaine fell back, hitting the wall. He quickly rolled over, narrowly missing the second stream of electricity aimed at him. He scrambled backwards and scanned the hallway. He saw no one. Another stream of electricity crackled through the air. He rolled again and scrambled to a pillar. He leaned against it and focused.

Where are you?

Top floor of the law library. The faculty only floor.

I'm coming.

No! Someone's attacking me!

The Harrington's are here!

What?

Kurt?

Kurt?

Jessica lunged at him, pushing him into the wall and grabbing his arms tightly. She squeezed, releasing ripples of electricity. Kurt struggled to snatch himself out of her grasp. He manged to yank one arm free and immediately slammed his hand to her neck and squeezed, both choking and burning her. Jessica was forced to let go of him as she struggled to breathe. Kurt wrapped both of his hands tightly around her neck. Jessica slowly sank to the ground. Kurt's mind was racing with fear. He kept squeezing. Tighter...tighter...

Like their masters, slaves are capable of murder.