Author's note:
1) I know Blaine is OOC but that's because I wrote this story with Darren Criss on my mind. (You know he's hard to get outta your mind :]) And I couldn't change it to a CrissColfer fic (as much as I really wanted to) because, as much as I want it to happen, I don't approve of that. I respect Darren's sexual orientation... sooooooo what you've gotten is an OOC Blaine...sorry.
2) I love Sebastian! I really liked his character in the show because he just made Kurt and Blaine's relationship much stronger than it already was and because he was super funny. So yes, there will be loads of Sebastian but even more Klaine so never fear.
3) I just thought I'd explained their living arrangements. Blaine and his Band have a house in Los Angeles that they bought themselves for when they would have to work together. They all own houses separately but enjoy each others company a lot so they're always at their shared house.
4) Had to put 'Hell to the No' in this one. All the Klaine feels in Original Song is coming back :')
5) Thanks to everyone who read the story so far :) Klaine forever!
Do enjoy :)
Finding You, Finding Me
Chapter: 3
::
::
Cooper sat up from on his couch as he did every morning for the past two months and as if on schedule he sighed as he heard Blaine swear loudly in the room next door. Let's just say that Blaine wasn't having the best of luck in writing the lyrics to a new song he'd been working on.
Cooper had been trying to avoid Blaine ever since he started writing, mainly because Blaine was in one of his moods and he'd finally gotten all four seasons of White Collar on DVD and was making use of his free time to catch up on it. However, Wes had recently made him to realize that it wasn't very brotherly to watch your brother struggle through a hard time while you were destroying your eyesight watching television.
However, today, Blaine was even louder than usual and he could hear Blaine's consistent string of swear words even with his headphone on, therefore, he decided to be a 'good brother' and take the short trip over to Blaine room, even if only to tape his mouth down so that he could return and enjoy his show in peace.
Cooper watched a few more minutes of the show before rising to his feet, "Damn that Matt Bomer is perfect isn't he?"
::
::
"Blaine.."
Cooper spoke softly and in the most nurturing tone he could muster just like Wes had told him to but Blaine hadn't even glanced up from his book. It was clear that he was deeply engrossed in his writing since he didn't even seem to notice his guitar strap at his neck, cutting off the circulation to his brain.
"Blaine!"
"Holy fu- Cooper! What's wrong with you!" Blaine sprung up from his work, hazel eyes wide in shock and hand gripping at his chest as if it were falling out of place, "God!" He exclaimed again, "I almost died!"
"Almost," Cooper smiled and when he noticed that Blaine wasn't in the joking mood, he laughed, "In my defense, I didn't notice you hadn't seen me walk in.."
"Well I didn't..." Blaine sighed, strolling over to bed where his pencil had fallen during his mini heart attack.
"So by your constant swearing and all the weird noises you were making just now, I'd say you were either having sex or having a hard time writing and seeing as you're fully dressed and Sebastian isn't around, I'll have to say the latter," Cooper explained but judging by Blaine's new facial expression to what he had just said, he would have to leave the room pretty soon as well.
"Has Sebastian brainwashed you into thinking that he somehow got into my pants?" Blaine asked, leaning over his song book once more, periodically glancing back at previous songs/ notes.
Cooper shrugged, "I just figured that you'd get so fed up of all of his antics and just do it.."
"'Just do it'..." Blaine started, "That's the Nike ad right?"
Cooper nodded, "They play it over and over... It must have just stuck..." he explained.
And to Cooper's previous comment, he answered, "And the day I agree to have sex with Sebastian, I want you to kill me," then Blaine laughed suddenly, "And do you know what he told me the other day?"
"What is- something perverted. That's my final answer," Cooper answered.
Blaine gave a small chuckle, "You just combined Jeopardy and Who Wants to be a Millionaire."
"Yeah... I've been watching a lot of television," He said with absolutely no regret in his voice despite the fact that he was Blaine's manager and should have been with him every step of the way, "... So what did he tell you?" he asked, "I don't have to hurt him do I? He didn't try to touch you or anything did he?"
"No Cooper, and you've been watching Law and Order: Special Victims Unit too haven't you?"
"Yeah..."
"He told me that he arranged this entire tour just for me. He'd been thinking of it doing it for a while now, but wanting to help me prompted him to actually get things started...and it was actually kind of sweet...you know until he asked me if I wanted to bunk with him while we're touring..." Blaine explained.
As Blaine spoke, Cooper found himself thinking of a romance movie he had seen a few days back, and then it hit him...he really wanted to go watch more TV so he went on, "And how's song writing going?"
"I actually think it's a good song... especially since I haven't written a ballad in a long time," Blaine nodded to himself.
"If this is how you react when you write a good song, I don't want to be there when you write a great one," Cooper told him and when Blaine shrugged, he went on, "Let's hear it."
He sat back on the couch as Blaine nodded, breathing in and out and finding his notes on his guitar while looking at the words in front of him. He began:
We're heading for something
Somewhere I've never been
To me you're like a growing addiction
That my love for you now brings
Tell me you are mine
I'll be yours through all the years,
Whenever you reach for me
There's nothing I fear
And I Will always love you
You are safe in my heart
Can you feel the love tonight?
No we'll never part
I know this feeling won't go away
That I can't deny
We'll stay forever this way
Baby Please don't cry
This I promise you
I'll do all that I can
Near, far, wherever you are-
"Hmm...10 I think.." Cooper suddenly cut the younger Anderson in his tracks.
Blaine smiled happily, "Is that a rating out of 10 cause I wasn't even finished yet..."
"No. It's the number of songs you just stole lyrics from.." Cooper answered, checking the number again on his finger tips.
Blaine, who still hadn't caught on, lowered his triangle shaped brows in confusion, "Wait...what?"
"Look at the lyrics to your song, tell me if it says 'I believe that the heart does go on' anywhere," Cooper found the fact that Blaine hadn't figured it out yet utterly hilarious and sat and watched as Blaine skimmed through his lyrics.
When he saw the words, his eyes opened wider than when Cooper had scared the life out of him earlier. "How could you possibly know that-" then after a few seconds, "...ohhhh... Celine Dion..."
"And 'N Sync, and Seal and Whitney Houston and Elvis Presley-"
"Hmm..." he hummed to himself, nodding slightly, contemplating what to do next, "Well... I just suck don't I?.."
Cooper laughed, "Not really, I mean you found a way to combine ten different songs and make them sound really good. I mean you can make a living out of that because I was really unto it up until I heard 'And I Will always love you...'"
Blaine laughed now, "I can't believe I didn't notice that... I've gotta start all over now.."
Suddenly, Blaine's inward depression was cut short by loud laughing just outside of his room. He turned to Cooper who looked just as confused as he did. He stood off the chair, about to investigate the noise, "Was there a party that we weren't invited to?"
Cooper shrugged, joining him as he left the room.
Surely enough, the source of the boisterous chatting was Wes, Nick, David, Trent, Thad and Jeff coming in after a long day out. He hadn't had the chance to inquire about their whereabouts, mainly because Cooper was locked in his room all day and by the time he had woken up that morning, they were already gone.
He didn't bother to call any of them either since they had deserved a day off after the superb songs and dance routine they had come up with. However, something was different today. The boys, namely Wesley, all had expressions on their faces that made them look like they had just come from robbing a bank... or maybe a music store...Yeah, definitely a music store if Wesley was with them.
Nevertheless, they were acting very suspiciously.
Blaine gave them a sly smile, head tilting slightly to the side. He could already guess that they were about to lie to him about where they really were that entire day and even though he knew they weren't out committing any crimes, he was bored and always enjoyed getting them flustered. He was also interested to hear their preplanned lie.
"Heeyyy guys," Blaine stressed, scanning the eyes of every single one of them, spending the least amount of time on Trent, knowing that he was always the first to give in and he couldn't have that; he wanted to draw this out for as long as he could.
"H-hey Blaine," Wes answered immediately.
Blaine smirked, nodding to himself. "So that's how it'll be huh?"
The fact that they had no idea what Blaine was talking about scared the bunch even more. Blaine had, however, realized that they had planned for Wes to do all the talking, which was perfect, seeing as he'd known Wes the longest out of all of him and could pretty much get him to reveal anything to him, no matter how personal.
"So Wesley..."
Use of his full first name in place of his nickname 'Wes' in order to maximize his fear. - Check
"How was your day today?" he continued.
Making meaningless conversation to ensure that by the time he asked Wes about their whereabouts, he would have forgotten their prearranged answer. - Check
"It was good," Wes stuck to concise responses.
"And what about you guys?" he glanced over Wes shoulder as he saw David and Thad about to make their leave.
"It was awesome.." Trent answered with an all too over-exaggerated smile.
Blaine nodded, "Awesome huh?" he asked, "That must have been some day.." He watched as they all glared in Trent's direction for raising Blaine's suspicion even more with his exorbitant answer.
"So what did you guys do exactly that made today such an awesome day?" Then Blaine used his last resort, his eyes connected with Wes and didn't move. Behind him he could hear Cooper laughing, since it was from him that he had learned to do the famous Anderson stare that was both frightening and enticing all at once.
Wes finally gave in, "Gosh! Fine Blaine, we'll tell you!"
"Good job squirt," Cooper and himself connected palms in a high-five then turned to give their attention back to Wes.
"So?" he prompted.
"Okay, but before I tell you, you have to promise you won't get mad," Wes said, looking behind him ever so often for support, or maybe to make sure that the other guys hadn't ran off and left him there alone.
"Get mad? Why would I get mad? ...Wait, holy crap! Did you guys really rob a music store?" Blaine asked suddenly.
Wes' eyebrows lowered in confusion at the accusation, "A music store? Why a music store?"
"He's not really himself, he's been writing all day," Cooper apologized on his behalf.
"And failing miserably at it," Blaine explained fully. He watched now as Wes shrugged with a smile on his face, "Well in that case, we'll just leave. We wouldn't want you to get any more upset."
"Come on," Blaine began, his curiosity getting the better of him, "if you guys didn't rob a music store then I have no reason to be upset with you. Just tell me. I'll be totally calm, I promise."
"You promise?"
"Yes."
"We were with The New Directions back at Sebastian's head office. They were writing another new song," as Wes ended, Blaine could see that every single one of them was mentally bracing themselves for his impending explosion but it didn't come, because he had promised not to be upset. So now, he found himself in a difficult situation, he had to try to find calm words amongst the swear words that now filled every crevice of his mind.
Blaine's pink lips opened and closed as he searched for the right words to say to them without breaking his promise and it wasn't long before he realized that he couldn't think of anything to say to them so he remained silent.
"We're really sorry Blaine, we know how you feel about them but Sebastian called us over two weeks ago to help them move in to their new place up town," Trent explained.
Blaine didn't realize it at first, but then got it loud an clear when he saw the many evil glances Trent now received from the rest of the guys for his last comment.
"Wait, two weeks ago? You mean this isn't the first time you guys have gone there?" Blaine asked, eyes locked on Trent's, because he knew that Trent would be completely honest whether he wanted to or not. He didn't' have an untrustworthy bone in his body and always did a weird sort of eye twitch when he did lie.
Trent didn't even dare to look around at the boys, deciding that if he could gain Blaine's trust now, maybe Blaine would protect him from the others.
"We've been there almost every day since they've moved in!" he blurted out, moving out of Wes' and David's grasp and over to where Cooper stood opposite them with Blaine.
As Blaine's mouth opened wide in shock once more, Cooper, who had obviously also watched way too much Desperate House Wives and Jersey Shore watched every single one of them now, foot tapping, hands crossed at his chest and head shaking both in disbelief and disappointment, "You cheating hoes..."
Wes sighed, "We're sorry, it's just that they're really fun Blaine and they were great for our song writing process."
David nodded in agreement, "Lyrics just seen to flow effortlessly when we were with them and I wish you could hear their songs so far. What was it-?"
"'Light up the World' and 'Get it Right' are my favorite. Sebastian seems to like 'Pretending' though," Jeff answered with a smile that was almost quickly cancelled out by Blaine's frowning.
Thad, who obviously hadn't seen Blaine's facial expression went on, "My favorite was 'My Cup.' That Brittany is amazing," he a laughed and catching on to his subtle sarcasm, the others joined in his laughter, enjoying the inside joke that only they had the pleasure of laughing to, seeing as Blaine had absolutely no idea what they were talking about.
Once the laughter had died down, Cooper chuckled,"You know, you guys aren't really helping the situation you're in right now by complimenting them," Cooper had to take a few steps back as all their glares hit him at once.
Before Cooper could say another word, Blaine had finally found his words and in all his silence had narrowed his comments and questions mentally, down to the ones that were the least obscene. The one that seemed to take precedent was the first one he asked, "You said Sebastian, right?"
They were already in an insane amount of trouble so Wes hadn't bothered to lie now that he had realized that, of course, Blaine would have a problem with Sebastian's many visits to New Directions.
"So he's been there often, helping them work?" Blaine asked and it was obvious just how shocked every single one of them were at his calmness. They knew too though that right now, he was like a bomb, anxious seconds away from blowing his top.
Again Wes nodded.
They heard Blaine mutter something to himself, something distinguishable but they could tell by the way his eyebrows creased atop his eyes, that it was nothing pleasant in the least.
"So while I was here, struggling my ass off, he was there with them the entire time?" Blaine reiterate his question so that it became more direct and his anger more clear.
"They're new Blaine, they need all the help the can get, trust me," Wes didn't bother to confirm that Blaine had in fact broken his promise not to get mad, since he knew he would when they first began the chat.
Blaine wasn't up for excuses, "It doesn't sound like that at all.. How many songs did you say they've already done? It's been two months and we only have two new songs at our disposal.." He didn't bother to mention that neither of the two were songs he himself had composed.
"He doesn't think you need his help Blaine. Obviously," Nick said it as if it were so plain to see, "I mean you've never needed it before so why now?" he went on, feeling bold.
Thad followed Nick's lead, "Seems to me you want his help now just because you can't have it."
But Blaine was quick to answer, "No I want his help because I can't write for shit! I'm trying so hard! And it isn't fair that my best friends are off having fun with another band entirely when I'm here by myself. I'm trying to be like I used to and write like I used to. You don't think I'd need your support for that?"
His accusations were valid and hit them all hard. His sullen hazel eyes weren't of any help either.
Then came the point where no one spoke and all that was heard, well besides Cooper's television playing his his room and Wes' bulldog Banjo gnawing at new object he had found, was Blaine fast breathing.
Then what broke the silence, adding insult to already stinging injury were foot steps up the stairs that belonged to Sebastian who stood at the edge, observing the flurry of boys before him. Having no clue that it was in fact an altercation, Sebastian set his sights on Blaine who was already eying him in disbelief.
"Hey Blaine," he called, joining them in front of his door.
"Did you just call him here!" Blaine pointed accusingly to the others.
Sebastian answered for himself, "I came on my own. I have some news."
One hand grabbed hold of his door handle and another pointed over the where his band mates stood, "Well tell it to them because you're the last person I wanna see right now." With that, Blaine stormed into his room, shutting the door with a loud slam.
Sebastian laughed; an action that greatly contrasted with the frowns the boys now wore on their faces.
"When did he turn into such a diva?" Sebastian asked, despite their obvious discontent to answer him.
"I can hear you!" Blaine called from inside, causing another sly chuckle to slip from Sebastian's lips.
After he was sure Blaine was out of earshot, Sebastian continued, "I kinda like it..."
Though the others hadn't agreed with Blaine's behavior, they do now realize their mistake and it was partially their responsibly as his band mates and best friends to help his through his had time. Feeling it best to just head to their room, David asked quickly, "What do you want?" he didn't mean it to come out so harshly but it did anyway.
"You all have a recording session in three days. Since everyone's decided to write new songs, I want to record two of your best singles from the new ones you've composed. They'll be released to the public next week, sort of like an appetizer before the concert," he explained.
Cooper nodded, taking the leadership roll as the others sighed and rolled their eyes at the information since it was clear that getting Blaine to agree to do both of the songs they had composed would be difficult, especially with his new found drive to write one despite his inability to do so.
As Sebastian left, on Cooper's order, since he wouldn't have Sebastian get Blaine any more upset than he already was, Cooper turned to the others, "Go get some rest and try to get in some vocal training with Shelby before the day ends. I'll talk to Blaine."
Though most nodded and left, Wes stayed back, a little smirk on his handsome face, "You're gonna watch more White Collar huh?"
He despised Wes' enhanced skills of deduction.
"No I'm not..." he answered and Wes waited for the confession, "Just one episode of Big Bang Theory and I'll talk to him, I swear."
Wes nodded, "Good. It'll give him some time to calm down a bit," Wes whispered in remembrance that their position was right in front of Blaine's room.
"Just let him know we're here for him, okay," Wes went on.
Cooper made a glance towards Blaine door, nodding slightly, "I will," he started, "though I'm sure he already knows it..."
::
::
"Wait for it," Cooper started, "Just wait for it...annnddd-"
"You know what they say... 'You lie down with the Devil, you wake up in Hell'"
Cooper, in imitation to Horatio Caine, grabbed his sunglasses off the table and whipped them onto his face as the theme song for CSI: Miami began to play. Wes and the others laughed along with him, this being the forth time he'd accurately predicted when the man would do his signature one liners followed by the adornment of his glasses onto his face.
"I swear, that man can do anything," Cooper nodded to himself, setting his sunglasses, well Blaine's sunglasses back onto the table in front of him, replacing it with the soda that Nick now handed him.
Their day was fairly lazy. That morning Shelby had them do a few vocal exercises, all of which Blaine was absent for, then they were free for the remainder of the day.
Although Wes had wanted to go visit Blaine that morning along with the rest of them, Cooper had insisted that they not since his visit earlier that morning left him with hurt feelings and an uncontrollable urge to watch one of his favorite Disney movies, 'Brother Bear'...which he didn't watch in the company of the guys knowing that they already found him immature for his age.
"Wait, you hear that?" David's hands met his mouth in a signal to 'shush' and shush they did, all listening intently to figure out just what David had heard before. Nick turned off the television to aid their endeavor and finally they heard it.
It came from Blaine's room; the faint shuffling of feet and light walking. Suddenly their eyes shot up to the ceiling; also the floor of Blaine's room as the walking continued. They trailed the movement of the sound and could tell that Blaine was heading to the door. The soft rattling of Blaine's keys proved their theory accurate and then their eyes peered to the window where he was sure to pass if he wanted to get to the stairs that lead to the car park.
"You think he's coming to hang with us?" Trent posed to questioned to which, after their altercation the day before, he got a resounding "No".
"Where do you suppose his going?" David whispered as Blaine's footsteps became more and more clear.
"Let's ask him," Cooper started, ignoring the many protests from the other boys, "Hey Blaine!" he called, the minute Blaine's passed by the window.
He was surprised that Blaine actually stopped.
"What?" he answered...rudely and Cooper noticed that Blaine's eyes drifted from his own and to his friends.
"Where are you off to?" Cooper continued questioning, to which Blaine scoffed.
"I'm twenty-one, why is it any of your business where I go?"
"In addition to being twenty-one, you're also my younger brother and by that answer, I know you're up to something," Cooper explained and when Blaine turned to leave, Cooper decided it was time to take drastic measures.
"If you don't tell me, I'll tell these guys about your first crush," Cooper began.
Blaine stopped dead in his tracks and turned so slowly Cooper could have sworn he was watching a horror movie.
"You wouldn't," Blaine's gaze was like daggers now.
Cooper smirked, "Try me."
Suddenly, just when Cooper thought that he'd finally gotten the upper hand as Blaine's older brother, a smirk crept onto the side of Blaine's lips that quickly dashed any hope he had of getting Blaine listen to him. He'd known that since they were children, when Blaine would get this look, there was no winning.
By the almost silent, "Damn" Cooper heard behind him, he could tell that the other guys had realized also that his defeat was imminent.
"I'll tell them about Sue Sylvester," Blaine came back and just about as fast as he said it, Cooper turned to face the television, turned it on and with a big smile raised his hand above his head so as to wave Blaine off.
"Have an awesome time out Blaine. Take your jacket, it's getting cold," Cooper called out and with a light laugh, Blaine was gone.
Wes was the first to speak after they heard Blaine's car pull off, "Can't we just follow him?"
"No!" Cooper spoke fast, "I forbid you!"
Thad laughed, "Is it that bad?"
Cooper shuddered, "You can never know of her!"
::
::
"Okay guys, we're almost there. Sebastian only wants three more songs before the Tour. I was actually really surprised by how great you guys have been doing," Kurt congratulated then got right down to business, "I'd really love another ballad and maybe a more upbeat song...anyone?"
It wasn't any surprise that Rachel's hand flew up immediately.
"So I made some changes to 'Only Child' and I really think it's better, I mean, I don't think we should give up on it. There's always room for improvement," Rachel smiled happily.
Behind her, Kurt could see his step brother, Finn signalling to him. By the obvious gesturing of his finger down his throat and the contortion of his face as if about to blow chunks, Kurt found that it was safe to say that Rachel had already sang her amended version of 'Only Child' for him and from the looks of it, it wasn't any better than before.
"While I think we would all love to hear it-"
Santana cut him, "-No we wouldn't."
"-you already have two solos Rachel and another that I'm still working on," Kurt apologized.
When she shrugged, taking his rejection a lot better than he had expected, Kurt continued, "Anyone else?"
It was then that Mercedes began to laugh. He was about to ask if anyone had given her anything alcoholic, knowing that she was the 'Happy Girl Drunk', however, when Brittany and Tina joined in her laughter and stood with her, he could only assume they had something planned.
Mercedes, still laughing, explained, "I wrote this song just for fun and because I know a lot of people could relate to it."
Brittany's laughter subsided, "Wait," she started, "...you can be relatives with a song?"
"No Brittany," Kurt answered her honestly, "But why were you guys laughing?"
"The song's kind of... out there," Tina answered.
Kurt shrugs, "That may be just what we need. You guys look like you had a lot of fun writing it and that means it'll have a lot of personality in it... So what's it called?" he asked.
"Hell to the No," Mercedes answered and watched as Sam snickered, "That's so you Mercedes."
Mercedes gave Sam a small smile before turning her attention back on Kurt, who had also started laughing as to the choice of the name but he didn't object to it. Instead, he nodded, "Let's hear it."
Mama said get your ass out of bed,
I said hell to the no
Said wash your grandma's nasty hair,
I said hell to the no
They tried to take away my tots
I said hell to the no
Yeah, 'cause I'm the one that calls the shots
And I say hell to the no
Try to make me change my weave,
Well I got something up my sleeve
It's a whole lotta
Woah, oh, oh, oh, oh
Hell to the no-no, no-no, no-no, no-no
...
..
Aw, hell to the no.
With the large amount of laughing circulating in the room in response to Mercedes' song, Blaine slipped into the large room unnoticed. He observed his surroundings, their new home, that Sebastian had bought for them.
The fact that Blaine's band was much less in numbers than New Directions casually slipped his mind as he observed that it was certainly much larger than the home he had bought Blaine when he first got into the music business. And as if to add to the growing feeling of anger that he felt in the pit of his stomach, Kurt began to speak.
"Wow Mercedes," he gave her another round of congratulatory applause as Mercedes bowed smiling happily.
Blaine had to roll his eyes.
How amateur of Kurt to see reason to give Mercedes congratulations on such a terrible and mediocre song. His singles may not have been selling as much as he wished it, but he knew without a doubt that 'Hell to the No' wouldn't be looked at twice by people in the public. Or anyone who had ears.
Kurt, however seemed to think otherwise, and giving the girl a quick hug, he said, "Nice job 'Cedes, I'll put that one down for sure."
Blaine was about to interject when he remembered that his purpose for being there was to reconcile with them; to make amends, so he thought carefully about his answer and nodded in approval of his decision.
"That song isn't professional at all," He announced and all the eyes in the room fell on him, except Kurt's that took a little longer as he had to sigh and roll his eyes before looking due to the mere sound of the voice.
Blaine went on, seeing that even the nicest comment he could muster, didn't sit well with them.
"I mean she's basically just talking about going about her day and rhyming Wheaties and Diabetes, seriously?" He asked.
Kurt stood, always ready to stick up for the less than talented group, "I thought it was great. She's an amazing singer."
"I never said she wasn't," Blaine defended, seeing that Kurt was just about ready to pounce on him. He saw that at this comment, Kurt calmed down a bit so he went on. "She's by far one of your best singers and her vocal capacity is crazy but if you put her to sing a song like this, she'll lose all professionalism. No serious company is gonna hire her. She might get a few job offers for commercial jingles though."
Blaine soon realized that maybe the last comment could have been left unsaid for until after he had become their friends and Kurt's glare showed that he either didn't agree, or was imaging boring holes in his head.
Either way, he soon gave up any chance of them becoming friends that day.. or any time soon.
"What the hell is your problem huh?" Kurt voice raised in volume significantly and with the amazing acoustics of the room, the effect was doubled.
Blaine had to ignore the thought that soon flowed into his head that Sebastian hadn't ever bought him a house with any sort of acoustical measure in order to listen to what Kurt was saying.
"No the song wasn't perfect," Kurt went on, "but she sure as hell tired her hardest to write it. Do you know that she was up for weeks writing it?"
Blaine scoffed, "Do I live here?"
"Does he live here?" Brittany asked Puck who stood beside her, much too preoccupied with wondering whether or not they would fight and how much money he could get for selling that footage.
Kurt, however, ignored Blaine's question, "For someone just starting out in songwriting, I thought it was amazing."
"For someone singing since High School and being around music all her life, I thought it could be better," Blaine struck back.
Blaine smirked now, when he saw that Kurt's dramatic pause after his comment wasn't so much a dramatic pause is it was his realization that all that he had said was right.
With no other comment sounding nearly mean enough, Kurt looked directly at Blaine now, "Why did you even come here?"
The irony of his next comment made Blaine smile, "I wanted to make peace."
Kurt laughed now, but it wasn't happy, more full of distaste all directed to Blaine and he nodded now, pointing directly to the exit, "Well you make peace just like you sing songs. Now get out."
But the trip wasn't nearly as unproductive has he original thought since he had come to one conclusion as he arrived at his car, him and Kurt were not going to be friends any time in the near future.
::
::
"Remember we've gotta be totally professional guys," Rachel quoted Kurt with two claps of her hand, indicating that they should be walking much more briskly to the entrance of the recording studio.
"Stop walking so fast geez. There's nothing after us," Santana called after the brunette who now walked a good ten paces ahead of everyone, hand locked with Finn's so that he was forced to keep up with her.
"Actually, I prefer her up there. I mean you can barely hear her now," Mercedes put in just as Finn tripped over his feet what with Rachel's fast pace.
"Aren't you guys excited? I mean we're on our way to record songs in a professional studio, with professional equipment," Artie questioned now as they entered the building.
Sam nodded, "Not that half-assed video camera we used to use for our YouTube videos."
"Speaking of YouTube," Tina put in, "we should so thank our three six hundred subscribers."
"And pay a visit to McKinley High maybe?" Quinn was the one to pose the question. Though she went through some of her most trying times there, she had to admit that she had some of her best moments within those same walls also.
"Just for Mr Schue though," Puck nodded, "The rest of them can kiss my ass."
"And I already heard Sebastian talking about giving us makeovers," Tina added again.
Kurt, who was only hearing about his for the first time, smiled happily, mind racing on the many different hair styles and new clothes he could buy. With all the work they had been doing, he hadn't even realized how much their life was going to change during and after that tour.
"God, it's like America's Next Top Model," Kurt responded to Tina's makeover remark.
Mercedes, who knew about Kurt's growing obsession asked, "Still can't get over that Jay Manuel can you?"
Kurt sighed contently, "I've tried girl but it never works. He's perfect."
Sam was next to speak, "And pretty soon we're gonna be making music videos for all our songs."
Santana smirked, "Well I hope I star it it. God knows if they put Berry in front, her head's gonna block all the rest of us."
Brittany turned to Santana as they arrived on the third floor and we walking down the long hallway, with a quizzical look on her face, "But you've already stared in a video Santana.."
A quick flush of pink came suddenly to the Latino's face and she laughed nervously, "Yeah Brit," she whispered, falling behind the others with Brittany's hand in hers, "Let's just keep that between the two of us."
Brittany nodded and they rejoined the group just as Puck began to complain about the huge building since the walking seemed incessant. It was ironic too seeing as just two years before he was complaining to them about it being time they purchased a bigger a place for them to practice in.
"Hey, let's just be thankful we're even here," Tina scolded hands linked with Mike's.
Kurt was the first the agree,"Don't take any of this for granted guys and don't get swell headed. I don't want you ending up like Blaine."
"Running a marathon there Berry!"
They heard suddenly just as they arrived at the room they would be recording in that day and with their many visits over the month, they quickly recognized the voice as David who emerged from the elevator with the rest of his band accompanied by Cooper.
"Are you kidding me? There was an elevator that takes you right to the recording studio?" Quinn asked.
Jeff was first to answer her, what with his growing crush, "Yeah, this is section B of floor 3."
"I'm sorry but we're used to our floors being labelled by numbers, not letters," Mercedes commented to which the boys laughed.
"You guys are too cute," Wes laughed, emerging from the elevator now, "You'll soon get used to the fame," he ended.
"By next month you guys will be using elevators like pros," Cooper put in with a chuckle.
Kurt ignored the nudges Mercedes gave him towards Cooper's presence, since her drunk spell the first time she had met Cooper at the bar, left her with the idea that he had a crush on Cooper.
Without her distraction, he soon realized that since Cooper and the others had arrived, he had yet to hear any arrogant comments confirming that Blaine hadn't arrived with them.
"Where's Blaine?" Kurt posed the question to Cooper. Most of New Directions took his question by surprise, well all except Mercedes who nudged him again now with a smile on her face, obviously thinking that he now had eyes for Blaine.
"He couldn't come," Cooper answered fast.
Not wanting to give Mercedes more reason to believe that he may like Blaine, he nodded and left it at that, but he was still intrigued, especially since at the mention of Blaine's name, Wes and the others grew noticeably tense.
In reality, however, Blaine had decided it was best to remain at home, seeing as he wouldn't be singing in the two songs they had decided on recording first.
Upon entering the room together, they saw that Sebastian was already there and waiting, along with Unique, Sunshine (who was already recording), Harmony and Jesse who came alone because obviously he chose two solos.
The recording went smoothly and none of them could deny how great the others were. It went without saying that the Tour would be one they wouldn't soon forget.
::
::
Two weeks had passed before Sebastian called another meeting at his head office. It was surprising to him that Cooper was able to get Blaine to join them on that day since he knew that Blaine was still struggling a lot with his writing. He had tried three times that week to send him a few of his old assistants who used to help him with his writing and song construction when he had just gotten into the business, however, they had all returned in tears.
Sebastian would have gone himself but he was only comfortable with Blaine's sarcastic threats, not the ones he gave now that came with eyes so dark, it was obvious he would probably really carry it out.
Nevertheless, during this time, Cooper had been the only one allowed in his room and with Cooper's help, as much as he had refused it, Blaine was able to write a bit of music to which he would add lyrics on a later date.
It took every bit of Blaine's effort not to look over to where Kurt sat and likewise for Kurt, who, after their last meeting, couldn't look at Blaine without his breathing rate accelerating and Finn thinking that he was hyperventilating, in which case would he probably pass out before getting Kurt any help.
"So I've called you all here to give you an update as to how your new songs have been selling for the first week. I know I only made it mandatory for New Directions to write new songs because they didn't have any of their own in their repertoire but I'm happy to see that you've all took it upon yourselves to write some new songs for the tour as well," Sebastian explained.
Jesse shrugged, "Couldn't have these newbies out-doing me.."
"Well whatever your motivation was," Sebastian continued, "I commend you all for it and for meeting the deadline dates."
"So what kind of stats are we looking at?" Unique asked as Sebastian was handed the slip of paper from an assistant.
"Well you've all done really well," he smiled, "We've added up the total of digital copies for both songs sold on itunes and the number of CD singles sold in stores. I'm only giving you the rankings, you'll get all the details afterwards."
When they nodded, Sebastian spoke again, "In fifth place is Unique, Jesse you're in forth-"
"-What?" Jesse interjected and before he could begin his outburst, Sebastian continued quickly, "New Directions third, Sunshine is second and-"
"Holy shit we came first!" Wes asked suddenly to which Jesse was the first the announce bitterly, "Of course he did, Blaine's fucking the boss!"
Sebastian laughed now, "As much as that's totally and completely true, I have absolutely no influence in what the public purchases."
But as Jesse slumped in his chair and Wes and the others took their seat once more after their loud cheering, it was only then that they realized that Blaine was no longer in the room.
"Where is he?" David asked those in the room, who didn't have much of an idea of his whereabouts either or when he had even left.
Kurt however had seen something that they all seemed to miss and he wished, oh how he wished he could go back in time, so that he didn't see it because up until that moment, he wanted nothing more than to hate Blaine, however after this, he doubted he ever could.
It had happened the minute he realized that Anderson, Blaine's band, had won. He thought that just for a second he would look to where Blaine sat, if only to see that smug expression that Blaine surely wore on his face, maybe as a reason to hate him even more, however it was quite the opposite.
Blaine hadn't even glanced up at the rest of his group as his eyes, sullen and much more dark and amber than the hazel he remembered, stared into the palms of his hands. Kurt didn't know what gave him the right to believe that he knew exactly what feelings riddled Blaine at that moment, or what made him stand up and say what he did next.
"I'll go talk to him."
The comment shocked the majority of those in the room.
"It's fine Kurt, we'll go talk to him," Wes interjected.
"It's okay, I want to. Besides, something tells me he doesn't really want to see you guys right now," Kurt responded feeling fairly guilty once the words had left his mouth
. It wasn't difficult to watch their collective looks of confusion as to what he had said and they had every right to be confused. He himself was confused, but all he was sure of was that at that moment, Blaine needed someone to talk to and by his expression when he left, it wasn't this band-mates.
As he exited the room, his former conversations/ agreements (since they had always ended as such) came back to his mind; their first one in particular. Sure Blaine was losing fans, sure it was his fault, but Blaine obviously had no idea why it was so.
Kurt had seen it many times too, in his journey in the music business where singers would delve so deep into wanting to please everyone, that they would lose themselves in the process and Blaine, he saw, wanted so much to understand what was wrong with him, what he wasn't doing right, why nothing he did seemed to work. Anyone in such a position would act the way he did especially with everyone constantly pointing out all of his flaws.
It was only when Kurt met Blaine sitting on the last step the second floor flight of stairs, that he realized that as much as he wanted to comfort Blaine, their currant friendship status didn't allot him much to say so he said the only thing that came to mind.
"Hey.." he said, taking a seat next to the dark haired boy.
Blaine didn't answer. Instead he adjusted his seating so that one foot was on the ground and the other on the first step. In doing so, he allowed Kurt more room to sit.
Kurt smiled at the gesture as Blaine's face rested in his chin now, looking anywhere but at Kurt. The simple action was enough to let Kurt know that all he'd wanted then was someone to talk to. Not Wes or David or the other boys and certainly not Jesse and as much as Kurt was sure that Blaine may have preferred Wade or Sunshine, he decided that this would be his subtle way of getting back at him for insulting the members of his band.
"So," Kurt started, "What's up?"
Blaine suddenly turned to him with a small smile on his face, "Did you seriously just ask me that?"
Kurt looked away, suddenly feeling very uncomfortable under Blaine's stare that was gradually losing its sullenness.
"Well I don't know what else to ask," Kurt began, "I can't just start off with 'I know more about you than you think'. I mean we're not really friends are we and that would sound really stalker-like to say... now that I think about it..."
Kurt couldn't quite understand why he was so nervous or why Blaine's presence was suddenly making him uncomfortable. It was the eyes, he was sure of it.
"Well I give you permission," Blaine began again.
Kurt laughed, a scoff escaping his lips as well, "I didn't need your permission."
Blaine shook his head at Kurt's commented and Kurt could see that as they spoke more, he was gradually becoming less uneasy and more of himself and Kurt hadn't even began the real process of comforting him yet. He had to block out the thoughts that came now that made him wonder whether psychology would have been a better career choice, in order to hear Blaine's next comment.
"I just meant that it wouldn't be stalker-like...I mean I'm already used to you being a raging know-it-all," he answered, "So tell me, what do you know about me oh infinite ball of wisdom?" Blaine asked a lot more sarcastically than he had wanted it to be.
He hadn't really come there expecting Blaine to be totally cooperative though, so he didn't think much of the comment and went on, with a nod, "I know that you think if you had put out a song, it wouldn't have sold as well as it just did."
When Blaine said nothing and his eyes drifted away from Kurt's, Kurt continued, "I know that you're contemplating leaving the band."
"And why shouldn't I?" Blaine asked.
Much to Kurt's surprise, it wasn't actually difficult for him to think of a few great reasons why Blaine shouldn't leave, however he settled for a few not so great ones. He didn't want Blaine to get the idea that he actually cared about him in the least, although this meeting on the stairs might say differently.
"Because that would be selfish and it's not you," Kurt admitted.
Blaine shrugged, "Funny, because it sound just like the guy you described the first time we met."
"But that guy isn't you..." Kurt's statement, filled of uncertainty caused him to look away and Blaine's eyes now met Kurt's as it glanced as far away from Blaine as was possible.
"Selfish suits this new person you've become but I used to listen to your music when you first left Ohio and that guy was amazing. I mean don't you see how you've changed?"
He watched as Blaine took a few minutes to think.
"A bit, but it's a lot harder than you think to reverse all this," Blaine said, gesturing to himself.
Kurt rolled his eyes, "Well of course it is."
"So you'll help me then?" His question took Kurt completely by surprise.
"What?"
"You'll help me get better. Be myself again," it was a statement more than it was a question.
Then came the annoying stuttering as Blaine's hazel gaze caught his own once again, "W-wait, I-i hardly know what I'm doing! How can I help y-you?"
Blaine shrugged, "You know more than I do."
Kurt smirked at the comment, "Well I guess I do. And it shouldn't be hard with all of us helping you along the way. I think you're just too wound up in all that is fame."
Blaine was next to smirk at the sight of Kurt's cooperation. His well placed compliment had obviously worked just as he wanted it to.
"What's in it for me though?" Kurt asked.
Kurt was taken aback by the white smile Blaine flashed now, "My friendship. I mean you get to hang out with me and since we're friends now you don't have to stay up all night thinking of witty comments to throw back at me in our many arguments."
Kurt laughed, "Who told you we were friends? I mean I came out here to make amends with you, yes, but it was only because I knew that you still have more fans than we do and once we're on tour and people see our rivalry, your fan-base will eat ours for breakfast," Kurt lied.
"You think that if we're friends there will be less controversy?" Blaine asked, somewhat shocked at Kurt's naivety.
When Kurt shrugged, he continued, "Kurt, I regret to inform you that things only get worse from here. By next week, people are gonna be saying we're married and you're pregnant," Blaine laughed, however it was cut short as he saw that Kurt was extremely confused.
"The world of the famous isn't as sweet as you think it is Kurt," Blaine explained. Suddenly, he realized that this would be the perfect arrangement.
"How about this Kurt," Blaine asked, "We help each other."
"Go on.."
And so he did, "I'll teach you everything to know about this business and maybe just hanging out with you nice guys will help me with my problem since you seem to have no idea how to help me and I need all the help I can get, even if it is from you."
Kurt took a minute to consider the offer then he nodded, "Deal, but we don't have to act like real friends right?"
Blaine smirked, "Trust me Kurt, in a month, acting like my friend will be the last of your problems, trying to keep your hands off of me will be your main concern."
As Blaine sent him a sexy wink, Kurt sighed putting all the sarcasm he could into his last words, "I can't wait."
::
tbc
::
End of Chapter 3
I've had exams for the past two months so I've been catching up on a lot of television hence my unexplainable urge to add a ton of TV shows to this chapter... Sorry.
Thanks for reading :)