His Perfect Partner (8/?)
Title: His Perfect Partner (8/?)
Rating: R
Pairings: Kurt/Blaine, with appearances by Burt/Carole, Tina/Mike, Mercedes/Sam, Brittany/Santana, Rachel/Finn
Spoilers: None, but assume that anything through 3.14 is fair game for inspiration.
Word Count: 2685
Summary: After five disappointing seasons on the show, professional dancer Kurt Hummel finally has his chance at ballroom glory. With actress and fan favorite Kim Schrodinger as his partner, Kurt vows to channel all his focus into winning that mirrorball trophy - distractions, including men, be damned. Enter Blaine Anderson, a gorgeous, confusing pop star who may turn out to be the biggest distraction of them all.
In This Chapter: After the show, Kurt and Kim have dinner with their families, followed by an evening out with Blaine and his friends.
Author's Note: This is a Dancing with the Stars/Glee crossover AU, in which Kurt grew up dancing and became a professional on the show in his mid-twenties, and Blaine is a pop star with a very private private life. Other familiar Glee faces, some actual DWTS pros, and a couple of OCs appear to round out the cast of characters. I'll be posting twice a week, on Mondays and Thursdays. I have a master glee post here, or follow my bff's tumblr for updates and some fun multi-media extras that will go along with most chapters. Thanks to
samzgurl,
wintercreek, and
gypsyangel25 for the beta as well as for general cheer-leading and fun times.
The moment the cameras turned off, Molly and Jake came barreling toward Kurt and Kim, Grant following them. Hugs, kisses, and handshakes were exchanged all around. By the time Burt and Carole made it down from their seats, Kurt was staggering around pretending to fall while Molly and Jake giggled and clung to his legs. Carole leaned down and immediately charmed the little monsters so Kurt could give his dad a hug and then introduce everyone.
Finn came charging over a few minutes later, and his sheer size and speed seemed to intimidate Jake, who lifted his arms to Kurt to be picked up. Molly, of course, took to Finn immediately, demanding that he fly her around like an airplane.
“I didn’t realize I was getting a world-class dance partner and babysitters out of this deal, but I like it,” Kim said.
“Our boys are nothing if not helpful. Or at least well-meaning,” Burt said. Everyone winced as Finn flew Molly a little too close to one of the camera crews.
“I’m the helpful one, since Finn’s cornered the market on well-meaning,” Kurt said, switching Jake to his other hip so he was a little further out of Molly’s flight line.
“You’re terrible,” Carole said, leaning over to kiss his cheek. “Just like your dad.”
“Oh!” Kim turned on Burt. “So you’re the reason Kurt’s so good at mocking me.”
“I’m so good at mocking you because you’re easily mockable,” Kurt said, and Burt only smiled. Kim stuck her tongue out at Kurt, which made Jake giggle.
“So, dinner?” Grant said smoothly, looking at Carole. She beamed.
“Absolutely. I printed out the directions. We can meet you and the kids there, so Kurt and Kim have time to do all of that post-show business of theirs.”
The group broke up, promising to meet at the restaurant in half an hour, while Kim and Kurt headed over to the press line for post-show interviews. By the time they finished, Kurt was more than ready to change out of his costume, wash all his stage makeup off, and relax with his family.
Mercedes was waiting for him in his trailer, a habit they’d fallen into during his first season on the show. She provided her commentary on the night’s show while he headed for his tiny shower.
“So what did you think of Kim?” Kurt asked, voice pitched over the running water.
“She was great!” Cedes called. Kurt knew she was out there straightening his hair products and lotions. She couldn’t help herself. “She was completely charming in the rehearsal package they showed, and she danced like she was on fire and loving it. You’ll get the votes for sure.”
“And everyone else?”
“I’d say, offhand, that Santana and Blaine are your fiercest competition, barring any late developments. A few of the other ones, like Quinn and Puck, are decent, but they won’t be able to pull in the same kind of votes.”
“Are you still reading those voting analysis websites, Cedes? Because you sound like a cross between a bookie and an accountant right now.”
“Of course,” she said, looking up as he wandered back into the room, his pants on and a towel around his neck. “I need to know who to bribe so my baby boy can finally win this thing.”
“You’re the best - willing to sacrifice your morals to augment my collection of tacky trophies.”
“Anything for you, K.” She shook her head as he held up a shirt and tie combo for her consideration. “Sexier, babydoll. You can wear a jacket for dinner, but then we are going out!”
“Yes ma’am.”
“In fact…” She stuck her head into his makeshift closet, emerging with a dark gray, short-sleeved shirt. “This one. All those snaps and buttons and zippers will just make the boys want to figure out how to take it off you.”
“I swear you’re getting saucier as you get older,” Kurt said, but he dutifully took the shirt from her and put it on. “Good?”
“Delicious! Kim will approve.”
“That’s what I’m afraid of.”
“Oh, you know you love it, all of us fussing over you. And you’d better behave, or Kim and I will tell your dad about the torch you’re carrying for the cast’s newest boytoy.”
“And now you sound eighty. Also, mean. I’m going to forbid you to hang out with Kim in a second,” Kurt said, sitting down so Cedes could fuss with his hair.
Once she was satisfied with the way he looked, Cedes let Kurt escort her over to the parking lot, where they were meeting Kim and the car service. Kurt listened to the two women chat on the way to the restaurant, secretly thrilled that they got along so well. Though he’d never had the experience before, he thought that Kim was a partner he’d stay close to even after the show ended. She was like the big sister he’d never needed, and he adored her.
“So,” Kim said when they were halfway there. “I hear you had a hot date the other night, Miss Mercedes.”
“Oh, look, she takes an inappropriate interest in everyone’s love lives, not just mine,” Kurt said, which earned him an eyeroll.
“Don’t think you’re off the hook, mister. I will be watching you closely when we go out tonight,” Kim said.
“You’re coming?” Cedes asked.
“Absolutely. I wouldn’t miss a chance to have fun with you guys.”
“You mean meddle,” Kurt said.
“Well, that too. Speaking of…” Kim turned back to Cedes, taking her hands. “Tell me everything!”
“It was great. Sam is great,” Cedes said, blushing a little. “He’s a total gentleman. He’s also kind of a giant dork, but it’s endearing. We went to see some sci-fi movie he had to explain to me, and then he took me out for the best dinner.”
“And then?” Kim prompted.
“He walked me to my door and kissed me in the moonlight. And then he said goodnight.”
“So, straight but old-fashioned?” Kurt asked.
“Just how I like them,” Cedes confirmed, grinning.
“Is he coming tonight?” Kim asked.
“That’s the plan. He said he’d meet me at the club. Oh, Kurt, I didn’t even get to tell you this yet, but he sent me flowers yesterday.”
“Well that officially makes him a keeper,” Kim said, and Kurt agreed.
They pulled up at the restaurant then and were ushered past the few photographers stationed outside. Grant, the kids, the Hudson-Hummels, and Rachel were at a big table in the back, having what sounded like a fabulous time. Grant rose when he spotted them, a champagne flute in each hand for the competitors, while Carole and Burt got up to hug Mercedes and insist she sit next to them.
Molly and Jake had already started on their dinners, because Grant was planning to get them home at a decent hour. They’d saved a seat for Kurt between them, which he took with good grace. They told him all about their adventure at the show around bites of mac and cheese. Apparently, it had been the most awesome day ever, and they couldn’t wait to go again soon.
Across the table, Rachel was leaning into Finn as they discussed that week’s music with Carole, who was still impressed with how many songs they had to learn for each show. Burt was talking a mixture of cars and politics with Grant and Cedes, while Kim conferred with the waiter about wine selections for the table. Kurt sat back for a minute, taking in how well all these people that he loved and respected got along. He knew he was lucky, particularly in the way his career had taken off, but it was when he was with his friends and family that he felt the luckiest.
Grant made his excuses twenty minutes later when Jake started yawning and Molly started whining. Kim promised them pancakes for brunch the next day, since she and Kurt wouldn’t be rehearsing until the afternoon, which perked Jake up and made Molly more amenable. Molly gave everyone at the table a goodnight hug, while Jake clung to his dad and waved instead.
Once they’d gone, Kim switched seats so she could chat with Carole, Mercedes moved down by Finn and Rachel, and Burt moved over to sit with Kurt.
“Good show, bud,” Burt said once he’d settled in. “You know I still don’t know that much about dancing, but even I know quality when I see it.”
“Thanks,” Kurt said. “Kim’s doing great. It’s a lot of fun to work with someone with so much potential.”
“I bet. And how are you otherwise?” As always, his dad cut right to the chase.
“I’m ok. I promise. The last six weeks have been busy and interesting, and before that, well. It was really good to come home for a while, after everything.”
“It was good to have you there. I still say that guy was a jackass for not appreciating you the way he should have,” Burt said fiercely.
“Dad, I’m not seventeen anymore. I don’t need you to defend me.”
“I’ll stop defending you when this old heart stops beating for good, and not a minute before. You’re my kid. That’s how it works.”
“Thanks, Dad.” Kurt knew when to back down gracefully, and this was one battle his dad was always going to win.
“I may be a little bit biased, but you’re a pretty great kid. You deserve someone equally great.”
“You keep telling me that.”
“And I’ll keep doing it until you believe me.”
“Just so long as you don’t start matchmaking,” Kurt said, thinking of Kim and Mercedes’ version of being supportive.
“Why would I do that?” Burt looked perplexed. “I expect you’re capable of that sort of thing.”
“And I appreciate your vote of confidence,” Kurt said, taking another sip of wine.
“Got your eye on anybody?” Burt said, and Kurt marveled once again at how far his dad had come over the years when it came to discussing his dating life.
“No. Well, not exactly,” Kurt admitted. “It’s complicated.”
“That’s the thing,” Burt said, looking across the table at Carole. “When it comes to real love, the kind you want to hang onto and fight for, it’s complicated, but it’s also the simplest thing in the world. Don’t make it harder than it has to be.”
“I’ll do my best.”
“That’s all you can do. You’ll be alright.” Burt patted Kurt’s arm, and he felt more at ease than he had in a while.
***
An hour later, after saying goodnight to Carole and Burt, they headed to the club to meet the rest of the cast and their friends for the first Monday night outing of the season. It was already packed with cast and crew when they got there, and their arrival was heralded with cheers and drinks all around. Sam popped up and asked Mercedes to dance, and Finn and Rachel decided to try the dance floor as well. That left Kurt with Kim, who immediately dragged him over to the group of tables where the celebs and pros were holding court. Blaine, who was rosy-cheeked and obviously tipsy, waved them over and made room for them on his banquette. Kim shoved Kurt in first with a grin and immediately began introducing herself to Blaine’s friends. It seemed like he’d brought his entire band as well as his best friend, a girl named Annie, who wasn’t anything like Kurt had expected.
Annie was obviously tall, for starters, her long legs stretched out underneath the table. And she was wearing a flowy dress that ended at her knees and wouldn’t have looked out of place at Woodstock. Her hair fell in a dark sheet to the middle of her back, both wrists were covered in bangles, and her lip was pierced. She couldn’t have been more different from Blaine if she tried. Her appearance and her obvious affection for her best friend made Kurt reconsider his assumptions about Blaine. From what he was learning, Blaine was a man with a lot of subtle layers, which only made him more interesting in Kurt’s eyes.
Kim was quickly coaxing hilarious Blaine stories out of Annie and their other friends, which made everyone laugh and Blaine slump down against Kurt’s shoulder, trying to hide his face. Kurt, already warm from the wine he’d had at dinner, flushed as Blaine wrapped both arms around one of his and burrowed further into his neck.
“Did we mention that Blaine gets inappropriately cuddly when subjected to alcohol and embarrassment?” Annie asked.
“Remember that time in Austin when he spent an entire evening sitting in some girl’s lap, talking about pretty green eyes?” said Jeff, one of Blaine’s backup singers. “No one had the heart to tell her he was going on about an ex. I think the poor girl tried to follow us back to the hotel. We had to talk Blaine out of mentioning anyone with green eyes in his next album, or we would have had a stalker on our hands.”
“Aw, Blainers,” Kim said. “Did someone break your sweet little heart?”
Blaine blinked owlishly at her and reached for his drink but didn’t say anything.
“Yeah, that guy was an asshole,” Jeff said, and Kurt jerked to attention. Beside him, Kim punched her fist in the air.
“Yes! Kurt Hummel, you owe me twenty bucks!” Kim said, and Kurt groaned.
“Blaine, did you forget to tell the nice people you only like girls as friends?” Annie asked.
“Oops?” he said, leaning his head on his hand and smiling at her.
“We’ve talked about this, lovey. People aren’t very good guessers when it comes to you, heaven knows why.”
“I told you!” Kim said to Kurt, and she signaled the waitress for another round. “You’re buying this one, loser.”
The drinks came, and Kurt helped himself to his and Blaine’s for good measure. He figured the only way to deal with a somewhat drunk, rather clingy, and very gay Blaine was with lots of alcohol.
Thirty minutes and two more cocktails later, Kurt was nice and floaty and not minding at all that he’d lost the bet. Blaine was draped across him, chatting with Kim, and it was all Kurt could do not to nuzzle into him and close his eyes. Blaine was adorable and hot and cuddly and apparently really, really gay. Kurt liked that.
“Champ, I think it’s time to pour you into the car and take you home,” Kim said, pulling Kurt away from his careful study of the way Blaine’s hair was beginning to curl behind his ears. “We have rehearsal tomorrow.”
“You’re making pancakes,” Kurt said. “For Jake and Molly. I love them. They’re so cute.”
“Yeah,” Blaine said, as Kim manhandled him into an upright position so she could extract Kurt. “And you. You read to them. I helped.”
“You did,” Kurt said, and grinned at him. His face felt all funny, which made him giggle.
“Ok, Drunky McFlirtyPants, say goodnight.” Kim pulled Kurt up behind her and turned him back toward the table.
“Goodnight.” He waved obediently, his eyes not leaving Blaine’s until Kim led him away.
“Just so you know, nothing will stop me from mocking you mercilessly tomorrow. And you won’t be able to say a thing, because you’re going to be grateful I sent you home before you did something stupid,” Kim told him once they were in the car.
“But I was having fun,” Kurt whined.
“Trust me - one night of confused drunken cuddling in public is not nearly as great as what you might get up to with that boy when you’re both sober and thinking clearly.”
“You just made a sex joke,” Kurt said and giggled again.
“Sure I did,” Kim said, patting his knee. “You keep thinking that and laughing, and I’ll make sure you get through this in one piece.”
“’Kay,” Kurt said, drifting down to rest his cheek on Kim’s shoulder. A moment later, he was asleep, and he didn’t wake up until Kim had gotten him home.
Rating: R
Pairings: Kurt/Blaine, with appearances by Burt/Carole, Tina/Mike, Mercedes/Sam, Brittany/Santana, Rachel/Finn
Spoilers: None, but assume that anything through 3.14 is fair game for inspiration.
Word Count: 2685
Summary: After five disappointing seasons on the show, professional dancer Kurt Hummel finally has his chance at ballroom glory. With actress and fan favorite Kim Schrodinger as his partner, Kurt vows to channel all his focus into winning that mirrorball trophy - distractions, including men, be damned. Enter Blaine Anderson, a gorgeous, confusing pop star who may turn out to be the biggest distraction of them all.
In This Chapter: After the show, Kurt and Kim have dinner with their families, followed by an evening out with Blaine and his friends.
Author's Note: This is a Dancing with the Stars/Glee crossover AU, in which Kurt grew up dancing and became a professional on the show in his mid-twenties, and Blaine is a pop star with a very private private life. Other familiar Glee faces, some actual DWTS pros, and a couple of OCs appear to round out the cast of characters. I'll be posting twice a week, on Mondays and Thursdays. I have a master glee post here, or follow my bff's tumblr for updates and some fun multi-media extras that will go along with most chapters. Thanks to
samzgurl,
wintercreek, and
gypsyangel25 for the beta as well as for general cheer-leading and fun times.
The moment the cameras turned off, Molly and Jake came barreling toward Kurt and Kim, Grant following them. Hugs, kisses, and handshakes were exchanged all around. By the time Burt and Carole made it down from their seats, Kurt was staggering around pretending to fall while Molly and Jake giggled and clung to his legs. Carole leaned down and immediately charmed the little monsters so Kurt could give his dad a hug and then introduce everyone.
Finn came charging over a few minutes later, and his sheer size and speed seemed to intimidate Jake, who lifted his arms to Kurt to be picked up. Molly, of course, took to Finn immediately, demanding that he fly her around like an airplane.
“I didn’t realize I was getting a world-class dance partner and babysitters out of this deal, but I like it,” Kim said.
“Our boys are nothing if not helpful. Or at least well-meaning,” Burt said. Everyone winced as Finn flew Molly a little too close to one of the camera crews.
“I’m the helpful one, since Finn’s cornered the market on well-meaning,” Kurt said, switching Jake to his other hip so he was a little further out of Molly’s flight line.
“You’re terrible,” Carole said, leaning over to kiss his cheek. “Just like your dad.”
“Oh!” Kim turned on Burt. “So you’re the reason Kurt’s so good at mocking me.”
“I’m so good at mocking you because you’re easily mockable,” Kurt said, and Burt only smiled. Kim stuck her tongue out at Kurt, which made Jake giggle.
“So, dinner?” Grant said smoothly, looking at Carole. She beamed.
“Absolutely. I printed out the directions. We can meet you and the kids there, so Kurt and Kim have time to do all of that post-show business of theirs.”
The group broke up, promising to meet at the restaurant in half an hour, while Kim and Kurt headed over to the press line for post-show interviews. By the time they finished, Kurt was more than ready to change out of his costume, wash all his stage makeup off, and relax with his family.
Mercedes was waiting for him in his trailer, a habit they’d fallen into during his first season on the show. She provided her commentary on the night’s show while he headed for his tiny shower.
“So what did you think of Kim?” Kurt asked, voice pitched over the running water.
“She was great!” Cedes called. Kurt knew she was out there straightening his hair products and lotions. She couldn’t help herself. “She was completely charming in the rehearsal package they showed, and she danced like she was on fire and loving it. You’ll get the votes for sure.”
“And everyone else?”
“I’d say, offhand, that Santana and Blaine are your fiercest competition, barring any late developments. A few of the other ones, like Quinn and Puck, are decent, but they won’t be able to pull in the same kind of votes.”
“Are you still reading those voting analysis websites, Cedes? Because you sound like a cross between a bookie and an accountant right now.”
“Of course,” she said, looking up as he wandered back into the room, his pants on and a towel around his neck. “I need to know who to bribe so my baby boy can finally win this thing.”
“You’re the best - willing to sacrifice your morals to augment my collection of tacky trophies.”
“Anything for you, K.” She shook her head as he held up a shirt and tie combo for her consideration. “Sexier, babydoll. You can wear a jacket for dinner, but then we are going out!”
“Yes ma’am.”
“In fact…” She stuck her head into his makeshift closet, emerging with a dark gray, short-sleeved shirt. “This one. All those snaps and buttons and zippers will just make the boys want to figure out how to take it off you.”
“I swear you’re getting saucier as you get older,” Kurt said, but he dutifully took the shirt from her and put it on. “Good?”
“Delicious! Kim will approve.”
“That’s what I’m afraid of.”
“Oh, you know you love it, all of us fussing over you. And you’d better behave, or Kim and I will tell your dad about the torch you’re carrying for the cast’s newest boytoy.”
“And now you sound eighty. Also, mean. I’m going to forbid you to hang out with Kim in a second,” Kurt said, sitting down so Cedes could fuss with his hair.
Once she was satisfied with the way he looked, Cedes let Kurt escort her over to the parking lot, where they were meeting Kim and the car service. Kurt listened to the two women chat on the way to the restaurant, secretly thrilled that they got along so well. Though he’d never had the experience before, he thought that Kim was a partner he’d stay close to even after the show ended. She was like the big sister he’d never needed, and he adored her.
“So,” Kim said when they were halfway there. “I hear you had a hot date the other night, Miss Mercedes.”
“Oh, look, she takes an inappropriate interest in everyone’s love lives, not just mine,” Kurt said, which earned him an eyeroll.
“Don’t think you’re off the hook, mister. I will be watching you closely when we go out tonight,” Kim said.
“You’re coming?” Cedes asked.
“Absolutely. I wouldn’t miss a chance to have fun with you guys.”
“You mean meddle,” Kurt said.
“Well, that too. Speaking of…” Kim turned back to Cedes, taking her hands. “Tell me everything!”
“It was great. Sam is great,” Cedes said, blushing a little. “He’s a total gentleman. He’s also kind of a giant dork, but it’s endearing. We went to see some sci-fi movie he had to explain to me, and then he took me out for the best dinner.”
“And then?” Kim prompted.
“He walked me to my door and kissed me in the moonlight. And then he said goodnight.”
“So, straight but old-fashioned?” Kurt asked.
“Just how I like them,” Cedes confirmed, grinning.
“Is he coming tonight?” Kim asked.
“That’s the plan. He said he’d meet me at the club. Oh, Kurt, I didn’t even get to tell you this yet, but he sent me flowers yesterday.”
“Well that officially makes him a keeper,” Kim said, and Kurt agreed.
They pulled up at the restaurant then and were ushered past the few photographers stationed outside. Grant, the kids, the Hudson-Hummels, and Rachel were at a big table in the back, having what sounded like a fabulous time. Grant rose when he spotted them, a champagne flute in each hand for the competitors, while Carole and Burt got up to hug Mercedes and insist she sit next to them.
Molly and Jake had already started on their dinners, because Grant was planning to get them home at a decent hour. They’d saved a seat for Kurt between them, which he took with good grace. They told him all about their adventure at the show around bites of mac and cheese. Apparently, it had been the most awesome day ever, and they couldn’t wait to go again soon.
Across the table, Rachel was leaning into Finn as they discussed that week’s music with Carole, who was still impressed with how many songs they had to learn for each show. Burt was talking a mixture of cars and politics with Grant and Cedes, while Kim conferred with the waiter about wine selections for the table. Kurt sat back for a minute, taking in how well all these people that he loved and respected got along. He knew he was lucky, particularly in the way his career had taken off, but it was when he was with his friends and family that he felt the luckiest.
Grant made his excuses twenty minutes later when Jake started yawning and Molly started whining. Kim promised them pancakes for brunch the next day, since she and Kurt wouldn’t be rehearsing until the afternoon, which perked Jake up and made Molly more amenable. Molly gave everyone at the table a goodnight hug, while Jake clung to his dad and waved instead.
Once they’d gone, Kim switched seats so she could chat with Carole, Mercedes moved down by Finn and Rachel, and Burt moved over to sit with Kurt.
“Good show, bud,” Burt said once he’d settled in. “You know I still don’t know that much about dancing, but even I know quality when I see it.”
“Thanks,” Kurt said. “Kim’s doing great. It’s a lot of fun to work with someone with so much potential.”
“I bet. And how are you otherwise?” As always, his dad cut right to the chase.
“I’m ok. I promise. The last six weeks have been busy and interesting, and before that, well. It was really good to come home for a while, after everything.”
“It was good to have you there. I still say that guy was a jackass for not appreciating you the way he should have,” Burt said fiercely.
“Dad, I’m not seventeen anymore. I don’t need you to defend me.”
“I’ll stop defending you when this old heart stops beating for good, and not a minute before. You’re my kid. That’s how it works.”
“Thanks, Dad.” Kurt knew when to back down gracefully, and this was one battle his dad was always going to win.
“I may be a little bit biased, but you’re a pretty great kid. You deserve someone equally great.”
“You keep telling me that.”
“And I’ll keep doing it until you believe me.”
“Just so long as you don’t start matchmaking,” Kurt said, thinking of Kim and Mercedes’ version of being supportive.
“Why would I do that?” Burt looked perplexed. “I expect you’re capable of that sort of thing.”
“And I appreciate your vote of confidence,” Kurt said, taking another sip of wine.
“Got your eye on anybody?” Burt said, and Kurt marveled once again at how far his dad had come over the years when it came to discussing his dating life.
“No. Well, not exactly,” Kurt admitted. “It’s complicated.”
“That’s the thing,” Burt said, looking across the table at Carole. “When it comes to real love, the kind you want to hang onto and fight for, it’s complicated, but it’s also the simplest thing in the world. Don’t make it harder than it has to be.”
“I’ll do my best.”
“That’s all you can do. You’ll be alright.” Burt patted Kurt’s arm, and he felt more at ease than he had in a while.
***
An hour later, after saying goodnight to Carole and Burt, they headed to the club to meet the rest of the cast and their friends for the first Monday night outing of the season. It was already packed with cast and crew when they got there, and their arrival was heralded with cheers and drinks all around. Sam popped up and asked Mercedes to dance, and Finn and Rachel decided to try the dance floor as well. That left Kurt with Kim, who immediately dragged him over to the group of tables where the celebs and pros were holding court. Blaine, who was rosy-cheeked and obviously tipsy, waved them over and made room for them on his banquette. Kim shoved Kurt in first with a grin and immediately began introducing herself to Blaine’s friends. It seemed like he’d brought his entire band as well as his best friend, a girl named Annie, who wasn’t anything like Kurt had expected.
Annie was obviously tall, for starters, her long legs stretched out underneath the table. And she was wearing a flowy dress that ended at her knees and wouldn’t have looked out of place at Woodstock. Her hair fell in a dark sheet to the middle of her back, both wrists were covered in bangles, and her lip was pierced. She couldn’t have been more different from Blaine if she tried. Her appearance and her obvious affection for her best friend made Kurt reconsider his assumptions about Blaine. From what he was learning, Blaine was a man with a lot of subtle layers, which only made him more interesting in Kurt’s eyes.
Kim was quickly coaxing hilarious Blaine stories out of Annie and their other friends, which made everyone laugh and Blaine slump down against Kurt’s shoulder, trying to hide his face. Kurt, already warm from the wine he’d had at dinner, flushed as Blaine wrapped both arms around one of his and burrowed further into his neck.
“Did we mention that Blaine gets inappropriately cuddly when subjected to alcohol and embarrassment?” Annie asked.
“Remember that time in Austin when he spent an entire evening sitting in some girl’s lap, talking about pretty green eyes?” said Jeff, one of Blaine’s backup singers. “No one had the heart to tell her he was going on about an ex. I think the poor girl tried to follow us back to the hotel. We had to talk Blaine out of mentioning anyone with green eyes in his next album, or we would have had a stalker on our hands.”
“Aw, Blainers,” Kim said. “Did someone break your sweet little heart?”
Blaine blinked owlishly at her and reached for his drink but didn’t say anything.
“Yeah, that guy was an asshole,” Jeff said, and Kurt jerked to attention. Beside him, Kim punched her fist in the air.
“Yes! Kurt Hummel, you owe me twenty bucks!” Kim said, and Kurt groaned.
“Blaine, did you forget to tell the nice people you only like girls as friends?” Annie asked.
“Oops?” he said, leaning his head on his hand and smiling at her.
“We’ve talked about this, lovey. People aren’t very good guessers when it comes to you, heaven knows why.”
“I told you!” Kim said to Kurt, and she signaled the waitress for another round. “You’re buying this one, loser.”
The drinks came, and Kurt helped himself to his and Blaine’s for good measure. He figured the only way to deal with a somewhat drunk, rather clingy, and very gay Blaine was with lots of alcohol.
Thirty minutes and two more cocktails later, Kurt was nice and floaty and not minding at all that he’d lost the bet. Blaine was draped across him, chatting with Kim, and it was all Kurt could do not to nuzzle into him and close his eyes. Blaine was adorable and hot and cuddly and apparently really, really gay. Kurt liked that.
“Champ, I think it’s time to pour you into the car and take you home,” Kim said, pulling Kurt away from his careful study of the way Blaine’s hair was beginning to curl behind his ears. “We have rehearsal tomorrow.”
“You’re making pancakes,” Kurt said. “For Jake and Molly. I love them. They’re so cute.”
“Yeah,” Blaine said, as Kim manhandled him into an upright position so she could extract Kurt. “And you. You read to them. I helped.”
“You did,” Kurt said, and grinned at him. His face felt all funny, which made him giggle.
“Ok, Drunky McFlirtyPants, say goodnight.” Kim pulled Kurt up behind her and turned him back toward the table.
“Goodnight.” He waved obediently, his eyes not leaving Blaine’s until Kim led him away.
“Just so you know, nothing will stop me from mocking you mercilessly tomorrow. And you won’t be able to say a thing, because you’re going to be grateful I sent you home before you did something stupid,” Kim told him once they were in the car.
“But I was having fun,” Kurt whined.
“Trust me - one night of confused drunken cuddling in public is not nearly as great as what you might get up to with that boy when you’re both sober and thinking clearly.”
“You just made a sex joke,” Kurt said and giggled again.
“Sure I did,” Kim said, patting his knee. “You keep thinking that and laughing, and I’ll make sure you get through this in one piece.”
“’Kay,” Kurt said, drifting down to rest his cheek on Kim’s shoulder. A moment later, he was asleep, and he didn’t wake up until Kim had gotten him home.