Hey everyone! Thank you to Dawofmorning, MarciaChapter2, Iris 7124, and onyx115 for the reviews on the last chapter. Y'all seriously don't know how good it makes us feel that you enjoy the story!

This one is a bit angsty. Our apologies, but don't worry! We believe in happy endings! - A and K

Sunday

Kurt rolled over, groggy and disoriented. Where the hell was he? A quick look around reminded him he was at the hotel in Lima, but this wasn't his room. His eyes settled on the discarded clothes in the floor and things came flooding back.

He was in Blaine's room.

He had been pulled in here and he and Blaine… No, that wasn't a dream. The pain in his lower back and ass assured him it wasn't a dream. He was also still naked in Blaine's bed. He hummed and fell back into the blankets, a giddy smile on his lips. It had finally happened! They had made love and if Kurt wasn't so hungry, he would want to go for round two. Things would be better now that the tension had snapped. Maybe now they could come to an agreement on their relationship status. Blaine surely understood now. He wanted him back!

That brought another thought to his attention. Where was Blaine?

Maybe he went to get food. His stomach rumbled at the thought. He had made that joke about breakfast in bed yesterday and he hoped Blaine was just being his dorky self and actually bringing him something. A glance at the clock told him he had about two hours until he had to be ready for that interview, so after relieving himself, he snuggled back into Blaine's bed and enjoyed the sensation of smelling Blaine all around him and reminiscing about what they did.

It had been so damn good and Blaine had been so responsive. Okay, he had to stop thinking about him writhing beneath him or he would get all turned on again.

He scooped up his pants and dug out his phone. He had a few texts that could be answered later and a ton of social media notifications. He ignored all that for now and texted Blaine.

Where are you? I miss you. Come back to bed… -Kurt

There. Now he would back in no time.

Blaine was in full blown panic mode.

When he had kissed Kurt, he had been so sure. He was sure when they had sex. For a second he felt wonderful and amazing and thought it could work out. But then Kurt told him he loved him.

He had woken up in Kurt's arms, warm and comfortable and so very happy. He had looked up at Kurt's sleeping face and just been overwhelmed with love for the man. He was recalling everything that had happened and thinking about waking Kurt up by repaying the favor for earlier… His thoughts came screeching to a halt when he remembered Kurt's sleepy declaration he might not have been meant to hear. So he had grabbed clean clothes, slipped out of his room, and gone for a drive. He parked the van at a gas station and just sat there, staring a dumpster.

Kurt said he was in love with him. He kind of felt like he was in love with Kurt too. Last night just sealed everything for him, but he knew how this story ended. He had lived it over and over again. As soon as he was happy, the rug was pulled out from beneath him and he would fall. And he already liked Kurt so much that just the thought made his eyes sting with tears.

He would just explain to Kurt that they had made a mistake. He just got caught up in the whirlwind and since Kurt was his responsibility at work, he needed to focus on that. He would understand.

Perhaps sex was all he wanted and now that he got it, he would get bored. Blaine knew it wasn't true, but he shut that voice down.

He clicked off his seatbelt and went into the gas station. They would have cigarettes and he could hang out here until time for Thad's podcast. Then Kurt couldn't hurt him.

A buzz caused him to look down at his phone and his heart sped up.

Where are you? I miss you. Come back to bed… -Kurt

Blaine slipped his phone into his pocket without answering.

Kurt had begun to grow restless when Blaine didn't come back. He got up, showered, picked up all the clothes from the floor, and straightened the bed. Another look at the clock made Kurt note that he would have to go get ready soon.

Uneasiness rooted itself in his gut. It would be very on brand for Blaine to be having a freak out right about now, but he thought he had reassured him. He seemed so certain in the hall and then when they came back to his room. But this was Blaine who was the king of spiraling. It was a little discouraging, because Kurt thought they had gotten somewhere. He ran back through the night and—

Uh oh. It hit him as he ran a hand through his hair that he might have said something as they were drifting off to sleep that possibly could have freaked Blaine out. Shit. He hadn't really meant to say it, but it just came out as he was holding Blaine. It was like the words overflowed out of him and he couldn't stop. Kurt just hoped Blaine didn't regret it. Regret him.

He quickly left Blaine's room and crossed the hall to his so he could put on fresh clothes and get ready for the interview. Before he did, he pulled out his phone and tapped on the band group chat. They were going to change the song they performed today.

They were waiting outside the hotel when the van pulled up, Blaine jumping out with a creased forehead and tense jaw. Puck and Elliott tossed their guitars in the back because they apparently couldn't spend one night in the hotel without them and Dani and Tina climbed in. Kurt just followed Blaine with his eyes, arms crossed. His heart skipped when he caught sight of Blaine, but there was no reassuring smile or sign Blaine was feeling it too. He wanted so badly to hold him, but from the stiff set of his shoulder and the way he wouldn't even look at him, Kurt figured it would not be a great idea. Blaine forced a smile as Elliott greeted him and got into the driver's seat. Kurt took a deep breath and got in the passenger side.

Blaine was staring straight ahead like his life depended on it and Kurt's heart dropped to his stomach. Being in closer proximity to him, Kurt could smell the smoke on him and sighed internally. He was definitely freaking out. Kurt just hoped he could get through to him.

Neither tried to talk during the drive, but the others chatted the entire way. It was killing Kurt to not be able to reach out for Blaine, but he was a little confused and unsure of where the man was. So he just sat quietly and let the others fill the silence.

Thad was pretty cool, if a little too serious for Kurt's taste, but he was at least respectful and asked a lot of good questions they hadn't heard a thousand times already. During the actual interview, Kurt was pretty low key, but he felt like he did all right. He caught Blaine staring at one point, but he looked away quickly as soon as Kurt eyed him.

It was abundantly clear he was not doing well.

To most anyone else, he looked fine if a little stressed. However, Kurt could see the small patch of hair he missed with his gel, the bow tie that wasn't as crisp as it should be, and the frenetic pace of his bouncing leg. Kurt felt for him, but another part was kind of pissed at him for running away again after he had been vulnerable. That shit hurt.

That wasn't exactly fair, he supposed. Blaine was trying really hard and he did warn Kurt it would probably be turbulent waters. Until Blaine told him to fuck off, Kurt would just keep offering his hand.

"This has been an interview with the local-born band The Lima Losers," Thad said into his mic. "We would like to thank you all for being here and now as a special treat, they will be performing their single-"

"Actually," Kurt interjected. "We were wondering if we could play you a new song that will be on the album that not even my producer has heard."

Blaine jerked his head up at that and Thad looked pleasantly surprised. "Uh, yeah! Sure! We will cut and give you guys a second to set up and then record the track."

They nodded and began setting up. Blaine came in glancing around at everyone.

"Are you guys sure you want to do a new song?" he asked. "They won't mind if you just do one of the singles."

Kurt and Elliott looked up from where they were making adjustments. Blaine was avoiding his eyes, but Kurt stared him down until he finally gave him eye contact.

"We all agreed it was a good idea," Elliott said as he plugged in his guitar. "It's a great song. Plus Kurt really wanted to do it."

"We can go talk about it," Kurt said to Blaine who was watching Elliott. "Just you and me." There was no double meaning to his words. He really just wanted to talk. He was beginning to figure out exactly what he wanted to say to Blaine and just needed an opportunity.

Blaine held up his palms and backed away. "No, no. It's fine. Just making sure."

Kurt nodded, refusing to show how that stung. His natural inclination was to get mean and spit back horrible things at Blaine, but because he cared so much about the man, he held his tongue.

"Just listen," Kurt said. They locked eyes. Blaine looked tired and terrified and like he just wanted to be anywhere but right there. He bobbed his head once in understanding and shut the door.

As soon as Blaine was back out of the booth, Elliott turned to Kurt who was staring at a little mesh trash can.

"Okay, so what the hell was that?"

Kurt shrugged. "I really want to do the song."

"I'm not talking about the song, I'm talking about the weird awkwardness between you two," Elliott said as he started twisting a few knobs.

Kurt just shrugged and continued setting up, eyes downcast.

"Maybe I'll just go ask Blaine," Elliott teased, but Kurt put an arm out on his chest.

"Elliott, please don't. Leave him alone." He could hear the desperation in his own voice. If Elliott went asking Blaine a bunch of questions now, there's no telling what he would do.

Elliott's eyes flew wide. "You okay, man? What happened?"

Kurt turned away and resumed what he was doing. "Fine. Nothing."

"Did Blaine punch you this time?"

"Can we drop it?" Kurt asked while forcing a smile.

Elliott searched his face for a few moments and then leaned in. "Did you two…?" He raised his eyebrows knowingly.

Kurt sighed. "Seriously, just drop it. I'm begging you."

Probably sensing it wasn't a joke, Elliott nodded, but still looked concerned. "Yeah, sure. Listen, if you need to talk, I'm always here, okay? I care about you."

Kurt nodded and prepared to do their sound check.

By the time everyone had warmed up a bit and were ready, Kurt felt marginally better. He looked straight at Blaine who dropped his eyes.

"This was inspired by someone very important to me."

The band began to play and Kurt came in with the vocals, pouring every ounce of feelings into it he could.

Put your lighter in the air and

Lead me back home

Wo-oh

When it's all said and done

l'Il follow the echoes

I hear you night after night

Calling out my name

Mm-mm

And I find myself

Running to meet you

I didn't wanna to escape

From the bricks

That I lay down

You are the only one

The only one that sees me

Trusts me and believes me

You are the only one

The only one that knows me

And in the dark you show me

Yeah it's perfectly reckless

Damn

You leave me defenseless

So break in

Break in

Blaine was finally looking at him. At least he was listening. Kurt stared at him, not caring who saw or what that might mean if they did. He had to understand.

You let me fall apart without letting go

Then you pick up the pieces

And you make me whole

I didn't wanna to escape

From the bricks

That I lay down

You are the only one

The only one that see me

Trusts me and believes me

You are the only one

The only one that knows me

And in the dark you show me

Yeah it's perfectly reckless

Damn

You leave me defenseless

So break in

And take everything I have

'Til there is nothing left

Until it's just your voice in my head

And when the lights come on

You see me as I am

You're still inside me

Blaine's eyes were shining and he blinked fast. He suddenly turned and left the room. He acted like he was taking a call, but Kurt could see how affected he was. Kurt was affected too, but at least he didn't break down like he had done yesterday at his dad and Carole's house.

They finished and gathered up their things before shaking hands with Thad and taking their leave. When they found Blaine, he was leaning against the van, smoking a cigarette and staring off into the distance.

Tina gasped. "Blaine! I didn't know you smoked! That's so bad for you!"

His breath hitched and he scrubbed it out, tossing the butt in the trash. "Sorry. How did it go? I had to make a call. My apologies."

"Fine," Puck responded since no one else was, namely Kurt who was staring at the ground arms crossed. "We going back to the hotel? My mom called and wanted me to go have dinner with her and my sister."

"Yeah, we are. Need help?" Blaine indicated their instruments. He started loading them into the van.

Kurt had no idea what Blaine was thinking now. But he hadn't stayed for the whole song. Maybe he just didn't care.

They arrived back at the hotel late that afternoon, some quiet with their own thoughts, some with tiredness, and some with heartache.

"Now, remember that the rest of your evening is free, but we have a very early flight in the morning."

Everyone exited the van except for Kurt who stared out the windshield at cars driving by on the road. Blaine had unlatched his seatbelt and began to open his door when Kurt spoke.

"Can we talk?"

Blaine visibly winced, but Kurt knew he had to get this out or he would lose his nerve. Blaine settled back in his seat and traced the van's logo on the steering wheel with his finger.

"Kurt, I'm sorry I just—"

"Can I please say something?"

Blaine nodded. Kurt turned, twisting his body until he was face to face with him.

"I can't say I'm not hurt, because I am, but I do understand. You're freaking out because I said loved you." Blaine started to open his mouth and Kurt took his hands in his own. "Look, I wasn't trying to scare you or pressure you into saying it back, but it just kind of slipped out." He looked right into Blaine's eyes, certainty in his voice. "I meant it though. I do love you. I'm in love with you. Right now, I just want you to consider us. I'm not going anywhere. I don't need a commitment from you or an answer right away, but I want to be with you. I know you've been hurt before. So have I.

"A few years ago, while I was still in college, I was in a serious relationship with someone and things were going pretty well. I lived with my ex-best friend who had dated my step-brother and after he died, she didn't take it well. At first she was just inconsolable, but one day she just got up and acted like everything was fine. I knew she was going to break down again, but I just stood by her. Then she started acting crazy, quitting NYADA which was her dream school and telling me that I should break up with my boyfriend and we should run off to LA together to film a tv show. I told her she was just upset and I wasn't leaving. She didn't take it well. I got home that night and caught her kissing my boyfriend. It hurt, knowing she was just trying to break us up so I would go to LA with her, but it hurt that he would do that to me too. I haven't spoken to her or been in a relationship that lasts longer than a night since. At least until now. I like who I am. I know I can be an asshole and a brat.

"I find myself thinking how you might respond to jokes I hear or things I read. You just care so much and you're so sweet and kind. I love how shy you are and how excited you get when you talk about work. I love your awful jokes and how you dance when you're drunk. I love that you get so flustered when I say something nasty, but you love it. I know you're scared. Can I promise we will be together forever? Of course not, because I can't tell you the future, but what I can tell you is that I would never hurt you on purpose. I have no plans of going anywhere." He kissed Blaine's hands tenderly and smiled at him. "Last night meant so much to me that you chose me and trusted me enough to do that, and I want you to know that as far as I'm concerned, there's only you right now. Now, I'm going to go to my room and pack and if you want to talk, I'll be waiting."

With one more gentle kiss pressed to Blaine's cheek, he left the car and went to the hotel. When he looked back, Blaine was driving away. His heart sunk, but he just hoped Blaine was going somewhere to think.

Blaine drove silently, turning over all the words swirling around in his head. He felt overwhelmed and stressed and knew one place he could find some peace where he didn't have to think.

He pulled up to the small two bedroom house in Westerville, fond memories of his childhood warming him and helping him to breathe again. Since he had already texted her to warn of his arrival, he walked right in the entryway that was filled with childhood paintings and a lopsided vase Cooper had attempted once in a pottery class.

"Hey, mom!"

"In the kitchen, sweetheart!"

He made his way through the simple but neat house, automatically stepping over the piece of linoleum that had curled up in one corner over the years and found his mother making a sandwich at the counter. She beamed when she saw him, her brown eyes lighting up. The curls she had passed to him were in a messy bun atop her head and a smear of peanut butter was on her chin.

"Come here! What are you doing here?" She spread her arms wide to embrace him and he obliged, tears collecting hot in his closed eyes as he breathed in her scent. He took comfort in his mother's arms and didn't even care that she was probably getting peanut butter on him.

"Can I spend the night?" he asked while still holding on to her. She was a little shorter than him, but strong and she squeezed him hard.

"Of course! I'd love it! I had no idea you were in town!" She pulled back and looked him over, doing that mom scan thing she did. "Everything okay?"

"Yeah," Blaine said, forcing a smile. "Where's Noodle? I was wondering why he didn't attack me as soon as I stepped in."

Pam looked at him a moment more before changing her mind and accepting his response. "Back yard. Mrs. Collin's said it rained all week so he couldn't run outside as much as he wanted. I just got back. Is that how you knew I was home?"

Blaine nodded. His mother's social media was pretty much dedicated to her sons, sharing recipes she would never actually make, and pictures of their hound mix mutt she had adopted when her last son left home. So when he saw a picture of the dog in the front yard that afternoon, he knew his mom was back.

"Well, you're welcome to join me for a humble peanut butter and jelly and I think I have some chips here somewhere…"

She went over to a cabinet and started digging through, frowned at a bag of something old and tossed them into a nearby garbage can before continuing her search.

"I'm fine with just a sandwich," Blaine said as he picked up the bread and began making one for himself.

His mother joined him and took a bite of hers. "What are you doing in town? I would have made sure I was here if I had known."

They went to sit at the little table with their food. Blaine picked at the paper napkin he was eating his sandwich off of. "I'm here with the band. They had some stuff to do… It was kind of a last minute thing anyway."

She nodded and finished off her milk. "It's getting closer to the album release, right? Getting stressed?"

"Yes," he said. "A little. They're excited though."

"You're getting enough sleep?" she asked carefully.

She was fishing. She could sense something was off and was letting him decide if he was going to actually talk or take the out.

He petted the dog as he snuffled around looking for bits they might have dropped.

"So there's a guy…"

"A guy in a good way or in a bad way?"

"Both." He folded his hands and squished a crumb with his finger. How to explain everything? He really didn't want to tell his mother about his sex life either. Sure, they were both adults and she was a nurse so not a lot made her uncomfortable, but still. She was his mom. A warm hand covered his and he looked up into understanding eyes.

"Sweetie. It's okay. You can tell me as much as you want. I just want to be there for you."

He launched into the story. They sat there at his mother's wobbly table with its mismatched chairs and he told her everything. Well, he skimmed over the sex part and some of the lewd things Kurt had said, but she got the gist. She knew who Kurt was, of course, because he had told her about his work during phone calls.

"I suspected something was going on," she said as they shared some Oreos with more milk. "The way you talked about him before… I just got a feeling you were attracted to him."

Blaine held his cookie under until the bubbles stopped. "I know. I'm incredibly obvious."

"No, not to everyone, but I'm your mother. So what are we going to do about this situation Blaine? Do you think you've been separated from Sebastian for long enough?"

He shrugged. "I don't know. For a little while afterwards, it killed me. But the longer I sat with it and really looked at it, I think Seb was right. We wouldn't have made each other happy. I think what really hurt me the most was the fact that another person left me. So yeah, it was the right choice, I just wished we had realized that before we got engaged. Do you think I've waited long enough?"

Pam sighed and scratched Noodle behind the ear. He leaned into it. "I'm not a good person to ask about that. My romantic life hasn't exactly thrived. I think only you can say whether it's been long enough. I'm glad you are okay with it though. Do you think you are doing the same thing with this Kurt guy?"

Kurt. Despite himself, he smiled. Was he doing the same thing with Kurt? Could he be just attracted to Kurt and setting himself up for heartbreak? But all the things Kurt said… Blaine was sure he was serious. That he meant it.

"I don't think so. I thought I was in love with Sebastian though…" he dropped his forehead to his folded arms. "What if it's not about whether I like him or not? What if it's whether I'll eventually chase him away just like all the others. Ow!" Blaine sat up and rubbed his arm where his mother pinched him. She was glaring at him, eyes narrowed.

"Don't you dare talk about my son that way!"

"Mom-"

"No! There is nothing wrong with you! Yes, you have had a lot of heartache that I wish beyond belief I could take away from you. I can't though. Blaine, you can't go into any relationship 'knowing' you're going to get abandoned. That's just expecting failure. You have to have hope, and sure, maybe it won't work out, but that's not always the worse thing. Sometimes it was just something that you needed for a time."

"But even dad didn't want me-"

"That asshole didn't want me either. Is there something wrong with me?"

"No!"

"Okay then." She blew out a deep breath. "Listen, I can't give you the answers here, but I'm confident you will make the right choice. I just want you to be happy regardless of who's in your life."

"I know," Blaine replied, tiredness starting to catch up with him. He rubbed his face. "I'm trying. I'm just so scared."

Pam watched him for a moment, a little sad smile tilting the corner of her mouth up. "Do you remember when you were young and you stayed up on your birthday until midnight with the phone?"

The memory was like a punch to the gut.

He had hoped every year that his dad would call him and at least wish him happy birthday, but he was always disappointed. It was his wish every year. Blaine nodded, curious as to why his mother would bring up such a painful memory.

"I hated that," she continued. "Every year, I just cursed his name further. And my guilt. I had chosen him to be your father. I had kept trying to make things work when I knew it was useless. I buried myself in so much pain so I could attempt to feel yours. I remember one night I laid in bed beating myself up for it and I was trying to let the pain nearly drown me. My sweet, innocent, precious boy was being let down and there was nothing I could do about it. But then I thought, I made that sweet boy. Not just physically, I taught him and molded him and let him flourish. I knew I had to let the guilt and the past go or it would destroy me, because I had you and your brother counting on me.

"What I'm trying to say I guess is that you can't live your present life stuck in the past, waiting for a phone to ring. You can't think everyone will leave you. You're trying to protect yourself, I know, but your really just harming yourself. I'm not saying it has to be this man or this moment, but you have to let it all go sometime and try."

Tears prickled in his eyes and his mom stood and gave him another long hug. They rocked back and forth, his mom rubbing his back in a comforting way and squeezing him. She burrowed her face into his jacket and he felt her take a deep breath. It was much needed.

"Sweetie, I know you're upset, but have you been smoking?"

Blaine wondered if he just pretended like he couldn't hear her she would give up.

"Blaine Devon Anderson! I thought I smelled it earlier when we hugged but I thought, 'No, my son is too smart for that!' Come in here! I'm checking your blood pressure!"

Blaine groaned as his mother drug him into the living room. Now he couldn't even leave if he wanted to.

Kurt didn't really sleep that night.

When he left Blaine in the van, he had been hopeful, dare he say confident that the man would come to his senses. But as the minutes and then the hours crawled by, his confidence ebbed away replaced by worry. What if Blaine decided he didn't want him? He had really just laid it all out there and now he wasn't sure it had paid off.

But this was Blaine. He wouldn't ever intentionally hurt him or be needlessly cruel and he had told him to take his time. He just thought maybe it would be a no brainer for Blaine.

Laying on his stomach on his hotel bed, Kurt flipped through pictures he had taken with his phone of him and Blaine on their date and sighed. He rolled over and tossed the phone aside, eyeing the little mini bar full of alcohol. There might be enough in there to make him numb for a little while. But what if Blaine came back? He didn't want to be drunk if he wanted to talk. Kurt groaned and grabbed his phone. Nothing. Ugh. He tapped through until he found Santana's number.

"What?" Santana's voice was sleep-rough and she sounded cranky.

"Hello to you too, bitch."

"You do realize what time it is? Some of us have real jobs."

"Excuse me for calling to check on you. I won't ever do it again." He put an arm behind his head and lay on his back.

"You don't call to check on someone at… Ew. Three o'clock in the morning. What's wrong?"

"Maybe I just missed you." He had tried to say it flippantly, but his voice cracked on the last word.

Santana shifted on her side and her tone changed. "Oh, Kurt. What happened? I thought things went good with your dad? Or is this about Short Stuff?"

"I don't know what to do!" He sniffed. He was so annoyed with himself for crying on the phone to his best friend over a boy like a silly teenager. "We had this great time together and then we came back here and made love—"

"Gross."

"—and it was perfect! But then he ran away and I just told him I was in love with him—"

"Oh no."

"—and I told him I would give him time to figure out what he wanted but he's not back yet! I don't know where he is! Should I text him? I think I should—"

"Don't! Do NOT text him. Okay, Hummel. I need you to breathe. That's right. In and out. Suck on that breath like you suck dick."

He choked out a wet laugh at that.

"Okay, so let me make sure I have this. He ran off when you told him you loved him?"

"Yes," Kurt he said as he blew his nose.

"Well, there's your problem. You scared him off."

"You don't understand! He loves me too! I know he does." Kurt hugged his pillow to him, wishing he was still in Blaine's bed. "He's just scared. You don't know what he's been through."

"I'm not saying he doesn't love you for some reason, probably because you don't wake him up at three AM, but he might not be ready for that. And you can't tell him to take his time and then not give him time. That's crazy bitch behavior. Are you a crazy bitch?"

"No…" he muttered. "But—"

"Are you a crazy bitch?"

Kurt sighed. "I'm not a crazy bitch."

"Okay then. Just take a shot to calm your nerves and get some sleep. Like everyone should be doing."

Kurt bit his lip. Should he confess the idea that had been rolling around in his head lately? Would she laugh at him? Would she think he was being stupid?

"I've been thinking about that lately," he said carefully. "Look, I'm not saying I'm an alcoholic, but I'm thinking maybe I should stop drinking." He scrubbed a hand through his hair. "It's like, I feel like I rely on it too much. I know I can function without it, but I feel like it's what I go to every time. I just want to at least take a break and try to deal with stuff on my own. Does that sound dumb?"

"Yeah. Really dumb."

Kurt's stomach sank. He was trying to think of a way to hang up when Santana laughed.

"Of course it's not. If you feel like you need to, then do it. I'm kind of impressed actually. Plus, that means I get to drink all our booze."

Kurt laughed, relieved. "Thanks. I'm trying."

"What are you going to do if Blaine rejects you?" Santana asked with a yawn.

His stomach sank again. "Wow. You're so supportive."

"I'm just trying to get you to think about it so you can be prepared for anything."

Kurt put his arm over his eyes and frowned. "I'll be heartbroken, of course. I'll probably cry for a month, but I think I'll be okay. Blaine has shown me I can fall in love again."

"Ugh, I'm going to vomit with how sweet that is. Stop."

"Want to hear something else?"

"I'd rather be asleep."

Kurt snorted. "Dad and I are working on things. We all talked and I think things are going to be better with him."

"Listen, if you tell anyone I said this, I'll deny it and punch you in the balls, but you seem like you again and you don't know how happy that makes me. Ugh. That felt gross."

With his heart warm, Kurt grinned into the darkness. "My lips are sealed."

When his alarm went off way too early, especially considering he didn't really sleep much, Kurt flopped out of bed with a grunt. After hanging up with Santana when she threatened him within an inch of his life if he called her again before noon, he had tried to sleep. However, he was restless so he worked on some songs and listened for signs Blaine was back.

He never did come back though.

Now Kurt had to hurry and get dressed and finish packing so they could make their flight. In the shower, he recalled he kept dreaming about Blaine, his dreams ranging from normal conversations to weird ones that he couldn't quite remember.

Once he was ready to go, he left his empty room and was about to go knock on Blaine's door with a pounding heart when it opened and a surprised Blaine came out.

He had just showered apparently because his curls were still wet and his face flushed. He was wearing a casual sweater and jeans and his glasses. Kurt longed to hold him, pull him close and breathe him in, but he couldn't. It was killing him.

"Hey. You okay?"

Blaine looked scared and sad all at once. That didn't reassure him.

"I'm fine. Is everyone ready?" All business. He might as well just stab Kurt right in the heart.

"I think so. Blaine—"

"I need some time…" Blaine looked down the floor. "I know it's awful and I'm sorry. I just have some things to think about. You said you would give me space."

"You have it." Kurt couldn't look away. This was going to hurt like a bitch. "I'll be here waiting. Whatever you decide."

Blaine nodded quickly. Kurt wasn't sure, but it looked like he might have tears in his eyes. "Until then, we should just be professional."

"Sure. Makes sense." No. That was stupid! They needed to move forward not back! He resisted the urge to throw a childlike tantrum.

"Okay. Then we should get to the van… Mr. Hummel."

Then he was gone and Kurt knew Blaine had just slipped from his fingers like sand.

By the time they settled into their seats on the plane, Kurt had decided he was going to get Blaine to talk. Not about them of course. That was forbidden. Just a friendly chat. He needed something. Anything.

Dani plopped into the seat next to him and with a book.

Kurt eyed her. "Um, what are you doing? That's Blaine's seat."

She shrugged and turned a page. "He wanted to trade seats. Said he wanted to talk to Tina about some keyboard stuff." She looked up at him and he tried not to show the pain on his face. "Is he okay? He looked… I don't know… off. I know you guys are close—"

"Nah. He's just fine. Would it bother you if I listened to music?"

She shook her head and went back to her book.

Kurt stuck his ear buds in and turned over. He hoped he could nap or something, just sleep forever. He heard Blaine was loud and clear. He didn't really want Kurt anywhere near him? Fine.

Sorry this chapter is so depressing lol don't hate us. The next one will be a little better!

*songs used:

-Break In by Halestorm

We do not own any songs used*