A/N: Hello! Welcome, one and all!
I want to start off by apologizing for the extreme lateness of this chapter. I had a spot of writers block, but all is fine now. It wasn't helped, of course, by school restarting.. Thats always fun. Anyway, I want to say from now on chapters might be a bit more irregular, they won't be up on a specific day, but I will definitely strive to get one up a week, but I may have a problem, seeing as i have to juggle writing with school work now. But I'll try, don't you worry!
I want to say a MASSIVE thanks to my awesome internet buddy, Backwardsmuffin. It is all thanks to her that this chapter is up at all. She helped me out of my rut! You guys all better go read her stories, As The Camera Flashes and Lessons Unlearned! Leave her loads of reviews for me!
Anyway, on with the chapter.
Kurt sighed as he packed his bags. He couldn't believe it. Christmas break was here already. He had almost been at Dalton for two months. It had been almost a fortnight since the Christmas Extravaganza. Since he and Blaine had fought. Since Blaine had unexpectedly planted one on him, right in front of all the Warblers. He remembered the events following the kiss with a smirk.
As the song ended, Blaine leaned in and caught his lips in a soft kiss. Kurt leaned into the touch, reaching up and wrapping his arms tight around Blaine's neck. He had missed the feel of the other boy's lips on his own. After a few minutes, Blaine pulled away, blushing slightly. The rest of the Warblers wooped and cheered, Jeff and Nick cat calling, and David giving a loud, shrill wolf-whistle.
"It worked! Our plan worked!" Jeff cried, high-fiving Nick.
"Guys, we kinda have to get off stage now…"Trent said, smirking.
"Yeah. Warblers, we're moving out!" Thad called, taking on the leadership role and beginning the trail of boys moving of the stage. Eventually, the rest of the Warblers trickled off after him, Kurt and Blaine bringing up the rear in absolute silence. Kurt could feel his cheeks burning, and he was pretty sure he could see Blaine biting his lip self-consciously in the corner of his vision.
Kurt still hadn't quite got to grips with what had just happened. Had Blaine really just kissed him in front of all the Warblers? Was this going to mean he didn't have to pretend to hate Blaine any more? Did this public display of affection mean Blaine wanted them to go out properly? Kurt frowned, reaching up a hand to rub his temple lightly. God, Blaine just got more confusing as time went on, didn't he?
After they had performed, the Warblers headed straight back to the hotel and began to pack their bags. They had an hour to pack their stuff and relax a little before they piled back onto the coach for the long journey back to Dalton, ready for school again the next morning. Kurt followed Blaine down the hall to their hotel room. He had yet to be able to make a single word come out of his lips. He couldn't get the feel of Blaine's lips - soft and warm on his – out of his head. Blaine opened the door and stood aside, motioning for Kurt to go in first. He did, smiling faintly at the shorter boy. Blaine walked in after him, shutting the door. Kurt began to pack his things, chewing his lip nervously.
"Sorry!" Blaine blurted after a few minutes.
"What?" Kurt asked, furrowing his brow.
"Sorry!" Blaine repeated.
"Yes, I heard you the first time. I mean, what are you saying sorry for?" Kurt asked, turning to where Blaine was standing by his bed, looking at his feet, as he always did in these situations.
"For being a douche. For snapping at you. For kissing you on stage." Blaine's cheeks coloured a little and he moved away, picking up his pyjama pants from the floor and folding them, avoiding Kurt's gaze.
"Blaine.. Its fine. I should be the one apologizing. I shouldn't have yelled at you like that. Anyway, you kinda gave me one of my wishes just then." Kurt said with a small smile.
"What do you mean?" Blaine asked, frowning slightly, his thick eyebrows threatening to mash together.
"The Warblers know about us now.. But don't worry. Let them think they got us together. It should placate them for a while." Kurt grinned.
"So… Are we good again?" Blaine asked in a small voice.
"Yes. Yes we are." Kurt said, walking over and wrapping his arms around Blaine in a tight hug. Blaine smiled, relaxing into the hug and letting his arms go around Kurt's waist with a sigh. All was well again.
Kurt gave a small sigh at the memory. He had been meaning to talk to Blaine ever since, about their relationship, and what exactly was going to happen next, but as soon as they had gotten back to the school that night all the Warblers had collapsed into bed, and the very next morning, everyone had begun to stress about exams, and before Kurt knew it, two weeks had passed, and he and Blaine had not been alone once since that afternoon in the hotel room. Now here he was, packing his bag to go home for Christmas. He missed Blaine more than he liked to admit. He missed talking with him, laughing with him, but most of all, just spending time with him. He hated how these stupid exams had driven a wedge between them.
He put the final thing that he needed into his suitcase and zipped it up with sigh. He had better get going if he wanted to make it back to Lima before it got too dark. He heaved a long sigh, and was just about to pick up his bags and get going when there was a knocking sound. He went to the door, his heart pounding.
Surely it couldn't be… No. He chastised himself for even getting his hopes up the teensiest bit. It wouldn't be him. He pulled open the door, and his heart stopped. Blaine stood there in a pair of black jeans and thick, deep red woollen jumper, his hair curling beautifully.
"Hey." He said, smiling at Kurt.
"H-hi." Kurt stammered. His pulse was racing, and he was pretty sure he was bright pink.
"Can we talk?" Blaine asked quietly.
"Um, sure. Uh, come in, I guess…" Kurt said, stepping aside. Blaine smiled, walking in and going to sit on the edge of Kurt's bed. Kurt hurriedly shut the door behind him. Blaine patted the spot next to him.
"Come sit." He said, half smiling. Kurt saw a little nervousness flash through his eyes. He frowned slightly, but went to sit next to the other boy nonetheless. "I… I just want to start off by saying sorry. I should have talked to you sooner than this. But, y'know, what with finals and stuff.. I was busy. And… I guess I was scared too. But.. I couldn't leave for break without talking to you about this." Blaine said, playing with his hands in his lap.
"About what?" Kurt almost whispered.
"Us. I.. I mean, you and me. I'm sorry, Kurt. I really am. I.. I've been a total jerk to you these last few months. I've forced you into being with me. I've pushed you too far. I've insulted you and fought with you countless times. I've acted as though I didn't need you and as if I was ashamed of you. But I see the error of my ways now. Which is why I want to ask you a massive favour. I want to ask you to put all the stuff that has happened behind us. Let me turn over a new leaf. I like you, Kurt. A lot. I know I've acted like I don't in the past but.. I really, really do. I… I think I'm falling for you too. Which is why I want us to start over. Let me take you on a date after the holidays. A proper date. We'll do all the cheesy first date things. We'll hold hands. We'll see a corny rom-com, and I'll pretend to yawn so I can put my arm around you. We'll go out for dinner at Breadstix. Hell, I'll even pay, just like a gentleman should on the first date. And then, maybe.. I don't know, maybe you can forgive all my mistakes and be my boyfriend. For real this time." Blaine looked into Kurt's eyes, the hazel meeting the glasz.
"I… Of course, Blaine." Kurt breathed, returning Blaine's gaze steadily. Blaine broke into a grin, throwing his arms about Kurt's neck. Kurt hugged him back tightly. After a few moments, Blaine broke away. "You should get going. It's a long drive back to Lima."
"I… Yeah. I-I.. I guess.. I'll see you in two weeks." Kurt said quietly, suddenly feeling rather emotional.
"Yeah. I'll miss you." Blaine said with a small, forced-looking smile.
"I'll miss you too." Kurt said, and with that, he leaned in and kissed Blaine lightly on the lips. Just a peck. Then he picked up his bags and walked away.
Kurt took a deep, trembling breath as he parked his car in front of his house. He was home. After two months of being away, he was finally back to stay, even if it was just for two weeks. He smiled faintly to himself. Just as he began to open the door, the front door of the house flew open and Finn charged out. The tall boy ripped open the car door and lifted Kurt up, enveloping him in a massive bear hug.
"Little brother!" He cried, his arms in a vice grip around Kurt's chest. Kurt struggled, his toes barely brushing the ground.
"Not-your-little-brother!" Kurt gasped. "Put-me-DOWN!"
"It's good to see you, little bro!" Finn grinned after another minute, setting Kurt back on his feet." Kurt heaved a sigh.
"Okay, first off, I'm not your little brother. I'm a month older than you in actual fact." Kurt said once he had regained his breath.
"Whatever. You're shorter than me, so you're little brother." Finn said with a lopsided grin. "Where're your bags? Shall I get them for you? You're just in time for dinner! Mom's making lasagne. Its gonna be AWESOME!"
"Alright, alright, Finn, slow down. My bags are in the trunk, duh. You didn't leave me time to get them out. You practically wrenched me out of the car…" Kurt said, rolling his eyes. "And no, I'm perfectly capable of carrying my own bags. I'm not a girl, you know."
"Oh, uh, right, sure." Finn said, his cheeks reddening a little. Kurt just smiled a little, walking around the car and grabbing both his messenger bag and his big suitcase. He walked up to the house, Finn falling into step next to him. He reached the porch, when his dad walked out, a massive grin painted all over his face.
"There's my boy!" Burt said, smiling that same old smile. Kurt dropped his bags and ran to his father's arms, burying his face in his neck and just inhaling the scent that was inherently Burt. The motor oil, cologne smell, mixed with a little car leather and detergent. The scent that had practically been his childhood after his mother died. The smell that had always comforted him, no matter what. He hadn't realized how much he had missed his father until that point.
"Dad.." He murmured. Tears brimmed in his eyes, threatening to overflow at any moment.
"I missed you, kiddo." His dad said softly. That was it. Kurt let out a strangled sob, the tears falling unchecked down his cheeks. His dad grabbed him by the shoulders, holding him at arms length. Then gently, he thumbed away a tear. "What's wrong, son?"
"I.. I just.. I really missed you, is all." Kurt sniffed, wiping the lasts of his tears away and hugging his father again.
"I think we all missed you, Kurt." Came a familiar voice from the doorway. Kurt pulled away from his father's embrace, and saw his stepmother standing there, smiling at him, her green eyes twinkling.
"Carole!" He cried, wrapping his stepmother in a warm hug.
"Kurt, my dear. Come on in. Finn, can you take Kurt's bags to his room. Dinner is almost ready!" She said, taking Kurt's arm.
"But, mom! I-" Finn started to protest.
"No, Finn. It'll take you five seconds. I'll give you the biggest portion of lasagne if you-" Finn had already taken Kurt's bags and hurtled into the house at the first mention of food. Carole and Kurt shared an incredulous look, and they laughed. "Now, Kurt. Your father and I have been invited to a party on New Year's eve, and I was hoping you could maybe help me with an outfit?"
"Fashion emergency? Oh I am so there. Gosh, you would not believe my lack of fashion in the last few months. We practically wear our uniforms twenty-four seven at Dalton!" Kurt said with a groan. "I'll help you right after dinner."
The pair walked into the house and down the hallway to the kitchen, Burt following. All Kurt could think about was how nice it felt to be home once more.
Before Kurt knew it, it was Christmas Eve. He and Finn were heading to Mr. Schue's house, to have a party and meet up with the rest of the New Directions. Finn said it was because none of the kids in glee club wanted Mr. Schue to be alone on Christmas, but all of them were busy on the actual day with their families, so Finn had rallied them all and they had decided to spend Christmas Eve with their teacher. Earlier in the week, the brothers had been out and bought gifts for him, (Kurt had picked out a new vest for the man and given Finn a matching tie to give him.)
They arrived at just past seven o clock, and knocked on the door several times. It was only a few moments before it was answered and Kurt was thrown off his feet by Mercedes giving him the biggest hug he had ever been given in his life.
"White boyyyy!" She squealed. "I missed you so much, Kurt!"
"I missed you too, 'Cedes." Kurt smiled, gently shrugging off her arms. They walked to the living room, Finn lurking awkwardly behind them. Kurt knew he would be feeling nervous, seeing as Rachel would be at the party, and the couple had officially split up the week before school ended. Finn had told Kurt all about it. How Rachel had found out about him sleeping with Santana, and how she had retaliated by making out with Puck. Finn had been fuming just telling the story. Kurt could tell there was going to be a hell of a lot of tension at the party.
As soon as the threesome entered the living room, the crowd of teenagers that had already assembled broke into noise. Cries of "Kurt!" and "We missed you, Kurt!" came from all around. Tina, Rachel, Brittany, Quinn and even Santana hugged Kurt, he was fist bumped by Puck, Lauren and Artie, and received friendly nods and waves from Mike and Sam. When Mr. Schue entered the room later, with glasses of coke and mince pies for all the teens, he too cried Kurt's name, and gave the boy a warm hug.
Kurt flopped on the couch, Brittany (Who had taken his hand and not dropped it when she had hugged him) on one side and Mercedes on the other side. Tina sat infront of them on a pouffe.
"Alright. You guys have to fill me in on everything that's been happening these past few weeks. I need gossip! Boys are no fun, its all sport, and girls. Where is a boy meant to get his daily gossip fill?" He said with a small laugh. The girls spent the next fifteen minutes filling him on all the inner workings of Mckinley's student body, all the new couples, the break ups, focusing especially on the gory details of the break up of "Finchel" as they put it. When they finished, Mercedes looked at him expectantly.
"Now, Kurt. Tell us about that hunk of a guy you were getting all over at the party last month. What exactly is going on there?" Mercedes said. Tina leant forward, her eyes sparkling expectantly, and even Brittany climbed back onto the couch from where she had been curled on Artie's lap, making out with him.
"Yeah Hummel, spill it." Santana said, walking over and perching on the arm of the couch next to Brittany. "I looked through those pictures I took at the party again the other day, and you two were practically doing the dirty right there in the corner of your kitchen…" Kurt felt his cheeks begin to burn.
"Um, that's Blaine. Uhh… What's going on between us.. Uh.. well, its kinda hard to explain." Kurt mumbled haltingly.
"Complicated in what way? Oh shit, is he actually straight or something? Actually, if he is, can you set me up with him? He was a fine hunk of a man." Santana smirked.
"No, no! He's definitely gay, but, well.. Uh, at first I thought he was just kind of a player, like he wasn't really into me, he just wanted someone to make out with… But then we got into a fight, and when he apologized… it was like he was a totally different person, you know? But even then, he kinda acted weird around me when he was with his friends. I mean, it was like he was a totally different person. So I yelled at him about it. And then we sang a duet at the Christmas Extravaganza in Columbia.. And he kissed me. Onstage. In front of all the Warblers. And now… I don't know. After the kiss we made up, and on the last day of school… I… He uh, he kinda.. Asked me out.. Officially." Kurt finished with a gulp. Most of the girls looked fairly confused, but Mercedes gave a squeal of happiness.
"Does that mean my white boy is going to have a proper boyfriend?" She asked, with a grin.
"I.. Uh, I guess.." Kurt said, smiling back at her.
"Oh my god!" She said, pulling him into a hug. Just then, Mr Schue stood up and said:
"Alright everyone. I think its time for some Karaoke!" Everyone laughed, and gathered around the t.v. The rest of the night was spent singing and dancing, laughing and joking. When Finn and Kurt finally left, it was around eleven. Most of the partygoers were leaving so they could get home to get ready for midnight mass, but the brothers were just going to go straight to bed. When they arrived home, Kurt flopped straight into his bed. Aside from the fact that Finn had whined about Rachel the whole car journey home, it had been an amazing night.
The next day was truly magical. He woke up to a blanket of snow, and a pile of presents at the foot of his bed. He gathered them into his arms and carried them down the stairs. He found Finn already wolfing down a full breakfast, bacon, eggs, fried mushrooms and toast, his dad beside him tucking in to the same thing. For once, Kurt didn't chastise his dad for the amount of cholesterol that was in the small meal. Hey, it was Christmas. Why not let go a little. While he ate his muesli, he sent Blaine a text.
Merry Christmas! Hope you're having a good day! Can't wait to see you after the break! K xxx
Next was present opening. Much to his surprise, he actually got a lot of the things he wanted, including the CD of the Wicked soundtrack, the DVD of RENT, a new scarf, several new shirts and a new pair of skinny jeans that he had been lusting after for months, along with a year's subscription to Vogue. Finn was happy with the CD of classic rock hits that Kurt gave him, and Carole was delighted with the new earrings and necklace Kurt had bought her. His dad, however, nearly jumped for joy when he saw the Buckeyes season ticket Kurt had got him.
Then he helped Carole prepare the Christmas dinner, the first proper one he had had since his mom died. He spent the afternoon 'watching' the football with his Dad and Finn, the latest edition of vogue on his lap. After the game, Finn managed to coax Kurt into having a snowball fight in the backyard. What he didn't expect was Kurt's incredible aim. Both boys came in soaked to the bone, but laughing heartily. Kurt fell into bed after a long shower, not once thinking how strange it was that Blaine hadn't replied to his text message all day.
Miles away, Blaine Anderson was having a very different experience. It had all started the previous night, at his father's annual Christmas Eve social function.
Blaine sighed as he surveyed the dozens of people crowded into his family's lavish home. Judging by the size of the house, you would think a family of at least five lived there, but in truth, it was just Steven Anderson, his wife Julia, and their only son. Him. And most of the time, he wasn't even home. He didn't understand why they needed such a large house. He supposed his father had bought it simply because he could. Because he had the money. His father was the local Member of Parliament, so he had always earned a fair bit. But then three years ago, Blaine's grandfather had died, leaving a massive sum of money to his son. The family had suddenly had a massive house, a butler, and two lavish cars. Blaine knew one thing for certain: his father liked to show off.
He liked to show off his massive house, with its impeccably clean rooms, and its expensive furnishings. He loved to show off his expensive cars, and brag about how fast they could go. He liked to tell stories about his job. He took pride in showing off his pretty Filipino wife. Which made Blaine wonder why he was there. Surely he was nothing to show off. He was going to a reform school, and what's more, he was gay. His father had never exactly been accepting of his only son's sexuality.
But no, his father had insisted that he be there. Up until now, Blaine had always been told to stay out of the way at his father's parties. Usually he was carted off to a friend's house to stay the night, or told to stay in his room and make as little noise as possible. But this year his father wanted him front and centre. He was to socialize with guests, exchange pleasantries and make small talk. He had been dreading the evening all week, and now it was here; it was just as bad as he thought it would be.
He was just standing about awkwardly, looking out of place in his best black slacks and navy shirt, his curls sticking up wildly. It was half an hour in, and he had yet to talk to a guest. He pulled his phone out of his pocket and texted Kurt.
Hey. How's your holiday going? Hope its better than mine. Stuck at my dad's boring party. What you up to? B xxx
The reply came back after a few minutes.
I'm having a party with all my friends from my old school. We're having a karaoke session at the moment. It's awesome! Aw, it sucks that you're stuck there. Wish you were here! K xx
Blaine let out a heavy sigh.
Yeah. Wish I was too.. B xxx
He sent back. Just as he pocketed his phone he saw his mother charging over.
"Blaine!" She hissed. "Go and talk to some guests! Don't just stand there and text!"
"I don't know what to say! I can't just walk up to them!" He hissed back, scowling at her.
"Yes, you can. Go!" She shoved him in the direction of a middle-aged woman who was standing on her own. The woman saw him approaching and smiled. Suppressing a groan, Blaine walked over.
"Good evening. I'm Blaine." He said, putting on his best polite voice.
"Ah, yes, Julia's son. How are you?" The woman said with a smile. "I'm Adriana Cole. Your mother's friend."
"I'm fine thank you. And you?" Blaine said, tapping his foot against the floor, glancing about for a way to escape.
"I am excellent, thank you. So, Blaine, do you have a girlfriend?" She asked with a pleasant smile. Blaine frowned.
"Um, no. Actually, I'm gay." He said bluntly. The woman's eyebrows shot up, and her mouth formed a little 'o' of surprise for a second, but she quickly regained her composure.
"Oh, right, so do you have a boyfriend at your private school?" She tried.
"Private school?" Blaine asked. A suspicion was beginning to grow in his head. He was beginning to get annoyed.
"Yes, that private school you go to in Ohio! Dalton, isn't it called?" Adriana said, giving him a confused smile.
"Um, no. Its not a private school. It's the Dalton Academy reform school for boys. Who told you it was a private school?" Blaine's suspicion was growing even further, and as it grew, his anger grew with it.
"Oh, your father-" Blaine didn't hear the rest. He stormed away without so much as an excuse me. He threw open the front door and went out into the drive. He clenched his fists so hard that his nails dug into his palms. He wanted to punch someone. He charged across the lawn. He only made it a few steps before he heard someone come out of the door, slamming it behind them. He whirled around. His father stood in front of him, in his black suit, positively fuming.
"Where on earth do you think you're going, young man?" He yelled.
"ANYWHERE! Anywhere away from you! I've had enough, dad. I've had enough of you lying. I've had enough of pretending to be the perfect son! We both know I'm not what you wanted in a son. Get over it already. I am the way I am. Stop pretending I'm not!" Blaine yelled back.
"So you want me to tell all my friends, all my colleagues that my son is a fag? And to top it all off that he's a delinquent too? That would look good, wouldn't it?" His father spat back.
"You are such a selfish git!" Blaine snarled. His father was in front of him in a second, grabbing a fistful of Blaine's shirt and bringing the short boy up to face level with him.
"Don't. You. DARE. Talk to me like that." He growled. He threw Blaine down on the floor and began to walk away.
"I'll talk to you however I want, you homophobic bastard!" Blaine shouted, struggling to his feet. Before he knew what was happening, a fist was connecting with his jaw. He tried to fight back, but his father was too fast, too strong. He twisted Blaine's arm behind his head, and he was sure he heard a pop as agonizing pain shot through his arm. His father punched him in the stomach, and he toppled. After giving him a good kick in the ribs, Blaine's father walked away, leaving his only son bruised and bleeding in the dirt.
It was only half an hour later, when a passerby heard Blaine's anguished sobs of pain, that someone helped him. He drifted in and out of consciousness as he was lifted into a pair of strong arms and deposited on the back seat of a car. He regained awareness as he was carried through a large white hall. He was set gently on the seats of two hard plastic chairs. Not gently enough, it seemed. Pain shot through his head and his shoulder, and the darkness consumed him.
He would awaken in a strange room, in an uncomfortable bed, his arm strapped to his chest and his head bandaged. He would spend Christmas day in hospital.
Yes, Blaine's Christmas was very different to Kurt's.
A/N: And the plot thickens... Opinions? I just want to say: Unfortunately, this is only the beginning of the angst for our poor little Blainey. But we all know, Kurtsie will be there to help him out! :DDD
As always, concrit is appreciated! I hope I made up for the lateness with the length ;D
Reviews make Blainers get better faster :DD
Less than three all you guise!
Ellie xx