He couldn’t believe he’d actually admitted that out loud, and now Blaine was asking about it. Putting everything else on hold for the moment, Duran scratched the back of his head nervously. “I–ah,” he started, grinning sheepishly. “It’s not something I usually talk about, but pole dancing is something I’ve always been into. I think I actually started in, um…middle school? Or when I was thirteen?” He honestly couldn’t remember. Duran felt like he’d been doing it all his life at this point. “I just liked the idea of people doing fun tricks on a pole, and I told myself I’d be one of those people.” The more he talked about it, the more comfortable Duran felt.
“It’s definitely not easy. I still fall off from time to time.” He lowered his hands back to the table, forcing himself to keep them there. “Are you interested in learning at all? I can see you doing it.” The former Warbler had expressed some interest, so Duran didn’t feel embarrassed recommending it. It was a good work out too, he thought.
“Anyway, yeah. No, you’re right. I don’t want to transfer schools just because of the dress code. Dalton is my home.” He smiled. “I get plenty of t-shirt and sweats use at home anyway.”
Was he making him nervous? Was it the questions about the pole dancing? He didn’t see anything wrong with it–to each their own–but he could understand where the rather unexpected yet curiously unique hobby might make the person into it worry about whether or not they’d be scrutinized or judged by someone ignorant enough to think it was their business to do so. Still? Interrupting him would have been rude. Duran seemed to be relaxing some.
Unless he showed that he’d rather not talk about it and went past the line of being shy to uncomfortable? Blaine was going to keep his mouth shut and pay attention. Even lean toward the coffeecup he drug close debating another sip. Or to draw this one out so the conversation would last longer before refills. The mental image of Duran falling on his rear off a pole drew a toothy smile and quiet chuckle.
“That has to hurt when you do. Depending on where you are at the time. My luck?,” he grinned, “I’d be upside down and woosh!” His hand swung up with a pivot of the wrist towards the ceiling then swooped to the ground, “Ouch.” He paused at the offer and went a few shades of pink. “Maybe someday I’ll take you up on the offer. Soon as I get settled in and figure out what the inner workings of the public school system–again. I’m glad you’re staying at Dalton. If I helped in that decision,” he shrugged and sipped his coffee flicking the fingers of his left hand like he tossed away any idea of guilt, “I’m not in the least bit sorry. Sweatshirt it up on the weekends all you want. That blazer looks great on you.”
SEND ME A ♬ AND A NUMBER BETWEEN 1-10 AND I’LL PUT MY ITUNES ON SHUFFLE AND SKIP TO THAT NUMBER AND WRITE A STARTER WITH MY FAVORITE LYRIC FROM THAT SONG. dice roll to determine song: (2) (AWWW THANK YOU!) song:good life by one republic @nothavepowers
Blaine wasn’t sure how long he’d been sitting in the same spot in the cafe. Or how long it’d been since he actually moved. His mind was wandering off to a million different places. That and the people milling about outside were very interesting to watch as they went by. A noise and the appearance of a woman at the table he’d been hogging drew a pair of hazel eyes laced with thin veins of crimson–half lidded and twinkling away from his window watching. He blushed embarrassed that he didn’t tune into her sooner and nodded. Then got the most puzzled look on his face. Like she said something that just blew him away when it was his own inner voice that managed to. Spouted out was the very topic at hand–to himself and now her.
“Sometimes there’s airplanes I can’t jump out. Sometimes there’s bullshit that don’t work now. We all got our stories but please tell me. What there is to complain about?”
Shoulders lifted in a lazy shrug and he shook his head like he couldn’t even imagine how someone could be down on such a beautiful day–a beautiful life even. Between the elbows he had cocked on the tabletop were the homemade plastic wrappers of the reason why he was being so damn philosophical to a perfect stranger. Their handmade labels boasting some “organic shop” from someplace in Greenwich Village. The foodie apparently hit hippy gold today. Oops.
He watched him. Just watched, and waited, and felt as his energies changed. As the confusion and pain of it overpowered the anger, Kurt thought he might visibly wince. It’s not like this were better or worse than when Blaine was starting to yell but to Kurt he sounded more defeated. What a fantastic job he’s done with this boy. How did this happen? Well, he knew how it happened on some level. He can’t say it was Oliver’s fault. He wasn’t going to force Kurt into it, he warned him of the pain he might endure and how long he’d be gone from everyone’s lives. But if he were to simply look at Blaine when he left to where they were now- shameful.
He shut his eyes tight finally when Blaine spoke. “I didn’t forget you…” He always was an emotional person, only fitting his voice would be smaller now. “I thought,” He started slowly, trying to build himself back up. “I hoped, you would somehow know. It makes no sense but Blaine I lied to you, and I left, and I’m not even human anymore- how am I worth that–worth this?” He shot an honest look to him, but he’s not entirely sure what it gives off. With a sigh, he turned his gaze to the floor. “Somehow, I had this crazy hope that you knew subconsciously or something that I was doing wrong and you’d let go so yes, I forgot you loved me.” He was rambling a little and he was starting to feel weak in a way- emotion, he knew. He hadn’t felt so sad since before he left. Returning home was happier than this even if it was emotional.
Kurt took a deep breath, steadying himself and standing slowly. Just in case he was allowed to move closer. “I know it’s not an excuse or anything but I– I’m done lying to you.” He’s pretty sure he’d answer anything Blaine asked him – except for what he did a moment ago – just so he wouldn’t have to wonder anymore.
Blaine was struggling so hard to not shed one more tear. His effort hurt a lot more than only physically. The pain in his throat and the way his hands shook with the clenching of his stomach was nothing compared to the way his heart ached, his head spun. All the hopelessness he felt swallowed up any shred of hanging onto the fact that this might be okay if he just-kept-begging to be heard more and more–second by agonizing second. Confusion filled his already large eyes. It twisted itself onto his features as he shook his head and weakly muttered, “How was I supposed to know? How was I supposed to believe that about you even if I felt it and not blame myself? Or feel guilty? When there was every possibility that you were somewhere lost, scared, and I was safe and sound thinking the worst of you? That’s not me. That’s not how you love someone.”
The death blow to his resolve to remain strong came in hearing that Kurt ‘forgot he loved him’. Blaine’s face crumbled as the flimsy wall he was clinging to in his heart gave way and fell apart. “You did? Because you wanted to? Or because you had to,” he asked but he already knew the answer and Kurt was saying something that he spoke over and didn’t quite get. Something about not lying to him anymore. Blaine wasn’t sure but what would it’ve done to comfort him anyway when there was an infinite amount of space between him and the man he loved. Not just in the flesh but in the hole he felt himself falling into. One he just drug himself out of with the news Kurt was back. But it was waiting oh-so-close–nipping at his heels to suck him right back in.
“You’re worth it because you’re you and we’re us and everything we’ve been through matters to me. I didn’t forget any of it. You did.” A rush of willpower seeped through his veins. Cold as he wished he could truly be. It helped him flatten out his expression–searching Kurt’s eyes desperately as he took a few breaths. Problem was? It didn’t stay for more than a couple seconds before he buckled back down again and his shoulders slouched, head bowed and tears hit his hands before he could reach up to rub frustratedly at his eyes. “When did I stop being enough?”
Right as he saw Blaine’s lips curl up into a smile, Sebastian flashed one right back. It was impossible to see that grin full of brightness && not feel warm inside. ( In Sebastian’s experience, at least. ) He expected to get a surprised reaction, but not one so positive. But they never ended on a bad note, it was just a matter of drifting away. Something Sebastian thought about a lot. The phone calls turned into texts && eventually the texts turned into none at all. But now here he was, after making the impulsive choice to fly out to New York for a fresh start. It hadn’t hit the point where he felt like he had found his place in this city, but seeing this familiar face made him feel more than at home. It was a happy nostalgia, no storm clouds.
He’s done a lot of maturing since the high school days, he’s done some soul searching too. But still, his future was unknown. It was like he needed a puzzle piece to remind him who he really was. Of course, he would never admit to the fact that he knew the puzzle piece was Blaine Anderson. Hands in his pockets, he looks to the floor with the linger of his smile still present. It only took a short moment before he focused his stare back on Blaine, absorbing all of the moments that he’s missed with him in the span of seconds. An eyebrow raises, grin growing again the more he stares down at his lost love friend. ❛ Surprised to see me, huh?Trust me,I’m a little surprised I ended up here too. New York was never really my style. But my dads hopes of me attending law school wasn’t really doing me any good, so I dropped out && took a one way flight here. I’ve been living on my funds ever since. My father will be pretty pissed when he finds out I ruined his little master plan of me becoming a lawyer but until then I’m pretty satisfied. Pissing him off is kind of a guilty pleasure of mine. ❜
Sebastian standing next to his table still felt like a dream. One that was too good to be true. Too out there to really be happening. The odds of them crossing paths in such a random encounter in one of the most populated cities in the world just never worked that way in real life. Yet they did today. Blaine’s mind was still blown. Eyes locked on Sebastian’s as he absorbed the other’s presence and let it settle in that they were talking–in person–after whatever string of weird events that lead up to this. Laughter. How could he not laugh at the question? “Surprised is a good word. I’m not sure if I can think of a better one. We’ll go with surprised.” So Sebastian’s showing up with movie quality perfect timing was thanks to him wanting to make his father have another reason to rant? Blaine wasn’t sure if that was the greatest decision Sebastian made. His father didn’t need anymore goading than his lack of tolerance for anything out of his control–Sebastian in particular. “You know he’s going to lose his mind but if you’re happy? I’m glad you’re standing up for yourself and doing things your way.” Any talk of Smythe Senior was best had with a lot of liquor to burn the taste out of both their mouths.
Blaine was never impressed by the man. When it came to fathers? They both missed out on the crapshoot that might’ve landed them ones either one were overly fond of. He was lucky enough that his father was mostly absent with splashes of popping back home to remind him it was so much better when he was gone. Sebastian’s was just always there making his son’s life hell. Blinking out of his worry for Sebastian’s inevitable father-son confrontation–Blaine stood up. “I’m sorry. It’s–still hard to believe that you’re here.” Hazel met green and it took him more than one attempt to look away. Stopped short of pulling out a chair–which was his initial intention–Blaine gave into impulse. Like it’d been yesterday since they last saw each other–Sebastian was pulled into a tight hug with his would’ve-been-offered seat only halfway drawn out. “It’s really good to see you,” Blaine softly mumbled over the top of his shoulder then pulled back and clasped both giving him a good once over now that they were this close. A stuttering start later–he offered him his seat. “P-Please, have a seat? Unless you’re here to meet someone?” Why was his heart suddenly beating faster as he hinged on what Sebastian would say?
Puck couldn’t help but chuckle at Blaine’s question. “I think you and I both know the answer to your question. Of course not. If you had told me two years ago I would be singing showtunes with a bunch of outcasts, I would have laughed in your face and probably stolen your lunch money.” He smirked as he imagined the look on Mr. Hummel’s face. “Eh, give him some time. He’ll eventually realize that you’re a cool dude who isn’t trying to sleep with his son. You’re not trying to sleep with Kurt, are ya?” He nodded his head “Yeah, that is probably one of the worst first impressions you could have. I’ve probably had worse though, so don’t sweat it, man.”
He pulled into a parking space and turned off the truck’s engine. “I live on the second floor, so all we gotta do is get Sam into the elevator and then into my apartment. Shouldn’t be too hard, right?” He was being somewhat sarcastic. Sam had basically passed out during the ride, so getting him from point A to point B was going to be a challenge. “Ya know, we could just leave him here and hope no one kidnaps him.” From the look of horror on Blaine’s face, it was obvious that the other teen didn’t realize he wasn’t serious. “Blaine, I’m joking. I wouldn’t do that to my friend!” Okay, so maybe in the past Puck might have done that, but Puck 2.0 wouldn’t.
Blaine laughed at Puck’s predictable reply to a rather obvious question. One look at the mohawked jock that Kurt described as being the one to give him the final kick out the door to come and spy on Dalton was enough to read that Puck wasn’t the typical glee club kid. Or so he probably liked to think. In the end? He was a glee club kid and nothing Puck could do–be it steal money, turn people into dumpster trash or try to flex his muscles until they tore–would change that fact. Least he seemed to be more comfortable in his own skin from the scenario months ago? Good for him. Underneath it all–Puck was one of the good guys. It was nice to see him seemingly okay with admitting that about himself now. Straightening up in his seat–Blaine’s hands went to his lap and his eyes grew round as saucers. “No–No. I’m not just trying to sleep with Kurt. I wouldn’t do that to him.” Not that Blaine would or had done that to anyone.
Puck didn’t need to know that. Not that it was an important piece of information anyway and it was far too personal–drunk or not–to fess up to. “Kurt’s too good for someone just trying to get with him like that. We’re friends. I plan on being the best one he’s ever had.” Blaine’s bottom lip pulled down to show his teeth in an awkward grimace. “No offense.” Subject change! Great! Soon as the truck stopped–Blaine was out the door blinking in surprise at Puck’s idea they might leave him. Did he mean that? Clearly Blaine wasn’t sure by the wandering back and forth from Sam to Puck that his too-wide-eyes had on repeat. “Oh!” Relief! “Good. I thought you were serious for a minute. Come help me get him out of here?” Blaine’s head kept moving further and further to the side as he noticed Sam’s hunched over/slanted into–what was that position?–slouch. “I think I’m gonna need help.”
It still didn’t feel real, almost like he was floating in a dream like state. Though at the same time this was the realest anything had felt in a long time, because he knew this was where he belonged. Like a splash of refreshing cold water as he felt the body contact of his lover, making him realize this was happening. It was real && it was right. Ultimate happiness almost started to become some sort of unattainable myth in Sebastian’s mind, doubting he’d ever reach it. But looking around, seeing his hotel room, his boyfriend, the city that always stayed his home in his heart- he couldn’t be happier. No worries on the agenda besides what cafe they want to eat at for breakfast tomorrow morning. This was going to be a great experience for the both of them && for their relationship. He knew getting Blaine away from the stress of New York was necessary, even if Blaine liked to deny that it was.
Sebastian shuts his eyes lightly as he presses a kiss on Blaine’s lips back, deepening it the second time && shifting a simple peck into an absolute act of passion. In the city of love, it was hard to not turn into a complete lovey dovey sucker for romance. Sebastian intended to put no effort in trying not to. He had always been bitter to love, but somehow Blaine opened up a new side of him. A side where he wasn’t afraid to scream his love for Blaine from any rooftop. Embracing how close he felt to his boyfriend in this very moment, he hums affectionately. As their lips part Sebastian stays close, looking down at Blaine with eyes full of love. He places a finger to Blaine’s lips, raising an eyebrow before speaking lightly. ❛Je Ta’ime.❜ he corrects, repeating the words of affection in French before pressing a kiss to his nose && moving his finger. Grinning against the pair of lips that touched feather light to his once again, he couldn’t be higher on life.
❛I’ll pour the wine. We can unwind a bit before exploring the city. Would you like that?❜
Sebastian deepening the kiss drew Blaine tighter against him and the taller one had to bear some of his weight through the part where Blaine’s breath paused and he got too dizzy. In a motion that was total rom-com and something he did often when taken by surprise and caught up in the moment–best not to tell him this, though–. Blaine’s heel lifted a few inches off the floor until their mouths parted, he drew in a breath and Seb’s finger touched his lips to ground him–and his gravity defying foot. A goofy grin sprang up as he nodded against Sebastian’s fingertip quick to whisper a soft, “Ohh! Right! Right! How’d I forget? Je t’aime,” back. Olive skin lit up with a dusting of red, eyes twinkling with laughter when Sebastian landed a peck to his nose. “Mm, sounds perfect,” with their foreheads touching–Blaine rocked his back and forth slowly against Sebastian’s staring into the dense forest green of his boyfriend’s eyes without making much of a move to break them apart other than to drop his hands down to his side and release him from the hug. “I’m opening every window in this place in the meantime.” He wanted to let the city inside in every way possible. Sights, smells, sounds. Sebastian brought him home and Blaine was going to make sure that Sebastian had the chance to let that they were here together absorb while they lounged.
One more kiss–against Sebastian’s chin–and Blaine squeezed both of his hands and stepped back no matter how hesitant he was to leave the arms that were around him. They had plenty of time for that. Time to let the sunshine in. Curtains gave way to the balcony and the view lurking past, large French doors were swung open so they could both get some fresh air. With his back turned to Sebastian? Teary eyes hinted how much Blaine might need it and the gesture was slightly selfish. Blaine’s brimming smile erased any idea that his eyes were watery for any other reason than being flabbergasted and completely awestricken that Sebastian did this. That he had someone like the man in the room behind him was something Blaine constantly had to pinch himself and prove he was awake and not dreaming because of how perfect Sebastian made their lives together–his life. This was just–a little overwhelming. In the best sort of way. Still overwhelming. “Hey babe,” he called out from the balcony, “I think I found my new favorite place here because–you have to see this.” After he batted his eyes dry and stopped being such a hopelessly lost romantic, please?
“I thought about transferring to McKinley,” Duran admitted. “I heard it’s a little more relaxed over there, and the lack of uniforms is sort of a plus.” Hearing Blaine talk about how happy he was with his new friends made Duran sort of sad – he didn’t have personal connections over here. He wanted to, but he didn’t hold the same love for show choir that everyone else had. Singing really wasn’t his thing, but the dancing he could get behind.
“Well, if you want to know more about me,” he started with a grin, “then you should know I’m super into pole dancing.” It sounded strange, admitting that out loud, but it was a love of Duran’s and he liked to think he was already fairly good at it. “I have a pole at home that I play on a few hours a day.” He didn’t want to hog the conversation either, but he supposed it was fair if they kept going back and forth.
“What else do you want to know?” He asked. “Maybe we can go back and forth, unless you have somewhere else you need to be.”
“You have? I guess those are good reasons for transferring if they’re that important but? I don’t know. Dalton is a place I miss every day. Are you sure you’d want to give it up for jeans and t-shirts,” he shrugged not wanting to come off as some jerkish know-it-all. Or that he regretted his decision–he didn’t—because that wasn’t his intention. Blaine never would have imagined that he’d leave Dalton until they forced him out at graduation. His only reason was Kurt. Kurt alone had the power to change where he wanted to be. To be so important to him that he’d leave home because his home was some where one else. All Kurt.
Giving it up for anything else? Never. But who was he to judge or try to sway Duran out of the choice that was his to make? Quieting down with an embarrassed bow of his head–Blaine’s face clearly showed a flash of confusion in his expression when Duran mentioned he liked poledancing? Rapid blinks erased his baffled squint. “Sorry. That’s new and unexpected but it does sound pretty fun. Like really fun.”
“I don’t have anywhere to be,” Blaine gently smiled and tapped the paper hand protector on his coffeecup. “What inspired you to start poledancing sounds like a great place to begin.”
Okay, so guys. This means so muchto me. It’s not really about follower count, but about knowing that I was able to get here with Seb. A few of you know how much I struggled with him as a muse from the very first time I played him. And I’m just so thankful and glad that despite having a somewhat different take on him, you guys still want to play with us, and read our threads and stick around. So just. THANK YOU, for having made it POSSIBLE for me to actually become confident on my Seb portrayal. And for all the support, love and friendship a lot of you guys give me. Know that I appreciate each one of you. And that I’m astounded by your kindness a lot of the time. This is our small way to try and thank you mun and muses for it.
[1]Both reblogs and likes count. It’ll end on TUESDAY (03/01). [2] You must be following us, and the details are under the cut. [3] I’ll message the 03 winners once it’s sorted by random.org.
This was a beautiful room, of course it was. No doubt in that. The moment you enter, it’s like your eyes are being treated to a visual massage. Appealing, romantic color pallets of maroons && a variation of beige’s for everything through out the suite. From the silk sheets on the queen sized bed to the bottles of wine set out on the table for the couple, Sebastian was content with his planning for this particular hotel. But looking past all of the material things, the most beautiful thing in this very moment right now was getting to see Blaine in awe over it. The way he dropped his bags && began observing in complete surprise was adorable. Making his boyfriend happy made Sebastian happy. He was so excited to show Blaine his home city, all the places he used to go. The culture, the language. He stood back still by the door of the room, watching Blaine with a steady eye && a wide smile. He wanted to capture that moment forever.
When Blaine turned towards him &&whispered his name in disbelief, Sebastian shrugs his shoulders as if he had no idea who did all of this. Finally letting his true thrill for this vacation release, a laugh of excitement is let out &&he steps towards Blaine. Sebastian stands behind his shorter than himself boyfriend, rubbing his shoulders lovingly from behind while leaning his head down to press a tender kiss to his neck. ❛ It’s all for you, Blaine. ❜ he says quietly in an affectionate tone, his smile still lingering.
Blaine watched Sebastian with an awestricken look of bewilderment and fascination. He laughed when his boyfriend laughed because if he didn’t–he was going to start tearing up the longer he thought about the sheer effort Sebastian put into making this remotely possible. Without realizing it until he was short of breath–his pulse drummed through his veins to the beat of a rabbit’s foot. Teeth worried against his bottom lip trying pinching the right amount of skin between them to give him a dose of reality when all of this felt so much like a dream that lasted after waking up. An unbelieving shock began to settle in. A good one, no, a great one. Standing still as his boyfriend walked around him–Blaine followed his every movement until he could no longer see him and sighed, still struggling to put words to what he was feeling. –How are you real? What did I do to get so lucky?– One hand up moved up to cover Sebastian’s while the other reached behind him to cling to a slender hip glad that he had Sebastian to lean on for support. All for him? “You-I-I-don’t know,” goosebumps erupted underneath Sebastian’s lips and he shivered at the sensation rippling over his skin from a simple kiss aimed just at the right spot.
“I don’t know what to say. I think it finally hit me that this is happening. You’re completely overwhelming,” he turned around and lifted up slightly–head shaking. Both arms wrapped around Sebastian’s shoulders and pulled him down with a soft nudge with the side of his forearm. The room–beautiful as it was–faded from sight. The city he couldn’t wait to get out into and explore was background noise in comparison to the set of eyes he stared into and the man he held close enough to whisper against his mouth. “I love you, Seb.” Another peck, then another and one more for good measure that lasted much longer than the previous two seemed to fit better than any ‘thanks’ or other nonsense he might blurt out. “I love you so, so much.”
pianokeysandbowties 