Thank you for putting up with my slowness. I love you.

Shane stood in front of the mirror, turning his head in contemplation. He didn't think he looked that bad. But it wasn't what he thought that mattered. It was what Reed thought.

No, stupid! Shut up! You shouldn't be worried about what Reed thinks. He. Has. A boyfriend!

Maybe if he gelled his hair like Blaine did, not to the same extent though, hell no, he'd look cleaner cut. Maybe even more attractive. And this damn blazer did nothing for his muscles. He wondered if Reed even liked muscles…

No, dammit! You're doing it again!

He slammed the palm of his hand to his face, frustrated. He never cared what he looked like before, why should he start now?

Because Reed looks like a perfect angel and you look like a slob.

He sighed, dropping his hand and straightening his uniform out, turning every which way to look his reflection over. Maybe a straightener would help. And a haircut. Something simple, layered.

You mean like Chase's?

"Shut up, thoughts!" He screamed at the mirror, annoyed with how accurate his conscience was being this morning.

Blaine rolled his eyes from the doorway to their shared bathroom, where he'd been standing, quietly observing for a few short minutes. "Shane," he said, stepping in. "Seek help." He was honestly surprised to see Shane up and dressed so early. That was more surprising than the modeling and talking to himself.

"Ha ha ha," Shane remarked sarcastically. "Do you think you could do me a favor?"

Blaine eyed him suspiciously. "What kind of favor?"

"You can easily get into Kurt's room correct? And into his bathroom?"

Almost an hour later, Shane was regretting his decision deeply. He was sitting in the common room, waiting for Reed's decent down the stairs. He'd barely been there five minutes and he'd already heard jokes from Wes, David, and both the twins. Blaine, the first one Shane presented himself to, hadn't said a word, merely staring at him expressionlessly before walking away without comment.

He chewed on his lip, watching the stairs nervously. Hopefully Reed wouldn't be too critical.

The second he saw him, bounding down the stairs happily and only tripping slightly, Shane had a bright smile on his face. Reed was truly perfect.

"Hey!" he called, standing up, only slightly disheartened by the now prominent bruise on his cheek he could tell Reed tried to cover up.

Reed skidded to a stop once he was on the landing, staring at the boy in front of him with shock in his wide eyes.

"What did you do to your hair!" A grin broke out on his face as he stepped forward slowly, reaching a tentative hand up to Shane's head. His usually messy curls weren't so curly today. They had a wave towards the end, but quite straight from the top to middle. He decided against the cutting. There was no way he'd ever be able to cut someone's hair, let alone his own.

"I straightened it." He shrugged, smiling at Reed's reaction.

"You look like a hippie from the 70's!" Reed giggled, touching the wavy part.

"Well damn," Shane mockingly cursed, kicking the floor. "That's not exactly the sophisticated look I was going for."

Reed laughed at him, dropping his hand. "What in the world made you do this for in the first place?"

Shane stared at him blankly. "Oh um, you know. Just wanted a change." Damn, he was a terrible liar.

"Well, come on," Reed grabbed his hand and Shane stopped breathing. "I have a ton of hair care products for my curls, I'll help you sort this mess out." A loud beeping made Reed let go, digging into his pocket for the source of the sound instead. Shane watched as Reed's face fell and he couldn't help but think he looked panicked and just a little scared.

"What's wrong?" he asked, concerned. And he didn't miss how Reed immediately stepped back and away from him.

Reed was staring at his phone, his stomach twisting with fear. It was a text message from Chase.

Almost there.

How could he forget Chase always walked him to class? And he couldn't be found with Shane. He didn't want to know what would happen if he was.

"On second thought," Reed stammered, staring up at Shane with wide eyes he was sure he saw fright in. "Kurt knows about this stuff just as much as I do. Just go to him. He's still in our room, he'll know what to do."

Shane would be lying if he said he wasn't disappointed. He had just got use to the idea of Reed trying to fix his hair, of Reed's fingers through his hair (and that was not creepy thank you very much) and now it was going to be Kurt, who would probably judge him harder than Blaine did.

Reed smiled at him weakly before rushing out the door, leaving him standing there feeling oddly upset, not to mention curious about Reed's abrupt departure. Did he do something to make Reed want to get away from him?

Just as he was about to trudge up the stairs he heard a loud gasp, followed by a voice crying, "Oh my god!"

It looked like he didn't need to find Kurt, Kurt found him.

Reed was moving so fast, he tumbled out the door, just barely catching himself before he hit the ground. He looked up to see Chase standing there smiling at him. Not a genuine smile. No, it never was. This smile suggested he was amused by Reed's lack of coordination. At least it was better than the malicious one he sometimes wore.

Reed thanked his lucky stars that he made it out the door just one second before Chase would enter and see him talking to Shane.

Chase laughed, rolling his eyes and turning around, beginning to head towards the direction of the school and expecting Reed to follow.

Trying to collect himself, Reed scrambled up and followed after. His nerves were still on fire, and for some reason he knew it was because of Shane. If Chase found out… But then again if Chase found out after Reed had lied to him… That would be worse.

He fidgeted, twisting his hands together nervously. Chase noticed his anxious habits, stopping and turned to look down at him.

"Why are you acting so finicky? You know how annoying I find that," he rolled his eyes again, this time looking irritated and Reed instantly dropped his hands.

"Sorry. I just," He caught himself before he started to shuffle nervously again. "I kind of have to tell you something."

Chase's eyes narrowed in suspicion, and Reed didn't want know what he was thinking in that moment. Especially when he asked a harsh, "What?"

"Um well," Reed stared at his feet, forcing himself to stay still. "Remember yesterday when you told me not to be around Shane?" He kept his gaze down so he couldn't see the way Chase was glaring at him, but he knew he was. He didn't need to see it to feel it.

And he could hear it in his voice when Chase said, "And were you?"

"N-no." Reed stuttered, hoping Chase didn't catch the lie. He wasn't a very gifted liar. "I just- I thought you should know that being around him is kind of unavoidable." He was whispering but he knew Chase could hear him.

"And why is that?" He could hear the anger in his words and it made Reed wish he just would have kept his mouth shut.

"Because he's rooming with his brother, and that happens to be right across the hall from mine and Kurt's room," He took a shaking breath. "So I kind of see him a lot."

Reed peeked up just in time to see Chase roll his eyes in aggravation. "I kind of figured you'd see him what with him being one of your ridiculous friend's brothers. I meant don't talk or flirt with him, idiot. Jesus, don't be so stupid."

Reed eyes fell back on his shoes and he whispered, "Sorry."

Chase only scoffed, starting to walk away again. "About that though. I still don't like the fact you share a room with the gayest guy I've ever seen in my life."

Reed walked beside him quietly, saying a soft reply to this. "But Kurt is with Blaine. He's only ever been with him and they love each other."

"So? He still sleeps three feet away from you. You know I have a single room," He grinned a smile down at Reed that didn't look entirely of good intent. "Which means if you were to transfer to Stuart it would be incredibly easy for you to stay with me."

Reed's eyes widened only slightly before he caught himself. He didn't want Chase to think he hated this idea… which he didn't really. He just didn't like it. At all. He was already with Chase a lot as it was. He didn't want to be apart from his friends even more. "But I uh," He swallowed nervously, "I like Windsor. I don't think I could handle the stress of Stuart…"

Chase laughed, and like always, it sounded more condescending than anything else. "You're probably right. You're not exactly equipped to handle difficult situations. And with the academic competition in that house, you probably wouldn't last a day."

Reed pursed his lips, but forced them into a tight smile when Chase looked down at him again. "You're right," he admitted, ducking his head down once more.

"I know," Chase said arrogantly, "Now hurry up. I hate having to wait for you and your short midget legs."

Reed frowned, running to catch up.

"Hey."

Reed stopped dead in his tracks at the word, staring at the arm that was in his way in surprise. He blinked up at the person attached, finding Shane standing there, half way smirking at him with amusement in his eyes. He was leaning against the wall Reed was walking next to, effectively blocking his path.

"How's it going?" he gave his hair a not at all subtle pat that made Reed laugh. His hair had more curls, more waves, but was still different from his usual mess. It was also somewhat pushed back, making him look like a movie star. Hippie turned star.

"Well you look different. It's better," he said, grinning.

Shane smiled as he shrugged, looking as though he already knew this. "What can I say, Kurt is pretty good with hair."

Reed nodded, "Trust me, I know." He reached up to brush a stray behind Shane's ear, completely missing how Shane froze up and blushed when he did. "You look good."

Still blushing, Shane smirked lightly. "Well, you'd know all about looking good, wouldn't you?"

He froze as soon as the words left his mouth. Reed stared at him with the widest eyes he'd ever seen on him, face bright red.

What. Did. You. Just. Say.

His face started changing colors too, and he had to quickly stammer out, "I-I mean, because you're an artist and all and that is kind of what you do, and you're very fashionable, you know a lot about fashion and what looks good and –"

He stopped rambling when Reed giggled, interrupting, "No. I get it. I know what you're saying." And that made sense. It's not like he was remembering what Kurt had told him a couple days ago.

He saw you and the first thing he said about you was that you were perfect.

No, that wasn't it at all. Nope.

His red face said otherwise.

Thankfully Shane interrupted his embarrassing thoughts, "So what are you doing here alone? Not eating with Chase today?"

They were walking now, heading towards the entrance of cafe. Reed shifted his eyes to the ground, watching his feet as he walked.

"Nope. Not today. He's with his friends."

Shane had to restrain himself from doing a happy dance. He didn't need Reed thinking he was insane. "Oh, that's too bad." No it wasn't.

Reed smiled sadly, "Yeah."

"Well at least you get to hang out with us today." Shane ran forward, turning around to face Reed and doing a goofy little dance. Reed laughed and rolled his eyes. "This is what you're missing out on when you're with him at lunch. Just remember that."

He laughed again as they arrived, heading in the direction for food. "I'll keep that in mind."

They had barely been eating for ten minutes, laughing at the twins being idiotic and Wes and David arguing with Dwight, when Shane's stomach dropped. He had hardly taken his eyes off Reed the whole time, and when he did the first thing he saw was Chase making a beeline for their table.

Fuck.

Shane resisted the strong urge to roll his eyes. Why did he have to show up and mess everything up?

"Reed," he called as he got closer to the table, "Are you almost done?"

Reed's eyes lit up and Shane had to pretend very hard that he didn't notice.

"Oh, um," he was mumbling, bordering speechless. "I guess so."

Chase looked him over, quickly surveying the situation. Reed couldn't stop the gripping feeling of fear that tightened his stomach when he realized Chase could very easily focus of the fact he was sitting very close to Shane, directly across from him. But he seemed not to notice, instead drawing his attention to the large amount of food that still remained on Reed's plate.

"It doesn't seem like it. It looks like you've barely eaten anything." He pointed out, voice seemingly lacking emotion.

Shane didn't try to stop the bitter thought that crossed his mind. Well no duh Einstein, it's only been ten minutes.

He was staring at his own food, trying to ignore what was happening around him, but failing very miserably. He found himself hanging onto every word that was exchanged.

"But I'm not that hungry anyways," Reed tried to protest but Chase shook his head and, Shane was horrified to see, sat down next to him.

"No, it's okay, I can wait."

Reed smiled at him with appreciation, turning back and finishing his food silently. Chase was silent too as everyone went back to their normal conversations, and Shane soon realized his silence wasn't because he was waiting, but because he was watching Reed. From where Shane sat it was impossible to see his expression, but he could imagine what it looked like judging by Reed's blush when he looked up at him.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" he whispered and if Shane hadn't been foolishly eavesdropping he would have missed it.

He wished he would have missed Chase's answer. "Because you're adorable."

Shane thought he might have actually preferred watching Kurt and Blaine make those sickening, lovey eyes at each other if it meant he didn't have to hear this. But one look in their direction and he was looking at his untouched food again. Maybe being blind to everything was better. And deaf, he decided as Reed made an adorable giggle in response to what Chase said.

There was nowhere to look except down, and that was fine. But there was no way to turn his ears off. Kill me now.

Singing a song very loudly in his mind turned out to be ineffective as well, because he heard it clearly when Chase said, "So, I was thinking we could spend the rest of the day doing something fun together. But the only thing is, we'd have to skip the rest of class and sneak off campus. If you're up to it."

Despite himself, Shane strained his ears to hear Reed's answer. But the next thing he heard was laughter that could only belong to the twins.

"Reed? Skip class? Off campus?" He wasn't sure which of them had spoken but they were both laughing again.

He spared a peek up just in time to see Reed scolding at them. "And what is that supposed to mean?"

Kurt answered, rolling his eyes good naturedly. "Oh please Reed, your criminal record is about as long as Dora the Explorer's."

Reed glared and Shane had to choke down a chuckle. He didn't look very threatening, like an angry kitten.

"Well then," he turned back to Chase. "It just so happens that I'm in."

Chase's eyebrows shot up. "Really?"

"Really. Where are we going?" Reed asked as he stood up, taking his tray to dispose of on the way out. He held out his hand and the second Chase took it Shane had his eyes glued to the table again.

The last thing he heard before they disappeared out of the room was Chase saying, "Anywhere you want."

Once he was certain they were gone, Shane crashed face forward on the table, just missing his food by inches.

The twins looked over sympathetically, and one was patting his back. "Now, now Little Bat, don't be so distraught."

"Yeah," the other agreed, "We could easily devise a plan to split them up, if that's what you want."

Shane groaned, forcing himself to sit back up. "Of course that's not what I want. I just," he flailed, trying to find the right words. "I want Chase … to disappear."

The twins stared him down with serious expressions. "That can be arranged."

"What, no! I just, I want," he sighed, picking at his nails, something he'd never done before. He whispered the last part. "I want him to be happy."

The twins smiled at him sadly but it was Blaine who spoke, quietly, regrettably. "He seems like he already is."

Shane wanted to vanish into the air. "I've noticed."

It was hard to breathe. Stuffing your face in a pillow didn't exactly allow for easy air flow. But Shane had been doing this more often since he met Reed. A dangerous way to sulk. But he didn't really care.

After speeding through his homework, this is what he did, laid face down on his bed, alone in the room. Blaine was still with Kurt, when weren't they together, and he didn't really want to think about where Reed was.

He groaned with the thought.

Just then the door opened and Shane wasn't surprised to hear Blaine scolding him. "Really Shane? You're going to lay here in self pity instead of doing something productive?"

"Leave me alone to die," Shane mumbled through the pillow.

Blaine sighed, rolling his eyes. "What about dancing? That always cheers you up. Want to give that a shot?"

"Not really."

Blaine crossed the room, moving to the stereo to turn on the radio. He realized this was a bad idea when the worst possible song came blasting out.

You should let me love you, let me be the one to give you everything you want and need. Baby good love and protection, make me your selection. Show you the way love's supposed to be. Baby you should let me love you.

Shane was sitting up now, glaring so hard a smaller part of Blaine's mind feared for his life.

"I fucking hate you so much right now."

"I'm sorry!" Blaine scrambled to change the channel. But he winced again the second he did. What was this? Unrequited love day?

Shane was still glaring, but at least the intensity was down a level. "I hate your radio."

"Crap, I'm sorry."

Blaine made to change the dial again, this time to off, when Shane's voice stopped him. "No wait, I like this song."

Blaine should have known. Shane always did have a thing for Taylor Swift.

At least for now it seemed the sulking was over as Shane was jumping up and down on the bed, screaming along to the lyrics. Blaine tried to ignore him, turning to his side of the room, but something like this was hard to tune out, especially when Shane was putting his own twist to the words.

"I guess he's pretty smart and I'm kinda dumb, but he's a fucking jerk and I'm fucking awesome! Dreaming about the day when you wake up and find, that what you're looking for has been here the whole time!"

"Wow, Shane," Blaine commented casually, not even watching him anymore. "You want some cheese with that whine?"

"Hm yes." Shane stopped jumping, falling down on his bed with a thump. "I'll have that and you can have the nice, tall glass of Shut the Fuck Up."

Blaine sighed, turning to face his brother again. He was serious now, the lightheartedness of his voice was gone. "Why can't you just accept that Reed is with Chase?" He sounded concerned.

Shane's eyes fell to the floor, he pursed his lips, trying to come up with a suitable answer. Why couldn't he accept it? The answer was suddenly so obvious he had no problem with saying it.

"Because it hurts. I've never felt this way about anybody else. I don't even think I felt like this with Micah."

Blaine frowned. "But Shane, you've only known him for three days."

"I know! It's insane. But I really, really like him. I might even –"

"Don't!" Blaine cut him off, holding up a hand. "Don't say love. You've known him for three days, Shane."

"Are you telling me you don't believe in love at first sight? How did you feel when you first saw Kurt?"

Blaine was silent for a minute, staring into space, a trace of a smile of his lips. Finally he spoke, "Judging by the way you looked when you first saw Reed, I'd say you already know how I felt."

Shane grinned. Good answer. "And what would you have done if you found out he had a little bitch for a boyfriend?"

Blaine laughed, rolling his eyes in amusement. He finally admitted, "I'd probably be sulking around like you are now."

Shane raised his eyebrows in gratification. "Thank you." He fell back on the bed, but this time he didn't bury his face. He supposed he had Blaine to thank for cheering him up. But he ignored it when Blaine laughed at him again.

But maybe he had a point. Maybe he should try to accept it, suck it up, and move on. Maybe he should let him go.

Maybe Reed was happier without him.

Reed really liked days like this. Days where they had fun and everything was comfortable and easy. Days where he didn't feel like he had to walk on egg shells. He liked to call them safe days. But they were becoming rarer and rarer, so he learned to savor them.

Now it was sometime into the evening and Reed was sitting on Chase's bed while his boyfriend did homework at his desk. He was concentrating on it the second they got back, collecting his makeup work and intent on making up for lost time. He didn't complain though, which surprised Reed. But he really didn't mind being ignored for homework. Stuarts will be Stuarts.

He had finished his work not too long ago and was just watching Chase silently, all the while thinking things over.

"I had a lot of fun today," he said, breaking the silence.

Chase didn't look up. "Good. Me too."

Reed smiled. Safe days. They usually came after something particularly bad happened, and Reed had suspicions that the bruise on his cheek had something to do with it. But he tried not to think about that.

"Wish we could do them more often." It was out his mouth before he could stop it, and his head snapped up, carefully watching Chase's reaction.

He was relieved when he nodded. "So do I."

He swallowed nervously, knowing he was about to tread dangerous water. But if there was ever a time to ask the question that had been haunting him for weeks, it was now, when Chase was being like this.

"If you like it when we're like this then…" Reed knew he shouldn't. He should just shut up right now and leave it alone. But he had to know why. He couldn't ignore it anymore. It was getting harder to pretend. He inhaled, summoning courage he didn't know he had. "Then why do you hurt me?"

Chase's head shot up but he didn't look angry, only surprised. "What?"

He gulped again, whispering. "Why… do you hurt me?"

Now he looked angry. His eyes narrowed and his voice hardened. "I don't want to, you make me."

"But…" Reed dropped his gaze. He could feel Chase's anger surge when he started protesting. "But I don't want you to…" There was silence, so he forced himself to continue. "I don't like it when you do."

He heard Chase drop his pencil loudly, but that was all. He remained sitting. His voice was soon heard from that side of the room, meaning he wasn't going to react as bad as Reed expected. "Well, I got news for you, sweetheart," His words were patronizing, cruel. There was nothing sweet about it. "No one cares."

The words tugged on Reed's heart but could easily ignore it. After a tentative glance up, Reed was whispering again, eyes locked back on his hands. He was sure he was close to crossing the line. "But you should." It was so quiet he was surprised Chase heard it at all. "You're not supposed to do that sort of thing to someone you love."

Chase laughed once, a short sneer. "I never said I loved you."

Reed drew in a jagged breath, biting his lips and blinking his eyes.

Don't cry, don't cry, don't cry.

In spite of everything, and he didn't regret saying one word, Chase felt that maybe he should say something else. He stood up, standing in front of Reed and forcing his face up, making him look in his eyes.

"Hey. Who was the one who wanted you when no one else did?"

His eyes bore down and Reed knew he would have to answer. "…You."

"Right. And guess what. No one else will. I might not love you, but I sure as hell do more than anyone else does. Even your own mother. How many times has she tried to contact you this year?" Reed stayed silent. He couldn't say anything even if he wanted to. Chase was right. "And how many times has someone asked you out, or even shown any interest in you?" Never. Not until him. "Exactly. I'm all you have. So you better start fucking appreciating it."

Reed's eyes were wet again and he had to chant the mantra over again.

Don't cry, don't cry, don't cry.

He knew every word Chase said was true. He was unlovable. But somehow, no matter how small the amount, Chase managed to do it. And he should appreciate it.

He swallowed away the lump in his throat. Voice cracking, "I'm sorry."

Chase ignored the apology. He still had Reed's face in his hand as he turned it to get a better look at the bruise on his cheek. "And next time, cover this better. I don't want to see it."

Reed couldn't stop it. It was out before he realized what he said. "But you did it."

Yep, he definitely crossed the line.

Chase's hand left Reed's face in favor for his hair, tugging hard and forcing his head back. "What?"

"You're hurting me again!" Reed cried without thinking.

"And why am I doing that?" Chase jerked his hand up, pulling roughly before letting go. "Because you don't know when to shut your damn mouth." To emphasize this, a punch was sent to Reed's lips, not as tough as it could have been, but tough enough to split the lower one open. "So I guess now you have your answer. I hurt you because you're a fucking idiot." He stepped away, scoffing down at the boy who was beginning to cry, touching his lip in shock. "You're pretty but you're stupid."

He turned back to his desk, determined to finally finish the rest of his work. He quickly glanced back, taking in the blood that was starting to drip down Reed's face.

"How will you explain that?"

Reed choked on his words, he was hardly aware he'd been asked a question. The shock was numbing him. The hit had come out of nowhere but the pain was real. It was his fault though. Chase was right. He should have just shut up. He was an idiot.

"I…" he had to swallow again, trying to find his voice. "I bit my lip too hard."

Chase was sitting down again, focused on his homework and not even looking at him anymore. "And will they buy that?"

"Yes." Reed answered automatically. They always did. They always would.

Reed didn't blame them, he actually preferred it this way. Besides, it was easier to accept a story of Reed's clumsiness which he had proved to be true time and time again than to dig deeper into something no one else even suspected.

And what was to suspect? Everything was fine, Reed tried to tell himself as he wiped the last of his tears away.

Everything was fine.