A/N: I'm so sorry, this is an extremely late update! It's been almost a month... Please forgive me. :(
This has been a busy month for me, plus some writers block. I will do my best to get back onto a regular once or twice weekly update schedule!
As always, thank you to everyone that reviewed the last chapter, so happy that you enjoyed. I love all of you. *hugs*. I'd apologize for creeping some of you out in the last chapter, but I'm not sorry... Evil, I know. :)
Kurt usually took advantage of the weekend in order to catch up on important beauty sleep. However, he would consider himself lucky if he had even managed to catch two hours of fitful, restless sleep that night. Every time his eyes closed, drifting off, he would jerk awake again, for what felt like only a second later. Always sure that he had heard someone moving, staring out of the shadows in his room.
Eventually, he gave up. Wrapping himself up in Blaine's coat, he padded across the room and up the stairs, walking into the chilly kitchen. He winced as his bare feet hit the freezing tile, shocking him into a semblance of wakefulness for a moment.
He walked over to the granite counter at the other end of the room, and started preparing himself a cup of coffee. He usually didn't have plain coffee in the morning, choosing instead to occasionally indulge in mocha's at the Lima Bean. However, if there was ever a day for coffee, it was today. He needed it to sweep away the fog in his brain, so that he could figure out – something.
As the coffee slowly dripped into the pot, he leaned his forearms onto the counter and gazed absently out the kitchen window. The fresh early morning sun was shining gaily, with only a few clouds remaining in the light blue sky. The snow was starting to melt, turning into slush on the ground and revealing the sidewalk or greenery underneath it.
He couldn't help casting a resentful glare outside. It was altogether too cheerful for his current mood. He could even hear birds beginning to sing and chirp merrily.
"Oh, shut up." He muttered quietly under his breath
Glancing over, he noticed the coffee had finished dripping into the pot. He reached over into a nearby cabinet and grabbed a plain black mug, pouring the coffee into it.
He walked into the living room, still carrying his cup of coffee, and curled up on the couch, hugging his knees to his chest.
The last time that he had felt this lost, alone, and scared, was when his mom had died, years ago. The same feeling of surrealism, that he had felt then, now hung over him as he sat on the couch, like a protective shield of unreality that kept him from having a breakdown.
He had always thought that this was only something that happened in movies, or to celebrities, or at least to people that were attractive; not pale and girly like him. It figures that the first Dom attracted to me is absolutely insane.
The rest of the day passed by monotonously, with Kurt keeping to his room most of the time; stuck between wanting to talk to someone and never wanting to talk to anyone again.
Later in the afternoon Kurt faintly heard a knock on his bedroom door, over the Broadway playlist that he was blasting so loud he could barely hear his own thoughts – which he considered to be a positive.
Kurt sighed to himself and rolled over from his face down position on the bed, turning off the music regretfully.
"Come in!" He yelled.
The door opened with a creak, and Burt stepped into the room.
"Hey, Kiddo. Can we talk for a minute?" Burt asked, while standing near the foot of the bed.
"Okay." Kurt replied, cautiously, while sitting up and drawing his knees to his chest. Please don't let this be about me, he prayed silently.
Burt pulled up a chair close to the bed and sat down.
"Kurt, there's someone I'd like you to meet." Burt said, slowly.
Kurt blinked, suspicions confirmed.
"I suspected you were seeing someone." Kurt admitted, with a wry smile. "What's her name?"
"Carole Hudson." Burt replied.
Hudson... Kurt barely managed to suppress a groan of dread. "Does she happen to have a son named 'Finn'?"
"Yeah, he goes to your school. Seems like a decent kid. Do you two know each other?"
Well it could be worse, at least she's not Puck's mom. I should consider myself lucky that it's only Finn.
"Only a little." Kurt replied shortly.
"Okay, well, Carole has been looking forward to meeting you. Carole, Finn, and I are going to dinner at Breadstix tomorrow, and I would like you to come along and meet her."
"All right." Kurt said.
Burt stood up, about to leave, when Kurt spoke again, raising his head to make eye contact. "And, Dad.. I'm happy for you." He meant it too, as long as she was nice, anyway.
"Thanks, Kurt." Burt cracked a small, relieved smile and clapped Kurt on the shoulder before leaving the room.
Just after Burt closed the door behind him, Kurt's phone beeped on the nightstand, alerting him that he had a new text message.
Kurt reached over and grabbed it, hoping that it was from Blaine. They hadn't spoken all day, not even a single text message; which was a first for them since they had met. Blaine had never missed texting him 'good morning' before; to which Kurt would reply with some variation of 'What planet do you live on where mornings are actually good?' Or 'Nobody human is this cheerful in the morning. Are you an alien?'
Not that Kurt would pride would let him admit, even to himself, that Blaine's barrage of overly cheerful texts almost made his morning's worthy of being called 'good' - almost.
But, here it was, already in the afternoon, and Blaine hadn't called or texted a single thing; proving to Kurt that even one of the worst day of his entire life could somehow always manage to get worse.
He's probably freaked out about what happened yesterday, Kurt thought to himself, while clutching the phone in his hand, too nervous to look at it yet. It's all my fault. If only I hadn't fallen asleep on his bed, it wouldn't have been so awkward.
Finally, when he managed to gather up the minimum amount of confidence needed to glance down at the screen, his heart sank in disappointment.
It was a mass text message from Rachel, reminding everyone about the 'crazy party' at her place tonight. Nothing from Blaine.
I forgot all about that, Kurt thought to himself, staring at his phone with one eyebrow raised in thoughtful disbelief.
He didn't know much at all about parties, besides what he had seen on television; however, call it instinct if you will, but he suspected that any party hosted by Rachel wouldn't exactly be worthy of being called 'crazy'.
He moved to put the phone back on the nightstand and ignore the text – considering that he couldn't imagine actually enjoying being at a party, crazy or not – when something made him hesitate.
Maybe I should go. With all the people (hopefully) there, I'd be relatively safe. Instead of being cooped up, alone and frightened, in my room. Besides, since I'm -sort of- friends with Rachel now, it would be rude not to go.
He gave a short nod to no one in particular and quickly tapped off a reply to Rachel, promising to be there, before he could change his mind; feeling strangely proud of himself for doing so.
Just after he hit the 'send' button, his phone beeped again. When he saw whom the new message was from, his heart leaped nervously into mouth in response, even as he felt himself smile. Blaine..
From: Blaine
Are you busy later?
Kurt allowed himself a sigh of relief. So, things aren't awkward between us now.
Or maybe he just wants his coat back, he added to himself dryly, before shaking off the thought.
To: Blaine
Not really. I did promised Rachel that I'd go to this party she's throwing. But, I'll tell her I can't make it after all, if you want.
He hit the send button, then an idea suddenly came to him.
To: Blaine
Or, do you want to come along with me?
He chewed on his lower lip nervously while he waited for a reply. After several excruciating minutes drew by with no response, one came.
From: Blaine
Sure. Text me the address? :-)
Kurt smiled to himself, maybe it wouldn't be such a bad party after all – with his best friend there.
"So, I noticed that you didn't send me any texts this morning. Have you finally tired of my cynicism?" Kurt said teasingly, while he buckled himself into the passenger seat of Blaine's car.
"Ah – no. I was just busy." Blaine said, sending a strangely nervous smile in Kurt's direction.
Kurt frowned. Never mind. I guess it's still awkward, after all, he thought to himself dully, casting his eyes down to his feet and sighing softly.
The rest of the ride to Rachel's house passed by in a silence that was unusual for the usually talkative Blaine. Kurt stared out the window, feeling his depressed mood creeping back like an unwelcome storm cloud over formerly sunny, clear skies. Every now and then, out of the corner of his eye, he could see Blaine glance over at him and open his mouth as though he was about to finally say something, before hesitating and closing it again, focusing his attention back onto the road.
Finally, they arrived, much to Kurt's relief. He stepped out of the car, wrapping his scarf slightly tighter around his neck and putting his hands in his coat pocket as they walked over to the front door of Rachel's house and rang the doorbell. The cars already parked nearby made Kurt guess that they were probably a little late.
Maybe I shouldn't have invited him, perhaps he feels forced to come along. It's so strange though, he was acting almost normal last night, after the incident. It didn't even seem like a big deal. But, then he didn't call or text me..
Kurt blushed a little bit and dug his hands further into his coat pockets. I sound like a jilted lover or something. Ridiculous.
Rachel answered the door, wearing what looked to Kurt like a green old-fashioned nightgown. At least, before he realized that it probably wasn't meant to be a nightgown, and barely managed to suppress a shudder of outright horror. She was holding a red, plastic cup in her hand and swaying slightly – before leaning on the door frame to keep her balance.
Rachel beamed at them – radiating enthusiasm so strong that it was practically corporeal. "Kurt! And this is must be yourboyfriend. Aw, he's a cutie. Finn's so – so much more handsome, though." She hiccuped loudly after saying so.
"Oh, no, no. We're just friends." Kurt said quickly, feeling riddled with embarrassment on both his and Blaine's behalf. Just because he's a Dom, and nice, and gay, and handsome, and amazing, does not mean we're automatically involved, Rachel. Besides, didn't I tell you that I'm never going to date anyone, ever? Well, actually, he realized, he hadn't told her that. Definitely next on his to-do list. And, wait, is she drunk already?
"Best friends." Added Blaine, beside him, giving Kurt's shoulder a quick squeeze.
"Yeah." Kurt mumbled in agreement, blushing slightly from the contact. "His name is Blaine. He goes to Dalton Academy and -" Kurt was about to say more, since proper introductions are important, but Rachel appeared to have lost interest. She was standing up straighter now and waving her full glass of – what was most likely alcohol – around.
"Come on in, Brandy and Kurtsie. There's a p-party!" Rachel shouted, retreating back into the house.
"It's Blaine.." Blaine called out weakly after her, but she was already gone. So, he turned to face Kurt. "Is she like this when she's sober too?" Blaine questioned in a low whisper, looking rather overwhelmed
"Worse. She grows on you though." Kurt replied, raising his hand to hide the involuntary smile on his face from Blaine's reaction.
They followed Rachel into the house, shutting the door behind them. Dance music blared at deafening levels from an open door that looked like it led into the basement.
Kurt glanced over and noticed an oil painting of Rachel's face on the wall. He wasn't quite sure if he should feel amused or horrified. He decided on a little bit of both – which must have resulted in an interesting facial expression, judging by the smirk that Blaine sent in his direction.
They walked down the stairs – towards the music and sounds of voices. Kurt unbuttoned the dark coat he was wearing, already starting to feel sweaty. It was definitely way too hot in there.
It looked like the entire Glee club was attending the party. Everyone was lounging around in various states of inebriation – clutching red, plastic drink cups. Brittany was doing a strip dance on the stage – and wait, there's a stage in Rachel's basement? - to a Kesha song, while being encouraged by a cat-calling Puck.
Kurt glanced over and noticed Santana and bleached-blonde-guy were swapping saliva in the corner. That was one sight that Kurt was pretty sure he could have gone his entire life without seeing and he would have been just fine – thank you very much.
Although Santana and Sam were both Dom's, it didn't stop most people from hooking up if they wanted. Although, usually in such relationships there were a lot of power struggles and arguing. It was very rare to find two life partners that were both Dominants. Such relationships are lucky if they manage to last more than two months.
"Wow, this is – um..." Kurt trailed off, feeling entirely out of his depth.
"Awesome!" Blaine finished for him. He then went over and grabbed one of the full drink cups, chugging it down and joining the group of dancing people.
Kurt's mouth hung open. Preppy Blaine Anderson was a party animal, who would have known?
He stood awkwardly near the corner of the room, watching everyone laughing, drinking, dancing, and having fun – while trying not to watch the people making out.
Blaine already seemed to be the life of the party. If someone had walked in then, they would have thought he was the best friend of everyone in the room, rather than a complete stranger.
Kurt stared at him forlornly, feeling forgotten and invisible in the corner. Screw it, didn't I come here to have fun and forget my problems?
He plucked up his courage and walked over to where the drink cups were located. Time to be adventurous.He picked up one of the cups and took his first sip. He wrinkled his nose in disgust. Oh, my god. This is probably what battery acid tastes like. This had better be worth it. He gulped down the rest of the drink as quickly as he could and with some difficulty, coughing loudly afterwords.
The alcohol made his throat feel like it was on fire, and his head buzzed pleasantly. Wow.
He poured himself some more alcohol – not even bothering to check what it was – and wandered over to the heart of the group. After all, he could dance too. His sashay was killer.
A few drinks later and his head was swimming, he hadn't felt this relaxed in ages. He wandered over to Finn, who was standing in front of the stage, and threw his arm around him. "F-Finn! Y-You and I – we are like – almost brothers now. Did you know that? Your mom is dating my dad." Kurt slurred a little bit, sloshing his drink. "I- I'm not sure how I feel about that 'cause you're like – a real jerk to me sometimes. But you're sort of cute so I don't know... This – this is confusing... and you're tall."
Kurt giggled to himself and spotted Blaine sitting on a couch nearby, watching him. "Ooh, that's Blaine. Have you met Blaine? He's so nice, I like him a lot – like a lot-t-t."
Kurt let go of a seemingly relieved Finn, who quickly hurried off towards Rachel, and he latched onto Blaine instead.
"Blaine-e. Hi, Blaine. Blainers." Kurt sat down and wrapped his arms tightly around Blaine's torso, snuggling his head onto Blaine's shoulder. He vaguely noticed that Blaine wasn't carrying a drink in his hand. "Blaine – you should have something... Have fun. It's like – a party-y."
"I'm okay. I think you're drinking enough for both of us." Blaine replied, and Kurt could almost feel Blaine's smile.
"You smell really nice." Kurt mumbled, his voice slightly muffled by Blaine's shoulder. "I think I – like – I really like you. You're like – like – nice – like rainbows. And you make me feel safe. 'Cause I'm – I'm really scared, Blaine. But, please don't tell anyone, okay?" The tiny part of Kurt's brain that was still sober couldn't quite believe what was coming out of his mouth, but he was powerless to stop it.
"What are you scared of, hon?" He heard Blaine say softly.
"It's a secret.." Kurt murmured.
"Who wants to play Spin the Bottle?" Rachel suddenly screamed over the music, holding her wine cooler high above her head.
"Ooh, I do!" Kurt yelled, lifting his head off of Blaine's shoulder and standing up, raising his hand above his head. All of the others, except the sober Blaine and Finn (although they seemed to be going along with it anyway), nodded in agreement.
Kurt couldn't actually remember what Spin the Bottle was. But, it sounded fun.
Someone grabbed the necessary supplies, and they were soon all sitting in a circle around the glass bottle; with Kurt sitting next to Blaine and Santana and across from Rachel.
"Me first!" Rachel shouted eagerly, reaching forward and spinning the bottle before anyone could protest.
The bottle spun and spun until it finally slowed, pointing directly across from her.
"Ooh, I get to kiss Kurt! Rachel squealed. "Watch out, I'm going to rock your world."
Kurt wrinkled his nose and turned his head away when Rachel leaned forward. It didn't matter how drunk he was, there was no way that he was interested in kissing Rachel. Gross. But, his feeble attempts to get away were of no use. Rachel was determined. She grabbed hold of his shirt collar and roughly pulled him forward, towards her.
Their lips collided roughly, due to Rachel dragging him forward. Her lips were warm against his, but the sensations felt otherwise dull and muted to him. At least until he felt something strangely smooth and wet swipe across his bottom lip. Oh god, is that her tongue? It feels like a slug. Kurt whimpered in discomfort.
"Okay, okay! I think that's enough you two." Blaine said, reaching over and tugging the overenthusiastic Rachel away from Kurt.
"But, his face tastes awesome." Rachel complained, with a pout.
"Okay, it's my turn now." Santana said, cutting in and reaching forward.
"I don't like slugs. They're gross." Kurt muttered to himself, wiping Rachel's saliva off his mouth, with a shiver. He took another drink, because after all, he had to get that taste out of his mouth somehow.
"Kurt, how many of those have you had?" Blaine asked, worry evident in his tone.
Kurt glanced over at Blaine and two sets of hazel eyes stared at him with concern.
"Um.." Kurt said, while trying to cross his eyes together in order to make sense of what he was seeing before him. "This.. many? Maybe?" He lifted up his left hand and wiggled his fingers. "Why do you have four eyebrows?"
"Okay, you've had more than enough." Blaine stated seriously, grabbing the cup from Kurt's hand and setting it down on the floor beside him, out of Kurt's reach.
"I love it when you get all bossy." Kurt said, with a dopey smile, scooting closer to Blaine. He yawned, his limbs and eyelids starting to feel warm and heavy. He started to curl up, laying his head on Blaine's lap. The yelp and swearing next to him suggested that he might have just accidentally kicked Santana. But, he didn't really care, because this was warm and pleasant and he could smell Blaine all around him.
"Dude, he is totally into you." Kurt faintly heard Finn say – before the darkness of sleep overtook him.