Chapter 5: The Brother and the Plan

When Blaine got home, he put down his things and took a deep breath, bracing himself.

Blaine knew that Cooper would have a lot of fun with this. He also realized how easily Coop could embarrass him. He also knew that he had no alternative. 

"COOP?"

"IN THE OFFICE, LITTLE BROTHER!"

The office wasn't really an office. It was the closest thing they had to an office, but it wasn't one. It was a simple room with a whiteboard (sometimes it helped Blaine to work things out, and Cooper liked to doodle on it or use it to outline plans for elaborate pranks), a desk, chairs, bookshelves, and cabinets where they kept paperwork-type things. It was the only "serious" room in the house. Blaine put down his things, took off his shoes, sweater, and bow tie, and headed to the office. Cooper's back was facing him, but soon as he stepped into the room, Coop swiveled the chair around and made a somewhat ridiculous face.

"I've been expecting you."

Blaine gave Cooper a look, one that clearly said Seriously? Now is not the time for your shenanigans. Cooper maintained his position until the corner of his lips quirked up into a smile and he chuckled.

"I've always wanted to do that!" Another look from Blaine. "Okay, okay. Lighten up. What do you want?"

"I need your help," mumbled Blaine.

At that, a grin resembling that of the Cheshire cat spread across Cooper's face. "I'm sorry, I didn't quite hear that. What did you say?"

"I need your help."

"I'm sorry, could you speak up a bit?"

"I NEED YOUR HELP!"

"Hush, now, calm down. No need to shout." Blaine glared. Cooper chuckled. "Fine, fine. What can I help you with?"

"I met this guy and—"

"Handsome as I am, I don't know how to attract guys."

"That isn't my issue."

"Oh?"

"Well, I asked him out and—oomph!"

Cooper had launched from his swivel chair and tackled Blaine in a tight bear hug. His face was aglow with joy, curiosity, and mischief, his eyes bright and his smile wide. 

"Huzzah! My baby brother is going on his very first date!"

"I'm not a ba—" Cooper's  hand clamped over Blaine's mouth.

"Hush, let's not ruin the moment! Sooooooo....this guy has a name. What is it?"

"Kurt."

"I like it! And what is this Kurt like?"

"Perfect," Blaine said with a far-off, happily dazed look.

"Oh, wow, you've got it bad, huh?" Cooper said as he poked Blaine playfully in the ribs.

"Hey!" Blaine exclaimed as he retaliated with a smack to Cooper's arm. They both laughed a bit until Blaine spoke.

"So, let's get down to business—"

"TO DEFEAT...THE HUUUUNNNNS!"

"Coop, I'm serious! I need your help, here!" he said sternly, his grin betraying him.

"So, you got the date. What do you need my help for?"

"The date."

"I'm gonna need you to be a bit more specific than that. Please elaborate."

"Well, I need to...you know...plan it."

At this, Cooper pushed Blaine into the swivel chair and raced to the whiteboard, whisking up a marker and scrawling "Mission: Blainey's First Date" at the top before turning dramatically to face his brother.

"Then plan it we shall! Any plans so far?"

"I'm picking him up at his house on Friday at seven and we're going to the Milano Café."

Cooper finished writing the main points on the board. 

"Good, good. Excellent choice. Now...hmmm...let's see..."

Blaine squirmed nervously in his seat. This was Cooper's goal, really. He didn't actually need time to think, he just liked making Blaine squirm. He already had a plan. When he'd had enough, he rapidly mapped it out on the board before him. Once he had completed his masterpiece, he turned from the board with a flourish wearing a sly smile.

"So! This is the plan."