Disclaimer: I own nothing. And sorry for this chapter.. Oh, and the songs (in order) are Hey Soul Sister by Train, Raise Your Glass by P!nk and There's a Good Reason These Tables Are Numbered Honey, You Just Haven't Thought Of It Yet by Panic! at the Disco :)
One week until the winter dance.
Six days.
Five.
Four.
Three.
Two.
One day.
It was the morning of the winter dance; red and silver decorations stretched across the (previously) assembly hall's ceiling, each line of tinsel looping around the central chandelier and forming a pattern between the two colours as they hung elegantly to the walls. Two christmas trees, each vast in size as the stood in the corners opposite the stage, reached up until they brushed against the hanging embellishments. Both were carefully decorated, similar, yet each still managing to be unique to themselves. In the middle, between the two trees, DJ equipment had been set up, the wide, powerful speakers looking underdressed in contrast to the rest of the room. On the stage, the warblers were beginning their final run through before they had to all separate to their own devices until seven o'clock later in the evening. Blaine, having three solos, was looking forward to resting his voice and his mind before having to perform, to the audience during his singing, and possibly his father through acting.
Today was the day. Ever since he'd first heard of where he'd gone, he'd been planning what he'd do.
He smirked.
Just like a spider, all he'd need to do was wait for the fly to walk unsuspectingly into his web; then he'd pounce. The male had originally hoped that the time at Dalton would have given his prey back a sense of security, it'd make it easier to catch him, more fun too. It was only moments after this thought though that he realized he didn't care.
When Blaine eventually found Kurt after practice, the porcelain teen was pacing the entrance to Windsor, wearing a hole in the carpet. The wait to see if his family would arrive was killing him.
"Hey, it'll be alright. They'll come Kurt."
Kurt spun around, smiling at Blaine as he noticed his best friend. He shrugged his shoulders, nodding his head as he tried his best to believe Blaine. He pulled out his paper.
'But what if they don't? I haven't seen them in months, Blaine. What if they've forgotten me?'
"Do you really think that?"
Kurt shrugged again, this time not meeting the other boy's eyes.
"Kurt, I doubt anyone could forget you even if they tried, though I have no idea why they'd want to. You're amazing, Kurt- I don't see how you don't realise that."
'Well you are always hogging the mirror for your gel, so..'
Blaine grinned, loving that Kurt trusted him enough to make fun of his hair, "well not everyone can have hair that's naturally perfect."
Kurt nudged Blaine's arm lightly in reply, smiling at the fact that they both knew it wasn't perfect. Or at least, that was what Kurt thought.
"Umm, Kurt? I think that man's calling you..?"
The said boy looked up from his unintended staring at Blaine. Was that his dad?
"Kurt!"
The pale boy looked up at the teen next to him, wordlessly asking whether he was dreaming or not. With a smile, Blaine nodded and Kurt's eyes widened excitedly before bounding into his father's open arms which were now only about a metre away. Behind the hugging pair walked the giant of a boy Blaine recognised to be Finn and a motherly looking woman Blaine had never met. When they caught up with Kurt's dad, Kurt eventually broke away, hugging them as well before sliding back to his dad's side, happy tears slipping down his face as he looked back at Blaine. His father followed his gaze and noticed Blaine, possibly for the first time as he had seemed to had eyes for Kurt only.
"Hi," said Blaine awkwardly, "I was just waiting with Kurt, um- I'll leave you alone now?" Blaine looked over at Kurt, looking for some sign that he wanted him to go or stay.
"Oh don't go on our account," the woman Blaine guessed to be Kurt's mother said, "it's nice to meet any friend of Kurt's. I'm Carole, Kurt's step mum."
"Pleasure to meet you, my name's Blaine," he replied, holding out his hand politely which the woman then shook, "but really, I know Kurt's been waiting to see you for ages, I don't want to disrupt you."
"If you're sure?"
"Of course, I'll see you later Kurt?"
Kurt grinned and nodded.
As Blaine walked back into the entrance hall, he was surprised by just how many parents had arrived already. In one corner stood Jeff with his parents who seemed to be fussing over the boy's uniform. His mother seemed adamant that his uniform was crumpled when Blaine knew for a fact it had been ironed this morning whilst, as Blaine overheard as he walked past them, his father appeared to be asking about his grades, wondering why his grade in French was an A instead of an A*. In another corner, Roddy was talking to his dad and watching with wide eyes at the monkey that sat on the man's shoulder, leaning over and chattering into Roddy's ear. From what Blaine could hear, they were discussing the best foods to attract certain animals. Both father and child shared a profound bond with animals and they were definitely a sight to see. Another pair arrived, although Blaine didn't recognize them or who they belonged to. He sighed before deciding to hunt out Nick, hoping he could get him to save Jeff from his parents.
The first place he checked was the commons after hearing laughter coming from the room. Curiously, he opened the door and for a moment, just stood with his eyebrows raised.
Inside, Theo and Fors were running around whilst a man Blaine recognized chased them, having obviously stolen a water pistol from one of the twins. The other lay forgotten in the corner. Suddenly, Theo ran towards him, ducking as a stream of water followed, missing him and hitting Blaine instead.
"Oops, sor- Squirt!"
"What?" Blaine asked, wiping the water out of his eyes, "Coop?"
"Heya bro!"
The man jumped forward, sweeping Blaine into a hug and ruffling his hair as Blaine tried to squirm away.
"Coop! Get off!"
"What?" Cooper asked, eyebrows raised innocently whilst the corners of his mouth struggled to remain straight. "And jeez Blaine, lay off the gel," he complained, wiping his hand on his trousers.
"We've told him that before," remarked Fors, tilting his head.
"Even hid his entire supply of hair gel- even his emergency supply- didn't work though," agreed Theo.
"Did you get his back up emergency supply? Seriously, when we were younger, he'd-"
"Coop!"
"Squirt!" Cooper mimicked.
"Funny- but you agreed no telling your stories."
"I lied- just like that time you pretended to lose your voice so you didn't have to kiss that girl in your school play."
"I was six, Coop!"
"Of course you were."
Seven o'clock.
He'd been waiting all day, waiting months in fact. It all came down to the next few hours, then he'd get him.
It hadn't been easy, and he wasn't going pretend it had. He hadn't had a decent sleep in weeks, having to keep moving so the police didn't find him. After the first two months, the search had died down, but he knew it would be foolish to let his guard down. Keep the eyes on the prize, he told himself, but don't ever stop checking his surroundings and hiding his tracks.
"He's not going to come, is he?"
Blaine and Cooper stood together in the transformed assembly hall, which was by now filled with hundreds of other students and families. It was ten minutes until Blaine was due to take the lead in their opening number- Hey Soul Sister, by Train- and their father still hadn't arrived. He always liked to make an entrance and Blaine guessed this was just another way to show his control over Blaine.
"He will," replied Cooper, trying to act like he was sure even though he honestly had no idea, "...do you want him to?"
"..Is it bad that I'm not sure?"
Cooper didn't answer but instead furrowed his eyebrows curiously.
"Coop, the last time I saw him was when I had to go home for Christmas and, until you got there, he pretty much ignored me and I ended up spending most of my time in my room."
"He might have changed?"
"Precisely! What if he has? Am I supposed to act like we're friends? Should I avoid him altogether? Does he expect me to just play happy families with him? I just- I don't know what to do."
"Squirt, let me give you some advice you'll probably forget in seconds or laugh at: be yourself. If you pretend to be something you're not, then you're not being true to yourself- you shouldn't have to change for dad. It's not your job to earn his love, it's his job to earn yours."
Blaine raised his eyebrows, trying to lighten the mood, "so which play did you rip that off of?"
"Shut up."
"Blaine! Curtain's up in five- Wes wants you so he can go over the set list one more time," called Nick as he passed, Jeff beside him, both heading to the stage area.
"Coming! See you after Coop?"
"You betcha! And don't forget to smile!" He shouted after Blaine as the boy jogged after Nick and Jeff.
The opening notes from the other warblers started up around Blaine as he stood in position on stage. He put on a large smile as he saw Cooper desperately pointing at his mouth and wished it to be real. His father still wasn't there. Taking a deep breath, he fell into the music.
Heeey, Heeeeey, Heeeeeey.
Your lipstick stains, on the front lobe of my left side brains,
I knew I wouldn't forget ya, and so I went and let you blow my mind.
Blaine's eyes travelled as he danced, meeting Kurt's as he watched with his family. The pale boy looked so happy and Blaine felt an odd, almost pull of the heart. He'd always known Kurt was pretty, but it never occurred to him until now just quite how beautiful this boy was.
Your sweet moon-beam, the smell of you in every single dream I dream.
I knew when we collided, you're the one I have decided,
Who's one of my kind.
He blushed as he realised he was still staring and turned, allowing the pumping adrenaline to take over more.
Hey, Soul Sister, ain't that mister mister on the radio, stereo,
The way you move ain't fair you know.
Hey, Soul Sister, I don't wanna miss a single thing you dooooo...
Tonight.
He allowed his eyes to search again but his father still wasn't there. He wasn't coming.
Way you can cut a rug,
Watching you's the only drug I need.
So gangster, I'm so thug,
You're the only one I'm dreaming of you see.
I can be myself now finally,
In fact there's nothing I can't be,
I want the world to see you be, with me,
Hey, Soul Sister, ain't that mister mister on the radio, stereo,
The way you move ain't fair you know.
Hey, Soul Sister, I don't wanna miss a single thing you do tonight...
Cooper's smile caught his attention and Blaine grinned back, before his eyes rested on Kurt again. What was happening to him?
Hey, Soul Sister, I don't wanna miss a single thing you dooooo...
Tonight.
Heeey, Heeeeey, Heeeeeey, tonight.
Heeey, Heeeeey, Heeeeeey.
Tonight
A deafening applause followed, his brother's cheering louder than anyone else's. Blaine looked back over and immediately his breath caught in his throat. His dad was there.
Luckily for him, the next song he didn't have a big part in so it wasn't too noticeable when he missed his queue. He forced a smile and started to sing the back up as Nick, Jeff, David and Trent each took the stage.
"That Blaine kid was looking at you a lot during that last song," said Finn loudly as four boys took lead in a rendition of 'Get this party started' by P!nk. "Do you want me to threaten him?"
"Finn!" Carole scolded from next to him- she too had noticed it and wanted to ask Kurt on it but was taken aback by Finn's implied violence. She really needed to start limiting his game time.
"What?"
Carole frowned at her boy's curiosity to what he'd supposedly said wrong but inwardly gave a motherly smile, proud at how willing he was to defend his brother.
Kurt meanwhile, showed his smile and gave Finn a hug, thanking him for his quick defence although he knew Blaine would never hurt him.
'Blaine's my friend,' wrote down Kurt, showing Finn before he started on a 'keep away from my brother' speech. Not like the taller boy hadn't done it before. Or at least, nearly.
"Oh." Finn tilted his head, "but he's your roommate too? So is he just a friend?"
"Finn!"
Finn's eyes flicked between Burt and Carole who were both shooting him looks which clearly meant he should shut up. Kurt had flinched at Finn's bluntness, choosing to pick at his blazer and bit his lip. They weren't dating, but, due to the amount he relied on Blaine, he knew it could be thought they were.
Kurt wasn't sure if he minded this or not.
The song finished and the boys onstage moved positions again, falling into formation easily. It was their last until the finale so they'd decided on their best crowd pleaser, one that would, to quote the last song, 'get the party started'.
Right, right, turn off the lights
We're gonna lose our minds tonight
What's the deal, yo?
I love when it's all too much
5 a.m. turn the radio up
Where's the rock 'n roll?
Party crasher, panty snatcher
Call me up if you're a gangsta
Don't be fancy, just get dancy
Why so serious?
So raise your glass if you are wrong
In all the right ways, all my underdogs
We will never be, never be anything but loud
And nitty, gritty, dirty, little freaks
Won't you come on and come on and
Raise your glass!
Just come on and come on and
Raise your glass!
A whoop from the audience led Blaine to spot Cooper again in the crowd. He didn't notice his father next to him, and if he did, he was too happy to currently care about how he felt seeing his son dancing and singing onstage.
So if you're too school for cool
And you're treated like a fool
You can choose to let it go
We can always, we can always party on our own
So raise your
So raise your glass if you are wrong
In all the right ways, all my underdogs
We will never be, never be anything but loud
And nitty, gritty, dirty, little freaks
(So raise your glass if you are wrong)
So raise your glass if you are wrong
Blaine sang and danced around the stage, his worries abandoned as he got more into the song.
In all the right ways, all my underdogs
We will never be, never be anything but loud
And nitty, gritty, dirty, little freaks
Won't you come on and come on and
Raise your glass!
Just come on and come on and
Raise your glass!
Won't you come on and come on and
Raise your glass for me!
Just come on and come on and
Raise your glass for me!
For me
Blaine grinned into the applause, heart pumping adrenaline as he fell back in line, bowing with the other warblers. They clapped the audience back before climbing off the stage, laughing and clapping eachother on the back as they did so.
"Blaine!"
The said boy turned around from high fiving Wes only to find himself being lifted into the air but his older brother.
"Coop!" Blaine whined, struggling to be put down. It was a habit his brother never really grew out of and it was annoying, to say least. Unfortunately though, it didn't appear Blaine was going to grow much more so he'd long since given up hope he'd get to big to be lifted.
"You did great squirt! Although I couldn't help noticing you stared in one direction for rather long? I could help you with that- what you need to do, is-"
Someone cleared their throat behind Cooper.
"Oh, er- right. Umm, dad's arrived," said the tall male awkwardly.
"Hi Blaine."
"Father."
A pause.
"I liked your performance, it definitely kicked off the party. However, being in the warblers isn't impacting your studies, is it? Because studies-"
"It's not."
"Okay."
Another pause.
"Are you working well?"
"Yes sir."
"Good."
Cooper cleared his throat and Blaine looked up, silently begging him to change the conversation. In return, his brother shot him a smile.
"Well, I think Theo's trying to get my attention, I'd better go. Be back soon!"
And with that, Cooper walked off before Blaine could stop him and the boy was left to shoot daggers at his back. He'd told Blaine he wouldn't leave him alone with dad- the liar!
"So are you coming home this Christmas?" His dad eventually asked, interrupting Blaine's deadly glare.
"Probably not- I have quite a bit of work to do so I was thinking I might stay with Wes." Again.
"Oh. You know you're always welcome at home? Christmas isn't the same without you," the older man coughed, somewhat awkwardly. Blaine stared up, confused.
"And what's your real motive?" Blaine asked, suddenly tired of always seeming to be being used by his dad. He knew he didn't really want him at his house.
"Why would I have any other reason than the fact I haven't seen you in ages?"
"Last time we 'hung out' was when I first came out and you decided to build a car with me. So I'm sorry if I'd prefer to spend my Christmas without someone attempting to change my sexual orientation."
"Wait, you think rebuilding that car was my way of trying to turn you straight?"
Blaine nodded, long since accepting this and so the bluntness of the question didn't bother him. He was just waiting for his father to confirm his suspicions.
"Blaine I- I never thought- it wasn't like that."
"Really? Then what was it like," asked Blaine bitingly, all pretence of manners disappearing as he waited for the lies.
"I thought we could bond over it. After Sadie Hawkins, you were so.. withdrawn would probably be the right word. I thought it would be a way to stop you avoiding me- but I guess it only did make it worse."
Blaine frowned, unprepared for what his dad was saying.
"Blaine, honestly, I never wanted to, or intended to, try and turn you. I'm sorry you ever thought of it that way- it was never meant to be... Was this why you never come home for holidays for more than a week?"
Blaine shrugged, still getting his head around the idea that his father didn't hate him.
"I thought you stopped loving me," he eventually whispered only to find himself being pulled into a hug.
"I could never."
"Wait, no. I split up your and mum's marriage-"
"No you didn't. It was mine and her choice. If I didn't want to live with someone who only loved their children for their sexuality, then that's not your problem."
"But-"
"Blaine."
"But-"
"No."
"So, wondering why dad's so open about it now, squirt?"
Blaine turned to see Cooper popping up beside him, speaking loudly over the music which had suddenly gained in volume. However, there was nobody by the speakers but Blaine shrugged it off.
"Cooper-" their dad said warningly, covering his face with a hand.
"Because I like to think I had something to do with it."
"Why, what did you do?" Blaine asked curiously.
"Took him to a gay bar."
Cooper's chest puffed out like a proud peacock as he announced this, smiling his signature grin. It remained unfazed as Blaine started splattering for two reasons.
A) because really, his father at a gay bar? He really couldn't imagine it, and also, b) because if Cooper took him, that meant he was there too. Blaine couldn't help but feel slightly sorry for the men when they found out his brother was straight.
"Oh, you think that's funny? Wait 'til you hear about how he got bought more drinks that me! Seriously, by the end of the night, he had at least ten different guy's numbers."
Phase one of his plan was easy, and he carried it through even easier. It was simple, yet ingenious: turning up the music. It was such a tiny thing, yet the man knew it could make a vital difference. With loud music in the hall, there was less chance of anyone being heard if they screamed.
Next, came the more complicated part.
Somehow, after the talk with his dad, Blaine eventually found himself face to face with Kurt, smiling at the happy boy. It was a smile that lit up the room, or at least, from Blaine's perspective; it was clear just how much he loved his dad. Although the other boy's thoughts had never really been a mystery to him.
"Kurt! How are you? Did you like our performance?"
Kurt nodded, flipping open his book and, if possible, grinning wider.
'I loved it! You were great!'
"Yeah," interrupted Finn, "It's a good thing Rachel isn't here although, y'know, she did want to see Kurt."
Kurt rolled his eyes at the lie; he knew most of his old glee group hated him.
"Who's Rachel?"
"She's my girlfriend- she's great! And her-"
"Finn Hudson! I hope you're not going to say what I think you're going to say?"
"What did you think I was gonna say? I was talking about her- erm," Finn looked around for inspiration, finally landing on Blaine's feet, "shoes! Yeah, shoes."
"Of course. Anyway, I think I can see a teacher over there, I want to talk to him about the food- c'mon."
"Aww, mum. Can't I stay here?"
"Nope, come on, it's only a short walk anyway."
Finn groaned but followed his mother; Blaine swore she winked at him as they left the pair alone.
"Y'know, I didn't say this earlier, but you look lovely today."
Kurt smiled; he had earlier added a broach to his uniform, it was old, but it was still one of they boy's favourites.
'Thanks,' wrote Kurt, barely looking at the paper as he continued to find himself lost in the hazel eyes, 'you too. In fact, I seem to remember seeing your outfit somewhere else... maybe it was the mirror?'
Blaine grinned at the joke, they were both still in their school uniforms.
"So, it's getting kinda hot in here- would you like to go find the drinks? I hear the punch this year is to die for."
'I'd love to.'
An hour later, the music was blasting louder in their ears as someone stood confidently on stage, apparently about to hold an impromptu performance. The leather clad male appeared to be drunk, clasping a cup of orange liquid that could be identified as punch in his left hand.
Please, leave all overcoats, canes and top hats with the doorman
From that moment, you'll be out of place and under dressed
I'm wrecking this evening already and loving every minute of it
Ruining this banquet for the mildly inspiring and
His spare hand was held out in front of him, as if to steady him whilst he blinked heavily at the bright lights. Across the room, Burt spotted his wife, fighting his way through the crowds to get to her.
Please, leave all overcoats, canes and top hats with the doorman
From that moment, you'll be out of place and under dressed
I'm wrecking this evening already and loving every minute of it
Ruining this banquet for the mildly inspiring and
When the pair eventually met, Burt's expression quickly changed from one of happiness to surprise.
"Where's Kurt?"
When you're in black slacks with accentuating
Off-white, pinstripes, woah-oh
Everything goes according to plan
Carole looked around, only managing to spot one of her sons who was currently piling pizza onto a plate.
"He was with Blaine. I think they went to get punch, but-"
I'm the new cancer
Never looked better, you can't stand it
Because you say so under your breath
Your reading lips, "When did he get all confident?"
Haven't you heard that I'm the new cancer?
Never looked better and you can't stand it
"But what?"
"That was an hour ago; they should be back by now."
Burt's eyes widened with worry as he continued to search the room with his eyes., "so where are they then?"
Next is a trip to the, the ladies room in vain and
I bet you just can't keep up with, with these fashionistas and
Tonight, tonight, you are, you are a whispering campaign
I bet to them, your name is "Cheap"
I bet to them you look like sh-
Three teachers were now chasing the singer, who had responded in leaping off the stage and onto a food table, carefully avoiding the food below.
Burt however, didn't notice any of this, to busy wondering where his boy was.
"Burt, calm down- your heart! I'm sure Kurt's safe with Blaine somewhere. It's not like we were followed here."
Talk to the mirror, oh, choke back tears
And keep telling yourself that,"I'm a diva"
Oh and the smokes in that cigarette box
On the table, they just so happen to be laced with nitroglycerin
Suddenly, someone tapped Carole on the shoulder, letting out a breath as she recognized it to be Blaine's older brother.
"Hey, are you Kurt's parents?"
"Yeah-"
"Have you seen Blaine? I can't find him anywhere."
"What?"
I'm the new cancer
Never looked better, you can't stand it
Because you say so under your breath
You're reading lips, "When did he get all confident?"
Haven't you heard that I'm the new cancer?
Never looked better and you can't stand it
"Blaine?" Cooper repeated, getting more desperate as every second ticked by.
"Blaine's missing? So's Kurt."
"Shi- do you have any idea where they could be. Crap, what if they're hurt? I can't let that happen to Blaine, not again."
Haven't you heard that I'm the new cancer?
I've never looked better and you can't stand it
Haven't you heard that I'm the new cancer?
I've never looked better and you can't stand it
"Okay, you need to calm down," Carole said, "what's your name?"
"Cooper. Cooper Anderson."
"Right, Cooper, and you too Burt, you can't jump to the worst. They probably just stepped outside for some air," said Carole although inwardly she was freaking out.
And I know and I know, it just doesn't feel like
A night out with no one sizing you up
I've never been so surreptitious
So, of course, I'll be distracted when I spike the punch
"Right, yes. Outside-" was all Cooper managed to say before running over to the doors.
And I know and I know, it just doesn't feel like
A night out with no one sizing you up
I've never been so surreptitious
So, of course, I'll be distracted when I spike the punch
Somehow, the singer had been caught, teachers each grabbing an arm as they dragged him out of sight.
And I know and I know, it just doesn't feel like
A night out with no one sizing you up
I've never been so surreptitious
So, of course, I'll be distracted when I spike the punch
"They're locked!"
And those few words from Cooper were the last anyone heard before they were plunged into darkness as the power was turned off.
Just over an hour earlier:
The two boys each sipped at their glasses, the fruit punch slipping down their throats. It had an extra ingredient Blaine couldn't quite put his finger on, but it didn't make the drink taste bad. Still, Blaine didn't get another refill after he had finished his first. Instead, he picked up a cream eclair whilst Kurt continued to drink. He'd left Cooper to his own devices, or, to flirt with one of the sisters of a warbler, and now spotted him with her on the other side of the room.
Meanwhile, Kurt shook his head, rubbing his ear as the music seemed to get louder. Everything seemed to feel hotter than it usually would and his movements were slow, as if he were drunk. As he took a step towards Blaine, he found himself tripping. Luckily, Blaine heard and turned around in time to catch him.
"Kurt? Are you okay?"
The boy shook his head, managing to regain his balance before rubbing his head again. Was Blaine always this loud?
"Kurt? You're um, really hot."
Kurt looked up and met Blaine's eyes- what did he just say?
Blaine, catching on, blushed, shaking his head, "no- I mean you're burning up. Do you need to go outside for some air?"
Kurt only hesitated a second before nodding, fresh air would stop the creeping feeling of sickness.
"Okay- whoa," said Blaine as Kurt stumbled again, "hang on, why don't you lean on me until you can sit down?"
Kurt nodded, happily resting his weight on the other boy as they walked to the doors and outside.
The cold, night air hit Kurt, relieving the hotness that had swept over him in the hall. A wooden bench stood beside them and Blaine sat him down, watching for any sign that Kurt felt worse. Suddenly, the other boy's eyes grew wide, no longer looking at Blaine but behind him. His breathing quickened and a small sheen of sweat could be seen on Kurt's forehead. Not wanting to take his eyes off Kurt, Blaine swept a hurried look over his shoulder to see what had startled his friend.
A gun was inches away from his head, a beefy, oversized jock gripping it.
"Hummel. Did you miss me?"