(A/N): OMGLEE HEY GUYS! Guess what, I'm still alive, I promise!

I shouldn't make excuses, I know, but you do deserve an explanation. It comes in the form of one word: Finals. Nuff said. But hey! I'm on summer vacation now and I have no friends, so I have all the time in the world to write!

SPEAKING OF! I finally started that collab with AlyDuartsGleek! It's posted on her profile, and it's called 'Unexpected Guests', though the title is subject to change at the moment. I would love it if you would check it out! (Warning: it is a very cracky crack fic)

ANYWAYS! Onwards with the story. It was supposed to be Klainey goodness, but Kurt had other plans. :/

Enjoy!

Disclaimer: Despite my absence, I did not come across the ownership of Glee.

Chapter 7: Dinner?

I took a deep, shuddering breath, and Blaine's arms held me closer. And the pieces started to fall into place.

The blushing, the giddiness, the staring, the butterflies…

I'm falling for Blaine Anderson.

-:-Kurt-:-

I pulled slowly out of Blaine's grasp.

What?

My thoughts scrambled as they tried to find the origin of this affection. I haven't even known this beautiful being long enough to have feelings for him. How was this possible? How was I, one who has never really experienced a true, deep love, falling for someone , and so quickly at that?

I must have shown the confusion on my face, because Blaine smiled and squeezed my arms gently. "Penny for your thoughts."

I blinked a few times, opening my mouth slowly as I tried to piece together an answer. Luckily, I was saved by the obnoxious, booming voice of the Hawk calling us into formation.

I just gave Blaine a small half-smile and a shrug as I turned away and rejoined the group.

Click!

I stumbled to a stop.

"Alright guys, that's it for today. Stick around for the last fifteen minutes and work on individual or small-group parts." The Hawk announced as she wrapped up the chord of the radio.

I wrapped an arm tightly around my ribs, trying to slow my breathing. Each pant sent sharp spikes of agony through my abdomen, causing me to gasp and the whole cycle to repeat and intensify.

I was starting to get dizzy again. That last number had been brutal. I swear I'd almost blacked out. I stumbled a step as I tried to regain my bearings.

Coach looked over her shoulder at me. "Not you, Hummel. You look like you're about to faint. Sit."

I backed up until my back hit the wall and slowly slid down I attempted to hold my breath as my ribs were set on fire. I breathed out slowly, hoping to extinguish it.

"Kurt, are you—?" Blaine started to ask, but he was cut off by the Hawk.

"Hummel!" She barked, crouching down in front of me. "What's your problem?"

I tried to take in a breath to answer, but all that came out was a pathetic sort of whimper.

She scoffed as she stood back up. "Are you really that out of shape? You have to work on this, Hummel. How are you supposed to sing and dance if the dance alone is too much for you to handle?" She stalked away, calling over her shoulder, "Oh, and didn't I tell you to lose a few?"

I turned my head away, not wanting Blaine to see my face burning in shame. She noticed, too. She pointed it out, and now the entire room was looking at me. Oh god, I could read the disgust in their features as they took in my stomach rolls, my double chin, my flabby arms and legs. I just wanted to curl into a ball and disappear.

But I was working on it. I was dieting and working out. I weighed myself every single day and charted my weight. I was doing everything right. It was working, I just knew it. It had to. It was just taking longer than I was expecting, that's all.

It all boils down to one thing: I would do anything to be perfect.

-:-Blaine-:-

Kurt looked horrible.

Of course, I would never say this to his face. Not under normal circumstances by any means, but especially not now. Not right after he has been insulted by his coach in front of everyone.

But it doesn't change the face that he looks horrible.

And not in the way that the Hawk was implying. No, he was not in any way fat or overweight or even "chubby". He was entirely too skinny and thin and should probably be gaining weight, not losing it.

Kurt also looked… sickly. Not too noticeably, but enough. The bags under his eyes, the pale, colorless tone of his cheeks, and the general skeletal frame of his body were hints. His breathing also worried me; it sounded sharp and labored, like each inhale was painful. It only confirmed my suspicions that he had injured his ribs somehow.

He shouldn't have come today, not after the day he's had, and especially not with injured ribs. I should have taken him home the second I saw him. What he needs is a nice, good meal and some sleep. And maybe an ice pack or something.

I walked up to him. "Want to get out of here?"

He looked up at me, quickly schooling his features to hide the last remnants of pain that lingered. "A-are you sure I can just… leave?"

"You're not doing anything at the moment, are you?" I questioned, smiling playfully. "And class is over in a few minutes anyways."

His upper lip twitched into an almost-smile. "Okay, yeah. Sure."

"Great!" I said, trying to rein in my enthusiasm just a little bit more. I didn't want to come across as too eager.

Kurt stood up and grabbed his dance bag, gesturing awkwardly to the changing room. "I-if you don't mind…"

"No!"I said quickly, "No, no, you're good."

He smiled awkwardly and disappeared around the corner. I settled my back against the wall to wait. Huh, maybe I should have figured out where I was taking him first. That might've been smart. Okay, this shouldn't be too hard; there's a nice little diner not too far from here. I'll take him there, make sure he gets some food in him, and then make sure he gets home, safe and sound.

I didn't wait too much longer when Kurt reappeared, dance bag in hand and looking as impeccable as ever. He was dressed simply in dark skinny jeans and converse, topped off with a simple deep blue button down that brought out the color of his eyes. His chestnut locks were gently tousled, though stylishly so. Yeah, he looked… very attractive.

He smiled cautiously at me and titled his head. "Earth to Blaine?"

I shook my head, ridding it of those sorts of thoughts. Undapper, Blaine! Keep it together! I thought viciously as I smiled kindly back at him. "Sorry. So, shall we?" I said pompously, holding my arm out to him.

He giggled as we linked arms, his nose scrunching adorably. "And where, exactly, are you taking me, fine sir?" He questioned, playing along.

"Out to dinner, my fair friend." I said, holding the door open with a flourish.

His eyes widened a little bit, and he stopped in his tracks. "T-to eat?"

"Yeah," I answered slowly. That was a weird reaction. I pressed for more. "Is something wrong?"

He shook his head quickly. A little too quickly. "No, I-I'm just… n-not hungry."

My eyebrow raised as his stomach grumbled loudly. "Yeah, right. Get in the car."

-:-Kurt-:-

Those three words echoed in my head. They bounced around, repeating incessantly, taunting me. Out to dinner… Out to dinner…

I stopped walking. No. No no no no no no. I can't eat in front of him! I can't eat period. I already ate my allotted calories for the day. Besides, there's no way Blaine is going to watch me eat. I'll look like a freaking pig!

"T-to eat?" I asked dumbly, just hoping I heard him wrong, or that his idea of "out to dinner" was something completely different from mine and I wouldn't have to worry.

"Yeah," He said, looking at me with a suspicious look on his face. Damn! I didn't want him digging into this. He already thought something was up after my song. "Is something wrong?"

"No," I said quickly and maybe a little too loudly to be natural. "I-I'm just… not hungry." I lied. I held back a wince as my stomach growled in denial, taking any chance for food as an opportunity to speak up.

"Yeah, right. Get in the car." He said, waving his hand as he headed towards a car parked in the corner of the lot.

I followed dumbly after him, trying to reassemble my thoughts. "M-my car…"

He glanced over his shoulder with a heart-melting smile. "Follow me, I know a place."

I sighed, my thoughts once again on a rampage. Okay, okay. I could do this. I could be normal. I could get through. After all, Blaine was going to be there. He invited me. He wanted to do this. And how could I say no to that?

I clambered into my Navigator and pulled out after Blaine. I used the short drive to collect the last remnants of any potentially harmful thoughts and tucked them away, tossing up the walls one by one in a practiced ritual. By the time I reached the car park, I had convince myself that this could at least be kind of fun. Nothing could go wrong.

Right?

-:-Blaine-:-

I got out of my car slowly, watching as Kurt drove by, his face expressionless, as he parked a few spaces down. I took a few steps and waited until I heard his car door shut. I sped up my stride, coming up alongside him. "This place is the best; really cozy, never too busy, and the food is amazing." I gushed playfully. I was hoping for a laugh, but I could only elicit a light chuckle.

We stepped through the door and paused, surveying the scene. "I guess I take back the 'never too busy' part." I said sheepishly, rubbing the back of my neck.

Kurt gave me a small smile and a shrug. "It's fine. I don't mind a little wait." I smiled back at him, and he blushed and looked away.

I didn't really understand, but I blushed too, clearing my throat as I turned my attention towards the people waiting around us.

Hmm… they look familiar. I thought nonchalantly as my gaze rested on two boys standing a few feet away. My eyes drifted over them, before snapping back once the realization hit.

"Nick? Jeff?" I said, shaking my head. The two boys turned around, one short brunette and a taller, lanky blonde. They were holding hands, but let go as they laughed and walked over to us.

"Blainey!" Nick said playfully. "Whatever are you doing here?" I returned with some sort of nonchalant comment, but I felt Kurt shift uncomfortably behind me. Oh, yeah. My eyes darted towards him once. Jeff noticed and followed my gaze, his friendly, surprised smile morphing into a sly smirk.

"Hey Blainey, who's that you've got with you?"

Nick cut off mid-sentence and looked at Kurt, a similar expression settling on his face. "Yeah, Blainey, who's your friend?" He nudged my side teasingly.

I looked back at Kurt, meeting his eyes fleetingly with an apologetic look before taking a few steps back to where he was. "Uh, you guys should know Kurt. He goes to Dalton." I said lamely.

Jeff's smirk widened. "Oh, hey, Hummel!" he said, "Didn't recognize you out of the uniform." His eyes surveyed Kurt's hair. "You should do your hair like that more often. It's hot."

Kurt's eyes widened almost comically, his cheeks painted a rosy pink. He wrung his hands together, look down and up and anywhere but at Jeff as he stuttered, "U-uh, thanks?"

"Anytime." He winked. Nick gaped as elbowed him sharply in the ribs, causing his laugh to turn in a cough of pain. "Aw, Nickie, I was joking…"

Nick smiled sweetly. "I know."

I just shook my head. They were like an old married couple, I swear. "So, you guys are here on a date, I suppose?" I asked, just for the sake of changing the subject. Kurt's eyes filled with gratefulness as we stepped forward in the queue.

"Yeah, I guess." Nick said while Jeff shrugged. "Hey, why don't you two join us? We could make it a double date!"

"No," I said quickly. "I-It's not a date." I insisted. "We'll join you, "I added quickly, "But it's not a date."

I looked back at Kurt, who gave me a really awkward smile. I tried hard to smile back as non-awkwardly as possible, but there was no avoiding the all encompassing atmosphere of awkward in that situation.

We had just made it to the front of the line when Kurt let out a little gasp. Out of nowhere, he shoved roughly between Jeff and I, making us stumble. Jeff let out a grunt of surprise and I may or may not have made the most undignified squeak I'd ever not admit to.

It all happened so fast; I don't even know how Kurt had processed it and was able to react. I hadn't even heard the waitresses little surprised "Whoa!" when her heel slid on the slightly wet tile. But Kurt had, and he caught her from the back against his chest, reaching one arm around to steady the tray of drinks she had been carrying. Only one of the five toppled over the edge, the plastic bouncing and rolling away as its contents spread across the floor.

The petite waitress flicked her bangs out of her eyes with a light huff. She straightened herself up, taking in a deep breath as she tried to remain dignified. "Thank you." She said to Kurt calmly, but her cheeks were flaming red, and she was fighting back a smile.

"No problem," Kurt said, giving her a charming smile. I held back a chuckle as the poor girl practically melted beneath the power of his charm. I know I did. Can we say 'knight in shining armor'?

"Really, though, you saved me a—" The girl started, but was cut off by Kurt.

"Watch it!" he warned as another waitress headed towards them. She realized a bit too late as her heel landed squarely on one of the displaced ice cubes. She went down faster than my eyes could follow, but somehow Kurt was there, her tray of food on one arm, the other tucked steadily around her waist.

This time I couldn't hold back my laugh. The girl just had the most love-struck look on her face. Not to mention that Kurt was basically a freaking ninja. I simply could not believe it. Maybe I was dreaming. It had been a long day.

But no, this was reality. Kurt really was that epic. He now had two girls running the official Kurt Hummel Fan Club. And he was modest as ever ("No, no, it's really no big deal." "It's my fault, I didn't warn you soon enough.").

I shook my head as the chaos finally died down and we got our seats. Nick chuckled as his pulled out a menu. "Nice job, Kurt, didn't know you had it in you."

Kurt smiled lightly, chuckling. It was a beautiful sound, it really was. It was very… tinkling, and melodic, like a piano. Or singsong-y, like a bird. When I heard it I just couldn't help but smile. And now was no exception.

I laughed dryly to myself. Man, I was whipped.

"So, Kurt, we don't really know you that well." Jeff said bluntly, but with a wide, dopey smile.

Kurt looked down with a chuckle. "Oh, I'm nothing special."

I tried, I really did. I tried to hold back my disbelieving snort, but I couldn't. All eyes turned to me, and I laughed and shook my head. I turned my head towards Kurt. "Really? You really think that?"

I didn't notice the little smirks exchanged by our friends as Kurt raised one delicate eyebrow and returned lightly with "Hummels don't lie, Anderson."

I leaned closer to him, retorting with an eyebrow raise of my own. "Seriously? Kurt, I could go on and on about the special things about you! And that's not including whatever the hell you did a few minutes ago!" I exclaimed. Apparently, my mouth had lost its filter. I blushed as I realized what I had said and stopped myself before any more came tumbling out.

Kurt blushed as Nick and Jeff snickered. I glanced over at them, shooting them a death glare. I held back a sigh when I saw Nick's trademark "D'awww" face.

I cleared my throat and picked up my menu. "You're awesome, Kurt. Don't even try to deny it."

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the tiniest smile grow on his face before my view was blocked by his menu.

The awkwardness of the conversation gradually faded, and soon we were left with a light-hearted banter, revealing a new side to Kurt. A happy, open, sarcastic one. Sure, I had seen bits of pieces and had gotten my fair share of his biting wit, but this was something else.

He seemed comfortable, content, happy. Shocked. He reminded me, in a way, of me, when I first got to Dalton. That uprising feeling in your chest when you realize that all people aren't disgusted to be in your presence, that they have the potential to become your friends, and not your tormentors.

He was making clever quips, and poking fun right back at the goofballs I call my friends. Everything felt right, right at that moment, when he met my eyes. We were both laughing at the story Nick was telling, and his eyes were sparkling. His smile widened, but his laughter died down to chuckles.

We searched each others eyes, the smiles never faltering. I don't know what he saw from me, but a blush crept up his face and he did the cutest, most cliché drop-your-eyes-then-peek-up-through-the-lashes kind of thing, which somehow worked for him.

"So," Jeff said loudly, obviously suppressing laughter. "If you two are finished with the sex eyes there, it's time to order."

-:-Kurt-:-

Oh god, that's embarrassing. I felt my cheeks heat up with embarrassment, and I reached up to scrub the embarrassing ink hue away. My brain was still focused on that little jab of humiliation. Then it hit me.

It's time to order.

The words bounced around in my head incessantly, a never-ending cacophony of taunting voices. I couldn't do this; not in front of Blaine. Blaine and his friends. My friends. I can't eat this food, I couldn't eat any food. No, no.

I must have frozen as the thoughts tumbled around the inside of my skull, because Blaine noticed something was off. "Kurt, are you alright? I know it's been a long day…" Concern creased his features. Concern I didn't need or deserve.

I was doing this by choice. I was doing this on purpose. I was doing this with purpose. And nothing could stop me.

I guess I zoned out again, because the next thing I knew, the waitress was standing on my left, pen poised over her notepad and looking to me expectantly.

"Kurt?" Blaine asked, leaning towards me a little. "Are you sure you're okay?" I didn't trust my words, so I nodded. Blaine flicked his head towards the waitress.

"I-I'll have…" I swallowed thickly, scanning the menu for the least-fattening thing I could find, mentally calculating the amount of extra calories I would be taking in and how much extra time I would have to spend at the gym tomorrow. "I'll have a small Caesar salad, light dressing on the side." There, that was okay. Healthy.

Not the dressing, you fat ass! My brain hissed. I closed my eyes and steadfastly ignored it, shoving it into the deepest depths of my brain, throwing up a facade that could resemble normalcy.

Blaine still seemed concerned, so I smiled back at him and jumped back into conversation with Nick and Jeff. It wasn't really that difficult; Jeff and Nick were easy to talk to, and still would be even if they didn't supply most of the conversation themselves.

"Here you go! Enjoy your meal." The waitress said, sending me a pointed smile as she set my plate of salad in front of me. I kept my eyes away from it, instead focusing on her and nodding. "Have a nice evening. And thanks again." She directed the last part at me, causing me to blush. Really, it was no big deal. Anyone would have done it.

A light conversation resumed, though muted due to the arrival of the food. I picked up the fork with shaking hands, toying with it before stabbing a piece of lettuce. I hoped if I looked like I was eating and kept them talking, I could get away with eating as little as possible.

I brought the fork up so it was hovering in front of my mouth. I had planned to hold it there for a few minutes, but instead it went straight into my mouth. I had chewed and swallowed before I had realized what I was doing.

My stomach growled menacingly, my insides trying to claw out of me as the bit of food traveled down my throat. I took a deep breath, and before I knew what I was doing, I was shoveling the salad into my face. All at once, an intense pang wracked my stomach; a pang I've come to associate with hunger. But this wasn't as it usually was; I had food in my mouth, food in front of me. And I couldn't stop.

It was Blaine who finally broke into my thoughts and brought me back to myself. "Yeah, Kurt, and you told me you weren't hungry." He scoffed, chuckling as he scooped up a forkful of vegetables.

A surge of panic surged through me, immediately causing a light sweat to cover my body. I steeled myself and glanced down at my plate.

Oh god.

The plate was empty.

The fork dropped from my fingers, landing with a clatter. The plate was empty. I had eaten the entire thing in the space of a few minutes, just like the fucking glutton I always knew I was.

Then it really hit me. An entire plate of food—an entire plate of carbs and fat and calories—was in my stomach right now, digesting and traveling throughout my system. I was overcome with a sudden feeling of nausea. I felt like I was going to be sick.

Oh, yeah, I was.

"Oh, god," I choked out, slapping a hand over my mouth as I scurried out of the booth and made a mad dash for the nearest bathroom.

"Kurt—!" Blaine called out, reaching for my arm as I passed, but the material slipped through his fingers.

I shoved the door to the bathroom open, knocking aside someone who protested with a loud "Hey, watch it!" I ignored him, diving into the nearest stall and falling to my knees. I didn't have long to ponder on the fact that I was kneeling on the floor of a public restroom before a strong round of gags caused me to choke and splutter.

My fingers clenched into fists, not really wanting to touch the toilet in front of me. But I also didn't want to fall forward, so I rested my arms on the rim as another bout of nausea and gags caused my stomach to clench. This time, though, the gags were more painful and with them came the return of my dinner.

Just as the gagging temporarily subsided and I was gasping for air, I heard someone ask "Are you alright, kid?" and a more familiar voice shout "Kurt! Kurt? Kurt, where are you?"

I tried to speak up, but all I could muster was a weak moan. I heard footsteps, and then the stall door behind me opened. "Kurt!" Blaine said from behind me, leaning down to rest a hand on my back.

A tremor shook my body and I couldn't hold back another groan. I took in a deep, shuddering breath, only to lean over the bowl once more, my entire body shivering, sweating, and heaving.

Once that round was over, the first thought that passed through my brain was "Don't stop yet, it's not all out!"

At with that, one stronger gag, the worst yet, had me spilling out what was nothing more than bile and water. A few more heaves, and nothing came up. Blaine was still there, rubbing my back in gentle circles, whispering sweet things like "Shh, Kurt, it's okay. Almost done."

But I wasn't listening to him. My reeling brain could only focus on one thing:

"Don't stop yet, it's not all out!"

What?

(A/N): Phew! I'm glad this is finally out there. I've had the idea for this part in my head for ages!

You all know by now that I love reviews, so keep them coming! They really make my day.

I'm not sure how regimented my updating will be from here on out, seeing as I royally screwed up the whole 'every Thursday' thing. Maybe it'll be every Tuesday now?

I also have one more thing I'd like answers for: Do you like the chapter lengths I've been going with? It's usually about 4000 words or so. I'd love to know so I could make you guys happy! :D

Remember to check out Unexpected Guests by AlyDuartsGleek and I!

~DFTBA and Best Wishes!