Chapter 10 And Then She Kissed Me

By the time Blaine got back to his hotel room, he was disheartened. He'd never managed to talk to Kurt and they had played phone tag for the rest of the day. During his interview, his phone rang. Blaine had taken it out of his pocket, put it on mute, and then placed it on the empty chair beside him. In that instant, he had broken a promise he had made Kurt so long ago. Blaine can still remember the love he had felt, as well as the nerves when he handed Kurt the promise ring he had spent over a month collecting gum wrappers for, and then putting the ring together. Blaine had been so afraid that Kurt was going to see it as cheesy or cheap.

It had been their first Christmas together as a couple, and Blaine had wanted to give Kurt something he had made just for him, something special and straight from his heart. Yes, he had given Kurt a few other things, but that ring, to Blaine, had meant a lot. As far as he was concerned, he had never given anyone anything more special before or after. He had felt ecstatic when Kurt had loved it.

Blaine had promised many things that day, but the main one, the one he never thought he would break, besides the whole 'defend you even though I know you're wrong' one, Blaine had promised Kurt "to always pick up your phone call, no matter what I'm doing." Yes, during the break up that promise had been broken along with several others. Still, they were back together, they were a couple again for just over twenty-four hours, and Blaine was breaking one of the most important promises of all, he had ignored a call from Kurt. Blaine was aware that this was his career, and he had had a job to do, but Kurt was more important to him than anything. Blaine wanted to kick himself when he finally got a moment to check his phone to see if Kurt had ever called him back, only to realize he had left his phone on the chair center stage and on mute after the stupid interview.

Blaine ran over to collect it before it could be lost, and when he looked at the phone, he found the display showed not one, but five missed calls and three texts all from Kurt. Blaine had immediately tried to call him and got nothing but voicemail. He waited a few minutes and tried again and got the same. He didn't have time to try again, it was almost time to go on stage, and he needed to go and change clothes and get ready for the concert. Instead of calling, Blaine opted to send a quick text instead. Thoughts of senior year kept running through his head, no matter how hard he tried to push them down. Kurt was busy. Kurt was dealing with wrapping everything up so he could go home tomorrow morning. Kurt wasn't avoiding his calls this time. Kurt wasn't with André. Why did André even have to show up when Kurt would be in London soon anyway?

From Blaine: Kurt, I'm sorry I missed your calls today. I left my phone on stage and just now realized it. It's been a crazy day. We've had to work with some lighting and sound issues, but I am about to go on stage in ten minutes. If you have time to call, we can talk for a few minutes. I love you sweetheart, and I miss you like crazy.

….. Nothing. Darkness coiled around him, bringing with it all the doubts, no matter how hard he fought to keep them at bay. Blaine couldn't keep the thoughts of Kurt going to André's room that morning from running through his mind. He kept reminding himself that he could trust Kurt, that they both wanted this relationship to work. They loved each other, but now he was filled with doubt. They had loved each other before and had both cheated. What if Kurt met up with André and decided that he was what Kurt wanted after all, not Blaine.

Blaine tried to concentrate on the concert, on the songs he was performing. Every person in that audience had paid to see him. It was another full house. The people out there were there to be entertained, to hear him sing, and from that second on, Blaine gave it all he had. He bounced. He danced and gave the best performance he possibly could. He had just finished his third song, turned to get a drink of water when he felt his phone vibrate. He did something he never does when he is on stage, he pulled out his phone and read the text message he just received.

From Kurt: Blaine, I know how frustrated you must be that we haven't been able to talk to each other today. I'm frustrated, too. God, when have I said 'that' before. Lol. But seriously, I'm sorry we keep missing each other. I'm still trying to get everything in order so I can go home. Please call me when you get off stage, I'll be waiting for you, and we can talk then. I love you."

Blaine had a smile on his face through the rest of his set. He had finally heard from Kurt, and everything was going to be ok. When Blaine finished his last song, he quickly thanked his audience and walked off stage. Even though he had something else he wanted to do, Blaine waited for Tina to bring up the selected audience members that had been chosen for the meet and greet. He signed autographs for all of them and was only a little shocked when Tina asked him to pose with a guy named Stefan for a picture.

That wasn't something he usually did, and Blaine wasn't really thrilled, especially when the guy wrapped his arm around Blaine's waist. His first instinct was to pull away, not liking the touch at all, but decided to smile and get the picture over with. After that, Blaine was done and only had one thing on his mind, talking to Kurt. On his way to his dressing room, he was pulling his phone out of his pocket with a smile on his face. Usually, the first thing he did was clean his face and then changed into his regular clothes. Tonight, though, his only thought was getting in touch with Kurt and easing his mind.

"Hi, this is Kurt. Sorry I can't answer your call right now. I'll call you back as soon as possible. .Au revoir."

"Kurt, it's me. I just got off stage and was looking forward to hearing your voice. I love you," Blaine whispered before hitting the end call button. This can't be happening again, he thought, slowly shaking his head. Blaine cleaned up, changed his clothes, and followed the runner out to the car, ready to go back to his room, never once letting his phone leave his hand. When he sat down in the limo, he looked at the phone display one more time with a sigh before laying his head on the back seat and closing his eyes.

"Well, that didn't take long," Tina mumbled.

"Don't start, Tina. Please, just don't start," Blaine whispered, looking out the window, ready to be alone with his thoughts. All he needed right now was to hear Tina's 'I told you so,' he knew she was dying to say.

"I'm not going to start, Blaine. I'm just saying…" Tina said with an I told you so look on her face.

"Tina, just stop," Blaine answered her back, looking at her with a warning, trying to remind her of the conversation they had just had this morning.

"Fine, Blaine, fine. When he breaks your heart again, don't come running to me," she answered back, shooting him a look.

"That's it, Tina. I've had enough," Blaine yelled. "You need to shut the fuck up and leave me the fuck alone. I'm done with your bullshit snide comments. One more word on the subject and you can go to the motel, pack your shit and head home. I don't need this right now from someone I thought was my friend."

"I am your friend, Blaine. Which is why I'm saying this. Kurt is a mistake. He was a mistake in high school, and he is a bigger mistake now. He's going to do nothing but break your heart all over again," she answered back.

"Well, if that happens, that is his and my business, not yours. Don't say another word Tina, I mean it," Blaine said, looking at her and daring her to open her mouth again. He watched as Sam looked between them with a 'what the hell' look on his face.

For once, Tina kept her mouth shut. When they got back to the motel, Blaine couldn't get out of the car fast enough. He went straight to his room, not stopping and talking to anyone. He just needed to be alone. Blaine tried Kurt's number one more time and got voicemail again. He gave up. He placed his phone on the nightstand beside the bed. Without showering, without even changing his clothes, he just crawled into bed and curled in on himself. What could Kurt be doing that he couldn't answer his phone? That thought led to another and another before he picked up his phone and threw it across the room hearing it smash against the wall.

Blaine must have fallen asleep, because the next thing he knew, the room phone beside his bed was ringing, and the clock display showed 3 am.

"Hello," Blaine managed to mumble out.

"Blaine, where the hell have you been? I've been trying to call you for hours," Kurt said, and Blaine could tell by the way he talked that he had been crying.

"Kurt, sweetheart, are you ok?" Blaine asked, sitting up, instantly awake and concerned, completely forgetting that just a few hours ago he had been sure they were over before they even got started again.

"Why haven't you been answering your phone, Blaine? Why? I finally had to pull up the schedule of the tour you sent me. I found the telephone number of the stupid motel you were staying at, but, the stupid management wouldn't patch me through to your room. I finally had them call Sam, and he told them it was ok. Thank God I didn't have to talk to Tina. I can just hear it now. Are you avoiding my call?" Kurt asked, his voice breaking.

"No, Kurt, sweetheart, I've not been avoiding you. To be honest, I was starting to think you were avoiding me. I've tried calling several times today and just kept getting voicemail. I even called you the second I got back to my room, and still nothing," Blaine answered.

"I know, and I'm sorry I missed your call. I was in the shower and had put my phone on my nightstand and didn't hear it ring. I tried to call you right back, and you didn't answer. I even sent you a text. This has been a crazy day. Every time I thought I would have a second that I could call you, André was dragging me into a meeting, or, like this evening, there was a fashion show he just had to see. I just missed you so much, and I wanted to hear your voice, and all I have been getting is voicemail after voicemail. I was beginning to think that maybe you changed your mind," Kurt whispered, still so scared. "I thought you were avoiding me. I thought you answered this phone because you didn't know who was calling you."

"Oh, Kurt, no. I haven't been avoiding you. When you called me this afternoon, I was right in the middle of that stupid interview. I had put my phone on mute and sat it on the chair beside me, and then I forgot to pick it back up. By the time I realized what I had done, I had five missed calls from you. I tried to call you then and got your voicemail, and then it was time to go on stage. That's when I texted you. When I got back to my dressing room, I tried again and nothing, and then the same thing when I got to my room here. I got a little upset thinking that you were already done with me again, and I threw my phone against the wall," Blaine finally admitted.

"So, you broke your phone. That is why you haven't answered me?" Kurt asked, finally able to laugh. "You know, we really do need to have a long talk and work on our communication skills."

"I know, and trust me, the first chance we have, we will. I wonder how hard it will be to get a new phone in Geneva?" Blaine asked, laughing.

"So, I'm taking that to mean not to expect a call first thing in the morning right?" Kurt asked, laughing.

"I guess not, but I'll call you as soon as I get it replaced. I'll also remember from now on to have you added to the approved caller list. I just didn't think about doing it before now, because I usually have my cell with me," Blaine answered.

"I guess in a way, that's a good thing. My flight leaves out at 5:30 in the morning, and happy, happy, joy, joy, André is flying back with me," Kurt said with a sigh. André had been driving him crazy since he showed up unexpectedly like that, knowing Kurt needed to get his stuff packed to get ready to go home.

"So, in other words, you're telling me not to freak out in the morning if I call, and you don't answer right away," Blaine said, laying back down, getting comfortable again.

"Pretty much," Kurt said with a soft laugh.

Kurt and Blaine talked for another hour, filling each other in on their day. They also decided from now on, when either of them had doubts, they needed to text each other then. Even if it was just to say I need to talk to you. They each promised to send a quick text back even if they were busy to say 'busy right now, will call you back.' Kurt understood that if Blaine was on stage, he wouldn't be able to call or text back right away, but promised to always keep Blaine's schedule with him so that he wouldn't freak out if Blaine didn't call or text quick enough. This had been a rough day for both of them.

"That sounds like a plan," Blaine said, yawning before he could stop it.

"It's late, B. I'm going to go ahead and get off here and let you sleep. Call me when you get your new phone, ok? I love you and miss you like crazy," Kurt whispered.

"I promise. I love you, too, Kurt. I'll call you in the morning as soon as I can. Have a safe flight, and I miss you, too," Blaine answered with another yawn, hanging up the phone to the sound of Kurt's soft laughter. Blaine slept better that night than he had in a long time.

oOoOo

Blaine was awake at 8:00 the next morning and he couldn't keep the smile off of his face. He was in such a good mood, he and Kurt were ok. He quickly jumped in the shower and dressed for his day. This was his last day in Geneva, and tonight after the concert, they would be flying to Berlin. Blaine knew he would be performing two nights there, and then it was off to Rome for one. After that, he would have three full days off before he was scheduled to perform in Québec City, Canada, the last leg of his tour.

Blaine already had plans for his three days off. The concert in Rome was scheduled for May the 25th, and Kurt's birthday was on the 27th. This was the first time in five years they would be a couple on Kurt's birthday. He had every intention of being with Kurt and surprising the hell out of his boyfriend, Blaine thought with a smile, stepping into the car that had been called for him.

Blaine was able to find a phone and even managed to save all his contacts off of his old one. Thank goodness he always kept the numbers and pictures backed up on his SIM card. As promised, without even looking at the time Blaine called Kurt, and could only smile when he answered.

"Man, I was beginning to think I was going to need to fly to Geneva and help you find a phone," Kurt answered and then laughed.

"Damn, now you tell me, sweetheart. If I had known that was all it would take to get your ass here so I could see you again, I would have dragged my feet a little longer," Blaine said, laughing back, settling into the car seat with the biggest smile on his face. He had missed this, all the times he and Kurt spent on the phone together just talking.

"If I could, I would be there, trust me. I had no idea what I would be facing when I got into the office this morning. Looking at the place, you would think I had been gone a year instead of only a month," Kurt said, sighing as he sat down.

"Oh yeah, how was your flight," Blaine asked, stepping out of the car at the shop he had asked to be brought to. He wanted to find something for Kurt for his birthday. If he couldn't find it in Geneva, he would look in Berlin and Rome. Blaine was just really glad Kurt had made it home safe.

"It was good. André only drove me a little crazy on the flight home. I didn't realize that he would expect me to show up at work this morning. I thought I would get time to settle back in, but nope. Let me tell you Brian was pissed. First, because I was gone so long, and then again because I had to leave an hour after getting there. André wanted me at work by 8 am to start scheduling his next show," Kurt said sounding busy.

"Brian?" Blaine asked, stopping dead in his tracks, not even thinking about the person that had been walking behind him until she bumped into him when he stopped so suddenly. "Sorry," he said to her, turning around to look at her for a minute. Blaine started walking again, trying to remember if Kurt ever said his ex-boyfriend's name was Brian, the guy Kurt had dated for over a year before breaking up right before he went to Paris. Why was this Bryan guy at Kurt's house so early in the morning?

"Yeah my fat cat. I told you about him, didn't I? He weighs over 20lbs and is a brown tabby. His main activity when I'm home is looking at me with this 'I hate you' expression on his face," Kurt said laughing until it hit him how Blaine had sounded. "Wait a minute, Blaine, what were you thinking?"

"Umm, nothing," Blaine said, feeling stupid now.

"Blaine…?" Kurt asked again.

"I hadn't heard of this Brian before and I remembered you talking about your ex that you dated for a year before going to work in Paris. I put two and two together…" Blaine started to say.

"And came up with five? Come on Blaine, you know I love you. I don't want anyone else in my life but you. Remember, trust…" Kurt said, knowing he should be upset, but only felt happy that Blaine was back in his life, and still wanted him like he used to.

"I know, sweetheart. I know, and I'm sorry. Things were so much easier, WE were so much easier when we saw each other in school every day. I miss that, you know. Me stopping to get us coffee on my way into school. You waiting for me every morning at your locker with that smile I love. I miss our time in glee club when we used to be able to snuggle together in the back row and getting to spend so much time together. Things were so much easier then, and I think I took it a little for granted then the time we had. If I could go back, I would redo a lot of it," Blaine said, stopping at a bench and sitting down for a moment, missing Kurt so much even though he was talking to him on the phone. How were they supposed to do this?"

"I know, B. It won't always be like this, you know. I miss it, too. Getting to see you every day, doing our duets. Our Friday night dates that you always made special, even if we were just hanging out at Breadstix. If I could, I would change a lot of things, too, Blaine, but I wouldn't change a single moment of the time I got to spend with you," Kurt said, and Blaine could hear him choking up.

"I wouldn't change us either, sweetheart. Not one minute of it. And you're right, we'll figure this long-distance relationship stuff out together. Hmm, where have I heard that before?" Blaine said with a sad laugh.

"We'll do better this time, B. We both know what it means to lose each other and I'm not willing to do that again. If I can talk to you on the phone anytime I want to again, I'll be a happy camper," Kurt said as tears rolled down his cheeks. He had known this was going to be hard but had no idea just how hard. Maybe it was time to make a change in his life. Kurt decided right then to look into that. With Blaine's career, he would be limited to California, or maybe even New York, but Kurt could work anywhere. He would have been surprised to know Blaine was contemplating the same thing.

"Shoot, I need to go, Blaine. André is wanting me to go with him and check out a few models for his next runway. Call me tonight?" Kurt asked, hating to hang up, knowing both of their emotions were still so raw. "I love you, B, and I'm so glad to have you back in my life. Please never doubt that, never doubt me."

"I love you too Kurt, and I'll call you later before I go on stage, ok?" Blaine asked, not ready to hang up the phone, but knowing Kurt was at work, and had stuff he needed to do.

oOoOo

"What the hell does this picture mean Blaine?" Kurt almost yelled when Blaine answered his phone. He could hear how busy Blaine was. Kurt knew Blaine would be at the concert hall getting ready for his last show in Geneva. Kurt had just got an anonymous message on his twitter feed, showing a picture of Blaine and a really cute guy. Said guy had his arm around Blaine's waist, and Blaine was looking at the guy with a smile on his face, looking a little too happy for Kurt's peace of mind, especially when it had been tagged "could this possibly be Blaine Anderson's new boy toy?" Kurt had been hurt, and then he got mad. After the conversation they had had this morning, he knew he was supposed to trust, but this was pushing things a little too far.

"What picture Kurt?" Blaine answered, holding the phone away from his ear as Kurt screamed.

"Check your text message Blaine. I just sent it to you, and then maybe you can explain it to me. Is there something you want to tell me?" Kurt asked, trying to calm down and give Blaine a chance to explain.

"Fuck me…" Blaine answered with a sigh.

"That doesn't sound very comforting Blaine. Is there something you need to share?" Kurt asked, trying to keep his voice from breaking when all he wanted to do was cry.

"That fucking bitch. That picture was taken last night at our meet and greet. I should have known something was wrong when Tina was quick to snap a picture. That guy's name was Stefan. His girlfriend had gotten them their tickets and then was too sick to come to the concert. When he was picked for the meet and greet, he asked for that picture to be taken so he could prove to her that he'd actually met me. We don't usually take pictures, normally it's just autographs, but I did it this time because she was sick. I can't believe Tina would do this. This not only hurts me and you, but it hurts Stefan, too. I guess I need to have another talk with Tina. I swear Kurt, nothing happened. I just got you back, and I am not going to screw this up," Blaine answered and Kurt could tell by his voice that Blaine was being 100% serious. Kurt no longer had any doubts.

"I'm sorry Blaine. I shouldn't have jumped to conclusions. I should have talked to you first," Kurt said, hoping Blaine wasn't mad.

"No, sweetheart, I'm sorry. I can't believe she did this. My mom is going to see it. She already worries about me enough, now this…" Blaine said, pacing backstage, running his hand through his hair. Tina had done things in the past, but this was the last straw. When Blaine and his crew were heading to Rome, Tina would be heading home to California, or Lima, or wherever the hell she decided to go. She had gone too far this time. He was done.

"Kurt, I'll call you back, I have something I need to handle. Love you," Blaine said, disconnecting the call after Kurt had told him he loved him back and stalking off to find Tina.

"Tina, in my dressing room, now," Blaine told her when he found her. He could tell by the look on her face she knew she had taken it to far, that she was done.

"How could you, Tina? How could you do this to me, to Kurt, and especially to Stefan? He has a sick girlfriend, and you used that picture to play games," Blaine said, still not believing she had sunk so low to pull that stunt.

"He's going to hurt you again Blaine. He's going to cheat on you and leave you broken," Tina answered. "I couldn't just sit back and let it happen again."

"So you decided to turn me into a cheat. Why? What did Kurt ever do to you, Tina? You guys used to be friends," Blaine said pacing his dressing room.

"If he broke up with you, I could be there for you. I could help you get over it. Eventually, you would realize that I'm the best person for you. You know I love you, and I know you love me. We could have been good together if he hadn't managed to worm his way back into your life again," Tina answered, her voice starting to get loud.

"You know I'm gay, right, Tina? Yes, I love you, but as a friend only. That is all it could have ever been, and after this crazy stunt, I'm not even sure if I can be that anymore," Blaine said, still in shock over her actions.

"I can make you love me, Blaine. Watch," Tina said before she threw herself at Blaine, surprising him with a kiss. He stood there for a moment in shock before he realized what was going on and he pushed her off of him.

Blaine walked over to his door, opened it, and looked down the hall. "Hey, Joey can you come in here a minute please?" When Joey walked into the room, Blaine looked at Tina "Please escort Ms. Cohen-Chang back to her motel room, make sure she has all her stuff, and escort her to the airport. She will be leaving the tour immediately."

"Tina, you're fired," Blaine said, before walking out the door, and walking towards the stage door, getting ready to do his final show. "Heeellllooo Geneva!"