June 5, 2013, 5:07 a.m.
Between The Pages: Chapter 2
T - Words: 3,617 - Last Updated: Jun 05, 2013 Story: Closed - Chapters: 7/? - Created: Feb 28, 2013 - Updated: Jun 05, 2013 302 0 2 0 0
"Please tell me you can see him."
"I can. He's right there."
"Oh my god, I can't believe this is happening."
"Are you sure that—"
"I'm not making this up!"
Kurt huffed and glared at Rachel at the accusation in the tone of her voice as they were talking in hushed voices over at the kitchen sink. He had managed to stay as calm as possible as he dragged Blaine out of the bedroom only to see Rachel already up, bathed and making tea, giving him a look that clearly says 'I didn't know we had company, tell me all about it'. But now she's giving him a look that says 'are you crazy?'
"I don't understand Rachel. I woke up and he was there and he told me his name andlook at him,he's exactly as I imagined. This is insane." Kurt said in hushed tones but his voice was getting higher because of the panic.
Kurt already told her what had happened; that he slept hugging the book to his chest but it was gone when he woke up and was replaced by a sleeping man in a school uniform, smelling like death and alcohol. Rachel peered over at the said man who was sat on the couch, looking around and probably trying to figure out how he got there in the first place.
"He seems to remember everything that has ever happened to him in the book—all that I've read anyway—except for how he got here.Heavens, Rachel, this can't be possible. We both know this can't be possible." Kurt continued, his voice giving away the panic and confusion that he was feeling.
Rachel tried to grasp the situation, thinking of the most logical reasons. "Kurt, are you sure you didn't go out last night and maybe had a few drinks and possibly picked up a hot, albeit overly-gelled, man along the way?" She asked. "Maybe you were so drunk, you read to him a little—because I know you do that—and that's why he knows all the right things to say."
"Excuse me?" Kurt started, offended. "Rachel Berry, I've been your best friend for three years and you know that I don't justpick guys up." He said, Rachel raised her hand in surrender. "And I told you last night, I had nothing to wear." Kurt reminded her.
It was true and Rachel knew it; when Kurt says he's got nothing to wear for a night out, he really doesn't go out. "Then maybe he read the same book?" She tried again, racking her brain for more explanations that did not involve bullshit like magic or wishes.
Kurt sighed. "Maybe, but the book isn't available anywhere else. I tried to search for it, don't you remember? There was no information about it, not even a Wikipedia page! But let's say he does have a copy, how do you suppose he got into the apartment and in my bed when I clearly locked the door last night andwhereis my book?" Kurt said, his mind swimming with questions because this was weird, this was all weird.
Rachel pursed her lips tightly, not having an answer to Kurt's questions because she was sure that the door was locked when she got home and she had to take out her key to open it. "Well, let's—uhm—let's just try asking him again, maybe he's just really messing with us." Rachel suggested and they both peered over to where Blaine was starting to read an issue of Vogue that was on the tabletop.
"You go first. I don't think my brain could take all this nonsense." Kurt whispered at Rachel as he pushed her towards the living room. Kurt brought the tea tray.
Rachel cautiously walked towards the man but she realized that he didn't look like a bad person, he's more like a lost puppy actually. Blaine looked up at them and smiled politely as Rachel sat down opposite him and Kurt placed the tray on the coffee table. Rachel smiled back and looked up over at Kurt who was hovering right next to her with a hand on her shoulder, refusing to sit down.
"Here, have some morning tea for your hangover." Rachel offered and Blaine smiled, accepting the drink. "So, Blaine, right?" Rachel started with a smile, Blaine nodded. "Where did you say you were from? I mean, originally." She asked, knowing that Kurt knew about this information.
'Westerville, Ohio'Kurt thought.
"I grew up in Westerville, Ohio. I don't know if you've heard about that place." Blaine easily said, eyeing the two curiously. Kurt's hand twitched and Rachel took it as a sign that Blaine wasn't lying.
"No, we've heard of it." Rachel said. "We're both from Ohio as well, in Lima, not that far away from where you were from." She smiled while Blaine nodded in understanding. "You've got a uniform on, what school are you attending?" Rachel pried some more.
"I go to Dalton University. It's an all-boys university, it's pretty well-known." Blaine smiled, taking another sip of his tea and both Kurt and Rachel felt like they were in the presence of some rich kid, Blaine gives out that kind of aura.
"I'm not sure I've heard of it." Rachel said, making Blaine's triangle eyebrows go up in surprise and Kurt knew why. In the book, everyone knew about Dalton University and their popular, all-boys glee club—The Warblers. Unlike NYADA's Adam's Apples who everyone even refused to acknowledge as a true club.
"You haven't?" Blaine finally asked. "Hmm, that's a surprise." He muttered to himself.
"Where is it specifically? Maybe I pass by it and I just forget." Rachel asked once more. This time, Kurt was the one who was paying attention because he realized that he didn't actually know where Dalton was supposed to be in New York.
Blaine was more than happy to share information about his school though. "It's in 19th street in New York. I think it's almost an hour away from here." Blaine said. "I still don't know how I got here." He mumbled again but Kurt and Rachel weren't listening.
19th street.
"Rachel." Kurt said, alarmed as he squeezed Rachel's shoulder.
"Would you excuse us for a moment?" Rachel politely said. "Enjoy your tea." She got up, dragging Kurt away to her room and closing the curtains.
"Rachel. Dalton is in 19th street." Kurt repeated. "I didn't know that." He said in a daze. Rachel bit her nails like she does when she's anxious.
"NYADA is the only campus in 19th street." Rachel stated what both she and Kurt knew. They stared at each other, both thinking that this can't be possible. "And Kurt, he knows his way around. He knows where Bushwick is." Rachel said.
"Rachel, I don't care about how much he knows about New York or the United States or the world even." Kurt said because Blaine was a smart guy, he knew that from the book. "But I do care that there is a possibility that NYADA has been wiped off the face of the universe because a fictional character came out of a book."
"No. That's not possible. It's not! I have a degree to finish Kurt!" Rachel dramatically said, panicking. "Get him back. Take him back to where he came from." She said, shaking Kurt's shoulders.
"So, you agree that he's a fictional character then? I told you!"
"I don't care what he is! I just want to get rid of the headache and—wait, where did you say you found the book?"
"An old lady gave it to me at Battery Park three days ago." Kurt said, losing Rachel's train of thought. Rachel beamed, nodding her head as if realizing something important.
"Take him there. Maybe the old lady knows what to do and then we can get back to our normal lives." Rachel said. Their conversation was cut when her phone rang and Kurt knew she had to leave. "It's from Carl, we have a meeting today."
"It's Saturday." Kurt pointed out.
"I can't control everything Kurt." Rachel said but then she let out a sigh of relief. Kurt looked at her confusedly. She held up her phone, "Our meeting is over at NYADA, at least we know that NYADA's not wiped off the face of the universe."
"Oh." Kurt replied dumbly. His mind wandered over fiction boy and he couldn't help but worry about the guy. "How do I break the news to him? I can't just stride over there and say 'Hey! Did you know that you're a literally a character in the book that I was reading and your whole life has been written on paper? Cool right?'." Kurt acted out. Rachel gave him a small smile.
"Just take him to the old lady and let her explain because this is too much for a Saturday morning." Rachel said, looking around and grabbing her bag from the bed. "I need to run."
"Oh no, please Rachel, can't you postpone the meeting?" Kurt pleaded as they walked out of the room. He can't do this alone, he wasn't trained for this type of encounters.
Rachel gave him an apologetic look. "I'm sorry but you know Carl, I don't want to be at the end of his rage." She said, giving Kurt a kiss on the cheek. Rachel walked to the door and said her goodbyes to Blaine. "Don't worry, Kurt will take care of you." She said. She blew another kiss to Kurt and said "See you later, I love you!" She laughed before taking off.
Kurt just rolled his eyes; Rachel Berry really can't be trusted in times like these. He snapped out of his chastising of Rachel in his head when Blaine cleared his throat.
"So, uhm, is she your—?"
"What?" Kurt frowned. "What? No. Gross." He gagged. "Rachel's my best friend. And I'm gay, I assumed you knew." Kurt pointed at himself and the way he talks because usually people would just assume. Blaine let out an 'oh'.
"Oh. I don't—I just don't usually assume." Blaine said. "But, me too. I mean, I'm gay too so it's good that there are no homophobes in the room." Blaine smiled, lightening up the mood and Kurt could swear his heart just melted into a puddle in his chest. He imagined his smile when he was reading the book and he could remember the description saying:
...he let out a gentle smile, his hazel eyes shining with happiness and everyone in the room succumbed to his charms.
And it was all true.
Kurt had to snap out of it again; if he's going to do this, he needed to focus. "So, Blaine. It's Saturday and I need to ask you a favor in return of me letting you sleep in my room for the night." Kurt started.
"I still don't know how I ended up in your place. I'm so sorry to intrude. I'll do anything you want me to do. I swear." Blaine sincerely apologized, looking like a kicked puppy. Kurt could only suppress a smile.
"Great. I need you to go to Battery Park with me. We're going to look for someone." Kurt informed him. "But first I have to take a shower and get dressed. You can use the shower too when I'm done." He told him. Blaine nodded and Kurt could see him scrunching his nose maybe because he still smelled like a party.
"If you don't mind me asking though, who are we looking for?" Blaine asked curiously when Kurt stood up.
"Someone who has the answer to your life." Kurt mumbled.
"I didn't catch that, I'm sorry?"
"Nothing. You'll know when we get there." Kurt smiled.
They were walking around a bustling Battery Park that morning, an awkward silence enveloping them since they left the house. Kurt didn't actually know what to say since he was worried that Blaine might freak out if he realizes that Kurt knows too much about his life and Kurt didn't need more problems at the moment.
"So, Kurt," Blaine started, finally breaking the silence. Kurt hummed in acknowledgement. "Who are we looking for exactly?" He asked again.
"An old lady." Kurt distractedly said, looking around and keeping an eye out for the old lady that he saw around the park.
Blaine frowned, confused. "That's a little vague isn't it?" Blaine said. "I want to help you find her but there are a bunch of old ladies here and—"
"God, Blaine, just look for a mysterious old lady pushing a cart alright?" Kurt snapped, surprising Blaine and himself in the process. He didn't mean to lose his patience but really, how can you not lose your patience when you think you're probably going crazy?
"Uhm, I'm sorry?" Blaine apologized cautiously, afraid that Kurt might lose it again. But he was glad when Kurt sighed and looked apologetic as well.
"No, I'm...I just—." Kurt stammered. He paused and faced Blaine who was looking at him with eager eyes that Kurt just wanted to pluck them out and stomp on them for being so beautiful. "This is all very confusing for me and I know it will be for you too. I'm sorry for snapping." Kurt apologized.
He could see how Blaine's gaze softened, even though he might be a little confused already, and Kurt cursed himself for being someone who easily blushes. Kurt looked away, clearing his throat and walking again.Focus Kurt, you need to focus. He's not real.
Blaine broke the silence once more, "Are you a student? Or have you graduated?" He asked curiously.
"I'm a musical theater major in NYADA." Kurt replied. "The New York Academy of Dramatic Arts?" Kurt explained, knowing full well that Blaine had no idea where that was. "But I work part-time over at Vogue.com ." He shared.
"NYADA? I haven't heard of that school before." Blaine frowned.
"Of course you haven't. Your university practically ate it up." Kurt mumbled under his breath.
"But you're working for Vogue! That's amazing! I love Vogue." Blaine beamed, not hearing what Kurt just said about the schools.
"I know you do." Kurt nodded because he read that in the book. It was in the chapter where Blaine preached and gushed about his love for Marion Cotillard on Vogue which Kurt admittedly thinks was the moment that he got really attached to Blaine. Blaine loved Vogue as much as he loved musicals,it's like we're meant to be together.Kurt bit his tongue to get back to reality.
"You do?" Blaine asked, surprised. "Am I that easy to read?"
Kurt couldn't help but snort and let out a small laugh at that because really? "Oh you have no idea." Kurt retorted.
He felt a hand stop him from walking and he looked around to see Blaine staring at him seriously; a confused and interested look on his face.
"What?" Kurt asked, his heart thumping in his chest as Blaine held his gaze. How can he have such a real effect on him?
"Who are you, Kurt? What's really happening?" Blaine asked, wanting to understand because he knew that there was something going on that involved him.
Kurt sighed in reply. "Look Blaine, I'm trying my best to lessen the shock of what's happening to you, so if you could just—"
But then he saw it; a whip of blonde hair with a posture that he will never forget, pushing a small cart in front of her. The lady looked like she was in her mid-60's, not really that old but anyone older than 60 is an 'old' person for Kurt.
"It's her."
"It's who?"
Kurt sprinted towards the old lady, screaming to get her attention. For a moment, Kurt forgot that he was there with Blaine as he ran to her. The lady looked around, seemingly recognizing Kurt's voice and an intrigued smile graced her old features; the spark in her eyes told Kurt that she knew just what was going on.
Kurt stopped short in front of the amused lady, panting with Blaine following behind him shortly. "You, you!" Kurt started. "You were the one who gave me the book."
The lady just glanced at Blaine and smiled. "I see you managed to dig him out." She said, creeping Blaine out, so much so that he took a cautious step back and behind Kurt.
"But why? Why is he out? This is crazy! I'm just a normal reader for goodness' sake!" Kurt panicked.
"Well, readers' know that books are part of their lives." The lady said, pushing her cart away. Kurt followed closely behind her, confused as to why she was all mysterious. He was getting kind of scared too.
"That doesn't mean literally!" Kurt pointed out. "How do I get him back in there? I swear to god if I find that book again I'm going to burn it and—"
"Do you really want him back?" She retorted. "Youdidwish for him didn't you?" She stopped in her tracks, giving Kurt a knowing smile. Kurt blushed and he could feel Blaine perk up beside him.
"Wished? For me? I don't understand, Kurt." Blaine interjected, wanting to know because they were talking about him and he couldn't even follow.
"Shush Blaine." Kurt said, unable to hide his blush. "Did you write that book? What kind of weird magic is this? Why did you give it to me in the first place?" He asked with no holds barred.
"The book chooses the reader Kurt Hummel." The lady cleverly retorted but Kurt wasn't fazed.
"Don't pull a Harry Potter one on me woman!" Kurt rudely said. He's had enough of all the puzzles that this lady was playing andhow did she even know my name?"He—" Kurt pointed at Blaine who was trying to understand and keep up with the conversation, "—doesn't belong here and he's going to freak when he finds out the truth! Hell, even I'm freaking out about all this!"
"Oh, I hope you didn't read ahead because that will spoil all the fun." The lady snickered. "Just enjoy it. Everything will unfold in no time." She gave them a meaningful glance.
Kurt paused and his brain started working; does this mean that he was in the book all this time? No. That can't be possible. The book was old and it's just by chance that it was given to him, right?But why was it set in present time New York if it's that old, it even had Marion Cotillard as the Vogue 2010 cover and that's just...
"Oh no, please, I don't want my life to be likeStranger Than Fiction. Please. Tell me how to fix this." Kurt asked, panicking. He just wanted his normal life back and now he's regretting that he didn't read the end of the book last night. He should've listened to Rachel.
"What are you two even talking about? You're not making any sense at all." Blaine interrupted again. The lady just eyed him curiously.
"You're really here aren't you? That's amazing. Most people have failed." She mumbled under her breath. "I wonder who else is here." She let out a small smile. "You're a fictional character Blaine Anderson and welcome to the real world." She said nonchalantly, surprising both Blaine and Kurt. Kurt panicked some more because the woman just bluntly told Blaine the truth.
Blaine let out an amused laugh though.
"You—" Kurt was cut off when Blaine grabbed him by the elbow.
"We really need to stop talking to the crazy lady. How did you even meet her?" Blaine told Kurt seriously.
"No, Blaine, I need to know how to fix this."
"Fix what? There's nothing to fix! She's insane and she's making things up. I can't be a fictional character. Do you know how crazy that sounds?" Blaine laughed. "And I need to be at Dalton in a few hours, I have a meeting with the Warblers today."
Kurt just grunted because there is no Dalton and there are no Warblers, not that he knew of at least. Kurt turned to the lady again who was halfway across the park already.
"Wait! Tell me what to do!" Kurt tried to run after her again but Blaine placed a hand on his shoulder, effectively stopping him. "Let go of me Blaine, we need to know!"
"Let the story unfold and enjoy it." The lady said in a singsong voice before laughing.
"No! Wait! That just can't be it! There must be some magic words or something that he needs to say to—"
"Kurt." Blaine started in a voice so low and authoritative that Kurt stopped and turned to look at him. "Whatever she's saying is not true. We both know that it's impossible that I'm a fictional character. That doesn't happen in real life." He said.
"I just need to—" But when Kurt turned back again, the woman was already gone like the wind. Completely gone. She wasn't even across the street or on the sidewalk. She was just gone.
He got nothing from this encounter except for the fact that he now knew that he was probably in that book. And everything in that book is going to happen to him now. Kurt needed to find it. He needed to find it and put an end to this nonsense.
"Do you want to accompany me to Dalton?" Blaine pulled Kurt out of his internal monologue. "I'll show you, it's real Kurt. Don't be fooled by a suspicious looking old lady in a park."
But first, Kurt had to tell Blaine the truth and if he won't listen, Blaine just had to see it to believe it.
"Welcome to NYADA."
Kurt watched as Blaine stood dumbfounded in front of the school campus, not seeing his fellow coat-clad young lads walking around the area (according toBetween The Pageschapter 3). Kurt could almost hear Blaine screaming inside of his head.
"No. This can't be the right one." Blaine looked around but it is the right street address and Dalton wasn't there. There was another campus on the lot where his university once stood.
"Oh but it is. I told you." Kurt said.
"Are you fucking kidding me?"
Kurt wished he was but the thing is, he wasn't.Why did I even wish for you? That was just a passing thought.
His mind wandered to the book and he sighed; he shouldn't have accepted that book in the first place.
Comments
Poor Blaine, he must be officially losing it, just like Kurt.
Love it! Can't wait for more!