A.N. This is so much longer than I intended! I just sincerely hope it isn't boring, because I had so much fun writing it. As I expected, I finished this chapter first so I'll next update To Love And To Fear real soon. Not much else to say other than I am stupidly tired (It's 6.30am and I've yet to go to bed) and therefore I apologise if there's a ridiculous amount of spelling/grammatical/format errors.

Enjoy folks!


Cat and Mouse

'Blaine…'

'Yeah?'

'Who's Ben?'

Kurt held his breath after he asked the question that had plagued him all morning. Across the otherwise empty library, Blaine's head lifted out from the book he had been reading and he stared right at him. Kurt swallowed and averted his eyes to the floor. He knew he should have kept quiet… Then again, how could he? Ever since he had overheard those other patients earlier that day he could not stop thinking about it. He couldn't understand, but felt like he had to in order to keep spending time with his new and only friend at the hospital. He could feel Blaine's eyes continue to burn into him. Did he hate Kurt for mentioning Ben? Was he upset by the memory, or were the patients right about what they had been saying about him?

Kurt had only just stepped into the shower stall when the washroom door opened. As Kurt took out his numerous bottles of skin care products, he could hear two other male patients starting to use the urinals alongside the showering area, but it was only after he heard Blaine's name mentioned that he started to eavesdrop.

'Hey, did you hear about Anderson?'

'Yeah. Can't believe he's back in the sessions. What do you think made him change?'

'Change? Are you kidding? He's up to his old tricks again, it's so obvious. It's like Ben all over again.'

'And Jamie. And Hannah.'

'No, it's definitely more like Ben this time. The new guy reminds me of him so much. And Anderson's doing the whole dapper act again.'

'Yeah, but the end result is always the same. Anderson might as well just carry around a scythe and wear a black hooded cloak – he's fooling no one.'

'Except the new guy.'

'You know, I heard he-'

The washroom door closed as the two patients left, leaving Kurt frozen against the stall wall. He couldn't comprehend what they had been referring to but he was no idiot. Something was being hidden from him.

'How do you know about Ben?' Blaine asked softly, yet his tone sounded so strained.

Kurt clasped his hands on his lap and awkwardly twiddled his thumbs to give him an excuse not to look into Blaine's searching eyes. 'I overheard a couple of guys this morning. They were comparing me to him. Blaine, I have to ask…' Kurt managed to glance up, 'Are you keeping a secret from me?'

It could have only been a minute, moments or even nanoseconds, but the pause which followed his question seemed to last for hours. Blaine's expression was unreadable but his eyes were clouded in emotion. At last he stood and moved to kneel on the floor by Kurt's chair. The other boy watched him, frozen in his seat completely unsure if he should be more demanding or apologise for making the situation awkward. Fortunately, he was saved the trouble of deciding as Blaine finally spoke up in a quivering voice. 'Kurt,' Blaine took his hand and held it firmly as his unwavering gaze drew Kurt in. 'I want to be honest with you, so I'll tell you everything. Ben was…a patient here. He died a couple of months ago. He was only a kid, and I treated him like a little brother.' A faint smile rose onto his face. 'He was sweet – like you – and so angelic. But he was unhappy.'

Kurt leaned in. His own hand gripped Blaine's as he watched in pity as the other boy's eyes welled up with tears. He hadn't even considered his question would lead to upsetting Blaine to this extent. He felt awful for harbouring suspicions but at the same time had to know what happened next. 'Did he…take his own life?' he asked with a voice barely above a whisper.

Blaine nodded wordlessly and took in a few shallow breaths. 'I won't pretend I'm okay with it. But Kurt…it pained me to see him so torn apart. He had nothing; his family practically abandoned him here and doctors wanted to strip him of his dignity. They almost succeeded. But Ben freed himself before they could.'

Blaine bowed his head, resting on Kurt's lap and let his hair be stroked comfortingly. 'Blaine, I'm so sorry…'

Blaine sniffed and lifted his eyes to Kurt's. 'Sorry? Don't be sorry, Kurt.' He smiled a true smile. 'It's sad, I know, but sometimes…some people are just too good for this world, and they can only experience real life once they take the leap to leave.' Kurt stared at him questionably. 'This world is cruel and I feel happy knowing that now, wherever he is, Ben is happy. In those final few days he was so content. I couldn't stand in his way when I saw that.'

In an oddly resonating manner, Kurt could almost understand. He thought back to the moment he finally decided to end his life and, even though it would eventually fail, the days which followed were strangely peaceful. There was going to be an end to his suffering and he regained some control over his life again by choosing how and when he would die. If this Ben boy was as tortured as Blaine made it sound, Kurt could imagine just how different he would be if he too took back some power which life had tried to steal from him. And Blaine… Were patients blaming him for what Ben did? To feel so much for someone enough to let them go would have been so painful, but to then be accused of being the one responsible sounded heart-breaking. Kurt's gaze softened. Blaine probably needed a friend just as bad as Kurt had, and he wasn't going to let some unfair words by those idiotic assholes hold him back. They thought Kurt was being fooled, but in fact he was the only one who could see the truth.

'I'm glad I met you.' Kurt said warmly as he squeezed Blaine's hand. Blaine's smile widened, most of the sadness in his eyes disappearing.

God, he's just so beautiful…


Dear Mr Hummel,

Thank you for your recent letter regarding your son and current guest of Dalton House; it is always heart-warming to recognise a caring parent.

As stated in our hospital guidelines, we generally do not publish reports on our patients until the end of each term. However, in order to answer your queries and diminish your concerns, I have taken the liberty of compiling a short report of the progress Kurt has made in his first month. I will not attempt to convince you that settling in was anything less than a struggle for him, and he remained unresponsive during our one on one sessions. Yet, he has since showed signs of receptiveness and has developed a friendship with a fellow patient. I am certainly not implying anything beyond the simple fact that Kurt is slowly but surely coming round to our way of thinking. There are still several concerns needing to be addressed but as for now I am happy to inform you of his somewhat surprising but no less joyful turnaround.

The following report is merely a small compilation of Kurt's medication and meeting summaries, but I hope my own thoughts have brought hope to your family members. I hope this letter finds you well, and I look forward to seeing you at our end of term visitor's week.

Yours sincerely,

Doctor Frederick Jamieson


It was incredible just how different life at Dalton was when a person had a friend. Before meeting Blaine, Kurt struggled to fill his days, eat at mealtimes, think or relax. Now, it all came naturally. Sure, at least half a dozen times a day staff members would try to separate them and encourage Kurt to spend some time 'with his other friends' as they shoved him in the direction of a group of unknown patients, otherwise known as 'strangers'. However, Blaine would always come to his rescue and they would spend their free time exploring the vastness of Dalton together to escape the watchful eyes of the nurses.

And they talked. Oh, God, did they talk. Kurt couldn't remember a time he shared so much about himself with another human being. Blaine listened, too, with those big dark eyes continuously considering him. His gaze made Kurt feel like there was no one else in the world and that all Blaine could see was him. Occasionally he'd even clasp Kurt's upper arms in an encouraging manner. Kurt never let himself believe for one second that those moments were anything other than friendship, but his own heart would skip a beat and his skin would spark under the older boy's grip. Kurt knew it; he had a crush. No, it had to be more than that. A crush was so childish and quite simply too trivial to explain away Kurt's feelings. Could it be love? Kurt doubted it. Love was likely the next step, but he wasn't there yet. So what was it?

Infatuation? Kurt lay propped up on his bed as the thought occurred to him. He didn't consider himself the type to be infatuated easily, but it was the only word to describe it. He was smitten. Besotted. Enamoured. Enchanted. Even as he tried to read the book in his lap, his mind was too busy wondering where Blaine was to make any sense of the words. Feeling ridiculous, Kurt tossed the book aside and buried his head into his pillow.


Blaine was not used to being so patient. By this time with Ben Blaine had him like putty in his hands. He had fucked him raw in almost every area of Dalton and had the boy begging him for his affection every waking moment. So why was it that Kurt was taking so fucking long? Blaine had to calm his rapidly beating heart. Slow down. He had to take things steadily. Ben was nothing compared to the angelic beauty in his sights now. In fact, had Kurt and Ben entered Dalton at the same time Blaine doubted that he would have taken a second glance at the now deceased boy. He would have stared right through him. Kurt was…something else. His innocence and his timidness coupled with his delicate features were almost too much for Blaine. He struggled to control himself around him, especially in those teasing moments when Kurt said or did something so chaste and pure but which drove Blaine to his sexual thoughts. Like when Kurt had admitted that he had never kissed anyone before, and that the thought of 'going that far' with someone made him anxious. Or that one evening in the cafeteria when they were given ice cream for dessert; the flicking of his tongue, the way the delicious nectar melted on his lips staining them a vague white. Blaine wondered just how sweet those lips would taste and how eager that tongue would be as it lapped up Blaine's release – Blaine almost lunged at him from across the dining table just to find out. Or perhaps that time out on the lawn Kurt decided to display just how flexible his little lithe limbs could be. His arched back, his deft motions, and the way his clothes rode up his tight frame all caught Blaine by surprise and he was forced to adjust his seating position on the grass to hide the growing issue in his pants. To make matters worse, Kurt had then cat-crawled towards him only to pluck a little daisy from the ground. As he smiled down at it he did not notice Blaine's burning gaze or the way he checked out the surrounding area to make sure no one was around to witness it if he were to drag the smaller boy into some nearby bushes. Somehow Blaine had restrained himself on those occasions but it was getting harder and harder to do so. The more Kurt idolised him the easier he was to manipulate, and the more his desires burned for him the more Blaine had to remind himself his ultimate goal was mental dominance.

Today, though, Blaine was going to be cutting himself some slack. He had laid some serious groundwork with all the little glances, compliments and flickering touches and Kurt was now ready for the pre-reaping. Sauntering down the hall towards room 17, Blaine looked ready to pounce.


Fingers danced up Kurt's spine, bringing his attention away from his deep thoughts and his face from his pillow. 'Blaine?' A smile crept up on Kurt's face before he could stop it. Ah, who cares? Kurt wasn't going to hide his excitement. 'I was wondering when you'd get here.'

The raven haired boy sat down on the bed next to him and rested back on his hands. 'Aw, did you miss me?' He teased.

Kurt could tell he was now blushing, and Blaine seemed very amused. 'Don't be so presumptuous.' He replied coolly despite his pink cheeks. 'You just have the habit of always being around. The fact I've had more than five minutes to myself this morning led me to wonder where you'd got to.'

Blaine arched a brow and Kurt gave a triumphant smirk. 'Is that so?' Blaine went to stand up. 'Well, if I bother you so much, maybe I should just leave you to your thoughts today.' Kurt's hand shot up to stop him, and the triumphant smirk transferred from him to Blaine. 'Hmm?'

Kurt, deflated, gave him a half-hearted shove. 'You know that's the last thing I want.' He pouted.

'I'm glad you appreciate my company so much, Kurt. Perhaps now would be a good time to remind you of a little promise you made me?' Kurt stared questionably. 'You agreed to let me take you into the maze, remember? It's warm outside, and the sun is shining – perfect day for escaping this dumb place for a few hours.'

Kurt looked towards the window as if to see the maze at the very rear of the grounds. The towering branches still seemed a tad daunting to him, but it was a better idea than any he had. 'I guess I did promise.'

'Yes, you did. Now get your lazy little ass out of bed before one of the nurses stop us.'


The day was indeed beautiful. Summer was in full swing and the grounds of Dalton were so lush that it seemed like a thousand miles away from the sinister hospital it surrounded. Beds of multi-coloured flowers led the boys down the lawn like the magical yellow brick road leading to Oz - only instead of a looming Emerald City ahead, it was a tall wall of dark green hedges hiding an acre and a half of intertwining confusion. According to what Kurt had read, Dalton Maze contained numerous mystifying paths, dead ends and layout - even the architect who designed it had often found himself frightfully lost.

'You expect me to go through this alone?' Kurt asked sceptically as they approached the entrance. 'When you mentioned taking me here not once did you say we'd be separated.'

In response, Blaine laughed and pulled Kurt inside. 'Don't be so scared. I was nervous too when I first came here but now each turn is like a little jolt of excitement. Trust me.' They reached the very first fork in the path, one leading left and the other right. Blaine urged Kurt one way. 'I'll make you a deal. Whoever finds the fountain in the centre first gets to have the other's desserts for a whole week.'

'A whole week?' Kurt repeated, walking backwards to keep his gaze on Blaine as long as possible. 'That's a big bet considering tomorrow is chocolate fudge night.' Blaine grinned and then ran out of sight. Suddenly alone, Kurt turned and stared at the route ahead. He took a breath and started walking only to fall over a plant pot at his first turn. It broke in half and compost emptied onto the ground. What a great start… Guiltily, he attempted to fix it but soon pressed on, promising himself he would clean up the mess on the way back out. He soon found out there were so many similar pots dotted around the maze that it was unlikely anyone would care about one breaking. At first he believed he could perhaps remember which turns and breaks in the path he took but less than a minute after beginning he couldn't even remember which direction he came from. He scooped down to the ground at one point in order to try and scramble underneath the foliage but the thicket was too dense that he could only see darkness at the roots. Occasionally he would hear the chirp of a bird or the crunch of gravel as Blaine moved around near him. When he was certain the other boy was only a few feet away through the branches, Kurt piped up. 'Blaine?'

'Yeah?'

'I think I'm going crazy here.' Kurt pressed his hand against the greenery. 'Is it supposed to take this long?'

Laughter. 'Kurt, we've only been in here twenty minutes!' Kurt scrunched up his nose. Only twenty minutes? 'Relax and take it easy. Just…listen.' Kurt listened. 'Hear that?'

'No.'

'Water, Kurt.' Kurt listened again. At first he couldn't hear anything. Then, as if someone had turned up the volume, he could make out the sound of tickling water. He turned in the direction of it. He was so close! How did he not notice before? Blaine obviously heard him shoot off down the path as the other boy laughed and followed on the other side of the branches. They ran alongside one another blindly and Kurt felt a desire to try and climb over to be with him, but an even more overwhelming desire to win their bet.

The grand flowing fountain came into view like it had sprung up from the ground. Kurt's running steps slowed and he gradually came to a stop as the narrow hedges opened up to a large circular clearing. The fountain was the main attraction but Kurt found his eyes linger on the white marble benches around the outer rim. More flower beds dotted around the area in a seemingly random fashion but the tremendous beauty of the clearing made it obvious everything was expertly placed. Kurt then noticed the three other passages which led into the clearing. They were all spaced out around the circle and Kurt smirked knowing Blaine had lost and was actually nowhere near an entrance at all.

'Found it!' Kurt shouted with his hands cupped round his mouth.

Blaine's voice came from somewhere in the east. 'What? No way!'

'Yes way, and I now declare myself the winner. All your desserts are mine for the next seven days.'

'I don't believe you. Prove it. Read out the plaque on the fountain.'

Rolling his eyes, the slender boy approached the water display and squinted through the crystal clear water to read words carved into the stone framework. 'Erected in memory of Christopher Barry, fundraiser and founder of Dalton House.' He read aloud, before sitting back on a bench to enjoy the sunlight. 'You lost. Live with it.'

There was a scuffling noise coming from the west now. Sounding a little frustrated, Blaine called back 'Fine. Fine, all the dessert is yours. Well done. Congratulations.'

'Not a sore loser, are you, Blaine?' Kurt laughed.

'Of course not. In fact, I'm going to suggest another bet just to keep the fun going. First one back outside the maze wins.'

Pushing himself up again, Kurt made his way out of the clearing and back into the mass of green. He rolled his eyes at the childish reaction to losing. It was sort of cute, though, that Blaine wanted another chance to be a winner. 'What's the wager? Nothing can beat desserts, you know.' Kurt turned around and once again forgot which way he had come from. Each turn and splitting of paths looked exactly the same as the one before. Had Kurt thought ahead he might have brought breadcrumbs to speed things up. If Blaine ever insisted on coming back here he'd be prepared. 'I have an idea. If I get out first, you have to give me a piggy back ride all the way to the main house. Up the grass slopes, stairs – everything. Without complaining.'

Blaine's laugh could be heard again somewhere on Kurt's right quite nearby. 'I can do that. But…if I win,' Kurt held his breath, hoping Blaine wouldn't suggest Kurt carry him all that way. Blaine was slim but Kurt's muscles weren't the most impressive. 'If I win…I get to have your first kiss.'

Those words brought Kurt to a standstill. His hand still resting on the bed of leaves at his side, he wondered if he had heard wrong. 'M-my first kiss?' He stuttered back. Blaine didn't correct him. He swallowed and tried to sound amused by the suggestion but he couldn't mask the nervousness lacing his tone. 'A first kiss is very important, Blaine. I-It shouldn't be lost in a bet.'

'I agree. So you better hope you get out before I do.'

Kurt laughed but not out of humour. Was it pathetic that he was scared at what Blaine was saying? Yes. Yes, of course it was. It was Blaine! He was the nice guy, the one Kurt had only one hour ago admitted to himself he was infatuated with! Wouldn't it be nice to have such strong feelings for the person who gave you your first real literal taste of love? Kurt shook his head. Blaine probably wasn't being serious. He was just messing around. Right?

Kurt immediately picked up the pace and spared no time in deciding which route he would blindly take. He finally found another plant pot on display and climbed it to try and see over the towering bushes, but had no luck in figuring out where the exit was. Heart pounding in his chest, Kurt finally dropped to his knees and worked on getting some of his breath back. What if Blaine reached the exit already? If he had then Kurt had already lost the bet. According to Kurt's watch, almost thirty minutes had gone by since he had last heard any sound of the other boy. There was no crunching of gravel or rustling of branches and certainly no calls of encouragement from the guy who was effectively trying to steal something Kurt had been holding on to for so long.

'Why do I have a problem with it?' Kurt murmured quietly after a while of sitting. His own heart confused him to no end normally, but now it was truly baffling. Every night that previous week Kurt had fantasied about how it would feel to have Blaine's lips on his, to the point Kurt had unintentionally started practicing on his hand under the bed sheets to avoid any embarrassment. Every time Blaine said his name Kurt felt something inside tingle, like his voice were fingers strumming on his emotions like strings. Yet, now, Kurt was having a mini panic attack all because Blaine had effectively expressed a desire for him too. It made no sense.

There was a shuffle in the hedges next to him. Blaine was there. As if sensing Kurt too, the older boy asked 'Kurt?'

Kurt rolled over onto his knees and tried to peek through non-existent gaps in the thicket. 'Yeah, I'm here.'

'Good, for a moment there I thought you had escaped.' Blaine replied sweetly. He came closer until Kurt was positive that if it weren't for the greenery in the way he could have reached out and touched him. 'I want to change the bet. One of my favourite games as a kid was 'Cat and Mouse' – I just loved the thrill of the chase, you see. So, instead of it being a race to a finish line I propose that in order for you to win, you must get out the maze before I catch you.'

Kurt opened his mouth to criticise his sudden game change but then thought about the logistics of both scenarios. As much as he hated being chased, Kurt had to admit that a moving target would be much more difficult to find than one standing still, in other words Kurt's chances of winning would increase. If he was fast enough and listened carefully he could probably avoid Blaine quite easily in the unlikely event of them crossing paths. Of course, this didn't sit perfectly with him but at last Kurt agreed. 'Deal. But you need to actually catch me, not just find with your eyes me.' Kurt was a fast runner – there was every chance he could out-run the other boy in worst-case scenario.

'Oh, trust me, when I find you I'll be sure to catch you good.'

Shivers ran up Kurt's spine. 'You mean if you find me.'

'Sure. If.'

As the game started up again, Kurt suddenly became hugely aware of just how noisy he was. He fought to keep his steps light and his arms close to his chest to stop himself accidently rustling branches. Blaine, it seems, had chosen a similar tactic and couldn't be heard even when Kurt closed his eyes and strained his ears. Every now and then, though, when Kurt was least expecting it, Blaine sidled up in the adjoining path and whispered his name. Each time, Kurt jumped and ran as fast as he could. He never heard Blaine follow him but sometimes it would seem as if he was all around him, murmuring his name like a taunt. Yet it was so teasing. He hated to admit it, but the some of the fear inside his heart was gradually becoming more like excitement. Blaine's voice had been like velvet, sultry and enticing. Never before had anyone spoken to him like that, and Kurt was alarmed to know just how much he liked it.

Enough to give away your first kiss? Kurt pressed on further into the foliage. Another ten minutes flew past as if they were mere seconds. Dizziness had settled in his head and a couple of times Kurt found himself walking head first into a hedge as if it had been invisible. Falling back onto his rear, Kurt was ready to give up and declare Blaine the winner – anything to get help. It was then he saw it. Up ahead: a mess of compost by a broken plant pot. He could remember breaking it. It had happened right after he entered the maze. He was near the entrance! Suddenly filled with renewed energy and determination, Kurt stood up and began jogging down the path. Small breathless pants of laughter left his throat. He turned the corner. Just up ahead on the path was the open gateway with sunlight streaming down through the thinning hedges. It was barely thirty feet away! He was going to win after all! He was going to w-

A firm arm circled round his waist. Kurt's now-running legs were no longer pounding on ground but on air. Why was he in the air? What was going o-

He was slammed to the ground and forced onto his back. 'B-Blaine-! Stop it! G-Get off!' Kurt cried out as his arms and legs thrashed beneath the other boy who now straddled him to keep him in place. Blaine caught Kurt's wrists and thrust them onto the ground on either side of Kurt's face. His heart beating so fast and loud, Kurt gazed up at Blaine breathlessly.

Dark eyes burned in excitement turning Blaine's normally beautifully adoring face into a hungry predator. The curls framing his possessive expression were wild and perfectly enhanced the sense of danger shivering thought Kurt's nerves. Aside from pulling his knees halfway up to his chest uselessly, there was little else Kurt could do but stare. Blaine held his eyes expertly as he slowly lowered his face to his. With no memory of how it happened, Kurt became aware that mere inches now separated their lips. He instinctively licked his and his gaze flickered towards Blaine's. They were only just parted, and they looked so dark, smooth and moist. As if wanting to draw it out as long as possible, Blaine hovered above him for many long moments and savoured the tantalising closeness until he seemed to stand it no more. It was only then that Kurt felt their lips touch at last.

In Kurt's imagination, a first kiss would always be soft and gentle like a feather stroking skin. It was simple and warm. It would be so fleeting that you would be left wondering if it really happened. Kurt quickly understood that his imagination counted for nothing. Blaine wasn't gentle with him, nor was he fleeting or simple. Instead of warm, his mouth was hot and demanding. His tongue ran along Kurt's bottom lip until the smaller boy moaned and unwittingly allowed him entrance to his mouth. As Kurt attempted to free his hands, Blaine's hold tightened, making him feel so ashamed that his body arched in restricted pleasure. He could feel Blaine smirk. He knew Kurt was enjoying it. Pressing him further into the ground, his tongue found Kurt's and forced it to dance with his. Why did the dark haired beauty have to taste so sweet? Every touch, every lick, every sound…

Then, it was all gone. Kurt swallowed mouthfuls of air before he realised Blaine was no longer kissing him, but instead smirking down from above. His hold on Kurt's wrists eased up a little and he slowly rubbed against his skin as he shifted his hips so he sat perfectly on Kurt's. 'In case you hadn't realised,' He murmured in a low, satisfied tone, 'I just caught you. Like I promised.'

Kurt's chests continued to rise and fall sharply as he tried to regain control of his breathing, but he couldn't help but let out a small higher-pitched laugh. Maybe the lack of air had made him delirious? He squirmed beneath the older boy and attempted to sit up. No such luck. 'Y-you did. But…was all that really necessary?'

Kurt was smiling shyly but his question brought concern to Blaine's eyes. 'Oh, Kurt, you know I was just being playful, right? I was sure you could take a little rough manhandling…' He lowered his face to Kurt's again, and Kurt was certain that he was about to have his second ever kiss. But instead Blaine's lips slid down to his exposed neck. 'I have a confession to make, Kurt.' Kurt shivered and bit his bottom lip when he felt Blaine's deliciously hot breath by his ear. God, what was wrong with him? 'Asking you out here like this…to have you alone…I did it so I could finally admit to you just how I feel about you.'

Kurt blinked. His mind was just so confused. He had excused every little flirtatious act and word as friendliness on Blaine's part, and even when Blaine said he wanted Kurt's first kiss he could not allow himself a second to entertain the possibility Blaine liked him back. It didn't seem right. Kurt was so…plain, and pathetic. With an attitude problem and no mental stability, according to the doctors. And what was Blaine? An Adonis-like creature, perfect in every way, with a smile and personality that could win the hearts of anyone – aside from perhaps the kind folk of Dalton House… So how could Kurt accept what Blaine was saying? Blaine wasn't cruel enough to lie about something like this – God knows just how heartbroken Kurt would be if Blaine were to reject him out loud – so could it be true? 'Admit…what?'

Blaine breathed in the smaller boy's scent from the crook of his neck and moved one hand to run it through Kurt's hair. His fingers were gentle rakes, pulling just the right amount for it to feel so damn good. 'I like you, Kurt. Ever since I laid eyes on you I've been drawn to you. And ever since getting to know you I've hated every second we're not together.' He pulled back, finally letting Kurt up so they could sit side by side on the ground. Kurt's eyes were wide like saucers, his cheeks flaming red. Blaine smiled fondly and shuffled closer. 'I'm sorry I scared you like that. I just thought maybe if I made it like a game it wouldn't be so weird for you.'

Kurt tried to cover his embarrassed face with his hands but Blaine pulled them back and held them firmly. 'I-I don't know what to say…'

'Just tell me if you think you could ever feel the same.' Blaine replied as if it were the simplest thing in the world. To Kurt, he guessed it was. 'If you don't feel that way about me then…that's fine. We can go back to how we were before. I won't get stroppy – I swear.' He grinned, pulling Kurt's chin up.

'I…' Kurt started. His mind raced but no words came easy. Someone – no, not just someone – Blaine had just admitted feelings for him. He felt like crying. He felt like clutching on and never letting go. But what Blaine was asking for was an answer. Kurt finally resolved to just saying the only words which made sense. 'I…like you. A lot.'

'A lot? As in…?' Blaine asked.

Kurt nodded; pulling his hands out of Blaine's so he could at last hide just how happy he was. His smile must look so stupid and elated – the last thing he wanted was to scare Blaine off now. He heard Blaine laugh and without warning he pulled the younger boy into his arms and rolled them onto the ground again. 'You are adorable, you know that?'

'Shut up.' Kurt half whined, half laughed. He was soon pulled to his feet and Blaine's arm tentatively snaked around his waist. It seemed Kurt wasn't going to be losing the redness of his cheeks any time soon. With one hand still latched to the side of his face, Kurt allowed Blaine to take him further back into the maze.


Kurt wasn't sure just how it happened but the afternoon melted into early evening faster than soft butter on an open fire. The sky had turned a burnt pink colour and the warm air was gradually turning cool, giving Kurt the excuse to walk more closely with Blaine. They had spent the remaining part of the afternoon just talking and walking, with Blaine occasionally sneaking in a few kisses when Kurt got distracted. At first Kurt's initial shyness shamed him but the more he got used to it the more confident he got. As they stroll around the clearing with the fountain, Kurt flung his arms around his new boyfriend and pulled him down for more kisses. Blaine sniggered but did not disappoint. 'Look at you, getting all demanding.' Blaine teased as he nibbled on Kurt's ear lobe.

The smaller boy grinned. 'I don't hear you complaining.'

'And you never will.' Blaine assured him, but then looked a little alarmed as Kurt went to pull away. Keeping hold of Kurt's hand, he swiftly pulled him back. 'Where do you think you're going?'

Kurt turned back to him and gave a cheeky smile. 'We aren't playing cat and mouse anymore, Blaine. You can let me go.'

Wrapping his arms around the slender boy's waist, Blaine contemplated that with a short 'Hmm'. 'But what if you run away?' He nuzzled into his neck, but this only distracted him and gave Kurt the chance to slide out of his grip.

Kurt playfully ran to the opposite side of the fountain and watched Blaine through the falling water. 'Perhaps I will run away.'

'I'll chase you.' Blaine promised as he advanced. His eyes had grown so dark and possessive again – Kurt felt giddy and tried to hide behind the stone structure.

'I'll hide.'

'I'll find you.' Blaine didn't miss a beat and rounded the corner quickly. He trapped a surprised Kurt against the hedge. 'You'll soon learn that I adore games – and rarely will I allow myself to lose.' He stroked Kurt's chin with his thumb.

'You always get what you want?' Kurt quirked a brow as he licked his lips.

Blaine smirked, eyes drawn to the flickering of his tongue. 'Always.' Their lips met again and, just like their first kiss, Kurt found that Blaine took immediate control and prevented Kurt from moving as he let his mouth explore him. Hands were smoothing out over Kurt's middle, moving up to his shoulder blades and down to the small of his back. He arched into it as much as Blaine would allow. Small weak moans were spilling out from his throat. Blaine groaned in reply.

Kurt's head felt clouded again and seconds merged into minutes without his notice as he was too enraptured by the wondrous sensations Blaine was eliciting from him. Kissing turned to sucking. Sucking turned to biting. Kurt winced as he felt Blaine drag his teeth across the sensitive spot on his collarbone. Hands were holding onto him too tightly now and he was becoming far more conscious of the fact the hands were lowering rapidly. Only when Kurt felt his rear being lifted up and his hips being grounded into Blaine did Kurt push him back.

At first Blaine didn't seem to recognise his actions as being Kurt's way of getting him to stop. He proceeded to undo Kurt's bottom shirt buttons, running a finger down from his now-exposed navel to the start of his pants. 'B-Blaine-!' Kurt turned his face to the side so he could loudly express his decline. Another shove and Blaine stumbled back. Both of them were flushed and panting, only Blaine seemed a tad irritated at the sudden stop. Kurt held up a hand to prevent him coming closer again. 'I can't…not yet…' He managed out. Blaine stared at him and Kurt instantly felt pathetic. Weren't teenage boys supposed to be desperate for some action? It was ridiculous that he got freaked out over something that felt so physically good. No, he assured himself, it was getting too heated and I wasn't ready. Blaine will understand. But Blaine hadn't responded yet. 'Blaine? I'm sorry…'

Blaine seemed to snap out of whatever trance he had been in and the well-known gentle smile graced his face. 'What? Kurt, don't be silly. I'm the one who's sorry.' He gradually approached the smaller boy and pulled down his raised hand, intertwining his fingers with his own. 'I got carried away. It won't happen again, I promise.'

Kurt smiled weakly as he was led down the path again. Of course Blaine understood – the boy was perfect. And he wanted Kurt so bad that he got a little bit carried away. Kurt snuggled into Blaine's side as his body was still a little shaken up but with Blaine doing most of the leading there was little to worry about. 'We'll take it slow?'

Blaine hummed, and Kurt took it as a yes as it was immediately followed by a kiss on the forehead. Kurt closed his eyes and basked in the glow of having the older boy's arm around him.


It was a slow and quiet walk back up to the manor house. Blaine could feel Kurt's tilted head resting against him and knew the boy had returned to his relaxed and blissfully happy state. His soft brown locks seemed to sway in a dance-like manner and his fingers curled against Blaine's chest.

Blaine glared down at him.

Now the raven haired patient could not deny the fact that practically every aspect of that day had gone according to plan – if not better. After all, he not only succeeded in getting Kurt into the maze but also tricked him into going alone on a false bet. It took longer than expected for Kurt to find the fountain – Blaine had accidently stumbled across it several times during the course of the first half hour but had to quietly leave in order for Kurt to believe he had found it first. By the time his angel had agreed to the second bet Blaine was itching for his reward but his selfish desire to shamelessly stalk the alarmed boy proved too much of a temptation. Only at the perfect moment – just as Kurt made a run for the exit – did he finally come out of hiding and pounce on his prey.

That first kiss. The thought alone sent tingling sensations down Blaine's shaft. It could have been so easy just to take him there and then but he had enough self-control to keep to the plan. After giving him a taste of what Blaine had to offer, he finally 'confessed' his feelings. Kurt reacted perfectly. Blaine hadn't lied when he said he was adorable but then again Blaine didn't have a great track record of caring for things that were adorable. His past victims were proof of that. What followed was a tedious but necessary stroll around the maze allowing Kurt the time to grow accustomed to intimacy. It didn't take long for Kurt's playful attitude to shine through, and Blaine was more than happy to do a little more chasing.

Then…well, that might have been when Blaine went too far. The objective of the day was to establish a romantic relationship and persuade Kurt to go as far as possible with him without scaring the boy off. It was Kurt's fault, to be honest. He was teasing Blaine and brought up the idea of 'cat and mouse' again. Not to mention all the delectable cries and the sight of his bruising lips as he panted for more. Of course he wanted more. Blaine was no fool, and he had been waiting to give him more since the first moment he set eyes on him. Then the little bastard got scared.

Lust got the better of him, he knew. It thrived still, bubbling inside him as he was forced to restrain himself for the sake of the game plan. He could not lose Kurt's trust now. Knowing the influence he already had, Blaine believed he could have the bitch begging for him in a matter of days if he played his cards right.

And if he didn't consent? Well…Blaine had taken such teases by force before, he didn't see why Kurt had to be any different. Although at the risk of losing mental control and trust, as well as Blaine's own place at Dalton in favour of a real prison, he would much rather Kurt just conceded.

His arm around Kurt tightened and Kurt instinctively nuzzled closer. A small smile sneaked onto Blaine's lips. He didn't have anything to worry about.


A.N. Should I start adding teasers to the end of each chapter? Here's a few keywords for the next part: Cooper, blood, sex. That's all I got. Please review cause it makes me so happy!