#blaineshipsweek

After their crazy week-end in Los Angeles around Christmas time, and once Noah starts going to college, Jake doesn't see much of him.

Except when he comes home for a big week end.

And they get to talk.

Like, a lot.

Jake talks about his plans for after high school, and Noah tells him how much he enjoys actually going to class, and turning papers on time, and getting more than C's and how surprised he's himself at being good at it (well, he doesn't say it like that, it's more in the lines of "I'm a fucking badass nerd, bro" but same difference, right ?).

They also talk about the upcoming Glee competition, and when Jake starts talking about the little revolution Blaine started, Noah can see something like ... sparkles in his brother's eyes.

"Awww, you have a boy crush over Anderson, that's adorable" he coos, poking his brother's shoulder.

"Shut up you big jerk" Jake mutters, but the blush on his cheeks tell Noah the truth. "Plus, I'm not fanboying, I just really think Blaine is ... well, he's ..."

Noah waves at him. "Meh, just teasing you, I know what you mean : he's the best role model you could have wished for ?" he asks with a knowing smile.

"Well, yeah !" Jake says loudly with a big smile, before his eyes dropping into a puppy look. "Wait, that doesn't mean I don't look up to you, man, because I do, but ...

"Dude, it's so funny when you're flustered" Noah laughs, slapping his shoulderblade. "I'm your big bro, but Blainey he's ... he's like the man you hope to be when you grow up" he says, in his infinite (and brand new) wisdom.

"And he and Kurt ..."

Blaine had not seen Sebastian Smythe since the time his senior year he had considered returning to Dalton.

(Well, they have "seen" each other at Sectionals that year, but it doesn't really count since they didn't speak)

But while they haven't met, they do have a few friends in common who kept them in the loop regarding what's happening in the other's life.

Funnily enough, they reconnect in New York through Kurt, of all people. See, Kurt's climb in the Vogue ladder and Sebastian's surprising career's choice as a representative for young designers have brought them in the same circles, and after making fun of each other (more for all time's sake than anything else), they have quickly come to realize that when they're not fighting over a love / booty interest (take your pick), they have more in common that they initially thought.

And Blaine has never been one to hold a grudge for too long, so when Kurt invited Sebastian in their house for dinner, the three of them had a truly delightful time. Blaine watched them "talking shop", so to speak, making funs of the competition and of some trendy designers who, if you believe them, are going to be long forgotten before the end of the year. While he appreciates their sense of humor, Blaine knows that his tongue is not sharp enough to compete.

Nevertheless, one the nights where Kurt has to stay in the Condé Nast building far into the night, Blaine and Sebastian enjoy a night in the bar, drinking beer and playing pool - Sebastian is quite surprise to see that Blaine is a sneaky player, using the lines to get through his balls ; after more than 3 beers, Sebastian starts to shout that Blaine is using voodoo powers and Blaine keeps on shooting through his laughter.

Sometimes, Sam joins them.

And that rouses Sebastian's competitive edge.

Sebastian is a natural competitor. He likes, not only to know, but for everyone to see, that he's the best : the best student, the best singer, the best businessman, the sharpest mind, …

The best friend.

And there is nothing Sebastian isn't ready to prove that he is Blaine's best friend.

- Bribery A

One evening, Sebastian invites Sam for a drink "just us Blainey's boys" and even if Kurt tries to warn Sam that it might not be as innocent as it may seem, the blond man goes without any concern. Boy oh boy should he have listened to Kurt ...

When he gets to the bar, Sebastian doesn't lost any minute into letting his plan unfold.

"Let's cut the crap, Human Beat Box" and Sam preens a little even if he knows that it's not a compliment in the other man's mouth, "we both know that I'm Blaine's best friend ..."

"I AM Blaine's best friend" Sam mutters with a smirk.

"BUT" Sebastian continues with a frown "you both have enough in common that he might delusion himself into thinking that you two share some kind of special bond ..."

"And ?" Sam asks, taking a sip of his beer.

"And it's totally unacceptable" Sebastian says through gritted teeth, fingers tightening around the glass. "So tell me, Evans" he continues, voice back to that calm, almost serene quality that only announces the worst when it comes to Sebastian Saul (don't ask) Smythe, "what is your price ?"

Sam swallows his last sip with some difficulty and looks at the man in front of him with an unbelieving look. "My what ?!"

"Your price, Surfer Ken, or did your bleaching product finally attacked your eardrums ?" Sebastian repeats, an insufferable smile on his face.

"My price for what ?" Sam looks more and more perplexed by Sebastian's words - and vaguely insulted, but he can't recall an evening spent with the former Warbler without feeling insulted so it's pretty much routine by now.

"Your price to back off of Blaine, fuck you're dense" Sebastian exclaims and now Sam is more than vaguely insulted. Standing up, Sam slams his glass on the table (at least he got a good beer out of this fuckery of an evening) and leaning forward he growls at Sebastian "I am not for sale, Smythe" before leaving the bar.

Sebastian finishes his glass, not at all bothered by the outcome. He merely thought it was worth the try.

It's not like it's his only option.

- Bribery B

When you try to get something from one part of the Dynamic Duo that is the Hummel Anderson couple, it's always nice to have some leverage on the counterpart.

In the case that interests him, Sebastian definitely has something on Blaine's better half.

"Smythe !"

Speaking of the sparkly devil ...

"And good morning to you too, Kurtsie" Sebastian welcomes Kurt in his office. "May I help you ?"

"May I help ... you damn well know that you should help me if you know what is good for your health !" Kurt shouts in his face and if he wasn't planning it all for the last couple of weeks, Sebastian would be … well, to remain polite, let's say that he would need a new set of clothes.

"Aww but what's going on Kurtsie ?" he coos, putting some distance - and his desk - between the two of them.

"You're withholding my next cover you asshole" Kurt says through his teeth, putting his hand on his desk which gives him some more leverage. "Simone told me that she sent you the dresses and the suits two weeks ago through Express Delivery. The only conclusion I can come up with is that you received it, and thought that, what ? Didn't need them to work with the models to get the cover and main article ready in time ?!"

"Oh I have them alright" Sebastian starts, and raises one hand to stop Kurt from starting another rant. Kurt stammers but as Sebastian points to the chair, silently inviting him to seat, lets himself fall in the chair. "I just needed some … incentive for you to come here without your wife" he adds with his patented cocky smirk.

"And what do you need to tell me that you can't say in front of Blaine ?" Kurt asks, his curiosity piqued. "Please tell me it's not a declaration of love, I'm not sure we could …"

"Please shut up !" Sebastian exclaims, taken aback by Kurt's apparent conclusion. "You're so far above my point that you could be on the Space Station !"

"Then make your fucking point, Smythe, and give me your hostages !" Kurt exclaims back.

"I want you to help me convince Blaine that I'm his best friend !"

Oops, not as smooth as he had planned it (he even made a flowchart and all), but hey, at least the cat is out of the bag, so to speak.

"You want me to what Blaine what ?!" Kurt asks, his entire face the embodiment of incredulity.

"I want you" Sebastian repeats slowly, fearing that the shock of his announcement might have dislodged Hummel's brain, "to help me convince Blaine that I am his best friend, and not his peroxided sidekick".

"But Sam is his best friend" Kurt replies softly, as if he were talking to a small child discovering how babies come to life, "I mean, you're a very good friend, maybe his closest beside Sam but …"

"Get out, you're useless" Sebastian growls to cut Kurt off and swivels in his chair before he can see Kurt looking at him with a soft smile.

- Bribery C

Desperate times call for desperate measures. AKA, go for the killer measure.

"Hey Tiger !"

"Sebastian ?" Blaine answers his phone, quite surprised to hear from Sebastian. Last time he checked, his friend was supposed to be in Europe to meet with a young "talent".

"Aww, did you miss me ?"

"Terribly, it's almost I can't breath without you around" he deadpans, pulling out the keys to his and Kurt's apartment. "Why are you calling me and paying far more than you should for a phone call anyway ?" he asks, still busy opening the different locks.

"You're about to come home, aren't you ?"

That catches his attention. "Sebastian, I told you that neither Kurt nor I were okay with the installation of video camera in our hallway !" he shouts as he finally unlocks the door and enters his apartment. 

"I did nothing of the sort, i just happen to know your schedule - you're so predictable Blainey" comes the chuckled answer. "Now be a good lad and tell me you're in the living room"

"I'll give you a damn good lad that's what you're going to g- … OH MY GOD !" Blaine starts to grumble in his phone until he reaches the aforementioned living room.

Where a new, gigantic, top of the line Home Cinema system awaits for him.

"Seb ! But what … how … why … HOW ?" Blaine stutters in his excitement.

"Just felt like doing something nice for my best friend"

"This is more than nice Sebastian, wow I … I mean wow !" Blaine laughs, his hand carefully caressing the audio system. "That's awesome, thank you so much !"

"I'm an awesome best friend, that's alright you can say it"

"Well, Sam is my best friend but you're a close second … Sebastian ?"

  1.Look - Sebastian Tellier

Details of your look, like your touch Killing me by shoot, just in once Let me look at you with your cries Since the days of school, you and i You are my way

It begins with a look.

Blaine had no clue whose apartment he was in. He'd been invited through a friend of a friend. Normally he wouldn't have gone but it had been weeks since he last socialized due to work. Regardless of how much he loved being a second grade teacher he missed interacting with people his own age. To have conversations that didn’t involve anything to do with cartoon characters or playdough. However the party wasn't exactly his scene. The people here despite being in their late twenties like him were a bit more successful in life. They were the young internet entrepreneurs and stock brokers and surgeons. The wonder kids that made Blaine feel liked he should have achieved more at the age of twenty seven.

Blaine had tried to talk to a few of them but found himself having little to say. None of them were rude or looked down on him per se but he could tell he shared no common ground with them. Which is why Blaine found himself sitting alone with a beer that he had barely taken a sip from and occupying his time watching the other party goers. That was when he noticed him.

Sebastian Smythe staring at him from across the room with a look of surprise on his face.

The two continued to stare at each other down for several awkward minutes. Blaine had to resist the urge to rub his eyes as if his vision was failing him. Or that he'd been caught in some realistic day dream. Not that he often daydreamed about Sebastian. He did on occasion think about him from time to time. A passing thought for a boy connected to the 'what ifs' and the 'could of beens' in his life. But he was not someone Blaine thought seriously about. Ten years is a long time not to see or hear from someone.

Blaine didn't know what to do in this situation. Should he smile and wave at Sebastian? Or pretend he never saw him despite the fact he had been staring at him for the past five minutes. In the end he did the mature thing and ran out of the apartment.

Once he reached the street Blaine felt shaky and cold despite the warm May air. The hairs on the back of his neck stood up like he had just seen a ghost. Though in a way perhaps he did.

Unfortunately for Blaine this was one haunting he wouldn't be escaping from soon. He hadn't anticipated that Sebastian would follow him after his less than gracious exit.

“It's been a long time Blaine,” Sebastian said when the two faced each other on the sidewalk.

Blaine gave a half smile and nodded.

Now up close Blaine could see what had changed and stayed in Sebastian's appearance. He still had the same tall and lean frame. Those brilliant green eyes still made Blaine's stomach curl when focused on him. His light brown hair hadn’t thinned in the past years. Time had done little to diminish his handsome looks.

Yet Sebastian held himself differently than before. He exuded confidence but not cockiness. His lips were turned up in a uncertain smile and not a suggestive smirk. Even his clothes were more casual than Blaine expected. True they were on the expensive side. A green plaid shirt that was perfectly tailored to fit Sebastian's shoulders and arms. His jeans alone were probably cost more than what Blaine spent monthly on groceries. Regardless he seemed normal and less authoritative out of his blazer. The Sebastian that existed in Blaine's memories wore that familiar Dalton uniform like armor.

Blaine found his eyes lingering on Sebastian. Minutes ago he wanted to be out of his sight but now he couldn't look away. Sebastian always had that effect on him. Drawing Blaine in against his will and better judgment.

“You look good,” Sebastian spoke up when Blaine didn't reply.

“Um thanks?” Blaine gave a awkward laugh.

He wondered if Sebastian had been doing the same thing he had. Blaine knew he looked different from back in high school. His hair no longer plastered down to his skull with gel. Instead he had just enough product to tame the wild curls he let be loose more. He had on a pair of thick black glasses that he had started to wear in the last few years when he grew frustrated with contacts. He couldn't remember the last time he wore a bow tie. He wondered if Sebastian still considered him to be 'sex on a stick.'

“You live in Chicago now?” Blaine asked. He'd been living here the past four years after his break up with Kurt had made New York too painful of a place to stay. He would have been surprised if this entire time Sebastian had been here and their paths never crossed.

“Just recently,” Sebastian then pursed his lips thoughtfully like he didn't know what to say next.

He wasn't alone and it was making Blaine extremely uncomfortable.

“Well I need to go,” Blaine took a step back, “I have a work thing tomorrow and-”

“Can I see you again?” Sebastian abruptly interrupted him.

“Pa-pardon?” Blaine blinked in surprise.

“I want to...If you're not too busy...Or if you want to...”

Sebastian let out a sigh no doubt not used to being this flustered.

“Yes?” Blaine prompted curious to see what Sebastian wanted.

“If maybe we could get coffee sometime,” Sebastian managed to say.

You know Warbler to Warbler.

The past hit Blaine like a punch to the stomach. Suddenly feelings he had bottled up inside about Sebastian came flooding back. The sense of brotherhood of being Warblers. Confusion. Undeniable attraction. The hurt and betrayal. The pity for the by who stared up at hm with wounded eyes asking for a second chance.

Blaine found himself struggling with the same question his teenage self had.

Should he give Sebastian a second chance?

“Sure,” Blaine said eventually, “We could do that.”

Sebastian's relieved smile effected him way more than it should have.

2.Foreign Language - Flight Facilities

Oh I don't know what to do, You speak a foreign language, what you've put me through, The enemies, I know you're hiding one or two, But I just can't say no to you

At their first coffee date the two had done the usual catching up.

Blaine told Sebastian about going to New York for school. The eventual breaking off his engagement to Kurt thought they had remained friends. Then coming to Chicago to teach elementary while doing part time work at a performing arts high school.

Sebastian's journey since graduating was a bit more eclectic. He went to Harvard and graduated top of his class with a degree in journalism. However instead of going into law school he decided to take a few months to travel that ended up turning into years. Spending his time exploring new countries and meeting new people then writing about them. He had just now returned to the states to fulfill his family legacy and was attending law school.

However Sebastian wasn't interested in talking about being a lawyer. Instead he regaled Blaine with stories of his many different experiences. Two hours later Blaine found himself fascinated as Sebastian finished telling about how he narrowly escaped being locked up in a Cambodia prison for twenty years.

“Wow,” Blaine said when Sebastian finished, “That sounded absolutely terrifying.”

“I guess it was,” Sebastian shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly, “Now that I think back it wasn't a big deal.”

Blaine narrowed his eyes suspiciously at him. Sebastian had a habit of seeming like nothing effected or mattered to him.

“Maybe you should have been locked up,” Blaine reached over to steal the last bite of Sebastian's cake, “Might have given you some perspective.”

“Ouch Anderson,” Sebastian placed a hand over his heart, “You wound me with your lack of concern.”

Blaine rolled his eyes but found himself grinning at the other boy.

“Is that my cue to leave?” Sebastian asked.

“No,” Blaine said because he was honestly enjoying himself.

He couldn't remember the last time he had this much fun just talking to someone. Yet a voice in the back of his mind reminded him what happened the last time he was in this position. Sebastian ended up showing his true colors when Blaine thought they were friends.

This was the thing when it came to Sebastian Smythe. He was never a person Blaine could understand. He never knew what was true or a lie. He was too guarded with his emotions. Hiding behind carefully constructed masks to keep the world from knowing what went on underneath. Perhaps that was one of the reasons Blaine felt himself drawn to him. A kinship, an understanding based on wanting to keep yourself protected.

Or maybe it was because of how out there Sebastian was. Blaine had never really known anyone like Sebastian when they first met. He was bold and blunt. He never seemed to care what people thought of him or his lifestyle. He was smarter than most and flaunted it. Possessing a wicked sense of humor that made Blaine laugh at things he shouldn’t.

No matter how hard he tried to understand Sebastian he never could. The two of them might as well be speaking another language. It should have been a sign that they weren't compatible to have any sort of relationship. Yet Blaine found unable to let go.

“I wouldn't mind hearing more stories where you inexplicably always end up being the hero,” Blaine gave him a knowing look, “If you get me another coffee.”

“As you wish,” Sebastian immediately replied as he got up from his chair.

Blaine figured Sebastian was a mystery worth spending time on.

“You want to leave here?” Sebastian asked when he returned with Blaine's new coffee, “Maybe go window shopping?”

“What you're bored telling me about you crazy adventures?” Blaine teased as he stood up to follow Sebastian out of the coffee shop.

“Hardly,” Sebastian held the door open for him with a smirk, “If you play your cards right Anderson I might tell you about the amazing threesome I had in Italy.”

Blaine couldn't help but laugh again. He had forgotten how easy it was to fall into a rhythm with Sebastian. The two playing off each other as if they hadn't been apart for nearly ten years. Blaine doesn't understand nor could he explain this effect Sebastian had on him. Without realizing it, and perhaps against his better judgment, Blaine found himself unable to say no to the man in front of him.

3.Lovestoned/I Think She Knows (Interlude)- Justin Timberlake

And all she wants is to dance That's why you'll find her on the floor But you don't have a chance Unless you move the way that she likes That's why she's goin' home with me tonight

The club was packed to full capacity.

Blaine was having the time of his life despite having far too much to drink. The room was spinning around him. Bright strobe lights flashed everywhere. He could feel sweat falling down the overheated skin of his back. His feet numb from dancing. He couldn't remember the last time he let loose like this. Not caring how he looked with his hair a tangle sweaty mess and his clothes rumpled. He didn't bother to make sure his dance moves were perfect. All he cared about was having fun.

That was what Sebastian said when he invited Blaine to go out with him tonight. The two of them needed to go out and have fun.

Blaine turned his head around trying to locate Sebastian in the dense crowd. His friend had left to get drinks but hadn't returned. Blaine wondered if he had gotten side tracked by another guy. Probably was flirting with a random boy in a dark corner somewhere. Despite the club being as hot as a sauna Blaine felt a chill at the pit of his stomach. He hated the idea of Sebastian leaving him behind to be with someone else. Not that he had a right to care. It wasn't like Sebastian was his boyfriend.

Suddenly Blaine didn't feel like dancing much anymore. He started to make his way through the crowd when he spotted Sebastian. Catching glimpses of him between the shadows and the flashing lights. Blaine had to admit Sebastian looked incredibly handsome in that moment. Wearing a tight pair of jeans that elongated his already long legs and a black tank that showed off his broad shoulders. His light brown hair was a bit mused but fell perfectly over his green eyes. Sweat glistened on the skin of Sebastian's neck which left Blaine with the strange to desire to lick every inch. To taste the saltiness of his skin.

Everyman that Sebastian passed seemed to stare after him longingly. Some of them even reached out as if to touch. Sebastian ignored all of them. His focus was completely on Blaine.

Blaine's breath stuttered in his throat. His skin seemed to be hotter than ever before. He didn't know what to do with his body even though he had been dancing seconds ago. No amount of alcohol could compare to the effect Sebastian was having on him.

“Hey Killer,” Sebastian said when he stopped in front of Blaine.

“Um, hey.” Blaine's eyes drifted to the ground as a wave of shyness came over him.

“Want to dance?” Sebastian dipped his head down to murmur lowly in his ear.

“Su-sure,” Blaine said a bit too breathlessly, “We could do that.”

Sebastian's arm wrapped around Blaine's waist. His long leg slotting itself between Blaine's. The minimal amount of space forcing them to dance with barely a inch of space between them. Not that Blaine was complaining.

As the two dipped and rolled their hips to the music Blaine began to notice everyone watching them. Eyes filled with envy and jealously. Blaine pushed himself even closer to Sebastian. His hands digging harder to Sebastian's hips. He wanted everyone here to know they didn't stand a chance in being with Sebastian. They could stare all they wanted but in the end he was the one Sebastian would be coming home with.

The two danced the rest of the night together. Not allowing anyone to come between them.

~*~

And now I walk around without a care She's got me hooked It just ain't fair, but I... I'm love stoned and I could swear That she knows

~*~

“Had fun tonight Killer?” Sebastian said once Blaine entered into the taxi behind him.

“Yeah I did,” Blaine said honestly, “It's been awhile since I went dancing.”

“That's criminal,” Sebastian slurred the words since he had more to drink then Blaine, “You're an amazing dancer. The best. The world's best dancer.”

“Thanks,” Blaine rolled his eyes at his friend's antics, “Glad to know I'm the best.”

Sebastian nodded seriously as if he was pleased Blaine had accepted this to be fact.

The cab then lurched forward into traffic resulting in Sebastian tipping over.

“Whoa there,” Blaine instantly grabbed Sebastian's arm to steady him, “I think you should lie back.”

“Good idea,” Sebastian grinned before promptly lying across the backseat with his head in Blaine's lap.

“I didn't mean that,” Blaine sighed in exasperation.

However instead trying to move him Blaine let him stay. His hands carded through Sebastian's thick hair where caused him to emit an almost purring sound. Blaine blushed and couldn't stop himself from smiling. How did this ridiculous man have the kind of effect on him that he did? Why did Blaine find himself drawn to him more and more everyday. Why did he love the quiet intimacy they were sharing in the darkness of this taxi cab?

Oh no.

Blaine's fingers stilled in Sebastian's hair. His eyes peered down at his friend who had fallen asleep. The pale orange lights from street lamps slowly crawled over Sebastian's peaceful feature. He watched as Sebastian nuzzled his cheek into Blaine's thigh with a contented sigh.

It was then Blaine realized he was in love with Sebastian Smythe.

4.Misery (Acoustic) - Maroon 5

I am in misery There ain't nobody Who can comfort me Why won't you answer me? Your silence is slowly killing me

Blaine kept reliving the same moment over and over again.

The moment where he can no longer deny he had feelings for someone.

He never thought this would happen to him again. Least of all with Sebastian Smythe. It was completely different from his previous experiences.

With Eli it was quiet and sweet. The hushed excitement he felt when the two of them got coffee for the first time together. The shy smile Eli gave Blaine when their fingers brushed up against each other. The warmth that spread through Blaine's chest when Eli agreed to meet again.

With Kurt it was like waking up from a dream. He sang 'Blackbird' and a fog had suddenly lifted. He could see Kurt, the real Kurt, for the first time. To see someone be open and vulnerable yet exuding strength took Blaine's breath away.

There was not simply a moment with Sebastian but a creeping realization that what he felt could no longer be described as platonic. Like he had felt this way the entire time but had no idea of how to show it. Perhaps it had always been there but Blaine never knew what to say. There were always obstacles between him and Sebastian. Blaine belonged to someone else. Sebastian was more concerned about winning a trophy at all costs than being his friend. The distance between McKinley and Dalton seemed to be thousands of miles some days. Past mistakes. Past misunderstandings. All of it had kept them apart.

Blaine had once told Kurt he didn't care about Sebastian. At the time he had been angry and confused about everything involving Sebastian. Now he understands it wasn't because those feelings never existed but that he didn't know what to make of them.

Now ten years later those obstacles didn't matter anymore. They had found each other again. They had grown into people who learned from past wrongs. Blaine was ready to finally do something about his feelings for Sebastian.

Yet he was still in misery.

Because even though he was ready to be in a relationship he knew Sebastian wasn't. If he put his feelings on the table, finally tell Sebastian he thought the two of the should be together, he's afraid Sebastian will pull away. That he might lose him in the process. He had to wait and exercise patience even thought that had never been his strong suit. When he falls in love Blaine wanted nothing more than to shout it loud enough for the whole world to hear. Instead he silently kept those feelings to himself. Wondering how long it will be until Sebastian realized what he already knows.

Till then Blaine is going to do what he can to speed the process along.

He's anxiously waiting for Sebastian at what had become their coffee shop. He wanted to ask Sebastian something for the entire week but only today had he worked up the nerve to do it. His mind is consumed by the many different ways this could go wrong. He didn't notice Sebastian approach with two take out cups in hand.

“Penny for your thoughts?” Sebastian asked as he slid into the chair across from him.

“Surely you can afford more than that,” Blaine replied evenly despite his heart hammering in his chest.

“Ten dollars is the most you're getting from me,” Sebastian pushed the take out cup towards him, “I'am a starving student after all.”

Blaine didn't reply in favor of taking a sip of his drink to wet his throat that feels like it has become lined with cotton balls. He's surprised to taste the bitter taste of green tea instead of his usual medium drip.

“You looked pale and nauseous when I walked in,” Sebastian spoke up, “I thought tea would be better right now then coffee.”

Blaine couldn't help but grin as butterflies fluttered about in his stomach.

Why did Sebastian do these things to him? Making him feel like a love struck teenager.

“Thanks,” Blaine said softly.

“Is there something on your mind Killer?” Sebastian questioned again.

“What are you doing this Friday night?' Blaine blurted out.

“Why? You asking me out on a date Killer?” Sebastian playfully winked at him.

Blaine's heart stuttered to a halt. He stared at the boy sitting across from him in surprise. Had he misread Sebastian this entire time? Had he wanted what Blaine did?

“Calm down Killer,” Sebastian eyed him curiously, “I was just teasing. I know you're not interested in that.”

Blaine's stomach dropped in disappointment but he had to push forward with his plan.

“I'm performing at this pub,” Blaine continued, “Would you like to come?”

“Of course I do,” Sebastian said with a rare warm smile that Blaine knew was exclusively for him, “I love watching you perform.”

Blaine took the answer as a small victory. It wasn't much but he would take it for now. He didn't care what he had to do for the two of them to end up together.

5.Love Lockdown (Kanye West Cover) – Alan Pownall

I'm not loving you, the way I wanted to What I had to do, had to run from you I'm in love with you, but the vibe is wrong And that haunted me, all the way home

There was nothing Sebastian loved more than watching Blaine perform.

Since high school he had known Blaine was born to be on the stage. He had no doubt that Blaine was an amazing teacher but Sebastian was a bit disappointed he never pursued becoming an actor or singer. Selfishly he knew it was because he wanted to watch Blaine take over the stage and command an audience with his talents.

He remembered all those times he watched Blaine do that in high school. First in West Side Story where he had made Sebastian's usual cold heart melt as he played the tragic figure of Tony. Or in Sectionals and Regionals where he sang his heart out and ensured the New Directions their trophies. He even saw Blaine in Grease though he would never tell him that. At the time he was certain Blaine wanted nothing to do with him. But Sebastian couldn't pass the chance to see Blaine descend those stairs as the perfect Teen Angel. Blaine could never know about any of that.

Sebastian took another swig of his drink as he watched Blaine start another song. A cheesy top forties hit that Sebastian hated but found himself falling in love with Blaine's rendition. His fingers softly strumming out the melody. His voice carrying over to even the noisiest parts of the pub. The sweetness and clarity of Blaine's singing filled Sebastian with an unknown ache. It made him think ridiculous and impossible things. Like how beautiful Blaine was. Or that he could sit here and listen to him sing forever.

Sebastian motioned to the bartender to get him another drink. He obviously wasn't drunk enough if that was his train of thought. He had to push those feelings down in fear that Blaine would notice.

He couldn't believe that he had found himself in this position again. Hopelessly in love with a boy who could never return his feelings. When was he going to learn that when it came to Blaine he was only ever going to be on the sidelines? Ever with Kurt out of the picture he didn't stand a chance. After everything he had done to Blaine he didn't deserve a chance to be with him.

No matter how much he wanted it.

As the last note of Blaine's closing song faded Sebastian stood up and clapped the loudest. He couldn't stop the grin spreading across his lips at Blaine's expression of pure happiness.

The clapping from the rest of the pub goers eventually died down and the sound of conversation began to rise. Sebastian began to make his way through the dense crowd eager to see Blaine. He caught himself dragging a hand through his hair nervously and inwardly scowled at himself. He would not let on to Blaine the effect he had on him. Blaine being the good person he was would pity him. Or even worse be disgusted and refuse to see him again. Sebastian gave himself a minute to sufficiently school his expression to one of a proud friend. Not the pathetic fool who couldn’t help but stare at Blaine in longing.

He drew closer to the small stage where Blaine was packing away his equipment. Sebastian was about to shout a greeting when a stranger beat him to it. A stranger with dark auburn hair and a perfect smile approached Blaine. Sebastian stood there watching the two of them talk. No talking wasn't an accurate description to the flirting going on between them. Sebastian saw the blush color Blaine's cheeks. Hazel eyes shifting downwards to his feet. The way his teeth bit down on his lower lip to keep himself from smiling too widely.

Jealously and rage consumed Sebastian when the stranger reached out to touch Blaine's arm. He wanted to march over and separate the two. To tell the stranger back off and leave Blaine alone. He wanted to be the only one to draw that kind of reaction out of Blaine. For a second he almost followed through with his desires then he remembered.

When it came to Blaine he had to accept he would always lose.

Sebastian turned around to push his way through the crowd.

He didn't notice Blaine's eyes that sadly watched him leave.

6.Tonight You Belong to Me (Patience and Prudence Cover) – The Lennon Sisters 

Wait down by the stream How sweet it will seem Once more just to dream in The moonlight My honey I know With the dawn That you will be gone But tonight You belong to me

“Is there something wrong?” Blaine asked.

Sebastian blinked out of the train of thought that had left him quiet or the past ten minutes. Actually Sebastian had been distant the entire evening they spent together. Through dinner Blaine had done most of the talking while Sebastian nodded his head or gave two words answers. At the movies Blaine had a feeling Sebastian had barely paid attention. Now the two of them were walking through Grant park in complete silence.

“Nothing's wrong,” Sebastian said vaguely.

Blaine gave a disbelieving look that had Sebastian cracking a grin.

“I'm fine Killer,” Sebastian said with a familiar tone of fondness in his voice, “Just tired.”

“You must be tired a lot lately,” Blaine reached out to squeeze Sebastian's arm gently. The desire to comfort the other boy was undeniable. He wanted to give more than a friendly pat. He wanted to draw Sebastian in close. To be the one who took away his troubles. But in order for that to happen Sebastian needed to let down his walls.

“You don't need to worry.”

“But-”

“Blaine,” Sebastian's green eyes held Blaine's, “Worrying will give you gray hair. Not that you wouldn't look super hot as a gray fox.”

Blaine couldn't hold back the laugh at Sebastian's cheesy attempts at flirting. The distraction hadn't made him forget that Sebastian was holding back on him but Blaine decided to drop the matter. He'd try again later. He could be very persuasive when he wanted to be.

The two of them continued to walk through the park. This time in a companionable silence instead of a tense one.

The sky had turned to a dark violet as early evening faded to twilight. The air was warm and perfect to take a night stroll. Blaine had seen several other couples walk by holding hands or cuddling close. It made him contemplate what would happen if hr reached out for Sebastian's hand. To lace their fingers together and press their palms together. Would Sebastian smile hopefully at him or be uncomfortable at the gesture?

Blaine had no clue what to do which he hated. Whenever it came to his feelings he either came across too strong or didn't know what to do. He wanted to find the right words. He wanted to know what the right thing to do was.

As he struggled with what to do next he heard the faint sound of music.

Around the bend of the path they were walking on the two reached the famous Buckingham fountain. Blaine found his breath catch in his throat for a moment at the sight. The rushing water in the large marble fountain was lit up in a array of colors ranging from red to yellow to blue. The bright lights of the Chicago skyline began to shine against the navy blue sky providing the perfect backdrop. Blaine then noticed a trio of girls playing guitar while singing out an old fashioned love song that completed the romantic mood. A small crowd had already gathered with a few couples dancing.

“Lets dance,” Blaine said excitedly.

Sebastian stared down at Blaine in surprise. His green eyes blinked in confusion when Blaine grabbed his hand and pulled him into a proper waltz formation. Blaine smiled as Sebastian instinctively wrapped his arm around his waist. Blaine laced the fingers of their right hands together while his left hand clasped Sebastian's shoulder.

At the start the two moved slowly and awkwardly to the music. The large space between their bodies reminded Blaine of dances he had in middle school. Instead of being embarrassed about it Blaine enjoyed seeing Sebastian, who was normally cool and confident, appear to be completely out of his depth. Blaine squeezed Sebastian's hand reassuringly as he directed the two of them to a more fluid rhythm.

The two now swayed easily to to the song. Blaine's laughter filled the night air when he surprised Sebastian by giving him a quick twirl. A light pink blush dusted across Sebastian's cheeks. The playful scowl he gave Blaine made warmth spread to every inch of his body.

Slowly the two of them drifted closer together. The space in between their bodies disappearing as they floated along to the song. Soon their chest were flushed together. Blaine was able to count the dusting of freckles across the bridge of Sebastian's nose. Close enough to distinguish between the swirls of blue and green of Sebastian's eyes. Without thinking about it Blaine rested his head on Sebastian shoulder. A sense of completeness washing over him. Sebastian's arm that was wrapped around him tightened even more.

The moment was a simple. The two of them dancing underneath the stars that began to appear in the night sky. For the first time that night Blaine felt close to Sebastian. The barrier that had been between them had dissipated. No words were needed as they wrapped themselves around each other.

Tonight the two of them belonged together. Tomorrow they would go back to the way things were. But tonight Sebastian was his and Blaine planned to hold on until he was forced to let go.

7.High For This (The Weekend Cover) – Ellie Goulding

You don't know what's in store But you know what you're here for Close your eyes Lay yourself beside me Hold tight for this ride We don't need no protection Come one love We don't need attention

Blaine doesn't recall how they ended up in bed together.

He does know he had been wanting this for weeks now. A secret he kept close because he didn't want to scare Sebastian off. He didn't want to ruin the friendship they had been building between them. None of the those sensible reasons stopped the undeniable ache. The need that had bordered into desperation about being closer to Sebastian. To have him in a way that he used to dream about when he was a teenager.

Now the two of them are slowly taking each other's clothes off. Suddenly Blaine didn’t care how they got here. Nothing else mattered to him but the man in front of him.

Blaine can't deny that his eagerness was showing when he started to take control. His fingers undoing the buttons of Sebastian's shirt. His eyes watched intently as the white cotton material slid down Sebastian's shoulders and arms. Revealing pale skin dotted with freckles. Blaine leaned forward to brush his lips along the skin of Sebastian's chest. A thrill of pleasure running through him when Sebastian's body shivered underneath his touch. His tongue hungrily tasted the salt of Sebastian's skin. His teeth leaving behind small red marks.

Blaine's hands gently pushed Sebastian to lie down on the bed then he moved down the bed to remove Sebastian's jeans. Once Sebastian was sufficiently more naked Blaine returned to exploring the man underneath him. His hands dragged across Sebastian's strong thighs. His lips nipped and sucked along his hip bone. He breathes in deeply the clean scent of Sebastian's soap. He wanted to imprint everything in his mind. He never wanted to forget a single detail.

Blaine finally raised his glance up to look Sebastian in the eye. He expected to see Sebastian smirking down at him. Maybe even a snarky remark about how desperate he was being. While Blaine did see lust in Sebastian's green eyes he also saw something he didn't expect. Fear.

Blaine shifted his body in order to straddle Sebastian's stomach. He took a moment to truly appreciate the man lying stretched out across the bed for him. The long line of Sebastian's nose. The sharpness of his cheekbones. The beauty marks that Blaine had counted endless amount of times. He had memorized the lines and planes that made up Sebastian. The fact he was being given the chance to know Sebastian intimately made his heart pound in his chest.

His leaned down to capture Sebastian's lips in a slow and reassuring kiss. To his relief Sebastian responded eagerly even letting out soft moans that made Blaine shudder in anticipation.

The things he wanted to do with Sebastian were endless. The two of them were going to be amazing together. He couldn't remember the last time he wanted to be with someone this badly.

But first he had to make sure Sebastian wanted the same thing.

“Do you trust me?” Blaine whispered down to Sebastian.

He waited patiently for Sebastian to answer. He didn't want to rush him. His hand gently carded through Sebastian's thick hair to comfort him.

“Of course,” Green eyes lifted up to hold Blaine's gaze, “It's just a lot. I've never...it's never been like this for me.”

“I know,” Blaine smiled softly, “Me too. You're not the only one who feels this way.”

Sebastian seemed to visibly relax after that. The tension in his body melted away. The fear in his eyes that Blaine had seen before dissipated.

“You ready for this?” Blaine asked. He had meant for it to sound teasing but suddenly it was the most serious question he had ever asked Sebastian.

“Yes,” Sebastian swallowed thickly, “I'am ready.”

Blaine's hand wrapped around the base of Sebastian's neck as he drew him in for another lingering kiss.

“You better hold on tight then,” Blaine murmured against Sebastian's lips, “I'm just getting started.”

8.Dance on Our Graves – Paper Route 

I need you now, I need you more than ever before, before. I need you now, I need you more than ever before, before. I know the man I am is not who I should be. The Devil take my hand says, "Child come with me." My body shivers and aches. I can't break free. Why do the things I hate come so naturally?

Sebastian woke up to the gray morning light.

For several seconds he didn't know where he is. The soft sound of a clock ticking filled the quiet room. He is warm not only from the blankets but from the body pressed close to his own. Sebastian presses his face deeper into the pillow where he is overwhelmed by Blaine's clean and masculine scent.

Memories from last night come flooding back to him. Memories that have not faded in the morning light. His senses becoming overwhelmed in a way that makes him relive every single detail.

The taste of Blaine's skin on his lips.

The silky softness of his curls through his fingers.

The low guttural sound of his moans.

The next thought that entered his mind was that he can't remember the last time he slept so deeply. In the last few years he had grown used to staying up all hours of the night. No amount of pills or alcohol or sex allowed him to sink into the blissful oblivion of a peaceful rest. Yet for some unknown reason by giving himself over to this man sleeping beside him it enabled him to let go.

A smile tugged at Sebastian's lips as he shifted his body. His leg brushing softly up against Blaine's. His gaze taking in Blaine's sleeping form. The dark mess of his curls standing in stark contrast against the white pillow. The lines of his body softened by the morning light. The even and warm breath emitting from his parted lips. The heavy weight of Blaine's hand that lay splayed across Sebastian's chest.

He had never been anything more beautiful in his life. He can't remember the last time he'd been this happy waking up next to someone. Tangled up in someone else's sheets and limbs and still wanting to be closer to them. He realized that what keeps him tethered to Blaine isn't simply desire but a need to be close to him. He needs Blaine.

Fear is now clawing its way through his chest.

He has to leave. He has to leave before it's too late.

Sebastian slowly extracts himself from the bed covers. Blaine's hand slide off Sebastian's chest and falls to the mattress with a dull thud. Sebastian watched as Blaine murmured softly in his sleep before rolling over onto his stomach. His arms and legs stretched out across taking up every inch of space on Sebastian's side of the bed. Like Blaine's body naturally gravitated towards the warmth left behind by his own body.

For a second Sebastian thinks about returning to Blaine. To greedily take everything the beautiful boy before him is willing to give.

But in the end he silently gathers his clothes and leaves the apartment.

The streets outside are quiet and empty. The morning air is frigid and clear. Sebastian took in a deep breath and pinpricks of coldness air emphasis the emptiness in his chest. A hollowness as if someone reached inside and took out parts of himself.

It's for the best.

Blaine deserved to be with a prince. Someone good and pure and who will take care of him. Sebastian may pretend he has it all together but he knows deep down that he destroys what he cares about. He will never forget the last time he had been close to Blaine. How he lied and manipulated. Took advantage of the trust Blaine placed in him. In the end Blaine ended up on the ground screaming in pain. His hands clasped tightly over his eye. Sebastian knows he is capable of doing horrible things. The one thing he'll never be to do is give the love Blaine deserves.

He won't let that happen to Blaine again.

Sebastian walked down the street alone with a second look back.

9.Fall At Your Feet (Crowded House Cover) – James Blunt 

You're hiding from me now There's something in the way that you're talking Words don't sound right But I hear them all moving inside you Go, I'll be waiting when you call

Two weeks have gone by till Sebastian heard from Blaine again.

Two weeks of agonizing silence between them. Sebastian knows he's the one to blame for that. He was the one who left without a word. Blaine had every right to not want to speak to or hear from him again. Which is why he felt partly guilty for the eagerness when he read the text Blaine sent him.

From Blaine:

Will you come to see me perform tonight?

Sebastian is surprised by that. He expected Blaine to be mad. To call him horrible things. To say he never wanted to speak to him again. To say he wont' forgive Sebastian for what he did.

His memory goes back to that day in the Lima Bean. Where Blaine stared down at him with a cold and hard expression. Telling Sebastian that his apology meant nothing to him. Sebastian wouldn't be surprised if Blaine felt the same way now ten years later.

He'd be a fool to think Blaine's feelings have changed for him since then.

Sebastian ended up agreeing to go in a moment of weakness. He misses Blaine. Misses seeing him and talking to him. Misses how being around Blaine makes him happy. He was a selfish bastard after all.

Later that night Sebastian found himself in the same pub where he last saw Blaine perform. He was dressed more formally than anyone else there. The suit and tie having just come from a job interview to intern at a local law firm. Being stuck in a room full of lawyers didn't make him nearly as nervous as he was in this moment.

He took a table so far back away from the stage that Blaine probably didn't even see him when he finally took the stage. Sebastian however could see him perfectly. Blaine was wearing a simple pale yellow button down shirt with dark blue suspenders and a matching bowtie. For a brief second Sebastian can see the boy Blaine used to be. The boy he had first fallen in love with back in high school. But what shines through is the man Sebastian wants to be with..

“Hello everyone,” Blaine greeted into the mic with a shy smile, “I want to dedicate this first song to someone who matters to me. Someone who I want to give a second chance to. Once he realizes that he deserves it.”

The crowd gives a small applause before going silent at the first note of the guitar. Blaine soft voice, powerful and filled with emotion, carries across to every person in the cramped pub.

Sebastian instantly recognized the song. He's probably heard it a million times before on the radio. One of those long forgotten pop hits. In this moment however the words hit him harder than he could of imagined. The place inside his chest where that hollow feeling used to be aches as Blaine's voice becomes threaded with desperation.

The finger of blame has turned upon itself And I'm more than willing to offer myself Do you want my presence or need my help Who knows where that might lead

Even though Blaine can't see him that doesn't stop him from pouring his heart. From doing whatever he can to reach Sebastian. He knew that Blaine was the type to wear his heart on his sleeve the first day they met. A boy who didn't hesitate to say he moved schools in order to be with someone he loved. Sebastian used to think that made Blaine weak. He used to think that being open and honest would lead to you being used and taken for granted. Now he understands how brave Blaine is.

At the end of the song the crowd erupts into a wild applause. Blaine temporarily disappears from view as people get to their feet in a standing ovation. Sebastian is left alone with his thoughts. A choice is put in front of him. Does he run away again? Or does he match Blaine's confession with one of his own?

After coming to his decision Sebastian gets up from his table and leaves the pub without going to see Blaine.

10.La Ritournelle – Sebastian Tellier

Oh nothing’s gonna change my love for you I wanna spend my life with you So we make love on the grass under the moon No one can tell, damned if I do

Blaine waited for Sebastian to appear. He searched through the pub trying to find him. The sinking feeling of failure consumed him when there was no trace of him.

Maybe Sebastian didn't even show up. Maybe he did and was put off by the intensity of the song and what Blaine felt. Blaine had wavered on how smart it was for him to put everything he felt out there. The two of them weren't even dating. Blaine wasn't certain if Sebastian felt anything more than friendship towards him. Through out all his romantic entanglements Blaine had one point came on too strong. Often scaring away the person he had desperately wanted to reach. Apparently he had once again made that same mistake.

Blaine packed his guitar up in its case. He exited out of the pub through the back door. His head lowered slightly as he walked down the alleyway. Swallowed thickly around the lump in his throat knowing he had to be home before he let everything go.

Without paying attention Blaine made his way down the sidewalk. Not even bothering to take in the world around him. Not noticing the person he was searching for to be standing right in front of him.

“That was quite the performance Killer.”

Blaine snapped his head upwards at the sound of Sebastian's voice. He blinks in surprise not expecting to see Sebastian dressed in a suit and tie. His clothes makes him appear older than his eyes but his anxious expression makes him seem younger.

“You were there?” Blaine asked hopefully.

“Yeah,” Sebastian's green eyes drifted downwards before lifting up to hold Blaine's gaze, “You were amazing.”

“I wouldn't say amazing,” Blaine gave a soft laugh.

“No you're right,” Sebastian took a hesitant step forward, “Amazing isn't enough. A more accurate word would be flawless.”

Blaine is pretty certain there's tears in his eyes but he doesn't care.

“I'm sorry about leaving that morning,” Sebastian confessed in a small voice, “I shouldn't have done that. I was scared and-”

Sebastian cuts himself off with a rueful laugh that had Blaine staring at him in confusion.

“Sorry. My excuses don't matter,” Sebastian licked his lips nervously, “I know you have every reason to not give me a second chance. But I...I hope that you do.”

Blaine stared at the man before with a contemplative expression. He can see how anxious Sebastian is. His eyes not quite able to stare directly at him. His hands twitching at this side like he doesn't know what to do with them. Blaine can hardly believe the effect he has on Sebastian. And is amused that Sebastian doesn't realize that he does the same thing to him.

“I don't believe in second chances as a concept alone,” Blaine spoke up, “I know you asked for one a long time ago. Back when we were both kids. I never did give you an answer to that.”

The disappointment on Sebastian's face is clear. Blaine can't help but to reach forward and grab Sebastian's hand.

“I do believe in people who want to earn a second chance,” Blaine smiled up at Sebastian, “I think you've more than done that.”

“Does that mean you forgive me or,” Sebastian is attempting to sound calm but excitement made his voice crack, “Or would you want to give us a try?”

Blaine doesn't answer immediately. He let go of Sebastian's hand. Set his guitar case on the ground. Then his one hand wraps around Sebastian's tie, blue and red striped like the one from Blaine's memories, to pull him in closer. Without giving a warning Blaine pulled Sebastian down to a searing kiss. His lips moving against Sebastian's hungrily. An overpowering need erupting inside of him that spills over into the possessive way he holds Sebastian. He wants nothing more than to spend his life kissing this man. Despite everything his feelings for Sebastian never wavered.

However in case his actions don't speak loud enough Blaine put his answer into words.

“I want to give us a second chance,” Blaine pulled back slightly to whisper against Sebastian's lips.

Even as a young boy, Blaine seems to go well with the other kids.

He's playful yet quiet, always friendly and knows how to share his toys.

But he has one best friend.

Better yet : a bestest friend.

The best of the best.

It's Tina Cohen Chang.

First of all, she is like Mulan, and Mulan is Blaine's favorite because Mulan is the bestest of all the Disney princesses because she doesn't wait for someone to solve the problems. She sees the problem, she fixes the problem and by fixing the problem, she gets the prince to fall in love with her and Tina is like that. Well she looks like Mulan, but she always fights back when some bullies try to push her around. Blaine's mom says that Mulan (and Tina) are "feninists" and since she says it with a big smile and a pat on Tina's dark braids, Blaine guesses it's a good thing to be a "feninist".

(Later that day, he asks his mom if he can be a feninist too, and she smiles at him so lovingly that Blaine smiles a toothy (well, missing a couple of teeths) grin and leans in her embrace as she says in his curls that if he grows up to be a feminist, he would make her very proud)

Second of all, Tina always shares her lunch box with him - he does too and their lunches always look more fun than the others. She also agrees to trade her apple juice box for his yucky orange juice, and that alone would be enough for Blaine to grant her a bestest friend status.

When Tina comes to his house for a playdate, they always have fun, playing Batman and Robin - they switch, so that it's not always the same who is Batman - or Lava Floor.

The only thing about Tina that makes him twist his mouth is her mom.

Not that Mrs Cohen Chang is not nice, not exactly.

But she isn't nice either.

For one, she always tries to dress Tina in a very girly-girly way when he comes, and it's not really practical to run and fight super villains or jump over the lava and the crocodiles on the floor.

Then there is also that : she doesn't like running and jumping.

That's so boring !

Once, she caught Blaine mid-jump (who does that ?!) and told him very firmly that he needs to "calm down, sweetie, it’s not proper gentleman behavior", whatever that means.

When he comes home, he asks his mom what it means to be a gentleman.

She sits down with him on her lap on his bed and brushes his curls aways from his face.

"A proper gentleman is someone who knows when his princess needs him, and who will do anything to keep her happy and safe" she explains, keeping on brushing his hair back. "A gentleman is someone who is polite and never yells at somebody else, especially not at a woman, and who will fight all the dragons that his princess can't vanquish on her own. He doesn't fight all of his princess' fights ; he just lowers the weight on her shoulders".

"Is Daddy a gentleman ?" Blaine asks through a yawn.

Blaine loves his little shop.

After studying small businesses economics (PhD, hello), he's glad to finally be able to open his bakery shop in the middle of Paris, in the 20th district, where people are still behaving like humans and seem to enjoy having fresh bread of different kind, but especially some cupcakes ; but not the ridiculous kind with more frosting than actual cake.

Blaine has been studying his subject, and what pulls him on top of the other professionals trying to implant the cupcake on French soil is that he's taking the recipes of the most famous French patisseries - like the lemon meringue pie, the Saint honoré or the Colombier, etc. - and turning them into a cupcake.

It's sweet, it's delicate, it's a lot of fun and it's crrrrraaaaaaaaazy successful.

And it's pissing the neighbor patisserie off.

~~~

Kurt is very proud to be a chef pâtissier.

Not just a chef pâtissier, mind you : at 27, he's the youngest Meilleur Ouvrier de France (aka the best of the best pâtissier in France for 2021), especially since he's not born in France.

His shop in the 20th district is the most sought-after pâtisserie in Paris, with a line going around the street from morning til twilight.

Well ... was.

Until that fellow american decided to take over the space that had stayed empty for a couple of years and import the cupcake in Paris.

The mere mention of the so typical American delicacy sends shivers down Kurt's spine. As far as he's concerned, cupcakes are a culinary abomination, having no real purpose and no interest aside from the butter and sugar intake they entail.

Eurgh.

Knowledgeable as he is on the French palate, he doesn't understand how the owner and apparently sole employee of Avalon Bakery (what is that name seriously ?) managed to convert the whole district and some more to the cupcake mania.

Some others have tried before, but once the trend had faded, the cupcakeries had closed one after the other. When Avalon seems to become more successful with each passing day.

Kurt needs to get to the bottom of this.

~~~

Sending Quinn to investigate was a very good idea.

It kept Kurt out of their competitor's focus and she brought back a wide selection of cupcakes.

God

Fucking

Dammit

They're ... Delicious doesn't even begin to cover it.

Well, before being delicious, they're pure pieces of art, making it a visual delight.

But then at the first bite ...

The Peach pie translation is ... sublime, for lack of a better word, the delicacy of the peaches and the verbena contrasting with the sugar rush of the nougat in the icing in such a way that neither overwhelm the palate, making the perfect combination and making you want for more.

The Apple pie should get a shrine devoted to it, with the crispy taste of the roasted apples and the sweet salty caramel surprising you at every corner.

Quinn bought a Red Velvet, because that's obviously a standard, but this one ... Instead of just having a red cake and a white frosting, with as much interest as a toddler's sand castle (cute but no one is going to cry if it gets destroyed), this one is surprising from the first bite to the last crumb : pieces of delicate white chocolate are mixed with the shaprness of mixed berries (and who would have thought that cranberries would mix so well) and Kurt nearly growls at Quinn when she reaches for her half of it because there is no way in Hell in heaven that Kurt is going to let go of this gem.

And finally, the "pièce de résistance", Avalon's version of the Opéra nearly sends them both into an orgasmic coma : the perfect balance between the bite of coffee and the darkness of the chocolate with the delicacy of the almonds ...

As they clean out the table after what can only be described as a cupcake orgy, Kurt realizes that perhaps he has been too judgemental on his neighbor and perhaps they should get to know one another.

If only to exchange recipes and culinary tricks.

~~~

Blaine manages to keep his poker face when the blond woman from "Oz" crosses the street and buys a box of his cupcakes, but he lets out his laughter as soon as she is back inside the pâtisserie.

He knew that the owner looked down at him and his little cupcakes - Blaine is not really surprised, most of the MOF get pretty snotty once they geth that flag on their collar - and he had been expecting the moment someone from over there would come snooping in.

Luckily, she picked all of his best sellers - obviously, she had made her research on him already - and now, he is waiting to see the outcome.

He didn't expect to see the master himself (nickname : the Wizard, which is a clever (cough not so clever cough) play on the fact that he's doing wonders and the name of his shop) crossing the street and pushing his door open mere minutes before closing time.

Now, Blaine had looked the infamous Kurt Hummel when he had settled shop - literally - across from him. Seriously, you don't become the main competitor of the youngest MOF without a healthy dose of curiosity (yes, healthy, not a totally creepy, fanboying way ... Not at all).

But the pictures he found didn't give the man justice.

They didn't show how his eyes change color depending on the source of light being natural or not.

They didn't let him see that his face looks like it has been made of the finest biscuit (ha, he's hilarious, even in his mind, he should have a one-man show act).*

They didn't show how his body seems to have found the perfect balance between strength and elegance.

And good god those arms and hands ...

Bam, in the spank bank !

And no, Blaine isn't even slightly ashamed for burying his mind in the gutter because damn !

"Bienvenu à Avalon" he greets his sooner-or-later-sooner-rather-than-later husband (thank God for Marriage equality in France) with a big smile, "how may I help you ?"

(Well, it helps to know that the god of a man before him is a fellow Yankee)

Kurt Hummel looks at him, but his eyes quickly fly back to the showcases ; they're mostly empty by now, but some cupcakes are going to make Bertrand (Brett for those who know him), the homeless guy "living" at the corner of the steet, very very happy.

Looking up, Kurt finally smiles at him. "Hi" he says quietly, and hello, voice sounding like a fluffy crème fouettée. "I'm Kurt Hummel, I work on the other side of the street ..." he trails off, waiting for a sign of recognition in Blaine's face.

"Oh, I know" Blaine rushes to answer, and then, with a cocky smile because he's allowed to be cocky, "but tell me : how did you find the cupcakes ?"

Kurt blushes and it's adorable, reminding Blaine of the way the meringue seems to blush when he's firing it up on top of his Lemon Meringue Cupcake.

"I have to admit" he starts, his eyes finally meeting Blaine's and not letting them go, "they're absolutely divine ! You managed to bring the best of the two, completely opposite culinary words !" he adds, and the compliment brings a blush to Blaine's cheeks.

~~

As he opens the door to the cupcakery, Kurt is midly curious as to what he's going to find - Quinn gave him the name of their neighbor (Blaine Anderson, which sounds very "Dickens" in Kurt's ears but whatever), but except an article about him in the Parisian journal when he opened the store, he didn't manage to get anything about the man : the only picture in the article shows him behind a pyramid of cupcakes, the only parts of him showing being his arms ("nomnom" worthy) and the top of his head, which seems to be covered in dark curls.

But when he opens the door and his eyes find the man behind the counter, his upper body surfacing over the cupcakes, Kurt doesn't know which looks more delicious.

Dark curls are indeed covering his head, but they're not black as he had assumed from the picture, they're more a dark brown, like the darkest of chocolate or his coffee right before he adds the milk.

Just beneath them are a pair of amused brown eyes, with a shade caught between hazel and honey, in a lightly tan face.

All in all, the man's face alone looks like a delicious coffee / chocolate / caramel delicacy and Kurt is filled with a desire to devour it.

He starts to blush at how improper his thoughts are and how embarassing it would be if Blaine could read them. Driving his eyes to the remaining cupcakes in the showcase, Kurt can hear the most sensible part of his brain yelling at him to pull himself together and at least try to act like a professional. Feeling like he has found his composure back, Kurt looks up and smiles at Blaine.

Dammit.

"Hi" he starts, angry at his voice for being so ... breathless, like he's some kind of groupie. "I'm Kurt Hummel, I work on the other side of the street ..." he continues, catching the moment when Blaine recognizes him.

"Oh, I know" Blaine answers, before his lips strech into a cocky smile and damn him for looking so delectable and sure of himself, "but tell me : how did you find the cupcakes ?"

Ah, he cannot lie about that, and while well on his way to a full out rambling on how delicious the experience was, Kurt's brain travels to how pretty Blaine's blush is and on how he would love nothing more than giving another reason for the blush to cover more of the delicious body under the white apron ...

As their eyes meet, Kurt finds himself completely captivated by the shades of brown and hazel and the fleckers of green and gold in Blaine's eyes.

He needs to get out of here before doing something he might regret.

"... Anyway, I wanted to congratulate you on managing to make me change my mind about the value of cupcakes" he concludes his ode to Blaine's talent, "and properly welcome you into our little neighborhood" he says, extending his hand in a peace offering.

When Blaine shakes his hand, they both revel in the warmth between them, the small calluses that are the bakers and patissiers' curse and how well their fingers fit together.

Blaine seems unable to let go. "When you have the time" he says, his voice dropping just a little bit - just enough to send a delicious shiver down Kurt's spine, "maybe we could ... experiment together ?"

Kurt pulls out his hand, eyes widening in shock. "Beg your pardon ?!"

Blaine raises his hands in defense. "In the kitchen !!" he exclaims, the blush coming back at full force on his cheeks and neck. "i meant, in the kitchen, maybe develop new recipes or you know new concepts. Forget it !" he adds in a hurry, eyes going down and mouth twisting in what Kurt sees as ... shame ? regrets ?

Kurt lets out a quick chuckle. "No, I'm sorry" he says, waving his hand as if to erase what just happened. "I completely misunderstood what you meant " (and took my wishes for reality) "but I'd love to see what we could come ...up with" he adds, a playful, flirty smile on his face.

Blaine looks up, and the expression on his face ... A great combination of surprise, relief, intrigued and ... interested ?

Oh God.

Kurt is not sure if his waistline is going to protest before his libido, but he's not sure he really cares.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Call someone from the glee club?” Blaine offered, already pulling out his phone.  His thumb hovered over Tina’s name before he noticed the symbol in the top left corner.

“No service,” he groaned.  His fingers typed out a quick ‘SOS!’ and hit send anyway, just to try, but his phone promptly informed him that it couldn’t send the message.

Sam’s eyes widened, before he felt the call to action. “HELP!” he shouted, pounding the door.  Blaine cringed, the closet interior too small to handle the volume, but Sam persisted.  “HELP!  SOMEBODY, WE’RE TRAPPED-“

“Sam!”  Blaine interrupted, grabbing Sam’s hands before they damaged his eardrums.  “No one’s around. They’re all in glee or at sports practice, and both of those are halfway across the school.”

“So what do we do?” Sam asked.

Blaine shook his head.  “I…I don’t know.  Just sit and wait?  Someone’s going to come looking for us eventually, we were supposed to get these plungers for a performance.”  He glared up at the plunger still on the top shelf; it stared back at him tauntingly.

Sam tried the handle one last time, then sank to the ground.  Blaine joined him, sitting against the opposite shelf; the closet space was so small that their thighs were touching.

“What do we do to pass the time?”

“We could…talk about student council stuff?  Plan ahead?” Blaine suggested.  Sam frowned.  “Maybe plan our next Nightbird and Chameleon plot to save the world?”

“I don’t know any villains right now that we haven’t vanquished, though.”  Sam looked at Blaine, as if he were studying him.  “You like planning, don’t you?”

“I like…organization,” Blaine explained, a little startled that Sam noticed.  “It just helps.”

“Yeah,” Sam agreed.  “It’s awesome that you do.  I’m shit at it, so it like, makes us balance.”

Blaine smiled to himself.  “Yeah,” he said softly, “yeah, I guess it does.”

Sam nudged his knee against Blaine’s thigh in a friendly gesture, giving him a smile.  They fell into a comfortable silence for a few seconds, before Sam had an idea.

“Dude, we could play a game!”

“Like what?”

“Like, I dunno, truth or dare?”

Blaine looked around.  “What could we do to dare, though?”

Sam thought.  “Yeah, I guess you’re right.  Well, we could do like, all truths?  Like 20 questions?”

Blaine hesitated.  This could potentially end in disaster; he had no idea what kind of questions Sam would ask.

“I…sure.”

————————————————

“Have I what?”

“Have you ever been caught jerking off?” Sam reiterated.  “Come on, dude, this is totally a bro question.”

Blaine felt like his cheeks were on fire.  “I - no, it’s - ugh!”  Sam looked at him expectantly.   “Yeah!  Yeah, my mom walked in on me once, it was mortifying, I couldn’t look at her during dinner, are you happy?”

Sam was, judging by his laughter.  Blaine kicked him in the hip.

“Shut up, it’s not funny!”  But Sam’s laughter was infectious, and pretty soon Blaine was laughing at himself.  He buried his still-red face in his hands.

“Oh God, why did I even answer the question,” he mumbled into his hands.  He heard a shifting noise, then felt Sam sit next to him, hip to hip.

“Dude, no worries.  It happens.”  He draped an arm around Blaine’s shoulder, which soothed his mortification a little.  They sat in silence for a few moments, Blaine once again relishing Sam’s tactile-ness.  Until Sam spoke up.

“I’m bored.”

“Well, I need to think of a question.”

“I’m bored with the game.  We should do something else.”

“No way, that’s not fair!” Blaine exclaimed, turning to look Sam in the eye.  “Not after that question, I get at least one more turn!”

“Okay, okay, fine,” Sam teased.  “One more.”

Blaine thought hard.  He didn’t actually have a question to ask.  Or, he did, but the one question resounding in his head was one he was almost too scared to ask.

But Sam kept staring at him, and he felt pressured, and it just came tumbling out.

“Have you ever thought about kissing a guy?”

Sam didn’t even blink.  “Yes.”

“You - yes?”

“Yes,” Sam restated firmly.  He shifted, and Blaine suddenly noticed just how close they were sitting.  “I’m thinking about it right now.”  He started leaning in, cautiously, as if he were going to do it right then, and his lips were nearly on Blaine’s before Blaine’s mouth (stupid, stupid mouth) caught up with his brain.

“But I thought you-“

“Dude, you’re hot,” Sam responded in anticipation, his hand resting on Blaine’s knee.  “You think I’m hot, I think you’re hot, we’re both hot and single.  This should be a thing.  Like right now.  Because all the other shit is boring, and you’re hot, so can we please make out now and I promise we’ll talk later?”

All it took was a quick nod from Blaine for Sam to be kissing him, a firm press with soft lips.  The hand that wasn’t on Blaine’s knee came up to wrap around his neck, pulling Blaine closer and closer until their noses were smooshed and their lips were pressed flat but it felt so good and Blaine had been waiting so long he didn’t care.  He mirrored Sam’s hand, winding his fingers through the hairs on Sam’s neck, which surprisingly elicited a groan from Sam.  Blaine saw an opportunity and took it, but tentatively, tracing his tongue against Sam’s lower lip before entering his mouth.

Sam immediately sucked on Blaine’s tongue before tracing his own along Blaine’s.  The hand on Blaine’s neck traveled lower, lower, until it was nearly at Blaine’s ass and he was hovering over Sam, almost pressing him back against the shelf.  Sam pulled his tongue away, Blaine whining at the loss, but replaced it with his teeth gently tugging at Blaine’s lower lip.

Blaine whimpered, sinking down on his knees so he might have something to grind against - when did he get so hard? - and coming into contact with Sam’s thigh.  Sam thrust up against him, tongue plunging into Blaine’s mouth again, hand grabbing his ass as - 

The door clicked open behind them.  Both boys guiltily turned to see a stern Kitty.

“This is unsanitary and y’all are gross,” she stated after a pause.  “Get off your butts and bring those plungers.”  She whipped around and walked back down the hall, ponytail swinging behind her.

Sam laughed, burying his face into Blaine’s neck.  “We better get going,” he said, kissing Blaine a final time in a sweet peck.  He encouraged Blaine to get up before standing himself and grabbing three of the plungers, as well as the top one from the shelf.  Blaine grabbed the final two.

“Talk later?” Sam asked.  Blaine smiled at the reminder.