Chapter 11

Second week of Fashion Hero

Monday Part 1

Kurt stood last in the row with his fellow competitors, all of them excitedly waiting for the week's theme to be announced. Except for Kurt and Genius. They were just excited to find out if they had spent the previous day brainstorming for the right assignment.

The camera was on them to capture their delight or distress when the host shared the task with them. After a long boring speech he finally said, "Prepare for sunhats because this week's assignment is... By The Sea. Good luck, everyone, and may the best ideas win!"

Kurt couldn't help but let out a relieved sigh as a self-satisfied smile tucked at the corners of his mouth. He made a beeline to the storeroom, because he already knew exactly what he needed for his outfits, whereas everybody else just started bouncing ideas around.

He had a clear vision in his head and he had his designs outlined in his sketch book already. It was the perfect start into the second round.

"I have the best idea for this week!" a voice behind him said and Kurt turned around to find that he was being followed.

Genius' bangs swept over the left side of his forehead and he wore a black beret. His usual smirk danced upon his lips as he caught up with Kurt. "I can see it clearly before my eyes and it's a sight trés magnifique!" He waved a hand through the air as if outlining his vision.

"Well, good luck with yours, but mine is going to be even more magnifique," Kurt countered, unimpressed by his competitor's bragging.

"Well, you see, they call me genius for a reason," Genius went on. "I'm really that incredible."

"Where are you going?" Kurt asked petulantly as Genius continued to walk beside him.

"Where are you going?" Genius parroted him.

"To the storeroom," Kurt replied sharply.

"Me, too," Genius said haughtily. "You got a problem with that?"

"Stop following me," Kurt said, annoyed.

"Excusez-moi," Genius said, placing a hand with spread fingers on his collar bone. "Last time I checked this was a free country."

With a roll of his eyes Kurt quickened his pace.

"Attends-moi!" Genius shouted after him. Apparently Genius had trouble keeping up with him. Kurt gave Genius' high heels a dirty look.

"Ah, foxy, I have to say I really liked knowing the week's assignment in advance," Genius said when he walked beside him again and for a second Kurt actually thought he was going to thank him. Instead Genius went on, "Keep me updated the next time you bonk Andrew for information, will you?"

Kurt gasped, outraged, but before he could explode Genius pushed the door open and entered, smirking back at Kurt.

They stormed off in different directions. Kurt was glad that Genius seemed to look for his fabrics in another section than he did, at least this way they wouldn't collide. Luckily they lost sight of one another in the rows of racks and bolts of materials. As much as Kurt was curious about Genius's ideas and tempted to snoop, he didn't want Genius to snoop around him either. So he dropped the idea.

Kurt lost himself in poking around the bales for the fabrics he had in mind and measuring and cutting the fabrics he needed when all of a sudden he was aware of a presence behind him. "Are you spying on me?" he whipped around angrily, expecting to see Genius, but it was Andrew standing right behind him.

"Oh, sorry," Kurt murmured. "I thought you were someone else."

"Yeah, I get that a lot," Andrew smirked and stepped closer, too close for Kurt's liking.

"Drew, please, don't get this close," Kurt said and tried to hold Andrew at arm's length.

"Why? Do I turn you on?" Andrew lowered his voice.

Kurt huffed. "No, I just want you to respect my personal space."

Instead of backing off, however, Andrew lifted his hand and touched Kurt's cheek, letting his fingers trail down his skin to rest on Kurt's neck.

Kurt froze. The touch was gentle, but Kurt expected it to go hard and violent any second.

However, Andrew had something else in mind. His eyes were on Kurt's lips, turning dark and sultry.

"Don't," Kurt said in a strangled voice and brought his arms up against Andrew's chest to push him off. "Don't kiss me, Drew."

"It's so cute how you try to resist me," Andrew cooed, grinning at Kurt's attempt to keep him at bay.

Kurt refrained from struggling too much against Andrew's grip, figuring that any act of fighting him off would only provoke Andrew to use violence to keep him down. And Kurt really didn't need new bruises on his body. So he did what he did best: he fought with words.

"If you think that I owe you something for tipping me off, you thought wrong. I don't owe you anything," Kurt said angrily.

"Right, don't bother to thank me," Andrew said, sulking.

"I don't want you to help me, Andrew," Kurt clarified. "I know I panicked last Saturday, but I'm good now. I can do this on my own."

"I'm sure you can, baby," Andrew replied, his hand trailing down Kurt's arm to take his hand.

"Stop calling me that," Kurt said in a reprimanding tone while trying to shake off Andrew's hand. "What if someone overhears you?"

With one swift motion Andrew pulled Kurt's sleeve up and exposed the tale-telling Band-Aids around Kurt's wrist. "You did it again," Andrew stated the obvious and a tender smile appeared on his face.

Kurt felt his cheeks flare up in embarrassment. He hated to show any sign of weakness in front of anybody, but especially before Andrew.

His ex-boyfriend closed his hand around Kurt's wrist and stroked his thumb almost lovingly over the Band-Aid. "I knew it was just a matter of time until you'd do this again, baby." His voice was sweet and soothing as if reassuring Kurt that it was okay to slip back to old habits. "How did it feel to re-open that old scar?" Andrew asked enticingly. "Did it feel good? Did you use a razor blade or—"

"Stop it!" Kurt yanked his arm out of Andrew's grasp. "You've got no right to talk to me like that."

Andrew held up his hands apologetically. "Sorry. I just couldn't help but notice."

Kurt covered his wrist with his sleeve and folded his arms in front of his chest.

"By the way, I bought the floor lamp that you liked," Andrew told him as if continuing a conversation they've had before.

"What?" Kurt blinked in irritation.

"Remember when we were in that furniture store and you fell in love with that lamp? I bought it for you, and I have to admit it really looks divine in the bedroom. Brightens up the room, literally." He grinned, feeling smug, no doubt.

"Why would you do that?" Kurt crunched up his face in bafflement.

"Because I want you to feel comfortable and at home when you come back, silly," Andrew replied with a roll of his eyes.

Kurt was speechless. He stared at Andrew as if he had gone crazy. "Andrew," Kurt said slowly as if talking to a child. "I'm not coming back to live with you."

"Of course not right now," Andrew said dismissively. "But after the show is over and it's safe for us to be together in public again."

"Drew, don't do this," Kurt said, shaking his head. "Don't paint a future that's no more than a fantasy."

"You may not feel it yet, baby," Andrew said, stepping closer and putting both hands around Kurt's neck again in a gentle touch, "but I know we'll be together again."

Kurt didn't say anything. From one second to the next he couldn't breathe. Andrew wasn't strangling him, but it felt like he was. Kurt wanted to escape him, he wanted to shove him off, tell him to step back, but he couldn't move.

"You're mine, baby," Andrew went on with a crazy glint in his eyes. "I know you love me, too, you're just too scared to admit it. But you don't need to say it out loud, because I know you love me. We belong together, Kurtsy."

Andrew moved in to kiss him, but Kurt jerked his head away. "No!"

"No one's here to see us," Andrew said, tightening his grip on Kurt. "We're safe, baby."

"No, Drew," Kurt whined, his hands finally flying up to fight off Andrew's grip on him. "Don't do this to me."

"I'm not doing anything," Andrew's hissed. "You're the one staring at me from across the room all of the time, following me with your eyes and I can feel your desire. How do you expect me to ignore you?"

It was true that Kurt kept his eyes on Andrew whenever his ex was around, but it wasn't desire on his part, but rather wariness that had him look out.

"You just see what you want to see," Kurt choked out. "It's not real."

"My feelings are fucking real, bitch!" Andrew cursed and shoved Kurt back against a pile of turquoise polyester. Kurt let out a pained groan when his back hit the hard material, but he quickly rolled sideways to get away from Andrew.

However, his ex-boyfriend was fast and caught his arm, pulling him back and piercing him against the wall of fabrics. Andrew's eyes were on him, hard and merciless, and Kurt tensed up, expecting the inevitable blow.

"Hey coach!" a voice hollered over to them.

Instantly Andrew let go of Kurt and spun around.

Casting a glance over Andrew's shoulder, Kurt saw Genius standing only a few feet away, looking at them with an indefinite expression.

"Genie," Andrew acknowledged him with a strained smile.

"You got a minute? I have some questions about the assignment," Genius said, acting all casual.

"Sure," Andrew replied, walking towards the young man. "Kurt and I were just done. What can I do for you?"

Kurt was relieved for Genius' presence, but he also wondered how much of his exchange with Andrew Genius had witnessed. He hoped that his competitor didn't catch anything of what had been said.

Kurt lifted his hands to stroke his neck as if to erase the touch of Andrew's hands on him. He watched Andrew leave with Genius and the moment they vanished out of sight, Kurt slowly dropped to the floor, hugging his knees and burying his face into his arms, allowing himself a moment of weakness.

He couldn't believe what a mess his life had become. How was he supposed to fix any of this?

Kurt left the storeroom with a few samples and resumed his place at his workstation, acting as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened. But the truth was that Kurt was deeply disturbed after the encounter with Andrew. He didn't know what to do and how to act around Andrew anymore. Was Andrew being serious about what he said? Did Andrew really think that Kurt would come back to him? At this point Andrew was unpredictable, and since he was tied to the show Kurt couldn't afford to piss Andrew off.

Kurt kept checking his watch. Rachel was running late. Where on earth was she?

Eventually, Kurt picked up his phone and called her. "Where are you, Rachel? You're late!" he complained the second she answered the call.

"I'm sorry, I meant to call you," Rachel said cheerfully. "I was invited along to an extracurricular and I totally lost track of time."

"So, you're on your way now?" Kurt asked.

"No, actually I'm having so much fun and I also have plans for later tonight. You can manage without me, right?"

"Rachel, how am I supposed to decide on the fabrics? There are three different shades and I need to compare them to your skin tone."

"You'll pick the right one, I'm sure. You can look at my skin tonight when you get home."

"We don't have the right lighting conditions at home," Kurt grumbled. "What's going on? What important things do you have to do today?"

"If you must know," Rachel started happily. "I have a date!"

"A date?" Kurt was baffled. "Is Finn in town?"

"What? No! I'm seeing Joey."

"Who is Joey?" Kurt raised his voice in annoyance.

"One of Adam's friends, remember? I went out with them Saturday night. Joey and me texted all day long yesterday, and today we met for lunch in the NYADA cafeteria and he invited me to Callbacks tonight."

"So you bail on me for a guy?" Kurt asked incredulously.

"Come on, it's not like you actually need me there, Kurt. You're not interested in my advice or my opinion, anyway."

"So this is some kind of revenge?" Kurt was baffled. "Are you mad at me because I never thanked you or paid you enough attention?"

"No, Kurt, that's not it." Rachel was exasperated. "I have other things to do than spend every afternoon at your workshop."

"Rachel, you promised you'd help me!"

"I am helping you," Rachel countered. "I'll come in on Fridays for a dress fitting and I'll walk for you on Saturdays. But you can't expect me to spend every day at your workshop. I have a life, Kurt! I didn't think the show would be this consuming." Rachel's voice mellowed. "Look, I'll do the runway. I just don't have time during the week."

"Fine, I have your measurements, you can stay away," Kurt huffed. "But I need you on Friday and Saturday."

After he'd hung up, Kurt immediately called Chandler. "Can you get me a mannequin, like those life-size puppets in a shop window?"

"I'll see what I can do," Chandler promised. "I think I could borrow one from our arts club. What do you need exactly?"

"I need it to be Rachel's height."

"Oh, no problem. I can chop the feet off."

"Thank you," Kurt said, and thinking about showing more gratitude towards his friends, he quickly added, "I really appreciate your help at such short notice."

"My pleasure!" Chandler replied happily.

Kurt only realized how much he actually needed Rachel when she wasn't around. Her constant excited chatter – even if he had drowned out most of it – had been a much needed distraction from his own thoughts. Now that she wasn't here, he felt alone and exposed, an easy target for Andrew... No! Kurt shook his head. Don't even start thinking like this, he reprimanded himself. Andrew's not a criminal, he's not going to harm me. He's gone a little bit crazy, admittedly, but he's just stupid for thinking that we could be together again. It's not my fault.

Still, Kurt would feel a lot better if his friends were around.

Whenever Andrew came near his workstation, Kurt would hurry over to Adam's with a silly excuse, just to avoid having to talk to Andrew alone again. Then he noticed how flirty Adam would get, clearly thinking Kurt was seeking his company for quite another reason. It was kind of exhausting.

By the time Blaine was running late, too, that Kurt truly felt like he was being abandoned by his best friends. Trying to focus on his work he sat down at his sewing machine, working on the first draft of Rachel's dress, and trying to shut out the happy chatter from all around him.

Kurt was in a foul mood when Blaine finally came in.

He spotted Blaine the moment he entered the workshop and casually strolled along the stations, lifting his hand in greeting to several of the other models and crew members, acting as if the world was a place filled with sunshine and rainbows which annoyed Kurt even more, because he knew the world was anything but.

"Hi, sorry I'm late," Blaine said when he came to Kurt's workstation and dropped his satchel and jacket on an empty chair.

"At least you came," Kurt grunted and kept his eyes on the needle of the sewing machine.

Blaine narrowed his eyes, irritated by Kurt's gloominess. "What's wrong?"

"Rachel bailed on me," Kurt spat out. He switched off the machine and sat up straight with his arms folded before his chest. "If you're thinking about bailing on me, too, now's the time to tell me."

"What? No!" Blaine blinked in confusion and stepped closer. "No, I'm not."

"Are you sure? Don't you have something better to do, too?" Kurt couldn't stop himself. It was the stress talking, making him sound completely pissed off. He tried to soften his voice, "I wouldn't like it, but I'd understand."

"What could be better than helping a friend?" Blaine replied, staying calm and offering a smile.

Kurt looked at him and Blaine's genuine sweetness had him dissolve his armor in an instant.

Without a word Kurt stood and took Blaine by the arm and led him behind the private partition of his workstation that was used by the models to change. Out of sight from everyone including the cameras, Kurt threw his arms around Blaine's neck, hugging him tight. "I'm so sorry," Kurt murmured into the crook of Blaine's neck. "I didn't mean to bark at you. I'm sorry."

Blaine hugged him back and noticed that Kurt was trembling. Also his embrace was so tight it hurt.

"Are you okay?" Blaine asked and to his utter surprise and concern Kurt slowly shook his head no.

"Did something happen?"

"I can't tell you here," Kurt whispered as he drew back just enough to look him in the eye. "Just please, tell me you're going to be here every day."

"Of course," Blaine promised, but he was concerned about what had caused Kurt this obvious distress. "Don't smack me for asking, but has this something to do with Andrew?"

To Blaine's undisguised surprise Kurt nodded. Blaine's stomach dropped. "What did he do?"

Kurt hesitated and Blaine didn't like it, because it meant that Kurt was filtering through what he could tell and what he couldn't. "He's delusional," Kurt whispered close to Blaine's ear. "He thinks we're going to be together again after the end of the show."

"Did he threaten you or hurt you?" Blaine felt heat rising up his spine. The sheer thought of Andrew hurting Kurt again made him furious.

Again Kurt hesitated as if weighing whether or not whatever happened was worth the trouble.

"If he so much as lays a finger on you—" Blaine started around the partition to look for Andrew, but Kurt cut him off by placing his hands to both sides of Blaine's face to make him focus on Kurt only.

"Please don't make a scene, Blaine," Kurt locked eyes with him. "Everything's fine. Just stay around, okay? I'd feel better with someone around and since Rachel bailed on me—"

"Of course," Blaine assured him. "Can I bring my college papers?"

"Of course." Kurt drew him near again and rested his forehead against Blaine's for a moment of relief.

"Thank you," Kurt whispered, his breath blowing softly over Blaine's lips, and then as he let go, he let out an enthusiastic, "Let's get to work!"

"So," Blaine clapped his hands as he followed Kurt to his worktable. "What's the assignment?"

"By The Sea," Kurt told him. "I know it is lame, but I already got some pretty good ideas." Kurt explained the rough outlines for Blaine's outfit and showed him his sketches.

"Wait? Aren't these the sketches you did yesterday?" Blaine pointed out, puzzled. "I thought you'd only heard about the assignment today."

"You looked into my sketch book?" Kurt asked, clearly baffled. "When?"

Kurt's reaction took Blaine by surprise, making him feel as guilty as if he'd read his private journal.

"Chandler showed it to me while you were debating with Rachel over dinner options in the kitchen," Blaine explained with a shrug. "He was all excited about the spontaneous ideas you came up with to keep your mind busy."

What Blaine kept to himself was that he'd seen the portrait of Adam that Kurt had drawn. Chandler had claimed that Adam had been a sweetheart the whole afternoon and even held Kurt's hand while they'd explored the fun houses together.

"You know," Chandler had pointed out gently to Blaine, "maybe it would be a good idea for the two of you to explore other love interests? Don't get me wrong, Blaine, I think Kurt and you would be an amazing couple, but perhaps you're not ready for one another yet. Just a thought."

Blaine hadn't slept most of the night, because he couldn't stop thinking about it. Had Chandler meant to indicate that Kurt was more interested in Adam than he led on? That it was Kurt who was looking for someone else and therefore Blaine should do the same?

"How come you already knew about the assignment yesterday?" Blaine asked now, sounding more suspicious than he intended. He was sure he already knew the answer and he didn't like it one bit.

"I might have heard something." Kurt replied with a little pout and a tilt of his head.

"Andrew told you." Blaine stated, not even making a question of it.

Kurt's stoic silence was an affirmative answer.

Blaine dropped his voice to a low murmur. "Kurt, that's cheating."

"I didn't ask him to tell me, and I told him not to give me hints anymore," Kurt replied pointedly.

"What does he expect from you in return?" Blaine asked, closing in on Kurt.

"Nothing." Kurt looked incredulous.

"Is that why you were fighting today?"

"We weren't—" Kurt started but then cut himself off. "Look, whatever he's expecting from me, he won't get it," he said firmly. "And I'm not going to feel guilty for a little head start, especially not since I've even shared it with Genius. Now, take your shirt off. I need to decide which fabric looks best on you." With that he held up two samples of silken fabrics.

With a sigh Blaine obeyed. He pulled his sweater vest over his head and worked on the buttons of his shirt. It was no use telling Kurt how much he disliked Andrew's ways, because Kurt already knew.

Over the course of the day Kurt's hands were on him more than usual. Blaine felt like Kurt was making up excuses to touch his arms and chest and feel him up. The sexual tension between them flamed up again and Blaine hoped he wasn't just making things up in his head.

"The assignment isn't that bad," Kurt pointed out eventually. "At least beachwear gives me the chance to show off your best features."

"Which are?" Blaine asked, honestly curious.

"Your biceps," Kurt said with his hands feeling up the muscle in Blaine's upper arms, then trailing down with his thumbs meeting just above Blaine's belly button, "and this sexy six-pack you've developed lately. Which is why I want you to do a few extra sit-ups this week, so you'll be in perfect shape for the runway show on Saturday."

"I see. You just want me for my body," Blaine joked.

A flirtatious smile danced along Kurt's mouth and with a mischievous spark in his eyes he let one finger move down Blaine's happy trail and hook into the waistband of his jeans for just a second before he turned away from Blaine and went on about his work.

After that Blaine lost himself into daydreaming about taking Kurt right on the top of his workdesk. He imagined in detail how he would strip off Kurt's clothes for a change and measure up every inch of his body with the tape line. Fantasizing about the way Kurt would cling to his neck and dig his fingers into his back made Blaine itchy up to the point he was sporting half an erection.

"Are you okay?" Kurt suddenly asked him with squinted eyes.

Blaine realized that he was breathing heavily and he looked up as if waking from a trance. "I... I need the restroom."

He dashed off, hoping that no one would notice the embarrassing bulge in his pants. Reaching the restroom he stood in front of the sink and splashed cold water into his face in an effort to cool down.

Blaine wasn't sure why he was so sexually drawn to Kurt all of a sudden. God, it was like riding a roller coaster with them lately, he just couldn't decide whether to keep his distance and just be a friend or rip off Kurt's clothes and claim his body. With their friends with benefits agreement still in force he could just take a chance and seduce Kurt without any strings attached. But that was the point. Blaine wanted them to be attached.

Besides, sex wasn't what Kurt needed right now and Blaine wouldn't do anything that might confuse and distress Kurt any further.

"Hello sexy," a raunchy voice greeted him. Blaine turned to see that Genius had come in to check his appearance in the mirror and add rouge to his cheeks.

"Came here to cool off?" Genius snickered with just one look at Blaine's state.

Instantly Blaine straightened himself up, he wasn't going to give Kurt's competitor a picture of misery.

"There's so much sexual tension in the air, it's like Babylon in here, crowded with homosexuals. I love it!" Genius giggled some more. "I hear you're one of Foxy's ex-boyfriends? How many exes does he have anyhow? And why do they all want him back? He's got serious issues, if you ask me."

"No one's asking you," Blaine snapped.

"Countenance, cher," Genius smirked and waved his powder puff at Blaine. "Kurt won't make it this week. He's too determined, it makes him tense and stiff. If you ask me he needs a good lay."

First, Blaine pulled a face in disgust and he was about to reprimand Genius for this inappropriate remark. But then Blaine considered his words and in a way it made sense. What if sex actually was what Kurt needed? "You really think so?"

Genius let out a snort of surprise. "You really listen to what I have to say?"

Blaine shrugged. Apparently Genius had made a joke, but what if he was right? Blaine had thought that sex couldn't be the answer, but maybe he had been wrong. After all it had been Kurt who had suggested the friends with benefits thing in the first place. Perhaps this was what was best for Kurt to get relaxed and focused and keep off of self-harming tendencies.

"Anyway," Genius went on with an air of arrogance. "I'm sure Andrew's willing to provide him, or that British puppy Adam, he's all smitten for him, too."

Genius gave him a look as if checking for Blaine's reaction. However, Blaine didn't give him the satisfaction of a jealous fit. He calmly continued to wash his hands and pulled some paper towels from the dispenser.

"Besides, I'm sure the producers of the show wouldn't mind if we all fucked one another, one way or another." Genius shrugged. "It feels like a freaking dating show anyway. No one's really interested in fashion. It's a shame."

"I can't speak for the others," Blaine said, turning around and stepping up closer to the taller man. "But Kurt's here to win and make an impression in the fashion world. One day he's going to be a star, and all of this is just going to be one little mark in his story of success."

Genius appeared to be rendered speechless. With a self-satisfied little grin, Blaine walked past him to leave the restroom, when Genius spoke up eventually.

"By the way, what's the history with Kurt and Andrew?" he asked casually, as if he didn't really care.

Blaine stopped in his tracks and squinted his eyes at him.

Genius held his gaze, apparently pleased that he got Blaine's attention. "They seem... uh, how do I put it? Drawn to one another. I noticed it right from the start. It's like they're dancing around one another, careful not to make a wrong step."

"What do you know about Andrew?" Blaine asked.

"Darling, you answer my questions, I'll answer yours, that's how it works."

"I'm not telling you a thing about Kurt's personal stuff."

"That's very honorable of you." Genius turned his back on Blaine and continued to retrace his eyes with black eyeliner.

It was the first time Blaine was talking to Genius and got to take a closer look at him. He was always fabulous, dressed even more flamboyant than Kurt in his experimental days. But only now Blaine noticed that in fact Genius was quite plain. His face was ordinary. He lacked the natural beauty that Kurt had. He was tall and skinny, lanky even. There was nothing gracious about him except his excessive manner. Perhaps he tried to make up for his plainness by dressing up.

"Andrew's not good for him," Blaine said, watching Genius' face in the mirror.

"Obviously, Andrew thinks differently," Genius replied nonchalantly, not batting an eye.

"Have you seen something? Did Andrew do anything to Kurt? Because if he has, you need to tell me."

Genius turned around, studying Blaine for a moment. He slowly re-capped his eyeliner. "No, I was just curious."

"Are you sure?" Blaine narrowed his eyes. Genius' sudden interest in Kurt's and Andrew's history occurred to him as suspicious.

"Whatever," Genius huffed and waved his hand about in that arrogant manner of his. "It's not like I care anyway." With that he left the restroom, brushing against Blaine on purpose. "Enjoy the show as long as you're on."

When Blaine returned from the restroom he was baffled to hear Kurt laughing out loud. It was such a joyful sound that Blaine was instantly taken. What made Kurt laugh like that? He hurried over to Kurt's workspace just to find it was Adam, dancing and singing like a clown. It was a hilarious song from Sweeney Todd, Pirelli's Miracle Elixir. Blaine recognized it because Kurt loved that musical. Of course, with his British accent Adam was destined to perform any song from that musical.

Adam and Kurt were joined by some of the other contestants, applauding them and having a good time. When Kurt noticed Blaine next to him, he said, giggling, "He's so funny, isn't he?"

Blaine just gave a stiff nod. It was bittersweet to find Kurt happy and to know that he wasn't the reason for it, but another guy. Blaine was glad that somebody could cheer Kurt up, make him laugh like this, and at the same time he wished it was him.

Adam gave a deep over exaggerated bow to his audience.

"What started this?" Blaine asked.

"We were discussing our favorite musicals," Kurt said. "Who knew he had a knack for Sweeney Todd, just like me?"

"Yeah, who knew," Blaine gave a snort.

Adam jumped down from the chair he'd been standing on and slung his arm around Kurt's shoulders too naturally for Blaine's liking.

"How do you like my Toby?"

"Very charming," Kurt replied. "Can you do Pirelli, too?"

Adam put on a French accent, saying, "You hear zis foolish man? Now, please, you will see how he will regret his folly!", making everyone laugh.

"Now your turn, Kurt," Adam insisted. "Which is your favorite Todd song?"

"Oh, no, I don't sing."

"Come on," Adam insisted. "Your friend Rachel told me otherwise."

"Oh boy, I'm going to have a word with her tonight," Kurt said, chuckling. "I really haven't sung for a long time."

"Okay, then," Adam gave a shrug. "I wouldn't want to make you uncomfortable."

Kurt let out a breath of relief, still smiling, but his smile faded when he noticed that Andrew had joined the crowd. He stood in the background, but he seemed to always be there, as if to make sure Kurt wouldn't forget him or the prison Kurt had made for himself the first time he had allowed Andrew to hurt him.

The little crowd was about to scatter off when Kurt closed his eyes and to everyone's surprise he started to sing,

"Nightingale, blackbird,
How is it you sing?
How can you jubilate
Sitting in cages
Never taking wing?

My cage has many rooms
Damask and dark
Nothing there sings
Not even my lark

Teach me how to sing
If I cannot fly
Let me sing!"

Kurt's eyes fluttered open and he was met by the cheers of his fellow contenders,

"Oh, my God, that was beautiful. Your voice is like that of an angel!"

"You're a countertenor! That's amazing!"

"You're an incredible singer, Kurt."

Blaine noticed that the thin smile Kurt had put on for his audience wasn't sincere. He was spaced out, not perceiving anything around him. As if he was under a spell, Kurt's eyes were fixed on one person only, and as Blaine followed Kurt's gaze he saw Andrew standing nearby, staring back.

Blaine stepped forward. "I've got a favorite song, too."

"Alright, let's hear it," Adam said, making room for Blaine. The sudden movement made Kurt look up and focus on the occurrences around him.

Blaine climbed on the chair, just like Adam, but his intention was not to attract everyone's attention, but to get Kurt to stop the silent exchange with Andrew. Like everyone else Kurt had to lift his head to watch Blaine's performance or else everybody would think him rude. No chance to keep eye contact with Andrew during the song, but Blaine made sure to capture Kurt's eyes, and make him feel his sincerity,

"Nothing's gonna harm you
Not while I'm around
No one's gonna hurt you
No one's gonna dare

Others can desert you
Not to worry, whistle, I'll be there
Demons will charm you
With a smile for a while

But in time
Nothing's gonna harm you
Not while I'm around"

The song was more personal than Blaine had intended, but with Rachel deserting Kurt today and the incident with Andrew that had clearly shaken him, Blaine could see that his song struck Kurt right to the core. Kurt clapped along with the others, but there were tears glistening in his eyes.

"Now I'm going to sing Have A Little Priest," Adam announced enthusiastically and jumped on the chair next to Blaine's. "And I want all of you to sing along!"

Songs in this chapter:

Sweeney Todd - Green Finch and Linnet Bird

Sweeney Todd - Not While I'm Around

I had planned to have Blaine sing Not While I'm Around long before I knew he would sing it on the show. I hope you like this song in the context of my story.

Thank you, SonofLuffy! :)