A/N: Ok everyone this is the next fairly long installment of what I hope will be a long series. I would like to apologize to my readers for my negligence with my writing. I don't always proof read my writings b/c I usually write them late at night and the way things come out in my head is how they end up on 'paper'. I am also a preemptive poster :( So if my grammar or misuse of punctuation sucks I'm sorry, but I hope you will still read :)
This is the last chapter that will jump forwards quickly; the rest will follow a logical time-line.
Chapter 3 – A New Life
(KPOV)
My life was now in overdrive. Ever since Will's and my break up my life had taken a drastic turn, mostly for the better. I had graduated at the top of my class, my dad's and my bond was stronger than ever, and I had gotten accepted to NYU. NYU! I still had to smack myself ever once in a while at this prospect. I would be moving somewhere that I had always dreamed of living. New York was a city that I could be free to be myself and not just in the confines of my own home; but in public. I mean I knew that I had the tendency to be overly dramatic or flamboyant but I was still never truly comfortable in my own skin at times living in Ohio and this was my chance to express myself fully and with complete ease. Then why was I so stressed?
I had been un-nerved for days and even when Mercedes and the girls took me out for a celebratory shopping trip I still couldn't understand why I was so nervous. I knew that I was moving to a whole new city but Mercedes and Rachael had both gotten acceptance letters from NYU too and at least I would know some people there right? We had finished shopping, well who was I kidding I was never finished shopping, but we had settled at the Lima Bean to relax our now tired feet.
"Kurt, sweetie, we're all moving to New York, together, it's like we've always dreamed. Why do you look so sad?" Rachael did always have a way of breaking tension even if she had her super annoying moments, I was glad that I was still going to have her in my life.
"I know Rach, we've been pseudo planning this since junior year, but I guess its just surreal and I'm kind of overwhelmed with having to find a place to live there too. I'm not so keen on sharing a dorm with a knuckle dragging neanderthal who's IQ is lower than his grade point average."
They both laughed at this even though they nodded understandingly, because they had already found an apartment together so they didn't have the same worry as me. Mercedes was and I guess still is hesitant about moving in with Rach but they had become closer this past year. Rachael's dads have a friend who owns an apartment in New York that they no longer use and agreed to let the girls rent it out for much cheaper than they would normally pay for it. Her dads had just said they would do anything for their budding star or any of their friends. I think that was what won Mercedes over; it was their unbiased generosity to help their daughter and her friends.
"Kurt if ever you need a place to stay, even if its because you just don't like the dorms, you can always crash with us, there's always room for our Kurt!" She just beamed at me and glancing at Mercedes I saw the same look coming from her as she reached over and grabbed my hand to give it a firm yet gentle squeeze.
"Thanks girls for everything really, especially for this fabulous shopping and coffee gathering," I looked around at the all to familiar surroundings of the Lima Bean noting nothing had really changed in the last few years. We all looked a little more mature and so did the crowd that came in here; all of us growing up faster than we thought possible. As I looked at my girls warmly, as well as the cumulative shopping bags that lay strewn at our feet my thought drifted back yet again to Blaine.
"So...have you told Blaine yet?" This snapped me back out of my haze as I almost choked on my latte turning to look at Mercedes with an obvious blush painting my features. I have got to figure out how this woman reads minds.
"Um no, why would I?" I know it was a stupid question but I had to at least appear like I wasn't always thinking about him. I looked down at my cup and lazily drew patterns on my lid.
"Boo, if you move to New York and don't tell him and he like bumps into you one day or something, he'd be really hurt that you never told him...and besides don't you want to at least see him again now that you can?" She had her eyebrows raised over a slightly smug expression because she knew she was right. I knew she was right but the thought of calling Blaine; strike that even just telling Blaine was a scary prospect.
Recently we had been messaging more frequently. I had told him about Will's and my break up but I didn't tell him exactly what happened. I really didn't want to appear weak in his eyes for allowing Will to use me like he had. Nevertheless we had become closer so to speak in the last month, no where as close as we used to be, but I felt better just talking to him again about our lives. How could I tell him we'd be back in the same city together again? Would he want to meet up with me and if so why would he? I'm not really important to him anymore; just an old friend.
"Mercy, Rach...I just don't know how I would feel seeing him again, its been so long. I've only just got used to talking to him again and I feel if I tell him I'm moving to New York he's gonna think I'm stalking him or something and won't want to see me even if I could bare it!"
Rachael's hand reached out and joined Mercedes' and mine forming a threesome grasp saying, "Kurt, I know I'm not one for relationships, I mean Finn's and my relationship as you well know has been up and down more than Coach Sylvester's moods, but I know that even if you and Blaine aren't close anymore it's not a reason to not try and get back what you've lost." She paused for effect, always the consummate actress there Rach.
"You guys were meant for something...you can't let that get away or you'll regret it forever, just call him." she gave me another reaffirming squeeze that matched the one Mercy was giving me too. I couldn't have asked for better friends and I knew they were right.
I only nodded in agreement before changing the subject back to our recent purchases and how we were going to spend our last summer as high school students.
Before I knew it a month had gone by and I was furiously trying to get everything packed that I was bringing with me to college. I was going to be crashing on Mercedes' and Rachael's couch for a few weeks because I was a little late submitting my dorm request. Admissions had told me that it would take a few weeks to find me a suitable dorm and that I had to make other arrangements until then. I still wasn't crazy about living in a dorm for obvious reasons but I didn't want to impose on the girls even though they kept repeatedly telling me that I was never an imposition. So needless to say I was excited but scared shitless.
My dad, Carol and even Finn had been really helpful with the preparations. Finn had gotten a partial football scholarship to Ohio State and even though it wasn't far from home he wanted to live on campus so we had his packing to do as well. In all the commotion, packing and planning I had pushed the idea of calling Blaine into the back of my mind. I knew I was procrastinating but I did have other more important stuff to organize.
My dad had transferred the savings my mom and him had put away for me in my account so I could pay my bills and such when I arrived. Carol helped me ween down the wardrobe I was bringing so that I didn't fill Rach's apartment with just my clothes. She reassured me that she would send over the remainder, properly packaged and labelled of course once I was settled fully.
As I sat alone in my room one Saturday evening as I glanced around my room noticing the boxes and bags that littered the corners since I had finished packing and I was leaving in a week for New York. I couldn't help but smile to myself at the sheer glee it filled me with to know that, Kurt Hummel's moving to New York. Mercy and Rach were already there setting up and I already missed them.
Sitting alone in a room that used to give me so much comfort, but knowing I was leaving it ,was hard because I couldn't help but reminisce about the the past few years.
I stood up and walked over to the closet to double check if I was forgetting anything when I stumbled purposely onto the box that had all the photos and yearbooks from high school. Sitting right on top was the picture of Blaine from my locker, still embellished with the word 'Courage' underneath it that I had made into my mantra those few years back.
Courage huh? It seemed like forever ago when Blaine had spouted off his mentoring words of encouragement, now it seemed like a hazy dream.
As I stared at his picture I ran my hand across it lovingly silently wishing he were here. I outwardly sighed as I clutched the picture and held it to my chest. "Come on Kurt, Just call him, tell him, courage" Stop talking to your self too!
I reached into my pocket before I could mentally stop myself and searched through my contacts only to hit send instinctively instead of writing a text.
Oh shit I called, oh shit what am I going to say; should I hang up? What if he doesn't pick up, oh good gaga what the hell am...
"Hello?" His voice was literally music to my ears, "Kurt is that you?"
I started trembling even though the sound of his voice made me smile. Oh shit I should speak.
"Um hi y-yeah it's me." Wow eloquent way to go Kurt!
"Kurt! Oh my god its so good to hear your voice." Even excited his voice remained as silken as ever, but his childlike tone always did make me laugh, he really was excited to hear from me and this thought alone gave me the courage to continue speaking.
"Likewise, how are you Blaine?" He gave a throaty laugh and all my nervous kind of melted away with it. He always did have this uncanny way to soothe my nerves and it was like old times again. We talked for hours, literally hours about everything he was doing, he told me all about Jess and his job, I was comfortable just listening, until I realized I needed to broach the subject of me moving.
"So Blaine I kinda have some news?" He giggled before retorting, "you have the floor ." I laughed and I was never more thankful for his wit because it seemed to relax me even more.
"What would you say to going to a coffee?" I knew it was a strange way of telling him but I was inspired to be bit cheeky.
" I would say hell yes...but Kurt I'm not heading back to Ohio until Christmas if at all because of lack of money, so I don't know how that would be possible." He sounded so sad which was the complete opposite of what I was trying for, so I tried to still sound playful.
"How about I come to you?"
"It's an awful long way to come for just a coffee Kurt, but I would love to see you. Are you and your family coming here on vacation before you start school or something?"
I paused, I just had to blurt it out and gauge his reaction from there.
"Blaine...I..." Come on Kurt, courage dammit!
"Kurt?"
"I-I-I'm m-moving to N-New York!...in a week...I got accepted at NYU."
*Silence*
I started tearing up but I couldn't being myself to hang up, I needed to know how he felt about all this, then I heard screaming.
(BPOV)
It was so great to talk to Kurt like this again. It was as if all the fears and bitterness drifted away as we talked and talked about my adventures here in New York.
Jess was smiling at me from the couch as she half watched her TV show and half tried to eavesdrop on my conversation with Kurt. She was making 'awwww' comments at me since I had picked up the phone and I couldn't hide my smile or enthusiasm throughout the entire phone call.
"Aww B you're so cute, why don't you just tell him you love him now and save yourself the gigantic phone bill." I just ignored her as Kurt had asked me a very odd question about going for coffee. I mean it wasn't odd because we had had coffee hundreds of times but its been years and we live in different states. Did he want me to come home and visit? Was he taking a vacation to NY or something? So I asked but the answer was no to both. A concerned look had obviously crossed my face because Jess was at my side in a heartbeat, flashing me a concerned 'what happened?' look while placing a hand on my forearm.
Then I heard it fall from his lips with the slightest of stammers and my head felt all of a sudden very light but my chest felt fuller than it had since I left home. Kurt was moving here, HERE!
I pulled the phone from my ear and mouthed to Jess what Kurt had just told me and the two of us couldn't contain ourselves, both of us fangirl screaming in unison.
"OH MY GOD, AHHHHHH!", as we both bounced slightly where we were standing. Even though I had covered the receiver with my hand I was sure Kurt heard us.
As I put my ear back to the phone all I could hear was the melodious sound of Kurt's giggles. It had been so long since I heard that wonderful noise that I almost forgot to speak again.
"Uh, you heard that huh?" He was still giggling only I could tell he was trying to calm himself.
"Um yeah Blaine, I think you're entire block heard you." He let another giggle or two loose with that.
"Sorry Kurt, it caught me off guard and we got a little excited."
"We?" I could hear his characteristic eyebrow rise at that comment.
"Yeah, Jess is here with me right now and I told her the good news."
"HI KURT, CAN'T WAIT TO MEET YOU! HE DOESN'T SHUT UP ABOUT YOU!"
"Jeeessssss..."
"Hi Jess! Can't wait to meet you too, oh and you talk about me Blaine?"
"Kurt says hi Jess and he says to stop babbling and making me embarrassed ok?" I shoved her away from me slightly; even though I couldn't wipe the victorious smile off her face.
"Blaine you didn't answer my question?" There was a slight tease to his voice; something I hadn't heard from him in a very very long time. It was confident; sexy almost.
"Of course I talk about you dummy, you were...well kind of still are my best friend." I knew he would blush at that. Now we were both probably the same colour of pink.
"Does that mean you still wanna see me; get our coffee?"
"Everyday if you'll still have me." I know it was corny but it was true and I was too elated to filter what I said at this point. Kurt Hummel is back in my life.
(KPOV)
I hadn't smiled this much in a very long time. It was 1 o'clock in the morning, I was curled up with my pillow and 'Courage' picture and I was talking to Blaine, my Blaine. He was happier than I ever thought possible at the prospect of me moving to New York, and it made me all warm inside knowing that he wanted to see me. So the rest of our conversation was about my moving in with Rach and Mercedes temporarily, and my start dates for classes. He was almost as excited as I was and my face was starting to hurt from all the smiling I had been doing. I told him that my flight would be getting in next Saturday at 2pm which would give me more than enough time to get unpacked and meet for a coffee afterward.
"It's a date Hummel! Call me when you get in ok?" A date? Oh Kurt don't look into it too much already! Just relax in the knowledge that Blaine wants to see you again.
"Ok Anderson...its a date. I gotta go though, I'm kinda falling asleep here."
"I'm sorry Kurt, I didn't mean to keep you up...I just like talking to you."
"Me...*yawn*..too" I couldn't keep my eyes open so I closed them and just listened to the sound of his voice. I swore I could hear soft singing as I drifted off,
...All the games you played, the promises you made
Couldn't finish what you started only darkness still remains
Lost sight, couldn't see
When it was you and me
Blow the candles out, looks like a solo tonight
I'm beginning to see the light
Blow the candles out, looks like a solo tonight
But I think I'll be alright
Goodnight Kurt." That was the first night in a long time where I slept all the way through, holding Blaine's photo in my hands and his voice in my head.
To say the last week went by in a daze was an understatement. I had contacted the girls and told them about my arrival on Saturday afternoon; I had also told them that Blaine and I had sort of reconciled and were meeting for coffee when I got into town. The girly screams they produced reminded me of Jess' and Blaine's outcries from earlier that week which made me smile even more.
I had started talking to Blaine daily now and my father kept shaking his head knowingly at me whenever he knew I was talking to him, muttering things like "its about time you two talked again." Carol did basically the same thing only she would never say anything only wink in my direction when she saw me on the phone.
Finn on the other hand was being very big brotherly. He kept saying that Blaine had better treat me better this time because if not Blaine would be answering to him. I appreciated his concern greatly, he was the one that had helped me the most through my depression the summer Blaine left, but at the same time I wanted him to accept that I had my best friend back. We had compromised that as long as I looked after Rachael in New York when he wasn't around, he would be tolerant of Blaine's and my reformed friendship as long as I didn't get hurt again. Of course I agreed.
Departure Date.
My luggage was already there and as the most recent text from Mercedes told me it had arrived safely at their apartment intact so I shouldn't worry about my extensive wardrobe getting hurt. Everything was in order, all I had to do was get on that plane and leave Lima behind.
I was sitting in those stupidly uncomfortable orange plastic chairs that seemed to be in every small airport with Carol and my dad. All of us silently practicing our goodbyes before having to say them. Carol had already cried when Finn left 2 days ago and it seemed like she was just as upset now as I looked over at her as she wiped her eyes.
"Carol? Mom, everything's going to be ok y'know?" She stopped wiping her tears and got up to come over to me, I met her halfway into the hug.
"Mom I'll be fine."
"Its not that Kurt...you called me mom." I wasn't the first time I did because Carol really had become my mother and I loved her like one but it still made me tear up as I held her tightly.
"Now boarding flight 527 to New York at Gate number 11"
"That's me guys." I pulled away from Carol who just leaned in an kissed my cheek one more time before handing me off to...wait was my dad crying? I think I had only seen this once since my mom's funeral but there he was red in the face and tears filling his eyes. No words were spoken only the force of my dad crushing me with one of the most powerful hugs I've ever known.
The feel of him sobbing on my shoulder, and the knowledge that he was allowing his wall to crack in front of me had my crying too. We looked like a scene out of a bad romance movie, all of us blubbering saying goodbye at an airport but it was a very emotional time for all of us.
"Thank you dad. I love you."
"I love you too kid. I'm so proud of you."
Our hug broke and in one of those rare moments he kissed my head and straightened my collar for once.
"Knock'em dead kid...and call us when you get in so I know you're safe."
"I will dad...mom...I love you both. I'll talk to you in a few hours."
With a simple wave and a big smile I wiped away the tears and walked to the gate with my carry-on. Goodbye for now Ohio.
I boarded the plane and took my seat, and decided to send one last text to the girls and Blaine.
About to take off. New York here I come :) - K.
I got three messages back simultaneously.
Great, we'll see you when you get here.-M
Yay! You're gonna love it here! -R
...and lastly
I can't wait to see you; its been too long. xo -B
I took a deep breath and closed my eyes as knowing that in just a few hours or less I would be starting a new life.
Laguardia International Airport, NY
It wasn't a long flight but it took almost as long to fly here as it did to land; delaying my touchdown and increasing my nerves. This was the first time I had flown alone and I have to say I wasn't a fan; it was boring and lonely.
Once I had left the plane I was forced to walk incredibly slowly behind a man who had very questionable hygiene. I all but ran away from him once we were at baggage claim where I was thankful to already see my suitcase on the turn belt. I grabbed it but in my rush to get some fresh air I got turned around a couple times before finally finding my way through the arrivals gate.
I had to weasel my way through embracing families and hugging friends to try and find a taxi stand where I could find a cab to take me to Mercy's and Rach's. Well I guess you could technically call it home; at least for now.
After dancing my way through the last of the people swarming the arrivals gate I stopped dead in my tracks.
Blaine
He was standing there scanning the crowd, a single scarlet rose in his right hand, and he looked good; like really good. He had let his hair grow and it looked slightly unkempt so that his curls were a good 3 inches long, some of them hanging loosely on his forehead. He had on dark blue jeans, a fitted black tee and from what I could tell the brown suede Mark Jacobs jacket I got him years ago for Christmas and his trademark chocolate loafers..
I just stood there staring, not really caring whether or not I was blocking anyone else's way because I was too shocked to move. I dropped my luggage on the ground because my limbs we're working so well anymore.
Blaine was here; right there in front of me and he was there because of me. Why couldn't I move? I was jostled out of my train of thought when I was shoved from behind.
"Hey man, get out of the way!", he shouted at me before giving me a dirty look and walking away.
"Excuse you...mouth breather," I muttered the last part but I still think he heard me.
"Kurt?" It was a voice so soft that my mood changed instantly as I looked up from brushing my jacket off dramatically.
Blaine Anderson. We were still a good 20 feet from one another but our eyes were locked, neither one of us blinking because I felt if I did he would disappear.
"Blaine...what..."
He ran at me and before I could blink his arms were wrapped around the small of my back holding me so tightly that even if I wanted to I couldn't break free. I wrapped my arms around his neck and inhaled his scent, something between Hugo Boss aftershave, coffee and just Blaine.
He squeezed me tighter if that was possible and I just reciprocated pulling one hand into his hair relishing in the softness of his curls. No one ever hugged quite like Blaine.
"I missed you Kurt". I felt a dampness on my collar and a hitch in his voice. I pulled away slowly but still keeping my hands around his neck.
"I missed you too Blaine." I wiped away one of his tears as I felt one of my own escape my eyes. He looked up at me and smiled, and god how I missed that smile.
"Welcome to New York", as he produced the rose that was now behind my back where his hand was resting on my hip.
I blushed even more at this gesture and giggled slightly, "Thank you" before taking the rose with a smile.
I looked back at him and we both knowingly embraced again, this time in a less frantic but no less emotional hug.
"Blaine?..."
"mmmmhm?" he mumbled at me from where his face was buried in my collar.
"Don't ever leave me again." I let more tears fall, knowing I had been holding that thought for a year now.
"Never Kurt...never again."
I smiled and just nuzzled the side of his neck. I was home.
Tada! So its stupidly late again but I just had to get this out today, it was hurtin my brain. Reviews+Suggestions=Very Welcome. Enjoy and thanks 3 for reading.