Throughout the week Kurt and Blaine texted back and forth regularly, gradually getting to know each other.
Little things, like Blaine's favorite color (red) and Kurt's never ending battle with the temptation of chocolate; then the big things, like their hopes and dreams.
To: Blaine
Either fashion or Broadway, maybe both at once, that would be my dream.
From: Blaine
Like a fashion model?
To: Blaine
Haha, no. A fashion designer. I'm not exactly model material.
From: Blaine
I think you could be, if you wanted to.
To: Blaine
Thank you, but I wasn't fishing for a compliment, so don't worry. I'm not interested in being a model anyway, my passion lies with design.
To: Blaine
So, what is your dream?
From: Blaine
I'm not really sure, something with performing. Maybe the stage, or movies. I envy that you already have it figured out.
To: Blaine
Well, just because I know what I want to do doesn't mean its going to happen.
From: Blaine
True. But, I think you'll make it happen. If you get your names in lights someday you owe me $20 for saying that.
To: Blaine
$15.
From: Blaine
Fine, some friend you are.
To: Blaine
We're friends?
From: Blaine
Of course. At least I thought we were.
To: Blaine
We are.
A moment after Kurt pressed send, he felt a sharp tap on his shoulder. Looking up, he was greeted by Rachel staring at him, a woebegone expression gracing her face.
"Your performance was as wonderful as always, Rachel." Kurt sighed, barely stopping himself from rolling his eyes in exasperation.
"I know, but that's not what I want to talk to you about." she stated, uncomfortably shuffling her feet and smoothing down her skirt despite it being unruffled.
Kurt stared at her curiously, faintly hearing the last of the other Glee club members straggle out the door, the buzzing sound of their energetic chatter getting further away.
What on earth could she have to say to me? Kurt thought to himself in confusion, while pocketing his cellphone, folding his hands together, and silently waiting for her to speak.
Rachel frowned to herself and sat down on the chair next to him, crossing her legs. "I just wanted to... apologize.. to you."
"What?" Kurt said dumbly. "What for?"
"I really feel bad about the way I've treated you before." Rachel said, her lower lip wobbling dangerously and her eyes starting to grow watery.
"Um... thank you... But, you've never treated me that badly." Kurt said slowly, feeling more bewildered and disconcerted by the second.
"I have, I've been horrible to you. I'm a terrible person." Big, fat tears rolled down her cheeks as she spoke, choking off on the last sentence as she started to loudly, and dramatically, sob into a Kleenex that seemed to appear out of nowhere.
Kurt gently patted her back as she cried, "Really, it's fine. You haven't been that horrible. We've never even spoken much."
"Exactly." Rachel sobbed out. "I never apologized to you for trying to order you around, back when you almost joined the club before. I-I scared you off."
Rachel clutched tightly at his shirt as she buried her head into his shoulder, crying her heart out.
Kurt rubbed her back soothingly as he thought to himself desperately, please don't get your nasal secretions on my shirt, and how did I end up comforting you? Isn't this supposed to be an apology?
After a few minutes had passed, Rachel's crying slowed and she straightened up, dabbing the last of her tears from her cheeks with an extra tissue, her eyes red and puffy.
"Rachel, if I may ask, what prompted this sudden change of heart?" He asked, the question hanging weightily in the air for a moment.
"Oh, Kurt." Rachel said, her eyes welling up dangerously again.
Please, don't start crying again. Kurt thought to himself frantically, my shirt can't take anymore abuse.
"I'm so sorry, I can't talk about it. It's not my secret to tell." Rachel leaned forward and squeezed his shoulder as she spoke.
"Let's just say.. I've seen the light. I'm a changed woman." Rachel put a hand over her heart theatrically, eyes raised to the ceiling. "I've realized now, male submissives are not any more lowly than the rest of us; they're just different."
"So, Kurt, thank you for hearing me out." Rachel smiled at him. "Are we okay?"
"We're okay." Kurt replied, offering a quiet smile in return. Rachel seemed like she could be abrasive, but her heart appeared to be in the right place, and he could use more friends, not enemies.
"Well, I have to go now, I have a date to get ready for." Rachel said airily, standing up, her chair squeaking in response. "See you." With that parting line, she strode across the room and exited, banging the door closed behind her.
The forever alone Rachel Berry has a date? Kurt thought to himself, raising one eyebrow in bemusement and shaking his head. Not that I have much room to talk in the 'forever alone' area.
While idly wondering who her date was, he got out his phone and prepared to send a text to Blaine.
To: Blaine
Something really strange just happened to me.
From: Blaine
You realized you wore your clothes inside out?
To: Blaine
No, that would be horrifying.
To: Blaine
Rachel Berry apologized to me
From: Blaine
Wow, for what? Details?
To: Blaine
Well, I was wondering.. since tomorrow is Saturday... if you would want to hang out and get a friendly cup of coffee with me at the Lima Bean? I could tell you the details then. You don't have to, you know, I was just wondering. You can say no, if you're busy.
Kurt's hands shook nervously, his mouth dry, as he waited for a reply. One minute, two minutes, three minutes.
Beep-beep.
From: Blaine
I'd love to. 2:00?
Kurt smiled in relief and sent his reply.
To: Blaine
Okay. :)
Kurt put away his phone and hummed merrily, his heart high. Then, suddenly, he felt the hairs on the back of his neck prickle slightly, as though someone was watching him intently. His head shot up, and his eyes darted around suspiciously, looking for someone.
Then he noticed it, the choir room door open a crack, very slight, but open nevertheless.
Kurt gulped nervously, Rachel had shut the door all the way after she left, I know she did.
Slowly, very slowly, he got up. His footsteps quiet as a mouse as he neared the door and flung it open.
There's no one here. He looked up and down the hallway, but there was no one in sight and no sound of fleeing footsteps.
Must have been the wind. Who would be watching me, anyway?
A/N: Huge thank you and 'xoxo's' to ReginaLuna and cold kagome for taking the time to review the last chapter. Glad both of you enjoyed it! :)
