A/N: Hi everyone! Firstly, thanks to everyone who reads this! You lot are my inspiration. Just checked my hits number- it's absolutely insane how many people have read this- I love you all for it! Secondly, thanks to anyone who has alerted or favourited this story. Really special thanks to junebug13669, Orange-Porridge-Pie, RimTusaw, Puckaroxliza, Fallen Upon, Scene Neko and Sydg813 for reviewing! You have no idea how it feels when you look down your list of reviews on a story and realise that there is now a 'next page' option (there's only one review on that page but I still felt a weird sense of pride :D). And again many thanks to my lovely, patient and talented Beta; KennyIsOrange. I don't know what I'd do without you! This is the longest chapter that I've written yet as I was hit with sudden inspiration. Hope you like the chapter! Enjoy! Chasing Aspirations xxx
"Okay so 5, 6, 7, 8 and 1, 2... Sam what are you doing?" The counter tenor sighed as he watched Sam take a few steps forward, somehow almost tripping over his own feet in the process. Honestly, the blonde's voice was incredible, beautiful, mesmerising, unique, warm... The point was, Sam, vocally was stunning. His dancing skills, however... left something to be desired.
"Come on Kurt. We've been doing this for hours man. I'm tired! Can't we just rest for a minute?" Kurt tried to resist the urge to smile as the jock flung himself to the floor. It seemed that the soprano's love for the dramatic was starting to affect Sam's behaviour. It was a testament really to how much time they'd spent together over the last two weeks. He'd barely seen Mercedes since the project had begun; he could actually count on one hand the number of times they'd hung out together since he and Sam had been paired up. Normally, he and the diva were joined at the hip; gossiping, shopping and generally being fabulous. Kurt felt a little guilty at the way he'd been neglecting her. He'd have to organize a shopping trip soon to make up for it.
"Sam. This is easy choreography! We're barely even moving." Kurt feigned anger, he could never really be mad at someone like Sam, "I've made this as simple as possible; I want the focus of our audience to be on our assets- our superior vocal abilities. Just be thankful you weren't paired with Mike or Brittany. They're the dancers of the group. I may be good, but I have to admit that when it comes to dancing, those two are just in a league of their own..." Kurt realized he was rambling a little and changed the subject. "Anyway. The point is, this stuff is basic. I could do it in my sleep. Come on Sam. Don't you want to win?"
The blonde lifted his eyes to meet Kurt's. "We've been through this. We will win. Not just because of the way we've literally given up any kind of social life to make sure that everything is perfect- which incidentally it pretty much is and has been for a while- but because of our advantage. Kurt you're so talented!" Sam said enthusiastically, " I'll never understand why that Rachel chick gets all of the solos because both you and Mercedes could sing her into the ground. You're so amazing, your voice is so pure and honest it's..." Sam paused, he didn't know if he wanted to go so far and let it slip that he loved the boy, "...well to be honest a little breathtaking."
Kurt felt his cheeks flush for what felt like the hundredth time since Sam had come back into his life, his heart pounded as he considered what the blonde had just said to him. He thought he was amazing and breathtaking. He found himself unable to stop staring at the jock in front of him.
Said jock was internally panicking. Why did you say that? You've probably scared him off now! Way to be subtle dude. He's probably been aware of your feelings since day one; he's just too nice to tell you to back off. What is wrong with you man? Since when were you so clueless? Sam resisted the urge to sigh at the realisation that this was nothing new. He'd always been a bit clueless when it had come to the counter tenor.
2000 (Sam and Kurt are Six- shortly after Kurt saved his life)
"Hey... Kurt. Um do you...? I mean would you like...? It's just I..."
The brunette quirked his head in confusion "What?"
"Would you like to play with me? I mean you don't have to I just thought..."
"Okay. But why?" The blonde's eyes lit up as he registered Kurt's agreement.
"You saved my life. I owe you like forever. This can help me make it up to you."
Sam watched the other boy's eyes cloud with upset at this comment. The blonde was confused. Why would Kurt be upset that Sam wanted to thank him for saving him? Had he said something wrong? He felt his heart drop as he watched the younger boy's eyes tear up. He didn't want to see Kurt cry.
"What's wrong? I'm sorry. Please don't cry."
The brunette sniffed a little before locking his gaze with Sam's, giving the blonde a weird feeling of warmth within his tummy. Ignoring this sensation, he gazed into Kurt's expressive eyes, they were currently filled with what he thought was disappointment?
"You said you want to play with me to 'make it up' to me. I guess that means you don't really want to play with me at all. It's okay though. I don't really have any friends. Mummy says it's because I'm special but if I'm so special then why does no one seem to like me? I'm sorry for crying, it's just... I hoped that you might want to be my friend."
Before Kurt knew what was happening, he felt Sam's arms wrap tightly around him, pulling him into a tight embrace. It felt... nice.
"I do want to be your friend Kurt. Not just because you saved my life but because... I like you. And your mummy's right. You are special. At least, you're special to me." He offered the brunette a smile before grabbing onto his hand and pulling him across towards his house. "Come on. I'll show you my house. Mum and dad will want to meet you too. I told them about you saving me. Hurry up. Mum said she'd make cookies."
The two shared a smile. "So we're friends?"
"Best friends."
Sam was snapped back to the present at the sound of Kurt announcing that he had officially 'given up' as the blonde was a 'lost cause' and that they might as well spend their time in a 'more productive way'.
"Any ideas then Kurt?"
"Well I'd love to take you shopping. Your look is a bit outdated. I've wanted to update your wardrobe ever since you set foot in our choir room."
The blonde felt a bit put out by the soprano's comments. He didn't think his sense of style was that bad. Noting the look on the jocks face, Kurt amended his words.
"Your wardrobe's nothing horrendous. Finn's, without a doubt, worse at dressing himself and don't even get me started on Rachel... Just give me a couple of hours. I only need to make a few minor changes to your outfits really. Just trust me. By the time I'm through with you, no one will be able to resist you. I promise it'll be worth your time... Please."
Kurt pulled out the puppy dog eyes, secretly knowing that he would get his way now, no matter what he asked for. Mercedes may be good at this look, but the soprano had those eyes down to an art.
"Fine, fine. I'll let you take me shopping. Just... nothing too extreme." The counter tenor smirked at the jocks words.
"Don't worry Sam; you'll be in safe hands. Now come on, the mall awaits!"
Sam followed the now very enthusiastic soprano out of the basement and towards Kurt's car. Looking at the maniacal glint in his eye, Sam couldn't help but think; 'What the hell have I gotten myself into?"
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Sam sat next to Kurt on the soprano's bed a few hours later, various bags from their earlier shopping trip scattered around their feet. The blonde was a little bit traumatized by the whole experience. He had no idea there were even that many shops in Lima. Letting out a sigh of relief as he lay back on the mattress, one thought circled in his mind; Shopping Kurt is more intense than Duets Kurt... I didn't think that was possible. Never again.
There had been some benefits to the trip though. He'd gotten to see Kurt in his element- the brunette loved all things fashion related (some things never change) and the mall was like some sort of fashion temple to him. The blonde had loved seeing the soprano's eyes light up as he had spoken animatedly about the assets of Gucci and Marc Jacobs. He'd enjoyed hearing the brunette laugh at Sam's attempts to figure out what Kurt was actually talking about- he loved the brunette's laugh. It was... sweet. It suited the boy who it belonged to well.
Most of all he'd enjoyed the trip because it meant that for the entire afternoon he'd had the soprano's full undivided attention. He was going to miss that when this duets project ended. Of course, he knew they'd still hang out but... it wouldn't be the same.
Kurt lay down next to the blonde currently sprawled across his bed, trying to ignore the close proximity the two were lying at. It was slightly disconcerting to lay so close to the blonde. He could actually feel the heat radiating off of the jock's body, making him hyper-aware of Sam's every movement. This didn't help the already incredibly strong attraction that the brunette felt whenever the two were around each other.
At least that would ease off a bit when the assignment ended. Still, Kurt couldn't deny that he would miss this closeness that the two had developed. It was nice to have Sam back into his life, it was as if a huge part of Kurt that he hadn't realized he had been missing had returned with the blonde the day that he'd saved Kurt from the jocks. It was almost scary how reliant he already was on the jock... it couldn't be healthy to be this obsessed with a blatantly straight guy... again.
A loud knock on the door caused both boys to sit up just as Burt walked in, telling Sam that his mum had called saying that she wanted him home for 'family night'. Rolling his eyes at 'family' (as far as he was concerned, they hadn't been a proper family for years) the blonde thanked Burt before turning to the soprano and offering him a small smile and pulling him into a tight hug.
Kurt's eyes widened slightly at this gesture. He wasn't used to anyone except Burt, Mercedes, Quinn, Carole and occasionally Finn wanting to actually touch him, let alone hold him. It was...nice. He remembered that Sam had always been like this as a child as well. Very... clingy.
For what felt like the millionth time since they'd re-met, Kurt found himself reciting the thought; He is my friend. Not my boyfriend. He's not even gay. Get over him before you get hurt... again. Obviously a lot easier said than done. Why did Sam have to be so sweet with him? So understanding, funny, cute, friendly... why did he have to be so perfect? It made Kurt's attempts not to fall for the jock hopeless.
Sam smiled a little as he felt the smaller boy's arms cling tighter as he moved away to leave. It was encouraging to know that Kurt didn't want him to leave. The sound of the brunette's father clearing his throat reminded the blonde that he really should be leaving. He extracted himself from the brunette's hold, waving at him as he left the basement and headed to where he'd parked his car earlier.
Kurt stared blankly at the space where he'd last seen Sam, his mind desperately trying to memorise the way he'd felt in the blonde's arms. The sound of his father's voice broke him out of his Sam induced haze, flushing slightly at the realisation that his dad was now fully aware of his feelings for the jock. He just knew that this would end in some incredibly awkward conversations.
"You like him don't you."
"He's a great friend and sing..." Burt raised an eyebrow.
"You know what I mean. You like him and from what I've seen the feeling's mutual."
"Dad, he's not like that. We're just friends..."
"Kurt he let you take him shopping. He's either crushing on you or the most patient guy in the world. My money is on the first option."
"Dad I..."
"Look son, he seems like a good kid. Hardworking, polite and most important of all, he really seems to care about you. What I'm trying to say is... if I'm right about him and you, well you have my blessing. Just, don't tell him that. It's my right as a parent to threaten him with bodily harm and to generally make his life a living hell for the first few weeks of a relationship. I'm fairly sure it's an unwritten law or something. Just... remember this. He's not Finn. Don't give up on him before you've even tried."
Kurt stared wide-eyed at his father as he offered the soprano a warm smile. "Night Kurt."
"Night." The brunette watched as his father exited the basement, internally trying to figure out exactly when his father had begun to know Kurt better than he knew himself. Maybe that final statement about Finn had some truth to it. Could that be the reason why he was so afraid to ask Sam how he felt about the two of them? Possibly...
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Sam walked through the buzzing halls of McKinley, offering a grin to the trio stood by Kurt's locker (Kurt, Mercedes and Quinn) as he passed. The second and third member of the trio nudged each other as they saw, what could only be described as longing; looks pass between the two boys. They were both so clueless. At first it was cute... now it was starting to get a bit annoying.
Quinn was actually starting to seriously consider matchmaking the pair herself if one of them didn't make a move soon. When she'd seen the two flirting with each other with, admittedly awful, chat up lines, she'd assumed that they would finally stop dancing around one another and kiss already... unfortunately they seemed to be even more determined not to admit their feelings for one another than before. It was pretty infuriating really. Still, Quinn had plans that would soon be put into action if necessary and the ex-cheerio was almost certain that they would.
Sam, unaware of the ideas racing through the other blonde's mind continued to walk towards his locker, stopping when he spotted Karofsky, Azimo and another jock Dan Hunter standing in front of it, arms folded, looks of frustration written across their faces. He turned to leave quickly but stopped at the sound of Karofsky's voice echoing down the hallway.
"Yo Evans! Where you been man?" he turned to acknowledge the jocks that had now moved to stand with him. Externally he grinned in greeting, internally he wanted to run and hide- he had always hated confrontation.
"Been busy. You know how life is. Parents, parties, girlfriend... what can you do?" Sam mentally congratulated himself at managing to sound 'cool' while he panicked inside. It seemed that all of his years of hiding the truth from everyone were paying off. His words caused Hunter to nod in acceptance and Azimo to smirk a little when he mentioned his 'girlfriend'. Karofsky, however, seemed unsatisfied with this answer.
"We heard you joined homo explosion. This true?" Sam watched as the three jocks expressions returned to being hostile. Great.How the hell was he meant to explain this one?
"Yeah man. My folks made me. Sucks right?" Again the blonde was pleasantly surprised that his lying skills were clearly a lot better than he gave himself credit for.
"Yeah. But, dude! You're always with them. Why? They're freaks! Why do you hang with them?"
"Stupid duets assignment. Had to work with one of the club on a song. That means I have to deal with the rest as they all seem to group together. Probably because no one else wants to even be seen with them. Can't blame them though. Glee sucks!" Azimo high fived him at this and Hunter grinned. Karofsky remained quiet. It was slightly unnerving really. His eyes seemed to bore into Sam, screaming at him 'I know. I know about you, I know about Kurt, about what he means to you. I know what you are and could tell anyone I want. So don't mess with me.
The blonde felt a slight churning sensation in the pit of his stomach at the thought of the meathead in front of him knowing. He hadn't even told his parents or Kurt yet. He wasn't ready to tell anyone. He had made the choice to blend in and to be fairly normal when he'd joined McKinley, he didn't want anyone to tear that choice away from him.
"Well be careful man! They have that fag in the club. Dude he'll try to infect you with his gayness." Suddenly the urge to run was gone; an urge to beat the hell out of Karofsky took its place. This urge was a lot harder to resist.
"You need to get out of there, before you lose what makes you a dude. It's already happened to Chang, Puck and Hudson." Sam couldn't believe how stupid these three were. It was almost enough to make him pity them... almost.
"Yeah man. Hudson was quarterback last year. Look what he is now- a loser, a freak, a nobody. And dude, if you're not careful, you could be next!"
"So man up Evans before the same happens to you!" the three jocks all stared intently, waiting for the new guys reaction.
"Don't worry guys I'm not an idiot; I'm no Hudson. I've got no intention of letting those losers make me 'one of them'. Soon everyone will know where my loyalties lie." None of them needed to know that his loyalties actually lay with those 'losers' really did they? They'd know soon anyway when he continued to hang around with the group after the duets project and on some level, he didn't care that they'd know as long as he continued to see Kurt regularly.
He watched silently as Azimo and Hunter nodded a final time before striding after Rachel and Finn, slushies in hand, offering each other a smug look as the sound of the diva's indignant shriek filled the hallways.
The remaining jock muttered a quick "I don't trust you Evans. I'm watching you." Sam rolled his eyes, concealing the fact that he was a quivering wreck on the inside.
The blonde let out a small sigh before grabbing the books out of his locker and rushing towards his first class of the day; English. His screen flickered telling him he'd received a new text. Grinning madly as he noted the name that appeared, he opened the message laughing slightly at the soprano's words.
Forgotten, two people watched as Kurt sent a text, noting the exact moment when Sam's phone vibrated across the hallway. They studied Sam's reaction with similar interest... the only difference between the two observers was their intentions for the duo... they couldn't be more different.
A/N: Well done to everyone who guessed Quinn at the end of the last chapter. Here have one of Kurt's colourful scarves! Please review! I'd love to hear your thoughts on who the other observer at the end of this chapter is (It's probably obvious but I'd still like you to guess). Reviewers get one of Sam's awesome hugs! Also a HUGE thank you to everyone who voted on my poll. Here have a slushie- I'm not throwing it at you it's to drink. I'd be pretty cruel if I'd thrown them at you!
Glee is so close now... I can almost see it. SO EXCITED! And then the Valentines episode two days after... which I'm admittedly a little less excited about since I found out the truth about 'When I get you alone'. Anybody else feel hurt when they realised he wasn't singing to Kurt?
The bright side is that I'm now even more invested in the Hevans pairing as I'm still slightly mad at Blaine (not Darren though. I could never be angry with him!) After seeing the video, which means that I'm even more inspired to write this now!
Thanks for reading! I really appreciate it! Now... review?
Chasing Aspirations xxx