AN: Thanks again to all those who followed, favored and reviewed. Here's the next chapter. Enjoy.
Temptation Next Door
Chapter 3
Mind if I sit here?"
"No, go ahead."
"Thanks." Blaine sat down with a grateful smile and pulled out his needed supplies. Mercedes was watching him and couldn't help but smile as well, it was really contagious.
Since that brief conversation at the café on Monday, their contact had only been fleeting nods and polite hellos as they passed each other in the hallway of their apartment building or caught a glimpse of the other in class. Under different circumstances Mercedes would have thought their behavior was rather odd, due to her sociable upbringing, but they're both extremely busy students with demanding priorities. Small talk was for the birds. Now, with Blaine sitting beside her writing something down in his notebook, she felt the need to strike up a conversation. She pondered her next words thoroughly but digressed when Blaine spoke first.
"Thank god it's Friday, right? Although I won't get to stay in all weekend with searching for a job and all."
"Still?" He nodded. "Someone as dapper and courtly as you hasn't found a job yet? Insane."
Blaine laughed lightly. "I'm flattered. But unfortunately, appearance and intellect is meaningless without suitable work experience. Voluntarily working in a highschool cafeteria isn't even considered minimally adequate."
"You never had an actual job before?"
"No. Never really had to."
Before she could farther interrogate him, the lecturer compelled everyone's attention.
They stayed focused on the lesson: taking notes, occasionally answering or asking questions and interacting with other students when class participation was encouraged. As the class cruised to an end, Blaine started packing up his things, making certain he had all his possessions. Students were already filing out when Mercedes started collecting her things. She turned her head slightly to the left and caught sight of her hazel eyed neighbor patiently waiting. Taken back, she increased her pace and got up from her seat.
"Well, my next class is this way." Blaine announced as they enter the hallway.
Mercedes cocked her head in the opposite direction from where Blaine had pointed. "I'm headed this way."
"Oh. I guess I'll see you later." Mercedes nodded and they waved goodbye as he turned to walk down the hall.
"Hey, Blaine. Hold up."
Blaine about-faced and waited for her to reach him. She didn't know why she did it, she just knew she needed to.
"Yes?"
"Would you- if you're not busy later or anything- um, would you like to get coffee? At the Coffee Bean? I usually go with Kurt but he has work so-"
Blaine smiled softly and placed a hand on her forearm. "I'd love to."
...
Kurt double checked his outfit in the door mirror, turning from side to side. He was dressed in a freshly iron royal blue Michael Kors cotton-twill dress shirt, Perry Ellis black dress pants and Steve Madden Lyfe double monk loafers. Nodding approvingly, he sprayed his hair one last time then headed towards the living room to grab his bag and cell phone.
Just as he exited the apartment his neighbor walked down the hall and stopped in front of his own door. Kurt smiled politely then locked his door and moved to walk pass the blonde.
"Kurt, right?"
Kurt paused to answer his question. "Right."
"Sam." He held out a hand and Kurt shook it.
"I know." After a moment, Kurt turned to leave but stopped when Sam spoke again.
"Can I ask you something?"
"If this is about my roommate-"
"No, no. Not at all." When Kurt raised an eyebrow he continued. "I was wondering if you could give me some fashion tips."
Kurt raised his other eyebrow, completely caught off guard by the request. "What makes you think I know anything about fashion?"
Sam smirked. "Really dude? You're always dressed so...nice. And most gay men are into-"
"Gay? Who said I was gay?"
Sam looked alarmed and speedily apologized. "I'm sorry. I just thought- I didn't mean to offend you."
"So being gay is offensive?"
"No. That's not what I meant. I have no problem with gay people. In fact my..." He snapped his mouth shut and averted his eyes.
Kurt figured he had jived the guy long enough and decided to come clean. Though his abrupt silence didn't go unnoticed.
"You're right. I'm gay." Sam visibly relaxed. "But what is it that you need me to help you with concerning fashion?"
"I'm working on becoming a model. Every agency I've been to so far takes one look at my portfolio," he waved the folder in the air, "then sends me packing. But today this guy gave me some advice on my clothes: 'Don't ever wear that again. In fact, burn it'. Do I look that bad?"
Kurt took in his attire of a plaid short sleeve button down shirt, ripped straight jeans and white Chuck Taylor OX. The look totally fit Sam, but it wasn't ideal for a casting call.
"Not bad per se, just inappropriate. Modeling agencies prefer the applicant to be a clean canvas. You know, to see what they have to work with. Usually a plain white t-shirt and simple denim jeans will suffice. And a hair cut would help."
Sam ran a hand through his hair self-consciously. "Believe it or not, I don't own any simple shirts or pants."
"Seriously?"
"Yes. All my pants are ripped and all my t-shirts have logos on them. I really didn't think this through did I?"
Kurt surveyed the blonde's dejected look, rolling his eyes at the empathy he felt. Glancing down at his phone to check the time, he blamed the fashionista part of himself for what he said next.
"Look, I have to get to work but...if you want to tag along I'm sure we could find you something befitting."
Sam perked up. "Really? That'd be great dude. Thanks."
"Don't get too excited", Kurt turned walking towards the elevators, "my services come with a fee."
"Name your price, money is the least of my problems."
"We'll see."
"So, where's work?"
...
"Thank you for the invitation."
Mercedes waved a dismissal hand. "Its just the Coffee Bean. You've been here before."
"True. But you didn't have to ask me to come with you. For that, I'm grateful."
"This is what I'm talking about. You're so well mannered. How are you still jobless?"
Blaine shrugged and took a sip of his coffee. "No work experience."
"About that, earlier you said you never had to work before. Well, neither did I. But Kurt and I both knew it would pay off in the end. Especially on college applications."
"Agreed. It's just... I come from a substantial family with beneficial connections. No matter the college, I would've been taken care of. But..." He trailed off looking at Mercedes intently, as if silently deliberating if he should proceed.
"My father and I don't see eye to eye on a lot of things. For example, me being gay."
Mercedes' eyebrows twitched upward but she forced her expression to remain neutral.
"I came out my freshman year in highschool. My mom accepted me with no hesitation. She's always been my confidant." He smiled softly, eyes distant in memory. "I remember her being so ecstatic, thinking that since I had finally admitted my secret we would have tons of shopping sprees." He chuckled and Mercedes smiled. "I hate shopping. But I would go with her because it was what she loved.
"My dad...he didn't approve. He's all about appearances. Any "flaws" his children possess is a reflection on him and his reputation is top priority. Followed by superlative education. I had been in private schools since the age of five. My highschool was an all boys academy, that's how I met Sam. There was a time he had threatened to remove me because he thought that environment made me who I am." He shook his head. "Took some time to convince him otherwise. Eventually he respected my "choice" of lifestyle, but he refused to accept my choice of career."
Mercedes was listening attentively, not daring to interrupt. She watched as Blaine took a sip of his coffee and decided to do the same before it got cold.
"I want to be a performer. Singing and dancing, and the whole nine yards. My father wants me to go into the family business, even more so now that my older brother went into showbusiness. He's an actor. You haven't seen him in movies though, he's just done commercials. Anyways... I applied to several colleges, including NYU, but my father was adamant about me staying close to home so I also applied to OSU."
"Ohio State University?" Mercedes questioned, breaking her silence and Blaine nodded. "Kurt and I are from Ohio."
Blaine's eyes widened. "Really? Which part?"
"Lima."
"Westerville. That's just two hours away. The world just got smaller."
Do you believe in fate?
Kurt's words came back in a flash. Not only were Blaine and Sam from Ohio just a couple of hours away, but one of them was gay.
It can't just be coincidental
"I got accepted to both Universities but caved under my father's pressure and attended OSU majoring in Business/Communications. I hated it. And I was starting to resent my father more and more. My mother noticed and came to me near the end of the school year with an offer to get me out. She had saved up some money, enough to get me here and to pay rent for about six months because my father had promised to cut me off if I defiled his orders. So with the money set aside, all I had to do was convince the NYU administration to admit me, but my mother took care of that too. After all she had done, I decided I would find my own job.
"I told Sam, who stayed in Ohio after graduation working with his father, and he jump at the opportunity to join me. Him leaving wasn't as problematic with his family as it was for mine. He even came earlier to get the apartment set up and everything. With him here, the bill load has lessen and I'm not alone in a new city. Plus he's hoping to become a model, which I totally didn't see coming. He's like a brother to me, you know?"
Mercedes smiled and nodded. "I feel the same way about my roommate."
"Highschool friends?"
"We've known each other since middle school actually. In highschool we were inseparable, joining most of the same clubs and extracurriculars activities. Our favorite club was Glee."
"I was in my highschool glee club as well. The Dalton Academy Warblers."
"Oh yeah, I heard of you guys. Y'all victory over Vocal Adrenaline was the talk amongst glee clubs everywhere, I'm sure."
Blaine smiled broadly. "We were like rock stars after that win."
"We were the William McKinley Musical Mavens and the most hated club at the school. After the original director died no other teacher wanted the position and with only five members, it was soon abandoned. It was that plus my dad's countless sermons about the lack of assurance in the music industry that led me to majoring in Music Education."
"You want to be a singer?"
"Once upon a time. But besides my mom and Kurt, no one ever supported my dream. My father is just as demanding as yours and though he wanted me to become a doctor or a lawyer, he's happy my studies will guarantee a job in the future. I know he has the best intentions for me, that makes it hard to violate his demands at times."
"Was NYU his choice?"
Mercedes shook her head. "He didn't care what college I chose. I applied to UCLA but wasn't accepted so at the last possible minute, I decided to come here. I want to be a music teacher so I can provide the education for aspiring singers, or performers, that I didn't receive. My new dream is for the dreams of others to come true."
"Wow. I feel so selfish."
"Don't. I wish I had your courage."
They were silent for a while, drinking their now cold beverages and watching customers come and go.
"Can I get you guys refills?" Malena asked, her eyes glued to Blaine. Mercedes watched her with a smirk.
Wait till she learns she has no chance with this one
"No, but thanks."
"You sure hot stuff? It's on the house."
"We're sure, Malena", Mercedes spoke this time. They stared at each other until the Latina reluctantly walked away.
"Want to hear something embarrassing?" Blaine suddenly asked and his new friend nodded, intrigued. "I had a crush on Sam for about six months after we met. I'm over it now and he knows. It didn't alter our friendship."
"I have a confession too... I asked Kurt out once."
"What's so scandalous about that?"
"Isn't it obvious? I'm so not his type."
"You're a beautiful, intelligent and compassionate woman. If that's not his type then what is?"
Mercedes stared at him completely aghast.
Was this dude that unobservant. And wait, did he just...
"Thanks. You can't see it, but I'm totally blushing. And Kurt is a sweetheart, that's why I thought we were more than what we were. But he's...gay."
"Oh, now I get it."
"You seriously didn't notice?"
"I try not to put people in a box. The way a person carries themselves shouldn't be labeled as this or that unless they specifically say it."
"I can respect that."
...
"Why didn't you tell me your erotically attractive friend was gay?"
Kurt ignored his harebrained coworker as he bagged a customer's purchases. "Thank you for shopping at Neiman Marcus. Have a great day."
The customer gave the redhead a lingering dirty look then walked away. April missed it completely, her eyes fastened on Kurt's face.
"Could you attempt to be a little tactful? You know, customer service and all?"
"Can we focus on what's important here? Like, are you two blowing each other or what?"
"Who?"
"Blondie."
Kurt rolled his eyes walking to the dressing rooms. "No. He's one hundred percent straight."
"Are you sure?"
"Very."
"Then explain why he didn't even blink an eye in my direction."
"I don't know, maybe you're not his type."
"Let me stop you right there Kurt", she put her hands on her hips as if posing, "I'm every man's type."
Kurt removed the unwanted clothing from the hook and pushed pass his conceited colleague to return them to their designated racks.
"Not mine."
"You don't count."
"But you said every-"
"I know what I said. And you clearly don't fit into that category. Same for your friend. You're a nice piece of ass Kurt, so invite him over, get a couple of wine coolers in him and see how long his "I'm straight" routine lasts."
She strutted away in her black surplice wrap ruched jersey midi dress and Monique Lhuillie belle lace pumps. Kurt shook his head. Her fashion sense was flawless but her personality needed a few adjustments. Sometimes he wished Melissa wasn't placed in the Lingerie Department, but at least there's never a dull moment with the redhead around.
"Hey Kurt! How you like me now?"
Kurt glance over his shoulder spying his enhanced neighbor. When they arrived, he tugged Sam directly to the Men's Department in search for plain tops and bottoms then shoved him and the clothes into a dressing room to commence the fashion show. They agreed upon several shirts and pants then Kurt took him to the salon on the top floor giving the stylist strict orders on how to cut Sam's hair. Now he stood before him in a tight v-neck t-shirt that showed off his toned upper body, dark denim jeans and a simple boy cut with added highlights.
I'm am good
"Now you're modeling material. It's a good thing you came to me for help, what I'm charging is just a token of what a trained professional would cost."
"Do you also style your roommate? She always looks phenomenal. Even in her work uniform."
Kurt crossed his arms and gave his fine as hell client a stern look. "I thought I made it clear. My roommate is off topic, this is strictly business."
Sam raised his hands apologetically. "My bad. Off topic. Got it."
Kurt walked away to help a customer who was trying to grab a dress that was hanging high on the wall. Sam watched him leave then took a seat on the lounge chair next to the dressing rooms. He saw Kurt's coworker bending down to pick up the gift cards she "accidentally" knocked over, clearly desperate for his attention. She had to be about 25 and though age was nothing but a number, he had no desire to be with an older chick.
"Take a picture, it'll last longer."
"Not interested."
Kurt looked over at April who was currently shooting 'I told you so' daggers in his direction. "She thinks you're gay."
"Really? Because I came here with you?"
"Nope. Because you didn't give her what she wants."
"Well, if thinking I'm gay keeps her away, so be it."
"Is she just not your type? Cause that's what I told her."
Sam looked up at him, making sure they had unwavering eye contact. "You know my type Kurt."
"I can't help you with that. We made a deal ages ago to avoid any romantic relationships. Just talking to you about her is a major violation."
"Wow. You guys never dated anyone? Ever?"
"It's not taboo. I'm a true romantic at heart, and one day my prince will come. But first, I need my own career and a couple of houses to hold all my fashion necessities."
"I've been in and out of relationships since I was ten. The longest I was with a girl was for four years. Our relationship was already strained because my parents decided to send me to a private highschool and we hardly got to see each other. Then after graduation, she went to Yale and I stayed in Ohio."
"Wait, you're from Ohio?"
"Yep, Blaine and I are from Westerville."
"Mercedes and I are from Lima. Just hours away."
"Mercedes huh? I usually call her Brown Sugar in my head, but Mercedes is nice."
Kurt brushed aside his comment and focused on what his just learned. "What private school did you attend?"
"Dalton Academy."
"This is uncanny."
"Right? Out of all the possibilities we ended up being neighbors?"
"And I almost went to that school, but my dad couldn't afford it."
"Dalton is pretty pricey. What was the appeal? Cute boys wearing uniforms?"
"No smartass. It was the no bullying policy."
Sam's smirk vanished quickly. "You were bullied?"
Kurt turned away pretending to straighten a rack so that Sam got the hint to deter the subject.
"Dalton does have a strict no bulling policy. But having wealthy parents can save you from facing harsh penalties so there were a handful of guys who took it upon themselves to pick on others. It was never physical just verbal. Myself and Blaine were constant targets."
Kurt slowly turned to face Sam again, curiosity written across his face.
"I'm straight, but Blaine isn't and our closeness pissed off some people. Actually, it was just this one guy: Sebastian Smythe, and his posse. He had been trying to get with my best friend for months and when we stared hanging out I became the "other man". He was hotheaded and went about spreading all kinds of rumors about us. We chose to ignore them, which only escalated the situation. They cornered us in the music room one day and...long story short, I punched the jerk in the face.
"I'm not a violent person at all, the guy could have came at me for the remainder of the school year and I would have walked away. But Blaine, he's like my family, I wasn't going to let that slide."
Kurt felt a deeper respect for the blonde who had just gained a shit load of brownie points. "Did you get in trouble with the school board?"
"No. I'm an Evans, and money talks. The moral of the story is, don't be fooled by private schools policies because assholes are everywhere. And it's worst when they victimize you and have enough money to pay off the sentence."
Kurt slowly opened his roommate's bedroom door, spotting her purple satin head scarf peeking out from under her covers. He tiptoed his way inside and walked around the bed so he could see her face. It was usually easy to wake Mercedes but, with her draining hours, this task has become difficult.
Last night she had texted Kurt and told him not to cook a meal for two because she was too tired to eat. When she arrived she went straight to her room and Kurt hadn't seen her since. Now it was 11:32 am on a Saturday morning and he needed to talk to her before he leaves.
Risking losing everything he loves, he reached out and gently shook her shoulders.
"Cedes? Come on, get up. I made you breakfast."
"Mmm."
"I know. But I really need to talk to you."
"*Mumbling*."
"It can't wait. I'm leaving in about thirty minutes."
"*More mumbling*."
"No. I'm off today. I have to help a...client?"
*Silence*
"It's Sam."
At this, Mercedes opened her dull brown eyes that spoke the questions she was too tired to verbalize.
The Sam next door?
"Yes. Our neighbor."
Are you serious?
"It just business I swear."
Business?
"I'm helping him with his portfolio."
Why?
"Because he- Just get up, make yourself presentable then come join me in the living room. I'll explain everything."
Mercedes waited for him to leave before pushing her bedding aside and slowly rolling off the mattress and walking into her private bathroom. When she emerged face washed, teeth brushed and bladder relieved, she sluggishly tracked her way to Kurt.
"This had better be worth it Hummel."
"Would you like to eat while we talk? You skipped dinner last-"
"No. Just tell me what's going on."
"Okay."
And he did. He told her how Sam had stopped him in the hall asking for his help and how he had taken him to his place of employment. He told her how he found out Sam and Blaine were also from Ohio and they had attended Dalton. He told her about their conversations (excluding her) and how he had agreed to go with Sam that evening for a photoshoot.
"He's paying me of course."
Kurt didn't know how he expected her to react, but he knew for sure it wasn't the composed demeanor she was displaying. It kinda scared him.
"That's it?" He bit his bottom lip and nodded. "Cool. What's for breakfast?"
After a moment, he got up and followed her into the kitchen. "Cool? You're not bother by this?"
Mercedes grabbed a plate and started loading it with pancakes. "No. Are these banana pancakes? I love your banana pancakes."
Kurt stared at her bewildered. "I just told you I was making nice with the guy you can't stand for whatever reason, and you're okay with it? Not to mention they're from the same..."
"Blaine told me all this yesterday over coffee."
...state literally two hours- wait. What?"
She carried her plate and glass of apple juice to the table and sat down, looking up at her very confused roommate.
"Since you had work after classes I invited Blaine to the Coffee Bean." Kurt gasped, scandalized. "Don't worry. We sat in a totally different spot."
"But- but it was you who suggested we keep our distance from our new neighbors. Now you're friends with Blaine?"
"Are you seriously judging me right now? Really?"
"Sam's a client. That's completely different."
"So you're saying if I worked with Blaine us talking every now and then would be okay?"
"It would be sensible."
"Fine. Problem solved." Mercedes turned back to her food, pouring syrup over the pancakes.
"How?"
"Tiffany got fired and I told my manager I had the perfect replacement."
...
"Hey man, I'm leaving."
Blaine looked up from where he was typing on his laptop to his roommate who was wearing the tightest t-shirt a straight man could own. He had to admit he looked great, especially his hair. After Sam told him it was Kurt's doing, he felt a ping of jealousy then later laughed at his stupidity.
"Alright. Have fun."
"With Kurt, I'm sure I'll have a blast." He winked "Later."
Blaine waved bye and watched him leave. Sam had told him that Kurt was a Journalism major with a love and talent for fashion. Blaine found that odd. Just like his love life being put on hold till after he was stable in his career; the same thing Mercedes had told him about herself.
Just then, his phone buzz alerting him of a new message.
12:07pm From Mercedes: I have some good news😃
12:07pm To Mercedes: What is it?
12:12pm To Mercedes: I'm dying here...
12:15pm From Mercedes: 😊guess who has a job?
12:15pm From Mercedes: if he wants it
12:15pm From Mercedes: cause you don't have to accept it
12:16pm To Mercedes: Are you kidding me? It's beyond what I want it's what I need.
12:16pm From Mercedes: then it's settled you're coming with me to the diner tonight
12:17pm From Mercedes: we leave at 6:30
12:17 To Mercedes: OMG! Thank you so much. I really appreciate this.
12:17pm To Mercedes: I'll be ready
12:19 From Mercedes: you're welcome see you soon
AN: Thanks for reading. Leave a review, let me know what you think. Have a great day or night.