Chapter Fourteen: The One With A Few Surprises. (Or not.)
XIV: This could be the end of everything. So, why don't we go somewhere only we know?
As it would have it, they end up in the boys apartment, scattered across whatever available surface is available. The two armchairs are turned to face the kitchen – Puck and Finn claimed those almost immediately – while Kurt, Quinn, Blaine and Sam sit at the table. Santana and Rachel are sitting rather close on the counter, due to there being no room. Brittany happily takes a spot on the floor and Mike does the same grudgingly. He's glad he's sitting beside Brittany though, as despite them being largely polar opposites, he gets along with her very well and there's nothing to sitting beside her.
No one speaks as Kurt passes around the food, no one having to ask who owns what after many years of take-out. Mike knows there's something he's missing; the tension is palpable, and for reasons he's not sure of. He has been keeping to himself as he needed some personal time, but now wonders what has gone on in his absence. He accepts his beef dish gladly, pouring it onto his plate with little fuss or noise. The clinking of knives and forks echo through the room until Sam accidently scrapes his along his plate, creating a loud, irritating screeching noise that causes them all to wince.
He sends everyone a lop-sided grin, "Sorry guys." Everyone accepts that without much reply, and he continues hesitantly, "So, this is thanksgiving with you guys, eh?"
Rachel straightens her back, and adopts her factual tone, "Actually Sam, usually it's a very pleasant occasion that occurs on the day of thanksgiving. Kurt and I cook a magnificent dinner which we all sit down to, then we watch our traditional movie before breaking the drinks out."
"Where are the drinks?" Puck questions, is gaze somewhat accusing and directed at Finn.
He shrugs, "It was a quick decision, dude. Didn't have time to get everything."
Santana lets out a heavy sigh, "The most important part, and you forgot it. Good job, Finnocence. Like a boss."
Finn is about to respond, when Rachel cuts across, "You don't have to be so mean, Santana. Alcohol isn't necessary."
"Oh, please, are you for real? You just made up with him and you're already running at his heels. Grow a backbone, Berry."
"Excuse me?"
"Santana, stop." Quinn tells her sharply, surprising the Latina. Kurt nods wearily from beside her, pushing his food around his plate in a dejected manner.
"Of course, your majesty. I'm so honoured you've finally decided to speak to me!" Her eyes are blazing, but Quinn can see the hurt, too. Quinn's been studiously avoiding her for a while now, so she isn't surprised that Santana wants to take her on. What is surprising her, is the fact that she's doing it in front of everyone. Does she want Quinn to spill the beans? She decides that she doesn't care, she's not getting involved. Because of this resolve, Quinn only shakes her head as a response.
"What movie do you guys watch every year?" Blaine asks with curiosity, and also trying desperately to break the tension. He's one of those people who aim to please, always trying to make everyone happy all of the time. He hates silence, and furthermore, awkward silences. Tension just about kills him.
The corner of Rachel's mouth rises, "You're not going to believe it… but you know the movie Casablanca? It's my doing, I suppose. I had to convince them to for the first few years, but eventually it became something we all loved. For different reasons, obviously. I love the romance – he never forgets her, and he'll do anything for her."
"You think so? I always thought he was a bit of an asshole." Blaine comments.
Mike rolls his eyes, "Are you more romantic than Rick then, Blaine?"
Before anyone can react, Santana spits, "Lay off, Mike. What the fuck is your problem?"
"My problem?" He questions, astonished. "I don't have a problem – you're the one who is with the egocentric."
Rachel jumps off the counter into a standing position, trying to calm everyone with useless words that fall upon deaf ears. Santana is bulling once more – her temper really isn't useful to any of them – while Mike looks contemptuous. Blaine sits slack-jawed in his chair, unaware of what to say. He does what's best and stays out of is; this actually isn't his battle.
"God, this shows how much you don't know him. You're an idiot. Stop being so self-absorbed, arrogant and fucking judgemental. Mi dios!"
"I'm arrogant? Oh, that's rich."
Quinn stands then, approaching Mike with caution in her eyes, "What is up with you lately? Is there something wrong?"
Santana bursts out again, her voice not half as soft and gentle as Quinn's, "Yeah, what you been hiding that you're taking it out on everyone else?"
It's at this point that Kurt bursts out laughing, one could even say hysterically. There's tears in his eyes, his cheeks are flushed and he's only emitting sounds for air every few seconds. He sighs contentedly at the end, shaking his head, "Oh Santana, you are funny. Hypocritical was never something I penned you as."
"What the hell is going on? You guys are insane these days, and I don't even know why." Finn interjects with an amount of authority in his voice. Rachel nods fervently, which causes Santana to roll her eyes. She's about to comment on their self-absorption, when Kurt speaks again.
"Don't you dare give out to Mike. Instead of criticising, why don't you offer help?"
Rachel's mobile starts ringing loudly. She hurriedly takes it out and checks for caller id, following which she excuses herself and steps outside the apartment. No one pays much attention, but there is a growing uncomfortable feeling in the room.
"That's it. What's going on?" Finn demands.
Puck shakes his head, "Man, leave it. Let's go.. They need to sort things out." He tugs at his friends arm, but Finn wrenches it back. He's frustrated with the secrecy and how he seems to be the only one in the dark. Sam and Blaine are exchanging puzzled glances, both harbouring the desire to leave.
"No! I deserve to know. Why does everyone know but me?"
Again, that same old silence washes over the room. Santana walks over to the window, gathering her thoughts and calming herself. Brittany is still sitting on the ground, fidgeting with her shoes now – she hates confrontation. Mike leans back against the counter both Rachel and Santana have vacated before speaking quietly, "I hated Blaine at first because he was with you." She turns, shock coating her features. He scoffs, "Don't pretend you didn't know." Santana fails to respond, only waiting for him to speak again. Mike shrugs his shoulders somewhat awkwardly, "Then I realised I wasn't really in love with you. You're not the type of person I want to be with; you're too difficult, and too dominant for me."
Santana struggles not to take that as an insult and succeeds. She risks a glance at her boyfriend, who is staring at a spot on the table of food. The food remains mostly untouched, and certainly no one is willing to eat now. Except Finn and Puck, that is, who are back in their seats, watching the scene unfold with their dinners on their laps. "Okay." She takes a breath, attempting to be understanding. "Okay. So what's up now?"
He looks Blaine straight in the eye, who has the good fortune of raising his head at that moment. Out of interest, or because he felt Mike's stare, Blaine's not sure. He does want to know the response. "I'm jealous of you. You have everything and everyone in the palm of your hand; money, a job you love, a person you love, charisma and the ability to command a rooms attention. You're fucking perfect."
Blaine opens his mouth to reply several times, and it takes him a few tries before he finally does say something. "M-Mike.. I'm not perfect. I don't have everything, I just give off the illusion that I have everything. I'm…" He trails off, his eyes also trailing but eventually leading to Santana.
Mike finishes the sentence, "I'm lost. I don't know what I'm doing anymore, I don't know what I want anymore.. but I'm not happy. I'm not happy." He repeats, more final this time. "Quinn, I'm sorry for the jab about your parents. I didn't mean it like that – and I hate making people feel bad about themselves. This isn't me."
Quinn walks over to him, placing her hand on his shoulder and leaning down so she can look into his eyes which are downcast. "I know you're not like this... But what's wrong? If you tell me, then I can help."
"You're depressed, aren't you?" Puck asks with an intense stare.
The man shrugs again a little, "I don't know. Is unhappy depressed? I… I don't think I'm depressed."
"I think it says a lot that none of us noticed," Finn announces, and he sounds regretful.
"We all had things going on. I don't know what to do though… What do I do?"
Quinn smiles half-heartedly, "Do something that makes you happy." As if it's the easiest thing in the world.
"But money – I don't have – I need –"
"Forget about that, man. Big picture is more important… Take a short break, then go back into the world and find something you really love." Finn's expression is earnest and concerned. Mike nods slowly, and Finn abruptly pulls him in for a hug. Of course, it's one of those usual hugs that men give.
"Sorry for being such a drag, guys." He chuckles. Exhaling, he tells them, "I should have told you earlier.. you're right."
Sam looks up at Quinn, hoping she'll get the message that he's dying to leave. These aren't his close friends, he feels like he is intruding upon a private moment. Which he is. He shouldn't be here, he shouldn't be listening to all of this deeply personal conversation. Quinn shakes her head indicating that he couldn't leave, so he leans back in his chair with a sigh. He notices that Blaine's eyes are locked with Santana, neither of them speaking, but a conversation definitely happening. He can't deny that they have a connection, but there's something different, too.
Soon after this thought, Santana breaks their stare and looks around at her friends. "You know what? I—I've been struggling with some things.. I've been struggling for far too long, actually. Many years. It's always been difficult to come to terms with some things, and then I met Blaine. I wish you guys got to know him better, cause he's so much better than you." She jokes, trying to break up the tension she feels is closing in on her.
Kurt stops her, "You don't have to do this, I'm sorry for calling you out and pressuring you. This isn't how it's supposed to happen. It's on your terms."
She acknowledges him with a smile, "These are my terms, porcelain. Just don't go singing or some sappy shit like that. Truth is everyone, I'm in love." Rachel enters the room then, a small smile on her face and completely distracted from the situation at hand. It takes her a moment to realise what she left behind, but the thought immediately sobers her.
Rachel raises her brows cautiously, "What's going on?"
"San—Santana's in love." Finn's eyes are wide in disbelief. He looks at Blaine in wonder. The man shakes his head subtly, a small smile gracing his features. Everyone else seems a bit astounded, not to mention speechless.
Rachel looks at her, "What? What do you mean you're in love?"
Brittany speaks for the first time that evening, her voice sounding child-like and lost. It's lacking the customary warmth and happiness she reeks, "You're in love with him?"
"God, Brit, no. I—I'm in love with you." She releases a nervous laugh, "This so isn't how I wanted to say this, and I feel like I'm in some disgusting lifetime movie, but it's true. Now is as good a time as any. Blaine.. Blaine's been helping me. We've been helping each other."
"You're a lesbian?" Finn asks in shock, always late to the party. He appears completely gob-smacked, and stays frozen for a while, trying to process it.
"I thought we all knew that?" Rachel asks, confused. She then looks at the two, "I didn't know you were in love though.. I mean, we all knew you sometimes enjoyed each others company a little too much. But I thought it was just… experimenting until the real thing."
Brittany throws her arms around Santana, who hugs her back tightly. She pulls away, holding onto the Latina's hands tightly. "I thought you'd forever be locked in the closet."
"So did I," She admits quietly.
"This is ridiculous. What the fuck happened to us? This is like some sap-fest in a chick-flick, or some shit on Springer. I'm out, knew this already, it's hot and great, blah blah." With that, Puck exits the room. It's not long before everyone does the same, leaving Brittany and Santana alone. What happens from there is anyone's guess.
Sooo.. thoughts would be appreciated! The next chapter is kind of just what happens after this scene. I was going to include it, but then I realised that the chapters are catching up to my writing so I have to write more before I update this. I'll hopefully update mid-week, but you never really know with me... Don't forget to vote in my poll! And, anything you'd like to see more of, just ask :)
Disclaimer: Don't own Glee, Friends or "Somewhere Only We Know" by Keane.
Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed it!
CN.