“Alright, this should be enough to last for a little while.” Kurt wheezed through his words as he heaved the multitude of multicolored bags from the various department stores and boutiques down on Blaine’s polished wooden floor.
“I am sure this is more than enough, thank you Kurt.” Blaine’s words were sincere, Sebastian seemed to hate his guts for something he did to Kurt, but the rest of the family really seemed to only want to protect Blaine. He couldn’t express in words his gratitude for the Hummel-Hudson clan.
Blaine had gone silent as he filtered through the bags of clothes, folded, and placed them in the drawers Kurt had pointed out. They were golden oak, and had brass knobs. An antique surely; he could see the slight splinters on the edges of the wood, and the golden-ebony twinge that came with age. The whole room had a warm, olden feel. Blaine enjoyed it; it gave him reprieve from all the failed technology back on Arella.
Kurt noticed the alien’s sullen silence. On the car ride, and all throughout the day at the mall he had been a machine gun, firing off questions in complete automatic sync. But after the dinner they had, he had seemed to sink back into his shell. It worried Kurt; maybe the alien was finally starting to realize the depth of his situation. It must hurt to know that everything you once knew and held close to your heart had been obliterated. And he can’t return; there’s nothing worth returning to.
“Sebastian! Hurry up with the popcorn! We all know I’m not getting any younger!” Kurt rolled his eyes as he yelled down the hall. Driving home, Kurt had the amazing idea to show Blaine some of America’s classic movies, starting with Mean Girls, but as soon as they pulled in the driveway Sebastian sulkily raced inside and shut himself in Finn’s room. He couldn’t find out what was up with these boys all of a sudden.
Kurt heard Blaine take in a sharp breath; He turned around with an eyebrow quirked and a slight expression of worry on his face. Blaine was sitting on the comforter with his hands folded in his lap, honey glazed eyes focused on the floor absently. Kurt could clearly see the unshed tears in them, his dark eyelashes acting as curtains lest Kurt peer any deeper. Blaine’s eyes were really revealing, Kurt noticed that soon. If he was happy, they would light up into this warm brown, if he got angered, like he did at Seb, they would darken to a murky chocolate tint. He’d never seen him sad before, they looked runny now. Like caramel, slick, with sadness and heartache.
“Blaine?” Kurt walked slowly, shuffling one Doc Marten in front of the other, over to the downcast alien.
He looked up, his eyes were wet, and his lips were pulled into a frown. “Kurt do you, do you think I am the last of my kind alive?”
Kurt blinked. It was very possible. But he didn’t want to crush any of Blaine’s hope so soon… That’s the whole point of glee club. To have hope of a better life outside of high school, to believe and dream that your world can get better. Wouldn’t it be hypocritical of him to shoot him down?
But on the other hand, he didn’t want to give Blaine a false sense of security either; Sebastian was right, the Somerset’s weren’t just going to let the King walk away with his suit crisp and crown in place… Ugh, why was it completely unreasonable to ever let Finn be the voice of reason?
“I really don’t know Blaine.” Kurt answered honestly; he wasn’t sure how well aliens survived without modern technology. “But don’t ever lose hope. That’s the most important thing you have at this point.”
Blaine gave a small smile. It made his chest all fuzzy whenever Kurt expressed concern over him. He’s been without his father’s comforting touches or care for so long. It felt like years. And he knew Kurt was doing the best he could to make him feel like family, but he missed Arella, and the thought that his home could’ve been destroyed or taken over by his father’s second in command was making his heart throb with rage and sorrow. The scariest thing was that slowly, he might forget memories, places, and important parts of his old life. Like watching a mirror blur with steam after a hot shower. His mind would become cloudy and all reminiscence to his father, brother, friends, his whole life would just evaporate. He traced a finger over his chest cavity, symbolically where his heart would rest. He looked up to Kurt with wet eyes.
“What if I forget them?” Blaine’s voice cracked. He could feel the burn in his eyes, the physical want to cry.
Kurt swallowed thickly. “You won’t. And if somehow you do start to lose memories… we’ll help you through it.” Kurt looked over his shoulder, “Sebastian too, I promise.”
Blaine’s eyes darkened. “I doubt that. He hates me.”
Kurt sat down next to Blaine making the smaller alien bounce a little on the bed. He turned his face towards the extra-terrestrial. Kurt could read the denial in his eyes.
“C’mere.” Kurt lifted both his hands and beckoned the alien into an embrace.
Blaine looked puzzled. He glanced down to Kurt’s outstretched arms then back up to his slate-blue eyes. With furrowed brows he opened his mouth hesitantly, “What is this? I do not know what it is you are asking me to do.”
Kurt was dumbstruck. He blinked a little; mind still trying to understand Blaine’s confusion. “It’s a hug,” He waved his arms around, “you know? You hug someone to comfort them,” Kurt turned a little pink, “to uh, show affection.”
Affection? Kurt wanted to show him affection? The thought made Blaine smile. He fidgeted with his fingers, “That is really nice Kurt, but I do not know what you want from me.” Blaine realized how suggestive that sounded and nervously backtracked, “I mean, we have many customs and things we do to show affection on Arella, it is just I have never heard of this, what you call, hug.”
Kurt’s eyes softened. He wondered how many days he spent playing by himself, or the cold nights spent in solidarity. Or even the many times he would ask his father to play with him, but got shot down with promises of “maybe next time” or “I promise tomorrow we’ll have fun.” And Kurt didn’t even know if Blaine’s father ever got a chance to fulfill those oaths. It made his stomach churn.
“Okay just, uh, lean your body into mine. No, like this.” Kurt directed Blaine’s arm to his ribcage. He could feel the veins in the alien’s arm pulse, hesitant fingers sliding around Kurt’s waist. They had an inhuman warmth to them; a slow soft burn that spread throughout Kurt’s body slowly. His breath hitched. He was touching an alien. He was touching an alien. That’s something he’d never thought would enter his consciousness in his lifetime.
Kurt chanced a glance up at the Arellan. Blaine was watching him with focused eyes; he really was an easy person to read. All the trust and hope and fear were splashed before him in hues of brown and gold. Like a projection on his mind. Kurt couldn’t let Blaine get any more hurt than he had been. It may be hard to get Sebastian along in the beginning but he has to try. They’re Blaine’s protectors now.
“Okay now put your head here.” Kurt gestured to his shoulder with his eyes. Blaine nodded and lowered his head tentatively, Kurt guiding him into the embrace. Blaine was so warm. It’s like his blood was boiling. Blaine let out a puff of air when his head relaxed into Kurt’s shoulder. On a whim Kurt started carding his fingers through Blaine’s curls. His hair was soft; sifter than he thought it would be considering he just crash-landed from outer space a day ago.
They sat there for a while, Kurt comforting Blaine by playing with his hair, and Blaine holding on like a lifeline. Kurt wondered if he was over stepping his boundaries with Blaine a little. He started to move his hand away but stopped when he heard a whimper.
“Please do not stop… It’s uh, comforting.” Blaine sounded so broken in this moment that Kurt visibly flinched.
“Oh yeah, of course.”
He started caressing Blaine’s scalp, the alien silently soaking up Kurt’s acceptance.
~X~
Why does everyone seem so goddamn happy but me? Even the popcorn popping sounds like it’s just enjoying the rollercoaster of life.
Sebastian scowled at the microwave, it still had half a minute to go before Finn’s smuggled in extra buttery popcorn was done. Kurt always wanted the Smart Pop or the brand with the least fat and Finn and Burt just couldn’t have that. Even if Sebastian looked pissed and broody on the outside (which he is, if anyone asks) he was quietly contemplating what he said to the alien earlier that evening at the mall. It was completely out of line to tell Blaine his father might be dead, even if he was mad that the little prick was taking all of Kurt’s attention. Kurt was always telling Sebastian when he was being selfish, telling him it was okay, and then redirecting those selfish desires into something good. Like the Glee club. Sebastian loved being the center of attention freshman year, he started acting out and getting into trouble just to keep his name on everyone’s lips. Kurt eventually noticed how bad he was getting and made him join Glee. That way he could be the center of attention in a positive, less self-destructive way.
Sebastian could never express his gratitude to Kurt. He was just an overall perfect person. And it didn’t help that he had great fashion sense and was horribly gorgeous. It’s when Sebastian thinks back to these thoughts he realizes how in love with Kurt he is. His smile and the way he laughs when Sebastian makes fun of the Cheerios and how they all have matching sneers. So if keeping an eye out for Blaine is that important to him, then it’s important to Sebastian.
The shrill ding of the microwave cut through the kitchen and Sebastian reached in to pull out the steamy, buttery, popcorn. After setting the burning bag down on the counter he squat down to look for a bowl underneath the cupboard. He was hesitant to let Blaine in on Kurt and his traditions. Every Friday since middle school if he and Kurt weren’t busy they would pop popcorn and have movie night. Is Blaine like a permanent thing? If his family is imprisoned or even worse, dead, then he would be right? He should start getting used to the annoying alien. And he should probably start by apologizing to the boy.
Ugh the things he does for Kurt.
With the popcorn in the bowl, he grabs three grape sodas, throws them in, and heads down the hall. As Sebastian nears Kurt’s door he can hear sniffling and he narrows his apple green eyes.
“It’ll be okay Blaine.” Kurt spoke in his soft voice that was reserved for him when school got tough, or his mother’s harsh words finally broke him. He had to admit that he felt a little betrayed. Blaine hasn’t been here half a week and he’s already replacing Sebastian in Kurt’s life.
He took a breath and walked into the room, prepared to liven it up a little with his popcorn and soda.
“Hey guys why does it sound like an episode of Sixteen and Pregnant in here-“
Sebastian has an amazing poker face if he does say so himself. So even though it quite literally ripped his heart out at the sight of Kurt and Blaine in a rather intimate hug, Kurt threading his hands through Blaine’s wavy curls, and the alien gripping Kurt’s waist so tight it might leave marks, he kept a steady voice and a quite impassive face. He really should win an Emmy.
Kurt jumped and moved his hands away from Blaine. A pang hit Sebastian. Could they not hug in Sebastian’s view? Was this simple show of affection too private to be seen by Sebastian’s oblivious eyes? He’s not weak he could take it.
“Oh, Blaine was just feeling sad. I guess it got a little heavy.”
Blaine nodded, though Sebastian didn’t miss the blush that was on the alien’s face. “Yeah, thank you Kurt, it meant a lot. Sebastian do you want to watch with us?”
No dipshit I’m just bringing you these snacks so you can make out while I read my math textbook in the other room.
“Yeah, I got the popcorn. What’re we watching?”
He set the food and drinks down on Kurt’s coffee table and sat on the couch cushion farthest from Blaine. His apology can wait a little longer. It won’t hurt anyone.
“Mean Girls. I know we’ve watched it like four hundred times but Blaine’s never seen it. Maybe it’ll feel fresh again.” Kurt let out a light laugh and if that didn’t hurt Sebastian. Is he just not enough for Kurt? Is their relationship really getting that old?
Kurt sat in the middle, Blaine on one side, Sebastian on the other. It almost hurt when halfway through the movie Kurt slipped his arm between Sebastian’s. It’s like nothing’s changed between him and Kurt. It’s like him and Blaine can go off and have this magical world full of new experiences and secrets and Sebastian will always be that friend. The best friend tying him to earth.
~X~
Blaine woke up to bluebirds singing and the sun shining. Well, woke up is a strong word. Since he came to Earth he hasn’t been sleeping much but its gotten better. With Kurt’s help.
Kurt.
Blaine doesn’t know how he feels about Kurt.
Ever since Blaine has arrived Kurt’s been a dream with his blue eyes and perfect hair. He can’t describe it. He’s just such a nice person overall. He’s wonders, not for the first time, how he and Sebastian became friends. They’re such polar opposites. Maybe he could just ask Sebastian. He needed to start empathizing with the taller boy. Blaine knows something’s been bothering him about Blaine ever since he took up residence here. Blaine’s not one to hold a grudge, he knows Sebastian insulted his family but maybe he was having an off day. And if Sebastian can be that important to someone like Kurt he has to have some redeeming qualities.
He stretches to get the cricks out of his bones and then hops out of bed. Today’s his first day of “school” as Kurt had called it. He was excited to see how Kurt lived, and meet some of his peers. Blaine wondered if they were all like Kurt. He couldn’t wait.
With newfound confidence for the day he walked over to his new closet and looked at the wardrobe Kurt bought him. What should he wear? Back on Arella his tailors and seamstresses always picked out his clothes for him. He had many multicolored shirts, three for every color of the rainbow and pants to match. He noticed some neutral colored cardigans and a few pairs of… Oxford’s I think Kurt called them? With a lot of miss matching, button-popping, and zipper pulling, he finally had an outfit he deemed suitable.
Blaine walked over to the body mirror and examined himself. His hair was a mess but he couldn’t help that. He had on white pressed pants that stopped just above his ankle and a pair of those black Oxford’s. He found a yellow belt (probably Kurt’s) and chose to pair it with a plain red long-sleeved shirt. He thought he looked pretty good. He didn’t know if he wanted to stand out on the first day though, what if people don’t like him? He shook the thought off a soon as he heard a knock on the door.
“Come in.”
Kurt opened the door with a small smile on his face. Seeing him smile made Blaine smile. “Wow, I came in to help you get ready but it looks like you’ve got that under control.”
Blaine laughed, “Kurt I know color scheme. I had personal tailors and stuff when I was a prince.”
Kurt nodded, “Yeah, but do they ever do anything with that hair?”
Blaine blinked and realized Kurt was standing behind him. His face got hot for some reason, he couldn’t really think straight. “U-um, I do not- I think so.”
Kurt let out a laugh, “It’s alright Blaine I was just joking, just wait here.” He disappeared into the bathroom and Blaine let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding. Kurt makes him feel weird. He isn’t sure if it’s a good feeling or a bad one yet.
Kurt reappeared with a clear blob of something in his hands. “Hold still.” He massaged the oil into Blaine’s head. Blaine could feel Kurt’s skilled fingers massaging his scalp spreading the goo around.
“It’s just a little but it will make you look more put together.”
Blaine opened his eyes when he felt the pressure of Kurt’s hands leave. His hair was blacker than it was before; it was styled, though not excessively. He could still make out some curls if he really tried. He looked clean cut. It was a nice break from the dirty alien refuge look he’s been sporting for a while.
“Thank you Kurt, I appreciate it.” He turned around to look at the boy, something was swimming in his eyes but Blaine couldn’t put a finger on it. Just as he was about to ask Carole’s motherly voice yelled up the stairs. “Boys! Biscuits are ready! Hurry up or you’re gonna be late!”
Kurt blinked out of his daze. “Yeah, she’s right c’mon. We’ve got a big day ahead of us.”
~X~
When they got down the stairs Sebastian and Finn were already finishing their breakfast. Sebastian was wearing red high tops with skinny jeans and a faded Los Angeles Clippers shirt. Finn, being the football star, was in his McKinley letterman. Kurt really needed to take him to Macy’s or something.
Blaine came down the stairs and grabbed a biscuit and took an enormous bite. “Finn your mom is such a good cook. My personal chefs back on Arella could never compare.”
Finn beamed with pride, “Yeah she is. She makes an awesome grilled cheese.”
Blaine’s eyebrows furrowed but he nodded nonetheless. Kurt pulled out his iPhone to see if Rachel texted him and gasped at the time.
“Guys we really have to go. Finn we don’t have time for thirds come on.”
Finn’s reply was muffled due to his head being stuffed quite literally in the fridge.
The four crammed into Kurt’s navigator and Kurt sped all the way to school. Blaine had his head out the window the whole time like a dog, Sebastian brooded silently in shotgun, and Finn wouldn’t stop rattling on about how he had this math test he forgot to study for. Really this was his life.
He pulled up to McKinley. The physical personification of judgment and excellence loomed in the early summer air. He could see the cliques of jocks, cheerleaders, band geeks, and nerds like ants foraging in a storm. When one of them falls, the rest abandon them to brave the forces of nature by themselves. All alone. That’s all high school was really. A place to feel alone.
Kurt noticed Blaine nervously fiddling with his hands.
“It’ll be fine, we got your back.”
Sebastian rolled his eyes and walked ahead. “He does too he just tries to hide it.”
Blaine gave a shaky laugh and started for the front door with Kurt by his side. He could do this. He’s been trained by the Arellan army, quizzed by the smartest of the nation. He could handle high school.
Or so he thought.
The first thing he noticed was how loud it was, and how quiet it could get when someone new walked through the door.
All eyes were on Blaine. Some looked surprised, others looked condescending. And then you had the few people who looked on in understanding and sympathy. Blaine liked those looks the best.
Kurt led him through the sea of teenage angst to an office. It smelled exotic, of spices and sweat. He wanted to pinch his nose.
“Principal Figgins this is Blaine Anderson. He’s a new student and needs a schedule.”
“Ah yes,” Principal Figgins had a heavy accent and Blaine had no idea where it was from. His dark skin suggested it wasn’t anywhere close. “Your stepmother called yesterday. I have his papers here.” Figgins pulled out a cream file folder filled with papers and highlighter colored sticky notes. He thumbed through a few and handed them to Blaine.
“I tried to give you a few classes with Mr. Hummel if that’s alright.”
“That is great. Thank you.”
Principal Figgins eyed Blaine for a while but it soon passed. “Kurt if you could show Blaine to his first period that would be great.”
Kurt nodded, “Of course. C’mon.”
Blaine nodded and waved to the man and turned on his heel to follow his friend.
“Okay so your first is with me, its social studies it’s a really easy class. And hey! You have language arts with Sebastian. Yeah this is good you’ll be fine.”
Blaine nodded but couldn’t stop the nervous feeling that was wrenched in his gut. He didn’t know how to act. What if he offended someone? He didn’t even know what a period was.
“Rachel!” Blaine snapped out of his thoughts when he heard Kurt scream. As if she appeared out of nowhere a petite brown haired girl had enveloped Kurt’s space.
“Kurt hey! Did you get your song for Glee done?”
Kurt shook his head. “No I’ve been literally so busy this whole week. I think I barely slept.”
What was Glee? Was Kurt not happy?
Rachel pouted and turned to Blaine as if she just noticed he was there. “Who’s this cutie?” Her mouth widened, “Kurt is he your boyfriend!? How will Sebastian feel?”
Kurt smacked her arm, “No this is Blaine. He’s a…transfer student.”
Blaine didn’t like how they kept talking about him as if he wasn’t there. He extended a hand for the talkative girl to take.
“Hi, I am Blaine. Are you on your first period too?”
Kurt visibly blanched as Rachel’s mouth flopped open like a fish out of water.
“Excuse me?”
“What he means is,” Kurt frantically added, “Do you have first period with us and that would be a no.” He looked at Blaine, “but you have third with Sebastian, right Rachel?”
“Well yes but-“
“Good then be on your way then. You don’t wanna be late for your first time like… ever.”
Rachel nodded, “You’re right. See you later Kurt. Umm, nice meeting you Blaine.”
Blaine smiled as she turned on her heel and walked down the hall, “she seems nice.”
“Yeah she is, um are you ready to go?” Kurt was looking at him with apprehensive eyes. School is a lot to be thrust on Blaine so soon. Kurt would’ve kept him at home and tried to catch him up a little on American history at least. He didn’t want to feel like he was pressuring Blaine to do anything, or force upon a whole new world he knew nothing about.
Blaine was having a completely different thought process. He was excited to learn about Kurt’s world. To put himself in the blue eyed boy’s perfectly polished shoes. He was so grateful to Kurt, Finn, Carole, and Burt. Hey, even Sebastian. The least he could do was learn about their culture.
“Yeah,” Blaine’s eyes were shining with anticipation. “But could I maybe have another one of those hugs?”
Kurt gave a soft smile, he always felt like Blaine would ask for things he had a human need for. Like affection. “Why would you even ask?”