A/N: Hi there everyone! Firstly yes, my brother has been found for those of you that sent your best to me and my family that I couldn't respond to, so THANK YOU sooooo much for your concern and kind words, they meant the world to me.

Second, this chapter is huge, 13,000 + words, because I coulnd't stop and you guys deserve a massive update, so Happy holidays, here's a big one. (yes I will be getting another, shorter chapter out before Xmas, or at least that's my intention)

Lastly, I love you all. It's really early morning here right now and I have been editing all night since I couldn't sleep, so leave em a review so I have something to smile about while I'm at work, if you can.

Love you, and all mistakes are my own in this story, despite me own nothing besides the idea. Ta everyone, my best to you and your families.


Stand By Me


Chapter 12

"Uncle Kurt can I have the kitty?" Kurt was being lead around the small gift shop at the Central Park zoo, trying to smile at his niece as she tugged him over to the stuffed animals.

"That's actually a snow leopard, like the one we saw honey remember?"

Sami rolled her eyes a little and giggled. "I know! Can I have the lepperd uncle Kurt?" Sami's attempt at saying leopard was probably the one of the only times today that he had smiled completely heartfelt. It had been a strange feeling, a disconnected bubble that he had been floating around in all day...ever since last night.

"Sure you can munchkin. But I think we need to get something for uncle Kurt too. Everyone needs a stuffed animal."

Blaine had emerged from behind Kurt to talk directly to Sami. Blaine had been keeping his distance from Kurt, which was something that neither of them was used to, but it had been at Kurt's insistence after all. Blaine grabbed the little stuffed penguin from the shelf above his head and turned to Kurt with a look that resembled a kicked puppy. If ever there was an attempted apology without any words, this was it.

"What do you think Uncle Kurt? Is he cute enough to take home with you?" Blaine said this while holding the little stuffy in front of his face, so that all you could only see Blaine's eyes under his glasses and slicked hair. It was pathetic, and adorable, but there was something in those eyes that Kurt couldn't look passed. It looked like regret mixed with an apology. There had been many apologies thus far since last night's eye opener. Last night had been... amazing, and yet it was seeded with a deep rooted amount of regret on both of their parts, and it hung over them like a dark blanket.

Kurt looked away from Blaine towards Sami, who was eyeing her uncles suspiciously. She was already assuming that this was one of those grown up moments that she didn't understand because they looked sad. In her opinion they were at the zoo, so why were her uncles sad? Especially when they were talking about stuffed toys. Stuffed toys were the best.

"He is pretty cute." Kurt whispered this looking at Blaine and not the toy, and Sami could see a flicker of a smile in her uncle Blaine's eyes when Kurt said this. Kurt took the toy from Blaine and held it under his arm fondly, but the moment was gone as soon as it arrived. Kurt cleared his throat and looked away from Blaine back down to Sami who was looking a little impatiently at her uncles.

"Right, let's pay for these little guys." Kurt went right up the cash register since there for once wasn't a line up for anything in New York (that was a first) but Blaine stilled Kurt's hand on the cash register counter, rubbing it affectionately.

"Let me..."

Kurt could only nod at Blaine. His voice had been deep and rich, but soft enough that it could seem natural. But Kurt knew better. Blaine had chosen those words on purpose. He had said it just like that to Kurt for a reason, and the reason was a reminder of last night's events.

XXXX


The night prior...

"Let me feel loved for once Kurt. Make me forget." And each word and phrase melted Kurt more as he shut his eyes, as Blaine's voice dropped lower and lower with each gentle nip of exposed skin.

"Let me taste."

"And explore."

"And cherish."

"And devour."

"And caress."

"And fuck mercilessly." Kurt's eyes finally rolled back as Blaine licked behind his ear. He was done for.

"Oh god Blaine...please."

"Please what Kurt? I'm asking you, I'm offering, I'm sure. What do you want? Name it beautiful."

Kurt opened his eyes and nearly came on the spot. The puffy eyes he was expecting were there but good lord the lust that was there too blind sided him.

"I-I want..."

Blaine leaned down and breathed out heavily against the collarbone that he was exposing more and more with his insistent hands. He kissed and licked at the newly exposed skin and Kurt couldn't hold back a groan.

"Blaine..."

Forming even Blaine's name had been an effort for Kurt. He was having a hard time fighting his desires, especially now as his hands massaged the skin on Blaine's lower back under his shirt, pressing Blaine's lower half against him in the process, making Blaine work on the skin more roughly with his mouth. Forming sentences? That was not happening any time soon he feared, and yet he knew he must.

"Anything Kurt, name it. God I need you."

Blaine panted these words, and the urgency in his voice made Kurt close his eyes tightly, bringing Blaine's face back up to his. Blaine's hands were in his hair immediately, massaging into his scalp as if trying to get Kurt to feel the need through his fingertips.

It was heady and delicious. Blaine tasted like heaven and hell in the same breath, and Kurt was falling, like the angel that Blaine thought of him. This was what he always wanted.

"You." Kurt pulled his mouth away long enough to get that word out. "Give me you."

Blaine growled and that was the last real cognitive thought that went through Kurt's mind for a while. It was broken sentences and chipped thoughts as they were both consumed by something unearthly. In a frenzy that could have been reminiscent of soldiers returning from war, Kurt and Blaine devested themselves of the clothes that separated them. Each item was a challenge, both men not wanting to release contact on the other for any period of time.

"Blaine, you're...mmm sure?" Blaine bit down and growled against Kurt's neck, not wanting to talk or think about it.

"Yes...I mean...god Kurt just ugh...let me?"

Words plagued Blaine. The words that he had heard spoken to him less than an hour ago.

I'm sorry Blaine. I was drunk

There was the shortest pause where they looked into each other's eyes. Kurt shirt already flung over his head and across the room leaving his chest bare, and Blaine with his pyjama top open and his hair mussed deliciously from where Kurt had been gripping it. Not to mention that both of their pants were tented and ever so lightly pressed together.

Blaine heard his responses to Justin playing over again in his head.

I'm tired of the dutiful husband role. I swallowed my emotions all this time. I need to set myself fucking free.

Kurt could see the fire burning behind the hazel swirls that were Blaine's eyes and he saw the uncertainty, he saw the doubt for a brief second, but as quickly as it came it left, leaving the ever darkening pupils of the shorter brunette that he loved. Kurt could feel his blood pressure rising as Blaine's gaze changed, and he was powerless to stop it. Instead he lifted his hips ever so slightly and allowed their groins to brush together with just the right amount of friction to make them groan in unison.

"Fuck Kurt." Blaine dropped his head to Kurt's warm skin, panting against his sternum.

"Actually I was hoping the other way around."

"Jesus, yes." Blaine licked Kurt's nipple and then bit back a groan. "Fuck yes let me feel you."

Kurt finally just allowed himself to let go, bad idea or not.

Heated porcelain skin met flushed tan, and they melted together like a yin and yang long separated. Their hands explored territory they had only ever seen by accident, and delighted that neither shied away from the touches, the caress of hips and lips. This dance of heated flesh, insistent mouths and strained erections only covered by thin fabric seemed practiced; it was easy, almost too easy. It was as if they had done it before, this clash of mouths and bodies but neither Kurt nor Blaine could ever remember feeling this connected or in sync before.

Kurt knew that when he flipped Blaine over, straddling him that he could kiss along his ribs, memorizing them with his tongue, and exploit how sensitive they were, not ticklish but sensitive. And when Kurt was done he dragged his nails over that same skin to leave small reddish marks that would drive him crazy later. Kurt just knew these things about Blaine, because you knew your best friend. You knew the little confessions that you whispered about over a bottle of wine in a makeshift tent on the living room floor on Christmas eve. The hushed rumours that only lovers could know, but he knew even before Blaine's lovers could. Because Blaine was his soulmate. In whatever context you looked at that from, it was true.

So when Blaine turned the tables again, with more force than Kurt anticipated, releasing animalistic noises as they rutted together, Blaine already knew that Kurt liked being held down, giving up some of that control he usually craved.

Blaine had teased him about it the one time he had found handcuffs in the living room, and made Kurt blush, but soon found out that Kurt was a cheeky vixen sometimes and loved being marked and sometimes restrained.

So Blaine bit down on Kurt's nipple as he held him down, his hands above his head, and looked down at the flushed skin that was tinted pink as he heard Kurt's panting increase in volume.

The fine chest hair that looked masculine but also refined at the same time on Kurt's chest had a thin layer of sweat clinging to it. Kurt keened wantonly, their erections meeting full force for the first time and that's when it hit Blaine. He wasn't professing his love for Kurt, he was taking, owning Kurt, and Kurt allowed it, wanting it just as much. He lay open and exposed in the most vulnerable sense. Blaine just stopped the kissing; nibbling and stared at the bewildered blue eyes for a minute.

"Don't stop B." Kurt struggled in Blaine's grip. Not enough that he wanted to free himself but enough that it shook Blaine out of his revere. Refocused on the events at hand. Making Kurt feel amazing, and letting himself go for once in his life.

"Kurt…"

Blaine released Kurt's hands and grazed his hands all the way down those amazingly toned arms, marvelling that he was allowed to touch his best friend like this, and internally cheering at the same time.

Kurt was his.

This idea was renewed in Blaine's mind, and that's when all thoughts flew out the window. The shift between the friends was immediate. The kisses got deeper and constantly involving the slightest of nips and overactive tongues.

Blaine giggled when he knew immediately where Kurt hid his bottle of lube. The ornate wooden box on the opposite night stand, as if there was someone else in the room whom it belonged to. The giggles died quickly on Blaine's tongue when he finally stripped Kurt and himself of the final barriers of clothing though.

Blaine and Kurt alike took a few moments just to stare at the other's newly exposed naked form. No matter how many times different parts of their body had been seen, it was a completely different thing seeing it all right in front of you, for you, without current hesitation.

Blaine took his time mapping Kurt's chest, his stomach, sides, and thighs with his mouth. He didn't take the time that he would have liked because Kurt seemed just a little bit desperate, and it egged him on as well. He didn't let Kurt turn the tables until he had marked Kurt's hips though with possessive angry bruises, that would surely be there for days.

Kurt didn't memorize Blaine's body like he was expecting, but took a more direct approach, taking Blaine in mouth.

It was almost shameful, the noises that Blaine was making, but he couldn't give a shit at that point in time. His dick was submerged in the most sinful mouth he had ever known, as his talents were not only reserved to the verbal kind. Because god, could Kurt take him in deep and destroy what he thought about a man's mouth in general.

No words had been spoken, no words were really enough in Blaine's mind. He just let himself feel. Feel the way that Kurt licked up his shaft as he lubed up his entrance. Feel the way Kurt groaned around him when Blaine clenched around his fingers as he brushed against his prostate for the first time. And feel the hot air of Kurt's breath against his inner thigh, when he gave up sucking his cock in favour of focusing all his effort on getting Blaine stretched and falling apart from just his fingers alone.

"Shit...Kurt please."

Minutes later Blaine was spun around and seated back in Kurt's lap, only this time he couldn't help but lean over and kiss Kurt tenderly, changing the tempo of things to come ever so slightly. Kurt tensed for a minute, completely lost in what he was doing and also forgetting that this wasn't normally what he did. Having sex with feelings mixed in hadn't been a factor for him in a long while, it was almost like he had forgotten how somehow. Blaine seemed to sense the change in Kurt's mood quickly.

"Let me feel you angel. Please."

Without waiting for an answer, Blaine reached back to find Kurt's lubed cock, rubbed the tip of it through the condom he placed there earlier, and lined it up with himself. Kurt's breath hitched when Blaine grabbed him, obviously after being denied stimulation for so long it had gotten almost unbearable, and Blaine smirked ever so slightly that he was responsible for the unwinding of his best friend like this. How without so many words they found their places in a night of passion without consequences so easily.

Before he could get lost in his mind again he decided to just obliterate everything from the room aside from Kurt and himself sinking slowly and no stopping onto the rigid length between his thighs, and god was there never a more painful pleasure in all his life.

Blaine bottomed quite a lot in his relationships, but never had he felt more full or complete in his recollection than he did at that moment. Kurt gripped his hips with his full palms, splaying each finger out, and digging in as he sighed and moaned at the tight heat around him.

Blaine nodded even before Kurt asked if he could move.

The pace was relentless even from the on set. Blaine was riding Kurt like it was a marathon to save his life, and Kurt was driving home as if this were the last thing he ever had to do. There was purpose in each thrust, want in every movement. It was desperate and gorgeous to both men, the slippery slide of Blaine's overheated legs brushed against the thin haired and sweaty thighs in which he was seated. Too much pent up frustration made for a quick and furious build.

Kurt gave up letting Blaine set the pace, and if Blaine wanted to feel, Kurt would make him feel. He planted his feet on the mattress below him and gave just as good as Blaine was giving. It became a battle of breathless chants and half words, almost to the point where Kurt held his breath just to give it that little bit more.

It felt incredible, and soon Blaine, almost too exhausted to keep on his knees leant forward and all Kurt could do was possessively wrap his arms around both of Blaine shoulders and hold him there, doing all the work for them both, and watching Blaine as he fell apart. Blue eyes that were darker than a midnight sky now locked onto the sunswept fire of the man he was taking for all he was worth.

They kissed between ragged inhales and exhales, the exertion on Kurt was reaching a breaking point, but the heat building in Blaine's lower abdomen as his cock brushed Kurt's stomach, and with Kurt's cock relentlessly assaulting his insides, Blaine was ready to snap as well.

Only when Blaine began to finally beg from the crook of Kurt's neck, biting on it in succession with his pleas did Kurt speak, his voice in a lower register then Blaine had ever heard it.

"Come Blaine, show me."

Blaine couldn't hold back, although he tried valiantly. He felt so free, so loved and cared for then that it actually took him over the edge. It wasn't the physicality of it all that made him climax so hard that he was seeing stars, it was the intimacy of the gesture, the caring nature that Kurt always had for him showing through. It was the fact that it was them still, the best friends that always were, only this time it was them showing that connection in the rawest of senses.

Blaine almost missed it when Kurt's eyes rolled back into his head, almost sobbing out his lover's name in the process, as he came while deep inside Blaine. Both spasmed for a few minutes, holding the other tightly as the stars faded around their eyes and they could almost process where they were again.

Blaine moved the hair that had flopped into Kurt's eyes when he lifted his head, and looked on with a bewildered sigh at the severely bruised and swollen lips of his friend's face. His pale skin made his exertion that much more obvious, his cheeks a deep pink that receded all the way down his neck. Blaine used one hand, and even that was an effort, to trace the path the tinted skin took.

"God Kurt...I..".

Kurt looked gorgeous.

"I-I know. We have to move though."

"No! Just, gimme a minute, I like this. I just, I don't think I remember how to move."

Blaine tried to trap Kurt where he was, wrapping his arms with great effort around Kurt's broad shoulders and keeping his softening cock buried in him. It felt right in the moment, but Kurt tensed.

"What is it?"

Blaine made Kurt look at him questioningly, not understanding his friend's need to feel uncomfortable now. Surely Kurt would be fine with a little snuggle right now, they snuggled all the time,and this was definitely cause for close contact. Blaine had literally allowed himself to let go and Kurt had basically fucked his brains out. So what was wrong?

"I don't do this."

Kurt's breathing almost matched his own now, both of them resembling men who hadn't run a marathon anymore, but he had lost that breathy quality that had Blaine heard not ten minutes before.

Kurt seemed distant somehow even though they were literally, excuse the expression, still very attached at the hip. Kurt's midnight blue eyes screamed with storms brewing, and it made his brow furrow.

"Do what exactly?"

"This...afterwards stuff." Kurt said this almost awkwardly.

Blaine was definitely confused, and why did Kurt calling it afterwards stuff make him feel a little dirtier than he already did at that moment. Why was Kurt ruining this?

"We can't cuddle, like we used to B...not after...that."

Kurt eased Blaine off of him slowly, ever mindful that Blaine would surely be a little sore after all of that, and shifted him with a slight moan onto his side of the bed.

He then proceeded to grab some wet naps from the side table, after pulling off the condom and chucking it in the waste bin right beside him, and cleaned himself and Blaine off without a second glance while his friend was talking, still immobile on the bed, because honestly he could not feel his legs

"What do you mean that. We had sex, fucking amazing sex if you asked me, and up until a few seconds ago I have literally never felt better so why can't we cuddle a little? Come here, you know you'll feel better with a human cushion and I am a cuddle whore for that reason and…"

"BLAINE! Will you just stop please!"

In all these years as friends, this had to be the first time Blaine hadn't seen the argument between them coming. He truly hadn't, and he couldn't even blame his sex addled brain for this one because until Kurt actually got out what was wrong, he hadn't the foggiest what was going on.

"Kurt I…"

"No B, just no. Yes the sex was amazing and god I wouldn't take that back for the all the silk fabric on the eastern seaboard. You seem to know my body so well already it's just...well I haven't cuddle after sex in...well I don't think I ever really have. Not with someone I care about and now, now that I know what we've done, I just can't B, don't you see?"

"Kurt I know youre upset right now and maybe I'm just an idiot, but I can't understand why, especially if you dont regret it."

Kurt sighed.

"Because I'm mad at myself and I'm furious at you. I couldn't stop myself and I didn't want to, but now...shit now do you see what we've done?"

Blaine sat up with some effort, and leaned against Kurt's headboard.

"No I really don't."

"Earlier in the living room, when you k-kissed me, against the door, we stopped because I said that I never wanted to regret anything with you remember?"

"Yeah I remember. But you just said you didn't regret this?"

"And I don't, really. But Blaine what brought this on? And think hard about that."

Oh god, Blaine finally clued in to where Kurt was going with this, and it scared him instantly.

"It shouldn't have happened, not like this." Blaine cringed but in the back of his head, he knew that there was some truth in that statement.

"Kurt we just got carried away, and I dont regret it either, it meant something to me."

"Blaine if it really meant everything to you, that it did to me, answer me this truthfully. Would it have happened if you hadn't found out Justin cheated on you tonight? Can you honestly say that this wasnt some kind of anger sex that came from your betrayal from Justin? Look me in the eyes and tell me that's not true, and then we can move forward. Maybe then I can hold you without crying because it's for the right reasons."

Blaine opened his mouth but the only thing that came out was a tiny squeak and a rush of air. Kurt was right, even if he wanted this more than anything with Kurt, Kurt was right that his conversation with Justin had made him angry and feel betrayed. He had resisted his feelings for Kurt for a long time it would seem and of course it seemed like he was owed a little in return. But that's where Blaine thought wrong. Kurt wasn't some prize to be won, some trophy that he got for placing first, he was a human being with feelings, one's that he had only recently learned were of the strongest nature, and he had literally fuckd out his frustrations.

"Oh god Kurt I…"

"Thats what I thought. I'm no less to blame here Blaine but...I think after all this, maybe we should sleep apart right now. I just need space to think. I'm sorry."

And with that the shards of the happy glass bubble he had formed this evening cracked and shattered in his chest, as he watched his best friend and current lover make a quick exit to the bathroom. Somehow the best experience he'd ever shared with another person had turned into something more awkward than he could have ever imagined.

XXXX


The next morning had been no less awkward. The shy smiles were minimal and the longing and sad glances were more prominent. Kurt was back to deflecting everything with his shoulders squared, and Blaine used years of practice to close himself off and pretend like nothing out of place had happened. But he couldn't, they couldn't. Something monumental had happened last night, something so incredibly earth shifting that Blaine had to ask, had to find out how to fix it, but Kurt beat him to it over a pan full of eggs. Kurt always had read his mind.

"Give me space B. What happened was amazing, and even if I want to snicker at my handiwork from last night…" Kurt had to make fun of the fact that Blaine was indeed limping a little this morning with the quirk of an eyebrow, "I can't shake that it was a lie. I may have taken some advantage of your state of mind, and I need to think on that, but you pushed, when you knew I couldn't say no. I have to try and convince myself that it meant something to us both no matter how many times you tell me okay...just give me some space today while we're out with the guys and Sami."

Blaine couldn't think of a better answer or a valid argument, so he went with nodding his head and placing his hand over Kurt's where it was now stirring the pancake batter.

"I am sorry Kurt, and I do love you."

"I know that now, I really do B. But I love you too, and that's what scares me Blaine. If we can be this careless with each others love, how can we say it means anything more than a passing fancy, or a quick fuck?"

Blaine was angry by the connotations that his actions meant nothing more than the physical, but he knew that Kurt's inability to phrase things in a non blunt way was just how he coped. Kurt s eyes softened and he reached across to where Blaine had turned away from him and grabbed him in a hug, that wasn't so much awkward, as it was tense. At least from the start it was anyway. After a second or two, Blaine wrapped his arms around Kurt and returned the hug, and the relief that washed over him was astounding. This had been the first time since they slept together that he actually touched Kurt, and it was like realizing a dream all over again and he shuddered at the memory.

"Kurt we're going to be okay right?"

Kurt just pulled back and tried, but failing a little on his usual wit, to comfort Blaine with his deflections.

"Of course we are. We can't have a shag that good and not be okay around each other. Did anyone ever tell you you're a really pushy bottom Blainers?"

And there was that knack Kurt had at changing the subject, but yet hit it right on the nose in the same sentence.

"Oh shut up. Your enthusiastic topping from the bottom skills were never mentioned in your resume either Mr Hummel. In the category of extra curriculars I don't remember ever reading over your credentials and seeing, avid reader of fashion magazines, Broadway enthusiast, and likes to make men forget their own names just by using his hips."

Both men laughed but it was quickly forgotten, the looming presence of the question of what ifs still heavy over their heads.

"Go have a shower B, I`ll finish breakfast.'

"You're sure?"

"Positive, you reek of sex, and your hair looks like it got attacked by a vacuum cleaner." Blaine grinned at looked up as if trying to see the volume attack that was his head.

"Oh shut up. I happen to know that you have certain marks on you that definitely show someone else was attacked last night...and I think they left a mark or two if I'm not mistaken."

Kurt moved back away from Blaine, the heat pooling in his stomach again. This was a dangerous game to play.

"Go shower. you have 15 minutes, go."

Blaine knew he had pushed too far, and that he wasn't forgiven for his role in last nights events, but as he moved away he could have sworn that he had an effect on Kurt. He would prove it to him that he wanted him, just like he had last night, but without the clouded feelings of anger he had for his husband. They would start over and Blaine was going to do it right. No more lying to himself or Kurt. He would forget his husband, if only for a while to truly explore what him and Kurt had; and he would make Kurt see this truth.

He went back into the room to grab his clothes from the suitcase by the window and grabbed his phone for good measure.

After closing the bathroom door and turning on the shower and letting it warm up, (this old apartment had the weirdest water setting he could tell you that), did he look at his phone. There were 10 missed calls from his husband and four texts. They read:

Blaine I know that I said I'm sorry but I really am. I was drunk and I am sorry. Please pick up your phone, we have to talk about this. - Justin

Blaine, honey look I'm going to stop apologising because that doesn't change anything. Nor does it change how you feel about Kurt. You're just confused and angry at me, distance can do that to people. Just answer your phone and we can talk about this like adults. Please Blaine don't throw us away.- Justin

Blaine's jaw clenched. As much as he had just done the very thing he scolded his husband about, that doesn't negate what he did initially.

Fine. Look if you want to be a child and go gallivanting off into the sunset with your twink of a best friend, fucking fine. Just don't come crawling back to me when you need me. - Justin

Blaine saw red but forced himself to read the last message.

Oh god I can't believe I wrote that. Look it's just hard when I'm not seeing your face in person to explain and hear your side of the story too. I just want this to work and I'm confused about us too. Just...give me the chance Blaine. I can understand if you think you love Kurt, but call me when you can pls. Love you. - Justin

Blaine held it together until he read the I love you. Did he really? Had he ever? There were so many questions left unanswered and the last thing he wanted to do right now was talk to his husband. He had told him the truth up until that point, all about his newfound feelings for Kurt and their deep seeded history, and Justin had said some pretty nasty things making Blaine yell, and then told him he cheated on him as well.

Right. Kurt was his first priority, as well as doing something that felt right for himself. His marriage was broken, done with, all that was left was telling him that to his face. Kurt and his relationship needed to shine and be the best version of itself, and his resolve to make Kurt see that he really meant it, and not just a flash in the pan stemmed from anger, was his new priority. So he took out his phone again to make it final.

Stop calling and texting please. I will see you back in Seattle in do time. Until then please desist from all contact. I don't want to know you right now and I'm trying to sort out my life. Attached photo - Blaine

The attached photo was of Blaines left hand, mostly his now naked ring finger that still had a dent in it. There, that should make his intentions clear.

Blaine sang happily in his brief shower, hoping that the weight he felt on his chest would lift as soon as Kurt and him stopped this awkward dance, and Kurt could trust that his physical intentions matched his emotional ones as well.

XXXX


Finn had just got off his home phone with his realtor, when the text message came through on his cell. The glowing face of his phone illuminated across the dining room and it seemed like an ominous warning that this was a message of importance. Figuring it was his wife, and then thinking better of it because she was surely still in rehearsals, he picked it up quickly. Lo and behold, it was a message from his brother, someone equally as important to the tall brunette

Hey Finn. As you know Nick and Jeff are in town with Sami this weekend. They're staying at the Hyatt on Lex, and the boys, B, and I wanna go out. Think you can babysit the munchkin sometime soon? 2nite maybe? lmk - Kurt

Finn smiled when he saw that Nick and Jeff were in town, he did love those guys, especially for their role in making his brother happier and safer when he ended up at Dalton. He also hadn't seen Sami since Blaine's wedding, where he was one of the unofficial best men ironically enough, but it meant a lot of babysitting time. Finn had come to the realization that as a teacher and a giant teddy bear, parents and friends seemed to love leaving their kids with uncle Finn, and it was a job that Finn loved more than he ever thought he would.

So he of course went to text back that he had a few things to do this weekend, but it was minor, and it would be a pleasure to watch the little one, but he thought harder on that.

The Hyatt on Lex was expensive, and way too far from Kurt's place, even if it was conveniently located in midtown. Finn had an empty house for a while except when his wife was able to come home for a few days here and there, and he was mostly by himself when he wasn't playing in the park's football house league, so he figured he could 'kick two birds with one rock', or however that went.

Hey bro. Here's a better idea. Get Niff and the squirt to come stay with me for the rest of their trip. I've got rooms here they can use. Let them know and you can go out tonight if you want and not worry about the little one. Give me the boys numbers k?

Finn nodded his head in triumph, this was a fantastic idea. He could help out the guys and they could save some money. Sami would have a comfortable place to hang out while her dad's went out and had some fun for a change, and also covertly Finn could talk to Nick and Jeff about what was up with Kurt and Blaine.

As Finn went into the spare room his phone buzzed a few times.

Firstly there were messages from Nick and Jeff, confirming their phone numbers and saying that they were more than up for staying with him as long as it wasn't too much of an imposition.

He sent back another saying it was no problem at all and that he would love to have them, before he looked at the three messages in succession from Kurt.

Wow that's a generous offer Finn, I'll tell them I'm sure they would be thrilled. - Kurt

The Niff say tonight is good, they're leaving us at the zoo soon with Sami to pack up and check out before the 4pm check out and then heading to you k?- Kurt

Oh also, if I'm not too hungover tomorrow can I come up to the house in the morning and we have a chat? It's been a while and there's been "developments". - Kurt

Screwing his face up in confusion at first, Finn didn't understand. But eventually the little lightbulb comically showed itself above his head. Kurt was in trouble, not in the cops kinda way, but he needed advice. God between him and Blaine, Finn thought he should have become a counsellor, especially these days.

Np, I love the guys. I've sent them my address too. And sure Kurt, whatever my baby bro needs. You'e re okay though right? - Finn

Finn grabbed the new sheets from the linen cupboard (thankfully Rachel had labelled which ones were which since he was just able to remember that this is where the new sheets were) and waited, staring at his phone.

For some reason waiting for the validation that Kurt was alright, however pointless since he was obviously out and enjoying the day, was imperative.

I'm not fine really Finn, but I am okay. I'm so happy and yet completely shattered. Long story actually. Been an eventful few days, but don't worry, I know you do you big lug. Love you, ttyl. -Kurt

As confusing as that message was, Finn at least got out that his brother was okay, he was having house guests, and he would find out the details of his brothers problems from either Kurt or said house guests. Until then he knew he wouldn't get any more information out of any of them.

Time to make his house more presentable for house guests.

Looking around his spare bedroom he cringed when he thought about how much cleaning the living room needed. Looking at his watch he knew exactly what he was doing with the rest of his afternoon, cleaning up after himself. Rachel would be so proud.

XXXX


When Jeff and Nick had said that they wanted a night on the town when they were there, Kurt hadn't anticipated it all coming together so quickly. He had only texted his brother early in the afternoon, but apparently as soon as he left the park with Jeff, Nick, Sami and Blaine, Finn had confirmed with them all via group messages that they were to drop the little one off at Uncle Finn's for the night, and that the guest rooms had been made up for them for the rest of their stay, so they should just cancel the hotel now and come over straight away.

So this was how Kurt ended up walking with just Blaine through midtown. Nick and Jeff had hailed a cab to go back to the hotel to grab their things and check out, and head over to Finn`s house which was a decent click away.

They were all going out tonight, the four boys like in the good old days. It was a friday night tonight and Kurt had to play coy that he didn't already have an idea in mind. An idea that was planted there a few days prior by his lovely serbian friend.

*Flashback*

"When are you playing there?" Kurt asked over his cup of coffee.

"Friday. We might have another confirmed gig on monday too but that's still up in the air." sergio said this as he took a sip of his second expresso.

"Ugh they leave monday. How am I going to get them all out on a Friday, with this short of notice?"

Sergio had been thinking just that as well, but he wasn't so much concerned with the other guys attending, just Blaine and Kurt. Sergio had wanted an excuse to show off in front of Blaine anyway, and for the music lover, a pub night with live music could be the recipe for some serious flirting. Sergio was intent on getting Blaine out of his own head.

"You'll think of something. Just try Andele. I would also love to see Blaine's reaction to a theme night like this. Could be fun."

Kurt just rolled his eyes and pointed his finger at this friend and fake boyfriend.

"Watch what you say about Blaine mister. He may seem like he's all cardigan, but he has a leather bound wild side." Kurt said with a cheeky raised eyebrow.

"What's under the wild side I wonder?" serg challenged.

"Probably another cardigan. God he would kill me for that joke."

Both of the men laughed and linked hands. It was a nice release from the tension of their somewhat break up moments ago, and Kurt was looking forward to making Blaine eat his words and want him like nothing else.

Now a few days later and things had changed drastically.

As they walked toward the centre of midtown, the walk being Kurt's idea to help them brainstorm for the evening and Blaine was more than happy to rattle off all of his thoughts. Kurt was using the walk as a distraction from the still larger issue though. His ideas of making Blaine jealous were fading slightly. He still wanted Blaine to want him, much like he had last night, but he was skeptical about being as forthwith about it. He would have to talk to Serg about it, and also about what had happened last night with Blaine in general. That would certainly change both of their game plans...wait game plans? When did this turn into a game? God Kurt still didn't know what he was doing. He came back to the present conversation with Blaine in mid thought.

"...I mean the Riv has always had a great Friday lineup, even if the deejay is that guy remember, the one with the septum piercing that you told him ruined his attempt at being good looking by impersonating a towel rack?"

Kurt laughed at the memory. It was true, Kurt loved that memory, it was one of his best random insults.

"I was drunk B, remember to take that into account."

"It was still classic. Okay maybe the Riv is a bad idea. What about callbacks?" Kurt had an absolute answer for that one.

" No alumni with us, Rachel's out of town, so we can't get in tonight. rules haven't changed there. Also they're having their summer bash and brava party there tonight anyway so its a closed event. I saw the chat room earlier for returning students, open mic nights are on mondays anyways." Blaine hummed and came up with more ideas at random.

"Carla doing a karaoke night at Zen?"

"No, that's tomorrow night. She called Isabelle for drinks last week, She's actually in the Hamptons right now."

"Oh...um Zippers?"

Kurt laughed when Blaine nudged him when they turned a corner to head to a starbucks. Always coffee with them, always had been. It was feeling a little more comfortable and Kurt was feeling much better for it.

"Ha, no. We may all be gay, but there's just so much gay that I can handle in that club."

"Elliot performs there, hes always a lot of fun." Blaine did like that guy, he was a lot of fun to hang out with in recent years.

"Starchild his crazy albeit fashionable alter ego performs there, not Elliot honey. It's only his weekend gig now anyways until he gets something more solid. He was actually in an off, off Broadway revival of the Glass Menagerie five months ago that you would have loved. He looked great in the part even if the woman playing Amanda was about as gifted playing a jilted wife, as I am at pretending I'm a teapot. Anyways, he's not here this weekend either, he's back home in Jersey with his family. His brother was in a car crash...he's fine, he's fine, but he wanted to be home to help out his brother with stuff around the house." Blaine was quick to catch his breath with worry, but relaxed as soon as Kurt said he was okay.

"Well, I'm glad hes alright."

"Besides, Zippers is to clubby and so is Ennui before you mention it. The last time I was at Ennui as you quite remember, I was a loopy drunk and required help showering afterwards. Aaaaaand while there, I may or may have not propositioned the bartender." Kurt cringed as the coffee line up moved forward.

"I can believe that, you're pretty whorey when you're drunk babe and…"

"It was a woman Blaine, and all of this while Serg was draped over me. Not my finest moment." Kurt cringed waiting for Blaine's judgement.

"Wow...women now. Watch out ladies, here comes Kurt Hummel."

"Oh shut up….Hi can I get drip for this smartass and can I have a grande nonfat mocha please."

They moved over to wait for their drinks after Kurt paid at his insistence, when Blaine spoke again.

"How about Two Tones? They should have a band night mixed with open mic if I'm remembering right...or was that at the Badger?"

Kurt smiled. Perfect, Blaine is going to think he thought of it.

"Sounds good. Yeah they still have band night, and the girl that works there during days is actually in Serg's band, I`ll see if they're playing, he can save us good seats." Kurt pretended to text Serg, even though he had already sent that message to serg over an hour ago.

"Oh uh Great. We can message the boys about time and dress code when we get back to the apartment then."

When they're drinks were delivered, both of them sighed at the first sip of warm drink that they were shamelessly addicted to, even if they still preferred the Lima bean back in Westerville.

They walked for quite a while back down sixth and at one point Blaine looped his arm around Kurt's elbow, just like they always used to, and it was comfortable again. Not perfect but comfortable.

They arrived at Bryant park and decided to sit down for a few minutes before they would have to head back on the Metro to get back in time to get ready, but they took a few minutes to find a table and sit by the carousel.

the trees were lush, green, and full still. The threat of the oncoming autumn not even a passing fancy of a thought. The day had been quite warm in Central Park, but now as they sat here, they could feel a cooler breeze pass over them, which promised for a much cooler night.

Kurt looked over at Blaine who had leaned back in his chair, eyes closed, and breathing slowly through his nose. The polo shirt he wore pulled tight against his chest, and even with his arms relaxed as they were holding his coffee in his lap, he looked beautiful. His inhumanly long eyelashes fanned delicately over his cheeks behind his glasses, but his eyes moved still under his lids, as if he was thinking too hard.

"Blaine?"

"Hmm?"

Blaine still hadn't moved but Kurt could see his eyes still altogether and Kurt knew he had his rapt attention even without looking into his eyes. What Kurt was going to say for some reason made his stomach flip and he had no idea why. This was Blaine, his blaine, and he had seen him much more vulnerable just this morning, but this was making him more nervous...the talking about it was the worst part.

"We shouldn't have done that last night."

Blaine took a few seconds before lightly nodding his head in Kurt's direction, his eyes still closed.

"I guess I was too angry and hurt to think straight." Blaine added softly. He had to admit where he was at fault too.

"And you knew that I couldn't resist you." Blaine let a few seconds go by where he had to concede that, even if it was a large pill to swallow.

"I had planned on that subconsciously I guess."

"And if we weren't such good friends, the best, it may have ruined us Blaine and I don't know..."

Kurt was getting breathless, his concern almost forming tears. Most people would have asked if Kurt was okay, but Blaine knew better. That's why he was keeping his eyes closed and his breathing level. He knew better. For someone like Kurt, this kind of self professed vulnerability was rare, and it was always best just to let him get it all out. The only sign that Blaine looked upset was his lower lip being worried between his teeth.

"It was a mistake but not a regret love. But I am sorry it wasn't ideal." Blaine just said what he knew Kurt needed to hear. This was his first priority wasn't it? Starting over, making Kurt comfortable again?

"It was fucking stupid Blaine. It was amazing yes but we were stupid, and reckless with our friendship. It was still adultery, you broke a promise much the same as your husband did, only it was retaliation. I was your rebound, and now what am I?"

That was the question that Blaine was waiting for; the one of validation. The one that Kurt needed to ask, because he feared that now Blaine would want nothing more with him, because now his curiosity was sated.

"You're .." He paused and came up with only one answer, "You're my Kurt."

"I'm your Kurt? What does that mean?"

"It means you're...perfect, for me that is."

Kurt stumbled over this next words. Blaine still hadn't opened his eyes, but now a smile lifted his face. The next few word exchanges would have been cute to hear from the onlooker. Before Kurt even finished his sentences Blaine cut in and finished it for him. Blaine knew Kurt was embarrassed by Blaine's flattery and that was all in Blaine's plans. Make him feel loved, and important.

"Um, yeah well. Last night, I don't want you to think that I didn't…"

"I know."

"I just have a hard time when it comes to..."

"Angel I know. It's all fine, and at the time, you were right I guess, but we can work on it."

"I'm sorry."

"Never be sorry with me Kurt. You should know that. Truth or nothing. But in this case I am sorry too, so sorry."

"I just wish..."

"Don't Kurt, never wish on something, make it happen."

"I did. And it scared me."

At this confession Blaine opened his eyes and looked at Kurt. He looked terrified.

Kurt steadied his breathing now that Blaine was actually looking at him, it made this somehow harder.

"I wished for you, so hard B. And then I got you, but not all of you. It's scary that I may be living a lie, and I may have manipulated you a little during all of this…"

"Kurt you would never manipulate me, I know that in my heart." Kurt swallowed the bile in his throat, and begged and argued with himself to not tell him that wasn't exactly true.

'Let me prove it." Blaine reached across the table and got down on one knee holding Kurt's hand.

"Blaine get the hell up what are you doing?"

Blaine smiled that killer dapper smile that would bring weaker people to their knees and Kurt had to fight with himself to do just that.

"Kurt Hummel..my amazing friend.."

"B stop it, get up no, you're already married.."

"I'm not asking for your hand in marriage dummy, but will you go on a date with me?"

Blaine leaned over and kissed Kurt's knuckle where he held his hand and Kurt would happily admit he swooned a little. I mean how could you not? But he couldn't help the huff and eye roll.

"Blaine.."

"If you need me to serenade you instead I'm sure there would b a couple people here up for a flash mob."

"Please for all things fashionable don't finish that thought. God you're such a dork." Blaine wiggled his eyebrows.

"But a cute dork right? Come on Kurt lets try this. We'll go out with the guys, being an actual couple for once and try it on and see how it fits. We both need answers and I'm a practical learner, hands on if you will." the eyebrows wouldn't stop and Kurt couldn't help but laughed out loud at him.

"Oh god you were doing so well until the insinuation there B."

"Is that a yes?" He rubbed both hands now over Kurt's, still holding his position on his one knee in front of his friend.

"Fine okay yes, Blaine dapper Anderson I will go on a date with you."

Apparently saying that out loud in a crowded park got Blaine some cheers when he stood up. Now that Kurt was totally embarrassed but smiling ear to ear he allowed the peck on his cheek from Blaine before Blaine jumped up on his chair.

"He said yes!"

"Oh my god B, get down. Come on we're leaving...sorry everyone."

Kurt grabbed his goober's hand and dragged him away laughing. Kurt ignored chants of "get some" and "way to go shorty" as they walked away but Blaine couldn't stop bouncing.

Kurt tried to look annoyed at his friend but settled for just thrusting his coffee back in his hand.

After the third rendition of Blaine's "Yes, yes, he said yes" all sung to Ding Dong the Witch is Dead, Kurt smacked him on the side of the head to get him to shut up, just as they were exiting Bryant park.

Dodging Kurt's lame attack brought Blaine within eyesight of a street artist putting the finishing touches on a watercolour painting.

Before Kurt could protest that they didn't have time to stop anymore, and to leave the poor artist alone, Blaine was dragging Kurt over to the vendor with a spring in his step. As they got closer Kurt could see numerous drawings, painting and sketches littered against the fence and side wall all with varying motifs. They were all quite brilliant actually. Blaine it would seem had an eye for eclectic taste.

"Wow these are stunning. Carol would love these." Kurt had bent down to look in on two matching sketches, each of a landscape drawing featuring rustic stoned bridges. Carol had a thing for these kind of landscape drawings and Kurt loved charcoal drawings, there was just something so rustic and true about them.

Blaine spoke over Kurt's thoughts, "How much?"

"For both? Fifty would be generous but I can only asked for forty. Otherwise I may never sell anything."

The elder gentleman spoke softly and with a sense of humour that Kurt could recognize as probably sharp witted in his younger days.

"What do you think Kurt? Carol's birthday is next month, if I buy them do you think she'll like them? I think they would look nice on either side of the fireplace at their house."

Kurt looked over at Blaine as he talked about the art as he inspected it.

"I think she'll love it Blaine." But Kurt's attention had been driven elsewhere, namely away from Blaine's side and to the other side of the artist, toward one large picture, about 20 inches long actually, that was facing away from the street. Kurt flipped it over.

"Hold on that's from my private collection."

Kurt stopped from where he had been starting at the picture, a stunningly simple yet detailed presentation of a top view of someone or someone's playing the piano. The entire picture was charcoal based, but to Kurt it popped out in lively colour before his eyes.

"I'm sorry." He stammered and went to put it back but the older man's eye softened when he looked at Kurt, and began to explain

."Sorry bout that lad, s'old one that one is. But it's a favourite, never thought about selling it. You like it?"

Kurt looked awed. The picture was of two sets of hands, their fingers pressing the keys at random intervals, side by side, and Kurt was also sure he could hear the music coming from the picture.

"It's gorgeous, Blaine look at this." Blaine came over and without a second thought wrapped his arm around Kurt's torso, and neither one seemed to mind the gesture.

"Wow sir, it truly is beautiful."

The older man removed his glasses and rubbed his face quickly with a smile.

"Thank you boys. I am rather proud of that one. Its a replica of a photo my wife took of me and my son. He loved to play the piano, even though he was scared to learn at first. I was good enough to teach him when he was younger, he always said I made him unafraid of trying new things. The photo was taken a month before he passed away, he was only 35. I drew that not long after, wanted the extra memory and everything ya know? It's been 20 years now."

Kurt and Blaine looked horrified that a man could ever outlive his child. They fought back the apologies, not even knowing the man's name and settled both for sympathetic glances and nods.

"Well I can certainly see why you wouldn't part with it. Too many memories."

The man sighed as Kurt turned it back around as Blaine went to hand the man the money to pay for the other drawings. Kurt looked forlorn at the now hidden painting, something about it triggering his earlier worries and emotion regarding Blaine and he wasn't sure why.

Kurt and Blaine exchanged pleasantries with the man as they turned to leave, and with one look back, they turned a corner.

Kurt told Blaine to wait for a minute while he ran into Walgreens for two things he needed and Blaine didn't second guess it. What he did do was hustle back to the artist he had just left not thirty feet away. The older man chuckled when he saw him again.

"Sneak away from the husband for a second?"

"He's not my husband." Blaine said this too quickly making the other man giggle. It was kind of adorable hearing a man in his early eighties giggle with such youth.

"I know he's not, I wasn't referring to the gentleman you we're just with, but your actual husband. He back at home?"

Blaine just stood there and stared open mouthed at a stranger who had called him out on adultery. Funny thing was he wasn't wrong.

"How did.."

"I'm not blind young man. Anyways you've come back to ask about getting that other drawing of mine..."

"Seriously this is creepy how did…"

"You two remind me of my wife and I. Wide eyed in love, even if we weren't supposed to be. She was engaged to a well to do lawyer type, someone her mother wanted her set up with, and then there was me. A courier driver and a painter. Not the most stable person you'd want for your only daughter. Either way, she married me. Just goes to show you eh?"

Blaine didn't know what to say.

"It shows you young man that whether you're a five star elitist like some or a coal miner you deserve happiness wherever it shows its face. And I can tell that that man back there holds your happiness. And if my art can help bring someone that, even in the smallest of ways, well who am I to deny that. Take it son."

Blaine started to smile widely as he reached for his wallet. "I don't know what to say. How much do I…"

"Nothing. nothing at all. It's on me." Blaine protested immediately.

"But surely, you want something?" The gentleman just smiled.

"Nothing at all, just promise me you'll come by and see an old man every once in awhile if you're in the neighbourhood. I like my coffee black, 2 sugars", he gesture to Blaine's empty cup now. "Just in case you're wondering." Blaine liked this man immediately.

"Names Arthur, but call me Art."

"My name's Blaine." He reached out and shook the man's hand which was surprisingly soft and warm, like a grandfathers. "And I promise to come back and see you when I'm in town next."

Art handed Blaine the picture after gingerly wrapping it up in the bubble wrap he had in his bag.

"Take good care of it Blaine. It's precious."Blaine looked at the picture and smiled.

"I will, it's safe with me."

"I didn't mean the picture kid." And with that Art sat back down and went back to his drawings.

Blaine was at a loss for words even as he muttered his thanks walking away.

"Oh and Blaine? Courage."

That made the Anderson stop dead in his tracks. "What did you just say?"

"The name of the picture, it's Courage. Incase your sweetie wants to know."

Blaine's breath caught as he thanked him again, and made his way back up the street to where Kurt was looking at him oddly for disappearing on him. But that confusion soon turned into delight as Blaine was wrapped in a teary hug of thankfulness from the one man that had given him courage so many years ago.

"Thank you B. I love it."

I love you. But he kept it to himself, and hugged back harder.

Courage.

XXXX


Between balancing pictures and dealing with Friday congestion in the subway back to Brooklyn, Kurt and Blaine finally made it back by late dinner time. Which was more than enough time to eat something and get ready.

Nick and Jeff had gotten to Finn's house with little incident, and Jeff had commented on the size of Finn and Rachel's place, saying he wanted to move in their permanently. Kurt had told the guys about the dress code for the evening, considering it was a theme night at Two Tones, and gave them directions and timing for meeting up. Nick and Jeff would be having dinner with Sami and Finn, Kurt suspected that Finn would only have time to order pizza since he was probably cleaning up after himself all afternoon, so Kurt decided that he would reheat some leftovers that he had lying around for him and Blaine.

So while he did that, making a baked pasta dish with way too much cheese than was healthy, Blaine decided to wrap up Carols' birthday present since Kurt had more craft supplies lying around than was healthy, and then proceeded to say he had the "perfect spot" for Kurt's picture, so he would hang it for him.

There were at least three short jokes on Kurt's tongue when he found out how high Blaine wanted the picture to hang in Kurt's cordoned off bedroom, but to his credit, he actually refrained.

When the pasta was heating up in the oven Kurt decided it was time to let Blaine in on the theme for the night, and then probably laugh when he whined that he didn't have anything suitable to wear.

Heading into his bedroom he was graced with a nice view of Blaine's butt, pulled tight in his mustard jeans and his polo riding up his back from where he was stretching trying to straighten the picture. The chair he was standing on wasn't a precarious perch, so he decided to announce his entrance into the room without much worry on scaring his friend.

"You were right. It looks great there." Kurt moved so that he was looking at the sketch head on, it would be centred right above his bed. Fitting was the word that Kurt thought of.

"A little up on the right...a little more.."

"You wanna get your tall ass up here and fix it while I bark orders instead?"

"Hey I'm just trying to help. Not my fault you're a midget."

"Three inches Kurt, three inches and I'm a goddamn practical joke." Blaine snickered as he said this and looked back at Kurt after pushing the corner to the right one last time. Kurt smiled, his arms crossed across his chest, leaving Blaine a tiny bit breathless at seeing his arms and chest pulled so tightly against the fabric of his shirt.

"Stop right there. It's perfect B."

Blaine leaned over further to see and in so doing tumbled a little ungracefully onto the bed. Despite Kurt's giggling at his friends clumsiness, Blaine finished the tumble and stood up straight raising his arms in the air.

"And he sticks the landing!" Kurt chants as Blaine bows.

"So you like the placement? I figured it worked." Blaine came around the bed, tugging his shirt down from where it rolled up a little, to stand next to Kurt as they both looked on at the picture. Kurt already had two shelves flanking his bed on either side but for some reason never added anything between them. No, it would seem, he had been waiting on the right accent. It worked wonderfully well. He nodded.

"So what's the real reason you came in here, not to admire my floundering and bed gymnastics? I know you're an overseer in your apartment but you looked like you came in here with a purpose."

Kurt smiled. "Serg messaged me a while back." Blaine frowned slightly, and only so much that someone who knew him would catch it. "His band is performing there tonight. It's also a theme night. Seventy five years of Rock n' roll B. Should be fun letting the hair down right?"

Blaine groaned and flopped down on the bed in a huff. He could pulled off being a diva sure, and he loved rock classics like the next guy but he was more of a roxy music, and guilty disco lover when it came to dressing the part. Rock n roll was Finn's thing, and apparently Kurt could strike a mean pose in bad boy gear, although Blaine only heard of such a thing from Rachel. Kurt was doing this on purpose he swore, he really had no idea how to pull off a rock and roll look, and god knows he didn't have anything really suitable for such an evening.

"Kuuuurt. I have.."

"Nothing to wear. What a stupid thing to say to someone who loves clothes as much as I do. Come on, gimme your hand, we'll figure out something to wear that's not a cardigan.'

Blaine pouted. "But I like my cardigans…"

Kurt laughed to himself.

"What's so funny angel?"

"Nothing just something Serg and I talked about the other day. You had to be there." Kurt was already pulling out his rack of clothes and shifting through them looking for something that he could get Blaine into when Blaine asked a very poignant question. One that Kurt knew would affect him greatly depending the answer.

"So...what's going on with you and Serg then, if we're...I mean since we're kinda going on a date tonight? You're still with him right?"

Kurt didn't look back at Blaine, if he did the pretense he was building in front of him would crumble quite quickly.

"Yeah, I mean I guess we're still kinda together. But…"

"No it's fine Kurt. I should have figured that into all of this. He's your boyfriend and I shouldn't have assumed that we would be on the same page so quickly, I should have factored Sergio into my plans before I asked you out like that, or ya know, slept...with you."

Kurt sighed and dropped his head, holding onto the rack for support and gripping it tightly, making his knuckles white. Hold it together Hummel and lie.

"Yes he's still my...boyfriend. But I want a night out with you like this. We do need to know if this is going anywhere. Sergio will...understand. I can talk to him and tell him that tonight is a you and me night okay? He won't question it, he knows how close we are."

Blaine got up and stood right behind Kurt, placing his hands on his shoulders.

"Kurt we can't play people like that." Blaine massaged his shoulders gently for a second and moved his hands away when he felt Kurt tense. Kurt's mind was whirling. This was the same sick feeling he had been feeling when Blaine said he knew that Kurt would never manipulate him, but wasn't that exactly what he was doing now?

"I know. But Serg will understand, besides, it's a first date, I'm not some floozy Blaine. I can keep my hands to myself."

Blaine chuckled and was once again marvelled at the level of comfort that Kurt always made him feel. One minute he was wracked with worry over something vitally important, and the next he was reassured by the simplest of words or gestures. Kurt Hummel was either a genius or he was being bewitched and he didn't notice.

"Let's find some options for you. You get the music, I'll start with the clothes."

Blaine smiled as Kurt scampered off to another one of his makeshift closets to gather more clothes, while Blaine smiled fully, but it only lasted a second.

Could he really flaunt being with another man's man in front of said guy? Even if Serg "understood" wasn't it wrong on so many levels? The larger part of his brain that dealt with rationalism told him that this was true, but the other smaller, more potent part of his brain wanted this date like he wanted air. Even if he was being made to dress up like a monkey in heels. God he hope that Kurt didn't expect him to dress in heels.

"Blaine music! We can eat while we decide, but we need tunes!"

Blaine muttered a phrase as he shook his head that sounded suspiciously like "yes master" before he made his way to the iHome and pressed play on the rock and contemporary playlist. Might as well get into character now Anderson.

As the beginning notes of Journey's Separate Ways rang out in the apartment, Blaine giggled at the very "Finn" like song choices, as Kurt called over the partition with an emphatic squeal.

"Oooh I love this song!" Blaine considered himself corrected, but he guessed probably rightly that Finn was still the culprit for Kurt's ever changing musical library.

XXXX


For what seemed like hours, Kurt threw clothes at Blaine for him to ponder over. They both stood and ate their pasta slowly, as they giggled back and forth about attire options for the evening, and Blaine just allowed Kurt to play dress up with him because Kurt loved it. Blaine had already come up with an outfit for the evening, most of it his own clothes surprisingly, but he let Kurt pretend that he had the upper hand in this decision, just because of the light that happened behind Kurt's eyes when he was creating. Blaine knew from early on that Kurt Hummel was meant to create,

And that's why musical theatre wasn't quite what his best friend needed.

Yes, theatre and performing was a grand mastery of creation, but seeing Kurt create something all his own from start to finish, whether it be photography (he had seen his most recent cut from the shoot the other week and nearly wept at the beauty of a child and mother in the rain caught so beautifully on camera) or whether it was fashion.

Kurt creating outfits and looks for people, most of the time from scratch, was like watching a modern day Davinci create from a picture in his mind. It was breathtaking and always had been to the shorter man. Kurt loved clothes, and the expressionism that came with wearing the "perfect outfit". So he let Kurt create something like that for Blaine, even if it wasn't going to be the final product. That would be Blaine's doing for once.

Time passed as they drank their one allowed glass of white whine with dinner, and finally after a much improvised dance around the apartment singing along with the Beatles, resulting in Blaine jumping yet again onto the furniture, they decided that they really should just get ready for the evening.

Jeff and Nick had said that Sami was more than content at letting Uncle Finn tuck her in, her rational about it being uncle Finns' house so he should do the tucking was still endearing, and Nick and Jeff had both asked Kurt for his approval on their outfit choices, pictures included..

Kurt had of course approved the attire for both friends, saying they were passable, but both Nick and Jeff knew not to bother feeling criticized. Getting a nod from Kurt really was like getting a thumbs up from the red carpet. Praise was hard to come by.

Only when Blaine had retreated into the bathroom to get dressed and finish his hair did Kurt really think on what was happening. He as going on a date with Blaine. He was going on a date with Blaine, and maybe with Serg's help, he could make Blaine just a little bit more possessive. Possessive Blaine was really hot in Kurt's mind.

Speaking of Kurt's mind, as he sent off a text to Nick saying that Blaine and him would be leaving soon, it soon blanked when he got a good look at his date as he emerged from the bathroom. Muse's Supermassive Black Hole was almost over, but it acted as entrance music as he entered the room. There was a definite swagger there that Kurt had to shake himself to not be affected by. But damn it was hard.

The black jeans he was wearing were actually Blaine's, and not the pants Kurt had picked out, but he had to love the way they clung to his hips. It was slightly sinful and Kurt couldn't quite figure out why he had never been gifted with the sight of those pants before.

The shirt was also not what he had chosen, it being Blaine's and it had been...sacrificed, for the greater good it would seem. The thick white designer t shirt had strategic rips throughout the fabric, giving it a grungy look but exposing enough skin that Kurt wanted to rip it further. He wore Kurt's waist length leather coat though, which actually came down passed his ass, making Blaine look taller. complete that with leather boots, and he was walking sin.

He was also wearing his contacts, the aviator glasses perched on his nose and his hair was styled in tight little girls worthy of 90's boy bands. He looked fuckable and Kurt was almost sure wearing these leather pants wasn't a good idea considering his current intentions looked quite clear..

Blaine was confident until he really looked at Kurt. The leather pants were incredible but what made it better was the….was that vinyl, top he was wearing. It was smooth showing off his nipples slightly considering it was skin tight. The only clasps were on the right side of Kurt's neck and Blaine guessed that this was a garment that did not go on or come off easily. Kurt had thoroughly debauched his hair, spiking it at all angles, and if that wasn't exactly how Kurt's hair looked last night, than it might have been comically spikey. On the contrary, he looked like clothed sex and Blaine's appearance seemed to be lack lustre in his eyes now.

Kurt swallowed audibly as he completed his outfit with the shorter biker jacket he had found on sale last year, just as Blaine reached out a hand for him to take.

"Spin."

Kurt did a tiny twirl on spot and Blaine coughed.

"Sorry I'm going to be blunt here angel."

"Like you're ever not."

"You're ass look edible and the guy-liner on your lower lids, fucking hot."

Kurt smirked, his hopes that Blaine would appreciate the outfit proving true. A little returned honesty wouldn't hurt either.

"Well that isn't normal first date talk mister, but I will succeed that I approve of your outfit changes. The hair...is yank worthy ya know. And don't mind me if I pretend though rips were put there by me hmm?"

Blaine stopped Kurt's words by grabbing his other hand and turning him to truly face him. The music in the background fuelling Blaine's actions.

"Fuck first date protocol. I have to do this before we leave." Blaine brought Kurt close and assume the lead in first position. Not the most ideal song to dance to but, he needed to hold Kurt.

"B, why are we dancing to Maroon 5 in the living room?" Without missing a beat Blaine's eyes smouldered when he answered.

"Because if we danced to it in the bedroom we'd never leave the house." Kurt's breath hitched and he couldn't control the groan. Blaine started singing along, while swaying his partner around.

When it gets cold outside and you got nobody to love

You'll understand what I mean when I say

There's no way we're gonna give up

There was a small part of Blaine and Kurt that both knew this statement in song referred to them both.

"Kurt you make it difficult for me...to be dapper, to be polite when all I want to do is this."

And like a little girl cries in the face of a monster that lives in her dreams

Blaine cut off anything that Kurt was about to say with a fierce kiss. This wasn't what he had been planning on doing but Kurt seemed to make him forget about his own rules. He took his time grasping at Kurt, holding him to him but only allowing the ferocity of the kiss to extend to just their lips.

Is there anyone out there cause it's getting harder and harder to breathe

Is there anyone out there cause it's getting harder and harder to breathe

Slowly the kiss slowed down, but the music in the background had faded from all memory for both boys, as their lips parted but stayed close, as close as the rest of their bodies were to each other.

"Kurt.."

"Blaine…"

"We're doing this backwards."

"As if we ever doing anything normally together." They backed up from each other and giggled; uncontrollably giggled.

"Sorry, I just couldn't find words for how you looked angel, I had to show you." As true as that statement was for both parties, they still couldn't control their smiles.

"Yeah as if the bulge in my pants right now is only from the kiss. I've been half hard since you walked out of the bathroom. You do not estimate your own sexiness Anderson. I would have done the same thing eventually."

"So now that we've officially wound each other up, care to go spend time with our friends and enjoy our first couple-y night together?"

"Of course." Kurt smiled.

Kurt took a few seconds to grab his keys and wallet from the table, adjusting himself in his pants not so ceremoniously.

"Classy Kurt." Kurt stuck out his tongue at Blaine as he went to open the door. "and don't stick out your tongue unless you're going to use it."

Kurt walked through the open door but leaned back to look Blair straight in the eyes, his pupils still dark from the earlier kiss.

"You say I can make you forget your name with my hips huh? Just wait till I show you what I can do with just my tongue." Kurt moved away and began descending the stairs without looking back at Blaine.

Blaine shook his head and groaned.

"Lock up Anderson!" Blaine did that with another sexually frustrated groan hearing Kurt laugh darkly as he continued down the stairs.

"Never play with a master Blainers! I always win, you should know that!"

God did Blaine know that. truth was this time, he was having a lot fo fun letting him win.

Game on Hummel.


The last song's title was Maroon 5's Harder to Breathe if you didn't know.

I hope you like where this is going and you can begin to see how that "separation argument" is going to happen. Review? * throws cyber treats*