Kurt walked outside, letting the sun warm his face. He stood still a moment, just soaking it in. He then raised his phone and Facetimed Blaine. Almost immediately the call was picked up. Kurt could see the concern on Blaine's face, almost as easily as he saw it on his own father's.

"Are you okay?" Blaine said in lieu of a proper greeting.

"I will be." Kurt said with a small smile.

Blaine looked at him, his concern growing. "Please talk to me,"

Kurt hesitated for a moment before speaking, "Okay, but I don't want you to be my therapist. If I talk to you, I want it to be as a friend and not with your doctor hat on. Can you do that?"

Kurt watched as Blaine's eyes shifted to the side, he looked uncomfortable and there was something else in his face Kurt couldn't identify.

"It's not that I don't want to share with you. I just don't want our relationship to turn into that. Can you understand that?" Kurt went on to explain.

"No, of course." Blaine assured him. "Just, is that why you were ignoring me?"

Kurt sighed, "I wasn't ignoring you. Not intentionally at least. I turned off my phone Tuesday night and didn't pick it up again until this morning. I'm sorry. I was so caught up in my own mess I wasn't thinking about what a mess I was making for anyone else."

Kurt walked the unfamiliar city, as he continued talking to Blaine.

"I'm here to listen, as a friend." Blaine reassured him.

Kurt didn't want to lay all his damage before Blaine. For so long it had stayed in the past, and Kurt desperately wanted to push it back there.

"I was worried about being recast and I let myself slip back into a dark place. I kind of lost myself there. Marian, she slapped me out of it." Kurt laughed.

Blaine looked mildly concerned again, "Did she really slap you?"

Kurt laughed again and the sound was so freeing, it was like a band burst around his heart and it finally began beating once more. "No. What she actually did was bring me food, and make me see what I was doing to myself. It is amazing what physical contact and a motherly kiss on the cheek can do for you."

"I'm glad she was there for you." There was still sadness in Blaine's eyes.

"I talked to my dad too. I really am doing better already." The sadness didn't leave Blaine's eyes. "It's not that I didn't want to talk to you. You deal with this kind of stuff all day and I don't want you to think that that is the only reason I gave you my number. I don't want or need free therapy sessions. You are so much more than that. I like talking to you, just because I like talking to you. I don't want you to be my therapist. I just want you to be Blaine."

Blaine smiled and Kurt was happy to see it reach his eyes. "I like talking to you too. I think it is harder for me not to be the person people go to with their problems. I like to feel needed."

Kurt felt his heart rate speed as he admitted, "I do need you. I need you to be my normal, need you to be the one that I can escape to. I am surrounded by the same group of people day in and day out with no variance and I need to be able to escape to you. It's silly, I mean we have only known each other for a few weeks, but I think that was one of the reasons I couldn't pull myself out of it sooner, because I cut myself off from the one thing that I looked forward to each day."

Kurt looked away from the phone, not wanting to see what reaction his admission had earned. He didn't mean to say so much, but he couldn't and wouldn't take it back.

"I look forward to talking to you everyday too, Kurt." Kurt heard coming from the speaker of his phone.

Kurt looked down to see Blaine beaming up at him. "Well then," Kurt said, "I guess we should keep it up then shouldn't we."

Kurt steered the conversation away from his mental health and asked Blaine about his week. As they talked, Kurt meandered through the city. He found a take-out place and grabbed some food. Across the street was a little park, he sat there and ate as they navigated from subject to subject.

The sun was beginning to set when Kurt finally let Blaine go with the promise to call him once he was back at his hotel. Kurt needed to use his GPS to direct him back to the hotel. It was almost completely dark by the time he returned to his hotel room.

They ate dinner together that night, Blaine had homemade pasta while Kurt munched on subpar room service. Alone in the dark after hanging up with Blaine, there were still niggling thoughts trying to usurp Kurt's brian, but he pushed them away thinking back on his conversation with Blaine.

On the bus the next day Kurt made a video giving Blaine a complete tour. His cast mates waved at the camera and smiled at Kurt. It was clear to him they were all relieved to see Kurt coming out of his funk. Kurt sent the video and then made another one in his bunk.

"Before we left Detroit, Tony, our tour manager, asked us if we would rather rent houses for the month we are in Chicago or if we should do another hotel room. It was about a 50/50 split so I actually will have a real full sized kitchen for a month. God, I can't wait." Kurt felt his cheeks heat up as he asked what he had been afraid to. "Do you think, maybe, you could get away for a weekend? I know you are busy, but it would be nice don't you think?"

Kurt shook his head, feeling embarrassed. "Just let me know. Have a great day. Call me when you get a break if you want."

He stopped the video and hit send before he could second guess himself.

They talked as Blaine ate his lunch. Kurt was looking forward to sitting down in a restaurant when they got to Indianapolis. Blaine told Kurt he would have to check his schedule to see if a trip to Chicago was possible. All too soon Blaine had to get back to patients.

Kurt daydreamed about what he would do if Blaine and he were in the same space again. Just the thought of being with Blaine made butterflies erupt in Kurt's stomach. He couldn't deny to himself any longer that he had a full fledged crush on Blaine. He hadn't felt this way about anyone in a long time. Kurt tried to berate himself that it wasn't the time or the circumstances to nurture a crush, but he couldn't bring himself to regret it.

They may not be able to spend real time together. They couldn't hold hands, or go on dates. They couldn't do most of the things that budding couples did to test the waters of a relationship, but that made their journey even more special. All they had were their words, they were learning about each other on a mental level. Surely, Kurt reasoned, that was a stronger foundation for any relationship. He just wished he knew if Blaine felt the same way, there were times that Kurt thought maybe he did. It was hard to tell when the majority of your conversations were sent through text.

There were times Kurt wished he could forgo vocal rest in favor of speaking to Blaine every night. Unfortunately, texting was what they had. They did text, as often as they could. Spare moments Kurt would find himself sending something to Blaine, and often he would finish a performance to find a few random texts from Blaine waiting for him.

Sunday was Skype day for Kurt, first his dad and Carole and then with Blaine. Burt was pleased to see a much happier Kurt smiling back at him. He did give him a suspicious look when he tried ending their call earlier than usual. Kurt tried his best to deflect the reason and didn't hang up until after a full hour of discussion with his parents.

As much as he loved his father, he felt like he was wasting valuable time he could be actually talking with Blaine. He was just glad he had one more day without a show. Once they made it to Chicago the next week, He would be performing in a Sunday evening show.

For one last day, Kurt talked with Blaine until late into the night. He loved how their conversations didn't seem to dull, they always had something to talk about. It wasn't until Blaine was having trouble stringing his words together that Kurt reluctantly let him go.

He knew he had it bad.

They made it to Chicago proper before Blaine was on lunch break. When they were handing out keys to the rental houses, Kurt quickly grabbed Marian's hand in silent plea that they could be together. Marian had laughed before pulling Hannah to their group. He knew that this was a duo he could gladly share a house with for a month. He couldn't have asked for better. While Blaine ate lunch, Kurt was at the car rental office with Marian and Hannah.

Once they were settled in he texted Blaine to Facetime him once he got the chance. He was in the kitchen cooking with the two ladies when his phone chimed the now familiar sound.

"Hey," Kurt answered the phone smiling.

"Can you finish up?" he asked Marian who gave him a pointed look, he knew he would have to talk to her later.

In the meantime, Kurt gave Blaine a tour of the house. It wasn't huge, it consisted of 3 bedrooms, Hannah and Marian offered to share the smaller bedrooms with the jack-and-jill bathroom between them and let Kurt have the master. The living room was open to the kitchen and dining room. Kurt ended the tour in his room. He excitedly bounced on the bed as he spoke, feeling like a kid again. Blaine laughed seeing Kurt like this.

"I love it," Kurt exclaimed. "It is a real honest to goodness house. I don't have to worry about housekeeping coming into my room. I can cook all my meals like a civilized person. And better yet, I only have to share the space with Hannah and Marian. He knew he had told Blaine about them, told countless stories featuring all the cast members but felt the need to add, "They are the two people I am closest to, I never feel like I have to be anyone but myself around them."

"And you do with the others?" Blaine asked, obviously confused.

"I mean we get along, and they are great," Kurt began. "The other guys are straight so sometimes I have to watch what I say. Not that they are homophobes, but I don't know how they would feel if I talked about guys to them."

Kurt laughed at the thought, "Although maybe Cameron wouldn't mind so much. I swear he always alludes to the crassest things. He might be thrilled at the idea of me getting some ass."

As soon as the words left his mouth Kurt turned bright red. He couldn't believe he had actually said that and to Blaine. He finally sputtered out a mortified, "Oh my god!"

Blaine's laughter didn't help the situation. Kurt was trying to think of something to save what little of his dignity he had left when Marian knocked on the door saying, "Dinner's ready, slacker."

Kurt finally found his voice again as Blaine's laughter morphed into a chuckle. "Do you want to join us for dinner?"

"I would love that. Does that mean I get to meet your friends?" Blaine beamed.

They sat at the table, Blaine on the phone propped up against an empty water glass.

The girls had a great time telling embarrassing stories about Kurt.

"Do you remember that first day at rehearsal when you went in to kiss me and you missed?" Hannah cackled before turning to look at Blaine's face on the screen. "He planted the most hurried kiss on my nose. It was the weirdest feeling."

"It's not my fault that I'm used to kissing taller people,"Kurt grumbled. "You're what five-one?"

"I'm five-three, thank you very much. I am barely shorter than average." Hannah grumbled.

"There is absolutely nothing wrong with being shorter than average." Blaine defended.

Kurt smiled at Blaine, "Of course there isn't. I'm just not used to aiming that low. I like it when a guy is shorter than me."

Marian shot Kurt a mischievous look. It worried Kurt for a moment, but she kept whatever she wanted to say to herself. She still commented and told stories but nothing to justify that look.

It wasn't until the next morning, Kurt understood what that look meant. When he walked into the kitchen, Marian was already there fixing breakfast. As soon as she saw Kurt she sang "You like him."

Kurt was infinitely glad that Hannah wasn't there. He toyed with the idea of lying to Marian for a moment before a smile burst on his face, "Of course I do."

"Well, you have to tell me everything," She crowed.

"We met back in Ohio. We shared a table when I went out to eat on my night off. He's just an amazing person." Kurt said, biting his lip.

"Wait, this has been going on a month and I am just now finding out about it? Of course I guess it's better that it has only been a month and you haven't been hiding him away all this time." Marian split the scrambled eggs between the two of them without even asking if Kurt wanted to share. It warmed his heart that she cared so much.

Kurt picked up his fork and pushed the eggs around on his plate before saying, "I mean, I don't know where it is going. It's not like we are an item or anything. I just really like him. I don't know what to do, we can't really be together until I go back to New York. I did invite him to Chicago but he hasn't answered yet."

"Why hasn't he answered?" Marian asked, her brow furrowed.

Kurt shrugged, "He's busy. He said he had to check his calendar. He's a psychologist so it's not like he can just jet off whenever he wants."

"Surely he doesn't have clients at the weekends." Marian pointed out.

Kurt shrugged again, "I don't know, sometimes he texts during the day at the weekends but most of our conversations are at night."

"Does he live in Ohio?" Marian asked, "I mean you met there-"

"No," Kurt answered quickly, "he was in town for a conference. He is a New Yorker now."

"You should ask him again. Maybe that is what he is waiting for." she pointed out.

"Maybe," Kurt parrotted, still not sure if he should ask again yet.

"Okay, back to your silence with you." Marian laughed. "I want to hear that beautiful voice of yours sounding amazing tonight."

Kurt loved the freedom of having a space of his own again. He could actually unpack his things, and not feel like it was a waste of time. Marian and Hannah were quieter than the random inhabitants of the various hotels of the past several months. Part of him missed his morning runs with Cameron, but there was a special indulgence in getting to run alone with his headphones blaring whatever music suited his fancy at the moment. It was almost like having a home again.

He put off the conversation about Blaine coming to Chicago for two weeks. They chatted at every opportunity, but Kurt's nerves always got the better of him. There were times that Blaine wouldn't respond for long periods of time, but Kurt never commented on them, he did the same.

He didn't ask Blaine again until he got final confirmation from his parents when they were visiting. They would be in town that weekend. He promised Carole there would be prime seats waiting for them.

That night when Kurt was Facetiming with Blaine he casually mentioned, "My parents are coming to Chicago this weekend. It feels like forever since I really saw them."

Blaine smiled widely, "That's wonderful! I bet you are going to have a great time."

Kurt plucked up his courage, "Have you thought anymore about coming to visit?"

He tried to keep his face smooth and even when he asked, but caught himself biting his lip.

Blaine's smile turned sad. "I've been looking at my schedule and I just don't see how it can work. I've been taking Sarah's weekend groups the past couple of weeks because she has been trying to finish a project she is working on. This is the first weekend I have any free time, and I don't want to intrude on your time with your parents. Next Thursday I fly to LA for another conference. I'm sorry, Kurt."

"It's okay, I knew it was a long shot," Kurt said hoping the hurt didn't show on his face.

"It's six o'clock, time to shut up." Marian called from the living room.

Kurt shook his head at his friend. "I guess that means I should go. I'll text you later. I promised Marian we could watch a movie tonight after we got off the phone."

"Night, Kurt." Blaine said, looking sad himself.

When Kurt sank into the sofa next to Marian, he laid his head on her shoulder and sighed, "He's not coming."

She gently kissed the top of his head. "I know it's not what you wanted, but there will be other times."

"Sure," He whispered, "but for tonight can we not watch a romance?"

"Horror?" She asked.

He pinched her side gently, "Sad or funny."

"Let's see what we can find," She said, picking up the remote.

That Friday, Kurt found it so much easier to shed Evan than he normally did. His parents were flying in today. They hadn't ironed out plans for when to see each other yet, but just knowing that they were in the same city made Kurt giddy.

He smiled at each person waiting at the stage door, taking selfies and signing autographs. When the crowd thinned he went back to his dressing room to wait for Hannah and Marian to let him know they were ready to go. He opened his door and was surprised by the sight in front of him. Perched on his couch were Burt and Carole.

Burt barely had a chance to stand before he was being crushed by a hug from his only son. Kurt squeezed his dad tight, and didn't notice the tears meandering down his cheeks. After a minute he looked over to see Carole standing near them her hands clutched to her heart. He reached out an arm and drew her into the embrace. He just held them, relishing in the feel of family, real family. "Oh god, have I missed you." Kurt finally muttered.

Burt pulled back and looked at his son, "I've missed you too bud. How about we go grab something to eat?"

As they walked out of his room, Marian blew him a kiss and he knew she had something to do with this surprise.

They made their way to a pizza place and Kurt ordered the most indulgent, greasiest pizza on the menu. Burt shook his head at his son, and ordered a more moderate slice. "You really going to eat that?" He asked.

Kurt laughed at the turning of the tables, "I am famished. Plus I'll run a few miles in the morning."

"How've you been son?" Burt asked, concern clear.

Kurt sighed, he knew his dad had been worried since Detroit. "I really am great. I've been making sure to practice self care and not cutting myself off from people. Things have been pretty good."

"Anything new?" Carole said and by the look in her eye, Kurt knew she knew.

Kurt crossed his arms across his chest, "Marian told you didn't she?"

"I don't know what you are talking about kiddo." Burt said. He had always been a horrible liar.

"I can't believe she told you about Blaine. Shouldn't it be up to me when I tell you about a guy?" Kurt tried to look anywhere but at his parents.

Carole reached out a hand and gently touched his elbow. He looked over to see her softly smiling at him. "I don't think she meant to break a confidence. She thought you had told us about him already. But we would love to hear all about him if you want to."

"It's not that I didn't want to tell you about him, it's just-" Kurt huffed a breath. "There isn't a lot to tell. I met him, I like him, but we are miles apart so there isn't much we can do."

"Well, what do you do?" Burt asked.

"We talk or text really most of the time. I don't even know if he likes me like that." Kurt was happy to see their food coming towards them.

He ate with gusto hoping that the conversation about Blaine was over. They did shift the focus onto other things. It wasn't until the Uber was idling in front of Burt and Carole's hotel that it came up again. Burt had just released Kurt from a hug and was standing to the side waiting for his wife. Carole pulled Kurt into her own embrace.

"Just do what makes you happy. That's all we want for you." She whispered in his ear.

He knew she wasn't just talking about his life in general but about Blaine.

The next morning when Marian walked into the kitchen he said, "I'm not talking to you."

"I know, you're on vocal rest." She laughed.

Kurt growled, "I can't believe you told my parents about Blaine. Why would you do that?"

She looked taken aback. "I'm sorry kiddo, I didn't know it was a secret. I just mentioned him in passing as I was walking them to your dressing room. I said I was glad to see you happy again and I thought Blaine might be part of it."

"I just wanted to tell them in my own time. I don't even know what is going on with us. I didn't think I should have to tell them when it could be nothing." He sighed, his anger leaving him.

"Don't sell yourself short, Kurt. Even if all you ever are is friends, that isn't nothing."

Kurt spent all the time he could with his parents while they were there. He showed them his favorite places he had found in the city. They were understanding of his quietness, but at times Kurt couldn't contain himself and comments burst out of him unbidden.

Late at night when he returned home, he would send off a text to Blaine about his day. Their conversations were short but at least it was something. His parents left early Monday morning and Kurt was sad to see them go.

The last week in Chicago flew by and Sunday Kurt was packing the last of his things into a bag, sad to say goodbye to the house. They were leaving as soon as they closed the show that night, they had a long trek ahead of them.