Chapter 8

Blaine arrives at the Lima Bean 20 minutes early, so he places his order, grabs a table in the back and positions himself so he can see the door. Every few seconds, he looks up from his coffee, hoping to see Kurt walking in.

The first time he looks up he sees a young woman who's clearly on her way to the gym, but who isn't fully awake yet. Definitely not Kurt. Look number two earns him a young couple holding hands and grinning at one another. Adorable, but still not Kurt. By the third look – an elderly man clutching a paper under his left arm — his neck is starting to get sore from the constant craning. He rubs it absentmindedly and decides to check his phone for messages. Just one random text from Cooper: Can you believe they never made a sequel to The Dark Crystal?

Blaine rolls his eyes and begins to type out a reply when he senses someone entering the coffee shop. He looks up to see a familiar form striding through the door. He's tall, handsome, and has perfectly coifed brown hair, and for a moment Blaine is smiling, until he realizes it's not Kurt.

Blaine's heart sinks as quickly as it fluttered a second before, only for it to be replaced by panic when he realizes who has just accidentally crashed his first date with Kurt. But before he can duck his head down to hide his increasingly red face, he makes eye contact with the other boy.

Shit.

Blaine forces a smile on his face, in spite of the disappointment and frustration he's feeling.

No need to be rude.

The tall, familiar form strides over to Blaine, smiling broadly.

"Hi, Blaine," he says.

"Hey, Sebastian," Blaine replies, nervously fingering the sleeve on his coffee cup. "How are you?"

"Better once I get some caffeine in me. Mind if I join you?"

He gestures to the empty chair across from Blaine as if he plans to pull it out. Blaine's arm shoots across the table; it's practically a reflex.

"I'm uh…actually meeting someone," Blaine says without making eye contact.

He and Sebastian have had an awkward relationship over the years. When Blaine came out to the rest of the Warblers, Sebastian has made it clear in no uncertain terms that was interested, ignoring Blaine's opinion that they're not right for each other. The problem is, Blaine is far too polite to ever tell Sebastian to get lost entirely, so he hasn't exactly taken the hint that he's simply not interested, choosing instead to think of Blaine's discomfort as some sort of twisted flirtation.

A look flashes in Sebastian's eyes that if Blaine didn't know better, he would swear it was hurt. Knowing Sebastian, it's probably his wounded pride.

"Oh," he says, quickly shifting his expression to a familiar smirk. "A young man?" He raises an eyebrow at Blaine.

Why does he always have to make everything seem so ridiculous?

Blaine clears his throat and straightens his posture slightly. He's feeling defensive.

"Actually, yes."

"Do I know him?" Sebastian asks, the smirk still firmly planted on his face.

"I don't think so," says a familiar voice from behind Sebastian.

Blaine has been so distracted by Sebastian's unwanted interference that he didn't see Kurt walk in. And now he's here and he's gorgeous and Blaine can't look away.

Kurt is standing beside Sebastian with his arms crossed, and he's matching the other boy look for look, but his dancer's posture is an elegant contrast to Sebastian's relaxed swagger. Blaine mouths silently for a second, looking from one to the other, unsure of what to say. Kurt saves him from himself.

"Kurt Hummel," he says, offering his hand to Sebastian.

"Sebastian Smythe." His response is sharp and his handshake is perfunctory.

Blaine can feel the tension in the air like a thick fog. He relies on his prep school politeness to shift the focus.

"Um, Kurt…I was just about to get a refill," Blaine says, lifting his nearly empty coffee cup. "Can I get you anything?"

Kurt finally makes eye contact with Blaine and his expression softens.

"Nonfat mocha?"

"You got it," Blaine says, smiling. "Sebastian?"

"Oh, you know my order, Blaine," he smirks.

Blaine, not sure what to say in front of Kurt, simply nods and walks back to the counter, looking over his shoulder a couple of times. His eyes trail over Kurt for a moment until he sees him takes the empty seat he'd been saving. Sebastian follows by claiming Blaine's now empty chair.

"So, how did you and our young Mr. Anderson meet?" Sebastian asks, obviously enjoying the discomfort he's created.

Kurt has resumed his defensive crossed-arm posture from before and is practically looking down his nose at the other boy. He's not really sure what he doesn't like about him, but he's been on alert since he saw the look on Blaine's face when he approached the two. It was obvious that Blaine was uncomfortable and that for whatever reason, Sebastian was the cause. That's all Kurt needed to know for him to be on the defensive. He immediately falls into behavior that has protected him his whole life: snarky comments and biting sarcasm. He will not allow Sebastian to get under his skin.

To be completely honest, Sebastian's face set him off a bit too. He has one of those faces that just screams smarmy … it's almost predatory the way he looks at Blaine and sneers at Kurt. Sebastian is undeniably handsome, but something tells Kurt he can be ruthless, so he doesn't give Sebastian a chance to catch him off guard. He readies himself for a battle of wits.

"It's a long story," Kurt offers. "I'm not sure your attention span could handle it."

"I'm sure I can last longer than you," Sebastian replies, his voice dripping with innuendo.

"Doubtful," Kurt sneers. "And I don't remember inviting you to sit down."

"Yes, well…Blaine and I are old friends," he says, glaring at Kurt before lowering his voice to a whisper and leaning in to invade Kurt's personal space as much as he can with a table between them. "I'm sure he won't mind."

Sebastian sits up straight again and smiles. "In fact, I think I'll go find out what's keeping him." He's obviously flustered by Kurt's ability to match his wit, but he's trying not to let it show.

Kurt just rolls his eyes and watches Sebastian walk toward the counter. He smiles to himself because he knows he flustered Sebastian a little and he can't help but feel a hint of triumph at getting the little weasel to leave.

Kurt suppresses a giggle when he sees Blaine shrug off the arm Sebastian tries to place around his shoulder. He can see their lips moving, but he can't make out what's being said. Although, he can imagine it's not too pleasant based on the disgusting leer on Sebastian's face and the anger that is evident on Blaine's.

Blaine shoves a paper coffee cup at Sebastian more forcefully than is absolutely necessary, pointing toward the door before walking back to where Kurt is sitting at their table. He sets down a steaming cup in front of Kurt.

"I'm sorry about that," Blaine says, a look of annoyance still on his face.

Kurt glances back toward the counter to see a stunned Sebastian retreating slowly toward the door. He's smiling when he turns back to Blaine.

"We go to school together, and he's always been a bit of a …" Blaine trails off nervously.

"Complete asshole? Self-absorbed prick?" Kurt offers.

"Yeah," laughs Blaine, relaxing a little. "Something like that. He's always been so … forward."

"Really? He seemed so shy." Kurt can't help his sarcasm. It just sort of comes out whenever he's threatened.

Blaine shifts uncomfortably in his seat, and Kurt wishes he had bit back that little quip.

"So, uh…how'd you sleep?" Blaine asks, desperate to change the subject.

"Why, do I look puffy or something?" Kurt snaps.

"No….I just meant…"Blaine splutters.

"Sorry….sorry. I'm just not really awake until I've had my coffee," Kurt says, looking down at his coffee and taking a sip. "Can we start over?"

"I didn't know if you liked whipped cream or not, so I told them to skip it," Blaine says. "I can take it back up there if you want some."

"No, it's fine," Kurt says. "It's just extra calories, and I really don't need love handles in my line of work."

Blaine laughs at Kurt's self-deprecation and sudden openness. He relaxes a little.

"So how'd you end up working as…well, a you know…" Blaine whispers.

"Exotic dancer? It's not a dirty word, Blaine. I just don't want the whole world to know."

Kurt pauses for a minute and considers Blaine's question.

"You don't have to tell me if you don't want to," Blaine says, sensing Kurt's hesitation.

"No, I don't mind," Kurt says sincerely. "At first it was the money, and Rachel sort of dared me to. But I really just like performing, you know. It doesn't really matter what I'm doing, so long as I'm on stage. Does that sound stupid?"

He looks at Blaine hopefully, sipping his coffee.

Blaine shakes his head, eyes wide.

"Not at all!" he says beaming. "Actually, I know exactlywhat you mean. It's like when you're up on stage the world falls away, and it's just you and the music. Nothing else matters for those few moments, and you can be anyone you want to be."

Blaine's heart is beating rapidly in his chest, and he can hear it pulse loudly in his ears as he makes eye contact with Kurt.

Kurt just stares at him for a moment, his mouth agape. Blaine's hazel eyes are watery and gleaming, but his smile is so big, it practically lights up the room. Kurt can't tear his eyes away.

"Yeah," Kurt says breathlessly. "That's exactly it."

Blaine rests his chin on his hand and grins at Kurt.

"You're so easy to talk to," he says after a beat.

"I was just thinking the same thing," Kurt says honestly. "It's weird. I mean, we barely know each other, but I feel like…"

"Feel like what?"

"Nothing…it's stupid," Kurt says, waving a hand dismissively.

"Like you've known me for years?" Blaine asks tentatively, lifting his head from his hand and leaning slightly toward Kurt.

"How…?"

"Kurt, I think the universe is trying to tell us something."

"Because we both know the lyrics to an Adam Lambert song?" Kurt scoffs. "We're gay, Blaine, I think it's expected."

"No, Kurt…I'm serious. I think it's fate."

"Pffft. Fate, Blaine? Are you serious?"

"Laugh all you want, Hummel. It's meant to be," Blaine says smiling across the rim of his coffee cup as he tips it up to take a sip. He's flirting and Kurt can't resist biting back.

"No, you're right. You're absolutely right. It's fate. In fact, I think the gods brought us together so I could knock some sense into that gel-soaked head of yours and serve you up a heaping dose of reality."

Blaine laughs, despite Kurt's somewhat personal cutting remarks and rests his coffee on the table. He looks Kurt directly in the eyes.

"You can't bring me down off this cloud. We're going to be friends forever. I can feel it," Blaine says, wiggling his fingers alongside of his coffee cup. "Can't you feel it?"

He's grinning from ear to ear now, and Kurt can't help but respond in kind. But he's still Kurt. He can't resist teasing the excited puppy sitting across from him. He steels his face and lifts an eyebrow.

"Is that what they teach you at that over-priced school of yours? Feet in designer shoes and head in the clouds?"

"Only when we've imprinted," Blaine says deadpanning.

Kurt nearly chokes on his coffee.

"What? I can't tease back?" Blaine asks innocently while dramatically wiping imaginary coffee splatters from his face.

"A Twilight reference, Blaine? Really?"

"Yeah, but you got the joke, which means you've read it too…" Blaine teases. "Besides it was funny."

"Only because Sebastian looks surprisingly wolf-like," Kurt says.

"Lucky for you I'm Team Edward. I prefer my men pale and sparkly."

"And thirsting for your blood?"

"Exactly."

The two boys just stare at each other for a moment before Kurt starts giggling.

"I can't believe you just compared me to Edward Cullen. I should be horrified."

"Would you rather we talk about music instead of literature?" Blaine asks with sincerity in his voice.

"I'd hardly call Twilight literature, but I'll always talk music," Kurt says excitedly. "Favorite song?"

"Not fair," Blaine protests. "As if I could ever pick just one."

"That's a cop out," Kurt says pointedly.

"Well, it's true," Blaine says, considering his coffee for a moment before speaking again. "So, David Bowie?"

"What about him?" Kurt asks, not entirely comfortable with where this line of questioning might be going.

"Well, it's an interesting choice for…um…" Blaine trails off. "Well, you know."

Kurt can't resist putting Blaine in his place on this one.

"I don't think it's that unusual. I mean, the man practically invented androgyny in the modern rock world. He's a cultural icon, Blaine. His music is perfect for …" Kurt lowers his voice to a whisper. "…what I do."

"Oh, I'm not criticizing. I love Bowie. It just didn't seem like the type of crowd who would appreciate it…that's all."

"As if I care what that bunch of uncultured Neanderthals think anyway," Kurt retorts. "As long as I look hot and keep raking in money, no one cares what I dance to."

He's trying to sound nonchalant about it, but Blaine can detect a note of defensiveness in Kurt's voice.

"You know that song was the reason I even paid attention to your performance in the first place. I heard 'Modern Love' and just knew I had to meet the person who would do a strip tease to that song." He pauses to take another sip of his coffee. "It was just a bonus that you were also gorgeous."

Kurt's mouth falls open at the compliment. He's speechless.

They're interrupted by Blaine's phone buzzing loudly on the table. He looks down to see a text from Cooper.

Cooper
Seriously…Jim Henson is a fucking genius.

"Something important?" Kurt asks.

"No, it's just my brother. He's having a moment over his favorite movie and he feels the need to share it with me."

"What's the movie?"

"Um…The Dark Crystal?" Blaine raises his voice at the end like a question. He's pretty much expecting that like everyone else their age, Kurt has never heard of it.

"Release the Gelfling," Kurt quotes from memory.

"You know it?" Blaine asks incredulously.

"Well, yeah. I've always had a soft spot for Jim Henson's work. When a teacher at my school started calling me 'Gelfling' a couple years ago, I Googled it trying to figure out whether I should be offended. I've probably seen it a dozen times since. Personally, I like 'Labyrinth' better, though."

"Well, yeah…'cause Bowie…"

"Exactly," Kurt replies with a smile. "Will you excuse me for a moment?" Kurt gestures in the direction of the bathroom.

"Sure."

Blaine follows Kurt's retreat across the coffee shop and notices for the first time how fitted his jeans are. He looks absolutely fantastic in them and it's a good thing Kurt's back is to him because Blaine is definitely staring.

The buzz of the phone in his hand pulls Blaine's focus away from Kurt's ass momentarily and when he looks back, the taller boy has disappeared into the men's room.

Blaine looks back down at his phone and texts Cooper the quote Kurt just used. The response comes almost immediately.

Cooper
Since when do you quote my favorite movie?

Blaine
It was Kurt.

Cooper
THE Kurt? He knows Dark Crystal? I think I like this kid already.

Blaine
Don't get too attached, he prefers Labyrinth.

Cooper
Figures…I mean, it makes sense. Bowie.

Cooper
Wait…are you with him right now?

Blaine
Yep.

Cooper
Wow…fucking rude, Blaine. Put your phone down right now, and stop texting me!

Blaine
Calm down…He's in the bathroom.

Blaine
Oh, wait he's coming back. I'll call you later.

Blaine looks up from his phone and smiles at Kurt.

"My brother appreciates your taste in movies," he says. "I told him you had seen Dark Crystal and he swooned."

"Same brother that brought you to Shades?"

"The one and only," Blaine replies. "Hey, you want to go do something else? It's getting kind of late. Are you hungry? We could get lunch."

"Um….sure," Kurt says. "I know this great sushi place around the corner. Do you like sushi?"

"Love it."

He stands up and gestures for Kurt to lead the way. He feels his phone buzz in his hand again.

Cooper
You remind me of the babe.

Blaine rolls his eyes and follows Kurt out of the coffee shop and into the midday sun.

After lunch, the two boys spend the rest of the day wandering around Lima — stopping in an almost empty park to swing (Blaine's idea), feeding the ducks in a strip mall's retention pond (Kurt's idea) — and just talking about everything.

They find out they have a lot more in common than glee club and David Bowie. They both love Disney movies, although they'd probably never admit it to their friends. They both have dreams of being on Broadway. They even both get good grades. Both boys talk animatedly about fashion (although, Kurt is far more knowledgeable than Blaine) and pop music (although, Blaine knows far more recent music than Kurt).

When the shadows start growing longer and the temperature starts to drop, Kurt glances at his phone.

"I really should get home," he says. "I've got to work tonight. I like to rest up before so I'm not too tired to gyrate."

Blaine looks disappointed, but laughs at Kurt's sarcasm.

"I understand," he says. "Did you drive to the Lima Bean? Or do you need a ride home?"

"I drove."

"Well at least we can walk back together," Blaine says hopefully.

They barely talk as they make their way back the four or five blocks to the coffee shop. Blaine's hands are shoved in his pockets half trying to keep himself warm and half trying to keep himself from grabbing Kurt's hand. Kurt is bundled up with his arms folded across his chest and his hands buried deep in his sweatered arms for much the same reason.

When they reach the parking lot, it's nearly empty and the pair realize they've parked side by side. They stop behind Kurt's car and turn to face each other, both fidgeting nervously.

"This was really fun," Blaine says, toeing the ground and staring at his feet.

"It was," Kurt agrees with a tentative smile. "I'll call you?"

"Sure," Blaine says looking up to meet Kurt's eyes, but landing on his lips instead. The slight chill in the air has made them slightly more pink than they were earlier and Kurt keeps licking them to keep them from drying out.

And suddenly it feels like electricity is buzzing all around them. Blaine's skin feels prickly and hot and he senses that Kurt can feel it too.

Blaine remembers that first night in Shades with Kurt's warmth all around him and the soft press of Kurt's lips to his and he can't take it any more.

So in a moment of spontaneity, Blaine leans forward and closes his eyes, tilting his head slightly. Kurt's eyes flutter closed, and for a brief moment, he fully intends to kiss Blaine back, but then it's gone.

Without pulling back, Kurt holds a hand up to press against Blaine's chest.

I can't do this. Not now.

Blaine is just standing there, eyes closed, head titled slightly up, when he feels Kurt's hand on his chest. He opens his eyes and meets Kurt's watery blue gaze.

"Listen, Blaine," Kurt says without moving any farther away. "I really like you. I do. I'm just not sure I'm ready for … this." He gestures between them.

Blaine is unable to hide his disappointment, but he forces a smile.

"It's OK," he says, meaning it. "I'm sorry … I shouldn't have assumed."

"No…it's not that. It's just… Can we just try being friends first? This is all kind of new to me."

"Sure," Blaine replies. "I understand."

Kurt pulls away, but the spell is already broken. Blaine tries to hide his disappointment with another stiff smile.

"I'll talk to you later?" Kurt says.

"Of course."

Kurt gets into his car without making eye contact again. Blaine steps back and watches him drive off, suddenly aware of how cold it has gotten outside. His shoulders drop with a sigh as he gets into his own car and contemplates whether he should head home or call Cooper.

He can't decide if he wants to share his failed attempt at kissing Kurt with his brother just yet, so he puts the car in gear and heads home.