A.N. Weeks after my last upload and I have nothing to offer as an excuse other than I had a case of multiple writer's block. I wrote a lot, but could never manage to complete a chapter. But I have a hefty few weeks ahead as my brother gets married up north and I'll be hopping on a train down to London not long after so figured I needed to tap something out. I owe you guys that after the brilliant response for the last chapter.

As for Blunter 'getting it on', there seemed to be a 60-40 ratio of readers who like and dislike the idea so my solution is just to 'hint' at it for now so that I can get away with bringing it up later OR bypassing it altogether. 'Cause I'm a sneak. ;)

So, new 'poll' for readers. I had an ending planned out and when I looked over it something just didn't seem right. So, I tore it out. New endings have come to mind and they basically split into 2 paths. The first sees our hero lovebirds taking a turn for the worst, perhaps a split and perhaps a little reconciliation with one of the Blunters before sanity returns (or something along those lines). The second is a little more on the 'turning the tables' side, with Kurt and Sebastian getting wise to Blaine and Hunter's antics and deciding to get them at their own game. Both ideas need more thought and planning; the first is closer to the original as I felt like Blunter should really do some nasty damage, but if done correctly the second could be more entertaining maybe. As you can see, they each would take the story down completely different roads and the tone will not be the same at all. I only ask for opinions (I'd happily consider other ideas if you have them) because in my flurry I have lost my ability to gauge what would be more enjoyed. So, I'll leave a poll on the top of my profile if anyone wants to choose, or if you'd rather you can always give your views in reviews or private messages. Thanks for your help in advance! I have a few chapters before I need to make a decision so no rush.

A Slice of Crocodile Tears

The sounds coming from the top floor apartment could be heard before the elevator doors even opened. Benny, who had delivered more Giovanni's Pizzas than he would ever dream of counting, stepped out into the hallway which only served the occupant from the penthouse. He paused as his fears had been confirmed the more he listened to the noises. Sex.

Rhythmic beats drummed faster along with the heightened cries of pleasure from two individuals. Benny guessed one of those people was delivery order ninety seven of the night: a large BBQ deluxe with extra chillies on one half. Tentatively, he approached the door and knocked twice. A few moments later he rang the doorbell too, in case the customers were too preoccupied to hear his first attempt. Near to a minute later, the lock slid and opened to reveal a dishevelled man who appeared to have his nakedness only concealed by the door itself. Perspiration fresh on his temples, along with his swollen lips and flushed cheeks, was more than enough to go on. Benny just hoped at no point during this food-money interchange would he have to see the man's nether regions. He could only imagine...

'Uh...large deluxe – I mean, barbecue pizza. F-from Giovanni's. You ordered.' Benny fumbled out, jerking the box out of his hotbag and offering it with little eye contact made.

Sebastian looked down at the box and struggled to remember when he had ordered – Oh, no, now he remembered. He had just placed the order moments before Kurt crawled up to him wearing an old pair of Halloween cat ears. And nothing else. He forgave himself for forgetting he ordered dinner; after all, if there was any excuse to drop everything and block the rest of the world out that was it!

'Sebastian!' Kurt moaned from the bedroom, audibly frustrated at having been left hanging off one side of the bed when his partner had gone to answer the door.

'I'll be right there!' Sebastian called back, and then somewhat urgently grabbed up his wallet. 'How much?'

'Seventeen-fifty.' Benny replied, momentarily stunned to realise the other voice had been male. Sebastian wrestled with the flaps of his wallet then impatiently jammed notes into the delivery boy's hand. Benny looked down and then questioned how much the guy wanted back out of the thirty he gave. Before he could ask, though, the door was slammed in his face. Taken aback for only a moment, he smiled and pocketed the money. Uncomfortable but never complain when you get a twelve dollar tip.

Inside the apartment, not even Sebastian's stomach, which growled from the delicious waft of pizza goodness, could detract him from the top priority that was the sprawled out man in his bed. He shoved the box in the oven and kicked the metal door shut with his foot before skidding back to his lover. Kurt had pulled himself up into a kneeling position on the mattress and appeared to have been seconds off getting off and coming to look for him. His hungry eyes coaxed Sebastian forward. 'I ordered a pizza-'

'I don't care,' Kurt cut in, sliding his hands through Sebastian's hair and gripping hard so their lips could mesh together in a rough and demanding kiss.

'I thought we'd get hungry after-'

'Shut up,' Kurt growled into his mouth and then turned to resume his position on all fours on the bed, 'And fuck me.'

The slight deflation of Sebastian's member which resulted from Sebastian getting the door – Why did I do that? It makes no sense - was of little concern now as watching Kurt spread his legs for him made his dick throb in excitement. He slid his hand over the silky cream flesh he had grown so fantastically accustomed to over the past few days pent up in their home. Three straight days of pure passion and sweat; it was the stuff of dreams. Fingers parted as they streamed up following the arch of Kurt's spine then down either side of his stomach. He teased a little further by wrapping his arm round a little further to lightly stroke Kurt's own quivering member. Smiling at its solidness, he climbed back onto the bed and dipped his head. His tongue flicked back and forth over the sensitive ass hole he had used and abused so much in the last seventy hours, pushing the tip inside to enhance Kurt's purring to a full-on writhe. His thumb gently ran over his own dick, smearing it with the wetness until it was coated and ready again. 'Do I need to prepare you?'

Kurt shook his head and spoke into his pillow 'N-no, I'm still good. I want - you. Inside. Please, Sebastian!'

Not needing to be told again, the artist knelt up behind him and guided Kurt's hips back as his own pressed forward. It was as if the interruption had not happened: his member slid in all the way and revelled in the intense heat of the other's body. His eyes rolled back as a long and bit-back groan left his throat. Kurt tensed up but pushed into him, his feet slipping against the backs of Sebastian's knees. A gentle but firm hand pressed down between his shoulder blades, telling the smaller young man to lower his upper body down flat with his rear up. Then, Sebastian began rocking. After a couple of painfully slow plunges to re-accustom them both, Sebastian got back up to pace. Skin slapped hard against skin, Kurt took fistfuls of bed sheets and toes curled tightly as if each rough thrust took them both by surprise. Continuing to shove his hips back in time with Sebastian's drives, the smaller man was somehow still able to derive satisfaction from the simplicity of having his lover whimper above him like he was in heaven. It had taken some time but now Kurt understood that despite his own self- panning Sebastian truly was in paradise when with him. In the artist's own words, Kurt's body was anything but a blank canvas; perfectly formed and dripping with mesmerising tones and contours, even during their love-making Kurt caught Sebastian struck in some sort of blissful trance when taking him in. It wasn't like Kurt needed this validation, so he kept telling himself, but feeling the beautiful painter's eyes on him only heightened the rush of heat that came with every blow when he himself was not also engrossed by the lean and flawless frame naked against him.

'Sebastian,' Kurt panted, his arms struggling to keep him up as energy was sapped and the cock ramming into him became erratically violent in the most euphoric way. An arm wrapped around his torso and tossed him onto his back. A tiny sob escaped but was stifled when Sebastian penetrated him from the new angle. Blasted back into the realm of star-filled pleasure, Kurt sneaked his hand around his own dick and rubbed on it a few times.

Immediately Sebastian grunted and yanked his hand away. 'I told you - no,' He muttered with authority they both knew was half-hearted. He then smirked. 'That's my job.' Kurt bit his lip long before Sebastian wrapped his fingers around his shaft and gave it a tortuously gentle palming. Kurt bucked his hips upwards and issued a clouded plea with his eyes. Appeased, the finger's sliding grip picked up the pace, 'Are you close, baby?' Kurt nodded. God, he was so close. His gut was clenching and shivering, the bedroom felt like it was on fire around them and every inch of him, inside and out, felt like a firework sizzling closer and closer towards its big blasting finale. Smirk widening, Sebastian bore down on his ass in time with his luxurious strokes. Kurt threw his head back and arched his body, crying out over the sounds of the headboard slamming against the wall. Thank you – Thank you for the lack of neighbours! Kurt's legs hooked round Sebastian's neck as the taller man unleashed the last of his stamina pummelling his beautiful boyfriend deep into the forgiving mattress. Sweat was now well and truly coating them but it only served to ease the entanglement of their limbs, slipping back and forth with electrifying smoothness. Sebastian clenched his eyes shut when he felt the familiar intense rush stab through him. His arms and legs locked, and hot white took over his vision but all he could focus on was the pure gratification of coming deep inside the object of his desire.

Waves crashed over him until at last his muscles trembled and almost gave out under him. Somewhere close to him he heard screams of release, only vaguely aware that they didn't belong to him. When he opened his eyes he first caught sight of Kurt's chest rising and falling fast and the beautiful shimmer of his creamy skin. There was a fresh trail of white running up his bare stomach coming from the reddened cock Sebastian's hand was still choking. He littered wet kisses all over his collar bone and neckline awaiting the end of Kurt's own blinding climax. He didn't care about mess when he eased Kurt's legs back down onto the bed and carefully lay flat on top of him. Even with closed eyes, Kurt met his lips with his own and breathlessly submitted to Sebastian's wandering tongue and hands.

They lay there for a while, their kissing slowing down until the sound of a timid rumble between them made them both pause. Lips still touching, they stared into one another's eyes for a couple of beats and then-

Sebastian broke out into laughter. Kurt's cheeks, which had been returning to its normal colour, went pink in embarrassment. His stomach did not even have the decency to be apologetic at its interruption. 'Hungry?' Sebastian teased, earning himself a hand in the face. 'Well, your hero once again has come to your rescue. I ordered pizza.'

Kurt stopped pouting and looked up at him with surprised eyes. 'Really? When?'

His boyfriend stared back incredulously. 'You seriously don't remember me telling you? When I answered the door?' Kurt's expression was blank and Sebastian rolled his eyes. That was one new titbit: Kurt Hummel, when horny, paid no attention or interest in anything other than sex. 'I – Fine, okay.' Sebastian pushed himself off the bed and retrieved the pizza box. He and Kurt then stretched out on the bed and set to work on devouring their delicious dinner. Sebastian's free hand lazily ran up and down Kurt's exposed back and rear. He sighed and murmured something about this being perfect.

Kurt went silent and winced a little. 'Honey?'

Catching the end of a new slice of chilli-covered cheese in his mouth, Sebastian seemed to say 'Yeah?'

'I got some bad news.'

'Mmm?' Sebastian swallowed then turned his gaze over to him. 'What's that?'

'It's Monday night.' Kurt delivered.

Sebastian mulled that thought over and hummed in fake surprise. 'Son of a gun, it is!' He then grinned and admitted 'I don't get it.'

A pillow was playfully aimed at his head as the hand on Kurt's ass gave it a sharp slap. 'It means,' Kurt rolled out of Sebastian's slappy reach, 'that some of us who aren't our own bosses and who can't just take an extended vacation...have to go back to work in the morning.'

At last Sebastian's grin faltered and he turned his head to look out the window to the black skies and millions of bright lights dotting out New York's night time existence, as if it were the city's fault for this dilemma. He pushed himself up into a kneeling stance after careful consideration. 'I have the perfect solution: you simply come work for me.' Kurt snorted. 'And as my first line of business as your boss, I grant you the whole week off so you can show me your gratitude...'

Kurt laughed as Sebastian swatted the pizza out Kurt's hand and tried to mount him again, lips nibbling at his jawline. 'As gratifying as that sounds,' Kurt replied, shoving him off. 'I respectfully decline the job offer. Besides, you couldn't handle me twenty-four seven. '

Sebastian wriggled his eyebrows and confidently said 'I've managed these past few days alright.'

Kurt smiled fondly and his absent-minded fingers ran through the other's brown locks. He was right: they hadn't set foot outside the apartment since Friday evening and he couldn't think of any time they were out of each other's immediate presence for more than a minute. They slept, ate, showered and fucked – a crude and perhaps wasted way to spend the holiday if it weren't for the fact he had done it all with Sebastian. And whether they could believe it or not, even then as they lay together in the aftermath of sex with their bodies well used and in need of rest, they both wanted more of the other. Something in Sebastian's eyes... They drank Kurt in, roaming over him as though they could not stop themselves. How long had he been wanting him before Kurt made the first move? If not for Kurt's bravery, would Sebastian have restrained himself for much longer? There was another side of that weekend for Kurt that he hadn't voiced yet but found himself constantly thinking about: he had slept with someone other than Blaine. And it felt... Kurt stretched his nimble frame and basked in the glow of pleasure. It had felt wonderful. All the worries – I'll feel like I've betrayed Blaine. I won't know what to do. It'll be bad, uncomfortable and worst of all terrifying. It would be a mistake and I'll know and hate myself for it. – none of them came to fruition. Sebastian had seemed like a darkened entity that was foreign and wrong up until they finally did it. It had been then Kurt realised how right they were together and at last let himself go.

Sebastian asked him what he was thinking about and Kurt vacantly shook his head. The pizza box was nudged out the way and Kurt made to snuggle into the other man but was cruelly reminded they were still currently the result of three messy love-making sessions and they would regret not showering while they still had a morsel of energy in them. 'Grudgingly', Kurt let himself be picked up and carried to the bathroom.

'Well, look who looks like the pussy cat that got the cream!' were the only words that came from Chandler's mouth before Kurt's holiday recount rendered him absolutely speechless. It was an amusing change to have the blonde so quiet, jaw permanently dropped throughout the day with eyes that simply asked '...really?'

The boring and mundane Kurt that was so well known seemed to have been killed and replaced by the new, confident Kurt that moves in with people on a whim and seduces unsuspecting boyfriends with fashion shows which result in days of 'you know what' as if christening the love nest. Shedding a little layer of his good boy image had not hurt as much as he might have thought and Chandler's hilarious gaping-like-a-fish reaction had helped distract him from what he could only describe to himself as 'Sebastian withdrawal symptoms'. He found himself constantly checking his phone and almost falling off his desk chair just imagining being back in Sebastian's arms, legs entangled and heat radiating their bodies closer. Thankfully, Sebastian felt the same if his lewd text messages were anything to go by:

You left too early this morning, I didn't get the chance to take those photos of your ass. You promised me. You owe me something special, Kurt. I'm talking fetish territory here. –8:53am

I went to the gallery to vent my anger after my lover abandoned me, lonely and horny. Big mistake. I keep doodling you bent over in so many positions I am disturbing myself. – 10.18am

Dear Vogue Advice Columnist: I am an artist tormented by my selfish lover who has enraptured me in a snare designed to leave me straining in my pants. I am anxious that my, and excuse my coarse language, boner might frighten away my innocent customers. What should I do? – 12.49pm

Seriously, Kurt, when you get home I am screwing you against every surface, in every position, in every room, every moment until one of us collapses into a coma. – 3.04pm

Kurt, you have worked long enough. Get your tight, sexy ass home or I will come down there and fuck you right there on Mr Head-of-Vogues desk. I'm not kidding. – 4.47pm

Kurt laughed out loud at the last message before quickly backing out of it in case there was a hidden camera somewhere in his office space that was spying on his phone screen. He did not need to be coaxed anymore; he began clearing away his work. He bid his co-workers a hasty goodnight and sent a response back to Sebastian to say he was on his way just in case the last 'threat' was not just a joke.

He couldn't wipe the smile off his face even as he was forced to take a stinky subway ride sitting between two weighty businessmen. He had known for a while he was happy; Sebastian had certainly tipped his life upside down in that manner a while ago. However for the first time in a long time he found himself practically glowing with happiness. He loved his life as it was in that very moment, even the arduous tasks of running around doing the crappiest jobs that were not in his job description he was filled with pure contentment and joy. There was not one cloud in his sky. As the week progressed, Kurt discovered the 'flaws' that domestic Sebastian possessed were surprisingly endearing and a welcomed change from the I-can-do-everything bravado typically displayed by the artist. For one thing, he was unable to cook to save himself. This was discovered on Wednesday morning when five attempts at making toast resulted in charred blackness, and then later on that Thursday evening after Kurt had prepped a roast chicken and left behind written instructions for Sebastian to put it in the oven at a certain time had they both found that not only had Sebastian forgot to turn up the heat he had also neglected to turn the contraption on. Needless to say, dinner was late that night. Another trait which normally would have driven Kurt insane was Sebastian's leaving puddles of water all around their home after coming out of showers. The shy excuse that 'I'm not used to sharing living space, okay?' succeeded in making Kurt inwardly chuckle as he attacked his boyfriend with towels. Already they were getting into a good routine, using every available moment to show their affection. Unlike when Kurt was with Blaine, he felt like more of an equal in their relationship which was especially impressive when Sebastian was still the one paying the majority of the rent and who of course had a bank account large enough to make Kurt blush. It was down to support, he eventually gathered: Blaine's career was always deemed more special, more impressive, and therefore Kurt was in some manner subordinate. But Sebastian – the biggest splash on the art scene in years – gave so much focus and support to Kurt's own aspirations that it surprised Kurt to remember that he did in fact have a career after all. There were a lot of things about himself that Kurt had forgotten up until he let Sebastian in fully.

He remembered the very moment that it all clicked together. They were in the kitchen together. Kurt had been cutting up vegetables while Sebastian nervously poked a boiling pot of soup with a spoon, too scared of getting burned to actually get close enough to stir it. Kurt had been smiling at him and then it hit him: I'm in love with Sebastian. I am head-over-crazy-heels in love with Sebastian Smythe and I think I might have to sit down because my head is spinning – I'm in love again. I love him.

At last, the days of floating around on Cloud Nine came to a sort-of end when Kurt finally had to admit there was unfinished business. Namely, Blaine, Blaine's home, and the rest of Kurt's belongings. He was without nothing in their apartment but one too many times Kurt found himself searching for things only to remember they were part of the collection Blaine had kindly offered to keep at his place when they broke up. Photos, books, one-of-a-kind knick knacks that couldn't be replaced; Kurt knew he couldn't just abandon them. He didn't mention his dilemma to Sebastian to avoid awkward discussions involving seeing Blaine again. Truthfully, they hadn't spoken about their 'deal', Blaine or Hunter for weeks now and Kurt quite liked the idea of dropping the whole thing now that they were happily together for real. The less said of Blaine the better.

That left one problem: Blaine himself. Kurt only hoped he could figure out a way to convince Blaine to let him come round when the place was empty. As luck would have it, though, Blaine was surprisingly cooperative when Kurt requested a time he could come over while Blaine was out to pick up the last of his things. A tentative text from Kurt's end was responded to almost instantly:

It's really good to hear from you, Kurt, and to know you didn't delete my number after I was such an asshole. Come round tomorrow around noon. I have a lunch meeting with the theatre manager so I'll be out by then. Do you still have your key? – Blaine

It was a welcomed surprise, of course, but Kurt still held off from replying for over an hour so as to not give Blaine the impression he was waiting anxiously by his phone waiting for his messages. He took time crafting a short, politely grateful text that accepted the offer and informed him that he could let himself in fine. Blaine understood, simply sending a thumbs up smiley and nothing else. The following day worked out very well: Kurt was able to work from home in the morning, taking the afternoon off to move his things over, and he could do so without Sebastian's knowledge as his boyfriend was due in the gallery all day. He felt guilty being so underhanded – after all, a relationship had to be based on honesty – but he knew Sebastian would only insist on coming with him for fear of Blaine trying something. And as if worrying Sebastian was not reason enough, Kurt also had a strong objection to having his new lover in the home of his old one. Being back in Blaine's apartment which once was his own, Kurt knew it would be strange enough already. So, at eight-thirty in the morning, Kurt kissed Sebastian goodbye and set to work for a few hours. At noon he cleared his desk and collected some empty boxes to take with him. He caught a cab to Blaine's building and took the elevator up, only to reach the correct floor and question whether or not he should have double checked with Blaine that he had indeed left.

Well, a bit late now, genius.

The key slotted perfectly into the lock, as it always did, but to Kurt's concern the door was already unlocked. It silently opened with minimal effort on Kurt's part. He stood under the solid frame, hand still poised with his keys, and his mind raced. Blaine never forgot to lock the door; that had always been a Kurt-ish thing to do. So that could only mean Blaine was still home. Kurt bit his lip and took a step away. You wanted to avoid him at all costs when you moved your things, come back later. In fact, maybe having Sebastian with you wasn't such a bad idea. Come back with him. You know, you can always just buy new things – don't come back at all! Kurt was not afraid of going inside; Blaine was no danger, no matter what Sebastian might think, but things just did not sit right.

Then again... Kurt peered through the gap in the door and studied the slither of the hallway that could be seen. Nothing was there, it seemed normal. What if Blaine had slept in after having a late night? What if he had hurt himself? Suddenly unable to walk away, Kurt timidly entered the apartment.

'Blaine?' he murmured softly. He glanced into the kitchen and saw Blaine's staple breakfast: toast with chopped bananas on top next to a mug of black coffee. It was set on the breakfast bar, the only item missing being the day's newspaper which Kurt picked up from the welcome mat. He softly placed it on the kitchen counter and then felt the mug. It was cold. Blaine must have set this down hours ago, before the newspaper was delivered. Alarm bells went off in Kurt's head as a million and one scenarios, each one as horrifying as the next, whizzed through his mind. 'Blaine!' he called, trying not to sound panicked but failing. He quickly walked down the hall to the living room and at first it seemed like no one was there. Until Blaine's head popped up from the couch he was lying on.

'Kurt?' He stared up at him in surprise with the reddest eyes Kurt had ever seen. Blaine's face was pale and tear-stained, still dressed in the tank top and jersey pants he apparently slept in the night before and his hair was mussed up bad.

Kurt froze just staring at him. 'Blaine, what's-?'

'Shit, I-I wasn't paying attention,' Blaine interjected rapidly, suddenly flushing and tucking his chin down in an attempt to hide his appearance. 'I lost track of time, I'm sorry. G-give me just one minute and I'll be gone.'

Blaine rounded the couch and made for his bedroom but Kurt managed to step in his way. He placed both hands on Blaine's resisting arms. 'Blaine – hey! – hold on a second!' Kurt insisted. He craned his neck as Blaine continued to look away. Kurt grabbed his chin and made him face upwards. Yes, he had seen correctly; Blaine's eyes were rubbed raw and bloodshot, his thick lashes glued together with salty tears and it was obvious he was biting back even more. It had been a long, long time since Kurt had witnessed anyone so...anguished. 'Blaine, what's wrong? What happened?'

Blaine avoided meeting his gaze and twisted himself out of Kurt's grip, side stepping him to try and evade the questions. 'N-nothing, it really doesn't matter. I'm fine.'

'You are not fine.' Kurt snapped and caught his wrist, yanking him back. Blaine flopped back with little energy, his head dropping again. 'Blaine, talk to me: what's wrong?'

Blaine took a few shuddering breaths but they did not steady him well. Lip trembling and his eyes filling up again, Blaine gave a tiny shrug. 'M-my Uncle Lewis died.' He hiccuped. Who? Kurt thought at first. In a mental search which only took a second, Kurt sifted through all of Blaine's relatives he had met personally. He couldn't pin-point a 'Lewis'. Blaine fumbled with his hands. 'H-He was the one who lived up by Lake Michigan. My mom called this morning...'

A vague light went on in Kurt's head as he sort-of recalled this uncle in Michigan. 'Blaine, I'm so sorry,' Kurt shook his head then pulled Blaine in for a comforting hug. 'I had no idea you were so close to him.' Or that he had a name...

Blaine buried his face into Kurt's neck, hands grabbed fistfuls of the back of the smaller man's shirt, and his shoulders shook against their will as he cried. 'H-He let Coop and I come up and stay every summer. He-He taught us how to sail. He would tell us stories. He was such an incredible pianist, I-I took up piano lessons just to be more like him.' He rambled out. Kurt's heart broke as his arms tried desperately to console the grieving man. He hushed him gently and guided them both back to the couch where they sat down. Kurt reached for the half-empty box of tissues on the floor and dabbed away some of the moisture on Blaine's dazed face. Leaning on Kurt's collar, Blaine stared up at him for a few long moments then blinked harshly, pulling away. 'N-no, Kurt, I'm sorry. I shouldn't be here. I promised you could come by without me and I was s-so caught up i-in-' He sniffed and roughly wiped at his eyes with the back of his hand. 'I should go.'

'Don't you dare,' Kurt reprimanded softly, coaxing Blaine back into his arms. How had he not known how important this Uncle Lewis had been to his ex-boyfriend? They had been together for years; surely Blaine would have mentioned him. Had Kurt just not been paying attention? Whatever the reason, it didn't help the aching pain of watching Blaine in emotional turmoil. Seeing anyone weep over a loved one was horrible enough, but this was Blaine. It didn't matter what was going on between them in their post-break up situation, Kurt would have done anything to take that hurt away. Feeling hot tears land on his neck and the tickle of Blaine's hair under his chin, Kurt knew that this did not look exactly right. If Sebastian were to see this... No, it would not be a good idea to dwell on that impossible scenario, and if Kurt were a little less like his mother he might have tried breaking away from his ex for the overall decency of it. But Kurt was who he was, and who he was meant he could not do anything but hold onto Blaine's shaking body and pull it closer as if he might be swept away if he didn't keep tight hold. His hand reached up and stroked Blaine's cheek as the other ran though his locks slowly. After a few minutes, Blaine's breathing returned to a somewhat stable state and his legs were tucked under his body so he could fully lean on the other man. 'Blaine...' Kurt started. Blaine didn't say anything. 'Tell me about him. I'd...I'd like to know how great he was.'

The afternoon passed in a blur, the hours seeming like minutes as Kurt simply listened to Blaine recount times spent with his late uncle. He did sound like a truly remarkable man, even Kurt found himself upset by his passing despite having never met. At one point, Kurt remembered the untouched breakfast and managed to convince Blaine to eat a little. Blaine repeatedly said he was sorry and was promptly ordered to stop apologising each time. Kurt caught him staring into space with wide glassy eyes more than once and it broke his heart over and over to see him so lost. Long periods of silence ended with Blaine suddenly giving way to new tears and against sense Kurt comforted him by placing platonic yet heartfelt kisses on his forehead. At long last, Blaine had wore himself out and he slipped into an exhausted sleep on Kurt's lap. It's a one-time thing, Kurt. Anyone would be heartless to reject him now. So, with that in mind, Kurt let him sleep. He reached for the blanket draped over the couch and tucked it around Blaine's body before petting his hair lightly.

When Kurt felt his phone buzz in his pocket, though, he was alarmed to find it was much later than he imagined. Sebastian had text him and asked if he was to pick anything up at the grocery store on his way back home. Alarm bells filled with guilty panic went off in Kurt's head and he knew he had stayed longer than was sensible, no matter how inhumane it would have been to leave any earlier. He tried to ease himself out from under Blaine's head without waking him but the other man jolted up a little and sleepily stared at him. 'I...gotta go.' Kurt regretfully said.

Blaine blinked and in his eyes Kurt saw pain and loss. Noticeably swallowing hard, the dark haired man clambered off of Kurt and sat on the far side of the couch where he wrapped the blanket around himself securely. 'Y-yeah, it's so late...' He croaked though he had not looked at a clock.

Kurt scooted down and took his hand. 'Are you going to be okay?'

Blaine nodded though he avoided looking at him. 'I'll be fine, Kurt. Really. And you need to get home.' He offered a watery smile. 'I really appreciate you sticking around, you know, but you have to go. Sebastian... He wouldn't understand. I don't want him to be mad at you.'

Kurt wanted to argue. He wanted to insist that Sebastian wasn't the reason for his need for departure even though he undeniably was. But all that came out of his mouth was hesitation until he at last gave a promise. 'I am going to come round tomorrow, okay? Either here or at the theatre – wherever – just to check up on you, okay?'

Fresh tears rolled down Blaine's cheeks despite the fact he was smiling. Nodding, he sniffed. 'You are too good, Kurt.' He said gratefully, then turned to hug him tightly. 'Thank you. I love you.'

'I...love you too.' Kurt found himself saying. The words sounded so strange coming from his mouth. Why? He had said it so many times before but now it felt foreign, as though it was a concept he wasn't comfortable with. He held on to Blaine's hug until at last they broke apart.

Kurt let himself out without saying another word.

'What can I say? Kudos.' Hunter chuckled, clinking beer bottles with his comrade on the couch. He eyed the living room – the 'crime scene' where the deception had taken place – as though there would still be traces of that afternoon to be seen.

Blaine gave a mini bow then a shrug. 'Hey, I don't win awards in acting for nothing.'

A little after nine in the evening, Blaine had tidied himself up from his performance earlier that day, though the show was not so much to entertain and it hadn't taken place on a stage. Before Kurt had even reached the elevator after leaving, Blaine had already sent Hunter a message which simply stated 'Mission 'Plant Seed' Accomplished. My place, tonight.' And as per instruction, his partner had joined him to celebrate. 'Aren't you worried, though?' Hunter questioned, thinking it over. 'Say you get Kurt back, right? Don't you think one day he'll find out dear Uncle Lewis wasn't dead?'

Blaine sipped his drink and then grinned. 'Ah, but he is. Alright, cards on the table, this morning I had no plan. Nothing.' Hunter arched a brow. 'All I knew was that I needed to be here for when Kurt came. But even after lying awake all night I couldn't think of one fucking excuse to explain me being here that wouldn't send him running back out the door. I know he doesn't trust me-'

'And for good reason,' Hunter interjected with a grin.

'Then I got an e mail from my mom.' Blaine carried on as if he hadn't been interrupted. 'It was really just to ask about my Christmas plans but she added on near the end that my uncle died at some point over the weekend and that there was some fun 'family drama' over inheritances back in Ohio. It wasn't until a few hours later I realised that it was all perfect timing. The guy was crazy; my cousin shipped him off to the care home in Michigan for a good reason, but Kurt didn't know any of that so it all fit into place.'

'You're seriously telling me Kurt fell for that? He actually thought you were grieving or something?' Hunter pulled a face.

'I'm a method actor, Hunter,' Blaine said with dignity, proudly sitting tall and grinning at what he accomplished that day. 'I know how to get into character. I know how to set a scene. Besides,' He then smirked. 'you don't know Kurt like I do. He's over-sensitive and kinda...' He searched for the right words, 'simple, sometimes. Once you know how to play him against himself, it's pretty easy to get him where you want him.'

Hunter watched intently as Blaine kicked back, putting his feet up on the coffee table and pillowing his head with an arm. A coy smile rose onto his face. 'If that were really true, Blaine, then why is he still playing house with my Sebastian?'

The jibe at his expense was met with severe displeasure on Blaine's side. Now glaring, Blaine stood up, downed his beer and curtly told the other man he was heading to the bedroom.

A.N. Not the best I've written but hopefully enough to keep the fic alive. Please don't forget to vote in the poll, review and so on and so on... Blunter Vs. Kurtbastian – it's about to heat up. Teaser: Trickery, sneaking around, suspicion – and someone orders flowers. Yup, it's gonna be crazy.