elliott.

Elliott hadn’t really expected that reaction – he didn’t mean to upset Blaine! He could be blunt, a little determined with his words: persuasive, that was the best description, but he tried to keep them kind and positive. Mainly because he didn’t want to cause this kind of damage to someone.

“Shh, y’alright Blaine, s’alright.” He soothed softly. The arm around Blaine tightened slightly, while the other hand lifted to card black painted nails through his hair. He was careful to avoid messing with the gelled style, ending up in a more petting motion than anything else. A few people stared at them – two grown men arguing then hugging it out in the middle of a coffee shop – but Elliott didn’t notice, hoping Blaine was too occupied to either.

“Sorry.  I’m really sorry,” his hold around Elliott’s middle tightened and he sighed heavily wishing for all the world that a hug could chase away the heaviness on his shoulders.  But..  It didn’t. Blaine was half afraid that until he sat down and talked with his fiance’?  The pressure wouldn’t just stay there.  It’d keep getting worse until he didn’t have the slightest capability to ignore it anymore.  He’d gotten good at that.  Not seeing what–apparently–even people who were gone and just came back could see.  Blinders towards the inevitable.  But he’d hang onto them for as long as he could because pulling them off?  The idea was terrifying.  Inevitable but terrifying.

“I didn’t mean to react like that.  It’s just been a few really stressful weeks,” he let his eyes fall shut at the pet over the top of his head and gave the man one more squeeze before opening them and lifting his head off Elliott’s chest so he could look up at him.  “You’re such a good person.  Thank you for caring so much,” he breathed in deep and plastered on a smile.  “That was not the kind of welcome back you should have gotten.  Hi, Elliott.  Let’s deal with Blaine’s drama.” Blaine scrunched his nose and cringed apologetically.  “Not how I planned on saying hi to you face to face when I saw you again.”