River Flows In You

Chapter 7 - The Hudmel’s

“Blaine played a perfect game last time we were here. He was the first person to do that in this place so he got some money and a gift card for 50 games and he gets to use that ball!” Kurt says hurriedly and smiles proudly at Blaine.

“Wow. That’s impressive, kid!” Burt smiles at Blaine too. Oh, wow. That smile makes me feel… wow.

“So are you like a pro in your country?” Finn asks.

“FINN!” Kurt hisses. “He’s from America!”

“We’re from a tribe in Wyoming.” Blair states.

“A tribe? Are you Indians?” Finn asks.

“FINN!” Kurt hisses once again. “They’re native Americans.”

“Oh. I had no idea.” Carole says.

“I had never played before…” Blaine mumbles.

“Oh, well must have been beginner’s luck, then.” Finn exclaims and pats Blaine’s shoulder. “But cool! A bowling Indian!”

Kurt smacks his forehead with his hand. The group moves into the room with the shoe-wall and change into the half blue and half red shoes. This time their lanes are located at the very end of the bowling alley, next to the sparkly wall. As they get closer Kurt notices that a big framed picture has been put up on the wall.

“They put up the picture! Blaine, look!” Kurt squeals and tugs Blaine by the arm toward the wall.

The others follow close behind them. When they reach it Blaine sees that the framed picture is the one Leo took of him and Kurt the last time they were there. Kurt and Blaine are both smiling back at the camera, a faint blush on Kurt’s cheeks. The frame of the picture is golden, just like the ball and beneath it is a small metal plate that reads “Perfect-game-Blaine”.

“That’s an awesome nickname!” Finn says behind them. “But Kurt, why are you in the picture?”

“I wanted him in the picture.” Blaine states simply, before anyone else has a chance to say anything. I want him beside me in all my pictures.

“Okay, gang. Let’s play.” Burt says and turns toward the lanes. “I guess we play three on each lane.”

“Maybe the best three together and the worst three together.” Finn suggests. “Kurt, you are one of the worst, and I guess Blaine is one of the best.”

“Do you want me to punch you?” Kurt asks, but walks over to the monitor for the last lane in the room.

“I guess I should play with Kurt, then.” Carole states and joins him by the monitor.

“Me too! I totally suck!” Blair says and chuckles, thereafter walking over to Kurt and Carole.

“Okay Blair, you are first this time. Then Carole and me last.” Kurt says and fills in their names.

“I guess that means I am one of the top three.” Burt says and walks over to the other monitor.

He pokes at it for a minute, grunting when it doesn’t do what he wants it to.

“Here, gramps. Let me help you.” Finn chuckles and starts poking at the monitor.

“Hey! Watch it.” Burt responds roughly, but smiles.

“Blaine, you play first. Then Burt and then me. Let’s see if you are as lucky this time.”

The two “teams” play on their separate lanes, though still talking and studying each other’s games. Blair is the biggest participant in their conversation, chatting pretty much non-stop while gesticulating with her arms. Burt and Carole laugh and respond to her when they get the chance, Kurt and Blaine mostly roll their eyes and share loving glances while Finn doesn’t say much beyond “YES!” or “STRIKE!”.

Finn is an average player, but he actually does worse than Kurt. Burt is good, getting mostly strikes and spares. Carole isn’t much better than Blair, who is still pretending to be awful. Kurt does better this time around and Blaine gets another perfect game.

“WOW! You sure know how to bowl!” Burt exclaims and grabs Blaine’s shoulder, squeezing tightly before letting go.

“Damn! I thought I could beat you.” Finn sighs.

“Finn. Language.” Carole says, eyes narrowed at her son.

“You didn’t even beat ME!” Kurt exclaims with a smug grin. “I could have played with dad and Blaine.”

“Now, maybe we should get some food before we go home.” Burt suggests.

“I’m starving!” Finn says as the group walks to change back into their own shoes.

“You’re always starving!” Kurt jokes and everybody but Finn laughs.

“Where should we go eat?” Burt asks as the group stands by the two cars.

“Blaine likes Dalton’s.” Kurt offers.

“Rabbit food? I don’t think so!” Finn scoffs.

“It’s NOT rabbit food, Finn!” Kurt shoots back.

“Boys.” Carole warns. “How about we try Dalton’s? The three of us sure could use something healthy.” She gestures to herself, Burt and Finn.

“And it is pretty much the only place in Lima that has food that Blaine and Blair can eat.” Kurt says, barely audible.

“What? Are you two vegans or something?” Burt asks.

“Vegans?” Blaine furrows his triangular eyebrows. What are vegans?

“We live off of nature.” Blair begins to explain. “We rarely eat meat. Only in the winter when that is pretty much the only thing we can find.”

“Live off nature?” Finn looks really confused. “Why not just go to the store?”

“They are not used to our “normal” food. They eat mostly fruits and vegetables.” Kurt says and brushes his fingers against the back of Blaine’s hand.

“Oh, well then we will definitely go to Dalton’s. And you two could tell us more about your…”

“- people’s ways.” Burt finishes Carole’s sentence.

Kurt and Blaine get in Kurt’s car and the other 4 get in Burt’s truck. Kurt drives ahead of his father, to show the way to the restaurant.

“I think my dad is starting to like you.” Kurt says and glances at Blaine briefly before returning his eyes to the road.

“I’m glad. I like him too. And he thinks I’m good at bowling.” Blaine smiles shyly at the dashboard.

“You are good. You could probably become a professional. Anyway… It’s good that he likes you.”

“Yeah…” Blaine says airily. Wait…  “Any special reason?”

“If we become boyfriends, it’s good.”

“Are we?”

“Let’s not talk about that right now.” Kurt says and parks outside Dalton’s.

They get seated at a long table in the back of the restaurant, sitting three people on each side. Kurt is sitting squeezed in by the wall, Blaine next to him. Blair is sitting next to Blaine, with Finn across from her. Carole is across from Blaine and Burt is across from Kurt.

“So, Kurt… What here is edible?” Burt asks and frowns at his menu.

“I think you would enjoy the Greek salad, it has some feta cheese in it.” Kurt says, eyeing his own menu.

“Don’t they have cheeseburgers?” Finn asks, turning his menu over to check on the back.

“Nope.” Kurt says simply.

A while later when they have all gotten their food, Burt changes the conversation from pleasantries to finding out more about Blaine and Blair. “So, when do we get to meet your parents?”

“Dad…” Kurt whispers.

“I’m afraid you won’t, sir. They died recently.” Blaine answers, pushing a cashew-nut around on his plate with his chopsticks.

“I’m so sorry, Blaine. I forgot to tell them.” Kurt says, putting his hand on Blaine’s briefly before realizing what he is doing. Public place…

“Oh, I’m sorry.” Burt says, scratches the back of his neck and then stares into his Greek salad.

“How recently, if I may ask?” Carole asks and puts her fork down into her chicken salad.

“About three months ago.” Blair answers and takes a bite of her huge mixed salad. “They drowned.”

“I’m so sorry.”

“That blows, man. We all have dead parents.” Finn says and takes a bite of his veggie-burger, which was the closest thing to a regular one that he could find on the menu.

“You have dead parents too?” Blair asks.

“My dad died in war and Kurt’s mom died when he was a kid. Then mom and Burt found each other.”

“I’m so sorry about your loss, all of you. Well, it’s good you two found each other at least.” Blair smiles at Burt and Carole.

“Well, we didn’t really “find” each other. Kurt introduced us.” Burt smiles at his son.

Kurt smiles back.

“So… How is it to be from a tribe?” Carole asks, changing the subject.

“It’s nice. As I said, we live off of nature. We live in a house not far from here.” Blair explains.

“So you work and Blaine goes to school?” Burt glances at Blaine briefly.

Crap! How are we going to explain this?!

“No. Since I am 18 I inherited our parents’ house and enough money to live on for a while. Blaine stopped going to school when our parents died. Or, he had summer break and decided not to go back in the fall. He won’t need a job for a very long time either.”

“So you two are rich?” Finn asks, eyes wide.

“People seem think so. I pay our bills for the house and we almost never buy anything else. We find what we need in the forest.”

Burt and Carole share puzzled looks. Finn seems satisfied with Blair’s words and finishes his burger. Kurt has finished his food so he adjusts on the bench so he is sitting sideways, looking at Blaine. I don’t think he believes her… I don’t know if I should believe that. He said he doesn’t have any money…

“Oh, well that’s good.” Carole says and puts her fork down on her empty plate.

“So, why are you using those stick-things?” Finn asks and gestures to Blair’s hand with his fork.

“They are called chopsticks, Finn.” Kurt remarks.

“We used to mostly eat with our hands before we moved to Lima, away from the tribe. But now we use chopsticks more.”

Finn nods. “Hey! Wait. What are you guys’ last name? You haven’t told us that.”

Last name? We are screwed!

“Anderson.” Blair says. “Our parents had some trouble with our old one so they changed it a few years ago.” Wow, she is a fast thinker. And a good liar.

Kurt’s family nods. Carole looks at Kurt, who has his hands on the table. “Kurt? What is that on your left hand?”

Everyone at the table looks at it and Kurt hurries to move his hands between his knees. “Oh, that!” he says and rolls his eyes. “Mercedes doodled on my hand in class today.”

“And you let her? You’re so picky about your skin…” Burt raises an eyebrow at his son.

“No. That’s why it’s just a single line. I stopped her before she had time to damage my skin any further.”

That’s THE line, Kurt. Though you have no idea yet.

The conversation returns to more casual topics as they finish their dinner and leave the restaurant.

Kurt drives a few cars behind his father on the way back, so he and Blaine can have some time to talk. “Blaine. We should talk.”

Oh dear heavens, no! “Okay. About what?”

“Us.”

“Us?”

“Yeah. If we are… If we should…” Blaine has a hard time reading Kurt’s face while he is driving.

“Maybe you should park the car?” Blaine suggests and Kurt exhales a big breath.

 “Yeah.”

They drive in silence for a few minutes before Kurt can park the car on the side of the road, next to a row of identical houses.

“So. What about us?” Blaine says and smiles at Kurt as he turns toward him.

“Are we… Should we-” Kurt says and looks out the window.

“Kurt. Look at me.” Blaine says, and Kurt does. “Kurt, will you please be my boyfriend?” Please please please please please! I have never wanted anything more in my life!

Oh my god! Is this really happening?

“Yes. I will. I would lo- love to.” Kurt stammers.

“Thank you. Is that what you meant, though?”

“Yes. I just… Didn’t know how to say it.” Kurt says and then whispers “Sometimes I still have trouble believing you’re real.” Kurt’s eyes are wet and it makes Blaine’s chest ache.

“I promise you I am real. I am in love with you and I really like spending time with you.” Blaine takes Kurt’s face in his hands. “Don’t cry. All I want is for you to be happy.”

“These are happy tears.” Kurt sniffles. “Are you really in love with me?”

“Yes. I know we haven’t known each other for long but I have never met a more amazing person. You make me laugh and smile all the time, even when you do nothing.”

“I’m in love with you too.” Kurt says.

Blaine smiles wide. Wait, what is that tickling on my cheeks? Blaine wipes at Kurt’s tears with his thumbs and then Kurt raises his own hands and does the same thing to Blaine.

“You’re crying too.” Kurt says and smiles.

“That is odd.”

“Why? Don’t tell me you’ve never cried?”

“I have, when my parents died. Because I was sad. I’m not sad now.”

“So you’ve never cried because you were happy?”

“I guess I haven’t ever been this happy.” Blaine smiles.

They are quiet for a moment and then Kurt chuckles. “You dork!” Kurt swats at Blaine’s arm playfully.

Blaine chuckles too. “I think we should get back to your house, your family is probab-“

Kurt crashes his lips onto Blaine’s and Blains shuts his eyes. I have a boyfriend… I have a boyfriend! Kurt leans back and smiles. “Let’s go.”

He starts the car and takes Blaine’s hand over the weird things between their seats.

When they arrive the other four are standing outside talking. The two boys get out of the car and walk slowly up to the others.

“What took you so long?” Burt asks as they approach.

“Dad, Carole, Finn. I have someone to introduce you to.” Kurt says, holding Blaine’s hand again.

“What? Did you pick someone up on the way? Are they still in your car?” Finn asks and looks at Kurt’s car.

“No. Everyone, I’d like to introduce you to Blaine, my boyfriend.” Kurt smiles, his teeth showing slightly.

“Oh, honey! We’re so happy for you!” Carole says and hugs the boys.

“Wait… Weren’t you already boyfriends?” Finn asks, looking back at them. “You ma-“

“Finn.” Kurt says, lips making a thin line. We did make out, but it didn’t make us boyfriends.

“OH BLAINE!” Blair squeaks and throws herself at her brother.

“Thank you Blair, but you are suffocating me.” Blaine pants.

Blair lets him go and thereafter hugs Kurt, a bit gentler. “Blaine, we have to go now.” she says and turns to Kurt’s family. “I had really fun this afternoon. I hope to see you soon.”

“We had really fun too. See you soon, dear.” Carole says and links her arm through Burt’s, turning and walking into the house.

“I had a fun time too.” Finn says and drags his foot over the gravel.

“It was nice to meet you Finn.” Blair says and hugs him too, which makes him blush. That looks funny, he is so tall and she is so short! “I’ll let you say goodbye to your boyfriend, Blaine. See you at home.”

Blair turns on her heel and starts walking down the street. “Bye Kurt!” she calls back over her shoulder.

“Bye Blaine. Kurt, I’m real happy for ya dude. See ya inside.” Finn walks into the house.

“That went well.” Kurt says and steps in front of Blaine.

“It did.” Blaine puts his hands on Kurt’s hips and pulls him closer. “Kurt?”

“Yes, Blaine.”

“I want to go to school with you.”

Kurt looks surprised.

“Not actually go to school, like study. Just, see what it is like for you.”

“You can’t be in my classes, but you could come with me to glee club tomorrow?”

“Sure, that’s the singing thing, right? I’ll be here in the morning and go with you and Finn.”

“Yeah. But glee isn’t until the end of the day. What will you do until then?”

“I will figure something out.” Blaine smiles and kisses the tip of Kurt’s nose. “What time?”

“Seven thirty.” Kurt says breathlessly.

“See you then. Bye.” Blaine says and kisses Kurt’s lips this time, before letting him go and walking down the street, waving to him.

“Bye Blaine.” Kurt says and waves back, then goes into the house.

Blaine knocks on the door of Sean’s house. He knows it’s late but he needs to ask Sean something. Sean’s human father answers the door.

“Hello, sir. I’m sorry I am here so late, but I need to talk to Sean.”

“It’s okay, Blourin. Come in. Selorean is in his room.”

Blaine walks up the stairs to find Sean at his computer. “Hi Sean.”

“Wait a minute Blaine. I’m killing zombies!” Sean replies. “DAMNIT! I DIED!”

“What?!”

“Oh, nothing. It’s a human game. To what do I owe the pleasure of your presence?” Sean says and turns in his chair to look at Blaine.

“I need to ask you something.”

“Shoot.”

“What?”

“Go on, ask.”

“Oh. Well… Do you have a piano that I can borrow?”

“A piano?” Sean crosses his arms over his chest. “I don’t. And even if I did, a piano isn’t something you can just carry out the door and borrow.”

“Why? They aren’t that heavy.”

“No, not for us. But it’s hard to angle one out doors and such.” Sean gets out of the chair and walks over to a door that has a bunch of shelves behind it. “I do have this though.” Sean looks around behind the door and after a minute he pulls out what looks like a small, flat piano.

“What is that?”

“It’s a keyboard. It’s pretty much a portable piano.” Sean replies and gives it to Blaine. “You can borrow it.”

“Oh. Thank you, Sean.” Blaine pushes one of the white keys but nothing happens. “I think it is broken.”

“No. You have to turn this thing to “on” before you play. And then back to “off” when you are done playing.” Sean says and flicks a small plastic thing on the side of the keyboard. “What do you need it for, anyway?”

“I want to learn how to play “River Flows In You” tonight so I can play it for my boyfriend tomorrow.” Blaine pushes the same key again and the keyboard emits a sound.

“Boyfriend, huh? I’m assuming that’s Kairik?” Sean smirks.

“Yes. We became boyfriends today. And I am going with him to glee club tomorrow and I thought maybe I could play it for him then.”

“That’s cute. Also, you have to write that down on your calendar!”

“Write what down?”

“The day you and Kairik became boyfriends. Humans celebrate anniversaries. Which are pretty much your relationship’s birthday.”

“Oh. I’ll do that when I get home, then. I have to go now, though. So I have time to learn how to play it.” Blaine puts the plastic thing back to “off”.

“Yeah. Good luck! Bye Blaine.”