Remind Me to Forget

Chapter 12

Kurt enters the café with a smile, taking in the rich scent of coffee mingled with the sweetness of sugar; done with classes for the day, he has a couple of hours before his shift at the diner and staying in the city makes more sense than returning to the loft. If staying away meant avoiding a certain Broadway starlet too, well, that was Kurt's prerogative.

He gets in line, eyeing the menu. He'd missed lunch earlier, using the time in-between classes to get some work done in the library. Smiling at the worker he orders a salad and then gets a mocha as well; the chocolate certainly will be appreciated. Minutes later he slides into a chair with a sigh, breathing in the steam from his cup. Pushing his bowl of salad to the side (within reach but not centered) he pulls his notebook from his bag, opening it to his notes; he has a test on Friday and medieval theatre isn't his favorite thing in the world. Sighing he takes out his phone.

Text message from Kurt:

[photo] Study time!

Text message from Blaine:

Complete with food and coffee! :)

Text message from Kurt:

Anything to make it bearable.

Text message from Blaine:

Good luck! I'm off to Glee – prep for our performance again ;)

Text message from Kurt:

Don't let Mr. Schue push you too hard!

Text message from Blaine:

I'll be sure to take breaks ;) Good luck studying!!

Kurt closes his messages with a slight shake of his head, switches to his music and puts in his headphones, done with procrastination. With a sigh he pulls his notecards and pencil case from his bag – time to focus.

Beeps interrupt the piano cover of You Found Me, and Kurt stretches his arms before hitting cancel on the alarm. Moments later the scattered mess of his study session is cleared from the table, packed in his bag, and he returns his now empty bowl and tray before getting one last iced mocha to go.

Kurt walks briskly, humming along to his music as he carefully avoids harried businessman and stressed students. The song changes, and Kurt smiles as the piano plays through his earbuds, even as the melody has him thinking of Elliott and Dani, of the band rehearsal they have in four hours. Two of his band members get together and create songs from AC/DC and other standard rock anthems; Kurt studies to striking piano covers of America's Top 40.

Kurt sips as his mocha as he waits at a crosswalk, wonders at the difference between his music choices and those of his bandmates. He appreciates music's diversity, rationally he knows that not all of his friends will choose the same favorite artists has him – Blaine's adoration of Katie Perry and disco certainly helped him come to terms with that fact – but for his genres to differ so greatly still has him worried. Kurt can perform a rock song, has done so more times than he can count, but Dani and Elliott are wonderful friends, especially in their support after he told them about Blaine. Still, a small part of Kurt still worries that one day they'll tire of “Pamela Lansbury” and choose to start their own rock band. Kurt shakes his head in an attempt to rid the thought as he walks, remembers Blaine's reassurances.

Arriving at the diner, Kurt enters and Dani waves hello with an honest smile; Kurt waves back before heading to the restroom to change, silently cursing his insecurities. Dani and Elliott have been nothing but kind; he needs to focus on that, not some irrational worry.

Minutes later Kurt's changed into his red and black uniform, bag and clothes carefully stored behind the counter.

“Can I give you the nitpicky guy?”

“What?” Kurt turns from the cash register at Dani's question, sees her leaning against the counter.

“Nitpicky guy,” Dani nods toward where a thirty-something balding man is seated by a window, “has some request every two minutes. I'll trade you: you take him and I'll cover two of your tables.”

Kurt laughs. “Not a chance, Dani. You need to work on your sales pitch – next time start with what you'll take, rather than describing the crazy customer.”

Dani pouts before shaking her head. “And that's why I get paid in tips and not commission.”

Kurt smiles before gesturing toward the dining area. “Looks like your favorite customer needs something.”

Dani turns and Kurt holds in his laugh when she sighs at the sight of the balding man looking back and forth, obviously trying to get her attention. She steps away from the counter with a roll of her eyes. “Laugh it up, Kurt. I'll just make sure the Thursday cast and crew are seated in your section.” She's gone before Kurt can think of a response and he leans back against the counter with a sigh. Thursdays always get hectic as it gets later in the day, stressed casts and crews coming in droves after the last rehearsals before weekend shows.

At least there's tips.

-*-*-*-

“We got this.” Sam smiles and claps Blaine on the shoulder, leaning in his seat. Blaine nods before turning his attention back to the front of the choir room where Mr. Schue is attempting to get everyone's attention.

“Okay. Guys – I have news for all you! I'm pleased to say that the Lima Hospital Volunteers have their yearly luncheon this weekend and asked me if Glee Club would provide entertainment. I told them yes and –”

Immediately the choir room is filled with murmurs before Jake's voice rises over the rest. “It's Friday, Mr. Schue. You want us to perform tomorrow?!”

Blaine watches as Mr. Schue shakes his head and runs his hand through his hair. “Guys. Guys! I know –” Mr. Schue pauses and looks around the room. “I know it's short notice – the luncheon is Sunday – but it's a paid performance, and getting to LA for Nationals is expensive. We need all the donations we can get.”

The sound dies down, and Blaine can see the logic in Mr. Schue's agreement, even if he's already dreading the rehearsals and extra practice that will be coming.

Text message from Blaine:

Surprise performance this weekend…

Text message from Blaine:

Jake looks ready to revolt

Text message from Kurt:

I'm sure you will perform wonderfully…even with the short notice :)

Blaine is in the process of replying when Sam nudges his shoulder and nods toward where Mr. Schue is continuing to speak.

“–after today's duets. So, Blaine and Sam – the floor is yours!”

Blaine quickly slips his phone into his pocket, standing at the same time as Sam. He smiles as they pass Mr. Schue on their way and to the front and stretches his arms before taking a seat at the piano, Sam standing to his left.

He begins to play and loses himself in the music, pushing away memories and tiredness and tension. From his peripheral vision he sees Sam step away, but he pays it little mind, focusing on the chords and progression of the music, both on the piano and in his vocals. Blaine and Sam finish to a round of clapping, and Blaine ducks his head as Sam claps him on the back.

“Told you we'd win.” Blaine shakes his head at Sam's comment and takes his seat as Mr. Schue returns to the front of the room.

“Alright – thank you Sam and Blaine for such a thought out piece! Now, let's give a round of applause for our last group Artie and Kitty! And Kitty, thank you for your willingness to put in the extra time for two performances this week.”

“I wasn't about to leave my guy without a duet partner.” Kitty glances toward Tina before she offers Mr. Schue a small smile and shrug in response, joining Artie in front of the piano.

Blaine leans back in his chair as the two perform, enjoying the song even as his mind wanders back to the morning after Mr. Schue's non-wedding. He absently shakes his head, focusing instead on the morning after Kurt accepted his proposal – the happiness that had surrounded them.

Kitty and Artie end the song with a flourish, and Blaine stands, clapping all the while. Moments later Mr. Schue again moves to the front of the room, and Blaine suppresses as sigh as the teacher informs them that they'll now go to the auditorium to rehearse for Saturday's performance.  Blaine quickly retrieves his phone from his pocket, intending to send a message to Mr. Hummel to say he'll be a bit late getting to the shop, but smiles when he sees two unread messages.

Text message from Kurt:

Don't let Mr. Schue work you too hard though – if he tries I'll have Dad give him a lecture ;)

Text message from Kurt:

Your duet was beautiful! :) I love you!

Text message from Blaine:

I'll be sure to take breaks if I need them! 

Text message from Blaine:

Thank you. Your spies are as competent as ever ;)

Blaine looks up from his phone (and only jumps a little) when he feels a tap on his shoulder and a whisper in his ear. “I know texts from your fiancé make you happy, but do you have to smile when we're getting ready to go rehearse for another hour?”

Blaine turns his head and meets Unique's unimpressed look with an unashamed smile. “Sorry,” Blaine whispers with a shrug, “he's just amazing.” When Unique's expression doesn't change Blaine quickly continues. “I'm not looking forward to the rehearsal though,” Blaine grimaces even as he sees everyone else starting to stand. He quickly shoves his phone in his bag and gathers his items. “Shall we?”

Unique stands and takes Blaine's proffered arm, following him until they reach the hallway, where they separate to head for the locker rooms.

“Once more unto the breach.” Unique murmurs and Blaine smiles before he turns away.

-*-*-*-

Blaine smiles in relief when Mr. Schue calls an end to rehearsal, thanking everyone for all of their effort. He takes a moment to catch his breath, ignoring the slight stitch in his side and Mr. Schue's continued words. He stretches, relaxing his muscles and turning when Unique steps beside him.

“Those hospital volunteers better appreciate this.”

Blaine laughs and shakes his head. “I'm sure they will. They're getting live music, if nothing else.”

“After dancing and singing in heels I'm worth more than a ‘nothing else' – they're getting a performance and they better be appreciative.”

“I'm sure they will be.” Blaine smiles as Unique shakes her head before walking away with an eye roll. Moments later Marley takes his arm as Mr. Schue dismisses them for the day.

“Sorry,” Marley flashes Blaine a small smile. “Jake's still mad about the extra practice and so he's giving Ryder a hard time.” Marley shakes her head. “I figured I'd escape with Glee's gentleman before I get dragged in. Besides,” Marley adds with a grin, “We haven't had the chance to talk in a while.” They exit the auditorium, entering the hallway and, unfortunately, joining a crowd of uniformed jocks on their way to the locker room.

Blaine stumbles.

“You okay?” Marley's voice stays open, curious with a hint of humor, but a hint of worry underlies the words.

“Just tired, I think.” Blaine tilts his head back toward the group. “I mean, I wasn't expecting them to be so loud, but I'm fine.”

Marley gives Blaine a small smile before nodding toward the group. “No shower for you today?”

“No,” Blaine shakes his head, remembers Burt's raised eyebrows the day before. “I'm heading to Mr. Hummel's shop, so I'd just get dirty again.”

“Endearing yourself to your future in-laws?” Marley smiles.

“What? No.” Blaine shrugs. “Just helping out…Mr. Hummel's shop is busy since the weather changed.”

Marley raises her brows, shooting Blaine an overly dramatic look. “Right.” Marley's next words are softened, a contrast to the theatrics from before. “It's just…Are you sure you're okay? Your duet was amazing, but you usually pick things a bit more upbeat,” she shoots him a questioning look, “and it seems like you're living at the garage.”

Blaine hides a wince at Marley's phrasing, ducking his head. “It's been a long week, and now we have that performance Sunday…” Blaine trails off before managing to gather his thoughts, “Only Mr. Schue would schedule a paid performance with forty-eight hours notice.”

Marley laughs. “It's a good thing we've been practicing.”

Blaine joins in her laughter as they head down the hallway. “Yeah.” Blaine shakes his head. “Two days.”

“Cheer up.” Marley leans her head on Blaine's shoulder. “It's not like we're not prepared…and Glee has performed with less rehearsal.”

“Don't remind me, please. Anyway,” Blaine stops in the middle of the hallway, pulls Marley in for a quick, light hug. “I've got to get to the shop and I believe you were off to shower. Ill see you tomorrow at practice, okay?”

Marley shoots him a concerned look but nods regardless before turning away to head for the girls' locker room. Blaine takes a moment to gather his thoughts before he releases a sigh and heads down the hall, exiting the school.

Text message from Blaine:

Done! :) Headed to the garage

Text message from Kurt:

Congrats on surviving impromptu rehearsal ;)

Text message from Kurt:

And Dad will be happy to see you – apparently everyone came in for an oil change

Text message from Blaine:

Good to know! ;)

Text message from Kurt:

I thought you'd appreciate the heads up

Text message from Blaine:

Of course – It's a perk, having an attentive fiancé <3

Text message from Kurt:

It is…You're still a dork, though

Text message from Kurt:

<3

Blaine huffs a laugh and shakes his head as he puts his keys in the ignition; Kurt really is the best.

-*-*-*-

“So Rachel really quit the band?” Dani's question has Kurt turning from where he's pouring glasses of water in the kitchen.

“I…” Kurt pauses, starts again. “Maybe. I don't know, actually. She hasn't mentioned it, but obviously,” Kurt gestures to the rest of the loft, “she's not here for practice.”

“Well,” Dani takes two of the glasses from the counter and Kurt takes the other two before following her back to the living area. “As talented as she is, it's not like we're lost without her.”

“Damn right.” Santana smiles and takes a glass from Dani.

Kurt rolls his eyes as he takes a seat next to Santana on the sofa, only to get up moments later when there's a knock at the door.

“Sorry I'm late,” Elliott says in a rush after Kurt's rolled open the door. “I got off work a few minutes late, so I hit the rush on the subway.”

“No problem,” Kurt replies as they head to join Santana and Dani. “It's not like we're set on a schedule.”

“Elliott!” Dani shouts as they get closer, quickly standing and pulling Elliott in to a hug. “You ready for this?”

“Would I be here if I wasn't?” Elliott smirks. “I was thinking we could start with I Love Rock and Roll to set the tone.”

“If we weren't both gay I'd ask you to be my boyfriend.”

Elliott laughs as they all move to the open space of the room, Elliott and Dani grabbing their guitars from where they'd left them by the piano.

Kurt stands next to Santana as Dani and Elliott run through a few chords, warming up before playing increasingly fast runs, ending in Dani throwing her hands up and stomping the floor even as she shouts “showoff” mixed with laughter.

Shaking his head even as he laughs, Kurt pointedly ignores Santana's suggestive comment to Dani before he calms down and does a few upper body stretches, relaxing his muscles.

“Ready?” Kurt nods at Elliott's question before he takes a breath and straightens his posture. Elliott and Dani play the opening chords and Kurt shares a look with Santana before they both step forward and start to sing.

Kurt turns as Santana spins with a triumphant shout, even as exhaustion slows his steps and has him stumbling when Elliott claps him on the shoulder. “That,” Santana continues as she heads for the table where their glasses of water rest, sweating on their coasters, “is how it's done, my lady and fellow gays. Broadway bitch divas need not apply.”

Kurt shakes his head in response, forces himself not to wince at the mention of Rachel even as he realizes the truth of Santana's statement. He takes his glass of water, glad for the cool liquid after the demanding but enjoyable rehearsal.

“I wasn't sure of that bridge when you suggested it the other day,” Elliott comments with a nod to Dani, “but you were right; it was perfect for our cover.”

Dani beams in response as Kurt carefully sets his now half-empty glass back on its coaster.

“It was a good addition,” Kurt adds, keeping his voice even. “How did you think of it? I mean, it was awesome, but obviously it had to take a lot of practice to sound that good today.”

“Oh my God, yes,” Dani says with a sigh as she leans back against Santana. “I argued about it with him,” Dani half-heartedly points to Elliott, “for at least an hour before I left, and I've practiced like two hours a day since.” She smiles, and Kurt is reminded of Santana's grins right before she would deliver a parting shot.

Dani doesn't disappoint.

“It was worth it though. He might have won that warm-up earlier but I smoked him in the end.”

“You are very good with your hands.” Santana adds with a smirk that has Kurt ducking his head in exasperation as he feels his cheeks flush.

“I did not need to know that, Santana.”

“What,” Santana challenges when Kurt looks up meets her gaze, “it's not like you and the hobbit are monks.”

“So!” Kurt turns to face Elliott and ignores his smirk. “I think if we mix the rock with some of the more modern pieces we practiced last week we'll have enough of a mix for our next performance.”

“We will.” Elliott's raised brows show his amusement at the change in conversation, even if his comments focus on the music. “We need to rehearse a bit more though, since last week we had Rachel. We can handle it with the four of us,” Elliott hurries to explain, “we covered that earlier. But the music will change with four voices instead of five. So…maybe at least two rehearsals next week? And one last run through tonight?”

Behind him, Kurt hears Santana huff and Dani laugh before they both agree in somewhat tired voices.

“We don't have our schedules for next week yet,” Kurt adds. “But we'll find out tomorrow, so we can figure out rehearsal times then. And we can do another run through today, but just as a warning I'm ordering pizza first.”

“I figured we'd order something,” Elliott replies, “but we're getting cheese sticks too; I'm starving.”

Kurt's about to reply when his phone vibrates from its place on the table.

Text message from Blaine:

You were amazing!!! 

Text message from Blaine:

Don't forget about your fiancé when you're a famous performer, please ;-)

“The hobbit making inappropriate comments about you yet?”

 “Santana!” Kurt fights his smile as he turns. “I – you recorded our practice?”

“Yes.” Santana's voice stays dry as she shrugs. “I figured with how boring you two are he'd appreciate the view. Besides,” She nods and Kurt follows her gaze, spies her previously unnoticed phone sitting on a music stand, “this way I can judge your dancing.”

Kurt sends her a half-hearted glare before he picks up his phone without comment.

Text message from Kurt:

Flatterer

Text message from Kurt:

I could never forget you <3

“So are you ordering the pizza?”

Kurt startles at Dani's question as he finishing typing out his response to Blaine.

“I'll do it,” Santana cuts in before Kurt can form a reply. “He's talking to lover boy; we'd all starve before the order was placed.”

Kurt frowns as Dani and Santana stand, holding hands as they head for the music stand with Santana's phone.

“He okay?”

At Elliott's question Kurt turns. “What?”

“Blaine.” Elliott gestures to the phone still in Kurt's hand. “He okay? I know he's dealing with a lot. And…he's still with your parents, right?”

“Oh.” Kurt feels his hand tighten on the phone. “Yeah – I mean, yes. He's fine. As much as he can be, anyway. He doesn't talk about it much,” Kurt remembers Blaine's hesitance at Skyping the other night, how he quickly changes the topic after his parents are mentioned, the self-deprecation in the texts after a nightmare. “But he's dealing with it. No one at school knows,” Kurt adds, “I'm not sure if that's helpful or not. I mean, I'm worried that he'll try to hold it in – push it all aside and pretend that he's fine. But sometimes that helps him – he doesn't focus on it if there's no one to bring it up so he concentrates on other things.” Kurt lets out a breath. “He's talked about it some with Dad though. And with me, although I know he keeps some to himself – he's afraid I'll worry too much.”

Kurt gives Elliott a humorless smile. “Sorry; that was probably more than you wanted to know.”

“No.” Elliott's reply is quick, certain. “I'm glad you told me. He is talking about it though, right? Even if it is just a little? It's a lot to deal with, and no matter how much someone says they're ‘fine' – something that big needs to be discussed.”

Kurt's eyes tighten in confusion at the strength of Elliott's words, at odds with the soft spoken tone. “You sound like you're speaking from experience.”

Elliott's mouth quirks in the shadow of a smile. “I had a friend.”

The weight of Elliott's words registers (the soft spoken words, the resilient tone, the lack of a smile) and Kurt takes an unconscious step back in response.

Elliott had a friend.

“I'm so sorry.” Kurt's words are punched out of him, tripping on his tongue in his haste to get them out. “I can't –”

“It was years ago.” Elliott comments with a slight shrug. “We were both kids. I just didn't know until it was too late.”

“Blaine wouldn't –” Kurt cuts himself off, doesn't – can't – finish the thought. “He's talking about it. And,” Kurt meets Elliott's gaze, “we've already talked about him maybe finding a doctor. It wasn't because of – well, it was because of something else, but it's been discussed. He knows – he knows he has help, and Dad and Carole are there too.”

“He –”

“You each owe me eight bucks.” Santana comments as she stops beside Kurt, interrupting Elliott's reply before she takes in Kurt's concerned and Elliott's confused expressions. “What'd we miss?”   

“Nothing.” Elliott smoothly replies. “Just getting caught up on the lovebird's life.”

“Right.” Santana's tone conveys her disbelief, but she doesn't call him on it. “You guys got cash?”

“You don't mind getting paid in ones, right?” Elliott's teasing voice causes Kurt to laugh, quickly ducking his head when Santana shoots him a half-hearted glare.

“Whatever.” Santana shrugs before taking the bills from Elliott's hand. “It's still money.” Santana turns back to face Kurt, seemingly impatient. “Well?”

“We're roommates, Santana. I'll pay later.”

“You better.”

Kurt sighs before walking back to the sofa, grabbing the remote off the end table as he goes. Dani joins him a moment later, falling in to step beside him before throwing herself on the sofa.

“Don't judge me; your furniture is comfy. So, what are we watching?”

Kurt gives her a small smile before turning on the TV. “I don't know yet. Any preference?”

“Anything but Facts of Life.” Seeing Kurt's questioning glace she continues. “I've watched it with Santana every day this week. I need a change.”

Kurt laughs and hands over the remote. “Just don't pick anything scary. And if there's nothing on there's always Netflix.”

Santana and Elliott join moments later, the former sliding in beside Dani while Elliott sprawls out in the chair. Kurt lets their voices drift over him as he relaxes into the cushions, tired but content.

Text message from Kurt:

[photo] The empty space beside me is your spot – wish you were here <3

-*-*-*-

“Think they're down, Steve. Damn homos couldn't even put up some fight to make it fun.” A shoe moves, there's a pop as his arm is forced away from his body. “Yeah, they're down alright, Mitch. Whaddaya say, Blake, think they've had enough?”

Darkness closes in, the laughter fading. A squeal and flashes of color; green and white. Brief echoes of laughter before silence returns.

“Get out.”

He turns, ready to run, but someone is holding him back –

Blaine jolts up, sees Mr. Hummel standing above him, arm outstretched. Blaine flinches.

“Whoa, kid. I just came to get you; Carole says dinner's finally done.”

“Sorry.” Blaine feels his cheeks flush and ducks his head. “Sorry, Mr. Hummel.” Blaine forces a small laugh. “You just startled me. Bad dream.”

Blaine pushes back the blankets, runs a nervous hand through hair that's still damp from the shower he took after getting back from Burt's shop.

“Yeah. I gathered that.” Burt pauses. “You want to tell me about it?”

“Oh.” Blaine studies Kurt's comforter, gathering his thoughts. “Not…not right now? You said dinner's ready? I don't want to keep Mrs. Hudson-Hummel waiting; she seemed excited about this recipe.”

Burt nods, but stays focused on Blaine. “She is.” Burt takes a step back as Blaine pushes the comforter all the way down and stands from the bed. “And don't worry; if it's too bad there's leftovers in the fridge.” Burt exaggerates a wink and Blaine smiles.

“I'm sure it will be good.”

“Blaine.” Burt's call has Blaine halting in front of the doorway.

“Yeah?”

“If you still want to talk later…I've got no plans, okay?”

A lump forms in Blaine's throat and he pushes back the tears that gather in his eyes. “I – Yeah. Thank you, Mr. Hummel.”

Burt nods and claps Blaine on the shoulder as they leave the room.

“Anytime. And I was serious about the leftovers, too.”

The leftovers remain in the fridge; Carole's new meal certainly worth the wait. Dinner passes uneventfully, with Burt asking about Glee and Carole commenting on a sale she's been waiting for. It's only after, when Burt and Blaine convince Carole to relax after making such a delicious dinner, and they're gathering up dirtied dishes that Blaine remembers Burt's earlier comment.

“Did you –” Blaine takes a breath, sets the plates in the sink. “They're memories, partly. The nightmares.” After, Blaine briefly closes his eyes, silently curses his bluntness and inability to articulate his thoughts.

Burt looks up from where he's placing the newly rinsed pots in the dishwasher. “You've been through a lot lately, Blaine. These types of things – they stick around.”

“It was years ago though.” Blaine's voice is quiet, barely audible over the running water. “So why am I having nightmares about it now? I just – I just want to sleep.”

Silence reigns for a moment, broken only by the running faucet as Blaine carefully rinses each plate.

“You havin' nightmares every night, Blaine?”

Blaine nods, unable to meet Burt's gaze. “Well, almost every night. Sometimes about my – about my dad. But usually about the dance. And I keep –” Blaine hesitates, debating. “I keep seeing the cars. And I know…I know that it's not them, there's tons of green trucks and white Fords in Ohio and they have no reason to be Lima. But I keep seeing the cars, Mr. Hummel.”

Blaine startles when he's pulled in a hug, the plate he'd been rinsing falling in the sink with a clank! and his arms rising of their own accord.

Moments later Burt steps back, catches Blaine's eyes. “You know we're here for you, Blaine. But…if you want to talk to someone who deals with things like this. Well,” Burt pauses, runs a hand over his bald head. “Carole and I have some names. We got them, well, after Finn. Went a couple of times. She was nice. Helpful, even if I didn't want to hear it. But we can call her, see if she can see you; or if she knows someone.”

Blaine's struck silent for a moment.

“She – she was helpful?”

“Yeah, Blaine. She knew her stuff.”

Blaine bites his lip, forces his hands to relax at his sides. “I think that could help. Maybe – maybe we could call Monday?” Blaine offers a small smile and is about to turn back to the dishes when he remembers. “I don't have my parents' insurance information. Should I try to call –”

“Don't worry about it, Blaine.” At Blaine's nervous look Burt continues. “I had to file paperwork, remember? And you might be turning eighteen in a week, but that doesn't affect your insurance.”

“Oh.” Blaine nods and then turns back to the dishes, resuming rinsing each item before handing it over to be put in the dishwasher. Minutes later the task is done, the sink empty and the dishwasher humming in the otherwise silent kitchen.

“You goin' out with your friends?” Burt's question has Blaine stopping just outside the kitchen, turning to face the older man.

“No. I figured I'd get some homework done. I have to read a few chapters of Billy Budd.” Blaine doesn't attempt to hide his grimace.

“Reading on a Friday night?” Burt's tone is teasing, and Blaine smiles in response.

“With practice tomorrow and the performance on Sunday I won't have much time later. Plus,” Blaine shrugs, “it's better to just get it done.”

Burt laughs. “Well good luck. I'm pretty sure Kurt hated that novel too.”

“Thanks.” Blaine huffs a laugh and heads for the stairs, Burt's quiet laughter echoing behind him.

Moments later Blaine enters Kurt's room and heads for the desk. He drops into the chair with a soft sigh before straightening and pulling items from his lopsided bag, still on the floor from where he'd discarded it hours earlier.

Text message from Blaine:

[photo] Homework on a Friday night!

Text message from Kurt:

How exciting! You're such a rebel ;)

Blaine chuckles at Kurt's reply, and then nearly drops the phone when it buzzes with another message.

Text message from Kurt:

Don't forget caffeine too; you'll need it to get through that hellish book

Text message from Blaine:

We just finished dinner – I'll be sure to get caffeine when I take my break ;)

Text message from Blaine:

And I was hoping your dad was wrong about you hating this book too. Now I know it's evil

Text message from Kurt:

No one likes Billy Budd, Blaine. NO ONE

Text message from Kurt:

But now go – be a good student. I shouldn't enable your procrastination

Text message from Blaine:

I see how it is. Skype later?

Text message from Kurt:

Of course! Ten at the latest. I might not enable your procrastination but I can't have my fiancé spending all of his Friday night ensconced in a trying novel ;)

Blaine laughs at Kurt's message, sends a heart in reply before turning on his iPod from where it's sitting on Kurt's outdated docking station. Then, with King of Anything flowing through the speakers, Blaine picks up the book from where it's lying amid highlighters, notebooks, and post-its.

Saturday is an all-day rehearsal; Sunday is their first Nationals song performance for an audience. Blaine can't afford to be lost in memories.

He has work to do.