Kelsey picked up her burger and took a bite the while she waited for Blaine’s response again. Maybe she had jumped to a conclusion a little too quickly but she’d just been throwing out a possibility of what the theme might be for the week based off what they knew. Her eagerly and slightly innocent mind only had so many places to go. Honestly, she really did need to get out more. That was why she had joined the Glee Club in the first place.
“Yah, you’re probably right.” She giggled softly poking her fork into the salad and sipping a little bit of her milk. Sometimes she felt awkward socializing while eating. She just had to let herself NOT think about it all too much. That was easy though, she just let her mind work to try and process some other possibilities of what topic Mr. Schuester might give them for this week.
“No you’re right. I think we will be done with that for a while, thank fully. It was like maybe fun for an hour?” She laughed softly digging back into her food for a brief moment. “But honestly? I’m not sure what he has planned for us this week. Somehow though, he always seems to come up with something relevant.”
Listening to Kelsey as he took a few more bites of his salad and popped a chip in his mouth–Blaine ‘hmphed’ with an upwards jerk of his shoulders and a twitch of his eyebrows that matched the shrug. “Relevant is an objective word you can use to describe his lessons but, I could think of a few other things too.” Mainly mood driven and chaotic lately but who was he to point that out?
All he knew was if they didn’t start focusing on the big picture soon–they were going to be seriously behind. Modus Operandi for the New Directions, though, right? Things always seemed to work out in the end but they did love their rocky roads to the finish line. And if they had one more assignment that landed in you’re all winners in my eyes–Blaine was pretty sure he was going to make a permanent dent in the soundproof wall with his forehead. Might as well get the Advil ready..? –Okay? What’s with the mood today? Knock it off, Blaine.–
“Whatever he picks, I’m sure it’ll be great!” Out of his mouth comes the opposite! Even the smile and quick way he nods adds to his ‘enthusiasm’ about discovering what was waiting for them inside the choir room. “I got an idea. How about we finish up and use what’s left of our lunch break to sneak into the auditorium and get a head start,” his napkin was tucked into the half eaten bag of chips, “I have the perfect thing in mind. You wanna?”
Smiling at the gesture, Tina turned to look at Blaine then reached over to squeeze his hand briefly. She never thought that she would be such good friends with him when they first met so long ago. it was funny how time changes things and where she ended up because of different decisions made. She pushed those thoughts away when he started speaking again. “I’m flattered that you think so highly of me. You’re probably the only person who thinks positively of me right now.” She had to admit that her attitude this year wasn’t the greatest but she felt justified after everything she went through for the first three years she was at McKinley. “Your support means a lot to me, Blaine. That really does sound nice, like really nice. I just don’t think that person goes to McKinley though. If you have any out of the box ideas though, I’m more than willing to listen.” After her relationships with Artie and Mike, she wasn’t feeling so confident in her ability to find a lasting relationship. Though, she was in her last year so just to have someone to share the year with and be intimate with would be fantastic.
“Tina? If there’s one thing you can always rely on? That’s going to be that you have my support. No matter what. Okay? Even if we don’t agree on whatever it is? You mean so much to me and that’s never going to change.” As suburban Lima–okay in such a small town everything was suburban–became a blur of pretty lawns and old houses mixed with more modern ones moving past the windows, Blaine kept his eyes on the road but his attention on Tina giving her a glance now and then. One look–in particular–was soft and sad. He hated thinking she felt like she’d be alone for the rest of the year. The idea hit home too deep and where he deserved to feel that way? Tina definitely didn’t. With a sniff and a clearing of his throat–his smile came back and so did the lightness of his tone. “Maybe outside glee club has a better dating pool and less history of drama? We could always expand your dating horizons. Introduce you to some Dalton guys? Or. I hear there are plenty of cute ones in Vocal Adrenaline?” That last one was a tease delivered with a huff of a laugh to make her chuckle. There was no way in hell he’d help hook up his best friend with one of those guys.
Tina couldn’t help laughing to herself because Blaine really made it too easy some times. “Careful Blaine, you keep looking like that and you’re face will get stuck like that. And we can’t have that, now can we?” Nodding her head, she didn’t have a problem with him driving. “Just let me drop my stuff at my car first since I won’t be able to get back in here later.” Or she shouldn’t be able to anyways. She didn’t want to go through with the hassle though. At the comment about the vampire movie, Tina rolled her eyes at him. “You weren’t even around when Principal Figgins accused me of being a vampire and banned the clothing I chose to wear. Though…..,” she started smirking, “I did use that to my advantage to get my way…….twice.” Scaring the principal to get out of taking gym class was one of her favorite moments even if it wasn’t quite ethical. Tina was sure Quinn and Santana had done worse so she wasn’t going to feel bad about it.
“I might not have been around to hear it but I heard about it,” with a slight thunk, his chin rested on her shoulder as he put on the biggest pair of puppy dog eyes he could muster up. Which–considering this was Blaine–was a pretty impressive pair. “Please don’t suck my blood and turn me into one of the undead. I only wanted to surprise you. Yes,” he hummed and rocked his head back and forth, “My methods might’ve been off and I might’ve purposefully taunted you a little just to see your reaction but! Unlike Principal Figgins? I would always fight for your right to wear whatever you want. Show your true colors. Even if they’re in the color pallette of Wednesday Addams on Prom Day.” Wow. He sounded like Kurt just then. Thankfully–he didn’t notice it or it would have been the death of his ear to ear smile that only recently returned thanks to the girl he was leaning on and a certain blonde that was MIA. “Kidding! Love you Queen T,” and with a quick peck to her cheek–Blaine was off her shoulder and tugging her down the hall by her hand at a faster pace since they had to stop by her car then get coffee and he didn’t want to be late. Plus–leaving school for the day was always a great feeling. “Should we get dinner after? We could always go to this cool diner near the theater if you want. It’s inside an old train car and probably one of my favorite places ever.”
“Dude, I know we’re not supposed to talk about it,” he dropped his voice as his eyes shifted to make sure they were alone, “but this you-know-what idea is an awesome one,” he said, referring to the Fight Club that they had recently put together. Today was the first meeting and doing a little early morning broga to help relax before the big day was something that just seemed right. “You as hyped as I am?”
Considering when he told Sam about his Dalton Fight Club–Blaine was expecting to have his best friend look at him like he was insane? When in fact–Sam immediately latched onto the idea that they should start one here at McKinley? The half jokes that they tossed around became serious conversations and suddenly–it was really happening. Some warm up broga was a great way to put any anxiety that the McKinley boys might not have a full idea of what they were getting into to rest. They could always back out. Sort of. Sam’s voice drew his attention and he peeked over with a relaxed smile. “No, we’re not supposed to but–? Yeah. I am. Are you sure you really want to do this? I mean–. Today? We all fight.”
norma didn’t particularly mind being labelled ‘the quiet girl’. – it wasn’t incorrect after all. but most people, knowing that she didn’t speak, would take one of two measures. ignore her, or pick on her. she knew which she prefered, however this sudden friendly attitude from the boy was a huge change of pace. that wasn’t to say that blaine’s invitation didn’t still come as a surprise, as was apparent by the look that graced delicate features. eyes widen slightly and her lips part as if she was about to speak, settling instead with an affirmative nod – and a smile. before gesturing for him to lead the way. she picks up her bag, draping the strap across her shoulder as nervous fingers fiddle aimlessly at a loose thread on the worn down material.
Blaine perked up thinking that Norma was about to speak but when she only nodded–he gave her a polite smile and was proud of himself that he earned one from her, too. It felt good to make other people smile and she had such a pretty one. He wondered how often she lit up so brightly. Two seconds later, he made it his personal mission to give her a reason to at least once a day from here on out. “Great! Thanks! I could use the company,” he fixed the strap on his satchel and motioned towards the exit of the library before leading her in that direction. As they walked–it dawned on him he didn’t introduce himself. Embarrassed, Blaine cringed at his lack of manners and gave her small smile. “My name’s Blaine. Blaine Anderson. Sorry I didn’t do that earlier.”
the majority of norma’s time was spent trying her best to go unnoticed, and for the most part – it had kind of worked. she gave a small nod of gratitude as the boy began helping her, placing the books gently back onto the table in a far more stable pile. norma smiled, albeit still a little sheepishly, at his words, laughing quietly as she nodded in agreement. she stood up and reached into her pocket to grab a notepad and pen, scribbling quickly before turning it around so that blaine could see the word.
– thanks –
A warm smile was given to the girl he only really knew the name of. Honestly? That was all he knew about her. Other than she didn’t talk much. McKinley was a small school –in Blaine’s book–and everyone knew a bit about everyone. She was the ‘quiet girl’ and he should have said hello to her by now seeing–by the looks of it-she didn’t have a lot of friends. He hadn’t. Well. He could make up for that now? Blaine echoed her laughter then leaned in to read what she showed him. “Oh. You’re welcome. It was no trouble. Uh– Hey! I’m going get a soda before I get some studying done,” he thumbed over his shoulder and shrugged, “Would you like one? My treat if you give me some company for the walk?”
Tina could only smirk at Blaine’s reaction to her messing up his hair but he totally deserved it in her opinion. Grabbing her phone, she quickly recorded what he was doing then saved it to her phone. She was sure Sam would get a kick out of the video later. “Yeah, yeah whatever. You’re also buying us coffee from the Lima Bean from now until we leave, among other things.” Oh she was sure that she could think of some other things for him to do despite him ‘technically winning’. “Come on, we have a lot to get ready and not a lot of time to do it in.” Hopefully her parents would agree and let her go with Blaine. Though, her best friend was one of the New Directions that they actually liked so she kept her fingers crossed that that would work in their favor. She made sure that she had her bag then linked her arm with his once her phone was safely stored in her bag where he wouldn’t be able to get to it.
Blaine was oblivious to what his ‘best girl friend’–her name should be traitor for filming that!–was doing with her phone. He’d swung back to stare inside his locker at the mirror he had stuck to the inside. Wisps of hair continued to taunt him in their unruliness and refusal to cooperate! Hazel eyes were so close to being crossed that they qualified for the word as he gave his hair one final attempt at being fixed and–deflated in utter defeat. “Fine! I’ll buy coffee,” he laughed and gripped his locker and swung it shut. Tina’s arm received a small pat when the air of betrayal that lingered around them finally sank in. Blaine paused–a puzzled expression drifted curiously to Tina, her bag, her arm that was through his. Then not knowing any real reason why he suddenly stopped–he blinked out of it and tossed the notion to the side chalking it up a serious need for caffeine. “Want to take my car? We can leave yours here and come back for it later? After we go see a vampire introduce some quality cinematic viewing. Hey, wait. Maybe you two know each other? I mean–vampire to vampire–,” he teased with a crinkled nose and wry, cheeky grin.
“I know. I know, I know, it’s stupid, and ridiculous, and pointless. You like guys, and that’s great, that’s just, that’s you, so it’s wonderful. And I tried, more than you’ll ever know, not to, but – it’s going to ruin our friendship.”
“I’m sorry. I never meant to fall in love with you.”
“Hey. Hey. Wait. Take a deep breath and slow down. First. It’s not going to ruin our friendship. Nothing could. I promise. You’re far too sweet and I adore you so changing that is impossible.”
“Second–. Sugar? It’s a big deal to feel like you’re in love with someone. A really big deal. And you should know the person first. More than you know me. Don’t you think? Maybe–you just stron–and I’m failing at trying to talk this through.. Back up and let me try again? I should have stopped at you being adorable and never losing me as a friend. Huh?”
Smiling at the gesture, Tina turned to look at Blaine then reached over to squeeze his hand briefly. She never thought that she would be such good friends with him when they first met so long ago. it was funny how time changes things and where she ended up because of different decisions made. She pushed those thoughts away when he started speaking again. “I’m flattered that you think so highly of me. You’re probably the only person who thinks positively of me right now.” She had to admit that her attitude this year wasn’t the greatest but she felt justified after everything she went through for the first three years she was at McKinley. “Your support means a lot to me, Blaine. That really does sound nice, like really nice. I just don’t think that person goes to McKinley though. If you have any out of the box ideas though, I’m more than willing to listen.” After her relationships with Artie and Mike, she wasn’t feeling so confident in her ability to find a lasting relationship. Though, she was in her last year so just to have someone to share the year with and be intimate with would be fantastic.
“You’ll always have my support. No matter what, Tina. Even when you go a little crazy,” he flashed her the most charming grin he could manage and then put his attention back on the road. A brow quirked at her doom sentence to her love life this early in on their school year. It sounded like she was calling herself the loser before she even got to run the race. That wasn’t going to do in his book. Not when it came to Tina being happy. She deserved it so much and always seemed to get the short end of the stick. It wasn’t fair. Especially her spending her senior year alone. Humming low with a click of his tongue against the roof of his mouth–Blaine reached over and squeezed her shoulder. “I think that if they do? We’re just going to have to go out and find them for you,” he shook his head, “If they don’t? Well. After this year? Just think. You’re going to be out of this town. Killing it at Brown or whatever University is lucky enough to have you and you’ll meet someone who’s been waiting their whole life for someone like you. Until then? You got me. II know it doesn’t sound like a fair trade now that I thought about it. Seeing as how I get you in the deal but you can save my pride and pretend? That’d be great.”
at the sound of the tall pile of books that had been knocked off of the table by her bag, norma sank a little deeper into her chair, hoping that by simply wishing it so – she could become invisible … no such luck, she looked around apologetically as she began to collect the books, blushing furiously.
Blaine startled about out of his skin as he heard the clatter of books hitting the floor at the opposite end of the table he sat at. Wide eyed, blinking stare drawn to the mess on the floor instantly before he jerked it back to Norma who was already frantically picking them up. Springing into action–Blaine hurried out of his chair and awkwardly knelt beside her not wanting to upset her worse by drawing any sort of attention their way. “Here. Let me help. Wow. That bag is dangerous. Took out the whole stack,” he smiled trying to get one out of her in return.
pianokeysandbowties back up 