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IN-COG-NITO

-adv. & adj.
(With one's identity disguised or concealed)

Blaine's latest movie role was playing a nerdy high school kid. The producer asks him to do a little research by going incognito at a public school. However things get awkward when Blaine makes a friend who turns out to be a fan of the 'real' him.

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Chapter 4: Back To Normal

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Blaine pulled up outside Kurt's house and cut the engine. He had butterflies in his tummy and he couldn't understand why, or he just refused to acknowledge why. He was just here to pass the time after all… right? Blaine walked up to the door and rang the bell. Five seconds later it opened.

'Welcome to my humble abode,' Kurt smiled.

Does he ever not look good?
'T-thanks.'

Kurt moved aside to let Cooper in. 'And thank you for coming; seriously it's really nice of you.'

Blaine waved a hand dismissively. 'It's no problem; it beats watching tv all afternoon.'

Kurt laughed. 'Are you hungry?'

'Yep.'

'This way,' Kurt smiled and Blaine followed him into the kitchen where there was a plate full of assorted sandwiches, a jug of fresh orange juice and two glasses waiting for him on the table.

'You shouldn't have gone to so much trouble,' Blaine said as he took a seat. Kurt sat opposite.

'Nonsense, we've got to eat right?'

'I guess,' Blaine smiled, pouring them both some juice. 'Is nobody else in?'

'No, my Dad and Carole went to look at bedroom furniture.'

'Have they never heard of the internet?'

'I know right,' Kurt giggled. 'When we moved here I ordered all my bedroom stuff online.'

'Oh you've not been here long then?'

'About a year, we needed more space when Dad married Carole. In our last house the basement was my bedroom.'

'Oh my God, that must have been...'

'Dark,' Kurt finished. 'Not much natural light got down there.'

'So you and Finn were at school together and then your Dad married his Mom?'

'Yeah, I kind of introduced them.'

Blaine took a bite of a sandwich and couldn't help saying, 'These are yummy Kurt,' whilst still chewing. Kurt smiled bashfully and then frowned, his eyes fixed on Cooper.

Blaine touched one of his cheeks. 'What? Is there something on my face?'

'No... sorry for staring, it's just your eyes look different.'

Oh shit I forgot to put the contacts in.
Blaine swallowed nervously. 'Oh that's because um... I was experimenting with coloured contact lenses this morning, must have left them in.'

'You really were bored at home,' Kurt laughed. 'Don't they affect your glasses?'

'No, anyone can wear them, they're not prescription.'

'They're really good ones. Where did you get them?'

'Er... I can't remember, sorry. They were a Christmas present from my brother.'

'Oh cool. My step brother got me reindeer socks for Christmas.'

Kurt rolled his eyes in dismay and Blaine giggled. They continued eating and talking and once they were finished moved to the living room to get to work. Blaine sat on the sofa whilst Kurt stood in the middle of the room, notes in hand.

'Hi.. I'm Kurt-'

'Sorry to interrupt straight away, but maybe hello is better than hi?'

Kurt thought for a moment before smiling. 'Yeah you're right, and don't apologise for interrupting, anything you want to criticise just go for it.'

Blaine chuckled. 'Ok.'

'Hello, I'm Kurt Hummel… um… I would like to hereby pledge to ban dodge ball at McKinley-'

Blaine put his hand up this time and Kurt stopped. 'Maybe not start with that pledge.'

'That's a good idea,' Kurt agreed. He scribbled on his notes for a moment before starting again. This went on for an hour until they'd worked through Kurt's entire speech. At the end Blaine gave a few general suggestions and tips.

'...and try not to look down at your notes too much. The audience will relate to you more if you speak to them you know?'

Kurt nodded, deep in thought for a second. 'Yeah... you know all this effort is such a waste; I'll never be able to compete with Brittany.'

Blaine felt a pang in his heart at the look of such self-doubt in Kurt's eyes. 'Hey, don't be like that. Yeah only one person can win but if you're going to lose at least go into it knowing you tried your best and gave it your all.'

A smile played on Kurt's lips as he looked away from Cooper and down at his notes. 'You're right, I'm being silly... well I think that's pretty much finished now, thanks so much for coming over, I really appreciate it Cooper.'

'No worries, it's been fun and I got a free lunch too.'

'You're easily pleased,' Kurt said with a smile.

'Um, can I use your bathroom?' Blaine asked, standing up from the sofa.

'Sure, upstairs and it's the first door on your left.'

'Thanks.'

Blaine walked up the stairs and was about to go into the bathroom when he noticed the first door to the right was open. He stood in the doorway and had a look around. Straight away he could tell it was Kurt's room. Nothing was out of place and it smelt fresh and flowery. The immaculately made bed looked so inviting and something twisted in Blaine's stomach nervously.

As he was about to turn around his heart jumped into his throat when he saw his coming out book sitting on Kurt's desk underneath an array of school text books. So Kurt had bought his book, that wasn't something to get worked up about right? Maybe he'd never even read it. Someone probably bought it for him and now it just sits underneath all his other books. Yeah that was probably the logic.

Blaine shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts. He went to the bathroom and then returned to the living room. Kurt smiled at him. 'Cooper, are you ok?'

'Yeah, fine,' Blaine replied a little high pitched.

'You just look a bit distracted.'

'Oh I was um... trying to remember the name of that Spanish text book Mr Schue said I needed to buy.'

'I've got it upstairs; do you want to have a look?'

Blaine what the fuck are you doing?
'If you don't mind.'

'Of course not.'

Blaine followed Kurt out of the living room and back upstairs, only this time walking into Kurt's bedroom as opposed to standing in the doorway. Kurt went straight to his desk and grabbed the text book.

He handed it to Cooper with a smile. 'Here.'

Blaine pretended to be studying the name and author. His heart was beating rapidly in his chest and after a few more seconds gave the book back. 'Thanks.'

'If you forget again just text me.'

'Will do... wow your room is so tidy.'

'You should see Finn's room, I'm pretty sure stuff lives in there.'

'He sounds like my brother, he's such a slob.'

Kurt laughed. 'So not all gay guys are neat freaks like me then?'

Oops.
'Um, guess not.'

Kurt put the text book back down on his desk and before Blaine could stop himself he pulled out his book from the pile and turned to Kurt with a raised eyebrow.

'Oh it's Blaine Anderson's coming out book,' Kurt explained shyly.

'Any good? Or was it an unwanted stocking filler?'

'No I bought it. Don't know if you'd enjoy it, your brother might.'

So he actually bought it... ok.
'So er... you're not just a fan of this guy's tweets then?' Blaine asked.

Kurt laughed and started blushing. 'He's kind of a role model for me. He started out singing in a glee club at high school and dreaming of a life outside of Ohio... he had to deal with bullies...'

'And he's gay?' Blaine added.

'And he's gay,' Kurt repeated with a little chuckle. 'This probably all sounds very boring and trivial to you.'

'Not at all. It's great to have a role model. Granted some people idolise the wrong type of person but being able to relate to someone and aspire to succeed in your dreams is- what, why are you smiling?'

'Nothing, it's just you really get people you know?'

'Do I?' Blaine asked in a whisper.

Kurt chuckled. 'Yeah. It's a compliment, don't look so worried.'

'Sorry… heyy, maybe this Blaine Anderson guy is a total douchebag in real life,' Blaine said, holding the book out to give to Kurt.

Kurt laughed as he took it. 'Yeah maybe, but I'm very unlikely to ever meet him so it's not really a problem.'

Blaine was about to answer that it wasn't impossibility when they heard the sound of the front door opening and closing downstairs and then voices.

'The parents?' Blaine asked.

'Yep,' Kurt replied. 'Come on, I'll introduce you.'

Blaine followed Kurt out of the room and back downstairs where his Dad and Carole were hanging their coats up in the hallway. Burt held his hand out to Blaine. 'Hi, I'm Kurt's Dad, and you are…'

'Cooper,' Blaine replied, shaking the offered hand.

'He started at McKinley this week,' Kurt explained. 'He came over to help me with my speech.'

'That's really nice of you kid,' Burt said, smiling at Cooper. 'I hope Kurt's fed and watered you.'

'He's not a cat Dad,' Kurt scoffed.

Blaine smiled. 'He was a very efficient host.'

Burt laughed. 'Good to hear it.'

'Would you like to stay for dinner Cooper?' Carole asked.

'Oh thanks for the offer but we've got family coming over this evening.'

'That's a shame, another time perhaps?'

'Yeah I'd love to,' Blaine smiled. Burt and Carole left the boys to it as Blaine put his coat on.

'What time do you have to be home by?' Kurt asked as Blaine was just about to say thanks again for the afternoon.

Blaine looked at his watch. 'Um… not for another hour or two, why?'

'How about we go to the Lima Bean for a coffee?'

Blaine felt his heart lift. Kurt wanted to spend more time with him? Kurt was looking a little apprehensive; as though he thought he was going to get a no. 'Sure, but I'm paying.'

'No way, it's on me,' Kurt replied.

'You paid last time remember?'

'No arguments Cooper, it's the least I can do. You've been such a great help.'

'But-'

Kurt put his fingers in his ears. 'La la la la la la-'

'Fine,' Blaine said, pulling Kurt's arms down. 'You win… but this time I'll get there before you.'

Blaine ran for the door and Kurt grabbed his coat, and then followed, both rushing to their cars and laughing.

. . . . . . . . . .

'...and then Finn found out that it wasn't his baby, Quinn had been cheating with his best friend Puck.'

'No freaking way,' Blaine said with wide eyes. 'But they seem so close.'

'Oh they're great friends again now, but it took a long time for Finn to get over it… and get this, she only went into labour during our glee clubs regional show and Rachel's real mother adopted the baby.'

'Wait… real mother?'

'Yeah, Rachel has two gay dads and they used a surrogate, who turned out to be the teacher of a rival glee club.'

'Jesus, you can't make this stuff up... it should be a tv show,' Blaine said and he took a sip of his coffee and shook his head in disbelief.

'I know. Fox are actually planning a series based around a high school glee club; I should send them some storyline ideas.'

'You totally should,' Blaine agreed.

'Um… Cooper, I just want to say er… thanks for-'

'Kurt you don't need to keep thanking me, I had fun today.'

'No I didn't mean for this afternoon… although yeah I'm so grateful to you… I just wanted to say thanks for… um…'

Blaine leaned forwards in his seat as Kurt looked down at his feet. 'What is it?'

'You're the first straight guy that has treated me like any other human being… even Finn… yeah we're family and we live together, but it's still not…'

As Kurt trailed off, Blaine felt a wave of guilt go through him. 'Kurt, it sucks to hear what you've had to go through… maybe if I didn't have an older brother who was gay I might have been different… I dread to think.'

Kurt looked up and smiled at Cooper. 'It's made you a better person... but I can't really imagine you being prejudice or critical of anyone.'

'No?'

Kurt shrugged. 'Well you just seem so laid back and smiley.'

Blaine felt a lump in his throat and had to fight his inner demons not to blurt out the truth there and then. What Kurt needed most in the world was someone who understood... someone like him. What Kurt was blissfully unaware of was that the guy he looked up to as his role model was sitting opposite him feeling like shit for pretending to be someone else.

'I'm sorry school hasn't been a positive experience for you. But Kurt... all these people that look down on you or refuse to even converse with you because of who they are... fuck 'em. After you graduate you'll never see most of them again... and you'll be in New York following your dream, away from Ohio and guys will be lining up to take you out on a date.'

Kurt laughed and blushed. 'You're really something Cooper Williams. You're gonna make some girl incredibly lucky one day.'

Blaine smiled sadly. 'Well here's hoping.'

'What's your type?'

'Type?'

'Yeah, what type of girls do you like? Blonde? Brunette? Tall? Short?'

'Oh... um, I'm not sure I have like a... physical type as such. But someone who makes me smile, makes me laugh... someone who likes Harry Potter.'

'I loveHarry Potter,' Kurt said excitedly. 'I cried so much when Dobby died.'

'Me too,' Blaine giggled. 'I was a wreck.'

An hour later after much more Harry Potter talk they left the Lima Bean and stopped just outside the entrance. Kurt thanked Cooper once again for the help with his speech and giving up his Sunday.

'It's no problem,' Blaine smiled. 'I've had a great time today.'

'Me too.'

'See you tomorrow Kurt,' Blaine said and then turned and walked to his car.

Once seated and his seatbelt in place Blaine glanced out of the window to see that Kurt was still standing outside the Lima Bean, and he wasn't alone. With a sinking feeling in his stomach Blaine recognised the tall guy talking to Kurt as Sebastian Smythe, a senior Dalton student... and gay.

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'See you tomorrow Kurt.'

Kurt gave Cooper a smile and watched him walk towards his car. 'Excuse me?'

Kurt turned around to see a tall good looking guy of about his age eyeing him with a curious expression. 'Yeah?'

'Your name's Kurt?'

'Um, yeah,' Kurt answered feeling nervous.

'Do you go to McKinley?'

Who the fuck is this guy?
'I- How did you know?'

'Oh, I know Dave... Dave Karofsky. He talks about you all the time. I'm Sebastian by the way.'

Huh?
Kurt shifted from one foot to the another, thoroughly perplexed as to what was going on. He cleared his throat. 'I'm sorry, I don't understand.'

'I see him at Scandals most weeks.'

'Scandals?'

'The gay bar in West Lima. I'm surprised I've never seen you there.'

Is this guy on crack or something?
'Why would I go to this... this Scandals place?'

Sebastian looked at Kurt as though he was the one that was acting odd. 'Sorry I just assumed you'd know where your boyfriend goes every weekend.'

W.T.F!
'My what?'

Sebastian frowned. 'Your um... your boyfriend?'

'What the fuck? He... he's telling people we're a couple?'

'You mean you're not?'

Kurt ran a hand through his hair, something which he would never usually do out of the comfort of his own bedroom. 'No... jesus... sorry I don't mean to shout at you I just...'

'No I'm sorry, it's my fault. Maybe I misunderstood him or something. But unless there's two Kurt's who go to McKinley and have the most beautiful blue eyes anyone has ever seen.. it must be you.'

Wait a second...
'Hang on, are you... are you gay?'

Sebastian smiled. 'Is there another reason I'd frequent a gay bar?'

'Right of course,' Kurt giggled, feeling himself blush.

'So if you and Dave aren't... you know... was that your boyfriend?'

'Who?'

'The guy you came out of Lima Bean with.'

'Oh him… no, just a friend from school.'

'So… Kurt… is there a special guy in your life?'

Is he hitting on me?
'Oh er n-no,' Kurt stammered, nerves fully taking over now.

Sebastian's face lit up. 'Um, look... I've really got to go, late for a baseball game. If you ever wanna talk or hang out, let me know. You can find me on facebook under the Dalton Academy network, Sebastian Smythe.'

Why does that name sound familiar?
'Ok,' Kurt replied, biting down on his bottom lip.

'It was good to meet you Kurt.'

'You too.'

Kurt watched Sebastian walk off and couldn't keep the stupid grin off his face, the news about Karofsky pretending that their boyfriends being largely overshadowed.

He returned home, helped Carole finish making dinner, did the dishes with Finn, worked on some homework and then settled himself on the sofa. All the while though, he couldn't get this Sebastian guy out of his head. He was a gay high school kid just like him; Kurt would be an idiot not to get in touch. Logging into facebook on his phone he looked up Sebastian Smythe and it wasn't long before he was typing out a message to him.

Hi Sebastian
I'm the guy from outside Lima Bean this afternoon. It was nice to meet you and I've never really had a gay guy as a friend or anything so I'd love to hang out some time or talk/text or whatever lol.
Kurt x

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The following day Kurt was stood at his locker in McKinley at lunchtime, texting Sebastian. As soon as he put his phone away in his pocket Tina and Mercedes walked up to him. 'Hey guys.'

'What's going on?' Tina asked.

'Er… nothing.'

Mercedes shook her head. 'Oh come on Kurt, you were looking at your phone and grinning like an idiot.'

'Ok… I sort of um... met a guy yesterday,' Kurt said shyly, blushing like mad. Mercedes and Tina both squealed in delight.

'Oh my God, details,' Tina demanded.

'It's nothing really... just a guy I bumped into and... well I'm really enjoying talking to him.'

Mercedes beamed at Kurt. 'So you met him twenty four hours ago and already you're texting him like mad and wearing a lovesick expression?'

'Really... it's not like that. You can't understand how nice it is to feel so isolated and alone and suddenly meet someone whose not only gay, but is the same age as me... and get this, he's in a glee club.'

'We're hearing you Kurt and we're so thrilled for you,' Tina said genuinely. 'But... is he good looking?'

Kurt rolled his eyes but couldn't help smiling. 'Yes he's... pretty hot. Tall, well groomed…'

'We need every tiny little detail, like now,' Mercedes demanded and they all laughed as Kurt's phone beeped, signalling another message from Sebastian.

As soon as Blaine's Mom got home that afternoon he joined her in the kitchen where she was making herself a much needed coffee. He sat on a stool and when his Mom saw him she laughed. 'What are you after?'

'Nothing,' Blaine replied.

'Coffee?'

'Please,' Blaine smiled. 'Actually there is… something.'

'I knew it.'

'I just want your advice on an idea I've had.'

'Ok, shoot.'

'Well I was thinking of doing a little tour, not singing, but for my book.'

'Like a meet and greet signing thing?'

'Yeah... at book stores. What do you think?'

'That's a great idea Blaine. But are you sure you'll be able to handle all that attention?'

Blaine frowned. 'What do you mean?'

'Honey there's a lot of people out there who look up to you... who idolise you. It won't just be a few people wanting to meet you and get a quick autograph. You've affected people's lives. They'll have pre conceived ideas about you and… high expectations.'

'Are you saying I'm not what people think-'

'Oh no no no no, I don't mean that. God no. Blaine I just want you to know this will be a big deal. Not everyone is going get what they expected. Some people will have put you up on a pedestal and it'll probably be a very emotional experience.'

Blaine felt nervous all of a sudden. He hadn't really thought this through properly. It was a light bulb moment which he couldn't back out of. His Mom was being a little too overdramatic as well, he wasn't that popular. 'I know Mom, I really do. But that's why I want to do this, to say thank you to everyone who has supported me, and to give people hope that no matter how crap things can be during high school or life in general, it will get better.'

'Well it sounds like you've made your mind up,' Helen smiled.

'I guess I have. I'll need to talk to my agent and sort out all the details.'

'What if he thinks it's a bad idea?'

'Tough.'

Helen laughed and smiled fondly at her son. 'I'm so proud of you Blaine.'

Blaine rolled his eyes. 'I'm hardly finding the cure for cancer Mom.'

'You help people and make them feel happy. Don't put yourself down.'

Blaine shrugged and took a sip of his coffee. 'I didn't make Coop feel happy did I?'

Helen took a deep breath. 'Blaine-'

'Don't,' Blaine begged, putting a hand up. 'I've heard it all before, but the fact remains it's my fault holidays are never with the whole family anymore. It's my fault Coop rarely visits in case I'm here... and to top it all off if I weren't gay you and Dad would still be-'

'Blaine don't be so silly,' Helen interrupted. 'How many times do I have to tell you that the divorce was nothing to do with you? If anything we stayed together longer because of you. It's just a coincidence we split up after you came out. '

'Then why has he all but disappeared? I bet he keeps in contact with Coop.'

'I really don't know. And Cooper will come round, I know he will. You weren't just a little brother to him, you were his best friend.'

'Can we order pizza for dinner?' Blaine asked.

'Changing the subject?'

'No I'm just hungry.'

'Ok... do you want the usual?'

'Yeah. I'm just gonna go and make a phone call.'

After speaking to his agent that afternoon, it wasn't until the following evening Blaine was given the green light to announce the plans after exchanging nearly fifty e-mails with his management. He was bouncing up and down in excitement as he updated his twitter page.

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BlaineAnderson

Hey everyone! I've decided to do a BOOK TOUR. I'm so excited to meet you guys! Full details coming soon :)
12 minutes ago via Twitter for Blackberry

That was so much fun guys, must do it again soon :) xxx
2 days ago via Twitter for Blackberry

RT lifesucks93759 Do you have any pets?
I don't but I really want to get a cat soon and call it Peanut :)

2 days ago via Twitter for Blackberry

RT SarahMorgan4 Do you avoid GAP like the plague?
LOL. I have been in Gap recently, I still feel terrible I lost someone their job :( #whereisj? :)
2 days ago via Twitter for Blackberry

RT dudewheresmyvan R u gay?
I don't know how you got that impression lol :)
2 days ago via Twitter for Blackberry

RT jewbacca Fav pizza topping?
Hawaiian mmm :)
2 days ago via Twitter for Blackberry

RT iluvblaine38294 Would you ever play a gay character?
Of course if there was a powerful story behind it :)
2 days ago via Twitter for Blackberry

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Blaine joined his Mom at the table for dinner, but only a few minutes had passed and he was already dying to know what people thought. Helen laughed as Blaine put his knife and fork down and picked up his phone. He was scrolling through his feed, which was 90% positive but with the odd homophobic arsehole feeling the need to vent their hate. Blaine was a huge fan of the block function. But his heart stopped for a fraction of a second when a very familiar name caught his eye. Kurt had tweeted him.

'You ok?'

Blaine looked at his Mom and smiled. 'Yeah, fine.'

'Not a horrible comment troubling you?'

'No, I just recognised someone from McKinley tweeting me, that's all.'

'It must be weird... are you going to confess to your research there?'

'Um... I don't know yet. There's a couple of people I've really bonded with but they might tell me to go to hell if they knew the truth.'

'Is one of those people Kurt?' Helen smiled and she didn't fail to notice the blush that appeared on her son's cheeks.

'Er... yeah. Also a guy called Artie, he's in a wheelchair and is such an inspiration. He's in glee club and he's captain of the quiz team.'

'I think you should tell them who you are... maybe not straightaway, but at some point.'

'Maybe,' Blaine whispered, his heart sinking at the thought of what Kurt would say if he knew the truth. Would he feel betrayed?

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BlaineAnderson

Bring your copy along, you don't have to buy a new one :) RT britneyrocks24966 OMG I loved your book soooooooo much. Will we have to buy the book again at the signing?
8 minutes ago via Twitter for Blackberry

I'll make sure it's the first stop on my tour :) RT KurtHummel Please come to your home state of Ohio *hint* *hint*
10 minutes ago via Twitter for Blackberry

Hey everyone! I've decided to do a BOOK TOUR. I'm so excited to meet you guys! Full details coming soon :)
24 minutes ago via Twitter for Blackberry

That was so much fun guys, must do it again soon :) xxx
2 days ago via Twitter for Blackberry

RT lifesucks93759 Do you have any pets?
I don't but I really want to get a cat soon and call it Peanut :)

2 days ago via Twitter for Blackberry

RT SarahMorgan4 Do you avoid GAP like the plague?
LOL. I have been in Gap recently, I still feel terrible I lost someone their job :( #whereisj? :)
2 days ago via Twitter for Blackberry

RT dudewheresmyvan R u gay?
I don't know how you got that impression lol :)
2 days ago via Twitter for Blackberry

. . . . . . . . . .

Kurt finished putting the dishes away and then leaned back against the counter, taking his phone from his pocket and checking twitter again. His eyes widened to the size of saucers and he almost dropped his precious iPhone. The whole world stopped moving, including his heart.

'You look like you've seen a ghost,' Burt said as he walked into the kitchen. Kurt pulled out of his trance and looked at his Dad.

'This is the best day ever,' he said, barely above a whisper.

'Why?'

'Blaine Anderson tweeted me... the Blaine Anderson tweeted me.'

'Um, ok,' Burt replied.

'Dad you don't seem to realise how amazing this is,' Kurt gushed, looking at his Dad as though he were completely stupid.

'I'm happy for you son, really... so er, do you want a slice of the apple pie Carole made?'

Kurt shook his head but smiled at his father. 'No thanks. I'm too nervous to eat anything.'

Burt frowned. 'What are you nervous about? Is it that speech you're doing?'

'No. Blaine Anderson is coming to Ohio to do a book signing... I'm going to meet him. Isn't that cool?'

'Right, sure,' Burt mumbled before scratching his head. 'So er... um yeah, that sounds awesome and-'

'Dad?'

'Yeah?'

'Just get your pie,' Kurt said fondly.

. . . . . . . . . .

Blaine was at his locker when he saw Kurt walking down the corridor with a smile on his face. He couldn't smiling himself, just seeing Kurt instantly lifted his mood.

'Someone's far too cheerful for a Wednesday morning,' he said when Kurt reached him.

'Blaine Anderson's coming to Ohio on a book tour and he tweeted me last night,' Kurt said excitedly.

Blaine smirked but couldn't help the warm glow he felt at the look on Kurt's face. 'He writes books as well now?'

Kurt laughed. 'Not a novel or anything, a tour for his coming out book, the one at my house.'

'Oh right, well that sounds cool.'

'I'm already freaking out about it.'

'So you're gonna go and meet him then?'

'Of course,' Kurt gasped. 'It might be my one and only chance.'

'Well don't be surprised if it doesn't live up to your expecta-'

'I bet he's even more yummy in the flesh,' Kurt whispered, staring into space snd clearly not listening.

WHAT? ... OMG!
'S-so you like him then?' Blaine asked with a racing heart once his brain somehow remembered how to form words.

Kurt blushed bright red and snapped out of his thoughts. 'Oh shit, did I say that out loud?'

Blaine what the hell are you doing? Stop it, stop it right now.
'Um, yeah. So short curly haired guys are your type then.'

Kurt covered his face with his hands. 'Oh my God, please kill me.'

Blaine laughed and Kurt busied himself at his locker, pulling books out until his phone beeped. He took it from his pocket and saw he had a text from Sebastian.

From: Seb
Morning :) x

'Somebody made your face light up,' Blaine said and Kurt looked up from his phone.

'Um... just a guy I met on the weekend,' Kurt smiled.

'Oh,' Blaine replied, suddenly feeling sick to his stomach. When he watched Kurt and Sebastian talking outside the Lima Bean they didn't appear to have exchange numbers. In fact Sebastian seemed to rush off at the end. Maybe they memorised email addresses, or full names for facebook. He couldn't help the next word that escaped his mouth. 'Boyfriend?'

'No,' Kurt mumbled shyly. 'Just a new friend... maybe.'

'Cool... we should er, get to class.'

. . . . . . . . . .

After "school" Blaine attended his second quiz club meeting and again really enjoyed himself and liked being around Artie. When he got to his car to drive home he looked at his phone to see several missed calls from Jed. Thinking it was something serious, Blaine called him straightaway.

'Hello?'

'Jed, is everything ok?'

'Whose speaking please?' Jed replied and Blaine rolled his eyes.

'Don't mess around. I didn't hear my phone, sorry... so what's up?'

'I wanted to know what this book signing thing was about?'

Blaine perked up and smiled. 'Oh right, well before I start shooting I'm going to visit a few cities, meeting fans and doing signings.'

'Right.'

Blaine frowned. 'Is there a problem?'

'You could say that, yeah.'

'What is it? I'm not missing a birthday or an anniversary am I?'

'I'm just confused Blaine. You have like... three weeks off until your movie starts and you've chosen to travel around the country instead of coming home to your boyfriend?'

'I'm really sorry, I just don't know when I'll get the chance to do something like this again. It's only a handful of signings.'

'I told you I had some time off now, what are you playing at Blaine?'

Oh crap!
'Shit... Jed I completely forgot about that. I'm so sorry. Fuck I'm such a dick.'

'Nicely put.'

Hey why don't you come with me? It could be fun... like a road trip.'

Jed laughed. 'Why would I want to be stuck on the road and in airports when I could be lying on a beach in Malibu? Hmm, I'll pass thanks. Why don't you just cancel it?'

'I've already announced it, I can't go back on my word... um look, I'll fix this. I'll fly to LA tomorrow and we can spend a few days together beforehand yeah? Just you and me. Then when the movie starts I'll pretty much be stuck in LA for four months. You won't be able to get rid of me.'

Jed chucked. 'Well I guess that would be ok. I've missed you B.'

'I've missed you too. So er... I better go and book my flight and I'll call you later?'

'You're really gonna be here tomorrow?'

'Of course.'

'I can't wait.'

'Me too,' Blaine replied.

'Ok, call me when everything's sorted.'

'Will do, bye.'

'Bye.'

Blaine put his phone away and sighed. He took one last look at McKinley High and drove home. His mom was already home but Blaine went to his room to change and book a flight to LA before joining her in the living room on the sofa.

'Hey Mom,' Blaine said glumly.

'You ok?'

'Jed called.'

'Oh dear, what's wrong now?'

'It's about the book tour.'

'He's not happy?'

Blaine shook his head. 'No. I completely forgot he had a break from work and we were supposed to be spending quality time together.'

'Oops.'

'Yeah, major oops.'

'You know, you've been here over a week and have barely even mentioned Jed. In fact you've talked about Artie and Kurt a lot more yet you barely know them.'

Blaine shrugged. 'I'm not sure whether Jed and I can last much longer.'

'Oh right... do you want to talk about it?'

Blaine groaned. 'Will you be impartial?'

Helen smiled. 'Of course.'

'Well, we started dating before he got the job on CSI and we used to do all the normal things, go to the movies, hang out at the mall or with friends, watch dvds and order pizza... but now...'

'He's changed?'

'Yeah. He wants to go to all these showbiz parties, work out in the gym four hours a day and live on a diet of lettuce.'

'Sounds like the fame has gone to his head,' Helen said. 'Or he's letting himself be influenced by yes men.'

'Yeah,' Blaine frowned. 'I'm starting to wonder who the real him is.'

'You think he hasn't been honest with you?'

'Well, for me the music, the performing... it's a passion, and...'

'For Jed?'

'I thought he was the same, that's the impression he gave. But for him it seems to be all about the money and attention. He even ignores his phone now whenever his mother calls.'

Helen smiled sympathetically at her son. 'Blaine, you're twenty years old, and Jed's twenty one. Believe or not it's not uncommon for boys that age to be a little self-indulgent.'

Blaine raised an eyebrow. 'A little?'

'Ok... a lot. For him he's probably having the time of his life. But it sounds as though you're not on the same page as him.'

'Mhm.'

'Hey, if things don't work out between you two it's not the end of the world. I know he was your first proper boyfriend but you were still a teenager not so long ago. You'll get over it and move on.'

Blaine rolled his eyes. 'Thanks Mom. So… what do you think I should do?'

'It depends how you feel about him. If things were only ever "casual" between-'

'Mom,' Blaine gasped, embarrassed.

'-the two of you then it won't exactly be a huge loss to either of you. But of there were genuine feelings then… you need to let your heart do the deciding.'

Blaine's cheeks were bright red; he couldn't believe his Mom had hinted at his and Jed's intimacy. 'It's… I do love him, of course I do. I wouldn't be with him if I weren't. I just… don't know whether this change in him is a temporary one or not. I don't really like the person he is right now.'

'Blaine, maybe he needs someone to spell it out for him. He might not even realise how much he's affected your relationship. Give him a chance to say his piece. At least then you can say you tried to save the relationship rather than walked away.'

Blaine sighed and ran a hand through his hair. 'I know I have to talk to him, but I just don't like the thought of what will happen.'

'Welcome to adulthood,' Helen laughed.

'I've booked a flight to LA, so I'm going back in the morning.'

Helen smiled sadly. 'Oh, that's great. So does this mean your research at McKinley is over then?'

Blaine took a moment before answering. 'Yeah.'

'You seem a bit... disappointed.'

'It was nice to be a nobody for a bit, and have a normal life. Now I have to lie to the friends I made there.'

Helen pulled her son into a hug. They chatted for a while before Blaine returned to his room to pack for the morning, slowly putting his things into his bags with a heavy heart. He had dinner with his Mom, called Jed and then got an early night as his ride to the airport was coming to get him at 6am. It wasn't until he was in the cab ride from LAX to his and Jed's apartment that Blaine finally built up the courage to send text messages to Artie and Kurt explain his absence from school, feeling crap as he did so.

To: Artie
Just to let you know my gran is sick so I'm flying to Seattle with my Mom today and may be gone for a couple of weeks or more. I'll miss being at quiz club :(

To: Kurt
Hey Kurt, we've just found out my gran is sick in Seattle. Mom and I are flying over today and may have to stay for a bit. I'm so sorry I'll be missing your speech tomorrow :( You'll be great though!

From: Artie
That sucks dude hope she's better soon.

From: Kurt
Oh no I hope your gran will be ok :( I'll be sending good vibes from Ohio. Don't be silly, family is more important than my silly little speech.

. . . . . . . . . .

Kurt replied to Cooper's text and then went back to eating his lunch in the school canteen. He had wondered why Cooper wasn't in their Spanish class that morning and now he knew why. He smiled as he thought about Cooper; he was quite possibly a best friend in the making. He checked his e-mails once his food was eaten and was about to turn his phone off when the title of an article caught his eye.

Blaine Anderson has been found!

Kurt clicked on the link and found himself looking at a photo of a gorgeous but clearly tired Blaine, smiling and waving whilst dragging a suitcase behind him. The caption read: Blaine Anderson arriving at LAX airport having flown in from Ohio.

The accompanying text read: Blaine Anderson hasn't been seen in public for more than a week since announcing on twitter he was going on vacation. However he appears to have cut the trip short - (perhaps he was missing rumoured boyfriend Jed Davidson?) - and arrived in LA at 10:00am PST. Blaine didn't give any comments to waiting journalists who had received a tip off from someone on board the plane. So it still remains to be seen when and where his book tour will take place which he had informed fans about on twitter yesterday. Welcome back Blaine, we've missed you!

So he was in Ohio. He was probably visiting family and old friends from Dalton Aca- It suddenly hit Kurt that Sebastian must have known Blaine. They both went to Dalton and Sebastian was only two years younger. He laughed as he wondered why it hadn't occurred to him before.

To: Seb
Just had a thought, did you know Blaine Anderson when he was at Dalton? x

From: Seb
Yeah he was Senior and I was a Sophomore. I had a bit of a crush on him even though I was about 4 inches taller at the time lol x

To: Seb
That's so cool! You must be even taller now too :) x

From: Seb
Yep but I still would ;) x
From: Seb
OMG I can't believe I just texted that x

To: Seb
LOL! What was he like? x

From: Seb
Very energetic! x

. . . . . . . . . .

Blaine closed the apartment door behind him and dropped his bags to the floor. 'Hello?'

He heard movement and a few seconds later, Jed appeared and ran over for a hug. When they broke apart Jed kissed Blaine before whispering 'Hello stranger.'

Blaine smiled. He was genuinely pleased to see Jed; after all he was his boyfriend. 'Missed me?'

'A little,' Jed shrugged. 'My boyfriend abandoned me but I managed to survive just about.'

'Shut up,' Blaine laughed.

'Hey… feel that,' Jed said proudly. He held his arm out to Blaine who squeezed the bicep as Jed tensed the muscle. 'Impressive huh?'

'Very,' Blaine replied. 'You must be in the gym all day.'

'Well I've got a personal trainer now and we go running on the beach at sunrise and then go straight to the gym after that.'

'Right… so no take away for tonight huh?'

'Stop being silly Blaine… so...'

Jed moved his arms behind Blaine, rested his hands on his bum and pulled him closer. Blaine giggled but was silenced by his boyfriend's mouth on his own. When Jed moved backwards Blaine squeaked in protest, but Jed grabbed his hand and led Blaine to their bedroom.

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AN

Thanks so much to those who left a review for chapter 3, it really means a lot and I hope you enjoyed this chapter. I want to give a huge apology (a million x a million sorrys) for the delay - feel free to throw things at me! All I can say is there's been too many distractions, Diamond Jubilee, Euro 2012, Wimbledon, and Olympics. I went to the opening ceremony of London 2012 and it was such an amazing thing to witness. Anyway please let me know what you thought of chapter 4, I really appreciate your feedback and comments (hugs)

*Chuggeroo* :)

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