Chapter 3

3rd April 1999

The sun was shining bright. It was warmed enough to keep people comfortable outside without the need to wear thick winter coat. Just few layers of sweater would do. Some of the snow had started to melt with the slight rose in temperature, dampening the ground a little but not too slippery that one might need cautions to walk. It was particularly a good day. The children in the neighborhood were excited to be let out of their house for the first time, what with the heavy snow that bestowed Lima at the end of the winter.

The joyful spirits of children filled the whole playground. Parents were exchanging greetings and recollecting their winter holiday events at the bench. They were contented to the children to their own devices, knowing that they would call out to them whenever something went wrong. The snow was still quite thick at the playground and the knowledge that they were allowed to play in the snow was enough to make this place a paradise. At the centre of the park some boys were chasing and running around, throwing snowballs at each other. Cries and hysteric laughter came out more often than not. Those who were physically less active chose to secure a spot anywhere in the park to build giant snowman, as long as they were still within their parents' sights. The Anderson's family was one of them. Brian Anderson was chatting animated with Mr. Laurence across the street about the recent market and shares. Elizabeth on the other hand settled on gossiping and discussing some recipes she put together with the housewives. Not far from them, a short chubby curly haired boy with warm yet striking golden-hazel colored eyes and his eleventh year old brother were building snow castles at their favorite spot in the park, little interactions with all the other kids surrounding them. They spent time to time to try building a perfect one but were futile, thanks to the clumsy hands of the younger boy.

'Urgh… Blainey you have to start from the base. You can't just make a roof and expect the castle to grow taller itself,' the elder brother finally complained with annoyance while standing up from his place.

'But Kurtie, if we don't make the r-rroof first then how do we put it up there. I'm too short to reach,' the younger of the two – Blaine whined, although he still stuttered a little bit at pronouncing the 'r'.

'I don't know why you want to build a snow castle Blainey,' Kurt had asked again. 'making a snowman is much easier compared to this one.' Both hands directed at the crumbling mess below them. He only kneeled down yet again when Blaine's pout and his puppy eyes. It was cute seeing Blaine making this adorable face and his resolves always drifted away to do whatever Blaine wanted him to.

'Hehe I know you'll do it,' Blaine grinned broadly showing his some of his missing teeth.

They continued working on the castle while Kurt would occasionally give out some instructions to Blaine. He worked more carefully now and remembered to follow Kurt's orders from time to time because he really wanted his castle like in the cartoons. They were so focused that they didn't notice their parents and some other adults had looked at their way.

'Your kids sure paired well. I don't think I could even live the day to see mine play together. ' Mrs Owen commented.

'Yeah they are.' Elizabeth replied proudly. 'Kurt was born a good leader and Blaine worships the road he walks. He follows Kurt anywhere like a lost puppy.' She laughed lightly before continuing, 'Kurt loves Blaine and took good care of his younger brother. Blaine was always more attached to Kurt than Brian and I. We travel too frequently for our jobs. Sometimes I feel bad for leaving them behind.'

'Hey they'll understand,' Brian chipped in. 'Kurt knows we're busy and we did all this so that we could have a better life in the future.' Brian hugged Elizabeth's waist and rested his chin on her shoulder, all the while both still looking at their sons.

'I know that. But they're so young. They shouldn't have gone through these,' her voice was filled with pained and guilt.

'Kurt's a good boy. Blaine's too and they'll do alright. And once everything's settled we could spend more time with them,' Brian murmured into her ears. 'And then we'll get together as a better family that time.'

'We can go for a vacation,' Elizabeth proposed.

'Go on,' Brian encouraged and took in all his wife suggestions and ideas on their going-to-be-family-trip. Brian was actually looking forward to spend some quality time with his wife and sons. He loved them so much. However his job starting to move on track and so many potential contracts presenting, he couldn't help but to compromise that for these opportunities, much to his chagrin.

'Deal. We're going to Hawaii next month. I promise to drop everything at hand and really get together for once in so long.' Brian announced before his wife could finish her convincing speech, leaving a dumbstruck look like she was not expecting to be so easy.

It took a full minute before Elizabeth's mind processed with what he said and squealed loudly. She turned and jumped into her husband embrace, causing him to breathe out a 'hmph' sound, and kissed him hard on the lips. Her bright, blissful smile never left her face. They ignored the cat whistles from their friends and continued display until they were forced to pull apart for air. It was a moment like this that made every spectator jealous of their interactions.

The Andersons brothers were almost finished with their handwork. They had finished with the pillars and the triangular top. Blaine was so ecstatic, jumping at and down at their achievements. Kurt was exhausted, but practically seeing glee seeping out of his brother was adequate. He ruffled Blaine's messy hair receiving an irritated 'hey' and scooted Blaine onto his arms. They both looked at the completed castle and smiled at each other. Blaine held on to Kurt and lay his face close to his neck, breathing in the vanilla scent that Kurt radiated.

'You're great Blaine! Now I know why you insisted to build a freaking castle. A snowman is nothing compared to this,' Kurt complimented.

'That's not why I want it,' Blaine mumbled, eyes drooping.

'Huh?' Now Kurt was curious.

'I want to build that castle so that when we gr-grow up,' Blaine paused to yawn, 'I can marry you and lock you up at the top of the castle. So that you only love mmeee…' He slipped off into sleep when he was defeated by fatigue.

Kurt didn't understand a word Blaine was saying. He was confused to say the least. He thought for a while before concluded that what Blaine meant was both of them would still protect and defend their bond even when they had grown older in years to come.

He carried Blaine over to their parents and handed him into his father's stronger arms and that was when his dad and mom declared they were spending the following school break in Hawaii. What Blaine said was forgotten instantly because now it was Kurt's turn to jump in glee.

16th July 2002

'Blaine Devon Anderson! This is the last warning young man! Get your butt to the bathroom and wash yourself! NOW!' was what greeted Kurt when he came home that afternoon. The sun seemed to be punishing Lima with its scorching heat. He was drenched with sweat from head to toe. Now the picture of travelling on foot between school and home had lost its appeal. His dad and mom had been a little hesitant at his request at first, but after much reassurance and persuasion they relented. He had started to regret this and considered taking asking his dad to drive him, but his stupid pride just wouldn't let him! He knew that his parents were making bets on how long he would last before he gave in. Erh! He wanted to wipe that cocky smirk off his dad's face every time he tried to tempt him with dozens offers of nice and smooth ride. Kurt knew he was bound to lose, but hey he was a fighter. His mom would always chuckle at the glares he directed at his dad. Speaking of which…

'What's with all the shouting? I'm sure the whole street could hear you mom.' Kurt knew Blaine was making his mother angry again. Blaine was getting more and more mischievous these days. He wondered why.

'Kurtie!' Blaine ran to tackle-hug Kurt causing him to stumble back a bit. Their mom was completely ignored.

'Hey buddy what's up?' Kurt ruffled Blaine's hair and that was when the odor hit him full force. 'Eww Blainey you stink!' Kurt scrunched his nose in distaste and looked over to his mom. She was to say the least… pissed. She had both her hands on her hips, face flushed red with anger and eyebrows furrowed so close together he thought were going to touch. Uh oh...that was not good.

'He refuses shower ever since he came back from school. I tried every way I could think of to coax him into that damn bathroom but he just won't listen. He just came out from time out minutes before you came in,' his mom practically growled.

Kurt looked at her then at Blaine who was staring at him in awe, he just sighed loudly. 'Mom I'll handle Blaine. You continue with whatever you were doing.'

'Blaine you have another one coming if you don't listen to your brother here. I'm out.' Their mom surrendered and stomped away. Kurt looked at his mom's retreating gesture before giving Blaine a pointed look.

'Now you want to tell me why you're being incorporative?' Kurt chastised softly. Well he just couldn't bring himself to really scold him while he was at the receiving end of puppy eyes.

'Am not,' Blaine scoffed and crossed his arm. 'I was waiting for you to come home and play.'

'And you couldn't shower during the wait?' Kurt raised his eyebrows, one hand subconsciously mimicked his mom's pose at his hip, 'Alright, Blaine enough. Take that long overdue shower now.' Kurt commanded.

'No! I don't want to bath. I have already brought all the toys out. Come on Kurtie,' Blaine attempted to pulled at his hand but Kurt stood to his ground. 'It'll fun. It's your turn to play with Mr. Bunny now! ' Okay Kurt was losing his patient. The torturous walks under the sun combined with Blaine's foolishness were taking their toll.

'STOP IT BLAINE! I SAID GO TO SHOWER RIGHT NOW!' Kurt finally snapped.

Kurt's voice echoed through the living room. At this Blaine's eye widened and went quiet. He stopped all his pulling and looked down at his feet. It was the sniffle that came few moments later that caught Kurt off guard.

'Hey hey Blainey don't cry. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have come out that harsh.' Kurt immediately felt bad and apologized. He kneeled down so that his face leveled Blaine's, using a finger to tilt Blaine's chin until he saw the teary eyes. 'Come here Blainey' Kurt was gentle this time as he hugged Blaine to his chest, all the while whispering soothing words and apology to him.

Blaine sniffled again before muttered a soft sorry in his chest. 'I was really –hiccup- bored and I just want to play –hiccup- with Kurtie.' Blaine whole body shook while he sobbed.

'I'm sorry Blainey. But you have to shower,' Kurt tried using another approach, 'you think Mr. Bunny would want to play with dirty little kids? He would have run miles away the second he smells you. Do you want Mr. Bunny to run away Blaine?

'Of course not!' Blaine pulled away fast and shook his head frantically. His long curly hair fluttered in every direction. Kurt would have laughed at this funny sight if Blaine wasn't just crying earlier.

'Then you have to be a good boy and clean yourself. That way only Mr. Bunny will play with you.' Kurt cooed, seeing he had got Blaine where he wanted him. Blaine looked at his hands and considered for a while.

'…'

'…'

'Will you bath with me?'

Wait what. He must had heard wrong. 'Erm what did you say sweetie?'

'Will you bath with me? I don't like being alone in the bathroom.' Blaine was pleading now, this time meeting his gaze. God damn it he's using the puppy eyes again!

Now that was awkward. Kurt had entered his puberty and frankly put it was embarrassing. He hadn't bath with anyone anymore because his body had started to undergo some changes- not that he ever bathed with anyone before that, mind you-, he didn't want to risk Blaine asking any questions he couldn't answer without making it children friendly. But he had tried so hard to get Blaine agreeing to bath! Oh hell no he's giving up now. Kurt weighted the options carefully. He could see out of the corner of his eyes Blaine shuffled on his foot, waiting for an answer, all the while puppy-face mode was still on.

'Fine, but only this time,' Kurt decided.

'Yay!' Blaine immediately perked up and dragged Kurt to the bathroom in his room.

The second time it happened was a week after that. Blaine came up with his defiance yet again and this time he downright refused to bath if Kurt didn't join him. The same thing happened for the following week and it occurred more often, eventually Kurt was sharing bath with Blaine everyday throughout his freshman year.

Phew~ So that's all for Chapter 3. I tried to make Blaine a little creepy but cute in the first part and then show how Blaine was stringing Kurt along so he could get what he wants. But let's face it, how manipulative and dark can a seven year-old be. So I think that's the furthest you can get with children manipulation at his age… for now! So tell me what you think about this chapter. By the way be my guest to suggest any ideas to make this story more interesting. I pretty much have the whole storyline plotted out but I could add some miscellaneous tidbits to it. Please review! I'm on my way to finishing the next chapter so stay put!