Chapter Twenty-Three: Intermission: Second Impressions

The Lima Bean was relatively quiet – even for a Thursday morning. There were a few people scattered around the shop floor, bleary-eyed and grumpy looking, most were alone, but there were a couple of groups sitting at a few of the larger tables.

Blaine arrived in a happy mood, having seen the most recent picture of Smidge. He greeted the barista and asked for his usual drink before opting to sit by the window to watch the early risers on their way to work or school.

People-watching was a sport that Blaine thoroughly enjoyed. The ebb and flow of everyday people enjoying everyday lives – people falling in love, out of love, starting jobs and making changes. Perhaps one of the things that made it his favourite pastime was the fact that almost every face he saw, every person, was a blank slate to him. He didn't know their names. He didn't know their life, their job or their religion – he could make those factors up if he so chose. On numerous occasions he had discussed 'the lives of passer's by' with Kurt, and they had laughed about possible histories.

He was just giving a bearded man a name and career when a familiar face walking across the parking lot caught his attention.

David Karofsky, surprisingly enough, was very much a morning person. He loved to run first thing before slipping into the Lima Bean for a coffee and popping home to shower before school. He knew he was on the tubby-side of things, but he wasn't unfit. He prided himself on his relatively healthy life-style – although he couldn't seem to shift his puppy-fat.

Dave smiled sadly as he made his way to the counter to order his drink – his running music still blaring around his neck. Kurt, when Dave had first begun to notice him in that way, was suffering with baby-fat. His face slightly rounded with it. Now, Kurt was a fine young man... a soon-to-be parent. With Puckerman as a partner.

It made him equal parts angry and sad that he'd completely blown his chance with Kurt. He kept thinking that he should have tackled the whole situation with more finesse. Pulled Kurt quietly aside, apologised to him for the years of torment and confessed his feelings. But it wasn't to be. And now... now he had to find a way of letting go. His drink arrived and with a chuckle, had to admit to himself that being even a little involved in baby-based things was fun. With some degree of resentment, he admitted that Noah was nothing but caring.

He was just about to leave when he noticed Kurt's friend from Dalton sitting by the window – Blaine, was it? – and sipping at a drink.

Blaine glanced over at the hulking figure of David and smiled winningly before he beckoned him over. Karofsky seemed to think about the possible implications of sitting with him for a moment, but appeared to ultimately decide to take a seat.

"Hi, David." Blaine greeted, smiling at him, "How have you been?"

"Uh... Hey." He was responding in a gruff voice, as though attempting to reassert his 'straight-boy' status. "Good. I've been good. You?"

"I've been pretty good." Blaine was frowning slightly. "You don't have to do that you know." He said in a lower tone, "Pretend to be something you're not." Dave looked at him – really looked at him, and God weren't his eyes pretty – with frightened eyes. "Not with me."

They each took a moment to collect their thoughts, sipping at their drinks.

"I understand what you're going through, David. I've been there. The hiding, the faking and the pain that caused." He shuddered. "I get it and I get why. But why should you?"

Dave took a steadying breath. This was what he needed. To really talk it out. Maybe then he would stop hating himself. "Being... Being a jock, looking the way I do and the reputation I have to uphold to just survive... it makes being me difficult." He sighed and glanced at Blaine who was listening intently, before returning his gaze to the liquid in his disposable cup, "I want to be true to myself, like you and Kurt, but I just don't think I have that kind of strength. My parents are very conservative in their views and I don't want to lose them because of what I am." Blaine touched his arm supportively, his strong fingers rubbing encouragingly and David smiled. "I wish I could be open about it, but... It's so scary."

"It doesn't have to be, David. There are so many people who would support you, so many more friends you could make." Blaine smiled at him, withdrawing his hand. "When I came out, my dad was close to disowning me, but he came around, be began to understand and he accepted me – though he does try to connect through 'straight' activities. I gotta say, though, judging by your athleticism you shouldn't have any trouble there." Both boys blushed at the compliment Blaine had offered and cleared their throats, "But, more than anything, David, I think you'll be happier. You'll have a better chance at finding someone to make you happy too. And I'm not talking about having Santana as a beard."

David smiled sheepishly, "It seemed like a good idea at the time. She's hot and, when she's not on her period, she's a nice enough girl." He took a sip of his drink, "But you're right. I think I'd be happier."

"There's no rush to do it. You could take it in steps." Blaine said, "You know, let more of your real self shine through day-by-day. Baby-steps, if you like."

Dave smiled and nodded shyly before changing the subject, "Thinking about babies, how's Kurt? Have they decided on a name yet?"

"Oh, Kurt's fine! Glowing with pregnancy hormones more and more every day." Blaine gushed, "And they've decided on a girl's name: Cara Elizabeth Hummel-Puckerman, but so far the boy's name has caused some friction. Last I heard, both of them loved the name Alexander, but the middle name is proving elusive."

"That's a lovely name."

"Yeah, it is. Would you expect any less from Kurt?"

"No." David laughed – causing an odd sensation in Blaine's chest and he rubbed it unconsciously. "Though, I gotta say, I would have thought that he'd have settled on a more... Flamboyant name."

Blaine giggled and nodded. They continued chatting about mundane things for a little while longer, covering a variety of subjects from sports to music. Surprisingly it was David who took the first large step towards friendship.

"So... uhhm. Blaine, would you mind if I took your number? You know, in case I... uhm, need to talk?" He looked up at Blaine through his lashes and the Dalton boy grinned at him, writing his number on a napkin and handing it over.

"Any time you need, I'm here to talk to, Dave."

"Thanks."

"Well, I have to go. Drop me a text later so I know what your number is." With a quick wave he shot off into the parking lot and drove away.

Dave was left sitting there, hoping that he'd made a better and longer lasting impression on Blaine, the second time around.