Four Times It Almost Happened And One Time It Did
So I thought I was late to the party but it doesn't look like anyone else has posted their's yet? This is for Kamira (blaineanderdone) I hope I've done your prompts justice! Also thanks to Sal for a quick, dirty beta.
Title: Four Times It Almost Happened And One Time It Did
Four Times It Almost Happened And One Time It Did
one or the one where blaine has a thing for lycra
On paper it made perfect sense for Blaine to come live with Cooper. Cooper was in California already for his job and Blaine there for college. It meant he wouldn't have to pay as much for accommodation and Cooper had been looking for a decent roommate for a while, perpetually put off by the mob of insane and hygienically challenged people his ad seemed to attract. Blaine was a perfect roommate. Mostly quiet (when he wasn't blasting Katy Perry at 3am), did his share of the chores, bought in a wage from his part time job serving coffee to irritable commuters and of course, they were brothers. They had had their differences in the past, long put to rest, and now got on better than ever.
On paper it was a perfect situation. Just one small problem. Cooper was completely in love with him.
He had long since got past the self hating, I'm going to hell psyche. He couldn't help how he felt and if he was going to hell he may as well go in style. Now he was just in that stage of suffering that always came with unrequited love. The torture of being around Blaine every day and not being able to touch. Not in the way he wanted to. And with every easy smile and bright laugh Blaine directed his way, Cooper fell in love a little bit more.
They're both dirt poor with a rent to pay so it was unsurprising that nights out quickly became nights in. Blaine did the initial Fresher thing of partying too hard and drinking too much and maybe waking up in a strangers bed at one point but that whole scene wasn't really for him. So the Anderson Movie Night was born. It was something on an adventure, actually, as everything was when Cooper was involved, because Cooper couldn't leave well enough alone and kept adding things to their routine.
So what started out as a simple Wednesday movie night became movie night with a blanket fort and then movie night with more of a blanket nest because forts were too much work and then movie night, blanket nest and pizza from that tiny place around the corner. And then popcorn. And chips. With dip.
On this particular Wednesday Blaine had won their usual argument about what movie to watch. Cooper refused point blank to watch Batman again (you have an unfortunate attachment to men in lycra, B) and Blaine oddly didn't want to watch Cooper's demo reel for the nth time. Eventually Blaine had offered Lord of the Rings as an alternative and Cooper had given in.
They settled eventually, a tangle of limbs and blankets, lying on their stomachs with food between them.
'You know what I don't understand about this movie?' Cooper asked, the words largely muffled by the huge mouthful of pizza he had just stuffed in his mouth.
Blaine fixed him with a look of haughty disgust. 'I'm sorry? I was distracted by the sight of half chewed cheese.'
Cooper grinned and let his mouth loll open, bringing his face close to Blaine's.
'Cooper, gross' Blaine snapped, leaning away and throwing a bit of popcorn at him.
Cooper swallowed with some difficulty and raised his eyebrows. 'Oh it's like that is it? Don't start something you can't win, little B.'
Blaine threw another piece of popcorn at him.
'You asked for it.' Cooper lunged and the bowl went flying, showering them both in popcorn. Blaine spared a thought for the carpet but then Cooper was on him, tickling him mercilessly, finding the particularly sensitive spots under his knees.
'Cooper! Cooper, no! Stop!' Blaine spluttered through helpless giggles. 'No fair.'
'I have you now, B' Cooper teased. He had watched Blaine grow up. He knew all his ticklish places.
But Blaine wasn't five anymore. One of his flailing arms found a pillow and he wasted no time in hitting Cooper in the face with it. It was Cooper's turn to splutter and Blaine took advantage of the brief interlude to roll away.
'Choose your weapon' he challenged. Cooper scooped up a pillow just in time to deflect another swing at his face.
'You play dirty' Cooper complained.
'Oh my God that's like an awesome super villain name' Cooper said. Blaine took advantage of his inattention to get in a few more blows with the pillow. One swung dangerously close to his crotch and Cooper flinched away.
'Hey let's keep it above the waist, man.'
'I'm very protective of little Cooper.'
Blaine rolled his eyes and tossed his pillow away. Cooper thought he had got bored and dropped his pillow too. Mistake. With a battle cry that sounded a lot like 'You shall not pass!' Blaine sprang, sending them both back sprawling into the blankets. The rolled a few times, struggling to get on top but Blaine was stronger than he looked and he cheated anyway because he used his elbows and everyone knew that wasn't in the rules and it was only a few moments later that Cooper found himself flat on his back with Blaine sat smugly on top of him. He leaned down into Cooper's space and smirked.
Cooper's breath whooshed out of him. Blaine's body was crushed against his, breathless and flushed and beautiful and Cooper was pinned by more that his brother's weight. He couldn't have moved even if he wanted to.
'Coop?' Blaine said uncertainly. He softened a little. 'I didn't hurt you did I?'
'No' Cooper said. And Blaine's face was still too close, Cooper could felt his breath against his lips. 'I just think I rolled in the dip' he blurted suddenly. Blaine laughed and slid off Cooper and the odd charged moment was gone as quickly as it had come.
'Well I think it's clearly stated in the rules of combat that the loser has to clean up.'
'You just made that rule up' Cooper pouted and Blaine grinned.
'You shouldn't have started something you couldn't have won.'
two or that cliché mistletoe fic
Blaine's first Christmas in LA was something of a culture shock. For one, it was his first away from his parents. They ultimately decided that the plane tickets weren't worth the trip and only did Thanksgiving, agreeing to skype on Christmas day.
And the city was crowded and colorful and magical and busy. Memories of Lima and Westerville dulled in comparison.
Cooper preferred to do the bulk of his shopping online, the shine of LA at Christmas already long since rubbed off. But he couldn't resist Blaine's hopeful face and agreed to go Christmas shopping with him.
They went into the town centre where they had absolutely outdone themselves with a huge Christmas tree, wreathed in gold and silver and reams of glittering lights. Cooper was prone to scoff but when he turned to look at Blaine whose wide eyes outshone even the lights, he couldn't bring himself to do it.
'Quite something, huh?' he said instead, nudging Blaine with his shoulder.
'It's beautiful' Blaine sighed happily. He figured it could only be improved by a snowfall such as the kind they saw in Ohio. But that was a scant hope to say the least. He wasn't sure LA ever got cold enough for snow.
'Hey there's a Santa's grotto over there' Cooper said, a light tease in his voice. 'Do you want to go and tell him what you want for Christmas?'
Blaine scowled. 'I'm not five, Cooper.'
'Oh sorry, you had me fooled for a minute there.'
'I know one asshole who won't be getting any presents this year.'
Cooper laughed and threw an arm around Blaine's shoulders. 'Aw come on, B. Don't pout.' He grinned. 'And I'm telling you why. Santa Claus is coming to toooown.'
Blaine couldn't resist a smile. 'Alright I think that's enough of that.'
'And I thought you were such a fan of impromptu public performances.'
Blaine thought of the Gap and shuddered slightly. 'Definitely not' he said firmly. 'Now come on. I've got some shopping to do.'
It was fairly painless. It was crowded in places and frustratingly hard to buy for some people, especially on a budget. But it was a lot more fun with Cooper.
'Oh my God' he said at one point. 'Honest to God Christmas sweaters. We have to try these on. Which is the most obnoxious do you think?'
Blaine plumped for a repeating snowman and, for no reason he could fathom, gingerbread men pattern and Cooper for a rudolph jumper with an actual detachable red nose.
'Ok you win' Blaine laughed. Not only was the reindeer ugly as hell but the jumper was in horribly clashing colors.
'Damn right' Cooper said, striking a ridiculous pose in the mirror. 'Hey do you think I should take some headshots wearing this?'
In the next store, Cooper stopped short next to a display of hats. 'Ok no these are even worse than the jumpers. I didn't think that was possible.' He plucked one from the shelf and put it on. 'Is this made entirely of tinsel? It's scratchy. Wait, what's this?' Cooper fiddled for a moment and then the lurid pink tinsel lit up with flashing lights. 'Oh my God, B. It lights up.'
'Cooper, shhh' Blaine said as a sales assistant glared their way but it as through a laugh.
'Christmas is the best, man. Just for this reason' Cooper declared. 'Ridiculously tacky shit.'
'And I think that's our cue to leave' Blaine said hurriedly and practically dragged Cooper from the store.
The last shop was a cute little place, decked out so fully in decorations it was hard to see actual wall. There was distinct lack of order about it, a cluttered curiosity shop that sold all sorts of odds and ends and had shelves that seemed to divert off in odd places. But the rambling layout just added to the charm.
'Wait here' Blaine said and disappeared into the back of the shop. He returned a few minutes later with a small gift wrapped parcel.
'What's that?' Cooper asked curiously.
'Never you mind' Blaine said sternly, making to put it into a shopping bag.
Cooper brightened. 'Is it for me?' He took a step forward and Blaine took a corresponding step back. 'It is, isn't it?'
'Cooper no. You'll ruin the surprise.'
Cooper made a half hearted swipe anyway, almost tripping when Blaine decided to stand his ground instead of retreating further. Blaine held the package out behind him, using the other arm to try and push Cooper away but Cooper used his height to his advantaged, pressing completely into Blaine and reaching for it. But his reach was just short.
'Damn!' he said and Blaine grinned.
'Um...' said a quiet voice and Blaine and Cooper turned in sync to see a young woman stood there. They took a moment to realise how ridiculous they must look. Pressed chest to chest but with Blaine leaning as far out of Cooper's reach as he could, one hand extended behind him, the other against Cooper's shoulder.
'Um' they echoed back and tried to detangle themselves as casually as possible.
'No it's alright' the girl laughed. 'Just wanted to get past. And you're standing under mistletoe, you know.' She winked.
Blaine and Cooper glanced at each other. They were still close together and Blaine looked amused, clearly by the misunderstanding. Cooper was contemplating how easy it would be. Just to lean forward and let their lips fit together just so. But then Blaine turned.
'We're brothers actually' he said.
The girls eyebrows shot up and she glanced at Cooper. Cooper wondered if his sudden desire had been obvious on his face. 'Ohh sorry, my bad' she said and laughed a little awkwardly.
'No harm done' Blaine said warmly and the girl nodded, shuffling away and casting an odd look over her shoulder. He turned to Cooper and laughed. 'And on that note, I think it's time to go home, don't you.'
Cooper looked at his brother, cheeks flushed with laughter and cold and eyes warm and contemplated how unfair it was that he couldn't just scoop this boy into his arms and kiss him under the mistletoe. That was a simple pleasure that was always going to be denied to him. He sighed deeply.
'Yeah, squirt. Let's go home.'
three or there's rewards in the risks
They had a quiet Christmas together, waking late and taking to Cooper's room as the warmest in the house to open their presents. It was small personal things they bought for each other. A bow tie, sheet music and some guitar plectrums for Blaine along with the new messenger bag he had had his eye on. The little package from the odds and ends shop turned out to be a small transformer alarm clock. Blaine seemed a little unsure, describing it as ridiculous and tacky but Cooper loved it and the new jacket Blaine had bought him along with it.
They went out for Chinese for lunch. Kurt had taught Blaine some cookery while they were dating but neither brother felt confident in rustling up a Christmas dinner. So the Chinese it was, still mercifully open on Christmas day. It was pretty quiet, as expected, populated mainly by those who didn't celebrate Christmas.
But they smuggled in a bit of Christmas cake and stuck a candle in it. 'For baby Jesus' Cooper declared and Blaine rolled his eyes. And Cooper couldn't really capture the feeling of spending a quiet and stress free Christmas with his favorite person in the world, the talk fond and silly and contented.
'I'm really glad I came to live with you' Blaine said softly out of nowhere, almost reflecting Cooper's thoughts. Cooper glanced up at him and then to Blaine's hand that was resting on the table. He threw caution to the wind and reached over, cupping Blaine's smaller hand in his, giving it a quick squeeze. Blaine looked surprised but not particularly concerned, giving Cooper a tentative smile. Cooper wanted to thread his fingers through Blaine's and kiss his palm. He wanted to spend every Christmas like this. With Blaine. Waking up together, Blaine all soft around the edges and warm from sleep. And silly presents that only really meant anything to them. And he would learn how to cook and give Blaine a proper Christmas dinner with all the trimmings. And they would curl up together in the evening and watch crappy TV or sing obnoxious songs. He wanted to say all this to Blaine. Wanted to promise him the world.
Instead he just said, 'Me too.'
Blaine grinned shyly and Cooper had to push away the urge to just lean over and kiss that sweet smile, to feel it against his own lips.
'Fortune cookies?' he said.
'Sure' Blaine said reaching out.
'1 2 3' they chorused together and then broke them open.
'Mine says The one you seek may be closer than you think' Blaine said in a faux mysterious voice and rolled his eyes with a slight laugh. 'What's yours?'
Cooper bit his lip. 'It says... There can be no reward without a little risk.'
New Year's Eve came and went. Blaine went out with friends so Cooper did too and tried not to be jealous that Blaine had a life outside him. He kissed a girl when the ball dropped and tried not to think about the person he really wanted to be kissing.
four or I'll be your sweater
Blaine got sick in his first week back at college. He dubbed it the dreaded Fresher's Flu that he had avoided thus far but had finally caught up with him. Cooper would have been inclined to tease, to tell him he was being dramatic, but anything that could lay Blaine out for any more than a day was actually somewhat of a worry. After the surgery he underwent after Sadie Hawkins and then his eye surgery, Blaine despised being bed bound.
So Cooper tried his best to make things a little more bearable for him.
'I'm dying' Blaine whimpered the moment Cooper walked into the room.
Cooper rolled his eyes fondly. 'You make a lot of noise for a dying person' he said gently. He sat down on the edge of the bed where Blaine was just an indistinct, shivering lump under the covers. Blaine just whined slightly, sounding miserable.
'I'm sorry, squirt' Cooper said. 'You still feel shitty, huh?'
'Mmm' Blaine said. 'Is there any more Advil?'
Cooper bit his lip guiltily. He had been late home from work and the drugstore was already closed. 'I'm sorry, B' he said. 'I tried but I got caught up and then Lisa was banging on about deadlines and...'
'Shhh. It's ok, Cooper.' Blaine turned over and smiled at him, sweet and fond in a way that always made Coopers breath catch. 'I'm just glad you're back.'
'Is there anything I can do for you?'
'Not unless you can make me feel warm' Blaine murmured, still shaking.
'Come here' Cooper said softly and he slid in next to his brother, pulling Blaine into the curve of his body. Blaine curled up happily, his head tucked up under Cooper's chin, nose buried into his familiar scent. Cooper brushed an absent hand through Blaine's curls, frowning slightly when he noticed how hot Blaine still was. He may feel cold but it was like being in bed with a furnace.
He immediately regretted not even thinking to take his sweater off before getting into bed but Blaine was already drowsing and Cooper didn't have the heart to move him now. Cooper managed to doze too, somewhat fitfully, with a restless Blaine practically on top of him at some points, he was burrowing so close. But he just stroked a wide palm down his spine and whispered soothing nonsense until Blaine settled.
When Cooper woke in the morning to Blaine's sleepily smiling face, he had to physically stop himself from closing the small gap and brushing a gentle good morning kiss to Blaine's jaw.
'Thanks, Coop' Blaine murmured. 'For being my radiator.'
Cooper swallowed. 'Any time.'
'Love you' Blaine said as his eyes fluttered closed again.
(and one) or will you still love me when you're sober?
Blaine had managed to persuade Cooper to go out with him, arguing steadfastly for the whole day that they never went out together and it might be fun if Cooper just let it be and finally Cooper gave in, despite the fact that he hated about half of Blaine's friends. Especially the cute male ones.
But it wasn't a bad night, drinks and dancing and then swaying their way home together, arms wrapped around each other. Cooper had forgotten how handsy Blaine got when he was drunk and had to exercise a lot of self control with Blaine nuzzled into his neck and slurring on about how awesome he was.
It was with some relief that Cooper got Blaine through the door of their apartment. He needed to get Blaine to bed and then he needed a moment to himself. The tempting press of Blaine's body against his was a lot harder to ignore with alcohol buzzing through his veins.
'Come sleep with me' Blaine murmured, tugging on Cooper's hand.
'You are a ridiculously cuddly drunk, you know that?' Cooper said.
'Mmm I just like cuddling with you' Blaine said too sincerely to be good for Cooper's self control.
'Come here' Blaine whispered and then without warning he was leaning in and his lips were on Cooper's. He tasted sweet and sharp like the cocktails he had been drinking and his body was pliant and loose in Cooper's arms. For a moment he got lost in the dizzying sensation of Blaine lips sliding softly against his and then his brain caught up.
'Woah, woah, stop' Cooper said, pulling back.
Blaine actually pouted. 'What? Did I read it wrong?' he said. 'Don't you want me?'
'What?' Cooper felt dizzy. Maybe this was just a very vivid beer induced booze dream.' I... I do. I just don't think you're in any fit state to be deciding whether you want me.'
'Of course I do' Blaine said simply.
'You say that now but I just...' Cooper paused and ran a frustrated hand through his hair. He needed a moment to regroup. 'Look, can we please talk about this in the morning. If you still feel the same when you're sober, we'll talk.'
Blaine frowned slightly but eventually nodded. 'Please come sleep with me though' he breathed.
Cooper never had been able to resist those puppy dog eyes.
He lay awake for a long time, with Blaine curled up in his arms and listening to the soft sound of his breathing. Blaine couldn't really feel the same way. He was just drunk and completely unable to keep it in his pants when he's had a few. In the morning this will be written off as a horribly awkward drunken mistake and then they can get on with their lives.
His brain was trying to be reasonable but his stomach refused to settle and he lay awake for a long time fretting, only drifting off when dawn light was already seeping through the blinds.
He woke to a kiss. Blaine's lips on his, gently teasing him awake.
'Mmf- morning' Cooper managed, lips still brushing Blaine's.
'You have no idea how many times I've wanted to do that' Blaine whispered.
'I think I have some idea' Cooper said, his hand trailing down Blaine's back. 'If I'd known that you... for how long?'
It didn't really make sense but Blaine seemed to understand. 'I don't really know. I've always looked up to you and admired you and then I guess it just quietly slipped into me loving you without me really noticing.'
Blaine shifted, moving to rest comfortably on top of Cooper, their noses brushing together. 'I'm sober and I feel the exactly the same way I did last night. Your move.'
Cooper pretended to consider for a moment. And then his lips crashed into Blaine's. Blaine made a happy noise in the back of his throat and kissed him back, slow and sweet.
'It's always been you' Blaine murmured between kisses. 'But you never made a move.'
'I was scared' Cooper admitted, wrapping his arms around Blaine. Blaine hummed, trailing his lips down Cooper's throat. Cooper gasped.
