Chapter 5 – Text Me

The next morning brought a renewed effort in Blaine. He knew he had broken part of the Kurt Hummel shell. He knew that Kurt wanted to go to Fight Club on Friday, he knew that Kurt was part of New Directions and he knew that at the very least he was going to be able to see him a week before Sectionals. After long thought, Sectionals was decidedly too long to wait. He needed to make a move on Friday.

Blaine was sure that Kurt was flirting with him as he left the Lima Bean yesterday. He met Jeff and Nick at breakfast and asked their opinion. "Okay guys. I need to your opinions. Do you think Kurt was flirting with me yesterday?"

Nick was the more serious of the two and was truly concerned about Blaine's well-being as he responded. "Yes. He is definitely interested. He went there looking for you. I'm sure of it. When I saw him in the morning, he was definitely looking around and when he saw our blazers, he definitely was looking for someone."

"Maybe he was looking for someone else Blaine?" Jeff loved torturing Blaine just a little.

"Right." Blaine turned to Nick. "I promised his brother that I wouldn't let him fight anymore, but someone requested to add him to the fight club call tree. He got the text for Friday. I tried to talk him in to going out with me, but he said no. He said something about living too far apart."

"That might be a problem if you end up liking each other."

"I don't care about the drive. He's really cute, strong, smart…" Blaine was rambling like a lovesick boy.

Jeff finished the sentence. "…knows how to move his hips to turn you on." Blaine punched his arm.

"I'm being serious. Why is it that Nick is the only one that can be serious?"

"I am being serious. He was walking really suggestively for you when he left the Lima Bean yesterday."

"Jeff is right. That was all for you."

"Okay, so now that we agreed that he was flirting with me. What do I do? Do I text him now that I have his number? Do I go to the coffee shop to see if he shows up? Do I let him come to fight club."

Nick held a hand up. "Blaine, you need to slow down. First, the one question that I know how to answer for sure is the last one. You need to call his brother. I think you need to be on the brother's good side. All the other stuff I say yes to, but the brother you made a promise to. You need to settle that part before Friday."

"Thank you Nick. I appreciate your honest opinion." Blaine went back to eating his breakfast. "I think I want to skip class to see if I can catch a few minutes with him at the Lima Bean this morning. When were you there?"

"Around 9:00. Seems odd that he was there at that time. I wonder what his deal is with school."

"Not sure. Maybe he gets to go in late? Who cares? I just want to see him." Blaine was pretty much done eating. "So after first period, you're going to go?"

"Yeah. Meet me in the parking lot."

Blaine got up to go to class. "I hate science class anyway and I'm getting an 'A' so I should be okay. I'll see you out there."

Blaine was gone and Jeff was worried. "Blaine seems all into this guy. Should we be worried about his focus?"

"No. Not yet. Let's see where it goes."

"I hope it works out. We need our lead singer and head council member in top form. We can't have him all depressed and lovesick."

"I don't think we have anything to worry about. I think they'll both figure it out. Kurt is definitely into him. Blaine just needs to convince him that the distance is worth it. If I know Blaine, he'll give it 110%"

"I know he will, but I hope we don't suffer while he is doing all that."

"That's where we need to support him. We'll need to pick up the slack when he needs us to." Nick was comfortable in this position. He knew that was part of being in the Council.

"I meant to ask you Nick, why the interest in all the details. Yesterday it seemed like you were fishing for info."

"Just interested to hear."

"Are you batting both ways now?"

"No. I don't think so at least. Aren't you in the least bit curious?"

"No." Jeff paused to think about it. "I don't know. Whatever. Let's get to class."

---

Blaine was surprised to see not just Nick, but Jeff in the parking lot to go the Lima Bean. "I guess I have my entire Council's support in my endeavor to win a guy over?"

Jeff was always devil's advocate. "Why are you so head over heels for this guy?"

"Because Jeff, he cute, and strong and he can sing. Do I need to get into the details about how he moves his hips?"

"NO! Stop right there. I do not want the details of what you guys did last Friday night. Let's just leave it with you got laid and it was good."

"Fine." Blaine smiled at his friends..His best friends.

They arrived at the Lima Bean in 20 minutes and were inside sitting and chatting. There were a few other Warblers there, so they pulled up some seats to sit with them. Blaine was half paying attention and half staring out in the parking lot with hope to see Kurt.

"Earth to Blaine. We need to talk about Sectionals music, but why don't we set what we're going to sing at the get together the week before. We certainly don't want to give them any idea of what we might be doing for Sectionals competition."

"Jeff, you're right. We should go with things we already know for the get together. I would like to suggest Teenage Dream, Misery and Raise your Glass. They are all a good show of our dancing and singing ability. We could have a duet and a solo."

"That sounds good. Who do you have in mind for the solo?" Jeff knew who.

"Well. I have been practicing something, but I will try out with everyone else. It's only fair."

"Like anyone can show you up." Jeff responded but noticed Blaine was preoccupied.

---

Kurt awoke early again. He was psyched for the day. He had found it nice that Blaine was flirting with him yesterday at the Lima Bean. Kurt never got the guy and he wasn't so sure he could get this one, but it was definitely a start. He met Finn at the breakfast table. "Hey Finn. I have a question for you. What did Blaine say about Friday night? You said he didn't tell you and that I did, but how did you even know to question it?"

"He wanted your number and I basically told him you were gay, just in case he didn't know. He said he knew and that's how I found out he was gay too. You told me you spent the night and I put two and two together. I'm not a total idiot Kurt."

"So he said nothing?"

"No. I asked him about the spending the night thing and he just dodged the question." Finn was very honest and matter of fact about everything. He was far too innocent to lie about it and Kurt knew it. "If you weren't so angry all the time, maybe you wouldn't have flown off the handle and told me."

"Oh.." Kurt was thinking about those words. Has he been angry? He must be.

"Kurt, that's why I think you should date him. At the very least, it's someone to go out with and who knows, if you don't end up liking him in that way, it's another gay guy to hang out with or talk to. It's not like you have a lot of gay friends to do things with."

"That's so stupid Finn. Why do I have to have gay friends?"

"I'm not saying you have to have gay friends, but this gives you someone with something HUGE in common with you. You know. Someone to relate to your problems."

"Maybe it will get you to stop wanting to punch people and go to fight club. Honestly bro? Fight club is not for you in the long run."

Kurt was resigned. Everything Finn said was right on the money. "I understand.." Kurt grabbed his messenger to head out to the Lima Bean again. He really enjoyed the coffee and the possible opportunity to see Blaine again. "And thank you Finn. I know you're just trying to be a good brother."

"I want you to be happy. You just seem lonely and sad all the time."

"Maybe I'll do what you said. Go out with this Blaine guy. I don't know." Kurt grabbed his keys. "In the meantime, I'm going to get coffee again." Kurt was out the door and in the black Lincoln Navigator.

---

Finn did more than Blaine asked, but any possible chance for Kurt to be happy was a good thing. Maybe Finn was simple, but he knew about loneliness. His mom was lonely for a long time until she met Burt.

To Blaine:

Not sure wat u did, but he's thinking about goin out with u

To Finn:

Just my natural charm

To Blaine:

Not sure if I should tell u, but he's goin to the Lima Bean right now

To Finn:

What do u know. I'm there.

To Blaine:

You're better at this than I thought

To Finn:

U know? I think we could be friends

To Blaine:

Im str8

To Finn:

I really meant friends

To Blaine:

Maybe. Are you in the Dalton glee club? Our choir director said he invited the one from your school to sing with us and a few other choirs

To Finn:

Yeah. Im in charge of the Warblers

To Blaine:

Cool. Then we can maybe talk then. Gotta go cya

To Finn:

Ty

---

"Who are you texting?" Jeff was trying to look over Blaine's shoulder. Blaine just nodded to someone that was heading toward the building. "You're texting Kurt while he's walking toward us? What'd you say?"

"I texted 'hope you have a good day today'" Blaine smiled because he saw Kurt look down and a huge smile came across his face. He paused and began to text on his phone. Blaine looked at his phone willing it to buzz. "I hope he's texting me."

Kurt shoved his phone in his bag and continued into the Lima Bean heading straight to the counter to get in line. Blaine's phone buzzed. When he looked down, it was a text from Kurt. 'It's getting better already'. Blaine hurried a text to Kurt and then made his way to the counter hiding behind Kurt. Kurt had placed his order for a Grande Nonfat Mocha. As the barista was ringing him up, he looked down and saw the text. 'Don't even think you're paying.' As the barista asked for $3.95, Kurt saw a $5.00 bill appear over his shoulder. "Thank you Blaine. You really didn't…"

Blaine shook his head. "Don't be silly. Last I checked I was pursuing you. What kind of guy would I be if I couldn't buy you a coffee?"

"Strong."

"The coffee?"

"No. You."

"Does it bother you?"

"Not really." Kurt smiled and walked toward a high top double table. "Since you bought me coffee, the least I can do is sit with you."

"Thank you very much."

"It's the polite thing to do." Kurt was taken by how polite and honest Blaine seemed.

"So about this weekend." Blaine breached the subject. "Do you want to go out Friday? Maybe dinner and a movie?"

"Friday I have plans."

Blaine's face hardened slightly. "Fight club?"

"Yes Blaine, fight club."

"About that Kurt, I really don't think you're cut out for fight club." He saw Kurt's reaction and knew he made a mistake.

"Why's that Blaine? Am I not masculine enough for it?"

"No, not that."

"Then what Blaine." Kurt was clearly angry now. "You can do it and its okay, but not me? Nice double standard."

"It's just a guy like you…."

"What a gay guy like me? A somewhat stereotypical gay guy like me is not man enough? Or are you afraid of me ruining your little club."

"No. Kurt. You're really blowing this out of proportion. I really don't want you to get hurt."

"But it's okay if you do?" Kurt stopped and waited. He waited for a reply.

"No, you're right. I promised…. I feel responsible if you got hurt really bad. I really like you." Blaine slipped up on that one.

"What promise?"

"I didn't say anything about a promise."

Kurt stood up. "I heard you say promise. Don't lie to me Blaine. If you ever want a chance with me, let's start by being honest. Okay?"

"Okay. I promised your brother that I would keep you out of fight club."

"Is that so?"

"Yes, but I really don't want you to do it either."

"I think it's about time my brother butts out of my life and how dare you even get involved? Why would you even..you don't really know him."

"He said he would help me if I promised to keep you out of fight club." Kurt turned and his face was red with anger and stormed out the door of the Lima Bean. "Wait! Kurt, please. I'm sorry. I'm really sorry." Blaine followed him out the door.

"So Finn bothering me to no end was all about you?" He stopped and faced Blaine straight on.

"Yes. I wanted to see you. Doesn't that account for anything? I really wanted to see you again."

"I'm glad I was that good for you." Kurt had tears in his eyes because he felt betrayed by his brother and by this boy. He didn't know why that bothered him so much.

"No it's not that. You wouldn't give me a chance. You left before we could talk. I had to do something. This is not about sex Kurt." Blaine wiped a stray tear that managed to make its' way out of Kurt's eye. Kurt gasped. His touch was tender and purposeful and his eyes were honest and true.

"You don't even know me." Kurt whispered unable to speak louder right at this moment.

"But I want to get to know you." Blaine scratched his head because he didn't understand why he was trying so hard either, except that he felt it again. Touching Kurt's face brought back that fire in his fingertips. "You're always running away from me. What happened to you that you can't trust people? You have your guard up all the time."

"Maybe it comes from being bullied all the time because I'm gay. I don't know. I do know that I'm still angry at you, but also flattered that you would go that far to get to know me." Kurt paused and looked down at his feet. "I guess I don't understand. It was just sex. It was one night. It's not supposed to be anything more."

"Then why are you here?" Kurt looked up hopeful again.

"I guess I'm still curious about you too."

"Then let's start over okay?" Blaine extended his hand. "I'm Blaine Anderson."

"I'm Kurt Hummel."

"Very pleased to meet you. If it's okay with you, I would like to ask you on a date."

Kurt's face showed his guard. "Blaine, let's start with coffee maybe."

"Okay. Fine. I'll take what I can get." Blaine looked like he was okay with it. "How about today after school. Me and You."

"Fine."

"4:30?"

Kurt smiled a little. "4:30. See you later." Kurt turned and walked away.

Blaine took a deep breath as Kurt drove out of the parking lot. He made his way back into the Lima Bean. "He's a tough one."

Nick caught Blaine before he made it to the table. "You okay?"

Blaine smiled just a little bit. "Yeah. He's pretty headstrong." Then he brightened a bit more. "I like it. I like the fire in him."

"I told him about the deal with his brother." Nick nodded an understanding. "He was mad, but I think we resolved it somewhat. He's agreed to meet me for coffee later."

Nick smiled. "That's progress. Let's go."

---

"What the hell was that?" Kurt was mad at himself for giving in. He knew he did it because when Blaine touched him, he felt it again. He liked the fire he felt from it and frankly, he still couldn't get over how good looking Blaine was. "Finn Hudson, you are in so much trouble."

Kurt got to school and there was a text.

To Kurt:

I'm sorry. For what it's worth. You looked really nice today and I can't wait to see you later.

To Blaine:

It's okay. Finn's in trouble though. I think I'm looking forward to it too.

Kurt smiled and put his phone away. Throughout the day Blaine sent texts every hour on the hour and by the end of the day Kurt was laughing about it. Every text said the same thing. 'looking forward to coffee. Have a good day.'

Kurt was at his locker grabbing his books to leave and Finn came by. "Finn! Get over here. How dare you get involved in this deceit?"

Finn was taken aback. "What are you talking about?"

"Blaine told me about your deal. You can butt out of my personal life, thank you very much." Finn was stuttering. "Do you think I need your help? I'm that bad that I can't get a guy on my own?"

"Kurt it wasn't like that. I made the deal because I don't want you fighting anymore."

"So you think I can't take care of myself. I'm too fragile?"

"No Kurt, you have to fight for everything. You shouldn't have to fight anymore. You should be allowed to be happy." Finn had a goofy look on his face. "I just wanted to help you and I promised Burt to always protect you. This was my way."

Kurt groaned. When Finn put it that way, it made all kinds of sense in a Finn way. He was doing good. "Okay. Just please let me make my own decisions form here on out. Please?"

"Yeah bro. Okay. I really did do it to protect you."

"Yeah, I know. I'll see you at home for dinner. I'm meeting Blaine for coffee." Finn smiled because as Kurt walked away, he noticed a bit of a jump in his step, more than usual.

---

Jeff pounded the gavel. The one which he won the honor of using since he, Nick and Blaine fought for it in fight club and he won. Blaine was Head Council and addressed the group. "Our set list for the McKinley concert will be Misery, Teenage Dream and Raise Your Glass. We decided that it would be best to use songs that we are already accustomed to performing. We will also be holding auditions for a solo and a duet on Thursday, so you have 2 days to prepare. Blaine will be auditioning for this solo as well but wanted everyone to have the opportunity. His audition will be an open audition at the beginning of tryouts on Thursday. Everyone can watch."

Nick took over. "So let's practice. We will need to work on this at least once a week until the concert, but all the rest of the practices will be devoted to sectionals." They ran through all the songs several times and called it an afternoon. Jeff ended the practice advising that Next week would begin the hard work on Sectionals songs and expectations for extended practices.

"I'm out guys. I'm meeting Kurt at the Lima Bean." Blaine looked like a little kid he was so excited. "Oh yeah. And fight club is definitely on Friday. I had 10 responses." Blaine's demeanor change to concerned and Nick picked up on it.

"Is one of them him?"

"Yeah."

"What are you going to do?"

"He wants to do it. I will try to protect him, but what else can I do. I can't stop him."

"It could end badly Blaine. It could ruin your chances."

Blaine looked sad. "Don't you think I know that? I'm going to spend every day until then trying to stop him. Starting in about 20 minutes."

---

Blaine arrived with 10 minutes to spare and ordered coffee and biscotti for the two of them. He made a note of Kurt's order earlier and bought the same coffee. He was nervous and decided to take the same table that they sat at earlier in the day. At 4:35, Blaine started to worry that he was being stood up. Then there he was. He quickly moved to the table. "I'm sorry for being late. There was traffic."

Blaine tried to hide his nervousness, but he was sure that his heart was beating out of his chest. He though Kurt could surely hear it. "That's okay." He pushed Kurt's coffee toward him as he sat down.

"You look nervous."

"Worried actually."

"Worried about me?"

"No.. I mean yes. But really worried that you changed your mind." Blaine's feelings were running so deep for Kurt and still no reasoning behind why the heck this boy made him nervous and why he felt like he wanted him more than air every time he caught a glimpse of him.

Kurt looked guilty. "I thought about it. I did, but I'm here now."

"Thank you."

"No. I'm sorry."

"For?"

"Sorry for being so difficult all the time. It's just…. It's just me."

"Forget it. Let's talk about other things." Blaine needed to understand Kurt more than he needed anything else. He wanted to prove that he could be a trustworthy friend and maybe more.

"The text messages were nice." Kurt smiled wide and Blaine about melted at the sight. God, Kurt was so hot and Blaine could feel his arousal at just the sight of his smile and eyes.

"I wanted to give you something to look forward to."

"You are.. " Kurt blushed and looked away. Why did he let his guard down so easily around Blaine? What was it about Blaine that Kurt could let go so easily?

Blaine became hopeful. "I caught you."

"Caught me what?"

"You let your guard down."

"You must be some type of wizard because I say and do things around you…. Or with you that I would never do with anyone else."

"I'll take that as a compliment." Blaine smiled and blushed at the admission that Kurt just made. Blaine now knew that Kurt had some feeling like he had. Some unknown pull.

Blaine and Kurt talked for the next hour and it turned out that they had a lot in common. They both like fashion, but Blaine knew how bad it would all look on him while Kurt had the right body for it. Kurt found himself enjoying the time. They talked about classes they had in common and found that they were both good at school and French class. Blaine was good at sports and Kurt was good at cooking. They differed, but were appreciative of the differences. It was 5:30 and though he didn't want to, Kurt had to leave. "Blaine, I've got to go. Thank you for inviting me. I had fun."

"Me too. A lot of fun." Blaine looked so happy and Kurt stared into those hazel eyes and was hooked. "Can we meet tomorrow after school?"

"I think so. Next week we start our extended rehearsals for Sectionals so my free time is greatly diminished next week." Kurt realized that they both liked music and learned that Blaine played multiple instruments while Kurt just dabbled at the piano. "Are you in some type of glee club at Dalton?"

"Yeah. I'm head of the Warbler's. We were invited to a gathering at your school by a Mr. Schuster?"

"Yeah. Then, I'll definitely see you there."

"So, I'll text you about tomorrow, okay?"

"Sure. Will you be here in the morning too?"

"No. I skipped class today so that I could be here." Blaine was a little embarrassed to admit, but part of him wanted Kurt to know what he did just to see him.

Kurt looked skeptical. "You skipped class to hang out at the Lima Bean?"

"To see you. I wanted to see you, but normally I am in class."

"Oh. I'm sorry."

"It's not your fault. I skipped class because I heard you came in at that time yesterday."

Kurt explained. "Maybe if I at least talked to you, you wouldn't have skipped class to see me, which was very nice." Kurt flashed the smiled that he knew looked good. He witnessed Blaine eyes warm at the look. "So, I'll see you tomorrow afternoon?"

"Yes. Definitely."

Blaine was happy as he headed back to Dalton. Kurt seemed to really like the texts so Blaine intended on texting him often. He got back to his dorm room and decided to text. He wanted the right words.

To Kurt:

Thank you for a lovely time. Looking forward to talking again.

To Blaine:

I really enjoyed myself. Looking forward to tomorrow.

Blaine broke a lot of Kurt Hummel barriers today. Kurt was more fantastic than Blaine had even though before. He only hoped he could keep the barriers down long enough to get Kurt on a real date. Blaine knew he could only take one step at a time. He still needed to tackle the issue of Kurt wanting to fight Friday. Blaine focused on homework and decided that he would try to devise a plan tomorrow. He still had 3 days until fight club. That was 3 days to figure out how to get Kurt away from it for good.