The only good thing about mowing the lawn, Blaine thought, was that it was temporarily isolating. It was too loud for anyone to try to talk to him and he could walk off his rage without having to deal with his family. Everything else about it sucked. The heat sucked, the allergies it brought out sucked, the ache that built up in his back from pushing the damn thing sucked... Ugh.

Greg thinks because he's in college and Mom and Dad act like he walks on water that he knows everything. Well it's my life and my decision. Dad said so. God. Greg can do whatever he wants. Who's asking him to mow the lawn? Last winter he was on the couch watching TV half the time he was home. It's not fair. And I bet he's going to commandeer the car the whole time he's here, but see if I complain which one of us will end up in trouble.

Blaine sulked his way through most of the backyard, until the sneezing started to get to him. Ugh. He should have taken something before he started. He turned off the lawn mower and headed inside. As predicted, Greg was watching TV. Good. You're the last person I want to talk to right now. The door to his dad's den was open and his dad was on the computer. Blaine headed into the kitchen and began digging through drawers looking for Claritin. Finding a box, he grabbed a glass out of the cabinet and poured himself some water. He pulled his phone out of his pocket and texted Kurt.

You up for the Lima Bean later?

Rosalie came downstairs and forced a smile. "Already done?"

"Uh... mostly." Blaine sniffled.

"Blaine you should have taken something before."

Can I expect the lecture about sunscreen next? "Mom, I'm fine."

"There's some Claritin in the medicine cabinet-"

"Mom. I just took some."

Dad suddenly appeared behind Blaine's mom. "Doesn't look like you're quite finished, son." Ugh. "Yes I know Dad I was just-"

"His allergies are bothering him."
"Mom I'm fine. I'm not a baby." Gabe and Rosalie exchanged glances. Blaine's phone buzzed and he pulled it out of his pocket, putting his empty glass in the sink.

Sure. What time?

Blaine was about to reply when Gabe asked. "Who are you texting?"

Blaine looked at his father. Is there a rule against texting I didn't get a memo about? "Kurt."

"Okay, I just don't want you making plans until your work is done."

Blaine rolled his eyes, leaning against the counter. "Dad. It's like another half hour, tops. I'm just telling him we can meet up after-"

"Did you just seriously roll your eyes at me young man?"

Blaine bit his lip. Damn it. "I- sorry. I just-"

"Yes, sorry is all that needs to be coming out of your mouth right now." Mr. Anderson interrupted. "You know better."

Blaine swallowed, shifting from one foot to the other. "Uh. Ye-es sir."

"If you want the privilege of going out later today I suggest you adjust your attitude young man."

Blaine looked at the floor.

"What's going on?" Greg suddenly appeared in the kitchen.

Blaine's eyes darted up and back to the floor as he muttered, "Nothing."

"It's not your concern, Greg." Rosalie gently admonished.

Greg raised an eyebrow, surveying the scene. "O-kay... Blaine, I need your keys."

Blaine didn't look at his brother. "They're on the hook."

"Cool." Greg grabbed an apple from the fruit bowl. "I'll be back for dinner, probably."

"Well call us and let us know honey." Wonder how it would go over if I ever said I'd "probably" be back for dinner?

"Sure Mom. There gas in the car Blaine?"

Blaine really wanted his brother out of his sight right now. "...Yeah, some."

"Great. Jake says the one we want to see is playing in Spencerville." Of course it is. Because you're allowed to drive a half hour out of town without special permission. "Oh hey! Blaine. You really should talk to him at some point. He just got back from Italy and this program is one you should check out when you're in college."

Blaine shrugged. Goody. Someone else who can tell me what to do. Blaine wished he was in the gym right now. Where was a punching bag when he needed it?

"Drive the speed limit, honey." Rosalie said.

"I will Mom. I taught this one how to drive, remember?" Greg was all grins, completely oblivious to Blaine's desire to punch him in the gut. Rosalie and Gabe smiled back. God you all really think I'm a fucking baby don't you?

"See you later Gregory." Gabe said, patting his older son's shoulder. "There's a game on tonight if you get back in time."

"Oh right! I forgot about that. I'll tell Jake- maybe he can come over?"

"We'd love to have him." Rosalie brightened.

"Okay, cool. See ya. Bye Blaine. Good luck with that lawn." Greg grabbed the keys off the hook and closed the door behind him.

Asshole.

Blaine's father's eyes narrowed on Blaine. "What did you just say?" Wait. What?

"Huh?"

Mr. Anderson spoke slowly. "What did you just say?"

That wasn't... out loud was it? Fuck.

"I- Um- I didn't mean to... I don't-" Blaine felt his parents' eyes boring into him. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.

Gabriel Anderson pulled his son off the counter to give a good SWAT to his backside.

"Ow!" Blaine cried out, caught off guard.

"I'm not sure what's up with you this morning Blaine." Blaine looked over and saw that Rosalie had that Disappointed Mom look on again. What the hell.

"Well unless he wants to spend the entire weekend in his room," Gabe pulled his son towards him, looking him in the eye as he scolded, "...it ends now, understood?"

"I um, yes-ssir." Blaine really wanted to get out of the kitchen, now.

"SMACK. Good. Because if you can't watch SMACK your attitude SPANK and your language, SPANK you're going to find yourself over my knee SMACK SWAT for a good long time young man. Do you want that?"

Blaine struggled to catch his breath, squirming. "N-n-no sir."

"Good then. Now finish the lawn," Mr. Anderson swatted him forward, SLAP "-and then we'll see if you've earned the privilege to go out later."

Blaine nodded nervously, trying not to think of his stinging rear. "Ye-es sir. I... sorry." He rushed out to the door. I'm such an idiot.