Title: Watching you watch him
Warnings: explicit language, mild sexual content (not smut, just thoughts), mentioned homophobia
Hello again! Firstly, thank you to everyone who has messaged/reviewed/and liked our previous story/stories! We are humbled and grateful that it's been received so well. We have taken a little break and enjoyed much needed family time and mental break time.
Welcome to our new story! We are super excited about this one, so let's get some stuff out of the way before we get started.
1) As per usual, you can expect annoyingly long chapters, but we will try to hold off at 7-8,000 words (yeah right). We post on Wednesdays unless otherwise specified and thinking about doing the sneak peeks again if anyone would like that? Our tumblr and Instagram is kirakiwiwrites (that's where we will post sneak peeks and pictures etc. and you can also contact us through there)
2) We are thinking this story will be about 10ish chapters, but things always change so it might be a little longer or shorter. We will let everyone know for sure closer to the end.
3) There will probably not be any smut in the actual story since it's a bit of a slow burn, but we have plans to do a smutty one shot for later. If you are looking for smut, we have other stories that include that. This one it just didn't make sense yet lol.
4) Fair warning, Kurt is dating someone else during the majority of this story, but it's ultimately a Klaine story, so trust the process. You can message us if you are concerned. This one is light and fluffy and cute though.
5) (Almost done haha) If you haven't already noticed the exceptionally beautiful cover art and said, "Wow! They stepped up their game!" it's all a lie lol. We were lucky enough to win a giveaway and the talented Iris7124 made this for our story. We couldn't love it more. So if you like it, all credit goes to them. Thank you again!
Disclaimer: We do not own Glee, the characters, or quotations from the show.
Okay that's all for now! Enjoy and let us know if we love or hate or what. Much love - A and K
Beginning of senior year. August.
"You can do this, Hummel. Just eight little words. 'I like you. Will you be my boyfriend?'"
Kurt counted them out on his slender fingers. He scrunched up his nose in thought. "Wait, is boyfriend one word or two?" He shook his head at his attempt to delay the inevitable. Blaine was waiting for him inside his new house. He knew Kurt was coming. If he chickened out now and drove back home, Blaine would want to know why. Then he would have to lie. Again. He was tired of the lying. He just wanted to say the words that had been locked away in his heart for so long. His dad would give him that look. There would be a discussion and Kurt would feel like shit. Might as well go in there and at least try. It's not like Blaine would be mean. He might be awkward as hell, but he would let his best friend down gently. Would it end their friendship? He couldn't handle that. His friends at McKinley were amazing, but Blaine got him in ways they never could.
Kurt gnawed at his fingernail. Wouldn't Blaine have said something by now if he liked him back?
He was pretty much obsessed with being in a relationship…
Back in June:
Blaine and Kurt sat together on the floor of their cabin they always shared at camp. It had been the start of the summer and Kurt was determined that he was going to tell Blaine about the crush he had on him. They had just finished putting their stuff away and decided to take a break.
"What musical do you think we are doing this year?" Blaine's excitement was contagious. It made a smile spread onto Kurt's own face without his permission. His eyes sparkled like amber marbles in sunshine. When his shoulder brushed against Kurt's, it felt like an ocean of butterflies rolled through his stomach. Blaine frowned and raised his eyebrow. He was even cute confused. Kurt was doomed. "Kurt? Is there something on my face?" He swiped at his chin and mouth. Oh god, now he was looking at Blaine's mouth. Kurt quickly cut his eyes away before he could attack Blaine.
"Uh, I dunno." He shifted slightly away. Best to be safe. "Fingers crossed for Wicked!" He laughed a little awkwardly and struggled not to think about how soft he thought his lips would be pressed against his own.
Blaine grinned brightly and bumped his shoulder with Kurt's. "You always want to do Wicked." His smile slipped and he stared off into the distance unseeingly. A different sort of smile curled up his lips. He glanced back over to Kurt, a pink tint to his cheeks. "Can I tell you a secret?"
Kurt's mouth dried. Was this the moment? Was Blaine finally feeling the same thing he had been feeling? He had been trying to shore up his courage to finally tell Blaine he liked him. His breath hitched as Blaine leaned forward and got so close to his face. He couldn't breathe out, only in. He could smell the scent of Blaine's laundry detergent and his hair gel. Against his will, his eyes dropped to Blaine's lips. "You can tell me anything."
Blaine smiled a bit. He leaned in. Kurt leaned in. His eyes began to close and his fingers stretched towards Blaine's hand.
This was it. They were finally going to kiss!
"This is the summer I'm going to fall in love," Blaine whispered.
Kurt stopped leaning. He blinked. "Um… Huh?"
Blaine grinned with all his teeth and bounced a little. "This summer! At camp! I'm going to find the guy I'm going to fall in love with! My Prince Charming!" He clapped his hands softly and squealed under his breath.
Kurt deflated, face burning with embarrassment. He sat back on his hands and stared a hole in the floor. The ice cold rejection killed off the butterflies in his stomach. "Oh," was all he offered Blaine.
Blaine sighed beside him, already dreaming. "Maybe we will get paired up for dance class or maybe we'll both reach for the same jello in the cafeteria." He sighed again, hearts in his eyes.
The ridiculous meet cute Blaine had in his head subverted his heartbreak slightly. He sniffed. "A jello cup? Really?"
Blaine shrugged. "Romance can blossom anywhere, Kurt." He frowned. "What's wrong? You look like you're going to cry." His hand rubbing Kurt's arm felt like too much and not enough all at once. He was parsing through his thoughts, trying to come up with an explanation for his sadness when Blaine's eyes got impossibly bigger. He was like a fucking Disney princess sometimes.
"Just because this is The Summer I Fall In Love doesn't mean I'm going to leave you behind!" He grasped Kurt's hands, looking so earnest that Kurt's heart warmed a bit. He couldn't help it when it came to Blaine. "You will always be my best friend! Nothing will ever change that! Promise!"
It didn't quite have the effect on him Blaine had intended, but Kurt just pasted on a smile. "Sure. Good luck."
Blaine didn't really have much luck that summer and they parted ways still close friends. He tried multiple times to tell Blaine of his feelings, but the boy was so damn oblivious it was almost painful. Also, there was only so many times he could talk about how cute boys were that looked nothing like Kurt before he just gave up.
Until now.
Now Kurt was parked in the driveway of Blaine's new house. He had moved closer to Westerville and Kurt was both thrilled and terrified. The fact that Blaine was closer was an opportunity. Blaine had called him excitedly telling him he would be attending Dalton like his dad and Cooper did. Then he had said something that had Kurt's hope soaring again.
"You know what this means?" Blaine's voice held barely contained excitement.
"I'm going to kick your ass if your Glee club dares face mine?" Kurt snarked as he organized his closet. He tried to ignore Rachel's shrieks and wails as she and Finn had another inevitable fight/breakup/disagreement. He was sure he'd hear all the details later.
"Ha. Ha. HA. No, this means that you and I can hang out more… be together more."
Kurt stopped swishing through his shirts. Blaine sounded almost shy. Kurt's heart skipped. Could he mean…? Best to tread lightly. "Like… maybe go out more? Just you and me?"
"Yeah. I would really like that. Would you?"
Kurt was definitely not imagining the timidness or the smile Blaine's voice held. He bit his own lip to hold back a squeal.
"Yeah, I'd like that. A lot."
He had felt bold in the moment, but now… Now he was hiding in his car chewing his nails and ruining his manicure Mercedes had given him. Flowers rested in the passenger seat.
He knew Blaine's new house had exactly fourteen windows on the front.
He knew soon people would start trying to get ahold of him. His dad. Finn. Blaine.
He knew this was the last time he could do this. His heart couldn't take it anymore.
Kurt shoved himself out of his own car before he could leave. He grabbed the flowers and forced one foot in front of the other one. He focused on the click of his boots on the smooth concrete of the driveway and the new bags of mulch piled beside the flower beds, waiting to be spread. He focused on breathing in and out. The flowers slipped in his sweaty palm, so he swapped hands and wiped the moist one on his pant leg.
Blaine's mother answered the door. Even in sweats and an old T shirt with her curly hair piled atop her head, she was lovely. She was short, even shorter than Blaine, and had the same dark curls along with the same hazel eyes. Blaine looked like her the most, but he had his dad's sense of humor and smile.
"Kurt! Hi sweetie!" Pam embraced the teen and smiled knowingly at the flowers in his hand. Kurt tried very hard not to blush, but his hot ears and neck let him know he wasn't doing a great job. "Excuse this mess. I feel like I've been unpacking for a month."
Kurt shook his head. "No, it looks great!" There was still boxes and wads of paper strewn about, but it was coming together. Kurt recognized the same furniture and things from their old home.
"That's kind of you to say." Mrs. Anderson tucked loose strand of hair behind her ear. "Can I get you a drink? We have glasses… somewhere. But hey, at least I found the toilet paper!" She chuckled.
Kurt laughed. "No, thank you."
She nodded and went back to pulling plates out of a box labeled 'kitchen'. She gestured to the ceiling. "He's up there. He's supposed to be unpacking, but he got distracted with something shiny and then he just had to exercise for a bit. You know how he gets. He's been that way ever since he was little. We used to have to make him run around the house like a hamster to help him fall asleep. You can go up and find him."
Kurt giggled at the thought of a tiny Blaine in a hamster ball. His best friend would be so embarrassed if he knew his mother was saying things like that. "Thanks, Mrs. Anderson."
"It's Pam, sweetie. Make yourself at home." She winked and Kurt smiled before hurrying off to find her son. He definitely flushed when she called out for him to have good luck. The woman knew more than she probably should, unfortunately for him. If only her son had gotten her sharpness.
Kurt went up the stairs and tentatively poked his head into doors of half unpacked rooms until he came to the last two. One door was firmly closed and it took longer than Kurt cared to admit for him to realize someone was showering inside. Blaine's honeyed voice was muffled from behind the door as he sang some Katy Perry song. Kurt couldn't be sure which one because his brain stopped working when he realized he was listening to Blaine in the shower. He hurried away into the next room which happened to be Blaine's new bedroom.
It was an odd feeling, the room familiar and new all at once. All Blaine's thing were there, but they were in this room he had never been in before. Kurt ambled through, smiling at photos of Blaine with his family and friends. Four of the ten pictures included him and the knowledge made him preen a bit. No one else was in four of Blaine's pictures. Kurt let his finger drag along the strings of Blaine's guitar, the humming notes reverberating in the silence. He chuckled softly at Blaine's records spilled out in a pile on the floor. That must have been what distracted him. He kneeled and gathered them up into a neat stack. After setting them on the desk that looked mostly organized, Kurt padded over to Blaine's bed and gingerly sat down. He had sat with Blaine on his bed several times before. At Blaine's old house and at his own, they had watched movies and talked about camp or poured over magazines together. Kurt had sat at one end and sang with Blaine as he strummed his guitar at camp (his bunk was the bottom bunk. Kurt's was the top. Sometimes they switched). He had even curled up with Blaine is his own bunk when Blaine's grandmother got really sick last summer and he was upset. That was a special memory Kurt visited a lot. It wasn't even in a sexual way, but there was something so intimate in the way he held him all night that never failed to make Kurt melt into a pile of goo.
Kurt shook that night out of his head and let himself collapse back onto Blaine's pillows. How creepy would it be to roll over and breathe him in? Probably very. But he might have permission to do such a thing if he could get his shit together and tell Blaine he had feelings for him. The thought seized his heart in an icy grip. He took a deep breath in and out. In and out. He could do this.
The door swung open and thank god Blaine was wearing clothes. He whistled and scrunched his wet hair up in the towel draped around his neck. He stopped abruptly when he noticed Kurt on his bed and a wide grin broke out across his face.
"Kurt! You're here!" He let loose a little growly scream and rushed over to jump on top of him. "Sorry! I didn't know you were here! I was boxing a little and got all sweaty!"
Kurt was dying. Or he was already dead. Blaine Anderson— fresh from the shower after beating a bag up and getting all slick with sweat, muscle's probably bulging— was now smothering him like an excited puppy. Before he could enjoy himself too much and ruin the moment with his body's reaction, Kurt playfully shoved Blaine off of him. He arranged himself at the head of the bed and hugged a pillow over his lap. Blaine settled at the foot, still grinning ear to ear.
"I—" When he squeaked, Kurt cleared his throat and tried again. "I like your room. It's very you."
Blaine glanced around nodding. "Yeah, I like it too. It's coming together." He leaned over and jiggled Kurt's knee. The touch burned through him like wildfire. "It's even better since you're only an hour away instead of two!"
"Yeah. And I looked it up. Looks like our Glee clubs will compete at sectionals! So you'll be seeing a lot of me." Kurt hugged the pillow a little tighter in anticipation.
"That's awesome!" Blaine pulled his feet up and wrapped his arms around his legs. Kurt tried not to stare at the way his biceps flexed with the action. The neck of his shirt was circled with water from his wet hair. "If I get in the Warblers."
"You'll get in." Kurt's glare gave him no room to argue. He let it drop when Blaine smiled demurely at him. He smoothed the pillowcase until there were no more wrinkles. "I was thinking of joining the Cheerios."
Blaine blinked and stared at him for a few long seconds until it dawned on him. "Oh! The cheer squad? I forgot yours was named after the cereal. I think that's great! I was thinking about joining the fencing team at Dalton." He made the cutest puppy dog eyes at Kurt. "Will you come see me in some of my matches? I'll come see some of your games!"
Kurt would have given him his car at that point. He couldn't resist that face. "I would love that." He looked away before his eyes betrayed something he wasn't quite ready to say. So he stalled. "Are you nervous about starting at Dalton?"
Blaine shrugged. "Nah. Well, maybe a little. But mostly just excited. Trent Nixon from camp goes there and he's been telling me about it."
Jealousy flared in Kurt's gut momentarily at the thought of Blaine becoming friendly with Trent (who Kurt was almost certain was gay), but he stifled it when he reminded himself that Blaine needed as many new friends at his new school he could get. He would be leaving for New York next year after all. Blaine would be here. The thought depressed him for a moment, but Kurt worked up his nerves.
"I'm glad you already know someone… Um…"
At Kurt's tone, Blaine looked up from where he had been messing with his damp hair. He was very finicky about its natural state, always pasting it down with gel. Kurt had tried to convince him he looked fine.
"Kurt?"
His words seemed to stick in his throat. He looked down and saw the flowers. Those would be a good in.
"I brought these," he stammered, offering them to Blaine with another blush creeping back in.
"Aw! Kurt! These are beautiful!" Blaine took them and sniffed them delicately. His eyes closed for a second, lashes fanning out. He grinned up at Kurt. "You're so thoughtful!"
"I… Well… I just… Um…"
"Mom will love them! What a sweet housewarming present!"
Kurt's stomach sank. "Oh… Yeah…"
Tell him Hummel! Do what you came here for! Eight little words! Fuck, even just three! Spit it out! I. Like. You.
But it was as if Kurt's throat had closed and his voice had been stolen like they were a sea witch and a little mermaid. He just made little gasping noises as his mouth opened and closed like a fish.
Blaine frowned in concern and rested a hand over Kurt's on the pillow. "Kurt? Are you okay?"
"I— There's someone I like…" Kurt finally was able to cough out.
Blaine's frown melted into a grin. "What? You like someone? Do I know him? Does he go to your school? Ooh, does he go to camp?"
Kurt sighed at Blaine's rapid fire questions. He really had no idea. That was a bit disheartening, but now was the moment. He cleared his throat. "Actually—"
"I have a crush on someone too!" Blaine blurted out before clapping his hands over his mouth. He lifted them. "And we might be kind of sort of dating! His name's Jeremiah!" He slapped his hands back over his mouth.
Blaine had always been been unable to keep things inside and Kurt normally found it endearing, but this was the worst news. His heart sank after cracking in two. Blaine was with someone else. He hadn't once seen Kurt as a possibility. Every single time he had tried to confess his feelings, Blaine was focused on someone else. It was time to face the facts: Blaine didn't see him that way and he never would. He needed to put this crush to death before it crushed him.
Blaine let his hands fall down. "Sorry. That was insensitive of me. You've never had a boyfriend and you were all excited. I stole your thunder. I just got excited that maybe we can talk about boys together and maybe actually talk about our boyfriends together… I'm sorry Kurt."
As much as he wanted to scream at Blaine and ask what every other guy had that he didn't, he was still in love with him and couldn't stand to see him sad. So he forced a smile and patted Blaine's knee. "It's okay. I know how excited you get."
Blaine grabbed Kurt's hand, squeezing it a little. "The next hour is dedicated to you and only you. Tell me about him! I want to know everything!"
Kurt pulled his hands away. "There's, uh… There's not much to tell. I'm afraid it's hopeless." He looked up into Blaine's bright eyes and swallowed hard against the lump growing. "He will never love me back."
Something flickered across Blaine's face. Kurt thought it was understanding that he was talking about him, but he was probably just projecting. "Who is it?"
"Um… Sam. Sam Evans. Yup. Tragic huh?" He said the first name that popped into his head. While he had truthfully had a crush on him a while ago, he had long since gotten over it, especially as he made his way through practically every girl in Glee club. He still counted the boy as his friend, but he had no romantic feelings anymore. However, if he didn't give Blaine a name, he would hound him until he inevitably guessed something dangerous, like his own name.
Blaine clicked his tongue and rubbed Kurt's back after scooting closer. "Aww really? I thought you got over that?"
Kurt closed his eyes and relaxed at Blaine's touch even though he felt like he was dying inside. "What can I say? He sings the hell out of Justin Bieber and my heart didn't stand a chance."
"He's pretty hot and really sweet, but he's straight, Kurt. Don't do this to yourself. And isn't he dating your friend Mercedes?"
"It's super complicated. I'm sure I'll be over it soon. Probably by tomorrow. Anyway, I should go—"
"What?" Blaine pouted. "But you just got here!"
Kurt tried to get up, but Blaine pulled him back.
"I can't stand to talk about crushes. It hurts too much…" Kurt wasn't lying about that. He didn't think he could hear how cute Jeremiah was or how shiny his hair is or how he wanted to put his face on Jeremiah's.
Blaine hugged Kurt's shoulders. "We will watch a movie then. And mom will insist you stay for dinner. No boy talk, I promise."
Kurt fought with himself for a few more moments before letting his head fall to Blaine's shoulder. It felt like it was meant to go there. He felt tears sting his eyes at the thought. "Okay." His voice was very small.
The rest of the afternoon and evening went smoother. He was able to bury his feelings and let himself have these precious moments with Blaine where he could pretend everything was fine and they could just be them.
Pam gave him a sympathetic look when Kurt gave her the flowers. She knew too much. Blaine's dad looked like he was about to tease him, but a look from Blaine's mom silenced him. He gave Kurt a look full of pity that he could barely stand.
Blaine hugged him at his door for so long, Kurt was tempted to ask if it meant more. This was the type of thing that made Kurt fall for him. Little things that gave him hope. He would have to get over that.
With promises to see each other more and to bunk together at camp as usual, Kurt went to his car. He texted his dad that he was heading home which prompted a line of question marks from the mechanic. Kurt just replied with a sad face emoji and a broken heart emoji. He would give his dad details once he was home. Now was the time to cry in his car as he listened to sad music about how he would never find love.
He cast one last look at Blaine's house to find the boy waving from his doorway. He waved back before tears filled his eyes. He looked down before Blaine could tell he was crying.
He had to get over this. He needed to do something new. He needed to feel good about himself. Finn had offered to go to the gym with him to get healthier and to protect him from homophobes as well as bond as brothers. He thought that would be a good idea.
He would get over this crush and then he and Blaine could be friends and go on with their lives. It would be fine.
End of October
I can't wait to see you! I can't believe my bestie is a cheerleader! You're soooo popular!!! *face with hand over mouth emoji* I'm sorry I've been so busy! Dalton's curriculum is harder than anticipated -Blaine
I can't wait either! I'm not that popular *eye roll emoji* it's definitely been good for my muscle tone though. Dad said you can spend the night if you want! Bring your stuff to the game and you can follow me home. - Kurt
Okay! - Blaine
Mom says it's okay! See you Friday! - Blaine
*smiley face emoji* -Kurt
*smiley face emoji* -Blaine
Are you here yet? I got Coach Sylvester to let you sit with the Cheerios so you could have a front row seat for the halftime show! - Kurt
Kurt I'm freaking dying. -Blaine
I have the plague -Blaine
I've thrown up twice my body weight in an hour *nauseated face emoji*-Blaine
What? Are you okay? -Kurt
Ewwww -Kurt
I'm sorry Kurt *sad face emoji* I wanted to come so bad. I was halfway there when I got sick. Let's just say the man that works at the Exxon on Main will never be the same -Blaine
No it's fine! Go home and get some rest. Are you okay to drive? -Kurt
Yeah just feel like crap. I feel so bad I'm missing your game though. -Blaine
There will be other games! We will meet up when you're feeling better. After all, you're coming to see us kick ass at regionals right? -Kurt
If I'm still alive by then. I'm sorry again. I'll text you when I get home. *hugs* -Blaine
hugs* -Kurt
Kurt sighed and slipped his phone back into his locker. He had been so excited to see his best friend, but now he was sick. He thought about getting another get well kit together for him like the last time he had gotten sick. It was before a school dance of Kurt's he had invited Blaine to. He had planned to wait until they were dancing together out on the floor and confess that he thought of this as a date and would Blaine please go out with him. But Blaine had gotten strep the week of. Kurt still planned to go to the dance with his friends who didn't have dates (Mercedes and Rachel. It was Quinn's turn with Finn apparently) but the day before he got together a little box of Blaine's favorite things and drove it all the way to his old house.
He had met Pam Anderson a few times during camp when she came to parent night, but that night he brought the supplies she talked to him longer than just a few minutes.
"Kurt! It's so nice of you to bring this by. I'm so sorry he won't be able to go with you tomorrow." Blaine's mom set the box on the counter next to her. Kurt eyed the bottles of medication and empty soup can next to it. "You didn't have to bring this all the way out here though. I know it's a long drive."
"It's fine. I wanted to cheer him up." He folded his hands in front of him.
Pam considered him for a few seconds, a little smile playing at her lips. It made him shuffle his feet uncomfortably. She didn't say anything further about the box, just walked him out, chatting about camp. They stopped by his car.
"Well, Blaine loves going. I know he's already looking forward to next summer. I'm just happy he has such a good friend there." She winked at him.
"He's my best friend." Kurt shrugged under the weight of her knowing smirk. "He's the best friend a little gay boy from Lima could have."
Her mirth faded a little and she put a perfectly manicured hand on his arm. "And I'm glad he has you. He needs someone like him to talk to. His dad and I try, but there will always be things we don't understand like you do." She hesitated. "I hope you know that our home is a safe place for you. I know this area isn't always friendly, but you always have people here who will protect you. Is… I hope you… I don't know about your family situation…" She looked so uncomfortable that Kurt had to laugh. He was quite touched that she reached out to him that way.
"My dad and stepmother are wonderful. They love me and know I'm gay as does my stepbrother. I'm not in danger, but thank you. My house is a safe place for Blaine too."
She looked relieved and pulled Kurt into a motherly hug. "That's good to hear."
Kurt smiled fondly as he remembered that conversation. Ever since then, Kurt had felt very comfortable around her. He liked Blaine's dad too, but he worked a lot being a surgeon. He considered going to see Blaine after the game, but he wasn't sure if his dad would let him stay out that late driving an hour there and back. He really missed Blaine, but he also had really wanted to see if he had gotten over his crush yet. He kind of felt like he had, but he never knew for sure until he was in the boy's presence.
"Lady Hummel!" Santana snapped at him from the locker room doorway. Brittany was at her side. "Let's go! Coach Sylvester will pop a boob if we aren't on the field in the next ten minutes."
"She's not joking," Brittany said solemnly. "She will poke us with a fork to make sure we don't stuff our bras."
Kurt's eyes widened. "What if I don't have boobs to pop?"
Santana rolled her eyes. "She will find something. Now move!"
Kurt hopped up and scurried after the girls. They got to the sidelines just in time to start stretching before Coach Sylvester arrived to yell at them. Kurt saw she was too busy making fun of Mr. Shue's hair at the moment to pay attention to them. He turned to stretch with the other girls when he got a face full of a tiger.
The big furry mascot for the other team grabbed his arms to steady him back on his feet.
"Oh no! Bro, I'm so sorry!" The mascot's voice was muffled as he helped right Kurt where he had almost knocked him over.
Kurt straightened out his uniform, slightly annoyed at nearly falling on his ass. "No worries. I'm fine." He flashed a smile at the tiger to show that he was indeed unharmed. "I should have been watching where I was going."
"Whoa…"
Kurt raised an eyebrow.
The tiger went to scratch his neck before he realized he was wearing a giant tiger head and he pulled it up. "Um, hey. It's me. Kent?" He had raised the giant furry head up enough for Kurt to see a familiar face. His normally artfully messy brown hair was plastered to his head with sweat and his cheeks were a little red. He flashed Kurt one of his very pretty smiles that made Kurt's legs turn to jelly. His smile bled away. "Uh, Kent Morris? From camp?" He wet his lips. "You are Kurt Hummel? Right? I mean, you look just… I'm the guy who ate all those marshmallows and barfed—"
"I know who you are." And Kurt did know who he was. Kent was the same age as him and they had spoken a few times at camp, but Kurt was honestly kind of intimidated by the attractive, athletic guy with a friendly smile. He was a bit of a jock which Kurt tended to avoid for obvious reasons, however Kent had always been nothing but nice. "Uh, it's nice to see you. What are you doing here?"
Kent frowned. "Oh no. Am I not wearing the right costume?" He started frantically pawing at the furry body he was wearing. "Not again!"
Kurt stepped towards him and tried not to laugh. Kent wasn't really well known for having common sense. "You're wearing the right thing! No worries! I just meant why are you here at this game? Do you go here?"
Kent scrunched up his nose and his brows pinched. It was kind of adorable. "I don't go to McKinley…"
Kurt sucked his lips in. He should get an award for not giggling at Kent. "I meant the opposing team." He waited. Kent opened his mouth and closed it. "Kent. Why are you dressed like a tiger?"
"Oh!" He brightened immediately. "I'm the mascot!"
Closing his eyes, Kurt tried to think of a question that wasn't snarky. Kent stepped closer to him.
"Sorry. That was dumb wasn't it? I get that look a lot. When I say something stupid…" He batted at the tiger's floppy ear, little fibers floating around him. "I just saw you and you… You look… Well, I can't believe I said that thing about throwing up." He laughed.
Kurt was confused. On one hand, he didn't want this guy to think that he thought he was stupid. On the other, he kept mentioning how Kurt looked. He had been spending the last several months working on himself physically with Finn and he thought he looked pretty great. He felt great. It certainly helped with Cheerio numbers and Glee as well. Kurt folded his arms. "You aren't dumb," he replied mildly. "And I know I probably look a little different from last summer, but I don't care what you think. I had a growth spurt, so I might end up being way taller than you. And I might not be as muscular—"
"I think you misunderstood!" Kent put his hand up, grin blinding. "Wait, you think I'm muscular?"
Kurt refused to blush. He nodded at Quinn over his shoulder when she called for him. "Look, I have to go. I have to stretch."
Kent's amusement dropped. "Wait! I was trying to say you look good. Like, really good."
Kurt could only stare.
"You're hot, Kurt," Kent stated bluntly as he shrugged. "I hope your boyfriend doesn't get mad at me for saying that."
"Wha— You— Boyfriend?" Kurt stammered, mouth dropping open. "Huh? You think I'm…" His brain had come to a groaning halt at the fact that Kent Morris had just called him hot.
Kent's tan cheeks went a little pink. It was unfairly attractive. How come when he blushed he looked like he had a rash, but when Kent or Blaine blushed— Wait. Nope. He wasn't going there. "Uh, your boyfriend? Blaine Anderson?" His eyebrows shot up. "Shit, I mean shoot. Sorry! I just assumed… You guys are always together… Uh… Get it together Morris!"
Kurt fought the bubble of insane laughter that threatened to explode up his throat. Was this a dream? "Yeah, he's… We are just friends. Best friends." He ignored the little stab in his heart the words made. The pain had lessened considerably since the day months ago he had gone to visit Blaine and when he had seen him last at sectionals. He would get over it eventually. He heard the girl's impatient calls from behind him and hooked a thumb to them. "Well, it was nice seeing you, but I need to go…"
"Right. Sure. You just go and uh, stretch." He made to put his head back on, but stopped suddenly. "Hey, Kurt!"
"Yeah?"
"Would it be okay if I get your number?" He sucked in his lower lip and let it slowly slide out. "Maybe we could go out sometime? If you're single?"
When Kurt Hummel rolled out of bed this morning, he assumed it would be like any other day. He texted Blaine good morning back (the boy was always up way earlier than him), he brushed his teeth and showered after fighting Finn for the bathroom they shared, ate breakfast with his Dad and stepmother, and went to school. He exchanged insults with a few of the school's less tolerant students, fought Rachel for a solo in Glee, texted Blaine a few more times through the day, and came to Cheerio practice where Coach Sylvester told him if he wanted his balls to drop, he would have to drink her special protein shakes. (He was ninety-nine percent sure he would be interviewed for a documentary about her one day.) Not one time did he consider Kent freaking Morris would show up in a tiger costume, call him hot, and ask him out. This couldn't be real life.
"I…"
Kent's excitement waned a bit. He smiled reassuringly. "It's okay. You don't really know me. I get you're busy. I guess I'll see you next summer!" He started to put his head back on when Kurt heard himself shout to wait. Kent paused, the tiger head hovering over his own.
He couldn't wait for Blaine forever. He had made it pretty obvious he didn't see Kurt that way. Maybe talking to a very attractive, nice boy could be the push he needed to get over his feelings for Blaine. At the very least, he might make a new friend.
"You can text me." Kurt offered him a shy smile that was returned tenfold. "I don't have my phone on me, but—"
"I have mine!" Kent exclaimed and started patting down his thick fur. "It's… In here…" He attempted to turtle his head into his costume.
"Just find me after the game," Kurt half-said half-laughed. "I'll meet you by the bus."
"Porcelain! Get your well-proportioned butt over here and stretch!" Coach Sylvester shrieked into her bull horn. "I brought my fork!"
Kurt winced. "Gotta go! See you at the bus!"
Kent waved and popped his head back on. "Definitely!"
During the game, Kurt tried to focus on cheering and not on the energetic tiger trying to hype up the crowd. Feeling emboldened by the way he caught Kent watching him several times, Kurt winked at him at he did a high kick and the guy ran into a wall. A few people hurried to help him up, but he was fine. Kurt could definitely get used to this feeling.
Later after the game, he did indeed meet up with Kent who had tried to make himself look a little less a soggy hot dog after cooking in the mascot costume. Kurt assured him he didn't look like a soggy hot dog. He looked unfairly attractive after being stuffed in that costume the whole night and somehow didn't stink. They exchanged numbers as Kent explained he was filling in for his friend who was the usual mascot.
"Basketball and soccer are more my games," he said as he dropped his phone back into the pocket of his basketball shorts. "But I'm really glad I came tonight." The way he eyed Kurt made him turn nearly the same red as his uniform.
"I am too. Glad you came. It was nice to see you." He fixed his immaculate hair. "If it's alright with you, I'd like to take things slow. I… just need to. Can we hang out a little bit as friends before going on a date?" He didn't want to rush into anything. Plus, he was still getting over his crush. He didn't think it would be fair to Kent to date him on the rebound. Well, not that he had been in a relationship to rebound. Was he pathetic? He kind of thought he was.
But Kent just smiled warmly, his little smattering of freckles wrinkling around his eyes. "Of course. I'm just excited to get to know you. I don't have a lot of theatre friends at school. Our arts program got shut down. That's why Camp Sanford is so important to me." His green eyes sparkled. "But I can't say I'm not hoping for something a little more."
Kurt scuffed at a loose piece of asphalt with his shoe. "That's sweet. We will get together soon. Promise."
As he walked through his front door that evening, he checked his phone and noticed a call and a text from Blaine, a few from the Glee girls who were having a slumber party at Tina's that he was too tired to go to, and one from Kent's number saved in his phone. Giddiness at the little smiley face filled him with hope that maybe, just maybe, he would be able to get over this thing with Blaine.
November
Happy Thanksgiving *turkey emoji*-Blaine
And congrats on your win! On to Nationals! -Blaine
Happy Thanksgiving! *turkey emoji* how are you coping with your brother and your homophobic aunt in town? And thanks! We are so excited! It's too bad it's in NYC and you can't come -Kurt
Ugh. I love Cooper, but he is the drama. And Aunt Mary was disinvited by Dad when she went on another Facebook rant. *giggling face behind hand emoji* -Blaine
I feel Cooper is just misunderstood. Good riddance Aunt Mary. Hope you're having a good day. *smiley face emoji*-Kurt
I have to go help cook, but I can't wait to see you next week! -Kurt
*eye roll emoji* He's not misunderstood, just a drama queen. Okay! See you soon! I can't wait either! *hugs* *kiss face emoji* -Blaine
*hugs* -Kurt
December
I'm still mad at you… -Kurt
I'm sorry! Don't be mad! *pleading face emoji* -Blaine
How was i to know my headmaster would call my parents and they would ground me? I didn't even do anything… -Blaine
I haven't seen you in months and you start a FIGHT CLUB and get grounded??? You do realize that I will be busy the next few weeks and I can't see you, right? -Kurt
Okay, the fight club thing got out of control. But it was completely consensual! No one was forced to fight. -Blaine
And if David hadn't gotten his wrist broken and been such a bad liar we would have been fine. -Blaine
So you're ignoring me. I guess I deserve that. -Blaine
I get off punishment next week. I know you have finals, but what if we hung out the Saturday before we leave for our cruise? -Blaine
I thought you were seeing that coffee shop guy? -Kurt
No. Things didn't work out. Like Mikey, Paul, Luke, and Jeremiah, they passed. My therapist thinks I'm self sabotaging and picking guys that I'm not compatible with. -Blaine
erased texts: [That explains so much-Kurt]
[I'm aware you are incapable of seeing what's in front of you -Kurt]
[What do you tell her about me? -Kurt]
I'm sorry. You'll find the right guy eventually *hugs* -Kurt
Thanks. I know he's out there. So is yours *hugs* -Blaine
Sooo can we meet up that Saturday? -Blaine
erased: [I can't because I have my first date -Kurt]
I am busy that day. Dad wants me to work on college stuff. Sorry. Maybe after the new year? -Kurt
Of course! That's important. I'll bring you something back from our Christmas cruise -Blaine
End of January
erased: [I'm dating Kent Morris -Kurt]
[Hey! You know Kent from camp? Kent Morris? Yeah the one who got sick from eating marshmallows and can bench press me? Funny story, we made out! We're totally dating! -Kurt]
[I think I still have a crush on you. But I'm trying to get over you. With Kent Morris. - Kurt]
[Fuck. -Kurt]
February 14th
Kurrrrrrrttttt I'm going to be alone forever *weary face emoji* -Blaine
Come hang out with me for Valentine's Day *pleading face emoji* -Blaine
I have chocolate and rom coms! -Blaine
Blaine, you won't be alone forever. -Kurt
You can always live with your parents. They said they will never kick you out *laughing crying face emoji* -Kurt
You are so unfunny. I'm going to die alone and you make jokes! Worst best friend award!!! -Blaine
You're not going to die alone. You're 16. Calm down. -Kurt
I'm 16 for 8 more days! -Blaine
What are you getting me for my birthday? -Blaine
Fine. Don't tell me. -Blaine
Are you coming or not? -Blaine
I can't. -Kurt
Whyyyyyy -Blaine
I sort of have a boyfriend? -Kurt
!!!!!!!!!!!! -Blaine
What?????? -Blaine
Kurt Hummel answer your phone!!!! -Blaine
I can't! -Kurt
Stop calling me! -Kurt
I'm at the movies -Kurt
It's rude to text in a theater. -Blaine
WHO ARE YOU DATING???? -Blaine
KURT ELIZABETH HUMMEL!!!! -Blaine
Uh, it's Kent. Morris. From camp. -Kurt
Surprise? -Kurt
Oooh he's hot! Congratulations! -Blaine
When did you guys start talking? -Blaine
I didn't know you knew him. -Blaine
We ran into each other a game. Nothing exciting. We just started dating not long ago. Not sure how serious it is. Probably not very. Idk. -Kurt
I want details! -Blaine
Later. Promise. It's not weird for you is it? Because you had a crush on him? -Kurt
Of course not. You go enjoy your date, you little love birds. *hugs* -Blaine
You're so ridiculous *hugs* -Kurt
February 16th
erased: [Okay it's weird for me and I don't know why -Blaine]
[I spent the entire night looking at Kent's Instagram. I think I'm jealous of you. But you deserve to be happy. You deserve love. But don't I too? -Blaine]
[I looked at your Instagram and you seem happy. I want that for you. But I don't want you to be happy without me. Is that selfish? I'm in a weird mood. I'm going to call my therapist. -Blaine]
February 22nd
Happy birthday Blaine!!!! *party pooper emoji* I love you and I'm so happy you're my friend! -Kurt
Aw thanks! But it's midnight. Barely my birthday… -Blaine
It counts! You're welcome by the way. -Kurt
I wish you were here. I miss you -Blaine
*heart emoji* me too. Believe me, I'd rather be with you making me watch 13 Going On 30 again instead of at this cheer competition with Coach Sylvester screaming at me and Quinn screaming at me and Santana creeping me out describing things she wants to do to Brittany. -Kurt
Good to know I'm better than a bunch of screaming/horny women. -Blaine
erased: [How's things with Kent? -Blaine]
[Why don't you ever talk about Kent? -Blaine]
Don't be a sour puss. You know what I mean. Did you get your present yet? It should be there today if I timed it right. -Kurt
It's my party. I'll be a sour puss if I want to. I haven't got my present, but I'm sure it will be here soon. You didn't have to. -Blaine
Why is Quinn yelling at you? -Blaine
Hush. I get to give you a present. God, I have no fucking clue what her problem is, but I'm so over it. Maybe it's because of Finn. Maybe Rachel. Maybe she's pregnant again. It's a mystery. -Kurt
Are you okay? -Kurt
erased: [No. -Blaine]
I'm fine. Just tired. Thanks for the birthday wish. *hugs* -Blaine
Okay. You know you can talk to me if you need me! Good night! And happy birthday! *hugs* -Kurt
May 27th
Happy birthday Kurt!!! *birthday cake emoji* and before you ask, yes, I am texting you exactly one minute before you texted me on my birthday *kiss face emoji* -Blaine
You are so cheesy. But thanks -Kurt
Do you feel like an adult? -Blaine
I dunno. I feel like me. -Kurt
I can't believe I'm about to graduate… and I can't believe this is our last camp! *smiling face with single tear emoji* -Kurt
erased: [Will Kent be there? Are you guys still together? Why don't you post about him? Why can't I stop thinking about you guys together? I am so jealous -Blaine]
I can't believe it either! I'll be there if you still want me to come! -Blaine
Of course I want you to come silly -Kurt
Okay *smiley face emoji* -Blaine
June 3rd
Help I'm packing four pairs of boots! Tell me to stop -Kurt
Okay. Ahem. Kurt, you do not need four pairs of boots for camp. There, how's that? -Blaine
Thanks. It was tough love, but I needed to hear it. -Kurt
Are you all packed yet? -Kurt
Pretty much. I can't believe this is our last camp together *pleading face emoji*-Blaine
I know *pleading face emoji* but you have next year! -Kurt
But you won't be there… -Blaine
Then we have to make this one count! It's going to be great! -Kurt
How's your mom's arm? -Kurt
Much better thanks. She still feels bad that her accident made me miss your graduation. -Blaine
I still feel bad about it too -Blaine
Don't feel bad. If it had been Dad or Carole I would have been worried too! I'm just glad she's okay. -Kurt
erased: [Are you sure that's the only reason you didn't come? -Kurt]
Well, I'll make it up to you at camp *smiling face emoji* you won't be able to get rid of me! -Blaine
erased: [Is Kent coming? -Blaine]
[Hey, are you and Kent still dating? -Blaine]
[How's Kent? -Blaine]
[Funny story, I had a weird sex dream about you and Kent -Blaine]
I can't wait! see you tomorrow! *smiley face emoji* -Kurt
See you tomorrow! -Blaine
So this was a little different than our normal stuff, but we hope you liked it! Next chapter we will pick up with Blaine's POV and see if he can figure out why he's bothered about Kurt dating someone else haha.