Glee Fic : Three Wishes | Kurt/Blaine | 7/10 PG-13
Title : Three Wishes
Author : Jen
Rating : PG-13
Pairing : au!Blaine & au!moviestar!Kurt
Word count : ~7,000 / ~54,000
Spoilers : AU re-write of seasons one through three
Warnings : mentions of the events of that Sadie Hawkins dance
Summary : If Blaine Anderson found a magic lamp he'd only ask for two things. He'd wish for a place at NYADA when he graduates high school, and he'd wish that Kurt Hummel was his boyfriend. There were three problems with this. Firstly, competition for NYADA was insane. Secondly, Kurt Hummel didn't even know he existed. Movie stars tended to be like that about their fans. Thirdly, Blaine didn't have a magic lamp.
Based on a Tumblr gif set found here & here
As always I can be found on Tumblr when I should be doing other things.
(cover by the awesome Becky who puts up with me more than she probably should...)
<< Part 6
~~~
Blaine had never felt more nervous and apparently neither had Kurt. The conversation stilted and they didn't dare look at each other. They reached for the same piece of garlic bread at the same time, stopped, then both seemed to change their minds.
(Both of them had the same thought that garlic bread on a first date might not be the best idea. But both of them thought that the other wanted it more so they refrained from taking it.)
They fought over the bill and eventually a coin toss decided that Kurt should pay for it but Blaine got the tip. Then, as they got up, both of them waited hesitantly for the other to go first in an act of chivalry before both starting to move at the same time, stopping at the same time, laughing at the same time, starting again at the same time, then tossing that coin again.
Once outside they didn't know where to go; in one direction was Blaine's hotel, in the other was Kurt's apartment and moving in either direction could set the tone for the rest of the evening. So they stood out on the street, across the road from the restaurant, and looked at each other nervously. The little street was quiet, even the passing cars seemed to be a million miles away from where they were.
"I have no idea what I'm doing," Blaine eventually admitted. "I've never been… this is my first proper date."
"In how long?" Kurt asked.
"...Ever?"
"You took a boy to that dance-"
"It wasn't a date," Blaine pointed out. "He was a friend, that's all. I've not… it's just… Just you, OK? This," he said, waving his hands in circles, "is my complete experience when it comes to guys and relationships and everything."
"So I was your first kiss too?" Kurt asked. "Oh god, I was and I pretty much jumped you and I'm so sorry, that is not what your first kiss should have been like!"
"Kurt-"
"I am the worst person for this, I really am. I just… I have these ideas in my head about how things should go and they're all just corny and romantic and I know that's silly but-"
"It's not silly," Blaine said, summoning up his courage and pushing forward.
The kiss was off-target but they adjusted quickly, standing on a New York street with their arms wrapped around each other which made it easier to fall into a hug when they were done.
"I can't stop shaking," Blaine laughed as he felt his body thrum.
"Me either," Kurt whispered. "And for the record? This is pretty new to me too."
"But I read-" Blaine started, pulling back a little to look at Kurt before he was silenced with another kiss.
"Don't believe everything you read," Kurt said when they parted. "Only a tiny fraction of what they wrote was even close to the truth. It's just… being in the public eye and trying to.. fumble my way through relationships? It's hard."
"So what does that mean for us? You can't exactly just disappear, Kurt."
"It's got to be your decision," Kurt said firmly. "If you don't want to have to deal with it then I'll make sure we're not together anywhere we can be spotted. It is doable, celebrities do it all the time."
"But what if I don't want to hide?" Blaine whispered, nuzzling his way along Kurt's cheek so he could whisper in his ear. "What if I want to tell the world that I'm with you?"
"Then you'd need to understand how big a deal that is," Kurt whispered back. "Because once you're in the public eye everything becomes about twenty times bigger and it's hard to have a private life."
"Do I need to decide now?" Blaine asked.
"Of course not," Kurt laughed, his hold on Blaine tightening a little. "The only decision we need to make is where to from here."
The equivocation of Kurt's statement wasn't lost on Blaine and, summoning up his courage once more, he pulled back and looked at him. "I want to go to your apartment."
Kurt swallowed thickly and nodded. "OK."
*
Kurt hailed a cab, unwilling to share Blaine on the subway or a walk. They sat as close as they could, hands clasped between them and fingers starting to trace lines and patterns on the other's skin. Once there the driver was paid and Kurt led Blaine through the entrance to his apartment block to the elevator.
As soon as the doors slid shut behind them Kurt pulled Blaine in close, mouths meeting in a gentle kiss.
"You know this is somewhat surreal for me, right?" Blaine laughed as Kurt's hands ran down his arms. "I mean, after everything..."
"I know," Kurt smiled. "It's a bit weird for me too, I mean… well, I'd hoped that I'd be able to talk to you tonight, explain everything and maybe we'd start to be OK, but this? I didn't plan this, OK? This wasn't some grand plan I had."
"You mean seducing fans and taking them away to your apartment isn't something you do on a regular basis?" Blaine teased.
"Of course it isn't."
"I bet you say that to all the guys."
"Of course it is," Kurt laughed, kissing him again. The elevator slowed as it reached their floor and by the time the doors slid open Kurt had grabbed Blaine's hand again. "Come on."
*
After texting Rachel that he wasn't going to be back any time soon (to which he got a reply ALL IN CAPS LOCK TO EXPRESS HER EXCITEMENT AND HAPPINESS FOR HIM) Kurt made them a couple of drinks and they sat, either end of the couch, and - nothing.
"Why is this so hard?" Kurt sighed after a couple of minutes of the awkward silence. "I- I don't know why this is-"
"I know," Blaine laughed. "I just don't know what I'm supposed to do here, what we're - does that even make sense?"
"…A little," Kurt said.
"I don't want to screw this up."
"Me either."
"So that's one thing we agree on, next issue?" Kurt laughed.
"What are we?" Blaine asked bluntly. "I mean, at the risk of sounding like a teenage girl, are we--?"
"Boyfriends?" Kurt asked, raising an eyebrow.
"That. Everything else that goes with it. I mean, you can't exactly do casual-"
"You think I could be casual about this? Us?"
"No, what I mean is that we… this is…" Blaine sighed. "I-"
"Your brother told me something," Kurt interrupted. "He said that you're the kind of person who will give his all to something and that you needed someone who would give their all in return. He said that it didn't have to be all right at the start but that we needed to be heading in that direction.
"So here's where I stand, Blaine. I want that. Everything. This is all really new to me and I know it is for you too so we're going to have to figure out a lot of this but… But I want to get there. One day. With you."
"That's… a lot of information," Blaine said with a half laugh. "And pretty serious stuff too."
"I'm not proposing marriage and kids and a shared condo just yet," Kurt said quickly, "but… maybe? One day? I don't know. I'd like to see if that's a possibility."
"A possibility for us?"
"...Yeah."
Blaine couldn't stop himself from smiling. "I'd like that too."
"How long can you stay?" Kurt asked quietly, hesitantly.
"My flight home is tomorrow evening."
"I meant-"
"I know what you meant. I mean, I have no plans. Well, the ones I thought we had seemed to be a bit of a ruse and if you're free tomorrow-"
"I'm free."
"Then why not?" Blaine asked. "If you want-"
"Yeah."
"Yeah?"
"Yeah."
*
They caught the end of a Harry Potter movie on TV, had a go at karaoke on the Wii, drank and ate and talked until Blaine happened to glance over at the wall clock.
"Oh hell," he muttered, reaching for his cell phone.
"What?" Kurt asked until he noticed the time too. "I didn't realise how late it was."
"I think this is officially classed as early actually," Blaine laughed as he pulled up his messages. "Well, Rachel's not worrying about me so I guess that's something."
"Do you want to go back? I can get a cab-"
"I-" Blaine looked up, torn between what he should say and what he needed to say.
"Because," Kurt said carefully, "you don't have to. If you wanted to stay… I mean, the couch is pretty decent if you wanted but you don't, I mean, I don't expect you to-"
"Kurt," Blaine said firmly, leaning forward so he could start to crawl to the other end of the couch. "I would love to stay."
"Really?" Kurt whispered as Blaine's face was just in front of his.
"Really," Blaine whispered, kissing him gently. "And," he continued, finding his voice despite his nerves, "I think we've spent enough time on this couch."
"Too much," Kurt said before his hand slipped around the back of Blaine's neck, pulling him down into a kiss which meant they spent a little longer on the couch in any case.
*
Morning came quietly, slipping through the uncovered windows and making its way along the corridor to the bedroom where its two occupants were still unaware of its presence. Light flooded under the door, bringing with it the promise of city summer warmth. Under the sheets Blaine stirred, turning over and stretching out a little. As his eyes opened he took the simple décor of Kurt's room, noting the subtle differences between this and what (little) he'd observed the previous night.
Memories of kisses and careful touches (a discussion of a line and boundaries and taking their time) and falling asleep curled up around each other and being so perfectly happy brought themselves to the forefront of his mind.
He turned back over, planning to face Kurt and curl up once more when certain parts of his body made themselves known to him.
His face suddenly flushed in embarrassment and he willed to any deity which may be listening to just let Kurt sleep a little bit longer, please don't let him-
"Morning," Kurt's voice came from beside him, heavy with sleep and affection.
Could he pretend to still be asleep? Could he-
"You OK?" Kurt asked and Blaine realised that with his eyes open he was clearly awake and he'd not answered Kurt and what if he was giving the impression that he regretted last night when nothing could be further from the truth and his body was evident of not only that but the fact that he was a teenager, a gay teenager in bed with someone he loved and-
"Fine," he managed to say. "Just... thinking."
"About me I hope," Kurt hummed sleepily. "Or good thoughts at least."
"Very good and of course about you," Blaine said, trying to conjure up the least seductive and unsexy thoughts that he could muster. "Still can't believe that I'm here, that this is happening."
"You're going to have lots of time to get used to it," Kurt said, thankfully still not moving from his side of the bed. "When I'm in Ohio we can… well," he trailed off, leaving it unsaid.
"At your parents' house?" Blaine laughed and that idea started to have the desired effect so he focused on that. "Isn't Finn still at home?"
"He's off to college in the Fall. He was in line for a scholarship at Ohio State but he missed out. But it's fine, I can cover the tuition. He complained, a lot, but it makes sense."
"But your parents will still be there and I'm sorry but… not with them in the house!" Blaine laughed.
"It'll be my house too," Kurt pointed out.
"For which I sure there will be rules."
"I'm hardly your average eighteen year old," Kurt said, his voice a little more sure as he woke up. "I could get my own place if I wanted."
"And do you want to?" Blaine asked, his mind flooding with images of more nights like this, just the two of them in their private space.
"I want to go home," Kurt replied, scattering Blaine's dreams and bringing back the uncomfortable image of Mr and Mrs Hummel not giving them a second of privacy. "I want to go to school and I want to be with you."
Blaine took a deep breath as he got his body under control and felt comfortable enough to roll over to face him. "That's fine with me. For the record."
"Good," Kurt replied but he didn't move in turn.
"You OK?"
"Fine, just... enjoying being here."
"Well, I need coffee. I assume you have some?"
"Kitchen."
"I wasn't expecting it to be in the laundry room."
"Would be an interesting way of making cappuccinos," Kurt quipped.
"Well, you just lie there, I'll go make some," Blaine said, sitting up enough so he could lean over and kiss Kurt gently before getting up.
Kurt watched him go, Blaine's boxer briefs fitting perfectly against his waist, across the curve of his ass cheeks, and he realised he was going to need a few more minutes before he could get up.
*
"So things have been... a little busy," Burt said as he turned the car into their street.
"What do you mean?" Kurt asked, his fingers fidgeting with the edge of his seatbelt. Since being picked up from the airport (and avoiding the press waiting for them there) all he wanted to do was go home, change, and go see Blaine.
"I mean this lot," Burt said as their house came into view.
Not that Kurt could have missed it, what with the gaggle of press outside with cameras of all varieties.
"You are kidding me," Kurt breathed as his dad pulled up onto the driveway.
"Nope. Been here all day."
"I don't know what they expect me to say, we covered it all in New York," Kurt sighed.
When he'd announced that he was taking a break from movies to finish his education he had, despite Mercedes' doubts, told the whole story about his background. It had, on the whole, gone down pretty well with his fans as they understood why he had protected his family and why he was going back to Ohio for school. Those that hadn't were a minority and Kurt was doing everything he could to avoid making the situation worse.
Everything had been going well until the final day of shooting when an extra had overheard Kurt on the phone to Blaine (not that he knew who it was) and immediately leaked to the press that Kurt Hummel had a boyfriend. Now every gossip and media publication wanted to know who the mystery man was. They had worked out that he was likely to be in Ohio but they were still looking at his previous school of Dalton and no one there was even giving them a 'no comment'.
"Dad…" Kurt said, turning to face his father with utter disappointment on his face. There was no way he could leave and go see Blaine with a small press corp camped outside his house. The second he left he would be followed and then Blaine would be forced into the media spotlight before he was ready.
"Let's just get you inside, kid," Burt said, getting out of the car and trying to ignore the flashes from the cameras. He grabbed one of Kurt's bags and, keeping his head down, headed for the door. Kurt followed after grabbing the second bag, ignoring reporters who wanted to know how it felt being home; if he had anything to say about his 'betrayal' of his fans; if he was going to see his boyfriend tonight.
No, thanks to you idiots, Kurt thought bitterly as he stepped inside the house and closed the door on the assembled press.
"Welcome home," Burt said, his voice and smile warm and Kurt found himself pulled into a hug. "You were missed."
"I missed you guys too," Kurt said into his dad's shoulder. "And I am glad to be home but-"
"Come on," Burt cut across, stepping back and turning in the direction of the kitchen. "Carole's been bakin' all day and I want to know what you're goin' to let me eat before I drive myself crazy with temptation."
Leaving his bags dumped unceremoniously in the hallway, Kurt followed his dad, hand already closing around his cell phone. He didn't know what he was going to say to Blaine and so a few minutes of family time, of maybe a slice of one of Carole's cakes, would be enough time to come up with something more than 'I'm so sorry'.
"Just in time, sweetheart," Carole said as Kurt appeared in the doorway. "The walnut cake is just about done so you can be our taste tester."
"It smells fine to me," Burt said. "And if it tastes half as good as it smells then it'll be great."
"Well I followed his recipe and he was watching me like a hawk during the whole thing," she said, kissing him gently in hello, "so it should be at least edible."
"It'll be more than that," Blaine laughed, finishing off drying his hands and turning to face Kurt. "I am so glad you're here, Carole's had me working all day and I could use a break."
Blaine couldn't help but laugh at the expression on Kurt's face but it faded away when Kurt almost ran across the room and flung his arms around Blaine.
"You're here," he whispered. "I don't-"
"Your dad and I figured it'd be pretty mad out there tonight when you came home," Blaine said, "so I came over last night to beat them. I wanted to be here-"
"And we wanted him here," Burt interrupted. "I know you've been goin' on about your education but I also know this boy here has a lot to do with your decision and I think it's only right I get to know my son's boyfriend."
"Hey, come help me set the table for dinner," Carole said, putting a hand on Burt's back and pushing him gently out of the kitchen. Still wrapped around Kurt Blaine couldn't help but laugh because he knew as well as she did that the table was fully laid for dinner.
"I thought I wasn't going to get to see you," Kurt said, pulling back enough to be able to look at Blaine. "I thought-"
"I wasn't going to miss this for anything," Blaine whispered, leaning forward and capturing Kurt's mouth in a kiss.
Since their too-short time in New York they had managed one other weekend together. As soon as school had finished for the summer but before Kurt made his big announcement, Blaine had flown out to join Kurt. They'd barely left the apartment but they didn't need to, spending their time talking and kissing and being together. During this time they'd come up with a plan; Blaine wouldn't be hidden from the media but they weren't going to do some big 'coming out' announcement either. When Kurt started school in the Fall they would just be together - or as together as they could be in public in Ohio.
No announcement, no press release, just them. Kurt was going to be an ordinary kid at an ordinary high school and so he would have an ordinary life with his ordinary boyfriend. (Kurt had disagreed with that last adjective, Blaine had disagreed with him and discovered that his boyfriend did not play fair when it came to pillow fights. But the kissing and sleepy cuddles afterwards made up for it.)
"I can't believe you stayed over last night," Kurt laughed softly, resting his forehead against Blaine's. "I can't believe my dad agreed to it!"
"It was his idea actually," Blaine said. "He knew you'd want to see me and I think this way he still gets to have his family dinner. Is the Friday night thing normal or is he doing that for my benefit?"
"What?"
"I have a standing dinner invitation for each Friday night and I don't know what to make of it."
"It's normal, don't worry. How did you get Dad to like you so much?" Kurt laughed.
"I got you home," Blaine whispered, kissing him gently. "Worth sleeping on the couch tonight for."
"The couch?"
"Well I don't think he's going to let me sleep in your bed tonight..."
"You were in it last night?" Kurt asked, his brain slowly processing the idea of Blaine, in his bed, of it happening again and again, of it being the two of them and-
"You OK?" Blaine asked and almost squealed in surprise as Kurt's hand was firm on the back of his neck, pulling him in for a hard kiss. "Kurt, your parents are in the next room."
"You can't talk... about you in my bed... and not..."
"Plenty of time for that," Blaine said quietly, gently stopping Kurt's mouth from making its way down his neck. "We have a whole year ahead of us."
"And I get to spend every minute of every day with you," Kurt smiled.
"Come on, we should serve this cake. It's best when it's still warm and I think your dad may actually kick me out in front of the press if he doesn't get a slice."
"A small one," Kurt said as they reluctantly parted.
"It's pretty heart healthy, I made sure of it."
"Really? You did that?"
Blaine gave a small half-shrug as he eased the cake from its tin. "Figured it wouldn't be the best way to keep seeing you, killing your father so early on in this relationship."
"Relationship," Kurt repeated slowly and it made Blaine pause for a second. "We're in a relationship."
"...Yeah?" he said hesitantly.
"Nothing," Kurt smiled and shook his head gently.
As the smell of still-warm and freshly-baked cake filled the kitchen Kurt couldn't help but steal quick glances at Blaine. Now, more than ever, he knew he was going to love this boy.
*
After dinner (during which Finn seemed to be undeterred by their guest and finished everything in sight) they played board games, watched a movie, talked and laughed and never once made Blaine feel like he wasn't part of the family. As it got later and later Finn headed off for his online gaming session ("There's this guy I've been playing with for months, calls himself Puck, thinks he can beat me. I gotta prove him wrong," he declared, prompting a shared look and laugh between Kurt and Blaine.) and eventually Burt and Carole called it a night too, but not before pointedly getting out the spare bedding and putting it at the other end of the couch.
"I get it, Dad," Kurt said as he hugged his father goodnight. "Blaine stays down here."
"You got it," Burt replied. "We'll see you boys in the morning."
Once they were alone Blaine was surprised to watch Kurt pull out one of the lighter blankets and drape it over them.
"What?" Kurt asked when he noticed the look on Blaine's face. "He said you have to stay down here. He never said I couldn't."
"Kurt-"
"Unless you want me to go?"
"Now that's not fair," Blaine protested. "But this is your dad's house and he makes the rules and-"
"I'm eighteen and I've lived my own life in New York. I had my own apartment-"
"Which you sold."
"-and I shared a bed with my boyfriend in said apartment. I'm not a little kid anymore, Blaine, he can't expect me to act like one."
"No, but he can expect you to follow the rules."
"Relax, I'm not about to jump you or anything. I just... I don't want to leave just yet."
"I don't want you to go just yet," Blaine replied, feeling a little reassured that Kurt wasn't about to try and circumnavigate all of Burt's house rules. "But you can't stay down here."
"Fine, just one more movie then," Kurt replied, settling back against the couch and indicating that Blaine should curl up with him. "I've been sharing you with my family all evening and I just want some us time."
"That'd be great," Blaine smiled.
*
Blaine's first thought that he should get a new alarm clock because his was definitely broken. Instead of a beeping noise it was sounding more like someone - was coughing.
Startled as his brain kicked in he almost threw Kurt from the couch but succeeded in waking him up.
"Breakfast is ready," Burt said as he walked away from them, the we are gonna talk about this remaining quiet.
"You fell asleep," Blaine hissed as they hurriedly righted themselves and checked that they looked presentable.
"So did you!"
"I was comfy!"
"So was I!"
"Your dad is going to kill me. He's going to kill me and ban me from the house and I'll never see you again."
"You're overreacting-"
"I got to stay on condition that I stayed on the couch."
"You did stay on the couch."
"We both know he didn't intend for you to stay with me!"
"Blaine, I'm-"
"Eighteen and an adult and have shared a bed with your boyfriend in your apartment in New York, yeah, I know. But this isn't that life anymore, Kurt."
"Let's just go talk to him, OK?" Kurt said, offering his hand to Blaine. "Trust me, he's pretty easy-going."
"So easy going that he's OK with us sleeping together?"
"He doesn't care that I'm gay if that's what you mean. He's happy if I'm happy and I'm happy."
"There's a difference between wanting your kid to be happy and letting them... bunk up with their boyfriend. Oh god, what if he thinks we...?"
"Then I'll correct him."
"Oh god, that's worse," Blaine moaned, covering his face with his hands. "I should just go-"
"And if the press are still here?"
"They wouldn't have camped out all night would they?"
"You want to risk finding out because you're too embarrassed to face my dad?"
"...Yes," Blaine decided on.
"Come on," Kurt laughed, grabbing Blaine's hand anyway. "Trust me, it won't be that bad."
He led Blaine through to the kitchen where Carole was trying to prevent Finn from eating all the pancakes.
"Dad-" he began.
"Clarification of rules," Burt interrupted. "When Blaine stays over; couch," he said pointing to Blaine, "bedroom," he finished pointing to Kurt.
"In New York-"
"This 'ain't New York, kid, this is my house and these are my rules. Most parents wouldn't even let their kids' boyfriend or girlfriend stay over, I'm meeting you halfway. If you're not happy then I'll impose a nine pm curfew for school nights, ten for weekends and holidays and you can spend the last ten minutes of those saying goodnight on the doorstep like most other kids your age."
"I'd take the deal if I were you, love," Carole said as she moved the plate of pancakes away from Finn's grasping hands.
"We just fell asleep watching a movie, I promise we didn't mean to-" Blaine started but fell silent when Burt turned to look at him. "I'm sorry, I can go-"
"Are you under some impression that I'm about to kick you out because you fell asleep on my couch?" Burt laughed. Instead of putting Blaine at ease he actually felt a little more nervous. "Look, I'm not daft. I was young once believe it or not and I… Just be respectful OK? And follow the house rules. Couch, bedroom," he repeated, gesturing to Blaine then Kurt in turn, "for all parentally authorised sleepovers. Got it?"
"Yes, Dad."
"Yes, Mr Hummel."
"Burt," he corrected to Blaine. "Now eat before Finn gets through them all."
Kurt instinctively reached for Blaine's hand but he seemed to ignore it, moving out of the way as he took a seat at the kitchen table. Saying nothing, Kurt slipped into the seat next to him as Carole served them both with a couple of small stacks to "get them started".
Not that Kurt felt particularly hungry anymore.
*
As they pulled out outside Blaine's house Kurt turned off the engine and sat there for a moment until Blaine tentatively said, "Do you want to come in?"
"Are you sure about this?" Kurt asked.
"Well, I don't know if my parents are in but they've said they want to meet you soon so-"
"I meant us, Blaine."
"What?"
"Are you sure about us?"
"Where's this come from?" he asked. "You know I am, you... Is this because of this morning?"
"That's supposed to be my home, Blaine, and I should be free to do what I want there. Instead you and Dad-"
"Now hold on a second," Blaine said. "Your dad gave us a lot of freedom last night, freedom he's planning to keep giving us. And you're complaining because, what? You don't get to share a bed with me?"
"I just wanted-"
"You know he thinks we're sleeping together already?" Blaine said. "Before we left, when I went back for my sweater, I heard him and Carole talking. They think-"
"What business is it of theirs?" Kurt asked. "If they-"
"You don't get it, do you, Kurt?" Blaine snapped. "It matters. It matters because they're your parents and that's your home and I want to be able to come over and study in your room without them thinking that we're... y'know, and I want to be able to look your dad in the eye and neither one of us be embarrassed and I want you to know that this is what real family life is like. Rules and restrictions and having to give your parents some deniability to work with because even though we're not... y'know, I don't want them thinking that if they come home and we've been the house together that we've been doing stuff, or when you come over here we're-"
"Fine, I get it," Kurt interrupted. "But it's my life and what I do with my boyfriend isn't any of their concern."
"No, but it is mine," Blaine pointed out, "and I happen to agree with your dad. Maybe the curfew idea wasn't such a bad one after all. That, or I just don't come over."
"So what? I only see you at school? The library maybe? When we go for coffee or to see a movie?"
"Until you see how important this is? Yeah, I guess so," Blaine said, getting out of the car and slamming the door shut behind him. He'd not even got up to the front door before Kurt had pulled away and so when he reached it he just put his head against it and sighed.
*
"Mom sent cookies," Finn said, holding out the plate with a longing look. "She also thinks you might want to talk to me. Are you mad at them for some reason?"
"No," Kurt said, taking the plate and putting it down on the bed next to him. When he saw Finn's gaze follow them he picked up the plate and offered it to Finn. "I'm mad at Blaine. Or me. I can't quite work it out."
"Thanks," Finn said thankfully as he grabbed one. "And why would you be mad at Blaine? He's awesome."
"You really think so?"
"Yeah. He's been over a few times after you told Burt about him."
"Really?"
"Yeah. He came into the shop to formally introduce himself after you'd called and told us. I don't know, it was pretty weird and funny but Burt seemed to like him for it. Said stuff about respect an' all that. Turns out that boyfriend of yours knows a couple of things about cars too and so they got talking and then he came over for dinner.
"I don't know if I'm supposed to approve of my brother's boyfriend or not but it's hard not to. He seems to want to make everyone happy which is something given he's friends with Rachel and-"
"Rachel?" Kurt asked.
"Yeah, she and I..." Finn started but then stopped. "Mom doesn't know. Not yet."
"Why not?"
"Because you coming home is sort of a big deal and this thing with Blaine is really sensitive and I'm not gate-crashing that."
"Why would it be sensitive?" Kurt asked.
"Dude, you know no one in this house cares who you love, but out there they care a whole lot. And from what Rachel says about McKinley they might have a couple of things to say about it too. So you get this space," he said, gesturing around him.
"How do you know all this?"
"They spoke to me," Finn said quietly, taking a bite from the cookie. "They wanted to talk me through what they decided because it's a bit of a double sandwich. I think."
"Standard?"
"Yeah, that. Like I couldn't have sleepovers with Rachel if I wanted, even if she was on the couch. But you've been off doing your own thing in New York in your own apartment and so bringing guys home-"
"I never brought guys home!" Kurt spluttered.
"-whatever, you could do it. And I think they want to make sure that you get a bit of that, keep you happy?"
"Why would they want to 'keep me happy'?" Kurt asked.
"You have like, millions in the bank. You could buy a house if you wanted to but instead you're back in the same room you had when you went to Dalton. And you're not at Dalton which means you're gonna be around more and that means a lot to them. Burt's been getting better in leaps and bounds since you told him you wanted to come home and it's like we're a family again. A family that includes Blaine now, I guess.
"What I'm sayin' is that they know you're not a kid but you're still their kid. Even Mom's I guess, even though she's not... y'know."
"I know," Kurt said quietly.
"And Blaine's awesome. He helps out and he's like you in some ways. I don't mean the gay thing, although that is the same obviously, I mean he knows about cars and football and baking and fashion. You know he keeps calling them 'Mr and Mrs Hummel'? It's weird. Like he's some Stepford Wife."
"You don't know about double standards but you do know about Stepford Wives?" Kurt asked.
"Some of those girls were hot!" Finn grinned. "Nicole Kidman is gorgeous."
Kurt laughed and shook his head before grabbing his own cookie and breaking a bit off. "Blaine's just... He had a go at me because I got mad at him."
"Why?"
"Because he said that if I can't respect Dad and Carole's rules he won't come over."
"OK. And?"
"And that's it."
"That's it? You're my brother and I love you and I'm not just sayin' that 'cause you helped me get into college, but I'm on Blaine's side here. I think Burt's still trying to get his head around the fact that you're not a little kid anymore."
"He knew Blaine was staying with me in New York, he-"
"Was able to tell himself that nothing happened-"
"Nothing did happen!" Kurt yelled and the buried his face in his hands, muttering something.
"What?"
Kurt lifted his head a little. "I said that I've never… at all."
It took Finn a moment before he blushed and looked down at his hands, dismayed to find them empty so he grabbed another cookie from the plate to distract himself. "Right."
"Blaine's the first boyfriend I've ever had and I just want to spend every second I can with him, is that so bad? To want to be with the person you love?"
Finn nearly choked on his mouthful. "You love him?" he asked around his food. "Dude, that's awesome!"
"Mouth!" Kurt protested as Finn spat out crumbs onto the carpet. "Yeah, I love him."
"He love you too?"
"I don't know."
"How do you not know? Did he not say it back? Was it awkward? Is that the real reason you guys fought?"
"I haven't said it," Kurt admitted.
"...Did you tell me before you told him?" Finn asked. "That's... weird."
"I didn't mean to tell you!"
"I won't say anything, I promise."
"Not even to Rachel?"
"Not even to Rachel," Finn said, putting his hand to his chest before realising that he'd just squashed the cookie against his shirt. "But you should totally tell Blaine."
"I will, when the time is right."
"What's wrong with now?"
"We're fighting, Finn. I am not having… that happen during a fight."
"Right. So stop fighting and then tell him."
"And how do you suggest that I do that?"
Finn shrugged. "Rachel says that sorry is the best place for me to start so you can try that?"
Kurt picked off another bit of his cookie before putting the rest of it back on the plate. "I don't want him on the couch, Finn. I keep thinking about-"
"Too much information!" Finn protested. "Look, while Mom and Burt and I are in the house you need to just... be good. But we're not always home and when I'm at college I'll be away and I swear if you use my bed I'll-"
"I don't want to freak him out, Finn," Kurt laughed. "But point taken." He chewed slowly on the bite of cookie he had in his hand. "We shouldn't be fighting like this, Finn. Not this early on."
"You've been back less than a day and you had to dodge the press just to get into your house then I had to distract them so you could take Blaine home this morning and it's a lot. Think they were a bit mad when they realised you'd gone - hopefully they won't be back anytime soon. But with all that going on, you two fighting isn't really that big a surprise. Just go fix it, OK? We kinda like Blaine."
"I kinda like him too," Kurt said. "And thank you. Just… not a word of this to Dad or Carole, right?"
"Trust me, I'm going to try and forget that we talked about most of this."
"Will the rest of the cookies help you forget?"
"I think they might," Finn grinned, grabbing the plate as Kurt grabbed his phone from the nightstand. "Where are you going?"
"To apologise," he said.
*
He stopped off to pick up a couple of coffees which he balanced in one hand while knocking on Blaine's front door with the other. He'd managed to make the second trip without being followed - maybe small town living with its handful of journalists had its perks he decided - and wondered what he'd say if one of Blaine's parents answered the door.
In the end it was Blaine who pulled it back, perfectly casual in a pair of cut-off jeans and a form-fitting sweater.
"Peace offering," Kurt said, holding up the small carrier with two coffees in. "And an apology. You were right, I shouldn't have... You were right."
"You want to come in?" Blaine asked.
"If you want me to."
"We fought, Kurt, it's not like we broke up. Is it?" Blaine stepped back to let Kurt come in, taking the coffees from him as he did so and setting them down on the side table.
"Do you want to break up?"
"Do you?" When Blaine looked up at Kurt he got his answer and reached out, pulling him into a hug. "I'm sorry, I just-"
"It was my fault-"
"-don't want to screw this up-"
"-so hard to live by someone else's rules-"
"-do want to be with you-"
"-so right when you're with me-"
"-don't want to rush this-"
"-don't leave me, please," Kurt whispered, bringing an end to their exchanges.
"Never. Been dreaming of this for a really long time," Blaine joked, squeezing Kurt a little tighter.
"And I don't want to rush this either. You were right, Blaine, we have time. And I'm sorry if I made you feel like I was rushing you into something you weren't ready for."
"I don't want you to feel like I'm leading you on or-" Blaine started but Kurt pulled back and pressed his fingers to Blaine's mouth to shut him up.
"You're not, I promise. Curling up with you last night, even if we did fall asleep and upset my dad a little? It was perfect. I'd do that every night if I could. So. Are we done fighting? Because I'd really like to kiss you now."
Blaine nodded and when Kurt pulled his hand back his mouth widened into a grin. "My parents are out by the way."
"Really?"
"Yeah."
"What are you suggesting, Blaine Anderson?" Kurt grinned.
Blaine's eyes flickered in the direction of the stairs, just briefly.
"Am I going to find my posters on the walls? Shelves stacked with magazines and my DVDs?" When Blaine flushed in embarrassment Kurt couldn't help but laughed and kissed him gently. "I'm sorry, I was just... failing to lighten the mood I guess."
"I took everything down, threw most stuff out actually."
"Oh."
"It was after..."
"It's OK," Kurt whispered, his hands closing around Blaine's. "I understand."
"Anyway," Blaine started as he dropped one of Kurt's hands and led him in the direction of the stairs, "I'd much rather have photos up on my walls. Real people."
"I think we can manage that. But later, yeah?"
"Later," Blaine agreed.
Part 8 >>
Author : Jen
Rating : PG-13
Pairing : au!Blaine & au!moviestar!Kurt
Word count : ~7,000 / ~54,000
Spoilers : AU re-write of seasons one through three
Warnings : mentions of the events of that Sadie Hawkins dance
Summary : If Blaine Anderson found a magic lamp he'd only ask for two things. He'd wish for a place at NYADA when he graduates high school, and he'd wish that Kurt Hummel was his boyfriend. There were three problems with this. Firstly, competition for NYADA was insane. Secondly, Kurt Hummel didn't even know he existed. Movie stars tended to be like that about their fans. Thirdly, Blaine didn't have a magic lamp.
Based on a Tumblr gif set found here & here
As always I can be found on Tumblr when I should be doing other things.
(cover by the awesome Becky who puts up with me more than she probably should...)
<< Part 6
~~~
Blaine had never felt more nervous and apparently neither had Kurt. The conversation stilted and they didn't dare look at each other. They reached for the same piece of garlic bread at the same time, stopped, then both seemed to change their minds.
(Both of them had the same thought that garlic bread on a first date might not be the best idea. But both of them thought that the other wanted it more so they refrained from taking it.)
They fought over the bill and eventually a coin toss decided that Kurt should pay for it but Blaine got the tip. Then, as they got up, both of them waited hesitantly for the other to go first in an act of chivalry before both starting to move at the same time, stopping at the same time, laughing at the same time, starting again at the same time, then tossing that coin again.
Once outside they didn't know where to go; in one direction was Blaine's hotel, in the other was Kurt's apartment and moving in either direction could set the tone for the rest of the evening. So they stood out on the street, across the road from the restaurant, and looked at each other nervously. The little street was quiet, even the passing cars seemed to be a million miles away from where they were.
"I have no idea what I'm doing," Blaine eventually admitted. "I've never been… this is my first proper date."
"In how long?" Kurt asked.
"...Ever?"
"You took a boy to that dance-"
"It wasn't a date," Blaine pointed out. "He was a friend, that's all. I've not… it's just… Just you, OK? This," he said, waving his hands in circles, "is my complete experience when it comes to guys and relationships and everything."
"So I was your first kiss too?" Kurt asked. "Oh god, I was and I pretty much jumped you and I'm so sorry, that is not what your first kiss should have been like!"
"Kurt-"
"I am the worst person for this, I really am. I just… I have these ideas in my head about how things should go and they're all just corny and romantic and I know that's silly but-"
"It's not silly," Blaine said, summoning up his courage and pushing forward.
The kiss was off-target but they adjusted quickly, standing on a New York street with their arms wrapped around each other which made it easier to fall into a hug when they were done.
"I can't stop shaking," Blaine laughed as he felt his body thrum.
"Me either," Kurt whispered. "And for the record? This is pretty new to me too."
"But I read-" Blaine started, pulling back a little to look at Kurt before he was silenced with another kiss.
"Don't believe everything you read," Kurt said when they parted. "Only a tiny fraction of what they wrote was even close to the truth. It's just… being in the public eye and trying to.. fumble my way through relationships? It's hard."
"So what does that mean for us? You can't exactly just disappear, Kurt."
"It's got to be your decision," Kurt said firmly. "If you don't want to have to deal with it then I'll make sure we're not together anywhere we can be spotted. It is doable, celebrities do it all the time."
"But what if I don't want to hide?" Blaine whispered, nuzzling his way along Kurt's cheek so he could whisper in his ear. "What if I want to tell the world that I'm with you?"
"Then you'd need to understand how big a deal that is," Kurt whispered back. "Because once you're in the public eye everything becomes about twenty times bigger and it's hard to have a private life."
"Do I need to decide now?" Blaine asked.
"Of course not," Kurt laughed, his hold on Blaine tightening a little. "The only decision we need to make is where to from here."
The equivocation of Kurt's statement wasn't lost on Blaine and, summoning up his courage once more, he pulled back and looked at him. "I want to go to your apartment."
Kurt swallowed thickly and nodded. "OK."
*
Kurt hailed a cab, unwilling to share Blaine on the subway or a walk. They sat as close as they could, hands clasped between them and fingers starting to trace lines and patterns on the other's skin. Once there the driver was paid and Kurt led Blaine through the entrance to his apartment block to the elevator.
As soon as the doors slid shut behind them Kurt pulled Blaine in close, mouths meeting in a gentle kiss.
"You know this is somewhat surreal for me, right?" Blaine laughed as Kurt's hands ran down his arms. "I mean, after everything..."
"I know," Kurt smiled. "It's a bit weird for me too, I mean… well, I'd hoped that I'd be able to talk to you tonight, explain everything and maybe we'd start to be OK, but this? I didn't plan this, OK? This wasn't some grand plan I had."
"You mean seducing fans and taking them away to your apartment isn't something you do on a regular basis?" Blaine teased.
"Of course it isn't."
"I bet you say that to all the guys."
"Of course it is," Kurt laughed, kissing him again. The elevator slowed as it reached their floor and by the time the doors slid open Kurt had grabbed Blaine's hand again. "Come on."
*
After texting Rachel that he wasn't going to be back any time soon (to which he got a reply ALL IN CAPS LOCK TO EXPRESS HER EXCITEMENT AND HAPPINESS FOR HIM) Kurt made them a couple of drinks and they sat, either end of the couch, and - nothing.
"Why is this so hard?" Kurt sighed after a couple of minutes of the awkward silence. "I- I don't know why this is-"
"I know," Blaine laughed. "I just don't know what I'm supposed to do here, what we're - does that even make sense?"
"…A little," Kurt said.
"I don't want to screw this up."
"Me either."
"So that's one thing we agree on, next issue?" Kurt laughed.
"What are we?" Blaine asked bluntly. "I mean, at the risk of sounding like a teenage girl, are we--?"
"Boyfriends?" Kurt asked, raising an eyebrow.
"That. Everything else that goes with it. I mean, you can't exactly do casual-"
"You think I could be casual about this? Us?"
"No, what I mean is that we… this is…" Blaine sighed. "I-"
"Your brother told me something," Kurt interrupted. "He said that you're the kind of person who will give his all to something and that you needed someone who would give their all in return. He said that it didn't have to be all right at the start but that we needed to be heading in that direction.
"So here's where I stand, Blaine. I want that. Everything. This is all really new to me and I know it is for you too so we're going to have to figure out a lot of this but… But I want to get there. One day. With you."
"That's… a lot of information," Blaine said with a half laugh. "And pretty serious stuff too."
"I'm not proposing marriage and kids and a shared condo just yet," Kurt said quickly, "but… maybe? One day? I don't know. I'd like to see if that's a possibility."
"A possibility for us?"
"...Yeah."
Blaine couldn't stop himself from smiling. "I'd like that too."
"How long can you stay?" Kurt asked quietly, hesitantly.
"My flight home is tomorrow evening."
"I meant-"
"I know what you meant. I mean, I have no plans. Well, the ones I thought we had seemed to be a bit of a ruse and if you're free tomorrow-"
"I'm free."
"Then why not?" Blaine asked. "If you want-"
"Yeah."
"Yeah?"
"Yeah."
*
They caught the end of a Harry Potter movie on TV, had a go at karaoke on the Wii, drank and ate and talked until Blaine happened to glance over at the wall clock.
"Oh hell," he muttered, reaching for his cell phone.
"What?" Kurt asked until he noticed the time too. "I didn't realise how late it was."
"I think this is officially classed as early actually," Blaine laughed as he pulled up his messages. "Well, Rachel's not worrying about me so I guess that's something."
"Do you want to go back? I can get a cab-"
"I-" Blaine looked up, torn between what he should say and what he needed to say.
"Because," Kurt said carefully, "you don't have to. If you wanted to stay… I mean, the couch is pretty decent if you wanted but you don't, I mean, I don't expect you to-"
"Kurt," Blaine said firmly, leaning forward so he could start to crawl to the other end of the couch. "I would love to stay."
"Really?" Kurt whispered as Blaine's face was just in front of his.
"Really," Blaine whispered, kissing him gently. "And," he continued, finding his voice despite his nerves, "I think we've spent enough time on this couch."
"Too much," Kurt said before his hand slipped around the back of Blaine's neck, pulling him down into a kiss which meant they spent a little longer on the couch in any case.
*
Morning came quietly, slipping through the uncovered windows and making its way along the corridor to the bedroom where its two occupants were still unaware of its presence. Light flooded under the door, bringing with it the promise of city summer warmth. Under the sheets Blaine stirred, turning over and stretching out a little. As his eyes opened he took the simple décor of Kurt's room, noting the subtle differences between this and what (little) he'd observed the previous night.
Memories of kisses and careful touches (a discussion of a line and boundaries and taking their time) and falling asleep curled up around each other and being so perfectly happy brought themselves to the forefront of his mind.
He turned back over, planning to face Kurt and curl up once more when certain parts of his body made themselves known to him.
His face suddenly flushed in embarrassment and he willed to any deity which may be listening to just let Kurt sleep a little bit longer, please don't let him-
"Morning," Kurt's voice came from beside him, heavy with sleep and affection.
Could he pretend to still be asleep? Could he-
"You OK?" Kurt asked and Blaine realised that with his eyes open he was clearly awake and he'd not answered Kurt and what if he was giving the impression that he regretted last night when nothing could be further from the truth and his body was evident of not only that but the fact that he was a teenager, a gay teenager in bed with someone he loved and-
"Fine," he managed to say. "Just... thinking."
"About me I hope," Kurt hummed sleepily. "Or good thoughts at least."
"Very good and of course about you," Blaine said, trying to conjure up the least seductive and unsexy thoughts that he could muster. "Still can't believe that I'm here, that this is happening."
"You're going to have lots of time to get used to it," Kurt said, thankfully still not moving from his side of the bed. "When I'm in Ohio we can… well," he trailed off, leaving it unsaid.
"At your parents' house?" Blaine laughed and that idea started to have the desired effect so he focused on that. "Isn't Finn still at home?"
"He's off to college in the Fall. He was in line for a scholarship at Ohio State but he missed out. But it's fine, I can cover the tuition. He complained, a lot, but it makes sense."
"But your parents will still be there and I'm sorry but… not with them in the house!" Blaine laughed.
"It'll be my house too," Kurt pointed out.
"For which I sure there will be rules."
"I'm hardly your average eighteen year old," Kurt said, his voice a little more sure as he woke up. "I could get my own place if I wanted."
"And do you want to?" Blaine asked, his mind flooding with images of more nights like this, just the two of them in their private space.
"I want to go home," Kurt replied, scattering Blaine's dreams and bringing back the uncomfortable image of Mr and Mrs Hummel not giving them a second of privacy. "I want to go to school and I want to be with you."
Blaine took a deep breath as he got his body under control and felt comfortable enough to roll over to face him. "That's fine with me. For the record."
"Good," Kurt replied but he didn't move in turn.
"You OK?"
"Fine, just... enjoying being here."
"Well, I need coffee. I assume you have some?"
"Kitchen."
"I wasn't expecting it to be in the laundry room."
"Would be an interesting way of making cappuccinos," Kurt quipped.
"Well, you just lie there, I'll go make some," Blaine said, sitting up enough so he could lean over and kiss Kurt gently before getting up.
Kurt watched him go, Blaine's boxer briefs fitting perfectly against his waist, across the curve of his ass cheeks, and he realised he was going to need a few more minutes before he could get up.
*
"So things have been... a little busy," Burt said as he turned the car into their street.
"What do you mean?" Kurt asked, his fingers fidgeting with the edge of his seatbelt. Since being picked up from the airport (and avoiding the press waiting for them there) all he wanted to do was go home, change, and go see Blaine.
"I mean this lot," Burt said as their house came into view.
Not that Kurt could have missed it, what with the gaggle of press outside with cameras of all varieties.
"You are kidding me," Kurt breathed as his dad pulled up onto the driveway.
"Nope. Been here all day."
"I don't know what they expect me to say, we covered it all in New York," Kurt sighed.
When he'd announced that he was taking a break from movies to finish his education he had, despite Mercedes' doubts, told the whole story about his background. It had, on the whole, gone down pretty well with his fans as they understood why he had protected his family and why he was going back to Ohio for school. Those that hadn't were a minority and Kurt was doing everything he could to avoid making the situation worse.
Everything had been going well until the final day of shooting when an extra had overheard Kurt on the phone to Blaine (not that he knew who it was) and immediately leaked to the press that Kurt Hummel had a boyfriend. Now every gossip and media publication wanted to know who the mystery man was. They had worked out that he was likely to be in Ohio but they were still looking at his previous school of Dalton and no one there was even giving them a 'no comment'.
"Dad…" Kurt said, turning to face his father with utter disappointment on his face. There was no way he could leave and go see Blaine with a small press corp camped outside his house. The second he left he would be followed and then Blaine would be forced into the media spotlight before he was ready.
"Let's just get you inside, kid," Burt said, getting out of the car and trying to ignore the flashes from the cameras. He grabbed one of Kurt's bags and, keeping his head down, headed for the door. Kurt followed after grabbing the second bag, ignoring reporters who wanted to know how it felt being home; if he had anything to say about his 'betrayal' of his fans; if he was going to see his boyfriend tonight.
No, thanks to you idiots, Kurt thought bitterly as he stepped inside the house and closed the door on the assembled press.
"Welcome home," Burt said, his voice and smile warm and Kurt found himself pulled into a hug. "You were missed."
"I missed you guys too," Kurt said into his dad's shoulder. "And I am glad to be home but-"
"Come on," Burt cut across, stepping back and turning in the direction of the kitchen. "Carole's been bakin' all day and I want to know what you're goin' to let me eat before I drive myself crazy with temptation."
Leaving his bags dumped unceremoniously in the hallway, Kurt followed his dad, hand already closing around his cell phone. He didn't know what he was going to say to Blaine and so a few minutes of family time, of maybe a slice of one of Carole's cakes, would be enough time to come up with something more than 'I'm so sorry'.
"Just in time, sweetheart," Carole said as Kurt appeared in the doorway. "The walnut cake is just about done so you can be our taste tester."
"It smells fine to me," Burt said. "And if it tastes half as good as it smells then it'll be great."
"Well I followed his recipe and he was watching me like a hawk during the whole thing," she said, kissing him gently in hello, "so it should be at least edible."
"It'll be more than that," Blaine laughed, finishing off drying his hands and turning to face Kurt. "I am so glad you're here, Carole's had me working all day and I could use a break."
Blaine couldn't help but laugh at the expression on Kurt's face but it faded away when Kurt almost ran across the room and flung his arms around Blaine.
"You're here," he whispered. "I don't-"
"Your dad and I figured it'd be pretty mad out there tonight when you came home," Blaine said, "so I came over last night to beat them. I wanted to be here-"
"And we wanted him here," Burt interrupted. "I know you've been goin' on about your education but I also know this boy here has a lot to do with your decision and I think it's only right I get to know my son's boyfriend."
"Hey, come help me set the table for dinner," Carole said, putting a hand on Burt's back and pushing him gently out of the kitchen. Still wrapped around Kurt Blaine couldn't help but laugh because he knew as well as she did that the table was fully laid for dinner.
"I thought I wasn't going to get to see you," Kurt said, pulling back enough to be able to look at Blaine. "I thought-"
"I wasn't going to miss this for anything," Blaine whispered, leaning forward and capturing Kurt's mouth in a kiss.
Since their too-short time in New York they had managed one other weekend together. As soon as school had finished for the summer but before Kurt made his big announcement, Blaine had flown out to join Kurt. They'd barely left the apartment but they didn't need to, spending their time talking and kissing and being together. During this time they'd come up with a plan; Blaine wouldn't be hidden from the media but they weren't going to do some big 'coming out' announcement either. When Kurt started school in the Fall they would just be together - or as together as they could be in public in Ohio.
No announcement, no press release, just them. Kurt was going to be an ordinary kid at an ordinary high school and so he would have an ordinary life with his ordinary boyfriend. (Kurt had disagreed with that last adjective, Blaine had disagreed with him and discovered that his boyfriend did not play fair when it came to pillow fights. But the kissing and sleepy cuddles afterwards made up for it.)
"I can't believe you stayed over last night," Kurt laughed softly, resting his forehead against Blaine's. "I can't believe my dad agreed to it!"
"It was his idea actually," Blaine said. "He knew you'd want to see me and I think this way he still gets to have his family dinner. Is the Friday night thing normal or is he doing that for my benefit?"
"What?"
"I have a standing dinner invitation for each Friday night and I don't know what to make of it."
"It's normal, don't worry. How did you get Dad to like you so much?" Kurt laughed.
"I got you home," Blaine whispered, kissing him gently. "Worth sleeping on the couch tonight for."
"The couch?"
"Well I don't think he's going to let me sleep in your bed tonight..."
"You were in it last night?" Kurt asked, his brain slowly processing the idea of Blaine, in his bed, of it happening again and again, of it being the two of them and-
"You OK?" Blaine asked and almost squealed in surprise as Kurt's hand was firm on the back of his neck, pulling him in for a hard kiss. "Kurt, your parents are in the next room."
"You can't talk... about you in my bed... and not..."
"Plenty of time for that," Blaine said quietly, gently stopping Kurt's mouth from making its way down his neck. "We have a whole year ahead of us."
"And I get to spend every minute of every day with you," Kurt smiled.
"Come on, we should serve this cake. It's best when it's still warm and I think your dad may actually kick me out in front of the press if he doesn't get a slice."
"A small one," Kurt said as they reluctantly parted.
"It's pretty heart healthy, I made sure of it."
"Really? You did that?"
Blaine gave a small half-shrug as he eased the cake from its tin. "Figured it wouldn't be the best way to keep seeing you, killing your father so early on in this relationship."
"Relationship," Kurt repeated slowly and it made Blaine pause for a second. "We're in a relationship."
"...Yeah?" he said hesitantly.
"Nothing," Kurt smiled and shook his head gently.
As the smell of still-warm and freshly-baked cake filled the kitchen Kurt couldn't help but steal quick glances at Blaine. Now, more than ever, he knew he was going to love this boy.
*
After dinner (during which Finn seemed to be undeterred by their guest and finished everything in sight) they played board games, watched a movie, talked and laughed and never once made Blaine feel like he wasn't part of the family. As it got later and later Finn headed off for his online gaming session ("There's this guy I've been playing with for months, calls himself Puck, thinks he can beat me. I gotta prove him wrong," he declared, prompting a shared look and laugh between Kurt and Blaine.) and eventually Burt and Carole called it a night too, but not before pointedly getting out the spare bedding and putting it at the other end of the couch.
"I get it, Dad," Kurt said as he hugged his father goodnight. "Blaine stays down here."
"You got it," Burt replied. "We'll see you boys in the morning."
Once they were alone Blaine was surprised to watch Kurt pull out one of the lighter blankets and drape it over them.
"What?" Kurt asked when he noticed the look on Blaine's face. "He said you have to stay down here. He never said I couldn't."
"Kurt-"
"Unless you want me to go?"
"Now that's not fair," Blaine protested. "But this is your dad's house and he makes the rules and-"
"I'm eighteen and I've lived my own life in New York. I had my own apartment-"
"Which you sold."
"-and I shared a bed with my boyfriend in said apartment. I'm not a little kid anymore, Blaine, he can't expect me to act like one."
"No, but he can expect you to follow the rules."
"Relax, I'm not about to jump you or anything. I just... I don't want to leave just yet."
"I don't want you to go just yet," Blaine replied, feeling a little reassured that Kurt wasn't about to try and circumnavigate all of Burt's house rules. "But you can't stay down here."
"Fine, just one more movie then," Kurt replied, settling back against the couch and indicating that Blaine should curl up with him. "I've been sharing you with my family all evening and I just want some us time."
"That'd be great," Blaine smiled.
*
Blaine's first thought that he should get a new alarm clock because his was definitely broken. Instead of a beeping noise it was sounding more like someone - was coughing.
Startled as his brain kicked in he almost threw Kurt from the couch but succeeded in waking him up.
"Breakfast is ready," Burt said as he walked away from them, the we are gonna talk about this remaining quiet.
"You fell asleep," Blaine hissed as they hurriedly righted themselves and checked that they looked presentable.
"So did you!"
"I was comfy!"
"So was I!"
"Your dad is going to kill me. He's going to kill me and ban me from the house and I'll never see you again."
"You're overreacting-"
"I got to stay on condition that I stayed on the couch."
"You did stay on the couch."
"We both know he didn't intend for you to stay with me!"
"Blaine, I'm-"
"Eighteen and an adult and have shared a bed with your boyfriend in your apartment in New York, yeah, I know. But this isn't that life anymore, Kurt."
"Let's just go talk to him, OK?" Kurt said, offering his hand to Blaine. "Trust me, he's pretty easy-going."
"So easy going that he's OK with us sleeping together?"
"He doesn't care that I'm gay if that's what you mean. He's happy if I'm happy and I'm happy."
"There's a difference between wanting your kid to be happy and letting them... bunk up with their boyfriend. Oh god, what if he thinks we...?"
"Then I'll correct him."
"Oh god, that's worse," Blaine moaned, covering his face with his hands. "I should just go-"
"And if the press are still here?"
"They wouldn't have camped out all night would they?"
"You want to risk finding out because you're too embarrassed to face my dad?"
"...Yes," Blaine decided on.
"Come on," Kurt laughed, grabbing Blaine's hand anyway. "Trust me, it won't be that bad."
He led Blaine through to the kitchen where Carole was trying to prevent Finn from eating all the pancakes.
"Dad-" he began.
"Clarification of rules," Burt interrupted. "When Blaine stays over; couch," he said pointing to Blaine, "bedroom," he finished pointing to Kurt.
"In New York-"
"This 'ain't New York, kid, this is my house and these are my rules. Most parents wouldn't even let their kids' boyfriend or girlfriend stay over, I'm meeting you halfway. If you're not happy then I'll impose a nine pm curfew for school nights, ten for weekends and holidays and you can spend the last ten minutes of those saying goodnight on the doorstep like most other kids your age."
"I'd take the deal if I were you, love," Carole said as she moved the plate of pancakes away from Finn's grasping hands.
"We just fell asleep watching a movie, I promise we didn't mean to-" Blaine started but fell silent when Burt turned to look at him. "I'm sorry, I can go-"
"Are you under some impression that I'm about to kick you out because you fell asleep on my couch?" Burt laughed. Instead of putting Blaine at ease he actually felt a little more nervous. "Look, I'm not daft. I was young once believe it or not and I… Just be respectful OK? And follow the house rules. Couch, bedroom," he repeated, gesturing to Blaine then Kurt in turn, "for all parentally authorised sleepovers. Got it?"
"Yes, Dad."
"Yes, Mr Hummel."
"Burt," he corrected to Blaine. "Now eat before Finn gets through them all."
Kurt instinctively reached for Blaine's hand but he seemed to ignore it, moving out of the way as he took a seat at the kitchen table. Saying nothing, Kurt slipped into the seat next to him as Carole served them both with a couple of small stacks to "get them started".
Not that Kurt felt particularly hungry anymore.
*
As they pulled out outside Blaine's house Kurt turned off the engine and sat there for a moment until Blaine tentatively said, "Do you want to come in?"
"Are you sure about this?" Kurt asked.
"Well, I don't know if my parents are in but they've said they want to meet you soon so-"
"I meant us, Blaine."
"What?"
"Are you sure about us?"
"Where's this come from?" he asked. "You know I am, you... Is this because of this morning?"
"That's supposed to be my home, Blaine, and I should be free to do what I want there. Instead you and Dad-"
"Now hold on a second," Blaine said. "Your dad gave us a lot of freedom last night, freedom he's planning to keep giving us. And you're complaining because, what? You don't get to share a bed with me?"
"I just wanted-"
"You know he thinks we're sleeping together already?" Blaine said. "Before we left, when I went back for my sweater, I heard him and Carole talking. They think-"
"What business is it of theirs?" Kurt asked. "If they-"
"You don't get it, do you, Kurt?" Blaine snapped. "It matters. It matters because they're your parents and that's your home and I want to be able to come over and study in your room without them thinking that we're... y'know, and I want to be able to look your dad in the eye and neither one of us be embarrassed and I want you to know that this is what real family life is like. Rules and restrictions and having to give your parents some deniability to work with because even though we're not... y'know, I don't want them thinking that if they come home and we've been the house together that we've been doing stuff, or when you come over here we're-"
"Fine, I get it," Kurt interrupted. "But it's my life and what I do with my boyfriend isn't any of their concern."
"No, but it is mine," Blaine pointed out, "and I happen to agree with your dad. Maybe the curfew idea wasn't such a bad one after all. That, or I just don't come over."
"So what? I only see you at school? The library maybe? When we go for coffee or to see a movie?"
"Until you see how important this is? Yeah, I guess so," Blaine said, getting out of the car and slamming the door shut behind him. He'd not even got up to the front door before Kurt had pulled away and so when he reached it he just put his head against it and sighed.
*
"Mom sent cookies," Finn said, holding out the plate with a longing look. "She also thinks you might want to talk to me. Are you mad at them for some reason?"
"No," Kurt said, taking the plate and putting it down on the bed next to him. When he saw Finn's gaze follow them he picked up the plate and offered it to Finn. "I'm mad at Blaine. Or me. I can't quite work it out."
"Thanks," Finn said thankfully as he grabbed one. "And why would you be mad at Blaine? He's awesome."
"You really think so?"
"Yeah. He's been over a few times after you told Burt about him."
"Really?"
"Yeah. He came into the shop to formally introduce himself after you'd called and told us. I don't know, it was pretty weird and funny but Burt seemed to like him for it. Said stuff about respect an' all that. Turns out that boyfriend of yours knows a couple of things about cars too and so they got talking and then he came over for dinner.
"I don't know if I'm supposed to approve of my brother's boyfriend or not but it's hard not to. He seems to want to make everyone happy which is something given he's friends with Rachel and-"
"Rachel?" Kurt asked.
"Yeah, she and I..." Finn started but then stopped. "Mom doesn't know. Not yet."
"Why not?"
"Because you coming home is sort of a big deal and this thing with Blaine is really sensitive and I'm not gate-crashing that."
"Why would it be sensitive?" Kurt asked.
"Dude, you know no one in this house cares who you love, but out there they care a whole lot. And from what Rachel says about McKinley they might have a couple of things to say about it too. So you get this space," he said, gesturing around him.
"How do you know all this?"
"They spoke to me," Finn said quietly, taking a bite from the cookie. "They wanted to talk me through what they decided because it's a bit of a double sandwich. I think."
"Standard?"
"Yeah, that. Like I couldn't have sleepovers with Rachel if I wanted, even if she was on the couch. But you've been off doing your own thing in New York in your own apartment and so bringing guys home-"
"I never brought guys home!" Kurt spluttered.
"-whatever, you could do it. And I think they want to make sure that you get a bit of that, keep you happy?"
"Why would they want to 'keep me happy'?" Kurt asked.
"You have like, millions in the bank. You could buy a house if you wanted to but instead you're back in the same room you had when you went to Dalton. And you're not at Dalton which means you're gonna be around more and that means a lot to them. Burt's been getting better in leaps and bounds since you told him you wanted to come home and it's like we're a family again. A family that includes Blaine now, I guess.
"What I'm sayin' is that they know you're not a kid but you're still their kid. Even Mom's I guess, even though she's not... y'know."
"I know," Kurt said quietly.
"And Blaine's awesome. He helps out and he's like you in some ways. I don't mean the gay thing, although that is the same obviously, I mean he knows about cars and football and baking and fashion. You know he keeps calling them 'Mr and Mrs Hummel'? It's weird. Like he's some Stepford Wife."
"You don't know about double standards but you do know about Stepford Wives?" Kurt asked.
"Some of those girls were hot!" Finn grinned. "Nicole Kidman is gorgeous."
Kurt laughed and shook his head before grabbing his own cookie and breaking a bit off. "Blaine's just... He had a go at me because I got mad at him."
"Why?"
"Because he said that if I can't respect Dad and Carole's rules he won't come over."
"OK. And?"
"And that's it."
"That's it? You're my brother and I love you and I'm not just sayin' that 'cause you helped me get into college, but I'm on Blaine's side here. I think Burt's still trying to get his head around the fact that you're not a little kid anymore."
"He knew Blaine was staying with me in New York, he-"
"Was able to tell himself that nothing happened-"
"Nothing did happen!" Kurt yelled and the buried his face in his hands, muttering something.
"What?"
Kurt lifted his head a little. "I said that I've never… at all."
It took Finn a moment before he blushed and looked down at his hands, dismayed to find them empty so he grabbed another cookie from the plate to distract himself. "Right."
"Blaine's the first boyfriend I've ever had and I just want to spend every second I can with him, is that so bad? To want to be with the person you love?"
Finn nearly choked on his mouthful. "You love him?" he asked around his food. "Dude, that's awesome!"
"Mouth!" Kurt protested as Finn spat out crumbs onto the carpet. "Yeah, I love him."
"He love you too?"
"I don't know."
"How do you not know? Did he not say it back? Was it awkward? Is that the real reason you guys fought?"
"I haven't said it," Kurt admitted.
"...Did you tell me before you told him?" Finn asked. "That's... weird."
"I didn't mean to tell you!"
"I won't say anything, I promise."
"Not even to Rachel?"
"Not even to Rachel," Finn said, putting his hand to his chest before realising that he'd just squashed the cookie against his shirt. "But you should totally tell Blaine."
"I will, when the time is right."
"What's wrong with now?"
"We're fighting, Finn. I am not having… that happen during a fight."
"Right. So stop fighting and then tell him."
"And how do you suggest that I do that?"
Finn shrugged. "Rachel says that sorry is the best place for me to start so you can try that?"
Kurt picked off another bit of his cookie before putting the rest of it back on the plate. "I don't want him on the couch, Finn. I keep thinking about-"
"Too much information!" Finn protested. "Look, while Mom and Burt and I are in the house you need to just... be good. But we're not always home and when I'm at college I'll be away and I swear if you use my bed I'll-"
"I don't want to freak him out, Finn," Kurt laughed. "But point taken." He chewed slowly on the bite of cookie he had in his hand. "We shouldn't be fighting like this, Finn. Not this early on."
"You've been back less than a day and you had to dodge the press just to get into your house then I had to distract them so you could take Blaine home this morning and it's a lot. Think they were a bit mad when they realised you'd gone - hopefully they won't be back anytime soon. But with all that going on, you two fighting isn't really that big a surprise. Just go fix it, OK? We kinda like Blaine."
"I kinda like him too," Kurt said. "And thank you. Just… not a word of this to Dad or Carole, right?"
"Trust me, I'm going to try and forget that we talked about most of this."
"Will the rest of the cookies help you forget?"
"I think they might," Finn grinned, grabbing the plate as Kurt grabbed his phone from the nightstand. "Where are you going?"
"To apologise," he said.
*
He stopped off to pick up a couple of coffees which he balanced in one hand while knocking on Blaine's front door with the other. He'd managed to make the second trip without being followed - maybe small town living with its handful of journalists had its perks he decided - and wondered what he'd say if one of Blaine's parents answered the door.
In the end it was Blaine who pulled it back, perfectly casual in a pair of cut-off jeans and a form-fitting sweater.
"Peace offering," Kurt said, holding up the small carrier with two coffees in. "And an apology. You were right, I shouldn't have... You were right."
"You want to come in?" Blaine asked.
"If you want me to."
"We fought, Kurt, it's not like we broke up. Is it?" Blaine stepped back to let Kurt come in, taking the coffees from him as he did so and setting them down on the side table.
"Do you want to break up?"
"Do you?" When Blaine looked up at Kurt he got his answer and reached out, pulling him into a hug. "I'm sorry, I just-"
"It was my fault-"
"-don't want to screw this up-"
"-so hard to live by someone else's rules-"
"-do want to be with you-"
"-so right when you're with me-"
"-don't want to rush this-"
"-don't leave me, please," Kurt whispered, bringing an end to their exchanges.
"Never. Been dreaming of this for a really long time," Blaine joked, squeezing Kurt a little tighter.
"And I don't want to rush this either. You were right, Blaine, we have time. And I'm sorry if I made you feel like I was rushing you into something you weren't ready for."
"I don't want you to feel like I'm leading you on or-" Blaine started but Kurt pulled back and pressed his fingers to Blaine's mouth to shut him up.
"You're not, I promise. Curling up with you last night, even if we did fall asleep and upset my dad a little? It was perfect. I'd do that every night if I could. So. Are we done fighting? Because I'd really like to kiss you now."
Blaine nodded and when Kurt pulled his hand back his mouth widened into a grin. "My parents are out by the way."
"Really?"
"Yeah."
"What are you suggesting, Blaine Anderson?" Kurt grinned.
Blaine's eyes flickered in the direction of the stairs, just briefly.
"Am I going to find my posters on the walls? Shelves stacked with magazines and my DVDs?" When Blaine flushed in embarrassment Kurt couldn't help but laughed and kissed him gently. "I'm sorry, I was just... failing to lighten the mood I guess."
"I took everything down, threw most stuff out actually."
"Oh."
"It was after..."
"It's OK," Kurt whispered, his hands closing around Blaine's. "I understand."
"Anyway," Blaine started as he dropped one of Kurt's hands and led him in the direction of the stairs, "I'd much rather have photos up on my walls. Real people."
"I think we can manage that. But later, yeah?"
"Later," Blaine agreed.
Part 8 >>