The Only Exception (Lonely No More)

Chapter 5

“You got somewhere to be?” Sam asked Blaine, leaning over to speak softly as Mr. Schue droned on about something to do with some band from the 80’s that no one else was really interested in.

Glee practice was running late and Blaine knew that Sebastian would already be on his way to the Lima Bean. Things had been just a little off on their way back from Columbus, though it could just have been Blaine’s confusion (and lack of sleep) from the night before.

“Just coffee with Sebastian,” Blaine said, trying to sound nonchalant.

“You guys do that, like, every day?” Sam asked. He hadn’t given Blaine too hard a time about seeing him with Sebastian at the movies, but he still seemed to have reservations about Slushy-Warbler, which he still insisted on calling Sebastian.

“Not every day,” Blaine replied a little sheepishly. They usually did something else together on the weekend.

“You guys dating or something?” Sam asked.

“We’re just friends,” Blaine said and checked the time on his iPhone again. How long was Mr. Schue going to talk? “We do stuff together, but that’s all.”

“I guess things with Kurt are really over then,” Sam said. “He seems pretty serious about this Adam guy.”

For the first time, Blaine didn’t feel the pang of regret at the mention of Kurt’s new boyfriend. “The last time we talked didn’t end so well. I don’t think there’s a chance that we’ll get back together now.”

Sam nodded. “You and Slushy-Warbler ever, you know,” Sam made a motion with his hands that took Blaine a moment to decipher. When he finally did, his cheeks began to burn a bit.

“No, it’s not like that,” Blaine replied. “We’re just friends.”

“That’s what you said about Kurt at Valentine’s and everyone knows what went down between you two at the wedding-that-wasn’t,” Sam replied.

Finn objected to something that Mr. Schue had said and the two started to argue.

“We haven’t done anything like that,” Blaine said, attempting to repeat Sam’s hand motion. “I want a relationship, not a one-night stand.”

“So you do like him, you know, like like him,” Sam said.

Blaine shrugged as he sent Sebastian a quick text saying Glee was running late. “I don’t know,” Blaine replied to Sam’s question. “Maybe if he was interested, but he isn’t, so there’s no point in thinking about it.” Blaine didn’t deny that sex was a wonderful thing - it was at the top of the list of things he enjoyed. He just wanted it to be with someone who only wanted him.

Mr. Schue and Finn were now arguing about things that had nothing to do with Nationals or Prom or anything to do with Glee. Artie was edging towards the door and the others were looking at each other as if debating their chances of making it out before either of their instructors noticed.

“So, tell him how you feel,” Sam suggested.

“I thought you didn’t like him,” Blaine said. If Artie made it through the door, Blaine was ready to make his escape attempt next.

“If you think he deserves a chance, then I say go for it,” Sam said. Artie was almost out the door. Finn and Mr. Schue were facing each other while they shouted. “I think we can make it if we stay low and move slowly.”

Blaine nodded and they stealthily made their way to the door that was now closing. As soon as they made it to the safety of the hallway, the rest of New Directions came stumbling one by one through the door behind them.

Tina put her ear to the door. “They’re still arguing. I don’t think they’ve even noticed that we’re gone.”

“Let’s get out of here before they do notice,” Ryder said. They all scattered.

 

~ * ~
 

Blaine was toying with Sam’s suggestion to just tell Sebastian about how he felt as he pulled into the Lima Bean parking lot. The problem was, he wasn’t really sure what exactly he wanted from Sebastian. There were only a couple of months left before they both graduated and went their separate ways. Did he want to even attempt a relationship under those circumstances? Was it worth losing what he had with Sebastian now on the off chance that the other man might have changed his mind and wanted the same thing? And what about Kurt? There was no way he wouldn’t hear about it and that would signal the death knell on any chance they had to get back together. And if Blaine was still interested in getting back together with Kurt, why was he even thinking about starting something up with Sebastian?

Blaine was completely frustrated with his own indecision as he walked into the Lima Bean. He’d only taken a couple of steps inside when his gaze found Sebastian leaning against the display case as he flirted with a new barista. The guy was so entranced with Sebastian’s charm that he was barely able to break away from Sebastian’s attentions to take Blaine’s order. Blaine didn’t miss the small piece of paper that the barista slipped to Sebastian while Blaine put his change away. He wasn’t sure why it irritated him – it was just Sebastian being Sebastian – but it irked him all the same.

“I see you found a way to keep yourself occupied,” Blaine said sourly as they found a table.

Sebastian leaned back in his chair and cocked his head to one side. “Someone is in a lousy mood. That teacher of yours decide to trot off to some more deserving charity again and leave you hanging just before Nationals?”

Blaine sighed heavily. He didn’t want to discuss why he was really irritated; he wasn’t sure he understood it himself. “He and Finn got into it again. We all had to sneak out while they were arguing with each other.” It was as good an excuse as any.

“Charming,” Sebastian replied, rolling his eyes. “You should just fire both of them and find some figurehead to take over while you run things. At this rate, you’ll be making up routines the night before the competition.”

From what Blaine had heard, it wouldn’t be the first time. “It’s not just Nationals. They want us to perform at the Prom too. So far, we don’t have a set list for either one, let alone having started to practice.”

“Ah, the Prom, a social gathering of hormonally charged teens who dress to the nines in the hopes that they might get laid before the evening is over so that they have something they can remember in twenty years when they run into a former schoolmate at a bar after their spouse has thrown them out for being the loser that they are.”

“I take it that you don’t care for the Prom,” Blaine said dryly.

“On the contrary, I look stunning in a tux and I definitely like the getting laid part,” Sebastian replied with a smirk.

Despite his irritation about the barista, Blaine couldn’t help but laugh. It was so typical of Sebastian.

“I’m guessing that you have your own tux, tailored to fit you to perfection,” Blaine teased.

“It’s too bad that Dalton doesn’t have a prom,” Sebastian said. “I could show you just how perfect a fit it is.”

Later, Blaine would wonder if Sebastian had slipped something into his drink. That was the only explanation for what he said next. He certainly didn’t think it through beforehand. “I don’t have a date for my Prom yet,” Blaine said. “You can show me just how good you look in that tux then.”

Sebastian choked on his coffee. “Damn, Anderson, are you trying to kill me?” he asked in amazement as he mopped the coffee from his face and jacket.

“Is there a problem?” Blaine asked innocently. He hadn’t meant to startle Sebastian, but was amused that he could.

“Does this mean I’m getting laid?” Sebastian asked, regrouping quickly.

“Are you planning to use that number the barista gave you?” Blaine asked.

Sebastian looked wary. “What if I am?”

For once, Blaine knew just what to say. He stood up, leaned forward and rested his hands on the top of the table. “Then I’d say there is a good chance that you’re getting laid, just not on Prom night.” He smiled sweetly and walked out.

 

~ * ~
 

“So, Blaine-Blaine, do you have a date for the Prom yet?” Tina asked as she joined Blaine at the lunch table.

Blaine felt that moment of panic as he debated how to answer. He wondered what the hell he’d been thinking in asking Sebastian to be his date for Prom. Once that got out, he’d be the center of a storm of gossip. “Uh, yeah, I’ve got it covered.”

Sam looked up with a question on his face and Blaine nodded slightly in acknowledgment. Sam gave him a thumbs up in encouragement.

“Seriously?” Tina said in surprise. “Who are you going with?”

“Just a friend,” Blaine replied. He should have known Tina wouldn’t let it go that easily. She seemed to think her status as his friend meant she had a right to know everything.

“Male or female?” Tina asked.

Blaine wondered if she’d be more jealous if it were a girl. “A guy,” he replied. He racked his brain for something else to talk about.

“Is it that pretty bird from the movies?” Brittany asked. “He looks so much nicer since he changed his feathers.”

“You’re dating someone?” Tina asked. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

Blaine wasn’t sure why he was worried about everyone knowing. It wasn’t like he could hide who his Prom date was once he walked in with Sebastian.

“We’re just friends,” Blaine said. “We hang out and do stuff together. We’re not dating.”

“Is he gay?” Tina asked suspiciously.

“Yeah, he’s gay, but that doesn’t mean we can’t just be friends.” Blaine shot Sam a ‘save me’ look.

“Hey, has anyone seen Mr. Schue today?” Sam asked. “Finn grumbled about their argument all last night. I’m guessing round whatever-number-we’re-on-now is going to continue this afternoon.”

Blaine gave a sigh of relief as Artie joined them and the conversation turned to what they were going to do for Nationals if they couldn’t get Finn and Mr. Schue to focus. Blaine knew he’d have to come clean about his date sometime, but not just yet. He needed to figure this out himself first.

 

~ * ~
 

Between school, Glee and Cheerios, Blaine was worn out. He was so glad that spring break was the next week. There would only be Glee to worry about then. Most of New Directions were staying in town so that they could work on their set lists. Maybe they’d finally make some headway.

Sebastian was waiting with two cups of coffee as Blaine sank into the chair opposite him with a tired sigh.

“Is that a cheerleading uniform?” Sebastian asked. His mouth was half-opened in surprise.

“Coach Sylvester sort of blackmailed me into rejoining the Cheerios,” Blaine said. “I didn’t have time to change after practice.”

“I’ll have to send her some flowers as a thank you,” Sebastian said. “That uniform makes me glad that my pants are rather loose in certain areas.”

Blaine could feel his face heating up. “Sebastian,” he said in protest.

“Mmm, the fantasies I’m going to have later,” Sebastian mused. “Hell, forget later. I’m having one right now. Would you like me to share?”

“No, you can keep your fantasies to yourself,” Blaine said, only half-serious. It was actually rather nice to have someone flatter him, even if it was laced with innuendoes.

“If that’s what you wanted, you shouldn’t be walking around wearing that,” Sebastian said. He leaned to one side so that he could better see Blaine’s profile. “Or sitting either.”

“I can’t believe you have a cheerleader fetish,” Blaine said. “That’s so… conventional.”

“Trust me, short skirts and pom-poms don’t do a thing for me,” Sebastian said. “This is definitely doing something though.”

“You’re incorrigible,” Blaine said without rancor.

“And you look completely edible in that outfit,” Sebastian said. He leaned forward slightly. “I can think of just one place I’d rather see that Cheerios’ uniform.”

Blaine knew he was going to regret it, but he asked anyway. “Where would that be?”

Sebastian licked his lips slowly. “Lying in a crumpled heap beside my bed.”

Blaine would never understand how anyone could flip/flop from being a perfect gentleman to such a sex-crazed maniac, but Sebastian had it mastered. Blaine found he actually liked the maniac, if only he were the only one Sebastian said that sort of thing too. “If you’d like, I have a uniform in my trunk that you can take home with you. Just make sure you have it cleaned before you bring it back.”

“Score one for the cheerleader,” Sebastian said with a chuckle.

Blaine smiled back, glad he hadn’t gotten too flustered to come up with a response for once.

“So what did Hummel say when he found out who your prom date is?” Sebastian asked.

Blaine took a long drink of his coffee as he thought about the conversation at lunch earlier in the week. He’d been avoiding Tina ever since and he knew she was suspicious. “I wouldn’t know. It’s not like we talk anymore.”

“How about the rest of that Glee club of yours? Am I being burned in effigy?” Sebastian asked.

“Of course not,” Blaine said quickly. He played with his coffee cup without looking up.

Sebastian gazed at Blaine for a long minute as he sipped his coffee. “You haven’t told anyone, have you? Having second thoughts?”

Blaine glanced up in surprise. Sebastian actually sounded hurt. “Sam knows. So does Brittany, although she calls you ‘the pretty bird’.” He hoped that was enough to satisfy Sebastian.

“‘Pretty bird’, huh? I kind of like that,” Sebastian said with a wry grin. “So why are you so worried about Hummel finding out?”

“What makes you think that I’m worried about Kurt?” Blaine asked. He squirmed uncomfortably in his chair. How on earth did Sebastian make these leaps of logic?

“Oh – My – God. You still think you have a chance of getting back together with him,” Sebastian said incredulously.

Blaine started to deny it, but this was Sebastian. He’d never buy it. “If you’d ever been in love, you’d understand.”

“Thank the gods that I haven’t been afflicted with that particular form of mental illness,” Sebastian replied with an incredulous shake of his head.

“I know it’s stupid,” Blaine groaned. He put his elbows on the table and leaned his forehead against his raised hands. “I know it is. I just can’t seem to stop.”

Sebastian gently pulled Blaine’s hands down and tipped Blaine’s chin up to meet his gaze. “What am I going to do with you, Anderson?”

Blaine’s heart lurched at the gentle, slightly fond tone. “Tell me that I should move on and forget him. Tell me that I’m not making a mistake.”

“You’ve got to figure that out for yourself,” Sebastian said. “Once you know what you want, don’t wait for it; go after it.”

“What if the other person isn’t interested in the same thing I am?” Blaine asked. He wasn’t talking about Kurt anymore.

Sebastian looked a little sad. “Then find someone who is.” He sat back and picked up his coffee cup. “If this prom thing is going to be an issue, I’m sure I can find some other way to occupy myself that evening. It’s not a big deal.”

Blaine almost took the out that Sebastian gave him. Almost. “And miss my chance to see you in a perfectly tailored tux? Forget it.” He’d figure the rest out later.

 

~ * ~
 

Blaine was walking to lunch when someone grabbed his arm and pulled him into an empty classroom.

“Okay, Anderson, fess up. Who are you taking to Prom?” Tina demanded. She had the door blocked so that Blaine couldn’t escape.

“We’re going to miss lunch,” Blaine tried to deflect. He wondered if he could make it out a window before she stopped him.

“Why won’t you tell me?” Tina asked. “It’s not like I’m not going to see him Prom night.”

“Tina, it’s complicated,” Blaine replied. How did he get into these situations?

Tina crossed her arms over her chest with a stubborn set to her jaw. “Does he go to this school? Is that why you don’t want to say?”

“No, that’s not it,” Blaine said. “Tina, please, let’s just go to lunch.”

Tina narrowed her eyes in contemplation. Blaine could almost see the wheels turning in her head. “Not this school, someone you’re embarrassed to admit you’re going with, a ‘pretty bird’ and he’s gay.”

Blaine felt a lump form in his stomach. Tina was too curious by far.

“Someone from Dalton? You said you still talk to them,” Tina said.

Blaine knew his face gave him away.

“But why would you be embarrassed about that?” Tina mused.

Blaine closed his eyes as he waited for Tina to connect the dots.

“No, you wouldn’t go to Prom with him,” Tina said in disbelief. “Kurt would never forgive you.”

“Kurt doesn’t have a say in who I go to Prom with,” Blaine said. He neither confirmed nor denied the conclusion Tina had arrived at. She could be thinking of someone else, after all.

“He tried to break you and Kurt up last year. He stole Michael from us and nearly blinded you,” Tina ranted. “He stole our Nationals trophy this year and cheated at Sectionals to beat us. Why would you take HIM to Prom?”

So much for her thinking that it was someone other than Sebastian. “He’s not like that anymore. And for the record, he didn’t steal the trophy, Hunter did.”

“He almost blinded you,” Tina repeated. “What were you thinking in asking him?”

Blaine dropped into the seat at a desk with a heavy sigh. He had no idea what he’d been thinking or why he hadn’t taken the out Sebastian had given him. “There’s no reason that two friends can’t go to Prom together,” he insisted stubbornly.

Tina seemed to sense that she pushed the Sebastian-is-an-evil-bastard card a little too far, so she switched tactics. “What about Kurt? He’s going to flip when he finds out.”

“Kurt is dating someone else. He doesn’t get a say in who I hang out with,” Blaine replied.

“He’s going to think that’s who you cheated on him with,” Tina said. “It wasn’t, was it?”

“I already told Kurt it wasn’t. I can’t help what he believes,” Blaine said. That was the crux of the matter though. Going to Prom with Sebastian would ruin any chance Blaine had of getting back together with Kurt. He had yet to figure out how to deal with that and Prom was getting closer every day.

“You should at least tell him,” Tina said softly. “He shouldn’t have to hear that from Santana.”

Blaine puffed out the breath he’d been holding. “Yeah, you’re right.” He had no idea how to do that though. Telling Kurt he’d cheated on him seemed easy compared to telling him that Sebastian was his Prom date.  
 

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