Chapter 12

A/N: It's this time again. It's a bit on the short side and probably my least favourite so far but keep with me - lots of action is on the forecast, starting with the next chapter!

Thanks again to my reviewers and anyone getting alerts, you help me to keep writing this story. Just to let you know, we're actually over half way through. I imagine another five or so chapters will take us to the end (maybe six chapters if anyone wants an epilogue). Happy reading until that time anyway, please feel free to review and give me feedback.

Having Mercedes as a best friend, it turned out, was one of the most useful things Kurt had ever experienced in his life. Despite being a picky dresser and having little money, Mercedes seemed to know anyone and everyone who could give him a hand in getting ready for that evening, be it lending him a rather expensive and tight fitting tuxedo, to helping style his hair the way he used to back in school.

Kurt had tried on multiple suits in a tuxedo shop run by a man that Mercedes knew (Kurt was still trying to work out just exactly the manner in which she knew him), before finding 'the one'. It was black and understated with thin lapels and a grey waistcoat underneath. After tying the knot in his bow tie, he had looked in the mirror and finally liked what he saw. It showed off his body perfectly, fitting snugly into his slim frame. His only regret was that he would have to bring it back the next day ('in perfect condition, perfect condition dude or I'll never do you another favour').

Shoes had been less of an issue – his feet hadn't grown since he was seventeen and he still owned a pair of barely worn dress shoes that would do. It's not as if he really had any occasions to wear them anymore. Before Kurt could become gloomier as he reflected on this, he got changed back into his normal clothes. He was then whisked away to the salon to have his hair styled to perfection.

He had been there about half an hour when he heard the door of the salon open again. As he sat in the chair while the hairdresser chatted to him amicably, he heard voices coming towards him, distinguishing both Ty and Mercedes.

'Now Ty, repeat back to me what I just said.'

'This is worth more than I'll possibly earn in my entire lifetime.'

'And?'

'And if it leaves daddy's body at all I'll… be put up for adoption. While daddy goes to prison.'

'You got it buddy,' replied Mercedes cheerfully.

'What are you scaring Ty about now?' Kurt called out, but unable to turn his head to face them.

Ty appeared at his elbow holding a box. 'I'm not scared,' he said with a smile. 'You need to learn when she's joking dad.'

Kurt rolled his eyes. 'And now you're teaching my kid sass, Mercedes? Nice, real nice.' He opened the box as he spoke however and nearly dropped it in surprise.

'Where did you get this?' he gasped.

'We paid a visit to a vintage jewelry store on our way here. The owner is kindly letting us have it for twenty-four hours. I was explaining to Ty what would happen if it was lost.'

'How much is it worth? Or do I want to know?'

'About one thousand five hundred dollards.'

Kurt nearly yelped in surprise. 'Oh my god, I can't use this! I mean, it's utterly beautiful and exquisite in every way and I love pocketwatches with al my heart, but I can't risk taking this!'

Mercedes lay a gentle arm on his shoulder. 'Hun, I know you want to wear it. And you think this is a risk? After everything that's happened so far, I think this is the least of your worries.'

Kurt silently acquiesced and put the box on the table in front of him, turning the watch over in his hand and rubbing his finger tips along the smooth surface.

He was late. Despite getting ready early on, his perfectionism had started to shine through now that he had the means to be perfect, and his anxiety hadn't helped. The reception had started about twenty minutes ago by the time he got out of the cab that had taken him to the venue.

Ty sat beside him. 'Bye dad, good luck,' he said, giving him a tight hug. Kurt returned the hug.

'Thanks. Now make sure you go to bed when Mercedes tells you to. No negotiating okay?'

He got out of the cab and was met by Mercedes.

'Oh god, I can't breathe Mercedes, I can't do this,' he whispered as he looked through the glass windows into the building. 'What am I doing? What have I been doing? I mean, this is all lie, what have I done?'

Mercedes cupped his face with her hand and smiled softly. 'No, honey. It's more like a dream. And for tonight, you get to live it. Not just for yourself but for all of us. Don't think about tomorrow. Just think about tonight and how wonderful it will be. Right now, being a maid is a lie. Because I know that this, this is who you really are.'

The soft sound of a band was the first thing that Kurt heard as he entered the building a few minutes later. As he drew closer he also started to make out the sounds of many conversations, drowned out slightly by the music, but still loud enough to be heard. The venue was a very open space and as he walked down a corridor, he could make out the dance floor where some were availing of the music and others standing idly by talking. He walked purposefully towards it.

He stood silently at the door once he made his entrance, looking for any sign of Blaine. And then his breath hitched as his eyes met golden hazel ones from across the room. He was used to seeing Blaine in a suit, but he wasn't used to seeing him look quite so stunning, so breathtaking. He could barely move from his spot at the door as he saw Blaine making his way over to him, a stunned look on his face.

When they met, they both were silent initially, drinking in the other's presence and appearance. Then Blaine smiled widely like he was coming out of a dance.

'You look stunning,' he said softly.

'So do you,' replied Kurt.

'Thank you for being here. For this.'

'I –' Kurt's tongue stuck to the roof of his mouth. 'I came because I wanted to tell you something. This – you and me. We can't go any further beyond this evening. We just can't.'

'Well, then you should have worn a different suit,' replied Blaine with a wry smile. It was almost as if he hadn't heard what Kurt had said. And Kurt, with a happy smile plastered on his face, almost couldn't remember saying it.

Blaine extended him his hand. 'May I have this dance?'

Kurt flushed, the idea of being even closer together to this man making him even more on edge. But what had Mercedes said? Enjoy tonight, enjoy the dream. Don't think about tomorrow.

'Yes. Yes you may,' he replied breathlessly.