The Snowball Effect
Media: Fic
Title: The Snowball Effect
Rating: PG
Spoilers: Up to AVGC.
Warnings: None.
Word Count: 4,188
Summary: Kurt goes to Lima to visit New Directions for the weekend. Blaine takes to moping and Wes and David decide to do something about it when their new friend returns.
Notes: This was written for etacanis as part of the gleesecretsanta exchange. It's already been posted there but I wanted to post it on my own journal :) A huge thanks to my beta, rusting_roses!
The Snowball Effect
“We get Kurt!” Tina shouted to the teens frantically packing snow together. All of New Directions were currently flinging snowballs at one another in Kurt’s backyard in a full-blown war.
Mike’s head popped up over a firm wall of snow that Kurt assumed was a fort. “Hey no fair! You have more people now!”
A snowball came hurtling towards him from across the yard and he quickly ducked before peeking over once more.
“Well you have football players!” Tina said, smiling as she dragged Kurt to the opposite side. The fort he found himself behind wasn’t simply snow flattened to hide behind, but instead snow wrapped around to hide its inhabitants. It didn’t surprise him to find all the girls from his former Glee club behind it, cheeks red and laughing.
“Kurt!” Brittany squealed, waving enthusiastically. Santana was crouched beside her with Quinn on her other side, both of them looking like they were taking this entirely too seriously. All three of them wore red athletic looking snowsuits with their Cheerios jackets over top, a great contrast to Rachel who sat in front of them resembling a little girl whose parents had bundled her up in anything they could find. Mercedes and Tina shared his amused look, as they had on practical weather-appropriate outfits that were nothing special. Well, besides Mercedes metallic gold coat with fur trim on the hood, but that hadn’t really surprised him at all.
Rachel had been too competitive but they’d all eventually talked her into relaxing a bit. Quinn and Santana were out for the kill and Kurt lost track of how many times they’d hit Sam and Puck dead on. Tina and Mercedes packed snowballs together like nobody’s business, hurling them at whoever was unfortunate enough to be peering over from the other side. Kurt had to help Brittany make hers, because Santana was too busy with her self-declared duel to the death. Brittany had great aim once she had a decent piles of snowballs.
Halfway through Puck was rolling Artie through the snow, Artie rapidly throwing snowballs at the curious heads popping up around the girls fort. They’d all screamed and ducked as fast as possible, although not without a few snowballs hitting them.
Kurt had managed to hit the back of Finn’s head, who had whirled around searching for whoever had thrown it and started laughing when he saw a guilty looking Kurt, arm still outstretched.
-----
After several people couldn’t feel their toes they all headed inside for hot chocolate and cookies, graciously prepared by Carol. They all sat down and argued over what movie to watch, finally agreeing on “The Santa Clause” after much insisting on Brittany’s part. Truthfully he hadn’t even known they’d had the movie, but he decided to brush it off, happy that everyone had been able to come to an agreement relatively quickly.
Kurt sat on one of the couches between Mercedes and Rachel, smiling contently.
Things started getting uncomfortable when the head elf, Bernard was introduced in the movie.
“He’s hot.” Brittany said.
“For an elf.” Santana corrected. “His hair is like freakishly curly though.” She continued watching the movie for a few moments before snapping her fingers, “His hair reminds me of that Warbler from sectionals!”
Kurt’s head snapped in her direction. “Blaine?” He found himself squeaking out the name so that it was barely audible.
Santana waved her hand, “Yeah, whatever his name is. The one who sang the leads? Him.”
Brittany smiled, “He seemed nice. He was really cute too. I think he’s gay though.”
Santana cocked her head to the side in thought. “Really? Kurt have you two had sex yet?”
Finn had picked the wrong moment to take a drink of his hot chocolate, as it ended up spewed across the carpet. Color rushed to Kurt’s face and he wished the couch cushions would swallow him up.
“Dude! You’re doing another dude?” Puck’s eyebrow was raised and he almost sounded impressed.
Santana rolled her eyes and Mercedes shook her head, both reaching in and hitting Puck.
“Ow! What?” he exclaimed, “I can make fun of him if that’s what you want!”
Mercedes let out an exasperated sigh and turned to Kurt. “Boy, I know you’re not sleeping with him.” Whether she said that to defend him or meant it as a question, Kurt couldn’t tell, he was too busy hiding beneath a pillow.
He couldn’t believe this was happening. This was NOT the bonding he’d had in mind when he’d decided to head up for the weekend.
His shield, however soft and fabricated it may have been, was ripped out of his hands by Rachel. She pulled him upright and faced the rest of the glee club. “Honestly, you’re all being ridiculous!” She scolded. “Have some respect for Kurt will you? His love life is none of your concern!”
Everyone grudgingly returned to watching the movie (which Santana had paused so Brittany wouldn’t get too confused) and sat in silence for a few minutes.
Sam didn’t seem to have gotten that the conversation was over, “So are you two dating then?”
Kurt groaned and hoped that his friends back at Dalton were having half as much trouble as he was.
----
“Blaine, I am seriously throwing you into a huge pile of snow if you don’t cheer up....MAN! YOU BEAT ME AGAIN!” David groaned as Wes won another round on their game.
Wes smirked. “I’d think you’d be getting used to it by now.” Before David could retort, Wes had swung around, resting his head on his arms at the bottom of Blaine’s bed, where Blaine was currently face-planted into a pillow. “I’m getting depressed just looking at him.”
“He is kind of pathetic, isn’t he?” David jousted.
Blaine raised his head off the pillow a few inches and glared at his friends. “I’m right here!”
“David look! He lives!” Wes placed his hand over his heart in feigned shock.
Blaine’s face was already back down so all they could make out was a mumbled “you guys suck.”
“Au contraire, my friend - your attitude sucks.” David rolled his eyes and shook his head. “Stop moping around, he’ll be back tomorrow afternoon!”
“He’s been gone foreveeerrr.” Blaine whined.
“He’s been gone a day and a half.” Wes corrected, looking thoroughly amused.
“Blaine, you are such a drama queen.” David laughed.
“You’re acting like a five year old girl who just lost her favorite Barbie.” Wes pointed out. There was a slight pause as everyone processed what had just been stated before Wes and David burst into laughter. David nodded in agreement and the two high fived.
A pillow hit both of them in the head and when they looked up Blaine sat fuming on his bed with his arms crossed.
-----
Kurt returned from Lima, not at all surprised to see several dozen boys throwing snowballs at one another and building forts like they were all still ten (not that he hadn’t just returned from a weekend involving the same thing.) Popping open his trunk, he pulled his bag out, smiling fondly. He was becoming more comfortable at Dalton, mostly thanks to Blaine and his rambunctious best friends Wes and David. Turning to head up the small trek between his car and the entrance building, his smile grew wider at the sight of the three boys exiting his destination.
Wes and David were busy carrying a wriggling and complaining Blaine out the front doors, David having ahold of his legs and Wes struggling to maintain his grip on his arms.
“Stop squirming!” Wes said, gritting his teeth.
“You can’t say we didn’t warn you, man.” David said, a malicious grin on his face.
Their words came out in clouds against the cold air and Kurt leaned back onto the side of his car, watching the spectacle.
“Agggh!” Blaine said, trying to kick at David.
“Now, Mr. I-Want-My-Barbie-Back, prepare to feel the cold reality of two concerned friends getting fed up.” Wes said right before they threw him into a pile of snow.
“Nice line, Wes!” David said, nodding to his friend.
“I try.” Wes smirked, dusting the snow off his gloves.
Kurt laughed despite feeling bad for Blaine, and Wes and David immediately turned to face him.
“Kurt!” Wes greeted.
“You made it back!” David said, smiling.
Before he knew it, Blaine had sprung up and dashed at Kurt, crushing him into his car. He was covered in snow and shivering slightly, but his arms had somehow snaked their way around Kurt’s waist, his head buried in his shoulder.
Kurt’s arms came up in surprise and he didn’t quite know what to do. Blaine had hugged him before, sure...but his hugs were always one-armed, or quick around the shoulders. This was completely different and Kurt felt his face heating up slightly, feeling Blaine’s breath on his neck. Kurt didn’t know whether to stay as he was or crush Blaine even farther into him with a hug of his own. The moment passed though and before he could decide Blaine had jumped back at the sound of Wes yelling “Get a room!”
Blaine pretended nothing odd had happened as he clapped Kurt on the back. “Good to have you back!” He said, melting back into the Blaine he was so much more familiar with - the one who remained composed and proper. Kurt couldn’t help but feel the slightest bit disappointed.
-----
Blaine had started to retreat into the building with another smile at Kurt, excusing himself from the snow as he was already covered in it. Shivering, he was about to pass Wes and David, but thought better of it. Blaine paused in front of the two, glaring. The pair grinned back and waved at him. Letting out a huff of exasperation, he walked through the entrance hall, snow dripping from his jacket and pants.
The receptionist at the service desk eyed him warily, and he quickened his pace, not wanting to deal with her scrutiny.
-----
Somehow Wes and David had wiggled their way into Kurt’s dorm to see Pavarotti even after refusing to explain why they’d thrown Blaine out into the snow. David had simply said they weren’t allowed to disclose that information to him, and Wes had nodded firmly in agreement.
Back in the dorms, Kurt flipped the lights on and the tiny yellow ball of feathers started to trill. He flinched as the two older boys recklessly ran through his dorm.
“PAV!” The two cried, rushing to the cage containing the small bird.
Kurt rolled his eyes and grabbed a pair of yoga pants before heading into his bathroom. Listening to the two coo and shower the bird with affections was enough - he didn’t want to watch it too. Sliding the pants on he found himself pausing before twisting the handle, having heard Blaine’s name.
“He’s really worrying me, Pav.” Wes whispered.
Really, Kurt thought, he’s telling secrets to the bird? He shook his head, and twisted the doorknob. “Why are you worried?”
Wes and David spun around, Wes wearing a look of disappointment. “Excuse me!” He cried dramatically, sounding offended, “But I was talking to Pavarotti! I’d thank you to not listen in on my secrets!”
Kurt stared at the boy incredulously. “It’s my dorm!” He rattled back, surprised at the immaturity of the older boy.
Wes just shook his head before both he and David turned back to the bird.
“It’s rather pathetic, Pav.” This time it was David talking to the bird. “Tonight we had to take him out and throw him into the snow.” He shrugged. “I personally opted that we shove snow down his pants instead, but Wes overruled that idea.”
The bird rustled his feathers, letting out a few chirps. Kurt still couldn’t believe they were talking to a bird. He rolled his eyes again and sat on his bed, remaining silent as the boys continued “whispering” to Pavarotti.
“It’s Blaine, so of course he means well,” Wes sighed. “He always means well...”
“Poor guy’s so caught up in meaning well that he forgets that he doesn’t always have to worry about that.” David continued. “He keeps fretting about Kurt even though he’s awesome, part of the Warblers, and kicks some serious musical ass. Which would be endearing...”
“If it wasn’t so sickeningly cute.” Wes finished, flashing a speedy smile over his shoulder, almost too fast for Kurt to catch.
“Sadly, he’s so busy over analyzing his feelings and how he comes off that he’s totally forgotten that it’s a moot point if he doesn’t ever actually -” David paused dramatically and Kurt leaned in slightly, ensuring that he could hear.
“Ask Kurt out,” Wes and David finish in unison.
“Which as we said is pathetic,” Wes said sadly.
“Hence the tossing-him-out-into-the-snow bit,” David clarified, as if there’d been any doubt.
The two rattled on a bit about the Warblers to the bird, but Kurt was frozen and he’d stopped listening. Wes and David had to be playing a trick on him, right? Before he could think too much into it, the two boys brought him back to attention.
“We’ll be leaving now,” David informed him.
“Thanks for letting us talk to Pav.” Wes grinned as the two headed towards the door. Walking out of the room, Wes threw a wink at Kurt before closing the door.
Kurt remained on his bed, staring at the birdcage in front of him. Despite the idiotic schemes Wes and David had a tendency to come up with, sometimes it shocked him how they could find so many loop holes (at a school as proper as Dalton too).
When the two elder boys announced that they were leaving Kurt went through all the motions of saying his goodbye. He smiled, nodded, and acted like he hadn’t just had the biggest bombshell of his life dropped on his head. Wes and David looked a little concerned at that, but left easily enough. Kurt shut the door firmly behind them, before leaning back against the door and sliding down to the floor. He placed his face in his hands, hardly noticing the bird letting out little trills as if it were asking why he was concerned.
Why was he concerned? He should be happy, ecstatic even - he thought he’d be thrilled at the news! He’d been dreaming of this, hoping for it to come true, right? He was supposed to be positively giddy with joy, unable to track Blaine down fast enough.
Mostly, however, he felt overwhelmed.
-----
Kurt had been acting strange since he’d returned from Lima and Blaine wondered what had happened. Kurt had been skittish and nervous around him the few times he managed to catch up with him and Blaine couldn’t help but think he did something wrong.
Stepped into the room where they rehearsed, he prepared himself for yet another practice with the Warblers. When he walked into the room, however, he found only one other person.
Kurt sat by one of the large windows overlooking the campus grounds, watching the snow fall. His legs were crossed and his chin was balanced in his hand, as always he looked perfectly elegant.
Blaine allowed himself to stare for a few moments before clearing his throat. Kurt shook his head and looked away from the window, just having come out of his reverie.
His eyes settled on Blaine for the briefest moment. “Oh...Blaine. Hi!” His eyes crinkled with a small smile.
“Where is everyone?” Blaine asked as he approached his friend.
Kurt looked around the room, his eyebrows drawing together the slightest bit. “Well...I have no idea.” He blinked and let out a small laugh, seeming to have just noticed the lack of Warblers.
Blaine smiled fondly, “You hadn’t noticed?”
Kurt blushed slightly and shook his head. “I always get here early...I guess I just lost track of time.”
Blaine pulled up a chair and Kurt squirmed slightly, smiling nervously and avoiding Blaine’s gaze.
-----
“Hey Kurt?”
“Hmmmm?”
Blaine paused, “Is everything okay?”
Kurt looked up at him, shocked and a deep blush spread rapidly across his face. “What do you mean?” He squeaked.
Blaine raised an eyebrow and waited for a suitable answer.
Letting out a deep sigh, Kurt contemplated what to say. “I just...” Kurt let out a shaky breath and he quickly looked up at Blaine, who was staring intently at him. “I have a lot on my mind.” Kurt finished lamely, closing his eyes. “Like what?” Blaine inquired, leaning back in his chair with an expectant look on his face.
He decided to keep it vague in hopes that Blaine would pick up on the fact that he didn’t exactly want to talk about it. Kurt shrugged, “Something I heard.”
“From who?”
“A little birdie told me,” Kurt replied cooly, trying not to break into giggles as he carefully examined his cuticles.
Looking up he saw a smile tugging at Blaine’s lips. “Oh yeah? What’d this bird tell you then?”
“Weeeeellll,” Kurt dragged out, “I heard you missed me when I went to Lima.”
Blaine snorted slightly, “I thought that had been obvious,” He commented and both knew that he was referring to him flinging himself into hugging Kurt.
Kurt nodded slightly and watched Blaine’s face as he carefully said each word. He’d been worrying so much about this that he refused to throw caution to the wind just because the mood was rather light. “The bird told me that it wasn’t for platonic reasons...” Kurt inwardly flinched at how lame that had sounded but decided he had more important things to worry about. Like Blaine’s reaction.
-----
Blaine gaped at the boy in front of him, eyes growing wide. He could feel the color tinting his cheeks and knew he had no hope of just playing it cool. Might as well admit it, he thought, his mouth growing dry.
“Uh...look. Kurt, I didn’t want-” He paused and shook his head. “I guess I just was-” He cut himself off again, why did everything he tried say have to sound so stupid? He looked up nervously at Kurt who was watching him intently and closed his eyes, taking in a deep breath, he let his shoulders slump in defeat. “I like you, Kurt,” he admitted plainly, not coating it with fancy words, not trying to draw it out anymore in fear of losing his nerve.
He smiled weakly and tried to ignore his heart that was beating a thousand miles a minute in anticipation of what Kurt would say. He began to panic when several minutes passed and Kurt was still sitting there, looking deep in thought with his index finger placed on his chin in a cliche pose that Blaine found as adorable as it was worrisome.
Suddenly Kurt’s eyes were focused on him and the intensity of his gaze caused small tremors to crawl around his skin. He sharply inhaled and resisted the urge to get up and move, to just do something instead of wait.
Kurt’s lips twitched upwards and the next thing Blaine knew, Kurt had thrown himself at him much like Blaine had done when he returned. He let out the breath he’d been holding, his shoulders still remaining rigid, his body tense. What did that mean? That Kurt liked him back? Or that he felt sorry for him or for not feeling the same? Before he could think about it anymore Kurt was speaking.
He let out a dramatic huff, “Oh thank GaGa.”
Blaine started laughing and allowed his arms to wrap around Kurt and return the embrace.
-----
Kurt looked up startled as a thud reached his ears. Blaine stood across the den with a boombox, “Hey,” He greeted, lips twisting up into a small.
“You scared me,” Kurt replied nervously. You’d think after admitting that they did in fact have feelings for one another that they wouldn’t feel as awkward. So far no such luck had occurred - if anything it had gotten worse.
Blaine started to slowly approach the table he’d been studying at, “Good, because I’m actually Marley’s ghost” he whispered while Kurt looked at him skeptically, “And I’m here to tell you to stop studying so hard.” Blaine sat down across from him, crossing his legs.
“Mhm. What’s with the boombox?” Kurt asked, nodding to the object across the den.
“I need you to sing with me,” Blaine replied looked satisfied, Kurt’s eyebrows shot up in question and he set his pen down, leaning back in a gesture for him to continue. “Well rehearse with me,” Blaine lamented with a nod, waving his hand in the air to say it wasn’t a big deal. “I gotta gig singing ‘Baby, It’s Cold Outside’ in the King’s Island Christmas Spectacular.” He moved his hands in a semi-circle, presenting the information with fake enthusiasm.
“Ah, a personal favorite,” Kurt nodded, “Too bad they’d never let us sing it together.” Blaine gave him an odd look and his quickly continued, “I mean, as two...artists.”
“Mm.” Blaine nodded, watching Kurt out of the corner of his eye. “So you gonna help me out here?” He quirked his eyebrow slightly.
“Anything to get me to stop reading about Charlemange,” He grimaced, eyes widening in emphasis. He totally wasn’t thrilled to sing with Blaine, not at all.
“Very good then!” Blaine said properly, closing Kurt’s book and walking over the the boombox. He hit play and turned on his heels, doing a few chassés over to Kurt before leaning back on the couch and gesturing for Kurt to start.
Kurt clasped his hands together on his knee and smiled coyly as he began to sing, his stomach doing flips at the prospect of finally getting to sing with Blaine.
-----
Blaine flopped down on the couch beside Kurt as they harmonized the final few notes.
Kurt looked over at him, a dazzling smile on his face and his returned it wholeheartedly. Both blushed quickly and looked away and Blaine let out a small laugh before allowing himself to look back at Kurt.
“I think you’re ready,” Kurt informed him with a nod.
Blaine let out a small huff as he looked forward. “Well, for the record,” he said, turning slightly to face Kurt, “you are much better than that girl’s gonna be.”
Kurt looked at him adoringly as he pulled his lips together tightly in embarrassment. His lips which Blaine would very much like to kiss right now, thank you very much. He leaned forward slightly and was about to pull Kurt forward when he heard footsteps approach the den. He jerked away and Kurt eyes, which had become half lidded, flew open.
Blaine quickly stood up and smoothed his uniform, looking to the door. A man he didn’t recognize walked in, looking around before his eyes landed on Kurt. Blaine headed straight for the door, he and the man both murmed greetings as they nodded and passed one another. Blaine was inwardly cursing this man who he’d never even met for ruining the opportunity he’d had to kiss Kurt.
“Mr. Schuester!” He heard Kurt say happily back inside the den. He recognized the name of Kurt’s old choir director from McKinley and his frustration began to diminish bit by bit.
At least one of them had been glad the man had walked in.
-----
Blaine and Kurt hardly got to see each other the last few days before break as both were cramming for their exams - something neither of them were happy about. They got to see each other briefly at lunch and in the hallways or common room, but the when the actual day of exams had come they hadn’t gotten to see each other until the very last minute.
Both boys stood by their luggage in the common room in an awkward silence, neither one wanting to say goodbye. Eventually though they knew they would have to go, Kurt returning to Lima and Blaine joining his parents and Wes and David’s families on vacation for the holidays.
Those two had already said their goodbyes to Kurt, leaving them alone with knowing grins.
“So...” Blaine started awkwardly, rocking back and forth on his heels.
Kurt rolled his eyes, “I’m going to miss you,” he murmered, causing the other boy’s head to snap up. Blaine’s face immediately lit up.
“I’m going to miss you too.” He admitted, nervously rubbing the back of his next.
Kurt blushed, wondering what to do now.
He stepped forward, preparing to give Blaine a hug but let out a small gasp as Blaine briefly pressed his lips to his cheek.
He stared wide-eyed as Blaine pulled away, smile even bigger than before. He looked down at his watch and nodded to Kurt.
He grabbed his luggage and made his way down the corridor, shouting “Have a great break!” over his shoulder.
Kurt watched him head downstairs with his luggage, mumbling a “You too,” when Blaine turned around the corner, a dazed smile on his face.
Title: The Snowball Effect
Rating: PG
Spoilers: Up to AVGC.
Warnings: None.
Word Count: 4,188
Summary: Kurt goes to Lima to visit New Directions for the weekend. Blaine takes to moping and Wes and David decide to do something about it when their new friend returns.
Notes: This was written for etacanis as part of the gleesecretsanta exchange. It's already been posted there but I wanted to post it on my own journal :) A huge thanks to my beta, rusting_roses!
The Snowball Effect
“We get Kurt!” Tina shouted to the teens frantically packing snow together. All of New Directions were currently flinging snowballs at one another in Kurt’s backyard in a full-blown war.
Mike’s head popped up over a firm wall of snow that Kurt assumed was a fort. “Hey no fair! You have more people now!”
A snowball came hurtling towards him from across the yard and he quickly ducked before peeking over once more.
“Well you have football players!” Tina said, smiling as she dragged Kurt to the opposite side. The fort he found himself behind wasn’t simply snow flattened to hide behind, but instead snow wrapped around to hide its inhabitants. It didn’t surprise him to find all the girls from his former Glee club behind it, cheeks red and laughing.
“Kurt!” Brittany squealed, waving enthusiastically. Santana was crouched beside her with Quinn on her other side, both of them looking like they were taking this entirely too seriously. All three of them wore red athletic looking snowsuits with their Cheerios jackets over top, a great contrast to Rachel who sat in front of them resembling a little girl whose parents had bundled her up in anything they could find. Mercedes and Tina shared his amused look, as they had on practical weather-appropriate outfits that were nothing special. Well, besides Mercedes metallic gold coat with fur trim on the hood, but that hadn’t really surprised him at all.
Rachel had been too competitive but they’d all eventually talked her into relaxing a bit. Quinn and Santana were out for the kill and Kurt lost track of how many times they’d hit Sam and Puck dead on. Tina and Mercedes packed snowballs together like nobody’s business, hurling them at whoever was unfortunate enough to be peering over from the other side. Kurt had to help Brittany make hers, because Santana was too busy with her self-declared duel to the death. Brittany had great aim once she had a decent piles of snowballs.
Halfway through Puck was rolling Artie through the snow, Artie rapidly throwing snowballs at the curious heads popping up around the girls fort. They’d all screamed and ducked as fast as possible, although not without a few snowballs hitting them.
Kurt had managed to hit the back of Finn’s head, who had whirled around searching for whoever had thrown it and started laughing when he saw a guilty looking Kurt, arm still outstretched.
-----
After several people couldn’t feel their toes they all headed inside for hot chocolate and cookies, graciously prepared by Carol. They all sat down and argued over what movie to watch, finally agreeing on “The Santa Clause” after much insisting on Brittany’s part. Truthfully he hadn’t even known they’d had the movie, but he decided to brush it off, happy that everyone had been able to come to an agreement relatively quickly.
Kurt sat on one of the couches between Mercedes and Rachel, smiling contently.
Things started getting uncomfortable when the head elf, Bernard was introduced in the movie.
“He’s hot.” Brittany said.
“For an elf.” Santana corrected. “His hair is like freakishly curly though.” She continued watching the movie for a few moments before snapping her fingers, “His hair reminds me of that Warbler from sectionals!”
Kurt’s head snapped in her direction. “Blaine?” He found himself squeaking out the name so that it was barely audible.
Santana waved her hand, “Yeah, whatever his name is. The one who sang the leads? Him.”
Brittany smiled, “He seemed nice. He was really cute too. I think he’s gay though.”
Santana cocked her head to the side in thought. “Really? Kurt have you two had sex yet?”
Finn had picked the wrong moment to take a drink of his hot chocolate, as it ended up spewed across the carpet. Color rushed to Kurt’s face and he wished the couch cushions would swallow him up.
“Dude! You’re doing another dude?” Puck’s eyebrow was raised and he almost sounded impressed.
Santana rolled her eyes and Mercedes shook her head, both reaching in and hitting Puck.
“Ow! What?” he exclaimed, “I can make fun of him if that’s what you want!”
Mercedes let out an exasperated sigh and turned to Kurt. “Boy, I know you’re not sleeping with him.” Whether she said that to defend him or meant it as a question, Kurt couldn’t tell, he was too busy hiding beneath a pillow.
He couldn’t believe this was happening. This was NOT the bonding he’d had in mind when he’d decided to head up for the weekend.
His shield, however soft and fabricated it may have been, was ripped out of his hands by Rachel. She pulled him upright and faced the rest of the glee club. “Honestly, you’re all being ridiculous!” She scolded. “Have some respect for Kurt will you? His love life is none of your concern!”
Everyone grudgingly returned to watching the movie (which Santana had paused so Brittany wouldn’t get too confused) and sat in silence for a few minutes.
Sam didn’t seem to have gotten that the conversation was over, “So are you two dating then?”
Kurt groaned and hoped that his friends back at Dalton were having half as much trouble as he was.
----
“Blaine, I am seriously throwing you into a huge pile of snow if you don’t cheer up....MAN! YOU BEAT ME AGAIN!” David groaned as Wes won another round on their game.
Wes smirked. “I’d think you’d be getting used to it by now.” Before David could retort, Wes had swung around, resting his head on his arms at the bottom of Blaine’s bed, where Blaine was currently face-planted into a pillow. “I’m getting depressed just looking at him.”
“He is kind of pathetic, isn’t he?” David jousted.
Blaine raised his head off the pillow a few inches and glared at his friends. “I’m right here!”
“David look! He lives!” Wes placed his hand over his heart in feigned shock.
Blaine’s face was already back down so all they could make out was a mumbled “you guys suck.”
“Au contraire, my friend - your attitude sucks.” David rolled his eyes and shook his head. “Stop moping around, he’ll be back tomorrow afternoon!”
“He’s been gone foreveeerrr.” Blaine whined.
“He’s been gone a day and a half.” Wes corrected, looking thoroughly amused.
“Blaine, you are such a drama queen.” David laughed.
“You’re acting like a five year old girl who just lost her favorite Barbie.” Wes pointed out. There was a slight pause as everyone processed what had just been stated before Wes and David burst into laughter. David nodded in agreement and the two high fived.
A pillow hit both of them in the head and when they looked up Blaine sat fuming on his bed with his arms crossed.
-----
Kurt returned from Lima, not at all surprised to see several dozen boys throwing snowballs at one another and building forts like they were all still ten (not that he hadn’t just returned from a weekend involving the same thing.) Popping open his trunk, he pulled his bag out, smiling fondly. He was becoming more comfortable at Dalton, mostly thanks to Blaine and his rambunctious best friends Wes and David. Turning to head up the small trek between his car and the entrance building, his smile grew wider at the sight of the three boys exiting his destination.
Wes and David were busy carrying a wriggling and complaining Blaine out the front doors, David having ahold of his legs and Wes struggling to maintain his grip on his arms.
“Stop squirming!” Wes said, gritting his teeth.
“You can’t say we didn’t warn you, man.” David said, a malicious grin on his face.
Their words came out in clouds against the cold air and Kurt leaned back onto the side of his car, watching the spectacle.
“Agggh!” Blaine said, trying to kick at David.
“Now, Mr. I-Want-My-Barbie-Back, prepare to feel the cold reality of two concerned friends getting fed up.” Wes said right before they threw him into a pile of snow.
“Nice line, Wes!” David said, nodding to his friend.
“I try.” Wes smirked, dusting the snow off his gloves.
Kurt laughed despite feeling bad for Blaine, and Wes and David immediately turned to face him.
“Kurt!” Wes greeted.
“You made it back!” David said, smiling.
Before he knew it, Blaine had sprung up and dashed at Kurt, crushing him into his car. He was covered in snow and shivering slightly, but his arms had somehow snaked their way around Kurt’s waist, his head buried in his shoulder.
Kurt’s arms came up in surprise and he didn’t quite know what to do. Blaine had hugged him before, sure...but his hugs were always one-armed, or quick around the shoulders. This was completely different and Kurt felt his face heating up slightly, feeling Blaine’s breath on his neck. Kurt didn’t know whether to stay as he was or crush Blaine even farther into him with a hug of his own. The moment passed though and before he could decide Blaine had jumped back at the sound of Wes yelling “Get a room!”
Blaine pretended nothing odd had happened as he clapped Kurt on the back. “Good to have you back!” He said, melting back into the Blaine he was so much more familiar with - the one who remained composed and proper. Kurt couldn’t help but feel the slightest bit disappointed.
-----
Blaine had started to retreat into the building with another smile at Kurt, excusing himself from the snow as he was already covered in it. Shivering, he was about to pass Wes and David, but thought better of it. Blaine paused in front of the two, glaring. The pair grinned back and waved at him. Letting out a huff of exasperation, he walked through the entrance hall, snow dripping from his jacket and pants.
The receptionist at the service desk eyed him warily, and he quickened his pace, not wanting to deal with her scrutiny.
-----
Somehow Wes and David had wiggled their way into Kurt’s dorm to see Pavarotti even after refusing to explain why they’d thrown Blaine out into the snow. David had simply said they weren’t allowed to disclose that information to him, and Wes had nodded firmly in agreement.
Back in the dorms, Kurt flipped the lights on and the tiny yellow ball of feathers started to trill. He flinched as the two older boys recklessly ran through his dorm.
“PAV!” The two cried, rushing to the cage containing the small bird.
Kurt rolled his eyes and grabbed a pair of yoga pants before heading into his bathroom. Listening to the two coo and shower the bird with affections was enough - he didn’t want to watch it too. Sliding the pants on he found himself pausing before twisting the handle, having heard Blaine’s name.
“He’s really worrying me, Pav.” Wes whispered.
Really, Kurt thought, he’s telling secrets to the bird? He shook his head, and twisted the doorknob. “Why are you worried?”
Wes and David spun around, Wes wearing a look of disappointment. “Excuse me!” He cried dramatically, sounding offended, “But I was talking to Pavarotti! I’d thank you to not listen in on my secrets!”
Kurt stared at the boy incredulously. “It’s my dorm!” He rattled back, surprised at the immaturity of the older boy.
Wes just shook his head before both he and David turned back to the bird.
“It’s rather pathetic, Pav.” This time it was David talking to the bird. “Tonight we had to take him out and throw him into the snow.” He shrugged. “I personally opted that we shove snow down his pants instead, but Wes overruled that idea.”
The bird rustled his feathers, letting out a few chirps. Kurt still couldn’t believe they were talking to a bird. He rolled his eyes again and sat on his bed, remaining silent as the boys continued “whispering” to Pavarotti.
“It’s Blaine, so of course he means well,” Wes sighed. “He always means well...”
“Poor guy’s so caught up in meaning well that he forgets that he doesn’t always have to worry about that.” David continued. “He keeps fretting about Kurt even though he’s awesome, part of the Warblers, and kicks some serious musical ass. Which would be endearing...”
“If it wasn’t so sickeningly cute.” Wes finished, flashing a speedy smile over his shoulder, almost too fast for Kurt to catch.
“Sadly, he’s so busy over analyzing his feelings and how he comes off that he’s totally forgotten that it’s a moot point if he doesn’t ever actually -” David paused dramatically and Kurt leaned in slightly, ensuring that he could hear.
“Ask Kurt out,” Wes and David finish in unison.
“Which as we said is pathetic,” Wes said sadly.
“Hence the tossing-him-out-into-the-snow bit,” David clarified, as if there’d been any doubt.
The two rattled on a bit about the Warblers to the bird, but Kurt was frozen and he’d stopped listening. Wes and David had to be playing a trick on him, right? Before he could think too much into it, the two boys brought him back to attention.
“We’ll be leaving now,” David informed him.
“Thanks for letting us talk to Pav.” Wes grinned as the two headed towards the door. Walking out of the room, Wes threw a wink at Kurt before closing the door.
Kurt remained on his bed, staring at the birdcage in front of him. Despite the idiotic schemes Wes and David had a tendency to come up with, sometimes it shocked him how they could find so many loop holes (at a school as proper as Dalton too).
When the two elder boys announced that they were leaving Kurt went through all the motions of saying his goodbye. He smiled, nodded, and acted like he hadn’t just had the biggest bombshell of his life dropped on his head. Wes and David looked a little concerned at that, but left easily enough. Kurt shut the door firmly behind them, before leaning back against the door and sliding down to the floor. He placed his face in his hands, hardly noticing the bird letting out little trills as if it were asking why he was concerned.
Why was he concerned? He should be happy, ecstatic even - he thought he’d be thrilled at the news! He’d been dreaming of this, hoping for it to come true, right? He was supposed to be positively giddy with joy, unable to track Blaine down fast enough.
Mostly, however, he felt overwhelmed.
-----
Kurt had been acting strange since he’d returned from Lima and Blaine wondered what had happened. Kurt had been skittish and nervous around him the few times he managed to catch up with him and Blaine couldn’t help but think he did something wrong.
Stepped into the room where they rehearsed, he prepared himself for yet another practice with the Warblers. When he walked into the room, however, he found only one other person.
Kurt sat by one of the large windows overlooking the campus grounds, watching the snow fall. His legs were crossed and his chin was balanced in his hand, as always he looked perfectly elegant.
Blaine allowed himself to stare for a few moments before clearing his throat. Kurt shook his head and looked away from the window, just having come out of his reverie.
His eyes settled on Blaine for the briefest moment. “Oh...Blaine. Hi!” His eyes crinkled with a small smile.
“Where is everyone?” Blaine asked as he approached his friend.
Kurt looked around the room, his eyebrows drawing together the slightest bit. “Well...I have no idea.” He blinked and let out a small laugh, seeming to have just noticed the lack of Warblers.
Blaine smiled fondly, “You hadn’t noticed?”
Kurt blushed slightly and shook his head. “I always get here early...I guess I just lost track of time.”
Blaine pulled up a chair and Kurt squirmed slightly, smiling nervously and avoiding Blaine’s gaze.
-----
“Hey Kurt?”
“Hmmmm?”
Blaine paused, “Is everything okay?”
Kurt looked up at him, shocked and a deep blush spread rapidly across his face. “What do you mean?” He squeaked.
Blaine raised an eyebrow and waited for a suitable answer.
Letting out a deep sigh, Kurt contemplated what to say. “I just...” Kurt let out a shaky breath and he quickly looked up at Blaine, who was staring intently at him. “I have a lot on my mind.” Kurt finished lamely, closing his eyes. “Like what?” Blaine inquired, leaning back in his chair with an expectant look on his face.
He decided to keep it vague in hopes that Blaine would pick up on the fact that he didn’t exactly want to talk about it. Kurt shrugged, “Something I heard.”
“From who?”
“A little birdie told me,” Kurt replied cooly, trying not to break into giggles as he carefully examined his cuticles.
Looking up he saw a smile tugging at Blaine’s lips. “Oh yeah? What’d this bird tell you then?”
“Weeeeellll,” Kurt dragged out, “I heard you missed me when I went to Lima.”
Blaine snorted slightly, “I thought that had been obvious,” He commented and both knew that he was referring to him flinging himself into hugging Kurt.
Kurt nodded slightly and watched Blaine’s face as he carefully said each word. He’d been worrying so much about this that he refused to throw caution to the wind just because the mood was rather light. “The bird told me that it wasn’t for platonic reasons...” Kurt inwardly flinched at how lame that had sounded but decided he had more important things to worry about. Like Blaine’s reaction.
-----
Blaine gaped at the boy in front of him, eyes growing wide. He could feel the color tinting his cheeks and knew he had no hope of just playing it cool. Might as well admit it, he thought, his mouth growing dry.
“Uh...look. Kurt, I didn’t want-” He paused and shook his head. “I guess I just was-” He cut himself off again, why did everything he tried say have to sound so stupid? He looked up nervously at Kurt who was watching him intently and closed his eyes, taking in a deep breath, he let his shoulders slump in defeat. “I like you, Kurt,” he admitted plainly, not coating it with fancy words, not trying to draw it out anymore in fear of losing his nerve.
He smiled weakly and tried to ignore his heart that was beating a thousand miles a minute in anticipation of what Kurt would say. He began to panic when several minutes passed and Kurt was still sitting there, looking deep in thought with his index finger placed on his chin in a cliche pose that Blaine found as adorable as it was worrisome.
Suddenly Kurt’s eyes were focused on him and the intensity of his gaze caused small tremors to crawl around his skin. He sharply inhaled and resisted the urge to get up and move, to just do something instead of wait.
Kurt’s lips twitched upwards and the next thing Blaine knew, Kurt had thrown himself at him much like Blaine had done when he returned. He let out the breath he’d been holding, his shoulders still remaining rigid, his body tense. What did that mean? That Kurt liked him back? Or that he felt sorry for him or for not feeling the same? Before he could think about it anymore Kurt was speaking.
He let out a dramatic huff, “Oh thank GaGa.”
Blaine started laughing and allowed his arms to wrap around Kurt and return the embrace.
-----
Kurt looked up startled as a thud reached his ears. Blaine stood across the den with a boombox, “Hey,” He greeted, lips twisting up into a small.
“You scared me,” Kurt replied nervously. You’d think after admitting that they did in fact have feelings for one another that they wouldn’t feel as awkward. So far no such luck had occurred - if anything it had gotten worse.
Blaine started to slowly approach the table he’d been studying at, “Good, because I’m actually Marley’s ghost” he whispered while Kurt looked at him skeptically, “And I’m here to tell you to stop studying so hard.” Blaine sat down across from him, crossing his legs.
“Mhm. What’s with the boombox?” Kurt asked, nodding to the object across the den.
“I need you to sing with me,” Blaine replied looked satisfied, Kurt’s eyebrows shot up in question and he set his pen down, leaning back in a gesture for him to continue. “Well rehearse with me,” Blaine lamented with a nod, waving his hand in the air to say it wasn’t a big deal. “I gotta gig singing ‘Baby, It’s Cold Outside’ in the King’s Island Christmas Spectacular.” He moved his hands in a semi-circle, presenting the information with fake enthusiasm.
“Ah, a personal favorite,” Kurt nodded, “Too bad they’d never let us sing it together.” Blaine gave him an odd look and his quickly continued, “I mean, as two...artists.”
“Mm.” Blaine nodded, watching Kurt out of the corner of his eye. “So you gonna help me out here?” He quirked his eyebrow slightly.
“Anything to get me to stop reading about Charlemange,” He grimaced, eyes widening in emphasis. He totally wasn’t thrilled to sing with Blaine, not at all.
“Very good then!” Blaine said properly, closing Kurt’s book and walking over the the boombox. He hit play and turned on his heels, doing a few chassés over to Kurt before leaning back on the couch and gesturing for Kurt to start.
Kurt clasped his hands together on his knee and smiled coyly as he began to sing, his stomach doing flips at the prospect of finally getting to sing with Blaine.
-----
Blaine flopped down on the couch beside Kurt as they harmonized the final few notes.
Kurt looked over at him, a dazzling smile on his face and his returned it wholeheartedly. Both blushed quickly and looked away and Blaine let out a small laugh before allowing himself to look back at Kurt.
“I think you’re ready,” Kurt informed him with a nod.
Blaine let out a small huff as he looked forward. “Well, for the record,” he said, turning slightly to face Kurt, “you are much better than that girl’s gonna be.”
Kurt looked at him adoringly as he pulled his lips together tightly in embarrassment. His lips which Blaine would very much like to kiss right now, thank you very much. He leaned forward slightly and was about to pull Kurt forward when he heard footsteps approach the den. He jerked away and Kurt eyes, which had become half lidded, flew open.
Blaine quickly stood up and smoothed his uniform, looking to the door. A man he didn’t recognize walked in, looking around before his eyes landed on Kurt. Blaine headed straight for the door, he and the man both murmed greetings as they nodded and passed one another. Blaine was inwardly cursing this man who he’d never even met for ruining the opportunity he’d had to kiss Kurt.
“Mr. Schuester!” He heard Kurt say happily back inside the den. He recognized the name of Kurt’s old choir director from McKinley and his frustration began to diminish bit by bit.
At least one of them had been glad the man had walked in.
-----
Blaine and Kurt hardly got to see each other the last few days before break as both were cramming for their exams - something neither of them were happy about. They got to see each other briefly at lunch and in the hallways or common room, but the when the actual day of exams had come they hadn’t gotten to see each other until the very last minute.
Both boys stood by their luggage in the common room in an awkward silence, neither one wanting to say goodbye. Eventually though they knew they would have to go, Kurt returning to Lima and Blaine joining his parents and Wes and David’s families on vacation for the holidays.
Those two had already said their goodbyes to Kurt, leaving them alone with knowing grins.
“So...” Blaine started awkwardly, rocking back and forth on his heels.
Kurt rolled his eyes, “I’m going to miss you,” he murmered, causing the other boy’s head to snap up. Blaine’s face immediately lit up.
“I’m going to miss you too.” He admitted, nervously rubbing the back of his next.
Kurt blushed, wondering what to do now.
He stepped forward, preparing to give Blaine a hug but let out a small gasp as Blaine briefly pressed his lips to his cheek.
He stared wide-eyed as Blaine pulled away, smile even bigger than before. He looked down at his watch and nodded to Kurt.
He grabbed his luggage and made his way down the corridor, shouting “Have a great break!” over his shoulder.
Kurt watched him head downstairs with his luggage, mumbling a “You too,” when Blaine turned around the corner, a dazed smile on his face.