{fic} Eager to Please/Lucky to Love 14/?
Chapter 1 * Chapter 2 * Chapter 3 * Chapter 4 * Chapter 5 * Chapter 6 * Chapter 7 * Chapter 8 * Chapter 9 * Chapter 10 * Chapter 11 * Chapter 12 * Chapter 13
Dave bought their tickets and they walked through the gates. It was a beautiful, warm summer day and he and Kurt were both enjoying their mutual sick day. Dave had on his old Red Sox t-shirt as they walked down the massive concourse. They passed a set of wide-open double glass doors and Dave tugged on Kurt’s arm, “Hey, let’s stop in here.”
Kurt followed, finding himself in the middle of a vast sea of red, white and blue. He took in the jerseys, the t-shirts, the hats, the banners and the boxes with baseballs in them all lining the shelves.
“You need a Red Sox jersey if you’re gonna be a real fan,” Dave stated simply. “What do you think? Red, white or blue? And do you want it to say ‘Boston’ or ‘Red Sox’? There’s a lot to choose from, so take your time.”
Kurt’s eyes were huge. So many shirts…and he had to choose. Ok, he could do this. Dave wanted him to wear a special shirt for the game. He twitched his lips nervously as he began browsing. He watched other people as they shopped, noticing what they had on. He liked the white jersey the best, he finally decided. It had crisp red stripes down the front and the words ‘Red Sox’ boldly printed across the chest. He picked out a medium, assuming that would fit and held it up for Dave to see, smiling shyly. “I like this one.”
“Well, let’s see if it fits…” Dave unbuttoned the jersey and slipped it off the hanger. He held it out as Kurt slid his arms into in, adjusting it on his shoulders as he looked back up at Dave. Dave couldn’t hardly stand it…Kurt looked fucking hot as hell in his new jersey. But of course…it really had nothing to do with the shirt he had on. Kurt was just hot on his own…without even trying.
“Go team,” Kurt said meekly, smiling up at Dave’s sudden blank stare.
Dave nodded, “Uh-huh, yeah…go team go.”
They made their purchase and then their way down the concourse, looking for their section. Kurt’s eyes widened at the food passing him. It all smelled so good.
“Alright, this is our section here. Let’s grab some food before we get settled. You want a hotdog?”
Kurt nodded, hmmm…a hotdog. They stood in line at the concessions, Kurt glancing around, taking in the excitement of the crowd before the game. This was all so unusual but he was loving it. Dave ordered four hotdogs, a pretzel with cheese, a box of cracker jacks and two beers. Kurt’s eye widened as Dave handed him his beer.
“Let’s go find our seats,” Dave smiled.
Kurt balanced his beer in his hands as he followed Dave down the steps leading to their seats. They walked sideways three or four people into the aisle, Kurt excusing himself as he tried not to bump into them. They sat down and Dave looked over at Kurt’s excited smile. “Is this beer for me, Dave?”
“Yeah, of course. You can’t eat hotdogs and pretzels at the ballpark without drinking beer.”
Kurt lifted it to his lips and sipped hesitantly. It tasted weird. Not at all like wine. It bubbled a little in his mouth. He took a bigger sip, swirling it in his mouth as he tried to decide if he liked it. He swallowed then burped suddenly, his hand covering his mouth as he looked mortified back at Dave.
Dave chuckled, “Yeah…you don’t really have to swirl beer. And belching…it kinda just goes along with drinking. Don’t be embarrassed.”
Kurt smiled shyly as he studied his tall cup, uncertain if he’d be able to finish such a large amount. He took another sip as Dave handed him his first hotdog. “Thank you,” he said softly.
The ballgame started and Dave tried to help Kurt keep up with what was happening. There was cheering and music and loud people yelling behind them. It was all so strange but every time he looked over at Dave he relaxed and smiled softly to himself. This was turning out to be a very nice sick day indeed.
Kurt watched as a runner rounded second base, listening to the crowds cheer around him. But something happened next and he gasped loudly, shock and disgust registering on his face.
“What’s wrong?” Dave asked.
“He…he just…that man…he just dove into the ground! His uniform…it’s filthy!”
Dave chuckled. “Yeah, that’s called sliding into base. The players love it when they get to do that.”
“But his uniform. It was so clean and white and now…look at it…it’s absolutely ruined.”
“It’s alright, Kurt. They’ll have clean uniforms to wear next game, I promise.” Dave wasn’t sure why Kurt was so upset about this.
Kurt sat back in his seat and sipped his beer, looking still put-out over the incident. He huffed. “I just hope they appreciate the hard work of the people who have to wash those uniforms as they go sliding into the dirt like that…” he mumbled under his breath.
Dave chuckled as he looked back at Kurt’s annoyed expression. Of course, now it made sense! Kurt was thinking about the slaves…from someone’s point of view whose chore it was to wash clothes himself. He was thinking about all the slaves the Red Sox probably owned, all the workers who had to wash that brown dirt out of those uniforms game after game. “Yes, Kurt…I hope they appreciate them too.”
Kurt met Dave’s eyes, smiling shyly again as Dave shook his head in amusement.
Kurt finished his hot dog and Dave handed him half of the pretzel. He studied it curiously for a moment before taking a big bite from the end. Dave looked over, noticing Kurt had a bit of cheese on his cheek. He reached over without thinking, wiping it with his finger and then putting his finger in his mouth and licking it off.
Kurt froze.
Dave cleared his throat, reaching for a napkin and wiping his hands, turning back towards the game as he felt a flush of something burn his face. He wasn’t sure what it was exactly...but he liked it.
“Fucking great…” he heard a voice mumble behind them, “guess we picked the homo section for today’s game, boys.” There was nervous laughter from a few people sitting behind them.
Dave bristled. He set his beer in his cup holder and stood, turning and towering over the man in the seat behind him. “Oh…I don’t think your should even start with your bigoted bullshit, mister. We’re here to enjoy the game. Why don’t you shut your mouth and try to do the same yourself?”
The man swallowed, narrowing his eyes and squirming slightly in his seat. “I…I can do that…” he mumbled finally, breaking eye contact and looking down.
Dave turned, making eye contact with the three guys sitting beside the man as well. They all averted their eyes, knowing it was probably a good idea to keep their mouths shut at that point.
Dave sat down, reaching for his beer as he waited for the adrenaline to slowly leave his body. He could feel Kurt’s wide eyes on him and he turned slightly, meeting his eyes and offering a small lop-sided grin.
Kurt turned back towards the game, swallowing nervously and trying to understand why exactly his penis chose that moment to get hard. He shifted in his seat, trying desperately to concentrate on what was happening in the game and wanting his erection go away. He breathed slowly through his mouth, concentrating…concentrating…finally realizing, it was working. It was going away. He shifted again, glancing sideways at Dave and then back at the field, smiling to himself. Thinking about baseball worked!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Kurt reached for his cup, shocked to realize it was empty. His eyes shot over to Dave in alarm. “I finished my beer,” he whispered.
“You want another?” Dave asked, amused by Kurt’s obvious look of shock.
Kurt looked down. He was thirsty…but he didn’t think he should drink another whole beer by himself.
Dave could tell he was hesitant. “I’m gonna go get another one for myself. I can get you a soda…or a water if you want.”
Kurt smiled, feeling relieved. “Thank you, yes…a soda sounds great.”
Dave placed his hand gently on Kurt’s knee and gave it a light squeeze as he stood, “Alright, be right back.”
Kurt’s eyes stared at Dave’s hand on his knee…and still stared at his knee after Dave had left. He felt his penis twitch again. Stop it. Pay attention to the game, nothing is happening that you need to be aware of. Ok, maybe he’d gone crazy but Kurt realized he was talking to his erection.
The seventh inning stretch came around and Dave stood, pulling Kurt up with him. “Time to sing, buddy.”
Kurt stood, looking around at everyone else standing and hearing the music start. Dave put his arm around Kurt’s shoulder, swaying with him as he belted out the lines to the song, “Take me out to the ballgame…”
Kurt looked nervously at the people around them, not wanting to sing too loudly.
“Come on, Kurt. The words are right there on the jumbo-tron…now sing! Buy me some peanuts and cracker jacks…I don’t care if I never get back…”
Kurt mumbled along as best he could, giggling and smiling and trying to enjoy the feel of Dave’s arm around his shoulders. They sat back down and Kurt reached for Dave’s beer, taking a big, long drink as he felt Dave’s eyes boring into him. He put it back into Dave’s cup holder, smiling nonchalantly as he made eye contact.
“Did you just…drink my beer?”
“Yep,” Kurt giggled.
“I woulda got you your own, ya know.”
“I know.”
“But you chose to drink mine?”
“Uh huh.”
“Huh.”
Kurt giggled as he took in Dave’s lingering look of shock. He turned back towards the game.
Dave leaned over, whispering hoarsely into Kurt’s ear. “I’m just gonna have to think of something of yours that I can take.”
Kurt turned his face towards Dave’s so their faces…and lips…were inches apart.
Dave swallowed, looking down at Kurt’s lips for a brief second before sitting back abruptly.
Kurt sat back quickly as well, pleading with his erection to please just stop already. “I have to go,” he said suddenly, getting up from his seat and climbing the steps before Dave could stop him.
Dave sat back in his seat. Stupid fucker, what the hell is your problem? Scare him away, why don’t you? Sue is gonna be so pissed.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Kurt returned from the restroom, feeling a little better. He’d had to quickly…and while biting his lip to keep from making a sound, masturbate in the bathroom stall. He’d never felt so…lowly…but even in the short time he had been dealing with the issue, he figured out quickly what he had to do and he got it done. He came back to his seat and sat back down, ignoring Dave’s questioning looks.
Dave finally had to ask. “You alright?”
“Mm-hmm. Fine. Yeah,” Kurt answered, reaching down and taking a sip from his soda. He turned slightly, catching Dave’s stare and feeling his cheeks start to burn. He cleared his throat and tried to pay attention to the rest of the game.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
“Is there anything you’d like to do today, Kurt?” Dave asked as they walked back to Dave’s car.
Kurt shrugged his shoulders, not being able to come up with anything. He was happy just spending time with Dave, being out of the apartment, experiencing a hint at the life he might have once he’s free. He smiled shyly as they got into the car, looking over and meeting Dave’s eyes. “I’m just…enjoying myself…really. It doesn’t matter what we do.”
Dave smiled back, feeling the same tug that he’d had to ignore, not acknowledge and refuse to name for most of the day already. “Alright, then. We’ll I have a surprise for you.”
“A surprise?” Kurt asked, eyes going wide. He liked the sound of that.
Dave waggled his eyebrows as he put the car in gear and started driving. They drove a little ways across downtown, parking on the street in front of an old renovated building, much like their own. Dave opened Kurt’s door, smiling widely. “I really hope you like this.”
“Where are we?” Kurt looked up at the sign above the door Dave was holding open for him. He didn’t recognize the name or what the words ‘amateur art competition’ meant.
They walked inside and Dave answered, “It’s an art gallery. They hold an amateur art show a couple times a year. We can walk around and look at people’s artwork. The judging is complete so we can see who won.”
Kurt thought would be a nice way to spend an afternoon. There were paintings and pictures and sculptures on display everywhere. Dave followed closely behind Kurt as he made his way through the large room, stopping in front of different sections of walls dividing it and studying the artwork.
Dave would ask him, occasionally, what he thought of this picture or that painting. Kurt would smile and say either he liked it, or he thought the colors might be too harsh or he wished he were that good. Dave smiled patiently as they slowly made their way through the gallery. Some artwork had ribbons attached to them…first place, second place, etc. They finally rounded the last corner and Kurt gasped. On the wall in front of him, framed and on display was Kurt’s picture of his mother.
He stepped closer, hesitantly and then looked back at Dave with panic and uncertainty on his face. “Why…why is this here?”
“I’m…I’m sorry, Kurt,” Dave answered, stepping closer and keeping his voice at a whisper. “I gave it to them. I didn’t think you'd be mad…”
“No…I just…I don’t understand. Why is it hanging here?”
“I entered it for you. Into the art show. The competition. Students come here to learn how to draw, they take classes…some take classes for years to finally be able to draw as well as you do. But…slaves aren’t able to enroll and slaves aren’t able to submit artwork for the show. So I did it for you, see…?”
Kurt looked at the nameplate under his drawing. It said “Elizabeth” and then the line underneath said artist: anonymous. Beside that there was a ribbon that said ‘Honorable Mention.’ “What does that mean?” Kurt looked back at Dave, still unsure.
“It means you’re good. I wanted you to know that…to see for yourself, Kurt…how good you really were. Technically you couldn’t win first, second or third because it was submitted anonymously, but if you were free, Kurt…and you took classes here and you entered this picture of your mother into the competition…who knows what ribbon you would have gotten.”
Kurt furrowed his eyebrows as he listened to Dave, looking back at his mother’s smiling face. “I didn’t draw it to win a competition,” he stated bluntly.
“I know,” Dave replied, still hushed.
“I gave it to you because you said you wanted it,” Kurt continued.
“I’m sorry, Kurt. I should have asked. I didn’t think it would--”
“No…” Kurt interrupted, “it’s alright. I’m not upset. I…just…” He turned, smiling a bit sadly as he met Dave’s eyes. There were tears glistening his bottom lashes as Dave stepped closer. “Thank you, Dave.” He looked back at his mother, then noticed the other people in the gallery, all milling around quietly. “People have been here…” he asked, “people have actually walked by here and looked at her?”
Dave nodded.
Kurt smiled, sniffling a little. “They like seeing my mother’s smile? They…they really like it?”
“They like it, Kurt. They think it’s very good.”
Kurt sighed, turning back and stepping closer to the picture. Dave stepped closer as well so their shoulders brushed lightly.
“I wish she were still here. I wish she could see me and…tell me if she’s proud of me or not.”
“I know she would be, Kurt…I’m positive. There’s no way she wouldn’t be proud of everything you’ve done. How far you’ve come in just a short time.” Dave turned, lifting Kurt’s chin slightly with his fingers and meeting his eyes. “You’re gonna be free, Kurt. How could she not be proud of that?”
Kurt smiled and looked down, sighing heavily as Dave’s words registered. He was going to be free. He could come here and take art lessons. He could enter an art show under his own name. He could do so much. It was daunting at times when he thought about all the things he might be able to do. But when Dave smiled at him like that, it made all the anxiety disappear. He was going to be free someday.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Dave came home from work and sat down, watching Kurt as he finished putting dinner together and set it on the table in front of him. He’d gotten some important news at work and was trying to decide how to tell Kurt.
They talked about their day. Kurt told Dave he’d gone back to the vintage clothing store and bought the lamp that he liked so much. It was actually sitting on his desk, he said proudly. Dave smiled, shaking his head at how comfortable Kurt had gotten with his own money.
Money…Dave thought. The $19k quarterly bonus check Dave saw deposited into his account that day had him thinking. “So I found out today I have to go out of town again. Three days in um, Phoenix.”
“When is that?” Kurt asked, trying not to sound saddened.
“I um…I have to be down there Wednesday next week for the final walk-through of the new plant. We’re making the machines down there now and they want me to be part of the group that checks out the assembly lines. I really don’t know what I’ll be doing, just walking around and making sure they have their shit together.”
Kurt nodded as Dave spoke, quietly eating his dinner.
“I was thinking though…between the meetings and the walk-through and everything…I um…I’ll have some free time. I was thinking, maybe you’d like to come with me?”
Kurt snapped his eyes up, a disbelieving smile tugging on his lips. “Really? You want me…to come with you on your trip?”
Dave loved the way Kurt’s eyes lit up like that. “Yeah. I mean…it might be a little boring for you for parts of it. I’ll be in meetings Wednesday and the walk-through is Thursday morning. But the hotel is nice and there’s a restaurant and a pool and fitness center. There’s even some really nice shopping really close. And at night…we’d be able to…um, you know, explore the city a little, maybe. What do you think?”
Kurt’s smile grew. It sounded wonderful. But his eyebrows furrowed suddenly, “Um, what about Zeke. He can’t stay home that long by himself.”
“No, no he can’t,” Dave answered. This was the other part of what he’d considered that day. If he and Kurt went out of town together, then they’d need someone to stay home with Zeke. With all the dinner parties and other possible trips coming up, Dave thought maybe…if Kurt felt comfortable…maybe… “What do you think about Santana, Kurt?” Dave asked hesitantly. “You like her, right? I mean, it’s nice when she’s here and honestly…I kinda miss her when she’s gone. Do you think we should…ask for her? I mean, keep her?”
Kurt’s jaw dropped and his eyes widened even more. “That’s a wonderful idea. Are you able to buy her? I mean, you have the money?”
“Yeah, Kurt. I have the money. Even if I have to get into another bidding war to make it happen…” he joked, winking at Kurt, “I really want her to come live with us. Also, she and Brittany can see each other from time to time. I know they like each other.”
“That’s a great idea, Dave. Then you’ll have two--” he cut himself off suddenly, the realization of something striking him oddly. “No, you won’t…” he said quietly.
“What? What is it?”
Kurt looked down, uncertainty etching his face. “I was just going to say how nice it would be for you…how impressive it would look for you to have two domestic aides, Dave. But…” he looked down at his plate for a moment then looked up and met Dave’s eyes, “she’s my replacement, isn’t she?”
“Kurt, no. Don’t think like that. God, Kurt, please.” Dave reached out, taking Kurt’s hand in his as it lay on the table. “No one…fuck…no one can replace you. I…I still need you, alright? I mean, yeah once you win your emancipation…things will be different. But god, don’t make it sound like I’m getting rid of you.” Dave winced, that thought alone almost brought tears to his eyes. “If you don’t want Santana to come live with us, then she won’t. I just think…Kurt, you do so much already. You work so hard to make this apartment…to make our home nice. I thought you might appreciate the help.”
Kurt squeezed back as Dave held his hand. He tried to tell himself to stop worrying. But still, there were nagging thoughts swirling around in his mind every time he thought about being free. What would he do? What would be his purpose if he didn’t have a master? He looked down at their hands and then back up at Dave finally. “I think the trip to Phoenix sounds lovely,” Kurt began, forcing a soft smile, “and I’d very much like to have Santana come live with us. I’m sorry for…whatever that was. You’re right. I would like to have her help.” He pulled his hand away and picked up his fork.
They sat in silence for a while, finishing their dinner.
Dave sat back, sighing contentedly, “Alright, so. We’ll um…if you want to, I mean, we can go to Schuester’s tomorrow and start the paperwork to get Santana.”
Kurt thought about that, “No…actually, I don’t want to go back there. Not until I’m…” Kurt looked down, twitched his lips thoughtfully, “I’ll just be here waiting for you to bring her back.”
“Alright,” Dave didn’t want to press the matter. He was glad Kurt agreed to go on the trip with him. He thought about how nice it would be to get him away from everything and finally alone in a hotel room. What!? Dave squeezed his eyes shut as that thought intruded into his other…more chaste and proper thoughts. Sharing a hotel room with Kurt will mean nothing because nothing will happen. He’s still technically my slave and still has yet to give even the slightest hint that he’s ready to explore…something…with me. Shut up the dirty old man thoughts!!!
Kurt glanced up at Dave’s sudden furrowed eyebrows and tight lips. “Everything ok?” Kurt asked, slightly amused.
“Yeah…great. Things are great,” Dave answered.
Dave bought their tickets and they walked through the gates. It was a beautiful, warm summer day and he and Kurt were both enjoying their mutual sick day. Dave had on his old Red Sox t-shirt as they walked down the massive concourse. They passed a set of wide-open double glass doors and Dave tugged on Kurt’s arm, “Hey, let’s stop in here.”
Kurt followed, finding himself in the middle of a vast sea of red, white and blue. He took in the jerseys, the t-shirts, the hats, the banners and the boxes with baseballs in them all lining the shelves.
“You need a Red Sox jersey if you’re gonna be a real fan,” Dave stated simply. “What do you think? Red, white or blue? And do you want it to say ‘Boston’ or ‘Red Sox’? There’s a lot to choose from, so take your time.”
Kurt’s eyes were huge. So many shirts…and he had to choose. Ok, he could do this. Dave wanted him to wear a special shirt for the game. He twitched his lips nervously as he began browsing. He watched other people as they shopped, noticing what they had on. He liked the white jersey the best, he finally decided. It had crisp red stripes down the front and the words ‘Red Sox’ boldly printed across the chest. He picked out a medium, assuming that would fit and held it up for Dave to see, smiling shyly. “I like this one.”
“Well, let’s see if it fits…” Dave unbuttoned the jersey and slipped it off the hanger. He held it out as Kurt slid his arms into in, adjusting it on his shoulders as he looked back up at Dave. Dave couldn’t hardly stand it…Kurt looked fucking hot as hell in his new jersey. But of course…it really had nothing to do with the shirt he had on. Kurt was just hot on his own…without even trying.
“Go team,” Kurt said meekly, smiling up at Dave’s sudden blank stare.
Dave nodded, “Uh-huh, yeah…go team go.”
They made their purchase and then their way down the concourse, looking for their section. Kurt’s eyes widened at the food passing him. It all smelled so good.
“Alright, this is our section here. Let’s grab some food before we get settled. You want a hotdog?”
Kurt nodded, hmmm…a hotdog. They stood in line at the concessions, Kurt glancing around, taking in the excitement of the crowd before the game. This was all so unusual but he was loving it. Dave ordered four hotdogs, a pretzel with cheese, a box of cracker jacks and two beers. Kurt’s eye widened as Dave handed him his beer.
“Let’s go find our seats,” Dave smiled.
Kurt balanced his beer in his hands as he followed Dave down the steps leading to their seats. They walked sideways three or four people into the aisle, Kurt excusing himself as he tried not to bump into them. They sat down and Dave looked over at Kurt’s excited smile. “Is this beer for me, Dave?”
“Yeah, of course. You can’t eat hotdogs and pretzels at the ballpark without drinking beer.”
Kurt lifted it to his lips and sipped hesitantly. It tasted weird. Not at all like wine. It bubbled a little in his mouth. He took a bigger sip, swirling it in his mouth as he tried to decide if he liked it. He swallowed then burped suddenly, his hand covering his mouth as he looked mortified back at Dave.
Dave chuckled, “Yeah…you don’t really have to swirl beer. And belching…it kinda just goes along with drinking. Don’t be embarrassed.”
Kurt smiled shyly as he studied his tall cup, uncertain if he’d be able to finish such a large amount. He took another sip as Dave handed him his first hotdog. “Thank you,” he said softly.
The ballgame started and Dave tried to help Kurt keep up with what was happening. There was cheering and music and loud people yelling behind them. It was all so strange but every time he looked over at Dave he relaxed and smiled softly to himself. This was turning out to be a very nice sick day indeed.
Kurt watched as a runner rounded second base, listening to the crowds cheer around him. But something happened next and he gasped loudly, shock and disgust registering on his face.
“What’s wrong?” Dave asked.
“He…he just…that man…he just dove into the ground! His uniform…it’s filthy!”
Dave chuckled. “Yeah, that’s called sliding into base. The players love it when they get to do that.”
“But his uniform. It was so clean and white and now…look at it…it’s absolutely ruined.”
“It’s alright, Kurt. They’ll have clean uniforms to wear next game, I promise.” Dave wasn’t sure why Kurt was so upset about this.
Kurt sat back in his seat and sipped his beer, looking still put-out over the incident. He huffed. “I just hope they appreciate the hard work of the people who have to wash those uniforms as they go sliding into the dirt like that…” he mumbled under his breath.
Dave chuckled as he looked back at Kurt’s annoyed expression. Of course, now it made sense! Kurt was thinking about the slaves…from someone’s point of view whose chore it was to wash clothes himself. He was thinking about all the slaves the Red Sox probably owned, all the workers who had to wash that brown dirt out of those uniforms game after game. “Yes, Kurt…I hope they appreciate them too.”
Kurt met Dave’s eyes, smiling shyly again as Dave shook his head in amusement.
Kurt finished his hot dog and Dave handed him half of the pretzel. He studied it curiously for a moment before taking a big bite from the end. Dave looked over, noticing Kurt had a bit of cheese on his cheek. He reached over without thinking, wiping it with his finger and then putting his finger in his mouth and licking it off.
Kurt froze.
Dave cleared his throat, reaching for a napkin and wiping his hands, turning back towards the game as he felt a flush of something burn his face. He wasn’t sure what it was exactly...but he liked it.
“Fucking great…” he heard a voice mumble behind them, “guess we picked the homo section for today’s game, boys.” There was nervous laughter from a few people sitting behind them.
Dave bristled. He set his beer in his cup holder and stood, turning and towering over the man in the seat behind him. “Oh…I don’t think your should even start with your bigoted bullshit, mister. We’re here to enjoy the game. Why don’t you shut your mouth and try to do the same yourself?”
The man swallowed, narrowing his eyes and squirming slightly in his seat. “I…I can do that…” he mumbled finally, breaking eye contact and looking down.
Dave turned, making eye contact with the three guys sitting beside the man as well. They all averted their eyes, knowing it was probably a good idea to keep their mouths shut at that point.
Dave sat down, reaching for his beer as he waited for the adrenaline to slowly leave his body. He could feel Kurt’s wide eyes on him and he turned slightly, meeting his eyes and offering a small lop-sided grin.
Kurt turned back towards the game, swallowing nervously and trying to understand why exactly his penis chose that moment to get hard. He shifted in his seat, trying desperately to concentrate on what was happening in the game and wanting his erection go away. He breathed slowly through his mouth, concentrating…concentrating…finally realizing, it was working. It was going away. He shifted again, glancing sideways at Dave and then back at the field, smiling to himself. Thinking about baseball worked!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Kurt reached for his cup, shocked to realize it was empty. His eyes shot over to Dave in alarm. “I finished my beer,” he whispered.
“You want another?” Dave asked, amused by Kurt’s obvious look of shock.
Kurt looked down. He was thirsty…but he didn’t think he should drink another whole beer by himself.
Dave could tell he was hesitant. “I’m gonna go get another one for myself. I can get you a soda…or a water if you want.”
Kurt smiled, feeling relieved. “Thank you, yes…a soda sounds great.”
Dave placed his hand gently on Kurt’s knee and gave it a light squeeze as he stood, “Alright, be right back.”
Kurt’s eyes stared at Dave’s hand on his knee…and still stared at his knee after Dave had left. He felt his penis twitch again. Stop it. Pay attention to the game, nothing is happening that you need to be aware of. Ok, maybe he’d gone crazy but Kurt realized he was talking to his erection.
The seventh inning stretch came around and Dave stood, pulling Kurt up with him. “Time to sing, buddy.”
Kurt stood, looking around at everyone else standing and hearing the music start. Dave put his arm around Kurt’s shoulder, swaying with him as he belted out the lines to the song, “Take me out to the ballgame…”
Kurt looked nervously at the people around them, not wanting to sing too loudly.
“Come on, Kurt. The words are right there on the jumbo-tron…now sing! Buy me some peanuts and cracker jacks…I don’t care if I never get back…”
Kurt mumbled along as best he could, giggling and smiling and trying to enjoy the feel of Dave’s arm around his shoulders. They sat back down and Kurt reached for Dave’s beer, taking a big, long drink as he felt Dave’s eyes boring into him. He put it back into Dave’s cup holder, smiling nonchalantly as he made eye contact.
“Did you just…drink my beer?”
“Yep,” Kurt giggled.
“I woulda got you your own, ya know.”
“I know.”
“But you chose to drink mine?”
“Uh huh.”
“Huh.”
Kurt giggled as he took in Dave’s lingering look of shock. He turned back towards the game.
Dave leaned over, whispering hoarsely into Kurt’s ear. “I’m just gonna have to think of something of yours that I can take.”
Kurt turned his face towards Dave’s so their faces…and lips…were inches apart.
Dave swallowed, looking down at Kurt’s lips for a brief second before sitting back abruptly.
Kurt sat back quickly as well, pleading with his erection to please just stop already. “I have to go,” he said suddenly, getting up from his seat and climbing the steps before Dave could stop him.
Dave sat back in his seat. Stupid fucker, what the hell is your problem? Scare him away, why don’t you? Sue is gonna be so pissed.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Kurt returned from the restroom, feeling a little better. He’d had to quickly…and while biting his lip to keep from making a sound, masturbate in the bathroom stall. He’d never felt so…lowly…but even in the short time he had been dealing with the issue, he figured out quickly what he had to do and he got it done. He came back to his seat and sat back down, ignoring Dave’s questioning looks.
Dave finally had to ask. “You alright?”
“Mm-hmm. Fine. Yeah,” Kurt answered, reaching down and taking a sip from his soda. He turned slightly, catching Dave’s stare and feeling his cheeks start to burn. He cleared his throat and tried to pay attention to the rest of the game.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
“Is there anything you’d like to do today, Kurt?” Dave asked as they walked back to Dave’s car.
Kurt shrugged his shoulders, not being able to come up with anything. He was happy just spending time with Dave, being out of the apartment, experiencing a hint at the life he might have once he’s free. He smiled shyly as they got into the car, looking over and meeting Dave’s eyes. “I’m just…enjoying myself…really. It doesn’t matter what we do.”
Dave smiled back, feeling the same tug that he’d had to ignore, not acknowledge and refuse to name for most of the day already. “Alright, then. We’ll I have a surprise for you.”
“A surprise?” Kurt asked, eyes going wide. He liked the sound of that.
Dave waggled his eyebrows as he put the car in gear and started driving. They drove a little ways across downtown, parking on the street in front of an old renovated building, much like their own. Dave opened Kurt’s door, smiling widely. “I really hope you like this.”
“Where are we?” Kurt looked up at the sign above the door Dave was holding open for him. He didn’t recognize the name or what the words ‘amateur art competition’ meant.
They walked inside and Dave answered, “It’s an art gallery. They hold an amateur art show a couple times a year. We can walk around and look at people’s artwork. The judging is complete so we can see who won.”
Kurt thought would be a nice way to spend an afternoon. There were paintings and pictures and sculptures on display everywhere. Dave followed closely behind Kurt as he made his way through the large room, stopping in front of different sections of walls dividing it and studying the artwork.
Dave would ask him, occasionally, what he thought of this picture or that painting. Kurt would smile and say either he liked it, or he thought the colors might be too harsh or he wished he were that good. Dave smiled patiently as they slowly made their way through the gallery. Some artwork had ribbons attached to them…first place, second place, etc. They finally rounded the last corner and Kurt gasped. On the wall in front of him, framed and on display was Kurt’s picture of his mother.
He stepped closer, hesitantly and then looked back at Dave with panic and uncertainty on his face. “Why…why is this here?”
“I’m…I’m sorry, Kurt,” Dave answered, stepping closer and keeping his voice at a whisper. “I gave it to them. I didn’t think you'd be mad…”
“No…I just…I don’t understand. Why is it hanging here?”
“I entered it for you. Into the art show. The competition. Students come here to learn how to draw, they take classes…some take classes for years to finally be able to draw as well as you do. But…slaves aren’t able to enroll and slaves aren’t able to submit artwork for the show. So I did it for you, see…?”
Kurt looked at the nameplate under his drawing. It said “Elizabeth” and then the line underneath said artist: anonymous. Beside that there was a ribbon that said ‘Honorable Mention.’ “What does that mean?” Kurt looked back at Dave, still unsure.
“It means you’re good. I wanted you to know that…to see for yourself, Kurt…how good you really were. Technically you couldn’t win first, second or third because it was submitted anonymously, but if you were free, Kurt…and you took classes here and you entered this picture of your mother into the competition…who knows what ribbon you would have gotten.”
Kurt furrowed his eyebrows as he listened to Dave, looking back at his mother’s smiling face. “I didn’t draw it to win a competition,” he stated bluntly.
“I know,” Dave replied, still hushed.
“I gave it to you because you said you wanted it,” Kurt continued.
“I’m sorry, Kurt. I should have asked. I didn’t think it would--”
“No…” Kurt interrupted, “it’s alright. I’m not upset. I…just…” He turned, smiling a bit sadly as he met Dave’s eyes. There were tears glistening his bottom lashes as Dave stepped closer. “Thank you, Dave.” He looked back at his mother, then noticed the other people in the gallery, all milling around quietly. “People have been here…” he asked, “people have actually walked by here and looked at her?”
Dave nodded.
Kurt smiled, sniffling a little. “They like seeing my mother’s smile? They…they really like it?”
“They like it, Kurt. They think it’s very good.”
Kurt sighed, turning back and stepping closer to the picture. Dave stepped closer as well so their shoulders brushed lightly.
“I wish she were still here. I wish she could see me and…tell me if she’s proud of me or not.”
“I know she would be, Kurt…I’m positive. There’s no way she wouldn’t be proud of everything you’ve done. How far you’ve come in just a short time.” Dave turned, lifting Kurt’s chin slightly with his fingers and meeting his eyes. “You’re gonna be free, Kurt. How could she not be proud of that?”
Kurt smiled and looked down, sighing heavily as Dave’s words registered. He was going to be free. He could come here and take art lessons. He could enter an art show under his own name. He could do so much. It was daunting at times when he thought about all the things he might be able to do. But when Dave smiled at him like that, it made all the anxiety disappear. He was going to be free someday.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Dave came home from work and sat down, watching Kurt as he finished putting dinner together and set it on the table in front of him. He’d gotten some important news at work and was trying to decide how to tell Kurt.
They talked about their day. Kurt told Dave he’d gone back to the vintage clothing store and bought the lamp that he liked so much. It was actually sitting on his desk, he said proudly. Dave smiled, shaking his head at how comfortable Kurt had gotten with his own money.
Money…Dave thought. The $19k quarterly bonus check Dave saw deposited into his account that day had him thinking. “So I found out today I have to go out of town again. Three days in um, Phoenix.”
“When is that?” Kurt asked, trying not to sound saddened.
“I um…I have to be down there Wednesday next week for the final walk-through of the new plant. We’re making the machines down there now and they want me to be part of the group that checks out the assembly lines. I really don’t know what I’ll be doing, just walking around and making sure they have their shit together.”
Kurt nodded as Dave spoke, quietly eating his dinner.
“I was thinking though…between the meetings and the walk-through and everything…I um…I’ll have some free time. I was thinking, maybe you’d like to come with me?”
Kurt snapped his eyes up, a disbelieving smile tugging on his lips. “Really? You want me…to come with you on your trip?”
Dave loved the way Kurt’s eyes lit up like that. “Yeah. I mean…it might be a little boring for you for parts of it. I’ll be in meetings Wednesday and the walk-through is Thursday morning. But the hotel is nice and there’s a restaurant and a pool and fitness center. There’s even some really nice shopping really close. And at night…we’d be able to…um, you know, explore the city a little, maybe. What do you think?”
Kurt’s smile grew. It sounded wonderful. But his eyebrows furrowed suddenly, “Um, what about Zeke. He can’t stay home that long by himself.”
“No, no he can’t,” Dave answered. This was the other part of what he’d considered that day. If he and Kurt went out of town together, then they’d need someone to stay home with Zeke. With all the dinner parties and other possible trips coming up, Dave thought maybe…if Kurt felt comfortable…maybe… “What do you think about Santana, Kurt?” Dave asked hesitantly. “You like her, right? I mean, it’s nice when she’s here and honestly…I kinda miss her when she’s gone. Do you think we should…ask for her? I mean, keep her?”
Kurt’s jaw dropped and his eyes widened even more. “That’s a wonderful idea. Are you able to buy her? I mean, you have the money?”
“Yeah, Kurt. I have the money. Even if I have to get into another bidding war to make it happen…” he joked, winking at Kurt, “I really want her to come live with us. Also, she and Brittany can see each other from time to time. I know they like each other.”
“That’s a great idea, Dave. Then you’ll have two--” he cut himself off suddenly, the realization of something striking him oddly. “No, you won’t…” he said quietly.
“What? What is it?”
Kurt looked down, uncertainty etching his face. “I was just going to say how nice it would be for you…how impressive it would look for you to have two domestic aides, Dave. But…” he looked down at his plate for a moment then looked up and met Dave’s eyes, “she’s my replacement, isn’t she?”
“Kurt, no. Don’t think like that. God, Kurt, please.” Dave reached out, taking Kurt’s hand in his as it lay on the table. “No one…fuck…no one can replace you. I…I still need you, alright? I mean, yeah once you win your emancipation…things will be different. But god, don’t make it sound like I’m getting rid of you.” Dave winced, that thought alone almost brought tears to his eyes. “If you don’t want Santana to come live with us, then she won’t. I just think…Kurt, you do so much already. You work so hard to make this apartment…to make our home nice. I thought you might appreciate the help.”
Kurt squeezed back as Dave held his hand. He tried to tell himself to stop worrying. But still, there were nagging thoughts swirling around in his mind every time he thought about being free. What would he do? What would be his purpose if he didn’t have a master? He looked down at their hands and then back up at Dave finally. “I think the trip to Phoenix sounds lovely,” Kurt began, forcing a soft smile, “and I’d very much like to have Santana come live with us. I’m sorry for…whatever that was. You’re right. I would like to have her help.” He pulled his hand away and picked up his fork.
They sat in silence for a while, finishing their dinner.
Dave sat back, sighing contentedly, “Alright, so. We’ll um…if you want to, I mean, we can go to Schuester’s tomorrow and start the paperwork to get Santana.”
Kurt thought about that, “No…actually, I don’t want to go back there. Not until I’m…” Kurt looked down, twitched his lips thoughtfully, “I’ll just be here waiting for you to bring her back.”
“Alright,” Dave didn’t want to press the matter. He was glad Kurt agreed to go on the trip with him. He thought about how nice it would be to get him away from everything and finally alone in a hotel room. What!? Dave squeezed his eyes shut as that thought intruded into his other…more chaste and proper thoughts. Sharing a hotel room with Kurt will mean nothing because nothing will happen. He’s still technically my slave and still has yet to give even the slightest hint that he’s ready to explore…something…with me. Shut up the dirty old man thoughts!!!
Kurt glanced up at Dave’s sudden furrowed eyebrows and tight lips. “Everything ok?” Kurt asked, slightly amused.
“Yeah…great. Things are great,” Dave answered.