suddenly–here you are.

Part of the fun of out of town heists is that Barry otherwise wouldn’t travel much at all. He didn’t have time between work, hero business, and criminal activity. He didn’t feel like he had much free time before he got his powers either, though he clearly wasted that time.

New York City was one of those daydreams he had in high school. Things change but he was still pretty excited. It was a big heist, too. They’d be in town for ten days before the job, making sure everything was air tight, details that couldn’t be accounted for in Central were taken care of. Another week at least after that to make sure when they leave it won’t be under a magnifying glass.
Plenty of time to enjoy himself as long as he’s back at the temporary base whenever he needs to be.

It was going to be fun, anyway. He goes out to eat with Shawna and Hartley the first afternoon after arrival, which was also nice, until he spotted Blaine Anderson.
Barry was glad to have left high school in the dust, drape a veil over it never to be touched. And here it was, meeting his eyes across the room. It’s old habit at the sight that a grin pulls at his lips. It was only fake half of the time back then, at any point.. He is far from that person. The grin falls as he ducks his head, gets back to the conversation.

It’s not until they’re leaving that what he really hoped wouldn’t happen, does. Blaine approaches as friendly as ever. Barry glances between him and his teammates quickly, not quite sure what to do with the situation. Hartley looks at him like he’s trying to decide what to think off of appearance alone and Shawna gives Barry a look that he doesn’t bother getting the message of and instead only nods to the door. Confused, surely, but it’s not like Blaine is a threat so there’s no protest or question. Not until later, he’s sure. Barry turns to fully face Blaine then with a somewhat sheepish smile. “Long time no see.”

Another term at NYU was starting and Blaine was busy finishing up all the last minute details he had to take care of before going back for his final year. His Master’s Degree was within arm’s reach and he couldn’t wait to graduate. Thus the scatterbrained excitement that had him venturing out yet again. A bag stuffed full of supplies he only just now remembered he needed was at his feet. That–hopefully–should be it. Now–it was time to reward himself with a lunch break and coffee.

Funny how fate can work that way. If it wasn’t for his thoughts being as jittery as his lack of caffeine shakes that his second cup only just now chased away–he might’ve darted off after finishing his food and never caught sight of something rather someone who he hadn’t seen in how long? Sebastian.

Blaine noticed him moments before Sebastian ever took note.

His expression never changed from the excited look of recognition when their gazes met. That grin. He missed that grin more than he’d like to admit and was quickly reminded how much the moment he saw it again. A faint hint of pink blazed over olive cheeks. He ducked his head when Sebastian did and wasn’t rude enough to interrupt but not polite enough not to steal several glances his way as Sebastian talked with his company.

Seeing them all getting ready to go Blaine quickly approached–too thrilled at the possibility of speaking with his old friend to think of the fact that Sebastian was going to leave without saying hello. Any nervousness about approaching him with a couple of friends flanking him went out the window–too. “Sebastian? Wow! It’s good to see you..” His ever-present smile repeats the greeting to the others and he politely bids them farewell with a bow of his head. Now? His attention is fully on him and his smile is as wide as can be. “Yeah! How are you? I’m sorry.. Am I holding you back? I just really wanted to say hi…”

nick.

Nick knew that Blaine leaving Dalton was in the past and he couldn’t undo anything, even if he really wanted to. Nope, not at all. He felt for Blaine, he was unable to do anything and it was all up to the New Directions and they have done the work. He shook his head, looking down. “No, not really. All I really know is that he was jealous of what you and Kurt had, and that is why he wanted it to happen to him and not you. Still doesn’t make it right. But the only thing he told us was that it was JUST a slushie before hand.” Nick told his friend, remembering the day. It all went so quickly and then continued. “We all just found out what he put in, it was rock salt… gosh Blaine if I had ANY idea it would happen I would have stopped it in a heart beat. There is no doubt about it. I am so sorry this happened to you. Let me tell you something, he will get what is coming. Dalton’s zero tolerance policy might finally have a use.” He said, grabbing his friends hand. “How do you feel though really? Does it hurt? Of course it hurts, sorry.” He said looking down at the floor. He did’t know why he couldn’t talk to Blaine in this state. This is not how things should be. “I am glad to see you too Blaine. You have no idea. Things will get better soon. Warblers honor.”

“I thought my relationship wasn’t an issue anymore.” That was wrong. Blaine knew that “cloud” lingered in the background of their conversations that often borderlined on inappropriate. Ones he denied to Kurt were anything close. To the point that he felt guilty for lying. But he didn’t think the underlying tension would come to a head like this. Above all? Sebastian was his friend. A betrayal of stealing a setlist and announcing it to his friends where he got the information was an extreme in Blaine’s book. One he had yet to confront Sebastian on but after he got over the hurt? He fully planned on doing. Until–things spiralled even worse and here we are. An extreme that went beyond–beyond. Everything was broken. Blaine was left sitting in the hospital overnight wondering how he could have saw it coming and stopped it. Instead of feeding into it like he felt he did. This was all so screwed up. “It hurts–yeah. They kept me here because–under eighteen and just taking safety measures. I’ll go home in the morning til I come see a specialist and they determine the extent of the damage and what has to be done.” Don’t even get him started on how petrified he was when he thought about what might happen if it was too much. No amount of reassurance from the E.R. doctor could put that worry to rest. “Nick? Before any of you say anything? I want to talk to Sebastian first. Listen. I haven’t named him as being the one who did it. I got in trouble but..I know what he goes through at home. If his Dad found out? Can you tell the guys to let me talk to him? Just–don’t say anything yet. If it comes to that–we can. I promise. Please promise me too, okay?”

no air.

As much as Sebastian would like to pretend otherwise, he tended to agree with the others. He’d screwed up bad. He thought if he just proved to Blaine that he was BETTER than Kurt, that he could ~~humiliate~~ beat him, that that would somehow bring Blaine to him. That if he just WON the National’s, Blaine would realize how good of a fit they were, and Kurt would be forgotten. He realized after Dave, how wrong he’d been. He couldn’t prove anything to Blaine if he didn’t believe it first. All his life he’d tried to prove he was worth it. That he was worth his father’s attention, no matter if by his academics excellence, or by his teenager misdeeds. That he was worth more than the people who’d judge him for his sex, sexuality, personality or anything he was born with. His father had made him feel that that was the only way he’d ever grab someone’s appreciation. But he’d learned it differently, no matter how long it’d took, and now it seemed that maybe, perhaps, Blaine thought he was worth it, even if he couldn’t prove it. Even if there was no way to prove it to someone that didn’t want to see, it didn’t seem to matter, because it looked like Blaine ALREADY thought it. Could he dream of it? His breath was audible in the room when Blaine’s warm hand met his skin. His blood pumping thick in his throat against Blaine’s palm, as he let his own hand be held like he’d always hated to, but that with BLAINE felt so easy. The words made him breathe in. The way Blaine said “we”, the way it felt hearing him actually put them together like that. For a long time Sebastian had felt like he just didn’t deserve Blaine leaving anyone just to be with him. But right then, he was willing to hope.

As he opened his eyes into Blaine’s, he saw the anguished light in them, and his eyebrows screwed together. He could hear it, of course. He’d always known what Blaine’s words really meant. He could hear the beg, and he was as always tempted to give in. To comfort and care for Blaine as it’d become his second nature astonishingly fast. But something in him wasn’t so ready to let go this time around. Wanted to hold on just a little longer because it felt as though they were so close. As though he were so close to finding out what it felt like to have Blaine to himself. The mere dream of a thought made him dizzy. Blaine was everything. “Honest.” He said, then, more firmly than he’d expected himself to be able to. The brush of their knees and the warmth on his neck seeming to get him just drunk enough on the heat to keep going. “Aren’t you lying to him?” He asked, licking over his lips and feeling his own skin grow feverish as he slid even closer to Blaine. An urgent tone to his every word. “Aren’t you lying to him every day you tell him nothing’s going on? When he says my name, aren’t you lying to him when you tell him I don’t matter? You’re already hurting him, Blaine.” You’re hurting all of us. And wasn’t that the truth? “Blaine, please.” Blaine might have qualms against begging out loud but Sebastian didn’t. He’d beg for Blaine as long as he had to. If Blaine had pushed him aside, he could handle it. But what he couldn’t do was walk away when Blaine’s eyes seemed to be asking him to stay. “I get it…” He said softly, as he raised his free hand to caress Blaine’s wrist on his throat. “I get it, killer… You’re so freaking good… But sometimes.” He held his breath as he leaned in, gaze begging as he almost let their noses brush, speaking over Blaine’s lips as he let it for him to take the final step. “Sometimes we have to be a little selfish. Because sometimes being good doesn’t really help anyone.”

Blaine felt the first lines and cracks of his heart begin to shatter to pieces the longer they sat in this position. So close but miles and miles apart because he was the one doing this to them. He stared into a sea of green that begged him to yield–begged him to love Sebastian back–begged him to let go and meet him halfway more than physically. Everything Sebastian was asking–if it happened a year ago–Blaine knew he’d give it to him freely because it was killing him not to give it to him now. Even if it was? He wasn’t the only one suffering. One look into Sebastian’s eyes was proof that Sebastian was hurting worse. And–oh God–that was something Blaine never wanted. For someone to hurt over him. When his plea went ignored–Blaine’s thumb pressed in gently against the strip of skin along Sebastian’s throat it was making circles on. He debated pulling away. Chalking this up to another mistake. Say that he didn’t know he was looking at him the way Blaine knew he was. Play stupid. Play oblivious. Everyone–including himself–knew that he could be exactly that so very often. Maybe this time he could take advantage of it for once and get away without damaging them to the point of no return. It was a cheat–shallow and without a doubt the opposite of his motto of courage. But–maybe being cowardly this time was something he could forgive himself for rather than never being able to if he was the one who took the jump.

As soon as the question came–the ever-present burning in his eyes finally gave way to blurry vision and tears barely held back behind long, thick lashes. Closer. Sebastian slid closer then and Blaine’s skin burned underneath the feathery touch on his wrist.. The other set of fingers balled up his shirt and squeezed tight against his shoulder. –Yes, I’m hurting him. Yes, I’m hurting you. Who am I anymore?– Keeping his eyes unfocused and blind as he met Sebastian’s again–a wrinkle of guilt and longing creased between his brows. Blaine was hinging on every word he said. Their new closeness made his heart grow warm, his lips tingle. ‘Please..,’ but the word was silent and barely caused his lips to move. “I’m so sorry I’m hurting anyone. I’m not good. Good people don’t do this..” A splash of wet fell from his jaw and hit Sebastian’s wrist when their noses brushed. Again–he listened. His chest hitched and his breath stopped. Sebastian’s gaze begged as hard as he felt himself doing the same inside. He wasn’t getting any reprieve from this–was he? There was breath moving over his mouth. Warm and soft and a caress of a promise if he just leaned in and did what he was too petrified to do. There’d be no going back after that. No more times where he could say he was faithful and devoted. Considerate and kind. Kind people don’t lean in closer. Kind people don’t clutch onto another boy’s shoulder when you are so, so taken.

“I’m sorry. I’m so sorry..” Kind people don’t close their eyes and feel tears trickling down the bridge of their nose and not stop before you can’t feel where your breath ends and another person’s begins. Nor to they nod and groan when the motion brushes their lips together with ones who shouldn’t be there in fidelity terms but there is no planet you want to be on where they aren’t right where you need them to be. Here. A breath away until even that space is gone. And you’re falling into the first taste of a mouth that has you reeling as the rest the world outside that kiss just–goes away.

jan.

A moment passed where Jan could only squint in thought as she tried to remember if she got everything else– but it passed just as quickly as it came before she shook her head with the smallest of smiles once more.

“I THINK I’m good. My mom was getting on me about packing last night, so really the only thing I probably forgot was the jacket just walking out the door. But who knows? I probably DID forget something, I just can’t think of it right now. It always ends up that way if I’m on a trip.” A moment of pause before she glanced quickly at the rest of the group, looking back seconds later. “I’ll keep that in mind. I’m pretty sure that, aside from my performance clothes, MOST of the stuff I have is all fandom shirts and jeans.”

“Nothing wrong with fandom shirts and jeans!” Being half asleep and only part way into his coffee in the morning ended up with him pulling a Criss Angel trick with the overly stuffed bag that he was sorry he forced into his locker now that he was wide awake with his cheeks puffed out and a grunting tug–tug that was less than graceful trying to get it out.

Finally! Stumbling backwards as the bag came loose–Blaine staggered to a stop with a look of pride and regret. Picking back up with the conversation to skip over that little faux pas–he slung the strap of that bag over his shoulder over the one that was already there. “I have a throw I brought for the bus ride,” he laughed and bobbed his head from side to side, “Thus the–how did I think stuffing this in my locker was a good idea moment. Jacket’s all yours. We’re going to go get dinner and see what there is to do after,” he leaned in all conspiratory like, “Sort of a let’s have fun while we are together and away from the parents thing. Come along anyway?”

tina.

^{Tina couldn’t help looking over at the table of guys as well and grinned to herself because they looked like a fun bunch. Then again, anyone who wasn’t Puck or the hockey players would look like that to her. At the mention of the piano being his favorite, her smile widened because it was nice to meet someone else who appreciated the instrument. “I figured you had to go to a private school given,” she gestured at his outfit,” what you’re wearing. It stands out around here. You’re part of the Warblers, huh?” She remembered coming across the group on various show choir blogs and forums but hadn’t realized that they were located so close. Of course, the New Directions were too busy focusing on Vocal Adrenaline and Jesse St. James to give the Warblers much thought. “Yup, that’s us. You’re looking at one of the original members, thank you very much.” Oh, Rachel and the others were going to have her head if they found out she was chatting with a member of a rival choir. But Blaine seemed so nice, Tina couldn’t help it. “Indeed, we very well could be. I’m sure both sides will make a good fight out of it.” At least on the surface, the Warblers seemed like they were a group with actual integrity and good sportsmanship. “Thank you. It would be boring to be someone else. The last person who tried to get me to change learned the hard way that that’s not something I appreciate.”}

Blaine looked at his blazer with it’s red piping and Dalton emblem like he was just noticing how wearing it would make him and his classmates stick out and was oblivious to it up til now. They were in Lima–after all. The land of McKinley High. How that wasn’t much of a thought to him before smacked him upside the head and he smirked embarrassedly. “I am. We’re a misfit band of brothers but I think we have something pretty special. All those guys behind me,” his thumb jutted back over his shoulder, “They’re Warblers too. A few of them live here in town. We met up for a weekend practice and to drive a couple back to Westerville. The trip’s much better with friends than being stuffed in the car with your parents. Don’t you think?” The couple before them finished their order and the barista waited expectantly. Blaine ordered his medium drip–the second for the day–and motioned for Tina to order what she wanted. “Oh! And one of those four people sized chocolate cookies too? Thank you,” he made sure the girl used his debit card before Tina could argue then gave her a triumphant grin. A few dollars were shoved into her jar for a trip. “Looks like I got lucky to meet at least one of you before competitions start. Maybe we can be friends before foes, huh?” Another cheeky smile and he lightly lead Tina towards the pick up counter with a touch to her elbow and a warm smile. “Never let anyone change you, Tina. From what I see so far? You’re an interesting person. Being unique is a huge part of that. Don’t you think? So? Have you guys started rehearsing? How’s it all going? Who are your key players so far? Any ideas yet?”

We’re All in the Mood for a Melody

patrick.

Patrick was starting to fall in love with living in New York. He had been there for four months and definitely had to adapt to the new city, but he was finally beginning to find the sparkle in the Big Apple. He was unsure at first. The west coast was the complete polar opposite of what he was used to. The people were nicer back home, and he could walk into a coffee shop without the line being packed like sardines, but the little downfalls were in no comparison to the grandeur of the city.

Patrick passed the Empire State Building every day on his way to work. The view of the skyscraper never got old. He felt like a tourist every time he craned his neck to view the top. The pizza couldn’t be compared to anything else, and the amount of diversity was refreshing. He was glad he made the decision to move for his career.

The loneliness definitely hit him at times, though. Patrick found himself exploring the city constantly, forcing himself to learn the streets and discover new gems. His newest location was Grand Central Station. He wanted to take the subway to see Coney Island. The station itself was stunning. He found himself gazing at the elaborate tile on the ceiling, and listening to the gorgeous piano music playing.

Patrick made it to his subway stop a few minutes later, finding out that the piano music wasn’t a recording. A rather attractive boy sat at a public piano, his fingers effortlessly flowing over white and black keys. He smiled and approached him from behind, humming softly as the familiar tune of “Piano Man” by Billy Joel was played. Jonathan joined him without hesitation, his hand playing a simple tune in unison as he joined in to harmonize with the younger man.

“We’re all in the mood for a melody, and you’ve got us feelin’ alright…”

Blaine called New York City home for years now. They had a tumultuous love affair. Sometimes they loved each other fiercely. She treated him well and gave him opportunities that he would never be able to thank her for. Others? Others they were two sides of their own separate storms. Crashing violently together leaving him wondering why he ever thought setting foot on one inch of concrete here was ever a good idea. She always fought her hardest then. Did the most damage. Stripped people and emotions away without a second thought.

Yet? He never left. Because–deep down–he loved her more than anything. New York City was his one constant that showed him many faces and left him reeling from the spin but had his devotion through thick and thin and everything in between.

It’d been over a year since the last collision had him rebuilding everything he lost. He was a different person. Grown into someone that–perhaps–he’d always been but it took being alone to find. Sure–he had friends but they were living their own lives. Finding out who they were and what they were capable of. The one thing Blaine learned the most during this calm?

Yes. He could make it on his own.

The sun was back. He was happy again.

Life became a simple adventure with small twists and turns but had it’s routine that rarely changed. He’d wake up in the mid-morning after working at the bar in Little Italy and go through his morning ritual. Though there was less gel and less pomp and circumstance to it. Then? For the better part of the afternoon–he’d wander around and spend time with his constant and find something new or not so new to do. Like the piano experiment in Grand Central.

Just as he was near the last few lines–a stranger joined him on his bench. He wasn’t the first but he was definitely the first to ever sing along. Blaines eyes lit up with an old familiar twinkle of sunshine. “It’s a pretty good crowd for a Saturday. And the manager gives me a smile. ‘Cause he knows that it’s me they’ve been comin’ to see. To forget about life for a while..”

When you get this, respond with five things that make you happy. Then send to the last ten people in your notifications anonymously.

// Aww! Okay. I needed this to answer today so I’m gonna do that.

1. Putting all the windows down in my car at night and driving fast with some really good music on. Cough Syrup by Darren is perfect for this, btw. So is anything by Dave Matthews.
2. Being on the beach and dipping my toes in the water as it splashes around my feet.
3. The sound of my dog’s growl when we’re play fighting. She gets so into it and it’s so cute.
4. Clean sheets and blankets smell. Plus that extra cold feeling you get when you slide into them and you end up chasing it with your legs all over the bed before it goes away.
5. Being in a place I’ve never been and wandering the streets to discover what I can find. Love that feeling of being just a little bit lost and a whole lot curious.

nick.

Nick could not help himself. He could have done something to help prevent this. If only he knew that this would happen, Sebastian’s stupid actions could have been worse, thankfully they were not but that is besides the point. He wiped the tear from his cheek and sat down, taking a deep breath as if it would help compose himself. He smiled at boy next to him, he really missed Blaine so much. Nothing has ever been the same since Blaine left Dalton. “I am fine really…except my best friend is in the hospital because of something the Warblers- well Sebastian did. So no I am not okay.” He paused. “How are you?” He questioned him. “That is the real question. I am sorry I just now came… I wanted to come to your side when it happened. That is one of my biggest regrets.” He told him. Sebastian went way too far, Blaine had to have a surgery to help him get better and that had to be expensive. He knew it was.

Blaine bowed his head to blurrily watch his hands ball two fistfulls of blankets. This was all so wrong. The Warblers became his competition when he left Dalton–true. But he always had it in mind that they were brothers before rival performers. Nick, Jeff, Trent and the others were undoubtedly the catalysts to him becoming who he was after being a shell of himself. Dalton and they saved him. They knew him. Knew what happened. And they promised that they’d always be there for one another. Yes. He left physically but the his love for them? Ran deep. Deeper than performances and song lists. The bond they had was supposed to survive everything. Or maybe he wouldn’t have–no. He couldn’t think that. Leaving Dalton wasn’t a mistake but leaving them vulnerable and in the hands of someone that could make them into what he saw inside that parking garage? Felt like his responsibility. Whether it or was or not. “I’m so sorry that you’re upset, Nick. You got here as quick as you could. Honestly? I’m just glad to see you,” he smiled but there wasn’t enough unf in it to be much of one. “What was he thinking? Has he said anything? If that’d hurt Kurt,” he clamped his mouth shut and shrugged. What was he supposed to say on how much worse that would’ve been?

baby pictures? really?

“Gotcha,” Sebastian said, more entertained than ever. If only. Perhaps in Sebastian’s late night thoughts was that a thing, but certainly not now. No matter how hard he tried. “If we pretended that’d take away 100% of the fun, and I just can’t do that. Keeping you blushing and myself laughing is the perfect combination, Blaine,” he shrugged.

Sebastian threw back another bite. It was even better than the last. Food was one of his main passions, and God, was it good. As per usual, Sebastian was quite content with himself. “I’ve always been an extremely honest and blunt person. Father says I came out the womb critiquing the doctor’s scrubs.” His eyes slyly narrowed as he watched Blaine. “Adorable and frightening even now? Now don’t get too careless, otherwise all these compliments will make this ego bigger. Among other things,” his flirtation at an all-time high. “I can show you my baby pictures sometime.”

Blaine smirked down at his knife not looking up as he huffed a chuckle and shook his head. “Perfect combination for you—maybe–but for me it’s embarrassing to no end,” he teased lightly watching as another slice of steak was cut away from the rest. “Oh really? I never noticed. You? Extremely honest and blunt? No way.” Sebastian saying he was either of the two was sort of like announcing for all the world to hear that the sky was blue and the grass was green. Two minutes into a single conversation with him and anyone would see.

Broken filter, remember? After chasing down another few bites with some wine–Blaine lifted just his gaze to Sebastian. “You realized you drew attention to the possibility of you getting–uh–yeah and then brought up your baby pictures? Don’t you? Only you, Sebastian. Only you.” Their banter was quickly becoming one of Blaine’s favorite things to toss back and forth. Unless he ended up speechless and stumbling for words right smack dab in the middle. So far? He’d like to think he was getting better at holding his own. A challenge–that’s what their conversations were when they got too Sebastian-esque. A challenge he wanted to win. “I’d love to see them. If you play nice? Maybe I’ll show you mine..” Oh. Damn it. That was an outright setup.

hunter.

As much as Hunter anticipated Blaine rejoining the Warblers, he had started to dread the idea. For once he had found something to hold onto. A power source not only tending to his needs, but also his interests. Music. To lose that now, well that’d just send Hunter back down that self destructive little road he both craved && despised at the same time. Though knowing himself, it was going to come sooner or later. Just maybe this time Blaine would be the one to push him down it. His hues dropped to the synced up pace they were walking at. It was as if they’d begun a number, they were so in tune together. && Nothing could of pissed off Hunter more. A fake smile graced his lips as he tried to speed up just a smidgen. “Good to hear you’re finally back where you belong, Blaine. && You’re welcome.” Even if he was irritated, the little bit of thanks felt good. Even if it was false. Though his instinct was to be hateful && angry, the Warbler captain was glad to have the legend back on their team. He was a great player after all. Someone who changed people. A real leader. Nope, now he hated him again.

Was Hunter walking faster because he wanted to get this over with? Within a step or two–Blaine noticed the distance between them growing and gave the other boy’s shoulder a confused furrow of his eyebrows. Blaine kept his sigh internal as he sped up now fully convinced that Hunter’s pace was a clear indication he’d rather make this a short conversation. Meeting up with him again–he smiled and darted a measuring glance over Hunter’s profile. “If you don’t mind me asking.. What did you really want to talk about? I’m sure a welcome back could’ve been handled during practice. What’s on your mind? If this is about why I changed my mind and came back after saying I wouldn’t? I did a lot of thinking and realized that Dalton is what’s better for me. Other than that? I’d rather not talk about it if that’s alright.” Somehow bearing his heart to Hunter wasn’t on his list of things he really wanted to do. Sebastian knew why. Trent and Nick knew faint details and he was happy to leave it at that. Turning his attention back towards the ground and watching it pass by under his shoes–the corner of Blaine’s mouth twitched in what was supposed to be a smile and didn’t quite pan out.