Chapter 28: Settling Back In


Blaine was writing away in his notebook when Kurt ascended into the attic. He poked his head inside but didn't enter, opting to watch Blaine instead. Kurt had no idea what new song Blaine was working on but his focused face was the cutest thing he'd ever seen. Not wanting to interrupt, Kurt started to make his way back down.

"You don't have to leave. I'm just about done," Blaine called out to him.

"How did you know I was here?" Kurt asked walking up the steps.

"I tend to create this sort of bubble when I write," Blaine said as he closed his notebook with the pencil inside. "I can always tell when someone pops it."

Kurt gasped, placing his hand over his heart. "I popped your bubble?" he pouted though a smirk played at his lips.

Blaine sucked in his lower lip, grabbed Kurt by the hips, and sat him down on his lap. "Oh yes. You popped it hard," he purred. He grabbed Kurt by the shirt collar and crashed their lips together. Kurt deepened the kiss, moaning softly as Blaine's hand rubbed his thigh. He pulled back and exhaled slowly. He was having one of those moments where he couldn't grasp the fact that Blaine was truly meant to be his. "How was the mall?"

A flash of something Blaine couldn't quite distinguish ran across Kurt's face for only a split second. "It was fine," Kurt said though Blaine could tell he was lying. "We mostly walked around but it was nice spending time with my girls."

Blaine narrowed his eyes a bit, taking in Kurt's forced smile and tense shoulders. "What happened?" he questioned. "And please don't lie to me about it. I know something's wrong."

Kurt's shoulders slumped. He knew he wouldn't have been able to get away with not telling Blaine. "Nothing bad," he assured Blaine. "Not exactly. We might've had to hide for a little while though. But only because JBI's rats were all over us! The fans that saw us said hi and followed us for a little while but they were surprisingly respectful."

"JBI's rats? I thought we took care of the JBI problem?"

"We did," Kurt said quickly. "It's just the AV club people. They kept trying to get in my face about how it's my fault that JBI was taken to that clinic. They're his weasels but they're completely harmless," Blaine nodded unconvinced. "Trust me, everything's fine. How was your day? What were you working on when I came up?" Kurt deflected.

Blaine hummed an exhale. "Kurt, I need you to be honest with me, please. How bad was it?"

"Honestly, it wasn't that bad," Kurt promised. "The reporters that saw us will probably make it into something worse than it is but it wasn't anything we couldn't handle."

"Then why were you being so evasive?"

"Because I don't want you to worry about me," Kurt snapped though it sounded more like a whine. "Blaine, once you're gone, we're going to have to be able to handle whatever is thrown at us. I'm going to have to be able to deal with the paparazzi and over eccentric fans. I've told you before; I need to be able to protect myself. You just have to give me the chance."

Blaine smiled gently, lifting his hand to Kurt's cheek to caress. "You're right. I'm sorry. But you have to tell me when something happens, even if it's miniscule, even if you've handled it. I don't want to find some over dramatized story in the news and then panic that something has happened."

"I know. I'm sorry too. I just hate to worry you." Kurt leaned in and kissed Blaine sweetly. "How was your day? What were you working on when I came up?" he asked again with a smirk.

Blaine chuckled. "My day was great actually," he smiled. "I got to talk to Sebastian for a while and he finally opened up to me. I was working on a song for him."

"You were writing Sebastian a song?"

"Mhm," Blaine nodded. "Seb's always had a very complex thought process and more often than not, he can't make heads or tails of things. When we were at Dalton, I used to take his jumbled up mess of a mind and write songs for him. I even wrote songs for him to study with, especially for Chemistry," he smiled at the memory. "Science and Math was never really his thing. But anyway, he's doing great with the movie and all, but his head and his emotions are kind of a mess. I'm hoping the song will bring him some clarity."

"Could I hear it when it's done? Or would it be too personal?" Kurt wondered.

Blaine thought about it for only a moment before nodding. "I'll play it for you when it's done. I doubt Sebastian will mind. What Sebastian did mind, however," he pouted, "is the fact that you tricked me into telling you how to beat The Warblers."

"I did no such thing," Kurt denied feigning offense.

"Oh yes you did," Blaine argued. "You know that I cannot resist when you do that thing with your tongue and you used it against me! I'm a traitor and it's entirely your fault!"

Kurt smiled deviously. He grabbed Blaine's face and turned it to its side. He leaned forward and lapped his tongue over a spot on Blaine's neck that drove him wild. Blaine hadn't even known he had that spot until a few days prior. "You mean right here?" Kurt whispered sultrily.

"Mean, so mean," Blaine muttered, unable to resist tilting his head further to give Kurt better access. "You know I can't even think straight when you do that," he said desperate for Kurt to continue.

"I know," Kurt said smugly. He pulled away and giggled at Blaine's whine. "I didn't get you into too much trouble did I?"

Blaine turned a playful glare at him. "Oh yeah, I'm in deep shit because of you. Wes is going to castrate me when he finds out."

Kurt pouted, his eyes wide with innocence. "I'm sorry sweetheart. Is there any way that I can make it up to you?" he asked. Blaine bit his lower lip but didn't say a word. "You know, we have the house to ourselves."

"Do we now?" Blaine asked lowly.

Kurt nodded. "Dad and Carole went over to the Berry's house for dinner and Rachel's dads like to sing show tunes after eating. They'll be there for hours."

"Well in that case," Blaine said, pushing Kurt off of him and standing up. "We have yet to break this futon in," he led Kurt to the futon, taking a seat first and guiding Kurt to straddle him.

"Why, Mr. Anderson," Kurt spoke sweetly. "Are you suggesting that we fornicate on the furniture my family bought for you?"

Blaine nodded, crashing their lips together in a quick but heated kiss. He pulled away and licked up Kurt's jawline, his teeth nipping at Kurt's earlobe. "Undress for me," he whispered hotly. "Slowly."

"Yes, Mr. Anderson," Kurt said with innocence and wide doe eyes. Blaine bit his lip and watched Kurt strip for him. He may call Kurt sir when the tables are turned, but he was Mr. Anderson and nothing quite turned him on like the way Kurt played innocent. "Like this, Mr. Anderson?" Kurt asked shyly, his shirt slipping over his head.

"Just like that," Blaine answered lowly. He kept his eyes on Kurt and undressed, lifting his ass to remove his pants and boxers. He beckoned Kurt with his finger and pointed to the floor. Kurt got on his knees and settled in- between Blaine's legs. "Such a good boy," he stroked Kurt's cheek, his hand traveling to the back of Kurt's head. He gripped Kurt's hair and tugged lightly. "Show me what that pretty mouth of yours can do."

"Of course, Mr. Anderson," Kurt nodded eagerly. "I can't fail this course. I need all the extra credit I can get." Kurt gingerly lifted Blaine's throbbing erection and licked the underside. "Like this? Or maybe more like this?" he took Blaine's cock into his mouth and screwed his head around.

"Fuck," Blaine threw his head back, his eyes closed and a satisfied smirk on his lips. "Just like that, baby."

Kurt's head bobbed up and down, alternating between humming and playing with Blaine's balls. He pulled back and looked up at Blaine through his lashes. "Will you let me pass now, Mr. Anderson?"

Blaine sucked in a breath and looked at him. He shook his head. "Oh no. This will get you a passing grade on the test, but not the course."

"What else can I do?"

"Get up," Kurt was on his feet instantly. "Turn around and bend over."

Kurt obliged, his hands holding onto his thigh and sticking his ass in the air. Blaine kneaded his ass cheeks before parting them and licking Kurt's puckered hole.

"Mr. Anderson," Kurt groaned, looking behind to watch Blaine.

They tried rimming only once at the cabin and Kurt had nearly exploded with want. He watched as best he could as Blaine's tongue dove inside him, his ass clenching with pleasure. Blaine pulled back and inserted two fingers to finish stretching him, their eyes meeting. Kurt was panting and Blaine took great pleasure in watching him squirm.

"Come sit on my lap, baby," Blaine instructed. "You've been such a good student. I think it's time for you to have your final exam."

"Yes, Mr. Anderson," Kurt breathed, placing his legs on each side of Blaine. He allowed Blaine to guide him down, groaning as Blaine filled him entirely. "Oh, Mr. Anderson, I think this is the best lesson I've ever had."

Blaine gripped onto Kurt's thighs and bucked his hips up. Kurt threw his head back and gasped. "Ride me, Kurt," Blaine enunciated the T. "Show me how hard you can work."

Kurt's ass bounced up and down on Blaine's cock, his legs squeezing Blaine's. Blaine bucked his hips up against Kurt, picking up speed as they grew closer to the edge. Blaine let go of Kurt's thighs, placing one hand around the back of Kurt's neck and wrapping the other around Kurt's leaking cock. Kurt's breathy moans intensified. Blaine pulled Kurt's face forward and kissed him hard, their sounds of pleasure vibrating inside them and through them. Blaine felt Kurt clench around him and pumped harder. Kurt mewled into his mouth as he came but Blaine didn't let go. He bucked his hips harder, faster, pulling Kurt's hair until he came hard. Their movements slowed down but neither pulled back right away. Their hips came to a stop but their mouths continued to kiss with ferocity. When Kurt finally detached himself from Blaine, he let out a shaky breath. Their breathing was labored, their lips swollen.

Kurt rest his forehead on top of Blaine's and chuckled, lifting him just enough to pull Blaine out and then sat back down. "Did I pass?" he asked with a smirk.

Blaine laughed and nodded. "With flying colors," he pulled his head back to look at Kurt. "I want a house with a secret room attached to our bedroom."

"Oh yeah?"

"Oh yeah," Blaine confirmed. "It'll be our sex room. We'll have everything for my role play needs and everything for your domineering needs all ready for us. And on the nights when we make love, we'll open the blinds on the sunroof so that we can fuck under the stars."

"Our bedroom has a sunroof now?" Kurt asked amused. "Definitely," Blaine smiled.

"You know, the more and more we discuss our perfect house, the more I think it doesn't exist," Kurt pointed out.

"It's fine if it doesn't. In fact, I prefer that it didn't. We'll buy some land and build our perfect house."

Kurt leaned forward and brushed their noses, a happy sigh escaping his lips. "I like the sound of that."


Later that night Blaine was curled up on Kurt's chest watching a movie that he had absolutely zero interest in. His thoughts were too wrapped up in his parents, mainly his father. He'd been avoiding it since Kurt brought it up but as he lay there now, Kurt's fingers playing with his curls the way his mother used to, he couldn't help but wonder. What would he do if something happened to the man who raised him? How would he feel? Would he be sad or relieved? Would his father's final words to him be kind or would they be full of anger and disappointment? Blaine hated to think that even on his death bed his father would show him discontent. His mother often told him that his father loved him but he simply didn't know how to show it. Maybe it was time he made an effort and stopped living in the past. His father certainly wasn't going to make the first move.

"Penny for your thoughts?"

Blaine looked up to see Kurt watching him. With a soft sigh, he snuggled his head further into Kurt's chest. "How long have you been watching me?"

"Long enough to know that the absolute last thing you care about is this movie," Kurt said with a slight tease. "What's on your mind?"

Blaine didn't answer right away and Kurt didn't push him. He waited until Blaine was ready and continued to play with his loose curls. When Blaine finally spoke, it was nothing but a whisper.

"I think it's time I spoke to my dad."

Kurt's hand stopped moving. "Is this because of what I said the other day?" he asked, his voice laced with guilt.

Blaine sat up and scooted back to rest on the headboard. Kurt turned the TV off with the remote and sat back with him. "Yes and no," Blaine admitted. "You got me thinking about it but none of what you said was untrue so please don't feel guilty," Kurt offered a small smile and nodded. "I keep thinking, what if something happens to him or what if we never talk again? I keep asking myself how I would feel if he was gone for good and would he still hate me on his death bed."

Kurt reached for Blaine's hand to hold. "Oh honey."

"And I can't do it," Blaine continued with a humorless laugh. "I can't keep living not knowing. I can't keep going on with my life wondering what if, and I don't think I can live with myself if something were to happen to him. He may be a bastard but he's still my father. I'm not a child anymore. I can't keep hiding from him."

"What are you going to do?"

Blaine took a deep breath as he made his decision. "I'm going to go see him. Before I leave on tour, I'm going to go see my dad. For the first time in years, I'm going home."

Kurt smiled softly. "I'm proud of you for wanting to fix things. I can go with you if you like."

Blaine shook his head. "This is something I need to do on my own. Don't get me wrong, I'm kind of terrified. I'm sure talking to him will be the equivalent to getting my teeth pulled without Novocain," he joked lightly. "But I need to do this. I know there's a good chance that it'll be a complete disaster but I can't go on without at least trying."

"Whatever the outcome, I'll be here waiting for you."

Blaine leaned forward and kissed Kurt softly. "Thank you. I love you."

Kurt kissed him again, their noses brushing. "I love you too."

A gentle knock on the door grabbed their attention. "Boys, we're home," Carole said with an exhausted smile.

"Did you have fun at dinner?" Kurt asked with a knowing smirk.

Carole chuckled lightly. "That's one way to put it. We brought ice cream. Are you in the mood for some sundaes?"

Blaine immediately perked up. "Are there any nuts?"

"Nuts, cherries, caramel and chocolate syrup," Carole smiled. "I'm in," Blaine said already getting out of bed.

Kurt followed. "Dad's not getting any is he?"

"You bet your ass I am!" Kurt heard his father yell from the end of the hall followed by his retreating footsteps.

"Dad!" Kurt hollered out for him. "Don't even think about it!"


Saturday before school started back up, Kurt and the Glee club girls had a sleepover at Santana's house while the boys slept over at his house and hung out with Blaine. They were supposed to be discussing songs for Nationals but one suggestive comment from Quinn led to one from Santana and before he knew it, the girls were drilling him about his sex life with Blaine.

"I know you, Hummel," Santana hollered over the ruckus. "You're probably into all kinds of kinky shit; whips, chains, handcuffs. Don't try telling me you two don't be getting all nasty."

"You into BDSM, Hummel?" Zizes asked, Kurt's face flushing a deep red. "Damn, I bet you get all into it too, leather corsets and everything."

"Blaine probably sings as he cums," Quinn chimed, the giggles around the room growing louder.

"Alright, enough!" Kurt yelled from the behind the pillow he was using to cover his face. "We are not talking about my sex life!" he said firmly though he wore a smirk.

"Just tell us one thing," Tina begged. "In all the years that you imagined being with Blaine, how much better is the reality?"

A seductive smile graced Kurt's face, flashbacks of their time in the studio running through his mind. His reality was a thousand times better than his old fantasy.

Santana whistled. "Damn, Kurt. If that isn't the most telling smile," she teased.

Kurt threw the pillow at her. "Leave me alone, Satan," he grumbled. "And no more talk about Blaine," he directed at the others. "We're supposed to be coming up with song ideas, not talking about my sex life."

"Kurt's right," Rachel said with a nod. "We need to figure out the best approach for Nationals," she turned to Kurt expectantly. "Did you talk to Blaine about The Warblers?"

Kurt rolled his eyes. "Yes, I did and while getting him to tell me the best way to beat them was fun, I also feel really bad. I made him betray his friends' trust. When the guys find out, especially Wes, Blaine's going to be in deep shit."

Rachel raised her hands in surrender. "All I did was merely suggest that you ask him for advice. I never once told you to use your new found sexual prowess to get him to tell you all their secrets."

Kurt scowled at her. She was right. It had been his idea to seduce Blaine for information. Rachel had even told him that he was taking it too far. But he was determined to beat Dalton Academy so he played a little dirty.

"So, what did you find out?" Mercedes asked.

"According to Blaine," Kurt started cautiously. The girls would either believe his soulmate to tell the truth or they would think Blaine tricked him. "The fact that I'm a true countertenor gives us a major advantage. Dalton hasn't had a countertenor in forever. He thinks we'll have a really good shot at winning if I sing the solo."

The room was quiet for a moment, the girls glancing at each other questioningly. "You sure he isn't just setting you up?" Santana asked what they were all thinking though in her heart she knew that Blaine would never play Kurt.

"I'm positive," Kurt assured them. They all looked at Rachel, as if waiting for her to explode. "Rach?"

Rachel didn't explode however. Instead she reminded herself of her New Year's resolution; to let the others shine, to let them have the opportunity to be stars even if they weren't meant to be one. But more importantly, to try her best to be a better friend to Kurt. Out of everyone in Glee club, Kurt was the one Rachel related to most, he was the one she so desperately wanted a relationship with. She knew that his Unholy Trinity would fall in line after him and eventually the rest of the girls would follow. This was her chance to show them that she could be a team player, and just maybe, she could finally have friends to truly rely on.

"I think that's a great idea," Rachel finally said, all eyes on her widening with shock. "You're our secret weapon, Kurt. The Warblers wouldn't know what hit them," she turned to Santana. "Our second song could be an all-girl number and then maybe our last song could be a duet with me and Finn and the rest of New Directions as backup?"

Santana crossed her arms, admittedly impressed by Rachel's plan. "That's actually not a bad idea, Berry," Rachel smiled with pride. "One problem though. Mr. Schue is not going to be down with giving Kurt the solo."

"Well he's just going to have to be," Rachel shrugged uncaringly. "I love Mr. Schue, he's been a wonderful mentor," the girls and Kurt rolled their eyes. Mr. Schue was an awful mentor and they all knew it, "but he can be a little short minded. I'm sure once we explain to him why Kurt is our perfect choice, he'll be totally on board." They all looked at each other unconvinced but Rachel simply smiled. She was certain that Mr. Schue would understand.


Puck sat on the couch furthest away from Blaine and watched the guys interact with him, his heart heavy with envy. He wished that he had the balls to talk to his idol, because yes, Blaine Anderson was his idol. He wished he could find the words to express to Blaine exactly how much his music helped him growing up. But he didn't even have the nerve to say hi and it sucked. While his friends were getting to know Blaine, all he could do was awkwardly stare and he hated it.

"Tell them about how Kurt totally whooped your ass last night, B!" Finn exclaimed with a mouthful of food. Puck scowled. He hated his best friend for being comfortable enough to call Blaine B.

Blaine shook his head and groaned. "Kurt is brutal. I am never playing Mortal Kombat with him again."

Artie sucked his breath in. "Yo, Kurt's a beast at Mortal Kombat."

"What happened?" Mike asked.

"We were playing five rounds right," Blaine started to explain, the boys listening intently, "and I was totally kicking his ass. I was certain I would win. I even felt bad because I won four in a row."

"Kurt totally played him," Finn smirked. "He was being all pouty and acting all hurt that he was losing."

"Who were fighting with?" Sam wondered.

"I was Sub-Zero and he was Smoke," Blaine told him. They all groaned aloud, knowing that was Kurt's best character. "So we start the fifth battle and before I know it, he's wailing on me. I mean, I blinked and I was dead. He beat me four in a row and he's sitting there all smug like he had it in the bag."

"Which he did," Finn laughed.

"Battle five starts and we're going at it hard. He doesn't let me get a single hit in up until I was just about dead and then he falters. So I'm going at him and his health is going down and I'm thinking, YES! I totally have him!"

"You didn't," the guys say simultaneously.

Blaine shook his head. "Not at all. Just as I thought I was going to win, he did this combo I've never even seen and I'm dead. He tosses the remote on the floor, gets up, and starts doing this victory dance."

"I hate that dance," Sam grumbled.

"Word," Artie and Mike agreed.

"Finn's laughing his ass off and I'm just sitting there completely dumbfounded," Blaine chuckled. "He starts saying that he fooled me and to never let doubt his skills again. I was kinda heart broken."

"Kurt's a beast," Artie said again. "The only person I've ever seen beat him is Puck."

Puck's head shot up at the mention of his name.

"How'd you beat him?" Blaine asked him.

"Um, I, uh," Puck stuttered. "I just push buttons and shit," he lied. He actually had a very strategic way to beat Kurt but his mind couldn't form the words.

"Well hell, you're better than I am," Blaine said with a laugh. "You need to teach me whatever it is you do. I need a rematch."

Puck's eyes widened. "Um...I can't...I mean...I don't," he took a deep breath and shook his head. "I can try," he spat out. "But I make no promises."

Blaine smiled softly. "Cool," he nodded.

Puck gave him a half smile and turned away. Blaine watched him for a moment while the others continued to talk video games. Puck seemed to be intimidated by him and while he was increasingly curious by Puck's behavior, he wouldn't bring it up to anyone, not even to Kurt. According to both Dave and Finn, Puck was a huge fan of his. He had hoped that hanging out with the boys would show Puck that he was just another guy but it seemed like Puck needed a bit more time to get used to him. Blaine was more than ok with that. He wanted Puck to be comfortable enough with him to talk to him. Until then, he would ignore the way Puck watched him with awe when he thought no one was looking and he would continue to show him that he was just an average guy. Puck would approach him when he was ready.


Sunday night Kurt and Blaine lay facing each other in bed. Their arms and legs were intertwined, their lips meeting in sweet kisses. It was late and Kurt needed to go to sleep, but neither wanted their night to end. Once school started Kurt would be busy with school work, Cheerios, and preparations for Nationals and Blaine would be at home by himself. If it was up to Kurt, he would stay home with Blaine until he left for the second half of the tour.

"Are you nervous about tomorrow?" Blaine asked, bringing Kurt's fingers to his lips to kiss.

Kurt scoffed. "No," he answered. Blaine raised an unconvinced brow and Kurt relented. "Alright, alright. I'm a little nervous," he admitted disgruntled.

"What is it that worries you?"

"I don't know," Kurt shrugged. "I guess I'm worried about how everyone will treat me? I mean, I know that people are going to act differently towards me, but I don't want to spend my day telling them to back off. I don't want to sit there with these dumbasses who never talk to me all up in my face asking me questions about you."

"Then make that known," Blaine suggested. "The kids at your school respect you and or fear you; use that. You've known most of them your entire life. They'll listen to you when you tell them to back off. I'm sure of it."

"So you want me to be a bitch to them?" Kurt asked with a smirk.

Blaine chuckled softly and shook his head. "No. I want you to take charge of the situation. You're His Royal Highness aren't you? Be His Royal Highness. Walk into that school with confidence like you've done every day for the last three years. Show them that you're the same, Kurt-don't-fuck- with-me-Hummel and everything will fall into place."

Kurt hummed and leaned in, capturing Blaine's lips in a tender kiss. "I love it when you cuss," he whispered. "So hot."

Blaine kissed him back for a only a moment before pulling away. "I know you do," he said cockily. "We should get to bed. It's late."

Kurt whined and pouted. "Can't I stay home?" Blaine shook his head, an adoring look in his eyes. Kurt sighed. "Alright. Goodnight. Love you."

Blaine kissed Kurt's nose then turned so that Kurt could be the big spoon. "Goodnight hon. Love you too."


The silence in the halls of McKinley was deafening. Kurt strutted in alone, his head held high and strong. His friends tried to walk in with him but he insisted that he needed to go solo on his first day back. He didn't want the New Directions to protect him. He didn't need his Cheerios to follow him like sheep. He wanted, he needed, to be strong and confident for himself. It was the only way the other students would continue to respect him as Kurt Hummel and not Blaine Anderson's soulmate.

Kurt could feel every student's eyes on him and it was admittedly a bit creepy. He had expected to be bombarded, prepared for it. But the silence and the stares were nerve wracking. He didn't let his discomfort show. He headed towards his locker where his girls were waiting when a firm hand grabbed him by the shoulder and pulled him back roughly.

"Welcome back, faggot," Azimio spat with disdain. "Where's your big shot superstar soulmate, huh? Didn't he want to come to school and hold your hand all day? Or is he too embarrassed to be seen with you?" Before Kurt could respond, Jeremy appeared out of nowhere and was standing behind Azimio. Kurt smiled sweetly. "What the fuck is you smiling at, homo?"

Azimio took a step closer but stopped instantly when he felt a strong hand rest on his shoulder. "Is there a problem here?" Azimio's face dropped at the sound of the deep, stern voice.

"No problem at all, Jer," Kurt replied, a cocky grin on his lips. "Azimio here was just about to head to the principal's office."

Jeremy walked around Azimio but kept his hand on Azimio's shoulder. "Why don't I escort you?" he offered though it sounded more like a command.

Kurt wiggled his fingers goodbye and crossed his arms. He glanced around the hall at the gaping students. "Anyone else got something to say?" the students scattered. "I didn't think so." Kurt turned around to head to his locker but came to an abrupt halt when he saw his teacher waiting for him. "Good morning, Mr. Schue," he greeted.

"Step into my office for a moment," Mr. Schue nodded towards the door.

Kurt resisted the urge to roll his eyes and walked into the office. "Mr. Schue, if this is about my recent behavior, I would just like to formally apologize," Kurt said what he'd rehearsed for weeks. Mr. Schue closed his office door and walked to his desk. "I know I've been a bit of a bitch lately and I'm sorry. I've just been really stressed out lately and I took it out on you. I shouldn't have done that. I understand that you wanted to speak to my dad but I'm going to beg you to please leave him out of this. You know he has a bad heart and I don't want to bring any more stress on him. These past few months have been so crazy and I-"

"Kurt, relax," Mr. Schue chuckled as he took a seat at his desk. "While I appreciate the apology, I did not call you in here about that," Kurt sighed with what Mr. Schue assumed was relief but was more of annoyance. "I called you in here to ask you why you never told me!"

"About?"

"Blaine Anderson!" Mr. Schue exclaimed. "I can't believe he's your soulmate! That's incredible, Kurt!"

Kurt forced a smile. "Thanks."

"Well?" Mr. Schue pressed. "Why all the secrecy? I mean, I understand the importance of keeping his identity secret but why didn't you tell me?"

Because I didn't trust you not to blab your mouth, Kurt wanted to say. Instead he opted for, "Because I didn't tell any adults except my parents, not even Sue."

"When are you bringing him to Glee club?"

Kurt did his best not to scowl. "I'm not sure. His fans are a bit on the crazy side. I don't know if him coming here is a good idea."

Mr. Schue waved him off. "Oh I'm sure all those fancy security guards you have patrolling the school can handle a few teenagers. Ask him for me, see what he says."

Kurt pursed his lips and nodded. He wondered if Mr. Schue would be so thrilled at the aspect of meeting Blaine if he knew how much Blaine disliked his teaching methods or the fact that Blaine suggested he should sing the solo instead of Rachel. Kurt got the feeling that he wouldn't be thrilled at all.


"No. Absolutely not."

"But Mr. Schue."

"I said no," Mr. Schue cut Rachel off. "I'm very proud of you for wanting to share the stage but there is no way that Kurt can have the solo," Rachel glanced at Kurt with wary eyes, fearful that he would be glaring at her. She was relieved to see that he was scowling at Mr. Schue instead. "While I agree that Kurt's voice is rather unique, I don't think it's right for the solo at Nationals."

"What about Santana?" Kurt asked, his irritation clear as day. "Or Mercedes? Are they good enough for your standards or are they too unique?"

"Kurt, I didn't mean it like that."

"Like hell you didn't," Santana snapped. "You're always preaching about how everyone in here is a star and how we all shine but when it comes down to it, the only people you believe in are Rachel and Finn."

"That's not true."

"Bullshit," Puck spoke up. "Tana's right, you don't believe in us. You don't believe that we're good enough to win unless Rachel and Finn are singing lead and we're tired of that shit."

"Everyone will be expecting Rachel and me to sing lead," Finn pointed. "I read it on the show choir blog."

"You read the show choir blog?" Zizes asked with judgmental eyes.

"Blaine told me it was a good idea. It gives us a heads up on what all the other groups are saying," Finn shrugged. "The point I'm trying to make is that if we want to win then we have to be unpredictable. No one would expect us to give Kurt the solo but it's totally a genius idea. He's like, the perfect counter tenor. They'll never see it coming."

"Nationals is not the time to take risks," Mr. Schue said firmly.

"Nationals is the perfect time to take risks!" Rachel shouted silencing the grunts of disapproval in the room. "We really need to consider this, Mr. Schue. Kurt's voice is incredible and he should be showcased. He deserves it. We can do his solo and two duets; Finn and I and Santana and Quinn. Have more faith in our abilities as a group to win this."

Mr. Schue shook his head defiantly. "This is not up for discussion. I have all the faith in you but I know what's best for Nationals. You will have your solo, you and Finn will have your duet, and we will do a group number, just like we always do."

"And we will lose," Kurt said angrily. "Just like we always do." "Now Kurt, don't be bitter about this."

"Screw you," Kurt stood up from his seat and grabbed his bag. "I'm out of here. Finn, get a ride with Rachel."

"Kurt, sit down."

Kurt ignored his teacher and walked out of the choir room without a word.


Later that week, Blaine found himself walking the halls of Dalton towards the History classes. He was meeting Hunter for lunch and spending the afternoon with The Warbler boys. He would be giving them pointers on how to win Nationals. It was the least he could do after he sold them out, and though Kurt told him that his teacher refused to give him the solo, which Blaine did not understand at all, his guilt was still eating away at him. He needed to do everything he could to make it up to his Alma Mater.

Blaine smiled when he saw Hunter's classroom and quickened his pace. He stood by the door and watched Hunter give his final notes for the lesson. He was so proud of his Warbler brother. Hunter was born to be a teacher. The lunch bell rang and Blaine stepped aside to let the boys pass. Most didn't notice his presence, too eager to get to lunch. But the few that did froze in their spots and stared.

"That teacher of yours really knows what he's talking about, huh?" Blaine said to them.

"Of course I do," Hunter said from inside the classroom. "Get to lunch boys. Stop gaping like a bunch of fangirls."

The boys scattered and Blaine turned a bright smile at Hunter. "Hey."

"Hey," Hunter smiled back, not as bright but more hopeful. He was both excited and worried about spending time with Blaine. They'd been texting quite a bit ever since their agreement to be friends again but seeing him face to face was a different story. "You want to eat in the teacher's lounge or the cafeteria?"

"Can we eat in here?" Blaine asked, nodding towards his class. "I kinda just wanted to spend some time with you before working with the boys. I even brought my own lunch," he said, showing Hunter the brown paper bag.

Hunter smiled a bit softer. "Yeah, come on in," Blaine walked inside and Hunter closed the door. "I usually eat in here anyway. The teachers are a bit too stiff and the boys are kind of obnoxious."

Blaine chuckled and took a seat at one of the desks. "Imagine what they said about us."

Hunter scoffed as he grabbed his own lunch from the mini fridge and took a seat next to Blaine. "Please, we were the perfect students," Blaine raised a brow. "Ok well, Wes and I were, you guys not so much."

"None will ever be as bad as David and Jeff," Blaine laughed.

Hunter shook his head. "Oh no. It would be impossible to outdo them," he said seriously and Blaine could only laugh. "How have you been?"

Blaine half shrugged as he unwrapped his sandwich. "I'm good. A bit bored at the house all by myself but I'm good."

"I bet you're itching to get back on the road," Hunter smirked.

"You know, I really am," Blaine nodded. "Don't get me wrong, I love Kurt's family, but I can only spend so many days doing nothing. And there's nothing quite like touring with the guys. I miss it."

"How many more weeks do you have left?"

"Three," Blaine sighed. "Which is why I was hoping that maybe I could come help with The Warblers?" he asked hopefully. "I don't want my presence to be an issue but if you don't mind, I'd love to come a few times a week and work with them."

Hunter shook his head. "Are you kidding me? I don't mind at all. These boys are completely hopeless. There's nothing more I can do to prepare them for Nationals. Maybe you can get them in shape."

"Oh come on, they can't be that bad," Blaine said in disbelief.

"It's not they're bad," Hunter huffed with frustration. "They just have no drive, no commitment. Not like we did."

Blaine nodded thoughtfully. "I'll see what I can do. How's everything else been? Other than that?" A blush crept up Hunter's face despite his efforts to control it. Both knew what Blaine was really asking. Blaine smiled knowingly. "You can talk about him with me if you want. I won't tell him anything."

Hunter looked away a bit bashfully. "Things have been," Hunter paused, smiling to himself at the thought of his soulmate. "Things have been really nice actually."

"Oh?"

"Yeah," Hunter laughed lightly. "Trust me, I'm just as surprised. We aren't talking on the phone too much but he texts me all the time."

Blaine didn't bother to hold back a grin. "Oh yeah? What about?"

"The movie, the weather in London, but mostly about that dog," Hunter told him with a truly happy smile. He had an album on his phone full of pictures of Sebastian and Parrish. He never knew he'd love a dog so much but every new picture Sebastian sent, his love for the dog grew deeper.

"You mean that dog he found on set?" Blaine asked bemused. "I didn't know he kept him."

"Yeah, I guess he did. He said he was going to try to find the owner but I don't think he wants to give the dog up now. He named it Parrish."

Blaine hummed. "Sebastian with a dog? I didn't even know he liked dogs."

Hunter laughed. "I don't think he even knew he liked dogs."

"He does seem much happier," Blaine pointed out. "I talked to him yesterday afternoon and he was in a really good mood. Cheery even. It was kinda weird actually," he chuckled.

Hunter bit back an excited grin. He had been texting Sebastian while Blaine and he were on Skype talking. The realization that he was the reason behind Sebastian's cheeriness made his heart thump violently. "He seems to be really excited about the movie," Hunter diverted.

"Not as excited as Kurt," Blaine rolled his eyes fondly. "He's constantly pestering Sebastian for details."

"Your Kurt does seem a bit on the enthusiastic side," Hunter said.

"He is," Blaine laughed. "You'll have to meet him one day, really meet him I mean. Maybe the four of us could take a trip somewhere when he's on break from filming?"

Hunter met Blaine's eyes, hope and doubt clear as day. "Maybe."

Blaine offered an encouraging smile. He was certain that Hunter and Sebastian would finally patch things up. It was only a matter of time.


Kurt spent his afternoon drawing sketches at the Lima Bean while his friends were in Glee club rehearsal and Blaine visited Dalton. He hadn't been back since he walked out on Monday and had no intention of going back until Mr. Schue gave him the solo. He was done swaying in the background.

His corner of the coffee shop was mostly empty. The bodyguards standing close by were more than enough to keep those who recognized him at bay. But it didn't stop the patrons from staring at a distance and whispering about him. Kurt didn't mind it too much. It was easy to ignore and he knew most of them from around town. He wondered if he would still get all this attention when Blaine was back on tour.

Kurt heard the chair across from him move and he looked up to see a strange yet familiar looking man. "Can I help you?" he asked politely with a glance at Jeremy who didn't at all seem worried by the man. If anything, he looked interested.

"I hope so," the man answered with a hardness in his tone that put Kurt on edge. "My name is John, I'm Blaine's father."