The Outlaw Blaine Anderson (5/14)
Title: The Outlaw Blaine Anderson
Author: mothergoddamn
Pairing/characters: Kurt/Blaine
Rating: NC-17
Summary: Kurt Hummel, lonely shop-keep filled with dreams of escape, meets a stranger in the midst of the Wild West. And then gets taken on an adventure - whether he likes it or not.
Previous 1/2/3/ 4
The Outlaw Blaine Anderson
Chapter 5
"Step right up! Step right up! Behold a miracle this very day!" Jesse clasped his hands tight and settled his features into one of beseeching. "A wondrous miracle!" He held up a tiny vial, the sun casting a gleam over the glass. "This, ladies and gentlemen is no mere concoction for tedious aches and pains. No." His voice dropped into a reverent whisper. "It can vanquish the greatest foe of them all. Death."
Blaine raised his hand. "Laying it on mighty thick, aren't you?"
For a moment, his eyes narrowed and lips twitched. As soon as it appeared, it was chased away by a bright, alarming, grin. "I can prove it, my friend. See the inside of my wagon. See what lies yonder." He made a motion to the empty air beside him. "See this young maiden that passed into the heavenly pastures this very afternoon." With several flamboyant sweeps and twirls, he dropped down beside the girl lying on the floor. Her face in perfect peace. "Watch, gentlemen. Watch." Pressing the vial to the woman's lips, he tipped the bottle up and emptied the vial into her mouth.
Nothing.
Jesse coughed.
Still she slept.
With a quick glance at them, he poked her roughly in the cheek.
Gasping, she flung herself into a sitting position, narrowly avoiding butting him. Raising her hand to her hairline, she pressed the other to her bosom. "I'm-I'm alive. I'm alive!"
Kurt couldn't help it. Everyone has a breaking point. Covering his face, he collapsed into peals of laughter. "That- that really- Surely you jest-Oh, Lord!"
"Yes," Blaine smiled at him. "They really did this. This is, in fact, how we met."
Rachel sniffed and took Jesse's hand as she helped him up. "Actually we were quite successful. Until you tried to shoot me."
Blaine shrugged. "I wanted to see if it would work twice."
Kurt wiped at his eye, his ribs actually hurting from the first real laugh he had had in an age. "So you were bunko artists selling this-"
"Doctor Jesse's Magical Death Fixer," he supplied smugly. "Most of the time it went slick as grease. As you have already witnessed, I was magnificent. But there were perhaps some things that needed to be tweaked." He tossed back his head. "Namely Rachel's delivery."
"My delivery?" She arched a brow. "I moved grown men to tears, Jesse. Tears."
"Of mirth," muttered Jesse.
"I see, I see. Well, I find your performance quite overreaching, if I'm honest." Rachel patted at her hair. "If one cannot find truth in the role, some infinitesimal thing which speaks to their very heart, then how can they relate?"
"I fooled Hummel's town easy enough, didn't I?" Jesse protested. "They all bought me as a hangman like it was gravy."
"You put on a big black hat and I said 'oh, I'm the hangman', that's hardly a legendary performance. Plus-"
Blaine leaned closer to Kurt as the two continued to squabble, his shoulder bumping against Kurt's. "Actually, they used to resort to robbing their customers," he explained. "I was rather impressed with their imagination, so of course I stayed with them. Well, that and I couldn't shake them."
Grasping his arms around his knees, Kurt nodded mutely. There it was again. That feeling. A hot white twist of want in his gut that swam through his body and tingled pleasantly through his veins. He could not explain it. How could it continue to thrive after what Blaine had done to him? They had taken him. Lord knew what effect this was having on his father's health! But still it persisted. He found himself fascinated with the man. He was so many different shades that Kurt's eyes simply could not adjust.
He hated that he was in thrall to Blaine and his emotions: one moment he would be kind. He would be pally with him and try to make Kurt laugh, smile or simply chase away the misery that must cover his features daily. Yet, on other occasions, he would be quiet, distant, and snappish . Just this morning he had roughly asked Kurt to loosen his hold around his waist as they rode. Kurt could not figure him out. What he did know was that the kind moments almost made everything else irrelevant. Almost.
It was of no matter, though. Despite the confusion of his feelings, Kurt could not afford to lose sight of his goal. Slowly, he shifted and lengthened the distance between them, catching Blaine's puzzled frown as he did so.
"You love us and you know it," Rachel was saying, tying her holster back round her waist. Kurt had kept his eye on them throughout their performance. But now was not the time.
It was getting closer, though. He figured it had been at least two weeks, maybe more. And Kurt could just tell that he was gaining their trust as time went on. They had apparently decided that he was of little or no threat and now he was allowed to help with small chores such as cooking and making pots of coffee. Sebastian tolerated him, Jesse was amused by him and Rachel in particular seemed to enjoy his company. On occasion, he could actually feel himself starting to enjoy the trail, but then he would recall what fate awaited him at the border and he would push that feeling away. He didn't belong. He wasn't one of them.
"It's Sebastian," said Rachel, looking over their heads. "He's back."
"You get anything?" Jesse looked hopeful. "Something big? Something tasty? Something-"
Shifting his gun, Sebastian threw down the offering and grimaced. "Answer your question?"
"Varmints? Bosh. If I never eat another gopher as long as I live it'll be too soon."
"That so? Well, maybe you can come hunting with me next time instead of babysitting the wet blanket."
Jesse sneered and snatched up a mangled bird, bringing his blade to its back. "It'll do."
Sebastian considered. "You're right, though. We need supplies." He arched his back and stretched, eyes darting between Kurt and Blaine. His lips twisted as if he had tasted something foul. "I saw a town from the hill. Too hot for you two to go in, but I figure be fine for Blaine and me. We can get some potatoes, corn, carrots and beans and the like. Stock up on the ammunition, too. What you say? We go now, and then mayhap we can be back before night fall."
Blaine shook his head. "No, you stay. I'll take Kurt."
"What?" Sebastian gave a shocked laugh. "You pulling my tail? You want to wander in there with our damn prisoner? Why don't you scrawl your name on your wanted picture and stick it on your horse's hide?"
"That's the thing," Blaine was already rising and moving to fill his saddlebag for the journey. "Kurt here has no poster of his own. I'd rather not draw more attention to us than needed. Hiding in clear sight, isn't that my specialty? And look at him. He look like a cutthroat desperado to you?"
The gang all turned to him, and he blushed under their stare.
Jesse tapped at his lip. "Maybe if he squinted a little?"
"I'm saying that word won't have spread here yet. If there's a posse on our tail after him we've probably thrown them off several times over by now with your tracking, Smythe. It's safer one of us being unknown."
Sebastian pursed his lips and looked Kurt over slowly.
Kurt, himself, was practically shaking in anticipation and fear. This was it! This was his chance. He'd be alone with Blaine. Just one person - one person who seemed to trust him, instead of a bunch of desperate outlaws. He could do it on the trail, he could kill Blaine.
Couldn't he?
God, not this again. It's not like hitting Abel over the head with an ax, or whatever it was and why didn't I pay more attention in Sunday school as a child? All I remember is: murder's not very nice. I don't want to be Not Nice.
Every night he had tossed and turned in the cool air, thinking on it. The method, the time and feeling. In his mind, he had stabbed Blaine, he had shot him, he had strangled him. The only acceptable fantasy death for Blaine was one where he and Kurt somehow ended up dangling over the Grand Canyon together, with Kurt trying to help him back up (his father would commend his magnanimous nature later), only for Blaine to tragically lose his grip and fall down the ravine. Of course, there would be a big party later and everyone would congratulate him for being so heroic and sending the infamous Blaine shuffling right off this mortal coil. He'd know the truth and he'd be okay with that, because his conscience was clear.
Unfortunately, there weren't many canyons around here, grand or otherwise. And so he thought on the realities of what could happen, trying to steel himself for it. Would Blaine fix his eyes on him? Would there be blood? Could he bear to stand over him if he was gasping his last breath, but what kind of animal would leave another man to die alone? How to bear it! He always awoke with his cheeks wet and his body shivering. Could he honestly kill Blaine in cold blood?
But maybe this was an easy way out. The town, he thought. There'll be law. Maybe he could do this without hurting anyone? Perhaps Blaine could even be given time to get away.
Kurt chose not to focus on how much he really hoped for the latter.
*

"Mighty quiet back there," said Blaine, as they trotted back to camp.
"Nothing to say," he muttered. His hands rested behind him, tight on the saddle. When they rode like this Kurt liked to keep his hands away, but once they picked up speed he had no choice but to enclose his arms around Blaine's waist. He hated how a dark part of him prayed for uneven ground.
"We should have left earlier." He nodded up at the sky. "Be night by the time we'll reach the others."
"Okay."
"Warm, though. May even see us some stars."
"Hmm," Kurt chewed at his lip. Eying the guns in Blaine's holster. "Maybe."
Do it. Take one. You won't stand a chance back at the camp. You've messed up so many times already. Do it.
And Kurt had messed up. He had completely and utterly let chance after chance slip through his fingers. The town hadn't suspected a thing. Blaine had simply led, charm personified and Kurt had hung limply at his side. If any strange looks were cast their way, it was to wonder why such a charming man would befriend such a sullen, unpleasant boy.
Kurt had wanted to say something, God, he had wanted to. Had wanted to shout to every stranger that he passed whom and what Blaine was. Yet every time the chance arose, his jaw would wire itself completely and utterly shut.
Why?
What debt did he owe a man who had knocked him out cold and kidnapped him? A man that planned to kill him once his usefulness had passed?
Kurt wanted to kid himself that he was protecting the townsfolk, that the ground was too hot. But he knew that wasn't why. Simply, deep down, he didn't want to see Blaine executed.
Which was going to make it particularly difficult to kill him.
"-after the last debacle. Jesse nearly had me at ten paces."
Kurt frowned. "Sorry? Ten paces?"
"The last time we made ourselves some moonshine. Rachel took a liking and, well," Blaine laughed. "I guess I took myself quite the liking, too. We ended up half seas over and we got a mite too fond of each other."
"You mean you and Rachel? You-you were-"
"Oh, no, no. Jesse had his Colt out before any of us made a fool of ourselves." He paused. "I mean, even bigger fools of ourselves. I'm lucky to not have a hole between my eyes."
Kurt ignored that little bite of jealousy at the thought of Blaine and Rachel. Instead, he bit the bullet. "Why?" Kurt whispered. "Why did you take me?"
For a long moment, Blaine was silent and Kurt opened his mouth to repeat the question but he at last spoke up. "I didn't. I didn't want to take you." Then, lower. "Not like that."
"Then why?"
"We-We heard the thud. And when we rushed through you were on the floor and Sebastian was standing over you. When I realised who you were- I told him to back down. To back away. Then I checked to make sure you were still breathing. That you were okay." He turned slightly so Kurt could see his profile in the dimming light. "I rounded them up and we were ready to go. And that was when Jesse spoke up." He swallowed thickly. "I tried to talk them out of it. Into just tying you up and leaving you in the backroom."
"My hero."
"But-" He shook his head. "Look, what does it matter now? You're here and that's all there is to it. We two may not like it but ain't no cause to continue fretting over lost dust."
"No?" The horse sped up and Kurt braced himself and grabbed at Blaine's hip. "And when you reach the border and I become that lost bit of dust? What about then?"
Blaine sighed and pulled on the reins, bringing the horse to a canter and then gradually to a standstill. "Kurt, you seem a nice kid-"
"A nice kid? That's all you have to say?" He scrambled away from Blaine's back and climbed down from the saddle, slipping as he avoided Blaine's hand. "You're going to kill me, Blaine."
"Kurt, damnit!" Blaine followed quickly, grunting as feet hit dirt. "Listen to me."
"Oh, my God. Oh, my, God! You are, aren't you?" Kurt sprang back from Blaine's reaching hands, and felt the words building up in his throat and tearing from his mouth. "I mean-I knew that you were, initially, but I hoped-I was so stupid and I hoped- My father, he loves me! I'm his world! Why would you do that to someone like him? I don't know what this will do to him!"
Dimly, beneath the roar in mind, Kurt could hear his name being called. Could see Blaine reaching out for him once more. But it was all here. Everything that he had been bottling up within these past two weeks. All the fear, worry, confusion and anger. So much anger. "Who do you think you are?" Kurt seethed, stepping towards him. Blaine, seemingly forgetting about the six-guns strapped to his belt, took a step back. His face breaking into surprise. "All I wanted was to be your friend! To go east! Why are you doing this to me?"
"Don't take on so! Calm down. If you would just-" Kurt's fingers clenched and were flying for Blaine's face before the thought even landed in his head. He hadn't thrown a punch since he was in short pants and even then it was just to appease his father that he would remain safe in the school yard. Blaine, however, was just as quick. Grabbing Kurt's wrist before it made contact, he yanked him towards him. "Kurt. Kurt."
"Let go of me!" Kurt's breath was hitched and painful as he stared down into Blaine's face, fingers tight against the tender bones in hand. They were so close and the heat and rage and fire was swirling in Kurt's chest. He was pure adrenaline and couldn't bring himself down, no matter how much he willed it away. So close, so close.
"I promise you," Blaine said quietly. "No harm will come to you. Not when you're with me."
Kurt couldn't stand it anymore. He closed the distance between them and pressed his own lips to Blaine's. Despite his emotions, it wasn't hard and brutal. It was chaste. Soft. And everything that Kurt had ever hoped for.
Except for one thing. Blaine wasn't responding.
Kurt shoved himself away, stumbling in his haste. What had he done? What had he done? Covering his mouth in horror, he turned his back on Blaine and took faltering steps forward before falling to his knees. He was a dead man for sure now. There was no conceivable way that Blaine would let him walk away from this. Hell, he probably wouldn't even live to the border now.
Kurt stiffened as he heard the scuff of Blaine's footsteps. This was it. Blaine was going to shoot him in the back and leave him for the buzzards. Kurt had blown too many chances. Now he had to finally act.
Digging his nails so hard into the ground he drew blood, he clutched at palmful of dirt. Rising, he pivoted quickly and letit fly at Blaine's face. He barely heard the gasp of pain and shock, already turning away and breaking into a run. He wasn't going to wait for Blaine to clear his vision and reach for his guns.
Running as if the very devil himself was at his heels, Kurt headed for the hills.
Chapter 6
Author: mothergoddamn
Pairing/characters: Kurt/Blaine
Rating: NC-17
Summary: Kurt Hummel, lonely shop-keep filled with dreams of escape, meets a stranger in the midst of the Wild West. And then gets taken on an adventure - whether he likes it or not.
Previous 1/2/3/ 4
The Outlaw Blaine Anderson
Chapter 5
"Step right up! Step right up! Behold a miracle this very day!" Jesse clasped his hands tight and settled his features into one of beseeching. "A wondrous miracle!" He held up a tiny vial, the sun casting a gleam over the glass. "This, ladies and gentlemen is no mere concoction for tedious aches and pains. No." His voice dropped into a reverent whisper. "It can vanquish the greatest foe of them all. Death."
Blaine raised his hand. "Laying it on mighty thick, aren't you?"
For a moment, his eyes narrowed and lips twitched. As soon as it appeared, it was chased away by a bright, alarming, grin. "I can prove it, my friend. See the inside of my wagon. See what lies yonder." He made a motion to the empty air beside him. "See this young maiden that passed into the heavenly pastures this very afternoon." With several flamboyant sweeps and twirls, he dropped down beside the girl lying on the floor. Her face in perfect peace. "Watch, gentlemen. Watch." Pressing the vial to the woman's lips, he tipped the bottle up and emptied the vial into her mouth.
Nothing.
Jesse coughed.
Still she slept.
With a quick glance at them, he poked her roughly in the cheek.
Gasping, she flung herself into a sitting position, narrowly avoiding butting him. Raising her hand to her hairline, she pressed the other to her bosom. "I'm-I'm alive. I'm alive!"
Kurt couldn't help it. Everyone has a breaking point. Covering his face, he collapsed into peals of laughter. "That- that really- Surely you jest-Oh, Lord!"
"Yes," Blaine smiled at him. "They really did this. This is, in fact, how we met."
Rachel sniffed and took Jesse's hand as she helped him up. "Actually we were quite successful. Until you tried to shoot me."
Blaine shrugged. "I wanted to see if it would work twice."
Kurt wiped at his eye, his ribs actually hurting from the first real laugh he had had in an age. "So you were bunko artists selling this-"
"Doctor Jesse's Magical Death Fixer," he supplied smugly. "Most of the time it went slick as grease. As you have already witnessed, I was magnificent. But there were perhaps some things that needed to be tweaked." He tossed back his head. "Namely Rachel's delivery."
"My delivery?" She arched a brow. "I moved grown men to tears, Jesse. Tears."
"Of mirth," muttered Jesse.
"I see, I see. Well, I find your performance quite overreaching, if I'm honest." Rachel patted at her hair. "If one cannot find truth in the role, some infinitesimal thing which speaks to their very heart, then how can they relate?"
"I fooled Hummel's town easy enough, didn't I?" Jesse protested. "They all bought me as a hangman like it was gravy."
"You put on a big black hat and I said 'oh, I'm the hangman', that's hardly a legendary performance. Plus-"
Blaine leaned closer to Kurt as the two continued to squabble, his shoulder bumping against Kurt's. "Actually, they used to resort to robbing their customers," he explained. "I was rather impressed with their imagination, so of course I stayed with them. Well, that and I couldn't shake them."
Grasping his arms around his knees, Kurt nodded mutely. There it was again. That feeling. A hot white twist of want in his gut that swam through his body and tingled pleasantly through his veins. He could not explain it. How could it continue to thrive after what Blaine had done to him? They had taken him. Lord knew what effect this was having on his father's health! But still it persisted. He found himself fascinated with the man. He was so many different shades that Kurt's eyes simply could not adjust.
He hated that he was in thrall to Blaine and his emotions: one moment he would be kind. He would be pally with him and try to make Kurt laugh, smile or simply chase away the misery that must cover his features daily. Yet, on other occasions, he would be quiet, distant, and snappish . Just this morning he had roughly asked Kurt to loosen his hold around his waist as they rode. Kurt could not figure him out. What he did know was that the kind moments almost made everything else irrelevant. Almost.
It was of no matter, though. Despite the confusion of his feelings, Kurt could not afford to lose sight of his goal. Slowly, he shifted and lengthened the distance between them, catching Blaine's puzzled frown as he did so.
"You love us and you know it," Rachel was saying, tying her holster back round her waist. Kurt had kept his eye on them throughout their performance. But now was not the time.
It was getting closer, though. He figured it had been at least two weeks, maybe more. And Kurt could just tell that he was gaining their trust as time went on. They had apparently decided that he was of little or no threat and now he was allowed to help with small chores such as cooking and making pots of coffee. Sebastian tolerated him, Jesse was amused by him and Rachel in particular seemed to enjoy his company. On occasion, he could actually feel himself starting to enjoy the trail, but then he would recall what fate awaited him at the border and he would push that feeling away. He didn't belong. He wasn't one of them.
"It's Sebastian," said Rachel, looking over their heads. "He's back."
"You get anything?" Jesse looked hopeful. "Something big? Something tasty? Something-"
Shifting his gun, Sebastian threw down the offering and grimaced. "Answer your question?"
"Varmints? Bosh. If I never eat another gopher as long as I live it'll be too soon."
"That so? Well, maybe you can come hunting with me next time instead of babysitting the wet blanket."
Jesse sneered and snatched up a mangled bird, bringing his blade to its back. "It'll do."
Sebastian considered. "You're right, though. We need supplies." He arched his back and stretched, eyes darting between Kurt and Blaine. His lips twisted as if he had tasted something foul. "I saw a town from the hill. Too hot for you two to go in, but I figure be fine for Blaine and me. We can get some potatoes, corn, carrots and beans and the like. Stock up on the ammunition, too. What you say? We go now, and then mayhap we can be back before night fall."
Blaine shook his head. "No, you stay. I'll take Kurt."
"What?" Sebastian gave a shocked laugh. "You pulling my tail? You want to wander in there with our damn prisoner? Why don't you scrawl your name on your wanted picture and stick it on your horse's hide?"
"That's the thing," Blaine was already rising and moving to fill his saddlebag for the journey. "Kurt here has no poster of his own. I'd rather not draw more attention to us than needed. Hiding in clear sight, isn't that my specialty? And look at him. He look like a cutthroat desperado to you?"
The gang all turned to him, and he blushed under their stare.
Jesse tapped at his lip. "Maybe if he squinted a little?"
"I'm saying that word won't have spread here yet. If there's a posse on our tail after him we've probably thrown them off several times over by now with your tracking, Smythe. It's safer one of us being unknown."
Sebastian pursed his lips and looked Kurt over slowly.
Kurt, himself, was practically shaking in anticipation and fear. This was it! This was his chance. He'd be alone with Blaine. Just one person - one person who seemed to trust him, instead of a bunch of desperate outlaws. He could do it on the trail, he could kill Blaine.
Couldn't he?
God, not this again. It's not like hitting Abel over the head with an ax, or whatever it was and why didn't I pay more attention in Sunday school as a child? All I remember is: murder's not very nice. I don't want to be Not Nice.
Every night he had tossed and turned in the cool air, thinking on it. The method, the time and feeling. In his mind, he had stabbed Blaine, he had shot him, he had strangled him. The only acceptable fantasy death for Blaine was one where he and Kurt somehow ended up dangling over the Grand Canyon together, with Kurt trying to help him back up (his father would commend his magnanimous nature later), only for Blaine to tragically lose his grip and fall down the ravine. Of course, there would be a big party later and everyone would congratulate him for being so heroic and sending the infamous Blaine shuffling right off this mortal coil. He'd know the truth and he'd be okay with that, because his conscience was clear.
Unfortunately, there weren't many canyons around here, grand or otherwise. And so he thought on the realities of what could happen, trying to steel himself for it. Would Blaine fix his eyes on him? Would there be blood? Could he bear to stand over him if he was gasping his last breath, but what kind of animal would leave another man to die alone? How to bear it! He always awoke with his cheeks wet and his body shivering. Could he honestly kill Blaine in cold blood?
But maybe this was an easy way out. The town, he thought. There'll be law. Maybe he could do this without hurting anyone? Perhaps Blaine could even be given time to get away.
Kurt chose not to focus on how much he really hoped for the latter.
*

"Mighty quiet back there," said Blaine, as they trotted back to camp.
"Nothing to say," he muttered. His hands rested behind him, tight on the saddle. When they rode like this Kurt liked to keep his hands away, but once they picked up speed he had no choice but to enclose his arms around Blaine's waist. He hated how a dark part of him prayed for uneven ground.
"We should have left earlier." He nodded up at the sky. "Be night by the time we'll reach the others."
"Okay."
"Warm, though. May even see us some stars."
"Hmm," Kurt chewed at his lip. Eying the guns in Blaine's holster. "Maybe."
Do it. Take one. You won't stand a chance back at the camp. You've messed up so many times already. Do it.
And Kurt had messed up. He had completely and utterly let chance after chance slip through his fingers. The town hadn't suspected a thing. Blaine had simply led, charm personified and Kurt had hung limply at his side. If any strange looks were cast their way, it was to wonder why such a charming man would befriend such a sullen, unpleasant boy.
Kurt had wanted to say something, God, he had wanted to. Had wanted to shout to every stranger that he passed whom and what Blaine was. Yet every time the chance arose, his jaw would wire itself completely and utterly shut.
Why?
What debt did he owe a man who had knocked him out cold and kidnapped him? A man that planned to kill him once his usefulness had passed?
Kurt wanted to kid himself that he was protecting the townsfolk, that the ground was too hot. But he knew that wasn't why. Simply, deep down, he didn't want to see Blaine executed.
Which was going to make it particularly difficult to kill him.
"-after the last debacle. Jesse nearly had me at ten paces."
Kurt frowned. "Sorry? Ten paces?"
"The last time we made ourselves some moonshine. Rachel took a liking and, well," Blaine laughed. "I guess I took myself quite the liking, too. We ended up half seas over and we got a mite too fond of each other."
"You mean you and Rachel? You-you were-"
"Oh, no, no. Jesse had his Colt out before any of us made a fool of ourselves." He paused. "I mean, even bigger fools of ourselves. I'm lucky to not have a hole between my eyes."
Kurt ignored that little bite of jealousy at the thought of Blaine and Rachel. Instead, he bit the bullet. "Why?" Kurt whispered. "Why did you take me?"
For a long moment, Blaine was silent and Kurt opened his mouth to repeat the question but he at last spoke up. "I didn't. I didn't want to take you." Then, lower. "Not like that."
"Then why?"
"We-We heard the thud. And when we rushed through you were on the floor and Sebastian was standing over you. When I realised who you were- I told him to back down. To back away. Then I checked to make sure you were still breathing. That you were okay." He turned slightly so Kurt could see his profile in the dimming light. "I rounded them up and we were ready to go. And that was when Jesse spoke up." He swallowed thickly. "I tried to talk them out of it. Into just tying you up and leaving you in the backroom."
"My hero."
"But-" He shook his head. "Look, what does it matter now? You're here and that's all there is to it. We two may not like it but ain't no cause to continue fretting over lost dust."
"No?" The horse sped up and Kurt braced himself and grabbed at Blaine's hip. "And when you reach the border and I become that lost bit of dust? What about then?"
Blaine sighed and pulled on the reins, bringing the horse to a canter and then gradually to a standstill. "Kurt, you seem a nice kid-"
"A nice kid? That's all you have to say?" He scrambled away from Blaine's back and climbed down from the saddle, slipping as he avoided Blaine's hand. "You're going to kill me, Blaine."
"Kurt, damnit!" Blaine followed quickly, grunting as feet hit dirt. "Listen to me."
"Oh, my God. Oh, my, God! You are, aren't you?" Kurt sprang back from Blaine's reaching hands, and felt the words building up in his throat and tearing from his mouth. "I mean-I knew that you were, initially, but I hoped-I was so stupid and I hoped- My father, he loves me! I'm his world! Why would you do that to someone like him? I don't know what this will do to him!"
Dimly, beneath the roar in mind, Kurt could hear his name being called. Could see Blaine reaching out for him once more. But it was all here. Everything that he had been bottling up within these past two weeks. All the fear, worry, confusion and anger. So much anger. "Who do you think you are?" Kurt seethed, stepping towards him. Blaine, seemingly forgetting about the six-guns strapped to his belt, took a step back. His face breaking into surprise. "All I wanted was to be your friend! To go east! Why are you doing this to me?"
"Don't take on so! Calm down. If you would just-" Kurt's fingers clenched and were flying for Blaine's face before the thought even landed in his head. He hadn't thrown a punch since he was in short pants and even then it was just to appease his father that he would remain safe in the school yard. Blaine, however, was just as quick. Grabbing Kurt's wrist before it made contact, he yanked him towards him. "Kurt. Kurt."
"Let go of me!" Kurt's breath was hitched and painful as he stared down into Blaine's face, fingers tight against the tender bones in hand. They were so close and the heat and rage and fire was swirling in Kurt's chest. He was pure adrenaline and couldn't bring himself down, no matter how much he willed it away. So close, so close.
"I promise you," Blaine said quietly. "No harm will come to you. Not when you're with me."
Kurt couldn't stand it anymore. He closed the distance between them and pressed his own lips to Blaine's. Despite his emotions, it wasn't hard and brutal. It was chaste. Soft. And everything that Kurt had ever hoped for.
Except for one thing. Blaine wasn't responding.
Kurt shoved himself away, stumbling in his haste. What had he done? What had he done? Covering his mouth in horror, he turned his back on Blaine and took faltering steps forward before falling to his knees. He was a dead man for sure now. There was no conceivable way that Blaine would let him walk away from this. Hell, he probably wouldn't even live to the border now.
Kurt stiffened as he heard the scuff of Blaine's footsteps. This was it. Blaine was going to shoot him in the back and leave him for the buzzards. Kurt had blown too many chances. Now he had to finally act.
Digging his nails so hard into the ground he drew blood, he clutched at palmful of dirt. Rising, he pivoted quickly and letit fly at Blaine's face. He barely heard the gasp of pain and shock, already turning away and breaking into a run. He wasn't going to wait for Blaine to clear his vision and reach for his guns.
Running as if the very devil himself was at his heels, Kurt headed for the hills.
Chapter 6