Remind Me to Forget

Chapter 10

Kurt looks up from his computer when he hears the door to the loft open, winces when he hears the shouting seconds later. The shouting was a continuation of small arguments that had occurred over the weekend; not even the holiday had given Kurt a reprieve. Sighing, Kurt pushes back his chair and briefly closes his eyes before he leaves his room.

“– and boss me around?” Kurt enters the living area and finds Santana walking after Rachel, following her around the kitchen.

“I'm not bossing you, Santana! I'm the lead in a Broadway musical! I can't tell them I can't make a rehearsal because I tripped trying to carry groceries up the stairs!”

Kurt stops by the sofa, wary to interfere, but close enough to speak up if needed. Still, when Santana turns to face him with a glare and a look of exasperation, he briefly wishes he'd stayed at his desk.

“Do you hear her?” Santana spins back to face Rachel. “Seriously? We're not the help, Berry; you can carry some groceries up the stairs. Or,” Santana smirks but keeps her glare, “Should I be calling your director? Someone clumsy enough to trip while carrying a bag of food really shouldn't be attempting to dance on stage.”

Rachel lets out a screech of annoyance and stomps forward as Kurt winces.

“You need to grow up, Santana! I got the lead in a Broadway musical, and you just can't accept that I'm better than you. That I'm succeeding in New York while you've got one commercial to your name. Maybe you'll get someone some day, but for now I'm the whose name is on lights, and I thought that as a roommate you'd be more supportive. But you just can't see past your jealousy, can you?”

Kurt makes an abortive movement toward where Rachel and Santana are standing, but Santana's already closed the space, snapping at Rachel. “We're back to this? God, Berry, how many times do I have to say it?! So you got your dream role – newsflash, it's not mine! I never wanted it, so for the last time, Rachel Berry, I am not jealous of you! If I'd wanted to be in Funny Girl I would've auditioned, and you can bet I would've gotten whatever role I wanted! What you need to get through your head is that getting your dream role doesn't make you queen of the universe! Stop bossing us around; you're not any better than us,” Santana gestures toward Kurt and Kurt mentally curses himself for leaving his room, “so you can stop the diva act, and carry the groceries and remember that most people sleep at five in the morning!”

“I have to practice! I'm sorry if my singing interferes with your sleep schedule.” Rachel's voice drips with derision, and Kurt takes a breath, preparing to interrupt.

“Look, why don't we just take a break –”

“Are you intentionally ignoring what I'm saying?!” Santana snaps, cutting Kurt off mid-word. “You're not the pretty princess living with your two dads anymore. You're sharing a loft with two roommates and you need to stop, Rachel! You're going to be alone anyway, but the way you're acting? You're going to lose any friend you've ever had, too!”

“I'm not going to be alone!” Rachel steps back, away from Santana, shock and hurt evident as she turns to face Kurt. “Kurt, you want to be a Broadway star, maybe she'll listen if you, as my best gay, explain it?”

Kurt takes in Rachel's hopeful face and crosses his arms. “I'm not getting involved in this. I'm just –”

“Not taking sides?!” Rachel's screech interrupts Kurt – apparently he won't be able to finish a sentence today – and he takes a step forward as she continues. “I thought we were best friends, Kurt, but you're not on my side?” Rachel spins around, her face a mix of hurt and anger and she heads to her room.

After the echoes of the argument, the silence is unnerving.

“And people say I'm the bitch.”

“Santana…” Kurt sighs and heads for the kitchen. He needs coffee.

“What? I know she's your friend – I still don't know how that happened – but even you have to admit she's taking this too far.”

“I'm not getting involved, Santana. I'm Switzerland.” Kurt carefully measures out the coffee, makes sure it's evenly spread in the filter.

“So now you've decided to not have an opinion?”

After pressing the button to start the coffee maker Kurt turns to face Santana. “No. I'm not getting involved.”

“Hm.” Santana picks up a bag from where it lay sideways on the floor, and starts putting away pasta and bread. “I give it a week.” Moments later, Santana closes the cabinet with a tap and breezes past Kurt on her way toward her room. “You better talk to the diva, Hummel; I'm getting tired of staying nice.”

Kurt feels his shoulders drop as Santana leaves, and drops into a chair at the table, pulling out his phone.

Text message from Kurt:

I should just invest stock in cheesecake and always buy one when I go out

Text message from Blaine:

???

Text message from Kurt:

Roommates :(

Text message from Blaine:

I love you! <3

In spite of the residual tension in the air, Kurt smiles.

Text message from Blaine:

…should I be calling certain roommates? I can't have my fiancé getting upset

Text message from Kurt:

My knight in shining armor, right?

Text message from Blaine:

Always! ;)

-*-*-*-

“Alright guys. So you all know to help all of you get ready for our first performance in two weeks I decided to bring back a Glee tradition.” Blaine shares a glance with Sam, wary of the enthusiasm Mr. Schue's voice, wondering if Schue is going to change the lesson. “Well we've got our first duet today – Jake and Ryder!”

Blaine relaxes a bit in his chair; no changes, then. Sam had filled him in on the topic yesterday along with the fact that he was his partner. Although Blaine's first choice of duet partner is currently stunning the populace of New York, he's still looking forward to this week's performances – and he'd already talked about song ideas with Kurt's input.

“– can sing something tomorrow?” Blaine turns at Sam's question, feels his eyebrows draw together in confusion.

“What?”

“Zoning out again? I just said that we could go tomorrow.”

“Oh.” Blaine smiles. “Maybe not tomorrow…Friday?  I talked with Kurt; he had some ideas for us. I emailed you a couple videos.”

“You don't trust me to come up with something on my own?”

“What? No I just – Kurt –”

Sam laughs and leans forward. “I was just kidding! I figured you'd talk to Kurt anyway, but um…no musicals? They're fine for you and Kurt, but they're not really part of our style, you know?”

“Yeah.” Blaine pauses for a moment, and wonders what gave Sam the idea that they'd sing something from a musical anyway; there are literally thousands of songs in other genres, and Blaine (and Kurt) know a fair amount of them. “Let me know what you think of what I sent though – they're both easy enough for us to have done in two days.”

“We got this!”

Blaine smiles and then turns as the music starts for Jake and Ryder's song. He shakes his head slightly as he listens to the lyrics.

Text message from Blaine:

First duet! Jake and Ryder ;)

Text message from Kurt:

Of course there's more same sex duets after I've graduated…

Text message from Blaine:

Don't worry – you're always my first choice for a duet partner! <3

The song ends to applause and then murmurs as Jake and Ryder take their seats. Mr. Schue claps his hands in an effort to get everyone's attention. “Okay! Any other volunteers?” When no one moves Mr. Schue continues. “Alright – the rest of you remember you've got two more days. But, now why don't we head to the auditorium and get back to rehearsal for Nationals!”

“He's only smiling because he doesn't have to practice dancing.” Unique's quiet comment has Blaine huffing a laugh as he stands, then turning and offering her his arm.

“Probably, but the practice can't hurt – especially since we changed the first routine a little.”

“Oh, I knew that – I just wish he didn't look so joyful at our pain.”

“Mm.” Blaine agrees and awkwardly shrugs one shoulder: he's never understood Mr. Schue. “We have a goal, though, so if nothing else, just focus on that.”

“You really are a regular Prince Charming, aren't you?”

Blaine ducks his head to hide his blush as they enter the auditorium.

-*-*-*-

Blaine exits the auditorium with Sam, Jake, and Ryder, heading for the locker room showers. After dancing for the past hour they're all a bit sweaty (Blaine's secretly grateful for Kurt's knowledge; his bruise remained hidden underneath carefully applied makeup) and Blaine wants to clean off before heading to Mr. Hummel's shop.

“I'm going to be thinking about those moves in my sleep.” Jake's exasperated comment has Ryder laughing.

“Your life must be pretty boring if you're dreaming about dance moves.”

Jake shoots Ryder a glare and playfully punches him in the arm as they enter the locker room. “Not cool –”

“– like a girl! Whining all the time! Man up – this was just practice!” The jock's mocking yell cuts off Jake's comment, and Blaine jumps at the noise.

Sam and Jake laugh before Jake nods toward the group. “Surprised?”

“I guess they are kinda loud.” Blaine silently thanks Sam for his support, even though he had been laughing moments before.

“A bit.” Blaine shrugs and ducks his head. “I forgot other people would still be here.”

“Looks like we get to share the locker room; hopefully they'll all be too tired to start anything.”

Ryder's comment has Blaine tensing before he forcibly relaxes his shoulders. “Well, we won't be in here long.”

Blaine quickly grabs his bag and heads for the shower, glad when he's first in the room. He swiftly washes the sweat from his body – Kurt would surely critique him on his efficiency – and ducks out of the shower, grabbing his bag and an extra towel.

“Whoa dude – what happened to your back?”

Blaine tenses at Sam's comment but keeps his head down, turned away. “Oh!” Blaine laughs, forces himself to stay still. “Was practicing at home and misjudged a jump; hit a wall.” Blaine laughs again, hopes Sam doesn't hear the catch in his voice.

“I knew you were doing extra stuff! That's the only way you could've been so awesome at rehearsal!”

“You caught me.” Blaine steps away, closer to the stalls. “I've gotta fix my hair, though.”

“I'm gonna tell Kurt about your obsession with your hair! It's not normal, Blaine.” Sam's half shout carries even over the rush of water and conversations from the other guys in the room.

Quickly entering a stall, Blaine bites back his comment that Kurt loves that Blaine cares about his appearance, and sags in relief as he pulls the makeup and hand mirror out of his bag.

Ten minutes later Blaine exits McKinley High, hair still damp from his hurried shower. In his car moments later, he sighs and loosens his grip on the steering wheel before pulling out of the lot.

By the time Blaine pulls into the parking lot of Hummel Tire & Lube he's singing along to Pink and wondering if Burt will have him work on cars or keep him doing paperwork and miscellaneous tasks.

Text message from Blaine:

You're a genius!

Text message from Kurt:

I know…but remind me why, again?

Briefly, Blaine considers telling a white-lie. Kurt is a genius, and Blaine hesitates at reminding his fiancé of the bruise he's hiding. But… he had promised Kurt honesty.

Text message from Blaine:

Your recommended makeup survived dance rehearsal – I was worried I'd sweat it off!

Blaine exits the car and greets a few mechanics on his way to Burt's office before his phone chimes in a return text.

Text message from Kurt:

You shouldn't doubt my skills ;)

Text message from Kurt:

Although I'm sorry you still have to wear it

Blaine frowns at the message, debates his reply.

Text message from Blaine:

Not for much longer – it's fading ;)

Text message from Blaine:

And I *never* doubt your skills – you're my amazing, wonderful fiancé! <3

Satisfied, Blaine pockets his phone and knocks on Burt's office doorframe.

“Hey kid.” Burt greets as he steps away from his desk. “I was just finishing up some orders. You up for helpin' me replace a carburetor?” Burt gestures to a box on his desk. “Part just came in.”

“Sure.” Blaine steps back as Burt picks up the package and exits the office, following him to a minivan that has seen better days, given its dents.

“So,” Burt flashes Blaine a smile as he raises the hood. “How was school?”

Blaine ducks his head, warmed by the sincerity of the question. “Not too bad. No slushies, anyway.” Blaine pauses, thinking back to Ryder's comment and his own apprehension after hearing the jocks.

“Blaine? You still here?”

Blaine shakes his head at Burt's comment. “Sorry! Got lost in thought for a moment.” Blaine shrugs before continuing. “Jake and Ryder did their duet in Glee – I think Kurt's jealous that there's more segregated duets.”

Burt laughs. “I'm sure he is – he always liked singing with you the most.”

Blaine smiles. “He's a great duet partner. He's actually helping me think of songs for me and Sam. It's down to two, right now.”

“I'm sure you'll get it figured out.”

“Hm.” Blaine nods as he focuses on pulling the mailing tape off the box in his hands. “Sam's supposed to narrow it down tonight, so then we'll just have to practice tomorrow.”

“Make sure you sing some at the house.”

Blaine glances up in surprise at Burt's comment, lets the half box hang lax in his hands. “I'm sorry?”

“You heard me, Blaine. It's been too quiet – Sam's welcome to come over. It would be nice to hear some music again.”

“I'll text him after dinner.”

Burt takes a step closer. “Good plan. Now, you got that thing open?” At Blaine's nod he continues. “Alright then – let's get this finished so Carole isn't waiting on us for dinner.”

-*-*-*-

Kurt absently wipes down the counter while he waits for the order he just placed. The diner is moderately busy, enough customers seated at the tables that he, Dani, and Santana each have at least two, and he's sure Rachel won't be left out when she arrives in half an hour.

“Who orders toast for dinner? Seriously.”

Kurt startles at Dani's comment, dropping the rag so it piles in on itself. “What?”

“That's twice this week; I'm going to start keeping a tally of all the times I make you jump.”

“Not funny.” Kurt gives Dani an unimpressed look. “Anyway, you were saying?”

“That woman.” Dani gestures to the left. “She ordered toast. That's it. Just toast. Who does that?”

“Maybe she's sick?” Kurt picks up the rag and places it back under the counter.

“She didn't sound sick, and if she is, why is she out in public? But really – toast? You can make toast at home!” Dani sighs and slouches against the counter. “I'm not going to get any tip out of this.”

“At least you have an easy customer. Earlier a guy wanted a salad, but without half the ingredients that come on the salad, and two dressings on the side.”

Dani laughs and pats Kurt's shoulder. “Welcome to New York: home of people who have ridiculous orders because it makes them feel important.”

“Ha.” Kurt turns and begins straightening some salt and pepper shakers.

“What's up with you, anyway?”

“What?”

“You jumped again, Kurt. Something on your mind?” Dani pauses and then leans forward, catches Kurt's gaze. “Your fiancé's  okay, right? Nothing else –”

“No! No – he's fine.” Kurt quickly interrupts. “I just – he messaged me earlier…nothing bad, but it reminded me about what happened last week. It's not like I forgot, really, but I…” Kurt trails off, unsure of how to voice the rest.

“You focused on other things.” Dani's voice is soft, but confident.

“Yeah.” Kurt glances at his ring. “It's easier.”

“Mm.” Dani nods and then grabs the plate with two slices of toast that's been placed on the ledge. “Oh! Remind me when we catch another break – I was talking with Elliott and we ended up running through some AC/DC. It was awesome! Anyway, we can up with some modifications for doing it with the whole band and I brought the music to show you.”

Kurt gives a tense smile. “Great. I can't wait to see it.”

Dani smiles and then steps away. Moments later one of Kurt's customers catches his eye and he heads over, hoping the man just wants some extra dipping sauce or other inane item.

Minutes later, Kurt returns to the counter (having successfully gotten the man some honey mustard) and begins pulling out cups to preemptively make refills.

“If one more person asks me if I'm from Mexico I'm going to start cursing in Spanish.”

“I don't think that will help with the misconception.” Kurt grabs the full cup of Diet Coke and places it on a tray, moving to fill another with Sprite.

“Not the point, Hummel.” Santana leans against the counter and stretches her arms in front of her.

Kurt grabs the now filled glass before glancing out at the tables and grabbing one more, filling with the Coke. “I don't think I want to know what the point is.”

“Probably not.” Santana shrugs. “But I figure if they're gonna assume I'm not an American I might as well curse them in a language they don't understand.”

“And if they speak Spanish?” Kurt places the last cup on the tray and lifts it, turning to fully face Santana.

Santana smirks. “Then they'll fully appreciate my creativity.”

Kurt steps around Santana and pauses before heading for his tables. “They might, but I don't think Gunther would.” Kurt takes the time to appreciate the glare Santana gives him before he leaves.

An hour later, Kurt slouches against the window to the kitchen, tired but waiting for the three orders he placed minutes ago. With the diner so full Kurt can't take a break, so he settles for leaning; still, he pulls out his phone after ensuring no one is looking in his direction.

Text message from Kurt:

Apparently I missed the memo where everyone decided to eat out on Wednesdays

Text message from Blaine:

That busy?

Text message from Kurt:

I haven't had a break yet :(

Text message from Blaine:

Don't work too hard, Kurt – you need rest too!

Kurt smiles at Blaine's concern, even as he shakes his head in amusement.

Text message from Kurt:

I've only got 30 min left. Besides, it's a good tip night ;)

Text message from Blaine:

You should treat yourself, then. It would make your fiancé happy :)

Kurt laughs, glad Blaine has cheered up despite everything that's happened. He'd worried; even earlier, Kurt had read the forced levity in Blaine's messages. Now, though, it's obvious Blaine's evening has improved.

“Someone's happy.”

Kurt gives an aborted lurch and Rachel's comment, hastily shoving his phone in his pocket. “Do all of you practice sneaking up on me?”

Beside him, hands on her hips, Rachel smiles and shakes her head. “I know I don't. Maybe you're just easily scared.”

“Or maybe you need louder shoes.”

Rachel just raises her eyebrows. “Anyway – I'm guessing a certain someone sent a romantic note?”

Kurt's face briefly scrunches in confusion before he shakes his head with a smile. “Oh, not really. Blaine just said I should treat myself with the extra tips tonight.”

“He's certainly sweet.” Rachel turns slightly as Santana's laugh rings from by the register. “Unlike some people.”

“Rachel…”

“What, Kurt? You heard what she said! She needs to understand that as the lead in a Broadway production I can't –”

“Rachel, please.” Kurt interrupts the rant. “Just, not tonight, okay? I'm tired and not taking sides.”

“Oh. That's right.” Rachel's voice takes on a cutting edge. “I'd forgotten that my best friend decided to not support me.”

Rachel moves to step away but Kurt steps forward, catching her attention. “It doesn't mean I don't support you Rachel; I'm still planning our movie night. I just – I'm just not getting in between this thing with you and Santana.”

Rachel's eyes remain narrowed but she nods before walking away from the counter. Kurt closes his eyes for moment, remembers Blaine's text.

Text message from Kurt:

I think I'll do that :)

Text message from Kurt:

You have the best ideas – I love you! <3

Kurt pockets his phone and turns, sees the orders he placed sitting on the ledge. He steps back from the counter with a sigh, grabbing a tray.

Twenty more minutes.

-*-*-*-

Kurt enters his room and flops onto his bed, an ungraceful movement he'll forever deny. The shower helped ease the strain from his muscles, but he still feels heavy with exhaustion. He's grateful the diner's schedule allowed him to get home before Rachel or Santana's shifts ended; the silence is calming, easy without the thread of anticipation he feels whenever the girls are present – one will always snap.

Sitting up, Kurt leans over and picks up his phone from the bedside table. He smiles, unbidden, at his lock screen before entering the four numbers and hitting his speed dial.

“You're early.” Blaine's teasing voice is warm.

“I didn't think you'd mind.”

“Never.” A rustle and then Blaine's voice comes back through the line. “Sorry. Oh! I meant to tell you earlier but I forgot. Sam loved your idea! We're going to sing Friday, I think.”

“I have impeccable taste.” Kurt sighs and leans back against his pillows, holding his phone between his chin and shoulder as he straightens the mess of blankets. “You'll get someone to record it, right?”

“Of course. You deserve to see your idea in action.”

Kurt laughs and stretches out his legs. “I can't wait. But that's Friday; how was today?”

“Ordinary.” A pause, and when he next speaks Blaine's voice has taken a soft edge, a quiet hesitance that has Kurt's hand tightening on his phone. “Well, mostly. I've been jumpy lately, I guess. And Sam thinks I have an unhealthy obsession with my hair. After Glee I had to shower and um – afterwards I said I had to fix my hair and that's why I was hurrying…I needed to reapply the makeup.”

Kurt releases his lower lip from where he'd been biting it, anxious throughout Blaine's words. “I've been jumpy too; I think all the girls I know have unnaturally quiet shoes.” Kurt lets out a small breath before he continues. “I'm glad you told me, though. And don't worry about Sam; you've always been picky about your hair – it's one of the many things I love about you.”

“I love you, too.” Silence for a moment, and Kurt stares at his ring, bright in spite of the dim glow from his bedside lamp.

“But other than that, things were okay?”

“Mm.” A shift, and Kurt pictures Blaine turning, settling on his side. “Rehearsal went well, although that might be because we only focused on our first song.”

“Well, that one's the most complicated, right? It makes sense.”

“Yeah.” Blaine yawns before continuing. “Mr. Schue seemed extra happy though – I thought Kitty was going to snap at him.”

Kurt lets out a small laugh and turns as well, resting his head on his pillow. “Mr. Schue does that; he's annoyingly happy when you just want to be done. And don't think I didn't hear that yawn; I know you have to be tired after everything, and you haven't gotten much rest lately.” Kurt flashes back to the text he'd gotten in the middle of the night, the knowledge that Blaine's sleep wasn't peaceful. “We should sleep.”

“Mm. We will, but you have to tell me about your day first.”

“I have to?” Kurt smiles, knows Blaine can hear it.

“Mhm. It's only fair.”

“Well, I suppose since my fiancé asked…” Kurt lets the sentence trail off, listens for Blaine's answering chuckle before he continues. “There's not much to tell, really. Classes were classes, although Ms. July made another freshman cry again – you'd think they'd learn that it's not the best decision to question a former Broadway darling. Rachel and Santana are still snipping at each other –”

“You're not getting dragged in, right?”

“I'm completely neutral, even though I'd have half the stress if I chose a side. I can't though.” Kurt pauses. “I won't – it's not my fight.”

“That's right. And they need to sort it out for themselves anyway.”

“Hm. They do.” Kurt agrees. “So now you're all caught up on the life and times of Kurt Hummel.”

“Mm.” Blaine's mumble is barely audible through the phone.

“You still there, Blaine?”

“Mm. Yeah, sorry. It's just been a long day.”

Kurt frowns. “I thought you were fine.”

“Just a headache and some soreness. Carole gave me ice and Tylenol – I'm fine Kurt. Promise.”

“Right.” Kurt's skepticism is clear. “But now I've kept my end of the deal, so we should sleep, Blaine.”

“Sweet dreams. Love you.”

“I love you too. Sleep well, okay? Sweet dreams.”

Kurt pulls his phone away from his ear, watches as the screen darkens since Blaine ended the call. He hopes Blaine's dreams are pleasant; he deserves them to be. Still, Kurt knows he won't be surprised if his phone beeps at some odd hour.

Blaine's nightmares haunt them both.