Absence and the Heart (3b/10)
Media: Fanfic
Title: Absence and the Heart (3b/10)
Rating: PG
Pairings: Klaine
Other Characters: Wes, Jeff, Nick, and all the other named Warblers (because I'm not ready to let them go yet)
Spoilers: Up to s2e19
Warnings: Fluff, angst
Word Count: 2,820 approx
Summary: Blaine copes with the first ten days of not having Kurt around every moment of the day; the Warblers cope with Blaine.
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3a
Saturday continues
The change of environment actually does him some good and he’s able to finish writing the arrangement for one of his chosen songs. Logan and David approve when he shows them the finished score and David tilts his head as he reads through the music.
“Blaine, do you know you wrote two lead melodies for this song?” he asks.
He looks up and nods. “Yeah. I meant what I said before Regionals y’know. I don’t want to silence anyone else’s voice. So I wrote two melodies for upper and lower register voices, in case anyone wants to audition for a solo.”
David skims through the lyrics and he thinks he knows why Blaine really wrote two leads, but he says nothing and just nods. “Let’s hope we actually have people gutsy enough to challenge you for solos.” He hands the scores back.
“Nick and Jeff might step up,” Blaine says. “They got pretty close the last time before Sectionals.”
“Seems like a lifetime ago doesn’t it?” Logan asks.
Blaine looks down at the music. “Yeah… a whole different lifetime…”
David pats his knee, then stands and offers a hand to Blaine. Logan takes this as his cue to steady Blaine around the waist as the other boy clasps David’s hand and climbs to his feet unsteadily, gingerly putting weight on his left ankle.
“Better?” David asks.
“A little,” he replies.
Neither of them seeks to clarify if they were referring to Blaine’s ankle or his heart.
He’s back in his room for the evening and sorting through some laundry that’s just come back from the school’s Laundromat. Sure it’s a little more expensive to have the school do it, but Blaine figures since his parents are always working, they can afford the little extra cost. Plus, he saves on gas when he doesn’t drive back so he supposes it all evens out.
After David and Logan walked him back, he’d managed to take a shower and re-tie the bandage around his foot somewhat decently (he’d never be as good with it as David). Now he sat folding shirts and sweaters so he could put them back in his closet.
He’s fully expecting to spend this Saturday night alone in his room, so he jumps slightly when a loud rap sounds on his door.
“Come in?” he calls, puzzled.
He’s even more puzzled when Jeff, Nick and Logan walk in, their arms laden with various sized boxes in an array of colors, which they proceed to dump on the floor at the foot of his bed.
“Okay, what’s going on?” he asks, looking from the boxes to his fellow Warblers. “And what are you guys doing here? You should all be home.”
Logan drops into Blaine’s chair and spins around slowly in front of the desk. “David usually gives me a ride home. Since he’s not going home this weekend, I’m not either.”
Jeff shrugs. “Forgot to top up the gas in the car.”
Nick blinks for a moment. “Oh… I have relatives staying over. Not enough room in the house.”
Blaine eyes them all suspiciously. “Right.” He looks over at the floor. “And what’s with all those?”
“Well, it’s a Saturday night,” Jeff says. “We could either spend it alone or spend it together. I figured together might be more fun, so Nick and I raided the rec-room for some games and here we are.”
“We also ordered pizza,” Logan grins knowingly at him and is rewarded when Blaine’s eyes widen just that little bit. “It’s your favourite comfort food right?”
The other boy nods, instantly forgiving the other boys for barging in on his plans to be depressed and lonely tonight, and for sacrificing their weekends to make sure he wouldn’t be alone. He knows they didn’t have to, but he knows better to call them on it because knowing them, they’ll deny everything. Boy-pride and all that.
Nick and Jeff seat themselves on the floor and Blaine joins them, sitting sideways so he can stretch out a leg and rest his foot on a pillow.
“So what are we playing first?”
Logan grins and getting up he carefully steps over them and grabs a small, but heavy-looking box before joining the other three on the floor. Blaine can only laugh when he upends the box to reveal the tower of wooden blocks stacked upon one another. Logan’s grin widens knowingly, Jeff giggles and Nick looks puzzled.
“What joke did I miss?” he asks.
“Jenga Jenga Jenga J-J-Jenga” the other three harmonize.
Nick groans and facepalms. “So THAT’S where it came from.” He looks at Blaine. “What made you even think of it, honestly?”
“Thad and I were writing the arrangement in the rec-room that day, and we were looking for a two-syllable sound effect we could use for the harmonies. It was either that or Scrabble.”
Jeff pats Nick on the back. “Be grateful for the small mercies.”
The boy nods and then looks at the stack of blocks. “So who goes first?”
“As lead soloist, I’d say Lovebird can start us off,” Logan says.
Blaine carefully tugs out a block and puts it on the top of the stack. “Why do you guys insist on calling me that?”
“Because you are one,” Jeff says simply, going next in turn.
“And what does that make Kurt?” he asks.
The younger blond exchanges a look with Nick who quickly takes his turn before looking back at his best friend. Blaine eyes them both.
“We’re a little undecided between Turtledove and Nightingale,” Nick admits.
Logan only chuckles while he waits for Blaine to take his turn again. “I threw my vote in for Turtledove, just so you know. So did Wes and David, by the way,” he adds.
“Why do we even need nicknames?” Blaine asks as he pulls out a corner block and places it on top of the tower. “What’s wrong with using our real names? And why only the two of us? And where IS David?”
Jeff adds a block to the pile. “Because it’s fun for us… and what makes you think the rest of us don’t have nicknames?”
Nick nonchalantly takes his turn. “David is Condor.”
Blaine splutters.
“He’s in the physics lab busy working on your science project,” Logan tells him. “Don’t feel bad. He likes this kind of thing - being in control of putting things together. I know he’s kind of glad he got to partner with you so he has most of the say in what you guys do.”
“For which I am grateful because I had no idea what to do for that project at all. So if he wants to take the lead, he’s more than welcome to.”
“Have you texted Kurt?” Jeff asks.
He quirks an eyebrow at the blond. “He was out all day with some of the girls and Finn. He’s probably tired. I don’t want to disturb him.”
“Or… maybe he’s waiting to hear from you,” Nick suggests. “Stop being a gentleman and be a boyfriend, Blaine. There’s a reason turtledoves come in pairs.”
Blaine frowns a bit, trying to make sense of that while he reaches for his phone, mostly wanting to send out a text to appease his rather nosy friends, who are all looking at him expectantly.
7.07pm From Blaine:
How was your day? Any interesting finds?
They go back to their game until his phone beeps with an incoming message a few minutes later, and he’s not blind to Jeff’s grin that the reply has come so soon. He suspects Nick’s smirk is an unspoken ‘I told you so.’
7.10pm From Kurt:
Tiring. Trying to get Finn to venture out of his comfort zone can be challenging.
But we managed. Thanks to the girls in part.
Could have used you there though.
7.14pm From Blaine:
I promise to be there next time.
Sounds exhausting though. Get some rest.
I miss you.
The tower is teetering on the brink of falling over, so Blaine takes a while to study it and test the blocks before selecting his piece and carefully placing it on the top. The tower wobbles and the boys hold their breath, and in the middle of this Blaine’s phone beeps again. He checks it while Jeff tilts his head and tries to find a loose block.
7.28pm From Kurt:
I intend to, don’t worry.
How’s your ankle. Hope you’re resting.
They better be taking care of you.
7.31pm From Blaine:
Getting better. Yes, I’m resting, and yes they’re taking care of me :)
Some of them actually stayed back and Dalton this weekend to look after me.
I’m so touched. We’re playing Jenga :D
He taps the send button just as the lop-sided tower collapses with a crash of wooden blocks. Nick’s cringing and tosses the block he was holding on to the pile. The others just laugh at him and set about trying to rebuild it. Blaine sets his phone aside and reaches over to help them.
“How’s Kurt?” Logan asks.
“Judging by the smile on Blaine’s face, I’d say he’s doing okay,” Nick remarks.
Blaine only nods. “Shopping with Finn tired him out so I told him to go rest.” He checks his phone again to find another message.
7.42pm From Kurt:
Sounds fun. Say hi to them for me.
Carole’s calling me for dinner.
Look after that ankle!
Goodnight.
7.44pm From Blaine:
Goodnight, and sweet dreams!
xoxoxo
“Kurt says hi and goodnight,” he tells the others.
The boys smile warmly at that, albeit a bit sadly, even though they’re glad not to be forgotten. They love him, too, in their own way. Blaine can see it in their faces, and he has to wonder if… hope… New Directions appreciates him as much as the Warblers possibly still do. It would be a shame if they didn’t.
A knock on the door interrupts his musings.
“That’s either David come to join us, or the pizza,” Logan says, then blinks when he sees Blaine get to his feet, hopping on one foot. “Just what do you think you’re doing?”
Blaine gets his wallet and takes out some money before hobbling to the door. “Paying for the pizzas.” He shoots them all a warning look. “Don’t even think about it; it’s on me. You guys gave up your weekend to keep me company, don’t think I don’t realize. This is the least I can do to say thanks.”
He opens the door and then blinks up at the familiar-looking blond boy standing there. The boy stares back at him, partly in shock. Blaine remembers him as part of New Directions, and quickly tries to recall his name. Ah! There it is.
“Sam right? Hi… though you probably don’t remember me.”
The boy, Sam? nods. “Yeah. And yeah I do. Kurt’s boyfriend. Blaine. I remember you from Rachel’s party.”
“Not my finest hour.”
“And Regionals. You guys were good.”
“Thanks to Kurt mostly.” Blaine doesn’t ask why he’s delivering pizzas. He looks uncomfortable to be here as it is. Besides, it’s none of his business. “So… how much do I owe you?”
Sam blinks. “Oh. Right. Pizzas. Sorry.” He tells Blaine the cost and pockets the money the other boy gives him, noting the generous tip. “It was… it was nice seeing you again.”
“Yeah, you too.” Blaine takes the pizzas and hands them to Nick, who’s standing just behind him.
The blond turns to go, then pauses. “Kurt… he’s doing well. We’re all looking out for him to make sure what happened before doesn’t happen again.”
Blaine smiles. “I won’t lie, I’m glad to hear that. Thank you.”
Sam offers a small smile that doesn’t quite reach his eyes, and gives Blaine a small wave before turning to leave again. Blaine isn’t so oblivious that he doesn’t notice.
“Hey Sam?” The boy pauses again. “Are you okay? I mean, if there’s something you want to talk about. I know we’re not really friends, but… y’know…” Blaine gives a bit of a shrug. “I can be objective at least?”
This time it’s more of a real smile. “Thanks. I’ll… I’ll keep it in mind.” He starts to back up. “I need to go. Still on shift.”
“Oh, of course. Take care. Goodnight!”
He shuts the door after Sam leaves and turns to find the other three boys looking at him curiously, though they don’t ask him anything. He sits with them and picks up a slice of pizza - triple cheese and pepperoni, Kurt would kill him if he knew the amount of grease he was eating - and takes a bite, finishing the slice before answering the boys.
“Friend of Kurt’s from McKinley.”
“Cool,” Jeff says. “Why is he delivering pizzas?”
Blaine shrugs and helps himself to a second slice as the others tuck in, then sends Kurt a quick text.
8.23pm From Blaine:
Why is Sam delivering pizzas?
They’ve finished eating and Nick and Logan are clearing the pizza boxes, leaving him alone in the room with Jeff while they take the boxes to the garbage disposal area, when Kurt’s reply comes in.
8.51pm From Kurt:
They sent him to Dalton again?
8.52pm From Blaine:
Again?
Jeff frowns a bit when he sees Blaine frown at his phone. Blaine doesn’t seem to notice however, too busy texting Kurt for more information.
9.01pm From Kurt:
Kind of a long story. Tell you in person, mostly ‘cause it’s not my story to tell.
Just suffice that he needs the part-time job.
I’m trying to help him out where I can.
9.05pm From Blaine:
Okay. I understand.
I trust you, Kurt.
Hope things work out for Sam. He looked kind of down
9.07pm From Kurt:
We hope so, too.
Thanks for understanding.
He’s thankful Kurt can’t hear the sigh as he puts his phone away. Jeff does however and places a hand on his shoulder, just that little bit worried for his friend. He hasn’t seen Blaine this down since he first transferred to Dalton.
“Everything okay?” he asks the dark-haired boy. “Who was that guy earlier anyway? I know you said he was a friend of Kurt’s, but…?” he lets the question hang.
Blaine sighs and leans against Jeff’s shoulder. “Kurt had a little crush on him last year… and judging from what I saw, and what Kurt just told me, Sam’s in some kind of difficulty.” He holds up a hand to stop Jeff from interrupting. “I am NOT that insecure to think that there’s anything going on between them. I trust Kurt implicitly and from all accounts I know of, Sam’s straight… It’s just…”
Jeff nods. “You wish he’d show a bit of concern for you that he’s showing Sam? Because he doesn’t seem too worried about how you’re coping with this somewhat long-distance relationship?”
Blaine doesn’t answer because that’s partly true, isn’t it? Though he reminds himself that Kurt HAD been concerned about him twisting his ankle, and had wanted to come and see him, and it was Blaine who had told him not to. So really, he had no one to blame but himself for the way he was feeling. Kurt was being concerned for a friend, and he had no right to feel even the remotest bit bitter about it.
“I’m not accusing Kurt of neglecting you,” Jeff adds. “I know you, Blaine. You want him to think you’re okay, so he’ll be happy where he is and not regret going back to McKinley.” And leaving you here, he wants to add, but doesn’t.
“You know me too well,” Blaine says.
Jeff wraps an arm around his shoulders. “But of course! We’ve only been friends how many years now?” He grins that grin Blaine has always found cute in a completely platonic way. “I know you want to be Kurt’s knight in shining armor, but don’t forget to be Blaine. Kurt doesn’t need a knight anymore, but he does need you… and he needs you whole, and happy.”
“I’m trying. I really am. It’s just harder than I thought it would be, and Kurt makes it look so easy.”
“And you should know better than anyone that what looks easy isn’t always so. You’re both trying to be strong that maybe you’re both forgetting that it’s okay to be weak.”
Blaine sighs. “I can’t be weak for Kurt though. Not yet. He’s not even a week back and already it sounds like he’s swamped in drama. I have to try and be strong, at least for him, in case he needs me… in case Karofsky’s playing all of us.”
Jeff gives him a squeeze. “Then it’s a good thing you have all of us here to hold you up.”
“You always knew we’d get together in the end, didn’t you? He looks at Jeff. “Especially you.”
“It’s hard to deny what’s there right in front of you,” Jeff says.
And Blaine knows that, once again, he’s right.
=====
Chapter 4
Enjoy! Feedback welcome as always. Chapter 4 is coming up... ;)
I'm also thinking of doing complementary story with outtakes from this series that show Kurt's POV. What do you guys think?
Title: Absence and the Heart (3b/10)
Rating: PG
Pairings: Klaine
Other Characters: Wes, Jeff, Nick, and all the other named Warblers (because I'm not ready to let them go yet)
Spoilers: Up to s2e19
Warnings: Fluff, angst
Word Count: 2,820 approx
Summary: Blaine copes with the first ten days of not having Kurt around every moment of the day; the Warblers cope with Blaine.
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3a
Saturday continues
The change of environment actually does him some good and he’s able to finish writing the arrangement for one of his chosen songs. Logan and David approve when he shows them the finished score and David tilts his head as he reads through the music.
“Blaine, do you know you wrote two lead melodies for this song?” he asks.
He looks up and nods. “Yeah. I meant what I said before Regionals y’know. I don’t want to silence anyone else’s voice. So I wrote two melodies for upper and lower register voices, in case anyone wants to audition for a solo.”
David skims through the lyrics and he thinks he knows why Blaine really wrote two leads, but he says nothing and just nods. “Let’s hope we actually have people gutsy enough to challenge you for solos.” He hands the scores back.
“Nick and Jeff might step up,” Blaine says. “They got pretty close the last time before Sectionals.”
“Seems like a lifetime ago doesn’t it?” Logan asks.
Blaine looks down at the music. “Yeah… a whole different lifetime…”
David pats his knee, then stands and offers a hand to Blaine. Logan takes this as his cue to steady Blaine around the waist as the other boy clasps David’s hand and climbs to his feet unsteadily, gingerly putting weight on his left ankle.
“Better?” David asks.
“A little,” he replies.
Neither of them seeks to clarify if they were referring to Blaine’s ankle or his heart.
He’s back in his room for the evening and sorting through some laundry that’s just come back from the school’s Laundromat. Sure it’s a little more expensive to have the school do it, but Blaine figures since his parents are always working, they can afford the little extra cost. Plus, he saves on gas when he doesn’t drive back so he supposes it all evens out.
After David and Logan walked him back, he’d managed to take a shower and re-tie the bandage around his foot somewhat decently (he’d never be as good with it as David). Now he sat folding shirts and sweaters so he could put them back in his closet.
He’s fully expecting to spend this Saturday night alone in his room, so he jumps slightly when a loud rap sounds on his door.
“Come in?” he calls, puzzled.
He’s even more puzzled when Jeff, Nick and Logan walk in, their arms laden with various sized boxes in an array of colors, which they proceed to dump on the floor at the foot of his bed.
“Okay, what’s going on?” he asks, looking from the boxes to his fellow Warblers. “And what are you guys doing here? You should all be home.”
Logan drops into Blaine’s chair and spins around slowly in front of the desk. “David usually gives me a ride home. Since he’s not going home this weekend, I’m not either.”
Jeff shrugs. “Forgot to top up the gas in the car.”
Nick blinks for a moment. “Oh… I have relatives staying over. Not enough room in the house.”
Blaine eyes them all suspiciously. “Right.” He looks over at the floor. “And what’s with all those?”
“Well, it’s a Saturday night,” Jeff says. “We could either spend it alone or spend it together. I figured together might be more fun, so Nick and I raided the rec-room for some games and here we are.”
“We also ordered pizza,” Logan grins knowingly at him and is rewarded when Blaine’s eyes widen just that little bit. “It’s your favourite comfort food right?”
The other boy nods, instantly forgiving the other boys for barging in on his plans to be depressed and lonely tonight, and for sacrificing their weekends to make sure he wouldn’t be alone. He knows they didn’t have to, but he knows better to call them on it because knowing them, they’ll deny everything. Boy-pride and all that.
Nick and Jeff seat themselves on the floor and Blaine joins them, sitting sideways so he can stretch out a leg and rest his foot on a pillow.
“So what are we playing first?”
Logan grins and getting up he carefully steps over them and grabs a small, but heavy-looking box before joining the other three on the floor. Blaine can only laugh when he upends the box to reveal the tower of wooden blocks stacked upon one another. Logan’s grin widens knowingly, Jeff giggles and Nick looks puzzled.
“What joke did I miss?” he asks.
“Jenga Jenga Jenga J-J-Jenga” the other three harmonize.
Nick groans and facepalms. “So THAT’S where it came from.” He looks at Blaine. “What made you even think of it, honestly?”
“Thad and I were writing the arrangement in the rec-room that day, and we were looking for a two-syllable sound effect we could use for the harmonies. It was either that or Scrabble.”
Jeff pats Nick on the back. “Be grateful for the small mercies.”
The boy nods and then looks at the stack of blocks. “So who goes first?”
“As lead soloist, I’d say Lovebird can start us off,” Logan says.
Blaine carefully tugs out a block and puts it on the top of the stack. “Why do you guys insist on calling me that?”
“Because you are one,” Jeff says simply, going next in turn.
“And what does that make Kurt?” he asks.
The younger blond exchanges a look with Nick who quickly takes his turn before looking back at his best friend. Blaine eyes them both.
“We’re a little undecided between Turtledove and Nightingale,” Nick admits.
Logan only chuckles while he waits for Blaine to take his turn again. “I threw my vote in for Turtledove, just so you know. So did Wes and David, by the way,” he adds.
“Why do we even need nicknames?” Blaine asks as he pulls out a corner block and places it on top of the tower. “What’s wrong with using our real names? And why only the two of us? And where IS David?”
Jeff adds a block to the pile. “Because it’s fun for us… and what makes you think the rest of us don’t have nicknames?”
Nick nonchalantly takes his turn. “David is Condor.”
Blaine splutters.
“He’s in the physics lab busy working on your science project,” Logan tells him. “Don’t feel bad. He likes this kind of thing - being in control of putting things together. I know he’s kind of glad he got to partner with you so he has most of the say in what you guys do.”
“For which I am grateful because I had no idea what to do for that project at all. So if he wants to take the lead, he’s more than welcome to.”
“Have you texted Kurt?” Jeff asks.
He quirks an eyebrow at the blond. “He was out all day with some of the girls and Finn. He’s probably tired. I don’t want to disturb him.”
“Or… maybe he’s waiting to hear from you,” Nick suggests. “Stop being a gentleman and be a boyfriend, Blaine. There’s a reason turtledoves come in pairs.”
Blaine frowns a bit, trying to make sense of that while he reaches for his phone, mostly wanting to send out a text to appease his rather nosy friends, who are all looking at him expectantly.
7.07pm From Blaine:
How was your day? Any interesting finds?
They go back to their game until his phone beeps with an incoming message a few minutes later, and he’s not blind to Jeff’s grin that the reply has come so soon. He suspects Nick’s smirk is an unspoken ‘I told you so.’
7.10pm From Kurt:
Tiring. Trying to get Finn to venture out of his comfort zone can be challenging.
But we managed. Thanks to the girls in part.
Could have used you there though.
7.14pm From Blaine:
I promise to be there next time.
Sounds exhausting though. Get some rest.
I miss you.
The tower is teetering on the brink of falling over, so Blaine takes a while to study it and test the blocks before selecting his piece and carefully placing it on the top. The tower wobbles and the boys hold their breath, and in the middle of this Blaine’s phone beeps again. He checks it while Jeff tilts his head and tries to find a loose block.
7.28pm From Kurt:
I intend to, don’t worry.
How’s your ankle. Hope you’re resting.
They better be taking care of you.
7.31pm From Blaine:
Getting better. Yes, I’m resting, and yes they’re taking care of me :)
Some of them actually stayed back and Dalton this weekend to look after me.
I’m so touched. We’re playing Jenga :D
He taps the send button just as the lop-sided tower collapses with a crash of wooden blocks. Nick’s cringing and tosses the block he was holding on to the pile. The others just laugh at him and set about trying to rebuild it. Blaine sets his phone aside and reaches over to help them.
“How’s Kurt?” Logan asks.
“Judging by the smile on Blaine’s face, I’d say he’s doing okay,” Nick remarks.
Blaine only nods. “Shopping with Finn tired him out so I told him to go rest.” He checks his phone again to find another message.
7.42pm From Kurt:
Sounds fun. Say hi to them for me.
Carole’s calling me for dinner.
Look after that ankle!
Goodnight.
7.44pm From Blaine:
Goodnight, and sweet dreams!
xoxoxo
“Kurt says hi and goodnight,” he tells the others.
The boys smile warmly at that, albeit a bit sadly, even though they’re glad not to be forgotten. They love him, too, in their own way. Blaine can see it in their faces, and he has to wonder if… hope… New Directions appreciates him as much as the Warblers possibly still do. It would be a shame if they didn’t.
A knock on the door interrupts his musings.
“That’s either David come to join us, or the pizza,” Logan says, then blinks when he sees Blaine get to his feet, hopping on one foot. “Just what do you think you’re doing?”
Blaine gets his wallet and takes out some money before hobbling to the door. “Paying for the pizzas.” He shoots them all a warning look. “Don’t even think about it; it’s on me. You guys gave up your weekend to keep me company, don’t think I don’t realize. This is the least I can do to say thanks.”
He opens the door and then blinks up at the familiar-looking blond boy standing there. The boy stares back at him, partly in shock. Blaine remembers him as part of New Directions, and quickly tries to recall his name. Ah! There it is.
“Sam right? Hi… though you probably don’t remember me.”
The boy, Sam? nods. “Yeah. And yeah I do. Kurt’s boyfriend. Blaine. I remember you from Rachel’s party.”
“Not my finest hour.”
“And Regionals. You guys were good.”
“Thanks to Kurt mostly.” Blaine doesn’t ask why he’s delivering pizzas. He looks uncomfortable to be here as it is. Besides, it’s none of his business. “So… how much do I owe you?”
Sam blinks. “Oh. Right. Pizzas. Sorry.” He tells Blaine the cost and pockets the money the other boy gives him, noting the generous tip. “It was… it was nice seeing you again.”
“Yeah, you too.” Blaine takes the pizzas and hands them to Nick, who’s standing just behind him.
The blond turns to go, then pauses. “Kurt… he’s doing well. We’re all looking out for him to make sure what happened before doesn’t happen again.”
Blaine smiles. “I won’t lie, I’m glad to hear that. Thank you.”
Sam offers a small smile that doesn’t quite reach his eyes, and gives Blaine a small wave before turning to leave again. Blaine isn’t so oblivious that he doesn’t notice.
“Hey Sam?” The boy pauses again. “Are you okay? I mean, if there’s something you want to talk about. I know we’re not really friends, but… y’know…” Blaine gives a bit of a shrug. “I can be objective at least?”
This time it’s more of a real smile. “Thanks. I’ll… I’ll keep it in mind.” He starts to back up. “I need to go. Still on shift.”
“Oh, of course. Take care. Goodnight!”
He shuts the door after Sam leaves and turns to find the other three boys looking at him curiously, though they don’t ask him anything. He sits with them and picks up a slice of pizza - triple cheese and pepperoni, Kurt would kill him if he knew the amount of grease he was eating - and takes a bite, finishing the slice before answering the boys.
“Friend of Kurt’s from McKinley.”
“Cool,” Jeff says. “Why is he delivering pizzas?”
Blaine shrugs and helps himself to a second slice as the others tuck in, then sends Kurt a quick text.
8.23pm From Blaine:
Why is Sam delivering pizzas?
They’ve finished eating and Nick and Logan are clearing the pizza boxes, leaving him alone in the room with Jeff while they take the boxes to the garbage disposal area, when Kurt’s reply comes in.
8.51pm From Kurt:
They sent him to Dalton again?
8.52pm From Blaine:
Again?
Jeff frowns a bit when he sees Blaine frown at his phone. Blaine doesn’t seem to notice however, too busy texting Kurt for more information.
9.01pm From Kurt:
Kind of a long story. Tell you in person, mostly ‘cause it’s not my story to tell.
Just suffice that he needs the part-time job.
I’m trying to help him out where I can.
9.05pm From Blaine:
Okay. I understand.
I trust you, Kurt.
Hope things work out for Sam. He looked kind of down
9.07pm From Kurt:
We hope so, too.
Thanks for understanding.
He’s thankful Kurt can’t hear the sigh as he puts his phone away. Jeff does however and places a hand on his shoulder, just that little bit worried for his friend. He hasn’t seen Blaine this down since he first transferred to Dalton.
“Everything okay?” he asks the dark-haired boy. “Who was that guy earlier anyway? I know you said he was a friend of Kurt’s, but…?” he lets the question hang.
Blaine sighs and leans against Jeff’s shoulder. “Kurt had a little crush on him last year… and judging from what I saw, and what Kurt just told me, Sam’s in some kind of difficulty.” He holds up a hand to stop Jeff from interrupting. “I am NOT that insecure to think that there’s anything going on between them. I trust Kurt implicitly and from all accounts I know of, Sam’s straight… It’s just…”
Jeff nods. “You wish he’d show a bit of concern for you that he’s showing Sam? Because he doesn’t seem too worried about how you’re coping with this somewhat long-distance relationship?”
Blaine doesn’t answer because that’s partly true, isn’t it? Though he reminds himself that Kurt HAD been concerned about him twisting his ankle, and had wanted to come and see him, and it was Blaine who had told him not to. So really, he had no one to blame but himself for the way he was feeling. Kurt was being concerned for a friend, and he had no right to feel even the remotest bit bitter about it.
“I’m not accusing Kurt of neglecting you,” Jeff adds. “I know you, Blaine. You want him to think you’re okay, so he’ll be happy where he is and not regret going back to McKinley.” And leaving you here, he wants to add, but doesn’t.
“You know me too well,” Blaine says.
Jeff wraps an arm around his shoulders. “But of course! We’ve only been friends how many years now?” He grins that grin Blaine has always found cute in a completely platonic way. “I know you want to be Kurt’s knight in shining armor, but don’t forget to be Blaine. Kurt doesn’t need a knight anymore, but he does need you… and he needs you whole, and happy.”
“I’m trying. I really am. It’s just harder than I thought it would be, and Kurt makes it look so easy.”
“And you should know better than anyone that what looks easy isn’t always so. You’re both trying to be strong that maybe you’re both forgetting that it’s okay to be weak.”
Blaine sighs. “I can’t be weak for Kurt though. Not yet. He’s not even a week back and already it sounds like he’s swamped in drama. I have to try and be strong, at least for him, in case he needs me… in case Karofsky’s playing all of us.”
Jeff gives him a squeeze. “Then it’s a good thing you have all of us here to hold you up.”
“You always knew we’d get together in the end, didn’t you? He looks at Jeff. “Especially you.”
“It’s hard to deny what’s there right in front of you,” Jeff says.
And Blaine knows that, once again, he’s right.
=====
Chapter 4
Enjoy! Feedback welcome as always. Chapter 4 is coming up... ;)
I'm also thinking of doing complementary story with outtakes from this series that show Kurt's POV. What do you guys think?