It is so wonderful to see familiar "faces" coming back to read what I've written next. You guys make it all so worth it. Wanted to note that in this 'verse', Kurt isn't as strong as he really is. He's used to being at the bottom of the trash heap, so to speak. Don't worry, though. We'll get him there.
. . . . . . . .
Last time on "Love Me Not":
"Yep, I'll see you there. Then I can talk you into auditioning," he replied, smiling.
"Do you know where you are going?" Kurt asked. "Do you need the map?"
"Nah, I know where the next class is. Thanks, though," Blaine said, smiling big at Kurt.
"I'm glad we met, Blaine. We're just might end up being friends," Kurt said as he jogged out the door.
Blaine rolled his eyes as he left out the opposite door. Friends. Of course. Couldn't be: I'm glad we met, Blaine. We are going to fall in love and move to New York and get married before we adopt two little babies.
Nope. Never gonna happen.
. . . . . .
Dear Journal;
My first week of college is over. Refusing to think about how many more weeks until I graduate. Instead, a deep sigh of relief that the week is over and it is Saturday. Here is a short a recap.
On the good side:
I can find my way around campus quite easily. I am doing well in my classes – it is exciting how well I fit in with the other fashion students! We all seem to think the same when it comes to fabrics and what would look good with what. I am learning the differences between all the different types of fabrics and what is used for what. It is really fun. Anyway, another good thing. I have a new friend. I officially consider Blaine Anderson a friend. We have had coffee four out of the five school days and we are going to the mall today. We have a lot in common and he makes me laugh constantly. I have taken to smacking his thigh when he tries to get me to laugh in English or Calculus. Seems to get the stinker to stop.
On the bad side:
I have had my first major humiliation. This I am blaming solely on Blaine. He insisted and insisted I try out for Extreme, the ultimate choir for the college. (I think it was just so he didn't have to do it alone.) I have never considered myself as having any kind of good voice, but maybe I'd be just good enough to slide in. That was mistake number one. Number two was thinking I would only be auditioning for the choral director. A one on one kind of thing. Uh, try again, dumbass. I had to sing in front of this major choir made up of probably forty or so people. My voice cracked, squeaked. It sounded like I was going through puberty mixed with laryngitis. It was awful! There was no pity applause. Just plenty of chuckles and snorts of derision from a group of people who sing one note and have you sobbing at its beauty. Assholes. Oh and Huge mistake – this one should be listed as mistake One – I had to audition After Blaine. Dear sweet, new friend Blaine. With the voice of a freaking angelic sex god. He had people out of their seats dancing and swaying, clapping to the beat. Oh and he can dance. Really well. He is a natural performer. He did not happen to mention that when he came up with the whole audition idea. I applauded him, unaware of how awful I would do. I should have run, dear journal, I should have driven to the other end of the state if I had had any idea of what would happen. The director, Mr. Schuester, thankfully, took me aside and quietly suggested some singing lessons before I audition again. Yeah, like that is going to happen. Ugh. And just like McKinley, I now have people who recognize me in the hallways and laugh at me.
If I were able to block out the whole audition debacle, I could say my first week at college was a resounding success. The only thing that will be resounding will be the laughter that will follow me for the next four years. Blaine does feel bad. Good thing for him. The mall trip today was his idea, a peace offering. He better treat me to some cheesecake. An even dozen cheesecakes might take the edge off the humiliation. Who cares if they make my ass bigger. I actually lost a few pounds this week and I have the 'freshman ten' pounds that I'm allowed to gain, so I have some leeway.
The reason I am watching my weight is… I'm trying out for the gymnastics team. I am. I am excited. After my stint in the Cheerios in high school and turning out to be good at tumbling, I figure why not. At this point, come on, why not just add another group who will laugh at me. But, honestly, I think I can do this. I have been stretching morning and night, doing my yoga routines and jogging. Anyway, the tryouts are tomorrow, so wish me luck!
Goals this week:
Make the gymnastics team!
Don't get made fun of as much
Off to the mall with Blaine!
K.E.H.
. . . . .
"Seriously, pick something out. I won't feel better unless I can treat you to something," Blaine said, his golden eyes so big, they would make a puppy envious. "Look, they have great scarves. I know you love scarves and it is definitely coming up on scarf season," he said, running a blue scarf through his fingers, trying to tempt Kurt.
Seeing a multi-color scarf that would go good with a tan jacket he had, Kurt grabbed it. Blaine's eyes sparkled with relief.
"I'm buying it," Kurt said, shooting him down.
"Come on, Kurt. I had no idea what would happen," he said, putting his hands out.
"You had no idea I would suck so badly? Did you hear me protest the audition? Did you hear me say I have never been in a choir or anything like that?" Kurt knew he was being harsh, but the humiliation burned.
Blaine's face crumbled. He had never felt so awful in his whole life. He had pushed Kurt out of selfishness and now Kurt was suffering because of it. That was the last thing Blaine had ever wanted. His heart was an aching mess. "I am so sorry, Kurt. I just wanted someone to be there with me," he admitted, a tear escaping down his face.
"And I would have been excited to come and support you. You are amazing, Blaine. I've never heard a voice as beautiful as yours," Kurt smiled, reaching up to wipe the tear away.
Blaine closed his eyes against the feel of Kurt's touch. Blaine had never felt a touch as magical as Kurt's. Opening his eyes, he looked slightly up into Kurt's blue-gray eyes.
"Blaine, I'm sorry, I should not have been so harsh. I honestly don't blame you. It's definitely the easiest thing to do, but I made the choice to show up and try out. It was not your fault in the slightest. Please trust me on that. Besides," Kurt said, wrapping an arm around Blaine. "Anyone following you would suck. So maybe I sound really good in another reality. Yeah right. Come on, let's buy scarves."
Blaine, meanwhile was trying not to hyperventilate. Just like in class. Blaine would try to make him laugh until Kurt got to the point where he hit Blaine on the thigh. That tiny bit of contact, just like right now, was enough to make him faint. Kurt's arm was around him as they walked around, but finally dropped when he found a hat. It suited him perfectly. Kurt eyed Blaine and then picked out another hat.
"Here, try this on," Kurt ordered.
Blaine didn't usually wear hats, but since Kurt picked it out, he would wear it even if it looked awful. Walking toward the mirror, he found the messenger hat looked really good on him. His Kurt hat. Sold.
"So, I have a favor to ask you," Kurt said, after they'd paid for their merchandise. Blaine was disappointed that he hadn't been able to pay for anything for Kurt.
"Anything," Blaine answered immediately.
"I am trying out for something tomorrow afternoon in the gymnasium and I was wondering if you would come and support me. My other friends and step-brother are coming too," Kurt said.
"Of course. I would love to come watch. I'd also like to meet your other friends. What are you trying for that would be in the gym?" Blaine wondered, excited already that this meant he will have seen Kurt every single day this week.
"I'm going out for the men's gymnastics team," Kurt said, blushing a little. He knew he did not look the type because he did not carry a lot of muscles in his shoulders and chest.
"Why are you blushing? That's amazing! I didn't know you were into gymnastics," Blaine said, excited for his friend. He refused to let in the mental images of Kurt in a skin tight uniform.
They stood in line and got coffee and a piece of cheesecake to split. "I really do have to watch my weight," Kurt said sadly.
Once they were seated, Blaine asked how he got into the sport.
"My sophomore year, I was hanging with a couple friends and we were daring each other to do silly stuff. Someone dared me to do a back flip and I ended up doing a full double handspring. The cheerleading coach saw me and recruited me immediately. I helped the team go to Nationals and win. It was amazing. I did it until senior year. They brought in a new coach who didn't approve of a gay guy being a cheerleader. So I quit. They didn't even make it past the Invitationals," Kurt said, his eyebrow going up in the air. "I was the shit," he laughed. "I just wish Coach Pillsbury had been able to stay. I could have gotten a scholarship out of it. Stupid bigots."
Blaine was impressed, but sad that it hadn't worked out for him in high school. "Regardless, though, that is so awesome. I can't wait to see what you can do."
"Yeah, let's see if I can keep people from laughing at me," Kurt said sardonically.
. . .
After walking back to the dorms, Blaine insisting on walking Kurt back to his dorm. They gave each other the one armed friend hug and parted ways. Kurt had had fun with Blaine. He was proving to be a good friend.
Kurt made himself a light dinner and drank a lot of water. He kept feeling a tickle in his throat and hoped he wasn't coming down with something. Gymnastics was demanding and he wouldn't have a chance if he started off sick.
He went through his routine of stretches and yoga; as much as he could manage in such a small room. Going to bed early, he crossed his fingers and toes; yes he could do it, and fell asleep, butterflies in his stomach.
. . .
Kurt entered the gymnasium, the butterflies in his tummy having turned into pterodactyls over night. He'd dreamed that all he could do was trip and fall down. He saw the other kids who looked like they were trying out, putting their bags with friends or family so he looked around until he saw his little group. Finn, Rachel, Mercedes, were all there. He saw Blaine sitting alone and waved him down.
"How are you?" Blaine asked, giving him another half squeeze.
"Nervous as hell. Yourself?" Kurt said with a shaky smile.
"Confident as hell. No worries. Let's get your stuff with your friends so you can warm up. That's what I have seen all the other people doing," Blaine said, trying to sound confident. But he was so nervous for his friend. He wanted him to succeed so badly after the singing audition.
Kurt led him quickly to his friends and did a quick intro before stripping down to shorts and a tank top.
"Wish me luck," he said, his face extra pale.
All of his friends suddenly stood, even Blaine, and came over and gave him a giant hug. That comforted him more than he thought it would. He squeezed back and then walked over to an empty mat and began stretching.
Blaine was still trying to not let his jaw hang open. Seeing Kurt in almost fitted shorts and a tank top was driving his hormones crazy. All that pale, but peach toned skin was beautiful and he ached to touch it, to have his own skin against it. He could also see the muscles that Kurt had been hiding all this time. He knew Kurt had lean muscles, but this was crazy.
All of them gasped as Kurt easily sank into the splits, stretching his neck, arms and wrists, his knees and ankles. He got up, the grace he showed made Blaine want to melt. Gasping again, they all watched as he did a handstand and walked forward and backward. Then he did a cartwheel, surprising them all when he did two more, one using only one hand and one using only one foot.
"Have you guys seen him do this stuff before?" Blaine asked the group.
"Only what they did in cheerleading and that was nothing compared to this," Mercedes said.
"I'm starting to feel out of shape," Finn said. "And I play football."
"This is definitely impressive," Blaine agreed.
Finally the auditions began. The coach took them all through most of the same moves Kurt had already done, making notes about people. Then he had them all line up to run and do tumbling moves.
Blaine had his hands gripped tightly together and every time Kurt did a move well, it took everything in him to not shout for him.
"Damn, that boy is killing it!" Mercedes said.
"This is like the time I auditioned for NYADA," Rachel began.
"Rachel, shut up," Mercedes said. "This is not about you. If you aren't here for Kurt, you know where the door is."
Rachel glared at Finn, wanting him to do something. "She has a pointed," he said quietly and shrugged.
After the tumbling exercises, the coach separated some people out and those people went to pack their bags.
"Oh, it's the first cut," Finn said. "Yes! Kurt made it!"
Kurt looked over at them and they all waved and gave him thumbs up. He grinned then turned back to pay attention.
This time the coach took them through the equipment. The pommel horse, the parallel bars, the high bar, the still rings and the vault. They could the coach talking and he was saying he knew most of them had never used this equipment and he just wanted to see what their capabilities were. Could they learn it quickly, did they have the skill level?
The first piece of equipment was the pommel horse. When it came to Kurt's turn, he looked nervous. He was smaller than most of the men there. He managed to get up on his own and took a deep breath and closed his eyes. Then, like magic, his legs began swinging back and forth, up and over the pommel, and scissoring. He even did a small dismount which got him a smattering of applause. He just turned red and joined the line again.
The parallel bars and the rings proved to be a challenge for him because of the amount of upper body strength they required. But each time, he gave it his all. The coach gave him an approving look that Blaine didn't miss. He knew Kurt was doing well in the coach's eyes.
The high bar was simply amazing. Kurt swung around and around, flipping his body to face the different direction, balancing his feet against the bar. Blaine was in awe.
Finally came the vault. Kurt looked beat and Blaine wished him energy and pushed it his way, if such a thing could happen.
"One more, little brother," Finn said, his face determined.
"You got this, baby boy," Mercedes agreed.
"Come on, Kurt, show them what you've got," Blaine said, chewing his nails for the first time in years.
The coach told them to run at the vault, spring off the small trampoline and at least try to get over the vault. It was a rectangular shaped piece of equipment that the gymnast would put his hands on to give himself one more boost.
When Kurt's turn came, Blaine worried.
"He looks so tired," Rachel said, voicing his own concern.
"He can do it," Blaine had to say.
Kurt dusted his hands in the chalk bin, bounced on the balls of his feet and took off running. It was like he was flying, he was running so fast. Suddenly, his hands hit the floor and he flipped so his feet hit the trampoline, he hit the vault, spinning twice in the air and landed on the mat, feet flat on the floor, heels touching, not even a wobble in his stance.
Blaine couldn't stand it. He leapt up and clapped and whooped for his friend. Kurt's brother and other friends did the same, as did some in the audience.
The coach walked up to Kurt, patted him on the back and shook his hand. Pointing to a desk, the coach nodded and turned to the next guy in line. Kurt went to the desk, received a file full of papers and headed back to Blaine and his friends.
He stood there at the bottom of the stands. "I'm in. I'm on the team," he said, his eyes sparkling.
Blaine beat everyone else, jumping the last few steps and drawing Kurt into his arms. "I knew you could do it! I knew you could! I am so proud of you, Kurt. And, Damn am I impressed!" Blaine said, squeezing his friend before letting go so everyone else could get a hug.
Kurt was beyond excited. He had done it. He did not even know how as he had never used any of that equipment before. But he obviously had the potential. Now all he had to do was a physical and he was on the team.
Kurt went and showered and changed. They all went out for lunch, Kurt packing in lots of protein as he would do from now on. He couldn't stop smiling. Nothing had ever gone so right before. He was meant to do this. And even if he had to lose sleep and cheesecake, he would do it.
. . .
Knowing that the sooner he got his physical, the sooner he got on the team, he found a walk in clinic and waited until his name was called. A man named Dr Li came in and did the routine exams, including taking blood and urine samples to check for drugs. Dr Li was checking his lymph nodes and his throat when he made a 'hmm' sound.
"What is it?" Kurt asked.
"I'm not sure. Have you had a sore throat lately?" he asked.
"I had a tickle that wouldn't go away last night. But it did this morning," Kurt answered.
"Maybe it's nothing. I'm going to take a tissue sample of your throat," Dr Li said. He produced a giant Q-tip and swirled it in Kurt's throat, almost making him gag.
"I will get back to you as soon as possible," Dr Li said.
Kurt thanked him and headed back to the dorm. He was tired and aching like crazy from the tryout.
. . .
After a light dinner, Kurt noticed his throat was scratchy and tickling again. While he prepared for bed, his phone rang.
"Hello?" he answered.
"Kurt Hummel? This is Dr Li."
"Yes, is there a problem?"
"Yes. Can you come in right now?"
"Um. Okay," Kurt answered, very confused.
"Good. See you soon," Dr Li said and hung up.
Kurt was suddenly worried and dialed the first number that came to him.
"Hey Kurt, how's it going, champ?"
"Hey, Blaine. This is going to sound odd, but I need your support again…"
. . . . . . . . .
Hope you all enjoyed that! So… I've gotten into the habit for the past story or two of doing a "Last Time On…". Do you guys like that or should I drop it? I know for me, I would really like it on some stories when the updates are far apart. It reminds me what the heck is going on. But I don't want to annoy anyone. Majority vote wins. Hugs and dreams of fluffy Klaine to you all! Finished at 5:06am TIRED!
