Blaine sighed and gently fisted his hand in the fabric of Kurt's shirt, completely content in Kurt's arms. Kurt smiled tenderly and dropped his head in order to place a kiss upon Blaine's forehead.
"Missed you," Blaine mumbled, his eyes still closed as if he was worried Kurt wouldn't be there if he opened them again. There were many instances where that had happened before.
"Missed you more," Kurt replied, his tone light and teasing as he nuzzled his cheek against the top of Blaine's head.
Blaine scoffed and finally opened his eyes, giving Kurt a skeptical look.
"I highly doubt that. Let's just say we missed each other equally," he suggested.
"I guess I can agree to that," Kurt said, releasing his grip around Blaine and taking a few steps back, giving Blaine a once over. He grinned at Blaine's slightly too short pants, his exposed ankles and the deep purple cardigan.
"I swear you haven't changed a bit," he said fondly.
Blaine blushed and ducked his head.
"I just wanted it to seem like you never went back, like things aren't any different," he confessed.
Kurt pursed his lips and nodded, understanding Blaine's train of thought.
"You look great though," Blaine spoke again. "I-I mean, you always look beautiful, but especially today. Did you do something with your hair?" Blaine asked.
Kurt's cheeks turned pink at the compliment and he rested one hand at the back of his neck.
"Umm yeah, I got a few highlights a couple of weeks ago," he replied.
"It looks nice," Blaine said softly but sincerely.
Kurt bit his lip to try to hide his smile. He had gotten highlights in anticipation for this trip. He was happy Blaine noticed them so fast. Of course, it didn't really surprise Kurt. Blaine always noticed everything. It was an endearing, and occasionally slightly irksome trait. Nice if you'd had a bad day and needed a hug without having to explain yourself, annoying if you were trying to keep a secret.
"Thanks, I see you're wearing the bowtie I bought you before I left," Kurt pointed out, stepping towards Blaine and straightening the tie out of habit. "It brings out the green in your eyes just like I knew it would. I'm sure you get plenty of compliments on it."
Blaine coughed a little abruptly and gave Kurt a guilty look.
"Actually, the truth is, I've never worn it until right now," he confessed.
Kurt frowned at Blaine's words, a small tinge of hurt detectable in his eyes.
"Why? Do you not like it?" he asked.
Blaine's eyes widened in alarm.
"No! Nonono I love it Kurt. It's just; I want this tie to just be our thing. I don't want anyone else to see it or –or compliment me on it because then the tie might remind me of something other than just you. I know that sounds silly, but-"
"It's not silly. I understand. Maybe you could wear it to lunch with me some time this week though?" Kurt offered.
Blaine nodded. His eyes then glinted playfully.
"Actually, I have something I bought for you too, but I'm not going to give it to you until the end of the week," Blaine declared.
Kurt pouted.
"Why can't you give it to me now?" he whined.
"Because I want to make sure I see you more than just today," Blaine answered cheekily, placing his hands on Kurt's hips and wriggling his eyebrows playfully. Kurt laughed and wound his arms around Blaine.
"I think I can live with that," Kurt said, his thumbs rubbing circles in the dimples of Blaine's lower back over the many layers of clothes.
Blaine shivered at the contact and tilted his head up to capture Kurt's lips with his own. He felt Kurt smiling through the kiss and he himself giggled when Kurt nibbled a little on Blaine's bottom lip. Blaine was completely blissful as Kurt kissed him. His entire body felt as if it were on fire and even the lightest of Kurt's touches were electric, despite the thickness of Blaine's clothes. He willed his mind to stop worrying, to stop thinking and allowed himself to just feel; feel Kurt's hands curiously but gently roam across his body, feel the short warm puffs of air Kurt emitted as he caught his breath before kissing Blaine again and again and again, feel his own body melt into Kurt's, and feel the sense of want and longing and pure love that Blaine so desperately desired possess him. Thankfully, Kurt was more than willing to fulfill that desire.
Drowning in the sensation of Kurt's warm body wrapped up in his, Blaine whined and gasped, sliding his left hand up Kurt's chest and eventually cupping his cheek.
Suddenly, Kurt froze and stepped backwards, pushing Blaine away; his hand where Blaine's had been a second before and his eyes squeezed shut. Blaine frowned and took a tiny step forward.
"Kurt? Are…are you alright? Did I do something wrong?" Blaine asked, trying- and failing – to hide the hurt in his voice at the sudden sense of rejection he was feeling.
Kurt slowly lowered his hand and exhaled. He opened his eyes and smiled a little sadly.
"No, you didn't do anything wrong Blaine," Kurt sighed, walking back to him. "It's just that…there's a difference between this," Kurt brought up his right hand and softly caressed Blaine cheek. Blaine whimpered and leaned into the touch.
"And this," Kurt finished, dropping his own hand and replacing it with Blaine's. Blaine's skin shivered against the cold feel of his wedding band and he immediately gasped in understanding.
"Kurt, I'm…" Blaine paused, trying to collect his thoughts. "I'm so sorry. I wasn't thinking at all and that must have felt awful," Blaine assumed, his voice laced with guilt, a few tears threatening to fall from his dark lashes.
Kurt shrugged and gently gripped Blaine's shoulders.
"Not awful, just a little surprising. Not like I forgot you were married, just the feeling of the ring…it still takes time to get used to it I guess," Kurt admitted.
Blaine sniffed and wiped his eyes frantically to get rid of the tears.
"Hey, hey I'm fine. Please don't cry," Kurt pleaded, cupping Blaine's face sweetly and kissing his cheek, tasting the salt from the few tears that had escaped Blaine's eyes and moistened his cheeks.
"I'm sorry. I just…it's not fair to you," Blaine whispered brokenly.
Kurt smiled and gently ran his thumb along Blaine's cheek in a caress.
"It's okay Blaine. I understand. I did then and I do now," Kurt promised.
Blaine inhaled deeply and gently removed Kurt's hands from his face.
"I-I still haven't told him about us. When you were here with me before you left, I came so close to telling him, but I just couldn't," he confessed.
"Well, I would have been surprised if you had. Blaine, just because you can't be with me yet, doesn't stop me from loving you. Besides, we're going to tell him tonight anyway," Kurt pointed out.
Blaine bit his lip and stepped away, refusing to meet Kurt's eye.
"It's not that simple anymore," Blaine said sadly, wringing his hands.
Kurt scrunched his face in confusion.
"Blaine, what do you mean?" he asked cautiously, walking to a cozy looking chair and sitting down slowly. Blaine started speaking, but then stopped, trying to find the perfect words.
"Sebastian's…changed. He's a completely different person from the one I knew even ten months ago. He's been warm and kind, just…wonderful," Blaine said softly.
Kurt tried not to look upset at Blaine's words.
"When did all this happen?" Kurt wondered, his voice a little tight.
Blaine noticed Kurt's demeanor, but kept talking. He needed to get this out.
"About eight months ago. When you and I said goodbye to each other and I watched you walk away and get on that plane, I…I was inconsolable. I went home, locked myself in my room and cried for what seemed like days. Sebastian was still on his business trip and I felt so so alone. Two months passed excruciatingly slow, but eventually Sebastian came back home. He dropped his bags and swooped me up in a hug, telling me he quit his job and got a new one, one where he could come home everyday and be there for me. He's been everything I've wanted and more ever since," he finished quietly, avoiding Kurt's face.
"So he's been perfect ever since huh? A model husband? Blaine, people don't just change who they are in a matter of months," Kurt pointed out. Blaine flinched a little as he recalled the cold reception he received this morning.
"Yes, yes, they can and he has," Blaine insisted, mostly trying to convince himself. "He loves me and is willing to change."
Kurt bit his tongue to refrain from arguing.
"I guess when he came back is when you stopped contacting me," he eventually said.
Blaine stared at Kurt, his eyes glassy and his lip trembling a little. It told Kurt all he needed to know.
"I see, and here I thought you'd be willing to tell him tonight. I now realize how absurd that idea is," Kurt muttered. An awful silence hung about the room, suffocating them both.
"Kurt, do you remember how you would write to me?" Blaine asked abruptly and a little hesitantly.
"Of course I remember," Kurt replied quickly. Blaine laughed a little and smiled to himself at the thought of the letters with his name on them written in Kurt's beautiful handwriting.
"I thought it was so silly that you wrote me real letters, but in all seriousness it was the most romantic thing," Blaine admitted.
"Blaine, I'm glad you loved them so, but what is the point of this confession?" Kurt asked.
Blaine, who had been pacing- hesitated, stopping in his tracks.
"After I read your letters I stored them in a small box that I keep locked at all times. All of them I locked away, all except one which I always carried with me either in my coat pocket or my messenger bag. I'm sure you know which letter that is," Blaine assumed.
Kurt smiled a little.
"Yes, I think I know which one you mean," he answered. Blaine walked over to Kurt and sat opposite him on the sofa, crossing his ankles and tapping his fingers on his knee, a nervous habit.
"Well, I was on holiday with Sebastian, we had taken the train to Brighton, and was at the station after we came back, when I realized my letter was not in my bag. I initially thought I must have left it in a coat pocket at home, but I still couldn't find it. I was devastated. A week later I received a note from someone claiming they had my letter. They threatened to show it to my husband unless I forwarded 50 pounds to this specific address," Blaine said sadly, reliving the awful memory.
Kurt frowned and got up from the chair, choosing instead to join Blaine on the couch.
"I had to draw the 50 pounds in 10 pound increments, and then change those 10 pound notes into 5 pound notes," Blaine continued, looking down at his hands that were placed in his lap.
"Do you still have those blackmail notes?" Kurt asked. Blaine nodded quickly.
"Can I see them?" Kurt inquired.
Blaine stood up and silently went to his room, returning with a small wooden box with a tiny combination lock on it. He spun the lock and opened the box's lid, taking out a couple of notes with ugly black ink on them. He handed the notes to Kurt who read them, his fingers shaking with anger. How dare anyone try to ruin Blaine's life like this.
"These notes were typed with a simple font on paper. Anyone could have done this," Kurt figured. "Did you go to the police about these notes?" Kurt demanded to know.
"N-no I couldn't. Not without Sebastian finding out about us. So I just ended up going to the bank and-"
"Blaine, you didn't," Kurt said sadly, gently wrapping a comforting arm around Blaine's shoulders.
"I had to. There was no other way to get the letter back. Besides, it was only 50 pounds. It's not like I couldn't afford it. So I forwarded the money and waited," Blaine said plainly, his tense shoulders relaxing a little at Kurt's touch.
"So where's the letter then? I didn't see it in your box, unless it's back in your coat pocket or messenger bag," Kurt figured.
Blaine shoulders slumped and he leaned into Kurt's side.
"I never got the letter back," he whispered, his voice so distraught. "I waited and waited, but I never got it back. I never got another blackmail note though, and Sebastian never found out about it so I just dropped the issue and tried to forget the entire thing ever happened, but," Blaine stopped and sighed, sitting up and shrugging out of Kurt's arms.
"But what, Blaine?" Kurt asked softly.
Their eyes locked in on each other. Blaine swallowed hard and stood up, walking towards the fireplace, his back to Kurt.
"I-I know I should be relieved that no more notes came or that Sebastian never found out…" Blaine trailed off, looking at a photograph of his husband that hung above the mantle.
Kurt stood up and softly took Blaine's hand.
"Blaine, I'm going to tell Sebastian about us tonight," he informed.
Blaine's eyes widened in panic and he spun around, clutching Kurt's shoulders desperately.
"No Kurt, you can't. Please don't tell him. I-I'm not ready for that yet. Please," Blaine begged.
"Blaine, you're being blackmailed. You are in a very dangerous position. I know it will be terrifying and extremely difficult to tell him, but I'll be here for you and if we do tell him then we can go to the police. I'm afraid that you may be in some real danger," Kurt worried, his hands on either side of Blaine's face to try to reason with him.
Blaine shook his head frantically.
"No- no no no Kurt, I can't. Everything is going so well. He's really turned around. He isn't gone all the time and he doesn't give me the cold shoulder or speak to me unkindly anymore and," Blaine paused his rambling and took a breath. "And we're thinking about starting a family," he whispered so quietly it was almost like a wish.
Kurt breathed in sharply and took a step back. It was one thing to hope Blaine would leave a husband that, in Kurt's opinion, didn't deserve Blaine at all, but to ask Blaine to split up a family? To leave a child to a broken home? Kurt knew he could never ask that of anyone. Not even Blaine whom he loved with everything he had.
"Well, I guess that's that," he said sadly, his heart breaking at the realization that this reunion was going to be nothing but a bittersweet goodbye in the end.
Blaine looked as if he had come to the same conclusion and he started to weep into his hands.
"Kurt – Kurt I'm so sorry. I – I wish I would have met you seven years earlier. God, I wish that so much," he sobbed, his words broken up by the gasps amidst the tears. The room was silent, save for Blaine's cries. The small distance between them never felt so vast and impossible to overcome.
"I wish it were just ten months ago," Kurt whispered, his arms wrapped around himself protectively and his head hung down towards the floor. "We had said our goodbyes, I was going on that plane and I-" Kurt sniffed as a few tears fell. "I almost dropped my things, ran back and asked you to come with me, asked you to leave your unhappy marriage and be with me and let me love you like you deserved…I-I believe you would have done it then," he finished, raising his head to look at Blaine.
Blaine stood silent and still as he absorbed Kurt's words and realized Kurt was right. He was always right. He would have left then- he loved Kurt so much – still did love him, but that didn't stop him from loving his husband. And now, considering Sebastian had changed so much – he knew he couldn't leave him and he couldn't ask Kurt to stick around and wait for something that couldn't be. That would be the cruelest thing Blaine could ever do.
"There's still something you haven't explained," Kurt said quietly, breaking Blaine out of his thoughts.
"What's that?" he asked, looking up and gazing at Kurt, his eyes a little puffy and red-rimmed.
"Why did you keep that one letter with you always?" Kurt questioned, his voice vulnerable.
Blaine's lips parted in surprise at the question and he couldn't stop the small whine that tumbled from his mouth. Before he knew it he was back in Kurt's arms and kissing him frantically.
"You know why," he murmured between gasps as Kurt slid his hands under Blaine's cardigan and shirt, his fingers splayed against the flesh of Blaine's back.
Kurt moaned as Blaine swiped at Kurt's lower lip with his tongue and gripped Kurt's hips firmly and squeezed.
"Want you," Kurt gasped against Blaine's neck as Blaine ran his fingers through Kurt's hair.
"You have me," Blaine uttered huskily, slowly becoming undone as Kurt teasingly ran his fingers under the waistband of Blaine's boxer-briefs. "God, Kurt you have me."
"Bedroom" Kurt demanded as they started clawing at each other's clothing, desperate to feel skin on skin.
"Okay," Blaine panted.
Kurt practically ripped off Blaine's purple cardigan in a frenzy and began to kiss the small patch of exposed skin on Blaine's neck. Blaine moaned softly and walked backwards, Kurt still glued to him, stumbling a little as he felt Kurt's hands all over and Kurt's lips pressing against his with a bruising force.
They reached the bedroom and toppled onto the bed rather clumsily, both of them laughing a little at the action in the midst of their frantic passion. They slowed down their kisses and touches and lovingly undressed one another, shedding all of their heart-ache and troubles as well, allowing themselves one more time to just explore and remember each other's bodies; one more time to make the other sigh with pleasure the way they knew best; one more time to be just Kurt and Blaine: two people who only wanted to love the other and be loved in return.
XXX
Blaine was anything but tired as he watched Kurt slowly doze off, a small smile on his face. His heart swelled as he stared at Kurt's sleeping form, his arm draped over Blaine's chest, their legs tangled and their bodies as close together as they could get. Blaine shifted and rested his head against Kurt's chest, feeling Kurt's racing heart calm slowly. The shared heat of their bodies in contrast to the thin, cool layer of sweat that coated his and Kurt's skin made Blaine shiver and he drew himself even closer to Kurt, an effort that seemed nearly impossible, but Blaine managed.
He ran his foot up and down Kurt's calf and listened to the soft sounds of Kurt breathing and occasionally letting out a murmur or coo in his sleep. A small twinge of sadness began to encircle Blaine's heart as he stared at the wedding band that gleamed brightly even in the darkness of the bedroom, a glaring reminder of the reality that, in that moment, Blaine would give anything to escape.
He frowned a little as he slid off his ring and placed his palm flat against Kurt's chest. He noticed the tan line on his ring finger, something he hadn't seen before. Blaine had never taken off his ring – it was an unnerving – yet exhilarating feeling.
Feeling brave, he peered down at Kurt's hand nestled between them, and gently slid his wedding ring onto Kurt's finger. Kurt's fingers were a little thinner than Blaine's, but the ring still looked breathtaking. Blaine's breath hitched at the sight and his eyes welled up with tears. Kurt looked so perfect with that small gold band and Blaine realized how much Kurt deserved that ring. He deserved someone who could give him everything good and amazing in a marriage. That person couldn't be Blaine, but what really tore him apart was how much he still wanted to be that person. Complete and utter self-loathing overtook him and he slid the ring back onto his finger and untangled himself from Kurt, opting instead to sit at the edge of the bed, the sheets draped over his lap. His shoulders began to shake as he cried soundlessly, the tears clinging to his dark lashes before falling onto his lap.
He didn't notice Kurt waking slowly and frowning in a sleepy haze at the empty spot on the bed next to him.
"Blaine?" he called as he noticed Blaine hunched over with his head in his hands, his spine and back muscles on full display.
Blaine didn't answer, he just sat there, curled in on himself, alone with his self-hatred.
"Blaine?" Kurt asked again, sitting up and crawling over the sheets to his lover. "Blaine honey, talk to me – what's wrong?" Kurt asked wrapping his arms around Blaine shoulders from behind and kissing the nape of his neck, hoping he would relax and speak.
Blaine took a shuddering breath and looked at Kurt, his eyes wide and glassy, shining with a few remaining unshed tears.
"I am a horrible person," he whispered brokenly.
Kurt tightened his grip around Blaine and murmured words of comfort to try to console him.
"No you're not. You are a wonderful person Blaine," he said reassuringly.
Blaine shook his head in disagreement.
"I'm definitely not wonderful. I'm a lot of things, but wonderful is not one of them. I'm deceptive, a liar to my husband. I'm a cheater and I-I'm so so selfish. I-I know we could never be together in the way that you want and you deserve someone who can kiss you out in the open or will take you on a proper date without worrying about running into someone they know. I know that, but I'm too selfish to let you go and find that someone who would make you happy. I don't want to let you go. What kind of person does that Kurt?" Blaine asked helplessly, his voice muffled as he spoke into Kurt's skin, tears running from his face onto Kurt's shoulder.
Kurt's heart broke at Blaine's words, mostly because of the hatred Blaine held towards himself, but also because of the sad truth in some of the things he said. Kurt leaned back so that he was laying on top of the bed, taking Blaine down with him. Blaine sniffled and looked at Kurt as if he had the answers to the questions he posed. Kurt sighed a little and brushed a small stray curl out of Blaine's face.
"Do you know what I love most about you, Blaine Anderson?" he asked simply, resting one hand on the side of Blaine's face. Blaine shook his head so slightly that Kurt would have missed it if he hadn't been looking for it.
"No? Well, let me just say there are a lot of things to love about you," Kurt began sweetly. "Your calloused hands from all the guitar you play," Kurt grabbed Blaine's hands and kissed the pads of his fingers.
"I love your tiny waist that is just the perfect size for me to wrap my arms around," Kurt murmured as he ducked down and peppered a few kisses across Blaine's torso. Blaine's eyelids fluttered shut and he whimpered at the affection Kurt was giving him. Affection that he felt he didn't deserve, but apparently Kurt thought otherwise.
"I love your hazel eyes that always twinkle when you're about to say something cheeky," Kurt said a little playfully, kissing the corner of Blaine's eye.
"I love your beautiful curls and how you always wear less gel when you're with me because you know how I adore running my fingers through them," he whispered, doing exactly that and making Blaine practically purr in contentment.
"There are so many pieces of you to love that I'm sure I could go on for hours…but what I love most…" Kurt started, sliding his hand over Blaine's chest, "is your heart. You heart is so amazing and wonderful, it has enough love for not just one, but two people. Even though you're married, I don't doubt for a second that you love me with everything you have. That's just who you are Blaine. Don't you ever feel awful because you love him and me. You can't control how you feel, no more than I can."
Blaine sighed and rested one hand on top of Kurt's which was still on top of his heart and curled his fingers.
"This isn't fair to you though, Kurt. It just…isn't fair. You are, the most caring, beautiful, and compassionate person I know. You don't deserve this," he breathed.
Kurt smiled thinly and shrugged.
"It's not like I didn't know what I was getting into with you. I knew you were married and yet I still kissed you in that empty music room after rehearsal that day," Kurt pointed out.
Blaine smiled a little at the memory; both of them exhausted after hours of trying to get Blaine to hit that power note just right and when he did, they were laughing and hugging and then Kurt's lips were on his and in that moment things had never been more wonderful.
"Well, I didn't exactly stop you," he replied, turning back onto his side and facing Kurt, giving him a small peck. "I love you."
Kurt smiled.
"I know you do. I love you too," Kurt said. There were still so many factors concerning them that had to be addressed and discussed, but at that moment, loving each other was enough.
"We should get up," Blaine mumbled eventually, sitting up and observing the alarm clock. "Sebastian is going to be home in a couple of hours, so we should probably be…you know….clothed and all."
Kurt snorted at Blaine's blunt but truthful words and sat up as well.
"Yeah, clothes are a good idea. Anything else?" Kurt wondered aloud.
Blaine had gotten off the bed and was in the bathroom, just about ready to jump in the shower.
"Yeah, if you could strip the bed of its sheets and put them in the hamper, I'll get to washing them after I shower," Blaine called out.
Kurt frowned a little.
"Doesn't that just scream infidelity?" Kurt questioned.
"No, I already told Sebastian I would change the sheets today," Blaine answered.
Kurt smirked at Blaine's preparedness.
"My, my, aren't you the little planner," he teased as he removed the sheets and dropped them in the hamper. "Where do you keep your clean sheets?" he asked as he heard the shower turn on.
"Oh, you don't need to worry about that. I'll change them. Just go get ready," Blaine shouted over the sound of the water.
Kurt picked up his clothing off of the chest that was at the foot of the bed, elated that he had taken the time to fold them, despite Blaine's desire at the time to just rip his clothes off. He finished dressing and walked into the bathroom to see how the rest of his appearance fared. Other than the extreme case of sex-hair, Kurt looked fairly normal. All he needed was a comb and some hairspray.
"I must say Blaine, I'm surprised there aren't any hickeys for me to cover up. You're normally a man of habit," Kurt mused as he inspected his neck.
He glanced towards Blaine who had poked his head out from behind the shower curtain.
"Umm, you may want to check your left hip," he advised with a nervous laugh before disappearing behind the curtain.
Kurt's eyebrows rose and he slowly pushed the waistband of his pants down his hip until he saw the telltale purple mark on his skin. His eyes widened and he blushed a little at the sight, a small "damn" escaping from his mouth.
He looked under the counter and found what he needed for his hair. He then styled it and fastened it with hairspray.
"There," Kurt said happily just as the shower turned off.
Blaine blindly reached for a towel and quickly dried off, wrapping said towel around his waist and stepping out of the shower towards Kurt.
"Hi," Kurt greeted, pecking the tip of Blaine's nose.
"Hi," Blaine greeted back, his golden eyes sparkling happily.
"You're wet," Kurt pointed out, gesturing at the water droplets dripping from Blaine's hair.
"Whoa, really? I had no idea!" Blaine explained, his eyes wide in amazement. He shook his head wildly, sending water everywhere.
"B-Blaine!" Kurt sputtered, holding his hands up to try to defend himself from the onslaught of liquid.
Blaine laughed and rubbed his nose against Kurt's cheek.
"Mmm you smell good," Kurt hummed, placing a hand along Blaine's jaw.
"Why thank you. That's the desired result of a shower," Blaine teased.
He puckered his lips for a kiss which Kurt happily complied. They finished getting ready, silently moving past each other. Eventually, they stood in front of the other, the only thing left unfinished were their ties. Blaine tied Kurt's first, his nimble fingers working as the fabric slipped against his skin. He kissed the exposed part of Kurt's throat once he finished. Kurt exhaled slowly and gazed at Blaine, his lips ever so slightly turned up. He quickly tied Blaine's bowtie, giving it an extra hard tug.
Both sighed simultaneously and exited the bathroom, their hands brushing against each other, a little way of letting the other know they were still there. Blaine grabbed a set of clean sheets and made the bed, aware of Kurt's eyes on him the whole time. He grinned to himself and made a big show of bending over to tuck the corners of the sheets under the mattress.
"Tease," Kurt called out.
"I have no idea what you mean," Blaine said innocently, placing a few pillows on top of the comforter. He walked over to the hamper and pulled out the dirty sheets – dropping them into the laundry basket.
"I'm gonna run downstairs and put these in the wash. You'll be alright up here for a few minutes?" Blaine asked.
"Of course I will be, but hurry back...I don't want to get lonely," Kurt said lightly, giving Blaine a small pout.
Blaine chuckled and rolled his eyes fondly as he left the flat to go to the basement, closing the door behind him.
Kurt wandered back into the living room and stood a little awkwardly as he waited for Blaine to return. His eyes wandered about the room, lingering on a photo of a younger Blaine hanging on the wall. He was in the middle of Times Square, his arms spread out wide, hardly able to contain his excitement about being there. Blaine looked so carefree and happy that Kurt almost didn't recognize him. Kurt pressed his lips into a thin line as he noticed the lack of a ring on Blaine's finger in the photo. No wonder Blaine looked happy. Sure he still smiled a lot and appeared happy, especially when he was with Kurt and even when he talked about Sebastian now, but his smile never quite reached his eyes, not like they did in this picture.
"What are you doing looking at old photographs of me? You'll start to make me feel old," Blaine's voice piped up from behind, startling Kurt a little.
"31 isn't that old Blaine. I'm about to turn 32 in a month or so," Kurt pointed out.
Blaine smiled.
"I know that. It's just…turning 31 was a lot tougher than turning 30 for some reason," he shrugged.
"I'm sorry I wasn't there for 31," Kurt whispered. "I thought about you that whole day, mainly just remembering how we celebrated your 30th birthday."
Blaine blushed at the memory.
"I'm glad I got to spend my birthday with you. For a while I thought I was going to spend it by myself again since Sebastian was on a business trip at the time."
Kurt frowned at the fact that Blaine could have easily, and had before apparently, spent his birthday alone, but he didn't say anything. He didn't want to bring up Sebastian again. It tended to be a sore subject- and for good reason too.
"How much longer do we have?" Kurt asked.
Blaine looked at his watch.
"About half an hour to 45 minutes," he replied. "What would you like to do?"
Kurt thought a moment before answering.
"I want you to sit on that couch with me and just – hold me. I don't want to talk…we have dinner and the show and the numerous cab rides to talk. I-I want you to just…it doesn't even have to be a big thing, you can just hold my hand if you want," Kurt rambled.
"Kurt-Kurt. That sounds wonderful. I'd be glad to do that," Blaine said sincerely, sitting down on the well-loved sofa and holding out his arms.
Kurt nestled himself in Blaine's embrace and rested his head on Blaine's shoulder.
"Hi," Blaine breathed, wrapping his arms around Kurt and placing his hands on Kurt's stomach.
"Hi," Kurt murmured into Blaine's neck, smiling at Blaine's little word.
Every couple has their little sayings; nicknames, inside jokes, greetings. For them, it was "hi." After they had been dating for a few months, it wasn't long before both realized what they had wasn't just something that alleviated Blaine's loneliness, and after a particularly romantic date, they had kissed each other goodnight and were about to part ways when Blaine suddenly stopped and turned around, looking at Kurt as if he'd never seen anyone more perfect in his life. He opened his mouth, ready to say he loved him and just how much he loved him, when all that came out was "Hi." Although it definitely didn't sound like "I love you," Kurt smiled and understood all the same. From then on, that was their little saying, their little way of letting the other know they still loved the other, and even though it sounded like a greeting to everyone else, to them it was so much more than that.
Time flew by much faster than they liked and before too long they heard footsteps approaching the door and a key turning the lock. The pair sprang apart, sharing one final quick kiss before settling themselves on the opposite ends of the sofa. The door opened and Blaine stood up and walked over to greet his husband.
"Hello dear," Sebastian said brightly, ducking his head to capture Blaine's lips with his own.
"Hello Sebastian. How was work?" Blaine asked.
"It went well. My new client is very interested in working with me so I am now the publicist of yet another up and coming celebrity," Sebastian said proudly.
Blaine emitted a sound of joy and excitement, kissing his husband again.
"Honey that's great. I'm so happy for you!" Blaine exclaimed between kisses.
Sebastian smiled and rested a hand on Blaine's neck.
"Thanks Blaine. Now I think it's time you finally introduce me to your friend," Sebastian prompted.
Blaine grinned widely.
"Of course Sebastian," Blaine started, taking his hand and leading him over to the couch where Kurt had stood up and was smiling thinly, trying to hide the sadness he was feeling. It was one thing to hear about the husband, it was another to see him in the flesh. He was extremely handsome and charm practically rolled off of him in waves. No wonder Blaine married him. He would have been crazy not to say yes once Sebastian proposed.
"Sebastian, this is my friend Kurt, the man I have to thank for giving me my first big-time acting job in London," Blaine said gratefully. Kurt's smile turned a little more genuine.
"I'm pretty sure I only wrote the play. I didn't have complete control over casting," Kurt joked.
"Either way, I'm grateful your work gave my husband a job. After we moved here, I was worried he'd never get a job. Sure he was mildly successful in New York, but here? Let's just say I'm grateful Blaine was born into money. That way we can afford for him to act," Sebastian grinned, shaking Kurt's hand firmly. Blaine stiffened a little at the slight condescension in Sebastian's words, but he pushed his hurt feelings away. Kurt also found Sebastian's words a little cruel and his eyes flashed angrily.
"Personally I think Blaine should thank his talent, not his money, for helping his acting career, but that's just me," Kurt said a little tightly, a hint of unfriendliness in his voice.
Sebastian raised his eyebrows at Kurt's words, slightly shocked. Blaine swallowed audibly and cleared his throat to break the tension that was slowly starting to mount.
"So Sebastian, did you remember to pick up the tickets from your co-worker?" Blaine asked cheerily, looping his arm through Sebastian's and pulling him a little closer. Sebastian smiled and pulled out a small envelope from his jacket pocket.
"Here they are, as promised, but I'm afraid there's been a slight change of plans," Sebastian stated, placing the tickets in Blaine's hand.
"Change of…oh don't tell me you can't come!" Blaine voiced.
"I'm sorry dear, but Steinham needs me to go over a few of the new policies and, try as I might, I just can't get out of this meeting," Sebastian explained kissing Blaine's forehead to try to make him feel better. "You and Kurt go have a great time, I'm sure you'll tell me all about the show later tonight right?" Sebastian hoped.
Blaine gave a small smile.
"You know I will, but maybe if you're not too swamped you can meet us somewhere after the show?" Blaine suggested.
Sebastian chuckled.
"Maybe, give me a ring at intermission and I'll see how my workload is, okay?"
"Okay, that sounds reasonable. Let me just grab a few things and we can get going," Blaine said, leaving the living room and entering the bedroom.
"I'm afraid this is terribly rude of me," Sebastian admitted, fully embarrassed.
"Don't worry about it, sometimes you can't help your work schedule," Kurt replied.
"That's true. Speaking of work, Kurt, you're a playwright yes?" Sebastian asked.
Kurt nodded.
"Yes, I'm a playwright. I also write a little for television too; mystery and suspense mainly. I absolutely love it. I wouldn't do anything else. What about you? Blaine told me you're a publicist?" Kurt asked for confirmation.
"Mmhmm, Blaine was actually my first client, if you can believe that. He pretty much swept me off my feet from the moment we met," Sebastian confessed. "I don't represent him anymore since he can pretty much handle himself, but I represent a lot more clients now, so I guess it all worked out."
"Yeah, I suppose it has," Kurt agreed. His heart clenched at the way Sebastian described how he fell in love with Blaine almost instantly. Kurt could definitely relate. Maybe he wasn't as awful as Kurt built him up to be. The only non-guilty party of this entire situation was Sebastian after all. A creeping feeling of shame consumed him to the point where he found it hard to meet Sebastian's gaze.
"Oh, I meant to ask you, are you doing anything tomorrow night?" Sebastian wondered.
Kurt blinked owlishly before answering.
"Well…no, no I'm not."
Sebastian grinned.
"Great! I have this function to go to, just a dinner with my work-mates and I was wondering if you'd want to go. There should be a couple of up and coming actors and I kind of promised them that you'd be there; you being a writer for plays and television and all," he admitted.
"Would all three of us be going?" Kurt inquired.
"Umm no, it would just be us. I keep trying to convince Blaine to come to these sort of things, but he always refuses," Sebastian explained.
Kurt desperately tried to think of a reason why he couldn't spend an evening with the husband of the man he was having an affair with, but drew a blank.
"Umm..uhh…yeah. Sure. I don't see why not," Kurt finally said.
Sebastian smiled and gave Kurt a friendly squeeze on the shoulder.
"Great, then I'll see you here tomorrow. Blaine, Kurt just agreed to go to the work-function with me tomorrow," Sebastian called as Blaine re-entered the room wearing his tux jacket and fixing his hair in the mirror located next to the coat closet. He stopped and turned around, giving the two men a bright smile.
"Really? That's great. I'm glad you're going Kurt. I always hate those things, all of those actors name dropping and competing against one another- ugh- no thank you," Blaine shuddered a little before walking back to the pair and giving Sebastian a peck on the cheek. He then turned a little and faced Kurt whose face was cheery, but not quite genuine.
"Hi," Blaine greeted, a knowing look in his eye.
A real smile, the smile only reserved for Blaine appeared on Kurt's face.
"Hi," he echoed.
"Ready to go?" Blaine asked. Kurt nodded and grabbed his coat which was draped over the arm of the sofa.
"Will you be awake when I get back?" Blaine asked Sebastian who appeared to have zoned out and was staring blankly at the fireplace.
"What?" Sebastian questioned before realizing what Blaine asked. "Oh, no dear, I should be asleep by the time you get home. Have a good time," Sebastian said gently giving Blaine a soft kiss goodbye. "And Kurt, why don't you come over around six for a drink before we leave?" Sebastian suggested.
"That would be great. I'll see you tomorrow then," Kurt confirmed as he and Blaine started to exit the flat.
"Goodbye Sebastian. I love you," Blaine called out as he and Kurt walked out of the building and onto the busy London street.
"G'bye. Have a good time and try to sell the extra ticket if you can," Sebastian answered from his position at the front door before closing it shut.
He sighed and glanced towards the telephone positioned at the corner of the desk. Smiling to himself, he picked up the newspaper that was on the coffee table. He leafed through it until he reached the classifieds. Finding the number he wanted, Sebastian's grin grew wider. It was about time he made a call and invited someone over. Someone he had been wanting to call for a long time.
Hello all! I hope you enjoyed this chapter. I realize it's a LOT longer than the previous one, but I hoped you loved it nonetheless! I absolutely love writing this, even though it's quite sad at times. Please read and review and tell me what you think and feel free to leave a prediction or two on what you think may happen next! :)
As always, best wishes.
Vintage Vagabond