The next day, Kurt found himself seated in his bedroom facing Blaine. They were both seated on his bed, with the door open of course even though his dad was going out with Carole straight after work, and had the books of sheet music that Kurt had picked up at the music store open between them. Kurt tried to ignore the extremely awkward air surrounding them as he flipped to 'I've Had The Time of My Life' just as Blaine opened to 'No Air'. Kurt smirked at the opposite song choices, one being relatively recent while the other was a classic.

"Wow, we're not on the same page are we?" Blaine asked quietly as he closed the book in his hands.

Kurt shrugged, an idea suddenly hitting him, "Maybe we could just sing two songs together, then we can both choose one. There's extra spots in the setlist that I was hoping someone would take, maybe we could take one."

Blaine's eyes lit up as a wide smile spread over his face, "Yeah?"

Kurt felt his heart speed up as the smile was directed at him, "Yeah."

'Plus this way I get to spend more time with you and we can try and get over this awkwardness.'

Blaine nodded and opened the book again, the smile slowly falling as he concentrated on the table of contents to try and find a good song. Kurt couldn't help but smile as Blaine's tongue poked out just slightly and his head bopped to the songs listed in front of him as they played in his head.

Kurt swallowed as an overwhelming tension filled his heart and body; he wanted to reach out and take Blaine into his arms and never let go. Kurt startled at his own feelings, they hadn't even properly talked, let alone touched other than their fingers brushing as they passed books or papers between the two of them. He felt the phantom feeling of Blaine's fingers laced with his own, his soft lips against his, his-

"Kurt? Are you okay?" Blaine asked, his wide hazel eyes searching Kurt's face.

Kurt blinked as he realized he'd been essentially staring at Blaine for the past who knows how many minutes.

"Y-yeah. Sorry. Have you found anything?" And suddenly the awkward air was back.

Blaine sighed as he obviously felt it as well. He closed the book and put it next to his knee.

"Kurt, I feel like we should talk. Like...really talk. It's been great having little conversations with you recently, but I feel like things are still really awkward and I'd like for us not to be that way. I miss you and I'd like to work on being friends again."

Kurt felt his breath get caught in his chest as he stared into Blaine's eyes. This was something he really wanted but was really scared to broach. He had a million questions, and surely Blaine had a million of his own, but he was genuinely scared to know the answer to some of them.

'Courage.'

Kurt opened his mouth to answer, but his phone dinged on his nightstand, effectively breaking their connection.

"I-" His phone dinged again, "Hold on, sorry."

Kurt shot Blaine an apologetic smile as he reached for his phone. Blaine simply nodded and pulled out his own phone.

FROM CHANDLER 'MUSIC MAN': Hey good looking, I was thinking about you and I know we only met yesterday and this might be a bit forward but would you like to go to dinner with me sometime soon? I'm busy this weekend with family plans but I'm free Monday or Tuesday.

Kurt blushed, he'd officially been asked out by a guy. His heart sped up and he bit his lip to hide his smile. He hadn't been on a date since...Blaine. Kurt looked up from his phone to see Blaine blushing deeply as he texted someone, he was massaging his lips together in the way he does when he's trying to stomp down his feelings. Kurt couldn't figure out why he almost felt jealous about this, but there was nothing to be jealous of, for all Kurt knew he was texting one of his friends or his parents; even if the deepening blush told a different story. Kurt shook his head and read the other message that had come through.

FROM CHANDLER 'MUSIC MAN': Or really if you're only free this weekend I'm sure I could make something work. You're just too amazing to pass up. Now I sound too forward. Sorry. Not sorry. ;)

Kurt peeked to Blaine one more time, seeing his eyes widen as he read the text on his screen. He'd dated someone else, why couldn't Kurt? Plus Chandler was sweet, a little intense, but sweet nonetheless. Kurt took a deep breath and hit the reply button to begin typing his response.

FROM SEBASTIAN: [picture attachment] even though my ass STILL hurts from your thorough fucking, my dick LOVES the thought of you.

Blaine stared at the photo Sebastian had sent of his hand wrapped around his hard dick. Blaine took a deep breath to try and stomp away any arousal at the sight. He'd stuck behind after his coffee with the Warblers to have dinner with Sebastian and one thing led to another and, well, Blaine ended up staying with Sebastian for the night, barely making it to Lima in time to change his clothes and get to class in the morning.

TO SEBASTIAN: It's your own fault your ass still hurts, I offered to switch but you HAD to bottom each time.

Blaine couldn't meet Kurt's eye as he waited for the response. He wasn't so much ashamed that he'd slept with Sebastian in general; it was that he felt bad for sleeping with Sebastian while trying to win Kurt back. Just as he was about to look to Kurt to see if he was ready to talk yet, his phone buzzed in his hand.

FROM SEBASTIAN: And what a great decision it was. We had a busy night, three times was impressive for us, killer. We really shouldn't wait that long between fucks.

Blaine sighed as he typed his response. He really needed to stop hooking up with Sebastian. He didn't want him to get the wrong idea, nor did Blaine want Kurt to find out that he was still sleeping with his ex. He didn't want to seem like a sex craved animal; even if it felt fantastic.

TO SEBASTIAN: Don't get too attached. I don't see it happening again.

The answer came almost immediately.

FROM SEBASTIAN: I'M not attached, my body just loves your dick and ass. Plus you tend to say it'll never happen then nights like last night happen. Don't kid yourself, killer. You want it as much as I do.

As Blaine was about to hit reply, he heard a soft click. He looked up to see Kurt fiddling with his fingers, his phone placed on the nightstand once again. 'Sebastian can wait. I need to talk to Kurt.' Blaine pocketed his phone once again and waited for Kurt to meet his eyes. When he finally did, he saw the immense battle hidden in the deep pools of Kurt's eyes.

"Blaine. I really, really want to talk to you...I'm just," Kurt took a deep breath and Blaine decided to wait him out, knowing Kurt wasn't going to admit to his internal feelings easily, "I'm just scared to know some of the answers to my questions."

Blaine nodded and felt a wave of guilt flood through him, but that was soon replaced with a sort of hope. Kurt was willing to talk. He had questions and expected answers. 'Maybe he'll answer mine as well. We can get back to how we were.'

"How about this, because I have questions also, we can ask each other everything we need to and if we don't want to answer or if the answer is bothering us too much we stop. Kurt, I want nothing more than for us to be open and honest with each other. I still feel safe with you. I'm willing to tell you whatever you want to know."

Kurt nodded slowly, "I feel safe with you also. It's strange, but I do. I guess I just need to get past my fear."

Blaine offered Kurt a small smile, "It's just me." Kurt nodded in response, "Do you want to ask first, or should I?"

Kurt bit his lip, his eyes narrowing slightly in an apparent debate, "I'll go, I guess." He took a deep breath, "Why are you here? In Lima, I mean, and at Mckinley of all places? Why'd you leave Dalton?" Kurt shrunk back at each question, finally biting his lip once again in apparent protest of the other questions that were threatening to spill out. Blaine couldn't help but smile at that.

His smile immediately faded as he remembered the questions, "Well, uh, my parents got divorced in June. An-"

"Oh, Blaine, I'm so sorry." Kurt breathed out.

Blaine shrugged, "It was for the best probably. All they ever did was fight and it was getting worse and worse with every passing day. It was horrible being at home when I had to visit them." Kurt nodded in understanding, Blaine was shocked to find a tear sliding down his own cheek, he sniffled and wiped it away, "Anyway, they divorced and I was given an option of continuing at Dalton or coming with my mom to Lima and attending Mckinley. I chose Mckinley. I have to visit my dad some weekends and during parts of breaks, but mostly it's my mom and I."

"But...why did you choose Mckinley and Lima of all places? You love Dalton."

Blaine felt his heart stop in his chest, 'Be honest with him.' "Well, my mom was moving here anyway. I chose to come here...for you. I've missed you so much Kurt, and you wouldn't talk to me and I just...I wanted a chance to talk to you again."

Kurt's eyes widened as tears began to fill them, "You came here for me?"

Blaine nodded, "I'm sorry, that must sound really cr-"

Blaine was cut off as a body slammed against him, arms wrapping tightly around the back of his neck. Blaine took a deep breath, inhaling Kurt's familiar scent, and wrapped his arms around Kurt's waist. A weight was lifted off his shoulders; he knew they still had a lot to talk about, but it didn't feel as daunting anymore. Not as long as Kurt was in his arms.

Kurt finally extracted himself from Blaine's embrace. He'd panicked at first upon realizing he'd thrown himself at Blaine, but he couldn't really help it. Upon hearing that Blaine chose to give up the comfort of Dalton for him, Kurt needed to hold him.

He sat back and wiped at his cheeks; the fresh tears had long since subsided, but the old ones were still present. Blaine did the same to his own cheeks and it warmed Kurt to know they could both be so vulnerable around each other and not feel weird about it.

"Okay, my turn," Blaine said with a sniffle, "Why are you so quiet? Why aren't you the fabulous Kurt Hummel I know and lo-remember?"

Kurt smiled at the almost slip up of 'know and love', but his smile faded as his mind returned to Karofsky, "It's just not...safe for me to be me at Mckinley. I wanted to be fully myself after the confidence you gave me at Dalton, but...stuff happened and I realized it was better to just stay quiet and out of the way. I mean...the jocks still fuck with me but at least I get some passes whereas if I were as loud and proud as I could be, I'd be even more of a target."

Blaine studied Kurt's face and Kurt realized he'd been read, "What stuff happened? Did Karofsky do something? I see the way he looks at you and how you react around him. If he did something again I'm go-"

"Blaine," Kurt said, holding his hand up to silence him, "He just reminded me that it was better that I didn't say anything about what happened. I had to protect myself. I had to protect you. By telling you I effectively put you in harm's way. I'm sorry. I'm really glad now that I didn't tell him I'd told you. I'm keeping you safe by-"

"By hiding what he did? Kurt he tried to-"

"I KNOW WHAT HE DID BLAINE!" Kurt snapped. At the stricken look on Blaine's face, Kurt closed his eyes and took several deep breaths, "Look, I just need to keep myself out of the way as much as possible. I don't want to get hurt more than I already do at their hands. Please just understand that."

Blaine smashed his lips together and narrowed his eyes for a few moments, "Fine. Kurt, I get it, I do, but I want you to remember how free you felt when you were yourself. I'll be by your side every single day. I'll help protect you. I just want you to be happy."

Kurt felt even more tears threatening to choke him and he blinked them away, "Thanks Blaine. I promise I'm fine," At Blaine's look, Kurt sighed, "I'll be fine."

Blaine nodded, "Your turn."

Kurt smiled at Blaine's formality of following their half-declared rules. He pondered his next question; he knew he needed to ask about Sebastian at some point, but also really didn't want to know the answers. He could ask about other stuff, like his year with the Warblers and how they were doing, even though Kurt saw them often, it was different when living together. Or he could ask about the façade that Blaine's been putting up at school. Kurt sighed and decided to take the easy route for the next one.

"So, I bet you're glad to be out of the Warblers now that Wes is a Senior and has full control? His gavel actually holds power now." Kurt laughed.

Blaine chuckled lightly, but his heart wasn't in it, "Is that what you really wanted to ask?"

Kurt's breath caught, 'Blaine still knows me too well', "For now." He nodded.

Blaine nodded, "Yeah, I had coffee with the guys yesterday and stuck around late with Nick and Jeff, of whom I'm very excited are coming to your dad's wedding by the way," Kurt nodded in response, he too was very excited, "They both were saying that if we thought Wes was bad before, we hadn't experienced anything yet. Apparently he broke the gavel and cancelled the rest of rehearsal because he was crying too hard to continue. David had to get special permission to leave campus past curfew to get a new one so Wes could sleep."

Both Kurt and Blaine laughed loudly at that. Kurt felt amazing to be able to laugh so freely with this boy. He could just picture Wes being an absolute wreck after breaking that damn thing.

"Remember when Trent hid the gavel and Wes refused to let us do anything until we told him where it was?" Kurt laughed even harder at the memory.

Blaine matched his enthusiasm, "Then Thad broke when he was in individual interrogation because Wes threatened his Council Seat."

As their laughter subsided, Kurt had to place a hand over his stomach as though it would ease the ache of his muscles after laughing for so long. He felt amazingly relaxed and he couldn't help but smile at the boy across from him who'd moved so he was lying on his side, facing Kurt with his head resting on his hand.

"Okay, tell me about Nationals."

Kurt frowned as confusion coursed through his body, "What about it? Everyone who has a YouTube account saw why we lost."

Blaine shook his head, almost toppling off of his hand in the process, "Tina told me you turned down a solo. Why?"

Kurt felt betrayal at the hand of one of the few people he trusted, "That bitch."

Blaine frowned and smacked Kurt's knee semi-playfully, "Hey now, she's just looking out for you. She figured I should know so I could get the story out of you."

Blaine stuck his tongue out playfully at Kurt and Kurt couldn't help but giggle at his friend's silliness. This was something he missed.

Kurt sighed as he realized he had to answer the question, "I just didn't feel up for it. I didn't want the team depending on me and our failure being my fault. I mean...naturally it wouldn't have been my fault anyway, but still. I just couldn't handle it at the time."

Blaine nodded, "Why'd you call me that night?" it was whispered and Kurt watched as Blaine closed in on himself, "Why'd you call then hang up and not talk to me again? Why?"

A single tear slid from Blaine's eye as his voice broke on the last word and Kurt felt his heart constrict at the sight.

"I called because I needed to be comforted and I knew you'd do it. I knew in that moment that even though I'd been avoiding you for so long, you'd still be there for me. I needed to hear your voice, Blaine. I needed to hear you. I needed to talk to you, but then I woke Mercedes and I just...I didn't want to explain it to her and I panicked. Then I couldn't bring myself to see or talk to you. I felt so stupid for avoiding you for so long and after everything last year that we'd learned about each other through our friends, I just couldn't bring myself to face you. Face this discussion, really. Like I said, I'm scared. It feels good to talk about but...I haven't been ready. I'm sorry for avoiding you, Blaine. I just...I needed to get past my feelings, I needed time and space."

Blaine's wide eyes turned even more emotion filled with every passing word, "A-and did you? Y'know, get past your feelings?"

Kurt bit his lip, he contemplated the merits of withholding the truth from Blaine, but knew he wouldn't be able to even if he'd said the words, "Honestly? I don't think so. I don't really know how I feel, Blaine," Kurt closed his eyes and took a deep breath, his next words coming out in a whisper, "Please don't make me try and figure them out right this second. Please."

When Kurt opened his eyes, he saw Blaine nodding at him, obviously trying to hold back more tears. They sat and stared at each other for a long time before Blaine spoke again.

"I understand. Please know that through everything I never once stopped caring for you. Kurt, I loved you and now I still feel strong feelings for you but I understand where you're at."

Kurt nodded, "I'm not sure which of my questions to ask next." He admitted, feeling self-conscious, but knew Blaine would pick up the pieces.

Blaine met his gaze and they both understood at that moment which question was inevitably next.

"I'm sure one of them is regarding Sebastian?" Blaine prompted.

Kurt nodded, Blaine smiled slightly as Kurt's cheeks colored, "Well, there are several regarding him, but shall we just say Sebastian with a question mark at the end?"

Blaine chuckled lightly, "Okay. Um, we met on the first Warbler's practice of the year. He made some very...forward comments to express his interest in me from the moment we met. At first it just started out with some flirty...okay, also sexty texts, then he asked me out. I honestly was still very much in love with you but realized you didn't want me anymore," When Kurt opened his mouth to protest, Blaine held up his hand, "That's how it felt, Kurt. Yes, we mutually agreed to break up, but it was a struggle to get you to talk to me. I felt like I'd been left behind. So...I decided to give this guy a shot. He was attractive and nice and sure, cocky as hell, but...I figured I'd give him a shot. Things just fell into place. We dated pretty steadily since our first date, granted it really wasn't that long, but still. At Sectionals, I'd forgotten my phone at Dalton. I was so excited to see you. When Nick and Jeff told me you'd seen Sebastian and I, Kurt, I just... couldn't ruin the day any more for anyone, but in that moment I realized just how fucked up the situation was. I loved you. I broke up with Sebastian the next day. I tried to call you. I tried everything."

Blaine paused, he knew he had to bring up the fact that he'd slept with Sebastian, but didn't know just how to do it. Luckily, Kurt had plans of his own regarding that subject.

"Jeff brought up something interesting at coffee one afternoon. He said that even though you'd broken up with Sebastian you guys still hooked up. I'm not judging you Blaine, please don't take it as that, I'm just...wondering..."

"What exactly Jeff meant by 'hooking up'?" Blaine prompted, feeling his cheeks color as Kurt looked down to his knees, nodding slowly. Blaine sighed and sat up, folding his legs, "Kurt, I..." Blaine suddenly found it extremely hard to speak the truth, but knew he had to; he swallowed and tried again, "I gave my virginity to Sebastian, Kurt." Kurt sucked in a breath, but didn't say anything, "He was...it was part of being in a relationship with him. That's not to say he forced me or anything, things just got really wild and intense really fast. Since we broke up...," Blaine took another deep breath to try and gather the courage to say the next part of what he had to say, "Since we broke up, we have slept together a few times. The first time after the break up was my birthday and it's been sort of...random since then. And every time I tell myself it's the last time because I know sex is supposed to be special and part of a relationship and everything, I just...it just happens."

Kurt nodded slowly, still avoiding Blaine's gaze, "How many guys have you been with?"

"Just Sebastian. And I'm sure that sounds horrible like I'm perpetually horny and I'll always hook up with Sebastian no matter what, but if I were in a relationship that wouldn't even be considered an option."

Kurt's eyes narrowed as he continued to study his socks, "So you expect sex in a relationship now? What if the person you're dating isn't ready for it yet? Would you run to Sebastian?"

Blaine felt his heart jump to his throat, "No. No, Kurt. No. I just meant that I'd never cheat on anyone; you know that, especially not for Seb. I'd never pressure anyone into sex either. I promise. You know me better than that. Please tell me you know me better than that?"

Kurt took a deep breath and lifted his head, his gaze meeting Blaine's. Blaine could see clear as day the nonjudgmental yet still uncomfortable and slightly disappointed look in those beautiful eyes.

"I know, Blaine. I'm sorry, that was a rude question. I know you. You'd never do that." Kurt said, a small smile gracing his lips.

Blaine felt relief course through his body, he'd been scared to tell Kurt, but realized he should have known Kurt better than to have expected anything less than the understanding that was given his way.

"It's fine, Kurt. I know this is probably not what you were expecting to hear from me if we had ever gotten a chance to talk like this, so thank you for not judging me."

Kurt's smile widened and he nodded, his eyes showing an internal battle, obviously deciding whether or not to say something before he settled on, "Your turn."

Blaine smirked before taking a deep breath of his own, his next question was one that scared the shit out of him but he knew he needed to know. "Have you dated anyone since we broke up?"

Kurt's cheeks colored and his gaze flicked to his phone and back to Blaine's eyes so quickly Blaine was almost sure he'd made it up.

"Um, no. And just to clarify, I'm still a virgin," Blaine smiled, but waited, sensing there was more Kurt had to say, "But, I have a date next Tuesday. My first date since you."

Blaine felt his stomach drop to his toes, shock and jealousy running deep in his veins. 'WHY?! This is our chance to get back together! No, you can't date him. I need you, Kurt! NO!'

"Ah, well, that's cool. What's his name?" Blaine asked instead, knowing his voice betrayed his emotions.

"Chandler. We, uh, we met at the music store yesterday. We got talking and exchanged numbers and he asked me out. He's sweet, a little obnoxious from what I can tell, but I figure I'll give him a chance." Blaine took a deep breath as tears stung the back of his eyes, but he refused to let them fall, even as Kurt continued speaking, "I have to Blaine. I need to feel special. I want to date someone and I think Chandler has this cute quirkiness to him that would be fun. I just..." Kurt trailed off, eyes pleading with Blaine to understand, "I need to figure out how I truly feel. I have been avoiding my feelings for so long and maybe this can be a good way to do so. Who knows, maybe Chandler and I will actually work out." Kurt took a deep breath, but never took his eyes from Blaine, "Or maybe not. I won't know until I try."

Blaine nodded, "I understand, Kurt. I'm just glad we're beginning to be friends again. If things don't work out with Chandler, though, I'd really like to take you out."

Blaine felt his heart stop as he realized what he'd just said. He really did understand and he really did want to take Kurt out, but he hadn't meant to say the latter out loud.

Kurt smiled sadly and dropped his gaze to his lap, "Noted." There was another small silence before Kurt spoke again, "My turn. What's with Warbler Blaine walking the halls of Mckinley?"

Confusion took over as primary feeling of Blaine's body, "I thought we covered that?"

Kurt met Blaine's gaze again and Blaine could see the playful, yet curious twinkling in his eyes, "No, we covered why you were attending Mckinley; I'm wondering why the mask you put on to make everyone think you're okay when you're really not is walking the halls. I like to call him 'Warbler Blaine' because he's the one I met on that staircase."

Blaine smiled at the memory, but the smile slowly faded, which seemed to be the theme of the day. "Well, it's a mix of things. First my parents getting divorced, while being good overall doesn't make it any less difficult. So dealing with that and having a hard time trying to enjoy the little time I spend with my dad because we have next to nothing in common just really stresses me out. I want to connect with him like I do my mom, but...we can't seem to find anything. It pisses me off so much. I fucking hate that I hate going to him." Blaine took a shuddering breath as he felt his tears finally springing free again. He couldn't bring himself to care, though, "Then there was the realization of just how much I miss my friends. Those guys are like my family so it's hard being away from them. And finally, after that first day when you turned away from me saying you couldn't talk to me and you really...you refused to look at me, except when I'd gotten slushied and forgotten to bring a change of clothes...it felt like I was so close, yet so far from you. Seeing you every single day, being seated next to you in all those classes and getting to talk to you for a few moments regarding a history event or how to properly solve for X, those are the best moments of my day but also the worst because it's like I get a small piece of what I really want. Then when the opportunity came up with your dad's wedding I knew I had to jump at the opportunity. I love singing with you and I knew we'd have to spend some sort of time together to practice and, well, look at us, we're talking. I've been dreading this conversation but I also knew it had to happen for us to even move forward as friends. Or more. I just...miss us, Kurt. In any capacity, I need you in my life and I'll take what I can. You know as well as I do I fake my confidence. I fake it so people don't see that I'm really just scared and lonely." A sob clawed out of Blaine's throat, "I'm sorry, I'm not saying this to make you feel bad for me or anything, and I don't want you to feel...obligated to talk to me or anything. It just came out. I'm so sorry, Kurt."

Blaine felt a pair of strong arms wrap around his shoulders and tug gently yet firmly. He laid down next to Kurt, his head resting over Kurt's heart and wrapped his arms around Kurt's waist. Somehow the music books had been shoved aside before they'd laid down. Blaine didn't even try to hold back his sobs as he clung to Kurt for the lifeline that he was. He felt Kurt's torso shaking and realized that Kurt was crying as well. Blaine felt his heart ache knowing that Kurt was crying, but knew they both needed this. It had been a very difficult discussion and they both needed to hold each other for a while.

When Kurt awoke he didn't remember falling asleep. He felt cold without the heat of the body pressed into his side. Kurt's eyes flung open as he remembered what had happened that afternoon with Blaine. He sat up and looked around his room desperately hoping to find Blaine, instead he found a note.

Kurt,

I'm glad we were able to talk everything out (well, I hope it was everything, if you have anything else to ask feel free). I'm hoping this means we can try to move forward as friends. I understand you don't want me as a date right now and that's okay, I meant what I said. I had to go home because my mom called and woke me up wondering why I wasn't home yet. I'll see you at school tomorrow.

XO, Blaine

Kurt smiled as he reread the note. He had been scared for the conversation but it really felt great to have everything in the open. He couldn't help but look forward to the next day and seeing Blaine. It was the first day of their renewed friendship and Kurt vowed to show Blaine just how amazing and important he was.

A/N: I don't own Glee nor its characters. Wowee! That's a long one! :) My outline for this chapter had a bunch of other parts to it and this conversation was going to be glossed over, but I realized how important it really was to them to have it in full; but then came the battle of finishing the outline of this chapter or leaving it at this. Yeah, I left it at this. But, the good news with that means I have next chapter already outlined so I'll probably be able to whip it out quickly! Thanks so much for the support and the patience with the break we had for a bit. I should be back on regular schedule now. Let me know what y'all thought! :)