#klaine advent: key

[klaineccfanficlibrary]

do you know of any fics that exist in an au we’re the s4 breakup never happened? like blaine hanging out in the loft with rachel santana and kurt while he was still at mckinley in s4.

From a previous ask, where Blaine didn't cheat in season 4, we have these three below. However, most writers tend to follow canon that they broke up for some reason in season 4. ~Jen

The Secret About Blaine’s Cheating byMadPie

After reading everything I could possibly find, this is what I think actually think Blaine did that night with Eli, and this is how I believe how Kurt will find out.

~~~~~

Loneliness Found Me by  CoffeeAddict80

Instead of cheating on Kurt, Blaine finds himself singing about his feelings to what he thinks is an empty auditorium.

~~~~~

Exhibit McKinley by @tonks42

AU Season 4. Living so far apart from NYADA student Kurt, Blaine decides to send his boyfriend a series of letters and objects to chronicle his senior year.

~~~~~

The Air in My Lungs By JButler

Kurt wasn't trying to be perfect, just honest.

~~~~~

Check the Season 4 tag for fix it fics.

Scenes During the Break Upby misqueue

A collection of vignettes set in season 4 across the time in which Kurt and Blaine are broken up. Not in chronological order. For the Klaine Advent 2013 challenge. Stories are consistent with my The Architects of Life canon ‘verse.

Note: Many of the stories have the friends-with-benefits tag.

~~~~~ 

There are lots of season 4 fics where Blaine hangs out with the newbies, Sam, Tina and Artie when they are split - Killerqueen80 on AOS writes some great stories.

Glee Gen Fictlet #2 Graduation Party By Killerqueen80

The remaining four seniors plan a graduation party, all of new ND and some of the graduates who have helped them at competitions and such are invited to attend. it ends up being biota 2.0. basically just shenanigans with former grads witnessing the drama free family dynamic the current seniors helped create.

~~~~~

If you want Blaine hanging with Kurt, Rachel and Santana, here are some that are set in season 5.

Drunk on You by flaming_muse

It takes Kurt three times to fit his key in the lock of the apartment’s door, partly because Blaine is swaying heavily against his side, a warm, drunk weight keeping him off-balance, and partly because the alcohol in his own system is making the lock swim just enough in the plane of the door that he can’t quite catch it.

Bushwick futurefic, set within the next year or so, after Blaine’s graduation, no spoilers past 5x03

~~~~

Bushwick Game Night by flaming_muse

Pictionary in the Bushwick loft is serious business.

Bushwick futurefic, set sometime in fall 2013, spoilers assumed through but not past 5x07 (“Puppet Master”)

[forabeatofadrum]

Ljubim te (24/24) - complete

Notes: And here we are, almost 7 months late! The Klaine Advent 2022 is complete! Time for cheese 🧀!

AO3 | S&C  

–  

BURST

“I love you.”

Blaine’s looking at Kurt with a shocked look on his face. Kurt, on the other hand, isn’t surprised.

“I know,” he says back and Blaine relaxes, “I love you too.”

It’s been known for weeks. They even loved each other before they started dating, but it’s the first time they’ve said it out loud. Kurt knows it is a big deal for Blaine to say it, though.

“I love you, I love you,” Blaine repeats with a smile and Kurt can’t help but giggle. It’s adorable how Blaine just revels in the fact that he can say that he wholeheartedly loves Kurt.

“And I love you too!”

“Now go,” Blaine basically pushes Kurt away, which is fine. Kurt needs to get ready for the first performance. Blaine, Tadeja, Sunil and some people Kurt’s met during classes and during Metelkova parties are in the audience. Blaine is also making a lot of photos to send to Kurt’s family and friends back home.

Kurt knows that he doesn’t have the biggest part in Ulica, but he’s worked hard on it and he’s proud.

Later, after the show, it’s a whirlwind of people. Everyone comes to congratulate Kurt. It is exhilarating. He knows his time at the University of Ljubljana isn’t over yet, but this feels like such a final moment. Kurt celebrates with his castmates, crew members and teachers. He answers Tadeja’s questions about the show and Sunil gives him a congratulatory hug as well. Even his dad is here in some way, since he’s calling through FaceTime. Blaine holds the phone with a huge smile.

Kurt also feels amazing every time he watches Blaine and his dad interact. They like each other a lot, which is great. Since Blaine is still semi-closeted, Kurt hasn’t told anyone else back home that he’s dating again, but he’s happy that they told Kurt’s dad.

After a lot of post-show talk and celebration, Kurt and Blaine can finally leave. Kurt reaches for Blaine’s hand and Blaine lets him.

Together, they walk to Blaine’s apartment.

--

“I love you.”

Kurt kisses Blaine as a response. It’s Pride in Ljubljana and it feels so great to be able to kiss Blaine like this. The queer community has emerged from the shadows and it’s taken over the city.

People cheer and hoot when they see it. It’s freeing. It’s validating. Fuck, Kurt loves Pride and Blaine’s also growing to love it. It’s more low-key compared to Pride in New York, but that doesn’t matter. All that matters is that they’re here.

“I love you too,” Kurt says against Blaine’s lips, because he cannot resist the temptation to say it back, even though he doesn’t have to. Blaine knows Kurt loves him.

Blaine slings his arm around Kurt’s shoulder and they go back to watching the parade. There are so many people here and one of the many beautiful things of Pride is that it showcases the diversity of the community. Kurt and Blaine wave their small rainbow flags to the passing parade. Pride is a party and a protest, and it’s cool that it can be both.

“Thank you, by the way,” Blaine says in Kurt’s ear.

“For what?”

“For showing me this.”

“Oh Blaine, they are hard to miss,” Kurt laughs.

Blaine nods.

“True, but I am not certain I would be standing here if I hadn’t met you. I would probably cower in my apartment.”

It’s weird to think what would’ve happened if Kurt and Blaine hadn’t met, since this life that they have right now is the life they want.

“Well then, you’re welcome,” Kurt says and he squeezes Blaine’s hand on Kurt’s shoulder. Together, they enjoy the rest of the festivities.

--

“I love you.”

Kurt leans against Blaine. They’re watching the sunset from the Ljubljana castle. Tadeja had recommended it, and she was so right.

“I love you too,” Kurt says back.

He holds Blaine’s hands and together they wait for the sun to go down. The sky is especially beautiful today. It’s cloudy, but the clouds reflect the sunlight so the sky has a red and orange glint to it. Kurt and Blaine are high up, since the castle is situated on a hill, appropriately called Castle Hill.

There’s a lot to see at the Ljubljana Castle, so Kurt and Blaine will definitely come back for more, but right now, sitting on a blanket in the grass, against the castle walls, watching the sun go down is enough.

--

“I love you!”

It’s become an easy thing to say. Blaine just told Kurt that he loves him because Kurt chose the right flavour of ice cream for him.

“I love you too,” Kurt says as he hands the glass with the ice cream to Blaine.

Blaine was waiting for him outside, together with Tadeja. Kurt and Sunil got the ice cream. The location of VIGÒ is perfect, since they have a view on Prešeren Square.

“Here’s to the end of the academic year,” Sunil raises his glass.

“Cheers!”

“How do you say cheers in Slovene?” Blaine asks Tadeja.

“Na zdravje, which translates to ‘To your health’,” Tadeja answers.

“Na zdravje!” everyone says and Tadeja smiles through the mispronunciations.

“To be fair, we’re eating, so we should be saying-”

“Dober tek!” Kurt cuts in. He knows that one. You can learn it at DA BU DA.

“Correct, but cheers sounds so much more celebratory,” Sunil adds, “And that’s what we’re doing. Kurt and I are celebrating another successful academic year, and Blaine and Tadeja can celebrate a great first year of business.”

It’s true. Blaine’s shook enough hands to make great connections throughout Europe. Kurt knows that Blaine is still a bit bummed that he didn’t get to do more, but it’s a start. Once Blaine leaves, Tadeja will take over and Blaine’s incredibly happy with it, especially since Dejan was also aiming for the job.

Kurt and Sunil have also submitted their final grades to their home institutions. The academic year isn’t officially done yet, since in Ljubljana, the academic calendar goes from October 1st to September 30th, but most internationals try to finish earlier in order to get everything in order..

Therefore, Sunil is right and they can all celebrate.

“To Ljubljana,” Blaine adds to the little celebration, and everyone cheers to that.

--

“I love you.”

“Well, Blaine, Paris is the city of love,” Kurt says with a laugh.

Kurt still cannot believe that it is so easy to travel to other countries. Blaine convinced Kurt to use the interrail, which means you can visit many big cities in Europe by train. It’s a big and extensive trip, but it is so worth it.

They’re in Paris now. Kurt’s always wanted to see it and he’s happy to have Blaine by his side. As Kurt said, it is the city of love.

--

“Ljubim te z vsem srcem.”

Kurt was about to take a bite of his pizza slice, but now he gives Blaine a curious but confused look. He knows Blaine just spoke Slovene to him, but the two of them never properly learnt the language. They’ve picked up some words here and there, but Kurt’s not certain that he’s ever even spoken a full sentence in Slovene.

Blaine gives Kurt a knowing look. He likes that he gets to puzzle Kurt.

“Do I get a hint?” Kurt asks.

“I say it all the time in English, kind of,” Blaine says.

“Kind of?”

“I added something,” Blaine says, “Or actually, Tadeja added something. I asked for her help.”

“You did?”

Blaine nods happily.

“I’ve been practising this sentence for a while!”

“And why tell me now?” Kurt asks, fishing for another hint.

“Because this is where we first met,” Blaine says. They’re indeed at Ljubljanski dvor. It’s been a while since they had pizza. Even without Boni, Ljubljana has a lot to offer, so they’ve been going to a lot of other places.

“So, it’s a sentimental saying?” Kurt asks, “Am I warm?”

“Warmer, I think, but also not. I mean, I don’t think it is inherently sentimental. Sentimental means that it’s something from the past.”

“Okay, it’s a current thing?”

Blaine nods. He looks like he’s about to burst into laughter from happiness and that’s when Kurt realises. He feels silly for not realising sooner, but really, he doesn’t know Slovene.

“I love you too,” Kurt says with a smile. This man is ridiculous. “What did you add?”

“It means I love you with all my heart!”

“Yeah?”

“My heart and my brain and my everything!” Blaine says, “I didn’t ask Tadeja for translations for those things.”

“I love you with all my heart, brain and everything too.”

Kurt puts his hand on the small table. Blaine gets the hint and he puts his over Kurt’s. Kurt loves that Blaine is such a cheesy romantic. Blaine’s said before that he didn’t realise it either, but to be fair, he’d never been in love before.

It’s a good thing that Blaine came to Ljubljana.

Studying here is already the best choice of Kurt’s life.

Speaking of the city.

“Did you know that some believe that Ljubljana is named Ljubljana after the Slavic word ljub, which means to love?” Kurt says.

Blaine looks pleasantly surprised.

“Really?”

Kurt nods happily. He found out when he first moved to Ljubljana. Someone at the university mentioned it during a tour of the city. Kurt didn’t really think much of it back then, but he’s always remembered it, because he thought it was cute. He still thinks so.

Kurt really didn’t expect to find love, but he did.

“Fitting, isn’t it?” Kurt says, “How do you say I love you in Slovene again?”

“Ljubim te,” Blaine answers.

“Well, I ljubim te you too!” Kurt says back.

Blaine laughs.

“You know, I don’t think that’s how you say it, but the sentiment is the same.”

It is. This city has given all of them so much and Kurt knows it will always have a little place in his heart. Only a little bit, though, because most of it is reserved for Blaine.

--

End notes: Hooray! We made it! 🇸🇮

I hope you enjoyed reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it, and I hope you guys will have a chance to visit Ljubljana one day. I also want to go back, but alas. In the meantime, let me redirect you to the Slovenian Glossary, which discusses all the places that were mentioned in this fic. Here’s also a masterpost for this fic.

Thank you all for following along, or if you’re reading this after I’ve finished, then hi, hello! Thank you for reading. See you for the next Advent!

[spaceorphan18]

Changed For the Better 11 [Klaine Advent Day 11]

Rating: SF for Shenanigans and 4th wall breaking Word Count: 3451 Summary: AU - Kurt’s a struggling actor living in New York, and is currently working on a Made-for-TV movie starring Cooper Anderson.

A/N: Written for Klaine Advent Day 11: Key

Thank you do the supremely suburb @snarkyhag for taking a look at this <3

LINK TO A03

[Part 1] [Part 2] [Part 3] [Part 4] [Part 5] [Part 6] [Part 7] [Part 8] [Part 9] [Part 10]

///

Changed for the Better - Part 11/24: Thriller or Heads Will Roll 

“So, the whole thing lasted about an hour, I was asked, like, three questions, and that was it,” Kurt said.  He and Blaine were getting coffee at the local shop down the street from the theater; the same ritual they’ve had for the past few weeks.  

“Wait - so this whole big press thing, wasn’t really a press thing?” Blaine asked, as he paid the barista.  He had also bought a couple of sugar cookies, and without a word, handed one over to Kurt.  

“Not really,” Kurt said.  “I’m guessing the little clips will air during commercial breaks? The whole thing is kind of depressing.  I mean, they’re going to air this in a few days -- in August! Not even for the whole Christmas in July thing.  And then it’ll be swept under the rug and forgotten, not even dragged out for those holiday marathons the network does every year in December.”

They sat at their usual table, in their usual spots across from one another.  Blaine tilted his head and watched as Kurt played with the plastic lid on his coffee.  

“I thought that’s what you wanted?” Blaine asked.  “I mean, for the movie to be buried and forgotten about.  It’s not like you’ve been exactly raving about it.  Even Cooper has managed to forget about its existence. Mostly.  Though Cooper does have a hard time focusing on anything other than what’s right in front of him.”  

Kurt gave a little shrug.  “I know, but I guess I can’t help but think that all I’m doing is going from one absolute failure to the next.  Maybe I should be buried and forgotten about, too.”  

“Hey,” Blaine reached out his hand and grabbed it.  “I don’t think you’re a failure.”

Kurt gave him a smile, happy for the reassurance, even if he didn’t fully believe it himself.

“Ku-urt!” A familiar voice rang through the coffeeshop.  It was Rachel, with Jesse following not far behind.  She promptly sat down at the table, squishing herself to Kurt’s left as Jesse sat next to Blaine.  “I knew I’d find you here. I’ve been wanting to come here for ages and, oh my god, this is so much lovelier than I thought it would be - you never know with these places.  Sometimes a cute little cafe, all rustic and inspirational, sometimes a front for the mafia.  Remember the time I tried to use that barber shop and almost wound up murdered? Oh, hey is that sugar cookie? Kurt - I told you that you should cut out cookies or else you’ll get back the baby fat in your cheeks you had during high school.”

Kurt took a deliberate large bite out of his cookie.  “Hello, Rachel, what brings you here at this exact moment in time?”

Rachel lit up.  “Oh, now that it’s official I can finally tell you.  I’ve been cast in a one-woman show!  And everything about it sounds amazing!  It’s this tear-jerking, gut-wrenching play written by this first time writer who’s had accolades from professors at NYU, and she asked me, after seeing me in my pivotal portrayal of Janet in Rocky Horror, to do the honors of portraying her mother in this play.  We’re going live in just a few months!”

“So, looks like your little boyhood boarding school play is going to have some competition this fall,” Jesse said.  “Because Rachel’s really going to shine.”  

“Well,” Blaine said, “say what you want about my little play...our well funded, Broadway acclaimed cast and crew, which includes having the one of the best up-and-coming stars I’ve ever seen,” he gave a wink to Kurt, “is going to rock the Broadway world.  But please, tell me about your show.”  Jesse and Rachel sat stunned as Blaine went back to finishing his cookie.  

Kurt smirked.  “Rachel, this is Blaine.  Blaine, Rachel.”  

Well,” Rachel said, obviously in competition mode now.  “We already have a marketing strategy ready.  I’ve barely seen a poster related to your show.”  She dug through her purse and fetched out her phone, quickly shoving it into Kurt’s face.  “We’re on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, Snap-Chat, Reddit - well Jesse’s running a Reddit thread but there’s just a lot of foul-mouthed weirdos on there, and we have three interviews set up with prestigious Broadway sites.”  

“Oh my god, Rachel, you’re naked!” Kurt said, as he flipped through the photogallery she had pulled up on her phone.  It’s not like he’s seen Rachel nude before - she had a tendency to be pretty open about her body when they were roommates - but he had never seen her like this, on a public website no less.  

Rachel seemed unphased.  “Well, yes, most of the show I’m naked.”  

“It’s classy,” Jesse added.  “And Rachel has a fantastic ass and perky boobs.”  Kurt cringed, Blaine looked away.   “And should not be ashamed of how amazing she is.  The show is about being open - on the inside and on the outside.”

“Really?” Kurt asked sarcastically.  

“Look - see, we already have a million followers on this one,” Rachel said, pointing to the number on the screen.

“That’s because you’re naked,” Kurt shot back.  

Rachel pouted, grabbing her phone back.  

In the meantime, Mercedes and Sam had come into the coffeeshop, ordered coffee, and were coming up to the table, Mercedes pulling up a chair to Kurt’s right, while Sam slid into an empty chair next to Blaine.  

“Hey guys! I thought we’d find you here,” Mercedes said.  “Hope you don’t mind that we joined you.  I could hear Kurt and Rachel arguing from the line.”  

Rachel rolled her eyes as they all got snug around the table, which was now getting too small for their crowd.

“Anyway,” Kurt said, deliberately changing the subject. “What are you up to, Mercedes?”

“Oh, Sam and I were just out,” she said, looking adoringly at Sam.  

“Yeah, Mercedes is helping me get all of these modeling auditions,” Sam said excitedly.  “I actually have this one I’m excited about.  I’d be doing ads for sports stores - most likely football since the season starts soon.”

“Ooh, I love football,” Kurt said.  

“Kurt,” Blaine said “the only thing you like about football is that the guys wear pants tight enough appreciate all their assets.”  Blaine gave him a wink and a smirk, a flirtatious smirk if Kurt didn’t know better, before taking a sip of his coffee.  

Kurt looked at him suspiciously. Then underneath the table, Kurt stretched out his leg, and daringly ran his foot up Blaine’s calf.  Blaine, however, didn’t seem to notice.  

“Kurt, is there a reason you are using your foot to caress my leg?” Jesse asked.

“Nope, just a cramp.”

Mercedes laughed into her coffee.  

“Hey, look, it’s all my special friends.”  This time it was Brittany who was joining them.  She bounced up to Kurt, and gave him a huge hug from behind.  “Hello, favorite unicorn.”  

“Uh, hey Brit,” Kurt replied.  “Let me introduce-”

“No need,” Brittany said, pulling a chair from another table to push her way in-between Kurt and Rachel.  “Obviously, you’re my favorite unicorn friend.  And there’s your boyfriend,” she said pointing to Sam, who gave her a weird look.  “And your other boyfriend.” She pointed to Blaine.

“Oh, no, Kurt and I are just friends,” Blaine said.  

Kurt’s face fell, crestfallen.  He brought his previously roaming foot next to the other, feeling foolish for trying to flirt.  What was he even doing?

“Your snapchats would say otherwise,” Brittany said without explanation.  “And that’s the next Beyonce over there.”  Mercedes smiled at the compliment.  “And this is the loud girl, who Santana says needs a boob job if she’s going to try to make it as a porn star.”

“It’s not a porno!”

Brittany ignored Rachel.  “And the guy over there is my old choir director’s illegitimate son.”

Jesse gave her a strange look.

“Brittany, how do you know all of this?” Kurt asked, not sure if he liked the idea of Brittany knowing so much about all of his friends.  

“Lord Tubbington stalks all of you,” Brittany said, as if not sure what the problem was.  “He just wanted to make sure you were all safe before I invite you to my webshow Fondue for Two.”

“That’s it,” Blaine said suddenly.  “Kurt, that’s the key - if you want people to see your movie, let’s flood all the online possibilities. We can get the word out on all those social media sites.  If it’s already working for Rachel, there’s no reason it won’t work for you.  You guys need to do something big.”

“I am not taking off my clothes for this,” Kurt said, which made Blaine chuckled and Rachel groan.  

“Is it strange that we should worry Cooper might?” Blaine asked.

“I’m not shooting myself out of a cannon again,” Brittany said, to everyone’s confusion.  

“I meant,” Blaine continued, “maybe you guys can do a live premiere party or something.  If your network won’t put in the leg work, why don’t you guys.”

“Blaine, that’s brilliant,” Kurt replied.  

“You know, Blaine gets all his brilliance from me.”  And that was when Cooper arrived, all toothy grins, and his arm around a blonde woman with glasses that he had never seen before.  Blaine rolled his eyes and sunk a little lower in his chair.  Kurt wondered why he and Blaine’s normally quiet morning coffee time was continually being interrupted.  

“Coop, what are you doing here?” Blaine asked.

Cooper beamed - as if waiting for an opening to start his act. “Hello, little brother.  Best friend.  Best friend’s boyfriend.  Fake girlfriend.  And other people I don’t know, but I know will make a fantastic audience.  I know what you’re thinking - why would such a renowned actor of my status be found in a Friends-knock-off coffee lounge.  Well, I’ll tell you.  I, Cooper J. Anderson, am in love.  And when I saw you through the window, Blainey, I needed to tell you straight away that I have found the most wonderful person on the planet.” The woman let out a delighted little squeal.  “Her name is Arby.”  

“Like the restaurant?” Mercedes asked, confused.  

“You see, this morning, I was walking to my agent’s to see if they had any new work for me, and pondered some new poses for updated headshots,” Cooper paused to pose.  There was scattered and uneasy applause.  “And then, I saw her.  This woman, protesting in a church’s parking lot. I’ve never seen anyone who pointed with such intensity.  I had to compliment her.  And then our eyes met and it was like lightning.  I felt it.  She felt it.  We both felt it as we made passionate love in the back of that car.  I know now that I have found the person that I am supposed to be with.”

“God, isn’t he amazing?!?” Arby shrieked.  

Cooper began to kiss her face.  Everyone else groaned.  

“So, Brittany,” Kurt said doing his best to ignore them.  “Tell me about this webshow you have.”  

Cooper pulled off his new girlfriend.  “Did you say webshow?  Will it be live?”

///

Brittany: Hello! And welcome back to our very special live edition of Fondue For Two.  We are getting you all psyched up to watch my new, brilliant, TV-movie, as well as doing interviews with the cast.  With me now is Sam Evans.  Sam, the viewers want to be know, how do you feel to officially come out on this movie?

Sam: Um, Brittany - I’m not actually gay.  I mean, I’m totally cool with it - and I’m trying to be a good ally.  I just play gay on TV.  And on stage.  

Brittany: Are you sure?  Because Santana says those lips were definitely made for sucking on balls…

Sam: What?!

Brittany: Personally, I think they’re like two big pillows to rest your lips on…

Sam: I don’t...I’ve never had... uh, shout out to my wonderful girlfriend, Mercedes Jones!

Kurt was running just a little behind.  It was hard to decide what exactly to wear to a live screening of a made-for-TV-movie-slash-web-show interview.  He chose his favorite pair of skinny jeans with a black vest and red button down, and arriving at the banquet hall just as Brittany was wrapping up her interview with Sam.   

“Trying to be fashionably late to your own show?” Blaine met him near the entrance and handed him a glass of wine.  And if Kurt wasn’t mistaken, Blaine took a long moment to notice what he was wearing.  

“Well, if there’s one thing I’ve learned from your brother, it’s always make an entrance,” Kurt said.  Blaine laughed.  “Wow, this place… Santana really out did herself, didn’t she?”

Brittany’s girlfriend took charge on the whole ‘do a live show’ thing.  The banquet hall was decked out with Christmas decorations, a fake tree near where Brittany was filming her web show, Christmas lights hung from the ceiling, and all of the chairs facing the large screen where they’d be watching the TV-movie that night had red and green garland taped to the back of them.  There were a ton of people, too, most of them mingling near the buffet on the far side of the room.  Kurt didn’t know who they were, but suspected that many of them might be reporters… or an odd hodgepodge of Brittany’s friends.   It was hard to say.  But there were plenty of people from production there as well -- crew members, extras, and a few of the supporting cast.  It was a mini-reunion.  

“I think it’s sweet,” Blaine said.  “Brittany’s girlfriend wanting to support her by putting this all together.”  

“Oh, I wouldn’t go that far,” Kurt said, taking a sip of his wine.  “Santana’s job is public relations.  I’m sure she got some kind of compensation from the network for doing it.”  

“I saw them chatting earlier, Brittany and Santana,” Blaine said.  “And Santana seemed to have nothing but adoration for Brittany.  You know, I like to think that some people do things for others just for the sake of doing something nice.”

“You really haven’t met Santana, have you.”  

“Where’s your sense of romanticism?”

“I used it all up in this performance,” Kurt joked.  “And what’s left is this old cynic.”

“I don’t believe that,” Blaine said, giving him a tiny nudge in the arm.    

Not a moment later,  Kurt was being summoned over to the corner to do his interview with Brittany.  Brittany grasped at him quickly the moment she was in reach, excited about the interview, and the atmosphere in general.  She was in her zone, and it made her glow in a way Kurt had never seen before.  

“Hello, viewers out there,” she told the camera.  “I have a very special guest for you now.   He’s one of my favorite people that I met on set, even if he doesn’t know his own place in the story -- Kurt Hummel.”  Brittany applauded for him.  

“Uh, thank you?” He gave a little wave to the camera.  The bored tech guy behind it yawned.  

“So, Kurt, tell us what it’s like to be in love?”

“...You mean on the show or…”

“On the show obviously,” Brittany said, rolling her eyes.   “I mean, in real life you’re a stick in the mud who doesn’t believe in love.”

“I have never said that.”

Brittany clicked her tongue.  “Well, if you were in love, you wouldn’t be single.  You’d have a tiny, compact boyfriend who smells like raspberries, and who believes in his own magic the way you don’t believe in yours.”

“Well, I…love is…” Kurt looked up, past the bored tech guy and the camera, across the room, to where Blaine was standing, chatting with Brittany’s girlfriend.  Santana was actually smiling, as if enjoying his company.  Kurt didn’t think he had ever seen Santana genuinely smile that.  Of course, Blaine could charm anyone…  

“Love is what, Kurt?” Brittany’s question hung in the air.  

“Love is…” -- unexpected?

Kurt wasn’t sure he had felt quite like this before, as he watched Blaine warmly work his way around the room.   

There was so much he liked about Blaine - the way he was so kind to others, the way he laughed so easily,  the way they could talk or text until 2am, the way Blaine always had a drink ready for him, or the way he put his hand on the small of Kurt’s back as they walked into a new room. Or the way their voices sounded when they sang together.  He didn’t just like Blaine.  He was falling in love with Blaine.  

But his past experiences with love had always been so hard.  And everything about Blaine felt so easy.  Was that really what love was?

Blaine, almost instinctively, looked in his direction, and from across the room, their eyes locked.  And Blaine held on, almost as if reading Kurt’s mind.  

Kurt wanted to chase that look. And suddenly he felt very nervous - but in a good way.  They didn’t really need to see this movie, right? Even if it was Blaine’s idea, and his movie, and Blaine’s brother’s show, and he said he’d be there.  He and Blaine could just be alone.  Why were they never just alone?

“Kurt…?”

“Sorry, Brittany, there’s something I’ve got to do.”  

Kurt abruptly stopped the interview, though Brittany didn’t seem to mind.  In fact, she almost looked excited.  But Kurt didn’t pay her much attention as he made his way across the room.  

It was time - time to ask Blaine out on a real date.  Time to let these feelings be more than bottled up inside him.  Time to see if Blaine really did feel the same way.  

“Hey, Blaine-” Kurt’s heart fluttered.  

Blaine looked at him eagerly - waiting.  “Yes?”

“There’s something I wanted to ask you about, but, uh…”

“Hey, Kurt, I’m glad I found you.” Elliott arrived, guitar in hand, and band in tow.  He threw an easy arm around Kurt’s shoulders.  “You will not believe how lost we got trying to get here.  I texted you.  Dude, you need to check your phone more often.  We’re still singing tonight, right?  Where am I supposed to set up?”

“Uh…” Kurt didn’t even know Elliott’s band was playing tonight, let alone what to do with them.  “I have no idea - Santana’s running the show somewhere.  I’m sure you can find her, there’s something I was doing…”

“Kurt, go ahead and take care of them,” Blaine said, giving a disappointed frown to the floor.  “I should probably go any way.”  

“What? Blaine, you can’t leave - the movie hasn’t started,” Kurt said.  “And Cooper hasn’t even arrived.”

“I know,” Blaine said softly.  He was avoiding Kurt’s eyes, and Kurt didn’t understand why.  “But I have an early call time.  And I wouldn’t want to disrupt your night.”

“But - Blaine.”  He reached out for Blaine’s hand, but Blaine took an unexpected step back.  What had just happened? He looked up at Elliott, but Elliott only shrugged.    

“Night, Kurt.  I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Blaine proceeded to give him the most awkward hug, before turning to leave.  

Kurt wanted to run after him, but before he could he was met by Cooper Anderson entering the room.  Cooper insisted Kurt follow him, all but dragging him and a few of the other cast members back over to where Brittany was hosting her show.  Cooper then pushed Brittany’s current subject - one of the crew members - out of the way so he could be in full view of the camera.  

“Hello my dear, dear audience - made up of friends, colleagues, and people of the internet,” Cooper announced, loud enough that everyone had stopped to watch him.  “The time has come for what you’ve all been waiting for.  I, Cooper J Anderson, have taken the stage.  And I want to thank you, all of you, and especially my new superbly hot girlfriend Arby, for being here.”  Cooper took a dramatic pause, and pointed to where his girlfriend was standing on the side of the crowd.   “You see - we are here to witness one of the great cinematic pieces of our time.  And in order to enhance the experience, I am willing to give back.  Some may call this a publicity stunt, but I call it good press.  So, my dear audience, you will have not just me - but all of me tonight.”

And with that, in front of the hundred or so people in the room, and the thousand or so people watching live online - Cooper Anderson tore away his shirt and pants until he was wearing only a thong, and proceeded to shake his ass at the camera.  

Kurt’s jaw dropped to the floor.

Cooper’s new girlfriend gave a shriek of delight.  And then promptly fainted.  

[notarelationship]

Klaine Advent 2017

Day 11 - Key

Summary: Blaine is new at McKinley. Kurt finds him interesting. Nerd!Blaine/Skank!Kurt Word Count: 874

I will be putting this up on AO3 after the advent is over and I can fix up some spelling and syntax errors.

--

“Kurt!”

Kurt waited in his room for his dad to make his way up the stairs. He wasn’t going to be happy, but they had reached an agreement a year ago that as long as Kurt kept his grades up and went to enough classes to pass Burt wouldn’t make his life too difficult. Burt Hummel knew what his son had been through and when the school district wouldn’t step in and do the right thing, Burt let Kurt deal with things they way he needed to.

Still, he was never happy when Kurt got himself suspended.

“Kurt!”

Kurt inhaled deeply. “In my room dad!”

Burt knocked once and pushed the door open before Kurt could answer. “Would you mind explaining this? Suspended for fighting?”

Kurt sat up, swinging his legs around until they were hanging over the edge of the bed.

“I got into it a little bit with a few football players on Friday.”

Burt grunted. “I know there’s more to it than that. You know the deal. You tell me everything and I decide exactly how much punishment you’re entitled to.”

Kurt sighed and rubbed his hands over his face, nodding. “Okay. Yeah. I happened to interrupt Karofsky and a couple of goons throwing a slushy on this new kid, and he kinda went into shock - I mean what kind of normal person would expect that, right?” Burt frowned, but gestured for Kurt to go on. “And it seemed like they were going to get a little rough, and the poor kid was just lying on the floor in a ball, so I - stepped in. I landed a few punches and they scattered.” He didn’t need to tell his dad he may have gone a little extra mad on Karofsky’s face.

“When did this happen?”

“Friday. Almost at the end of the day.” Kurt stared at the floor, his hands in his lap. He never wanted to disappoint his dad, but he knew Burt would understand. It didn’t mean there wouldn’t be consequences. “On the plus side, it’s only three days,” Kurt said hopefully.

“Nice try.” Burt set his hand on Kurt’s knee and gave it a squeeze. “No car for a week, and you’re grounded.”

“Dad!” It wasn’t great, but it could have been worse. He was already suspended so he didn’t need to go to school for three days. Kurt was actually getting off easy.

Burt held out his hand. “Car key please.” Kurt stood and fished the key out of his pocket, handing it over to his dad. “And if you’re suspended anyway you can come to the garage and do some work. I’ve got about a dozen oil changes backed up, and Mrs. Peters needs to have her tires rotated.”

Kurt chuckled. “I think she’d like it a lot more if you did that dad.” Burt cuffed him on the back of the head, but there was nothing behind it.

“Smart ass.  You come in with me in the morning, okay?”

Kurt nodded and asked, “Do you want me to make dinner?”

“Nah.” Burt stood and walked toward the door. “I’ll fix us up something.”

Kurt flopped back onto his bed after his dad left. No car and no school meant no Blaine for two days. That was probably fine. They weren’t really friends. And Blaine had Glee Club and homework and probably a dozen after school activities to worry about. Kurt didn’t have any of those things.

“Kurt!” His dad was calling up the stairs again - he probably wanted help with dinner after all.

“Coming,” he said as he came down the stairs. “Decide you want me to chop vegetables after all?”

“Nope.” Burt stood in the living room, his arms crossed over his chest and, if Kurt were not seeing things, fighting a smile that threatened to take over his face. “This young man -”

“Blaine, sir.”

“Blaine. Blaine here says he spoke to your teachers and brought your homework for the days you’ll be out.”

“He what?” Kurt looked back and forth between Burt and Blaine, not able to shake the feeling that he had got caught doing something he wasn’t supposed to. Even though that was ridiculous. “You what?” he said to Blaine.

Blaine swallowed. “I, uh, brought your homework.” He dug into his book bag for some papers and Kurt’s history book.

Kurt glanced at his dad, but Burt was so close to bursting out laughing that he had to look away.

“Um, thanks. I don’t usually do homework though.”

Burt seemed to think he should step in then. “That is not something you should be telling me on the same day you get suspended for half a week. Why don’t you and Blaine go up to your room and go over your homework and I’ll call you down for dinner in about half an hour.” BUrt turned to Blaine. “Blaine, would you like to stay for dinner.”

Kurt wanted to crawl under a rock, but Blaine practically beamed. “Thank you, sir, it’s very nice of you to ask. I just have to call my mom and let her know.”

“You do that,” Burt said.

Kurt stared at his dad, biting back a scowl. “Come on,” he said to Blaine. “Let’s go upstairs.”

[ckerouac]

Fic: Operation Secret Santa

Summary:  Kurt can't stop staring at the cute guy who comes by the coffee station near his desk every morning, but can never muster up the courage to say hello. Until the assignment for their office Secret Santa is revealed and his reads 'Blaine Anderson'.

Klaine Advent 2017 Day 11: Key

Also on AO3

Kurt kept the scarf over the weekend, because… well dammit, because it still smelled like Blaine’s cologne and he was pathetic, okay?  And it hadn’t seen Blaine around the coffee bar since their excursion either.  

Wait, was Blaine avoiding him?  Was he angry that Kurt was hoarding his scarf?  Or that they’d been this close to… doing something… out on that street in the cold?  And they very well might have if he hadn’t been phone blocked by Blaine’s jawline of marble boyfriend.  Was he thankful that Cooper called when he did to avoid an awkward situation?

Oh fuck, did he create an entire romantic opportunity in his head?  Again?

Why was he so fixated on Blaine when there are hundreds of single gay men in this city alone who would just jump at the chance to spend time with Kurt Hummel?  Okay, well, maybe jump is a strong word.  But they’d be willing!  Well, not all of them.  He wanted more than a quick fuck, which was all anyone seemed to be looking for on any of the apps currently.  So willing was too strong a word.  But surely there had to be at least one guy out there who would be fine with spending time with him who wasn’t already dating the human equivalent of a sunlit lavender field in Provence.  

Why couldn’t he just find someone else, he scolded himself as he made his way towards Blaine’s office, scarf folded neatly in his hands.  

“Hey stranger,” Kurt said as he gave a quick knock to Blaine’s wall to announce himself.

Blaine turned, his serious expression blossoming into a smile that could blind an unprepared man, but who’d willingly give up his sight if that was the last thing he’d get to see.

Fuck, that’s why he couldn’t just find someone else, Kurt realized.

“Hey Kurt,” Blaine said brightly.  “Haven’t seen you in what, a week?”

“Really, has it been that long?” Kurt mused.  One hundred and fifty-one hours, but who’s counting?  “Anyway, I hadn’t seen you on our side of the office so I haven’t had a chance to return this,” he added, holding out the scarf.  

“Oh, thanks,” Blaine replied.  “I’d forgotten all about it.  End of year deadlines, you know?” he chuckled, setting the scarf down on the corner of his desk.  “Just this massive push which leaves me with no time for even essential things in life?”

“Such as?”

“Coffee, for one,” Blaine said.  

Kurt tilted his head and fixed Blaine with a scold.  “You should know better than to skip something so important.  The key is to make time for the things that really matter.”

Blaine just laughed.  “You are right.  I’ll make sure to make time for it from now on.  Oh, guess what?  I found a gift for… you know who.”

“Really?  What did you find?”

“I’m not going to say in the office.  There are ears everywhere.”

Kurt nodded.  “Well, I commend you on your success.  I still haven’t found the perfect gift for my secret santa yet.”

“Really?” Blaine asked.  “Huh.  I mean, I’d assume that they’d be pretty easy to shop for.  Plus, you’re really good at gift ideas.  I bet they’d love anything you got them.”

“You would think that,” Kurt said, tamping down on the little flutter in his stomach.  “But one can never be too sure.”

“Well… how about this.  I need help wrapping my gift, and you were such a help with my search, I’m willing to be a sounding board for some of your ideas.  Maybe I could help.”  

Blaine was smiling that brilliant smile again, so how was Kurt supposed to say no?  “I didn’t actually help you find anything,” he pointed out.

“Oh, but you gave me the idea I needed,” Blaine assure him.  “I’m going to guess that you’re a pretty great present wrapper.”

Kurt held up his hands.  “Surprisingly nimble fingers.”

“I don’t think that’s a surprise at all,” Blaine chuckled.  “Why don’t I come over to your place and you can help me wrap and I can help you brainstorm your gift?”

Blaine just invited himself over to Kurt’s place… and Kurt couldn’t seem to get irritated over the boldness of the ask.  Of course you can come over to my place, should I set a table for a romantic Lady & the Tramp style dinner?  Perhaps a place to lounge on my couch?  The good sheets for my bed?  Should I just clear you out a drawer to be prepared?   “Yeah, that sounds great,” Kurt said.  “I’ll text you my address.”

“I, ah… already have your address,” Blaine said.  “Because of the --”

“The Christmas bar,” Kurt supplied.  Of course.  When he was too drunk to remember Blaine being there at all.  That’s just great.  “Yeah, totally.  So, um, tomorrow evening?”

“Great,” Blaine beamed.  “It’s a date.”

But not really, that's just a figure of speech... right?

[gleekto]

Fic: Loose Ties

Summary: Blaine Anderson knows who he is - lead Warbler, A-student, student council representative - the Dalton boys all tell him he’s got charisma and charm, and his girlfriend tells him he’s dreamy.

When rival glee club student Kurt Hummel turns up at Dalton one day -  land of glee club rockstars, blazers and ties, and a zero tolerance harassment policy - he doesn’t totally get why Blaine Anderson - the popular lead Warbler - would be so eager to court his friendship.

And to be honest, Blaine doesn’t really get it either.

Loose Ties

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8, Part 9, Part 10

Part 11 (Key)

The key to having absolutely no map of what to do when your best friend is suddenly gay, is to jump fearlessly into the murky grey waters to see how long you can swim. Survival of the fittest.

“I think Miles wants to go to the fall ball with me,” Kurt says casually to Blaine, as they walk between math and French class.

“Haven’t we already established that?” Blaine sighs under his breath. At least Kurt thinks he hears a sigh. “So?” Blaine looks at him.

“So what?”

“So are you going to say yes?” 

“He hasn’t asked me yet. I think he wants me to ask him - because I’m older or something old fashioned like that,” Kurt shrugs, deliberately non-chalant. “He just keeps going on about how he doesn’t have a date to the fall ball and doesn’t feel like going with a girl from Crawford. Followed by a meaningful silence, of course.”

“Of course,” Blaine nods.  “I do know what that feels like.”

“So you’re not still going with Jenna as friends or anything?” Kurt continues down the hall towards French, loosening his tie and looking forward. 

“No. She doesn’t want to and I can’t really blame her. And to be honest, I don’t really want to either.” Kurt can feel Blaine turn to look at him.

“So I think we should all go stag,” Kurt throws the idea out there like he just thought of it. “Like me, you, I don’t think Trent has a date, or John.”

“What about Miles?”

“Him too.”

“No, I mean, what about you going with Miles?”

Kurt takes a deep breath and jumps, “I guess I don’t really want to either.”

“You don’t?” Blaine is surprised but also casual. Like Kurt. It’s all very relaxed. The murky grey area water not entirely unpleasant.

Kurt shakes his head and looks down to try to disguise his smile. “I’m not going to want to go out with every gay guy that comes around, you know?” He says, knocking Blaine in the side.

“A few weeks ago you were the only gay kid in all of Lima,” Blaine knocks back.

“Well, now I’m not.”

“No, you’re not.”

[bebelonian]

klaine advent day 11: key

“It’s in the wrong key!”

The moment Kurt was aware he was awake, he was aware that it was far too early to be awake. Opening his eyes was a slow and agonizing process, and squinting to see the time on the alarm clock without his glasses or contacts required much more effort than he wanted it to.

4:23 AM.

“Blaine, honey, what are you doing?” he called, making no move to get up. “It’s late. Come to bed!”

Muffled swearing and the clank of several piano keys drifted into the bedroom, and then the faint reply: “In a minute! I’m . . . almost done?” The last part was more of a question than a statement, and Kurt sighed, resigning himself to the fact that he wasn’t getting any more sleep until Blaine decided he was finished. He swung his legs over the side of the bed and groaned as his feet made contact with the hardwood, grumbling about musicians’ insane schedules under his breath as he shrugged on a robe, and wandered into the living room, where Blaine was hunched over the piano with bedhead and a pencil clutched so hard in his hand Kurt was afraid it might break.

“Hey,” he said, and Blaine looked up at him, and smiled a tired smile, and even in Kurt’s half-asleep, half-blind state it was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. “What are you doing up?”

“Well, you know that song I wrote for Sam and Mercedes’ wedding next weekend?”

“Yeah.”

“And how I was going to write the piano accompaniment for it today?”

“Mhm.” Kurt perched himself on the ottoman facing the piano bench and stretched his arms over his head, yawning. “It sounded great at about eight thirty, before I was trying to sleep.”

Blaine grimaced. “Sorry. Did I wake you?”

Kurt shrugged, lifting one corner of his mouth in a half-smile. “It’s okay,” he said. “I would rather stay up and talk to you, anyway. So, what’s the issue?”

“Well, I wrote the entire fucking thing--which is three pages long, Kurt, three pages--and then I figured out that I was so tired and distracted that I wrote it in the wrong key. The words and the piano don’t match! I have to switch over the entire thing, which doesn’t take that long, but--”

“You’re not doing that tonight,” Kurt said firmly, suppressing another yawn. He glanced at the clock above the piano; he had three hours before he had to be at work. “You’re going to sleep, because you look like you’ll die soon if you don’t get some rest, and in the morning you’re going to go to work with an entire pot of coffee and you’re not going to touch this music until you get home and take a nap.”

“Ha-ha, very funny--oh, come on, Kurt! I’ll be done in twenty minutes, tops! I’ll be fine for work, I promise. What difference is twenty minutes gonna make?”

“I’m sure that’s what you said four hours ago,” said Kurt, standing and extending his hand toward his husband. “Give me the pencil.”

“Has anyone ever told you that you’re crabby when you’re tired?”

“Yes, and I’m also smart, and right. Give me the pencil.”

Blaine frowned and gave it up with a sigh, watching with forlorn eyes as Kurt tucked it into the pocket of his robe. “I was almost done,” he protested again, but cut himself off when Kurt raised a challenging eyebrow, daring Blaine to test his limits. “Fine,” he grumbled, standing and gasping when his back and neck cracked, stiff from sitting in one place for so long. “God, I’m sore.”

Kurt rolled his eyes, but he was smiling, and he held out his hand for Blaine to take, which he did, relaxing once their fingers were interlocked. “That’s because you’ve been working on that song for twelve hours, sweetie,” he said, leading them back toward the bedroom and narrowly missing the doorway, invisible to him in his overly tired state. “Now be quiet and go to sleep before I lose it.”

Once they were both safely in bed, the piano finally silent, Kurt breathed a sigh of relief and relaxed into his husband, allowing himself to drift back toward sleep for the little time he had before another day started.

“Hey, Kurt?”

Kurt groaned internally and bit back a snappy comment, focusing on the many great things about Blaine rather than the one or two things that made Kurt want to rip his hair out. “Yeah?”

“Should I change the key of the piano, or the key of the lyrics?”

“Go to sleep, Blaine.”

Blaine sighed, defeated, from the other side of the bed and moved closer to Kurt so their bodies were pressed together, chest to back, legs intertwined. “Okay. But you’ll help me with it in the morning, right?”

In the dark, as sleep finally came back to him, Kurt smiled. “Of course.”

[klaineadvent]

[saywhatjessie]

P. E. to the T. T. Y

Klaine Advent: Day 11 - Key. 748 words. (Ao3)

Blaine was alone in the store when he came in.

He was playing on his phone, scrolling through twitter to ease his boredom for lack of customers. His boss would tell him to spend the time cleaning, stocking, vacuuming, but his boss wasn’t there so Blaine wasn’t going to do shit if he didn’t have to.

At the chime of the door, Blaine called out a “Hello!” before even looking up from his phone, smile in place. It was an automatic response, greeting a customer as soon as they walked in. It made him look silly sometimes, when he called ‘Hello!’ as a customer was leaving or at the entrance of one of his coworkers but no one could ever fault Blaine’s customer service.

It took a couple seconds for Blaine’s eyes to focus on the customer, having been staring at his phone for so long. He didn’t wait for his eyes to catch up as he moved by muscle memory to the cash register, spouting a “How can I help you?” as he went.

Blaine’s eyes had not been adjusted enough to notice the small key that had been in the man’s hand and the ding! of it as he dropped it on the scale startled him.

“Oh, sorry.” The guy winced, his hands hovering over the key. “That was louder than I was expecting.”

Blaine laughed, subtly checking out the guy in front of him.

His voice was higher than Blaine had been expecting, drawing his eyes to the guy’s face. He had a strong jaw and a long nose, the paleness and softness of his skin the only features to match such a delicate voice. His ears stuck out a bit from his head which gave him an elfishness to his looks. He was the prettiest elf Blaine had ever seen.

He cleared his throat. “Don’t worry about it. What can I help you with?”

The guy sighed, resting his forearms on the high counter between himself and Blaine. “I need to ship this key.”

Blaine nodded, reaching under the counter for an envelope. “Okay, how fast does it need to get there?”

The guy waved his hand, dismissively. “Doesn’t matter, it just needs to go.”

Blaine halted his reach and redirected his arm to gesture at the Wall of Envelopes. “Okay, well we have padded envelopes that might keep it safe.”

The guy waved his hand again. “No, hang on…”

He walked over to the Wall of Envelopes, lifting from it a small standard manila, barely bigger than the label. “Can I use this?”

Blaine shrugged, turning back toward the computer as the guy walked back. “Sure, if you want.”

The guy nodded, pulling the key off the scale and dropping it in the envelope.

“Your phone number?” Blaine asked and the guy started rattling off his information. His name was Kurt.

Kurt wasn’t the first attractive guy that needed to ship something from the UPS Store. He wasn’t even the most noteworthy. Blaine had once shipped textbooks for Patrick Stump’s cousin. The fact that Kurt was pretty and was shipping a key would have passed without incident.

If it hadn’t been for…

“Sorry, where is it going?”

“Zip code 11211.”

Blaine blinked. “You’re shipping to Greenpoint?”

Kurt nodded.

Blaine shook his head, lightly. “We’re in 11206. That’s like… a couple blocks away.”

Kurt nodded again. “I know.”

Blaine just stared at him. “This is going to cost like ten dollars to ship.”

“Yeah.”

Blaine squinted his eyes in disbelief. “Why?”

Kurt sighed, slumping further on the counter. “The key is my ex-roommates. It’s for her diary or hope chest or whatever, I don’t know. She moved out to live with this guy she’s known for like two months and forgot it so she needs me to give it back.

“Problem is, I don’t want to see her. I’m pissed at her for being stupid so–” he gestured around himself as if to say. ‘That’s why I’m here.’

Blaine hummed, thinking this over, as he measured the envelope and finished filling out the form. “You want me to tape the hell out of it so it takes her a long time to open?”

Kurt’s eyes lit up. “Oh my God, yes. Please.”

Blaine grinned, picking up the tape gun and pulling the tape out with a screech.

By the time they were done, there was half a roll of tape wrapped around the envelope and Blaine had Kurt’s number. For personal reasons this time.

[notthetoothfairy]

KLAINE ADVENT 2017: LoveSick (11/24)

Summary: Kurt has SCID and can’t leave his house. Ever. Luckily, Blaine moves in next door.

A/N: A fic?!?!?! Yes, my dears, after what feels like an eternity, I finally wrote a new thing. I was going to do just one prompt for @klaineadventbut - ha ha ha, and ho ho ho - never mind, I’m writing an entire story. And I’m late. Sorry about that!

The plot is loosely based on “Everything Everything”. Saw it on the plane, didn’t end up liking it all that much but I loooved the premise for Klaine, so here it is. :D It’s not all that realistic, sorry about that, but I tried to make it as accurate as possible!

Beta: @a-simple-rainbow (who’s surprised? not us - we’re basically fandom wives)

Read: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24

Read on: AO3 (to be added later)

KEY

“Dad, stop fussing and leave for work.” Kurt sighs. “I’ll be fine, like all other 364 days of the year.”

“Kurt.” His dad’s face changes from worried to stern.

Kurt briefly indulges his dad and stares back. “Dad.”

“Take a moment for yourself today, okay?” Burt asks. “That’s all I ask.” He smiles at Kurt. “And now I’m going. I love you, bud.”

Kurt returns the smile. “Love you too, dad. And take a moment for yourself as well.”

“Always do. By the way, that shirt you designed looks great on you.”

Kurt fumbles with the dark green material. He’s really proud of it – especially the v-neck that none of his other, more medical-looking shirts have.

���Thanks, dad,” he says.

“You should make me one.”

“Way to spoil my Christmas surprise.” Kurt rolls his eyes. “Would you leave already?”

“Jeez, bossy. You’re so much like your grandma sometimes. I feel like I’m a kid again, being told off for stealing her cookies.”

“Dad, you’re going to be late.”

“Alright, alright.” Burt holds up his hands in apology. “I’m going.”

With that, his dad leaves the kitchen. Kurt follows him to the foyer, a series of rooms separated from the rest of the house – from Kurt, to be precise – by glass doors, where Burt leaves most of his outside belongings and puts on his streetwear over the decontaminated clothes.

He watches his dad get into the car and pull out of the driveway. As soon as there is no chance for him to see Kurt anymore, Kurt sprints up to his room and waves to Blaine.

“Go time!” he adds, smiling widely. Blaine sends a beam his way that makes Kurt’s spine tingle.

The night before, when Kurt was getting ready for bed, Blaine asked whether they could talk. For a moment, Kurt thought he was going to tell him some sort of bed news, but then Blaine spent about five minutes stumbling his way through asking Kurt whether he would like to ‘meet’ him sometime. He wasn’t even finished actually asking when Kurt said, “Tomorrow, 8.15 in the morning, by the living room.”

Never having been more excited that his dad works Saturdays, Kurt wills away his nerves as he goes down to the living room and heads straight toward the window that faces the backyard. Blaine shows up a minute later, clad in a dark blue coat, a scarf and a beanie hat that makes him look more hipster than he usually looks with his bowties and cardigans. His face is a bit flushed, like he ran downstairs and crossed both of their yards to get to Kurt. Maybe he did. The thought makes Kurt smile grow even more.

“Hi, Blaine,” he says when Blaine’s finally in front of him, only the glass and a few steps between them.

“Hi, Kurt.” Blaine looks Kurt up and down in wonder. “You’re… wow, you’re taller than me.”

Kurt suppresses a grin. “Sorry?” he tries.

Blaine laughs. “I like it.” Kurt can only make out the words through the glass if he’s very quiet but it helps having Blaine so near that he can read his lips as well. They’re getting better at that. Two months of window conversations are paying off.

“You do?” he asks happily. “And you… you look cozy.”

“It’s actually not as cold outside as I thought. I feel a bit hot,” Blaine admits.

Kurt’s not going to tell him to lose some layers, obviously, but he can’t help but remark, “Good thing you’re not actually stepping inside, then.”

“I want to, though,” Blaine says. “Sometime else.”

“It’s a date,” Kurt breathes out, nervously noting that he just called it a date. They never specified what… this… was. But Blaine was fumbling so badly on the phone, it just-

“Another one,” Blaine confirms with a smile. Kurt swears he feels his heart jump a little. “Even if it’s a bit weird to go on a date at 8.15 in the morning.”

“8.20,” Kurt corrects, just to have something to say, given that all his nerves are screaming, You’re on a date! “My dad just wouldn’t leave.”

“Does he have a sixth sense for sons who schedule secret get-aways to the living room?” Blaine asks, grinning brightly.

“No, he’s just-” Kurt wants to make an offhand comment, explain the day away like it’s nothing, but he can’t. It’s Blaine, for one, and it’s also his mother. “My mom died on this day nine years ago.”

Blaine’s eyes widen. “Oh, Kurt… I had no idea. I mean.” Blaine gulps. “Of course I didn’t. But- I’m sorry, Kurt. If you need to be alone…”

“No,” Kurt says firmly, fighting against the pressure behind his eyes. “I miss her, of course, and I usually cry my eyes out on this day, but I told you to come over so I wouldn’t be alone. At least for like two hours before Carole comes over.” He rolls his eyes. “I’m sorry we’re on a schedule.”

“Don’t be silly,” Blaine says. “It’s nice to… well.” Kurt watches as he attempts a formal bow. “Nice to meet you. You know, officially. Kind of.”

Kurt laughs, eyes watering. “Likewise. My mom would have totally gone for your sense of humor, you know?”

“Awkward but weirdly adorable?” Blaine tilts his head and gives him puppy-dog eyes, driving the point home.

Kurt bites his lip, fails to hold in a grin, and says, “Something along those lines, yeah.”

“Is that her?” Blaine asks, pointing behind Kurt. Kurt follows the line of his finger to the urn on the fireplace.

He turns back around and nods. “Mom, meet Blaine. Blaine, meet mom.”

“Hi, Mrs. Hummel,” Blaine says at once. “This is weird.”

“It is,” Kurt agrees. “And she would like you to call her Elizabeth, I’m sure.”

“I’ll reconsider after our third date or so,” Blaine replies.

“Smooth.” Kurt laughs. “Planning the third date while still on the first. You’re very thorough. Do you have cue cards as well?”

“Uhm, no. For some weird reason I was convinced we could manage to hold a conversation,” Blaine says, pretending to frown. Kurt thinks back to their long talks at the window, on the phone or texting, how Blaine probably knows more about Kurt than Rachel at this point.

“You’re definitely right.”

“Well, I want to hear all about Rachel’s newest plans for your future Broadway Bubble Babies career.”

“Oh god, you won’t believe how detailed her thoughts on this are. We’re both taking online singing classes already but now she wants to enter this career prospects mentoring program and see if they can get us mentors over Skype. And she wants us to co-produce a YouTube version of The Last Five Years, since it’s a musical for two.”

“Uhm, I need to meet her already!” Blaine gushes. Kurt loves how much he loves Rachel from Kurt’s stories alone. “That sounds like the greatest idea ever!”

The two hours pass in a flash. Kurt basks in Blaine’s focused and passionate attention, listens to Blaine talk animatedly about the New Directions’ madness during competition season and they make plans for a Skype session with both of their best friends so that Blaine can meet Rachel and Wes, Blaine’s best friend at Dalton, can meet Kurt.

Blaine’s in the middle of telling Kurt about his family’s Christmas plans when Kurt hears the key to the front door turn in the lock, and then the unmistakable sliding sound of the front door opening.

“Sorry for interrupting,” he says with a sad smile. “But it’s Carole. It’ll take her about five minutes to actually get in and change and all that, but you should probably get going.”

Blaine’s sad face matches his.

“It’s not that I don’t want my family to know about you,” he tries to reassure Blaine. “But today, I kind of wanted to take this moment for myself.”

Blaine waves it off. “Don’t worry about it. I know it’s easier this way. You don’t have to tell them at all if you don’t want.”

Kurt smiles knowingly at Blaine’s quick agreement. “You’re scared of my dad, aren’t you?”

“Terrified.”

Kurt’s cheeks are hurting from smiling so much. “You don’t have to be,” he promises. “Well, I guess this is goodbye for now.”

“Goodbye for now,” Blaine echoes. He pulls off his left glove and lets the hand come to rest on the window. “This was nice, I had fun.”

Kurt’s right hand shakes slightly as he lays it on the glass to mirror Blaine’s. If he pretends hard enough, it’ll feel like they’re touching.

“I had fun, too,” he whispers, locking eyes with Blaine. “You’re fun.”

Blaine’s face is so close to the window now Kurt feels like he could count all his eyelashes (an ambitious endeavor), name a new color after Blaine’s eyes (smouldering honey gold) and remember the shape of Blaine’s lips well enough to draw a picture of them later (to have something to kiss at least).

“Kurt…” Blaine blinks at him, visibly intrigued by Kurt’s intense stare.

Kurt breaks out of his little fantasy world with a big sigh.

“To be continued,” he says firmly.

“I know.” Blaine huffs out a laugh. “But I really don’t want to go right now.”

“I’ll text you as soon as I’m upstairs.” Kurt rolls his eyes when Blaine stays rooted to the spot. For the second time today, if a bit more reluctantly this time, he says, “Would you leave already?”

He watches as Blaine retreats to his house, fumbling with the key to his front door before pulling it wide open and slipping inside.

It feels like the perfect metaphor for what he’s doing with Kurt’s heart.

[blaindersonkummel]

Klaine Fic: A Very Un-Merry Birthday

Written for Days 8, 9, 10, 11 AND 12 of Klaine Advent 2017

Author’s Note: I’m back! After missing 4 days of Klaine Advent whilst I was away over the weekend, today I’m combining all 5 prompts - even if the references are just blink-and-you-miss-it moments. At least I’m consistent! Prompt Words: Health, Inch, Judgement, Key, Limited

Summary: Inspired by a 2 and a half year old tweet by nerdevon I’ve had saved as a fic idea for AGES (spoiler at link). Blaine’s birthday should be a happy occasion - but not when all his family and friends forget about it.

Word Count: 2500 - Read on AO3.

It was a freezing cold February morning and Blaine couldn’t feel his toes. He was bundled up in bed with numerous blankets and pillows, but he just could not get warm. At 8am, he woke up groggily to his alarm and, without even opening his eyes, reached behind him for that extra body heat in the form of his toasty husband. Except instead he found a cold, empty spot. Kurt wasn’t there.

Confused and half asleep, Blaine activated his phone to find a calendar notification.

“Happy birthday, Blaine.” it said.

Oh yeah, that was today. Rolling over, he was faced with that empty spot and no human furnace in the form of his husband. That was odd. Kurt was much more prone to sleeping in for as long as possible.

Kurt usually loved birthdays. After his mother’s death, celebrating another year around the sun was something he and his dad both cherished. After all, it was a celebration that their loved ones still had their health.

Yet, here Blaine was, feeling particularly unloved as his husband wasn’t there with his usual birthday kiss and cup of coffee. Instead, in his place was a note left on his pillow.

Blinking the sleep from his eyes, and reaching over for the paper, Blaine smiled to himself as he unfolded the note. Blaine’s mind ran away with him as he made his guesses about Kurt’s mysterious message; Could it be the first clue in a birthday treasure hunt? Maybe it was to ask him to come to the kitchen where a birthday banquet would await him?

What Blaine wasn’t expecting, however, was this.

B,

Got called in to work early today to help with an emergency! Didn’t want to wake you so just thought I’d sneak out and let you sleep. I left you a bagel in the kitchen – the cream cheese is in the fridge door.

See you when I get back from work.

K xx

Blaine was… confused. For a second, he just stared at the paper in his hands, as if looking at it would change the words somehow. He flipped it over – there was nothing else there. He reread it again. And again. But still, the message was the same: Kurt definitely wasn’t waiting in the kitchen with a breakfast buffet. Kurt had forgotten Blaine’s birthday.

~

As Blaine got himself ready for class that morning, he found himself in a bit of a daze. Usually, with something as personally heart-breaking as his husband forgetting his birthday, Blaine would be a total mess. Instead, he seemed to go through the motions this morning – showering, dressing, and packing up the bagel Kurt left to eat on the way to class. He was so shocked by the note, he didn’t give himself a second to really register how he was feeling.

It wasn’t until he got to class that it really hit him. Literally.

“Hey, killer! Happy birthday!” with this greeting, he received a punch in the arm so forceful, it knocked the wind from him a little. His friend Janine from his class was then enveloping him in a hug and pulling back before he knew what happened.

“Oh! Oh, right. Errr thanks, Janine!” he said, trying to painfully plaster a smile on his face. “How- how did you know, though?”

Janine looked at him like he’d grown another head.

“Duh! Facebook, silly!” she punched him in the arm again, this time with a laugh.

Blaine loved having Janine as a friend but one day he would have to put a stop to that shoulder punch thing.

“Yeah, of course,” he shrugged, “silly me!”

She looked at him a bit funny then, cocking her head to the side and surveying him.

“Are you okay, Blaine? You’re not having some sort of quarter-life crisis right now, are you?”

Blaine tried to school his expression back to normal as he laughed her off again.

“What?! No! No, of course not!” he supplied overenthusiastically, “I guess it must just be from all the celebrations this morning.”

“Ooooh, Blainers,” she teased, a massive smirk on her face. “I thought I saw you walking a little funny on the way in here! Well, I at least hope Kurt gave you one hell of a celebration this morning. Eight inches of celebration!”

She laughed loudly at her own joke, throwing her head back. Yeah, if there was something else Blaine would change about Janine, it would be her filter.

He was about to respond to her remark (and maybe actually divulge the truth about Kurt forgetting his birthday) when their professor entered the room, calling for everyone to take their seats. When they were seated and had their notepads out, Blaine opened his mouth to respond, before being shushed by Janine and having her point to the lecturer at the front with a wink.

Today was going to be painful.

~

As could be expected by a day that began with his husband forgetting his birthday, the rest of Blaine’s day went just as horribly wrong.

He tried calling his mother, whom he hadn’t heard a word from yet, only to be greeted by a voicemail message telling him the cell phone was turned off. He then tried Cooper and got the exact same response. Sighing in frustration, he pocketed his phone and walked away from the building he’d just had class in.

A few days beforehand, Blaine had arranged to have a birthday lunch with Elliott at the NYU campus Starbucks. He made his way over there and went to grab a table, where he waited. And he waited. Blaine then went up to buy his third coffee. And he waited.

“Where are you, Elliott?” Blaine muttered to himself, throwing back the dregs of his last drink before checking his phone one more time to see if Elliott had messaged him.

In the bottom of his bag, Blaine had a birthday coupon he was planning to use this lunch time. Only now, without someone with him, and three coffees in, he wasn’t sure he could stand the looks of judgement from the other customers if he were to go claim his free birthday cupcake from the counter.

Just as he was about to cut his losses, a message chimed on his phone.

From: Starchild To: Blaine

Oh my god. B, I’m so sorry! Got completely caught up in a project and totally lost track of time. I’m afraid I’m going to have to take a rain check today, I have class in 20 minutes :( We’ll reschedule soon, I promise <3

For yet another time today, Blaine felt his heart break. That was now four people he cared about, all forgetting him on his birthday.

Screw this he thought to himself, as he made his way to the counter, cupcake coupon in hand.

~

When he was feeling this depressed, there were usually only two people he could guarantee would be there to pull him back from the brink. However, one of those people had left Blaine a note this morning which started this feeling in the first place. The other person, Blaine hoped would just pick up the phone.

“Pleeeease,” Blaine muttered to himself, sitting on the steps outside the school’s entrance, scarf wrapped tight around his neck and fingerless gloves doing little to stop the cold biting his hands. “Come on, pick up.”

Blaine was now chewing on his nails when the dial tone stopped and a gruff voice sounded from the other end, sounding somewhat startled.

“He-hey, Blaine!” Burt Hummel answered jovially, if a little stilted. Blaine was so happy he could cry right now. Finally, someone besides Janine would acknowledge him today.

“Hi, Dad,” Blaine answered back, his voice sounding a little choked now. Of course, Burt Hummel was sharp as a tack to these things.

“Blaine, is something wrong?” he sounded a little panicked now, and suddenly Blaine felt like this was a stupid idea. Why had he gone running to Burt with this when he knew how stressed that would make his father-in-law? He didn’t want to be the cause of Burt having another damn heart attack, all because Blaine hadn’t had a few happy birthday greetings today.

Blaine swallowed thickly and was quick to reassure him, “No dad, I- I’m fine. I just wanted to speak to you.”

Blaine was now listening intently as there seemed to be muffled noises coming from the other end, as if Burt were covering the receiver with his hand or something. In fact, Blaine was sure he could hear voices.

“Burt? Are you there?”

“Oh, err, look Blaine, I’m sorry. I’m just in the repair shop. I’ve got one of the guys asking me about spark plugs. I’ve got to go, Blaine. Sorry! Call me if you need me.”

Blaine opened his mouth in shock, ready to respond to Burt’s abrupt conversation finisher, when the line went dead. Moving the device from his ear, Blaine now cradled his phone in his hands, looking down at it as though it would suddenly ring out his alarm clock and Blaine would wake up from a crappy dream and realise his birthday hadn’t even started yet. But it didn’t ring. Instead, a single tear splashed on to the screen, before Blaine wiped his eyes, pocketed his phone, and stood up from the steps to make the long commute home.

~

Blaine trudged up the stairs, one by one, very slowly, as though his body didn’t have the energy to care about anything today. It had been the absolute day from hell. He didn’t even know how he would respond when Kurt got back from work tonight and inevitably acted like he hadn’t just completely missed Blaine’s big day. He certainly didn’t want it to end in a fight.

Making his way to their front door, he pinched the bridge of his nose to alleviate the headache he’d been feeling all day from the stress of holding back his horrible mood. He paused for a second, before putting his key in the door and turning the lock.

Before he could even make his way across the threshold, he was instantly bombarded with an explosion of light, noise, and colour.

“SURPRISE!”

Blaine’s hand flew to his chest, covering his heart from the sudden attack he was sure he was experiencing as he recoiled from the barrage of senses. There, in front of him, stood a crowd of people, all looking at him with smiles on their faces, holding balloons, empty party poppers, blowers, and streamers. At the front of them all was Kurt, arms in the air.

There was a moment of laughter and applause from the group as Blaine suddenly seemed to catch on and his hand now moved to his mouth. When the laughter died down and everyone looked expectantly at him, Blaine suddenly only had one reaction.

There, in front of everyone, he burst into sobs. Some of the people started laughing again then, thinking he was overwhelmed and so happy with the surprise. But when Blaine looked at Kurt however, Kurt instantly knew something was wrong.

Springing into action, Kurt moved like a bullet towards Blaine, who still had one hand on the doorknob and the other covering his loud wails. Kurt moved in close to Blaine’s line of sight and put his hands either side of his husband’s face.

“Blaine, baby, what’s wrong?” Kurt looked as though he didn’t know whether to laugh or panic at this point.

Blaine managed to even his breathing a little more, but still he stuttered as he tried to get out his words through the convulsive sobs.

“I- I- I thought y-you’d all f- for- forgotten,” he cried.

The look on Kurt’s face was so distraught, Blaine immediately felt bad for putting it there.

“Forgot-? Of course we wouldn’t forget, sweetheart!” Kurt responded, with everyone else in the room suddenly cottoning on to why Blaine was crying messily in front of everyone.

Kurt grabbed him by the shoulders then and pulled his body as close to his own as possible in a crushing hug, one hand moving to play with the hair on Blaine’s neck as he whispered in his ear, instantly calming his husband.

“I’m… I’m sorry, baby. I’m really sorry. I didn’t mean for it to backfire like this. I just wanted to keep everything a surprise.”

Blaine now found himself looking over Kurt’s shoulder at the dozens of people gathered in front of him. He practically gasped aloud as he only now realised who was there.

“My mom… and Cooper? And your dad? Carole?”

Kurt pulled away from the hug then and held Blaine at arm’s length to look at the pure shock and awe which had now replaced the tears on his face. Blaine looked from the crowd, to Kurt, everything suddenly clicking into place.

“I can’t bel- Kurt!” Blaine suddenly laughed, tears springing back to his eyes again – only this time everyone could see they were happy tears, his hand covering his mouth again to hide to enormous smile which was about to take over his face.

“Happy birthday, son,” Burt said, stepping forward and wrapping Blaine in his own hug as they clung to one another, Blaine’s tears flowing freely again now.

~

“So, let me get this straight,” Blaine mused, perched in Kurt’s lap on their living room sofa, a mojito in his hand and his other arm holding onto Kurt for balance.

Their friends and family were now in full party mode; Burt and Pam were chatting nearby as Elliott and Janine compared tattoos and Cooper was caught in the middle of a diva off between Rachel and Tina on the karaoke machine.

“Okay, go on,” Kurt rolled his eyes, a playful smile over his husband having to dissect everything about his surprise.

“So, you weren’t really at work today? Just at Rachel and Jesse’s place, picking up the decorations?”

“Correct.”

“My mom and Cooper were flying in this morning and that’s why both of their phones were off?”

“Also true.”

“Elliott was helping you to decorate our place and he genuinely just forgot to tell me he couldn’t make it to lunch today?”

“Yeah, I’ll have words with him about that one.”

“And your dad had to hang up because he was worried I heard people arriving at our place?”

“Yep.”

“Damn,” Blaine ended his trail of thought here, unsure how to proceed, so he took another sip of mojito until it came to him.

“Okay, so I have one more question.”

Kurt smiled up at his husband who was getting steadily more tipsy and relaxed after the day’s events and he leant in to kiss the corner of his mouth.

“Okay, shoot.”

“Considering all the trauma I’ve gone through today,” he tried to look pouty and serious here, but just looked ridiculous, “how many birthday bumps do I get tonight?”

Blaine asked the question coyly, drawing his straw to his lips as he caught it with his tongue, before sucking it into his mouth. Kurt couldn’t help his loud and abrupt laugh as Blaine’s question caught him completely off guard and he tried to keep a straight face when people turned to see what the noise was.

“Oh honey,” Kurt said, steadying his husband on his lap and giving him a sly smile, “I don’t think that number is limited.”

[whatstheproblembaby]

Klaine Advent Day 11 - Key

"Blaine. Help. I think I'm going to develop tinnitus."

"Is that hyperbole, or do I need to take you to the ER?" Blaine asked, turning his gaze from the TV to the entrance of their apartment, where Kurt stood, coat in hand. "I'm assuming the former, but I've been watching medical dramas, and you know how I get."

"Yes, I do. If you start thinking everything is lupus again, I'm going to make Carole have a strict talk with you. But anyways - yes, it was hyperbole. Rehearsal was just a nightmare."

"Oh, honey," Blaine said sympathetically. "Need to vent?"

"You know me so well," Kurt said, coming over to collapse next to Blaine on the couch. "Someone needs to have a word with our creative team. It's great that Lydia can hit notes only audible to dogs, but that doesn't mean she needs to sustain one in every song."

"I think I understand where the tinnitus comment came from now."

"Uh huh. And when I hinted that maybe the key was too high in a couple of these songs, they all looked at me with false concern and said they would think about it, but that I also should consider some voice training if I'm struggling with some of the notes."

"No!"

"Yes!" Kurt said, placing a hand on top of Blaine's. "Blaine. You know my range."

"And so should they, if they even skimmed your audition form," Blaine said, shaking his head in derision. "Sounds like we might need to start asking Artie to not pass our names along to his director friends. Between this and that guy who thought a nude Little Mermaid was just what the world needed...."

"Ugh, I'd just managed to repress that. Thanks a lot, B."

"I'm sorry," Blaine said, pressing a quick kiss to Kurt's brow. "Why don't you go grab a shower while I Seamless some brownies from that bakery uptown to make up for it?"

"That sounds wonderful," Kurt said, pushing himself upright and off the couch. He got one step away from the couch, then snorted.

"What?"

"Nothing, it's just - you just proved you know my favorite key."

"Which is?" Blaine prompted, confused.

"The key to my heart."

Blaine groaned so hard he thought he might strain a vocal cord.

[klaineanummel]

Story of My Life 11/24

Kurt reflects on the past twelve years of his life, coming to realize that one man in particular has affected him far more than he ever thought he would

Okay, so. This chapter is a little bit different than the rest. It takes place over the course of more than a year, and is comprised of several little snippets. I don’t have plans for any other chapter to be like this, but this one had to be because I’m basically a moron who fucked up my own timeline, and anyway, here we go. 

A billion thanks to @mailroomorder for almost literally holding my hand through my freak-out when i realized i fucked up the timeline, and for giving me the idea for this chapter. You’re amazing and I owe you my life.

I hope you all enjoy, and see you tomorrow!

Attachment   |   Bucket |    Collapse   |   Drink   |   Example   |   Fraction   |   Genuine   |   Health   |   Inch   |   Judgement   |

Read on AO3

June 7th, 2016

Graduation comes a lot faster than Kurt expects it to. It feels like he just started his undergrad two weeks ago, yet here he is, graduating with a Fashion Design Major and a Creative Writing Minor.

His friends all seem to be scrambling to figure out what to do now that school is over. Mercedes seems unsure if she should try and get a business job, or pursue something relating to her Music minor. Cooper has about twenty auditions lined up for next week, but nothing beyond that, aside from making the shift to a full-time employee at the Spotlight Diner. And Sam, well, he may not be graduating with the rest of them, but he does seem to be feeling the jitters of the unknown future. He’s been an assistant manager at the Diner for two years now, and Kurt knows that if he doesn’t advance more soon, he’s going to be hanging up the apron for good.

Kurt, on the other hand, feels comfortable in his place in life. He’s already got a paying job at Vogue.com, and he’s been accepted at NYU Stern for a one-year MBA in Fashion and Luxury, which Isabelle has promised will land him a far better job at Vogue proper when he’s done.

He feels kind of bad, being the only one of his friends with everything together career-wise, but he is also the only one who is currently single, so he figures the universe at least owes him this.

Although their exams are long-done, there is something so final about putting on the gown and robe and walking across the stage to receive a diploma.

Cooper and Kurt manage to snag spots in the same ceremony, with Mercedes’s ceremony happening a couple of hours later. They aren’t seated anywhere near each other, but it’s still nice to know that they’re going through it together.

Kurt applauds as loud as he can for Cooper when he walks across the stage, barely stopping himself from standing up as he does so. Cooper looks so excited as he is offered his Degree in Theater, it’s like his uncertain future doesn’t matter in that moment.

Soon enough, it’s Kurt’s turn, and he glides across the stage, feeling like he’s walking on air. He looks out into the crowd as he is awarded his diploma, smiling at the sight of Blaine and Kurt’s father standing next to each other, competing for who can clap for Kurt the hardest. He waves at them happily, then hurries off the stage as the next name is called.

That evening, everybody gathers in Kurt, Cooper, Rachel, and Tina’s apartment (since it’s the largest), including Cooper, Kurt, and Mercedes’s parents. They eat too much take-out, of every kind imaginable, and drink a little too much wine. Kurt doesn’t really care, though. They’re officially college graduates. Nothing could bring him down from this moment.

March 19th, 2017

Kurt has barely seen Blaine during his latest visit to New York. Unfortunately, his Spring Break doesn’t come until the week after Blaine’s, which means that he has spent more of Blaine’s visit in class, or working on assignments.

He gets home from work on Friday evening, upset that he’s missed almost all of Blaine’s visit. He knows that Blaine has spent most of the time touring different campuses, but he still hates that he’s hasn’t been able to see him much. He knows that Blaine will be in New York in just a few months, when he’ll be able to see him all the time, but for now he still lives on the other side of the country. He’s always done his best to take advantage of every visit Blaine makes, and he hates that he hasn’t been able to do that with this one.

He heads straight to Cooper’s room, knowing he and Blaine are probably holed up in there. He raises his hand to knock, but stops when he hears their voices through the door.

“He’s not my boyfriend, or anything,” Blaine is saying. “We just… go out on dates sometimes.”

“And make out?” Cooper teases.

Blaine chuckles. “Oh, yeah,” he says. “There is a lot of making out.”

“Good,” Cooper says. “You deserve it. After what happened with Jeremiah…”

“Don’t,” Blaine replies quickly. “I don’t even want to think about that mess. Right now I’m just enjoying a nice, uncomplicated relationship.”

“I’m glad.”

Kurt can’t take it anymore. He opens the door, eyes wide, asking, “You’re dating someone?!”

“Kurt, Jesus,” Cooper’s head shoots toward him, eyes glaring daggers. “You know, you could knock.”

“Blaine,” he ignores Cooper. “You’re dating someone? Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I, uh—”

“Because it’s not really your business, Kurt,” Cooper says, getting up off his bed and walking toward Kurt. “Now, if you don’t mind, Blaine and I were having a private conversation.”

“Why didn’t you tell me about this, Blaine?” Kurt asks, still doing his best to ignore Cooper. “Tell me the truth.”

“No, Blaine, you don’t have to say anything,” Cooper says, causing Blaine to look down at his lap. “Kurt, I need to talk to you outside.”

“No, Blaine and I—”

“Outside, you and me, now.”

Kurt huffs, but lets Cooper drag him out into the hallway, shutting the door behind him.

“What the hell is your problem?” Kurt asks.

“My problem? My problem? You’re the one running around barging in on people’s conversations. You know, we shut the door for a reason.”

“I don’t understand why you’re so mad at me,” Kurt says, crossing his arms over his chest. “I’ve barely seen Blaine the whole time he’s been here, and now I find out he’s been keeping things from me, and—”

“He doesn’t owe you any information, okay, Kurt? He doesn’t have to tell you anything.”

“He’s always told me everything,” Kurt says, trying to explain how hurt he is over this.

“And that’s gone so well for him, huh?” Cooper asks, more sass in his voice than Kurt appreciates.

“Listen—”

“No, Kurt, you listen. You have no right to barge in on my private conversation with Blaine because, oh no, you felt left out of his life for once. Boo-fucking-hoo, get over it.”

“What the hell is wrong with you? Why are you jumping down my throat?!”

“Because you’re a fucking moron, Kurt,” Cooper practically shouts. “You’re a fucking moron who can’t seem to see two inches in front of his own nose when it comes to my brother.”

“Oh, I see,” Kurt says, cocking his hip. “You know, Cooper, I’m not trying to steal your brother from you. He and I are allowed to be friends.”

“Oh, my god,” Cooper runs his hands through his hair. “Kurt, nobody is saying that you guys can’t be friends, okay? I’m just saying that maybe it’s okay that he doesn’t tell you everything. Maybe you need to respect the boundaries that he is putting up. Maybe you need to accept that maybe, just maybe, it isn’t totally appropriate for him to tell you about everything anymore.”

“But I don’t—”

“Yes, see, that’s the key word there. You don’t. You. You don’t see a problem, you don’t think it’s wrong, you, you, you. Have you ever stopped to think for a second what this close, intimate friendship you and Blaine have affects Blaine?”

Kurt’s jaw tightens. “If this is about his crush—”

“Of fucking course it’s about his crush, Kurt, oh my god! You’re so—” Cooper tightens his grip on his hair, looking up at the ceiling. “Can you stop and think, just for one second, why it may not be appropriate for Blaine to be telling you about a guy he’s dating?”

“I’m not going to be jealous, I’m actually relieved to hear—”

“Stop, oh, my god. For Blaine, Kurt. Why it would be inappropriate for Blaine. Put yourself in his shoes for a moment, think about everything he’s gone through, and tell me why it would be inappropriate for Blaine to tell you about this.”

Kurt opens his mouth, but shuts it when Cooper widens his eyes and raises a threatening finger. He tries to think, but his mind is a mess. Not only is he upset to find out that Blaine has been keeping things from him, but now he’s fighting with Cooper for basically the first time. It’s a little hard for him to think past that at this point.

“See?” Cooper says after a too-long silence. “You’re a fucking moron about this, Kurt. When it comes to Blaine, you’re a fucking moron.”

“Okay, well, tell me then, Oh Smart One,” Kurt says, defenses snapping up. “Why would it be inappropriate for Blaine to talk to me about this?”

“Because the last time he had sex was to try and get back at you, and this time he doesn’t want you involved at all because he wants a relationship that isn’t tainted by the fact that he is desperately in love with you.”

Kurt feels his heart fall into his stomach. He stares at Cooper, who is breathing heavily, face red from shouting.

“I—” he stops himself, not sure what he even meant to say. He stares at Cooper, and stares, at keeps staring.

“You see?” Cooper says. He shakes his head. “You spend so much time trying to pretend like it isn’t happening, like if you just ignore it long enough, it’ll go away. Well, guess what, Kurt? It isn’t going away. And it won’t go away, until you put some space between you two and respect the boundaries that Blaine is putting up.”

Kurt’s breathing is heavy as he says, “I don’t care about that,” he says. “I… I’ve always told Blaine that I don’t need him to change anything. I love him – not romantically, but platonically, I hold him so dear to me. I’ve told Blaine a hundred times that he’s perfect and that I don’t care, that I just want to be close to him.”

Cooper shakes his head. “Yeah, well maybe you should stop telling him that.”

Kurt reels back, feeling like he’s been slapped. Cooper stares at him for a moment, then shakes his head again and heads back into the bedroom, leaving Kurt alone in the hallway with a pain in his chest, and a mind whirring at a hundred miles an hour.

March 20th – August 23rd, 2017

Blaine goes back to Los Angeles that Saturday, and Kurt moves out of the apartment on Sunday.

As he’s packing his bags into a taxi, Cooper comes out and tells him, “You know, you don’t have to do this. You need to keep a distance from Blaine, not from me.”

Kurt stares at him with pain in his eyes. “I think I do,” he says. “And I think you need some space from me, too.” Cooper looks like he’s going to argue, but Kurt stops him by saying, “You can’t tell me that you haven’t been sitting on those things for a while. You obviously needed to let off some steam, and I’m glad you did. I needed you to say those things. Just like now, I need to not live in this apartment anymore.”

Cooper nods, taking a step back. “Just…” he speaks up as Kurt starts to turn away. “Don’t feel like you don’t have a home here, okay? Whenever you’re ready to come back…”

“Whenever we’re ready for me to come back,” Kurt says, and Cooper smiles hesitantly.

Kurt can’t bring himself to smile back as he steps into the backseat of the taxi. Instead, he gives the taxi driver Sam and Mercedes’s address, and settles in for the ride, refusing to look back at his best friend.

*

Sam and Mercedes live a little closer to the Stern campus of NYU, which makes his last few weeks of classes much easier. They are also closer to the Vogue.com building, cutting his commute to work almost in half.

Halfway through the summer, though, Isabelle’s promise comes true. Vogue is looking for junior editors, and she’s tossed his name into the ring. He has an interview, then another, and is soon reading an email formally welcoming him to the family of Vogue proper.

It turns out that the building for Vogue is actually nowhere near the one for Vogue.com. Suddenly, his twenty-minute subway ride turns into a fifty-minute one, with two transfers.

He’s willing to deal with it, though. Although he has seen Cooper since he moved out, it’s clear that the man isn’t ready for Kurt to move back in. Cooper made that more than clear during the party they throw him to congratulate him on being admitted into an acting troupe. When Kurt arrived, he instantly ran up to Cooper to congratulate him with a hug, only to feel his friend stiffen under his touch. He’d stepped back quickly, apologizing, and Cooper apologized, too.

Still, it’s frustrating. He loves his new job, and he knows it’s going to bring him so many job advancement opportunities, but the commute is brutal. He briefly looks into studio apartments closer to his work, but they’re way out of his budget, and he doesn’t really want to move in with a bunch of strangers.

Every now and then, he’ll pull up Google Maps and stare longingly at the trajectory between his old apartment and his new work. Only twenty-five minutes on one subway line.

It’s late August when he gets a call from Cooper, the first one he’s received since he moved out.

“Just move back in,” is what Cooper greets him with.

“No, Cooper. You’re clearly not ready, and I don’t want to impose. You were right, I was being selfish, but I won’t be anymore, okay? So, really, until you’re ready, I can deal with it.”

“Kurt, Mercedes told me that you’ve been moping around about your commute for weeks.” He clears his throat and says, “Besides, I talked to Blaine recently, and he told me that all your texts have been family friendly. You’ve barely even talked about what it’ll be like when he’s here. I’m…” he pauses, clearing his throat. “I’m proud of you, okay? And I can’t stand the thought of causing Sam and Mercedes to deal with you moping, so just move back in.”

Kurt has to stop himself from crying as he happily accepts Cooper’s offer, immediately starting to pack up his things (though it doesn’t take much, seeing as he’s been living on Sam and Mercedes’s couch for the past few months, and the majority of his clothing is still in suitcases).

When the taxi drops him off at his old address, he finds Cooper on the stoop waiting for him. This time, it’s Cooper who rushes to Kurt, and when they hug, not one of them is stiff.

September 2nd, 2017

To: Kurt From: Blaine Can you please come and help me move into my dorms? Cooper is absolutely useless, and Rachel is just using it as an excuse to practice her single line from Footloose over and over again.

Kurt stares at the text for a few minutes, unsure of how to respond. He’s been so careful around Blaine since his conversation with Cooper, keeping the texting to a minimum and ensuring that things don’t get too personal even when they do text.

Still, this is Blaine taking the first step. This is Blaine setting the boundaries.

To: Blaine From: Kurt You sure? I’m not so great with heavy boxes either, you know.

It barely takes a minute for Blaine to text back.

To: Kurt From: Blaine Hey now, you owe me! I helped you move into your dorm, remember?

Kurt types out How could I forget? before erasing it, knowing that will set him back several months in this entire process. He takes a deep breath, placing himself in Blaine’s shoes, trying to think of what he needs.

To: Blaine From: Kurt Alright, I’ll be there soon! What dorm are you in again?

He changes quickly into looser clothes, then heads out, not even bothering to read Blaine’s response. He knows what dorm Blaine is in, has had it memorized since Blaine mentioned it to him several weeks ago. Still, he’s trying to think about Blaine, and what the knowledge that Kurt remembers such a small detail would do to him.

Kurt sighs as he steps onto the subway, falling into an empty seat. When did all of this get so damn complicated?

Part Twelve: Limited

[darriness]

Klaine Advent 2017 - Day 11 - “Key”

Title: Safety First

Author: darriness

Word Count: 382

Summary: Blaine is left in a precarious position

Author’s Note: Takes place the same night of and not long after my Day 10 fic!

“Kurt?” Blaine calls, trying to shift his position to find one more comfortable but giving up when it proves futile.

Kurt doesn’t answer him but Blaine can hear his husband rummaging somewhere near the kitchen, “Kurt?” He calls louder.

“I’m still looking!” Kurt shrieks and Blaine slumps. He huffs out a dejected breath and looks around the room with his eyes. What’s he supposed to do? It’s not like he can go anywhere.

He sits silently for another few minutes hearing Kurt grumble as he makes his way through the apartment. Five minutes after his last call he tries again. He can hear Kurt closer to the door anyway, “Kurt?”

The door to their bedroom swings open and Kurt stands there in nothing but his boxers, an annoyed expression on his face, “Blaine, what is it? I’m looking as fast as I can.”

Blaine’s eyes widen like that of a startled deer, “I was just…wondering if you could pass me some pants, or a blanket?”

Kurt’s annoyed expression dissolves immediately in to one of shock, “Oh my god Blaine I’m so sorry!” And it’s like he just realized he had left his husband handcuffed naked to their headboard to search the house for their handcuff key that he misplaced. Which is in fact exactly what happened. Kurt quickly grabs the blanket they hang over their chair and sets it gentle around Blaine’s legs and hips before lying down next to him and laying a hand on his chest, “I did it again didn’t I?”

Blaine shrugs as much as he can with his arms above him, “Kinda.”

Kurt sighs, “I’m so sorry. I am the worst. Here you are, the one actually handcuffed and unable to get out and I’M the one who is mad. I’m just mad at myself for losing the keys. Not at you.”

Blaine nods, “I know. You wouldn’t be my Kurt if you weren’t my diva.”

Kurt places a soft kiss to Blaine’s lips, “Okay, let me go find these keys and we can enjoy whatever afterglow is left.” He says, pushing off the bed.

“Or create new afterglow.” Blaine suggests, making Kurt flush hot, “Though maybe this time we do it without the handcuffs?” Kurt rolls his eyes with a laugh before continuing his search.

[andersonswalsh]

Fic: Teach Me How Love Goes (for Klaine Advent Day 11/24)

This is something I didn’t plan at first, but it had to happen. A very light R-rated Kurt/OC scene. If that’s not your thing, I understand, but it’s imperative to the plot. The next few chapters are where things REALLY get going!

Day 11: Key | Day 10 | Day 12 | AO3

Oscar Valenzuela is nothing like anyone Kurt has ever dated before. He’s twenty-six, 6’3”, a first-generation American from Chile, graduated from North Carolina on a soccer scholarship, and has a body that was practically chiseled by the greatest sculptors on Earth. He’s a welcome distraction from the ever-growing feelings Kurt keeps having about Blaine.

Blaine remained true to his word and brought Kurt a dozen lemon butter cookies that were to die for when school resumed after the holidays. They’ve met for coffee twice as well, catching up on random tidbits that have happened over the years. Kurt knows that Blaine’s holding back, though, if his hesitation about things in their last meeting is anything to go by. Kurt has decided if it continues to their next meeting he’ll bring it up, but he doesn’t know when that will be since Blaine and his writing partner are going on a retreat to New Hampshire.

But this is why Kurt has Oscar, and why he owes Joanna and Becky a bottle of wine. In the past month since they met at Club Lexus Kurt has enjoyed the most incredible sex of his life.

Tonight they met for a show and a late dinner at a Japanese restaurant. Oscar fed Kurt one of his sashimi slices and gave him a tantalizing look that overshone the spiciness of the wasabi. Oscar quickly ordered a Lyft to take them to his apartment and they spent most of the drive making out. Kurt hasn’t felt like this in a long time--probably since he started dating Elliott.

It isn’t that he’s inexperienced. He’s thirty-two years old, for crying out loud. But the notches on Kurt’s bedpost are nothing to brag about: Blaine, Adam, Elliott, and a couple more men who never lasted past the three month mark. He’s never been one for one-night stands, and he’s grateful that Oscar wanted his number and contacted him the next morning. A month later things are moving in the right direction.

The driver pulls up to Oscar’s building and they race out of the car, parting only long enough to scramble inside and get on the elevator up to the eighth floor. When the doors opened they sprinted to Oscar’s door, where he fished his key out of his pocket and shakily unlocked it. Once they’re inside, Oscar pins Kurt against the wall and starts sucking a spot just below his left ear.

“Mmph,” Kurt moans. “As wonderful as that feels...ungh...no marks in places my kids can see.”

Oscar backs up and looks hungrily at him. “That’s fine,” he replies. He swiftly unbuttons Kurt’s coat and slides it off, leaving it in a puddle in the entryway. “Bedroom?”

“Yeah.” Kurt follows Oscar to the back room. It’s really tasteful: espresso furniture, hunter green bedding, and cream walls. He got to admire it all the first time he came over, but now is not the time to. Oscar begins kissing him again as his hands work to open Kurt’s dress shirt. Once it’s unbuttoned and slid off of him Kurt moves in, removing Oscar’s blazer and then turtleneck. He eyes the bronzed six-pack that greets him before he pushes Oscar down on the bed.

“Mmm, feisty today,” Oscar quips.

Kurt grins. “I have a mission.” He begins kissing Oscar’s chest, sucking longer and harder as he reaches his nipples. He moves on to his stomach, lapping around the curves of his muscles, before returning up top to Oscar’s mouth. Oscar reaches around to grab Kurt’s ass and flip them over, and the weight holding Kurt down is more than enough.

“Fuck,” he moans, “I don’t think I’m going to last.”

“Keep it together, old man,” Oscar jokes. He squeezes harder, causing Kurt to arch up.

“Oh god, Blaine, please.”

The weight suddenly disappears. “Who the fuck is Blaine?” Oscar says loudly.

Kurt doesn’t know what to say. “I--I don’t know,” he lies.

“Bullshit. There��s another guy?”

“No, no. Blaine was my first boyfriend. We haven’t been together in over a decade.”

“And you just thought of him out of the blue?” Oscar jumps off the bed, grabs Kurt’s shirt, and throws it at him. “Get out of here.”

“Oscar, wait,” Kurt pleads.

“You have five minutes.” Oscar turns out of the room, and Kurt hears the bathroom door slam.

He holds himself together as he redresses and leaves the apartment, all the way until he hails a cab back to his place and slumps into the seat.

Thirteen years. Thirteen years since they’d been together and he’d never once said Blaine’s name during foreplay. But of course after the last four months he’s on his mind nearly all the time. Kurt silently sobs into the quietness of the car.

He’s fucked, in the worst way.

[pumpkinkurt]

klaine advent drabble challenge day 11: key

word count: 911

“Blaine,” Kurt mumbles, pressed up against Blaine’s back with his hands desperately trying to make their way under his layers and onto his skin, “Blaine, unlock the door.”

“I’m trying,” Blaine says, his fingers numb even through two pairs of gloves. The key to their lodge is deep in the inner pocket of his ski jacket, and he can’t get it out. “Kurt, you’re not helping.”

“I’m so cold,” Kurt’s icy face presses against Blaine’s neck and Blaine yelps. “Kurt!”

Read the rest on AO3.