“This “car” thing you drive is so cool! It is like a rocket for the road!”
Sebastian snorted. Kurt shot him a glare and he rolled his eyes and sunk further into the passenger seat.
Blaine continued to rub the leather interior of Kurt’s black Navigator. It had been a gift from his dad as soon as he could drive. Kurt scolded him for spending so much money on a car but Burt had made some pretty valid points.
“Kurt, first of all it’s not new. I got it used and fixed it up. A lot.”
The accusing look in his eye didn’t go unnoticed. It was obvious it was expected of him not to have it totaled during his first cruise.
“Second of all, you’re my only son. I want you to have a car if anything else.”
Kurt smiled, “Thanks dad, I really-“
“But of course you’re paying for gas. And it’s just another thing for me tah’ take away from you if you get lippy.”
“Uh… Understood?”
Burt nodded and clasped his hand on his son’s shoulder before returning inside. “That’s my boy.”
As a result his car was always in tip-top shape. He never let the gas fall below half, and he got it waxed and cleaned once a month. It was only natural Blaine would be awestruck the moment he set foot into the vehicle. As soon as breakfast was over Carole gave Kurt her credit card to go out and buy Blaine some clothes. All he had to his name was a ratty while t-shirt and dark black jeans. Jeans? Are they called that in space? He’ll have to ask Blaine later. Kurt had been dismayed when Carole specifically told him nothing out of Marc Jacob’s or Klein’s newest line but… He’ll deal. Somehow.
Blaine looked out the windows. For his descent to Earth he had a very limited view of the outside world. All he could see from his blazing rocket ship was black. Black sky, black clouds. Black. Black. Black. He’d come to hate the dark color. He was amazed at what he saw. Earthlings were far more advanced than he thought. They had nice, strong shelters and roads. They even walked dogs and rode bikes.
It reminded him so much of home.
Kurt’s stepmother had sent them out to go shopping while she registered him at school. Blaine had told her he would do fine on what he had but she insisted. Such a sweet woman. The large trees swished by the window in a green blur. When Blaine had stepped outside earlier that morning it had felt warm. Summer maybe? He didn’t exactly know. It was pleasant. Blaine didn’t know what a mall was. At first he thought it was some kind of fighting tournament but that idea was quickly dismissed by Kurt’s talk about clothes. He deduced that it was some kind of department store. He was excited. His father never let him outside the palace. He wanted to witness all of Earth’s quirks and charms.
“Kurt,” Sebastian sighed. “Tell Blaine to stop messing with the AC.”
Kurt looked back and smiled when he saw Blaine feverishly turning the knobs and working the fan blades so they blew in various directions. He was like a puppy. It was only natural; it was the alien’s first time on Earth. He was probably interested in everything.
Oh just wait until they get to the mall.
“Oh Seb lighten up. He’s never been to this planet. He probably views everything as a mystery just waiting to be solved.”
Sebastian rolled his eyes at the extra-terrestrial, “Well could he do it in the back? Preferably the trunk,” He pulled at his collar. “I’m probably chafing from all the temperature changes.”
Kurt clucked his tongue in response and turned on the radio. He bit back a groan. Three years after the single dropped and Perry’s damn “Teenage Dream” was still playing on the radio. He was about to change the station when Blaine piped up from behind them.
“What am I listening to? Is this magic? I have never heard anything like this before.”
Sebastian and Kurt laughed in unison, “No Blaine. It’s music.”
Blaine furrowed his eyebrows. “We do not have music like this back on Arella. All my father would let me listen to was the piano.”
Kurt couldn’t keep his smile from dropping as he watched Blaine bounce up and down to the chorus.
“Oh my God, Earth music is awesome! Do you have any more?”
Kurt nodded, “Yeah, there should be another song coming up soon.”
The rest of the mall ride was spent in silence. Well, not really. But Kurt and Sebastian didn’t talk. They just listened to Blaine comment his praises or critiques on the pop overdose he was getting from the radio. He really liked pop music. Maybe it was the energy but Kurt found that it fit his personality. It wasn’t until Blaine tried to start singing along to the words that his jaw dropped.
He wasn’t alone actually; Sebastian’s dropped quite a few inches too.
Holy crap he could sing. And not just carry a tune, he had an actual voice. It was smooth, but had a depth too it. He couldn’t place it actually. It was just so Blaine.
“Sebastian.” He whispered. It was as if once Blaine realized how good he was it would all shatter like glass.
“I know. He’s fucking amazing.” His tone seemed dark. Kurt thought it might’ve had a bitter undertone too. He didn’t dwell on it though, for all he knew he just wanted coffee.
Before he knew it Kurt was pulling into the mall. The magnificent white structure stood tall. It was one of Ohio’s only treasures. The grand Lima Galleria. Kurt wasn’t surprised to see the parking lot packed, even on a school day.
“Alright,” Kurt said breathlessly. It had been far too long since he’d been to the mall. “Everybody out.”
Sebastian grunted as he opened the door. His Sperry’s crunched on the gravel as he jumped out.
“Blaine? You having trouble?”
Kurt watched in amusement as the alien struggled with the lock.
Advanced life form my ass.
“Here,” He opened the door and helped Blaine out. He smiled down at him, “Better?”
Blaine’s eyes glinted, “Very. Thank you so much.”
“C’mon guys. I want to get out of the parking lot before I get run over by a car if you don’t mind.”
Kurt blinked, “Shut up Sebastian, I’m coming.”
They walked into the Macy’s they had parked in front of. As soon as they walked into the department store they were hit with a blast of flowery perfume.
Blaine coughed, “Is this poison?”
Sebastian smiled.
“No Blaine its perfume, it makes women smell better.”
Sebastian raised an eyebrow. “Women Kurt? I’ve seen your vanity. I’d bet a hundred dollars that you own more perfume than this whole store.”
Kurt turned away, “Not all of us want to smell like a baseball team Sebastian.”
He snorted, “Low blow. You’re just jealous I get to hang out with all the jocks.”
Kurt’s face heated up, “I am not! I bet that’s the only reason you joined!”
Kurt turned to a bright blue bowtie he noticed on a tie rack. He didn’t notice Sebastian’s slight frown.
“Yup. That’s it.” His voice was monotone. Kurt turned around.
“Sebastian? Is something wrong?”
He blinked. “Nope. I’m fine. We just need to hurry up and get Blaine some clothes. I’m tired of walking around-“
“Kuuuuuurt! Come here!”
Kurt swung around at the sound of Blaine screaming. He found the alien staring at a mannequin. His scream had attracted a small crowd.
“What Blaine?”
He looked towards him. His brown eyes were full of confusion. “It will not stop staring at me.”
Sebastian gasped. “No!” The sarcasm was cringe worthy. Sebastian had quite a mouth; Kurt was working on taming it.
“Blaine it’s just a mannequin. They dress the store’s most popular clothes on it. Did you seriously not have any in… uh…? You’re home?” He was in public. He couldn’t really say he was an alien. Although, nobody would believe him anyway.
“No, I had all of my clothes tailored for me.”
Kurt glanced around. “Blaine, let’s look over in the men’s section. We’re getting looks.”
Blaine shrugged and followed Kurt off. He thought he felt Sebastian’s eyes burning holes into the back of his head. The feeling got to be too much and Blaine turned around. Sebastian was staring off into space. When he caught Blaine’s eye he smiled. Well, it was more of a grimace. He guessed it was more sarcastic than anything. The boy did a lot of that. Sarcasm. He turned around when he heard Kurt calling his name.
“Yeah?”
Kurt ran up to him carrying a ton of clothes. The colors were bright. Like yellows, and pinks, and blues. Blaine was only used to dark colors back home. Was this normal on Earth?
“I found all these clothes! Go try them on!”
Blaine took the pile from Kurt. He looked around. “Here?” He blushed. “I would rather not undress in front of you guys.”
Sebastian burst out laughing and Kurt giggled, “No, they have changing rooms over there.” Kurt pointed to a sign that clearly read “Fitting Rooms”. Blaine was embarrassed. “Oh. I will just… go.”
He hurried off to change trying not to blush any more than he was.
Kurt watched him leave, “Isn’t he cute? He’s so innocent to this world.”
Sebastian clenched a fist in his pocket. “As a puppy.”
~X~
Blaine set his pile of clothes down on the chair and started to strip off his shirt, then followed by his jeans. It felt good to get out of his old ratty clothes. They were worn before he crashed because he didn’t want any of his nice clothes to get destroyed. Ironically, the only thing that wasn’t destroyed in the fall were the ones he was wearing.
Hey eyed the display of pastels Kurt had set out for him. First he tried on a baby pink t-shirt with blue skinny jeans. He noticed the shirt had a small gold treble clef on the right breast and smiled. Kurt had put some thought into picking out his clothes. It was surprising that someone he had met less than two days ago cared this much about him. Earth really was an amazing place. He tried on a few more clothes and was satisfied with everything Kurt picked out. He shrugged back on his old clothes and made it back out to were his friends were standing. Could he call them friends? Blaine didn’t know yet. He hoped so.
“Did you like them?” Kurt was so fidgety and cute that Blaine couldn’t have lied if he wanted to.
“Of course, thank you. I especially liked the pink shirt.”
Kurt’s face brightened. “You did? I’m so glad.”
He handed Kurt the freshly folded clothes, “It was nice that you thought of me when you picked out my clothes. It made me very happy.”
If Blaine didn’t know any better he’d say he saw a small blush appear on Kurt’s face.
Sebastian snapped them both out of their daze. “Are we done? I’m really hungry. I’ve been standing in the same spot for two hours now.”
Kurt nodded, “Yeah,” he turned to Blaine. He felt his stomach flutter knowing he had all of Kurt’s attention like this. “You’ll love fast food. I don’t normally eat it but I’ll make an exception for you.”
Kurt grabbed his hand without thinking and pulled him out of the store.
Sebastian let out an over exaggerated sigh.
Kurt took him towards a large area that smelled like all of Blaine’s favorite food melted into one. It was loud. The sound of people chattering and chairs scraping against linoleum filled the air. There was a giant skylight near the ceiling and he could see the sky turning a dark purple, a few stars already hanging in the sky. Had they really been here all day? It seemed like just an hour ago he was eating breakfast with Kurt’s family.
“Sebastian, find a seat. I’ll be back with dinner.”
Sebastian quirked a brow, “How do you know what I want?”
Kurt gave Sebastian a ‘duh’ face. “Sebastian I’ve known you for most of my life.” He squinted and spoke dramatically, “I know what you like.”
Sebastian let himself really smile for the first time all day. He honestly thought Kurt forgot about him. He’d been so wrapped up on the Anderson express he hadn’t even noticed when his mood had gone sour. Actually, his mood had gone sour this morning. But Kurt never failed to make him smile. As cheesy as it sounds, Kurt made him want to be a better person.
“Hi Sebastian! I feel like we do not know each other well enough.”
And other times he wanted to brutally murder every living being on planet Earth.
Sebastian leaned forward on his elbows, “I don’t really want to get to know you though.” He talked as nicely and slowly as he could to make sure it got through Blaine’s thick skull.
Sebastian loved it when Blaine got confused. His eyebrows knit together and he had this look of helpless frustration on his face. He’ll probably have that a lot. New planet and all.
“But… I do not understand.”
Sebastian sighed. He looked into Blaine’s eyes closely, the browns and flecks of gold that were splattered there mixed together. The poor boy just didn’t get it.
“Listen closely, E.T. I don’t like you. You annoy me. You just had to crash your stupid rocket last night right? That night could’ve changed my whole life and now I’m back to square one.”
“What? What do you mean?”
He could see Blaine’s happiness slipping. As much as Sebastian would regret later for putting all of this on his shoulders… he needed to vent. And he couldn’t vent to Kurt this time so he’ll have to do.
“You don’t need to know the details. You’re not that significant. All you need to know is that you ruined my life. And I’m not about to let that go because of some sob story about your dad dying, or your planet being reduced to ash.”
He could see Blaine blinking back tears. Sebastian knew he was going too far but it felt so good to see someone else crying for once. It was twisted. Demented. He was being horrible.
“He- He’s not dead.”
But did that stop him? No.
“So you think Admiral Aries or whatever his name was let him live? That’s not how coup’s work.”
“Shut up!”
He realized Blaine had screamed. A few people were looking towards their table. One look at Blaine and Sebastian felt like he wanted to die. He was crying, he had already wiped the tears away but his eyes were still red. He’d never seen the alien scowl either. It wasn’t a look that suited him.
“Uh, Blaine… I’m- I didn’t-“
“Just be quiet Sebastian. I know you are not sorry.
But he was sorry. It was unacceptable of him to talk about the alien’s family like that. He wanted to apologize but the words were so hard to get out. He’d never been good with apologizing. Kurt was working with him on that. Whenever he made a particularly crude comment towards someone at school Kurt grabbed his arm by the elbow and made him apologize to that person on the dot. It was completely embarrassing. But he loved Kurt for it. Speaking of Kurt he chose that time to make his appearance.
“Whoa… Who died?”
Sebastian flinched at Kurt’s choice of words.
“Nobody!” Sebastian quickly filled in. “He’s just hungry.”
Kurt shifted his eyes from one boy to the other, eventually sighing and giving up. “Whatever, Blaine close your eyes. I want you to experience every bit piece of heaven that is a McDonald’s French fry.”
~X~
Arella, Anderson Estate. 6:02 AM.
The Arellan straightened the collar of his black dress shirt. After making sure it was tucked into his black jeans, he shrugged into a white knit pullover. He looked at his reflection in his mirror and smiled. The Anderson’s never did have a taste for fashion. He was going to the royal induction of his father. He snickered.
Michael Anderson had the stupidest subjects. All his father had to do was bomb a few buildings, snatch a few crowns and boom- he was king, which made himself Prince by default. He was always jealous of Blaine. After the first few years of their friendship he had started to develop an intense hatred for the curly haired boy. He didn’t deserve to be royalty. He wasted it. He acted like he was so much better than everyone else, like he was the best son on Arella. I had to prove him wrong.
A knock on his door snapped him out of his self-induced rant.
“Blair! Are you ready? I would love to have my favorite son right by my side when I am inducted as king.”
Blair sneered. Dickwad. I’m your only son. But it doesn’t matter. Soon he will appreciate me. I just have to be patient.
“Coming father!” He ran a hand through his hair ruffling it. He always preferred the wild look. He got tired of dressing like the other narcissistic pricks who ran around this kingdom. It was exhausting.
Blair walked the sophisticated corridors of the Anderson Manor. It really wasn’t fair. The Anderson’s might’ve been noble but they lacked the backbone to keep their subjects in order. There hadn’t been in execution in thirty years! But that didn’t matter now. The Somerset family did have the guts. The raw strength. They were the military family. Generations through Generations of Somerset’s have always been at the top of the top. They were elite, a force that was even recognized by Michael Anderson. Of course, that did lead to his downfall…Oh well. All good things must come to an end.
He entered the throne room. Really, that was an exaggeration. It might as well have been a judging court. There was a large panel of government officials, diplomats, and even a few nobles splattered here and there stationed at a large desk at the front of the room. The rest looked like a college classroom. Representatives of each state and Arellan country sat at their own little section of desk. Blair gave a toothy grin. It was going to be so much fun. To think, his family controlled everything now. The land, the laws, It’s invigorating. As soon as Blair walked in the room all eyes turned on him. He was happy. He was finally getting the attention he deserved. All the extra work he put into everything for his father was finally going to pay off.
“Blair. My son, come sit with me.” Aries Somerset was wearing an expensive red suit. He didn’t know how he acquired such an item. The red made his glowing sunburst eyes pop. He looked so menacing. How lame is that? Blair was scared of his father. Not just the parent-child fear either. For as long as he can remember Blair had actually feared his father.
His father motioned to the empty seat beside him. Blair was apprehensive. He didn’t know what his father was planning. He was never this… Inviting.
He slowly made his way beside the soon-to-be king. Once he was seated his father cleared his throat. His voice was so loud, so strong, it bellowed with the magnitude of a ruler.
“Arellans! I know the circumstances for today are unfortunate! Today we not only mourn the loss of King Anderson the Third, but also face a dramatic change in leadership!”
What was he talking about? We didn’t kill the king. He’s locked away with the other people who know the truth. Is this all politics was? Lies?
“But King Anderson has entrusted his faith in me! His will! He still leads on!”
The reaction from the crowd was loud. Whoops and hollers and ‘All hail King Anderson’ could be heard throughout the room.
It was sickening.
After a few more words of “encouragement” about King Anderson still living on in our hearts he was inducted. I was made prince. Everything was perfect… Or so he thought.
“Prince Blair. I have a task for you.”
I turned and looked at my father in the eyes. I couldn’t see myself reflected in them. It was like he cast his light onto everyone else but me.
“Yes father?”
His smile quickly turned into a frown. “Father? I am your King now. I am everybody’s father; it would be rude to all my subjects if only you had the privilege to address me as such.”
I nodded. He was right… I think? His words twisted a knot in my stomach. Was I not more important than some sniveling peasant? Or some ass kissing rich prick? Was I not his son?
I shook my head. It was dangerous to think that way. Of course I was his son, he loved me unconditionally.
“I’m sorry. Yes my king?” The words sounded foreign coming from Blair’s own voice. They twisted with his tongue making them stick in his mouth.
Father, no… My King? He gave a smile. A wicked smile. It shook Blair to his core. He had never seen his father look so menacing, so… unlike himself. His blue hair took on the color of a venomous teal, and his eyes shone more like electricity.
“I have a job for you.”
~X~
Blair slammed his foot against a rock. It went sailing down the steps to the depths of the dungeon. He couldn’t believe his jackass of a father. He built him up for years, making him and expert tactician and martial artist for the battlefield. He excelled in academics and all forms of the arts. He was perfect. And what did his king need him to do?
Be a fucking guard dog.
He ground his teeth and slammed his feet against the stone steps. He was worth more than this. In his seventeen years of age he was one of the most advanced people in the entire kingdom. He could do more! I mean, at least put him in charge of important documents or something.
He came to the cells. The prison was filled with all kinds of outlaws, from simple market thieves to extreme terrorists. He couldn’t believe some of these people had to spend the rest of their lives down here. Idiots.
He made his way to the maximum security cells. He laughed at the irony. The people that were locked up inside couldn’t hurt a fly, much less a kingdom. He dug through his pocket for the keys. Once he found the right one he fit it into the rusted steel lock and turned. It creaked, a loud unbearable sound. Once the door was opened he started at the four pathetic faces glaring him down.
“What do you want Somerset?” The Asian hissed his name. Like just saying it was enough to stain the air with poison.
He just stared at him with half lidded eyes. He was bored. Such disinteresting people, the black one in the back was lame too. Wes and David came in a pair; they were King Anderson’s best hackers and strategists as well as some of Blaine’s closet friends. Well besides himself of course. He quickly replaced those idiots as soon as he came into the picture.
He shifted his eyes to the twins, Aeric and Aaron. Blaine’s cousins if he recalled right. Blair got introduced to them a few years back. Way too hyper, needed to be put on Ritalin. They were unique, not only were they two of the top fighters in the kingdom but their eyes were multicolored. Aeric and Aaron’s right eye was a bright green, a tint that rivaled his own, and the left was a languid purple. They were weird. It was good they were locked up.
“What do you want Blair? Daddy get tired of you already?”
Blair resisted the urge to deck Aeric in the mouth. He was the younger one. The more idiotic one. Well… they were all idiotic.
“No, I am your warden. I suggest you treat me with respect if you want to live longer.”
Wes snickered, “Been demoted to guard dog eh? Hmm. It suits you.”
Blair sneered. He occupied himself looking around their cell. It was dreary. The ground was stone cold, and they only had a small cot to sleep on. The few ratty blankets they were given might as well have been a napkin. Maybe they could use it to dry up their tears. It was funny, all four of them were technically royalty, and now they live worse than peasants. Bastard’s had it coming.
Blair turned to leave when he stopped cold in his tracks. There were supposed to be five prisoners.
“Where the fuck is Cooper?”
They all exchanged glances. It was David who spoke.
“He was killed in the first explosion. Near the north tower.”
Blair smiled as he locked the cell and left. Good. He never liked the bitch.