Hi Everyone!
Here's the new chapter, I hope you like it.
Please, leave me a review and let me know what you think.
"Call Blaine."
Kurt stared down at is phone, unable to decide what to do. Blaine had told him to call, it wouldn't be that awkward, right? Maybe it would be.
"No, don't call him" he told himself, shaking his head.
God, why was it so hard? He had nothing to be afraid of. They had had a talk, they had everything sorted out. It wasn't like something would happen between them. And he trusted Blaine. He believed in second chances and he knew from his own experience that it often worked. He met so many people thanks to his job who had screwed up and were still able to start over. It could happen to him, too, right?
He knew why he hesitated. After his talk with Blaine, he had left his office in a good mood, believing that everything would be right between them. They had decided to be friends, Blaine had seemed to understand him and Kurt had felt so relieved. Until he had bumped into Mercedes. Apparently, Mercedes had seemed to know about what had happened between him and Blaine and let's say she hadn't been too pleased to hear about their friendship. Mercedes had seemed to see Blaine in a completely different light, probably because of some stupid rumors she had heard about him. One thing was sure, she completely hated the idea of Blaine getting close to Kurt again what was insane, considering how much she had seemed to like the idea of the two of them being together earlier.
"Believe me, Kurt, this guy isn't good for you" her words echoed in his head. "I don't want you to get hurt."
Kurt never found out what Mercedes had heard about Blaine, all he could get out of her was that Blaine was dangerous and he could cause a lot of trouble for Kurt. He had no idea what it could be. Okay, Blaine was hard to bear when he was pissed off but Kurt couldn't imagine him getting into questinable businesses.
But it was enough to hesitate over his phone.
He had gotten home earlier that day since he had made all of his work ready in time and his boss had practically kicked him out, telling him that he needed to rest just like every other human being. She had even given him a few days off, something Kurt so hadn't wanted. He hated staying home alone. When he was around people, he was saved from his horrible thoughts. But when he was alone, in the silence of the empty house, his memories of the accident found him quickly and he slipped back into depression. It had happened so many times. His father coming home late, finding Kurt in his bedroom, crying over the photo of his family. He was tired of it. Not the memories, not at all. He still missed his family badly, he wished he could be with them again, but the pain he felt those times when he let his emotions take over control... That was horrible.
Mercedes had asked him to join her and go to that new club of the town together but Kurt wasn't in the mood. He didn't want to talk about men and more importantly, he didn't want to meet new men. He wasn't ready for that anyway and when he would be, he knew whom he wanted to let into his life.
"Call Blaine" he told himself again.
He reached for his phone but stopped before he could get it. He hadn't called Blaine since their last encounter. Wouldn't it be rude calling him like this? He would know that Kurt only needed him to distract him. He never used people like that and he certainly didn't want to start it with Blaine. He had enough trouble in his life without Kurt, he didn't need a broken friend.
On the other hand, Blaine seemed to enjoy Kurt's company. They had had a great time together before, they would surely enjoy each other's company again...
"Damn it" Kurt said in frustration.
"Is there something wrong?"
Kurt turned around to find his fater standing at his open door.
"Dad" he said in surprise. "I didn't know that you would come home so early."
"Kurt, it's past 6" Burt replied.
"Really?" Kurt asked. Was it possible that he had spent more than two hours hesitating if he should call Blaine or not?
"Yes" Burt smiled. "But I'm glad you're home. I want to try that new recipe you found for me but I'm not sure if I can manage on my own."
"Of course" Kurt said, happy for something that could keep him busy. "Let me get changed. I will be downstairs in a few minutes."
"Thanks" Burt said gladly and left the room.
Kurt sighed in relief. He was saved and he didn't even have to worry about Blaine. At least for the next few hours.
~ o ~
Just when Kurt started to worry again the next morning, he got a text message from Blaine, asking him to meet the man as soon as he could. Since Kurt had nothing to do that day, he texted back and got ready to meet Blaine again. He was somewhat nervous as he walked to the familiar door. Would it be awkward to be with Blaine again after what had happened between them? Or would they be fine?
He took a deep breath and knocked on the door. He heard Lily's voice coming from inside, getting louder as the seconds passed. Soon after that, Blaine opened the door and greeted Kurt with a huge smile on his face.
"Hey" he said. "I'm so glad you could make it."
"You're lucky. I don't have to work today" Kurt said.
Blaine took a step back to let Kurt in, gently rocking Lily in his arms. The baby had a small soft toy in her hands and furrowed her brows in concentration as she tried to lift the toy over her head.
"Is there something wrong with Lily?" Kurt asked as he stepped inside.
"No, she's perfectly fine" Blaine said and closed the door behind them. Then he walked back into the living room and placed Lily onto her play mat.
"You said that it was urgent" Kurt said.
"I know" Blaine said and his expression turned desperate in a blink. "The counselor called me in the morning. They have a job offer for me and I have to go in tomorrow for a job interview."
"That's great, Blaine" Kurt smiled.
"I'm scared" Blaine admitted. "I have no idea how to do it, what to say or-or what to wear. I know that it's too much to ask for but... I need your help."
"How can I help you?" Kurt asked without hesitation.
"Well, I..." Blaine took a deep breath. Although Kurt was smiling at him reassuringly, now that the man was here with him, it didn't seem like a good idea asking for Kurt's help. He had done so much for him already, Blaine should take care of things like this alone.
"Blaine, it's okay" Kurt said, seeing Blaine's hesitation. "We're friends, right? Friends help each other. Besides, you just saved me from a boring, lonely day. I'm glad that I can help you."
"Thanks" Blaine said gladly. "I could show you my clothes first."
"Okay" Kurt nodded.
Blaine walked out of the room and when he came back about a minute later, wearing dark jeans, a tight, black shirt and his leader jacket, Kurt raised an eyebrow.
"What kind of job did you apply for?" Kurt asked.
"I don't know" Blaine shrugged. "Some office shit."
Kurt bit his lower lip to stop himself from laughing.
"You don't even know which job you would to take?" he asked.
"Not really" Blaine admitted hesitantly. "It was the first time that Lily turned to her back and I was too busy watching her... It's incredible, by the way. I hope that she will show you..."
"What do you remember?" Kurt asked.
"It's a full-time job and I would have day shifts" Blaine answered. "And that I need to wear formal clothes. I certainly remember that she told me to dress up properly."
"Alright" Kurt nodded as he stood up from beside Lily. "They will probably tell you everything again, so you don't have to worry about it. But pay attention when they talk to you."
"I can make it" Blaine nodded.
"Also, don't say anything like 'office shit'. Show interest and ask questions" Kurt said.
"Questions" Blaine nodded.
"We will go through everything later but we need to find you something to wear" Kurt grimanced. "You can't exactly appear on a job interview in those."
Blaine looked down at his clothes, frowning.
"Why not?" he asked. "These are my best clothes."
"Show me your wardrobe" Kurt sighed.
"You won't find anything better" Blaine muttered but took Lily into his arms and led Kurt into his room.
About ten minutes later, when Kurt went through the mess in Blaine's wardrobe, he had to admit that Blaine was right. He didn't really have anything to wear for a job interview. He was almost ready to give up when he got a good idea.
"Where are those black pants you wore in the restaurant?" he asked.
"Uhm... it must be somewhere here..." Blaine muttered and to Kurt's horror, he got under his bed.
"What are your things doing under your bed?" Kurt asked.
"I didn't really have time to clean up, so..."
"So you hid everything under your bed?" Kurt asked.
"Exactly" Blaine smiled.
Kurt sighed, shaking his head. Unfortunately, Blaine wasn't his first acquaintance who believed that hiding everything from sight was the same as cleaning up.
"Here" Blaine said as he got out from under his bed. "If I wash them now, they will be dry for tomorrow, right?"
"Probably" Kurt nodded.
"So the shirt will be fine?" Blaine asked.
"No" Kurt answered. "But I might have something for you to wear. You only need..."
He turned back around and dig into the wardrobe. When he found what he was looking for, he smiled triumphantly.
"This" he said, showing Blaine the bow tie he had in his hand.
"I don't know..." Blaine said uncertainly. "I haven't worn that thing since high school."
"It's the best time to use it again" Kurt said. "See? It's perfect."
He held the bow tie to Blaine's neck, waiting for his response.
"Do I really need it?" Blaine asked.
"Yes" Kurt nodded.
"Fine" Blaine sighed.
"Just for a few hours" Kurt said. "You can borrow a shirt from me, although if you get this job, you will need to get a few more formal clothes."
"I want this job" Blaine said. "We need more money and my job in the club isn't exactly the best for a single father. My brother and Sam help me a lot but I can't always ask them to watch Lily, and we can't afford a babysitter either. At least not now."
"I will help you get this job" Kurt said. "Come on. Let's go back into the living room."
"Would you like a coffee?" Blaine asked.
"Yes" Kurt answered. He had a bad feeling that this would take a lot longer than usually.
~ o ~
Kurt had been absolutely right. He had spent most of his day with Blaine and Lily and when he had finally left, after endless hours of stupid questions and answers, he still hadn't been sure if Blaine could make it. They had agreed to meet in the morning again, so Kurt could give Blaine a shirt and check if he was dressed up properly. He had also offered to babysit Lily. He had known that Blaine didn't really need his help but it had been out before he could stop himself. To his surprise, after a few seconds of hesitation, Blaine had accepted the offer.
And now here they were, in Kurt's bedroom, waiting for Blaine to get ready.
"What do you think?" Blaine asked uncertainly as he stepped back into the room, his fingers playing with the bow tie around his neck.
"Come here" Kurt said and gently pulled Blaine's hand away from his neck, so he could straighten his bow tie. "Now you're ready for your job interview, Mr Anderson."
Blaine smiled at Kurt and then turned around to look at his reflexion in the mirror. He so didn't look like himself. It wasn't like he hated these clothes, not at all. Kurt's shirt and waistcoat were perfect for his own clothes, he even gelled his hair, so his head didn't look like a broccoli anymore but...
"I look like a nerd" he said.
"A quite good looking one" Kurt smiled.
"I don't know..."
"Do you want this job or not?" Kurt asked.
"Of course I do!" Blaine said.
"Then trust me" Kurt said. "I worked in the fashion industry in New York for a few years. I know what I'm doing."
"Fashion?" Blaine frowned. "How did you get the child protection worker job?"
"I was lucky" Kurt shrugged.
"You're crazy" Blaine said honestly. "You could have gotten something a lot better than giving fashion advice for a hopeless idiot."
"I already told you, I like this job" Kurt said. "Who knows, maybe I needed this. Starting something new."
"Is it worth it?" Blaine asked.
"Well, the salary could be better but..." Kurt shrugged.
"You're crazy" Blaine smiled. "But you're not the only one. Look at me. I'm applying for an office job."
"Which you won't get if you don't hurry" Kurt said. "You can't be late. You have to make a good impression and believe me, punctuality is very important."
"Okay" Blaine nodded and took a deep breath. "You find everything you need in Lily's bag. I will be back for lunch but you have to feed her once around ten. And then..."
"Blaine, I had a kid on my own, remember?" Kurt said impatiently. "Just go."
Blaine forced himself not to think about Kurt's dead son. He had made himself a promise to help the man get through this and that he wouldn't show pity towards Kurt like the others did. So he forced out a small smile and briefly hugged Kurt.
"Thank you" he said.
"It's nothing, really" Kurt shrugged. "Good luck, Blaine."
"I guess I need it" Blaine said and with one last glance at Kurt and Lily, he left the room.
Kurt walked downstairs with Blaine and stayed at the door with Lily until the man got into his brother's car, smiling at Blaine reassuringly. When Blaine disappeared from their sight, he closed the door and walked back inside, got Lily's stuff from his room and walked with her into the living room. He had cleaned up there, so it was safe for them to play on the ground. He laid out a blanket and placed Lily in the middle of it, lying on her stomach. He threw a few toys around her and watched the baby reach out for them. Lily frowned in concentration as she tried to grab the closest toy. Kurt slowly pushed it closer to her, so she could reach it. He knew that it was important playing such games with children but he also knew how important success was for them. He had played the same game with his son and it had helped a lot controlling his motions. Lily giggled as she finally grabbed the toy and when she pulled it closer to examine it, she accidentally turned to her back. Kurt laughed as the baby blinked in surprise, not really understanding what happened.
"Good job, Lily" he said. "Do you want to try to turn back?"
He waited a little, letting the baby try to turn around. Blaine had told him that she had done this before, so he gave Lily the chance to practice. After about a minute, when Lily seemed to get upset that it didn't work, Kurt carefully reached down and helped her turn around.
"Here. Is it better?" Kurt asked.
Within a blink, Lily turned back to her back. She seemingly enjoyed her success, right until she realised that she wasn't able to turn back again. She let out a groan of frustration that soon turned into a cry when Kurt didn't help her as quickly as she expected.
"Okay, okay" Kurt said and pulled Lily into his arms, soothing her. "You're like your father, you know that?"
Lily smiled, relaxing in Kurt's arms.
"I know a lot of games you would like" Kurt said. "Let's try something else, okay?"
~ o ~
Blaine rubbed his tired eyes as he got out of the car later that day. It was way after lunchtime and he was tired as hell. He had promised Kurt to come back in time but his interview had been longer than he had expected. They had asked a lot of questions that hadn't made any sense, he had made several tests and talked about the details of the job with a young woman. He wanted nothing but to go home, have a shower and a few hours of sleep but first he had to get Lily. Kurt had spent the whole day with her, he was surely tired, too, and probably had some work to take care of. Blaine really appreciated his help and as he walked to the front door, he was thinking about a way to thank him. He should have gotten something for Kurt on his way back. Damn, why couldn't he think about this earlier?
He knocked on the door and waited for Kurt to open it. He house was quiet, so Lily was probably asleep. It was about her naptime after all.
"Quietly" Kurt whispered as he opened the door for Blaine.
"Is she asleep?" Blaine asked.
Kurt led Blaine to the living room and stopped at the door, nodding towards the sleeping form of Lily.
"Was everything alright?" Blaine asked in concern. "Did she miss me?"
"She did" Kurt said. "She had some trouble with falling asleep without you but everything else was fine. We played a lot and she accepted her bottle from me."
"That's good" Blaine nodded slowly. "She didn't want to eat at all when she was with Sam."
"Well, she somewhat knows me and I think she trusts me, too" Kurt shrugged.
"Only because you're the only sane person around her" Blaine smiled.
"You must be right" Kurt winked. "So how was your interview?"
"Long and exhausting" Blaine answered.
"Do you think you will get the job?" Kurt asked as he carefully stepped away from the door, nodding for Blaine to follow him.
"I'm not sure" Blaine admitted. "I think I would like that job, it doesn't seem too difficult for me but there were a lot other applicants. I have no idea if I have a chance."
"Don't be so negative" Kurt said. "Why couldn't you be the one for the job?"
"I'm not really a talented person. Or lucky enough for a job like this" Blaine said.
Kurt stopped in the kitchen and quickly started the coffee machine. He needed a coffee and he was sure that Blaine felt the same way. But then he turned around, looking at Blaine thoughtfully.
"What?" Blaine asked.
"It's interesting how confident you try to look and still, you don't trust yourself at all" Kurt answered.
"Is it a good or a bad thing?" Blaine frowned.
"You should take that confidence you build into your nasty comments and use it to get what you need" Kurt replied.
"So I should be rude all the time?" Blaine asked.
Kurt sighed, shaking his head. He knew that Blaine had missed a lot when he had been younger, maybe that was why he had trouble building relationships or a career. He needed so much to learn.
"Confident doesn't mean rude" Kurt explained. "It's like... the way you act around costumers but without flirty comments."
"Interesting" Blaine muttered.
Kurt sighed again as he prepared their coffees. Maybe they had to see things differently.
"What do you want to work?" Kurt asked.
"Uhm... something that pays a lot?" Blaine offered.
"No, seriously" Kurt said. "Is there something you find interesting?"
"I like music but that's not exactly something that pays well" Blaine said. "I would have loved working with Cooper but I never finished college and without that, I can't have a proper position."
"Why don't you do it? It's never too late to finish college" Kurt said.
"The time isn't right" Blaine said and gladly took the cup of coffee from Kurt. "Thanks."
"I'm sure your brother would support you" Kurt said. "And he would give you a proper job. I don't even understand why you keep him out of this."
"Kurt, I'm an adult man with a baby" Blaine said. "I can't always depend on my brother, it's not right."
"That's true" Kurt agreed.
"Besides, I can't bear that bitch" Blaine shook his head. "His wife, I mean."
"I figured out" Kurt smiled.
"Who knows, maybe one day I will finish my studies and get a good job. Now I only want this" Blaine said.
"Will they call you?" Kurt asked.
"They promised" Blaine nodded. "Within the next few days."
Their conversation was cut short as they heard Lily's loud and distressed voice from the living room. Both men jumped up and rushed to the door, worried about the baby. It seemed like she was very hungry or hurt from all the noises she made but as they walked into the living room, they found out what the problem was. Lily was awake, lying safely on the soft blankets Kurt had laid down for her, on her back. She must have turned around in her sleep again and now she couldn't turn back.
"I'm here, sweetie" Blaine said gently and quickly pulled the baby into his arms. Once Lily realised that it was her father, she calmed down immediately.
Kurt stood back to watch them. Even if Blaine was an asshole sometimes, he was incredible with his baby girl and Kurt loved watching them together.
"Do you want to go home?" Blaine asked. "You do, right? Whatever you want, honey. I know that I was gone for a long time but I had to do this. I need this job, so I can buy you a lot pretty things."
He stood up and get the toys from the ground. As he turned around, Kurt was already there to help him, holding Lily's bag in his hands.
"Thank you" Blaine said. "For everything."
"I'm glad I could babysit her. She's an amazing young lady" Kurt said.
"She is" Blaine nodded in agreement. "Uhm... are you free tomorrow evening?"
"I will probably work" Kurt replied. "I had two days free in row and I guess I have a few clients waiting for my help."
"Of course" Blaine said. "But if you finish early... would you like to come over for dinner?"
"I-I don't know..." Kurt said hesitantly.
"Like friends" Blaine said hastily. "You know, friends eat dinner together."
"That's right" Kurt agreed.
"So is that a yes?" Blaine asked.
"Fine" Kurt nodded in the end.
"Excellent!" Blaine said excitedly. "Don't worry about the food. I'm an amazing cook."
"I hope so" Kurt laughed as they made their way to the door.
Before leaving, Blaine turned around again and hugged Kurt.
"Thank you. Again" he said.
"You're very welcome" Kurt said. "See you two tomorrow."
"Around 6?" Blaine asked.
"That will be fine" Kurt replied.
Blaine smiled at him one more time and then turned to leave. Kurt stayed at the door, watching him and Lily get in and then disappear from his sight. Kurt stayed there for a few more minutes, keeping his eyes on the spot where he had last seen the car. He had been worried that things would be awkward between him and Blaine but it seemed like they could work as friends and Kurt was so grateful for that. He really needed a good friend right now as he felt like he was ready to finally speak about his past. He had to. He had been hiding his true emotions for so long, he couldn't do it any longer.