Lamimi25: Yes. This is a Kurtcedes/Samcedes/Klaine fic with a little Blainecedes and Kam friendship.
JustKlaineThings: Please PM me about the beta position. And thanks for offering.
And Thank you to all those who followed, favored and reviewed.
Helpful info during some dialogues: customers speaking are bold.
Here's the next chapter. Enjoy.
Temptation Next Door
Chapter Two
Kurt walked into his first class of the day rejuvenated and ready to learn. He made a bee line to the front of the room, taking out his supplies and placing them on the desk. Glancing around he saw a handful of students strewed about; some displaying indifference and others staring at him with a peculiar countenance. Facing forward, he folded his hands over the Mead spiral notebook and let his mind wander as he waited for the course to begin.
Professor Ruiz was known around campus for his infuriating habit: mumbling. Kurt had heard about the individuals who stormed out in the middle of his lectures in demand of a different teacher or a schedule change. One student tired a more gracious approach and bought the professor a bullhorn which he accepted yet never used. Kurt didn't know if the tales were true but he made sure to arrived early, taking a seat front and center, just in case.
More students staggered in, crowding the room and conversing with one another. Once everyone had found a seat, Professor Ruiz stood and wrote 'Sociology' on the white board then turned to his expectant pupils.
"Welcome to Sociology 101. I'm Professor Neil Ruiz, your educator for the semester."
That was loud and clear, Kurt thought.
"You'll be required to take plenty of notes so never show up unprepared..."
"What's he saying?"
"Hey, we can't hear you back here!"
"Speak up!"
Mummers echoed throughout the room from the students sitting near the back, a few of them were the ones judging him earlier.
Kurt smiled to himself. Who's laughing now
Meanwhile
In Music History II Mercedes was struggling staying awake. After spending most of Sunday watching movies, dancing and singing around the house instead of sleeping then going to work at the Diner, her brain was screaming for recess. She threw accusations at her roommate for her current misery, but knew she only had herself to blame. On top of being exhausted, she was also late for class and had to sit in the "unpunctual" section.
To his credit, Kurt did try to get her out of bed. But after threatening to do ungodly things to his precious scarves, he scurried away defeated. In her rush to get to class, she didn't have time to eat let alone get caffeine so she couldn't wait to meet up with her best friend later and consume at least five cups of coffee.
There was a light tap on her shoulder which became more insistent when she didn't immediately turn around. Looking back she came face to face with the nuisance who was leaning forward into her personal space. Slightly leaning back, she raised an questioning eyebrow.
"Here", They said in a hushed tone holding out an object. "You need it more than I do."
Mercedes looked down and shook her head, declining the offer.
"It's an energy bar. It'll help you stay awake."
She eyed it skeptically.
"It's not drugged I swear. I have tons of these at home for days like yours. Take it."
The person sounded sincere so she accepted it and nodded her thanks.
"No problem."
Just as she got the wrapper open, the surrounding students started packing up their belongings preparing to leave. She whipped her head around to thank the kind stranger verbally but the seat was vacant. Frowning, she turned and gathered her things.
...
"And you didn't see him in the hallway?"
"Nope. It's like he vanished into thin air."
"Spooky."
"Very."
Kurt and Mercedes were sitting in their usual spot by the window snacking on muffins and drinking coffee. After classes, if their schedules aligned, they would always meet up at the Coffee Bean to chat before Mercedes' shift started or Kurt had to leave for work.
"And you're certain it was a guy?"
"Yes."
"Do you think he was an angel?"
"If he was then I have to give God all the praises. That energy bar was a miracle worker."
Chuckling Kurt asked, "Did you get a good look at his face?"
"Yes. But I couldn't give you an accurate description if I tried. I must have really been out of it because he was so close I could have counted his nose hairs. If he had any."
"In all seriousness, I'm happy someone provided a solution to your problem that didn't turn out deadly but...As your friend, best friend, I have an obligation to keep you alive and safe. So I'm advising you to never ever accept any packaged or unpackaged food from a complete stranger again."
"I know, my actions were foolish. But the logical part of my brain was fried. I swear, this will never happen again."
"Promise?"
"Promise."
They linked pinkies, sealing the agreement and giggling at their juvenile behavior.
"You know what I can't get over though?"
"The fact that you could have been poisoned and somewhere dying right now?"
She scowled at him. Kurt just stared back, completely unrepentant for his matter-of-fact remark.
"Besides that... It was the familiarity of his voice."
"His voice? You can't remember if his hair was long or brown but you remembered hearing his voice somewhere else?"
"It had a distinctive quality, " she argued.
"Well taking your major into account, having a keen ear for sounds is essential."
"Precisely."
Kurt raised the foam cup to his lips, eyes never departing his friend's. "Sure it wasn't Sam?"
"Positive. His voice is more..." She trailed off when she realized it was a bait . "Hey! No fair."
Smirking, he hopped to his feet. "I better get going if I want to get to work in time. FYI: I won't get home till almost ten. You have your key, right?"
She pulled the strap out from underneath her blouse.
"Good. Should I buy us dinner? Considering the choices you make when fatigued, I'd hate to come home to a burning building."
"How chivalrous of you, but no. If I absolutely don't have the energy to cook I'll just order take out."
"Okay. See you tonight." He leant down kissing her cheek.
"Come back to me safely."
"Stay safe till I come back." With a final wave, he was gone.
She sat gazing out the window at the busy sidewalks, her mind far away. She caught a glimpse of a man and a adorable little girl sitting on a bench across the street and smiled. The man was talking to the little girl using exaggerated motions that made her double over in laughter. She tried to imitate his actions and failed but the man laughed anyhow. The sight was really heartwarming.
A hand dropped onto her shoulder and she jumped looking upward.
"Sorry. I didn't mean to startle you."
"Hey, what's up?"
"Your job if you don't get to it."
Mercedes glanced at the clock and bolted out of her seat.
"Thanks Malena , you're a life savior ."
...
"That mannequin in the window is looking fierce."
Kurt look up from where he was folding jeans and beamed at the alluring redhead leaning against the Lucky Brand t-shirts fixture.
He amiably appraised her ensemble that worked wonders for her slim yet curvaceous figure. It consisted of a fitted turquoise ruffled v-neck blouse (made her green eyes pop), a black tube skirt and turquoise velvet twist bow, closed toe platform heels. She top it off with her hair pulled up into a bun and simple diamond earrings and bracelet, giving him a modern day Joan Holloway.
"Why thank you April. I've always had an eye for fashion."
"Which leaves me perplexed about your choice of major."
"I've told you, I have my reasons."
"And what are those exactly?"
"I also told you it's personal."
Detecting the edge in his tone, she respectfully changed the topic.
"Have you considered becoming a personal stylist? It pays double."
Abandoning the pile of jeans, Kurt walked over to his coworker.
"Why am I just now hearing about this?"
"Kiya never mentioned it?"
He thought about it for moment. "No. I'm sure I would have remembered. How do I apply?"
"You don't. It's all about clientele."
"Elaborate."
"You know those business cards that are supplied to all the associates? "
He nodded.
"Have you been handing them out to customers?"
He nodded again.
"And do they call or come in asking specifically for you?"
"Yes. Is this going somewhere?"
April smiled. "All you have to do is nonchalantly mention how you would love being a personal stylist to your recurring shoppers, and it's in the bag."
"That's it?"
"That's it. And if they show interest, give them this."
She walked behind the counter opening the drawer under the register and pulled out a pamphlet.
"All they have to do is follow these instructions and ta-dah, you're all set."
Kurt looked over the pamphlet blissfully. "I can't believe I've been here for a year and this valuable information was never disclosed to me."
"Maybe she forgot."
"Maybe. What about you? Aren't you interested?"
"God no. I hate people."
Kurt laughed. "Then you're in the wrong business."
"Tell me about it. I only work here because it's the easiest way to prey on financially stable men. A smile here, a little bending over there, and mommy's got a brand new pair of red bottoms."
He shook his head. "I would say you're a gold digger but I loath name calling "
"Call it what you please, it's the system Kurt. I'm just doing what the average guy does to unsuspecting women everywhere."
Kurt walked back to the jeans continuing where he left off.
"What about love and romance?"
"You mean fables?"
"There are real life fairy tales. They happen everyday."
"Well that's not for me. I'm a use them then leave them type of gal. Less heartache that way."
"Excuse me?"
They turned their attention to the customer.
"Hi, how are you?" Kurt asked brightly.
"Better now that I've found you two. I have a banquet to attend Wednesday and I have no idea what to wear."
"Don't worry, that's what we're here for."
"Oh thank goodness. I'll wait for you in dresses area."
"We'll be right with you."
The customer walked away with a bounce in her step.
"You go, I'll finish up."
"Are you sure?"
"I don't like people, remember?"
"Right." He turned to leave but April stopped him.
"Kurt, you're forgetting this." She held up the pamphlet.
"Oh yeah, thanks"
"Go get em' tiger."
...
"Can I get a Latte Macchiato and a- babe, what do you want?"
"Um..a Caramel Light Frappuccino."
"So that's a Latte Macchiato and a Caramel Light Frappuccino, correct?"
"Yes."
"Your total is $8-"
"Wait, can we add two of those chocolate cream filled things."
"Whoopee pies?"
"Yeah those."
"Okay...anything else?"
"Babe?"
"No, I'm good."
"That's all."
"Alright, your total is $12.65."
Mercedes removed two whoopee pies from the display and boxed them as the gentlemen pulled out his wallet. He flipped through the bills until he found a twenty and handed it to her.
"Can I get your names please?" She handed them the box of pies and their change then wrote the names they said on the cups.
"Thank you. If you would like to have a seat right over there we'll call you when your coffees are ready."
"Thanks."
"You're welcome." She turned to hand the cups to Malena who volunteered to prepare the beverages.
"Busy Monday."
"And I'm loving it. Time just seems to fly by."
"Are those ready?" Mercedes pointed to the cardboard cup carrier.
"Yea."
She grabbed it walking back to the counter calling out, "AJ and Emily?"
The girls approached the counter and she handed them their drinks.
"Have a great day."
"Thanks, you too."
"Go to the back and get some more cups. We're running low." Her other coworker, Nicki, somewhat demanded.
Mercedes smiled politely. "Sure."
"Tell her to do it herself." Malena said loud enough to be heard. Nicki glared at her and she glowered back.
"Play nice." Mercedes encouraged the feisty Latino.
"Pinche puta."
"Language."
"Why do you let her treat you like a flunkey?"
"Because I need this job. And so do you, so zip it."
"I can't stand her though. She walks around like she's the empress whenever Hector leaves her in charge. I'm sick of it."
"Wonder why he never leaves us in charge."
"Because he's fucking her."
"Shhh." Mercedes looked around the café, hoping no one over heard.
"What? They know that I know. That's why he hasn't fired me."
"But the customers. Just...stop talking."
Malena rolled her blue contact covered eyes, mumbling profanities as she worked on the ordered drinks.
She was one of Mercedes' closest friends, Kurt being number one without a doubt, but she was a close second. The 5'2'' box colored blonde had a fiery attitude and a tongue to match. On her third day at the Coffee Bean, a customer was so irate because a particular dessert was out of stock and bellowed at Mercedes as if she was the one liable. Trying to defused the situation and failing, Malena came to her rescue, "Hey tirón! We barely make enough to afford rent while you spend hundreds of dollars a month on senseless luxuries. So why don't you build a bridge and walk your intolerant bloated ass over it." It baffled Mercedes that she was still employed, but that was the beginning of their beautiful friendship.
"The cups you requested." Mercedes said, dropping the plastic wrapped foam cups onto the counter then returning to her register.
"You're not gonna unwrap them?"
"I'm sure you can handle it. Next in line?" She heard her coworker huff as the next customer stepped up.
"Welcome to the Coffee Bean. What's your pleasure?"
"Yeah, can I get a..." She unintentionally toned the lady out as her ears pinpointed the voice of the customer ordering in Nicki's line. She glanced over and took note of the guy's face, engraving it to her memory.
"...oatmeal raisin cookie."
"I'm sorry. Can you repeat that?" The lady frown but complied. She completed the order then asked Malena to cover for her as she walked from behind the counter to the served and waiting customers.
"Excuse me?" The guy looked up at her. "Do you by chance attend NYU?"
Raising a triangular shaped eyebrow, he nodded. Then his faced morphed into one of recognition.
"Sleepyhead from Music History?"
She chuckled. "That's me. You left so swiftly I didn't get a chance to thank you for your kindness."
"It was nothing. And I'm new to campus, that's why I was late. So I left quickly to have time to find the next class."
"Oh, you're a freshmen?"
"No. A sophomore transfer."
"Well, welcome to the neighborhood."
"Thanks. Actually I was just scoping the area for jobs. Haven't had much luck."
"I've been there. The best advice I can give you is to keep an open mind. The worst job is still a job."
"I'll keep that in mind."
"And you have to give me the name of those energy bars, it really helped."
"Sure." He picked up a napkin and took the pen Mercedes offered writing down the information.
"Here you go."
"Thank you so much, uh..."
He held out a hand. "Blaine."
"Blaine?" She looked at him puzzled.
He returned the look. "Yes?"
"Okay, this is gonna sound crazy but...My roommate met a guy yesterday with the same exact name. He didn't go into grave details but there were eggs involved and-"
"You're Kurt's roommate?"
"You're the egg replacer?"
He laughed at her description. "That I am. Small world huh?"
"Clearly." His name was called and he stood.
"It was nice meeting you", he glanced at her name tag, "Mercedes. And since were not only neighbors but also classmates, I'll definitely see you around."
"Bye. And good luck." He nodded at her then turned grabbing his drink and walked out the door.
"Who's the delicioso pedazo de caramelo del ojo?" Malena asked as Mercedes shuffled up next to her.
"English Lena. And I'll tell you later."
"Fine. But I want toda la historia. Entendido?"
"Vuelve al trabajo." Malena looked impressed.
"I see I'm rubbing off on you."
"Actually I learned it from Hector, who's forever telling you that."
Malena place a hand over her heart. "Usted me hieres mi amigo."
The mouthwatering aroma had Kurt's stomach doing somersaults and his taste buds dancing in delight as he entered the apartment. After stopping to remove his shoes and bag and placing them in the closet, he pranced his way into kitchen and soundly kissed his roommate's cheek.
"What deliciousness has my au fait comrade braised tonight?"
"Someone's in a fabulous mood." She grinned, stirring a pot of red sauce. "And nothing fancy. Just spaghetti, garlic toast and a side salad."
"Sounds great. I'm going to change."
"Okay. Dinner will be served when you return."
He pranced his way down the short hall humming a tune that sounded like Gypsy's Everything is Coming Up Roses.
Mercedes shook her head, smiling at his silliness. She carried the dishes and utensils to the table then put ice in the pitcher of freshly brew Lipton tea. Once that was done she carried the platters of food to the dinning area. She loved that Kurt preferred eating at the table, it gave their quaint apartment a homey ambience.
"Yummy. I can't wait to dive in."
"And trust me, it's as good as it looks. Why, thank you kind sir." Kurt pulled out her chair with a melodramatic bow.
"You're welcome my lady." He twirled to his own seat.
"What's with you today?"
"What do you mean?"
She just side eyed him. Hard.
"Oh alright. I got some news to share."
"That makes two of us."
"Really? Well, ladies first."
"I'll wait. You look like you're about to brust at the seams." She dished some noodles onto her plate as Kurt began his announcement.
"I don't know why I was never informed but, I just found out there's a personal stylist position at my job."
"Oh?" Mercedes said with raised eyebrows.
"Exciting right? And here's the best part...I get paid double what I'm already earning."
"That is good news."
Kurt bounced in his seat like an excited puppy. "Do you know what this means?"
"You can finally splurge on designer couture?"
His eyes drifted to the side as he pondered that prospect. Then he shook his head correcting her.
"No. You can finally quit working at the Diner."
"What?" Mercedes scoffed at the suggestion.
"I will be making enough to cover most if not all of our bills. And it's easy money. I just tell people their fashion sense is atrocious then offer my expertise. I did that all throughout highschool, so no training is required."
"I'm happy for you Kurt and I really do appreciate your offer but...I gonna have to decline."
"What? Why? I thought you hated working at the Diner."
"It can be challenging at times, but it's just three days a week."
"The busiest days of the week. You'll have free weekend nights again. Don't you miss that?"
"Of course. But the manager has been very flexible with my schedule, letting me work a reasonable amount of hours in just a few days is generous. And with Tiffany being MIA regularly, I couldn't just leave them high and dry."
"Do you know how many people are looking for jobs? All you'll be doing is helping them get employed. Besides, Tiffany's issues aren't any of your concerns. If you ask me, she should've been fired a long time ago."
"It's not just that..."
"What other reasons could you possibly have?"
"My pride. I can't just let you pull all the weight Kurt. My parents always taught me to never accept charity, it makes a man lazy. I'm appalled that you even suggested it."
"Cedes. You're not just my best friend, you're like a sister to me. And this is what I do for my family. It's not about charity or whatever. It's about your mental stability. You need more rest."
"We should eat. The food is getting cold."
"Just...think about it. Okay?" She nodded, but Kurt's doubtful she'll change her mind.
"Your turn."
"Oh right. I know who my mysterious angel is."
"A new development? Do tell."
"He came by the café after a stressful day of job hunting and I over heard him ordering coffee."
"Did you talk to him?"
Mercedes nodded. "He's a transfer student. And he left class in a rush to get to his next one on time."
"Great. But I was hoping for a name."
"Oh, you've met him."
"I have? Who is he?"
"Blaine."
Kurt was in the process of scooping sauce from the porcelain bowl when he froze, leaving the ladle suspended in the air, gawking across the table.
Mercedes grinned at him, nodding her head knowingly. Kurt slowly unfroze and closed his mouth.
"You didn't tell me he was a gorgeous young man. And quite the charmer."
"There was no need. He lives right next door, you were bound to run into him at some point."
"I suppose you're right. And at least that explains how I knew his voice. Can you pass the bread please?...Kurt? KURT!"
Kurt jumped a little, causing the table to shake and a light blush spread across his cheeks.
"Yes?"
"Can you pass the bread, please?"
"Sure." He handed her the basket of garlic toast then continued scooping sauce out of the bowl.
"Are you okay?" Mercedes asked with a hint of concern in her voice.
"Yeah... Do you believe in fate? Not in the biblical sense, just in general."
"Like, destiny fate?" He nodded. "I guess. Never given it much thought. Why?"
"It's just...Our neighbors for instance. We kinda met Sam first, then I ran into Blaine who just so happens to be his roommate, who just so happens to offer you an energy bar the very next day."
Mercedes stared at him dubiously. "Your point?"
"It can't just be coincidental."
"Why not?"
Kurt looked like he wanted to specify but decided against it.
"Never mind. Let's eat."