Blaine sucked in a deep breath as he pulled his face out of the freezing cold water. He couldn't bear to listen to his mother's shrieking any more, but it didn't look like he had a choice. He buried his face in a towel, not as much to dry off as to drown her out. Three. Two. One.

She burst through the door.

"What have you been doing? Why aren't you ready?" She didn't even look at his face, marching straight to the mirror. Her hair was scraped back and covered with a long, curly, black wig. Another Halloween, another Cher costume. Blaine knew she still wouldn't have persuaded his father to be Sonny, despite her best efforts. He doubted he'd even be there. Which just made it more frustrating that he had to stick around. He realised his mother was still talking, and tried to pay attention.

"… Splendid. You'll look divine. I can't imagine why any girl wouldn't be falling at your feet. Finally you'll be the dazzling prince all dressed up, ready to sweep some young thing away… Did I tell you who we invited?" Blaine sighed. Of course. This again. She pulled a photo out from her cleavage, shoving it under Blaine's nose before running back to the mirror to carry on caking her face with white powder. "Isn't she beautiful? She's from a respectable family. We've been friends with the Fabrays for years; her sister just married the most handsome young man. Just think, Blaine. Soon, that could be you. Don't you think she's beautiful?"

Blaine glanced at the picture before returning his gaze just past his mother.

"She's very pretty, mother." His complete lack of interest went unnoticed. He felt hands on his shoulders as Nick heaved him off the bed. He rolled his eyes at him, knowing he'd understand. He'd been with the family as long as he could remember, and was more like a brother than a butler. He handed him the costume, some kind of military uniform, black trousers and a red and black jacket with gold buttons. Blaine held it against himself and his face fell as he realised how good he was going to look. He didn't care about disappointing his mother any more; it was inevitable, but he didn't want to lead this girl on. If she got the wrong idea, it would be painful for both of them. "Do I really have to do this? I'm really not in the mood-"

"Blaine, I don't have time for this." He couldn't help noticing how inappropriate her costume was for her age. Black leotard. Leather jacket. And that awful wig. And she wondered why he was weird around girls. As far as he was conerned, this was what girls were like. "Just be polite. I don't want you embarrassing us, being all anti-social." She headed towards the door, glancing back at him. "You'll have to just suck it up and dance with her. I've got things to do. Man up and get ready." Blaine flinched as he heard the door slam after she'd flounced out in her seven inch PVC heels. What a class act.

Man up. Man up. His shoulders hung loosely as he took a couple of long, slow breaths, trying to hold himself together. Nick squeezed his shoulders.

"She is nice, Blaine. I mean, look at that picture. I wouldn't say no." He paused, trying to think of a way to comfort his friend. "You know, your mother's only doing this because she-"

He stopped. Blaine lifted his head to look at him. Nick couldn't lie to him. They both knew she didn't care. Time to bring out the big guns.

"Right. I shouldn't tell you this. I should tell your dad and stop it from happening. But a little bird, a little blonde bird I like to call Jeffrey, has informed me that we might have some unwanted guests. Really unwanted."

Blaine's eyes widened. "No. Not-"

"This is the only clue you're getting. He's bringing some friends of his. Some people with the surname that never fails to make your father's head explode." Blaine's mouth fell open, and he grabbed Nick's arm in disbelief. "The surname that rhymes with funnel." Blaine snorted with laughter. "OK, that ruined the suspense I was building, but still, picture their faces. And just think of all the costumes. We'll have a good night; I promise. Now get dressed."

He ran out of the room, probably to get a head start on the food, and Blaine looked at his costume again. Maybe he didn't mind looking good. Just to honour the family, of course.