THURSDAY - PART I

Cooper half expected to hear his brother cry himself to sleep again, but was grateful when he didn’t hear a thing before drifting off for the night.

Blaine woke up more refreshed than he expected to be. He wasn’t nervous about the concert that night, but was still scared to talk to Kurt. After talking with Cooper the night before, Blaine was pretty sure that his brother was right and that Kurt wouldn’t hate him. But he was also taken aback when Cooper asked if he loved Kurt and then if Kurt felt the same way in return. Blaine definitely felt something for Kurt – something strong. But, Blaine wasn’t in love with him, though he knew if he gave them a chance, he could be. There were too many obstacles at the moment, but if Blaine wasn’t so busy thinking about getting through the concert and flying back to New York the next day, he probably would find that his heart was filling up because of this beautiful boy he met under a tree.

After both Andersons showered and got dressed, they walked to a diner across the street from the coffee shop where Blaine was going to meet Kurt after Kurt’s math class. They ordered more food than two people should probably eat, but tucking into stacks of pancakes and mountains of scrambled eggs and hash browns was their tradition and Cooper knew Blaine needed some comfort food for the rough day he had ahead of himself.

Cooper let Blaine get some food in him before he started pushing his brother’s buttons. “So, B, did you figure out what you were going to say to Kurt?”

The younger Anderson brought a hand up to cover his mouth as he chewed and then swallowed a forkful of pancakes. His eyebrows rose as he took a gulp of orange juice, buying himself a few more seconds.  “Well,” Blaine said slowly, trying to put his thoughts into words. He had spent a bit of time thinking about an approach, weighing the pros and cons of whether he should try and ease into the topic or just tell him straight up. “I think I’m going to tell him that the reason I said I couldn’t go with him to the concert tonight was because I am the concert tonight. I mean, I’m sure he’ll be a little confused, but then I thought I would pull out my driver’s license or something and try and to explain that I’m, well, me.”

Nodding, Cooper tried to imagine in his head how that would play out. Cooper knew he was probably a lot biased in thinking his little brother was one of the greatest people on the planet and he hoped Kurt saw him that way too. It blew Cooper’s mind to see his younger brother falling for someone so hard and so fast because he knew that Blaine kept himself guarded out of self-preservation purposes. But, at the same time, he was so proud of Blaine for allowing himself to go for it when he knew how easy it would be for Blaine to close himself off from the possibility of personal happiness and just focus on his career.

Cooper had only had Kurt as a student for a month and a half, but knew the other boy to be compassionate and level headed. Though he was younger than Blaine by a couple years, they were both too mature for their own good, yet still had some boyish tendencies about them that Cooper found endearing. Through sharing exercises in his acting class, Cooper knew that Kurt was mostly raised by a single father and got bullied in high school, though to what extent he wasn’t sure. He wondered if Blaine already knew this; he wondered if Blaine already knew more than this. If Cooper were a betting man, he would wager on the latter. Cooper only saw them together for a few moments, but could already tell that they complemented each other better than couples he knew who were married for years.

“That’s a good idea, little brother,” Cooper said, grinning at Blaine who was already shoveling more pancakes into his mouth.

“Ou fink so?” Blaine asked with his mouth full, no longer caring about table manners.

Cooper scrunched up his nose as he balled up a napkin and threw it at Blaine’s face. “Chew your food, B, or I’m going to tell Kurt to run as fast as he can in the opposite direction.” A brief look of panic flashed across Blaine’s face. Cooper instantly felt bad about the jab knowing that his brother need confidence in this moment and not a joke about someone who made him feel wanted running away from him.

“I would never say that to him, Blaine, I promise.” Cooper quickly leaned across the table to put a reassuring hand on his brother’s arm, not caring that he was dangerously close to getting his suit jacket full of syrup. “I shouldn’t have even joked about that. I’m sorry.” He knew his simple apology was probably not enough to convince his brother otherwise, but hopefully Blaine could see the pain in his eyes.

The truth was, Cooper wanted this to work out for Blaine. He wanted to see his brother happy in all aspects of his life because he felt Blaine deserved that more than anyone else he knew. Sure, he cared because they were brothers, but as close as they were, Cooper was never able to understand the roadblocks Blaine faced on an almost daily basis. Being ten years apart in age, Cooper wasn’t home when Blaine got bullied in middle school. He couldn’t sit next to his brother in the hospital after his hands were smashed and his fingers were broken. Every time he called to check on Blaine and ask how he was doing in school, all Cooper would get was a deflated “fine” before the younger Anderson quickly changed the subject. Blaine had only one boyfriend in college that Cooper knew of, but that seemed to fizzle as quickly as it began because the other boy only wanted Blaine for his impending success as a professional pianist. Blaine was alone in a constant sea of people and it pained Cooper to think that his brother might not find someone to share himself with. And if Blaine was starting to fall that hard that fast for Kurt, then Cooper was going to do everything in his power to make sure Blaine saw it through. He knew Blaine was scared, and Cooper was scared for him.

Blaine swallowed the pancakes in his mouth and slumped against the booth’s back cushion, causing Cooper to pull back his hand. Suddenly he wasn’t so hungry anymore and instead his insides started to churn. He wasn’t going to throw up, but there was so much going on in his mind that he needed to just breathe for a minute. Cooper was just teasing him, and on some level he knew that and shouldn’t have taken what his brother said to heart, but what if Kurt ran? What if Kurt didn’t want anything to do with him once he knew the truth? He was pretty sure that Kurt felt the same way about him that he did about Kurt, but he was so worried that Kurt would be mad at him for not telling him the truth sooner. They only knew each other a few days and lying about a major part of his identity was not the most ideal way to build a relationship.

“I don’t know about this anymore, Coop,” Blaine said, addressing the table instead of his brother. “Maybe I should just break off whatever this is that is going on. I mean, who am I kidding? We’ve only known each other a few days… we don’t even live in the same city. I couldn’t even,” he took a deep breath before forcing himself to continue, “I couldn’t even tell him who I am.” Blaine shook his head at himself, disappointed. “He deserves better than that,” Blaine said quietly. “He deserves better than me.”

It was Cooper’s turn to shake his head. “I don’t want to hear that, B.” He was looking at his brother, slouched down and appearing much smaller than his already tiny frame. “The only person who deserves better than you is yourself.”

Blaine’s eyebrows furrowed, trying to make heads or tails of what Cooper said, and he couldn’t help but smile at his brother’s words. “That doesn’t even make sense, Coop.”

A grin spread across the older Anderson’s face as he realized his brother was right. “Yeah? Well, it sounded a lot better in my head.” Blaine was giggling at his expense, but he didn’t care because in that moment, it was just nice to see him happy. Cooper sighed, knowing he should probably just leave everything at that, but he had promised his brother a pep talk and he was going to deliver. “Look, I know you’re scared.” Blaine’s smile instantly faded and Cooper felt bad but he kept going. “But I think you would really regret it if you didn’t try and make things work with Kurt.” He saw Blaine start to squirm in his seat, but there was more he had to get out. “You’re not a coward, Blaine, even though I know you think you are. You’re so strong, B. So strong. And Kurt is too.” A corner of Blaine’s mouth turned upward at the sound of the younger boy’s name. “But then again, you already knew that about him, didn’t you?” Blaine cheeks flushed, wordlessly answering his question. “I know you think it’s too soon and I can see you fighting with yourself, but Blaine, it’s okay to already feel that good with someone else.” Cooper ran his hands through his hair, trying to put his thoughts into words. “I want everything for you, Blaine. And I want you to be okay with wanting things for yourself, or wanting to share things about yourself with others.” Blaine was shifting around on his side of the booth, not quite knowing how to react to what his brother was saying. “So Kurt doesn’t know your real name is Devon or that you play the piano for a living. Big deal. He probably does know that you’re a selfless person who would rather help others than help himself or that you would do or say just about anything to get someone else to smile. He knows you and he seems to like that person just fine. I really wish that you would too.”

Blaine sighed through his nose, trying to take in all that his brother just said. He knew he was always harder on himself than anyone else, but it was a real reality check when Cooper spelled it out for him like that. Self-esteem was always an issue for him. Blaine knew he was good at tangible things like playing the piano or getting good grades. There were report cards and trophies, a recording contract and sold-out venues to prove that. But Blaine never thought he measured up to be someone who someone else could love for all the things he wasn’t so great at. He knew he rambled when he got nervous, his hair kind of went everywhere and his hand was covered in scars that would never go away. Blaine figured he was just about as imperfect as anyone could get and it was easier to tell himself that he would get used to being alone than trying to convince himself that someone would love and accept him, flaws and all. But then he met Kurt and those imperfections didn’t matter so much anymore because Kurt rambled when he got nervous. And though his hair always looked perfect, Kurt had scars too. And maybe, just maybe, the reason Blaine was alone for so long was that he was supposed to find Kurt. His heart swelled at the thought as he locked eyes with his brother. “I’m going to tell him.” Cooper nodded his encouragement. “I’m going to tell him and it’s going to be okay.”

…

Kurt wished his math professor were one of those people who let class out a couple minutes early instead of trying to keep them past the hour they were supposed to be there. He grabbed his bag and slung it over his shoulder while the professor droned on about their homework assignment that was due next week. However, his ears perked up when it was announced that class was cancelled the following day. When he was let out a couple minutes late he practically skipped, excited to tell Blaine they had a little more time together on Friday.

His mood instantly dropped from giddy to a sulk. Tomorrow was Friday and then Blaine had to fly back to New York City. They still hadn’t labeled whatever it is they were doing because they were both avoiding talking about being apart. Kurt felt selfish hoping that the talk wouldn’t come until later that night because he didn’t want to make the rest of his day suck more than it was already going to. He only had an hour in between classes to get coffee with Blaine before he had to run over to the drama building for his Shakespearean Comedy class. Blaine had already made plans with his brother and he had to go to that mandatory concert before he would be able to see Blaine again. However, with math class getting cancelled, Kurt’s only class the following day was Acting. If he didn’t like Mr. Anderson and that class so much, Kurt would seriously consider skipping. But, Mr. Anderson’s brother was going to come speak with them, and it would be rude to not show up for a guest. Plus, it was just an hour. Maybe he could convince Blaine to come sit in on the class – Mr. Anderson probably wouldn’t mind since they already met.

Speaking of Mr. Anderson… as Kurt neared the coffee shop where he was to meet Blaine, Kurt saw his acting teacher across the street in front of the diner, hugging a shorter man. His eyebrows rose with curiosity. He didn’t know much about Mr. Anderson, but he was pretty sure he was straight.

…

“I can’t breathe, Coop,” Blaine muffled into Cooper’s shoulder before Cooper finally loosened up on their hug a little bit.

“I can’t help it, B, I’m just so excited for you.” Cooper held his brother at arm’s length before leaning over and planting a huge kiss on Blaine’s forehead.

Blaine laughed and swatted his brother’s arm as both men grinned widely. He looked at his watch and realized he had to get over to the coffee shop. “Shit, I gotta go meet Kurt. He’s probably already there.” He looked back up at his brother, “Thank you. For everything.”

“That’s what big brothers are for. Now get,” Cooper turned Blaine toward the street and smacked him on his ass before giving him a friendly shove. “Go tell Kurt about your secret identity.”

Blaine laughed, “All right. All right.”

Cooper held his thumb up to his ear and his pinky at his mouth, pretending it was a phone. “Call me when you’re done. I want alllllllll the gossip.” He knew he was being silly, but he wanted to make sure his brother left in as good a mood as possible.

With a giggle, Blaine waved his hand at his brother and ran toward the corner of the intersection so he could cross the street.

…

Mortified, Kurt flung the door open to the coffee shop and stepped inside as fast as he could to avoid being seen by Blaine or Mr. Anderson. His heart was racing a mile a minute as he tried to make sense of what he just saw. Mr. Anderson just kissed Blaine. Granted it was just on the forehead, but Blaine seemed really happy about it. Was that why Blaine was acting a little weird the day before when they ran into Mr. Anderson after Acting class? Because he didn’t want Kurt to know that he already knew him? Or maybe that was the first time they met and they ran into each other again last night? Kurt went over the timeline in his head. He last saw Blaine around 7:30 and then got a couple texts from him, but those were all time stamped before 10:00pm. There was one more text from Blaine this morning, confirming their coffee date, but other than that, he had no idea what Blaine was up to. Not that he should have… they never discussed if they were exclusive.

Kurt’s stomach dropped. He thought he and Blaine had connected on a level that he never knew was possible. It made him sick when he realized he put so much stock in this other boy, but how they really didn’t know each other at all. He quickly realized he didn’t even know Blaine’s last name.

Just then, the door opened and Kurt’s heart sank when he saw it was Blaine. Blaine who had a huge smile on his face. Blaine who Kurt thought liked him. Blaine who Kurt had been falling head over heels for. Blaine who just had come from being with Mr. Anderson.

Kurt didn’t know what to do or say, but before he knew it, he found himself wrapped in Blaine’s arms, the older boy hugging him like his life depended on it. “I’m soooooooo sorry I’m late, Kurt! Can I please buy you some coffee?”

And just like that, Blaine’s hand found the small of Kurt’s back and he was ushering the younger man to the line. Kurt closed his eyes and breathed deep, thinking how if it were just ten minutes ago, he would have melted under Blaine’s touch. But now, Kurt tensed and willed his feet to walk, wishing he were anywhere else at the moment or that he had the ability to turn back time.

The boys got their drinks and walked over to a corner table. Blaine sat down, all of a sudden looking nervous, while Kurt felt like running out of the coffee shop, embarrassed for ever thinking that someone older like Blaine would actually have feelings for him.

Neither knowing exactly what to say to the other, each boy took a sip of coffee that was far too hot to drink quite yet.

Blaine’s confidence dropped even though his brother told him multiple times that Kurt would understand. But when Blaine looked over at Kurt, instead of being met with a warm smile or even his hand to hold, Kurt’s gaze was icy and Blaine wondered if he had a rough morning.

“Did you get your Calc test back already?” Blaine asked, knowing that was his only class so far that day. Kurt thought he did well on the test, but Blaine knew sometimes even when you think you passed, sometimes that wasn’t always the case.

“What?” Kurt couldn’t even be bothered with thoughts of school at a time like this. “No.” He took another swallow of coffee, tongue already burnt.

“Oh,” Blaine said. “You looked upset about something, so I thought maybe…” The older boy squirmed in his chair, even more worried about telling Kurt the truth since he already seemed to be in a bad mood. He reached a hand across the table, hoping Kurt would take it and they could hold onto each other for a little bit, but Kurt’s hands stayed firmly wrapped around his coffee cup. “Um, I kinda need to tell you something,” Blaine started, “but I’m afraid you’re going to get mad at me, even though my brother swears you won’t. But, I thought you should hear it from me before you found out later anyway. So, I guess… I don’t know how to put this, but about that concert tonight… it turns out I am going to be there.”

Kurt almost squeezed his cup, but thought better of it, not wanted to get scalding coffee all over his hand. His breathing became labored and he wondered if it was some sort of precursor to a full-blown heart attack. “Oh really?” The question came out more like an accusation than he meant to, but the only thing going through his mind was the look of joy on Blaine’s face in the arms of Mr. Anderson. Blaine’s face turned red as he nodded. Kurt could tell he wanted to say more, but no words were coming out of Blaine’s mouth, which was odd because he usually rambled when he was nervous as he just had. They sat there awkwardly for a few moments before Kurt couldn’t take it anymore. “I saw you, you know,” he blurted out. “Outside the diner. With my – my acting teacher.” Blaine’s eyebrows shot up, not expecting to hear that. Kurt gave him a few seconds to defend himself, but Blaine just sat there, slack jawed. “Oh what? You didn’t think I’d find out or something?” Kurt’s voice started to break, but he successfully fought back tears. He was so humiliated that he just got angrier as he tried to cover up his own embarrassment. “’Oh, I’m just here for a week visiting my brother,’ you said,” Kurt said, mimicking Blaine’s voice. “Right.” Trying to calm himself down, Kurt shook his head and took a deep breath. “I… I trusted you, Blaine. I trusted you. Turns out I don’t even know you at all.”

Before Blaine could say anything, Kurt got up from the table and grabbed his satchel. He shouldered the bag as he stormed out the door, leaving Blaine alone at the table with only their coffee cups as company.