Summary: Kurt needs a new dream. Broadway was a let down and all he has left is his kitten, Toffee, after Rachel and Quinn got married. Now, at 23 years old, he is looking for inspiration. But what will happen when he sees a tiny shop for sale with an owner that had a very handsome son? Could this be more than just a shop? Could this be a love story too? eventual klaine! AU
Word count: 3,575 (Longer than the last one!)
Rating: Still PG-13
Chapter notes: I really enjoyed writing this chapter but it took me ages! Pleaase take time to review, it makes my day and it only takes like 10 seconds? thankyou for reading my story! xx :D
I put my apartment up for sale immediately. What was the point in waiting? I just wanted to start again.
But nobody seemed to be interested in my apartment. Yet. I wouldn't give up hope.
I decided I would wait for two more weeks to see if somebody was interested and then I would try another estate agent.
"Oh Kurt I'm sure someone must be interested! I mean, someone bought mine and Britt's flat, and remember the state of that one!" Santana said over the phone, making me laugh at the memory. During my college years, I had grown very close to the pair (Santana and Brittany), who were both very good friends of mine now.
"Yeah Kurtie. Who wouldn't want your apartment when it's the only one a live dolphin has ever lived in? But if you need any help, I would be willing to help you move out. Just because your hands are so soft" Brittany added, as they were on speaker phone.
"I know guys, but I just really want to move in as soon as possible. I've never been a patient person, you two know that better than anyone" I answered, sighing. "I have to go now guys. I have another meeting with Andrew. I think he's starting to get a bit impatient. I'll talk to you soon."
"Okay Kurt, keep us updated! We love you!" "LOVE YOU DOLPHIN!" Santana and Brittany shouted. I told them I loved them too before hanging up and shaking my head fondly.
I decided to take a shower before my meeting with Andrew and Blaine. I had only told dad and Carole about Blaine so far. I just didn't want to tell anyone yet because for one, I would constantly be teased by Santana, and two, telling people would only get my hopes up even more, and I couldn't bear having my heart broken again after Alex.
Alex was my everything. My heart and soul. And I was his. Or so I thought. He had cheated on me. And with a girl. It had broken my heart. So I learnt to protect myself against people like him.
But I was confident that Blaine was different. Even if he wasn't gay, I would settle to be his friend, and I wanted to become close to him. But I mustn't get my hopes up, because even if he is gay, he would probably have a boyfriend, and if he didn't, he wouldn't be interested.
I allowed the hot, steamy water to remove the knots that the last two days had caused and sooth my muscles.
I didn't realise how late it was when I stepped out of the shower 20 minutes later. Oh crap.
I rushed into my bedroom and opened my closet. I threw (Cringe) and pair of black, skinny jeans and a red shirt with a black waistcoat.
Urgh! My hair! I looked in the mirror to see it sticking up at all angles. Oh well, who gives a damn anyway.
I put on my black doc martins and grabbed my coat and wallet before shouting a goodbye to Toffee and running into the elevator.
I arrived at the coffee shop 5 minutes later, out of breath form running all the way there. I spotted Andrew and Blaine immediately but for the wrong reason. They were shouting. And not just a petty disagreement, it was a full blown argument.
"You don't control me dad! Just because you're my dad, you don't get to have full control of my life! What makes you think that I would listen to you anyway! All my life you've done nothing but make me feel like crap and you expect me to listen to what you think is best for me?" Blaine stood up obviously trying not to cause a scene but failing. I decided to hang back and see how this played out. I wasn't nosy, just curious.
"Because, Blaine, I know that music isn't a thing that you should base your life on, even if you have been offered a record deal! You won't be successful! I know handful of people that have got record deals and ended up on the streets because they have no money. They spent it all on a dream that they knew would never come true! I don't want that for you Blaine! You're my son!" Andrew argued back, staying in his seat, but his knuckles white from clenching his fists and his eyes fierce with anger. I suddenly felt very sorry for Blaine that his gaze was directed at him.
"So you should support me! You should support whatever I choose. I went to that fancy law school and I tried, but I just ended up in tears every night because I felt so empty and lonely. And we both know that wasn't just about my job. We both know you have never accepted me. When are you going to realise that I am not going to change for you! Or for anyone. Urgh, I'll be back in a minute!" he finished, pushing himself back from the table and walking off angrily towards the bathroom. I took a snap decision and decided to follow him. His last statement had made me even more curious.
I opened the door slowly and didn't expect what I saw at all. Blaine was leaning over the sink, sobbing and tears streaming down his cheeks.
"Blaine. Are you okay?" I asked, sympathetically. He looked up, startled, at me and turned his back to me, frantically trying to wipe his cheeks of his salty tears that seemed the never stop.
"Hey, Kurt. How are you?" He turned around forcing a smile and avoiding my gaze. I went to the paper towel dispenser and ran one under the hot water.
"I think that's what I should be asking you" I answered, concerned. I walked over to his and began to wipe his cheeks with the paper towel. He sighed and leaned into the touch I had on his chin, making my heart flutter, but suddenly feeling sad, remembering the situation.
"Dad and I don't get along as well as we should. He wants different things for me and I want to control my own future. I mean, I shouldn't have to fight for that right should I?" he asked me, looking into my eyes. I nodded sympathetically.
"Well, I would be honoured if you would come and play in my shop, and maybe you could help me if you wanted to." I offered, desperately wanting to become closer to this man.
His eyes lit up and that dazzling smile re-appeared, making me feel happy with myself for having caused that.
"Seriously? I would love that! I could help you, well only if you want me to. I can play the piano too. I could play in the shop during the day! Thank you so much" he answered very enthusiastically, surprising me.
"I would be honoured if you would. I would love to have someone to share this with. And maybe we could do the odd duet. I was on Broadway for a while so I would love to incorporate my music into this. Come one, we'd better go talk to your father before he tells me off for being late" I said, trying to make a joke to lighten the situation. It worked and Blaine let out a breathy laugh as I threw away the paper towel.
And then he did something I wasn't expecting.
He pulled me into a hug and buried his face in my neck.
I immediately enclosed his in my arms and I felt another tear dampen my t-shirt. I pulled back and wiped it away with my thumb.
"We can't have you crying again after all that cleaning up" I joked and he laughed along with me as we made our way toward the door.
"Oh good. Here you both are" said Andrew, glaring at Blaine. "When will you be able to sign the papers Kurt because it really needs to be soon" He sounded frustrated. Blaine gave his a look as if saying 'How dare you?'
"Well, no one seems to be interested in my apartment yet, and I won't be willing to sign the papers before I can move in as it would be unpractical. Is that a problem?" I questioned, starting to feel frustrated. Andrew let out a heavy sigh and my eyes went wide.
"Well, we really do need to forget about that shop as soon as possible and it is essential that you sign the papers in the next month" I couldn't believe what I was hearing as I moved my head further forward, as if questioning his words.
"And what if my apartment hasn't been sold in that month? What will happen then?" I asked feeling intimidated under his gaze.
"Well, I'm afraid we won't be able to go through with the deal" He answered, looking like a father scolding his son.
"DAD! This is ridiculous! I've had enough of you and your... your stupid deals! I am going to become a musician and Kurt will be able to sign the papers when he likes! There is no deadline on that! You are forcing him here! And that is not fair! Come on Kurt!" he finished pulling me up from my seat by my hand and pulling me out of the shop.
He didn't let go of my hand until we were out of sight of the coffee shop.
"I hate him! I can't believe he is doing this! He is my father so he may have some right over me, but doing that to you too? He has no right to do that at all! " Blaine shouted, flinging his arms around aimlessly.
"He can't do it anyway, its against the law." I said putting my hand on his shoulder as an attempt to comfort him. He immediately relaxed at the touch. I was very concerned though. What is he decided he didn't want to sell it to me now? I simply couldn't live with that. My emotions must have shown on my face.
"I know, it's just that he has the cheek to go and say that to you. I know what you're thinking, Kurt, and you don't have to worry. The building is legally in my name, not his so you don't have to think about not being sold the building. You take as long as you want signing the papers, that's none of his concern" I visibly relaxed at his words, making a small smile appear on Blaine's face which made me smile.
"Would you like to come back to my flat for some dinner? Seen as we didn't get chance in there. You don't have to." I added quickly, a blush creeping up my neck. Just at that moment, his stomach made a mad sound as if saying ' give me food. Now.'
I laughed at this and he nodded. "Yes, or I think my stomach might decide to kill me otherwise!" We both giggled at this as we started walking back to my flat. I suddenly felt nervous. That feeling when you are bringing a boyfriend home to meet the parents for the first time.
"Oh! You're going to get to meet my daughter!" I said and laughed as his jaw fell to the floor. I burst into fits of laughter at his face.
"What is so funny?" He asked me; sounding so serious it made me laugh even more. I wiped my eyes of the tears that had fallen out of laughing and stood up straight.
"You'll find out soon enough, Blaine" I answered, A look of confusion morphing Blaine's features and his eyebrows knitted together.
"Okay... Should I be this worried?" He asked me as we were entering the building of my apartment.
"I don't know. We'll have to see if she approves of you first" I answered coyly, almost flirting. I hadn't done that in so long.
I unlocked the door to my apartment slowly and stepped inside.
"Honey, I'm home!" I shouted into the air and smiled as I heard that familiar sound out paws on wood. I turned to see Blaine with wide eyes and chewing on his bottom lip.
Toffee appeared round the corner and I crouched down, immediately scooping her into my arms, the way I had done so many times.
I turned to Blaine to see his bottom jaw on the floor and his eyes popping out of his skull. I giggled as I lifted Toffee up on my arms.
"Blaine, meet Toffee, my daughter!" I said, trying my hardest to keep a straight face.
"Oh my god Kurt, she's adorable!" He said, reaching out to scratch her between the ears. Toffee surprisingly purred at the touch.
"She likes you. If she didn't, you would be missing a hand right now." I said.
Seeing him look at her with such adoration made my heart swell impossibly larger. Normally, I wouldn't want to share Toffee with anyone, but o had the feeling that with Blaine loving her too, I felt so much happier.
I set her down on the wood and she started rubbing herself against Blaine's black jeans, leaving ginger cat hairs on his calves, making me laugh.
Blaine crouched down and began petting her.
"Hello Toffee, I'm Blaine. Aren't you just beautiful? Yes you are!" He said adorably whilst stroking her chest. She purred at the touch.
"Come on, dinner time!" I said after admiring Blaine for a few more moments and laughed at the way both of the heads perked how at the mention of food. "Yes Toffee, you as well!"
She meowed and padded after me as I walked in to the kitchen, Blaine close behind me.
I opened the cupboard and gave Toffee her whiskers before turning to Blaine.
"Well? What would you like from cafe Kurt? How about a ham and cheese toasties?" I asked with a smile.
"Yes please!" He answered enthusiastically, his mouth watering.
"Coming right up! Make yourself at home! But just don't disturb Toffee whilst she is eating! I learnt that one the hard way!" I warned him whilst looking in the fridge. He sat down at the kitchen table and rested his chin in his hand, looking at me with beautiful hazel eyes. Was that ... Love? No, it can't be.
"So, how good are you on the guitar?" I asked intently. He laughed at my jokey tone.
"I have been offered a record deal from a friend I met at college who set up his recording studio and gave me a call when he saw me on YouTube" he answered matter of factly.
"Wow Blaine, that's exciting! You're going to take it right" I asked whilst putting the toasties on a rack and under the grill.
"Urgh I don't know Kurt, my life is just such a mess at the moment. I mean, I would love to, but I just have this thought in the back of my mind that's saying 'dont do it, your dad disapproves of it'. He still has even accepted the fact that I'm gay yet and I told him when I was fourteen" I spat out my water and Brahms coughing and spluttering at these words. He's gay. He's Gay. He's gay! YES!
"Kurt? Are you okay there buddying?" He was at my side, rubbing my back.
"You're gay" I stated. His look changed from one of sympathy to one of hurt. I could see the tears prickling his eyes the same way I had done when I had first met him.
"I'll just... Go" he said before trying to walk away. I grabbed his wrist, forcing him to look at me.
"I'm making you uncomfortable Kurt, I'll just leave."
"So am I" I blurted out, not able to conceal the words any longer. His face looked shocked.
"Y-you are?" He stammered, making me smile.
He sighed in relief and his shoulders relaxed.
"I thought you were going to kick me out and not contact me again." He admitted, looking at his feet.
"I would never do that Blaine" I said lovingly, lifting his chin up with my finger. My face unconsciously began to move forwards and so did his un-
BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!
The grill timers' beep filled the air. I realised that my eyes were closed and stood a large step back, clearing my throat and moving towards the grill.
I saw him out of the corner of my eye blush and rub the back of his neck awkwardly before sitting back down at the table to wait for the food. I smiled at the thought that I had made him blush like that.
I served the toasties, using the plates Carole had bought me when I moved in with Rachel.
"Dinner is served" I said proudly, placing the plate in front of him.
"Kurt, this looks amazing!" He said, mouth watering at the sight on his plate. His stomach rumbled again, making me chuckle.
"Dig in!" I said. I watched as he took a bite of the food. He moaned. He actually MOANED. His eyes closed and he sat back in his chair. At first I thought he was joking around and being sarcastic, but then I realised he wasn't.
"Oh, my, god. Dis id do didicus" He said with his mouthful, making me giggle.
"Sorry Blaine didn't quite get that. You're going to have to speak up honey" I said, squealing inside when he blushed at the term of endearment.
"I said this is so delicious!" he repeated after swallowing. He smiled as he took another bite of his food and looked me in the eye.
"Oh crap!" I said face palming! He immediately looked confused and shocked and his eyes were wide.
"What? What is it Kurt?" he asked concerned. I swallowed my mouthful and made to explain myself .
"I completely forgot about my meeting with Quinn and Rachel. They're my friends from high school and I promised them I'd go for a walk and look at their honeymoon pictures with them!" Blaine almost choked on his food at the mention of a honeymoon.
"Oh right. Do you want me to go?" He asked me, and I instantly felt guilty. Hang on, why didn't he just come with me. I mean I'm sure he'd get on really well with Quinn and it was Rachel that really wanted to tell me all about the honeymoon anyway!
"Would you like to come with me? I mean, I'm sure you will get on really well with Quinn and Quinn isn't really bothered about talking to me about the honey moon anyway, that's Rachel's job" I said with a smile. He looked at me with a shocked expression on his face.
"Are you sure, I could just go home if not..." He said, fading out at the mention of going home. And his face drooping ever so slightly but lighting up fakley again with a smile that I knew was forced.
"I would love you to come with me! We were going to go for a walk in central park and then maybe go out for dinner, because Rachel used to live with me and I'm sure they wouldn't mind if you came along" I answered confidently.
"Well if you're sure, but can you make sure they are okay with that first because I wouldn't want to be an intruder or anything" he said, taking the last bite of his toasty. "Kurt that was delicious.
"Okay, I'll just text Rachel but I'm sure it won't be a problem. I will just warn you though, Quinn's in a wheelchair after an accident in our senior year" his face turned sympathetic instantly "I know, it's sad, but she hates sympathy like its evil, so don't sympathise her, or shell bite your head off!"
He laughed lightly at this as I pulled my phone out and typed a quick text to Rachel.
Hey Rach, is it okay if I bring a friend with me to meet up with you? He had a row with his dad and I don't want him to go home yet? Please tell me if it's not xxx-Kurt
His phone vibrated almost immediately.
Of course you can Kurt; it's always great to meet your friends. Make sure you tell him about Quinn though; you know how she is with sympathy! Xx –Rachel
I laughed at Rachel and typed a message telling her I had and turned to Blaine who was now seated on the couch petting Toffee adoringly.
"They said its fine, but don't be surprised if she overreacts and interrogates you. I have some crazy friends. Oh, and she is likely to give you a giant hug even though she doesn't know you yet!" I warned him making him laugh. That sound warmed me right through.
"I can't wait to meet them, I would love to meet your friends and I will bear that in mind, thank you for warming me. What time are we heading out?" he asked, his eyes following me as I sat down on the other side of Toffee, making her purr contently.
"About an hour. I said we'd meet them at three and its only half past one now so we have plenty of time. What do you want to do?"
A/N: Again thank you so much for reading and I will update in the next few days. Review?