AN: Hello fair readers! First off I want to thank you for your patience with me as I had to step away from this story for a little while. If you are still with me I send you my heart-felt thanks.
I have the next several chapters written and a writing schedule to keep me on track so updates should be regular from here on out. (yay!)
I hope you enjoy the remainder of the story. xoxo

Kurt didn't understand what had gotten into him. His heart was pounding and his palms were sweaty. He'd been dancing with Blaine so close and it had felt amazing, it felt right, but he didn't know what had possessed him to do it. He had meant to tell Blaine to stay away, to leave town before someone figured out that they had met he ended up dancing with him in front of everyone?

Once he'd realized how closely and unashamedly he was dancing with Blaine he had to move away. He ran out of the town square, panting and afraid, leaving behind the stunned and gorgeous man he'd just made a fool of himself with.

He wasn't afraid of Blaine, even if maybe he should be. No, it was his own actions that frightened him. He stopped far away from the square, but could still hear the music in the air. Kurt leaned against the side of a building for support. Catching his breath and trying to get the enchanted look of Blaine's face out of his mind.

He wasn't sure how long he'd been standing there, his heart still beating too fast and his skin buzzing, before his father found him there.

"Kurt." He said placing his hands on Kurt's shoulders. "What's going on? Are you okay?"

"Yes, I'm… I'm fine." Kurt said though his trembling voice gave him away.

Burt looked him up and down; it was obvious that he wasn't okay. "What were you doing dancing with an outsider?"

"You saw that?" Kurt's stomach plummeted. Everyone in town would be talking about it anyway, but he hated that his father had actually seen it.

"Everyone saw that, you two were all over each other."

Kurt winced. He really had lost all reason for a moment. "I don't know… I just… I just wanted to dance with him and then it got really… intense."

His dad looked him over for a moment, quiet and thoughtful. "Did you use magic on him?"

Kurt bit the inside of his cheek. He wanted to say no, but he was past the point of being able to cover this up.

"I went to the clearing outside of town last night, to look at the stars and… he was there. He'd fallen and hit his head and it was bleeding and I almost left, but I couldn't dad. How could I leave when someone was hurt? You know I can't… I've never been able to… So I… I used my magic, but only a little. To help him." He took a deep breath. "I never meant for him to come here." Kurt's eyes were stinging as he held back his tears. "I didn't mean to put our town in danger."

"Oh Kurt…" His dad let go of his shoulders and shook his head. "You used magic on an outsider?"

"He didn't know though, he wasn't conscience and-" He was interrupted by a voice behind them.

"Well young Hummel. It seems you know more about these outsiders than the rest of us." Sue Sylvester stood behind Burt's shoulder with her hands on her hips and her eyes narrowed.

Kurt' clenched his jaw not looking Sue in the eyes. The last thing he wanted was for Sue to be involved in this.

"I don't know anything."

"Really? Because you just admitted to using your magic on one of them."

Kurt groaned. Everything was going wrong today. Kurt looked at his dad who nodded for him to tell her.

"Last night, He hurt himself and I helped him. I never even saw his friend. I never thought they'd come here."

Sue nodded, but her brow was furrowed and her lips pursed."Don't worry. We've had outsiders here before." She said with a wave of her hand. "We just need to keep them in the dark and we can't have them going back to where they came from with stories about Folaigh. Honestly, with the festival lasting a month this year the leaders knew we might get visitors."

That wasn't exactly comforting.

"Last time we there were outsiders didn't we drive them out of town?" Kurt said hated the thought of doing that to Blaine, Blaine had done nothing wrong.

"Because it was necessary, but since you led them here-"

"I didn't!" Kurt interrupted finally meeting Sue's eyes. "I didn't lead them here. I only made sure Blaine didn't die from a head wound."

"You interacted with outsiders." Sue said coolly.

"They were already on our land. And what was I meant to do? Leave Blaine there to bleed? This isn't my fault."

"Of course it isn't your fault Bud." His dad spoke up glaring at Sue who didn't seem to notice or care.

Sue just folded her arms across her chest. "Blaine is it? You call him by name?"

Kurt flushed, realizing how familiar it sounded to keep using Blaine's name.

"Sue, leave my son alone."

"He is an adult, he can account for his own actions. Besides, there is something he could do to help with these outsiders."

Kurt shifted his feet and attempted to swallow down his nerves, he didn't like the glint in Sue's eyes, but he'd do what he had to do if his home was in danger.

"What do you want me to do?"

"I need you to keep an eye on them. That short one with the dark hair like a windblown bird's nest especially. Make sure while he is here is doesn't… start trouble or find out too much about us." She glanced from Kurt to his dad and back again. "I think we should invite them to stay a few days."

"What? Why?" Burt asked balling a fist. "Why wouldn't we want to get them out of here as soon as we can?"

Kurt couldn't help the way his heart dropped at the thought of Blaine leaving. What was wrong with him? Why did he care if Blaine stayed or left?

"This is a unique opportunity to learn about how the outside world has changed. Besides we have to make sure they won't tell anyone about us." Sue nodded towards Kurt, "You porcelain, get to keep an eye on him and report back to me what you learn."

Kurt's throat and mouth felt dry, he couldn't do that. His feelings towards Blaine were too confusing; he didn't want to spend more time with him just to feel more confused. He didn't want anything more to do with either of them. Kurt closed his eyes and sighed, trying to convince himself that was true.

"No, I can't." He said shaking his head, he had to find a way out of this. "I… he... he's a thief!" He burst out without thinking.

"A thief?" Sue asked raising an eyebrow.

Kurt clamped a hand over his mouth, his eyes wide, he was making everything so much worse. He wished he could just start this day all over. He would run the opposite direction when he saw Blaine. Though he had to admit, if he had last night to do over, he'd still help him.

"He said something last night, about stealing money." Kurt dropped his hand and regretted the words as soon as they left his mouth, but he'd gone too far not to explain now.

"All the more reason for you to keep your eyes on him." Sue said evenly. "I'll take to the Joneses. They have room to let the outsiders stay at their place tonight. It's been too long since their hotel had guest anyway." Sue turned on the spot; her mind made up, and started to walk away, waving a hand in the air. "I expect a report from you on him soon!"

When she was gone Kurt slumped back against the wall again. "I've really messed this up haven't I?"

Burt rubbed his hand over his bald head. "If we had to have outsiders here I would have been happier if you weren't involved. Why didn't you tell me about last night Kurt?"

"You're on the town council, why didn't you tell me you thought there might be outsiders during the festival?"

His dad sighed. "I didn't want to worry you."

"Exactly."

Burt moved to stand beside Kurt, his back also resting on the wall and his arms crossed over his broad chest.

"Outsiders are a risk every time we appear. And with the festival being so long this year, yes we knew it could happen. I just didn't expect my son to be tangled in it."

Kurt grimaced. "Sorry."

"Just go find him, and… be careful, okay?"

"Wait, you want me to spy on him?"

Burt rubbed his head again looking tired. "No, not really. But, you already know him and I know you'll be careful… and I have a feeling you wouldn't stay away from him any way."

"I would. I want to!" Kurt said, but the words sounded false to his own ears.

"Be careful Kurt, outsiders can't be trusted." Was Burt's only response.

"Of course dad."

Burt's face was tense, jaw set and eyes worried. Kurt understood, the idea of spying on outsiders left a tight feeling in his own stomach. He would do it though, he felt responsible for the outsiders' presence even if he had denied leading them here.

He reluctantly pushed off the wall and started back towards the town square. With any luck he would have missed them, he almost hoped they'd already left town. But of course they were still here, Kurt had never really had that Irish luck.

Sam was with Quinn still, not dancing but talking to each other animatedly. Quinn was determined to become part of the council and Kurt was sure she would someday. He wondered if Sue had told her to keep an eye on Sam the same way he was meant to keep an eye on Blaine. That might have been why she'd brought him mead when everyone else was wary of them.

Kurt already hated this, guessing people's motives, having to keep an eye on this stranger who had some kind of strange hold on him. Why had these two even have to come to Folaigh?

Blaine was with Sam and Quinn, hanging back a little like he didn't want to bother his friend while he talked to a pretty girl. Kurt blew out a long breath, he could do this. Just go talk to him, he is just a person, not some kind of monster. Kurt squared his shoulders and started walking over to Blaine. Ignoring the strange flutter in his chest when Blaine smiled.

His smile really was lovely.

Blaine was only half paying attention to Sam flirting with the woman they had just met, instead he was trying to think of a way to ask her if she knew Kurt. He would take any information he could find out about the man who had helped him, danced with him and run away as if he was afraid Blaine might explode or something.

Blaine glanced up from his mug and there, like he knew Blaine had been thinking about him, stood Kurt. Blaine smiled as Kurt walked toward them, his hands in his pockets and a blush on his cheeks. Blaine waited, he was already learning to let Kurt come to him.

"Um, hello." Kurt said shyly as he pushed a stray hair behind his ear. Blaine didn't understand this man, one minute he was dancing brazening with Blaine and now he seemed like a shy school boy. It was as intriguing as it was confusing.

"Hi." Blaine said and could feel a huge smile cover his face.

"Sorry that I just… sorry about earlier." Kurt said looking embarrassed.

"No. No. It's fine." Blaine said wanting to put him at ease. "You're a great dancer."

Kurt blushed a deeper pink and Blaine's stomach flipped.

"I see you've met Quinn." Kurt continued and Quinn smiled.

"Kurt this is Sam." She said. "And Blaine whom you seem to know."

"Nice to meet you." Kurt answered and Sam shook his hand.

"I was just trying to convince Sam and Blaine to stay for a little while. I'm sure the Joneses could put them up in their Inn."

Blaine watched as Kurt gave Quinn some kind of look he couldn't understand, eyebrows raised and lips tight. They were obviously having some kind of silent conversation with each other and it looked to Blaine that Kurt wasn't as ready to have them stay as Quinn was.

"I don't know…" Kurt started.

"We'd love to stay!" Sam said excitedly and Blaine smiled and looked at Kurt. Yeah, staying seemed like a good idea.

"We don't have a lot of cash though." Blaine said. "My brother wired us some, but…"

Quinn and Kurt looked confused for a moment before Quinn spoke up again, linking her arm through Sam's. "Oh don't worry about payment, you could help with the festival! I'm sure that would be enough."

Blaine looked back and forth between the pair wondering if he was missing something. "I… we can stay without paying?"

"It's the Centennial." Quinn said as if that answered it all.

"Well, great! We'd love to stay!" Sam answered for them both and Quinn started walking down the street pulling Sam away from the noise and revelry of the town square. "Let me show you around." She said and actually batted her eyelashes.

Blaine didn't follow knowing Sam wanted some alone time with Quinn. He stuck his hands in his pockets and looked nervously back up at Kurt. "It looks like we're staying for a little while then."

"Yes." Kurt said biting his lip. "I guess so." His eyes were downcast and his jaw tight.

Blaine didn't know what he'd done to offend Kurt, but he knew he wanted to make it up to him. "Thank you… by the way. For helping me last night." He touched his head for a moment. "I guess I'm lucky I didn't crack my head any harder than I did."

Kurt crossed his arms over his chest and let out sigh. "I'm glad you're alright." He face was blank, but his voice sounded sincere.

"I… I guess I'll let you get back to the party then." Blaine started to turn away, he wasn't going to force his company on Kurt if he didn't want him around.

"No! Wait." Kurt unfolded his arms and took a step towards Blaine. "I… We could…" He glanced at Blaine and then away for a moment, licking his rosy lips as if trying to decide what to say. "Do you want to see my flowers stall?"

Blaine lifted his brows and tried not to smile too big. "A flowers stall?"

"My friend Mercedes and I… We have a stall." He gestured to the flower wreath in his hair. "People like to wear flowers during the festival."

Blaine couldn't stop his broad smile now, Kurt looked exquisite in that wreath. "I would love that." Anything to spend more time with this strange and beautiful man.

Kurt nodded and then surprised him by taking his hand. "I'll show you."

Blaine could have sworn his felt electricity in Kurt's touch. They walked along the edge of the square until they got to a wooden cart painted with swirls and flowers and detailed designs. It looked ten times more impressive than the other carts around them.

"This one is yours? It's amazing."

Kurt smiled. "I painted it." He said proudly his fingers tracing a green swirl up the side of the wooden cart. Then he pulled the tarp off the top, the cart was full of flowers and wreaths and little bouquets, it smelled heavenly too. It smelled like Kurt, or Kurt smelled like flowers it would seem.

"Do you… would you like one?" Kurt asked and Blaine looked up from the cart to meet Kurt's eyes.

"A flower?"

"A wreath maybe?" Kurt hardly met his gaze, his fingers brushing over the soft petals of one of the flowers. Why was he so tentative? Where had the man who pulled him onto the dance floor gone?

"I would love one, how much is it?"

Kurt smiled, ""It is just a flower wreath. You don't have to pay for it." He grabbed a basket and started picking out flowers. Once he had a good amount he tugged on Blaine's hand again, wordlessly leading him away from the square. Blaine followed as Kurt kept walking until they got to the edge of the town and the meadow that surrounded it.

He led Blaine to a bench under a big shade tree. They were far enough away from the square that the music of the festival was just a soft sigh in the air. It would be easier to talk here. That is if Blaine could find his voice, Kurt's hand in his own was warm and soft and doing things to Blaine's brain that kept him from thinking straight.

To Blaine's dismay Kurt let go of his hand to sit on the bench, Blaine sat next to him as he started pulling flowers out of the started carefully selecting flowers glancing up and Blaine's face and then down again, looping the stems together with great skill. "I think some of the yellow poppies will be nice for you. They will bring out the gold in your eyes and then… maybe some lemon leaf for a green…"

Blaine watched Kurt as he worked, so intently braiding and looping the delicate yellow flowers together with some greenery. The tip of Kurt's tongue sticking out and his fingers fast and nimble.

Blaine felt like he was in a trance watching him, so sure and steady, concentrating on the flowers. With Kurt's gaze distracted Blaine allowed himself to really look at Kurt, his hair looked chestnut in the summer sun the freckles on the bridge of his nose stood out. He wasn't blushing as hard now, but still his cheeks were a little pink compared to the smooth paleness of his skin. Blaine felt giddy just being so near to him.

When Kurt was done with the wreath he looked back at Blaine and smiled.

"I'm glad I helped you last night... even though maybe I shouldn't have."

"Shouldn't have?" Blaine lifted his eyebrows in surprise and Kurt's face fell a little and he shook his head.

"No. I mean… that's not what I meant. You know... it is just… with strangers you never know what you're going to get. I'm trying to say I'm glad that I helped you… I..." He rubbed his forehead with his palm. "I'll be quiet."

"No. Don't stop talking." Blaine chuckled covering one of Kurt's hands with his own. "It's fine. Besides, I like hearing your voice." Okay, Blaine did not mean to say that.

Kurt smiled and little dimples formed on his cheeks. Blaine had to hold his breath as Kurt lifted the wreath, moving his hand from Blaine's to place the flowers on Blaine's head, pushing some curls out of Blaine's face as he did. He sat back to admire his handy work.

"There, perfect."

Blaine's cheeks felt hot as he met Kurt's sharp blue eyes and a warm feeling started blooming in his chest.

They just looked at each other for a long moment. Blaine didn't know Kurt really, he knew that he was the sort of person to help a stranger in need, and he was kind and generous, but Blaine was struck with a deep desire to learn all kinds of things about Kurt.

What was his home like? What kind of music did he listen too? Blaine wanted to know his favorite color, his favorite place in the world, what he did to pass the time, the cadence of his laugh, what sounds he might make while being kissed.

Wow, Blaine needed to reel himself in here, he cleared his throat "Thank you for the wreath… I don't know how to repay you for all your kindness."

Kurt looked down. "You don't need to thank me. Really." He was quiet for a moment and Blaine tried to think of something to say. The air smelled like flowers and the music from the square drifted around them. And Kurt was so gorgeous, but his brow was furrowed and there was a slight frown on his lips. Blaine just wanted to bring a smile to his face.

"So tell me about the festival?" He said hoping to lighten the ever shifting mood. "Do people come from all around to celebrate?"

Kurt looked back at him "No, it is just for the citizens of Folaigh, we don't have... many visitors."

"Oh." Blaine said feeling uneasy. "We didn't mean to intrude."

Kurt looked at him for a long moment, eyes narrowed like he was trying to figure out a puzzle and Blaine's face held the secrets. Blaine felt his breath speed up at the intense gaze.

Finally Kurt spoke again. "Where are you from?"

"I…" Blaine blinked trying to find his voice; Kurt had such a strong effect on him. "We're from America. You probably figured that out by our accents. New York, specifically, I go to school there."

"University?" Kurt asked a little excited.

"Yes, I'm studying music. And drama."

Kurt furrowed his brows. "Drama?"

"What? You think that drama isn't a good subject?" Blaine asked trying to sound jovial, but his stomach tightening, he hoped he wasn't going to hear someone else who though his major was a waste of time.

Kurt laughed. "You're face, you were so excited, like a puppy and then it got all tense. No, I'm not saying you shouldn't study drama. I'm asking what that is. How do you study drama?"

"Oh." Blaine said feeling a little relieved. "Do you call it something else here? Theater?" Blaine explained. "I want to be an actor and a musician."

"There are schools to teach you that?" Kurt's face lit up.

Blaine tilted his head "Yes. I'm sure they have schools like that over here."

"Not here." Kurt said a little nervous. "Not in Folaigh at least, but that sounds amazing. I love to perform." Kurt smiled and bounced a little in his excitement scooting closer to Blaine.

Blaine wanted to keep that smile on Kurt's face so he told him all about his classes and New York and sharing a tiny apartment with Sam. About New York and NYADA, Kurt seemed endlessly interested in hearing about it and seemed to know very little about America or New York City. Blaine was happy to tell him about it all, how he'd first felt arriving in New York, how competitive school was, but he still loved it. How he felt at more at home in the city than he had his whole life.

"New York can be difficult, but I feel freer there than I have my whole life, like it is where I'm meant to be."

Kurt smiled, but it had a wistful quality to it. "Tell me more about Skyscrapers and the subway."

As they talked they scooted closer and closer to each other on the bench, Kurt looking lovely the more relaxed he became, his flower wreath framing his face and his easy smile making his eyes dance. Blaine asked about Kurt and found out that Kurt lived with his father who was a handy-man of sorts and who was also on the town council. Kurt helped with his dad's shop and also had a flower and vegetable garden with his friend Mercedes.

"My mom died when I was young, but my dad had this whole town to help him. I have the best father in the world." Kurt said with a proud smile. "But I feel like I was also raised by the people of Folaigh."

"I'm so sorry about your mom." Blaine said, finding that his hand was again resting on top of Kurt's and their knees were practically tangled together. "Folaigh sounds like a wonderful place though."

Kurt smiled softly and shrugged. "It's my home. It just… I've never really been anywhere and… everything you've done. Moving to New York, coming here. And the things you've seen, buildings hundreds of feet tall? Whole streets devoted to playhouses?" Kurt laughed. "My life must seem very simple to you."

Blaine watched Kurt's face as he wouldn't quite meet Blaine's eyes. "You still have your whole life ahead of you. You should come see New York."

"Mmmhmm." Kurt hummed noncommittally.

It seemed Folaigh was one of those small towns where everyone knew each other and no one really did much outside of their small community. Blaine didn't know how unusual that was here, there were small towns back in Ohio, places people lived and died and never left. It just seemed like Folaigh took it to extremes, with how old fashioned everything was and how little Kurt knew of the world outside of his little village.

It wasn't until the sun started to set and Blaine's stomach started to growl that he realized he and Kurt had spent to whole afternoon together.

"I should show you the Jones' house." Kurt said, standing and untangling himself from Blaine.

Blaine immediately missed the warmth of Kurt sitting next to him, but followed him back into town until they arrived at a road with lines of houses, Kurt stopped in front of a house that was bigger than most on the street, two story while the others were only one. He rapped on the door and a tall dark skinned woman with a kind smile answered.

"Hello Kurt!" She looked past him and when her eyes landed on Blaine her smile wavered, but it was back so fast Blaine wondered if he'd imagined it.

"Did… did Miss Sylvester speak with you?" Kurt asked.

"Yes, yes of course. This must be one of the boys from out of town?"

Blaine smiled. "My name is Blaine Anderson, nice to meet you."

She hesitated a moment, but then let them in. She showed Blaine to the room he and Sam would be sharing. "The privy is out back and there is a pump for water in the washroom."

Blaine was a little speechless. There was no electricity in the house, only lanterns and candles and it seemed like there was little inside plumbing. But the home was well kept and cozy and there was a delicious smell coming from the kitchen.

"Dinner will be ready soon. Kurt do you want to stay and eat with us? I think Quinn is going to say and have dinner with Sam when they arrive."

Blaine hoped Kurt would stay, but he shook his head. "I should get back and have dinner with my dad. Tell Mercedes I said hello and I'll see her tomorrow."

"Of course dear."

Kurt waved at Blaine and smiled before leaving. Blaine watched him go kicking himself for not setting up some plans with him for the next day.

Sam got there soon with Quinn who did stay for dinner. Dinner was a little awkward, Mercedes, the woman Blaine had seen with Kurt earlier in the day joined them and she and Quinn tried to keep up the conversation, but Mr. and Mrs. Jones were quiet, and while not quite cold, something was off. Sam smiled and laughed and enjoyed the girls' attention, seemingly not noticing the tension in the air.

After dinner Quinn kissed Sam on the cheek before leaving and then it seemed everyone was getting ready for bed. Sam and Blaine were shown to their room and then left with a smile and a "good night" from Mercedes.

When the door shut behind her Sam spun around and flopped back on his bed."God, she is gorgeous isn't she?"

"Who Quinn? Very pretty. She seemed to like you." Blaine answered slipping off the flower wreath Kurt had made him and carefully looping it on the bed post. He found that his bag, which he had completely forgotten about. had been delivered to his room. Blaine sat on the bed looking at it and wondering when he'd lost track of his things and who had brought them here.

Blaine knew why he was so scatterbrained, Kurt seemed to drive all reasonable thought from his mind. Why else would he be staying in a strange town with complete strangers instead of heading back home? He shook his head and gratefully changed into his PJs as Sam talked about Quinn.

"She showed me all around town this afternoon." Sam said also pulling on his pajamas. "And gosh! Mercedes, she is pretty too. I like this town a lot." He plopped down on his bed with a smile. "I'm not a bit tired, why is everyone going to bed so early?"

"I think it is because the sun has gone down. Have you noticed they don't have electricity? Is it like that all over town?"

"I think they must be some kind of Irish Amish or something." Sam said crawling into bed. The way they dress and live, and Quinn is nice and you can tell she's smart, but I was telling her about life back in New York and a lot of it just seemed to confuse her."

"Yeah." Blaine said pulling to covers over him. "It's… different here."

"You spend time with Kurt this afternoon?" Sam asked.

Blaine smiled into the darkness of the room. "Yes."

"You like him huh?"

"He's the one that helped me last night." Blaine said instead of answering the question.

"No kidding?" Sam answered and despite the fact that he said he wasn't tired he yawned. "I think he likes you."

Blaine was still awake long after Sam started to snore. He didn't understand what kind of town they'd stumbled across, and he felt strange staying with people he didn't know and not even paying them for room and board. At the same time though, he could ignore all that if staying here meant a chance to spend more time with Kurt. He fell asleep with his skin tingling and his heart happy.