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Chapter 9: Goodbye to the Old

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He stayed at the Hudmel house until Sunday after Thanksgiving and when he walked into the airport with Kurt without more than his wallet on him, Kurt turned to him, arm in a sling and his other hand wrapped around the handle of his suitcase. His father had given him a big hug but then let him walk in on his own.

"Dad is being reasonable about this and he's an overprotective mama-bear." Kurt stared Sebastian down as they spoke in French. "You do not need to fly to New York with me. I never even take you to the airport."

Sebastian slid his hand around the back of Kurt's head and held him there as he looked into those ocean eyes completely serious. "I am not you. I am going to see you home."

"You sound like the busy-body one now." Kurt tried to joke. "I'm the mothering one."

A scowl crossed Sebastian's lips, already knowing that Kurt didn't mother him, just everyone else. Not that he wouldn't, given the right clues, but he thought Sebastian didn't want it, that Sebastian was completely self-sufficient and would balk. He thought Sebastian wanted to be the male in the relationship, the protector. Sure he was more than happy to be the protector and he was usually exactly as Kurt thought, but with Kurt he wanted to be complete equals. But right now, today, he was going to fit right into Kurt's notions about their relationship, he was going to be even more of a protector than ever.

"Today, I'm going to be the one who goes out of his way to ensure that someone else is happy and safe and healthy. I'm taking you home, Kurt, there's no argument to be had. There's nothing you can do to change my mind or stop me from doing this."

"But it's such a long and tedious thing to do."

"It's an hour and a half flight, each way, it's not long nor tedious." Sebastian rolled his eyes at Kurt's protest.

"But you have to wait around the airport and go through security, New York is especially bad."

"Nothing, Kurt, nothing." Sebastian reinforced his earlier claim.

"But..."

"Shut up." Sebastian ordered. "I'm going and that's final." He would have a hard time leaving once he got there too.

"Why?" Kurt looked at him as if he genuinely did not know what was motivating Sebastian here.

A small growl and then Sebastian's mouth was on Kurt's, hard, punishing and demanding surrender to his mouth and tongue. Kurt was unprepared and he dropped the case's handle, it fell with a loud clunk but neither paid it much attention. Only when Kurt hissed in pain when he forgot about his collarbone and tried to lift his arm, did Sebastian pull back.

"That's why." Sebastian glanced at his arm. "Because of what happened to lead up to it and what happened while you were in the hospital. Because of that blasted car." Sebastian was shaking but he tried to hide it. Kurt slid right up against him and wrapped his good arm around Sebastian, holding him, trying to calm him and reassure him with his nearness and warmth.

"I'm ok, 'Stien, all in one piece."

"Barely."

Kurt shook his head but didn't argue anymore. Sebastian ducked down and swept up the handle again and didn't let Kurt wheel it over to security.

"I already purchased my ticket." Sebastian had his other arm around Kurt. "Come on." They both had their tickets on their phone and there was a scan of each and then they got through security fairly easily, there were a couple of glances at the sling but they had both done preboarding and were able to get through security without the same sort of scrutiny.

Rachel and Finn were driving up separately, Sebastian would not be in the same room as Rachel for as long as he could help it. He didn't even want Kurt to be in the same room but Rachel was staying with Finn at the Hudmel house while she was home, in his room as his wife though she never acted that way otherwise. She also lived with Kurt but that was an argument for another day. He was already getting his way with the flight, he would not push his luck at the moment.

Kurt just didn't get it. He had asked but he didn't understand just why Sebastian was so upset, but then again, nobody had told Kurt that they hadn't been told about his being in the hospital by either Rachel or Blaine. They just didn't want to stir up that drama for Kurt while he was recovering.

Sebastian boarded before Kurt did and he took the suitcase in with him to put it up above him despite Kurt's protests. "It's a larger compartment, I have plenty of space for it and do you really want to try and go through the narrowest part of the airport with a pull-behind suitcase and a sling? Then try to squeeze it into that compartment? Remember, you're not supposed to jostle your arm."

Kurt groaned and just let him do what he wanted. "See you on the on the other side?" Kurt tried to tease but Sebastian just pressed a kiss to his forehead and then boarded the plane. He'd bought himself a first class ticket since economy was sold out for the holiday season. With all of them coming and going, they should have just driven, it was only about a 9 and a half hour drive from Lima.

First class finished boarding and were about to start on the business class and economy tickets when a man came up to the microphone. "Kurt Hummel, please come to the desk." Kurt did, wondering if they were going to bump him from this flight since they'd overbooked it or something. That would be just his luck with Sebastian already on board with his suitcase but not his ID or phone. He wondered if Sebastian already turned his phone off, would he be able to tell him he was bumped?

"I'm Kurt Hummel." Kurt claimed.

"We overbooked the flight." Kurt's heart sank and he opened his mouth ready to argue but the man kept talking. "So we're moving you up to first class since we still had a few seats open there."

"Why me?" Kurt asked carefully, it wouldn't be the first time someone tried to curry favor with his father through him, Hummel in Ohio was not super common. It was totally illegal if they asked for something in return.

"Special accommodations for the arm." He shrugged and glanced at the sling.

Kurt frowned, this reeked more of Sebastian's doing. "Are you going to move the kid with the crutches up too? How about that old couple each with a cane?"

"They're going to have accommodations, of course, we've already changed the ticket for the crutches kid but he's going in last so he doesn't trip people as they pass him. The rest will just be given more time to load, like always."

Kurt sighed and tilted his head. "What if I refuse to change my ticket?" The man looked at the woman next to him and they exchanged uncomfortable looks, not sure what to do about someone refusing first class tickets when traveling alone. Kurt took pity on them, just like Sebastian knew he would. He'd probably predicted this entire interaction and paid for the crutches boy to move up to first class too, just for plausible dependability on their part. So Sebastian would get his way. "Let me guess, my seat partner is going to be one Sebastian Smythe?" He lifted a brow and they shared another look. "Whatever, I'll take it. That's my ass of a boyfriend, after all."

"I wouldn't call him an ass." The woman frowned lightly and Kurt shook his head, she had absolutely no idea. Yet he'd be the first to admit it was also incredibly thoughtful and sweet. Or it would have been, had it not been Sebastian throwing his weight around and manipulating the situation to be exactly how he wanted it. He could have just asked Kurt if it was ok if he did this, that he really wanted Kurt up in first class with him, ask him if that was ok to change his ticket for him. Granted, Kurt probably would have said no or tried to pay for it himself, but still, he may have said yes.

Kurt walked right up to Sebastian and didn't even look at the ticket. He knew where he was going and Sebastian slid out of the seat and gestured for Kurt to get in first so there was no chance of anyone running into him if he was between Sebastian and the window. Kurt slid in and whispered furiously in French. "You know I left one manipulative bastard this year. I have no trouble doing the same a second time, might be easier now with practice."

"You just can't say thank you or be appreciative of someone looking out for your benefit?" Sebastian hissed back, pissed Kurt just got mad about it. "My manipulations are so obvious, I'm not the same as Blaine, don't you dare compare the two of us." Although in his desperation Blaine's manipulation was becoming more and more obvious. Why wouldn't he let go of Kurt? What was he getting out of it?

Kurt opened his mouth and then closed it and then blinked back tears. Great, now what? Sebastian thought in annoyance, he was just doing everything wrong these days with his drama-queen of a boyfriend. "I'm so sorry Sébastien, you're right, you're nothing like him, not even close. Can't even begin to compare the two. I'm so sorry I let my mouth get away from me and say such a hurtful thing."

"Geez, you're the one acting hurt here." Sebastian shifted uncomfortably, between the tears, apology, the French, the French version of his name, he was not sure how he was feeling. He was wafting from annoyance, to sympathy to being turned on. "I was just mad."

"You have every right to be. You're just trying to protect my arm and my future. I'm so sorry!"

Sebastian leaned forward and quieted Kurt with a kiss. "I'm not anymore. You're here, next to me, that's what matters. And I've got you right here for the next hour and a half. I couldn't be happier."

"You really are amazing, I can't believe you put up with me. Isn't there someone easier that you would rather be dating?"

"I don't want easy. I want you." Sebastian's words were honest but they had Kurt melting and he was going to have to remember that for the next time they argued.

Kurt let Sebastian make the first class seat even more comfortable with a pillow against the side of the plane, and another propping up his elbow to take even more pressure off of his shoulder. He slid Kurt's legs up onto his lap and his fingers traced the long length of his shin the entire flight. None of the staff members nor passengers said anything about Kurt's position.

They took a towncar home and Kurt used his good arm to pull Sebastian into his curtained off room and made love with him. It was a gentle experience as Sebastian was incredibly careful of making sure Kurt didn't hurt himself or to put any weight on Kurt that would aggravate his injuries. He spent a really long time just kissing the scratches and bruises on his hands, neck and face.

Afterward, he even took out an icepack to ice down Kurt's shoulder, just in case. "You're going to miss your flight." Kurt said when he realized what time it was when they'd been lying in his bed for a good hour afterward. Sebastian kept putting the ice pack on and taking it off every 20 minutes like he was supposed to.

"I'm not going home today." Sebastian laughed and Kurt glanced back at him in shock. "I'll go tomorrow morning, and get to Dalton before they even start, even if it means getting the private jet." He held up his finger when Kurt opened his mouth to argue. "What did we say? You're going to let me take care of you the way I see fit, right?"

Kurt hadn't recalled agreeing to that other than while they had sex but he closed his mouth and nodded, snuggling back into Sebastian's arms. "I'll let you get away with it this time." He would too, it was nice to be the one taken care of for once.

Sebastian traced Kurt's chest idly but then he remembered a conversation he had with his parents. "Hey, since I was at yours during Thanksgiving, I have to give up next weekend's flight out, my parents want to do a family Thanksgiving, even if it's not on the day or even week." He chuckled. "Not that we participated in that while in France."

"When in Rome, I suspect." Kurt said softly, not betraying a thought or feeling. "I did borrow you for quite a bit of time."

"I volunteered that time." Sebastian pressed a kiss onto Kurt's shoulder when he took the ice off again, his lips searing hot compared to the ice and cool skin. "I'll always volunteer to be with you over anyone else." Sebastian didn't let Kurt say anything in response to that as he continued. "My parents care about me too, they're just not as around as I'd like."

"Like most of the summer." Kurt closed his eyes as that mouth started pressing feather light kisses to his collar bone and shoulder.

"Exactly." Sebastian agreed. "They'd like you too, and would definitely be happy that I've settled down."

"Mmm-hmm... settled down, that's what you're calling this." Kurt teased as he was certainly not settled down at that moment. Neither of them were.

"I'll have to introduce all of you as soon as I can." Sebastian's mouth started going down Kurt's arm and heading toward his elbow.

"I-" his breath caught in his throat and he tried to power through it. "I'd like that."

Sebastian couldn't hide the hitch in his own breathing as he was very pleased with Kurt's easy agreement and that he wanted to meet them too. Meeting the parents was a big thing and he felt like he'd done his meeting with Burt all wrong but in the end, they were now stronger than ever. He wanted that for Kurt and his parents.

"We could always do a video meeting." Kurt pointed out and Sebastian shook his head.

"No way, I want it in person. You can video chat with them all you want afterward." He would have to eat his words one day as Kurt would talk to them far more than he did. His parents absolutely adored Kurt and nearly adopted him on the spot. They even liked Burt Hummel when they met him even if they couldn't be further apart or different. Burt liked them too and told Sebastian and Kurt as much during one of their dinners at the Hudmel House. The parents getting along was fantastic news.

He introduced them all to each other during Kurt's extensive month long break between semesters and while he was in Lima. Most of the break he spent in New York, trying to get as many shifts as possible to help make things a little easier second semester since he hadn't found a second job yet that paid as much as either the restaurant or Vogue. They'd been very accommodating of his injury and activity restrictions. They'd even let him do some of the books for extra hours when he said he did it for his dad's shop.

Sebastian also dropped that nugget of information to both Kurt and Isabelle in January during one of his weekend visits when he got them both to the same restaurant and officially introduced them in a different way.

Isabelle had just squealed with delight and enfolded Kurt not only into her embrace but also into the family. Kurt had been shocked but pleased and furious with Sebastian later on that night but it led to angry makeup sex, so Sebastian wasn't too repentant.

Sebastian went ahead to the coffee shop the next day and Kurt was going to meet up with him once he dropped off his audition tape for a performance he was interested in. His arm was better but he still protected it whenever he was on the subway or walking down the street.

Sebastian was sitting in the coffee shop, slowly drinking his first cup, knowing he'd get a second when Kurt arrived so he wouldn't have to drink alone. A boy around their age dropped into the seat across from Sebastian without asking. Sebastian eyed him nonplussed, he was attractive but rude even by Sebastian's standards.

He was stretched out, legs out and crossed and arm wrapped around the back of the chair as he eyed Sebastian as well. Clearly liking what he saw as he roamed his eyes over Sebastian again and again. "Hey, I'm Tim."

"Tim?" Sebastian had so much he wanted to say about that name and his behavior.

He flicked out a piece of paper that was folded. "This is my number. You'll be calling it after I make you scream my name over and over again. For you, I'd answer."

Sebastian took the piece of paper and opened it up, seeing Tim's name and number written clearly on it. "Give these out often?" Sebastian asked dryly. He folded the paper back up again.

"Not often, no, just the ones I think are worth my time and ones I think would be nice to hook up with again a second time."

"What is it with you and coffee shops, Sebastian?" Kurt asked in French but his use of the American pronunciation gave away his feelings, this wasn't just a gentle tease.

Sebastian straightened up and tore up the number. "Kurt! It's not what you think-"

"Damn." Tim commented, looking at Kurt and then back and forth between the two of them. Aware they were speaking another language that he probably couldn't understand or necessarily pinpoint which language it was quickly.

"That's my line." Sebastian snapped, now very annoyed.

"Damn, you're clearly taken and I have no chance with you if you're with him."

Kurt's face contorted into annoyance even though Sebastian knew it to be a compliment about Kurt. Maybe it wasn't, maybe it was just a small slight about not being the same type of guy as the one in front of him. If Sebastian liked Kurt, then Sebastian wouldn't be into a guy like the one who was slowly vacating his chair for Kurt to take over. Either way, the guy was getting the memo and Kurt shouldn't worry about what he was saying.

Sebastian didn't even respond to that, nor did Kurt, he just waited until the guy was no longer at the table before he turned and went to get his own coffee. So much for a second cup, Sebastian sighed, disappointed and relieved at the same time. Kurt returned and perched in the only other chair at the table, the same that had previously been occupied. "Do coffee shops just ask for infidelity?" Kurt sounded betrayed by coffee shops world wide if that were the case. It was like saying Broadway killed people, his sanctuary was on the verge of being ruined.

"No, but it is a meet up place." Sebastian traced the lip of his cup with his thumb, staring at the dark liquid. "I wasn't interested. He just sat down, I was about to tell him as much and to ask him to leave when you came in."

"You don't have to explain yourself to me. I'm not going to stop you from being your authentic self."

"If that were true, you wouldn't have come in." Sebastian eyed him carefully. "I want you to break in when someone is hitting on me. I don't hold back when they're hitting on you."

"I don't do the jealous thing. I tried once with Blaine and I didn't like it. I don't want to do it with you either." He hadn't spoken to the other boy, he'd just called Sebastian out on the similarities between the situations. The man had inferred their relationship correctly and backed out..

"I'm not going to cheat on you, Kurt." Sebastian reiterated for what seemed like the hundredth time. "If you see me in a compromising situation, please break in, because I don't want it." Sebastian reached out to place his hand over Kurt's. "Understand what I'm saying?"

"Karofsky-type of situation?" Kurt asked carefully and Sebastian nodded. "Black wrist band, situation?" Another nod. "Ok then. As long as you don't get mad at me if I do or how I do it."

"Agreed."

Kurt glanced at the window passed Sebastian to see behind him and smirked. Sebastian could see in his periphery that the guy was looking their way. Kurt got up, went over to sit on Sebastian's lap and kissed him deeply.

Sebastian spoke around their mouths. "Definitely do it this way again."

Unfortunately it was not the only time Sebastian had been caught in a questionable situation. Rachel had caught him and pulled Kurt over to look when he was chatting with a man in a clothing store. They were looking over a book of options while the man pointed things out, he kept looking over at Sebastian and his hand would sometimes brush Sebastian's. Kurt rolled his eyes at Rachel and then nudged her at first gently toward the doorway but then became a tiny bit more forceful when she kept talking and staring and trying to sew discord between the boyfriends.

Sebastian glanced over at them and they shared a smile before Kurt got her the rest of the way out. It wasn't the only time.

They were also not free of arguments, it seemed like they bickered every visit at least once and more than once Rachel would perk her head up and wonder if it was the end. It never was, they'd make up and be stronger for it.

Rachel showed Kurt a video of Sebastian dancing with a guy at Scandals. Kurt tipped his head as he watched it then looked at Rachel with a slow smile and a laugh. He walked away but explained his response to Sebastian later. Kurt had tossed the shirt that Sebastian was wearing in the video months ago, even before they were officially together.

Then sometime in the Spring, Sebastian was back for one last round of school tours and interviews and he and Kurt were fooling around in his bedroom when he heard a telltale squeal and a loud groan. Finn hadn't moved out for second semester as he planned, he hadn't gotten in but he did get a letter saying that he could come in the fall. So now, all three boys were planning to come then. The apartment would double in occupancy for as long as Sebastian couldn't convince Kurt to move in somewhere else. Maybe this trip would do the convincing for him?

They didn't leave the room right away but Sam had no decency and just barged in. "Kurt!" He froze when he saw Sebastian first and then found his little buddy and reached out to drag Kurt out of bed and into his arms. Sebastian lifted a brow, he did not think those two were as close as all of that, especially since Sam had become better friends with Blaine this year. Maybe at one point it could have gone that way, but then Kurt left McKinley to attend Dalton. Although that didn't seem to hinder Blaine's friendship with Sam.

"Come on!" Sam pulled Kurt out of the room, practically lifting Kurt off his feet and Sebastian followed in annoyance.

There were a couple of boys here now. Sam, Artie and Blaine, maybe the others being here would help moderate Blaine's behavior. Kurt went over to hug Artie hello but was unprepared for Blaine to wrap his arms around him while he bent awkwardly over Artie. Artie had also gotten to be pretty friendly with Blaine this year but had always felt just left out enough not to be blind to him. "Sorry." He whispered when he saw Kurt's face at being touched by Blaine in any way.

"Blaine, hands off." Kurt ordered and Blaine reluctantly let go. Sebastian was glad that he hadn't had to get involved and Blaine was getting better about accepting that Kurt didn't want to be touched, especially by him.

Finn came while they were all saying their hellos. He brought up a few of their bags since the other boys had carried Artie up. Rachel darted into Finn's arms and kissed him hello. It made Sebastian realize he hadn't seen the exit of Brody. He'd have to remember to ask Kurt about the flirt. Adam was still hanging about, they had plans to go see him and his boyfriend later today for lunch. Adam's plans though had him returning to England for the foreseeable future, the boyfriend wasn't going to go. Adam had a lead offer for a part there. It was an opportunity he could not turn down, nor should he if he wasn't getting anything here.

Santana announced she couldn't handle all the testosterone in the apartment and that she'd be staying at Dani's tonight. Sebastian didn't blame her, but it did give Rachel what she most desperately wanted – to be the only female surrounded by a horde of men who wanted to be around her, except Sebastian didn't and Kurt was always there and not interested in that way at all. Blaine should have also been a no, but he always lavished attention and praise onto her. Finn would too and Sam and Artie would at least be polite.

They chatted for awhile and Kurt made them all coffee. Sam and Finn both made faces when they took sips and Sam decided he wouldn't drink it but Finn dumped a pound of sugar and milk into it when he saw how Artie took his, he quadrupled it. Kurt drank his black today while Sebastian put some milk in his. They shared a look and Finn grinned at the two of them. "You two are so in love. I've seen Burt and Carole share those secret looks so many times, you know exactly what the other is thinking. It's so sweet! You two must be spending a fair amount of time together, that's great!" Finn had been brought over to the Kurbastian train after Kurt's accident. He'd seen Burt just totally fold Sebastian into the family and the family dinners when Sebastian was there but Kurt wasn't. There was no longer a seed of unease between them, there was plenty of conversation flowing now (and hugs); even while Finn was there.

Rachel looked uncomfortable and wanted to chide him that it wasn't their plan but she had to respect the audience around her and hold her tongue. She had known about the dinners but hadn't been part of them. She'd tried to convince Finn to cause problems for Sebastian there but he didn't follow through with it. He had been there when Kurt was too and had seen how much those two boys loved each other and how they all just worked as a family. Sebastian wished that Rachel could see it too, she was part of that family as well even though she never acted like it or acknowledged it except when it was in her favor.

They'd go to her house sometimes too, Finn and Rachel, when they were both in town. Kurt and Rachel didn't always come home to Lima at the same time. Sometimes Sebastian had to put up with Rachel and Finn all on his own. Burt and Carole did help out occasionally when it called for it, but it was mostly Rachel they had to run interference with. They usually just suggested that Rachel and Finn go spend time with her dads, they probably missed her too and would love to see Finn again. He felt incredibly touched that they'd lose out on time with Finn so they could keep Sebastian around.

Finn grabbed Sebastian and hugged him hello too once he had the opportunity to. Kurt had bolted into the kitchen and Sebastian had followed to help him cook and set things up for the group. "You don't have to be the one doing this, they're Rachel's friends too. Rachel was the one who knew they were coming and didn't tell you or Santana."

"No, she was surprised by their arrival too." Kurt whispered back. "That was a delighted squeal of surprise, not feigned surprise or just delight. Probably Blaine's idea and he probably convinced the other boys that we all knew they were coming but not to say anything themselves."

Finn hugged Sebastian, hard after lunch after they cleared and cleaned up all the dishes. Then swung around and tracked down his brother who had darted into his bedroom to change. He didn't care anymore that Kurt could be in the middle of changing, years spent together in the same house had changed his attitude. He wasn't all rippling muscles like the boys in the locker room, more delicate than that but still with muscles and a male body. It wasn't like he was walking in on Santana or even Rachel, despite being married to her. They hadn't spent much time together as a married couple.

Sebastian had once snorted and made the mistake to say it to Kurt, though he didn't know that at the time, what a mistake it was. "We've spent more time together as a married couple than Rachel and Finn. We've tried harder to make sure we stay in contact and see each other every chance we get."

Kurt was silent for a moment, they had been on the phone so Sebastian hadn't seen his reaction or heard anything from him. Then, slowly, Kurt spoke, hiding whatever his real feelings were on the matter. "Well... while Rachel has money, she's also trying really hard to succeed in New York. Finn was supposed to be here ages ago but things kept coming up in Ohio. Which, honestly, good for him, he needs some wins on his own. But Finn doesn't have the money or smarts to be able to leave Ohio at the drop of a hat whenever he wants to visit and still succeed in school."

It wasn't criticism over Sebastian or even really putting him in his place in anyway, he was just pointing out the fact that Finn wasn't a strong student nor had money to fly out even monthly. Kurt didn't broach the topic of them being a married couple, just pointed out Finn's side of things. They'd let the topic drop after that.

They heard Kurt's startled outrage at being interrupted by Finn barging in and hugging him. "Finn!" They all laughed at Kurt's protests. "Couldn't you have waited until I came back out?"

"Nope!" But he did return shortly after that and then joined Rachel and Blaine on the couch. Sam sank into the oversized plush armchair next to it. Sebastian knew it had been Kurt's purchase even though the rest of his purchases were more based on appearance than comfort. He didn't think any of them should get comfortable sitting around, though the bed and chair were both super comfortable, a way to heal and relax and rejuvenate. It still worked well together.

Artie had his own chair and Sebastian grabbed one of the kitchen chairs. It was more comfortable than the couch at least. Neither Rachel nor Santana protested the uncomfortable furniture, each too busy to really notice it themselves, but Finn kept shifting, trying to find a comfortable spot. The chair Sam was in was a nod toward Kurt's father and Carole, a way to keep them comfortable here too. They visited more than anyone else other than Sebastian. They usually swung up when they were in D.C. for dinner or something.

Sebastian didn't recall Santana's parents coming out even though they were close and Rachel's dads always got a hotel suite and had Rachel stay with them there when they visited. Kurt would have pointed out his biased view, his family didn't have the funds to stay in a lavish hotel but it didn't explain Santana's. Santana's mother had given her enough money for a full free ride to an expensive university that Santana had stored in her bank instead of using it since she'd gotten a free education, or she had until she left it. Now she was just doing other things. They obviously had money too.

Sebastian just thought it was because Burt missed his son more and was better at keeping in touch with him. He may be the poorest of all of them but he put in far more effort to be part of his son's life and would take in anyone who was part of it too.

Kurt came back into the room and Sebastian spun the chair he was sitting on around and retook his seat and patted his lap. Kurt shook his head, afraid their combined weight (which was less than Finn alone) would break the chair. He grabbed one for himself but he sat right next to Sebastian and linked their hands.

They'd all hung out in the living room, either on the floor or on the couch while watching movies and chatting. It wasn't all that uncomfortable, just not the overstuffed couches that Finn was used to that would often swallow Sebastian and Kurt up if they sat on it. Carole loved it, it was like being surrounded in a hug, she said. Burt had always stuck to his recliner. It was Finn and Carole who had brought the couch in when Finn broke the other one.

They chatted and caught up for a couple of hours. At lunch they'd all spread out through the city, they all had plans and things they were going to do and see. Shortly before they were to leave, Blaine cleared his throat. "I know I don't have a right to ask this, but will you come and see my audition at NYADA, Kurt?" Rachel was already planning on going.

Sebastian already knew Kurt's answer, he was too nice. "Uh... sure, I guess." It changed their plans completely but Sebastian wouldn't let him go alone. Blaine was bound to pull something ridiculous, especially if he wanted Kurt to come.

Sebastian started humming Keep It To Yourself whenever he saw Blaine and Blaine was within hearing distance. He sang it under his breath before Blaine was invited to the front of the room to audition. Given a special space since he had connections with some of the favorites of NYADA's freshman class and some of the best talent they had in any of the years for awhile now. They thought they were doing Kurt and Rachel a favor, even though Rachel was the only one to mention him to Carmen. Carmen had seen him at Kurt's audition though.

Blaine ignored Sebastian, even going so far as to glare at him and mouth no. Sebastian went to go join Kurt at some of the small tables and chairs around the room. Somehow Rachel had managed to let Blaine have a fair audience- Finn, Sam, Artie, Kurt, Sebastian and Rachel were all in there with him and Carmen.

Blaine's eyes locked onto Kurt and gave the most heartfelt rendition of When I Was Your Man by Bruno Mars anyone had ever heard. Sebastian's face slowly started contorting into more and more anger as tears started leaking out of Blaine's eyes. As Rachel started wiping at her own face and trying hard not to sniffle. Blaine had purposefully changed the pronouns and nouns so no one was in any doubt that he meant Kurt and Sebastian. To everyone else, even Kurt bought it, it was Blaine saying that he was giving up, he didn't want to and if there was any chance to let him know, but he was going to step aside and stop pursuing Kurt. It was an apology and expressing his sadness that they were over and letting go and a hope to move on as something new.

Rachel nudged Kurt to say something but Kurt didn't say a word, but he looked over to Blaine who was still staring at him expectantly and gave a small nod. Not a nod of wanting to get back together, but that he finally accepted the apology and was willing to move forward as long as Blaine was moving on and would stop harassing him.

Carmen was silent for a very long time then she gave a slow clap. "Very nice job, Mr. Anderson. We'll be in touch."

Sebastian narrowed his eyes and looked at the group, he nearly bit through his bottom lip in his anger. Blaine was just playing them all, trying a different tactic to get back in Kurt's good graces since his other ways weren't working like he'd hoped. He was getting nowhere with Kurt until now. He was just moving in on Kurt's territory again, he was going to try and take over this school as well. Steal whatever friendships Kurt had made with those here, the ones who had taken awhile to form and he would take the sycophants too.

It made him so mad that Kurt was falling for this, when he'd tried so hard to free himself, had been one of the first to realize he'd been played. He was being played again.

They had a massive row that night and it hadn't been resolved by the time Sebastian had to go home the next day. He had slept on the floor by Kurt's bed since he wasn't welcomed in it that night and he was going to let Hell freeze over before he left Kurt's room and allowed Blaine another in. He pushed back his flight so he'd be on the same one as Blaine, making sure that Blaine was on it, and not leave Blaine with access to Kurt.

It only irritated Kurt further than he couldn't trust that he'd be fine there with Blaine and the others. It wasn't like he was alone in the apartment with Blaine! Sebastian didn't care, he didn't give the shorter boy an inch now that he'd managed to pull the wool over Kurt's eyes again. He was the only one who could see the truth. He tried again to convince Kurt of this.

"He's changing!" Kurt argued. "He's apologized and said that he's going to stop. He's already stopped calling 8 times a day-"

"You never told me that!" Sebastian was even more furious now. "What, now he only calls 7 times?"

"No." Kurt held his gaze. "He's stopped calling daily, period. He'll just text like once a week now."

"You've continued to be in contact with him after everything he's done?"

"I don't respond." Kurt crossed his arms over his chest, feeling attacked.

"But you haven't blocked him either." Sebastian just looked at Kurt like he was crazy. Blaine was a manipulative bastard who had turned into a stalker for awhile there. Who knew if he wasn't still stalking Kurt?

"It's not as simple as all of that. He's friends with my friends. I couldn't just completely cut him out, he was always going to be around. We've discussed this before, Sebastian, why are you so surprised about it now?"

"I just didn't know he was still pressing so hard." Sebastian wasn't mad with Kurt, much, at least. Kurt was right, he'd told him he couldn't completely get rid of Blaine since the first day they talked. Since Blaine was so deeply embedded in their friendship circle and that they'd be going to the same school and following along the same career path if he could get hired. They'd be working together for years and they had to be able to work together well if they had any hope of being hired again. It was a small community and they couldn't let a break up cause discord between them. Others had relationships and worked through them. These two 'nobodies' needed to follow the long line of drama queens before them and set it aside for the art and craft.

Sebastian didn't like or trust it. Nobody else had someone so derange chasing after them, they weren't nearly that nuts nor experienced anything that nuts.

It was Santana who pointed out that they were artists and they were the ones who invented crazy.

It was Rachel that put it in perspective when they were all back to watch the Saturday performance of Grease at McKinley, one of the only plays to get off the ground at this school. "What exactly did Blaine actually do that was so bad to Kurt? Honestly? You claim he manipulated things, but you have no proof. We're still friends with him. He never hurt Kurt physically. He is a horny teenager who got drunk and tried to go a little further with his boyfriend at the time and they did sleep with each other later, so it wasn't totally unwanted... So he sang and begged and yelled and cried about it and didn't give up until it was undeniably over? So he sent phone calls and didn't tell you everything, he never had to tell you anything. Who hasn't done those things during a break up?"

Sebastian shut his mouth but not his eyes after that.