AN- To everyone who has been asking about Eric, you're going to love this chapter. Kind of a big change in this chapter but I state my reasons for it in my bottom AN. Though I am trying to stay canon, some things are going to start to deviate a little from the show.
Also: This is super important and has been bugging my friend for weeks now. Does anyone know of a fic where Kurt had a twin sister named Kelly? And she was a love interest for Sam. Was it taken down, did she just stop writing. If anyone has any info, please let me know!
Mr. Schue decides to try something new for Sectionals.
Quinn and Sam are getting the lead solos, instead of Rachel and Finn. And Mike and Brittany's hot dance moves would be featured more.
Blaine doesn't care. Kurt is no longer at McKinley so he really doesn't get excited for anything.
He's brooding in his usual seat, his eyes constantly slipping to the empty one beside him. He ignores Rachel's cries of outrage over her not getting a solo and isn't paying any attention when Santana drops the bomb about sleeping with Finn last year.
His attention is focused on his phone.
Uniforms…why did I transfer again? –K
Because it's always been your secret desire to wear a uniform to school. Don't lie –B
You totally caught me, Anderson. So, you're in glee right now, right? What's going on? –K
Sectionals prep. Not really paying attention. Missing you too much –B
Aw. I miss you too! I gtg though, cellphones are 'prohibited' I'll text later! –K
Blaine puts his phone away and looks up for the first time, noticing that glee has let out. He's not alone though, he realizes when Mercedes suddenly pops up in his line of vision.
"Hey," she says.
He blinks. "Hi."
She sighs. "Okay, look, you've been in a funk ever since Kurt transferred. And, you like barely said a word when Rachel was getting slaughtered by Santana and you've been staring at your phone like a lost puppy all day."
"I miss him," Blaine admits quietly.
"I know. So, I'm extending the olive branch. I didn't like you last year."
"Yeah. Yeah, I got that."
"But, no one else here misses Kurt like you do."
He looks down, his skin flushing. She didn't even say it mean or with any implications. It was a fact: no one missed Kurt as much as Blaine did. Because no one felt about Kurt the way Blaine did.
"So," Blaine says slowly. "You want to be friends?"
"You don't sound very happy about it."
For the first time all day, Blaine smiles.
"It sounds great, Mercedes."
Kurt feels very out of place at Dalton.
Yeah, he's safer here with no Karofsky to slam him into a locker or threaten his life after almost every class.
But, the uniform is stifling and he misses his friends. He walks down the hallway and studies his schedule just to have something to look at.
"Kurt!"
He pauses, looks up confused. No one knows him here, do they? His eyes land on a familiar face and he feels silly for not thinking about him before.
"Eric. Hi."
The sandy haired boy grins at him. "Hey. Nice uniform. Are you spying in style now?"
Kurt grins. "No, I actually go here now."
Eric raises an eyebrow but doesn't comment. "Welcome to Dalton, then. Are you enjoying your first day?"
He shrugs. "It's fine."
"You should join a club," Eric suggests. "That's what all the new kids do, to try to fit in."
"I'm not exactly a club person."
"You were in glee club. Why not try out for the Warblers?"
"Would they even take me this close to Sectionals? I mean, I do come from a rival glee club."
Eric smiles. "I have a little bit of pull with the council. Come by after school, I'll snag you an audition."
"You don't even know if I'm good," Kurt points out.
"I'm willing to take a chance," Eric says.
Then he winks, winks, at Kurt before slipping into a throng of students walking by. Kurt pauses, smiles slightly, and hitches his bag higher onto his shoulder.
"Everything is falling apart, Blaine!" Rachel cries. "Finn has had sexual relations with Santana, I'm losing my solos, and Kurt is gone. This sucks."
Blaine glances up from his phone (Kurt still hasn't texted him back) and looks at her. "Rach, you need to get over the solo thing, okay?"
She blinks at him, wounded. "Blaine…"
"I'm sorry," he sighs. "I'm just in a mood. Rachel, we all know that you are extremely talented, okay? And that you could sing the whole set list and we'd win. But, it's time to let other people sing okay."
Rachel crosses her arms over her chest and looks away, pouting.
Puck walks in with Lauren Zizes then. Apparently, he'd been in the locker room with Karofsky. Comments had been exchanged, shoves were made, and suddenly Puck was taken by the entire football team (minus his fellow gleeks) and shoved into a porta potty.
He'd spent hours calling for help and finally, after six hours, Lauren arrived and helped him out. He'd been so grateful, he promised her anything. She'd only wanted three things: a package of Canterbury eggs, seven minutes in Heaven with Puck, and the chance to get into the glee club.
(apparently, it's been her secret dream since they did Toxic).
So, with Lauren on board, they begin to plan out their set list. Blaine doesn't really pay attention, once more (he'll probably start then they actually practice). His phone goes off and that's all that matters.
So, I've been invited to join the Warblers. –K
Oh? You should totally go for it. They'll love you! –B
But, I'll be your competition for Sectionals. –K
Nothing we can't handle ;-) –B
Oh really now? Well, let's see that cockiness when Dalton is the one holding the trophy while you wimpy ND's cry :-D –K
Ooh, here's snarky Kurt. I take it you're auditioning now? –B
I think I will. Wish me luck? –K
You won't need it. But luck. –B
Kurt finds Rachel in the McKinley auditorium.
"Hey."
She looks up and smiles. "Kurt! What are you doing here," she pauses, "If you're trying to get our set list, you're very mistaken."
"I take it Blaine told you about my auditioning for the Warblers."
"He did," Rachel sniffs. "What brings you here?"
"I need your help. I want to join and I'll need an impressive song to do so. And, of course, no one kills a ballad quite like you. I was hoping for some tips."
"You're correct in your assumption," she smiles warmly. "I'll help you."
Kurt beams and places his iPod holder onto the piano. He scans through the songs until he lands on 'My Heart Will Go On Forever'
"Oh no," Rachel tells him. "That is far too cliché. You need something more…"
She trails off as she surfs through Kurt's music selection. With a triumphant smile she hits play and the notes of 'Don't Cry for me Argentina' shift through the air.
Rachel begins the song, standing center stage and belting the words out, emotion in every syllable. Kurt stands behind her, smiling softly, and at the second verse, joins in.
Blaine watches them with a smile.
He'd been looking for Rachel, who'd taken off after yet another glee club meeting filled with backhanded remarks and tension and he wanted to make sure she was okay.
He knew she'd be in the auditorium and he was pleasantly surprised to find Kurt in there with her. He was about to walk on stage but when the music started playing, he stood by for the show.
They alternate, between singing solos and singing together and he honestly doesn't know which he likes more. Kurt's voice is, of course, brilliant and so is Rachel's. And when they combine it's magic.
When the song ends, he can't stop himself from applauding. Kurt jumps and whirls around, almost scared, until he realizes it's Blaine.
Blaine, who crosses the stage in three easy strides and hugs Kurt tightly like it's been weeks since they've seen each other and not only a couple of days.
"Hey," Kurt breathes. "Missed you."
"Missed you more," Blaine mumbles.
When they finally pull apart, Rachel is grinning slyly both of them. They ignore her and their own flustered faces.
"You guys sounded amazing."
Rachel beams. "Thank you, Blaine. Now if only Mr. Schue could recognize my talents…"
Kurt tunes her out. "Thanks. It'll be my audition song. For the Warblers."
"They'd be crazy not to take you."
Kurt grins and pokes Blaine's chest. "You better start practicing. You're going to get your ass whooped at Sectionals."
Blaine smirks. "I'd love to see you try, Hummel."
Kurt's smile falters. "This is so weird. I'm competing against you. And Mercedes. And Rachel and Finn and all my friends."
"I know-"
"And I had to wait for flippin Karofsky to make a Mickey D's run before I could even come in here! When did my life get so screwed up?"
"Hey," Blaine grasps Kurt's shoulder and lowers his head until he catches Kurt's eye. "You're safe now. Okay? Karofsky can't do a damn thing to you anymore."
"I know, I just," Kurt groans. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't be unloading on you like this."
"Uh, hello? Best friends remember? This is sort of in the job description."
Kurt chuckles. "Well, as long as to you know what you're getting into."
"Come on," Blaine wraps an arm around his shoulders and grabs his iPod holder from the piano in one swift motion. "I'll walk you to your car."
After his audition, Kurt waits nervously in the hallway as the council decides whether or not he was good enough to get in.
The door opens and Eric pops his head out grinning.
"Hey."
Kurt wrings his hands. "What's the verdict?"
"Kurt Hummel," Eric smiles. "Welcome to the Warblers."
Kurt doesn't expect the feelings of joy and pride that course through his body at these words. Spending the last few weeks in fear, barely paying attention in school or glee, he hasn't had a whole lot to work for or be proud of (other than the wedding) so the fact that he auditioned for something and made it is just astounding.
In all his excitement, he can't stop himself from throwing his arms around Eric and hugging him tightly. He freezes and quickly lets go, blushing a bright red. Eric doesn't seem to mind.
"Huh. No one's ever been that excited before."
"I-uh. Thank you. For the news."
Eric puts his hand on Kurt's lower back and leads him into the Warbler meeting room.
"You're welcome. Now: let's go prepare for Sectionals."
I got in! –K
Kurt! That's amazing, congratulations! –R
Way to go, Hummel. Now prepare to lose hardcore to New Directions –B
Ah! That's my boy! So proud of you boo –M
Thank you, Rachel. –K
I miss you so much 'Cedes! –K
Shut up, Blaine –K
"I can't believe," Rachel gripes. "That she needs Raisonettes to go on."
Blaine hides a chuckle. "She's demanding, I'll give her that."
"She's annoying. What was Noah thinking, asking her to join?"
"He didn't ask her," Blaine points out. "Lauren wanted to."
"Well, now we have an uneven amount of members and everything is thrown off and it's all ridiculous."
"I'm sorry, ma'am," the attendee appears at the counter. "We don't have any Rasionettes."
Rachel snaps. "Then go to the nearest 7-11 and buy me a box!"
"Carbo-loading?"
Both Blaine and Rachel turn and grin at Kurt, who's standing sharp in his uniform, his hands behind his back.
"Lauren is our newest member," Rachel explains. "And she refuses to go on without her damn candy."
Kurt blinks. "Talk about excitement."
"Oh yeah. So, are you nervous about going on?" Rachel asks.
Kurt shakes his head. "I miss you guys though. It just feels weird."
Blaine smiles. "We miss you too."
"So, uh, did Jeremiah come to cheer you on?" Kurt asks.
"No, he had to work. We're hanging out when we get back." Blaine tells him.
Kurt nods, the conversation suddenly feeling awkward and stilted.
"So, er, how's Finn?" Kurt asks, suddenly turning to Rachel. "I feel bad, I haven't spoken to him since the wedding."
"We're currently not speaking," Rachel says coolly. "I found out that he and Santana were romantically involved last year, and he lied to me about it."
"Wait," Kurt blinks. "You didn't know about that?"
Before Rachel can say anything, a boy suddenly pops up at Kurt's side.
"Hey, we need to start getting ready."
"Right," Kurt smiles. "Uh, Eric, this is Rachel and Blaine, my friends from my old school. This is Eric. He's a Warbler."
Rachel smiles politely while Blaine just nods. Eric grins charmingly and Blaine's eyes narrow.
"Nice to meet you both. Got to say, you let a real treasure go," he grips Kurt's shoulder as if to emphasize his point.
Blaine flushes. Who did this Eric think he was, assuming Kurt left McKinley, his glee club and his friends because he wanted to? Or that they let him go like they actually had a choice in the matter?
"We didn't really let him go," He argues, "He-"
"We'll see you both later," Kurt says hurriedly. He shoots Blaine an apologetic smile as he pushes Eric towards the greenrooms.
"I don't like him," Blaine says almost as soon as they're out of earshot.
Rachel looks at him, amused. "We barely met him."
"Did you see that smile? You never trust a smile that charming."
"Right. Come on, let's go join the audience."
"What was that all about?" Eric asks as they take their places to perform.
"Blaine was about to divulge information I'd rather not share with my fellow Warblers," Kurt explains. "So, dropping it would be key."
"Consider it dropped." Eric assures him.
Dalton Academy goes second, performing an acapella version of 'Hey Soul Sister' by Train. They dance and sing in harmony and Kurt is just a bundle of nervous energy because he does not want to mess up.
He looks into the audience and manages to find Rachel's eyes despite the bright lights and the dancing. She motions for him to smile and he does so, widely and broadly because he's on stage in front of a good crowd of people and this cannot be wasted.
When they finish, New Directions are the first ones on their feet and it pangs Kurt a little, reminding him just how much he misses his friends.
Back in New Direction's green room, drama is unfolding.
Quinn is freaking out because last time they were in a competition setting, she was going into labor and Sam is trying to comfort her the best he can. Tina and Artie are freaking out because they think Mike and Brittany are cheating on them with each other. Rachel and Finn are fighting over his so called indiscretion, the fact that everyone knew about him and Santana before and that it was Santana at all.
"Nobody tells you anything," Santana snips. "Because A) you're a blabbermouth and B) we all just pretend to like you."
"That's not true, I kinda like her," Puck chimes in.
"I really like her," Blaine says.
Finn and Rachel continue to fight, and she announces that she refuses to go on stage with him. As do Artie and Tina for their own reasons. Mr. Schue comes in appalled at how they're acting. He reminds them how this time last year, they will all stuck without a set list and no ideas what to do. How they band together and managed to win. And how they're going to go out on stage and pretend to like each other as they put on one hell of a performance.
Sam and Quinn get the lead duet, 'I've Had the Time of My Life'. They stay with the long honored tradition of entering from the back and they sing to only each other as they make their way to the stage. Once there, the curtain rises and the rest of the glee club dances onto the stage, singing in the background.
When the song is over, Kurt is the first one out of his seat, and applauding loudly for his friends. As the cheering dies down, they merge into their next number, 'Valerie' that Santana was lucky enough to get the solo for. Brittany and Mike wow everyone with their hot dance moves and Santana's voice is just perfect, a mixture of husky and gorgeous that totally fits.
Once again, Kurt gives them a standing ovation when they finish. He's so proud of them in this moment.
All three glee club gather on stage for the final verdict. Kurt catches Mercedes' eye across the sea of heads. She smiles at him; he winks at her.
Dalton ends up being the runners up. Wes, David and Thad (the three council members) take the trophy. While Kurt is disappointed, he can't bring himself to be really upset when he finds out that New Directions are advancing to Regionals. He sort of ignores his new team as he rushes over to congratulate his old one.
"Way to go guys! You were all amazing!"
He hugs Rachel super tightly, and Mercedes almost squeezes the life out of him. Finn lifts him up in a huge hug and both Brittany and Quinn kiss him on the cheek. He exchanges hi-fives with Mike, Sam and Puck and gets his hair ruffled by Santana, who only smirks when he glares at her. And, then, suddenly there's Blaine.
Kurt beams and throws his arms around him. "Congratulations."
"It feels so weird going without you," Blaine whispers.
"You better win," Kurt says. "Or else."
Blaine pulls back and smiles. "We'll win it for you, Kurt."
Kurt flushes and smiles softly. His teammates call his name, and he turns back to see Eric waving him urgently.
"I should go. I'll see you later."
"Later. Definitely."
Blaine watches him jog back to his fellow Warblers and hates the clench in his stomach when Eric throws an arm around his shoulders.
The next day, Blaine comes home right from school and collapses on the couch in exhaustion. They'd just spent their glee club doing a song and dance number which really wouldn't be too bad if it weren't for the fact that they just got back from Sectionals.
Michael walks into the room and quirks an eyebrow at his brother. "Did you want, like, a blanket or something?"
"You'd be willing to tuck me in?" Blaine retorts. "Such a sweetheart."
They hear the doorbell ring and Blaine pushes himself off the couch with a groan. "I know you won't be getting that."
"Actually," Michael calls as he moves down the hallway. "I totally am. You're welcome."
Blaine falls back onto the couch with a chuckle. He hears the door open, then his brother's voice, trying to sound way older than he actually is.
"Rachel! To what do I owe this- er are you okay?"
Confused, Blaine jumps off the couch and walks into the hall. He sees his brother; arms awkwardly out in front of him as Rachel sobs on his shoulder. He catches Blaine's eyes and motions to the sobbing girl in his arms like, 'what do I do?'
And Blaine merely raises a brow because isn't this what he's wanted all along? But when Michael continues to send him pleading motions, Blaine walks over and gently takes Rachel out of his arms.
"What's wrong, hun?" he asks as he leads her into the living room.
"Finn and I broke up."
"Rach, did you really dump him because of the whole Santana thing? Because, while he shouldn't have lied to you about it, you really did overreact. I'm only telling you this because I love you and-"
"He dumped me," she says in a really small voice.
"Oh. Why?"
"I-I made out with Noah."
Blaine groans. "Rachel…you didn't."
"I just wanted to get back at him! But, then Noah stopped us and then Finn wanted us to be honest from now on, so I told him and he dumped me. He promised he'd never dump me Blaine!"
Blaine pulls her closer as she sobs onto his shoulder. He rubs soothing circles into her back and motions his brother to over.
"Call Kurt," he says quietly. "Tell him to bring lots of ice cream, comfortable clothes. And Mercedes."
Michael looks confused but nods and grabs Blaine's phone off the table, following his brother's orders to a tee. When he hangs up, Rachel has calmed down enough to excuse herself to the bathroom and fix her makeup.
"Didn't you have plans with Jeremiah today?"
"Shit. Give me my phone."
Michael does and Blaine quickly finds his boyfriend's number in his address book.
"Hey you," Jeremiah says. "I'll be seeing you in a couple hours."
"About that. Look, I am so sorry, but Rachel just showed up here, brokenhearted because she and her boyfriend broke up and we just need a girl's night so she can wallow in peace."
"What?"
"I can't make our date. I'm so sorry, Jer."
"Hey, it's fine. I just haven't seen you in a while because of your Sectionals' schedule and now you'll be busy with Regionals, so I'll probably never see you and this is like the one night I have off all week…"
"Jer."
Jeremiah sighs. "Sorry. I'm being a jerk .I just, I miss you."
"I miss you too," Michael chooses this moment to make a barfing noise in the background, "I promise I'll make time for you."
"Okay. Go enjoy your girl's night with Rachel."
"Thank you. Bye."
Blaine hangs up the call and sighs. He feels a little guilty for not mentioning Kurt was coming because, hey, his repressed feelings have recently come to light and it sort of feels like cheating. But he tells himself it's okay because Kurt is just his friend and it's not like it's just the two of them and Rachel really needs everyone right now.
The doorbell rings and Blaine pockets his phone, plasters on a smile and goes to answer it.
AN- Here's the thing: I do not think the Warbler's would have tied Sectionals if it wasn't for Blaine, their charismatic and charming lead singer. Also, I definitely feel the writers only did that so we could keep focusing on Blaine, Kurt, and the Warblers for a few more episodes.
