The music blared around the club; loud, obnoxious and making the throbbing in Kurt's temples kick it up a notch. He put his empty glass down on the bar, feeling slightly too hot and suddenly felt the need to get out of bustling room. He didn't need to be here anymore, the party for him had wound down hours before, and now he was near enough alone as all his friends had headed off to pick up girls for the night or some other mundane activity he didn't care about. If he was perfectly honest, he hadn't actually wanted to come out tonight. It was more of an obligation than anything, considering the original party he'd been at was in honour of his big break.

That's right; Kurt Hummel was now a Broadway star as of the previous night. After five years in New York of hard times, endless auditions and singing in pubs and café's just to make ends meet, he had finally gotten his big break and was now playing Danny Zuko in the latest revival of Grease. Now he and his friends were all out celebrating after their opening night. But as exciting and wonderful and dream-come-true-esque the evening had been (after all, he'd been singing as the lead in an iconic musical before a packed audience on a Broadway stage), he couldn't help but be haunted by the memories of the past five anniversaries of this date. August 22nd; Blaine Anderson's birthday. He would never acknowledge this aloud, but this date still meant the World to him, even after all this time. Last year he'd spent the night alone in his apartment, blasting Katy Perry's Teenage Dream on repeat at top volume and steadily drinking his way into a hospital bed. The same could be said for the year before that, and every August 22nd for the past five years. Very few people really recognised the pattern, and those that did didn't understand the significance of the date, because after the break-up, Kurt had cut ties with everyone, even his brother, who might, in five years time, remember the birthday of his high-school boyfriend.

Finally able to escape the throngs of people dancing and grinding and making out on the dance floor, Kurt burst out of the front door into the cold air. It must be close to sunrise, he thought idly, taking it the faint light casting soft shadows on the street as he made his way across towards his apartment. He made his way up the dingy staircase of his building, passing dirty white doors until he reached one painted a bright scarlet. He was Kurt Hummel; of course he had to stand out somehow. He slammed the door behind him, and made his way over to where his laptop was open on his desk. He pulled up his facebook page, ignoring the little red banner in the corner informing him of a new notification as his fingers went into autopilot, typing in the name of the birthday boy himself. It was definitely not the first time he'd done this, looked up Blaine's facebook page that is, but before he'd never felt the urge to message something, leave some evidence of his past with the handsome boy, smiling slightly with and arm slung over the shoulder of Kurt's own brother in the display picture. He clicked hesitantly on the message button, fingers hovering over the keyboard as he debated whether he really wanted to do this.

Happy Birthday Blaine! Have a good day and try not to make out with Rachel St James when you got trashed ;) Jesse would appreciate it even less than I did!

Love,

Kurt xx

He pressed send before he could rethink his words, and almost immediately that sinking feeling of nervousness turned his stomach, as though he'd just made a terrible mistake. Clapping a hand to his mouth he spun around, racing into the pokey bathroom just off to the side of his room, before emptying the contents of his stomach into the toilet bowl. Full all of a sudden with listless, hopeless depression, he leaned back against the wall where he promptly fell asleep. He didn't even hear the ping of his laptop, indicating he'd received a new message.

Blaine groaned as he looked at the hoarde of people standing outside his door complete with presents and balloons. He hadn't even gotten dressed yet, but they were already pushing their way into his apartment with smiles and well-wishes.

"Alright, go in. I'll get dressed and be down in a second." He sighed, trying to hide his amusement as he pushed Rachel's husband Jesse in the direction of the living room. He bounded up the stairs taking them two at a time, stumbling into his bedroom with a smile spread across his face. He grabbed a polo shirt hanging over the back of his chair, exchanging it with the 'Likes Boys' t-shirt that was slightly small on him now but he couldn't bear to part with. He laid the t-shirt on the bed almost reverently, a solemn expression replacing the grin as he wondered what Kurt was doing now. Would he even remember Blaine, and his birthday, or had he moved on, gotten caught up with New York life and never looked back? As if in response to his thoughts, Blaine's laptop pinged as it had been all morning with facebook birthday wishes and all. Shaking off his sad thoughts he headed over, pulling a pair of chinos on as he leaned over the laptop. One hand still on the button, he clicked open the message, only to freeze completely. Smiling up at his from the tiny thumbnail picture was the face of the boy he'd just been thinking about; the boy he'd seen neither hide nor hair from since they'd broken up five years before. He knew Kurt had gone to New York, chasing his dreams as Blaine had always known he would, but he knew nothing of his life since then.

Happy Birthday Blaine! Have a good day and try not to make out with Rachel St James when you got trashed ;)

Love,

Kurt xx

Blaine was stunned, frozen to the spot, unable to breathe or see anything other than the few computerised words on his screen, and the tiny face of the boy whose fingers they'd flowed from. It must've been at least five minutes before he was able to move again, his fingers automatically flying to the keyboard and typing a response, sending it before the words could even register with his brain.

Thankyou Kurt! It's good to hear from you again. Well, it might be worth the beating Jesse would give me if it got the same reaction from you. You're jealous face was adorable.

I miss you,

Blaine xx

He made sure to flip the screen closed before bouncing back down the stairs, unable to wipe the silly grin from his face.

"You have way too much energy for this time of the morning!" Jesse groaned as Blaine bounded up to him, enveloping him in a warm hug.

"It's almost midday, and you're the one who turned up on my doorstep at this time in the morning ready to celebrate!" Blaine chuckled, ruffling his hair which caused Jesse to roll his eyes irritably. Someone was definitely not a morning person.

"Blame the missus!" He muttered, winking coyly at Blaine, while Rachel stood by oblivious. For all Jesse's faults in the past, Blaine couldn't help but admire and envy his relationship with Rachel. She'd been to NYADA as everyone always knew she would, but what they didn't know is Jesse too was relocating to the school in New York. Almost upon arriving they'd been cast as leads in the college's production of Spring Awakening and their relationship had recovered and developed from there. Blaine had attempted a semester at Ohio State, before transferring to NYU in the hope that he'd find inspiration and a dream to pursue there, and maybe, just maybe, bump into Kurt somewhere along the way. Five years on and he was an NYU Graduate, working hard at producing a demo album and playing gigs in pubs, cafés and even the occasional bookstore to keep up with rent. He also had a regular waiter job in a local restaurant so he wasn't completely strapped for cash. The only thing missing, he sighed, was Kurt. But he had Eli now, and the boy in question was sitting on his sofa, a broad smile on his handsome face.

"Happy Birthday, Blaine." Eli whispered, pulling his boyfriend down onto his lap for a quick kiss. Blaine couldn't help but notice the lack of spark, the lack of excitement, especially after the joy he'd felt at reading Kurt's reply. Kurt, who had not only messaged him out of the blue, but had remembered his birthday and everything, he couldn't help but smile at even the thought.

"So what's the plan for today guys?" He asked, looking away from his boyfriend at the group of five surrounding him. Along with Eli and Rachel and Jesse, there were also a couple of friends of his from NYU who he'd stayed in contact with, George and Miller.

"Well, we are going to sit here and watch you open your presents." Miller stepped forwards slightly

"I told you not to buy me anything." He groaned, but Miller just shrugged

"And we chose to discount what you said." He smirked, "Anyway, we're going sit around and watch you open your presents, then we're going to go out for lunch, and tonight we're all going out." The tone of his voice left no room for argument and Blaine rolled his eyes as a pile of cards was thrust into his hands by Rachel.

"Now let's get started, I'm hungry."

An hour later and Blaine was sliding his fingers under the final envelope. His friends had completely spoilt him, giving him clothes and sheet music and CD's and, hilariously, a box full of bowties. They really weren't going to let the whole bowtie thing go, were they? He hadn't even worn one in years. Flipping open the envelope he pulled out two tickets to go and see Grease on Broadway. His jaw dropped.

"Guys, you did not do this. No way, this is way too much money." He was still holding the envelope, tickets limp in his hands.

"Chill out Blaine, Jesse and I were going anyway, and then George and Miller decided they wanted to come too, so we figured if we all chipped in it wouldn't cost much, plus I know a guy who got us discount." Rachel shrugged, and he looked down at the date on them. "Guys, these are for today, as in two hours time?"

"Yes," Jesse rolled his eyes, as though Blaine was being completely dense "You didn't think we were going to his the clubbing scene after lunch, did you?"

"Ah, I guess that actually makes sense." He smiled, realising his idiocy. "But are you guys sure, I don't want you to have spent this much on me?" George took the honours of slapping him upside the head.

"This is your birthday present, you are our best friend, we're not going to let you pay. Now go get dressed properly, because I refuse to go to the theatre with you looking like that." Blaine turned back to Eli, pressing a brief kiss to his lips as he shot him a stunning grin.

"Thankyou guys, thank you all so much!" He bubbled, before racing once more up the stairs.

Two hours later found the six of them sitting in front row seats as the curtains began to rise on the stage before them. Blaine recognised the music instantly, seeing the two silhouettes on either side of the stage, facing away from the audience as the opening music for Summer Nights rang around the hall. He grinned, this musical may be cheesy, but he'd always kind of loved it; it was a bit of a guilty pleasure of his. Suddenly the boy playing Danny turned around, belting out the first line of the song in a voice that sent chills down his spine. Even if he hadn't recognised that face, that voice was impossible not to remember. Although he was on a Broadway stage with a microphone taped to his face, that voice had not changed at all. If nothing else, it just proved that Kurt was already a star, even in high school. He felt Rachel grab his hand tightly, knowing she was staring at him aghast, but couldn't bring himself to tear his eyes away from the tall, slim figure that was now standing at the front of the stage, surrounded by other insignificant people.

"Did you know?" He breathed, finally turning to meet Rachel's eyes. She looked moments away from crying, terrified and emotional, and Blaine had his answer there and then. He reached over, wrapping an arm tightly around her shoulders and kissing her head as the voice they both knew better than each others' continued to hit every note perfectly.

"Of course not." She whispered back, still completely shocked, "But he made it Blaine, he's really made it." Even though surprise was tangible in her voice, he could tell she was smiling, and to his surprise he found himself doing exactly the same as they settled to watch their best friend win over the audience.

"Yeah, he has." But Blaine, unlike Rachel, had always known he would.

"Blaine?" Eli asked, startling Blaine from his deep thoughts as they sat at the bar, "You look sad, what are you thinking?" The concerned look in his eye was unmistakeable, but Blaine couldn't help but sigh inwardly. Sure Eli was his boyfriend, but he didn't need to know every thought that ran through his mind, especially when he was completely unaware of even the existence of Kurt.

"I'm fine babe," He forced a smile, "You had a good day?"

"Yeah, I can't believe I've never seen a show on Broadway before." Unlike the other five, Eli was completely unmusical and had no interest in theatre. He'd done an economics degree at Colombia, and was more interested in business than arts. "The guy playing Danny was amazing though, Curtis Pummel or something?" Blaine winced at the choice of subject, but couldn't help but correct his boyfriend.

"Kurt Hummel." He muttered, picking up his drink and knocking it back, ignoring the burning of alcohol down his throat. "Yeah, he was good."

"Good, his voice was like an angel's Blaine? Were you even at the same show I was? Plus he was completely smoking, I mean, did you see those arms? Celebrity crush right there." Eli swooned, laughing playfully, completely oblivious to the stab of pain his words sent through Blaine's heart. If only you knew, he thought mournfully, I've done more than just see those arms. Spying Rachel and Jesse over Eli's shoulder he sent them a look that was nothing less than a desperate plea for help. Immediately Rachel knew what he needed, and grabbed George's arm, towing him over to where the two boys were sat at the bar.

"Hey Eli, George was wondering if you wanted to dance?" She smiled sweetly, stepping subtly on George's toe when he looked at her as if to argue. Eli turned to look at Blaine, who waved him off easily,

"Feel free babe, I don't really feel like dancing tonight anyway." Eli leaned down and kissed Blaine's cheek, before hurrying off to the dance floor with George, who threw a confused glance over his shoulder at the threesome that was now tightly huddled together.

"What's up B?" Jesse asked casually, but both Blaine and Rachel just shot him a sharp look telling him to drop the act and he heaved a sigh. "Eli stuck his foot in it?" Blaine nodded sadly, ordering another shot from the bartender, who shot him a mildly concerned glance before complying and heading off to serve someone else.

"That was Kurt on that stage. Kurt! The love of my life that Eli doesn't even know existed! And then we get here and Eli's all 'did you see his arms?' and 'he sings like an angel' and 'he's my new celebrity crush'. Can that be any more awkward?" He downed the shot again, this time wincing at the alcohol burn.

"Jeez, that guy really is oblivious, isn't he?" Rachel sighed, slapping a hand to her forehead dramatically.

"He's crushing on my ex. My current boyfriend is crushing on my ex, and I'm totally jealous!" He saw the looks of surprise on their faces and shook his head, realising how they must've interpreted his words, "Not like that. But if Eli can see how beautiful Kurt is, what's to stop someone else seeing that? I don't even know if he is seeing anyone or not, but just seeing someone look at him with admiration is making me feel sick. Am I the most pathetic thing on Earth?" He slumped forwards, pressing his burning forehead to the cool bar. Rachel ran a hand lightly up and down his back.

"You're not pathetic dude, just in love." Jesse shrugged, and Blaine couldn't help but agree in part. "I mean, that was Kurt up there."

"A miracle in itself." Rachel smirked slightly, and Blaine caught the sadness in her tone.

"Nah, he was born to sing on a Broadway stage, I never had any doubts."

"I didn't mean it like that, but you've been living in the area for what, five years? And the day that you finally hear from him, he's there at the show you're watching." She smiled coyly, and Blaine could've sworn he cricked his neck with the speed he turned to look at her.

"You looked at my facebook?" She nodded, a huge smirk on her lips now. "No, it really wouldn't be worth the beating Jesse would give you." Blaine groaned, but couldn't help the tiny smile that quirked his lips up.

"Someone care to explain?" Jesse interrupted, frowning in confusion.

"Kurt facebooked Blaine saying happy birthday, and that he hoped he wouldn't make out with me again when he had too much to drink." Jesse rolled his eyes.

"I forgot you're liable to make a move on my girl when you're under the influence." He wrapped an arm around Rachel's waist, tugging her away from him and making them both laugh.

"Blaine, what're you going to do?" Rachel asked quietly, sobering them all up.

"I don't know." There were a few moments full of tense, slightly awkward silence.

"Look, I'm just gonna come right out and say it." Jesse sighed, "You love Kurt, don't you?" Blaine nodded, rolling his eyes as though that was the most pointless statement ever uttered. "I say you go for it. I know what it's like to feel like you've lost the love of your life forever. It sucks, and it hurts. But then I got the opportunity to try and make things better with Rach, and I got everything I'd ever hoped for out of it."

"But what if he's already got somebody? What if he's moved on?"

"He won't have. If you love him this much, there's no way he can't at least feel something for you still. And even if there is someone else, make him forget them. You seem to be forgetting a certain Finn Hudson my wife used to be engaged to." Jesse was right, and Blaine sort of knew it, but still needed some convincing. "Look, what've you got to lose?" He shrugged, taking a sip of his own drink without breaking eye contact with Blaine.

"Eli. My pride. Any hope that maybe things can still work out."

"Firstly, if you remotely cared about losing Eli you wouldn't even be considering going after Kurt, so don't try and hide behind that screw-up. Secondly, you won't get anywhere being proud, I know Kurt destroyed you, but we saw what you two were like beforehand and there's no way he wasn't just as damaged by the break-up. Plus didn't he take the first step by messaging you? Thirdly, what's the point of hoping things will work out if you don't try and make them when you get the chance?"

"I really hate you being right." Blaine grumbled, but shot him a genuine smile, "Thankyou Jesse." The other boy just shrugged in a nonchalant fashion, as though to say 'what else am I here for?'

"So we're gonna go for it?" Rachel asked, a smile lighting up her dark eyes. Blaine nodded slowly,

"We're gonna go for it" It was then that the girl squealed, actually squealed, and threw her arms tight around Blaine's shoulders. He wound his arms around her waist, holding her tight and suddenly wishing he had another drink in his hand. Rachel pulled out of his arms just as Eli and George came prancing back, huge smiles on their sweaty faces, and Blaine felt tendrils of guilt squirm in his stomach. It wasn't that Eli wasn't a good guy, but he just wasn't Kurt.

"You were amazing last night!" Kurt's co-star Tessa smiled warmly at him. He shot her a smile in return, looking over from where they were sat in front of the make-up mirrors.

"Thanks, so were you. You absolutely killed 'Hopelessly Devoted'." She blushed prettily, her hands going to make sure her hair was still pulled back. They had less than twenty minutes until their next show, and Kurt felt his stomach churning sickeningly as it did before every performance. It didn't help that the latest message he'd sent to Blaine was still up on the screen, unanswered after more than 24 hours, and he was trying to quell the anger he aimed at himself for caring. Blaine had a life without him; Kurt couldn't expect him to drop everything to reply to some stupid facebook messages with somebody that he used to know. But he also couldn't get the curly haired man out of his thoughts, or heart for that matter.

"Come on guys, show circle." Billie, who played Rizzo called from the other side of the door, and Kurt pushed his chair back, shrugging on the leather jacket he'd donned for the role and shooting Tessa a small, nervous smile. She mirrored this expression, eyes flitting worriedly about the room; not that she had anything to worry about, she was wonderful. They made their way onto the stage, where the rest of the cast was already gathered, huddled together and speaking in whispered conversations. The noise from the crowd outside was reasonably loud still, suggesting they'd once again got a full house.

"Break a leg guys, you'll all be amazing. Just do what we did in rehearsal earlier and we'll be perfect." Johnny, who played Kenickie said, calling them all to order.

"Hear hear." Everyone agreed, wrapping arms around each others' shoulders as they bunched into a tight hug, before breaking to take their places. As soon as Kurt took his place, shoulders squared and back to the audience he felt his nerves drain away, and all thoughts of Blaine disappear from his mind. With a smirk on his face he waited until the curtain rose, the music began, and the show began.