Chapter 14: Stars When You Shine
Later that night, after Hailie and Elizabeth had both come back and tried to convince Kurt to come home—he didn't—before heading home themselves, Blaine was still at the hospital with Kurt. It'd been hours and they were both exhausted.
"Kurt, your mom and your sister are right," Blaine said softly, holding Kurt in his lap and stroking his hair gently. Kurt looked at him, not saying anything, and Blaine pressed a kiss to his forehead. "You can't just stay here and never leave."
"I want to be here when he wakes up," Kurt murmured.
"I know you do," Blaine nodded. "I know. But the doctors said it'd be a few days. Please will you go out somewhere with me, just for tonight? I want to help take your mind off of this."
Kurt sighed. "Blaine… I know you're trying to help, but I just can't."
"Kurt, please," Blaine said, stroking Kurt's hair and looking directly into his eyes. "I hate seeing you like this. You're tearing yourself apart and it kills me. I just want to see you smiling again. Please let me try."
Kurt bit his lip nervously before wrapping his arms around Blaine's neck and hugging him close. "Okay."
"Okay?"
"Okay," Kurt repeated, smiling a little as Blaine walked them out to his car. They got in the sports car and Blaine held Kurt's hand on the center console while he drove. "Where are we going?"
"You'll see," Blaine said, kissing Kurt's knuckles.
A few minutes later, Kurt knew where they were going. The abandoned movie theater.
Kurt looked over at Blaine and smiled softly. "I love you."
Blaine parked the car and squeezed Kurt's hand, turning to smile at him. "You beat me to it," he said, bringing his hand up to kiss Kurt's knuckles again. "I love you, too."
"You're a dork," Kurt said with a faint laugh.
"That's what I'm going for," Blaine said, his eyes lighting up when Kurt laughed. "I've got blankets in the trunk."
"Of course you do."
They grabbed the blankets and carried them up to the roof, laying them out and sitting down on the makeshift mattress. Blaine supported himself with his arms behind him and Kurt rested his head on Blaine's shoulder, hugging his waist.
"This is where I was going to tell you that I love you for the first time," Blaine said softly.
"Why here?" Kurt asked.
"Well, it's better than the Dalton dorms when I'm sleeping, isn't it?" Blaine teased lightly. Kurt laughed, smacking Blaine's chest playfully. "Sorry. I just wanted to hear you laugh," he said. "Remember when we first came here and I showed you the constellations?" Kurt nodded, nuzzling into his shoulder. "Do you remember any of them?"
"I remember Lyra," Kurt said, looking up at Blaine and smiling. "I think I know where this is going. Isn't that the one that sort of represents love?"
"Well, it doesn't exactly represent love, but the story is about a guy who would anything for who he loves. Just like I'll do anything for you. So I was going to bring you here and tell that story again and then I was going to tell you I love you."
"Why didn't you?"
"I was waiting for the right moment," Blaine said. "I mean, I'm glad that you know now and I'm glad that I know you love me back, but I was worried about scaring you off by telling you too soon. I didn't know that you were as serious about this—about us—as I am. But I do now."
"I'm glad," Kurt said with a smile. "And I'm glad we came here. I feel better being here with you."
"That was the goal," Blaine told him, turning his head to kiss the top of Kurt's. "All I ever want is for you to be happy."
Blaine got exactly what he wanted just one week later, when Burt woke up and Kurt was a mess of joyful tears. Blaine stood beside Kurt as the boy held Burt's hand, crying in relief. "For a while, I thought you'd never wake up."
Burt squeezed Kurt's hand and told him firmly, "I'm not goin' anywhere, kid. I've got a few more decades in me, at least."
"I love you, dad," Kurt said.
"And I love you more than anything in the world, Kurt."
A few minutes later, Elizabeth and Hailie came running in, grinning and spending hours catching up with Burt. Meanwhile, Blaine had to go do another interview. He kissed Kurt's cheek and said he'd be back in a couple hours. Kurt wished him good luck and pecked his lips.
The interviewer that Blaine met this time wasn't quite as annoyingly insincere. He was actually nice, Blaine thought.
"It's so nice to meet you, Blaine," he said once the interview started, offering a kind smile.
"Likewise, Jackson," Blaine said.
"So, I'd like to talk about your plans for your next album. I, for one, can't wait to hear it."
Blaine grinned. "It's coming… soon. I can't say exactly when, but it's soon. I've been working on these songs since I was thirteen. Well, some of them are more recent, but some are older and very precious to me as an artist. I'm excited for my fans to hear them."
"We're all excited, then," Jackson said with a laugh. "Will there be a tour before or after the release of the album?"
"I'm hoping sooner rather than later," Blaine told him. "But it depends on if things work out. So far, though, the only one who's heard any of my songs is the housekeeper here, Marcie. She's been my biggest supporter since the beginning."
"And what about your boyfriend?"
"What do you mean?"
"Has he been supportive of you through all of this attention you've been getting in the media?"
Blaine laughed. "Of course he has. He's been amazing and I couldn't be luckier to have him with me. In fact, a few of my songs I wrote for him specifically."
"That's so sweet!" the man said excitedly. "Can we get a little preview of one of them?"
Blaine glanced over to Peter, asking for permission, and his manager nodded. Blaine smiled, going through his songs and deciding which one he wanted to give away. "Sure, why not? I'll just need to sit at the piano for this one."
Jackson motioned for the camera crew to move over to the piano and get a good shot of Blaine playing.
Now I know it ain't easy
But it ain't hard trying
Every time I see you smiling
And I feel you so close to me
And you tell me
Baby, you're not alone
'Cause you're here with me
And nothing's ever gonna bring us down
'Cause nothing can keep me from
Loving you
And you know it's true
It don't matter what'll come to be
Our love is all we need
To make it through
Jackson started clapping, soon followed by the rest of the crew and Peter. Blaine looked around, having almost forgotten that he had an audience. He grinned at them and stood to take a bow when Peter motioned to do so.
"Blaine Anderson, you have quite the talent!" Jackson exclaimed. "I will be waiting on the edge of my seat to hear more from you." He turned to the camera. "There you have it, folks. Blaine Anderson is a star!"
"Cut!"
The cameras were turned off and Blaine sat on the piano bench, back facing the keys. "How'd I do?" he asked Peter.
"Do I really need to answer that question?" Peter countered with a grin. "Blaine, that was fantastic! You wrote that?" Blaine nodded, smiling shyly. "Yeah, we definitely won't be needing any help for you in that department." They both laughed and Peter sat beside him, patting his shoulder. "Good job, kid."
Knowing he'd get a reaction like that, Blaine couldn't wait to release his album. And he definitely wanted to show Kurt some of his songs.
Later that evening, Blaine called Kurt and excitedly asked him to come over to his house. He wouldn't tell Kurt what it was about, saying it was a surprise.
When Kurt got there, he found Blaine sitting on the piano bench. He was singing—Hallelujah—and playing along with it. And it was beautiful. Kurt knew that Blaine could play, but he never knew he was that good. And he'd never heard Blaine use his voice like that. It was mesmerizing.
"You sound wonderful," he said softly, startling Blaine. Blaine paused and looked over at Kurt. "Don't stop playing," he said with a smile. "I like it."
Blaine stood up and grabbed Kurt's hand, pulling him closer. He smiled. "I actually called you here because I want to play something for you. But it isn't that."
He pulled Kurt over to the piano bench, grinning as they sat down. Kurt smiled lovingly at him as he began to play.
I can only give you love that lasts forever
And promise to be near each time you call
And the only heart I own is for you and you alone
That's all
That's all
I can only give you country walks in springtime
And a hand to hold when leaves begin to fall
And a love whose burning light will warm the lonely night
That's all
That's all
There are those, I am sure, who have told you
They would give you the world for a toy
All I have are these arms to enfold you
And a love that time will never destroy
So if you're wondering what I'm asking in return, dear
You'll be glad to know that my demands are small
Just say it's me that you'll adore
For now and evermore
That's all
That's all
That's all
That's all
Blaine turned to Kurt when he finished the song, and a second later Kurt's lips were covering his in a tender kiss. Blaine hummed happily and held Kurt's waist as they kissed slowly.
When they broke apart, Blaine smiled brightly up at Kurt. "You like the song?"
"I love it," Kurt corrected, smiling softly. "So, country walks in springtime, huh? I think I can go for that."
Blaine laughed and kissed Kurt briefly. "I do have a country home that I use to… get away sometimes. And I won't make you wait until springtime if you don't want to."
"We have all the time in the world," Kurt said meaningfully, meeting Blaine's eyes. Blaine saw the promise in his stunning blue eyes and he grinned, leaning his forehead against Kurt's.
"I love you."
"Not as much as I love you."
"Not possible."
"Well, I didn't used to believe in love at first sight, but now I think anything's possible, so…"
Blaine laughed and kissed him. "Fine. We love each other equally. I'll compromise."
"That's very sweet of you."
"I try."
The next few weeks passed along with two more interviews and a photo shoot for Blaine while Kurt went to school. When Blaine wasn't told by Peter to stay home and practice, he usually spent the night at Kurt's dorm and met him for lunch in the Dalton café. They avoided going on public dates because they didn't want to attract paparazzi.
Now that Blaine had filed the restraining order against Sebastian, the obnoxious boy mostly left them alone. Well, he left Blaine alone. But Blaine couldn't always be there.
One day, when Blaine was busy working with Peter, Sebastian approached Kurt at lunch, sitting down across from him at the table.
"What do you want?" Kurt deadpanned without even looking up.
Sebastian laughed, leaning forward. He picked the apple off of Kurt's tray and took a big bite, earning an annoyed glare from Kurt. "I asked you a question. What do you want?"
Sebastian shrugged. "I want you." He smirked like it was that simple.
Kurt frowned, confused. "First of all, you disgust me. Second of all, I thought you hated me."
Sebastian leaned even closer and whispered, grinning cockily, "Oh, I do, but I kind of have a thing for angry sex."
Kurt choked on his sip of water, giving Sebastian an incredulous look. "Excuse me?"
"You heard me," Sebastian said with a smirk. "Come on. Help me mix up a little drama in the tabloids. 'Superstar's boyfriend has the hots for sexy Dalton Academy boy.' It'll be a hit."
Kurt glared at him. "I'll have you know, I love Blaine. And I wouldn't betray him like that. Especially for a rat like you."
With that, Kurt got up and left, storming off. Sebastian got up to follow him, nodding at one of his friends at a table near Kurt. The guy stuck his foot out to trip Kurt, but as Kurt fell Sebastian leapt forward and caught him. Kurt's eyes went wide for a moment before he glared at Sebastian again. "Let go of me, Sebastian."
"If you insist." He grabbed Kurt's hand and pulled him in close before sending him spinning, stumbling over his own toes. Kurt huffed and started to walk away, but Sebastian followed him.
Except this time, he was singing. And the Warblers were joining him. Kurt fumed silently, walking faster. Sebastian grabbed his hand and dragged him into the Center of the room. "I swear I'll bite that hand off—"
Sebastian pushed him back until he was sitting on the couch, which the Warblers circled around. Kurt figured it was useless trying to get up at this point. So he begrudgingly watched Sebastian's performance.
Ohhh
Baby girl, where you at?
Got no strings, got men attached
Can't stop that feeling for long, no
Mmm
You're makin' dogs wanna beg
Breakin' them off your fancy legs
But they make you feel right at home, now
Kurt huffed and looked around at some of his friends in the group. Trent, Nick, and Jeff offered him apologetic glances but continued the performance. Kurt sighed. He didn't blame them. Sebastian had the leaders of the Warblers practically kissing his feet. It wasn't like his friends had a choice in this.
Ohhh
See, all these illusions just take us too long
And I want it bad
Because you walk pretty
Because you talk pretty
Because you make me sick
And I'm not leavin', till you're leavin'
Oh, I swear there's something when she's pumpin'
Askin' for a raise
Well does she want me to carry her home?
So does she want me to buy her thing?
On my house, on my job, on my loot
My shoes, my crew, my mind
My father's last name
When I get you alone
When I get you you'll know, babe
When I get you alone
When I get you alone
Kurt shook his head, standing up and ignoring Sebastian as he walked away, pushing past the circle of Warblers. The music stopped and Kurt ran up to his room, suppressing tears although he didn't know why he was about to cry. He slammed his dorm room door behind him and locked it. He didn't want to talk to anyone right now, not even Blaine.
Well, maybe Blaine. But not right that second.
He lied down on his bed and buried his head in his pillow, finally letting his tears fall. He'd never felt more like… like an object, a possession. He'd never felt more used and objectified in his life. And he'd never hated Sebastian more than he did at that moment.
Yes, he definitely needed to talk to Blaine. He also wanted to talk to his dad, but he didn't want to make him worry.
He grabbed his phone out of his pants pocket and dialed Blaine's number without thinking. At this point, that was faster than finding him in his contacts. He had the number memorized so he could just type it in.
It rung a few times before Blaine answered. "Hello?"
"Hey," Kurt said, sniffling.
"Kurt? What's wrong?" Blaine asked, concern filling his tone. Kurt smiled slightly. It felt good to know Blaine cared.
"I… I just needed to hear your voice. It's been a long day," he explained vaguely. "I just needed to remind myself that you care."
"Of course I care," Blaine said earnestly. "Kurt, what is this about?"
Kurt choked out a sob rather than answering.
"Okay, hey, it's okay," Blaine said gently. "Shh, don't cry. I'll be there as soon as I can, okay? I'm at a recording studio in Columbus but I can be there in twenty minutes."
Without waiting for Kurt's reply, he hung up and told Peter that he needed to go.
"Blaine, you can't just leave. We have to record this song."
Blaine sighed. "I know, I just… Give me two hours, okay? Kurt needs me."
Peter frowned but eventually agreed. "Fine. You have two hours!" But Blaine was already out the door.
Blaine reached Dalton in more like fifteen minutes, wincing whenever he glanced at the speedometer. He hoped that no cops saw him.
As soon as he was parked—sloppily parked because he was in a hurry—he ran upstairs to Kurt's room and knocked gently.
"Go away, Nick!" Kurt shouted, his voice shaking. "I said I don't want to talk—oh, it's you," he finished quietly when he turned and saw Blaine opening the door. Blaine was by his side in an instant, pulling him into his side and holding him. After a few seconds of trembling with repressed sobs, he let out a choked sob and started crying into Blaine's shoulder.
"Shh, darling, it's okay," Blaine soothed, rubbing Kurt's back. The miserable sounds that Kurt was making broke Blaine's heart into a million tiny shards. "Tell me what's wrong, sweetheart."
"S-S-Sebastian," he stuttered. His breath hitched and his shoulders bounced with each sob.
"What did he do?" If Sebastian hurt Kurt, Blaine was going to—
"H-He sang to me," Kurt said. "He sang W-When I Get You Alone." Blaine waited for him to explain further, rubbing his back and relaxing a little as Kurt's breathing slowly returned to normal. "He s-said he wanted to have s-sex with me but I-I refused. Then he started singing a-and I just felt so… used. I felt like an object and he was trying to win me over like I'm some kind of prize to be won." His heartache was slowly turning to anger, just as Blaine's was. He hated Sebastian for making the love of his life feel this way. No one should ever hurt Kurt, especially not Sebastian. He didn't even deserve to talk to Kurt.
"He's an idiot," Blaine said firmly. "You should never be treated like anything less than royalty, Kurt. You're amazing and someday everybody is going to realize that." He kissed Kurt's forehead and brushed his hair out of his face. "Is my guitar still here from last time I slept over? I want to play something for you."
Kurt smiled and nodded. "Yeah, it's over there in the corner. I thought you forgot about it."
"Well, we were a little busy that evening," Blaine reminded him with a smirk before getting up to grab his guitar. Kurt laughed and reached to smack his shoulder but missed.
"You have such a one-track mind, Blaine Anderson," he laughed.
Blaine eyed him, mock-offended. "Not true. I also, on occasion, think about how much I love you."
"Don't the two go hand-in-hand?"
"I suppose," Blaine mused. "I don't exactly go making out with boys who I'm not madly in love with. And you're the only one, so it would only make sense that I think about making out with you while I'm thinking about how much I love you."
"You're such a dork," Kurt pointed out.
Blaine grinned, laughing. "I know. We've established that, many times. But I can rest easy at night knowing that I'm your dork."
Kurt shook his head, laughing. Wow, he loved his boyfriend.
Blaine sat on the edge of Kurt's bed, situating the guitar on his lap and tuning it while he smiled softly at Kurt.
"What?"
"I'm just glad that I could make you laugh."
"You always find ways to cheer me up," Kurt said.
"I hope that this is one of those ways," Blaine said before starting to play. He changed some of the words, but Kurt recognized the song anyway.
Oh, your eyes, your eyes, make the stars look like they're not shining
Your hair, your hair, falls perfectly without you trying
You're so beautiful
I should tell you every day
Yeah, I know, I know, when I compliment you, you won't believe me
And it's so, it's so, sad to think that you don't see what I see
But every time you ask me, "Do I look okay?"
I say
When I see your face
There's not a thing that I would change
'Cause you're amazing
Just the way you are
And when you smile, the whole world stops and stares for a while
'Cause you are amazing
Just the way you are
Yeah
A/N: Yay, I'm finally updating! I haven't worked on this story in a while, but I'm finally getting to the point where I have more plans laid out. Also, the songs I used: "Not Alone" by Darren Criss (I'm pretending that Blaine wrote it). "That's all" by Alan Brandt and Bob Haymes (I'm also pretending that Blaine wrote this one, but I claim no ownership to the song). And "Just The Way You Are" by Bruno Mars. I'm not pretending that one is by Blaine because it's so well-known by, like, everyone.
Until next time!
Review please :)