The Best Policy
Media: Fanfic
Title: The Best Policy
Rating: G
Pairings: Klaine
Spoilers: References to future episodes
Warnings: Fluff, and Blaine being a dork.
Word Count: 4,431 approx
Summary: Blaine wants to surprise Kurt. Blaine is incapable of lying to Kurt. Blaine comes up with a plan.
Note: This was supposed to be a short, cracky one-shot. Blaine had other ideas.
The Best Policy
If there’s one thing Blaine Anderson cannot do, it’s lie. He’s not too sure why either. Maybe it’s because of those big, warm hazel eyes betraying every dishonest thought that flits past them, or perhaps it’s his deer-in-headlights expression and that traitorous blush that appears every time he’s caught in one.
Either way, Blaine Anderson finds it very hard to tell a lie.
Normally, of course, that was a good thing. It meant he could be trusted; it meant his adorable boyfriend could open up and tell him things that he would never tell anyone else; it meant their relationship was honest.
The only time it became a problem was whenever Blaine got it into his head that he wanted to surprise Kurt. Even innocent little white lies that he needed to tell in order to throw Kurt off the scent so he could spring the surprise successfully were soon all but found out if Kurt asked the right questions.
So it was that when his latest - and possibly greatest - opportunity came to surprise the object of his undying affection, he found himself wondering how he could possibly pull this off without Kurt suspecting that he was up to something.
Having spent much of his Saturday morning lying in his bed trying to think of something, he finally hauled himself down to his car, ignoring his mother shouting something at him, and drove out to see the one person he figured could help him…
=====
“You could have at least called,” a very bemused Wes greeted him at the door. “If I’d known it was you out here, I’d have carried on with my yoga routine.”
Guess that explained Wes’ unusual getup of yellow tank top and black cycling shorts.
“Good day to you, too,” Blaine said as he headed in past Wes, sans invitation, to the living room. “I have a problem.”
Wes rolled his eyes, sighed, shut the door and followed him. Wasn’t the first time Blaine had invited himself into the family home, wouldn’t be the last. He sat down in an armchair while Blaine flopped onto the large couch, all dishevelled hair and kicked-puppy eyes.
“How is that my problem?” Wes asked.
“Who else was I supposed to go to for help? You’re my favourite senior.” Now he was pouting.
He was fortunately spared an answer when the family maid came in with two cups of hot tea for them, and Blaine latched on to his cup as if it was a life raft. Wes thanked her and she left them alone.
“So what have you done now?”
“Why do you automatically assume I’ve done something?” Blaine just about whined. “Can’t I be in great need without you thinking the worst of me?”
Wes sipped his tea slowly, willing himself to be calm, this would all be over soon. “Blaine, please…”
“It’s Kurt.”
“Yes, I figured as much.”
“I always knew you were the smart one.”
“What about Kurt?” Wes debated banging his cup on the armrest and cursed himself for leaving his gavel back at school.
“I want to surprise him.” Blaine looked eager.
Wes simply drank more tea and prayed it wouldn’t involve himself singing some sex song in public. It was going to be a long day…
Four hours later, he slammed the front door closed and headed back upstairs to resume and possibly extend his yoga routine while Blaine all but skipped to his car feeling much happier and relieved than he had been earlier that morning.
Settling himself in his car, he took out his phone and made a call to the number he and Wes found courtesy of the latter’s hacking skills. Blaine swore Wes was going to be recruited by the Pentagon one day.
“Hi! I know you don’t really know me, so this comes as a bit of a surprise,” he said cheerfully. “My name’s Blaine Anderson. I believe you know Kurt Hummel, my boyfriend.” He grinned at the sound of surprise on the other end. “Yeah, I was hoping you could do me a really big favour.”
Gripping the phone tighter, he pumped his fist in the air triumphantly as he started to explain the details of his plan. Phase one was complete. Now all he had to do to ensure phase two was a success was to avoid Kurt for the rest of the weekend - something that was going to prove a little difficult unless he had some help…
Ending the first call, he dialled another number and looked out of his window at the house he was parked in front of.
“Hi, Wes,” he said ever so sweetly, waving his fingers at the section of the house he knew his friend’s room was. “Can I come back inside?”
=====
Even though he knew Kurt didn’t believe in God, Blaine couldn’t help but feel that maybe, just maybe, some higher power was smiling down on him today. It was either that or he probably had a reserve of good karma stored away somewhere that he was now cashing in.
As he reached home after his second chat with Wes - and how productive that had been! Wes was a genius, he was certain, despite him telling Blaine that he didn’t want to see the younger boy again for the rest of the week - he found his mother standing under their front porch with Honey - the only other female he’d ever love.
His mom gestured for him to stay in the car and he rolled down the window to see what was up.
“Everything okay?” he asked, waving at Honey.
His mother sighed patiently. “Honey’s vet appointment today, remember? I wanted to tell you to take her with you, but you rushed out of the house while I was trying to tell you. What was so important anyway?”
Blaine blinked, suddenly feeling more than a little guilty for neglecting the only other friend he had that loved him unconditionally and didn’t judge him for being who he was. He was out of the car and gathering up the little golden Cocker Spaniel in his arms in seconds.
“I needed to see Wes about a project,” he said as the dog proceeded to lick his face thoroughly. “He doesn’t like dogs. Cat person.” He looked at Honey. “Let’s go for a drive and see the nice vet now, huh?”
He carried her around to the passenger side and got the door open before setting her down on the seat, gesturing for her to stay while he shut her in and got back in on the driver’s side. Having been trained by Blaine himself since she’d been a puppy, she simply sat on her haunches and watched him, tail wagging happily.
“Looks like we’re ready to go.” Blaine reached over and patted her head fondly.
“Remember to pick up a refill of her vitamins,” his mother said. “And don’t forget…”
“Mom,” he cut her off. “It’ll be fine. I’ll take care of her like I’ve always done.” He pulled out of the driveway and back on to the road, glancing at the golden ball of fur on his passenger seat. “You do forgive me, right?”
Honey pricked her ears forward and gave a soft whuff before licking her muzzle. Blaine smiled and looked back at the road. He’d have to vacuum the car later once everything was settled, because he doubted Kurt would take too kindly to dog fur on his clothes. It also occurred to him that Kurt and Honey had never met, and he couldn’t recall if he’d even told Kurt about her. Well, all that would soon have to change.
“You’ll love him, Honey,” he said. “And I know he’ll love you. I think he’s really good with animals, you should have seen the way he looked after Pavarotti.”
Honey made another small whuff and continued to watch him adoringly. This boy was her best friend - he always played with her and cuddled her, and gave her treats - though lately he hadn’t always been around.
Blaine seemed to sense this. “Oh I know I’ve not been around much, I’m sorry.” He tickled under her chin quickly. “It just got really busy with Regionals and suddenly I have a boyfriend now. Can you believe it? A boyfriend. And he’s the most amazing person I’ve ever known. I really want to pull off this surprise for him on Monday. It would mean so much to him, and it’d be a big step for both of us.” He glanced at her again. “Do you think I’m crazy?”
Honey wagged her tail and gave a little yip.
“Oh, thanks for the vote of confidence,” Blaine laughed to himself. “But next weekend, I’m taking you out to the park, and I’m asking Kurt to join us. I really want you two to meet.” He tapped the steering wheel. “I just need to make it past this weekend without him suspecting anything.”
Honey gave a whine and ducked her head, giving Blaine the impression that she was trying to help him think. The boy smiled warmly at her, then focused on the road as he turned on to the highway, remembering his second conversation with Wes… well, when Wes wasn’t threatening to twist his limbs into positions resembling a pretzel for disturbing his entire afternoon workout routine.
“Well, since you can’t tell a lie to save your life, especially to Kurt, then you’re going to have to find a way to make yourself indisposed for the rest of the weekend.”
Of course he hadn’t supplied any suggestions on exactly how Blaine could make himself indisposed, so he could honestly tell Kurt that he couldn’t see him this weekend. Therein lay the problem. He glanced at Honey again, and the little Spaniel looked back at him as if to say, don’t worry, the answer will come when you stop thinking so hard.
That was true, Blaine realized. Maybe he needed to stop thinking so much and let the idea come to him. It’d worked for him in the past, and even if not with the desired results, at least he could say he tried, and that his intentions had been good at the time.
The moment he stopped thinking, the idea came to him crisp and clear.
“You are as much a genius as Wes, Honey,” he said, leaning over and giving her a kiss on her furry head, before quickly making a gesture with his hand.
Honey understood and immediately lowered herself down on the seat, stretching out on her belly.
“Good girl,” he said and gripped the steering wheel. “Here goes nothing I guess.” He sighed. “The things I do for love.”
He pressed his foot down on the accelerator, absently picturing Kurt rolling his eyes at that last line of his. The needle on the speedometer crept up to the speed limit and he pushed down on the pedal a little more, steering as carefully as he could as the needle went over the legal numbers. Now all he had to do was wait.
Sure enough, not long after he shot past the patrol car, he heard sirens blare behind him, and a voice over a loudspeaker asking him to slow down and pull over. Trying not to smile, he drove for another minute before finally slowing and coming to a stop along the side of the road.
“It’s all up to you now, Honey,” he said as he fished out his paperwork and rolled down the window.
He waved his hand and as the officer - Ben Green, read his ID badge - looked into the car, Honey rolled onto her side and let out a pitiful whine. Officer Green raised an eyebrow and looked at Blaine, then at Honey, who whined again.
“Son, do you know how fast you were going?”
Blaine looked guilty - he was getting good at that. Of course he knew how fast he’d been going. “I’m sorry, Officer,” he said. “I’m taking my dog to the vet.” He waved his hand again to indicate Honey, who whined again and squirmed on the seat.
“Is she sick?” Officer Green asked.
“I’m not sure,” Blaine replied. “When I got home, my mom had her and told me I needed to take her to the vet right away.” Well, it was the truth. “When she started doing this…” another wave of his hand, and another whine from Honey, “I guess I panicked. I’m really sorry. I didn’t mean to break the speed limit.”
Blaine and Honey stared at Officer Green with hazel and brown eyes as wide as they could manage. The man’s expression softened and he sighed.
“Alright,” he said. “I’m letting you off with a warning, but I still need to see your license and registration, and I need to call your parents because you ARE a minor.”
“I totally understand,” Blaine said, passing the man his license and one of his dad’s business cards. “You can reach my dad at that number.”
Officer Green scribbled something down in a little notebook, then handed Blaine his license back. “Okay, get out of here, and drive safely. No speeding.”
“No, Sir. Thank you,” Blaine replied.
“I hope your dog’s okay,” Officer Green said. “She’s a beauty. You must really care for her.”
“She is, and I do. Have a good evening, Officer.” Blaine rolled up the window after putting his wallet away, started his car up again and pulled back onto the road.
Honey sat up with a whuff.
Blaine laughed. “If there was an acting category for dogs, you’d be nominated for Best Supporting Actress, Honey.” He kissed the dog on the head again. “I wonder if I could enrol you in acting classes.”
=====
The actual visit to the vet was of course uneventful, with the doctor proclaiming Honey to be perfectly healthy, and praising Blaine for taking such good care of her, because he’d never seen a dog as happy and healthy as her. Blaine just smiled and cuddled her.
“We look after each other,” he said.
After stocking up on Honey’s vitamins, and grabbing a bite to eat from the pet-friendly café next to the clinic, they headed home, and Blaine wondered, as he glanced at the darkening sky, if his idea had paid off.
They reached the Anderson residence a little after dark and Blaine noted grimly that his father was home. He parked his car behind his dad’s, and as soon as he cut the engine, the door opened. Blaine sighed and opened his door to let Honey out first. She jumped out, then turned back to look at him as he got out and locked the car.
He nodded at her, and she wagged her tail before turning and trotting into the house. Blaine followed a little slower. He knew what was coming, but that didn’t mean he liked hearing it, even if he had planned for it, so he took a breath and steeled himself.
“I had an interesting phone call,” his father said as he crossed the threshold into the house.
Blaine chose not to say anything. It would be over faster that way.
“An Officer Green called to say he had to pull my son over for speeding,” Mr. Anderson went on. “Care to explain what that was all about?”
Not really, no, Blaine thought. He shrugged. “I was in a hurry.” He turned to go up the stairs.
“In a hurry?!” his father spat back at him. “Do you want to kill people now?”
Blaine blinked. “If he thought I was driving fast enough to kill people, he would have arrested me. He let me off with a warning.” He looked at his father. “He let it go. Now can you let it go? It wont happen again.”
“You’re damned right it won’t.” Mr. Anderson caught hold of his son’s wrist rather tightly and yanked the car keys out of his hand. Blaine, for his part, let it go without too much of a fight. “You are grounded for the rest of the weekend, till school starts on Monday. No going out… and no friends over to visit either.”
Blaine frowned a bit at the way his father said the word ‘friends’. There was no mistaking who he meant. He wrenched his hand free, knowing his wrist was going to bruise later.
“Whatever.”
He turned and headed up the stairs to his room, smiling grimly as he went, with Honey following close behind. Mission accomplished, he thought as he shut himself in his room. Now all he had to do was break the news to Kurt. He hated letting his boyfriend down, but he knew that what he had planned for Monday would make up for it. Seeing that smile was totally worth any punishment his father could dish out.
He spent most of Sunday in his room, with Honey for company. Kurt, as expected, had been disappointed at the sudden cancellation of their plans, and he had chastised Blaine for being careless, though he was a lot more understanding and gentle about it than his dad had been.
On the plus side, he was finally able to tell Kurt about Honey, and Kurt had sounded genuinely curious about her and was quite interested to meet her next weekend - as long as Blaine didn’t go driving like a maniac and get himself grounded again. Blaine pouted, Kurt laughed, and Blaine ended up snapping a picture of himself and Honey before sending it over to Kurt.
Kurt called her a princess and then said Finn was kidnapping him for some brother time since he was no longer meeting Blaine. Blaine wished him the best of luck and hung up, flopping back on his bed and missing him already. Monday would be worth it, he told himself over and over. Tomorrow would be worth it.
Honey, sensing his unhappiness, jumped up and snuggled on the bed beside him, resting her head on his stomach and wagging her tail when Blaine scratched her ears.
“Y’know, you could be playing outside in the back yard,” he told her, though he knew her better. “You don’t have to be here watching me mope.” She licked his hand and he smiled. “Thanks though.”
Whatever happened tomorrow, he was buying Honey a whole steak to treat her for putting up with all his shenanigans.
=====
“My weekend? It was a bust really. I didn’t get to see Blaine at all because the adorable idiot got himself grounded for speeding,” Kurt replied as he walked into the choir room with Mercedes on his arm.
They were some of the last to arrive and took their usual spots on the topmost row of seats, too absorbed in their conversation to pay any attention to the rest of the group.
Mr Schuester was bent over the grand piano - which was open - and tuning something, and the others were all absorbed in their own chatter and gossip.
“Speeding?” Mercedes asked incredulously. “But he’s, like, the most careful driver I know, after you.”
“I know, right?!” Kurt waved his hand dramatically. “He said he was taking his dog to the vet.”
“He has a dog?”
“I didn’t know either, but yes, he does. He sent me a picture yesterday.” He fished out his phone, found the photograph and showed it to Mercedes. “She’s almost as adorable as he is.”
“Aww, that’s cute,” Mercedes cooed.
“Blaine said he wants me to meet her next weekend,” Kurt replied. “I’m really looking forward to it. I kinda miss him and- ohhh my god!”
Kurt, along with everyone else in the room, almost jumped out of his seat when an angry chord burst out of the grand piano, and all heads turned to look in its direction, and at Mr Schuester who seemed to be the only one not startled by the sudden outburst. Kurt frowned as music continued to play. It didn’t sound like anything Mr. Piano Man usually played.
Ain’t no sunshine when he’s gone
It’s not warm when he’s away
Kurt’s jaw fell open. He knew that voice.
No. It couldn’t be. He was at Dalton… He couldn’t be HERE!
Ain’t no sunshine when he’s gone
He’s always gone too long, anytime he goes away…
“Oh, my god…” was all Kurt could manage, even as the rest of New Directions got over their shock and started to bop along to the music and the rich melodic voice that came from behind the piano - a voice that Kurt could not BELIEVE he was hearing.
He sat up straighter, trying to look over the the piano to see if it really was him and he was not hallucinating.
Wonder this time where he’s gone
Wonder if he’s gonna stay
Ain’t no sunshine when he’s gone
This house just ain’t a home
Anytime he goes away…
Kurt looked around to see the other members of New Directions look either puzzled or pleased. Artie had gotten into the groove of the song itself and he and Puck started to harmonize and help the singer out as he echoed on the words
I know, I know, I know, I know…
Then Blaine stood, revealing himself, and let Brad take over the playing as he came around the piano and faced the whole group.
Rachel grinned and had to refrain from clapping her hands together, Mercedes smirked, Tina giggled, the ex-Cheerios looked mildly amused, and Lauren looked perversely pleased. Finn shifted uncomfortably, Mike and Sam looked a little confused, and Artie and Puck continued to sing backup.
Blaine though… Blaine had eyes only for Kurt.
Hey I oughtta leave the young thing alone
But ain’t no sunshine when he’s gone
Kurt noticed immediately that Blaine was not wearing his Dalton uniform, even as the dark-haired boy locked eyes with him and stretched a hand out to him, dramatically imploring,
Only darkness still remains
Ain’t no sunshine when he’s gone
This house just ain’t a home, anytime he goes away
Blaine dropped his head back slightly to hit the higher notes, and Kurt could just about hear the passion in his voice, even as he felt his own cheeks start to burn.
A few more of the New Directions started to join in Artie and Puck’s harmony. Mike stood up to bust a few impromptu dance moves behind Blaine, and the former cheerleaders started to clap in time to encourage the new performer.
Kurt thought… Kurt had eyes only for Blaine.
Ain’t no sunshine when he’s gone
It’s not warm when he’s away
Blaine took a few steps towards his rather stunned and wide-eyed boyfriend, noting with a little satisfaction that he seemed to be holding his breath, and that flush of pink on his cheeks that made him look SO adorable sort of made up for his entire Sunday of isolation.
Ain’t no sunshine when he’s gone
And he’s always gone too long
Anytime he goes away
He started to repeat the last line, and his backup singers immediately took up the cue and started to help him out. Blaine stopped singing as they trailed off, and for a brief moment there was silence in the choir room, broken only when Kurt finally exhaled.
Blaine smiled.
Kurt exploded.
“Blaine Anderson! WHAT the HELL are you doing here?!”
Before Blaine could reply, Mr. Schuester stepped forward.
“Gang, let’s welcome the newest member of New Directions!” he announced, clapping the smaller boy on the shoulder.
The rest of the group cheered. Kurt stared at him. Blaine ignored them and took another step towards his boyfriend.
“Kurt? Are you okay?”
“What do you think you’re doing?!” Kurt hissed. “You’re supposed to be at Dalton! Your future is at Dalton! You can’t throw all that away for this!” he waved his arms wildly to take in the room and the whole of McKinley.
Blaine smiled gently at him. “Kurt, my entire life I’ve had people try and plan things for me. My dad, the bullies at my old school - they all tried to dictate what direction I should take for my future.” He shrugged. “Being at Dalton, meeting you, it put a lot of things in perspective. I’m taking charge of my own future, and I want you in it.”
A chorus of “awww” went around the room and Kurt glared at them all before looking back at Blaine.
“Are you sure this is what you want? It’s tougher here. There’s no… policy… here.”
Blaine nodded. “I’m not running away anymore. I’m done hiding. Besides, we’re best when we’re together.”
“Oh god, Blaine Anderson, you are such a sap!” Kurt face-palmed with a groan. Then he stood up and launched himself into his boyfriend’s arms. “But I love you anyway.”
The room broke out into whistles and catcalls, and some gagging sounds from Puck (that was quickly followed by a girls’ chorus of “shut it, Puckerman.”), but neither boy paid any attention as they exchanged a quick kiss.
Mr. Schuester chose that moment to step in and take back control of the classroom again, while Kurt led Blaine over to a seat between himself and Mercedes.
“So I take it you approve?” Blaine asked.
“Why didn’t you tell me you were planning this?” Kurt asked in a whisper as Mr. Schuester started to talk about Nationals.
“Because I wanted to surprise you, dummy,” Blaine grinned. “Did it work?”
“What do you think?”
“I’m glad.”
“So does that mean you lied to me about getting grounded for speeding?”
Blaine colored a nice candy-apple red. “No… no, I really did get grounded for speeding.”
Kurt raised an eyebrow. “Explain.”
“Well, you know I can’t lie to you. I didn’t want to lie to you. So I needed to make something happen that would legitimately take me out of the game for one day.”
Mercedes shook in her seat with silent laughter as Kurt stared at him in disbelief.
“You could have gotten into an accident! You could have been arrested! And all because you wanted to serenade me?! Oh, my god, Blaine! Why are you such a dork?!”
Blaine just smiled and rested his head on Kurt’s shoulder. “You were worth it.”
Kurt shook his head and wrapped an arm around his shoulders. “Unromantic, my ass,” he said fondly.
=====
If there’s one thing Blaine Anderson cannot do, it’s lie. He’s not too sure why either, but maybe it doesn’t matter, because he’s gotten to this point - where he has the best boyfriend in the world - just by being his usual honest self.
And that’s all he can ask for.
~END.
Please enjoy! Just to note though, I've entered the Klaine Big Bang, so any more fic might come at a slower rate than usual while I work on the monster story.
Title: The Best Policy
Rating: G
Pairings: Klaine
Spoilers: References to future episodes
Warnings: Fluff, and Blaine being a dork.
Word Count: 4,431 approx
Summary: Blaine wants to surprise Kurt. Blaine is incapable of lying to Kurt. Blaine comes up with a plan.
Note: This was supposed to be a short, cracky one-shot. Blaine had other ideas.
The Best Policy
If there’s one thing Blaine Anderson cannot do, it’s lie. He’s not too sure why either. Maybe it’s because of those big, warm hazel eyes betraying every dishonest thought that flits past them, or perhaps it’s his deer-in-headlights expression and that traitorous blush that appears every time he’s caught in one.
Either way, Blaine Anderson finds it very hard to tell a lie.
Normally, of course, that was a good thing. It meant he could be trusted; it meant his adorable boyfriend could open up and tell him things that he would never tell anyone else; it meant their relationship was honest.
The only time it became a problem was whenever Blaine got it into his head that he wanted to surprise Kurt. Even innocent little white lies that he needed to tell in order to throw Kurt off the scent so he could spring the surprise successfully were soon all but found out if Kurt asked the right questions.
So it was that when his latest - and possibly greatest - opportunity came to surprise the object of his undying affection, he found himself wondering how he could possibly pull this off without Kurt suspecting that he was up to something.
Having spent much of his Saturday morning lying in his bed trying to think of something, he finally hauled himself down to his car, ignoring his mother shouting something at him, and drove out to see the one person he figured could help him…
=====
“You could have at least called,” a very bemused Wes greeted him at the door. “If I’d known it was you out here, I’d have carried on with my yoga routine.”
Guess that explained Wes’ unusual getup of yellow tank top and black cycling shorts.
“Good day to you, too,” Blaine said as he headed in past Wes, sans invitation, to the living room. “I have a problem.”
Wes rolled his eyes, sighed, shut the door and followed him. Wasn’t the first time Blaine had invited himself into the family home, wouldn’t be the last. He sat down in an armchair while Blaine flopped onto the large couch, all dishevelled hair and kicked-puppy eyes.
“How is that my problem?” Wes asked.
“Who else was I supposed to go to for help? You’re my favourite senior.” Now he was pouting.
He was fortunately spared an answer when the family maid came in with two cups of hot tea for them, and Blaine latched on to his cup as if it was a life raft. Wes thanked her and she left them alone.
“So what have you done now?”
“Why do you automatically assume I’ve done something?” Blaine just about whined. “Can’t I be in great need without you thinking the worst of me?”
Wes sipped his tea slowly, willing himself to be calm, this would all be over soon. “Blaine, please…”
“It’s Kurt.”
“Yes, I figured as much.”
“I always knew you were the smart one.”
“What about Kurt?” Wes debated banging his cup on the armrest and cursed himself for leaving his gavel back at school.
“I want to surprise him.” Blaine looked eager.
Wes simply drank more tea and prayed it wouldn’t involve himself singing some sex song in public. It was going to be a long day…
Four hours later, he slammed the front door closed and headed back upstairs to resume and possibly extend his yoga routine while Blaine all but skipped to his car feeling much happier and relieved than he had been earlier that morning.
Settling himself in his car, he took out his phone and made a call to the number he and Wes found courtesy of the latter’s hacking skills. Blaine swore Wes was going to be recruited by the Pentagon one day.
“Hi! I know you don’t really know me, so this comes as a bit of a surprise,” he said cheerfully. “My name’s Blaine Anderson. I believe you know Kurt Hummel, my boyfriend.” He grinned at the sound of surprise on the other end. “Yeah, I was hoping you could do me a really big favour.”
Gripping the phone tighter, he pumped his fist in the air triumphantly as he started to explain the details of his plan. Phase one was complete. Now all he had to do to ensure phase two was a success was to avoid Kurt for the rest of the weekend - something that was going to prove a little difficult unless he had some help…
Ending the first call, he dialled another number and looked out of his window at the house he was parked in front of.
“Hi, Wes,” he said ever so sweetly, waving his fingers at the section of the house he knew his friend’s room was. “Can I come back inside?”
=====
Even though he knew Kurt didn’t believe in God, Blaine couldn’t help but feel that maybe, just maybe, some higher power was smiling down on him today. It was either that or he probably had a reserve of good karma stored away somewhere that he was now cashing in.
As he reached home after his second chat with Wes - and how productive that had been! Wes was a genius, he was certain, despite him telling Blaine that he didn’t want to see the younger boy again for the rest of the week - he found his mother standing under their front porch with Honey - the only other female he’d ever love.
His mom gestured for him to stay in the car and he rolled down the window to see what was up.
“Everything okay?” he asked, waving at Honey.
His mother sighed patiently. “Honey’s vet appointment today, remember? I wanted to tell you to take her with you, but you rushed out of the house while I was trying to tell you. What was so important anyway?”
Blaine blinked, suddenly feeling more than a little guilty for neglecting the only other friend he had that loved him unconditionally and didn’t judge him for being who he was. He was out of the car and gathering up the little golden Cocker Spaniel in his arms in seconds.
“I needed to see Wes about a project,” he said as the dog proceeded to lick his face thoroughly. “He doesn’t like dogs. Cat person.” He looked at Honey. “Let’s go for a drive and see the nice vet now, huh?”
He carried her around to the passenger side and got the door open before setting her down on the seat, gesturing for her to stay while he shut her in and got back in on the driver’s side. Having been trained by Blaine himself since she’d been a puppy, she simply sat on her haunches and watched him, tail wagging happily.
“Looks like we’re ready to go.” Blaine reached over and patted her head fondly.
“Remember to pick up a refill of her vitamins,” his mother said. “And don’t forget…”
“Mom,” he cut her off. “It’ll be fine. I’ll take care of her like I’ve always done.” He pulled out of the driveway and back on to the road, glancing at the golden ball of fur on his passenger seat. “You do forgive me, right?”
Honey pricked her ears forward and gave a soft whuff before licking her muzzle. Blaine smiled and looked back at the road. He’d have to vacuum the car later once everything was settled, because he doubted Kurt would take too kindly to dog fur on his clothes. It also occurred to him that Kurt and Honey had never met, and he couldn’t recall if he’d even told Kurt about her. Well, all that would soon have to change.
“You’ll love him, Honey,” he said. “And I know he’ll love you. I think he’s really good with animals, you should have seen the way he looked after Pavarotti.”
Honey made another small whuff and continued to watch him adoringly. This boy was her best friend - he always played with her and cuddled her, and gave her treats - though lately he hadn’t always been around.
Blaine seemed to sense this. “Oh I know I’ve not been around much, I’m sorry.” He tickled under her chin quickly. “It just got really busy with Regionals and suddenly I have a boyfriend now. Can you believe it? A boyfriend. And he’s the most amazing person I’ve ever known. I really want to pull off this surprise for him on Monday. It would mean so much to him, and it’d be a big step for both of us.” He glanced at her again. “Do you think I’m crazy?”
Honey wagged her tail and gave a little yip.
“Oh, thanks for the vote of confidence,” Blaine laughed to himself. “But next weekend, I’m taking you out to the park, and I’m asking Kurt to join us. I really want you two to meet.” He tapped the steering wheel. “I just need to make it past this weekend without him suspecting anything.”
Honey gave a whine and ducked her head, giving Blaine the impression that she was trying to help him think. The boy smiled warmly at her, then focused on the road as he turned on to the highway, remembering his second conversation with Wes… well, when Wes wasn’t threatening to twist his limbs into positions resembling a pretzel for disturbing his entire afternoon workout routine.
“Well, since you can’t tell a lie to save your life, especially to Kurt, then you’re going to have to find a way to make yourself indisposed for the rest of the weekend.”
Of course he hadn’t supplied any suggestions on exactly how Blaine could make himself indisposed, so he could honestly tell Kurt that he couldn’t see him this weekend. Therein lay the problem. He glanced at Honey again, and the little Spaniel looked back at him as if to say, don’t worry, the answer will come when you stop thinking so hard.
That was true, Blaine realized. Maybe he needed to stop thinking so much and let the idea come to him. It’d worked for him in the past, and even if not with the desired results, at least he could say he tried, and that his intentions had been good at the time.
The moment he stopped thinking, the idea came to him crisp and clear.
“You are as much a genius as Wes, Honey,” he said, leaning over and giving her a kiss on her furry head, before quickly making a gesture with his hand.
Honey understood and immediately lowered herself down on the seat, stretching out on her belly.
“Good girl,” he said and gripped the steering wheel. “Here goes nothing I guess.” He sighed. “The things I do for love.”
He pressed his foot down on the accelerator, absently picturing Kurt rolling his eyes at that last line of his. The needle on the speedometer crept up to the speed limit and he pushed down on the pedal a little more, steering as carefully as he could as the needle went over the legal numbers. Now all he had to do was wait.
Sure enough, not long after he shot past the patrol car, he heard sirens blare behind him, and a voice over a loudspeaker asking him to slow down and pull over. Trying not to smile, he drove for another minute before finally slowing and coming to a stop along the side of the road.
“It’s all up to you now, Honey,” he said as he fished out his paperwork and rolled down the window.
He waved his hand and as the officer - Ben Green, read his ID badge - looked into the car, Honey rolled onto her side and let out a pitiful whine. Officer Green raised an eyebrow and looked at Blaine, then at Honey, who whined again.
“Son, do you know how fast you were going?”
Blaine looked guilty - he was getting good at that. Of course he knew how fast he’d been going. “I’m sorry, Officer,” he said. “I’m taking my dog to the vet.” He waved his hand again to indicate Honey, who whined again and squirmed on the seat.
“Is she sick?” Officer Green asked.
“I’m not sure,” Blaine replied. “When I got home, my mom had her and told me I needed to take her to the vet right away.” Well, it was the truth. “When she started doing this…” another wave of his hand, and another whine from Honey, “I guess I panicked. I’m really sorry. I didn’t mean to break the speed limit.”
Blaine and Honey stared at Officer Green with hazel and brown eyes as wide as they could manage. The man’s expression softened and he sighed.
“Alright,” he said. “I’m letting you off with a warning, but I still need to see your license and registration, and I need to call your parents because you ARE a minor.”
“I totally understand,” Blaine said, passing the man his license and one of his dad’s business cards. “You can reach my dad at that number.”
Officer Green scribbled something down in a little notebook, then handed Blaine his license back. “Okay, get out of here, and drive safely. No speeding.”
“No, Sir. Thank you,” Blaine replied.
“I hope your dog’s okay,” Officer Green said. “She’s a beauty. You must really care for her.”
“She is, and I do. Have a good evening, Officer.” Blaine rolled up the window after putting his wallet away, started his car up again and pulled back onto the road.
Honey sat up with a whuff.
Blaine laughed. “If there was an acting category for dogs, you’d be nominated for Best Supporting Actress, Honey.” He kissed the dog on the head again. “I wonder if I could enrol you in acting classes.”
=====
The actual visit to the vet was of course uneventful, with the doctor proclaiming Honey to be perfectly healthy, and praising Blaine for taking such good care of her, because he’d never seen a dog as happy and healthy as her. Blaine just smiled and cuddled her.
“We look after each other,” he said.
After stocking up on Honey’s vitamins, and grabbing a bite to eat from the pet-friendly café next to the clinic, they headed home, and Blaine wondered, as he glanced at the darkening sky, if his idea had paid off.
They reached the Anderson residence a little after dark and Blaine noted grimly that his father was home. He parked his car behind his dad’s, and as soon as he cut the engine, the door opened. Blaine sighed and opened his door to let Honey out first. She jumped out, then turned back to look at him as he got out and locked the car.
He nodded at her, and she wagged her tail before turning and trotting into the house. Blaine followed a little slower. He knew what was coming, but that didn’t mean he liked hearing it, even if he had planned for it, so he took a breath and steeled himself.
“I had an interesting phone call,” his father said as he crossed the threshold into the house.
Blaine chose not to say anything. It would be over faster that way.
“An Officer Green called to say he had to pull my son over for speeding,” Mr. Anderson went on. “Care to explain what that was all about?”
Not really, no, Blaine thought. He shrugged. “I was in a hurry.” He turned to go up the stairs.
“In a hurry?!” his father spat back at him. “Do you want to kill people now?”
Blaine blinked. “If he thought I was driving fast enough to kill people, he would have arrested me. He let me off with a warning.” He looked at his father. “He let it go. Now can you let it go? It wont happen again.”
“You’re damned right it won’t.” Mr. Anderson caught hold of his son’s wrist rather tightly and yanked the car keys out of his hand. Blaine, for his part, let it go without too much of a fight. “You are grounded for the rest of the weekend, till school starts on Monday. No going out… and no friends over to visit either.”
Blaine frowned a bit at the way his father said the word ‘friends’. There was no mistaking who he meant. He wrenched his hand free, knowing his wrist was going to bruise later.
“Whatever.”
He turned and headed up the stairs to his room, smiling grimly as he went, with Honey following close behind. Mission accomplished, he thought as he shut himself in his room. Now all he had to do was break the news to Kurt. He hated letting his boyfriend down, but he knew that what he had planned for Monday would make up for it. Seeing that smile was totally worth any punishment his father could dish out.
He spent most of Sunday in his room, with Honey for company. Kurt, as expected, had been disappointed at the sudden cancellation of their plans, and he had chastised Blaine for being careless, though he was a lot more understanding and gentle about it than his dad had been.
On the plus side, he was finally able to tell Kurt about Honey, and Kurt had sounded genuinely curious about her and was quite interested to meet her next weekend - as long as Blaine didn’t go driving like a maniac and get himself grounded again. Blaine pouted, Kurt laughed, and Blaine ended up snapping a picture of himself and Honey before sending it over to Kurt.
Kurt called her a princess and then said Finn was kidnapping him for some brother time since he was no longer meeting Blaine. Blaine wished him the best of luck and hung up, flopping back on his bed and missing him already. Monday would be worth it, he told himself over and over. Tomorrow would be worth it.
Honey, sensing his unhappiness, jumped up and snuggled on the bed beside him, resting her head on his stomach and wagging her tail when Blaine scratched her ears.
“Y’know, you could be playing outside in the back yard,” he told her, though he knew her better. “You don’t have to be here watching me mope.” She licked his hand and he smiled. “Thanks though.”
Whatever happened tomorrow, he was buying Honey a whole steak to treat her for putting up with all his shenanigans.
=====
“My weekend? It was a bust really. I didn’t get to see Blaine at all because the adorable idiot got himself grounded for speeding,” Kurt replied as he walked into the choir room with Mercedes on his arm.
They were some of the last to arrive and took their usual spots on the topmost row of seats, too absorbed in their conversation to pay any attention to the rest of the group.
Mr Schuester was bent over the grand piano - which was open - and tuning something, and the others were all absorbed in their own chatter and gossip.
“Speeding?” Mercedes asked incredulously. “But he’s, like, the most careful driver I know, after you.”
“I know, right?!” Kurt waved his hand dramatically. “He said he was taking his dog to the vet.”
“He has a dog?”
“I didn’t know either, but yes, he does. He sent me a picture yesterday.” He fished out his phone, found the photograph and showed it to Mercedes. “She’s almost as adorable as he is.”
“Aww, that’s cute,” Mercedes cooed.
“Blaine said he wants me to meet her next weekend,” Kurt replied. “I’m really looking forward to it. I kinda miss him and- ohhh my god!”
Kurt, along with everyone else in the room, almost jumped out of his seat when an angry chord burst out of the grand piano, and all heads turned to look in its direction, and at Mr Schuester who seemed to be the only one not startled by the sudden outburst. Kurt frowned as music continued to play. It didn’t sound like anything Mr. Piano Man usually played.
Ain’t no sunshine when he’s gone
It’s not warm when he’s away
Kurt’s jaw fell open. He knew that voice.
No. It couldn’t be. He was at Dalton… He couldn’t be HERE!
Ain’t no sunshine when he’s gone
He’s always gone too long, anytime he goes away…
“Oh, my god…” was all Kurt could manage, even as the rest of New Directions got over their shock and started to bop along to the music and the rich melodic voice that came from behind the piano - a voice that Kurt could not BELIEVE he was hearing.
He sat up straighter, trying to look over the the piano to see if it really was him and he was not hallucinating.
Wonder this time where he’s gone
Wonder if he’s gonna stay
Ain’t no sunshine when he’s gone
This house just ain’t a home
Anytime he goes away…
Kurt looked around to see the other members of New Directions look either puzzled or pleased. Artie had gotten into the groove of the song itself and he and Puck started to harmonize and help the singer out as he echoed on the words
I know, I know, I know, I know…
Then Blaine stood, revealing himself, and let Brad take over the playing as he came around the piano and faced the whole group.
Rachel grinned and had to refrain from clapping her hands together, Mercedes smirked, Tina giggled, the ex-Cheerios looked mildly amused, and Lauren looked perversely pleased. Finn shifted uncomfortably, Mike and Sam looked a little confused, and Artie and Puck continued to sing backup.
Blaine though… Blaine had eyes only for Kurt.
Hey I oughtta leave the young thing alone
But ain’t no sunshine when he’s gone
Kurt noticed immediately that Blaine was not wearing his Dalton uniform, even as the dark-haired boy locked eyes with him and stretched a hand out to him, dramatically imploring,
Only darkness still remains
Ain’t no sunshine when he’s gone
This house just ain’t a home, anytime he goes away
Blaine dropped his head back slightly to hit the higher notes, and Kurt could just about hear the passion in his voice, even as he felt his own cheeks start to burn.
A few more of the New Directions started to join in Artie and Puck’s harmony. Mike stood up to bust a few impromptu dance moves behind Blaine, and the former cheerleaders started to clap in time to encourage the new performer.
Kurt thought… Kurt had eyes only for Blaine.
Ain’t no sunshine when he’s gone
It’s not warm when he’s away
Blaine took a few steps towards his rather stunned and wide-eyed boyfriend, noting with a little satisfaction that he seemed to be holding his breath, and that flush of pink on his cheeks that made him look SO adorable sort of made up for his entire Sunday of isolation.
Ain’t no sunshine when he’s gone
And he’s always gone too long
Anytime he goes away
He started to repeat the last line, and his backup singers immediately took up the cue and started to help him out. Blaine stopped singing as they trailed off, and for a brief moment there was silence in the choir room, broken only when Kurt finally exhaled.
Blaine smiled.
Kurt exploded.
“Blaine Anderson! WHAT the HELL are you doing here?!”
Before Blaine could reply, Mr. Schuester stepped forward.
“Gang, let’s welcome the newest member of New Directions!” he announced, clapping the smaller boy on the shoulder.
The rest of the group cheered. Kurt stared at him. Blaine ignored them and took another step towards his boyfriend.
“Kurt? Are you okay?”
“What do you think you’re doing?!” Kurt hissed. “You’re supposed to be at Dalton! Your future is at Dalton! You can’t throw all that away for this!” he waved his arms wildly to take in the room and the whole of McKinley.
Blaine smiled gently at him. “Kurt, my entire life I’ve had people try and plan things for me. My dad, the bullies at my old school - they all tried to dictate what direction I should take for my future.” He shrugged. “Being at Dalton, meeting you, it put a lot of things in perspective. I’m taking charge of my own future, and I want you in it.”
A chorus of “awww” went around the room and Kurt glared at them all before looking back at Blaine.
“Are you sure this is what you want? It’s tougher here. There’s no… policy… here.”
Blaine nodded. “I’m not running away anymore. I’m done hiding. Besides, we’re best when we’re together.”
“Oh god, Blaine Anderson, you are such a sap!” Kurt face-palmed with a groan. Then he stood up and launched himself into his boyfriend’s arms. “But I love you anyway.”
The room broke out into whistles and catcalls, and some gagging sounds from Puck (that was quickly followed by a girls’ chorus of “shut it, Puckerman.”), but neither boy paid any attention as they exchanged a quick kiss.
Mr. Schuester chose that moment to step in and take back control of the classroom again, while Kurt led Blaine over to a seat between himself and Mercedes.
“So I take it you approve?” Blaine asked.
“Why didn’t you tell me you were planning this?” Kurt asked in a whisper as Mr. Schuester started to talk about Nationals.
“Because I wanted to surprise you, dummy,” Blaine grinned. “Did it work?”
“What do you think?”
“I’m glad.”
“So does that mean you lied to me about getting grounded for speeding?”
Blaine colored a nice candy-apple red. “No… no, I really did get grounded for speeding.”
Kurt raised an eyebrow. “Explain.”
“Well, you know I can’t lie to you. I didn’t want to lie to you. So I needed to make something happen that would legitimately take me out of the game for one day.”
Mercedes shook in her seat with silent laughter as Kurt stared at him in disbelief.
“You could have gotten into an accident! You could have been arrested! And all because you wanted to serenade me?! Oh, my god, Blaine! Why are you such a dork?!”
Blaine just smiled and rested his head on Kurt’s shoulder. “You were worth it.”
Kurt shook his head and wrapped an arm around his shoulders. “Unromantic, my ass,” he said fondly.
=====
If there’s one thing Blaine Anderson cannot do, it’s lie. He’s not too sure why either, but maybe it doesn’t matter, because he’s gotten to this point - where he has the best boyfriend in the world - just by being his usual honest self.
And that’s all he can ask for.
~END.
Please enjoy! Just to note though, I've entered the Klaine Big Bang, so any more fic might come at a slower rate than usual while I work on the monster story.