Finn showed back up just as our dinner arrived so we all gathered around the kitchen table. I swear there is no better way to start new friendships than over plates of Sesame Tofu, Pad Thai and Steamed Dumplings. Yum!!

"So you're vegan? That's really cool!! I could never do it, I'd miss cheese too much. But I understand the appeal. I don't actually eat much red meat myself."

Apparently I said the right thing because Rachel gave me a warm smile. "It was hard at first, but after all these years I couldn't even imagine eating a real hamburger anymore. They make some really tasty ones with grains and meat substitutes." I nod emphatically in agreement as she shoos Finn's hand away.

I look at Blaine curiously and he mouths to me 'Just watch.'

"Finn, how many times does she have to tell you she doesn't want to try your Pepper Steak?! She doesn't eat meat." Wow looks like this is a usual occurrence. I shake my head and mouth back to Blaine motioning towards the other three teens, 'Are they always like this?' He nods in agreement as we try in vain to stifle our giggles. Oh well.

The other three seem to take notice of our silent conversation.  Finally Kurt speaks up.  "Are you guys done having some odd cousin/twin telepathic conversation?" Oh crap, they caught us.

I place one hand on the table and start twirling my hair with the other one. Blaine notices right away, it's my nervous habit I picked up when we were little. I only do it when I'm upset or uncomfortable about something. Averting my eyes I begin to mumble, "I'm so sorry. We. Well we're so close in age. We've spent so much time together...." I began to trail off when Blaine gently placed his hand over mine, squeezing slightly.

"I got this Shann. After my dad... well my mom, Cooper and I spent a lot of time with Aunt Brenda and Uncle Steve when we were little. Coop was so much older so he was constantly off at baseball games and stuff with Shannon's dad. So we hung out a lot. I mean we're only a few months apart even though she's still my little cousin. Shann was actually the first person I came out to."

Finn was still absorbed in his food but Kurt and Rachel seemed shocked at his revelation. I smiled fondly at the memory. "We were reading teen magazines in my old tree house when we were 12. And Blaine here agreed with my mutual attraction to Justin Timberlake."

He chuckled and continued with his explanation.  "So, yea, we're probably more like twins than cousins. She's shorter and I've got the hazel eyes, but we've just got a great bond. Forged through years of gossip about guys and Disney movies."

Rachel and Kurt shared smiles, they understood exactly. And I felt much better, they got me.

Dinner was finished so Rachel and I started flipping through the scrapbook I brought down with us while the boys cleaned up. She was oohing and aahing over goofy pictures of my friends and I at the zoo and amusement park. Eventually she reached a few pages that she became really excited about. "Kurt, Blaine come here! Look at all these theater stubs. Look, look!! Operas. Ballets. Musicals. We don't get any of these in Lima!" They all nod in agreement and Rachel's eyes shine in wonder.

Le sigh. "I know.... Pittsburgh has a great cultural scene and is just bursting with fun restaurants. I'm really going to miss that."  Blaine glances up at the clock while I stifle a yawn. How is it 7:30 already?!  Everyone else seems to notice as well. "Guys I think she'd like to rest and I've got homework to do. Football practice kept me so busy this week and I'm kinda behind."  Finn all but pushes the other two out of the house. I think he's wanted to leave since he finished his Fortune Cookies. I hugged my new friends, Kurt, Rachel and I already exchanged phone numbers so I knew we'd be in touch again soon.

Once the others have left Blaine closes the door and turns back to me. "What do you say to a good old-fashioned cousin Disney movie night?  I'll pick out our options and grab some blankets while you change into pajamas."  I nod emphatically and rush up to my new room. You don't have to tell me twice. I swiftly change into my comfiest, softest pair of black fleece pants and a pink tank top practically skipping back down to the living room.

Blaine chuckles as I got settled with a blanket on the couch. He holds up the two dvds I knew he would. Good old predictable Blaine. "So its Disney doppelgänger night. Your pick."

"Well Aladdin is totally you, my diamond in the rough."

"And you're Ms Belle. My bookworm with the affinity for bad boys."

Too funny right?! "Hey beast was a REDEEMABLE bad boy. I just need to find a guy who looks bad on the outside but is really sweet."  I shrug slightly.

"Fine, have it your way. 'Beauty and the Beast' it is." We cuddle up on the couch and the last thing I remember is Lumiere starting 'Be Our Guest.'  Next thing I know is I'm being gently shaken awake. "Come on princess, it looks like it's bedtime."

That's it and we retreat upstairs to our separate bedrooms. Lights out.

**the next morning**

I was in the middle of a wonderful dream, the mystery man who held my hand was getting closer. I still couldn't see his face all I knew is that he was slim and rather tall. Next thing I knew someone was practically jumping up and down on my bed. What the?!

I open my eyes slightly. Blaine?? Why is he here so early?? "Blainey, while I appreciate your enthusiasm this is the first Sunday I've slept in for years. What is so important that you're waking me?"

He's fully dressed. Maybe it is later than I thought. "Wake up sleepy head! It's almost noon. I thought you would want a grand tour of our little town??" Goodness, he's giving me a mischievous smile. He must have plans.

I get up out of bed reluctantly. If I don't, he'll just keep trying. "Fine, give me twenty minutes. But there BETTER be coffee in this deal. On you."  And we shake on it. "Now vacate so I can get ready." He gives me a mini salute as he leaves the room.

I begin to peruse my closet. Finally settling on my softest pair of blue jeans, black ballet flats and a sassy new shirt.

What, I'm a little naughty sometimes. I throw my hair into a quick pony tail so it cascades in waves down my back. Just some light makeup: eyeliner, mascara and lipgloss. No fuss, no muss. I'm pretty low maintenance. And head down to meet my cousin.

He takes one look at my outfit and smiles. "Cute. Now are you a good witch or a bad witch?" I elbow him in his side and grab my phone, slipping it into my purse. "Hilarious Blaine. Now for my coffee? Lead the way Prince Ali."

"After you my Belle." We decided to take his car since I needed to learn my way around town. As he drives he points out landmarks I should know: park, school, some Italian restaurant called Breadstix. Finally we pull up to our destination, a coffee shop called The Lima Bean. Cute. Blaine holds the door for me and I walk to the counter checking out the menu. "Remember I got this Shann. I still remember your coffee order from over the summer, so why don't you go grab a table for us while you still can." I nodded.

Turning towards the seating area I noticed he really wasn't kidding. It seemed awfully busy for lunch on a Sunday. I settled down at a small round table by the time he headed back to me. "White chocolate raspberry mocha, extra shot of espresso," and handed me my drink before sitting down at the table with me. I take a sip. Ahh. Coffee. Glorious coffee.

We both noticed a group of guys our age walk in and up to the coffee counter. They seem to be wearing uniforms from Blaine's old school, Dalton Academy. The two at the front, a tall blonde and a shorter brunette noticed us first and shoot Blaine a wave. Heading our way.

"Brace yourself Shann. These two are a whole different breed."

Blondie speaks first. "So Blaine, you gonna introduce us to your precious friend?" His pal isn't far behind. "She single? She's really cute. Hey you guys kinda look alike."

Blaine just gives me a told you so look. "Chill guys. Jeff, Nick this is my cousin Shannon from Pittsburgh. She'll be staying with me for a while." I extend my hand in greeting and they both take turns kissing it. I giggle. Where did these two come from? They're like cartoon characters. Nick repeats himself, "So is she single?"

I blush but before I can reply another voice joins our conversation. You can practically hear the smirk in his voice and I just stare at the hottest guy I've ever seen.

??: "Nicholas it doesn't matter because if she'd fall for any of us it would be me. Not you. I'm everyone's type"

Oh my... I'm in trouble. Bad boy alert. Code Red! Who is he?!