Title: I'll be quiet in my pining
Reviews:
tomdarryecs: Writing Blaine's parents were my favorite part of that chapter lol. Okay, so Kurt isn't as clueless as much as he just thinks Blaine has zero interest in him that way. It's kind of a defense mechanism.
MarciaChapter2: Thank you lol. Not gonna lie, the scene with his parents was my favorite part to write. His mom is loosely based on our mom. I love writing his parents to be nice and supportive. It doesn't work out for every story, but this one we were able to and it's been fun. So glad you liked it though!
onyx115: no worries lol this site screws up sometimes! But thank you so much! Blaine's parents were my favorite part to write lol. His mom is loosely based on our mom but she can actually sing lol. Thank you though!
Iris7124: Yeah we love being able to write Blaine's parents as nice! It doesn't work for every story, but this one it did so I had fun with it. His parents were my favorite part of that chapter lol. Blaine's mom is loosely based on our mom. Thank you! So glad you liked it!
Makeup and Costumes week:
He kissed Blaine. That was all Kurt could think about. Sure, he wasn't meaning to. He pulled his best friend out of the lake, thinking he was drowning and without thinking, just started giving him mouth to mouth. But then Blaine started moving his lips against his… he didn't mean to. He was just delirious and confused. He absolutely wasn't kissing Kurt. In the moment, Kurt was scared and worried about Blaine, then he was extremely angry at both him and Kent for doing something so stupid. He had barely talked to either of them for a whole day, but they finally earned his forgiveness by promising they wouldn't do something like that again along with lots of groveling. Kurt could tell Kent felt really bad since he was way overcompensating by waiting on Kurt hand and foot. This might have annoyed him more if he wasn't replaying the moment Blaine kissed him over and over. This wasn't great. He thought he was over this. He was over this. It was just a scary situation and that's why he couldn't stop thinking about it.
"You are definitely not listening."
Kurt snapped out of his troubling thoughts to find Kent smiling uncertainly at him. They were in the auditorium directly after breakfast. Sue and Will said they would be coming to a decision about parts soon, but they specifically called Rachel, Kurt, Kent, and Blaine back. Rachel sat a seat down from Kurt and was doing some sort of vocal exercise while Kent sat on his other side, apparently trying to get his attention. Blaine was in the bathroom.
"Sorry," Kurt replied, rubbing at his face with both hands. "It's just stressing me out not knowing my part." He indicated the two bickering adults up on the stage who they were still waiting for so they could audition.
Kent rubbed at his shoulder sympathetically. "Yeah, it's stressing me out too. But you're so good I'm sure you will be fine!"
"Thanks."
They sat silently for a few moments watching Sue and Will argue, this time resorting to poking each other. Kurt rolled his eyes. Why could the adults not get their shit together? Kent shifted closer to him where he was whispering in his ear.
"If you're really stressed, I have a few ideas about how to help you relax," he said, brushing his lips against Kurt's ear.
Panic clawed through him. He wasn't ready for that. It must have shown on his face because Kent backed off, removing his hands.
"Or not. Sorry, just trying to help."
"No. It's fine! Just… not ready."
"That's okay! No pressure!"
Kent had his hands to himself, but there was awkwardness between them now. It wasn't the first time they had had this conversation. Kent never pushed, but had insinuated things here and there, but Kurt was just not ready. He didn't look too hard at why. On one hand, he didn't really want to go off to New York a complete virgin no matter where he left things with Kent. But he didn't think that was a good enough reason to do things with someone. He should be doing it because he wanted to, not to check off some box. They hadn't discussed it in detail, but Kent seemed to understand. He was pretty easy going anyway. He still kind of felt bad though.
"What's wrong?" Blaine whispered as he slipped back into his seat between Kurt and Rachel who had moved on to massaging her throat. Blaine was frowning in concern and glancing between him and Kent.
"Nerves!" Kent covered and playfully nudged Kurt. "Gotta learn to be more like this guy, am I right?"
Kurt sent him a grateful smile.
Blaine seemed to accept the excuse and relaxed into his seat. Kurt started to replay how Blaine's lips felt on his again and shut that down. It was creepy and wrong.
Blaine sighed beside him and leaned an elbow on the back of Kurt's seat. He could feel his warmth of him on his back and neck. Blaine said, "Have they gotten themselves together yet or are they still arguing?" He jerked a chin toward the "adults" on stage. Now they seemed to be making fun of each other's hair.
"I don't know, but we are going to miss our first costume design class if they don't move this along," Rachel complained. She had been in a sour mood since her and Quinn screamed at each other at the lake. "I don't even know who I'm auditioning with! Kent and I have been practicing, but I overheard Mr. Shue say something about me and Blaine auditioning together. It's a good thing I'm so versatile or we would be in trouble."
Kurt grimaced at the stage. He didn't really know if he could sing with Blaine and not act weird. He just needed to get over this.
"Wouldn't it be funny if we just snuck out and let them continue to fight?" Blaine said in Kurt's ear. It lit his whole body on fire. "How long do you think it would take for them to notice?"
Kurt squirmed uncomfortably and tried to laugh off his body's reaction. "I have no doubts they could do this for hours."
Rachel made a sort of muffled scream into her hands and then stood, drawing up to her full (albeit unimpressive) height. "Mr. Shuester! Coach Sylvester!" The two on stage turned at her disgruntled tone. "If you are just going to waste our time, then we will just leave! We are going to be late to our less argumentative instructors lessons!" She put her hands on her hips. "So do I need to lead the others in a walk out or not?"
Mr. Shuester had the decency to look embarrassed, but Coach Sylvester just nodded in approval at Rachel's directness.
"We are sorry—" Mr. Shue began.
Sue cut him off. "Don't speak for me."
The Glee director rolled his eyes. "I'm sorry. You're right. We're being insensitive. We called you all back because we are having a really hard time deciding the lead rolls. You four are in the running, but we both have strong opinions about it."
"You have a strong opinion," Sue said, side-eyeing him. "I have genius opinions."
Kurt didn't like the way she smiled at him while she said that. It gave him the chills and not in a good way.
"Regardless," Will ground out. "We want to see you audition one more time. In pairs. Rachel and Kent and Kurt and Blaine."
The four teens shared looks in stunned silence. Rachel seemed to relax at the acknowledgment that she was a contender for the lead. Kent nodded proudly at all of them. Blaine just sat very still, his fingers twitching in his lap the only real reaction. And Kurt… well now Kurt was definitely panicking. What could it mean? What lead was he being considered for? Could they actually be thinking of him as a contender for Christine? He was sure Rachel would get it which is why he went for Phantom. This was exciting, but if he was auditioning with Blaine… he couldn't overthink this.
"And no songs from the play," Sue added.
"Musical!" Everyone but Kent shouted.
"Do you guys like rehearse this stuff?" he asked.
Sue flicked her hand. "Whatever. Tomorrow have something ready." Her eyes glittered dangerously. "And make sure it shows how well you work as a team." She stared straight at Kurt, who gulped.
They left the building into the late morning sun and ran into their friends.
Santana didn't mince words. "Spill. Now. Where's the cast list?"
Rachel scowled at the building as they all started towards where the costume class would take place. "They still haven't decided."
"What?" Artie shouted. "How are we supposed to start learning our lines?"
Rachel shrugged aggressively.
"We are first choices for lead," Kent said, proudly wrapping his arm around Kurt's shoulders. "I bet this guy is first choice for everything."
Guilt churned in Kurt's gut. He needed to stop obsessing over something (someone) who didn't feel that way about him and focus on his actual healthy relationship. Kent deserved that.
"Whatever," Santana said with the toss of her head. She was probably covering up some hurt feelings. "They just didn't want to see Rachel cry when I—"
"Congratulations," Quinn cut in. She was looking at Rachel.
The brunette seemed stunned, but she gave Quinn a small smile. "Thanks."
Quinn nodded and ignored a look Santana was giving her. "So you have to audition again?"
"Yup. Me and Rachel and Kurt and Blaine." Kent scratched at his chin. "Although I don't really know what we should sing…"
Rachel barked out a laugh and jerked Kent away to follow her. "I have that under control. You just learn your lyrics and don't screw this up for me and everything with be fine."
They huddled over her phone screen as she hissed out directions for him. Kent gamely went along with her.
"So what will you guys sing?" Sam asked Kurt and Blaine.
Blaine had been strangely quiet, watching his feet along the path. Kurt edged a little closer to his best friend. "Not sure yet. It just can't be a song from Phantom."
"I've got you twinks," Santana said. She seemed way too enthusiastic about it. She pulled out her phone and tapped the screen until a video of Brittany in a dance competition appeared. "Britt choreographed this a few months ago and won second. I blame her partner." She played the video and the two boys scratched their heads at the unfamiliar song. Brittany twirled and flipped on the screen. Santana's voice could be heard above the music and the crowd cheering her on. She blushed at hearing herself. Blaine leaned in further to see the screen and Kurt's heart skipped at his closeness. He chided himself.
Brittany smiled at the video. "I can totally teach you the moves."
"In a day?" Kurt asked incredulously.
She considered this. "Maybe most of the moves."
"It's not much of a duet," Blaine said doubtfully. "The higher part has most of the lines."
"You can sing the chorus together," Santana replied, unconcerned. "As much as Rachel makes my breasts ache with rage, the twerp can sing. And Kent isn't half bad. You guys need to show off your dance moves. They know you can sing since you already auditioned. Now you need to show off your chemistry." She winked and both boys sputtered. "Come by our cabin tonight after dinner and Brittany will work with you. Until then, I'll send you the video."
Kurt twisted the end of his ascot uncomfortably. The lyrics seemed to hit a little too close to home. "I don't know…"
Santana rolled her eyes and cocked her head. "You want to win, right? This is how. Now, obviously Kurt is the girl and Blaine is the idiot." Both boys gave her a dirty look that she ignored. "My brilliant and talented girlfriend will help you choreograph the dance. And it's going to be a very close dance." She gave Blaine a pointed look for some reason. Kurt knew Blaine liked dancing, but he wasn't sure what that was about.
Blaine's ear and cheeks turned a little pink. "Well, I guess if you think it will give us an advantage…" He looked to Kurt and shrugged, a nervous smile on his face. Kurt wanted to hug him. "I'm in if you are?"
When Blaine looked at him like that, he always caved. "Sure. I'm in." He would probably regret this, but they were doing it.
Costume class was an escape for Kurt. He knew what he was doing here with the sewing machines and the different fabrics and threads. It was like a second language to him and he was able to lose himself in the designs and craft of it. He didn't think about Blaine or Kent or kissing or sex, but just focused on what he knew. Of course he did well and earned the praise of their instructor. He didn't even lord it over more of the others who were struggling with their own works. Kurt was helping Artie who was unsuccessfully trying to do make pleats when he noticed Rachel struggling. He remembered she couldn't sew and was about to go help her when Quinn slid up next to her. They spoke quietly to each other for a few moments and Quinn took whatever Rachel was working on. She showed her how to fix her mistake while Rachel watched her. They actually smiled at each other and he hoped that they had worked out whatever had been causing their fight. By the end of class, he felt calmer and headed off to lunch with everyone. He and Blaine barely had time to eat before Brittany and Santana yanked them away to the empty auditorium to practice their duet.
"Watch me and Santana!" Brittany said as the boys caught their breath. They were both sweaty and tired from dancing over and over again. She took her girlfriend's hand and moved slowly through the dance. "One, two. To the right. Spin Kurt out, then spin Blaine. Step, step. Then together." She pulled Santana hard against her own body and eyed her heatedly like she wanted to devour her. "This is where we want to sell it!" Santana gave just as good as she got and Kurt was worried he would be getting an eyeful of something he would rather not see if he didn't stop them soon.
Santana didn't take her eyes off her girlfriend. "Yeah, just really eye fuck each other!" She turned to look at them. Blaine was wringing his hands in a very uncomfortable way. Obviously he was going to have a hard time looking at his best friend that way. "And if you think you can't, then act. You can both act, can't you?"
They both stammered a reply in the affirmative before going to practice. Kurt took Santana's place while Blaine took Brittany's. The girls went to the chairs and pulled out their water bottles.
Kurt met Blaine's eyes and saw he was a little nervous too. They had already done this several times, and not well. Both were too hesitant, afraid to let go and it showed. Taking Blaine's hand, they got into position and Kurt gave him a reassuring smile. "Let's really go for it. No holding back."
Blaine licked his lips and nodded. They both took deep breaths and drew a little closer to each other. The music began and Kurt heard his cue.
I know you're thinkin' 'bout me
That it just dawned on you
Now you want to send me letters
Something better's harder than finding the truth
But don't send me no more cards (Oh-oh)
You know you broke my heart (Oh-oh)
You had your chance
And danced right out of my arms
Something in Blaine's face shifted and suddenly he was looking at Kurt with such longing that Kurt nearly flubbed his lines. Damn, Blaine was good! He almost believed that he was hopelessly in love with him.
They did their steps, the style almost swing, but they acted it out flirtatiously. Kurt let himself go. He felt the lyrics of being spurned and his partner regretting it and trying to win him back. They spun and danced around each other, trying to catch the other's eye and Kurt dancing away dramatically. Always away.
Blaine sang his lines with such longing that Kurt was almost thrown again. But he kept up his charade. Boy, I want to talk about it, talk about it
Kurt put his hand to Blaine's chest and felt his heart racing. Well, I don't want to talk about it, talk about it
Come on, I want to talk about it, talk about it, Blaine begged. He grabbed Kurt's hand and held it there over his heart like he never wanted it to go. But Kurt tore it away and spun out of Blaine's hold, his character running away from Blaine's advances.
They sang the chorus together and Blaine fell to his knees, begging. Kurt just winked and then Blaine crawled towards him. Something about it dried Kurt's mouth and he fell to his knees as well. They met in the middle of the stage, still singing together as they joined hands. They stood together and Blaine's eyes slid down to Kurt's lips. Kurt leaned into it, his whole body thrilling at the thought of pressing his lips to Blaine's.
So you can love me and love me and love me
Forever and always
I never, I never, I never I never will fall
'Cause I loved you and you broke my heart (Oh-oh)
And I know that you'll do me harm (Oh-oh)
'Cause you had your chance
And danced right out of my arms, oh-oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh
He moved closer and Blaine did too. Kurt brushed his nose against Blaine's. They were only a breath away…
I know you're thinkin' 'bout me (Thinkin'
'bout me)
That it just dawned on you (Ooh)
Now you want to send me letters
Something better's harder than finding the truth (Finding the truth)
But don't send me no more cards (Oh-oh)
'Cause you know you broke my heart (Oh-oh)
You had your chance
And danced right out of my arms
Kurt suddenly spun Blaine away and he stumbled, his eyes a bit glazed over. The music ended and the boys stood at the opposite ends of the stage, panting and staring at each other. The way Blaine was looking at him… There was something off. Kurt was about to ask him if he was all right when clapping sounded.
Brittany whooped, raising her hands above her head. "That was amazing! Still a little rough, but you guy's definitely got the acting down!"
"I'll say!" Santana was fanning herself. "I didn't think you little virgins had it in you!"
Kurt forced a laugh as he looked at anything but Blaine. He looked out towards the back of the auditorium and blanched a little when he saw Kent in the back row talking to Trent. But he was just doing his song. He wasn't cheating on Kent. He couldn't help Brittany's choreography. He had no reason to feel shame.
A water bottle crinkled and Kurt startled as he realized Blaine was handing him some water. Brittany and Santana had huddled together to discuss their performance and decide what they needed to work on, which left them alone.
"Thanks," Kurt took the offered water and sat on the edge of the stage as Blaine followed suit. They sipped their water in silence.
After a few beats, Blaine looked away from where Kent was sitting. "Can we talk?"
"Sure." Kurt lowered his bottle. He finally got the courage to look at Blaine. He was so worried he would see right through him and be awkward. "What's up?"
Blaine shifted a little closer to him until their legs were touching. For some reason, Kurt got a flashback to when they sat on Blaine's bed together after he had just moved in and he was trying to confess his love. "I… Kurt, I probably shouldn't say this, but I just have to. There is a moment—"
"Guys! We gotta go!" Sam burst into the auditorium and gestured to the door. "Coach Sylvester wants everyone outside now!"
It was another hot afternoon. Everyone stood in groups of four out in the "training field" as Coach Sylvester now referred to it. Kurt, Kent, Blaine, and Trent ended up on a team while Rachel got stuck with Quinn, Santana, and Brittany. Artie and Sam were on a team with two other kids Kurt didn't know that well, but they seemed to be getting along fine.
"Welcome losers and dorks," Sue said into her mega phone. "Unless you are a complete idiot, you might have noticed, we are not doing our usual workout. This is because it is time to complete Sue's Gauntlet of Doom."
The campers whispered and looked at each other in confusion.
Sue rolled her eyes. "It's a scavenger hunt."
The kids cheered happily and clapped in excitement. They always had some sort of scavenger hunt during the summer, but Kurt wasn't sure if they would be doing it with Sue in charge. He and Blaine high-fived. Kurt turned to Kent, but he was frowning sadly.
"What's wrong?"
Kent smothered his kicked puppy look and pasted on a fake smile. "Just sad I won't be getting a workout today."
"I was in favor of making you all run twenty miles while wearing ten pounds of weights, but I was threatened with legal action if I didn't give in to this. There may or may not be traps set up everywhere. Anyway, the first group to find everything gets… absolutely nothing. Because I hate you all."
The thrill in the air was palpable as all the groups got sealed envelopes. Everyone was practically hopping to begin.
Kurt glanced over at Rachel who was glaring fiercely at him. "You're going down Hummel!"
"Normally, I would tell her to shut up, but she's absolutely right." Santana shook her envelope. "Prepare to lose, bitches!"
"Hopefully none of your clues are too high for you to reach, Berry," Kurt simpered.
"Yeah," Blaine said as he stepped up beside Kurt, arms crossed. "Unfortunately for Santana, the items to find don't include breast implants."
"Oh shit, good one Blaine." Kurt high-fived his pleased best friend.
Santana and Rachel both seethed.
"Shut up!" Rachel yelled shrilly.
Santana's eyes glinted dangerously. "I'd be very careful what threats you make to me." She eyed Kurt and then Blaine who squeaked and hid behind Kurt. "I will squish you."
"Well, I'm definitely not scared of you," Trent said to Santana.
"Never lose that bravery. You'll need it." She turned to Kurt and Blaine. "This is the year you go down!"
"Stop the violence!" Brittany yelled as the two groups nearly came to blows.
Sue carelessly blew her air horn and every group tore into the envelopes. Kurt wrenched theirs out and tossed the envelope without looking to Blaine who caught it. Kurt had always been competitive, especially against Rachel. He couldn't deny he loved winning. Every year, he and Blaine kicked ass at the scavenger hunt since they worked so well together.
"Okay, first item is a rock from the lake. Let's freaking go!" Kurt took off for the lake, the others jogging after him.
"Uh, can we slow down?" Trent huffed and puffed from where he was in dead last.
Kurt and Blaine looked at him like he was crazy.
"No! We have to win!"
"Of course not!"
Trent's eyes widened and he held up his hands. "Well, fine." He turned to Kent who Kurt had kind of forgotten about to be perfectly honest. "They are a bit competitive, huh?"
Kent smiled at him half heartedly. His hands were in his pockets. "Yup."
Kurt made a mental note to check in with Kent later. His family were nice and accepting for the most part, but he did have a few issues with some of them. Kurt hoped they hadn't called him to ruin his day.
"Right," Blaine replied. "Should we split up? We need to steal someone's socks and I feel like Rachel's would be excellent."
Kurt let loose an evil laugh. "Yes! Get those ugly mustard yellow ones with the bunnies!"
"On it!" Blaine ran off towards the cabins with Trent hurrying behind him.
Singularly focused, Kurt began combing the edge of the lake for a rock that would meet the standards on the list. He couldn't stop imagining the girl's stupid faces when he won. Kent clearing his throat reminded him he was in fact, still there.
"Would this work?" Kent held up a smooth pebble, but Kurt shook his head.
"Afraid not. It needs to be bigger so no one can contest it." He found one about the size of his fist and scooped it up triumphantly. Next on the list was a pine cone. Easy.
"Let me carry that for you," Kent said. He tugged the rock away. Kurt thanked him and went towards the trees to sniff out the next item.
"Everything okay?" Kurt asked as he combed through the grass.
Kent sighed behind him. "Yeah. No. Maybe."
Kurt looked up at his boyfriend who was staring sadly at him. "What's wrong?"
Kent rolled the rock in his hands. "I know I'm dumb…"
"You are not dumb!" Kurt said immediately. "Don't say that!"
Kent tried to smile, but it came off as more of a grimace. "Okay, I don't always get what's going on around me. Like, I try to see the best in people, but sometimes I'm wrong. Like my step dad says, I'm common sense deficient."
Kurt stopped looking for the pine cone and went to Kent, grabbing both his hands in his own. "Look, I know you guys don't have the best relationship, but don't let what he says affect you just because you want to get along better. There is noting wrong with you."
Kent searched Kurt's eyes. "Thank you. I just want people to like me. I don't even care if people laugh at me or think I'm stupid as long as I'm their friend."
"If someone is truly your friend, they won't treat you that way," Kurt assured him. He cupped his smooth cheek. His eyes narrowed. "Did Santana say something? Because I will talk to her—"
"No, no. She's really cool." Kent pulled Kurt closer. "I know I'm not the smartest guy in the world, but I know when I have something good and I hope you know how much I like you."
Kurt was taken aback. "I… I like you too."
"I just want to make sure you know. And if you ever feel differently, I would get it because you're you and I'm not… Just if we decide not to continue our relationship… Dang it, Morris. Get it together…"
Kurt felt like he couldn't breathe. "Are you breaking up with me?"
Kent's eyebrows shot up. "What? No! God, I'm not explaining this right." He ran a hand through his hair an it flopped back into place. "I just mean… even though we aren't… in love yet… if you stop liking me, I'd rather know sooner than later, you know? Before I fall…"
"Oh sweetie…" Kurt hugged him close. Maybe he hadn't hid his confusion as well as he had hoped. He really had to get his shit together before he hurt Kent. "You are way smarter than anyone gives you credit for."
They pulled back and Kent was leaning in for a kiss when Blaine came running up.
"Stop!"
They jumped apart, searching for whatever was causing Blaine's panicked tone. He put his hands to his knees and buckled over, trying to regain his breath. Ugly yellow socks dangled from a hand. "Pigeon… attack… Your hair!"
Kurt put a hand on his hip. "Would you stop with the pigeons? Why are you obsessed with birds?"
Trent came panting up to them, wheezing and coughing. "God, I must work out more. Can we take a rest?"
Kurt snapped back into competition mode then. "Of course not! We got the rock…" He bent to the ground. "And here's our pine cone. Next is… a measuring tape." Kurt and Blaine grinned at each other. "Sewing class!" They said together.
Then they were off. Kent hurried to follow them and Trent did also with a dismayed groan.
It turned out that Sam and Artie's group had the same idea and they giggled as Kurt and Blaine chased them down.
"Damn it!" Kurt yelled as Sam disappeared into the woods with the item they needed. "Where would we find another one?"
Blaine pondered this for awhile, his fingers to his chin until he snapped his fingers. "Coach Sylvester! She measured our heads and told us what tiny brains we had last week, remember?"
"Yes! Brilliant!" Kurt jogged away with Blaine. Kent followed after them, pulled Trent behind them.
"Are we sure Coach won't strangle us with it if she catches us stealing from her?" Trent asked between breaths.
Kurt waved him away. "We aren't stealing it. We are going to give it back."
Trent thought about this for a minute as the director's office came into view on top of the hill. "Well, what if—" He cried out and went down to the ground. His ankle was twisted oddly and he held it, moaning in pain.
The others skidded to a stop and surrounded him.
"Trent! Are you okay?" Blaine cried as he knelt down beside him.
Kurt examined the ankle. "I hope it's not broken. You need to go see the nurse. Can you stand on it?"
Kent and Blaine pulled Trent up and helped support him. He tested the ankle and yelped in pain.
"I don't think so. It hurts when I put weight on it."
Kurt nodded. "Let's get him over there."
"No, I'll be fine! You guys go ahead!" Trent pointed at a tree nearby. "Just set me there and come get me when the hunt's over."
"We aren't just going to leave you here," Blaine said.
"Yeah, think of all the evil pigeons that could get you," Kurt said dryly and smirked when Blaine gave him a dirty look.
"I'll be fine until you're done," Trent insisted. "Seriously, go. You're wasting time."
"Watch out," Kent said as he wrapped one arm around Trent's torso and the other went underneath his legs. He lifted him into a bridal carry.
Trent clung to Kent's shoulders for dear life. "Golly, you're strong!"
Kurt's eyes went wide. "Wow. That's uh… That's impressive."
"I'll take him to the nurse," Kent said easily like Trent's weight was nothing. "You guys go win this for us."
Kurt swooned a little. "Yeah, sounds good. Hey, let me see your arms again—" He was cut off by Blaine grabbing Kurt's hand with a huff and leading him away.
They hurried off to the office and Kurt tried the handle. "Locked. Is there a back door?"
Blaine went around to the other side and came back shortly. "Yeah, but it's locked too."
Kurt eyed the small window that came to his chin. "I think this window is unlocked. I'll boost you up and you crawl through. Then you can unlock the door and we can search together."
Blaine nodded. "Okay. How will I… Should I climb up on something?"
Kurt shook his head. "No, just come here and I'll lift you. We do it all the time in the Cheerios." He kneeled and held his arms out for Blaine who eyed him skeptically.
"You know I'm a little clumsy."
"You're also the perfect size to fit through the window."
"Hey!"
"Just pretend you're Nightbird!" Kurt said with a straight face. Blaine had self-consciously shown Kurt his self-insert super hero fanfic awhile ago.
"Kurt! You said you wouldn't make fun of me!" Blaine turned a pink shade.
Kurt tried really hard not to laugh, but failed. "I'm not! I'm helping you get into character! Now get over here!"
Blaine stomped over and gingerly climbed into Kurt's locked arms. He counted to three and lifted him up. Blaine was a little heavier than most of the girls he generally lifted, but he wasn't a problem. Blaine clutched the window sill like a cat and quickly shoved open the window. Kurt wrapped his arms around his legs and tried really hard not to look at Blaine's crotch directly in his face. He clambered through the small window and slid in through the other side with a loud thump and a screech.
Kurt chuckled. "You're so delicate. Truly a cat burglar."
The door slapped open from the other side, revealing Blaine glaring at him. "Shut up. I hurt my butt."
"Poor baby."
Blaine playfully shoved at Kurt's shoulder. "You're so mean. Go look for the tape measure."
"You look for it."
"I am."
"Good."
They grinned at each other and began their search of the office. It didn't take long for them to find the item beside a cheer magazine featuring Sue scowling on the cover and a jar of protein powder. With a noise of triumph, Kurt snatched it and they left the building, making sure to lock the door behind them.
"Next is a spoon," Blaine said after consulting the list. "Everyone will raid the canteen, but I think I have a plastic spoon in my snack stash."
"Great idea," Kurt replied. "Our cabin is closer anyway. Let's go!"
They ran towards the cabins, wordlessly deciding to race. Blaine started weaving and even rolled like a spy for some goddamn reason and Kurt started laughing so hard that he lost. It struck him then that this was one of the reasons he had liked Blaine. They just got along so easy and had so much fun. He enjoyed spending time with Kent, but they sometimes struggled to find things in common. Theatre was one thing, but the silence was loud when those conversations dried up. As he watched Blaine dig for a spoon, Kurt considered this. His conversation with Kent had renewed his resolve. He would try harder with Kent. He had just fallen back into his feelings for Blaine because they were comfortable and he had felt them for years. It was just him being afraid of intimacy or something. If he was in love with Blaine which had no future, he couldn't put himself out there and risk getting hurt. It made sense. Distance would help too. If he could get away from Blaine for awhile, the feelings would fade. Then he could move on with Kent or whoever. Things would be fine.
"Next is sheet music," Kurt said as Blaine held up the spoon victoriously. "I left mine in the auditorium."
"Oh! I bet Rachel has some! I wish I had thought of that earlier when I was stealing— er borrowing her socks."
Kurt wrinkled his nose at the offending piece of clothing. "No, we stole these because I'm burning them when this is all over. It's for her own good."
They left their cabin and snuck towards the girl cabins, dodging another group along the path.
Blaine checked his phone. "I hope Trent's okay. Has Kent texted you yet?"
Kurt checked his and only saw an I'm-checking-on-you text from Carole he could answer later. "No." Kurt eyed Blaine in his periphery. He chewed his lip with concern. "So you never really said how things went with Trent the other day."
Blaine shrugged, clearly uncomfortable. "Things went fine. We aren't together."
"But how did it go? Like, does he like you?"
"I'm pretty likable, Kurt."
"I'm serious!" Kurt pressed. "Did he ask you out?"
Blaine heaved a huge sigh and held a branch back for Kurt. They were picking their way through the trees to avoid the other campers. "He didn't get that far. I told him no thank you."
Kurt stared at him. "I don't get you. All you wanted last year was a boyfriend, but now that someone is interested, you won't give him the time of day."
"So I should just go out with anyone, even if I don't see them that way?" Blaine shot back defensively.
"No, I'm just saying you seem to get along and would have fun together." Kurt stepped over a log and helped Blaine over as well. "You don't have to date anyone you don't want to."
"Yeah, I don't want to," Blaine snapped.
"Okay, okay. What about that Matt guy you liked last year? I saw him checking you out when we were in sewing class."
"Nah." Blaine replied too quickly.
"You sure? I think he's friends with Kent. He could probably set you up. You were really into him last summer," Kurt mumbled. He should know. Matt was brought up every time Kurt tried confessing his feelings and all Blaine could talk about was his muscles and every way he wasn't like Kurt.
He wasn't bitter.
"Can we stop talking about this?" Blaine said shortly as they came to the clearing and Rachel's cabin came into view.
"What's wrong?"
Blaine ignored him and tried to pull the door open. It wouldn't come open, so he yanked harder. Kurt put a hand up when he growled and gently pushed the door open. Blaine mumbled his thanks and stepped into the cabin.
"Blaine…"
He started digging through a notebook with music notes on the front, still ignoring him.
Kurt put his hands on his hips. "If you're upset about something—"
"I like someone else, okay?" Blaine said as he threw the notebook down. His face was pinched. "And it doesn't matter if I talk about it because he is with someone else. So please, please can we drop it?"
Kurt knelt beside his friend and stared at him until he caught his eyes. He had no idea who Blaine was talking about, but it wasn't the time to find out right now. It was probably someone at his school. Kurt knew there was something he hadn't been telling him.
Blaine stared at him sadly. "I finally fall in love and I can't have him. It's for real this time, not just a crush and it's too late. It's the story of my life."
Kurt slowly put an arm around Blaine's shoulders. He immediately leaned into Kurt's touch, putting his head on Kurt's shoulder. "I'm really sorry. We don't have to talk about it. He's absolutely stupid if he doesn't like you back!" Blaine made a strangled noise into Kurt's shoulder. "It will happen. I mean, look at me and Kent! I never thought I'd find a boyfriend and BAM!"
Blaine wiped his eyes and sat up. He smiled weakly. "Thanks."
They sat together for a few more minutes, Blaine gathering himself and Kurt trying to think of ways to cheer Blaine up. Eventually, Kurt found some sheet music and they snuck back out of the cabin. They probably wouldn't win at this point, but that didn't matter as much to him as making sure his best friend felt better. He was just about to tell him a joke to try and make him laugh when Blaine jerked him back behind a tree.
"Wha—"
Blaine clapped a hand over his mouth and dipped his head towards the path. Kurt turned to look and Blaine let his hand fall away.
Rachel was storming up the path towards her cabin with Quinn hot on her heels.
"So, we aren't even going to talk about this?" Quinn was saying as she stared at the ground.
Rachel laughed. "Talk about what? There is no, 'this.'"
"You know what I'm talking about," Quinn said evenly. She watched Rachel as the brunette opened her door and Quinn put an arm up to block her way. "Rachel!"
"You want an apology? Fine! I'm sorry!" She faced Quinn, arms crossed. "I'm sorry hurt you and I'm sorry I kissed you!"
Kurt and Blaine shared open-mouthed looks of shock.
"Kissed?" Kurt whispered.
Blaine shrugged and they went back to watching the drama unfold.
"Which time?" Quinn snapped. Then her face softened. "I don't want an apology," she said. She looked like she was about to cry. "I just want to know how you feel."
Rachel lost her bravado for a moment at the way Quinn's voice broke. But then her walls were thrown back up. "I've told you how I feel. I'm dating Finn. I love Finn!"
Quinn laughed bitterly. "Is that why you guys broke up? Because he found out we kissed? Three times?"
"Three?" Blaine hissed.
"I'm not having this discussion with you!" Rachel shrieked. "Let's just go find my damn sheet music and win this stupid game." She opened the door.
Quinn had turned so they couldn't see her face. "I don't care about the game. I care about you."
Rachel stopped briefly in the doorway, then darted inside.
Quinn's shoulders fell. She followed Rachel into the cabin.
Kurt motioned for Blaine to follow him and they ran through the woods until they popped back out where the boy cabins were situated. His mind was going in a million different directions as he paced in front of Blaine who was stunned.
"Wow! So much makes sense! Why they have been fighting with Finn, why he's so mopey, the sleepover… the sleepover!" Kurt stopped and spun towards Blaine. "They must have kissed at the sleepover!"
Blaine nodded. "And that's why Quinn has been so mad at Rachel! Because she won't talk to her!"
"Exactly! And I bet Santana knows, but she didn't want to out them!"
"Right. And that's why no one else would say anything. But aren't they both straight?"
Kurt shrugged. "Maybe they felt something. Who knows." Their eyes met again. "Should we spy on them and meddle?"
"Yes. Definitely let's do that."
Kurt grinned at him. "It will be a good distraction for you! You can spend time with me and get over your crush!"
Blaine looked at him tiredly and rubbed the back of his neck. "Right…"
"We will start tonight!" Kurt linked their arms and went off in search of the next item on his list.
Music used:
Danced Right Out of My Arms - Delta Rae
We do not own the music used!