Disclaimer: I don't own Glee or the Beatles.

Note: A nice long one for you! Blaine comes back and drama ensues. So what happens when Kurt betrays Artie? What happens when Finn's the only one who can fix this? You'll just have to read and see!

One month later

Artie rolled up to Kurt in the hall after school. "So are we still on for our date tonight?"

"Ah, crap, Artie. I totally forgot that I had plans with Mercedes tonight!"

"Oh," Artie looked taken aback. "What're you two up to?"

"Facials, mani-pedis, and I'm highlighting Mercy's hair. Just a girly spa night, is all."

"Ah, I see," Artie said. "Well, tomorrow night then?"

"Of course," Kurt smiled.

"Well, I'll see you tomorrow, then," Artie said, rolling off to meet his dad.

Kurt let out a sigh of relief and opened his locker, pulling out his books. Mercedes was on the other side of his locker when he closed the door, making him jump.

"God, Mercy, you're going to give me early grey hairs if you keep doing that!"

"Sorry, Kurtie. I just wanted to see if we were still having our girl's night tonight."

"Oh, crap, Mercy. I completely forgot that I have a date with Artie tonight."

"Oh," Mercedes said. "Well, that's okay. You two lovebirds have your fun," she winked and gave her friend a squeeze.

"We will, thanks," Kurt said, squeezing her back and crossing his fingers. As soon as Mercedes left him, Kurt looked up to the sky and clasped his hands together.

"Oh almighty Marc Jacobs gods, please don't let me get caught."

With that, his cell phone rang, Madonna's "Like a Prayer" singing to him. Kurt smiled. He knew exactly who was texting him. He opened his phone to read the message.

WarBler: R we on 2nite?

KurtLizH: You bet

Kurt closed his phone and smiled to himself. Hopefully, this would go off without a hitch, and he could get away with this one. Because, Heaven knows, the last time went disastrously, and he didn't want a repeat of that incident.

That night

Artie rolled into the movie theater, alone. If he couldn't go on date night with his boyfriend, at least he could enjoy a movie on his own. He'd been dying to see this one, anyway, and he knew that he'd never have been able to drag Kurt to this one, seeing as how Kurt loathed sci/fi movies. He rolled himself into the wheelchair-accessible space and settled in to watch the previews.

"Artie?" a voice sounded from his right.

Artie looked up. "Mercedes?"

"What are you doing here?" she asked him, sounding confused. "Where's Kurt?"

"I thought he was with you…he told me he had to cancel our date because you two were having a 'spa night'," Artie said, clearly very confused and a bit suspicious.

"Wait," Mercedes said, holding up her hand. "He told me that he had to cancel on his date with me because he had a date with you."

Artie looked right at Mercedes. "He said that?"

Mercedes nodded. "I have a feeling our man Kurt isn't telling us everything," she said.

Artie looked furious. "He told me that he would be faithful after the…"

"Starbucks Incident?" Mercedes finished for him.

Artie looked pained. "Yes. That."

"Come on, sweater boy," Mercedes said, grabbing hold of Artie's chair. "Let's go get to the bottom of this, before either of us gets hurt."

Meanwhile…

"Oh, Blaine, I just had the best time!" Kurt exclaimed as he and Blaine exited the theater, where they'd just seen The Sound of Music together.

"I'm glad you did," Blaine said.

"How'd you get the best seats in the house, anyway?" Kurt asked. "They were so good!"

"As a Warbler, you have these sorts of connections," Blaine said with a shrug. "It was nothing, really. I just had to call the theater, tell them I needed two tickets, and bam!"

Kurt laughed. "I wish I had those sorts of connections. I could totally get used to this sort of lifestyle; nice dinner, house seats to a musical, a handsome date…" he blushed on those last few words.

Blaine chuckled. "Handsome date, eh?"

Kurt flushed harder. "Err…uhh…" he was suddenly aware of how close Blaine was to him…too close, too close…

Before he knew it, though, Blaine's lips were on him. "Mmmfffghhh!" Kurt's voice was muffled. His body went limp and he relaxed into the kiss, which was over almost as fast as it started. He stood there, shocked.

"Fuck, Kurt, I'm so sorry," Blaine said. "I'm so sorry."

"So am I," said a new voice behind Kurt. Kurt whirled around to face Mercedes…and Artie.

"Looks like we found him, Artie. And his friend."

"Blaine," Artie said through gritted teeth.

"Oh, so this is that pretty boy rival glee clubber that was part of the Starbucks Incident?" Mercedes said. "Well then. I guess this explains things, doesn't it?"

Kurt rushed to explain. "It's not what it looks like, Artie!"

"Not what it looks like? It looks like you were kissing Blaine here."

"It was an innocent kiss, Artie!" Kurt exclaimed.

"I'M YOUR BOYFRIEND!" Artie roared.

Blaine, sensing a smackdown, tried to back away.

"Oh don't you be tryin' to go nowhere, pretty boy," Mercedes called after him. Blaine backed up and stepped in front of Artie.

"Look, Artie…may I call you Artie?"

"Whatever."

"Artie…I kissed Kurt. It was my fault. He had nothing to do with it. I got a little carried away, is all. It was nothing."

Artie looked directly at Kurt. "It didn't look like nothing."

"It was, baby, it was!"

"Don't call me baby," Artie said coldly. "I don't even want to look at you right now." He rolled away, towards the warm glow of Mercedes' car, and away from his boyfriend.

"Kurt, I'm real disappointed in you," Mercedes said to Kurt. "Lying to me, now that's one thing. But lying to the boy who's been in love with you for three years…that's low, Kurt. I'm not bailing you out of this one, boo."

And she, too, left to go help Artie in the car.

Blaine put his hand on Kurt's shoulder. "Kurt, can we please talk about—''

"No," Kurt said, pulling away. "Why'd you KISS me, Blaine? You knew I have a boyfriend…had…you knew I wasn't single!"

"I'm sorry, Kurt, but I just couldn't help it! I did it because…"

"Because WHY?" Kurt yelled through his tears.

"Because I love you, that's why!" Blaine yelled back, now in tears himself, running off.

Kurt stood under the dimming theater marquee, shaking. Not this, not this…

Suddenly, the lights went out, both on the marquee, and in Kurt, leaving Kurt in the dark once again.

The next week

"Kurt, can I talk to you for a minute?" Mr. Schuester asked, noticing the distracted look on the boy's face.

"Sure," Kurt said hurriedly, following his teacher into his office.

"What's up, buddy? I noticed you've been distracted lately. Is everything okay at home?"

"Yes," Kurt said. "My dad's fine. He's slowly becoming more accepting of me."

"That's good," Mr. Schue said.

"Mr. Schue?" Kurt asked. "How did it feel when you cheated on Emma?"

Mr. Schue paused. "It felt terrible. Like I knew what I was doing was wrong, but I couldn't control what my body was doing at the time. Why, did you cheat on somebody, Kurt?"

Kurt looked away.

"Does this have anything to do with Artie?" Will pressed. Kurt nodded. "You cheated on him?" Will continued. Kurt shook his head viciously, but then slowly nodded.

"What happened, Kurt? Do you want to talk about it?" Mr. Schue asked gently. Kurt shook his head again, and then nodded again. He told Mr. Schue the whole story: how he'd lied to Artie so he wouldn't get jealous of Blaine again, how he'd lied to Mercedes to cover up, how Blaine had kissed him…even how he'd enjoyed the kiss.

"Looks like you're in a bit of a predicament, Kurt. Have you tried to explain to Artie what happened?"

"There's nothing to explain, Mr. Schue. Artie saw it happen. So did Mercedes."

Mr. Schue winced. He felt for the poor boy sitting before him. He'd been through something like this when he was Kurt's age, and he knew how bad it could be. He knew it had to be even harder, being gay, and having a crippled boyfriend.

"Have you talked to Blaine about why he kissed you?"

"He said it was because he loves me."

"Oh, God," Mr. Schue said. "I don't know what to say, Kurt. Maybe you should talk to Emma…uh, Miss Pillsbury about this?"

"No," Kurt said. "I just want Artie back!"

"Have you tried expressing your emotions through song to him?"

Kurt nodded. "The last time we fought like this. I serenaded him with Journey's 'Faithfully'. And it worked, big-time. But this time…I don't think it'll be so easy."

"Give it time, Kurt," Will said. "He'll come around."

"I hope so," Kurt said, standing up. "Or else I'll have nothing to live for." And with that, he walked out the door and down the hall to lock himself in the bathroom stall again. He spent most of his time crying in there these days, or crying in his room. Tears never seemed to stop flowing from his eyes, no matter how much he wanted them to. He couldn't focus in school, he didn't want to eat…he even was repeating outfits!

"Silly boy," he reprimanded himself, drying his eyes with a piece of toilet paper. There was a knock on the stall door.

"Kurt?"

Kurt jumped. "Finn?" he called, surprised.

"Yeah, it's me. Open up."

Kurt did so.

"You okay, man? I saw you run in here as I was coming out of practice, and you looked upset. And don't think I don't hear you crying late at night when I get up to go to the bathroom or to grab a late night snack." Finn and his mom were living with Kurt and Burt; Finn's mom and Burt were dating. "Besides," Finn continued. "You've worn that outfit twice this week, so I know something's seriously wrong. What is it?"

Finn dared himself to look his former crush in the eye. "I cheated on Artie."

"Shit," Finn swore. "That's why he's been so off lately."

"What do you mean?" Kurt said in a rush. "Off with what?"

"Football," Finn said simply. "He's been dropping passes and walking…rolling, I mean…around with that beat-up dog expression on his face."

"Oh," Kurt said, slumping against the sinks.

"So you cheated on him, eh? What's his name?"

"Blaine," Kurt said, with a sigh. "His name is Blaine. He goes to Dalton Academy."

"You mean that all-boys school the next town over?" Kurt nodded. "Yikes."

"What would you do if Rachel cheated on you?" Kurt asked.

"I'd dump her," Finn said bluntly. Going off Kurt's horrified expression, he quickly tried to cover. "Artie didn't dump you, did he?"

"Not officially," Kurt said, slumping down to the floor now.

"Then there's still time," Finn said, hoisting Kurt to his feet.

"Hey, watch the jacket! It's vintage," Kurt scolded.

Finn smiled. "Now that sounds like the Kurt I know." He took a good look at his friend. "We're gonna get him back. And I have a plan on how to do it."

Kurt's phone vibrated at that moment. "Hold that thought," he said, holding his pointer finger up at Finn, and then turning to check his texts.

WarBler: Can't we talk about this?

Finn craned his neck to see the screen. "Warbler?"

"Blaine," Kurt said in a whisper.

Finn's eyes lit up. "Give me that phone."

Kurt handed over the phone, eyes wide in panic. "What're you going to do?"

"You'll see," Finn said, typing away.

KurtLizH: Meet me at Starbucks in 20

Finn pressed "send" before Kurt could even react.

"WHAT?" Kurt yelled. But it was too late. Finn handed Kurt's phone back.

"And now for the next phase," Finn said, producing his own phone.

QBackFinn: Meet me at Starbucks in 20

"Now we wait," Finn said. Moments later, both phones vibrated.

WarBler: U got it

Wheels: Okay, see you there

"Phases one, two, and three complete," Finn said, smirking.

"And what, pray tell, is phase four?" Kurt said exasperatedly, pushing his bangs aside.

"What's phase four? Phase four is getting you and Artie back to the happy lovebird state that you two belong in."

20 minutes later

Kurt was sitting next to Finn at Starbucks, feeling like he was about to throw up. He began bouncing his legs up and down, a nervous habit of his.

"Chill, man. Everything's gonna work out. Trust me," Finn tried to reassure him.

Kurt forced a chuckle. "'Trust me.' Famous last words."

The bell above the door went off, and Blaine strolled in, followed by Artie. Once the two realized they'd been set up, they started to leave.

"Guys, wait," Finn called out to them. "Kurt wants to talk to both of you."

Blaine went to the table without a second thought. Artie faced the door for a moment or two, before turning around and following Blaine to the table. He pulled up so that he was facing Kurt directly. Blaine slid in next to him, facing Finn.

"Well?" Artie said, his voice full of hostility.

"Go on," Finn prodded Kurt.

"Artie, I'm so sorry for what happened. I really, really am."

No response.

"I didn't want to kiss Blaine…it just happened…you can understand that, can't you?"

No response again.

Blaine turned towards Artie. "Kurt's telling the truth, you know. I kissed him. I was way out of line, and I know that."

Artie glared angrily at Kurt. "You still let him kiss you," he said. "Don't deny that."

"I won't deny it," Kurt said, looking at a spot somewhere above Artie's head, not able to bring himself to look into Artie's hurt-filled eyes. "I let him kiss me."

"Why'd you let me kiss you?" Blaine asked quietly.

"I don't know," Kurt replied earnestly. "Heat of the moment, I guess."

"So do you love me or not?" Artie asked. "Because if you don't, then I'll just get out of your life and let you and Blaine be happy together."

"I do love you, Artie, more than anything," Kurt whispered.

"Then prove it. Right now."

Kurt's eyes widened, looking to Finn for help. Finn stood up. "Hey, everyone, listen up! My friend Kurt has something he'd like to say to all of you!"

Kurt stood up and took a breath. "Actually, I'd like to sing it, if that's okay."

No response from Artie; only a "be my guest" type of gesture.

Oh yeah, I'll tell you something
I think you'll understand
When I say that something
I wanna hold your hand
I wanna hold your hand
I wanna hold your hand

Finn's eyes widened; Kurt had serious guts to be able to do this in front of a crowded Starbucks in the middle of the afternoon. He gave a quick slide glance to Artie to see if he could read his expression; he couldn't.

Oh, please, say to me
You'll let me be your man
And please, say to me
You'll let me hold your hand
Now let me hold your hand
I wanna hold your hand

Blaine looked like he'd been kicked in the stomach, and Finn didn't fail to notice. Finn knew he'd have to be taking this hard; watching his crush sing a romantic song to another guy. Not that Finn knew too much about gay romances, but he figured they couldn't be too different from straight romances.

And when I touch you I feel happy, inside
It's such a feeling
That, my love
I can't hide
I can't hide
I can't hide

Finn looked back and forth between Artie and Blaine. Blaine was the one crying, while Artie sat there with a stony expression on his face. Yet Finn couldn't help but to notice that Artie was slowly beginning to cave in. Stealing a glance now at Kurt, Finn saw the tears start to come hard and fast.

Yeah you, got that something
I think you'll understand
When I say that something
I wanna hold your hand
I wanna hold your hand
I wanna hold your hand

The café burst into applause, and Kurt reached his hand out to Artie. Artie took it, and Finn noticed the tear that rolled down Blaine's face. Was it a happy tear, or was it a sad tear? Finn didn't have to wonder for long; as the newly reunited couple embraced, Blaine ran to the men's room. Finn clapped Kurt on the shoulder and quickly followed Blaine.

Artie looked into Kurt's tear-filled eyes. "I forgive you, Kurt."

Kurt's tears overflowed. "But I messed up, Artie!"

"No relationship is perfect," Artie whispered. "Including this one. I have some jealously problems and insecurities. I promise you, Kurt, I'll work on them. But we have to work on this together, okay?"

"Okay," Kurt smiled weakly. It was Artie's turn to kiss Kurt's tears away.

Meanwhile…

"Hey dude, are you okay?" Finn asked Blaine, who was standing in front of the mirror.

"I just had my heart trampled on. Do I look like I'm okay?"

"I know what that's like," Finn said.

"Oh, do you now? I'll bet you're the all-star football player that gets the cheerleader girlfriend, right? Oh, I don't have to guess that. Kurt told me all about you."

"My best friend got my girlfriend pregnant," Finn said after a deadbeat.

Blaine's eyes widened. "No kiddin'?"

"Yep," Finn said. "Blaine…I can call you Blaine, right?"

"I suppose," Blaine said.

"Okay. Blaine. Look, Kurt loves Artie. Artie loves Kurt. It's as simple as that."

"How long?"

"How long what?"

"How long have they been in love?"

"Always, I suppose. They've been best friends since they were 4. They were each other's firsts. First best friend, first kiss, first relationship…"

Blaine turned to Finn. "They haven't had sex, have they?"

"No," Finn said. "I would've read about it in Kurt's diary."

"…you read Kurt's diary?"

"He left it on the back of the toilet. We live together, don't forget."

"Ah," Blaine said.

"Anyway, man, they're in love. You just gotta move on. You can be friends with Kurt and all, I'm sure he'd love a friend to go shopping with and all that, but that's all you can be to him. A friend. Nothing more, nothing less."

Blaine looked away.

Finn put his hand on Blaine's shoulder. "Look, I know it's hard. But you have to let go."

"I know," Blaine said. He chuckled bitterly. "I've been here before."

Just then, the door opened, and Kurt walked in, pushing Artie in front of him.

"Is everything good again?" Finn asked, even though he already knew the answer.

"Yep," Artie said with a smile. He rolled up to Blaine and stuck out a hand. "We cool?"

Blaine looked at Artie's hand and smiled. "Yeah, we're cool." They shook on it.

"So, chai lattes on me!" Kurt trilled, clapping his hands together. Finn, sensing that Kurt and Blaine needed a moment, rolled Artie out of the bathroom and to the order counter.

"So what about us?" Blaine asked, putting his hands nervously in his pockets.

"What about us?" Kurt replied.

"Are we…friends?"

Kurt paused and put a finger to his chin, as if he were contemplating something major.

"Yes," he said, after several moments. "We're friends."

The two hugged it out before joining the other boys for celebratory drinks.

Note2: You might question Kurt's "cheating". To Kurt, putting his lips on another boy—who is not family—is cheating, especially because Kurt enjoyed the kiss and did not try to stop Blaine. So, to Kurt, this is cheating.