Chapter 17: We Only Part to Meet Again


Sebastian Smythe is officially in London!

Earlier this week Smythe was spotted at the premier shopping district, no doubt buying suitable clothes for the cold weather. Smythe, who lives in the sunny city of Los Angeles, has come back to London where he first started his career to film his new movie, The Age of Misrule:World's End, which begins shooting in a few weeks. Smythe was followed around all day by photographers, news reporters, and fans. Although most celebrities find the constant attention tiring, Smythe reveled in it, allowing the photographers to take as many pictures as they wanted and even posing with several fans.

"It's great to be back in merry ol' London," Smythe had told one reporter in his best British accent. "I love being back in the city that jumped started my career."

Smythe went on record saying how excited he was for his latest film and how he couldn't wait to officially meet the rest of the cast. Many have wondered if Smythe will visit his old club spots, where he loved to hang out back when he was a fresh face in the industry. The paparazzi have even gone as far as staking the places out in hopes of a glimpse of Hollywood's playboy. But other than his shopping trip, he's been absent from the public eye. One can only assume that it's because he's preparing for his role, and as a fan of the book series, I certainly cannot wait for all the inside scoop on the no doubt Blockbuster hit in the making.

Diane Baker – London Evening Standard


Late Sunday night, Kurt wrapped himself in his blanket and sat back against his headboard with his laptop. He reached for his ear buds and clicked the call button, only waiting a few rings before Blaine answered.

"Awe baby," Kurt cooed with a pout. "You look exhausted."

Blaine coughed a little and nodded. He was wrapped up in his own blanket and lying down in his bunk bed. "I am. Thank god we have a two day drive. I need the rest."

"Are you the first to get sick?" Kurt wondered.

Blaine shook his head. "Tony was, and now me. I heard Jeff sniffling this morning so he's next."

"And yet you managed to have an amazing show still," Kurt teased lightly. "I would know, I stalk The Warblers tag."

Blaine chuckled lightly. "Yes well, if we're all sick by the time we get to Arizona then we're not going to have a good show. David and Wes are already taking preemptive strikes against this cold. They're walking around with surgical masks and everything," Kurt laughed at the image. "Nick probably won't get sick though, he never does. And like I said, Jeff will be sick tomorrow."

"Are you taking any medication?" Kurt asked him.

"Yeah," Blaine nodded. "We have an on the road doctor so we should be alright."

Kurt pouted a little. "If I was there, I'd take care of you."

Blaine matched his pout with a smirk. "I know you would," he said with a hint of seduction and Kurt couldn't help but blush a little. "Go ahead and tell me what happened with the SSAA agent. I took some medicine right before you called so I'll be passing out soon I'm sure."

Kurt let out a small sigh of relief. "Well like I said in the text, it actually went really well. He didn't even ask me about our relationship, though I think that's because he knew me already. He was more interested in JBI's blog."

Blaine raised a confused brow. "What do you mean he knew you?"

"Mr. Butler, the agent, is a substitute teacher at McKinley," Kurt told him. "Apparently the reason he subs is because of his SSAA position. I guess it's easier for him to gain the students trust if they know him. He's a really cool easy going guy. I was shocked when I saw him."

"And he didn't ask you about us at all?" Blaine questioned. "Because that was all my agent asked me about."

Kurt shook his head. "No, not really. He was way more concerned about the blog than anything else."

"I can't thank you enough for bringing this to our attention, Kurt," Mr. Butler said. "I know the initial reason for this meeting was to evaluate you but I believe you are doing just fine. People don't seem to realize how much things like this website can truly affect a person's psyche though and we're very grateful to you for all the information."

"Of course," Kurt nodded. "Jacob's reign of terror needs to stop."

"I agree," Mr. Butler nodded with a friendly smile. "As far as your friend, give him these for me," he handed Kurt a packet of papers. "It's harder for kids like him to get a handle on things and while his coming to you is a good thing, it may not be enough. Let him know that the hotline is completely anonymous, so if he needs to talk, or even if he needs help talking to his parents, we can be there for him. We're not as scary as everyone makes us out to be."

"So you told him about Dave?" Blaine questioned with surprise.

"Yes and no. I didn't give him a name or anything. He asked me why I wanted to bring attention to the blog, other than the obvious, and I told him that I had a friend who just turned of age and that it confirmed his sexuality," Kurt explained. "And I told him how he came and talked to me about it and that JBI overheard the whole thing."

"What papers did he give you?"

"The same ones the nurse has in her office, but no one goes in there unless they're trying to get out of a test or something," Kurt replied dismissively. "Besides, I think he'll be more receptive to it if he got the info from me."

"I'm really proud of you," Blaine smiled softly. "It takes a special kind of person to put aside the crap Dave put you through and then help him in his time of need."

Kurt returned the smile and snuggled his blanket. "Thanks. I can understand where he's coming from, ya know. Even throughout all the bullying, with Tana by my side, it was easier for me than it was for him because I never lied about who I am. I can't hold a grudge against him. My parents raised me better."

Blaine nodded with understanding. "Speaking of Tana, how did the New Directions sleepover go?" he asked with a yawn.

Kurt rolled his eyes and groaned. "It went as expected. Lots of screaming and flailing and, you're fucking lying through your teeth, Hummel, though that one came from Puckerman and Zizes. They were both so convinced that I somehow photo-shopped the pictures and videos that my parents had to take them into the other room and talk them down."

"Why didn't you just show them my name?" Blaine chuckled.

"I tried, they flipped out before I could get that far," Kurt said with exasperation. "Now, they're on this, we gotta keep Hummel safe from the rats, kick," he imitated Zizes. "I swear those two are so beyond perfect for each other. I don't know why we ever questioned it."

"The most likely of pairings is often the most surprising," Blaine quoted a line from the soulmate book they were made to read in high school, his thoughts briefly shifting to Sebastian and Hunter. "Is that all you guys talked about? Or did you get any work done?"

"If by work you mean Rachel and Tana getting into it again about the solo, then yes, we got plenty of work done," Kurt replied sarcastically. "They argued here, they argued in the car on the way to school for yesterday's rehearsal, and they argued in the auditorium, while the rest us planned how to kill them both. Honestly, I'll be shocked if we win Regionals. Between the two of them constantly fighting and the perfection that is your alma mater, we're screwed."

Blaine smiled widely. "Yes well, the Dalton Academy Warblers have very high standards. They have a reputation to uphold."

"Uh, huh," Kurt deadpanned and Blaine laughed. "All I know is that their director is scarier than Sue Sylvester and that is saying something."

"And how do you know this?" Blaine asked with narrowed eyes.

"Don't look at me like that. I didn't do anything," Kurt said innocently. "But...Puckerman and Sam may or may not have gone to spy...with a camera," Blaine's jaw dropped in mock offense. "And they may or may not have been caught, and the director may or may not have had a few choice words for them."

"Oh I'm sure," Blaine laughed with a nod. "Hunter's not one for cheating."

"Hunter?" Kurt questioned and Blaine internally cursed for saying his name. "Is that Mr. Clarington? Do you know him?"

"I...yes, I know him," Blaine said cautiously. "He was my roommate at Dalton."

"Oh my God, can you tell me about him? Is he as scary as he seems? Or is it all an act? Did he really wrestle an alligator at whatever military school he went to or is that just something the students say? Oh! Did he really poison the history teacher so that he could steal his job?!" he asked with a gasp.

"What? Where on earth did you hear that?" Blaine asked wide-eyed.

"That's what Mr. Schue told us," Kurt shrugged.

"Your teacher told you that Mr. Clarington poisoned the history teacher in order to steal his job?" Blaine asked and Kurt nodded. "Unbelievable," he scoffed. "I swear the more I hear about this teacher of yours, the more I dislike him. No, Mr. Clarington did no such thing. Dalton men take pride in their work and to say that he didn't earn that job on his own is beyond offensive," Kurt shrunk back a little at being scolded. "And for the record, no, he's not that scary and yes, as far I know, he did wrestle an alligator."

"Ok," Kurt said meekly. "I didn't mean to upset you, sorry."

"You didn't upset me, love. Us Dalton men are just very protective of our own. I'm sorry I snapped," Blaine spoke gently.

"It's ok," Kurt assured him. "I'm sure I've snapped at you for no reason so we're good."

Blaine chuckled. "Yes you have, but I like it when you're feisty," he said seductively, though the moment was ruined when he yawned again. "Ok, I think it's time I turn in. Will you sing me to sleep?"

Kurt melted at the request and nodded. "Anything for you."


Kurt sat in the bleachers by himself Monday during lunch, with his ear buds in, listening to The Warblers' album. It was one of those days where he was missing his beloved deeply, more so than usual, and the last thing he wanted to do was be around people. He wondered if it was because Blaine was sick and his need to take care of those he loved was in high gear. Whatever the reason, he wasn't in the mood to deal with his obnoxiously annoying friends, and he certainly wasn't in the mood to deal with the tension between Santana and Quinn. He loved his girls but they were driving him absolutely crazy. It also seemed like all of his friends who were already bonded had pulled back on their affection for each other, as if they had decided not to overwhelm Kurt with their love since Blaine was so far away. But all it did was irritate him even more.

Kurt sighed before taking a bite of his sandwich and turning up the volume. There were days where he could ignore the ache and the longing, where he could distract himself from it all. But there were other days, like today, where he seriously contemplated getting on a plane and flying to whatever city Blaine was in. He knew he couldn't though. He made a promise to himself that he would deal with the feeling of loss, that he could handle being apart for the time being, and it was a promise he refused to break. That didn't stop him from imagining what it would be like to surprise Blaine, to jump in his arms and be spun around like a scene straight out of a romance movie. Just the thought of being reunited made his heart flutter and he knew that the wait would be well worth it in the end.

He closed his eyes and allowed himself to get lost in the daydream, humming along with the song. If there was one thing Kurt was absolutely certain of, it was that he would never tire of hearing Blaine and the guys sing. "I don't understand it, tell me how could you be so low," he sang out in perfect harmony with The Warblers. "Been swinging after the bell and after all of the whistle blows. Tried to go below the belt, through my chest, perfect hit to the dome, dammit babe," a stomp on the bleachers startled Kurt and he looked up to see Dave standing there watching him. "Hey," he greeted as he pulled his ear buds out.

"Hey," Dave said with a nod. "Can I sit with you for a minute?"

"Yeah, sure," Kurt nodded, pausing the song and turning his full attention to Dave as he sat down next to him.

"You ever get tired of obsessing over those guys?" Dave teased lightly.

Kurt gasped in offense. "I am not obsessed, just strongly dedicated."

"Yeah, sure," Dave scoffed with a good natured smile. "Does your soulmate know you're in love with Blaine Anderson?"

Kurt pressed his lips and held back a laugh. "You can say that," he said coyly with a wink. "So, what's up?"

Dave narrowed his eyes curiously and shook his head. "It's nothing really. I just...I had an idea that I wanted to get your opinion on," Kurt nodded at him to continue. "Well, I was thinking of maybe writing him letters," he said with a small shake of his left wrist. "I wouldn't mail them or anything, but I could like, keep them in a notebook or something and just give it to him after we meet. What do you think?" he asked, continuing before Kurt could answer. "It's a stupid idea, right? I shouldn't do it. I don't know what I was thinking."

"Hey, no," Kurt quickly said, placing a comforting hand on Dave's arm. "I think it's a wonderful idea. You should totally do it."

"Yeah?" Dave asked with a shy smile.

"Yeah, definitely," Kurt nodded enthusiastically. "I think it's actually pretty romantic," Dave looked away and blushed a little. "Though I wouldn't do it in a notebook, it'd be too easy to rip the pages out. I say write it as an actual letter, put in an envelope, and then put it away in a shoe box or something. That way you can keep the letters organized and labeled how you want, and you could even give him one letter of your choosing at a time instead of all at once."

Dave contemplated it for a moment before nodding. "Yeah, ok. I can do that."

"Good," Kurt smiled. "Oh yeah, I have some papers for you," he said as he reached for his messenger bag. "I didn't get them from the nurse's office so you don't have to worry about anyone seeing me with them, but I thought these could help."

Dave took the packet of papers and offered Kurt a sad smile. "I...thank you, Kurt. And I don't just mean for this, but for being so cool about everything. I keep thinking you're going to rat me out or something and instead you just keep helping me. I'd kinda be lost without you right now so just...thanks."

"I would never do that, Dave," Kurt assured him gently. "I'm glad you came to me and I promise that I'll always be here if you need to talk. And if you don't want talk to me, you can talk to them. Either way, I got your back."

Dave nodded, folded the papers, and slipped it into his inside jacket pocket. "Thanks, man."

Kurt smiled and held his fist up. Dave smirked and pounded Kurt's fist with his own. "Sure thing. It's what friends are for."


Hunter walked down the halls of Dalton towards the Warbler common room early that afternoon. It was his free period and while usually he spent the time in his classroom grading papers, the silence was too much to bear these days. So instead he spoke with the council members and called an emergency Warbler rehearsal. Not that there was any real emergency. He just needed the distraction.

He had thought that the pain would slowly dissipate. He thought that he would be able to put his misery aside and live his life the same way he had for the past few years. But every single morning he woke up with a black hole surrounding his heart and a rain cloud over his head. He had to force himself out of bed every day or he would stay there, wrapped in a cocoon of emotional torture. He told himself every morning that if Sebastian could handle the pain, if Sebastian could live his life despite feeling like the world around him was caving in, then he could too. That didn't mean it wasn't the hardest thing he'd ever experienced. He felt like he was constantly running on empty and he admittedly worried about how long he would last before breaking.

Hunter let out a short breath and shook the thoughts of his love away, but as he entered the common room, he couldn't help but overhear his students talking about his Sebastian.

"Oh yeah, well I heard he's moving back to London to find himself a barely legal piece of ass," one boy said. Hunter halted, turning his head slightly in order to hear better.

"I don't know why he's going all the way to London for that," another boy answered. "He just needs to come back to Ohio. He'll have plenty of barely legal ass right here at Dalton."

"Like who? You?" a third boy replied.

The second boy grinned seductively. "You know it. One night with me and he'll be begging for more," he assured his friends, all of them unaware of Hunter's presence. "Smythe is a total manwhore. I heard he loves the innocent type and I'll gladly play the role for him."

"Mr. Vera," Hunter's voice rang out harshly, gaining the attention of every student. "I will not tolerate you speaking of a former Dalton Alum in such a manner."

"I was only kidding, Mr. Clarington," the boy replied with an eye roll.

"No, you weren't," Hunter said through gritted teeth, stepping closer to the senior so they were face to face. "You truly believed the crap you were just spewing and I can tell you right now that Sebastian Smythe would never in a million years give you the time of day. What you read in the tabloids about him is nothing but ridiculous gossip and you will not disrespect his name in these halls." The room was silent as Hunter had a stare off with his student. Realising what he had done, Hunter turned away from the small group of boys and stepped towards the front of the room.

"This goes for you too, Mr. Jacobs," he spoke firmly. "Don't think I didn't hear you talking nonsense about Blaine Anderson last week. I do not care what your personal opinions are on Sebastian Smythe or The Warblers, but you will not bring them ill will in their house," he turned to face his students. "Because this is their house. That little dance you were failing miserably at Mr. Fletcher, Jeff Sterling invented that dance in this very room. Those runs you were trying to imitate, Mr. Jacobs, Blaine Anderson perfected them without even trying. That table you're currently sitting at councilmen, Duval, Anderson, and Montgomery sat there first, and before Duval, it was Smythe's seat. Do not for a moment forget who paved your way boys. We are Dalton men, through and through, and we do not disrespect or dishonor our brothers. Is that clear gentlemen?"

"Yes, sir," the Warbler boys replied in unison.

"Good. Now, I took a trip to McKinley this weekend to do a bit of my own spying-"

"I thought you said that was cheating."

"They spied first, Mr. Vera. I was merely levelling the playing field," Hunter snapped. "Do you have any other brilliant assessments or may I continue?" the student shook his head and looked down at his hands. "As I was saying before I was so rudely interrupted by the always charming, Mr. Vera," Hunter said sarcastically. "I spied on the New Directions and if any of you think that we are in the clear for Regionals simply because of our legacy, than you are highly mistaken. Once they got passed the bickering and actually rehearsed, I saw just how formidable they are. They have some very powerful vocalists and a flawless counter tenor."

A counter tenor Hunter guessed to be Blaine's soulmate. He didn't know for sure, but he still remembered the name from years ago. He remembered how terrified he had been that Fate would play an awful trick and that Sebastian's name would appear on Blaine's wrist. So when Blaine told him that Kurt E. Hummel was the name of his soulmate, Hunter all but laughed with relief. He'd been following the media on them ever since Blaine found Kurt and he couldn't help but wonder if Kurt knew the truth of Sebastian's and Blaine's past. A truth he was now beginning to question. Was it all real? Was it as bad as he originally thought? Did Blaine truly betray him like he believed for years, or did he really let his old insecurities cloud his judgment?

"Their biggest mistake right now is not showcasing this young man's impressive vocals. Let's hope it stays that way or we are in very real trouble. We have Regionals in exactly three weeks, gentlemen. Playtime is over," Hunter took a seat in the chair facing their stage. "Whenever you're ready, council, show me what you've got."

As the Warbler boys scattered about to get ready, Hunter pulled his phone out of his pocket. He went into his contacts and clicked on Sebastian's info. His thumb caressed the picture on the screen, a single tear escaping before he caught himself. With a deep breath, he subtly wiped the tear away and pocketed his phone. I can do this, he told himself. Don't give up hope yet. He'll call when he's ready. The last five words had become his mantra lately, and he was desperately trying to hold onto it.


Hunter exited the Warbler room as soon as he approved of their performance and hurried to his classroom. His memories seemed to be overwhelming him today and he was having a difficult time keeping his emotions in check. He entered his empty classroom and closed the door behind him before plopping down in his chair. He only got a few moments of silence though before his door opened.

"Young man."

Hunter internally cringed at the voice. He knew that tone all too well and though it was rarely directed at him, he knew that it meant he was in trouble. He looked up at Mrs. Montgomery who was standing at his door. "Yes, Mrs. Mont-"

"Ah," Mrs. Montgomery held her hand up and cut him off. She walked into his classroom and shut the door behind her before locking it. "This is not a business call, Hunter," she said as she walked over to his desk, her tone much softer. "There's no Mr. or Mrs. in here right now."

Hunter's shoulders slumped as she took a seat in the chair next to his desk. He had been avoiding her for days and he knew his time for running was over. "Yes, ma'am," he spoke quietly, feeling more like a teenager and less like an adult.

"What's been going on with you, sweetheart," Mrs. Montgomery asked gently. "You haven't been yourself lately."

Hunter stayed quiet for a moment, his eyes downcast, and when he spoke, it was barely a whisper. "I spoke with him, with Sebastian." Mrs. Montgomery said nothing and waited for him to continue. "He asked me to go to London with him, gave me an ultimatum and I said no," Hunter looked up with tear filled eyes. "And as soon as I said no, I felt like my entire world shattered. And now he's gone and I'm left here wondering if he'll ever return."

"Am I to assume that Sebastian is now a bit numb to the world?" Mrs. Montgomery asked. "The way you were not but a few weeks ago?"

Hunter nodded slowly. "I think so, yeah. I guess it's that whole transference of emotion thing."

Mrs. Montgomery placed a comforting hand on his arm. "Then stop wondering and start having faith," she spoke with soft authority. "If that is what's happened between you then it means that he still loves you, deeply."

"You think so?"

"I know so," Mrs. Montgomery smiled gently. "I'm not the Soulmate Advisor just for a fancy title, son. I know you're hurting, but hang in there and have some faith. He'll come back when he's ready."

Hunter matched her smile and nodded, bringing her hand to his lips and kissing her knuckles. "Thanks, Mama."


Blaine was absolutely miserable. It was just past four in the afternoon and he had no recollection of where his day went. With the exception of a few phone calls with Kurt, he had been unconscious most of the day. When he woke this morning, the pounding in his head was worse than any hangover and the fever had refused to break. He was on a strict liquid diet and a medicinal regimen that would hopefully knock the cold out by tomorrow.

He was currently balled up on the couch in the back room of the bus with a multitude of blankets. His head hurt too much to watch TV but he was too wired to fall asleep again so instead he laid there and thought about how much he missed Kurt. He would give anything right now to hear his love's soothing voice but at the same time, he didn't want to worry Kurt any more than he already had. Kurt had actually told him that he was going to get on a flight and come take care of him but Blaine insisted that he stay in school. The last thing he wanted was for Kurt to see him like this, or worse, get sick himself. So no matter how badly he wanted his soulmate, no matter how badly he needed him, he would not call Kurt.

"This sucks!" he yelled out to no one before falling into a coughing fit.

"Yeah well, it's no picnic for us either," Wes' voice rang out from the doorway.

Blaine glanced up to see Wes in a face mask and surgical gloves, and groaned. "Go away, Wesley," he whined.

Wes smirked and entered the infection infested room. "Oh, so you don't want to know what my mother and I just talked about," he said as he took a seat a few feet away from Blaine. "She said she hopes you feel better, by the way."

Blaine groaned quietly and forced himself to sit up. "What did you two talk about?" he asked suspiciously. Wes gave him a look and a sudden wave of energy coursed through him. "About Seb and Hunter? What did she say?" he asked eagerly before coughing again.

Wes cringed and moved further away. "Not much, just that Hunter's having a hard time right now."

Blaine reached for his water bottle and took a few sips. "How come? Is he alright?"

Wes shrugged. "As alright as he can be I guess. She wouldn't say much but from what I've gathered, Sebastian and Hunter have talked and although she hasn't spoken with Sebastian, she's thinking he's not exactly doing well either."

Blaine nodded, only to groan in pain from the motion. "I'll text Seb in a little bit, see if I can get him to talk to me."

"And I'll give Hunter another call. He seems to be avoiding me," Wes sighed, turning towards the door as David walked in with a bowl of soup. "Oh dear Lord," he muttered with a shake of his head.

Blaine turned to David and scowled. "Don't you think that's a bit much?" he asked with annoyance. David wasn't wearing a mask and gloves, but a full body medical suit with a complete face shield attached.

David set the bowl of soup down on the pullout table and quickly stepped away from Blaine. "No way, brotha. You two are death right now and I ain't taking no chances."

"Not cool, man!" Jeff's voice rang out from inside his bunk bed where Nick was curled up next to him. He wasn't nearly as sick as Blaine but the cold took a firm hold on his lungs.

"It's the truth," David shouted back. "If I could fit a bubble ball in here, I totally would."

"You could," Jeff called out. "Body bubble suit."

David grinned underneath the mask at the brilliant idea. "And that is why you are my favorite," he said to Jeff who merely stuck his hand out of the bottom bunk and gave David a thumbs up before retreating. "Eat your soup, Blainers," David instructed and started making his way out.

As David walked past the bunk beds though, Jeff stealthily slipped his hand out and grabbed David's ankle. David yelped, jumping a few feet in the air at the sudden contact. "No! Don't touch me!" He shouted frantically.

Jeff fell into a fit of laughter as David freaked out and yelled about germs before falling into a coughing fit. Nick soothed Jeff's chest as he half laughed half coughed, Blaine holding back his own laughter as best he could while Wes simply shook his head.

"I hate you Jeffrey! With a damn passion!" David shouted and Jeff only laughed harder. "You're not my favorite anymore!"

"But you're mine!" Jeff responded through his fits. When he finally calmed down, he held Nick's hand over his chest and groaned at the pain. "Fuck that hurts, but damn that shit was funny."

Nick chuckled and kissed his cheek. "You wouldn't be laughing if you passed out from being unable to breath."

Jeff hummed with a smirk. "It so would've been worth it."

"I'll let you get some rest," Wes said to Blaine as he stood up. "Eat your soup, take your meds, and pass out again."

"Yes, sir," Blaine nodded with an eye roll though a smirk played at his lips.

He waited until Wes left before scooting over to the bowl of soup. He hummed with appreciation as the hot liquid traveled down his throat before grabbing his phone and going into his messages.

To Kurt:
Would the fans be mad at me if I murdered David?

To Sebastian:
I feel like death.

He took another spoonful before a new text came in.

To Blaine:
Yes, honey. The fans would probably hate you if you murdered David. What did he do?

To Kurt:
Asshole is wearing one of those hazmat suits. He's covered head to toe because apparently Jeff and I are walking death. I hate him.

To Blaine:
Lol sorry but there's a good chance I would've worn one too had I come up there. Sue would kill me if I got sick with competition next week.

To Kurt:
MEANIE!
No, not really. I'd forgive you as long as you gave me a special kiss down under. ;)

Blaine grinned wickedly at his reply. He would bet his entire fortune on the fact that Kurt was blushing right now.

To Blaine:
I'm in rehearsals! You can't say things like that!

Blaine laughed to himself before replying one last time.

To Kurt:
I'd say sorry but I'm not. ;p I'm going to go pass out again. Love you. Have a good rehearsal.

To Blaine:
Love you too. Feel better. Call me later.

Blaine went to set his phone down but decided to send Sebastian one more text. Once he hit send, he tossed his cell phone on the couch and finished his bowl of soup.


To Sebastian:
I just remembered the time difference. I hope I didn't wake you. Just know that I am dying and Jeff is well on his way.

Sebastian read the texts but didn't reply. He'd let Blaine think he was sleeping and answer in the morning when he knew Blaine would be asleep. He did feel bad that his best friend was feeling so ill though. It was one of the biggest drawbacks of traveling all the time. He would know. While he wasn't sick yet, he could feel the tickle in his throat hinting at the oncoming cold.

He left his phone on the table in the living room and walked out to the terrace that overlooked the Thames River. He was staying in a Royal Suite at the Savoy in London and though he didn't need the space nor particularly cared about the luxury, he did love the privacy. He pulled up the hood of his sweatshirt as the breeze rolled in and grabbed his cigarettes out of his pocket. He knew he shouldn't be smoking, that he was merely substituting one substance for another, but he didn't care. He lit the cigarette, took a slow deep drag, and leaned on the railing.

The only things he felt right now was the chill in the air, the tickle in his throat, and the sympathy for Blaine. Everything else was muted. Every emotion, every fleeting thought, was as numb as a patient on Novocain. He was numb to the world and he wasn't even sure how he was supposed to feel about it. He thought he would be happy about not being able to feel the pain that Hunter caused him. He thought he would be relieved. And for a few days, he was. But as he walked down the familiar streets of London and he thought back to when he got his first break here, he felt nothing. No joy. No relief. No excitement for his new role. All he felt was stress and that was why he was smoking. Not that it excused his nasty habit. He actually hated that he smoked, almost as much as he hated how he drank. But that didn't stop him from taking another drag.

The view was beautiful but he was too dead inside to enjoy it. In a lot of ways, he didn't feel like himself anymore. He wondered how Hunter handled feeling so empty. "I could feel it almost start to change. But then it hurts too much, that's when it starts to fade," he sang out to the night quietly, his thoughts consumed with Hunter. "So cold baby, now I'm going crazy. I don't know why you'd leave me alone. If it was true, if it was you, don't you think, don't you think I would know?" a single tear streamed down his face though he felt no sadness, only overwhelming emptiness. "Amnesia, every memory fades away till it's gone. Where did you go? Amnesia, everything and nothing, no 'we' anymore, he's a stranger that I used to know."

Back in Ohio, Hunter felt a sharp pain in his heart and in front of the student he was tutoring, he couldn't control the quiet sob that escaped his lips.