Chapter 2

Then you’re going to have to buy dinner for three – Blaine

This makes no sense, Kurt thought immediately stuffing his phone in his vest pocket and walking into the restaurant. He stared at the text numerous times on the walk over. He still couldn’t wrap his head around it.

“Reservations?” a woman asked behind a counter. A pigtail high on her head and a grin pulling at her cheeks.

Kurt nodded, “I’m actually going to be joining a party”.

“What party?” she asked.

“Miss Rachel Berry,” he answered.

She looked down at her list, resting her finger on a name, “Table 23,” she whispered to herself, “You must be Kurt Hummel,” she smiled as he nodded again. “Right this way, sir,” she said leading him through the maze of tables. They were all draped in white cloths with a slick candle lit in the middle, dark red napkins rolled in tight, holding silverware in front of every seat. The lights were dim against the dark red walls littered with decorative picture frames and paintings. It was far too fancy. He wondered why Rachel would choose such a place. Once he reached the table, the text Blaine sent finally made sense. He would be paying dinner for himself, one, Blaine, two, and his date. Three. He will get Blaine back for this. Rachel also had a date by her side, which also cleared up why they were at a fancy restaurant. He’s seen men like Rachel’s date at all of the Broadway shows. The designer suit and shoes as well as the attendance at shows most nights of the week. But here he sat, awkward as ever without a date by his side. He would feel bad about his outfit but thankfully, Blaine wore a vest as well. Maybe it was just Rachel’s date that was out of place.

“Kurt! I’m so glad you made it!” Rachel cheered with a tight grin. He smiled in reply. The girl touched her date’s shoulder, “This is my manager, Jesse St. James”. Oh, manager. A sigh of relief escaped his lips; he secretly wanted Finn and Rachel to stay together. His stepbrother deserved to have her.

“Nice to meet you,” he smiled turning his head to Blaine. Faking a smile was certainly difficult. He swore his lips were twitching when Blaine was smiling back. His acting skills were incredible, Blaine actually looked happy to see him.

“This is my partner, Chandler,” he took his “partners” hand, “and this is Kurt Hummel,” he told Chandler.

The man’s face lit up, “It’s so great to meet you! I’ve heard so much about you, Kurt!”

The other man tilted his head, “You have?”

Chandler nodded wildly and tapped Kurt’s hand, “Well, it’s nothing personal that I’ve heard but judging by the N. Hoolywood five-button vest you’re wearing, I know so much about you already. You must really know how to shop; I can’t even find the knock off brand of the vest!” He spoke a mile a minute; it was hard to follow all of the compliments of his outfit spewing from his mouth. Once he got going, there was no stopping. Though Kurt didn’t think much of the designer things on a daily basis, (he honestly grew out of the faze after his sophomore year of college. Now, it was more of a chore to look nice, rather than some sort of hobby) he relatively enjoyed speaking with Chandler. He was actually quite comical with his infectious enthusiasm.

So this is what you meant by buying dinner for three? – Kurt

He folded his napkin on his lap and watched the table inviting plates of food for them to eat. The scents were delicious and the taste was nothing shy from delectable. Clouds of steam rolled off of the plates, the sounds of content sounds were distracted by Kurt’s phone vibrating in his pocket.

It could have been four if you actually had a date – Blaine

At least I didn’t bring someone who truly out gays myself – Kurt

Because, seriously, it’s so flamboyant in here, it’s contagious – Kurt

I may consider stopping by a stereotypical clothing store and stock up on crates of gel and hairspray after this – Kurt

Actually, I could save a few and yank some gel out of your hair. That’s a month’s supply! – Kurt

Kurt laughed to himself then slid his phone in his pocket and bit into a buttered roll. Blaine scuffed to himself from the other side of the table then forced a smile at Kurt. The other man stuffed the roll into his mouth to avoid any conversation. “Kurt, you should have seen Blaine when we met Idina Menzel! I thought I was going crazy but here’s Blaine,” he hunched over his food in a fit of chuckles as Blaine turned red and covered his hands over his face. He then slipped his hand in Chandler’s that was gladly accepted. They were so happy. Their smiles were tight and their eyes glistened when they looked at each other thinking back. Almost as if everything in the world was perfect. They could share their memories together and make the whole table smile and wish they were a part of the memory. Their stories were ignored once Kurt’s phone vibrated in his pocket.

Okay, sassy pants, for starters, my boyfriend happens to like my hair - Blaine

Secondly, you seem to enjoy talking to him, jealous much? – Blaine 

Kurt shot Blaine a glare then looked at Chandler who was too busy talking of Broadway drama with Rachel to notice the unfriendly exchange.

God, no, I have standards – Kurt

He zoned out once Rachel began talking about how Kurt and her managed to sneak into the Gershwin theater their junior year of McKinley High School. It wasn’t because of her, he would smile whenever his name would pop up, but he was so unhappy compared to the rest sitting around the table. They had their dreams lining up into place for them and they were relatively happy. But Kurt didn’t have any exciting stories to share, or any room to brag about anything. He was like any other compared to their exciting lives and memories. What did he have? An obsession with pets?

Must be why you’re only one without a date tonight – Blaine

Kurt looked down at the message and gaped at the screen, he almost lost a piece of salad from him mouth as he stared. He swallowed the chunk dryly and read the message over again feeling like he was stabbed in the heart. He never really thought about being in any relationship but at the same time, it wasn’t like boys were lined up at his door ready for him to take a chance. All he had were his acquaintance-like coworkers and Rachel. No love interests at all. Yet he felt left out. Secretly wishing he brought another man as well.

Okay. I didn’t know that this was supposed to be some triple date – Kurt

Obviously – Blaine

Kurt scowled at the screen and set his phone down, not wanting to answer back. He muttered insults under his breath then set his fork down listening to the other stories. Jessie perked up then grabbed Rachel’s hand, “If you heard this girl sing,” he shook his head then grinned, “she’s absolutely captivating. I have high hopes in the future for her”.

Rachel giggled and squeezed his hand, “I hope so after I hired you to be my manager and all”.

“Oh stop, I wanted to be your manager,” Jessie smiled. They exchanged a moment of a loving glance. Kurt clenched his fist around his clothed napkin.

Do you have a problem? – Kurt

Chandler leaned towards Blaine and whispered something in his ear sending Blaine into a bright laugh scooting in closer to him. Kurt watched their plates of food disappear as Jessie and Rachel giggled in light conversation and Chandler and Blaine literally stared at each other in silence. Kurt tore his head from the scene and wiped his obvious clean mouth with a napkin then laid the cloth on the table. He felt sick. Or more like he didn’t belong there. He dropped his head to the vibration of his phone in his pocket.

Yes, I do. You’re quiet and picking at your food with your fork, not eating at all – Blaine

I’m starting to think that *you’re* the one with a problem – Blaine

Kurt looked up at Blaine who was clearly staring at him until he whipped his head to Chandler who kissed Blaine’s lips in order to get a drop of sauce from his lips. A knot tightened in Kurt’s stomach. Why couldn’t he get a relationship like that? Why does he have to stare at this double date from across the table? Why was he invited in the first place? He wanted out. He wanted out now.

I wouldn’t have a problem if you would quit staring at me – Kurt

Kurt balled his hands up into fists then bit his lip trying to focus on the chandeliers dangling from the ceiling all around the restaurant but instead let his eyes wander as he waited for time to pass so he could leave.

Everybody at the table is! You won’t eat or talk. If I was your friend I’d ask you what was wrong – Blaine

Kurt looked up to the rest of the people at the table. For the past ten minutes, he was staring at the food not bothering to pick at his indigestible steak that was barely touched and lost its warmth. All four of them stared, concerned, yet none of them spoke. Kurt forced a smile then stood from his chair. “Well, I’d love to chat more but I’ve got class in the morning,” Kurt said taking out his wallet to pay for dinner.

Jesse shook his head, “No, no, dinner’s on me”.

Kurt widened his eyes then hesitantly smiled, “Thank you”.

He tucked his wallet into his pocket and shook Jessie’s hand lightly; he was afraid of the possibility of breaking his hand from the tension building inside of him, “It was nice to meet you”.

“My pleasure,” Jesse answered turning his head to Rachel to talk about the ‘next big thing’ on Broadway.

Rachel quickly waved at Kurt then gestured for him to call her later tonight. He weakly smiled in response and turned to Chandler, shaking his hand, “Nice to meet you”.

The other man nearly jumped out of his seat and nodded, he exaggerated every movement, nodding his head from the ceiling to his chest and shaking their joined hands as far as Kurt let him, “We have to do this again sometime!”

“Definitely,” Kurt answered raising his eyebrows at Blaine, “Great to see you again,” he said through his teeth behind a grin. This was absolute torture, having to act polite to a person he despised greatly. He waved goodbye but it was strange, as if it wouldn’t matter if he left or stayed. They went back to their amazing stories and memories.

He left the restaurant with a terrible feeling in his stomach. Why did he feel so alone? Why did he want to have someone to share memories with? Why did he want something to hold onto? He missed Ohio. Where he had family, friends, memories. But, right now, in New York, the city that never sleeps never felt so lonely. The many people walking around felt suffocating. Cars whizzing loudly, light’s blinding. It was so loud. So crowded. So lonely. He found himself standing in front of the pet store once again. The puppy he saw earlier sleeping peacefully in its cage. The store was closed. His heart sank in his chest. He hugged himself and stared at the dog lightly breathing in unconsciousness in the darkly lit store. Why was he here in New York? Rachel seems to be doing fine on her own. His job wasn’t at all what he was dreaming of so why was he here? Tears welled in his eyes as he rested his forehead on the window of the pet shop. “I knew you loved that dog,” a voice said softly.

Kurt lifted his head from the glass, “It’s just a stupid dog!” he cried looking over at Blaine, tears spilling onto his cheeks, “it shouldn’t mean so much,” he said quietly. Blaine’s face was calm, patiently watching Kurt breaking down. “You know, I’ve done this before. Falling in love with a dog or a cat but…,” his voice cracked, “next time I come into the shop, they’re gone,” he sobbed. “You don’t know what it’s like to be lonely. To have only a few friends and dreams that won’t come true in this big scary city. I came here for my dreams, yet here I am. Having a job that has little to do with what I want to be. It’s been three years and the best I can do is…,” he trailed off crying. Blaine watched closely, face as if someone had punched him in the gut. “I came here for Rachel too. But, she has you, she has her city, her amazing job, her manager,” he gestured to the restaurant down the street. “I feel like… I want to be back to Ohio. It’s a simple, small, and practical place to live. I want to be with my friends, family… my damn dog! I mean, why am I here?” He was a blubbering mess, ignoring the questioning voices of other pedestrians. It didn’t matter; he would never see them again. He just needed to get this all out. This was the first time he admitted this to anyone. Hell, it was the first time he admitted it to himself. He stared at the ground, wiped his tears, and then looked up at Blaine, “I’ll finish this semester of school then transfer to some college in Ohio. Become a dentist, or something. You can tell Rachel, there are only a few weeks of school anyways. I’m just sick of this stupid city,” he sobbed. But it was true, he felt like it was time to leave. What else was left?

Blaine shook his head and stepped closer, “You’re not leaving”.

Kurt sniffed and furrowed his eyebrows, “Why?” he asked. This question could be for anything at this moment. Why was Kurt telling him all of this? Why was Blaine here, listening to him? How could someone hate him and not want him to leave at the same time?

“Because,” Blaine smiled, “you still owe me dinner”.