Glee fic - Courage to Take Control: 4 of ? (10ish)
Media: Fic
Type: Multi-Part
Title: Courage to Take Control: 4 of ? (10ish)
Rating: R
Word Count: 2,553 (this part)
Genre: General, Drama, Romantic bits
Pairings: Kurt/Blaine established and the focus; but most characters turn up as an ensemble
Spoilers: Nope - although obviously we’re in between s2 and s3. Suspect this might be AUish once s3 starts.
Warning: Nah I don’t reckon.
Disclaimer: I’m borrowing all the characters and universe of Glee. They’re not mine, but I’m grateful to have a little play-time with them J
Summary: Blaine wants to transfer to McKinley for senior year. Kurt, of all people, is against it. This chapter, Blaine seeks support for his cause, and finally finds someone who seems happy with his decision.
[Chapter 1] | [Chapter 2] | [Chapter 3]
------------
Chapter 4
Will was standing helplessly against the inside wall next to front door of his apartment as Rachel paced up and down his living room.
“… I just know exactly where we went wrong Mr Schue,” Rachel was saying at breakneck speed. “We’ve been treating Glee club as a safe, nice place to be for everyone to bond and sing campfire songs, but if we really want to win - we need to compete. Just being good - great even - isn’t good enough. We need to be the best, ruthless. My fellow Glee clubbers don’t understand that but we need to convince them. We are the best - we just need to show the judges.”
Will looked apologetically at Emma, who was perched on a dining chair across the room. They had been enjoying a lovely chicken salad for lunch when Rachel had knocked on the door, barging in as soon as he opened it a fraction. Usually he would be surprised by a student turning up during the summer, but there were no surprises with Rachel, just inward groaning at her inappropriately forward manner which seemed to cause her to butt into almost every aspect of Will’s life. He loved being a teacher, but sometimes students this intense could be… well… intense.
Rachel had kept talking and was now directing her rant more towards Emma than she was Will. “How am I meant to reach my full potential if no-one else is taking it seriously?” She was wailing. “Don’t they know how important this is for me?”
“Well, Rachel,” Emma said, putting down and folding the napkin she had been holding mid-air in shock since Rachel’s arrival. “You know, not everyone has the same goals as you. It might help to imagine what each of your classmates are looking for after high school.”
“I know it’s your job to be fair and support all students equally,” Rachel said, “but if you’re honest you know that I am the only one with real star potential. I’d just like some support from my peers to reach that - it that too much to ask?”
“Not everyone wants to be a star, Rachel,” Emma said, folding the napkin into smaller and smaller triangles. “If you want more support from the Glee Club, maybe you need to show them that you support them as well - in whatever they want to do.”
“Mr Schue,” Rachel flicked her hair as she turned in his direction. “I know you understand what I’m saying - as a frustrated star yourself, you must appreciate the drawbacks of lowering yourself and reducing your expectations to meet those around you in small-town Ohio.”
Thankfully for Will, there was a knock on the door that moment that distracted Rachel and saved him from having to formulate an answer to her question. He opened the door.
“Blaine? Kurt?” he blinked at them, looking back over his shoulder to Emma and shrugging a shoulder before opening the door wider and beckoning for the boys to enter the room.
“Hi Mr Schue,” Kurt said airily. “Oh hey Rachel!” Kurt’s face lit up and he moved across the room to share air kisses with her. “Don’t tell me you’re already lobbying Mr Schue to steal my solo for Sectionals,” he said, only half teasing. “Senior year hasn’t even started yet!”
Blaine had remained in the doorframe, hesitant to enter. He noticed Mr Schuester looking at him expectantly and so held out his hand, sharing a polite handshake with his host.
“I’m sorry for the intrusion, Mr Schuester,” he said formally, “but I was hoping I could seek your help on something.”
“Uh, sure thing Blaine,” Will said, flattered and intrigued but a little confused. “Please, come in. Can I get you guys something to drink? Water? Juice? Coke?” He motioned towards the couch, “Have a seat.” To his relief he saw Rachel also sit on the couch along with Kurt and Blaine. At least she would stop pacing now.
“Oh no thank you, I’m fine,” Blaine said, taking a seat but staying on the edge of the cushion, poised for the conversation he was about to have. He hadn’t planned on having an audience, but was determined to proceed nonetheless. He recognised the woman sitting at the table as the McKinley guidance counsellor Kurt had talked about, so perhaps it was a good thing she was there anyway. Apart from anything else, he felt reassured by Kurt’s hand on his knee as they sat next to each other, appreciative that Kurt was helping him in his plan even though he still wasn’t convinced that it was a good idea.
“Ok,” Will said, after Kurt and Rachel similarly indicated they were ok for drinks. He sat down in the armchair across from the students, rested his elbows on his knees, leaning forward slightly. “So what can I help you with?”
“Ummm, well, you see,” suddenly Blaine didn’t know at all how to broach the issue. He was tired of explaining what he wanted to do - and especially why.
“Blaine wants to transfer to McKinley this year,” Kurt cut in, his voice crisp with its efficiency. “But his parents - for starters - are understandably hesitant about the idea.”
“The lead soloist of The Warblers among our ranks!” Rachel squealed with delight. “I’ll have to completely review my draft lesson plans and set-lists for competition to incorporate your vocal talents Blaine - of course I was going to discuss the plans and set lists with you before the school year began, Mr Schue,” she added hastily. “It’s just so exciting to have someone of Blaine’s calibre as an asset and not the competition!”
Blaine raised an eyebrow and looked across Kurt to Rachel. “How do you know I’m not a spy or saboteur like Jesse turned out to be?” He asked, amused and relieved by her positive reaction.
“Oh Blaine, we all know you too well to think that.” Rachel dismissed the idea, stopping herself from thinking about Jesse too much. “Right Kurt?”
“Right. In fact, the only thing I’m really sure of is that Blaine’s motivations for doing this are not to try to destroy the New Directions,” Kurt said, adding: “which is quite refreshing given how it seems to be a common aim for the general population of this town.”
“Wait,” Will interjected. “Blaine, why do you want to transfer to McKinley?”
Blaine sighed. “To be honest, it’s a long story that I don’t really want to get into now,” he said. “My parents are against the idea for a couple of reasons, primarily McKinley’s academic credentials and my safety. I was hoping you could help me by meeting with them to help convince them that it’s not as bad a choice as they might think.”
“You’re currently enrolled at Dalton Academy, is that right Blaine?” Emma said, her hand reaching to her hair to move some errant strands back into line, framing her face perfectly.
Blaine nodded. “Yes, Ms…?”
“Pillsbury,” Emma said smiling as she offered a shy wave from across the room. “I’m the guidance counsellor at McKinley high.
“And Mr Schue’s girlfriend,” Rachel said in a not-to-subtle stage whisper.
“Rachel,” Will warned in an exasperated tone. “My or Ms Pillsbury’s private lives are none of your business.”
Blaine just raised an amused eyebrow, Rachel’s revelation not coming as news to him at all, and answered Emma’s question. “Yes I am currently enrolled at Dalton, Ms Pillsbury.”
“Well I can understand why there would be some hesitation,” Emma said. “You must realise that Dalton is a prestigious and highly successful school, offering students a rigorous and supportive academic curriculum while also guaranteeing a safe, bully-free environment. McKinley could never match it in terms of academic or safety criteria.”
“Yes I believe both myself and Blaine’s parents have made those points,” Kurt said, a little too bitchily for Blaine’s liking.
“And I accept them,” Blaine added hastily, glancing at Kurt, irritated. “As I said, I have my reasons for wanting to transfer, and I don’t think McKinley is a bad school. It has more… challenges… than Dalton - but it also has members of faculty who are motivated and dedicated to the wellbeing of the students.” He glanced from Emma to Will, hoping he wasn’t laying it on too thick. “I mean, I’m not sure any of the professors at Dalton would welcome students into their homes at any time, let alone during the summer vacation.” He shook his head. “Anyway, that is neither here nor there. I’m not asking for your help to analyse Dalton as a school. I’d like your help in talking to my parents about McKinley - about the encouraging academic results of the top students over the last couple of years, about the recent bully-whips initiative and how the school helped pave the way for Kurt to return, and finally about the importance of the Glee Club.”
“Blaine,” Will said, looking directly into Blaine’s eyes. “I’m happy to meet with your parents - with Ms Pillsbury and perhaps Principal Figgins as well - but I hope you’re not expecting for me to plead your case for you. I - we would answer their questions about McKinley, and Prinicpal Figgins would be able to tell them whether it’s even possible for you to transfer for senior year, but we’re going to tell it like it is. Did you know nearly 20% of each senior year needs to repeat or do summer school in order to graduate? Ms Pillsbury has her work cut out for her trying to keep a sizeable minority of troubled teens in the school off drugs and out of trouble long enough to graduate. I think you know yourself - as well as from Kurt - that bullying, ignorance and intimidation still remain… and Glee Club? It’s mostly renowned - by Prinicpal Figgins at least - as the cause of school evacuations at nearly every pep rally or assembly. We, the Glee club, and good students like Kurt, Rachel and yourself have to fight every step of the way just to exist at McKinley. It’s not easy being a student there - and you may have a shock in store if you transfer.”
Blaine nodded slowly. He wasn’t hearing anything he didn’t already know, really, but having it all expressed out loud and almost in one breath suddenly made him think twice about his plan - for a fraction of a second at least.
“With all due respect,” he said, genuinely meaning the words, “I believe I would be walking into all of that with my eyes wide open. I know McKinley is a hard sell when compared to Dalton, but life isn’t easy - and high school is a part of life; a very important and formative part of life. I’m going to face the kinds of people and attitudes found at McKinley elsewhere in my life, so there is really no point hiding up in a tower now like Rapunzel. I’m not asking for your support in my decision; I’m just asking for your honesty and willingness to meet with my parents - and perhaps that you not overtly try to scare them,” he added at the last minute with a smile.
The room was quiet for a moment. Kurt rubbed his hand on Blaine’s knee as they shared a look and private smile - Kurt’s smile encouraging and sympathetic all at once. They may disagree on this but he was there, by Blaine’s side, as always.
“Are you sure you’re not thinking emotionally about all of this, Blaine?” Emma asked.
“This isn’t about being with Kurt,” Blaine shook his head immediately, frustrated that everyone seemed to jump to that conclusion, even though he could understand why. “And I’m not thinking about this emotionally - I’ve put a lot of objective and analytical thought into it. I have my reasons, it’s very important to me, and I’m determined to make it happen.”
“Eeeeee excellent!” Rachel clapped her hands together at fairy-speed. “I can’t wait to spread the news! We’re going to kill it at Nationals this year!”
“Rachel,” Will warned instantly. “Nothing is settled here and Blaine may not end up transferring.”
“And please,” Kurt jumped in with a heavy sigh. “For once can we not have the Glee club gossip mill running a 5,000rpm? We wouldn’t even be telling you except you happened to be here, at your teacher’s house in the middle of the summer vacation. What would people think of that anyway? I wouldn’t be surprised to see you on the front page of this fall’s Muckraker, the headline claiming a summer dalliance with Mr Schuester.”
“Kurt! That is a wholly inappropriate thing to say,” Emma’s eyes widened with shock. “Any suggestion like that could damage Will’s life and career.”
Kurt instantly regretted what he had said, not only because he knew it would strike an unpleasant chord with Rachel, but because it was disrespectful towards Mr Schuester, who, despite his faults, always had best intentions at heart. He noticed Blaine was also looking at him, mouth open in shock. He shifted in his seat uncomfortably.
“You’re right, I’m sorry,” he said, pausing to look directly at Will and then Rachel individually. “I just don’t want Blaine to be subjected to the McKinley rumour mill before he’s even transferred - there’ll be plenty of time for that if he’s walking the halls with us this year.”
“I don’t think there will any avoiding the rumour mill whatever happens,” Blaine said, shrugging. “And I’ve already said I’m willing to take the good with the bad - if you’ll help me, Mr Schuester?” He looked expectantly at Will.
“Yes Blaine,” Will nodded. “If you set up the meeting with Principal Figgins, Ms Pillsbury and myself, I’ll be there.”
“So will I,” Emma added.
“Thank you,” Blaine nodded, standing up and brushing down his jeans as if they were more formal pants in need of smoothing over. “I don’t want to intrude anymore, so we’ll get out of your hair. Rachel, would you like to come to the Lima Bean with us? They’re doing a new flavour iced coffee each week and today’s the first day for burnt fig and honey flavour - it’s going to be divine.”
For a moment, Will wanted to hug Blaine in gratitude for taking Rachel with him and Kurt. As they all moved towards the door - Rachel, Kurt and Blaine excited about the prospect of an iced coffee that sounded more like an elaborate dessert - Will shook Blaine’s hand.
“I’ll look forward to meeting your parents” he said warmly to Blaine as they shook hands goodbye. “But no promises about convincing them.”
“Understood,” Blaine said, stepping back into the hallway. “Thank you for hearing me out, and for agreeing to be honest and fair.”
With a final nod, the three of them turned and walked down the hall, leaving Will to close the door with a satisfying click. He turned around and leant against it, closing his eyes with his head rested against the wood.
“You’re a good man, Will,” Emma picked up her fork to resume eating her salad. “And an amazing teacher.”
“I know,” Will said with a sigh, moving across the room to sit at the table next to Emma, “but it’s exhausting.”
--------------------
[Chapter 5]
Author’s Note: Next instalment, we finally find out what Kurt’s *really* afraid of
Type: Multi-Part
Title: Courage to Take Control: 4 of ? (10ish)
Rating: R
Word Count: 2,553 (this part)
Genre: General, Drama, Romantic bits
Pairings: Kurt/Blaine established and the focus; but most characters turn up as an ensemble
Spoilers: Nope - although obviously we’re in between s2 and s3. Suspect this might be AUish once s3 starts.
Warning: Nah I don’t reckon.
Disclaimer: I’m borrowing all the characters and universe of Glee. They’re not mine, but I’m grateful to have a little play-time with them J
Summary: Blaine wants to transfer to McKinley for senior year. Kurt, of all people, is against it. This chapter, Blaine seeks support for his cause, and finally finds someone who seems happy with his decision.
[Chapter 1] | [Chapter 2] | [Chapter 3]
------------
Chapter 4
Will was standing helplessly against the inside wall next to front door of his apartment as Rachel paced up and down his living room.
“… I just know exactly where we went wrong Mr Schue,” Rachel was saying at breakneck speed. “We’ve been treating Glee club as a safe, nice place to be for everyone to bond and sing campfire songs, but if we really want to win - we need to compete. Just being good - great even - isn’t good enough. We need to be the best, ruthless. My fellow Glee clubbers don’t understand that but we need to convince them. We are the best - we just need to show the judges.”
Will looked apologetically at Emma, who was perched on a dining chair across the room. They had been enjoying a lovely chicken salad for lunch when Rachel had knocked on the door, barging in as soon as he opened it a fraction. Usually he would be surprised by a student turning up during the summer, but there were no surprises with Rachel, just inward groaning at her inappropriately forward manner which seemed to cause her to butt into almost every aspect of Will’s life. He loved being a teacher, but sometimes students this intense could be… well… intense.
Rachel had kept talking and was now directing her rant more towards Emma than she was Will. “How am I meant to reach my full potential if no-one else is taking it seriously?” She was wailing. “Don’t they know how important this is for me?”
“Well, Rachel,” Emma said, putting down and folding the napkin she had been holding mid-air in shock since Rachel’s arrival. “You know, not everyone has the same goals as you. It might help to imagine what each of your classmates are looking for after high school.”
“I know it’s your job to be fair and support all students equally,” Rachel said, “but if you’re honest you know that I am the only one with real star potential. I’d just like some support from my peers to reach that - it that too much to ask?”
“Not everyone wants to be a star, Rachel,” Emma said, folding the napkin into smaller and smaller triangles. “If you want more support from the Glee Club, maybe you need to show them that you support them as well - in whatever they want to do.”
“Mr Schue,” Rachel flicked her hair as she turned in his direction. “I know you understand what I’m saying - as a frustrated star yourself, you must appreciate the drawbacks of lowering yourself and reducing your expectations to meet those around you in small-town Ohio.”
Thankfully for Will, there was a knock on the door that moment that distracted Rachel and saved him from having to formulate an answer to her question. He opened the door.
“Blaine? Kurt?” he blinked at them, looking back over his shoulder to Emma and shrugging a shoulder before opening the door wider and beckoning for the boys to enter the room.
“Hi Mr Schue,” Kurt said airily. “Oh hey Rachel!” Kurt’s face lit up and he moved across the room to share air kisses with her. “Don’t tell me you’re already lobbying Mr Schue to steal my solo for Sectionals,” he said, only half teasing. “Senior year hasn’t even started yet!”
Blaine had remained in the doorframe, hesitant to enter. He noticed Mr Schuester looking at him expectantly and so held out his hand, sharing a polite handshake with his host.
“I’m sorry for the intrusion, Mr Schuester,” he said formally, “but I was hoping I could seek your help on something.”
“Uh, sure thing Blaine,” Will said, flattered and intrigued but a little confused. “Please, come in. Can I get you guys something to drink? Water? Juice? Coke?” He motioned towards the couch, “Have a seat.” To his relief he saw Rachel also sit on the couch along with Kurt and Blaine. At least she would stop pacing now.
“Oh no thank you, I’m fine,” Blaine said, taking a seat but staying on the edge of the cushion, poised for the conversation he was about to have. He hadn’t planned on having an audience, but was determined to proceed nonetheless. He recognised the woman sitting at the table as the McKinley guidance counsellor Kurt had talked about, so perhaps it was a good thing she was there anyway. Apart from anything else, he felt reassured by Kurt’s hand on his knee as they sat next to each other, appreciative that Kurt was helping him in his plan even though he still wasn’t convinced that it was a good idea.
“Ok,” Will said, after Kurt and Rachel similarly indicated they were ok for drinks. He sat down in the armchair across from the students, rested his elbows on his knees, leaning forward slightly. “So what can I help you with?”
“Ummm, well, you see,” suddenly Blaine didn’t know at all how to broach the issue. He was tired of explaining what he wanted to do - and especially why.
“Blaine wants to transfer to McKinley this year,” Kurt cut in, his voice crisp with its efficiency. “But his parents - for starters - are understandably hesitant about the idea.”
“The lead soloist of The Warblers among our ranks!” Rachel squealed with delight. “I’ll have to completely review my draft lesson plans and set-lists for competition to incorporate your vocal talents Blaine - of course I was going to discuss the plans and set lists with you before the school year began, Mr Schue,” she added hastily. “It’s just so exciting to have someone of Blaine’s calibre as an asset and not the competition!”
Blaine raised an eyebrow and looked across Kurt to Rachel. “How do you know I’m not a spy or saboteur like Jesse turned out to be?” He asked, amused and relieved by her positive reaction.
“Oh Blaine, we all know you too well to think that.” Rachel dismissed the idea, stopping herself from thinking about Jesse too much. “Right Kurt?”
“Right. In fact, the only thing I’m really sure of is that Blaine’s motivations for doing this are not to try to destroy the New Directions,” Kurt said, adding: “which is quite refreshing given how it seems to be a common aim for the general population of this town.”
“Wait,” Will interjected. “Blaine, why do you want to transfer to McKinley?”
Blaine sighed. “To be honest, it’s a long story that I don’t really want to get into now,” he said. “My parents are against the idea for a couple of reasons, primarily McKinley’s academic credentials and my safety. I was hoping you could help me by meeting with them to help convince them that it’s not as bad a choice as they might think.”
“You’re currently enrolled at Dalton Academy, is that right Blaine?” Emma said, her hand reaching to her hair to move some errant strands back into line, framing her face perfectly.
Blaine nodded. “Yes, Ms…?”
“Pillsbury,” Emma said smiling as she offered a shy wave from across the room. “I’m the guidance counsellor at McKinley high.
“And Mr Schue’s girlfriend,” Rachel said in a not-to-subtle stage whisper.
“Rachel,” Will warned in an exasperated tone. “My or Ms Pillsbury’s private lives are none of your business.”
Blaine just raised an amused eyebrow, Rachel’s revelation not coming as news to him at all, and answered Emma’s question. “Yes I am currently enrolled at Dalton, Ms Pillsbury.”
“Well I can understand why there would be some hesitation,” Emma said. “You must realise that Dalton is a prestigious and highly successful school, offering students a rigorous and supportive academic curriculum while also guaranteeing a safe, bully-free environment. McKinley could never match it in terms of academic or safety criteria.”
“Yes I believe both myself and Blaine’s parents have made those points,” Kurt said, a little too bitchily for Blaine’s liking.
“And I accept them,” Blaine added hastily, glancing at Kurt, irritated. “As I said, I have my reasons for wanting to transfer, and I don’t think McKinley is a bad school. It has more… challenges… than Dalton - but it also has members of faculty who are motivated and dedicated to the wellbeing of the students.” He glanced from Emma to Will, hoping he wasn’t laying it on too thick. “I mean, I’m not sure any of the professors at Dalton would welcome students into their homes at any time, let alone during the summer vacation.” He shook his head. “Anyway, that is neither here nor there. I’m not asking for your help to analyse Dalton as a school. I’d like your help in talking to my parents about McKinley - about the encouraging academic results of the top students over the last couple of years, about the recent bully-whips initiative and how the school helped pave the way for Kurt to return, and finally about the importance of the Glee Club.”
“Blaine,” Will said, looking directly into Blaine’s eyes. “I’m happy to meet with your parents - with Ms Pillsbury and perhaps Principal Figgins as well - but I hope you’re not expecting for me to plead your case for you. I - we would answer their questions about McKinley, and Prinicpal Figgins would be able to tell them whether it’s even possible for you to transfer for senior year, but we’re going to tell it like it is. Did you know nearly 20% of each senior year needs to repeat or do summer school in order to graduate? Ms Pillsbury has her work cut out for her trying to keep a sizeable minority of troubled teens in the school off drugs and out of trouble long enough to graduate. I think you know yourself - as well as from Kurt - that bullying, ignorance and intimidation still remain… and Glee Club? It’s mostly renowned - by Prinicpal Figgins at least - as the cause of school evacuations at nearly every pep rally or assembly. We, the Glee club, and good students like Kurt, Rachel and yourself have to fight every step of the way just to exist at McKinley. It’s not easy being a student there - and you may have a shock in store if you transfer.”
Blaine nodded slowly. He wasn’t hearing anything he didn’t already know, really, but having it all expressed out loud and almost in one breath suddenly made him think twice about his plan - for a fraction of a second at least.
“With all due respect,” he said, genuinely meaning the words, “I believe I would be walking into all of that with my eyes wide open. I know McKinley is a hard sell when compared to Dalton, but life isn’t easy - and high school is a part of life; a very important and formative part of life. I’m going to face the kinds of people and attitudes found at McKinley elsewhere in my life, so there is really no point hiding up in a tower now like Rapunzel. I’m not asking for your support in my decision; I’m just asking for your honesty and willingness to meet with my parents - and perhaps that you not overtly try to scare them,” he added at the last minute with a smile.
The room was quiet for a moment. Kurt rubbed his hand on Blaine’s knee as they shared a look and private smile - Kurt’s smile encouraging and sympathetic all at once. They may disagree on this but he was there, by Blaine’s side, as always.
“Are you sure you’re not thinking emotionally about all of this, Blaine?” Emma asked.
“This isn’t about being with Kurt,” Blaine shook his head immediately, frustrated that everyone seemed to jump to that conclusion, even though he could understand why. “And I’m not thinking about this emotionally - I’ve put a lot of objective and analytical thought into it. I have my reasons, it’s very important to me, and I’m determined to make it happen.”
“Eeeeee excellent!” Rachel clapped her hands together at fairy-speed. “I can’t wait to spread the news! We’re going to kill it at Nationals this year!”
“Rachel,” Will warned instantly. “Nothing is settled here and Blaine may not end up transferring.”
“And please,” Kurt jumped in with a heavy sigh. “For once can we not have the Glee club gossip mill running a 5,000rpm? We wouldn’t even be telling you except you happened to be here, at your teacher’s house in the middle of the summer vacation. What would people think of that anyway? I wouldn’t be surprised to see you on the front page of this fall’s Muckraker, the headline claiming a summer dalliance with Mr Schuester.”
“Kurt! That is a wholly inappropriate thing to say,” Emma’s eyes widened with shock. “Any suggestion like that could damage Will’s life and career.”
Kurt instantly regretted what he had said, not only because he knew it would strike an unpleasant chord with Rachel, but because it was disrespectful towards Mr Schuester, who, despite his faults, always had best intentions at heart. He noticed Blaine was also looking at him, mouth open in shock. He shifted in his seat uncomfortably.
“You’re right, I’m sorry,” he said, pausing to look directly at Will and then Rachel individually. “I just don’t want Blaine to be subjected to the McKinley rumour mill before he’s even transferred - there’ll be plenty of time for that if he’s walking the halls with us this year.”
“I don’t think there will any avoiding the rumour mill whatever happens,” Blaine said, shrugging. “And I’ve already said I’m willing to take the good with the bad - if you’ll help me, Mr Schuester?” He looked expectantly at Will.
“Yes Blaine,” Will nodded. “If you set up the meeting with Principal Figgins, Ms Pillsbury and myself, I’ll be there.”
“So will I,” Emma added.
“Thank you,” Blaine nodded, standing up and brushing down his jeans as if they were more formal pants in need of smoothing over. “I don’t want to intrude anymore, so we’ll get out of your hair. Rachel, would you like to come to the Lima Bean with us? They’re doing a new flavour iced coffee each week and today’s the first day for burnt fig and honey flavour - it’s going to be divine.”
For a moment, Will wanted to hug Blaine in gratitude for taking Rachel with him and Kurt. As they all moved towards the door - Rachel, Kurt and Blaine excited about the prospect of an iced coffee that sounded more like an elaborate dessert - Will shook Blaine’s hand.
“I’ll look forward to meeting your parents” he said warmly to Blaine as they shook hands goodbye. “But no promises about convincing them.”
“Understood,” Blaine said, stepping back into the hallway. “Thank you for hearing me out, and for agreeing to be honest and fair.”
With a final nod, the three of them turned and walked down the hall, leaving Will to close the door with a satisfying click. He turned around and leant against it, closing his eyes with his head rested against the wood.
“You’re a good man, Will,” Emma picked up her fork to resume eating her salad. “And an amazing teacher.”
“I know,” Will said with a sigh, moving across the room to sit at the table next to Emma, “but it’s exhausting.”
--------------------
[Chapter 5]
Author’s Note: Next instalment, we finally find out what Kurt’s *really* afraid of