Oct. 21, 2012, 7:18 a.m.
The Chances We Take: Chapter 11
E - Words: 4,134 - Last Updated: Oct 21, 2012 Story: Complete - Chapters: 37/37 - Created: Jun 02, 2012 - Updated: Oct 21, 2012 532 0 0 0 0
Burt and Carol took everyone out again after Kurt's graduation ceremony. Kurt saw Blaine's roommate, David, there, getting his Master's degree as well and wondered if Blaine was there. He imagined him not to be because if he was, Blaine would have said something, but that didn't stop him from eyeing the crowd of people around David at any given time.
Kurt called Vin after the ceremony, on their way to the restaurant, and Vin congratulated him and promised a proper celebration for the two of them when he came the following weekend. This made Kurt happy because after his conversation with Puck about why Vin wasn't there, it had sort of made him feel guilty, but it was nice to hear Vin's voice and hear that Vin didn't sound upset that Kurt hadn't wanted him at the ceremony.
Saturday passed quickly and before Burt and Carol left on Sunday morning, Burt handed over a card from him and Carol and when Kurt opened it, he saw a check that was for far more than he expected or wanted. Before he had a chance to protest Burt jumped on him about just taking the money and not complaining about it because he could do worse than have a father that cares. That shut Kurt up before he even had a chance to talk. He settled for a simple, "Thank you." Kurt hugged them both and kissed Carol on the cheek, wishing them a safe trip home.
He went inside his apartment and once the door was shut, Kurt looked around his apartment and realized that this was the first time in a very long time that he had no clue what to do. He had no classes, no work, no appointments, and nothing to do until later in the afternoon when he was going to have dinner with Blaine.
The apartment was pretty clean, as it usually was because, oddly enough, Puck was pretty cleanly with his living space, as was Kurt, and the most that needed to be done at the moment was to dust and maybe wash the windows. Puck had washed the bathroom Saturday morning before taking a shower. Kurt really had to marvel at the man who, in high school, had no idea how to work a washing machine, but he did have to give the guy major props for his grooming habits. When he got home from work, the first thing Puck did was take a shower and deposit his clothes in a hamper. Puck never even left a wet towel on the floor. So, thanks to Puck, Kurt washed the windows and dusted what little needed dusting. There were a few items in the sink so he hand washed them, dried them, and put them away.
Now he was left with nothing to do. He looked over his bookshelf, but nothing kept his interest, as did none of his movies. He flicked through the channels on TV and everything seemed awful, so he turned it off. He thought about calling Blaine. Actually he almost did, but had to remind himself that Blaine was probably sleeping. Kurt yawned. "Sleep. That's not too bad an idea." Kurt put his ipod on his ihome and played music softly for back ground music. He was asleep within a half hour.
Kurt was startled awake by the sound of his phone ringing. He glanced at the clock and saw he'd been asleep for three hours. He answered the phone without looking at the screen and Blaine's perky voice seeped through the receiver. "Goodness, were you sleeping?" he asked.
"Uh… maybe? I had nothing to do, so I took a nap."
"Always a good choice."
"I didn't think you'd be awake yet."
"I'm usually not, but I woke up, fresh as a daisy."
"Do people still use that phrase?"
"I just did."
"Yeah, but other people. Do other people use it?"
"Hmm, you're grumpy when you get woken up. Should I call back?"
"N-no. I'm sorry. I was attempting at sarcastic humor, but apparently I can't pull it off with a groggy voice."
Blaine chuckled and that made Kurt feel better. He almost grinned because he imagined what Blaine looked like when he laughed. "So about tonight…"
"Yeah?" Kurt asked. He was hoping Blaine wasn't about to cancel.
"I was thinking. How about, instead of going out, we have dinner here and I can cook for us?"
"Um, yeah. Yes, that sounds great."
"Really? Good. I'm a good cook, I promise."
"Should I bring something?"
"Nope. I've got everything covered. Just bring yourself."
"Nothing? Nothing at all?"
"Nope. You're the only thing I can't pick up at a store, so you'd be the only missing ingredient."
Kurt covered his eyes with his free hand and grinned. This guy is adorable. "Okay. I'll be there at…?"
"Six," Blaine finished for Kurt. "Oh! I should probably ask if you're allergic to anything."
"Only bad cooking," Kurt joked.
"You must be waking up. You're getting a sense of humor."
Kurt could practically see the smile on Blaine's face. "Yeah. Yeah. No, I'm not allergic to anything. What are you cooking?"
"Can't tell you. It's a surprise."
"O-kay. I'm going to go take a very long bubble bath and I'll see you at six."
Blaine chuckled again. "See you at six."
They both ended the call and Kurt rolled himself out of bed with a smile on his face. Vin called him when he was half asleep in the bathtub he drew for himself.
"Hey sleepy head. Taking a nap?" Vin asked.
"Mm, no. I already did that. I'm just relaxing in a very aromatic bubble bath. I have no plans to get out anytime soon."
"Good for you, Babe. You deserve the relaxation. You've been working so hard." There was a pause and Kurt didn't answer. He was almost asleep. "Kurt?"
"Hmm?"
"Are you falling asleep?"
"Mmhmm."
"Well, don't. Not in the tub. I don't want to become a widower."
"We're not married."
"You know what I mean."
"I can't drown in this tub, if that's what you're worried about."
"That is what I'm worrying about. Please, Kurt? For me? If you're going to pass out, please do not do it in the bathtub."
Kurt wanted to groan, but knew that Vin was just trying to be caring. It wasn't a very good idea to take a nap in the bath anyway. "Okay, Vin."
Vin heard some form of movement. "What are you doing?"
"Getting out of the tub."
"I thought you didn't have plans to get out anytime soon."
"Yes, but I can't fall asleep in the bathtub, so I'm going to go to my room." Kurt uncorked the drain and wiped the soap suds from his skin. He draped the towel around his waist and went to him room. He quickly threw some product in his hair and moisturizer on his face and plopped down on the bed, completely naked. He listened to Vin talk about how he landed a temp job in Queens for the month that he'd be living with Kurt and how he hoped it wouldn't interfere too much with Kurt's schedule because he wanted to spend time with him too.
After a short while of Kurt not talking, "Kurt are you still there?"
"Yes," Kurt was barely audible.
"Am I keeping you awake?"
"More or less. Sorry, Vin. I really want to talk to you, but that bath really made me want to pass out."
"Okay, um, call me later?" Vin sounded a little saddened, but he felt that Kurt deserved the sleep after all the sleepless nights he had over the past years with college and graduate school. He had to remind himself that Kurt wasn't mad at him, he was just tired.
"I'll try. I don't think I can, but I'll try. I'm sorry. I must sound like a dick. I'm really sorry about that."
"You're fine, sweetheart. You have plans tonight?"
"Dinner at Blaine's."
"Oh?" Vin's voice went up at the end of the word like it was full of assumption. "A date?"
Kurt chuckled breathily and licked his lips. "If it were a date, you would be there and not him. I'm dating you, not Blaine."
"You're having dinner with him."
"He has roommates. Four of them to be exact. They'll probably all be there, if not most of them. No need to be jealous."
"I'm not- okay, I'm a little jealous."
Kurt chuckled again. "You don't have to be. Blaine's a friend. Just like Tyler and Spencer are to you." He rolled over onto his back and moved o the center of his bed.
"Tyler and Spencer are a married couple and non threatening to you. Blaine is single and hot."
"My my! I never knew you thought of Blaine that way. Maybe I'm the one that should be jealous." Kurt was giggling again and was happy that their conversation was on a lighter tone. Vin wasn't acting like the jealous boyfriend. This was merely a conversation. Kurt liked that.
"Oh yes, you've caught me. My diabolical plan to move in with you just to get closer to the bartender with the beautiful eyes has been foiled," Vin made himself sound like the damsel in distress.
"I knew it!" The two laughed some more. "Really though. He's just a friend."
"I know, Sweetheart, I know. I'm just so antsy that I'll be there in a week that it can't come fast enough."
"Antsy, huh?" Kurt grinned and let his hand roam south.
At six o'clock sharp, Kurt was ringing the doorbell at Blaine's house. After a nap, a bubble bath, and phone sex with his boyfriend, Kurt was feeling more relaxed than he had in a very long time. Blaine answered the door and Kurt greeted him with a smile. "Hey!" Blaine greeted happily. "Come on in."
Kurt toed off his shoes and instead of leading Kurt upstairs, Blaine was walking to the downstairs kitchen. He was able to smell that Blaine was cooking Italian food and he was also playing music from the living room. "Smells good," Kurt said. "We're eating down here?"
"Yeah. We have a dining room down here. I thought eating at a table would be better than eating on the floor in the music room."
"I don't mind eating on the floor in the music room. It has a bit of a 'starving artist' feel to it. I like it." Kurt smiled and reached to pull the top off the pot with the spaghetti sauce.
Blaine swatted Kurt's hand away and replaced the top himself. "No. You have to wait for the fantastic dinner to be revealed all at once."
"Seriously?"
"Seriously. I made the sauce and meatballs from scratch. Also, the garlic bread isn't the frozen kind. I just have to bake it. It'll take about fifteen minutes."
Kurt arched his eyebrows. "Wow." He smiled. "I'm impressed. I hope you didn't go through too much trouble on my account." Kurt was thoroughly awestruck by the perfection of Blaine's meal.
"Wine?"
"Sure!"
"Red or white?"
"Red please."
Blaine picked two wine goblets from the cabinet. "So polite," he mused and began to pour.
"I was taught manners, Mr. Anderson."
"Ugh, please. Mr. Anderson is my father. I am not my father." He handed Kurt a full glass.
Kurt took a sip. "Ah, you have one of those fathers." He insinuated that Blaine had an unsupportive father that cared about Blaine's "lifestyle choice" to have sex with men, despite the fact that Blaine's homosexuality wasn't a choice.
Blaine took a sip from his own glass while nodding. "You got it." He put his glass down and hopped up onto the counter to sit on it. "So how about you? I know you're dad marches with you in pride parades. I've seen the pictures in the paper. I take it that those aren't just for show."
Kurt leaned against the fridge. "No, he does that because he wants to. It's sweet actually. I never asked him. Carol suggested it, she's my step-mom, but he jumped on the PFLAG train as soon as Carol said go."
"You're lucky."
Kurt took another sip. "I know. Dad's…" Kurt paused when he saw the look in Blaine's eyes. The mood had just changed. He sighed. "He's something else, that's for sure. I know I'm lucky. I got it a whole lot easier than most. My Dad made sure that I knew he loved, cared, respected, and supported everything about me."
"Must have been nice." Blaine had both hands on the counter and stared, enthralled at what Kurt was saying as if it were a fantasy to have a parent like that.
"It was nice. I'm sorry you didn't have that."
For a second, Blaine squinted. He'd never heard someone say something like that before. He didn't know anyone who would say that because he didn't know anyone who had what Kurt had, a completely supportive family. "It is what it is. I can't change anything, so why wish for it?"
Kurt gulped. "I've made the mood turn sour."
Blaine hopped off the counter and eyed Kurt with reverence. "No. You didn't. I brought the topic up and there's nothing wrong with you saying something good about your family. Besides, I like knowing more about you that I didn't already know." He took a deep breath and smiled. "See, somber moment passed. Mood is not ruined."
Kurt wanted to hug Blaine, but restrained himself and kept his distance because he didn't feel it was right. "So where are your room mates?"
"Wes is at rehearsal, Nick and Jeff are at work, and David is away with his family."
"Oh, I saw David at graduation."
"He said he saw you too." The two chatted in the living room for another hour before dinner was ready.
When dinner was finished cooking and ready to be served, Kurt was ushered into the dining room, where Blaine had left no rock unturned. The lighting was dim, candles were lit, a table cloth and centerpiece was placed, everything was perfect. Kurt inhaled deeply upon seeing everything.
Blaine eyed him carefully. "Is everything okay? He started to get nervous at his choice to try to make Kurt's celebratory dinner special. "It's not too romantic of a setting is it? I was going for Italian fine dining and I wanted to make your graduation dinner special. I know you have a boyfriend, and- maybe I went a little too overboard. I can change it."
"Blaine!" Kurt cut off Blaine's rapid talking and knew he was nervous. He always rambled when he was nervous. "You're rambling again." Kurt dared to reach out and touch Blaine shoulder. It was strong and broad, a detail Kurt hadn't missed upon touching it.
"Sorry."
"Don't be. This is," Kurt over looked the room again, smiling lightly, "wonderful. Thank you." He flashed Blaine a soft expression to show his thanks and looked back to the room. It was perfect. Kurt felt warm and special.
They ate their meal, which was delicious, Kurt really was impressed. They laughed and talked between bites. Between the two of them, the finished off two bottles of wine before they even noticed. By the time the plates were empty and there was no more room in their bellies for another ounce of anything, both sat back in their chairs, staring at each other and smiling.
"I have to use the bathroom," Kurt announced. He stood up and immediately sat back down. He got dizzy and hadn't noticed that he was more than a little drunk. Kurt looked over and Blaine and giggled. "I think I shouldn't make a habit of being drunk around you."
Blaine laughed. "Don't worry, you're not alone on the drunk front."
Kurt got up again and made his way to the bathroom. Once he was finished and washing his hands, he closed his eyes and sighed deeply. Red wine had always made him sleepy. He heard people coming in the front door and he left the bathroom.
Nick, Jeff, and Wes had entered the house in a clatter and laughing. Blaine met them in the hallway and Kurt greeted them when he saw them. Blaine introduced Wes and told his roommates that he cooked dinner and they could have whatever was left. The guys immediately rushed to the kitchen and Blaine looked over to Kurt with glazed over eyes and a smile. They were in their staring contest again. Blaine finally blinked and reached for Kurt's hand. "Come on," he said and towed Kurt upstairs to the music room.
Kurt slumped himself down on the futon and Blaine picked up his guitar. "Can I play you something? I've been working on it, but I wanted your opinion."
"Sure!" Kurt exclaimed sweetly. He was in a daze and could probably fall asleep any minute.
Blaine sat down on his piano bench, which was on the other side of the room, and started to strum his guitar. His eyes matched Kurt's warmth and his face wore a serene expression.
I've been watching you from afar
And the way you make your way around the bar
You laugh like your really entertained
And you smile like it's your favorite game
Kurt smiled back at Blaine. He liked the way the song started. It had a sweet tone and a bit of a picked up beat to it.
Now you're moving closer to me
And our eyes have connected emotionally
Not looking for a one night stand
Or a place for a broken heart to mend
I know everybody here wants to hold you
I know what it's like cause I feel the same
When you look in my eyes there's a part of me that's still afraid.
Blaine's foot tapped along to his beat and his heart raced at the thought that he was singing this song to Kurt. He recently wrote it with Kurt in mind. It wasn't completely about him, but it was loosely based.
And when you say you love me, do you mean it?
Baby when you hold me, can you feel it
Should I believe the magic in your eyes?
I've waiting 'til the end of time
To hear you say you love me, like you mean it?
Baby, when you hold me, make me feel it
All I wanna do is make you mine.
I've been hurt way too many times.
Kurt began to think he was in trouble. There was something about Blaine singing that made Kurt turn into putty. There was also something about Blaine's eyes, and his smile, and his gentle expression that made Kurt's chest swell with adoration and admiration.
They say if you wanna make God laugh
All you have to do is tell him your plans
And I know that the timing's not right
Didn't know I would meet you tonight.
It's not like I don't really like the attention
I feel like the only man in the room
Are you really sincere?
Is this just something that you do?
And when you say you love me, do you mean it?
Baby when you hold me, can you feel it?
Should I believe the magic in your eyes?
I've waiting 'til the end of time
To hear you say you love me like you mean it
Baby, when you hold me, make me feel it.
All I wanna do is make you mine.
I've been hurt way too many times.
Again and again and again I've been hurt, my friend 'til the end
You know I've been high I've been low
I've got no place left to go
Again and again and again I want this searching to end
And when you say you love me, do you mean it?
Baby when you hold me, do you feel it?
Should I believe the magic in your eyes?
I've been waiting 'til the end of time
To hear you say you love me
And you'd mean it.
Baby when you hold me, make me feel it
Should I believe the magic in your eyes?
I've been waiting 'til the end of time
To hear you say you love me
Come on baby say you love me.
Kurt clapped. "That was beautiful. I like it. How long have you been working on that?"
"Not long. Sometimes I just hear it and the song comes easily."
"It's really really good."
Blaine smiled, feeling proud and happy that Kurt approved. They chatted some more about music, composing, and performing for a long while.
Kurt yawned and his eyes fluttered shut for a few seconds before he opened them again.
"You look tired," Blaine said.
"Mm, I am. Red wine and a full stomach always makes me tired."
"And you certainly had enough of both."
"Mmhmm." Kurt's eyes fluttered closed again.
Blaine had seen Kurt drunk before, but this was a different kind of drunk. It was more of a mellow, relaxed, content with his surroundings drunk. He couldn't help, but notice the way the edges of Kurt's lips would turn up slightly when he closed his eyes and inhaled. Eyes open or closed, Kurt would always be beautiful. Blaine was sure of this. He was also sure that if not for the buzz he had going on in his brain from the wine, he wouldn't have given himself permission to look at Kurt this way when he was right in front of him. He also probably would never have sung him this particular song. But especially in the less inhibited drunken state he was in, he allowed himself the indulgences.
"Why don't you stay here tonight?" Blaine asked. "You're already falling asleep. I'd hate for you to pass out on the train."
Kurt closed his eyes again and leaned down onto the futon mattress. "Mm-kay." That was an easy decision. In truth, Kurt really was about to pass out. He was thankful for Blaine offer.
Blaine got up, put his guitar away, and went into his bedroom. He got out an extra couple blankets and a pillow. He brought them into the music room. Kurt was lying on his side, but his eyes kept opening and closing like he was fighting off sleep. "Here," Blaine said. With Kurt still on the futon, Blaine pulled the bottom of the frame towards himself and the futon became a bed. The action immediately made Kurt roll over onto his back. Blaine smiled and handed Kurt the pillow.
Kurt inhaled deeply, smiling, and said "It smells like you."
Blaine smirked. "It should. I took it off my bed."
"You smell good. I like the way you smell."
Blaine blushed and spread out the first blanket on top of Kurt. "Thank you." He spread out the second blanket. "You smell nice too."
"Thank you for letting me stay again."
Blaine sat down cross legged on the floor and looked at Kurt. "You can stay here anytime."
"Thank you." Kurt rubbed his eyes.
"You're sort of beautiful, you know?"
Kurt's eyes opened again and locked onto Blaine's. Blaine couldn't believe he just let that slip out of his mouth. It was something he was just thinking and it popped out. "I-I'm sorry. That was too forward." Blaine looked down, breaking their stare.
"Thank you."
Blaine looked back up upon hearing Kurt's tone. He wasn't mad or lost. Kurt merely looked like he couldn't believe that someone would say that to him. Almost like the compliment was the farthest thing from anything he'd heard. "I didn't-"
"It's okay. You know, Vin says that to me, that I'm beautiful. But I was sort of an ugly duckling in Lima. I'm not used to compliments like that. It's nice. Thank you."
"Your welcome."
"For the record, your eyes are gorgeous."
Blaine smiled again. "Should I set an alarm for you?"
"I have to be up at six."
"Okay."
Kurt shut his eyes again. His face returning to its drowsy state. Blaine got up and stumbled a little. "I'll let you sleep."
"Wait." Blaine felt Kurt's soft hand touch his own. "Stay with me? Until I fall asleep?"
There was a pause and Blaine finally answered. "Sure. Just let me go get a pillow and blanket." Blaine left and fetched his comforter and extra pillow. He returned and laid down on the floor next to the futon and covered himself up. He took Kurt's phone and set his alarm for six o'clock in the morning. Blaine thought Kurt was already asleep, but then his soft voice came out again.
"Thank you."
"For what?"
"For everything."
"I didn't do much."
Kurt slipped his hand off the futon mattress and put it on Blaine's chest. Blaine's hand instinctually covered it with his own. "I'm really glad we met."
Blaine took a deep breath, now feeling tired and content the way Kurt was. It was nice to hear Kurt's voice say something like that. His voice made it sound that much sweeter to Blaine. "I'm really glad we met too."
"Goodnight, Blaine."
"Good night, Kurt."
When morning came, Kurt and Blaine woke up to Kurt's alarm going off. Kurt was amazed that Blaine stayed on the floor all night, then he noticed how he, himself, had spent the whole night, on the edge of the futon mattress, with his hand still on Blaine's chest. He took it back, hoping Blaine didn't notice, or if he did, perhaps he wouldn't mention it. Kurt didn't know what he was thinking last night in his sleepy drunken state. Complimenting Blaine the way he had and wanting Blaine to stay with him until he fell asleep? I'm in trouble, Kurt thought. He knew he hadn't done anything wrong, per say, but this was something he would not have done in front of Vin because it would have hurt his feelings. Kurt wasn't sure what was happening between Blaine and himself. He only knew that if he didn't tread carefully, he could lose both Vin and Blaine in one move