Tag: v: mckinley days

❝I’m losing my voice.❞

“In that case?  Maybe we should call today off and go get some tea?  I’ve got the best home remedy for in the state,” he emphasized the word like he had some serious means of backing that statement up.  “I can’t tell you everything that’s in it, secret recipe, but don’t worry.  We’re going to make sure you’re set.”  He shifted until his feet were dangling over the edge of the stage, curled his fingers around the edge and finished lowering himself down.  A solid pat was smacked against the black painted wood before he jutted out his finger in the direction of her bag.  (And what a point it was!  Someone’s brother must have paid a visit?) 

“Come on.  Grab your bag.  I’ll give you a ride?”  Red velvet bounced up when Blaine plucked up his satchel from an empty front row center seat, tossing her a glance up over his shoulder soon as he had his strap settled against his shoulder.  “Let’s take care of that voice.  It’s too pretty to be lost and what would I do to cope,” he finished with a warm smile.

“ I have this problem. I always assume the best in people.”

a meme i need to find.

image

“I don’t see that as a problem, though.  Unless it is hurting you more than it’s helping you,” his voice was soft as Blaine tried his best to support her when it was obvious she needed someone to listen and not judge, “then you need to learn to keep putting your faith in people.  Just..  You know?  The right people.  They’re out there.  Right in front of you, even.  Everyone else?”  His shoulders hitched in a shrug, lips pressed together in a frown of thought.  But?  Different, softer words for what he wanted to say never came to mind leaving him no other choice than to bounce back to what he was originally going to say. 

“Everyone who breaks that?  Isn’t worth your time.”

cooper.

Cooper instinctively tightened his arm around Blaine, tugging him just a little close as he felt the other lean against him. Blaine always looked so small when he was like this, and Cooper just felt so helpless because he didn’t know what he could do that would possibly help his kid brother and pull him out of his funk. “You’re only human Squirt,” he said softly, his thumb rubbing small, comforting circles into the back of Blaine’s neck, letting out a small sigh as Blaine continued to beat himself up. Cooper knew that Blaine had always been more sensitive than him, that he felt things more than Cooper did, but as far as Cooper was concerned, Blaine just needed to give himself a break.

“Only you can answer that, Blaine,” Cooper told him, though his voice was soft and shown no hint of malice, just making an observation. “But the fact is, you did, and you can’t keep beating yourself up over it forever. You’ve gotta start to forgive yourself. I mean, you must’ve felt something at the time, right?” he asked, hoping that he was at least making some point, he wasn’t exactly known for giving stellar advice. Shaking his head, Cooper shifted slightly and placed his hands on Blaine’s shoulders, turning him to that he was facing him directly, “You don’t have to be for me, you know that, Squirt,” He knew that he wasn’t the best brother in the world, despite his best efforts, but he liked to try and be there for Blaine when he could, and since it seemed like Blaine was running low on options right now, Cooper was more than happy to step up to the plate, and be the anchor that Blaine so badly needed right now. “How about you let me be the strong one for a change, huh?”

Give himself a break?  Blaine didn’t know the meaning of the phrase.  Not when it came to this.  Every waking moment was spent trying to make himself let go of what he did.  To accept that he messed up so bad that nothing he did would ever fix it.  That there has to be a point in time where he’d realize that holding on was only putting himself through Hell each day.  It wasn’t healthy, wasn’t good for anyone.  Including the ones here, like Cooper and Sam, just doing their best to help.  But..  Telling yourself that and believing it?  Two different ballgames.  Feeling Cooper’s hold on him tighten, Blaine tightened his grip across his brother’s shoulders enough that, soon, he’d buried his nose against the curve of Cooper’s shoulder and arm, eyes shutting to block out the world so all that there was..was them.

“I can’t figure out an answer.  The only thing I felt was that everything was over and I was just forgotten.  That everything I was scared was going to happened—happened—but I wasn’t included in any of it.  I just–all sounds like excuses. I hate that part the worst.  Because I don’t want them to be,” he shut himself up when Cooper turned him so they were face-to-face and dropped both his hands into his lap thumbs battling one another almost immediately.  Hearing Cooper correct him had him drawing his bottom lip between his teeth.  He knew Cooper could handle a lot of things.  Problem was?  Blaine didn’t want his things to be something Cooper had to handle.  Yet here he was.  Offering.  And Blaine was so tired with how he was barely managing that he nodded quickly and all at once, his features crumbled.  “I’m just so sorry and I’m tired.  I’m so, so tired.”  His shoulders slumped.  “And nothing I do is working.”

freaksbloom‌.

                “i could use a new one, my sketch pads fill up like that.” there is an accompanying snap of his fingers. not all that surprising given the amount of work billy put into his hobby, most days it felt like his life contained little else other than yards and yards of fabric and a sewing machine, always with some new fabulous creation (or five) on the go. “bribes don’t really work if i’ve already agreed,” he laughs, “but coffee would be lovely. and honestly i will take any excuse to go to an art supply store, those are my safe haven, be warned, i could stay in one of those for hours — you may end up just leaving me there and i would not blame you.” for one thing, they were full to the brim with inspiration. head tilts curiously. west side story – perhaps a little difficult to put his own spin on something so well known. but that didn’t put him off. “i can definitely work with that. who are you playing?”

Blaine’s lips quirked up, the smile growing when Billy snapped.  Sounds like they were on their way to the art supply store then?  He couldn’t complain about being lost in one either.  There was a small section of camera equipment, film and paper.  Things he could spend his own fair share of time getting inspired by.  Not to mention the craft section.  One that he tried to steer clear from unless he was there with someone who wouldn’t judge him for the sheer amount of joy he could find in it.  There probably wasn’t an aisle inside that part of the shop that he couldn’t imagine a gift, or several, he could make for someone he cared about.  That’s the best part of Christmas, is it not?  Giving them all away?  He smirked, seeing that the bribe was a failure.  Which, hey!  “I wasn’t trying to bribe!  I promise.  I was only wanting you make sure you have everything you need.”  A thumb jutted in the direction of the exit.  Their after school walk would get them some fresh air being pent up inside classes all day prevented.  Might as well start out?  “Um..Tony,” he said softly with a spark in his eyes and a bit on his lip right after.  “Coffee first, yeah?  Then, I don’t mind getting lost in the store for as long as you want.  Promise not to judge however long you’re taking.  Not even a little bit.”

knowsnavi‌.

OF  COURSE  HE  DOESN’T  CARE  WHO  SEES  THEM ;  it didn’t even come down to a label  ( it was the only thing that mattered in mckinley ) .  blaine was his best friend and ultimately that was the only thing that mattered to him . sam hugs him tightly ,  squeezes him ,  cheek against cheek .  there’s something weirdly intimate about it and even though sam recognizes the undertone to a simple friendly hug between them ,  he doesn’t pull away .

“  you’re  my  best  friend ,  of  course i know when you’re down in the dumps …”  he laughs ,  pulling back and keeping his hands on blaine’s shoulders .  “ do you wanna talk about it  or maybe hang out tonight ?  y’know ,  cheer you up .  there’s a horror movie marathon at the drive in and we could get some pizza on the way … maybe some fries … and a milkshake too .”

“You’re amazing.  You know?” His words were soft.  Barely above a breath and he had no idea if Sam heard.  No matter.  They were a confession brought on by a rambling mind blurting out the last bits of what came across his thoughts.  Blaine wouldn’t be the first one to pull back if the world depended on it.  Wild horses couldn’t drag him away.  Isn’t the saying?  Far as he was concerened?  This was the best thing that’s happened to him all week.  Just one moment where he could hug Sam incredibly tight and keep him there.  Feel this kind of connection that was a promise in and of itself.  I got you and I got you, too.  

Blained turned his head and tucked the bridge of his nose against Sam’s collar.  Best friend.  Sam had a way of saying that, that you could tell he meant it.  It wasn’t something you say to every friend like a lot of people do.  And it meant the world to him.  Hazel eyes met Sam’s as their corners pinched together with his ear to ear smile.  “You’re mine, too.”  Talk.  He cringed and shook his head but quickly perked at the mention of drive in a horror marathon.  “Yes!  Yes!  Let’s go!  I’ll fill the car up with blankets.  Get all the junk food we want and make a night out of it.  That’s perfect, actually.”  His hand gripped Sam’s forearms as he jerked both eyebrows up.  “Have I told you lately how much I appreciate you?  For everything.  I’d be lost without you.”  One more squeeze and he let one hand fall but the other remained in place.  “I mean it.”

frankenteend‌.

          “WELL, I’M NOT LOOKING to get myself into any trouble, so i’m probably gonna have to run it by her.” finn played along with the joke, offering a fleeting little smile. his gaze returned to the floor, though, elbows resting on his knees as he hunched forward in his chair. “i’m just stuck with this one, i guess. i don’t even know where to start, and… this kinda stuff usually comes easier to me, i guess.” he exhaled, knowing external stress was affecting his performance in glee club, though that wasn’t anything he wanted to unload on blaine. “maybe i’ll sit this week out, just do whatever group thing mr. schue puts together for us.” he’d had a headache every day of the week from getting all worked up over the end of high school, and he’d been retreating to his bedroom whenever he was home to try and nap it off to no avail. finn didn’t feel like exerting the extra brain power.

Rocking in his seat while slowly shaking his head, Blaine jutted out his bottom lip in a noooo way pout before his flimsy composure broke and he burst into a chuckle.  Arms crossed loosely over his chest relaxed to reach over and give Finn’s wrist a squeeze followed with a pat.  “You’re doing fine.  There’s a lot on everyone’s mind.  It’s not worth you sitting out, though.  We’re going to get this.  Together.  I promise.  You know one day,” he retracted his hand and used it to point towards Finn, wrist curled up and his pointer bobbing to stress his point, “you and I?  We’re going to be in-laws. Someday.  We got to stick together and help each other.  Yeah?”  

Dropping his hand to rest on the opposite forearm, a crinkle of thought formed between dark brows.  Did he have his own worries about what graduation was doing to them?  To him and Kurt?  Yeah.  But Finn didn’t need his problems either.  One year.  They only had to make it through one year.  His smile returned and he inched closer to peer down at Finn’s writing.  “You know you can always talk to me?  No matter what right?  Also, what is written under that band name you crossed out?”

sam‌.

“  so … i  totally  wanna  give  you  a  hug  right  now ,  not  only  for  helping  me  out  but  because  it  looks  like  you  really  need  one .  correct  me  if  i’m  wrong  dude ,  but  i  hate  seeing  you  bummed  out .  c’mere .”  sam’s  arms  spread  in  offering ,  ignoring  the  crowd  of  students  that  walk  beside  them  and  the  sound  of  the  bell  signaling  the  start  of  next  period .  he  wasn’t  moving  until  blaine  returned  the  hug  anyway  ( even  if  it  meant  being  late  for  spanish ) .

Blaine couldn’t help tucking his chin towards his collar and smiling at Sam’s sudden need to hug him.  Even if he felt his cheeks grow a little hotter than he might’ve liked them to?  Blaine’s heart about leapt out of his chest and floated away at the offer.  Having Sam not care about who might see them?  Or the ringing bell?  Made it even more sweet and kind.  AKA: The definition of Sam Evans.  He wouldn’t deny him even if he could.  “Yeah, okay..,” he smiled one more time.  So much gratitude for such a simple gesture.

He stepped into Sam’s awaiting arms and wrapped his own up underneath so he could sling them around his shoulders and pull him in  Long fingers pressed their tips into soft flannel.  Maybe a little too tight.  “How’d you guess?  Anyway.  I’m glad you did.  Thank you.”

Blaine’s teeth worried against his bottom lip as he slouched down in his chair and gave Finn a tilt of his head.  “Sure.  I can do that.  What are we looking at here?  Are you going to do this yourself?  Or pitch it to Rachel?  Because those are two different situations.”  A smile followed his playful tease at poor Rachel’s expense.  But?  No one could argue that logic?  Come at Rachel unprepared?  And you were going to head right for disaster.  In the best sort of way, of course.  Right?  Right.  Or that would be his story if asked.  One that he’d stick to until his last breath.  Either way?  This was a better distraction than stewing in his thoughts all night.  Finn could always be relied upon for a distraction to get out of his head for a while.  Something he was infinitely grateful for.

@frankenteend ; continued from here.

❛  let’s see, what problems can we solve? ❜

frankenteend:

john mulaney: the comeback kid sentence starters || accepting!

          “um…” finn’s gaze fixated somewhere to the left of blaine, eyes getting slightly wider in thought as his eyebrows crinkled a bit. “well, maybe we start small. like… maybe you could gimme a second opinion on this glee assignment         ” his expression relaxed and raised a bit as the mental lightbulb flicked on. “         for starters, before we start tackling, y’know, world peace, or something.”

freaksbloom‌.

                    he finds the other boy’s energy contagious, and billy’s smile transformed into a full blown grin. “you’re not scaring me off. believe me, at my old school the drama kids were like ANIMALS. honestly, sweet as sugar until two days before opening night when everyone is trying to push each other down the stairs to get the lead.” he’s kidding. mostly. ( a joke based on a true story, perhaps. and billy thought HE was a drama queen ). billy leaned forward, breaking off a smaller piece of the offered cookie for himself. “i am free tomorrow, as it happens. what should i prepare? is there anything i need to bring? maybe a sketchpad just incase i’m struck with inspiration watching you guys.” his smile grows wider with each thought as they leave his mouth in quick succesion. “ok. fill me in, what is your SHOW so far?” 

Okay!  Great!  He hadn’t just shot himself in the foot by opening his mouth and saying too much to someone he was trying to convince into giving them a shot and helping them out.  They needed his talent and his eye and Kurt was overwhelmed enough as it was.  Speaking of which?  He should probably bring it up that he might’ve gone over his head with this but that was a conversation they could have at another time.  “A sketchpad is a great idea.  Do you have one?  We could take a walk to the art supply store by the Lima Bean after class if you need to?  I could pick you up one as a thank you present?  Then we could get coffee.  Not that I’m trying to bribe you.  I mean it’s a done deal but a thanks would is the polite thing to do.”  Oh!  Right!  Billy probably needed to know what he was even working on first.  “West Side Story.  Think you can work with the era?”  And with that–Blaine popped the last of the cookie into his mouth quirking up both brows for Billy’s thoughts.