#blemma

Considering he had ran back from town, Blaine arrived at the Sinclair residence rather calmly. He knocked on the door and was let in instantly. He excused the butler and made his way upstairs. He wanted to barge into Gemma's room, like he had done for years, but they weren't children anymore, as Gemma's father had earlier pointed out. He knocked on her door and waited, his heart still thundering.

Gemma had stormed upstairs to her bedroom after a blazing row with her parents; they had informed her they had found a suitable person for her to marry after her coming out ceremony. They had told her that he is a Lord, and a little older than her, in his late twenties. However, Gemma did not want to marry for money, she wanted to marry for love, something which she had loudly informed her parents of during the argument between them. Assuming it was her mother when she heard the knock, she shouted "Mama! I don't want to talk anymore!"

Blaine stood in the doorway and gently knocked again, remaining quiet.

Gemma sighed before getting up from her bed, pulling open the door "Mama, I said... Oh. Hi, Blaine. I wasn't expecting you. You usually just come in. Is something wrong?" She moved inside to let him in.

Blaine stepped into the room and shut the door behind him. "I can't do that anymore. We're adults."

Gemma gestured for him to sit down "Not yet we're not. We haven't had our coming out balls yet. And even once we have, you'll still be my best friend. I'm glad you're here. I’ve had some awful news."

Blaine stayed standing. "As have I."

Gemma asked "You first or me?"

Blaine was about to motion to Gemma, but before he could, he blurted out, "I heard you have a suitor."

Gemma sighed heavily and sat down on her bed "That was my bad news I was going to tell you."

Blaine kept his eyes on Gem. "I don't understand. Why now?"

Gemma hugged herself tightly "I don't know." Gemma flopped back onto her bed "I wanted to marry for love."

Blaine kept his eyes on her "You don't /have/ to marry him, do you?"

Gemma sighed "I don't know. I hope not. I'm going to do my best not to. He hasn't even officially asked yet. He's just been hanging around recently. Mama and Papa think he'll ask after my coming out ball, but I hope not."

Blaine frowned "If he asks, say no."

Gemma turned her head to look at Blaine "Mama says that a woman should always take a good offer of marriage. But that's not what I want for my life. I don't want my Mama's marriage. I want to marry someone who I love. Someone who's my best friend, and who will always support me."

Blaine nodded "Precisely why you shouldn't marry this suitor if he comes asking! Do you even know him?"

Gemma said "I don't want to marry him, but what if Papa tries to make me? I'm going to say no, though. I know him a little, but not enough."

Blaine answered "He can't make you do anything. You're Gemma, since when have you listened to what anyone has told you?"

Gemma sat up "Right. You're right. Once I've had my coming out ball, I'm an adult. And I can marry whom I please."

Blaine nodded "Exactly! This is the modern age! We can do as we please." Gemma grinned and hugged Blaine tightly "You're right. Thank you, Blaine. You've made me feel better."

Blaine hugged Gemma, not letting her go. "You're welcome."

Gemma hugged Blaine tightly, not wanting to let go "Can you stay for dinner? Please?"

Blaine held her "Of course."

Gemma smiled brightly and kissed his cheek "Oh, thank you. Let's go downstairs and tell the cook! She won't mind."

Blaine reluctantly let go. "Okay."

Gemma linked arms with Blaine, considerably cheered up as she dashed down the stairs with Blaine.

Blaine followed Gemma, feeling a bit better, but still confused.

Gemma headed downstairs to find the cook, still hanging onto Blaine's arm as she found the cook "Blaine is going to be joining us for dinner. Is that okay?"

Blaine stood quietly with Gemma, being a gentleman, but also simply lost in thought.

Gemma thanked her once she said that it was okay, starting to lead Blaine back upstairs "What would you like to do until dinner?"

Blaine suddenly stopped and dropped Gemma's hand. "Maybe I should go."

Gemma frowned "But we already asked the cook to make extra for you. Please stay."

Blaine looked torn and he took a step back "I'm not... I'm not certain..."

Gemma turned to face him, holding her best friend's hands in hers "Please stay?"

Blaine stared down at their hands "I... All right."

Gemma looked at his face "Thank you."

Blaine moved his hands from Gemma's "You're welcome."

Gemma asked "Would you like to play cards until dinner?"

Blaine nodded "Okay."

Gemma started to lead him back to her bedroom, her hand in his.

Blaine followed Gemma to her room, his cheeks turning a light pink.

Gemma gestured for him to sit down on her bed, gathering up her dress and sitting opposite him "I hate these stupid dresses. Abigail will probably be here in about half an hour to get me in my dinner dress."

Blaine sat down on the bed "I don't hate them," he answered honestly. "You look beautiful in them."

Gemma blushed faintly as she began to deal out the cards "Well, thank you."

Blaine picked up his hand as it was dealt and began to play.

Gemma began to play the card game, chatting easily with Blaine.

Blaine talked with Gemma, a slight smile on his face.

Gemma held her boyfriend's hand as she strolled down to the diner to meet her friend, Blaine. The two of them had grown a lot closer since they had decided just to be friends, and she was looking forward to seeing her close friend while he was in town. Gemma smiled as her boyfriend kissed her cheek before bidding him goodbye, heading into the diner.

Blaine was already sitting at a booth in the restaurant when he saw Gemma from outside. He raised his hand to wave before seeing a guy with her. Oh. Had she forgotten? He watched carefully, his eyes moving with Gemma. "Hey," he greeted plainly, giving her a small smile.

Gemma leaned over to give Blaine a big hug, a beaming grin on her face "Hey. I missed you."

Blaine smiled brightly at her, unable to help himself. "Yeah, I've been busy. How are you?"

Gemma slipped into the booth across from Blaine "I know, I know. I'm good. How are you?"

Blaine smiled "Fine. I'm done touring for the year, thank goodness."

Gemma asked "How long do you get to stay in Ohio for?"

Blaine said "A couple weeks. Then I'm flying back to LA for a few, then back again." He sighed playfully "It's a hard life."

Gemma nodded her head, laughing softly "Oh, the life of a famous music star."

Blaine shook his head "I'm not that famous."

Gemma lightly kicked him under the table "Yes you are."

Blaine rolled his eyes good-heartedly "Oh stop."

Gemma laughed "Never." she looked at Blaine "I have something to tell you."

Blaine looked straight at Gemma. "Okay."

Gemma said "I've been seeing someone."

Blaine stared at her. "I know."

Gemma sounded surprised "You know?"

Blaine nodded slowly "I saw."

Gemma nodded "Right. I didn't want to tell you over the phone."

Blaine kept looking at her. "Why not?"

Gemma shrugged "It didn't feel right to."

Blaine replied "He's not even cute."

Gemma frowned "That's really rude."

Blaine stirred his drink "It's true. He has a weird thing with his hair."

Gemma frowned "I didn't come here so you could insult the person I'm seeing."

Blaine looked up at her "Then why /did/ you come here?"

Gemma crossed her arms over her chest "To see my best friend while he's in town."

Blaine leaned forward slightly "So you brought your boyfriend to make /me/ jealous?"

Gemma raised an eyebrow "No. I was with him earlier, and he wanted to walk me here. You were the one who said that nothing could happen between us. So, you don't want to date me, but you don't want anyone else to date me either?"

Blaine's eyes and voice softened "Gem, you know how I feel about you and you know why it can't happen."

Gemma looked upset "I know. So why can't you just be happy for me?"

Blaine took a deep breath. "Okay. I'll drop it, and I won't mention him again if you can tell me you don't have feelings for me."

Gemma kept her eyes on Blaine "I can't tell you that. You know I'd be lying if I did."

Blaine hit the table lightly as he spoke, for emphasis. "Then why are you with him?"

Gemma ran a hand through her hair "Because, if we can't be together, then I want to attempt to get over you."

Blaine sat back in his chair, trying to figure out what to say. "Then... Why don't we be together?"

Gemma looked surprised "What?"

Blaine forced his eyes to stay on Gemma, although he wanted to look away. "I mean, if we both want it, then why not?"

Gemma reached out to take his hand "It was your decision for us not to be together. Are you sure you want to change your mind? Do you think you can handle having a girlfriend who isn't with you all the time?"

Blaine held her hand. "I don't know, Gem. But I can't be friends with you. It's this or nothing."

Gemma said immediately "Then let's do it. Let's be together."

Blaine replied "Are you sure?"

Gemma nodded "One hundred percent. I've wanted this for so long."

Blaine smiled widely "Can I kiss you now?"

Gemma moved to his side of the booth "You most definitely can."

Blaine immediately pressed their lips together.

Gemma wrapped her arms around him, kissing him back.

Blaine kept the kiss gentle and sweet.

Gemma held onto him, smiling against his lips.

Blaine lightly rubbed her leg.

Gemma gently broke away from the kiss.

Blaine smiled at her. "Hey."

Gemma nuzzled noses with him.

Blaine laughed softly. "Hey you."

Gemma stroked Blaine's cheek "I'll end things with Ryan tomorrow."

Blaine nodded "Okay." He leaned in and kissed her again.

Gemma kissed him back, holding his hand.

Blaine squeezed her hand as they kissed.

Gemma held onto his hand tightly, kissing him.

Blaine broke away. "You should go home."

Gemma frowned "What? Why?"

Blaine answered "Because you're technically cheating."

Gemma said "We're just having dinner. No more kissing. Okay? I want to spend time with you."

Blaine nodded "Okay."

Gemma moved back to her side of the table.

Blaine folded his hands on the table.

Gemma picked up her menu.

Blaine watched her.

Gemma read through the menu "Are you okay?"

Blaine nodded again. "Yeah."

Gemma nodded "Good."

Blaine waved the waitress over. "Are you ready to order?" he asked Gem.

Gemma nodded "I'll have my usual."

Blaine ordered his meal before turning back to Gem.

Gemma ordered her own meal, facing Blaine.

Blaine looked at her before admitting "I feel bad."

Gemma asked "Why, Blainers?"

Blaine rubbed his hand with his thumb "I made you cheat."

Gemma spoke softly "I hardly know him. It's early on. And I want to be with you."

Blaine answered "But you still did it."

Gemma closed her eyes "I feel awful. Maybe I should go home..."

Blaine took her hand "You can stay but... Break up with him soon, okay? And don't mention me."

Gemma held his hand "Tomorrow. I promise. And I won't mention you. Are you... going to tell your fans about us? You have a lot of female fans..."

Blaine shook his head "No, no not yet."

Gemma nodded "Okay. Thank you. I don't think I'm ready for the online abuse."

Blaine laughed sadly "Trust me, no one ever is."

Gemma smiled softly at him "I think you're worth it, though."

Blaine smiled at her "I hope you still say that in a few month's time."

Gemma smiled wider "I've stuck by you as your friend. Now I'll stick by you as your girlfriend."

Blaine grinned "Okay."

Blaine had been back in Ohio for a week when he finally got the courage to send her a message. It was quick and brief, but it did what needed to be done: "Hey, I'm back in Ohio and I'd really like to see you sometime. Let me know." It wasn't like he had /missed/ her but… he had missed her. She had been his friend, and he wanted to make this right. He only hoped she felt the same.

Gemma picked up her phone as it beeped, her eyes widening slightly as she saw Blaine's name. Trying not to appear too eager, Gemma set her phone down, waiting ten minutes before she replied "Okay."

Blaine looked down as he phone beeped and quickly sent back a one-word reply. "When?"

Gemma replied "Whenever you want."

Blaine answered "I asked you."

Gemma sighed and sent back "Fine. Tonight?"

Blaine nodded slightly at the message. "Tonight."

Gemma replied "See you." After a minute's hesitation she added "x" and sent the message.

Blaine set down his phone after he read the message and waited.

Gemma text again "Pick me up at seven."

Blaine chuckled slightly at the message and replied "But of course."

Gemma replied "See you then."

Blaine didn't reply again until he was outside Gemma's house at 6:58. "I'm here," he quickly sent her.

Gemma had dressed up, casually but in clothes she looked nice in. Upon receiving Blaine's text, she headed downstairs and out her house.

Blaine waited for Gem, unlocking the door when she approached. "Hi," he greeted her with a slight smile. "How are you?"

Gemma greeted him softly "Hi. I'm good. How are you?"

Blaine started the car. "Not too bad, thanks."

Gemma nodded, gently slipping into the car.

Blaine began to drive. "Anywhere you want to go?"

Gemma shook her head "Not really."

Blaine replied "We'll just drive around then."

Gemma sighed "Turn left, then right. There's a diner down there that I like, and I'm starving."

Blaine followed her directions, pulling in at the diner. He got out and locked the car, waiting for Gem.

Gemma got out the car, holding her arm out to him.

Blaine laced his arm with Gem's, surprised yet pleased.

Gemma held his arm, walking towards the restaurant.

Blaine led her into the restaurant and to the table. He sat down across from her and folded his hands.

Gemma took a seat opposite him, silently.

Blaine looked through the menu. "What do you normally order here?"

Gemma blushed faintly "I don't want to say."

Blaine smiled slightly. "You can tell me." He looked back at the menu. "I like weird things too."

Gemma shyly admitted "I usually order the ultimate burger."

Blaine looked at her before laughing loudly.

Gemma pouted at him "I like food!"

Blaine shook his head, calming down. "No, it's not that. I figured what you wanted was something far worse than a burger."

Gemma laughed a little "You haven't /seen/ the ultimate burger yet. The clue is in the name."

Blaine scrunched his nose slightly. "It's just a burger. I thought maybe you ordered... haggis or liver with lumpy gravy or something."

Gemma looked at him fondly when he scrunched his nose "No. Definitely not."

Blaine nodded "Okay, good." He shut the menu and smiled. "I'll have what you're having."

Gemma smiled "Okay." She gently gestured for the waitress, ordering.

Blaine sat in silence, his hands neatly folded.

Gemma kept her eyes on him.

Blaine looked around the restaurant.

Gemma asked quietly "How have you been?"

Blaine answered "Fine. Busy. Yourself?"

Gemma nodded "Busy too."

Blaine nodded before taking a sip from his drink.

Gemma looked around.

Blaine observed Gemma.

Gemma stayed silent.

Blaine took another drink.

Gemma sipped her drink before suddenly blurting "I'm sorry."

Blaine looked at Gemma with honest eyes. "For what?"

Gemma responded "For what I said last time we spoke. I understand that your profession makes things difficult. I shouldn't have got angry with you for speaking the truth. I just wasn't thinking clearly."

Blaine nodded as he listened. "Thank you. I forgive you." He lightly squeezed her hand before pulling back.

Gemma gently squeezed his hand in return before letting it go "I'd really love to be friends."

Blaine nodded with a small smile "Me too."

Gemma smiled back warmly "Great. I'm glad."

Blaine kept smiling "Me too."

Gemma held up her drink "To friendship?”

Blaine gently taped his glass to hers. "To friendship."

Gemma tapped his glass before taking a sip.

Blaine took a sip of his own, carefully watching her.

Gemma set her drink back down gently.

Blaine smiled at her "So how's school?"

Gemma nodded "It's good. I graduate in a few weeks. Oh! I heard back from NYC. I have my audition next week."

Blaine smiled brightly "That's great! Congrats!"

Gemma admitted "I'm really nervous."

Blaine replied "That's understandable. You'll be okay."

Gemma asked "How do you get over stage fright?"

Blaine shrugged with a charming smile "I don't."

Gemma laughed "Of course you don't."

Blaine smiled "It's true."

Gemma grinned "I believe you."

Blaine nodded "Good."

Gemma sipped her drink again, looking up as their meals arrived.

Blaine thanked the server and looked down at his plate, his smile dropping. "This is huge."

Gemma laughed loudly "I told you!"

Blaine stared at his plate. "I can't eat all this."

Gemma picked up a few chips, putting them in her mouth "I can."

Blaine glanced up at her. "I'm on a diet."

Gemma raised her eyebrow "What on Earth for? You're gorgeous."

Blaine shrugged and began to cut up his burger into bite-size pieces. "My publicist and manager agree that it'll be good for me."

Gemma rolled her eyes "Bullshit. Eat what you want and then just dance it off." she stated, wiggling a little.

Blaine laughed before picking up a bite with his fork. "I think I'll listen to my manager, thanks."

Gemma laughed, her eyes lighting up "Suit yourself. I prefer to dance." Gemma picked up her burger in both hands before stopping short and looking at Blaine "I feel like I'm just greedy, now. Does it count as bad manners if I just dig in?"

Blaine smiled and shook his head. "No. I'd be /flattered/ if you ate the entire thing."

Gemma asked "Flattered? Why flattered?"

Blaine smiled "Because it means you see me as a human being."

Gemma took the first bite of her burger, chewing through it before swallowing "Mm, good. Because you're Blaine my goofball friend. I don't see you as Blaine the celebrity anymore."

Blaine glanced up at her. "I appreciate that." He picked up another piece with his fork.

Gemma took another large bite, accidentally getting some relish on her cheek.

Blaine ate one of his cut-up pieces. He looked at Gem and subconsciously rubbed his cheek. "Um, you have a little..."

Gemma blushed, immediately wiping her cheek "Oh my God. I'm so sorry."

Blaine ate another piece "It's fine. Nothing to apologize for."

Gemma quickly wiped her face before taking another mouthful of her burger "Mmm."

Blaine ate about half his plate before pushing it away.

Gemma ate her burger, finishing it before eating her fries.

Blaine sat back, sipping at his water.

Gemma finished her meal "Delicious."

Blaine nodded "Mhm. I agree."

Gemma sipped her drink.

Blaine asked "Do you come here often?"

Gemma nodded "It's my brother and I's favourite place."

Blaine pointed out "You speak fondly of your brother."

Gemma asked "Is that wrong?"

Blaine shook his head. "No. It's just something I noticed."

Gemma nodded "We're really close."

Blaine nodded, sitting with his hands crossed. "That's an excellent thing."

Gemma asked him "It is? Why?"

Blaine nodded again "Of course. Having a strong family is a great thing."

Gemma nodded "I guess you're right."

Blaine took a drink and glanced at his phone. "Do you want anything else?"

Gemma shook her head "I'm fine, thank you."

Blaine nodded okay and waved for the check.               

Gemma reached for her purse.

Blaine took the bill and shook his head "Don't worry about it."

Gemma asked "Are you sure? I can pay."

Blaine put a credit card on the table. "It's fine. I promise."

Gemma smiled warmly "Thank you."                                     

Blaine paid for their meal and stood up. "It's no problem."

Gemma got to her feet "Would you come to New York with me? For moral support."

Blaine bit down on his lip, looking over at Gemma. After a moment, he spoke, "Look, Gem. It's not that easy for me. I'm supposed to--" he broke of when a gaggle of giggling girls walked over, shyly asking for a picture. Blaine smiled and agreed, taking the picture and signing autographs before turning back to Gemma. "Sorry about that."

Gemma rolled her eyes faintly when the girls came over, looking put out. When they left, she looked at him "I know. I just wanted to try."

Blaine nodded "Thank you for understanding. Shall we head out?"

Gemma nodded "Sure."

Blaine headed back to the car.

Gemma walked beside him.

Blaine unlocked the doors and got in.

Gemma got in the car.

Blaine started the engine and began to drive to Gemma's.

Gemma looked out the window.

Blaine stopped in front of Gemma's house. He turned to her in his seat. "Thanks for seeing me."

Gemma turned to face him "Thanks for forgiving me."

Blaine replied “Of course. Forgiving is what friends do.”

Gemma squeezed his hand gently.

Blaine smiled at her. "I had a nice time."

Gemma smiled softly "Me too."

Blaine pulled back his hand. "I'll see you later?"

Gemma nodded, still facing him "Sure."

Blaine smiled "Okay. Bye."

Gemma reached for the door handle "Bye, Blaine."

Blaine tapped the steering wheel. "Bye."

Gemma opened the door, slowly moving to get out.

Blaine watched her.

Gemma hesitated "We can do this again, right? I don't want to fight again."

Blaine nodded and smiled. "Yes, yes. Of course."

Gemma smiled "Hug?"

Blaine agreed to it, "Sure. Of course."

Gemma leaned in, hugging him.

Blaine briefly hugged her. "Bye, Gem."

Gemma let go of the hug "Bye, Blaine."

Blaine waved at her, smiling slightly.

Gemma tugged at her dress uncomfortably, not liking having to wear such formal dresses when her family held a ball. However, she did like the attention and compliments her neighbour and long-time friend, Blaine Anderson, gave to her when she did dress up, although she would never admit to it. Gemma rolled her eyes faintly as another elderly Uncle made his way in her direction, pulling a silly face at her friend just before said Uncle arrived to ask her to dance. Gemma suffered through the dance before making her excuses and walking over to Blaine, whispering "He just stood on my foot."

Blaine smiled at Gemma as she was dragged off to dance. He watched her for a few minutes before turning to an adult conversation, standing quietly and observing rather than participating. It was interesting, but he was still thankful when Gemma returned. "Perhaps you have large feet," he teased.

Gemma poked him in the side "I do /not/ have large feet. I have perfectly normal sized feet." Gemma lowered her voice slightly "I'm bored. Shall we ditch? Mrs Price and Ruth might sneak us some food." she said, referring to the cook and kitchen maid "Or if they won't, I know Abigail will bring us something." she continued, speaking of her ladies maid "She'll still be awake."

Blaine grinned as Gemma protested. "I'm sure you do." He looked over his shoulder as his friend whispered, unsure. "Surely it's not that bad... But if you want to leave, then I must be a gentleman and escort you." He smiled at her, letting her know that he was partially kidding. "Let's go before father notices."

Gemma pulled a face "It is that bad. But we can stay if you want to stay." Gemma checked her Mama and father were occupied before holding her arm out to Blaine "But if you will oblige my desire to leave, then lead the way."

Blaine linked their arms and glanced around before quickly yet casually slipping out of the hall. "Where does our adventure start tonight?"

Gemma held onto his arm, following him discreetly out of the hall "The kitchens, of course. Only the few necessary staff will still be awake. Everyone else will have taken to their beds already."

Blaine nodded and led her down to the kitchens. "It's strangely quiet down here."

Gemma followed him, nodding her head in agreement "It always is in the evening."

Blaine led her into the kitchen. "It's rather nice, the quiet."

Gemma followed him, greeting her ladies maid in a friendly fashion, requesting some food "It is. How are you getting on with your new valet?"

Blaine watched the lady work before turning to Gemma. "Oh, I find him friendly enough. He doesn't seem too fond of Cooper, however, which is actually incredibly funny."

Gemma giggled at Blaine's comment "Oh, really? How so?"

Blaine replied "Because Cooper doesn't understand how or why anyone could dislike him. He keeps trying to charm the valet."

Gemma laughed loudly "Your brother is something else, alright."

Blaine smiled "He's wonderful, most of the time."

Gemma took a bite of the food prepared for them "Most of the time?"

Blaine grabbed some of the food. "Yes," he answered, saying nothing more as he bit into the food.

Gemma didn't push it, thanking her ladies maid before eating some more.

Blaine thanked the staff before taking another bite.

Gemma ate through her snack, smiling at her friend.

Blaine smiled back at Gemma as he finished "That was delicious."

Gemma smiled "It really was."

Blaine smiled back "You have quite good cooks."

Gemma nodded "Mrs Price and Ruth do a fantastic job."

Blaine said "Shall we continue our adventure?"

Gemma grinned and got up "Of course."

Blaine stood and began to head out. "Where to?"

Gemma held her arm out to him, following him "We could go play a game."

Blaine grinned "Alright!"

Gemma linked her arm with his, starting to lead him up to her bedroom.

Blaine followed her "Where are we going?" he whispered.

Gemma whispered back "My bedroom. That's where my cards are."

Blaine nodded and kept walking.

Gemma followed him, checking around for anyone approaching.

Blaine glanced around the corner before quickly shuffling them into Gemma's room.

Gemma followed him inside, gently closing the door behind them.

Blaine stood politely in the entry way, allowing Gemma to walk in first.

Gemma rolled her eyes faintly, pulling two chairs up to her desk "You don't need to be polite, Blaine. You're my friend."

Blaine sat down in the chair. "I do have to be polite. It's my role."

Gemma sat down beside him "Out there, maybe. But not with me."

Blaine frowned slightly "I like being this way."

Gemma got out of her pack of cards "And that's fine. But your only role in here is my friend. You can act however you want in here. That's all I'm trying to say."

Blaine nodded, watching her hands on the cards. "Father says girls can't be friends with boys. I don't believe him."

Gemma dealt out the cards "Mama and Father say we should get married. But we're friends."

Blaine laughed slightly. "They said that?"

Gemma nodded "But not to my face. I heard them talking."

Blaine nodded as he picked up his cards "Maybe I'll be a bachelor until old age. That's how a man makes a career."

Gemma picked up her own "Mama says a lady should take a husband. But that's not all I want to do. I want to work. I want to help."

Blaine looked up and whispered "I heard Cooper and Mr Watterson discussing that. Women are working now. They even want to vote!"

Gemma whispered back "I want to vote! I've seen them protesting in the town."

Blaine replied "I think women should. It's only just."

Gemma smiled at her friend "I'm glad you think that. Women are just as capable as men."

Blaine held up his cards. "Of course. Shall we start?"

Gemma nodded "Of course. You first."

Blaine began to play the game.

Gemma followed suit, teasing her friend as they played.

Cooper walked quietly through the halls, following the whispers of sound that came from Gemma's room. Once he approached, he gave a short knock. "Gemma?"

Blaine's cheeks were flushed slightly from Gemma's teasing. He froze when he heard a knock and looked up at his friend with wide eyes.

Gemma's eyes widened "That's your brother. Do you think we're in trouble?"

Blaine glanced at the door. "I hope not." He stood. "Should I hide?"

Cooper knocked again.

Gemma shook her head "He obviously knows you're here already." Gemma raised her voice slightly "Come in."

Cooper opened the door "Good evening Gemma, Blaine. Mother and Father were wondering where you went, Blaine. As were your parents, Gem."

Blaine looked at Gemma before turning to Cooper. "Sorry. We were just playing cards."

Gemma nodded "We got a little bored. Well, I did. But we'll come back now."

Blaine nodded as Gemma spoke "Yes, of course. We shall return."

Cooper raised his eyebrows "You weren't doing anything that your mother would disprove of?" he teased.

Gemma blushed, throwing one of her scarves at Cooper "You're terrible."

Cooper laughed before stepping out of the door. "Come along, children."

Blaine sighed and followed. "I'm not a child."

Gemma followed after her two friends "We're almost sixteen."

Blaine walked through the halls "That's right. We're practically adults."

Cooper grinned "Suit yourself."

Gemma nodded eagerly "We are! I'll be presented in society soon."

Blaine looked back at her. "Do you, um, have any suitors?"

Cooper curiously looked back at his brother and friend.

Gemma walked back towards the ballroom with her friends "I don't think so. I don't want to marry for money, anyway. I want to marry for love. Which makes my father very frustrated. Will you have your coming out ball soon too, Blaine?"

Blaine listened carefully "I expect so," he answered, looking around the room before turning to Gemma. "Would you care to dance?"

Cooper smiled "I shall see you later, Blaine." He disappeared back into the crowd.                  

Gemma bid goodbye to Cooper, giving him a polite curtsey as he departed. Gemma turned to face Blaine, holding a hand out to him "I would be thrilled to dance with you."

Blaine smiled and took her hand, beginning to dance.

Gemma smiled, holding him, beginning to move with him.

Blaine danced with Gemma, both of the gliding across the dance floor.

Gemma moved easily with Blaine, gazing into his eyes as they moved together.

Blaine smiled at her before looking down somewhat shyly.

Gemma moved easily in the dance, smiling softly, shyly at her friend.

Blaine stepped back and bowed as the song ended. "My father beckons. I'll see you tomorrow?"

Gemma curtseyed at Blaine, holding her skirts "Of course. Mama will expect me to retire soon, anyway. A lady who hasn't been presented in society yet mustn't overstay her welcome." Gemma pulled a face before smiling at Blaine "Goodnight, Blaine. I'll see you tomorrow. We should go riding. It's been a while since we have."

Blaine grinned back at her. "That would be lovely. I bid you goodnight." He smiled again before heading over to his father.

Gemma got back to her room (finally) after the concert. She sat in front of her mirror, running her fingers over her lips, before a giddy smile appeared on her face and a laugh passed her lips. Gemma removed her makeup and her dress, slipping on her nightwear before getting into bed. She took out her phone, playing with it for a minute before shooting a text to Blaine "Hi. :)"

Blaine was already in bed, staring up at the ceiling when his phone went off. He lazily picked it up but smiled slightly when he saw the name. "Hey."

Gemma smiled when she saw his name appear, responding "I didn't tell anyone. I just wanted you to know that."

Blaine felt a wave of relief, although he hadn't realized before that he was worried. "Thank you."

Gemma hesitated before sending "I like you. I realise this isn't the ideal way to tell you, but I have no other option. So... I like you."

Blaine read over the message several times. "That's really sweet," he sent back, feeling awkward already.

Gemma responded "Oh my God. I'm sorry. I just assumed since... never mind. Forget I said anything."

Blaine immediately sent back "No no it's fine." He sent it, then added "I just can't right now."

Gemma hesitantly responded "You can't what?"

Blaine sighed out loud "I can't. Leave it at that." Once again, he added another message. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have kissed you. It was selfish and wrong of me. I apologize."

Gemma felt like a jolt of hurt had passed through her, but she tried to play it off "No big deal :) I don't really like you like that, anyway. I meant as a friend...."

Blaine blinked at the message. He knew she was lying but decided to be kind. "Okay :)"

Gemma responded "I'd better go to sleep now. :)"

Blaine sent back "Okay. Goodnight!" He stared at his phone after the message was sent. Hesitantly, he added, "I like you too." Blaine looked at the message and quickly sent it before he changed his mind.

Gemma picked up her phone before angrily replying "Why tell me that if we can't be together?"

Blaine answered "I thought you should know."

Gemma replied "Well I wish you hadn't told me. Now it just makes this even harder."

Blaine groaned "Look, I'm sorry, but you knew it wasn't going to happen. I'm sorry this entire thing happened."

Gemma responded "I didn't when you kissed me! Why did you kiss me if you knew nothing could ever happen between us? I don't want to talk to you anymore. And I definitely don't want to see you when you get back."

Blaine replied "Because I wanted to! Fine. That's fine. Bye." He tossed his phone aside and rolled over in his bed. He was done with girls, he decided. Especially this one.