Kurt - Six Weeks Later

Kurt entered the coffee shop and ordered drinks and two heart-shaped cookies before settling down at their regular table. He and Blaine had fallen into the routine of having coffee every Wednesday in the early afternoon before Kurt had his shift at the diner and school kids had their birthday parties at the bowling alley. 

The last six weeks had flown by with classes and work, but his favorite times had been bowling on Tuesday nights. It was something that he was good at, and he had made loads of new friends. And then there was Blaine, the main reason he joined the bowling league. 

Blaine had quickly become his closest friend. They enjoyed doing the same sort of things during their time off. They had been to the movies, had eaten at a few new local restaurants, and had explored the local thrift shops. They even had a regular coffee date each week. Blaine got his special brand of snarky humor. Blaine noticed when Kurt felt happy or glum and made a point to figure out the reasons. Blaine did a lot of little things to make him feel special. 

And Kurt was falling hard for Blaine. 

Kurt sensed that Blaine might be interested in him, too. The texts they exchanged on Sunday still made excitement bubble inside him every time he thought of them. Blaine had invited him to the bowling alley on Friday night, Valentine’s Day, hinting at a surprise and doing something fun afterward. Surely this could only mean one thing, and he hoped that by the end of the evening he would be lip-locked with Blaine.

Blaine slid onto the empty chair at the table. “Hey, Kurt. Thanks for getting the coffee…. Ooh, Valentine’s cookies.”

“I thought you might like them.” 

Kurt watched as Blaine’s eyes darkened as he glanced at his outfit. He was now glad that he had taken the time to freshen up and change into a stylish outfit after his stage combat class. 

Before the moment could get awkward, Kurt said, “I can’t believe we’ve made it to the league finals.”

Blaine’s face lit up. “Thanks to you. Trent might be one of my closest friends, but he really sucks at bowling. Jeff was right about you being our secret weapon. This year, we’ve got a chance of winning.”

“I hope so,” Kurt replied. 

Blaine took a sip of coffee and bit into a cookie. “It’s almost Valentine’s Day, my favorite holiday. You’re coming to the alley on Friday night, right?”

“Yep. Santana agreed to take my shift at the diner. What’s going on?”

Blaine placed his index finger over his mouth. “My lips are sealed. What kind of surprise would it be if I told you?”

Kurt shook his head while smiling. “Whatever it is, I’m sure I’m gonna like it.”

The rest of the time flew by as they drank their coffee and pored over the latest Vogue issue. When it was time to leave, Blaine gave him a lingering hug. 

Kurt reluctantly pulled away. “I’ll see you Friday night.”

“Make sure you’re there no later than six o’clock,” Blaine replied.

Kurt walked with a spring in his step toward the subway. Why couldn’t it be Friday night already?

Valentine’s Day

Kurt spent an hour or so showering, rifling through his wardrobe for the perfect outfit, and making sure that his quiff was at the perfect height. He glanced at the red and yellow roses and the homemade card that Blaine had sent him earlier today, a hint that this might be a romantic evening. After spritzing himself with cologne, he bundled up in his winter gear and headed to Anderson’s Alley and Arcade.

When he entered the premises, he was surprised to see all the Valentine’s Day decorations and helium balloons floating on the ceiling. A small area had been cleared in one corner with a huge banner that read “Lonely Hearts Club”. 

“My, my, my. You look mighty fine tonight.” 

Kurt looked up to discover Unique wearing a pink and red outfit. “Oh, hey, Unique. I love those heart earrings.”

Unique put a hand behind her ear to show them off further. “Thanks, sugar. You can borrow them sometime if you want.”

Kurt stood dumbstruck, trying to figure out if she had been kidding before she burst out laughing. 

“I’m warped, I know. Besides, you look hot! We’re gonna have to peel Blaine off the floor when he sees you.”

Kurt’s cheeks flushed. “You think?”

Unique rolled her eyes. “I know so. It’s no secret that Blaine is really into you.”

Kurt smiled shyly. It was just what he needed to hear. “Is Blaine around?”

“He’s still upstairs in his apartment getting ready.” Unique pointed to the one small table that was still available in the bar area. “He reserved a seat for you.”

“Thanks.”

Kurt made his way to the table, sat down, and looked around. The place was packed with groups of friends, which made him feel like a lonely heart all on his own. Never mind, Blaine would be joining him shortly. He pulled out his phone and played Candy Crush to pass the time. 

Marley arrived at the table with a Shirley Temple and a plate of bruschetta shaped in hearts topped with tomatoes, goat’s cheese, and basil. The alley was going all out with the Valentine’s theme.

At exactly six o’clock, Unique picked up the mic. “It’s time for the entertainment. Now, I happen to know a group of guys…”

“I bet you do!” a customer shouted, which had others laughing.

Unique’s hand stroked her body from her neck to her hip. “I'm not for all men, but I’m definitely available for a special one.”

“What time do you get off work?” another customer hollered.

“I like a man who’s keen and eager. Anyways, these guys used to be in a high school glee club together and won the national championship two years in a row. I heard them practicing earlier, and you’re in for a real treat. Let’s give a hand to the Dalton Academy Warblers Honor Roll!”

The customers began to clap while a dozen men filed into the cleared area. Kurt recognized Nick, Jeff, Trent, and of course, Blaine. They all looked quite dapper in gray flannel trousers, blue blazers, white shirts, and striped ties. Blaine winked at Kurt before he picked up the mic.

“All right. So, Happy Valentine's Day, everybody. For those of you who don't know who I am, I'm Blaine Anderson and welcome to my first-ever Lonely Hearts Club dinner. Whether you are single with hope, or madly in love, or are here because someone forced you to come, sit back and enjoy.

Blaine looked directly at Kurt. “And to all the singles out there, this is our year.”

Blaine joined the group in the front row, center. When the karaoke music started, he nodded to the others and they began to sing.

I can't explain the feeling's plain to me (how can I tell you about my loved one?)
Said can't you see?
I can't explain the feeling's plain to me (how can I tell you about my loved one?)
Said can't you see?

Blaine had mentioned that he was in an alumni choir, but Kurt hadn’t known that they had once been national champions. Damn, they sounded good. 

The next thing he knew, Blaine broke out from the group. 

You'd think that people would have had enough of silly love songs
But I look around me
And I see it isn't so
Some people want to fill the world
With silly love songs
And what's wrong with that?
I'd like to know

Kurt’s breath hitched when he heard Blaine’s smooth tenor voice. Blaine was their lead singer! There seemed to be no end to Blaine’s talents. With his charisma and voice, Blaine should be on stage.

When the song finished, the audience clapped enthusiastically. Kurt stood up and raised his glass to toast him. Blaine’s smile was so bright that Kurt’s dad could probably see it in Lima.

The Warblers then began to sing “Teenage Dream”, and it felt as if Blaine was singing directly at him.

Kurt's heart pounded, and he smiled so hard his cheeks started to hurt.

There was no doubt about it, Kurt was in love with Blaine. And now he could only hope Blaine felt the same.

When The Warblers began a rendition of “Somewhere Only We Know”, a man sat down on the chair next to him. “We haven’t formally met. I’m Jean Baptiste.”

Kurt shook his hand. He knew exactly who Jean Baptiste was: the captain for Bowling Explosion, the team whom they would be playing against in next week’s bowling league finals. 

“I’m curious. Which bowling alley did Blaine poach you from?” Jean asked.

“Before joining Blaine’s team, I hadn’t bowled in years.”

Jean scoffed. “I don’t believe you. I’ll find out the details soon enough.”

Kurt shrugged. “I don’t care if you believe it or not. It’s the truth. Now, if you don’t mind, I want to listen to this song.”

Kurt returned his attention to Blaine’s singing, wondering why Jean Baptiste didn’t take the hint and leave. He was like gum stuck on the bottom of a shoe: sticky, annoying, and tasteless. 

When the Warblers had finished their set, customers began clapping and hooting. Blaine walked up to the mic. “Thank you so much. That was a lot of fun.” 

After another round of applause, Blaine continued, “Our happy hour lasts until seven. We’ve also got a Valentine’s Day dinner special, and there is more live entertainment coming your way.”

Blaine placed the mic back in the stand and rushed over to Kurt with a concerned look. “Hi! Is everything okay?”

Kurt stood up and hugged Blaine. “That was wonderful. You never told me that you were the lead singer for the Warblers. You were fantastic!” 

When they pulled apart, Kurt glanced at Jean. “Nice meeting you, I guess.” 

Fortunately, Jean took the hint. “Until next Tuesday. I will find out your history.”

Once Jean had left, Blaine asked, “Was Jean bothering you?”

“Not really. Jean thinks I bowled somewhere else. It’s not worth talking about. Thank you for the flowers and the card. They were unexpected. I love them.”

Blaine ducked his head. “I hoped you would.”

“Are you working tonight?”

Blaine shook his head. “Unique is in charge.”

Kurt could hardly control his excitement about how the rest of the evening would play out. Blaine had mentioned that they would be doing something fun. “So, what’s next?”

Blaine took Kurt’s hand. “I reserved a few bowling alleys and a karaoke room for the rest of the night. You’re gonna love all the Warblers. I already put your bowling bag by our alley. Let’s go!”

Kurt tried to hide his disappointment. When Blaine had mentioned that they would spend Valentine’s Day together, he was thinking of an intimate dinner for two, walking home, and a good night kiss. And if all went well, they would be boyfriends by the end of the night. But no, Kurt had been friend-zoned. 

The next couple of hours flew by, and Kurt had to admit that the Warblers were a fun group. They made sure to make him feel welcome, and he enjoyed the karaoke session. However, the high school friends had a lot of catching up to do, and Kurt thought it would be best to bow out.

“I’m gonna head home now…. Got some things to do. It was fun meeting you guys,” Kurt said.

Blaine’s eyebrows shot up. “So soon? It’s only nine o’clock.”

“I’ve got a bit of a headache.”

“Let me walk you out.”

When they were at the front door, Kurt noticed that Blaine was nervously tapping his hands against his thighs. 

“Once the Warblers leave… Umm… I had something else planned for us.”

Kurt’s eyes flashed in irritation. “Why don’t you save it for another day? Go spend time with your friends.”

Blaine’s shoulders sagged as he frowned. “I guess.”

Kurt gave Blaine a quick hug. “I’ll see you next Tuesday night.”

“Not before? I thought we could hang out over the weekend.”

“I’m busy.” 

Kurt quickly left the bowling alley, before Blaine could cajole him into making weekend plans with him. He needed some time away from Blaine to get his feelings under control.