We would like to thank everyone who has followed/favorites the story! We hope everyone is enjoying it! Feel free to let us know what you think in a review! - A and K
"Blaine, dear. Did you hear what I said?"
Blaine shook his head, thoughts of blue-green eyes, adorable dimples, and a heavenly laugh scattering away like leaves in the wind. He honestly had no idea what his mother had said, of which he was aware peeved her to no end, but he smiled winningly and regrouped.
"Of course, mother. I was just enjoying my breakfast..." He glanced down to see the boiled raisin porridge his mother knew he hated and realized he was caught. It's just that Blaine hated raisins and couldn't understand why they couldn't put cinnamon in the dish. Cinnamon made everything better.
Blaine's mother sighed heavily and smoothed down the front of her apron. A few strands of hair had escaped her tight bun and her mouth flattened into a thin line as she stared at her youngest son.
"I understand you didn't want to move out here, Blaine, but we are here and we might as well make the most of it." She set the wooden spoon down that had been used to stir the pot of bland goop and wiped her hands on a dish cloth. "Cooper is all that we have now and it's important that we all stay together. It makes the most sense."
Of course mother did what made the "most sense." Mother was nothing if not practical. Blaine scooped up a bit of the porridge and tipped the spoon over, letting it plop back into the bowl. He propped his chin on one hand and wished he could go back to thoughts of Kurt. Kurt was the one redeeming thing about leaving his home and his father and coming here. Here he would be known as, "Sheriff Cooper's little brother" and be stuck in his shadow. Again.
Maybe he was being too hard on his mother though. She was doing the best with what she had. She lost someone too and it's not like they had a lot of options with their financial situation. She was just so hard to talk to sometimes.
"I know, mother. I just miss being able to go visit father. I miss my friends and our house... I just miss home, I guess."
Pamela stared at him for quite some time, her expression unreadable and Blaine squirmed under the gaze. When she looked at him like that, it was as if she knew all his secrets and there were certain secrets he would rather keep from her.
She finally let her eyes fall back to the pot at the stove, releasing Blaine from her piercing gaze (much to his relief.) As he was forcing a bite into his mouth, his mother sighed again, but didn't turn around.
"Well, why don't you find new friends? There are plenty of boys... and girls around your age in town. You'll be quite popular in no time, I'm certain of it."
Blaine tried not to panic at the way she said, girls, instead chewing the porridge very slowly to give himself time. He allowed his eyes to unfocus and sunk back into his thoughts again.
What if I told you? My deepest secret; the one I've never told anyone? That I feel for boys what I'm supposed to feel for girls? What would you do, mother? Would you make me say ten Hail Marys and write, 'I shall not lie' fifty times like you did when I accidentally broke father's office window? Would you scream and slide down the wall, fingers trapped in your teeth and wail like when we learned of father's passing? Or worse, would you turn me away? That would be my worst nightmare become reality: the light of recognition fading from your eyes, avoiding touching me at all costs, and barely speaking to me anymore. Not being your son would be the most awful punishment I could fathom.
Suddenly, Blaine felt as if he had swallowed a belly full of rocks and the feeling had nothing to do with the gluey breakfast in front of him. He swallowed against the lump in his throat and blinked back the pricking in his eyes as he cleared his throat. His mother continued stirring the hopeless goo, oblivious to her son's inner turmoil.
It was times like these he wished his father was still there. It was as if he spoke both Pam and Blaine's languages and bridged the gap between them. They got by, but they never quite understood each other. Blaine pushed his bowl away, straightening his waist coat and pushing his chair back in, just so.
"I was thinking," Blaine was impressed by the steadiness of his own voice. His mother glanced back at him. "I should go into town," he continued. "I could explore a bit more, check on Cooper, maybe make a few of those friends you mentioned." He laughed awkwardly at the last part as he scratched the back of his neck. His mother nodded, still not really smiling, but not frowning like before. She was unreadable, as per usual.
"I think that's wise. See if any work can be found as well. We haven't got much left to live on and we will need more things soon." Blaine smiled tightly and gathered his hat and over coat as he waved goodbye to his mother. He was so lost in their earlier conversation, his nimble mind trying to pick apart what she meant by certain things, that Blaine did something very foolish and very Blaine-like: he got lost.
He didn't intend to; it just always happened. Blaine was admittedly absent-minded, but a sense of direction was something he was just born without. This always happened. Even when he was much younger, the other kids (and most notably Cooper) called him teasing names like, Blaine the Blind or the Lost Anderson. He just never faired well without a map or signage of some sort, and today was no exception. Especially after his rather discouraging conversation with his mother.
"Damn. I'm lost."
The raven-haired boy removed his hat and scratched his curls, careful not to disturb the pomade that coated his head.
"Deep breaths, Anderson. You will not cry, nor will you give up hope. Now, I'm almost positive we passed that rock yesterday, or maybe it was that tree? Hopefully you will figure it out before you're eaten by a bear..." He muttered the last part to himself as he inspected the dirt pathway for clues.
"More likely to be eaten by a mountain lion than a bear."
Blaine wheeled around toward the lilting voice so quickly, his neck popped. It was Kurt and for a maddening moment, Blaine was concerned he was hallucinating. After a few wide-eyed deep breaths, he realized that would be impossible considering he hadn't ingested any poisons or drugs, nor had he been hit hard enough to concuss. Kurt's smile at his own joke eventually slid from his face and he began padding away softly, his head down. Blaine recovered then and hurried to catch up with the beautiful and very interesting young man.
"Wait! Don't leave me out here! I might be a bit lost and you would be a hero to me if you could show me to town. Please?" Blaine flashed him a flirty grin, but Kurt just looked away. Blaine frowned. That always worked to charm the pants off of anyone. This boy would be hard to impress, especially considering he just made a complete fool of himself a few minutes ago.
"Relax, I'll show you back into town. However, you shouldn't be wandering around out here alone if you're going to get lost. It can be dangerous." Kurt's voice was low and soft, caressing Blaine's ears and the shorter boy found himself wanting Kurt to never stop talking. Ever.
"I'll have you know, I never get lost," he lied. Blaine fell into stride with Kurt, struggling to keep up with his long legs. Oops, now he was staring at the boy's long legs. Blaine shook his head. "I am merely disoriented since we just moved here. The old Smith homestead you know." Just in case you had inclination to call on me... Blaine added in his head.
Kurt just kept walking, his head low and his hands stuffed into his pockets. He was striding purposefully in one direction (the direction of town, obviously) and didn't seem in a very chatty mood. That never stopped Blaine, who may have been accused of being oblivious once or twice in his life. "So, what were you doing out here?"
Kurt finally looked at him and he felt like he could breathe again. He even smiled a little and Blaine told himself not to swoon. Or kiss that adorable little dimple.
"Oh, you know. Robbing stage coaches, gambling in saloons, and burying all the gold I find."
Blaine's eyes grew wide. He thought he might be joking, but Kurt said it so seriously.
"Really?"
"No," Kurt snorted.
In an effort to cool the blush on his cheeks, Blaine pretended to be warm and fanned himself with his hat. He had walked foolishly into that one. Kurt seemed to take pity on him and sighed.
"I just... I like to walk around the edge of town by myself some mornings. It's nice to not have to preten- uh... it's nice to just be alone." Blaine watched him carefully as Kurt corrected whatever his slip up was. He wished Kurt would just tell him whatever was on his mind, unguarded and free. He wished they were best friends.
"Let's be best friends."
Kurt halted abruptly and gave Blaine a, have you gone mad? look with a quirked eyebrow. Blaine refrained from bashing his head against the nearest hard surface at his own ridiculousness. "I mean, I'm new here and I think you and I could be friends, you know?" he backtracked as Kurt shook his head and resumed walking. Blaine hurried alongside him. "No offense, but you don't seem to have many friends and I certainly don't-"
Kurt eyes thinned and he shrugged. "Yeah, no one really likes to associate themselves with me. Hence why I like to be alone. If you know what's good for you, you would find another friend."
Blaine tried not to be disheartened at Kurt's unenthusiastic response, but he persisted. "Well, I don't care about that. Who else will tell me about blacksmith things or rescue me when I get lost again-"
"I thought you didn't get lost?"
"And who else will tell me when I'm being absolutely intolerable with my knowledge of medical facts?" Blaine said, ignoring Kurt's point. The pale boy smiled a little and Blaine suppressed the urge to puff his chest with pride. He decided to whip out his cute pouty face. "Please, Kurt? Be my friend? My brother is the sheriff you know, so when you're inevitably arrested for robbery, I'll be able to help you out." He winked roguishly, provoking a laugh (yes, an actual laugh) from the brunet boy and making Blaine's heart race. Kurt waved him away, trying to hide his grin.
"Okay, okay! Put the eyes away, Mr. Anderson! I'll be your friend, but don't expect any sympathy from me when you are being taunted or something worse befalls you for being my friend." Blaine's heart raced for a different reason this time and he shook his head sadly.
"They really do that to you?"
Kurt shrugged, but Blaine wasn't buying his nonchalant behavior. He noted how Kurt stuck his nose in the air and tried to hold his back straight, but the way his lip quivered and the fear in his eyes caused Blaine to know better. "Who cares? They are a bunch of morons. I'm just the gangly blacksmith's son."
"I care." Blaine couldn't stop the way it came out, so sincere that Kurt looked in his eyes and they connected for just a second. Kurt's eyes softened and something flickered across his face before he was shut out once more. Blaine didn't care. If he had nothing else to do, he would make it his mission to crack Kurt Hummel's hard exterior and become his best friend and confidant. Then he would come to Blaine for everything: advice, support, kisses... Okay, maybe that was too far fetched, but Blaine could dream at least.
He wanted to say so much more, but they had finally arrived at the shut-up front to the Hummel's business and Kurt gave him a little half-smile as he toyed with a button on his waist coat. "Well, I'll be going." He turned to the doorway and Blaine caught his sleeve quickly, causing the taller boy to flinch away. Blaine immediately released him, not really sure what he wanted to say besides begging him to spend more time with him. But that was silly, because Kurt had duties and Blaine had things to accomplish too. So he lowered his hand sheepishly and cleared his throat.
"Um, maybe you could walk me home tonight?"
Kurt sighed, looking down at his feet. "Mr. Anderson..."
"And you have to call me Blaine," Blaine insisted.
Kurt took a deep breath, letting it out slowly as the town started to come to life. Storefronts were being opened, wagons were rolling down the main dirt road and people strolled by with baskets and carts. Kurt glanced around, his gaze finally landing back on the shorter boy in front of him. Blaine grinned, showing off his teeth and Kurt sputtered a laugh at his over-the-top attitude.
"I don't want to get lost again. Please, Kurt?"
"Fine. Be here at closing. But I have to come straight back for dinner."
Blaine's smile could have been seen from outer space as he bounced happily. He almost grabbed Kurt up in a tight hug before he remembered himself and grabbed fistfuls of his jacket in an effort to restrain himself. He bit his lip into a smile.
"Okay."
Kurt shook his head and turned back to the building, disappearing into the dark front room.
"Bye, Kurt!"
"Bye... Blaine."
His name sounded lovely coming from Kurt's pretty pink lips. Blaine resisted the urge to dance a jig or skip away as he walked down the still relatively quiet street. He glanced curiously in different windows, looking for signs of employment when he saw a very tall boy follow a short, middle-aged woman into what looked like a clinic. Blaine forgot everything else as he gravitated towards the small, but well-kept building.
He entered and soaked up everything open-mouthed, like a child staring at a store full of toys and candy. There were a few neatly made beds without a wrinkle nestled in small curtained areas, an examination table next to wooden cabinets that ran alongside the wall, a small stove in the corner, and a few framed pictures and certificates on the wall next to a desk. As he was about to start nosing through all the cabinets, the woman he saw earlier brushed aside a curtain from the back room closely followed by the boy.
"I don't know, Finn. I don't think it would be very proper for you to be alone with Rachel like that."
"Ma, we won't be alone!" the boy whined. "Everyone will be there! I promise not to steal her virtue."
The boy's mother sighed tiredly as she began to put the clean towels from her arms into the cabinets. "I know that, but it's much different for a woman- Oh! Hello, there." As the woman turned towards Blaine, she jumped at his sudden appearance. Blaine remembered his manners as he bent at the waist a little before kissing the woman's hand. The action made her blush and her son's eyes thin.
"Hello! So sorry to startle you. My name is Blaine Anderson and I just moved onto the area with my mother."
She nodded in recognition. "Yes, I heard. It's very nice to meet you. I'm Carole Hudson and this is my son Finn." She motioned to the tall boy who shook Blaine's hand as well.
"So you're Sheriff Cooper's little brother? You don't look much alike."
Blaine winced, trying to hide his disdain. It was already starting. But you're brother is so attractive and you're not, went unsaid.
"Finn! That's quite rude!" She turned back to Blaine after shooting Finn a disapproving look. "I'm terribly sorry. He's not not normally so vulgar." Finn must have realized his mother wasn't going to give in to whatever it was he wanted, so he kissed her cheek and tipped his hat at Blaine as he walked by.
"I need to get going. The sheep need to be sheared today before it gets too late in the spring."
As he stepped out, Carole smiled back at Blaine before continuing making sure the room was in order. "Now, my dear. What seems to be troubling you? I'm not the doctor, but I happen to know a lot about young men as you can see and if you are having any problems, I might have a suggestion or two?"
Blaine flushed at what exactly she might be insinuating before wringing his hat in his hands. "Ah, no. I'm not suffering from any ailments actually. I am just fascinated by any kind of medical care... My father was a doctor you see... Anyway, I just kind of drifted in here. I'm sorry, I'll get out of your way."
Right as he turned to exit the clinic, he stopped short before he could smack into another woman who had just entered. She squeaked in surprise and almost dropped the black leather bag she carried in her thin arms.
"Oh! Doctor Pillsbury, this is Blaine Anderson. He and his mother just moved here."
Dr. Pillsbury smiled nervously, holding out her hand to shake his. The petite woman had huge brown eyes and coppery colored hair that was twisted into a loose bun.
"It's very nice to meet you, Mr. Anderson. What exactly where you curious about?" she asked in a mousy voice before whipping out a blinding white handkerchief and immediately scrubbing the hand she had just used to shake Blaine's. He eyed her with curiosity, but Carole didn't even flinch, so he figured he wouldn't mention it.
"Um, yes. I was just telling Mrs. Hudson that I would love to observe your clinic for a little bit today. If that's okay with you, of course." Blaine gave her his most charming smile before she smiled a little more warmly and nodded.
"Sure. Just... Don't get anything dirty..."
Blaine agreed after thanking her profusely. The rest of the morning was filled with the boy following the two of the women around like a puppy as they bandaged an injured leg and gave a woman ointment for a burn. At one point, they even let Blaine listen to a heartbeat to his immense delight. It was close to lunch time when Carole sighed and took off the spotless apron Dr. Pillsbury insisted she wear.
"I'm heading out for lunch, Emma," she said over her shoulder as she pulled a basket out of a cupboard. The doctor hummed as she made another note in a patient's file from her seat at the desk.
"Tell Mr. Hummel I say hello. Just don't bring back any grease," she replied, her tone indicating that would be a disaster.
Blaine perked up at the name from where he was perched on a stool and thumbing through a medical text. "You're going to the blacksmith's?" Blaine asked with wide eyes.
Carole nodded with a grin, arranging the cloth back over her basket. "I take lunch over to Bur- um, to the Hummel's every few days. They stay so busy and I'd hate to think they weren't getting enough to eat."
Blaine snapped the book closed and scrambled off on the stool. "Can I come? Kurt and I have become dear friends." He plopped his hat back onto his head and fastened his buttons on his coat.
Carole tilted her head in confusion."But I thought you just moved here?"
"Oh, I did, but I needed a friend and Kurt is so friendly it was bound to happen." Also, I pestered him until he agreed to befriend me and he probably thinks I'm highly annoying, but he did agree to be my friend. So there's that...
Carole shrugged and settled her basket into the crook of her arm as she pulled her shawl back onto her shoulders. "I guess so. You are welcome to come with me if you would like, dear."
Blaine grinned widely and said goodbye to Dr. Pillsbury on the way out the door. They walked together in an unhurried pace along the storefronts, much to Blaine's impatience. As he watched a man stride into the bank, he remembered he was meant to be looking for work. After he visited Kurt, of course.
"I think it's very nice that you're friends with Kurt. I fear he doesn't have many."
Blaine frowned. How on earth could people not want to be friends with someone like Kurt? "I know I've encouraged my Finn to invite him over, but I don't want to force anything. Especially if his father and I... Anyway, I think Kurt is very special and I'm glad he has another young man to run around with."
Blaine nodded along, determined more than ever that he would stick to his new friend's side like glue. Maybe that's why Kurt was so standoffish; he never had a best friend. Blaine's grin almost split his face. Kurt Hummel had no idea what was going to hit him. Blaine Anderson didn't do anything half-heartedly.
"Well, I think it's very nice of you to bring them food. You must care about them a lot." Blaine didn't miss the blush that stained her cheeks or the soft smile that tilted up the corners of her mouth. Interesting...
"I do care about both of them very much."
Before he could figure out what exactly she meant, they arrived at the blacksmith shop and Carole smoothed her dress down before allowing Blaine to open the door for her.
Inside, Kurt was leaning against the front counter, scribbling some figures in a book and Blaine wasn't sure how a person could look so beautiful no matter what they were doing. He looked like he belonged on a painting with his cleft chin (that Blaine wanted to press a kiss onto) resting on one hand. He had his adorable pointed nose scrunched as he stared at the book and he licked perfect pink lips that looked so soft. Blaine followed his creamy neck where it disappeared into his shirt. The top buttons undone, exposing some of his collarbone and Blaine had an overwhelming desire to lick it. He had a layer of dirt and sweat glazing his skin, but it didn't deter Blaine from enjoying the sight and wishing he was right next to the other boy. His shirt sleeves had been rolled up to his elbows and Blaine swallowed hard at the arm muscles stretching the fabric out. At the sound of the door swishing open, Kurt's eyes flicked up from his work to Carole, causing him to smile immediately. He dropped his pencil and stood up straight behind the counter, his eyes sparkling a brilliant blue-green.
"Mrs. Hudson! How nice to see you! I see you brought lunch!" His eyes moved to the curly-haired boy who let the door slap shut behind him, still mesmerized by the loveliness of the taller boy. Kurt's smile faltered a little before he pasted it back on. "And you brought a friend!"
Carole smiled warmly at Kurt before setting her basket onto the front counter. "Yes, Blaine has been helping out at the clinic today. It's been so nice to have help around."
Kurt raised an eyebrow at the other boy who was staring hard at the floor and blushing a little. He was trying to think of something to reply when his father's gruff voice behind him startled him.
"I thought I heard a lovely voice coming from up here," he grinned as he wiped a spot of grease from his face and then his blackened hands.
Carole blushed again, trying to hide it by digging through her basket. "Oh, Burt. How sweet. I brought lunch... It's just some sandwiches and apples, but I brought pie for dessert."
Blaine's eyebrows shot up in understanding as Kurt's father and Carole chatted happily with one another. Blaine looked pointedly between the two of them and then glanced at Kurt who nodded at his suspicions.
The brunet fought off a blush himself at the adoring stare Blaine gave him. He firmly told his heart to stop racing and his knees not to give way. He couldn't afford to think this way, especially when his father was in the room. His big, gruff, manly father whom he loved the most in the world. He couldn't disappoint his father. So he adopted a blank expression and calmed his body's reactions down.
"Are they courting?" Blaine's honeyed voice came from right beside Kurt, close enough to his ear to buzz pleasantly through his body in a shiver. He kept his eyes straight ahead on his father and Carole, purposely not looking at Blaine for fear he would do something incredibly stupid, like kiss his cheek. He couldn't help but smile at the two flirting adults, however.
"Not officially, I suppose. They are both rather private, so they carry on like this. She brings us lunch some days and dad is constantly coming up with excuses to see her, such as saying her wagon looks wobbly or he noticed something wrong with her horse's shoe." He rolled his eyes affectionately, crossing his arms and leaning his hip back against the counter. He missed the way Blaine's eyes swept over his body at the action. "Honestly, I would like for them to get together already."
"They are sweet. It's cute how they are acting like no one can tell they have feelings for one another," Blaine replied. Kurt accidentally met his eyes with a laugh and they locked gazes. They stared at each other for an indeterminate amount of time before Burt laughed loudly at something Carole said and Kurt shook his head. Blaine tried not to feel too disappointed when the other boy lost whatever that look was that gave him butterflies. Kurt slid past him, being very careful as to not touch Blaine and started unpacking the basket.
"Dad, shouldn't we go ahead and eat so we can get back to work? Don't forget we have to fix that plow..."
Burt and Carole looked away from each other sheepishly and the former pulled off his old cap and rubbed his bald head. "You're right, of course." He nodded to Blaine as they all got settled at a small table Kurt drug into the front room. "You gonna to join us, son?"
It took Blaine a moment to realize Burt was talking to him and he got a lump in his throat when Burt called him son. He knew he probably didn't mean anything by it, but it brought a flood of memories from Blaine's own father that he had to quickly tamp down so he didn't burst into tears right then.
"Um, I wouldn't want to impose..." he said after clearing his throat. "I can just eat something later..."
"Nonsense! I thought Finn might be eating with us, so I packed extra. Please have some, dear," Carole insisted. Burt pulled up the stool from behind the counter that Kurt had recently vacated and brought it up to the table right next to his son. Kurt fidgeted a bit as Blaine sat down, much to close for his liking. Burt finished chewing his bite before wiping his mouth on a cloth napkin.
"So, Blaine, are you and your mother settling in alright? I hope the horse you picked yesterday is satisfactory."
Blaine nodded, quickly swallowing his bite and almost choking. "Oh, yes sir! Mother loves the homestead and we are getting it into shape. The horse is perfect though! A great horse. His shoes are great..."
Burt tried to hide his smirk as Blaine babbled nervously. "Kurt does most of the shoeing now and he does a great job."
Kurt beamed under his dad's praise. Blaine flashed him a look of admiration while taking another bite of his sandwich.
Carole patted the boy's arm. "It must be quite a shock to go from living in New York to moving out here."
Blaine smiled fondly at the mention of his home, missing how Kurt looked sharply at the other boy. "It's... different for sure, but in a good way. New York has so many memories and I love it, but Lewistown is quite beautiful in its own way."
"What's New York like?"
The question came from Kurt who asked it so quietly that it was almost a whisper. He got a faraway look in his eyes as he stared off into space.
"It's busy, everyone bustling around all the time and there are so many different people. People from all different countries and walks of life. I met them a lot when I helped father at the clinic. That was amazing to talk to so many different people every day. The weather seems to go to extremes; freezing cold in the winter to insanely hot in the summer. I love fall when the leaves are turning colors and there is that crisp air you can almost smell. But my favorite part has to be Broadway."
Kurt stifled a gasp at the word. He had heard about Broadway, seen pictures Mercedes smuggled him from advertisements at the General Store. He barely covered up his shock at having a secret dream spoken aloud that wasn't a whisper from his bed in the middle of the night. Broadway. Blaine had seen it. He was the only person he knew that had been there and from the enraptured look on his face, it was amazing.
"What is Broadway like?" Carole asked before Kurt could. He breathed an internal sigh of relief that he could continue to act nonchalant.
"It's... it's amazing! The costumes are so beautiful and you just get so wrapped up in the story that before you know it, it's over and you just feel so much. I always would look around at everyone and feel like I shared something so special with them... Like a secret." He sighed and Kurt's heart clenched with longing. He couldn't decide if it was more to do with wanting to see Broadway himself or see it with Blaine.
He decided to file that with things to obsess over later.
"My favorite thing," Blaine continued, Kurt's tumultuous thoughts unbeknownst to him, "is definitely the songs. I love it, it's just so magical." He stared at nothing dreamily and everyone was quiet, imaging it for themselves. Burt finally shrugged and took another bite of his sandwich.
"I guess I don't get it. I mean, it's nice to hear singin', but how could you enjoy something that lasts so long?"
Blaine shrugged as Kurt snapped out of his daydreams and remembered why they were just that: daydreams. He knew his father wouldn't approve. Burt Hummel believed a good day's work involved getting your hands dirty somehow, not singing and dancing. The blacksmith apprentice felt his heart sink as he picked at his sandwich.
"I've seen some amazing performers there and it's spectacular. I guess you just have to experience it to understand, no offense, sir."
Burt waved away his concern and started slicing up the pie.
"Well, unfortunately we don't have anything like that here, but the town social is pretty fun. There is dancing and music and games for the kids. The quilting circle always makes a town quilt to display there too. I bet you could get lots of ladies to dance with you, Blaine," Carole teased as Blaine tensed up. Hopefully they would take it for just being shy and not for the fact that they only person he wanted to dance with was the lovely boy next to him. Blaine pasted a fake grin on his face.
"That sounds like fun! I'll be sure to tell mother. She's not really one for dancing, but she does love to quilt." He hoped his voice was even and not nervous. Before Kurt could chastise his father for getting too big of a piece of pie, the door slapped open again and a tornado named Cooper sauntered in.
"Blainey!" The younger brother winced at the use of the childhood nickname and ducked away from Cooper trying to mess up his hair. "What are you doing here?"
"Having lunch! I could ask you the same thing."
Cooper flashed the Hummels a dazzling smile before kissing Carole's knuckles. Blaine frowned at the way Kurt blushed a little when Cooper looked his way.
"Well, dear brother, I dropped some tools off here to be fixed and I was checking to see if they were done. I need to fix the roof of my jail cell. Apparently it's leaking a little according to the drunk guy in there now." He shrugged and rested his hands on his hips right above his gun belt. He looked like a statue.
Kurt jumped up, bumping his legs on the table as he did so, causing all the dishes to rattle. "Oh, yes Sheriff! I, I fixed them myself and I'm ready for you. I mean, they are ready for you. The tools, of course! Let me just-" He broke off after stumbling through his explanation and ducked back into the back room to retrieve the tools. Cooper just winked at him as he went before turning to Burt and Carole and starting up a conversation about how the tomatoes were growing or something.
Blaine's frown deepened. Why was Cooper always so good at impressing people while he was just plain old Blaine? He would give anything to get Kurt to look at him the way he had been looking at Cooper. He felt his heart sink at the thought. Kurt just barely tolerated him but he seemed to adore Cooper. The whole town did. It was like school and home and church all over again.
You are special in your own way, Blaine. Cooper is like one of those waves crashing down. Loud and bright and impossible to ignore. You are like the sand, steady and sure, but hiding some really amazing things inside.
His father had told him that once as they stood on the shore after Blaine had lamented about being stuck in Cooper's shadow forever. He had immediately laughed at his father's lame example, but it stuck with him even after his death. He really wished his father was still here, dispensing out silly comparisons and heartfelt advice. Blaine swallowed against the lump in his throat and stood, laying his napkin beside his uneaten food on the table. The three adults turned to look at him as he grabbed his hat and plopped it on his head.
"Um, thank you for lunch, but I should get going. I promised mother I would look for work today and I should get started."
Kurt entered the front room again, arms laden with a heavy looking bundle. "Here you go, Sheriff. All fixed up, although I have no idea how you managed to break almost every single one."
Kurt transferred the bundle to Cooper who took it like it weighed hardly anything. Blaine felt his stomach twist with jealousy at the way Kurt smiled at his brother and he bit back a sigh.
"Oh, I can break anything, Kurt. Just ask Blaine."
Everyone but Blaine laughed and Kurt finally turned to look at Blaine, noticing he was almost out the door.
"You're leaving already? You haven't had any pie yet."
Blaine felt immediately better with Kurt's eyes on him. He smiled a little, scratching the back of his neck. "Yeah, I am rather full. Also, I have some things to do. The food was delicious though." He directed the last part to Carole, who beamed at the praise.
"Thank you, Blaine. Come join us at the clinic anytime you can. I'll have to have you and your mother over for dinner soon." Everyone waved good bye as Blaine turned to leave, really wanting to give Kurt a hug goodbye, but not brave enough especially after seeing him fawn over his brother. Blaine finally released his sigh as he slid his hands into his pockets and headed down the Main Street in a direction he hadn't been yet... He thought... Anyway, he chewed his lip and watched his shoes gather dirt from the road.
"Blaine! Wait!"
Blaine stopped abruptly at the sound of Kurt's voice, his mouth parted a little as he twisted back to see the other boy jogging towards him. Kurt's smile was small as he caught up to Blaine. "I, uh... I didn't get to tell you goodbye." Kurt stared off into the distance, not meeting Blaine's eyes. Blaine felt his heart speed up a little at the thought that Kurt chased him down so that he could just tell him good bye. He smiled back at Kurt until the taller boy met his eyes. Once Kurt gave him the eye contact, he felt much better. Blaine took just a moment to sink into the depths of his beautiful eyes as he swallowed another sigh.
"Well, you were busy and I didn't want to bother you." He hesitated for a moment before leaning forwards with arms outstretched.
Kurt's eyes widened nervously. "Blaine! What are you- what are you doing?" he sputtered.
"Um, giving you a hug? Friends hug each other, right?"
Kurt swallowed hard and considered it for a moment before leaning in for a brief hug. He ignored the desire to just wrap his arms around Blaine and hold him and breathe him in. Patting Blaine hard on the back like his dad did to him sometimes, he cleared his throat.
"Well, goodbye. I'm walking you home, right?"
Blaine nodded, unable to wipe the smile from his face no matter how hard he tried. "I'll be here so you can walk with me."
Kurt snorted. "Please. You will get lost and end up at the bottom of someone's well if I don't escort you."
Blaine giggled (yes, giggled. He internally slapped himself.) before backing away slowly. "Well it's good I have you to come rescue me then. I'll see you later, Kurt. Goodbye." He turned and headed the opposite way, feeling like he was floating. Even though the hug had been just a few seconds, Blaine was in heaven. He was certain he had felt something for Kurt and if that didn't answer any questions he had about himself, he didn't know what would.
Blaine entered the General Store, curiosity causing him to scan everything within sight. It was a simple store, clean and efficient with a few people bustling around in a busy manner. Blaine appreciated the neat stacks of items and found himself reading advertisements on a cork board near the door. He rolled his eyes at one from Cooper asking for a deputy. He had his limit of Cooper for the day.
"Can I help you, sir?"
Blaine turned to the speaker, a middle aged man behind the counter. He was on the short side and balding slightly, but he had a kind face.
Blaine smiled back as he approached the counter. "Perhaps. I was wondering if you had any work available? My mother and I just moved into town and we were looking for jobs."
"Afraid not. My wife and daughter help me out when I need here. You are welcome to check that board though. Anyone looking for help will put something up here so the whole town will see."
"Thank you, sir. I'll check." Blaine stepped back towards the board and continued to peruse the papers when another voice pulled his attention away.
"Psst! I know of a job."
He couldn't see who was speaking because the person the voice belonged to was hidden behind some barrels, but Blaine still answered anyway.
"Where?"
A blond head peeked around a barrel and beckoned him closer. The man behind the counter shook his head as he started dusting off the shelves, but didn't seem bothered. Blaine found a boy about his age hiding behind the barrels. He was attractive, but seemed on edge about something as Blaine wandered closer.
"It's on a ranch. My family's ranch, to be specific. How do you feel about helping animals give birth?"
Blaine thought he might be joking until he saw the serious furrow of his brows. "Uh, it's fine. I've assisted in live births before. My name's Blaine Anderson." He stuck his hand out and the boy took it.
"Sam Evans. Say, aren't you the Sheriff's brother?"
Blaine sighed in defeat and nodded. "Yeah. So, what exactly would this job be?"
"Well, mostly helping with the animals. As long as you aren't afraid of hard work, we've got a spot for you," Sam said before peeking out from behind his barrel again. Blaine raised a curious eyebrow at Sam. He peeked too, trying to figure out what he was looking at. Sam pulled him back hastily as the shop owner glanced up at the boys.
"Mr. Jones is very nice, but he doesn't know I'm waiting back here. Be discreet please."
Blaine tilted his head while watching Sam peer through a crack between barrels. He was certain Mr. Jones knew exactly what they were doing because they weren't even whispering. He wasn't even far away.
"What are we waiting for?" Blaine asked quietly.
Sam grinned, eyes glazing over in a dreamy way. "We are waiting for Mercedes, my friend."
Blaine perked up a little at the term friend. He was intrigued by Sam and found him quite humorous. "Friend? You want to be friends?"
Sam smiled again and nudged Blaine's shoulder. "Sure."
Blaine felt smug. He had two new friends now and it was only the second day here.
"So, who is Mercedes?"
Sam sighed and slid down the barrels slightly, hand clutched to his heart. "Only the most beautiful, funny, wonderful girl in this town. She's Mr. Jones' daughter and she should be here any minute now. I'm completely in love with her."
Blaine nodded, understanding the feeling. His thoughts turned to Kurt before he chastised himself. He shouldn't think that way. Yet.
Sam's eyes had narrowed to slits and the next thing Blaine knew, he was being pushed up against the barrels. "Why are you agreeing? Are you in love with her too? I'll fight you for her!"
Blaine held his palms up in surrender. "Whoa! I'm not in love with her, I promise. I'm sure she's lovely, but I'm rather certain she's not my type..."
Sam didn't let go, but tightened his grip. "Why? Because she has dark skin?"
"Wha- No!"
"Is it because she has a fuller figure?"
"No! Sam, I... My heart belongs to someone else!"
Sam glared for a few more moments before his face split into a wide grin and he dropped Blaine's shirt collar. He clasped his shoulder and glanced between the barrels once again.
"Just make certain you don't develop any feelings for my sweetheart."
"It won't be a problem," Blaine muttered, adjusting his shirt collar.
They both continued to hide behind the barrels chatting until Mercedes and her mother finally came into the store. Blaine thought Sam was going to faint when Mercedes flashed a dazzling smile at him, but he remained conscious as he introduced Blaine.
Mercedes was very nice and friendly. She asked Blaine about his family and how he liked the town, easily bringing him into the conversation. They didn't get a chance to talk for long before the large grandfather clock began to chime and he realized Kurt would be closing up shop soon. Bidding the two goodbye, (he didn't think they really noticed he was going anywhere if the love-struck expressions they were giving each other were any indication.) Blaine hurried back to the Hummel's shop and just caught Kurt locking the door. Of course he looked even more lovely than Blaine remembered.
"I'm not late am I?" Blaine asked. He didn't mean to startle the young blacksmith, but Kurt clutching at his heart as he whipped around made him second guess himself.
"Hell, Blaine! You frightened me!"
The curly-haired boy bit his lip sheepishly and toed at the dust on the road. "Sorry. I was just afraid you would leave without me."
"How would I walk you to your home without you?"
Blaine shrugged, still playing in the dirt. Kurt couldn't help the smile that lifted the corners of his mouth a little. Blaine was rather cute.
"Kurt? Make sure you're home before dark!"
Kurt answered his father that he would as he nudged Blaine's shoulder.
"Let's go."
Blaine waved goodbye to Burt who looked at him strangely. As to why, Blaine couldn't be sure, but he pushed the weird feeling out of his head as he hurried after Kurt.
They were quiet at first, both enjoying the rainbow of wildflowers scattered along the path and the purple mountains in the distance. Blaine smiled at a butterfly as it passed in front of him when Kurt broke the silence.
"Were you able to find work?"
Kurt knew it wasn't the most interesting thing to talk about, but he couldn't stand the tension-filled silence. He honestly had no idea why things were tense anyway. Ever since Cooper had stopped by at lunch, Blaine had grown more withdrawn and Kurt didn't care for it. He found it kind of ironic that earlier that day it was Blaine doing most of the talking, prodding Kurt out of his silence when now the roles were reversed. Call him a fool, but he missed Blaine's smile and incorrigible optimism.
"Well, perhaps. I met a fellow named Sam Evans at the Jones's store and he offered work on his family's ranch."
Kurt nodded in recognition and smirked knowingly. "Ah, yes I know him. We were school mates and he has... some affection for my dear friend Mercedes."
Blaine finally rewarded him with a smile and a laugh. "I should say so. Although I would consider it to be more than 'some.'"
Kurt laughed too, happy that Blaine seemed to be more at ease now. He told himself it was just because he was a new friend and didn't want the shorter boy to feel lonely. Yes, that was it.
"I'm guessing he threatened you?"
"You would be correct. He lifted me off the floor." Blaine rubbed at his lapels in memory.
Kurt sighed as a nice breeze toyed with his hair. He hoped it wasn't messing it up too much.
"He's pretty serious about her. Mercedes knows and she reciprocates, but things aren't so simple." Blaine looked sad again as he traced the outlines of the distant mountains with his eyes.
"I think it's terrible two people who love each other can't be together just because everyone else says it's wrong."
Kurt swallowed as he tried not to think too hard about what Blaine was saying. "I know. Maybe one day things will be different."
"Maybe."
Kurt glanced up at Blaine only to lock eyes with him. The afternoon sunlight was painting his tanned skin a deep gold and glinting off the pomade wetting his hair. His soft-looking lips were curled in a smile and his long eyelashes framed his eyes, now a brilliant gold. If Kurt were inclined that way, his breath might have caught in his chest, his heart might have flipped, and he might even think Blaine was beautiful. Kissable. Lovable.
But, he wasn't, of course.
As they grew quiet with their own thoughts, they arrived at Blaine's home much quicker than Kurt thought they should have. He saw Dorian (he might have named the horses against his father's wishes) munching on grass and he smiled before turning back to Blaine. The boy was picking at a chip in the paint on the banister, not meeting Kurt's eyes.
"Thank you for making sure I made it back. I would have been fine, I'm sure, but it was nice of you to walk me home," Blaine said shyly.
The taller boy bumped shoulders with him and decidedly ignoring the blush that spread across his cheeks at the action. "I couldn't very well have you be eaten by a bear or mountain lion, now could I?"
Blaine laughed softly and smiled up at Kurt through those long eyelashes. Kurt knew he was just a little winded from the walk and not from the smile.
"You would feel terrible. In fact, you should always walk me home so that it never happens."
"Definitely. I better get going so I can get home before dark, but I'll see you later?"
"Definitely," Blaine echoed Kurt as the graceful boy waved and walked back down to the path with a last smile thrown over his shoulder. Blaine sighed as he went into the house, having completely forgotten about his woes of the day with one smile from his beautiful best friend. He would have to stop referring to Kurt like that in his head before he blurted it out accidentally one day.
But for now, he would allow himself to replay every moment of the day with Kurt and be happy.