A/N: Hello, I know this is two days late, and I’m really, really sorry! My personal life got in the way by throwing up massive problems, which really did prevent me from writing. I hope this makes up for it by being the longest chapter yet... ;)

Disclaimer: I wish I owned Glee; I’d have the money to go to University a year earlier!

Chapter Five: Maybe This Time

“Hey, Kurt.” Blaine greeted him the next day, smiling brightly.

He really was smiling brightly, actually. It was like a spotlight had been turned on behind his face, and it was a little disconcerting at first, but then Kurt thought about it for a moment and it made sense. He was being overly friendly to show that he really didn’t mind that Kurt was gay. This idea didn’t really annoy him – it was actually nice to know that Blaine cared enough about Kurt’s feelings to do something like that. It wasn’t really surprising, though. Blaine was a caring person. “Hey, Blaine.” He smiled. “Are you okay? You look a little tired.”

“Oh, right, yeah, I was watching Friends last night and totally lost track of time.” Blaine grinned a little sheepishly. “It’s just so addictive. Oh, hey, Mercedes,” he added, nodding to her as she walked over.

“Hi, Blaine.” She greeted him, and Kurt was glad to see that they were getting along. “Hey, boo.” She added to Kurt, before gesturing after their English teacher, who’d just walked past. “He just told me what book we’re doing this semester. Wuthering Heights. Talk about rubbing it in our faces.”

Kurt gave her a sympathetic look.

“Rubbing what in our faces?” Blaine asked, with a slight frown of confusion on his face.

“Our lack of romance?” She explained, in a ‘well, duh?’ tone of voice. “The heroine has two guys falling at her feet.” She shook her head slightly.

Blaine shrugged a little. “Well, considering how it turns out for all of them, I think you should be relieved, not jealous.”

“Hey, no spoilers, I haven’t read it yet!” She retorted.

For a moment, Blaine looked guilty, but the look was quickly wiped from his face by her reassuringly teasing smile, and he rolled his eyes at her.

“At least we’re not doing Romeo and Juliet.” Kurt pointed out, glancing at a clock to see how long they had until first period.

Blaine shuddered a little. “I don’t like Romeo and Juliet.”

“Really? I thought you loved romance.” Kurt raised an eyebrow at him questioningly, curious. In fact, he knew Blaine loved romance. One day, he was going to make the perfect boyfriend for some very lucky girl.

“I do, but the ending is terrible. He could have at least checked her breathing before killing himself.” Blaine pointed out, this logic being something that Kurt felt shouldn’t be applied to Shakespeare. After all, the man wrote about faeries.

Kurt raised an eyebrow at his best friend. “He was distraught, and you expect him to have the sense to check her breathing to see if she was alive?”  

“I know, I know. And they did have a beautiful romance. Love at first sight, the star-crossed lovers...” Blaine placed a hand – a little melodramatically – over his heart, and sighed.

Mercedes groaned. “Oh, hell no, none of this talk about love, or I’m outta here.” She threatened mildly.

The bell went, with perfect timing, and Kurt shrugged a little. “Looks like you’re outta here anyway.” He winked, before striding off, tossing a “See you two later!” over his shoulder.

Blaine fought the urge to watch him go, and turned to smile at Mercedes, a little uncertainly. He wasn’t sure how much she liked him, considering he’d practically jumped in and – from her point of view, he suspected – stolen her best friend. But she was smiling back at him, and he relaxed a little.

“So, speaking of love. Has anyone in the school caught your eye yet?” She asked casually, with a smile.

He blinked, caught out completely by the question. “Uh, no, not-not really, so far- you know, I have to get to class...” Cursing his inability to act suave and normal, he backed slowly away, waving, before turning and hurrying off to class.

Why had she had to ask him about that? Hadn’t she just said she wanted to avoid the topic of romance? He stopped short as a horrifying thought occurred to him. What if she liked him? He shook his head a little, trying to not think about the repercussions of that possibility. She’d bust the windows of Kurt’s car. God only knew what she’d do to him. He shuddered a little, pushed the thought away, and concentrated on getting to Geography.

---

It had become routine for Kurt to call Blaine up after school to talk to him, and today was no change from this routine.

“Hey, Kurt!” Blaine’s voice came down the phone, a smile in his voice.

Kurt relaxed back into his pillows and smiled slightly.“Hey, you.”

“How was Glee club?” There was genuine interest in his voice. Kurt marvelled that Blaine still cared about Glee club, the amount of time that Kurt spent talking about it, but it always warmed him to know that his friend was willing to listen.

Kurt sighed. “Disastrous. Now Rachel’s left, Quinn’s our lead singer, but she keeps rushing off to the bathroom to hurl- she shouldn’t be in school, she’s obviously ill. Or, actually, I’m beginning to suspect she’s lactose intolerant- Finn’s always making excuses for her by referencing food she’s eaten.” Blaine tutted in response. “Mr Schue thinks we’ll be fine. But as much as I hate to admit it, Rachel is our strongest singer and we need her back. The thing is, Finn’s the only one who had can get her back. But he won’t, because he’s dating Quinn.” It was a mess, he’d be the first to admit that. The Glee club wasn’t exactly doing well in terms of ‘domestic’ normality.

“It sounds to me like someone needs to tell Finn that you’re not going to win without her, really give him an incentive to talk to her.” Blaine commented.

“First, you’d need to give Finn an incentive to win. He cares about Glee club enough to go, but he’s not that invested in the club, much as he claims to be. He’s more interested in football.” Kurt shrugged, and exhaled. “I’m sorry, all we seem to talk about is Glee club.”

Blaine laughed. “I don’t mind. I like hearing about it.”

From someone who claimed to be a bad singer, this seemed somewhat suspect. Why would you be interested in something that you didn’t do and were terrible at? It’d be like Kurt being interested in hearing about the hockey club. Kurt tucked the knowledge away to think about later. “Well, okay. What about you, though? What’re your interests?”

“Uh... I like... football, and boxing. I can play the piano, too.”

“A man of many talents.” Despite his teasing, Kurt was impressed. “Why don’t you join the football team, then?” He asked, slightly confused.

“Oh, no, I like to watch it, I don’t play it. The only sports I play are polo and lacrosse.” Blaine explained quickly.

Kurt spluttered. “I’m sorry, what?” He inquired, and could practically feel Blaine’s blush.

“Uh, well, I mean, I don’t play them much anymore, but I can. Play them. Quite well, actually.”

“And boxing. Did your parents just enter you for every sport they could find?” Kurt asked, faintly astonished.

“Only the high-brow ones. They would never have me playing something as lowly as football.” Blaine responded, and then choked a little. “Oh, wow, sorry. I- my parents kinda have a lot of money and can act really snobby, so sometimes I imitate them as a joke, and...” He trailed off, due to Kurt’s laughter. “Well, I’m glad you’re amused, then.”

“Sorry, it’s just... you’re pretty much the nicest person I know, and your parents are snobby?” Kurt asked incredulously, once he’d stopped laughing.

“Well, mainly Dad, and he really only does it in front of other rich snobs. I mean, we’re not that rich, compared to them, but he likes to act like we are, because he doesn’t like feeling like he’s nto as good as other people.” Blaine paused. “I’m rambling, I’ll stop.”

Kurt got it. Blaine obviously wasn’t proud of the way his father acted, and there was probably some shame there too – after all, he knew that Burt worked in a garage, and there was a high chance that he felt bad about his family’s money.

“It’s fine.” There was an awkward pause, before he changed the subject, asking what football team Blaine supported, and finding out with pleasure that he supported the same team as Burt. Of course, that topic didn’t last long, but they always found something to talk about.

Blaine was so easy to talk to, Kurt mused.

It was about half an hour later that Blaine took a deep breath, and approached a new subject. “Hey, so, Mercedes asked me earlier if I liked anyone at the school. Do...” Blaine paused, and Kurt knew he was frowning. “Do you think she was asking for me about that for a specific reason, or...” He trailed off.

“You mean, do you think she likes you?” Kurt asked bluntly, never one to dance around the subject when it came to romance.

“I don’t know.” Blaine sounded frustrated. “I just... well, I mean, has she asked you if there’s anyone in the school you like?”

“No, she hasn’t. I mean, at first she thought I liked her, and now I think she’s still a little heartbroken from that. Either that, or she just presumes there’s no-one at school worthy of my interest.” Kurt paused a moment, wondering if he should ask the question that was running through his mind. “So, uh, what would you think if she did like you?”

“Oh God. I mean, she’s lovely, and I like her, and I know she’s your best friend and all, but I don’t like-like her.” Blaine babbled, before groaning. “Sorry, I talk too much.”

“Are we in fourth grade?” Kurt rolled his eyes, even though Blaine couldn’t see him, before softening his tone a little. “Look, I don’t mind if you don’t like her, and even if she does like you, I’m sure she’ll get over it.” His tone softened completely. “And Blaine, you never have to worry about ‘talking too much’ to me, okay?”

“Thanks, Kurt. And I guess I’ll have to wait and see, then.” Blaine mused. “So... is there anyone worthy of your interest?” He asked.

Kurt hesitated. “Do you honestly want to know, or are you just being polite?” He didn’t want to freak Blaine out, after all.

“I honestly want to know, Kurt.” Blaine reassured him.

A dreamy sigh left Kurt’s lips. “You’re not to tell anyone, okay?”

“Of course not!” Blaine promised.

“Well... if I’m honest, I’ve had a crush on Finn for a while.” Kurt admitted, quietly, after a moment.

There was a minute of silence, and then – “Wait, Finn Hudson?” Came the shocked voice, a lot louder than he was used to hearing Blaine talk.

“You... don’t seem pleased.” Kurt’s insides twisted with nerves. Had he made a mistake telling Blaine?

“No, no, not displeased... just... surprised, I guess. He doesn’t seem like your type.” Blaine muttered something, and then coughed. “Honestly, I’m fine with it; you just caught me by surprise. Good for you, really.”

Kurt nodded, convinced, then remembered Blaine couldn’t see him. “Good. I mean, I know I have practically no chance with him, but a boy can dream, right?”

“Yeah, a boy can certainly dream.” There was a hint of wistfulness in Blaine’s voice. “Look, I have to go to bed, okay? Goodnight, Kurt.”

“’night, Blaine.”

“Sweet dreams.”

Kurt smiled as the call ended, and that night, he did have sweet dreams.

---

Blaine left his classroom and trotted along the corridor, looking for Kurt and Mercedes. Spotting them, he picked up his speed, frowning a little as he noticed that they were whispering fiercely. Reaching the pair, he smiled. “Where’s the fire?”

Mercedes glanced at Kurt and beckoned Blaine a little closer. He leant in, curious. “The Glee club has had its first gossip-worthy news. Wait for it, Anderson,” here she paused for dramatic effect. Blaine was almost at the edge of his seat. Well, he would have been if he was sitting down. “Quinn’s pregnant with Finn.” She whispered.

Blaine blinked. There’d been a girl in his old school who had gotten pregnant, two years above him. She’d had an abortion, but in the end, she’d had to transfer schools, because of the words people were hissing at her in the hallways. He’d always wanted to tell her how awesome she was for being brave enough to go against the opinions of her parents, who had been firm Catholics, in taking control of her own life. “What’s she going to do?” He asked, concerned for the blonde Cheerio. Though he knew Kurt and Mercedes weren’t close friends with her, she didn’t seem too horrible a person from what he knew of her. Well, there were worst people around, at any rate.

Mercedes shrugged. “I guess she’s keeping it, if she’s far enough along that she’s getting morning sickness and she hasn’t got rid of it yet. Most people would have taken the morning after pill already. And she doesn’t like abortion.”

“She won’t be able to hide it long. I heard she’s gained a pound already.” Kurt informed them both, obviously delighted with the scandal of it all, and Mercedes laughed.

Neither of them seemed particularly anxious for the cheerleader, and Blaine felt sorry for her. From the little he’d seen of Santana and Brittany, they weren’t the type to be worried about Quinn, and they were supposed to be her best friends. “I hope her parents are supportive.”

Kurt scoffed. “Not likely. They’re religious, and anyway, she’s their little princess, captain of the Celibacy Club, and head Cheerio. They’re not going to be at all pleased.”

Mercedes snorted. “She deserves any reaction they throw at her.”

“What, even if they forced her to have an abortion or threw her out?” Blaine asked quietly, shocked at their reactions.

This question had the impact he’d hoped it would. Both looked guilty, and Mercedes bit her lip. “Well, I wouldn’t want that.” She sighed. “I guess I need to stop being so hard on her. No matter how much of a bitch she can be, she doesn’t deserve that. And we’re supposed to be her friends, or as good as.”

Kurt nodded in agreement with her, then eyed Blaine. “Your mission in life is to make us better people, isn’t it?”

“... Uh...” He wasn’t sure how to respond to that. “Sorry?”

Kurt shook his head at him, but he was smiling. Blaine took that as a good sign.

---

Mercedes was eyeing him strangely. So was Blaine, actually. Kurt blinked at them both and then gave them a friendly smile. He should smile at them more. They were his friends, right? You should smile at your friends. Even if they were giving you strange and concerned looks.

He didn’t know why they would be concerned. All he’d done was follow April Rhodes’ instructions to drink a few sips (or more, depending on how he was feeling that morning) of the Chablis she’d given him every day before school, and it was working wonders. He was much more confident, and able to be himself in front of everyone, including his father and his friends. He was loving it, and their concern confused him.

“Kurt, are you okay?” Mercedes asked him gently, swapping a look with Blaine.

“Of course I’m okay, why wouldn’t I be? It’s a fantastic day.” Kurt nodded, and then stopped nodding, because it was making his head hurt. Pain was bad. People shouldn’t put themselves through pain. “It’s English. I’m excited. I love English!”

Blaine leant towards him a little. “Hey, Kurt, uh... let’s play a game this lesson, okay?”

Kurt nodded. Games were fun. He liked games. He played games with his father sometimes and they were fun.

“It’s called ‘Who can stay quiet the longest’ and it starts from the moment the teacher walks in, yeah?” Blaine said gently.

Kurt nodded eagerly. That sounded fun.

Mercedes gave Blaine an impressed look. Kurt was glad that they were getting along. It was nice to know that they liked each other. Oh, look, the teacher was here! So now he had to be quiet. Quiet was fun.

---

Blaine hung back a little after English, watching Kurt disappear before grabbing Mercedes’ arm. “Listen, you realise Kurt’s drunk, right?” He whispered, as everyone else filed out.

“Well, yeah, Anderson. I’m black, not stupid. And quick thinking with that idea for the game!” She added with a smile, before turning slightly to leave.

“I’ve dealt with drunk people before, but that’s not important,” he responded, a little impatient. “Aren’t you worried about Kurt?”

“Yeah, I guess...” She looked conflicted, before seeming to resolve herself and turning to him fully. “Look, Blaine, it’s Kurt’s decision, and if he wants to feel more confident, then who are we to stop him? And April’s awesome. I’m sure her advice will work out for him in the end, even if he’s having a bit of a rough time now.” She bit her lip, before smiling at him and leaving.

Blaine stared after her, and recalled the way Tina and Mercedes had spent an hour with April Rhodes the day before. She must have told them something, given them some advice, that had changed their opinion on her, too. He only hoped it wasn’t as damaging to them as the advice that she’d given Kurt.

Speaking of Kurt... Blaine stood staring at the door as everyone left, undecided. Much as he didn’t want to tell on Kurt and get him into trouble, he also didn’t want to watch his friend hurting himself and affecting his education. In the end, the worry for Kurt won, and he steeled himself for action as he left the classroom.

A few minutes later, he was stood in an empty classroom, having grabbed Schuester by approaching him in the corridor and asking “Hey, Mr Schuester. Could I talk to you for a moment? In private?”

Now, Mr Schuester sat on the edge of his desk and smiled at Blaine. “What can I do for you... Blaine, isn’t it?”

“Yes, Blaine. Sir, I’m worried about Kurt. He’s been turning up to school drunk the last few days, and it’s because of April Rhodes.” Blaine told him. This felt like a betrayal of Kurt’s trust, but he pushed the feeling aside. This was for Kurt’s health. He wasn’t going to let Kurt’s life be ruined by some stupid advice from an idiotic woman who was still in school way after she should have left.

Mr Schuester sighed and dropped his head, before raising it to look at Blaine with a concerned frown. “I just had Em- Miss Pillsbury telling me the same thing. Apparently, Kurt threw up on her while drunk.”

Blaine winced. He could only imagine how the famously-OCD counsellor would take that. “Right. Look, sir, I know it’s not my place to tell you how to teach, but... April Rhodes isn’t benefitting anyone by being here, least of all herself.”

The teacher gave him a considering look. “Maybe you’re right, Blaine.” He sighed. “Look, I’ll talk to her, and to Kurt. Rest assured he won’t be drinking anymore, okay?”

Blaine nodded, and headed towards the door.

“Oh, and Blaine?”

He turned back to Mr Schuester.

“Thank you for coming here and telling me. I know it must have taken a lot to come and snitch on your friend.” The teacher gave him an approving smile. He smiled back, and left feeling like a weight had been lifted from his shoulders.

---

It was a huge relief to see Kurt back to normal two days later, having missed the next day to recover from throwing up. Blaine winced inwardly as Kurt complained about being grounded because of the drinking, feeling guilty, but reminded himself that this was better than the alternative.

Mr Schuester apparently hadn’t taken his advice, since it was April who would be singing lead at the invitationals, and Blaine frowned a little when Kurt explained this, shaking his head slightly. This wasn’t going to end well, he could see it already. He just hoped it ended soon, before anyone else got hurt.

---

Kurt stared out at the audience as they finished Somebody to Love. Though the whole audience was clapping and cheering, his eyes searched for Blaine, and he smiled as he saw the curly-haired boy who was clapping harder than anyone else.

He wasn’t stupid; he knew that Blaine had gone to Mr Schue about his drinking. It didn’t anger him, though. Well, he’d been angry at first, but he’d calmed down as he realised that his father was right; what was he thinking? Walking into school under the influence of alcohol? He had plans for his life, plans he wasn’t going to let anything or anyone ruin.

He caught Blaine’s eyes and winked at him. This whole affair had been completely ridiculous, but one thing had come out of it; the vow he’d made to himself that he was going to be as good a friend to Blaine, and to Mercedes, as Blaine was to him.

They deserved it.

A/N: Sorry once again! See you all next Thursday (for real, this time)