Wow you guys, I now have over 100 followers on this story =) Thanks so much. Sorry about the delay. Things got busy for me during the holidays and then I got sick but I am feeling better.
Thank you to all for reading and reviewing!
Disclaimer: I DO NOT OWN GLEE OR THE CHARACTERS
It was a few days after Kurt's break-up with Sebastian and he was avoiding him at all costs. That had been hard since the Warblers had double the rehearsal time for Regionals. Kurt was currently sitting in chemistry trying to focus on the lab. He watched as Blaine successfully completes the next step.
"Now what," Blaine asked but saw Kurt was staring off into space.
Blaine lightly touched Kurt's back but Kurt still jumped.
"What? Oh lab. The final step says we have to describe the new mixture that was just created. Be specific when it comes to color, smell, etc."
Blaine scribbled some answers down but their names on top of the lab sheet just as the final bell rang.
"So, ready for the Warbler meeting," Blaine asked as the friends walked out the door.
"I guess. I am so tired I just want to go take a nap."
"If you wanted to skip I would cover for you?"
"Nah, I do want to go. I am just happy I don't work today."
"Lucky. I work with Tim, the laziest employee we have. This means I am going to have to do everything by myself."
"I could come in if you wanted me to."
"It's okay. You have to close tomorrow so I will let you enjoy your day off."
"Why doesn't Tim just get fired?"
"Owner's nephew."
"Oh."
"Have you worked with him yet?"
"Once, after Santana's party. She called in sick and he was her replacement."
"More like hungover."
Kurt laughed as they reached the Warbler rehearsal room. Kurt walked in and saw Sebastian talking to a group of guys. He just walked by and took a seat on one of the couches. Blaine took his stuff up to his seat next to Wes.
"Hey Kurt," David said as he walked by.
"Hi David, I'm sorry about last night."
David turned to face Kurt.
"What about last night?"
"My friend Rachel called. She lives far away and forgets about time zone differences."
"Oh, that? It's no big deal. My family has done that before too. My brother did when he was on spring break. His friends and him went to London and he called wanting to tell me all about his vacation not realizing how late is was back in the States."
Kurt smiled and David went and sat on Wes' other side. Kurt went back to looking at Blaine. He looked so cute in the Dalton blazer. Kurt let his mind run wild until he felt two people sit on either side of him.
"You know, if you want to keep your crush a secret, I would stop staring at him every chance you get," Jeff said.
"It does make it pretty obvious," Nick added.
"Look, Blaine knows I have feelings for him."
"Did something happen between you two?"
"Jeff!"
"It's okay, Nick. No, nothing happened but something almost happened."
"Did this almost something have anything to do with you breaking up with Sebastian," Jeff asked.
"No, no, why? Is that what Sebastian is saying?"
"Not exactly. He just said you two drifted apart. But that usually happens when one or both parties fall for someone else," Nick said.
"It's complicated," Kurt said.
"Love usually is," Nick commented
"How have you two been?"
"Amazing. No fights over Flint. I think my boyfriend has finally realized he is a friend and nothing more."
Nick rolled his eyes. He still didn't trust Flint but he had backed off Jeff so Nick was happy.
"I really loved performing with you Kurt. You are a really good singer."
"Thanks Jeff, I used to sing with my mom."
Nick saw Jeff look like he just got an idea. Wes called the meeting to order.
"Well, first off, we need to congratulate ourselves on a major victory at sectionals. Now, regionals will be a lot harder. The New Direction sectional is this weekend. They are probably going to win so we have to start preparing now. The council will listen to all suggestions."
Jeff immediately raised his hand.
"Yes, Warbler Jeff."
"I nominate Blaine and Kurt to do a duet at regionals."
Kurt felt himself blush and Blaine looked off to the side.
"Is second that nomination," Nick said.
All the Warblers were talking excitedly. They had never done a duet before.
"Order, I will have order," Wes said.
"It will be put up for a vote," David announced.
"All in favor?"
Kurt raised his hand and so did Blaine. Kurt glanced around and saw the majority of hands up. He did not look back at Sebastian, he didn't care what way he voted. However, he soon found out.
"It is unanimous, Warbler Kurt and Council Blaine will be performing a duet at regionals," Wes said with a hit of the gavel.
Kurt was on cloud nine. He was singing a duet with Blaine. After more suggestions some decisions had been made. There would be two solos and one duet. The duet, being Blaine and Kurt, one solo being Blaine and there would be auditions open to all Warblers for the other solo. Kurt gathered his stuff and headed out when Jeff and Nick caught up with him again.
"You owe us," Nick said.
"I never told you two to do that."
"No, but secretly you have wanted to sing with Blaine for a while."
"Maybe."
Jeff laughed.
"Hey Kurt do you want to come out with us tonight?"
"Where are you going?"
"Scandals."
"I thought I was the bad boy that snuck out."
"Oh no, many of us go to Scandals. We just don't go the first weekend when the room checks are a real threat. Once we get into the school the administrations stops them unless someone gets in a lot of trouble."
"I don't know. I was going to just stay in tonight."
"Well, let us know if you change your mind."
"Will do."
Jeff grabbed his boyfriends hand and the two walked off. Kurt wanted to go out desperately but was also trying his best to show his dad he could be mature. He was walking into the lobby of the dorms when he saw Sebastian on the phone. Kurt tried to ignore him until he heard—
"Of course I love you too. I'll be home for break soon enough. I can't wait to see you again. Don't worry I'll talk to my dad. Okay? Bye Babe."
Sebastian walked to wait for an elevator when he saw Kurt.
"Well, congratulations on your duet with gel head."
"Did you vote for it just to make of us?"
"No, that is just a bonus."
"Were you talking to Dave?"
"Yes, I was."
"Did you tell him I broke up with you."
"Yes, we were just making plans for break. When are you heading home?"
"I don't know what I am doing yet."
The elevator opened and Sebastian got in.
"You coming?"
"I changed my mind. I'm taking the stairs."
Kurt walked up the stairs. He was not going to cry over Sebastian. He had shed to many tears already over that boy. But it still hurt to hear him making plans with someone. Kurt got to his room saw David dressing up.
"Well, someone looks nice."
"Thanks Kurt. I got a date with my girl tonight."
"Special occasion?"
"Her birthday."
"That is so sweet. What are you doing?"
"I have reservations later tonight for dinner but I was going to head over to her place now and spend time with her and the family."
"That sounds so nice. Did you get her a present?"
"Of course. There is this jewelry shop with this diamond bracelets I know she has been eyeing."
"That's great. I hope you have fun."
"Thanks. So, I wanted to ask you something. See, it is a really special night and we haven't seen each other in a while because we have both been busy—"
"I'll ask Jeff and Blaine if I could room with them tonight."
"Thank you, thank you, thank you."
Kurt grabbed some of his things and headed down the hall. He knocked on Blaine's door and Jeff answered.
"Hey Kurtie."
"Hi Jeff, Blaine gone to work already?"
"Nope, he's here. Come on in."
Blaine had just changed out of his blazer and put his Lima Bean apron in his bag when he saw Kurt entering his room.
"What's up?"
"I was just wondering what your plans are for tonight."
"Works, work, come back, homework, sleep," Blaine said.
"Well, I was wondering if I could stay here tonight. David is having his girlfriend over later."
"Of course," Jeff said and looked back at Blaine.
"Sure. You are welcome here anytime. Now, I have got to get to work."
Jeff and Kurt said goodbye as Blaine left.
"So, Jeff, I wondering if I could still go with you and Nick tonight."
"Sure. This is going to be so much fun. You should see if Blaine wants to come with when he gets back."
"It sounded like he had his whole night planned."
"But, he never goes out with us. You might actually get him to."
"Fine, I'll ask later."
"I'm going to text Nick that you two are going with us."
Jeff and Kurt had just finished getting ready to go out when Kurt's phone rang. Jeff said he was going to go see Nick as Kurt picked up.
"Hi Dad."
"Son, how have you been?"
"Okay."
"I know breakups are hard but try not to think about him."
"I know Dad. I am holding better than I thought I would."
"So, I meant to call you earlier but things got busy."
"I understand."
"How did your competition go?"
"We won."
"That's great. I'm proud of you."
"Dad, I have to ask you a question."
"That's what I'm here for."
"Has my behavior ever caused people to judge you?"
"What do you mean?"
"Like, has anyone ever formed opinions about you based off of me misbehaving."
"Well, no not me."
"But someone else?"
"Look, Kurt it is no big deal."
"Tell me."
"When I first went public with Carole most people reacted positively to our relationship. But after you started acting out some thought it was because of our relationship and started judging Carole and Finn pretty harshly. Most of that blew over after a while though."
"I am so sorry."
"Kiddo, you never meant to intentionally hurt anyone. So, are you working today?"
"Nope, I don't work until tomorrow."
"Wow, a day off, must be nice. Some don't get that luxury," Burt joked and laughed. Kurt tried to join in but couldn't stop thinking about what Blaine said about how much work being a prince or king is.
"I was wondering if I could go out tonight."
"You're asking for my permission twice? This is a surprise."
"I am trying here dad. I do want to make you proud again."
"Where are you going?"
"Scandals."
"What's that?"
"A gay bar."
"A bar? Kurt—"
"Please Dad, I know I messed up the last time I went there but I am going with friends this time."
"Who?"
"Blaine, Jeff and Nick."
"Blaine is going?"
"I think so. You trust him."
"He has not given me a reason not to. But all you boys would still be underage, technically you would be breaking the law. I don't think I can approve of this Kurt. This is the type of behavior you are supposed to be stopping."
"But, I am not going out to hook up. We just want to go celebrate our sectionals win. I know we would be breaking the law but, but, but—"
"You have to promise me that you are not going to drink."
"I promise."
"Sean is going with you."
"What?"
"He will blend in. No one will know who he is or why he is there. Look, I am not happy about this but I understand you want to have fun."
"Thank you dad. I'll call you later."
"Talk to you in a bit son."
Kurt hung up and smiled, his dad was starting to trust him again. Kurt opened the door and saw Nick and Jeff leaning against the opposite wall.
"What are you two doing out here?"
"Wanted to give you some privacy. We didn't know who was on the phone."
"When is Blaine getting back?"
"Not sure but we figured we could just hang out for a bit," Nick said.
A few hours later Blaine walked into his room to see Jeff, Nick and Kurt watching a movie.
"Hey guys. Nick and Jeff, I thought you were going to go out."
Nick and Jeff looked over at Kurt.
"Well, I decided to go with them."
"Are you sure that's a good idea?"
"I'll be careful."
"Oh, have fun."
"Well, I—we—were wondering if you wanted to come with."
"No thanks," Blaine said, "I have a lot of homework."
"But, it is to celebrate our win."
"I can celebrate without sneaking into a bar," Blaine snapped.
Kurt, Nick and Jeff all looked hurt.
"I'm sorry guys. I didn't mean you can't celebrate like that. I'm just not a fan of the bar scene."
"Do you still have that I.D. your brother got you," Nick asked.
"Yes, it's not a question on if I could get into the bar."
"Well than what better way to keep an eye on me then to come along," Kurt said and Blaine blushed. Kurt realized how that statement could be taken.
"Not like that, just to make sure I stay out of trouble."
"Suuuuuure," Jeff said.
Blaine thought it over.
"Fine, I'll go, but only to keep you three out of trouble."
The four boys got into the bar with no problem. Jeff immediately dragged Nick off to the dance floor. Blaine awkwardly looked around.
"So, this is Scandals."
"In all its glory."
"It is very different than I imagined."
"I am going to go get a drink do you want one? I promise no alcohol."
"A Pepsi will be fine."
Kurt started to walk over to the bar and Blaine followed.
"No, you go find Nick and Jeff and see if they want anything to drink."
"But-"
"You are going to have to trust me."
Kurt watched as Blaine hesitantly walked into the dance floor. Kurt went over to the bar and sat down next on one of the seats. The bartender came over and winked at Kurt.
"Well Sexy what can I get you."
"Two Pepsis' please."
"Would you like me to add anything to them?"
"No, just soda please."
"So did you come here with someone?"
"Just a group friends."
The bartender put up two cups and filled them with the soda.
"So no one special, huh. No boyfriend I have to worry about."
"No, but I have to be getting back so how much is it?"
"On the house."
"Do you give all the cuties free drinks?"
"Only the ones I plan on sleeping with."
"You know, I'm pretty sure even a complete idiot could see he has absolutely no interest in you."
Kurt turned and couldn't help but smile.
"So, if you would kindly stop bothering him, I will not have to hurt you."
"What are you his boyfriend? He already said he only came with friends," the bartender said.
"Well, we are friends with benefits."
The bartender just walked down to the other end of the bar.
"Well," Kurt said, "Friends with benefits? That is interesting news to me. I think I should report that back to my father."
Sean just shook his head.
"No, it was just to keep that scum off of you. I want to try the sodas."
"What? No way."
"He could have drugged them," Sean seriously.
Kurt remembered being drugged the last time he was here.
"Fine, but one is for Blaine."
"I'll try one. He couldn't know which drink would be yours so if he did anything it would be in both of them."
"Fine."
Sean drank from one of the cups and handed it back to Kurt.
"I believe it is safe."
"Why thank you. I am going to go back to hanging out with my friends again."
"Okay, know I am going to go sit over at that table. If you need anything tell me, and do not leave without letting me know."
"Got it, now please leave before Blaine sees you."
Sean walked up to the bar ordered a drink. Right after Sean left Blaine came up to Kurt.
"Nick and Jeff said they are fine for now but might get something later."
Kurt handed Blaine his drink.
"Thanks."
"No problem. So how was work?"
"Horrible. Not only did Tim show up an hour late he was no help at all."
"I offered to come in and help."
"I didn't want you wasting your evening too."
The boys stood in an awkward silence until they had finished their drinks. Kurt threw their plastic cups away and grabbed Blaine's hand.
"Let's dance."
"I don't think that is a good idea."
"Let loose a little. Have some fun."
"Well, to me fun does not include sneaking into a bar. We could get into big trouble."
"Blaine, the guy at the door didn't even look at out id's. Over half of the people here are under twenty-one. It's okay."
Blaine looked down at their enclosed hands.
"I guess one dance would be okay."
One dance turned into two and two turned into three. Nick and Jeff looked over and saw Kurt and Blaine laughing and smiling and enjoying each other's company. They were not the only ones watching. Sean was keeping a close eyes on them as well.
"I told you he could get Blaine to have fun," Jeff said.
"You were right. Want to go get a drink."
"Sure."
The two boys each ordered a cranberry juice and vodka. Jeff had talked Nick into getting one alcoholic drinks. They were enjoying their drinks when Sean decided to pay them a little visit. He casually walked up to the bar, sat down next to them and ordered a beer. He got his drink and pretended to just notice Nick and Jeff.
"Wait a minute. I know you two."
Nick looked over at the stranger.
"You do."
"I saw you perform at sectionals. You do to Dalton Academy."
"Yep," Jeff said turning around, "We are in the Warblers."
Jeff suddenly realized he just told this guy they were still in high school.
"I mean, please don't call the police."
"I wasn't going to do that. I remember what is like to want to celebrate. But you know who really impressed me? That lead soloists you got. He can sing."
"Blaine? Yeah he is the best," Jeff said, "He hopes to get into NYU for their theater program."
"Jeff," Nick said, "I don't think he cares about Blaine's future plan."
"Oh just the opposite. I personally know the dean of NYU."
"No way," Jeff said and Nick just glared.
"Even if that is true don't you think it is a little creepy to be having this conversation at a bar with underage boys?"
"I guess you are right. So how about this, if you tell me all about Blaine I will not call the cops."
Nick looked over at Jeff and Jeff looked at his boyfriend. Should they believe this guy?
While Kurt and Blaine were dancing Kurt looked over and saw Nick and Jeff at the bar. He wondered what was taking them so long. Then he saw Sean walking over to them and rolled his eyes. After a while Nick and Jeff got back on the dance floor with Kurt and Blaine. Kurt decided he wanted another soda. He walked toward the bar but as soon as he was out of Blaine's line of sight he turned and headed to the table Sean was at. Sean just smiled as he saw Kurt approaching.
"So are you having fun," Sean asked.
"Why were you talking to Nick and Jeff?"
"I was just getting to know your friends."
"What did you talk about?"
"Oh, just this and that. Nothing really important."
Kurt just folded his arms glared at his friend.
"Okay, we may have talked about Blaine."
"You randomly walked up to them and asked about Blaine."
"Yes."
"That is so creepy."
"They said that too. I guess I didn't really think this plan through."
"What plan?"
"Plan? Who said anything about a plan?"
"You just did. Sean, what is going on?"
"Nothing. I just thought I would get to know your friends a little better. But know that I think of it this was probably not the best scenario."
"Well, I think we are leaving soon so please stop scaring my friends off."
Sean laughed.
"I swear, I wasn't trying to do that. I was just curious. It's my job to know what kind of people are around you."
"Yeah, yeah, I know. Look, I don't know if I'll get to call you tonight but I will call you tomorrow morning."
With that Kurt turned around and headed to the bar to place his order. Sean couldn't help but smile at the boy. Little by little he was turning back to the person Sean had befriended all those years ago. After a while Sean saw the four boys leave the bar he waited a few seconds and followed. He saw Blaine get in the drivers seat. Since Sean was sure Blaine was sober he got in his own car and headed to his apartment. He had just pulled into his parking space when he took out his phone and placed a call. He waited patiently for the other person to pick up.
"Hello."
"Burt, it's me, Sean."
"Are you back to your place already?"
"Yes, the boys stayed a few hours to enjoy themselves but that was it."
"And what about Kurt?"
"No one alcoholic drink. There was no dancing with random boys or any form of hookups. He just danced with Blaine and his friends."
"That's amazing," Burt said, sounding shocked.
"He really is changing."
"And what about this Blaine kid? It is obvious that he is the one around Kurt the most."
"Well, I did what I was told and found some information out. He is from a wealthier family, the Andersons. He transferred to Dalton after being bullied for being gay at his old school. His future plans include going to New York University for theatre. He seems like he is generally well liked by everyone. I couldn't get a lot of information but what I did find out was that his dad is a successful businessman. I guess he does business all over the world."
"Well, he sounds like a good kid. It sounds like he comes from a good family, from what you, Rachel and even Kurt has told me. It would seem that Blaine cares about my son."
"I don't mean any disrespect, but you do know that if Kurt finds out that the only reason you let him go out tonight was to have me spy on his friends, he will have a few choice words for us."
Burt laughed.
"Wouldn't be the first time he yells at me probably won't be the last."
When the boys returned to Dalton Kurt followed Blaine and Jeff to their room. As Jeff said goodbye to Nick, Blaine unlocked the door and let Kurt in. One Jeff was in the room the boys changed into their pajamas.
"So, Kurt, I have an air mattress for you," Blaine said, "I don't want you to have to sleep on the floor."
"Sounds great."
"No," Jeff said, "Kurt could should just share a bed."
"Jeff, these beds are not big enough for two people."
"Nick and I fit on the bed, we just snuggle with each other."
"Well, Nick is your boyfriend. Kurt and I are just friends. I don't want to make him uncomfortable."
"You wouldn't," Kurt said suddenly.
"What?"
"I just mean that if we shared a bed, that would not make me uncomfortable. Even if we had to be close to each other all we would do is sleep, right?"
Blaine blushed.
"Of course."
"It is settled than," Jeff said.
Jeff got into his bed but Kurt and Blaine just stared at each other.
"Would you like to get in first?"
"No, it's technically your bed."
Blaine got in first and Kurt followed. As the boys goy comfortable Kurt cuddled up next to his friend and Blaine wrapped his arms around Kurt.
"Is this okay," Blaine asked.
"Perfect," Kurt said with a smile.
The boys laid in silence. Kurt spoke after a few moments.
"Blaine?"
"Yes Kurt."
"We aren't purely platonic anymore, are we?"
"Looking at our current position, I would say not. Does this bother you? I can sleep on the floor. I know you and Sebastian haven't been broken up for that long, I don't want to pressure you."
"I don't think you have the ability to pressure anybody into anything. Besides I like this. I like you."
"I like you too."
On the other side of the room Jeff smiled.
The next morning Blaine woke up to find Kurt missing. He looked over and saw Jeff was still asleep. He slowly sat up and tried to wake himself up more. The suddenly opened and Kurt walked in.
"Good morning sleepyhead. Jeff still asleep?"
"He is trying to be," Jeff said aloud.
"Sorry," Kurt apologized.
"Why are you up so early," Blaine asked.
"Well, I woke up to a text from David saying he was taking his girl home. So I got up and took my stuff back to our room. Then I grabbed a quick shower and got dressed. Santana just called me and said someone called in sick and asked if I'd come help. Of course I said yes and picked up the extra shift. I was going into work later today anyways. I was just stopping by to tell you I was heading to the Lima Bean."
Blaine stood and walked over to Kurt. Neither Kurt nor Blaine knew what to call themselves. They were not dating but they were not simply friends anymore.
"You working all day?"
"Yep."
"Well, I come in around one so I guess I'll see you later."
"I guess you will."
"Now kiss," Jeff said.
Kurt rolled his eyes before pulling Blaine into a hug. After Kurt left Jeff was suddenly wide-awake.
"Kurt and Blaine sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N—"
Blaine threw a pillow at his friend but couldn't deny kissing Kurt sounded like a wonderful thing.
"Thank god you are here," Santana said as soon as Kurt walked through the door.
"Yes, help is here. What do you need me to do?"
"Well, I have the coffee orders under control but do you think you could go back to the oven and see how long it is going to be on those biscotti's."
"Sure."
"You are such a better worker than Blainers."
"I doubt that."
Kurt alternated between cleaning tables and helping Santana with orders when business picked up. A little before one Blaine walked through the door. Blaine offered to take over so Santana and Kurt could have their lunch break. Kurt watched as Blaine made every order perfect.
"How is he so good at everything?"
Santana shrugged.
"So, Kurt we haven't really talked since my party. I heard you and Sebastian broke up."
"I just got tired of being lied to everyday. What about you and your friend? Are you back together?"
"Brittany? No, but she is starting to talk to me more. We are starting to deal with our issues."
"What happened between you two? I can tell you still care about her."
"The short version? I wanted to keep our relationship a secret and after so long she got tired of hiding. Her leaving me is what prompted me to come out. First to the glee club, then to my family and others. There were mixed results but mainly support. I just wish that I had the courage to come out earlier. Brittany and I are friends now but I hope for the day that we become girlfriends again."
"I'm sure you two will. You love her and I can tell she loves you."
Santana smiled at her friend.
"Thanks. Well, enough about me. What about you and Blaine?"
"I don't understand."
"Oh please, you two have not stopped smiling since he got here and you keep looking over at him. Did you two hook up?"
"No we did not but we did almost kiss at your party."
"WHAT? Why am I just finding out about this now?"
"I haven't seen you."
"But, Blainers has. So what happened?"
"My phone rang before we did anything but yesterday we admitted that we liked each other."
"You two are so cute it is sickening. So you are totally over your ex. I don't you two to rush into anything and get hurt. I care about you guys."
"Thanks Santana and trust me I am never getting back with Sebastian."
As Kurt and Santana finished their food business really picked up and they went back to helping Blaine. Santana smiled every time Blaine and Kurt shared a smile or when their hands would accidently touch. Those two were smitten with each other, she just knew it.
"I can help you close up," Blaine said.
Kurt shook his head as he swept the floor.
"No, you go. I'm going to finish cleaning up. I'll lock up when I am done."
"But Santana has already left, who is going to walk you back?"
"I don't need an escort."
"I just don't want anything to happen to you."
"Blaine, just go. I have walked back to Dalton at night before."
Blaine still looked unsure. Kurt went to push him out the door when he tripped. Blaine caught him just in time. Kurt blushed at their closeness.
"See, you need help."
"I tripped. I do not need help."
"Look, I am going to go into the back and clean up. After I get everything clean and organized I am coming back out here. After you finish we are locking up and leaving together."
"Fine," Kurt mumbled.
Blaine slowly let go of Kurt and walked off to the back of the coffee shop. Kurt watched with a love struck look. Once Blaine was through the back door Kurt went back to cleaning. He was just finishing wiping down the display counters when he heard the door open. Without looking up Kurt spoke.
"I'm sorry but we are closed. You can come back tomorrow and we will be happy to help you."
"I think you can make time for me now, Prince Kurt."
At the sound of a familiar voice and being called a prince, Kurt looked up and found himself staring right into the face of Axel Smythe.
Another chapter completed.
I am redoing a portion of my outline for this story so I am not sure when the next chapter will be up. If I have a lot of free time today I could get it mostly written and posted tomorrow or the next day.
Hope you are enjoying the story so far.
I would love to hear your feedback or suggestions for the story so please leave a review.
Next time: Axel says something to Kurt, which prompts him to talk to his ex-boyfriend, Kurt talks to his dad and Finn, Kurt and Blaine continue to grow closer and decisions are made about the upcoming Thanksgiving break.