Questions that showed up frequently in reviews:
Harvard is a 3 year program, Parsons is 2 years. This means Kurt and Blaine will graduate at the same time—not the same day, though, because I'm not that cruel!
Kurt does live at home in Lima with Burt, Carole, and Melody. I have my reasoning for this, but if you don't like it that's alright. There is no way that Kurt could pay for their apartment on his own. Likewise, there is no way Kurt could pay for an apartment in Columbus on his own. To me, it only seems reasonable that Kurt live at home. It is roughly the same driving time as he is used to, so I don't see it as being too much for him to handle.
Blaine's family will of course crop up again. Alex, especially, because he is trying to play a bigger role in his life and has been in the year and a half gap between WBUCT and LTC.
"And then we'll eat celery because it's healthy." Kurt said a few weeks later as Melody nibbled on celery, his chin rested in the palm of his hand and his elbow on the kitchen table.
"Yum yum yum!" Melody said, kicking her legs out.
"Is it yummy?" Kurt asked, sitting up straight and snapping another small piece of celery off for his little sister.
"Nummy nummy!" Melody nodded, giving him an adorable grin.
"Well that's good." Kurt forced a smile and placed another piece in front of her. "I wish I was three sometimes. Out of sight, out of mind. You're not sad he's gone, are you?"
Melody reached over and patted his shoulder, which was the only thing she could read. "No be sad, Kurt!"
Kurt let out a laugh and then said energetically, "Alright! Would you like some peanut butter to go with your celery? Just because Blaine doesn't like it doesn't mean you can't."
"Nuh-uh!" Melody shook her head.
The back door opened and Carole came into the kitchen, smiling brightly. "Thank you for picking her up again, Kurt. I don't know what Burt and I would be doing now if you hadn't moved back into the house with us. It's a horrible cycle, isn't it? Daycare price goes up so I have to work more, but to do those hours I can't even pick her up on time."
"Don't worry about it." Kurt smiled at her.
"MOMMA!" Melody waved at her. "Momma! Look! Celery!"
"Oh! Kurt gave you a snack!" Carole gasped, going over to her.
"Uh huh!" Melody nodded.
"Did you thank him for giving you a snack?" Carole asked.
"Thank you, Kurt!" Melody squealed.
"You're welcome, ma'am!" Kurt sat her on the floor and watched her run off, giggling.
"Thank you, hon. Really." Carole squeezed Kurt's shoulder. "I know you're busy with school stuff but we really appreciate you helping out with picking her up and watching her until one of us can make it home."
It was true. He did have a lot to do school wise with it being his final year at CCAD, but having a lot to do was helping him to not think about Blaine—something that was very hard to do, he should add. While he could have used the extra hour and a half four days a week to do things for school, he didn't mind the distraction. Besides, bonding with Melody was a lot of fun when she wasn't throwing temper tantrums.
"It's no problem." Kurt said for the millionth time in three weeks, standing up. "She usually falls asleep on the way and sleeps for a good thirty minutes after I get home so I can start on homework. She hasn't even been awake for very long. Just long enough to eat her celery.
"Kurt, are you alright?" Carole asked, looking at him. "You seem off… especially these last few days."
"I'm fine." Kurt said, looking away.
"You've been really quiet." Carole said.
"I've been busy with homework is all."
"Even when you're not doing homework."
"I'm fine." Kurt repeated.
"Sweetheart, if you want to talk… I'm here for you." Carole reached over and took his hand, squeezing it. "And Burt doesn't have to know."
Kurt sighed and sat back down at the table, staring at the patterns in the wood. He hurt. He literally hurt.
He glanced up as Carole sat next to him, watching him intently.
"I haven't… uh… I haven't really gotten the chance to talk to Blaine in four days." Kurt stared down at the table. "It's… Last week was like that too… I miss the sound of his voice and… and his everything."
"I know it's not the same, hon… but when Finn's father first left for the war… We had always been very close and I remember what it was like to have that cut off so abruptly and to sometimes go weeks without hearing from him." Carole said gently.
"I guess I didn't think about that." Kurt said, sitting up a little straighter and looking at her. "Sorry."
She smiled and patted his hand. "It's alright, Kurt. I know that you're hurting right now but… Can I say something?"
"Yes." Kurt nodded.
"It seems to me like you've gotten into this… routine of sorts. You get up, you go to school, you pick Melody up four nights a week, and you do homework before going to bed." Carole said, voice still very gentle and kind. "You haven't been talking to your father, Finn, or I. You're not talking to Blaine… In fact, the only person it seems like you're talking with is Melody."
Kurt bit his lip.
"And while she should certainly be flattered," Carole continued. "You really need to not do that. You're sad that Blaine is gone. It's so different from the life you two had for four years. But it seems like you're trying to close yourself off."
"I just really miss him. I feel selfish when I think like that, though, so I'm trying to just not talk at all." Kurt confided, looking at her. "I'm really glad that he's living his dream, Carole. Nobody is prouder than me. He deserves this more than anyone. Dad was right when he said that. But it still hurts. It hurts that he's not here to hug or to kiss or to snuggle. It sucks that I can't come in from school and find him asleep on the couch with a book on his stomach or with Kreacher laying on his back. He's there with his best friend and my two best friends are in New York together… and Finn's about to move to New York and propose to Rachel…"
Carole watched him intently.
"It feels like I should be the one getting engaged. Don't get me wrong. Finn and Rachel can go get married if they want as disastrous as that outcome could be." Kurt said. "But it feels like everyone is out doing their dream and I'm still here. In Ohio. Like I said I wouldn't be. Not only that, but before I could handle it. Before I was with Blaine. And now he's not even here."
Carole nodded, still listening closely.
"And that stuff sucks. Believe me. But I just—It's mostly that I miss him. So much." Kurt felt his lip start to tremble and he took a deep, steadying breath. "He's okay without me, Carole. E-Every time we talk he sounds completely normal and happy and every time it kills me a little inside b-because I'm not h-happy. I'm h-happy for him but I-I'm not happy. A-And that makes me w-wonder i-if w-we're going to gr-grow apart. O-Or if he even mi-misses me."
Carole leaned over, wrapping her arms around him and rubbing her hand up and down his back. "Shh, shh… Of course he misses you, Kurt."
"He s-says it but he doesn't s-sound like i-it." Kurt choked out, shaking his head. "I should want h-him to be happy w-without me b-but I… I don't k-know. I don't k-know."
"Did you ever think that maybe he's acting more okay than he really is for the same reason?" Carole asked quietly.
Kurt wiped his eyes. "I-It doesn't seem that way."
Carole continued to rub his back comfortingly. "I can promise you that he misses you just as much as you miss him. Both of you are going through big adjustments, sweetie. But an adjustment takes time to get used to. That's why it's an adjustment. Once you get more used to it, everything will be easier."
"I d-don't want it to be easy without him. I just want h-him." Kurt mumbled. "I don't mean to sound selfish. I wouldn't say this stuff to h-him. I'm really happy for him. I guess I'm feeling sorry for me."
"You may feel selfish but I think anyone in your position would have similar feelings. You're young and both of you had a lot invested in this relationship. You and Blaine are very close and that's something special." Carole brushed back some of his hair. "But it can be just as special even if he's not right with you. Maybe instead of focusing on him not being here, you should think about when he's coming to visit."
Kurt took a deep breath and then nodded. "You're right."
She smiled sadly. "It will make it easier. Just keep telling yourself that you get to see him in less than a week for the first time in a month."
Kurt wiped his eyes again, smiling a bit. "That makes me feel considerably better."
"As it should." She smiled again and kissed the top of his head. "I was thinking of making a cheesecake. Would you like to help me?"
"I would really enjoy that actually." Kurt sat up straight.
"You don't have a lot of homework due tomorrow, right?" she asked warily.
"No. My homework is done for the next two days." Kurt reassured her, laughing a bit.
"Alright. Let me make sure Melody hasn't destroyed the entire house and we'll get started. I'll be right back." Carole laughed and left the kitchen, calling, "Melody? Where have you gotten to?"
…
"How did your internship thing go?"
"No, no, no. How did your first exam go?"
"You go first."
"No, you go first."
"Aah! Okay!" Blaine laughed later that night, almost looking bashful. "Alright. The exam went very well. I knew the stuff inside and out and apparently it was very obvious. I got a 98."
"That's so good!" Kurt exclaimed.
"Well, the average was 95 so I guess it's not that much better." Blaine said somewhat sheepishly.
"No. Stop. You've got to accept the fact that you're more awesome than all of them. They're the ones you'll be competing against when you graduate." Kurt said sternly. "There's no point in going to such a good school if you're going to be modest about it. You need to own what you're doing."
Blaine laughed again. "Okay, well… I did have the highest grade. And I did study three hours less than most people…"
"See? Imagine if you added those three hours to that." Kurt flashed him a big smile.
"I love you." Blaine smiled at him. "Now how did the internship thing go?"
"It was just a meeting with my adviser." Kurt shrugged. "Three designers approached her. They want me to intern for them. They—."
Kurt looked up abruptly as his bedroom door scooted open and Melody chased Kreacher into the room, half tripping over her feet as she tried to catch him.
"MINE DOGGY! COME DOGGY!" she yelped as she stood herself back up and chased Kreacher out of the room again.
"Melody, be careful!" Kurt called, shaking his head before returning his attention to the screen. "I don't even remember what I was talking about now."
"The fact that three designers are approaching you to intern for them!" Blaine said excitedly. "Kurt, that's amazing. You aren't even out of CCAD yet and people have obviously noticed your talent. Are you going to intern for one of them? Do you have to or want to?"
"I don't think I have to, but I set up meetings with all of them. My adviser said I should do that and decide who to work with. I might even get paid for it… It's kind of crazy." Kurt admitted. "I'm a little nervous to see what happens."
"Don't be nervous. This is really, really good. And if you get someone who has connections, just imagine…" Blaine grinned. "Oh my God, Kurt, this makes me so happy! This could really set up everything for you."
"You're so excited." Kurt laughed and smiled at him. "You know you're amazing, right?"
"Hush." Blaine waved his hand. "I haven't talked to you in ages. Tell me about the fashion show now."
"What if I want to talk about you some more?" Kurt questioned.
"Nothing big is going on." Blaine shrugged. "I did the test yesterday. I have another one next week but I'm not too worried about it. I've just been studying and writing a lot."
"Writing?" Kurt questioned.
"Essays, study sheets, that kind of thing." Blaine shrugged. "Now tell me about the fashion show!"
"Alright, alright!" Kurt laughed this time and reached over, pulling a binder over. "Let me get… It's all right here."
Blaine sat, looking excited and eager.
"Okay… May 11th at night."
"YES!" Blaine exclaimed. "That's the day after my last final! I was so afraid that I was going to have to miss it! That's perfect!"
"I heard exclamations. Have you finally decided to break down and go halfsies on me for that awesome TV? The ratings are great, I know." Wes said, poking his head into the room.
"Oh my God." Blaine rolled his eyes.
"Even better! You're talking to Kurt!" Wes came further into the room, plopping down by Blaine. "Kurt, he is killing me. He has been horrible. He's so homesick that it's almost pitiful. I wonder what Kurt's doing right now, I wish Kurt could share this ice cream with me, do you think Kurt misses me as much as him? Kurt never seems sad, do you think he's glad I'm gone?"
Blaine looked down, biting his lip.
"Blaine!" Kurt gasped. "Of course I miss you! I don't want to make you feel bad or worry, though."
"Really?" Blaine asked, looking up hopefully.
"Told you." Wes grinned and ruffled Blaine's hair. "Just show him your manbits or something so he'll stop whining, Kurt."
"Wes, get out!" Blaine whine, pushing at Wes as he blushed—actually blushed. "Kurt, why would you let me room with Wes?"
"Aw, look at Baby Blainers." Wes cooed. "Did you know we used to call him that, Kurt? 'Cause he liked to snug—."
"Go!" Blaine said.
"What? What did he do?" Kurt, always eager to hear embarrassing Blaine stories, asked loudly.
"Don't you dare. I have dirt on you, Wes." Blaine hissed.
"He makes the funniest noise when you—."
"GO AWAY!" Blaine exclaimed, pushing him even harder.
"Right here!" Wes finished, tickling a spot on Blaine's neck.
Blaine whimpered and covered his face.
"The little snuffle?" Kurt asked, looking disappointed. "Oh, I know about that. It's cute, though."
"This is my life." Blaine moaned, shaking his head and still hiding behind his hand.
"I'll be leaving before he kills me." Wes said in a sing song voice as he stood himself up straight. "See ya, Kurt."
"Bye, Wes." Kurt laughed as the bedroom door shut. "How long will he be gone for?"
"I don't know." Blaine shrugged. "He just wanders in and out whenever he gets bored or hungry."
Kurt tilted his head and looked at Blaine. "Is it… Was he exaggerating? Or are you really that sad?"
Blaine hesitated and then closed his eyes tightly. "I'm really that sad. Having all of this school work helps distract me but it's hard to not be close to you…"
"And it's worst at night." Kurt said softly.
"It's horrible at night. It takes me forever to fall asleep without you." Blaine admitted.
"I do miss you as much as you miss me." Kurt promised. "I miss you so much. I miss you so much that I feel selfish for missing you that much… but I want you to be happy and I know this is going to make you happy."
"I love you so much." Blaine gave him a small smile.
"Are you sure you can't get up here earlier than two weeks from now?" Kurt asked.
"I'm sure." Blaine nodded and bit his lip. "Can you come out here?"
"You know my only day off of classes besides the weekend is Wednesday." Kurt sighed. "I wish I'd made it Monday or Friday so I could go up some weekends, but…"
"I'll pay for you to come on a weekend." Blaine offered.
"Blaine… I wouldn't get there until really late Friday and have to probably leave early Sunday… I don't think it's worth it." Kurt frowned.
"I think it's worth it." Blaine frowned too.
"That's so much money, babe… For not even two full days? That's not very rational."
"I don't feel rational. I just want to touch you."
"Well isn't that lovely." Wes chirped standing in the doorway once again.
"WES!" Blaine yelped. "Not like that! Go away! What do you want?"
"I can't do those in order you realize?" Wes grinned mischievously.
"You make my life so difficult." Blaine hung his head. "What do you want?"
"To know if…. YOU WANT PIZZA?" Wes shouted eagerly.
Blaine, not expecting that, jumped and then faked a glare. "I'm right here. You don't have to yell."
"I couldn't contain my excitement, Blainers." Wes smiled sweetly, wiggling his fingers at Kurt in a manic wave, and then returned his attention to Blaine. "Would you care for some pizza, Mr. Future Lawyer?"
"I don't care how many times you call me that, Wes. I'm not calling you Mr. Future Biochemist." Blaine rolled his eyes. "But sure. Get cinnamon sticks too!"
"As if I'd forget." Wes snorted as he left the room.
"He does know that we just talked five minutes ago, right? Because he just waved at me." Kurt laughed a bit.
"Who knows with him?" Blaine shrugged and looked back at the screen. "I'll pay for you to fly down here, Kurt."
"Blaine, it's… it's too much money for such a short amount of time. I would love to… you know that… but I've also got school work. Things are… well, I've been getting Melody from day care because of… well, prices have gone up so Carole is working more… and I… I can get the stuff done, but it's taking longer. So I'll really…" Kurt looked down, feeling horrible. "Need those days to get work done. Are you mad?"
"Of course I'm not mad." Blaine sighed. "You're having to pick up Melody?"
"It's not a big deal. Usually she naps until Carole's home, but I still have to feed her and get her ready for her naps and stuff." Kurt shrugged and looked back into the screen. "It's not a big deal and I don't mind to do it, but it does take away time from school."
"I still don't know why you didn't opt to room with Alec. It would be closer to school and everything."
"Alec and I are friends but I don't know if we're close enough to live together. Also, don't you think that might be a little weird for you and I considering you used to think… well, you know?" Kurt sighed. "Besides, this drive is almost as long as the drive from our old apartment and I'm being able to spend time with Dad, Carole, and Melody… I feel like it would be harder if I made such a big change now with all of the other big changes."
"That's understandable." Blaine nodded. "But if you wanted to… I wouldn't think that again. I promise. I'd be fine with it."
"The only gay man I will ever live with is you." Kurt said firmly.
Blaine laughed a bit. "So the date is all that you know about the fashion show so far?"
"Not a whole lot yet." Kurt nodded. "We should know more pretty soon though."
"Keep me updated." Blaine said, glancing down at his hand.
"You have to go?" Kurt asked.
"Yeah, for a bit." Blaine nodded. "I have some studying to do before dinner. Is that okay?"
"Yeah. It's fine." Kurt forced a smile. "Think you can talk again later tonight?"
"I think so." Blaine smiled back at him. "Kurt… I'm glad that you're not glad I'm gone."
"I miss you so much." Kurt said. "So much that it hurts."
"I know the feeling." Blaine's smile became forced and he swallowed. "Alright, well… I'll talk to you tonight. Get your homework done."
"Hey, wait." Kurt said quickly. "You're not upset that I can't fly out there this weekend, right?"
"Of course not." Blaine answered right away. "No, of course not. It would be nice to see you this weekend but two weeks from now I'm definitely good to come down, right?"
"Yes." Kurt's smile grew. "Yes, definitely."
"Great." Blaine's smile grew once again too. "I love you, Kurt. I'll talk to you later tonight, okay?"
"Okay, babe. I love you too." Kurt waved. "Bye."
"Bye." Blaine said, closing his laptop. He leaned back against his chair and ran his hands over his face and then through his hair.
"Pizza's here, Blaine!" Wes called through Blaine's now shut door.
"Already?" Blaine sighed and stood up, calling, "I'm coming, Wes!"
I wish I hadn't gotten off of the call with Kurt, he thought as he went out into the hall. He felt his roommate's eyes on him as he walked past and rolled his own eyes as he came to a halt next to Wes in the living room.
"I'm going to hurt that guy one day." Blaine vowed quietly as he picked up a slice of pepperoni pizza.
"Is he giving you looks again?" Wes asked sharply, eyes narrowing.
"Don't you see the holes in the back of my head?" Blaine forced a grin although it was hard to smile at all when he kept thinking about how much he wanted to see Kurt.
"Lame!" Wes laughed. "Come on, Blaine. You can do better than that?"
"Maybe I'll put effort into it tomorrow." Blaine laughed a bit too and bit into his pizza. "How much do I owe you?"
"Purchased courtesy of Dad's credit card." Wes grinned. "Hey, why are you putting money in that envelope?"
"This is my 'Blaine's Portion of Money for Things That Were Purchased Courtesy of Wes' Dad' envelope.'" Blaine responded.
"Hey, can I have the cash in there?" Wes asked eagerly. "Because he's not going to let you give it to him anyway."
"No!" Blaine laughed again. "You're horrible. Horrible."
"Don't pretend you don't love me." Wes winked. "Because we both know you think I'm hotter than David."
"Not this again." Blaine groaned. "I'm going to do homework."
"It's the eyes!" Wes called after him as he made his way to his bedroom. "They're lovely, aren't they?"
Blaine let his bedroom door shut, shaking his head.
…
"Blaine? Blaine?"
Blaine groaned and rolled over.
"Watch out. Your book. Wake up."
"Mmmh?" Blaine sat up, facing the back of the couch.
"You can be really hard to wake up. You must be tired."
Blaine, now awake, turned. "Wes. Oh. Hey."
"Hey there." Wes said, setting Blaine's textbook on their coffee table. "How long were you out for?"
"Dunno." Blaine said sleepily. "I fell asleep reading about laws of the 1800s or… something. What time is it?"
"Eight. I just got home." Wes answered, plopping on the couch by him. "You okay? You seemed a little off before you left for classes."
Blaine let his head fall against the back of the couch and nodded. "I guess."
"Let's go out tonight. There's a party a few houses down. It sounds promising."
Blaine moved so his back was to Wes, curling up to the back of the couch. "Nah."
"Why not?"
"Because I don't want to?" Blaine asked, nuzzling the arm rest.
"Because you would rather sit here and pine over Kurt you mean?" Wes asked.
Blaine huffed.
"This is the first night you're not knee deep in readings and homework." Wes said. "But you want to sleep on the couch?"
"Kurt's out with Finn picking out Rachel's wedding ring."
"Ouch. That'll crop up in your visit home this weekend." Wes remarked. "Speaking of, when are you going to pop the question?"
Blaine sat up and stared at him.
"What? It's been like eight years."
"It's been five years." Blaine corrected.
"Okay and my parents got married after two years."
"And look what they ended up with." Blaine grinned.
"Dick." Wes punched Blaine in the shoulder.
Blaine giggled a bit and then shrugged. "I don't know. I almost bought a ring once." He admitted. "But then I realized that it would be kind of silly to get engaged when we won't live together for so long."
"Why?" Wes asked curiously.
Blaine shrugged.
"I realize I've never been in a serious relationship before, bro, but my brain capacity is big enough for biochemistry. I think it can handle romantic talk and what have you."
"Look." Blaine took a deep breath and closed his eyes. "I love Kurt more than anything. I didn't know it was possible to love someone as much as I love him. I'm happy to be here. This is amazing and it's everything I could have imagined. But I do still miss Kurt. Every day without him is harder than the one before it even if I am happy to be here. It's like there's something missing."
"But if you propose then he can just move to Boston after he graduates CCAD. Two years off. Big deal." Wes shrugged. "Get your year of unmarried life out of the way, marry him this summer, and he can be your housewife."
Blaine opened his eyes and then narrowed him. "Have you even met Kurt?"
"Uhh once or twice." Wes joked, rolling his eyes. "What does that have to do with anything?"
"Kurt would graduate CCAD and move here." Blaine said.
"You have spent three weeks talking about how much you miss his hugs and his smile and his eyes." Wes said. "You want him here. Why would that be a problem?"
"He's sad now because he misses me, the same as I'm sad because I miss him." Blaine said. "But if he doesn't go to Parsons he will regret it for the rest of his life. He needs to make it out of Ohio on his own, on his way to grad school for fashion design. He would never be happy—truly happy—if he came here and we just got hitched and he 'became my housewife.' Which by the way wouldn't happen. I do most of the cleaning because I'm too anal about things."
Wes looked at him and tried very hard to maintain a serious expression before giggling. "Anal."
Blaine giggled too. "You're so immature."
"You're giggling too." Wes pointed out. "I'm sorry. You know how it is for me when you use that word. I can't help it."
Blaine rolled his eyes and shook his head.
"Alright, so… you know you want to marry him one day, right?"
"Well, yes." Blaine nodded.
"Why wait? Why not marry him now? That commitment is there but you can finish Harvard, he can go to Parsons, and you two can compromise on where to live when you're done. It works out well considering graduate school for him will be two years and Harvard is three because you'll graduate at the same time."
"No. You remember how he was talking about not going to Parsons at all because of our relationship. Now that he's on that track again, I don't want to throw a wrench in those gears. He's taking it harder than me. I want to be with him, don't get me wrong. But I don't want to give him an excuse to do something stupid. I know we'll be together forever but… I also want him to have the things he wants in life. I'm afraid that if I propose, he'll just move here after graduation."
"Would that be so bad? Really?" Wes asked.
"You don't know Kurt like I do." Blaine tucked his feet under him. "Those dreams are what makes him him. He wants to be a fashion designer so much. That's why I freaked out last year when he was babbling about giving it up. Just because we're in a committed relationship doesn't mean he should give up himself and lose sight of his dreams. I realize that right now he thinks he wants to be with me—and I'm not saying he doesn't want to be with me. What I'm saying is that I don't want that to block out other important things."
"I think you and he should run off and get hitched right now." Wes said, facial expression serious.
"Why?" Blaine snorted.
"Wedding cake."
"And here I thought you were having a real discussion." Blaine elbowed him.
"Really, though… What would be so wrong in Kurt not going to New York after CCAD?" Wes asked. "Isn't that a bit of an unrealistic goal anyway? How many big fashion designers are there? He can just find an office here and work for someone else. Or maybe work on a fashion magazine."
"It's not an unrealistic goal. Not for him. And I'm not standing in the way of that." Blaine sighed and stood up. "I've got to go to class. We're still on for dinner tonight, right?"
"Only a hot girl with a nice pair of jugs could keep me away." Wes winked.
"You're utterly repulsive and I feel deeply sorry for the poor girl who ends up dating you, or God forbid, marrying you."
"I appreciate your honestly, oh Blainers buddy." Wes said, reaching as if to smack Blaine's butt.
"What have I told you? Only when we're drunk!" Blaine said, stepping out of his reach.
"Oh, right. Sorry. I keep forgetting." Wes shrugged.
"Mhmm. Sure." Blaine said, grabbing his book and putting it in his bag. "Burgers tonight. Don't forget!"
"Aye, aye, Captain Lawyer Pants!" Wes called as Blaine left the house.
…
Three hours later Blaine slumped into Wes' bedroom, throwing his bag on the floor and plopping on Wes' bed. "Weeees."
"It took you forever." Wes said, turning in his computer chair and looking at Blaine.
"I wanted to explore and got lost." Blaine pouted. "Oh so very lost. By the way, the GPS on my new iPhone sucks."
"Damnit, Blaine. I told you I wanted to go with you." Wes said, pouting himself. "So… remember you love me?"
"What did you do?" Blaine asked, sitting up.
"I invited Jacob to dinner with us." Wes said.
"Jacob?"
"George, Rodney, whatever his name is. Maybe we'll see him sign his credit slip and we'll know at last." Wes shrugged.
Blaine groaned, falling back onto the bed. "Wes, why? I keep telling you that he hates me. Why must you insist that I get to know him?"
"You're just paranoid." Wes rolled his eyes. "Nobody hates you."
"Should I go through the list? Dad, Mom, Grandmother, Asshole." Blaine held up four fingers. "He's clearly homophobic."
"Then why would he move in with us at all?"
"I was wearing a UK t-shirt and jeans that day. I easily could have passed for straight." Blaine sighed. "That and he must have crappy gaydar. I don't know. Do I pass for straight?"
"To someone blind maybe." Wes snorted. "Then again, I've only known you to be gay so I may be the wrong person to ask. Either way, though, I think you're just paranoid. He's maybe a little weirded out but if you two get to know each other, then it should be easier."
"I don't want to go." Blaine sighed again. "I hate awkward situations and I've been through enough in my lifetime already."
"C'mon. I'll buy you a beer." Wes said, leaning over in his chair and poking Blaine's side. "Or four."
"I don't want one beer or four beers."
"Ice cream? Lube for when you visit Kurt?" Wes wiggled an eyebrow.
"Lube is expensive now… I might take you up on that." Blaine teased.
"Isn't it… gross?" Wes asked curiously. "And… wet?"
"Oh my God." Blaine rolled onto his stomach and buried his face in Wes' pillow.
"Do you guys always use it?"
"I mean there have been a few times we've been out… but it kinda—er, really—hurts if you don't use it." Blaine said awkwardly. So much for trying to avoid one awkward situation. Apparently attempting to avoid one meant experiencing two back to back. This was something he'd keep in mind for next time.
"I'm sure you'd get used to it if you didn't a few times. And think of the friction."
"Please stop." Blaine whined.
"Why? Are you uncomfortable? Turned on at the thought of Kurt and friction?" Wes laughed. "So how does that work exactly? Do you just squirt the lu—."
"Wes, please!" Blaine threw Wes' pillow at his head. "Use Google if you have questions about gay sex. It's there and will not judge you. Trust me, I know that for a fact."
"Why would I ever ask an online search engine when my best friend has years of firsthand experience?"
"Because Kurt would murder me if I went into details about my fingers in his ass." Blaine said very bluntly. "It's personal, alright?"
"Okay. I understand that." Wes nodded very seriously and after a few minutes of silence, resumed his questioning. "So how often does Kurt top? The only ass we're talking about it yours now. I'm sure you won't mind sharing."
"Oh my God." Blaine blushed.
"I mean, half the time? You're the manly one, right? I assume he tops half or less. Unless—oh my God, you're blushing even more. Does he top the most now? When did that happen?"
"Can we please not talk about this?" Blaine asked, covering his face. "Kurt doesn't top the most, alright? I do."
"But he must top a lot if you're blushing so much. Which do you like better? What's it like, Blaine?"
"I am begging you, Wes. Please." Blaine whined. "Please. Please."
"Feel better now?" Wes laughed.
"What?"
"You were all stressed and mopey because you got lost." Wes said. "I was trying to take your mind off of it. Do you feel better?"
"Oh…" Blaine said, redness leaving his face slowly but surely. "Well, kinda. You didn't have to take it quite so far, though."
"I'm just really curious. I keep trying to get you to let me watch or set up a camera but—why do you look like you're going to be sick?"
"The thought of you watching Kurt and I have sex is just weird, okay? That's a level of closeness I'm not quite ready for yet. Sorry if that makes me weird. Actually, no, I'm not."
Wes grinned. "Get ready to go. After we eat we'll ditch Jonathon and hit downtown. We haven't had the chance to explore yet and Boston is calling to me… Wait. Kurt can't talk tonight, right?"
"Right. He's busy mapping out sketches for his fashion show. He'll be on campus until like eleven so he won't make it home until one probably. We talked on the phone a bit while I ate lunch." Blaine nodded. "I am completely free tonight and I would love to go downtown again and try to find my way around. If we're going to live in Boston, we should at least do it right."
"There's the Blaine I know and love." Wes' grin grew as he pulled on a small jacket. "Let us find Jamie and go."
"No, really, though." Blaine whispered as they walked towards the door. "Do you really not know his name?"
"I can't remember it for the life of me." Wes whispered back.
"Do you think he knows?" Blaine asked.
"Nah." Wes shook his head and opened the door. "Burger time, gentleman!"
"Kurt, no, I am completely serious." Blaine said in a hushed voice after running to close his door. "I knew it. Wes went to the bathroom and it was a complete turnaround. This asshole douche fuck tells me that he never would have signed up to be my roommate if he'd known I was gay, that I'm going to hell, that I'm disgusting."
"Are you joking?" Kurt asked, his blue eyes turning dark with anger.
"I am beyond serious. And this morning he kept sending me these glares. When he was walking past me and was about an inch from knocking into me. On purpose, of course. And he's like 'whoops.'" Blaine fumed. "Whoops my ass."
"Did you tell Wes?"
"Yeah. After dinner he and I went downtown alone.
"Did he tell the guy off?"
"No." Blaine said, becoming angry. "But the guy better watch his back because Wes will kick his ass. He's done it before and, as he said last night, he'll do it again. I knew it, though. I knew there was a reason he was acting the way he was but I don't understand what is so wrong with being mother fucking gay. Why does he or anybody care who I sleep with? As long as I'm not forcing myself on them, why do they care? And believe me, I wouldn't have sex with that dick if there was nobody else in the fucking galaxy."
"Blaine, calm down." Kurt said. "It's not worth getting upset over."
"No? I'm living with someone who is going to treat me the same way I was treated through middle school and freshman year of high school? I am not eleven, twelve, thirteen, or fourteen anymore. I am not afraid of that jerk, Kurt." Blaine said.
"Blaine… Blaine… Stop, calm down." Kurt repeated. "He's not worth it, alright? Who cares what he thinks? You're amazing. You're up there to go to the school of your dreams, to learn stuff, to have fun with Wes, and to learn the skills for you to get a job as a lawyer. Nothing else matters. That includes homophobic roommates."
"I may look tiny but I'm strong." Blaine continued. "Have you seen my arms, Kurt? And my legs are strong too from soccer. I could take that twig. I could take three of him."
"Deep breath in and deep breath out." Kurt instructed. He smiled when Blaine did as told. "Better?"
"Yeah, I guess." Blaine relaxed against his headboard, laptop on his lap. "It's just frustrating."
"You're not in Boston to deal with immature stuff like this. You're up there for very specific reasons and don't have time to dwell on someone who is clearly stuck in the middle school mentality." Kurt said.
"You're right."
"I'm always right." Kurt teased, giving Blaine a smirk. "Apart from that, how has your day been? Did you and Wes have a good night out on the town?"
"Yeah, it was fun. We found an awesome coffee shop that you'll have to see when you spend your long weekend here in October." Blaine said, mood lightening considerably. "The biscotti was amazing and they have the cookies we like to share."
"Sounds like I'd love it." Kurt laughed. "I miss our coffee dates."
"Next weekend, right? Next weekend I'm coming up." Blaine smiled. "I'm so excited to see you, Kurt. I have tons of pictures to show everyone too. And I got Burt the thing he asked for. I had to go to four tourist centered areas to find it, but I got it."
"That shirt? Oh, why would you get him that?" Kurt shook his head.
"I have to get on his good side, don't I? Can't let him forget he likes me since I'll be gone so long. I don't want to rebuild that trust." Blaine teased.
"Dad is going to die when he sees that you found one." Kurt mock sighed. "I wish I'd had a say in this.
"Yes well you didn't." Blaine let out an adorable giggle. "Okay. Are you excited for next weekend?"
"Of course I am. Five days with you!" Kurt beamed at him through the screen. "I know we'll still have homework to work on and stuff but—I just— I get to sleep with you again. That's all I want. To lay in bed for five whole days in your arms."
"That works for me. Pillows don't cut it." Blaine said very seriously. "I'm almost considering making Wes sleep with me. At least until I fall asleep."
"That's so sad, Blaine." Kurt frowned. "It must be harder for you to fall asleep than me. I forgot you're a snuggle bunny and like to be next to things with heat."
"I will have five nights sleeping next to you. That will hold me off until October." Blaine reassured him. "I think I'll manage to survive a week without cuddling… but any longer than that and my limbs may start to fall off. I'll have Wes mail them to you for safe keeping."
"I love you so much." Kurt laughed at him. "I promise I'll take care of any Blaine limbs that show up. I'll have to hide them from Melody, though, or she'll try to give them to Kreacher and Oreo as snacks. She gives them anything as snacks—well, tries to at least."
Blaine laughed, clearly much happier than he'd been when he'd first gotten on the Skype call. "I'm really excited to see everyone next weekend."
"Everyone is excited to see you." Kurt said. "Melody can't go an hour without mentioning it."
"Aww." Blaine cooed. "She's so cute."
"She loves you. You know everyone at her day care thinks she has three brothers because she talks about you so much? And she draws you in on family drawings at day care too."
"She does not." Blaine argued.
"Oh, she does. You'll love how she does your hair." Kurt giggled. "I'll show you on Friday night when you get here."
"I can't wait for next Friday." Blaine said again for what seemed like the millionth time that day. It was true, though. As much as he loved Boston—and he was slowly realizing he really loved the town—he still missed Kurt more. Not only Kurt, of course, but especially Kurt.
"Me neither." Kurt said. "We'll have to come up with a list of things we want to do so we don't forget anything in the excitement of seeing each other. Cheesecake Factory is a must, okay? I'll even let you drive."
"Oh God, I've got to bring you some cheesecake, Kurt. It's so good."
"Alright. You bring that one and we'll still go, just a few days later."
"Will my visit be traumatizing enough for two cheesecakes?" Blaine teased.
"No, but you leaving might." Kurt teased right back and then looked behind him, gasping. "Look at you, little Miss Melody. What have you got on?"
"Dress!" Blaine heard Melody squeak although he could not see her.
"Your Easter dress." Kurt remarked, bending down and sitting Melody on his lap. "Look who it is!"
"Hey, pumpkin!" Blaine said, waving excitedly.
Melody clasped a hand over her eyes as her mouth fell open in shock.
"Are you happy?" Kurt giggled, hugging her as she gave a small nod.
"I'm happy to see you too!" Blaine said. "I hear you drew a pretty picture!"
"Momma and Daddy and Kurt and Finn and Blaine!" Melody said excitedly, clapping her hands together.
"And who else?" Kurt prompted.
"I 'unno." Melody giggled shyly.
"Doggie." Kurt whispered loud enough for Blaine to hear.
"And the doggie!" Melody chirped.
"And the kitty." Kurt whispered again.
"And the kitty!" Melody clapped her hands again. "Hi, Blaaaaaine!"
"Hello, baby." Blaine waved again. "Your dress is pretty."
"I know." Melody giggled and hopped down, yelling, "MOMMY! BLAINE! BLAINE! MOMMY! MOMMA!"
Both Kurt and Blaine laughed loudly when Carole poked her head in.
"He's on the computer. Come on in." Kurt said, scooting back in his chair.
Carole rushed over. "Look at you! How is school, hon?"
"It's going great." Blaine said. "I got a 102 on my last exam!"
"That's so good! I'm so proud of you!" Carole exclaimed. "Oh, I'm so happy for you, Blaine. Do you love it?"
"I do." Blaine said truthfully. "It's hard being away from everyone but almost everyone is really nice. Boston is beautiful. I haven't had much time to explore but Wes and I went downtown last night and it was really nice. I can't wait to see more of it."
"You've just been too busy, huh?" Burt asked, coming up behind Carole.
"Super busy." Blaine nodded. "A lot of reading, quizzes, essays. And we have to watch a certain amount of mock trials. Not all of them are required but some are and then we have to attend so many as an assignment."
"I bet those are fun." Burt said gruffly.
"They're alright." Blaine shrugged. "It's all been basic stuff so far… but maybe I'm just picking bad ones to attend."
Burt chuckled.
"Dad, he got a 102 on his last exam!" Kurt said.
"Did you really?" Burt asked. "Out of?"
"Out of 100." Blaine nodded. "I did. She really liked my reasoning, I guess."
"You're doing it right, kiddo. If you keep up that work you'll have ten job offers by time you're set to graduate." Burt said very seriously. "That's amazing, Blaine. Real amazing. Good job."
"Thanks." Blaine said, blushing a bit. "I miss you all."
"We miss you too, hon. All of us are counting down the days until Friday. We're very excited to see you." Carole smiled.
"I'm excited too." Blaine smiled. "I can't wait to get home and see everybody. I wish I could come now and not wait until Friday."
"It'll be here soon enough." Burt said. "You just focus on school while you're there. Show all of those professors how good you are and I know you'll get a job. I'd bet money on it."
"A lot of the instructors do work in law firms." Blaine said thoughtfully.
"See?" Burt grinned. "He's in the right place to get where he wants. Next year Kurt will be in the same position, only in New York. I know it sucks being apart now, boys, but doors are going to start opening for you. You two work real hard and you'll get to where you want to be."
"Thanks, Dad." Kurt said.
"That's the plan." Blaine laughed and then looked down as his iPhone alarm clock went off. "Crap. I have to go to a study meeting."
"No, no. Don't be late." Carole said quickly. "We'll talk to you later, hon. Alright?"
"Alright." Blaine smiled and waved. "Bye, Carole. Bye, Burt."
Carole and Burt said their goodbyes and disappeared, leaving Kurt alone.
"Don't worry about your roommate." Kurt said quickly. "Focus on why you're there. Focus on the fact that Friday you'll be home. But don't let that stuff get to you, okay?"
"Alright." Blaine nodded, still smiling. "I'll call you later tonight, okay?"
"Okay. Have fun at your study group." Kurt smiled. "I love you so much, Blaine. I'll talk to you later."
"I love you too, Kurt." Blaine said, blowing him an adorable and over-exaggerated kiss which Kurt then pretended to catch. "Bye."
"Bye, babe." Kurt waved as Blaine turned off his laptop.
Who said long distance was hard?