Authors Note: I suck, I suck, I so unbelievably suck - I am so, so sorry. I'm completely aware that it's been basically 2 months since I last updated and I feel so awful about it but I'm just having such a hard time juggling everything right now that finding a time to focus on this without any other other pieces of college work due or going to work etc was practically impossible. I wish I was an amazing writer and could give you guys updates every few days but I'm not :(
But on a brighter note, I'm completely astounded as to the fact that people are still alerting and favouriting this so thank you so muchh! And to everyone who's stuck with me despite my awful abilities at updating, thank you all so much - you all honestly put the biggest smile on my face, especially the lovely few of you who leave me beautiful reviews(L) I'm gonna start answering reviews at the bottom too:)
So this chapters 6, 759 words long so it's fairly long so it can be my huge apology to you and as always, there's fluff, there's angst and there's even Hummel-Hudson in this chapter so hopefully you enjoy it:) I hope so anyway
Disclaimer - I don't own Glee :(
The unmistakable, but warm and somewhat comforting scent of the freshly ground Coffee beans that drifted through the confined space of The Lima Bean was overwhelming to the senses of the five teenagers gathered around the rectangular table. The sounds of coffee mugs clanking from the counter, indistinct chatter between customers and an animated jazz-like song played quietly in the background but everything about The Lima Bean sounded so familiar to them, especially to Blaine. As the five of them sat clutching each of their coffee cups, making brief pleasantries and catching up with each other, the conversation soon made a swift transition into the real reason each of them were gathered there today.
"So, how is he Blaine? I mean Finn said he's doing well but - well you'll know better than any of us - how is he really doing?" Mercedes asked as she looked up through her eyelashes, both of her hands clasped around her coffee. Her head was slightly bowed and the sadness in her voice was unmistakable, as if she was afraid of the answer.
Blaine smiled sadly. "He's good. I mean as good as can be - there is no right or wrong way to deal with this but, I mean he's doing okay at the moment. He's Kurt - he's staying strong." They all smiled as they knew Kurts strength and determination was such a key characteristic of his identity and something they all love and admired him for.
"I think, at times, its still hard for him to adjust and accept everything that's happened but I don't think that's something that's going to go away instantaneously." Blaine continued. "I mean, he's 18 - This isn't something he should be having to live through. However, I think - in fact I know, that given everything, he's doing as well as can be. I just hope I'm good enough for him right now."
"You don't give yourself nearly enough credit" Rachel assured. "We all know that Kurt is a strong person but you - you're his rock Blaine and I think without you through all of this, he might have been at risk of crumbling."
"Yeah dude, Rachel's right" Finn smiled. "You know, I never told you or Kurt this but you know, I overhear you guys sometimes and I hear the way you talk to him and make him know that everything is going to be okay and the way you are with him and make sure he's comfortable - you really don't give yourself enough credit" Finn agreed which elicited a small, shy smile of gratitude from Blaine.
Blaine felt himself slump slightly to the side as David playfully nudged the side of him. "Fancy being my boyfriend Blaine?" He teased which made Blaines head roll backwards as he laughed loudly.
"I think that might be a bit of a problem because of a certain someone whose name begins with 'J'" Blaine said as he emphasised the 'J'. "And whatever argument you're in the middle of right now, you're still very much together D. Besides, I'm very, very happily spoken for thank you very much" he said beaming to which David waved his hand at.
Rachel smiled at the two best friends - she always liked to see Blaine interact with people outside of Kurt and the New Directions; it was nice to seem him interact with the people who he had met and known and grew to love in his life before he met the love of his life. So she smiled, but she was quick to get down to business, as Rachel always was. "So what's the reason we're all here today Blaine? All I've been told is that it is about Kurt and something for him but Finn wouldn't tell me anymore."
"You didn't tell her?" Blaines eyebrows crossed.
"Nah man I - I thought I'd leave that honour to you" Finn smiled proudly. "Besides, it was your brilliant idea in the first place - it should be your news to share."
Blaine mouthed a 'thank you' before clearing his throat. "Okay, well, I was thinking and I had a thought last night and obviously as you know, I talked it over with Finn and so, what would you guys think about holding a Concert in Kurts honour?"
A silence passed over the five of them as Mercedes and Rachels turned wide eyed, jaws nearly hitting the table and David promptly stopped drinking his Hazelnut Latte. The silence confused and worried both Finn and Blaine before someone spoke up.
"Are - are you kidding?" Rachel managed to breathe out and Blaine started to panic.
"I-I, I mean it would also be like a fundraiser to help Burt and Carole out with medical bills but it's mainly for Kurt because I thought it would be good for him but oh god, you hate the idea don't you?" Blaine rambled quickly, flinging his hands in every direction as the words came spilling frantically out of his mouth before resting it head in both of his hands.
"No" Rachel said, holding up a single finger. "No, no - I said are you kidding because, Blaine, it's - it's genius!" she exclaimed brightly.
"Really? You - you really think so?" Blaine hedged warily.
"Are you kidding! Blaine, this is seriously a good idea" Mercedes beamed but was quickly overthrown by an enthusiastic Rachel who was practically squealing in her seat.
"A good idea? It's a great idea - It's brilliant, fantastic, it's - it's perfect!"
"I told you she would agree dude" Finn beamed as he stretched a closed fist over the table to fist pump Blaine.
Rachel swiftly turned in her seat to face Finn who was sitting to the side of her "Are you kidding!" She then sharply turned a full ninety degrees to face Blaine who was sitting directly in front of her. "You're kidding right? Did you seriously think I wouldn't agree?" Before Blaine could manage to get a word in edgeways, Rachels enthusiasm once again silenced him and stopped any opportunity for him to explain that yes, there was a little part of him that thought all of the people around the table right now might not like his idea. "A million ideas have already come into my head. Pen, pen - Who's got a pen?" She said as she mimicked grabbing actions with her hands. As she gratefully took the pen that David proudly presented within seconds, Rachel took the napkin from underneath her Blueberry Muffin and clicked the top of the pen. "Okay, so this is what I'm thinking at the moment."
It felt like hours had passed by since the five of them had first sat down to discuss the fundraiser and brainstormed numerous ideas. David had flirted with the barista at the counter into lending them some pieces of paper, to which she even gave his number to him at the top of one sheet. Several scrunched pieces were spread across the table as each of them had felt the increasing wrath of Rachel's curled fist as some ideas just clearly didn't work. There were more coffee cups on the table than there were people around the table but they had finally reached a plan. Blaine and David would organise The Warblers where they would sing a song and the New Directions would reunite to sing a song where Finn, as Kurts brother would take some form of lead. As Kurts best friends, Mercedes and Rachel insisted on singing a duet and Blaine would dedicate two songs to Kurt which he would sing by himself. They had also managed to call Mr Schuster who had given out his phone number to each of them on the last ever Glee Club meeting nearly 3 months ago insisting "Don't be a stranger". Mr Schu had heard about Kurt and completely fell in love with the idea of a benefit concert in his honour as Blaine explained everything over the phone. Mr Schu had expressed that they could use the Auditorium in September as the School would already be open for the Academic year so it wouldn't cost them anything to hire out and if they were okay with that, he would arrange all the details with Principal Figgins in the coming weeks - all they had to do was show up.
"Wait, wait" Finn piped in as they discussed holding the concert in September like Mr Schu had discussed with them. "What about Rachel and Mercedes? I mean I'm still going to be here working with Burt but I mean both of you are going to be halfway across the country in New York and California by that time."
Rachel scoffed as she shook her head and waved off the comment as if it was the silliest thing she had ever heard because to her, the solution was simple. "I'll fly back from New York Finn - it's not a problem. This is one of my best friends we're doing this for and you're going to have a pretty hard time keeping me from being a part of it."
"Me too Finn" Mercedes affirmed.
"Okay, well, what about David. I mean you're going to be back in Michigan right?"
"The drives like two hours Finn" David smirked. "Really, its not a problem at all. But to avoid any possible complications, how about we hold the benefit on a Saturday and then that way it doesn't interrupt too much with any of our school schedules and that way, we all have enough time to travel back down." They all agreed quickly.
"Blaine what about you?" Mercedes asked. "Are you even going back to Michigan?" They all stared intently as they waited for an answer and Blaine sighed as he rubbed a hand across his forehead. He knew this conversation was coming sooner or later.
"Actually, I've given it a lot of thought and - and I'm going to defer my place for a year." Everyone's eyes widened in shock but really, if they thought about it, they weren't in the least bit surprised.
"Blaine have you - have you really thought about this?" Rachel warily asked. "I mean don't get me wrong, I completely understand that you want to be with Kurt right now but you know, Burt and Carole will still be here and Finn's getting his apprenticeship from working at the garage so he'll be here too. I mean, this is your life Blaine."
"So you're telling me if the same thing happened to Finn, you wouldn't want to stay with him?" Blaine countered and Rachels eyes quickly fell to the table, concentrating on a minor, insignificant indent on the dark brown wood. "Rachel, I get it. I understand where you're coming from and yes, my degree is an important part of my life - of course it is, but when it comes down to it, Kurt is my life. This isn't a decision I rushed - you know, I gave it a lot of thought but the answer was always the same and was always pretty simple to be honest. Can you imagine if something happened to Finn and you were hours away from him? I can't imagine something happening to him and I'm not there for him. I was already a two hour drive away from him and even in the times before all of this, that was still too far for me. When I drove back down the night I got the news, those two hours - they were the longest two hours of my life and I don't plan on being that far away from him right now. I'm not throwing in the towel on my education guys - I'm just putting it on hold for a year and I already called my lecturer last week and he completely understood and said that as long as I completed the necessary paperwork for a deferred entry, they would openly welcome me back whenever I felt ready to come back."
"I understand man" David said as he patted Blaines shoulder and simultaneously broke the silence that had fell over the group throughout Blaines speech but they all smiled sadly and nodded sympathetically because they really did understand.
"Thank you" Blaine replied.
"Like I said Blaine, I get it - I really do and I really do admire you for this - that is a really selfless decision to make and you know that everyone supports you with whatever you decide." Rachel said with a smile. "If we just go back to the song list, Blaine I think, and if everyone agrees with me, that your two songs should be the last ones to be performed." Everyone's heads bobbed up and down in eager agreement as Rachel smiled at a baffled Blaine.
"Re-really? I mean, I - everyone is okay with that?" Blaine hedged as he darted his head around but was welcomed by nothing but supportive, smiling facial expressions.
"Blaine you seriously didn't think that the most important performing slot was going to go to just anyone did you?" Mercedes inquired.
"Well I just, you know, we're all an important part of Kurts life." Blaine defended and was confused as to when Finn started to laugh lightly.
"Blaine, yes, we are all play an important part in Kurts life but you - you're on another level of importance that not any of us can or even want to begin to compete with. Who was the first person Kurt ran into the arms of after being given his diploma? You. Who was the only person Kurt would talk to for two days after being crowned Prom Queen? You. Who is the only person who knows the full extent of what happened between Kurt and Karofsky? You. You are the most important person in his life and that spot is rightfully yours."
Blaine could feel the tears threatening to make themselves known to the world as him being allowed the closing spot meant the world to him and Finns speech heightened his emotions, but he pushed them back. Instead he whispered a gracious "thank you".
"Sooo" Rachel cooed. "Have you given any thoughts to what songs you might sing? Because I have quite a few suggestions - with them obviously being love songs and you know, I think -"
Typical of Blaine, he smiled and nodded politely at Rachels rambling but struggled to stifle a laugh as he made eye contact with Mercedes who was rolling her eyes at the girl next to her. He was suddenly pulled out of the current conversation by the sound of a message alert on his mobile that sat beside him on the table. His face lit up as he saw the message was from Kurt.
From Kurt:
Are you going to be home soon?
"Ohh and how is said lover boy?" David teased from Blaines side. Evidently Blaine was unable to hide the smile that was stretched across his face from the seven, simple words sent from his boyfriend.
"Shut up" Blaine playfully murmured as he elbowed Davids side as he typed out a reply.
From Blaine:
Soon baby, I promise(L)
"Anyway" Blaine started as he locked his phone, placing it back on the table, "Don't you have your own relationship to sort out?"
"All in good time my friend" David replied.
"Ooh trouble in paradise?" Mercedes said as she leaned closer towards the two best friends.
"I don't know if you could really call it 'Paradise' in the first place" David remarked with raised eyebrows as he sipped his coffee.
"Well whatever you want to call it, I'm begging you let me in on at least some of it - I cannot listen to Berry talk about how she listened to "The Man I Love" on repeat nearly every single day when her and Finn weren't together and how its one of Barbara's best love songs ever to be written."
The two boys looked over to Finn and Rachel and saw Rachel animatedly talking, hands flying all over the place and her head bobbing in emphasis whilst Finn stared at Blaine and David helplessly, as if he silently begging them to bring the conversation back to involving all five of them. When Rachel noticed that Finn had stopped responding to her, she lightly smacked him on the arm until his eyes met hers again, and she willingly continued.
"Ahh that's too funny to stop right now -" David chuckled. " - and besides, it might be good to get a girls point of view. Okay, so basically - "
Blaine was taking a sip of coffee before his message alert rang out again.
From Kurt:
Okay. Good.
Suddenly, Blaine felt that something was wrong. Kurts texts felt short and to the point and that was something they never were. There would always be some use of emoticons or a couple of kisses at the end of the text.
From Blaine:
Are you okay babe?xx
From Kurt:
Yeah, I'm okay
From Blaine:
Kurt...?
From Kurt:
Blaine...?
From Blaine:
I'm coming home now, okay. I'll be 15 minutes(L)xx
From Kurt:
I love you(L)
"So" Blaine heard Mercedes say as he was brought back into the conversation. "You don't remember what you said but you have a feeling you might have started the whole thing and now she won't answer any of your calls or texts. Boy I would not want to be in your shoes right now"
"Wow, thank you so much Mercedes" David teased. "You are about just as helpful as Blaine here" David said as he gestured to Blaine but instantly took a double take at his best friend. " - who seems to be putting on his jacket and leaving us?"
"Yeah, something has come up at home so I have to run. Besides, I think we've got everything pretty much covered here now" Blaine said.
Rachel turned to Blaine with widened eyes. "What, Blaine, no, no - you can't leave yet! I was just explaining to Finn how 'The Man I Love' is such an excellent love song and I highly recommend that you consider it as an option."
"Erm Rachel - " Blaine began as he placed his coffee cup in the bin behind him. " - The first line of that song is "Some day he'll come along". It's a song that is about waiting for the man you love to come your way but I don't have to wait - I already have him." Blaine smiled. "Now I really do have to go but whatever songs I do decide to sing, if it's alright with you guys, I'd kind of like to keep it to myself. I want it to be a surprise not only for Kurt, but for everyone else too."
"Blaine of - of course its okay. You don't even have to ask that - we trust you and your judgement and we all know that it'll be absolutely perfect because it'll be from you" Rachel said.
"Thank you" Blaine replied. "And guys, thank you, for everything."
"You don't need to thank us" Mercedes replied. "If anything, we should be thanking you for thinking of this all in the first place." Blaines eyes fell to the floor as he smiled. "Now go on, get out of here and go home to your boyfriend. Tell him we all said hi" she smiled.
"I'll be home soon" Finn called out as Blaine waved to the four teenagers before pushing the door to the Lima Bean open, walking out into the warm, July weather.
As Blaine made the short drive home, he felt giddy as he couldn't direct his thoughts to anywhere or anything other than the fundraiser. He was so excited that it was all real and actually happening that he almost felt like a child on Christmas Eve. He knew that up to this point, he had helped Kurt as much as he could and had been there to support him through everything but with the fundraiser, this was something Blaine was going to be able to do for Kurt, something he didn't just have to sit idly by with and he couldn't wait to get started.
He ran up the stairs, desperate to see the face he had been deprived of for no less than 3 hours but always felt like an eternity. He pushed the door of his and Kurts bedroom to find Kurt sitting cross-legged on the bed, his hands in his lap and head bowed downwards.
"What's wrong" Blaine asked from the doorway. Kurt slowly looked up and Blaine saw the tear stained cheeks and the slight glisten in his piercing eyes.
"How did you know?" Kurt smiled sadly.
"I just, had a feeling" Blaine said softly as he tentatively walked further into the room. "Kurt?" he said as he reached the edge of the bed. It was as if the sympathetic tone of Blaines voice welcomed Kurt with a whole new set of tears as they relentlessly rolled down his already flushed cheek. Without hesitance or a second thought, Blaine kneeled onto the bed before sitting down, taking Kurt in his arms, bringing him as close to him as possible, attempting to give him as much comfort as he possibly could. Blaines heart started to crumble as he felt Kurts body shake in his arms and the side of his cardigan getting damper with every passing second.
"Shhh, shh, it's okay babe" he whispered as he stroked Kurt's hair away from his face, occasionally pressing kisses to his forehead. He just wanted to make everything, but right now, he had no idea if he even could.
Several minutes passed by before Kurt felt the tears had stopped enough for him to talk comfortably. Even though he didn't want to, he brought himself out of Blaines arms and sat upright. He instantly missed the familiar feeling of safety and comfort that being in Blaines arms brought him but he knew he had to be facing Blaine for this. He instead reached for Blaines hand, clasping it tightly in both of his.
"I'm sorry." he whispered as he nervously fiddled with Blaines hand, still avoiding eye contact with his boyfriend.
"Don't be sorry" Blaine shook his head. He clasped his free hand around Kurts hands who was still holding tightly onto his other hand like it was his lifeline. "You have nothing to be sorry about."
"I thought I was done with the crying" he confessed quietly. "I didn't want to burden you with that as soon as you came home."
"Kurt" Blaine cooed. "Nothing you ever do will ever be a burden to me."
"Even when I'm dragging you up and down the mall countless times and then end up leaving with absolutely nothing?" He teased but and although Blaine could appreciate the joke, the humour was taken away by the obvious glistening of Kurts eyes.
"Even then" he answered. "Can you tell me what's wrong yet?" he gently suggested. Kurt took a shaky breath. "No pressure" He assured.
Kurt pouted his lips as he drew a breath inwards, steadying himself before beginning. "I erm - I was just getting ready. Just like normal, you know. I was dressed, I done my moisturising routine, everything was normal"
"Kurt?" Blaine gently pressed, never once letting go of Kurts shaking hand. Blaine knew he was stalling from what was truly bothering his boyfriend. "What happened?"
Kurt let go of his hands and shifted his body to the side as he slowly leaned backwards. He paused for a moment but as he turned back around to face Blaine, Blaine saw that Kurt was holding his hair brush. At first, Blaine thought nothing of it but when Kurt handed it to him, granting him a closer look at it, Blaine noticed that there was more hair in there than usual, so much that the black pad was barely visible as strands of strands of light chestnut hair covered it entirely. And given the situation they were in, Blaine very quickly understood. And Blaine completely got it. This was why Kurt had been so upset. Blaine knew that Kurt wasn't a vain person in any way but his hair was just part of who he was, it was something he took pride in and was part of his identity. So he immediately understood that to see a fair amount of something that was part of his identity fall out, completely beyond his control, Blaine knew that that must have been both shocking and heartbreaking.
"This is stupid" Kurt scoffed and for the first time in minutes, Blaine looked up and into Kurts eyes. He hadn't even noticed that Kurt had started to cry again. "This shouldn't be affecting me this much right? I mean it was a risk. I knew it was a possible side effect from the chemo and so it was bound to happen sooner or later right - I should have expected it. But, I don't know, I just - just watching it happen and watching how easily it came out." He shook his head as if he was recalling a bad memory, but really, this was a bad memory. "I ran my fingers through it at one point -" he continued, " - and there was just strands of it in between my fingers and I just, started to cry. It's just, its just all yet another reminder that is all real and happening and it's something that I can never really control and I - I.."
Blaine instantly pulled Kurt back into his arms as he started to sob violently, his breathing was erratic as his chest heaved heavily. Blaine positioned them do they were slightly laying down on the bed. Kurt tangled their legs together and wrapped an arm across Blaines stomach as he curled into his side, inhaling the comforting scent that was just Blaine. Blaine pressed his cheek into the bed of Kurts hair as he slightly rocked them. "Shh, Shh it's okay, you're okay. I've got you" he whispered, the only sound filling the room was Kurts heart wrenching sobs and shaky breathing as he attempted to calm himself down.
"What am I going to do if it all falls out?" Kurt whispered quietly into Blaines side after a few minutes.
"You'll still be beautiful to me" Blaine replied instantaneously, not a single ounce of hesitance was audible in his voice.
"Really?" the sceptic in Kurt came busting out of its shell. " So you're saying you'll still love me even if I look like Magic Johnson at the tender young age of 18." Blaine took some comfort as he heard the unmistakable tone of wittiness in Kurts remark that was just so, perfectly him.
"You know who Magic Johnson even is?" Blaine genuinely asked as he looked down at Kurt, His eyebrows raised in pleasant surprise
"I've lived with Finn for over two years now and my dad for even longer" Kurt pointed out. "I've had to endure several Basketball games over the years so you tend to pick up on these things. But I'm not so sure I can quite rock that look" he quipped.
Blaine laughed softly as he snuggled Kurt further into his side. "Well in that case - " he sighed contently. "I wouldn't care if you do end up looking like Magic Johnson because I love you and no matter what, I will continue to love you until my dying day."
The following week passed by fairly normally after the Sunday before. Apart from the everyday, natural loss of hair, Kurt hadn't endured any more episodes like he had the week before but Blaine could see the hesitance within him as he stood in front of the mirror every morning styling his hair. Each brush of the hair and movement of his fingers through it were considerably slower and more delicate than normal, as if he was just waiting for something to happen so Blaine was relieved when nothing did happen, but he wasn't too sure if this would always be the case - after all, Kurt still had four more months of chemotherapy treatments left. This Sunday was extremely different to the one before which was certainly not unwelcome. Blaine and Kurt made good on the term 'day of rest' that was associated with the ultimate day of the long week. On one edge of the bed, Kurt was lying flat on his stomach, legs crossed and dangling in the air as he hummed in approval as he intently read his latest copy of Vogue that had arrived in the mail the day before whilst Blaine lay with his head against the headboard on the other side, reading his slightly worn copy of 'The Lord Of The Flies'. Blaine would occasionally grab Kurts legs and blow raspberries onto his exposed ankles which had Kurt in a fit of giggles. Once he'd calmed down he'd exert revenge onto his boyfriend by poking his foot onto a body part of his choice. So far he had claimed Blaines shoulder, his hip and his stomach. It was all just so comfortable and normal.
"When you were younger, Did you ever wish that you could be in 'Lord Of The Flies'? Blaine wondered.
Kurt rolled onto his back to peer up to his boyfriend in wonderment. "What?"
"You know, stranded on an island, there were no adults around and they had a plane there too. I mean when you're 11 or 12, that's pretty cool. Me and David always said that would have been pretty cool anyway" Blaine confessed.
"But half of them turn into savages" Kurt stated. "And didn't they kill their own friend?"
"Yeah Simon, but they thought he was the beast of the island" Blaine enthusiastically stated.
"Hmmm" Kurt pondered. "I liked the book but when I was younger, unlike my strange boyfriend who dreamt of being stranded on a island, I dreamt of finding love and romance - finding my own prince charming" he cooed.
"Hmmm - Well I guess you're going to have to keep working on that one" Blaine teased but Kurt had no objection in playing along.
"Oh I completely agree. In fact, I was thinking about getting rid of the guy I'm seeing now" Kurt non chalantly remarked. Blaine started to lean himself forward, gradually resting on his stomach as he slowly leaned closer into Kurt.
"Oh is that right?" Blaine cooed
"Yeah" Kurt sighed "I've kind of had enough of him now"
"Oh really? Is that so? Really? Really?" Blaine muttered as he continued leaning forward before suddenly looping an arm over Kurts stomach and began to relentlessly tickle his hips. Kurt immediately cried out in laughter.
"Still want to get rid of him now?" Blaine teased
"Yeah he's the WORST" Kurt managed to splutter out in between his laughing fit which made Blaine tickle harder. Kurt thrashed and rolled around on the bed before calling out "Defeat, Defeat - I admit defeat" Blaine sat himself up and went back to lying down and Kurt quickly followed him, swinging an arm over his waist.
"You're such a dork" Kurt muttered before both of them burst out laughing over their antics.
"Boys" Carole called out from behind the door before pushing it open to find Kurt and Blaine on the bed, every possible limb tangled together as they giggled uncontrollably. "Oh, I haven't interrupted anything have I?"
Kurt playfully smacked Blaines chest as he pulled himself out of his arms. "No, no Carole - nothing like that. We were just fooling around." Kurt offered
"You know that doesn't sound any better to what she's thinking" Blaine murmured as he leaned into Kurt, earning another light hearted smack to his arm but then quickly intertwined their hands.
"So is everything okay?" Kurt questioned as he turned to face Carole who was smiling, still waiting patiently in the doorway of their room.
"Yes, it's just - would you boys mind coming downstairs for a moment. Burt and I would like to talk to you all about something"
"Is everything okay" Blaine asked and saw that his worried expression was mirrored by Kurts.
"Yes sweetie, everything's okay. Just - we'll see you in a minute?"
"Yeah. Yeah we'll be right down" Kurt said, the worry that was still etched onto his face clearly evident in his voice too. Carole smiled and nodded before closing the door behind her.
"She's okay, right?" Kurt thought aloud as Carole left the room.
"She said she is, but -" Blaine trailed off as he shrugged his shoulders.
"I mean she had that doctors appointment yesterday, you know from when she had been sick all those times a couple of weeks ago" Kurt said as he and Blaine got off either sides of the bed. "And she didn't talk to any of us about it, only Dad."
They walked around their respective sides to meet right in the middle at the end of the bed.
"Carole said she's fine Kurt" Blaine assured as he took both of Kurts hands in his, hanging them in the little space between them. "And Carole doesn't lie."
"yeah but Mothers would do or say anything to not hurt their children or at least save them from worrying, even if they find out eventually" Kurt countered. Blaine leaned forward to press a kiss to his forehead.
"I'm sure she's okay" Blaine assured before walking the two of them out of the room.
As they walked down the stairs, they saw that Finn was already sitting on the couch and Burt and Carole standing in the middle of the room as they waited for the two of them. As Kurt trailed behind Blaine, who was leading them to the empty seats on the couch, their fingers still laced together, Kurt mouthed a quick "Do you know anything" to which Finn shrugged his shoulders, his silent reply of clarifying "No". They all quickly settled down, anxious to know what exactly was going on. Burt exhaled deeply as Carole clapped her hands together.
"Do you want to tell them" Burt asked as he turned to his wife.
"I don't mind" Carole smiled.
"Well, what do you think?"
"I think we should both tell them" Carole said.
"Can SOMEONE, please just tell us what's going on" Kurt sniped impatiently. The small talk between his parents wasn't helping as he was getting more and more anxious by the minute. The last time they had been in a situation similar to this was at the start of his diagnosis and Kurt was anxious to hear that a similar fate hasn't been cast upon his own step mom. He'd already lost one Mother in his life and his dad had not only lost a wife, but also a best friend and he certainly didn't want history to repeat itself - not when they were all so happy.
"Okay" Carole breathed. "Well, as you know, I haven't been feeling too peachy these last few weeks and when I went to the Doctors yesterday, we done some tests and - and they gave me some news."
"But, I thought you were just ill?" Finn asked, his eyebrows furrowed in confusion.
"Well that's what I thought sweetie, but- "
"But what? I mean, what did - Mom, you're not s-sick, are you?" Finns voice dropped heartbreakingly low, as if he was scared of the answer. Kurt and Blaines eyes darted backwards and forwards from Finn and Carole.
"Actually sweetie, It's quite the opposite." Finn slowly looked up to make eye contact with his mum while Kurt and Blaine, although still confused, waited patiently. Carole looped an arm around Burts waist as Burt placed a firm hand to Caroles back. The few seconds it took for the next sentence to be revealed felt as though hours had passed by.
"I'm pregnant" Carole announced, both her own and Burts face breaking out into the widest of smiles although the expressions of the three teenage boys who sat on the sofa were quite the opposite. Jaws had dropped and each of the six eyeballs looked as though they were all so close to popping out of their eye sockets.
"I erm - what?" Finn spluttered
"Pregnant, Finn" Carole clarified. "And I know I'm not getting younger but I'm six weeks gone according to the results which explains why I'd been sick in the last two weeks."
None of them could quite believe it. They all sat in silence as they processed the huge impact this one word would now have on their lives.
"Alright boys, I know this is a bit of a shock but, could you at least say something. You're kind of making me nervous here" Carole laughed nervously as he curled further into Burt, as if she was seeking a comfort she wasn't exactly getting from the three struck teenagers.
"I just erm, just in shock" Finn muttered.
"It's a shock" Blaine stated as he rose up off of the couch, deciding to be the first one to break the ice, "But this child will be insanely lucky to have you two as parents" he finished as he embraced Carole into a hug.
"Thank you sweetie" Carole whispered as she rested her chin on Blaines shoulder. As they pulled away, Carole held him by his arms and leaned in to press a kiss to his cheek. "This is your family too, okay" she whispered so only Blaine could hear as she gestured to her stomach and although it was still completely flat and showed no signs of a life growing inside, Blaine felt extremely touched by the little but beautiful moment the two of them had just shared because he knew exactly what she meant. And it meant the world to him. He mouthed a thank you and moved towards Burt.
"Get over here Bud" Burt waved him over.
"Congratulations Burt" Blaine laughed as he easily settled into the hug. They enthusiastically clapped each other on the back.
"So, you're really pregnant" Finn stated and everyone turned to face him.
"Well when you were younger, you always said to me how all you wanted more then all the Christmas presents in the world was a brother or sister. Now's your chance" Carole smiled as Finn walked towards his mom with open arms.
"I am - I am so, so happy for you Mom. I know I was shocked but really, I am happy for you" Finn smiled as he hugged Carole.
"Its okay sweetie. I'm still shocked now" Carole chuckled over Finns shoulder. As she pulled away, she brought her hand up to his cheek, stroking it affectionately. "Kurt, honey are you okay?" she lovingly asked as Kurt still sat on the sofa, an unreadable expression on his face. One even Blaine couldn't quite place, but he knew it wasn't good.
"Yeah buddy I thought you'd be climbing the walls by now desperate to call dibs on decorating the nursery" Burt teased.
"I'm okay dad" Kurt chirped but Blaine had a feeling the tone of his voice didn't truly reflect how he felt. Kurt eventually stood up to embrace both Carole and Burt, congratulating them both. "I'm really happy for you" he smiled.
"So what do you think? You going to decorate the nursery for us?" Burt eagerly suggested. "You know you're the only person in this house who truly understands the intricacies of interior design"
Burt, Carole, Finn and Blaine all laughed because of how true that statement really way. Burt and Carole still rave to this day on how beautiful the Autumn colour scheme of their wedding had been and in general, just how beautiful everything had been put together, attention had been paid to every single detail and it was simply perfect. Even Finn praised Kurt for how well he had organised the event and from the pictures Blaine had seen, he knew that Kurt was obviously gifted in this area. If Kurt could plan such a beautiful wedding, they all had no doubt he could decorate an exquisite, beyond perfect nursery for his future sibling.
"I erm - Sure" Kurt nodded. As cries of "excellent" and "thank you Kurt" were heard across the room, Blaines eyes never left Kurts. As Kurt turned to him, Blaine mouthed a subtle "are you okay?". Kurt's lips slightly twitched into a smile but Blaine wasn't convinced. He wasn't convinced for a second.
A/n - Sooo? I know, an agsty ending - Urgh i know!
This chapter was supposed to be longer - like I had two more parts planned for it but I'm still planning the dialogue for the second part in my head and I really want to get that right because, well to me, I find it important and I want it to make you cry ;) No I'm not that cruel but I do want the dialouge to feel and sound right and conpletely truthful and not cliche or anything:)
I know the Pregnancy storyline is kind of a bit sudden - I did try and allude to it in the last chapter because I realised i needed to allude to Carole not feeling quite right before this chapter and obviously because I spend so much time focusing on our two lovely boys, I forgot to spend more time on this but this storyline will be a consistent plot throughout the story
So the next chapter will be the fundraiser (with these two extra scenes from this chapter too) :) and there'll be a plot device at the end of it ;O
I do however have my A level exams in the next few weeks so I'm literally revising at any time I can (whenever my teachers aren't shoving essays at me :L) so im so sorry but there is probably going to be a delay - nothing like this one but I just really do need to concentrate on them as its my last year of College:) I'll probably still be writing it but there just wont be a complete chapter for me to give you guys but I promise, you'll get it as soon as I'm finished:)
So answering reviews :)
Mid-morning-rain - Awwh i'm glad you liked Chapter 10 babe:) Ah i know that feeling about life being insanee! I hope you're okay and your lifes not too insane right now
peanutmeg - Thank you so much darling for saying that about my Great Aunt:) That means a lot. And my best freinds okay now:) obviously :L She had to be rushed to hospital because she had appendicitus but she's fine now:)
Ahh gosh thank you so much for saying the allusion to marriage was well written - I was so nervous that it wouldnt be realistic so you really put my worries to rest:)
Jazz - Well i am completely honoured that my story was the first AU fic you read and the fact that this is the second time you're reading it - well that just means everything to me so thank you so muchh!
Spooked Kitten - Thank you so much for saying that about my understanding of the American Health Care System and im glad this plot it still realistic:)
Oh, also I think it is great that you did research as well. It makes the story so much easier to read when it is so well put together
That put the biggest smile on my face so thank youu:)
Oh i know LOL - I'm a sucker for fluff even in an Angst fic :L I swear i dont go a chapter without writing some sort of fluff :L
So I would absolutely love you all if you just took a little time to add a review to this -
Reviews really do make my day:)
Until next time my lovelys(L)xx