The holidays are over and I finally have more time to write again. I will warn that my updates might be slightly slower on this story, mainly because I have to come up with a story line and comedy. I have some wonderful people helping me with this story, but there is always room for more, so if you are interested in being apart of the creative process of Make 'Em Laugh, please don't hesitate to send me a PM, review, or message on tumblr (practical-amanda).

Also, someone in a PM called me mysterious, which is funny because I don't think of myself that way, but I suppose in this setting it sort of seems that way. How about a fun fact per chapter? I majored in politics in college and I now work for the Obama campaign, but I'm actively seeking another job that hopefully pays better haha.

I hope this chapter answers some of your questions...or maybe presents new ones...

"So, what did you think?" Blaine had just finished rehearsing some new material for his room mate. He was hoping to finish some of it for that night so he could show it to Kurt and maybe ask for a few minutes of stage time from his boss. "I'm trying to be more honest in my routine."

"It was...funny, definitely funny," Marley replied. "But...well never mind, it was funny."

"No, wait what were you going to say?" Blaine asked. "I'm serious. I want you to be brutally honest. Don't hold back."

Marley sighed, "I was just thinking. Do you ever worry that, that kind of honesty could render you undateable?"

"Very funny, Mar," Blaine said, plopping down on the couch next to her and shoving his hand into the popcorn bowl she had on her lap. "Maybe you should be the comedian instead. I don't really think there is anything that I could do that would make me less dateable."

"Blaine, that's not true and you know it. You're cute, kind, and despite your apparent failure last night, you're really funny. You just need to put yourself out there," Marley replied before stuffing a large hand full of popcorn into her mouth. "I don't understand why you're so shy around men."

"That must be the first time I've ever been called shy by anyone," Blaine said, pointedly ignoring the question. "And anyway, I'm not shy. I'm just scarred by past experience. The last time I tried to romance someone he ended up getting fired from his job."

"That was ages ago. We were still in college when the whole 'Gap Attack Incident' happened. Isn't it time you got over it," Marley implored.

"It's not just that," Blaine replied slumping into the couch. "It's just...I don't feel like I can pursue a boyfriend until a few more good things happen in my life. Things are fine right now, but they could be a lot better. They need to be a lot better."

"Falling in love could be just the boost you need," Marley said, putting her popcorn aside and wrapping an arm around her best friend. "I'm not saying to run out and find a man today, but at least let yourself be open enough for love to find you."

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Blaine and Marley had first met in college at Wesleyan when they were both working the open mic circuit, Marley as a vocalist and Blaine as a stand up act. They had become fast friends. In their senior year they lived in a small apartment off campus and they had been room mates ever since. They were each other's biggest cheerleaders, but Blaine often worried that he was a bigger drain on Marley's pom pom skills than she would ever be on his.

He supposed it made sense, though. Marley had been dreaming of being a singer practically since she knew what singing was. She had years of practice and experience, not to mention a mother who was consummately supportive of her goals. When Blaine matriculated he could have said the same thing, well minus the supportive mother part, but a course in musical comedy changed everything. Before he knew it he was knee deep in an improv troop and furiously scribbling stand up ideas on little bits of paper and the back of his hand in all of his spare time. They say college can transform you and for Blaine Anderson this was definitely true.

Not everything changed, of course. He was still smooth and confident on the outside and a bit of an idiot on the inside. He still had a tendency to wear his heart on his sleeve, or at least in his overly earnest eyes. He still had a bit of a short temper and he didn't think he would ever totally squelched his sassy side. And he hadn't lost his taste for medium drips or tall, pale, and lithe men. And, performing was performing. At the end of the day Blaine was a people pleaser and making people laugh was a great way to do just that.

Speaking of tall, pale, and lithe men, "so, did you take any of my advice?" Kurt asked, setting a plate of Caesar salad in front of Blaine. They both were in the habit of eating their one compt meal before customers came in instead of late at night after the club closed. "I couldn't help, but notice that those index cards are a different color than yesterday."

Blaine nodded as he munched on a crouton, "I did, but really this is just in case. I highly doubt the boss will put me in again after my ludicrous display last night," Blaine replied, tapping the stack on the table to even out the ends. "This is a comedy club, not a training ground for professional hecklers."

"Is that not the same thing?" Kurt asked. Blaine shrugged and nodded his agreement. "Hey, you never know. Someone else might have a freak accident or have come down with some sort of rare bird flu."

"Yeah, fingers crossed," Blaine said sarcastically.

Kurt sighed and went back to his own meal, "But regardless, Blaine, I'd love to hear it. You can use me as your guinea pig. I totally don't mind," Kurt swallowed and thought of the conversation he'd had with Sam and Puck the night before. "Maybe we could even meet for..."

"Anderson," their manager came barreling up to them, cutting off Kurt's thought. "Hughs decided that he's going to give three of his minutes to you. He says you're great at taking the bullet for him. He got more laughs going directly after you than he's had in months. You're on again."

"That's great!" Blaine said, ignoring most of what the man had said and instead choosing to hone in on the fact that he would get more time.

"Yeah, whatever," the man said, barely getting his words out before stalking away. Blaine could have sworn he heard him mumble something about him being nuts under his breath.

"Kurt, did you hear that! I get to go on again. This is fantastic," Blaine happily took a few more bites of his dinner. "Oh, I'm sorry you were in the middle of saying something."

"Oh, it was nothing," Kurt said, trying not to show his disappointment. "I can't wait to hear it Blaine. I'm sure you'll do...at least as well as yesterday..."

Blaine laughed, "I'll drink to that," he said, raising his coffee mug into the air and taking a hearty gulp before pushing away the rest of his salad in favor of his note cards.

0000000000

"I don't typically disclaim my comedy, but I'm going to warn you anyway," Blaine began, already feeling more confident than the day before. "I practiced in front of my room mate this afternoon and she liked it, but she was worried that the information that's in my routine might render me undateable," there was a smattering of giggles, not huge laughter, but already a more promising start.

"But really guys, who has time to date?" Blaine continued. "I work at this club six nights a week and then spend the rest of my time honing my skills as a burgeoning telemarketing expert. A boyfriend would be great, but I have to put food on the table, or over the sink where I eat most of my meals," Blaine added, and there was more laughter, louder this time.

Blaine couldn't help but sneak a glance at Kurt who sent him a wink and little smile, before launching into the rest of his routine.