He had to do it. There was no other way to prevent what was happening. Over, and over again the scene would play in his mind. Barry would wake up screaming in the middle of the night, gasping for breath at the horror in his mind. Of course the speedster would just tell Blaine it was nothing, just a nightmare relating to his mother’s death. Sometimes that was true. Not for the first time he wished he had been honest with his boyfriend, told him about being the Flash, about being a metahuman. But… he was advised not to, and look where it led them. In the future… he saw the man he loved, the man he was living with, someone he wanted to spend the rest of his life with… die. And it was all HIS fault. It was ties to Barry that would get him hurt, get him into this mess; that needed to be stopped. This was the last resort he could think of, the last thing he could do. And man, he would rather take a vibrating hand to the chest than this. Yet he was still going to go through with it, regardless of the fact that he loved him so much. Blaine being alive, and safe was far more important. The smart thing would have been to come clean about everything, except his fear was driving his actions. Calling the shots. Later he would regret it. For now his mind was clouded; he was scared.
So he packed up all his things, bags ready as he sat on the couch, their couch that they used to cuddle, and watch movies on. Shuts his eyes tightly, and tries to keep himself composed. That pain in his chest won’t subside, and he’s trying to not shed tears. He doesn’t get to feel sad, he doesn’t get to cry. This was completely unfair to Blaine, and he deserved better. He deserved so much better than Barry. Selfish, and cruel. He was no hero. Just a scared boy who hasn’t stopped running since that night so long ago. Even if he wanted to be with Blaine, the other’s safety came first, regardless of the fact not that long ago Barry had gotten him a ring. One unbeknownst to him had been left in their cabinet while he was packing his things.
He heard the door open, and knew this was it. This… this was it, whatever happens now was for the best. Blaine could live his life happily, safe, and live his dreams. Fall…. fall in love with someone else ( Barry felt like he might die at the idea ), and…. and be happy. The speedster hears his voice, and tries not to cry. Fuck, he’s going to miss waking up to that sound. And then he sees him, and it’s almost too much. He’ll never have this again. Never. Honestly, he didn’t deserve the time they had anyway. It… it was the right thing to do. Blaine was basically sunshine, and Barry had no right to taint that. None. “Blaine…we… we have to talk,” even uttering those words had been difficult. But they were out, and he couldn’t stop it now. This was it. This was how he loses the best thing, best person that ever came into his life.
Rehearsals, fittings, more rehearsals, a technical difficulty that took over an hour to fix. Blaine was abuzz with the excitement of it all. Where some of the seasoned actors grumbled after being forced to stay late–there were no complaints from the soon-to-be-graduate student from NYADA who somehow lucked out enough to land a role in an actual Broadway production as his work study. However, once they were released? He rushed out to go see the only thing that had him antsy to go before it got any later. Barry would be at home waiting. Blaine shot the CSI a text to let him know he was on his way–frowning thoughtfully when he received nothing back but shrugged it off as Barry napping off the day.
Deciding the best way to wake up a snoozing partner was with take-out and a bottle of wine–he jogged from the elevator to their apartment, a pizza box on his hip and a bottle of wine tucked under his arm. Getting open the door might’ve taken a few fancy balance moves considering the box was huge and he was too tired to think about setting the bottle on the floor–but after conquering that battle? A heel was used to bonk the door shut and he called out from the kitchen as he sat their dinner and the wine bottle down on the white tiled countertop. “Barry! I’m home! Sorry we ran late. There was an issue with the sound and we had to wait for them to fix it. I brought dinner! One of those giant pizzas from that place you like! Oh and wine! I figured I could dress up a trash dinner somehow” his smile could be heard in his voice.
No answer. Was he still asleep? Oblivious to what was waiting for him–Blaine walked down the hallway, shrugging off his coat and hanging it on the hook before going in search of his sleepyheaded boyfriend figuring he’d be a mess of limbs hanging off the edge of the couch. What he saw sitting there wasn’t anything he could have expected and it took him a minute to connect the dots between the bags, Barry’s face and the words he just heard. His smile went out like the last flickers of a candle. Their eyes connected and Blaine’s brows wrinkled towards one another–his stomach fell to the bottom basement floor of their apartment building. “We do? Why? What’s the matter? Did something happen?” Instinct had him trying not to sound so worried by the expression he was staring at but it had to be something serious. All the while? He was expecting it to be something about work, something he wasn’t going to like. Something dangerous. Or yet another case that’d give Barry more nightmares that were getting worse and worse. Anything but what was actually going on. “Where are you going?”
Well.. Talk about an early birthday present. Stirring awake to the sight of Barry sprawled out on the bed with nothing but a very colorful bow on top of his head would be enough to make anyone’s day. However, Blaine was lucky enough to have it make his. Sleepy eyes brightened as he began to chuckle, hand slipping between his cheek and the pillow as he turned to face the bow-wearing speedster. “Hey back. Don’t you look…” Amazing, beautiful, too cute for words. A ton of other things could be said as hazel eyes gave Barry’s form an appreciative but playfully curious up and down. “Celebratory. But I don’t think you left much for me to unwrap,” he decided on teasing him instead. What sort of boyfriend did he end up with? Answering that question while staring at the sight in front of him was easy; the best one in the history of ever.
Whens memories of this night floods back to him, or at least when most of them do, Barry would feel like dying from embarrassment. He’s never been a lightweight, not really. Before he wasn’t much of a drinker, and so much time’s passed with the fact his powers kept him from become intoxicated. Too much, too face. He should have slowed down a while ago. How will tonight end was anyone’s guess at this point. One thing’s for sure, there will be a lot of stumbling around. The CSI had been ready to make his way quickly back to the bar, only to be stopped by his cute boyfriend. Ugh. What did he ever do to deserve Blaine? He might as well be dating a corgi with how thoughtful, fun, and cute he was. Did he say that out loud? Nah. Wait… whatever. “Only– only ‘uz you asked so nicely,” came his slightly slurred reply after he had pouted at him. Once again he leans down to nuzzle his soft skin, inhaling a scent that was all Blaine’s, and pressing soft barely there kisses to the crook of his neck. A path was lead to those lips he just couldn’t get enough of, even when he was sober. “I want twenty kisses,” he negotiated, bumping their noses together. With a smile he pulled away enough to haphazardly drag them out to the dance floor as requested.
Seeing Barry fully let loose made Blaine’s chest fill with warmth and his smile was unfadable as he watched the drunk character of his boyfriend for the first time. And it was adorable. Putting out the suggestion for a dance or three (he, actually, planned on making it more than a few just to space out the next set of drinks) was his means to keep Barry from getting falling over drunk. Hey! Those were some long legs! One of his favorite parts of Barry, sure, but the man truly had a set of legs that would put a giraffe’s to shame! Even if Blaine was strong and he knew he could pick him up? How awkward would not only they but adding in limp noodle arms to the mix be to keep under control? When you’re standing at 5′8″ (on a good day with shoes on but no one had to know any different and Blaine would go to his grave claiming that was his true height if anyone asked) trying to tug along someone that clumsy and limbed? It pretty much equated to a corgi trying attempting to use his teeth to tug a down-for-the-count great dane by the collar to wherever it’d be safe for him to pass out. Mental image of that aside, shivers tingled up his spine at the kisses to the crook of his neck. Weak spot, no fair! And the negotiation was readily agreed to with several quick nods before a thick swallow and a smile brightened Blaine’s features. Nose bumps? Blaine melted. Lead out onto the dancefloor–he said a prayer for his toes before pulling Barry close and starting to move to the music. “I just want to let you know? You’re so cute right now, that it’s almost too cute. It’s pretty unfair!”
He knew some people found his line of work to be… it was hard to stomach. And the speedster understood that, there were moments when his day job could get to him more than his work as the Flash. Sometimes the two would over like, and it would make him feel like he’d drowning–losing his footing. With time came a a sort of balance. Work as a CSI was not glamorous, and it would never be. “It does get hard, I won’t lie, there are some cases that can dig under my skin,” he admitted, moving to press a soft kiss to his lips. “But this is my job, I started doing this to find out the truth about my mother’s murder. And it’s why I keep doing it. To find the truth, and provide answers,” he knew it was hard to understand. But that was okay, he didn’t explain to completely comprehend it. Now he was far too curious, he wanted to know what happened, and it seemed like Blaine might be willing to share. Although if Barry notices that it bothers him, the speedster would probably stop him. Barry found himself smiling at the other’s condition for telling him. He briefly nuzzles his neck, humming softly; “I can’t promise anything, but I will try to come to you first– if things ever do get bad.”
“I know it gets hard,” Blaine tried to reassure him by capturing the CSI’s hand in both of his and grazing each side of his thumbs back and forth over the pale skin underneath their olive toned edges. “Just know that I’m here for you, okay? No matter what.” Barry’s nightmares weren’t all because of his past. Blaine knew that. Even though the other was doing his best to not make Blaine worry by using that reason on repeat–he couldn’t fully believe that nothing Barry dealt with on a day to day basis wasn’t a cause, too. Or–at least a twist of the handle that opened up the nightmares lurking behind the door to Barry’s childhood. For now–he’d let it be. Drawing in a slow breath, Blaine rested his cheek against the edge of Barry’s shoulder and shrugged both of his. “You know the worst part? My story isn’t far from hundreds of other kids’ stories from Everywhere, USA and beyond. I’m not saying mine is any worse or better. Just..something that never should have to be anything anyone has to face and that there are still kids out there forced to.”
A sweep of his tongue over his bottom lip and he feigned a smile.
“It was a long time ago, okay? Remember that. Because I do,” he trailed off for a beat or two and then picked back up, “I switched schools because what didn’t work out at my old school was me being gay. It was Ohio and a pretty small place. I didn’t hide it. Not after my Dad found out and eventually it got around the whole school. When a particular crowd of boys found out about it? You sure you’re okay hearing this? I don’t want to upset you,” pausing to dart a glance up–Blaine paused to give Barry a measuring squint unsure if he wanted him to continue or not.
The goal had been to just be tipsy, but not flat out drunk. Clearly the time that’s gone by since the last time he actually got drunk had some effect in a way. For now, Barry was a light weight. Should have seen that one coming. Well, it would certainly be a learning experience for the both of them. Barry’s leaning on the shorter, not too much, even in his muddled state he was aware they’d probably topple over if he did– given his height. He looked so proud at the comment, and that Blaine agreed with him; “I am super creative, well,” he said the rest in a hush tone, which really wasn’t all that quiet. “That’s not all of me that’s is super–” he handed the drink over to Blaine for him to try, while leaning down to place a kiss on his cheek. “Yup, lots of fun!” an idea popped into his head, so to speak. He nudged the other, with that big grin still on his face, “I should get more shots!” He was giddy, happy, energetic, and someone needed to stop this boy before he ends up tripping over his own feet, and breaking something. Probably himself. Or poor unsuspecting furniture.
Oh my god. This was so adorable that Blaine could feel himself getting a cavity from the sweetness of watching his boyfriend get increasingly excited, happy and goofily drunk. His eyes flared wide at Barry’s afterthought and he had to palm a laugh to keep from outright bursting into a fit of it. Blaine made sure to take an extra long taste of the drink. Draining nearly half of it to slow Barry down. But he had to be careful. The taller of the pair wasn’t the only lightweight out of the bunch. Yeah–he’d grown up some. It took more than one beer to get him drunk like it did when he was a teenager. He still had his limits a lot sooner than most. Blinking as Barry about darted off after the peck to his cheek–Blaine caught him by the elbow gently and nudged him towards the dancefloor instead. “How about you and I have a dance or two first? You can even step on my toes and I won’t hold it against you this time. Then we’ll stop by the bar again.” For water but–hey–he’d get to that later. After he got a few dances out of his super everything boyfriend. “Come on. You can show me your moves and I might even toss a kiss or ten your way for your troubles,” he bribed with a grin and wiggle of his brows.
“Well I can be right sometimes,” he lightly joked. Not for the first time Barry wished he could at least get slightly buzzed to settle his nerves a little. But that wasn’t possible, so he had to deal with them. Personally he thought things were going well considering how they met, and it had only been at least thirty minutes give or take. He’s not exactly keeping count. And honestly the speedster didn’t care. There’s a smile on his lips– they were having a good time, which he was thankful for. Barry had been so worried about making a really bad expression when they finally met, Blaine seemed like a good person. And very cute. He’s wearing a little bow tie, those hazel eyes, his lips, and that cute nose. His cheeks turn a little pink, listen no one can blame the speedster for checking him out. He was just too cute. That smile. “It is fun, it can be a little uncomfortable too– but if we don’t step out of our comfort zone sometimes we miss opportunities.” The younger hummed softly with a smile on his lips, and a chuckle. “Well one thing is for sure, when you step out of your comfort zone, you go the whole nine yards,” the taller lightly teased. Oh man, that was too cute, it’s like meeting a corgi. “I haven’t tried it to be honest, I’ve thought about it, but I guess I like meeting people face to face instead,” he stood up, reaching out to take his hand, he wasn’t too much of a dancer. Yeah maybe when he was younger, but honestly he sometimes felt like he just had two left feet. It depended on the dance. “Did you just compare yourself to a character from Wizard of Oz?” he chuckled, “Has anyone told you that you’re ridiculously cute?” And with that said Barry takes the lead, and tugs him out to the dance floor.
Barry was right. This was about ‘the whole nine yards’ out of his comfort zone that if anyone was keeping track? He probably would gone so many extra out of the way that he’d passed the touchdown zone and kept running into the parking lot by the end of the tally–but he was having fun. A lot of fun. More than he’s had in a very long time. Their hands met and Blaine curled his fingers around Barry’s palm and gave it a squeeze. “Well–maybe–I did?” Hey, if Barry was looking for a guy that didn’t resort to blurting out random bits of crazy or references that might only be funny to himself at the time? Especially when he was nervous or trying to use any means to distract from him potentially about to move like a rusted bucket on the dancefloor (insert any other random potentially embarrassing moment here as well)? Blaine figured he might want to cut his losses and run while he was ahead. Which he hoped he wouldn’t. And look what he got! Exactly what he asked for! Barry’s laugh was exactly the pay out he was hoping for. Blaine rolled his eyes at the compliment. More out of modest ‘yeah right’ than any sort of rude gesture. “I might’ve heard it once or twice,” the shorter of the pair followed along happily with the tug, playfully bantering back. “You might want to save it and until after a song or two. You might find it hard to think I’m cute if I beat your feet up with mine. I make no promises.”
Blaine took the flower and brought it to the tip of his nose to inhale the scent. You’d swear the smell had some sort of chemical inside it that ignited his cheeks and the bridge of his nose into a shade of red that blazed all the way to his neck. “Okay. You seriously need to stop. I don’t think my dentist is going to like the amount of cavities you’re giving me right now. Come here,” saying nothing more–he gripped the collar of Barry’s coat gently and pulled him down and in to show his gratitude with a kiss.
“Blaine…Bla—ine,” they went to a party, Barry wanted to blend in, and for once remember what it was like to get at least tipsy. So he might have taken the power dampening cuffs.. bracelet, whatever things. Yes, yes, this wasn’t their intended use. Oh well. Barry made his way over to the other, swaying a little till he collided with him, and grinned. “Look, look, you have to try this– it tastes like blue berry pancakes,” a giggle, “Get it? Blue berry? Because my name’s Barry.”
So. This is what his boyfriend looked like drunk? Blaine laughed as he watched Barry drunkenly saunter over. Okay. Saunter was a word used very loosely. Drunkenly–though? Yeah! That was spot on. Laughter turned into a bright grin as their bodies collided. Blaine’s arm wrapped around his slender waist to keep him near as he perked up and looked at the drink. “Does it? That sounds,” he stopped at Barry’s giggle and then promptly broke into his own fit of giddy chuckling. “Wow. You’re right! How creative of you.” This was too adorable for words. Barry was aiming for tipsy and bypassed it three drinks ago. Even a slowed down speedster could apparently not help himself from rushing towards something. In this case? It was getting hammered. “Are you having fun,” he asked wiggling his fingers for Barry to turn over the glass so he could have a taste.
What the? A flutter of eyelashes gave way to a goofy grin directed towards the flower and then at the impish man sitting beside him. “You never cease to surprise me with all the weird but incredibly sweet things you come up with to get my attention. Hello, Barry.” Having nothing on hand to tap Barry’s nose back with–Blaine smirked and mirrored the gesture with the tip of his finger. “Nice to see you too..”
He wasn’t going to lie to himself, if something did happen, if they did go– somewhere together. Barry wouldn’t be opposed to the idea. At all. The other was rather adorable, personality wise, and as he eyes lingered over him again. Well… he was indeed rather curious what was under those clothes. But! While these were rather pleasant thoughts, it didn’t have to come to that, not unless both parties wanted it of course. The speedster was fine with talking, and drinking– even though the latter does nothing for him. It seemed to be helping to put both of them at ease, which was a good thing. No need to be a rambling mess if it could be avoided in his opinion. Although, he’s been told that he was kinda cute when he did that sometimes. Whatever. “Guess we’re both doing things that are a little out of habits for us, but I mean that can make life a bit more fun, right?” With his smile still in place, shoulders less tense, and he seemed more confident when compared to earlier. “I don’t know, I think this might be more exciting than the average dating app– which I don’t use by the way,my friend tried to get me into it. I kinda kept forgetting or it just didn’t catch my interest,” he shrugged nonchalantly. He was being honest at least. Barry swiftly finished his drink, and called for another. It might not do anything for him, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t enjoy the taste. “I haven’t been to a bar in a while, much less one with dancing,” he found himself admitting as he took a sip. “Do you— want to go dance?” Or they could just sit there, and talk– that was fine too.
“I guess we are. You’re right,” Blaine gave Barry a warm smile as he loosened up. Even if the only reason was due to the warmth in his belly from the liquor in his glass? He’d take it. Though, the more the two of them actually spoke to one another–face to face–alcohol certainly wasn’t the only reason. Barry was a nice guy (so far) and rather gentle on the eyes. And having someone who was just as nervous out of the gate might’ve been the proper mix to cancel each other’s anxiousness out. “Doing things out of habit can certainly make life more FUN. I just haven’t stepped outside my comfort zone in a long time. I guess when I do,” he sucked in a breath and shook his head with a breathy huff, “I end up shooting a stranger a random text and here we are. Maybe I should have done it sooner?” Hearing Barry correct himself about dating apps in the way he made sure to let Barry know that hunting down guy’s numbers in bathrooms wasn’t his M.O. for pick ups made Blaine flush and laugh. A wave of his hand chased the idea away. “You know? I wouldn’t judge you if you did. They are convenient and who knows who you might encounter? I tried it a couple times. Wasn’t my thing. To each his own, I guess?” He preferred meeting people the old fashioned way. Doesn’t mean everyone did. Though his old fashioned way usually only worked if you let yourself have a social life. Something he was very out of the habit of but that was his own doing. And look! How can you get more social than this? The invitation to dance had Blaine off his stool before he voiced an answer. His heart suddenly bursting to life and his eyes bright. “Yeah! I’d love to. It’s been forever since I’ve danced. Come on,” Barry was offered an olive toned hand, “I’m begging forgiveness for any rusty Tinman moves in advance though. Try not to cringe until the cobwebs are gone, huh?”
pianokeysandbowties 