As the train moved from stop to stop, Blaine felt a mixture of relief and guilt. He thought about whether he should get off the next stop and go back. But then he thought ruefully that he deserved this after what he'd tolerated this morning. I was ready to wait on him hand and foot, he told himself. He doesn't want that? Well, fine. Then he doesn't get to tell me everything I should do, either... He's never going to even know about it anyway.

When he got to Time Square he deftly moved amongst the tourists and passersby, making a beeline for the TCKTS booth. He didn't really know what he wanted to see, but he was determined to find something good, thinking it would turn his day around. When he'd first gotten to New York, Blaine had been dazzled by Time Square, wanting to go there all the time. Kurt had finally had to firmly remind him that they had to consider the budget and limit the amount of money they spent there. Most of the time Blaine was happy just to be there, even if he wasn't spending any money. Sam always complained about the noise and smell of the city, but there was something calming about walking around in it for Blaine.

He was in line at the TCKTS booth when his phone buzzed with a text from Rachel.

Ouch. Sorry to hear that. Hope he didn't bite your head off. I'll be home later. Happy to yell at him if you need me to.

He smiled at Rachel's words. He texted back.

I don't think that's necessary, but I appreciate the offer. Now stop texting at work or you're going to get in trouble. ;-)

Blaine looked over the options and felt that, despite their impasse of the moment, he couldn't in good conscience see any major musical without Kurt . That left some plays, several of which had some pretty sweet discounts. He chose one he'd never heard of and bought a ticket for one. It was sort of exciting to just take a chance on something. But as he handed over the money, the sense of guilt returned. Kurt thinks I'm at my class right now…

He wondered if Kurt had fallen right back asleep after he'd left. He hoped he hadn't throw up again at least. He hoped he'd eventually eat some of the breakfast he'd made, when he woke up later. Food would help him to get his strength back. Blaine shook himself then, reminding himself he was supposed to be mad at Kurt and shouldn't be occupied with worrying about him. After all, Kurt himself had rebuffed his support as smothering. He told me to leave him be. If he's hungry he'll eat. And Rachel'll be back at the loft later, anyhow. She'd call if he really needed anything.

Resolved, Blaine took the tickets and walked around the city a bit as he waited for the matinee time to come by. He people-watched a bit until he got hungry, and then got an inordinately over-priced sandwich at a deli. He stubbornly refused to think what Kurt would have to say about spending so much money on a sandwich and then ate it as he walked all the way to Central Park, climbing up on a hill there and just watching the world go by. He realized it'd been a long time since he'd done that—just sat in a green space and been still. School was filled with hectic times and just being in New York was one crowded subway of frenetic energy after another. I should do this more often.

Finally, the time for the matinee came close and he headed back towards the Theatre District. The theatre seemed full of tourists, but he didn't mind. He was in New York, a real live grown up spending his own money on an off-Broadway show, having a day in the city like he'd been dreaming about for so long last year. Kurt'll come around when he feels better. I am oversensitive sometimes, I guess.

The show was heady and confusing at times, and by intermission Blaine was half-wondering if he'd had enough of this experience and should just head home. But he'd spent money on these tickets, he reasoned, and he also felt like it'd be a bit rude to just leave during intermission. Luckily, the second act was better and by the end Blaine was glad he went. It was a really interesting show, different from the type of show he usually saw, and kind of wished he had someone to talk about it with now.

As he got out of the theatre he checked his phone, hoping to see a message from Kurt saying he'd changed his mind and wanted him to come back to the loft. But there were no messages at all. Maybe he'd been asleep all this time? Blaine sighed. He is sick, after all. He texted Rachel.

Hey. I'm going back to Mercedes' place. Do me a favor and text me how he's doing?

A few seconds later Rachel replied. Won't be back for another couple hours, but will definitely text and let you know if he's civilized again yet.

Blaine smiled. It was nice knowing Rachel had his back. He was less mad at Kurt now that he'd had some time away. It was stupid that he didn't want him to come back to the loft, but it wasn't worth obsessing over it. He'd managed to have an okay day all on his own in the city. If that's what Kurt really wants today, all I can do is make the best of it.