A/N: Hi everyone. I know it's been a while but this fic has taken a backseat to real life, as I am sure most of you understand. Your reviews and support for this fic have been amazing, and I honestly can't thank you all enough. Seriously, when I've contemplating abandoning writing on many occasions, you guys, my readers, have given me the strength to continue. So thank you everyone *big love*

This chapter was going to be longer (it's already pretty big), but I decided to make another large one for the next update, which I am actually plotting it's finality now. By the end of the next chapter we will have caught up with the "break up" so read carefully, this chapter sets that up.

I love you all, and I carry so much gratitude for each and every one of you. I own nothing, and despite that, you leave me reviews.

Read on my friends, and let me know if you like it :) .

Stand By Me

Chapter 14

Kurt and Blaine had decided to take the train to the west village because they were sure it was going to be a late night, and a cab ride back was imminent. They had joked the whole way on the train, laughing as Kurt took apart every person's clothes, and attempted outfits. He was like the polyester blend police.

It was comfortable, and a far cry from the sexual tension that seemed to be following them around the last few days, especially within the last 24 hours. This, the happy and dopey friends that linked arms and cuddled on the train, huddled over the most recent fashion deduction from fashionista Kurt Hummel, and the resounding giggles from the easily entertained Blaine Anderson, was something special. Something familiar. Blaine didn't peg it until they had gotten off the train.

It was literally like old times, and it had seemed an age since they had acted like this. It almost seemed too good to be true.

Blaine thought there were so many instances in movies or tv shows where the character sighed with a tilted head in reminiscence of a better and happier time when things were simpler. Life having drawn out the shadows in friendships, and the depth and sometimes betrayal in lovers, where all involved longed for a simpler time.

It was in a moment like this where Kurt reached out and held Blaine's hand willingly and openly in public, a little more intimately than they normally would have, that Blaine had his moment of wanted simplicity. The anxiety over a failing marriage, his deep-rooted and currently overwhelming love and possessiveness for his best friend, his career, his health...everything, just sort of stopped.

These were the moments that you thought back on as a "happier time" Just the act of laughing because you felt like it, in the company you chose, doing nothing more than walking and enjoying company. This was what life should always be like. And this was what made Blaine smile as he held Kurt's hand just a bit tighter as they jaywalked across the street.

It's too bad the bubble broke a few moments later when Kurt squeezed his hand motioning over towards the two smartly dressed men leaning against the brick walls of Two Tones a few steps ahead. Blaine's eyes widened at their friends attire.

"Elvis and Buddy Holly! Why didn't we dress as real characters Kurt? And I thought rock n' roll meant, well this..." He gestured to the torn shirt and abundance of leather that Kurt was wearing, but Kurt just shrugged.

"All is fair in rock n roll love. Besides edgier is so much more fun."

Blaine was trying to pretend to be accusatory and irritated that he got 'stuck' wearing what he was wearing, but he was smiling too hard at Jeff and Nick. The latter being a very convincing Buddy in an all black classically tailored suit, complete with glasses. And Jeff had super coiffed his hair, even though it was blonde, and made sure to represent the earlier version of Elvis we knew and loved.

"Besides, it's not like you took my advice on clothing anyway B. And I thought we established you looked hot?"

Apparently Jeff was in earshot when had said that.

"I heard looking hot, so I can only assume you mean me."

It wasn't everyday that you got to see Buddy Holly affectionately bitch slap a blonde Elvis on the back of the head. Blaine giggled while Kurt just whistled.

"Lookin' good boys. And yes Jeffrey I know, I know, you look hot." Kurt went to ruffle the hair and Jeff slapped his hand away.

"Dude, don't mess with the do! Of all people Kurt you should know better!" Jeff scampered off beside Blaine to hide, which still made Kurt laugh to this day since there was a good four inch difference in height between the good friends.

Nick came to stand beside Kurt and looked him up and down. "So whom are you supposed to be dressed as Kurt? You look like a T-Bird mated with Catwoman, and somehow you still pull that off. How is that fair Blainers honestly?"

Nick looked right at Blaine, appreciating the way Blaine seemed to be glowing, and not from the amount of product he had in his hair for once, but almost lit from within as he looked at Kurt.

"What can I say Nick, he can pull off anything and make the rest of us jealous." Kurt winked at Blaine, knowingly and if either Blaine or Kurt thought Nick missed it, then they had their brains in their elbows.

"Right, come on boys, the night is young and the first set starts in about an hour."

Kurt decided to steal Blaine away, not that this was a move that was unfamiliar to any of them, and Jeff fell into step with his husband.

When Kurt ushered Blaine ahead of him through the from door, saying a long hello to the doorman, he slipped a possessive hand briefly into Blaine's back pocket.

Elvis and Buddy Holly looked at each other quickly in shock, but then in unison let a tiny smirk cover both of their faces. Their combined thoughts echoing in their minds.

About bloody time.

XXXX

It was about half an hour into their night together when they were nursing the ends of their first drinks at the bar, when the stage to the left of them started bustling with more people. Kurt saw Serg out of the corner of his eye, moving cords around, setting up his bass and moving around as Katrina did a few audio tests. He tried to not look in Serg's direction for long because he didn't want Blaine to see. He would have to eventually slip away and talk to him, but he didn't even know what to really say yet. Blaine though, could always read his movements and his thoughts sometimes. After letting Jeff and Nick get the next round Blaine turned his curly head towards Kurt and planted a really quick but no less passionate kiss on his lips, so quickly in fact that neither Nick nor Jeff saw what took place.

"Go. I know you have to say hello, and you also told me you had to talk to him." Blaine's golden hazel eyes were clear of any anger, but their was the hint of wanting there that made Kurt's insides swim tightly.

"I know, and I'm sorry...just gimme a few minutes to tell him what's going on. I didn't have time to tell him in text today and well...he kinda deserves an explanation."

Blaine lovingly rubbed a thumb over Kurt's hand just as the Tequila shots were revealed.

"Bottoms up bitches!" Jeff was insane, so it wasn't a surprise.

"So eloquent husband of mine." Nick passed over the other two shots to Kurt and Blaine, not saying anything about the way they were looking at each other right at that moment, even though it looked like they were either going to go a few rounds or kiss each other senseless.

Fortunately for those looking on neither happened. So they both nodded, taking their drinks with a smile, and downed them with a wince; without salt or lemon. Kurt disappeared off into the crowd towards the stage, winking towards Blaine and waving at Jeff and Nick when they seemed confused about where Kurt was going.

Nick grimaced as the liquid caused the ten second Tequila shiver (come on we've all experienced that).

"Ugh why do I drink this shit?"

He turned the shot glass on its end and looked on with a smile at his husband who was ignoring both him and Blaine and was currently chatting up the female bartender who was enamoured with the way Jeff had done his hair. So Nick took the opportunity to ask. He waited until Blaine was done his shot and was trying to chase away the taste with the last of his Amaretto sour.

"So...adultery…"

Blaine still sputtered on his drink, thankfully Nick timed it well enough that he got the shock and not the spit. Blaine coughed out his response.

"What? When did you get so blunt man?" Blaine wiped his chin just in case something did seep out.

"Sorry booze always made me more brazen. Anyways you and captain tight-pants over there, care to explain? And no bullshit, we're all best friends, spill and don't lie Anderson or I will know. You can't lie for shit."

Blaine went off on a tangent after a contented sigh. He knew Nick was preaching the truth, Blaine was a shit liar after all, so he decided to tell him the edited version of what had happened between him and Kurt in hushed tones, well as hushed as you could in a full bar.

When Blaine had caught Nick up with the ins and out of Kurt's and his relationship thus far, including the revelation about Justin, which caused Nick's blood pressure to go up, Blaine breathed a sigh of relief not realizing how difficult it was keeping something like this in. He had obviously wanted to tell someone about it for a while now.

"Okay, so what of Sergio then? Is Kurt still seeing him?"

Blaine sighed and tried to look to where Kurt had disappeared, and he could see neither him nor the bassist he was seeking.

"It's an open relationship, and not serious, the way Kurt tells it. It's kind of fuzzy around the edges with that one but Kurt says that he wants to give this a shot and I agree. I just hope Serg is on the same page."

Nick nodded and sipped his next drink slowly, savouring the sweet after effects.

"I hope so, you don't wanna be that guy."

"I know, it is a concern believe me."

"So aside from the Sergio conundrum, you're trying out new avenues, seeing where things go for now, before you go back and face the music with Justin basically."

"Yeah basically." Blaine finally looked right at Nick, waiting for the bomb to drop. He almost physically cringed waiting for it.

"And you're in love with Kurt." Not quite where Blaine thought Nick was going.

"Most definitely, and he loves me too, apparently he had for years."

Nick sighed because like his husband and a few others, this wasn't news to them, they had known for almost as long as Kurt knew, but he kept that part to himself.

"I never thought I would say this since I'm a man who takes his wedding vows very seriously," Nick gazed on at Jeff who was half leant over the bar, and laughing about something sports related with the same bartender, and smiled affectionately.

"But Blaine I think adultery suits you. I'm glad this is happening."

Nick' s response was now definitely not what he had expected. Nick had always had very strong morals regarding marriage, especially gay marriage. He took the oath of unity for gay couples so seriously, always pointing out how lucky they had been, to be allowed to wed the one we loved because ten years earlier, it wouldn't have happened. But now, he stood there condoning an act of marital treason, so Blaine looked away from the route Kurt had taken to look at his friend in the eye yet again.

"Come again?" Nick put his drink against the tiny table to his right.

"I think you and Kurt shouldn't ignore years and years of love and affection and obvious attraction, because you never know when that might be taken away from you. I don't know if Kurt is still seeing what's his face,or what that deal really is, but I will say this. Be honest with each other, don't just fall quickly into step with this, this is a vacation from life and you have to remember your loyalty to Justin. I may want to dissect his nuts for causing you pain, even if you've taken some of that pain and caused your own, but Justin is the man you married and you and him deserve closure. Don't ignore that need, and make sure Kurt knows it too. There I'm off my soapbox, you can proceed to suck face with the leather-bound Lothario we all know and love and mum's the word. Just don't forget to talk about things, this could get ugly if you don't."

Blaine smiled even though the weight of the words that he just heard made the sinking in his gut that much worse. Nick was usually right.

"You're a smart man."

"I know." He said this with the cheekiest grin that Blaine hadn't remembered seeing since the Dalton days.

"And amazingly self-assured too. " Blaine said this as he nodded his thanks at Jeff who came to stand beside them holding yet another round of their prefered drinks. Jeff was going to regret this tomorrow, Blaine could already tell.

"I tell myself that every day." Nick winked at the confused look on his husbands face. Jeff raised his glass and looped his one arm around his husband and leaned his head on Blaine's shoulder.

"To long surviving friendships, and new beginnings." Jeff looked right at Blaine then which surprised the curly-haired man, but Nick did nothing if not nod at his husband whom apparently caught on to the gist of his and Blaine's conversation without even hearing it.

"Once a Warbler, always a Warbler. Cheers!"

And that's how the night continued.

XXXX

"Andele, you look amazing." Kurt's face lit up at the sight of his ex-boyfriend/friend, before he walked, trying not to trip over anything in the relative darkness backstage, to share a hug that Kurt didn't know he actually needed. Kurt didn't pull away immediately which made Sergio confused.

"Ljubavi, what's wrong?"

"Nothing."

"Nothing, that's why you're hugging me within an inch of my life? Life got complicated I guess?"

"Something like that. Everything is such a mess. Such a glorious amazing mess."

Serg could decipher that from the very few texts Kurt had sent him the last few days, but he wanted to wait until he saw Kurt to actually call him out on it.

"English may not be my first language Kurt, but I think glorious and amazing are words not normally associated with mess. It's Blaine, come on, talk to me. I'm on your side remember?"

Kurt pulled away and smirked before lowering his head to look at the ground.

"Okay let me play this guessing game that you seem to love to make me play. Firstly it's Blaine right?"

Kurt nodded.

"Right then, you and him had a fight?" Sergio was reaching on this one but he knew from the quirked edges of Kurt's lips that this was far from the truth.

"Okay I know that isn't right and you didn't even have to answer me. So you - took another step into a relationship?"

Kurt let Sergio go in a huff, except he maintained that he needed to hold his hand to get this out.

"More like a leap off a bridge than an actual step Serg."

Something inside Sergio went ablaze. It was small and it wasn't quite jealousy, he didn't quite know if he was containing it. His want to be there for Kurt was strong, but his urge to sabotage Blaine was stronger still.

Because this had been Serg's plan from the get go. Try as he might to hide it, he had had an ulterior motive.

He had been heart-broken when Kurt had broken off their relationship within a week of it actually getting started, even if it was no surprise, and after months of breaking through Kurt's facade too. Serg reasoned that it only happened when it did because Blaine just happened to be in town, and just happened to take an interest in Kurt the way Kurt had always wanted. It was unjust to Kurt and unfair to those who loved Kurt, and whom were working on crawling into his heart.

Blaine wasn't playing fair because he was already everything that Kurt wanted, and as much as Sergio wanted Kurt happy, he also wanted Blaine to get a taste of his own medicine, no matter what his brother Mika said. He wanted Kurt, and while he wouldn't stand in the way of destiny, there was no harm in trying to tip the scales in his favour.

At least that had been the plan.

And here Kurt was, with his eyes and mind telling Sergio that he didn't want to go ahead with Serg's plan.

Kurt had gone along with the idea of making Blaine want, making him jealous, hence the parading around in front of Blaine, showing off their relationship. It was a terrible idea, but one that Kurt seemed eager to go along with. But tonight when they were about to test those waters of jealousy, Sergio could sense a hesitation in Kurt's form as he explained everything that had happened in detail, standing there holding his hand.

With each emotional confession, with each declaration that Kurt made about Blaine's an his "consummation" and the reasonings behind these actions, the affection between them, the love they both declared apparently, and the now what- first date that they were on, on a night where it was supposed to be Kurt and Sergio's night to flaunt their coupling in Blaine's face? Sergio was not amused, even if there was a glimmer of happiness from Kurt since he looked so breathtakingly happy. He was definitely not amused that he was apparently losing, that he had lost. It made him feel desperate.

"...so yeah. I'm sorry I didn't tell you this before, it's just been a crazy few days. I honestly don't think we should go through with this jealousy thing."

"I understand ljubavi." It hurt him to say this.

Kurt was still gripping Serg's hand and Sergio decided to use that to his advantage. He squeezed once really hard, and let his emotions, the ones he had hidden from Kurt since he met him, show through. He pulled Kurt along as Katrina rushed by them, trying to get the rest of the sound equipment secured, because he wanted somewhere away from the hustle of backstage. He pulled him along to the stairs that lead back out to the main floor, but hovered at the top of four steps as Kurt went down one.

"I understand, but can you do one thing, just one thing for me tonight aside from sing like you promised?"

Kurt smiled and exhaled a long sigh, turning but still not letting go of Serg's hand from where he was one step down. "Sure, what do you want me to do hun?"

Sergio took the opportunity to use the last weapon in his arsenal to try to win Kurt back; the truth. Even now as he held his hand and his gaze, he felt him slipping through his fingers. He had to try.

"I want you to tell me the truth," Sergio lifted his other hand to Kurt's face, cupping his cheek, " Did I ever have a real chance? Was any of this real?" Sergio smoothed the small crows feet that Kurt was forming at the corner of his eyes, avoiding the make up that Kurt had put there as he looked on with the most despairing yet hopeful expression his eyes could muster.

Kurt looked a little lost for words. He obviously hadn't expected this from Serg, not by a long shot, but Sergio stripped away any doubt, any hint of cynicism and presented himself true and honest to Kurt.

"I don't know, it's just that…"

"I'm sorry Kurt, I don't mean to say this, not now, but I just...I couldn't pretend that this was all okay. I needed you to know, you're my friend but I want you, I want you back and everything that goes with it. I said I was fine with you and I the way were are and I am, it's just...you need to know that I'm also very much not okay with it. I also love you Kurt, and I miss us."

"Serg, please don't…"

"Give me one chance, to say goodbye to this, just one." Sergio was leaning down before Kurt could really stop him, and then Kurt found himself not stopping him, and letting him have this.

Their lips connected in a sharp inhale from Serg, not really expecting Kurt to allow this, and he took full advantage. It may be the last time that he got the chance to do this, and he was going to make the best of a bad situation.

As Kurt brought his own hand up to cup Serg's face and deepen the kiss, Serg could tell that Kurt really did mean goodbye, and that this was final. It was the emotional response that should have happened when they broke up, and it was now finally coming out in a last kiss that neither knew either of them wanted or needed at that very moment.

It lasted longer than either thought it would, an impassioned longing was drawn out between lips and Kurt had to reign himself in before he got lost in the kiss. It was heartbreaking when they broke apart, still clutching the other, and Kurt heard Serg sob as he rested his head to Kurt's.

"Thank you ljubavi, for what it's worth, I hope you two figure out your shit. Make it worth it that we had to end for this to begin. Give me that closure."

Kurt nodded from his position of equal breathlessness. "I am sorry Serg, we could have been good together.."

"Don't, please don't remind me of the hope I lost, I can't bear it." Kurt kissed him again before he knew that he was doing, comforting him in the only way he could, and finally coming to realization that he needed this too in some respect.

This time the kiss was chaste in most respects, the last and final, something ending and leading way to something better, in Kurt's mind. His focus on Blaine as he pulled away from his ex.

"Goodbye Kurt."

"Bye Serg. See you on stage. Break a leg honey."

Serg smiled a weak smile as Kurt moved and walked away. The smile spoke of finality, and Serg could tell Kurt was more relaxed than he had ever seen him before. He loved that man, and he could only hope Blaine knew what he was doing. If Blaine broke him, Sergio contemplated finding a creative way of making him pay for it.

"Bruz, you did the right thing." Mika had apparently been standing just off to the side, and had obviously watched the display between his brother and Kurt. He slung an arm over his brother's shoulders as they slumped, defeated.

"You were right. I needed to let him go Mika, you're always right."

"I'm da big brother Srdjan. It's what I'm for." Mika hip bumped Serg briefly and shook him, making him smile.

"Drkadzijo." Mika smirked at the colourful language.

"Ah that's better. Let's have a drink before we start. You need it."

"God yes." Serg let himself be lead, leaning on his big brother for the support he knew he needed to accept from someone who would understand the strength that action had just taken from him.

XXXX

Blaine was a patient man by nature, he really was. Unfortunately his patience only went so far these days, especially where Kurt was concerned. He only had a hand full of days let with him, a week or so maybe, and Kurt needed to actually get some work done too. They had been spectacular at procrastinating his time off work and it wasn't long before Blaine had to return to Seattle, sort out his life, his marriage, and nevermind prep for a new school year at work.

He had been talking over the new season of the latest crime drama that Jeff had been obsessed with, when he felt a tingle of longing for Kurt. He had only been gone a few minutes, maybe no more than twenty, but he was supposed to be on a date with him after all, and it was getting to the point where he wanted to search for the tall leather clad brunette.

Sooner than anticipated, Blaine excused himself to go to the bathroom, leaving Nick to be dragged over to meet Jeff's new favourite bartender in all of New York apparently, so he used the excuse to look for Kurt.

The venue was packing up quickly, and it was a tight squeeze maneuvering through the warming bodies, almost all of them in rock-wear, awaiting the start of the show. Blaine decided to peek his head backstage through the thinning curtains only to see that girl, whom Kurt had said was Sergio's keyboardist, fiddling with one of the amps. If they weren't backstage Blaine didn't know where they would be.

His question though was answered a few moments later, when he turned around a corner, towards the side stage staircase, and what he saw was enough to not really need more explanation.

A kiss had just ended, words were muttered in whispered tones before Kurt, his Kurt, kissed Sergio again, initiating it himself. It looked so tender, so much more than the barely there relationship Kurt had explained between him and Serg. It gave Blaine's heart a lurch, a very uncomfortable one, even if he had no reason to be annoyed.

You knew he was still with him Blaine, no need to feel like this.

Yes, but he's supposed to be on a date with me...

Blaine closed his eyes and turned the corner, heading back to where his friends were lining up in preparation for the show, and appreciating everyone else who came in costume tonight.

Blaine for a moment pulled his aviators down from the top of his head, hiding the embarrassed blush he was no doubt sporting, even in the darkened environment, and the moisture his eyes were producing despite his best efforts. He had no reason to feel betrayed, but it still hurt.

A few minutes later Kurt, in all his radiant glory came back to his side and there was the brief second where Kurt looked at Blaine, and even through his aviators, Kurt could tell something was off.

"What's wrong B?"

Blaine smiled weakly and downed the rest of his drink.

"Nothing love, nothing at all. All squared away with Serg?" There was a tiny change in Kurt's forehead as if he wanted to ask the implications of that statement, but it was gone almost immediately.

"Yes quite. Thanks for understanding. Love you." Kurt purred this in Blaine's ear, and it hurt him a little to think that Kurt might be playing him after all. The moment that Kurt bit his earlobe though as the background music played, Blaine pushed it from his mind.

He was always very good at ignoring something that was staring you in the face. He could ignore this a little longer as long as Kurt kept being that kind of distraction.

"Love you too." He did mean it after all

XXXX

"Alright ladies and gents and assorted others. Are you guys all having a good time?"

The resounding cheers only made everyone in the band smile. Mika was the lead guitarist, and lead vocal on most songs, and his brother Serg was back up and the bassist. Katrina was the other lead vocalist on a few songs and their keyboarder. And as much as Blaine loved their drummer, the mild amount of alcohol in his system had rendered his brain inert and he couldn't remember the drummer's name to save his life.

"We're gonna start this new set with a guest singer. He's a friend of the band, to some of us more intimately than others am I right? Kurt c'mon up here like you promised, and we actually rehearsed this shit, so get you fine ass up her Hummel!"

Kat was definitely what you would call a no filter girl. Most people seemed to love her though and her stage presence was spectacular, especially for someone who hides behind the keyboard all night.

Jeff and Nick looked on in shock. Kurt hadn't performed in any capacity in years really. The last time had been their ten-year graduation anniversary, well Kurt's graduation anyways. He had only sang backup for Blaine and Nick, but singing lead soloist - it had been a very long time indeed. Kurt barely sang in the shower these days.

Blaine turned around from where he had leaned back against Kurt, and untangled Kurt's muscled arms from his torso. Kurt offered a shy smile and shrugged his shoulders.

"Guess I better get up there before they kill me huh?"

Blaine knew. He knew that Serg was watching Kurt right now and he took the opportunity to kiss Kurt so swiftly that he basically assaulted his mouth with his tongue. The responding grunt of approval from Kurt was almost enough for Blaine to forget their surroundings and keep kissing him.

They broke apart with a smack of wet and over enthusiastic lips.

"Go get'em gorgeous." Kurt would never tire of hearing Blaine call him that.

Kurt scampered, or as well as he could in skin-tight leather, over to the stage where he was helped up by Mika. Nick started the cat calls and whistles when Kurt got up there, and it only intensified for the next few minutes as everyone seemed to appreciate Kurt's 'outfit'. Kurt grabbed the offered mic.

"Thanks guys. Yeah Sergio here decided a while ago that I owed him a song. And since this band was an indie cover band before I even knew them, I suggested that I do this song with them. Oh and don't worry it definitely sticks with the rock n roll theme, because this band rocks out pretty hard. B, my B... this is for you. Ready?"

Mika gave him a small nod, hoping that this guy had the chops that Serg told him about, and wondered idly if the lack of rehearsal would hinder that talent. Sergio on the other hand looked positively beaming with anticipation, despite his earlier grief, as Kurt grabbed the mic stand and got himself ready.

The lights dimmed again and only the silhouettes of the band were visible through a cloud of smoke and purple lighting.

Nick nudged Blaine.

"Did you know about this?" he asked.

"I heard whispers of it. Still can't believe Sergio talked him into this." Blaine looked on with nervous energy.

"Serg may have talked him into this," Nick looked at the jealous face Blaine was making, "But he did say it was for you. Maybe you should take comfort in that at very least."

Before Blaine could respond, Jeff had popped beside him as the drums and bass line kicked in. Blaine knew the track before the keyboard even started. What a great song choice for Kurt.

Far away

This ship is taking me far away

Far away from the memories

Of the people who care if I live or die

Starlight

I will be chasing the starlight

Until the end of my life

I don't know if it's worth it anymore

When the key change came, the lights changed to something brighter, more luminescent, as did the lead singer. Kurt came alive in full performance mode, which he had been so famous for in his younger years.

Hold you in my arms

I just wanted to hold

You in my arms

Blaine was in awe. Completely in awe.

My life

You electrify my life

Let's conspire to ignite

All the souls that would die just to feel alive

But I'll never let you go

If you promised not to fade away

Never fade away

Long were gone the temporary feelings of jealousy, even as Mika and Serg sang the much quieter back up vocals where necessary. Kurt was owning the stage.

Our hopes and expectations

Black holes and revelations

Our hopes and expectations

Black holes and revelations

Hold you in my arms

I just wanted to hold

You in my arms

Far away

This ship is taking me far away

Far away from the memories

Of the people who care if I live or die

And I'll never let you go

If you promise not to fade away

Never fade away

He was so in love with this man, this bohemian starlet that could morph from quiet and shy in the confines of his own home, to the fashion forward, outspoken diva, that could dash a man's dreams with one look, or silence a crowd with the melody of his voice.

Our hopes and expectations

Black holes and revelations

Our hopes and expectations

Black holes and revelations

Even as the song was coming to a close, Blaine unlike most of the crowd who were rocking out, was standing at a complete stand still, his eyes locked on Kurt's. Kurt took that opportunity to sing the last few lines of the song, on his knees holding the mic stand like he was cradling a lover.

Hold you in my arms

I just wanted to hold

You in my arms

I just wanted to hold

And suddenly the moment was over. The music stopped and the crowds cheered, and Blaine despite being blown away and being held captive at Kurt's musical mercy, felt left out. Serg and Kurt hugged, they both looked so happy as Kurt thanked the crowd, and Blaine stood there cheering with Nick and Jeff, or Elvis and Buddy Holly whichever you chose to see, as Kurt, the love of his life, took one final bow before making a beeline for Blaine.

Life it seemed was more complicated and beautiful than Blaine ever imagined. And Kurt had just bared his soul to him through music, and yet he wondered how much of that was real.

Not something you should ever question on a first date.

XXXX

Sooner rather than later, the night came to a close. Kurt had sung along with the band as the went through their classic rock set list, joining in with them as they did their own spin on a Queen track. All in all it had been a good night, but neither Kurt or Blaine mentioned the elephant in the room; the awkwardness. Blaine never said anything about what he had seen, and Kurt hadn't mentioned what had happened between him and Serg, as if Blaine didn't need to know.

They stumbled back in the door, both of them opting out of refusing to go to Finn's house like Nick was asking them to, and proceeded to get the after party gathering together just like old times.

The after party gathering, something that Trent had invented after one of Nick's birthday parties, involved either a bottle of tequila and a very drunk evening, or more likely, the kitchen party. Kitchen parties were actually a tradition for Trent and his family, his mother being from Newfoundland, Canada, and it was common to have family and friends gathering in the kitchen, normally the warmest room in the house, to share food, humour, and music.

That first after party gathering, on Nick's aforementioned birthday, had taken place in Dalton's common kitchen, where the boys made a variety of food, all of it only remotely edible, but it was the bonding experience that became tradition.

Here and now though, Kurt and Blaine, after suffering a fairly awkward cab ride back to the apartment, went about their normal behaviours after a night out. Kurt went to the bathroom first, opting to remove his make-up and start his skin care regime while Blaine went to the kitchen, tossing his coat on the kitchen table, and started prep on some food.

Neither were drunk really, both opting out of losing their inhibitions apparently and spent the night allowing the husbands, their friends, the occasion to party hard.

Blaine couldn't shake off the nagging feeling that Kurt and him would continue to avoid the awkwardness between them, and Blaine was shaking his head knowing the truth in that.

The date they had been on seemed temporarily forgotten. They both swapped bathroom time, and cooking, before settling on Kurt's bed, eating the grilled cheese they made, Blaine's with bacon, and listened to the music Blaine had put on softly in the background. This wasn't the kitchen party either expected but the subdued realism that neither was in the greatest of spirits.

Blaine was back in his glasses, and his hair looked less tamed as he sat cross-legged on the bed. Kurt stripped himself of his vinyl and leather, and the make-up washed away, leaving his flawless porcelain skin behind, as he mimicked Blaine's pose.

They finished eating, and downing the water before settling back in bed like the old married couple that they felt like most of the time.

"Kurt?"

"Yeah?"

Kurt turned off the bedside lamp as he tucked himself under the covers. Blaine copied him, setting his glasses down and curling towards to face Kurt. Blaine budged closer to Kurt, leaving his inquiry unsaid and on instinct Kurt opened his arms, cradling Blaine close and burying his nose in Blaine's curls. They smelt like the product used to still, but there was an indescribable earthly quality that Kurt knew as Blaine.

Blaine let himself be held, as the questions he had for Kurt we left unasked. It was a perfect moment, being held like this by his best friend and lover, and Blaine felt the ignorant need to not burst that bubble, and buried himself deeper into Kurt's chest, wrapping an arm around Kurt's slim muscular waist. He tried to not cry, thinking on what Kurt and Serg had done behind his back, he felt lost not knowing where he stood with Kurt despite being told as much.

He just didn't know what to expect anymore. He left so lost.

He hadn't known he was shaking a little until Kurt unwrapped him slightly so he could lean back and look at Blaine.

"I know something's bothering you." Kurt lifted one hand to Blaine's face and collected the tiny amount of tears that had collected in the corner of one eye, wiping it away.

"Something's bothering you too." Kurt tried to deny it but they both just stared at each other instead.

"It wasn't such a great first date Kurt. It felt…" Kurt cut him off knowing exactly what they were both referring to.

"Weird. I know. Why is that?" Kurt asked this question not knowing that Blaine had an answer, even though he wouldn't speak it.

"I don't know." People said ignorance was bliss, but they forgot to mention that it was usually temporary too. Blaine and Kurt were always about the temporary relief it would seem.

"Let's not think about now though okay? Tomorrow's another day." Kurt kissed Blaine's nose cutely, making Blaine smile which was his ultimate goal.

Blaine leaned in and took what he wanted, comfort. Their lips met for one of many times tonight but this time it was of reassurance, something they both needed but neither would say why.

"I love you Angel."

Kurt still had a hard time hearing Blaine say that to him, especially in the way he meant it now.

"I love you too B, more than I can truly understand. We'll talk about this more tomorrow."

Neither one of them saw the lightning that had started outside. There was no rain, no audible thunder in the background, but the electric currents that flashed intermittently, danced shadows over the two men as they took comfort in one another.

A flashy end to a night filled with secrets, almost as if the weather was building towards something intense. Foreshadowing that only nature could mimic.

Some Notes:

Song : Starlight By Muse. I would literally kill to hear Chris sing this song, it's one of my all time favourites from Muse. I've always thought that Matt Bellamy's range and Chris' natural countertenor were well suited (get on that RIB)

Serbian term for Brother/friend :Buraz, with anglicized twist becomes Bruz

Srdjan - spelling of Serg's name in Serbian. (I used this to illustrate that his brother would pronounce his name with a correct Serbian flair/accent)

Drkadzijo- basically means "you wanker", which I find hilarious for some reason, and is my friend Jelena's favourite word. (She's Serbian)

Review? :D *throws cyber cupcakes*- it's been a while since I cyber baked for you guys ;)