AN: Thank you so much for your lovely feedbacks to my last chapter, and I apologize for the cliffhanger - but honestly, you didn't have to hold your breath, did you? We all knew Kurt would make an impact, right?
I'm sorry about the late update of a new chapter, but there's been more lemons than lemonade in my RL, so I had to find the right mindset before I could write this chapter. I hope you'll enjoy this, though. And I don't know why, but my chapters seem to get longer for each time I publish - I hope you don't mind, I really didn't want to cut this in two.
I'm pretty nervous about this chapter. The boys have been talking about the Ball for ages, and finally it's here. Will it live up to the hype? And are their duet good enough+
WARNING: I haven't watched anything from season 4, and I want to stay spoiler free, so please, please, please don't make any comments on what's going on, and let me enjoy the show when it is being sent on TV in my country. Thank you!
Disclaimer: I don't own Glee or Straight No Chaser - but you should check out their work.
Blaine doesn't think he knows the necessary words in the English vocabulary to describe how the boy on the other side of the door looks. Kurt is…
"You…" he exhales.
"Too much?" Kurt asks, chewing his lower lip and radiating an uncertainty Blaine decides he never ever wants to see from the boy again.
"No," Blaine hurries to reply, eagerly shaking his head. "You look perfect," he gushes, and the beaming smile Kurt gives him is a great gift.
"Thank you," he whispers shyly.
Kurt steps back to let Blaine in.
"I would have thought you'd pop by through the bathroom," Kurt comments.
"Now what kind of gentleman would that make me?" Blaine asks mock insulted. "Speaking of which…"
Blaine reveals the hand he's been hiding behind his back.
"Gosh, I hope you don't think this is stupid, but you don't have to wear it if it clashes with your outfit…"
Blaine knows he rambles, and he has to fight the urge to run his hand through his hair, a nervous habit of his.
"I got us boutonnières," he finally sighs, and presents a small transparent box to Kurt.
"You did?" Kurt exclaims happily, and Blaine can easily feel the tension from his body dissolve to nothing.
"I did," he exhales.
"Well?" Kurt asks, resting his arms on his lower back, twirling with small movements, smiling coyly, and looking at Blaine through his eyelashes.
"Right. Yes. Very well."
Blaine swallows dryly, and struggles to open the plastic box.
"Just a moment," he chuckles embarrassed.
Kurt's smile turns smug, and he takes the box from Blaine's fumbling hands. With quick, nimble fingers he breaks the seal and opens the lid, and then returns it to Blaine. Kurt smiles coyly again, presenting himself for the boutonnière, and Blaine can't help but laugh at the boy's playfulness.
Blaine gently grips the lapel of Kurt's jacket, and carefully pins the flower, making sure to not prick Kurt in the process. Or his own fingers. The blue rose is decorated with silver glitter on the tips, and the stem is wrapped in thin silver wire looping into a decorative pattern behind the flower, resting against the lapel. Finally the flower sits, and he straightens out the collar and lapels of Kurt's jacket, before stepping back to admire the boy. He really does look stunning. There's no doubt Kurt is a fashionista, and he both knows and wears it expertly.
"You really look amazing…"
Blaine takes in the entire vision of Kurt Hummel. His hair is perfectly coiffed. The jacket has an edge of uniform to it, with pronounced shoulders and ending just by the waist, slightly narrowed. Silver buttons, clasps and details finishes the military impression. He's wearing a white tuxedo shirt and a black bowtie which Blaine teasingly tugs.
"A little tribute to one Blaine Anderson," Kurt shrugs, and Blaine smiles.
It's the second half of Kurt's outfit that renders Blaine speechless. He's wearing an honest to God kilt, with a fairly wide riveted belt, and mid thigh he's accessorized with a grand bejewelled pin. On his feet, he has black shoes with the laces wrapped up and tied around his clothed calves. Blaine doesn't let his mind wander further up than the knees, and what might be under that kilt.
"You're staring," Kurt whispers, making Blaine snap out of it and blinking several times.
"I'm so sorry, I don't mean to make you uncomfortable. It's just… You…"
"It's too much. I can change," Kurt rushes, and turns towards his wardrobe.
Blaine grabs him by the wrist, and pulls him closer.
"Don't assume the worst just because I can't find the right words," he gently chides. "You do look amazing, and I'm really looking forward going to the Ball with you."
Kurt blushes adorably, but doesn't look away from Blaine.
"OK, then. Do you want some assistance with your boutonnière?"
"Yes please," Blaine smiles, giving Kurt the box. "You seemed to have the needed magic touch."
Kurt gently steers him to the mirror, and stays behind him while securing the flower to Blaine's lapel.
"Do you… D-do you know the meaning of it? The bl-blue rose?" Blaine stutters, feeling self conscious, and hoping he won't have to explain.
"I do," Kurt smiles, meeting his eyes in the mirror.
"Good. Are you ready to go?"
"Do I need a coat?"
Blaine shakes his head.
"I wouldn't think so; I'm letting mine stay here."
"I don't even know where we're going," Kurt giggles.
"To the Ball, Silly!" Blaine giggles too, and Kurt rests his chin on Blaine's shoulder, next to his hands.
"You're such a dork…" he smiles fondly at him.
Blaine smiles back to their kind of embraced reflection, studying them. He hopes he looks decent, even next to someone as fashion forward and stunning as Kurt. He's wearing his black fitted tuxedo trousers. He's been modest with the hair gel today, so his curls are pronounced, but not unruly. His white tuxedo shirt is nothing extraordinary, but his vest is silver grey with a black floral brocade and silver buttons. He had chosen a plain black bow tie to not draw any attention from the beautiful vest. On top of it he's wearing a midnight blue cashmere velvet blazer, with a slightly narrow waist. He loves how the light plays with the colour and fabric, and he instantly knew he had to have it when he went shopping for this ball.
Kurt squeezes his shoulders reassuringly, and Blaine realizes he's been frowning at his reflection.
"I don't think I got to say this, but you look really handsome today, Mr. Anderson," Kurt says softly. "I may even say you look stunning. This looks amazing on you," he says and runs his hands down Blaine's arms.
Blaine turns around and takes Kurt's hands.
"Thank you. It means a lot coming from you. Should we go?"
"That we should," Kurt beams, and tucks his hand in the crook of the elbow Blaine's offering.
Blaine's relieved Kurt doesn't ask how he's doing, if he's sure he wants to go, or offer to stay home again. He's glad Kurt is showing him this kind of trust, letting him know for himself if this gets too much. To be honest, Blaine has tried to not think too much about this, but he doesn't feel nervous. He doesn't feel calm, but he thinks that's mostly because he's still intoxicated by the looks of the man on his arm, and he's excited about the next surprise he has for Kurt.
"Where to?" Kurt asks obviously curious as they walk down the gravelled path across the Dalton campus. The snow disappeared completely after their snowball fight, but a new sprinkle of powder snow decorates and lightens up the path.
"Oh, we're going to this vehicle which is transporting us to the festivities," Blaine answers airily, fully knowing that's not what Kurt meant.
"Thanks for nothing," Kurt mutters, but there's a gleam in his eyes.
They walk past the main building towards the parking lot in companionable silence, Kurt's hand still resting on Blaine's arm.
"Oh my Gaga, would you look at that Lincoln?" Kurt shrieks, pointing at the black, sleek, long vehicle. "Someone's gone out of their way tonight."
Blaine awkwardly rubs his neck with his free hand. He's about to say something, when someone pops up from the roof of the limo.
"Are you coming or what?" Jeff yells at them.
Kurt spins so fast towards Blaine, he's worried the boy might get a whiplash.
Blaine rubs his neck again, hoping this isn't too much.
"Some of the guys rented this together to get to the Ball, we decided it would be classier than arriving in our own cars, looking for parking space and feeding the meter all night."
"Are you telling me I'm riding in that to my first ball?" Kurt asks, voice almost emotionless.
"We can take my car instead, if you'd prefer that," Blaine hurries to offer, afraid this is too much.
"Blaine, listen to me. Are you telling me I get to ride in that to my first ball?" Kurt asks, and Blaine can see he's shivering. And he gets it. Kurt isn't cold. He's simply trying to hold back some of his excitement to stay dignified and act grown up.
"There are two seats for us in there, if you want them," Blaine explains, finally smiling at Kurt.
Blaine has hardly finished his sentence, before Kurt yanks him off towards the car.
"It's a limousine, Blaine. Do I look like someone who'd ever say no to a limo?" Kurt hisses, but his eyes are sparkling.
"Preparing for your Broadway life, are you?"
Kurt turns and grins.
"Perhaps," he says and wiggles his eyebrows.
The impeccable uniform clad chauffeur opens the door for them, and Blaine lets Kurt step inside first.
They are greeted by Jeff, Nick, David and Wes, and get comfortable in the cream leather seats.
"May you now tell me where we are going?" Kurt asks impatiently.
"Haven't you told him anything?" Nick asks curiously.
"To be honest I don't know too many details myself. I haven't been there before, remember?"
"I know, but didn't you get the email from the administration?"
"I guess I could have forwarded that to you, Kurt," Blaine has to admit. "I'm sorry, it slipped my mind during the exams."
"Don't worry. You would have told me if there was something important I needed to know," Kurt shrugs. "But why didn't I get the mail from the administration?"
"I guess it's because I signed up the both of us."
"That makes sense. But I still don't know where we are going." Kurt grins wickedly at him.
"First we're going to St. Elizabeth's to pick up four girls," David interjects.
"Wee, hurray, girls!" Jeff mocks, earning a high five from his boyfriend.
"And then we are going to the Frank Astaire Dance Studio in Westerville, which the schools have rented for our Ball," Blaine continues unfazed.
The limousine has pulled out of the parking lot, and is cruising down the road towards the sister school. Wes is in control of the stereo, shuffling through the radio stations to find the perfect pre-party song. He stops at a frequency playing generic Top 40 hits.
Blaine is watching Kurt with amusement, observing how the boy is taking in his surroundings by studying the interior, running his index finger over the leather and the padded ceiling, trying to look through the tinted windows, and studying the different details. The boy is smiling wide, which makes Blaine smile as well. He just wants both of them to have a nice night. Blaine finally forces his eyes away from Kurt, to do the same as the boy does – study the limousine. It's too dark to see what the others are wearing, and Blaine can't wait to see them properly.
Ten minutes later, the Lincoln stops, and when the chauffeur opens the door David and Wes climb out.
"Where are they going?"
"I would assume they are gentlemen enough to pick up their dates," Kurt snorts, and Blaine could face palm from his own idiocy.
"So I assume David is going with Sharon, but who is Wes going with?"
"He's going with Celia, as friends. Both feel it's wrong to go with someone else so soon after they broke up, and they are civilized about it, so I think this will be painless," Nick shrugs.
"Oh, and Lana and Flora are also joining our ride," Jeff adds excited.
"Sweet, I haven't seen them in ages," Blaine smiles. He adores those girls.
"Who are they?" Kurt asks softly, and Blaine can bet anything he doesn't want to seem as if he's prying.
"Lana is Celia's twin sister, and Flora is Lana's best friend," he explains, and Kurt nods in understanding.
The boys chat eagerly about everything and nothing, until the door is being opened again. Girls' giggles flow through the open door, and Blaine thinks he recognizes the voices.
"Sisters!" Nick greets them excitedly, as Celia and Lana climb into the vehicle.
The girls introduce themselves to Kurt with big smiles, and hug the other three boys before they stumble to the back to sit down in the available seats. Wes and Flora follow after, and the girl waves shyly at the people in the car. Wes sits down next to his "date", and Lana scoots over to offer Flora some space next to her. David and Sharon are the last to arrive, holding hands. Sharon greets them the same way the twins did, before sitting down by her boyfriend. The car is a bit crowded with ten people, but they manage.
"I believe it's about time to get this party started," David announces, and walks bent over to the mini fridge to avoid bumping his head in the ceiling. He then proceeds to pull out three cooled bottles and a packet of disposable flutes.
Blaine notices Kurt is silent beside him.
"Are the glasses too tacky for you?" he leans over to whisper in his ear.
"What?" Kurt looks at him with big eyes. "No, I just didn't expect you to drink alcohol on a school dance."
"Oh, that's it? Don't worry, it's sparkling cider. David wants to impress his girlfriend; not get her drunk."
Blaine can almost see how Kurt's tension dissolves.
Nick, on his right side, hands him two of the flutes David has filled, and he offers one of them to Kurt on his left side.
"To an amazing night!" David toasts, raising his glass to the ceiling.
"Hear, hear!" a chorus of replies fill the car, and they drink to the Christmas Ball.
The limousine pulls up in front of the building, and butterflies erupt in Blaine's stomach. This is it. He forces himself to breathe calmly, but he feels his heartbeats pounding in his temples.
The chauffeur opens the door for them, and Jeff – who sits closest – gets out first. He extends his arm to help Nick, and the boys quickly kiss when they're both outside. Blaine smiles fondly at them. He's so glad they have each other. He knows how much Jeff has helped Nick recover, and he's blown away by the love they share. And how brave they are.
Blaine gets out of the car, and turns around to see Kurt out as well. The boy's eyes are gleaming with excitement, and Blaine has to smile. Kurt returns the smile, and Blaine feels as if he can breathe more easily.
"Look, Blaine!" Kurt beams, eagerly clutching at his arm.
He can't help laughing, but still looks in the direction Kurt is watching.
From the limousine to the entrance door the hosts have rolled out the red carpet.
"This is such a cliché…" he says, taking a step onto the celebrity fabric.
"I know," Kurt snorts. "But it's still fairly awesome, and I think I like this ball already," he winks.
"I'm glad," Blaine smiles bashfully, and takes in the rest of the front of the building.
It's a moderately sized house, three or four stories tall. A dark oak double door is wide open, inviting them inside. Around it, fir branches with red ribbons are decorating the door frame. Flaming torches are lined up along the red carpet, giving a warm glow to the entrance passage.
"Are you ready?" he asks Kurt.
The boy nods.
"Are you excited?" he asks Blaine.
His answer is immediate and honest.
"I truly am."
Kurt beams, takes his hand, and they walk in together. Blaine tries not to think too much about how he's holding hands with another guy, in public. He will not be threatened by his past, he tries to convince himself. He wants to enjoy tonight. Kurt holds his hand tighter for a moment, before letting go, and Blaine wonders if the boy is a mind reader. He's both sad and relieved Kurt let go, and is about to apologize for his cowardness when he recognizes a young woman. She is sitting by a table in the foyer, shuffling through a stack of papers.
"Good evening, Miss Moore," he greets her. As Student President he's been to the principal's office several times, for business of course. And he always takes his time to chat with the principal's helpful and sweet secretary.
"Good evening, Blaine. Haven't I told you to call me Elsa? Are you here to register?"
"That I am, Elsa," he smiles charmingly, and waits for the woman to find his name, so he can sign his arrival.
"And who is your dashing date?" she grins.
"This is Kurt Hummel, he transferred to Dalton a month ago, so maybe you haven't met yet?"
Blaine rests his hand on Kurt's lower back and coaxes the boy to step closer.
"Kurt, this is Miss Moore, she's the woman really running our school."
The boy extends his right arm to the woman.
"Nice to meet you, Miss Moore," he says softly.
"Any friend of Blaine is a friend of mine, so please, call me Elsa. And don't listen to him; he thinks he can get away with anything because of all that flattering of his."
"In that case you must call me Kurt." Kurt leans in and whispers conspiratorially. "Blaine usually succeeds. But I've got him figured out," he says, tapping the side of his nose with his index finger.
"I knew I liked you the instant I saw you!" Elsa grins, and shows where Kurt needs to sign.
"Hey, I'm standing right here," Blaine exclaims indignantly.
"I know you do, honey, such a good boy standing on his own two feet," Kurt coos and pats his cheek.
"Enjoy your evening, boys, and watch out for the mistletoe," Elsa winks, and waves the boys off with a friendly smile so she can take care of the guests queuing up behind them.
Blaine notices Kurt looking around in the lobby with a searching gaze.
"You need a mirror, don't you?" he teases.
"As a matter of fact, I do," Kurt answers haughtily. "Come on, I see a sign for the restrooms pointing down those stairs, and I know you're dying to have a look in a mirror too," he adds, nudging Blaine in the ribs.
"Behave!" Blaine warns.
"Or else?" Kurt smiles wickedly.
"Or else I won't tell at what hour the limo turns into a pumpkin, the driver turns into a mouse, and I turn into a frog.
"Aren't you mixing up the fairytales?"
"Are you telling me I don't know my Disney?"
"Oh, of course not, how could I ever dare to offend your life altering knowledge, good sire?"
"Exactly," Blaine breezes, and stops in front of the mirror in the men's room.
"I should have brought hair spray," Kurt sighs from the next sink and mirror.
"Oh, shush it, you look flawless," Blaine scoffs, as he tries to rearrange some of his curls.
They walk side by side to the doors leading to the ballroom. Blaine thinks maybe he should take Kurt's hand, or offer him his arm again, but he does neither. He just wants to get inside and check out the surroundings first, see how the atmosphere is. Blaine knows he's tense, but he tries to keep his shoulders low and fingers loose. If Kurt notices anything, he doesn't say, and for that Blaine is grateful.
They enter a big room, and are immediately handed green welcome drinks from a waiter. Kurt takes a sip from his glass.
"Mmm, kiwi!"
A stage covers the furthest wall, and it's big enough to put up dance performances and theatre productions. They've put a podium on top of it, to elevate the Glee clubs even more for the big audience. In front of the stage they've made room for a dance floor, with three impressive chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. Close to the stage, along the wall, are several round tables. They are clad in white linen table cloths, and decorated with rich poinsettia groups and tall Christmas candles. Blaine quickly counts to at least 20 tables, with ten chairs to each. A long buffet covers the back wall. According to rumours, the buffet consists of delicious finger food.
The room is brimmed with people, loud chatter, laughter and chaos. Classical music is played from subtle speakers across the room. Blaine forces his breathing to calm down. He had told Kurt they would be safe with the policy Dalton brought to the table, but he isn't convinced he feels as reassured anymore.
"Why don't we find a table and sit down for a while?" Kurt suggests, and maybe he's reading Blaine better than he thought.
"Nick and Jeff are sitting over there, do you want to join them?"
Blaine hums his affirmative, and nods as well, in case Kurt can't hear him over the ruckus. Kurt leads way, winding through the masses and tables, until they get to a quieter corner, where also Wes and Celia have joined the boyfriends in the meantime.
Kurt pulls out the chair for Blaine.
"I thought I asked you to go with me?"
"So that means I'm not allowed to be a gentleman?" Kurt rolls his eyes.
"I guess not…"
It's actually kind of nice, being treated to these small gestures. Nobody's ever done that for Blaine before. He's always been the polite son pulling the chair out for an older widow or a daughter of his father's colleague. This is new. Blaine likes it.
"Thank you," he murmurs.
"Kurt, before you sit down, you've got to give us a spin so we can check out your outfit more closely," Nick decides.
Kurt happily obliges, preening at the attention.
"You've got some balls, Kurt," Jeff praises.
"What, did you get to see them?" Nick accuses smilingly.
Kurt laughs, but a pink rogue covers his cheek bones.
"I'm not going the authentic Scottish route, guys. I actually designed this myself, in homage to the late Alexander McQueen."
"I don't know why I'm surprised, because I already knew you're fabulous with fashion, but I just have to say wow!" Nick beams.
"That's amazing, Kurt," Blaine gushes, feeling proud of his friend. "Clearly you know what you're doing."
Kurt ducks his head and smiles shyly, but quickly looks up to meet his friends' eyes again.
"Thank you. Not everybody understands this passion, so it means a lot to have my friends' support."
David, Sharon, Lana and Flora join them by the table as well, and they all talk happily about fashion, music and movies until the two principals welcome their students to the annual Christmas Ball.
St. Elizabeth's choir, The Passerines, is welcomed on stage, and about a dozen girls get up from around the room to take the stage.
"I thought I'd use this opportunity to get something to drink. Do you want anything?" Kurt leans over and whispers directly into Blaine's ear.
"Yes, please. You know what I drink, whatever is fine," Blaine smiles politely, and Kurt darts off.
"You OK? You look a bit pale," Wes comments lowly from his other side.
"I'm fine. A bit overwhelmed, I just need to get used to it," Blaine shrugs.
Wes is studying him carefully, and he can see Nick do the same thing from across the table.
"You let us know if it gets too much, OK? The limo is parked around the corner, and it's yours if you need a timeout or want to go back to the dorms."
"Thank you. I'll keep that in mind, but seriously, I'm fine."
Blaine is grateful for the offer, although he hopes he won't need it. He had been wondering why David had insisted on renting a limo when a couple of taxis would be cheaper. Especially since he didn't want Blaine's money, but saying something about wanting to impress Sharon and having access to his father's master card. But he gets it now. It's his friends' way of looking out for him and giving him a sanctuary available for him all night if he needs it. Blaine thinks he loves his friends a bit more for every day that goes.
"He knows, doesn't he?" Wes asks. "Kurt, I mean."
Blaine nods.
"He's an ace. He's so good for you."
"What do you mean?"
Wes shrugs.
"You may not see it, but you've changed after you met. And not just because you got those permanent 'such an adorable spy'-puppy eyes. He makes you a better person, he makes you more Blaine, I think."
That's the moment when Kurt returns with their drinks.
"This conversation will continue later," Blaine hurriedly whispers to Wes, before giving Kurt his attention.
"I got us punch, I hope that's OK. And look, these are glasses. Real, breakable glasses. I bet at McKinley they would only have tacky red solo cups, which at the end of the night are covering the floors."
Blaine smiles amused at his friend.
"Yup, that's us. Rich, posh kids with class glasses."
Kurt nudges him with his shoulder and laughs softly, before focusing on the stage and The Passerines. Blaine uses the opportunity to check out the surroundings. Some people are watching the stage as if it is a concert; in polite silence and with applause between songs. Other people treat it as background music, and continue their small talk around the table. It eases Blaine's nerves. Maybe 300 people won't be looking at him outing himself to the entire room on stage. He's never had any trouble at Dalton, but the policy is strictly enforced, and nobody dares try anything in the hallways among dapper students and supervising teachers. He really doesn't imagine all the girls from a catholic school to be the most accepting, but he doesn't expect them to be actively homophobes either. Besides, he knows very well that the girls don't have to be catholic, just because the school is. Four of the girls on stage are his friends, and have never told about any bullying or trouble in their school.
The Passerines have finished their last song, I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus, and everybody gives them a round of applause. The Warblers' Council takes that as their cue to herd their boys towards the stage. David takes charge of the boys at his table while Wes and Thad gather the rest.
"You were amazing, baby," David greets his girlfriend Sharon as they pass each other halfway to the scene. She had done All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth.
The Warblers are crowding up next to the stage, so they can enter it in the orderly fashion they have been practising. They are starting with a group number, so everybody will be on stage. Come to think about it, Kurt's outfit is kind of fitting for his solo they will introduce their performance with.
Standing in the middle of the Warbler-crowd, Kurt takes Blaine's hand, and makes eye contact. He doesn't say anything, but Blaine can read all the questions in his eyes. So he squeezes Kurt's hand back, and smiles. He's OK, he'll survive, he's doing fine, they're going to do this.
Blaine remembers how humbled Kurt had been to get to be the opening act, and he hadn't let go of that feeling even when the Council explained they wanted to start with the slower songs, and end with something more upbeat to set the party mood. That's why Blaine and Kurt are finishing the Warblers' set with their duet, to be an encouragement for people to dance afterwards. Or at least that's what the Council had reasoned and predicted.
The stage is really nice, giving a wonderful background and setting the atmosphere. The backdrop shows some kind of a living room in a posh home, with ornate furniture, rich tapestry, portraits on the wall, a lively fire place – or as lively something one dimensional can get. It seems warm and welcoming, though, not just rich and pretentious. On the stage are a grand piano, and a real Christmas tree covered in decorations and with what looks like Christmas gifts under the tree, but probably just are props. Two leather couches are pierced between the tree and the piano, slightly turned facing each other.
The Passerines had been standing during their entire performance, but the Warblers' council had done their research and knew what the stage would look like. They have prepared for this.
Kurt had asked to stand during his solo, to be sure he could fully take advantage of his diaphragm muscles, and Blaine had preened a bit at that, remembering how he had instructed Kurt how to breathe better during their preparations for Sectionals.
So Kurt is standing in the middle of the stage. Six of the Warblers' are sitting, four are balancing on the arm rests, and the last four are standing behind the couches, providing the deeper beatboxing for The Little Drummer Boy. A single spotlight illuminates Kurt, and he seems to glow. Blaine has to swallow. He's so proud of Kurt. Who'd think he came to Dalton just some month ago, after years of bullying and with a death treat as the last addition? He's so strong, fierce and relentless. The courage Blaine had tried to offer had never been necessary, he thinks. Kurt is more than enough for Kurt. Blaine can't help but smile as his friend sings the first verse. The audience is captivated.
The next song makes Blaine send a quick thought up above; hoping some day Kurt will rub off on him. When You Wish Upon A Star is their most challenging and advanced number today, but David had really wanted to do it, and Wes and he had done a wonderful job in making a good arrangement for the Warblers. It may not be the most Christmas-y song, but it's about hope and new beginnings, and it's always the finishing number to Disney's Christmas show on TV. So there was never any doubt among the 15 boys this was the right place to do this. David and Kurt switch places, and Kurt is now standing right behind Blaine.
Next is Nick's O Holy Night, and the Council had finally decided to let him sing it all alone, with no accompaniment. His rich and melodious voice for such a tender and yet mighty song would be enough.
The Warblers' performance is going without a hitch, with generous applause from the other students and teachers. Considering how little they have prepared for this, it may be one of the best out of competition-performances they've done in quite a while. Impromptu performances are fun, but they don't expect them to be perfect. But tonight, everything runs smoothly. Or at least it does so far, but then there's their duet… Blaine has to focus on his breathing again, just like his psychiatrist had thought him to do when he needed to calm down and regain control of himself.
A gentle hand is placed on Blaine's shoulder, just resting there for comfort, reminding him he isn't alone. Kurt will be with him. And he always, always has the option to drop the number, if he wants to. That's another reason why they are going last. Wes had confined in him, telling him they could end their performance before the duet on a nanosecond's notice. Blaine has honestly been doing fine until now, but with no singing to do he's got time to think, and that's not healthy. Blaine risks quickly leaning his cheek on Kurt's hand to show he appreciates the gesture.
They continue with their program, singing Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire, Jingle Bell Rock, Ding Dong Merrily on High, and Feliz Navidad. Four of them are having a blast with some fake antlers, a big nose and Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer, while the rest of the Warblers are trying not to laugh too loud from the couches. They all improvise a silly dance around the tree while singing Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree.
The next number is something Thad had found on Youtube, and claimed they simply just had to perform. A male a cappella group called Straight No Chaser were doing a mash up with The Twelve Days of Christmas as the main ingredient, but spiced up with some other Christmas songs, and an unexpected twist of Toto's Africa to finish it off. It sounded complicated, but it turned out they managed to adopt the a cappella quite easily and adjust it for their 15 members. Blaine had googled the group afterwards, and completely fallen in love with them, and he had to show Kurt immediately they were doing a Lady Gaga mash up too.
They all stand up on line for this number. It receives a wild applause, and Blaine wonders if they maybe should end their contribution there, making sure to end it on a high. But then he looks at Kurt, and remembers wanting to be brave. So he takes a deep breath, and nods for Wes to introduce their closing number.
After Wes' parting words to the audience, the 13 other Warblers head off of the stage. As agreed, Kurt and Blaine are sitting in one couch each, and for the rest of the song they will kind of just wing it. Kurt had commented it was quite New Direction'esque of them, but he didn't seem to object. Blaine wants this to be playful and harmless, and he thinks Kurt is just the one person he can improvise with and have fun on the stage with.
The CD with the instrumental version begins, and Kurt opens his mouth.
"I really can't stay," he states, and gets up from the couch.
"But Baby it's cold outside," Blaine objects, and gets up to make Kurt stay for a while longer.
"This evening has been So very nice," Kurt agrees, and smiles coyly at him.
"I'll hold your hands, they're just like ice," Blaine promises, covering Kurt's hands with his own and breathing hotly on them.
"My father will be pacing the floor," Kurt explains, and Blaine can't help but imagine Burt.
"Listen to the fireplace roar," he insists though, and takes Kurt over to the fake background with the roaring fire.
"Well maybe just a half a drink more," Kurt resigns, and sits down on the couch again. Blaine dances around the stage as if looking for the crystal carafe.
"I wish I knew how…" Kurt ponders.
"Your eyes are like starlight," Blaine admirers, and Kurt's eyes really are beautiful.
"…To break the spell," he admits.
"I'll take your hat, your hair looks swell," Blaine promises, gently stroking a hand over Kurt's hair.
"Mind if I move in closer?" he asks, and sits down next to Kurt.
"I really can't stay," Kurt shakes his head sadly, and gets up, skipping towards the piano. He sits down by the keys, and plays along with the instrumental bridge before the next verse. Blaine jumps up to sit on the piano.
"I simply must go," he says again.
"But Baby, it's cold outside!"
"This welcome has been So nice and warm," Kurt thanks him, but gets up from the piano stool to leave.
Blaine hurries down from the piano, and jumps over one of the couches Kurt walks around
"Gosh, your lips look delicious," he flirts, kneeling in front of the other boy.
"My brother will be there at the door," and now it is Finn Blaine can see towering in the background.
Kurt gets away, and Blaine keeps chasing him across the stage – around the tree, playing peek-a-boo among tinsel and candy canes. Back to the piano, and around the two couches.
"Say, lend me your coat," Kurt suggests, and pretends to unbutton Blaine's blazer. Blaine swats his hands off, and takes a firm hold of them instead.
"I thrill when you touch my hand."
"I really can't stay," Kurt says, not letting go of Blaine's hands, but looking away to an imagined door.
"Get over that hold out," Blaine pleads, and waltzes the boy to the couch.
They sit down, and finish the song in harmony:
"Oh, but it's cold outside!"
They sit down close, Kurt curling his feet under himself. Blaine wraps an arm around Kurt's shoulders, and Kurt lays a gentle hand over Blaine's heart, their other hands laced together, as they sing the last sentence:
"Baby it's cold outside!"
The happy performance bubble Blaine's shared with Kurt burst as soon as their voices ebb out, and there's a tense moment where Blaine is gasping for breath and anxiously awaiting the audience's reaction. Kurt is still holding his hand, and squeezes it encouragingly. It doesn't take much more than a second, but to Blaine it feels like an eon.
And then the room erupts in applause, the other Warblers even give them a standing ovation. Kurt tugs on Blaine's hand, bringing him to the front of the stage to bow for their friends, teachers, class mates and other students.
The principal of their sister school gets on stage to thank the Warblers for their contribution and introduce the DJ. Blaine finds himself being escorted off stage by Kurt.
"Aren't we going back to our table?" Blaine asks confused, when he realizes Kurt is guiding him towards the foyer.
"No."
"Then where?"
Kurt doesn't say anything, but pulls Blaine down the stairs from earlier.
"What are we doing?" Blaine asks again as Kurt opens the door to the handicapped bathroom next to the elevator.
"You've been shaking the last five minutes, Blaine. You need this."
Kurt locks the door, and pulls Blaine into a tight embrace.
"Let it all out, sweetie."
It's all it takes for Blaine to deflate. He melts into Kurt, shivers running through his body. He rests his head in the crook of Kurt's neck, forcing himself to breath slowly. He doesn't need to cry; he doesn't want to cry.
"I had fun, but it was scary too…" he chokes.
"I know, Blaine. I know," Kurt murmurs.
He runs a hand gently up and down Blaine's back, the other wrapped around Blaine's waist holding him flush against his own body.
"It's so different, but some of it still feels the same," Blaine admits, thinking back to his first dance. How proud he had been of his new outfit, how excited he was to be going with a cute boy, how much he was looking forward to it. The crowds of well dressed kids, the music, the laughter and noise, the dancing masses, the dark outside, the snow and ice seeping through his clothes as he bled on the parking lot. The pain. The mocking laughter around him. The blue flashing lights and the sirens. The ripped clothes. The pain. The humiliation. The anxiety. The pain. God, the pain in his body and the pain in his heart…
"It's OK, Blaine, you're OK. Just focus on breathing, I've got you."
Blaine can feel his exhales and inhales stuttering. When Kurt removes his arm around his waist for a moment to pull him even closer, he realizes how much he's shaking.
"Fuck, Kurt…"
"I know. I know."
Blaine tries to swallow down the sobs that want to escape, and when he closes his eyes he sees faceless persons laughing as they kick him. A sudden pain in the hip makes him buckle, and he drops to the floor, pulling Kurt with him.
Blaine uses both hands to examine his hip, but it doesn't throb with pain, and he can actually feel his hands running up and down his thigh. There's no blood on his hands after they swipe over his face.
"Blaine, look at me." Kurt cups his chin, forcing Blaine to lift his head and meet Kurt's eyes. "Breath in… Breath out…"
Kurt places one of Blaine's hands on his stomach. "Do as I do, copy me."
He places one of his own hands on Blaine's chest.
"Your heart beats so fast," he murmurs.
They stay kneeling close on the floor, one of their hands somewhere on the others torso. Blaine is leaning his forehead on Kurt's shoulder, Kurt resting his head on Blaine's. Their other hands are laced together on top of their touching knees.
"You smell really nice today," Blaine eventually mumbles.
"Thank you," Kurt chuckles. "It was a 'congratulations on your first dance'-gift from dad and Carole."
"Your father smells like motor oil…"
"He does," Kurt laughs. "Are you getting sleepy, Blaine?"
"Mmm…"
"Come on. We'll get a cab back to Dalton."
Blaine leans back on his feet.
"No," he says sternly. "I promised to dance with you."
"We danced on stage," Kurt reminds him. "I'll gladly leave with you; I've had a wonderful night."
"No… I think I want to be here some more."
"OK," Kurt says calmly. "I'll do whatever you want."
Both boys get up from the floor, and end in front of the mirror to check their hair and faces. Before Kurt unlocks the door again, Blaine catches him for a warm hug.
"Thank you. Thank you for getting me out of there so I didn't have a public meltdown."
Kurt snorts.
"I have to take care of my duet partner, you know."
"Oh, I see how it is," Blaine grins. "I'm pure business for you."
"Do you know how much work it would take to train someone new to replace you?"
Blaine can't help but laugh.
"Come on, let's find something to eat. I won't be much of a duet partner if I starve to death," Blaine teases, feeling much better.
They leave the bathroom.
"How's the arm now the cast is gone, by the way?" He'd forgotten all about it when he came to pick up Kurt and saw his outfit.
"It's such a relief," Kurt beams. "My arm still feels dirty and nasty," he frowns, "and I think it tries to elevate after being held down by the weight of the cast for so long, but otherwise I feel quite liberated," he grins.
"Oh, do you know what that reminds me of?" Blaine smiles eagerly, but Kurt shakes his head. "What would you say if I could make you feel as if you're flying or soaring?"
"I'm intrigued," Kurt smiles curiously.
"Here's what we'll do. I'll hold your arms, and you'll do your best to push them out from your body. OK?"
Kurt simply nods, and Blaine takes a firm hold of Kurt's arms halfway between wrists and elbows.
"Now push all you can, I'll hold for two minutes."
Blaine can feel the resistance and flexing of Kurt's muscles against his hands, and nothing happens. Blaine grins eagerly at Kurt.
"Time's up. Close your eyes, relax your arms, and I'll let go," Blaine whispers. "Soon you'll be soaring."
Kurt follows Blaine's instructions, so he lets go of the boy's arms. Immediately Kurt's arms float upwards, and he lets out the most adorable giggle. His eyes are still closed, so he can't see Blaine putting his hands on Kurt's waist. Blaine lifts him up a foot or so, and Kurt's eyes widen with a yelp, but he giggles as Blaine puts him down again.
They fill their plates with all kinds of treats from the buffet. Spanish meat balls, scampi, chicken wings, roasted potato, quiche, pasta salad, green salad, olive bread, various cheese, olives, grapes and crackers. Although several dishes have been emptied by the masses, there are still much to choose from. It's impossible to get a taste of every dish.
"Everything looks so delicious!" Kurt gushes, and Blaine has to agree. "I don't know what to choose or where to begin. Oh well, at least the kilt can hide some of the big tummy I'll get from all of this."
Blaine chuckles as he picks some chorizos for his plate.
"You just dance a little afterwards, and you'll be fine," he assures him laughingly.
"Where have you guys been?" Jeff asks as they get back to their table. "You disappeared after your performance."
Blaine frantically searches his brain for a good explanation. He hardly cried and he didn't look any different in the mirror. He's lost count of time, though, so he doesn't even know for how long they were gone. Nick is watching him carefully, as if he's looking for something. Wes and David just smile at him and Kurt, and continue to eat their food. Blaine still doesn't know what to say.
"What can I say? Being chased and courted on stage like that does something to me, so I dragged him out to the limo for a quickie," Kurt says airily.
The explanation earns him a rich round of laugher around the table, but Nick still watches Blaine. He meets his eyes, and gives him a lip tight tiny smile.
"Oh good," David says. "It really hasn't been much of a ball until someone's caught with their pants down. Now we only need someone to spike the punch, and it's complete."
"Please, stop it David. You're ruining everything. You're making Dalton seem like an ordinary public school!" Kurt whines.
You OK? Nick mouths. Blaine smiles somewhat bigger, nods, and looks over at Kurt. His smile grows, so he locks eyes with Nick again, nodding more. Nick grins and winks, and redirects his focus to his boyfriend.
Under the table, Kurt's hand finds Blaine's, and stays there until they are done eating.
"Where did you find quiche? There were too much food on the buffet to get a proper overview," Kurt sighs.
"Here, you can have some of mine. Could I try some of your smoked salmon?"
"Of course," Kurt nods eagerly, and they swap food.
They continue to enjoy their food, while chatting with both the other and their friends around the table.
"If you'll excuse me, I need to find my date and dance with her," David withdraws from the table.
"Yeah, I should do the same, and we'll probably find our dates in the same place. See you guys on the dance floor?" Wes asks, looking at the four remaining boys around the table.
"Of course," Jeff beams.
Wes pats Blaine's shoulder as he leaves, and Nick smiles encouragingly at him. Maybe he can dare to dance with Kurt among their friends. He wonders if it'll be best to choose a song where they can just jump and mess around, or if he should choose a song where he can actually dance and use some of the steps he learned in dancing lessons seven-eight years ago.
Spurred by Nick and Jeff leaving their table for the dance floor, Blaine musters some of that damn courage.
"Kurt, would you like to dance with me?"
The boy beams and nods.
"Yes, I'd love to," he says breathlessly.
They get up, still holding hands, and walk to the dance floor. Most of the Warblers are gathered in some kind of a crowd, so Blaine steers them in that direction to join them.
The DJ is fairly eclectic, and spins a wide variation of records. It's fun to just move, jump and dance without pattern and reason, getting lost in the music. But it's also a thrill to lead Kurt in a dance, following the steps he meticulously studied and repeated all those years ago until he could do them without his eyes or brain. It's different now, though. It was fun dancing when he was a little boy, but it's thrilling and satisfying in new ways now. When he was younger, he was being a good boy and following his parents' wishes for him. Now he's dancing with his best friend, who's also a gorgeous gay guy, and they dance because they want to.
He twirls Kurt around, as they sing the chorus together.
"You live you learn. You love you learn. You cry you learn. You lose you learn. You bleed you learn. You scream you learn."
Kurt smiles softly at him, as Alanis and they repeat the chorus.
Blaine watches the dancing people around them; Warblers, other Dalton boys, and girls from St. Elizabeth's. Nobody seems to notice them or care. He looks over at Nick and Jeff, the only other same sex couple he can see on the floor. Jeff waves at him from Nick's back, and Blaine waves back, smiling.
Blaine surprises himself when the DJ lets the soft tones of a ballad fill the room, and Blaine doesn't leave the dance floor. He had thought this would be too intimidating, but he feels almost comfortable. The boys slowly sway to the gentle beat and soothing lyrics, and when the song ends Blaine finds himself taking Kurt's hand and kissing the knuckles.
"Thank you for dancing with me."
"I'm the one who should be saying thank you," Kurt insists.
Blaine checks his treasured pocket watch, and notices it's almost midnight.
"The limousine returns to Dalton soon. Do you want to stay longer and grab a cab later?"
"No, I can't believe we'll miss anything important. I'm fine with going home now."
Blaine smiles fondly at Kurt.
"What?" Kurt asks confused.
"You called Dalton home…" Blaine can't describe how much that means to him, Kurt showing he's really settling down and thriving at Dalton.
"I guess I did," he smiles bashfully.
They walk with David, Wes and their dates back to the Lincoln, and Blaine is glad he has company. He worries he might get flashbacks again if he had been walking in the dark with only Kurt, it being too similar to the situation after his last dance.
Everybody in the car is happy and sated after a successful dance with nice memories and no drama. Blaine crosses his left leg over his right knee, and leans his head on Kurt sitting on his right side. Kurt manoeuvres his arm around Blaine, pulling him closer, and Blaine nestles his head firmer on Kurt's shoulder, resting his left arm on Kurt's waist. Kurt is playing with his cufflinks.
"Are you tired?"
"Exhausted," Blaine admits, and quite fittingly a long yawn interrupts any other words.
Blaine hardly remembers anything from the car drive, not even stopping at St. Elizabeth's to drop off the girls, and must have been dozing in Kurt's arms. He's too tired to feel embarrassed about it, though.
The six boys walk in silence back to the dormitory, only bidding each other good night when they part by their respective rooms. Blaine and Kurt are the last left, and they stop in front of Kurt's door.
"Thank you for going with me to the Ball. Thank you for singing with me. Thank you for making this a wonderful night. And thank you for helping me overcome my aftershocks from my first dance…" Blaine doesn't know how to express his gratitude towards Kurt, but hopes he will grasp some aspects of how Blaine feels.
"I'm the one who should say thank you, Blaine. Thank you for being a perfect gentleman and duet partner. Thank you for an amazing first ball. Thank you for being brave. Thank you for trusting me, and being such a good friend."
Both boys have thick throats and moist eyes, and laugh awkwardly and self consciously as they hug good bye and go to their rooms.
Blaine closes his door, and leans heavily onto it, exhaling. The Ball went so much better than he feared, but it's still been an emotional and difficult evening. He feels exhausted, drained, emptied. His fortress is down, and he wonders what the night will bring of flashbacks and nightmares.
He quickly undresses, making sure to secure the clothes on their hangars to prevent wrinkles. He slips into his pyjamas pants and a tank top, and goes to the bathroom to wash his face and brush his teeth.
Even if he's finished, he stays, leaning heavily on the counter and critically examining his reflection. So often he isn't able to see anything but the beaten boy from two years ago. Tonight, though, he thinks he may see the contours of a somewhat older Blaine. Someone who's trying to put his past behind him and move on. Maybe someday he'll be someone who can sing a duet with a male partner in public without breaking down.
Blaine is so busy scolding himself in the mirror, he doesn't notice the pyjamas clad Kurt entering the bathroom too. The other boy washes and moisturizes his face and brushes his teeth, all the time while Blaine is staring in the mirror.
Kurt takes Blaine's hand, and leads him back to his room. Blaine all but falls into bed, and without hesitation Kurt crawls into bed as well. He tucks them safely under the covers, and gently spoons Blaine.
"You don't look like someone who should be alone now," he explains. "Good night, Blaine."
"G'night Kurt..." Blaine mumbles back, already drifting off to Dreamland.
With Kurt holding him, Blaine sleeps the whole night through without a single nightmare or flashback.
AN:
The blue rose in the boys' boutonnière is chosen because of this description of its symbolism and meaning:
The blue rose means mystery. An appreciation for the enigmatic, the inexplicable is expressed by blue roses. A tantalizing vision that cannot be totally pinned down, a mystery that cannot be fully unravelled is the blue rose. A person who receives the blue rose is the subject of much speculation and thought. A complex personality that does not allow easy interpretation is what the blue rose indicates.
The blue rose being in itself something very extraordinary expresses that very same feeling. "You are extraordinarily wonderful", the blue rose exclaims. A truly wonderful personality, almost chimera-like is what the blue rose says about the receiver.
New opportunities and new possibilities are also some other meanings of the blue rose. The blue rose denotes the excitement and the possibilities that new ventures bring. The mysterious beginnings of new things and the excitement therein are very nicely expressed by this flower.
Performances borrowed:
Straight No Chaser – 12 days
Lyrics from:
Misc. – Baby It's Cold Outside
Alanis Morissette – You Learn